Quarterly Report

3rd Quarter 2017-18

For the period 1 January to 31 March 2018

April 2018 Eyre Peninsula – South Australia

Progress Report – 3rd Quarter 2017-18 This report combines two key reports that are completed by Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula on a quarterly basis:

Service Level Agreement – Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board Each year the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board enters into a Service Level Agreement with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) for the delivery of the Board’s programs plus services provided by business support and the regional management team.

Details of the Board’s programs can be found in the Board’s Business Plan (2017-2020).

Corporate Plan – Department for Environment and Water DEW’s key roles are to help conserve ecosystems, protect native vegetation, manage fire, look after animals and provide environmental water for a healthy environment. DEW also manages South Australia’s iconic sites, parks and places so that people can enjoy and connect with nature.

Details of how this is achieved is outlined in DEW’s Corporate Plan (2016-2019).

This report provides a quarterly update of each program, including:

 Program highlights this period  Local government engagement for this period  Upcoming priorities for the next period

Each milestone is assigned a status, based on its current progress.

On track to deliver On track to deliver Unlikely to meet most milestones. all milestones. milestones. May be some delays.

Further details of each of these programs can be found on the Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula website or by contacting:

 Peter Wilkins (District Manager – Southern) for projects in the Port Lincoln City Council and District Councils of Tumby Bay and Lower Eyre Peninsula areas on 08 8688 3111.  Mark Anderson (District Manager – Western) for projects in the District Councils of Ceduna, Elliston, Streaky Bay, Wudinna and far west coast areas on 08 8626 1108.  Tim Breuer (District Manager – Eastern) for projects in the City Council of Whyalla and District Councils of Kimba, Franklin Harbor and Cleve areas on 0488 000 481.

For other all other projects and programs please contact the Port Lincoln Natural Resources Centre on 08 8688 3111.

Service Level Agreement – Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board

Land, Water & Wildlife This program encompasses management of landscapes, water, native plants and animals, pest plants and animals and coastal and marine environments. Large landscape scale projects such as WildEyre work across land tenures and land systems. Actions in coastal areas are guided by the Boards’ Coastal Action Plan and focus on reducing the impact of human activities on species and the integrity of coastal habitats.

Work to reduce the impact of pest plants and animals is prioritised based on species-specific management plans and the water allocation plan will provide a framework for the management of essential water resources. Water Milestones Status Water Allocation Plan (WAP) implemented (Levy) Water Affecting Activity (WAA) permits and refusals issued (Levy) Breaches of NRM Act investigated - WAA (Levy) Inquiries relating to WAA responded to in a timely manner (Levy)

Program highlights this period  85 water tests conducted from the Port Lincoln office.  21 WAA permits and refusals issued  37 inquiries regarding WAA responded to  2 breaches of NRM act (relating to WAA) investigated  Iron Road Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) reviewed and recommendations made.  Progress on development of the Tod Reservoir Operations and Maintenance Plan for Managing Water Quality with SA Water. Local government engagement for this period Council Engagement Cleve Two site visits and phone discussions providing advice on water affecting activities

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Continue to process Water Affecting Activity permits and compliance issues.  Continue to field Water Resources and Water Affecting Activity enquiries, including site visits when required.  Continue to undertake water quality testing and providing advice.  Engage with Councils in preparation for works planned during 2018-19 spring and summer.  Drilling of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem monitoring wells.  Continue working with SA Water on the Tod River Operations and Maintenance Plan for Managing Water Quality.

Landscapes Milestones Status Facilitate activities to protect, restore or improve priority terrestrial ecosystems (Levy) Conserving and protecting species and ecosystems (NLP) Improve community skills, knowledge and engagement in natural resource management (NLP) Improve the condition and increase landholder knowledge of sustainable grazing and threat management of Sheoak Grassy Woodlands (WildEyre)

