From: DEW:Correspondence OCE Sent: Friday, 13 December, 2019 3:42 PM To: DEW:Minister Speirs Correspondence Cc: DEW:Correspondence NP&WS Subject: DEW-D0006718_CE Approved [DLM=For-Official-Use-Only] Attachments: DEW-D0006718_CE Approved.pdf; DEWD0006718_ATT1_2020 Discussion Paper Duck and Quail.docx; DEW-D0006718_ATT2_Statement_of_Outcomes.pdf; DEW-D0006718 _ATT3_2020_Duck_Gazette.docx; DEW-D0006718_ATT4_2020_Quail_Gazette.docx; DEWD0006718_19ATT5_2020_Duck_and_Quail_Newspaper_Advert.docx

Importance: High

For Official Use Only

Hi,

Please find attached a brief approved by the CE, for the Minister’s consideration.

Regards,

4 - Docu , Office of the Chief Executive ments affectiDepartment for Environment and Water ngP (08) law 8204 9320 enforcLevel 4 - 81-95 Waymouth Street ementADELAIDEDo SA 5000 andenvironment.sa.gov.au cu publicme safety,nts 6 - aff Docuect mentsing affectila ng w personenf The informationorc in this e-mail may be confidential and/or legally privileged. Use or disclosure of the information to anyone other than the intended recipient is alprohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this email in error please advise by return email. affairsem ent an d pu bli c saf ety

1 Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 1 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 Government of Department for Environment and Water

DEW-D0006718

TO MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND WATER

RE: 2020 DUCK AND QUAIL OPEN SEASONS

THROUGH: CHIEF EXECUTI

Critical Date for Minister Action: 16 December 2019, to allow for a Gazette notice to be published in 2019

RECOMMENDATIONS

That you:

1. Note the 2019 Discuss ion Paper on Duck and Quail Open Season (Attachment 1) and the Stat ement of Outcomes from the meeting of the Duck and Quail Open Season Stakeholder Reference Panel (Attachment 2).

NOTED

2. Approve one of the following options regarding open season for duck in 2020:

a. A restricted 2020 duck open season and sign the 2020 duck open season Gazette notice (Attachment 3) APPROVED I NOT APPROVED b. No declaration of a 2020 duck open season. APPROVED I NOT APPROVED 3. Approve one of the following options rega rding open season for quail in 2020:

a. No declaration of a 2020 quail open season APPROVED I NOT APPROVED b. A restricted 2020 quail open season and sign the 2020 quail open season Gazette notice (Attachment 4). APPROVED I NOT APPROVED 4. Approve, subject to your decisions above, the 2020 duck and quail open season newspaper advertisement (Attachment 5) APPROVED I NOT APPROVED 5. Note that, subject to declaration of a duck hunting open season, a gazette notice re lating to hunting on unalienated crown lands will be prepared for your approval in January 2020. NOTED

6. Note that a draft media re lease, draft speaking notes, draft response to correspondence and draft website information regarding any 2020 duck and quai l open seasons will be prepared in t he com ing weeks.

NOTED

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 2 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 Comments

DAVID SPEIRS MP

Minister for Environment and Water I I 2019

4 - Contact: 4 - Documents affecting on 4 - or @sa.gov.au Page 2 of 8 Documen Date: 12 lawDecember enforcement 2019 and Document Reference Number: DEW-D0006718 ts public safety, 6 - s affecting affecting Documents affectingDocument releasedlaw by the Department for Environment and Water 3 of 37 under the Freedom oflaw Information Act 1991 personal affairs enforceme enforcem nt and ent and public public safety, 6 - safety, 6 - Document Documen s affecting ts personal affecting affairs personal affairs BACKGROUND Pursuant to section 52 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (the Act), you may declare an open season for protected species, traditionally duck and stubble quail, and conditions applicable to the season. Conditions may include which species can be hunted, numbers to be hunted (bag limit), where hunting can take place (including on public lands), timing and length of season. Traditionally, a 'full' South Australian open season: • Has bag !!mlts of 12 duck and 25 stubble quai! per hunter per day (notlng separate permits are required for duck and quail open seasons) • Commences mid-February and finishes late June (duck) or late August (quail) • Includes/excludes game reserves and Crown lands and open/closed depending on operational needs, risks and local conditions. These open season conditions are varied from year-to-year, including not declaring a season, depending on seasonal data (e.g. and habitat conditions, climatic forecasts, bird data, etc.) to ensure that declared species are hunted sustainably.

In December 2018, you approved a 2019 duck open season from 16 March 2019 to 30 June 2019 with a bag limit of 8 ducks, and a quail open season from 16 February 2019 to 31 August 2019 with a bag limit of 15 quail (DEW-D0001823).

In 2019 there were 1679 duck hunters and 150 quail hunters holding permits in South Australia. This compares with around 25,000 duck and 28,000 quail hunters holding permits in . Approximately a third of South Australian permits were held by interstate hunters in 2019. The majority of duck were taken on the opening and closing weekend of the 2019 season, while the majority of quail were taken later in the season in the cooler­ wetter months. Sustained effort was shown by a smaller number of enthusiasts throughout the season.

DISCUSSION The Department for Environment and Water provides you with a recommendation in relation to open season duck and quail setting, based on analysis of data that is collected annually in October/November. A discussion paper has been attached summarising the 2019 data (Attachment 1) collected from: • Volunteer on the ground wetland and waterfowl surveys in the Fleurieu, Murraylands (including ), Coorong and South East regions • DEW aerial surveys in the Riverland, Coorong and South East regions • University of Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey • Climate and landscape condition records and forecasts.

In addition, hunter and conservation representatives invited to participate in the Duck and Quail Open Season Stakeholder Reference Panel have provided an agreed 'Statement of Outcomes' (Attachment 2) for your consideration.

The information available in 2019 on duck populations and habitat condition is generally unfavourable across both South Australia and eastern Australia generally. No duck open season declaration or a restricted open season are therefore recommended.

4 - Contact: 4 - Documents affecting on 4 - or @sa.gov.au Page 3 of 8 Documen Date: 12 lawDecember enforcement 2019 and Document Reference Number: DEW-D0006718 ts public safety, 6 - s affecting Document released by the Departmentaffecting for Environment and Water 4 of 37 Documents affecting law under the Freedom oflaw Information Act 1991 personal affairs enforceme enforcem nt and ent and public public safety, 6 - safety, 6 - Document Documen s affecting ts personal affecting affairs personal affairs While the number of surveyed in SA was somewhat below average (n =62, x =80), the count of duck was the third lowest on record, and about a third of the long-term average (n =23,954, x = 70,600). Duck counts in the Fleurieu, South East and Coorong regions were a half, a third and a tenth respectively of long-term averages for these regions. The situation in the South East and Coorong is concerning as these areas should arguably be acting as duck refuges under current climate and habitat conditions, as was the case in 2018. Counts in the Murraylands (and Riverland) were around long-term averages, likely reflecting the stable wetland environments resulting from regulation of the River Murray.

