April 2015 Issue 73

ACROSS THE OUTBACK Celebrating 25 years of 01 BOARD NEWS 02 Kids share what they love about their place Across The Outback 03 Act locally – join your NRM Group 04 Seasonal conditions report Welcome to the first edition of Across The Outback 05 LAND MANAGEMENT for 2015. 05 Commercial camel grazing This 73rd edition marks 25 years since The page is about natural resources on pastoral properties Across The Outback first rolled off the management in its truest sense – it’s 06 THREATENED SPECIES press as Outback, published by the about promoting healthy communities then Department of Lands on behalf and sustainable industries as much as 07 Idnya update of the Pastoral Board for the South environment and conservation news. 07 ABORIGINAL NRM NEWS Australian pastoral industry. Think community events, tourism 08 WATER MANAGEMENT The publication has seen changing news, information about road and covers and faces, and changes to park closures, and items for pastoralists 08 Sharing knowledge on the government and departments, but its on improving their (sustainable) Diamantina River Channel Country commitment to keep the SA Arid Lands production. 09 PEST MANAGEMENT community informed of government Continued on page 02… activities which affect them has 09 Buffel Grass declared in South remained the same. And it remains the only publication 10 NRM GROUP NEWS that covers and centres on the SA Arid 12 PLANNING FOR WILD DOGS Lands region. Across The Outback is mailed to 14 NATIONAL PARKS about 1500 subscribers – through 14 A new management plan for email and via snail mail – and while Innamincka Regional Reserve its readership is many and varied, and includes conservation, recreation and 15 ANIMAL HEALTH tourist groups, its natural resources 16 OUTBACK COMMUNITY management focus has meant its core readership remains the region’s pastoral community. Indeed, a 2012 survey of 192 pastoral leases funded by the SA Arid Lands HAVE YOUR SAY… (SAAL) Natural Resources Management Commercial camel grazing (NRM) Board revealed 85 per cent on pastoral properties subscribe to Across The Outback. See page 05 Getting your Arid Lands news online… Last year the SAAL NRM Board also initiated the region’s new Facebook page. Taking its lead from Across The Outback, the Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Facebook page is rapidly positioning itself as the only Facebook page dedicated to supporting the SA Arid Lands community and sharing the many activities and events occurring in the region, as well as relevant news. PIRSA

www.nrm.sa.gov.au BOARD NEWS

THANK YOU …continued from page 01 Get in touch… Over the past decade, publication Pretty much anything goes. Across The Outback continues to be costs – editing, graphic design, compiled by the Natural Resources SA Arid If you’re on Facebook and printing and mailout – have largely Lands communications team Jenny Barker thirsty for more SA Arid Lands been borne by the SAAL NRM news, or would like to share and Meg Barker (our surnames are a happy Board with additional funds from some community news, we encourage you coincidence!) with funding from the SAAL regular contributors the Pastoral to check out our page www.facebook.com/ NRM Board and using the graphic design Board, Primary Industries and naturalresourcessaaridlands. services of elevenacross. Regions SA, and Department of Behind the scenes administering the Speaking of those who prefer to receive Environment, Water and Natural Facebook page, is our Quorn-based Across The Outback electronically, we Resources. (the editors) have long held a desire for consultant Lisa Pearson. You can contact th improving your electronic experience and Lisa directly at [email protected] or In this 25 year of Across The we’re exploring new alternatives for issuing 0429 352 058. Outback, we acknowledge the the newsletter. We hope to bring you Between us, we have a long association past and previous editors and further news on that later in the year. with this extraordinary region, a huge designers of this newsletter – respect for the history and role of Across and its precursor Outback and The Outback, and a desire to build a similar Across The Myalls – including reputation for our Facebook page. Leith Yelland, Denys Slee, Richard Campbell and Merri Tothill. And we also recognise the many who contribute their news to this publication. And finally, we thank all our loyal Kids share what they love readers for whom this publication is compiled and for your patience about their place when an edition is delayed – putting this publication together Three lucky kids walked away with an iPad in January after is not without its challenges but the positive feedback that we winning a competition that captured the imagination of 70 receive always makes the effort children who love the SA Arid Lands region. worthwhile. Jenny Barker, Editor The multimedia, storytelling competition & Meg Barker, Contributing Editor asked kids to tell the SAAL NRM Board what they loved about the region, in any way they could think of. This resulted in some great and unique entries – videos, posters, photo stories, and even a model grader were all sent in! William Privett ( district) took out Left: William Privett – winner of the 5-8 the 5-8 year old category, Annie McCarthy category produced a great video entry. (Northern and Yorke region) won the 9-12 Check it out at www.youtube.com/ year old category, and Elisabeth Pergoleto watch?v=Wk0PvV5Qil8 () won the 13-17 year old Below: Some of the great entries category. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all the children who took the time to share what they love about their place; it has added to an amazing collection of values from across the region which is contributing to the Board’s Regional NRM Plan development. Keep an eye on Across The Outback for more on the collection of your values, what the science is telling us about how our landscapes function and the threats and pressures to those land systems, and how you can help the Board and our six district- based NRM Groups prioritise management actions to ensure a sustainable future.

SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands

02 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands NRM BOARD MEETS WITH NRM GROUPS BOARD NEWS

The SAAL NRM Board held its annual meeting with the Chairs of the district-based NRM Groups in December. Agenda topics covered during the day included a review of NRM Group achievements during 2014, discussions about future priorities in the NRM districts and membership recruitment. The NRM Groups play a vital role in “grass roots” level community engagement in NRM,” said Janet Brook, Presiding Member, SAAL NRM Board. “The Board values the contribution of all NRM Groups in the region and will continue to support them as we finalise and deliver on our new Regional NRM Plan in the years ahead.” NRM Group members touring a local mine site

NOMINATIONS OPEN Act locally – join your NRM Group Applications are now open for membership of the SA Arid Lands (SAAL) Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board’s district-based NRM Groups and members of the Arid Lands community with an interest in natural resources management in their area are encouraged to apply. There are currently six active NRM Groups Groups are skills-based with members “And the NRM Group have in the region representing the North selected based on their knowledge of focussed on maintaining relationships with Flinders, Marree-Innamincka, Marla- areas such as local community affairs, mining and defence organisations in the , Kingoonya, Gawler Ranges mining and petroleum, tourism, primary region and have developed tourism signage and North East Pastoral districts. production, soil conservation, water to raise awareness of responsible travel and resources management, pest animal and fragile landscapes. Vacancies exist within all of the weed control, local governance, Aboriginal Meanwhile, the North East Pastoral NRM NRM Groups heritage and business administration. Group have focussed on developing a “Community members involved at this The Groups provide advice directly to the District Weed Strategy to identify the level are a vital, practical link for the Board on wide ranging local NRM issues spread and control of pest plants in the communities they represent, providing a and priorities, including the management of district.” local perspective and ensuring the Board’s weeds and feral species, industry activities, REGISTER YOUR INTEREST! priorities and investment decisions are road conditions and waste management. To register your interest in becoming locally relevant,” said Ms Janet Brook, “The North Flinders NRM Group, for an NRM Group member or for Presiding Member of the SAAL NRM Board. example, initiated the Biteback program further information contact Natural for wild dog control, and have hosted Resources SA Arid Lands or visit www. “The majority of our NRM Group workshops to allow for community input naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands. into the development of the SA Arid Lands members live in the district or Applications close on 10 April 2015. are involved in natural resources Wild Dog Management Plan. management in the area and may “The Marla-Oodnadatta and Kingoonya SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid NRM Groups are both involved in the Lands include pastoralists, Aboriginal Ecosystem Management Understanding community members, townsfolk, (EMU)™ project, an informal approach and representatives from mining to sustainable land management that and tourism industries and combines pastoralist experience with Find out what it’s like to be scientific expertise. conservation groups. an NRM Group member: “The Marree-Innamincka NRM Group has Glenys Aird shares her story been involved in improving facilities and on p. 11 infrastructure along the Strzelecki Track and have developed a digital version and App for their successful Great Tracks brochure.

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 03 BOARD NEWS PASTORAL BOARD AND UNIT CONTACTS

THE PASTORAL BOARD OF SA Sharon Bell and her grandchildren enjoying Level 1, 1 Richmond Road the water in House Creek, KESWICK SA 5035 (GPO Box 1047, SA 5001) GENERAL ENQUIRIES Phone 8124 4837 Fax 8463 4828 Freecall 1800 678 447 PASTORAL BOARD 2015

MEETING 147 Thursday 30 April, Keswick MEETING 148 Thursday 18 June, Keswick

Seasonal conditions report UPDATE – PASTORAL Jeffrey Stringer, Pastoral Inspector BOARD FUTURE Pastoral properties in experienced a very The last edition of Across The dry second half of 2014, with very little rain recorded on Outback reported that debate on the Boards and Committees most properties after April 2014. Abolition Bill, particularly the future of the Pastoral Board, was to occur in the House of Assembly In contrast, 2015 began very well with North Flinders good to excellent rainfall recorded (Lower House) of Parliament Through the Flinders district January rainfall throughout the state on the 9-13 January, during March. This debate was recordings were good, with Wilpena excepting properties in the Kingoonya delayed and it looks likely a full recording 108mm, 180mm, district, along the Dog Fence, where debate will not occur until May. Station 48mm and recordings were generally below 20mm. If the Bill is passed in the Lower Station 90mm. Although these rains will These January rains contained not only House it will then be debated generate a primarily annual forb response enough storms to enable most dams to fill, further in the Legislative Council in vegetation, the capture of runoff stock but also general steady rainfall to provide (Upper House). The Pastoral Board water will be of great benefit. vegetation response and sufficient stock will continue with its bi-monthly fodder well into 2015. Many areas reported North East Pastoral & Eastern meetings in April and June 2015. storm damage to station tracks, fences and Districts Further updates will be published dam banks, but generally the response has in Across the Outback as more January rainfall east of Burra and north been one of welcomed rains. information is received. For toward Cockburn was excellent, with additional information contact Quondong Station recording 140mm, Marree-Innamincka Chris Turner, Pastoral Unit Leader Mooleulooloo Station 105mm, Cockburn Rainfall recordings for January ranged from on 8124 4957 or 0418 812 484. 78mm, Sturt Vale 78mm, Mannahill 70mm, 280mm at Dulkaninna Station, 102mm at and 52mm. These Lindon Station and 40mm at Moomba. At good rainfalls will both alleviate stock water the top of the Birdsville Track properties shortages and produce good resprouting in that have been experiencing a very long, the chenopod shrublands. On behalf of the Pastoral unequalled drought recorded excellent Board, the Natural Resources rains in January of approximately 80mm, Gawler Ranges & Kingoonya SA Arid Lands Pastoral Unit has with most dams now full. maintained data from significant Most of the sheep properties west of Port rainfall events since 1972. This Marla-Oodnadatta Augusta received good January rains, although recordings were very variable. The data is obtained using Bureau The highest January rainfall recording in higher recordings were of Meteorology data, from key the far north west was Tieyon Station with 42mm, Glendambo 32mm, Woomera pastoral station records and 135mm. Although 120mm of this event 89mm, and Andamooka 70mm, but annual stock return data and occurred in a single day (9 January), the unfortunately some properties recorded assists with the monitoring of stock feed benefits will last into the second only 10-15mm. land condition throughout the half of 2015. Generally, recordings in the South Australian rangelands. Oodnadatta district were pleasing with A yearly summary of seasonal Todmorden Station recording 61mm at Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Pastoral Board conditions is also provided in the homestead, 115mm and Oodnadatta 43mm. Marla to the west Pastoral Board annual reports. recorded lower falls. Contact the Pastoral Unit for more information. 04 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands LAND MANAGEMENT

