contents...productive agricultural land from urban development. the aboriginal community are...
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Contents
What is a Subregional Plan? 2
What do we want our subregion to look like in 30 years? 4
A model of the Ranges and Cross-border Creeks Subregion 5
Seven Landscape Objectives for our subregion 7
Key actions for the primary production landscape 9
Key actions for the natural landscape 11
Key actions for the urban landscape 12
Getting the plan into action and tracking progress 13
Appendix 1. Project ideas 15
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge and respect the traditional owners of the
ancestral lands, the Potaruwutj, Jardwadjali, Bunganditj
(Boandik) and Meintangk people. We acknowledge elders past
and present, and respect the deep feelings of attachment and
relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country.
2
What is a Subregional NRM Plan?
A Subregional Plan identifies local priorities and
sets out an action plan that can be used by a
range of organisations and groups working in
natural resources management (NRM). The
Subregional Plan informs the Regional NRM
Plan.
The Subregional Plan aims to be at a scale that is relevant to the
community – so that landholders and community members can
pick it up and see what needs doing in NRM in their patch. The
actions in the plan will need landholders, industries,
organisations and governments to work together to achieve
them.
This Subregional NRM Plan is endorsed by the South East NRM
Board. NRM levies (raised each year from ratepayers and water
licensees in the region) will contribute towards implementing
actions in the plans.
The subregional actions will help achieve the Regional NRM
Plan’s vision of Healthy landscapes for better living, and the
seven proposed landscape objectives for protecting the health
of our landscapes.
A subregional community forum will be held in early 2018, to
identify which subregional actions from this plan will be
implemented for the next 1-3 years and which individuals,
groups, landholders and/or organisations will partner to carry
them out.
How did we develop the Subregional NRM Plans?
Subregional Plans have been developed for the four subregions of the South East region (see map
on page 3). The first step was to understand what the community values about this subregion and
what drives and threatens our landscapes. This information was gathered through surveys, meetings
and forums, and then brought together into community workshops where we discussed the future of
our landscapes and what actions are needed.
The key actions were prioritised by the community for three landscape types (primary production,
natural and urban landscapes). The appendix captures the full range of actions and project ideas
suggested.
Across the region, over 2,000 community members
contributed to this NRM planning
3
About the Ranges and Cross-border
Creeks subregion
The Ranges and Cross Border Creeks subregion is home to the World Heritage
Naracoorte Caves, an unparalleled caving experience, with a rich fossil history and
nature-based tourism experiences. The caves preserve the bones of megafauna
that became extinct around 40,000 years ago and is Australia's most complete
marsupial fossil record for the past 500,000 years. Large protected native
vegetation areas in the subregion provide refuge for many of the native fauna and
bird species, including the critically endangered red-tailed black cockatoo.
The ground surface rises from the plains in the west to the Naracoorte Ranges in
the east, reaching more than 60 metres above sea level. Several ephemeral creek
systems that originate in western Victoria flow westerly through the plateau and
ranges toward the western dunes and flats. The Naracoorte, Mosquito, Morambro
and Tatiara/Nalang Creeks flow through this subregion and have large catchments
in Victoria. Mosquito Creek is the largest and most reliable of the creeks and
supports a range of threatened fish and frog species and is the main water source
for the Bool and Hacks Lagoons Ramsar site.
Primary production focuses on dairy, livestock, and horticulture including the
renowned Wrattonbully and part of the Padthaway grape growing and wine
making regions. Agriculture is the biggest employer, followed by manufacturing
(meat processing), retail trade and health care.
We acknowledge and respect the traditional owners of these ancestral lands,
Potaruwutij to the North, Jardwadjali to the East, Bunganditj to the South and
Meintangk to the West.
It includes the major townships of Naracoorte and Bordertown, and the resident
population of the subregion is about 10,500 people.
Want to know more about the natural resources in the
subregion?
Further information on the subregion and its values, drivers and threats is
available at www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast
4
“What kind of place do we want our subregion to be in 30 years’ time?”
Local people and visitors continue to enjoy our
unique caves and fossils
We continue to use the best science available to
manage our World Heritage-listed fossils and caves,
and we have further explored and preserved other
caves on public and private land.
We have marketed our caves well and attracted
tourists and visitors across the globe. This unique
tourism icon has significantly contributed to the
economic values of our region.
Our industries continue to produce premium
food and wine, forestry and fibre products
Our horticulture and agriculture are clean and
green. We use technology better and people have
more knowledge about how to maintain soils, use
water efficiently, and match production to the
capacity of the land.
Food, wool and wine grapes remain our key foci of
primary production and we’ve adapted the types of
livestock, crop and grape species to suit the
changing climate. The Wrattonbully and Padthaway
wine regions continue to produce premium wines,
while our crops and meat are held in high regard in
the market.
We have been controlling the impacts of pest
species such as rabbits, foxes, deer, cats and buffel
grass and keeping an eye out for new weeds, pests
and diseases.
We continue to improve our use of water
Improvement in irrigation practices and the
introduction of crops that require less water, has
resulted in significant savings in the amount of
groundwater we extract.
We continue to use groundwater for potable water
and we have been encouraging recharge through
our characteristic runaway holes, and by keeping
water in the landscape, and recapturing it from
urban areas.
Water tables have declined due to reduced rainfall,
but good science has allowed us to define the
sustainable limits for extraction and improved our
water allocation planning.
We have protected our groundwater quality from
pollutants and contaminants through careful
management, monitoring and good decision-
making.
We have retained the ecological values of
natural areas
We have worked hard to protect remnant native
habitats on both private and public land, and have
increased the connections between our remnant
vegetation areas to provide biodiversity corridors.