DEW aerial waterbird counts covering the Riverland, Coorong and South East regions were approximate half of those in 2018, which itself was approximately half of the count in 2017.

Results from the 37th Eastern Australia Waterbird Survey (EAWS) undertaken by the University of New South Wales, show that duck abundance increased slightly (n =118, 761) compared to 2018 (n = 101,185). This rise is ascribed to some good rainfalls in creating habitat (which is now drying) and grossly reduced wetland extent concentrating duck onto few wetlands, enabling improved observation. The total game duck abundance recorded in 2019 was around 55% of the long-term average (x =209,458; 1983-2019). Only wood duck were recorded in above average abundance; abundance of all other game duck species were 12-61% of their respective long-term averages.

Long-term EAWS data show that waterbird abundance (all waterbirds, not just game ducks) and breeding increases with available habitat (wetland area index). Declines in wetland area are likely to result in declines in waterbird abundance and breeding. The wetland area index recorded by the EAWS in 2019 was the lowest on record, reflecting the severe drought conditions over much of eastern Australia. Abundances of most game duck species, and all waterbird guilds generally, continue to show long-term declines. Breeding indices in 2019 were above those recorded in 2018, driven by breeding of straw-necked ibis rather than game species.

Climatic conditions in 2019 continue to be challenging at both the local South Australian and south-east Australian scales. These climate conditions and forecasts being driven by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, neutral Southern Oscillation Index and negative Southern Annular Mode. Significant areas of the Murray-Darling Basin are in deepening drought and south-east Australia has had below average rains. Summer rainfall over eastern Australia is forecast to be below average, while the temperature forecast is well above average. Land condition, as described by remotely sensed normalized difference vegetation index, soil moisture availability and pasture biomass, continues to decline, reflecting the adverse climatic conditions, with all metrics being below long-term averages for much of the continent and SA.

For stubble quail, aside from hunter bag surveys, no direct abundance metrics are available (like Victoria which has around 28,000 licenced quail hunters and an estimated harvest of 150,000 in 2019). Landscape condition modelling from CSIRO and agronomic statistics, combined with climate forecasts, have been used as surrogates to help inform decision making based on pasture growth rates, cover, and food availability. Recommendations for a restricted bag limit and a shortened open season, or no declaration, for stubble quail have been based on the continued decline of the condition of their preferred habitat areas, as a Contact:4 - Documents affecting on 4 - or 4 - sa.gov.au Page 4 of 8 Date: 12law December enforcement 2019 and Document Documen Reference Number: DEW-D0006718 public safety, 6 - s affecting ts 5 of 37 Documents affectingDocument releasedlaw by the Departmentaffecting for Environment and Water under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 personal affairs enforceme law nt and enforcem public ent and safety, 6 - public Document safety, 6 - s affecting Documen personal ts affairs affecting personal affairs proxy for abundance, as has been custom in recent years.

Recommendations for the 2020 duck and quail open seasons are based on 2019 data and projections for 2020. Should conditions deteriorate or circumstances change, you may revoke or revise any open season declarations.

DEW Recommendation Based on the analysis of climate, wetland, landscape and waterfowl data, and consultation outcomes, you are presented two options for consideration for both duck and stubble quail opens seasons in 2020 as described below.

Duck A. A restricted open season for the taking of duck is declared for 2020. The following conditions are recommended (see Attachment 3 for specific detail): a. Specific species permitted: Grey Teal (Anas gracilis), Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea), Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa), Australian Shelduck (Mountain Duck) (Tadorna tadornoides), Maned Duck (Australian Wood Duck) (Chenonetta jubata) and Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus). b. Closed season for: Australasian (Blue-winged) Shoveler (Anas rhynchotis) and Hard head (Aythya australis). c. Open season date and times: Sunrise on Saturday 28 March 2020 to sunset on Sunday 31 May 2020, and duck are only to be taken in the period between sunrise and sunset on any given day of the open season (these times are modified from the traditional '15 minutes before sunrise' and '30 minutes after sunset' with the intent of improving duck identification and shooting practices). d. Taking eggs prohibited. e. Bag limit: four (4) ducks total, and on any day of the open season, a person shall not take have possession, or control of more than one (1) of each of the following species: Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus), Australian Shelduck (Mountain Duck) (Tadorna tadornoides. f. Area of the state open season applies: all of the state. g. Open season in game reserves: Bool Lagoon closed. All other game reserves open partially or fully throughout the open season. B. No open season for the taking of protected duck is declared for 2020.

Quail A. No open season for the taking of stubble quail is declared for 2020. B. A restricted open season for the taking of stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) is declared for 2020. The following conditions are recommended (see Attachment 4 for specific detail): a. Open season date and times: Sunrise on Saturday 4 April 2020 to sunset on Sunday 2 August 2020. b. Taking eggs prohibited. c. Bag limit: ten (10). d. Area ofthe state open season applies: all ofthe state.

Contact: 4 - Documents affecting on 4 - or 4 - sa.gov.au Page 5 of 8 Date: 12 lawDecember enforcement 2019 and Document Document Reference Number: DEW-D0006718 public safety, 6 - s affecting s affecting Document released by the Departmentlaw for Environment and Water 6 of 37 Documents affecting underlaw the Freedom of Information Act 1991 personal affairs enforceme enforcem nt and ent and public public safety, 6 - safety, 6 - Document Document s affecting s affecting personal personal affairs affairs Game Reserves There are ten (10) Game Reserves in South Australia. It is proposed that nine (9) of the reserves be open at specified times during the 2020 open seasons, should they be declared. Environmental conditions at suggest that hunting on this wetland would not be sustainable because of the presence of threatened waterbird species and management considerations specific to Bool Lagoon. As such it is recommended that Bool Lagoon remain closed to hunting for 2020. Both the hunting and non-hunting stakeholders involved in the reference panel agreed to the closure of hunting at Bool Lagoon in 2020. A number of other routine restrictions to game reserves access will also apply to the duck open season for 2020, should it be declared. A new restriction has been imposed on , preventing shooting adjacent to Coombool which is receiving environmental water. The three game reserves in the Riverland, Chowilla, Moorook and Loch Luna, will only open for four weekends in 2020, subject to a season declaration, to prevent shooting on South Australian long weekends and school holidays when these are popular with non-hunter visitors.

