A Review of

Chowilla Regional Reserve

1993 – 2003 A Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve

1993 - 2003

November 2003

Department for Environment and Heritage This Review has been prepared and adopted in pursuance of Section 34A of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Published by the Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia November 2003

Cover photograph: David Scott

© Department for Environment and Heritage

ISSN: 1322-9354

Prepared by Murraylands Region, Regional Conservation, for the Department for Environment and Heritage

This document may be cited as “Department for Environment and Heritage (2003) A Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve 1993 – 2003, Adelaide, South Australia.” Department for Environment and Heritage

FOREWORD Regional Reserves are a multiple-use reserve category, established in 1987 under an amendment to the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. They provide a means of protecting significant areas of natural habitat, while still allowing land-uses such as grazing, mining and tourism to take place in accordance with strict guidelines laid down in a management plan. Chowilla Regional Reserve was proclaimed in 1993. The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 requires a report to be prepared for each Regional Reserve at intervals of no more than ten years and prescribes the assessment criteria to be used. This report for Chowilla Regional Reserve addresses the criteria required by the Act and provides recommendations on the future management of the land. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognises a multiple-use category of reserve which they have defined as ‘areas containing predominantly unmodified natural systems, managed to ensure long term protection and maintenance of biological diversity, while providing at the same time sustainable flow of natural products and services to meet community needs’. Regional Reserves conform to that definition. In economic terms, whilst some benefits of continued resource use on Chowilla Regional Reserve have accrued to the pastoral lessees, the contribution to the State’s economy has been minimal. The impacts on landscape and cultural features have been low to moderate and can be directly ascribed to the pastoral activities on the Reserve. At times, the impact on natural resources has been high due to the combined affects of pastoral production and large populations of kangaroos, feral and pest animals. There is room to improve the management of both the pastoral activities and total grazing management in the Reserve to achieve better environmental outcomes. The introduction of the Regional Reserve concept was an important step in a continuing process that has resulted in conservation becoming accepted as a legitimate consideration for natural resource management and utilisation over large areas of the arid-zone in South Australia. Regional Reserves provide an opportunity to learn and understand how best to integrate conservation and resource utilisation in an ecologically sustainable manner. The Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve indicates that there are still areas for improvement in this regard and offers a challenge for all involved. I look forward to a successful outcome for the sustainable management of this reserve in the future. In accordance with the provisions of Section 34A (5) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, I have much pleasure in presenting this report on the use and management of Chowilla Regional Reserve to Parliament.

Hon John Hill MP MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD...... iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... vii 1 INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Regional Reserves ...... 1 1.2 Background to Regional Reserves...... 1 1.3 Purpose of this Review ...... 2 1.4 Interpretation ...... 3 1.5 Review Process...... 3 2 DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION ...... 4 2.1 Context for Management ...... 7 2.1.1 Lease to Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd ...... 7 2.1.2 Chowilla Regional Reserve Management Plan...... 8 2.1.3 Management and Consultative Structures...... 9 2.1.4 Achievements in Partnerships...... 9 2.2 Natural Features...... 9 2.2.1 Land Systems ...... 9 2.3 Conservation Values...... 12 2.3.1 Biodiversity...... 13 2.4 Cultural Features...... 15 2.4.1 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage ...... 15 2.4.2 Non-Indigenous Cultural Heritage...... 16 2.4.3 Reserve Management...... 17 3 REVIEW OF USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN CHOWILLA REGIONAL RESERVE .... 18 3.1 Outline ...... 18 4 PASTORAL PRODUCTION...... 19 4.1 Background...... 19 4.2 Impacts of Pastoral Production on Wildlife and Natural Features ...... 25 4.2.1 Impacts on Landscape Features ...... 25 4.2.2 Impacts of Pastoral Use on Wildlife ...... 25 4.2.3 Monitoring program...... 28 4.3 Impacts of Pastoral Production on Cultural Features ...... 34 4.3.1 Aboriginal Cultural Features...... 34 4.3.2 Impacts of Pastoral Production on Non-Indigenous Cultural Values ...... 35 4.4 Impacts of Pastoral Production on the Economy of South Australia ...... 35 5 MINERAL AND PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION ...... 39 5.1 Background...... 39 5.2 Impacts of Mineral and Petroleum Activities on Wildlife & Natural Features ...... 39 5.3 Impacts of Mineral and Petroleum Activities on Cultural Features ...... 39 5.4 Impacts of Mining and Petroleum Activities on the Economy of South Australia ...... 39 6 Kangaroo Harvesting...... 41 6.1 Introduction ...... 41 6.2 Impacts of Kangaroo Harvesting on Wildlife and Natural Features ...... 41 6.3 Impacts of Kangaroo Harvesting on Cultural Features ...... 42 6.3.1 Aboriginal Cultural Features...... 42 6.3.2 Non-Indigenous Cultural Features ...... 42 6.4 Impacts of Kangaroo Harvesting on the Economy of South Australia...... 42 7 TOURISM AND RECREATION ...... 43 7.1 Impacts of Tourism and Recreation on Wildlife and Natural Features ...... 43 7.2 Impacts of Tourism and Recreation on Cultural Features ...... 43 7.2.1 Aboriginal Cultural Features...... 43 7.2.2 Non-Indigenous Cultural Features ...... 43 iv A Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve Department for Environment and Heritage

7.3 Tourism impacts on the Economy of South Australia...... 44 8 DISCUSSION ...... 45 8.1 Summary Table...... 45 8.2 Calculation of economic benefits ...... 47 8.3 Identification of Resource Conflict – Pastoral Production and Conservation ...... 47 8.4 Pastoral Production...... 48 8.4.1 Communication and Management ...... 48 8.4.2 Water Point Positioning and Differential Land System Grazing Management ...... 49 8.4.3 Maintenance of conservation principle when pastoral activities are stressed...... 49 8.4.4 Stocking Strategy and Total Grazing Pressure ...... 50 8.4.5 Rehabilitation and Plant Removal...... 51 8.4.6 Pastoral Monitoring ...... 51 8.4.7 Pastoral Lease Extension ...... 51 8.5 Kangaroo Harvesting ...... 52 8.6 Management Plan ...... 52 8.7 Non-Indigenous Cultural Impacts...... 53 8.8 Aboriginal Interests ...... 53 8.9 Community Attitudes ...... 53 8.10 Management Structures...... 54 8.11 Biodiversity Monitoring ...... 54 8.12 Reserve status...... 55 9 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 57 9.1 Reserve Status under the Act...... 57 9.2 Future Management of Chowilla Regional Reserve...... 57 10 REFERENCES ...... 60 11 APPENDIX A - Interpretation of the Provisions of Section 34A of the Act ...... 62 12 APPENDIX B - Submissions to the Review Process...... 64 12.1 Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd ...... 64 12.2 Australian Landscape Trust – Calperum Station...... 64 12.3 Black Eared Miner Recovery Team ...... 65 12.4 Friends of Riverland Parks ...... 65 12.5 Riverland Tourism Association...... 65 12.6 Local Aboriginal Community ...... 65 12.7 Pastoral Program ...... 65 12.8 Native Title...... 65 13 APPENDIX C - List Of Vascular Plants...... 66 14 APPENDIX D - List of Vertebrates ...... 72

List of Figures Figure 1: Annual rainfall over the last ten years...... 4 Figure 2: Location of Chowilla Regional Reserve ...... 5 Figure 3: Features of Chowilla Regional Reserve ...... 6 Figure 4: Land Systems as in Management Plan (DENR 1995) ...... 10 Figure 5a: Sheep numbers and annual rainfall, Chowilla Regional and Game Reserve ...... 19 Figure 5b: Cattle numbers and annual rainfall, Chowilla Regional and Game Reserve ...... 20 Figure 6: Stock numbers on Chowilla Regional and Game Reserve (Pastoral Inspection Reports) ..... 20 Figure 7: Grazing intensity ...... 23 Figure 8: Photopoint Map...... 31 Figure 9: Total Grazing pressure and Annual Rainfall...... 36 Figure 10: Total Grazing Pressure and Annual Rainfall...... 36 Figure 11: Map of Exploration Licence over Chowilla Regional Reserve...... 40 Figure 12: Kangaroo survey data and annual rainfall for the ten-year period ...... 41

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List of Plates Plate 1: Coombool exclosure, November 2002 ...... 29 Plate 2: Photopoint 90/1051, March 1993 ...... 30 Plate 3a: Photopoint 90/1051, May 1995 ...... 32 Plate 3b: Photopoint 90/1051, November 1995...... 32 Plate 4: Photopoint 90/1051, October 1996...... 32 Plate 5: Photopoint 90/1051, December 1997 ...... 33 Plate 6: Photopoint 90/1051, October 2000...... 33 Plate 7: Photopoint 90/1051, November 2001...... 34

List of Tables Table 1 Distribution of Potential Grazing Pressure for Each Land System...... 22 Table 2 Summary of Grazing Pressure ...... 24 Table 3 Grazing Animals Carried on both Reserves* ...... 35 Table 4 Economic Benefit from sale of wool, sheep, goats and cattle ...... 37 Table 5 Summary of Resource Utilisation Impacts at Chowilla Regional Reserve ...... 50

List of Acronyms DEH Department for Environment and Heritage DEHAA Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs DELM Department for Environment and Land Management South Australia DENR Department for Environment and Natural Resources GSP Gross State Product IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature MDBC Murray Darling Basin Commission MESA Mines and Energy South Australia NPWSA National Parks and Wildlife South Australia PIRSA Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia

Acknowledgements Earth Tech and Applied Economic Solutions prepared this Review report for the Department for Environment and Heritage. Final editing by park planning consultant Alex McDonald and DEH officers, Lisien Loan, Bob Inns and Brian Moore.

The following staff from the Department for Environment and Heritage contributed in various ways to the production of this document: Ken Stokes, Sonia Dominelli, Phil Strachan and Benno Curth.

Members of the Robertson family also assisted with the undertaking of this Review and their contribution is gratefully acknowledged.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Chowilla Regional Reserve was proclaimed under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 on 8 April 1993. Regional Reserve is a multiple-use classification that allows the government to manage reserve land for conservation of wildlife and natural and cultural features while at the same time, permit the on-going utilisation of natural resources.

Chowilla Regional Reserve is located 250 km north-east of Adelaide in the Riverland region of South Australia, approximately 40 kilometres north-east of Renmark, and is bounded by the South Australian - New South Wales border to the east, Danggali Conservation Park to the north, Calperum Station to the west and the Chowilla Game Reserve to the south. Chowilla Regional Reserve is a key component of the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve, which is an amalgamation of properties sharing some common goals and interests.

The Regional Reserve is an ecological extension of the Chowilla floodplains, which are recognised internationally as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and are conserved within the Chowilla Game Reserve.

Chowilla Regional Reserve has been pastoral grazing land for over 150 years, with the Robertson family leasing it for the past 120 years.

This report reviews the management of Chowilla Regional Reserve over the last ten years. It includes: 1. assessment of the impact of the utilisation of the natural resources on the conservation of the wildlife, natural and historic features of the reserve; 2. assessment of the impact or potential impact on the utilisation of the natural resources of the reserve on the economy of the State; and 3. recommendations as to the future status under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 of the land constituting the reserve.

Based on the information available, it is concluded that there have been negative impacts on the wildlife features of Chowilla Regional Reserve over the last ten years, primarily from pastoral activities, but also as a result of periods of high numbers of kangaroos, feral and pest animals. While there is still evidence of grazing impacts, management has improved since a period of heavy overgrazing around the middle of the ten-year period. The impacts on natural and cultural features have been low to moderate and can mainly be ascribed to the pastoral use of the reserve, with some impact from tourism access on cultural features. In economic terms, while there has been some benefit for the pastoral lessees, the contribution to the State’s economy from the Regional Reserve has been minimal.

Conservation and sustainable management strategies have begun to be implemented on the Reserve but there are still challenges ahead to improve overall management practices. A grazing intensity study based on water point utilisation has indicated that every land system is being impacted to some extent by stock grazing. It also found that there is insufficient low intensity or non-grazed areas conserved in the Regional Reserve to sustain the conservation values of those land systems in the long-term. There is also a fundamental issue relating to the fact that grazing management and assessment is undertaken under the guidelines of the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989, which may not deliver the conservation outcomes required for the management objectives for reserves under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. It is suggested that special assessment criteria should be developed for Regional Reserves.

Over the past ten years, the State has derived minimal overall benefit from having Chowilla proclaimed as a Regional Reserve. It is considered however, that this situation can be improved and the recommendation of this Review is that Regional Reserve status should be retained for another decade.

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There are opportunities for management in the future to better optimise multiple-use objectives, to maximise wildlife protection and minimise negative impacts while enabling the utilisation of resources in a sustainable manner. Specific recommendations are provided to assist in the future management of the reserve which, if implemented, have the potential to ensure that Chowilla Regional Reserve becomes a good example of a multiple-use reserve.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the Chowilla Regional Reserve remain a Regional Reserve under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, subject to the adoption of new management arrangements consistent with the following: 1. Restructure the existing Chowilla Rangeland Monitoring Committee to ensure the objectives and purpose of the multiple-use status of the Reserve is achieved.

2. Review and revise the existing management plan.

3. Establish balance between the two major uses of the reserve, conservation and pastoralism through identification and development of management strategies for specific conservation and pastoral objectives.

4. Establish a local kangaroo conservation and management strategy.

5. Review existing monitoring programs and establish new programs as needed.

6. Undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage survey.

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Regional Reserves The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 provides for the establishment and management of reserves for public benefit and enjoyment, for the conservation of wildlife in a natural environment, and for other purposes. These reserves fall into five categories namely; National Parks, Conservation Parks, Recreation Parks, Game Reserves and Regional Reserves.

Regional Reserves are proclaimed under Section 34A of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and are managed pursuant to the Objectives of Management listed under Section 37. These reserves provide for the conservation of wildlife and the natural or historic features of the land while, at the same time, permitting the utilisation of the natural resources of that land.

1.2 Background to Regional Reserves Regional Reserves are the direct result of a desire by government to have conservation recognised as a legitimate land-use for public land while still deriving economic benefits from the natural resources of those lands.

The original National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 provided for reserves with two major roles; conservation of natural and historic features, and public benefit and enjoyment. While the Act included provision to permit mining access in reserves, prior to 1985 this option was rarely implemented. Government policy adopted in that year resulted in many new reserves since 1985 being simultaneously proclaimed with provision for mining access.

The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 was amended in 1987 to make provision for multiple-use reserves by creating an additional classification of Regional Reserve. The constitution of such reserves provided the Government with an opportunity to introduce a management regime that would encourage conservation of key biodiversity assets, while still allowing for pre-existing and future land uses such as mining and pastoral production.

Furthermore, it enabled the Government to develop partnerships with the mining and pastoral industries, thereby facilitating improved standards of land management generally. The philosophy behind the Regional Reserve concept was expected to filter through to the broader community operating in and managing similar environments. The intention was that, together with the national land care strategy and the establishment of best practice environmental codes of practice by major mining companies, a more sustainable approach to land management would ultimately develop in these areas.

The establishment of the Regional Reserve classification was accepted, at the time, as an available and realistic means of establishing conservation as a legitimate land-use to be considered alongside mining and pastoral interests. Excluding vast areas of the State’s arid-zone from economically beneficial use and development was not an option. The Regional Reserve model was seen as providing a context in which industries exploiting natural resources could operate within a conservation framework.

Regional Reserves are classified as IUCN Category VI Protected Areas, which are defined as: ‘areas containing predominantly unmodified natural systems, managed to ensure long-term protection and maintenance of biological diversity, while providing at the same time a sustainable flow of natural products and services to meet community needs’ (IUCN 1994).

The key words here are ‘sustainable’ with respect to production objectives, and ‘protection and maintenance’ with reference to biological diversity.

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The IUCN objectives of management for the reserve Category VI are: • to protect and maintain the biological diversity, heritage and other values of the area in the long- term; • to promote sound management practices for sustainable production purposes; • to protect the natural resource base from being alienated for other land-use purposes that would be detrimental to the area’s biological diversity; and • to contribute to regional and national development.

It should be noted that the IUCN reserve categories (much like those under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972) are non-hierarchical and each has its own intended purpose and management objectives.

The Regional Reserve classification does not prevent all or part of such a reserve from being re constituted as another type of reserve under the Act at some future date, subject to a resolution of both Houses of Parliament. It was never intended however, that the classification could, or would, be used as an opportunity for conservation interests to ultimately oust the interests of other land users. Regional Reserves are meant to be a legitimate, long-term designation that is subject to regular review. If decisions are to be taken that result in the discontinuation of one or more land-uses, such decisions should be based on contemporary judgments of prevailing economic, environmental and social considerations.

Over the last 16 years then, to achieve the best outcomes for the community, the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 has provided for a multiple-use management regime within a conservation framework for defined areas that have conservation values but are subject to other legitimate land- uses.

The Regional Reserve mechanism provides for: • a conservation focus; • conservation management planning and implementation; • security of tenure for lands reserved under the Act; • managed utilisation of natural resources; and • regulation for the management of human activity.

The major challenge for Regional Reserve managers is to establish strategies that successfully integrate the different land-uses for which a reserve has been set aside. These strategies would require evaluation in a management plan in the first instance. All other provisions of the Act apply to Regional Reserves.

1.3 Purpose of this Review Pursuant to Section 34A(5) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, the Minister responsible for the administration of the Act must within ten years of the constitution of a Regional Reserve: (a) Prepare a report: (i) Assessing the impact of the utilisation of natural resources on the conservation of the wildlife and the natural and historic features of the reserve; (ii) Assessing the impact or the potential impact of the utilisation of the natural resources of the reserve on the economy of the State; and (iii) Making recommendations as to the future status under this Act of the land constituting the reserve. (b) Cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of Parliament.

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1.4 Interpretation In undertaking this Review, it has been necessary to ensure that the requirements of the Act are adequately addressed. To facilitate this process, an interpretative analysis of Section 34A of the Act was conducted and is attached as Appendix A. This analysis has been used to guide the conduct of the Review. It is also a useful guide for readers of the report.

During the conduct of the Review, issues emerged that will need to be addressed in the ongoing management of the Reserve. Some of these relate to the scope and quality of baseline data upon which critical analysis of management should rely and which will be essential for the conduct of future Section 34A reviews. Other issues relate directly to the standards imposed and aspects of management that need to be addressed on an ongoing basis, including the setting of performance measures to assess that management.

Recommendations for management, while not a requirement in the context of a Section 34A review, are included in this report for the purposes of identifying those key issues that will need to be addressed in the management of this reserve.

1.5 Review Process This Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve assesses the impacts of utilisation of natural resources on the wildlife, natural and historic features of that reserve and on the State’s economy during the last ten years. The Review has been prepared to meet the purposes of Section 34A(5) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (see Appendix A).

The data used in compiling this report have been drawn from existing monitoring programs, pastoral inspection reports, relevant rangeland and pastoral research and from a database maintained by the (former) Biodiversity Branch of the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH). In particular, the pastoral lease assessment reports prepared by the (former) Biodiversity and Monitoring Section of DEH provided data that were utilised when undertaking the assessment of impacts of pastoral production.