We have allocated adequate resources to look after
the land and to educate people to protect
ecological values of our natural areas, including
iconic species such as red-tailed black cockatoos,
bush stone curlews and southern bent wing bats.
We have lost some paddock trees but we have
revegetated sites to support farm practices, for
ecological outcomes, and to maintain the beauty of
our landscape.
We have maintained the quality and quantity of
water in our creeks, which flow into and support the
biodiversity and ecological character of the Bool
Lagoon Ramsar site.
We have mitigated and adapted to the
changing climate
We prepare each year to minimise the risk of large
bushfires to life, property and biodiversity. We use
controlled burns across the landscape and
coordinate them on both private and public land, to
reduce fuel loads and to benefit biodiversity.
We generate and use more renewable energy. Self-
generation and storage have helped us enjoy a
more reliable and cost-effective energy supply.
Our community is thriving and we are enjoying
safe, healthy living
Good planning has protected natural areas and
productive agricultural land from urban
development.
The Aboriginal community are actively part of
managing our shared landscapes, and their
knowledge and cultural values are respected.
We offer rich, immersive experiences with our
nature-based tourism and premium food and wine,
which have attracted high-yielding tourists. We are
careful to manage tourism impacts by educating
visitors about the values of our landscapes.
People get into nature more and we are
volunteering and caring for our natural places.
5
A model of the Ranges and Cross-border Creeks subregion
The model shows what we value about our landscapes – depicted here as environmental and socio-economic values. It also identifies the environmental and socio-
economic drivers, and the pressures and threats that affect what we value about our landscapes.
6
Want to know more about subregional and industry models? For more information, including conceptual models of the natural and urban
landscapes and the main natural resources-dependent industries in the South East, go to www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast
7
Protecting the health of our landscape – 7 objectives for taking action The Regional NRM Plan’s vision of ‘Healthy landscapes for better living’ highlights that healthy landscapes underpin our livelihoods and our lifestyles. We can keep our
landscapes healthy by having objectives to protect key values and manage the drivers and threats that may change these values. The actions we identified can be grouped
under seven landscape objectives.
1. Maintain groundwater
availability and quality
Groundwater is our most prized natural resource. It
is our only permanent source of water and provides
our high quality drinking water. It supports our
industries, including the production of livestock,
dairy, forestry, viticulture and food processing. It
also supports our groundwater-dependent
ecosystems.
The groundwater in the unconfined aquifer varies in
depth and quality, but generally it is relatively easy
to access and of good quality.
Water availability depends largely on rainfall and
recharge, and is also impacted by over-extraction.
Over-extraction of our groundwater, particularly for
irrigation purposes is a key threat to our
groundwater resources. If extraction exceeds the
sustainable yield of the aquifers, it will impact our
future economic development, social infrastructure
and underground water dependent ecosystems.
Pollution is a threat to the quality of groundwater,
including nitrogen from agricultural sources and
potential contaminants from industries, mining, and
urban stormwater.
2. Conserve ecological values
of terrestrial and wetland
habitats
We value our native vegetation and wildlife, and its
diversity across our landscapes. We value the 11.7%
of the area that is native vegetation, including
regionally significant woodlands containing buloke,
South Australian blue gum, grey box, red gum and
stringy bark species. Our scattered paddock trees
provide aesthetic value on farms. We have 284
native fauna species, including woodland birds and
unique cave species such as southern bent-wing
bats. Threatened species include the yellow-lip
spider orchid and the squirrel glider.
Habitat clearance has had significant impacts on our
wildlife. The small patches of remnant vegetation
that remain are at risk from pest animals and weeds,
fire, clearance, grazing and disturbance.
We value our magnificent Naracoorte Caves and the
World Heritage fossils they contain. The caves are an
important Aboriginal cultural heritage site for the
Potaruwutj, Jardwadjali, Bunganditj
(Boandik) and Meintangk people.
3. Maintain surface water
availability
and quality
Our wetlands are special. We have approximately
1,200 wetlands in our subregion, including Lake
Cadnite, Mullinger Swamp, Deadman’s Swamp,
Poocher Swamp, and nationally listed seasonal
herbaceous wetland communities. Our wetlands
provide important recharge to the groundwater
system, support biodiversity and provide
recreational and aesthetic values.
We value our cross border creeks: Morambro,
Tatiara, Nalang, Naracoorte and Mosquito Creeks,
which originate in Victoria and run through our
subregion, providing habitat for rare native species
such as Yarra Pygmy Perch, Dwarf Galaxias
(threatened fish) and the Southern bell frog.
Threats to surface water are particularly low flows
due to reduced rainfall and pollution through
increased use of nutrients and harmful pesticides
and herbicides.
8
4. Maintain and
improve soil
health
Our soils underpin our agricultural industries. The
variety of soil types in the subregion such as deep
loamy texture contrast soils, deep sands and
cracking clay enables a diversity of land uses:
grazing, dryland cropping, irrigated agriculture,
viticulture and commercial forestry.
Soils are valued for their role in supporting primary
production in our subregion. However, agricultural
production can affect the pH (acidity and alkalinity)
of soils, which can pose a threat to our agricultural
productivity. Around 72% of our soils are susceptible
to becoming acidic, if not appropriately managed.
5. Minimise impacts of
weeds, pest animals
and diseases
Pest plants and animals represent a key threat to
our subregion’s ecological values and agricultural
production.
Key pest animals are rabbits, foxes, cats, goats and
deer. Rabbits and foxes are widespread and are
controlled to minimise their impacts on agricultural
productivity and native wildlife.
Weeds in the subregion are an ongoing challenge to
control. A total of 59 high threat pest plant species
occur in the subregion including buffel grass.
Species such as Caltrop and Golden Dodder are
spreading further south and are an emerging risk to
this subregion.
6. Manage fire in the landscape
Uncontrolled bushfires are a threat
to life and property, including to the
forestry plantations in our subregion.
They can cause the loss of significant
populations of plants and animals. Controlled burns
are needed to enhance biodiversity and reduce the
risk of bushfires.
7. Adapt to and mitigate
climate change
Significant threats to the subregion from climate
change are declines in rainfall and groundwater
levels, increased number and intensity of heat
waves and increased risk of bushfires.
Adaptation and mitigation actions, including those
in the Limestone Coast Regional Climate Change
Adaptation Plan, will be required to take on this
challenge
The climate change information to the right relates
to the whole region.
9
Actions for everyone
This plan contains actions for everyone in the subregion. Actions have been grouped into three landscape types - if you live in a town, have a look at the actions for the urban
landscapes table. If you own a farm, check out the actions for the primary production landscape. Finally, for actions to protect ecological values, have a look at the table for the
natural landscape. Many of the actions identified can also be carried out across more than one type of landscape (for example, pest control and revegetation).
The tables below show the key NRM actions recommended as most important by the community for this subregion. The key actions were developed through a prioritisation
process with community members at subregional workshops, as well as from meetings with natural resource dependent industries and the South East Aboriginal Focus Group.
A subregional community forum will be held in early 2018, to identify which of the key subregional actions from this plan will be funded for the next 1-3 years and which
individuals, groups, landholders and/or organisations will partner to carry them out. These details will be added to the key action tables below.
For the complete list of NRM actions and project ideas identified by the subregional community, please refer to Appendix 1.
Landscape objectives Key actions for the primary production landscape Potential people /
organisations1
1. Maintain groundwater
availability and quality
Continue to conduct groundwater research, including better understanding of groundwater recharge
locations and quantity
Industry groups, SENRMB,
DEWNR, EPA
Support landholders to improve water use efficiency, minimise pollution and optimise nutrient application Landholders, SENRMB,
Councils, SA Water, EPA
Maintain and continue the well monitoring program, including:
water levels and pollution (nitrates and salinity) to support water allocation plan evaluation
making information available to landholders and irrigators
DEWNR, EPA
2. Conserve ecological
values of terrestrial and
wetland habitats
Support landholders to protect and establish native vegetation, including:
coordinate, promote and provide incentives for landholders to protect remnant native vegetation and
paddock trees, and to establish new biodiversity plantings and shelter belts
advice on what to plant and best design
targeting plantings alongside road reserves
SENRMB, local Landcare,
farmer groups, volunteers
1 See page 14 for acronyms
Table 1. Key actions for the primary production landscape
10
3. Maintain surface water
availability and quality
Protection of surface water in wetlands and cross border creeks on primary production land
Identify and prioritise wetlands for provision of water, in recognition that they cannot all be retained
(climate change will impact surface water).
Develop a management plan for cross-border creeks, including protection from pollution and erosion
Investigate the creation of permanent waterholes in creeks
SENRMB, SEWCDB,
landholders, Nature
Glenelg Trust, Victorian
counterparts
4. Maintain and improve
soil health
Support landholders to do best practice soil and land management through extension programs, including:
Overcoming constraints in sandy soils such as water and nutrient holding capacity
Minimising soil degradation such as erosion caused by grazing practices and poor land management
practices.
Support local research on managing soil profiles on farm and best practice management
Industry groups, SENRMB,
DEWNR, PIRSA, SEAFG
5. Minimise impacts of
weeds, pest animals and
diseases
Implement coordinated pest animal control programs across all land tenures, including fox baiting program,
deer and rabbit control
Support landholders with advice and compliance on controlling pest plants and animals, including:
focus on species of concern in the subregion
information on new methods of control
Support the development of industry-led biosecurity plans
SENRMB, Councils,
landholders, Industry,
PIRSA
6. Manage fire in the
landscape
Investigate options to facilitate burning on private land and a coordinated approach to burning across the
landscape
DEWNR, CFS, landholders,
Councils
7. Adapt to and mitigate
climate change
Support primary producers to adapt to climate change by investigating, trialling and promoting technology
improvements such as new crop varieties and livestock genetics adapted to the changing climate
SENRMB, landholders, Ag
Bureaus, industry, LC
Climate Adaptation
Committee
11
Table 2. Key actions for the natural landscape
Landscape objective Key actions our natural landscape Potential people /
organisations2
2. Conserve ecological
values of terrestrial,
wetland, coast and
marine habitats
Community education and engagement on biodiversity management to facilitate community action on
ground SENRMB, schools
Enhance stream side vegetation in creeks, drains and in wetlands
NGOs, SENRMB, DEWNR
Foster opportunities for Aboriginal involvement in managing Country, including
Involve and employ Aboriginal people in management of species and sites, including the Naracoorte
Caves National Park
Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge into management
Support regional Aboriginal people to participate in planning (meetings/workshops)
SENRMB, DEWNR, SEAFG,
NRA, Ngarrindjeri Land
Progress Assoc.,
Burrandies, Pangula,
Native Title groups
3. Maintain surface water
availability and quality
Protection of surface water in key wetlands, drains and cross border creeks
Identify and prioritise wetlands for provision of water, in recognition that they cannot all be retained
(climate change will impact surface water)
Develop a management plan for cross-border creeks, including protection from pollution and erosion
SEWCDB, SENRMB
5. Minimise impacts of
weeds, pest animals and
diseases
Ensure control of pest plants and declared animals, particularly rabbits, foxes and deer in National Parks,
reserves and public lands, including the Naracoorte Caves National Park
SENRMB, landowners,
DEWNR
2 See page 14 for acronyms
12
Table 3. Key actions for the urban landscape
Landscape objective Key actions for the urban landscape Potential people /
organisations3
1. Maintain groundwater availability
and quality Water sensitive urban design to improve stormwater quality and aquifer recharge SENRMB, Councils
2. Conserve ecological values of
terrestrial, wetland, coast and
marine habitats
Use of infrastructure corridors as biodiversity corridors (e.g. revegetation along gas
pipeline)
Encourage volunteers to assist with NRM action
Create tourism opportunities around our landscape
Friends of Parks, Green Army,
community groups, Councils,
SENRMB volunteers, CVA, schools,
DECD, landholders
3. Maintain surface water availability
and quality Maintain and enhance the ecological values of creeks inside townships SENRMB, SEWCDB, Councils
5. Minimise impacts of weeds, pest
animals and diseases Ensure environmental weeds are not sold in nurseries SENRMB
7. Adapt to and mitigate climate
change
Reduce our environmental impact (including our carbon footprint), through:
education on sustainable living, including energy audits
production and use of renewable energy
Councils, Limestone Coast Climate
Adaptation Committee, DEWNR
(Coast Protection Board)
3 See page 14 for acronyms
13
Getting this plan into action
Together landholders, organisations, industries, government and individuals
can ensure our landscapes remain healthy over the next 30 years.
