A major project on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula has entered a new phase with the launch of a 10-year plan designed to bring back species that disappeared from the region and strengthen the landscape around them. The Marna Banggara project has already shown that locally extinct wildlife can return, with brush-tailed bettongs successfully reintroduced after disappearing from the region for more than a century. As per Landscape South Australia Northern and Yorke, the project now aims to go further by seeking investment and partnerships to support the return of bilbies, southern brown bandicoots, dunnarts and western quolls. Unlike many rewilding efforts that operate on islands or behind extensive fencing, Marna Banggara spans 140,000 hectares alongside farms, towns and tourism businesses. Its approach combines predator management with conservation and community involvement.
How 140,000 hectares are making room for Australia’s lost wildlife
The next phase of Marna Banggara builds on a rewilding model that has already been tested across Yorke Peninsula. Over seven years, the project returned brush-tailed bettongs, known as yalgiri to the local Narungga people, after the animals had been locally extinct for more than a century. The new 10-year plan proposes the reintroduction of more native species, including bilbies, southern brown bandicoots, dunnarts and western quolls.The project is led by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board and is seeking global investment to support this expansion. Its model is built around strategic coexistence rather than isolating wildlife from people. The project operates across 140,000 hectares where farms, towns, tourism businesses and conservation efforts coexist.
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Why predator control matters to Marna Banggara’s rewilding efforts
Predator management is central to the project because foxes and feral cats remain major threats to returning native animals. Marna Banggara works with landholders and National Parks and Wildlife SA to manage these predators and improve native species survival. Marna Bangarra Project Manager, Derek Sandow, said, “The goal is to reach the Goldilocks zone of predator management, not full eradication but enough to enable vulnerable native fauna to survive, but sustainable in the long-term.” Reduced pest pressure can also support farm productivity. The wider ambition is to restore ecological processes across the landscape by returning animals that once played important roles in nature today. This connects wildlife recovery with land management and sustainable agriculture.
How Narungga partnerships shape Marna Banggara’s future
The plan places cultural partnerships at the centre of Marna Banggara’s expansion. The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, with Narungga people, governments, landholders and conservation groups involved. Partners include Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation, the Department for Environment and Water, Zoos SA and WWF-Australia.Marna Banggara means ‘healthy, prosperous Country’ in the Narungga language, linking recovery with community wellbeing. Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation spokesperson Garry Goldsmith said, “This project is about stepping forward to the future together, but ultimately, it’s also about stepping back as well, bringing back those animals that supported us and our Country.” The partnership supports long-term restoration efforts together.
New prospectus links wildlife recovery with regional growth
The project aims to restore ecological balance while supporting regional industries, tourism and farming. Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Emily Bourke, said, “Marna Bangarra is not only restoring our environment but also supporting regional industries and positioning South Australia as a leader in world-class conservation.” Its longer-term vision is to rebuild ecosystems while communities and agriculture remain part of the landscape. The next phase will focus on expanding the proven approach, developing partnerships and creating conditions for more locally extinct native animals to return to Yorke Peninsula.