OUTBACK APRIL 2022 Edition 95 - Department for Environment and Water
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OUTBACK
ACROSS THE Edition 95
APRIL 2022
South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board | 1
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the
First Peoples and Nations of the lands and
waters we live and work upon. We pay our
respects to the Elders past, present and
emerging. We acknowledge and respect
the deep spiritual connection and the
relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people have to country and commit
to working with the First Nations People
of the SA Arid Lands as we undertake our
business on this shared and sacred country.
Contents
3 HISTORIC NEW HOME
4 ABORIGINAL ENGAGEMENT
WORKSHOP
5 FISH IN A FLAP AT COONGIE
Presiding General
Member Manager
6 FIELD DAY LEADS TO NEW
PROJECTS
Update Update
8 GRASSROOTS GRANTS
8 TOOL TO HELP WITH PLANT
IDENTIFICATION
I don’t remember a time when the region This edition of Across The Outback is
9 LANDSCAPE GROUPS was so buoyed. The rain over recent full of wonderful stories of rain across
SET DISTRICT PRIORITIES weeks and months is certainly enough the region with some incredible images.
10 LANDSCAPE GROUP NEWS to wash off the dust and create a new The long term impact and benefits of this
optimism about the next few years in the quantity of rain will certainly see the board
12 KANGAROO PARTNERSHIP
PROJECT – A COLLABORATIVE SA Arid Lands. The pictures from many and staff very busy for the foreseeable
EFFORT FOR LONG-TERM properties you’ll see in this edition are truly future with improved outcomes for our
IMPROVEMENT remarkable. environment and the industries dependent
At our February board meeting we on it, and the new management issues we
13 RAIN PUTS THE SA ARID
LANDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT committed to doubling our next round need to stay ahead of in terms of pests of
of Grassroots Grants to $200,000 to be all types.
14 HEAVY FALLS CALL FOR BOAT
RESCUE able to provide some support to those We have been finalising our next business
properties affected by heavy rain. This plan, delivering epic field day events (in
16 ROADS IMPASSABLE will support the anticipated pest plant and case you missed it), moving offices, and
NEAR KOLENDO
animal control issues, soil erosion and on celebrating some of the wonderful stories
17 EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR ground activities to ensure you can get and achievements of environmental
QUORN LANDCARE PROJECT on with things sooner. This extra funding stewards in our region with an award or
18 SPOTTED GUDGEON SUCCESS for the 2022/23 financial year will cater two, and planning around pigs, goats and
to the projects you might have ready kangaroos.
19 IDNYA POPULATION SETS
A NEW RECORD to go and align with the priorities in our It’s hard to believe we have been
strategic plan or your district Landscape operating in a COVID scenario when we
20 FENCING AIDS GRASS Action Plans. It may be a landscape scale
RECOVERY AT WINTINNA reflect on the many board achievements
approach across properties to deal with captured in this edition. The board has
21 APPLICATIONS OPENING the abundance of pest weeds and feral many exciting initiatives and plans for the
FOR BUILDING PASTORAL animals as a result of the extra water in our coming year.
SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS systems. Read more about it in this edition.
The district Landscape Groups are about
22 BITEBACK NEWS Enjoy this edition of Across the Outback, to launch their local action plans, each
23 NEW COASTCARE GROUP there’s plenty to appreciate about the sitting neatly under the board’s five-year
RECOGNISED recent work of our board. strategic plan. Catch a bit more about
24 A LIFETIME OF CARING FOR Ross Sawers that and see how you can be involved in
COUNTRY their delivery through grants, the group
membership model or attending the many
26 MONITORING AND
MAINTAINING YOUR WELL events we have planned.
27 FIELD TRIAL TO TEST WATER Enjoy the read as you gaze over a greener
ACCOUNTING METHODS horizon with a good cup of something.
28 MONITORING UNCOVERS AN Jodie Gregg-Smith
ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE
COVER IMAGE: After the rain –
Katrina Morris captured a stunning
rainbow after heavy rain fell at
Thurlga in the Gawler Ranges
2 | Across the Outback
At the official opening of the SA Arid
Lands Landscape Board office were,
from left, Jodie Gregg Smith, David
Speirs, Lindsay Thomas, Dan van
Holst Pellekaan and Ross Sawers
Historic new home
The new home of the SA Arid Lands Landscape Board was officially opened in February, marking a new
lease of life to the once derelict 138-year old building in the heart of Port Augusta.
It was opened by former Minister for “The building has been transformed into walls of all rooms in the building, with
Environment and Water David Speirs and a place that can be associated with caring the exception of the cells. These were
former Deputy Premier Dan van Holst for Country, working with the community later replaced with fireplaces. While the
Pellekaan. and supporting community pride and value building’s exterior has changed very
Prior to the official reopening, Nukunu in the building and the services to the little, there were a number of internal
elder Lindsay Thomas conducted a region delivered from it,” she said. renovations including the installation of
smoking ceremony in the building. “It was an amazing effort by the private electric lights in 1925, and a significant
Previously a place of bad feeling for many owner and builders to restore this building, internal upgrade in the 1960s.
Aboriginal people, the ceremony cleansed which now gives the board a prominent The building was the town’s third court
the site. and visible profile.” house. The first was a weatherborard
The building, unused for 15 years, was building at the southern end of Mildred
ambitiously restored throughout 2021. BUILDING’S HISTORY Point that was known as Customs
Previously it served for more than 120 The Port Augusta Courthouse was built House. It was replaced in 1867 by a new
years as the Port Augusta Courthouse and in 1884 of pure Saltia stone with cement courthouse on the corner of the present
modifications were made in accordance dressing, at a cost of almost 5150 pounds. Jervois Street and Commercial Roads.
with heritage values to transform it to a The architect was E. J. Woods who A short video showing the building’s
modern office setting. designed a number of significant buildings transformation is on our website at
in the state including the Kent Town www.landscape.sa.gov.au/saal/news-
Significant works were required and
Methodist Church (1864), part of St Francis resources/podcasts-and-videos
included levelling the courtroom floor
Xavier’s Cathedral (1889) and the western
from multiple different levels to one large The office for the SAAL Board is located
portion of Parliament House (1884).
single-level floor space. on Barngarla country. The board also
Heritage notes for the site listed the acknowledges the close connection
The dock has been retained, as have
central, main courthouse room at 50 Nukunu and other Aboriginal groups
multiple fireplaces, architraves and the
feet long, 33 feet wide, and 21 feet high have to Port Augusta as a traditional
heritage colours. The cells have been
and two cells for prisoners paved with meeting place.
retained and transformed into offices.
