Protecting our land, plants and animals On Track Understanding and securing our water resources Delivering natural resource management Supporting our industries in the SA Arid Lands 2012-13 and communities PAUL WAINWRIGHT PAUL Banded Stilts

Welcome WAINWRIGHT PAUL Welcome to the third edition of On Track.

It’s been another busy year for the South The Board also took a strategic look ahead, updating its Australian Arid Lands (SAAL) Natural Business Plan to define its priorities for the next three years. Resources Management (NRM) Board, and These priorities are reviewed annually in consultation with our on behalf of the Board I am pleased to NRM Groups and partners to ensure they remain current. release On Track, our annual report to our Our current priorities include delivering on-ground results, community and partners on the important developing community partnerships, investing in research, achievements which deliver on our goals looking at innovative approaches to community involvement, defined in the SAAL Regional NRM Plan. securing funding for our key projects, and meeting our legal True to the guiding role of the Board and responsibilities surrounding the management of natural our Plan, On Track again pays tribute to resources. the wide variety of organisations and On behalf of the Board, I thank our land managers, individuals who are contributing to natural community, volunteers, NRM Groups, levy-payers, funding resource management in the SA Arid Lands bodies and partner organisations for their efforts in region and helping to meet our targets. contributing to the sustainable management of our region’s Collectively, we work to manage our natural resources and I look forward to your continued region’s pest plants and animals, protect support and involvement. our threatened species, rehabilitate our Enjoy the read. land, conserve our valuable soils and

manage our precious water resources. Our Board itself has had several major achievements this year. We formalised our working relationship Janet Brook with the Pastoral Board and the Native Presiding Member, Vegetation Council, two other bodies who SA Arid Lands have legal responsibilities associated with Natural Resources land management in our region. Management Board In essence, we have agreed to work closely together, to create efficiencies through developing consistent policy and coordinating our consultation efforts to improve delivery of information and services to the community. Front page photo: Warburton Creek ii | On Track 2012-13 Banded Stilts

Contents KAREN ENGLISH

WELCOME II

OUR REGION 2

OUR PLAN FOR THE REGION 3

OUR STAKEHOLDERS 4

OUR LAND & BIODIVERSITY 6 Threatened fauna research & recovery 7 Pest plant and animal management 10 Land management 13

A Bettong Wild dog management 16

OUR ACTIVITIES 18

OUR WATER 20 Groundwater 23 Surface water 26

OUR COMMUNITY 28 Industry partnerships 29 Volunteers 30 Community events 33 Aboriginal land management 35 NRM Group activities 38 Communications 39

Arckaringa Daisy D. DUVAL PUBLICATIONS 40

OUR FINANCES 42

OUR PERFORMANCE 44

OUR BOARD 46

Cattle yard, Innamincka KAREN ENGLISH

On Track 2012-13 | 1 Our region The SA Arid Lands region covers over half of and includes some of the driest parts of the State.

The region’s environment is characterised by irregular rainfall and other episodic weather events that rarely follow predictable annual cycles and it has the largest percentage of intact ecosystems and biodiversity in SA. In this region more than any other, communities and industries are intrinsically linked to the environment and rely on integrated natural resource management to maintain healthy functioning ecosystems. Water is a critical resource supporting biodiversity, communities and industries. Most water supplies in the region are sourced from the Great Artesian Basin, one of the world’s largest underground water reservoirs. The human population in this arid and semi-arid region is small – less than 2 per cent of the State – and geographically dispersed. A number of landholdings, including parks, reserves and pastoral leases, are under Aboriginal management or co-management. The majority of towns have less than 1000 occupants, while the largest towns – Coober Pedy and Roxby Downs – are both associated with mining and home to less than 5000 people.

Pastoralism remains the dominant land use, with vast tracts of SimpsonNorth Flinders Desert the region – over 40,000,000 hectares – taken up by sheep and cattle stations relying on native vegetation for feed. Although much smaller in area occupied, the mining, gas and petroleum industries have become increasingly significant land users. Marla Tourism has also Marla - Oodnadatta exploded in recent Algebuckina Innamincka Marree - Innamincka years as unprecedented Moomba numbers of people visit the region to enjoy the outback experience. This Anna Creek includes some of SA’s most Coober Pedy environmentally significant Coward Springs conservation reserves and Curdimurka national parks, and the Marree great inland water system of Kati Thanda-. Kingoonya Village Andamooka Tarcoola Roxby Downs Leigh Creek Kingoonya Glendambo North Flinders Woomera Parachilna

Hawker Legend North East Olary Waterways and Lakes Port Augusta Iron Knob Yunta

National Parks and Reserves Iron Baron Whyalla Dog Fence

2 | On Track 2012-13 Our Plan for the region The SAAL Regional NRM Plan is pivotal to achieving better management of the region’s natural assets as it outlines priorities and provides direction for all partners who invest in the region. Collaboration is the key to its effective delivery, so the SAAL NRM Board works closely with community groups, industry, government agencies, and individuals.

This edition of On Track showcases these It consists of two volumes: Volume collaborative efforts towards improving 1 details the state of the region the condition of regional natural assessment, the policy and regulatory resource management during 2012-13 framework, and a 10-year Strategic Plan, and towards achieving the short and including targets. Volume 2 describes long-term targets contained in the SAAL the SAAL NRM Board’s contribution Regional NRM Plan. towards achieving the region’s vision The SAAL Regional NRM Plan and targets through its own actions and was adopted by the Minister for investments. Sustainability, Environment and The first five-year review of the SAAL Conservation in August 2010 and Regional NRM Plan will commence outlines a range of programs and in August 2013, with the revised associated targets to achieve better plan scheduled for completion mid- protection of ground and surface water; 2015. Further information about the ensure sustainable industries; achieve SAAL Regional NRM Plan review and best practice management of pastoral opportunities to have your say on lands; conserve natural ecosystems and regional natural resource management biodiversity; and encourage community will be featured in future editions of participation. Across the Outback.

Contact Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300 for your copy of the SAAL Regional NRM Plan

SAAL THIRD ON TRACK Regional NRM Plan Highlight all activities contributing towards SAAL Regional NRM Plan targets adopted WE ARE HERE (end of year 3)

2010 2014 2015 2020 2030

ANNUAL ACTIVITIES Outputs that contribute to MATs and/or RCTs

1-5 YEAR MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGETS (MATS) 50 intermediate targets that contribute towards achieving 10-year resource condition targets

10 YEAR RESOURCE CONDITION TARGETS (RCTs) 10 long-term targets expressed in terms of the condition or status of natural resources

20-YEAR GOALS AND VISION Three overarching goals and a vision expressing the long-term overall philosophy for natural resource management in the region

On Track 2012-13 | 3 Our stakeholders Natural resource management is about working with people – our industries and our communities – to ensure the sustainable use of our precious resources – our water, soils, plants and animals. It’s about striking a balance between the economic, social and environmental outcomes we derive from our natural resources and between biodiversity and production benefits.

As we all depend on our natural resources, everyone with an interest in the SA Arid Lands has a stake in their sustainable management. Here we highlight those individuals, organisations and agencies whose on-ground activities are contributing towards achieving the targets in the SAAL Regional NRM Plan.

INDUSTRY GROUPS AND STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND PEAK BODIES STATUTORY AUTHORITIES Mining industry – avoid or minimise Biosecurity SA (part of Department of Primary Industries and their impacts on natural resources and by Regions) – works with other government departments, industry investing in environmental projects and communities to manage the risks and potential harm to to offset any damage that is caused our community, our environment and economy from pests and (eg Santos, OZ Minerals, SA Chamber diseases, or misuse of agricultural and veterinary chemicals of Mines and Energy) Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Pastoral industry – employ good land (DEWNR) – delivers activities on behalf of the SAAL NRM management practices to prevent Board through the regional delivery agent Natural Resources degradation and improve land SA Arid Lands. At a state level, contributes towards water condition where possible (eg Primary security, climate change, sustainable land management, public Producers SA, S Kidman and Co, estate management and biodiversity conservation to achieve Outback Lakes SA) productive and balanced use of natural resources and to help Tourism industry – ensure their improve the condition and resilience of our natural systems members are well-informed about Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources appropriate behaviours to avoid causing and Energy (DMITRE) – leverages value from major projects, impact to natural resources (eg Flinders such as mining, for SA Ranges Tourism Operators Association, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) – Regional Development Australia Far supports transport services and strategic project delivery that North, SA Tourism Commission) minimises unnecessary impacts to natural resources Dog Fence Board – maintains the Dog Fence in SA COMMUNITY GROUPS/ Environment Protection Authority (EPA) – works with other NGOs government departments, industry and community to protect air and water quality, and control pollution, waste, noise and Community groups – environmental radiation or special interest groups contributing through on-ground works aimed at Native Vegetation Council – provides advice and makes conserving and protecting natural decisions about the removal and re-establishment of native resources in the region (eg Progress vegetation in line with the Native Vegetation Act 1991 Associations, -Parachilna Pest NRM Council – advises the State Government about the long Plant Control Group, 4WDSA, Friends of term strategic directions for the management of the State’s Parks groups) natural resources, and works with key stakeholders, including Non-government organisations – NRM Boards, peak bodies and other State Government not-for-profit organisations that are agencies, to implement the State NRM Plan strengthening local communities and/ Outback Communities Authority – manages and promotes or preserving natural resources in the improvements in the provision of public services and facilities region (eg Conservation Council of SA, to outback communities, as well as articulating the views, Arid Recovery, , interests and aspirations of outback communities Nature Foundation SA) Pastoral Board – administers the pastoral lease system, determining and managing compliance with lease terms and ABORIGINAL GROUPS AND PEAK BODIES conditions Communities, organisations, agencies and authorities that SA Research and Development Institute (SARDI) – provides represent the interests of Traditional Owners, promote robust scientific solutions for primary industries native title rights and interests, and/or manage lands (eg South Australian Native Title Services, Aboriginal Lands Trust, native title groups, Co-management Boards, Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation)

4 | On Track 2012-13 Our stakeholders

DID WE MISS YOU?

There are many individuals and organisations contributing to the sustainable use of our natural resources, more than we can possibly acknowledge here. If we have missed you, the SAAL NRM Board thanks you for your contribution to natural resource management in the region and invites you to contact Natural Resources SA Arid Lands by 30 August 2014 to tell us about your 2013-14 activities. Email [email protected] or on 8648 5300

NATIONAL BODIES AND GOVERNMENT FUNDING SOURCES DEPARTMENTS Australian Government – there are a range of funding sources Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee (GABCC) – available through the Australian Government, most of which provides advice from community organisations and agencies support delivery of activities in the SAAL Regional NRM Plan to Ministers on a sustainable, whole-of-resource approach (eg Caring for our Country, Community Action Grants, Land to Great Artesian Basin management and coordinates cross- Sector Package) border activities Industry – some activities delivering on the SAAL Regional Invasive Animals CRC – develops tools to prevent and NRM Plan are partly funded through industry (eg Sheep detect new invasions and integrated management tools and Industry Fund, Santos, Australian Wool Innovation) strategies for major pest animals NRM Levy ratepayers – all landholders (including lessees) in Community Advisory Committee (LEBCAC) the SA Arid Lands region pay a Regional (land-based) NRM – provides advice from the Lake Eyre Basin community to the levy while an NRM water levy is payable on water allocated Lake Eyre Basin Ministerial Forum and feeds back the decisions to the mining, energy, gas and petroleum sector, town water and activities of the Ministerial Forum to the Basin community suppliers, irrigators, and commercial operators in the Far North Prescribed Wells Area (see p. 42 for further information) Lake Eyre Basin Ministerial Forum (LEBMF) – implements the Lake Eyre Basin Agreement, a cooperative framework for jointly State Government allocation – specific funding is allocated to addressing cross-border issues about the management of water each NRM region to cover some costs associated with running and related natural resources within the Agreement area an NRM Board and NRM Groups National Water Commission – drives national water reform by State Government grants – when available, these can be providing independent, evidence-based, scientific advice to applied for to support the delivery of activities associated the Australian Government with the SAAL Regional NRM Plan (eg State Community NRM Grants, Native Vegetation Council Significant Environmental Rangelands NRM Alliance – assists with cross-regional Benefits Grants) collaboration and raising awareness of rangelands issues at a national level A NOTE ON RESEARCH OUTPUTS

EDUCATION BODIES There are a range of other research programs, initiatives Schools – provide remote, or face-to-face instruction to and organisations that operate at a State and/or national children on a range of subjects and activities (eg Marree level (eg Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Aboriginal School, Port Augusta Campus School of the Air) Transect for Environmental Monitoring and Decision- making, Goyder Institute, Commonwealth Scientific Universities – supports innovative research activities and and Industrial Research Organisation, and the Bureau project delivery, such as remote sensing, threatened species of Meteorology). Their research outputs may inform recovery, and ecological restoration (eg Flinders University of on-ground activities in the region and their efforts are SA, University of , UniSA) acknowledged, but not specifically addressed, in On Track which focuses on on-ground activities.

On Track 2012-13 | 5 Flock Bronzewing Pigeons at Purni Bore,

Our land & biodiversity

163 properties Maintaining the soils, native vegetation and native wildlife in the SA Arid Lands participated in 309 pest animal region is critical to the sustainability of our industries and communities. management The region contains some of the State’s most activities across African Boxthorn and Opuntioid Cactus species, environmentally significant and iconic terrestrial 3,742,259 were added to the Weeds of National Significance ecosystems including Sandy Deserts, Stony Plains, hectares program this year. and the Gawler, Flinders and Olary Ranges. These There are also emerging weedy threats such as ecosystems are home to a range of unique plants Pepper Trees and Buffel Grass. While their current 48 properties and animals, many found only within this region. distribution and density is limited in SA, further participated They also support our tourism industry which sees introductions or spread of these weeds could occur in 66 weed thousands of people flock here each year to enjoy management our special and diverse landscapes and native via floodwaters, livestock movements or other activities wildlife. means. across 326,939 The production of cattle and sheep here is solely Many organisations and individuals are working to hectares dependent on native vegetation as the grazing gain a better understanding of the native plant and resource. Pastoralists, by far the largest land animal communities in the SA Arid Lands region. The key to their conservation relies on good land 17 properties users, are legally responsible for maintaining land covering condition which means managing the pressure condition and in particular, healthy and sustainable 4,690,362 on native vegetation from the grazing of their ecoystems where key threatening processes such hectares stock but also from feral herbivores such as goats, as pest plants and animals and soil erosion are participated camels, donkeys, horses and rabbits. Other pest managed effectively. in integrated animals include cats, pigs, foxes and, where they Through our work with land managers to property occur south of the Dog Fence, wild dogs. undertake on-ground activities to reduce threats planning Declared weeds occupy thousands of hectares and restore ecosystems, we are finding the balance of grazing land, undermining the long-term between biodiversity management and pastoral sustainability of pastoral production and production. biodiversity values of infested areas – two of these,

10 YEAR RESOURCE CONDITION TARGETS

1. Improve the 2. Maintain or 4. Improve the 5. Reduce 6. Maintain or average extent reduce the risks condition of human-induced improve the and condition of to all species at least 50% soil erosion ecological native vegetation and ecological of culturally- sustainability of communities significant natural natural resource- ecosystems which based industries are suffering from disturbance

6 | On Track 2012-13 Our land & biodiversity Threatened fauna research & recovery

BUSH HERITAGE RESERVES

Bon Bon Station Reserve A total of 1540 hectares of Buffel Grass was treated along the Old and New Stuart Highway and the property set up a herbicide trial with plans to trial fire next year. Through the Buffel Grass Action Group, Bon Bon liaised with the Roxby Downs- based Buffel Busters to pool resources and maximise strategic control. Bon Bon continued to map rabbit warrens in priority land systems, covering 33,000 hectares to date, and strategic control is planned for 2014. Bird surveys revealed a boost in the reserve’s capacity to support migratory insectivorous birds (eg various honeyeaters, chats and songlarks) with these birds Stripe-faced Dunnart ARID RECOVERY breeding in large numbers. Trapping surveys conducted with volunteer assistance also recorded the presence of the Ooldea Dunnart and the Inland Sandy Mouse for ANNUAL TRAPPING AT the first time. Other activities included monitoring of vegetation across 54 sites, ARID RECOVERY maintenance of approximately 100 kilometres of strategic fire breaks, fox baiting and kangaroo surveys. Numbers were down on last year, th Boolcoomatta Station Reserve but Arid Recovery’s 16 consecutive annual trapping program still African Boxthorn and Pepper Tree control was undertaken through membership of caught a variety of species, the Olary Weed Management Group (see p. 14) and through about 1000 hours of including five species of mammals volunteer assistance; 7000 rabbit warrens were destroyed; 16 telemetry equipped and 13 species of reptiles. soft jaw traps were deployed to target cats; and goat, fox, cat and rabbit control Hopping Mouse and the nationally was carried out by Sporting Shooters Association Australia. vulnerable Plains Rat were the Bird surveys revealed reduced populations of both resident and migratory birds, most abundant mammal captures, the result of an extended dry spell at Boolcoomatta and substantially reduced while the skinks made up half of herbaceous growth. Other activities included vegetation monitoring across 51 the reptile captures. sites; kangaroo surveys which recorded high numbers of Red and Western Grey One of the longest running Kangaroos and Euros; aerial fox baiting as part of Bounceback (see p. 9) and a programs of its kind in Australia, monthly ground baiting program supported by 220 fox bait stations. the collected data highlights the Bush Heritage Australia, Native Vegetation Council, SAAL NRM Board, Natural impact that feral predators such Resources SA Arid Lands, Sporting Shooters Association, SA Field Naturalists, as cats and foxes may have on the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Biosecurity SA, Letcombe Trust, native small mammals and reptiles Australian Government in the arid zone. NATURE FOUNDATION SA RESERVES