Program highlights this period  Bounceback Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby program included aerial distribution of 18,000 dried meat baits over Gawler Ranges National Park, Pinkawillinie Conservation Park and Hiltaba SA Nature Foundation Reserve.  Genetic sampling of Greater Bilby and Woylie Eyre Peninsula populations completed.  Completion of Malleefowl surveys across Eyre Peninsula, including a drone trial to assess capability of using new technology to locate new and active nest sites.  Annual electric fence protection for known Fairy Tern sites erected. Monitoring shows low recruitment numbers for the 2017-2018 breeding season.  Seed was collected and propagation commenced in preparation for plant out as part of the Local community and School Students work together to help save Acacia whibleyana at Tumby Bay project (Fig 1).  A second round of Landcare for Rural Women workshops commenced. The 10 week program will see rural women learn a wide range of natural resource management skills including threatened species, pest animal and plant control, water resources, bird identification and much more.  NREP staff are working through the process of planning a prescribed burn on private land this autumn. The main purpose of the burn is for pest plant control as Boneseed and Aleppo pines are widespread Figure 1: Tumby Bay Area School students assisting with the propagation of throughout the proposed site. Acacia whibleyana seedlings Local government engagement for this period Council Engagement Streaky Bay Advice provided on a number of native vegetation applications Cleve Assisting with signage in Carapee Hill and Yeldulknie Weir

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Monitoring the progress of the Annual NRM Grants landscape projects and work with successful applicants to ensure projects are on track.  Continue delivery of the Local Community and School Students work together to help save Acacia whibleyana at Tumby Bay project.  Population genetic health analysis of Greater Bilby and Woylie samples  Annual site visits for Sustainable Sheoak grazing project to be completed  Undertake prescribed burn on private land

Coast & marine Milestones Status Facilitate activities to protect, restore or improve priority coast and marine ecosystems (Levy and NLP)

Program highlights this period  NREP staff and volunteers completed shorebird surveys at three sites in the eastern district and 13 sites in the western district. Eastern Curlews and numerous pairs of breeding white faced herons were a highlight.  NREP staff with assistance from Birdlife Australia ran banding, flagging and site monitoring with volunteers on southern Eyre Peninsula (Fig 2).  A Dog’s Supper event in conjunction with BirdLife Australia was held at Long Beach, Coffin Bay.  Staff have been working with the Bedford Industries team on a coastal revegetation project. Participants have enjoyed seeing their hard work propagating native plants last year pay off, with over 500 seedlings grown for a community project in Port Figure 2: Volunteers assist with shorebird banding Lincoln.  The EPNRM Board-supported Work for the Dole team continued work on the Coles Point to Greenly Protection project which will see over 1.5 kilometres of coastal protection works completed  Two signs were installed at Greenly and Coles South turnoffs focussing on raising awareness of the threatened Hooded Plover.  NREP hosted a stall at the Tumby Bay Markets to educate the community about local marine life, effects of marine debris, threatened shorebirds and connecting with nature through a cubby building competition.  Over 80 people participated in beach detectives and sand sculpture activities at the Whyalla Marine Discovery Day as part of the Immerse Yourself in a Marine Park campaign.

Local government engagement for this period Council Engagement Series of meetings regarding management of dolphins at Whyalla Marina. This included a joint Whyalla visit to the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and a meeting with Dr Mike Bosley.

Upcoming priorities for the next period  A tree planting day at Greenly is planned and promises to attract a large number of local volunteers to assist improve the condition of this high priority stretch of coastline.  A new EPNRM Board-supported Work for the Dole team will commence next period. The team will continue to complete coastal works along the Greenly to Coles Point south area, as well as works at a range of other sites across the lower Eyre Peninsula.  Monitoring the progress of the Annual NRM Grants coastal projects and work with successful applicants to ensure projects are on track.  Plan African Boxthorn control in Franklin Harbour Conservation Park as part of a long-term boxthorn control project in this area.

