ACROSS THE OUTBACK

Number 43 May 2009 Produced for Outback SA

Feral Goat Program Kicks Off Arid Lands Muster a rural living expo ustralian and State Government funding is being applied to assist Alandholders remove feral goats from the rangelands of South Australia. The To support our community, SA Arid Lands NRM Board is one of three NRM Boards involved in this program, the Arid Lands Muster expo is assisted by the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, Department for Environment and Heritage and Rural Solutions SA. your opportunity to do a bit of socialising as well as hear industry The number of feral goats present in the rangelands of SA is increasing, having already reached levels where the damage caused is unacceptable. leaders talk on some of the big A population of 380,000 feral goats is estimated to represent a 15 percent issues of our region. The SAAL increase from the same time last year. The project will begin in May and will NRM Board is hosting the Arid assist participating landholders to implement a range of removal methods Lands Muster on 19-20 June at designed to reduce numbers to low levels. Landholders will benefit from a the Cooinda Club, Port Augusta. coordinated approach enabled by the project. (continued on page 7...) For more information see the flier in this issue, or contact the Board National Youth Week Celebrations on (08) 8648 5977. In March and April, five outback centres in South Australia staged community events for National Youth Week (NYW). The Outback Areas Community Development Trust in conjunction with the Office for Youth supported Leigh Fencing and Exotic Creek , Penong and Andamooka in running a series of fun events for young people. The Trust also supported NYW events in Marree and Woomera. Breeds of Sheep (continued on page 5...) As discussed in January, the Pastoral Board has received a number of complaints from lessees regarding exotic breeds of sheep breaching boundary fences and straying into their paddocks. In response to this and the increasing number of lessees running exotic breeds the Pastoral Board adopted a new fencing policy at its meeting on 2 April 2009.

While the policy applies to all livestock, it is particularly relevant to the containment of exotic breeds of sheep. (continued on page 2...)

A photograph competition was held in Leigh Creek to showcase local talent

Across the Outback is published every second month for the Outback SA Government and Community Alliances. It is currently jointly funded by the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (on behalf of the Pastoral Board); Primary Industry and Resources at Port Augusta; the SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board; the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure; and the Outback Areas Community Development Trust. This paper is prepared and edited by Jenny Barker (SAAL NRM Board). Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Please contact [email protected] or 08 8463 3354 Pastoral Board

Pastoral Board and Program Contacts:

The Pastoral Board of SA Prescott Building, Entry 5, Waite Campus Waite Road, Urrbrae SA (GPO Box 2834, Adelaide SA 5001)

Changes to the Pastoral Program General Enquiries: and staff Phone - (08) 8303 9751 Fax - (08) 8303 9320 There have been some changes to the Pastoral Program and staff as a Freecall - 1800 678 447 result of a restructure of the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Specific contacts in Adelaide and Port Augusta: Conservation (DWLBC). One of the outcomes of the restructure has Presiding Member: been the merging of the land management functions within DWLBC Michael McBride - 0427 087 966

under a Land Management Unit. This unit brings together the Pastoral Program Manager: Program and the Agricultural Land Management Program. The new Glenn Gale - (08) 8303 9345 land Management Unit will offer a critical mass of staff and resources Pastoral Board matters: to drive forward land management activities across both pastoral and Glenn Gale - (08) 8303 9345 agricultural areas of the state. The Pastoral Program will retain its own Public Access to pastoral lands: identity within the Land Management Unit, and staff in the program will David Oag - (08) 8648 5174 continue to provide support to Pastoral lessees and the Pastoral Board. Public Lease Assessments: Craig Baulderstone (08) 8303 9752 Through the new structure the Pastoral Program will be supported with delivery of services from within a Management Unit. Glenn was at Jamestown, which included larger group. previously the manager of the some work in the rangelands. Agricultural Land Management The restructure has also resulted Program. Glenn brings a high level David Leek, the former manager in a change of staff with Mr Glenn of skill and experience to this role, of the Pastoral Program, is now the Gale being been appointed as with a 25 year career in managing Manager of the Natural Resources the manager of the new Land programs and projects focussed Management Partnerships Unit on sustainable land management formed through the restructure. in collaboration with industry, David’s involvement with the region research and community-based will continue as his new role involves organisations. For much of the last strengthening the partnerships 10 years Glenn has been based between DWLBC and the boards at the Waite campus managing and organisations it works with on state-level programs. Prior to that sustainable management of natural he worked from several regional resources, including the Pastoral locations and began his career Board and the Natural Resources working on soil conservation projects Management Boards. with the Department of Agriculture Glenn Gale

Fencing and Exotic Breeds of Sheep (...continued from page 1) The Board acknowledges that merino sheep can sometimes breach boundary fences, but in most instances this does not result in significant financial losses to the neighbour. The exotic dorper and damara breeds of sheep appear to have less respect for the standard “merino” type fences and as such can breach boundary fences more frequently and in greater numbers. Where breaches occur there is the potential for significant economic loss to the neighbouring lessee through wool contamination and loss of breeding integrity.

