Corner Inlet Connections

We’re working to protect the world renowned Corner Inlet Ramsar wetland.

About the project

Corner Inlet Ramsar wetland is a recognised haven for migratory and resident shorebirds and made up of extensive seagrass meadows, and unique intertidal mudflats and forests of white mangrove (Avicennia marina) – the world’s most southerly distribution of this species. 

This project aims to reduce key threats and protect and enhance the values of Corner Inlet wetland that is protected under the Convention of Wetlands declared in Ramsar, Iran in 1971.

We will work with Traditional Owners, partners, landholders and community to:

• Protect mudflat and saltmarsh communities through controlling the high threat weed Spartina.
• Protect and enhance saltmarsh communities through stock exclusion fencing, weed control and weed monitoring.
• Manage threats to shorebirds, like the Hooded Plover, through controlling pests.

In the first of this five-year project, positive results were achieved including treating spartina, controlling foxes to protect shorebirds, improving water quality, and safeguarding 136 hectares of saltmarsh including a 25 hectare Trust for Nature covenant protecting the area forever. 

In total, weed control covered over the entire site of 67,000 hectares with 530 hectares of pest animal control and water monitoring will help measure results of the efforts across the broader catchment. 

BirdLife Australia teams undertook seasonal shorebird counts and monitored the breeding success and health of key species of beach nesting birds such as Hooded Plovers, Pied Oystercatchers and Crested, Caspian and Fairy terns. 

The $3 M project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by West Gippsland CMA, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.  

Project partners

• BirdLife Australia
• Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
• Parks Victoria
• Trust for Nature

Latest news

Towards zero extinctions: Protecting Eastern Hooded Plovers

We’re partnering to protect these vulnerable beach nesting birds that rely on West Gippsland’s coastline to survive. Eastern Hooded Plovers – affectionately known as “Hoodies” – are tiny shorebirds that nest along the Victorian coastline where the adults, their eggs and chicks are highly vulnerable to disturbance by humans, coastal weeds, rough weather, off-lead dogs and their number one predator -foxes.

About the project

Toward Zero Extinctions: Protecting the Eastern Hooded Plover is a four-year project aimed at saving this threatened species from extinction.

The project focuses on the the coastline between San Remo and Sandy Point in South Gippsland, that is home to the second largest population of Hoodies in Victoria.

It involves:

• protecting nests during breeding season
• controlling foxes and other introduced pests
• engaging the community about the plight of the plovers – and how they can help their survival.

The $1.5M project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by West Gippsland CMA, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

Project partners

• Birdlife Australia
• Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
• Bass Coast Landcare Network
• South Gippsland Landcare Network
• Parks Victoria

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