Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board

NORTHERN AND YORKE REGIONAL NRM PLANVolume B: Strategic Plan 2009 – 2018

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March 2009

This document has been prepared by the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board and is not State Government policy.

Editorial and design services have been provided by:

• Rural Solutions SA• Peter R Day Resource Strategies• SUBStitution

For more information, contact: Planning Officer Northern and Yorke NRM Board Phone: (08) 8636 2361 e-mail: board@nynrm.sa.gov.au

CopyrightThis publication is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be directed to the General Manager, Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board, PO Box 175 Crystal Brook SA 5523 or board@nynrm.sa.gov.au

DisclaimersThe Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board and the Government of South Australia, their employees and their servants do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use or results of use of the information contained herein as to its correctness, accuracy, currency or otherwise. The Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board and the Government of South Australia, their employees and their servants expressly disclaim all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice contained herein.

ALT Aboriginal Lands Trust

AMLR Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges

CCSA Conservation Council of SA

CEM Coastal, Estuarine and Marine

DEH Department of Environment and Heritage

DPLG Department for Planning and Local Government

DWLBC Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation

EPA Environment Protection Agency

EPP Environment Protection Policy

MAT Management Action Target

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

AcronymsML Megalitres

NRM Natural Resources Management

N&Y Northern and Yorke

PIRSA Primary Industries and Resources South Australia

RCT Resource Condition Target

RSSA Rural Solutions SA

SASPAS South Australian Soil and Plant Analysis Service

WAP Water Allocation Plan

WAA Water Affecting Activities

WDE Water Dependent Ecosystems

WUE Water Use Efficiency

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Vision ............................................................................................................................. 4

Foreword ....................................................................................................................... 5

Introduction .................................................................................................................... 7

Setting the scene ........................................................................................................... 9Chapter 1: Our Region ............................................................................................................................10

Chapter 2: Prosperous Communities and Industries ..............................................................................12

Chapter 3 Healthy Natural Systems ........................................................................................................19

Chapter 4 Minimising Biological Threats .................................................................................................24

Chapter 5 Capable and Committed Communities ..................................................................................26

Chapter 6 Key Issues ..............................................................................................................................28

Strategic Plan .............................................................................................................. 29Chapter 7 Introduction to the strategic plan ............................................................................................30

Chapter 8 Vision and goals .....................................................................................................................32

Chapter 9 Strategy Overview ..................................................................................................................34

Chapter 10 Healthy Soils ........................................................................................................................35

Chapter 11 Viable Water Resources .......................................................................................................41

Chapter 12 Healthy Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Ecosystems ...........................................................49

Chapter 13 Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems ............................................................................................57

Chapter 14 Minimal Pest Impact ............................................................................................................67

Chapter 15 Community Driven NRM ......................................................................................................73

Chapter 16 Evaluation Framework .........................................................................................................79

References .................................................................................................................. 80

Appendices .................................................................................................................. 81Appendix 1. Northern and Yorke NRM Board .........................................................................................82

Appendix 2. Landscape-scale management ...........................................................................................84

Appendix 3. National ‘Matters for Targets’ ..............................................................................................85

Appendix 4: Background information – Water Resources ......................................................................87

Appendix 5: Background Information – Coastal, Estuarine and Marine .................................................91

Appendix 6: Background Information – Biodiversity ...............................................................................93

Appendix 7: Community consultation ......................................................................................................96

Apprendix 8: Target Summary Chart (attachment)

Glossary .................................................................................................................... 97

Table of Contents

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Vision

VisionThe Vision for the Northern and Yorke Region is:

“A prosperous sustainable region, rich in diverse natural resources that are valued by an informed and passionate community.”

The Vision highlights the need to achieve a balance between the use of resources to generate wealth and the protection of the environment. It emphasises that regional communities are crucial to the effective management of natural resources through the behaviours they adopt and support.

GoalsThe Goals for the region are:

1. Prosperous communities and industries using and managing natural resources within ecologically sustainable limits.

2. Landscape-scale management that maintains healthy natural systems and is adaptive to climate change.

3. Integrated management of biological threats to minimise risks to natural systems, communities and industry.

4. Communities, governments and industries with the capability, commitment and connections to manage resources in an integrated way.

The Goals reflect an integrated, landscape-based approach. They have been adopted from the State NRM Plan 2006, and are consistent with the objectives of the South Australian NRM Act 2004.

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The Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board (the Board) has

responsibility, under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, to develop and maintain a Natural Resources Management (NRM) Plan for the region. The Plan is to guide the Board, related State Government agencies and other stakeholders in their efforts to maintain and enhance the region’s natural resources.

Volume B – Strategic Plan presents a 10-year strategic direction for the region’s natural resource management.

The Northern and Yorke NRM region has bountiful natural resources and much of its economy and lifestyle is built upon those assets. The important coastal and marine resources, high conservation value reserves, remnant native ecosystems and rugged landscapes, and the productive soils and climate of the cropping districts are hallmarks of the region.

This Plan is a tool for communities, organisations and individuals. It describes the priorities for action and describes the strategies and activities needed to achieve desired environmental conditions – which are set out as targets in the Plan. In future, it will provide useful assistance with decisions on where to invest time and funds, and will establish a framework for collaboration to achieve optimal efficiency in the delivery of initiatives.

The plan is a ‘road map’ to guide the Board and all those involved in Natural Resource Management in achieving strategic outcomes and lasting improvement in the condition of our natural resources. It is written to align with administrative structures and help implement government initiatives, while focused on the needs of the region.

The Plan will be used for communication with Governments – Local, State and National – and regional communities. It will be the basis to secure continuing investment in natural resource management and it articulates how that investment is intended to be applied to achieve the desired outcomes. This plan is consistent with, and takes guidance from, Australian and State Government plans, e.g. the State NRM Plan and SA’s Strategic Plan.

This Plan was prepared by the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board with support from State Government agencies and the Australian Government. The planning process was extensive and required the input of countless people and organisations. The plan also draws upon existing management plans, developed for specific areas and assets of the region.

The Board acknowledges those who have contributed to this Plan in any way and wishes to extend its appreciation to all those people and groups who have been involved in consultation or in providing comment. We wish to give special thanks to the organisations responsible for previous plans and the valuable information they contain. See Appendix 1. for more information about the Board.

I commend this plan to you and seek your commitment to its implementation.

Foreword

Mervyn Lewis Presiding Member

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Map 1: Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Region.

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PurposeThe purpose of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Plan is to:

• review the state of the natural resources of the region;

• identify the processes which threaten them;• examine the opportunities for more effective

management of those resources; and• establish a framework of broad actions and

targets to guide regional communities and Local, State and Australian Government agencies.

The Plan seeks to instil a landscape management approach which functions across natural resource assets, delivering integrated programs and solutions. It focuses on delivering Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) in the region. The approach is based on intergenerational equity and the precautionary principle to ensure a long-term balance between use, conservation and development of the region’s natural resources. See Appendix 2 for more information.