The policy adopted by the Pastoral Board is that “landholders should be responsible for their livestock and not cause unreasonable economic loss to their neighbours. The cost of a standard type fence should be equally shared between neighbours and the cost of additional upgrades be borne by the landholder that requires a

  Pastoral Board

higher-grade fence”. For example, lessees carrying damaras or dorpers Outback Calendar: are responsible for any upgrade Get Back 2 Tarcoola Weekend June 6 required to contain these sheep. Marree Picnic Races and Gymkhana June 6 Lessees are also reminded of their Arid Lands Muster: A Rural Living Expo June 19-20 obligation under the Pastoral Land Oodnadatta Bronco Branding and Campdraft July 11 Management and Conservation Marree Camel Cup July 4 Act 1989 to maintain existing fencing in a stockproof condition. If your event or meeting date has been set, let us know. (Remember, Across the Outback The Board is also considering other is published bi-monthly so the next issue will be in July. Please email any additions to issues regarding exotic breeds of [email protected]) sheep. For example, these breeds appear to have a broader range of Pastoral Program in Adelaide or coverage from a regional to a diet and are very efficient foragers from our Port Augusta office. national scale. As is often the case, and so the dry sheep equivalent for it is not based on a consensus of exotic breeds could be higher than Rangelands 2008 - expert opinion or literature reviews, that for merino sheep. For further Taking the Pulse which often lack relevance to the information please contact Senior entire rangelands. Pastoral Inspector, Chris Turner, on toll Craig Baulderstone The themes of the report are climate free 1800 678 447 or (08) 8303 9755. Extreme climatic variability in the variability, landscape function, rangelands makes it difficult to sustainable management, total separate change resulting from New 4WD Tracks & grazing pressure, biodiversity, seasonal climate variation, from management of water resources Repeater Towers that driven by human activities. and socioeconomics. Brochure Australian Collaborative Rangeland To download a copy go to A new edition of the brochure “4WD Information System (ACRIS) is a http://www.environment.gov. Tracks & Repeater Towers” has partnership between Australian au/land/rangelands/acris/index. been produced. In its sixth year of Government organisations and html or you may order a summary publication, the brochure includes agencies in SA, WA, QLD, NT, and booklet that includes a full copy details of the newest operators to NSW are responsible for resource of the report on CD. Look for the open their properties to four-wheel management and biodiversity link to supporting publications. In a drive enthusiasts, as well as tracks, conservation. The role of the future edition of ATO, I will attempt camp spots and accommodation agencies is to collect and interpret to summarise some of the findings of options in rugged areas of SA. It also rangeland data and make this pioneering report. includes a map identifying Public them available to ACRIS. ACRIS facilitates data collation and Access Routes and repeater towers Maintenance for Citizens’ Band (CB) radio users. documentation for reporting on regional and national changes in of Public The brochure is a joint initiative the rangelands. Access Routes between Flinders Ranges and “Rangelands 2008 - Taking the Regular readers will be aware that Outback SA Tourism, Eyre Peninsula pulse” has been produced by ACRIS the Pastoral Board is responsible Tourism, Outback Areas Community to bring together comparative data for the management of the Public Development Trust and Department on conditions across the rangelands Access Route (PAR) network in of Water, Land and Biodiversity for the reporting period of 1992 to South Australia. There are 21 PARs Conservation, and co-funded by 2005. This builds on the findings of providing access to places of the Department for Environment “Rangelands – Tracking Changes” interest on pastoral leases, with and Heritage. A copy of the map (NLWRA 2001). The report is based on a total length of around 650 km. is available by contacting the mostly unpublished data providing Maintenance work on several routes

  ACROSS THE Outback Pastoral Board

has recently been undertaken in approached with caution. The not only from what our assessment preparation for the coming tourist portion of this PAR from sites reveal, but also what can be season. homestead to Hannigans Gap is in learned from land managers. I fair condition. However, the through greatly appreciate any time given As reported in the last edition of track to Artimore is extremely rough by lessees. ATO, media articles about water in with numerous washouts. This track Lake Eyre have prompted a level of should only be accessed using a On one particular lease the visitation to the outback not seen high clearance four-wheel drive lessee had taken the time to re- in recent years. Two PARs provide vehicle with an experienced driver. photograph sites, particularly when access to Lake Eyre and are likely to he noticed changes and wanted to be heavily used by those hopeful of Access request forms are available record that for his information. These viewing water in the lake. The Level on the Pastoral Program website photos added so much more to the Post Bay PAR starts at for visitors seeking permission to visit picture of change that took place homestead and takes visitors to the pastoral areas not covered by the at the site, from just two snapshots southern shore of Lake Eyre North, PAR network. of site assessment in 1995 and 2009. a distance of 51 km from Muloorina www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/land/ Lessees are encouraged to help us Homestead. This PAR was graded rangelands/public_access/ in our understanding of the sort of in time for the Easter school holiday seasonal changes that take place traffic. Pastoral Lease across the rangelands and a simple Assessment Update photo has tremendous value to us. The Halligan Point PAR provides access to the western edge of Almost all lease assessment reports Craig Baulderstone Lake Eyre North, starting from the for the Kingoonya district have now

Oodnadatta Track approximately been approved by the Pastoral This is a brief update on the progress 15 kilometres south of William Creek. Board and following the setting of of Pastoral Lease assessments since This PAR is 64 km long and has stock maximums, new leases will be being appointed to Brendan Lay’s been graded and had drainage offered. The Pastoral Board have old position of lead scientist within improved in time for the Easter rush. also had an extra meeting to catch the Pastoral Program in February. This work cost approximately $60,000 up on approvals of Gawler Ranges and was funded jointly by DWLBC, reports. Fieldwork has now been completed Tourism SA and DEH. for the Kingoonya and Gawler Thank you to those lessees who have Ranges Districts. Fieldwork has been The Warburton K1 PAR remains responded with valuable comments programmed to commence in the closed due to flooding in the on their reports. We are working North East District and calibration of Warburton Creek, and is likely to through the responses received field staff will take place in mid-May. be closed for several months yet. and there is still time to provide The calibration process is important This route provides access to the comments on the reports if this is to ensure that methods are being Simpson Desert from the Birdsville something you haven’t had time to employed consistently. It is also an track through Clifton Hills pastoral do. We will soon give a personal call opportunity for field staff to share lease. At the time of writing the to those who haven’t responded, experiences and ensure that we Pedirka PAR (Hamilton to Dalhousie) just in case something has gone operate as efficiently as possible. was also being graded in readiness amiss in our communications. for the impending tourist season. All I recently took part in the assessment public access routes are currently If you have any questions, please of the final leases in the Gawler open although some, such as the contact me on (08) 8303 9752. Ranges District and it confirmed Artimore track through Moolooloo for me how much we can learn, Station to Blinman, need to be

  Outback Areas Community Development Trust

Outback Asset Management The Outback Areas Community Development Trust it can be updated regularly to ensure that the Trust has engaged consultant Jeff Roorda and Associates to continues to manage its assets responsibly and has a assist in the compilation of long-term asset management vision for their future sustainability. plans for assets owned and operated by the Trust. These assets include public conveniences, UHF radio repeaters, It is expected that this initial assessment report will lead aerodromes and community waste water management to the development of asset management plans for systems. assets owned by Progress Associations to enable the communities to implement long-term management The objective is to provide the Trust with an accurate strategies and further support applications for financial picture of the whole-of-life and capital replacement costs subsidies through the Trust to implement the management associated with each asset. The figures derived from this plan. Long-term asset management planning and the research will support the case for ongoing funding to associated strategic financial management planning are ensure the Trust has the ability to maintain its assets to an key elements to the long-term financial sustainability of acceptable standard to service outback communities the outback region. and the visitors to the region. This process will give a clearer picture of what it costs to This information will be entered onto a database where provide local government-type services in the outback.

National Youth Week Celebrations (...continued from front page) A photographic competition held at Leigh Creek was soccer as well as Xbox, Playstation and Sing Star. Local an example of one of the aims of NYW – to encourage band Triple Barrel played at the “Hard Rock Café”. young people to showcase their talents. In Marree and Woomera, a tennis competition A panel of three judges, including Pam Inverarity from and games/movie night were organized after free the town’s First Light Gallery, considered “creativity, barbecues. At Penong, a dinner and games evening composition and communication” in the strong field was held, and a barbecue and games night was held of entries. Town Manager Nick Cross presented three at Andamooka. students with awards for their photos. Entries were exhibited at Liz’s Café until the Easter-school holiday Across Australia, thousands of young people aged break. 12-25 got involved under the slogan Make a Move. NYW aims to encourage young people to celebrate The Leigh Creek Youth Advisory Committee, led by their contribution to their communities, to share ideas coordinator Nicole Pilmore, also organised an all-night and “have their voices heard on issues of concern to games session at the town stadium and youth club them”. It’s a chance to attend live events, take part in which featured indoor hockey, cricket, basketball, competitions and have fun. Outback Trust Legislation New legislation to support South Australia’s outback the west. The Minister for State/Local Government communities, including the establishment of a new Relations, Gail Gago, says the Outback Communities management authority, is currently before State (Administration and Management) Bill 2009 is the result Parliament. It is proposed that the Outback Communities of extensive consultation with outback communities. She Authority will replace the Outback Areas Community also added that the new structure will promote a closer Development Trust, which covers 65 percent of SA and working relationship between progress associations, just under 1 percent of the State’s population that is not their communities and the new Outback Communities covered by local councils. Authority and more effective provision of infrastructure, service planning and community management. The authority’s jurisdiction will continue to include remote areas of the state, from Blinman, Andamooka, William Creek and Innamincka in the State’s north to Penong and Fowlers Bay in

  ACROSS THE Outback South Australian Arid Lands NRM Board

Field Naturalists Search Outback Salt Lakes Reece Pedler A group of environmental Salt lakes are difficult places to able to win some grant funding enthusiasts from Roxby Downs live when dry, but unfortunately from the Field Naturalists Society has recently travelled to the for the dragons, they also of SA and in-kind support from north of the state in search of occasionally fill with water. the SA Arid Lands NRM Board, the Lake Eyre Dragon - one of This natural event triggers an which enabled them to extend South Australia’s iconic, but little explosion of new life, but puts the searches further afield to include known reptiles. The Outback Field Lake Eyre Dragons under threat Lake Callabonna and Lake Naturalists have been successful of drowning or being picked off Frome, to the north-east of the in finding the species on Lake by birds that move into the area, Flinders Ranges. Callabonna and Lake Frome, including large numbers of Silver representing some of the first Gulls which arrive from coastal Around 15 volunteers from the recordings of the species in many regions. Outback Field Naturalists and SA years.

As its name suggests, the Lake Eyre Dragon is a known inhabitant of Lake Eyre, where it lives on the barren surface of the dry lake; however, this unique reptile has also been historically recorded on Lake Torrens, Lake Callabonna and Lake Frome.

The dry surface of these salt lakes is one of the most inhospitable environments imaginable, with blistering summer temperatures, Herpetology Groups searched unrelenting winds spraying Despite being a fascinating sites on the Lake Callabonna and grains of sand, and enough species with a remarkably Lake Frome over a weekend in salt to desiccate just about any restricted habitat, there has early April. Despite the conditions living creature. Amazingly the been surprisingly little study of this being particularly cold and dragons are able to survive in species in the wild. The last record windy for the dragons, the group this environment, with several key of the dragons on lakes other was again successful, finding the adaptations including a strong than Lake Eyre were many years species on Lake Callabonna as tolerance of heat, the ability to ago, with no records (or searches) well as signs of their presence at burrow into the moist sediment for the species on Lake Frome in other sites on the east side of Lake beneath the lake over 40 years. Frome. This represents the first crust, tiny slit-like recorded evidence of the species nostrils and serrated After some initial on this lake in several decades. eyelids to keep out success finding the The group were pleased with windblown sand. species in old haunts this outcome, but hope to revisit They also are able on Lake Torrens, again during warmer conditions to source all their the newly reformed in order to get some further water requirements Outback Field captures. Special thanks to the from their food, Naturalist group has Sheehan and Maroney families which consists been keen to try and of Moolawatana and Wooltana mainly of ants and other insects find out more about the species Stations respectively, for their and debris blown out across the and whether they persist on other support of the surveys. lake surface. remote salt lakes. The group was

