The Limestone Coast Landscape Board has been working collaboratively with Ngarrinderji Lands and Progress Association over the past three years of the Our Coorong – Our Coast project. The five-year project aims to restore and protect the habitat of beach nesting and migratory shorebirds through the Coorong and the Limestone Coast.

It is focussed on threatened species such as Hooded Plover, Orange-bellied Parrot, Eastern Curlew and Mallefowl. Limestone Coast Landscape Board Chair Penny Schulz said on ground works have been implemented over the past three years of the project including – revegetating vital habitat for the threatened species, limiting access to nesting sites and controlling pest plants and animals.

“Through the significant work that has been undertaken and the work planned for the next two years the project is on track to deliver a range of positive impacts for the health of the local Coorong landscape,” she said. “This project is supported by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. “This project contributes to the South Australian Government’s Project Coorong initiative.”

Ms Schulz said the Ngarrindjeri Lands and Progress Association had played an important role in the project alongside the Our Coorong – Our Coast project team as they had ensured effective site preparation for successful planting of native vegetation across three different sites, Mark’s Point, Parnka Point and Cantara Homestead.

“Over the first three years of the project there have been some remarkable revegetation outcomes with 25,000 native plants planted across 20 hectares, representing over 30 different species of native plants. “With further revegetation work scheduled for July with the Ngarrindjeri Lands and Progress Association,” she said.

“With a variety of events and on ground works scheduled to take place this year, the community are invited to become involved in the Our Coorong – Our Coast project. “Upcoming events include an Orange-bellied Parrot survey scheduled at Cantara Homestead in July and a community planting day at Parnka Point on August 1.

“It is important to have the support of the community behind this project as the Coorong is such a significant landmark for generations to come.”