Open Season Hunting On Unalienated Crown Land Open season hunting for duck and quail only, is generally permitted on unalienated Crown land across the State if an open season is declared. For management reasons DEW updates and publishes a list of Crown land parcels on which hunting is prohibited. Subject to an open season declaration, DEW will prepare a gazettal notice for your approval in early 2020.

Hunter Returns Data gathered through hunter surveys can contribute to improved wildlife management decisions, especially in regard to setting any open season restrictions. The voluntary system of collecting hunter returns, based on the 'citizen science' principle and coordinated by CHASA with support from DEW officers, continued in 2019. Voluntary hunter returns increased in 2019 relative to 2018, but were lower than 2016 and 2017. It is expected that the new Wildlife Permit System will improve hunter returns in 2020, should open seasons be declared. If returns do increase in 2020, subject to season declaration, it is anticipated that DEW will recommend compulsory returns in future open seasons.

The data gathered from 2019 were used as part of the open season deliberations by all stakeholders, for example, the data continue to illustrate the role that restricted bag limits and season duration can have on offering protection to duck and quail populations. 839 hunter days were reported and, on average, hunters harvested 5.92 ducks per hunter per hunting day, or on average 27.2 ducks each in 2019. Simplistically extrapolating that is representative of all hunters, the total offtake of all ducks in South Australia would be approximately 45,000 ducks. Similarly extrapolated quail harvest in 2019 was approximately 4,300. This compares to the estimated 2019 Victorian harvest of nearly 240,000 ducks and 150,000 stubble quail.

Announcement of decision The hunting community in South Australia generally expect an open season announcement prior to Christmas, however this timeline is based on traditional stakeholder expectations. Should the decision and announcement be delayed, the DEW Media unit will need to prepare a holding statement to reduce anticipated correspondence from concerned

4 - Contact: 4 - Documents affecting on 4 - o sa.gov.au Page 6 of 8 Document Date: 12 lawDecember enforcement 2019 and Document Reference Number: DEW-D0006718 s affecting public safety, 6 - s affecting law Documents affectingDocument releasedlaw by the Department for Environment and Water 7 of 37 under the Freedom ofenforceme Information Act 1991 personal affairs enforceme nt and nt and public public safety, 6 - safety, 6 - Document Document s affecting s affecting personal personal affairs affairs community members.

Next steps Pending your decision regarding declaration of duck and quail seasons, the following would be undertaken: • Up to two Gazettal notices to be sent to the Government Gazette by your office on 16 December 2019 for publication on 19 December 2019 (Attachments 3 and 4) • A notice (the statutory instrument of open season declaration) published in the Advertiser (Attachment 5). Attachment 5 includes four notices reflecting the four possible combinations (all closed, all open, duck only, quail only) of your declaration decisions. Only the appropriate notice, reflecting your decision should be submitted for publication.

Further, subject to your decisions, a Ministerial media releases, DEW website content and media speaking notes will be prepared for your noting regarding the season. A draft response to any correspondence received regarding the season will also prepared for your consideration. A gazettal notice will be prepared for your approval granting consent to hunt during a declared open season on unalienated crown land.

CONSULTATION In late November 2019, DEW Senior District Rangers were consulted regarding their local knowledge of the area and recommendations in relation to duck and quail open season setting.

The Victorian Game Management Authority, a statutory body, met with the DEW CE and DEW staff on 5 December 2019 to discuss south-eastern Australian climatic and wetland conditions as well as abundance and open season recommendations they may provide to their responsible Ministers late December 2019.

The Duck and Quail Open Season Stakeholder Reference Panel, facilitated by DEW staff, convened on 9 December 2019 to review the environmental data and develop an agreed 'Statement of Outcomes' (Attachment 2); little consensus was reached amongst, and to a lesser degree within, hunting and non-hunting groups. The panel comprises of the following stakeholders: • Conservation Council of SA (CCSA) - six representatives invited with three representatives attending • Conservation and Hunting Alliance of South Australia (CHASA) - six representatives invited with six representatives and one observers attending • Wetlands and Wildlife (W&W)- one representative invited and attending • BirdsSA- one representative invited and attending • DEW- seven representatives.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Are there financial implications? No

Contact: 4 - Documents affecting on 4 - or4 - @sa.gov.au Page 7 of 8 Date: 12 lawDecember enforcement 2019 and Document Documen Reference Number: DEW-00006718 public safety, 6 - s affecting ts Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 8 of 37 Documents affecting underlaw the Freedom affectingof Information Act 1991 personal affairs enforceme law nt and enforcem public ent and safety, 6 - public Document safety, 6 - s affecting Documen personal ts affairs affecting personal affairs ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1- 2019 Discussion Paper on Duck and Quail Open Season Attachment 2- Statement of Outcomes from the meeting of the Duck and Quail Hunting Open Season Stakeholder Reference Panel Attachment 3- 2020 duck open season Gazettal notice Attachment 4- 2020 quail open season Gazettal notice Attachment 5- 2020 duck and quail open season newspaper advertisement

4 - Documents affecting law enforcement and public safety, 6 - Documents affecting personal affairs 4 - ~/DirectorDocuments Conservation and Wildlife affecting Department for Environment and Water law enforceme nt 13and I 12 I 2019 public safety, 6 - Documents affecting personal affairs

Contact: 4 - Documents affecting on 4 - or 4 - @sa,gov,au Page 8 of 8 Date: 12 lawDecember enforcement 2019 and Document Docume Reference Number: DEW-D0006718 public safety, 6 - s affecting nts 9 of 37 Documents affectingDocument releasedlaw by the Departmentaffecting for Environment and Water under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 personal affairs enforceme law nt and enforce public ment safety, 6 - and Document public s affecting safety, 6 personal - affairs Docume nts affecting personal affairs Attachment 1

Discussion Paper on 2020 Duck and Quail Open Seasons

For the year to date, rainfall has been below to very much below average over most of Australia except central to northern Queensland. Rainfall for January–November 2019 was above average across parts of Queensland's northwest and northern tropics, mostly as a result of very much above average rainfall during the first quarter of the year. The year commenced with significant rainfall deficiencies in place across large areas of eastern Australia, and low rainfall during the year has resulted in an increase in the severity of rainfall deficiencies and an expansion of the area affected (Fig. 1).

As well as the significant deficiencies affecting New South Wales, southern Queensland, eastern Victoria, and eastern South Australia, rainfall deficiencies intensified throughout the year in - including across the South West Land Division. Several active tropical systems, including severe tropical cyclone Trevor, brought above average rainfall to parts of northern and western Queensland during the first months of 2019.

