New Faces Strengthen Wetlands Conservation Efforts in the Murraylands and Riverland Region
The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board has welcomed two new wetland project officers to the wetlands and floodplains management team to strengthen efforts to protect and restore vital wetland ecosystems across the region.
Joining the team in Murray Bridge, Forbes Saurels is helping to deliver conservation initiatives at wetland sites throughout the Murraylands. Originally from northern New South Wales, Forbes brings a strong background in ecology and a passion for wetland conservation, particularly protecting threatened fish, frogs, and migratory birds.
The wetland project officer role was an obvious choice for Forbes as he was looking for a new challenge and to broaden his ecological skill set. Holding an undergraduate degree in Ecology from the University of Queensland, he is eager to apply his knowledge to safeguard the lower Murray wetlands.
“I enjoy wading through wetlands - assessing water quality, monitoring fish populations, and conducting waterbird surveys”. Forbes said. “It’s exciting to collaborate with different organisations and local communities, including First Nations groups, to achieve conservation outcomes” he added.
New staff member Ashton Thompson has joined the upper Murray wetlands team in Berri. Holding a Bachelor of Science (Wildlife Conservation Biology) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide, Ashton has a deep appreciation for Australia’s unique ecosystems—especially its birds, reptiles, and fish.
He’s keen to establish local connections with Riverland communities while monitoring and managing Riverland wetlands and floodplains, and assisting in the delivery of programs to preserve and improve these unique ecosystems.
“I’m excited to work with unique and interesting wildlife that you don’t often get to see up close, such as the southern bell frog and the Murray hardyhead. I am looking forward to working on conserving some of our lesser-known wetland species, and assisting in managing wetland watering processes,” Ashton said. “I’m also looking forward to contributing to the landscape board’s broader ecology projects, such as the Murray-Darling carpet python project.”
With Forbes and Ashton on board, the Wetlands team is well-placed to continue its vital work protecting and enhancing wetland ecosystems across the Murraylands and Riverland region.
This project is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the landscape levies.