The Plan outlines to the community, Local, State and Australian Governments, and other stakeholders, a vision for the future of natural resources in the region and documents strategies and actions to see the vision achieved. It brings together a range of existing plans and strategies to provide more effective use of limited resources.

The Plan FrameworkThe Northern and Yorke NRM Plan has four key components that collectively make up ‘the Plan’:

Volume A. State of the Region ReportThe State of the Region Report documents the condition of each natural asset and assesses the threats and pressures they are subject to.

Volume B. Strategic Plan (this document)The Strategic Plan sets the strategic direction for natural resources management (NRM) in the Northern and Yorke region for the next 10 years. It includes:

• Vision, Goals and Guiding Principles, providing direction for the Plan;

• Resource Condition Targets (RCTs), describing the environmental characteristics required in the longer term;

• Management Action Targets (MATs), short-term targets for resource management;

• Strategies and activities to promote sustainable resource management; and

• A framework for monitoring and evaluating progress towards all the targets.

Volume C. Business PlanThe Business Plan outlines the staff, physical, infrastructure and other resources required to implement the Strategic Plan and carry out monitoring and evaluation. It also outlines the funds required and their sources. The Business Plan is a rolling three-year plan that will be reviewed and updated annually. It will be supported by an annual implementation plan that details activities and expenditure.

Volume D. Regulatory and Policy FrameworkThe Regulatory and Policy Framework describes the policies and regulations that will support the implementation of the Plan.

Introduction

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The Planning ProcessThis Plan has been developed from previous component plans through a process of consultation and analysis. It has included:

Concept StatementA Concept Statement was developed by the Board in August 2006 and released for public comment. It outlined the Board’s intent to develop a Regional NRM Plan and sought comment on the issues proposed for inclusion.

Drafting the PlanThe Board developed a Vision, Goals and Guiding Principles to give direction to the Plan and a Planning Steering Committee was formed to lead the drafting process. Existing natural resource plans and reports were analysed and key Government agencies and NRM Groups consulted to develop appropriate targets and strategies, which constitute the Strategic Plan. Technical reference groups played important roles in this work.

Background information on the status of natural resources in the region was collated and is presented in the State of the Region Report.

As the Plan evolved it was checked for consistency with various State Acts, the State NRM Plan 2006 (developed by the SA NRM Council), and South Australia’s Strategic Plan 2007. It is also consistent with, and provides support for, a number of specific resource management plans that are summarised in the State of the Region Report.

The Plan was circulated within Government, prior to approval by the Minister for it to be presented for community consultation.

Community ConsultationThis Plan has been presented for public comment and support. A Communication Plan guided the processes of consultation to ensure communities and NRM interests are aware of the plan and its implications; and are able to contribute their ideas on its detail. A diverse range of consultation measures were used to interact with the range of potential stakeholders interested in the Plan.

AccreditationFollowing community consultation and consideration of all comments, a revised Plan was submitted for approval by the Minister for Environment and Conservation and formal adoption by the State Government.

ImplementationThe Plan will be implemented by the Northern and Yorke NRM Board and a range of partners, including Local, State and Australian Governments, non-government and community or industry groups, and concerned individuals.

The Northern and Yorke NRM Board may establish committees as required by regulation or as it sees fit to help implement the Plan. Currently, the Board has Regional NRM Groups, Board Advisory Committees and Technical Advisory Committees as part of its structure.

ReviewThe implementation of the Plan will be monitored and progress toward the achievement of targets evaluated on a regular basis. This will inform a future review of the Plan which can be undertaken any time, but is mandatory within five years of approval.

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Setting the Scene

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The Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management (NRM) region covers

a large, varied and productive portion of South Australia. It covers approximately 34,500 square kilometres of land and includes 1,350 kilometres of coastline and adjacent marine areas. The Board is responsible for a total of almost 50,000 square kilometres.

The region stretches from Hamley Bridge in the south to Hawker in the north and includes Yorke Peninsula, the northern Mount Lofty Ranges, the Southern Flinders Ranges and significant areas of Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent.

Our Region

It supports a population of 89,000 and includes traditional Aboriginal lands of the Kaurna, Narrunga, Nukunu, Ngadjuri, Meru, Danggali, Barngala and Adnyamathanha people.

The major urban centres are the cities of Port Pirie and Port Augusta, the ‘Copper Triangle’ towns (Kadina, Moonta and Wallaroo) and Clare.

The region’s natural landscapes, ecosystems and natural resources such as soil, water and native plants and animals, provide a foundation for its economy and the lifestyles it offers.

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Map 2: Regional Topography.

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AgricultureAgriculture is the major landuse and a significant contributor to the economy. Its success depends on skilled primary producers, healthy soils and a suitable climate. Dryland farming (crops and livestock) is predominant and the region is important in providing food and fibre, as well as export income for the State. In an average year, the region produces 43% of the South Australian grain crop and 53% of its malting barley.

Land values in the best cropping areas are among the highest per hectare for dryland agricultural land in Australia. Irrigation is focused in the Clare region (viticulture) but other pockets of activity also occur (e.g. small seed production and some vegetables). Forestry is restricted to higher rainfall areas near Wirrabara and Bundaleer.

Prosperous Communities and Industries

Gross Regional

Product (m)

% of Gross Regional Product*

Dryland Agriculture $540 16.9%

Irrigated Agriculture $68 2.1%

Forestry $23 0.7%* Gross Regional Product refers to the

added value due to activity within the region.

The Gladstone grain storage facility is the largest such inland facility in Australia; highlighting the region’s national significance in terms of grain production. It has a storage capacity in excess of 600,000 tonnes and during the 2001/02 season received 553,163 tonnes of grain.

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Because the breeze blew sou’-by-east across the China Sea; Or else, because the thing was willed through all eternity By gods that rule the rushing stars, or gods long aeons dead, The earth is made to smile again, and living things are fed.

Frogs at Cocoroc are croaking, Booboorowie soil is soaking, Oodla Wirra, Orroroo Breathe relief and hope anew.

In the lonely, silent places Men lift up their glad, wet faces, And their thanks ask no explaining – It is raining – raining – raining!

A Song of Rainexcerpts from a poem by CJ Dennis, one-time resident of the region

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Map 3: Land Use.

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Sustainable ManagementThe soils of the region are at risk from water erosion (especially in higher rainfall and steeper country) and wind erosion, as well as reduced fertility, structure and biological activity, if not managed carefully. Stubble retention and no-till cropping can address these risks and, together with sound waterway management, reduce the likelihood of increased sedimentation and nutrient contamination of streams. These cropping practices also improve soil health and the efficiency at which crops use water (Water Use Efficiency – WUE); and result in less run-off and stream-flow. However, bank erosion and weed dispersal down drainage lines remain as threats to the ecological integrity of waterways.