Significant flooding resulted in and around Townsville during late January to early February. In the Gulf Country and western Queensland extensive and long-lived flooding lasted from February into April, spread at its peak across an area some 70 km wide and an estimated 15 000 sq. km. in total area. Floodwaters from these events eventually made their way to Lake Eyre / Kati Thanda in South Australia, for the most significant filling event for Lake Eyre / Kati Thanda since 2010–11.

In Western Australia, severe tropical cyclone Veronica caused major flooding in the coastal Pilbara during March. Although March and April were wetter than average for some parts of eastern Australia, April was very much drier than average for eastern New South Wales and most of Victoria. For the remainder of the year rainfall was generally below average over large areas, with conditions turning especially dry from July onwards across continental southern Australia. July–November rainfall was the lowest on record for the southern half of Australia. In addition to the very dry second half of the year, parts of Queensland and New South Wales have had significantly below average rainfall for several years. Extremely dry conditions and very much above average temperatures led to increased fire risk across New South Wales and Queensland during spring (Fig. 1).

Page 1 of 15 Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 10 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 Attachment 1

Figure 1. Australian rainfall deciles for the previous 12 months (1 December 2018 to 30 November 2019) (BOM 2019).

Murray-Darling Basin

The Murray-Darling Basin is a region supporting many aquatic ecosystems and is an important region for waterfowl breeding. 2019 has been very hot and dry in the Murray Darling Basin and across Australia. Figure 2 shows the rainfall deciles ranging from the highest on record to the lowest on record. Ninety percent (90%) of Murray Darling Basin recorded rainfall percentile of below average to the lowest on record in August whilst July, September and October were in the 60% region. The highest average rainfall decile was recorded in the month of November.

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Figure 2. Monthly rainfall deciles in the Murray–Darling Basin for June to November 2019 (BOM 2019).

Figure 3 depicts the rainfall anomalies across the Murray-Darling Basin, depicting the cumulative effect of the lower rainfalls in the east of the Basin along the Great Dividing Range and Victorian Tributaries. The figure also highlights the average rainfall anomaly (- 100mm to 100 mm) occurring in the south western part of the basin for the corresponding 12 month period.

Figure 3. Murray-Darling Basin rainfall anomalies (Dec 2018 to Nov 2019) (BOM, 2019).

South Australia

Summer 2018/19: Rainfall in summer was below average to very much below average in most central and north-eastern districts, making it South Australia's driest summer since 1985–86. Heat waves in December and January resulted in numerous sites setting new high temperature records during summer 2018–19. For mean maximum temperature, it was South Australia's hottest summer on record and third-warmest for mean minimum temperature.

Autumn 2019: Rainfall in autumn was below average in most areas of South Australia away from some southern coastal fringes and in the northeast. Daytime temperatures in autumn were very much above average across large areas of the state and night-time temperatures were near-average or warmer than average.

Winter 2019: Rainfall in winter was below to very much below average across most of the state, making it South Australia's tenth-driest winter on record and driest since 2007. Daytime temperatures were warmer than average for the northern two thirds of the state, but nights were cooler than average in many central and northern areas.

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Figure 4 shows the South Australian rainfall percentile from December 2018 to November 2019. During this period, approximately 95% of South Australia had rainfall percentiles of between 0%-80% while the remaining parts of the state (parts of South East and Eyre Peninsula) were in the 80%-100% range, which were below the average to very much below average rainfalls between summer (2018/9) and autumn 2019.

Figure 4. South Australian percent of mean rainfall (December 2018 – November 2019) (BOM 2019).

Figure 5, similar to Figure 4 also depicts (approx.) 95% of South Australia falling in the rainfall decile categories of between below average to lowest on record while the remaining 5% (the South East region) showing average rainfalls over a 12 month period.

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Figure 5. South Australian rainfall deciles (Dec 2018 to Nov 2019) (BOM 2019).

The inter-annual rainfall difference (Fig. 6) for Dec/Nov 2018/19 relative to 2017/18 shows a decreasing trend in the inter-annual rainfalls from the eastern part of the state towards the western part demonstrating that rainfalls greatly decreased relatively compared to the previous year with reductions of between -100 to -400mm. Small pockets in the range of - 100mm to -200mm were noted in Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu Peninsula and the north- western part of the state. Figures 7 and 8 show rainfall deficiencies for 6 months and 12 month periods as comparison.

Figure 6. South Australian inter-annual rainfall differences (Dec/Nov 2018/2019 – Dec/Nov 2017/2018) (BOM 2019).

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Figure 7. South Australian rainfall deficiencies (June to November 2019) (BOM 2019).

Figure 8. South Australian rainfall deficiencies (December 2018 to November 2019) (BOM 2019).

Assessment of waterfowl abundance and wetland condition in southern South Australia 2019

A total of 62 wetlands from four regions (Murraylands, Fleurieu, the Coorong and South East) in South Australia were surveyed in 2019. Spatial coverage across each of the four (4) districts was a factor in the initial site selection along with wetland type, quality, size, ownership (public or private), and status (protected or open to hunting). The South Australian (DEW) aerial surveys were conducted over 3 days (31 Oct - 3 Nov 2019), covering wetlands in the Murraylands, the Coorong and South East districts.

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The 2019 South Australian waterfowl survey recorded 23,954 game duck across the four regions. This represents an approximate decrease of 70% in the bird population (cf. 2018 - 83,114 ducks). The 2019 surveys recorded the third lowest bird count (cf. 2010 - 13,899 ducks and 2016 - 10,709 ducks). Figure 9 shows the regional trends in the annual abundance in duck game species in South Australia (2003-2019); counts in the Coorong and South East regions were notably lower than many years before. In 2019, 27,969 game birds and 1,097 non-game species (Freckled, Blue-billed and Musk ducks) were observed for a total count of 29,066 birds, well below the long-term average of 69,617 birds. The total surveyed wetlands was estimated at approx. 4,979 hectares equating to a duck density of 5.8 game ducks per hectare. In the 2019 surveys, Grey Teals were of the highest proportion (percentage) at 61.0% of all counted ducks in South Australia, followed by Chestnut Teals (10.8%), Black Ducks (9.0%), Hard Head Ducks (7.3%), Mountain Ducks (4.7%), Pink–eared Ducks (3.5%), Wood Ducks (2.0%) and the least being the Blue-winged Shoveler at 1.7% (Fig.10).

Figure 9. Trends in the annual abundance in duck game species, by region, South Australian Surveys (2003–2019).

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Figure 10. Proportion of games species of the total annual abundance from South Australian Surveys (2003-2019).

