April 2014 Issue 69

ACROSS THE OUTBACK Trial release returns 01 BOARD NEWS 02 Goat removal – know your rights and responsibilities

SA-extinct Western Quoll 03 LAND MANAGEMENT 03 Meet the Pastoral Board to the Flinders Ranges at Glendambo 04 Seasonal conditions report Thirty-seven Western Quolls – 17 males and 20 females – were translocated from their home in Western Australia 05 THREATENED FAUNA 05 CSIRO asks pastoralists for input into to the Flinders Ranges during April as part of an ambitious arid zone fauna management trial aimed at improving the species’ conservation status. 07 About the Western Quoll

Last seen in the Flinders Ranges during In Western Australia, quolls co-exist in 08 WILD DOG MANAGEMENT the 1880s, the Western Quoll is a small fox-free habitats with feral cats, and their Australian native carnivorous marsupial natural survival instincts are expected to 08 Statewide wild dog group gets which once thrived across 80 per cent of give them a fighting chance if and when underway the Australian continent. they encounter cats in the wild. 08 Regional Wild Dog Management Prior to the April Flinders Ranges However, to maximise the chances of Plan taking shape translocation, the nation’s Western Quoll survival in the Flinders Ranges, short-term 09 What’s in a plan? population could only be found in south- control of feral cats within the release west Western Australia where the remnants area was undertaken in preparation for 10 WATER MANAGEMENT of the species have been successfully the re-introduction trial to give the quolls 10 Protecting the Great Artesian Basin managed and expanded by the Department an opportunity to establish shelters and Springs of Parks and Wildlife. territories unimpeded from cat predation. The project builds on the success of the Expected to bring ecological and tourism 11 NATIONAL PARKS Department of Environment, Water and benefits to the Flinders Ranges, the Western 11 Simpson Desert Tri-state meetings Natural Resources’ (DEWNR) Bounceback Quoll also has great cultural significance for resume program which has actively undertaken land the Adnyamathanha people, for whom the 11 Gum Creek Station land swap management activities including integrated quoll (Idnya) is a totem and an integral part pest control work to remove the threat of of their Dreaming. 12 OUTBACK ROUNDUP predation and competition from foxes. Continued on page 06… 15 ANIMAL HEALTH 15 Using an NLIS account to manage livestock movements

16 OUTBACK COMMUNITY 16 McCormack’s leave an environmental legacy

www.nrm.sa.gov.au BOARD NEWS

Goat removal – know your rights and responsibilities

At the April SA Arid Lands NRM Board Meeting, goat removal was discussed and the Board commends land managers that are committed to their responsibilities in relation to feral goats. There have been some reports of land managers releasing goats back into the wild after mustering. This edition of Across the Outback offers a timely clarification of the legal requirements that need to be observed. The Pastoral Land Management and Goats should be controlled using Significant penalties can apply Conservation Act 1989 allows only best practice methods and in ($100,000 or two years in jail) if for the pasture of sheep and cattle line with humane animal welfare goats are released into the wild for as part of a commercial enterprise. standards. any reason. In other words, under lease Where mustering occurs, goats This is to minimise the chances of conditions, it is illegal to run goats need to be removed or destroyed feral populations being established on pastoral leases in . within six weeks of capture; they or sustained. And when it comes to feral goats, must not be released back into Further information under the Natural Resources the wild. If you would like further Management Act 2004 land There is a market for feral goats advice or clarification on your managers are required to control and therefore the cost of control legal responsibilities contact them on their land to a satisfactory can be offset by the sale of feral the Biosecurity Team, Natural level determined by a regional goats and total grazing pressure Resources SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management can be managed in the face of 8648 5300. Board. drying conditions. Integrated control programs Some agents will accept smaller SAAL NRM Board combining a number of options – goats but, where they are not usually mustering, trapping and aerial economically viable for transport, shooting – are the most effective in land managers must humanely reducing population numbers. destroy them.

02 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands BOARD NEWS

Meet the Pastoral Board GET INVOLVED at Glendambo Annual aerial goat removal occurs as part of Bounceback’s activities. Pastoral Board Open Forum. 24 June, Glendambo Hotel During March 2014, 1380 goats and 46 donkeys were removed Following successful open forums in Coober Pedy and from seven pastoral and non- Marree, land managers are invited to attend the Pastoral government organisation (NGO) properties and two National Parks Board’s Open Forum on 24 June in Glendambo. in the North Flinders. A further This is your opportunity to talk to Board SA Arid Lands NRM Board members are 1000 goats were removed from members in an informal setting about also likely to be present with the two the southern Flinders Ranges, in topics such as the Lease Assessment and Boards set to meet the following day. partnership with the Northern and Inspection Program, Indigenous Land Use To RSVP… Yorke region. Agreements, the Board’s strategic priorities, Contact David Hanna, Executive Officer waterpoint planning guidelines, or any Since the Bounceback aerial 8226 2127 or email other topics you might like to discuss. program began more than 20 [email protected] so that the years ago, 85,000 goats have The Pastoral Board will be writing directly Board can cater for numbers been culled across the Flinders to pastoral lessees in the surrounding and Olary districts with the long Kingoonya district to invite them to the Pastoral Board term aim to supress goat numbers Open Forum. to reduce browse pressure on The Forum will start at 6.00pm and will native vegetation, including conclude with refreshments at about the palatable species that are 7.30pm. like ‘icecream’ to goats (eg. Eremophila species). There may be an opportunity to PASTORAL BOARD AND PASTORAL BOARD 2014 participate in the aerial program UNIT CONTACTS in March 2015. MEETING 142 THE PASTORAL BOARD OF SA Wednesday 25 June, Glendambo To register your interest contact Level 1, 1 Richmond Road (joint meeting with SAAL NRM the Bounceback team 8648 5300. KESWICK SA 5035 Board) (GPO Box 1047, SA 5001) WHAT’S THE COST? MEETING 143 GENERAL ENQUIRIES Wednesday 20 August, SAAL Feral goats cost Australia an Phone 8124 4837 region (TBA) estimated $25 million in lost Fax 8463 4828 MEETING 144 production and management Freecall 1800 678 447 costs. Wednesday 15 October, Waite PRESIDING MEMBER They compete with livestock and MEETING 145 Geoff Mills native fauna such as the Yellow- Wednesday 10 December, Keswick footed Rock-wallaby for pasture PASTORAL UNIT LEADER or shelter, damage fencing and Chris Turner 8124 4957 other infrastructure, degrade waterholes and can be a vector for PASTORAL BOARD MATTERS introducing weeds and diseases. David Hanna 8226 2127 Feral goats contribute to land PUBLIC ACCESS TO PASTORAL degradation by over-grazing LANDS pasture plants and browsing David Oag 8648 5174 established trees and shrubs LEASE ASSESSMENTS preventing their regeneration. Gavin Baird 8463 4826 And when plants die or are reduced by excessive grazing, LEASE INSPECTIONS erosion can increase significantly. Chris Turner 8124 4957 or Jeff Stringer 8648 5195 When food is not limiting feral goat populations increase by as LEASE TENURE much as 60-75 per cent per year. Lyn Taylor 8463 3281

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 03 LAND MANAGEMENT

Brumby Creek, Ingomar Station, April 2014

Wet weather hijinks, Pink Roadhouse, Oodnadatta, April 2014

Seasonal conditions report Jeffrey Stringer, Pastoral Inspector Following a very dry spring and summer, most pastoral areas have received beneficial late summer and early autumn rain, providing feed reserves for winter and in some cases stock water supplies. Marla-Oodnadatta Flinders Ranges The Marla-Oodnadatta district in the Properties in the Gawler Ranges have The Flinders Ranges has received sufficient far north-west of the region received received good rains in 2014, with falls in rain for chenopods and perennial plants, scattered, variable rain of 10-50 mm in February of 50 mm at and Iron with falls in February ranging generally February after an extremely dry 20 month Knob and rainfall in April at Nonning of between 30-50 mm and falls in April period. The follow-up rainfall event on 8-9 100 mm and 113 mm. As a varying from 30-40 mm. Annual vegetation April resulted in Hamilton recording 44 result, most stock water reserves are full is currently limited to copperburrs, wards mm, Mt Sarah 41 mm, Todmorden 70mm and annual grasses such as bottlewashers weed and spear grass. and The Peake 45 mm. As a consequence and spear grass appear to be flourishing most pastoralists in the far north west are and providing good winter stock feed. North East Pastoral in a much happier position currently, with stock feed sprouting and surface water Kingoonya The North East Pastoral district appears supplies bolstered. to have missed the February rain, with The Kingoonya district appears to be Yunta and Lilydale recording 10 mm and Marree-Innamincka missing the substantial rainfall events as Koonamore 15 mm. The recordings for only 20-25 mm was recorded in February the April event were more substantial as Most properties the Marree-Innamincka at sites such as Mulgathing, Bon Bon and Yunta recorded 40 mm, Melton 50 mm, district in the far north east have not Mount Eba. The follow up rain recorded in and Lilydale and Braemar both recording received significant rain for 12 months April was variable, with falls ranging from 50 mm. The April rain event has provided and destocking on many stations is well 18 mm at Mulgathing to 45 mm at Bon Bon surface stock water in most areas, adequate underway. The recent rainfall in April gave and and 66 mm at Bulgunnia. for germination and replenishment of light recordings in the area of 10-25 mm, annual grasses and herbs. well below that required for a turn-around in seasonal conditions. Pastoral Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands

04 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands THREATENED FAUNA

CSIRO asks pastoralists for input into arid zone fauna management The CSIRO in Alice Springs has mounted a three-year project to better understand both the booms and busts of arid zone fauna, and the drivers of mammal loss – and, as Jane Addison reveals here, they’re keen to involve pastoralists in the SA Arid Lands region.

Australia’s mammal extinction rate is the These questions will be answered using We plan to meet with the Marree- highest in the world. Mammal loss in the small mammal surveys, GIS modelling, Innamincka NRM Group in late May. arid zone has been particularly significant, genetic techniques and expert input. Further information with predation by feral animals like cats and We also want to better understand what Contact Jane Addison, CSIRO Alice foxes the most likely cause. management options there are for these Springs on 08 8950 7176 or dry time refuges, and to understand [email protected] The CSIRO’s three-year project what sort of factors may help or hinder is focussed on the ecology and pastoralists in looking after these areas. CSIRO, Territory NRM, Australian Collaborative off-reserve management of small These questions will be answered through Rangelands Information System (ACRIS) mammal “refuges” in the arid discussions with pastoralists and other zone of the Northern Territory, stakeholders, policy analysis and economic modelling. South Australia and Queensland. We have been inviting pastoralists to share their perspectives on conservation options “Refuges” are the small areas of land that through surveys or interviews (see box), or species retreat back to during dry times for permission to work on their properties, in the arid zone. These refuges are not and have already sought feedback from the necessarily wet areas or areas with high Kingoonya and Marla-Oodnadatta NRM levels of livestock feed. Groups. Conservation in these areas may exist happily within a livestock production system, and pastoralists may be the best people to manage these areas. We are trying to answer questions of small mammal ecology. Where are the dry time refuges for threatened species? Why are they there? How do these refuges change through time? What are the main threats to these areas? Can we predict where new refuges might be?

