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Venus Bay Conservation ParkIncluding Venus Bay Conservation Reserve

Department for Environment and Heritage

2006

Management Plan

www.environment.sa.gov.au

This plan of management was adopted on 3 July 2006 and was prepared pursuant to section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Published by the Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide, Australia

© Department for Environment and Heritage, 2006

ISBN: 1 921018 95 x

Cover Photography: Venus Bay taken from the Entrance Beach Peninsula, with Germain Island in the distance (Courtesy of Peter Canty, DEH)

This document may be cited as “Department for Environment and Heritage (2006) Venus Bay Conservation Park Management Plan, Adelaide, South Australia”

FOREWORD Venus Bay Conservation Park (1,460 hectares) and Conservation Reserve (3,362 hectares) are located on the west coast of Eyre Peninsula, between Streaky Bay and Elliston. Venus Bay Conservation Park includes seven islands located within the bay, which are considered particularly important breeding grounds for many native birds (eg oyster catchers, terns, rock parrots, silver and pacific gulls, and quails).

Venus Bay Conservation Park and Conservation Reserve consist of coastal heath and mallee areas, which surround the sheltered waters of the bay. Five of the seven islands are low-lying, flat, limestone-topped islands covered in low coastal heath vegetation. The largest island in the bay has formed from tidal sand deposits and supports samphires and mangroves. The last island is not vegetated and is submerged during some high tides.

The reserves make significant contributions to the conservation of biodiversity on Eyre Peninsula, through the protection of numerous threatened plant and animal species.

Since the 1980s Venus Bay Conservation Park has been used to trial the reintroduction of locally extinct fauna that were historically present in the area. Successful reintroductions have been possible due to the implementation of regional pest animal control and the establishment of predator-free areas within the park. Reintroduced species include the Brush-tailed Bettong, Greater Stick-nest Rat and Greater Bilby. To increase the long-term viability of the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program, reintroductions of threatened species will be expanded into Venus Bay Conservation Reserve.

Venus Bay Conservation Park and Conservation Reserve are culturally significant for Aboriginal people. While no sites are listed on the Register of Aboriginal Sites and Objects, there is evidence of occupation by Aboriginal people in Venus Bay Conservation Park.

Management at Venus Bay Conservation Park (and Venus Bay Conservation Reserve) focuses on the conservation of natural resources and the continued implementation of the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program. Public access, recreational use and other developments will be in keeping with the need to protect and enhance the viability of natural systems within the reserves.

The plan of management for Venus Bay Conservation Park is now formally adopted under the provisions of section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

HON GAIL GAGO MLC

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

Venus Bay Conservation Park Management Plan 2006 i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD......................................................................................................................................................... i

1 PARK LOCATION AND FEATURES ............................................................................................................ 11.1 History of Management ............................................................................................................... 2

2 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ....................................................................................................................... 42.1 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.......................................................................................... 42.2 Native Title Act 1993 ..................................................................................................................... 42.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.......................................... 52.4 Crown Lands Act 1929 ................................................................................................................. 5

3 VISION ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

4 ZONING ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

5 MANAGING NATURAL HERITAGE............................................................................................................ 85.1 Geology, Soils and Landform ...................................................................................................... 85.2 Native Vegetation ........................................................................................................................ 85.3 Native Fauna ................................................................................................................................. 95.4 Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program............................................................................ 115.5 Introduced Plants ........................................................................................................................ 155.6 Introduced Animals..................................................................................................................... 15

6 MANAGING FIRE ..................................................................................................................................... 16

7 MANAGING CULTURAL HERITAGE ........................................................................................................ 177.1 Indigenous Heritage ................................................................................................................... 177.2 Non-Indigenous Heritage........................................................................................................... 18

8 MANAGING TOURISM AND RECREATION............................................................................................ 198.1 Visitor Use and Access................................................................................................................ 198.2 Visitor Facilities ............................................................................................................................. 208.3 Commercial Tourism ................................................................................................................... 21

9 MANAGING RESOURCE USE.................................................................................................................. 229.1 Exploration and Mining .............................................................................................................. 229.2 Leases and Licences .................................................................................................................. 249.3 Public Utilities................................................................................................................................ 249.4 Management Infrastructure ...................................................................................................... 25

10 INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY ............................................................................................................... 26

11 MANAGING RESERVE TENURE ............................................................................................................... 27

SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES .................................................................................................. 29

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY................................................................................................................. 33

APPENDIX A: CONSERVATION STATUS CODES ............................................................................................ 34

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Location ............................................................................................................................................. 3

Figure 2: Zoning and Features ........................................................................................................................ 7

Figure 3: Additional Land .............................................................................................................................. 28

Venus Bay Conservation Park Management Plan 2006 iii

1 PARK LOCATION AND FEATURES Venus Bay Conservation Park (1,460 hectares) is located on the west coast of Eyre Peninsula, between the towns of Streaky Bay and Elliston. It consists of Weyland Peninsula plus Black’s Point connected by a narrow shellgrit tombolo and seven islands in Venus Bay.

The plan also includes Venus Bay Conservation Reserve (3,362 hectares), additional land on the western end of Weyland Peninsula (approximately 1,237 hectares), and all relevant coastal reserves down to low water mark (136 hectares) around these properties and the Conservation Park. It is intended that these additional parcels of land be consolidated into Venus Bay Conservation Park in the near future. Total land covered by the plan amounts to approximately 6,195 hectares (see Section 11 Managing Reserve Tenure). For the purposes of this management plan, reference to Venus Bay Conservation Park includes Venus Bay Conservation Reserve and all additional land proposals.

In 1975 the seven islands in Venus Bay (sections 56-62, Hundred of Wright, County of Robinson), approximately 190 hectares, were withdrawn from the control of the (then) Minister of Marine. The intention was to proclaim them as a Conservation Park, since they were important feeding and breeding grounds for many native birds (eg oyster catchers, terns, rock parrots, silver and pacific gulls, and quails). These islands were proclaimed as Venus Bay Conservation Park in 1976.

Although the islands are referred to with the letters A-G, some have other names, ie:

Section Island Name 56 A 57 B 58 C 59 D Germein Island 60 E 61 F Garden Island 62 G Tank Island

In 1977 section 145, Hundred of Rounsevell (1,237 hectares), comprising the eastern portion of Weyland Peninsula, was proclaimed as an addition to the park to conserve relatively pristine coastal landscape and vegetation associations.

In 1993 allotments 2 and 4 of Declared Plan (DP) 32749 and allotment 20 of DP 33601, Hundred of Wright (3,362 hectares) to the north-west of Venus Bay, were acquired and proclaimed as Venus Bay Conservation Reserve under the Crown Lands Act 1929 to conserve a remnant of native coastal mallee vegetation. DEH has negotiated a land-swap with neighbouring property owners to enable the Conservation Park and Conservation Reserve to be linked by native vegetation (see Section 5.2 Native Vegetation and Section 11 Managing Reserve Tenure).

The park consists of coastal heath and mallee areas, surrounding the sheltered waters of Venus Bay. The largest island in the bay, Germein, has formed from tidal sand deposits and now supports samphires and mangroves. Islands A, B, C, Garden and Tank are low-lying, flat, limestone-topped islands covered in low coastal heath vegetation. Island E is not vegetated and is submerged during some high tides.

Weyland Peninsula protects Venus Bay proper from prevailing winds. It is limestone-capped with a narrow neck to the mainland. The peninsula has limestone cliffs up to 100 metres high where exposed to the high-energy Southern Ocean, and slopes inland to shallow ledges and sand or shellgrit beaches adjacent to Venus Bay. The narrow neck of the peninsula provides an opportunity to maintain a large area of the park (Weyland Peninsula) relatively free from exotic predators and grazing animals, by the maintenance of a predator-exclusion fence. Intensive predator and rabbit control programs are also conducted on Weyland Peninsula and the mainland.

Venus Bay Conservation Park experiences a Mediterranean climate that is modified by its coastal aspect. Mean monthly temperatures recorded at nearby Streaky Bay range from 16-29°C in January and 8-16°C in June. The reserve is exposed to low pressure systems that move from the

Venus Bay Conservation Park Management Plan 2006 1

west in winter and bring an annual average rainfall of 370 millimetres. These systems move southward in summer, shifting the prevailing winds to the south-east and the north-west.

Venus Bay Conservation Park and Conservation Reserve make a significant contribution to the conservation of biodiversity on Eyre Peninsula. They support a unique and highly diverse array of plant communities and habitats from limestone cliff tops to tidal samphire and mangrove flats. They also include areas of early-to-mid-successional stage communities regenerating after rolling and/or clearing and ploughing. Several plants of conservation significance occur here, including the nationally, state and regionally vulnerable West Coast Mint-bush (Prostanthera calycina). The broad range of coastal heath, mallee, samphire, mangrove, tidal flat, marine habitats and small islands contribute to an extremely diverse avifauna.

The northern district of Eyre Peninsula comprises an important biogeographical linkage between eastern Western Australia and western South Australia and presents an ideal opportunity for creating landscape linkages. Venus Bay Conservation Park and Conservation Reserve form part of a substantial and near-continuous tract of remnant native vegetation linking mallee and acacia shrublands and woodlands on Eyre Peninsula with similar environments in Western Australia. As such, the park provides an important biogeographic linkage between eastern Western Australia and western South Australia. This linkage will help to maintain viable populations of the majority of species present, including at least 18 endemic plant species.