Concerns associated with the Blue Winged Shoveler

The Australasian (Blue-winged) Shoveler (Anas rhynchotis) is an uncommon duck species which is distributed throughout south-eastern and south-western Australia. Aerial monitoring data from 1983 to 2019 from the Eastern Australian Aerial Surveys (EAAWS) by Richard Kingsford et.al (University of New South Wales) show a decline in population abundance of the Australasian (Blue-winged) Shoveler.

South Australia has not allowed the recreational hunting of this species since 2003 and was taken off the game list in New South Wales in 1987 before duck hunting was ultimately banned in 1995. In Victoria, the limit has remained at one or two birds per day since 1988 except for the years 2004, 2009 and 2016-19 during which it was excluded from hunting.

Local surveys of ducks have indicated that small numbers of Australasian (Blue-winged) Shoveler are present in South Australia with some years (2013 and 2015) counting over 4000 birds. In 2019, wetland on-ground surveys counted 438 Australasian (Blue-winged) Shoveler, while the aerial surveys counted 5,145 in the South East and the Coorong regions. Both the aerial and ground surveys were found to be lower than the 2018 counts (aerial- 5,338 birds and on-ground-2,076 birds).

A 2017 report by the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research for the Victorian Game Management Authority (GMA) and partially based on data supplied by South Australia, based on population trends, the capacity of the Australasian (Blue-winged) Shoveler to support recreational harvest is limited. The study indicated that harvest rates as low as 10% are enough to result in the effective extinction of the species. The same applied in 2018 with the embargo on the Australasian (Blue-winged) Shoveler by the Victorian GMA, to be exempt from recreational harvest in Victoria for the foreseeable future. As such, DEW recommends that the species should be excluded from the 2020 hunting season.

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Qualitative points from Eastern Australian Aerial Waterbird Survey October 2019 Annual Summary Report (University of New South Wales)

At the continental scale the total waterbird abundance (208,364 birds; includes all waterbirds) recorded by the 37th EAAWS had increased marginally from 2018 but remains well below the long-term average. Abundance in 2019 was the 13th lowest (Fig. 11) since the survey began in 1983.

The 2019 Wetland Area Index was the lowest recorded in 37 years of survey (Fig. 12), but generally widely distributed among survey bands. Breeding species richness was low, with only six species recorded breeding, predominantly the Straw-necked ibis. Abundances of six out of eight games species continue to show significant long term declines, with abundances of most game species well below long term averages (Fig. 13).

More than 52% of surveyed wetlands supported no waterbirds (includes wetlands that were dry). Breeding was limited, the total breeding index (all bird species combined) did increase from the previous year but sits well below the long term average (Fig.14).

Waterbirds were concentrated on a small proportion of wetlands, and less widely dispersed than in the previous year. Eleven (11) wetlands supported more than 5,000 waterbirds, representing 50% of the total abundance of birds observed. Peak abundances of waterbirds were distributed across survey bands in north Queensland, SA and Victoria (Fig.15). Like most years, Grey Teals were the dominant game duck counted in 2019, however, the game duck abundance was again well below the long-term average (Fig. 11). The waterbirds were most abundant in Bands 2 and 7-10, with the highest peak in Band 9 (Fig. 15).

Figure 11. Waterbird abundance (including ducks) across eastern Australia (1983- 2019) (Porter et al., 2019).

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Figure 12. Wetland area index across eastern Australia (1983-2019) (Porter et al., 2019).

Figure 13. Number of waterbird species breeding across eastern Australia (1983-2019) (Porter et al., 2019).

The total breeding index was again lower than the long term average (Fig. 16), which corresponds with the below average number of breeding bird species (Figure 13) observed across eastern Australia. The Breeding Index showed breeding birds were located in Band 1 (the majority) while a small number was noted in Band 9 (Fig. 16) whilst Figure 17 depicts the Wetlands area index across eastern Australia in the 2019 by survey transects (bands).

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Figure 14. Breeding index across eastern Australia (1983-2019) (Porter et al., 2019).

Figure 15. Number of waterbirds across eastern Australia in 2019 by survey transects (bands) (Porter et al., 2019).

Figure 16. The breeding index of waterbirds across eastern Australia in 2019 by survey transects (bands) (Porter et al., 2019).

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Figure 17. Wetlands area index across eastern Australia in 2019 by survey transects (bands) (Porter et al., 2019).

Recent conditions material to Eastern Australian wetland habitat

Rainfall deficiencies are a key indicator of drought conditions and assumed to provide a surrogate of wetland area. Rainfall deficiencies for the year to date have increased slightly across the south of Western Australia and South Australia, south-eastern New South Wales, and central and eastern Victoria. In New South Wales, serious to severe rainfall deficiencies extend across most of the North West Slopes and Northern Tablelands, along with coastal areas from the Hunter northwards. Areas of deficiencies also exist across the southern coast of New South Wales, and between the New South Wales Tablelands and Central District in Victoria, as well as in inland to coastal central Gippsland (Fig. 18).

Figure 18. Rainfall deficiencies - 12 months (Dec 2018 to Nov 2019) (BOM 2019).

Page 12 of 15 Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 21 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 Attachment 1

Hunter Returns and level of offtake in South Australia

The Conservation and Hunting Alliance, South Australia (CHASA) in consultation with DEW, has gathered data on the hunting activities for the recently concluded 2019 hunt season. The Hunter Returns for 2019 season showed a 6% return by quail hunters while 11% for the duck hunters.

The information obtained from the hunter returns indicates that on average, hunters harvested just under 6 ducks/day/hunter or on average 27 ducks/hunter for the 2019 hunting season. Simplistically, extrapolating that as representative of all hunters, the total offtake/harvest of all ducks in 2019 would be approximately 45,652 ducks.

The quail hunters mean daily bag for quail was less than 10 quails/day whist the total quail harvest per hunter for the 2019 season was 29 quails.

Conclusion

For the year to date, rainfall has been below to very much below average over most of Australia except in central to northern Queensland. Rainfall for January–November 2019 were above average across parts of Queensland's northwest and northern tropics, mostly as a result of very much above average rainfalls during the first quarter of the year. The year commenced with significant rainfall deficiencies in place across large areas of eastern Australia, and low rainfall during the year resulted in an increase in the severity of rainfall deficiencies and an expansion of the areas affected.

The Murray-Darling Basin is a region supporting many aquatic ecosystems and is an important region for waterfowl breeding. 2019 has been very hot and dry in the Murray Darling Basin and across Australia. Ninety percent (90%) of Murray Darling Basin recorded rainfall percentile of below average to the lowest on record in August, whilst July, September and October were in the 60% region. The highest average rainfall decile was recorded in the month of November 2019.

