Adelaide and Natural Resources Management Board Caring for our Hills, Plains & Seas … together we can

2008/09 Achievements Our vision: ON BEHALF of my Board, I have much pleasure in presenting this > Thriving communities caring for report, which details a long list of & achievements by our team of dedicated our Hills, Plains Seas staff, Board members, NRM Groups and volunteers during the first year of the Regional Natural Resources Management (NRM) Plan in 2008-09.

We are making good progress in reaching the targets set out in the The plan, which maps out the future Other targets cover water sustainability plan and this report details how we protection and management of natural and quality, maintaining current levels are achieving them. The Board has resources in the region, received of agricultural production, improving an obligation to invest well in order national recognition during the year ecosystem health, conserving native to protect and restore our natural when it won the Environment plants and animals, reducing assets – and it is also important that Planning and Conservation section in land-based impacts on the marine we are accountable to the community the prestigious Planning Institute of environment and improving soil health for these investments. National Awards for and vegetation cover. 2 Planning Excellence. It was also a Our region is the largest in the State South Australian winner of the 2008 We are working in a much more by population and is regarded as South Landcare Awards. integrated way to achieve what we Australia’s most biologically diverse call landscape scale change – taking NRM region. It’s a fantastic mosaic of In addition to setting out goals, the a science-based, big-picture approach unique remnant bushland supporting a plan outlines the Board’s proposed rather than looking at different diverse range of wildlife, native plants, investment over a three-year period elements such as pest control, water rivers, swamps, wetlands, marine and also provides strategic direction and soil issues in isolation. environment and fertile primary for all NRM partners who support the Board’s goals and invest in the region. Partnerships and collaborations are production land. vital to the successful operation of It stretches from the Barossa Valley to More than 170 years of European the Board. settlement has resulted in many Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, We are committed to providing from the ridge of the Mount Lofty challenges for natural resources management. These challenges include opportunities for individuals, Ranges to 35 kilometres into Gulf St community groups, schools, industry, Vincent. The Board manages the ecological impacts on our soils, water, native plants, animals and the marine and federal, state and local natural resources of an area that governments to be active partners supports 1.2 million people, or and coastal environments. Our Board recognises that there has been a in the management of the region’s 80 per cent of the State’s population. precious natural resources. I look Our region has eight reservoirs which concerted effort by governments and communities to make significant forward to working together as we supply 60 per cent of the water needs push towards our vision of thriving of metropolitan . improvements to protect our biodiversity, improve water resources communities caring for our hills, and conserve our coastlines. With the plains and seas. advent of climate change however, Yvonne Sneddon we all recognise that there is more to Presiding Member be done. Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges To address the range of demanding Natural Resources Management Board challenges, the Board has set key targets over the next 20 years including reusing more wastewater and recycling more stormwater. Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board > www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au 2008/09 Achievements Report on the first year of the Regional NRM Plan Delivering for the environment

A healthy environment supports a healthy economy as well as a healthy community.

Integrated action across the landscape The first year has seen many major These include: Monthly Board and NRM Group is required to protect and build on the achievements including increased Land and Biodiversity (Page 4) meetings are open to the public, and environment we want our children to protection for natural vegetation, Coast and Marine (Page 6) community and industry groups are enjoy. Natural resources management more stormwater harvesting projects Water Management (Page 8) also invited to annual forums to give (NRM) is about caring for our land, and protection of more than Community Action (Page 10) detailed input into the delivery of the water, plants and animals – balancing 440 kilometres of coastline through Policy, Planning, Research and regional NRM Plan. Each year, the 3 people’s needs with those of nature. Coastal Action Plans. Monitoring (Page 12) Board will produce special report cards 3 about our collective progress towards At the cornerstone of the Board’s Charged with the responsibility Also included in this report are details regional targets. efforts to better manage the region’s of overseeing the implementation of about Board members, NRM Groups valuable assets, is the Regional NRM the plan is the Board which is made and committees (Page 14), and The Board looks forward to working Plan which has been developed to up of nine community members information about financial with industry and community groups provide leadership, encourage appointed for their skills, knowledge performance and the NRM over the next year. Together, we can community action and foster valuable and experience to make decisions Performance Excellence Framework make a difference. partnerships. Regional plans are linked about local investment in NRM. (Page 15). to both the State NRM Plan and ’s Strategic Plan, to provide The Board is supported by advisory Feedback is very important to us, and direction for all NRM partners who committees and community-based contact details for all our offices, NRM invest in the region. NRM Groups that maintain local Groups and committees can be found connections and identify local priorities. on the back cover of this report. The first regional plan for Adelaide and The Board has 78 staff and project Members of the public are also invited the Mount Lofty Ranges was adopted officers based throughout the region to provide input into the annual review by the Minister for Environment and to deliver on-ground projects and of the plan which takes place from Conservation in May 2008 and services, and provide technical advice December to February each year. implemented from 1 July 2008. Based to landholders. on sound science, the plan outlines the Board’s investment priorities over a To implement the plan, the Board three-year period. This includes the initiates a wide range of programs establishment of long-term goals and and services that are delivered in an clearly defined targets. integrated way and targeted to areas natural resources of greatest priority. The focus is on > a whole-of-region approach. management is Described in this document are the programs and services that have delivered the plan in 2008-09. caring for > balancing our land, people’s needs water, plants with those & animals of nature 20-year Maintain productive Improve land condition Recover the condition and capacity of agriculture for primary production function of ecosystems    T5 T6  T7 Regional Targets at current levels by 15% from current levels