DEH also provided monitoring data in the form of photographs to enable visual comparison of the changes in state and health of the Regional Reserve vegetation and soils in fixed reference points over time, and GIS spatial data for the grazing intensity study. Further information on this aspect was sought from other sections within DEH and from neighbouring Bookmark Biosphere Reserve properties, in particular Calperum Station.

The Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) provided data on mineral and petroleum exploration activity.

Impacts of tourism were discussed and assessed using the knowledge of DEH staff, members of the regional community, the lessees, scientists studying the Chowilla Regional and Game Reserve areas and members of the local Aboriginal community.

The impact of the utilisation of the resources of the reserve on the economy of the State was assessed and reported on, utilising information provided by the lessees, DEH and Tourism South Australia. Face to face meetings and or telephone conversations were undertaken with key stakeholders during November 2002, including representatives of local government, scientists, Berri business and tourism organisations, and Aboriginal community groups.

While in practice the Regional Reserve and Game Reserve are managed together, both in terms of pastoral production and reserve management this Review will only assess the impact on and use of the Regional Reserve.

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2 DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION Establishment of a Regional Reserve at Chowilla was one of the principal recommendations in the Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s interim Chowilla Resource Management Plan (MDBC 1992). Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve were constituted in early 1993 after a significant period of community consultation.

Chowilla Regional Reserve is approximately 750 square kilometres in size and is located 250 kilometres north-east of Adelaide in the Riverland region and 40 kilometres north-east of Renmark. The Reserve is bounded by the South Australian New South Wales border to the east, Danggali Conservation Park to the north, Calperum Station to the west and the Chowilla Game Reserve to the south and is within the Eastern district Soil Conservation Board region.

Chowilla Regional Reserve forms part of the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve area (Figures 2 and 3). Biosphere Reserves are an initiative of the United Nations Environmental, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Man and Biosphere (MAB) program, which coordinate the implementation of a worldwide network of Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere Reserves have three functions, conservation, sustainable development and logistics (research and science). The Bookmark Biosphere Reserve, covering some 900 000 hectares, is a unique conservation initiative, aimed at integrating conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources across property boundaries. It represents a mosaic of land tenures, with around 40 different land partners, representing amongst others national parks, private individuals, corporations and local government.

The Chowilla Regional Reserve has a temperate climate with cool winters and warm to hot summers. Diurnal and seasonal temperature variations can be significant and because the area is in the rain- shadow of the Mount Lofty Ranges, it is considered to be part of the southern extension of the arid- zone in South Australia. Annual rainfall at Chowilla is low and irregular, varying between 100 mm and 500 mm, but averaging 249 mm per annum over the last ten years, with a slight winter and spring predominance. The following figure depicts annual rainfall over the past decade.

Annual Rainfall

400 350 300 250 200 150 100 Rainfall (mm) 50 0

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 /9 /9 /9 /9 /9 /9 /9 /9 /0 /0 /0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 00 00 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 Year

Figure 1: Annual rainfall over the last ten years

The landscape consists of country upland of the River Murray floodplain, with large areas of mallee- clad dunes and Black Oak Woodland and open plains that support grassland and chenopod shrubland. The Regional Reserve is linked ecologically to the Chowilla floodplains conserved within the Game Reserve, that are recognised internationally as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

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Figure 2: Location of Chowilla Regional Reserve

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Figure 3: Features of Chowilla Regional Reserve

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This frontage country of the River Murray floodplain includes a wide variety of wetlands and vegetation communities ranging from River Red Gum Open Forest along the main channel, to the dense Lignum Shrubland of the backwaters and billabongs. The upland country, within the Regional Reserve, forms part of one of the largest remaining tracts of mallee vegetation remaining in South Australia. The mallee and Black Oak Woodlands support populations of a range of species of conservation significance. The dominant land-uses of the Regional Reserve are pastoral production, the conservation of natural and historic features, and tourism/recreation. There have always been visitors to the area, as it has been a feature of long-distance Aboriginal trading routes, and was historically an important stock route. Chowilla Regional Reserve has been pastoral grazing land for over 150 years, with the Robertson family leasing it for the past 120 years. The same family manages it today.

2.1 Context for Management The Minister for Environment and Conservation has overall control and administration of reserves constituted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and all reserves are under the management of the Director for National Parks and Wildlife.

The principal land-uses within the Reserve are conservation of natural and historic features, pastoral grazing and tourism. These land-uses are constrained by a number of other legal instruments: • management of the Reserve is determined by a management plan prepared and adopted pursuant to Section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972; • conservation of the cultural environment is regulated by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 and the Heritage Act 1993; • pastoral land use is enabled via a lease issued pursuant to Section 35 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 between the Minister and the pastoral operators, Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd and operated subject to the provisions of Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989; • the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 also determine management of tourism within the reserve.

2.1.1 Lease to Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd A lease was issued to Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd under Section 35 of the Act in order to allow the continuation of that company’s long-standing occupation and pastoral activities. The term of the lease is 45 years, and it provides for one right of renewal and for a review of rent at seven-yearly intervals.

It specifies a maximum stocking rate and that stocking must not have the effect of depreciating the ordinary capacity of the premises for depasturing stock. The lease provides that all improvements erected by the lessees for pastoral purposes are to be undertaken at their expense and will remain the property of the lessees. The cost of providing and maintaining improvements that benefit both parties to the lease is to be shared through the establishment of joint ventures.

Also specified are conditions for insurance, indemnity and compensation for resumption of all or part of the lease area. The lease also makes provision for tourist facilities. It requires that the lessee obtain consent from DEH prior to building or altering structures and DEH must consult with the lessee prior to making improvements.

The plan of management for the Reserve includes additional objectives relating to pastoral activities. Pastoral lease assessments are routinely carried out, as takes place on all pastoral leases throughout the State.

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2.1.2 Chowilla Regional Reserve Management Plan The first management plan for Chowilla Regional Reserve prepared pursuant to Section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 was gazetted in 1995. Having adopted this plan of management, its provisions must be carried out and operations must not be undertaken in relation to the Reserve unless they are in accordance with the plan of management.

In managing reserves, and in developing the management plan, the Minister is required to have regard to the general objectives of managing reserves in South Australia as listed in Section 37 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972: • the preservation and management of wildlife; • the preservation of historic sites, objects and structures of historic or scientific interest within reserves; • the preservation of features of geographical, natural or scenic interest; • the destruction of dangerous weeds and the eradication or control of noxious weeds and exotic plants; • the control of vermin and exotic animals; • the control and eradication of disease of animals and vegetation; • the prevention and suppression of bush fires and other hazards; • the encouragement of public use and enjoyment of reserves and education in, and a proper understanding and recognition of, their purpose and significance; and • generally the promotion of the public interest.

Section 37 also includes the following objective, which makes special provision for multiple land-use and which relates only to the management of Regional Reserves: • to permit the utilisation of natural resources while conserving wildlife and the natural or historic features of the land.

The specific objectives for managing the Chowilla Regional Reserve and Game Reserve (as outlined in the plan of management) are: • to protect and conserve the natural, historic and cultural features and native flora and fauna of the reserve; • to rehabilitate degraded areas and restore habitat suitable for native species; • to provide appropriate opportunities for recreation in a natural environment; • to provide opportunities for environmentally sensitive tourism activities which will generate economic and social benefits for local communities; • to allow for the continuation of existing legal uses of resources via the development of leases and agreements, and to provide for a multiple-use management framework in the management planning process; • to allow for the establishment of a groundwater interception scheme which will have the dual benefits of lowering groundwater levels, which are artificially high as a result of river regulation activities, whilst also enabling reductions in saline accessions to the River Murray; and • to ensure that wherever possible mineral and park activities do not conflict.

The plan of management for Chowilla Regional Reserve also stipulates that grazing management should be subject to the requirements of the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989. The Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act stresses that lease assessment must be thorough, and conducted in accordance with, recognised scientific principles and must include an assessment of the capacity of the land to carry stock.

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2.1.3 Management and Consultative Structures The Murraylands Consultative Committee is a community stakeholder committee that provides an opportunity for community input into the management of the Regional Reserve and the district activities of DEH. This committee is established under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

As part of the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve, a Trust operated for a number of years facilitating the adoption of the Biosphere Reserve concept and again allowing an opportunity for wider community involvement in management of the Reserve. The Bookmark Biosphere Trust is now defunct. A new management structure for the Trust, now called the Bookmark Biosphere Community Inc, is being proposed to ensure that the broader interests of the community and stakeholders can be adequately addressed within the Biosphere Reserve Concept.

The South Australian Government initially purchased the land area of the Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve to construct the Chowilla Dam. This project did not proceed and so the property was leased back to the original owners, the Robertsons (as a Crown Lease under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972) to operate their long-standing pastoral business. As a Regional Reserve the land would also provide environmental benefits for the community at large.

A Rangeland Monitoring Committee, with membership derived from DEH, the Pastoral Board of South Australia, representatives from a conservation organisation and a representative of Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd was established to oversee monitoring of rangeland condition and the structure and composition of plant communities and animal habitats at Chowilla. The specific role of this group is detailed in the reserves’ management plan (DENR 1995).

Overall, the group has a broad mandate of: • conserving the environment for future generations of South Australians; and • providing the lessee with an economic opportunity to manage the land.

2.1.4 Achievements in Partnerships While some aspects of the overall management of the Reserve could still be improved, DEH, the Pastoral Board and the lessee do operate in a collaborative manner. The partnership has resulted in many integrated activities over the last ten years, including revegetation works, exclosures and photo- point establishment, water point re-siting and the Danggali Road upgrade.

The Regional Reserve is also part of the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve, which is a broad partnership arrangement with a number of landholders and other stakeholders. It seeks to combine sociology with biology, merging conservation with the sustainable use of natural resources, and draws on the strengths of both the public and private sectors to support the local community in securing its own future. As a consequence, the Regional Reserve is surrounded by areas dedicated to natural resource management and is an integral part of this larger conservation focus.

A particular highlight of the effective partnership arrangement between the Bookmark Biosphere Trust and DEH was using the Biosphere Reserve program initiative to secure a large grant for the Chowilla floodplain resource management project, implementation of which was centred on the Game Reserve.

2.2 Natural Features

2.2.1 Land Systems Barratt and Choate (1983), in the Rangeland Assessment Manual, identified four different land systems, predicated by soil type, topography and vegetation. In the Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve Management Plan (DENR 1995) these land systems were revised and new distributions and several new names were given to those occurring in the Chowilla Regional Reserve.

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This present Review uses the land systems as per the 1995 Reserve Management Plan. They are described over the following pages and depicted in Figure 4 (below).

Figure 4: Land Systems as in Management Plan (DENR 1995)

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Seven land systems have been identified over both Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve: Lowan and Bore Hole Land Systems The mallee country has been delineated as Lowan and Bore Hole Land Systems and these are the most widespread on Chowilla.

Lowan is characterised by sand dunes and narrow sandy swales and dominates in the north west of the station. The Bore Hole Land System is similar to Lowan, however the sand dunes tend to be widely spaced and the soils found on the swales are usually sandy loams rather than sands.

The vegetation of these land systems is typically mixed mallee open-scrub or low woodland with Beaked Red Mallee (Eucalyptus socialis) and Grey Mallee (E dumosa) on the lower dunes and sandy swales while Ridge-fruited Mallee (E incrassata) dominates on the deeper sands. The wider interdune swales support groves of Red and White Mallee (E oleosa and E gracilis) together with Sugarwood (Myoporum platycarpum) and Bullock Bush (Alectryon oleifolium ssp canescens).

A wide variety of shrub species are associated with these land systems including Comb Grevillea (Grevillea huegelii), Spiny Bitter-pea (Daviesia benthamii ssp benthamii), Smooth Wallaby Bush (Beyeria opaca), Narrow-leaved Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa ssp angustissima) and Cassias (Senna sp). Low shrubs such as Shrubby Pepper-cress (Lepidium leptopetalum), Spiny Goosefoot (Rhagodia ulicina) and Bitter Saltbush (Atriplex stipitata) are often found in dense stands on interdune swales while Porcupine Grass (Triodia scariosa) is a feature of the deeper sand dunes.

Hypurna Land System Black Oak (Casuarina pauper) Woodland dominates the calcareous sandy plains of Hypurna Land System found in the north east of the run. Other overstorey species include Bullock Bush, and Sugarwood and the understorey is typically a diverse mix of shrub species including Cassia species, Thorny Saltbush (Rhagodia spinescens), Spiny Fanflower (Scaevola spinescens), Tarbush (Eremophila glabra) and Pearl Bluebush (Maireana sedifolia).

Sparks Land System The open plains and scattered low dunes of Sparks Land System are associated with Hypurna Land System in the north east and also occur in smaller isolated patches in the mallee country in the west of the station. Scattered Sugarwood (Myoporum platycarpum) together with groves of Bullock Bush (Alectryon oleifolius ssp canescens) are the main overstorey species with Black Oak (Casuarina pauper) and Narrow-leaved Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa ssp angustissima), Turpentine Bush (Eremophila sturtii) common on the low dunes.

The ground storey vegetation is largely annual with Speargrass (Stipa sp) and White-top (Danthonia caespitosa) often forming dense stands on the open plains in response to rain in the cooler months. Bitter Saltbush (Atriplex stipitata) is commonly found as scattered plants or, less commonly, in fairly dense stands on the calcareous loam soils of the open plains.

Southern Cypress Pine (Callitris preissii) Open Woodland is a feature of this land system where it abuts the River Murray floodplain.

Jack Halls Land System Chenopod shrubland is the dominant vegetation of the calcareous undulating plains and run-on depressions of Jack Halls Land System, which is most widespread in the central east of the run. Overstorey vegetation is limited to scattered Sugarwood and groves of Black Oak while the understorey is typically low open-shrubland of Pearl Bluebush with other species including Blackbush (Maireana pyramidata) and Thorny Saltbush.

11 A Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve Department for Environment and Heritage

Littra Land System The undulating plains and lake terraces of Littra Land System are found at the interface of the sandy upland country and the wetlands of the River Murray. This land system also includes lunettes, which are gypsum dunes associated with freshwater lakes found on the floodplain. Bladder Saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria) and Blackbush Low Open-shrubland is the dominant vegetation type on the terraces with Narrow-leaved Hopbush and Blackbush the principal species of the lunettes.

Chowilla Land System The main channel, tributaries and floodplain of the River Murray occupy the southern portion of Chowilla (within the Game Reserve), which has been delineated as Chowilla Land System. The main channel and tributaries are typically fringed with River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) Tall Open-Forest with other tree species including River Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) and River Cooba (Acacia stenophylla). The channels support a wide variety of shrub species, with Lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta) common along most reaches, while Dryland Tea-tree (Melaleuca lanceolata) is often found in dense stands along major tributaries such as Monoman and Chowilla Creeks.

The floodplain comprises a diverse array of land units, such as freshwater lakes and waterholes fringed with River Box and River Cooba, cracking clay flats with River Couch (Sporobolus mitchellii) and Sedges (Cyperus sp) and dissected flats with Lignum, Nitre Goosefoot (Chenopodium nitrariaceum) and Silver Saltbush (Atriplex rhagodioides).

2.3 Conservation Values In conjunction with the Commonwealth and other States and Territories, the South Australian Government has committed to establishing a national reserve system that is as comprehensive, adequate and representative as possible. The intention is to have a reserve system that aims, as far as is feasible, to include representatives of all South Australian ecosystems. The Chowilla Regional Reserve provides an important component as it is part of the Murray Darling Depression IBRA (Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation of Australia) Region and contributes 1.4% to the conservation of that IBRA region in South Australia.

The conservation values of the Chowilla Game Reserve have been more widely articulated that those of the Regional Reserve, due to the significant environmental values of the wetlands, river channel and floodplains. For example, the Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve Management Plan (DENR 1995) documents the environmental values of the Reserve, but the values are limited to those of the Game Reserve. The management plan does, however, state that the ‘upland country’ (within the Regional Reserve area) is mallee scrub, Black Oak woodland and open plain country. The mallee, which comprises about one third of the Reserve, is part of one of the largest tracts of this type of vegetation remaining in South Australia and is considered a stronghold for several mallee bird species of conservation significance.

While there is more information on the Game Reserve the Regional Reserve has been recognised as having a significant conservation values. A Biological Survey of the South Olary Plains South Australia (DENR 1996) describes the Regional Reserve (in conjunction with Danggali Conservation Park and Calperum Station) as a significant area in terms of providing habitat to numerous endangered and vulnerable species. Chowilla Regional Reserve is also listed as a significant area in terms of species richness. Overall the document assess that both Danggali Conservation Park and Chowilla Regional Reserve adequately conserve areas of rich species diversity and animal numbers in the South Olary Plains.

From an ecological point of view, the Regional Reserve should also be recognised as a vital component of the larger block of mallee protected within the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve, which is essential for wildlife movement and long-term species survival and evolution.

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The Regional Reserve contains a rich diversity of avian species including many rare species that are not readily found elsewhere in the State. The reserve also contains habitat for bat species that are rated as vulnerable at State level. The size of the Regional Reserve and its linkages to other tracts of native vegetation also means that it is a critical component of regional conservation efforts.

2.3.1 Biodiversity There are no published accounts that deal specifically with the flora and fauna of the Regional Reserve, but the South Olary Plains Biological Survey (DENR 1996) is a good guide which will be used in the following section, but with the proviso that it is not an exhaustive reference.

The following is a broad description of what is already known about the flora and fauna of the Regional Reserve.

Flora The Reserve still contains fragmented pockets of remnant mallee (mainly White Mallee - Eucalyptus gracilis and Red Mallee - Eucalyptus oleosa). Other canopy species present include Sugarwood (Myoporum platycarpum), Native Pine (Callitris preissii and verrucosa) and Black Oak (Casuarina pauper).

Chenopod shrubland covers most of the Regional Reserve, with species such as Bladder Saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria), Bitter Saltbush (Atriplex stipitata) and Pearl Bluebush (Maireana sedifolia) dominating.

The land system descriptions in 2.2.1 also outline the dominant flora communities. A full list of species can be found in Appendix C.

Chowilla Regional Reserve is important for the long-term conservation of mallee plant communities, as it still contains pockets of remnant mallee, which provide habitat for a number of bird species. According to the South Olary Plains Biological Survey, five mallee groups are well conserved in the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve (Danggali Conservation Park, Chowilla and Calperum leases). These five mallee groups are Eucalyptus gracilis Open Tree Mallee; Eucalyptus oleosa Open Tree Mallee; Eucalyptus oleosa/Eucalyptus socialis Open Tree Mallee; Eucalyptus socialis Open Tree Mallee and Eucalyptus dumosa/Eucalyptus socialis Open Tree Mallee.

The Black Oak (Casuarina pauper) Open Woodland with shrubby understorey is well conserved within the Biosphere Reserve, but comprises less than 5% of the Chowilla Regional Reserve (Neagle 1995). Bullock Bush (Alectryon oleifolius ssp canescens) is listed as vulnerable in SA (DEH 2001). Although very widespread, most areas where this species occurs show very little regeneration and a severely degraded understorey. Regeneration has been suppressed due to rabbit, kangaroo and stock grazing.

