Department for Environment and Heritage

Management Plan 4.76 cm 4.76

4.76 cm

Gawler Ranges National Park 2006

www.environment.sa.gov.au This plan of management was adopted on 11 January 2006 and was prepared pursuant to section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Published by the Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide, Australia

© Department for Environment and Heritage, 2006

ISBN: 1 921018 11 9

Front cover photograph courtesy of Bernd Stoecker FRPS and reproduced with his permission

This document may be cited as “Department for Environment and Heritage (2006) Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan, Adelaide, South Australia” FOREWORD Gawler Ranges National Park conserves approximately 1,660 square kilometres of ancient volcanic hills and valleys of the Southern Gawler Ranges, and an abundance of native flora and fauna, including several species of conservation significance at state or national levels. The park conserves key fauna habitat areas, including mallee, chenopod shrublands, semi-arid rangelands and rugged hills.

Gawler Ranges National Park was proclaimed on 15 January 2002, and is located centrally on South Australia’s far northern Eyre Peninsula. With the adjoining Pinkawillinie Conservation Park, Gawler Ranges National Park protects around 3,000 square kilometres of contiguous native vegetation and helps to link the vast mallee wilderness of the Yellabinna Region with numerous remnant patches that extend across the northern Eyre Peninsula.

The park contains evidence of long human occupation, both indigenous and, more recently, post-colonial exploration, pastoral and agricultural use. There are eight sites of Aboriginal Heritage, recorded in the Central Archive, within the park. There are also remnants of the land’s previous pastoral use, including Old Paney Homestead, Pondanna Outstation and several graves of early pastoralists.

The plan defines a series of objectives and strategies for the future management and use of this significant reserve and facilitates the development and implementation of high quality conservation programs and visitor facility improvements.

Many people have contributed to the development of this plan of management. Their interest and helpful suggestions are gratefully acknowledged.

I now formally adopt the plan of management for Gawler Ranges National Park under the provisions of section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. I encourage you to read the plan and visit and enjoy this exceptional park.

JOHN HILL

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 i TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD...... i 1 PARK LOCATION AND FEATURES ...... 1 2 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 6 2.1 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972...... 6 2.2 Native Title Act 1993 ...... 7 3 VISION ...... 7 4 ZONING ...... 8 5 MANAGING NATURAL HERITAGE...... 12 5.1 Geology, Soils and Landform ...... 12 5.2 Native Vegetation ...... 12 5.3 Native Fauna ...... 14 5.4 Introduced Plants ...... 15 5.5 Introduced Animals...... 16 6 MANAGING FIRE ...... 17 7 MANAGING CULTURAL HERITAGE ...... 19 7.1 Indigenous Heritage ...... 19 7.2 Non-Indigenous Heritage...... 19 8 MANAGING TOURISM AND RECREATION...... 21 8.1 Visitor Use ...... 21 8.2 Visitor Access ...... 21 8.3 Visitor Facilities ...... 23 8.4 Commercial Tourism ...... 27 8.5 Information and Interpretation ...... 27 9 MANAGING RESOURCE USE...... 28 9.1 Exploration and Mining ...... 28 9.2 Public Utilities...... 29 9.3 Leases and Licences ...... 29 9.4 Management Infrastructure ...... 29 10 INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY ...... 31 11 MANAGING RESERVE TENURE ...... 34 SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ...... 35 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 39 APPENDIX A: Species of Conservation Significance ...... 40 APPENDIX B: CONSERVATION STATUS CODES ...... 41

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Location ...... 3 Figure 2: Zoning...... 9 Figure 3: Features ...... 25

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DEH acknowledges the advice and valuable input provided for the development of this plan by members of the Gawler Ranges Community Reference Group, in particular: Newton Luscombe (Chair) Tony Griffin Frank Schaefer Geoff and Marilyn Scholz Carolyn Hasket Neil Ellis Alison Frischke John Charlton Graeme Baldock Sandy Morris Steve Atkinson Simon Bey

ii Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 1 PARK LOCATION AND FEATURES Gawler Ranges National Park is located centrally on far northern Eyre Peninsula, approximately 600 kilometres north-west of Adelaide by road. It is approximately 40 kilometres north of Wudinna via Barns Road at Pygery, 35 kilometres north of Minnipa via the Yardea Road, and 90 kilometres west of Kimba via Buckleboo.

The park was proclaimed on 15 January 2002 and at 166,150 hectares consists of the following land parcels:

Parcel Plan Area (ha) A3 D56946 16,844.10 B1231 Out of Hundreds (Yardea) 29,690.44 A501 D59476 117,013.85 A500 D59476 2,601.57

Broadly, the environment consists of ancient volcanic hills and valleys of the southern Gawler Ranges, which also extend about 50 kilometres north, east and west of the park. Bluebush­ covered flats and foot-slopes of the ranges give way to mallee-covered dunefields in the south of the park. With the adjoining Pinkawillinie Conservation Park, the park helps to link the vast mallee wilderness of the Yellabinna Region with numerous remnant patches that extend across northern Eyre Peninsula.

The weathered, rocky range is immensely old. Peaks range from approximately 60 metres above sea level in the southern portion to 460 metres on the summit of Nukey Bluff in the extreme north­ east of the park. Numerous rounded hills rise to 200 metres and more in the northern two-thirds of the park. Almost 1,500 million years of weathering has exposed spectacular cliffs of columnar rhyolite, referred to as organ pipe formations, along with rock holes, springs and intermittent waterfalls throughout the hills.

Several ephemeral creeks, some with waterfalls and flood-out areas, temporarily carry water from intermittent rainfall events, and there are several semi-permanent springs, soaks and rock holes. In addition, about ten dams have been constructed, some of variable reliability, and about 20 extra watering points have utilised underground water sources.

The park contains evidence of long human occupation, both indigenous and, more recently, post-colonial exploration, pastoral and agricultural use. To this day, Aboriginal people retain strong links with their traditional lands. This rich heritage, combined with ancient geological features, expansive scenery and native wildlife justifies its dedication as a park of national importance and promises to make it a popular destination for South Australian, interstate or international visitors.

It is anticipated that Gawler Ranges National Park will provide a key focus for tourism in the northern Eyre Peninsula region. It is therefore important that the park is developed and marketed as part of a regional tourism strategy that maximises benefits to the local economy.

The climate of the Gawler Ranges is mild to hot in summer and cool to cold in winter with low, unreliable rainfall and a high evaporation rate throughout the year. Average annual rainfall in the park is between 300 millimetres in the south to about 200 millimetres in the north, modified by higher rainfall expected on the elevated parts of the ranges in the north of the park. The park regularly experiences extended dry periods.

A network of tracks, numerous wells and dams, fences and buildings are a legacy of pastoral endeavours over the park. Soon after purchase of the property for dedication as a park by DEH in 1999, work began on dismantling redundant pastoral infrastructure, while essential and culturally valuable features were repaired or preserved.

Since proclamation in 2001, several projects have received attention. Priorities for initial capital expenditure were determined following consideration of: - biodiversity conservation; - restoration of degraded environments; - visitor safety, information and convenience; and - essential services, infrastructure upgrade and repair.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 1 Purpose of proclamation The South Australian Government, with the assistance of the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and a generous contribution from the Nature Foundation SA Inc, purchased the 119,700 hectare pastoral property, formerly known as Paney Station, and adjacent Crown land for the purpose of establishing the Gawler Ranges National Park in 2000. In 2001, parts of Scrubby Peak Pastoral Lease (approximately 46,600 hectares) were added, again with funding support from the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and Nature Foundation SA Inc. The park was proclaimed under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 to conserve environments and wildlife that previously have been poorly represented in protected areas.

Previously, approximately 11.5% of the Gawler Ranges bioregion was conserved in protected areas, most of which (9%) was dry salt lake (Lake Gairdner and Lake Torrens National Parks). Gawler Ranges National Park protects a further 1.34% of the bioregion, bringing the total now protected to approximately 12.8%.

The diverse environments and relatively intact wildlife habitat led to its identification as a key biological area in A Biological Survey of the Gawler Ranges (Robinson et al 1988). The native vegetation and wildlife habitats of the Gawler Ranges are home to numerous threatened plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region and the State. Most past stock grazing impacts were confined to valleys, bluebush flats and the few points where water was available. The park therefore has great potential for ecological restoration.

It was recognised that this area has much to offer visitors in the way of spectacular and picturesque landscapes and has been used by the local community for recreation and tourism for many years. Proclamation as a park enhances the considerable tourism potential of the Gawler Ranges. When combined with the attractions of the northern Eyre Peninsula region, the park has the potential to enhance local economies by attracting visitors to the region and offering opportunities for commercial tourism ventures. The local community enthusiastically supported the acquisition and proclamation of the park and continues to take an active interest in its ongoing development and management.

Gawler Ranges National Park protects unique geological and natural features. The rock formations are the result of a massive volcanic eruption about 1,500 million years ago. These rocks have never been buried, but have been exposed to the elements since formation. The landscape is one of the oldest of its type in the world.

The park is the major protected area within the Gawler Ranges biogeographic region, conserving landscape-level examples of Gawler Range ecosystems, which are habitat for numerous endemic or outliers of rare and threatened species. The park contains examples of unique geological and landscape features that were not previously included in reserves.

Regional Setting Gawler Ranges National Park spans the transition zone between the agricultural and pastoral regions of northern Eyre Peninsula. The flora and fauna have affinity with communities in eastern Australia and far western Australia. Numerous species within the park are at the extreme edge of their natural distribution, making this area a crossroad for species to the north, south, east and west. The park is a crossroad for more than wildlife, however; agriculture meets pastoralism, the outback meets the settled areas and ancient volcanic rocks meet recent dune formations.

The Gawler Ranges as a whole, separate temperate Eyre Peninsula from the arid South Australian interior along a north-south gradient. Northern parts of the ranges show affinities with the arid zone, but southern parts, especially within the park, show an affinity to temperate Eyre Peninsula, indicated by presence of sclerophyllous vegetation and a slight predominance of winter rainfall.

Not only does Gawler Ranges National Park provide a valuable link between eastern and western mallee ecosystems, but it also allows wildlife movement between agricultural region in the south and the pastoral region in the north. Preservation of such a broad scale transition zone is especially important in order to accommodate the predicted impacts of long-term climate change.

2 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 Y e P l in LakeLake GairdnerGairdner (NP)(NP) la e b L in o n d g a e E E A A 0 15 30

KoolgeraKoolgera (CR)(CR) kilometres

Il ki YARDEAYARDEA HOMESTEADHOMESTEAD na E A

Gawler EA THURLGATHURLGA HOMESTEADHOMESTEAD

GawlerGawler RangesRanges (CR)(CR) GawlerGawler RangesRanges NationalNational ParkPark

C PANEYPANEY or rab HOMESTEADHOMESTEAD S inn cr ie Buckleboo EA POOCHERAPOOCHERA ub EA by Pe ak EA Thurlga EA BUCKLEBOOBUCKLEBOO K HOMESTEADHOMESTEAD oo MINNIPAMINNIPA ng aw PinkawilliniePinkawillinie (CP)(CP) a PinkawilliniePinkawillinie (CP)(CP) E A P in k a w i CorrobinnieCorrobinnie HillHill (CP)(CP) ll CorrobinnieCorrobinnie HillHill (CP)(CP) in PYGERYPYGERY ie E A WUDINNAWUDINNA

KulliparuKulliparu (CP)(CP) KYANCUTTAKYANCUTTA

KOONGAWAKOONGAWA

DEH Reserve Heritage Agreement Environmental Association (Laut et al 1977)

Map Produced from PAMS Projection: MGA Zone 53 (GDA 94) Date: 29 October, 2003

Figure 1

Gawler Ranges National Park Location On-park biodiversity conservation will integrate with broader regional programs. To achieve the goal of sustainable biodiversity conservation across the landscape, efforts will be made to integrate threat abatement and ecological restoration with regional programs, in partnership with neighbouring land managers. Regional priorities will be influential in determining the most efficient use of resources for achieving ecologically sustainable outcomes.