1.1 History of Management Since the 1980s Venus Bay Conservation Park has been used to trial the reintroduction of locally extinct fauna, which were historically present in the area. The Conservation Park is an ideal location for such reintroductions, due to the numerous islands that are predator-free.

When Brush-tailed Bettongs (Bettongia penicillata) were first successfully placed on Island ‘A’ in Venus Bay in the early 1980s, Weyland Peninsula was identified as a potential mainland release site. With the drafting of the National Brush-tailed Bettong Recovery Plan in 1991, a trial release of six Brush-tailed Bettongs at Black’s Point on Weyland Peninsula followed in April 1994.

Preparation for the first release of bettongs to the mainland part of the park included:

- construction of a low (less than one metre) mesh rabbit-proof fence across the narrowest part of the peninsula (The Narrows);

- establishment of rabbit control measures inside and outside the fence;

- establishment of predator control baiting, trapping and shooting regimes; and

- establishment of sites to quantify the presence of small vertebrate fauna and plant species.

The six Brush-tailed Bettongs released on Weyland Peninsula fared well and as a result, more animals were released. By the end of 1995 the bettong population had increased in size and expanded across the southern half of the peninsula, despite the persistent presence of small numbers of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and cats (Felis catus). This successful release formed a significant enhancement to the status of the species, now comprising a large population derived from 67 wild-caught animals from Western Australia.

After the successful reintroduction of Brush-tailed Bettongs, a trial reintroduction of Greater Stick-nest Rats (Leporillus conditor) was undertaken. This was initially successful, prompting the release of more animals. However, no Greater Stick-nest Rats could be found after six months, apparently due to the presence of feral cats.

In 1996, following the purchase of the Amey property (the northern part of the peninsula), a predator-exclusion fence was constructed across the peninsula (see Figure 2). This was designed to control foxes, cats and rabbits, and to increase the diversity of species that could be reintroduced (see Section 5.4 Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program). Ongoing fox-baiting seemed sufficient to keep the peninsula essentially fox-free, but cats required more labour-intensive control measures.

Also in 1996, Commonwealth Government funding ceased for the Bettong and Greater Stick-nest Rat recovery programs. An operating budget was then allocated by DEH to base a Ranger on the park, to consolidate the established program and maintain Venus Bay Conservation Park as a focus for threatened fauna recovery in the region.


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Figure 1

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Map designed and created byReserve Planning using PAMSProjection: MGA Zone 53 (GDA 94)Date: December 2005

2 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 2.1 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 Reserves are managed by the Director of National Parks and Wildlife subject to any direction by the Minister for Environment and Conservation or the Chief Executive of the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH). When managing reserves, the Director is required under section 37 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 to have regard to, and provide actions that are consistent with, the following objectives of management stated in the Act:

- preservation and management of wildlife;

- preservation of historic sites, objects and structures of historic or scientific interest within reserves;

- preservation of features of geographical, natural or scenic interest;

- destruction of dangerous weeds and the eradication or control of noxious weeds and exotic plants;

- control of vermin and exotic animals;

- control and eradication of disease of animals and vegetation;

- prevention and suppression of bush fires and other hazards;

- encouragement of public use and enjoyment of reserves and education in, and a proper understanding and recognition of, their purpose and significance;

- generally, the promotion of the public interest; and

- preservation and protection of Aboriginal sites, features, objects and structures of spiritual or cultural significance within reserves.

Section 38 of the Act states that a management plan is required for each reserve. A management plan should set forth proposals in relation to the management and improvement of the reserve and the methods by which it is intended to accomplish the objectives of the Act in relation to that reserve.

DEH is responsible for preparing management plans and undertaking the prescribed community consultation process for the park. A standard management planning process is mandated, to ensure that all statutory obligations are met. Help and guidance with plan preparation is sought and obtained from individuals, community groups or relevant advisory committees, although ultimately the decision on whether or not to adopt a management plan remains a ministerial prerogative.

The draft plan for Venus Bay Conservation Park was released for public exhibition in January 2006. At the close of the comment period two submissions were received. All comments and concerns were considered by the West Consultative Committee and forwarded to the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Council for advice before the plan was presented to the Minister for adoption.

In accordance with the Act, the provisions of this management plan must be carried out and no actions undertaken unless they are in accordance with this plan. In order to achieve this, each year park managers, taking regional and district priorities into account, draw up work programs to implement the strategies proposed in management plans. Implementation of these projects is determined by, and subject to, the availability of resources (eg staffing and funding).

2.2 Native Title Act 1993 Native Title describes the rights and interests Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have in land and waters according to their traditional laws and customs. Commonwealth legislation, in the form of the Native Title Act 1993, was enacted to: - provide for the recognition and protection of native title;

- establish ways in which future dealings affecting native title may proceed and to set standards for those dealings;

- establish a mechanism for determining claims to native title; and


- provide for, or permit, the validation of past acts, and intermediate period acts, invalidated because of the existence of native title.

This management plan is released and will be adopted subject to any native title rights and interests that may continue to exist in relation to the land and/or waters. Before undertaking any acts that might affect native title, DEH will follow the relevant provisions of the Native Title Act 1993.

2.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) establishes a Commonwealth approval process for assessment of proposed actions that are likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance. The Act provides an integrated system for biodiversity conservation and management of important protected areas.

Venus Bay Conservation Park contains the nationally vulnerable species West Coast Mint-bush (Prostanthera calycina) and Greater Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus timoriensis). Two of the reintroduced species are also listed as nationally vulnerable, the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and Greater Stick-nest Rat (Leporillus conditor). Under the Act, Commonwealth approval is required for any action that has, will have, or is likely to have, a significant impact on these species.

2.4 Crown Lands Act 1929 Under the Crown Lands Act 1929, dedicated conservation reserves are under the care, control and management of the Minister for Environment and Conservation and managed by the Director of National Parks and Wildlife. Under the Crown Lands Act 1929, there is no legal requirement for a management plan to be prepared for conservation reserves. However, where appropriate, DEH prepares management plans for conservation reserves using the same management planning process required under section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife 1972.

It is proposed that the conservation reserve included in this management plan will be proclaimed under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (see Section 11 Managing Reserve Tenure).

3 VISION There has been a gradual development of a vision for Venus Bay as a best practice model and case study for the promotion of improved management of remnant wildlife populations on Eyre Peninsula. This vision is shared by the conservation community, which financially contributed to an extension of the park (Nature Foundation SA Inc) and also by the region’s rural community, which is now involved in a practical and tangible manner through the activities of the West Coast Integrated Pest Management Program.

Both the size and geography of Venus Bay Conservation Park make it an area suitable for development as a field laboratory to test how integrated management systems may be applied in landscape-scale conservation projects. Many of the programs, conducted in conjunction with threatened species reintroduction and recovery projects, have succeeded and should be maintained. Such programs include pest animal control, eradication and monitoring, small and large mammal and reptile monitoring, vegetation monitoring, and revegetation.

In accordance with the reserve’s dedication and classification as a Conservation Park, all management strategies will focus on the conservation of natural resources and the implementation of the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program. Public access, recreational use and other developments will be in keeping with the need to protect and enhance the viability of natural systems within the park.


4 ZONING Section 39 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 provides for the designation of zones in a reserve. Zoning aims to ensure that public use and management actions remain compatible with the protection of park values and constrains the use of land in zones to the conditions specified in an adopted management plan.

The management zones described below, and shown in Figure 2, establish a framework for the sustainable use of the reserve (including the proposed land additions) during the life of this plan.

Predator-exclusion Zone This zone includes the islands and those parts of Weyland Peninsula protected by the predator-exclusion fence (as well as the rabbit-proof fence) and upon which endangered species recovery programs are being undertaken. This zone will be subject to regulated access for visitors. Vehicle access is restricted to the tracks shown on Figure 2.

Infrastructure, apart from that necessary to undertake species recovery program management, will be restricted to the development of a walking trail to Quandong Beach. This walking trail will utilise the management track to Black’s Point, establishment of a small car park and trailhead near the ruin at the start of this track, erection of signs informing visitors of access prohibitions (eg during bird breeding seasons) and interpretive signs explaining the species recovery work.

Development Zone This zone includes the Ranger’s residence and surrounding infrastructure (sheds, workshop and storage facility). Any developments that might be required for supporting research or the ecological restoration work (eg low-impact vehicle-based campsites or pit toilet facilities) will be restricted to this precinct.

Conservation Zone This zone occupies the remainder of the park (including Venus Bay Conservation Reserve). The intention of its management is to conserve and restore natural values and to provide a buffer for the Predator-exclusion Zone. Passive recreation using existing tracks will be permitted. Developments will be kept to a minimum and vehicle access throughout this zone will be limited to designated tracks as shown on Figure 2.

Objective Zone the park to ensure that management is effective and use is appropriate for biodiversity conservation.

Strategy • Designate and adopt the management zones as shown in Figure 2.


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5 MANAGING NATURAL HERITAGE 5.1 Geology, Soils and Landform The reserve’s substrate is largely calcrete sand-plain. Laut et al. (1977) places it within the West Coast Environmental Association and describes various aspects of the park as “extensive plain on calcrete sand with isolated hills and coastal dunes, lakes and lagoons”. The coastal morphodynamics of the reserve have been described by Short et al. (1986) as crenulate bays and barriers based on Precambrian crystalline rock, Pleistocene dune rock, Holocene barriers, lagoon and estuarine deposits.

