Saltfields Creating the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary Our vision We will create an internationally important conservation area on the fringes of Adelaide that safeguards migratory birds, improves the health of Gulf St Vincent and supports sustainable urban development. The opportunity 4

What we are trying to solve 5 What we have done so far 6 What we are going to do 7 Why this is good for South Australia 7 How this fits with the government’s priorities 8 The evidence 10 Some background 10 Gulf St Vincent 10 Land use and rehabilitation requirements 10 Internationally important migratory shorebirds 10 Dry Creek: an important flyway hub 12 Threatened and unique habitat 13 Declining water quality in the gulf 13 Green infrastructure 13 It all adds up: a strategic and timely opportunity 14 Conserving internationally important shorebird habitat 14 Network of aquatic and terrestrial conservation areas 14 Improving water quality 14 Green space supporting sustainable urban development 14 Time to act 15

The proposal 17 Conserving the Adelaide hub of the international migratory bird flyway 17 Enhancing water quality in Gulf St Vincent 17 Creating a more liveable and sustainable city 18 Offering exclusive eco-tourism experiences 20 Facilitating Indigenous involvement 20 Next steps 21 References 23

Saltfields 3 The opportunity

4 Saltfields What we are trying to solve The saltfields are listed as being Since the 1930s, the saltfields that stretch 35 kilometres along the Gulf St Vincent coastline, from Dry Creek in the south to of national and international Middle Beach in the north, have been used to provide brine significance for migratory shorebirds for the commercial production of soda ash.

From June 2013, all salt production at Dry Creek ceased with that travel annually to Australia the closure of the Penrice soda ash factory. This change in land along the East Asian-Australasian use presents both challenges and opportunities. Flyway (Bamford et al. 2008), in The past 80 years have seen the saltfields develop into a patchwork of artificial and natural wetlands, providing a particular the red-necked stint and diverse range of habitat for migratory birds that travel annually to Australia from the northern hemisphere. the sharp-tailed sandpiper.

With the removal of commercial salt production, some ponds are likely to dry out if water is no longer pumped through The flyway passes through them, with the possible risk of acid sulphate soil formation, 22 countries with about 55 while others might be reopened to the sea and become tidal. These changes are likely to affect important roosting and migratory species, a total of five feeding areas of migratory bird species and could result in disturbing odours affecting the amenity of the area and million birds travelling along it local residents.

If no action is taken and the site is not managed in an integrated fashion, the drying of ponds and potential emergence of acid sulphate soils could have high remediation costs. These changes would also severely jeopardise conservation values by fragmenting land and degrading habitat, which is likely to lead to contravention of our conservation obligations under legislation and international agreements.

The conservation significance of this area has been elevated by the destruction and disturbance of similar habitat elsewhere along the gulf and worldwide decline in migratory shorebird habitat.

Additionally, water quality issues in Gulf St Vincent need to be addressed. Pollution from stormwater, wastewater and industrial discharges is a major cause of poor water quality along Adelaide’s metropolitan beaches and is contributing to coastal habitat loss.