  South Australian Arid Lands NRM Board

Feral Goats Program Mr Forsyth is one of only 16 rather than an isolated property or Australians to receive the 2007 paddock management approach. Kicks Off (...continued from Nuffield Scholarship. front page) • A greater understanding of Feral goats contribute to total He has used this scholarship the changes occurring in the grazing pressure, reducing feed (sponsored by the Sidney Myer environment and how to best available for livestock and altering Fund) to explore strategies that will manage these changes. vegetation species composition. ensure an ecologically sustainable They foul waterholes, which can future for the arid pastoral zone of For more information contact Janet be critical for native fauna survival inland Western Australia. Walton 08 8672 3648. during dry times. He has also been working to Grass with Class: 12 June, Feral goats are declared animals investigate cattle breeds that will Oodnadatta. The second session is under the Natural Resources help maximize returns on that land. planned for June and is titled “Grass Management Act, 2004 and the This includes the environmental With Class”. SAAL NRM Board has developed tolerance and market potential a framework for their ongoing of heat adapted Bos taurus and Guest speakers will include Dr. management that includes composite cattle breeds. Margaret Friedel (CSIRO), Dick partnerships and policy changes Cadzow (NT Pastoralist and needed to achieve significant and Mr Forsyth is a partner of Beefwood Landcare member), San Jolly sustained low goat numbers. Pastoral Company, a family (Livestock Productive Nutrition operation dedicated to sustainable Consultant), and Matt Buchanan Vegetation condition monitoring is beef production on stations spread (Greening Australia NT – Katherine being developed that will enable over almost 800,000 hectares nursery). rapid recognition of the impacts of in Western Australia’s East and feral goats. This ‘indicator’ will assist west Gascoyne, and in the north The day will provide information on landholders and other decision Midlands near Eneabba. how to collect and establish native makers to evaluate high priority grasses in an arid environment; the zones and triggers for control. In his roles of production manager nutritional value of native grasses and environmental manager his and saltbushes; and the nutritional The project provides an opportunity concern is focused on “erosion requirements of livestock. Dick for interested landholders to be degradation, pasture decline and Cadzow from Mt. Riddock Station assisted in addressing the impact the general legacy management in the will lead a of feral goats towards total grazing of our forebears”. He is, “ committed session on land reclamation and pressure. Increased vegetation to finding better ecological sustainable pastoral production. cover equals improved production management tools to repair this for pastoral lands. area, and to running the most Both information sessions are suitable stock on repaired pastures.” free. for more information Two Free Land and bookings please contact Management Mr Forsyth attended the recent Janet Walton 08 8672 3648 Sessions for Australian rangelands conference [email protected]. in Charters Towers and is involved Marla-Oodnadatta with the Ecosystem Management Understanding (EMU) program Hello Janet Walton delivered in the Murchison The board is delighted to welcome The first session will coincide with Gascoyne catchment. Kurt Tschirner to the position of Senior the next Marla-Oodnadatta NRM Natural Resource Management Group meeting, scheduled for May Participants can expect the Officer, based in Port Augusta. 26 in Oodnadatta. A special guest following from the afternoon session: His principle role will be delivering speaker, Mr. Ben Forsyth, has been the Board’s Pest Management and invited to share his experience of • A greater understanding of Rangelands Rehabilitation Project, sustainable land management sustainable land management which includes maintaining and practices in the Murchison practises being utilised and adopted developing community awareness Gascoyne regions of WA. The in arid areas in other states. and participation in natural session is free to everyone who is • A greater understanding of resources management. interested. managing pastoral property with Kurt’s family recently moved to a land system function approach SA from WA where he managed

  ACROSS THE Outback South Australian Arid Lands NRM Board

a conservation reserve for control programs in a variety of to pursue his work commitments Bush Heritage Australia in the locations throughout the NT. The interstate. Randall has been a rangelands of the mid-west. Board welcomes Kurt to the team. Board member for the past year, his Major work programs included knowledge of the pastoral industry and community attitudes has been Goodbye of great value to the Board, as has This month, the SAAL NRM Board his advice about the challenges of bids goodbye to two retiring Board pastoral land management during members, Maree Morton, from drought. He has been an invaluable and Randall member of the SAAL Board who will Crozier from Anna Creek Station. also be missed.

Maree was an inaugural member of Both Maree and Randall were active the SAAL Board and has been a long and dedicated Board members, serving and passionate contributor always ready to contribute to the to the Board. Her experience of many discussions and decisions that pastoral management, community the Board has made. The Board involvement, and knowledge of wishes them every success in the Kurt Tschirner water and biodiversity issues, pest future. fire management, fox and feral weeds and animals has made her goat control. Prior to this he was an invaluable member - with the NT Parks and Wildlife her input will be missed. Gover nment of South Australia Service for 21 years doing park South Australian Arid Lands Natural management and participating Regrettably, Randall Resources Management Boar d in regional pest plant and animal Crozier also leaves us