The same conservation farming practices are also likely to reduce the greenhouse footprint of cropping by reducing fuel use, the rate of decline in organic carbon within the soil, and the release of CO2. Attention to fertiliser management and the supply of nutrients may introduce further efficiencies and savings; as could the use of lime in conjunction with fertiliser management to address increasing acidity in higher rainfall districts. Greenhouse and carbon emission issues should be factored into any research to modify the production systems of the region.

Primary production throughout the region also face risks from pest plants and animals, while dryland salinity is a threat in some locations. Management can compound these issues and have an impact on other natural resources.

Grazing of introduced and natural pastures (grasses and shrublands) is the major landuse in less arable and drier parts of the region. A ‘total grazing pressure’ approach is required for management, including seasonal consideration of feral goats and over-abundant kangaroos. Managers must focus on maintaining the vegetation base as a key to sustainable production – which generates benefits for native biodiversity as well.

Irrigation in the Clare valley (part of the Broughton River and Wakefield River catchments) draws on surface water and groundwater from fractured rock aquifers – as well as supplies piped from the River Murray. The area is a Proclaimed Water Resource and usage is metered. A Water Allocation Plan was prepared in 2000 and amended in 2009. Bores are not high in yield and water use is therefore very efficient, although there can be significant evaporation losses from shallow storage dams. Areas of the Willochra and Booborowie plains also support some irrigation and a Water Allocation Plan is proposed for the Baroota catchment. Water from the Baroota Reservoir is used for some irrigation.

Information on water availability and use is uneven across catchments, but estimates of potential water availability and use indicate that considerable care is essential in the management of local water resources. It is difficult to model the behaviour of the aquifers in the region with long-term monitoring being the most reliable approach to assessing the sustainability of supplies. However, based on studies to date, the indications are that many water resources in the region are at risk of over-use.

Estimated sustainable water yield, capture and extraction for the major catchments.Surface water Groundwater

Annual Averages (ML) Sustainable Yield = 25% of median yield

Volume of surface water captured

Extraction

Willochra River 800 6,136 1,750

Mambray Coast & Baroota 6,000 6,940

Broughton (& Rocky) River 12,500 9,663 3,000

Wakefield River 1,800 3,136 1,000

Light River 3,600 3,892Disclaimer – data is based on estimates from various sources, including ‘Preliminary Estimates of Farm

Dam Development in the Northern and Yorke NRM Region’. (Deane D 2008); ‘draft Clare Water Allocation Plan’. (N&Y NRM Board 2006); ‘Small Groundwater Basins Risk Assessment’. (Magarey P, Deane D 2004).

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The region is famous for Goyder’s Line, which runs through the northern cropping lands and is a National Trust of South Australia Heritage Icon. The line was established during the 1863-66 drought by the Surveyor General of the time, George Woodroffe Goyder, to delineate drought-affected lands.

It became renowned as being an indicator of the boundary between more reliable cropping lands and those more suited to grazing. Throughout this region, the line reflects changes in rainfall and vegetation type.

Modern farming practices and crop types are drastically different to those of the 1860s but climate models predicting a southward shift of rainfall zones bring a new focus to lands adjacent Goyder’s Line.

Goyder’s Line

If the climate changes as models predict, there will be an urgent need for changed production systems – and an opportunity to develop systems that not only avoid environmental and economic disaster but provide innovative solutions that are resilient under a changing climate and generate multiple benefits.

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Map 4: Major Watercourses.

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Mining and EnergyMajor mineral based industries occur at Port Augusta (energy generation from Leigh Creek coal) and Port Pirie (smelting silver, lead and zinc from Broken Hill, Queensland and overseas). There is considerable exploration occurring within the region, but no major mines are operating at present. There are, however, numerous small-scale operations throughout the region covering a diverse range of products from road making metal and garden loams, to salt harvested at Price, shellgrit from eastern Gulf St Vincent, and slate from Mintaro.

Gross Regional

Product ($m)

% of Gross Regional Product

Mining $106 3.3%

Electricity, Gas and Water

$101 3.2%

Port Augusta supplies 21% of South Australia’s installed power-generating capacity (760 MW) and there is a wind-farm on Southern Yorke Peninsula (Wattle Point) with an installed capacity of 91 MW. Additional wind-farms are in development or being planned that will add a further 470 MW of installed capacity to the region. Wind power generation is providing an opportunity to reduce the greenhouse footprint of the region and the State, although it brings with it the need to manage risks such as bird-strikes and noise.

FishingCommercial fishing in the Gulfs is focused on western king prawns, southern rock lobster and blue swimmer crabs. Scale fish and abalone are also harvested, along with oysters from more than 35 oyster leases. The industry is worth around $30 million in annual sales and generates $6.8 million in gross regional production. Commercial boats are harboured at several locations, including Wallaroo and Port Pirie, and aquaculture developments are also beginning, with sites near Port Broughton and Port Augusta.

Recreational fishing is a major drawcard for locals, tourists and holiday makers. King George whiting, garfish, snapper, calamari and crabs are among the popular targets. Whiting and gar are considered to be over-fished in both Gulfs; and western king prawn are fully fished in Spencer Gulf and over-fished in Gulf St Vincent.

The future of commercial and recreational fishing relies on healthy, functioning marine ecosystems – which, in turn, rely on good water quality (remaining free from contaminants, sediments and excess nutrients), freedom from exotic marine pests (which may be introduced by recreational fishers and shipping) and protection from unsustainable fishing pressure.

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The King George whiting is one of South Australia’s most important food fishes, making up approximately 27% of the total annual commercial catch of inshore fisheries. It is found throughout South Australian coastal waters but is most abundant in the waters of the Gulfs and Investigator Strait, and in the sheltered bays of the west coast of South Australia. Their mouths are relatively small and are adapted to sucking up bottom organisms such as polychaete worms, bivalve molluscs (cockles) and small crustaceans.

The spawning season for King George Whiting peaks between March and May, with spawning occurring in the deeper offshore waters of South Australia. The water currents then carry the fertilised eggs and larvae into sheltered bays, mangrove tidal creeks and seagrass areas. Undersize juveniles are most numerous in the tidal channels and tagging has shown that their movements are not extensive at this stage of their lifecycle.

During the summer months, when water temperatures are relatively high, growth is rapid and most fish reach a size of about 28 cm when 2-3 years old. By the time they have reached 35 cm (3-4 years of age) most have moved out from the bays, progressively moving into deeper offshore waters as adult fish. They can reach 70 cm in length and weigh up to 2.5 kg, with a maximum age of 14-15 years.

King George whiting have a high reproductive capacity, which rises sharply with fish size. They are batch spawners, with each fish spawning between 21 and 40 times per season. Each female produces between 5,000 and 150,000 eggs per spawning event

depending on size. Fish of around 48 cm may spawn 40 times as many eggs in a season as fish of around 36 cm.

