What’s happening?
A Woppaburra ranger-led wetland and oyster reef restoration project is underway on Woppa, also known as Great Keppel Island, ahead of World Wetlands Day on 2 February.
A culturally inspired oyster reef installation has been completed at Balban Dara Guya, also called Leekes Creek. The work forms part of the Restoration for Balban Dara Guya and Putney Beach project, which is restoring wetlands and shellfish reefs across Woppa.
The project began in June 2024 and is led by the Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation, working with Ecosure and supported by OzFish and CQ University.
Why it matters
Wetlands and oyster reefs play a key role in water quality, biodiversity and climate resilience. They also hold deep cultural importance for the Woppaburra people.
This project places Indigenous leadership at the centre, with cultural knowledge and artistic practice shaping how restoration is planned and delivered alongside science.
Local impact
The restoration covers 77 hectares of mangroves, salt marsh and shellfish reef ecosystems on Woppa.
OzFish and Ecosure staff worked alongside Woppaburra, Yuwi, Gidarjil and Darumbal Indigenous ranger groups to install oyster reef structures at a culturally significant site within Leekes Creek.
The work supports healthier waterways, stronger reef systems and long-term care of Woppaburra Land and Sea Country.
By the numbers
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77 hectares of mangroves, salt marsh and shellfish reef ecosystems are being restored across Woppa as part of the project.
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Up to 100 Robust Oyster Baskets made from recycled oyster shell and metal cages were installed to form the base of new shellfish reefs.
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Six shellfish species were identified during baseline surveys at Balban Dara Guya, including healthy populations of longbums, an important traditional food.
Zoom in
The oyster reef layout follows a culturally inspired design created by Woppaburra artist Debra Witteman.
The circular forms represent traditional gathering places, while the connecting lines reflect the movement of people across Land and Sea Country.
“The Woppaburra people see the circles as representing where our people would meet and the lines show our people traversing the waters between our islands, connecting with one another and with Country,” Ms Witteman said.
“For this work to happen on my own people’s Country, at a place our people have gathered for generations, is especially meaningful.”
Her design was informed by drone imagery and surrounding mangrove systems, guiding the placement of reef structures.
Zoom out
Woppaburra Operations Manager Dr Sonny Van Issum said waku, or oysters, have been harvested from Leekes Creek by Woppaburra people for thousands of years.
“Waku hold deep cultural significance,” he said. “They are a food source, but are also used in jewellery making and men’s ceremonies.”
“Over the past 150 years, shellfish reefs were heavily degraded due to overharvesting. This project is about bringing them back.”
OzFish’s Robbie Porter said oyster reefs support entire ecosystems.
“Shellfish reefs provide food and homes to fish and other creatures,” he said. “They also improve water quality, can protect coastlines from erosion and reduce the effects of climate change.”
What to look for next?
As the reefs establish, improvements in water quality, habitat and wetland health are expected over time.
WTAC Chairperson Angela Barney-Leitch said the project represents long-term care for Country.
“This partnership is about healing and hope,” she said. “It’s about respecting our responsibilities as custodians and making sure these waters remain healthy and vibrant for future generations.”
“This restoration effort not only revives essential habitats but also fosters cultural resilience, employment opportunities and community leadership.”
Ecosure Director of Strategic Partnerships Diane Lanyon said the project is about reconnection.
“By bringing together Traditional Ecological Knowledge and scientific methods, we’re supporting the long-term healing of Country and People, while strengthening pathways for future generations,” she said.