The 80 square kilometres of Venus Bay is described as ‘enclosed’. Point Weyland, South Head and accompanying reefs protect the narrow entrance (see Figure 2). Entrance Beach has been formed from wave-deposited sand (see Figure 2). Wave movement, winds and low energy deposits in the bay have established extensive flood tide delta sand-flats. Germein Island is an aerial portion of this ebb and flood tide delta. It is now vegetated with samphire and mangroves on the low energy side and this vegetation contributes to in situ sedimentation. The majority of the islands, however, consist of exposed calcrete.

Black’s Point is connected to the main peninsula by a tombolo of reworked carbonate shell detritus (see Figure 2). The calcrete capping of Black’s Point is pierced in at least two places by small sink holes, approximately 4.5 metres deep, bearing sub-fossilised animal deposits that have been carbon-dated to more than 4,000 years before present (Medlin, 1996).

The eastern and northern perimeters of the bay also have shelly beach ridges like the tombolo joining Black’s Point with Weyland Peninsula. No watercourses flow into the bay.

The soil landscape is predominantly calcarenite plain (Wright, 1985) with a typically exposed hard calcrete layer and shallow discontinuous soils, which are predominantly sandy and calcareous. Sand dune areas are particularly sensitive to vegetation loss, which results in blowouts and excessive dune destabilisation.

Objective Conserve geological features and maintain landscape qualities.

Strategies • Consider the conservation of geological features when undertaking developments in the park.

• Monitor visitor use of sand dune areas and regulate access if stabilizing vegetation is threatened.

5.2 Native Vegetation Surveys conducted for the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program have yielded a detailed understanding of vegetation. At least 299 indigenous plant species have been recorded in the park.

There are seven recorded vegetation associations in the Venus Bay Conservation Park:

- Coast Daisy-bush (Olearia axillaris) Shrubland is found on coastal shellgrit ridges and unstable dunes;

- Dryland Tea-tree (Melaleuca lanceolata) Open Heath occurs near the coast on calcrete and ocean cliffs;

- Mangrove (Avicennia marina) Tall Shrubland is found in the low energy deposit zones (eg Germein Island);

- Samphire (Halosarcia spp.) Shrubland occurs where the coastal flats are subject to tidal inundation;

- South Australian Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca halmaturorum) Open Scrub and Tall Shrubland is found where semi-saline areas are subjected to intermittent inundation along the saline edges of the bay;

- Red Mallee (Eucalyptus oleosa) – White Mallee (Eucalyptus dumosa) – Dryland Tea-tree (Melaleuca lanceolata) Open Scrub/Tall Shrubland exists on grey calcareous sands; and


- Red Mallee (Eucalyptus oleosa) – Yorrell (Eucalyptus gracilis) – White Mallee (Eucalyptus dumosa) Open Scrub/Low Woodland occurs on grey-brown calcareous sandy loams.

Venus Bay Conservation Park protects numerous species of conservation significance (see Appendix A for Conservation Status Codes). Such species include:

- Bead Purslane (Calandrinia sphaerophylla) (SA: R; EP:K);

- Broom Bitter-pea (Daviesia genistifolia) (EP:R);

- Creeping Boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium) (SA:R; EP:R);

- Fine-hairy Spear-grass (Austrostipa puberula) (SA:R; EP:K);

- Mallee Bitter-pea (Daviesia benthamii ssp. humilis) (SA:R; EP:R);

- Roger’s Spider-flower (Grevillea pauciflora ssp. leptophylla) (SA:R; EP:K);

- Prickly Spear-grass (Austrostipa pilata) (SA:V);

- West Coast Mint-bush (Prostanthera calycina) (AUS:V; SA:V; EP: V); and

- Western Daddy-long-legs (Caladenia bicalliata) (SA:R; EP:R).

The predominant vegetation association for the Venus Bay Conservation Reserve is Kingscote Mallee (Eucalyptus rugosa) – Yorrell (E. gracilis) Open Scrub with a shrub layer of Sheep Bush (Geijera linearifolia) and Dryland Tea-tree (Melaleuca lanceolata). This open scrub generally supports a mallee community with a Broombush (M. uncinata) and/or heath understorey, areas of tussock grassland and/or South Australian Swamp Paperbark (M. halmaturorum).

Parts of Venus Bay Conservation Park and Conservation Reserve have been rolled and cleared in the past. Coast Daisy-bush (Olearia axillaris) and Angled Wattle (Acacia anceps) are the main species currently recolonising these previously cleared areas.

Land recently acquired for the park includes a narrow section that connects the Conservation Park with the Conservation Reserve. This is the focus of an ongoing revegetation program to provide habitat linkages between the park’s components and surrounding remnants of native vegetation. This project involves Greening Australia, Port Kenny Progress Association, Greencorps, Friends of Streaky Bay District Parks and Port Kenny Primary School.

Objective Conserve native vegetation and, where possible, restore areas previously cleared or impacted.

Strategies • Record information about native plant populations, monitor populations and undertake

programs for their conservation, if necessary.

• Continue revegetation programs to restore and improve the natural habitat of the park.

5.3 Native Fauna Information on species present at Venus Bay Conservation Park comes principally from data gathered through monitoring the predator and competitor control programs. Collection of baseline data on the distribution of small ground mammals and reptiles began prior to the reintroduction of bettongs.

Traplines in each of the eight habitats selected as representative of the dominant vegetation associations, initiated in 1992, have been reinstalled annually. These sample sites are all located on the southern half of Weyland Peninsula. There are plans to extend this program to include further sampling from Venus Bay Conservation Reserve, the northern portion of Weyland Peninsula and adjacent properties. By doing so, a more comprehensive inventory of animal distribution could be obtained, and the assessment of benefits accruing to native fauna from rabbit, fox and cat control programs could be conducted. See Appendix A for Conservation Status Codes.

Mammals The diverse range of small mammals recorded includes two species of Dunnart (Smithopsis dolichura and S. crassicaudata) and an increasing number of Western Pygmy Possums


(Cercartetus concinnus). Even though Mitchell’s Hopping-mice (Notomys mitchelli) are difficult to trap, they are regularly recorded along spotlight transects.

Mammals of conservation significance that are present in the park include:

- Brush-tailed Bettong (Bettongia penicillata)(SA:R);

- Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) (AUS:V; SA:E);

- Greater Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus timoriensis) (AUS:V; SA:V); and

- Greater Stick-nest Rat (Leporillus conditor) (AUS:V; SA:V).

Regular monitoring indicates that kangaroo numbers, particularly those of the Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fulliginosus), are currently higher than the vegetation communities within the park can sustain (especially inside the predator-exclusion fence), thus negatively impacting on the ecological health of Venus Bay Conservation Park. Kangaroo grazing has heavily impacted the nationally vulnerable West Coast Mint-bush. In addition, kangaroos have negatively affected the regeneration of direct seeding and tube-stock revegetation programs. Unless the population is managed, it may compromise the recovery of some plant species and the regeneration of plant communities in areas previously developed for agriculture.

At Venus Bay, the impact of Western Grey Kangaroos and Euros (Macropus robustus) on the native vegetation in the park and on surrounding land is being monitored through the installation of selective grazing exclosure plots. These plots are located in areas that are at varying stages of recovery from past disturbance. Unreplicated plots at each site selectively exclude rabbits, kangaroos, and both or neither. Baseline monitoring began in August 2002.

While other techniques can and will continue to be investigated, culling is currently considered the only practicable method of controlling kangaroo numbers. If the impact of Western Grey Kangaroo and/or Euro grazing is demonstrated to be threatening vegetation recovery and broader ecological restoration objectives in the park, the resident populations will be strategically reduced by culling, in accordance with section 38(10)(a) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Reptiles and Frogs Eyre Peninsula is an overlap area for many reptile species that are more generally located in either the south-east or the south-west of the continent. For example, the Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbarta) occurs as a dwarf form at Venus Bay and is rarely found further west.

Reptile populations that extend from the west include a sub-species of the Sandhill Ctenotus (Ctenotus brooksi euclae). Although common on Weyland Peninsula, this coastal sand specialist is recorded from very few locations in South Australia. The Prickly Dragon (Tympanocryptis adelaidensis) is common on Weyland Peninsula, extending into South Australia from the west along a thin coastal strip.

Over 30 species of reptile have been recorded for the park. However, the most notable in the area is the Thorn-tailed Gecko (Strophurus assimilis) (SA:R), which is present in Venus Bay Conservation Reserve. Previously regarded as an inhabitant of the woodlands of the dry interior of southern Western Australia, it was first recorded in South Australia at Venus Bay in 1992. The presence of the Peninsula Dragon (Ctenophorus fionni) is also significant as this species is endemic to the Eyre Peninsula.

The only amphibian recorded in the area is the Trilling Frog (Neobatrachus centralis), within the Conservation Reserve.

Birds The wide range of vegetation associations, existing landscape linkages between the reserve and large areas of remnant native vegetation, and the complex marine ecosystem of Venus Bay contribute to the park’s high species diversity of birds.

Birds of particular conservation significance include:

- Blue-breasted Fairy-wren (Malurus pulcherrimus) (SA:V);

- Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) (SA:V);

- Fairy Tern (Sterna nereis) (SA:V);


- Hooded Plover (Thinornis rubricollis) (SA:V);

- Musk Duck (Biziura lobata) (SA:R);

- Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) (SA:R);

- Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) (SA:R); and

- White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) (SA:V).