Pest plants & animals Milestones Status Develop management plans for priority pest plants and animals (Levy and NLP) Monitor and facilitate management of priority pest plants and animals (Levy, NLP and External)

Program highlights this period  Feral cat management plan has been completed and ready for public consultation. The remaining seven plans require final editing prior to public consultation.  There have been significant sightings of foxes and feral cats across EP during this period.  Fox bait distribution days have been held across EP with over 10,000 baits distributed.  Pests Costs Us All workshop held in Cleve for feral cat, fox and boxthorn management.  Feral cat tissue samples contributed to national wide genomic project aiming to study feral cat population structure and interbreeding with domestic cats.  NREP staff have been assisting landholders on lower EP with rabbit control through education, demonstrations of the best use for pindone bait, loan of a bait laying trailer and demonstrations of rabbit warren fumigation using phostoxin.  Gazania surveys have been completed for upcoming targeted Gazania control projects in partnership with local government in the western district.  Survey and control of Silver Leaf Nightshade at all known roadside sites. Landholders with plants on their property have been contacted and control methods discussed.  Buffel Grass, African Lovegrass, Fountain Grass, Feather Top Grass, Innocent Weed and Rhodes Grass surveys and control have been completed at a number of sites and along roadsides across Eyre Peninsula. Surveys in Kimba, Cleve, Franklin Harbour and Whyalla Council areas resulted in over 12,600 plants removed.  African Boxthorn and Rhamnus control completed at targeted sites at Lock, Sheringa, Colton and Elliston.  Caltrop sites surveyed and controlled across lower EP.

Figure 3: Priority pest plant control from January to March 2018

Local government engagement for this period Council Engagement Tumby Bay Works managers approached to undertake Gazania mapping and control program in Lower Eyre conjunction with NREP Elliston Discussions regarding Bramfield Parklands weed control plan Discussions regarding pest plant management across Whyalla including Hummock Hill and Mt Whyalla Laura Conservation Reserve.

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Continue to provide fox baits to landholders.  African Boxthorn control in the Franklin Harbour Conservation Park and Arno Bay.  Continue surveying and controlling prickly pear infestations in the Cleve and Franklin Harbour District Council areas.  Installation of Felixer V3, expanding current field trials targeting feral cats and foxes in paddock and scrub environments.

Industry and Regional Collaboration The Board has an extensive history of working in collaboration with regional partners and this has been a key success factor in achieving resource management outcomes for the region. The Eyre Peninsula Integrated Climate Change Agreement and the recently completed Coastal Vehicle Access Strategy Framework, are examples of this work, which were both delivered in partnership with the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association and Regional Development Australia – Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula.

Our seafood, agriculture and tourism sectors rely on healthy and functioning ecosystems to be sustainable, especially in changing climatic conditions and ever increasing demands for increased food and fibre production and visitation to the region.

Improved practices that incorporate new technologies to protect and enhance natural resources whilst improving profitability and risk management strategies will contribute to the long term viability of EP.

Sustainable farming Milestones Status Managing support for the region's Sustainable Agricultural program - through Senior NRM Officers (Levy) Delivering the region’s sustainable agriculture program in collaboration with Regional Landcare Facilitators (NLP)

Program highlights this period  Senior NRMOs continue to support the region’s Sustainable Agriculture program through the provision of advice, assessment of risk and the facilitation and collation of information relative to the seasonal conditions, biosecurity, soils and salinity issues.  NREP staff have continued to engage with the fishing and aquaculture sectors on the development of NLP2 projects and in identifying additional opportunities for collaboration.  NREP staff were engaged with farming systems groups to develop the NLP Regenerative

Agriculture Project for the NLP2 Regional Land Figure 4: What Lies Beneath workshops have been very popular Partnerships tender.  The Cummins and Cleve Understanding Cereal Production groups had their fifth and final workshop. The focus was on resilience in farming. Both groups wish to continue and strengthen their groups.  Eight March farmer update meetings were held across upper Eyre Peninsula where farmers highlighted a long list of emerging issues.  Driver River Managing Soil Health Limitations in Dry Times field trials sites have been selected. Five agriculture groups will be involved.  Charra and Goode Agriculture Bureaus had a very successful Interpreting soil tests and soil pits day.  LEADA facilitated two Men’s Watch Programs at Cummins and Wudinna.  Sheep pregnancy scanning workshops help in partnership with EPARF and SheepConnect SA has already had several positive outcomes.  What Lies Beneath the Surface workshops were held at three locations across Eyre Peninsula (Fig 4). The Board’s Funding for Dry Times was used to bring three interstate speakers to the workshops. Sixty nine people attended and tweets from the workshops created extensive impressions, engagement and media engagement. 9