We are going to have open, community forums to get the Plan into action. The co-
design of projects by these forums will make sure the projects work on the ground
in this area and will help the NRM outcomes to be sustained over the long term.
Everyone in the community is encouraged to help implement this plan – we
all need to look after our landscapes and their values for the future.
Action tables indicate potential people or organisations to lead the actions.
Before actions are implemented, we will have identified a desired outcome and
how to measure the contribution of the action towards sustainable NRM.
Funding is important for getting actions implemented. The SE NRM Board
will allocate NRM levies towards achieving some actions in the tables. Other
organisations and individuals can fund actions. For example landholders are
responsible for the control of declared weeds and pests on their land. We will also
look for other funding opportunities to achieve actions.
Measuring success is vital for knowing whether our goals are being
achieved and tracking landscape health.
Tracking progress and adapting our plan At subregional community forums each year, we will track progress of how we are
going with completing the actions in this Plan. We will discuss what is going well,
what might have changed, how we can be more effective, and, if required, adapt
the way we are working.
This Plan is a ‘living’ plan that can be adapted each year as needed, and will be
reviewed and amended at least every 3 years.
Are our landscapes staying healthy? We need to monitor the key drivers and threats to make sure our landscapes are
heading in the right direction and staying healthy. We also want to check whether
our NRM actions are making a difference.
It is important that we take notice of the trends in the health of our landscapes and
adapt our actions to make sure we maintain them.
3-year
Subregional
P lanning
ACTION
ADAPT
Monitoring &
evaluation of
landscape health
LEARN
Pro jec ts
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Acronyms
AQIS – Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
BoM – Bureau of Meteorology
CFS – Country Fire Service
CVA – Conservation Volunteers Australia
DELWP - Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (VIC)
DEWNR – Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (SA)
DECD – Department of Education and Child Development (SA)
DPTI – Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (SA)
EPA – Environment Protection Authority (SA)
LC – Limestone Coast
LIDAR - Light Detection and Ranging remote sensing
NGOs – non-government organisations
NRM – natural resources management
PIRSA – Primary Industries and Regions South Australia
SAWID – South Australian Wetland Inventory Database
SEAFG – South East Aboriginal Focus Group
SENRMB - South East Natural Resources Management Board
SEWCDB – South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board
Further reading
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (2017), Subregional
baseline and predicted changes report for the SE NRM Region: Ranges and Cross
Border Creeks
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Groundwater status
report for the Lower Limestone Coast Prescribed Wells Area
Regional Development Australia, South East Natural Resources Management Board
and Limestone Coast Local Government Association (2016), Limestone Coast
Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Limestone Coast (2015) Climate Projections Report, prepared by URPS for the
Limestone Coast Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Appendix 1. Full list of project ideas to achieve the Landscape Objectives
Emerging out of the two subregional workshops held in Naracoorte in mid-2017, industry workshops and DEWNR staff workshops are a range of actions and project ideas to
manage natural resources more sustainably in primary production, natural and urban landscapes. This appendix is a consolidated record of the workshops and they are
presented here to assist future decisions about management actions by government, community and industries. Actions and ideas that arose out of the workshops that are not
directly related to natural resource management have been recorded but they have not been included in the Plan.
Table 1. Actions for the primary production landscape
Landscape Objective Action Project ideas
Potential
people /
organisations
Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
1. Maintain
groundwater
availability and
quality
Conduct groundwater research
and development
Conduct groundwater research and development with industry involvement to better
understand:
o Specific aquifers within Hundreds
o Depth to groundwater
o Impacts on groundwater of using deep rooted crops
SENRMB,
DEWNR,
industry, EPA
High 7 (climate
change)
Maintain and continue the well
monitoring program
Monitor water levels and pollution (nitrates and salinity) to support water allocation
plan evaluation DEWNR, EPA High 7 (climate
change)
Support landholders to improve
water use efficiency and
minimise pollution
Provide an education and extension program about:
o water use efficiency and irrigation technology, e.g. drop tubes on pivots
o target advice for slow innovators and large users
o information on groundwater status and use
o improving practices from point sources of nitrogen and over-use of fertilisers
o improving dairy effluent plans
o investigating mixing groundwater and reticulated water for irrigation
SENRMB,
industry groups,
landholders,
Councils, EPA
High 7 (climate
change)
Investigate sources of
groundwater pollution Investigate nitrogen plume sources and improve practices of polluters
DEWNR, EPA,
Industry Medium
Quantify and provide for cultural
access to water
Consider cultural water in the next review of the Lower Limestone Coast, Tatiara and
Padthaway Water Allocation Plans and enable Aboriginal involvement in water
management.