Concern about the sustainability of fish stocks has resulted in measures to reduce the commercial harvest, and to constrain the recreational harvest (through increased minimum sizes and reduced bag-limits). Commercial catches of King George whiting have been in steady decline since 1992, due to a combination of a reduction in licences, netting closures, fluctuations in stock size and increased recreational catch. From 750 tonnes in 1991/92, the commercial sector accounted for 453 tonnes in 2000/01 when the recreational catch was 585 tonnes and was down to 390 tonnes in 2003/04.

Steps have also been taken to protect breeding grounds and nurseries, highlighting the importance of marine water quality and land-based measures toward that goal.

Source: PIRSA Fisheries

King George whiting

Photo courtesy of P

IRS

A Fisheries

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Healthy Natural Systems

The Coobowie Inlet, on Southern Yorke Peninsula, is about 3 km long and more than 1 km wide. The coastal wetland is connected to Coobowie Bay by a narrow channel under the Coobowie/Edithburgh coast road. Rehabilitation began with the installation of culverts under the road to allow for a greater exchange of water from the bay into what had become a hyper saline environment. The result has been general habitat improvement for the bird life and a safe nursery for fish species. Before this, the area could not support fish, or marine life, because of its degraded condition.

Further effort by the District Council of Yorke Peninsula has resulted in having Coobowie Bay declared an Aquatic Reserve, providing a degree of protection while still allowing recreational access – including fishing from the shore and boats.

Rehabilitation of the Coobowie Inlet

�Coastal, Estuarine and MarineThe sea-grass beds of the two Gulfs, along with off-shore reefs, are the foundation to the region’s fishing activities; and the mangrove and samphire areas at the head of each Gulf are important breeding and nursery grounds for various fish species. The coast itself is a popular destination, with Yorke Peninsula being a State ‘hot spot’ for weekenders and coastal ‘shacks’.

A number of coastal areas are of high conservation value. Prime examples are the salt-marshes from the Light River delta around the top of Gulf St Vincent to Price and from the River Broughton delta (Jarrold Point) north to Winninowie (south of Port Augusta), and the coastal dunes along the western shores of Yorke Peninsula (from Point Turton to Cape Elizabeth, near Moonta Bay). Nationally important wetlands occur at Point Davenport (southern Yorke Peninsula), Clinton and Wills Creek (upper Gulf St Vincent), and upper Spencer Gulf.

The continuous north-south running coastal environments may be of even more importance in a changing climate, enabling the migration of species. For example, there is anecdotal evidence that the range of blue swimmer crabs is already shifting to the south.

Some nationally threatened species rely on coastal environments. e.g. Australian Sea Lions use rocks in Goose Island Conservation Park as a ‘haul-out’ spot. Similarly, mallee fowl and western whipbirds inhabit coastal scrub on southern Yorke Peninsula and annual candles is a plant only found here and on the district’s cliff-tops.

The attraction of the coasts makes them desirable for future development, which has

the potential to degrade coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems, as well as the natural character that initially attracted the development. The harm may come directly from the destruction of habitats or associated pollution (e.g. storm water and effluent), or from disturbance to breeding and nesting sites, that affect the long-term survival of species. Well-considered planning is required to ensure development does not compromise the environment and landscape values of the region.

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Native Vegetation and WildlifeNative vegetation, wildlife and rugged landscapes provide a foundation for recreation, tourism and conservation, typified by Innes National Park on southern Yorke Peninsula (the most highly visited park outside of Adelaide) and Mount Remarkable National Park in the southern Flinders Ranges. Telowie Gorge and Dutchmans Stern parks are other important sites in the Flinders Ranges. They are supported by numerous State and Local Government reserves (e.g. Beetaloo Water Reserve and Warren Gorge), areas of Crown Land, and private lands (some of which are managed as sanctuaries, e.g. areas of Buckaringa Gorge and the Tothill Ranges).

All these areas contribute to expenditure for recreational purposes and accommodation.

Gross Regional

Product ($m)

% of Gross Regional Product

Cultural and Recreation

$27 0.8%

Accommodation $78 2.5%

Pygmy bluetongue lizardThe pygmy bluetongue lizard is unique to the Mid North of South Australia. This critically endangered species has only been found at 24 small native grassland sites, all of which are on private land. With such a small number of lizards, in a restricted area of South Australia, land managers have an essential role to play in the conservation and survival of this unique species.

The pygmy bluetongue lizard is a small brown skink about 10 centimetres long with a quite large head and has scales that make its head appear armour-plated. The males are shorter and stockier than the females. Surprisingly, given their name, these lizards do not have blue tongues; they are rose pink in colour.

The lizards make their homes in unused spider burrows (after first eating or evicting the spider that dug the burrow) and spend most of their time in or around the burrow.

Many grazing lands, e.g. in the northern Mount Lofty Ranges and the Southern Flinders, include, or rely on, native pastures and their management can be a further contributor to the conservation of native biodiversity. The grasslands of the northern Mount Lofty Ranges are increasingly being recognised as valuable assets and they support some critically endangered species such as the pygmy blue-tongue lizard and Spalding blown-grass.

In the intensive cropping areas, remnant vegetation along roadways and reserves, and in isolated blocks in paddocks, is vitally important to the survival of species that once covered the landscape. They form refuges and stepping stones for the movement of plants and animals, and buffers around areas of high conservation value. If climate change results in a shift in rainfall patterns then these areas will be even more important – and the need to promote increased connectivity between them enhanced in order that species may migrate with the climate. New landuse and management systems may also be needed.

Pygmy bluetongue lizards are very wary and can sense danger from a long way off. At the first sign of danger they will scurry back down their holes. This means they are very rarely seen.

For information, contact the Department for Environment and Heritage at Clare, on 08 8841 3400.

Source: Department for Environment and Heritage, and the Regional Council of Goyder.

Photo courtesy of D

EH

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Map 5 – Native Vegetation Cover and Main Parks.

Warrenben Conservation Park

Innes National Park

Clinton Conservation Park

Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park

Mount Brown Conservation Park

Winninowie Conservation Park

Mount Remarkable National Park

Telowie Gorge Conservation Park

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Significant landscapesThe landscapes of the region include plains, hills and rugged ranges, undisturbed bushland and native grasslands, coastal vistas and cliffs, and mangrove forests and wetlands.

Significant geological assets include evidence of Ediacaran and Cambrian life in the Flinders Ranges, and ancient fossils of soft-bodied biota from Precambrian time. Near Burra, fossil megafauna have been discovered and there are numerous geological assets, such as glacial erratics, at Port Vincent.

Many landscapes and features are of cultural significance to Aboriginal people. While their location is known to particular Aboriginal groups, it may not be appropriate for them to become general public knowledge.

Water ResourcesMost rivers in the region are intermittent in flow, but many have permanent pools and springs (where groundwater resurfaces). Flows are driven by seasons (winter rainfall) and episodic events (storms), so water quality (e.g. sediment loads and salinity) varies considerably during any year, and between years. In the ranges, groundwater is held in fractures in the underlying rocks. It is replenished by winter rains and, in turn, contributes to surface flows via springs.