Land and Biodiversity

This program seeks to ensure that natural resources The partner programs are focused MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGETS are managed sustainably by fostering rural behaviour largely on the conservation of 08/09 TARGET biodiversity, either through the recovery 08/09 ACHIEVEMENT change through work with individual landholders, of threatened species or by improving THREE YEAR TARGET community groups and industry. the quality of existing habitat.

Its specific focus is The internal Board programs use A particular challenge faced by this ECOSYSTEMS RECONSTRUCTION > the conservation of biodiversity awareness raising, training, technical service, is reaching the large number (HECTARES) > improvements in water quality advice and incentives to foster of individuals and groups across the 147 ha > ensuring land is managed within voluntary improvement in the region. This results from the small size 400 ha its capability management of natural resources. of most land holdings and the rapid 440 ha In addition, the internal programs rate of change in their ownership – The program is delivered through have a legal compliance role, with on average, a property changes hands internal Board programs and by NATIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT intervention in situations where every seven years. This has required the (HECTARES) financially supporting complementary inappropriate management practices ongoing involvement of landholders, 2,333 ha programs hosted by external partners. are having a negative impact on fostered through publications such as A breakdown of these programs is 13,008 ha natural resources. Small Talk, a Board newsletter focused presented in the table below. 7000 ha on practical land management issues 4 and events. More than 26,500 WATERCOURSE REHABILITATION landholders receive the newsletter. (KILOMETRES) 12 km DELIVERY NATURE OF SERVICE ASSOCIATED HUMAN RESOURCES NATURE OF ACTIVITIES 57 km ARRANGEMENTS 40 km Fostering voluntary Network of 31 local officers across Raising awareness and providing improvements in NRM the region technical advice, training and    Internal Board practices incentives PROPERTY PLANS (TOTAL COMPLETED) Programs Enforcing minimum Network of 4 dedicated compliance Ensuring activities adversely standards for NRM officers across the region affecting natural resources are 83    halted and damage is repaired 429 Implementing Network of 7 officers implementing four Undertaking a range of 250 threatened species existing recovery programs hosted through priority recovery actions for and ecological the Nature Conservation Society of SA, 95 threatened species or  Externally  community recovery  the Conservation Council of SA and the communities Funded Partner programs Department for Environment and Heritage Programs Improving the quality Network of 16 officers hosted through Raising habitat-focussed of existing habitat Trees for Life and the Department for awareness and providing technical  areas  Environment and Heritage  advice, training and incentives

2008/09 Milestones The provision of 85% technical advice to satisfaction rating 7,154 with Board services landholders among landholder Implementation of all the 3 partners existing recovery programs irrigation and property in the region, covering “water-proofing” 94 training courses provided threatened species and one threatened ecological 11 10 new in-perpetuity community conservation clusters conservation covenants established covering signed over 339 101 properties hectares Increase extent of No decline in conservation functional ecosytems to status of native species T8  T9  30% of the region from current levels

Fighting the curse of gorse

Ben and Allie Easom decided She began liaising with Monica four years ago that they wanted Seiler, Project Officer, Northern a lifestyle change, so they Foothills Biodiversity and Land shifted to the Hills with sons, Management Project, to develop Zac, 4 and Jake, 3. an action plan to fight the gorse Gawler and other pest plants and Raised on a farm at One Tree weeds. Hill, Ben was keen for his family to have the lifestyle he had Over the past two years Monica experienced. has continued to provide expert advice to the Easom’s and the They purchased a 16.5ha Board has supplied funding for Mount Pleasant property at Lower Hermitage, fencing and eradication once known as the Ukrainian measures. This funding will Youth Camp, which in its heyday continue for another year. in the 1970s and early 1980s was popular with children who wanted to learn more about the outdoors.

However, after the camp shut Lobethal down the property was left untended and pest plants such 5 as olives, blackberry, gorse and environmental weeds engulfed most of the area. “We knew there were weeds on the property, but I guess we went in with blinkers on,” said Allie.

They immediately began the enormous job of rehabilitating the property, but it was a daunting task, particularly as the gorse infestation was so thick and virtually impenetrable in Land Management Sites many areas. “The Adelaide and Sites smaller than 50 ha Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board Sites larger than 50 ha sent us a letter saying we had to NRM Board boundary eradicate the gorse or keep it Major roads down,” said Allie. Willunga Reservoirs Major watercourses Native vegetation Fleurieu swamps Easom family and Monica (right)

Myponga

KEY CHALLENGES

Engaging the large number of rural

 landholders in the region

Victor Harbor Increasing action across the region to halt the decline of biodiversity, improve water

 quality and to ensure land is managed within its capability

Adaptation to climate change  CONTACT Director, Operations and Projects COMMITTEE Program Advisory Committee Telephone 8273 9100 20-year Land based impacts on coastal, Halt in the decline of seagrass, estuarine and marine environments reef and other coast and marine    T10 T11 Regional Targets reduced from current levels habitats

Coast and Marine

Coastal and marine environments are a significant Conservation, the Honorable Jay component of the Board’s vast management region. Weatherill in June, the booklet has been very well received by the public Over 440 kilometres of coastline and 457,616 hectares and the nursery and garden industry. of marine waters make up about 45 per cent of the total Board area. The Seascapes program is working with the fishing industry to support The Seascapes program undertakes Another milestone is the completion sustainable marine industries. Projects a range of key actions to improve of the Metropolitan Adelaide and include the development of the management and awareness of our Northern Coastal Action Plans, which fisheries codes of practice to reduce coastline. along with a Fleurieu Coastal Action by-catch, and the monitoring and Plan will help guide coastal land-based awareness of wildlife interactions and A key initiative in 2008-09 was the works and management in the region. marine pests. appointment of three Coast, Estuary and Marine Officers. Hosted by local A major role of the Seascapes program Other achievements include the councils (City of Holdfast Bay and is promoting community support and signing of a memorandum of District Councils of Mallala and awareness of our coasts and seas. understanding with adjoining NRM Yankalilla), these officers support local Partners in this role include coastal Boards to manage ; 6 councils and community coastal community groups, local government completion of a discussion paper projects. Together with the Board’s and the Conservation Council of South and mapping for management and Book launch at Holdfast Bay coastal native garden Coastal Projects Co-ordinator, they Australia’s Reefwatch program. conservation of major shorebird undertook revegetation and weed habitats; and development of Inman, In December 2008 the Board was control at 17 coastal sites. These A successful public awareness project Hindmarsh and Bungala Estuary awarded three Australian Government included Buckland Park, Little Para has been the development of a virtual Action Plans. Land-based works and Community Coastcare grants, with Estuary, Mutton Cove, Tennyson Dunes, coastal tour, featuring coastal water quality monitoring are also two projects focusing on revegetation Minda Dunes, Normanville, Victor landscape photographs of the region’s underway to implement the and weed control in the Fleurieu and Harbor, Basham’s Beach and Newland spectacular coastal environments. Onkaparinga Estuary Action Plan. Northern areas. A two-year Gulf St Head Conservation Park. In response to the need to increase The Board is a key partner in efforts Vincent marine debris project will community awareness of the threat to rehabilitate seagrass meadows monitor marine debris, improve of escaped garden plants to remnant off the metropolitan coast. This is community awareness and target coastal vegetation, a special booklet – a collaborative project with Flinders responses to help reduce the impact Coastal Gardens – A planting guide – University, the SA Research and on marine wildlife. In 2009 Adelaide was published. Launched by the Development Institute’s Aquatic and Mount Lofty Ranges and Minister for Environment and Sciences and the Department for Kangaroo Island NRM Board staff Environment and Heritage Coastal and 70 volunteers collected more than Management Branch. half-a-tonne of marine debris from Kangaroo Island beaches.

2008/09 Milestones 41 hectares of pest management Southern Fleurieu Coastal weed control control undertaken Coastal Action Plan and revegetation at coastal sites implemented along implemented at 17 170 Metropolitan and kilometres of coast sites in the region Northern Coastal Action 38 Plan developed for 3.7 hectares of coastal hectares of revegetation works 863 carried out 273 sensitive sand hectares of kilometres of coast dunes rehabilitated priority coastal at Minda in weed control work Somerton Park All waters meet water quality guidelines to protect coast, estuarine T12  and marine environments

Establishing a thriving garden along our coast provides a major challenge to coastal residents.

Water-wise local native plants are suggested as attractive replacements for introduced Gawler plants that can harm the local coastal landscape. Plants suggested in the guide include drooping sheoak, common boobialla, mallee box, sticky hop-bush, southern cypress-pine, coast daisy bush and lavender Mount Pleasant grevillea as suitable replacements.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Weatherill said local coastal plants were great because they had adapted to survive the harsh conditions. As well as surviving long, hot Lobethal and very dry summers, drought, “This guide provides choices water restrictions and a for residents to become part changing climate, gardens may 7 of the solution in helping to also have to tolerate salt spray, maintain our coastal habitats,” sand blasting and sandy or he said. “We all have a role to saline soils along our coasts. play in ensuring our natural It’s a recipe for disaster, but help environments survive into is at hand thanks to a special the future. The guide will help 30-page booklet – Coastal those living by the coast to Gardens – A planting guide, play a small, but significant role produced by the Adelaide and in helping us to make choices Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board. for the future.”