Witchelina Hiltaba Nature Reserve Two studies commenced this year: one Bushblitz – Australia’s largest nature discovery project – helped create a plant investigating the ecology, behaviour and and animal inventory. In April 30 volunteers from the Scientific Exploration Group genetics of the Thick-billed Grasswren established a baseline fauna survey which revealed the Slender-billed Thornbill is and another exploring the properties’ vulnerable to extinction because its preferred habitat has been altered by grazing. soil seedbank to understand how native Rockhole restoration also occurred in conjunction with Traditional Owners and using vegetation responds to changes such as indigenous employment (see p. 36). de-stocking and climate change, and to Both properties participated in fox, goat, cat and rabbit control and Yellow-footed assist revegetation efforts. The annual Rock-wallaby monitoring through Bounceback (see p. 9) and wild dog ground and bird survey of the major habitats on the aerial baiting (see p. 17). A total of 817 goats, 169 rabbits, 107 cats, 72 foxes, and 13 property is providing useful information wild dogs were removed during the year. regarding seasonal changes and species Former sheep pastoral stations turned nature reserves, Witchelina (North Flinders abundance. Rabbit warren mapping and district) and Hiltaba (Gawler Ranges district), were bought by Nature Foundation SA ripping occurred across 1200 hectares of in 2010 and 2012. chenopod shrublands. Nature Foundation SA, Pastoral Board, Flinders University, Bushblitz, Scientific Exploration Group, South Australian Native Title Service, SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Biosecurity SA, Australian Government

On Track 2012-13 | 7 Threatened fauna research & recovery

MARSUPIAL MOLE PLAINS MOUSE BRONZEBACK LEGLESS Seven Friends of Simpson Desert Parks Four Plains Mouse, a native rodent, were LIZARD volunteers searched for the elusive found in a survey mounted after finding Local volunteers spent three days Marsupial Mole, digging 40 one-metre- remains in a dingo scat at searching leaf litter at Evelyn Downs long trenches in sandhills across the Station, over 300 kilometres east of Station for the evasive Bronzeback western Simpson Desert. This species previous records. Legless Lizard. This poorly understood spends most of its life beneath the sand Plains Mouse have previously been species lives under the thick leaf litter and is rarely seen on the surface. found in cracking clay areas in the mats beneath Gidgee and Myall trees in The trenches allow for the detection of stony plains belt stretching from the the Breakaway country north of Coober the moles’ backfilled tunnels and are the western side of Lake Torrens, north to Pedy. only way to detect their presence. Mole Oodnadatta, and southern NT. signs were found in just four trenches, This find, along with other recent The volunteers from Coober Pedy but this confirmed their continued records from the west of Lake Frome, and neighbouring Mt Willoughby presence in the western Simpson Desert. is causing a rethink of Plains Mouse Station Indigenous SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA distribution and habitat tolerance. had previously uncovered a record Arid Lands, Australian Government SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA 15 Bronzebacks at Mt Willoughby in Arid Lands, Rick Barratt, Karen Harris, March 2012. GREY GRASSWREN Australian Government The first major works on the Grey The single Bronzeback captured at Grasswren, a nationally vulnerable AMPURTA Evelyn Downs was important in building species, were completed this year. This Good numbers of Ampurta, a small knowledge of the species’ preferred small, elusive bird inhabits floodplain carnivorous marsupial, were found habitat and the times it is active within vegetation including Lignum and Old during surveys of 130 sites in sandy the leaf litter. Man Saltbush in the major inland rivers terrain between Oodnadatta and the SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA of the . lower Track. Arid Lands, Aaron Fenner, Australian Government Surveys of Diamantina River, Eyre Sites first surveyed in 2006 were Creek and floodplains revisited, with the distribution of in northern SA and adjacent areas of Ampurta signs (tracks, scats or burrows) THANK YOU Qld suggest that Grey Grasswrens are suggesting their range is likely to be Thanks to the 15 volunteers relatively common at Goyder Lagoon stable or possibly slightly increasing. who assisted this work and the but absent or in very low numbers at Evidence was also found at a site managers and owners of the 31 similar upstream floodplain sites. about 50 kilometres south of previous pastoral properties involved Work is underway to determine if records. This suggests Ampurtas may the isolated (and perhaps declining) be reinhabiting parts of their former populations at upstream floodplain range, possibly because of lower rabbit YELLOW-FOOTED ROCK sites are genetically distinct and require numbers brought about by calicivirus. WALLABY special effort to conserve. SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby recovery SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Katherine Moseby, continued as part of Bounceback (see Andrea Tschirner, John Read, Australian SA Arid Lands, Andrew Black, Graham p. 9). Carpenter, Lynn Pedler, Roger Jaensch, Government Australian Government

KOWARI

Over 60 Kowaris were captured during monitoring surveys across their known range along the Birdsville Track where they are continuing to hang on in one of the toughest environments imaginable. The April 2013 results contrast with very low Kowari capture rates during 2011 surveys when native Long- haired Rats were in the middle of a major plague in response to the exceptional rainfall and flooding. The carnivorous Kowaris, which are not much bigger than a rat, probably benefited from the Long-haired Rat plague, eating and breeding well in late 2012. SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands,

Ben Parkhurst Ben Australian Government Kowari

8 | On Track 2012-13 Our land & biodiversity Bounceback

Bounceback celebrated its 20th anniversary in July 2012 with 60 past and current Bounceback partners gathering to celebrate the program’s successes at the Old Wilpena Homestead.

The program operates across a range of landholdings, including National Parks, non-government owned reserved and pastoral properties in the Flinders, Gawler, and Olary Ranges where it aims to restore habitats and foster recovery of native animal populations. Bounceback 20-year celebrations at the Old Bounceback’s broadscale 1080 baiting Wilpena Homestead has significantly reduced losses of young Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies Foxes Monitoring predators to fox predation. Aerial fox baiting was carried out in The Sporting Shooter Association of August 2012 and February 2013 across Australia (Hunting and Conservation about 700,000 hectares in the North Branch) and Natural Resources SA The removal of goats from the Flinders, Gawler Ranges and North East Arid Lands staff removed 64 cats, 22 landscape has not only benefited the Pastoral districts. foxes and three wild dogs as part of wallabies by reducing competition for quarterly spotlight destructive surveys food, but also assisted the regeneration The baiting occurred across public and through opportunistic control. The of native vegetation. Here’s a snapshot reserves ( National spotlight surveys contribute to an 18 of Bounceback’s main achievements for Park, Bunkers Conservation Reserve, year monitoring dataset that records fox 2012-13. Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park) and neighbouring pastoral and cat response to 1080 baiting. Goats properties, as well as Nantawarrina Surveys occur on Flinders Ranges The annual aerial goat removal program Indigenous Protected Area in the North National Park, which is regularly baited occurred in March in the North Flinders Flinders; Bimbowrie Conservation for foxes, and adjacent and distant and North East Pastoral districts Park and in the properties that are not regularly baited removing 4646 goats from 15 properties North East Pastoral district; and Gawler for foxes, allowing a comparison of and the Flinders Ranges National Park, Ranges National Park, Pinkawillinie predator numbers. Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Conservation Park and Hiltaba Nature Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies Park and Bimbowrie Conservation Park. Reserve in the Gawler Ranges district. Trapping in the Gawler Ranges confirms The aerial program complements The aerial baiting was followed up the steady recovery of Yellow-footed ground control undertaken on parks by ground baiting in November 2012 Rock-wallaby populations. Seven throughout the Bounceback target area and May 2013. In total, 99,000 baits individuals were caught near Stone by the Sporting Shooters Association were dispersed across the Bounceback Dam, some kilometres east of previously of Australia (Hunting and Conservation footprint in the SA Arid Lands region. recorded locations in the western Branch), Natural Resources SA Arid Spotlight monitoring transects indicate Gawler Ranges National Park. Adult Lands staff, and a contractor. This that the baiting program continues to females with pouch young and juveniles year 3907 goats were removed from reduce fox incursions into the baited were also present. the Gawler Ranges and Flinders areas to very low numbers while Monitoring on Hiltaba Station also Ranges National Parks and Bimbowrie camera monitoring is indicating that revealed females with pouch young and Conservation Park. the program is just as effective in well juvenile wallabies. This is the first sign The long term results show a steady wooded and the steep rocky parts of in recent times that the Yellow-footed decline in goat numbers on target the ranges. Rock-wallaby population is beginning properties and the regeneration to recover on this property, raising of native shrub and tree species, hopes that this population will become particularly those that have been sustainable in the long term. removed or damaged by goat browse. While Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby surveys were not carried out in the Flinders and Olary regions this year, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, SAAL NRM Board, community, anecdotal reports continue to indicate Landscape Partnerships, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Biosecurity SA, Bush Heritage Australia, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Nature Foundation SA, Sporting Shooters their recovery, with records of animals Association, Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby Preservation Association, Zoos SA, local land moving out into former haunts across managers, tourism operators, Australian Government the Flinders and Olary Ranges.

On Track 2012-13 | 9 Pest plant and animal management

Buffel Grass infestation

BUFFEL GRASS Buffel Grass control of outlier populations was continued in Innamincka Regional Reserve where it presents a major fire risk if allowed to get out of control. With roadsides the main pathway by which Buffel Grass is spreading in the SA Arid Lands region, an annual management program continued on roadsides. A roadside detection survey was also undertaken to fill the knowledge gaps regarding Buffel Grass distribution in the region. The SA Buffel Grass Strategy was MIMOSA BUSH PEPPER TREES released which outlines a statewide Control works continued as part of a A long-term project to eradicate Pepper approach for managing this significant five-year agreement between S Kidman Trees from a North Flinders property threat to our native pastures and & Co and Natural Resources SA Arid continued with assistance for removal communities. Lands to undertake control work in the and controlling regrowth. Support was Buffel Grass control also continued Innamincka Regional Reserve. Over 2300 also provided to the Progress in the Kingoonya district through Mimosa Bush (Acacia farnesiana) plants Association (p. 13), two properties in the the Buffel Grass Action Group, Roxby were treated at Policeman’s Dam and North East Pastoral and Gawler Ranges Downs-based Buffel Busters, on Bon Candradecka Dam. Follow-up work will districts. Bon Station (see p. 7) and at Umoona continue at both properties, as well as SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA (see p. 35). further control work downstream of Arid Lands, Australian Government One property in the North Flinders drainage lines emanating from these was assisted to control an infestation locations. through burning for later spraying. The Marla-Oodnadatta NRM Group NOOGOORA BURR SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA completed its project which brought Follow-up work was undertaken to treat Arid Lands, Native Vegetation Council, together seven properties to prevent an infestation of Noogoora Burr plants Kingoonya NRM Group, Department of Mimosa Bush spread in the Peake Creek in the northern section of Innamincka Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, and lower Neales River catchment. Regional Reserve, and the Olary Weed Bush Heritage Australia, Australian Government Four properties were prioritised for Management Group were provided with control. Traditional herbicide control assistance (see p. 14). was undertaken on two stations; a SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA OTHER WEEDS third is trialling control methods in Arid Lands, Australian Government One Gawler Ranges property was priority areas; and a fourth has installed assisted to treat a small infestation vegetation filters for monitoring Noogoora Burr, Montkeleary Creek of Onion Weed and a North Flinders purposes and to protect neighbouring property was assisted with African Rue properties. The Group is awaiting control. significant rainfall to determine the effectiveness of treatments. SAAL NRM Board, Australian Government Marla-Oodnadatta NRM Group, SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, S Kidman & Co, Australian

Government SHEPHERD BEN

10 | On Track 2012-13 Our land & biodiversity

African Boxthorn removal

Feral camels

WEEDS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE PEST MANAGEMENT AND Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) are high impact, established weeds RANGELANDS REHAB which are causing major economic, environmental or social impacts in The Pest Management and Rangelands several Australian states and territories, and have a strong potential for Rehabilitation (PMRR) program finished spreading. Seven of the 32 WoNS occur in the SA Arid Lands region and up in June with a total of 66 properties several activities were undertaken this year to contain their spread. funded to undertake 84 pest plant BONESEED PRICKLY ACACIA and animal control or soil rehabiliation Follow-up control of Boneseed The only known location of Prickly projects. Many of the activities seedlings were removed from Acacia (Acacia nilotica) in SA was showcased in these pages were funded behind the Village in controlled on a Marree-Innamincka through this program. November 2012. Inspection and property in June. The localised Since the project began in 2009 a wide removal of Boneseed seedlings has population which occurred on the variety of land mangers have sought been occurring at the site for several banks of a dam was removed through assistance through the incentives- years with the goal of eradication. mechanical means to prevent spread. based program including pastoralists, All seedlings were found within PARKINSONIA Aboriginal communities and Progress 400 metres of the original 2002 A survey of a North Flinders Associations. collection. property revealed a small, isolated SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA ATHEL PINE population of Parkinsonia in a minor Arid Lands, Australian Government Watercourses on a lower Marree- creekline. Four plants were removed Innamincka district property were to prevent downstream spread as inspected in May for Athel Pine. One part of a wider strategy to eradicate CAMELS of the worst Athel Pine infestations this species from the region. Over 2500 camels were removed in SA, several hundred plants were OPUNTIOID CACTI from the SA Arid Lands region this removed from creeklines at the site Fifteen pastoral properties across year. Removal efforts occurred in the in 2009. Over 450 trees and saplings the North Flinders, Gawler and Simpson Desert Regional Reserve, Kati were treated this year. Athel Pine North East Pastoral properties were Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, Witjira control also commenced on the assisted to treat Opuntioid cacti National Park and on four pastoral adjoining Lake Frome Regional including Wheel Cactus, Prickly Reserve downstream from previously leases. Over half of the camels were Pear, Rope Cactus and Opuntia controlled areas where about 250 removed on after the engelmannii. While the Blinman- plants were treated along the land manager reported a large and Parachilna Pest Plant Control Group Poontana Creek. unexpected congregation of camels on and Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary the property. The removal program, AFRICAN BOXTHORN were supported to continue their which also occurred in the Far West African Boxthorn control was work on Wheel Cactus removal of SA and Nullarbor, also occurred in undertaken through the Olary Weed (see p. 30), other ongoing work response to land manager reports of Management Group (see p. 14) and focussed on properties with outlier emaciated camels gathering along the work commenced to remove a large populations of cactus to prevent Dog Fence with their removal reducing population of several hundred trees further spread. A core infestation the risk of damage and breaches to the in a floodplain on a property in the and outlier plants of Wheel Cactus Fence. Eighty-seven feral horses and 249 Gawler Ranges district . near Oraparinna in Flinders Ranges National Park was also treated as feral donkeys were also removed across part of Bounceback (see p. 9). the region. SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources Biosecurity SA, Ninti One Ltd, Natural SA Arid Lands, Biosecurity SA, Resources SA Arid Lands, Australian Feral Australian Government Camel Management Project, Australian Government

On Track 2012-13 | 11 Pest plant Feral pigs and animal management

PIGS Feral pig control was undertaken in November 2012 on both the Cooper QLD CHANNELS DESERT and Diamantina catchments in SA and Qld. In SA, over 200 pigs were removed CATS RABBITS from the Innamincka Regional Reserve, Cats were removed from Flinders Nearly 14,500 rabbit warrens were Coongie Lakes and pastoral leases in Ranges National Park through the destroyed in the SA Arid Lands region the Cooper Creek and Diamantina/ Bounceback program (see p. 9); while across seven properties in the North Warburton systems. In total over 20,000 improved control measures were put in Flinders, North East Pastoral and pigs were removed from SA and Qld place at Boolcoomatta (see p. 7). Arkaba Marree-Innamincka districts, and also combined, with the majority removed Station was also assisted to purchase cat through Bush Heritage’s work on from Qld in the upper catchment areas. traps for Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby Boolcoomatta Station (see p. 7). An Movement-activated cameras have preservation. additional 6 properties were assisted been installed on the Innamincka with other rabbit control methods Regional Reserve to identify feral pig SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Australian Government including baiting, trapping and locations and numbers and to monitor fumigation. This included work by the for changes in the pig population to Friends of the Simpson Desert on Witjira inform when a control program is FOXES National Park (see p. 32). required. Innamincka Regional Reserve A coordinated fox baiting program was Work continued monitoring long-term and the Coongie Lakes National Park run through Bounceback across public vegetation recovery of perennial plant are internationally significant wetlands, reserves and neighbouring properties and native pastures as a result of rabbit and are recognised as important water- in the North Flinders, Gawler Ranges control and calicivirus on Flinders Ranges bird breeding grounds by the Ramsar and North East Pastoral districts (see p. National Park and on two North East convention. 9). Fox control was also carried out on Pastoral properties. Areas where the In conjunction with eight Marree- Boolcoomatta Station (see p. 7). effects of calicivirus control have been Innamincka district land managers, maintained through warren destruction Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Bush a feral pig management plan was Heritage Australia programs show continuing recruitment completed to maintain low numbers of perennials and a good mix of native of feral pigs currently present in pasture species, both on Park and in well- the Cooper Creek and Diamantina/ GOATS managed livestock pastures. Warburton systems. A coordinated goat control program Bounceback (see p. 9) undertook a Meanwhile, three land managers from was run throughout the Bounceback 1080 rabbit baiting trial in a section of the North East Pastoral district and two target area in the North Flinders, Flinders Ranges National Park where from the Marree-Innamincka district Gawler Ranges and North East Pastoral rabbit warrens had been ripped about undertook opportunistic removal after districts (see p. 9). 10 years ago. The trial is testing the pigs had entered SA from interstate SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA effectiveness of 1080 in reducing following the rains. Assistance and Arid Lands, Australian Government rabbit numbers and removing rabbits advice was provided to land managers that might have become resistant to on their baiting, trapping and shooting calicivirus. efforts. SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA SAAL NRM Board, Desert Channels Qld, Arid Lands, Biosecurity SA, Australian S Kidman & Co, Australian Government Government

GET INVOLVED If you have pest plant and animal problems on your property and would like assistance contact Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300

Mustered feral goats

12 | On Track 2012-13 Our land & biodiversity Land management

Evelyn Downs Mitchell Grass Significant Biodiversity Landholder Information Package

Spectacular and biologically important breakaway ranges are characteristic LAND MANAGER SURVEYS of Evelyn Downs Forty land managers from across the PROPERTY INFORMATION PACKS SA Arid Lands region participated in in-depth interviews in October 2012 to A booklet and poster providing information establish their level of skills, knowledge on rare or significant plants and animals was developed for Evelyn Downs, / and participation in natural resource Miller’s Creek and Todmorden Stations in the management. Marla-Oodnadatta and Kingoonya districts.