Kapunda marble. The larger cell was for
Board General Manager Jodie Gregg men and the smaller one provided for
Smith said the building had been in a very women.
poor state of repair; used by squatters and
It said stoves were recessed into the
was home to pigeons and swallows.
GRANTS FOR GRASSROOTS PROJECTS DOUBLED
The third round of the annual Grassroots Grants program is now open and the funding pool has doubled.
The SA Arid Lands Landscape Board is one of the five Landscape SA priorities of are done online through SmartyGrants at
offering $200,000 through the program, Climate resilient region; Water management; landscape.sa.gov.au/saal/get-involved/
doubling its normal annual offer of $100,000. Sustainable land management; Protecting grants-and-funding.
This is to assist property managers across and enhancing biodiversity; and People and Please contact your Community Landscape
the region address issues resulting from partnerships. Officer on 86485307 to discuss your
widespread heavy rains, including an Round 3 opened on 16 March and will grant ideas or if you have any questions or
increase in weeds, feral animals and soil close on 9 May. Work on successful grants concerns about the application process.
erosion works will begin from 1 July. Frequently Asked The Grant Guidelines and FAQs are
Grant applications for up to $10,000 are Questions (FAQ) and Grant Guidelines are recommended reading before beginning
sought for projects addressing at least available on our website and applications your grant application.
South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board | 3
Reg Wilton from the North Flinders
Gregory Warren, Cherie Gerlach, Debbie Warren and Frank Warren Landscape Group
Aboriginal Engagement
Workshop
Across the region, SA Arid Lands Landscape Board staff work with Traditional Owners on a range of
projects covering biodiversity, community capacity building, land management and pest and weed control.
However the board recognises there is Among the 15 participants on the day, the The conversations captured on the day
still more to be done to strengthen the clear messages were will be reported to the board at its April
way it works in partnership with Traditional • The next generation is the focus meeting and will include the next steps for
Owners across the SA Arid Lands region. through Kids on Country programs, bringing the group back together.
To help the board shape its future learning, accreditation pathways, and The meeting was held at the Australian
direction, it held its first workshop inviting experience; Arid Lands Botanic Garden, which is
traditional owner representatives from • The need to engage with the next located on Barngarla Country.
across its seven Landscape Groups, generation on Country; Jonas Dare from Barngarla welcomed
Working on Country Rangers and team the group to the Country.
• The importance of language;
members, and National Parks and Wildlife
Service cultural representatives. • Knowing what the SAAL Landscape
Board does and doing it well; and
An aim of the day was for the group to
consider how the board can implement • Value of face-to-face conversations.
the 12 Principles of the Statement of
Commitment adopted by all Landscape
Boards across South Australia.
DROUGHT HUB BOOSTS JOBS AND INVESTMENT IN REGIONAL SA
The appointment of Node Coordinators and the establishment of Node offices by the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and
Innovation Hub will bolster investment in regional South Australia. Four node coordinators have been appointed to lead SA Drought Hub
efforts from offices in Port Augusta, Orroroo, Loxton and Minnipa.
Melissa Horgan has been appointed Port the Node office at 5431 Collective in Orroroo. Led by the University of Adelaide and in
Augusta node coordinator (covering the SA Drought Hub Director Dr Stephen partnership with PIRSA, the SA Drought Hub
pastoral region), having worked in natural Lee says the appointments represent is one of eight established nationally through
resource management for more than 20 an important step forward in the Hub’s the Australian Government’s Future Drought
years, particularly within the pastoral and development. Fund. The regional Node offices provide
low rainfall zones. She is based at the Node a ‘shopfront’ for farmers, pastoralists and
“The node coordinators are responsible
office within the Uni Hub building at Port community members to discuss ideas and
for working closely with the Hub’s partners
Augusta. Melissa’s role with the Drought Hub to access information on enhancing drought
and key stakeholders to deliver demand-
is part time, and she will continue to work resilience.
driven activities that focus on innovation and
with the SA Arid Lands Landscape Board two The Node coordinators can be contacted at:
adoption to build drought resilience among
days a week as Water Project Officer. Port Augusta: Melissa Horgan
farmers and regional communities.
The Orroroo node coordinator (low rainfall) is melissa.horgan2@sa.gov.au 0447 046 786
“The Drought Hub is seeking submissions for
Joanne Ridsdale who was born and bred on Orroroo: Joanne Ridsdale
the delivery of projects and activities in 2022,
a pastoral property in the Northern Flinders joanne.ridsdale@sa.gov.au 0447 132 268
and Node Coordinators will play a leading
Ranges and has a background working in the
role in developing those initiatives.” More information about the SA Drought Hub
arid pastoral environment. She is based in
is available at sadroughthub.com.au
4 | Across the Outback
Fish in a flap at
Coongie
Dry river and creek beds that occasionally fill with water in the far
northern reaches of South Australia are teeming with life.
There is so much life, that in a single freshwater banquet, with fish representing
night’s trap effort, the SAAL Landscape an important component of the food chain
Board Ecology team caught 699 individual in this system.
fish from a creek at Coongie Lake – and This season’s rains may provide ideal
this doesn’t include the myriad of other conditions for fish to breed and further
animals such as turtles, yabbies and enhance the reputation of this special
shrimp. corner of inland South Australia as an
The most common fish species caught aquatic oasis – not a bad accolade for
was the tiny Australian smelt (Retropinna lakes that sit within what is usually among
semoni), averaging just 23mm in length. the driest parts of the country.
Carp gudgeon (Hypseleotris spp.) were Threats to the ecological integrity of
also numerous, as were the invasive the system that supports the species of
mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki) conservation significance include invasive
and the beautiful desert rainbow fish species such as feral pigs, large feral
(Melanotaenia splendida). herbivores, livestock and weeds. All have
In all, 12 different fish species were the capacity to alter the structure and
captured through the use of passive Fyke function of wetland communities.
nets deployed for just one night. The Coongie Wetland Wonders Project
Surveys at the Coongie Lakes RAMSAR is supported by the SA Arid Lands
site occur annually as part of the Coongie Landscape Board, through funding from
Wetland Wonders project – a five-year the Australian Government’s National
commitment to improve the health and Landcare Program.
ecological function of this wetland of The board acknowledges the connection
international importance. that Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka
Setting a Fyke net in a creek While fishing may be forbidden for humans people and other Aboriginal groups have
at Coongie Lakes within the RAMSAR site, birds and other to the Coongie Lakes.
animals can gorge themselves on the
Desert rainbowfish Yabbie Emmott’s short-necked turtle
Hyrtl’s Tandan Bony herring Carp gudgeon
South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board | 5
Barngarla woman Linda Dare provided
the Welcome to Country
Field day leads to new projects
The very successful Pastoral Field Day held in December is now leading to new projects, events and
workshops across the region.