Gawler Ranges National Park offers visitors an outback experience, providing a variety of spectacular landscape features and low-key bush camping opportunities. In combination with other major parks in the area, Gawler Ranges National Park has the potential to increase regional tourism on northern Eyre Peninsula, providing economic benefits for accommodation and commercial tourism providers in the region.

Other protected areas in the district include Lake Gairdner National Park, Lake Gilles Conservation Park and Pinkawillinie Conservation Park. Gawler Ranges National Park and Pinkawillinie Conservation Park combine to form a reserved area of approximately 3,000 square kilometres.

Biogeographic Regionalisation and Environmental Associations The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) provides a bioregional planning framework within which to identify the gaps and to set priorities for developing the National Reserve System. IBRA regions represent a landscape-based approach to classifying the land surface from a range of continental data on environmental attributes.

Gawler Ranges National Park lies near the intersection of three IBRA biogeographic regions: 1. Gawler Region over the majority of the park in the north, which is described as: “Semi arid to arid, flat topped to broadly rounded hills of the Gawler Range Volcanics and Proterozoic sediments, low plateaux on sandstone and quartzite with an undulating surface of aeolian sand or gibbers and rocky quartzite hills with colluvial footslopes, erosional and depositional plains and salt encrusted lake beds, with black oak (belah) and myall low open woodlands, open mallee scrub, bluebush/saltbush open chenopod shrublands and tall mulga shrublands on shallow loams, calcareous earths and hard red duplex soils.” (Environment Australia 2000). 2. Great Victoria Desert Region in the west of the park, which is described as: “Arid active sand-ridge desert of deep Quaternary aeolian sands overlying Permian and Mesozoic strata of the Officer Basin. Tree steppe of Eucalyptus gongylocarpa, Mulga and E. youngiana over hummock grassland dominated by Triodia basedowii. Arid, with summer and winter rain.” (Environment Australia 2000). 3. Eyre and Yorke Block Region in the south, which is described as: “Archaean basement rocks and Proterozoic sandstones overlain by undulating to occasionally hilly calcarenite and calcrete plains and areas of aeolian quartz sands, with mallee woodlands, shrublands and heaths on calcareous earths, duplex soils and calcareous to shallow sands, now largely cleared for agriculture.” (Environment Australia 2000).

A widely recognised benchmark, developed during a review of the national forest estate in the mid-1990s, recommends that at least 15% of an original ecosystem should be conserved, where possible. The most comprehensive survey of ecosystems and environments in South Australia is in Environments of South Australia (Laut et al 1977), which divides the state into ‘Environmental Associations’. The extent to which these Environmental Associations are represented in the reserve system is a consistent method of appraising the ability of the reserve system to meet the 15% benchmark.

Gawler Ranges National Park contributes significantly to the conservation of environments in South Australia. However, environments in the park that do not meet the 15% benchmark for conservation are still considered a high priority for acquisition.

Within the Gawler Biogeographic Region, Laut et al (1977) recognised the following Environmental Associations, which are included in the park: - Gawler Environmental Association: Steep, rounded, accordant hills and long footslopes, separated by broad floodplains. There is a mixed cover of low open woodland with a shrub understorey, low, mixed chenopod shrubland and herbaceous vegetation. This association occupies the northern half of the park, which conserves approximately 7.5% of its extent in South Australia. Previously, only 0.14% was included in the reserve system;

4 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 - Buckleboo Environmental Association: Gently undulating calcrete plains and occasional quartzite or granite hills, with low, open woodland or open mallee scrub vegetation. This association occupies the south-eastern quarter of the park, which conserves approximately 6% of its extent in South Australia. Previously, less than 5% was included in the reserve system; - Pine Lodge Environmental Association: A sandy plain with low hills and numerous irregular dunes. The vegetation cover is of low, open woodland and open mallee scrub with an understorey of mixed chenopod shrubs and grasses and is used for extensive livestock grazing. This association covers most of the Scrubby Peak area of the park to the north-west of the Yardea Road. The park conserves more than 55% of this association, which was not previously included in any reserve.

Within the Eyre and Yorke Block IBRA region, Laut et al (1977) recognised the following Environmental Associations, which are included in the park: - Pinkawillinie Environmental Association: A calcreted plain with longitudinal dunes and occasional low rises on outcropping bedrock of laterite. Those parts of the association that have not been modified by cereal cultivation and livestock grazing retain a cover of open mallee scrub. This association occurs in a two kilometre band tending north-west to south­ east, immediately to the south of the above two associations. The park adds a further 3% of the association to the already conserved 19% (in Pinkawillinie Conservation Park); - Corrabinnie [sic] Environmental Association: An elongated depression thickly mantled with sand forming numerous parabolic dunes, with isolated hills on volcanic or metamorphic rocks. The vegetation cover is predominantly open mallee scrub with some low woodland in the interdune areas. This association occurs in a five kilometre band tending north-west to south­ east, immediately to the south of the above three associations. The park adds a further 6.4% of the association to the already well-conserved 75.5% (in Pinkawillinie Conservation Park). - Scrubby Peak Environmental Association: An elongated, low-lying tract with salt lakes and dunes. The plains support a mixed cover of low open woodland and open mallee and the dunes, open mallee. This association occurs in an eight kilometre band tending north-west to south-east, immediately to the south of the above four associations. The park encompasses 28% of the association in South Australia. Previously, less than 5% was included in the reserve system.

Within the Great Victoria Desert IBRA region, Laut et al (1977) recognised the following Environmental Association, which is included in the park: - Yellabinna Environmental Association: Plains with closely spaced easterly-trending dunes and occasional rock outcrops. The cover is open mallee scrub with chenopod shrub or grassy understorey. Only a very small area of this association has been used for extensive livestock grazing. In the park, it occurs on the extreme western boundary. The park conserves 0.2% of this association, which is well conserved (56%) in other reserves, especially Yellabinna Regional Reserve, and Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 5 2 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 2.1 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 Reserves are managed by the Director of National Parks and Wildlife subject to any direction by the Minister for Environment and Conservation or the Chief Executive of the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH). When managing reserves, the Director is required under section 37 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 to have regard to, and provide actions that are consistent with the following objectives of management stated in the Act: - preservation and management of wildlife; - preservation of historic sites, objects and structures of historic or scientific interest within reserves; - preservation of features of geographical, natural or scenic interest; - destruction of dangerous weeds and the eradication or control of noxious weeds and exotic plants; - control of vermin and exotic animals; - control and eradication of disease of animals and vegetation; - prevention and suppression of bush fires and other hazards; - encouragement of public use and enjoyment of reserves and education in, and a proper understanding and recognition of, their purpose and significance; - generally, the promotion of the public interest; and - preservation and protection of Aboriginal sites, features, objects and structures of spiritual or cultural significance within reserves.

Section 38 of the Act states that a management plan is required for each reserve. A management plan should set forth proposals in relation to the management and improvement of the reserve and the methods by which it is intended to accomplish the objectives of the Act in relation to that reserve.

DEH is responsible for preparing management plans and undertaking the prescribed community consultation process for the park. A standard management planning process is mandated, to ensure that all statutory obligations are met. Help and guidance with plan preparation is sought and obtained from individuals, community groups or relevant advisory committees, although ultimately the decision on whether or not to adopt a management plan remains a ministerial prerogative.

The draft plan for the Gawler Ranges National Park was released for public exhibition in March 2005. At the close of the comment period, six submissions were received, raising issues including accuracy of maps, indigenous involvement in the park and . All comments and concerns were considered by the Eyre Consultative Committee and forwarded to the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Council for review and advice before the plan was presented to the Minister for adoption. In accordance with the Act, the provisions of this management plan must be carried out and no actions undertaken unless they are in accordance with this plan. In order to achieve this, each year park managers, taking regional and district priorities into account, draw up work programs to implement the strategies proposed in management plans. Implementation of these projects is determined by, and subject to, the availability of resources (eg staffing and funding).

Co-management In 2004, the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 was amended to provide for the co­ management of national parks and conservation parks by the Minister and relevant Aboriginal groups. In appropriate cases, a board of management will be established to perform specific management functions.

The native title claimants, for the area that includes the Gawler Ranges National Park, have expressed a desire to be engaged in the management of the park through the recognition and advancement of Aboriginal interests in the area. To that end, the native title claimants have commenced discussions with the State Government for the negotiation of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement and co-management agreement over the park.

6 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 Should a co-management agreement (with or without a co-management board) be entered into for the Gawler Ranges National Park, this management plan may require amendment or replacement to reflect the co-management agreement. Any changes to the management plan would be subject to further community consultation as required by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

2.2 Native Title Act 1993 Native title is used to describe the interests Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have in land and waters according to their traditional laws and customs. The Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 was enacted to: - provide for the recognition and protection of native title; - establish ways in which future dealings affecting native title may proceed and to set standards for those dealings; - establish a mechanism for determining claims to native title; and - provide for, or permit, the validation of past acts, and intermediate period acts, invalidated because of the existence of native title.

This management plan is released and will be adopted subject to any native title rights and interests that may continue in relation to the land and/or waters. Nothing in the management plan is intended to affect native title.

However, regardless of native title status, DEH encourages the development of partnerships with Aboriginal people in accordance with the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

3 VISION The vision for the Gawler Ranges National Park is for a park in which the ancient landscapes of the Gawler Ranges volcanics and associated palaeochannel provide a scenic backdrop to the biological and cultural importance of the park.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 7 4 ZONING Section 39 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 provides for the designation of zones in a reserve. Zoning aims to ensure that public use and management actions remain compatible with the protection of reserve values and constrains the use of land in zones to the conditions specified in an adopted management plan.

For the purposes of describing the extent of some developments in Gawler Ranges National Park, in some instances the notion of “development sites” has been introduced. This is partly to deliberately avoid the necessity of defining boundaries for such developments before their full extent has been determined and to allow for the assimilation of new knowledge and adaptive management of each proposed development. In each case, the area of a “Development Site” in the park will be kept to a minimum to achieve the objectives for which the development is proposed. Because they are rarely more than a hectare or so in size, most Development Sites are too small to be delineated effectively at the scale of Figure 2, so are represented with a symbol.

The management plan outlines the broad range and location of tourism and recreational opportunities to be provided within the park (refer section 8, Managing Tourism and Recreation).

The following management zones, shown in Figure 2, are proposed to establish a framework for the sustainable development and use of the park during the life of this plan. While every attempt has been made to show those sites and zones under consideration for development at this stage, as time goes on and a deeper understanding of the park is gained, some sites may be abandoned while other more suitable sites may be considered.

Development Sites Developments in Gawler Ranges National Park will be confined to the conservation of natural and cultural features and for the enhancement of visitor experience. All developments will be undertaken in a way that preserves the inherent character of the park as an isolated, rugged and relatively undisturbed natural area and will be of a low-key, minimal nature, compatible with the natural landscape and heritage values.

The five Primary Development Sites are those with pre-existing buildings at: Paney Headquarters precinct, including the nearby shearers’ quarters and woolshed; Old Paney Homestead; Kolay Hut; and Pondanna Outstation. These areas are used for visitor accommodation, park staff offices and housing and management infrastructure. They are limited in extent but have the most concentrated use and the most highly modified environments. Although some of these sites are currently situated on Crown land that was withheld from dedication under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 when the park was proclaimed, effort will be made to ensure that environmental, amenity and cultural values are not compromised. It is proposed that the land previously excluded from the proclamation of the park be included (refer section 11 Managing Reserve Tenure).

Additionally, up to 30 Secondary Development Sites have been identified for the potential development of visitor facilities, such as public vehicle routes, campsites and interpreted day-visit sites. Such developments might include car parks, walking trails, directional and interpretive signs, toilets, water collection and storage facilities, or bush campsites.

Options for small-scale commercial accommodation developments that are consistent with the objectives of this management plan but are at sites not identified as development sites in this management plan may also be considered. These should be assessed and proposed as a subsequent amendment to this management plan.