Participating land managers were June 2013 Prepared by: John Read, Ecological Horizons and Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources South Australian Arid Lands Region Developed in conjunction with land managers A pilot project supported by the Trans-Australia Eco-Link SA Initiative randomly selected from each of the six Significant Biodiversity Landholder Information Package • Evelyn Downs and combining their local knowledge with 1 NRM districts and across the full range scientific data, the information packs describe each of all pastoral tenures (ie. industry property’s land systems along with the plant, bird, owned, family-owned, NGO-owned, and mammal and reptile species of conservation interest Aboriginal-owned) and the full range of that are linked to those systems. General information pastoral uses (ie. sheep, cattle, combined on species distribution and habitat requirements is also sheep and cattle, and no stock.) provided. The results provide important baseline They also consider the extent to which different land information for the SAAL NRM Board systems are grazed on each property and the extent to show how it is tracking in meeting that each land system is protected (eg in reserves) or the targets in the SAAL Regional NRM unprotected elsewhere in the region. Plan and highlights opportunities for The information has been developed to assist land improving NRM programs and services managers in making management decisions, inspire and the preferred method of engaging surveys and to prioritise areas for potential stewardship with land managers. The interviews will opportunities. be repeated every five years. The data utilised the records of the Thank you to the participating land SA Museum, the State Herbarium of GET INVOLVED managers. SA, DEWNR’s Biological Database Funding exists to assist land of SA, local knowledge, and other managers in the Gawler Ranges and SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources sources. SA Arid Lands, Ehrenberg-Bass Institute Kingoonya NRM districts to develop property information packs for (University of South Australia), Australian Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, their properties. Contact Natural Government Trans-Australia Eco-link, Ecological Horizons Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300 PROGRESS ASSOCIATIONS for further information Four Progress Associations received small grants to assist with their local weed control efforts. Beltana Progress PRESCRIBED BURN AT INNAMINCKA Association removed Pepper Trees A prescribed burn – the first ever – was Unfortunately the wind dropped out from a creekline; Iron Knob Progress carried out at Innamincka in September just as the fire was lit; although only Association treated a small but growing 2012 to reduce the risk of fire from a about 30 per cent of the 17 hectares was infestation of cactus around the town; high fuel load caused by the previous burnt, this still provided an additional Andamooka Progress Association two years’ good rains. fire break for the town. was supplied with herbicide for the The burn provided an opportunity to Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, treatment of cactus; and Yunta Progress train local Geodynamics staff in fire Innamincka Progress Association, Association was assisted with the management. The accreditation of , CFS, Geodynamics treatment of an ongoing Onion Weed these staff in fire fighting provides an problem and the purchase of a spray important resource for the region in the unit. event of a bushfire. SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Australian Government

On Track 2012-13 | 13 Land management

PUBLIC ACCESS ROUTE

CLOSURES KAREN ENGLISH

The K1 Warburton Crossing MONITORING PASTORAL and the Walkers Crossing Public PASTORAL BOARD HOLDS LAND CONDITION Access Routes (PARs) remained OPEN FORUMS closed throughout 2012-13 due to Pastoral Lease Assessments were The Pastoral Board met at two open almost continual flooding of the completed in the Eastern Districts (north forums this year – one in Coober Pedy Diamantina and Cooper Creeks of Morgan, in the SA Murray-Darling in April and one in Marree in June – and localised flooding. However, Basin region) and field trips commenced meeting with 17 people representing conditions had dried out enough in the North Flinders district with 48 12 pastoral leases from the surrounding to allow repairs and restoration properties to be completed there. to both these routes in early 2013. districts. This second round of Pastoral Lease Both routes are closed annually Presiding Member Geoff Mills welcomed Assessments commenced in 2005. The for the summer season from the land managers and Board members program is carried out on a 14-year 1 December until 15 March in before providing an overview of the cycle that allows for ongoing lease line with the closing of Witjira Board’s strategic priorities, water point extension based on an assessment of National Park and Simpson Desert development guidelines, Indigenous land condition both at a property and Regional Reserve. Land Use Agreements, and the Board’s district level. Public Access Routes are a statutory obligation to ensure Crown Pastoral leases are also inspected for network of unimproved and land is managed in a way that is both compliance with lease conditions every unsurfaced station tracks that conducive to the economic viability and 2-5 years and to effectively monitor and provide public access to points long-term sustainability of the pastoral of interest in pastoral SA. Their address any current land management industry. An update was also provided condition can change rapidly with issues on individual leases. on the Pastoral Board’s Lease Assessment the weather. and Inspection Programs (see this page). This year, 25 pastoral inspections (encompassing 32 individual pastoral Pastoral Board, Natural Resources Other discussion points included the SA Arid Lands leases) were conducted and apart impact of mining activities on water from two areas there were generally supplies; the importance of working no significant environmental issues proactively with mining companies and that required immediate attention. OLARY WEED the Department of Manufacturing, However this 12 month period has seen MANAGEMENT GROUP Industry, Trade, Resources and Energy in the early stages of mining development a return to dry conditions after two and Members of the Olary Weed on a pastoral lease; the opportunities a half above average rainfall years. The Management Group were provided available through the Australian Oodnadatta and northern Birdsville with herbicides to treat weeds. This Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative Track areas are experiencing the worst group of 12 local land managers have (see p. 33); and wild dog baiting and of these drying conditions been managing weeds at a landscape- the importance of coordinating with Pastoral Board, Natural Resources SA Arid scale targeting priority weeds including neighbouring properties (see p. 17). Lands African Boxthorn and Noogoora Burr. This year the group purchased a spray Pastoral Board, Natural Resources SA Arid unit and targeted two main sections of Lands GET INVOLVED the Olary and Wiawera Creeks removing For assistance with natural approximately 3000 African Boxthorn GET INVOLVED resource management projects plants. and funding applications and The Pastoral Board takes the aligning them with the SAAL State Community NRM Grant, Natural opportunity to meet in the SA Arid Regional NRM Plan contact Resources SA Arid Lands, SAAL NRM Lands region at least once every year. Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Board, Australian Government Look out for information on the 8648 5300 2014 meetings or contact Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300

14 | On Track 2012-13 Our land & biodiversity

Soil conservation workshop Soil conservation workshop

KANGAROO SURVEYS ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT The annual aerial kangaroo survey took was below average over the last 12 UNDERSTANDING (EMU)™ place in June and July 2013, with trained months, which might explain the lower The EMU™ process, an approach to land observers flying east/west transects Red Kangaroo densities in those areas management and property planning counting Red Kangaroos and Western compared to 2012. which combines local knowledge Grey Kangaroos. The survey also Land managers in the SA Arid Lands of country with scientific expertise, recorded the presence of Euros, emus, region have the option to manage was running on 17 properties across goats and other large species of interest the kangaroo component of the total the region including pastoral leases, such as camels and donkeys. grazing pressure on their properties Aboriginal-managed land, and The Red Kangaroo population across through commercial harvesting permits. conservation reserves. the entire commercial harvest area was Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Wintinna Station hosted a soil estimated to have increased by 16.2 per conservation workshop in April (see cent from the previous year, while the article below) while Station Western Grey Kangaroo population GET INVOLVED hosted a successful Landscape Literacy increased by an estimated 32.7 per cent. For more information about the Course in June which focussed on sustainable harvest of kangaroos The population estimates in 2013 were upskilling Natural Resources SA Arid the highest recorded in 10 years. Rainfall contact Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300 Lands staff in taking a catchment in some northern harvest sub-regions approach to landscape assessment. Of the 17 properties, additional DIVERSIFICATION CASE STUDIES EMU™ support was provided to Wirrealpa, Martins Well, Willow Rawnsley Park, Willow Springs and Land managers keen to learn more Springs, , Wintinna and Wirrealpa Stations in the North Flinders about the Ecosystem Management Hamilton Stations and the Umoona district are the focus of three new case Understanding (EMU)™ approach will Community. This included discussing studies profiling business diversification find the Willow Springs and Wirrealpa future projects and assessing existing in the rangelands. case studies particularly interesting. ones and establishing whole of property Developed in conjunction with the land Thanks to the land managers for sharing monitoring plans. managers, the case studies tell how their stories. EMU™ information was presented at these operating sheep and/or cattle SAAL NRM Board, Rural Directions Pty the Australian Rangelands Conference stations have adapted to changing Ltd, Bestprac, Natural Resources SA Arid in Kununurra and regionally through circumstances and value-added to Lands, Australian Government their business through expanding their a Bestprac Forum in Hawker (see p. 33) tourism ventures or adopting new land Download the case studies and Burra. management approaches. Download the case studies at www. SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources The case studies explain how and why bestprac.info or www.naturalresources. SA Arid Lands, Trans-Australia EcoLink, each business has changed and grown sa.gov.au/aridlands Australian Government over the years and reveal the benefits – production, environmental, financial, SOIL REHABILITATION & CONSERVATION WORKSHOP and social – that the land managers Ten land managers attended a soil conservation workshop on Wintinna Station in are experiencing by ‘spreading the risk’ the Marla-Oodnadatta district in April. The workshop focussed on rehabilitating a and diversifying their businesses across section of the old Stuart Highway and offered participants skid steer, dozer, loader several enterprises. and grader training. The land managers reveal some of the Participants learned how road construction can impact pastoral productivity and lessons that they have learned running landscape function and saw first-hand how following appropriate road maintenance complementary livestock and tourism practices can slow and spread overland water flow. enterprises while an in-line video sees Brendan Reynolds, Warren Fargher These five-day workshops allow participants to gain nationally accredited machinery and Tony Smith talk about the changes tickets while learning about and carrying out on-ground soil conservation works. they’ve made to their properties in their They build on on-ground works conducted as part of the Ecosystem Management own words. Understanding (EMU)™ process (see article above). Centralian Land Management Association, SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Wintinna Station, Civil Train, Mark (Sharky) Frahn, Australian Government

On Track 2012-13 | 15 Wild dog management North of Dog Fence

North of the Dog Fence in SA dingoes are neither specifically protected or declared but are acknowledged for the valuable ecological role Male dingo they play in the environment. In this area they are only baited at times necessary to provide DINGO RESEARCH PROJECT temporary protection to calves when alternative The Dingo Research Project is investigating the relationship prey sources are low due to seasonal conditions. between 1080 baiting, calf predation/lactation failure, and biodiversity on cattle stations north of the Dog Fence. It has been operating on Cordillo, Quinyambie and Todmorden BAITING APPLICATIONS Stations since 2009 and on Innamincka Station since 2012. Stations maintain 1080 baited and unbaited paddocks to Despite declining seasonal conditions this year wild dog identify the proportion of calf loss; the environmental factors numbers have remained high and 1080 injection services associated with calf predation; and the ability of wild dog or manufactured baits were supplied to 13 properties. A baiting to protect against calf predation. Data collection number of properties are organically accredited and unable continued this year with monitoring of activity (presence to use 1080 baits for wild dog control; while 1080 is a and movement) of wild dog and other prey and predators; natural product found in some Australian native plants, for analysis of wild dog diet; and monitoring of pregnancy-tested commercial use the toxin is produced synthetically and its use cows. Blood samples were also collected from cattle across all is restricted on organically accredited properties. The issue is properties to determine the presence of disease that might being investigated at a national level and alternative control also be responsible for calf loss. measures for the rangelands are being researched. Due for completion in 2014, the project will contribute to SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands refining a wild dog management plan for improved cattle production and biodiversity outcomes. Consultation occurred DOG FENCE MAINTENANCE with the Maree-Innamincka and Marla-Oodnadatta NRM The Dog Fence Board continued its work maintaining the Dog Groups around how best to incorporate land manager Fence to prevent breaches by floods, fire or animal pressure. knowledge into a draft plan. The Board met four times through the year and carried out SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Santos their annual inspection of the Fence, this time inspecting the western half which stretches from the head of the bight to Roxby Downs. DINGO ROLE IN THREATENED SPECIES Over 10,000 baits were laid regularly around waters in the CONSERVATION ‘buffer zone’; the buffer zone is an area which extends 35 Arid Recovery entered the final phase of its Dingo Project – kilometres north of the Fence which is baited to keep the area the removal of dingoes from the Dingo Pen, a 3000 hectare free of dingoes, thereby reducing high dingo numbers on the fenced enclosure within the Arid Recovery Reserve. Since 2008 Fence. The Board reported that the Fence was in good order the project has looked at the interaction of dingoes, cats and and dog proof. foxes, in the Australian rangelands. The six local Dog Fence Boards were kept busy. Fifteen In its initial stage a pair of dingoes was placed into the Dingo kilometres of foot netting was replaced on the Fence Pen. Seven foxes placed in the pen were found dead within between the Eyre Highway and the coast; work continued 17 days and six feral cats all died within 123 days. ‘Autopsies’ on electrifying the top wire of the Fence at Mabel Creek to indicated all the deaths could be attributed to dingoes. prevent damage from camels; 18 kilometres of mesh was If dingoes are found to suppress cat and fox numbers this attached to fence, five kilometres replaced at could benefit threatened species like Greater Bilbies and Mundowdna, and six kilometres of fence at was Western Barred Bandicoots, both of which have been topped with mesh. Dog scarers were fitted to three grids at successfully reintroduced to the Reserve. Balcanoona and Frome Downs and track maintenance was undertaken along the Penong and Pureba fences. However, dingoes will also prey on native animals such as Spinifex Hopping Mouse. In 2012 funding was received through the University of NSW to continue the project for 12 GET INVOLVED months to investigate behavioural patterns of dingoes and If you would like to discuss wild dog control on your small mammals. The results will be available in 2014. property contact Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300 Arid Recovery, Zoos SA, University of Adelaide, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, BHP Billiton, University of New South Wales

16 | On Track 2012-13 Our land & biodiversity Wild dog management South of Dog Fence PETER LANGDONPETER South of the Dog Fence the dingo is a declared This year a total of 96,970 individual baits were pest animal under SA’s Natural Resources distributed through ground and aerial baiting. One hundred per cent of land managers in the Kingoonya Management Act 2004 where it presents a real district particiapted in some form of wild dog control threat to the sheep grazing industry. (aerial baiting, ground baiting, or both) followed by North Flinders (80%), North East Pastoral (63%) and Gawler Ranges (46%). Participation rates per land AERIAL BAITING tenure were tourism (100%), mining (86%), National An aerial baiting program saw 44,200 baits distributed over Parks (75%), primary producers (71%), conservation 88 properties in nine days in April-May, complementing groups (63%) and Aboriginal-managed land (60%). Biteback’s ground baiting efforts. Records show a decline in the number of properties Now in its second year, the program targeted inaccessible participating in ground baiting while aerial baiting areas along a 10,700 kilometre flight path across rugged parts participants steadily increase. To maximise effectiveness of the Flinders and Olary Ranges and around the margins of of control it is important that aerial baiting is used as Lakes Torrens, Gairdner and Everard. an ‘additional’ tool to access inaccessible country and that it is used in conjunction with ground baiting. Overseen by Biosecurity SA and coordinated by Flinders Ranges’ land manager Bill McIntosh, the program was expanded to include an additional 18 properties. The hiring of BITEBACK a local aerial operator with enhanced GPS capabilities ensured The Biteback program for wild dog control that baits were accurately placed. It also obviated the need received a further three years funding in to carry navigators thereby increasing payloads, lengthening October 2012 providing land managers flight times and markedly improving efficiency. Your with renewed assistance for conducting Three workshops held in June to evaluate the program wild dog control on their properties. This revealed widespread land manager support. NRM Levy year, Biteback focussed on the Kingoonya and Gawler Ranges districts where land ‘Aerial baiting is the only way to bait rough hilly country, at work manager participation rates were raised densely vegetated watercourses and lake edges’ was by 18 per cent and 4 per cent respectively through one-on- one comment while another land manager said ‘We one visits to non-participating properties. need to continue aerial baiting at all costs to help The program also improved its linkages with the Pastoral eradicate dogs in inaccessible country.’ Board, with staff acting on a Gawler Ranges NRM Group initiative to include maps showing wild dog movement, stock Biosecurity SA, Australian Wool Innovation, loss, and baiting with their annual stock returns. Prior to this SA Sheep Industry Fund pastoralists provided maps only twice per year at the bi- annual baiting service. Twenty-one injection services were delivered from October- THANK YOU December 2012 and again in March-May 2013 – eight in the Thanks to the land managers from the North Flinders North Flinders, four in Kingoonya, four in Gawler Ranges, and district and kangaroo processors Dew’s Meats and VOR five in the North East Pastoral district. Management for the support they lent to the aerial baiting and ground baiting programs in the region SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Regional (land-based) NRM levy, Sheep Industry Fund, Australian Wool Innovation

WILD DOG INCENTIVE SCHEME A funding proposal was developed by North Flinders and Marree district land managers to obtain assistance to remove wild dogs in their districts. The proposed 12 month trial aimed to decrease sheep predation by wild dogs, increase sheep welfare and land manager wellbeing, support local community initiatives, educate land managers on varying best practice control tools, and to encourage more wild dog groups to undertake similar incentive schemes. The proposal was developed after a workshop held at Beltana in March in conjunction with the North Flinders NRM Group meeting and attended by 13 land managers. The application for funding was rejected but the land managers have been Bait preparation at the Abminga bait injection service in the North East Pastoral district pursuing other options.

