South Australians have a unique opportunity to be involved in shaping the actions for the restoration of the state’s iconic, but struggling Coorong.
The Marshall Liberal Government is now seeking community feedback on Project Coorong’s action plan which outlines proposed activities to restore and revitalise the Coorong.
As part of the broader Project Coorong initiative, expressions of interest are also being sought to form a ‘Coorong Partnership’ to provide local communities with an unprecedented opportunity to help shape the work to be undertaken.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said during the Millennium Drought the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region was teetering on the verge of complete environmental collapse.
“While the majority of the site is slowly recovering, the ecology of the Coorong South Lagoon remains in a degraded state,” said Minister Speirs.
“We know that the best outcomes come from incorporating the experience and knowledge of the local community and First Nations, and I want those voices heard in the implementation of the action plan and the broader Project Coorong initiative.”
Minister Speirs said the action plan presents a working vision of the short, medium and long-term on-ground works, scientific trials and investigations, management tools and infrastructure activities proposed by South Australia as part of the $70 million Project Coorong program.
“The action plan will help get the Coorong back on track for a healthy future, and to ensure the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Ramsar site it maintains its international significance,” said Minister Speirs.
“The new Coorong Partnership will provide South Australians with a chance to closely inform government decision making to successfully restore the health of the Coorong.
“The Partnership, which will include First Nations, is looking for representation from the local community or people with a strong connection to the Coorong with knowledge in one or more of the following areas: conservation, recreation, science, agriculture, tourism, fishing and heritage.”
The YourSAy public consultation on the action plan will close on 31 October 2019. Further consultation will continue throughout the action plan’s implementation.
To nominate for the Coorong Partnership please visit the Project Coorong website.