It is assumed that run-off would have increased following the clearance of vegetation for agriculture, but modern farming practices (e.g. no-till and contouring) hold and use more available water – reducing run-off and stream flow. As an example, it is estimated that run-off in the Clare Valley is now up to 60% less than it was 30 years ago due mainly to changes in the capture of surface water, along with changes in land use and management, and in rainfall and its seasonality.

The ecology of the river systems is adapted to their inherent variability but is stressed by interventions. Permanent pools are likely to be important refuges during dry spells and they are at risk from sedimentation (with silt from stream banks as well as from adjacent lands) and from reduced flows. The management of lands connected to the waterways (riparian areas) contributes to the risk of erosion and sedimentation as well as water temperature

and flow rates which are critical to aquatic biota. Riparian lands are also important for the plants and animals they support.

Waterways and wetlands, and the aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals they support, are examples of water dependent ecosystems. They highlight the interconnections between different elements of the environment and the need for integrated management planning. Surveys of the Light, Wakefield, Broughton and Willochra rivers show them to all have areas of important riverine habitat; but there is little information available on the inter-relationship between these water courses and the saltmarshes and mangroves that often mark their interconnection with the coast and marine environments.

Flinders-Olary NatureLink

The Flinders-Olary NatureLink is one of five major projects in an innovative South Australian program, NatureLinks. The aim is to enable species and ecosystems to survive, evolve and adapt to environmental change. To be successful it is imperative that a broad – whole of landscape – approach is adopted.

The NatureLink philosophy is to work from core areas of high conservation significance, to buffer them with conservation-minded management of surrounding areas, and to link them so individuals and genes may move across the landscape. In this way ecological processes and plant and animal populations may persist into the future.

Partnerships are crucial to approaches like these where individual sites are considered not just on their immediate situation, but in the context of the much bigger landscape to which they contribute. It requires support from numerous landholders, especially with habitat restoration – be it increasing the size of existing blocks of native vegetation for buffering and to increase connectivity with others or starting afresh with a revegetation program.

To find out more about the Flinders-Olary NatureLink, contact the Department for Environment and Heritage at Clare on (08) 8841 3400.

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Climate change scenarios

To help understand the potential impact of future climate change, scientists have developed a suite of 40 global greenhouse gas emission scenarios for the 21st Century. They assume a range of possible trends in global production, human behaviour, technological uptake and economic growth, but none assume implementation of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the century. They are not forecasts or predictions of what will actually happen, but are models that allow analysis of ‘what if?’ questions about, for example, the potential climate impacts of alternative future possible greenhouse gas emissions. Probabilities have not been assigned to any of the scenarios. Output from these emission scenarios are used by climate modellers to project the amount of future global warming due to increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. These global warming projections are then used in the development of regional scale projections of temperature and rainfall changes.

In 2006 CSIRO prepared a special report on emission scenarios that modelled annual and seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall for 2030 and 2070 for each NRM region in South Australia. The output from nine global modelling groups from around the world were used in this analysis. The models suggest Northern and Yorke’s climate will become hotter, drier and more variable, with more storm events.

Hotter

• By 2030, the annual temperature increases between 0.4 and 1.2°C.

• By 2070, the annual temperature increases between 1.0 and 3.8°C. Summer warms by 0.9 to 4.3°C and winter warms by 0.8 to 3.8°C.

Drier

The annual rainfall decreases by 0 to 9% by 2030 and by 1 to 30% by 2070 relative to the annual average during the period 1980 - 1999. Spring shows a strong decrease, while other seasons indicate moderate decreases. Scenarios where atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations stablise at 550 parts per million (i.e. about twice the pre-industrial concentrations) indicate that this would result in reduced warming and smaller rainfall changes.

More variable

Future increases in daily maximum and minimum temperatures will be similar to the changes in average temperature. The frequency of extreme maximum temperatures will increase while the frequency of extreme minimum temperatures will decrease.

Changes such as these are likely to have a number of impacts relevant to natural resource management, ranging through;

• reduced agricultural production, shifts in production zones and the modification of farming systems and practices;

• less annual run-off and groundwater recharge, affecting urban, stock and domestic, and irrigation supplies;

• increased risk of bushfires, floods and coastal storm damage; and

• impaired health (or ‘functionality’) of ecosystems.

Sea levels

Sea levels have been variable throughout time, although reports indicate that the global sea level has been rising at an increasing rate over the past 130 years.

The largest source of sea level rise is expansion of the oceans as they warm under enhanced greenhouse conditions.

Sea level may also be affected by:

• thermal expansion of oceans from increasing temperatures;

• the melting of glaciers and ice sheets;• variability due to natural cycles over

seasonal, inter-annual and decadal time scales; and

• regional differences in weather patterns and ocean currents.

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Pest Plants and AnimalsAgricultural lands and conservation areas alike are at risk from pest plants and animals, as are coastal, estuarine and marine environments. The risks arise from plants, animals and diseases that ‘escape’ (e.g. from gardens or from ‘farmed’ environments), are ‘introduced’ to the area (e.g. inadvertently as seeds, spores or in ballast water; or blown in by wind or sea currents), or they become a pest due to an imbalance in the ecology (e.g. removal of a usual predator, enabling another species to become ‘over-abundant’).

Rabbits, feral goats and deer are all present in the region (the goats mainly in the north and deer in ranges to the north and south) and pose a threat to vegetation (and hence invite soil erosion and weed invasion) in agricultural and conservation areas. The region has historic links to the control of rabbits with Wardang Island having been used to test biological controls – the rabbit calici virus being the most recent. Foxes and feral cats are also present throughout the region and pose significant threats to smaller native animals (e.g. small mammals, birds and lizards) as well as young livestock (lambs).

Some weeds have been long established and are the subject of ongoing control programs (e.g. box-thorn and wheel cactus) while others are new, or loom as potential incursions (e.g. broom-rape). Monitoring of the distribution and abundance of pests is a critical aspect of resource management and the planning needed for effective control.

When present in large numbers, some birds (e.g. the little corella) can also be threats to farming and conservation (stressing mature gum trees). They are an example of a native species that has thrived in an environment that has changed since European settlement. Similarly, several kangaroo species are over-abundant in the eastern and northern districts and are managed under a regulated system of annual harvesting (with a processing plant at Orroroo).

Box mistletoe is another example of a native species that has flourished, to the detriment of others, due to an imbalance in the local ecology and has required intervention to manage its impact in remnant vegetation.

Minimising Biological Threats

Cape tulip has become a major weed since being introduced from South Africa, and is found in the Clare area and in other pockets towards the Gilbert Valley. The weed degrades pastures, is invasive of native habitats and can be poisonous to stock. In this region, Cape tulip does not generally survive cropping, but can thrive under grazing or in more inaccessible country.

