Pike Floodplain
The Pike Floodplain, south-east of Renmark in South Australia’s Riverland, spans more than 6,700 hectares between Paringa and Lyrup and is a major floodplain and anabranch system of the River Murray.
The First People of the River Murray and Mallee Region are the Traditional Owners of the Pike Floodplain, with the presence of Aboriginal cultural heritage providing tangible links to both ancestors and Country. The River Murray is believed to be the life blood of Country, bringing First Peoples communities together through living culture.
Pike Floodplain is a recognised high priority ecological area that:
- supports a diverse range of plant species, including river red gum and black box woodlands, and lignum and saltbush shrublands
- comprises of a variety of aquatic habitats including fast and slow flowing anabranches, and both permanent and temporary wetlands
- provides feeding and breeding habitat for species of conservation significance, such as the southern bell frog, broad-shelled turtle and Macquarie River (or short-necked) turtle
- is a destination for migratory wading birds, such as common, sharp-tailed and curlew sandpipers, which are protected under international agreements
- is popular for recreational activities like boating and kayaking.
Plan for the Pike Floodplain
The ecological condition of the Pike Floodplain has been declining due to river regulation altering natural flow regimes, elevated and highly saline groundwater, obstructions to fish passage, and increasing pest plants and animals.
What is being done to restore the floodplain’s health
The Department for Environment and Water is managing Pike Floodplain with the aim of:
- fostering and promoting sustainable irrigation practices
- increasing floodplain watering
- maintaining permanent wetlands and seasonally variable water levels
- restoring flowing habitat
- providing fish passage
- reducing floodplain soil and water salinities
- removing grazing pressure
- promoting sustainable recreation
- encouraging stakeholders to work together to improve the ecological condition of the floodplain and sustain the local irrigation community.
