June 2014 Issue 70

ACROSS THE OUTBACK SA Arid Lands: ‘It’s your 01 BOARD NEWS 02 Help is on the way for drought affected properties in place – tell us what matters 03 NRM Board tours region 03 Pastoral Board hosts open forum to you!’ in Glendambo 05 LAND MANAGEMENT The SA Arid Lands community is being asked to share their 06 LambEx 2014 motivates and informs treasured spots and their childhood memories — and it’s land managers 07 and Willow Springs host all about taking a new approach to planning for the future EMU™ Field Day of the region. 08 VOLUNTEERS The SA Arid Lands (SAAL) Natural Resources This is why we have a Regional NRM Plan, 08 The Great Tracks Clean Up Crew get Management (NRM) Board has taken its to articulate our goals and to set the off the beaten track first step in working with the community direction of natural resource management to develop the new Regional NRM Plan, for the region.’ 09 WATER MANAGEMENT launching ‘It’s your place’, a campaign that While there is an existing Plan in place, 09 Managing South Australia’s encourages community to come together to it needs updating to account for climate Diamantina River catchment talk about what makes the SA Arid Lands change as well as legislative, policy and 10 THREATENED FAUNA region such a special place. organisational changes, so the SAAL NRM 10 Trial Western Quoll release – an ‘The role of the NRM Board is to champion Board is using the opportunity to improve update sustainable use of our natural resources — community input and ownership. 11 Cats and quolls to find a way to provide for the needs of our industries without compromising our ‘This first step in our planning 12 WILD DOG MANAGEMENT community values,’ said Ms Janet Brook, process is to find out what it is 12 Draft wild dog plan released Presiding Member of the SAAL NRM Board. that our community values in the through Arid Lands workshops ‘The region’s natural resources are finite, region,’ said Ms Brook. 13 Aerial baiting dodges rain and with so many diverse and competing interests, it is not easy to strike a balance 14 OUTBACK ROUNDUP Continued on page 05… to support production, environmental and 15 ANIMAL HEALTH community values. 15 Keeping the markets open 16 OUTBACK COMMUNITY 16 Walking in my father’s footprints

NRM Board members Leonard Nutt, Janet Brook, Daryl Bell, Catherine Hollingsworth and Pauline McKenzie

www.nrm.sa.gov.au BOARD NEWS

Help is on the way for drought affected properties in South Australia Over half a million dollars has been committed by the Australian and South Australian Governments to support drought-affected pastoral properties in the Far North of the state. These funds will be directed towards This package includes up to It also adds to the State improving water infrastructure to $300,000 allocated for water Government’s package announced support pastoralists to manage infrastructure projects and in February which included special water resources during extended $225,000 to support wild dog road access for large livestock dry periods, and to contribute to management in the region. The transport vehicles (subject to road managing the ongoing impacts of remaining $25,000 is allocated conditions), one-on-one drought wild dogs. to support Livestock SA with the management advice from PIRSA, In late June, the Minister for costs associated with managing the and stock condition assessments Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Leon program. by Biosecurity SA Animal Health Bignell toured the SA Arid Lands Water infrastructure projects to Officers. region to meet and discuss these be funded by the package will Support is also available from Rural conditions with land managers and support the repair, upgrade and Financial Counsellors through Rural key stakeholders including the SA maintenance of existing water Business Support. Arid Lands (SAAL) Natural Resources infrastructure including bores, Management (NRM) Board and the pumps, dams, pipes and troughs. Australian Government, PIRSA, Pastoral Board. The funding for wild dog control Livestock SA, SA Arid Lands Natural The Minister acknowledged the will be available to land managers Resources Management Board hardship prolonged dry conditions that have demonstrated a generated for pastoral properties commitment to the strategic and announced that the State management of wild dog impacts. Livestock SA will soon Government would allocate This new drought assistance announce how land $275,000 for a drought package. package is in addition to the managers can apply for The Australian Government Australian Government’s $10 access to the drought responded a short time later by million in drought concessional package and the SAAL committing to match those funds. loans for drought-affected NRM Board will keep you Primary Industries and Regions landholders, including South updated in future editions SA (PIRSA) has provided a grant Australian pastoralists. of Across the Outback and to Livestock SA to deliver the through the NRM Groups. $550,000 package to those In the meantime, contact pastoral businesses in the Far North Deane Crabb (Livestock SA) which have experienced hardship as 8297 2299 or 0419 799 166 a result of the drought. [email protected]

