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The karst springs and alkaline fens restoration project in the Eight Mile Creek area is underway.
Recent funding received from the Australian Government as part of the Natural Heritage Trust program for environmental protection, has provided $2.2 million towards the restoration of the property at Eight Mile Creek. Collaborating with the Australian Government as a Regional Delivery Partner is an exciting opportunity for the community.
The Eight Mile Creek site includes three of the regions unique karst springs which previously supplied water to an extensive surrounding wetland ecosystem. Protecting and restoring this site will provide habitat for a range of biodiversity including threatened species and provide agricultural benefits to the landscape.
“In celebrating World Wetlands Day that was held on 2 February 2025, we want to highlight what this restoration will mean for the Limestone Coast community,” said General Manager of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, Mr. Steve Bourne.
Due to the location of the property, closeness to the water table and coastal proximity, and the fact that it contains threatened ecological communities, the conversion of this farmland to a wetland is one of the initiatives of the LC Landscape Board to increase water security in the region.Â
The bold move to restore the site is a unique opportunity to not only rejuvenate the wetland, but also contribute to carbon sequestration, boost the biodiversity for surrounding agriculture and build our knowledge on the benefits of a biodiverse landscape for productivity.”
Modification of artificial drains on the property will enable re-inundation of land around the karst springs. Works are expected to be completed in 2028.
“We look forward to working with Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation and the South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board and other partners to showcase the benefits and values water has to the community.” Mr. Bourne commented.
The Eight Mile Creek property purchased by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board in 2023 aims to restore and rejuvenate a critically endangered wetland ecosystem. The Limestone Coast landscape has been characterised by the loss of wetlands. Less than 3% of the original wetland extent remains with significant changes to the availability, quality and natural movement of water.
“Water is vital to our community and, working in partnership to restore this iconic Australian wetland is of profound environmental significance.” said Mr. Bourne.Â
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
