About the program
The Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program is working to improve the ecology, knowledge and management of the Coorong.
The Coorong is a wetland of local, national and international importance, and one of the most significant waterbird habitats in the Murray-Darling system. Despite this, the condition of the Coorong has suffered long-term decline, which was further exacerbated during the Millennium Drought. The long-term accumulation of salt and nutrients, combined with low annual water levels through late spring and summer, have meant that the region has not been able to recover to a healthy state.
Restoring a healthy Coorong is critical for the environment, First Nations, local communities, the South Australian tourism industry, the overall health of the Murray-Darling Basin and the success of the Basin Plan. In recognition of this, the Government of South Australia announced the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin (HCHB) program in December 2018, as a commitment to restoring a healthy Coorong.
Learn more about the work completed under the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program so far, from program establishment to key achievements.
Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin - Phase 2
In December 2024, the Australian and South Australian governments renewed their commitment to getting the Coorong and Lower Lakes back on track for a healthy future, announcing a $26.2 million investment in the next stage of the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program. The funding brings the total investment in the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin program to $77.8 million since it was launched in 2018.
Phase 2 components
Coorong Infrastructure Investigations Project will analyse and develop detailed designs and an implementation ready business case for feasible long-term infrastructure options to improve the health and ecological character of the Coorong South Lagoon.
Ecological Restoration Project will test the feasibility of several restoration actions, including localised on-ground activities and lab-based (mesocosm) trials, with the aim of accelerating the ecological recovery of the Coorong.
First Nations partnerships will continue to partner with Ngarrindjeri and First Nations of the South East to ensure the First Peoples and Nations of the Coorong have sufficient capacity to apply their cultural knowledge, values and interests in the development and implementation of Phase 2 initiatives.
Community partnerships will continue to partner with the communities, industry and key stakeholders to ensure the integration and exchange of scientific, local and cultural knowledge with the program, and ongoing community advocacy and involvement in the long-term management of the Coorong.
Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia.
