Works have begun on ten priority wetland sites with the aim of improving the River Murray’s riverine health.
Fulton Hogan has been awarded the contract for works at the sites, which cover a total of 6,974 hectares of floodplain spanning 440 kilometers of the River Murray.
The works will reintroduce more natural wetting and drying patterns at each wetland through decommissioning out-of-date structures and installing regulators and culverts.
Wetlands Phase 2 forms part of the $98 million Riverine Recovery Project (RRP) funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, implemented by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources in partnership with SA Water.
The 10 wetland priority sites and works include:
The Australian Government has committed up to $89 million through the Riverine Recovery Project to improve the management of wetlands, floodplains and weir pools along the River Murray in South Australia.
Work at the 10 priority sites under this phase of the project will help restore vital hydrological and ecological functions at the wetlands and associated water courses.
This work continues the successful partnership between the Commonwealth and South Australian governments under the Riverine Recovery Project in achieving significant environmental outcomes along the River Murray in South Australia consistent with the objectives of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
The 10 priority sites build on the achievements of the first phase of the Riverine Recovery Project, which is already delivering more environmental water more efficiently, as well as improving biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.