The once-drained Wirey Swamp is being brought back to life with Australian Bluegum Plantations partnering with Nature Glenelg Trust (NGT) and softwood plantation company OneFortyOne (OFO) to restore the 180-acre parcel of former grazing land into habitat for threatened wetland species.
Located beside ABP’s bluegum plantations at Strathdownie, just east of the South Australian border, Wirey Swamp was historically drained for agriculture, drying out its rich peat soils and degrading conditions for native species. Through careful water management and ecological restoration, the project is returning the site into a thriving wetland ecosystem that supports threatened species including the Brolga, Australasian Bittern, Growling Grass Frog, and Little Galaxias fish.
The swamp sits near Kaladbro Bushland Reserve — a key annual gathering area for the local Brolga population — making its restoration critical to improving breeding opportunities and long-term survival of the species.
ABP, alongside OFO and community investors, have contributed funding to help purchase and rehabilitate the site, including reinstating natural water levels to revive habitat and enhance biodiversity.
ABP CEO Russ Hughes said the partnership builds on a decade-long collaboration with NGT that has delivered important environmental outcomes across the Green Triangle.
“We are proud to partner with NGT, who have led many significant conservation projects restoring native species and ecosystems. Wirey Swamp represents another opportunity to build on this legacy — working with our community to restore, monitor, and manage the site for future generations,” Mr Hughes said.
The Wirey Swamp project is focused on:
- Restoring natural water flows to revive wetland ecosystems.
- Creating nesting and breeding habitat for threatened species, including the Brolga.
- Protecting water quality and surrounding vegetation to support both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
- Partnering with NGT, OFO, Traditional Owners, and local communities to ensure long-term ecological outcomes.
Wirey Swamp is part of ABP’s broader conservation strategy, which integrates sustainable plantation management with active biodiversity protection. Through partnerships and shared stewardship, ABP is ensuring that its operations not only produce sustainable wood fibre but also help regenerate key landscapes.