HAVE YOUR SAY Commercial camel grazing on pastoral properties The SA Arid lands community are encouraged to have their say on draft guidelines for pastoral leaseholders applying to commercially graze camels. In response to commercial interest, the rangeland landscapes and that the camels Further information State Government, led by Primary Industries are securely contained to prevent escape Get a copy of the draft guidelines and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), have into the wild. and a feedback form from been working towards developing a clear Information in the management plans www.environment.sa.gov.au/ process and criteria for applicants wanting provided by applicants will help the Native haveyoursay/rangelandscamelgrazing, to run camels “behind wire” as a pastoral Vegetation Council and the Pastoral Board or contact the Native Vegetation business enterprise. consider applications to graze camels Council. email [email protected] or The resultant draft guidelines consider as part of a commercial enterprise on a telephone: 8303 9777 the legislative requirements of the Native pastoral lease. The public consultation period on the Vegetation Act 1991 and the Pastoral Land The two month consultation period for draft guidelines closes on 6 May 2015. Management and Conservation Act 1989. the guidelines seeks feedback from key The guidelines provide information about stakeholder groups and the broader The guidelines were developed by PIRSA the requirements of a management plan to community prior to consideration for in collaboration with the Department of form part of the application process. adoption by the Native Vegetation Council. Environment, Water and Natural Resources, This management plan will be used to Native Vegetation Council, SAAL NRM Board and ensure that the commercial grazing of Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara camels does not cause degradation of

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST Are you interested in improving your FREE GRADER grader skills, track design and knowledge? Save yourself time and dollars. Learn how to improve your station roads and tracks and maintain your pastoral country. WORKSHOPS The free workshops are open to land APRIL/MAY 2015 managers, contractors and government staff working in the SA Arid Lands region and are currently scheduled for each NRM district in late April/early May 2015.

To register your interest contact Lisa Stevens (Regional Landcare Facilitator) 8648 5300, 0438 720 469 or [email protected]

Training will be delivered by -based soil conservation expert Col Stanton. Col will demonstrate practical skills in track design and maintenance, drain location and design as well as grading techniques and maintenance.

These workshops are delivered by Natural Resources SA Arid Lands on behalf of the SA Arid Lands NRM Board with Australian Government funding. Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 05 Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) THREATENED SPECIES spotted near Coober Pedy

Magnificent regional snakes

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands staff often encourage residents and visitors to the region to be their eyes and ears and to send in their photos of interesting plants and animals. Native or introduced, your sighting may be a plant or animal not previously recorded in our region or one outside of its known range. Here, Across The Outback shares some of the snake sightings people have been reporting over the last few months.

Flinders Ranges National Park Wintinna Station Near Coober Pedy During recent Western Quoll (Idnya) The old, 1972 Mack truck that left Wintinna Jan Becker, a German exchange student, surveying in the National Station on the back of a semi-trailer had a came across an Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus Park, volunteers David Peacock and Kelly stow-away on board that took free ride to microlepidotus) after visiting the Dog Rayner were undertaking telemetry near Adelaide, a snake that measured more than Fence north east of Coober Pedy during his Wangarra Lookout and were alerted to one and a half metres in length! university holidays (see above). the excited calls of the Grey Shrike Thrush. The stow away still remains a bit of a Travelling with friends between Adelaide When Kelly stepped off the path a couple mystery to Digby Giles (Wintinna) who had and Alice Springs, Jan shared his of metres to investigate, she was amazed to no knowledge it was actually on board photograph with the online community for see a Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) more when it left the property and has never identification and was surprised when the than two metres in length (see below). seen that type of snake in the area before. message he received back was, “[You are] “I heard it might have been a Carpet very lucky to see a wild one of these. Lots Python and that it is outside the known of hepers [herpetologists] go out looking range for this type of snake, but we can’t for them and don’t have any luck at all.” be 100% certain it was on board went it Jan’s photograph and GPS co-ordinates left the property,” Digby said. have resulted in the record being lodged It was a bit of a surprise when the truck in the South Australian Biological Survey was being unloaded in Adelaide and it was Database. Well done Jan! discovered under the spare tyre. A snake catcher was duly called and the travelling Natural Resources SA Arid Lands snake has been relocated to a more suitable home.

WOMPA? WHAT IS IT?

Share your photos of interesting region. The page takes its name critters or plants on the online from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara word page “WOMPA” where the online “wampa”, which means “I don’t community can help identify your know” or “It’s a mystery” and it’s the sighting and the information you perfect place to post your photo and provide can be added to national and ask the question, wompa? – what is international databases. it? Check out – www.bowerbird.org. Created by regional ecologist John au Read, WOMPA was created to inspire Alternatively share your sightings kids, empower naturalists and inform with the Natural Resources Centre in Carpet Python (Mudlu) in Flinders biologists about the amazing natural Port Augusta [email protected] Ranges National Park history we have in the SA Arid Lands or phone 8648 5300.

06 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands THREATENED SPECIES

Idnya update A second release of the Western Quoll (Idnya) will occur within the next two or three months after last year’s trial release was deemed successful. The latest Idnya e-News reported that the Special thanks to Stephen Robinson and December trapping captured 10 juvenile Rachel Ladd, interns who worked over the Idnya and recaptured 12 of the original 41 summer to radio-track juvenile Idnya. release animals. The Department of Environment, Water A dedicated team of trappers descended on and Natural Resources and the Foundation the Wilpena Shearers Quarters to set cage for Australia’s Most Endangered Species FAME is leading the drive to traps at 152 trap sites over eight nights (each (FAME) thank the many volunteers, raise approximately $1.7 million trap was trapped for four nights). contractors, donors, land managers and over a five year period to fund Despite the long hours and early mornings, partners of Bounceback and FAME for their the recovery of the Idnya. the group was ecstatic to capture the first support for this project. They greatly need your help to new sub-adult Idnya on the first night of Look out for more news in the next continue this vitally important trapping along the Wilcolo Track. In total 10 edition of Across The Outback or project and make it the success new sub-adult Idnya were captured along subscribe to Idnya e-News for a it deserves to be. Donations to with 12 of the original release animals. more detailed email update on the the Western Quoll project can Results are encouraging and suggest Idnya’s progress: send an email with the subject “Quoll update” to be made by visiting fame.org. conditions are suitable for Idnya re- au/projects/western-quoll or establishment in the park. All adult females [email protected] contact [email protected] for that were captured had large post-lactating teats suggesting that they had successfully more information. raised young.

ABORIGINAL NRM NEWS

NEW PUBLICATIONS Sharing the stories in Aboriginal NRM The SA Arid Lands (SAAL) Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board has recently funded a collection of new communications tools to help share the stories of the many activities occurring in Aboriginal natural resources management across the region. A new publication, Connected to Country and two short movies, Looking for the Bronzeback The recently released publication, Legless Lizard and Buffel Grass in the SA Arid Connected to Country, gathers Lands are now available to be read, watched regional stories to share with both and shared. Aboriginal communities and the The Board, guided by its Aboriginal broader community and shines Partnerships Strategy, has goals associated a light on the challenges and with increasing levels of Aboriginal community successes of looking after country participation in natural resource management in the SA Arid Lands. activity, and these communication tools aim to increase awareness, exchange ideas and inspire Connected to Country also participation across the region. welcomes contributions from other Looking for the Bronzeback Legless Lizard is government and non-government a five minute movie, telling the story of the agencies, native title holders and seven year search for the shy lizard on Mount individuals. Willoughby Indigenous and the successful contribution the Lennon family have SUBSCRIBE NOW! made adding records to the national database. Buffel Grass in the SA Arid Lands is a 10 minute Visit www.naturalresources.sa.gov. movie, telling the story of Buffel Grass and the au to subscribe to Connected to Roxby Downs and Coober Pedy community’s Country or contact the Aboriginal efforts to control it. Partnerships Team, Natural Visit www.naturalresources.com.au/aridlands Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300 to check out these new stories. or [email protected]

SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 07 WATER MANAGEMENT

“I was glad to bring the young ones, to find out the history. I’m happy to find the artefacts and I’m glad the kids came along, as we are getting older and are Valerie Naylon- handing down our responsibilities Fuschtei (centre) to them.” with her grandchildren, Valerie Naylon-Fuschtei Valerie Fuschtei and Eddie Fuschtei Sharing knowledge on the Diamantina River Channel Country Eleven Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi Traditional Owners joined a varied team of ecologists, scientists, historians and botanists in September to follow the path of the Swan Dreaming creation story which takes in part of the Diamantina River. The field trip was mounted to share The Koonchera and Tepamimi Waterholes Historian Dick Kimber also contributed his information about the human influences were notable cultural and historical sites deep and thoughtful knowledge bringing on the Diamantina catchment as part of a where a number of stone artefacts were with him more than 40 years experience in four-year project that is focussing on both identified and the group was able to share central Australia. the natural features and human influences knowledge about the Swan Dreaming The field trip contributed significant on key refuge waterholes and wetlands creation story and the importance of the information to the SA Arid Lands (SAAL) along the Diamantina River, Warburton swan eggs along the journey. Natural Resources Management (NRM) and Kallakoopah Creeks in the Marree- Jimmy Crombie, Don Rowlands, Jean Board’s Diamantina Channel Country Innamincka district of the SA Arid Lands Barr and Valerie Fuschtei were the senior project and to the participants who shared region. Wangkangurru Yarluyandi participants the journey. The team travelled with the Traditional who have had a long connection on Work will continue to engage with Owners from Birdsville to Mungerannie country, and for Valerie it was particularly Traditional Owners, pastoralists, mining and taking in several major waterholes including meaningful to share the knowledge and tourism industries as well as the broader Koonchera, Goyder Lagoon, Tepamimi, experience with the younger members of community to exchange knowledge about Yammakira, Yelpawaralinna and Lake the group. the Diamantina catchment. Kalamurra and many other sites that were Luise Hercus, the much respected To Traditional Owners, Jimmy Crombie, significant to the Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi linguist, joined the trip to contribute the Don Rowlands, Jean Barr, Valerie Naylon custodians. consolidated learnings of more than 40 Fuschtei, Eddie Fuschtei, Valerie Fuschtei, The group exchanged knowledge, ideas, years of dedicated work with not only the Terry Crombie, Nerissa Parsons, Geraldine and stories and learned from each other Wangkangurru and Yarluyandi peoples Monaghan, Jarrod Coulthard and George while visiting important cultural sites, but custodians from the Simpson Desert, Reid, our thanks for your contribution to including various stone arrangements in around the Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks the project. gibber country. and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. Thanks to the land managers from Clifton Hills, Cowarie and Kalamurina Stations for their co-operation. Thanks also to Luise Hercus, Dick Kimber, Margaret Friedel, Jake Gillen, Joc Schmiechen, Lynette Rowlands and Rob Nugent.

SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Australian Government

FURTHER INFORMATION Contact Henry Mancini, Water Project Officer, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, 8648 5300 Participants sharing knowledge at Koonchera Waterhole, Diamantina River 08 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands PEST MANAGEMENT

Buffel Grass declared in

South Australia Buffel Grass infestation

Land managers in the SA Arid Lands region are advised that Buffel Grass was placed on the declared plant list by BUFFEL GRASS Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) Hunter in January. was one of 24 weeds declared across South Australia by the While Buffel Grass is widely utilised in Buffel Grass workshop Minister after a comprehensive northern Australia as cattle fodder, it is A two-day Buffel Grass workshop held in review undertaken by Biosecurity difficult to contain and has spread across Port Augusta in February brought together SA and weed experts from the a wide range of land types where it is not land managers, mining companies, state’s eight natural resources wanted, causing significant, long-term conservation groups and Aboriginal management regions. Information environmental and social problems. Hence, community representatives to talk about on Buffel Grass and the other on balance, it is considered a major weed the best practice identification, control, newly declared weeds can be threat to South Australia. surveillance and hygiene associated with found at: www.pir.sa.gov.au/ In South Australia Buffel Grass has become Buffel Grass. biosecuritysa/nrm_biosecurity/ established in a number of localities, Prevention and early intervention are weeds/pest_weed_policies. and is encroaching southwards from the important components of Buffel Grass rangelands. Details on herbicides registered for control which can be achieved through Buffel Grass control can be found It establishes easily, grows and matures vehicle hygiene, ongoing surveillance and in the Weed Control Handbook for quickly, produces prolific seeds and has a early treatment of infestations. With Buffel Declared Plants in South Australia high seed dispersal ability; it also naturalises Grass widespread in the SA Arid Lands at: www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/ in most climates and soil types and quickly region focus will be on keeping the species assets/pdf_file/0020/232382/ forms self-sustaining populations which are out of areas with high production or Weed_Control_July14.pdf tolerant of fire and drought. biodiversity values. Alternatively, download the free These features have made it attractive to Land managers in the SA Arid Lands region SA Weed Control app from iTunes pastoralists but have also enabled Buffel who would like further advice on the Grass to rapidly establish as a weed species Buffel Grass declaration should contact the or Google Play stores. and it has the potential to completely Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Biosecurity change ecosystems by excluding native team 8648 5300. species and altering fire regimes. Buffel Grass forms dense monocultures Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Biosecurity SA, which can foster frequent fires and exclude SAAL NRM Board native plants and animals from growing naturally, and it poses a significant threat LEARN MORE ABOUT BUFFEL GRASS to Aboriginal communities through the Natural Resources SA Arid Lands has put together a short movie on increased fire risk and reduced availability regional efforts to control Buffel Grass around Coober Pedy and Roxby of native plants and animals for hunting Downs. Visit www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands and bush food preparation. ABC TV’s Landline ran a feature on Buffel Grass in February presenting the different perspectives on the plant including from pastoralists, Aboriginal community members and ecologists. Visit www.abc.net.au/landline/content/2015/s4172528.htm

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 09 NRM GROUP NEWS

Apply for $$ to control weeds Through an initiative of the North East Pastoral NRM Group, land managers across the SA Arid Lands region are being encouraged to tackle weeds on their property with a rebate for the cost of the chemical used in their specific control. In the last edition of Across the Outback we 2. Natural Resources SA Arid Lands staff If you need access to spray units to reported on the creation of new, five-year, will contact you to discuss your EOI and if undertake the work on your property, NRM district specific weed strategies for the successful, will confirm the allocation of Groups have several dotted around the North East Pastoral, Marree-Innamincka chemical. region that may be suitable (see below). and Marla-Oodnadatta NRM districts. 3. Purchase chemical as approved by the Further information The North East Pastoral NRM Group confirmation letter For further information, to get a copy wanted to turn their strategy into action 4. Submit invoice and copy of receipt for of your district weed strategy, or to and this great idea has grown to be shared payment to Natural Resources SA Arid submit your EOI form contact across the whole region. Lands for reimbursement. Paul Hodges, Biosecurity Team, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands So now it’s time to tackle some of those Weeds listed in the district weed strategies 8648 5300, [email protected] weeds! are the targets of this rebate offer; the The weed control rebate is a simple Gawler Ranges, North Flinders and SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid process: Kingoonya district weeds strategy are Lands, Australian Government National Landcare currently under review so the rebate will 1. Submit the Expression of Interest (EOI), Program listing your target weeds and where you target those in the existing strategies. intend to work on them at your place by Friday May 1.

SPECIES NOTE WATCH OUT FOR WEEDS African Boxthorn When actively growing after rain

Good summer rains bring on a surge African Rue When actively growing of growth in the region and this Athel Pine Juveniles only growth includes weeds! The weeds Bathurst Burr When actively growing after rain listed below can be sprayed now as part of your weed management plan. Buffel Grass When actively growing after rain Cacti species When actively growing Caltrop When actively growing Khaki Weed When actively growing Mesquite Juveniles only Noogoora Burr When actively growing after rain Parkinsonia Juveniles only

REGIONAL WEED SPRAY UNITS

Several of the NRM Groups have purchased spray units and hose reels for use by land managers and communities in the region.

DISTRICT SPRAY UNIT CONTACT Kingoonya 600 litre spray unit Bon Bon Station. Mike Chuk and mounted on a trailer Julia Harris. Telephone: 8672 8932 Gawler Ranges 400 litre slip on spray unit Station. Sandy Morris. Telephone: 8648 1880 Marla- 400 litre, slip on, engine Janet Walton, Coober Pedy. Oodnadatta driven spray unit with a 30 Telephone: 8672 3648 or mobile metre hose reel 0408 807 498 North East 500 litre, slip on, engine Glen Norris. Boolcoomatta Station. Pastoral driven spray unit with a 50 Telephone: 8091 1613 metre hose reel

10 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands NRM GROUP NEWS

The North Flinders NRM Group: Stony Steiner, Glenys Aird, A wide web of connections Keith Slade, Ian Ferguson, Ivan McKenzie, Leonard Nutt and Natural Resources SA Arid Lands With nominations open for NRM Group membership, staff, Louise Gavin and Tanya Glenys Aird from Beltana shares with us some of her McKenzie insights and successes during her five years with the North Flinders NRM Group. Before I joined the NRM Group in 2010, The Group are actively working to encourage The Group has recently been working to my perception was that it was dominated all land managers in the north Flinders develop our priorities in a Strategic Plan by pastoralists, prompting me to think that to work with their neighbours and wider which we have started working towards I might provide a different perspective to community to look after their country. achieving. some of the issues. As it turned out, my Sometimes this means extra fencing, We are always interested in ideas and issues perception was not entirely accurate! sometimes it means putting out fox and anyone in the district has about natural The North Flinders NRM Group has men wild dog baits together; often it is about resource management and members of the and women members from a variety of calling people to let them know of sightings community are welcome at all meetings. backgrounds. of wild dogs or feral goat mobs. The Group will continue to hold workshops Some are pastoralists, others have That is to me, the wide web of connections and information sessions and have guest conservation blocks, some are ecologists working together in really practical and speakers as part of their meetings to and others, like myself, are community meaningful ways. raise the level of awareness about natural members from the district. The North Flinders NRM Group have held resources matters. workshops over the past few years to I would recommend you get involved in Really, I am just an old chook and increase our collective understanding of your local NRM Group. have reached the stage of life plant identification, bait making, alternate where I am able to see multiple sheep breeds, carbon farming, pest plants, points of view as valid, yet, I have the Pastoral Act and the Idnya (Western JOIN YOUR LOCAL Quoll) reintroduction to the Flinders Ranges. NRM GROUP the confidence to pursue my See p. 03 to find out how own interests in natural resource management. Being a part of this Group has given me the chance to pursue those interests. SAVE THE DATE REGIONAL WEED WORKSHOP – I enjoy the meetings where different BOOLCOOMATTA STATION personalities, opinions and perspectives are all canvassed and respected. Our Chair, The North East Pastoral NRM Group When: Wednesday 20 May 2015 Keith Slade from Moolooloo Station, gives invite land managers to attend a Time: 10am-4pm everyone a chance to share their opinions, regional weeds workshop to share Enquiries and RSVP to Paul Hodges, and at the end of the discussion I feel as information about how best to Biosecurity Team, Natural Resources if the Group actually achieves positive and manage weeds such as African practical outcomes and is not just a talk SA Arid Lands, Telephone: 8648 5300 Boxthorn, Cactus, Noogoora Burr, fest. Mobile: 0417 738 498, Pepper Tree and Buffel Grass. Email: paul.hodges.sa.gov.au

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 11 WILD DOG MANAGEMENT

Planning for wild dogs

The South Australian Wild Dog Advisory Group (SAWDAG) presented its draft SA Wild Dog Strategic Plan to about 60 participants at a Wild Dog Stakeholder Forum held in Port Augusta in February. Bringing together representatives of and government staff in conducting wild Sheep Industry Fund and Australian Wool pastoral, conservation, Aboriginal and dog management throughout the SA Arid Innovation. government perspectives the forum was Lands region to 2017. With aerial baiting generally limited to an opportunity for attendees to comment Attendees were pleased with progress inaccessible areas, the land managers on this statewide plan which provides since the December 2013 forum which first present were strongly urged to participate for a cooperative approach to wild dog gave rise to the South Australian Wild Dog in the Biteback ground baiting program to management by government, industry and Advisory Group (SAWDAG) with a range of keep the pressure on to remove wild dogs community across South Australia over measures introduced to step up wild dog from inside (south of) the Dog Fence. 2014-18. control, particularly in the SA Arid Lands Comments closed on 27 February on The forum enabled the participants and the region. the draft SA Wild Dog Strategic Plan – 10 presenters to discuss all things wild dog Many of the initiatives had arisen out of the available here www.environment.sa.gov. – including new control initiatives, aerial improved communication and coordination au/haveyoursay/wild-dog-strategic- baiting, the Dog Fence, state policy and the provided by the establishment of SAWDAG plan. Responses will be collated for national situation. and the release of a national plan last year. final consideration by SAWDAG and the Chair Geoff Power said the SA Wild Dog Greg Patrick (Natural Resources SA Arid Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Strategic Plan was the mechanism by which Lands) reported increased investment by Conservation.. South Australia delivers its contributions to the SAAL NRM Board with funds released Copies of the SAAL Wild Dog Management achieving the Wool Producers Australia-led to employ a new wild dog officer, and Plan can be downloaded here www. National Wild Dog Action Plan which was Drought Assistance funds to contract a naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands while launched in July 2014. professional trapper, subsidise baits, and additional information is available from the An update on the implementation of contribute provide for trapper training Natural Resources Centre in Port Augusta the national plan was provided by Wool workshops inside the Dog Fence (see p. 13). 8648 5300. Producers Australia’s Michele Jackson. Peter Bird (Biosecurity SA) provided an The forum also saw the launch of the overview of the March/April aerial baiting SA Wild Dog Advisory Group, Biosecurity SA, SAAL NRM Board’s SA Arid Lands Wild where 96 properties have been ear-marked SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Dog Management Plan, an important for 10,000 kilometres of baited flight Lands, Australian Wool Innovation, Sheep document for the Board, land managers path with funding provided by the SA Industry Fund