02 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands BOARD NEWS

NRM Board tours region Rick Barratt, SA Arid Lands NRM Board Members of the SA Arid Lands NRM Board undertook their annual regional tour for two days in June, this time meeting with community and stakeholders along the Stuart Highway between Port Augusta and Coober Pedy. On the first morning, a tour of the The Boards were also addressed by Caroline Cultana Training Area was followed by a Schaeffer, Chair of the Native Vegetation presentation about the expansion project Council regarding proposed changes to by David Hackett from the Australian Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) Government’s Department of Defence. policies and how these may affect projects David pointed out Aboriginal cultural sites in the region. and explained the Indigenous Land Use At the close of the Glendambo meetings, Agreement (ILUA) that applies in the area. the Board attended Biteback’s Kingoonya Since the acquired pastoral leases have injection service where land managers from been de-stocked, David explained how Mount Vivian, Kokatha and took land management issues, such as goats, the opportunity to have their meat injected weeds, and retention of stock waters are and offered their insights on the wild dog being addressed, in addition to vegetation issue. SAAL NRM Board members tour an opal mine in Coober Pedy management and soil erosions risks The NRM Board’s tour culminated in resulting from defence exercises. Coober Pedy where the Board was updated on the exploration programs in The SAAL NRM Board joined the Pastoral The Board tour was an excellent the Arckaringa Basin by a representative Board’s evening forum in Glendambo (see opportunity to hear from the regional of Linc Energy and on the operation of below) where both Boards were able to stakeholders and community and share the Petroleum and Mining Acts by a meet and discuss a number of issues with our collective knowledge in regards to Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, the participating community including wild managing our finite natural resources in the Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE) dog management and stocking maximums. region. representative. A joint Board meeting was undertaken the following morning where wild dogs The Board met with members of the District SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management and drying conditions were again on the Council of Coober Pedy to review activities Board agenda, with the Minister for Agriculture, and discuss opportunities to grow its Food and Fisheries joining the meeting partnership in natural resources matters. (see p. 02). Pastoral Board hosts open forum in Glendambo Jeff Stringer, Acting Executive Officer, Pastoral Board Representatives from Kokatha, Coondambo, Bon Bon, and Mount Vivian pastoral stations attended the Pastoral Board’s forum held in Glendambo on 24 June. The forum discussions centered on two conducted. It was acknowledged that Pastoral Unit Leader, Chris Turner. Concern main topics; wild dogs and their impact on landscape scale wild dog control programs was raised by some of the pastoralists livestock enterprises and the Pastoral Lease are disadvantaged and not as effective present that if the assessment process Assessment process. when some properties do not participate. results in a reduction of the lease stock Many pastoralists are reporting large These properties may include those that maximum then that may have a negative numbers of wild dogs being shot, baited or have ‘organic’ status and are unable to use effect on the equity of a pastoral lease. trapped on their properties, in many cases 1080 baits as a result and also pastoral The Pastoral Board values the insights, 10 times what the ’normal’ level has been properties that have an alternate land use information and feedback that the open for many years. and are not grazing stock. forum brings and sincerely thanks the Concern was expressed at the meeting The current pastoral lease assessment lessees that attended this event. at the apparent lack of cooperation by process, how it follows on from the some pastoral lessees when district wild first round assessment and the pastoral Pastoral Board dog control programs are proposed and inspection process were discussed by the

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 03 BOARD NEWS

…continued from page 01 It might be the economic opportunities the region provides through pastoralism, tourism and mining, its Aboriginal heritage, or perhaps it’s our unique four wheel SO TELL US WHAT MATTERS TO YOU! driving, bushwalking and camping spots, our native plants and animals, our iconic • visit www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands where you can use our special landscapes and outback characters, or mapping tool to share what you love and value most about the region simply our vast open spaces and fresh air.’ • like us on Facebook [Natural Resources SA Arid Lands] and upload a photo or ‘We want to really get to the heart of video of your favourite place and tell us why it’s important to you what’s important to you about the region,’ • email us [email protected] – tell us what matters to you or share a photo said Ms Brook. ‘Think about what you want of something you value your children to inherit, what it is that tells you you’re coming home, if you had friends • write to us at Natural Resources Centre, PO Box 78, Port Augusta SA 5700, visiting, where would you take them, or Fax us 8648 5301 or what are your most vivid childhood • call and tell us what matters to you on 8648 5300 memories?’ • look out for us at upcoming community meetings and events, or contact us to The collection of community values is part request a meeting with you or your organisation. of a new landscape approach to NRM planning that the Board is taking which recognises how our biodiversity, soils, water and pests interact in the landscape and considers each system’s unique, EXPLORE MORE OF YOUR PLACE ON US. $3000* environmental, economic, social and WORTH OF FUEL VOUCHERS IS UP FOR GRABS. BE cultural values. ONE OF THE FIRST TO TELL US WHAT MATTERS ‘Pastoralists, tourists, transport workers, townspeople, government agencies, TO YOU AND YOU’LL RECEIVE A $50 VOUCHER. Aboriginal communities, mining companies * CONDITIONS APPLY – anyone who lives, works or invests in the region can contribute and we would like to hear from them,’ said Ms Brook. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the Board is NEW FACEBOOK PAGE LAUNCHED busy collecting data to understand how our landscapes function. Want to know where you can find out more on pest plant ‘We’re starting with what our community and animal control? On property management like EMUTM? values, but in the next phase, we want to Want to report a sighting of a strange animal or unfamiliar plant that you’ve show what the science is telling us about seen? Or find out more about our region’s national parks? The SA Arid Lands the threats and pressures to those areas. community now have another way of staying connected with natural resource At that point we want to again work with management activities in the region with the launch of a new Facebook page our community to find out what we should dedicated to NRM activities in the region. be prioritising and where we should be The Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Facebook page will be celebrating your making management interventions.’ achievements in natural resource management in the region and we’ll be The Board has provided the community with sharing news from the SA Arid Lands NRM Board, our six district-based NRM a variety of ways to respond to their call. Groups and the six Co-management Boards and Advisory Committees that are ‘Look out for us at community events and taking care of our national parks. meetings, connect with us online, call us or But most of all we want to hear from you… write in – we are ready to listen however So join the conversation and like us on Facebook! Our page is here people want to communicate.’ www.facebook.com/naturalresourcessaaridlands or search for Natural Resources SA Arid Lands on Facebook. SAAL NRM Board

04 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands LAND MANAGEMENT

PASTORAL BOARD 2014 PASTORAL BOARD AND UNIT CONTACTS MEETING 143 Wednesday 20 August, THE PASTORAL BOARD OF SA Level 1, 1 Richmond Road MEETING 144 KESWICK SA 5035 Wednesday 15 October, Waite (GPO Box 1047, Adelaide SA 5001) MEETING 145 GENERAL ENQUIRIES Wednesday 10 December, Keswick Phone 8124 4837 Fax 8463 4828 Freecall 1800 678 447

