The federal government has committed $17 million for a new project to improve shorebird and wetland habitat across South Australia's Coorong, Lower Lakes, Murray Mouth and South East landscape.

Located at the base of the Murray River, the region is home to internationally recognised wetland that supports a diverse range of plants and animals including the endangered Australasian bittern and the vulnerable sharp-tailed sandpiper.

The federal and state governments will work together to deliver the project, building on habitat restoration activities already underway in the region.

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.
• Maintain food webs and improve critical breeding habitat for foraging waterbirds and other threatened species.
• Improve outcomes for waterbirds and strengthen Australia’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 integrated project will also work with First Nations groups to connect to Country and meet cultural obligations while ensuring the survival of healthy shorebird populations and vital wetland habitat.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek says restoring the Murray Mouth, Lower Lakes and Coorong is a critical investment in the health of the whole system.

“The Murray-Darling Basin is a vital for our communities, farmers and First Nations groups, and we must also work together to protect and restore wetlands within the Basin.

“This new project will ensure the survival of our internationally significant wetlands and the plants and animals who call them home.”