It may be necessary to stage the full development of identified sites over a number of years to maintain the present sense of isolation and minimal development in the park, and to progressively increase the number of visitor facilities to match the anticipated growth in tourism to the park. The number of development sites identified in this management plan provides an ideal opportunity to maintain diversity and variety in the size, location and extent of development in the park.

Conservation Zone The remainder of the park is designated as Conservation Zone. No developments are planned for these areas, apart from construction of walking trails if deemed necessary for visitor safety or environmental amelioration, maintenance of existing tracks and trails, the strategic erection of directional and interpretive signs for visitor orientation and education, and minor infrastructure for park management purposes.

8 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006

Figure 2 Gawler Ranges National Park KolaymerrikaKolaymerrika HillHill EurillaEurilla HillHill Zoning

KunderyKundery HillHill PeltabinnaPeltabinna HillHill YARDEAYARDEA HSHS MtMt CentreCentre YARDEAYARDEA HSHS LEGEND

Conservation Zone NeuranippeNeuranippe HillHill Primary Development Site

Secondary Development Site

PinePine LodgeLodge Summit of hill THURLGATHURLGA HSHS CharbaCharba HillHill THURLGATHURLGA HSHS PondannaPondanna OutstationOutstation Drainage EurekaEureka BluffBluff KododoKododo HillHill Airstrip Telstra ConicalConical HillHill 2WD track

O

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e w 4WD track MtMt GraniteGranite a y t DadsDads FlatFlat r DadsDads FlatFlat MountMount NottNott ScrubbyScrubby PeakPeak a MountMount NottNott ScrubbyScrubby PeakPeak c OrganOrgan k SpringSpring PipesPipes SpringSpring HillHill NukeyNukey YandingaYandinga KolayKolay BluffBluff PaneyPaney HillHill PaneyPaney HillHill HutHut NukeyNukey KahleyKahley CampsiteCampsite HutHut MatteraMattera SpringsSprings RedRed HutHut MatteraMattera WellWell MtMt FairviewFairview CliffsCliffs WellWell MtMt FairviewFairview PeterbyPeterby YardYard Policeman'sPoliceman's ChillunieChillunie ChillunieChillunie StoneStone OldOld CampCamp StoneStone OldOld MatteraMattera FallsFalls WellWell CampsiteCampsite DamDam GawlerGawler DamDam PaneyPaney ad o RangesRanges R TurkeyTurkey FlatFlat MtMt DoubleDouble a MtMt DoubleDouble e ConservationConservation d ar ReserveReserve Y Map designed and created by ReserveReserve - a Reserve Planning using PAMS p i Date: December 2003 inn M CacuppaCacuppa PANEYPANEY Shearers'Shearers' Projection: GDA94 (Zone 53) HSHS QuartersQuarters EntranceEntrance StationStation

EntranceEntrance StationStation e r i ) k F d ChilpuddieChilpuddie HillHill c WagannyWaganny ChilpuddieChilpuddie HillHill o WagannyWaganny ChilpuddieChilpuddie HillHill a g i B r r uc t n k i l e eb r oo y P P u A a R d r

w e d g e e n n s a o O l D MtMt AllaloneAllalone C MtMt AllaloneAllalone ( WaulkinnaWaulkinna HillHill d a o MtMt SturtSturt R s rn a B YarterbieYarterbie SturtsSturts LakeLake 0 5 10 BullockyBullocky kilometres RockholeRockhole

PinkawilliniePinkawillinie ConservationConservation ParkPark MinnipaMinnipa HillHill

EntranceEntrance StationStation The Conservation Zone will be managed to preserve the natural landscapes of the park and to conserve and restore wildlife habitat and species of conservation significance. The precautionary principle will apply to all proposals that might threaten the conservation objectives of the zone, including park management activities, tourism ventures, and mineral and petroleum exploration or mining. A list of environments in the park that are recognised as being susceptible to disturbance is included in Section 9.2 Exploration and Mining.

Particular care will be taken to preserve areas within the park that are relatively unaffected by modern technological or past grazing impacts. Areas of note in this regard include most of the Scrubby Peak/Pine Lodge area in the north-west of the park, the Mount Sturt area, uplands immediately to the north of Old Paney Station, and relatively untracked areas in the southern and south-eastern region of the park.

Objective Zone Gawler Ranges National Park to ensure appropriate public use, landscape protection and the conservation of wildlife habitats and cultural features.

Strategy • Develop and manage the park in accordance with the zones shown on Figure 2.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 11 5 MANAGING NATURAL HERITAGE 5.1 Geology, Soils and Landform The park occupies the central region of the Gawler Craton. This geological province consists of stable, crystalline basement rocks of Archaean to Mesoproterozoic age, mantled in part by thin, platformal sediments and regoliths of Neoproterozoic to Cainozoic age. The basement rocks are of great age and have not been substantially deformed or remobilised since about 1,450 million years ago.

The Gawler Craton is subdivided into several discrete tectonic subdomains based on structural, metamorphic and stratigraphic character. The park is within a province dominated by Gawler Ranges Volcanic rocks. The Gawler Ranges Volcanics consist predominantly of dacite- rhyodacite-rhyolite assemblages of pyroclastic rocks, chiefly as ash, domes and dykes which have been dated (U-Pb zircon) to older than 1,500 million years. In several areas (eg Waulkinna Hill), these volcanics were intruded by later granites and adamellites of the Hiltaba Suite. Some exposed Hiltaba Suite granites have weathered to form spectacular rounded shapes such as those in the well-known “Murphy’s Haystacks” between the park and Elliston on the coast.

Mount Allalone stands out from these volcanics, in that it is composed of massive cobble and pebble conglomerates, probably formed as river deposits from a period of uplift at about the same period or slightly predating the Gawler Ranges volcanic deposits.

All rocks in the park have been subject to long periods of erosion and weathering. The characteristic red colour of the ranges is due to low-temperature oxidation of iron oxides. In places, especially at the heads of eroded gullies, spectacular palisades of columnar structures remain from weathered Yardea Dacite.

During the Quaternary, mature soils experienced a gradual drying out of the climate and widespread sheets of calcrete formed, supplemented by aeolian calcium carbonate from coastal regions to the southwest. Calcrete may be found in flood plains and shallow gullies of the ranges and forms broad sheets of rock in the southern part of the park, south of the main range.

Red-brown sand formed parallel dunefields in the extreme south of the park, which extend throughout the adjacent Pinkawillinie Conservation Park. These dunefields form the eastern extension of the widespread mallee-covered dunefields of the Great Victoria Desert, which extend to the Western Australian border.

The geology of the park, particularly at such sites as the Organ Pipes, are key areas of interest for visitors.

Objective Conserve geological features and structures and interpret them for visitors.

Strategies • Regulate visitor impacts at sensitive sites to protect geological features.

• Develop and install interpretive information at key geological features.

5.2 Native Vegetation The rocky hills, sandy plains and dunes found in the western portion of the park have been identified as part of a key biological area in A Biological Survey of the Gawler Ranges (Robinson et al 1988). This scenically spectacular area receives the highest rainfall in the Gawler Ranges, has high species diversity, and contains the greatest concentration of important plant species in the region. The topography, rainfall and soil type define vegetation associations throughout the park in the following manner:

Hills and ranges A widespread feature of the hilly uplands of the park is Spinifex (Triodia irritans) hummock grassland. Mallee Broombush (Melaleuca uncinata) commonly forms open shrublands, with or without Red Mallee (Eucalyptus socialis). These mallee and mallee broombush uplands experience the most frequent lightning-initiated wildfires.

12 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 Hill footslopes, especially where limestone either outcrops or is close to the surface, support Black Oak (Casuarina pauper) low open woodland. South facing slopes are often covered by Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) very low open woodland. Drooping Sheoak appears to be at its northern limit in South Australia within the park.

Plains and rises These environments contained the most accessible fodder for pastoral use in the past, so the vegetation is the most modified as a result of sheep grazing. Mostly consisting of broad valleys between the ranges, the vegetation is characterised by Bitter Saltbush (Atriplex stipitata), Pearl Bluebush (Maireana sedifolia) and, where higher rainfall or water availability permitted heavy stocking in the past, Wards Weed (Carrichtera annua).

Elevated plains in the northern part of the park contain Western Myall (Acacia papyrocarpa) low woodland over saltbush and bluebush, while Peppermint Box (Eucalyptus odorata) forms open mallee woodland on the lower slopes of Mount Fairview. This is probably the northern limit of Peppermint Box on Eyre Peninsula.

Drainage lines, floodouts, lakes and run-on landforms Drainage lines, especially in the southern ranges, are dominated by Mallee Box (Eucalyptus porosa) woodlands. Brown-head Samphire (Halosarcia indica ssp leiostachya) fills small depressions and the fringes of salt lakes especially to the south of Mount Sturt.

Sand dunes and sand plains Giant Mallee (Eucalyptus oleosa), with or without Yorrell (E gracilis) and Gilja (E brachycalyx), forms low open woodland over Bladder Saltbush and False Bluebush (Cratystylis conocephala) on clay loams and sandy clay loams of the plains in the southern ranges.

Sand dunes in the extreme south of the park, which also extend throughout Pinkawillinie Conservation Park and in an extensive band to the west almost to the Western Australian border, are dominated by Ridge-fruited Mallee (Eucalyptus incrassata) and Red Mallee (E socialis), with Mallee Broombush and Dune Tea Tree (Leptospermum coriaceum). Dunes in the north-west of the park support Native Pine (Callitris spp) woodlands.

Of the 361 native plant species recorded for the park, ten are considered to be of conservation significance at state level. A list of plants of conservation significance is included as Appendix A and Appendix B explains the different categories of conservation significance.

Crimson Mallee (Eucalyptus lansdowneana ssp lansdowneana) is endemic to the Gawler Ranges and practically confined to the park. Gawler Ranges Greenhood (Pterosylis ovata), although locally abundant within the park, is also endemic to the Gawler Ranges.

Several species appear to be at their geographic limit within the park (eg northern limit on Eyre Peninsula for Mallee Box and the eastern limit for the Western Australian Twin-leaf Sunray, Rhodanthe oppositifolia). Numerous species at the limit of their range like Twin-leaf Sunray have close affinities with Western Australia flora, while others share affinities with Flinders Ranges flora (eg Flinders Range Wattle, Acacia iteaphylla).

It is expected that the cessation of sheep grazing and regulation of total grazing pressure by controlling kangaroo populations and feral goats will bring about changes to the distribution and abundance of plant species, especially plants palatable to these animals and particularly in areas more intensely grazed in the past. In order to monitor these expected changes in the early years of the park, several grazing exclosures and monitoring points have been established.

Vegetation monitoring reveals various trends in the structure and composition of plant communities. Overall, two general trends are evident. Firstly, many communities have changed little over the monitoring period (12 years), maintaining similar structure and composition, allowing for seasonal influences. Secondly, in other communities there is an increasing perennial cover associated with improved species diversity, which is interpreted to be gradual recovery from past episodes of degradation from heavy grazing impact.

More particularly, monitoring reveals numerous types of change due primarily to increased abundance of low to medium shrubs, particularly that of Atriplex stipitata. Such changes include:

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 13 - Transformation of annual herblands to very open low shrublands of A stipitata, as it invades and establishes in annual herbland communities (especially near to old pastoral watering points); - Maintenance of Maireana sedifolia open low shrublands, but with increased species diversity as A stipitata invades and establishes in these communities also; - Varied change to Eucalyptus oleosa, E gracilis, E brachycalyx mallee woodlands of the valleys and plains with either maintenance of these communities or a more abundant perennial understorey from increases in A stipitata, Rhagodia parabolica and Enchylaena tomentosa. Tree canopies have not noticeably changed; and - Decline of erosional extent and intensity at valley and plains sites as surfaces bared by past sheet erosion are gradually reclaimed by annuals, short-lived perennials and low shrubs.

These changes began as early as 1987 at some sites, appeared at other sites more recently and are likely to spread to other sites in poor condition as time goes on. Generally, the condition of the vegetation has either improved or at least been maintained.

Monitoring plant species of conservation significance has begun, but a comprehensive program is yet to be implemented. Three monitoring sites established so far concentrate on the overall condition of the relevant plant community rather than populations of the species of significance. Another monitoring site has been established to observe recovery from a fire, which includes a stand of Eucalyptus lansdowneana on and near to Paney Bluff.

Throughout the pastoral region of South Australia, developments for stock grazing have made water accessible to native animals so that kangaroo populations in particular have increased to levels that threaten the sustainability of native plants. With the removal of sheep, increased control of goats and the cessation of regular culling by accredited commercial kangaroo harvesters, it is expected that kangaroo numbers may increase to a level where they exert unacceptable pressure on recovering vegetation in the park. Consequently, kangaroo numbers and their grazing impacts must be monitored regularly, and the kangaroo population may require an active management program (ie culling).

To improve the ongoing monitoring of the impacts of herbivore grazing on regenerating vegetation in the park, sample areas in Scrubby Well Valley and Standley Flat have been fenced to exclude kangaroos and/or rabbits. By examining the separate and combined grazing impacts of kangaroos and rabbits on grassy biomass and shrub regeneration, exclosure monitoring contributes to management of populations of these two species in the park. Rabbits will be systematically controlled and eradicated if possible, while controlled culling of kangaroos is the only practicable method of population control.

Objective Conserve native vegetation, especially species of conservation significance.

Strategies • Record information on plant populations, especially species of conservation significance, monitor populations and undertake conservation programs if necessary.

• Monitor the recovery of plant populations in areas previously degraded by intense grazing.

• Prevent wildlife access to artificial water points.

• Monitor kangaroo numbers and the impacts of their grazing, and undertake control measures to maintain sustainable populations that do not impact negatively on native vegetation. Currently, culling kangaroos in accordance with section 38(10a) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 is the only practicable method of population control.

5.3 Native Fauna The park has some key fauna habitat areas, including semi-permanent soaks and granite waterholes. These areas are critically important drought refuges for fauna and also support diverse plant species. The park has rocky gullies and outcrops with local entrapments of water, either in soil pockets or in rock holes, providing suitable habitat for the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus).

14 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 Low woodland, or mallee vegetation, with a complex understorey of hummock grass (Triodia sp) or chenopod and/or Cratystylis, provides the vegetation complexity necessary for the survival of a rich and diverse fauna assemblage. The diversity and abundance of food sources, shelter and nesting sites (eg hollows in old mallee trees) provide habitat for reptiles, mammals (especially bats) and birds. Malleefowl are highly dependent on such complex vegetation communities.

The proclamation of the park provides an opportunity to conserve wildlife that evidence suggests was once more abundant than at present, such as the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby and, potentially, for the re-introduction of locally extinct species such as the Bettong. Several rare species, including Sandhill Dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila), are known to inhabit environments similar to those in the park, but are yet to be discovered.

Prior to the biological survey undertaken by the DEH and the South Australian Museum in 1985 (Robinson et al 1988), there was no comprehensive understanding of animal populations in the Gawler Ranges. Historic collections and observations of species had previously built a picture of animals present and these records included a number of significant species known to be in decline throughout the years of early non-indigenous settlement of the state and during the establishment of stock grazing in the region.

These included Greater Stick-nest Rat, Burrowing and Brush-tailed Bettong and the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis), which appear to have become extinct in the Gawler Ranges. Early observations also indicated that Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies (vulnerable to extinction in South Australia and nationally) were much more prevalent and widespread than now, where they are confined to several isolated tiny family groups, one of which is in the Scrubby Peak area.

There are at least 13 native mammal species present in the park, one of which (Greater Long- eared Bat, Nyctophilus timoriensis) is rated as vulnerable to extinction within South Australia and nationally. Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) is the most obvious large animals in the park, with Euro (Macropus robustus) and Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) present in lesser numbers. There are vigorous and seemingly expanding colonies of Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) near Pondanna Outstation.

Of the 75 bird species listed for the park, four are considered to be vulnerable to extinction in South Australia: Slender-billed Thornbill (Acanthiza iredalei); Major Mitchell’s, or Pink, Cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri); White-winged Chough (Corcorax melanorhamphos whitaea); and Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata). One species is considered rare for the state: Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). Malleefowl and Slender-billed Thornbill are also considered to be vulnerable to extinction throughout Australia.

The park provides habitat for a rich assemblage of reptiles and amphibians, with at least 33 species of reptiles and three species of frogs known.

A list of species of conservation significance may be found in Appendix A, while Appendix B explains the different categories of conservation significance.

Objective Protect and restore native animal habitat and conserve native animal populations, especially those of conservation significance.

Strategies • Record information on animal populations, monitor populations and implement management programs if necessary for their conservation.

• Monitor and manage impacts of abundant native species and address the causes of artificially elevated population levels if possible.

5.4 Introduced Plants Past land use has left a legacy of exotic plants normally associated with sheep grazing impacts. Of the approximately 407 plant species recorded for the park, 46 (11%) are introduced. Although some introduced species may be found throughout the park, none are known to be aggressively replacing native vegetation and most are concentrated near watering points and shearing sheds. These include Wards Weed, Horehound, Tobacco Bush, Onion Weed, Wild Sage, Capeweed and numerous exotic grasses. It is expected that control measures, along with the restoration of a more natural grazing regime, will prevent the spread and increase of exotic plants.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 15 Photopoint monitoring suggests that Tobacco Bush, for example, is declining within the park. Death of Tobacco Bush without replacement has occurred at least at one site. It thrives in highly disturbed areas, which are gradually reducing in extent. A comprehensive survey of introduced plant species was conducted in 2003 in conjunction with PIRSA Rural Solutions. The survey identified priority areas for treatment and will facilitate strategic control of weed infestations.

Objective Control, and if possible eradicate, introduced plants from the park.

Strategy • Determine the locations and extent of introduced plants, monitor populations, evaluate the threats, identify priorities for control or eradication and undertake appropriate measures to prevent their spread and increase.

5.5 Introduced Animals Introduced animals in the park include Goat, Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Feral Honeybee, House Mouse, European Sparrow and Common Starling. Of these, goats, foxes, cats and rabbits pose the greatest threats to wildlife and are subject to ongoing control programs. Fortunately, rabbit numbers are restricted to sites with suitable soil for warren construction and, furthermore, have been severely affected throughout the arid zone by Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (formerly called Rabbit Calicivirus Disease). Additional control of rabbits includes destruction of warrens and poison baiting.

Goats have been periodically mustered and removed or systematically shot on the park and are subject to regional control. Photopoint monitoring includes evaluation of goat impacts. Numerous monitoring sites include stands of Bullock Bush (Alectryon oleifolius), much favoured by goats. The extent of browse on these trees is indicative of goat numbers and their location. The Hunting and Conservation Branch of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia has assisted in the control of goats in the park. The effective closure of pastoral watering points will have some impact on the prevalence of goats in the future, but effective control will depend largely on much larger, landscape-scale, regional programs.

Cats and foxes have been controlled in the past mainly by shooting. A systematic and regional approach to the control of foxes will be more effective in the longer term by employing poisoned baits, but cats have proved difficult to control by these methods and will probably only receive some control from opportunistic shooting in the future. A poison bait preparation area has been constructed on the park and results from preliminary fox baiting have yielded promising results.

Objective Control, and if possible eradicate, introduced animals from the park.

Strategies • Collect information on the population numbers and distribution of introduced animals, determine priorities based on relative threat to wildlife and develop and implement integrated, regional control programs. In particular, participate in regional programs for the control of goats, foxes, cats and rabbits.

• Maintain partnership arrangements with the Hunting and Conservation Branch of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia to assist with feral animal control.

16 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 6 MANAGING FIRE The park has experienced wildfires in the past. These have largely been confined to scrub and spinifex fires on the crests of granite hills that are subject to lightning strikes and grass fires on flatter country following flushes of growth. Most of these wildfires have been limited in extent, due to the fact that the park has a mosaic of vegetation types that includes relatively non-flammable chenopod shrublands.

There is potential for wildfires to occur in the south of the park in the dense and long-unburnt mallee scrub on dunefields that extend throughout the adjacent Pinkawillinie Conservation Park.

Additionally, it is recognised that the changing grazing pressure on vegetation that will occur as the park is established, may initiate a widespread flush of annual grass and forb growth, which has the potential to burn fiercely during a short period in summer.

The majority of the park has a large network of tracks that are a legacy of pastoral management. These tracks, along with open, traversable country, allow relatively easy access for fire suppression vehicles. There are also several locations where water may be obtained from tanks and dams.

In December 2002 a number of lightning strikes ignited fires in the hilly country of the park. Seasonal conditions were extremely dry and hot, which enabled fire to travel between hills. The resultant wildfires burnt approximately 12,000 hectares of inaccessible scrub north of Cacuppa and Old Paney, before being contained within the fire access track network. These fires highlighted the usefulness of small 4WD fire units and the importance of access to water points in combating fires in the park. Regeneration after fire can be slow in semi-arid rangelands, and it is important to manage grazing pressure within the fire perimeter in the future to maximise the recovery of plant species.

Subsequent to a fire of limited extent south-west of Old Paney in January 2001, two photopoints were installed to monitor the recovery of burnt areas. The same fire burnt a pre-existing photopoint. The fire in December 2002 was so widespread as to have affected areas near photopoints established originally to monitor grazing impact in the Pondanna and Mattera areas, allowing the recovery of burnt vegetation to be monitored at these sites also.

DEH has a responsibility to manage all aspects of fire in its reserves. A fire management plan will be prepared for the park in consultation with the regional bushfire prevention committee, the local Country Fire Service Group, neighbouring property managers and key stakeholders.

The fire management plan will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure currency, accuracy and inclusion of emerging or outstanding issues. The plan will form the basis of ongoing fire management and will: - incorporate fire management zones that identify and define areas of high fire risk, environmental significance, susceptible built assets and areas of high visitation that might require specific management objectives and prescriptions; - provide a framework for the management of wildfire suppression, including identification of strategic access and control lines; - provide a framework for prescribed burning for ecological management and fuel reduction purposes; - include the restoration, rehabilitation and monitoring of areas impacted as a result of fire or fire suppression activities; and - identify performance indicators.

Research will be undertaken into indigenous use of fire on the region and the effects of fire on all ecosystems within the park, including benchmark biological surveys and ongoing monitoring. Wherever possible, research will be undertaken in a consultative manner on a regional basis. The results of this research will be used to guide future management planning.

Planned fires, where appropriate and ecologically sustainable, will be used to reduce fuel hazards with the aim of protecting life and property.

The maintenance of watering points for fire fighting purposes will take into account impacts on wildlife and other park management issues.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 17 The impact on wildlife of wood gathering by visitors and the minimisation of potential ignition sources are primary considerations in the management of campfires. Specific fire sites will be provided in camping areas and alternative fuel sources will be encouraged to limit impacts.

Objective Manage fire to ensure the protection of life and property both on and off reserve, the maintenance of biodiversity and the protection of natural, cultural and built values.

Strategies • Develop fire management strategies in consultation with the CFS, local community and DEH representatives.

• Prepare, regularly review and update the fire management plan in consultation with CFS and other key stakeholders, interest groups and neighbours.

• Maintain watering points for fire fighting purposes at strategic locations throughout the park.

• Establish and maintain an appropriate fire access track network within the park.

• Investigate the use of fire as a management tool for biodiversity conservation and determine the pre-colonial fire regime for the area to assist in establishing appropriate fire management strategies.

18 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 7 MANAGING CULTURAL HERITAGE 7.1 Indigenous Heritage Barngala and Kokatha Culture and Heritage At the time of colonial settlement, the area around the Gawler Ranges is thought to have been at the boundaries of territories occupied by two Aboriginal groups: the Barngarla, and the Kokatha or Gugada people.

The land comprising Gawler Ranges National Park forms part of the ‘Country’ of the Barngala and Kokatha people (Tindale 1974). For Barngala and Kokatha people, land and waters have many interconnected complex meanings and values. The significance of land and waters is central to their lives: at birth, death, ceremonies and socially, whilst hunting, gathering camping, and travelling.

It is understood that the Kokatha had been extending their territory prior to the arrival of Europeans and this process continued during the early days of the Colony of South Australia (Berndt 1985).

Dispossession and dispersal began in the 1860s and was just about complete by the late 1880s. Police Posts at Paney and Yardea assisted in the transfer of Aboriginal people to Fowlers Bay (near Ceduna) where they received rations. The overall population of the mixed tribal groups located at the ration stations, including Fowlers Bay, was subsequently reduced by disease and, as a consequence, some cultural knowledge was lost to future generations.

Today, Barngala and Kokatha people live on their country and practise their culture and language. Some of the language and traditional stories have been recorded. However, to date, the full extent of Aboriginal heritage at Gawler Ranges National Park has not been comprehensively researched.

However, due to historical or cultural reasons, any knowledge of the cultural heritage of the region may be privileged to selected Barngala and Kokatha people and therefore unable to be recorded. Given the lack of existing information, it is considered important that further research be undertaken in order to gain a better understanding of the Aboriginal occupancy and use of the area.

Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 The purpose of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 is the protection and preservation of Aboriginal sites, objects and remains. ‘Aboriginal site’ and ‘Aboriginal object’ are defined under the Act as ‘an area of land or an object that is of significance according to Aboriginal tradition; or that is of significance to Aboriginal archaeology, anthropology or history.’ The Department for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation (DAARE) maintains a Central Archive, including the Register of Aboriginal Sites and Objects.

Currently eight archaeological sites are listed on the Central Archive for Gawler Ranges National Park. However, these recordings do not reflect a comprehensive survey of the park and there may be other, as yet unidentified, Aboriginal sites, objects and remains in the park. In carrying out the activities and strategies proposed in this plan, DEH will ensure that it complies with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

Objective Ensure that any Aboriginal sites, objects and remains are protected and preserved in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

Strategies • Identify and protect any Aboriginal sites, objects and remains in cooperation with the traditional owners, DAARE and relevant authorities.

• In consultation with the traditional owners, submit cultural sites and stories that relate to the park for inclusion on the DAARE Central Archive.

7.2 Non-Indigenous Heritage The park contains strong evidence of its pastoral heritage. Initially, the land that comprises the park was divided into a number of ‘runs’, including one known as Paney Bluff. Parts of at least seven runs, taken up as early as 1876 such as Mount Granite, make up the Scrubby Peak area of the park. Apart from seasonal use during winter, the Gawler Ranges were not seriously stocked

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 19 until wells had been sunk and tanks and whims installed. Wells were of variable quality and those that produced good, permanent water were heavily used, denuding the nearby country. Most sheep were shepherded until the dog-proof fence was erected in 1905, but even so, some seasons in the 1890s saw the production of bumper wool clips. The ruins of several shepherds’ huts remain in the park.

The original Paney Homestead near Paney Bluff, now referred to as “Old Paney”, remains in reasonably sound condition. Nearby are several graves of early pastoralists, which were restored by the immediate past owners of the lease.

Pondanna Outstation is a stone farmhouse, barn and the remains of an underground tank situated in a broad valley in the north of the park. The surrounding land was cropped, sometimes very successfully, for a number of years and a nearby shed houses early farm implements that have been partially restored by local history enthusiasts.

Objective Conserve sites of cultural significance and, where appropriate, interpret these for visitors.

Strategies • In consultation with the Heritage branch of DEH and other relevant authorities, research and inventory, cultural and historic sites and stories that relate to the park and where appropriate, develop interpretive material and tourism programs for visitors. Interpretive material may include web site, brochures, site signage and displays.

• Encourage and support archaeological, anthropological and historic studies within the park. All sites located during these surveys should be recorded to the standards set by Heritage branch of DEH and submitted for inclusion on the State Heritage Register.

20 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 8 MANAGING TOURISM AND RECREATION 8.1 Visitor Use Scenic qualities and wildflowers have made the Gawler Ranges a popular destination for tourists for many years, mainly by local people. The Scrubby Peak area in particular has had a long history of recreational use and there are several areas that have been used as campsites.

It is recognised that the park is new and visitor requirements may alter over time. Further development of visitor facilities will depend on assessment of needs. Information will be acquired through monitoring, which may need to be augmented by targeted visitor surveys.

The Gawler Ranges National Park Visitor Facility Development and Services Plan (DEH 2002) was developed in consultation with key stakeholders and the community. The plan is consistent with the zoning of the park contained within this management plan and provides detailed specifications of existing and proposed day visit, camping area, and accommodation facilities that complement the landscape qualities of the park and cater for a range of park experiences.

The purpose of the facility development and services plan is to: - design and locate visitor developments within the park in a manner which recognises and enhances the primacy and sense of isolation of the Gawler Ranges landscape; - improve visitor safety and maintain environmental integrity within the park; - promote a consistent image and adopt best practice in landscape and visitor facility design in the park; and - retain the undisturbed and pristine character of the Gawler Ranges through a modest approach towards developments.

It is anticipated that the Gawler Ranges National Park will contribute to the economy of the region by increasing the area’s tourism potential and encouraging new tourism opportunities for visitors to the region. There are also opportunities to develop new small-scale tourism accommodation options in conjunction with the tourism industry.

Objective Provide for public enjoyment of the park in a way that is compatible with the conservation of natural and cultural resources and public safety.

Strategies • Provide tourism and recreation facilities at development sites and other locations consistent with the zoning of the park in this management plan.

• Monitor tourism and recreation developments to determine future requirements and periodically review in consultation with the community.

• Promote Gawler Ranges National Park as a key visitor destination in the broader Gawler Ranges and northern Eyre Peninsula tourism region.

8.2 Visitor Access Vehicle Access The park may be accessed from the south From the Eyre Highway at Wudinna via Bartley Road and Barns Road. Access from Kimba in the east is via a public access route through Buckleboo Station. Access from the west is from the Minnipa to Yardea Road, which passes between the Scrubby Peak block and the Paney block. These are unsealed roads suitable for conventional vehicles.

Access through the park is available to 2WD vehicles via the Minnipa-Yardea Road, Old Paney Scenic Route and Barns Road, and from Kimba via the Kimba-Buckleboo-Thurga Road and Buckleboo Public Access Road (Figure 3). This route provides conventional vehicles access to a number of select campsites and features within the park. The station track network will be largely retained but public access to more remote sites will be confined to a series of loops, suitable mainly for 4WD vehicles. For safety reasons, some tracks may be designated as suitable for one- way traffic only, and some or all tracks may be periodically closed in unfavourable weather conditions.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 21 It is proposed to upgrade the main east-west access track from Paney Homestead to Old Paney Homestead to address issues such as erodible soil and effective maintenance at some locations and to maintain access for conventional vehicles under most conditions. This may involve relocating the track to a better drained and more suitable soil type. It also may involve the establishment of water points and gravel borrow pits within the park. Similar minor realignment may be required for other tracks in the park. Other minor track changes may be required to provide for greater visitor safety (by removal of blind corners, etc) or to further protect sensitive and erosion-prone areas.

A speed limit of 40 kph will apply to all vehicle tracks to promote visitor safety and to reduce the potential for collisions with wildlife.

Walking Trails Features in the park have been traditionally accessed by vehicle. In some instances, visitors have created tracks that either threaten environmental integrity through erosion or impinge on the visual amenity of sites of interest.

To overcome these problems, car parking and, where necessary, walking trails may be designed and constructed near features of interest at various sites, including the following: - Old Paney Homestead and Policeman’s Camp - Mattera Falls - Kahley Hut (“Robinson Crusoe Hut”) - Scrubby Peak - Kolay Mirica Falls - The Organ Pipes - Chillunie Campground - Mount Sturt - Hiltaba Granite formations at Waulkinna Hill - Mount Allalone.

Interpretive material (eg signs or brochures) will be provided where this enhances the visitor experience without detracting from the sense of isolation of particular features.

Although formal walking trails from car park to feature are proposed, the need for designated overland routes is not yet apparent. The relatively open nature of the country invites walking opportunities for visitors without the need for an extensive formal trail network in the park. Use of the park will be monitored, however, and formal trails may be constructed in the future to address public safety and environmental issues.

Detailed aspects regarding walking trail location, design, construction and maintenance will be outlined in a trail plan, to be developed in consultation with key stakeholders.

Cycling The landscape of the park and the existing pastoral track network provide excellent opportunities for bicycle touring. Although the majority of the park is dominated by a hilly terrain, especially in the north, the ranges are typically separated by broad, flat valleys, attractive for mountain bike touring. It is recognised that cycle touring is a legitimate and appropriate visitor activity in the park, but will be confined to designated tracks only.

Cyclists may use all public vehicle tracks. In addition, cycling may be permitted on some park management tracks not generally open for public motor vehicles, such as tracks in the Dad’s Flat, West Charba, Eureka Bluff or Nukey areas.

Horses and Other Domestic Stock Historically, the region was explored on camels, but horses were extensively used for pastoral management activities after artificial water sources were constructed. However, horses had not been used for a number of years prior to the property becoming a park. Bullocks were once used for general transport in the region.

Domestic stock (horses, camels, donkeys and bullocks) need access to water in arid environments. Historic, artificial watering points have now been rationalised for wildlife management purposes and are no longer available for watering stock. There are no suitable natural water sources. In addition, domestic stock are potential vectors for weeds, may promote erosion of susceptible soils, increase grazing impacts on native plants and may cause conflict with other park users.

Consequently, the use of horses or any other exotic stock animal for recreational purposes in the park is considered neither practical nor sustainable and will be prohibited. However, the Director

22 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 may approve their use for unique purposes (eg historical re-enactment or management purposes).

Objectives Provide a range of safe vehicle access and walking opportunities within the park. Provide opportunities for visitors to tour the park by bicycle on designated routes that do not compromise natural values or other visitors’ experience. Prohibit recreational use of exotic stock except for special events with the Director’s permission.

Strategies • Designate the public access tracks as shown on Figure 3 and upgrade to a safe standard, maintaining a range of routes for 2WD and 4WD vehicles.

• Upgrade the main east-west, scenic route between Paney and Old Paney Homesteads to a level suitable for conventional vehicles in most conditions.

• Develop and implement a trail plan that identifies walking trail needs, and a sustainable cycle track network in the park, and addresses public risk and environmental management issues.

• Monitor visitor use and environmental impacts to determine walking trail requirements and review the trail plan when necessary, in consultation with key stakeholders.

• Confine bicycle use to the designated cycle track network and provide information to visitors.

• Monitor use of cycles and review access and use to ensure natural values are maintained and visitor experience is not compromised.

• Develop procedures for preventing the introduction of weeds into the park from any approved use of introduced animals.

8.3 Visitor Facilities Camping and Day Visit Areas Traditionally, visitors to Paney Station utilised several sites for informal, vehicle-based camping. These included Mattera, Waganny, Chillunie, Kolay Hut, Pondanna Outstation, and Old Paney Homestead and Policeman’s Camp.

The Scrubby Peak area has also been subject to informal camping by visitors at several locations.

An assessment of these traditional campsites has been made and it is proposed that they be retained, with the addition of several new camping areas. However, it is expected that visitation will increase as the park becomes better known and strategies need to be put into place that allow DEH to regulate their use to avoid unacceptable impacts. Impact management may involve designating an upper limit to campsite numbers at particular camping areas (eg booking system), improving the impact resistance of campsite surfaces, closing individual sites, or rotating the sites used at particular locations to allow impacted sites to regenerate.

The location, design and number of individual camping sites at each camping area and day visit site, and the strategy employed to ensure sustainable use, is outlined in the Gawler Ranges National Park Facility Development and Services Plan (DEH 2002).