The presence of Osprey, Peregrine Falcon and White-bellied Sea-eagle nesting pairs on the cliffs of Venus Bay is particularly significant. Increased human activity has resulted in a loss of wilderness quality, which has led to the displacement and subsequent decline of the White-bellied Sea-eagle in particular (Dennis and Lashmar, 1996). While the Osprey appears more resilient to human presence and activity, the species is still vulnerable to displacement through human disturbance (Poole, 1989). Hence, nest location and activity of coastal raptor species should continue to be monitored at Venus Bay Conservation Park, with human activity restricted around these sites, particularly during breeding seasons.

The islands in the park provide secure nesting sites for large breeding colonies of shorebirds (eg Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus) and Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae)). The extensive flood tide delta sand-flats, sheltered bays and shelly beach ridges make ideal feeding and roosting sites for a considerable number of migratory wading birds (eg Eastern Curlew and Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)). Adequate provision of safe nesting habitat for several species of shorebirds was the original reason for proclaiming the islands as a park in the mid 1970s.

Large populations of Sooty Oystercatchers (Haematopus fuliginosus) and Pied Oystercatchers (H. longirostris) make Venus Bay a site of international significance for these species.

Objectives Protect and conserve native fauna within the park.

Manage macropod populations at sustainable levels.

Strategies • Conduct fauna surveys and maintain natural habitat, particularly for species of conservation

significance.

• Monitor total grazing pressure and the effects on the flora and fauna within the park.

• Reduce the size of the Western Grey Kangaroo and Euro populations by culling, when considered necessary to meet the ecological restoration objectives for the park.

5.4 Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program Venus Bay Conservation Park was identified as a potential site for the reintroduction of fauna that had disappeared elsewhere on the mainland as a result of changes brought about by European settlement. The narrow neck of land separating Weyland Peninsula from the rest of the mainland (The Narrows; see Figure 2) and the islands within Venus Bay proper provide unique places to shelter animal species that are either threatened with extinction on mainland South Australia or are already extinct there. The Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program (VBERP) performs an important role in threatened animal recovery by carrying out habitat restoration and developing management techniques for the reintroduction of missing, rare or endangered wildlife species.

Beginning with the introduction of Brush-tailed Bettongs (onto Island ‘A’ in 1980) from a captive group at Para Wirra Recreation Park, the VBERP has been making progress for 25 years. This program has been assisted with funds from the Commonwealth Government’s Natural Heritage Trust (NHT).

Animals that have been successfully re-established in the park include the Brush-tailed Bettong and, more recently, the Greater Bilby. Greater Stick-nest Rats introduced to Venus Bay Conservation Park were initially successful, then appeared to fail due to cat predation. More recently, however, fresh tracks indicate that Greater stick-nest Rats may have survived. The fate of the Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius), introduced in 2001, is unclear.

Despite these mixed results, promotion of the successes by DEH staff in the district has attracted the interest of the majority of landholders in north-west Eyre Peninsula, within at least a 50 kilometre


radius of the park. Consultation with the community has helped to coordinate integrated, district-wide pest plant and animal control programs, especially fox control, under the auspices of the West Coast Integrated Pest Management Program. Excited by the possibility of wildlife restoration, many landholders are keen to manage remnant vegetation on their land to make it suitable habitat for possible release and maintenance of reintroduced animals beyond the sanctuary of the park.

The success of the program within the park over the last 25 years, and the local enthusiasm for integrated, regional pest control programs, justifies the investment made so far in the VBERP and the commitment by DEH to its continuation and further development. With the proposed addition of the Conservation Reserve to the Venus Bay Conservation Park, and the creation of a vegetation corridor linking the two areas, the VBERP can be expanded across the entire park. Such an expansion is possible due to the success of the ongoing regional pest control program and will increase the long-term viability of the restoration program. Furthermore, it will provide extensive habitat for reintroduced species to flourish.

Throughout its implementation the VBERP has overcome a number of significant problems by adopting an adaptive management approach, through monitoring outcomes and reviewing effectiveness of strategies. This knowledge has since been applied to other restoration programs across South Australia, with the experimental release of Brush-tailed Bettongs in both Lincoln and Flinders Ranges National Parks and Greater Stick-nest Rats at Roxby Downs (the latter by Western Mining Corporation).

Sub-fossil vertebrate deposits Excavation of a sinkhole in the limestone plateau at Black’s Point and other locations in the park, by a team from the South Australian Museum and DEH, began in 1993 (see Medlin, 1996). Minor collections were also made at other locations in the park. The diverse array of sub-fossil material recovered from the sites includes mammal, bird and reptile species, and reveals a continuous record of over 3,500 years of faunal presence in the area. This significant evidence suggests that: - Brush-tailed Bettong remains were present in most layers of the deposit, including the most

recent;

- the Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus), the Western Barred Bandicoot (Perameles bougainvillea) and the Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) were present in the area during relatively recent times;

- the Tammar Wallaby (Macropus eugenii) was present on Weyland Peninsula during recent times; and

- the Heath Rat (Pseudomys shortridgei), Plains Rat (Pseudomys australis) and Southern Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes) were present in the area until relatively recently, with the latter present on Weyland Peninsula.

Sub-fossil information provides a useful and realistic guide for the future implementation of the VBERP and reintroduction into the district. Results of the program after its first 20 years are recorded under the following individual species.

Brush-tailed Bettong Six male Brush-tailed Bettongs were released on Black’s Point in April 1994. These were the second group of Bettongs to be reintroduced to mainland South Australia after those introduced at Yookamurra Sanctuary by Earth Sanctuaries Ltd. Following the success of this trial release, a further 61 Bettongs (22 males, 39 females) were reintroduced over four releases, between September 1994 and January 1995. The Bettongs came from Dryandra Forest Reserve in Western Australia.

Rabbit and fox control appeared to work well and no radio-collared animals were lost during the first six months. However, feral cats became a problem following a House Mouse (Mus musculus) plague in 1994-95. By March 1995 14 Bettongs (almost half of the radio-collared animals) had been killed. The culprit was almost certainly a large (5.75 kg) feral cat, which was eventually trapped in the park. After the demise of this individual, no similar losses of Bettongs were recorded. Foxes and feral cats were kept at bay with an intensive trapping and spotlight-shooting effort in the region and park, and the increasing Bettong population expanded across the lower peninsula.

In 1996 the predator-exclusion fence was erected on land (the Amey property) that was acquired for the park in 1995. This provided protection to open farmland and scrublands on the northern


half of Weyland Peninsula. Despite this, sightings of Bettongs north of the blown-out sand dune near the original park boundary (see Figure 2) were rare for several years. However, by early 2003, Brush-tailed Bettongs had expanded to all areas within the predator-exclusion fence.

Bettong numbers are currently considered to be high, with food availability (itself dependent on rainfall) thought to be the limiting factor. The actual population size is difficult to determine, as territorial nesting behaviour and male bias in trapping results make mark-recapture techniques unreliable indicators. Increased soil disturbance, from burrowing and seed stock depletion of favoured plant species (eg Acacia anceps, Templetonia retusa, Giejera linearifolia and Santalum acuminatum), is a potential problem associated with the current population density. However, the population is likely to naturally stabilise as food resources become limited.

Small numbers of Bettongs from the Venus Bay population have been reintroduced to other parks and suitable private properties in South Australia and interstate, including Lincoln and Flinders Ranges National Parks, Yookamurra Sanctuary, Yathong Nature Reserve (New South Wales) and private land on Eyre Peninsula. As the Eyre Peninsula Integrated Pest Management Program gains momentum, further attempts to restore Brush-tailed Bettong populations to other areas of Eyre Peninsula may be made (eg Coffin Bay National Park and Kulliparu Conservation Park).

Greater Stick-nest Rat Following the success of the Brush-tailed Bettong reintroduction, 102 (49 male, 53 female) Greater Stick-nest Rats were released on the Entrance Beach dune within Venus Bay Conservation Park between September 1995 and May 1996. Approximately two-thirds of these animals came from a captive breeding program at the DEH facility within Monarto Zoo. The remaining Greater Stick-nest Rats were translocated from a population previously established by DEH on Reevesby Island (part of the Sir Joseph Banks Group Conservation Park) in 1990. Some of the released animals were fitted with radio transmitter collars to enable monitoring.

Despite some early losses, most animals survived well for the first six months and breeding commenced. Unfortunately, within four weeks of the last release in May 1996, feral cats decimated the population. A surviving individual from the Reevesby Island translocation was trapped and translocated to Monarto Zoo and it was thought that the program had failed.

However, in February 2004, a set of fresh Greater Stick-nest Rat tracks was observed at the base of the Entrance Beach dune (within 100 metres of the original release site). Further investigation located tracks and runways along the two-kilometre length of the seaward side of the dune and in caves near the entrance to Venus Bay. Two unsuccessful attempts were made to capture the rats. Further attempts were abandoned for fear that trapping would disturb the dense vegetation cover, which may afford protection from feral cats, which still occur within the fenced area.

Future monitoring may be improved through track surveys that radiate out from the initial release site. It is also hoped that more efficient cat control will consolidate the Greater Stick-nest Rat population.

Bilby Since September 2001, 19 Bilbys (translocated from the breeding colony at Monarto Zoo) have been released. This was done over five releases, and the animals were initially placed in a fenced 0.25 hectare enclosure with supplementary feeding. After two early losses, and the return of two individuals to Monarto due to poor condition, the remaining Bilbys were allowed free access to the rest of the park. During the initial years following release, the Bilbys appeared to be restricted to the northern section of the peninsula, between the predator-exclusion fence and The Narrows. This restriction was a combination of a broad area of surface limestone and the short mesh fence originally installed to control rabbits. However, in April 2005, two Bilbys were seen at the southern end of the peninsula, during a routine spotlight survey.