Regional partnerships Milestones Status Support EPICCA and implement CC Adaptation projects (Levy)

Program highlights this period  The EPICCA steering group meets annually, with the last meeting held in October 2017. At the meeting the group reviewed the achievements for the year and reviewed progress on the implementation plan. The group also discussed the existing service level agreement, which is due to conclude next year and decided to hold a planning session in 2018 to discuss future options.  Funding for the LiDAR project was secured during this period, with the successful tenderer contracted. Work has commenced on capturing the data around the whole Eyre Peninsula coastline.

Upcoming priorities for the next period  The EPICCA Working group meets on a quarterly basis, with the next meeting scheduled for 11 April 2018.  EPICCA host an annual Climate Change forum annually. This year’s event In the Zone will be held on 24 April 2018 in line with the SALT festival, and will have an emissions and energy theme.  LiDAR capture is due to be completed in April, with final data delivered by 30 June 2018. Once the data is available work will need to commence on sourcing funding for the development of a sea-level rise model for the region, and then a planned roll out of the tool to key sectors will need to occur. This work is planned for next financial year.

Community Engagement The Board has an extensive range of stakeholders. This program aims to communicate effectively, build community, Board and staff knowledge of NRM through knowledge and information exchange, and support volunteer groups to achieve their objectives. The Board uses a range of strategies to support participation of Aboriginal people in natural resources management projects.

This program includes a burgeoning citizen science program, which has potential for application across delivery programs and projects, particularly in the Land, Water and Wildlife Program. In this way, community members become involved in measuring resource condition and actively contributing to management. Communications & engagement Milestones Status Effective community engagement, communications, coordination of volunteer management, citizen science and education programs (Levy) Managing effective community engagement in natural resources management through Senior NRM Officers (Levy)

Program highlights this period  Field trips to Mt Laura Conservation Reserve for UniSA Aboriginal Participation Pathways program students studying Land Management in Whyalla  Marine food web education sessions with Streaky Bay Area School.  Sea-Coast Discovery Stall (5000 engagements) featuring free children’s art and science activities and Coast Creations Workshops (120 engagements) at Whyalla’s Unearth Festival  Six new schools (Cowell, Cleve, Kimba and 3 Whyalla schools) were given incentive grants of $1000 to partner with NREP and develop a Site Environment Management Plan (SEMP) through the Sustainable Schools Program.  Citizen Science EP Pix Stix posts were installed at the Cowleds Landing Sanctuary Zone to monitor recruitment of mangroves and due to sea level rise and subsequent coastal squeeze affecting threatened shrubby samphire communities (Fig 5).  NREP has partnered with Adelaide University to become a Children’s University Australia registered learning destination, enabling NRM education activities to be counted towards children’s learning passports.  Media campaign encouraging landholders to collect free fox baits at over 45 distribution day locations across Eyre Peninsula.  Promotion of the Landcare for Rural Women course at Wanilla. Figure 5: The first Pix Stix were installed at Cowleds Landing

Local government engagement for this period Council Engagement Cleve Presentation on NREP activities in the Eastern District. Included Q&A session with district staff. Kimba Presentation on NREP activities in the Eastern District. Included Q&A session with district staff. Whyalla Presentation on NREP activities in the Eastern District. Included Q&A session Joint field trip to Whyalla’s Northern Coastline including EPNRM Board members and Whyalla Whyalla Council Senior Staff. Visit featured joint funded projects between the Board and Council

including the cuttlefish shelter and toilet block site, heritage-listed shingle ridges, Whyalla lighthouse and lighthouse cottages. Franklin Harbour Discussion regarding camping and vehicle access in the Franklin Harbour Conservation Park. Discussion regarding upcoming works on the joint-funded Northern Coastline Masterplan for Whyalla 2018-19. Lower Eyre Communications regarding Lincoln National Park - Park of the Month events (February). Port Lincoln A Dog’s Supper event with BirdLife Australia held at Long Beach, Coffin Bay, in consultation with Lower Eyre DCLEP staff NREP staff liaison with local government on flora and fauna interpretative signage at the Port Lincoln Heritage Trail, Port Lincoln