Minor vegetation groups identified in the South Olary Biological Survey found within the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve and represented to a minor extent within the Regional Reserve include: • the Open Shrublands of Eremophila sturtii, Acacia burkittii and Dodonea viscosa ssp angustissima (including Senna artemisioides ssp); and • Danthonia sp Open Grassland patches.

These associations may have limited distribution in the Regional Reserve, and highlight the need to conserve remaining associations and species in the area. The Reserve also contains what is believed to be the southern-most occurrence of the unique Australian arid-zone tree, Mulga (Acacia aneura) (DENR 1995).

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The South Olary Plains Biological Survey also outlines several species and communities of particular interest because of the regional, state or national significance. The species that were identified as occurring on the Chowilla Regional Reserve in these categories include the following: • Cymbopogan obtectus is a grass species that is considered to be vulnerable to extinction in SA. It is a species that is not usually grazed although young shoots are susceptible. This species was found on Chowilla Regional Reserve, although it was not found on neighbouring Calperum Station and Danggali Conservation Park; and • Maireana decalvans is also endangered in SA and was found on Chowilla Regional Reserve by Barratt and Choate (1983). The species is found in heavy clays that are seasonally waterlogged and/or in grasslands, bladder saltbush and open woodland communities.

Birds Around 200 bird species have been recorded on the Game Reserve, with many species not commonly found throughout South Australia. Around 20 species are classified as rare, vulnerable or endangered in South Australia, although no detailed studies have been undertaken specific to the Regional Reserve, it is expected that many of these species (excluding those relying on close proximity to water) are also present in the Regional Reserve.

Studies on neighbouring Calperum Station and Danggali Conservation Park have recorded populations of the Black Eared Miner (Manorina melanotis) which is endangered both in South Australia and nationally. Sightings of the bird have been recorded near the southern boundary of Danggali Conservation Park where it adjoins Chowilla and also close to the Calperum/Chowilla border. Areas of suitable mallee on Chowilla may support Black Eared Miner populations, but no studies have been carried out to confirm this.

The Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) which is rated vulnerable in South Australia and nationally is also present on the Reserve. This species has seriously declined or become extinct over much of its former range although the Murraylands district is considered a stronghold for the species. Chowilla and neighbouring properties contain large areas of mallee vegetation suitable for this species. Malleefowl like many other bird species, rely on a wide range of foods, including flowers and fruits of many shrub species and the abundant insects and other arthropods found in healthy mallee communities (DENR 1995). Surveys in similar mallee country west of the station have estimated population densities of around four breeding pairs per square kilometre which points to a substantial population on Chowilla, although from nest data collected, active mound density is low compared to the total number of mounds monitored on the Reserve.

Birds such as Major Mitchell Cockatoos (Cacatua leadbeateri) require large hollows for nesting and these are only found in large old-growth mallee, large black oak and native pine. Areas providing suitable habitat include old-growth mallee along the eastern boundary of South Paradise, Limbra and Littra paddocks and in the Black Oak country in the north east of the run.

A full list of bird species can be found in Appendix D.

Native Mammals At the time of colonisation, the mallee region of south-eastern Australia probably would have supported a rich and diverse mammal fauna. Today many species are locally extinct and general diversity low. Therefore it is important to recognise current species and populations which are at considerable risk.

The most common mammals on the Reserve are the Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) and Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus). Red Kangaroos are particularly suited to Chowilla as they are transient animals, moving to and from neighbouring properties and taking advantage of watering points. The Grey Kangaroo is more sedentary and does not move as widely as the Red Kangaroo.

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There have been unconfirmed sightings in the northern section of the Reserve of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) which is rated vulnerable in South Australia.

Many small mammal species are found on the Reserve, including Common and Fat-tailed Dunnarts (Sminthopsis murina and S crassicaudata respectively) and Southern Ningaui (Ningaui yvonneae). Small mammals of significance include Little Pied Bat (Chalinolobus picatus) and Greater Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus timoriensis) which are both rated as vulnerable at a State level. The main threat to these species in SA has been the destruction of roosting sites, particularly the loss of old-growth trees. Although their occurrence has not been confirmed in the Reserve, both bats have been caught in nearby Danggali Conservation Park and Calperum Station at several locations and are expected to occur in Chowilla in similar habitat (DENR 1996).

Introduced Mammals Introduced mammals include House Mouse (Mus musculus), European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Brown Hare (Lepus capensis), Feral Cat (Felis catus), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Feral Goat (Capra hircus). Goat numbers are increasing on Chowilla and are contributing to overall grazing pressure on the Regional Reserve.

Reptiles Around 45 reptile species are recorded to date in the Game Reserve, which include goannas, dragons, skinks, geckoes, snakes and tortoises. It is thought that around 11 of these species are dependent either on the wetlands or on the fringing riverine woodlands and clayey floodplains (O’Malley & Sheldon 1990). This would suggest that the Regional Reserve also conserves a diverse reptile fauna.

The South Olary Plains Biological Survey (DENR 1996) recorded 64 reptile and six amphibian species. Species of note recorded in Danggali Conservation Park on Calperum Station and therefore likely to be present on Chowilla Regional Reserve in similar habitats include: • Marbled Velvet Gecko (Oedura marmorata) which is rated rare is South Australia; • Common Bandy-bandy (Vermicella annulata) which is classified rare in South Australia due to its uncertain distribution and abundance; and • Bardick (Echiopsis curta) which is a medium sized elapid snake, classified rare in South Australia.

2.4 Cultural Features

2.4.1 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage According to Tindale (1974) the Aboriginal word “Tjowilla” means ‘place of spirits and ghosts’. At time of colonisation, it is understood that the inhabitants of the Chowilla area were the Maraura and Ngintait peoples. According to the Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve Management Plan (DENR 1995) the Maraura lived a semi-permanent lifestyle that centred on a favoured camping area at Lake Victoria. Their territory was on the north side of the River Murray and extended from Chowilla upstream as far as the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers.

The Ngintait were confined principally to the southern side of the River Murray between Paringa and Wentworth, although their territory apparently did include the northern side of the river around Salt Creek and between Chowilla and Hunchee Islands. Today, there are no descendants of the Maraura or Ngintait people known to DEH.

In 1991/92 an Aboriginal site survey of the upper River Murray region in South Australia was undertaken. The findings from this survey showed occupation dating back some 12,000 years to the Pleistocene era, although continuous occupation cannot be confirmed. This survey found many skeletal remains, artifact scatters, middens, hearths, scarred trees and isolated artifacts.

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It also pointed out that sand bodies (dunes and lunettes) are extremely archaeologically sensitive and in some instances are being eroded as a result of soil degradation resulting from overgrazing by domestic stock and rabbits (DENR 1995).

No detailed Aboriginal site survey has been undertaken on the Regional Reserve and to date, no Aboriginal heritage sites or locations of significance have been identified and there are no sites listed on the State Aboriginal Heritage Register. Lack of entries on the Register however does not mean that sites do not exist and the Register cannot be relied upon as a comprehensive guide for management decisions in the Reserve. There is a strong likelihood of sites occurring on the Reserve and certain landforms are more likely to show evidence of Aboriginal pre-historic occupation than others, particularly dune crests within 100 metres of any ephemeral fresh or saline water source such as an interdunal swamp, claypan, soak or canegrass swamp. The nature and distribution of archaeological material is likely to reflect the semi-arid nature of the landscape and comprise sparse scatters of stone artifacts and hearths (fireplaces). Site frequency should increase with proximity to the floodplain.

Archaeological deposits may have scientific value and can have cultural significance for Aboriginal people today. It should be noted that a site may also be important for cultural reasons or historic events that occurred there. Such places may contain no archaeological evidence, but may still have great significance to Aboriginal people. The Regional Reserve remains largely unknown in this regard.

Native Title Claims ‘Native Title’ is used to describe the interests Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have in land and waters according to their traditional laws and customs. Federal legislation, the Native Title Act 1993, was enacted to: • provide for the recognition and protection of native title; • establish ways in which future dealings affecting native title may proceed and to set standards for those dealings; • establish a mechanism for determining claims to native title; and • provide for, or permit, the validation of past acts, and intermediate period acts, invalidated because of the existence of native title.

To date there has been no determination of native title in relation to the Reserve. A ‘determination’ is a decision made by the courts as to who holds native title for an area.

Chowilla Regional Reserve lies within the Barkandji (Paakantyi) #9 Native Title Claim (SG6023/98) which covers an area of about 22 293 square kilometres. This claim is not registered with the National Native Title Tribunal but remains active in the Federal Court. Given the previous rate of progress of such claims, it is not expected to be addressed in substance for some time but any development proposed for the Reserve must still be valid in terms of the Native Title Act 1993 given that native title may still exist there.

2.4.2 Non-Indigenous Cultural Heritage The Reserve has a rich pastoral history, which is still very evident today. The management plan (DENR 1995) states there are still many features and structures derived from colonial exploration, settlement and pastoral occupation that can be found on the Regional and Game Reserves.

The following historical account is adapted from the Rangeland Assessment Manual (Barratt and Choate 1983) and refers to the Chowilla Station, comprising both the Regional Reserve and Game Reserve.

Chowilla has a long history of pastoral production, which once extended into New South Wales and incorporated the Tareena and Boundary Runs. Robert Robertson raised his family on Chowilla and

16 A Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve Department for Environment and Heritage the Robertson descendants still lease the property today (2003). The Chowilla homestead was built after the great flood of 1870. Cattle were put on Chowilla in the early days and later sheep were introduced by the three Robertson brothers. Records show that in 1881 70 250 sheep were shorn on the property. Over the past 150 years the property has suffered droughts and fire.

Over the years, there has been significant pastoral development on Chowilla Station including four homesteads on the property and two shearing facilities. Eighty five kilometres of pipeline were laid in the 1950s to supply the ‘back country’ with water. In 1963 the River Murray Commission acquired 184 square kilometres of the Chowilla floodplain where a major dam was planned to create a water storage. This scheme never eventuated due to high salinity levels and shallow waters.

There have also been other enterprises attempted over the years, some with success such as the Orangery in 1911, but merino sheep have always been the property’s mainstay. There are many features and structures from colonial history which can still be seen on the property today such as fence lines, blazed trees and track crossings, but many of the most significant features are within the Game Reserve rather than the Regional Reserve.

Non-Indigenous cultural features located on the Regional Reserve include a wool shed and associated yards, shearers quarters, the Paradise Out-station building, fence lines and pipelines with water tanks.

2.4.3 Reserve Management The major focus of DEH management of the Reserve during the last ten years has involved the significant upgrade of access through the park to Danggali Conservation Park, including the relocation of stock water infrastructure. Other areas of management priority include the instigation and organisation of the Chowilla Rangelands Monitoring Committee and the establishment and maintenance of the revegetation monitoring exclosures. There are also a number of ongoing management activities which take place on the Regional Reserve including: • organisation of annual pastoral inspections; • liaison with lessees on pastoral & visitor management issues; • liaison with stakeholders on public access, visitor management & pest control issues; • facilitation of research and consultants fieldwork, including scientific assessments; • annual wildlife surveys (kangaroo, Malleefowl); • regular patrols along the public access routes; • annual pest control & monitoring programs (Pestcam) involving local stakeholders, as outlined in the Chowilla Resource Management Plan (1993); • rabbit control works in terrace revegetation areas; • monitoring of lessee goat control program; • public access road maintenance & upgrade; • erection & maintenance of signs; and • the provision of information to visitors from the Berri DEH office.

The DEH District Ranger and other field staff are located in Berri. There are no Friends of Parks groups who currently assist with management of the Regional Reserve.

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3 REVIEW OF USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN CHOWILLA REGIONAL RESERVE

3.1 Outline The ten year review of the Chowilla Regional Reserve must consider the utilisation of natural resources, the impacts of that utilisation on the conservation of natural and historical features of the reserve and the impacts of that utilisation on the South Australian economy (as per Section 34A of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972). Appendix A includes an interpretation of Section 34A of the Act and how it has been interpreted for the Chowilla Regional Reserve ten year Review. These requirements are addressed in Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the report for those uses and potential uses of the natural resources of the Reserve, namely: • pastoral production; • mining • kangaroo harvesting; and • tourism.

As there has been no indigenous use of the natural resources of the Regional Reserve this has not been covered in the assessment. In the future, however, there may be the potential for indigenous use of the natural resources. This potential future use is likely to depend on the outcomes of native title claims and any exploration of Indigenous Land Use Agreements.

While conservation is an equally important use of the Reserve it is difficult to address conservation in line with the requirements under that Act and has not, therefore, been separated out as a specific use of the natural resources. It should be noted that conservation is a key objective of the proclamation of the area as a Regional Reserve and the value and contribution of the environmental assets to South Australians should not be under-estimated.

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4 PASTORAL PRODUCTION

4.1 Background The Regional Reserve area has been grazed since the late 1800s and following the proclamation of the Regional Reserve, a lease with Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd was established for grazing over the Reserve and the adjacent Chowilla Game Reserve. The amount of stock grazing on the total area (Regional and Game Reserves) has fluctuated over the last ten years, dependant primarily on rainfall (Figure 5a).

The lowest rainfall years were 1991, 1994, 1998, 2001 and 2002 when less than 200 mm were recorded. Highest rainfall years were 1992, 1993, 1995 and 2000 with all years recording over 300 mm. Average rainfall for the Review period is 249mm. Cattle were stocked on the property during the years 1994 to 1999, with the greatest cattle stock numbers being 234 at 31 March 1995. Cattle are no longer stocked on the property (Figure 5b). These stocking figures appear to be variable, depending on when the count is taken and thus the figures from the Pastoral Inspection Reports are also presented (Figure 6).

The figures shown below are total figures from both the Game and Regional Reserves. The Robertson’s estimate, however, is that 65% of their grazing capacity is provided by the Regional Reserve with the remaining 35% from the Game Reserve.

14,000 400

12,000 350

300 10,000 ) 250 8,000 200 6,000 150 Rainfall (mm 4,000 100 Adult Sheep Numbers Numbers Sheep Adult

2,000 50

0 0 91-92 92-93 93-94 94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03

Rainfall (mm) Adul t Sheep Numbers

Figure 5a: Sheep numbers and annual rainfall, Chowilla Regional and Game Reserve

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250 400

350 200 300 ) 250 150

200

100 150 Rainfall (mm Cattle Numbers Numbers Cattle 100 50 50

0 0 91-92 92-93 93-94 94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03

Rainfall (mm) Cattl e Numbers

Figure 5b: Cattle numbers and annual rainfall, Chowilla Regional and Game Reserve

The chart below, Figure 6 shows sheep and cattle numbers as per the Pastoral Inspection Reports.

300 12,000

250 10,000

200 8,000

150 6,000

100 4,000 Cattle Numbers Numbers Cattle Sheep Numbers Numbers Sheep

50 2,000

0 0 Apr-95 Jun-96 Nov-96 Apr-97 Aug-97 Jun-98 Aug-98 May-99 Nov-99 Nov-02

Present No.s- Cattl e Numbers Last stock return- Cattl e Numbers Present No.s- Sheep Numbers Last stock return- Sheep Numbers

Figure 6: Stock numbers on Chowilla Regional and Game Reserve (Pastoral Inspection Reports)

Grazing Intensity The grazing intensity each area of the Reserve experiences is dependent upon how many stock are watered in a particular area for how long and under what climatic circumstance - as well as whether or not that particular land system is favoured by stock. As this level of understanding and detail is beyond the scope of this Review, the distribution of pastoral developments and potential grazing intensity as shown in Figure 7 is based upon simple assumptions.

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The area of the Reserve within each land system that is potentially subject to four levels of grazing intensity was estimated by describing grazing zones around each of the permanent or near permanent water points. These water points consist of a network of concrete tanks feeding 51 troughs through a pipeline system over 200 km in length. As well, there are also some 15 dams, of various sizes and ability to catch and hold water.

Because of the relative small size of the paddocks on the Reserve, potential grazing intensity was split into four zones; low, medium, high and extreme. These sheep grazing zones are circumscribed by selected radii from water points: • potentially extreme grazing intensity = area within 1.5 km radius from water • potentially high grazing intensity = area between circles of 1.5 km and 3 km radius from water • potentially medium grazing intensity = area between circles of 3 km and 5 km radii from water • potentially low grazing intensity = area beyond that circumscribed by 5 to 8 km radius (no part of the Regional Reserve is beyond 8 km from a water point)

Based on the intensity zones above and the distribution of permanent waters: 14% of the Reserve located more than 5 km from permanent water is under potentially low grazing intensity; 32% is under potentially medium grazing intensity; 34% is under potentially high grazing intensity; and the remaining 20% under potentially extreme grazing intensity.

These percentages are positive from a pastoral-use perspective, as virtually all available land can be utilised by the sheep for grazing and any impacts are minimised by being widely spread. On the other hand, this could be seen as a negative from a conservation perspective because there are actually no areas of the Reserve that are not potentially available to be grazed by sheep, except for some small exclosures designed to exclude grazing animals. If all areas within the Reserve are exposed to some level of sheep grazing, and this is compounded by kangaroo and goat grazing, there are no patches of native vegetation left potentially ungrazed, except for the areas within the monitoring exclosures. The distribution of potential grazing intensity within each major land system is shown in Table 1.

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Table 1: Distribution of Potential Grazing Pressure for Each Land System

Potential Grazing Intensity Area (km2) % of Land System Borehole (Bh) Extreme 39.5 20.7 High 38.8 20.3 (Extreme + High) (41.0) Medium 56.0 29.3 Low 30.3 15.9 (Medium + Low) (45.2) Hypurna (Hy) Extreme 15.1 21.0 High 26.1 36.2 (Extreme + High) (57.2) Medium 23.1 32.0 Low 6.0 8.4 (Medium + Low) (40.4) Jack Halls (Jh) Extreme 6.7 10.4 High 28.0 43.5 (Extreme + High) (53.9) Medium 23.1 35.9 Low 7.3 11.4 (Medium + Low) (47.3) Littra (Li) Extreme High 0.7 24.35 (Extreme + High) Medium Low 2.3 75.8 (Medium + Low) Lowan (Lw) Extreme 43.3 15.5 High 85.0 30.4 (Extreme + High) (45.9) Medium 94.8 33.6 Low 41.0 14.7 (Medium + Low) (48.3) Sparks (Sp) Extreme 38.3 24.9 High 68.1 44.3 (Extreme + High) (69.2) Medium 30.2 19.6 Low 12.3 8.0 (Medium + Low) (27.6) Total Area 716.0

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Figure 7: Grazing intensity

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Table 2: Summary of Grazing Pressure

Total Area under Grazing Grazing Intensity % of Total Grazed Area Intensity (km2) Extreme 143.0 20.0 High 246.7 34.5 Medium 227.1 31.7 Low 99.2 13.9 Hypurna Land System Within the Hypurna Land System, 57% of the area is within 3 km of permanent water and potentially subject to extreme to high grazing intensity.

Sparks Land System This land system which has the Southern cypress pine (Callitris preissii) open woodland as a feature, has 69% of its area within 3 km of permanent water and potentially subject to extreme to high grazing intensity.

Lowan Land System The mallee-based Lowan Land System has 46% of its area within 3 km of permanent water and potentially subject to extreme to high grazing intensity.

Borehole Land System The land system most similar to the Lowan system, Borehole has 41% of its area within 3 km of permanent water and potentially subject to extreme to high grazing intensity.

Littra Land System Within the Littra Land System, 24% of the area is within 3 km of permanent water and potentially subject to high grazing intensity.

Jack Halls Land System Within the Jack Halls Land System of chenopod shrublands 54% of the area is within 3 km of permanent water and potentially subject to extreme to high grazing intensity.

Property Management Plan In addition to the Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve Management Plan (DENR 1995) Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd has its own company business plan. Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd submitted a document to the Review panel in February 2003. This plan outlined the business purpose of the company as being ‘to produce premium quality wool, and meat products for the domestic and international markets using ecologically sustainable, and striving towards industry best practice, production methods, whilst incorporating a world class tourism experience for visitors in a unique part of Australia’. Also listed were shared core values, vision and goal statements for the company.

Pastoral Infrastructure Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd has made the following improvements or changes to the Chowilla Regional Reserve since 1993: • relocated watering points; • built bridges; • commissioned a sheep punt and crutching trailer; • used an ultra-light plane and constructed a hanger; and • replaced 30 km of boundary fencing.

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4.2 Impacts of Pastoral Production on Wildlife and Natural Features

4.2.1 Impacts on Landscape Features The impacts on landscape features resulting from the pastoral industry are station improvements and infrastructure such as roads, tracks, yards, fences, troughs, tanks, bores, pumps, sheds, houses, gates and grilles and holding yards. Stock-induced impacts include browse lines on shrubs and trees, trampled soils, broken or destroyed lichen crust, stock-induced creek line bank erosion and manure.

Stock and Station Improvements Grazing stock and station improvements are regular reminders of the Regional Reserve’s multiple-use role. In high use areas, such as around watering points and holding paddocks, stock cause obvious impacts to the physical environment of the Reserve. The observable presence of stock could impact positively or negatively on visitors’ enjoyment of the Reserve’s landscape features, but this is currently unknown.

4.2.2 Impacts of Pastoral Use on Wildlife The impacts of pastoral land use of wildlife include: • selective use by stock of the natural environment; • grazing induced changes to soils and species; and • nutrient cycling

These are described in further detail below.

Selective use by stock of the natural environment Distance from water point impact In the arid-zone, animals (including domestic stock, feral and native herbivores) forage outwards from a water point to which they must return regularly to drink. This type of behaviour leads to a distinct ecological system in which the interactions are determined by the existence of the water point and by the capacity of the animals to forage away from it. This has been termed the piosphere effect (Lange 1969).

Many studies on the impacts of total grazing pressure and piosphere effects have been published (eg Andrew and Lange 1986). These impacts are not restricted to domestic stock, as feral and native herbivores exhibit similar grazing behaviour and also contribute to rangeland degradation. James et al (1997) highlighted the impacts of grazing on native vegetation, which can be substantial and include altered plant species composition, reduction in species diversity and structural changes to natural communities. The Land Conservation Council (1989) in the Victorian Sunset country found that the most obvious impacts have been the absence of regeneration of woody perennials and loss of taxa from the shrub layer. Another impact documented was trampling damage to the soil crust, which leads to increased erosion.

Generally any plant that exists within a piosphere will be subject to some grazing. The piosphere effect creates deterioration of palatable plant populations (eg Pearl Bluebush) and the stimulation of less palatable species (eg Black Bluebush) in their place. The broad features of this phenomenon are well known, but there must be subtle effects of changed selection pressure under sheep or cattle, operative on most functions of all plant species, at all stages of their life cycle. It is these subtle effects which are of significance with respect to conservation or management of the vegetation (Lange 1978).

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Sheep will usually graze between 3 and 8 km away from water, whereas cattle will usually graze between 4 and 10 km away from water. Rainfall effects the grazing range, as good rainfall will induce vegetation to sprout and non-permanent water sources will form, permitting sheep to extend beyond 8 km and cattle beyond 10 km from permanent water. All of the Chowilla Regional Reserve area is within 8 km of permanent water and thus under some form of stock grazing pressure. This is in addition to kangaroo, goat and rabbit grazing.

The introduction of stock watering points has had a range of impacts on the flora and fauna of the semi-arid pastoral area. For a comprehensive review see James et al. (1997); Curry and Hacker (1990) and Wilson (1990). A significant CSIRO study of the relationship between the provision of water and changes in biodiversity in arid and semi-arid Australia by Landsberg et al (1997), highlighted two main concerns; firstly there is now little formerly dry rangeland further than 10 km from an artificial water source, and secondly about 25% of native plant and animal species are disadvantaged by the presence of artificial water. Landsberg et al also found that the changes in the abundance of flora and fauna were apparent some considerable distance from the watering point. The major recommendations stemming from this research included a program for strategic closure of waters.

In neighbouring Calperum Station, Environment Australia commissioned a similar study to investigate the relevance of the Landsberg et al (1997) report to the mallee ecosystems. Overall, similar trends were found, with plant, bird and reptile species increasing (both in number and diversity) with distance from water (Dominelli 1999). Because artificial watering points are no longer required for domestic stock on Calperum Station, a strategy for closing artificial watering points in specific locations was undertaken in order to reduce the impacts of goat and kangaroo grazing on species of conservation significance (eg Malleefowl and Black-eared Miner). The strategy aims to increase the area beyond 5 km distance from water from around 4% to 30%. However, in locations where rare bat or bird species are known to utiltise the water the artificial supply will be retained.

Artificial concentration of grazing pressure by fences Several other factors influence the piosphere effect on vegetation. The location of fence lines influences piosphere relationships, mostly by truncating them in a manner sub-optimal for pasture and conservation alike. It should be borne in mind, however, that, while sheep are restricted by fence lines, goats, kangaroos and rabbits are not.

Grazing induced changes to soils and species Selective grazing of plant species Sheep and cattle graze selectively. Grazing can cause a decline in abundance of palatable species and an increase in the abundance of unpalatable species that thrive on disturbance caused by large herbivores walking around and defecating (Van Rooyen et al 1991). Stock choose the more palatable plants over the less palatable until these are diminished, then either walk further to graze or else select less palatable species. Chowilla has been regularly monitored on behalf of the Pastoral Board in accordance with the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989. Under this Act, the assessment of grazing impacts on vegetation is based on the grazing-induced condition of the palatable species of plants including: • their presence or absence (in which case they are referred to as decreaser species); and • the proportion of preferred species to the species that are less palatable and increase in abundance under grazing (increaser species).

The number of water points in pastoral areas has increased of late because it has until now been viewed as good pastoral management to spread grazing pressure evenly over properties. However, one result is that there is now little land left that is only lightly grazed or not grazed at all. This allows no safeguard to prevent the degradation of those species that are very sensitive to grazing. The composition of native plant and animal species changes with distance from an artificial source of water.

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The increaser species are most numerous near water points, whereas the decreaser species are most numerous in lightly grazed areas further from water. In some habitats, there are decreaser species that are particularly sensitive to grazing that are found only at water remote sites (>10 km from water).

The combined effect of grazing animals and water points in the Australian rangelands is that some species of every type that have survived are lower in abundance in areas where grazing occurs and higher in abundance in ungrazed (water-remote) areas (Landsberg et al 1999). These patterns of change in biodiversity in relation to pastoral land use suggest that some areas should be maintained free of water points and grazing to ensure that healthy populations of sensitive species persist (James 2000). Species that are not affected or advantaged by grazing do not need to be considered because their status appears to be secure.

Changes and pressures to land systems Neither a vegetation or land system map is a perfect representation of what species occur where in the landscape, or their abundance under undisturbed conditions. In rangeland landscapes, region-wide surveys have shown that areas mapped as the same land system within a few kilometres of each other can have substantially different species compositions of plants, birds and ants (James and Landsberg, unpublished data). Two areas designated as the same vegetation type on a map because they have the same dominant overstorey species may in fact differ greatly in the types of less conspicuous species that occur there. Differential grazing intensity alone has been shown to cause shifts in the species composition for a wide range of types of plants and animals (Abensperg-Traun et al 1996, Landsberg et al 1999).

The Regional Reserve has been subject to stock grazing impacts for over 120 years. Goat and kangaroo grazing impacts have also been severe and distributed across most land systems. It is presumed that significant changes in plant species diversity, density or abundance have occurred well before the period of this Review.

To ensure adequate conservation of all land system types it is suggested that once a designated distance from water has been identified that an area target of 5-10% of each land system type is beyond that range (Biograze, 2000). Work by Landsberg et al 1999 and Dominelli 1999 suggests that conservation is best served by the lower intensity grazing at distances greater than 5 km from water. In this range, Borehole has only 16% of its area more than 5 km from water; Hypurna has 8.4%; Jack Halls 11.4%; Lowan 14.7% and Sparks 8%. The total area of Chowilla Regional Reserve beyond this 5 km zone is 14%. There are no areas within the Reserve that are truly water-remote or further than 8km from any water point.

Grazing impacts on plants and animals with limited distribution Grazing can have significant impacts on plants and animals that have a limited distribution. Impacts include soil compaction and loss of canopy and ground cover, which can lead to reduced infiltration, excessive runoff, increased soil detachment by wind or raindrop impact, subsequent transport of soil off-site. This can severely affect species with limited distributions to the disturbed areas.

There is not currently enough knowledge to determine the grazing impacts on species within the Regional Reserve with limited distributions, however, the susceptible species include small mammals and reptiles with limited abilities to move away from impacts. The Lowan land system is also susceptible as it has a limited distribution on Chowilla Regional Reserve, being confined to the north west section of the Reserve. The main species that may be particularly disadvantaged by grazing impacts in this land system, are those that have limited opportunities to move to other suitable areas within the Reserve. Species may include Malleefowl (rated as Vulnerable in SA and Australia) Spiny Bitter-pea (Daviesia benthamii ssp benthamii, rated as Uncommon in SA) small mammals and reptiles. While they may be restricted on Reserve, these species may, however, have the ability to move off the Reserve into adjacent similar habitats where there is no grazing.

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Nutrient Cycling Sheep and cattle grazing have changed the way biomass and nutrients are cycled through the environment. The sale of stock to markets or their removal to other properties exports the nutrients that went into the growth of those animals. This results in a slow, incremental removal of nutrients from the system that may or may not be balanced by imports associated with flooding, nitrogen fixation and atmospheric inputs from rainfall. Another concern is that stock redistribute nutrients within the system in the form of dung and urine, tending to concentrate them around water points and in water, where they are accessible. This may create nitrogen-enriched waters and/or soils with higher nitrogen levels, to which the native plant species are not well adapted.

4.2.3 Monitoring program Various monitoring methods have been employed by DEH to determine and document change in rangeland conditions and trends on Chowilla Regional Reserve over the last ten years. The major program initiated has been ‘rangeland monitoring’. This involves use of photopoints and grazing exclosures, in addition to pastoral reports. Quantitative measurements are taken to help understand plant dynamics and rangeland condition, such as perennial plant density/frequency, percentage of plant cover and soil condition analysis. These monitoring programs were not established as structured research projects, so they are less than adequate at providing specific cause and effect answers. The following is a description of these monitoring methods.

Exclosures One of the most obvious and visual methods to demonstrate the grazing pressure that has been placed on the Reserve is by examining the exclosure images. Exclosures, which use fences to stop all or some types of grazing by domestic stock, feral and native animals, have been established to determine the effects of total grazing pressure on flora populations and soil condition. The exclosures are not considered large enough to protect conservation values over the longer term or provide an adequate seed source for flora survival, but are a useful monitoring and evaluation tool.

Exclosures can vary in purpose and therefore shape. The exclosures that were established for the above purpose are fenced areas consisting of three plots measuring approximately 50 m x 50 m. One plot is designed to exclude all common herbivores (eg sheep, goats, rabbits and kangaroos) that is, no grazing pressure at all. The next plot is stock-proofed only, so small herbivores such as rabbits can still access this plot. The third plot with no fencing, subject to all forms of grazing, acts as a control.

Four exclosure sets have been established on the Reserve and one on the floodplain in various land systems which include the Mallee plains, Chenopod shrubland and Chenopod mallee. Results from these exclosures have been documented, with adult shrubs plotted and recruitment tracked, but most of the data remain in a raw state so only an observational assessment has been possible.

The following photograph of the exclosure set in the Coombool Paddock was taken in November 2002. The exclosure was established in the mid-1980s. Originally, this exclosure was not within an extreme grazing zone, but is now within 1.5 km of a water point. This particular photograph is of the plot that excludes all stock, goats and kangaroos but does not exclude rabbits. As is evident, there is a dramatic difference when comparing the two areas. The microphytic crust outside of the exclosure is sparse, the shrub layer is completely lost and no recruitment of plant species is occurring. Recruitment of grasses and forbs is occurring within the exclosure. The actual height difference of the soil is lower outside of the exclosure, and is probably down to or nearing bedrock. Despite the photograph being taken in a relatively low rainfall year, the differences between grazing pressures can easily be observed as the vegetation within the exclosure has received the same amount of rainfall. A watering point was moved closer to this exclosure after it had been established and demonstrates the degree of impact in close proximity to a water point. Other exclosures on the property remain located 1.5 km from a watering point and do not show the same degree of impact.

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Plate 1: Coombool exclosure, November 2002 Photopoints Photopoints were first established in the Regional Reserve in 1983 at the request of the leaseholder. Following the proclamation of the Reserve, in 1993, some further photopoints were added and in 1994, the pastoral assessment process was formally initiated and permanent sites for monitoring trends in land condition within each paddock were established. Baseline photo-point photographs were taken, vegetation and soil attributes were measured and observations made of feral animal and stock grazing impact, the extent of soil erosion, and wildfire impact.

The purpose of photopoints is to assess changes in vegetation attributes over time, which depends on precisely the same target being consistently photographed at a site and at the same time or seasons each year, preferably in spring. Permanent camera posts with a South Australian Government Permanent Vegetation Photopoint disk were installed at each photopoint and each has a unique identification number. When photographs are taken, information detailing the date, photopoint number and a general assessment of the paddock are recorded. Identifying the major or dominant plant species and looking for and recording changes in the number, size and vigour of perennial species and the cover of annuals are noted. This information, which over time can give an insight into the condition and trends of vegetation on the Reserve, assists in the overall understanding of the Chowilla ecosystems, allowing grazing practices to be adapted accordingly.

Consistency in photographs is important to determine trends over time, especially the season in which the photo is taken. In general, photographs are taken in the spring season (September-December). In some seasons when the spring rains have been relatively light, the season becomes longer and photos can be taken as late as December. When the program was initially set up in 1994 the baseline photos were taken right into autumn. The ongoing program protocols are for spring photos and for no additional data to be collected on rangeland condition. Again it must be reiterated that these photopoints are not set up as research projects and are therefore inappropriate at providing specific cause and effect answers, but do provide a good observational trend over time. Figure 8 depicts where photopoints are located throughout the Reserve.

Following is a series of photopoints taken at Site no. 90/1051 in Jack Halls West paddock within the Jack Halls Land System. The photographs span from March 1993 through to November 2001. This photopoint is located 1.8 km from a water point.

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Plate 2: Photopoint 90/1051, March 1993 In 1993, the dominant species is Pearl Bluebush (Maireana sedifolia) and Spear Grass (Stipa nitida) with a ground cover of Copperburs (Sclerolaena sp) and the weedy Wild Sage (Salvia verbenaca). The shrubs appear to be in relatively good condition, although there is evidence of dying twigs on most of the Pearl Bluebush. The soil surface is stable, with an intact lichen crust. This site was rated as ‘fair’ by the pastoral inspectors during assessment in 1993.

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Figure 8: Photopoint Map

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Plate 3a: Photopoint 90/1051, May 1995

Plate 3b: Photopoint 90/1051, November 1995

Plate 4: Photopoint 90/1051, October 1996

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There was no photograph taken in the spring of 1994 but as the DEH rangeland monitoring program was better established across Chowilla, a photograph was taken in May 1995 and then again in November. In the May photograph there are obvious signs of grazing pressure on the shrubs with more bare wood showing through and a higher percentage of bare ground. In the spring photo of the same year signs of recovery are obvious in the ground layers and in the shrub cover itself. There are no signs of Stipa in this photo as the rainfall for 1994 was only 120 mm.

Between 1995 and 1996 a loss of ground cover can be seen with more bare ground showing. The cover that is present is the unpalatable weed Wild Sage (Salvia verbenaca). Grazing on the Pearl Bluebush has increased and more bare branches can be observed. Onset of erosion around the bush mounds in 1996 can also be seen from the above photograph.

Plate 5: Photopoint 90/1051, December 1997

Plate 6: Photopoint 90/1051, October 2000

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Plate 7: Photopoint 90/1051, November 2001 The 1997 photograph (taken in December) shows a large recovery from the 1996 photograph in that the Bluebush has maintained good shoot cover, although there are still dead branches present. The ground covers have dried off since spring but the species composition has not changed, in that the dominant species is still Wild Sage.

Two years of photos (1998 and 1999) are missing from this series but the photograph from 2000 is still showing signs of recovery, with the shrubs still gaining shoots and showing less dead wood. The ground cover has not changed substantially, with Wild Sage still dominating.

By 2001 the shrubs are still in the same general condition, although the ground cover of Wild Sage is looking drier. The rainfall in 2001 was only 194 mm although the preceding season was good at 318 mm.

Pastoral Inspections The Pastoral Management Board undertakes pastoral inspections to fulfil requirements under the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989.

These inspections are mainly focussed on stock management and grazing issues. The inspections are carried out annually and officers look at each paddock. Paddock-based issues are addressed by the development of strategies and discussions with the land manager and, if necessary, the Rangeland Monitoring Committee.

4.3 Impacts of Pastoral Production on Cultural Features

4.3.1 Aboriginal Cultural Features Given that the Reserve has been under pastoral production for more than 120 years, it is likely that any Aboriginal heritage sites that may have been exposed would have been impacted prior to the proclamation of the Regional Reserve. If sites of significance still, or did exist, the main cause of damage to these sites would be from trampling by the sheep, cattle and goats. Stock trampling can accelerate erosion in and around sites, disrupting the stratigraphic record, scattering material, damaging stone arrangements and crushing Aboriginal remains (Williams 1987).

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Where stock grazing is focused on natural sources of water, there is the possibility that the conservation of archaeological remains and stock activity would be in conflict, and there may be a number of unknown sites potentially under threat of stock trampling. There is a need for a study to identify sites and then plan for protection of any identified cultural and archaeological material, and ideally, to ensure that important sites are beyond the influence of stock activities.

Pastoral activities such as fencing and dam construction may have also resulted in disturbance to the land and indigenous relics. Any major new developments, such as changes in fence lines, new dams and new paddocks should involve consultation with the relevant Aboriginal authorities to establish the cultural significance of that area to Aboriginal people. Any sites identified should then be recorded and avoided. As mentioned previously, the provisions of the (Commonwealth) Native Title Act 1993 should be applied.

4.3.2 Impacts of Pastoral Production on Non-Indigenous Cultural Values A formal inventory of non-Aboriginal heritage sites has not taken place for the Regional Reserve, but pastoral production has largely been responsible for the creation of the majority of known non- indigenous cultural features of the Regional Reserve (see Section 2.4.2). Pastoral production activities have impacted positively on the creation of the non-Indigenous cultural values of the Reserve. There are no known negative impacts from pastoral production on non-Indigenous cultural values.

4.4 Impacts of Pastoral Production on the Economy of South Australia The Robertson family were proprietors of both the Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve area before taking on the current lease of these properties ten years ago. They operate a mainly pastoral business, grazing predominantly merino sheep for wool production. While some cattle have been grazed in the last ten years, this country has not generally been viewed as suitable for cattle. The Robertsons also harvest goats off these reserves, which are sold for commercial gain. Table 3 summarises data provided by the Robertsons to indicate the number of grazing animals managed on both reserves.

Table 3: Grazing Animals Carried on both Reserves*

Adult sheep Wool Sheep sold Ewes Lambs Lambing Rainfall Cattle Cattle on hand Cut or transferred Percentage sold 31-Mar kg mm 1991/92 9,829 75,798 4,277 4,000 3,046 76.2% 196 1992/93 9,044 53,847 2,687 3,826 2,958 77.3% 349 1993/94 9,525 66,676 1,677 5,999 4,263 71.1% 336 1994/95 10,550 62,264 2,577 6,299 5,141 81.6% 120 44 1995/96 11,638 60,816 1,820 4,950 3,483 70.4% 312 234 4 1996/97 11,600 68,000 4,693 5,850 4,371 74.7% 215 72 199 1997/98 8,300 62,160 4,263 5,600 2,872 51.3% 260 117 1998/99 7,000 55,980 2,468 4,131 2,162 52.3% 184 2 106 1999/00 7,322 40,000 777 3,700 1,410 38.1% 260 2 2000/01 8,299 42,620 2,092 4,786 3,118 65.1% 318 3 2001/02 7,531 45,180 2,886 4,500 2,625 58.3% 194 3 2002/03 5,770 36,000 4,000 3,300 Average 9,149 4,876 65.1% 249 *A number of observations must be borne in mind when interpreting information in Table 3.

The main profit driver in this business is rainfall. When good rains are received, merino ewe numbers are increased so that lamb and wool production is boosted in the better seasons. Obviously in the poor seasons, stock numbers are decreased, as feed becomes less available. Figure 9 shows the annual rainfall recorded against ewe numbers, and generally indicates that ewe numbers rise and fall according to the rainfall received.

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The Robertsons estimate that 65% of their grazing capacity is provided by the Chowilla Regional Reserve, with the remaining 35% is derived from the Chowilla Game Reserve.

Cattle were grazed from 1994/95 to 1997/98 but are no longer depastured on the property.

Figure 10 indicates that the general grazing pressure, as estimated in DSE (dry sheep equivalent), has been declining over recent years. This has been in response to the recent poorer seasons and relatively poor wool prices prevailing in recent times.

Ewes No. vs Rainfall

7,000 400

6,000 350 300 5,000 250 4,000 Ewes 200 mm

Ewes 3,000 Rainfall 150 2,000 100

1,000 50

0 0

6 8 /93 94 9 97 /9 /01 02 2 3/ 4/95 / 6/ 7 8/99 0 1/ 9 9 9 95 9 9 9 0 0 0 1991/92 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 1999/00 20 2

Figure 9: Total Grazing pressure and Annual Rainfall

Total DSE to Rainfall

400 18, 000

350 16, 000 14, 000 300 12, 000 250 10, 000 Rainfall 200 mm 8,000 DSE DS E 150 6,000

100 4,000

50 2,000

0 0

3 9 0 92 9 / 93 95 /97 0 /02 1/ 4/ 9/ 92/ 95/96 994 997/98 199 19 1 199 19 1996 1 1998/9 199 2000/01 2001

Figure 10: Total Grazing Pressure and Annual Rainfall

The economic benefit of the pastoral industry over the ten years from the Regional Reserve is estimated at $1.5 million (see the discussion in Section 8.2 regarding the difficulties encountered in determining the economic benefit from the Regional Reserve). Gross income data have been used to estimate the economic benefits derived from the Chowilla Regional Reserve portion of the pastoral property. The Gross Income figure indicates the labour generated, the inputs used from local suppliers, and the profits retained by the business. Pastoral income was derived from the sale of wool, sheep, goats and cattle over the ten-year period. Information on this income stream has been provided by the Robertsons in an aggregate form only.

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A year by year account is provided below in Table 4. It can be seen that the Gross Income varies considerably, depending on seasonal influences, commodity prices and the harvest of goats.

Table 4 Economic Benefit from sale of wool, sheep, goats and cattle

Year Economic Benefit 1993 $122,280 1994 $155,940 1995 $191,820 1996 $207,000 1997 $185,610 1998 $136,620 1999 $ 96,600 2000 $169,740 2001 $166,085 Total $1,536,170

It should be noted that throughout the ten-year review period, the pastoral business experienced some indifferent seasons along with a prolonged period of poor wool and sheep prices. This meant that there was significant financial pressure on the business, and other sources of income were explored, including tourism activities in the Chowilla Game Reserve. In recent times wool prices have improved significantly, which has been a welcome relief for pastoralists, providing a significant financial injection into their businesses.

The pastoral business that leases both the Game Reserve and Regional Reserve provides full employment for two people, the lessee and his son. Seasonal employment occurs with the sheep crutching and shearing activities undertaken by the pastoral company. Discussions with the various parties associated with the Chowilla Regional Reserve indicate that there is no change predicted to this employment pattern for the foreseeable future.

Costs While benefits have accrued to the South Australian economy through the Regional Reserve concept allowing the use of the natural resources of the Reserve for pastoral grazing, there has also been a cost in terms of managing those impacts to ensure sustainable use of the resources. Those costs include the establishment of vegetation survey sites and associated photopoint survey, the construction of exclosures as reference points, the relocation of water points, and staff time in liaison and monitoring the pastoral impacts. The cost of assessing and managing the pastoral impacts on the Regional Reserve over the last ten years is estimated to be $370,000.

Economic Outlook There are a number of key profit drivers that will determine the economic benefits from the Chowilla Regional Reserve. These include: • rainfall – which determines ecosystem resilience, grazing productivity, wool production and lambing percentage; • commodity prices – wool and sheep prices and to a lesser extent, goat prices; and • the exchange rate – wool, being an internationally traded commodity, is traded in many currencies. The strength of the $A against these currencies will influence farm-gate prices.

The outlook for rainfall and climatic conditions for the next ten years is estimated to be much the same pattern as experienced over the past 20 years. While there is current debate on the impacts of global warming, if there are any associated climate changes, they are expected to occur in the longer rather than the shorter term and be almost imperceptible, at least for the next ten years.

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The wool market is just pulling out of a prolonged period of downturn. In the late 1980s, the wool floor price scheme collapsed, leaving a huge wool stockpile in Australia. It has taken up until early 2002 to clear this stockpile. When the stockpile existed, the world’s wool market could not move freely as the worlds’ spinners were assured of supply. Now that the stockpile has gone, the influence of supply and demand has returned to the wool market. For example, in recent times, the widespread drought of 2002 created a drop in wool supply, and the market responded with wool prices that in some cases had doubled from the previous year. This augers well for wool prices for the medium term as it is difficult to significantly increase sheep numbers quickly, and one might anticipate a reduced wool supply for the next few seasons.

In past years, the exchange rate for the $A has been declining steadily against other major trading partners. This has meant it has been generally easier for Australians to export and harder to import. The wool exporters have benefited from a weaker $A. However, in recent times, the relatively good performance of the Australian economy has meant that the $A has begun to strengthen. It is always difficult to predict the future of the $A with any certainty, however, the strengthening of the $A has indicated that exporters cannot become complacent with a lower $A, and so commodity prices in the short term will probably experience a weakening due to the strengthening $A.

The immediate outlook for the pastoral business leasing Chowilla Regional Reserve, however, appears more favourable than through the 1990s, largely due to the significant improvement in wool prices and related sheep prices. The economic fundamentals would tend to indicate that these conditions should exist for at least the next few seasons. Beyond that, is it difficult to predict but there are sure to be periods of both good and poor economic conditions for this business.

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5 MINERAL AND PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION

5.1 Background Petroleum exploration commenced in the 1950s and occurred sporadically up until 1990 in the south of the Nadda and Berri Basins. However, all exploratory petroleum wells drilled were outside the Regional Reserve boundary.

The Chowilla Regional Reserve is underlain by tertiary sand units of the Murray Basin which in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales bear massive deposits of heavy mineral sands. This includes the Mindarie Deposit 125 km to the south-west of the Reserve, worth an estimated $60 million. The Mindarie deposits are found within ancient strandlines, which also occur within the Chowilla Regional Reserve.

The Reserve area is currently under a mineral exploration license (see Figure 11) held by the operators of the Mindarie Deposit (Southern Titanium NL) and is therefore rated as having moderate to high potential for the discovery of significant heavy mineral sand deposits. There is low to moderate potential for the discovery of agricultural grade gypsum. The area has a high potential for yielding construction sands, although developing this resource would be unlikely for practical and economic reasons.

5.2 Impacts of Mineral and Petroleum Activities on Wildlife & Natural Features There has been no impact to landscape features or natural resources caused by mineral and petroleum exploration, as no exploration has taken place during the last ten years. It is likely, however, that in the future there may well be mineral exploration taking place in the Reserve and the potential impacts of those activities on the wildlife and natural features will be addressed through requirements under the Mining Act 1971 and the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

5.3 Impacts of Mineral and Petroleum Activities on Cultural Features There has been no petroleum or mineral exploration or production in the Chowilla Regional Reserve since proclamation and therefore no impacts on either indigenous or non-indigenous cultural features. It is likely that there will be future exploration in the Regional Reserve due to the current Mineral Exploration Licence over the Reserve and the potential for activities associated with exploration to impact on cultural features in the future may need to be addressed. Any exploration activity must comply with Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title legislation.

5.4 Impacts of Mining and Petroleum Activities on the Economy of South Australia While there is a current mineral exploration license held over the Reserve there has been no mineral exploration within the Reserve over the ten-year period. There are currently no petroleum exploration licences over the Reserve and there has not been any petroleum exploration in the Regional Reserve in the ten-year period.

Economic Outlook The mineral exploration licence over the Reserve is held by Southern Titanium NL, the operators of the Mindarie Deposit. The Reserve is rated as having moderate to high potential for the discovery of significant heavy mineral sand deposits. There is also a low to moderate potential for the discovery of agricultural grade gypsum. The area has a high potential for yielding construction sands, although developing this resource would be unlikely for practical and economic reasons. The Reserve is also prospective for petroleum resources and may have potential for further exploration in this area in the future.

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The future economic outlook is, therefore, likely to include mineral sand exploration activity and potentially production if economic deposits are found.

Figure 11: Map of Exploration Licence over Chowilla Regional Reserve

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6 Kangaroo Harvesting

6.1 Introduction Emu, Red Kangaroo and Grey Kangaroo numbers have fluctuated over the past ten years with the seasons, but there have been several years where population numbers have been of concern and have increased the total grazing pressure on the Regional Reserve (Figure 12).

Section 4.2.3 of the Reserve Management Plan includes details of the policy for kangaroo management that has been adopted and used for the past decade. This policy aimed to: • identify kangaroo population levels that enable regeneration objectives to be achieved; and • use a combination of habitat modification and culling strategies to control impacts.

70 400 60 350 50 300 250 40 200 30 150

20 100 Rainfall (mm) 10 50

Kangaroo density no. per sq km) 0 0 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Kangaroo Densi ty no. per sq km Rainfall

Figure 12: Kangaroo survey data and annual rainfall for the ten-year period

The Chowilla Rangeland Monitoring Committee advocate a mean kangaroo population density of around 4-6/km2, based on target numbers in similar programs, in similar environments, in Victoria. As can be observed from the graph, this target has not yet been met and in fact, only two years out of the last ten have achieved a kangaroo density under 10/km2. Control of kangaroo numbers is undertaken through the DEH commercial harvesting permit system, via professional shooter quota and via shooting by the lessee. Population levels are determined through spring and autumn via vehicle and foot based transects throughout the Reserves.

6.2 Impacts of Kangaroo Harvesting on Wildlife and Natural Features Kangaroo harvesting impacts are described in The Macropod Conservation and Management Plan for South Australia: Conservation and Management of Common Kangaroos (DEH, 2002) and include: Population Sustainability Due to the management controls in place at a State level and locally, harvest levels remain sustainable. On the Reserve the kangaroo population numbers are generally above the target densities for the kangaroo population indicating that the current harvesting of kangaroos is sustainable.

Demographics Commercial kangaroo harvesting in South Australia is biased towards larger animals. This has the effect of taking out more males than females and as a result harvested populations can have a higher female population than unharvested populations. On Chowilla Regional Reserve it is not thought to be likely that this is the case. The change in population dynamics through harvesting is thought to be

41 A Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve Department for Environment and Heritage equivalent to population structure changes in drought times, where the older, larger kangaroos are lost from the population.

Genetic Although there are concerns that selective harvesting of kangaroos will lead to impacts on the genetic diversity of the populations, research suggests that the current levels of harvesting have negligible impacts on the genetic diversity of kangaroo populations.

Animal Welfare There are potential impacts on animal welfare from the harvesting of kangaroos. There are a number of statutory obligations in place to ensure animal welfare and culling standards and it is considered a negligible impact.

Habitat / ecosystems / other species Kangaroo harvesting involves some off-track driving which has minor impacts on the landscape through tyre compaction and some crushing of vegetation. The harvesting of kangaroos has the potential, however, to improve vegetation coverage through a reduction in total grazing pressure, which can have flow on benefits to habitat and species.

6.3 Impacts of Kangaroo Harvesting on Cultural Features

6.3.1 Aboriginal Cultural Features There may be a slight risk of off-track traversing of the Reserve by commercial harvesters resulting in impacts to unknown sites or areas of cultural significance.

6.3.2 Non-Indigenous Cultural Features There have been no impacts from kangaroo harvesting on non-indigenous cultural features.

6.4 Impacts of Kangaroo Harvesting on the Economy of South Australia DEH administers kangaroo harvesting operations and sets kangaroo quotas each year in response to an annual kangaroo survey. The harvest of kangaroos may not exceed this quota but can be less. Departmental records were difficult to obtain, as recording systems had changed during the ten-year period, moving from manual recording to a computer-based system and some data appears to be lost during transfer from one system to another. It is the harvest data that is required to measure the economic benefit and they were only available for the years 1993-1994 ($36,620 and $21,285), 2000 ($13,226) and 2001 ($16,157).

The value of the kangaroo harvest was estimated at $9.90/kangaroo. This was the average purchase price for the last few seasons according to Tony Guise, a local kangaroo processor. Prices can vary of course, depending on the demand and supply conditions of the market. The estimated sales value of the kangaroos harvested in the Regional Reserve is estimated at approximately $103,000 (based on the four years of data available).

The kangaroo harvest provides income for the contract shooters and associated butchering and retail outlets for kangaroo meat sales.

Economic Outlook Discussions with the various parties associated with the Chowilla Regional Reserve indicate that there is unlikely to be any major changes to the economic or employment pattern for kangaroo harvesting in the foreseeable future.

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7 TOURISM AND RECREATION There is little utilisation of the Regional Reserve area for tourism and recreation. There have been no visitor surveys or counts undertaken to allow estimation of any change in tourism activity in the Reserve after proclamation. Such surveys have not been considered necessary because tourist use of the Reserve is minimal. Tourism is confined mostly to recreational drivers, utilising the main road through the Reserve to reach Danggali Conservation Park, or on infrequent occasions as guests of the lessee or on a private tour of the property.

There may be some very limited camping, bushwalking and bird watching undertaken in the Regional Reserve, but this is largely unknown and at this point in time most people use the Game Reserve for recreational pursuits. Scientists and other natural resource investigators use the roads, but rarely any other facilities on the Reserve.

The Pastoral Lessee operates an eco-tourism business, which concentrates on the Game Reserve, but may also include parts of the Regional Reserve.

7.1 Impacts of Tourism and Recreation on Wildlife and Natural Features There have not been any recorded impacts to landscape features by tourists, as there has been no establishment of campgrounds or toilets. Consequently, there has been no increase in litter or track proliferation that could lead to accelerated erosion.

Typically, negative tourism impacts on wildlife might include pollution of waterways, noise disturbance, illegal hunting and fishing, and habitat destruction through vegetation clearance, particularly damage to vegetation by vehicles at major campsites, tent site clearance and the collection of firewood including standing dead wood and live vegetation. Of these potential impacts, intermittent noise from motor vehicles is probably the only one currently detectable in the Reserve. The relatively low tourist use of internal pastoral tracks causes negligible impact.

7.2 Impacts of Tourism and Recreation on Cultural Features

7.2.1 Aboriginal Cultural Features Tourism use of the area is minimal and is largely confined to existing road and track networks. Therefore it is unlikely that there would have been any impacts of tourism or recreation activities on Aboriginal cultural features within the Regional Reserve since proclamation.

7.2.2 Non-Indigenous Cultural Features Over the last ten years there was some damage to the wool shed and associated infrastructure in the Regional Reserve through theft and vandalism by people using the road through to Danggali Conservation Park. The road was re-routed away from the property infrastructure and the problem has been addressed. These changes to the road alignment are considered to have had a beneficial impact on the cultural features of the Regional Reserve, because the new road route provides a more scenic view for tourists and provides better access for the pastoralist to paddocks and watering points. Currently there appears to be no damage to non-indigenous heritage items/sites caused by tourism and recreation uses.

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7.3 Tourism impacts on the Economy of South Australia Tourism in this area is generally focused on the Chowilla Game Reserve, due to its proximity to the River Murray. Tourism related activities also occur on neighbouring Calperum Station and on Danggali Conservation Park to the north of Chowilla Regional Reserve. These properties help make up the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve, which collectively enjoys significant conservation and eco tourism activity.

As Chowilla Regional Reserve mainly acts as a thoroughfare for visitors travelling to Danggali Conservation Park, there was little, if any, economic benefit derived from the Regional Reserve as regards tourism during the Review period. A couple of eco-tourism tours have used the Regional Reserve, but only as a stopping point on the way to Danggali Conservation Park.

Costs While there has been little benefit to the South Australian economy from tourism in the Reserve there has been costs to the Department in catering for tourist access through the Reserve to Danggali Conservation Park. Road infrastructure to cater for the tourists who travel to the Danggali Conservation Park cost approximately $41,000 over the ten-year period. This includes the road realignment, signage, stock grids and annual road maintenance.

Economic Outlook There appears to be an opportunity in the future for eco-tourism activities to be developed with minimal impact to the Reserve’s natural and cultural values, but such development would need to be formally planned and evaluated. It is not likely, however, that the Regional Reserve would become as popular as the surrounding attractions of the River itself and the wilderness values in Danggali Conservation Park. In the future, however, the benefits of developing tourism as a component of multiple-use, particularly in conjunction with surrounding attractions, could well outweigh the benefits of increasing pastoral production.

