Working together to protect karst springs in the Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast Landscape Board in partnership with Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation, South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board and other organisations in the region is rejuvenating and restoring a critically endangered wetland. The project will be undertaken on the property purchased by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board in 2023 at Eight Mile Creek, in the coastal area near Port MacDonnell.

The project will focus on:

  • restoring an endangered wetland.
  • contributing to water security.
  • creating new Caring for Country opportunities for First Nations.

What's happening

  • Return of winter rainfall

    The recent rain has seen an increase of water lying in the paddocks at the karst spring property, bringing with is some water birds such as the black swan, white-faced heron and the Australian white ibis.

    A pair of Brolgas were also seen enjoying the landscape. Brolgas are a threatened species in South Australia.

    We hope this is just a glimpse of what's to come after restoration and the the wetland becomes a more permanent home for the water birds.

  • Capturing the change

    The karst restoration team have been establishing photo points to monitor the landscape changes over time. The fixed vantage points allow for consistent, accurate and wide-angle views of the property, documenting changes in vegetation, erosion, biodiversity and water levels.

    This effective technique allows the team to assess restoration efforts and guide future land management decisions.

  • Initial Bird Surveys

    The team have undertaken the first bird survey and have started recording the birds that are visiting the property. These early observations highlight the importance of the restoration efforts, offering a glimpse into the potential for a thriving biodiverse wetland ecosystem.

  • Community engagement

    Engagement with the local community is a key focus of this project. Project Coordinator Dr Emma Maxwell and former landowner representative Simone Smith shared the vision for the wetland restoration in and ABC radio interview. A drop-in session at the Port MacDonnell Community complex offered locals a chance to learn more, ask questions and discuss the project timelines, outcomes and engineering design. The project team looks forward to reconnecting with the community as the project progresses.

  • Initial investigations

    Initial investigations, monitoring and planning will be undertaken over the next two years. This will be important to ensure that the works are designed appropriately to protect neighbours from off-site impacts.

    They will also establish a benchmark for changes to the site over time.

  • Experts from SA Herbarium

    The SA Herbarium has visited the property. Sixty five different plant species were identified, including eight rare or vulnerable species in South Australia.

    From terrestrial to aquatic plants, our property will be catalogued and monitored giving us valuable insights into the ecological dynamics.

  • Exploring the hidden depth of peat soil

    Auricht Projects, CSIRO and Adelaide University are tracking changes in peat depth from the 1940s.

    Peat, formed by decay in waterlogged conditions, holds vital clues into water security and carbon storage. As peat dries out, it sinks and lets out carbon dioxide.

News

Project team

Dr Emma Maxwell
Project Coordinator - Karst Springs
Project Coordinator Water Resource Management
Ryan Judd
Project Coordinator Water Resource Management
Dr. Robbie Andrew
Acting Team Leader, Habitat Conservation
Jason Taylor
Manager, Sustainable Landscapes

Project partners

Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation

The Limestone Coast Landscape Board will partner with the Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation in all aspects of restoration of the site. This will ensure First Nations cultural values, heritage, future aspirations and opportunities will be incorporated into the design and delivery of the restoration and long term management of the site.

We will be walking together with First Nations on this project in a collaborative approach towards sustainable land management.

Walking together statement with First Nations