Shorebird habitat project takes off at Lake Hawdon North
Construction has commenced on a $13.7 million habitat restoration project at Lake Hawdon North on the state’s Limestone Coast.
Jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments as part of the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program, the project will improve the quality and availability of wetland habitat for migratory and non-migratory shorebirds in the Coorong and Limestone Coast region.
Works will involve the construction of a new regulator structure at the outlet of Lake Hawdon North, an adjoining rock-ramp fishway around the regulator as well as minor civil earthworks, access tracks and fencing around the new structure.
The project will extend the duration of shallow water levels at the wetland through late summer and autumn, helping recreate a more natural hydrological environment for shorebirds. Outside of these times, flows in the drain will continue unaffected.
The works are designed to help populations of key shorebird species including the sharp-tailed sandpiper, curlew sandpiper, common greenshank and red-necked stint, all species that use the Coorong South Lagoon.
Manager, Program Delivery with the Department for Environment and Water Sarah Murphy said shorebird species have experienced significant declines in the Coorong, linked to a reduction in the quality and availability of foraging habitat.
“Lake Hawdon North is one of several lakes within the region that provide critical habitat for endangered shorebird species, many of which travel from the northern hemisphere each summer to feed,” Ms Murphy said.
“These wetlands provide critical food resources, including invertebrates such as snails, crustaceans, worms and insect larvae, that migratory birds 'fuel-up' on before making the journey back to the northern hemisphere to breed.
“Once complete, the project is expected to generate a five-fold increase in shorebird habitat extent and quality, as well as providing important ecological benefits to other plants and animals in the region.”
Lake Hawdon North presents a rare opportunity to undertake large-scale wetland restoration, to restore the wetland as a key shorebird refuge, and to support the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species.
Leed Engineering and Construction has been awarded the contract to deliver the infrastructure component of the project. Leed are a national award-winning company with strong foundations in South Australia and a history of developing complex water infrastructure projects.
Construction will take place from October 2024, continuing for approximately 7 months. For more information visit the Department for Environment and Water website.