As a deeper understanding of the park, the environment and visitor trends develops, sites that prove either unsustainable, or which do not appear to meet visitor requirements, may be closed and rehabilitated. Alternative camping areas may be developed if considered appropriate consistent with the zoning of the park in this management plan.

There is potential to accommodate opportunities for commercial tour operators to provide clients with a remote camping experience. The development of such a facility could be considered if it enhanced the Gawler Ranges as a visitor experience, provided for additional and viable tourism operations and had minimal impact on park infrastructure and the environment.

At camping areas, modest wood fires may be permitted (except during fire danger season) within the campfire rings provided by the Department. However, regulations prohibit the use of firewood collected within the park and visitors are expected to utilise their own fuel from outside the park.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 23 Several features in the park may be developed as day visit sites. These include: - Old Paney Homestead - Stone Dam - Policeman’s Camp - Waulkinna Hill - Pondanna Outstation - Mount Sturt Range - Kolay Mirica Falls - The Organ Pipes at Scrubby Peak

Entry and Camping Fees For many years, Paney Station has been a popular destination for local people and outback visitors who enjoyed informal, vehicle-based camping at several sites. In addition, commercial tour operators visited the property with clients and have enjoyed the use of some of the buildings for temporary accommodation (eg Kolay Hut and the shearers’ quarters).

To assist with the costs of maintaining public tracks and campsites, an entry fee will be charged for day-visitors and camping fees will apply for people who wish to stay overnight in the park.

Self-registration stations have been erected at strategic locations to provide information to visitors and to assist with the collection of prescribed entry and camping fees.

Objective Provide sustainable camping areas and visitor sites that offer opportunities for public enjoyment in a way that preserves the park’s natural values. Provide for the collection of entry and camping fees to assist with the cost of visitor services maintenance.

Strategies • Designate and manage sustainable camping areas and day visit areas to provide visitors with a quality experience while preserving natural and cultural values, consistent with the zoning of the park in this management plan.

• Monitor camping areas and maintain them to avoid unacceptable impacts by either setting use limits or by rotating sites to allow for regeneration.

• Construct car parks at strategic locations near frequently visited features and, where appropriate, construct walking trails to features.

• Evaluate proposals for low-key, sustainable, eco-tourism ventures through a consultative process against the zoning of the park and the objectives of this management plan.

• Maintain self-registration stations at strategic locations in the park for disseminating visitor information and collecting entry and camping fees.

24 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006

Figure 3

Gawler Ranges National Park

Kolaymerrika Hill Features Eurilla Hill

Kundery Hill Peltabinna Hill YARDEA HS Mt Centre

Neuranippe Hill LEGEND

Protected Area

Main road THURLGA HS Charba Hill Pastoral track

Track (2WD) Kododo Hill Pondanna Outstation Eureka Bluff Track (4WD) Telstra Conical Hill Drainage

O

n

e Mt Granite w a Hill summit y Dad's Flat t r Scrubby Peak a c Organ Pipes k Mount Nott Airfield

Building Nukey Bluff Yandinga Camping Area Paney Hill Kolay Hut Mattera Well Potential Camping Area

Mt Fairview Policemans Point Chillunie Peterby Yard and Spring Campsite Gawler Ranges Chillunie Well Old Paney Conservation ad Reserve o R Mt Double a e d Turkey Flat ar Y - a ip inn M Shearers' Quarters Map designed and created by PANEY HS Reserve Planning using PAMS Date: September 2003

e r i ) k Chilpuddie Hill F d c o a g i Bu r r c t n kl i e e b r oo y P u P AR a Mt Allalone d r

w e d g e e Waganny n n s a Waulkinna Hill o O l D C (

d a Mt Sturt o R s rn a B

0 5 10 kilometres

Minnipa Hill Pinkawillinie Conservation Park 8.4 Commercial Tourism Commercial tourism operators bring small parties to the park. Traditionally, they have had access to some of the buildings on the former Paney Station (eg Kolay Hut, Pondanna Outstation, Old Paney, Paney shearers’ quarters), which have temporarily accommodated parties of various sizes or served as shelters in which to prepare food.

Commercial tourism operators are required to obtain a licence to bring visitors to the park and, through an agreement with DEH, may be allowed to access some tracks and sites not normally accessible to the public. The suitability of any commercial tourism proposal will be based on an assessment of economic and environmental sustainability criteria and its potential to further the aims of this plan.

In the future, there may be opportunities for Indigenous cultural tours to be developed to provide cultural tourism experiences in the park.

Objective Provide for the use of the park by approved, licensed tourism operators.

Strategies • Issue licences for approved commercial tourism operators to bring visitors to the park and, by agreement, permit parties to visit selected locations.

• Encourage Aboriginal people to become involved with commercial tourism and to conduct guided tours of places of historic and cultural interest including culturally sensitive areas (when and where appropriate).

8.5 Information and Interpretation Information on the natural and cultural features of the park is available from several sources. DEH maintains a database of information gathered from biological surveys and opportunistic sightings of wildlife. Lists of species that may be found in the park are available from regional and district DEH offices. Historic, cultural information is being acquired with the assistance of enthusiastic local historians and will form the basis of interpretive information delivered to visitors either through brochures or strategically placed signs in the park.

The method of delivery and extent of content will be consolidated in an interpretive plan for the park, which will be developed in consultation with key stakeholders. Key tourism messages should be sensitive to cultural considerations, and also take advantage of opportunities to reflect traditional place-names and other information, in consultation with traditional owners.

Objective Provide informative, accurate and appropriate interpretive information on the park for visitors.

Strategy • Develop and implement an interpretive plan for the park that specifies the method of delivery, extent of content and location of information available.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 27 9 MANAGING RESOURCE USE 9.1 Exploration and Mining The Gawler Ranges are generally regarded as a prospective area for mineral resources. When the Gawler Ranges National Park was proclaimed in 2002, a proclamation was also made to allow entry for mineral and petroleum exploration and extraction.

The potential for the discovery of an economic deposit of minerals in the park has been assessed by PIRSA (2000, 2003). The crystalline basement rocks are considered to have potential for hosting metallic mineral deposits, but despite many years of mineral investigation, with some minor lead- zinc, graphite and kaolin deposits detected, the area is yet to yield minerals that may be economically mined. This may be due, in part, to the depth of overburden.

The Minister for Environment and Conservation must approve, and may set conditions which must be carried out in relation to, exploration and extraction in the park. To this end, DEH proposes that the conditions applied to exploration and extraction activities in the park include the following: - Licensees are to avoid exploratory activity that will be detrimental to local populations of flora and fauna, in particular destruction of vegetation including large trees (either dead or alive) that provide important refuges for fauna; - Exploration within areas of native vegetation is to be undertaken with extreme care, wherever possible use existing tracks to keep vehicle and machinery impact on native vegetation and soil to a minimum. Any traverse off track to be negotiated with the park manager and rehabilitated; - Progressive rehabilitation of any disturbance associated with works will be required, with the rehabilitation to be completed within six months from the cessation of activities; - Notice of entry must be given to the park manager at least ten working days prior to entry; and - Operators must comply with additional recommendations made by the park manager in relation to carrying out their activities.

Areas of environmental sensitivity (eg colonies of threatened species such as Yellow-footed Rock- wallaby) or areas popular to visitors and tourism (eg Kolay Mirica waterfall) that should not receive undue disturbance may be specified in the licence conditions or works approvals. Applications for exploration licences have already been modified for similar reasons in the park.

Areas in the park vary in their ability to recover from disturbance. Intensive exploration activity will only be approved in identified areas of environmental sensitivity if less intensive exploration indicates that there is a high likelihood of an economically viable mineral deposit being located and that it may be mined in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Sensitive environments that contain high conservation or tourism value include: - areas of high biodiversity importance, including those identified as “key biological areas” in A Biological Survey of the Gawler Ranges South Australia (Robinson et al 1988); - the Pine Lodge Environmental Association; - spear grass vegetation associations; - blue bush vegetation associations; - lakes, salinas and mud flats; - the Mount Sturt region; - the Corunna Formation near and including Mount Allalone; - Nukey Springs; - granite outcrops, especially the Hiltaba suite; - the general uplands, creeks and waterfalls of the Gawler Ranges proper; - areas of cultural heritage significance; and - areas adjacent to visitor tracks, sites and campgrounds.

28 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 Where licences cover country considered sensitive to exploration and mining activity, conditions of use over and above general park provisions may be specified. Close liaison is to be maintained with the park manager if any activity is approved in these environments and operators are expected to comply with special directions given for ameliorating any impacts.

Objective Ensure that mineral or petroleum exploration or extraction activities in the park are undertaken in a manner that minimises disturbance to landscape, wildlife, cultural features and visitor experience.

Strategy • Liaise with operators engaged in mineral and petroleum exploration or extraction activities in the park to prevent undue disturbance and to ensure compliance with the objectives of this management plan.

9.2 Public Utilities Telstra has freehold title to a 2.25 hectare block of land near Eureka Bluff (section 1565, Out of Hundreds (Yardea)) upon which a telecommunications tower has been constructed (see Figure 3). The facility is self-contained, being powered by photovoltaic cells, but technicians visit the site regularly for its upkeep and maintenance.

Future proposals to install additional telecommunications facilities within the park should be assessed with regard to impacts on biodiversity, maintenance requirements and visual amenity impairment. Permission for their installation should only be granted if there is no viable alternative and a thorough assessment of risks to park values has been undertaken and addressed.

Objective Ensure that telecommunications facilities are managed sustainably.

Strategy • Liaise with telecommunication company officers in relation to the development and maintenance of telecommunication facilities and negotiate strategies to protect park values.

9.3 Leases and Licences Leases and licences may be granted to private enterprise, local government and community organisations where the facility or activity provides a conservation benefit or enhances visitor experience. Leased operations can play a key role in providing visitor services and in contributing to park management.

Leases or licences that confer rights or privileges to organisations should include clear responsibilities with regard to benefits that might accrue to the park and the wider community.

Objectives Foster and develop park enterprises where the private sector can provide services to enhance visitor experience and support park management. Manage appropriate commercial pursuits that enhance visitor experience without compromising the natural values of the park.

Strategies • Foster private sector, local government and community organisation involvement in park management through lease or licence arrangements, whereby lessees or licensees can deliver quality services that improve conservation values and visitor experience. A licence or lease will only be granted to an operation proposal that is consistent with the objectives of this plan.

• Conduct audits as required to ensure compliance with lease or licence terms and conditions.

9.4 Management Infrastructure Buildings associated with the running of Paney Pastoral Lease include Paney Homestead and manager’s residence, which have been upgraded to provide residences for park management staff. A third residence at the site was in poor repair and has been removed. Additionally, a large shed has been secured to house a workshop and equipment. Upgrades have included the installation of a combination wind and diesel-powered electricity generator.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 29 Radio communication has been improved in the region by the installation of strategically placed repeater stations within the park. Currently Gawler Ranges National Park lies outside the Government Radio Network. Consideration should be given to improving coverage of the system to include the whole park in the Government Radio Network.

A cluster of buildings two kilometres east of the homestead once provided quarters for shearers, and a relatively new timber and iron shearing shed was built, following destruction of the old shed in a fire in the mid-1970s. The shearers’ quarters, while basically sound, will require considerable upgrading if they are to be used for accommodation. The shearing shed, with some modification, has the potential to become an excellent “first port of call” and information node for park visitors.

Approximately one kilometre east of the shearing shed, an earth airstrip has been maintained. This airstrip will be retained for management and emergency transportation.

Other substantial stone buildings in the park include Old Paney Homestead, Pondanna Outstation and Kolay Hut. While these buildings are structurally sound and are occasionally used by visitors, they are run down and need conservation and repair. There is potential for these buildings to provide heritage accommodation for visitors and revenue for the park.