Outback people and places (...continued from back page) Beetaloo Valley (which was later of potential Canola growers at was along the O’Connell Street purchased in 1967). Ian describes Gladstone in the Mid-North, which hub in North Adelaide and Ian his role with these properties as that in turn led to an approach from the remembers ‘The Oaks’ Gourmet of ‘a bit of a dogsbody’. This may then United Farmers and Graziers of Butchery as involving seven days a be arguable and I think a little self- SA (later to become the SA Farmers week and effectively 12 hours every deprecating but the permanence Federation) and he became the day. of his work focus on first Hilpara and first Executive Field Officer of that then Uno (purchased in 1968) seems organisation’s Oil Seed Section. He retired from the butchering to have come with his marriage to business in 2002 and now takes on Mary, the rationalisation of holdings But his focus returned to pastoralism part time and full time casual work and the arrival of family. and Uno in particular and the life as a proud, self-funded member of and opportunities that living in the ‘greying Australia’. Ian was a good Whatever, Ian and Mary’s first year more accessible end of the Gawler oarsman at Scotch College and north was at Hilpara, a property for Ranges offered. From 1975 to 1985 although he doesn’t do it now, he which Ian holds an obvious affection. he and Mary concentrated on the coached rowing from 1986 to 1992 The family had already established station and it was from there that all at Prince Alfred College and held a a registered Poll Hereford stud there three of their children were born. Level 1 Coaching Certificate in that with 50 breeding cows and later in sport. 1971 cleared some more land. Like The pastoral interests were a lot of others at that time they had relinquished in 1985 and the family Ian and Mary now live at Parkside in also unsuccessfully sought a wheat moved down to the City where from the City, Mary keeping herself busy quota. 1987 onward Ian managed a flower as a retail manager at a fashion export company moving in 1992 to and home ware outlet. And they In 1971, following an approach from take up a retail gourmet butcher both keep as close an eye as they a Japanese company about oil seed shop when the 1990 national airline can on their four grandchildren. shipments, Ian and a friend from strike forced the closure of the flower Georgetown convened a meeting export operation. The butcher shop

  South Australian Arid Lands NRM Board Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure

INVESTING IN THE OUTBACK

Roads to Recovery of the Australian Government. · Resheeting works in Mannahill and Dillons Highway Program Continues The Roads to Recovery Program · Sealing of Parachilna main street The Australian Government has been providing funding to and improving the Parachilna recently announced the extension DTEI since 2001, with a total of Gorge and Leigh Creek to Hawker of the Roads to Recovery Program $17.5m being provided until the Road intersection for July 2009 – June 2014, with end of the 2008/09 financial year. · Sealing of 4.5km of Blinman to $15.4m funding being provided. Wilpena Road This is a huge opportunity for the Some of the projects that have · Upgrading of delineation, signing outback and unincorporated been undertaken to date and grids in several areas areas of South Australia. include: · Rehabilitation of Point Sinclair · Sealing of town streets in Road at Penong The Department for Transport, Penong, Fowlers Bay, Yunta, · Sealed bypass of Yalata Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) Copley, Marree, Lyndhurst and township manages the funding on behalf Marla (including the road to the · Resheeting 4km of the access airstrip) road into Mintabie.

DTEI will continue to work with the Outback Areas Community Development Trust and Progress Associations on the program of works for this next round of funding.

DTEI reports to and seeks approval from the Australian Government on a regular basis regarding works that have and are scheduled to be undertaken.

Grid Replacement in Eastern Districts Nation Building Program Nation Building is an Australian Government program which provides a planning framework and funding for investment in land transport infrastructure. It is a jointly funded program on a 50/50 basis between the Australian and State Governments. Sealing the Strzelecki Track

The Nation Building Program · Constructing and sealing 6 sections of 54km supports land transport projects of the Track, each between 5-7km · Upgrading and stabilising 3 major that support growth of regional in length, which will significantly floodways. industry, respond to structural reduce the risks associated with change or strengthen local, social vehicles overtaking slower heavy The project is due for completion and economic opportunities. vehicles by the end of June 2010, at a total · Upgrading and constructing rest cost of $13.73m. The Strzelecki Track upgrade is one areas and truck parking bays – of the projects that DTEI received providing a total of 6 rest funding for under the above areas program and includes: · Resheeting four sections of road with a total length

  ACROSS THE Outback Rural Solutions

“Delivering innovative, practical local outcomes”

