Why establish a wetland here? The valley of the River Murray in SA, which includes the Wellington East location, has been significantly changed since European settlement, particularly due to the separation of the river from its floodplain by levee banks from Mannum to Wellington, which were constructed from the mid 1800s. Only 6.2% of wetlands (a total of 650 hectares) are left on the floodplain between Mannum and Wellington (estimated area 10,500 hectares). Those areas that are left have been affected by changed water regime, willows, weeds, grazing, resulting in a poorer habitat for native species. Remnant wetlands in the Mannum to Wellington region have high conservation value and are considered to have national importance as a regional group, with a listing in the National Directory of Important Wetlands. The larger remnant wetlands are particularly important for waterbird nesting, breeding and feeding habitat, and smaller wetlands are of importance as habitat for small fish, frogs and macroinvertebrates. Constructing a wetland Creating a new habitat for local native species will require the land form to be changed from what is currently a flat area with drainage channels to a mix of topographies which then creates different habitats to suit a wider range of native species. Native plants typical of wetlands along the lower River Murray will be established through management of existing communities and replanting or re-seeding species not currently present. Roosts for birds will be constructed in watered areas to provide them with protection from predators. An especially important management change will be to allow water inflows to area to create a wetting and drying cycle that mimics the cycle that once existing along the River. The salinity of the water and soil will need to be maintained at levels that do not adversely affect the establishment of native plants and animals in the area. This can be achieved through managing water inflows and occasionally pumping water from the wetland into the Murray River. A walking trail, interpretive signs, and recreational facilities will be established to encourage recreation in the wetland while minimising the impact of the presence of humans on the local ecosystem.