Above left: Stripe-faced Dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura), Mt Skinner, TAKE THE SURVEY AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS… Northern Territory. Eric Vanderduys Pastoralists in the SA Arid Lands at www.surveymonkey.com/s/ Right: Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus), region are encouraged to take a smallmammalsurvey Stirling Station, Northern Territory. Camilla Osborn survey to help the team understand Participants who include their what factors might help pastoralists address will receive a $20 gift manage small mammal refuges, voucher to Coles or Woolworths. particularly through different phases Hard copies are also available; in the boom/bust cycle. contact Jane at the details above. The survey was sent via snail mail Thanks to those who already or email to many pastoralists in responded. April but is also available online

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 05 THREATENED FAUNA

Dr David Peacock (centre), who initially The Adnyamathanha people, including conceived the quoll translocation project, Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands proudly accompanied the quolls from Association Chairperson, Vince Coulthard Western Australia to the Flinders Ranges. welcomed the first quolls back to the region Here, he is accompanied by Kelly Rayner and through a traditional blessing ceremony. Brent Johnson (Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia). …continued from page 01 The partners… There is cautious optimism that the quolls will breed and make their populations self- Through the 21-year Bounceback program, sustaining; however, some mortalities are DEWNR and collaborators have been anticipated as the animals adapt to their controlling foxes and goats protecting new habitat. the habitat in the Flinders Ranges that is needed for the quoll’s long term survival. Since their release, the quolls’ survival rates and well-being have been actively The Foundation for Australia’s Most monitored by radio tracking individuals. Endangered species (FAME) is leading the Once the re-introduced quolls have drive to raise approximately $1.7 million established themselves in their new habitat, over a five year period that will support the trapping will be undertaken to assess their recovery of the species. condition and breeding status. Western Australia’s Department of Parks The quolls will take a while to settle in and Wildlife has donated the Western and any decision to proceed with further Quolls from their conservation parks. Rob Brandle and introductions will follow careful monitoring Thanks to the many donors, land managers Katherine Moseby of the quolls’ health and an evaluation of the and partners of Bounceback for their at the blessing trial’s success. support for this project. ceremony.

DO YOU HAVE RECORDS OF WESTERN QUOLLS IN YOUR FAMILY HISTORY?

Land managers who have records of skins being offered for sale at the The back and hind quarters still Western Quolls, or other native species, London fur markets in 1903. remained so I picked it up and brought in their station diaries are encouraged This account of a quoll (or native it carefully to camp, and felt rather to contact Dr David Peacock. cat as they are sometimes called) proud to show Jerry that I could get Dr Peacock and his Western Australian was from George Macgillivray who something towards our tucker supplies. colleague, Dr Ian Abbott, have spent was describing his travels with his I found that he had returned to camp hundreds of hours collecting historical Aboriginal companion Jerry in the and had already cooked four small accounts of quolls or “native cats”. Burke district of Queensland. It is hawks which he got in a nest, and two Many of these accounts have come thought that this part of his journey owls and a small goanna. from newspapers that have been was around Montecollina Homestead The latter he offered to give me for digitised by Australian libraries but on the Strzelecki Track. the remains of the cat, which I at once many others have come from old On 23 December 1870… I noticed agreed to, and we very soon had station diaries and family histories. several crows and hawks diving and partaken of a tip top breakfast. Their research highlights the capacity dabbing at something on the flooded Barrier Miner 18.xii.1929: 2 ground, and turned off to see what of quolls to predate rabbits, and found If you think you have information it was. many interesting accounts of their that can help, contact Dr Peacock interaction with cats and dogs, and I found it was a native cat, which they [email protected]; their persecution by people, especially had killed, and had the head and 0417 355 498. for the fur trade, with almost 19,000 shoulders eaten off it.

06 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands THREATENED FAUNA

STAY INFORMED To receive a monthly email update on the quolls’ progress please send an email to [email protected] with the subject ‘Quoll update’.

IF YOU SEE A QUOLL… The release area for the initial population of the Western Quoll was confined to the Wilpena area and it is highly unlikely that they will be visible during daylight hours. However, if you do see one in the wild please give it some space and watch from a distance so that it does not become stressed. It is expected that the re- introduced animals will take a while to settle in and the success of the translocated animals in making their home in the Flinders Ranges won’t be known for Western Quoll several years.

