caring for our country Achievements Report BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL ICONS 2008 –2013 Melaleuca Inlet, Tasmania. Source: A. Brady Biodiversity and Natural Icons Biodiversity and Natural Icons

Actions have been taken to improve the protection of our biodiversity and natural icons, including World Heritage areas, by tackling weeds and pest animals and improving habitat of nationally threatened species and communities.

3 Table of Contents

Introduction 5

Outcome 1 By 2013, Caring for our Country will increase, by at least one million hectares, the area of native habitat and vegetation that is managed to reduce critical threats to biodiversity and to enhance the condition, connectivity and resilience of habitats and landscapes. This is additional to the 125 million hectares that is to be protected within the National Reserve System 6

Case study: Linking farm management and biodiversity, Tasmania 7

Case study: Understanding and managing critical refugia in the arid lands of central-north Australia 8

Case study: Woodland birds for biodiversity—protecting and restoring critical habitat, south-eastern Australia 8

Case study: The Blackberry Buffer Zone, Western Australia 9

The Environmental Stewardship Program 10

Case study: Regenerating native grasses in Yass, New South Wales 12

Case study: Communities in landscapes—box gum grassy woodlands, National 13

Outcome 2 By 2013, Caring for our Country will reduce the impact of invasive species 15

Eradicating rabbits and rodents on Macquarie Island, Tasmania 15

Reducing the southern and westward migration of cane toads 18

Eradicating and preventing the spread of tramp ants across Australia 20

Case study: National Electric Ant Eradication Program 21

Case study: Yellow crazy ants on Christmas Island 22

Reducing the impact of vertebrate pest animals 23

Protecting biodiversity from the impact of feral camels in northern and remote Australia 24

Case study: Australian Feral Camel Management Project, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia 27

Reducing the impact of exotic rodents on small islands 28

Lord Howe Island rodent eradication project, New South Wales 28

Reducing exotic rodents on small islands in Western Australia 31

Reducing the impact of rabbits across Australia 31

Case study: Reducing the impact of exotic rodents on small islands in Western Australia 32

National management of the impacts of Weeds of National Significance 34

Outcome 3 By 2013, Caring for our Country will secure management arrangements for all World Heritage areas that meet the requirements of the World Heritage Convention 38

Management arrangements for the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage area 40

Management arrangements for the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area 43

Outcome 4 By 2013, Caring for our Country will improve the protection and management of Ningaloo Reef 48

Outcome 5 By 2013, Caring for our Country will maintain viable Tasmanian Devil populations 49

Case study: Investing in information products to improve biodiversity management 52

Continuing to protect Australia’s biodiversity—Phase II Caring for our Country 2013–2018 53

References 54 Introduction Australia’s environment plays an important part in the »» To reduce the impact of invasive species: lives of all Australians and contains unique and diverse –– rabbits and rodents on Macquarie flora and fauna. The healthy functioning of Australia’s Island (Tasmania) environment relies on having diverse ecosystems. Biodiversity and natural landscapes face threats from –– the southern and westward migration habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution and of cane toads (Bufo marinus) climate change. These threats need to be systematically –– tramp ants and camels in at least one addressed to preserve our biodiversity. Caring for our priority area Country invested in targeted activities to protect national –– in at least four other priority areas to icons and biodiversity. Funded activities focused on be defined through the annual Caring improving outcomes for nationally threatened species for our Country business plans. and ecological communities, enhancing habitat condition and connectivity and strengthening ecological »» To secure management arrangements for all Biodiversity and Natural Icons resistance to climate change and other pressures. World Heritage areas that meet the requirements Strategies included ensuring appropriate of the World Heritage Convention. landscape-scale planning was in place; »» To improve the protection and management expanding and improving the management of of Ningaloo Reef. Australia’s protected areas, such as around »» To maintain viable Tasmanian Devil National Reserves and World Heritage and National (Sarcophilus harrisii) populations. Heritage places; and reducing the impact of weeds and pest animals. Due to the integrated and cross-cutting nature of the Caring for our Country initiative, many projects that A number of strategic outcomes and long-term contributed to biodiversity and natural icons outcomes projections guided Caring for our Country investments also delivered outcomes in other national priority in the protection of biodiversity and natural icons: areas—for example, sustainable farm practices; community skills, knowledge and engagement; and »» increase, by at least one million hectares, the area northern and remote Australia national priority areas. of native habitat and vegetation that is managed An important aspect of these projects was working to reduce critical threats to biodiversity and to in partnership with communities and land managers, enhance the condition, connectivity and resilience providing information, skills and incentives to adopt of habitats and landscapes. This is additional to sustainable land management practices that supported the 125 million hectares that is to be protected biodiversity conservation. While there were significant within the National Reserve System. successes in the first phase of Caring for our Country, the Australian Government is committed to continue funding strategic activities that reduce ongoing pressures on biodiversity and protected areas.

5 Outcome 1

By 2013, Caring for our Country will Caring for our Country investments helped to ensure increase, by at least one million hectares, that native habitat and vegetation continue to deliver the area of native habitat and vegetation the essential ecological functions that support that is managed to reduce critical threats to Australia’s ecosystems. biodiversity and to enhance the condition, From July 2008 to June 2012, Caring for our connectivity and resilience of habitats and Country invested in over 1562 projects that landscapes. This is additional to the contributed to increasing the area of well-managed 125 million hectares that is to be protected native habitat and vegetation. Up to June 2012, within the National Reserve System. over 10.5 million hectares of land were subject to improved management practices. This exceeded the Increasing the area of well-managed native habitat target requirement, which was to increase the area and vegetation is an important step towards by at least one million hectares. protecting Australia’s native plants and animals. These investments complemented the conservation Improving the management of native habitats and objectives of the National Reserve System, vegetation will also maintain and build a healthy, such as developing native vegetation buffers on diverse and resilient environment that can absorb land surrounding the properties. Projects focused shocks such as increasing climate variability. on landscape-scale efforts across natural areas Caring for our Country prioritised projects that would and agricultural lands to help manage and restore lead to improving the resilience and connectivity within native habitat. the landscape. Up to 570 000 species are estimated Funding agreements to manage more than in Australian habitats and depend on ecosystems for 58 000 hectares of nationally threatened ecological survival (Chapman 2009). Many of these species, and communities were signed by private land managers the ecological communities in which they live, are now under the Environmental Stewardship Program. threatened. Since European settlement, native habitats Surveys by the Australian National University and vegetation have been degraded as rapid changes have identified threatened species on a number of and threats have disrupted key ecosystem functions these sites. and processes. Addressing critical threats is essential for better management.

Critical threats to biodiversity are likely to be exacerbated by climate change and include fragmentation of native vegetation, ecologically unsustainable land uses, weeds, introduced pests and inappropriate fire regimes.

Caring for our Country supported projects that increased better management and reduced critical threats to biodiversity. These projects included improving connectivity of habitats and native vegetation, employing sustainable land and grazing practices, reducing the impact of weeds and invasive species and establishing appropriate fire regimes. Linking farm management and biodiversity, Tasmania

Caring for our Country supported practical solutions to increase farm sustainability and enhance biodiversity on private properties on Bruny Island, off the south-east coast of Tasmania. Environmental conservation needed to be balanced with the requirements of landholders and primary CASE STUDY production. A particular focus of the project was enhancing the habitat of the endangered forty-spotted pardalote (Pardalotus quadragintus), one of Tasmania’s most endangered birds, with a total population of approximately 1000. The project provided landholders with decision-making tools to prioritise on-ground works and resources and advice to tackle common issues. On-ground works aimed to increase the area, connectivity and resilience of white gum habitat by engaging landholders and community groups to undertake revegetation, fencing and other activities to enhance natural regeneration. Biodiversity and Natural Icons The project brought together landholders and the broader community to work cooperatively on land management issues. Community knowledge, skills and engagement were increased through holding workshops on seed collection and plant propagation, producing awareness-raising materials and supporting volunteer and school groups to grow plants and undertake revegetation activities. By the completion of the project in April 2011, it had rehabilitated and increased the area, connectivity and resilience of habitat for the forty-spotted pardalote.

Caring for our Country funded various projects that Many Caring for our Country projects aimed to enhance aimed to improve the condition of native habitat and connectivity through activities such as linking remnant vegetation. The condition of native vegetation refers vegetation patches through revegetation, ensuring to the level of ‘health’ of vegetation. It can be a major distances between patches of vegetation would support indicator of the capacity of ecosystems to produce threatened species or ecological communities and goods and services. The condition of native vegetation improving land management practices such as grazing may be assessed from a number of perspectives regimes. Some projects identified the structural habitat (e.g. vegetation structure, plant species composition, requirements for specific species and then focused on ecological functionality) using many attributes expanding or connecting remnant vegetation. (e.g. degree of tree crown dieback, presence of weeds, provision of quality habitat for threatened animals). Enhancing resilience of native habitat and vegetation It can take many years to detect noticeable and was another priority of the Caring for our Country enduring changes in vegetation condition. initiative. A resilient ecosystem is able to withstand Vegetation condition is also affected by variables shocks and rebuild itself when necessary. such as climate. While many Caring for our Country Activities which supported resilience-building were projects resulted in substantial improvements in revegetation, increasing the skills and knowledge of condition, some proponents acknowledged that it land managers, reducing critical threats to biodiversity, was too early to determine if vegetation condition establishing buffer zones around remnant native had changed as a result of on-ground works. vegetation and enhancing the condition of ecosystems.

Connections between habitats are important for Natural disasters often have devastating impacts native species and to enable ecological processes. on threatened species and their habitat and it is In fragmented landscapes, connectivity is most likely important to increase their ability to recover from to occur where there are a series of habitats close changes to the environment. together, like ‘stepping stones’.

7 Understanding and managing critical refugia in the arid lands of central-north Australia CASE STUDY

The South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board received funding from Caring for our Country to assess the importance of a range of waterholes and springs as drought refuges and to address threats to those areas. Key threats were grazing Gluepot Reserve, South Australian Arid Lands, and recreational overuse. The highest priority waterholes critical refugia site. Source: N. Rains for restoration were those that were deepest and had high-quality riparian vegetation with significant connectivity value.

The proponents also documented baseline information, surveyed fish populations, mapped permanent waterholes and piloted a property management planning process called ‘Ecological Management Understanding’, which has now been adopted for the whole arid lands region in South Australia. By identifying and protecting priority waterholes and springs, the project contributed to a greater understanding of the functioning and resilience of this landscape in response to drought conditions.

Woodland birds for biodiversity—protecting and restoring critical habitat, south-eastern CASE STUDY Australia

BirdLife Australia worked with landowners and other organisations across south-eastern Australia to place covenants on private land with a focus on protecting critical habitat for woodland birds. Over 80 per cent of Australian temperate woodlands have been cleared and one in five woodland birds are listed as threatened.

The proponent identified areas of highest-priority habitat for threatened and declining woodland birds. By providing incentive payments to landholders to covenant their land and to achieve fencing, habitat restoration, weed management and the reduction of other critical threats, the project has resulted in over 2200 hectares being protected in perpetuity since 2010. Diamond firetails, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. Source: B. Furby After the devastation caused by cyclone Yasi in far north Queensland, Caring for our Country funded the delivery of actions aimed at building resilience for the endangered cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) and mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis). Terrain Natural Resource Management (NRM) worked with local landholders, Indigenous rangers, the rural fire service and local schools and community groups to undertake on-ground works. After the cyclone, highly invasive weeds became quickly established in disturbed areas of woodlands and littoral rainforest habitats. For cassowaries and mahogany gliders, this affected their habitat, disrupting their ability to move through the woodlands and rainforest environments, and added to

the burden of habitat loss and fragmentation already Biodiversity and Natural Icons impacting on these endangered species.