The event attracted 273 attendees from information, support and workshops. Presentations included: Holistic
all districts of the SA Arid Lands across the This includes working with PIRSA on a Management in the Rangelands, Mary
two days to hear from 17 speakers, visit 52 measuring carbon footprint workshop for O’Brien’s Are you bogged mate?, the
stalls and catch up with friends that had 10 properties in March, partnering with value of providing minerals in livestock
been missed over two years of cancelled Northern and Yorke Landscape Board water supplies, Ecological Assessment
events. to apply for and win funding for a soils and Mapping in your pastoral business,
Feedback collected from attendees was extension officer, and applying for a Containment Feeding and Animal Nutrition,
strongly positive with the event rated an federal government grant around grazing Succession and Transition Planning,
8.5 out of 10. management techniques, agtech and Understanding cattle and sheep diseases
education. Landscape groups are also and the Importance of Rangeland Soils
Event attendees identified a number of key
considering the key themes so they can A presentation by a four member panel
land management priorities which included
feature relevant presenters at upcoming and Q&A session also drew good
regenerative agriculture, rangeland soil
workshops. audiences. Panel members were Kurt
health, telemetry and agtech, rotational
grazing, ecological assessments and Tschirner representing the SA Arid
measuring your carbon footprint. Other
EVENT WRAP-UP Lands Landscape Board, Mark Fennell
A future regional field day in Port Augusta representing the Pastoral Board; Geoff
areas of interest were feed budgeting,
was the overwhelming message from Power from the Dog Fence Board and Joe
livestock nutrition, succession planning,
event attendees. Most people also found Keynes representing Livestock SA.
managing cashflow, managing threatened
the speaker sessions valuable, and
species, grassland ecology, business The panel spoke about issues relating
said their knowledge and awareness
planning and communication, and tourism. to their area of expertise and questions
of topic areas had increased and that
In response to the priorities board staff from the audience were raised using the
they planned to apply the knowledge in
have progressed with providing more online Slido platform – an innovative way
decision making.
Kath Tuft from Arid Recovery
enlighted the children
6 | Across the Outback
PIG OF A PROBLEM
The importance of monitoring for feral
pigs is more important than ever following
heavy summer rains and flooding.
Implementation of early control programs
will help to prevent populations spreading
in the arid lands, particularly in the North
East Pastoral and North Flinders.
A record number of feral pigs were culled
in the Far North Channel Country late in
2021, through an aerial operation.
to record opinions and questions from The event was organised by the SA
The SA Arid Lands Landscape Board
the audience in real time. They included Arid Lands Landscape Board, which
is working with landholders along the
questions about lease assessments, water conservatively contributed more than 1300 Diamantina and Cooper catchments in the
levies, and updates and progress on the hours to plan and deliver the event. Marree-Innamincka district and are talking
dog fence rebuild. It was supported by funding from The with landholders in the North East Pastoral
On Day 2 presentations covered: National Landcare Program, the National and Flinders Ranges districts about
Communication and how to run a Drought and Flood Agency, Meat and sightings and control options.
successful business, Carbon neutral Livestock Australia, PIRSA Red Meat and Methods of control include trapping,
industry 2030, Telemetry and Connectivity, Wool Program and Oz Minerals. shooting and baiting and must comply with
Rangeland Revegetation, Tourism the Animal Welfare Act 1985. Trapping can
The event was followed by the Annual be effective where many pigs are present.
diversification and the Station Stays School of the Air wool show, held at the Baiting with 1080 baits and Hoggone
experience, sharing the Property Souths clubrooms. A fundraising auction (sodium nitrite) is subject to appropriate
Management Planning Experience; raised about $20,000 for the Royal approvals and use. Ground shooting is
Matching Stocking rate to Carrying Flying Doctor Service and School of the generally effective only where there are
Capacity and Satellite Assisted Forage Air. Winning fleeces were showcased in lone pigs as mobs of pigs can disperse
Budgeting. the lobby at the field day and attendees rapidly, however aerial shooting programs
Children were not forgotten and sessions were encouraged to vote on entries for can be effective over large areas.
by Arid Recovery, Julian Craig, Animals the poetry and photography competition Under the Landscape SA Act 2019, feral
Anonymous and Bugs and Slugs were displayed over the two days. pigs are a declared pest animal and cannot
offered on day one. The Remote and be moved, sold or released. Landholders
have a legal obligation to destroy feral pigs
Isolated Children’s Exercise (RICE) ran a
on their property.
crèche service over the two days.
Feral pigs cost the agricultural industry
more than $100 million annually, primarily
due to predation on lambs, competition
A range of programs kept the children entertained with livestock and damage to infrastructure
and crops. They are a biosecurity risk
as transmitters of a range of diseases
affecting livestock and humans, including
leptospirosis, Q fever, brucellosis and
melioidosis.
Landholder reports of feral pigs are
encouraged by board staff who can provide
information on control, as well as access to
1080 baits. The Feral Pig Scan app is also an
effective tool for recording feral pig activity
and control, and can be downloaded on the
app store and google play.
The information entered will help guide
control programs in the future.
South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board | 7
GRASSROOTS
GRANTS
Graeme Finlayson
takes a close look at
a Maireana pyramidata
(Black bluebush)
Tool to help with plant FRIENDS PROMOTE
identification AWARENESS OF
MOUND SPRINGS
Bush Heritage Australia, Barrier Field Naturalists and an extensive The Mound Springs of SA received
network of volunteers are working in the North East Pastoral region almost $1260 for its project
Promoting Community Awareness in
to develop a new tool that will make it easier for residents to identify the 21/22 Grassroots Grant round.
plants in their own back yard. Funds were used to reproduce three
Bush Heritage Rangelands Ecologist making something that will hopefully make mound springs brochures. As part
of the project 2500 Strangways
Graeme Finlayson said the project will it easier for local people to understand
brochures, 3000 general Mound
collate information on 1000 different what’s in their paddock and protect what’s
Springs brochures and 1500 brochures
species that can be found in the Broken out here and improve the resilience of our specific to the Peake Overland
Hill Complex Bioregion. landscapes,” Graeme said. Telegraph and Freeling Springs.
