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Early signs of transformation are emerging at the Karst Spring property in Eight Mile Creek, as work continues behind the scenes to restore the former farmland to a functioning wetland ecosystem.
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board has been progressing a range of ecological, hydrological and on-ground activities, laying the foundations for a long-term transition to a karst spring wetland community. This rare and endangered wetland is found along the coast of Port MacDonnell.
On-ground changes are now becoming more visible, with fencing wire and posts beginning to be removed by our project partner Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation. The property continues its transition away from agricultural use, with destocking completed at the end of 2025.
“Every step we take is about gently shifting the land away from farming and back toward its natural wetland state,” commented Dr. Emma Maxwell, Project Coordinator for the Limestone Coast Landscape Board.
Vegetation and bird surveys are ongoing across the site, building a vital baseline of ecological knowledge. This information will be used to measure the success of future restoration actions and ensure they are delivering the intended environmental outcomes.
“These early surveys are critical,” said Dr Maxwell, “providing us with a clear picture of what’s here now, so we can track how the landscape responds as we reintroduce water and restore wetland conditions.”
Water level, flow and quality monitoring has been carried out throughout the year and will continue long after restoration is complete.
Dr Maxwell said, “This long-term water monitoring will inform adaptive management of the wetland into the future, ongoing monitoring allows us to understand how the system is functioning, so we can respond if adjustments are needed.”
Complex hydrological modelling has been undertaken and is nearing completion. The modelling will inform the engineering design and identifies the best options for restoring water to the property without impacting existing drainage systems or surrounding land.
Construction of the infrastructure required to restore the wetland is anticipated to commence in summer 2026/27, with completion and inundation of the property expected in 2027.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
