Public Works Committee: Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin Program, Teringie Wetland On-Ground Works

Mr BROWN (Florey) (11:15): I move:

That the 36^th report of the committee, entitled Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin Program, Teringie Wetland On-Ground Works Project, be noted.

Of ecological significance, the Teringie wetland provides habitat for a number of resident and migratory shorebirds. The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) proposes to undertake Teringie wetland improvements to increase available habitat for these key species of migratory shorebirds and resident Australian non-migratory shorebirds. This initiative will benefit Coorong waterbirds and increase their preferred foraging habitat, supporting natural dispersal and boundary shifts of the shorebird species. These improvements will build resilience in the system, supporting the long-term health of the Coorong against both immediate and future changing climate conditions.

Teringie is located on the shore of Lake Alexandrina near the town of Narrung. The wetlands site sits within the Ngarrindjeri and Others Native Title determination area and is owned by the Aboriginal Lands Trust. The Teringie area is subject to the Ngarrindjeri and Others Native Title settlement Indigenous land use agreement and has been identified as having significant cultural and ecological value. The wetlands are subject to several international migratory bird agreements and numerous state and federal government initiatives and are a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance.

Ecological decline has occurred in the area for a considerable period, with a decline in the abundance and distribution of waterbird species. To address this significant issue, the project aims to increase management capabilities of the wetland and increase the total area watered by improving the connection between the Teringie north and east basins; improve connectivity to Lake Alexandrina to facilitate watering of the site; and improve site access by upgrading segments where heavy vehicle access may be impeded, which will facilitate monitoring, maintenance and visitation opportunities to the site.

Key components of the project works include the installation of a regulator at the inlet between Lake Alexandrina and the Teringie north basin, the installation of a regulator at the inlet between the Teringie north basin and the Teringie east basin, track upgrades for access to the two regulators, and the deepening and widening of existing channels for improved connectivity between the lake and the north and east basins.

The works are to be self-managed by DEW under the Department for Infrastructure and Transport’s planned small construction works process. Presently, the north wetland is controlled solely by lake levels, and the east only receives inflow from rainfall or extremely high lake levels due to flooding events. To address the water flow issues, the regulators will consist of a four-culvert inlet regulator in the north wetland and will include stoplogs and fish screens and a two-culvert connecting regulator between the north and east wetlands. The existing channel works will improve inflows and connections between the north and east wetlands. Combined, these works will provide for the continued management of both wetland areas.

The project will improve and restore sediment and water quality and control water levels to restore and increase the availability and habitat quality for key aquatic plant communities, fish and waterbirds. The initiatives will provide support to over 2,500 target waterbirds and provide 40 hectares of preferred shorebird habitat for the majority of the shorebird season.

An additional outcome of the project works is the opportunity for social and economic growth by improving access and experiences for volunteers and tourists, increasing community involvement, and boosting productivity in the region through increased visitation. It is expected that ecotourism initiatives such as birdwatching, camping and bushwalking will rise as a result, and this overall increase in the number of recreational users will be sustained over a 20-year period.

The project will produce potential support for the continuation of community cultural practices and increase access to the site for the Ngarrindjeri people, and endeavours to support First Nations education and employment outcomes in the area. The Teringie project is part of the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program and is funded on a 90:10 basis by the federal and state governments. The estimated construction cost is $4.9 million, with work expected to commence in December this year and practical completion in May 2024.

An ecologically sustainable development report outlining the project's sustainable development principles and objectives will be compiled by DEW throughout the project's life cycle. The climate change unit of DEW has been consulted regarding the project delivery to ensure it is in accordance with relevant policies and guidelines.

During the planning and design process, several environmental assessments were undertaken to identify and understand potential project issues and impacts, especially in relation to vegetation, fauna, Aboriginal heritage and geotechnical surveys. DEW is aware of various risks associated with the project and will follow the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program to incorporate DEW's risk management policy and procedures to manage and mitigate potential risks, which is an integral part of the project management process.

To ensure appropriate First Nations engagement, consultation has occurred with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, the Ngarrindjeri Working Group, and the Raukkan Community Council throughout key stages, including concept development, concept prioritisation, detailed design development, and cultural heritage surveys. Additionally, stakeholders and community members will be provided with regular updates regarding the project's aims, progress and environmental benefit.

As the Teringie site has significant cultural and ecological value, there has been strong community support for interventions that have minimal ground disturbance activities to improve the health of the lands and waters. A cultural heritage management plan has been prepared and will be enforced during construction.

The committee examined written and oral evidence in relation to the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin Program's Teringie Wetland On-Ground Works Project. Witnesses who appeared before the committee were Ms Lisa Stribley, Acting Director, Water Infrastructure and Operations, Department for Environment and Water, and Mr Stephen Whitehead, Program Leader, Coorong Infrastructure Investigations, Department for Environment and Water. I thank the witnesses for their time.

Based upon the evidence considered, and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public work.

Motion carried.