Council, together with the Milang community and the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, secured funding from the Australian Government’s Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Recovery Project for this exciting project in Milang.

The emphasis of this project is on achieving ecological and environmental outcomes in and around the wetland area, particularly the Snipe Sanctuary. It aims to continue the recovery of native habitat and feeding grounds for threatened migratory birds visiting this important Ramsar wetland, including the Latham's Snipe. It also provides informal education opportunities for locals and visitors, and promotes environmental interest and stewardship.

Latham’s Snipe, is a ‘rare’ wetlands bird listed under the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. This shy little bird, which weighs in at just 200 grams, flies some 8,000km from Russia and Japan to summer in parts of south-eastern Australia, including Milang, before starting the long return journey in March.

So to enhance the summer home of this curious bird, revegetation works led by the Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning group, resulted in Milang community groups planting 10,000 new plants around the wetland over the winter period.

Other works included the installation of pathways, interpretive signage, seating, viewing nodes, a new bird hide and a shelter. The site is culturally enhanced with the installation of a creative sculpture and upcoming mosaic murals.

For more information, please visit the Milang and Districts Community Association website www.madca.org.au/habitat