Words: Sarah Ansell - Second Nature Conservancy. Story courtesy Coast Lines magazine.

Second Nature Conservancy is excited to announce the launch of a significant three-year environmental restoration project—Healthy Urban Waterways – Mount Barker and Fleurieu South Coast—focused on restoring and enhancing vital watercourses and wetlands across two of South Australia’s fastest-growing urban regions.

This ambitious project will improve over 45 hectares and 10.8 kilometres of riparian and aquatic habitat across priority locations in Mount Barker, Goolwa, Port Elliot, and Victor Harbor. Works will include the removal of invasive weeds, replanting with local native vegetation, and the creation of specialised habitats to support key native wildlife—including the nationally threatened Yarra Pygmy Perch.

Key outcomes include:

• • Restoration of degraded streambank and wetland habitats through targeted weed control and native revegetation.
  • Improved microclimates and reduced evaporation by establishing canopy vegetation along currently exposed sections of watercourses.
  • Establishment of a dedicated surrogate breeding wetland for the endangered Yarra Pygmy Perch, helping to increase populations for future reintroduction to the wild in conjunction with Nature Glenelg Trust
  • Enhanced conservation knowledge and capacity among local land managers and property owners.
  • Cultural events and activities with Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation.
  • Propagation and planting of over 22,000 local native seedlings, grown at community nurseries managed by Second Nature in Mount Barker, Goolwa, and Clayton Bay.
  • Ongoing assessment and ecological monitoring of restored sites.

The project will be delivered in collaboration with local councils, community groups, and key environmental partners, with long-term maintenance supported by local government land managers and community volunteers.

“We’re proud to deliver this critical investment in nature in rapidly growing urban areas,” said Ross Oke, General Manager, Second Nature Conservancy. “Healthy urban waterways support biodiversity, cool our towns, and offer a vital connection to nature for local communities.”

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of Second Nature Conservancy.