A cattle station will be turned into a vital wetlands habitat and form part of a massively expanded national park, helping to protect endangered species, reduce nutrient runoff and improve environmental resilience across the Murray Mouth.

The federal and state governments have partnered with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife to acquire Mundoo Island Station, a 1900-hectare property to be added into Coorong National Park – increasing the internationally recognised park to more than 50,000 hectares.

The acquisition includes Mundoo, Ewe and Long Islands, along with other surrounding islands off the eastern tip of Hindmarsh Island.

Located just south of Goolwa, Mundoo Island Station sits at the end of the River Murray and is part of the 142,500ha Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Wetland – one of Australia’s most important wetland sites.

Mundoo Island Station, which has operated as a cattle and sheep station for more than a century, will be destocked and grazing, cropping and fertiliser use ceased to enable significant wetland restoration and rehabilitation.

Improved habitat will support native shorebirds as well as dozens of migratory bird species, including the critically endangered curlew sandpiper and far eastern curlew.

Transforming the station into a protected national park also provides opportunities for the reintroduction of threatened fish species like the Yarra pygmy perch, Southern pygmy perch, Murray hardyhead and purple-spotted gudgeon.

The existing Lawari Conservation Park, on the eastern side of nearby Hindmarsh Island, will be incorporated into Coorong National Park.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says his government has delivered massive increases to the state’s national park network, and Mundoo Island represents a significant new addition.

“Situated at the junction of the Ramsar wetlands of Lake Alexandrina, the Coorong and the Murray Mouth, this is a significant site of biodiversity, cultural and environmental significance.

“By transforming the island from a grazing property into a park, we can help restore the environment, protect threatened and endangered species, and improve water quality.”

To help run the bigger park, the state government will prepare a new management plan to guide management of the new additions.

Finniss MP David Basham has welcomed the acquisition, saying the investment in Mundoo Station shows the power of community advocacy.

“As Shadow Minister for Climate and Environment, I have consistently supported efforts to protect critical sites like Mundoo Station, which play an important role in water quality, environmental health and the long-term sustainability of the Lower Lakes system, he says.”

"This outcome has been driven in no small part by the determination and advocacy of local residents.

“I particularly want to thank the Clayton Bay community, whose residents have been unwavering in their efforts to ensure governments understood what was at stake. Their commitment to protecting Lake Alexandrina, local amenity and the surrounding environment has been exemplary.”

“While this investment is an important step forward, it is equally important that it is followed by transparent management, ongoing community engagement and clear outcomes for the environment and local residents.”

In addition to its environmental value, Mundoo Island is culturally significant to the Ngarrindjeri people and contains registered Aboriginal heritage sites.

DEW will work with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation to ensure these important sites are protected, including the ‘Meeting of the Waters’ where the River Murray and Coorong and surrounding waters connect.