An inspiring local project is using science-based restoration to rebuild critical shorebird habitat and guide conservation into the future.
There have been major declines to populations of shorebirds across Australia due to predation from introduced species, loss of habitat and human activities. Breeding colonies are becoming rarer, and many traditional nesting sites have been abandoned.
“This collaborative project in the Ramsar listed Gippsland Lakes is enhancing critical habitats and nesting areas for Little Terns, Australian Fairy Terns, Eastern Hooded Plovers, and Eastern Curlews through targeted sand renourishment efforts,” said Bec Hemming, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) CEO.
Sand dredged by Gippsland Ports has been used to create critical breeding and feeding habitats across several locations in the Gippsland Lakes, restoring a further four hectares of vital habitat.
The project includes the monitoring of key ecological health indicators of the Gippsland Lakes with the installation of water quality gauges as well as conducting surveys of migratory birds, frogs, saltmarsh, and seagrass. The data collected will inform management actions for the Gippsland Lakes throughout this project and into the future.
“Bird surveys conducted by BirdLife are an important part of this project, and with over 20 years of data already captured, these efforts are continuing. Confirmed sightings of terns already using the renourished area is a very encouraging early sign of the project’s success,” added Bec.
In addition to sand renourishment and surveys, this project is protecting fringing wetlands and saltmarsh habitats surrounding the Gippsland Lakes by installing fencing to restrict animal and human access.
Find out more about this inspiring restoration project at the Welcome Back the Birds community event on Friday 10 October 2025 from 11am to 7pm at Eagle Point Foreshore and Hub. Members from BirdLife will be at the event as well as Gippsland Ports.
For event details, visit East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s website. This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