There has been limited success in monitoring the small population of Bilbys, both with radio collars and from trapping. However, observations during spotlight surveys have indicated an increasing number of individuals within the 1.2 square kilometers of regenerating farmland immediately inside the predator-exclusion fence. The population is expected to continue to increase in numbers and to eventually disperse throughout suitable habitat across Weyland Peninsula. The population has also been the subject of postgraduate research by a PhD student (Josh Griffiths), who is investigating “The Ecology of the Greater Bilby, Macrotis lagotis, Reintroduced to South Australia”.


Bush Stone-curlew Eleven Bush Stone-curlews (five males, six females) were released within Venus Bay Conservation Park in late 2001. This number comprised seven captive-bred birds from Adelaide Zoo and four from Dubbo Zoo. The release site, along the lower track near Quandong Beach (see Figure 2), was selected because an individual Bush Stone-curlew had been observed there two years previously. All released birds were fitted with leg bands for individual identification and radio transmitter harnesses for close monitoring.

By 27 May 2002 only two of the Dubbo Zoo birds were known to be alive. Of the others, four died from starvation, two died from snail compaction in the crop, one appeared to have been killed by a raptor, and two were missing (presumed dead). However, in August 2004 an individual bird with a leg band was observed in the park.

Malleefowl Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) were present in Venus Bay Conservation Reserve until the late 1980s and still occur in the local district. With the advent of fox baiting in the park and adjoining properties, the local population is expected to recolonise the reserve. This will be monitored and consideration may be given to active reintroduction.

The 1998 Greencorps–DEH survey questionnaire about Malleefowl on Eyre Peninsula confirmed the importance of the northern Eyre district to the peninsula’s populations. Of the 120 reported locations of Malleefowl in this area, 118 are outside protected areas. Consequently, an integrated approach, incorporating predator and competitor control into farm management practices, appears to be required for Malleefowl conservation across Eyre Peninsula. Nonetheless, existing populations are small and isolated from each other, making the provision of a sufficient number of habitat corridors between large remnants important for their long-term survival.

Future Directions Given the history of the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program, the well-established protocol for threat mitigation and the existing infrastructure, there is now the opportunity to:

- expand the reintroduction of threatened species into the Venus Bay Conservation Reserve so as to increase the long-term viability of the restoration program;

- establish populations of additional locally extinct species within the security of the fenced peninsula;

- undertake a progressive reintroduction of the Brush-tailed Bettong outside the predator-exclusion fence in a fragmented landscape with an established fox, cat and rabbit control program;

- provide a mainland site suitable for establishing seed populations of threatened plant species for translocation to other parts of Eyre Peninsula and protected areas throughout the state;

- use the knowledge and experience gathered from threat management and species reintroduction and recovery programs at Venus Bay Conservation Park to develop and improve operational protocols for protective management and ecological restoration elsewhere in the state; and

- increase community awareness and understanding of the program through nocturnal tours for school groups and other community organisations.

Objective Restore natural habitat and develop management techniques for the successful reintroduction and conservation of threatened fauna.

Strategies • Continue to implement the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program through adaptive

management, and participate in regional programs that extend habitat restoration and conservation of threatened species into the Conservation Reserve and beyond park boundaries.

• Monitor and evaluate biodiversity trends as part of the ongoing implementation of the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program.


5.5 Introduced Plants DEH is obliged to control or eradicate pest plants proclaimed under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. These include species that also threaten conservation values and may be considered as major environmental weeds (eg African Boxthorn (Lycium ferrocissimum) and Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)).

An eradication program for African Boxthorn has been carried out to restore the quality of shorebird nesting habitats on islands within the park. All adult plants have been eradicated from the islands. An annual maintenance program should be established to prevent its re-emergence.

The Plume Moth (Pterophorus spilodactylus) has been introduced to control Horehound and has become established. An ongoing program of active translocation increases the effectiveness of this control agent.

While not yet established in the park, Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) is invading the surrounding areas. Bridal Creeper populations outside the park should be monitored and controlled, if possible. Any plants found in the park will be eradicated. Recently, biological control agents (rust and a leaf-hopper) have been released on local populations and it is hoped that these will assist in preventing the establishment of Bridal Creeper in the park.

Objective Control, and eradicate if possible, introduced plants within the park.

Strategies • Continue to control, and eradicate where possible, proclaimed pest plants, particularly African

Boxthorn, within the park.

• Monitor populations of introduced plants and undertake control programs to prevent their spread.

5.6 Introduced Animals Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) have been subject to an intensive control program within Venus Bay Conservation Park. This has involved baiting, warren destruction and opportunistic shooting. Research on the introduction of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (Rabbit Calicivirus Disease) through treated oat bait has been carried out. Although immediately successful on those animals directly consuming the bait, transmission away from the baited area was poor. It is proposed that further research includes the introduction of the Spanish Rabbit Flea to act as a disease vector.

Poisoning with 1080 bait is undertaken in areas of high rabbit density at strategic locations in the park. Care is taken to avoid areas supporting populations of native species that may be susceptible to the poison, in particular Mitchell’s Hopping-mouse.

The use of 1080 meat baits has eliminated foxes from within the predator-exclusion area. Fence maintenance and intensive baiting of an extensive buffer zone outside the fence prevents foxes from re-entering the area (see Figure 2).

DEH collaborates with Animal and Plant Control officers from the Western and Elliston-Le Hunte District Councils to implement the West Coast Integrated Pest Management Program. Currently, up to 40,000 baits are manufactured annually at Venus Bay Conservation Park and are distributed to participating property owners throughout the district.

Feral cats still remain within the fenced area of the park. Attempts to eliminate them are inhibited by the high numbers of bettongs, which take baits (with immunity) but also enter any traps installed for cat control. Some cat control through secondary poisoning may result from the consumption of rabbits killed by 1080 baits.

Objective Control, and eradicate if possible, introduced animals within the park.

Strategy • Continue to control rabbits, foxes and cats within the park and participate in regional

integrated pest management programs.


6 MANAGING FIRE Although the dominant mallee vegetation in the park is known to be fire-prone, the geographic disposition of Weyland Peninsula inhibits a bushfire from entering that part of the park. However, the conservation reserve is at greater risk and there is potential for this block of vegetation to be burnt in a single event, causing a significant loss of animal habitat in the form of mature mallee vegetation.

Access to mainland boundaries is possible from all-weather 2WD roads from the east, north and west. A Fire Response Plan, outlining guidelines for managing wildfire has been prepared for DEH West Region. The Streaky Bay District Council and the local Country Fire Service (CFS) have no records of recent fires in the park.

DEH has a responsibility to manage all aspects of fire in its reserves. A fire management plan for Venus Bay Conservation Park will be developed in consultation with CFS, the district Bushfire Prevention Committee and other key stakeholders, interest groups and neighbours. The plan will be reviewed and updated regularly and form the basis of ongoing fire management.

Fire management planning will:

- identify natural and cultural heritage values and built assets;

- provide a framework for the management of bushfire suppression, including identification of strategic access and control lines;

- provide a framework for prescribed burning for ecological management and fuel reduction purposes; and

- identify performance indicators.

Planned fires, where appropriate and ecologically sustainable, may be used to reduce fuel hazards with the aim of protecting life and property. Fire management planning will also take into account the maintenance of habitat for reintroduced endangered species and resident, sedentary species (eg Malleefowl) that survive in isolated remnants of Eyre Peninsula mallee in small numbers.

Objective Manage fire to ensure the protection of life and property, the maintenance of biodiversity and the protection of natural, cultural and built values.

Strategies • Develop, implement and regularly review a fire management plan for the park, in consultation

with CFS and other stakeholders.

• Maintain strategic access to boundaries of the park for bushfire control purposes.


7 MANAGING CULTURAL HERITAGE 7.1 Indigenous Heritage Aboriginal Culture and Heritage The land comprising Venus Bay Conservation Park has traditional associations for the Wirangu (Tindale, 1974), Nauo and Barngala people. For Aboriginal people, land and waters have many interconnected complex meanings and values. The significance of land and waters is central to their lives: at birth, death, ceremonies and socially, whilst hunting, gathering camping, and travelling.

Following colonial settlement, the Aboriginal population around Venus Bay Conservation Park was substantially reduced as a result of introduced diseases, dispersal, dispossession of their land and water supplies, and sometimes through violent conflict.

Today, Wirangu, Nauo and Barngala people still practise their culture and language. Some of the language and traditional stories have been recorded. However, to date (2006), the full extent of Aboriginal heritage at Venus Bay Conservation Park has not been comprehensively researched.

Due to historical or cultural reasons, any knowledge of the cultural heritage of the region may be privileged to selected Aboriginal people and therefore unable to be recorded. It is considered important that further research be undertaken in order to gain a better understanding of the Aboriginal occupancy and use of the area.

Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 The purpose of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 is to protect and preserve Aboriginal sites, objects and remains. “Aboriginal site” and “Aboriginal object” are defined to mean an area of land or an object that is of significance according to Aboriginal tradition or that is of significance to Aboriginal archaeology, anthropology or history. The Department for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation (DAARE) maintains a Central Archive, including the Register of Aboriginal Sites and Objects.