Phone: 1300 364 322 Port Augusta Office 08 8648 5160 www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au The Collection of Pastoral Tools, Information and Experiences is Now Available The final product from the project with a range of interest Thus many of the known as “Improving Rangeland groups including projects in SA are based Sustainability”, funded by the pastoralists, stock on understanding Australian Government and and station agents, and managing water managed by Rangelands NRM, pastoral consultants and vegetation Western Australia is now available. and Natural Resources for production Management Boards. outcomes with the The folder containing this unique added dimension collection of highly relevant Through information of maintaining Merri Tothill with materials will be sent out to project gained from a survey her copy biodiversity. However, participants but is also available to and meeting with groups, the impact of foxes on others at the cost of postage. priorities and potential projects were production and biodiversity as feral determined. Applications were predators of both lambs and native The aim of the project which ran accepted from groups for projects animals has been tackled through in SA over the last two and a half with the overriding premise being a research project, designed to trial years, aimed to contribute to “achievable through sustainable different fox control methods. improved ecological condition; grazing management without productivity and profitability in compromising livelihoods”. The outcomes of all of these projects Australia’s southern rangelands. are presented as case studies in the This was to be achieved through Water was identified as an folder, together with the excellent sustainable livestock production important and limiting factor. tools developed in WA, to use as a systems and by building capacity Vegetation management as a guide to decision making. within the owners and managers of source of animal nutrition but also for pastoral enterprises. maintaining rangeland biodiversity If you haven’t received a copy in was also frequently identified. the next few weeks, please contact There was a focus on engaging our office.

Cane Toads and South Australia Ben Shepherd There are 2 key pathways for cane toads entering South Australia is currently cane toad free, but single South Australia: natural dispersal along rivers cane toads have popped up in urban areas around (including arid rivers) and concealed within vehicles Adelaide on a few occasions. None of these resulted and freight. Cane toads are present in the upper in established populations. So, how did they get catchments of the Lake Eyre Basin (LEB) and well there? Evidence shows that cane toads are effective established around Longreach. The arid rivers of hitchhikers and they have been moved hundreds of the LEB, notably the Thompson and Cooper Creek kilometres on vehicles, machinery, equipment, freight, which pass through Longreach and into the north camping gear, pallets, pot plants and caravans. east of South Australia, are high risk pathways for the natural dispersal of cane toads into the State. This Early detection of cane toads in South Australia will poses a particular threat to Coongie Lakes and other be an important part of keeping South Australia cane waterholes of the Cooper Creek. toad free. People are encouraged to be aware of the cane toad risk, especially when travelling from Though the persistence and impact of cane toads cane toad infested areas back into South Australia. in arid river systems is not known, their establishment People visiting waterholes along the Cooper Creek around Longreach and movement down the are encouraged to keep an eye out for these Thompson and Cooper Creek into South Australia invaders and report any suspected cane toads to demonstrates their ability to survive in arid Australia. their local NRM board.

10 11 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND RESOURCES SA Livestock and Animal Health News

Survey Results: Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (Vibriosis)

In 2006 PIRSA surveyed 200 A bull acquires the disease by way forward. Some potential bulls from 121 South Australian mating with an infected cow. campylobacteriosis vaccination properties located across the Once infected, a bull remains a options are now discussed. State with the support of T&R carrier of the condition. Pastoral Pty Ltd abattoirs and Management Program Australian Quarantine Inspection Diagnosis for a Chronically Service (AQIS). Campylobacter was detected in 32.5 percent Infected herd of the bulls, and 39 percent of · Join heifers in a separate mob originating properties. As a result and use a maiden bull. of this survey it was suggested that · Cull dry cows as some of these will approximately a third of SA cattle be carriers of the Campylobacter properties may be experiencing organism. some reproductive losses due · Immunise all heifers and bulls to this bacterium. The condition with Vibrio vaccine (Vibrovax) involves both beef and dairy – this strategy protects animals in properties and affects intensive, Samples collected from the subsequent years. semi-intensive and extensive slaughter bulls were tested by production systems. a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. This diagnostic Vaccine Dose Rates technique was perfected by the BULLS What is it? Department of Primary Industries 1. All bulls should be given two Bovine Genital Campylobacte- (Queensland) with the assistance 5ml doses 4 to 6 weeks apart. riosis, previously called Vibriosis is a of Meat and Livestock Australia The second vaccination should venereal disease of cattle caused (MLA) funding. The PCR technique be administered about 6 weeks by the bacterium Campylo- is highly sensitive and a significant before joining. bacter fetus subspecies venerea- advance upon past diagnostic 2. Thereafter an annual dose of lis. Campylobacteriosis is a major procedures. Care needs to be 5ml per year, 6 weeks before infectious cause of infertility in taken with the interpretation of joining. cattle herds. This is seen as poor positive Campylobacter PCR conception (sometimes be- findings in the absence of herd HEIFERS (less than 18 months of low 50 percent), increased infertility as the presence of PCR age) returns to service, reduced positive cattle may not indicate 1. All heifers should be given two calving rates, permanent infertil- the active presence of disease. 5ml doses 4 to 6 weeks apart. ity (up to 11 percent of infected The second vaccination should females) and sporadic abortions (5 be administered about 6 weeks to 20 percent) in cows and heifers. Prevention before joining. Campylobacteriosis is a vaccine 2. Thereafter, an annual dose preventable disease, and may of 2ml per year, 6 weeks before be diagnosed after a thorough joining or a single dose of 5 ml Mode of investigation of the herd every two years. Transmission and breeding records. After This disease is spread by infected campylobacteriosis is diagnosed For more Information on any of bulls during service or through poor in a cattle enterprise the the above please contact Dr instrumentation hygiene during an adoption of a property-specific Peter Nosworthy, PIRSA Veterinary artificial insemination programme. vaccination represents the best officer, (08) 8762 9140.

