Bushfire recovery support and resources now available for land managers affected by the Deep Creek and Nangkita fires.
Habitat restoration and pest bird control on Fleurieu Islands
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- Project status Current
Offshore islands along the Fleurieu Peninsula provide critical nesting and refuge habitat for seabirds, marine mammals and other coastal wildlife. They also hold deep cultural importance for Ngarrindjeri and Ramindjeri people.
These environments are increasingly under pressure from invasive weeds, pest birds and emerging threats such as bird flu (H5N1).
Work under this project focuses on restoring native vegetation and reducing pest plant and animal pressures to improve habitat quality and protect breeding sites. By strengthening the ecological health of these islands, the project supports wildlife resilience and helps ensure these important habitats continue to function as safe, productive refuges into the future.
Work is being undertaken in the below locations.
- Granite Island
- Wright Island
- Pullen Island
- Seal Island
- West Island
- Adjacent coastal areas around Victor Harbor, Port Elliot and Encounter Bay
How the work is being delivered
To support healthy island ecosystems and protect native seabirds, we are delivering a combination of habitat restoration and targeted pest management actions, including:
- Controlling invasive weeds that threaten native vegetation and nesting habitat
- Reducing populations of pest birds such as pigeons and starlings
- Revegetating cleared areas with locally native coastal plants, including ground covers and grasses
Contractor activity and timing
Residents are advised that authorised contractors will be undertaking targeted weed and pest bird control on these offshore islands and adjoining headlands in the Victor Harbor and Port Elliot area between March and June 2026.
This work will involve controlled shooting with activities carefully planned and conducted under strict safety and environmental protocols. Residents may observe contract shooters operating during the day and night throughout this time. There is no risk to public safety.
Why this work matters
Healthy, diverse habitat helps wildlife cope with future threats, including disease. Improving vegetation condition and reducing pest bird impacts lowers pressure on nesting colonies and helps maintain important breeding sites along the Fleurieu coast.
This project is being delivered in partnership with the Department of Environment and Water, local councils and Ngarrindjeri and Ramindjeri partners.
The project is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board.