There is evidence of occupation by Aboriginal people in Venus Bay Conservation Park (Nicholson, 1991). For example, the bore that supplies water to the Ranger’s residence and office is thought to be located at an old Aboriginal well. However, no sites or objects are listed on the Register of Aboriginal Sites and Objects. No comprehensive survey of the park has so far been undertaken, however, and there may be unidentified Aboriginal sites, objects or remains in the park. In carrying out the activities and strategies envisaged in this plan, DEH will ensure that it complies with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

Objective Ensure that Aboriginal sites, objects and remains are protected and preserved in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

Strategies • Consult with the traditional owners in decisions regarding the management of Aboriginal

heritage.

• Identify and protect any Aboriginal sites, objects and remains in cooperation with the traditional owners, DAARE and relevant authorities.

• In consultation with the traditional owners, research cultural and historic sites and stories that relate to the park. All sites should be submitted for inclusion on the DAARE Central Archive.


7.2 Non-Indigenous Heritage Little is known of the previous use and management of Venus Bay Conservation Park. There is evidence of attempts at farming by early settlers, in the form of fragments of fences, a constructed tank base ruin and old well sites (see Figure 2). However, no sites or objects are registered on the State Heritage Register.

Objective Ensure significant non-indigenous heritage sites are protected and conserved.

Strategy • In cooperation with the Heritage branch of DEH and other relevant authorities, protect and

conserve sites of historical significance located in the park.


8 MANAGING TOURISM AND RECREATION 8.1 Visitor Use and Access Historically, Venus Bay Conservation Park attracted low-key, low-impact use, primarily by local people engaged in recreational and commercial fishing and bush and beach camping. Visitor activities should not compromise the values of the current conservation programs, but day visitors are welcome. Volunteer involvement in threat abatement, vegetation recovery programs and threatened species research accounts for a large number of visitors. Visitor use of the park should be monitored and may need to be incorporated into the management of Venus Bay Conservation Park to prevent unacceptable environmental impacts, including the introduction of user fees commensurate with the level of service provided within the park.

There are no special provisions or infrastructure for public visitors at Venus Bay Conservation Park. There are camping and caravan facilities available at the nearby Port Kenny Caravan Park, within a few kilometres of Venus Bay Conservation Reserve. Use of these facilities is encouraged, as camping is not permitted within the park.

Access to the reserve and park office is by 2WD. However, most of the park may only be accessed by 4WD vehicle or boat. Traditionally, commercial and recreational fishers have had unconditional access to the area beyond the predator-exclusion fence that included the areas now designated as the Predator-exclusion Zone and the Conservation Zone. Access beyond the predator-exclusion fence must be negotiated by prior arrangement.

The constraints of the Ecological Restoration Program and the fragile nature of the mobile dunes at Entrance Beach and the shellgrit tombolo at Black’s Point make it necessary to permit public access to these zones by foot or boat only. Commercial fishers may use the vehicle tracks in these zones to launch boats by prior arrangement.

Use of the track from the ruin to Black’s Point (see Figure 2) will be prohibited for all but management vehicles. The track will be available as a walking trail and a car park will be developed near the ruin at the start of the trail.

Tracks, which currently allow access to Venus Bay Conservation Reserve, should be rationalized and managed to permit appropriate visitor access and preserve natural values.

Boat Access Some visitors access the park by boat, especially from beaches in Venus Bay proper or at Port Kenny (see Figure 2). Currently, the park does not include the coastal reserve adjacent to the bay, so visitors may theoretically be able to bring pets such as dogs to this coastal reserve on boats. The potential for this to happen greatly compromises the ecological restoration program, especially regarding the re-establishment of populations of previously locally extinct animal species. In addition, pets are at serious risk of poisoning from baits periodically laid for foxes. It is proposed in this plan to include the coastal reserves adjacent to Venus Bay in the park by incorporating them into Venus Bay Conservation Park. Visitors will still be able to access the park as now, but pets will not be permitted (see Section 11 Managing Reserve Tenure).

Additionally, some commercial fishers access resources in Venus Bay by launching boats from beaches adjacent to Venus Bay Conservation Reserve. Access to these beach sites is by management tracks, with special permission.

Boat access by visitors, recreational and commercial fishers is closely monitored to ensure this activity does not compromise the natural values of the park. Any impacts, particularly on bird breeding, may require access restrictions during certain times of the year.

Walking Trails There are no constructed walking trails within the park. Walkers are encouraged to use the public access and management tracks to explore the park. Opportunities exist to utilise the management track to Black’s Point as a formal walking trail.


Objectives Provide reasonable access to areas of the park in a way that does not compromise natural values or the objectives of the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program.

Ensure boat access by visitors, recreational and commercial fishers does not compromise natural values.

Strategies • Maintain an all-weather access road to the park entrance and office.

• Allow vehicle access to the park on designated tracks at the discretion of DEH.

• Maintain the existing 4WD track around the northern perimeter of Venus Bay for fisher access by permit and monitor access to ensure that natural values are not compromised.

• Monitor boat access to ensure this activity does not compromise the natural values of the park.

• Provide information for visitors who might access islands by boat, informing them of proper behaviour with regard to wildlife and the possible need to restrict access during bird breeding episodes.

• Develop informative material and interpretive signage, which enables visitors to understand and appreciate the park’s conservation values and the importance of the Ecological Restoration Program.

• Develop a Quandong Beach Walking Trail that utilises the management track to Black’s Point, and establish a small car park and trailhead near the ruin at the start of this trail.

• Manage the park for day visitors without the requirement for the development of visitor facilities.

• Monitor visitor use of the park and, if necessary, introduce user fees commensurate with the level of service provided within the park.

8.2 Visitor Facilities Day Visit Areas Visitors who have permission to travel in the park beyond the predator-exclusion fence may drive to Entrance Beach. Because the number of visitor vehicles in the park is limited to those that have permission, there is no need, at this stage, to develop a formal car park at Entrance Beach.

Objective Ensure that sites suitable for day visitors are managed sustainably.

Strategy • Monitor impacts from visitors’ vehicles at sites of interest (eg Entrance Beach) and formally

regulate car parking to reduce those impacts, if necessary.


8.3 Commercial Tourism There are no leases or concessions currently let in the park, but there is potential for managed, commercial tourism operators to offer interested visitors an intimate insight into rare animals that are being successfully reintroduced to the park and to highlight the ecological restoration being undertaken.

Commercial operators must first obtain a licence and must comply with conditions imposed therein. Due to the unique nature of the Venus Bay Conservation Park, conditions could include:

- supervision of all nocturnal activities;

- DEH-trained or staff guide to be present; and

- reasonable notice to be provided prior to entering the reserve (minimum of seven days, unless otherwise negotiated).

Objective Provide opportunities for visitors to explore the park and gain an understanding of the Ecological Restoration Program.

Strategy • Develop, monitor and review conditions under which commercial tourism operators may

obtain a licence to bring visitors to the park.


9 MANAGING RESOURCE USE 9.1 Exploration and Mining Mineral exploration and mining are prohibited in Venus Bay Conservation Park. When incorporated into the Conservation Park, all additional land linking the Conservation Park with the Conservation Reserve (see Section 11 Managing Reserve Tenure) will also be singly proclaimed, free of access under State mining legislation.

However, no such prohibition exists over Venus Bay Conservation Reserve. When incorporated into the Conservation Park, this land will be jointly proclaimed to allow for access for exploration and mining under the Mining Act 1971 subject to specified conditions. It will be a requirement of the proclamation for this section of the park that the Minister for Environment and Conservation must approve the issuing of all licences and may impose licence conditions that must be carried out in relation to exploration and mining activities.

The following conditions will be recommended for inclusion in licence and activity approvals applied to exploration and extraction activities on the land comprising Venus Bay Conservation Reserve:

- all exploration activities will require a Declaration of Environmental Factors;

- close liaison is to be maintained with the park manager;

- licensees are to avoid any exploratory activity that will be detrimental to local populations of flora and fauna, in particular destruction of vegetation including large trees (either dead or alive) that provide important refuges for fauna;

- exploration within areas of native vegetation is to be undertaken with extreme care. Vehicles and machinery will be restricted to the 4WD track that follows the southern boundary of the reserve (see Figure 2), so as to minimise detrimental impacts on vegetation, soils and fauna. All other areas of the reserve will be accessed by foot only. Vehicular access off-track will be assessed and negotiated on a case-by-case basis;

- progressive rehabilitation of any disturbance associated with works will be required, with rehabilitation activities to be completed within six months of the cessation of activities;

- notice of entry must be given to DEH at least ten days prior to entry; and

- operators must comply with additional recommendations made by DEH in relation to carrying out their activities.

Areas of Environmental Sensitivity Other areas of environmental sensitivity that should not receive undue disturbance may be identified for higher-level conditions in the licence or works approvals for exploration and mining activities. At Venus Bay Conservation Reserve sensitive environments that contain high conservation value include, but are not limited to, flora and fauna of conservation significance known to exist in the area, including the West Coast Mint-bush (nationally vulnerable) and Thorn-tailed Gecko (state rare).

Reintroduction Activities and Mining It has long been the intention of the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program (VBERP) to extend the reintroduction of locally extinct fauna into the land comprising Venus Bay Conservation Reserve (see Section 5.4 Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program). Indeed, the land linking the Conservation Park and Conservation Reserve was purchased to provide a vegetation corridor for fauna to traverse between the two parcels of land. Hence, Venus Bay Conservation Reserve is critical to the long-term success of the VBERP.

