Coorong shines for Minister for the Environment

The South East Natural Resources Management (SE NRM) Board last week launched a new project, Our Coorong | Our Coast. Today, Minister for the Environment Melissa Price was in the Coorong inspecting the first phase of on-ground actions.

The project will help protect and recover valuable ecosystems in the region and is part of the Australian Government’s $450 million investment under the National Landcare Program Regional Land Partnerships initiative that supports efforts to recover native threatened species, protect threatened ecological communities, and restore globally-important Ramsar wetlands such as the Coorong.

SE NRM Board Presiding Member Fiona Rasheed thanked Ms Price and the Australian Government for investing over $3.25 million in the project, which will help deliver the Board’s vision to have healthy landscapes for better living.

“The Coorong and Lower Lakes wetland is one of Australia’s most important wetland areas, having been designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This project is implementing activities to restore the ecological character of this site, creating healthy and resilient habitats for threatened species,” Ms Rasheed said.

“The project team have commenced on-ground actions and we were pleased to demonstrate this work during Ms Price’s visit. As an example, fox control activities are well underway around the Coorong’s South Lagoon, having been timed to coincide with the Hooded Plover breeding and fledging period (Spring and Autumn). Reducing the threat to this precious species and other endangered birds such as Malleefowl is critical to their survival.”

“A widespread engagement program will connect communities with the values of the Coorong and emphasise its vulnerability to human disturbance and pest plants and animals. We intend to create a culture of care and respect for the Coorong and Limestone Coast, to ensure this iconic site is protected and appreciated into the future. We are asking for communities to be informed and actively involved in better understanding why these defenceless environments are important.”

“I thank Ms Price for her commitment to the Coorong and Limestone Coast environments and look forward to providing her and the broader community with updates as the project moves forward.”

Supported by the SE NRM Board, the project is being delivered through phase two of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program with an investment of more than $3.25 million over five years. The Board has partnered with BirdLife Australia and Friends of Shorebirds SE to deliver the project.