Officially released by the Dr Moore said information Coastal revegetation and/or weed control Minister for Environment and in the guide would be backed Estuary Action Plan under development or being implemented by on-ground support and Conservation, the Honorable Jay Reef Watch surveys (Conservation Council SA) workshops led by the new team Weatherill and Dr Tim Moore, Rare reef fish surveys of Coast, Estuary and Marine Chair of the Board’s Coast, Metropolitan Adelaide and Northern Coastal Action Plan area Officers. “A key part of their Estuary and Marine Advisory Willunga Southern Fleurieu Coastal Action Plan area Committee, the guide shows work is to help councils and Migratory birds management study and surveys gardeners how to utilise a the community with local NRM Board boundary fantastic variety of native plants projects,” he said. Major roads to create a stunning garden. Reservoirs Major watercourses Myponga Native vegetation Fleurieu swamps KEY CHALLENGES

Nutrient pollution and sedimentation

 of coastal waters

Impacts to reef and seagrass habitats due to wastewater outfalls, industrial discharges  and stormwater

Coast and marine habitat loss and change

 from coastal development

Threats to marine environment from

 introduced marine pests CONTACT Manager, Coast and Marine Increasing understanding and awareness COMMITTEE Coast, Estuarine and Marine Committee

 of coast and marine environments Telephone 8273 9100 20-year 75% of stormwater All surface and groundwater resources used, 100% of meet water quality guidelines to   T1 T2  Regional Targets wastewater used protect defined environmental values

Water Management

The Board’s Water Management program focuses on These objectives will help define Water-sensitive urban design is also the sustainability and protection of our precious water guidelines and develop actions to on the Board’s agenda with $100,000 ensure that water is fit for drinking, in grants to two councils for supplies. As an integral part of the State Government’s agriculture and aquatic systems. demonstration sites. The City of Unley Water for Good master plan, the program’s key projects is working with the Board on a site in include developing opportunities for the re-use of Recommendations from the Torrens Wattle Street, Fullarton and the City of and Christies Creek Task Forces are stormwater and treated wastewater, as well as improving Mitcham is developing a site in East being implemented to improve these Parade, Kingswood. A $50,000 grant water quality to benefit river health, coastal waters and important urban watercourses. has also been made to the University drinking water. Priority works have contributed to of South Australia for a project at its City West Campus. In 2008-09, the Board invested in stormwater harvesting grants to a reduction in sediment migration nine stormwater harvesting schemes develop stormwater re-use schemes. from urban watercourses to the coast. Another major initiative during the at Oaklands Park, Vines Club, These include wetlands at the Riverside Work included the design of a year was construction work on Grange Golf Club, Royal Adelaide Golf Golf Club, the Old Port Road sedimentation basin to be built at Stage 2 of the Breakout Creek Wetland Club, Glenelg Golf Course, Riverside catchment and the former Cheltenham Christies Creek in 2009-10, urban Project on the lower reaches of the Golf Club, Waterproofing the South Racecourse site. watercourse erosion control, . and Waterproofing the North. stormwater harvesting and rural 8 The Board provided funding for the watercourse rehabilitation. A systematic approach to stormwater next stage of the Eastern Region master plans has begun, targeting Alliance of local councils program for 20 per cent of the urbanised area. the re-use of stormwater from First to In 2008-09, two plans for the Torrens Fifth Creeks, along with aquifer storage Road and North Arm East catchments and recovery at the Adelaide Botanic were started and have progressed Garden. significantly. As part of the Healthy Waters Program The Board has also strategically worked being delivered by the Environment with the western councils, particularly Protection Authority (with the Board’s the City of Charles Sturt, to secure financial and technical support), water funding from the Australian quality objectives are being set for Government’s ‘Water for the Future’ surface water, groundwater and coastal water resources.

Breakout Creek

2008/09 Milestones 20 megalitres of waste-water reused 45,000 from the Port Elliot native plants planted Wastewater as part of $3.4 million Treatment Plant 114 Stage 2 Breakout leaking septic tanks 70 Investing in schemes Creek project years after repaired now delivering disappearing from the River Torrens, 6gigalitres several species of of stormwater for re-use native fish are back across the region Reduce average annual

T4  cost of flood damage

Stormwater use in action

The Glenelg Golf Club Wetland and Managed Aquifer Recharge Scheme is a great example of a project which will re-use urban stormwater from the Brown Hill and Keswick Creek catchment as a viable alternative water source.

