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A Wetland Refuge in the Desert
Located within the Innamincka Regional Reserve, the Coongie Lakes wetlands support hundreds of thousands of birds and provide vital habitat in an otherwise arid environment. Around one quarter of Australia’s bird species have been recorded in the region, including threatened species such as the freckled duck, night parrot and grey falcon. The wetlands also sustain native mammals, reptiles, fish and frogs, particularly during dry periods when water becomes scarce across inland Australia. The region has deep cultural significance for the Yandruwandha people and Yawarrawarrka people. Coongie Lakes is also connected to the history of the Burke and Wills expedition, which ended in the region.
The Threat
Although Coongie Lakes had already been recognised internationally under the Ramsar Wetlands Convention, industrial pressures continued to grow throughout the region. Oil and gas exploration, petroleum production, pastoral activity and development upstream threatened the long-term health of the wetland system. Campaigners feared industrial expansion would damage one of Australia’s most ecologically important inland wetlands.
The Campaign
The Wilderness Society and the Conservation Council of South Australia led a long-running campaign to strengthen protection for the Coongie Lakes region. In 1995, the CSIRO identified the world heritage values of the lakes, reinforcing arguments for stronger conservation measures. Then in 2002, the Wilderness Society, the Conservation Council of South Australia and the Nature Conservation Society signed a memorandum with oil companies operating in the region. The agreement recognised existing petroleum leases while seeking to keep other areas permanently free from exploration and production.
Protection Achieved
On 11 July 2003, the South Australian Government announced major new protections for Coongie Lakes. The decision included the creation of a 27,900-hectare national park covering wetland areas where cattle grazing and petroleum activity were already excluded. It also expanded protected areas where petroleum exploration and production would be banned by legislation to approximately 87,740 hectares. The agreement marked a major conservation outcome after years of negotiations between conservation groups, government and industry.
Legacy
The Coongie Lakes campaign demonstrated how environmental organisations, scientists and community advocates could negotiate protections for internationally significant wetlands while confronting industrial development pressures. It also strengthened recognition of inland wetland systems as critical conservation landscapes in Australia. As Greg Ogle said following the 2003 agreement:
“This is a significant step in the protection of South Australian wilderness. There were complex negotiations firstly with the oil companies, and then with the government, but we can be proud that we have secured this significant result towards the full protection of Coongie Lakes.”