On-grounds works in full swing at Tolderol Game Reserve

Located on the shores of Lake Alexandrina, Tolderol Game Reserve is a large, artificially constructed wetland complex comprising a series of open and shallow basins across nearly 200 ha. The reserve is a beloved site for bird watchers and travellers alike.

In January, construction works started at Tolderol Game Reserve as part of the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin On-Ground Works project, with works at the site involving the installation of new infrastructure to improve water management and restore wetland habitat across the site.

Manager, Program Delivery with the Department for Environment and Water Sarah Murphy, said works on the $7.6 million wetland restoration project were progressing well.

“Construction is continuing well, with bulk earthworks in the eastern and central portion of the site now complete,” Ms Murphy said.

“Earthworks on the western side of the complex are nearing completion, with the installation of new pipes and headwalls and upgrades to the site’s pump station well underway.” she said.

“Vegetation management and basin levelling is also continuing across the site.”

Construction services for the project are being delivered by Leed Engineering and Construction, including:

• upgrades and construction of new water distribution channels to enable watering of an additional three basins
• installation of new pipes and isolation gates for improved water management in individual basins
• levelling and ploughing of basins to improve habitat value
• upgrading existing pump infrastructure
• upgrading embankments between basins to improve water management and improve vehicle access around the site.

Construction works at Tolderol are scheduled for completion by July 2025, weather and condition dependent. All areas of the game reserve remain closed to the public while construction is underway.

For more information on the project, check-out the Tolderol Game Reserve factsheet or visit environment.sa.gov.au/healthy-coorong-ogw to learn more about how Tolderol and other wetland sites, like Teringie Wetlands (complete) and Lake Hawdon North (under construction), are being restored to provide regional bird refugia.

The Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia.