achievement report · barossa valley, and the coastal waters ... the intensive use of the...

Achievement report2014–15

ii | AMLR Achievement report 2014-15

DISCLAIMER: While reasonable efforts have been made

to ensure the contents of this publication are factually

correct, the Department of Environment, Water and

Natural Resources makes no representations and accepts

no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fitness

for any particular purpose of the contents, and shall not

be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned

directly or indirectly through the use of or reliance on the

contents of this publication. Reference to any company,

product or service in this publication should not be taken

as a Department endorsement of the company,

product or service.

Licensed under Creative Commons

Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence

www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au

Copyright Owner: Crown in right of the State

of South Australia 2015

The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural

Resources Management Board acknowledges and

respects the Kaurna, Peramangk, Ngadjuri and

Ngarrindjeri Nations as the traditional owners of

the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region.

We pay homage to their ancestors, who maintained

the natural processes of the land we are now on and

whose spirits still dwell on Country. The board also

acknowledges the role that the traditional owners of

this region continue to have, and should increasingly

have, in purposefully shaping and caring for the area

that we now know as the Adelaide and Mount Lofty

Ranges region.

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Sustainable land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Building skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Incentives to support practice change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Supporting agricultural industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Strategic animal and plant control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Sampson Flat bushfire recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Improving habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Re-creating habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Threatened species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Coast and marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Shorebirds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Seagrasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Coastal communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Marine parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Community-run natural resource centres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Training and skill building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Aboriginal engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Water management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Managing stormwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Water sensitive urban design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Improving urban watercourses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Groundwater quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

NRM education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Partnering for stronger outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Running professional development courses . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Youth action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Planning and evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27A changing climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Creating an equitable water levy across the region . . . . . 27

Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Planning to secure sustainable water use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Improving development planning for better outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Our parks and reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Connecting people with parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Community input into improving the park experience . . 31

Healthy hearts in parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Local government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Partners protecting our coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Expanding networks and sharing expertise . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Community hubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Engineering solutions for our waterways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Working together for our flora and fauna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

7-year highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

The 11,000 square kilometres of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region cover metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Barossa Valley, and the coastal waters of Gulf St Vincent.

The region’s 1.3 million people live and work in landscapes

ranging from highly developed urban and farming land,

to remnant bushland, coastal areas and marine habitats.

The intensive use of the region’s natural resources for the

past 178 years, since settlement, poses major challenges

in developing and maintaining productive and sustainable

landscapes now and into the future.

This 2014–15 Achievement Report outlines the work of

the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources

Management (NRM) Board with the Department of

Environment, Water and Natural Resources in managing

the region’s natural resources and public lands.

A new NRM plan The 2014–15 year marks the first year of the board’s

new natural resources management plan for the region.

The plan, developed with significant input from the

community, provides a long-term strategic guide to

the programs needed to ensure that the region’s water,

soils and native plant and animal habitats are managed

sustainably and remain healthy.

Introduction

AMLR Achievement report 2014-15 | 2

123

Our goals

Ecological processes for life and livelihood

Communities engaged and active

Amenity, culture and environment valued

4 Knowledgeable decisions and action partners .

These programs are funded directly from the NRM levy, with

support from partnership and grant funding from Australian,

state and local governments, along with collaborations with

organisations, business and individuals who co-invest funds

and in-kind support.

Running the business In 2014–15 the board’s income from the NRM land and

water levies was $27.1 million, federal and state grants

totalling $4.9 million and other income of $0.3 million for a

combined income of $32.3 million. Total expenditure by the

board on NRM programs and projects was $30.5 million.

In addition, board-funded project investments attract

co-funding and other support from government, business

and the community. In 2014–15 this leveraged support

was valued at $19.6 million (revenue, cash, in-kind).

Full financial details of the board’s NRM programs can

be found in its 2014-15 annual report.

In parallel with these NRM levy-funded programs,

the region also works to protect the biodiversity and

amenity of the region’s parks and reserves, although

these efforts are funded separately through the state

Budget. In 2014–15 the expenditure for public lands in the

Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region was $12.8 million.

This integrated program of natural resources and public lands

activities is delivered by Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt

Lofty Ranges, the regional arm of the department.

On-ground actions The region’s annual program of actions is comprehensive.

It supports private landholders in managing productive

land sustainably while protecting habitat and safeguarding

biodiversity. Through planning, the program also helps

to ensure that water resources are shared fairly between

all users, including the environment.

The program helps to increase the use of treated stormwater

and improves urban stormwater management. It also

works with, and supports, local government, schools

and communities in their efforts to protect and improve

environmental sustainability at a local level. And it works to

protect and improve the region’s national parks, reserves

and other public lands.

Most importantly, it is a program that represents a

partnership between the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges

NRM Board, Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty

Ranges, government, non-government organisations,

volunteers and the wider community. The collaborative

efforts of all these stakeholders are central to the successful

management of the region’s natural resources.

3 | AMLR Achievement report 2014-15

Sustainable land

Despite encompassing just 1% of the state, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges account for 20% of the value of South Australia’s farming outputs.

Because agricultural production relies on the health of the region’s landscapes, sustainable land management is an economic and environmental priority.

The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board supports landholders, community and industry groups to adopt sustainable management practices.

Building skillsThe board’s capacity-building activities support landholders to adopt sustainable management practices. In 2014−15, this included 63 events attended by 1,144 participants on topics ranging from livestock and pasture management to soil health, weed and pest control, water use efficiency and post-fire recovery.

Landholders were also supported through the development of 181 new property plans; these provide tailored information and advice to guide change in land management practices.

Incentives to support practice changeLandholders are supported to implement the sustainable management practices identified in their property plans, to improve landscape health and to increase the profitability of production in an environmentally sustainable way. In 2014−15, 155 landholders across 5,015 hectares were supported in this way.

The changes included: farm water supply redesign and the use of alternative watering points to exclude stock from watercourses, spread grazing pressure and improve water use efficiency; fencing to exclude stock from environmentally sensitive areas and to improve grazing and groundcover management; pasture renovation and improvement; control of pest species; soil monitoring and treatments; and stubble retention and reduced tillage.

Supporting agricultural industriesIn 2014−15, grants totalling $270,380 supported eight industry projects which aim to increase profitability while reducing their environmental impact. The industry groups supported were the Mallala, Stockport, Koonunga, and Angaston agricultural bureaus, the Barossa Improved Grazing Group, Dairy SA, Dung Beetle Solutions Australia, Adelaide Hills Cherries, Hortex, and SA No-Till Famers Association.

The specific project outcomes included: improved soil health by addressing soil structure decline, sodicity and acidity; demonstration of the benefits of improved management of native pastures; improved dairy effluent management through reducing, reusing and recycling wastes; improved water use efficiency and water quality; reduction in the impacts of pests on production; and an increase in the efficiency, effectiveness and conservative use of chemicals. All of these outcomes resulted in increases in yield and quality while reducing environmental impacts.

Strategic animal and plant controlPest plants and animals have a significant impact on the condition of natural resources and on agricultural production.

In 2014−15 work was carried out to locate and control new weed outbreaks in the region, resulting in the local eradication of Hudson Pear, Devil’s Rope, Spiny Rush, and Buffel Grass. Landholders and contractors on the Fleurieu Peninsula were also contacted with a view to gaining more information on the distribution of feral pigs on the peninsula, as a precursor to their control.

Multiple control programs were implemented for feral deer and goats across the region in 2014−15. These programs were successful and will continue in 2016.

Work continued to control a wide range of pest plants through the surveillance and control of weeds along 1,426 kilometres of roadside.

Sampson Flat bushfire recoveryIn January 2015, a bushfire at Sampson Flat burned over 11,500 ha in the hills adjacent to Adelaide. In the wake of the fire landholders expressed concern about the potential impacts on water quality associated with erosion, silting and ash in dams and watercourses.

The board responded, with staff visiting affected properties and providing technical advice, financial incentives, along with awareness-raising and capacity-building activities to assist landholders to recover from the fire and to avoid potential negative environmental impacts.

Staff were also on hand at the recovery centre, a place for the community to meet, and access information, advice and support for the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts of the local Adelaide Hills community.


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Gawler

Myponga

Willunga

Lobethal

EastwoodAdelaide

Victor Harbor

Mount Pleasant

E

Sustainable land management projects undertaken with landholders

Water quality management projects

Supporting sustainable agriculture

!

!

Land condition for primary production improved by 15%

2 YEAR

TARGET

1,426 km

of roadside weeds controlled

$270,380 of grants provided to 8 industry projects to increase profitability while reducing environmental impacts New local weed

outbreaks found and eradicated: Hudson Pear, Devil’s Rope, Spiny Rush, Buffel Grass

155

landholders supported to change production-based management practices across 5,015 ha

1,144 landholders attended 63 capacity-building events

181 new property plans developed for landholders with tailored information and advice

2014–15 key achievements


Working with landholders for a Sampson Flat recovery

Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges acted quickly to work with landholders affected by the Sampson Flat bushfire, listening to their stories and helping with a range of natural resources challenges on their properties.

This northern part of the region had 12,570 hectares burnt, including 215 hectares of parks. Visiting affected landholders and preparing restoration plans are some of the ongoing tasks undertaken by staff as they help in the recovery efforts after the devastating fire.

Many landholders are keen to restore their properties quickly following the bushfire. As a result, several ‘cluster’ property restoration plans were developed near the Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserve to help to restore habitat across the landscape, rather than property by property.

To help properties to recover from the impact of the fire and landholders to plan effectively for action in future events, a special eight-week land management course was conducted, along with a number of one-day workshops on pastures, native vegetation and weed management.

The board also funded Horse SA’s workshop on general horse care, which included a CFS presentation on bushfire survival planning for horse properties. The board continues to provide land management information through guided property walks at local community barbecues.

Numerous bushfire-related fact sheets were also produced to address native vegetation recovery, erosion, woody weed control and water supply.

Snapshots:

The benefits of bugs

Greenhouse vegetable growers on the Adelaide Plains are reversing a 20-year trend of attack from Western Flower Thrips (WFT) and other major pests by taking an integrated pest management (IPM) approach.

Capsicum, cucumber and tomato crops in greenhouses had been scarred and deformed, mainly by WFT, which also spreads tomato spotted wilt virus – one of the most damaging diseases of vegetable crops in Australia.

But pesticide spraying is expensive, time-consuming, difficult in confined greenhouse spaces and often ineffective because of pesticide resistance in the area.

Help came from the board, Hortex and the IPM service providers, Biological Services and Manchil IPM. Growers were given a tailored program, which targeted four main pests and used 11 species of beneficial insects.

They received high-level technical support to identify and find pests, diseases and beneficial insects and to manage their own systems. The growers received frequent monitoring visits, which were followed by a report indicating the actions to be taken.

The results showed reduced damage and an increased yield and quality of fruit. Most growers reduced their spraying from weekly (or more) to monthly, and some reduced pesticide use by 85%. The superior quality fruit and the more consistent, and longer, harvest may present a marketing advantage.

News of the success of IPM has spread on the Adelaide Plains and 35 growers are now using releases of beneficial insects to help them to reduce pesticide usage on crops.

Credit: Tony Burfield


Healthy land makes for happy cows

Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges has been working with the Fleurieu Milk & Yoghurt Company on two dairy properties in Myponga to fence off riparian areas and revegetate, the aim being to improve both productivity and habitat values.

Fencing watercourses and revegetating have benefits for the environment, but they also improve stock health and milk production.

The company had already fenced a sizeable section of the watercourse running through the properties and the positive impact in terms of reduced erosion, improved habitat and water quality was clear. This Australian Government-funded project with Natural Resources AMLR enabled the company to extend the environmental benefits by fencing off more of the watercourse while working on improving cow health, welfare and production.

Studies consistently show the benefits of shelterbelts for dairy cattle, including: up to 17% estimated increase in dairy milk production; total dairy production increase by 30% over the estimated lifetime of the fencing and shelterbelt; and a reduction in summer heat load in cows by 50% through tree use.

Healthy natural ecosystems and sustainable primary production systems are fundamental to social, environmental and economic wellbeing. Later in 2015, this project will be part of a field trip for landholders, particularly those working in dairies, to examine natural resources projects on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Tiny bugs make huge impact on prickly pest plants

A recent trial by Natural Resources AMLR staff to identify host-specific biological control agents for problematic prickly pear in the region has shown some success.

In the trial, pest cacti plants were exposed to insects collected from five different wild cochineal populations, with the movement of the cochineal insects onto their preferred host plants monitored during an eight-week period.

The results indicate an effective cochineal insect for the control of Rope Cactus (Cylindropuntia imbricata). An insect population has also been identified to target the Drooping Tree Pear (Opuntia monocantha), which is prevalent throughout the northern and southern river systems.

The next phase is mass-rearing host-specific cochineal treatments and distributing the insects throughout the region.

In an earlier environmental David and Goliath story, in 2012 cochineal scale insects were released on the giant Velvet Tree Pear (Opuntia tomentosa), on the Adelaide Plains.

The insects have been slowly but surely demolishing this weed of national significance. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, the weed competes with native vegetation and causes injury to stock and native animals.

Maintain or increase the productive capacity of agriculture

2 YEAR

TARGET

The giant Velvet Tree Pear under attack from cochineal scale insects, three years on


The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region is an area displaying significant biodiversity, with its varied landscapes home to a range of wildlife. This biodiversity underpins the health of the environment and its ability to support human needs.

Historic and current events have resulted in the loss and ongoing decline of biodiversity. Interventions are required to stem current declines, including: the protection and improvement of existing habitat; the re-creation of additional habitat in areas where species are declining; and the recovery of species at immediate risk of extinction.

Since the majority of land in the region is privately owned, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board supports landholders to undertake collective action.

Improving habitatAs the landscapes of this region have been dramatically altered since European settlement, their protection and improvement is fundamental to biodiversity conservation. In 2014–15, the board focused on this work by providing technical and financial support to 322 landholders across 4,511 hectares of native habitat.

The board also funds Trees For Life’s Bush For Life program to support local volunteers to undertake work across 241 sites. In 2014–15, the program helped 567 volunteers to contribute 32,425 hours of work in protecting and managing 1,522 hectares of remnant bushland.

Re-creating habitatThe re-creation of habitat is critical to reversing declines in animal and plant species and to reinstating basic environmental processes such as pollination. In 2014–15, the board supported the re-creation of 125 hectares of habitat across the region by providing technical and financial support to 119 landholders.

This support also included community-based events, such as the Para Woodlands planting festival, with over 100 volunteers planting almost 10,000 seedlings in just two days.

The board also seeks to improve the practice of large-scale habitat re-creation through the Creating Resilient Landscapes project. This is a partnership between the board, the Australian Government and the University

of Adelaide. The project had previously accomplished planning and baseline monitoring across 22 properties and delivered 1,096 hectares of restoration work, and in 2014–15 completed an additional 12 hectares of re-creation and 298 hectares of habitat improvement.

Threatened speciesA number of species and ecosystems in the region are at immediate risk of extinction in the wild. Targeted work is needed to ensure that they survive. Since 2008–09, the board has supported recovery work of 106 threatened plants, 39 threatened animals and four threatened ecosystems.

The management of threatened plant populations continues to be informed by robust monitoring to identify those sites where species are still declining, as well as those where populations are now on the increase.

A new partnership with the Botanic Gardens of South Australia in 2014–15 saw the establishment of a propagation facility to support the recovery of highly threatened orchids. Wild populations of these species, which cannot be propagated using traditional horticultural practices, can now be increased.

New information was gathered on the distribution of a number of threatened animals in the region during 2014−15. This new material was gathered at events such as the community-based Goanna Watch surveys; coastal surveys for Painted Dragons, the use of remote cameras to detect the presence or absence of Southern Brown Bandicoots, and surveys of the Beautiful Firetail. The results of this work have significantly improved our understanding of the plight of these species and have led to more targeted management to aid their recovery.

In addition to the maintenance of its own biodiversity-management programs, the board also provided funding to assist the work of specialist community groups. This includes the Threatened Plant Action Group, hosted by Nature Conservation Society of SA, which undertook recovery work for 42 threatened plant species, and the community-based Recovery Program for the nationally threatened Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren and Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps, hosted by the Conservation Council of SA.

Biodiversity


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Gawler

Myponga

Willunga

Lobethal

EastwoodAdelaide

Victor Harbor

Mount Pleasant

E

Biodiversity projects undertaken with landholders

Biodiversity protection and rehabilitation projects!


Condition and function of ecosystems

(terrestrial, riparian) recovered from current levels

2 YEAR

TARGET

32,425 volunteer hours volunteers assisted

the planting of 10,000 seedlings

4,511 haof native habitat protected and improved

1,522 ha

ongoing

recoverywork on 106 threatened plants, 29 threatened animals and 4 threatened ecosystems

dedicated to protecting and improving remnant habitat

of remnant habitat protected by 567 volunteers

125 ha of habitat recreated across the region

100

322 landholders supported in protecting and improving native habitat


Dragons on our doorstep

Credit: Jeff Groves

One of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region’s threatened reptiles is proving that beachside dunes along the metropolitan coast are still important habitat for our native species.

Targeted surveys for Painted Dragons (Ctenophorus pictus) in 2014−15 showed that the species is surviving on Adelaide’s metropolitan coastline, despite substantial historic loss of their coastal dune habitat. The dragons were rediscovered in several isolated locations in the dune system between Outer Harbor and Tennyson.

This striking lizard was once likely to have had an almost continuous distribution from Aldinga to Port Adelaide and further north along the Gulf St Vincent coastline. However, recent surveys showed it had contracted to the largest remaining patches of dune habitat along the metropolitan coast.

A surprising find from the surveys was that the coastline north of Port Adelaide, an area assumed to be a stronghold for the species, actually contained few dragons. This highlights how important the small population right on Adelaide’s doorstep is. It also shows there is more going on with Painted Dragon habitat requirements than meets the eye, with weeds possibly making some habitats unsuitable.

These surveys demonstrate how important it is to have good information to underpin and guide our conservation efforts.

Snapshots:

Majestic paddock trees support declining birds

Hutton Vale is an 800-hectare mixed farming property in the rolling hills east of Angaston. The Angas family, descendants of George Fife Angas who was instrumental in establishing South Australia, have owned and managed the property since 1843.

The current custodians, Jan and John Angas, follow a sustainable farming philosophy and have a keen interest in native plants and animals. This led them to contact Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges about opportunities to restore native habitat on the property.

Due to the foresight of the Angas family, the original woodland trees that blanketed the Barossa landscape have largely been retained.

But paddock trees are often the ones which suffer from declining health and aren’t replaced when they die, due to grazing pressure from livestock.

Staff are working with Jan and John to replace these ailing paddock trees and to trial grazing regimes to promote natural tree regeneration.

This will help the Angas family realise their vision for Hutton Vale as a property that supports sustainable production and wildlife long into the future.

Paddock trees provide important habitat for threatened wildlife in a landscape primarily used for production. Declining birds such as the Brown Treecreeper, which has disappeared from much of the Adelaide region, are still present there.

Extent of functional ecosystems (coastal,

estuarine, terrestrial, riparian) increased

to 30% of the region (excluding

urban areas)

2 YEAR

TARGET


Credit: Leo Davis

Focus on rare beauty

Credit: Martin Stokes

The habitat for one of the region’s most threatened bird species is being targeted for large-scale revegetation programs.

The Beautiful Firetail (Stagonopleura bella) is a small grass finch restricted to the damper parts of south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. Unlike some of its close relatives, it is generally confined to intact native vegetation, and is particularly vulnerable to the historic loss and fragmentation of its habitat.

Analysis of historic data indicated that the species has disappeared from much of its former range in the region, prompting targeted survey work to confirm where this rare beauty is still hanging on. Surveys undertaken in 2014–15 confirmed that Deep Creek Conservation Park and surrounds, with the largest remnant vegetation complex on the Fleurieu, contained the only viable population in the region.

Large-scale revegetation and restoration of former grazing land to create habitat suitable for Beautiful Firetails in the park is helping to replace some of what was lost through historical land clearance. This work has been guided by improved knowledge of the species’ habitat requirements and habitat mapping. The survey information is also assisting with prescribed burn planning to ensure that risks to the population are minimised.

The Beautiful Firetail is one of several threatened species associated with dense shrublands – restoring and managing its habitat is likely to be beneficial to a range of other flora and fauna species.

Commitment pays dividends

More than a decade of careful weeding around one of Australia’s most endangered orchid species appears to be paying off, with recent monitoring of the Hindmarsh Valley Greenhood (Pterostylis bryophila) uncovering the highest number of plants ever recorded.

Entire new colonies were also discovered during the surveys and most of the known colonies were flowering well. In all, over 2,500 flowers were recorded!

Hindmarsh Valley Greenhood habitat has been under serious threat from invasive weeds like Bridal Creeper, Bulbil Watsonia, Sweet Pittosporum and Montpellier Broom.

However, thanks to long-term and painstakingly careful weeding efforts by the Threatened Plant Action Group, Friends of Mount Billy Conservation Park and the native Orchid Society of SA, as well as weed control programs funded by the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, these serious weeds are on their way out.

This is exciting news for a species considered to have a high risk of extinction, and it emphasises the value of sustained conservation activities to improve the long-term prospects of threatened species and their habitat.

Improvement in conservation prospects

of native species (terrestrial, aquatic,

marine) from current levels

2 YEAR

TARGET


This year an impressive array of coastal on-ground works at over 67 sites have been delivered in partnership with community, local councils and other regional public land managers. This includes 7.6 kilometres fenced to protect coastal vegetation, 1,103 hectares of weed control, and 77 hectares of revegetation with 24,320 plants.

Works included the Green Army in Yankalilla, on a range of revegetation projects, and an Aboriginal Learning on Country team, on projects along the northern coast.

Volunteers helped plant 1,600 seedlings between St Kilda, Light Beach, Thompson Beach and Parham. Torrens Island Conservation Park community planting day was also a highlight; 500 seedlings were planted with the Kaurna community, the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Largs Bay Primary School children, and representatives from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and Natural Resources AMLR to mark the repatriation of Aboriginal bones at the site.

Weed control works were undertaken from Cape Jervis in the south, up the Fleurieu to Sellicks and north to Tennyson dunes, Torrens Island Conservation Park and Mutton Cove Conservation Reserve.

Other works included significant African Boxthorn control and restoration planning in the Light River area as part of work on 18 project sites as part of the Samphire Coast Icon Project, supported by the Australian Government in parallel with board investment.

The works resulted in 108 hectares of weed control and 19 hectares of revegetation across 11 sites. Approximately 11,000 seedlings were planted and 27 kilograms of seed used for direct seeding.

Shorebirds This area is home to a diverse range of resident and migratory shorebird species. Internationally significant numbers of some species are found here, such as Red-necked Stints and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. The major threats to shorebirds are from loss of roosting and feeding habitat and disturbance.

A range of shorebird conservation initiatives continued with BirdLife Australia, including the Red-capped Plover citizen science program.

Awareness raising relating to the conservation and restoration of saltmarsh was run in collaboration with the University of

South Australia at a two-day forum and field trip. Saltmarsh is an EPBC-listed (environment protection and biodiversity conservation) vegetation community in South Australia.

Over the year, strong linkages, supported by the board, have been developed with the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary. The board has also contributed to the sanctuary’s development and planning, as well as to many of their engagement activities and on-ground works.

SeagrassesThe seagrass rehabilitation trial being conducted offshore from Grange in conjunction with the SA Research and Development Institute is showing good recruitment and survival at small-scale restoration sites. Seedlings planted in 2012 are now well established, with multiple shoots.

Coastal communitiesCoastal Ambassadors training has had over 100 community members complete the course since its inception. Coastal Ambassadors help care for, monitor and protect this unique

environment. To assist them in these activities, they are provided with knowledge and practical

skills gained through field trips, workshops, activities and events.

Coastal citizen science projects continue with the shorebird and beach-nesting bird

projects and Reefwatch project.

Adelaide Dolphin SanctuaryThe Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary team provides strategic advice on marine mammal incidents in the region and statewide. A sperm whale mass stranding in December saw staff provide advice and logistical and operational support to Natural Resources Northern and Yorke, including with the rescue operation, in liaison with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.

Marine parks A trial pilot marine park education program is being developed with five schools. The program incorporates classroom and snorkelling experiences, with the aim of demonstrating the differences between protected and non-protected marine environments. During 2014–15 diver-based biological survey work was conducted with support from the University of Tasmania.

Coast and marine

Halt in the decline of seagrass, reef and other coast,

estuarine and marine habitats and a trend towards restoration

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Coastal on-ground work sites!

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Samphire coast icon project

in marine sanctuary zones since fishing restrictions declared

Coastal on-ground works

24,320 local native seedlings planted1,103 ha weed control 7.6 km fenced to protect coastal sites

2-day forum and field trip onconservationand restorationof saltmarsh

1st scientificdive

100+community members trained as Coastal Ambassadors

Land-based impacts on coastal,

estuarine and marine processes reduced from

current levels

2YEAR

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Snapshots:

Promoting dolphins and their habitat

Education is an important part of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary’s work, helping to increase the community’s understanding of the dolphins and their complex marine environment.

The sanctuary is comprised of mangroves, seagrass, salt marsh, tidal flats, tidal creeks and estuarine rivers, all of which provide vital habitat and food for the dolphins.

To help educate the public to understand and appreciate the resident dolphin population and its supporting habitats, sanctuary staff attended or ran a number of activities.

One major event was Dolphin Day, conducted with sanctuary staff and the ADS Action Group volunteers. The event attracted up to 7,000 people, with many government and non-government organisations participating. Sponsored by the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, Landcare, City of Port Adelaide Enfield and Renewal SA, the day raised awareness of the sanctuary and highlighted ways for the community to become involved.

Other events attended by staff and volunteers throughout 2014−15 were:

• Wild at Hart markets at the new and redeveloped

Hart’s Mill precinct in Port Adelaide

• Marine Fun Day at the SA Museum to promote the new

Marine Parks network

• North Haven Primary School’s Junior Dolphin Ranger

annual training day at the SA Maritime Museum

• community engagement days at boat ramps

within the sanctuary

• the Adelaide Boat Show

• presentations and a public talk at the 3rd International

Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas.

First scientific dive surveys in sanctuary zones

A team of scientific divers surveyed Marine Park sanctuary zones for the first time since fishing restrictions came into force in October 2014.

The areas surveyed in this region were located around Aldinga, Carrickalinga Head and Rapid Head on the Fleurieu Peninsula and were part of local and international efforts to assess the importance of marine reef ecosystems.

Many animals and seaweeds of the southern Australian waters are found nowhere else in the world, while the rocky reefs in South Australia have greater biodiversity than the Great Barrier Reef.

The data collected are contributing to an international project called Reef Life Survey, which monitors and reports on biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources.

Divers recorded sightings of the reclusive Blue Devil Fish and large schools of reef fish, including Silver and Black Old Wives in the Rapid Head Sanctuary Zone.

This dive is the start of the annual monitoring program that looks for any changes in the size and numbers of marine species in the sanctuary zones as the years progress. The monitoring contributes to the assessment of the health of our reefs and the effectiveness of marine parks and sanctuary zones into the future.

All coast, estuarine and marine water

resources meet water quality guidelines to protect defined

environmental values

2 YEAR

TARGET


Yalu Jiang reserve in north-east China where shorebirds from the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary have been seen en route to their Arctic breeding grounds. Credit: Mingyu Lui

International bird sanctuary takes flight

A bird sanctuary second only to the Coorong in size and significance is being created on Adelaide’s northern coast, following the purchase of 2,300 hectares of land in 2014−15 by the South Australian Government.

The 60-kilometre Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, which stretches from Barker Inlet to Parham, will help to protect this internationally significant habitat to stem the growing population loss of migratory shorebirds.

At the peak of the summer migration season, over 25,000 birds gather there, with many coming from as far afield as Alaska and northern Asia. More than 200 species have been recorded and, as little is known about many of these shorebirds, a range of on-ground and research work has been conducted.

Since 2008, Natural Resources AMLR, with researchers and volunteers from Birdlife Australia and Birds SA, have monitored shorebirds as part of the national Shorebird 2020 program. Banding work with the Victorian Wader Studies Group and Friends of Shorebirds South East is also leading to a better understanding of shorebird migrations.

A number of banded birds have since been photographed on migration in China, as they make their way from our shores through Asia to their Arctic breeding grounds.

The sanctuary is also building on the work of the Samphire Coast Icon Project, led by Natural Resources AMLR with Birdlife Australia. The ongoing commitment to monitor and conserve the area, along with educating people about its value has created a strong basis for the future of the sanctuary.

A seabird refuge on Adelaide’s edge

Australian Pelican crèche, Bird Island Credit: Tony Flaherty

Offshore from Port Adelaide, a small but significant island has been forming. Bird Island at Section Bank started as a small sand spit when the Outer Harbor breakwater was built in the 1960s and was consolidated with dredging deposits in the 1970s. The island has since been stabilised by saltmarsh and other vegetation and is now a significant bird colony.

The area provides an important breeding rookery for seabirds and hosts the state’s largest Australian Pelican colony outside the Coorong, as well as small colonies of Caspian Tern and the endangered Fairy Tern. The breakwater supports the largest known colony of Black-faced Cormorants as well as providing a haul-out for the threatened Australian Sea Lion. Silver Gulls and many waterbirds also breed there.

The island is also important for migratory shorebirds, with thousands feeding on adjacent tidal flats. Resident shorebirds are also abundant.

Part of the island is owned by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, while other parts are under the control of Flinders Ports. As the island sits within the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, Natural Resources AMLR negotiated a memorandum of understanding between the port managers and state agencies for collaborative conservation management.

A biodiversity action plan was developed and researchers identified introduced rats as a key threat to bird populations, along with dogs brought by boat or kayak. To help conserve the island’s wildlife, a rat control program was undertaken along with ongoing weed control and bird monitoring.


Volunteers contribute nearly $5 billion a year to the state’s economy. More than 900,000 South Australians volunteer, making a huge difference to our lives and our communities. In the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region 7,346 volunteers contributed close to 137,000 hours of board-funded work, which converts to $4,096,785 during 2014−15.

In its community outreach role, the board worked with Channel Nine’s ‘South Aussie with Cosi’ on two segments which screened in late 2014 and early 2015 showing viewers how some of the NRM levy is spent. In these shows, the value and purpose of prescribed burns in national parks and the long-term watercourse rehabilitation of Breakout Creek were described.

Community-run natural resource centresTo help extend its environmental message and works in the community, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board funds community-run natural resource centres. These centres continue to grow in reputation and success, with the eight existing centres collectively holding more than 300 events in 2014−15 and attracting over 6,200 people.

The board provided $416,512 to support these centres, with the centre staff converting this into 18,637 hours of volunteer time worth $559,110.

A new natural resource centre in Adelaide, in partnership with Conservation Council SA, will soon join the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Bushgardens, Gawler, Mount Pleasant, Norton Summit, Willunga, Normanville and Victor Harbor centres as a hub for information and activities on biodiversity and sustainability.

VolunteersTo celebrate the time, passion and achievements of the volunteers with whom the board and staff work, ‘thank you’ events were held across the region, with close to 230 volunteers attending. These events also provided a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to share their group’s achievements and to network with other volunteers and staff.

Thanks to the work of volunteers, with support from staff, the on-ground results for 2014−15 included three erosion-control projects, the planting of 11,700 seedlings and 1,033 hectares of weed control.

Two new community groups now work with staff: the Inman Valley Community Hall and the Myponga Beach Progress Association.

Assistance to volunteers also includes direct funding via NRM Action Grants. These grants fund activities that help communities and schools to promote the sustainable management of their region’s natural resources. One such example is the new nature play space at Flagstaff Oval Kindergarten. The area is used for puppet shows, dress-ups, picnics, storybook reading, mini-beast searching and bird watching. During 2014−15, 43 schools/pre-schools received a total of $73,000, while project partners contributed the equivalent of $118,531 in cash and in-kind contributions. The 35 community projects that received funding of $137,240 matched this with $384,064 in cash and in-kind contributions.

Through the board, insurance for 70 community groups was provided for personal injury and public liability.

Training and skill buildingVolunteer support staff provided technical and project management expertise to 69 environmental projects in 2014–15.

Nine training sessions for 82 participants assisted in building the on-ground capacity of volunteers. These sessions included plant identification, woody weed control, herbicide use and application, 4x4 vehicle training, the use of nature maps, weed biological control agents, first aid training and introductory bush regeneration workshops.

In addition to this training, staff worked with volunteers to expand on these skills in the field, providing site-specific information, along with the tools, equipment and contractor support for undertaking these tasks.

Aboriginal engagementExpanding on last year’s Aboriginal Learning on Country (ALoC) pilot program, 4.5 full-time equivalent Aboriginal staff were employed during 2014−15. The on-ground works in which they participate build their skills for employment opportunities in the environmental sector. With the assistance of the Aboriginal Lands Trust, the team is being supported to be an independent and sustainable enterprise.

Communities


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Community volunteer projects!

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Community-run natural resource centres and volunteer projects

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New community natural resource centre established in centre of Adelaide


over1,000 ha of weed control undertaken by volunteer community groups

$210,240 of NRM Action Grants awarded to 78 school and community projects

Aboriginal cultural mapping of the City of Charles Sturt’s reach of the River Torrens begun

4,096,785 of in-kind effort contributed by community volunteer groups and individuals

11,700 seedlingsprovided to volunteers for revegetation projects

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Increase participation in natural resources

management activities by 20%

2 YEAR

TARGET


Urban enviro hub

A revamped bus station in Adelaide’s CBD is to be a new ‘front door’ for the environment and nature, providing an easily accessible place for people of all ages to connect with groups and activities.

The Joinery is an environmental hub and houses South Australia’s first urban natural resource centre (NRC). The location at 111 Franklin Street is close to the Central Markets.

At the June opening, the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, the Hon Ian Hunter, explained that The Joinery aims to reach beyond the usual supporters, to inspire a broad audience through new partnerships, collaborations and innovative ideas.

A welcoming common space, with a café and library planned for the future, leads to a series of shop fronts for community groups. Outside, a bike workshop and a community garden provide access to hands-on activities that help to support the quality of the urban environment.

Other tenants at The Joinery include Conservation SA, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Minimal Disturbance Bushcare, Common Ground, and the Bicycle Institute of SA Community Bike Workshop.

This collective, along with the Adelaide NRC, creates a space where almost anyone’s interests or questions about the environment, sustainability and getting involved can

be answered.

Snapshots:

Celebrating volunteers

To show its appreciation, the board runs annual ‘thank you’ events for the community groups it directly supports.

Volunteer celebrations were held at Aldinga, Hewett and in the Wittunga Botanic Gardens to thank all our passionate volunteers for the dedicated work they do towards restoring and improving our unique natural environment.

The events included guest speakers on topics from butterflies and bats to weeds and native orchids, while various groups led guided walks through their projects.

The celebrations were also an opportunity to give recognition to the volunteer groups celebrating major milestones this year:

• 30-year anniversary for the Friends of Belair

• 25-year anniversary for the Friends of Kaiserstuhl,

Cobbler Creek, Marino and Scott Creek

• 20-year anniversary for the Friends

of Brownhill Creek.

The following volunteers received Premier’s Certificates for Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards:

• Tom Hands – Friends of Scott Creek

Conservation Park

• Tony Vincent – Friends of Charleston and

volunteer at Cudlee Creek Conservation Park

and the Sampson Flat Recovery Centre

• John Bollinger – Friends of O’Halloran Hill,

Secretary and member for over 20 years.Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, the Honourable Ian Hunter; Conservation Council SA CEO, Craig Wilkinson; Governor of South Australia, the Honourable Hieu Van Le; Conservation Council of SA President, Nadia McLaren


Aboriginal Learning on Country, transition to sustainability

During 2014−15 the Aboriginal Learning on Country program made great progress towards environmental sustainability and its establishment as a competitive fee-for-service contracting operation.

One of the first fee-for-service contracts undertaken by the team included revegetation work at Long Gully in Belair National Park, with the planting of local manna gum (Eucalyptus viminalis subs. viminalis) and associated vegetation species.

Ranger Jen Pitman, who contracted the job, said that the team successfully planted over 1,000 native plants, which will help stabilise the soil following construction works and beautify the picnic ground for park visitors.

Another early contract was to give Highbury Aqueduct a makeover by contributing to the beginnings of a walking trail with the removal of blackberry patches.

The participants showed determination to learn and grow as a works team and made a positive impact on the Natural Resources staff with whom they worked along the way. This success built on last year’s pilot program, run in conjunction with the Aboriginal Lands Trust.

The combination of certified training, on-the-job experience, assistance in establishing a business model and complying with the department’s contracting systems has ensured that the participants engaged with this program are able to move beyond training into real and ongoing work.

Volunteering rocks!

Volunteers work alongside staff in our national parks, on coastal waters and beach areas, council reserves, in dolphin and bird sanctuaries and more. The two projects described below focused on volunteer work in erosion control in creeks.