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Opportunities are currently Field work assistants will provide available for volunteers to a range of support including assist Natural Resources SA collecting and recording data; Arid Lands scientific officers’ revisiting and setting-up FIELD WORK ASSISTANTS to assess vegetation condition photopoint monitoring sites; on pastoral leases in the North measuring the density and IN THE NORTH FLINDERS Flinders district of the SA Arid frequency of perennial plant Lands region. species; assisting the calculation Do you have an interest in plants or ecology? Pastoral leases are of great of a Land Condition Index; economic value but also using GPS equipment, taking Interested in improving your skills in plant have important cultural photographs, identifying and collecting plants, and navigating identification, or seeing parts of the central and ecological significance and are home to many rare and driving 4WD vehicles. and northern that and endangered plants and SOME ESSENTIAL many will never see? animals. Pastoralists have CRITERIA*… access to pastoral lease land You will need to have: for the main purpose of raising • a current Senior First Aid livestock and, where possible, Certificate to improve the condition of the land. Our program assesses • a Driver’s Licence, (the ability and reports on land condition to drive a manual vehicle is and compliance with lease essential) conditions. • accredited 4WD training WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING? *Support may be available for The lease assessments you suitable applicants to obtain will be involved in are carried compulsory requirements. out every 14 years, collecting You will also need to be willing information on land condition, to camp for consecutive days erosion, land management issues in this remote area and a and grazing impacts associated reasonable level of fitness is with stock, goats, rabbits and essential. kangaroos.

To apply… These positions would ideally suit university students but the For further information please contact We will want to know why you are offer is extended to all interested the Pastoral Unit, Natural Resources SA interested in assisting our program, people. Successful applicants Arid Lands 08 8124 4837 or email about any relevant skills you may will be inducted with field work Gavin Baird [email protected] by have and whether you meet the procedures and be authorised to 31 August 2014. essential criteria (including evidence of drive government vehicles. certificates).

Natural Natural Resources Resources SA SA Arid Arid Lands Lands | | 05 LAND MANAGEMENT

Attendees at LambEx 2014 LambEx 2014 motivates and informs land managers Lisa Stevens, Regional Landcare Facilitator The third Australian Lamb Expo – Lambex – held in Adelaide from 9-11 July was completely sold out with over 900 attendees, including land managers from the SA Arid Lands region.

A total of eight land managers from And finally, Trent Loos, guest speaker from Land managers from the SA Arid Lands Mundowna, , Millers Creek, Nebraska USA, encouraged landholders to region agreed that LambEx was educational Wirrealpa and Mount Vivian Stations get vocal about the ‘good things’ they do, and they would attend again in 2016. attended the conference with support from to share their knowledge, showcase their Congratulations must also be extended the Landcare Program. good practices and tell their stories. Laura to Graham and Laura who won a signed Regional attendees agreed that one of the and Graham Ragless () said guitar by Lee Kernigan in the Rural Co. standout presentations was Allan Parker’s they ‘really enjoyed’ Trent’s presentation raffle – that item will definitely go straight Peak Performance about succession and ‘how social media could help us to to the pool room! planning and demonstrating the powers promote the good that we all do.’ The Landcare Program will continue to of negative thought when managing your Emerging technologies such as electronic support land managers to attend events, business. Adam Litchfield (Mundowna identification tags are fast becoming a workshops or training that will increase Station) said Allan’s presentation ‘dealt reality and the potential they unlock for their knowledge, develop new and different with some of the bigger issues of individual stock record keeping and trace- skills and also to share their knowledge communication’ and Barbara Fargher ability was enlightening. Land imaging for within the community. (Wirrealpa Station) found the process technical analysis (using satellite images to Further information undertaken to reach the ultimate outcome improve pastures and overall performance Download the full proceedings of in succession planning, ‘amazing’. for running stock) was another of the LambEx 2014 www.lambex.com.au or technologies discussed at the conference. Another presentation, Nigel Kerin’s contact Lisa Stevens, Regional Landcare Drought-proofing the farm business, not Graham and Laura Ragless Facilitator, Natural Resources SA Arid the farm, discussed strategies Nigel had Lands 8648 5300 implemented to address climate variability thought it was ‘great to learn and stressed the need for proactive (rather about emerging technology so we Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Landcare than reactive) land management: ‘if stock can choose what may work better Australia are too expensive to buy, they are too for us on our property.’ expensive to own’. Warren and Barbara Fargher thought Nigel’s strategies ‘very applicable to our business and to properties in the Arid Lands’.

06 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Warren Fargher explains the EMU™ activities LAND MANAGEMENT on Wirrealpa Station