44 A Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve Department for Environment and Heritage

8 DISCUSSION The resources of Chowilla Regional Reserve are of ecological, cultural and economic value to the community. To date, utilisation of the resources of the Reserve has been primarily for pastoral production and to a lesser extent commercial kangaroo harvesting. However, utilisation of resources potentially poses some threats to the maintenance of natural and cultural values. These threats need to be managed and minimised. The success of the Regional Reserve concept of multiple landuse in a conservation context depends on balancing the needs of all users and respecting the various values and uses of the area.

In order to effectively balance the multiple needs and uses that may occur on a Regional Reserve there are several key requirements. These include: • an understanding of the aims and objectives for the reserve and neighbouring properties, both short and long term; • a knowledge of, and respect for the natural and cultural values of the area; • an awareness, acceptance and understanding of the principles and actions required for ecologically sustainable multiple-use management; and • clear accountability for management and agreement on desired outcomes and actions required.

These mutual obligations and specific actions and outcomes, with associated performance measures, need to be formally discussed, accepted, documented, monitored and periodically reviewed. One of the main conclusions of this Review is that these four factors have not been adequately addressed during the first ten years of the Reserve’s existence.

8.1 Summary Table Table 5 provides a summary and impact assessment of the utilisation of the resources of Chowilla Regional Reserve.

45 A Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve Table 5: Summary of Resource Utilisation Impacts at Chowilla Regional Reserve

Activity Landscape Features Wildlife Features Aboriginal Cultural Non-Aboriginal Contribution to Features Cultural Features State Economy Tourism LOW IMPACT LOW IMPACT LOW LOW-MODERATE Nil The Reserve receives The overall impact on wildlife IMPACT IMPACT minimal tourist use. The features of the reserve through The impact of visitor activities Visitor activities have impacts are restricted to a destruction and disturbance of on the Aboriginal cultural had moderate impact on minor extent along access habitat, vegetation, soils and features of the Reserve is sites of non-indigenous routes. animals and pollution by visitors considered low. significance over the last and their activities is considered ten years – vandalism low. Impacts are confined to the and theft being the maj or

A Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve Reserve Regional Chowilla of A Review access routes. impacts, prior to the realignment of the road.

Pastoralism MODERATE IMPACT HIGH IMPACT MODERATE IMPACT LOW IMPACT $1,537,115 The overall impact of the The overall impact on wildlife The impact from pastoral Pastoral activities avoid pastoral enterprise features of the reserve through activities and stock on the sites of cultural developments such as destruction and disturbance of Aboriginal cultural features of significance. Pastoral Department for Env ronment and Her tage tage Her and ronment Env for Department fences, wells, yards and habitat, vegetation, soils and the Reserve is considered enterprise is part of the stock on the landscape animals and pollution from moderate. Natural watering non-indigenous cultural features and wilderness-like pastoral enterprise is considered points are the focus of stock landscape. quality of the reserve is high. Stock grazing impacts are activity and are areas of considered moderate. selective, both spatially and at possibly high, but as yet species level. Grazing has undetermined archaeological impacted across the whole of the value.

reserve although intensity varies. i

Kangaroo LOW IMPACT MODERATE IMPACT LOW IMPACT LOW IMPACT $102,732 Harvesting Kangaroo harvesting has a Kangaroo harvesting assists in Low impact – Aboriginal No impact from low impact on landscape lowering overall grazing pressure cultural features largely kangaroo harvesting 46 features, the main impact ,which assists other native unknown. Limited off road evident. being minimal off-road animals. There are immediate driving may have minor driving. impacts on the kangaroo impacts on cultural features. i population itself. Department for Environment and Heritage

8.2 Calculation of economic benefits This Review has been challenged by a need to separate the economic influence of the Chowilla Regional Reserve from that of the Chowilla Game Reserve. This has arisen because the ten-year Review is only required for the Chowilla Regional Reserve, despite both areas being inter-connected in an economic sense and not usually treated as separate entities.

The challenge for the economic assessment has been: a) Chowilla Pastoral Benefits Both the Regional Reserve and the Game Reserve constitute the property area for the pastoral business of Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd. Assessing the economic benefits of pastoral activity only on Chowilla Regional Reserve meant that arbitrary assumptions of the respective grazing capacity for both reserves had to be used. In reality, both parcels of land are grazed and used strategically for different purposes, depending on the season and stock requirements. As a pastoral business, both parcels of land complement each other for the conduct of the business and both areas are required to support a viable pastoral operation.

The pastoral business that leases both areas has undertaken tourism ventures to assist with the business income and hence regional economic benefit. While important to the business, tourism enterprise only concerns the riverine environment of the Chowilla Game Reserve, and does not therefore form part of this Review.

b) Data Collection The Rangeland Monitoring Committee overseeing the pastoral and natural resource management issues for Chowilla oversees both the Regional Reserve and Game Reserve and the data and monitoring activities for the two areas are not separated. A good example of this is the collection of kangaroo harvest data, which when collected, is not treated separately for the two areas.

To undertake the economic assessment necessary for this Review, a number of assumptions have been required to generate separate data for the two reserves. Those assumptions have been identified in this report.

8.3 Identification of Resource Conflict – Pastoral Production and Conservation As might be expected, the key to preserving the environment is achieving reductions in grazing pressure, which can be detrimental to profits in a pastoral business. What has occurred over the study period is a run of indifferent seasons, coupled with poor wool and sheep prices, which has caused financial stress for the pastoral business.

Hence, it would appear that conflict could have arisen in determining grazing pressures that were environmentally sustainable against those necessary for economic viability. It would also appear from discussions, that the Rangeland Monitoring Committee would have had difficulty satisfying both outcomes throughout the Review period.

The challenge for the ongoing pastoral management of the Chowilla Regional Reserve is to acknowledge that conservation outcomes need to have equal standing alongside pastoral outcomes and profit. Fortunately, during the last year, wool and sheep prices have increased significantly and sound profits have returned to the pastoral business. This may allow a reduction in grazing pressure and if that proves to be the case, improved environmental conditions and a successful pastoral business can coexist on Chowilla Regional Reserve.

47 A Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve Department for Environment and Heritage

However, as seasons vary and commodity prices tend to move in cycles, there are sure to be times in the future when conflict over grazing pressure could arise again. Effective protocols need to be agreed upon between the parties for future decision making as regards grazing regimes and stocking rates, since these are the key to the successful operation of the Regional Reserve

8.4 Pastoral Production A full review of pastoral production at Chowilla Regional Reserve is beyond the scope and brief of this Review but there are several issues that have been identified as potentially causing impacts on natural resources as a result of the utilisation of those resources through pastoral activities. They are discussed below and where appropriate, remedial strategies are suggested.

8.4.1 Communication and Management One of the issues uncovered during the Review, which is perceived to have detracted from a better understanding of the impact of utilisation on natural, landscape and cultural values, was an initial lack of communication between the pastoral lessee and the lessor (DEH). On establishing the Regional Reserve and in developing the management plan and the lease arrangements, it appears that DEH did not effectively articulate the role of Regional Reserves in the greater reserve system and the implications for on-reserve activities. A new management philosophy was required for Regional Reserves, particularly with regard to pastoral operations and the management of associated grazing pressure. It appears that the multiple-use concept was not developed and promulgated as well as it could have been.

Due to the zoning arrangements established in the first plan of management, the Reserve continued to be managed in a way more closely aligned to that of a pastoral property and in much the same manner as it was before assuming the status of Regional Reserve. Also, the different requirements of the two adjoining reserves were not clearly specified. To be more effectively managed, planning for the two reserve areas (Regional and Game) needs to include separate analysis of the conservation values of each area and management actions to protect those values. To date, this has only occurred for the Game Reserve.

Furthermore, the Rangeland Monitoring Committee, which has been the body setting standards for measurement of grazing impact and modifying management actions, has used and been guided by the provisions of the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989 rather than the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. The provisions of the former Act are more suited to the requirements of conventional pastoralism rather than the special situation applying in a Regional Reserve.

Another observed shortfall in management over the past ten years has been the limited amount of information given to the lessee about when and where to move stock in order to meet conservation objectives. More effective communication mechanisms should be put in place to help overcome this problem.

Overall, it appears that the impacts on the natural environment of the Chowilla Regional Reserve are mainly the result of a lack of significant change in attitude, philosophy and understanding on the parts of both lessor and lessee. It is the conclusion of this Review that management systems have been less than adequate, and the lessor has not assisted the lessee to the required degree to maintain the conservation values of the Regional Reserve. Amongst other things, the lessor should have provided ongoing monitoring data that would have assisted in creating a mutual understanding of vegetation changes on the property. The lessor should have also provided information about, and support for, more sustainable pastoral management and conservation-focussed, impact-limiting actions (ie as advocated by the ‘Biograze’ program (James et al 1997) on the part of the lessee.

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More assistance at an early stage in identifying areas and land systems of conservation value requiring protection would also have been useful.

8.4.2 Water Point Positioning and Differential Land System Grazing Management An investigation into the positioning of permanent water points has highlighted that currently, all of the Reserve is potentially available to grazing pressure from sheep and cattle (when the latter are present). Consequently, sheep grazing to some extent has impacted all land systems and there are no significant areas set aside as ungrazed areas. Additionally, no areas of high conservation value have been formally identified and there has been no provision made for excluding grazing from areas of high conservation value.

It is important that this situation is reviewed and rectified in the near future. Programs such as ‘Biograze’ and tactical grazing principles should be investigated and trialled at Chowilla Regional Reserve. The basic principle of ‘Biograze’ (James et al 1997) is to develop a network of lightly grazed or ungrazed areas in order to cater for decreaser species. For instance, from a conservation perspective, decreaser species can be conserved by retaining areas where grazing is very light or absent. Ways of achieving this include retaining some corners of paddocks in a water-remote state or fencing off a selection of lightly grazed areas.

For effective regional-scale conservation, applying the following principles is proposed: • set aside an adequate area (about 10% of the total reserve) as lightly grazed or ungrazed to cater for sensitive landscapes and habitats, and about 5% for more resilient landscapes and habitats; • ensure that this regime is applied to each type of habitat in the region, because different habitats support different species; • select a number of grazing-protected patches from each habitat type; and • try to get an even spread of grazing-protected areas across the region so that no single persons or property are overburdened with conservation areas. This arrangement also allows species to move between areas and reduces the possibility that a catastrophe will wipe out the entire population of a geographically restricted species.

Usually there are many different combinations of lightly grazed areas available that can be selected to achieve the goals outlined. For instance, some paddocks can be selected to meet conservation targets for decreaser species. Paddocks not selected for conservation can be ‘developed’ by adding new water points and those selected for conservation purposes can have their artificial water points removed. This scenario is likely to be ecologically as well as economically sustainable, because it caters for species that are sensitive to grazing, without placing too many constraints on pastoral development.

8.4.3 Maintenance of conservation principle when pastoral activities are stressed The principles and management regime discussed above must be adhered to even when pastoral activities are stressed or economically marginal. In times of economic and/or climatic adversity over the past ten years, it appears that pastoral priorities have taken precedence over the biodiversity conservation needs of the region.

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8.4.4 Stocking Strategy and Total Grazing Pressure As with any business dependant on the land, the pastoral enterprise conducted on the Chowilla Regional Reserve has had both good and bad years for profit. Furthermore, there are potential downsides to operating in a Regional Reserve due to the conservation requirements. Although it has not hitherto been the case, Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd could be constrained from maximising profit from its Chowilla lease in the good years, due to stocking limits that could be put in place for curtailing total grazing pressure and a land system usage regime imposed for ecological reasons, that results in greater areas being potentially off-limits to stock.

The issue here for Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd is of maintaining an acceptable profit level. If wool prices were to fall again, the viability of multiple-use would be questionable as under these circumstances, the relatively small physical size of the lease constrains the lessee’s ability to use tactical grazing methods. At present, all of the Regional Reserve is under grazing pressure from sheep, in addition to kangaroos, goats, rabbits and, at times during the last decade, cattle.

There have been no areas or representative samples of any land system set aside beyond the grazing impact of sheep and cattle, except for the exclusion enclosures, which are not considered large enough to be effective for long-term conservation purposes. To maintain sustainable pastoral activities with minimal and recoverable impact on the natural and landscape features of the Reserve, fluctuations in stock numbers should be approached in a conservative way. Even during good years, maintaining a lower stocking rate enables the native vegetation and fauna dependant on it to regenerate and recover from previous years of more severe grazing impact.

The expectation of what might be a permissible level of grazing impact in a Regional Reserve is one of the issues explored in this Review. What might be acceptable under a conventional pastoral property regime is not necessarily acceptable from a wildlife conservation perspective. This is not to imply that grazing should cease and the Reserve reproclaimed as a Conservation Park, but that the observable impact from multiple-use should not be at such a level that it significantly compromises conservation values.

The data provided to the Review suggest that, although sheep numbers have been kept below the maximum stocking rate set by the Pastoral Board, the total grazing pressure on the Regional Reserve has been excessive when sheep, cattle, kangaroos, goats, emus and rabbits are all considered. It is important that the total grazing pressure be monitored and controlled, and not just sheep numbers reviewed. The proposed stocking strategy for the Regional Reserve also needs to be formally documented.

Over the past ten years it appears as if grazing management has involved controlling the timing, period, frequency and intensity to achieve specific pastoral production objectives, using the basic pastoral tools of selection of livestock class and the manipulation of animal numbers and movements. As these pastoral objectives are determined by the livestock owners’ business goals, they naturally place less emphasis on biodiversity conservation.

When the impact of resource utilisation on natural features is considered, even without complete annual monitoring data for the past ten years, it is revealed that total grazing pressure has imposed a high impact on the condition of the land and natural resources since 1993. A decrease in vegetation density and thus potentially genetic diversity, as well as potential loss of habitat for some fauna species, can be observed from the exclusion enclosures, the pastoral report commentaries, on-ground inspections of the property and comparison with neighbouring, de-stocked properties.

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There may need to be some consideration given to options for reducing stocking rates to achieve conservation objectives, being aware of the limitations of the existing lease arrangements and the need to discuss with the lessee’s options for supplementing their income via alternative means.

8.4.5 Rehabilitation and Plant Removal A review of the Pastoral Inspection Reports suggests that some rehabilitation work is needed to be undertaken, but it is not known to have been actively pursued. If there are any outstanding rehabilitation matters it is recommended they be followed up with the lessee.

8.4.6 Pastoral Monitoring The point is made consistently in this Review that conventional pastoral assessment and management systems are less than appropriate for the special situation prevailing on a Regional Reserve. More pro-active and insightful pastoral assessments and inspections could be undertaken to improve the ecologically sustainability of the Regional Reserve. Conservation would also be better served by more frequent assessments of vegetation condition and change. Such assessments could be incorporated or undertaken at the same time as the annual pastoral inspections.

For instance, the Land Condition Index could be recalculated more frequently, at least every few years. There also needs to be a structured system put in place for managing paddock stocking, destocking and land system use. This would be triggered by the pastoral inspection reports, together with input from other monitoring data. Initiating such arrangements will obviously require close and effective liaison between lessee and lessor. The lessee should be given access to all relevant data as a matter of priority and collaboration in planning and implementing changes encouraged.

The programs that were established to monitor total grazing pressure also need to be reviewed to ensure that full representation across the various land systems and grazing scenarios is achieved and maintained. While the exclusion enclosures are a move towards that end, the associated data need to be analysed and design protocols reviewed to ensure that data collected are really useful for adaptive management.

8.4.7 Pastoral Lease Extension Under the terms of the current lease conditions after each ten years of operation, and subject to this Review being tabled before both Houses of Parliament, the lease may be extended for a further period of ten years to bring the total term of the lease back to 40 years. New conditions may apply to any such lease extension.

Given the discussion relating to the impacts of the pastoral activities and the need for an improvement in the balance between conservation and pastoral outcomes it is suggested that a ten year lease extension is considered, with the provision that a change to the conditions of the lease is negotiated. These new conditions would need to include improved conservation objectives and measures, a review of the management zones within the Reserve to include variation in grazing levels and exclusions to take into account specific conservation targets, ongoing assessment of stocking rates based on land system capability and conservation objectives.

The extension of the lease for a further ten years under the current arrangements is unlikely to result in the conservation outcomes required and would therefore not be supported by this Review.

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8.5 Kangaroo Harvesting The less than optimal application of the existing kangaroo management system on Chowilla has contributed to total grazing pressure. Since the adoption of the plan of management for the Reserve in 1995, Section 4.2.3 of that plan was put into operation. This allowed for the commercial harvesting, by a professional shooter, of kangaroos from the Reserve (under section 60J of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972).

The commercial harvest system allows for landholders to manage kangaroos as a component of total grazing pressure, and for kangaroos to be promoted as a utilisable resource (DEH 2002). Over the past five years, DEH has consistently argued for higher harvest quotas to facilitate effective management of total grazing pressure at the property level (DEH 2002). To date this system has proved ineffective. It is neither pro-active nor reactive enough to allow for management of the kangaroo population to the specified targets, thus allowing kangaroos to continue to be a significant contributor to total grazing pressure.

It is essential that a more effective management program be introduced at Chowilla to limit kangaroo numbers. This program needs to be specifically designed for the combined area of the Chowilla Regional Reserve and Game Reserve, be conducted within an ecological framework and undertaken with due regard to land management, animal welfare and species conservation objectives. This property-specific plan needs to be consistent with the reserve management plan and the State’s Macropod Conservation and Management Plan, which has recently been approved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

In the implementation of a kangaroo management plan there is a need for improved liaison with the commercial harvestor to assist in targeting particular areas for kangaroo reduction and for a wider cull of animals than may be of benefit commercially. There also needs to be an emphasis on building the understanding of total grazing pressure and the contribution of kangaroos to that pressure as well as monitoring for any changes in population structures or dynamics amongst the kangaroo population.

8.6 Management Plan The Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve Management Plan was adopted in 1995. This plan is now due for revision. The importance of a well researched, knowledgeable and well documented plan of management is vital for the sustainable future of the Reserve and for achieving its multiple-use aspirations.

A revised plan needs to clearly consider the Regional Reserve management separately from the Game Reserve management and consider the ecological and wildlife conservation objectives and priorities for each reserve, with associated monitoring requirements and performance measures. The revised plan needs to propose actions for a more effective, better integrated and accountable reserve management group, with a more balanced agenda for future reserve management.

It is particularly important that conservation is given equal consideration and standing with pastoral and any other activities within the Reserve. There also needs to be stated a clear process for implementing this Review’s recommendations, with performance measures and responsibilities, and resource provision clearly documented, and with clear processes for gathering data and setting performance criteria.

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8.7 Non-Indigenous Cultural Impacts The impact on the cultural values of the Regional Reserve over the last ten years has been found to be medium to low. The issue for considering impact on cultural values is that many of these (potential) values still remain to be identified, if indeed they exist at all. It could be expected that once comprehensive surveys are undertaken, more sites and assets of cultural value will be revealed. It may well be that some of these sites and assets have been unknowingly impacted by grazing and other activities during the past ten years, but without knowing whether there is any cultural value it is difficult to manage any potential impacts.

