Major Investment Revives Wetlands and Strengthens Habitat for Threatened Wildlife

Australia is investing $17 million to restore more than 30 wetlands in 2026, improving habitats for migratory shorebirds and boosting biodiversity across fragile ecosystems.

“This program will restore and create vital shorebird habitat and improve wetland ecosystems needed for the Murray-Darling Basin,” said Lucy Hood, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water.

The initiative spans 25 projects across 35 wetland sites and more than 120 kilometres, including habitat restoration, invasive species control and water infrastructure upgrades. Work will expand protected areas such as Coorong National Park, enhance breeding grounds for species like fairy terns and hooded plovers, and improve water flows and native fish populations, with First Nations groups and local communities helping guide long-term ecosystem recovery.