SENRMB Medium
16
Landscape Objective Action Project ideas
Potential
people /
organisations
Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
2. Conserve
ecological values
of terrestrial and
wetland habitats
Support landholders to conserve
and establish native vegetation
Coordinate, promote and provide incentives and advise to landholders to conserve
remnant native vegetation and paddock trees, and to establish new biodiversity
plantings and shelter belts (e.g. Bucks for Bush)
Provide advice on what to plant and best design
Target plantings alongside road reserves
Undertake research on effective replacement of mature red gum paddock trees
SENRMB, local
Landcare, farmer
groups
High
Increase compliance around
felling native trees
Lobby to increase penalties for removal of native vegetation that provides habitat for
fauna species
Increase compliance of native tree removal for firewood
AFG (supply
offcuts),
DEWNR, cross
border with Vic.
High
Expand remnant vegetation
patches for biodiversity Buy 15m wide strips of land next to roads from landholders to plant to trees
Nature Glenelg
Trust, SENRMB Medium
Revegetate vegetation fringing
wetlands, creeks and drains
To improve the habitat values and support filtration of water, support landholders to
improve the condition and width of vegetation fringing wetlands, creeks and drains.
SENRMB,
landholders Medium
3. Maintain surface
water availability
and quality Engage landholders on
managing and protecting
surface water
Develop guidelines and education materials for land managers to:
o Understand their role in recharging groundwater, filtering chemicals and keeping
the balance in agricultural systems
o protect wetlands from conversion to productive land uses where possible
o minimise the impacts of agricultural pollutants on wetlands and creeks
Increase access and promotion of programs to encourage landholders and industry
to dispose of waste and chemicals appropriately (e.g. drum muster)
SEWCDB,
SENRMB, EPA High
Monitor and adjust the Lower
Limestone Coast Water
Allocation Plan
Review the current wetland setback assessment process to determine if it can be
improved and adapted if necessary, including a review of the policy that sets the
wetland classifications (e.g. SAWID Ecological Value Assessment, and degree of
groundwater dependency)
SENRMB High
Protection of key wetlands and
cross border creeks
Protection of key wetlands and cross border creeks
Identify and prioritise wetlands for protection, in recognition that they cannot all be
retained (climate change will impact surface water).
Develop a management plan for cross-border creeks, including protection from
pollution, erosion, etc.
SENRMB,
SEWCDB,
landholders,
Nature Glenelg
Trust, Victorian
counterparts,
Friends of
Shorebirds
South East
High
17
Landscape Objective Action Project ideas
Potential
people /
organisations
Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
Conduct surface water research
and development
Refine our understanding of the interactions between surface water and groundwater
and develop a regional water balance model to assist in communicating the
complexity to the community
Review the extent and impacts of pollutants on surface water quality
Investigate opportunities for retaining water in the landscape to improve the quality
of wetland habitat, and recharge groundwater, e.g. use of weirs to hold water in
wetlands
DEWNR,
SEWCDB,
SENRMB, EPA
Medium
Investigate opportunities to
construct water treatment
wetlands
Determine at appropriate locations to remove nutrients and chemicals and reduce
the turbidity of water entering high value wetlands.
EPA, SEWCDB,
Councils Low
4. Maintain and
improve soil
health
Conduct best practice on-farm
soil management research
Benchmarking best management practice for stocking rate, fertiliser and soil
management
Develop trials for testing and improving soil health
Encourage collaboration on best-practice soil management across industries
Landholders,
SENRMB, PIRSA High
7 (climate
change)
Support landholders to do best
practice soil and land
management
Extension programs (could include a local technical subgroup) to build understanding
and capacity in:
o managing soil profiles on farm and best practice management
o managing soil biology, pH and nutrient interactions, including application of
compost to improve water retaining capacity of soil
o methods for preventing degradation, including managing alkaline soils and best
management practice
o preventing wind erosion e.g. maintaining ground cover, retiring steep areas,
minimal till, appropriate pasture systems etc.
o growing perennial pastures to increase water use efficiency, soil carbon and soil
biodiversity, and managing stock on perennial pastures
o adapting crop and pasture types to suit the changing climate
o fertiliser and chemical management to minimise impacts on water resources
SENRMB,
DEWNR, PIRSA,
SEAFG
High 7 (climate
change)
Educate children and the
community about soils
Schools and general community education program about:
o soil health and narratives about local good practices with soils
o local geology, landscape changes and Aboriginal stories of water change and
land management
SENRMB, PIRSA,
SEAFG High
Continue to provide support for
whole-of-farm planning
Including:
o Continuing the weather stations program
o Farm mapping support such as NRM Farm
SENRMB Medium 7 (climate
change)
18
Landscape Objective Action Project ideas
Potential
people /
organisations
Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
5. Minimise
impacts of
weeds, pest
animals and
diseases
Implement coordinated pest
plant and animal control
programs across all land tenures
Including:
o Targeting fox, rabbit and deer control and priority weeds
o collaborate with landholders and relevant bodies to manage pest animal threats
to the landscape
SENRMB,
DEWNR,
Landowners,
PIRSA
High
Support landholders with advice
and compliance on controlling
pest plants and animals
Promote compliance and control of declared weeds such as horehound, Bathurst Burr
and Caltrop.