To help control Cape tulip, the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board has manufactured a ‘blanket-wiper’ for landholder use. It is used in late winter and early spring when Cape tulip is normally higher than other pasture grasses and native plants. The blanket-wiper (pictured) is a frame holding a chemical tank with controlled output

of herbicide onto a blanket that is drawn across the taller Cape tulip without touching or affecting the understorey species.

It is a simple, selective and effective method of chemical application that the Board hopes will be increasingly used by landholders in the region.

Using a ‘blanket effect’ to wipe out Cape tulip

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In cropping districts, white snails have become a problem and are thought to prosper in modern tillage and harvesting systems that conserve soil moisture and retain plant-litter on the soil surface.

Another invertebrate pest that occurs occasionally in the region is the plague locust that migrates from northern and north-eastern regions when seasonal conditions suit an explosion in population numbers.

Phylloxera is a pest of grapevines that is not yet present in the region and biosecurity controls are in place to retain that ‘pest free’ status.

Biosecurity measures are also used to minimise the risk of further marine pests being introduced. Some foreign species of lace coral and sea squirts are now found in the Gulfs and an Asian mussel is presumed to be resident as well.

A ‘risk management’ approach is used for all biological pests. Total eradication of a pest, once established, is often prohibitively expensive or impractical. Consequently, there is often an emphasis on biosecurity measures (preventing the introduction of potential pests). Early outbreaks of a new pest may be tackled vigorously to destroy infestations and prevent their establishment, but if that fails, then the emphasis shifts to containment, control and management searching for a cost-effective balance between the cost of control and the price of environmental or production harm caused by the pest.

Integrated control programs are often developed using several measures in concert with each other. Examples are using livestock to help graze out weeds, or growing trees to shade out weeds, in addition to the application of selective herbicides. Sites of high economic, environmental or social value may be managed to exclude pests that are prevalent outside of their boundaries.

Warriors tackle gorse

Weed Warriors is a national initiative that provides participants with the opportunity to learn about invasive pest plants through a program of interactive learning and hands-on experience.

Through the initiative, the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board is working with local schools to tackle weeds such as gorse – a spiny, prickly plant introduced from Europe for boundary hedges to control stock. The plant competes with native vegetation, particularly along creekbeds, roadsides and under taller canopy growth, and it is impenetrable without special machinery.

Physical, chemical and biological control techniques are practised, and increasing numbers of schools are involved, focusing on biological controls. Students learn how to rear gorse spider mite, which live in communal webs on the pest plants, and then release them and monitor their impact.

“The students can watch the lifespan of the gorse spider mite in their classrooms, and then see the gorse being eaten at the demonstration site. They can see that their work and involvement is making a real difference.” Clare Primary School teacher, Peter Errey.

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Urban CentresThe region has a growing population (3.2% from 2001 to 2006), centred on major towns and cities. Coastal areas are growing the fastest, e.g. Wallaroo (a 12% increase).

The largest urban centres in the region (Port Pirie and Port Augusta) have an industrial base and the potential to introduce contaminants into the environment, via air and water. Being near important marine nursery areas, with mangroves and sea-grasses, (and in the case of Port Pirie, agricultural lands), raises the potential environmental consequence of such risks. Those risks, and the value of reducing the demand for water on reticulated supplies from the River Murray, present a good combined case for the re-use of effluent and the capture and use of stormwater.

SA Water operates approximately 8,000 km of water supply mains in the region, distributing 22,000 ML (2004/05) of River Murray water. The largest users are ‘non-residential’ (58%) – which includes primary and secondary industries – followed by residential (39%), and commercial (3%). In addition, SA Water groundwater supply networks serve communities in Hawker, Quorn, Wilmington, Orroroo and southern Yorke Peninsula.

Port Augusta already re-uses effluent (e.g. to irrigate a golf course) but, like Port Pirie, faces difficulties in harvesting stormwater due to areas of low, flat terrain. Port Pirie has additional problems due to the ingress of saline water into aged (clay) pipes that reduce the quality of treated waste water, making it unsuitable for irrigation. Other towns and rural centres are also looking to make better use of local water resources and there is a high level of re-use of effluent from Community Wastewater Management Systems (CWMS). There are also efforts underway to find alternatives sources of reticulated water, e.g. a desalination plant has been installed at Marion Bay by the District Council of Yorke Peninsula

Capable and Committed Communities

Waterproofing Port AugustaPort Augusta City Council is a leader in its innovative approach to developing a sustainable water supply – borne out by its recent National Award for Innovative Water Management.

More than a decade ago, the possibility of ‘sewer mining’ and a Waste Water Treatment Plant was explored and has now been in operation for more than two years. The waste water reuse system involves three separate components: a Waste Water Treatment Plant; sub-surface irrigation systems for parks and ovals; and a computerised irrigation monitoring system. Council is also investigating options to capture stormwater, store it in underground aquifers and later retrieve it for irrigation uses.

The Waste Water Treatment Plant can deliver 500 kL of treated water daily and produced more than 90 ML in 2007/08. This significantly reduces the amount of effluent water discharged into Spencer Gulf, reducing the impact on the marine environment – and provides the community with grassed areas while using less water from the River Murray.

Source: Port Augusta City Council

�Residents in towns throughout the region have a major interest in the status of, and their access to, its natural assets. The recreational value of the coast and national parks, the beauty of the natural landscapes, and the opportunities presented by facilities and events targeted at tourists (e.g. cellar door sales at wineries). These all contribute to the lifestyle they enjoy and to the opportunities local businesses can offer to attract employees. Indeed, the lifestyles offered by the region also draw retirees and ‘sea-changers’ as new residents.

Urban residents present a resource of volunteers to assist in the management, as well as the enjoyment, of the region’s natural resources.

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Networks and InstitutionsThere are numerous networks in operation through the agricultural, conservation and cultural sectors within the region. Bodies such as Landcare groups mix production and conservation ethics while others provide a range of more specific expertise, e.g. agricultural production, salinity management, grasslands management, growing Australian native plants, aboriginal knowledge, nature conservation and the management of parks.

Volunteers rescue beach front

Port Vincent’s residents have a proud record of volunteering, particularly when it comes to the presentation of the town and care of the natural environment. A string of South Australian Tidy Town awards and a national title are testament to the dedication of the volunteers and their achievements.

The Port Vincent Tidy Town Weed Action Group applied to the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board for assistance to remove weeds from the back beach at Port Vincent. A wide variety of weeds, most originating from local gardens, had established among native species along the picturesque stretch of coastline.

One of the opportunities available to the rapidly evolving Natural Resources Management bodies is to better harness and link these various volunteer networks – as well as helping them to grow and build the capacity of their groups and the individuals that constitute them. The same goes for the NRM Boards themselves.

The NRM Board provided some financial assistance and also funded the development of a management plan for the project. They also assisted the weed action group to develop laminated fact sheets to help volunteers identify unwanted plant species.