North Flinders and Marree district land managers On Track 2012-13 | 17 Our activities This map identifies properties participating in activities during 2012-13 which contribute to SAAL Regional NRM Plan priorities; icon size is not representative of the area covered. MARLA OODNADATTA Water projects Activities focused on assessing or INNAMINCKA addressing management priorities for water quality, flora and fauna condition and key threats in aquatic ecosystems

Legend Aboriginal projects Projects undertaken by Aboriginal COOBER PEDY communitiesPest on private animal land management

IntegratedPest property plant management management planning Properties involvedAboriginal in whole-of- projects property planning, using an Ecosystem ManagementAquatic Understanding projects (EMU)TM MARREE approach Integrated property Pest animalmanagement management planning Properties and Parks involved in the control of pestThe animals, dog includingfence dingoes/wild dogs, cats, donkeys, foxes, ROXBY DOWNS goats, horses,National camels, pigs Parks and rabbits and Reserves

Pest plant management Properties and Parks involved in the control of pest plants, including African Rue, Athel Pine, Boneseed, African Boxthorn, Buffel Grass, Prickly Acacia, Parkinsonia, Mimosa Bush, Noogoora Burr, Onion Weed, Cactus, Pepper Tree HAWKER National Parks and Reserves

The Dog Fence PORT AUGUSTA

18 | On Track 2012-13 Our activities

WILDLIFE CORRIDORS IN THE SA ARID LANDS REGION

MARLA OODNADATTA

INNAMINCKA

Naturelinks Legend Trans-Australia EcoLink Arid Lands Region Pest animal management COOBER PEDY The map, above, shows the location of Pest plant management four wildlife corridors in the SA Arid Lands region. Three of these are part of Aboriginal projects NatureLinks; Flinders-Olary in the south- east, East meets West in the south-west MARREE and Arid Lands in the north. The fourth Aquatic projects is the Trans-Australia Eco-Link which overlaps and expands on NatureLinks and Integrated property extends north into the NT. management planning NatureLinks Adopted in 2002 in response to ongoing The dog fence ROXBY DOWNS biodiversity loss and the emerging threat of climate change, NatureLinks recognises National Parks and Reserves the importance of ecological connectivity at the continental and regional scales. It focuses on the development of collaborative partnerships between those running conservation programs and those who can help to achieve landscape-scale biodiversity conservation.

Trans-Australia Eco-Link Established in 2010, the Trans-Australia HAWKER Eco-Link (TAEL) stretches south from Arnhem Land in the NT through to Port Augusta in SA. TAEL aims to connect conservation efforts across public and private land, focusing on developing economic diversification options for land PORT AUGUSTA managers.

On Track 2012-13 | 19 Coongie Lakes

Our water WAINWRIGHT PAUL

9 management In the SA Arid Lands region water is the magnet that attracts people, biodiversity or rehabilitation and industry. It is the key resource in an arid environment. For a region where rainfall activities implemented in is so low, there is an amazing ability to support a huge diversity of life through a priority aquatic phenomenon known as ‘boom and bust’. ecosystems North of the Dog Fence the region is Underlying the Lake Eyre Basin is the Great Artesian Basin dominated by four major catchments – (GAB), one of the largest groundwater basins in the world. 2 bores Neales-Peake, Cooper Creek, Georgina- The GAB is characterised by groundwater-fed springs which decommissioned, Diamantina, and Macumba – large support unique aquatic life forms. , a 1 bore re-drilled surface draining networks which popular tourist destination, is one of the best examples of a and 2 bores terminate at Lake Eyre. ‘Boom’ periods GAB spring complex in Australia which supports a number of rehabilitated are triggered when floodwaters from endemic aquatic species. with annual interstate and major regional rainfall water savings In the southern region, including the Gawler Ranges and events enter the catchments and of 24,920 North Flinders, the rainfall is low and the catchments are recharge the region’s lakes, dams and megalitres generally small. Surface water flows are generated on wetlands including the Ramsar-listed equivalent to hilly-rocky headwaters and the majority is rapidly lost as 27 Olympic sized Coongie Lakes. the flows pass onto the plains or into shallow terminal lakes swimming pools Plants regenerate and waterbirds and where it is lost through evaporation. Rain-fed rockholes and per day fish use the opportunity to breed in groundwater-fed springs are important cultural and ecological large numbers attracting thousands features in these landscapes. of visitors wishing to experience this 24 enquiries unique phenomenon. The water resources of the SA Arid Lands region are, to a into Water Affecting Activity During frequent and prolonged large extent, unmodified and in good condition. permits, and 2 dry or ‘bust’ periods, waterbodies applications with permanent fresh water such as However, there is a threat from pest species and the tourism Algebuckina Waterhole in the Neales sector, and pressure from the mining industry for water River catchment and Cullyamurra requirements. Waterhole in the Cooper Creek In such an unpredictable climate with high variability from year catchment provide critical refuge for to year, and with so much life dependent on a healthy water plants and animals. supply, careful management of water in the region is critical.

10 YEAR RESOURCE CONDITION TARGETS

3. Improve or maintain the extent 7. Improve or maintain the average 8. Improve or maintain flow regimes and condition of at least 50% of quality and pressure and water quality in surface water priority aquatic ecosystems of groundwater systems

2020 | | On On Track Track 2012-13 2012-13 Our water

Coongie Lakes

WATER AFFECTING ACTIVITIES Natural Resources SA Arid undertaken by an individual developments against potential Lands staff managed 24 or organisation that may environmental impacts and the enquiries regarding Water adversely affect the health of long-term sustainability of the Affecting Activities this year natural watercourses, springs, region. from properties managed waterholes, floodplains and There is considerable regional for pastoral, mining and dependent ecosystems in the SA expansion occurring from the conservation purposes, existing Arid Lands region. mining boom. Combined with permit holders, and exploration The intent of this regulation the important contribution of companies. is not to stop or slow down pastoralists to our economy, Water Affecting Activities development within the region the extra activity in the region Your permits were introduced in 2010 or to control land managers’ creates new challenges to to help manage the impacts of decisions. It is to work with land manage the sustainability of NRM Levy certain activities on the region’s managers through the permit water resources upon which water resources and ecologically process, trying wherever possible our plants and animals, at work sensitive areas. to achieve a win-win result communities and industries This means land managers where Water Affecting Activities depend. The Board is planning to undertake activities can be accommodated with some encouraging voluntary in the SA Arid Lands region that measures in place to protect the compliance to the Water may impact on a water resource region’s environmental assets. Affecting Activities may need to apply for a permit. Through the permit process, regulations but failure to comply can attract penalties. Designed to secure a sustainable the SAAL NRM Board have water supply and natural oversight of the Water Affecting SAAL NRM Board, Natural habitat for future generations, Activities that are taking place Resources SA Arid Lands, NRM water levy a Water Affecting Activities in the region and can assess and approve future infrastructure permit is required for any work DO YOU NEED A

Tirrawarra Waterhole, Innamincka Regional Reserve

PERMIT?

Do you want to construct or enlarge a dam, levee bank or water crossing point? Excavate or modify a natural watercourse? Construct a bridge or road? These are just a few examples of Water Affecting Activities that may need a permit so we can assess the impact of these developments on the health and condition of water resources, on other water users, and on the ecosystems that depend on our water resources. To find out more contact Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300 PAUL WAINWRIGHT PAUL

On Track 2012-13 | 21 UNDERSTANDING COAL SEAM GAS IMPACTS Information about water resources that environmental, cultural and economic Development, established by the may be affected by potential coal seam values. Australian Government in November gas or large coal mining developments It will also be used to develop a risk and 2011 to strengthen the regulation of has been gathered from 30 properties vulnerability assessment framework to coal seam gas and large coal mining located in the Arckaringa and Pedirka support the future assessment of coal developments that may have significant Basins (see map) since September 2012. seam gas and coal mining developments. impacts on water resources. The information is improving our This framework will also consider Department of Environment, Water and scientific understanding of the surface community value of water resources. Natural Resources, SAAL NRM Board, and numerous other SA and interstate and groundwater resources associated This work is part of the National with these coal bearing basins so we can government departments, NRM bodies, Partnership Agreement on Coal research organisations and private better assess the likely water-related Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining consultants, Australian Government impacts of future coal seam gas or coal mining operations in the SA Arid Lands ! Spring region. Major watercourse Lake Eyre Basin These investigations have better Arckaringa basin ! defined the basins’ hydrogeological Pedirka basin features – including their geometry ! Cooper basin Galilee basin and extent, and the depth from the Great Artesian Basin

surface to different geological strata ! ! ! ! Known coalfield ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !! ! ! – and improved our understanding of ! ! State border ! ! !! !! ! ! ! groundwater movement. ! ! ! !

! From March to June, an audit was ! commenced of accessible water ! ! Longreach !! " !! Al!ice Springs ! " ! ! !!! ! ! !! ! !! !! wells in the two basins to collect site !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! information, bore condition and ! ! ! ! ! !! basic groundwater information. This ! ! !

!!! ! ! ! ! information is being added to SA’s !! ! ! ! !!!! ! !!!!! ! !!! ! !! ! Co! ober Pedy " ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! !! ! !! well database, Groundwater Data. !!! ! ! ! !! !!!! !! ! !!! !!!!! ! ! !!! !!! ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! It will assist in creating information " ! ! !!! ! Leigh Creek !! !! ! such as potentiometric surface maps ! Broken Hill " ! and in assessing the vulnerability of groundwater resources to development Adelaide impacts. " The information from the SA Arid ´ Major water assets, geological Lands will contribute to a single spatial 0 200 400 600 800 basins and known coalfields within the study area database which consistently defines the Kilometres State’s water assets and identifies their

WHAT IS COAL SEAM GAS?

Coal seam gas (CSG) is the name given particularly in the Bowen and Surat ARCKARINGA BASIN to naturally occurring gas trapped in Basins in Qld and NSW. It has been The Arckaringa Basin straddles the SA underground coal seams by water and commercially produced in Qld for more Arid Lands and Alinytjara Wilurara ground pressure. than 15 years and generates about 17 NRM regions with its centre near Coal seams store both gas and water. per cent of Qld’s electricity needs. Coober Pedy. It covers an area of about 10,000,000 hectares. The water is under pressure from the WHEN IS MINING LIKELY TO START? weight of overlying rock material, This fieldwork does not signal the PEDIRKA BASIN holding the gas in place, and when the beginning of CSG or coal mining The Pedirka Basin straddles the SA/NT water pressure is reduced the gas is development in SA. It is about border and is located to the north-east released. understanding, through scientific of the Arckaringa Basin. It is about 160 The extraction process (production) research, the potential impacts of CSG kilometres south-east of Alice Springs. involves the drilling of a well into a coal and coal mining activities on water It covers an area of about 6,000,000 seam and the water being gradually resources. hectares. There is less known about pumped out of the seam, which reduces By doing this research now, impacts coal deposits in this basin, but the the pressure and allows the gas to flow of any future developments can be extent of potential coal occurrences has through the well to the surface. assessed and avoided or mitigated been estimated. There are vast CSG resources spread with confidence and transparency. across Australia’s many coal basins,

22 | On Track 2012-13 Our water Groundwater

The Great Artesian Basin

Groundwater, particularly from the Great Artesian Basin, is critical to the health of ecological communities and the viability of the pastoral, mining and tourism industries in the region.

The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is one of the largest groundwater basins in the world, underlying 22 per cent of the Australian continent. Groundwater naturally discharges from the basin via diffuse upward leakage and spring discharge. Pumping and discharge from bores over the last 100 years has also added a significant level of discharge. The springs provide oases for unique aquatic life forms and have been discharging GAB water for at least one million years during which the climate has changed dramatically around them. These pages describe the work of GREAT ARTESIAN BASIN a number of partners in gathering WATER RESOURCE ecological and hydrological data which will improve our understanding of the ASSESSMENT resource and our ability to sustainably The Great Artesian Basin Water Dalhousie Springs balance user requirements with those of Resource Assessment was launched at the environment the GAB Researchers’ Forum in Adelaide Over time, this new information will in March. be used by the SAAL NRM Board to This two-and-a-half year, $6.25 million refine the Water Allocation Plan for the project assessed water resources across Far North Prescribed Wells Area and the entire GAB to better understand refine Water Affecting Activities permit its hydrogeology in light of recent conditions (see p. 21). extractive industry development across This will become increasingly important the basin. in coming years as the demands on the The research will strengthen the science Great Artesian Basin intensify due to the underpinning decisions about coal seam Great Artesian Basin projected growth in mining, petroleum gas, coal mining and their impacts on Western Margin and geothermal industries in the region. the GAB water resources (see p. 22). The key finding was that vertical groundwater movement is more WATER ALLOCATION PLANNING… HAVE YOUR SAY important than previously thought and this will undoubtedly have management implications that guide decision-making The SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Plan was developed in response by governments, industry and the Management Board is scheduled to concerns over the decreasing community. to undertake a review of the Far pressure in the GAB and it was North Prescribed Wells Area Water recognised that there was a need Download the reports Allocation Plan. to eliminate wasteful practices The Great Artesian Basin Water A Water Allocation Plan (or WAP) is to ensure the future of the water Resource Assessment technical reports, a legal document that sets outs the resources for all water users. whole-of-GAB and regional reports are rules for managing, taking and using There are currently no prescribed prescribed water. The SAAL NRM surface water resources within the located on the CSIRO website, along Board is responsible for working region and the SAAL Regional NRM with a 12-page summary document: with the community to develop and Plan sets out the activities that can www.csiro.au/en/Organisation- review water allocation plans for the be undertaken for any unprescribed Structure/Flagships/Water-for- region. water resources within the region. a-Healthy-Country-Flagship/ The only prescribed water resource Further information about the Sustainable-Yields-Projects/Great- in the SA Arid Lands region is the Far North Prescribed Wells Area Artesian-Basin-Assessment/Technical- Far North Prescribed Wells Area Water Allocation Plan review and Reports.aspx which covers the Great Artesian opportunities to have your say CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, Australian Basin (GAB) and other groundwater on water management issues and Government aquifers. concerns will be featured in future The existing Far North Prescribed editions of Across the Outback. Wells Area Water Allocation

On Track 2012-13 | 23 Bore head Groundwater

GAB MONITORING NETWORK Work continued on a national project to establish a whole-of-Basin GAB Monitoring Network in SA, Qld, NSW and the NT. Nationally, work is underway to modify the bores to allow manual or automated measurements of pressure, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and unrestricted flow over time. In SA, bore modification has been GREAT ARTESIAN BASIN SUSTAINABILITY completed at 34 sites with 15 sites in INITIATIVE the network being instrumented with In the SA Arid Lands region this year two bores were data loggers. Data was also collected decommissioned (Eitzens and Alberga), one redrilled (Goyder’s from all of the GAB bores in SA while Lagoon), and another two rehabilitated (Camel Creek and water resource monitoring instruments Muloorina-1) as part of the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability at Dalhousie Springs were upgraded Initiative (GABSI). to improve the quality of the data GABSI is a national program aimed at reducing groundwater collected from ageing equipment at the waste from the Great Artesian Basin. site. Since the program first commenced in 1999, GABSI has been Established in 2008 under GABSI, the working with land managers to rehabilitate (cap) uncontrolled national GAB Monitoring Network bores and replace wasteful earthen bore drains with pipes. comprises a total of 263 bores, including 42 in SA. It addresses whole-of-Basin So far the program has saved 24,920 megalitres per year in SA. water management issues, and ensures Since 1999, across the Great Artesian Basin, 1143 wells have monitoring techniques and data been capped and more than 24,483 kilometres removed and collection are both comprehensive and replaced by 27,000 kilometres of piping. consistent. This has resulted in returning 191,862 megalitres of water to The information collected by the the environment every year improving the health of important network will help water users groundwater-dependent ecosystems associated with GAB understand the impacts of water springs, and ensuring continued access to artesian water by extraction on the GAB; provide decision- industry. makers with the tools to predict the Next year work is expected to occur on the deep and impacts of new proposals for water technically challenging Poollowanna, Poonarunna (White Bull), allocation and keep impacts within Haddon Downs and Purni wells. Additional works including acceptable limits; and help protect the Toonketchen redrilling and decommissioning of plants, animals and people that depend Station are also planned. on the natural discharge of GAB water. GABSI is currently funded to June 2014 and future funding is It will also enable the impacts of the under consideration. bore capping and piping program to Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, GAB be better monitored and inform future Consultative Committee, Australian Government management of the GAB. The network is due for completion by June 2014. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, GAB Coordinating Committee, Australian Government

24 | On Track 2012-13 Our water Groundwater

Key findings • The overall recharge and inflow into the western GAB is less than assumed Blanche Cup mound spring or estimated by previous studies and much of the inflow along the western ALLOCATING AND MAINTAINING margins occurred in a geological period more than 10,000 years ago GREAT ARTESIAN BASIN WATER under a very different climate than The four-year, $17 million research project Importantly, this monitoring will enable today Allocating Water and Maintaining SA to identify potential impacts of • The western GAB is in a state of Springs in the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) Water Affecting Activities (see p. 21) and natural, long-term pressure decline was completed this year and launched at future developments in the region. • There is a large volume of water the GAB Researchers’ Forum in Adelaide It also helps us to put in place effective in storage in the western GAB and in March. mitigation strategies and adaptive continuing inflows into SA from the Incorporated within seven volumes of management practices that will maintain eastern States that occur over long research reports, the findings will be healthy spring-dependent biological periods of time used to help future management of communities. • Diffuse leakage (water permeating Great Artesian Basin groundwater. And it means that future groundwater slowly upwards where it is The research provides the best scientific extractions and development in the evaporated from the soil) is much less knowledge in more than 30 years region can be more accurately targeted than is estimated in the current Far advancing our understanding of the towards areas that do not support high North Prescribed Wells Area Water south-western margin of the GAB’s value ecosystems or other groundwater Allocation Plan but vertical leakage water balance and pressure dynamics, dependent assets. via preferential flow paths is much and the interdependent relationship In short, the outcome will be improved greater than previously estimated between aquifer pressure and the flow sustainable water allocation planning. • Around 5000 spring vents (both patterns of natural mound springs of the SAAL NRM Board, Flinders University, flowing and extinct) have been western GAB. Adelaide University, CSIRO, the SA mapped with elevations of the The primary GAB environmental assets Department of Environment, Water and outflow points recorded are natural mound springs, many of Natural Resources, and the Northern • High genetic diversity and a high which support unique species and Territory Department of Natural Resources degree of endemism is present in the ecosystems, and are reliant on aquifer and Environment, Australian Government GAB springs with 25 new species of pressure for flows to continue. invertebrates discovered that can be The project successfully mapped about found nowhere else in the world. 5000 spring vents (both flowing and extinct) in SA and extended knowledge of the high genetic diversity present in the GAB springs. DOWNLOAD THE REPORTS With the interdependent relationship between the hydrogeology of the The Allocating Water and 5. Groundwater-dependent underlying aquifers and the health of Maintaining Springs in the Great Ecosystems of the Western Great natural mound springs based on natural Artesian Basin research is split Artesian Basin flow rates now better understood, it will between six volumes with a seventh 6. Risk Assessment Process for volume which summarises the key be possible to put in place management Evaluating Water Use Impacts on findings. practices that preserve these natural Great Artesian Basin Springs assets. 1. Hydrogeological Framework of 7. Summary of findings for natural the Western Great Artesian Basin resource management of the The comprehensive mapping 2. Groundwater Recharge, Western Great Artesian Basin of the springs included baseline Hydrodynamics and These reports can be downloaded here: Hydrochemistry of the Western measurements of vegetation growth archive.nwc.gov.au/library/topic/ Great Artesian Basin around major spring groups. groundwater/allocating-water-and- 3. Groundwater Discharge of the maintaining-springs-in-the-great- Ongoing monitoring that measures Western Great Artesian Basin artesian-basin any decline or increase in surrounding 4. Spatial Survey and Remote vegetated wetlands will provide an Sensing of Artesian Springs of the indicator of any change in flow rates Western Great Artesian Basin from the natural spring vents.