Over 40 tonnes of rock were used to rebuild a Crafers creek to reduce erosion and improve the environment for people, plants and frogs. The major earth works in the creek running through Protea Park and the Michael Moran Reserve will reduce erosion and allow for extensive revegetation of the area. The work will also improve water quality in the lower Onkaparinga River catchment.

Several thousand native rushes, sedges and grasses were planted by the Friends of Protea Park to revegetate the area and provide habitat for local wildlife.

The $32,000 project was funded by Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges and the Adelaide Hills Council.

Further south, erosion control works at Hackham Creek were conducted with 20 volunteers and the Hackham Creek Minders community group, who worked with staff to install ‘living bags’ in the creek’s frog pond.

Students from Tatachilla Lutheran College and members of Balanced Habitats planted over 500 sedges and rushes into sandbags, inserting them into the creek bed to slow fast flows, minimise erosion and establish new habitat for frogs.


Water is vital to life and the management of this resource is important to the environment and our health. Water also supports the economic and social wellbeing of a community of 1.2 million people and an economy worth billions of dollars.

Managing stormwater Stormwater harvesting schemes during 2014–15 focused on waterproofing eastern Adelaide, encompassing the Town of Walkerville and the cities of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and Burnside.

Three stormwater management plans have now been completed, with an additional 19 currently under development in 2014–15. Financial support is being provided by the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board to begin stormwater management planning on four catchment areas: Lower Sturt River, Kalimna Creek, Gawler, and Lefevre Peninsula.

A total of 673 tonnes of gross pollutants were removed from creeks in the Torrens and Patawalonga catchments through 21 traps owned and maintained by the board, some in partnership with local government. Over 3,000 tonnes were also prevented from entering the Patawalonga Lake and Gulf St Vincent via a sedimentation basin and gross pollutant trap at Watson Avenue, Netley. A major upgrade to this facility improved its rubbish and sediment-trapping performance, making it easier and more cost-effective to maintain.

Cost-share agreements were signed with the Adelaide Hills and Campbelltown City councils and the cities of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and Burnside on traps owned by them in the Torrens catchment. The board also covers the cleaning and maintenance costs of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens First Creek trap.

Water sensitive urban designWater Sensitive SA (WSSA) began in November 2014, with financial support from the board and its partners. In the short time since its establishment, WWSA has completed a plan and investment prospectus and almost completed its website, delivered two seminars and a training workshop and held more than 40 face-to-face meetings with partners and prospective partners.

Improving urban watercourses During 2014−15 the board worked with a number of local governments on projects to improve biodiversity and water quality. The Gawler Urban Rivers Biodiversity Project, in partnership with the Town of Gawler, undertook weed removal, revegetation and erosion control at 18 sites along a one-kilometre reach of Gawler River, with over 6,300 seedlings planted across one hectare.

Works along Waterfall Creek at Hallett Cove included weed removal, revegetation and erosion control at eight sites along a 400-metre section. Over 3,800 seedlings were planted across 1.3 hectares, with five rock chutes and three wooden drop weirs constructed to manage erosion.

The River Torrens Recovery Project controlled weeds along 19 hectares of the river, revegetated 2.5 hectares, constructed a gross pollutant trap and designed four rain gardens. This project, funded by the Australian Government, is scoped and managed by Natural Resources AMLR with on-ground works delivered by eight local governments and SA Water.

The lower River Torrens and Torrens Lake dilution flows successfully kept blue-green algae below the critical levels that would see the lake closed. This trial work was evaluated by Adelaide University in collaboration with the CSIRO and reviewed by the Goyder Institute, confirming its success. In tandem with this work, a trial using hydrogen peroxide as an algaecide was completed in raised pools adjacent to the river, with the first stage showing promise and no off-target damage to aquatic biota. The trial is being run with the Environment Protection Authority, SA Water and the Adelaide City Council.

In 2014–15, a project to change the source of water to St Peters Billabong from stormwater to a cleaner source of groundwater progressed, with new stormwater drainage works completed in Eighth Avenue and pipework reconfigured on the River Torrens.

Groundwater quality During 2014–15 a septic tanks upgrade project assisted 88 homeowners to upgrade their tanks. This project is run with the Adelaide Hills Council, SA Water, the Environment Protection Authority and SA Health.

Water management

The region will have the system

capacity to harvest up to 35 GL of

stormwater and 50 GL of wastewater

per annum

2YEAR

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stormwater harvesting scheme commenced with local governments to waterproof eastern Adelaide

water sensitive urban design capacity-building program launched, attracting widespread interest

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blue-green algae successfully kept below the critical levels that would close the Torrens Lake

floodplain mapping and stormwater management

plans being developed with local government

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3,673 tonnes of sediment and gross pollutants prevented from migrating along creeks of the

Torrens and Patawalonga catchments and out to sea


Snapshots:

Upgrade improves water quality and appeal

To help improve the quality of urban stormwater flowing to the sea, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board operates strategically located gross pollutant traps throughout the River Torrens and Patawalonga catchments.

One of these, located at Watson Avenue, Netley, recently underwent improvements, as it had deteriorated over time, which affected its litter-trapping performance.

The improvements were designed in consultation with the facility’s key stakeholders − the City of West Torrens, SA Water and Adelaide Airport Limited − and included feedback from the Netley Residents Association, with staff attending a meeting with the group to share information about the work and to gather their views.

The works, which were completed in July 2015, included functional enhancements to improve gross pollutant capture.

At the same time the amenity of the site was enhanced with landscape planting of indigenous species and relocation of the bike path away from the area where heavy machinery cleans the trash rack and sediment basin.

The team appreciated the positive response they received from the residents’ association, which included special acknowledgement of the designers and planners.

Every year this trap captures over 2,000 tonnes of litter, organic debris and sediment from Brown Hill and Keswick creeks before they flow to the sea. With these improvements, the amount captured at this site is expected to increase.

Water-sensitive cities

Water Sensitive SA was set up in late 2014 to help transform South Australian cities and towns into water-sensitive communities by making water-sensitive urban design integral to urban development and major projects.

Water-sensitive urban design ideas include rain gardens, wetlands and the reuse of stormwater. This approach is driven by the need to have sufficient water for green open spaces and to protect our rivers and the sea.

Water Sensitive SA will help planners, urban designers, engineers, landscape architects, scientists and other professionals to access the latest information, training and networking events, the aim being to encourage people and organisations to integrate water management into the way our cities and towns are built.

In the short time it has been operating, the organisation, with financial support from the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board and its partners, has delivered seminars and training, including with the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities on research priorities.

Other partners are the cities of Burnside, Charles Sturt, Marion, Playford, Port Adelaide Enfield and Salisbury; the Environment Protection Authority and the Australian Government National Landcare Programme funding for the Catchment to Coast project; Local Government Association of SA; Local Government Research and Development Scheme; SA Water; and Stormwater SA.

Credit: Fifth Creek Studio


Fish monitoring in the lower River Torrens

The River Torrens is a highly modified waterway flowing through the heart of Adelaide, but recent monitoring has shown continuing positive changes to the health of the river.

Every year the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board funds projects in this catchment and along the river to improve its condition.

These projects include: the release of environmental flows, at the right frequency, at the right time of year and for the right length of time to sustain ecological health; the installation of fish ladders to improve the movement of fish along the river; the improvement of local aquatic habitat through weed control and revegetation works; and the trialling of dilution flows through Torrens Lake to reduce the risk of blue-green algae.

Conducting regular fish monitoring is a good way to evaluate the overall impact of these projects, fish being an indicator of watercourse health.

Restoring fish communities of the lower River Torrens, a report released in 2014−15, showed how these projects created important habitat for fish to breed in, with the fish ladders ensuring access to them. Fish ladders have also been successful for specialist fish to migrate between the river and the sea, allowing them to complete their life cycle.

A good result for the river and for the fish.

Rehabilitating Gawler’s rivers

Nestled at the point at which the North and South Para rivers converge to form the Gawler River, the Town of Gawler was the first official township outside Adelaide, established in 1857.

From this time, these rivers were significantly modified, resulting in the loss of indigenous vegetation and biodiversity, erosion, poor water quality and the introduction of weed species, all of which have affected the health of the rivers.

Today, the Gawler Urban Rivers Biodiversity Project is in its second year, and is targeting the rehabilitation of urban creeks around Gawler, with the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management Board and the Town of Gawler jointly funding and working together on its design, construction and delivery.

In 2014−15 major erosion control works were undertaken at 12 sites along a one-kilometre reach of the Gawler River, adjacent to Reid Reserve.

The base of steep eroding banks was fenced to capture leaf litter, debris and eroding sediment to help stabilise the area, while steep banks were reshaped to improve stability, and large rocks were installed to protect other areas from eroding. Other work involved weed removal, including large woody weeds such as Pepper Trees and Desert Ash, and the planting of 6,300 seedlings at an additional six sites.

This work will go a long way to providing significant ecological, social, recreational and cultural benefits to the town.

Aquatic ecosystems and groundwater

condition is maintained or improved

2 YEAR

TARGET


NRM Education helps school and preschool communities to plan and manage ongoing sustainability initiatives. These include Youth Voice activities, Education for Sustainability, professional development training for teachers, engagement with nature links to the curriculum and more.

During 2014−15, 1,634 teachers and 4,550 students in 262 schools and preschools were involved in the development of new school environment management plans, including the provision of technical advice and resources. These plans help students to take action to improve the local environment and live more sustainable lifestyles. They also lead to an improvement in the educational and environmental outcomes linked to the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework.