Golf courses in metropolitan Gawler Adelaide are ideal for stormwater re-use schemes because they have sufficient open space to construct artificial wetlands and they need large volumes of water for irrigation during summer. Mount Pleasant To be effective, the aquatic vegetation needs to become larger and denser so that water can be treated to EPA standards before it is injected into the aquifer.

When the scheme is fully Lobethal operational, major benefits will include: 9 > A major reduction in water > Demonstration of best practice consumption from the locally- in environmental protection stressed aquifer and water conservation David Brand from the Glenelg Golf > Immediate groundwater Club and Sam Phillips from the The first wetland, on the pressure improvement and NRM Board at the new stormwater eastern boundary of the club long-term salinity reduction re-use site at the club (to the east of the 17th hole), > A sustainable irrigation water covers 7000 square metres and supply for the club 1 St Peters Billabong is the primary treatment 2 Breakout Creek – Stage 2 > A reduction in stormwater wetland, incorporating large 3 Christie Creek Sedimentation Basin pollution to the Patawalonga areas of aquatic plants. 4 Christie Creek watercourse improvement and metropolitan coastal Water Project Sites 5 Parklands Creek watercourse improvement The second wetland, between waters 6 Field River watercourse improvement the 16th and 17th holes, covers Urban watercourse improvement projects > An aesthetic asset that Torrens Taskforce project sites 7 Michael Perry Reserve 5000 square metres, features 8 Brownhill Creek watercourse improvement increases the amenity of Water sensitive urban design more open water and is 9 Patawalonga Weir the club Stormwater re-use projects landscaped to provide an 10 Watson Avenue gross pollutant trap > An increase in biodiversity Treated wastewater re-use projects Willunga attractive feature for the 11 Sturt Flood Control Dam and an opportunity to protect NRM Board boundary internationally rated 18-hole 12 Adelaide Botanic Gardens and propagate native aquatic championship course. Major roads 13 Fifth Creek gross pollutant trap habitats Reservoirs 14 Kangaroo Creek Reservoir upgrade Major watercourses 15 Torrens Lake investigations Native vegetation 16 stormwater audit KEY CHALLENGES Fleurieu swamps Myponga 17 Christie Creek Implementation 18 Wattle Street, Fullarton Gaining community acceptance in adopting water 19 East Parade, Kingswood

 sensitive urban design 20 George Street, City West 21 Bolivar investigations Maximising opportunities for stormwater runoff 22 Oaklands Park  and managing flood peaks 23 Vines Golf Course Delivering viable stormwater harvesting and re-use 24 Nuriootpa aquifer storage recovery 25 Grange Golf Club  schemes within existing urban areas Victor Harbor 26 Royal Adelaide Golf Club Increasing wastewater re-use to reduce damage 27 Glenelg Golf Club

 to marine and estuary ecosystems 28 Cheltenham Racecourse 29 Riverside Golf Club Achieving sustainable groundwater management 30 Adelaide Shores stormwater harvesting  31 Kooyonga Golf Course 32 Wilfred Taylor Reserve stormwater harvesting Adapting to reduced rainfall and increased CONTACT Manager, Projects and Investigations 33 Port Elliott waste water treatment plant  evaporation due to climate change COMMITTEE Program Advisory Committee re-use project Telephone 8273 9100 20-year Increase by 20% the capacity of people to sustainably manage   T13 Regional Target our natural resources

Community Action

Informed communities are the key to effective natural NRM Education Community consultation resources management. Without their involvement and NRM Education is the NRM Board’s A series of Progress Forums was hosted commitment, in both the short and long-term, targets will schools environmental education by the NRM Groups to link the Annual program, with the aim of encouraging Review of the NRM Plan and the not be achieved and we will burden the next generation and supporting schools and their Australian Government’s Caring for Our with greater environmental challenges. communities to become more Country grants process. The community sustainable and environmentally active. also made an important contribution Our communities are diverse and have Community Behaviour Change to the estuary plans for the Hindmarsh the capacity to impact positively and In 2008-09 a public awareness This program engages 270 schools in and Inman Rivers. negatively on natural resources through campaign was initiated to increase a holistic approach across a broad the way they view and use them. understanding of the impacts of range of sustainability themes. Schools Engaging Aboriginal Community behaviour that includes stormwater pollution from autumn are encouraged to adopt values and communities in NRM sustainable living as part of everyday leaves and DIY home improvements. develop an ethos that creates a culture The Four Nations NRM Governance life is an important part of ensuring The campaign had great success – of sustainability within the school. Group is developing an agreement that we leave a healthy environment Omnibus research revealed 19 per cent NRM Education works with staff, to establish the future working for future generations. of respondents took action as a result. principals and parent bodies. arrangements between the Board and the Group. A collaboration of the Our work with the community aims to: A community perceptions tracking Volunteers Kaurna, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri and 10 > Raise awareness of the need for survey was undertaken to measure The Board’s Catchment Care and Our Peramangk nations, the Four Nations natural resources management improvement in sustainable NRM Patch programs supports over 2,000 Group is a united voice for the behaviours by the community. > Change community behaviours in volunteers who protect and maintain protection and management of their Overall, respondents identified four order to improve our natural local areas of native vegetation and country in collaboration with the activities they were doing more often resources wetlands. Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM than 12 months ago. These were > Ensure that the next generation of Board. The Group was a finalist in the planting native plants, driving less More than 200 other volunteer South Australians have the necessary prestigious South Australian Premier’s frequently, using more environmentally organisations are supported by the skills to protect the environment Awards in 2008. friendly products and recycling more. Board in various ways and an alliance through a whole-of-school approach The report highlighted the need to of six natural resource centres is with NRM Education in schools focus on specific behaviours in a more funded by the Board to give advice > Support volunteers in their work tailored approach. and seminars to landholders in rural to protect our natural resources areas. This year a new centre has been > Encourage community input into The Sustainability Street program was established at Gawler and the NRM the planning of Board programs trialled in the Adelaide and Marion Groups hosted three ‘Walk and Talk’ council areas. recognition events.

