The Teringie Wetlands, located on Lake Alexandrina, have officially reopened following significant infrastructure upgrades to expand shorebird foraging habitat by approximately 18 hectares. The wetlands, an important ecological site, had suffered from degradation over time due to infrequent inundation, high groundwater salinity, pest plants, and a decline in biodiversity.
The $4 million restoration project, funded by both the state and federal governments through the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program, has made several key improvements to the wetlands. Two new flow regulators have been installed to improve water management, and access tracks, which had previously hindered water flow, have been upgraded. These upgrades will help maintain optimal water levels and flow between the wetlands’ basins, creating a healthier environment for native species to thrive.
“We recognise the importance of working together to protect wetlands. When we don’t, we are left with dry lakebeds, acidic soils, increased salinity, mass fish deaths, and a river that does not flow to the sea,” Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Environment and Water, said.
“Enhancing connectivity between Teringie Wetlands and Lake Alexandrina provides greater opportunity to mimic natural flows and use water for the environment to improve outcomes for fish, birds and vegetation.”
The Teringie Wetlands are important for a range of species, providing crucial habitat for aquatic plants, fish, turtles, frogs, and yabbies. The restoration project aims to restore the wetlands by better managing water levels and flow paths, ensuring the habitat remains sustainable and supports biodiversity.
One of the key goals of the project is to improve shorebird habitat. Shorebird populations in the region have declined significantly due to the loss of foraging grounds caused by reduced inundation and habitat degradation. With the new water management systems in place, larger areas of the wetlands will be flooded at the right times of year, allowing shorebirds to forage more effectively.
The wetlands also hold cultural significance for the Ngarrindjeri people, who have used the area for generations for food collection and cultural practices. The project design was developed in consultation with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, the Raukkan Community Council, and the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, ensuring that the restoration respects traditional knowledge and cultural values.
The restoration of the Teringie Wetlands is a step toward preserving this vital ecological and cultural site, benefiting both local wildlife and the broader environment.
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