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Science of Saltmarsh workshop series with Streaky Bay Area School  Ongoing development of SEMPS through the Sustainable Schools Program.  Marine Discovery Display Whyalla Library, 18 June – 8 July  NREP presentations and events as part of SALT Festival in April 2018 o Sharks in the Brewery o Land Sea You Me o In the Zone  Prescribed burning autumn 2018 program

Aboriginal engagement Milestones Status Undertake strategies to support Aboriginal employment and development of projects with Aboriginal communities (Levy) Aboriginal capacity building for natural resource management (NLP)

Program highlights this period  Aboriginal NRM Officers undertook the following pest plant control activities: o Buffel grass and African Lovegrass control across EP o Fire break management controlling regrowth at Bascombe Well Conservation Park o Fountain grass control from Lipson to Ungarra  Watering of tubestock that were planted as part of the Moonlight Bay Revegetation project  Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting in March at Whyalla  Development of a seasonal calendar with the Far West Woman’s Council has been funded in a joint project between EPNRM and AWNRM. Joint funding will see five on country visits throughout the development of the calendar.  Sandalwood survey of Googs Track to assess seed stock and flowering for seed harvest later in the year as part of the Homeland revegetation projects.  Discussions with South Australian Health and Medical Research, Aboriginal Health group in Adelaide about improving Aboriginal health through involvement with natural resource Management. An MOU has been developed to help achieve these outcomes.

Figure 6: Planning for the development of a seasonal calendar with the Far West Woman’s Council

Council Engagement

Aboriginal Advisory Committee members met with Whyalla Council members at the March Whyalla EPNRM Board meeting.

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Short-list Aboriginal Ranger program expressions of interest and investigate funding sources.  Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting in Kimba.  Buffel grass and African Lovegrass control across EP.

Leadership & Accountability The Board is the primary entity in the region with responsibilities for management of natural resources. It has a range of statutory requirements with respect to planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The Board is guided by the principles of good governance to ensure it operates with integrity, openness, accountability, consideration of risks, efficiency and considers the views and aspirations of its community.

A proportion of project funds are invested in monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The Board is committed to refining its monitoring and evaluation strategy and reviewing targets to ensure they are measurable and relevant to desired outcomes. The Board is increasingly involving community groups and individuals in development of strategic plans and undertaking surveys to collect monitoring data information under the guidance of field staff.

Planning & strategy Milestones Status Finalisation of regional NRM Plan, Policies and MERI. Annual review of Business Plan, and other

strategic planning tools (Levy)

Program highlights this period  With the endorsement of the regional NRM Plan (and business plan component) earlier in the year, under the Act the Board is not required to review its business plan for up to a three year period. The next review will be required in 2019-20.  The Board reviewed and updated its Communication and Engagement policy and plan in August 2017.  The Board approved it Local Government Strategy in August 2017.  A Draft Citizen Science Strategy was approved for consultation by the Board in December 2017.  The Board approved the Aboriginal Partnership Engagement Strategy in December 2017.  Work has commenced of the drafting of an Education strategy for the region.

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Councils will be advised of their quota shares in April, along with the estimated levy rates for each category.  Gazettal notices will need to be finalised in the fourth quarter, to ensure approvals are in place ready for Councils to issue rate notices.  Work will commence on the development of the monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement plan for the regional NRM plan in April, which is due to be completed by 30 June.  Consultation on the Draft Citizen Science Strategy will also commence in April 2018.