As a pastoral property, numerous fences were constructed to separate paddocks and assist with the management of stock. Many of these fences are no longer needed and will be removed.

Numerous dams and wells, windmills, tanks and water troughs exist on the park. Some of these water points may no longer be required and will be decommissioned. Some of the windmills, tanks and structures pose a risk to both wildlife and visitors. These should be removed or made as safe as possible, and signs strategically placed to warn visitors of any risk. Water storage infrastructure that is retained for management or fire suppression purposes will be maintained, including the clearing of dams and drains, and should be secured from wildlife, both to restore a more natural regime and to safeguard animals from accidental drowning.

Objective Install and maintain infrastructure and built assets necessary for effective park management.

Strategies • Improve radio communications to include the park into the Government Radio Network.

• Promote public safety by modifying infrastructure, erecting barriers and/or signs warning visitors of risks, on all retained installations while at the same time conserving heritage values.

• Remove or secure unguarded water pits, decaying wells and redundant water point infrastructure to reduce public risk, while retaining their heritage values.

• Maintain water points required for management purposes and fire suppression.

• Control wildlife access to artificial water points.

• Decommission all dams, wells, tanks and troughs not required for management or fire suppression purposes while at the same time conserving their heritage values.

• Repair and conserve historically significant buildings and structures and ensure use is compatible with their heritage values.

30 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 10 INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY DEH supports and promotes partnerships and cooperative arrangements for park management. This requires the development of substantial working relationships with government agencies, local authorities and local communities. With regard to Gawler Ranges National Park, this involves developing working relationships with neighbours, local land managers, regional bodies, mineral explorers, local tourism operators, volunteers, the representative Aboriginal Heritage Committees and Native Title claimants.

DEH also recognises the importance of developing ongoing partnership arrangements for integrated natural resource management, including participation in regional management programs and contributing to community organisations and boards such as Landcare groups, Natural Resource Management Boards and Local Government.

Partnership arrangements should provide a positive direction for the shared development, maintenance and management of the park and to improve the resourcing and funding capability to manage the park in accordance with the objectives of this plan.

Active engagement of the community sector to establish a wide and dedicated support base is the cornerstone of natural resource management. Community capacity-building can have significant flow-on effects in improving a region’s environmental, social and economic wellbeing. There is considerable regional interest in the park stemming from a long history of recreational use and also the potential for local tourism opportunities. This plan recommends strategies that aim to provide the community as a whole with relevant information, to build individual and group skills, to encourage participation in natural resource management across the wider landscape, and to provide the necessary organisational and institutional support. Soon after acquiring Paney Station in 2000, invitations were made to neighbouring property owners and key regional organisations to join a consultative body that could assist DEH in ensuring that establishment of the park and its proposed management could benefit regional economies and meet recreational needs. The Gawler Ranges National Park Community Reference Group was established and met regularly with DEH to provide advice and comment on management actions undertaken to establish the park. The Group consisted of representatives of local government (District Council of Le Hunte and District Council of Kimba), Eyre Consultative Committee, regional business, tourism and progress associations, police and emergency services, CFS, neighbouring landholders, Animal and Plant Control Board and Friends of Parks. Through regular meetings, the Community Reference Group contributed significantly to the development of this plan and their interest and efforts have been appreciated.

Friends of Gawler Ranges National Park More than 100 Friends of Parks groups are active across the state, providing valuable assistance to DEH in the management of reserves. The Friends of Kimba Parks group have already provided valuable assistance during the establishment phase of Gawler Ranges National Park. The Friends of Gawler Ranges National Park was established in February 2003 to formalise the input of many members of the community who have indicated their willingness to participate in park programs. Many of these new Friends have intimate knowledge of the park through a long association and it is hoped that their voluntary input can enhance biodiversity conservation programs and visitor experience through local knowledge and experience.

Campground Hosts Interested volunteers have greatly assisted DEH during periods of high visitation, by providing information and guidance to new visitors as campground hosts. This is of great assistance to DEH and park visitors, and will continue to be encouraged.

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia Members of the Hunting and Conservation Branch of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia have been involved with control of pest animal species in DEH reserves since the early 1990s. Volunteer hunters have made a significant contribution to the reduction of feral goats in the park. In the future, they may also assist with additional conservation programs, including monitoring of foxes, feral cats and kangaroos.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 31 Country Fire Service The local volunteer CFS brigades of Wudinna, Minnipa, Buckleboo and Kimba have assisted with fire suppression and prevention activities in the Gawler Ranges for many years prior to the establishment of the park. These brigades, along with the local CFS Groups (Le Hunte and Kimba), provide great assistance to DEH and will continue to be supported.

Other Volunteers There is potential for many other organisations to become involved in park management programs. These include schools, social, sporting and recreational clubs and contributors to general conservation volunteer programs.

Department of Correctional Services The Department of Correctional Services has provided assistance to DEH for a number of years through the Mobile Outdoor Work Camp (MOWCamp) and Community Corrections programs. These programs provide valuable resourcing for routine park maintenance and other projects in a number of reserves across the state. Given the isolation, current resource structure and scope of works required within the Gawler Ranges National Park, it would seem reasonable to investigate the utilisation of similar programs in the park in the future.

Gawler Ranges Marketing and Development Committee The Department supports and promotes partnerships and cooperative management arrangements to establish integrated natural resource management. This requires the development of effective working relationships with government agencies, local authorities, non­ government organisations and the local community.

The Gawler Ranges Marketing and Development Committee was established to develop a coordinated and consistent approach to tourism development and marketing across the Gawler Ranges and Upper Eyre Peninsula. DEH was a major contributor to the formation of this group and plays an active role on this committee.

The committee consists of representatives from local communities and key stakeholders. These include the following: - District Council of Le Hunte and District Council of Kimba; - Outback Areas Community Development Trust; - Local Progress Associations, including Gawler Ranges Progress Association, Minnipa, Progress Association, Wudinna Business and Tourism Association and Kimba Tourism Focus Group; - South Australian Tourism Commission; - Tourism Eyre Peninsula; - Eyre Regional Development Board; and - Transport SA.

This committee has been active in the development of a tourism and recreation plan for the Gawler Ranges and Upper Eyre Peninsula and is expected to provide an ongoing role in attracting development and marketing funding for the region.

Aboriginal Partnerships DEH is committed to reconciliation and to the development of partnerships with Aboriginal communities to cooperatively manage Gawler Ranges National Park in a way that respects both contemporary and traditional culture, knowledge and skills. Partnerships involve the delivery of programs that promote reconciliation, cultural awareness, indigenous employment and training, cooperative management and indigenous cultural heritage management in parks. The potential exists for cultural tours of the park to be offered by members of the local Aboriginal communities in the future.

Furthermore, the South Australian Government is keen to pursue Indigenous Land Use Agreements, which are voluntary agreements between native title groups and other people about the use and management of country.

32 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 Objectives Encourage and support voluntary contributions to biodiversity and park management programs. Support partnerships with organisations and statutory bodies that assist with the management of the park. Establish working relationships with Aboriginal people who have a traditional association with the land comprising the park.

Strategies • Encourage and facilitate the involvement of the local community, volunteer organisations and individuals in conservation and park management programs.

• Encourage and contribute to the development of partnerships with key organisations and community stakeholders that can provide a positive direction for the shared development, maintenance and management of the park and improve the resourcing and funding capability to fulfil the objectives of the management plan.

• Involve Native Title Claimants and the nominated Aboriginal Heritage Committees in the preservation of their indigenous cultural heritage.

• Consult with the local council, management boards, the local community and other relevant bodies to explore the benefits of partnership arrangements that will support future decisions on issues of common interest and promote economic development in the region.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 33 11 MANAGING RESERVE TENURE Additional Land Although Gawler Ranges National Park protects environments previously poorly represented in South Australia’s reserve system (especially the Gawler Ranges and Buckleboo Environmental Associations of Laut et al), protection is still considered to be inadequate to meet the target of 15% of the original extent of ecosystems in the region. Consequently, if land adjacent to the park becomes available for acquisition, it should be assessed for the quality and nature of its environments and considered as an addition to the park, if suitable.

Additionally, land may become available that, despite reduced biodiversity qualities, fosters improved tourism opportunities in the district. Such land should also be considered for acquisition. There may be opportunities to acquire suitable land on adjacent properties through arrangements that permit land with low biodiversity values but high pastoral value to be utilised by neighbours in exchange for land that improves biodiversity conservation or provides better experience for park visitors in the region. This would only be considered if the arrangement confers a demonstrable biodiversity conservation or tourism gain.

In order to improve regional conservation, Gawler Ranges Conservation Reserve will be proclaimed as part of the park.

Excluded Land At the time the park was proclaimed, two areas of land were excluded from the park for tourism development purposes (Allotments 101 and 102, Deposited Plan 54815). These areas include park headquarters and staff accommodation at Paney Homestead and the shearers’ quarters (150 hectares) and Old Paney Homestead (50 hectares). These areas were excluded from the park in order to accommodate potential large-scale tourism developments. Given the limitations on the essential services in these areas and current estimates of future tourism in the region, large-scale developments may not be feasible. These areas will be proclaimed as part of the park and managed in accordance with this plan.

Objectives Improve the comprehensiveness, representativeness and adequacy of the park to conserve habitats and environments and to optimise tourism in the region. Ensure that land excluded from the park is managed in accordance with this plan.

Strategies • Proclaim Gawler Ranges Conservation Reserve as part of the park.

• Proclaim Allotments 101 and 102, Deposited Plan 54815 as part of the park.

• Investigate all opportunities to conserve land to improve park values and consolidate park boundaries.

• Manage all land additions to the park according to the principles outlined in this management plan.

34 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

STRATEGY Zoning Develop and manage the park in accordance with the zones shown on Figure 2. Managing Natural Heritage Geology, Soils and Landform Regulate visitor impacts at sensitive sites to protect geological features. Develop and install interpretive information at key geological features. Native Vegetation Record information on plant populations, especially species of conservation significance, monitor populations and undertake conservation programs if necessary. Monitor the recovery of plant populations in areas previously degraded by intense grazing. Prevent wildlife access to artificial water points. Monitor kangaroo numbers and the impacts of their grazing, and undertake control measures to maintain sustainable populations that do not impact negatively on native vegetation. Currently, culling kangaroos in accordance with section 38(10a) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 is the only practicable method of population control. Native Fauna Record information on animal populations, monitor populations and implement management programs if necessary for their conservation. Monitor and manage impacts of abundant native species and address the causes of artificially elevated population levels if possible. Introduced Plants Determine the locations and extent of introduced plants, monitor populations, evaluate the threats, identify priorities for control or eradication and undertake appropriate measures to prevent their spread and increase. Introduced Animals Collect information on the population numbers and distribution of introduced animals, determine priorities based on relative threat to wildlife and develop and implement integrated, regional control programs. In particular, participate in regional programs for the control of goats, foxes, cats and rabbits. Maintain partnership arrangements with the Hunting and Conservation Branch of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia to assist with feral animal control. Managing Fire Develop fire management strategies in consultation with the CFS, local community and DEH representatives. Prepare, regularly review and update the fire management plan in consultation with CFS and other key stakeholders, interest groups and neighbours. Maintain watering points for fire fighting purposes at strategic locations throughout the park. Establish and maintain an appropriate fire access track network within the park. Investigate the use of fire as a management tool for biodiversity conservation and determine the pre-colonial fire regime for the area to assist in establishing appropriate fire management strategies.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 35 STRATEGY Managing Cultural Heritage

Identify and protect any Aboriginal sites, objects and remains in cooperation with the traditional owners, DAARE and relevant authorities. In consultation with the traditional owners, submit cultural sites and stories that relate to the park for inclusion on the DAARE Central Archive.

In consultation with the Heritage branch of DEH and other relevant authorities, research and inventory, cultural and historic sites and stories that relate to the park and where appropriate, develop interpretive material and tourism programs for visitors. Interpretive material may include web site, brochures, site signage and displays. Encourage and support archaeological, anthropological and historic studies within the park. All sites located during these surveys should be recorded to the standards set by Heritage branch of DEH and submitted for inclusion on the State Heritage Register.

