PICCANINNIE PONDS

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (15:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation a question about Piccaninnie Ponds.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: A little over a week ago, I had the great pleasure of attending the official declaration of Piccaninnie Ponds as a Ramsar listed wetland. The announcement was very well received by many environmental and community groups, individuals and the tourism sector, both in the South-East and right across into Victoria in places like Nelson. Given how well received the listing was, can the minister inform the house of the declaration of Piccaninnie Ponds as an official Ramsar wetland?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:20): I thank the honourable member for his very important question. The Piccaninnie Ponds conservation site was designated as a Ramsar site by the federal government, by federal environment minister, Tony Burke, on 21 December 2012. This was formally announced on 25 January 2013 by Senator Don Farrell, representing the Hon. Tony Burke, and the Hon. Kyam Maher MLC, representing me.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: I pronounce it several different ways, depending on how I am feeling about him on the day. I can say to the honourable member that he represented me so well that there will be many such honours and pleasures to come his way into the future.

The Ramsar Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 during a convention of wetlands of international importance. The convention is an international treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. The Ramsar Convention is the only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem.

Piccaninnie Ponds is the 66^th site in Australia and the fifth in South Australia to be designated as a Ramsar site. It joins 2,065 other significant wetlands sites across the world in being recognised in this unique way.

Piccaninnie Ponds are a prime example of rising limestone springs in Australia and collectively form the largest remnant of coastal freshwater wetlands in the lower South-East of South Australia. Becoming a Ramsar site means this diverse and beautiful wetland will be protected for future generations by the international treaty. I also understand that it also has the potential to bring its way some federal funds.

Piccaninnie Ponds is a beautiful complex and unique ecosystem, Mr Maher tells me. The wetlands support 61 species of conservation significance including the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot. Additionally, the wetlands also provide habitat for around 20 migratory bird species.

Amongst the 30-odd environments are freshwater lakes and swamps, coastal dunes, silky tea-tree thickets, grasslands and woodlands. Underground, the area is renowned for its rising limestone springs and a vast underground cave system which is internationally renowned by the cave diving community. Much has occurred over the past 10 years to improve the site, doubling the size of the conservation park and the restoration of 100 hectares of wetlands and vegetation where birds, fish, frogs, insects and plants continue to increase and prosper.

Further capital works are due to begin shortly which will see a further expansion of the wetlands and improved amenities so people can come and learn and enjoy this great part of South Australia.