DEH 2009 Aerial Kangaroo Survey Watch out for low flying aircraft, the annual Aerial kangaroo harvest. Applications for Commercial Kangaroo Survey of SA is scheduled to take place Kangaroo Harvest Permits at from 6-20 July, depending on weather conditions. www.parks.sa.gov.au/fauna_permits/index.htm or contact the DEH office, 9 Mackay Street, Port Also underway is the 2009 sustainable commercial Augusta, (08) 8648 5318

10 11 ACROSS THE Outback Outback people and places

IAN MOULD: Keeping Grazing Close to Goyder’s Line By Leith Yelland As a consequence of largely Married in 1967 Ian and Mary had Mary Lalor, had never lived outside inherited circumstances and family three children – Tiffany, Henry and Victor Harbour before her marriage property dispersion, Ian Mould’s Hamish – born between 1968 and and who Ian claims hadn’t ventured experience with the management of 1973; all of whom took their primary much further north than Burra. pastoral country, and some northern education by correspondence cropping land, very closely followed and ‘school of the air’ under the Ian James Mould himself was born his grandfather, Richard Mould’s supervision of their mother at at Port Augusta in late January 1938. dictum that if you wanted to be a Uno. The children have carved He was to be the middle child of five pastoralist you should operate as professional and commercial born to Oliver Lincoln and Daphne close as possible to Goyder’s Line. niches for themselves away from Mould, who at the time of Ian’s birth farming and pastoralisim. Tiffany is lived at Emu Downs Station – then The family patriarch’s logical corollary a physician in Perth and took her part of Lincoln Gap. was also that if you wanted to farm medical degree after secondary successfully you did so as far away schooling at Seymour College. She One of Ian’s brothers was killed in an from Goyder’s Line as possible. is believed to be the only primary accident when he was two and a school correspondence ‘graduate’ half years of age. His other brother These general approaches were in South Australia practicing Richard is now retired and living at also followed by Ian’s father, Lincoln medicine. McLaren Vale. Ian’s two sisters are Mould, and as a result when Ian left Pam Shannon and Margot Williams. Uno Station, west of Iron Knob, and moved to Adelaide in 1985, he had Ian was effectively brought up and worked or lived on five holdings in the primary schooled while the family Port Augusta, northern agricultural was at Copynga Station on the and eastern Gawler Ranges pastoral outskirts of Port Augusta. Copynga district. He and his wife Mary’s longest included the land now occupied and best known pastoral association by the Port Augusta Airport and was with Uno. They were there from abutted the Port Augusta ‘common’, 1968 to 1985 after spending their first where among other travelling stock, married year at Hilpara, a 2600-acre cameleers parked their mail and Poll Hereford stud and cropping transport camels. From 1943 to 1949 block in the Beetaloo Valley. The family at Uno in 1984; from left: Ian used to walk to school at the Mary, Tiffany, James, Henry and Ian Port Augusta West Primary School Ian is at pains to stress that Mary across some substantial sandhills, “adapted beautifully” to bush life Their older son Henry was the co- which he recalls used to provide while also noting that this outcome proprietor of a city hotel and many camping opportunities for a number was not originally predicted by his of the younger station hands and of itinerant workers, swaggies and father. I mention this now because jackeroos will remember Henry “gypsies”. with the advantage of slow hindsight as the genial ‘mine-host’ of the it seems to me now that the profiles Havelock Hotel in Hutt Street, In 1950 Ian was sent south to board that have appeared in ‘Across the Adelaide. Younger son Hamish, at Scotch College from where he Outback’ have arguably not placed who like Henry did his secondary matriculated in 1954 and came enough emphasis on the important education at Prince Alfred College, ‘home’ to work between Wartaka and often pivotal roles that wives is a well-regarded accountant and Station in the Gawler Ranges (which and partners have played in the life auditor. the family had purchased in 1946), and management of the pastoral Lincoln Park (which the family runs of the north. These generational outcomes purchased in 1949 from the McBride partially stem from a mother who, as family interests) and Hilpara in the (...continued on page 8) 12