Joint media release: Breaking ground on wetland restoration projects
35 sites in South Australia. The $17 million Shorebird and Wetland Habitat program, funded by the Albanese Government and delivered by the Malinauskas Government, will support a diverse range of plants and animals across the Lower Murray River ecosystem, which was recently listed as critically endangered. The program involves sites across the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth - including the internationally recognised Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar wetland - as well as the state’s South East.
Wetlands and bird watching are among the many reasons seven out of 10 South Australians visit National Park sites and tourism attractions each year, contributing about $374 million to the state’s economy. The works include the construction of new regulator infrastructure to improve the health of Lake George, an important area for migratory birds, on the banks of Beachport Conservation Park.
Traditionally, the lake has provided critical refuge and foraging habitat for migratory shorebirds during droughts, and it is also a popular recreational destination for both locals and visitors. New regulating infrastructure and associated works in Reedy Creek M drain will provide additional flows to Lake George to improve water levels, increase waterbird habitat and support wetland health.
This project is the first stage of a project that aims to safeguard 5,900 hectares of wetland habitat that has been drying in recent years due to low rainfall and changing climate conditions. Work is also progressing well at another project at Butchers Lake, south of Kingston, to replace the site’s dilapidated regulator. The project is being undertaken by the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board in partnership with Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation.
This will improve lake-level control and extend foraging habitat for shorebirds next summer. The project will be bolstered by the installation of new steel gates in early May, allowing the lake’s levels to be managed more effectively. For a list of projects, visit the webpage: www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/water-and-river-murray/projects-plans-security-and-legislation/water-projects/shorebird-and-wetland-habitat Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt: “This $17 million investment is delivering real, on-ground outcomes to protect some of South Australia’s most important wetlands and the shorebirds that rely on them, while strengthening resilience to a changing climate.
“These projects will improve water management and increase feeding, breeding and refuge habitat available for migratory and other threatened species. “Healthy wetlands underpin regional tourism, support local economies, and protect biodiversity—this program is delivering benefits for nature, visitors and communities across South Australia.” Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Emily Bourke: “Wetlands across the Coorong, Lower Lakes, Murray Mouth and South East are vital for migratory shorebirds and provide significant economic benefits to communities across South Australia.
“It is incredibly important that projects like these are undertaken in order to safeguard important sites, like Lake George and Butchers Lake, so they thrive as both vital eco-systems and beautiful places to visit.” We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.