MISSED OUT ON THE FIELD DAY? Check out the Willow Springs and Wirrealpa and Willow Wirrealpa videos… ™ Warren Fargher and Michelle Springs host EMU Reynolds are the subjects of two new videos that showcase EMU™ in the SA Arid Lands region. Attendees at LambEx 2014 Field Day Visit www.naturalresources. sa.gov.au to hear Warren and Michelle share their views on Wirrealpa and Willow Springs Stations hosted a field EMUTM and how it’s changing day in late May where the Farghers and Reynolds shared the way they look at how they manage their properties. their experiences with the Ecosystem Management Understanding (EMU)™ program. Attracting 34 attendees to the North This conversation continued as the group Flinders district stations, including 26 drove in convoy to Willow Springs Station WHAT IS EMU™? pastoralists, the field day was a valuable where the afternoon rain saw site visits opportunity for land managers to share swapped for a presentation and slide show Ecosystem Management their successes and challenges in sustainably in the shearing quarters from Brendan Understanding (EMU)™ is managing their rangelands properties. Reynolds. a holistic approach to land The day started at Wirrealpa with Warren Participants were led through the management which incorporates Fargher providing a background on background of Willow Springs’ land land manager knowledge Wirrealpa and their efforts to sustainably management activities, their experience and experience with scientific manage and care for their land over the last with the EMU™ program and the details of expertise. 50 years. the Red Plain Restoration project, an area of the property that had become increasingly Developed by landscape ecologists Warren and Barb then discussed and fielded gullied and unproductive as water was Ken Tinley and Hugh Pringle, questions on their experience with EMU™, discharging at high energy through culverts EMU™ has been adopted by its benefits, and their priority project, in the main road. The area was a target for pastoralists in Namibia (southern the Little Balcoracana Creek catchment ecosystem. soil intervention works as it experiences Africa), the Gascoyne-Murchison high rainfall and has highly productive soils Participants then visited the ‘Dead Rams’ catchments of Western Australia, but was increasingly leaking rainfall and site to gain a full understanding of how the southern parts of the Northern dollars. Territory and more recently in the a series of soil banks was being used The field day was devised and hosted by SA Arid Lands region. to stabilise the Little Balcoracana Creek catchment ecosystem. Wirrealpa and Willow Springs Stations. Experts involved in the delivery Its success follows the inaugural EMU™ At this site, two gullies threatened to of EMU™ work closely with the field day hosted by Douglas Lillecrapp link and create a far more aggressive land managers, utilising their (Todmorden Station) in the Marla- gully system. Without the intervention knowledge of their land, its Oodnadatta district in 2011 (see Across The works, they would cut back into the Little processes, conditions and trends, Outback, February 2012 edition). Balcoracana Creek, taking water away and also what needs attention. from the floodplains into the main, large Further information Collaboratively a specific plan for Balcoracana Creek and on towards Lake To find out more about EMU™ contact the property is developed with Frome. This would have left a large area of Ken Wright, EMU™ Project Officer, or the information summarised in productive country ‘high and dry’. Janet Walton, NRM Officer 8648 5300 maps with further detail added by This site is an excellent example of how the ground and aerial surveying. intervention has restored peaceful flows Warren & Barbara Fargher (Wirrealpa Station), All of the information collected across the floodplains, spreading water Brendan & Carmel Reynolds (Willow Springs and developed is confidential across the ground and rehydrating the soil. Station), Hugh Pringle, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, SAAL NRM Board, Australian Government and remains the property of the Many active discussions were held between participating land manager. participants and the hosts with many discussing their own patch in relation to the insights shared by the Farghers. Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 07 VOLUNTEERS

The Great Tracks Clean Up Crew and ‘Junior’ Crew join forces in the north Flinders

153 tyres were collected in the north Flinders clean up trek The Great Tracks Clean Up Crew get off the beaten track Brendan Godfrey, Community Engagement Officer The Great Tracks Clean Up Crew has been volunteering in the region since 2007 making an annual pilgrimage up and down the Birdsville and Strzelecki tracks collecting all manner of rubbish. This year marks the first time the crew has taken a they encountered being smaller general waste such different path by covering the roadways and tracks as fast food wrappers. In total the southern group between Leigh Creek and Stirling North as part of their collected over 45 wheat bags of general waste on the North Flinders clean up trek. first day. Over two weekends in March the Great Tracks Clean The groups met up at Parachilna that night for a Up Crew tackled a new stretch of tracks in and around barbeque and a rest before the next day’s work. From the northern Flinders Ranges region removing around here the group covered all the tracks to and from 19 tonnes of rubbish and contributing 638 hours of Blinman, Wilpena Pound, and Hawker. volunteer labour. The work was split over two weekends with a newly Over the course of the weekend the crew formed junior clean-up crew heading out on the first amassed 582 volunteer hours and collected weekend in March and a larger group over the May an astounding 15 tonnes of rubbish long weekend. including 153 tyres and four wool bales of The junior trip was mainly aimed at getting the next bottles and cans. generation involved in volunteering by participating in a mini version of the following weekend’s activities. The Together, the two trips contributed the equivalent of seven volunteers comprised three generations of the over 17 weeks’ worth of work from a single full time one family and ranged in age from five to 82 years old. worker. This work contributes significantly to keeping Over the weekend the junior crew contributed 56 hours the SA Arid Lands clean and inviting. of volunteer labour and collected approximately four The Great Tracks Clean Up Crew will be at it again tonnes of rubbish from the roadways which mainly heading out on their yearly trip from Leigh Creek to consisted of tyres and tyre debris. The trip was a hit Birdsville and back in July. with the kids, who enjoyed their time so much they wanted to come along for the second instalment. The May trip saw two groups of 10 members head out from Leigh Creek and Port Augusta respectively, picking up whatever they could find on the way. While the northern team travelled at a reasonable pace encountering mainly tyres, the southern team found it a little slower going with a large amount of the rubbish