A plan is needed that capitalises on the change in land use at the saltfields in a manner that will improve environmental quality and the amenity of the area, and maintain the commercial and recreational values of the gulf including some of the state’s most significant fisheries. The area also includes two aquatic reserves – The Barker Inlet- What we have done so far St Kilda and St Kilda-Chapman Creek Aquatic Reserves – that are managed under the Fisheries Management Act 2007. The South Australian Government has long been committed These were established to conserve mangrove and seagrass to protecting Gulf St Vincent and its varied and unique coastal communities and to protect nursery areas for several important and marine ecosystems, recognising the area as a valuable commercial and recreational fish species. The reserves also asset to South Australia. Numerous initiatives and protection support important saltmarsh habitat. mechanisms are in place – both terrestrial and aquatic – that affect the saltfields area and provide a strong foundation Two conservation parks in the vicinity – the Port Gawler and for this proposal. These include a marine park, the Adelaide Torrens Island Conservation Parks – protect important saltmarsh Dolphin Sanctuary, aquatic reserves and conservation parks. and mangrove habitats. The Torrens Island Conservation Park lies adjacent to the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. The Upper Gulf St Vincent Marine Park spans the waters of the upper reaches of the Gulf and is one of the state’s There has also been attention to identify and address the network of 19 marine parks. The park features wetlands of causes of declining water quality. The recently released national importance, including the Light River Delta, which is Adelaide Coastal Water Quality Improvement Plan (EPA 2013) considered one of the most ecologically intact mangrove and sets targets and makes recommendations for improving water saltmarsh systems in South Australia. The park also protects a quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems in the gulf, major fish nursery and spawning ground and is a favoured area including taking a more integrated approach to managing and for recreational boating and fishing. treating wastewater and stormwater. The plan builds on and complements the Adelaide Coastal Waters Study (EPA 2013), The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is a multiple-use conservation which was initiated by the Environment Protection Authority area established under the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary Act in 2001, in response to concerns about declining water quality 2005. It covers 118 km2 including Port Adelaide, Barker Inlet, in Gulf St Vincent. The success of the plan relies on multiple Outer Harbor and North Haven. While the sanctuary has a government and non-government partners working together. clear focus on protecting dolphins and their habitats, the protection afforded by the sanctuary also helps improve habitat for other species including shorebirds. The sanctuary’s landward boundary includes many areas of shorebird habitat.

6 Saltfields initiatives are proposed: are initiatives The following Australia. South for benefits environmental and economic social, secure will and obligations environmental state ourand will Thisinternational,fulfil national saltfields. Creek Dry former the over sanctuary conservation extensive to an creating is committed Government Australian South The What we are going to do 5. 5. experiences exclusive eco-tourism Provide 4. city sustainable and liveable amore Create 3. St inGulf Vincent water quality Enhance 2. hub of the Adelaide the 1. Protect enhance the amenity and attractiveness of the region. of the attractiveness and amenity enhance the and dioxide carbon absorb recycling, stormwater allow that Plains will Adelaide northern of the fringes the on of natural space Create green anetwork gulf. to the is discharged it before wastewater Bolivar and to stormwater treat and manage opportunity Water councils the SA and with local Provide interpretation programs. interpretation and education cultural and heritage environmental implement and to develop knowledge Indigenous use and people Aboriginal engage and Employ involvement birdwatchers. international and national a focus on with tourism experiences end exclusive, high- for developing opportunities Provide north. Parham in the to Port south in the fromBarker Inlet coastline St Gulf of the stretch Vincent kilometre a60 along Bird Sanctuary International Adelaide the Establish ‘flyway’ bird migratory Offer opportunities for Indigenous Indigenous for opportunities Offer international international The sanctuary’s focus on protecting significant migratory migratory significant protecting focus on sanctuary’s The state. the to benefits significant deliver that will of Adelaide proximity close within area of habitat extensive an provide will Bird Sanctuary International Adelaide The for South Australia Why this is good implementation of the sanctuary. of the implementation and development in the people Aboriginal involve and knowledge Indigenous to respect opportunities provide also will It wildlife experiences. exclusive high-end, providing as marketed world, fromaround the bird enthusiasts attracting by state’s the tourism industry boost also will sanctuary The Adelaide. in northern development residential of sustainability and liveability the support and surges, storm and rise level sea against protect help that will infrastructure green provide will reserve coastal of the creation The boundary. reserve the beyond extend that will –benefits amenity and improve airwill quality, water quality environment ahealthy that supports Creating corridor agreen gulf, ofAustralians. life for all South quality enhance will the cleaner, in the city, water improved quality and liveable more a including proposal, the of benefits ecological Broader obligations. international its in achieving Government Australian the support and conservation shorebird to contributor worldwide animportant as internationally Australia’s and nationally South elevate will status shorebirds

Saltfields Saltfields

7

© Marine Life Society of South Australia How this fits with the government’s priorities Seven strategic priorities

The South Australian Government has identified seven strategic Creating a vibrant city priorities that will make the most difference to the future prosperity of our state. An affordable place to live The sanctuary will help progress two of these priorities:

• Creating a vibrant city – by helping to improve water Every chance for every child quality in the gulf, particularly adjacent to some of Adelaide’s most popular swimming beaches, by boosting Growing advanced manufacturing tourism and by providing a greenbelt that enhances liveability and amenity in the northern areas of Adelaide Safe communities, healthy neighbourhoods • Premium food and wine from our clean environment – by contributing to better water quality in the waters of Gulf St Vincent, supporting important Realising the benefits of the mining boom for all commercial fisheries including one of the state’s major prawn fisheries, and general improvement in environmental Premium food and wine from our clean environment quality through providing green infrastructure.

8 Saltfields The evidence

Saltfields 9 Some background

Gulf St Vincent Internationally important migratory shorebirds Many South Australians use the gulf every day for a wide range of recreational activities. The gulf also supports The East Asian-Australasian Flyway is the migratory route for important commercial fisheries including one of the state’s millions of waders and shorebirds that breed in northern Asia and major prawn fisheries, commercial shipping, and is the basis Alaska and spend the non-breeding season in South-East Asia and for a strong tourism industry. Australasia (Figure 1). The flyway passes through 22 countries with approximately 55 migratory species travelling along it, equating to Land use and rehabilitation requirements about five million birds annually. The Dry Creek saltfields were first constructed by ICI in the Habitat loss throughout the flyway has contributed to drastic 1930s, and have been maintained by an annual series of declines in many of the migratory shorebird species that spend the pumping activities since. The land on which the saltfields summer in Australia. The United Nations Environment Program were constructed historically supported wetlands, especially (UNEP 2013) reports that ongoing habitat degradation along the saltmarsh and mangroves. length of the flyway is threatening some migratory shorebirds with extinction. A disproportionately high number of shorebird species The mineral leases over the Dry Creek saltfields cover around have been classified as threatened and many are under increasing 10,000 hectares. Around 4,000 hectares were developed threat from habitat destruction (IWSG 2003). as salina ponds (artificially controlled saline ponds used to produce salt). The rest of the land is undeveloped and There is growing evidence suggesting that populations of remarkably well preserved due to limited access to the site for migratory shorebirds are declining in Australia (Nebel et al. 2008, the past 80 years. Gosbell and Clemens 2006, BirdLife Australia unpublished data cited in Purnell et al. 2012). The land under mining lease is either owned by the Crown, including the majority of coastal land seaward of the ponds, or is In partnership with Japan, the Australian Government developed freehold land owned by Ridley Corporation. The majority of land the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership, which was owned by Ridley occurs on the landward side of the saltfields. launched in Indonesia in 2006. The partnership is the major international framework for conserving migratory shorebirds and their habitat across the flyway, and complements Australia’s international commitments to protect shorebirds and migratory species under bilateral agreements.

Degradation along the flyway is threatening some migratory species with extinction

UNEP 2013

10 Saltfields Figure 1. The East Asian-Australasian Flyway

ARCTIC OCEAN

Siberia Alaska

Mongolia

Japan China Korea PACIFIC OCEAN

Hawaii YELLOW SEA Taiwan SOUTH EAST ASIA

Malaysia

Inodnesia Fiji

Australia

Bar-tailed godwit Ruddy turnstone Lesser knot Pacific golden plover Red-necked stint New Zealand Whimbrel Curlew sandpiper Sharp-tailed sandpiper

Terek sandpiper

Eastern curlew Migration route

Saltfields 11 Dry Creek: an important flyway hub The Dry Creek saltfields are listed as being of national and international significance for migratory shorebirds that annually travel to Australia along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (Bamford et al. 2008). In particular, the saltfields host a significant portion of the world’s population of two species that migrate via the flyway: the red-necked stint and the sharp-tailed sandpiper.

Recent analysis of Australia-wide population data showed that seven of the species that use the flyway are experiencing declines of between two and eight per cent each year. This would equate to a loss of between 50 and 95 per cent of the Australian populations of these species over the next 25 years (Purnell et al. 2012). Six of these species regularly occur at the Dry Creek saltfields.

To ensure the conservation of migratory shorebirds, the Australian Government has signed bilateral migratory bird agreements with Japan (the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement – JAMBA in 1974), China (the China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement – CAMBA in 1986) and Korea (Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement – ROKAMBA in 2007). These agreements require parties to protect migratory birds by protecting and conserving important habitat.

The Dry Creek saltfields support a number of species that are subject to Australia’s bilateral migratory bird agreements: 27 species are subject to the JAMBA, 23 species are subject to the CAMBA and 25 species are subject to the ROKAMBA.

The saltfields support a seasonal average of 25,000 waterbirds, including 15,000 shorebirds, with a total of 52 different species recorded. Twenty-nine of these species are protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The area also supports 17 species that are listed as rare and two species that are listed as vulnerable under the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

12 Saltfields Threatened and unique habitat Green infrastructure The Dry Creek saltfields consist of diverse and relatively pristine The value of green infrastructure in urban landscapes is saltmarsh and wetland habitat that is declining elsewhere in becoming increasingly recognised by health professionals, the region and across the state due to urban encroachment, water managers, planners, policy makers and designers around pollution and agricultural development. Continued protection the world (Ely and Pitman 2012). of this habitat from development and degradation is critical. Green infrastructure is the network of green spaces and Saltmarsh is not only ecologically valuable habitat but is also waterways that occurs in urban environments and includes one of the highest carbon sequestration habitats known. In parks and reserves, gardens, creeks and wetlands, road recognition of its significance, coastal saltmarsh was listed and rail corridors and sports ovals. This network provides as a threatened ecological community under the EPBC Act in multiple benefits including managing and treating stormwater, August 2013. maintaining urban biodiversity, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and providing pleasant green spaces for rest, The saltfields support species of state and national relaxation and recreation. conservation significance, including the largest Australian population of bead glasswort and the samphire thornbill, both listed as nationally threatened under the EPBC Act.

Two wetlands of national significance occur in the area – the Port Gawler and Buckland Park Lake, and the Barker Inlet and St Kilda wetland (DWLBC 2003, Bamford et al. 2008).

Declining water quality in the gulf The Adelaide Coastal Waters Study was initiated by the EPA in 2001, in response to concerns about the decline in coastal water quality, as well as the loss of more than 5,000 hectares of seagrass along the metropolitan coastline. Findings from the study (EPA 2008) indicate that the main causes of deteriorating water quality in the gulf are nutrient-rich inputs from stormwater, sewage treatment plants and industrial discharges.

The study found that nutrient loads to Adelaide’s coastal waters have increased by a factor of 30 to 50 times compared to conditions prior to European settlement. High levels of suspended solids in the near-shore waters (mainly due to stormwater flows) are contributing to seagrass loss, and are also a major cause of poor water quality along Adelaide’s metropolitan beaches.

Water quality improvement targets associated with reducing the nitrogen load into the gulf are set out in the Adelaide Coastal Water Quality Improvement Plan (EPA 2013).

Saltfields 13 It all adds up: a strategic and timely conservation opportunity

Government policy recognises the high conservation values conservation areas on both land and sea. This means that our of Gulf St Vincent and the importance of maintaining healthy conservation efforts can occur at a much broader and more and productive coastal and aquatic ecosystems to support meaningful scale than could be achieved by a more piecemeal international treaty obligations and the state’s long-term and fragmented approach. prosperity. The need for improved conservation efforts to Rehabilitated tidal saltmarshes and some of the former salt stem the decline of migratory bird species, improve the water ponds can potentially be used by local councils and SA Water quality of the gulf and address any potential environmental and to manage and treat stormwater and wastewater before it is social/health risks associated with the closure of the Dry Creek discharged to the gulf. saltfields are also recognised. This will have positive effects for aquatic ecosystems and The end of the saltfields ommercialc production provides the species, will ensure Adelaide’s beaches are safe for swimming, opportunity to address each of these priority areas, as well as and support the continued operation of important commercial achieve additional environmental, economic and community fisheries that operate in the gulf. benefits for South Australia. The proposed Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary will provide Building on the conservation values of the existing saltfields a network of connected green spaces that will improve amenity will enable South Australia to play a key role in supporting in the area, provide natural wetlands for filtering and treating international and national efforts to secure the future of stormwater and wastewater, improve air quality and provide the world’s migratory shorebirds. The proposed creation of residents with access to natural green spaces. a conservation reserve that stretches 60 kilometres along the edge of the gulf will consolidate a number of existing

14 Saltfields Time to act

The closure of the Dry Creek saltfields presents the state with a rare and strategic opportunity to secure a significant environmental and community asset in close proximity to Adelaide, to address pressing conservation priorities, particularly the need to protect migratory bird species and improve water quality in Gulf St Vincent, as well as to provide economic and health benefits to the state. This will also help prepare for the expected impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, storm surges and greater impact from storms.

If we do not act now, we risk losing a rare opportunity to improve the health of the gulf and ensure the future growth areas of northern Adelaide are sustainable, liveable and attractive. In addition, failing to safeguard the habitat values of this area would seriously erode South Australia’s capacity to contribute to international and national conservation obligations.

Saltfields 15 The proposal

16 Saltfields Conserving the Adelaide Enhancing water quality hub of the international in Gulf St Vincent migratory bird ‘flyway’ The cities of Playford and Salisbury and the District Council of Mallala have expressed interest in using some of the former The Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary is proposed along a salt ponds to capture, treat and possibly reuse stormwater. 60 kilometre stretch of the Gulf St Vincent coastline, from the SA Water is also investigating the possibility of diverting its Barker Inlet to the township of Port Parham (Figure 2). It would wastewater stream from the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment be second only to the Coorong as the longest continual coastal Plant into selected ponds to strip nutrients and improve the reserve in the state. discharge quality prior to release into Gulf St Vincent. Retaining water in some of the former ponds would also reduce the risk The proposed sanctuary will help the Australian Government of acid sulphate soils forming. meet its international obligations to protect migratory waterbirds and will contribute to implementation of the The sanctuary could provide the Wildlife Conservation Plan for opportunity for councils to manage Migratory Shorebirds (DEH 2006) … second only to the and treat stormwater by flushing it developed under the EPBC Act. Coorong as the longest through rehabilitated tidal wetlands, It is proposed that land identified as which would act as natural filters suitable for inclusion in the sanctuary, continual coastal reserve for sediments and other pollutants, which is likely to be the majority of in the state mirroring the natural flow of Crown lands in the area, is proclaimed runoff across coastal saltmarsh and as a conservation park under the mangroves. National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. This will provide one of the highest levels of protection allowed for by state legislation Reducing the input of nutrients and other pollutants to the and is equivalent to the two existing reserves in the area – the gulf will assist in meeting water quality improvement targets. Port Gawler and Torrens Island Conservation Parks. In particular, it will have a positive impact on efforts to improve the quality of water at some of Adelaide’s most popular While this status will provide a high level of protection, it swimming beaches. Along with other measures to improve will still allow flexibility to ensure multiple objectives can water quality in the gulf, the sanctuary will help safeguard be achieved through the management plan for the park. In some of the state’s most significant commercial fisheries and addition, zones can be created within the park to facilitate prized recreational fishing spots. particular activities, or to better protect ecologically sensitive or significant areas.

The newly proclaimed park would connect with areas that are already part of the conservation estate including the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and the Upper Gulf St Vincent Marine Park. Land recently purchased for conservation purposes at Buckland Lake would also be incorporated.

It is important to note that the proposal does not include the southernmost ponds known as the crystallisers. These lie immediately adjacent to the Port River Expressway and Port Wakefield Road and have been identified in the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide as an urban growth area. This proposal focuses on the saltfields to the north of this area, which have higher conservation values and are identified in the 30-year plan as being mostly of high environmental significance.

Saltfields 17 Creating a more liveable and sustainable city

Once it is fully established, the Adelaide International Bird • Protecting against sea level rise and storm events Sanctuary will provide an extensive natural green space on Tidal wetlands will protect the coastline from the the fringes of the northern Adelaide Plains that will offer a impact of storms thus minimising the need for costly wide range of benefits for the environment and community coastal protection works. Wetlands are internationally wellbeing. This is particularly relevant to sustainable acknowledged as critical for buffering the coast against development in the northern areas of Adelaide, designated the impacts of storms, and will provide a storm surge as growth areas in the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. buffer for both current and projected sea levels.

Some of the former salt ponds could be rehabilitated to tidal • Acting as a carbon sink wetlands by breaching their surrounding levee banks. The Tidal wetlands, particularly saltmarsh, are among ponds would then naturally begin to recolonise with saltmarsh the highest known carbon sequestration habitats. and mangrove communities. When fully established, these communities would play an important role in establishing the • Stabilising potential acid sulphate soils sanctuary’s significant green infrastructure, offering a wide Tidal wetlands will help avoid the formation of acid range of benefits for sustainable development including: sulphate soils by keeping the ground saturated.

• Treating stormwater Tidal wetlands will provide natural filters for treating stormwater and wastewater and allow for the dissipation of floodwaters over a wide area, preventing upstream ‘backing up’.

• Increasing resilience to climate change The sanctuary would create areas for saltmarsh to retreat as sea levels rise. These communities are threatened by the combined impacts of sea level rise (currently in excess of 4 millimetres per year in South Australia), land subsidence and the levees that currently separate the ponds from the coast.

18 Saltfields Figure 2. Proposed sanctuary area

Saltfields 19 Offering exclusive Facilitating Indigenous eco-tourism experiences involvement

The international significance of the proposed sanctuary site This proposal presents the opportunity for Aboriginal people to be as habitat for migratory shorebirds makes this location one of involved in both the ongoing management and promotion of the South Australia’s best bird watching spots. When the saltfields Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary and to engage with visitors were in operation, access was administered on behalf of the and school groups on the cultural and environmental values of operators by Birds SA. the site through education and awareness programs. Traditional knowledge will inform the selection of suitable rehabilitation There is already a niche tourism and restoration measures to market for bird watching in deliver significant benefits. South Australia including along Traditional knowledge will the River Murray, in the Murray This opportunity could best be Mallee, in the Coorong, which inform the selection of delivered by developing joint is listed as a wetland of suitable rehabilitation and management arrangements over international significance, the proposed conservation park. and on Kangaroo Island. restoration measures There are also potential The Adelaide International Bird connections with the Kaurna Sanctuary will provide an opportunity to build on South people’s Tiljbruke Trail on the northern Adelaide Plains, which Australia’s existing reputation as a place that offers exciting will be investigated further as the proposal matures. bird watching experiences to both national and international This initiative will complement and contribute to national visitors, with a focus on high-end ecotourism, providing an and state policies and targets to increase the participation of additional tourism boost for the state. Aboriginal people in the economy. In particular, it provides important strategic linkages with the Australian Government’s Invest Action Plan, which aims to increase the participation of Indigenous people in natural resource management.

20 Saltfields Next steps

A number of matters need to be addressed to successfully of Crown land and the primary environment agency and will transform the saltfields into a stable, diverse habitat in its engage with stakeholders such as SA Water, the cities of own right. The key regulatory agencies – the Department Playford and Salisbury and Mallala District Council, and key for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy non-government organisations including BirdLife Australia. (DMITRE) and the EPA – are working closely with the Detailed scientific investigations will be needed to develop Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources on-ground strategies for managing the ponds into the future. (DEWNR) to ensure that all matters are managed and mitigated Any changes will require a transitioned and cautious approach in the best interests of the government, stakeholders and the to minimise disturbance to the birds. The issue of whether any South Australian community. impacts will be significant on migratory shorebirds will be a Critical aspects associated with closure of the saltfields and matter for Australian Government determination under the its subsequent rehabilitation will be undertaken in accordance EPBC Act. with the regulatory requirements of DMITRE and the EPA. Both agencies will have regard to DEWNR as the administrator

Saltfields 21 THE SALTFIELDS SUPPORT

WATERBIRDS25000 ANNUALLY, INCLUDING THE SALTFIELDS SUPPORT 15,000 SHOREBIRDS, THE SALTFIELDS SUPPORT WITH A TOTAL OF THE DRY CREEK SALTFIELDS ENT 2HAVE5 BEEN INTERNATIONALLY000 , RECOGNISED AS A 52 DIFFER 25000 WATERBIRDSSIGNIFICANT WATERBIRD WATERBIRDS ANNUALLY, INCLUDING SPECIES ANNUALLY, INCLUDING 50YEARS 15,000 SHOREBIRDS, 15,000HABITAT SHOREBIRDS , WITH A TOTAL OF WITHFOR MORE A THAN TOTAL 50 YEARS OF 52 DIFFERENT RENT SPECIES 52 DIFFE SPECIES

SALTMARSH IS NOT SALTMARSH IS NOT ONLY ECOLOGICALLY ONLY ECOLOGICALLY VALUABLE HABITAT VALUABLE HABITAT BUT IS ALSO ONE BUT IS ALSO ONE

29 29 OF THE HIGHEST OF THE HIGHEST OF THESE OF THESE SPECIES ARE SPECIES ARE PROTECTED PROTECTED CARBON CARBON 17 SPECIES ARE SEQUESTRATION29 SEQUESTRATION LISTED AS RARE AND HABITATS KNOWNOF THESE HABITATS KNOWN 17 SPECIES ARETWO SPECIES ARE LISTED SPECIES ARE LISTED AS RARE ANDAS VULNERABLE PROTECTED TWO SPECIES ARE LISTED 17 SPECIES ARE AS VULNERABLE LISTED AS RARE AND TIDAL WETLANDSTWO SPECIES AREARE LISTED CRITICAL FORAS VULNERABLEBUFFERING THE COAST AGAINST THE IMPACTS OF STORMS REDUCING COSTLY COAST PROTECTION WORKS

THE SALTFIELDS HAVE THE SALTFIELDS HAVE Since BEEN IN OPERATION Since BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE THE 1930s SINCE THE 1930s & STRETCH FOR 35 KMS & STRETCH FOR 35 KMS

22 Saltfields References

Bamford M, Watkins D, Bancroft W, Tischler G & Wahl J. (2008). Migratory shorebirds of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway: population estimates and Internationally Important sites. Wetlands International - Oceania, Canberra.

Coleman P & Cook F. (2009). Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board: shorebird management and conservation. AMLR NRM Board, Adelaide.

Department for Environment and Heritage & Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation. (2003). Wetlands Strategy for South Australia. Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

Department of the Environment and Heritage. (2006). Wildlife THE EAST ASIAN- conservation plan for migratory shorebirds, February 2006. AUSTRALASIAN Ely M & Pitman S. (2012). Green infrastructure –life support for human habitats: the compelling evidence for incorporat- ing nature into urban environments, a review of research and FLYWAY literature, prepared for the Green Infrastructure Project, Botanic ROUTE FOR MILLIONS OF Gardens of Adelaide. Department of Environment, Water and MIGRATORY WADERS Natural Resources, Adelaide. AND SHOREBIRDS Environment Protection Authority (EPA). (2008). Adelaide coast- al waters study overview: a summary of the study, outcomes PASSES THROUGH and recommendations. Environment Protection Authority, Adelaide.

22 COUNTRIES Environment Protection Authority (EPA). (2013). Adelaide coast- APPROXIMATELY al water quality improvement plan. Environment Protection 55 MIGRATORY SPECIES Authority, Adelaide. Gosbell K & Clemens R. (2006). Population monitoring in Aus- 5 MILLION BIRDS tralia: some insights after 25 years and future directions, Stilt THE SALTFIELDS50: 162-175. International Wader Study Group (IWSG). (2003). Are waders BIRD SANCTUARYworld-wide in decline? Reviewing the evidence, Wader Study WOULD BE SECONDGroup Bulletin 101/102: 8-12. ONLY TO NebelTHE S, Porter JL & Kingsford RT. (2008). Long-term trends in shorebird populations in eastern Australia and impacts of fresh- NEXT COORONGwater extraction, Biological Conservation 141: 971- 980. 60km AS THE LONGESTPurnell C, Peter J, Clemens R & Herman K. (2012). Shorebird population monitoring within Gulf St Vincent: July 2011 to June CONTINUAL2012 annual report, BirdLife Australia report for the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board THE SALTFIELDS COASTALand the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and BIRD SANCTUARY RESERVE IN THEthe STATE Arts, Adelaide and Canberra. WOULD BE SECOND United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) (2013). Loss and degradation of natural habitats threaten migratory birds, push- ONLY TO THE ing species towards extinction. World migratory bird day 2013 highlights importance of ecological networks for migratory NEXT COORONG birds – need for a greater international response. Bonn/Nairobi 10 May 2013. www.awsg.org.au/pdfs/WorldMigratoryBird- 60km AS THE LONGEST Day_2013.pdf CONTINUAL

RESERVECOASTAL IN THE STATE

Saltfields 23 www.environment.sa.gov.au

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