It will include key features that make it “Field guides can often be difficult to All three brochures will be installed
easier for people to identify plant species use without a good understanding of at on-site brochure dispensers at
and information on palatability and cultural plant biology, so we’re trying to develop Strangways and the Peake Overland
significance, such as bush foods or something that’s easier.” Telegraph and at other strategic
medicinal plants. locations, including the SA Arid
The first stage of this project will be
Lands Landscape Board office in Port
It is hoped that this tool will increase completed by the end of June this year
Augusta.
community awareness around plant and it is hoped that this will provide the
FOMS secretary Simon Lewis said the
diversity and assist with various aspects basis to continue the development of an
project benefit would be measured by
of vegetation management in the region app for species beyond the Broken Hill the uptake of brochures and by the
such as weed management, biodiversity Complex bioregion. level of enquiries and other feedback
protection, sharing of traditional Bush Heritage received a $10,000 grant received by FOMS as a result of the
knowledge and planning rehabilitation from the SA Arid Lands Landscape Board distribution of the brochures.
works on properties and mine sites. to develop this tool as part of the 2021
“A lot of plants are likely to be threatened Grassroots Grants program.
under future climatic predictions, so we’re
APPLY NOW
APPLY NOW
GRASSROOTS GRANTS – closing 9 May
visit landscape.sa.gov.au/saal/get-involved/grants-and-funding
ONLINE GRANTS TRAINING – 4 April
Register at www.trybooking.com/BXZXL
8 | Across the Outback
Landscape groups
set district priorities SA ARID LANDS
Members of the seven Landscape Groups across the SA Arid Lands LANDSCAPE BOARD
region have been developing action plans for their districts over the KEY PRIORITIES
past six months – aligning key tasks with the five priorities of the SA
CLIMATE RESILIENT
Arid Lands Landscape Board. REGION
The priorities – climate resilient region; Given groups are small with limited funds,
water management; sustainable land each group worked out the issues of WATER MANAGEMENT
management; protecting and enhancing highest importance importance and what
biodiversity; and people and partnerships they can influence, and developed actions
– form the basis of all activities by the to work with the community to address
board for the next four years. them. SUSTAINABLE LAND
MANAGEMENT
Former NRM Group plans and other Action plans will be updated at group
historical documents were used as the meetings to ensure they remain relevant
basis for the new action plans. The groups to the groups and all documents will be PROTECTING AND
considered previous district issues that reviewed annually, revisiting key priorities ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY
were a priority and worked through what to ensure they remain relevant.
was still relevant and needed action. There Groups will also be reviewing the district PEOPLE AND
were also a few new issues that emerged weed strategies for each region in PARTNERSHIPS
across the region. upcoming meetings.
THE PRIORITIES FOR EACH GROUP ARE:
GAWLER RANGES MARLA OODNADATTA • Tourism impacts – rubbish, NORTH FLINDERS
• Adapting to a changing • Managing tourism impacts safety, landscape and • Wild Dogs – Impacts on
climate – Diversification of • Restoring landscape cultural site damage. livestock production
income streams function; reversing historical • Control of feral animals eg. • Grazing pressure – Goats,
• Land degradation – landscape degradation cats, camels, pigs, rabbits, Rabbits and Kangaroos
excessive total grazing • Management of large feral goats, exotic fish and • Tourism impacts – rubbish,
pressure, especially from herbivores (e.g. camels, invertebrates, cane toads safety and landscape
goats and new livestock donkeys, horses) and feral cattle. damage
breeds • Inappropriate road design
• Managing water resources; • Weeds, including cactus,
• Soil health – understanding reducing wastage from free leading to undesirable water existing weeds and new and
and supporting water and flowing bores; managing movement in surrounding emerging
nutrient cycles extraction of groundwater areas
• Cultural access to water –
• Nature and cultural NORTH EAST PASTORAL Ensuring we maintain access
MARREE INNAMINCKA
knowledge and awareness • Grazing pressure from to water for cultural purposes
• Climate Change leading to
KINGOONYA a decrease in productivity kangaroos, rabbits and goats • Soils – build on ground
• Adapting to a changing and adapting to unknown • Weed control knowledge and
climate – Diversification of changes in pasture type and • Education understanding of soils
land use growth patterns.
• Soil Erosion PORT AUGUSTA QUORN
• Overabundant kangaroos/ • Over extraction or diversion • Industry Development
• Supporting Community
excessive total grazing of ground and surface water Impacts
Action
pressure requiring management and
• Total grazing pressure,
• Feral cats accountability.
erosion and landscape
rehydration
BOARD SETTING ITS The Business Plan sets out how the board are anticipated to continue in 22/23. New
plans to invest its funds and deliver on investment proposed in 22/23 includes
BUSINESS PLAN regional priorities identified in the SA Arid rainfall recovery grants, optimising kangaroo
Preparation of the SA Arid Lands Lands Regional Landscape Plan. Landscape management, goat management policy
Landscape Board’s Annual Business Plan Groups play an important role in identifying review and springs restoration.
for 2022/23 is currently underway. local priorities that inform the board’s To get involved and have a say in shaping
investment and this has happened as part of the board’s work in your district, please
the District Action Planning process. contact your Community Landscape Officer,
Multi-year major projects and programs or one of your local group members.
South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board | 9
KINGOONYA
Members of Kingoonya Landscape shared issues and collaborate on
Group discussed the impact of rain projects. It will be held at Hiltaba
across the district at its February in the Gawler Ranges in June
meeting held in Woomera. and members of both groups
are crossing their fingers that
LANDSCAPE
Up to 300mm fell in some parts
of the district, with most areas on the third attempt it will go
receiving good welcome rain ahead. The first two have been
that is bringing new colour to the cancelled due to rain. The visit
landscape. to Hiltaba will include a property
GROUP
tour and discussion of the pastoral
Following the development of
history and transition to a Nature
the District Action Plan, this year
Reserve. Group members will
the group will support a series of
also learn about native plants
workshops that will look at flora
NEWS
and conservation efforts through
and fauna identification (May),
management by the Nature
carbon and regenerative grazing
Foundation.
(June-July) as well as supporting a
number of community events such Hamish Longbottom
as Arid Recovery’s Open Day and 0408 807 498
Hamish.longbottom@sa.gov.au
the Glendambo Gymkhana.
PHOTO: A previous Arid Recovery
The group is again planning a joint
open day
meeting with the Gawler Ranges
Landscape Group to discuss
MARREE -INNAMINCKA MARLA OODNADATTA
KINGOONYA GAWLER RANGES
GAWLER RANGES MARREE-INNAMINCKA
A lot of damage was caused from Group members have spent time The Marree Innamincka Landscape specialist David DeVries will
the heavy rain and flooding that putting together a District Action Group met late in 2021 to present a hands-on veggie garden
occurred throughout the district Plan, which will help to guide discuss its District Action Plan, workshop on 7 April, followed by a
in January. At the group’s most activities in 2022. Activities being aligning local priorities and group presentation from renowned native
recent meeting, the Department considered include a carbon and objectives to the SA Arid Lands plant and bush food expert Neville
of Infrastructure and Transport soil health workshop and a Sticky Landscape Board’s five-year plan. Bonney; where a range of topics
discussed the status of the roads in Beak Day visit to Secret Rocks. The group has identified high focusing on planting and managing
the Gawler Ranges and how they Another Sticky Beak Day is priority issues which will shape the native plants will be discussed.
are to be remediated. Pest plant planned for Buckleboo Station on group’s activities and actions over The Marree-Innamincka group, in
and animal control issues were also 12 May. This visit will showcase the the next 12 months. conjunction with other landscape
discussed, as were the Grassroots initiatives and works undertaken groups will support a two-day
At its February meeting, the
Grant and Building Pastoral on the property following its in-depth and unique personal
group discussed the impact of
Sustainability Grant programs. involvement in the Pastoral development training opportunity
January’s highly-appreciated,
Members received an update Management Planning program. record-breaking rain. The majority with Jill Rigney on 18-19 May. The
about GFG Alliance mining Members are planning for of properties in the region were heavily subsidised Performance
operations around Iron Knob and their shared meeting with the drenched, with some receiving is Personal workshop will be held
activities on the defence site at Kingoonya Landscape Group at falls of more than 200mm. While in Port Augusta and for bookings,
Cultana at the February meeting. Hiltaba in June. it brings a good start to the year’s contact Charlie. Places are limited.
A Neville Bonney workshop hosted Chris Fulton 0477 307 038 feed growth, the group recognises Charlie Eager 0437 795 792
by the Gawler Ranges Landscape Christopher.fulton@sa.gov.au the impact that local flooding has Charlie.eager@sa.gov.au
Group in Port Augusta late last also caused to regional and local PHOTO: Marree Innamincka
PHOTO: The success of Neville
year was a huge success, with Bonney’s Port Augusta workshop road networks, the challenges this Group members Josh Haynes,
both sessions fully booked. It was last year has resulted in the brings to living in remote areas and Lyn Litchfield, Frank Warren and
this success that has promoted a planning of a roadshow across the additional workload it created Craig Oldfield with Community
roadshow that will deliver sessions the region in April and May for some land managers. Landscape Officer Charlie Eager
throughout the Arid Lands in April Following community feedback
and May. Neville will offer an online at last year’s Pastoral Bootcamp,
session with School of the Air the group has encouraged all
students on 11 April and will return community members to take
to the Gawler Ranges for a session advantage of workshops planned
at Iron Knob on 7 May. for Marree. Arid gardening
10 | Across the OutbackMARLA OODNADATTA NORTH FLINDERS
The Marla-Oodnadatta Landscape The group will also support Members of the North Flinders The group will run Neville Bonney
Group is looking at new learning local Landcare projects which Landscape Group heard about workshops at Copley and Hawker
opportunities and projects help to revegetate areas around planned Western Quoll release in April. The Copley workshop will
following the development of its townships, manage water at Vulkathunha Gammon Ranges coincide with the grant opening
District Action Plan. resources and tourism impacts. National Park at their meeting in of a community nursery funded
In line with the priorities of the SA A Sticky Beak Day will be held February. through a Foundation for Rural and
Arid Lands Landscape Board, the at Wintinna in June, with land Flood damage to the dog fence Regional Renewal Grant.
group will support pastoralists in managers sharing their learnings and World Heritage were also The group’s next meeting will be
a variety of projects leading on on innovative agricultural practices. discussed and members finalised held at Blinman on 11 May.
from feedback from the successful More information will be shared the group’s district plan, which has Matthew Westover 0438 816 210
Cricket & Conversations event soon. identified project ideas around Matthew.westover@sa.gov.au
in October 2021. Projects will Hamish Longbottom water, soils, weeds and tourism
PHOTO: Members of the North
include soil conservation, pest 0408 807 498 impacts. Flinders Landscape Group are
management and the use of Hamish.longbottom@sa.gov.au A discussion about the recent working on finalising the District
Estimated Breeding Values in bull PHOTO: Managing camels is rains determined that landholders Action Plan
breeding. one of the focus areas for the in the district were very happy
A focus will be promoting the Marla-Oodnadatta Landscape with the falls received. While there
use of Feral Scan in the district to Group was damage to fences and roads
gather data on pest species and to report, most people said the
targeting large feral herbivores damage wasn’t too bad given the
which contribute heavily to total volume of rain received.
grazing pressure.
NORTH FLINDERS PORT AUGUSTA-QUORN
NORTH EAST PASTORAL
NORTH EAST PASTORAL PORT AUGUSTA/QUORN
North East Pastoral Landscape sought for a Chemcert refresher The Port Augusta – Quorn The group promotes coastal
Group members are hearing that course. Landscape Group met in Quorn on awareness, microplastics
Noogoora Burr outbreaks are a big The group’s next meeting will be 9 February for its fourth meeting. monitoring and rubbish removal,
issue in the district at the moment. held at Cockburn on 21 April when Group chair Renata Hackett and community and environmental
Landholders are encouraged to the group will discuss the finalised was joined by members Steve support.
treat the weed before it flowers to District Action Plan. To attend this Marafiote, Melissa Clifton, Richie Coastcare and Quorn Community
prevent seeds retained for future meeting, contact Di Makotter. Paynter, Kym Thomas and Landcare Group were among
germination. Di Makotter 0408 944 751 Francene O’Connor, as well as many involved in Clean Up
Community Landscape Officer Dianna.makotter@sa.gov.au board representative Kurt Tschirner Australia Day in March.
Di Makotter is working with to continue discussions on the Brett Devitt 0409 753 495
PHOTO: Group and community
landholders to distribute cochineal members at the North East district plan, this time focused on Brett.Devitt@sa.gov.au
biocontrol to fight cactus Pastoral District planning day the priority action list. Ensuring
PHOTO: Members of the Port
infestations. late last year were, from left, Tim coverage of the diverse range of Augusta Quorn Landscape
Zwiersen, Pete Watkins, Mick interests in the district is a careful Group toured the Bush Foods
She is also contacting landholders
Goldsworthy and Tim Taplin process. Garden in Quorn at their February
to speak about potential pig issues
so board staff can assess pig The meeting concluded with a meeting. Pictured are, from left,
tour of the Bush Tucker Garden Kim Thomas, Francene O’Connor,
impacts and numbers across the
in Quorn, to hear about and see Board representative Kurt
region.
the great work the community Tschirner, Community Landscape
The group held a ladies day at Officer Brett Devitt, Richie
has been doing in creating this
Mannahill in March is now looking Paynter and group chair Renata
inspirational garden.
towards the Neville Bonney Hackett
workshop to be held in Yunta on The Landscape Group has
10 April, looking at Australian bush supported the establishment of
food information and uses. the Port Augusta Coastcare group,
which recently won the 2022 Port
Wild dog baiting days will be
Augusta Australia Day Award for
offered from 5-8 April and
Environmental Sustainability.
expressions of interest are being
South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board | 11Ms Shirley said one of the aims is growing
a broader community understanding and
acceptance of kangaroo management and
the need to have a sustainable industry,
which results in better environmental
outcomes.