08 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands WATER MANAGEMENT

Kalamunkinna waterhole

MYSTERIES OF THE Managing South Australia’s COOLIBAH

Coolibahs (Eucalyptus coolabah) Diamantina River catchment are a key part of the Diamantina catchment, providing habitat and A new project is underway to better understand the soil stability around river systems and one of the largest stores for Diamantina River catchment, an important but relatively carbon in the channel country. poorly understood wetland system which supports unique Yet not much is known about the and important aquatic biodiversity. life cycle of this iconic desert tree and how it grows, reproduces, The four-year project will focus on the Field trip and survives in an area where natural features of key refuge waterholes A team of 10 scientists took its first field flooding events are so sporadic and wetlands along the Diamantina River, trip to the area in May assessing a total and salinity can be extremely Warburton and Kallakoopah Creeks in of 15 aquatic sites, including Koonchera, the Marree-Innamincka district of the SA high. Indeed, despite the flooding Andrewilla and Yammakira waterholes, and Arid Lands region as well as the human events and local rain of 2010-12, influences on these systems. Goyder Lagoon. there were less coolibah seedlings Several key wetland sites will be studied, Waterhole depth studies revealed that encountered during the May field including Goyder Lagoon – a vast channel Andrewilla waterhole had the largest trip than expected which needs country wetland system that supports large maximum depth at 7.3 metres while further investigation. numbers of waterbirds – and Andrewilla Yammakira waterhole was 5.8 metres, and The Diamantina project is seeking Koonchera 1.7 metres. and Yammakira Waterholes, two of the to better understand the ecology system’s deepest waterholes and important The team also carried out vegetation of this important canopy species, refuges for various animals, including condition assessments, soil sampling, fish including its threats and impacts, waterbirds and fish. counts, plant and bird identification and to ensure that coolibah health The project is gathering data to understand assessed flow paths and flooding extent, as in the Diamantina catchment is well as starting the investigation of water how the ecosystems function in the area, maintained. including flow paths and flooding extent, use by mature coolibahs (see box). Some key monitoring activities bird and fish species presence, vegetation Many thanks to the land managers for over the next few years include responses to flooding, and the extent of providing access to the five pastoral leases estimating how much water coolibah recruitment. and for their valuable input. mature coolibahs require for The key influences on these systems – Further information including total grazing pressure and tourism ongoing health through the use of impacts – as well as the threats from Contact Henry Mancini, Senior Water sap flow metres, investigating how pest plant and animal species (eg Acacia Projects Officer, Natural Resources SA seedling recruitment occurs, and farnesiana, camels, rabbits, and mosquito Arid Lands 8648 5300. monitoring when the tree flowers fish) will also be investigated. and seed viability. Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, SAAL NRM The project is working with land managers, the pastoral, mining, and tourism industries, Board, Australian Government and the Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi Native Title group with the intention of developing management strategies to maintain the catchment’s natural processes and cultural heritage. Koonchera waterhole With similar work already completed for both the Neales-Peake and Cooper Creek catchments (see previous editions of Across The Outback), this project is increasing our understanding of South Australia’s arid rivers systems. Natural Natural Resources Resources SA SA Arid Arid Lands Lands | 09 THREATENED FAUNA

Zeus, an Alice Springs Desert Park quoll, PhD student Mel Jensen carrying inside the release pen cage traps for quoll trapping Charlotte Mills Charlotte Mel Jensen Trial Western Quoll release – an update Katherine Moseby, Ecological Horizons There have been some interesting developments since 37 Western Quolls were released to the Flinders Ranges National Park in April with the team starting to learn about the quolls habitat, their breeding habits, food preferences, and their biggest threat, the feral cat. Since we last reported, the weather has Pregnancies Mortalities turned cold and wet in the Flinders Ranges During trapping in June and July the team While some mortalities have been recorded and the quolls have gone underground, was excited to record its first pouch young – 10 at the time of writing, six females and sheltering in rabbit warrens, rock crevices with six females now averaging six pouch four males – some deaths were expected as and holes under tree stumps. young each. The pouch young were 17mm the animals adapt to their new habitat. The 37 quolls have been joined by four long and only a week or so old. Each quoll death provides important more quolls – three males and one female – These young will remain in the pouch for feedback to the team on where attention from Alice Springs Desert Park bringing the around two months and then be deposited may need to be focussed in the event of a total to 20 males and 21 females. in nests where they will be weaned at full reintroduction and the extent to which The quolls’ survival rates and well-being around 170 days. existing land management can support self- continue to be actively monitored by daily sustaining populations. radio tracking a proportion of individuals Diet Bounceback’s broadscale fox control has and regular trapping to assess their All captured quolls had maintained or taken foxes out of the picture but, despite condition and breeding status. A plane with increased in weight since release suggesting targeted control of cats before and during wing mounted fixed antennas is used to food resources are plentiful in the release the release, they are proving the biggest track quolls from the air once a week. area, and more than sufficient to support threat to the quolls with all but two deaths breeding. so far attributed to cat predation (see p.11). Range Initial diet studies using scats (or poos!) One male quoll fell off a cliff and died due Although some quolls moved up to 10 suggest they are feeding on a wide range to misadventure while another male died kilometres after release, the majority stayed of food items including house mice, rabbits, from an injury that may have also been within a few kilometres of their release site carrion, lizards, centipedes, moths and predator-related. and settled quickly into home ranges. spiders. Interestingly, all cat predation deaths have Females are ranging over a few square More will be learnt about the quolls’ food occurred in or near Wilpena Pound while kilometres whereas males will travel preferences when their scats are collected the quolls released several kilometres away much further in search of females. Males and analysed under a microscope for on the Wilcolo Track have so far yielded were released a month after females to animal remains. no mortalities; the flat, open ground in encourage them to remain within the the pound may support more rabbits and release area. enable cats to hunt more effectively. STAY INFORMED The team remain cautiously optimistic To receive a more detailed email about the project and any decision to update on the quolls’ progress send proceed with further reintroductions will an email to [email protected] follow careful evaluation of the trial’s with the subject ‘Quoll update’. success.

