In early June, Tasmanian Irrigation co-hosted with NRM South the Partnerships to Protect Our Wetlands workshop at Devil’s Corner Cellar Door on Tasmania’s East Coast. With blue skies, a crisp breeze and the temperature sitting at 13 degrees, the setting was just as inspiring as the topic.

We welcomed 20 engaged attendees including local landholders, industry workers and conservation enthusiasts, all keen to learn more about the collaborative efforts underway to protect two of Tasmania’s most significant wetland sites: Moulting Lagoon and Apsley Marshes, as well as natural values more broadly.

The workshop featured presentations from speakers including NRM South, Landcare Tasmania, author and conservationist birder Ramit Singal, and members of Tasmania Irrigation’s environmental team. The day was built around showcasing how partnerships are delivering tangible, on-ground results.

Moulting Lagoon and Apsley Marshes, located near Swansea, are internationally recognised wetlands and vital ecosystems; a haven for birds, a nursery for fish, and home to unique saltmarsh and wetland vegetation. Although ecological recovery work has been ongoing for many years, since 2019, NRM South has been delivering a $5 million restoration program across these areas, funded by the Australian Government.

The workshop was an opportunity to share Tasmanian Irrigation’s role in environmental stewardship, including efforts to integrate sustainability across irrigation scheme development and operations. We discussed initiatives such as aquatic habitat and water quality monitoring, macroinvertebrate sampling, revegetation and restoration works around dams, carbon planning, and clean energy solutions like solar panels and mini-hydro. We also highlighted our ongoing commitment through the Farm Water Access Plan (Farm WAP) program.

A highlight of the day was a visit to the Devil’s Corner restoration site, where we saw first-hand the progress being made; from weed control and fencing to revegetation and hydrological restoration.

Workshops like this remind us that protecting Tasmania’s natural values is a shared responsibility. We’re proud to be part of it and look forward to continuing our partnerships to support healthy wetlands and sustainable farming for generations to come.