This involvement also included 71 training events for 1,384 staff from 247 schools and preschools and the development of more than one hundred Engaging with Nature resources, which were utilised by 755 teachers from 233 schools to reconnect 1,477 students to the natural world.

Partnering for stronger outcomesA tool to measure culture change in schools and preschools was developed in collaboration with the Department of Education and Child Development (DECD) and Catholic Education South Australia (CESA).

NRM Education’s work with DECD has strengthened programs and improved existing communications with schools and preschools. The work with CESA has seen the establishment of a partnership to support culture change at individual schools as well as through new school clusters.

Using this school and preschool cluster approach with CESA enables staff to mentor, model success and share expertise. A new early years cluster has been developed in the Mitcham Hills, involving seven sites, while a cluster of 20 sites in the Happy Valley area continues to progress strongly.

Running professional development coursesEducation for Sustainability provides the ‘big ideas’ that combine the general capabilities and content from various subject areas in the Australian Curriculum.

NRM Education ran two Education for Sustainability network sessions and four Educators Network events for 73 educators from local, state and non-government organisations. These sessions encourage sharing and

cross-promotion and build the capacity of educators to incorporate Education for Sustainability into their program design and delivery.

In addition, the partnership with Nature Play SA continues to expand, with NRM Education presenting to 300 school and preschool staff at five Nature Play SA professional development events.

Youth actionNRM Education supports students to become involved in decision-making, planning and taking action via Young Environmental Leader forums, leadership programs, Youth Voice, mentoring and the Youth Environment Council.

The breadth of the projects and activities undertaken by students supported across these areas has been diverse and include: animal habitat construction; food garden development; leadership roles in school environmental management planning; the development of school sustainability visions; and the establishment of composting systems.

Young Environmental Leader forums support school environment groups to develop skills that encourage culture change in their school communities. In 2014−15 these forums included a one-day outdoor workshop that brought together 169 students from 34 schools. Students learnt how to develop projects to support local biodiversity.

The end-of-year events for the Youth Environment Leadership Program were successful, with 177 students from 30 schools learning from each other and sharing ideas for projects for 2016.

Youth mentoring support was provided to 395 teachers and 1,029 students through 280 events, and included school visits, providing resources, assisting with school planning, and general support activities.

The Youth Environment Council is a statewide initiative run by the NRM Education team with support from DECD. A workshop and an end-of-year forum, attended by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, the Hon. Ian Hunter, saw the culmination of the 2014 program and involved 50 students from across the state. The students gave creative presentations of their environmentally themed displays using 3D models, posters and videos.

In 2015 the council expanded with the addition of seven new mentors and 53 new students.

NRM education



1,384staff from 247 schools and preschools attended 71 training events

Education for Sustainability networking events attended by 73 educators from local, state and non-government organisations

169 students from 34 schools brought together through

Young Environmental Leader forums

1,477 students and 755 teachers from 233 schools supported with Engaging with Nature resources

1,029 studentsand 395 teachers supported through youth mentoring program

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School activity sites

NRM Education school activity sites!


Snapshots:

Learning from nature

NRM Education, in partnership with the City of Mitcham, Urrbrae Agricultural High School and Nature Play SA, held a nature play day at Urrbrae Wetland.

Two hundred children and their parents spent the day exploring the local environment and undertaking activities such as catching and identifying water insects, making birds’ nests, spotting local bird species, building cubbies and creating nature-based art.

Providing children with these opportunities allows them to experience nature first-hand, which then gives them physical, cognitive and emotional benefits through activities that involve risk taking, discovery, exploration, imagination, team work and cooperation.

The Urrbrae Wetland Learning Centre provided children with access to equipment to support their investigations, including microscopes to help them to discover the detail and variety of the species found. Records of these species have been submitted to the Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges monitoring program.

These partnerships help to spread the message about the importance of nature in an urban context, providing those attending with new skills, as well as ideas on how they can spend more time outdoors engaging with their environment.

Creative ideas help promote sustainability

Students from across South Australia shared and celebrated sustainability achievements in their schools and local communities at NRM Education’s final Youth Environment Council forum at Cleland Wildlife Park.

Students displayed their project to parents/caregivers and invited guests, including the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, the Hon. Ian Hunter. The informative and engaging displays included 3D models, posters, videos, surveys and games, with the themes addressed ranging from global issues such as palm oil and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, to local issues of revegetation and water conservation.

Earlier in the year student council representatives met in the Adelaide Botanic Garden to explore their connection to the environment and meet their new student mentors. The student mentors had been members of last year’s Youth Environment Council and were chosen because of their demonstrated leadership and role-modelling skills. The creative and informative projects explored and developed during the year – and showcased at the Youth Environment Council forum − were the result of work with mentors, and contributions from teachers, fellow council members and NRM Education staff.

The NRM Education team is extremely proud of all council members for their hard work, dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the year.


Award-winning map

Our Big Backyard is a project developed for the Aldinga and Sellicks Beach community, winning a prestigious Children’s Week Award from the Children’s Week Association of SA.

The project involved consulting the community about the location of key natural assets in the local area and investigating what children most like doing outdoors. With this information, participants in the project developed a map of the area that highlighted activities in which children aged under 12 years could participate with their family. The activities include making mud gloves, fossil hunting and searching for tadpoles.

The project aims to connect families with their local area, and in turn encourage closer connections between each other and their community. Requiring little preparation, the activities are all designed to be enjoyed in the natural environment and to foster children’s curiosity, appreciation and understanding of their local environment.

NRM Education staff co-created the resource, provided advice on the activities to include on the map and hints on looking after the environment, and facilitated ‘Come and try’ events for local families.

The program is a collaboration between Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, the City of Onkaparinga and Aldinga Beach Children’s Centre.

NRM Education is now involved in developing a similar project for the Christies area.

English, maths, art and science in the garden

Teachers looking for ideas to increase learning outcomes for junior primary students attended a workshop to hear what one school had accomplished in their garden.

Allenby Gardens Primary School teacher Mary-Alice Williams and garden coordinator Vicki Coard developed such a program in their school’s garden.

They found that it yielded astonishing results, especially for the students with complex special needs.

Using play-based learning as a springboard for engaging students in english, maths, science and art, the teachers found that students’ learning outcomes, such as written language development, ‘had improved markedly compared with previous years, prior to this program starting’.

The workshop included a tour of the garden and a presentation by Mary-Alice and Vicki about their approach to play-based learning, concluding with informal discussions on the project and a look at the range of NRM Education resources available to support learning in school gardens.

These included a ‘Butterfly garden identification chart’, a food garden resources table with links to the curriculum, and units of work for native birds and food gardens.


Planning and evaluation

Our capacity to manage the natural environment improves with our greater understanding of it and the physical demands placed upon natural resources.

A changing climate This year Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges conducted a review of the vulnerability of some areas of primary production in the region in the face of climate change. Consultation with industry bodies and government stakeholders is now being undertaken to determine how to strengthen the climate resilience of these farming sectors.

Financial and in-kind support was also provided to climate change adaptation projects in the region: Resilient South (led by the City of Onkaparinga); Resilient East (led by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters); AdaptWest (led by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield); Barossa (led by Barossa Regional Development Australia); Resilient Hills and Coasts (led by Alexandrina Council); and Adapting Northern Adelaide (led jointly with the cities of Playford and Salisbury).

Creating an equitable water levy across the region A significant investigation was undertaken during 2014–15 on the introduction of the water levy in the Western Mount Lofty Ranges, with the aim of creating an equitable water levy across the region. The investigation included economic modelling; consultation with industry groups; and informing water licence holders. Among other things, the investigations resulted in the rate being reduced from $10/ML to $6/ML and the levy being based fully on allocation, where it had previously been based on use and allocation.

Monitoring Monitoring in the region tracks the changing condition of natural resources. The highlights for 2014−15 include three new programs: river-estuarine fish monitoring to investigate biodiversity and the stock of freshwater fish populations across the lower Fleurieu Peninsula, Western and Northern Mount Lofty Ranges; native vegetation condition monitoring, with preliminary investigations started; and an innovative early-detection program to monitor marine bio-fouling and pest species at three recreational boating marinas in Adelaide.

Ongoing monitoring during 2014−15 included that of surface water at 38 sites, combined with biodiversity monitoring, such

as fish and macro-invertebrates, which helps to provide a more robust picture of ecosystem health. With the assistance of 250 volunteers at 38 sites, the third community litter survey was completed to determine the origin of marine debris in Gulf St Vincent.

The long-term monitoring program of woodland birds, implemented with the Nature Conservation Society of SA, focused on areas of key knowledge gaps in 2014−15 such as heathlands, low rainfall forests, and vegetation communities in the north of the region.

Planning to secure sustainable water useWater allocation plans ensure that water resources are allocated fairly and that secure, sustainable water supplies are available for the community, industry and the environment for future generations.

These plans are regularly reviewed to ensure they are based on the best available science and adequately deal with community concerns. In 2014−15 the focus was on the development of an Adelaide Plains Water Allocation

Plan and amendment of the plan for the Barossa.

Scientific investigations were conducted on hydrological and hydrogeological systems in the Barossa to refine understandings of surface and

groundwater resources. This information will inform policy options and be taken to the local community

for consultation on the development of sustainable extraction limits and to ensure that the plan addresses both socioeconomic and environmental requirements.

The new plan for the Adelaide Plains will include the Central Adelaide and Dry Creek areas for the first time, as well as the Northern Adelaide Plains. Scientific investigations on the capacity of the water resources of the Northern Adelaide Plains were also completed. This new information will be taken to stakeholders for input to the development of the draft plan.