On Track 2012-13 | 25 Surface water

MANAGING THE COOPER CREEK The ‘Cooper Creek project’ finished up this year investigating the natural features and human influences on key waterholes and wetlands along the Cooper Creek in the Marree-Innamincka district. The Cooper Creek catchment is a significant wetland system which supports unique and important biodiversity and a range of industries including pastoralism, mining, and tourism. Baseline information was gathered on hydrology, geomorphology, vegetation, birds/floristics, soils, ecological condition, cultural landscape values, and visitor management; investigations focussed on human activity and pest plant and animal impacts to inform future management strategies.

KEY FINDINGS Cooper Creek has a highly variable Cooper Creek is characterised by a natural flow regime and is an excellent steep gradient of decreasing flows The Cooper Creek at Innaminka Common example of a low gradient, intermittent, and increasing salinity which impacts dryland river. vegetation structure. • The river’s natural flow patterns are • In the upper reaches, around DOWNLOAD THE REPORTS largely intact and characterised by Innamincka and Coongie Lakes A series of technical reports that the ‘boom and bust’ dynamics of its where annual flows are expected, the describe the geomorphology, hydrology, arid environment vegetation structure is well formed, aquatic ecology, ecological condition, vegetation and birds, and cultural • The catchment’s waterholes provide complex and diverse and consists landscapes associated with the Cooper vital habitat for a range of fish and of River Red Gum, Bean Tree and Creek will be available from the Natural other aquatic species including Coolibah Resources SA Arid Lands website in early turtles, water rats, yabbies, shrimps • In the lower reaches, towards Kati 2014: www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/ and macro-invertebrates Thanda-Lake Eyre where flows are aridlands • Hydrological assessment confirmed infrequent and the area saline, the the importance of Cullyamurra vegetation structure is sparse and SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, SARDI, Australian National Waterhole (in Innamincka Regional only Coolibah is present at variable and low densities University, University of Melbourne, Reserve) as a critical refuge for Wakelin Associates, Ausabout, aquatic species due to its ability • Ecological condition assessments Connections Now, Australian Government to hold water and sustain life in revealed that riparian vegetation was extended dry periods in generally good condition following THANK YOU • At 26 metres, Cullyamurra Waterhole three years of flooding and extensive is the deepest waterhole recorded in local rain events. Thank you to land managers for providing access to their the Lake Eyre Basin. Cooper Creek wetlands have high properties during this project and ecological, aesthetic, cultural and Maintaining natural flow regimes is to volunteers, Traditional Owners, critical for conservation of the Cooper recreational value; they are important as Luise Hercus, and workshop Creek catchment’s waterholes. biological refuges and add to the capital participants value of grazing enterprises. • Pests (eg Gambusia, goldfish and feral pigs), total grazing pressure, and infrastructure (eg bridges and roads) are key threats to natural biodiversity INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE and flow regimes Work is underway on signage for key At this stage, signs are planned • Impeding natural flow regimes can waterholes and cultural sites within at the Innamincka town common; have detrimental impacts on nutrient the Cooper Creek catchment to Cullyamurra and Minkie Waterholes; transfer, dispersal and recruitment of minimise visitor impacts and explain Moomba; Embarka Waterhole; plant and aquatic species the cultural and ecological values of and the mission site at Lake • Maintaining connectivity between the system. Killalpaninna. river channel and floodplains is The signs are a response to the The work is being undertaken in critical to vegetation and soil health increasing numbers of visitors to consultation with the Dieri and • Geomorphological assessment shows heavily-used sites and will improve Yandruwandha/ the system is vulnerable to Cane Toad visitor understanding of how the Aboriginal communities and land invasion. catchment functions and supports managers. native plants and animals.

26 | On Track 2012-13 Our water

Kanyaka Creek, Kanyaka Gauge station

AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM HEALTH CHECK An assessment of the health of major assessing potential impacts from mining Thanks to land managers for providing rivers and key permanent waterholes in and tourism activities, feral animals, and access to their properties. the SA Arid Lands region revealed that weeds. Environmental Protection Authority, 95 per cent are at least in ‘fair’ condition Most sites showed evidence of nutrient SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA and, of these, 62 per cent were rated enrichment and some stock and/or feral Arid Lands ‘good’ or ‘very good’. goat disturbance. This warrants further The assessments sampled 54 priority investigation in the future. DOWNLOAD THE REPORTS aquatic ecosystems on public and With the work contributing to several Condition reports can be accessed here private lands in the Flinders region targets in the SAAL Regional NRM Plan, www.waterconnect.sa.gov.au/Systems/ (including Balcanoona and Brachina the data provides a baseline against EPAWQ/Pages/Map.aspx Creeks) and the Lake Eyre Basin which future results can be measured; (including Algebuckina and Hookeys the intention is to repeat the field work waterholes) in May and November 2012. every five years to highlight any changes WHAT IS LEBRA? Information was collected on water in condition and to inform management quality, flora and fauna, shade cover, priorities. The Lake Eyre Basin Rivers bank erosion and siltation as well as Assessment (LEBRA) is a long- term project which assesses the LAKE EYRE BASIN condition of the LEB catchments including rivers, floodplains, COOPER CREEK RIVERS ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP @ overflow channels, lakes and INNAMINCKA Over 36,000 fish were sampled across 47 wetlands. sites in spring and autumn surveys as part Under LEBRA, SA scientists of the Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment Around 30 people attended the work with their Qld and NT (LEBRA) in SA, Qld and the NT. Understanding the Cooper Creek counterparts to assess portions workshop in Innamincka in June This was a very dry year in comparison of the Cooper Creek (including giving local residents and land to the previous two years, leading to the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers), managers the opportunity to greatly decreased fish distribution and Georgina-Diamantina (including learn about the Cooper Creek abundance throughout the Basin. the Warburton Creek), and the Neales, Macumba, and Finke River system and to provide input into In the autumn surveys, 19 native and catchments. its future management. three introduced species (Sleepy Cod, LEBRA uses consistent monitoring Mining and pastoral industry Gambusia and Goldfish) were captured, techniques to provide long- representatives, Aboriginal with the latter generally in low term data for many waterholes, Traditional Owners, volunteers abundance. and other interested people tributaries, and in some cases Bony Herring was the most common, joined South Australian and whole river systems. occurring at all 47 sites and accounting interstate presenters to discuss LEBRA is delivered on behalf for over one third of all fish. riparian vegetation condition, of the LEB Ministerial Forum hydrology, geomorphology, fish Snake Hole on the Finke River (NT) which was established in 2000 distribution, and the cultural returned the most fish (nearly 5000), with representatives from the landscapes associated with the while the lowest was 16 fish at Winton- Australian, SA, Qld and NT system. Jundah Road on the Diamantina River governments. LEBRA implements The workshop examined the in Qld, and surprisingly only 53 fish at the Lake Eyre Basin Agreement, a current and immediate threats Cullyamurra Waterhole in SA. cooperative framework for jointly addressing cross-border issues to the system with facilitated Site richness varied from three to 11 about the management of water group discussions helping identify species per site. priorities for future action to and related natural resources. ensure sustainable management Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, SA Research and of the Cooper Creek ecosystems. Development Institute, Lake Eyre Basin Ministerial Forum, Australian Government

On Track 2012-13 | 27 North Flinders plant ID workshop

Our community

138 events, While the SA Arid Lands region’s vastness and remoteness have provided crucial including workshops protection to our native plants and animals and ensured the region retains some of and field days, the State’s most intact ecosystems, with few on-ground managers in proportion to attended by 2,361 people the region’s size their continued conservation and management can be problematic.

The SAAL NRM Board recognises Specifically, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, on behalf of the 379 volunteers contributed that people are a critical element to SAAL NRM Board: 18,487 hours to ensuring that our natural resources are • develops and disseminates up-to-date information on best flora and fauna managed sustainably – all who live, practice management of natural resource management surveys, pest work or visit the region have a role to issues through newsletters, factsheets, reports, site visits, animal and plant play in adopting sustainable practices, workshops, forums and field days control, building and in supporting and participating in • provides advice and other support to land managers to and maintenance programs and projects as groups and help improve knowledge and skills in natural resource of infrastructure individuals. management practices, including sustainable pastoral and revegetation Effective engagement with local productivity, grazing management, pest animal and plant communities is essential for meeting control, and property planning 3,328 people, targets identified in the SAAL Regional • encourages the participation of Aboriginal people including NRM Plan; this section of On Track community in natural resource management activities, including recognises and salutes the outstanding members, land biodiversity conservation projects, sharing traditional and efforts of our community, including managers and scientific ecological knowledge, property planning, and industry, local land managers, schools, volunteers, fencing sensitive sites volunteers and townsfolk striving to participated in reach these shared goals. • provides advice, support and opportunities to individual natural resource volunteers and community groups, including planning management and delivery of projects such as community gardens, weed activities control, fencing areas of high conservation value, and participation in field trips • develops and delivers appropriate information on natural resource management issues and their management for 10 YEAR RESOURCE CONDITION inclusion in school programs (such as local fauna and flora ecology), interactive workshops to learn how to identify TARGETS fauna species, and class materials • engages with industry operating in the area (including 9. Equip all people who 10. Increase by 30% the mining and tourism companies) to negotiate mutually are actively involved number of people satisfactory natural resource management outcomes. in natural resource actively involved management with in natural resource Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, on behalf of the SAAL the information, management and NRM Board, will continue this commitment to improving the knowledge and skills supporting the capacity of all land managers, residents and industry in the needed to support the achievement of the region to manage their backyard effectively, by providing achievement of SAAL SAAL Regional NRM support to develop the necessary skills and ensure access to Regional NRM Plan Plan priorities appropriate information, expertise and programs. priorities

2828 | |On On Track Track 2012-13 2012-13 Our community North Flinders plant ID workshop Mine site on the Old Strzelecki Track Industry partnerships

PARTNERS IN WILD DOG MANAGEMENT Industry has made a critical contribution to several dingo management programs in the SA Arid Lands in 2012-13, partnering with land managers and SA government agencies.

Since 2011 and with support from the SAAL NRM Board, Santos has been funding important research into the impacts of dingo control on cattle production and biodiversity in northern SA (see p. 16). KAREN ENGLISH Local land manager knowledge and MINING AND EXPLORATION IMPACTS information gained from this research will assist in the development of a wild Natural Resources SA Arid Lands staff worked with 15 established dog management plan for the region. and emerging mining and exploration companies this year and South of the Dog Fence, the Sheep Industry Fund and Australian Wool commented on 101 referrals. Innovation also made contributions in 2012-13 to the SAAL NRM Board- With mining and exploration activity Relationships are maintained with supported Biteback program for wild and interest in the SA Arid Lands mining companies from the exploration dog control and Biosecurity SA’s aerial region continuing to increase in 2012- phase through to production and baiting program (see p. 17). 13, staff continued to provide advice mine closure and staff often facilitate to companies on how to manage dialogue between land managers and Land managers and the SAAL NRM their development or activity in an mining companies. Board are also doing their bit – with the Board directing a portion of the NRM environmentally sensitive manner that Minerals exploration activity in the past levy collected from landholders into minimises the impact on the health and year was particularly focused in the wild dog management on both sides of condition of water and soil resources, on North East Pastoral district, around the the Fence. native vegetation, and on any known edge of the Gawler Ranges area, and populations of threatened species. the rapid expansion of gas operations in Meanwhile, the cost of maintaining the Where native vegetation clearance was the Cooper Basin. Dog Fence continues to be shared on a proposed, opportunities were identified dollar for dollar basis by landholders, SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA especially sheep producers, and by the for offsets along with practical Arid Lands, Department of Environment, suggestions for minimising clearance. Water and Natural Resources, Department SA Government. for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Through its support for the Arid Resources and Energy Recovery Reserve, BHP Billiton has also supported dingo management in the GET INVOLVED region (see p. 16-17). If you or your organisation are proposing a new development or activity SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA that may impact the SA Arid Lands region’s natural resources, contact Arid Lands, Biosecurity SA, Dog Fence Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300 to ensure you have access to Board, Sheep Industry Fund, Australian up-to-date information to account for natural resource management in Wool Innovation, Santos, Arid Recovery, your planning and decision-making BHP Billiton

On Track 2012-13 | 29 Volunteers

BLINMAN-PARACHILNA PEST PLANT CONTROL GROUP The Blinman-Parachilna Pest Plant Biocontrol Volunteer activities Control Group – a decade-long This year biocontrol agents were used This year 83 volunteers from various partnership between Flinders Ranges to manage Wheel Cactus for the first volunteer groups continued their work pastoralists, contractors and Adelaide- time after a strain of the Cochineal on four pastoral properties within the based volunteer groups – continued insect Dactylopius opuntiae was found project area treating 5879 Wheel Cactus their Wheel Cactus and Oleander to have spread well beyond its initial plants and 12 Oleander plants. control across a 40,000 hectare area of 2008 trial site on Gum Creek Station. Adelaide Bushwalkers Club the North Flinders. More Cochineal was released into the Twelve volunteers spent one week in Land managers, contractors and core area, at other locations with high August 2012 treating 950 Wheel Cactus volunteers all reported widespread recruitment levels, and at localised on Gum Creek Station near the Flinders recruitment of Wheel Cactus, which was recruitment ‘hot spots’. This Cochineal Ranges National Park boundary. anticipated following two wet years. strain is being managed at nurseries on Toyota Landcruiser Club However, overall numbers were down, Oratunga and Wirrealpa Stations. Forty-one volunteers treated 3079 indicating the group is maintaining Meanwhile, the Group has been plants on Gum Creek Station over two control and gradually depleting the working with Roger Christopherson, weeks in April-May 2013 removing 108 infestation. a retired kangaroo shooter who has seedlings under a single tree. Contractors continued their work been breeding Cactoblastis at his treating Wheel Cactus this year, Stirling North home. Cactoblastis from Mitsubishi 4WD Club concentrating on areas that aren’t easily Roger’s lab was released in March on Eight volunteers spent six days on reached or suitable for the Group’s band a dense infestation of Prickly Pear on Station in October 2012 of volunteers. About 3500 plants were Angorichina Station. This new material treating 380 Wheel Cactus plants. treated including a large grove of 655 supplemented a local Cactoblastis The group also inspected a small trial plants near the lower pools in Parachilna population that was observed to site established in 2011 to test the Gorge, 193 plants along the road reserve be widespread and active on Prickly effectiveness of different injection rates. through the Gorge, and 1015 plants on Pear east of Blinman. The Group are Blackwood Church of Christ the cliff-faces above the Gorge where monitoring Cactoblastis effectiveness Seven members undertook their bi- the contractors must abseil in order to because of concerns about its ability annual inspection of Parachilna Gorge reach the plants. Just 40 of the original to remain active during prolonged dry for new Oleander seedlings in April 320 hectares requiring specialised cliff- periods. finding just 12 plants recruited from face control remain and will be treated the original 10 kilometre infestation next year. they eradicated in 2010. The volunteers Here are some of the other highlights. also treated and/or removed Castor Oil bushes and Wheel Cactus seedlings. SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, State Community NRM Grant, Australian Retired Persons Association Australian Government A planned activity on Alpana Station had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances but the group is planning Volunteers looking over Alpana Station to return next year. Other Fifteen volunteers representing six different clubs – Overland 4WD Group, Australian Retired Persons Association, Adelaide Bushwalking Club, Keep Walking Club, Bicycle SA, Toyota Landcruiser Club – spent a week at Oratunga in August 2012 treating Wheel Cactus along the Alpana/Moolooloo boundary. The group treated 1470 plants in total.

30 | On Track 2012-13 Our community

GREAT TRACKS CLEANUP Twenty-seven Great Tracks Cleanup Crew members, their families and friends took part in the annual cleanup in July 2012, collecting over 38 tonnes of rubbish from the region’s outback tracks and roads and donating 3254 volunteer hours. A total of 17,210 kilometres was travelled by the vehicles on the six day trek.