Promote the requirements for control of declared pests under the NRM Act and
methods of control
Promote existing and new biological control agents
Provide public education (including students) on hygiene and movement of stock,
machinery and farm vehicles, and local quarantine requirements
Encourage farmers to reduce herbicide resistance in weeds by rotating use of
herbicides
Leverage funds for further animal and plant control from other sources
SENRMB, PIRSA High
Manage over-abundant native
species
Provide advice to landholders on the management of over-abundant native species,
including permits available for control of kangaroos on private land
DEWNR,
Landholders,
Councils
Medium 2 (habitat
protection)
Industry-led biosecurity plans Support the development of industry-led biosecurity plans Industry, PIRSA,
SENRMB Medium
6. Manage fire in
the landscape
Continue to implement a
bushfire prevention program
Continue to implement bushfire prevention programs, including:
o community education about reducing fuel loads, fire risks and bushfire planning
o setting dates for Upper and Lower South East fire seasons
o prescribed burns planning and implementation in collaboration with commercial
forestry companies to reduce risk of fire in commercial forests
CFS, DEWNR, LC
Bushfire
Management
Committee,
forestry
companies,
Councils
High
2 (habitat
protection)
7 (climate
change)
Facilitate burning on private land
and a coordinated approach to
burning across the landscape
Provide information and guidance to private landholders in applying to Native
Vegetation Council and/or seeking CFS support to implement burns on their land Develop a coordinated plan for prescribed burning across the landscape (on both
public and private land):
o in areas identified as high risk (to life and property)
o for ecological burning on private land to enhance biodiversity, while minimising
impacts on species such as red-tailed black cockatoos
DEWNR,
landholders,
Native
Vegetation
Council, CFS
Medium
2 (habitat
protection)
7 (climate
change)
19
Landscape Objective Action Project ideas
Potential
people /
organisations
Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
Develop a ‘Burning on Private Lands’ Project through the CFS Bushfire Management
Planning process
7. Adapt to and
mitigate climate
change Reduce carbon emissions
Promote and provide policy support for renewable energy, including bioenergy, to
reduce carbon emissions
DEWNR, Green
Energies,
landholders, LC
Climate
Adaptation
Committee
Medium
Support primary producers to
adapt to climate change
Investigate, trial and promote technology improvements, including:
Livestock genetics to more heat tolerant species
New pasture/crop/hay/grape varieties and/or species that require less water and are
more heat tolerant
More drought resistant commercial plantation genetics / species
Adapting silviculture practices, erosion control, management of plantation area and
bushfire management to the changing climate
Cooling stock (e.g. feedlot shade cloth, shelter belts with less flammable, thicker-
canopy species and sprinklers in dairies) or feed additives to help cows retain bodily
fluids
Netting to protect horticulture from increased sunlight and increased rainfall intensity
Industry, PIRSA,
seed companies,
landholders,
SENRMB
Medium
Establishment of carbon and
biodiversity plantings
Provide advice for the establishment of carbon and biodiversity plantings (carbon
farming) on private land, in accordance with the carbon planting guidelines and other
policy that applies to the subregion.
DEWNR, PIRSA,
Industry,
SENRMB
Low
20
Table 2. Actions for the natural landscape
Landscape
Objective Action Project ideas
Potential People /
Organisations Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
1. Maintain
groundwater
availability and
quality
Review policies in the Lower
Limestone Coast Water Allocation
Plan which protect groundwater
dependent ecosystems
To maintain through flow for karst rising springs and minimise any impacts on
groundwater dependent ecosystems, review:
o levels of groundwater extraction
o the allowance for the environment
High 7 (climate
change)
Invest in restoration of groundwater
recharge sites to support
groundwater dependent ecosystems
Investigate sites that support recharge and biodiversity conservation to benefit
groundwater dependent ecosystems
DEWNR, State
Government High
Maintain and continue the well
monitoring program Monitor water levels and pollution (nitrates and salinity)
DEWNR
SENRMB
Landholders, EPA
High 7 (climate
change)
2. Conserve
ecological
values of
terrestrial and
wetland
habitats
Conserve threatened species and
ecological communities
Protect the habitats of small mammals (e.g. antechinus and bats) and increase
connectivity wherever possible to support their movement in the landscape
Look for opportunities to work cross-border in Lower Glenelg (with DELWP) on
a native apex predator trial (in conjunction with Glenelg Ark)
Evaluate the climate change sensitivity of threatened species and implement
any actions that could improve the resilience of populations of threatened
species e.g. translocations
Continue to monitor populations of species
Develop (where required) and implement Regional Action Plans and Recovery
Plans for threatened species and regionally rare communities, including Red
Tailed Black Cockatoos and unique cave; dwelling species such as southern
bent-wing bats
SENRMB, DEWNR,
DELWP,
Industry, Friends of
Shorebirds South
East
High 7 (climate
change)
Revegetation to increase the extent
of native vegetation and biodiversity
corridors
Prioritise further corridor establishment in the subregion to support native
species by linking native forest reserves, wide road verges, fire breaks and old
rail lands.