Managing Tourism and Recreation Visitor Use Provide tourism and recreation facilities at development sites and other locations consistent with demand and the zoning of the park in this management plan. Monitor tourism and recreation developments to determine future requirements and periodically review in consultation with the community. Promote Gawler Ranges National Park as a key visitor destination in the broader Gawler Ranges and northern Eyre Peninsula tourism region. Visitor Access Designate the public access tracks as shown on Figure 3 and upgrade to a safe standard, maintaining a range of routes for 2WD and 4WD vehicles. Upgrade the main east-west, scenic route between Paney and Old Paney Homesteads to a level suitable for conventional vehicles in most conditions. Develop and implement a trail plan that identifies walking trail needs, and a sustainable cycle track network in the park, and addresses public risk and environmental management issues. Monitor visitor use and environmental impacts to determine walking trail requirements and review the trail plan when necessary, in consultation with key stakeholders. Confine bicycle use to the designated cycle track network and provide information to visitors. Monitor use of cycles and review access and use to ensure natural values are maintained and visitor experience is not compromised. Develop procedures for preventing the introduction of weeds into the park from any approved use of introduced animals. Visitor Facilities Designate and manage sustainable camping areas and day visit areas to provide visitors with a quality experience while preserving natural and cultural values, consistent with the zoning of the park in this management plan. Monitor camping areas and maintain them to avoid unacceptable impacts by either setting use limits or by rotating sites to allow for regeneration. Construct car parks at strategic locations near frequently visited features and, where appropriate, construct walking trails to features. Evaluate proposals for low-key, sustainable, eco-tourism ventures through a consultative process against the zoning of the park and the objectives of this management plan. Establish and maintain self-registration stations at strategic locations in the park for disseminating visitor information and collecting entry and camping fees.

36 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 STRATEGY Commercial Tourism Issue licences for approved commercial tourism operators to bring visitors to the park and, by agreement, permit parties to visit selected locations. Encourage Aboriginal people to become involved with commercial tourism and to conduct guided tours of places of historic and cultural interest including culturally sensitive areas (when and where appropriate). Information and Interpretation Develop and implement an interpretive plan for the park that specifies the method of delivery, extent of content and location of information available. Managing Resource Use Exploration and Mining Liaise with operators engaged in mineral and petroleum exploration or extraction activities in the park to prevent undue disturbance and to ensure compliance with the objectives of this management plan. Public Utilities Liaise with telecommunication company officers in relation to the development and maintenance of telecommunication facilities and negotiate strategies to protect park values. Leases and Licences Foster private sector, local government and community organisation involvement in park management through lease or licence arrangements, whereby lessees or licensees can deliver quality services that improve conservation values and visitor experience. A licence or lease will only be granted to an operation proposal that is consistent with the objectives of this plan. Conduct audits as required to ensure compliance with lease or licence terms and conditions.

Management Infrastructure Improve radio communications to include the park into the Government Radio Network. Promote public safety by modifying infrastructure, erecting barriers and/or signs warning visitors of risks, on all retained installations while at the same time conserving heritage values. Remove or secure unguarded and decaying wells and redundant water point infrastructure to reduce public risk, while retaining their heritage values. Maintain water points required for management purposes and fire suppression. Control wildlife access to artificial water points. Decommission all dams, wells, tanks and troughs not required for management or fire suppression purposes while at the same time conserving their heritage values. Repair and conserve historically significant buildings and structures and ensure use is compatible with their heritage values.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 37 STRATEGY Involving the Community Encourage and facilitate the involvement of the local community, volunteer organisations and individuals in conservation and park management programs. Encourage and contribute to the development of partnerships with key organisations and community stakeholders that can provide a positive direction for the shared development, maintenance and management of the park and improve the resourcing and funding capability to fulfil the objectives of the management plan. Involve Native Title Claimants and the nominated Aboriginal Heritage Committees in the preservation of their indigenous cultural heritage. Consult with the local council, management boards, the local community and other relevant bodies to explore the benefits of partnership arrangements that will support future decisions on issues of common interest and promote economic development in the region. Managing Reserve Tenure Proclaim Gawler Ranges Conservation Reserve as part of the park. Proclaim Allotments 101 and 102, Deposited Plan 54815 as part of the park. Investigate all opportunities to conserve land to improve park values and consolidate park boundaries. Manage all land additions to the park according to the principles outlined in this management plan.

38 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY Berndt, R M (1985) “Traditional Aborigines” in Twidale, C R, Tyler, M J and Davies, M (eds) The Natural History of Eyre Peninsula, Royal Society of South Australia, Adelaide pp 127-138.

Bishop G C (2001) A good supply of stock water… Pastoralism in the western Gawler Ranges, an historical survey of the Gawler Ranges National Park, commissioned by DEH.

Carpenter G and Reid J (1998) The Status of Native Birds in the Agricultural Areas of South Australia unpublished datatbase, DEH, Adelaide.

DEH (2002) Gawler Ranges National Park Visitor Facility Development and Services Plan, prepared by Taylor Cullity Lethlean (Landscape Architects), Adelaide.

Environment Australia (2000) Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (Version 5.1), Canberra, see http://www.ea.gov.au/parks/nrs/ibra/index.html.

Laut P, Heylingers P C, Keig G, Löffler E, Margules C, Scott R M and Sullivan, M E (1977) Environments of South Australia, Province 4, Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas, also ibid, Province 7, Western Pastoral, CSIRO, Canberra.

PIRSA (2000) Mineral potential of the proposed Gawler Ranges National Park Report Book 2000/00033 by A F Crooks, Mineral Assessment Branch. Adelaide.

PIRSA (2003) The Mineral Prospectivity of Gawler Ranges National Park, South Australia (Draft), Report Book 2003/000 by Ferris G M, Schwarz M P, and Crooks A F, Mineral Assessment Branch. Adelaide.

Robinson A C, Casperson K D, Canty P D and MacDonald C A (1988) A Biological Survey of the Gawler Ranges South Australia, Dept of Environment and Planning, Adelaide.

Schurmann, C V (1879) “The Aboriginal tribes of Port Lincoln”, in The native tribes of South Australia, Adelaide.

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 39 APPENDIX A: SPECIES OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE Fauna: SPECIES COMMON NAME Aus Status SA Eyre Status Peninsula Acanthiza iredalei Slender-billed Thornbill V V V Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill U Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface U Cacatua leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo R V V Corcorax melanorhamphos whitaea White-winged Chough V V Drymodes brunneopygia Southern Scrub-robin U U Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon R Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl V V V Lichenostomus cratitius cratitius Purple-gaped Honeyeater U Lichenostomus cratitius occidentalis Purple-gaped Honeyeater U U Lichenostomus plumulus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater U R Malurus lamberti assimilis Variegated Fairy-wren U Malurus leucopterus leuconotus White-winged Fairy-wren U Malurus splendens musgravi Splendid Fairy-wren U Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher U U Nyctophilus timoriensis Greater Long-eared Bat V V Pachycephala inornata Gilbert's Whistler U R Petrogale xanthopus Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby V V Sminthopsis psammophila Sandhill Dunnart E E Strepera versicolor intermedia Grey Currawong U U Flora: SPECIES COMMON NAME Aus Status SA Eyre Status Peninsula Acacia iteaphylla Flinders Ranges Wattle R Alyogyne hakeifolia Hakea-leaf Hibiscus U Anthocercis anisantha ssp anisantha Port Lincoln Ray-flower R Anthocercis anisantha ssp collina Gawler Ranges Ray-flower U Calandrinia disperma Two-seed Purslane U Cryptandra amara var floribunda Pretty Cryptandra U Darwinia salina Salt Darwinia U Dodonaea intricata Gawler Ranges Hop-bush R Elachanthus pusillus Elachanth R Eucalyptus lansdowneana ssp lansdowneana Crimson Mallee R Eucalyptus trivalvis Three-valve Mallee R Goodenia glabra Smooth Goodenia Q Grevillea anethifolia R Grevillea juncifolia Honeysuckle Grevillea R Melaleuca armillaris ssp akineta Needle-leaf Honey-myrtle R Melaleuca oxyphylla Pointed-leaf Honey-myrtle R Podolepis jaceoides Showy Copper-wire Daisy R Prostanthera florifera Gawler Ranges Mintbush U Rhodanthe oppositifolia ssp oppositifolia Twin-leaf Everlasting V Santalum murrayanum Bitter Quandong U Stipa puberula Fine-hairy Spear-grass R Triodia lanata Woolly Spinifex Q Wurmbea decumbens Trailing Nancy R

40 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 APPENDIX B: CONSERVATION STATUS CODES

Australian Conservation Status Codes The following codes are based on the current listing of species under Section 179 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

EX Extinct: there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died.

EW Extinct in the Wild: known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range; or it has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form. CE Critically Endangered: facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

E Endangered: facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

V Vulnerable: facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria. CD Conservation Dependent: the species is the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered within a period of 5 years. Note: Prescribed criteria as defined under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

South Australian Conservation Status Codes The following codes are based on the current listing of species under Schedules of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, as amended in 2000.

E Endangered: (Schedule 7) in danger of becoming extinct in the wild. V Vulnerable: (Schedule 8) at risk from potential or long term threats which could cause the species to become endangered in the future. R Rare: (Schedule 9) low overall frequency of occurrence (may be locally common with a very restricted distribution or may be scattered sparsely over a wider area). Not currently exposed to significant threats, but warrants monitoring and protective measures to prevent reduction of population sizes.

Regional Status Codes The categories below apply to the species distribution at a regional level. Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians There are no regional conservation status categories developed for mammals, reptiles or amphibians to date (2004). Birds Regional conservation status for birds follow Carpenter and Reid (1998) The Status of Native Birds in the Agricultural Areas of South Australia.

The regions are defined as follows:

ML Mount Lofty MN Mid-North SE South-Eastern KI Kangaroo Island MM Murray Mallee EP Eyre Peninsula YP Yorke Peninsula

Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006 41 Plants Regional conservation ratings for plants follow: - Lang, P.J. & Kraehenbuehl, D.N. (2001). Plants of Particular Conservation Significance in South Australia's Agricultural Regions. - January (2001) update of unpublished database: Florlist. Department for Environment and Heritage.

The regions are as defined by the State Herbarium (Plant Biodiversity Centre), illustrated in the back cover of A List of the Vascular Plants of South Australia (4th ed., ed. Jessop, 1993): NW North-Western FR Flinders Ranges NL Northern Lofty SL Southern Lofty LE Lake Eyre EA Eastern MU Murray KI Kangaroo Island NU Nullarbor EP Eyre Peninsula YP Yorke Peninsula SE South-Eastern GT Gairdner-Torrens

In order of decreasing conservation significance: X Extinct/Presumed extinct: not located despite thorough searching of all known and likely habitats; known to have been eliminated by the loss of localised population(s); or not recorded for more than 50 years from an area where substantial habitat modification has occurred.

E Endangered: rare and in danger of becoming extinct in the wild.

T Threatened: (Plants only) likely to be either Endangered or Vulnerable but insufficient data available for more precise assessment.

V Vulnerable: rare and at risk from potential threats or long term threats that could cause the species to become endangered in the future.

K Uncertain: likely to be either Threatened or Rare but insufficient data available for a more precise assessment.

R Rare: has a low overall frequency of occurrence (may be locally common with a very restricted distribution or may be scattered sparsely over a wider area). Not currently exposed to significant or widespread threats, but warrants monitoring and protective measures to prevent reduction of population sizes.

U Uncommon: less common species of interest but not rare enough to warrant special protective measures.

Q Not yet assessed: but flagged as being of possible significance.

N Not of particular significance (Plants only) Also indicated by a blank entry.

C Common (Birds only) Also indicated by a blank entry.

O Occasional Visitor Only (Birds only) Not considered of conservational status.

42 Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan 2006