The information available for 2019 on duck populations and habitat condition presents a juxtaposition between favourable indicators in parts of South Australia and average to below average indicators regarding wetland habitat, and waterbird abundance and breeding for Eastern Australia as a whole. Duck abundance indicators in 2019 in South Australia have decreased cf. 2018, however, the 37th Eastern Australia Aerial Waterbird Survey (EAAWS) in 2019 suggest that duck abundance has increased slightly cf. 2018 but with poor breeding metrics. The EAAWS data suggest that ducks have been found in greater numbers in South Australia (Band 2) and (Bands 9 and 10) indicating these 3 regions were acting as refuge for ducks on a continental scale .

In South Australia, the wetland conditions are similar to the scale experienced across Australia on a continental scale. The majority of wetlands in the Coorong, South East and Fleurieu regions have been categorised as below average to average conditions, whilst the majority of Murraylands wetlands were in the above average to high category. Wetlands in the latter region typically having stable, near full water levels as a result of river regulation, rather than from overbank flows which are more beneficial to many duck

Page 13 of 15 Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 22 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 Attachment 1 than the stable water levels. The wetland area index recorded by the EAAWS was the lowest since the first survey began in 1983.

There are currently areas of wetland habitats suitable for duck in South Australia, but these likely represent important duck refuge at the continental-scale. The decrease in duck abundance and breeding, coupled with poor habitat conditions at a continental-scale recorded by the EAAWS suggests a need for precautionary approach (i.e. restrictions) be taken to the season settings for duck in South Australia.

Landscape condition and Quail

With Stubble Quail, less is known about their biology and natural history than game duck species, with knowledge restricted to their preferred areas of habitat which include pasture and cereal crop areas. Stubble Quail are highly nomadic, cryptic, and cover dependant. Landscape condition modelling and agronomic statistics have been used as surrogates to help inform decision making about pasture growth rates, cover, and food availability.

Figure 19. Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) 1 May to 31 October 2019 (BOM, 2019).

Figure 19 illustrates the reduced density and abundance of vegetation (NDVI) on a continental scale in the latter half of 2019 relative to the long-term average, while Figure 20 depicts the South Australian pasture growth relative to historical records from 1957 for December 2018 to November 2019. This information shows that conditions in 2020 will be less favourable for quail than 2019, and as such a reduce quail bag limit is warranted.

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Figure 20. SA pasture growth relative to historical records from 1957 for Dec 2018 to Nov 2019

Page 15 of 15 Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 24 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991

Duck and Quail Hunting Open Season Stakeholder Reference Panel

Draft ‘Statement of Agreed Outcomes’ on the 2020 Duck and Quail Hunting Season from the meeting of the Duck and Quail Hunting Open Season Stakeholder Reference Panel, held on Monday, 9 December 2019.

DUCK  Declare an Open Season or not? o Conservation and Hunting Alliance of South Australia (CHASA), and Wetlands and Wildlife (W&W) – 2020 Restricted 3 Open Season. o Conservation Council of South Australia (CCSA) and BirdsSA – closed season.  Bag limit o CHASA – 4-6 bird bag. o W&W – 5-6 bird bag. o CCSA – 4 bird bag, subject to season declaration. o BirdsSA – zero.  Season opening o CHASA – mid-March (same as Victoria). o W&W – mid-March. o CCSA and BirdsSA – mid-March (same as Victoria), subject to season declaration.  Season closing o CHASA and W&W – end of June. o CCSA and BirdsSA – end of May, subject to season declaration.  Which species should be hunted? o CHASA and W&W – seven species (Pacific black duck, Grey teal, Chestnut teal, Hardhead, Pink-eared duck, Wood duck, Mountain duck). Blue-winged shoveler out of bag, but not off ‘game’ list. o CCSA – split within . No Blue-winged shoveler (no open season preferred). . No Hardhead or Blue-winged shoveler (no open season preferred). o BirdsSA – No Hardhead or Blue-winged shoveler (no open season preferred).  Species specific bag limits o CHASA and W&W – no species specific limit. o CCSA and BirdsSA – limit of one Hardhead only.  Game Reserves o Consensus – same as 20191.

1 As per 2019 Duck Open Season. Bool Lagoon Game Reserve closed, all others open, noting Chowilla, Moorook and Loch Luna Game Reserves to not open on Easter, long-weekends and school holidays. Cf. https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/licences-and-permits/wildlife-permits/permit- types/hunting/game-reserves.

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 Open and close times o CHASA and W&W – 15 minutes before sunrise, 30 minutes after sunset. o CCSA – split within . 15 minutes before sunrise, 30 minutes after sunset. . Sunrise and sunset. o BirdsSA - Sunrise and sunset, subject to a season declaration.  Parts of the state to which the open season applies. o Consensus – no differentiation within the state.

QUAIL  Declare an Open Season or not? o CHASA and W&W – open season. o CCSA and BirdsSA – Closed season; no justification for season based on climate and habitat data.  Bag o CHASA and W&W - 10 bird bag. o CCSA – 10 bird bag. o BirdsSA – zero.  Season opening o CHASA and W&W – Saturday 4 April 2020. o CCSA – Consensus with CHASA and W&W. o BirdsSA – no open season.  Season closing o CHASA and W&W – Sunday 30 August 2020. o CCSA – Consensus with CHASA and W&W. o BirdsSA – no open season.  Open and close times o CHASA and W&W – as 20192. o CCSA – as 20192. o BirdsSA – no open season.  Parts of the state to which the open season applies. o Consensus – no differentiation within the state.  Additional quail comments o BirdsSA – Advise there are no quail data. o CHASA – Scientific evidence and risk assessments available for quail, and also many years of hunter experience.

2 From 2019 Quail Open Season declaration - Commence from sunrise on opening day and conclude at sunset on closing day between the daylight hours from sunrise to sunset.

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 26 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 ATTACHMENT 3

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972

Open Season for the Taking of Specified Species of Protected Animals – Ducks

PURSUANT to Section 52 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, I, David Speirs, Minister for Environment and Water, being the Minister for the Crown to whom the administration of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 is for the time being committed, declare an Open Season for the taking of specified species of protected animals as set out in this notice.

1 Specified Species The species to which the open season applies is limited to the following:  Grey Teal (Anas gracilis)  Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea)  Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)  Australian Shelduck (Mountain Duck) (Tadorna tadornoides)  Maned Duck (Australian Wood Duck) (Chenonetta jubata)  Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus).

2 Open Season Dates and Times Subject to other provisions of this notice, the open season for the species identified in Clause 1 is Saturday 28 March 2020 until Sunday 31 May 2020 inclusive, and the specified species of protected animal listed in Clause 1 may only be taken in the period between sunrise and sunset on any given day of the open season. Refer to Clause 6 for further restrictions to open season dates in Game Reserves.

