Friday, 3 February 2023
On World Wetlands Day, we launched our campaign calling on Federal, State and Territory Governments to step up their protection of the Lake Eyre basin and its hundreds of wetlands – and the birds that rely on it to survive.
Sign the petition calling on Federal, State and Territory governments to step up their protection of the Lake Eyre Basin
Covering about one-sixth of Australia, the heart-shaped Lake Eyre basin is the world’s largest internally draining system: a basin so immense it crosses the borders of three states and one territory. The basin contains one of the few remaining pristine river systems in the world and also includes thousands of hectares of wetlands, some listed as internationally important under the Ramsar treaty.
Wet or dry, the Lake Eyre basin is nothing short of extraordinary – but the real magic happens when rains transform this ancient inland sea into an outback oasis.
As the desert explodes with life, waterbirds like stilts and pelicans descend in their thousands to breed – and their populations boom. The basin’s wetlands also support significant populations of threatened migratory shorebirds, like the Critically Endangered Curlew Sandpiper.
It’s one of our last remaining pristine river systems, but the Lake Eyre Basin is under threat.
Energy companies want to plunder the basin’s fossil fuel reserves – and already, hundreds of gas and oil wells have been drilled across this fragile basin, with more proposed. Our Governments need to step up to protect the very heart of Australia.
Please sign our petition calling on Federal, State and Territory governments to step up their protection of the Lake Eyre Basin. Help us protect the heart of Australia.
Wednesday 2 February is World Wetlands Day
This program focuses on the conservation of wetland and waterways and the birds they support.
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