Improving development planning for better outcomesLocal government planners were engaged during 2014−15, to assist them to better understand natural resources management policy in their development plans. This project will be further developed in the context of the South Australian Government’s new planning legislation being presented to state parliament and the updated 30-Year Plan being finalised in late 2015.

• All water resources used within sustainable

yield (allowing for variability)

2 YEAR

TARGET



Climate change review

Technical investigations to support the new Adelaide Plains Water Allocation Plan completed

Expanded woodland bird monitoring into heathlands, low rainfall forests and vegetation communities in the north

new monitoring programs on estuary fish, marine bio-fouling and native vegetation

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Planning and evaluation

water monitoring sites!

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marine pest monitoring sites!

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Engagement with local government to assist planners to understand natural resources management issues

to strengthen resilience in farming sectors


Snapshots:

Working with local government on land use planning

Engaging with local government was a focus in 2014−15, the aim being to build on existing partnerships and forge new connections.

Local government is a key stakeholder in the delivery of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Plan, which means that it is important for natural resources staff to work collaboratively with council colleagues across a multitude of areas.

One way to accomplish this is through land use planning. Local government is responsible for assessing land use applications against the local natural, social and economic principles contained in council development plans. During 2014−15 councils sent through over 128 referrals for Natural Resources AMLR to advise on issues relating to strategy, policy and assessment.

A series of feedback sessions were held with rural and peri-urban councils, while urban councils were surveyed to collect information on how the natural resources management policy contained in council development plans translates into land use decision-making. This detailed work highlighted particular issues across watercourse management, biodiversity and animal management that could be enhanced.

Engaging with these councils has helped to generate awareness of council processes and initiated an exploration into how council processes can be better supported in collaborating to meet the goals and targets contained in the region’s NRM plan.

Climate vulnerability in the agricultural sector

In 2014–15, the board commissioned an assessment of the climate vulnerability of the agricultural sectors across the region. These sectors are: viticulture; perennial and annual horticulture; annual cropping; extensive livestock; and dairy.

The conclusion was that a number of factors will impact on these farming practices:

1. Warmer summers accelerate wine grape and perennial fruit development. This can shift sensitive fruit-ripening stages from a milder late summer and autumn towards a hotter mid-summer. Although options are available to deal with this shift, in the longer term some changes in the varieties used may be advisable.

2. Winter warming means that the chilling required for perennial horticulture is reduced. This may challenge high-chill crops such as cherries.

3. More frequent and severe extreme heat events are of greater concern than increases in average temperatures. Crop damage is likely when these events correspond with critical life-cycle stages such as wheat flowering, and apples and wine grape ripening.

4. As rainfall decreases, growers may demand extra irrigation due to the higher evaporation associated with warmer conditions, and to ease the impacts of more frequent and extreme heatwaves.

Industry bodies and government stakeholders are being consulted to determine how these results can be used to strengthen climate resilience in the region’s most climatically vulnerable agricultural sectors.

Credit: Image courtesy of MVGWTA, Dragan Radocaj photographer


Trialling low flows on farm dams

The Mount Lofty Ranges is a productive area for farming, and thousands of dams and watercourse diversions have been built to capture water.

A new trial is underway to help producers keep farming productive, while allowing small amounts of water to flow downstream at the right times, and in the right amounts.

As most land managers know, keeping the environment sustainable while maintaining productivity is important.

Dams and watercourse diversions impede natural flow paths, capture water, reduce downstream flow volumes and change flow patterns in catchments. This puts catchment health at risk and may have an impact on the businesses and communities that rely on a healthy, productive environment.

To better balance these two needs, trials have been designed to obtain low flows from dams to improve the health of our catchments and water quality, help stabilise creek beds and support long-term water security. The trials are being conducted on four private properties in the Western Mount Lofty Ranges (Oakbank, Biggs Flat, Myponga and Back Valley) to test different methods. They will showcase on-ground variables such as dams of different capacities and in different locations within catchments; rainfall variation and flow patterns; the effect on commercial water users, as well as stock and domestic water users; and the ease at which sites can be monitored.

The objective is to ensure that, after rain events, a small share of the flow passes downstream, in a way that maintains water allocations and benefits both water users and catchment health.

Marine pest pilot to help protect biodiversity

The region’s coastal and marine environments encompass approximately 463.9 km2.

Providing a range of ecosystem services and ecologically valuable habitats (for example, seagrass, reef systems), they act as important breeding, nursery and foraging environments for local, itinerant and migratory species.

The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, together with the Kangaroo Island board, are now piloting a year-long DNA study to investigate the role that local marinas play in the establishment and potential transport of marine bio-fouling pest organisms and the risks they may pose to marine biodiversity.

The spread of marine pests via recreational and commercial hull fouling, ballast, bilge and floating marine debris has the potential to impact on our social, ecological and economical systems, generating significant costs for their ongoing management or complete eradication.

This study is expected to assist our understanding of the potential threat from these organisms and follows on from the marine pest program across Gulf St Vincent, which aims to establish baseline information and DNA profiles of key marine pests: the European Green Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas); Japanese Seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida); Northern Pacific Sea Star (Asterias amurensis); and Vase Tunicate (Ciona intestinalis).

Credit: Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board


Our parks and reserves

National parks provide an opportunity to encounter and learn more about South Australia’s unique plants and wildlife, and during 2014−15 Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges gave people more incentives to visit.

The region supports 63 national parks and reserves, totalling 19,324 hectares of land, although the number and area of land have been reduced due to boundary changes. Natural Resources SA Murray-Darling Basin now manages the reserves excised from the area originally managed by Natural Resources AMLR.

The region also includes 11,800 hectares within the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and six Marine Park Sanctuary Zones, covering 24,251 hectares in total.

Connecting people with parksDuring 2014−15 Belair National Park held an open day, with over 5,000 visitors enjoying tennis, orienteering, bush walking, bike riding, nature play, picnicking, dog walking, searching for water insects in Playford Lake − and much more. This will now be an annual event.

NRM Education’s Parks and Schools pilot, a collaboration between the education team and park rangers, was launched in the park with around 400 adults and children attending. A resource pack was provided, which linked to Nature Play SA’s Passport for Kids. NRM Education held bird watching and macro-invertebrate sessions to launch their teacher pack, while rangers provided bike tours for families on some of the park tracks.

A teacher training day was run by rangers at Para Wirra Recreation Park to improve teacher confidence in conducting field days with students. Up to 300 people visited on the park’s Discovery Day and participated in guided walks, orienteering, bike riding, insect hunting and storytelling in a giant inflatable echidna. A special event was the ranger-hosted camp on Saturday night, which 80 people enjoyed.

Deep Creek Conservation Park Open Day attracted approximately 1,000 people, with the numbers visiting the park increasing later in the year when the park became Nature Play’s ‘park of the month’. Other parks of the month included Encounter Marine Park, Hallett Cove and Deep Creek conservation parks, Para Wirra Recreation Park and Belair National Park.

Around 130 people from southern Adelaide enjoyed an open day in Onkaparinga Recreation Park and joined in the kayaking, bicycling and walks with rangers.

Morialta Conservation Park celebrated 100 years with a program of events throughout the year, including a travelling exhibition of historic photographs that bring to life the park’s rich history. The celebrations were coordinated by Natural Resources AMLR, Friends of Black Hill and Morialta, the University of South Australia and the South Australian Museum.

Community input into improving the park experiencePark facilities north and south of the region are getting an upgrade through a project supported by the South Australian Government. Extensive community consultation in 2014−15 informed the scope of the projects and the $8.9 million available will go towards implementing the initiatives in the following financial year.

An announcement is expected soon on the detailed projects that will be delivered over the next three years for these parks.

Healthy hearts in parksTo help people to connect to nature while being active, the South Australian Government committed $1.5 million to develop the Mount Lofty Ranges into an international mountain bike destination.

The project will involve creating a network of new cycling trails in Anstey Hill Recreation Park, enhancing the existing cycling network in Cleland Conservation Park, developing a network of cycling trails in Cobbler Creek Recreation Park and producing interactive and mobile web-based maps and other information for cyclists.

The new Mountain Biking Destination Implementation Plan, produced in 2014−15, provides the framework to build this destination, through a collaboration between government agencies, local councils, the tourism industry, mountain-biking organisations and the community.

And to help rangers to immerse themselves in the bike-riding experience that attracts visitors to parks, they attended a mountain bike skills training day in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. Afterwards two successful Ride-with-a-Ranger days were held at Belair National Park.


3,000,0003 million trees target reached

Parks and Schools

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COMMUNITY FEEDBACK informs upgrades to park facilities


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Our parks and reserves

Nature Play SA and parks partner up

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40 classes take on Minecraft challenge to design their perfect national park


Snapshots:

Three million trees target reached

Winter 2014 marked an important goal and the culmination of years of commitment and hard work.

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, the Hon. Ian Hunter, planted the three-millionth tree as part of the SA Urban Forests − Million Trees Program in the Onkaparinga River National Park.

The program has successfully reconstructed approximately 2,000 hectares of native vegetation throughout the Adelaide Metropolitan Open Space System, offsetting carbon emissions, providing vital habitat for wildlife and improving air and water quality. In achieving this goal, the amenity of Adelaide’s urban and peri-urban environment has also been significantly improved.

By involving and engaging with the community, valuable learning opportunities were created for school students and the public.