3 Prohibition Against Taking Eggs A person shall not take duck eggs of any protected species during the open season.

4 Bag Limit 4.1 On any day of the open season, a person shall not take, have possession or control of more than four (4) ducks listed in Clause 1, including not more than one (1) of each of the following species:  Australian Shelduck (Mountain Duck) (Tadorna tadornoides).  Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus).

5 Area of the State The open season in relation to the species of protected animal listed in Clause 1 applies to the whole of South Australia, excluding:

5.1 All reserves constituted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, other than those game reserves specified in Clause 6 below; and 5.2 All wilderness protection areas and all wilderness protection zones constituted under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992; and 5.3 All sanctuary zones within any marine park established under the Marine Parks Act 2007.

6 Open Season in Game Reserves 6.1 Subject to the further restrictions contained in this clause, open season (including Clause 2, Clause 3 and Clause 4 restrictions) applies in relation to Chowilla Game Reserve, , , Currency

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Creek Game Reserve, , Mud Islands Game Reserve, Poocher Swamp Game Reserve, Bucks Lake Game Reserve and . 6.2 Bucks Lake Game Reserve, Currency Creek Game Reserve, Lake Robe Game Reserve, Mud Islands Game Reserve and Poocher Swamp Game Reserve a) The open season applies to the whole of each reserve. 6.3 Restrictions apply to the dates of the open season for Chowilla Game Reserve, Moorook Game Reserve and Loch Luna Game Reserve from those specified in Clause 2. The specified species in Clause 1 may only be taken in Chowilla Game Reserve, Moorook Game Reserve and Loch Luna Game Reserve between sunrise and sunset on the following specified open season dates:  Saturday 28 March 2020  Sunday 29 March 2019  Saturday 2 May 2019  Sunday 3 May 2019  Saturday 16 May 2019  Sunday 17 May 2019  Saturday 30 May 2019  Sunday 31 May 2019 6.4 Area restrictions are imposed for the open season in relation to the specified species of protected animal listed in Clause 1 in game reserves as follows:

6.4.1 Chowilla Game Reserve The open season applies to the whole reserve, subject to the following exclusions: a) For safety reasons, all of the area within a 500 metre radius centred upon the Chowilla Homestead, shearing shed, Lock 6 on the River Murray, the Chowilla Creek Regulator, Pipeclay Weir, Slaney Weir and Coombool Outstation (homestead) including any portion of creeks or waterbodies within 500 metres of these sites. b) Coombool Swamp, being the land and water contained within and bounded by a line commencing at E 489248, N 6249609, then south- easterly to E 489343, N 6249231, then southerly to E 489280, N 6247273, then south-westerly to E 489130, N 6246990, then easterly to E 489655, N 6247020, then north-easterly to E 491596, N 6248457, then northerly to E 491575, N 6249784, then westerly to E 489974, N 6249878, then south-westerly to the point of commencement.

All lines are geodesics based on the Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94).

6.4.2 Moorook Game Reserve The open season applies to the whole reserve, subject to the following exclusions: a) The western boundary of Sections 474, 475 and 476, Hundred of Moorook, County of Albert, adjacent to the Kingston-Loxton Highway b) An area of Wachtels Lagoon being the land and water contained within and bounded by a line commencing at E 442748, N 6210926, then south-easterly to E 443079, N 6210458, then south-easterly to E 443268, N 6209307, then westerly to E 442454, N 6209208, then north- easterly to E 441377, N 6209958, then north-easterly to the point of commencement.

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All lines are geodesics based on the Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94).

6.4.3 Loch Luna Game Reserve The open season applies to all creeks and associated backwaters of the reserve, subject to the following exclusions: a) A 500 metre radius of any house or outbuilding, and within 300 metres of any road or bridge; and b) A 500 metres radius of the homestead (E 442325, N 6216583) of Section 706 McIntosh Division Hundred of Cobdogla Irrigation Area.

All lines are geodesics based on the Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94).

6.4.4 Tolderol Game Reserve The open season applies to the whole reserve, subject to the following exclusions: a) The area of Tolderol Game Reserve being the land and water west of a line commencing at E 332052, N 6084977, south to E 332014, N 6083738.

All lines are geodesics based on the Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94).

Dated: /12/2019

David Speirs, Minister for Environment and Water

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water Page 3 of29 3 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 ATTACHMENT 4

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972

Open Season for the Taking of Specified Species of Protected Animals – Stubble Quail

PURSUANT to Section 52 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, I, David Speirs, Minister for Environment and Water, being the Minister for the Crown to whom the administration of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 is for the time being committed, declare an open season for the taking of Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis) as set out in this notice.

1 Open Season Dates and Times Subject to other provisions of this notice, the open season for the taking of Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis) will start on Saturday 4 April 2020 and end on Sunday 2 August 2020 inclusive. Stubble Quail may only be taken in the period between sunrise and sunset on any given day of the open season.

2 Prohibition Against Taking Eggs A person shall not take quail eggs of any protected species during the open season.

3 Bag Limit On any day of the open season, a person shall not take, have possession or control of more than ten (10) Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis).

4 Area of the State The open season in relation to Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis) applies to the whole of South Australia excluding:

4.1. All reserves constituted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972; and

4.2. All wilderness protection areas and all wilderness protection zones constituted under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992; and

4.3. All sanctuary zones within any marine park established under the Marine Parks Act 2007.

Dated: /12/2019

David Speirs, Minister for Environment and Water

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 30 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 ATTACHMENT 5

NEWSPAPER ADVERTS

NB: There are 4 newspaper advert versions, one for each of the combination of declaration options.

Only the appropriate option should be submitted for publication.