“It has been really positive to have the
experience and knowledge within the
group and wider partnership working
together for a common outcome,” she said.
Project funding will be made available
from recommendations at the workshop,
for on-ground projects to demonstrate or
Kangaroo
trial effective management at a land-based
scale.
This will result in shared learning to
Partnership Project
develop a set of decision-making tools
that can be applied by land managers to
aid business and conservation decisions
on their properties relating to the impact or
– a collaborative
presence of kangaroos.
Project Steering Committee member
and Kokatha Pastoral Manager Tony
effort for long-term
Freshwater is hopeful that effective
decision making tools will be achieved.
“It would be great if, as a result of this
improvement
project, land managers are provided
with effective and efficient kangaroo
management decision making tools that
are proven and backed up with well
researched data relevant to the region,” Mr
It has been a productive first three months for the Optimising Freshwater said.
Kangaroo Management in South Australia project, as key The Optimising Kangaroo Management in
representatives come together to establish a partnership approach to South Australia project is working with the
State Government’s Agriculture Kangaroo
improving landscape and economic resilience.
Taskforce, led by the Department of
The Kangaroo Partnership Project Steering to manage kangaroos sustainably and Primary Industries and Regions, to
Committee has met a handful of times ethically. investigate the viability of the current
and is coordinating an online workshop The inclusion of cultural voices to guide harvesting, processing and marketing
to develop key priorities and project and inform cultural engagement, enterprise sectors of the kangaroo industry and the
outcomes informed by all stakeholder and learning from traditional ecological other economic benefits that arise through
groups. It will take place in April and knowledge is an important part of the responsible management of kangaroos in
will be led by independent facilitation project. Additionally, technical expertise the landscape.
specialists Collabforge. Participants is being sought from some of the nation’s This collaboration, also engaging with
will include agricultural and pastoral leading scientific experts in the field. kangaroo industry and Department for
representatives, cultural representatives, Environment and Water’s (DEW) Kangaroo
Independent Kangaroo Partnership
the kangaroo harvesting and processing Management Reference Group and
Coordinator Georgina Shirley says the
industry, scientists, economic experts, Kangaroo Management Program, will
road is being paved for effective long-term
animal welfare peak bodies, conservation minimise overlap of effort and support
management of the issues.
land managers and government shared skills, knowledge and data to
representatives. “Through collaboration, this project
support broad kangaroo management
focuses on finding the common ground
Significant work has been done to outcomes.
across all interest groups, calling on
foster interest and support from a broad Regular updates will be available on
experts in each relevant field, Ms Shirley
stakeholder network to work together to progress of the Kangaroo Project and
said.
tackle the issues and opportunities related ways for partnering in and supporting the
to an overabundance of kangaroos. “The project is connecting with other
project goals.
The aim is to work collaboratively to initiatives such as the PIRSA Agriculture
Kangaroo Taskforce and industry and This initiative is possible as a result of
ensure inclusive, long-term outcomes
scientific networks.” funding from the SA Landscape Priorities
are achieved along with opportunities
Fund.
12 | Across the OutbackRain puts the SA Arid Lands
in the spotlight
It was an extreme weather event that put the eyes of the country on
the SA Arid Lands.
Damaged rail and road routes delayed and underlying support ground was
freight and supplies for rural communities significantly damaged and underwent 24
and interstate organisations at a time days of repairs before it could reopen.
when delivery by any other means was The Stuart Highway was cut near
difficult due to widespread rainfall. Glendambo, halting freight and travellers
Thirteen flights from the Royal Australian for two weeks before it reopened with
Air Force delivered 36.56 tonnes of food restrictions as repairs continued.
and supplies to remote communities, Tourism operators are preparing for
community meetings were held in what is expected to be a boom season
Coober Pedy and a number of rescues as the outback turns green and water is
were carried out. abundant in some places.
The east west and north-south rail
route was cut at Tarcoola after the line
RECORD RAIN FOR
DULKANINNA
Dulkaninna recorded 303mm in
January –a record for the property in
the 85 years that rainfall records have
Jess Bell
been kept.
Jess Bell from the property said they
were lucky to have received the huge
volume of rain over a 12 day period,
when it fell in one to two inch falls.
“It was good, steady, soaking rain,” she
said.
“It rained on seven of the 12 days and
those days when it didn’t were cloudy,
misty or foggy. It was quite unique for
us.”
She said the smaller falls over a longer
period meant the property escaped
major damage.
“We have a little bit of damage to
fences. In terms of the land, the creeks
are running big, and the swamps are all
full, but it didn’t scar the country,” she
said.
“It’s looking pretty good.”
Jess said the only rainfall event to rival
this one from their records was January
1974. Back then, rain was measured in
points and 1193 points were recorded –
equivalent to 298.5 in today’s terms.
WARNING FOR MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES
“That rain fell all in one go and caused a
SA Health has warned that the risk of Known symptoms include fever, drowsiness,
lot of damage,” she said.
mosquito borne disease transmission is confusion, headache, neck stiffness, nausea
currently high in South Australia. and vomiting, tremors, seizures.
It comes after viruses that can cause serious You can protect yourself and your family by
diseases like encephalitis, which may be fatal covering up with long, loose clothing, using
or cause long term neurological damage, insect repellent and eliminating water that
have been detected. There has also been a mosquitoes breed in.
spike in Ross River virus cases.
Find out more at: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/
Jess Bell
sa+health+internet/healthy+living/protecting+your+health/yourself/fight+the+bite
Jess Bell
South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board | 13RAIN!
Tamara Nutt
Heavy falls call for boat rescue
Support, mateship and the preparedness to always help out a neighbour are qualities embedded in
residents of the SA Arid Lands.
When Tamara Nutt was stranded and By 2.30am Tamara sent messages to her “It was so quick. I went from thinking it
surrounded by flood water on Coondambo brother Dan at Oakden Hills and sister was going to lap at the steps to realise in
Station, it was her neighbours that came to Christie at Pandurra. Numerous messages less than 10 minutes it was nearly at the
the rescue. followed throughout the early hours. window, and I knew I had to leave.”