Encouraged by the Tidy Town Group, the Port Vincent School and other interested members of the local community also became involved. The District Council of Yorke Peninsula helped out as well, arranging conservation volunteers to assist in the process, which will involve a great deal of hand-pulling of weeds and work with chainsaws and backhoes for the bigger pest plant species.

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Major AssetsThe Northern and Yorke NRM Region has numerous natural assets of considerable value to the region, State and Australia. They include:

• Northern Agricultural and Yorke Peninsula soils and water resources used for agriculture, irrigation and forestry.

• Gulf waters, adjacent salt-marsh and mangrove ecosystems, dune systems and cliffs – and coastal areas in general.

• Landscapes and the biodiversity of the Southern Flinders Ranges and southern Yorke Peninsula.• Remnant vegetation – from grasslands and shrublands through to forests.• Regional communities, organisations and individuals committed to the sustainable management of

natural resources.

ThreatsIncluded in the threats to these assets are:

• Climate change – a southerly shift in rainfall, increased extreme weather events, change of season for rainfall, warming coastal waters, changes to vegetation, a warmer climate and increased evaporation, and rising sea levels.

• Diminishing water resources.• Over-use of water, coastal and fishery resources.• Poor land (soil) and vegetation management – in agricultural and coastal areas.• Introduced pests and weeds, and overabundant native species.• Fragmentation and a lack of ‘connectivity’ between areas of native vegetation and biodiversity ‘hot

spots’.• Inappropriate development, disturbance and waste management – especially in coastal areas.• Inadequate support, resources and training for volunteers and resource managers.A number of these threats may be exacerbated by a growing regional population.

PrioritiesSome of the main natural resources management priorities are:

• Healthy soils and sustainable farming practices.• Viable water resources and aquatic habitats.• Healthy coastal, estuarine and marine environments.• Healthy terrestrial ecosystems, including parks and icon species.• Minimal Pest Impact.• Capable communities, individuals and organisations.

Key Issues�

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Strategic Plan

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IntroductionThis Strategic Plan is a key part of the Regional NRM Plan. It sets the strategic direction for natural resources management (NRM) in the Northern and Yorke region for the next 10 years. It includes:

• Vision, Goals and Guiding Principles, providing direction for the Plan.

• Resource Condition Targets (RCTs); describing the environmental characteristics required in the longer term,

• Management Action Targets (MATs); short term targets for resource management.

• Strategies and activities to promote sustainable resource management.

• A framework for monitoring and evaluating progress towards all the targets.

This Strategy is one of four components of the NRM Plan:

• Volume A State of the Region Report• Volume B Strategic Plan (this document)• Volume C Business Plan• Volume D Regulatory and Policy

Framework.

Targets and StrategiesTargets and Strategies have been developed at several levels. The targets follow the guidelines developed by Richards et al. (2006b).

Aspirational Targets – things we would like to achieve (50 year time-frame).

Aspirational Targets are long-term targets describing the desired condition of each Natural Resource Asset and resource influence over the next 50 years. They may not be directly measurable, and may not be monitored or reported by the Board, but help to provide a clear direction for the region’s long-term planning.

Resource Condition Targets – how we want the environment to be, to enable achievement of the Aspirational Targets (5-20 year timeframe).

Resource Condition Targets (RCTs) are set for a 5-20 year time frame. RCTs must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. To ensure success, the Strategic Plan must be monitored and evaluated. Where appropriate, sub-RCTs have been developed in order to provide more detail about the RCT. Targets for Resource Influences have also been developed using the same criteria as RCTs.

RCTs are aligned with a National set of ‘matters for targets’. The linkages between the targets are shown in Appendix 3.

Management Action Targets – the management needed to achieve the Resource Condition Targets (1-5 year time-frame).

Management Action Targets (MATs) are short-term targets (1–5 years) and describe a change in management practice that can be achieved in the next five years. Management Action Targets have been developed through the combination of scientific and community knowledge. MATs vary in their specificity, depending on the level of baseline knowledge about the target, and the degree of monitoring and evaluation available.

Strategies and Activities – the programs and projects needed to achieve the Management Action Targets.

Strategies have been developed to outline how the MATs and RCTs will be achieved. Strategies may be implemented at varying scales; regional, catchment, landscape and local levels, depending on the target being addressed. Most strategies contribute towards multiple RCTs as they are focused on integrated landscape-scale management and may therefore be repeated within the Plan.

Introduction to the Strategic Plan�

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Guiding PrinciplesThe following Guiding Principles were developed by the Northern and Yorke NRM Board in order to set direction for the Strategic Plan. They are consistent with those of the State NRM Plan 2006; which are highlighted in italics, below.

These principles collectively include the intent of all the extended principles listed in the appendices of the State NRM Plan

Ecosystem approach: Natural resources management should be based on an understanding of the relationship between natural resources and the ecosystems (including agricultural ecosystems) they support. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Landscape-scale management: The effectiveness of the majority of natural resources management practices is only realised when the activities are conducted at a landscape-scale. See Appendix 2 for more information. Look after the future.

Balanced decisions: Natural resources management decisions should take proper account of the range of environmental, social and economic benefits, values and costs. Use without losing.

Shared management: Recommended management practices for natural resources should be developed with land managers, industry sectors and Government agencies, and incorporate the best available scientific data. Everyone’s responsible.

Priority-based: Natural resources management actions are to be undertaken according to priorities based on the best available science and information, and relevant experience, as well as on assessment of the relative cost-effectiveness of options. If it’s broke – fix it.

Prevention is better than cure: It is often more efficient to prevent damage than to repair it. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, a lack of full scientific certainty should not be a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation, i.e. the Precautionary Principle is applied.

Partnerships: To be effective, natural resources management requires the establishment of partnerships between all levels of Government and the community, (including the Aboriginal community, industry, land holders and individuals), with agreed roles and responsibilities. Work together.

We are all responsible: The entire community receives benefits from the use, development and conservation of natural resources. We all share responsibility for managing natural resources sustainably, and for providing economic resources to do so. People are the key.

Changing Climatic conditions: Climate Change is accepted – a scenario approach is adopted considering both changing and increased variability of climatic conditions. Thinking outside the square.

Adaptive Management: Actions will be monitored to determine their impact, and necessary adjustments made to practices to maximise the achievement of Goals. Learn by doing.

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VisionThe Vision for the Northern and Yorke Region is:

“A prosperous sustainable region, rich in diverse natural resources that are valued by an informed and passionate community.”

The Vision highlights the need to achieve a balance between the use of resources to generate wealth, and the protection of the environment. It emphasises that regional communities are crucial to the effective management of natural resources, through the behaviours they adopt and support.

It is consistent with the Vision for SA presented in the State NRM Plan 2006:

“South Australia, a capable and prosperous community, managing natural resources for a good quality of life within the capacity of our environment for the long term”

GoalsThe Goals for the region are:

• Prosperous communities and industries using and managing natural resources within ecologically sustainable limits.