SENRMB, DEWNR,
forestry, landholders
NGOs
High
Develop a Biodiversity Strategy
Develop a biodiversity strategy for the region that includes:
o a plan for connecting remnant habitats
o identification of priority areas for conservation and restoration action
o Support and foster environmental stewardship activities by other industries
e.g. agricultural and forestry industries
SENRMB, DEWNR,
NGOs High
21
Landscape
Objective Action Project ideas
Potential People /
Organisations Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
Develop mechanisms and incentives
to encourage protection of wetlands
and remnant habitats
Investigate use of innovative incentives, offsets and policy mechanisms to
encourage protection of wetlands and other natural areas in the subregion,
particularly nationally significant seasonal herbaceous wetlands communities. SENRMB, DEWNR High
7 (climate
change)
Foster opportunities for Aboriginal
involvement in managing country
Investigate co-management opportunities for Parks and reserves
Involve and employ Aboriginal people in management of species and sites,
including the Naracoorte Caves National Park
Improve access to country
Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge into management
Support regional Aboriginal people to participate in planning
(meetings/workshops)
SENRMB, DEWNR,
SEAFG, NRA,
Ngarrindjeri Land
Progress Assoc.,
Burrandies, Pangula,
Native Title groups
High
Establish strategic land purchase
fund for conservation of significant
areas and habitats
Continue the use of native vegetation clearance offsets to provide funding for
strategic land acquisition
Create a land purchase fund to allow profitable land to be converted back to a
conservation land use.
NGOs
SENRMB
DEWNR
Medium
Communicate ecological research to
the public
Promotion and educate the community about the unique ecological values of
the area, e.g. unique species, water science, climate change impacts on species.
Scientific
organisations,
NGOs, DEWNR,
SENRMB
Medium
3. Maintain
surface water
availability and
quality
Improve our understanding of the
interactions between surface water
and groundwater
Develop a regional water balance model to assist in communicating the
complexity of the surface water/groundwater system to stakeholders.
Communicate the impacts of climate change on surface water and dependent
values (groundwater recharge, wetlands, etc.)
SENRMB, DEWNR,
SEWCDB Medium
1 (ground-
water)
7 (climate
change)
Monitor the condition (including
water quality) of wetlands, creeks
and drains
Continue to monitor wetlands, drains and creeks (including condition, water
quality, water levels and flow rates) to improve management and classification
for policy purposes.
Use information to inform management and education programs e.g. to reduce
nutrient in water from over application of fertiliser (which in turn threaten values
in wetland habitats) and encourage protection of wetlands.
SENRMB, DEWNR,
SEWCDB, EPA Medium
2 (habitat
protection)
22
Landscape
Objective Action Project ideas
Potential People /
Organisations Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
5. Minimise
impacts of
weeds, pest
animals and
diseases
Update the South East Pest
Management Strategy with new
species and updated science
More planning and risk assessment for new and emerging weeds.
Identify biosecurity incursions.
Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge about biological pest control e.g. use of
native species such as muntries to control weeds.
Clarify responsibility for biosecurity issues.
SENRMB,
SE Aboriginal Focus
Group
High 7 (climate
change)
Implement coordinated pest plants
and animal control programs across
all land tenures
Ensure control of declared animals particularly rabbits, foxes and deer in
National Parks, reserves and unallotted Crown Land.
Including focusing on predator control for priority native fauna species.
Look for opportunities to work cross-border in Lower Glenelg (with DELWP) on
a native apex predator trial (in conjunction with Glenelg Ark).
SENRMB,
landowners,
DEWNR, DELWP
High 2 (habitat
protection)
Advertise reporting pathways for
new pest species in the subregion
Identify and report new incursions or outbreaks of phytophthora, myrtle rust,
phylloxera, and other diseases.
Surveillance for weeds emerging from land use change.
Investigate prohibiting new grazing species such as certain species of deer and
antelope.
SENRMB,
Weed Spotters
network, Biosecurity
SA, PIRSA, Councils,
DPTI, AQIS
High
Support research and development
into new techniques for controlling
pest species
Including biological controls for key weeds and pests. PIRSA, industry Medium
6. Manage fire in
the landscape
Implement a bushfire prevention
Continue to implement bushfire prevention programs, including:
o community education
o enforcing fire restrictions in reserves
o prescribed burns planning and implementation
CFS, DEWNR,
Limestone Coast
Bushfire
Management
Committee,
community,
Councils
High
2 (habitat
protection)
7 (climate
change)
Undertake prescribed burns on
public land
With guidance from DEWNR’s South East Fire Management Plan and CFS’s
Limestone Coast Bushfire Management Area Plan, implement a prescribed burn
program which identifies risk and priority areas for burning, in order to:
o enhance public safety
o protect property
o provide landscape protection
Roadside burning of native vegetation to consider roadside management plan.
Update regulations for new buildings in natural landscapes (e.g. more fire
resistant).
DEWNR, CFS,
Councils High
23
Landscape
Objective Action Project ideas
Potential People /
Organisations Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
Use fire to improve habitat for /
encourage propagation of native
species
Investigate value-adding to prescribed burns by using fire to:
o encourage propagation of black wattle and silky tea tree
o improve habitat for native species such as squirrel gliders
DEWNR, CFS,
Councils Medium
2 (habitat
protection)
7 (climate
change)
Preservation of cultural practices
involving fire
Capture Aboriginal people’s knowledge of fire farming techniques. Investigate
need for access to land for cultural practices, including campfires and burning.
SE Aboriginal Focus
Group, CFS Medium
7. Adapt to and
mitigate
climate change
Establishment of carbon biodiversity
plantings Investigate public land that would support carbon biodiversity plantings.
Industry,
landholders,
DEWNR
High
Continue / expand climate change
adaptation and mitigation planning
Embed climate change adaptation and mitigation into all planning across all
sectors.
Increase education on climate
change impacts, adaptation and
mitigation
Provide information on impacts of climate change on natural landscapes
including:
o habitat for native species such as endangered Red Tailed Black Cockatoos,
Southern Bent-wing bats and native orchids
o wetlands, including Mullinger, Poocher and Mundulla Swamps and
Deadmans Swamp Complex
o Cross Border Creeks (Mosquito, Morambro, Naracoorte, etc.) and Cockatoo
lake
Use monitoring and research to track environmental changes that may be
attributed to climate change and to direct subsequent action.