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 31 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 ATTACHMENT 5

OPTION 1 – Open season declared for duck and quail

2020 Duck and Quail Hunting Open Seasons Pursuant to section 52 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, the Hon David Speirs MP, Minister for Environment and Water, has declared open seasons for specified species of duck and quail. Only the following species can be taken, subject to the restrictions outlined below:  Duck species o Grey Teal (Anas gracilis) o Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea) o Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) o Australian Shelduck (Mountain Duck) (Tadorna tadornoides) o Maned Duck (Australian Wood Duck) (Chenonetta jubata) o Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus)  Quail species o Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis). No other species of protected duck or protected quail may be taken other than those specified above. DUCK HUNTING OPEN SEASON DETAILS Period – from sunrise on Saturday 28 March 2020 to sunset on Sunday 31 May 2020. Bag Limit –On any day of the open season, a person shall not take, have possession or control of more than four (4) duck of the species listed above, including not more than one (1) of each of the following species: o Australian Shelduck (Mountain Duck) (Tadorna tadornoides) o Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus). Area – the whole of the State, excluding all national parks, conservation parks, recreation parks and regional reserves constituted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972; and all marine park sanctuary zones constituted under the Marine Parks Act 2007; and all wilderness protection areas and all wilderness protection zones constituted under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. Game Reserves that the open season applies to are Mud Islands Game Reserve, Currency Creek Game Reserve, Poocher Swamp Game Reserve, Lake Robe Game Reserve, Bucks Lake Game Reserve and parts of Tolderol Game Reserve, Chowilla Game Reserve, Moorook Game Reserve and Loch Luna Game Reserve. Bool Lagoon Game Reserve is closed to hunters during the 2020 open season. Tolderol, Moorook, Loch Luna and Chowilla Game Reserves are subject to further restrictions, as set out on the Department for Environment and Water website. QUAIL HUNTING OPEN SEASON DETAILS Period –from sunrise on Saturday 4 April 2020 to sunset on Sunday 2 August 2020. Bag Limit – a maximum of ten (10) Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis) per hunter per day may be taken. Area – the whole of the State, excluding all Reserves constituted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, and all marine park sanctuary zones constituted under the Marine

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 32 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 ATTACHMENT 5

Parks Act 2007 and any Wilderness Protection Area and any Wilderness Protection Zone constituted under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS All hunters must comply with the Code of Practice for the Humane Destruction of Birds By Shooting in South Australia. A person must not take:  protected duck or protected quail between sunset on any one day of the open season and sunrise on the next day.  protected duck or protected quail eggs during an open season. PERMITS A specified ‘duck’ or ‘quail’ hunting open season permit is required to hunt duck and quail in South Australia. Duck hunters are required to pass the Waterfowl Identification Test to obtain a permit. For information on the test and permit please telephone the DEW Fauna Permits Unit (08) 8124 4972. MORE INFORMATION Further restrictions apply. Visit environment.sa.gov.au and search for 2020 duck and quail hunting season or contact your local Natural Resources Centre.

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 33 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 ATTACHMENT 5

OPTION 2 - Open season declared for duck, closed season for quail

2020 Duck Hunting Open Season Pursuant to section 52 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, the Hon David Speirs MP, Minister for Environment and Water, has declared an open season for specified species of duck only. Only the following species can be taken, subject to the restrictions outlined below:  Grey Teal (Anas gracilis)  Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea)  Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)  Australian Shelduck (Mountain Duck) (Tadorna tadornoides)  Maned Duck (Australian Wood Duck) (Chenonetta jubata)  Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus). No other species of protected duck may be taken other than those specified above. DUCK HUNTING OPEN SEASON DETAILS Period – from sunrise on Saturday 28 March 2020 to sunset on Sunday 31 May 2020. Bag Limit – On any day of the open season, a person shall not take, have possession or control of more than four (4) duck of the species listed above, including not more than one (1) of each of the following species: o Australian Shelduck (Mountain Duck) (Tadorna tadornoides) o Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus). Area – the whole of the State, excluding all national parks, conservation parks, recreation parks and regional reserves constituted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972; and all marine park sanctuary zones constituted under the Marine Parks Act 2007; and all wilderness protection areas and all wilderness protection zones constituted under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. Game Reserves that the open season applies to are Mud Islands Game Reserve, Currency Creek Game Reserve, Poocher Swamp Game Reserve, Lake Robe Game Reserve, Bucks Lake Game Reserve and parts of Tolderol Game Reserve, Chowilla Game Reserve, Moorook Game Reserve and Loch Luna Game Reserve. Bool Lagoon Game Reserve is closed to hunters during the 2020 open season. Tolderol, Moorook, Loch Luna and Chowilla Game Reserves are subject to further restrictions, as set out on the Department for Environment and Water website. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS All hunters must comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Humane Destruction of Birds By Shooting in South Australia. A person must not take:  protected duck between sunset on any one day of the open season and sunrise on the next day.  protected duck eggs during an open season. NO 2020 QUAIL HUNTING OPEN SEASON No open season for protected quail has been declared for 2020.

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 34 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 ATTACHMENT 5

PERMITS A specified ‘duck’ hunting open season permit is required to hunt duck in South Australia. Quail hunting permits will not be available in 2020 due to the closed hunting season. Duck hunters are required to pass the Waterfowl Identification Test to obtain a permit. For information on the test and permit please telephone the DEW Fauna Permits Unit (08) 8124 4972. MORE INFORMATION Further restrictions apply. Visit environment.sa.gov.au and search for 2020 duck and quail hunting season or contact your local Natural Resources Centre.

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 35 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 ATTACHMENT 5

OPTION 3 - Closed season for duck, open season declared for quail

2020 Quail Hunting Open Season Pursuant to section 52 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, the Hon David Speirs MP, Minister for Environment and Water, has declared an open season for specified species of quail only. Only Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis) can be taken, subject to the restrictions outlined below. No species of protected duck may be taken. QUAIL HUNTING OPEN SEASON DETAILS Period – from sunrise on Saturday 4 April 2020 to sunset on Sunday 2 August 2020. Bag Limit – a maximum of ten (10) Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis) per hunter per day may be taken. Area – the whole of the State, excluding all Reserves constituted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, and all marine park sanctuary zones constituted under the Marine Parks Act 2007 and any Wilderness Protection Area and any Wilderness Protection Zone constituted under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS All hunters must comply with the Code of Practice for the Humane Destruction of Birds By Shooting in South Australia. A person must not take:  protected quail between sunset on any one day of the open season and sunrise on the next day  protected quail eggs during an open season. NO 2020 DUCK HUNTING OPEN SEASON No open season for duck has been declared for 2020. PERMITS A specified ‘quail’ hunting open season permit is required to hunt quail in South Australia. Duck hunting permits will not be available in 2020 due to the closed hunting season. For information on quail hunting permits please telephone the DEW Fauna Permits Unit (08) 8124 4972. MORE INFORMATION Further restrictions apply. Visit environment.sa.gov.au and search for 2020 duck and quail hunting season or contact your local Natural Resources Centre.

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 36 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 ATTACHMENT 5

OPTION 4 - Closed season for duck and quail

No Duck and Quail Hunting Open Seasons in 2020 The Hon David Speirs MP, Minister for Environment and Water, has not declared open seasons for protected duck or protected quail in 2020 because of the current and forecast climate, and landscape conditions; and available biological data. No species of protected duck or protected quail, or their eggs, may be taken in 2020. MORE INFORMATION Visit environment.sa.gov.au and search for 2020 duck and quail hunting season.

Document released by the Department for Environment and Water 37 of 37 under the Freedom of Information Act 1991