10 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands THREATENED FAUNA

Cats and quolls Predation by feral cats has been the main cause of mortality since quolls were released into the Flinders Ranges – however some deaths were to be expected and

First idnya pouch young recorded Mel Jensen the reintroduction team continues to learn more about interaction between quolls and feral cats. In Western Australia, quolls co-exist in So far four different individual cats have THE PARTNERS… fox-free habitats with feral cats, and their been identified as killing quolls; three natural survival instincts are expected to of these were large male cats over four The trial release of 41 quolls to the give the quolls translocated to the Flinders kilograms in weight and the fourth is yet to Flinders Ranges is made possible Ranges a fighting chance if and when they be caught. through South Australia’s first encounter cats in the wild. At present there is no effective broadscale public/private environmental Prior to the quoll release, intensive trapping cat control method in Australia and, in partnership. The Foundation for and shooting removed 50 feral cats contrast to foxes, which readily take poison Australia’s Most Endangered from the release area to give the quolls baits, feral cats are extremely hard to species (FAME) is leading the drive an opportunity to establish shelters and control. to raise approximately $1.7 million territories unimpeded from the threat of Controlling cats through cage trapping over a five year period to support feral cats. and shooting is very labour intensive and the recovery of the species. But, cameras set up around the release site costly; using these control options is only Through the 21-year Bounceback have recorded cats in the vicinity of kill sites feasible in small areas and will not always program, South Australia’s suggesting that, as anticipated, new cats be successful. Department of Environment, have moved into the area. The team is also trialling the use of Eradicat Water and Natural Resources To date, three cats that are thought to poison baits but must ensure that these do and collaborators have been have been responsible for up to six quoll not impact on the resident quolls. controlling foxes and goats deaths have been trapped or shot, with protecting the habitat in the an additional 10 cats trapped in a monthly Flinders Ranges that is needed for trapping program in the Wilpena precinct. the quolls’ long term survival. Quoll remains have been found in their Thanks to the many volunteers, stomachs or they have been captured as contractors, donors, land fresh carcasses and autopsy results and managers and partners of DNA swabs have confirmed cat predation is the cause of death. Bounceback and FAME for their support for this project.

FAME – the Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered Species – is the only organisation working exclusively to save Australian wildlife from extinction. The reintroduction wildlife, and demonstrate that Australia’s environment can of the Western Quoll or Idnya to the Flinders Ranges is be improved. our largest and most ambitious project to date. It’s rare FAME needs your help to continue this vitally important to bring back a species that has been locally extinct for project and make it the success it deserves to be. If you over 100 years. It’s even rarer for a wildlife project to have already contributed we thank you sincerely. If you happen in the wild, under the protection of one of the are still considering your support please don’t wait! These most successful feral control programs in the country – quolls are pioneers and will battle to survive without our Bounceback. help. We want to prove it’s possible, with community support PLEASE SEND YOUR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION TO and government cooperation, to bring back wildlife and FAME’S WESTERN QUOLL PROJECT AS SOON AS YOU CAN. turn the tide on Australia’s dreadful record of mammal Visit fame.org.au/projects/western-quoll or contact extinctions. The return of the Western Quoll can be the [email protected] for more information about first step in the journey to a healthier future for our unique how you can help.

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 11 WILD DOG MANAGEMENT

Draft wild dog plan released through Arid Lands workshops People with a stake in wild dog management in the SA Arid Lands region are encouraged to attend one of seven workshops to be held from July to September to offer their feedback on a draft Wild Dog Management Plan. The SA Arid Lands Wild Dog Management About 120 stakeholders have contributed The draft Plan also takes into account Plan is being developed on behalf of their views already, including on the existing state and national policy including the SA Arid Lands Natural Resources difference between a ‘wild dog’ and the National Wild Dog Action Plan and ManagementBoard with significant a ‘dingo’, the effectiveness of current Biosecurity SA’s draft State 5-year strategic input from community, and these latest management strategies, monitoring and plan developed by the SA Wild Dog workshops – hosted by the district-based data collection, the value the dingo has in Advisory Group. NRM Groups – provide the first opportunity the environment and in Aboriginal culture, Attendees to the workshops are asked to comment on a draft. baiting, cultural issues around dingo/wild to read the draft plan and note their Once complete, the Plan will be an important dog management and the best way to comments and questions beforehand. document for the Board and for the region, develop a management plan. providing a guide to land managers and The consultation process has been inclusive SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid government staff to conduct wild dog of the wide variety of stakeholders with Lands, district NRM Groups management in the region to 2018. an interest in wild dog management It will contribute to improved cattle and including pastoralists, conservation groups, biodiversity outcomes outside (north of) the Aboriginal communities, industry bodies, Dog Fence – where the wild dog/dingo is animal welfare organisations, government not declared – and control programs inside agencies, and district-based NRM Groups. (south of) the Dog Fence where the wild The draft Plan looks at the goals and control dog is a declared pest. measures for three zones – inside the TELL US WHAT The interactive workshops will offer the Dog Fence (Zone 1), a 35 kilometre buffer MATTERS TO YOU! immediately outside the Dog Fence (Zone 2), SA Arid Lands community and other We know you value your cattle and outside the Dog Fence (Zone 3). stakeholders an opportunity to comment and sheep enterprises. The on the draft Plan and will discuss and make It addresses control measures including wild dog workshops are also amendments to the Plan in real time. ground baiting, aerial baiting, trapping and an opportunity to tell the NRM To date, the Plan’s development has been shooting, as well as issues of compliance, Board what else it is that you heavily informed by canvassing stakeholders communication, monitoring and evaluation value in the region; see p. 1 for – including surveying land managers of control measures and public safety. further details inside and outside the Dog Fence – and by information gathered from the six year Dingo Research project. FURTHER INFORMATION

