Major native vegetation project begins at two reservoir reserves

SA Water is restoring more than 320 hectares of previously cleared land at Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves with native vegetation, marking the first stage of the utility’s major carbon and biodiversity restoration program.

The Reservoirs for Nature program will re-establish grassy woodland ecosystems using around 140 native plant species, boosting habitat, biodiversity and carbon storage.

Initial early works began onsite in December last year, with fencing, ploughing and seeding commencing in March. This will be followed with first plantings in winter this year at Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Environment and Energy James Crocker said Reservoirs for Nature reflects the organisation's leadership in resilience and ecological leadership.

“Reservoirs for Nature is a bold and long-term investment in the health of our landscapes, our climate and our communities,” James said.

“We’re creating biodiverse, functioning ecosystems that bring people and nature back together while also sequestering carbon to offset our emissions.”

Stage 1 is expected to generate around 67,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) over 25 years, supporting SA Water’s efforts to offset residual emissions from major infrastructure such as the Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant. Over the full program, more than 330,000 ACCUs are expected to be generated.

While some work will be visible from recreation areas at Myponga Reservoir Reserve, all public access areas and trails will remain open.

To support the success of young plants, particularly vulnerable understory species critical for ecosystem function, temporary fencing and tree guards will be installed to protect vegetation from grazing pressure.

Plant species selected for the restoration work are tailored to the ecology of each site, with more than 140 plant species to be re-introduced back into the landscape, including more than 40 species with state or national conservation significance.

SA Water has also established dedicated Seed Production Areas, including at Myponga Reservoir Reserve, to ensure a sustainable supply of native seed for large-scale restoration.

James said the program also aligns ecological aims with community expectations around fire safety
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“Re-establishing native vegetation helps restore healthy ecosystems and supports sustainable land management of our reservoir catchment areas,” James said.

“We’ve worked closely with fire and emergency authorities to integrate bushfire risk mitigation into our planting approach while delivering strong biodiversity outcomes.

“We understand that bushfire safety and sustainable land management practises are front of mind for many in our community, and this project prioritises that goal.”

Reservoirs for Nature will also strengthen cultural and community connection to local environments, and opportunities will be created for Traditional Owner and Aboriginal partnerships, volunteering, and environmental education.

“We are engaging early and respectfully with Traditional Owners including Kaurna Yerta, Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporations to ensure they have an opportunity to be actively involved from planning through to delivery,” James said.

“We've learnt that Aboriginal knowledge and practices in caring for Country stems from thousands of years of observational expertise and existing within ecosystems.”

Stage 1 of Reservoirs for Nature represents a $6.4 million investment, with long-term planning under way for additional reservoir sites.