When unpredicted heavy rain fell for the “By 4.50am I called Mum and Dad who By 5am, Tamara had moved to the safety
second time in a weekend, Mat Kerin from were at Curnamona to tell them the water of the above-ground pool deck to wait for
nearby North Well Station took a flight to was about to come in the house and I had a rescue. At that time the water was four
determine the extent of the water and it done everything I could to protect it,” she feet deep around the house and three feet
was Rob Davidson from Wirraminna who said. deep inside.
arrived with his tinny to get Tamara off the “Ten minutes later I was calling back Tamara had been on the pool deck for
property. to get them to ring someone to get me an hour when she heard thunder and it
While the total rainfall at Coondambo out, because the water had come in too started spitting again.
homestead will never be known because quickly and high and I was wading through “I needed to consider what options I had
the property’s main rain gauge was thigh-high water in the house. I knew I left – I thought if the water got any higher,
washed away, a separate gauge at the would most likely lose power and phone I would be able to hang on to the poles of
nearby header tank showed 210.4mm four signal.” the old shade sail,” she said.
weeks after the event. As it happened, Glendambo received Given Oakden Hills had similar falls to
“We estimate up to 300mm of rain fell 149mm, and the houses, sheds and cars at Coondambo, Dan was unable to get there,
on both Coondambo and Oakden Hills – Coondambo were under water. and her brother-in-law Jason was called
which lead to road and rail damage that “If anyone knew what was coming, they at Pandurra to help. Jason called Rob
was widely telecast.” would have left,” she said. Davidson at Wirraminna at 5.30am asking
Tamara said the property had 102.8mm on “I still can’t believe it happened. It was if he had a boat.
Friday 21 January when her family asked horrendous.” By good fortune, he called the right
if she wanted to get out. She thought she neighbour. Rob and wife Stacey have
would stay and wait it out, with smaller falls Tamara said she could hear a boat they use occasionally when the
of 5-10mm predicted to follow. swamps fill up with water and Rob had
At that point Tamara thought she could get the pressure on the door been watching the radar and knew
off the property by “maybe Wednesday”. Glendambo and Coondambo would have
She started to worry when the thunder
that sounded like a big wind, been getting “a hammering”.
rolled in late on the Sunday night. A check except this time it was water. Rob Davidson arrived at about 7am and
of the weather radar showed a weather after an initial hiccup when the fuel line
cell developing directly over Coondambo. unclipped, the boat was able to get
Tamara back to solid ground.
14 | Across the OutbackMelanie Lewis
The Duthy girls – Ava, Stella and Ruby – of Tiverton in
the North East Pastoral district are lucky to be able to
enjoy a play in the creek near their house more often
than when it rains there. Their mother, Melanie Lewis,
says the creek is fed by four big creeks near Yunta and
the hills around Mannahill and flows when rain falls
there. “The girls love it”, she said
“I didn’t think I’d ever be using it for By late February, Tamara had been back to JANUARY RAINFALL
something like that,” he said. the property, but was still unable to get to TOTALS
the homestead. (Recorded in mm)
“Lucky it’s a reliable old thing, because
it hadn’t been started for more than two “We went for a drive around and came Dulkaninna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303.0
years,” he said. across a rain gauge at Cooks Well, which Mount Ive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189.2
“Until that point, I think a lot of people is halfway between Glendambo and Allendale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180.0
thought I was being dramatic,” Tamara said. Kingoonya. There was 211mm in that one, Witchelina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176.2
a month after the event so we know we Moolawatana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166.6
She said it was a relief to see Rob drive up
had at least that much.
with the boat because it meant someone Callanna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149.0
was here to help. “You certainly don’t expect more than
Beltana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130.8
200mm in a weekend – at least not in this
Police arrived just as we were heading Yudnapinna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130.6
part of South Australia.”
back to the vehicles in the boat. By then Wilporinna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130.0
a swift-water rescue was on the way from
Port Pirie and a helicopter was on standby.
Tamara said most of her Moomba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129.2
Farina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128.0
Damage to the property is extensive. It neighbours had been in Arkaroola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127.1
includes three houses, cars, workshop,
sheds, machinery, a well that collapsed contact and she thanked Mt Barry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127.1
near the Kingoonya Road and pipelines Muloorina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125.4
that were washed away. them for the offers of help Yardea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125.0
“There was damage to most roads on Blinman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117.8
and support.
the property and most of the generators Nonning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112.6
around the property had water through Three weeks after the event, the Boolcoomatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108.0
them,” she said. catchment was still overflowing and she Woomera Aerodrome . . . . . . . . . . . 105.8
“The water got so high at the homestead, didn’t expect to be able to enter the house Commonwealth Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105.7
any spare generators we have will have for at least three months. Lindon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.4
water damage as well – no doubt we’ll “It presents new challenges for property Tieyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95.6
continue to find more as the water settles.” management, but thankfully our use of Todmorden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87.7
Tamara said she doesn’t believe any of technology allows a fluent transition to the
their dorper stock were lost to the rain but Curnamona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84.0
new management requirements,” she said.
won’t know for sure until they muster. Stirling North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78.4
“We know the advantages of this
An earlier rainfall of 80mm in November Mulgathing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68.4
rain will far outweigh the temporary
had filled the aquafers and the swamps disadvantages.”
were already holding water before this
event.
South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board | 15DOWNPOUR DAMAGES
DOG FENCE
More than 250 kilometres of the Dog
Fence between Coober Pedy and the
Flinders Ranges sustained damage in
January’s heavy rainfall.
An estimated 40 storm-damage
breaches were expected to be
confirmed once roads and tracks
reopened.
While the floods washed away parts of
the old Dog Fence and eroded tracks
alongside it, the new fence had largely
withstood the flood waters, suffering
only minimal damage.
In response, PIRSA has dropped 2000
extra aerial baits to protect livestock in
the areas affected by the breaches and
trappers will be deployed to fix the fence
when access is restored.
It is hoped the barrier of baits will stop
wild dogs slipping through.
The extra baiting will help protect
livestock from wild dogs while the repair
work is undertaken.
Wild dogs rip nearly $89 million from
Phil Lord the Australian economy each year, with
South Australian producers losing more
than 20,000 sheep to wild dogs in 2018
alone.
Roads impassable NEED A PERMIT FOR
ONGROUND WATER
near Kolendo MANAGEMENT WORKS?
Has the recent rain made you think
about modifying a dam or watercourse
At Kolendo in the Gawler Ranges, Phil and Michelle Lord feared their on your property? Or do you need to
homestead would flood in the January downpours. reinstate or change existing water
infrastructure, like crossings or
They moved valuables up high and “I’ve been here all my life and I’ve never
diversion banks?
took refuge in the woolshed quarters in come across anything like this.”
