The federal government will spend $70 million on restoring the long-term health of South Australia's Coorong wetlands, Environment Minister David Speirs says.
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The states will also take steps to deliver the 450 gigalitres of extra water flow promised to South Australia, under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
The agreements arose out of a meeting of the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council held between water ministers in Melbourne on Friday.
Mr Speirs said the measures are part of a detailed plan developed to support the health of the wetlands, and secure its future.
"By getting this action plan right, we'll help protect this incredibly important place, as well as improve the overall health of the entire Murray-Darling Basin system," he said.
"The finalised action plan will detail the management, research and infrastructure activities to be carried out to get the Coorong back on track for the future."
The federal government has also agreed to fund a study to investigate using Adelaide's desalination plant to achieve the 450 gigalitre target.
Last month, a report revealed the Coorong region has been so badly degraded it risks losing key elements which make it an internationally important wetland.
The report, prepared by the Goyder Institute, says the Coorong was substantially damaged during the millennium drought, and its condition has declined because of long-term water extractions.
Australian Associated Press