Departing Leigh Creek, one team A Red-backed Kingfisher impaled on a small travelled to Lyndhurst and then along Jumping Cholla plant and (left) a Jumping Cholla infestation the Strzelecki Track to Montecollina Bore while another team travelled to Montecollina Bore via Copley, Iga ARKAROOLA LANDCARE Warta, Nepabunna, Balcanoona and BRENDAN LAY Mount Hopeless. The crew then went on GROUP to clean Della Road and Dillons Highway The Arkaroola Landcare Group returned to Innamincka and the Cordillo Road THANK YOU to Arkaroola in 2013 to continue its and Arrabury Road. ABC TV’s Landline work controlling Jumping Cholla, an crew joined the team at Birdsville The efforts of the region’s invasive Weeds of National Significance- filming the cleanup as it made its way volunteer groups were formally listed Opuntioid cactus. south down the Birdsville Track. recognised by the SAAL NRM All areas where Jumping Cholla had Rubbish included general camping and Board at a Volunteer Appreciation been previously found and treated were household waste, various truck, trailer Evening held in Adelaide in May. re-surveyed with an additional 250 and vehicle parts – including tyres, rims, The event brought together 46 hectares inspected. differentials, rusted out water tanks, representatives from various Plant numbers were well down – the Friends of Parks groups, 4WD clubs, and fuel tanks – and galvanised iron group treated 2950 plants compared walking groups and church groups sheeting, bottles and cans. with 4562 in 2012, despite spending an as well as the Sporting Shooters Founded in 2007 by volunteers from the additional week in the field in 2013. Association and Great Tracks Leigh Creek SES Unit, the Great Tracks Cleanup Crew. A cactus sighting register was Cleanup is a not for profit initiative run ‘We are indebted to all volunteers established to encourage visitors to by volunteers who give their time and in the region who are contributing report any cactus plants they see on the vehicles to clean up outback tracks and to natural resource management,’ sanctuary. Several outliers, well beyond roads. said Murray Tyler, SAAL NRM Board the treated area, were reported. These member during his welcome speech. were treated by the Landcare Group. FRIENDS OF MOUND ‘Many of our volunteers are The group also undertook rabbit control SPRINGS Adelaide-based and they combine and set up a monitoring program for volunteering with their travel and two threatened plant species: Spidery Friends of Mound Springs members enjoyment of the SA Arid Lands Wattle and Slender Bell-fruit Tree. continued their work improving visitor region. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, management at Strangways Springs, ‘Whether the work occurs on The Peake Repeater Station Ruins SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources National Parks or on private land, SA Arid Lands and around Freeling Springs. These we all benefit from the volunteer nationally important sites off the efforts and it is all contributing to Oodnadatta Track are a combination of the targets in our Regional NRM mound springs and ruins of Overland Plan.’ Telegraph Repeater Stations. The SAAL NRM Board extends Group members returned in May and its gratitude for all volunteer June to undertake maintenance of contributions to natural resource management in the region. the self-guided walking trails, restock and acknowledges that only a brochures, and install additional signage tiny proportion of this work is at Strangways. highlighted in the pages of On Track. FOMS helped secure Australian GET INVOLVED Government funding to develop If you would like to find out management prescriptions for mound what opportunities exist for springs. volunteering in the region please The Friends of Mound Springs group contact Natural Resources SA Arid Arkaroola Landcare Group setting out for a day of was established in 2006 and currently Lands 8648 5300 cactus killing has 80 members.

On Track 2012-13 | 31 Friends of Simpson Desert members at the Dalhousie Ruins stockyard during their May working bee Volunteers

WORKING WITH VOLUNTEERS BOOKLET

A new booklet – Working with Volunteers: advice for land managers in the South Australian Arid Lands – was released in May to encourage pastoralists and other land managers to ‘dump their assumptions’ about using volunteers on their properties. The booklet borrows from the lessons of the Blinman- Parachilna Pest Plant Control Group (see p. 30) and has been used to sponsor a drive to connect more land managers with volunteers. FRIENDS OF SIMPSON DESERT All land managers in the region were mailed a copy Friends of Simpson Desert held their annual working bee in June along with an expression of interest form for in May at various sites in Witjira National Park and in the using volunteers on their property for activities such Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Conservation Park. as weed and erosion control, fencing waterholes and springs, threatened species conservation, revegetation, Twenty-four members contributed 2334 hours clearing restoration and maintenance of heritage sites, and overhanging vegetation along the Homelands track; defining wildlife, and vegetation monitoring. walking tracks and installing signs at Dalhousie; installing Using the words of pastoralists and volunteer protective fencing at the main Dalhousie Spring; assisting coordinators, the booklet profiles the volunteer with the restoration of the Dalhousie Ruins; undertaking partnerships at Moolooloo, Alpana and Gum Creek fence patrols along the Macumba-Witjira boundary; surveying Stations. It also outlines land manager obligations Marsupial Moles and other mammals in the Simpson Desert; and responsibilities, opportunities and resources, and and fencing the Umbutchera lookout. Rabbit control was also indicates where the Natural Resources SA Arid Lands carried out at the Dalhousie Ruins and Umbutchera Creek. Volunteer Program can provide assistance in finding The Friends of Simpson group was established in 1986 and volunteers, planning a volunteer activity, insurance currently has 115 members. cover, funding opportunities, and technical advice. ‘We hope that by getting this publication out to the region’s FRENCH’S FOREST BAPTIST CHURCH, NSW land managers we’ll generate Eight adults undertook cactus and feral animal control on new volunteer experiences, Bullyaninnie Station in the North East Pastoral district in which we can use to encourage December 2013 contributing 392 volunteer hours. This is new volunteers to the region and the fifth year that a group of young adults has travelled to offer different experiences to 1600 kilometres from Sydney to volunteer their time on this our existing volunteers,’ said Ms property. Janet Brook, Presiding Member, SAAL NRM Board. The information is being used to FRIENDS OF INNAMINCKA RESERVE test the level of interest in using Working with Friends of Innamincka Reserve undertook their annual volunteers on property and to Volunteers Advice for land managers in the South Australian working bee at Innamincka in August 2012 contributing refine the Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 924 hours. Arid Lands Volunteer Program. The Friends undertook general maintenance in and around SAAL NRM Board, Blinman-Parachilna Pest Plant the Australian Inland Mission building, tidied campfire sites, Control Group, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, cleared vegetation, controlled erosion, removed flood debris, Australian Government replaced broken bollards and cabling, erected new fencelines, and checked tracks for feral weeds. Members also weeded and tidied gravesites at the cemetery, WALKING TRAILS SUPPORT GROUP removed weeds and debris from fencelines and yards in The Walking Trails Support Group travelled to the the town area, continued their ongoing bird survey in the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park in June 2013 Reserve, and assisted the Innamincka Sporting Club with their with seven volunteers. Volunteers restocked leaflets, cleared preparations for the annual race day. interception drains and creek crossings, checked direction, The group was established in 1999 and currently has 52 distance, checkpoint and interpretive way markers, and members. improved track surfaces along walking trails. The group grew out of an initiative of the Royal Geographical Society SA in 1992, but did not become an official Friends of Parks group until 1999. Currently the group has 24 members.

32 | On Track 2012-13 Volunteers Community events Our community

NORTH FLINDERS PLANT ID WORKSHOP

About 30 people attended a and Australian Arid Lands Botanic plant identification workshop at Garden staff – attempted to identify Commodore Station in July 2012 plants around the homestead. held in response to the germination The day finished with information of plants not commonly seen in the on how to collect and press plant region as a result of the recent rains. specimens and suggestions on where After an opening address from Ian to find further assistance with plant Ferguson, North Flinders NRM Group identification as well as a brief member, and a presentation from presentation on monitoring goat Greening Australia’s Mick Durant browse and their preferred species. on plant identification theory and North Flinders NRM Group, SAAL practical tips, the group – a mix NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid of land managers, government Lands, Greening Australia

CARBON FARMING WORKSHOPS

North Flinders plant ID workshop Eighty-five people, including pastoralists, SAAL NRM Board and Pastoral Board members, and representatives of HAWKER BESTPRAC FORUM Aboriginal communities and mining Thirty-one people – a mix of pastoral land managers, industry, companies, attended eight Carbon government representatives and guest speakers – attended a Farming Initiative (CFI) workshops in the SA Arid Lands this year. Bestprac Forum in Hawker in May. Held in conjunction with NRM Group Looking Beyond the Horizon examined a number of topics, meetings and with a number of many of them emerging issues with uncertain impacts on Aboriginal community groups, the pastoral land management. Topics included how to source and workshops were an opportunity to utilise climate information to manage climate variability and raise awareness about the Australian livestock carbon emissions; emerging opportunities in the wool Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative, market; succession planning; and the use of remote sensing and the carbon market, threats and mapping technologies as a property management tool. opportunities, and to find out pastoral Other presentations centred on the benefits of Ecosystem and Aboriginal communities’ priorities. Management Understanding (EMU)™ and its approach Participants were able to ask about combining land manager knowledge with scientific expertise carbon credits, the science and (see p. 15), and the growing threat of wild dogs and the economics of climate change, and need for coordinated, landscape-level control (see p. 17). learn about opportunities for a carbon Land managers even saw opportunities for the integration economy in the rangelands. of several of these tools and techniques in their property The CFI is a voluntary carbon offset management planning. scheme introduced by the Australian Updates were also presented by representatives of the Government in December 2011 to SA Sheep Advisory Group, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands encourage land-based activities to and Bestprac Network. reduce greenhouse gas emissions and SAAL NRM Board, Bestprac, Australian Wool Innovation, Natural provide opportunities for land managers Resources SA Arid Lands, Australian Government to participate in carbon markets. Opportunities for the rangelands are still being investigated but might COMMODORE STATION GIFT LAND TO NATIONAL PARK include carbon storage in plants through the management of grazing pressure Commodore Station donated 2600 hectares to the Flinders Ranges National Park and decreasing emissions through this year with the gift marked by a commemoration at the homestead in July 2012. the management of fire regimes and The scenic land with its steep gorges and outwashes is geologically and culturally destruction of feral ruminants. significant, both to the Adnyamathanha people and the McAuley family who took The workshops were held at Port up the land in the area in 1882. The land was donated by Commodore Station Augusta (3), Coober Pedy (2), Leigh owners Ian McAuley and Carola Cox and will be managed for conservation by the Creek (2), and Glendambo. Flinders Ranges National Park Co-management Board. SAAL NRM Board, Canopy, Natural Commodore Station, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Resources SA Arid Lands, Australian Flinders Ranges National Park Co-management Board Government

On Track 2012-13 | 33 Community events Yunta Races

AUSTRALIAN RANGELANDS SOCIETY CONFERENCE Two land managers were sponsored to attend the Australian Rangeland Society (ARS) Conference in Kununurra in September 2012. Glen Norris, then manager of Bon Bon Station near Coober Pedy, found his first ARS Conference an opportunity to network with people from different GET INVOLVED land uses and from multiple roles: ‘The rangelands focus for this conference If your school, community group or Progress meant that there was an opportunity Association have ideas for natural resource management projects or would like to take to interact with a variety of like-minded part in our Tracks and Scats Workshop or people and develop strong linkages other activities contact Natural Resources through talking and sharing ideas.’ SA Arid Lands 8648 5300 Douglas Lillecrapp (Todmorden Station) also enjoyed the opportunity to talk to rangelands managers and scientists and SCHOOL OF THE AIR ARID RECOVERY EVENTS the opportunity to visit Newry Station Over 20 School of the Air students The Arid Recovery Open Day brought on a field trip, where he reported back participated in a Tracks and Scats over 100 people to the Reserve in August his concerns that the rangelands are Workshop at Port Hughes as part of 2012 to celebrate 15 years of operation. facing increasing operating costs and an their annual catch-up in April. Past and present volunteers, and visitors increasing risk from fire. The students, from years 3 to 7, searched from Roxby Downs community, took part SAAL NRM Board, Australian Rangelands the beach for evidence of critters in tag-along 4WD tours of the Reserve, Society including birds and dogs, made and guided tours of the interpretive nature studied their own tracks to understand trail, and heard stories of the Reserve’s how tracks can change depending on history and achievements. NRM @ RACEDAYS what we’re doing, and made their own Twenty-nine attendees from the Natural Resources SA Arid Lands staff animal scats (or poos!) using modeling Mammal Conference held in Port visited racedays across the region, compounds. Augusta in August 2012 visited the operating stalls at the Copley and Tracks and Scats Workshops help people northern-most expansion of the Reserve Glendambo Gymkhanas and the Yunta, to read the landscape and detect signs where they learned about the Dingo Oodnadatta and Marree Races, and of animals through the tracks they Project (see p. 16) and the impact of attracting about 140 race-goers. leave in the sand or through their feral animals on arid zone ecosystems. Talk of dingoes, stuffed Cane Toads, scats, burrows and diggings, and can They also toured the interpretive nature Dusky Hopping Mouse, a display of increase our understanding of the trail and trapped Bettongs and Spinifex stuffed rodents and marsupials, and distribution and abundance of a range Hopping Mouse. preserved specimens of various snakes of threatened and introduced animals in Thousands of people attended and frogs, brought people of all ages to the arid zone. Arid Recovery’s stall as part of the the stalls. Science Alive! festival at the Wayville SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Australian Government Showgrounds in August 2012 where Arid Lands, SA Museum, BHP Billiton scat-making and a hands-on display of skins and skulls were a hit with the kids. SCIWORLD ROXBY DOWNS On World Environment Day in June, 45 Over 50 kids visited a stall at the 2013 SciWorld held in Roxby Downs in March where people attended Arid Recovery’s thank they made animal tracks in the sand using stamps of common native and invasive you night for its supporting businesses Australian species – emus, dingoes, cats and kangaroos – and identified the tracks of and organisations. other animals including Bustards and Sleepy Lizards. Arid Recovery, Adelaide University, SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Arid Recovery, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Australian Government Friends of Arid Recovery, BHP Billiton

34 | On Track 2012-13 Our community Yunta Races CO-OPERATIVE PARK MANAGEMENT Aboriginal land The Co-management Boards and Advisory Committees have each had a productive year with 13 meetings management between them and progress on developing and implementing their Park management plans. The co-management model for parks management in Everybody’s land: SA was introduced in 2004 when the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 was amended to enable the Department A strategy for Aboriginal Partnerships in the of Environment, Water and Natural Resources to share SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Region responsibility for the management of national and conservation parks with the relevant Aboriginal group. This occurs through the creation of either a co-management board or a co-management advisory committee. The SA Arid Lands region has a network of 17 parks and reserves which are a vital community asset that are critical for the long term protection of our natural and cultural heritage. They also offer our growing tourism industry a limitless number of memorable experiences in harmony with conservation. There are currently four co-management boards and two advisory committees in the SA Arid Lands region responsible for the parks in our region.

WITJIRA NATIONAL PARK CO-MANAGEMENT BOARD Established 2005 NATIVE TITLE GROUP: Irrwanyere Aboriginal Corporation OVERSIGHT OF: Witjira National Park 2012-13 STATUS: Approved wood fire ban policy, designed and ABORIGINAL PARTNERSHIPS STRATEGY developed park entry statements and interpretive shelters, approved interpretive signage and plans for further stabilisation of RELEASED the State heritage-listed Dalhousie ruins The SAAL NRM Board has finalised its strategy for building VULKATHUNHA-GAMMON RANGES CO-MANAGEMENT BOARD Aboriginal partnerships. The publications – Everybody’s land: Established 2005 a strategy for Aboriginal partnerships in the SA Arid Lands NATIVE TITLE GROUP: Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association Natural Resources Management region – was developed with OVERSIGHT OF: Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park the input of a range of Aboriginal and regional stakeholders 2012-13 status: Commenced development of a fire management and is built on feedback from prior engagement activities. plan for the northern Flinders Ranges, designed and developed park entry statements, developed a bush tucker walking trail It describes the SAAL NRM Board’s vision, guiding principles, located at Weetootla strategies and success measures when working with Aboriginal FLINDERS RANGES CO-MANAGEMENT BOARD partners and participants across the SA Arid Lands region. Established 2011 NATIVE TITLE GROUP: Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands The strategy takes into consideration the needs of Aboriginal Association groups, and provides a basis for all other stakeholders to OVERSIGHT OF: Flinders Ranges National Park, Bimbowrie understand what will be required when working on country Conservation Park, Yalpara Conservation Park, Ediacara with Aboriginal groups in the region. Conservation Park, and Black Rock Conservation Park 2012-13 STATUS: Commenced development of a new Park SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Australian management plan and interpretive plan that reflects Government Adnyamathanha aspirations, commenced a fire management plan, provided advice about major events held on Flinders Ranges National Park (XPD bike race, Wilpena under the Stars, Outback UMOONA WEED CONTROL Ballooning etc.) Seven community members from Umoona and Mount GAWLER RANGES CO-MANAGEMENT BOARD Co-management Agreement entered into 2011 Willoughby Station completed a two-day chemical NATIVE TITLE GROUP: Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation accreditation course at Umoona in November 2012. OVERSIGHT OF: Lake Gairdner National Parks and advisory role The training means that the Umoona community and Mount over Lake Gilles Conservation Park 2012-13 STATUS: Board membership has been established and the Willoughby Station have improved capacity to carry out weed inaugural meeting is planned for December 2013 control using scheduled chemicals not usually available to the ARABANA PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE public. Co-management Agreement entered into 2012 The course combined theory with practical demonstrations NATIVE TITLE GROUP: Arabana Aboriginal Corporation OVERSIGHT OF: Wabma-Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation as well as opportunities for participants to practice activities Park, Lake Eyre National Park and Elliot Price Conservation Park including measuring quantities of chemicals and spraying 2012-13 STATUS: Committee membership has been established and techniques. the inaugural meeting is planned for August 2013 Participants were also trained in the use of an injection gun YANDRUWANDHA YAWARRAWARRKA PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE for cactus control and in safely handling, mixing and storing Established 2010 chemicals, and reading and understanding labels. NATIVE TITLE GROUP: Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners (Aboriginal Corporation) The training was used in June to tackle Buffel Grass around OVERSIGHT OF: Coongie Lakes National Park and with advisory role Umoona and the Coober Pedy township. over Innamincka Regional Reserve and portion of Strzelecki Track 2012-13 STATUS: Committee has made progress on the Coongie SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Umoona Lakes National Park Management Plan Community Council, District Council of Coober Pedy, Community Action Grant, Australian Government

