OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 2007

Place:    Lower Lakes and Coorong

Threat:  Deterioration – due to neglect and excessive water extraction

Significance: 

The Lower Lakes and Coorong contain a high diversity of ecological systems and species including many of particular conservation significance (at National, State and Regional level).  The Coorong is recognised as one of the top six water bird sites in Australia and is listed as a wetland of international significance under the Convention of Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran 1971).  The Lower Lakes and Coorong region is also of high cultural value to the Ngarrindjeri people who maintain a strong connection to the land, fish, birds and other living things.  The area is also popular for social and recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, bird watching and camping.

Description of Threat: 

Current regulatory structures and excessive water extraction have for many years placed stress on the natural systems of the Lower Lakes and Coorong by changing the volume of water and seasonal pattern of remaining flows, exacerbated by the current drought.  The ecology of the Lower Lakes and Coorong has changed under that stress with changed habitat for aquatic plants, migratory and sedentary birds and fish species.  Studies have shown there has been an ongoing decline in biodiversity and population abundance for various plants and animals. 

 All sections of Government and community agree that to improve the health of the Lower Lakes and Coorong, an increase in the volume of water available to the river, Lower Lakes and Coorong is needed.  Despite that recognition no allocated water has been returned to the River system under the current management strategy and policy, such as the 'Living Murray Initiative.'

 The security of water for Adelaide and Murray communities is also at risk due to the current drought.  A temporary weir is proposed by the Government of South Australia to reduce water flow into the Lower Lakes, thereby reducing water loss through evaporation.  This proposal does not address the ecological decline for the Lower Lakes and Coorong and may significantly exacerbate the current decline. 

Action Required: 

Our vision is that the biodiversity of the Lower Lakes and Coorong be maintained and enhanced.  This can only be achieved by reducing water extraction up-stream and thereby increasing the volume of water reaching the Lower Lakes and enabling seasonal patterns to exist with remaining flows into the Coorong.  The proposal for a temporary weir warrants the highest level of impact assessment and evaluation against existing agreed strategies and water policy.