173,840 2008/09 Milestones 202 visits to the volunteer Board’s website .au organisations www.amlrnrm.sa.gov supported by 9,487 the Board students and staff provided with hands-on instruction 375 through NRM water monitoring Education 1,341 activities undertaken 307 teachers received through Waterwatch 9% media stories NRM Education of the general generated training at 55 events public volunteered to improve the environment Trees For Life’s bush management program, Bush For Life, is unique and far-reaching.

A great strength of the Bush Bush for Life work is part-funded For Life program is that anybody through the NRM Board, with can make a significant funds coming from the NRM Levy. contribution to the protection of our bushland – you don’t More volunteers are needed to have to be an expert. help on these and other Bush for Life sites throughout the Mount Gawler People wanting to join the Lofty Ranges. Those interested hundreds of people who already are invited to contact Trees for work on various Bush for Life Life on 8406 0500 to book into sites first need to attend one a workshop. of the free one-day workshops run from April to October. Volunteers receive on-going Mount Pleasant support and guidance from Regional Co-ordinators and, as they become more confident, are encouraged to further develop their skills with advanced workshops.

Currently over 700 volunteers Lobethal help protect more than 300 bushland sites across the greater 11 Mount Lofty Ranges and nearby regions. Threatened species, including the nationally endangered orchid, Caladenia argocalla (white beauty spider orchid) near Clare, and the locally endangered Eremophila deserti (desert emu bush) in Enfield, are found on Bush for Life sites. In fact, more than Catchment Care and Our Patch sites 200 threatened plant species NRM Education schools are found across these sites. Waterwatch sites “Without our native bushland Community/Volunteer Groups these threatened species would NRM Board boundary not exist, which is why Major roads volunteers manage all of the Reservoirs vegetation on a site and don’t Willunga Major watercourses just focus on the threatened Native vegetation species,” says Mark Ellis from Bush For Life regional coordinators Jenna Currie and Matthew Endacott Fleurieu swamps Trees for Life.

Myponga

KEY CHALLENGES

Face to face programs are more effective than broad-based communication programs in generating behaviour change, but the  resources required to reach 1.2 million people Victor Harbor through personal contact is prohibitive

Volunteers sometimes face burn-out

 and disillusionment CONTACT Director, Communications and Engagement Communication about NRM is complex COMMITTEE Communications and Engagement Advisory Committee

 and there is a need for simple messages Telephone 8273 9100 20-year All water resources used within  Regional Target  T3 sustainable yields

Policy, Planning, Research and Monitoring

The Board has important statutory responsibilities The Board also invested in aquifer under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 storage recovery and transfer research, and commenced negotiations into to ensure land manager compliance for water-affecting investing in water sensitive urban activities, pest plant and animal management and design research with partners across general duty of care. Australia.

The Board also has statutory A project to identify and promote For monitoring and reporting, responsibilities to monitor and report duty of care responsibilities under the regional report cards have been on changes in the condition of our NRM Act was implemented during developed on the themes of natural resources. This is critical to the year. We produced a draft policy stormwater and wastewater; ensuring that the Board’s work is and standards for assessing resource agricultural production and land effective in meeting short-term and condition for watercourse condition and terrestrial biodiversity. long-term targets. management, land management and These report cards chart the progress animal and plant control. against targets for everyone in the Work in this area also aims to ensure region, including the Board. consistency between the Regional The Minister for Environment and NRM Plan and other state and local Conservation, the Honorable Jay The Board obtained Australian 12 policies and plans. Weatherill, adopted the Water Government funding of $415,500 Allocation Plan for the Barossa Valley for the establishment of a long-term In addition, the Board has extensive on June 18, 2009. Work on water surface water monitoring network, responsibilities in the development allocation plans for the Western including stormwater monitoring. of Regional NRM Plans and water Mount Lofty Ranges prescribed This network includes web-based allocation planning. Community resources area, the Northern Adelaide reporting and can be viewed on the engagement is at the core of this Plains and Central Adelaide prescribed Board’s website. planning work, with local input wells areas, continued throughout The Board also funds partners to collected through NRM Groups and 2008-09 with the help of local advisory help with research and monitoring, several Water Allocation Plan Advisory committees. Committees. including the Nature Conservation A prospectus of research priorities has Society of SA, which assesses Our capacity to manage the natural been developed for the Board which vegetation condition and collects environment has improved with greater covers key needs for the region in data on woodland birds. understanding of the environment ecosystem function, catchment and and the physical demands on natural water management, as well as the resources. The Board’s investment in coast and marine area. better knowledge and technologies will help us improve natural resources and reduce the impact of future threats.

2008/09 Milestones 138 water-affecting activity permit applications 66 assessed Technical advice development applications, Advice provided on provided on referrals and native vegetation clearance applications provided with technical advice 36 2 20 environmental impact council development local and state assessments for the plans government plans received input Port Stanvac Desalination Plant and the Buckland Park development Ewa and Stephen at a watercourse

Gawler

Mount Pleasant

Lobethal Protection through permits

The Board is the South Australian Government’s authority 13 which ensures that water-related activities do not adversely affect water quality, other water users and dependent ecosystems.

To guard against adverse “It’s not our intention to hinder by altering a watercourse can impacts, people must obtain work, but to help landholders end up in Gulf St Vincent, a permit before building a new reduce any risks associated with clouding the water, damaging dam or repairing an existing water-affecting activities,” seagrass meadows and dam, constructing culverts or she says. smothering reefs, both watercourse crossings, building important fish habitats. Water Project Sites structures on a floodplain or in “Most people are conscious Ambient water quality monitoring sites a watercourse, or excavating of minimising harm to our Detailed pamphlets provided (with water bugs) material from a watercourse. environment and we want to by the Board provide valuable make sure their behaviours or information on water-affecting Ambient water quality monitoring sites Charged with the responsibility activities don’t have any activities and dams. Composite sampler sites of overseeing the system is the detrimental effects further Groundwater monitoring sites (DWLBC) Board’s Permits and Compliance downstream.” For information on how to apply Water affecting activities assessment location Willunga Officer, Ms Ewa Ciechorska, for permits contact the Board NRM Board boundary who says applying for a permit Ms Ciechorska says any work on 8273 9100 or log on to Major roads is simple. on the land can affect the sea. www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au Reservoirs For example, sediments created Major watercourses Native vegetation Fleurieu swamps Myponga Prescribed Wells Area KEY CHALLENGES McLaren Vale Adelaide Increasing demand for surface and Northern Adelaide Plains ground water by agriculture and Prescribed Water Resource Areas  industry Barossa Western Mount Lofty Ranges Undertaking relevant research that Victor Harbor  is useful for multiple partners

Providing timely and cost efficient monitoring and ensuring that it is  evaluated and responded to

CONTACT Director, Policy and Planning COMMITTEE Water Resources Committee Telephone 8273 9100 Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges L–R www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au Natural Resources Management Board > Ken Bradley 2008/09 Achievements Anita Aspinall Kym Good (General Manager, NRM Board) Yvonne Sneddon Rob Thomas Penny Paton Sandra Taylor Andrew Grear Andrew Solomon Peter O’Neill Debra Just John Jeffs

ABSENT Laurence Haegi Tim Moore Greg Pattinson Karen Rouse NRM Board Members Rosney Snell

The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Ms Rosney Snell These representatives are: Management Board consists of nine members selected Chair, Communications and Mr Andrew Grear Engagement Committee Department of Planning and for their knowledge, experience and commitment to Business management and Aboriginal Local Government effectively managing natural resources in this large and interest in land, water and Aboriginal heritage Dr Laurence Haegi diverse region. Department for Environment Dr Sandra Taylor and Heritage Ms Yvonne Sneddon Ms Debra Just Liaison, Four Nations NRM Presiding Member Chair, Audit Committee Governance Group Mr Peter O’Neill 14 Business administration and Local government administration, Soil conservation and land Department of Water, Land sustainability reporting urban and regional planning, water management, conservation and and Biodiversity Conservation biodiversity management and natural Ms Anita Aspinall AM resources management and natural Dr Greg Pattinson and social science Chair, Water Resources Committee and social science City of Playford, representing Community affairs at the regional level Dr Tim Moore Local Government In addition to the Board members and water resources management Chair, Coast, Estuarine and Marine Ms Karen Rouse listed above, individuals representing Committee SA Water Mr Ken Bradley state government agencies and local Coast, estuarine and marine Soil conservation and land government also sit on the Board. Mr Andrew Solomon management management While these members do not have Environment Protection Authority Mr John Jeffs Ms Penny Paton AO voting rights, they do contribute to Associate Professor Rob Thomas Primary production and pest animal Chair, Program Advisory the work of the Board. Department of Primary Industries and plant control Committee and Resources SA Conservation and biodiversity management plus water resources management

NRM Groups Three NRM groups have been established Rural and peri-urban environmental issues, including improved land management and sustainable agricultural within the region to advise the Board and work practices are high on their agendas. To achieve success in achieving NRM outcomes, groups work closely with local communities and stakeholders to with community groups, landholders, industry, peak bodies and other stakeholders. Groups hold public implement the Regional NRM Plan. meetings and other events throughout the year and members of the public are most welcome to attend.

Marcus Strudwicke Trevor Ranford John Crompton (Chair) Northern Syd Kyloh Central Hills Barrie Spencer Fleurieu Lynn Chamberlain NRM Group Wes Seeliger NRM Group Anna Kakoschke NRM Group Deane Michelmore L–R Helen Bourne L–R Greg Sarre L–R Amy Williams Anne Picard Sybille Hafliger Simon Lewis Rosemary Barritt (Chair) Barry Windle Lorraine Rosenberg Janet Dunning Anita Aspinall (Chair) Ken Bradley Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board > www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au 2008/09 Achievements

Financial Performance and Business Excellence

The tables show the Board’s income and the distribution of expenditure for the financial year 2008/09. Investments for the region are sourced from the community through the NRM Levy, the Australian Government, the South Australian Government and project partners. NRM Performance Excellence Year one delivery of the Regional NRM Plan When it comes to investing in NRM, Framework the Board does not act alone. Performance excellence is a key 2008/09 INCOME $’000 Additional funding is provided for objective of South Australia’s NRM key projects, such as stormwater Boards and as a consequence the Regional NRM Levy and prescribed area levies $15,622 harvesting, from federal, state and local Boards have adopted the “Performance Complementary State NRM funding $3,117 governments. Industry also partners Excellence Guide for Regional Natural with the Board to contribute to a Resource Management Organisations” Australian Government – Caring for Our Country $2,280 as a common frame of reference range of projects, while community Australian Government – Investment Strategy $502 15 organisations deliver important for continuous improvement. The resources including thousands of hours performance excellence framework is Grants received $1,223 of effort by volunteers. based on globally recognised business Partner funding $1,053 excellence models and is customised Interest received $156 The final operating result for the for the NRM sector in terms of financial year was a net loss of relevance, terminology, emphasis and Other income $763 $1.8 million, represented by ease of interpretation for the sector. Total income $24,716 expenditure of $26.5 million and The guide is assisting the Boards to revenue of $24.7 million. The operating improve business performance, through loss was funded by a draw-down in structured evaluations and the reserves and is a result of carryover development of prioritised strategies 2008/09 EXPENDITURE $’000 projects approved in prior years and that work towards best practice in Land and biodiversity $10,381 completed within the financial year. governance and business systems. Water management $7,991 A full annual report, including the audited financial statements, will be Community action $3,290 available on the Board’s website in Monitoring Evaluation and reporting $1,900 November of each year. Policy, planning and research $1,649 Coast and marine $1,256 Total expenditure $26,467

CONTACT Director, Corporate Services and Governance COMMITTEE Audit Committee Telephone 8273 9100 Your feedback is welcome NRM Groups and Committees Regional Natural Resources If you would like to provide comment Telephone 8273 9100 Management Boards on this report or find out more, please Central Hills NRM Group feel free to contact us through any of Fleurieu NRM Group our offices or committees listed below. Northern NRM Group Executive Officer, Manager NRM Adelaide and Mount Lofty Groups Ranges Natural Resources Management Board Audit Committee Executive Officer, Director Corporate 205 Greenhill Road Services and Governance Eastwood South Australia 5063 Coast, Estuarine and Marine Telephone 8273 9100 Advisory Committee [email protected] Executive Officer, Manager Coast www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au and Marine Regional offices Communications and Engagement Committee Gawler Executive Officer, Director Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges 8 Adelaide Road, Gawler Communications and Engagement Telephone 8523 7700 Alinytjara Wilurara Program Advisory Committee Lobethal Executive Officer, Director Operations Eyre Peninsula 1 Adelaide Lobethal Road, Lobethal and Projects Kangaroo Island Telephone 8389 6166 Water Resources Committee Willunga Northern and Yorke Executive Officer, Director Policy 5 Aldinga Road, Willunga and Planning South Australian Arid Lands Telephone 8550 3400 South Australian Murray-Darling Basin

October 2009 South East

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The Board’s Land Management program is Printed on 100% recycled paper using Disclaimer partially funded through the Australian world’s best practice ISO 14001 Environment The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Government’s Caring for our Country initiative Management Systems Natural Resources Management Board and the Government of South Australia, their employees and their servants do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use or results of use of the information contained herein as to its correctness, accuracy, currency or otherwise.