The extension of the reintroduction program into the Conservation Reserve will bring with it particular conditions and restrictions for companies undertaking exploration and mining activities. Reintroduced animals may:

- be confined within fenced enclosures;

- establish complex nesting sites in particular locations;


- exhibit particular breeding regimes; or

- have preferable feeding sites.

Monitoring of released animals will be conducted on a regular basis to determine the success of the reintroduction program. These factors may need to be protected by restricting access to particular sites or at certain times of the year.

The unpredictable response of fauna to reintroductions in a new environment is such that significant planning will be required before any exploration and/or mining activities are undertaken within the reserve.

Activities in areas where VBERP activities are taking place may be subject to the following:

- licence conditions with respect to the VBERP will be assessed and negotiated by DEH on a case-by-case basis; and

- any company wishing to conduct exploration and/or mining activities in the Conservation Reserve will be required to liaise with DEH well ahead of the time the company wishes to enter the reserve.

Development Activities Intensive exploration activity may only be approved in identified areas of environmental sensitivity if less intensive exploration indicates that there is a high likelihood of an economically-viable mineral deposit. Development of economic mineral deposits within the reserve will be subject to extensive consultation with DEH and strict controls over and above general park provisions will be required and determined on a case-by-case basis.

Objective Ensure mineral exploration or mining is conducted in Venus Bay Conservation Reserve in a way that minimises impacts to the park’s natural values, particularly those associated with the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program.

Strategies • Liaise with licensees regarding the conservation values of the reserve to ensure minimisation of

environmental impacts, particularly those associated with the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program, and to ensure compliance with the objectives of this management plan.

• Ensure that PIRSA and licensees are kept informed about programs being undertaken within Venus Bay Conservation Reserve to ensure mining activities are planned and managed appropriately.

• Monitor mineral activities occurring within the reserve.


9.2 Leases and Licences Bee Sites Under regulation 37(1)(h) of the National Parks and Wildlife (National Parks) Regulations 2001, a person must not undertake the activity of keeping bees in a reserve except pursuant to a lease, licence or agreement between that person, or some other person, and the Minister or the Director.

There are five bee sites within Venus Bay Conservation Reserve, which are registered to an individual apiarist. One site is located just off Flinders Highway in old sand and rubble pits, one is located in the south-west corner of the reserve (where Koolkanna Road meets the bay) and two are on natural clearings just off the main 4WD track that follows the coast from Port Kenny. The fifth bee site is inaccessible and is not used. The other four bee sites will continue to be managed in accordance with the 1997 Bee Site Policy for National Parks and Wildlife Act and Crown Lands Act Conservation Reserves or its successor. No additional bee sites will be established within the park.

Objective Manage bee sites in accordance with the Department’s Bee Site Policy.

Strategies • Monitor the impacts of existing bees and bee sites on the natural biota of the park, to ensure

conservation values are protected.

• Maintain access tracks to existing bee sites to ensure that natural values are not compromised.

• Prohibit additional bee sites from being established in the park.

9.3 Public Utilities Town Water Supply The District Council of Elliston manages a water pipeline from the Water Conservation Reserve (itself managed by the council) (see Figure 2) to Port Kenny, section 78, Hundred of Wright. Access to the pipeline is maintained via the public road reserve within Venus Bay Conservation Reserve.

Marine Navigation Aids The navigable entrance to Venus Bay proper is marked by two sighting posts placed at the far end of Entrance Beach, within the park. Personnel from the Department of Transport and Urban Planning occasionally maintain these navigation aids. Maintenance personnel may drive as far as the Entrance Beach car park area or access the beach by boat and continue from there on foot to the navigation aids.

Objectives Ensure the management of the water reserve and pipeline, including associated pest plant and animal control programs, are compatible with the conservation of park values.

Manage marine navigation aids in a way that does not compromise the natural values of the park.

Strategies • Formalise the route of the water pipeline to Port Kenny from the Water Conservation Reserve,

section 78, Hundred of Wright.

• Liaise with the District Council of Elliston to regularly review the maintenance program for the water reserve and pipeline.

• Provide ongoing access to the Department of Transport and Urban Planning for the ongoing maintenance of navigation aids in the park.


9.4 Management Infrastructure Management infrastructure in the park includes a Ranger’s residence and office, along with storage facilities and workshops for general maintenance and the preparation of fox baits, and other management activities (see Figure 2). The area around the Ranger Station has been designated as a Development Zone and is the only site in the park where further developments could be contemplated.

Additional infrastructure includes the rabbit-proof fence across The Narrows and the electrified predator-exclusion fence across Weyland Peninsula.

Objective Maintain infrastructure and built assets to a high standard.

Strategies • Maintain buildings and facilities at the Ranger Station and restrict the development of any

additional structures required to this area.

• Maintain the rabbit-proof and predator-exclusion fences across Weyland Peninsula as required for conservation programs.


10 INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY The Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program is a core component of a broader DEH initiative to increase community awareness and involvement in biodiversity conservation across the Eyre Peninsula. The achievable, long-term aim is to improve the conservation of remnant species already found in the area (eg Malleefowl). The VBERP includes the development of a large-scale pest management program incorporating the communities of Venus Bay, Witera, Port Kenny, Wudinna and others. In conjunction with Animal and Plant Control Boards, private landholders participate in coordinated fox baiting, and rabbit and pest plant control programs. More than 400 landholders over much of north-western Eyre Peninsula now participate in the project.

A cornerstone of natural resource management is the active engagement of the community sector so as to establish a wide and dedicated support base. Community capacity-building can have significant flow-on effects in improving a region’s environmental, social and economic wellbeing. This plan recommends strategies that aim to provide the community as a whole with relevant information, build individual and group skills, encourage participation in natural resource management across the wider landscape, and provide the necessary organisational and institutional support to have a lasting impact on conservation biology in the region.

The Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program has already developed significant momentum through the successful Brush-tailed Bettong and Bilby reintroduction projects, which have been supported by the following positive partnerships: - a district fox baiting program under the West Coast Integrated Pest Management Program,

involving neighbouring property managers as far as 150 kilometres from the park;

- an active Friends of Streaky Bay District Parks group; and

- a focussed partnership with Greening Australia.

Volunteer input has been vital to the revegetation projects in the park. The continued support of Friends of Streaky Bay and Districts Parks and other volunteers will be required for the successful completion of ecological restoration programs, especially the revegetated corridor planned to link the conservation reserve with the conservation park.

DEH seeks to develop partnership arrangements with relevant parties to establish effective working relationships and coordinate management action across land tenures. With regard to the management of Venus Bay Conservation Park, DEH endeavours to maintain links with:

- District Councils of Streaky Bay and Elliston-Le - Primary Industries and Resources South Hunte; Australia (PIRSA);

- Streaky Bay and Elliston-Le Hunte Animal and - Western Eyre Peninsula Districts Soil Plant Control Boards; Conservation Board;

- Flinders University; - Eyre Peninsula NRM Board;

- The University of Adelaide; - South Australian Museum;

- Traditional owners; - Country Fire Service; and

- Native Title Claimants; - Neighbouring landholders.

Objective Involve the community in biodiversity conservation programs, both on and off the park.

Strategies • Continue to support the involvement of the local community, Friends of Parks and other

volunteers in ecological restoration programs in the park.

• Continue to encourage neighbouring property managers to contribute to broad, regional biodiversity conservation programs outside the park.


11 MANAGING RESERVE TENURE In 1995 sections 115, 116, 117 and 147, Hundred of Rounsevell (1,468 hectares), which contained a large proportion of remnant and regenerating native vegetation, were purchased from the Amey family (Figure 3). The purchase was made possible by a contribution from Nature Foundation SA Inc. A land-swap deal has been negotiated with the private landholders to return cleared and farmed portions of the purchased land to the private landholder, in return for some other naturally vegetated land. When the exchange is finalised the newly acquired land will be incorporated into Venus Bay Conservation Park, under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Land linking the Venus Bay Conservation Park and Conservation Reserve has also been acquired (see Figure 3). Again, a land-swap deal has been negotiated to acquire additional areas of conservation significance and to return areas of low conservation value to farming. When finalised this land will also be incorporated into Venus Bay Conservation Park, under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

It is also proposed that Venus Bay Conservation Reserve, and all coastal reserve sections adjacent to the Conservation Park and the newly acquired land (being sections 180-185, Hundred of Rounsevell) be incorporated into Venus Bay Conservation Park in the near future, under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Objective Achieve maximum biodiversity conservation and optimal reserve boundaries for management purposes.

Strategies • Consolidate the park by incorporating the Venus Bay Conservation Reserve and other

appropriate adjacent Crown land, including coastal reserves down to low water mark, into Venus Bay Conservation Park.

• Manage all land additions to the park according to the principles outlined in this management plan.


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SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

STRATEGY

ZONING

Designate and adopt the management zones as shown in Figure 2.

MANAGING NATURAL HERITAGE

Geology, Soils and Landform

Consider the conservation of geological features when undertaking developments in the park.

Monitor visitor use of sand dune areas and regulate access if stabilising vegetation is threatened.

Native Vegetation

Record information about native plant populations, monitor populations and undertake programs for their conservation, if necessary.

Continue revegetation programs to restore and improve the natural habitat of the park.

Native Fauna

Conduct fauna surveys and maintain natural habitat, particularly for species of conservation significance.

Monitor total grazing pressure and the effects on the flora and fauna within the park.

Reduce the size of the Western Grey Kangaroo and Euro populations by culling, when considered necessary to meet the ecological restoration objectives for the park.

Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program

Continue to implement the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program through adaptive management, and participate in regional programs that extend habitat restoration and conservation of endangered species beyond park boundaries.

Monitor and evaluate biodiversity trends as part of the ongoing implementation of the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program.

Introduced Plants

Continue to control, and eradicate where possible, proclaimed pest plants, particularly African Boxthorn, within the park.

Monitor populations of introduced plants and undertake control programs to prevent their spread.

Introduced Animals

Continue to control rabbits, foxes and cats within the park and participate in regional integrated pest management programs.

MANAGING FIRE

Develop, implement and regularly review a fire management plan for the park, in consultation with CFS and other stakeholders.

Maintain strategic access to boundaries of the park for bushfire control purposes.

MANAGING CULTURAL HERITAGE

Indigenous Heritage

Consult with the traditional owners in decisions regarding the management of Aboriginal heritage.

Identify and protect any Aboriginal sites, objects and remains in cooperation with the traditional owners, DAARE and relevant authorities.

In consultation with the traditional owners, research cultural and historic sites and stories that relate to the park. All sites should be submitted for inclusion on the DAARE Central Archive.


STRATEGY

Non-Indigenous Heritage

In cooperation with the Heritage branch of DEH and other relevant authorities, protect and conserve sites of historical significance located in the park.

TOURISM AND RECREATION

Visitor Use and Access

Maintain an all-weather access road to the park entrance and office.

Allow vehicle access to the park on designated tracks at the discretion of DEH.

Maintain the existing 4WD track around the northern perimeter of Venus Bay for fisher access by permit and monitor access to ensure that natural values are not compromised.

Monitor boat access to ensure this activity does not compromise the natural values of the park.

Provide information for visitors who might access islands by boat, informing them of proper behaviour with regard to wildlife and the possible need to restrict access during bird breeding episodes.

Develop informative material and interpretive signage, which enables visitors to understand and appreciate the park’s conservation values and the importance of the Ecological Restoration Program.

Develop a Quandong Beach Walking Trail that utilises the management track to Black’s Point, and establish a small car park and trailhead near the ruin at the start of this trail.

Manage the park for day visitors without the requirement for the development of visitor facilities.

Monitor visitor use of the park and, if necessary, introduce user fees commensurate with the level of service provided within the park.

Visitor Facilities

Monitor impacts from visitors’ vehicles at sites of interest (eg Entrance Beach) and formally regulate car parking to reduce those impacts, if necessary.

Commercial Tourism

Develop, monitor and review conditions under which commercial tourism operators may obtain a licence to bring visitors to the park.

MANAGING RESOURCE USE

Exploration and Mining

Liaise with licensees regarding the conservation values of the reserve to ensure minimisation of environmental impacts, particularly those associated with the Venus Bay Ecological Restoration Program, and to ensure compliance with the objectives of this management plan.

Ensure that PIRSA and licensees are kept informed about programs being undertaken within Venus Bay Conservation Reserve to ensure mining activities are planned and managed appropriately.

Monitor mineral activities occurring within the reserve.

Leases and Licences

Monitor the impacts of existing bees and bee sites on the natural biota of the park, to ensure conservation values are protected.

Maintain access tracks to existing bee sites to ensure that natural values are not compromised.

Prohibit additional bee sites from being established in the park.


STRATEGY

Public Utilities

Formalise the route of the water pipeline to Port Kenny from the Water Conservation Reserve, section 78, Hundred of Wright.

Liaise with the District Council of Elliston to regularly review the maintenance program for the water reserve and pipeline.

Provide ongoing access to the Department of Transport and Urban Planning for the ongoing maintenance of navigation aids in the park.

Management Infrastructure

Maintain buildings and facilities at the Ranger Station and restrict the development of any additional structures required to this site.

Maintain the rabbit-proof and predator-exclusion fences across Weyland Peninsula as required for conservation programs.

INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY

Continue to support the involvement of the local community, Friends of Parks and other volunteers in ecological restoration programs in the park.

Continue to encourage neighbouring property mangers to contribute to broad, regional biodiversity conservation programs outside the park.

MANAGING RESERVE TENURE

Consolidate the park by incorporating the Venus Bay Conservation Reserve and other appropriate adjacent Crown land, including coastal reserves down to low water mark, into Venus Bay Conservation Park.

Manage all land additions to the park according to the principles outlined in this management plan.


REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY Dennis, TE (unpublished) The Status of Coastal Raptor Species on Western Eyre Peninsula between

Lake Hamilton and Streaky Bay During the 2003 Breeding Season. A report to Birds SA, Adelaide.

Dennis, TE and Lashmar, AFC (1996) Distribution and abundance of White-bellied Sea-eagles in South Australia. Corella 20(3): 93-102.

Laut, P, Heyligers, PC, Keig, G, Löffler, E, Margules, C, Scott, RM and Sullivan, ME (1977) Environments of South Australia - Province 4: Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas, CSIRO, Canberra.

Medlin, G (1996) Venus Bay Sinkhole Report unpublished report, DEH, Adelaide.

Nicholson, A (1991) Archaeology on the Anxious Coast: Archaeological Investigations on the West Coast of Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. A report to the Heritage Branch of the Department of Environment and Planning, Adelaide.

PISA (1996) Elliston Aquaculture Management Plan, Adelaide.

Poole, AF (1989) Ospreys – A Natural and Unnatural History. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Short, AD, Fotheringham, DG and Buckley, RC (1986) Coastal Morphodynamics and Holocene Evolution of the Eyre Peninsula Coast, South Australia, Coastal Studies Technical Report 86/2, Coastal Studies Unit, Department of Geography, University of Sydney, NSW.

Tindale, NB (1974) Aboriginal Tribes of Australia. Australian National University Press, Canberra.

Wright, MJ (1985) “Soils” in: Natural History of Eyre Peninsula, pp 77-87, (Eds. CR Twidale, MJ Tyler, and M Davies), Royal Society of South Australia, Adelaide.


APPENDIX A: CONSERVATION STATUS CODES

Australian Conservation Status Codes The following codes are based on the current listing of species under section 179 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

EX Extinct: there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of the species has died.

EW Extinct in the Wild: known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population well outside its past range; or it has not been recorded in its known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate seasons, anywhere in its past range, despite exhaustive surveys over a time frame appropriate to its life cycle and form.

CE Critically Endangered: facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

E Endangered: facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

V Vulnerable: facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future, as determined in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

CD Conservation Dependent: the species is the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered within a period of 5 years.

Note: Prescribed criteria as defined under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

South Australian Conservation Status Codes The following codes are based on the current listing of species under Schedules of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, as amended in 2000.

E Endangered: (Schedule 7) in danger of becoming extinct in the wild.

V Vulnerable: (Schedule 8) at risk from potential or long term threats which could cause the species to become endangered in the future.

R Rare: (Schedule 9) low overall frequency of occurrence (may be locally common with a very restricted distribution or may be scattered sparsely over a wider area). Not currently exposed to significant threats, but warrants monitoring and protective measures to prevent reduction of population sizes.

Regional Status Codes The categories below apply to the species distribution at a regional level.

Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians There are no regional conservation status categories developed for mammals, reptiles or amphibians to date (2004).

Birds Regional conservation status for birds follow Carpenter and Reid (1998) The Status of Native Birds in the Agricultural Areas of South Australia.

The regions are defined as follows:

ML Mount Lofty MN Mid-North SE South-Eastern KI Kangaroo Island MM Murray Mallee EP Eyre Peninsula YP Yorke Peninsula


Plants

Regional conservation ratings for plants follow:- Lang, PJ and Kraehenbuehl, DN (2001). Plants of Particular Conservation Significance in South

Australia's Agricultural Regions.

- January (2001) update of unpublished database: Florlist. Department for Environment and Heritage.

The regions are as defined by the State Herbarium (Plant Biodiversity Centre), illustrated in the back cover of Census of South Australian Vascular Plants (Edition V) (Eds. B Barker, R Barker, J Jessop and H Vonow, 2005).

NW North-Western FR Flinders Ranges NL Northern Lofty SL Southern Lofty LE Lake Eyre EA Eastern MU Murray KI Kangaroo Island NU Nullarbor EP Eyre Peninsula YP Yorke Peninsula SE South-Eastern GT Gairdner-Torrens

In order of decreasing conservation significance: X Extinct/Presumed extinct: not located despite thorough searching of all known and likely

habitats; known to have been eliminated by the loss of localised population(s); or not recorded for more than 50 years from an area where substantial habitat modification has occurred.

E Endangered: rare and in danger of becoming extinct in the wild.

T Threatened: (Plants only) likely to be either Endangered or Vulnerable but insufficient data available for more precise assessment.

V Vulnerable: rare and at risk from potential threats or long term threats that could cause the species to become endangered in the future.

K Uncertain: likely to be either Threatened or Rare but insufficient data available for a more precise assessment.

R Rare: has a low overall frequency of occurrence (may be locally common with a very restricted distribution or may be scattered sparsely over a wider area). Not currently exposed to significant or widespread threats, but warrants monitoring and protective measures to prevent reduction of population sizes.

U Uncommon: less common species of interest but not rare enough to warrant special protective measures.

Q Not yet assessed: but flagged as being of possible significance.

N Not of particular significance: (Plants only) also indicated by a blank entry.

C Common: (Birds only) also indicated by a blank entry.

O Occasional Visitor Only: (Birds only) not considered of conservational status.


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