All metropolitan local councils, 12 state government agencies and over 180 schools were involved, through program initiatives such as Grow a Great School, the Local Government Biodiversity Officers’ Network, and the many planting events held every winter at sites across Adelaide.

Over 30,000 people were also involved in growing and planting seedlings, and staff would like to acknowledge their hard work and commitment which greatly contributed to this achievement.

Students mine virtual skills to improve parks

Minecraft was put to use in the real world, with primary students in the region asked to use it to design their perfect national park.

Students were asked to work as a class, basing their design on a real park, or making one from scratch, with their ideas helping to inform the design of new natural play spaces in parks.

Nearly 40 classes took up the challenge, and the standard of entries was high. All parks featured practical structures like toilets and barbecue areas, with fun elements like tree houses, lookouts, mazes, climbing walls and flying foxes proving popular.

The winning design, by Linden Park Primary School, featured a three-storey climbable leafy sea dragon sculpture, a campground and barbecue and picnic areas, walking and cycling trails, an adventure playground, a maze, a plant nursery, an education centre and two cafés.

All entries showed a broad variety of interesting, imaginative and practical features across a consistent theme of sustainable access to nature.

This ‘Craft your perfect national park competition’ was part of a wider community engagement project asking people of all ages what sort of facilities would encourage them to spend more time in national parks.


Unwelcome visitors evicted from parks

Weeds can be a significant threat to agriculture, the natural environment and public health and safety.

Every year park rangers work diligently to remove these pest plants to prevent them from impacting on people and South Australia’s unique plants and wildlife.

An aggressive weed species with sharp seeds that cause injuries to people and animals was close to being eradicated from Granite Island in 2014−15.

When the program began on Granite Island, Khaki Weed (Alternanthera pungens) covered an area the size of two swimming pools.

Eradicating this pest from the island posed a big challenge, as the secret to its survival is a deep tap root − similar to a carrot − which can only be removed by hand. Removing only the above-ground part of the plant enables it to re-sprout from this root.

The eradication involved the ranger almost removing single-handedly the plants as they appeared each summer, including pulling out 750 plants over one season.

Some assistance was available, with a contractor being hired in the first year the weed was spotted, in 2010, and then for a short time a graduate ranger was also able to assist.

It has been a huge effort, one completed almost entirely by a single person.

The ranger was pleasantly surprised when he found and removed just one single Khaki Weed in 2014−15, following his four-year battle to remove hundreds of them from the island.

Playing in parks

Nature Play SA assists children to spend time in unstructured play outdoors in nature. The organisation worked with Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges in 2014−15 to help children to generate creativity, imagination, discovery, curiosity and exploration − and to get dirty and have fun!

One way this was accomplished was through Nature Play SA’s Park of the Month program. This program helps rangers to run activities to encourage families to experience the wonderful world of nature.

The program, which commenced in January 2015, showcased a different park each month and encouraged children and families to explore a range of landscapes, flora and fauna while taking part in fun nature-based activities.

Some highlights from this partnership in the region include:

• snorkelling in the Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary Zone

as part of a reef ramble in Encounter Marine Park

• beachcombing with rangers at Hallett Cove

Conservation Park

• hiking with a ranger at Deep Creek Conservation

Park to learn about the plants and animals that

live in the park

• following the Kaiki Walk trail on Granite Island

Recreation Park to learn about the area’s history

while taking in spectacular coastal scenery and

huge granite boulders and listening to the sound

of waves crashing against rocky shores.


Local government

The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region encompasses 26 councils, each working with Natural Resources AMLR to ensure that good decision-making and good practice result in the efficient and effective management of the region’s natural resources.

Using the NRM Levy, local government and Natural Resources AMLR deliver projects and initiatives that maintain sustainable, healthy and resilient landscapes and communities.

It is through these partnerships that leveraging of additional funds from a range of external sources is possible, including the Australian Government and non-government organisations.

Some highlights of these projects are below.

Partners protecting our coastThe 12 coastal councils within this region are key partners in the delivery of coast and marine activities, ranging from weed control and revegetation works, support for local community groups, and a Hooded Plover beach-nesting bird program, to marine debris reduction and collection through the Hook, Line and Thinker program.

Collaborative networks have been developed across these councils, these include: coordination of the Coastal Officers forum, development of 10 display gardens at surf life saving clubs and involvement with the Metropolitan Seaside Councils Committee. These networks assemble stakeholders to share their skills, knowledge and experience to improve the management of the coastal areas across the region.

Expanding networks and sharing expertiseBringing together Natural Resources AMLR and council staff via co-hosting arrangements nurtures effective working relationships and concentrates the technical expertise that enables a greater level of support and influence for sustainability outcomes.

NRM Education staff are based at Barossa Council and the cities of Salisbury, Marion and Onkaparinga, while the City of Playford hosts a project officer, and the district councils of Yankalilla and Mallala and the City of Holdfast Bay each host coast and marine officers.

Community hubsLocal government plays an important role in partnering with Natural Resources AMLR to support, encourage and provide resources and information to our passionate, active communities – with these communities essential for the management of our natural resources.

Community-run natural resource centres are located at Mount Pleasant, Norton Summit and at the Barossa Bushgardens with the support of the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa councils. These centres organise events such as workshops, biodiversity walks, expos and food swaps, which support local communities to be healthy, active and connected.

In addition, council offices are an ideal space for the distribution of Natural Resources AMLR information to the local community, with resources and materials on environmental issues and the various services available within the region.

District Council of Yankalilla staff worked with the Cape Jervis Coastal Community Group and Natural Resources AMLR on a nature trail project at the start of the Heysen Trail

District Council of Mallala Mayor Duncan Kennington planting seedlings with the local community at Thompson Beach


Engineering solutions for our waterwaysThrough effective partnerships, in which resources are combined, local government and Natural Resources AMLR have overseen major large-scale projects to fruition.

Stormwater-harvesting schemes during 2014–15 focused on waterproofing eastern Adelaide, encompassing the cities of Walkerville, Norwood Payneham & St Peters, and Burnside.

Hundreds of tonnes of gross pollutants were removed from creeks in the Torrens and Patawalonga catchments through traps managed in partnership with the Adelaide Hills and Campbelltown City councils, and the cities of Norwood Payneham & St Peters and Burnside.

Water Sensitive SA began in November 2014, through a partnership between several organisations, including Natural Resources AMLR and the cities of Burnside, Charles Sturt, Marion, Playford, Port Adelaide Enfield, and Salisbury. Since its establishment, WSSA has completed a plan and investment prospectus, delivered two seminars and a training workshop, and held many face-to-face meetings, allowing effective networking and the sharing of technical expertise.

The year 2014–15 also saw four rain gardens installed through the River Torrens Recovery Project, a joint project scoped and managed by Natural Resources AMLR with on-ground works delivered by eight councils. During the year the water sources to the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters’ ‘Billabong’ progressed from stormwater to a cleaner source of groundwater.

Working together for our flora and faunaThrough partnerships with local government, community groups and Natural Resources AMLR, habitat restoration works have been undertaken across the region.

During 2014−15, Natural Resources AMLR worked with a number of councils on weed and erosion control and revegetation projects to improve biodiversity and water quality. Works in partnership with the Town of Gawler, Adelaide Hills Council, and the cities of Marion, Campbelltown, Norwood Payneham & St Peters, and Burnside saw large sections of riparian areas restored for the benefit of waterways, local fauna species and the community.

Natural Resources AMLR also supported agreements with 14 councils in the urban area for the management of pest animals and plants. These working relationships provide excellent opportunities for developing networks and technical support. Particular highlights for 2014−15 included management of Coolatai Grass with the cities of Tea Tree Gully and Salisbury and woody weed control with the City of Mitcham to assist their fire fuel-reduction efforts.


3,093,752 provided in direct NRM funding to local government

$

26 local government councils providedwith services or support

regional staff members hosted by local government

11 community naturalresource centres hosted with local councils

3

Coastal Officers forum field trip to Fleurieu coastal sites


11,786 tonnes of waste removed

from our waterways

45,407 hectares of native vegetation

actively managed

0

500

1000

1500

2000

14/1513/1412/1311/1210/1109/1008/09

Cumulative Total

1,707 hectares of reconstruction for biodiversity conservation

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

14/1513/1412/1311/1210/1109/1008/09

Cumulative Total

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14/1513/1412/1311/1210/1109/1008/09

Cumulative Total


7-year highlightsThese graphs provide cumulative data on key on-ground activities that have been achieved over seven years of regional NRM planning and action.

1,876 property plans developed

6,360 landholders provided training through

workshops, courses and field days

1,199 kms of watercourse

rehabilitated to improve water quality

0

500

1000

1500

2000

14/1513/1412/1311/1210/1109/1008/09

Cumulative Total

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

14/1513/1412/1311/1210/1109/1008/09

Cumulative Total

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

14/1513/1412/1311/1210/1109/1008/09

Cumulative Total

FIS

9308

4Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges

205 Greenhill Road

Eastwood SA 5063

Telephone +61 (8) 8273 9100

Facsimile +61 (8) 8271 9585

www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/adelaidemtloftyranges

© State of South Australia through the Department of

Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Apart from fair

dealings and other uses permitted by the Copyright Act 1968

(Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced, published,

communicated, transmitted, modified or commercialised without the

prior written approval of the Department of Environment, Water and

Natural Resources.

Printed on recycled paper

FIS 93742

achievement report · barossa valley, and the coastal waters ... the intensive use of the...

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