And on actions to adapt to/mitigate climate change, to be provided through:
o Engagement of project officer to implement climate change education
component of the Limestone Coast Region Climate Change Adaptation
Plan
o Media (including social media)
o Signage in parks and reserves, etc.
o Meetings with organisations, Councils, groups, etc.
o NRM education (including Coastal Connections and similar programs)
LC Climate
Adaptation
Committee,
SENRMB, EPA,
councils, Tourism
SA, residents
Medium 2 (habitat
protection)
24
Table 3. Actions for the urban landscape
Landscape
Objective Action Project ideas
Potential People /
Organisations Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
1. Maintain
groundwater
availability and
quality
Promote water sensitive urban
design (WSUD)
Showcase good examples of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) at different
scales.
Invest in developing effective local WSUD and stormwater infrastructure.
Councils High 7 (climate
change)
Monitor and protect urban
groundwater supplies from
pollution
Monitor urban water sources and consider treatment needs.
Work on minimising all pollutants, including work with farmers upstream of
urban centres to minimise over-fertilising.
Promote urban ‘good practice’, i.e. car-washing on lawn etc.
Educate community regarding link between surface and groundwater.
SA Water, EPA,
Councils, DEWNR High
2. Conserve
ecological
values of
terrestrial and
wetland
habitats
Revegetation and restoration of
remnant habitats
Encourage volunteers to assist with revegetation and maintaining remnant
habitats, including installing signs at priority areas that outline how people
can get involved.
Target older people, those transitioning to retirement and part-time
employed.
Friends of Parks,
Green Army,
community groups,
Councils, SENRMB
volunteers, CVA,
schools, DECD
High
Promote native gardens to provide
habitat for native animals
Open garden weekends for native gardens.
Plant swap events.
Sale native plant packs for biodiversity gardens.
Collaborate with Councils on native plantings in public spaces.
SE Aboriginal Focus
Group, Burrundies,
NGOs, community
groups, councils,
SENRMB, CVA,
schools
High
Community education on
biodiversity
Community education on biodiversity management to identify and facilitate
community action to increase quality, quantity and connectivity within native
vegetation.
SENRMB, schools,
volunteer groups,
Councils
Use citizen science to monitor key
fauna species
Monitor red-tailed black cockatoo and frog populations with volunteers using
citizen science (community reporting sightings / hearings) SENRMB Medium
Support tourism organisations to
raise community awareness about
ecological values
Collaborate with tourism organisations to:
o improve how tour operators explain the landscapes to people
o promote local walks in native vegetation on tourism websites
SENRMB, Limestone
Coast Tourism Medium
Protect hollows trees Educate people about where they can take firewood to prevent impacts on
habitats for species such as the red-tailed black cockatoo. SENRMB Low
25
Landscape
Objective Action Project ideas
Potential People /
Organisations Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
Involve Aboriginal people in
protecting nature
Include Aboriginal involvement and knowledge sharing in protecting nature. DEWNR, SEAFG,
SENRMB High
3. Maintain
surface water
availability and
quality
Monitor quality of urban run-off
and impacts on potable water
Continue to monitor quality of urban runoff and other impacts (e.g. sewer
leaks) on potable water supply quality near towns.
Integrate the use of water sensitive urban design and the development of
stormwater management plans if necessary.
SA Water, SEWCDB,
EPA, DEWNR,
Universities
High
5. Minimise
impacts of
weeds, pest
animals and
diseases
Implement a community education
program around weeds
Focus on garden escapees and dumping of garden waste.
Ensure local nurseries do not sell environmental weeds.
Promote "Grow me instead" booklet and distribute the 'Landholder
responsibilities handbook'.
SE NRM Board
Urban residents,
Councils
High
Manage overabundant native
species
Investigate options to manage corellas where they are creating an issue in the
urban landscape.
DEWNR, Councils,
landowners Medium
Control pest plants and animals in
and around urban areas
Implement program to minimise populations of pest animals and weeds in
urban areas.
SENRMB, Councils,
landowners Medium
Minimise impact of domestic pets
on native fauna
Implement a cat management plan in urban areas, including education about
registering cats to minimise native fauna destruction. Councils Medium
6. Manage fire in
the landscape
Continue to implement a bushfire
prevention program
Including:
community education around minimising fuel loads and respecting the fire
season
assess fire risks in urban areas
CFS, DEWNR, LC
Bushfire Management
and LC Zone
Emergency
Management
Committees,
community, Councils
High 2. (habitat
protection)
26
Landscape
Objective Action Project ideas
Potential People /
Organisations Importance
Contributes
to other
priority
7. Adapt to and
mitigate
climate change
Increase education on climate
change impacts, adaptation and
mitigation
Promote actions to adapt to / mitigate climate change through:
o working with all sectors on education
o signage in parks and reserves
LC Climate
Adaptation
Committee, SENRMB,
Councils, Tourism SA,
residents, farming
groups
High 2. (habitat
protection)
Continue climate change adaptation
and mitigation planning
Embed climate change adaptation and mitigation into planning across all
sectors, e.g. ensure any green areas created have low water requirement
species that can tolerate the changing climate.
LC Climate
Adaptation
Committee, councils,
DPTI
Medium
Reducing our environmental impact
(including our carbon footprint)
Increase education on sustainable living, including Living Smart sustainability
education for adults.
Incentive programs for e.g. rain water tanks, use and generation of renewable
energy, waste management.
Encourage communities to buy local to reduce carbon emissions from
produce transport.
Investigate options for use of renewable energy sources for wineries,
meatworks and other industries.
Establish more community gardens to reduce carbon emissions from transport
of food produce.
Councils, SENRMB,
community, industry Medium