On Track 2012-13 | 35 Aboriginal land management

The Nipapanha area in the North Flinders district

NIPAPANHA CARBON CHAMBERS GORGE FARMING TRIAL The Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association (ATLA) The Nipapanha community in the North completed a management plan for Chambers Gorge in June. Flinders secured a grant to investigate ATLA have been concerned for many years about damage to the feasibility of mounting a carbon this Flinders Ranges site and, in particular to the ancient rock farming project under the Australian engravings and the creek bed and banks which have been Government’s Indigenous Carbon damaged by visitors and vehicles. Farming Fund. The grant will provide The Gorge is also habitat for the threatened Yellow-footed the community with access to training Rock-wallaby. This is the first management plan to have been and assistance to develop business written from the perspective of the Traditional Owners. ideas for gaining additional income by Among the recommendations were to restrict vehicle access creating carbon credits. It will also allow and to install signs informing visitors of the site’s cultural the community to use their existing significance and directing walkers to the engraving sites. skills in vegetation management and SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, business development, and it is seen as Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association, Australian a potential model for other Aboriginal Government communities who may seek to manage their country in this way. The focus of the work will be on Nantawarrina GAWLER RANGES ROCKHOLE PROTECTION Indigenous Protected Area, 58,000 Western and cultural knowledge were combined this year to hectares of land located between the restore and protect rockholes in the Gawler Ranges. Flinders and Gammon Ranges National Aboriginal community members and scientists assessed the Parks. ecological and cultural values of 16 rockhole complexes on Nipapanha Community Inc, Canopy, Pinjarra, Siam, Uno, Kolendo, Buckleboo, and Hiltaba Stations. Greening Australia, Australian Previously assessed sites and monitoring points on Wilgena Government and Stations were also revisited with a number of rockholes cleaned to remove sediment. LEIGH CREEK STATION CONSERVATION On Thurlga Station, a specific program was initiated to control An infestation of Pepper Tree and Mexican Poppy was feral goats. Four members of the local Aboriginal community removed along a two kilometre stretch of Leigh Creek on the worked with the land manager to deliver on-ground works Spring Paddock lease of Leigh Creek Station in an effort to constructing two permanent waterpoint trapping yards which prevent further spread of the weeds downstream. will be used to trap and remove feral goats in the height of With the broader goal of removing grazing and conserving summer when the rockholes are dry. the land for biodiversity, feral animals were also removed Work was undertaken around rockholes to control Horehound including 40 goats and 15 sheep. A water-ponding trial was and other weeds and to remove sedimentation, while four established on a relatively flat area that had been rendered areas which have been historically degraded were destocked completely barren by sheep grazing. With the sheep now and revegetated by direct seeding. Further revegetation was removed the site is being monitored for improvement in water also undertaken on Hiltaba and stations. filtration and the return of native vegetation. SA Native Title Services, Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation, SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Yartawarli Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Aboriginal Corporation, Australian Government Australian Government

36 | On Track 2012-13 Our community

Aaron Stuart and Millie Warren with Minister Hunter at the special signing ceremony at Finniss Springs in May

FINNISS SPRINGS HANDED BACK

The Arabana Aboriginal Corporation signed a 99-year lease over the former Finniss Springs Station in the Marree-Innamincka district in May. A special signing ceremony was held at the site of the property’s former mission and on the first anniversary of the Federal Court determination of native title over the area surrounding Finniss Springs. The land will be managed by the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation on behalf of the who will be free to run tourism activities on the properties that are consistent with conserving the environmental and cultural values of the land. Arabana Aboriginal Corporation

LAKE EYRE CO-NAMED NANTAWARRINA WOOD FIRES PROHIBITED A ceremony celebrating the renaming of QUANDONG NURSERY ON WITJIRA Lake Eyre as Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre was An area around Angus Hut at Wood fires were prohibited in Witjira held at Finniss Springs in May. The dual Nantawarrina Indigenous Protected National Park in January. This was the name was approved by SA’s Geographical Area which has been degraded through final step in a staged approach which Names Committee in December 2012 to over-grazing and erosion is being turned saw the collection of wood for campfires recognise the significance of Lake Eyre to into a Quandong nursery. banned in 2012. the Arabana people. The proximity of the site to water and The wood campfire is an iconic SA Geographical Names Committee favourable soil conditions has made this experience but years of firewood an ideal site to rehabilitate. The nursery collection by visitors – including some will provide shelter to native fauna and irresponsible collection and use – MODERNISING WITJIRA assist in stablilising the ground and prompted the Board’s decision which Witjira National Park has been reducing further degradation. will help protect the Park’s biodiversity. modernised with new entry statements The project will allow the Nipapanha Alternative solid fuels, such as representing both breakaway and Community to use their existing skills briquettes, can be used in an enclosed sand dune country replacing its old to explore the commercial potential container but both need to be supplied green signs. Located at Pedirka, Bloods of a Quandong nursery and resulting by the visitor and they are not permitted Creek and Finke/Charlotte Waters, the products. during days of Total Fire Danger. statements feature laser cut springs Witjira National Park Co-management and spring tails as well as a Perentie, a An irrigation system was installed and Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands large monitor lizard which is significant maintenance such as watering, pruning, to the Traditional Owners. Interpretive harvesting and fertilising will be carried out by community members. shelters and signs welcoming visitors DON’T FORGET YOUR to the park have also been installed SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA DESERT PARKS PASS at Pedirka, Bloods Creek and Mt Dare. Arid Lands, Nipapanha Community Inc, Australian Government The redevelopment will improve visitor If you are planning to travel to experience to this remote park. the National Parks and Reserves in Witjira National Park Co-management the SA Arid Lands you may need Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands to purchase a Desert Parks Pass. The Desert Parks Pass provides 12 months unlimited entry (and New entry statement camping where permitted) to seven Desert Parks, as well as a comprehensive 4WD handbook and maps, hints, tips and attractions. A Desert Parks Pass is a condition of entry for the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve or any travel east of Dalhousie Springs. For further information contact Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300

On Track 2012-13 | 37 NRM Group activities

New signage near Coober Pedy

Marla-Oodnadatta Marree-Innamincka

Kingoonya

North Flinders

Gawler Ranges North East Pastoral

GAWLER RANGES KINGOONYA MARREE-INNAMINCKA The GR Group have been active in the The K NRM Group was involved in the The MI Group contributed to the promotion of Biteback in the district delivery of 11 visitor information signs at development of a survey of the with Group members leading two Local rest areas along the Stuart Highway to district’s land managers to gather Area Planning groups and suggesting raise travellers’ awareness on weeds, the information on wild dog management an additional option for pastoralists to region’s unique native animal and plant which will contribute to Biosecurity report wild dog activity in the region species, road conditions, and remote SA’s wild dog management plan. The (see p. 17). travel and camping etiquette. Group continued to work through With the Cultana Defence training The Group have maintained their engineering issues with DTEI and Santos site expanding to incorporate five interest in protecting the iconic Western and their ongoing plan to develop surrounding pastoral leases, the Group Myall tree, actively raising awareness a ‘fish ladder’ at the Innamincka also worked with the Department of about responsible pruning and Causeway site; revised and reprinted Defence to ensure pest plant and animal firewood collection. With a fire near their Legendary Tracks brochure and control continues to be undertaken on Glendambo destroying nearly half of renewed visitor information centre these properties and that land damage the Western Myall White Fly monitoring supplies; and provided guidance from training activities is reduced. sites, the Group are considering an on the Understanding the Cooper Creek workshop (see p. 27) and the The group also monitored other mining alternative approach to investigating Diamantina catchment pig management activities in the region and a Carbon this phenomenon which has periodically program (see p. 12). Farming Information session was caused localised Western Myall dieback. held in November 2012 (see p. 33). The Group’s spray unit has been used CHAIR: Maree Morton (resigned)/ Raylene Ogilvy (from June 2013) CHAIR: Sandy Morris to deliver Buffel Grass control at Bon MEETINGS: 4 MEETINGS: 4 Bon Station and Umoona near Coober DISTRICT PRIORITY ISSUES: Dingos/wild DISTRICT PRIORITY ISSUES: Goats, wild Pedy. The K Group has continued their dogs, mining and exploration impacts, dogs, foxes, cats and rabbits support for the EMU™ program (see p. 15), which operates on two properties tourism impacts, and rabbits in the district, aerial baiting and ground baiting dingo control programs (see p. 17), and participated in a Carbon Farming Workshop in December 2012 (see p. 33). CHAIR: Julie-Ann Mould (Graeme Noll from October 2013) MEETINGS: 4 DISTRICT PRIORITY ISSUES: Wild dogs, rabbits, Buffel Grass, foxes, cats and Western Myall White Fly

38 | On Track 2012-13 Our community Communications

Mimosa Bush (Acacia farnesiana) ACROSS THE OUTBACK Across The Outback, a respected newsletter of 22 years standing, continued its role as a ‘one-stop-shop’ to information from SA Government agencies operating in the region. Across The Outback has become an essential read for around 1500 people or organisations with a stake or interest in the SA Arid Lands region including pastoralists, conservation, recreation and tourist groups, and the media. Five editions were produced in 2012-13. SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Pastoral Board, Biosecurity SA, Australian Government

GET INVOLVED Contributions from all government agencies and community groups with MARLA-OODNADATTA NORTH FLINDERS information relevant to the region are welcome. If you The MO Group completed its Mimosa The NF Group new issues-based would like to join the Across Bush project (see p. 10) and purchased a approach to their meetings attracted The Outback mailing list or small spray unit for wider land manager 43 additional community members. A contribute an article contact use in the district. plant ID workshop was held in July 2012 Natural Resources SA Arid Lands The Group contributed to the (see p. 33) and a carbon opportunities 8648 5300 development of a survey of the district’s workshop in November 2012 (see p. 33). The Group have continued its land managers to gather information MEDIA on wild dog management which will strong advocacy of wild dog control contribute to Biosecurity SA’s wild supporting a workshop which looked at Local media such as ABC North & dog management plan (see p. 16), and the development of a wild dog incentive West, the Roxby Downs papers, and provided support for EMU™ activities program (see p. 17). They also met the Port Augusta Transcontinental including a Soil Conservation Workshop with a Dog Fence Board representative remain an important avenue for on Wintinna Station (see p. 15) and on- in June to talk about fence repairs raising community awareness ground works on Hamilton Station. in emergency situations (eg floods). about a range of natural resource The Group continued to promote management issues. In 2012-13, CHAIR: Mark Fennell land manager involvement in wild wild dog management remained a MEETINGS: 4 dog control (see p. 17). Members seek hot topic but other issues to score a DISTRICT PRIORITY ISSUES: Mining and regular updates from the Bounceback mention were various pest plant and exploration impacts, wild dogs, foxes, conservation program and are animal control programs and grants, cats and rabbits committed to its goat and fox control Dusky Hopping Mouse, and the measures and increasing community Natural Resource Centre opening in NORTH EAST PASTORAL participation (see p. 9). Port Augusta. There was no operating NRM Group CHAIR: Keith Slade MEETINGS: 5 in the NEP district in 2012-13 but the CHECK OUT pages of On Track provide a record of DISTRICT PRIORITY ISSUES: Goats, wild the many natural resource management dogs, weeds, foxes, cats and rabbits OUR WEBSITE activities that are occurring here. We The Natural Resources SA Arid are pleased to report that a Group was Lands website is a hub of activity formed in June chaired by Glen Norris. containing the latest natural See next year’s On Track for their first resource management news, annual report... publications, events and news. If you are after the latest on GET INVOLVED natural resource management in Do you live or have an interest in the SA Arid Lands region? Are you the region visit interested in providing a local perspective to the Board on key natural www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/ resource management issues in your district or driving natural resource aridlands management projects? Then perhaps you’d like to be a Group member. To register your interest contact Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300 On Track 2012-13 | 39 Publications DID WE MISS YOU? There are many individuals and organisations contributing publications to improve our knowledge and understanding about regional natural resources. LAND AND BIODIVERSITY If we have missed you, the SAAL NRM Board thanks you for your Allen BL 2012 The effects of lethal control Greenville AC, Wardle GM and Dickman contribution to natural resource on the conservation values of Canis lupus CR 2013, Extreme rainfall events predict dingo. In Wolves: Biology, behavior, and irruptions of rat plagues in central Australia management in the region and conservation, eds AP Maia and HF Crussi, pp Austral Ecology 38: 754-764. invites you to contact Natural 79-108, Nova Science Publishers: New York. McIllwee A, Rogers D, Pisanu P, Brandle R and Resources SA Arid Lands by 30 Allen BL 2012 Do desert dingoes drink daily? McDonald J 2013 Understanding ecosystem August 2014 to tell us about Visitation rates at remote waterpoints in the dynamics in South Australia’s arid lands: a your 2013-14 publications. Email Strzelecki Desert. Australian Mammalogy framework to assist biodiversity conservation [email protected] or phone 34(2): 251-256. The Rangeland Journal 35: 211-224. 8648 5300. Allen BL 2012 Scat happens: spatiotemporal Nano CEM and Pavey CR 2013 Refining fluctuation in dingo scat collection rates. the ‘pulse-reserve’ model for arid central Australian Journal of Zoology 60(2): 137-140. Australia: seasonal rainfall, soil moisture and Allen BL 2012 A survey of fauna found in plant productivity in sand ridge and stony dingo scats on Station, plain habitats of the Simpson Desert Austral OUR COMMUNITY November 2010-June 2011. Pest Animal and Ecology 38(7): 741-753. Wildlife Sciences, Toowoomba. Pavey CR and Nano CEM 2013 Changes in AECOM 2013 Supporting evidence-based Allen BL 2012 The diet of dingoes in northern richness and abundance of rodents and adaptation decision-making in South South Australia: interim report inclusive of native predators in response to extreme Australia: a synthesis of climate change data until May 2012. Pest Animal and Wildlife rainfall in arid Australia. Austral Ecology 38: adaptation research. National Climate Sciences, Toowoomba. 777-785. Change Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, 144 pp. Allen BL 2012 Activity trends of dingoes and Reside AE, Van Der Wal J, Phillips BL, Shoo other wildlife on Quinyambie Station, April LP, Rosauer DF, Anderson BJ, Welbergen JA, Hanson-Easey SBP, Hansen A, Williams 2008 to May 2012. Pest Animal and Wildlife Moritz C, Ferrier S, Harwood TD, Williams KJ, S, Nitschke M, Saniotis A, Zhang Y and Sciences, Toowoomba. Mackey B, Hugh S, Williams YM and Williams Hodgetts K 2013 Public understanding SE 2013 Climate change refugia for terrestrial of climate change and adaptation in Allen BL, Fleming PJS, Allen LR, Engeman RM, biodiversity: defining areas that promote South Australia. National Climate Change Ballard G, Leung LK-P 2013 As clear as mud: a species persistence and ecosystem resilience Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, critical review of evidence for the ecological in the face of global climate change. National 89 pp. roles of Australian dingoes. Biological Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Conservation 159: 158-174. Maru YT, Chewings V and Sparrow A 2012 Gold Coast, 216 pp. Climate change adaptation, energy futures Bellchambers K and Brandle R 2013 Tischler M, Dickman CR and Wardle GM 2013 and carbon economies in remote Australia: a Landscape scale reduction in risk of soil Avian functional group responses to rainfall review of the current literature, research and erosion in the Flinders-Olary Bioregion: across four vegetation types in the Simpson policy, CRC-REP Working Paper CW005. Ninti assessing goat impacts to guide Desert, central Australia. Austral Ecology 38: One Limited, Alice Springs. management. Natural Resources SA Arid 809-819. Lands, Port Augusta. Mason L, Unger C, Lederwasch A, Razian Wardle GM, Pavey CR and Dickman CR 2013 H, Wynne L and Giurco D 2013 Adapting Department of Environment, Water and Greening of arid Australia: new insights from to climate risks and extreme weather: a Natural Resources 2013 2014 Quota Report extreme years. Austral Ecology 38(7): 731-740. guide for mining and minerals industry for Commercial Kangaroo Harvest in South professionals. National Climate Change Australia. Department of Environment, Water Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, and Natural Resources, Adelaide. 76 pp. Gillam S and Urban R 2013 Regional Species Nursey-Bray M, Fergie D, Arbon V, Rigney LI, Conservation Assessment Project, Phase 1 Palmer R, Tibby J, Harvey N and Hackworth L Report: Regional Species Status Assessments, 2013 Community based adaptation to climate Outback Region. Department of Environment, change: the Arabana, South Australia. Water and Natural Resources, South Australia. National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, 133 pp. Waudby HP, Petit S and Robinson G 2012 Pastoralists’ perceptions of biodiversity and land management strategies in the arid Stony PLANS, FRAMEWORKS AND STRATEGIES Plains region of South Australia: implications for policy makers Journal of Environmental Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Management 112: 96-103 Natural Resources 2012 Prospering in 2013 Everybody’s Land: a strategy for Waudby HP, Petit S and Robinson G 2013 a Changing Climate: A Climate Change Aboriginal partnerships in the SA Arid Pastoralists’ knowledge of plant palatability Adaptation Framework for South Lands Natural Resources Management and grazing indicators in an arid region of Australia. South Australian Government, Region. South Australian Arid Lands South Australia. The Rangeland Journal 35: Adelaide. Natural Resources Management Board, 445-454. Desert Channels Queensland 2013 Port Augusta. South Australia Lake Eyre Basin Feral Pig Department of Environment, Water and Management Plan. South Australian Arid Natural Resources 2013 South Australian Lands Natural Resources Management Kangaroo Management Plan. South Board, Port Augusta. Australian Government, Adelaide. Environment Protection Authority 2013 Biosecurity SA 2012 South Australia Buffel State of the Environment South Australia. Grass Strategic Plan: a plan to reduce Environment Protection Authority, the weed threat of buffel grass in South Adelaide. Australia. South Australian Government, Adelaide.