8.8 Aboriginal Interests A survey of Aboriginal cultural sites has not been undertaken for the Regional Reserve and this is urgently required. Such a survey would provide a basic inventory of indigenous cultural assets, their location and value, and be a first step towards ascertaining the need for site protection and preservation at specific locations. It may well be that Indigenous cultural sites have been unknowingly impacted by grazing and other activities during the past ten years, but without knowing whether they exist or not it is difficult to manage any potential impacts.

It is strongly recommended that an Aboriginal site survey be undertaken. This would provide a basis for assessing if and where sites occur and if indeed, there have been any impacts. In the meantime, DEH managers should consult with relevant Aboriginal authorities before commencing any development works in the Reserve that might result in site disturbance.

The aspirations of the native title claimants or views of persons of Aboriginal descent who may have an interest in the area have not been effectively explored. This is a matter that should be addressed by managers and any development proposed for the Reserve must be valid in terms of the Native Title Act 1993. DEH managers should liaise with the appropriate Aboriginal authorities in this regard.

8.9 Community Attitudes It is important to recognise that the Regional Reserve classification, although strongly supported by some sectors of the community, has not in the past had the support of the conservation organisations of South Australia. Conservation group representatives have argued that the Regional Reserve concept is flawed, that it artificially inflates the area of the State set aside for conservation purposes, and that it puts conservation behind mining, pastoral production and tourism interests.

In the specific case of Chowilla Regional Reserve, an argument can be made that South Australia has an international responsibility (and the opportunity) to fully protect an important portion of the world’s remaining high quality mallee habitat with wilderness qualities. On the other hand, an equally compelling case can be made that, provided sensible, ‘wise-use’ principles are adhered to, all conservation goals can be achieved in parallel with commercial activities. Achieving Regional Reserve status is a major step towards integrating conservation principles into the management of an area that would otherwise be managed solely as a pastoral lease.

Chowilla Regional Reserve has the potential to be a template for other multiple-use areas. It can influence the way in which pastoral properties, whose managers perhaps do not recognise conservation as a legitimate and indeed vital component of their pastoral businesses, are managed. Opportunities to improve environmental management in the pastoral industry should always be attempted, supported and resourced where possible.

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8.10 Management Structures Awareness of the Reserve’s environmental and cultural values has increased over the ten-year period for all users. The initial management framework set in place with reserve proclamation has facilitated the development of working arrangements between Government agencies, pastoralists and other users of the Reserve.

The conclusion of this Review is that the management arrangements could have been more effective and there is clearly room for improvement. The point is made that any failure to achieve desirable conservation objectives can be attributed to the inadequacies of management systems and lack of communication, not a failure of the multiple-use concept itself.

The communication processes and the standard of management for natural and cultural values would benefit from more active discussions and involvement of the lessee in management actions. Stewardship and accountability are shared in multiple-use reserves and all users must accommodate each other in discussions affecting assets and use.

The concept of a cooperative management ‘partnership’ should be strengthened, so that each party involved in management decisions feels empowered and better aware of their respective roles and responsibilities.

8.11 Biodiversity Monitoring A conservation management framework for Chowilla Regional Reserve is required that will expand and extend the current monitoring and evaluation program. For a monitoring system to be successful, clear objectives need to be agreed upon, information stored in a central place where DEH staff are aware of the systems operating, to ensure that data or knowledge is not lost when individual staff members leave. It is suggested that collected data should be stored in the DEH GIS/database for future analysis.

The protocols established for the rangeland monitoring program are sound and have been well documented (Williams and Dominelli 1995). There is already in existence a significant amount of data relating to vegetation surveys and the monitoring of exclosures. It is important that these data are regularly analysed and that systematic monitoring is adhered to in the future. The analysis of existing data and follow up monitoring is not currently occurring.

While there is data currently in existence that needs analysis, the existing program also needs to be extended to ensure more effective monitoring of the impact of the utilisation of the Reserve on biodiversity values. More resources may be required, both to analyse existing data and to extend the monitoring.

For example, exclosures could be utilised to test ‘drought’ effects (ie if artificially watered, are there still seed sources available). Monitoring following the closure of watering points and on the establishment of new ones, although highly recommended, may not show any significant differences in the short term, as responses to decreased and/or increased grazing pressure may take considerable time to become obvious. In the light of this, a long-term monitoring program is strongly recommended to document the response of the environment to de-stocking and watering point closure or relocation.

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8.12 Reserve status For the purposes of Section 34A (5)(a)(iii) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, the clause: future status under this Act of the land constituting the reserve is taken to mean the classification of the Reserve under Part 3, Divisions 1 - 4 and 4A of the Act. The classifications available are: • National Park (Division 1); • Conservation Park (Division 2); • Game Reserve (Division 3); • Recreation Park (Division 4); and • Regional Reserve (Division 4A).

Further, for the purposes of Section 34A (5)(a)(iii): recommendations as to the future status of the reserve have been taken to relate to recommendations made in consideration of: • the original intent of the reserve classification in providing for the management of the reserve for the purposes of conserving wildlife and natural features and utilising natural resources; and • any factors that as a result of the Review, significantly appear to work against the purpose of the Regional Reserve classification in providing direction for, and facilitating the management of, the reserve. The Review has examined four options for the Reserve status including: 1. Retain the area currently gazetted as Regional Reserve and continue with the existing management arrangements; 2. Retain the area currently gazetted as Regional Reserve but change the management arrangements; 3. Re-proclaim the merged Regional and Game Reserve areas as one reserve; or 4. Re-proclaim the Regional Reserve as some other category of reserve.

It is clearly demonstrated that the status quo in terms of maintaining the Regional Reserve with existing management arrangements is clearly not going to deliver the conservation outcomes required.

The re-proclamation of the Regional and Game Reserves into one reserve, say the Regional Reserve may have some benefits, particularly as the reserves are managed and reported on as one entity. For both DEH and the lessee, having the area as one reserve would match the current management approach with the reality of the land tenure. On the negative side, it may also serve to focus on the riverine areas of the Game Reserve, to the exclusion of the maintenance of values in the Regional Reserve and would open the Game Reserve area to mining and petroleum access leading to potentially significant impacts in the sensitive wetland areas. The Game Reserve concept is also strongly supported by the local community who access the area for waterfowl hunting and recreational activities.

Re-proclamation of the Regional Reserve to another category of reserve may ultimately benefit the conservation outcomes, but could further limit the potential economic benefits to the State of the Reserve and cost the Government in compensation to existing holders of rights to the natural resources within the Reserve. Overall the economic return to the State has been minimal and revolves mostly around pastoral activity multiplier effects. Any loss to the State from converting the Regional Reserve to, say a Conservation Park with little provision for pastoralism, would be negligible from an existing economic perspective, although it would impact heavily on the finances of Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd.

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The change in status could also impact on the existing rights of the exploration licence holder and limit potential exploration and mining opportunities within the reserve which could have a considerable economic benefit to the State.

Within the scope of this Review the best option is considered to be retaining the Regional Reserve status and working on improving the way the natural resources within the Reserve are utilised to improve conservation outcomes. Currently the main use impacting on the conservation values is pastoral activities and discussion above has clearly indicated some direction in that area. With mineral exploration likely in the future, there needs to be a focus on ensuring that negative impacts on the conservation values are also minimised.

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9 RECOMMENDATIONS

9.1 Reserve Status under the Act For the purposes of Section 34A (5)(a)(iii) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, the clause: future status under this Act of the land constituting the reserve is taken to mean the classification of the reserve under Part 3, Divisions 1 - 4 and 4A of the Act. The classifications available are: • National Park (Division 1); • Conservation Park (Division 2); • Game Reserve (Division 3); • Recreation Park (Division 4); and • Regional Reserve (Division 4A).

Further, for the purposes of Section 34A (5)(a)(iii): recommendations as to the future status of the reserve have been taken to relate to recommendations made in consideration of: • the original intent of the reserve classification in providing for the management of the reserve for the purposes of conserving wildlife and natural features and utilising natural resources; and • any factors that as a result of the Review, significantly appear to work against the purpose of the Regional Reserve classification in providing direction for, and facilitating the management of, the reserve.

In undertaking this Review it is reasonable to consider what future options might be available. Four alternative options were identified: 1. Retain the area currently gazetted as Regional Reserve and continue with the existing management arrangements; 2. Retain the area currently gazetted as Regional Reserve but change the management arrangements; 3. Re-proclaim the merged Regional and Game Reserve areas as one reserve with changed management arrangements; or 4. Re-proclaim the Regional Reserve as some other category of reserve.

Given the findings of this Review, only Option 2 is considered appropriate at this time. It is therefore recommended that the Chowilla Regional Reserve remain a Regional Reserve, subject to the adoption of new management arrangements consistent with the following recommendations:

9.2 Future Management of Chowilla Regional Reserve 1. Restructure the existing Chowilla Rangeland Monitoring Committee to ensure the objectives and purpose of the multiple-use status of the reserve are achieved. Currently, the Chowilla Rangeland Monitoring Committee is not working to optimum capacity in implementing the terms of reference established with publication of the management plan in 1995. This group needs to expand its role to achieve effective and pro-active management at Chowilla and incorporate the following: • a broader focus to provide mechanisms for more effective communication between the lessee and lessor; • a broader membership that better reflects the multiple-use nature of the Reserve;

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• additional mechanisms for adaptive management of the Reserve to achieve objectives for the combined conservation/pastoral use of the Reserve; • protocols for the development of management agreements between the lessee and lessor, including monitoring and evaluation of the agreed land management regime to assist with adaptive management; and • the committee should be renamed as the Chowilla Reserve Management Committee to cater for a broader charter.

2. Review the existing management plan The plan of management for the Regional Reserve is currently incorporated into a joint plan with the Chowilla Game Reserve. The two planning areas need to be separated, so that the resources of the Regional Reserve are managed more effectively. The revision of the management plan should provide for: • clear ecological and wildlife conservation objectives and priorities for the Reserve, with associated monitoring requirements and performance measures (eg for kangaroo management); • a more effective integrated and accountable reserve management group as outlined in recommendation 1, with a more balanced agenda for future management, such that conservation is given equal recognition with pastoral and tourism activities within the Reserve; • a clear process for implementing this Review’s recommendations, with performance measures and responsibilities, and resource provision clearly documented; • a clear process for gathering data and setting performance criteria to be applied over the next five years and for the next ten year review pursuant to Section 34A; and • the development of strategies to ensure consistent compliance with the Crown Lease agreement from both the lessee and lessor.

3. Establish balance between the two major uses of the reserve, conservation and pastoralism through: • identification and development of management strategies for specific conservation targets and areas of concern, such as the habitat of the nationally vulnerable Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata); • variation of the terms and conditions of the Crown Lease (clause 5, sub-sections 5.3 and 5.4) so that both parties to the lease are in full understanding of the terms, obligations and purpose of management within the Regional Reserve area. This will involve including further provisions for: - conservation objectives; - management zones within the Regional Reserve area including various grazing level zones and exclusions to take into account specific conservation targets; - ongoing assessment of stocking rates based on land system capability; and - the basis on which a further ten-year extension to the lease can be offered.

4. Establish a kangaroo conservation and management strategy The existing DEH kangaroo management and tag number system is neither pro-active nor reactive enough at the property level to allow for effective management of the local kangaroo population, thus allowing kangaroo numbers to be an important contributor to total grazing pressure on the Reserve. A local plan of management specifically covering the property, to extend across both the Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve is required. This kangaroo management plan should formulate a program that is conducted within an ecological framework and has regard to land management, animal welfare and species conservation objectives.

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The following points need to be integrated into the property based strategy: • consistency with the DEH Macropod Conservation and Management Plan for South Australia; and • collection and retention of adequate data and record keeping systems on population numbers and dynamics as per the State plan.

5. Review existing monitoring programs and establish new programs as needed The current level of biodiversity monitoring in the Regional Reserve has been found to be inadequate in providing the level of knowledge required for pro-active adaptive management. The following points need to be integrated into future management regimes: • the existing rangelands monitoring program needs to be reviewed to ensure that an adequate level of detail is maintained in the program to meet the objectives of land management and biodiversity conservation. Some of the areas of review may relate to: - number of sites; - timing of monitoring; - frequency of visits; and - purpose. • a system for communicating the research and monitoring findings to the lessee needs to be established through the proposed Chowilla Reserve Management committee to ensure adaptive management is occurring.

6. Undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage survey A survey of Aboriginal cultural sites has not been undertaken for the Regional Reserve area. Such a survey is required to provide an accurate assessment of indigenous cultural assets, location and value as a baseline for their future protection and preservation.

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10 REFERENCES Abensperg-Traun M, Arnold G, Steven D, Atkins L and Hobbs R J (1996) “Abandon the paddock - a valid method of rehabilitation?” Western Australian Journal of Agriculture 37: 39-43. Andrew M H and Lange R T (1986) “Development of a new piosphere in arid chenopod shrubland grazed by sheep. II. Changes to vegetation.” Australian Journal of Ecology 11:411-424. Barrat R and Choate J (1983) Rangeland Assessment Manual, Chowilla Station, Division of Outback Management, unpublished report, SA Department of Lands. Biograze (2000) Biograze Technical Fact Sheet No.2: Regional planning for off-reserve conservation in rangelands. CSIRO, Alice Springs. Bookmark Biosphere Reserve. Pest Control and Monitoring Program: Progress Report 1997/98. Commonwealth of Australia (1995) Techniques to Value Environmental Resources – An Introductory Handbook, AGPS, Canberra. Curry P J and Hacker R B (1990) “Can pastoral management satisfy endorsed conservation objectives in arid Western Australia?” Journal of Environmental Management 30: 295-320. Delforce R J, Sinden J A & Young MD (1986) “Policy Preferences and Social Economic Values to Resolve Pastoralism-Tourism Conflicts”, Landscape Planning, 12:387 401. Department for Environment and Land Management (DELM) SA (1993) Innamincka Regional Reserve Management Plan. Department for Environment and Natural Resources (1995) Chowilla Regional Reserve and Chowilla Game Reserve Management Plan. Department for Environment and Natural Resources (1996) A Biological Survey of the South Olary Plains South Australia 1991-1992. Department for Environment and Heritage (2001) Unpublished database and provisional list of threatened ecosystems of SA. Department for Environment and Heritage (2002) The Macropod Conservation and Management Plan for South Australia: conservation and management of common kangaroos. Dominelli, S.T. (1999) Effects of Artificial Watering Points on Mallee Flora and Fauna (final report to Environment Australia). IUCN (1994) International Union for Conservation and Nature Guidelines for Protected Area management Categories, Gland, Switzerland. James C D (2000) “Biograze - conserving Australia's rangelands.” Australian Landcare 6: 20 21. James C D, Stafford-Smith D M and Landsberg J J (1997). “Biograze: melding off-reserve conservation of native species with animal production.” in Australian Rangelands: Nature Conservation in Production Environments: managing the matrix. Exploring ways to integrate conservation and production to ensure sustainable environments. Land Conservation Council (1989) Mallee Area Review: Final recommendations, Melbourne Landsberg J, James C D & Morton S R (1997) “Assessing the effects of grazing on biodiversity in Australia’s rangelands.” Australian Biologist 10, 153-162.

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Landsberg J, James C D, Morton S R, Hobbs T J, Stol J, Drew A & Tongway H (1999) “The effects of artificial sources of water on rangeland biodiversity.” Biodiversity Technical Paper, No. 3, Environment Australia and CSIRO, Canberra. Lange R T (1969) “The piosphere: sheep track and dung patterns.” Journal of Rangeland Management, 22, 396-400. Murray-Darling Basin Commission Chowilla Working Group (1992) Chowilla Resource Management Plan – Progress Report, Murray-Darling Basin Commission. Murray-Darling Basin Commission Chowilla Working Group (1995) Chowilla Resource Management Plan – Final Report, Murray-Darling Basin Commission. Neagle N (1995) An update of the Conservation Status of Major plant Associations of South Australia, Department for Environment and Natural Resources, Adelaide. Norbury G & Norbury D (1992) “The impact of the Red Kangaroo on the Rangelands.” WA Journal of Agriculture 33: 57-61. NSW Environment Protection Authority (1995) ENVALUE – Environmental Valuation Database, EPA, Chatswood. O’Malley C and Sheldon F (1990) Chowilla Floodplain Biological Study, Nature Conservation Society of South Australia Inc. Pressey R L (1986) Wetlands of the River Murray Below Lake Hume, River Murray Commission Environmental Report 86/1 Prosser G (1984) The Limits of Acceptable Change: an introduction to a framework for natural area planning, Canberra College of Advanced Education. Smith K V (1996) Estimating Economic Values for Nature - Methods for Non-Market Valuation, Edward elgar, London. Tindale M B (1974) Aboriginal Tribes of Australia, Australian National University Press, Canberra. Van Rooyen N, Bredenkamp G J & Theron G K (1991) “Kalahari vegetation: veld condition trends and ecological status of species.” in Koedoe 34, 61-72. Vesk P A and Westoby M (2001) “Predicting plants species’ responses to grazing.” in Journal of Applied Ecology 38, 897-909. Williams E (1987) Submission to the SA NP&W on the management and protection of archaeological sites in the Coongie Lakes region, north-east SA, Department of Prehistory, Australian National University ACT. Williams S and Dominelli S (1995) Surveys for monitoring long term changes in flora (and subsequently fauna) on Bookmark Biosphere Reserve including Calperum Station. Wilson A D (1990) “The effect of grazing on Australian ecosystems.”, pp235-244 in “Australian Ecosystems: 200 Years of Utilization and Degradation and Reconstruction.”, Saunders, D A, Hopkins A J M and How R A (eds.) Proceedings of the Ecological Society of Australia, Vol 16, Surrey and Beatty Pty Ltd, NSW.

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11 APPENDIX A - Interpretation of the Provisions of Section 34A of the Act In undertaking the Review, it has been necessary to ensure that the requirements of the Act are properly addressed. To facilitate this process, an interpretative analysis of section 34A was conducted and is provided below. This analysis has been used to guide the conduct of the Review. It is also useful in guiding readers of the report.

For the purposes of Section 34A (5)(a)(i) and (ii), natural resources are considered to be: • native vegetation which is utilised by pastoral stock for feed; • petroleum and any mineralisation that require the process of recovery to be undertaken by operations that take place within the boundaries of the reserve; • native or feral animals utilised for food or economic benefits; • landscapes and natural features including native vegetation, native animals, birds, insects and other small fauna that are of recreational and educational value to visitors to the reserve and which are accessible to visitors in accordance with the management plan for the park; and • surface and sub-surface water recovered from within the boundaries of the Reserve.

For the purposes of section 34A (5)(a)(i) and (ii), utilisation of natural resources is taken to mean: • recovery, mining, grazing (pastoral production), environmental appreciation and recreation activity (tourism) and water recovery and use (general) and includes the infrastructure necessary to facilitate such utilisation; and • recovery and utilisation of water prior to its inflow to the reserve and where such utilisation is consistent with the specific objective in the Act in relation to the management of Regional Reserves, that is to say ‘to permit the utilisation of natural resources while conserving wildlife and the natural or historic features of the land’ (Section 37j).

For the purposes of section 34A (5)(a)(i), in the context of conservation, impact of utilisation is taken to mean: • the effects upon the condition of the wildlife and natural features of the reserve and the management strategies that are considered necessary and adequate to sustainably conserve the wildlife and natural features of the reserve; and • the effect upon the approach taken to managing the wildlife and natural features of the reserve as a response to a regime that provides for land uses other than those characteristics of other classifications of reserve under the Act.

