A New Future for Mundoo Island and the Coorong
At The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, we are proud to have partnered with the Australian Government and the South Australian Government to support the acquisition of Mundoo Island Station, a 1,900-hectare property at the Murray Mouth that will now be incorporated into Coorong National Park.
This outcome significantly strengthens one of Australia’s most important wetland landscapes by bringing Mundoo Island, together with Ewe Island, Long Island and surrounding smaller islands, into the National Park estate, and incorporating Lawari Conservation Park into Coorong National Park. The acquisition enhances environmental protection across a landscape of profound ecological and cultural value.
We are honoured to have contributed to this outcome alongside our partners, including the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, local communities and environmental agencies. This collaborative approach reflects a shared commitment to caring for Country, restoring natural systems and protecting vital habitat.
What Makes Mundoo Island So Significant?
Mundoo Island sits within the Ramsar-listed Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Wetland, an internationally recognised ecosystem that supports migratory shorebirds, threatened wetland species and unique estuarine habitats. Transitioning the island from pastoral land to National Park management creates an opportunity for the landscape to recover, regenerate and return to a healthier ecological state, supporting species that depend on this fragile environment.
The acquisition strengthens environmental resilience across the Murray Mouth and Coorong, reconnecting habitat, supporting water quality and improving biodiversity outcomes over the long term.
What National Park Protection Means for the Landscape
With Mundoo Island now transitioning into Coorong National Park, the focus moves from agricultural use to long-term ecological restoration and land stewardship. National Park status ensures wetlands, saltmarshes and native vegetation can regenerate under science-informed management, and that Aboriginal heritage and cultural sites are formally recognised and protected.
The Minister for Climate, Environment and Wate, Lucy Hood emphasised the significance of this transition, stating:
“More habitat will be provided, and protected, for key fish and bird species that attract visitors with spectacular displays. By transforming this site, we have moved to improve environmental resilience, reduce nutrient input and boost water quality.”
A new management plan will bring together conservation priorities, cultural values and community partnership to guide the future of the site.
A Place of Deep Cultural Connection
Mundoo Island holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Ngarrindjeri people, whose connection to this landscape extends across thousands of years. The acquisition strengthens First Nations leadership in land stewardship and protects cultural places, stories and knowledge embedded in Country.
“Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation look forward to working in co-partnership relationship with the State Government around the care and protection of Mundoo Island into the future,” said Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation Executive Officer Bill Wilson.
We are committed to supporting an outcome that places cultural care and ecological protection side-by-side.
Benefits for Land, Wildlife and Community
The protection of Mundoo Island will deliver lasting benefits for both nature and people. Restoring wetland ecosystems will improve landscape health and strengthen ecological connections across the region. For wildlife, particularly threatened and migratory shorebirds such as the curlew sandpiper, banded stilt and red-capped plover, the recovery of feeding and nesting habitat is critical to supporting declining populations.
This acquisition also contributes to national conservation priorities, including progress toward protecting 30 per cent of Australia’s land by 2030.
FNPW CEO Ian Darbyshire reflected on the significance of the partnership, stating:
“The acquisition of Mundoo Island Station marks a significant milestone in the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife’s commitment to safeguarding Australia’s unique natural environment and protecting First Nations cultural heritage.”
“We are proud to partner with the Australian and state governments to support the conservation of up to 65 nationally listed threatened species and three threatened ecological communities, helping to set a global benchmark for conservation excellence.”
Working Together for the Future of this Landscape
The acquisition of Mundoo Island demonstrates what is possible when governments, Traditional Owners, communities and conservation partners work together to protect landscapes of irreplaceable environmental and cultural value.
At FNPW, we are delighted to have played a role in this historic outcome and remains committed to supporting projects that restore ecosystems, protect threatened species and honour the deep relationship between people, culture and the natural world.