The workshops will include • IRON KNOB Friday 22 August, refreshments and are being held at 2.00-3.30pm GET YOUR BAITS the following locations: • LEIGH CREEK Wednesday 27 INJECTED • MARREE Wednesday 30 July, August, 3.30-5.00pm 11am-12.30pm and 2.15-3.45pm The new Biteback Project Officer, • KINGOONYA Tuesday 2 Chris Havelburg, will be offering • CAMERON CORNER Friday 1 September, 1.00-2.30pm a bait injection service at the August, 2.00-3.30pm For additional information, copies Marree, Yunta, Iron Knob, Leigh • YUNTA Thursday 14 August, 2.15- of the draft Plan and RSVPs contact Creek and Kingoonya workshops. 3.15pm the NRM Officers, Natural Resources This top-up service is in addition • COOBER PEDY Thursday 21 8648 5300. to the bi-annual injection service. August,1.00-3.30pm Manufactured baits will also be available for purchase.

12 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands WILD DOG MANAGEMENT

Aerial Coordinator Bill McIntosh and Keith Treloar, Wiawera Station, help Wrightsair pilots Tay Sheppard and Lindsay Matthews load baits. Aerial baiting dodges rain Peter Bird, Biosecurity Officer Unseasonal rains slowed but failed to dampen the third year of aerial wild dog baiting inside the Dog Fence in April with 50,000 dried baits dropped onto 97 properties. The week-long delay in the north-west Prior to the operation, 25 volunteer turned out to be a blessing as it enabled landholders – including from the Hawker additional aerial baits to be laid inside the and Orroroo districts – together with flood-damaged Dog Fence in the Coober Natural Resources SA Arid Lands staff, Pedy district targeting potentially invading prepared the 50,000 meat baits over two wild dogs. long days. Otherwise the nine-day operation went These were later dried and frozen for smoothly with baits dropped out along a transport to one of 11 airstrips used 10,000 km flight path. between Coober Pedy and the New South The program complemented the Biteback Wales border. ground baiting program by targeting hard to get at places to achieve uniform control SA Sheep Industry Fund, Biosecurity SA, Natural across the landscape. Resources SA Arid Lands Accuracy of placement was assured by landholder selection of flight paths and the use of GPS technology. FURTHER INFORMATION The operation involved a ground crew of To find out more about the region’s Coordinator Bill McIntosh together with wild dog management programs, Biosecurity SA staff covering plenty of contact the Wild Dog Management kilometres to keep baits and fuel up to the team, Natural Resources SA Arid aircraft. Lands 8648 5300

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 13 OUTBACK ROUNDUP

ARE YOU ON THE ACROSS THE OUTBACK MAILING LIST?

Across the Outback is a free publication that is issued to 1500 individuals or organisations with a stake or interest in the SA Arid MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOPS Lands region. If you would like to join the mailing list or update your details Hawker will be hosting five workshops over the remainder of the year to help please contact the editor jenny. outback communities take action on anxiety and depression. [email protected]. Head along to find out more about how emotions, thinking, and stress impact Please include your name, mailing on your wellbeing, and strategies to help you cope. address and email address (to receive electronic notification). Even if you don’t need help, someone close to you might. All sessions will be held at the Hawker memorial hospital from 9 am -12 noon. CALL FOR CONTENT • August 16 – The many faces of anxiety • September 13 – More than the blues Across the Outback • October 11 – Stressed out August 2014 edition • November 22 – All about emotions Content due by COB Friday 29 August 2014 • December 20 – Conversations with women about men Contact [email protected] or To register your attendance or for more information contact the Hawker 8463 3354 for further information. memorial hospital on 8648 4007

Bush Heritage Australia and Arid Recovery form new alliance Annette Ruzicka, Bush Heritage Australia and Arid Recovery have formed a new partnership to share and develop their conservation management resources and knowledge to better protect ecosystems and threatened species in South Australia’s

Stripe-face dunnart vast rangelands. Annette Ruzicka The ‘South Australian Rangelands Alliance’ Bush Heritage.Arid Recovery brings to will see Bush Heritage and Arid Recovery the Alliance 16 years of conservation and cooperate on research, feral animal research work on their reserve, in the Roxby and weed control methods, and land Downs region. conservation approaches for improving It has successfully reintroduced four biodiversity outcomes in the region. threatened mammals – the Greater Stick Bush Heritage protects seven ecosystems Nest Rat, Burrowing Bettong, Greater Bilby from salt lakes, freshwater wetlands, and Western Barred Bandicoot – on the 123 shrublands, bluebush plains, and arid zone square kilometre fenced reserve. woodlands on Bon Bon Station Reserve, The South Australian Rangelands Alliance located between the Great Victoria Desert also aims to build cooperation and and Lake Eyre. participation from other universities, The reserve is home to vulnerable and Indigenous land managers, industry, threatened species such as the Major pastoralists and other conservation Mitchell Cockatoo, Chestnut-breasted organisations, starting with applied research Whiteface and Western Myall woodlands. projects with the University of Adelaide. In the North East Pastoral district eight years of conservation on Bush Heritage, Arid Recovery has seen a 300 per cent increase in ground-

Boris Hlavica Boris foraging and shrub-dependent birds, such as Rocky outcrop at Boolcoomatta Reserve the White-winged Fairy-wren and Redthroat.