For the purposes of Section 34A (5)(a)(i), conservation of natural and historical features of the reserve is to have such a meaning as to be consistent with the relevant objectives for managing reserves as set out in Section 37 of the Act, the relevant objectives being: • the preservation and management of wildlife; • the preservation of historic sites, objects and structures of historic or scientific interest within reserves; • the preservation of features of geographical, natural or scenic interest; and • where such preservation is undertaken in accordance with other objectives of the Act as set out in paragraphs (d) to (g) which address the deleterious impact of weeds and exotic plants, vermin and exotic animals, diseases of animals and vegetation and bush fires and other hazards.

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For the purposes of Section 34A (5)(a)(ii), in the context of the economy of the State, impact of utilisation is taken to mean: • the contribution of utilisation to the economy of the State in dollar terms; and • any offsets to benefits that might be occasioned by one form of utilisation as a result of another.

For the purposes of Section 34A (5)(a)(iii), the future status under this Act of the land constituting the reserve is taken to mean the classification of the reserve under Part 3, Divisions 1 - 4 and 4A of the Act, the classifications available being National Park (Division 1), Conservation Park (Division 2), Game Reserve (Division 3), Recreation Park (Division 4) and Regional Reserve (Division 4A).

Further, for the purposes of Section 34A (5)(a)(iii), recommendations as to the future status of the reserve are taken to relate to recommendations made in consideration of: • the original intent of the reserve classification in providing for the management of the reserve for the purposes of conserving wildlife and natural features and utilising natural resources; and • any factors that as a result of the Review, significantly appear to work against the purpose of the Regional Reserve classification in providing direction for, and facilitating the management of, the reserve.

While the Act, at Section 34A, does not provide for the framing of recommendations regarding the ongoing management of the reserve, Section 38 of the Act does provide for the preparation and periodic review of reserve management plans.

During the conduct of the Review, issues emerged that will need to be addressed in the ongoing management of the Reserve. Some of these issues relate to the scope and quality of baseline data upon which critical analysis of management should rely and which will be essential for the conduct of future Section 34A reviews. Other issues relate directly to the standards and aspects of management that need to be addressed on an ongoing basis.

Recommendations for management, therefore, while not a requirement in the context of the Section 34A report, are nonetheless included in this report for the purposes of foreshadowing those issues that will be need to be addressed.

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12 APPENDIX B - Submissions to the Review Process The persons conducting the Review of Chowilla Regional Reserve were advised that there was no requirement to formally call for community submissions, mainly due to the Regional Reserve having minimal public involvement. The following key stakeholders, however, were contacted and invited to comment. Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd submitted the only written submission.

Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd Lessee of Chowilla Regional Reserve Graham Broughton and Dr Pamela Parker Australian Landscape Trust, Calperum Station David Baker-Gabb Black Eared Miner Recovery Program Ashley Verner Friends of Riverland Parks Tim Stead Riverland Tourism Association Kingsley Abdulla Local Aboriginal Community Jack White Pastoral Program Matt Rigney Native Title Claimant

Issues Raised in Submissions There was a common concern regarding the condition of the Regional Reserve and what measures will be put in place in the future to guard against further degradation and loss of biodiversity. Comments were also made regarding the status of a Regional Reserve and the perceived flaws of the multiple-use reserve concept.

12.1 Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd Mr Jock Robertson emphasised that the last ten years have been difficult, due to a number of influences, namely locust plagues, lack of flooding, rising water tables and increasing kangaroo and, until the advent of RCD, rabbit numbers. Mr Robertson also considered that being a part of the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve had provided no benefits to Robertson Chowilla Pty Ltd or the Reserve.

Lack of certainty regarding continuity of lease tenure was also a concern, as was lack of consultation between the Robertsons and other parties interested in the Regional and Game Reserves.

The Robertson family did point out highlights of the last ten years, which included realignment of the road leading to Danggali Conservation Park, improved wool quality and acquiring additional pastoral equipment and infrastructure such as a light aircraft, pontoon etc.

Looking towards the future, Mr Robertson would like to continue to improve sheep/wool quality, improve grazing management and increase paddock size. He also expressed an interest in diversifying the family business activities on the lease into areas such as aquaculture and horticulture.

12.2 Australian Landscape Trust – Calperum Station The Australian Landscape Trust expressed a desire that the following points of view and observations be considered: • incompatibility of conservation and pastoral enterprise – is the Regional Reserve concept successful?;

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• pastoral production at Chowilla is not ecologically sustainable, nor is it economically viable; • decline of old-growth mallee areas, loss of biodiversity; • no monitoring or evaluation systems are in place, which are essential to maintaining the natural values of the area. If no independent, qualitative evidence of impact or decline is in place, then the philosophy of a Regional Reserve is compromised; • improved accountability from both the landholder and DEH is warranted; and • more stringent systems need to be established and maintained.

12.3 Black Eared Miner Recovery Team The Black Eared Miner Recovery Team outlined the following points for consideration: • discouragement of new dams, water points and general infrastructure in areas of intact mallee; • improved management of existing water points. The Black Eared Miner is usually only found more than five kilometres from a water source. Closure of water points when not in use is beneficial, which not only discourages herbivore grazing, but also may assist with the survival of the Black Eared Minor and decrease the chances of hybridisation between the Black Eared Miner and Yellow Throated Miner; and • concern regarding the lack of fire management in place.

12.4 Friends of Riverland Parks The Friends of Riverland Parks had no input into the management of the Regional Reserve as their volunteer time is concentrated around the flood plain area in the Game Reserve, not the Regional Reserve.

12.5 Riverland Tourism Association The Riverland Tourism Association stated that no tourism takes place on the Regional Reserve. The only impact tourism has on the Regional Reserve is traffic driving through on the way to Danggali Conservation Park. The Association has not undertaken any surveys of traffic/visitor statistics.

12.6 Local Aboriginal Community Local Aboriginal Community representatives still residing in the area highlighted no issues or concerns. The Regional Reserve was once an important “thoroughfare” for Aboriginals, but is no longer utilised.

12.7 Pastoral Program The Pastoral Program Branch was contacted but pointed out that any information from a pastoral point of view can be found in the Pastoral Reports. It was unclear if the actions outlined in the pastoral reports were enforced or adhered to.

12.8 Native Title No submission was sought from the Native Title Claimants due to the status of the claim.

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13 APPENDIX C - List Of Vascular Plants Species lists are derived from the South Australian Biodiversity Database, April 2003. Introduced species are marked with an asterix. State Herbarium records not included.

SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS Acacia ayersiana var latifolia Broad-leaf Mulga Acacia brachybotrya Grey Mulga-bush Acacia burkittii Pin-bush Wattle Acacia colletioides Veined Wait-a-while Acacia hakeoides Hakea Wattle Acacia ligulata Umbrella Bush Acacia nyssophylla Spine Bush Acacia oswaldii Umbrella Wattle Acacia rigens Nealie Acacia sclerophylla Hard-leaf Wattle Acacia stenophylla River Cooba Actinobole uliginosum Flannel Cudweed Alectryon oleifolius ssp canescens Bullock Bush *Alyssum linifolium Flax-leaf Alyssum Amyema miquelii Box Mistletoe Amyema preissii Wire-leaf Mistletoe Atriplex lindleyi ssp inflata Corky Saltbush Atriplex stipitata Bitter Saltbush Beyeria lechenaultii Pale Turpentine Bush Beyeria opaca Dark Turpentine Bush Brachycome ciliaris var ciliaris Variable Daisy Brachycome lineariloba Hard-head Daisy *Brassica tournefortii Wild Turnip Bromus sp Brome Calandrinia calyptrata Pink Purslane Calandrinia eremaea Dryland Purslane Calandrinia polyandra var polyandra Parakeelya Calandrinia sp Purslane/Parakeelya Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress-pine Callitris preissii Southern Cypress Pine Callitris verrucosa Scrub Cypress Pine Calotis cuneifolia Purple Burr-daisy U Calotis hispidula Hairy Burr-daisy

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SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS Caryophyllaceae sp Pink Family Casuarina pauper Black Oak Chenopodium curvispicatum Cottony Goosefoot Chenopodium desertorum ssp desertorum Frosted Goosefoot Chenopodium desertorum ssp rectum Erect Goosefoot Chenopodium nitrariaceum Nitre Goosefoot Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting Codonocarpus cotinifolius Desert Poplar Convolvulus microsepalus/remotus Craspedia sp Crassula colorata/sieberana Crassula *Cucumis myriocarpus Paddy Melon Danthonia sp Wallaby-grass Daucus glochidiatus Native Carrot Daviesia benthamii ssp acanthoclona Dryland Bitter-pea U Dianella sp Flax-lily Dissocarpus paradoxus Ball Bindyi *Dittrichia graveolens Stinkweed Dodonaea viscosa ssp angustissima Narrow-leaf Hop-bush Einadia nutans ssp nutans Climbing Saltbush Enchylaena tomentosa var tomentosa Ruby Saltbush Eragrostis australasica Cane-grass Eremophila bignoniiflora Bignonia Emubush Eremophila divaricata ssp divaricata Spreading Emubush U Eremophila glabra ssp glabra Tar Bush Eremophila maculata var maculata Spotted Emubush Eremophila oppositifolia var oppositifolia Opposite-leaved Emubush Eremophila sturtii Turpentine Bush Eriochiton sclerolaenoides Woolly-fruit Bluebush *Erodium cicutarium Cut-leaf Heron's-bill Erodium crinitum/cygnorum Blue Heron's-bill Eucalyptus camaldulensis var camaldulensis River Red Gum Eucalyptus dumosa White Mallee Eucalyptus gracilis Yorrell Eucalyptus incrassata Ridge-fruited Mallee

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SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS Eucalyptus largiflorens River Box Eucalyptus leptophylla Narrow-leaf Red Mallee Eucalyptus oleosa Red Mallee Eucalyptus socialis Beaked Red Mallee Eutaxia microphylla var microphylla Common Eutaxia Exocarpos aphyllus Leafless Cherry Geococcus pusillus Earth Cress Glycyrrhiza acanthocarpa Native Liquorice Q Goodenia fascicularis Silky Goodenia Goodenia pusilliflora Small-flower Goodenia Grevillea huegelii Comb Grevillea *Gypsophila tubulosa Annual Chalkwort Hakea leucoptera ssp leucoptera Silver Needlewood Harmsiodoxa brevipes var brevipes Short Cress Helichrysum leucopsideum Satin Everlasting *Herniaria cinerea Rupturewort Hibbertia riparia Guinea-flower Hyalosperma demissum Dwarf Sunray *Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Cat's Ear Isoetopsis graminifolia Grass Cushion Lemooria burkittii Wires-and-wool Lepidium leptopetalum Shrubby Peppercress Lepidium sp Peppercress Lichen sp Lomandra effusa Scented Mat-rush Lycium australe Australian Boxthorn Lysiana exocarpi ssp exocarpi Harlequin Mistletoe Maireana brevifolia Short-leaf Bluebush Maireana erioclada Rosy Bluebush Maireana georgei/turbinata Satiny Bluebush Maireana pentatropis Erect Mallee Bluebush Maireana pyramidata Black Bluebush Maireana sedifolia Bluebush Maireana trichoptera Hairy-fruit Bluebush Maireana triptera Three-wing Bluebush

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SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS Marsdenia australis Native Pear *Medicago minima var minima Little Medic *Medicago sp Medic Melaleuca lanceolata ssp lanceolata Dryland Tea-tree Mentha australis River Mint Q Moss sp Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum Myoporum platycarpum ssp False Sandalwood Nitraria billardierei Nitre-bush Olearia lepidophylla Clubmoss Daisy-bush Olearia pimeleoides ssp pimeleoides Pimelea Daisy-bush Omphalolappula concava Burr Stickseed *Onopordum acaulon Horse Thistle Oxalis perennans Native Sorrel Parietaria cardiostegia Mallee Smooth-nettle Parietaria cardiostegia/debilis Smooth-nettle Pimelea microcephala ssp microcephala Shrubby Riceflower Pimelea stricta Erect Riceflower Pittosporum phylliraeoides var microcarpa Native Apricot Plagiobothrys plurisepaleus White Rochelia Plantago sp Plantain Podolepis capillaris Wiry Podolepis Ptilotus exaltatus var exaltatus Pink Mulla Mulla Pycnosorus pleiocephalus Soft Billy-buttons *Rapistrum rugosum ssp rugosum Turnip Weed Rhagodia parabolica Mealy Saltbush Rhagodia spinescens Spiny Saltbush Rhodanthe floribunda White Everlasting Rhodanthe pygmaea Pigmy Daisy Rhodanthe stuartiana Clay Everlasting *Salvia verbenaca form B Wild Sage Santalum acuminatum Quandong Sclerolaena diacantha Grey Bindyi Sclerolaena obliquicuspis Oblique-spined Bindyi Sclerolaena parviflora Small-flower Bindyi

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SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS Sclerolaena patenticuspis Spear-fruit Bindyi Senecio glossanthus Annual Groundsel Senecio lautus Variable Groundsel Senna artemisioides nothossp artemisioides Silver Senna Senna artemisioides nothossp coriacea Broad-leaf Desert Senna Senna artemisioides ssp filifolia Fine-leaf Desert Senna Senna artemisioides ssp petiolaris Flat-stalk Senna Sida corrugata var angustifolia Grassland Sida Q *Silybum marianum Variegated Thistle *Sisymbrium erysimoides Smooth Mustard *Sisymbrium irio London Mustard Solanum sp Nightshade/Potato-bush *Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle Stenopetalum lineare Narrow Thread-petal Stenopetalum sphaerocarpum Round-fruit Thread-petal Stipa drummondii Cottony Spear-grass Stipa nitida Balcarra Spear-grass Stipa scabra ssp Rough Spear-grass *Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Templetonia egena Broombush Templetonia Tetragonia eremaea Desert Spinach Tetragonia eremaea/tetragonoides Native Spinach Thysanotus baueri Mallee Fringe-lily *Trifolium sp Clover Triodia irritans complex Spinifex Velleia paradoxa Spur Velleia Q *Verbena supina Trailing Verbena Vittadinia dissecta var hirta Dissected New Holland Daisy Vittadinia sp New Holland Daisy Westringia rigida Stiff Westringia *Xanthium spinosum Bathurst Burr Zygophyllum ammophilum Sand Twinleaf Zygophyllum apiculatum Pointed Twinleaf Zygophyllum aurantiacum Shrubby Twinleaf Zygophyllum billardierei Coast Twinleaf

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SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS Zygophyllum crenatum Notched Twinleaf Zygophyllum eremaeum Pale-flower Twinleaf Zygophyllum glaucum Pale Twinleaf Zygophyllum iodocarpum Violet Twinleaf Zygophyllum ovatum Dwarf Twinleaf * Exotic U Uncommon: less common species of interest but not rare enough to warrant special protective measures. Q Not yet assessed: but flagged as being of possible significance

South Australian status: National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 Australian Status: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

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14 APPENDIX D - List of Vertebrates Species lists are derived from the South Australian Biodiversity Database April 2003 download. Introduced species are marked with an asterix.

Bird List SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar Anas gracilis Grey Teal Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird Anthus novaeseelandiae Richard's Pipit Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus White-browed Woodswallow Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck, (Ring necked Parrot) Cacatua leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo V Cacatua roseicapilla Galah Calamanthus cautus Shy Heathwren (Shy Hylacola) Charadrius australis Inland Dotterel Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck, (Maned Duck) Cheramoeca leucosternus White-backed Swallow Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark Cinclosoma castanotus Chestnut Quail-thrush R Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Corvus mellori Little Raven Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird

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SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron Epthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar Falco berigora Brown Falcon Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Gallinula ventralis Black-tailed Native-hen Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl V V Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus ornatus Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater) Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula melanotis Black-eared Miner E E Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin Melithreptus brevirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook Northiella haematogaster Blue Bonnet Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird Pachycephala inornata Gilbert's Whistler

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SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote *Passer domesticus House Sparrow Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing Pomatostomus ruficeps Chestnut-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus varius Mulga Parrot Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat R Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Strepera versicolor Grey Currawong Strophurus elderi Jewelled Gecko Struthidea cinerea Apostlebird *Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe, (Little Grebe) Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing * Exotic E Endangered: rare and in danger of becoming extinct in the wild. V Vulnerable: rare and at risk from potential threats or long term threats that could cause the species to become endangered in the future. R Rare: has a low overall frequency of occurrence (may be locally common with a very restricted distribution or may be scattered sparsely over a wider area). Not currently exposed to significant or widespread threats, but warrants monitoring and protective measures to prevent reduction of population sizes. South Australian Status: National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 Australian Status: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

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Reptile List SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS Amphibolurus nobbi Nobbi Dragon Aprasia inaurita Red-tailed worm lizard Cryptoblepharus cf plagiocephalus Desert Wall skink Ctenophorus fordi Mallee Dragon Ctenophorus pictus Painted Dragon Ctenotus olympicus Saltbush Ctenotus Ctenotus regius Eastern Desert Ctenotus Ctenotus schomburgkii Sandplain Ctenotus Delma australis Barred Snake-Lizard Delma butleri Spinifex Snake-lizard Diplodactylus damaeus Beaded Gecko Egernia striolata Eastern Tree Skink Gehyra variegata Tree Dtella Heteronotia binoei Bynoe’s Gecko Lerista muelleri Dwarf Three-toed slider Lerista punctatovittata Spotted Slider Morethia boulengeri Common Snake-eye Morethia obscura Mallee snake-eye Pogona vitticeps Central Bearded Dragon Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked Gecko Strophurus elderi Jewelled Gecko Suta spectabilis Mallee Black-headed snake Tiliqua rugosa Sleepy Lizard Tympanocryptis lineata Five-lined Earless Dragon Varanus gouldii Sand Goanna * Exotic E Endangered: rare and in danger of becoming extinct in the wild. V Vulnerable: rare and at risk from potential threats or long term threats that could cause the species to become endangered in the future. R Rare: has a low overall frequency of occurrence (may be locally common with a very restricted distribution or may be scattered sparsely over a wider area). Not currently exposed to significant or widespread threats, but warrants monitoring and protective measures to prevent reduction of population sizes.

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Mammal List SA AUS SPECIES COMMON NAME STATUS STATUS *Capra hircus Goat Chalinolobus gouldii Goulds Wattled Bat *Felis catus Cat Macropus fuliginosus Western Grey Kangaroo Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo Mormopterus spp (3 species complex) Southern freetail bats Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared bat *Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit *Ovis aries Sheep Pseudomys bolami Bolams Mouse Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed bat Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed dunnart Sminthopsis murina Common dunnart Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest bat *Vulpes vulpes Fox * Exotic E Endangered: rare and in danger of becoming extinct in the wild. V Vulnerable: rare and at risk from potential threats or long term threats that could cause the species to become endangered in the future. R Rare: has a low overall frequency of occurrence (may be locally common with a very restricted distribution or may be scattered sparsely over a wider area). Not currently exposed to significant or widespread threats, but warrants monitoring and protective measures to prevent reduction of population sizes.

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