A new project to improve shorebird and wetland habitat across South Australia’s Coorong, Lower Lakes, Murray Mouth and South East landscape has come to fruition with a $17 million commitment from the Federal and State governments.
The wetland, located at the base of the Murray River, is home to a range of plant and animal species including the endangered Australasian bittern and the vulnerable sharp-tailed sandpiper.
The funding will help work on the project to build on habitat restoration activities which were already underway in the region.
Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said restoring the Murray Mouth, Lower Lakes and Coorong was a critical investment in the health of the entire system.
“The Murray-Darling Basin is vital for our communities, farmers and First Nations groups, and we must also work together to protect and restore wetlands within the Basin,” Ms Plibersek said.
“This new project will ensure the survival of our internationally significant wetlands and the plants and animals who call them home.”
The funding will deliver a range of localised infrastructure on wetland and floodplain flats to increase the area and duration of quality shorebird and wetland habitat as well as maintain food webs and improve critical breeding habitat for foraging waterbirds and other threatened species.
It will also improve outcomes for waterbirds and strengthen the nation’s commitment to international obligations including the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
The South Australian Department for Environment and Water will work closely with relevant community groups, landholders and Landscape Boards to develop a regional approach to habitat restoration targeting smaller wetlands that cumulatively have a large impact and create a connected mosaic of habitats across the region.
The project will also work with First Nations groups to connect to the country and meet cultural obligations while ensuring the survival of healthy shorebird populations and vital wetland habitat.