These activities are considered to be
preparation. Fortunately previous work to He said he had spent three weeks de- water affecting activities, along with
improve the creek banks meant they held silting the area around the homestead and activities such as draining or discharging
out and the homestead stayed dry. was just starting to tackle the roads on the water or excavating material from a
The remainder of the property was not property. watercourse or lake.
so lucky with extensive damage to roads Fortunately the Department for Any work that could impact a
and fences, not unlike many neighbouring Infrastructure and Transport made the watercourse, lake or floodplain of a
properties. main road passable, meaning supplies watercourse can have adverse impacts
Phil said most of the damage was caused could be brought in. on the health and condition of water
resources and the ecosystems that
by 110mm that fell in a very short time. “I can remember the ’74 floods, and depend on them; as well as on other
The property received 200mm over three in 2008 we had 120mm that did a lot water users.
days and the couple was stuck in the of damage and was perhaps more Water affecting activities need to be
homestead for a week. devastating than this one.” managed carefully and a Water Affecting
“Every night we had another thunderstorm. He said January’s rainfall was just two Activity permit needs to be sought – in
The creek usually runs once every three inches off the property’s annual total. some instances the work comes under
or four years and it ran three times in four an exemption for emergency repairs for
“The country has responded and it’s
days,” he said. crossing and dams.
looking magnificent.
“Anything across the creeks was wiped The SAAL webpage www.landscape.
“It was certainly an interesting event, and sa.gov.au/saal/water/water-affecting-
out for 200m in each direction. The
the good will outweigh the bad.” activities is a good source of information
creeks gouged out the road, so nothing
or speak to the board’s Water Project
happened until we could get machinery
Officer on 0409 896 402 for advice.
back to the homestead.
16 | Across the OutbackExcellence award for Quorn
Landcare project At the award presentation were,
from left, Landcare Association of SA
A new bush food garden that brought the Quorn community Executive Officer Eleanor Pratt, board
together has received a state award. member Tim Flowers, Tim Connell
and Andrea Tschirner from Quorn
A Quorn Community Landcare project that perennial grass species, significant in Community Landcare Group, and
brought together a number of partners an Aboriginal, pastoral and ecological board members Kurt Tschirner, Sanchia
to share knowledge with the community context. It was designed so seeds can be Treloar and Scott Michael
and develop innovative ideas to achieve easily harvested for trails and restoration
on-ground biodiversity outcomes received activities on local properties. “Congratulations and thanks go to all our
the inaugural Landscape SA Excellence The project provided four community Landcare volunteers. This award certainly
Award in late 2021 planting days, six seed collection events puts a spring in the step and we’re looking
The project, Reviving Biodiversity in the and two native grass workshops on forward to some great activities for 2022.”
Ranges, established a Bush Food Garden identification and grassland restoration. SA Arid Lands Landscape Board member
and Thutha Native Grass Patch in Quorn, Regular newsletters and increasing Sanchia Treloar presented the award
re-vegetated Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby awareness of the importance of native to Quorn Community Landcare Group
habitat at Warrens Gorge and undertook and endemic plant species through social president Tim Connell and secretary
cactus control with the biocontrol cochineal media platforms created much interest Andrea Tschirner on behalf of the then-
on a number of properties in the area. and led to the development of several Minister for Environment and Water David
Involved in the partnership with Quorn successful on-ground projects. Speirs. It included $5000 that will be
Community Landcare Group were the The Quorn Community Landcare Group invested back into the work of the Quorn
Flinders Ranges Council, Nukunu Wapma has 25 members, engaged more than 50 Community Landscape Group.
Thura Aboriginal Corporation, Upper participants, including those interested The Landscape SA Excellence Award
North Farming Systems Group, the SA from a pastoral, cultural and ecological award seeks to recognise individuals,
Arid Lands Landscape Board and local perspective and contributed more than community groups and projects that
landholders. The Bush Food Garden 280 volunteer hours. achieve whole of landscape outcomes,
involved the Nukunu people in the “We have had a great few years – emphasise and exemplify the importance
designing, planting and signage and is breeding cochineal for Engelmans Cactus, of partnerships to deliver great results
now a source of cultural knowledge and Clean Up Australia days, weed ID for for our landscapes and communities.
an opportunity to experience local bush farmers, seed collections, tree planting, To be considered, the project also
foods, tools and medicines for both the bus tour, erosion control, working bees, needed to demonstrate partnerships and
Nukunu people and the general public. information barbecues and slightly crazy collaborations across multiple sectors,
The Thutha Native Grass patch acts Christmas pageant floats,” secretary industry or community leadership or
as a seed bank of eight local native Andrea Tschirner said. innovation and adaptation.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS GRANT DATES
29 MAR-1 APR 7 APRIL 21 APRIL 6 MAY 18-19 MAY GRASSROOTS GRANTS
North Flinders/Marree Gardening in the SA North East Pastoral Neville Bonney Jill Rigney workshop, 16 March open
injection services Arid Lands Workshop Landscape Group workshop, Andamooka Performance is 4 May close
and Neville Bonney meeting, Cockburn Personal, Port Augusta
30 MARCH Workshop, Marree 7 MAY BUILDING PASTORAL
Ladies Day, Mannahill 27-28 APRIL Neville Bonney 1 JUNE SUSTAINABILITY
8 APRIL SAAL Landscape Board workshop, Iron Knob Stickybeak Day at GRANTS
APRIL-JUNE Neville Bonney Meeting Wirrealpa 2 May open
Aerial baiting services Workshop, Copley 11 MAY 20 June close
3 MAY North Flinders JUNE, DATE TBA
2 APRIL 9 APRIL Marree-Innamincka Landscape Group Stickybeak Day at PROPERTY
Quoll (Indya) release Neville Bonney Landscape Group Meeting, Blinman Wintinna MANAGEMENT
Vulkathunha Gammon Workshop, Hawker meeting, Port Augusta PLANNING PROGRAM
Ranges NP. 12 MAY 17-18 JUNE ROUND 3
10 APRIL 4 MAY Stickybeak Day, Combined group 2 May open
4 APRIL Neville Bonney Neville Bonney Buckleboo Station meeting, Kingoonya 20 June close
Online Grant Workshop workshop, Yunta workshop, Oodnadatta and Gawler Ranges
17 MAY Full details on events
5-8 APRIL landscape groups,
13 APRIL 5 MAY Flora and Fauna ID and to book a place
Bait injection services, Hiltaba go to
Port Augusta Quorn Neville Bonney workshop, Roxby
North East Pastoral www.landscape.sa.gov.
Landscape Group workshop, Coober Downs
au/SAAL
meeting, Port Augusta Pedy
South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board | 17You can also read