Board administration & operational management Milestones Status EPNRM Board and Committees supported, Budget finalised and loaded by 30th Sept, EPNRMB financial reports provided as per SLA (Levy) WHS incidents managed to reduce risk and injuries managed effectively, HR policies implemented (Levy) Contracts and landholder agreements administered (Levy) NRM Compliance activities undertaken - not WAA (Levy)

Program highlights this period  Native Vegetation investigations resulted in the expiation to landholder for clearance in a roadside corridor.  Two further roadside clearances in Eastern EP.  Local authorised officers detecting and seizing declared plants for sale.  Investigating uncontained stock roaming on roadsides and neighbouring properties in Coorabie area with support from other agencies (SAPOL, PIRSA and RSPCA).  Investigation of illegal poisoning of kangaroos on properties in central EP.  Report of deer being kept illegally in eastern EP.

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Finalise investigation at Coorabie.  Pest plant control in eastern EP.  Deer and goat control across EP.

Monitoring & evaluation Milestones Status Support M & E throughout the region and implement strategies (Levy and External)

Program highlights this period  Submission of National Landcare Program 2 (NLP2) funding application through the Smart Farming and Regional Land Partnerships programs  Quarterly pest plant management data has been evaluated.  Preparation for National Landcare Program (NLP) Stage 7 reporting.  Submission of NLP Stage 6 reporting.  Review of NLP activities to date.

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Submission of NLP Stage 7 reporting.  Review of the Eyre Peninsula Biodiversity Monitoring Program.  Review of the MERI Plan supporting the WAP  Undertake evaluations for the Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental programs.

Corporate Plan – Department for Environment and Water

Sustaining the natural resources of our state Our strong and healthy natural resource base supports diverse and resilient systems, a thriving economy and vibrant communities. Manage native species and natural systems to sustain biodiversity for future generations Milestones Status Regional Roadside Vegetation Management Plan signed off by Native Vegetation Council Contribute to developing the Statewide Kangaroo Management Program

Program highlights this period  Updated draft EP Roadside Vegetation Management Plan (EPRVMP) following consultation with key stakeholders on the earlier draft.  Steering committee met to discuss draft of EPRVMP and further refinement of the plan to be completed before forwarding to Native Vegetation Council.  NREP contracted Greening Australia to develop and deliver training workshops to Local Government works team employees and contractors involved in roadside vegetation management and NREP staff on identification of threatened species and threatened plant communities.  Workshop has been delivered to four councils, with negotiations for delivery taking place with the other councils.  Presentation to the Board – on Kangaroo management, the current status of the commercial kangaroo industry in SA, the permit system and potential options for landowners to utilise the commercial industry to manage impacts of overabundant kangaroos.

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Finalisation of the draft EPRVMP plan for consideration by Native Vegetation Council.  Delivery of threatened species workshops to remainder of councils and NREP staff.  Communication of finalised plan to community.

Work with our partners to manage the impact of natural hazards, specifically bushfire and flood, on our land, biodiversity, economy and communities Milestones Status Complete 100% of the Regional Fire Mitigation Program to ensure high priority areas are identified and hazards are reduced

Program highlights this period  Has been a quiet fire season to date, with only four minor fires requiring a response. The largest was 1700 ha, with the remainder less than 50 ha.  Preparation works for autumn prescribed burns program completed.  Vacant Fire Management Officer position has been filled.

 Commenced planning and discussions with stakeholders including local councils, EP Bushfire Management Committee, SAPOL and CFS for the ‘Burning on Private Lands Project’.

Local government engagement for this period Council Engagement Tumby Bay Discussed Burning on Private Lands project with Works Manager and other Council staff.

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Complete the autumn prescribed burns program  Complete prescribed burns assessments for future burns.

Connecting people to nature, parks and places People value South Australia’s natural environment and cultural assets and enjoy the health and social benefits of parks. Sustainable, nature-based tourism is flourishing, creating jobs and improving the economy.