12 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands WILD DOG MANAGEMENT

CHANGES TO OUR WILD DOG MANAGEMENT Wild dog management TEAM With the completion of the region’s wild dog plan, Heather assistance available Miller has taken on a new position providing oversight over the A range of measures to step up wild dog control in the region’s six district-based NRM region are available to land managers both inside (south Groups by leading the region’s of) and outside (north of) the Dog Fence. NRM Officers, as well as managing the Aboriginal partnerships, volunteer and education Professional dog trapper Kingoonya districts throughout the 2015/16 programs. financial year. Professional dog trapper, Brian Gill, is Wild Dog Project Officer Chris available to assist dog control inside the Workshops allow land managers to discuss Havelberg was joined by Emma Fence. Availability and timing permitting, wild dog control efforts in their area, Spaeth in January. Emma will he can be allocated to a property for review existing local area plans, determine up to two weeks. Currently Brian has the minimum control efforts for their group work with Chris on the Biteback been booked by seven properties in the members, standardise bait preparation program and work will continue Kingoonya, Gawler and North Flinders techniques, and establish reporting outside the Fence to deliver the districts. He is self-sufficient (including requirements for dog control inside the annual bait injection service traps, camp equipment, food, etc.) but Dog Fence. and as required. Emma is from a requires accommodation during his Land managers are strongly sheep, cattle and cropping farm stay. To find out about having Brian visit encouraged to attend. in Wilmington, and completed your property contact the Wild Dog a Bachelor of Animal Science at Management team. Roseworthy in November. She will LOCAL AREA PLANNING be working on the ground with Volunteer shooters available GROUPS landholders at injection services Properties outside the Fence that are and liaising with landholders experiencing impacts from excessive There are currently 22 Local to develop local area plans to dog numbers can now register to have Area Planning Groups (LAPs) manage wild dogs. qualified volunteer shooters from the established inside the Dog Fence Sporting Shooters Association of South and nine established outside the CONTACT US Australia (Hunting & Conservation Branch) Fence. These groups enable a For access to wild dog and the Australian Deer Association to coordinated approach to wild dog management services contact undertake dog control. Register your control through group baiting Chris ([email protected], interest with the Wild Dog Management programs at specific times of 0458 566 536), Emma (emma. team and the volunteers will contact you the year (spring and autumn). [email protected], 0419 835 120) direct to determine a suitable time before Groups inside the Fence work or the Natural Resources Centre commencing wild dog control on your together to develop Local Area 8648 5300. property and at no cost. Plans to facilitate the creation of minimum dog control standards Trapping workshops for their group and to ensure a Map your dog sightings The Wild Dog Management team is seeking standardised approach to wild To help determine where the biggest expressions of interest from land managers dog control. for two trapping workshops planned for impacts are occurring and where control mid-late May at locations to be determined. efforts should be focussed, land managers are asked to continue mapping dog sightings Contact the Wild Dog Management team Get your meat injected for further detail. and control measures on their properties. Land managers inside the Fence can attend Maps will be provided at the autumn Subsidised manufactured baits a bait injection service in the following and spring injection services, or mailed to districts: Half price manufactured baits are available properties if they are unable to attend. The to properties across the region. Contact the • North Flinders/Marree: 23-27 March same maps will then be sent to pastoral Wild Dog Management team for details on • North East Pastoral: 13-15 April properties with stock returns and mailed directly to perpetual lease properties in June. how to purchase them. • Kingoonya/Gawler Ranges: 27 April-1 May All maps should be returned in the supplied Local Area Planning workshops self-addressed envelope by 31 January each Invites and locations will be mailed by post The latest round of Local Areal Planning year to ensure allow for data collation. at least four weeks before each week of Contact the Wild Dog Management team if workshops have now been completed in injection services. the North Flinders and Marree districts you need a new map. with workshops in Leigh Creek, Marree, These baits are then distributed by land and Hawker. Two more workshops will managers on their properties, or are semi- SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid be held in the North East Pastoral district dried and frozen in one of 14 communal Lands, Livestock SA, State and Australian in March and May. Similar workshops will freezers in operation throughout the region Government drought assistance funding be conducted in the Gawler Ranges and for distribution during the year. Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 13 NATIONAL PARKS Cullyamura waterhole

HAVE YOUR SAY A new management plan for Innamincka Regional Reserve Wainwright Paul

Planning is now underway for the development of a new management plan for the Innamincka Regional Reserve and community members are encouraged to join in the conversation and help contribute to setting the course for the Reserve’s management for the next 10 years. In accordance with the National Parks and cultural heritage, pastoralism, mining Further Information contact: and Wildlife Act 1972, the new plan will and traditional Aboriginal land uses also Justine Smith, Policy & Planning Officer reflect developments and changes within occur within it. – Innamincka, DEWNR the reserve, together with the aspirations There will be several opportunities to Telephone: 8124 4802 or of the Yandruwandha and Yawarrawarrka participate in the planning process, from DEWNRProtectedAreaManagement@ Traditional Owners and the broader the current phase of initial contributions, sa.gov.au community and stakeholders. to consultation on the preparation of the The Innamincka Township and Malkumba- draft plan to the final consultation phase, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Coongie Lakes National Park are within the three month public consultation on the Resources, Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Parks the boundary of the Reserve which draft plan. Advisory Committee, Natural Resources SA Arid protects the boom and bust ecology of the Lands Cooper Creek, its waterholes, floodplains, dunefields and gibber plains. In addition to the conservation of the Reserve’s natural

GET INVOLVED FRIENDS OF VULKATHUNHA-GAMMON RANGES NATIONAL PARK

Have you ever thought about joining collaboration with the Park staff and the bequest. Volunteers often have a Friends of Parks group? Does volunteers has gained momentum and some great ideas but no money to see the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges the group are looking for volunteers. them come to life. Fortunately, we National Park hold a special place Graeme Oats, Treasurer and instigator do and we want to spend the funds in your heart? This could be the of the group’s re-forming says “the wisely,” he says. volunteering experience you were new Friends of Vulkathunha-Gammon To register your interest contact looking for…. Ranges National Park is in a great Graeme via email Following a generous bequest to the position to undertake some exciting [email protected] defunct Friends of Gammon Ranges and meaningful projects within the National Park, a renewed vision for a park thanks to the start-up funds from