About the Western Quoll The Western Quoll is a small reddish-grey coloured carnivorous marsupial with white spots on its body and legs. The male has an average weight of 1300 grams and the female weighs around 900 grams. They make their homes in hollow logs, cracks and tunnels under rocks, tree hollows and other animal burrows. They are mostly nocturnal, becoming The female Western Quoll breeds in its first The Western Quoll is threatened mainly quite active at dusk and before dawn year, with very few older animals breeding by habitat degradation and foxes and although occasionally they may be seen again, and they can raise up to six joeys in they occupy home ranges of around 1500 during the day in forest environments or their pouch. hectares for males and 400 hectares for when climbing trees to forage or escape Young quolls are weaned in around five and females. Although adult females home predators. a half months and their life span in the wild ranges do not overlap some mothers and is mostly less than three years. daughters may overlap in their home Their diet is varied but mainly ranges. consists of invertebrates, small mammals up to rabbit size, lizards and frogs. MAKE A DONATION

The Western Quoll’s place at the top of Donations to support the return of the Western Quoll to the Flinders Ranges the native food chain may have a positive are encouraged. Visit www.fame.org.au for more information. impact on reducing populations of small pest animals (mice, rats and young rabbits) SEE US ON LANDLINE if their re-introduction is successful. ABC TV’s Landline was on location in the Flinders Ranges to film the Their survival will be an indicator of environmental quality as they will only excitement of the first translocation of quolls and their arrival from Western endure in a healthy environment that can Australia; if you missed this neat little story you can view it here support a viable food chain during dry www.abc.net.au/landline/content/2014/s3992629.htm conditions.

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 07 WILD DOG MANAGEMENT

SAWDAG MEMBERS

Statewide wild dog group • Geoff Power (Chair) • Janet Brook (SA Arid Lands gets underway NRM Board) • Leonard Nutt (SA Arid Lands Geoff Power, Chair NRM Board) The South Australian Wild Dog Action Group (SAWDAG) has • Bryan Smith (Eyre Peninsula NRM Board) met twice since its inaugural meeting in December 2013 and • Grant Chapman (Northern and have made good progress on the development of a draft Yorke NRM Board) five-year Wild Dog Strategic Plan for South Australia. • Jane Kellock/Leonie Mills (South Australian Sheep Established by the Minister for Sustainability, The Group has been determining priority Advisory Group) Environment and Conservation the group actions to improve wild dog management of 12 takes a statewide view of wild dog in the state and examining ways in which • James Irwin (Dog Fence Board) management in South Australia, and is these could potentially be resourced into • Vicki Linton (Department represented by landholders, industry, the future. The draft five-year Wild Dog of Environment, Water and Aboriginal groups, conservation interests, Strategic Plan for South Australia is expected Natural Resources) and government. to be out for wider consultation in June. • Katherine Moseby The group’s terms of reference are: Meetings are generally held quarterly in (Conservation Council SA) • To provide advice to the Minister on Port Augusta. • Matthew Turner (Wilderness improvements to the management and Further information Society SA) control of wild dogs in South Australia Geoff Power, SAWDAG Chair, • John Virtue (Biosecurity SA, • To propose sustainable funding models 0428 581 067 for long-term wild dog management in PIRSA) South Australia South Australian Wild Dog Action Group, • TBA (Aboriginal Statewide • To monitor implementation of the Biosecurity SA Advisory Committee) National Wild Dog Action Plan TECHNICAL ADVISERS • To develop and implement the State Wild • Heather Miller (DEWNR) Dog Strategic Plan in a manner that is • Peter Bird (Biosecurity SA, consistent with the National Wild Dog PIRSA) Action Plan. Regional Wild Dog Management Plan taking shape Land manager perspectives on wild dog control continue to be gathered for input into the draft regional SA Arid Lands Wild Dog Management Plan. The feedback is contributing to the The survey questions have now been sent to Further information development of the SA Arid Lands (SAAL) all landholders inside the Dog Fence either If you haven’t received a list of Natural Resources Management (NRM) through email or post. questions and would like to have input Board’s Wild Dog Management Plan for The first draft is expected to be complete into the draft Plan contact Heather improved cattle and biodiversity outcomes by July 2014 at which time land managers Miller [email protected], north of the Dog Fence and the control will have the opportunity to comment 8648 5300 or 0419 835 120. program south of the Dog Fence where the directly to Dingo Project Manager Heather wild dog is a declared pest. Miller as well as through participation in SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid Across the SA Arid Lands region the district workshops scheduled for August- Lands survey takes in managers of pastoral and September. conservation leases, parks, Aboriginal Each NRM Group will sign off on the landholders, Co-management and Advisory draft before it is sent to the SA Arid Lands Boards, mining companies, and tourism Natural Resources Management Board interests. in October.

08 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands WILD DOG MANAGEMENT

FURTHER INFORMATION To find out more about the region’s wild dog management programs, contact the Wild Dog Management team, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands 8648 5300

What’s in a plan? Across The Outback has been reporting on three wild dog plans in the last 12 months and we thought it was timely to remind readers what each of the plans is for. Efforts are being made to ensure the regional and state plan are consistent with the national plan.

Regional plan State plan National plan The SA Arid Lands Wild Dog Management The Wild Dog Stategic Plan for South The National Wild Dog Action Plan is being Plan will guide Natural Resources SA Arid Australia provides a practical framework to developed to combat the economic and Lands staff and land managers to conduct guide cooperative wild dog management personal devastation caused by wild dogs wild dog management throughout the SA by government, industry and community across rural Australia. Following a period Arid Lands region. stakeholders across SA over the period of public consultation the draft Plan is now It takes into account the difference in wild 2014-2018. being progressed through governments dog status between outside (north) and The plan aims to protect the livestock seeking endorsement for the Plan from inside (south) of the Dog Fence. industries and public safety from the all agriculture Ministers. The final draft, which considered feedback from 68 public The Plan is being heavily informed by impact of wild dogs while maintaining the submissions, is available at the web address surveys of land managers outside and ecological and cultural roles of the dingo as below. inside the Dog Fence and by information a wildlife species outside the Dog Fence. gathered from the six year Dingo Research The plan divides the state into four Expected implementation date: Project. management zones, each with its own May 2014 Expected implementation date: 2015, series of tailored actions: inside the Dog Taking the lead: pending endorsement by the SAAL NRM Fence; outside the Fence, the Dog Fence Wool Producers Australia Board and buffer zone, and the entire state. Further information: Taking the lead: Heather Miller, Expected implementation date: 2014 www.woolproducers.com.au/national-wild- Dingo Project Manager, Natural Resources Taking the lead: SA Wild Dog Advisory dogs-action-plan SA Arid Lands on behalf of the SA Arid Group (SAWDAG) administered through Lands Natural Resources Management Biosecurity SA (PIRSA) Board Further information: Geoff Power, Further information: Heather Miller, SAWDAG Chair 0428 581 067 Dingo Project Manager 8648 5300

COST-BENEFIT OF DOG IMPACTS

New research indicates significant potential returns on Three case-study areas – in eastern Victoria, South investments made in wild dog management strategies. Australian Arid Lands and south-west Queensland – Conducted by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural evaluated the returns that wild dog management strategies and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), the must deliver in order to remain cost effective. research combined the market impact of wild dog attacks The research was released in April in the report, An with non-market (social and environmental) costs to integrated assessment of the impact of wild dogs in develop a holistic cost-benefit analysis of their effect on Australia. The full report is available here: data.daff.gov.au/ Australian agriculture businesses and communities should data/warehouse/9aai/2014/AssessWildDogs/AssessWildDogs management strategies not be applied. 20140428v.1.0.0.pdf

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 09 WATER MANAGEMENT

Protecting the Great Blanche Cup Artesian Basin Springs WHAT ARE MOUND SPRINGS? The release of seven Great Artesian Basin (GAB) project Scattered around the margins of reports in March 2013, marked a milestone in our the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) are clusters of ancient natural springs. understanding of the south-western GAB, including the The springs have been discharging extent and nature of the water resource and the operation GAB water for at least one million of its artesian springs. A new four-year project will now years during which the climate has changed dramatically around them. investigate some of the key environmental issues identified They occur in the driest parts of in that research and apply management practices. Australia and provide oases for Focused on the Dalhousie and Lake Eyre For both the Dalhousie and Lake Eyre spring unique aquatic flora and fauna. spring super-groups, the expertise of super-groups, funding is being provided to The ecological communities are regional staff, community and Aboriginal the relevant native title groups and Witjira totally dependent on natural knowledge will be used to develop and National Park Co-Management Board for GAB discharge and are listed as implement management actions to restore on-ground works and TEK collection and endangered under the Australian and maintain spring habitat critical for management. Environment Protection and survival of this endangered ecological The project will also undertake grazing trials Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. community. on springs in areas still actively grazed to Proving that ‘good science informs mitigate damage from cattle and to assess good management’, the work will also these practices in real world conditions. Further information protect spring environments from threats Within the Witjira National Park, Date Contact Travis Gotch, Senior Water exacerbated by increased water demands Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) management on Projects Officer, 8648 5300 or and climate change. Dalhousie springs will continue – to date [email protected] This will include managing the increased this is conservatively estimated to have abundance of Common Reed (Phragmites returned between 360-470 megalitres per SAAL NRM Board, Natural Resources SA Arid australis) in some areas to restore its natural year in environmental flows to this system. Lands, University of Adelaide, Friends of Mound balance with other spring vegetation and In the same area, a survey will examine the Springs, Witjira National Park Co-management return open water habitats. changes in fish communities over time as Board, Arabana Parks Advisory Committee, While Common Reed has existed at GAB surface water habitat has reduced in the Australian Government springs for many thousands of years and absence of traditional burning practices and should be viewed as a native species, it has the removal of cattle grazing when the park become out of balance in some areas due was formed. largely to the suppression of traditional Investigation and control of the introduced GET INVOLVED management practices and the introduction Annual Beard Grass (Polypogon If you can provide information of cattle and sheep grazing. monspeliensis) will also be undertaken to regarding the management In areas where grazing has been removed, protect the water dependent ecosystems of of Common Reed, either in the Common Reed is found to proliferate the GAB springs. a pastoral context or from with limited competition and high nutrient This recently discovered weed chokes up a traditional management loads which can result in springs drying out. shallow open water habitat, excluding other practice, contact Travis Gotch Work will be undertaken to investigate sedges and replacing habitat for endemic 8648 5300. what role aboriginal Traditional Ecological fish and macro-invertebrates. Knowledge (TEK), particularly fire management practices could play in managing the species into the future.

10 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands NATIONAL PARKS Simpson Desert Tri-state meetings resume The Simpson Desert Tri-state meeting was reconvened in early April after an interval of 16 years. Seventeen people attended issues and potential ways to the three-day Mt Dare meeting address some of these. which brought together the There were many positive Gum Creek Station three state jurisdictions, Natural outcomes and spin-offs from Resources SA Arid Lands, the meeting. Queensland National Parks Some of the early outcomes & Wildlife Service and the land swap include a commitment to Northern Territory Central Land progress to consistent camping Council. Gum Creek Station donated zones along tracks and approximately 423 hectares of land Other stakeholder and interest consistent dune monitoring to groups also attended including assess impacts of traffic across with high conservation value to Flinders Traditional Owners, Lake Eyre the three states. Yacht Club, Friends of the Ranges National Park earlier this year – The two days of discussions Simpson Desert Parks, 4WDSA, culminated in a day tour and in return received 411 hectares of Arid Lands Environment Centre, through the Witjira National Park land with degraded conservation Westprint, Mt Dare, CSIRO and Park Homelands area, led by values for use within the Station. the Wilderness Society. Cultural Range Dean Ah Chee, Cross jurisdictional discussions and a commitment to meet The land exchange was to time by the generosity of occur opportunistically about annually. completed after lengthy but individuals who live on the day-to-day issues, and in the The resurrection of the tri-state dedicated negotiations that land and have cared for the past have included the Simpson meeting was an outcome of required the resolution of land and its natural values. Desert annual summer closure, discussions at the Lake Eyre both Houses of Parliament The Gum Creek exchange camel control and Athel Pine Basin (LEB) Conference last and a proclamation by the was celebrated at an control. year in Port Augusta and this Governor of South Australia in event at the old Wilpena This meeting however, allowed year’s meeting was organised order to alter the boundaries Station woolshed in March for more strategic discussions and facilitated by members of of the National Park. and included members and stimulated different groups the LEB Community Advisory This latest addition of land of the McIntosh family, to be involved in conversations Committee and LEB Scientific is situated in the north-west representatives of the Flinders about current Simpson Desert Advisory Panel. of the Park, near the Aroona Ranges Co-management campground, and will now be Board and Natural Resources Lake Eyre Basin Community Advisory Committee, Lake Eyre Basin Scientific protected under the National SA Arid Lands, as well as Advisory Panel, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, Queensland National Parks Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 neighbouring landholders. & Wildlife Service, Northern Territory Central Land Council and managed by the Flinders Gum Creek Station has been Ranges Co-management home to seven generations of Board. the McIntosh family, dating The land maintains significant back to 1789, when current and intact biodiversity landholder, Bill McIntosh’s including habitat for the Great Great Grandfather, vulnerable Yellow-footed Christopher Gill, first took up Rock-wallaby. 354 acres in the region. The land swap occurred Today the family is committed as part of the State to forming a sustainable Government’s protected balance between high quality area strategy ‘Conserving tourism, conservation and Nature’ which provides for the prime lamb production. establishment of protected areas for all South Australians. Gum Creek Station, Flinders One approach is to Ranges National Park Co- consolidate parks by strategic management Board, Natural additions achieved through Resources SA Arid Lands various means and from time

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 11 OUTBACK ROUNDUP Arid Recovery’s feral cat month is re-badged Arid Recovery has rebadged feral cat month to be part of their annual Bettong Felicity Hatton Festival or ‘Boodie-fest’ to encourage cat lovers to FERAL ANIMALS CAUGHT – ON CAMERA! share their love with native Can you beat this photo? The Invasive and urban environments between species too. Animals Cooperative Research Centre pest animals, native species, Inspired by her attendance at a feral cat (IA CRC) again invites submissions to livestock, pets and people. symposium during the 26th Vertebrate Pest its annual photo competition. If you have a great feral photo of Conference in Hawaii in March, General Now in its third year, the competition your own, the 2014 competition Manager, Kylie Piper, reflected that setting highlights the importance of managing officially opens on 1 June. To view up a theme of “cats being evil” will often pest animals across Australia. the full selection of 2013 feral photo miss the mark because a lot of people love Last year’s winning image was of winners or to download an entry their cats. a fox honing in on the carcass of a form for the 2014 competition visit ‘People can’t love what they don’t kangaroo as a Wedge-tailed Eagle www.invasiveanimals.com/feral- photos. know about, so Arid Recovery’s takes off. goal is to highlight some of the The winners were selected from Further Information unique animals in the arid zone over 390 entries and a selection Contact Jessica Marsh of the best feral photos have Invasive Animals CRC, 02 6391 3907 in order to gain support for feral been combined in a free calendar or [email protected] animal control.’ illustrating the interactions in rural The Burrowing Bettong (Bettongia lesueur), also known as the ‘Boodie’, was once one of the most widespread of all Australian mammals but is now listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Wild populations are now confined to islands off the coast of Western Australia while on mainland Australia, the species only survives in captivity. The disappearance of the Burrowing Bettong in Australia coincided with the widespread establishment of the fox and the cat. In 1999, Arid Recovery released 29 Bettongs into the Reserve and since that time the population has boomed. The Boodie-fest will run until the end of July and include opportunities for volunteers to assist with bettong trapping and kids activities. Further Information Contact Perri Carter 8671 8282 or [email protected]

Burrowing Bettong

12 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands OUTBACK ROUNDUP

Outback South Australia – GAMBLING HELPLINE If gambling is causing you or someone you know a problem, Join the conversation distance is no barrier to getting Do you have a big idea (or many ideas!) to make outback help. The 1800 858 858 problem South Australia a better place to live, work or visit? gambling helpline offers 24 hour, Then the Outback Communities Authority Jump online at www.saplan.org.au/ 7 days a week free confidential (OCA) invites you to join the conversation yoursay/oneoutback/ or through the OCA’s counselling, support and on their new online community forum, website at www.oca.sa.gov.au information. ‘oneOutback’. Even if you don’t think you Further Information Or visit www.gamblinghelponline. have a big idea of your own, you could help Contact Outback Communities org.au for online or email grow other ideas by joining in. Authority counselling, self-help or to assess The ‘oneOutback’ forum provides a way 1800 640 542 or 8648 5970 the situation. to explore the opportunities for outback or [email protected] You can also visit www. South Australia to thrive and prosper. problemgambling.sa.gov.au, Talking about clever ways to use investment Outback Communities Authority offering information, advice and and knowledge to improve the lives of support services in SA . If you outback people can inform the OCA’s need an interpreter, one will be plan to attract government and private sector funding. organised for you. If you have any connection to the outback, join the conversation, share your thoughts and inform the plan. ARE YOU ON THE ACROSS THE OUTBACK SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ISOLATED CHILDREN’S PARENTS’ MAILING LIST? ASSOCIATION MEETS IN PORT AUGUSTA Across the Outback is a free publication that is issued to 1500 The 2014 Isolated Children’s Parents’ Michelle Reynolds and Damia individuals or organisations with Association of South Australia (ICPA) Ettakadoumi spoke enthusiastically a stake or interest in the SA Arid held its annual State Conference at about the exciting science of the Lands region. the Standpipe Hotel in Port Augusta, Ediacaran period of geological on 21 February 2014. history in the Flinders Ranges. If you would like to join the mailing list or update your details Hosted by the Port Augusta and The theme also discussed how please contact the editor jenny. Marree Air branches, and opened by technology has evolved to support [email protected]. original ICPA member Don Nicholson, isolated children’s learning; the need the conference was well attended by to ensure access to reliable Internet Please include your name, mailing many members of the seven South was discussed and reflected in many address and email address (to Australian branches. of the motions passed by the ICPA. receive electronic notification). Carrying the theme of Evolution The ICPA Federal Conference will in Education, guest speaker Lyn be held in early August 2014 in CALL FOR CONTENT Litchfield spoke of her experiences Launceston, Tasmania; a number Across the Outback with the Equine Therapy Program of South Australian members will June 2014 edition and Vanessa Kirkham spoke of be participating as delegates and e-mentoring and to match people observers to advocate for our State Content due by COB with common goals or interests to and to support all isolated children in 13 June 2014 help them achieve their best in life, Australia to have equity of access to Contact [email protected]. (regardless of their location) through education. au or 8463 3354 for further online engagement. information.

Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 13 OUTBACK ROUNDUP

ANNUAL KANGAROO SURVEY SET TO START

South Australia’s aerial kangaroo survey has been conducted every year since 1978 and is one of Australia’s longest-running aerial wildlife surveys. The 2014 round of surveying is set to begin on 16 June. The survey takes place south of the Dog Fence and collects data specifically regarding kangaroos but also notes populations of other animals such as goats, emus, pigs, donkeys and camels. This year, the survey will also include some flight lines over Eyre Peninsula and some additional lines will be flown again in the eastern districts of South Australia (north of Renmark, south and east of Peterborough and to the east of Burra). The Department of Environment, Wool press back where Water and Natural Resources will use their Cessna 206 to conduct the survey as they have in previous it belongs years. An old wool press at Witchelina Nature Reserve has The survey will commence on 16 June in the east of the state been restored to its former glory thanks to a group of then move north and west at enthusiastic volunteers – and a lot of muscle. which time land managers may see a small plane flying east – west Eight Nature Foundation SA members In its hey-day prior to 1900, up to 50,000 transects at a height of 250 feet and friends spent a week in December at sheep were shorn annually at the Mt Nor – this is the most efficient way of Witchelina Nature Reserve reassembling the West woolshed. Each year, at shearing counting kangaroos. Forwood Down wool press. time around 150 contract horsemen were The survey will extend into mid- Aside from sheer brute strength, the job brought to the property to muster sheep July and is weather dependent. required scaffolding, cables and ladders and were housed in the property’s eight and, finally, a Nissan Patrol to help wrench outstations. Further information it upright to its new position on a stony rise Four of these outstations are still in good Kangaroo Management Team at the Witchelina homestead. condition and liveable with one to be still Natural Resources SA Arid Lands restored. The woolshed itself is now a ruin 8648 5300 Made prior to 1900 and named but is on the 4WD track on Witchelina and after the foundry that made it, can be viewed and explored by the public at their leisure. the Forwood Downs wool press stands at an impressive six metres. The wool press is one of a number of heritage items that are on display on the Team member Barry Wright took property. And, according to Barry, “as a ‘wild guess’ and estimated it to people drive up to the homestead they weigh about three tonnes. cannot help but to be impressed by the commanding edifice in front of them.” In 1978 the press was removed from its Witchelina was bought by the Nature original position at Mt Nor West woolshed Foundation in 2010 which now manages by the Booleroo Historical Society for the station for conservation. display in their museum. It never was displayed, however, and instead lay rusting Thanks to Nature Foundation SA members Chris in a paddock for 35 years until it was Reed and Maureen and Barry Wright for sending brought back to Witchelina last year for this information to Across The Outback restoration. Counting kangaroos 14 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands ANIMAL HEALTH

For advice or to report animal health issues on your property contact Trent Scholz, PIRSA Animal Health Officer 8648 5166 or 0427 970 453

SETTING UP AN NLIS ACCOUNT

An account can be set up by anyone with a Property Identification Code (PIC), is free to establish and has no ongoing Using an NLIS account direct costs. To set up your free NLIS database to manage livestock account visit the Meat & Livestock Australia website www.nlis.mla. com.au or contact NLIS Ltd on movements 1800 654 743. If you are unclear on how to record your transfer, there are guides in the ‘Help Land managers in the SA Arid Lands region are reminded Tools’ section of the website to that there are some practical benefits to setting up your help you. own account on the National Livestock Identification WHAT IS THE NLIS? System (NLIS) to record livestock movements onto and off

The National Livestock of your property. Identification System (NLIS) Aside from managing your own record- Locate stray animals is Australia’s system for keeping, there are a number of other An NLIS account will allow you to receive benefits. identification and traceability email notifications if an animal registered to of livestock. It was introduced your PIC is transferred off with a different Ensure your legal requirements in 1999 and has expanded since PIC of consignment. It is therefore very then, to record the movement of are met useful in locating stray animals. cattle, sheep and goats. The NLIS As the receiver of the stock you are enables livestock to be tracked responsible for ensuring the transfer is Improve records and eligibility for food safety, disease control recorded on the database. Even if you do for accreditation schemes not do property to property transfers of and market access purposes from If you are considering participation in the livestock, if you bring animals onto your their property of birth to their European Union cattle accreditation scheme property you are responsible for ensuring slaughter. or the pasture-fed cattle accreditation they are transferred on the database. scheme, having an account will assist in If you rely on a saleyard, an agent or record keeping requirements and help another person to do the transfer for you, show eligibility for these programs. having an account allows you to check that MOVING CATTLE? Further information the transfer has been recorded. Contact Trent Scholz, PIRSA Animal Moving cattle into the ‘Beef Get cattle carcass feedback Health Officer 8648 5166 or Protected Area’ in South Australia, 0427 970 453 has a range of additional An account gives you access to some cattle carcass feedback information if you were conditions that you are obliged Biosecurity SA (Animal Health) to follow. Visit www.pir.sa.gov. the breeder of the animal, or if you were au/biosecuritysa and follow the the last owner before slaughter, and even links to the animal health/livestock information if you sold the cattle through movement pages for more the saleyard. information.

Counting kangaroos Natural Resources SA Arid Lands | 15 OUTBACK COMMUNITY

ACROSS THE OUTBACK

Across the Outback is prepared McCormack’s leave an and edited by the Communications team, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands, a division of the Department environmental legacy of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. A 2720 hectare area of native vegetation on Roxby Downs It is currently jointly funded by the Station was dedicated by station owners BHP Billiton to SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Marie and Leo McCormack on 26 February. Marie and Management Board; Department of Environment, Water and Natural Leo left station life after 40 years living and working on Resources; the Pastoral Board; and the property, but as Reece Pedler and John Read write, Biosecurity SA (a division of Primary McCormack Reserve is not the only legacy they left the Industries and Regions SA). Comments and suggestions are environment. always welcome. McCormack Reserve is a diverse area This edition edited by Meg Barker of vegetation comprising good quality and Jenny Barker. chenopod shrubland with an overstorey of Please contact [email protected]. Western Myall and Mulga. au or 8463 3354 Under Marie and Leo’s management, this part of Roxby Downs Station – formerly known as Sister’s Ram Paddock – was rehabilitated from overgrazing after it was purchased by Western Mining Corporation and destocked in 1997. Its value was recognised by the Pastoral Unit (then the Pastoral Land Management Marie and Leo moved to Roxby from Group) in 2000 when it was selected as a Iron Knob in 1974 with their two local reference site. young sons Ashley and Peter and McCormack Reserve supports a Melaleuca- began work for the Alison family. lined lignum swamp, a rocky ridge and stands of both quandong and Acacia Woomera, about 60 kilometres to burkitii which are regionally uncommon. the south, was the boom town at the time, with the kids on School of the The dedication of McCormack Air and then eventually boarding at Reserve to Marie and Leo marks a Woomera during the week. long history returning degraded But, after the discovery of a rich orebody in the north-east corner of country to health. the station, Olympic Dam Mine was developed and the Roxby Downs In the late 1990s Roxby Downs and in Sturt’s Desert Peas and the sandhills township, just 20 kilometres north- neighbouring Purple Downs and smothered by poached egg daisies and east of the homestead, was born. Andamooka Stations were sold to Western grasses. Mining Corporation and Marie and The McCormack’s quickly became Leo became the managers of all three In their time they saw three major floods, an integral part of this growing properties. which filled the local ephemeral lakes community, and are remembered of the Arcoona Tableland (one in 1989 for their dedication to fundraising Under their watch, the properties were even inundated the original Roxby Downs for the Royal Flying Doctors Roxby largely destocked and Marie and Leo Homestead up to the tops of the verandah Downs Auxiliary through regular witnessed major regeneration of the posts!) perennial vegetation with many areas now local events such as the annual Golf recovering from degradation caused by Leo assisted with the formation and Day and Auction, Irish Christmas, overgrazing. expansion of the Arid Recovery Reserve, Boogie in the Bush, raffles and largely on Roxby Downs Station and donation tins around the town. The pair religiously took vegetation assisted for many years with counts of feral monitoring photopoints to track recovery animals to assist with regional monitoring In recent years, the pair were of their land, with duplicates sent to the and assessment of control methods. employed by BHP Billiton after the Pastoral Unit to create a rare long-term Olympic Dam Mine was bought record of change. Marie and Leo have recently bought a caravan and will spend the foreseeable by the company in 2005, with During their time at Roxby they future on the road, travelling around management handed over to their witnessed the boom and bust of the arid Australia and no doubt causing a nuisance current employer, ODT Australis in environment, from droughts and dust to other road users! We wish them all the 2009. storms, to wet years with flats carpeted best!

16 | Natural Resources SA Arid Lands