40 | On Track 2012-13 Publications

WATER COMMUNICATION Costelloe JF 2013 Hydrological assessment Lewis MM, White D and Gotch T (eds) 2013 and analysis of the Cooper Creek catchment, Allocating Water and Maintaining Springs in PRODUCTS South Australia. Report by the University the Great Artesian Basin, Volume IV: Spatial of Melbourne to the South Australian Arid Survey and Remote Sensing of Artesian Barker J (ed) 2012 Across the Outback – Lands Natural Resources Management Board, Springs of the Western Great Artesian Basin. August 2012. South Australian Government, Port Augusta. National Water Commission, Canberra. Port Augusta. Davis J, Sunnucks P, Thompson RM, Sim L, Love, Wohling D, Fulton S, Rousseau- Barker J (ed) 2012 Across the Outback Pavlova A, Morán-Ordóñez A, Brim Box Gueutin P and De Ritter S (eds) 2013 – October 2012. South Australian J, McBurnie G, Pinder A, Choy S, McNeil Allocating Water and Maintaining Springs Government, Port Augusta. D, Hughes J, Sheldon F and Timms B 2013 in the Great Artesian Basin, Volume II: Barker J (ed) 2013 Across the Outback Building the climate resilience of arid zone Groundwater Recharge, Hydrodynamics – February 2013. South Australian freshwater biota. National Climate Change and Hydrochemistry of the Western Great Government, Port Augusta. Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, Artesian Basin. National Water Commission, 30 pp. Canberra. Barker J (ed) 2013 Across the Outback – April 2013. South Australian Government, Davis J, Sunnucks P, Thompson RM, Sim L, Love AJ, Shand P, Crossey L, Harrington Port Augusta. Pavlova A, Morán-Ordóñez A, Brim Box GA and Rousseau-Gueutin P (eds) 2013 J, McBurnie G, Pinder A, Choy S, McNeil Allocating Water and Maintaining Springs Barker J (ed) 2013 Across the Outback – D, Hughes J, Sheldon F and Timms B 2013 in the Great Artesian Basin, Volume III: June 2013. South Australian Government, Climate change adaptation guidelines for Groundwater Discharge of the Western Great Port Augusta. arid zone aquatic ecosystems and freshwater Artesian Basin. National Water Commission, Barker J and Watts J (eds) 2012 On Track: biodiversity. National Climate Change Canberra. delivering natural resource management in Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, Mancini H 2013 Ecological condition the SA Arid Lands 2011-12. South Australian 51 pp. assessments of Cooper Creek (SA) wetlands. Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Davis J, Pavlova A, Thompson R and Sunnucks Report to the South Australian Arid Lands Board, Port Augusta. P 2013 Evolutionary refugia and ecological Natural Resources Management Board, Port Bestprac 2013 Case study – business refuges: key concepts for conserving Augusta. diversification in the rangelands, Rawnsley Australian arid zone freshwater biodiversity National Water Commission 2013 Allocating Park. South Australian Arid Lands Natural under climate change. Global Change Biology Water and Maintaining Springs in the Great Resources Management Board and Rural 19(7): 1970-84. Artesian Basin, Volume VII: Summary of Directions, Port Augusta. Gibbs M, Alcoe D and Green G 2012 Impacts Findings for Natural Resource Management Bestprac 2013 Case study – tackling erosion of Climate Change on Water Resources Phase of the Western Great Artesian Basin. National at Willow Springs. South Australian Arid 3, Volume 4: South Australian Arid Lands Water Commission, Canberra. Lands Natural Resources Management Natural Resources Management Region, Reid JRW and Gillen JS 2013 Riparian Bird Board and Rural Directions, Port Augusta. Technical Report 2013/06. Department of Assemblages of Cooper Creek, South Bestprac 2013 Case study – looking at Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Australia, April-May 2012. Report by Wirrealpa with new eyes. South Australian Adelaide. Australian National University to the South Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Gillen JS and Reid JRW 2013 Vegetation and Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Board and Rural Directions, Port Augusta. soil assessment of selected waterholes of Management Board, Port Augusta. Biosecurity SA 2013 Field Identification the main and northwest channels of Cooper Schmarr DW, Mathwin R, Cheshire DL and Guide: Austrocylindropuntia, Creek, South Australia, April-May 2012. A McNeil DG 2013 Aquatic ecology assessment Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species. South report by the Australian National University and analysis of the Cooper Creek: Lake Eyre Australian Government, Adelaide. to the South Australian Arid Lands Natural Basin, South Australia. Report by the South Resources Management Board, Port Augusta. Biosecurity SA 2013 Weed control Australian Research and Development handbook for declared plants in South Gotch T (ed) 2013 Allocating Water and Institute (Aquatic Sciences) to the South Australia. South Australian Government, Maintaining Springs in the Great Artesian Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Adelaide. Basin, Volume V: Groundwater-dependent Management Board, Port Augusta. Edmunds L 2013 Working with volunteers: Ecosystems of the Western Great Artesian Smerdon BD, Ransley TR, Radke BM and Basin. National Water Commission, Canberra. advice for land managers in the South Kellett JR 2012 Water resource assessment Australian Arid Lands. South Australian Green G, White M, Gotch T and Scholz G 2013 for the Great Artesian Basin. A report to the Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Allocating Water and Maintaining Springs Australian Government from the CSIRO Great Board, Port Augusta. in the Great Artesian Basin, Volume VI: Risk Artesian Basin Water Resource Assessment. Assessment Process for Evaluating Water Use CSIRO Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, Edmunds L 2012 Celebrating 20 years of Impacts on the Great Artesian Basin Springs. Australia. Bounceback. South Australian Arid Lands National Water Commission, Canberra. Natural Resources Management Board, Wakelin-King GA 2013 Cane Toads and South Port Augusta. James CS, Van Der Wal J, Capon SJ, Hodgson Australian Arid Lands Geomorphology. L, Waltham N, Ward DP, Anderson BJ and Report by Wakelin Associates to the South Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 2012 Pearson RG 2013 Identifying climate refuges Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Birdsville Strzelecki – legendary tracks of for freshwater biodiversity across Australia. Management Board, Port Augusta. the Marree Innamincka District. South National Climate Change Adaptation Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Wakelin-King GA 2013 Geomorphological Management Board, Port Augusta. Research Facility, Gold Coast, 424 pp. assessment and analysis of the Cooper Creek Keppel, Karlstrom KE, Love AJ, Priestley catchment (SA section). Report by Wakelin Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 2013 S, Wohling D and De Ritter S (eds) 2013 Associates to the South Australian Arid Lands Newsletter, May, Issue 1. Witjira National Allocating Water and Maintaining Springs Natural Resources Management Board, Port Park Co-Management Board, Port Augusta. in the Great Artesian Basin, Volume I: Augusta. Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 2013 The Hydrogeological Framework of the Western Watt EL, Berens V and Magarey PD 2012 Oodnadatta Track – String of Springs. South Great Artesian Basin. National Water Non-prescribed groundwater resources Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Commission, Canberra. assessment – South Australian Arid Lands Management Board, Port Augusta. Kerezsy A, Balcombe SR, Tischler M and Natural Resources Management Region, Pedler R 2013 Factsheet – Grey Grasswren. Arthington AH 2013 Fish movement Technical Report 2012/01. Department for South Australian Arid Lands Natural strategies in an ephemeral river in the Water, Adelaide. Resources Management Board, Port Simpson Desert Australia. Austral Ecology 38: Wohling D, Keppel M, Fulton S, Costar A, Augusta. 798-808. Sampson L and Berens V 2013 Australian Pedler R 2013 Factsheet – Ampurta or Crest- Lee G 2013 Landscape assessment and Government Initiative on Coal Seam Gas tailed Mulgara. South Australian Arid Lands analysis of the Cooper Creek Catchment and Large Coal Mining – Arckaringa Basin Natural Resources Management Board, (SA Section). A report by the University of and Pedirka Basin Groundwater Assessment Port Augusta. Melbourne to the South Australian Arid Projects, DEWNR Technical Report 2013/11. Lands Natural Resources Management Board, Department of Environment, Water and Port Augusta. Natural Resources, Adelaide. On Track 2012-13 | 41 Our finances

Through the activities of the SAAL NRM Board 2012-13 INCOME your community is supported in the sustainable Carry-over funds $2,714,000 use of its natural resources and in maintaining NRM levies its natural ecosystems. You and your community Regional NRM Levy (inside council) $97,000 benefit from: Regional NRM Levy (outside council) $172,000 NRM Water Levy $715,000

• improved care of sites and areas of environmental and State Funding cultural significance State recurrent allocation $1,020,000 • programs that help protect valuable ground and surface State other $171,000 waters; support industries to operate sustainably; improve pastoral land management; conserve natural ecosystems; Payroll tax refund $19,000 and encourage community participation Australian Government • improved partnerships and integration with regional Caring for Our Country – base funding $2,154,000 community groups as well as peak body non-government Caring for Our Country – competitive $160,000 organisations (NGOs) Other Australian Government funding $217,000 • support for township economies including maintaining Industry partnerships program $274,000 industries, water supplies and tourism opportunities Other sources $85,000 • monitoring and control of pest animals and plants both for Interest $94,000 industry and for biodiversity TOTAL INCOME $7,892,000 • support to community groups involved in the sustainable management of the region’s natural resources Carryover to 2013-14 $2,132,000 • a coordinated and integrated approach to managing the natural resources in the SA Arid Lands region to 2020. 2012-13 EXPENDITURE These benefits require an investment of funds and the SAAL NRM Board derives its income through four main sources: EXPENDITURE AREA • State recurrent funding Active Communities $722,000 • Commonwealth funding Functioning Ecosystems $1,145,000 • An NRM levy Sustainable use – water $778,000 • Industry and other opportunistic funds Sustainable use – land $2,082,000 Support to groups $117,000

Board governance, monitoring, $916,000 communications & administration

TOTAL EXPENDITURE $5,760,000

Pelicans on the Diamantina River PAUL WAINWRIGHT PAUL

42 | On Track 2012-13 Our finances

THE NRM LEVY

WHAT IS THE NRM LEVY? The Natural Resources Management Act 2004 provides for a regional (land-based) NRM levy and a NRM water levy to provide additional funding for the Board to take care of our natural resources for future generations. WHO PAYS THE NRM LEVY? All landowners (including pastoral lessees) in the SA Arid Lands region pay the regional NRM levy. The NRM water levy is payable on water allocated to the mining, energy, gas and petroleum sector (collectively called industrial licences), for town water suppliers, irrigators and for commercial operations such as tourist park operators in the Far North Prescribed Wells Area. The NRM water levy is not payable on water licences held for stock and domestic use. WHO COLLECTS THE NRM LEVY? Local councils collect the regional (land-based) NRM levy annually from their ratepayers and forward the collected funds to the Board. The levy is shown separately on council rates notices. The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources collects the regional NRM levy from outside council areas, and also collects the NRM water levy from water licence holders. HOW IS THE NRM LEVY SPENT? The regional (land-based) NRM levy and NRM water levy contribute less than 20 per cent of WHAT ACTIVITIES WOULD YOU LIKE the Board’s total budget and are critical for leveraging extra funds TO SEE FUNDED? from other sources including State and Australian Governments. The Board’s three-year Business Plan – part of the The Board also actively promotes wider 10-year SAAL Regional NRM Plan – is reviewed other partnerships (eg with tri-annually under the Natural Resources Management industry) to secure additional Act 2004. funding for natural resource Public meetings are held throughout the region to management. The Board applies gather feedback on how the Board plans to generate these investments wisely to carry and invest its income over the following three years. out the work, showcased in On These meetings are a terrific opportunity to meet Track, that it believes is necessary with Board members and comment on how the Board to achieve sustainability of the plans to raise and invest its income and about natural resource management issues in general. region’s natural resources. Flinders Ranges National Park

On Track 2012-13 | 43 Our performance

‘Our performance’ shows how the SA Arid Lands region is tracking against the 50 1-5 year Management Action Targets (MATs) that contribute to achieving the 10-year Resource Condition Targets (RCTs) and, ultimately, the longer term goals identified in the SAAL Regional NRM Plan. It is important to note that these targets are contributed to by the actions of all those operating in the region, including all levels of government, industry organisations, land managers, and community members.

MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGET STATUS

1 Develop register of priority significant sites and policies for management and protection by 2014 and implement on- ground protection by 2016

2 Review and ensure adequate resourcing for the Pastoral Assessment Program by 2014

3 Ensure that 100% of land managers have sufficient information to incorporate biodiversity stewardship into enterprise decision-making by 2014

4 Revise methodology and format of land management plans for the installation of new water points by 2013

5 Develop best practice guidelines and related extension programs for sustainable grazing management by 2014

6 Ensure that at least 50% of pastoralists are engaged in best practice management programs by 2014

7 Complete pest distribution mapping, determine control priorities, and establish mapping data process by 2014

8 Develop programs for achieving reductions in the distribution and numbers of identified priority pests by 2014

9 Ensure pathways for new pest animals and plant incursions are identified and monitored regularly, and a management framework is in place by 2014

10 Undertake risk assessment processes for climate change by 2015 to identify most vulnerable native species, most advantaged pest species, and other potential implications for natural resource management, including water resources

11 Ensure all relevant land managers are engaged and supported in pest control programs by 2014

12 Develop cross boundary protocols and guidelines for pest control by 2014

13 Identify and implement priority research needs in support of MATs 7 to 12 by 2014

14 Survey and map regional ecosystems, including environmental water requirements, by 2016

15 Develop programs to support the management and recovery of 50% of the conservation priorities identified within the SAAL Biodiversity Strategy by 2016

16 Determine the status and vulnerability of 50% of non-priority species, ecological communities and ecological processes by 2016

17 Commence research to improve knowledge regarding ecosystem function and services for priority ecosystems by 2014

18 Enhance the public, private and indigenous protected areas network within 80% of all IBRA subregions by 2017 to improve climate change adaptation capacity

19 Identify priority GAB springs for protection from total grazing pressure by 2012 and protect 50% of those by 2018

20 Identify other priority aquatic ecosystems for protection from total grazing pressure by 2014 and protect 50% of those by 2018

21 Develop a regional action plan for pest animal and plant control in aquatic ecosystems in the SA Arid Lands region by 2014

22 Ensure that the Water Allocation Plan for the Far North Prescribed Wells Area is being fully implemented by 2014

23 Ensure that a sustainable program for monitoring and repair of leaking artesian bores is in place by 2014

24 Complete a management/rehabilitation plan for currently flowing artesian bores by 2012 and implement by 2016

25 Integrate the policies and actions to sustain the GAB within national policies and actions by 2014

26 Develop water extraction guidelines for surface water systems by 2014

44 | On Track 2012-13 Our performance

No progress

Limited progress

On track

Complete

Processing a Kowari in Sturt’s Stony Desert

MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGET STATUS

27 Ensure Water Affecting Activities administrative processes are in place and land managers are aware of their responsibilities by 2011

28 Review Water Affecting Activities requirements to ensure that they are consistent with the objectives of maintaining natural flow regimes by 2014

29 Implement protection, management and/or rehabilitation measures in at least 10 priority aquatic ecosystems by 2016

30 Develop a regional water resources research register, highlighting information gaps, priorities, responsibilities and potential funding sources by 2012

31 Ensure that high research priorities are being addressed by 2014

32 Work with Aboriginal people to establish engagement process for involvement in natural resource management by 2013

33 Develop landscape assessment framework by 2014 and ensure all development and land management standards incorporate ESD principles by 2016

34 Review the extent and priority of impacts upon natural resources associated with features of cultural importance by 2016

35 Identify soil erosion priority areas and initiate on-ground management by 2014

36 Establish consultative arrangements for the assessment of soil conservation implications of proposed new infrastructure by 2012

37 Develop register of priority infrastructure sites with significant soil disturbance/erosion and initiate on-ground management by 2014

38 Ensure that 50% of pastoral and other broad-acre land managers are applying best practice measures for dingo and fox control and management by 2014

39 Establish strategic response protocols regarding over-abundant native species by 2014

40 Establish process for managing native vegetation clearance offsets by 2014

41 Develop best practice natural resource management guidelines relating to tourism by 2014

42 Ensure 50% of tourism operators are accredited for Environmentally Aware Tourism by 2014

43 Review feasibility of expanded partnerships with regional industry and identify priority areas/issues for partnerships by 2014

44 Develop a predictive water demand model for the region by 2014

45 Review policies and practices for management of wastewater by 2014

46 Ensure that programs are in place to provide up-to-date natural resource management information to all sectors of the community by 2014

47 Develop a support program to increase the participation of Aboriginal people in projects that link with Aboriginal priorities by 2013

48 Establish ongoing dialogue with relevant educational bodies and ensure inclusion of regionally relevant natural resource management issues in local school programs by 2014

49 Review adequacy of current training and skills development programs in natural resource management for community by 2012

50 Identify any significant barriers to effective natural resource management associated with infrastructure by 2014

On Track 2012-13 | 45 Our Board Section 25 of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 provides for the appointment of the South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board. The Board comprises up to nine members appointed by the Governor of South Australia on the recommendation of the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation.

Janet Brook Mark Sutton Leonard Nutt Daryl Bell Presiding Member

Catherine Rick Barratt Murray Tyler Ross Sawers Pauline McKenzie Hollingsworth

In addition to the appointment of community representatives, there are three non-voting Board members authorised by the Minister to represent the interests of the State

Michael Malavazos Neil Power John Virtue Department for Department of Primary Industries and Manufacturing, Innovation, Environment, Water and Regions SA Trade, Resources and Natural Resources Energy

VISIT US DISCLAIMER The Natural Resources Centre SA Arid Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, and its employees, and the SA Arid Lands Natural Lands provides a one-stop service where Resources Management Board, do not warrant or make any representation regarding you can access services and information the use, or results of use of the information contained herein as to its correctness, accuracy, reliability, currency or otherwise. The SA Arid Lands Natural Resources on National Parks and the management Management Board and Natural Resources SA Arid Lands employees, expressly of wildlife, land and water disclaim all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice. Level 1, 9 Mackay St, Port Augusta COPYRIGHT www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Commonwealth), no part may be reproduced by any process without prior 8648 5300 written permission obtained from Natural Resources SA Arid Lands or the SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be directed to the Regional Manager at the Natural © Produced by Natural Resources SA Arid Lands on Resources Centre SA Arid Lands. behalf of the South Australian Arid Lands Natural GRAPHIC DESIGN Resources Management Board, December 2013 elevenacross.com.au PREPARED BY Jenny Barker (Senior Communications Officer) Jackie Watts (Monitoring & Evaluation Officer)

46 | On Track 2012-13