14 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands ANIMAL HEALTH Cullyamura waterhole

NLIS TRANSFERS

Ensure you complete the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) transfers for cattle or sheep coming onto the property you are responsible for. If you are receiving the cattle, you are responsible for ensuring that the transfer is uploaded to the national NLIS database. Even if you rely on a third party (agent, saleyard etc) Restocking cattle back to to complete the transfer it pays to check your NLIS database account to ensure the transfer has been your property? done correctly. There are several important things land managers will Don’t have an NLIS database account? They are free, and easy need to consider when restocking cattle back onto to obtain. Go to www.nlis.com.au properties as a result of the rains in the north of the SA for more information. Arid Lands region earlier in the year. Cattle needs to be Beef Only certified, Health Statement or otherwise meet the have a Market Assurance Program (MAP) requirements of the national cattle health statement. ARE YOU BRINGING certificate or be otherwise compliant with the requirements of the national cattle This includes cattle coming back from MORE THAN LIVESTOCK health statement. agistment. This will allow land managers to ONTO YOUR PROPERTY? Most of the northern pastoral region is trade these cattle to other BJD protected in the protected zone for Bovine Johne’s zones in Australia. When bringing livestock onto disease (BJD). your property make sure you All cattle movements from interstate must aren’t bringing any hidden This means that stock brought into the be accompanied by a national cattle health region will generally have to meet the statement. surprises along with you. You may requirements of the Beef Only category. be bringing in more than you Copies of the National Cattle Health bargained for. Introduced animals Beef Only is a herd category to help assure Statement which contains the Beef can be a source of weeds (in dung/ cattle buyers about the very low risk of BJD Only declaration can be found at hair/fleece), diseases and parasites in beef herds that have had no contact with www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecuritysa/ (internal and external). dairy cattle. animalhealth The beef cattle industry and state animal You can minimise your risk of nasty health authorities have agreed that cattle introductions by knowing the from herds that qualify as Beef Only REMEMBER – disease risk of the animals you are represent a low risk of BJD. BIOSECURITY MATTERS! introducing. Source animals from Further information areas or properties of low disease They also agreed that herds that Contact Trent Scholz, and weed risk and quarantine qualify as Beef Only can trade into BJD Protected Zones of the Northern Territory, PIRSA Animal Health Officer, livestock, allowing weeds to be Queensland and South Australia without Biosecurity SA shed in a confined area and allow herds having to be tested. 0427 970 453, 8648 5166 or the incubation period for a disease [email protected] of concern to pass without signs of When land managers are restocking the disease. they need to insist that all cattle are accompanied by a MAP certificate, or are Beef Only certified in a National Cattle

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 15 OUTBACK COMMUNITY ACROSS THE OUTBACK

Across the Outback is prepared and edited by the Communications team, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, a division of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. It is currently jointly funded by the SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board; Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; the Pastoral Board; and Volunteers help Biosecurity SA (a division of Primary Industries and Regions SA). restore historic Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Please contact [email protected]. Balcanoona Woolshed au or 8463 3354

Last April we brought you news of the restoration of an old wool press at Witchelina . This April Across The Outback reports on another impressive effort Content for the June edition due to restore a woolshed in the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges COB Monday 18 May 2015 National Park with assistance from the Campground Host program. Peter and Heather Hastings graciously share their experience here. Heather and I have been using national The press has now been restored with the parks all our lives – keen to give something top and bottom press boxes rebuilt and put back during retirement we became in place. campground hosts in 2012 and have since These have been reconstructed using native hosted at Mount Remarkable National Park pine and as many of the original fittings in South Australia’s mid-north, Flinders that were available. Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, At this stage the press will be a display item and several times at both Witjira National only as we are missing the second pulley to Park in the far north and Lincoln National operate the downward press. Park on Eyre Peninsula. If you know where a replacement can be It was against this backdrop that we found, Lindsay and Sian would be happy undertook a three week stint at the to hear from you as they have the original Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National press handle which is still in good condition Park in October – our first time in the park and just awaiting a pulley to work with. for many years and our first as campground The restoration of the woolshed will hosts. continue, including pens, holding yards With our visit a week or so after school and shearers stand and we are sure that holidays and temperatures hovering around we will be involved when next we return 44 degrees, visitor numbers were not very to the Park. high, and park rangers Lindsay Brown and Further information Sian Johnson kept us well supplied with icy Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges water. They also asked if we could help with National Park some maintenance work around the Park. 8648 4829 After fixing up picnic benches, removing The wool press old fire pits, cleaning up campgrounds, and painting various buildings, in the last week of our stay we assisted in restoring the WHO ARE CAMPGROUND HOSTS? historic Balcanoona Woolshed. Campground hosts are volunteers varied duties. Part of the woolshed restoration was to who enjoy the natural environment Campground hosts are stationed in help rebuild the wool press which, best we and are interested in promoting its national park campsites throughout can establish, is a 1950s Humble and Sons conservation by assisting rangers with the year but they are often in demand press made in Geelong. park and visitor management in South during school holidays and long We guess this as the termites did not leave Australia’s national parks and reserves. weekends. very much of the original wood – the only Hosts are often the first point of Interested in becoming a campground bits remaining were some of the outer contact for visitors to a park with their host? Contact the Volunteer Support painting from the original wood in green main role to meet and greet campers Unit 8124 4841 or the Natural with grey printing and that seemed to match and help them to settle in and enjoy photos that we found on the internet. Resources Centre in Port Augusta their park experience leaving rangers 8648 5300. 16 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands to undertake their other many and