"A bold and unique partnership opportunity to realise genuine economic and environmental outcomes."Â
Dr. Penny Schulz, Chair Limestone Coast Landscape Board
Where did all the wetlands go?
The Limestone Coast landscape has been characterised by the loss of wetlands. Before the development of the Limestone Coast over half of the region was seasonally or permanently flooded with 17,000 wetlands. Less than 3% of the original wetland extent remains with significant changes to the availability, quality and natural movement of water.
To support the development of the region an artificial drainage network was constructed to move water out of the landscape. In 1862 the first recorded drain was a cut at the back of the Port MacDonnell township to the sea. From this time to the late 1970's drainage development occurred across the region. Drainage is responsible for a significant amount of wetland loss. It reduced the original wetland extent to approximately 6%. This loss is continuing as a result of a drying climate and intensification of groundwater extraction and recharge interception for primary production purposes.Â
Opportunities to reverse this loss are critically important to the Limestone Coast.
The impact of landscape change
The property is of profound environmental significance with three rare karst springs located at the site. Karst springs and their associated wetlands are a threatened ecological community under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. These ecological communities are in the top ten most threatened ecosystems in the world. The springs supports many threatened and endangered native plants and animals.
The property has been used primarily for agricultural farming. The previous owners the Smith family strongly supported the return of the land to wetland.
"We've always known this land must be kept wet for it to remain healthy - it's great this has finally been recognised and we will all benefit." -Â Kevin and Susanne Smith
At approximately 185 hectares the property is located in the old Eight Mile Creek Swamp system nestled on the coastal plain east of Port MacDonnell. The topography of the property, secure water supply from the springs and the containment offered by bordering drains allows for large scale restoration without impacting neighboring properties.
This combination of water supply and containment only occurs in a few places in a landscape. They are unique places where we can return wetlands to our landscape.
Supporting surrounding agriculture
Wetlands have many benefits in agricultural landscapes. Keeping soil moisture steady creates habitat for predators and pollinators. Wetlands can also create local areas of groundwater recharge and contribute to preventing saltwater intrusion.
Water Security for the future
Our region needs groundwater for industries, communities and the environment. However, increased water use and a changing climate are causing groundwater levels to drop, which threatens wetlands. By keeping more water in the landscape, we can protect these wetlands and ensure a stable water supply for industries.
Return of native plants and animals
Wetland vegetation in our region is often quick to respond when a natural water regime is re-instated. For many plants a seedbank will still remain in the soil, waiting for the right conditions to grow. It is expected that common wetland plants will respond rapidly and establish over 1 - 5 years. As vegetation establishes it will provide food and shelter for animals.