Terrain NRM provided support to landowners to identify and rehabilitate wildlife corridors, undertake burning in woodland areas, remove barbed wire and protect paddock trees to help the mahogany glider to move safely and access food and tree hollows. Areas of damaged littoral rainforest were revegetated and feral pig and weed control was undertaken at Mission Beach to restore cassowary habitat. Indigenous rangers were trained to monitor Cassowary, Wet Tropics of Queensland. Source: Wet Tropics mahogany glider populations with camera traps, Management Authority, Queensland which will provide ongoing information on the legacy of this project. The project provided landholders with practical skills and support to have positive effects on agricultural productivity and biodiversity, improving habitat and contributing to the long-term social and landscape resilience of the wet tropics.

The Blackberry Buffer Zone, Western Australia

The Blackberry Buffer Zone project in Western Australia established a 100-kilometre containment line from the coast north of Bunbury to the town of Darkan to prevent the southward spread of the American blackberry (Rubus laudatus). Caring for our Country provided funding to the project, which was led by the South West Catchments Council with contributions from other partners such as the Lescenault

Catchments Council, industry and the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Invasive blackberry CASE STUDY species degrade the natural environment and biodiversity and reduce the productivity of agricultural land, as well as restricting access to land and water, harbouring vermin and creating fire hazards. The project proponents adopted a coordinated approach when consulting with landowners to identify American blackberry and engage contractors to spray infestations, primarily on private property and river reserves. More recently, revegetation commenced on a number of riparian sites where blackberry was eradicated to strengthen the resilience of those sites to reinfestation. The project treated the weed, with a greater than 95 per cent kill rate in nearly all infestations after the first year of treatment. An online database tool was developed for monitoring the sites and planning future treatment and rehabilitation work to strengthen ecosystem resilience to reinvasion. A 2011 review determined that the project successfully prevented the southward spread of American blackberry. These achievements were recognised when the project won the 2012 Western Australia State Environmental Award for Biodiversity Conservation. Targeted surveillance of river systems to the south of the buffer zone will continue to ensure that the American blackberry has not spread outside of the buffer zone.

9 The Environmental The Environmental Stewardship Stewardship Program Program aims to:

The Environmental Stewardship Program was »» increase the viability and integrity of, and announced in 2007 and contracted private land buffers to, high-quality remnants of ecological managers to undertake long-term management and communities and habitats that support protection of a range of nationally threatened ecological species listed under the EPBC Act communities listed under the Environmental Protection »» improve the long-term protection of species and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). and ecological communities listed under It was designed to reduce critical threats to biodiversity the EPBC Act by enhancing the condition and resilience of habitats »» improve habitat condition across the and landscapes through land management techniques, landscape developed in consultation with science researchers and land managers. Funding was provided to eligible private »» improve the condition and function of land managers to undertake management activities ecological communities and habitats that to maintain and improve the condition and extent of support species listed under the EPBC Act Matters of National Environmental Significance as listed »» create enduring changes in land manager under the EPBC Act. The Environmental Stewardship attitudes and behaviours towards Program targeted private sector land managers, who environmental protection and sustainable control about 77 per cent of Australian land, seeking land management practices active participation to help achieve environmental »» increase awareness and adoption outcomes. The program employed the best available of market-based mechanisms for information to assess biodiversity values, conditions, environmental-based funding. trends and threatening processes to support the systematic appraisal of biodiversity in regions. Biodiversity and Natural Icons

Iron grass (and other species). Clyde Hazel, farmer involved with Environmental Stewardship program to protect peppermint box woodland, on his property near Kapunda in the peppermint box area. Source: A. Tatnell

11 Since 2008, seven market-based competitive funding While the program initially focused on the critically rounds were conducted in New South Wales, endangered box gum grassy woodlands across Queensland and South Australia. There were nine south-east Australia, it expanded to target multiple discretionary short-term funded projects nationally ecological communities in 2010. Other ecological and in Tasmania, Western Australia, New South Wales, communities targeted in areas of Queensland and South Australia and Victoria approved under the New South Wales were critically endangered natural program. This has resulted in the management of up to grasslands on basalt and fine-textured alluvial 58 000 hectares of threatened ecological communities plains and endangered weeping myall woodland. on private land. The program encouraged long-term In South Australia, the critically endangered peppermint conservation outcomes by negotiating contracts with box grassy woodland and critically endangered land managers for up to 15 years and prioritising iron-grass natural temperate grasslands were applications that committed to placing a covenant in prioritised for protection. perpetuity over the managed area.

Regenerating native grasses in Yass, New South Wales

With funding from the Environmental Stewardship CASE STUDY Program, Brian and Anna Binning enthusiastically implemented stewardship land management practices on their property near Yass in New South Wales. Their practices promoted regeneration of native grasses and flowers, which has improved overall biodiversity and resulted in an increase in invertebrates and birds on their land.

Brian and Anna’s active stewardship of their property controlled exotic plant pests such as serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma), Paterson’s curse (Echium plantagineum), scotch thistle Kangaroo grass. Source: D. Markovic, DSEWPaC (Onopordum acanthium) and skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea). When combined with no stock grazing in the first year, weed control encouraged native grass and flower growth. Strategic grazing in later years and active control of biomass helped native plants to grow and expand, leading to good ground cover and eucalypt growth across the site and a predominance of native grasses. Fencing to protect eucalypt regeneration areas from grazing stock and two good seasons in succession encouraged the recovery of mature eucalypts and the growth of kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra).

Brian and Anna fenced off and directly seeded a strip of land alongside an existing vegetated laneway and report that this laneway provides a connecting corridor for the vulnerable superb parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) and several other endangered bird species. The CSIRO is conducting a pilot project on the property to monitor the population and diversity of invertebrates. Changes to land management can take several years A baseline survey revealed that several threatened to impact on the landscape or species distribution. species of birds, reptiles and vegetation were present However, there is already evidence that environmental in the managed sites, highlighting the importance of stewardship practices are having positive outcomes maintaining and improving remnant sites. Since the for biodiversity. original baseline survey, vegetation monitoring has revealed there was significantly more regeneration In 2010, Caring for our Country funded the Australian of over-storey species and plant species richness on National University to commence a large-scale funded sites compared with control sites. Diversity in monitoring project of the effectiveness of investments in bird species was also significantly richer at stewardship box gum grassy woodlands. Long-term monitoring plots sites, suggesting that management actions being were established at 153 contracted sites, most of which undertaken by contracted land managers are had paired control sites (Lindenmayer et al. 2012). contributing to an improvement in habitat regeneration and biodiversity (Lindenmayer DB et al. 2012). Biodiversity and Natural Icons

Communities in landscapes—box gum grassy woodlands, National

The Communities in Landscapes project was a Caring for our Country funded initiative that aimed to increase native CASE STUDY habitat and achieve landscape-scale conservation across white box-yellow box-Blakely’s red gum grassy woodland and derived native grassland (box gum woodlands). These woodlands are critically endangered at a national level under the EPBC Act. The area of the project spread across three NRM regions in New South Wales (Central West, Murrumbidgee and Lachlan Catchment Management).

The project, led by Landcare NSW, was Box gum grassy woodlands. Source: A. Tatnell, DSEWPaC designed to bring together the main agencies involved in the conservation and management of box gum woodlands, including the Grassy Box Woodland Conservation Management Network, Office of Environment and Heritage (Threatened Species Unit and National Parks and Wildlife Service), NSW Department of Primary Industries, University of Sydney, Greening Australia, CSIRO, STIPA Native Grasses Association, Birds Australia and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This partnership approach essentially provided landholders and community groups involved in the project with a ‘one-stop shop’ for information and management support for box gum woodlands.

The project provided efficient access to capacity-building activities, site-based information services, cross-property conservation planning, demonstration sites and monitoring and evaluation. Communities in Landscapes supported the establishment of six cross-property conservation planning groups involving 60 landholders and covering 62 000 hectares. Landholders developed individual whole-farm plans as well as cross-property plans for their local landscapes focusing on biodiversity connectivity. Identified actions included changing grazing management, strategic planting of trees and shrubs and improving the habitat quality of dams and watercourses. For example, within the Dananbilla—Illunie group, mixed tree and shrub plantings (6000 tubestock over 10 000 hectares) were undertaken by 11 landholders focusing on restoration of scattered paddock trees and shrub groves into corridor zones.

13 A further 66 individuals, community groups and local councils were engaged in Communities in Landscapes through Small Community Grants. Outcomes from the small grants included revegetation and remnant protection projects; a range of training events, workshops, field trips and educational resources; development of seed banks; and construction and installation of nesting boxes for woodland birds. In addition, training events, workshops, woodland awareness and demonstration property field days attracted landholders and managers. Information was also disseminated to landholders, group members CONTINUED and government and non-government officers through sites at major field days, meetings, conferences and field trips. Communities in Landscapes also involved schoolchildren in activities associated with Threatened Species Day. The success of the Communities in Landscapes project has been underpinned by the project team’s commitment to build an in-depth understanding of the socio-cultural factors affecting the adoption of CASE STUDY sustainable practices by individuals. Early in the project, team members undertook a Participatory Rural Appraisal to develop an understanding of the social and cultural environment in which land managers operate in the target box gum grassy woodland areas of NSW. The Participatory Rural Appraisals consisted of interviews across the project area with a wide range of local landholders. The interviews yielded information on the physical, social and economic environment of landholders, their attitudes and plans for the future, sources of information and on-farm research, environmental management and participation in community networks and Landcare. The Participatory Rural Appraisals brought the project partners together as a team and, through the interviews, “Many of us were already heading along feedback sessions and workshops, they gained the path of integrated conservation valuable insights which guided the project design and and production management, but the implementation to ensure that it aligned with the wants Communities in Landscapes project and needs of landholders. provided valuable back-up and working through a group provided confidence An evaluation of the Communities in Landscapes project and a more intensified motivation revealed that 57 per cent of landholders involved in the for proceeding with on-ground Communities in Landscapes project had gained new works”—landholder and Communities in knowledge and skills and either intended to act, or had Landscapes participant already acted, on the new knowledge and skills in the form of practice change. The on-ground focus of changed practice was primarily changed management for biodiversity conservation (e.g. management of “Facilitation of people getting together farm dams and waterways, grazing management and and talking through related issues and conservation of native seed in pasture areas) as a result sharing their ideas and experiences of increased understanding of the biodiversity values of in conservation farming was really particular sites and the ways in which connectivity can valuable”—landholder and Communities be enhanced. in Landscapes participant The importance of the social aspects of the Communities in Landscapes project were also valued by landholders who were involved. “The collaborations that have been The cross-property conservation planning groups have built will be enduring into the continued to function beyond the life of the Communities future e.g. between local Landcare, in Landscapes project. Some of the groups have been the [Conservation Management successful in attracting additional funding to support Network] and [Department of Primary the implementation of their cross-property plans. Industries]”—project manager Some groups are also interested in establishing Landcare groups.

As a result of the strong partnership approach of this “We have had a major shift in DPI project, there have also been positive lasting impacts in relation to NRM and landscape on inter-agency relationships. The information gained perspectives—managing for through the socio-cultural aspects of the project have biodiversity as well as production. also had lasting impacts on the philosophies and Communities in Landscapes was a approaches used by partner organisations in relation catalyst for this”—project partner, DPI to natural resource management. Outcome 2

By 2013, Caring for our Country will reduce Successfully managing invasive species requires the impact of invasive species. a coordinated approach with all stakeholders. The most effective methods are prevention, early Weeds and vertebrate pest animals damage the detection and eradication. Follow-up monitoring and health and resilience of Australia’s native animals, treatments are needed to ensure that reinfestation plants and ecosystems and reduce agricultural does not occur. In agriculture, on-farm management of productivity. Over 2700 exotic plant species and at invasive species improves the resilience of the farming least 73 introduced animals have become pests in system and benefits soil condition, water quality and Australia. Weeds and invasive pest animals cost biodiversity. As part of the EPBC Act, threat abatement Australian agriculture over $4.7 billion per annum plans have been developed for vertebrate pest animals and the cost to the environment is estimated to be such as cane toads (Bufo marinus), foxes, and feral similar although not as easily quantifiable (Australian rabbits, cats, pigs and goats. These plans list key Biosecurity Group 2005). Caring for our Country threatening processes to nationally threatened species Biodiversity and Natural Icons invested in a range of projects in priority areas to and endangered ecological communities, as well reduce the impact of invasive species, including: as outlining current research, management and treatment methods. »» projects involving rabbits and rodents on Macquarie Island, Tasmania »» projects involving the southern and westward migration of cane toads (Bufo marinus) Eradicating rabbits and »» projects involving tramp ants such as the rodents on Macquarie Island, Argentine ants on Norfolk Island Tasmania »» the National Ant Eradication Program »» the National Red Imported Fire Ant Macquarie Island is situated about 1500 kilometres Eradication Program south-east of Tasmania. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1997 for its outstanding universal »» projects involving yellow crazy ants in North natural values. Seabirds such as king penguins East Arnhem Land and on Christmas Island (Aptenodytes patagonicus), two species of giant petrel, »» projects involving camels in northern and northern (Macronectes halli) and southern (Macronectes remote Australia giganteus) and wandering albatrosses (Diomedea »» projects involving vertebrate pest animals, exulans) nest on the island. In recent years, increased including rabbits, foxes, cats, pigs and goats rabbit and rodent populations have caused significant damage to the island’s vegetation and wildlife. »» national coordination of managing Weeds of Over-grazing by rabbits led to extensive damage to National Significance. tall tussock grasslands and a loss of breeding habitat Weed and pest species can take over the habitat for nesting seabirds and destabilisation of slopes. of threatened species and can make biodiversity Rats preyed on seabird chicks and eggs and were a recovery and conservation impossible. They threaten threat to at least nine bird species that currently breed the integrity of significant sites such as Ramsar on Macquarie Island. Rats and mice were also wetlands, cultural heritage sites and declared World inhibiting plant regeneration. Heritage areas such as Macquarie Island. Some pests deplete food sources for native wildlife and others can carry diseases that threaten cattle or sheep, particularly tuberculosis and foot rot. Weeds of National Information on Weeds of National Significance Significance are agreed by the Australian Government can be obtained from www.weeds.org.au/WoNS. and all state and territory governments as a priority Threat abatement plans are available at www. for sustained nationally coordinated action under the environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/tap. Australian Weeds Strategy.

15 King penguins at Macquarie Island. Source: M. Brouwer Biodiversity and Natural Icons

Macquarie Island. Source: DSEWPaC

The Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project aims to eradicate all three invasive species of rabbits, Poison bait was dropped on Macquarie Island by rats and mice at the same time. It is a large project helicopter in winter 2010 with the aim of reducing which required several years of detailed planning. impacts of pest species on native wildlife—many The five-year project is co-funded by Caring for our of which leave the island at this time—and to Country, with a contribution of up to $9.19 million, achieve maximum uptake of the bait when food and the Tasmanian Government until 2014–15. reserves are low. Only a small amount of the The project is being managed by the Tasmania Parks bait was distributed before bad weather forced and Wildlife Service and is overseen by a steering postponement of the program. Reduced rabbit committee which includes representatives from the and rodent activity was noted in areas that had Tasmanian Government, the Australian Government been baited. and the New Zealand Department of Conservation. The steering committee is supported with expertise The number of seabird deaths following the from a scientific advisory committee. limited baiting was unexpectedly high. An expert review found that no seabird species was likely The pest eradication program has not yet been to be lost as a result of continuing the project. completed, but major progress has been made. However, if pest control was not continued It is possible that rats and mice have already been there were high risks of catastrophic damage to eradicated, as there have been no confirmed sightings the ecosystem and some seabird populations since the last bait drop in July 2011. Rabbit numbers could become locally extinct. Therefore, the have been reduced from approximately 100 000 to eradication program was subsequently modified probably fewer than 10. Since the completion of baiting, to lessen the impact on non-target species. 14 rabbits have been found and killed and none have Calicivirus was introduced early in 2011 to been found since November 2011. It is believed that reduce rabbit populations without baiting a small number of rabbits remain on the island and and more people were employed to remove hunting for survivors will continue for several years. poisoned carcasses. Once the last known rabbit has been accounted for, two years of monitoring will commence to check Aerial baiting was completed successfully in thoroughly for any indications of surviving rodents winter 2011 and was supplemented with a or rabbits. limited amount of hand baiting. Following the completion of baiting, ground hunting teams of skilled hunters and trained detector dogs commenced work to eliminate surviving rabbits. The dogs were trained to locate rabbits without harming native animals.

17 Reducing the southern and westward migration of cane toads

The cane toad (Bufo marinus) is a highly invasive introduced species and poses an enormous threat to Australia’s biodiversity. The species occurs across states and therefore control methods require national coordination. Cane toads have continued to spread across Australia since 1935 when they were first introduced to control cane beetles. The main threat posed by the species occurs when other wildlife attempt to eat them. It is toxic at all stages of its life cycle and is a threat to native predators, including frogs, birds, goannas, snakes, lizards, freshwater crocodiles, dingoes and quolls. Cane toads may also prey on native animals and compete for food and shelter. Although cane toads are not known to have directly caused the extinction of any species, they have caused local population extinctions of the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). Cane toads are particularly difficult to eradicate, as they can tolerate a broad range of environmental and climatic conditions, disperse widely, are prolific breeders and have no Tussock grass and Macquarie Island cabbage. Source M. Brouwer specific predators.

Vegetation is becoming re-established on Macquarie Island, including tussock grass (Poa foliosa) and the Female cane toads usually breed twice a year megaherbs silver-leaf daisy (Pleurophyllum hookeri) and can lay 8000 to 35 000 eggs at a time and Macquarie Island cabbage (Stilbocarpa polaris). (CSIRO 2003). In comparison, most Australian Vulnerable blue petrels (Halobaena caerulea) are native frogs typically lay only 1000 to 2000 eggs now breeding on the island, small terns (such as the per year. Cane toads can reach high densities Antarctic tern, Sterna vittata) are breeding again on in suitable habitat of over 2000 individuals per cobblestone beaches, and grey petrels (Procellaria hectare (SEWPaC 2005). In recently colonised cinerea) have had their most successful breeding populations (less than two years old), season since recording commenced in 2000. their numbers rapidly increase to levels far in This return to ecosystem health will have benefits excess of those in older established populations. for the future of many protected species as well as overall biodiversity and will fulfil Australia’s international responsibilities to protect the World Heritage values of this stunning and important Up until the 1960s, cane toads were spreading at landscape. The achievements of the eradication approximately 10 kilometres per year. Now they are program are supported by science and demonstrate spreading rapidly throughout northern Australia. the value of co-funding and collaboration between Since reaching the wet–dry tropics of the Northern multiple stakeholders for invasive species Territory, the westward expansion of cane toads has management. been recorded at around 55 kilometres each year. In recognition of the serious consequences of this dispersal, Caring for our Country committed more than $2 million over two years to reduce the impacts of cane toads and to develop a national threat abatement plan. Caring for our Country funding provided assistance with Frogwatch achieved success in reducing cane toad controlling the spread of cane toads through on-ground populations with exclusion fencing and also developed work as well as research and developing sustainable and maintained relationships with key stakeholders control measures. These investments helped reduce such as Darwin City Council and Indigenous Larrakia their migration and subsequent impacts. Research Rangers. In some areas, local biodiversity was into feasible control measures and a cane toad threat boosted—for example, there were increased numbers abatement plan will help guide future abatement of yellow-spotted monitors (Varanus panoptes), actions. Between September 2008 and October 2010, a type of goanna. Three projects undertaken by around one million cane toads were removed from Kimberley Toad Busters and Stop the Toad Foundation north-western Australia. Community projects achieved projects involved 1433 volunteers and focused on over 8360 volunteer action days of cane toad control— removing cane toads from frontier sites near the well in excess of the target of 1500 days. In addition to Northern Territory and Western Australian border. removing cane toads from key sites, organisations such These projects may have slowed the spread of the as FrogWatch, Stop the Toad Foundation, Kimberley cane toads but were not able to stop the pest from

Toad Busters and Darwin City Council also provided migrating further west into the Kimberley. Biodiversity and Natural Icons support for research, carried out educational activities, raised community awareness and were involved in Caring for our Country also funded research into the biodiversity identification and monitoring. development of feasible sustainable control measures and management solutions for cane toads.

The University of Sydney has made progress in developing a Dr Sean Doody assessed conditioned taste aversion method biodiversity assets expected to for training the northern quoll be impacted by cane toads in the (Dasyurus hallucatus) to avoid cane toads. Kimberley (WA) and established a In collaboration with staff from the baseline to facilitate measuring the University of Queensland, the University impact of cane toads on these of Sydney identified two cane toad biodiversity assets. pheromones that could potentially be used to control cane toad tadpoles.

Researchers from the University of Wollongong and the NSW Department of Trade and Investment conducted Research by James Cook research into methods used for culling University identified a number of toads and prepared a code of practice enhancements that could be made and standard operating procedures to cane toad traps to improve the for humane control: Methods for field trapping efficiency, in particular, euthanasia of cane toads. the use of UV ‘black’ lights instead of white lights.

Cane toad research funded by Caring for our Country.

19 A cane toad threat abatement plan was developed with Caring for our Country funding as a requirement Key lessons learned from Caring for under the EPBC Act. The plan acknowledges that it our Country tramp ant projects: is currently not possible to contain or eradicate the »» Early responses are critical to contain cane toad and that a new approach to management is species. required. Rather than focusing on curbing the western and southward movement of the cane toad, the plan »» Infestations are usually more widespread focuses on the protection of high-priority species and than first estimated. locations. The plan aims to provide a national strategy »» Sufficient funding and contingency plans are for guiding investment and effort by the Australian essential to prevent delays in treatment. Government, jurisdictions, research organisations and »» Investing in research and monitoring non-government organisations. is crucial.

Eradicating and preventing At least six tramp ant species are of concern in the spread of tramp ants Australia due to their impact or potential impact on across Australia biodiversity. Native ants, ground invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians are generally considered to be Invasive tramp ants are a diverse group of ants which the most vulnerable to invasive ants. The red imported originate from many regions of the world and have fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) and the yellow crazy ant arrived in Australia in a variety of ways. Ants can be (Anoplolepis gracilipes) on Christmas Island have transported in cargo shipments, soil, machinery, been listed as a key threatening process under the and timber and construction materials. Some tramp EPBC Act. In consultation with states and territories, ants have the ability to significantly affect Australia’s the Australian Government developed a threat native biodiversity either directly through predation abatement plan for tramp ants and has jointly funded or competition with native animals or indirectly by tramp ant containment and eradication programs. modifying habitat structure and altering ecosystems. National coordination proved to be the most effective Most tramp ants have a number of impacts and can management approach. Caring for our Country affect plant and animal health, social and cultural provided funding for various treatments, including values of natural resources and human health. yellow crazy ants in North East Arnhem Land and Christmas Island, the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program in south-east Queensland, the National Electric Ant Eradication Program in far north Queensland and Argentine ants on Norfolk Island.

Crazy ants. Source: B. Rose National Electric Ant Eradication Program

The National Electric Ant Eradication Program is co-funded by all state and territory governments, with Caring for our Country. The program is managed by Biosecurity Queensland. The program has prevented electric ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) from spreading into the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage area, to other areas in Queensland and across Australia. CASE STUDY Electric ants can cause significant economic, environmental and social impacts, including declines in the numbers of native invertebrates and small vertebrates through predation, competition for food and habitat. They can also disrupt ecosystem processes such as leaf litter decomposition.

The eradication program has reduced the spread of electric ants in the priority areas of Cairns, Bingil Bay and Port Douglas in Queensland. Effective chemical baiting and community engagement have been central to

these achievements, with the public encouraged to report infestations, Biosecurity Queensland conducting Biodiversity and Natural Icons surveillance in areas likely to be infested, and work practices altered for high-risk industries such as nurseries and soil transport. Community awareness has led to the detection and treatment of new areas of infestation.

Threats from electric ants have been contained from 320 hectares of infestation in 2006 to 11 hectares in 2013. Complete eradication is expected to be achieved by 2015, enabling the protection of biodiversity and heritage values.

Capacity-building through community engagement and partnerships with industry is important to raise awareness about detecting, reporting and preventing the further spread of ants. All treatment programs are on track to achieve their threat abatement goals, although long-term surveillance is still required to monitor the success of the treatments and effects on biodiversity.

Common name Scientific name Origin Australian status Red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Pantanal region of Brazil Localised incursions (QLD) Yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes Possibly Africa Localised incursions (QLD, NT, Christmas Island) African big-headed ant Pheidole megacephala Southern Africa Widely established or coastal brown ant (WA, NT, QLD, NSW) Electric ant or little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata Central and South America Localised incursions Argentine ant Linepithema humile Argentina Widely established (WA, SA, VIC, NSW, TAS, ACT) Tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata Possibly South America Localised incursions (NT, Christmas Island, Cocos Island, Ashmore Reef)

Significant tramp ant species in Australia.Source: DSEWPaC

21 Yellow crazy ants on Christmas Island

Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are an introduced species which are found within Arnhem Land (NT), in approximately 20 locations throughout coastal Queensland, and on multiple Australian

offshore islands, particularly Christmas and CASE STUDY Cocos–Keeling Islands. The ants form super-colonies that can cover over 100 hectares and have densities of more than 100 ants per square metre, making them a serious threat to agriculture and the natural environment. The species is listed as a key threatening process to biodiversity on Christmas Island under the EPBC Act. Red land crab. Source: R. Thorn

Christmas Island supports a wide range of unique endemic flora and fauna. It has large populations of land crabs and seabirds and large areas of rainforest. It also has two internationally significant Ramsar wetlands— the Dales and Hosnies Spring. The diversity and abundance of land crabs, especially the red land crab (Geocarcoidea natalis), are striking features of the island’s invertebrate fauna. The island is important for breeding seabirds and global conservation of bird biodiversity. Yellow crazy ants are widespread throughout rainforest and settled areas of Christmas Island and have formed super-colonies with high densities. The infestations have impacted on biodiversity through predation and competition with other species such as invertebrates, reptiles, hatchling birds and small mammals. Yellow crazy ants have also caused alteration of ecosystem processes through the destruction of ecological communities and keystone forest species and the loss of the red land crab. They have also caused population outbreaks of scale insects. Threat abatement work has been undertaken and was successful at destroying super-colonies in most of the infested areas, guided by an Invasive Ants on Christmas Island Action Plan and the Christmas Island National Park Management Plan. In addition, the Crazy Ant Scientific Advisory Panel provides overarching scientific and technical advice for managing the pests.

Caring for our Country is providing funding over four years to continue existing measures to control yellow crazy ants on Christmas Island, offering important continuity and ensuring that conservation efforts would be enduring. Additional funding was contributed for research on treatment methods in this period by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities’ National Environmental Research Program. These investments helped continue a strategy of aerial and hand baiting of ant infestations and to develop more sustainable alternatives to current baiting, including research into a potential biological control agent. The research is investigating the feasibility of targeting the ant’s major food source —a scale insect. Targeted baiting efforts have been highly effective in controlling super-colonies, although they tend to re-emerge within a few years, which necessitates further control efforts.

Christmas Island rainforest foliage. Source: C. Totterdell An Island Wide Survey in 2011 mapped yellow crazy ants and identified more than 1100 hectares of super-colonies, with many inaccessible to hand baiting due to terrain and vegetation. A subsequent aerial baiting campaign was undertaken from July to September 2012, and there are early indications these treatments were successful at eradicating the targeted super-colonies. Eradication will allow forest ecologies to recover as red land crab populations re-establish. Other species at risk—many of which are endemic—will also benefit, including the critically endangered bat species, the Christmas Island pipistrelle (Pipistrellus murrayi), the endangered Christmas Island shrew (Crocidura attenuate trichura), the vulnerable Lister’s gecko (Lepidodactylus listeri), the endangered Christmas Island goshawk (Accipiter hiogaster natalis) and the Christmas Island hawk-owl (Ninox natalis).

Community awareness is an important aspect in identifying the presence of the ants and gaining CONTINUED CASE STUDY acceptance for treatment methods. The broader community is kept informed about yellow crazy ants through an information brochure, and updates on the research and treatments are placed in local papers and on the Parks Australia website. Further information about yellow crazy ants in North East Arnhem Land is Biodiversity and Natural Icons available in the northern and remote Australia theme chapter.

Reducing the impact of vertebrate pest animals

Caring for our Country invested in projects to reduce For example, Caring for our Country funded the or manage the impacts of vertebrate pest animals large-scale control of feral pigs and wild dogs in across Australia, targeting feral pigs, camels, dogs, Cape York to protect endangered and vulnerable sea rabbits, cats, goats, rodents on small islands and cane turtles and to support Gnaraloo community monitoring toads. Feral animals threaten biodiversity by degrading of species recovery. Other projects included the landscapes and waterways and can have severe eradication of goats in the Flinders Chase National Park economic and social impacts. Investments prioritised and Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area in maintaining or improving biodiversity, protecting aquatic South Australia. ecosystems and World Heritage areas and supporting the uptake of sustainable farming practices. Vertebrate A number of projects increased community awareness pests impact on these environments by competing with about the impacts of vertebrate pest animals and and preying on native animals and stock, spreading knowledge of control methods. This increase in disease and reducing soil condition and water quality. awareness and control methods will assist with A report commissioned by the Invasive Animals CRC future pest control by local communities. In the New in 2009 estimated that foxes, rabbits, wild dogs and England region (NSW), a landholder engagement and feral pigs cost Australia at least $740 million annually cooperative management project helped reduce threats (Gong et al. 2009) in impacts on agriculture, while the to endangered ecological communities and threatened cost to the environment has not yet been determined. species by raising awareness about the impact of pest animals on natural assets and agricultural A variety of methods were used by project production. Landholder engagement and effectiveness proponents to reduce or manage vertebrate pest of vertebrate pest animal treatments were monitored for populations which had to comply with relevant codes all community engagement projects. However, it often of practice and standard operating procedures takes many years to assess regeneration and recovery for humane pest animal control. Projects were of native habitat and vegetation. Long-term monitoring guided by the Australian Pest Animal Strategy, will be required to determine the effectiveness of threat abatement plans and jurisdictional management vertebrate pest animal control. In the final year of Caring plans. Some projects focused on the regeneration for our Country, the investment focus is on maintaining or recovery of critically endangered and endangered or improving biodiversity and productivity outcomes in species and communities listed under the EPBC Act. buffer zones around World Heritage sites and Ramsar wetlands and on agricultural land.

23 Protecting biodiversity from The project targets were adapted as on-ground operations progressed and aimed to reduce camel the impact of feral camels in numbers to fewer than 0.25 animals per square northern and remote Australia kilometre. Due to the various impacts of camels, their geographical spread, high mobility and the available Caring for our Country funding has reduced the management options, an integrated response was impact of feral camels in northern and remote Australia required across jurisdictions and national priority areas. Therefore, Caring for our Country funding was allocated rangelands over three years by improving the protection across three national priority areas: biodivers ity and of 18 high conservation aquatic ecosystems and priority natural icons, coastal environments and critical aquatic refuges for biodiversity (see map below). This funding habitats, and sustainable farm practices. was crucial for adequate management and national coordination of a highly dispersed invasive species. Camel densities were reduced through aerial culling Feral camels cause immense destruction to land and operations and providing support for ground-shooting water resources, often depleting or polluting water for the pet meat trade and mustering to supply the local and trampling and feeding on native vegetation. and export meat trade. A number of cross-jurisdictional They also destroy habitat or resources for threatened partners were involved in implementing management native fauna such as the black-flanked rock-wallaby activities, including Indigenous land groups, natural (Petrogale lateralis lateralis) and greater bilby (Macrotis resource management bodies, government agencies, lagotis). Camels can also degrade important cultural and research institutions such as the CSIRO. Indigenous sites, damage infrastructure and pose a A landholder engagement program was important to safety risk for humans and vehicles. increase awareness within pastoralist and Indigenous communities of the adverse impacts of feral camels Feral camel management concentrated on and to provide assistance with developing ongoing reduction in densities rather than complete removal, management strategies and undertaking humane which was not feasible in the time frame of the project. removal of the species. Direct engagement with Camel impacts are more a function of population relevant land managers was complemented with an densities than numbers. The project achieved active communication program to promote broader reductions in the density of camel populations in community awareness of the adverse impacts of priority areas and limited camel movement back to excessive numbers of feral camels and the costs high conservation ecosystems as ephemeral water and benefits of the various removal options. supplies in the broader landscape dried up.

Feral camels near Unkara rock hole in South Australia. Source: M. Jensen Assets ´ 1 Dalhousie Springs 2 Goyders Lagoon 3 Lake Eyre 4 Lake Eyre Mound Springs 5 Serpentine Lakes 6 Algebuckina Waterhole 7 Hay River 8 Western MacDonnell Ranges 14 15 9 George Gill Ranges 13 10a Uluru and Kata Tjuta 10b Petermann Ranges 8 12 11 Western Finke River Catchment pools 7 12 Glen Helen Mound Spring 10a 9 11 16 13 Rudall River 10b 1 14 De Grey River

2 Biodiversity and Natural Icons 15 Mandora salt marsh 17 16 Channel Country 6 3 17 Bulloo River and Lake 5 Camel Distribution 4

0125 250 500 750 1,000

Kilometres

The 18 high conservation aquatic ecosystems and priority refuges for biodiversity at risk of feral camels. Source: DAFF

Quantitative evidence for the recovery of ecosystems following camel removal will be available at the end of the project in June 2013. However, there have been some anecdotal reports of ecosystem recovery, including:

»» “Before [the camel control began] camel used to sit around and make kuna everywhere but that’s not happening anymore. There’s a drum sitting in that soak to collect the water and its really clean in that drum now” —Lindsey Robinson, on the state of a soak known as Wyinukuranjunu, in the McKay Range near Parnngurr in WA, April 2012. »» “The recovery of the country from the last shoot two years ago is remarkable. Where the Karlamilyi River enters Lake Dora, there is a massive healthy wetland. Two years ago this area was a muddy hole with at least 1000 camels there”—Andrew Longbottom, Department of Agriculture and Food WA, on conditions in parts of the Pilbara, June 2012.

25 At June 2012, the feral camel management project was on track to report end-of-project feral camel densities at Major legacies of the Australian Feral or below the target levels at approximately 50 per cent Camel Management Project: of the identified biological refugia and high conservation »» development of monitoring procedures for aquatic ecosystems. Wetlands often act as refugia for animal welfare and assessing damage to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, especially in drought vegetation periods, and the reduction of feral camel densities is likely to have improved the quality of these resources »» data collection to inform understanding of and boosted the resilience of dependent species. feral camel behaviour »» development of a decision support system These outcomes are commendable considering the to assist with cost-effective culling and pervasive extent of feral camels and project setbacks mustering operations such as further dispersal of the pest as a result of drought conditions followed by unseasonal wet weather. »» use of satellite tracking systems and By the end of the project, significant reductions in camel cameras for monitoring camel behaviour and densities for the remaining priority biological refugia ecosystem responses and high conservation aquatic ecosystems should also »» draft methodology for claiming carbon be achieved, subject to the continuation of favourable credits for reducing the impacts of large feral weather conditions. Maintaining these successes herbivores in northern and remote Australia will require adequate resources and a sustained »» formation of critical partnerships and and cooperative effort by all stakeholders over the awareness-raising, with government agencies long-term to ensure biodiversity is conserved in uniting various stakeholders across and northern and remote Australia. within jurisdictions.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park another of the 18 high conservation aquatic ecosystems and priority refuges for biodiversity at risk of feral camels. Source: D. Monaghan Australian Feral Camel Management Project, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia

The Australian Feral Camel Management Project has been set up, with support from the Australian CASE STUDY Government’s Caring for our Country initiative, to reduce the densities of feral camels in areas of known high concentrations and of high conservation value across Australia.

The project, led by Ninti One Pty Ltd, has brought together range of partners and stakeholders from a number of jurisdictions (states and territories) to address a common problem that impacts on environmental, social and economic values. The comprehensive collaboration was needed due to the diverse range of land tenures on which the camels exist. Biodiversity and Natural Icons

The project has targeted Indigenous organisations, the pastoral industry and individual landholders to assist them to develop a shared understanding of feral camel impacts and preferred management options in different areas. The project has also helped build the capacity of these stakeholders to measure and manage feral camel impacts into the future.

For example, almost 500 Indigenous people have been trained in monitoring and managing feral camel impacts (Ninti One 2012). Indigenous people can now combine their traditional knowledge of the condition of their cultural sites with new methods such as motion-activated cameras which will provide a better understanding of which animals are dependent on the water sources, particularly those that visit predominantly at night. This understanding helps maintain an ongoing commitment to managing feral camels.

The project is expected to leave some lasting legacies. Landholder consents for feral camel removal across more than 1.3 million square kilometres are in place (Ninti One 2012). Land managers are now better equipped to deal with camels themselves by firstly reducing the population density (so the problem is more manageable) and secondly by equipping land managers and Indigenous communities to deal with camels (improved skills in mustering, trapping, etc.) for when they enter land or communities.

The strengthening of relationships between the agencies and land managers that has occurred because of the project is also expected to have benefits beyond the project.

A comprehensive website (www.feralcamels.com.au) has been developed to provide ready access to information on feral camel impacts and management approaches. Furthermore, the capacity building that has occurred can be applied by the project participants to other pest animal management problems in the region.

27 Reducing the impact of exotic rodents on small islands

Small islands of less than 100 000 hectares are significant for the protection of Australian biodiversity, as they are often less disturbed then the mainland and offer refuge for threatened species. Australia’s islands have many endemic species or species that have become extinct on the mainland and are also key breeding and nesting places for marine birds, turtles and seals. At least 133 of Australia’s small islands are known to have one or more species of exotic rodent. The four species of exotic rodent found on Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia. Source: N. Bryden these small islands are ship or black rats (Rattus rattus), Norway or brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), Pacific rats (rattus exulans) and house mice (Mus musculus). Lord Howe Island rodent These rodents impact on the ecology of these islands by eating native species such as seabird eggs and eradication project, juvenile birds, competing for food and carrying New South Wales disease. On some islands, exotic rodents have caused the extinction of species. Under the EPBC Act, the The Lord Howe Island Group, comprising of Lord Howe Australian Government developed a threat abatement Island, Admiralty Islands, Mutton Bird Islands and Ball’s plan to implement targeted actions to minimise the Pyramid and their associated coral reefs and marine impacts of exotic rodents on biodiversity on small environments, was inscribed on the World Heritage List offshore islands. in 1982. It is located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 700 kilometres north-east of Sydney. Lord Howe Island Since July 2009, Caring for our Country invested in is known for its spectacular landscapes and has a projects to reduce the impact of exotic rodents on the high diversity of native plant species and over 160 bird following nine small islands: species, many of which are endemic to the island. The waters surrounding Lord Howe Island provide an 1. Lord Howe Island (New South Wales) unusual mixture of temperate and tropical species, 2. Mer Island (Queensland) with more than 500 species of fish. 3. Direction Island (Western Australia) Black rats and mice are distributed widely on 4. Three Bays Island (Western Australia) Lord Howe Island. Rats have been implicated in the decline and extinction of birds, lizards, snails 5. Long Island (Western Australia) and several species of plants on the island. 6. Adele Island (Western Australia) Rats have caused the extinction of bird species, 7. Sunday Island (Western Australia) including the Lord Howe vinous-tinted thrush 8. Faure Island (Western Australia) (Turdus poliocephalus vinitinctus), robust white-eye (Zosterops strenua), Tasman starling (Aplonis fusca), 9. Dirk Hartog Island (Western Australia). Lord Howe fantail (Rhipidura cervina) and the Lord Many of the pest control projects on these small islands Howe gerygone (Gerygone insularis). Rats also were successful at eradicating rodents and monitoring caused the local extinction of a rare stick insect, the Lord Howe Island phasmid (Dryococelus australis). is continuing to assess the responses of ecosystems as they recover from the impacts of rats and mice. Rats pose an ongoing threat to at least 13 bird species which breed on the island, such as the vulnerable Lord Howe woodhen (Gallirallus sylvestris) and Lord Howe pied currawong (Strepera graculina crissalis). Rats also affect reptiles such as the vulnerable Lord Howe Island gecko (Christinus guentheri). Invertebrates such as the critically endangered Whitelegge’s land snail (Pseudocharopa whiteleggei) and endangered Lord Howe flax snail (Placostylus bivaricosus) are also eaten by rats. Rats destroy vegetation and are threatening the little mountain palm (Lepidorrhachis mooreana) and the kentia palm (Howea forsteriana), which is of economic value to the island for its export to plant nurseries around the world. Biodiversity and Natural Icons

Lord Howe Island Group, offshore NSW. Source: I. Hutton

29 Lord Howe Island World Heritage Area

Lord Howe Island World Heritage Area Lord Howe Island World Heritage Area

0 20 40 km

Lord Howe Island World Heritage area. Source: ERIN, DSEWPaC

Mice are also known to eat the eggs of small birds, reduce seedling recruitment and compete with native seed-eating fauna elsewhere. Rodent infestations, and their effects on ecosystems, also have ramifications for the tourism industry and the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.

With the support of Caring for our Country and the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, the Lord Howe Island Board developed a plan to rid the island of more than 130 000 rodents using poison baits, some of which were dropped by air. Special ‘arks’ will be constructed to protect endangered species until the rats and mice are removed. The New South Wales and Lord Howe Island gecko. Source: S. Wilson Commonwealth governments each contributed $4.5 million to implement the eradication plan, which was endorsed by the CSIRO. Community engagement is central for ensuring support for the ground operations. In preparation for the baiting, the Lord Howe Island Board will hold information sessions for the 350 residents on the island. Non-toxic bait trials were also undertaken to ensure minimal risk to wildlife. Project managers will work with landholders and the community to protect stock and domestic animals during the baiting program. Planning for the captive management of vulnerable bird species has commenced and other research related to the project is being planned. To date, the project is progressing well and it is anticipated that removal of rodents will allow populations of threatened species to recover, Lord Howe Island woodhens. Source: I. Hutton which is especially important when Lord Howe Island is their only habitat. Reducing exotic rodents The management of rabbits included mapping their locations, installing fencing and undertaking baiting and on small islands in Western ‘warren ripping’ to protect critically endangered and Australia endangered species and communities. For example, removal of rabbits and rodents on Macquarie Island Caring for our Country invested in seven projects over has resulted in the recovery of vital breeding habitat four years in Western Australia to reduce infestations of for a range of burrowing petrel and albatross species exotic rodents on small islands through bait programs such as the vulnerable wandering albatross (Diomedea and surveys, supported by monitoring. There have exulans). Landholders and community groups were been successful outcomes for the environment and involved in projects to suppress rabbit populations, biodiversity on all of these islands. and project proponents worked to promote rabbit control programs and techniques within the wider community. Reducing the impact of

rabbits across Australia Biodiversity and Natural Icons

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was introduced in Australia in the early 1800s and has since spread throughout the landscape. Rabbits cause damage to soil and pasture and have impacts on biodiversity, agriculture and the economy. Soil erosion from burrowing and grazing can lead to problems such as reduced water quality which then require expensive remediation measures. Grazing rabbits can weaken perennial grasses and eliminate them from pastures, and degrade horticulture and grain crops, Rabbit and fox fencing at Venus Bay, South Australia. resulting in significantly reduced crop yields in some Source: D. Markovic areas. Competition and land degradation by feral rabbits is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act. A threat abatement plan was developed to guide and coordinate a national response to their The Department of Environment and Conservation impacts on biodiversity. of Western Australia delivered a range of integrated Caring for our Country targeted funding to reduce rabbit control projects in the West Australian wheat the impacts of rabbits on the land and more than belt agricultural region which improved the protection 300 at-risk species, including priority Ramsar wetlands of remnant native vegetation, encouraged more and offshore islands. Most importantly, it provided sustainable farming and worked towards improving soil funding to research bio-control options for other quality and reducing erosion. Rabbit control activities strains of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) contributed to improved biodiversity and production to complement those already released in Australia, outcomes delivered within this region. For example, a strategic response to the apparent rising genetic landholders in the Shire of Mt Marshall managed rabbit resistance of rabbits to the existing strains of RHDV. and fox populations to help the recovery of threatened Several new strains are being evaluated for efficacy species such as local populations of the vulnerable and new release strategies are being developed to western spiny‐tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia) and maximise impact on rabbit populations. malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata). Rabbit densities were also The successful release of additional effective reduced enough to allow regeneration of native plants. bio-controls has a calculated net value of over $1.4 billion over 15 years and will substantially reduce the impacts of rabbits on Australian plant biodiversity (Invasive Animals CRC 2012).

31 Reducing the impact of exotic rodents on small islands in Western Australia

(Refer to map on the following page for the island locations off the Western Australian coastline).

A Direction Island (Cocos-Keeling Islands) Black rats were targeted for elimination so that the Cocos buff-banded rail (Gallirallus philippensis andrewsi) could be re-introduced to the island. Rats contributed to the CASE STUDY decline and extinction of this bird on the islands through predation of eggs and chicks. Ground and tree baiting with an anticoagulant poison was successful at eliminating the rats from the islands and monitoring will continue in 2013 to confirm that the rats are no longer present. Quarantine measures will be kept in place to help ensure the rats do not repopulate the island.

B Adele Island Two ground baiting exercises in 2005 and 2011 have been undertaken on Adele Island to eliminate the Pacific rat and improve breeding success for seabirds such as frigatebirds (Fregata minor and Fregata ariel), the brown booby (Sula leucogaster) and the masked booby (Sula dactylatra). Unfortunately, baiting was unsuccessful due to small pockets of rats not being exposed to the baits. An aerial baiting program, which is generally considered to be more effective, is now being planned for October 2013. Baseline information on seabirds has been collected and a hazard assessment will be completed to minimise impacts of baiting on these species. If Pacific rats are eliminated, it is expected that the island will be an important refuge for seabird nesting in future.

C Long Island An investigation into the presence of black rats on Long Island in 2010 has confirmed that the rats are not present on the island, and therefore, no eradication action was required. D Sunday Island A survey for black rats and Pacific rats in 2012 did not find any infestations on Sunday Island. Agreement was negotiated with the One Arm Point Aboriginal community to undertake a targeted survey of black rats in October 2012. If rats are detected, an aerial baiting program would be required to protect the native grassland melomys rodent (Melomys burtoni). E Faure Island On Faure Island, populations of house mice have potential to impact on the threatened Shark Bay mouse (Pseudomys fieldi), burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur lesueur), banded hare-wallaby (Lagostrophus fasciatus fasciatus) and western barred bandicoot (Perameles bougainville bougainville) by competing for food and habitat. A trapping program in November 2010 and April 2011 detected no house mice and it is believed that the species has either declined to very low untrappable numbers, or is extinct. A remote camera survey of the island will be undertaken in April 2013, an effective method for detecting house mice at low densities in comparison to trapping, which catches numerous other species.

F Dirk Hartog Island An ecological restoration project is being undertaken on this island to remove feral cats and goats, and reintroduce 12 native mammal species. While the presence of black rats has not been confirmed, there have been a few recent anecdotal reports. A preliminary survey was undertaken in August 2011 and none were detected. A follow-up remote camera survey will be undertaken in April 2013 on the island and adjacent mainland areas to determine if black rats are present. Annual surveys will continue to take place as part of the island’s ecological restoration project. A biosecurity plan will also implement a coordinated range of measures to prevent the introduction of black rats and other invasive species onto Dirk Hartog Island. Black rats have the potential to impact on three threatened bird species by preying on their eggs and young chicks, rufous fieldwren (Calamanthus campestris), Dirk Hartog Island black and white fairy-wren (Malurus leucopterus leucopterus) and Dirk Hartog Island southern emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus hartogi), as well as competing for food and predating on the young of the western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia).

G Three Bays Island The northern most population of King’s skink (Egernia kingii) and nesting seabirds such as the silver gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae), crested tern (Sterna bergii), and Caspian tern (Hydroprogne caspia) have been impacted by house mice predating eggs and newly hatched young on Three Bays Island. Ground baiting with anticoagulant poison was undertaken during September 2010 and follow-up monitoring has confirmed that house mice have been eliminated from the island, removing one of the key threats to biodiversity. To reduce the risk of reinfestation by visiting campers, quarantine warning signs are being erected. Cobourg Peninsula

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BB CONTINUED CASE STUDY CC Biodiversity and Natural Icons

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"Riverlan !( Adelaide " FF EE

GG ! Bool and Hacks Lagoons ! Western District Lakes

Lavin

33 National management of the practices and weed distribution maps. Monitoring indicated that sites often experienced regrowth of impacts of Weeds of National weeds, demonstrating the need for long-term Significance management. Further monitoring is still required to improve understanding of the effectiveness of Weeds of National Significance are plants that all management actions and ecosystem responses. jurisdictions agree have a high impact on agriculture A number of methods were utilised to reduce the and the environment and will benefit from a nationally impact of weeds on biodiversity, including: coordinated effort. There weeds have negative impacts on many of Australia’s natural and productive »» surveying, mapping and identifying weed landscapes. It is estimated that the agricultural infestations cost alone of weeds is around $4 billion each »» weed control and site rehabilitation such as physical year (Australian Weeds Strategy 2006). removal, pasture systems and grazing methods, However, collaborative national actions can help knockdown and residual herbicide, and biological reduce the impacts, including further spread, of weeds control methods such as beetles, mites and rusts and are guided by the Australian Weeds Strategy and funded by the Australian Government through Caring »» workshops and field days to develop community for our Country. For each Weed of National Significance, knowledge on weed identification, removal methods a national coordinator facilitated multi-jurisdictional and biodiversity protection activities to implement strategic plans for each species, »» monitoring treated areas for the biodiversity ensuring adequate governance oversight, consistency response to weed control and regrowth of target and an ability to deliver landscape-scale actions. weeds and/or new weed incursions From July 2008 to June 2013, Caring for our Country »» monitoring high-quality native vegetation to prevent funded individual projects to reduce the impact of new weed incursions Weeds of National Significance on public and private land, including agricultural land. The Australian »» developing ongoing integrated weed management Government prioritised projects which focused on strategies at a cross-property level collaborative efforts to: »» revegetating through natural regeneration from seed banks or through enhancement planting and »» maintain or improve biodiversity maintenance of an appropriate mix of native species »» control, or eradicate where feasible, priority outlier in treated areas. weed infestations identified in nationally agreed Most projects targeting Weeds of National Significance strategic plans for each weed worked towards protecting habitat of threatened »» maintain or establish weed containment lines species and biodiversity from the impact of weeds. identified in nationally agreed strategic plans for Activities included protecting feeding sites or habitat each weed for endangered bird species or vulnerable native »» demonstrate best practice management of mammals such as the southern brown bandicoot core weed infestations to reduce the risk of new (Isoodon obesulus obesulus), through to infestations. landscape-scale conservation of threatened grassy woodland ecosystems. Overall, proponents managed National coordination support from Caring for our high-quality native vegetation to reduce the impact of Country led to significant progress in mapping weed Weeds of National Significance on biodiversity. distributions, understanding the issues associated There is currently not enough data to assess with each weed and implementing control methods. biodiversity changes, although it can be reasonably The initiative supported the establishment of good assumed that enhanced condition of natural assets working relationships with state bodies, local will improve the quality of habitat for native species. governments, NRM organisations and research bodies, Landscapes are often affected by multiple interacting allowing successful implementation of on-ground threats and, therefore, a number of projects combined actions. Joint workshops were an effective strategy for weed control with other aims such as protecting transferring individual project knowledge about weeds threatened biodiversity from other vertebrate pest between relevant stakeholders. Increased community species. In one project, weed control activities were awareness and involvement was critical for the success combined with protection of waterways from stock and of weed treatment, especially building ongoing capacity erosion control. These multiple activities assisted with to protect priority assets. Access to information about protecting the waterway, improving water quality and weeds was improved, including best management encouraging more sustainable farming. Collaborative efforts Controlling outlier infestations, establishing Some projects focused on improving community containment lines and managing core infestations knowledge, attitudes and skills for implementing effective weed control. Community groups also Outlier infestations of weeds were targeted developed their ability to map and report weed for elimination in priority areas, as identified in infestations and planning an integrated weed nationally agreed strategic plans for each weed. management strategy. Their isolation within particular locations made eradication much more likely to succeed, An example of successful collaboration was a project although ongoing management is required to to protect Tasmania’s sustainable farming practices prevent reinfestation and dispersal to other areas. and biodiversity assets from serrated tussock In north-west Tasmania, Cradle Coast NRM (Nassella trichotama) invasion. Since 2009, the project controlled outlier infestations of Weeds of National facilitated engagement of many land managers Significance in nine hectares of threatened ecological impacted by new serrated tussock infestations in communities across their region. In Queensland, the biologically diverse and agriculturally productive projects controlled outlier populations of prickly acacia Biodiversity and Natural Icons southern and northern Midland grazing areas of (Acacia nilotica), mimosa (Mimosa pigra) and Tasmania. As a result of the project, an extensive athel pine (Tamarix aphylla) in several regions. awareness campaign was undertaken, several Projects in South Australia managed outliers of new infestations of serrated tussock were found, prickly acacia and boneseed (Chrysanthemoides detailed mapping of outlying populations and adjacent monilifera) in remote arid lands while, in New South searches were completed, enhanced capacity building Wales, alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) amongst individual property managers and community and salvinia (Salvinia molesta) outliers were controlled groups, and longer-term coordinated serrated and monitored. Targeting these outlier infestations tussock management undertaken via property-based should result in local eradication of these species and management plans. The project was able to develop prevent them from spreading even further throughout and successfully maintain momentum of strategic and the landscape. Monitoring programs and adaptive on-ground serrated tussock issues and facilitate, management will assist with ensuring the weeds are with local management bodies such as Tasman adequately controlled. Landcare and Glamorgan Spring Bay Council and community groups to help protect Tasmania’s agricultural land and biodiversity assets from the serious impact of serrated tussock.

Weed of National Significance: Serrated tussock.Source: J. Baker

35 Weed of National Significance: Bridal Creeper. Source: H. Cherry Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management A desktop Geographic Information System helped (WA) worked with landowners and Indigenous prioritise these individual infestations and prepare communities along the Avon River between Toodyay management plans to encourage ongoing weed and Beverley to manage outlier infestations of athel control works and site rehabilitation. On-ground pine and bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides). works included chemical control and manual The proponent surveyed and mapped infestations removal. Workshops are also being held to of these outlier species. increase skills and knowledge of local communities and government work crews, and management materials were produced for private landholders. Containment was another broad weed management A greatly challenging task was to manage core approach which aimed to prevent the spread of infestations of Weeds of National Significance, Weeds of National Significance, even across state well-established self-regenerating populations which or territory borders, by reducing the density of cover vast areas of Australia at varying levels of density infestations and creating broad buffer zones to limit and patterns of distribution. For example, lantana dispersal of seeds or plant parts. Several projects infests more than five million hectares along the length used containment line strategies in New South Wales, of the east coast, mimosa forms dense, impenetrable including preventing the southward spread of bitou thickets covering around 140 000 hectares of floodplain bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata) in tropical Northern Territory, and willows (Salix) and lantana (Lantana camara) towards Victoria; occupy thousands of kilometres of waterways across reducing the outwards spread of boneseed from the New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Strategic greater Sydney metropolitan region in New South management of core infestations is required, with Wales; reducing the southward spread of hymenachne clearly defined and achievable outcomes, prioritisation (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) from Queensland of actions and regions, and landscape-scale planning into northern New South Wales; and reducing the and management. In Tasmania, strategic management Biodiversity and Natural Icons northward spread of boneseed and alligator weed of core infestations centred on boneseed, asparagus from northern New South Wales into Queensland. weeds and serrated tussock to protect both biodiversity and farming lands. Projects in New South Wales targeted boneseed to protect biodiversity and serrated tussock to enable sustainable farming. In one project, core mimosa infestations on Indigenous land in the Northern Territory were treated. Gurruwiling Working on Country rangers monitored 19 sites in the Arafura swamp and focused control efforts on three of the most active sites for producing seedlings and containing juvenile plants which could spread mimosa infestations in periods of flooding. The project is an example of how local eradication is feasible within a core infestation zone by applying a strategic management approach.

Weed of National Significance: Alligator weed in NSW. Weed of National Significance: Lantana. Source: B. Goody Source: C. G Wilson, DSEWPaC

37 Outcome 3

By 2013, Caring for our Country will secure management arrangements for all World Heritage areas that meet the requirements of the World Heritage Convention.

World Heritage properties are recognised under the World Heritage Convention as being of international significance because of their outstanding universal natural or cultural values. Many of these properties provide sanctuaries for the conservation of flora and fauna, and are protected as they may contain one or more of the following characteristics: Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage place. Source: M. Mohell »» outstanding examples of major stages of the earth’s ecological, biological or geological processes Caring for our Country invested in several projects which addressed threats to World Heritage properties, »» significant natural habitats for biodiversity including weed and pest control, fire and visitor conservation management, and climate change modelling and »» outstanding natural phenomena or areas of planning. For example, one project focused on exceptional natural beauty significantly reducing populations of feral goats and »» outstanding cultural values. sheep in the Shark Bay World Heritage area in Western Australia. This should improve vegetation cover, The Australian Government, in partnership with soil composition and habitat for threatened native states and territories, has an international obligation species. Communication materials and climate change to manage World Heritage values for current and modelling were also completed for this region, a new future generations, including establishing appropriate management tool to prepare mitigation strategies for measures to identify, protect, conserve, rehabilitate and sensitive flora and fauna. It is recognised that World promote World Heritage properties within Australian Heritage places need to be celebrated and promoted territory. World Heritage values are also a protected to the community to safeguard their protection. matter of national environmental significance under Caring for our Country funds were essential to better the EPBC Act, meaning that any action that may have communicate the values of Australia’s internationally a significant impact on the heritage values must be significant fossil sites through development of referred for environmental assessment of potential interpretation materials for the general public for the impacts. Cooperative efforts are often required with Riversleigh component of the Australian Fossil Mammal property managers who have responsibility for the Sites in Western Queensland and the lessons learnt day-to-day management of World Heritage places. from investigating past climate change at the To meet the requirements of the World Heritage Naracoorte component (in South Australia). Convention, Caring for our Country secured management arrangements by investing in four types of activities:

»» funding World Heritage Management Committees and Executive Officers for governing World Heritage places »» protecting, conserving and rehabilitating World Heritage values, including investing in actions to address significant emerging threats to these values »» identifying and enhancing World Heritage values »» presenting and celebrating World Heritage values.

Shark Bay dunes, Western Australia. Source: K. Mullen Caring for our Country contributed to achieving best practice management arrangements by providing financial assistance to state-managed properties to maintain effective mechanisms for community, scientific and Indigenous engagement through World Heritage Advisory Committees. These committees are responsible for governing and administering the properties and developing management plans, and are supported by World Heritage Executive Officers. Funding assisted with either developing or maintaining World Heritage Advisory Committees and Executive Officers for the Greater Blue Mountains, the Willandra Lakes Region, Gondwana Rainforests, Fraser Island, Purnululu National Park, Shark Bay, the Ningaloo Coast and the Riversleigh Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage area. Pathogen control stations have been installed to stop the spread of component of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites Biodiversity and Natural Icons phytophthora (a root fungus that causes dieback in trees) (Riversleigh/Naracoorte). In all of these areas, liaison with and other pathogens such as myrtle rust. Source: Queensland Parks local Indigenous communities was vital for managing and Wildlife Service the properties. Through Caring for our Country funding, the Australian Government also continued to work with the Tasmanian and Queensland governments to secure management arrangements for the Tasmanian Wilderness and Wet Tropics of Queensland. Investments in these two protected areas made significant achievements in managing World Heritage values.

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Wet Tropics Purnululu of Queensland National Park Australian Fossil Mamal Sites (Riversleigh)

The Ningaloo Coast Fraser Island

Shark Bay Western Australia Brisbane

Gondwana Rainforest of Australia

Perth Wilandra The Greater Lakes Sydney Region Blue Adelaide Mountains Canberra

Melbourne

0 500 1,000 2,000 Tasmanian km Wilderness Hobart

World Heritage Areas

Locations of the state-managed World Heritage sites that had projects funded under Caring for our Country, with the exception of Lord Howe Island. Source: ERIN, DSEWPaC

39 Management arrangements Caring for our Country provided funding between 2009 and 2013 for the day-to-day administration and for the Wet Tropics of operation of the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Queensland World including sustainable tourism, promoting scientific Heritage area research and sharing knowledge, and improving the wellbeing of Indigenous rainforest people. The primary mechanism for engagement with The Wet Tropics of Queensland was inscribed on stakeholders was through statutory advisory groups the World Heritage List in 1988 in recognition of its representing different sectors. In collaboration with other outstanding natural universal values. The property stakeholders, the Wet Tropics Management Authority lies between Townsville and Cooktown on the accomplished several achievements: north-east coast of Queensland and covers an area of approximately 894 000 hectares. The Wet Tropics is an »» development of a tour guide accreditation program, example of an exceptionally biodiverse region which is including for Indigenous tourism particularly sensitive to the effects of climate change » revegetation and weed control to protect biodiversity and biosecurity threats. Management arrangements » were secured for the area through a community-based »» active participation in conserving endangered approach, with increased engagement in management species such as the cassowary and mahogany and partnerships with Indigenous rainforest people, glider in response to the impacts of cyclone Yasi the general community, conservation and tourism »» development of programs to monitor and manage organisations. The Wet Tropics Management Authority emerging threats such as myrtle rust (Uredo also works closely with a range of scientific and rangelii), yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) academic institutions. and electric ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) »» annual presentation of the Cassowary Awards, which recognise community achievements in rainforest conservation »» negotiation of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with Eastern Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners to continue to live on their land within the World Heritage Area »» vegetation mapping of the entire Wet Tropics World Heritage Area »» revision of the Wet Tropics Management Plan.

New England Tree Frog. Source: M. Mahony Biodiversity and Natural Icons

Queensland Wet Tropics World Heritage place near Ingham. Source: DSEWPaC

41 In 2013, the Wet Tropics Management Authority will The recovery of endangered species and rehabilitation continue to provide management and protection projects will provide a lasting legacy for this unique and of the outstanding universal values of the property rich wilderness area, although some efforts may require and will continue to engage with stakeholders. ongoing maintenance such as weed management. In particular, partnerships will be developed with Increased awareness and education within local government agencies and research organisations for communities should also help ensure the long-term further research and to raise community awareness survival of the rainforest. Furthermore, engagement with of biosecurity threats to the Wet Tropics from tramp Indigenous communities should result in lasting benefits ants and myrtle rust. The authority will promote the for those communities. Further information about Wet Tropics as a ‘learning landscape’ and centre of management of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World excellence for the management of tropical rainforests Heritage area is available at www.wettropics.gov.au. through engagement with research centres and academic institutions and multi-media.

Mahogany glider, Cairns, Queensland. Source: Wet Tropics Management Authority

Wet Tropics, pink hyacinth orchid, Queensland. Source: M. Trenerry

Mountain Mist Frog. Source: M. Mahony Biodiversity and Natural Icons

Bathurst Harbour near Melaleuca, Tasmania. Source: A. Brady

Management arrangements Caring for our Country funding was used for identifying, protecting, conserving, presenting and rehabilitating for the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage values and providing support for World Heritage area engagement with stakeholders.

The Tasmanian Wilderness is one of the three largest temperate wilderness areas remaining in the southern Wildcare is the primary volunteer partnership hemisphere. It is renowned for its diversity of flora organisation involved in on-ground works and is a stronghold for several animals that are either to protect the Tasmanian Wilderness World extinct or threatened on mainland Australia, such Heritage property. It is the umbrella organisation as the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot for the following groups: (Neophema chryogaster). It also contains unique »» Friends of Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair Pleistocene archaeological sites of human settlements and extensive limestone cave systems containing »» Overland Track Hut Wardens Indigenous rock art sites which are thousands of »» Cradle Valley Volunteers years old. The Tasmanian Wilderness was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1982 and covers about »» Friends of Claytons House 20 per cent of Tasmania. »» Sea Spurge Remote Action Teams

Through the Caring for our Country program, »» Friends of Melaleuca the Australian Government provides significant »» Campground hosts—Melaleuca and financial support for the management of the Tasmanian Cockle Creek Wilderness World Heritage area. Management methods »» Friends of the Orange Bellied Parrot include the cessation of mining activity within the property as well as successful expansion of the property »» Friends of Maatsuyker Island to incorporate the Melaleuca–Cox Bight area and work »» Caretakers on Maatsuyker Island to support Australia’s proposal to the World Heritage »» Friends of Macquarie Harbour Historic Site. Committee that further areas be added as a result of the Tasmanian Forests Agreement process. Caring for our Country’s financial contributions were in addition to base funding from the Tasmanian Government, generous contributions from philanthropists and fundraising activities by the NGO volunteer conservation group, Wildcare Inc.

43 Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area, trigger plant. Source: A. Mann Burnie-Somerset "

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Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Biodiversity and Natural Icons

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km 0 20 40 80 120 160

Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. Source: ERIN, DSEWPaC

On-ground management of the Tasmanian Wilderness In 2010, WILDCARE–SPRATS hand-pulled 2.2 million World Heritage area is led by the Tasmanian Parks and plants and the count has declined in the following two Wildlife Service. Caring for our Country helped invest volunteer seasons. Until seed banks are depleted, in actions to address significant emerging threats the threat can quickly re-establish, as seedlings such as protecting frogs from chytrid fungus, birds turn into adult plants, with each of these producing from psittacine circoviral disease, Tasmanian Devils thousands of new seedlings. Removal of this weed from devil facial tumour disease, and platypuses from will help the recovery of native vegetation and mucormycosis disease. A strategic fire management shorebird habitat. Other weeds such as marram plan was also developed to prevent destructive grass (Ammophila arenaria) were also removed. bushfires within the World Heritage property. Wildcare Inc. was also involved in general rehabilitation A volunteer weed removal program was undertaken in of parks through activities such as litter collection along partnership with Wildcare Inc. The fast-spreading weed the southern coast. Walker education programs were sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) was removed along the delivered on the Overland Track and at Melaleuca. Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area coastline Public amenities and visitor centres were improved, and other nearby wilderness coast. This weed can have recognising that tourism and public access help a devastating impact on coastal landforms, Indigenous promote the significant values of the region. cultural sites and coastal herbfields, grasslands and shrublands. The weed also affects habitats for shorebird species such as the little tern (Sternula albifrons), fairy tern (Sterna nereis) (vulnerable), hooded plover (Thinornis rubricollis), red-capped plover (Charadrius ruficapillus), pied oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) and the orange-bellied parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) (critically endangered). Over five seasons, 200 volunteers contributed 3500 person days to treat 13 million sea spurge plants. Some five million plants have been removed by hand at 530 sites and the rest were removed by herbicide spraying. Follow-up work is depleting residual seed banks by removing seedlings. Now 63 per cent of all sites treated are weed free. Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area, sea spurge. Source: A. Mann

45 Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. Source: A. Brady Other educational products such as maps, walking Caring for our Country contributions to guides, interpretative notes, DVDs, fact sheets, posters, other Tasmanian Wilderness projects: smartphone interactive applications and website materials have helped to promote and celebrate »» Resource Management and Conservation the significant values of the asmanianT Wilderness. Division Research and Monitoring in the For example, the Needwonnee Walk project was a Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area collaboration between the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife »» Climate change and coastal risk assessment Service (with support from Caring for our Country) and project the Tasmanian Aboriginal Land and Sea Council. The Parks and Wildlife Service interpretation officer »» Monitoring the impact of climate change on involved in the project developed an excellent the flora and fauna values of the Tasmanian interpretive walking booklet and DVD for Melaleuca Wilderness World Heritage area in Tasmania’s remote south-west and also fostered »» Strategy for managing wildlife disease in the an ongoing partnership with the local Needwonnee

Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area Indigenous community. The project was a successful Biodiversity and Natural Icons model for engaging with Indigenous communities in meaningful ways. It won both the Judges’ Choice and the Gold Award for projects worth more than $30 000 Projects supported by Caring of our Country, including at the 2012 Interpretation Australia National Awards for fauna surveys, cave mapping and climate change Excellence and also won an Excellence in Parks Award impact studies, have increased our knowledge at the 2012 Parks Forum. about World Heritage values. Introduced species are being managed to prevent damage to the landscape and threatened species. Indigenous cultural values are another important element to protect, and Smartphone applications: heritage values were interpreted to enhance visitor »» 60 great short walks provides details of understanding. Tasmania’s most popular short walks and is accompanied by photographs and maps. »» Frog log can be used to record occurrences of wild frogs for later scientific study. »» A bird in the hand contains detailed information, photographs and audio for many of Tasmania’s common and endemic birdlife.

Caring for our Country investments in the Tasmanian Wilderness helped protect and promote the unique values of this rugged and spectacular landscape. Ongoing commitment is needed to ensure that this significant region remains intact for future generations. The relationships developed with partner organisations, Indigenous engagement, collection of information through monitoring and threat mitigation planning are important legacies for the future management of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Further information about Australia’s World Heritage is available at: www.environment.gov.au/heritage/about/ world.

Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area, Scouring the rugged west coast for weeds. Source: A. Mann

47 Outcome 4

By 2013, Caring for our Country will improve the protection and management of Ningaloo Reef.

The Ningaloo Coast is located on Western Australia’s remote coast along the East Indian Ocean. The Ningaloo Coast was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2011 for its outstanding universal value. It has diverse and abundant marine life, internationally significant habitat for the vulnerable whale shark (Rhincodon typus), unique subterranean and terrestrial Hawksbill turtle. Source: Paradise Ink, DSEWPaC ecosystems and fauna and exceptional underwater scenery, including coral reef structures contrasting The World Heritage nomination process for the with the vivid colours of the arid terrestrial landscape. Ningaloo Coast increased scientific understanding of The Ningaloo Coast is also treasured for its rich the area and contributed to greater public awareness record of past life and geological landscapes which of its heritage. The World Heritage listing will have are hundreds of millions of years old. The rich biology a long-lasting legacy by ensuring the ongoing of the property reveals a long record of continental protection of the property’s biodiversity and aesthetic assemblage and oceanic change, climate change values, while allowing for tourism and recreational and evolution and plays an internationally significant activities to continue. role in the protection of marine species. Caring for our Country committed funding over two years to support the heritage listing, in collaboration with the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, which recognised the success of existing management arrangements in protecting the World Heritage values.

Ningaloo provides habitat for diverse marine life. Eight cetacean species regularly visit the coastline and it is a migration pathway for vulnerable humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). It also features the largest known aggregations of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in the world. The nationally protected dugong (Dugong dugon) feeds on the seagrass beds of Norwegian Bay and the lagoon north Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. Source: T. Howard. of Bruboodjoo Point. The Ningaloo Coast shelters one of the largest populations of vulnerable hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata bissa) remaining in the Indian Ocean. Several species of sea turtles nest along the coastline, predominantly vulnerable green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). A range of subterranean fauna such as beetles and shrimp have evolved in the network of limestone caves and waterways around the coastline. These species are valuable for scientific studies on the history of the region’s geology and climate. The terrestrial environment of the Cape Range National Park is included in the heritage listing and contains a rich diversity of plant species, from eucalypt woodlands and acacia shrublands to spinifex grasslands and mangrove communities. Outcome 5

By 2013, Caring for our Country will maintain viable Tasmanian Devil populations.

The Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is the world’s largest surviving marsupial carnivore. It is recently endangered after dramatic population declines from a rare and contagious cancer: devil facial tumour disease or DFTD. The disease has spread rapidly in a south-west direction across Tasmania and has resulted in an 84 per cent decline in Tasmanian Devil sightings. The disease is always fatal and no cure or vaccine has yet been found. The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program Biodiversity and Natural Icons Tasmanian Devil with advanced devil facial tumour disease. is a joint initiative between the Australian and Tasmanian Source: S. Graham governments with the long-term strategic goal of an enduring and ecologically functional population of Tasmanian Devils in the wild. At the completion of the This component of the conservation strategy relied first phase in 2008, both governments committed to heavily on partnerships with the Zoo and Aquarium a second five-year phase from 2008 to 2013, with an Association and 20 mainland zoos, the community investment of $10 million from Caring for our Country. fundraising group Devil Island Project and Tasmanian The program is managed and delivered by the wildlife parks. The insurance population is currently Tasmanian Government in partnership with the Zoo in excess of 500 individuals and has very high and Aquarium Association, along with a network of genetic diversity. A range of innovative and cost- national experts. effective strategies have been trialled for supporting the insurance population and maintaining natural behaviours among the captive Tasmanian Devils, including free-range enclosures, island translocations and landscape isolation by fencing. Maintaining healthy Tasmanian Devil populations in the wild and managing the ecological impacts of population declines over its natural range is an enormous challenge. In areas that are currently disease-free, the program is planning the construction of a range of fences and barriers that, along with natural landscape features, will significantly slow or prevent the spread of disease. Funding has enabled a significant monitoring program to assess the spread of the disease in the wild, the impact on Tasmanian Devil populations and ecological responses to reduced populations. Tasmanian Devil, released on Maria Island, Tasmania. While there have been no local extinctions, camera Source: S. Graham monitoring indicates the disease is spreading across The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program has made west and south Tasmania and it is impossible to halt substantial progress in conserving the species from its continued spread. Researchers are exploring extinction by establishing an insurance population, the potential development of a vaccine, cancer investigating novel approaches to manage populations treatment drugs and selective breeding for inherited in the wild, funding scientific research to advance resistance. Several significant projects have advanced understanding of the disease and establishing major understanding of the disease, including research on partnerships. Investments in infrastructure and immune responses, genetic diversity of the population knowledge will be a critical foundation to secure this and identification of multiple strains of the disease species in the wild. A major focus and achievement across the state. of the program was establishing an insurance population of disease-free and genetically-diverse wild animals to prevent the immediate extinction of Tasmanian Devils and to source animals for release back into the wild at an appropriate time.

49 Tasmanian Devil joey. Source: S. Graham A highly successful community engagement activity was a public campaign to collect information on the extent and trends of Tasmanian Devil roadkill across Tasmania. Since 2009, more than 700 reports of roadkill have helped to inform ongoing management of Tasmanian Devils in the wild.

With support from Caring for our Country, the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program had several conservation achievements for the endangered species. Building on these successes, the next steps will be to maintain and enhance the insurance population, secure as many disease-free Tasmanian Devils in the wild as possible and develop ways to manage diseased populations. The program has built partnerships and provided opportunities for community involvement Biodiversity and Natural Icons in conservation efforts. It has ensured that the risk of extinction has been averted—a critical step in achieving the eventual recovery of the species in the wild.

51 Investing in information products to improve biodiversity management Prioritising covenanting agreements on private land was a key strategy for protecting high-value environments through Caring for our Country projects. The Australian Government worked collaboratively with project partners from various state government agencies and several non-government environmental organisations such as the New South Wales Nature Conservation Trust, Victorian Trust for Nature and CASE STUDY National Trust of Western Australia to develop an agreed national framework for the collation of covenant data. The National Conservation Lands Database provides a national picture of covenanted lands and includes data on covenants between 1970 and 30 June 2009, including the landscape-scale values and occurrence of matters of national environmental significance on the covenanted lands.

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VIC Melbourne " 250 1,000 2,000 km North 0 500 1,500

Legend TAS Hobart " Australian Rangelands

The Australian Rangelands comprise 81 per cent of mainland Australia. Source: ERIN, DSEWPaC

The Australian rangelands comprise 81 per cent of mainland Australia and contain relatively intact ecosystems, are home to many Indigenous people and have important cultural values for most Australians. The Australian Collaborative Rangeland Information System (ACRIS) was formed in 2002 and is a partnership between the Australian Government and those agencies in Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales responsible for natural resource management and biodiversity conservation in Australia’s rangelands. Since 2008, ACRIS has been funded through the Caring for our Country initiative. ACRIS collates information contributed by participating agencies and from other sources such as the Bureau of Meteorology and Australian Bureau of Statistics. In August 2008, ACRIS published Rangelands 2008—Taking the Pulse, which brought together, for the first time, disparate datasets at a national and regional scale to report change in Australia’s rangelands on climate, landscape function, sustainable agricultural management, total grazing pressure, fire and dust, water resources, biodiversity and socio-economic change. Much of this information has been since updated with further reports. A key achievement of ACRIS’s work was to commence a national trial of a biodiversity monitoring framework for the rangelands, based on monitoring target species and broader systematic surveillance at a landscape scale. The trial is due for completion in 2013 and will inform future ongoing monitoring of biodiversity in the rangelands. Furthermore, ACRIS and the Queensland Government are collaborating to develop methods for measuring the impacts of grazing on ground cover and separating these impacts from seasonal rainfall variability. Remote-sensing satellite imagery is now being analysed across approximately 700 000 square kilometres of Queensland’s rangelands, and further testing is underway to extend the method to western New South Wales. Information and monitoring are essential for managing biodiversity and ensuring investments are having expected results. Caring for our Country recognised the importance of having the right information to prioritise activities and measure progress, often requiring cooperation and relationship-building with other stakeholders. Investments in knowledge, monitoring and partnerships contributed to advancing objectives for the biodiversity and natural icons national priority area. Continuing to protect Conserving biodiversity is also essential to safeguard the biological systems needed for oxygen to breathe, Australia’s biodiversity— clean water to drink, fertile soil for food production and Phase II Caring for our physical materials for shelter and fuel. In addition to Country 2013–2018 Caring for our Country, the Biodiversity Fund will invest in biodiverse plantings, protecting and enhancing existing vegetation and managing invasive species. Conservation and protection of the environment Delivery of successful outcomes is dependent will continue to be a high priority for the Australian on effective partnerships with community groups, Government, as will the development of community Indigenous communities, and regional natural resource skills, knowledge and engagement in biodiversity management organisations. conservation and natural resource management. Delivery of conservation outcomes will be achieved Building upon the progress already made, through a range of programs to meet the challenges the Sustainable Environment stream of the and opportunities posed by natural resource second phase of Caring for our Country will focus Biodiversity and Natural Icons management and in recognition of regional differences. on three strategic objectives as outlined in the The second phase of Caring for our Country will focus table below, all of which will contribute to on investments in critical areas across Australia, healthier and more robust natural environments. including biodiversity and the conservation estate. A number of pressures will require carefully Australia’s biodiversity is important nationally and managed responses—from land clearing and globally because of its uniqueness and richness, fragmentation of native ecosystems to invasive including plant and animal species, ecosystems species and pathogens, inappropriate fire and cultural heritage. regimes, grazing pressure and changes to hydrology. Caring for our Country investments will continue to help mitigate these threats to Australia’s valuable ecosystems and unique species, also assisting with meeting international commitments to conserve biodiversity and Australia’s extraordinarily diverse natural heritage.

Overview of the Caring for our Country Sustainable Environment stream Strategic objectives Investment themes

Maintenance of »» protecting the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem services, »» conserving and protecting species and ecosystems (matters of national including ecological and environmental significance) cultural values, now and into the future »» restoring and maintaining urban waterways and coastal environments »» building natural resource management community skills, knowledge and engagement Protection of our »» building the National Reserve System conservation estate »» protecting Ramsar sites and values »» protecting World Heritage sites’ outstanding universal value and integrity »» building natural resource management community skills, knowledge and engagement Enhanced capacity of »» building Indigenous peoples’ capacity for natural resource management Indigenous communities »» building natural resource management community skills, knowledge and engagement to conserve and protect natural resources

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