14 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands ANIMAL HEALTH

Landholders in pastoral South Australia are encouraged to Keeping the markets open contact Trent Scholz (Animal Health Officer) to assist with their South Australia’s livestock producers enjoy market access animal health needs. worth billions of dollars annually. Without these markets If you are experiencing animal – and this is no understatement – our livestock industry health issues or observe would collapse. Here, Roger Paskin, Chief Veterinary Officer something unusual in livestock, birds or wildlife, notify Trent. talks about the role of Biosecurity SA and the role of land If appropriate, a visit will be managers in ensuring market access. arranged and an investigation undertaken. Market access is not automatic. It is not a Our surveillance work underpins our claims right, but a privilege. It is a privilege that to disease freedom which allow us to Trent can also provide advice on needs to be earned, and it is earned on the access a variety of markets. lice management and inspect basis of healthy livestock. In addition, we are often involved in your sheep for lice to give you We need to be able to prove, on an certifying individual properties as worthy some assurance before they are ongoing basis, that our herds and flocks of export, particularly when it comes to live sent to market; Livestock Health are free of a number of trade-impacting animals leaving our State. certificates for interstate stock diseases. This certification, involving hundreds of movements; and the National This is Biosecurity SA’s most important, transactions every year is based on data Livestock Identification System most fundamental, and unfortunately most showing that the properties in question, (NLIS) including tag orders, invisible function. and often those in a buffer area around animal/mob movement questions, them, are free of key diseases. and database transfer enquiries. During the course of a year, Biosecurity staff carry out thousands of disease All of this work happens ‘behind the Further information investigations around South Australia and scenes’, but without it, we wouldn’t enjoy Contact Trent Scholz, administer a number of national programs the relatively unfettered market access that [email protected] aimed at providing assurances to our we do. 8648 5160 or 0427 970 453 various markets in Australia and overseas. We are in the enviable position of being The data gained from this work flows into a able to service numerous markets within database held in Canberra, which is used by Australia, in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Department of Agriculture in certifying Indonesia, Europe and the USA because of animals and products from South Australia the hard work of Biosecurity SA staff. for trade purposes.

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 15 OUTBACK COMMUNITY

ACROSS THE OUTBACK

Across the Outback is prepared Walking in my father’s and edited by the Communications team, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, a division of the Department footprints of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Katheryn Litherland, has returned home to live and work It is currently jointly funded by the on country in her roles as a Park Ranger on the Innamincka SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board; Department Regional Reserve, a Yandruwandha woman and the of Environment, Water and Natural daughter of the late Jack Guttie. Here, she shares her Resources; the Pastoral Board; and insights 12 months into her journey. Biosecurity SA (a division of Primary Industries and Regions SA). I think it’s important to ask ourselves, ‘How Comments and suggestions are do we as Aboriginal people come up with always welcome. ideas for creating employment on country for our mob?’ and ‘what do we want to This edition edited by Meg Barker, see out on country?’ Going back to our Jenny Barker and Brendan Godfrey. communities and asking these questions I Please contact [email protected]. think will help determine how to bring more au or 8463 3354 of our people back to country. In my role as a Ranger, I contribute to managing the campgrounds, looking after the AIM (Australian Inland Mission) building, sharing some of my knowledge with visitors to the area as well as working on country with fencing, Buffel Grass control and installing interpretive signs. Education and training for Aboriginal people is one of the YANDRUWANDHA ways I think that we can bring skills back to YAWARRAWARRKA country and contribute to its preservation. PARKS ADVISORY Training in Buffel Grass control as well as all COMMITTEE the policies and procedures that go with it are an example of this. The Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka We, as Aboriginal people have to adapt to Parks Advisory Committee (YYPAC) I am the first in my family to live on my training, come into the mainstream and was formed in 2009 and advises father’s country, the Cooper Creek area in work with them white fellas so that we can the Director of National Parks and the far north-east of South Australia and for be educated and then we can take that Wildlife about many aspects of the me, what’s meaningful, is being able to be back to the community. What’s important management of Coongie Lakes a part of contributing to looking after and for us as Aboriginal people, is that we are learning about country. National Park and has an additional a voice, we are a voice in our community; consultative role over the Innamincka What hits home for me living on country is we can speak up but we need to be able Regional Reserve. that we need more understanding of what’s to work in with different departments and The YYPAC is made up of eight there that we need to preserve and protect other people around us, people within the members – two members from the from our cultural sites to other cultural township, mining companies and other aspects like the hunting and the knowledge stakeholders. We need to be able to come Yandruwandha community and shared over the campfires yarns. Also, we to the table and work together as one mob. two members from Yawarrawarrka need to educate and share some of this with It’s everyone’s business when looking after community, three members from the non-Aboriginal people. country to preserve and to protect for future Department of Environment, Water I’d like to see more opportunities for generation. And this is my vision. and Natural Resources (DEWNR) and our people to come back to country, to one other member nominated by experience connecting with country, and We don’t own country, country the Director of National Parks and to enhance and strengthen a sense of owns us and I am blessed to Wildlife. belonging and definitely to take on the role be able to walk in my father’s If you would like to receive the of ownership with country. footprints. Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Having the Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Parks Advisory Committee bi-annual Parks Advisory Committee (YYPAC), newsletter contact the Natural Yandruwandha people, Yawarrawarrka Across the Outback thanks Katheryn for allowing Resources Centre on (08) 8648 5300. people and my own family come out on us to reproduce her words recorded from a country in the past year has been a really presentation given to Natural Resources SA Arid big thing for me. It brings healing to my soul Lands staff. when my mob are on country and we are one, happy mob.

16 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands