Water research hub to manage the health of Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth

One of South Australia’s most precious ecosystems is at risk of dying off due to a critical threat. See why it’s in danger and what’s being done to save it.

A new water research hub at Goolwa will help manage the health of South Australia’s Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region and help protect the vital wetlands which are home to rare and endangered plants and animals.

The Goyder Water Research Institute will receive $8 million of federal government funding to set up a new hub in by mid-2023 and is set to work in the region to investigate the impacts of climate change on the health of the waterways.

The Murray Mouth from above.

Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie welcomed last week’s announcement that Labor would be honouring the former government’s commitment to invest in a water research institute in the Goolwa.

“This institute is critical for the prosperity of the communities of the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth” Ms Sharkie said.

“The Murray Mouth contains vital wetlands of local, national and international scales and contains a productive and uniquely diverse estuarine fish community.

“It is also a critical habitat for numerous threatened species so this announcement couldn't come soon enough.“

Ms Sharkie said had been a champion for the creation of the institute.

“South Australians are all aware that the Murray Mouth is in poor health and that climate change is wreaking havoc on the region,‘’ she said.

“There is a strong community expectation that urgent action be taken to improve the situation.

“I have worked closely with the local community as well as the Goyder Institute to jointly come up with a vision to create a vibrant and prosperous Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region, using a unique model bringing together First Nations, the community, governments and researchers.”

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the investment was part of a plan to “future-proof Australia’s water resources”.

“Rivers die from the mouth up … restoring the Murray Mouth, Lower Lakes and Coorong is a critical investment in the health of the whole system,” she said.

The Coorong leading into the Murray Mouth at Goolwa. Picture: Simon Cross

“An important part of the Goyder Institute’s work will be to develop relationships with First Nations, communities and industries to harness ideas to improve management of this ecologically important area.”

The Coorong and Lower Lakes are Ramsar-listed wetlands and support rare and endangered plants and animals, waterbirds and fish species.

Minster Plibersek said the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region was not just important ecologically but was also a tourism drawcard and supported jobs and agriculture.

“Healthy rivers mean healthy river town economies … this is a down payment for the future of the Murray River.”

“The projects the Goyder Institute undertake in the next four years will consider all these complex interdependencies to make sure we can manage these precious resources in a way that best meets the needs of our rivers and wetlands, our communities and our industries.