Manage our parks, gardens and places to be world class and offer nature based and cultural experiences Milestones Status White shark cage diving licence holders are operating fully within the conditions of their licence and staff and passengers have a greater awareness of Marine Parks, the marine environment and white sharks Complete at least 600 land, air and boat patrols of Marine Park Sanctuary Zones

Program highlights this period  White shark cage diving operators are now including explanations of the Marine Parks as part of their introductory talks to all passengers on tours. They also have marine park brochures on board all vessels, with one operator displaying a large map of all Eyre Peninsula Marine Parks on their boat.  Covert and overt patrols conducted on board shark cage diving vessels to promote compliance.  Investigations conducted into potential breaches of licence conditions.  Some crew members are now helping with other compliance related issues including reporting vessels within sanctuary zones and vessels interacting with marine mammals.  Aerial patrol of Eyre Peninsula Sanctuary Zones during the Port Lincoln Riviera Tuna Classic resulted in a vessel observed fishing within the Neptune Islands Sanctuary Zone. Warnings given to all people on board.  Five boat patrols and a number of shore patrols conducted within Eastern Eyre Peninsula Marine Park Sanctuary Zones.  Operational plan drafted for targeted compliance of commercial rock lobster fishers within Neptune Islands Marine Park Sanctuary Zone.  Operational plan written and implemented for Easter long weekend including, boat, shore and aerial patrols of Eastern Eyre Peninsula Marine Parks.  Immerse Yourself in a Marine Park program was held throughout January at a number of sites across EP. Eight events featured 14 snorkels, 3 Marine Parks and 273 participants with help from NREP and Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries staff.  Discover the Secrets of the Sea display in the Port Lincoln Library (10,200 people over 5 months)

 Marine Discovery Day in Whyalla (120 people).  Yamara Wardana (Embrace the Sea) Sea Country children’s workshop with Barngarla community at Port Lincoln Library (54 people).  Working with Tumby Bay Council, artist Karen Carr and 50 Tumby Bay participants to design and produce the Leafy to Sleep Mosaic Trail. The trail features ten mosaic tiles depicting local coastal and marine species, telling a story of how the marine and coastal environments and Leafy Sea dragons and Sleepy Lizards are connected.  Beachcombing activity with Red Cross and DCLEP Connections Program for Senior Citizens at North Shields.

Upcoming priorities for the next period  Work with operators to implement bait handling accreditation practices.  Encourage operators to establish industry wide code of conduct.  Shark industry training day with Charlie Huveneers, Sasha Whitmarsh, Kirin Apps and Andrew Fox as well as NREP compliance personnel.  Sharks in the Brewery event as part of the SALT Festival, where the public will be able to learn about sharks.  Develop environmental education package for the shark and sea lion industries.

Improve the customer experience for visitors to our parks, gardens and places Milestones Status Complete collection and assessment of asset information for priority sites and use this in the

development of Regional Asset Management Plans

Program highlights this period  Development of a walk trail management plan for the Gawler Ranges National Park.  Progress towards amalgamation of the Gawler Ranges National Park Advisory Committee and Lake Gairdner National Park Co-management Board to manage both Parks.  On site visit with Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation members to the Gawler Ranges National Park to discuss interpretive signage with a view to include cultural stories on any material for the Park (Fig 7).  Members of the Gawler Ranges National Park Advisory Committee met on site to discuss the interpretation and visitor plan for the Park.  New interpretive signage installed at Point Labatt.  Regular patrols of all Parks across the west coast to maintain infrastructure to a high standard to enhance visitor experience. Figure 7: Planning for signage at the Gawler Ranges National Park

Work with the private sector to identify sustainable commercial opportunities in our parks, gardens and places Milestones Status Effectively manage existing nature based tourism initiatives and progress new nature based tourism

opportunities in the Eyre Peninsula region Review trends in campsite occupancy rates through online booking data and make recommendations on potential changes to management arrangements and customer facilities to improve the customer experience Review Park Management Plans against emerging business needs to identify future planning

requirements

Program highlights this period  Gawler Ranges National Park rangers attended the Dry Lake Racers Speedweek event at Lake Gairdner National Park in March. Rangers ensure compliance of the licence agreement and participant activity on the lake. Also in attendance were Aboriginal monitors from the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation (Fig 8).

 Expressions of Interest process for three Figure 8: Speedweek time trials at Lake Gairdner nature based tourism opportunities for the EP closed on 31 January 2018. The three opportunities are: o Remote Island Adventure’ Neptune Islands Conservation Park, o Eco-lodge on the EP, Lincoln National Park, and o Accessible Accomodation Hub on the EP, Lincoln National Park.