• Landscape scale management that maintains healthy natural systems and is adaptive to climate change.

• Integrated management of biological threats to minimise risks to natural systems, communities and industry.

Vision and goals

• Communities, governments and industries with the capability, commitment and connections to manage resources in an integrated way.

The Goals reflect an integrated, landscape-based approach. They have been adopted from the State NRM Plan 2006, and are consistent with the objectives of the South Australian NRM Act 2004.

Aspirational TargetsOur Aspirational Targets are:

• Healthy Soils: Healthy soils supporting the environmental, social and economic needs of the region, now and into the future.

• Viable Water Resources: Viable water resources supporting environmental, social and economic needs.

• Healthy Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Ecosystems: Healthy, functioning coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems, that are managed sustainably to support the environmental, social and economic values of the region.

• Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems: Viable, resilient, and healthy functioning ecosystems.

• Minimal Pest Impact: Pest plants and animals controlled to not have a significant impact on the environment, primary production, or communities.

• Community Driven NRM: The community, effectively ‘driving’ sustainable natural resources management.

Healthy Soils

Viable Water

Resources

HealthyCEM

Ecosystems

HealthyTerrestrial

Ecosystems

MinimalPest

Impact

CommunityDrivenNRM

GoalProsperous

Use

GoalHealthy

Ecosystems

GoalMinimalThreats

GoalCapablePeople

Vision• Properous &

Sustainable• Informed &

Passionate

Vision

Goals

AspirationalTargets

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Critical AlignmentsThe Goals align well with the priorities of the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country initiative and those of other key stakeholders, enabling the Plan to be a prospectus for a wide range of investment opportunities.

Prosperous Use aligns with Sustainable Farming Practices

Healthy Ecosystems aligns with National Reserve System, Biodiversity & Natural Icons, and Coastal & Critical Aquatic Habitats.

Minimal Threats contributes to Biodiversity & Natural Icons, and Sustainable Farming Practices

Capable People aligns with Community Skills, Knowledge & Engagement

Many of the Aspirational Targets align with targets from South Australia’s Strategic Plan, as follows:

Healthy Soils

Target 3.3 Soil Protection – a 20% increase in cropping land that is protected from erosion, by 2014

Target 1.14 Total Exports – treble the value of SA’s exports to $25 billion, by 2014

Viable Water Resources

Target 3.9 Sustainable Water Supply – water resources managed within sustainable limits, by 2018

Target 1.14 Total Exports – treble the value of SA’s exports to $25 billion, by 2014

Healthy Coastal, Estuarine and marine Ecosystems

Target 3.4 Marine Biodiversity – create 19 marine parks to maximise ecological outcomes, by 2010

Target 1.14 Total Exports – treble the value of SA’s exports to $25 billion, by 2014

Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems

Target 3.1 No Species Loss – lose no known native species as a result of human impacts

Target 3.2 Land Biodiversity – five well established biodiversity corridors, by 2010, to maximise ecological outcomes, particularly in the face of climate change

Community Driven NRM

Target 5.6 Volunteering – maintain volunteering at a 50% participation rate, or higher

This Plan is for all agencies, organisations and individuals with an interest in natural resources management. The Northern and Yorke NRM Board is responsible for the Plan but many stakeholders will have roles in the implementation of its’ various components. Some of the key partners in responding to the Plan’s targets are listed in the table below.

Aspirational Target PartnersHealthy Soils DWLBC, Land Managers, NGOs

Viable Water Resources SA Water, EPA, DEH, Local Government, Land Managers, NGOs

Healthy Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Ecosystems

PIRSA, EPA, DEH, Local Government, Land managers, NGOs

Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems DWLBC, DEH, Local Government, Land Managers, NGOs

Minimal Pest Impact DWLBC, DEH, Local Government, Land Managers, NGOs

Community Driven NRM Land Managers, NGOs, Community, Local Government, DWLBC, DEHMany private service providers will also help implement the Plan.

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Each Aspirational Target relies on some fundamentals in terms of resource

condition. Those fundamentals (Resource Condition Targets) are summarised below and are ‘unpacked’ in detail in the following sections of this Strategy.

Healthy Soils

Viable Water

Resources

HealthyCEM

Ecosystems

HealthyTerrestrial

Ecosystems

MinimalPest

Impact

CommunityDrivenNRM

Prosperous Use

HealthyEcosystems

MinimalThreats

CapablePeople

Prosperous, Sustainable& Passionate

SoilProtection

SoilCondition

SustainableWater

Supplies

GoodWater

Quality

Water-dependentEcosystemProtection

ImprovingCEM

Ecosystems

Good CEMWater

Quality

StableCoastal

Landscapes

ViableVegetation

Communities

No SpeciesLoss

IncreasedConnectivity

HealthyWater-

dependentEcosystems

Less PestImpact

No NewPests

Awarenessand

Engagement

CapacityBuilding

IncreasedAdoption

Vision

Goals

AspirationalTargets

ResourceConditionTargets

Strategy Overview

No one target or action exists or occurs in isolation – natural resource assets are managed across the landscape. There is considerable interaction between them.

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Healthy Soils

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SummaryAspirational Target: Healthy Soils

Healthy soils supporting the environmental, social and economic needs of the region, now and into the future.

Resource Condition Target: S1. Soil Protection

S1: By 2030, the number of days that erosion-prone soil is protected from erosion is increased to at least 335 days per year

Resource Condition Sub-targets:

S1 (a): By 2015, the number of days that water erosion-prone soil is protected from erosion is increased from 286 days/year to at least 326 days/year.

S1 (b): By 2015, the number of days that wind erosion-prone soil is protected from erosion is increased from 295 days/year to at least 326 days/year.

S1 (c): By 2015, 20% of moderately erosion-prone land (class 3e) has run-off slowed.Management Action Targets

S1.1: By 2015, there is an increase in the proportion of erosion-prone soil undisturbed at high-risk times.

S1.2: By 2015, there is an increase in the proportion of erosion-prone soil with adequate protection at high-risk times, such as at sowing; e.g. adequate ground cover and contour banks.

Targets and Strategies

Snapshot of Targets

Healthy Soils

Healthy Soils

SoilProtection

SoilCondition

Protectionfrom erosion

(water & wind)

Slowedrun-o�

ProductiveSoil: pH and

nutrients

Salinityconstrained

Erosion-pronesoil undisturbed

& covered at high-risk times

No-till farming& contoured

banks

Soil ameliorants;lime & gypsum

Increased wateruse e�ciency; no-till farming

SalinityManagement

Plans

AspirationalTarget

ResourceConditionTargets

ManagementAction Targets

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Strategy and ActionsStrategy: Adaptive Farming Systems – Optimal cover and minimal disturbance

Actions

• Participative, applied research and extension for farm management systems that address climate change and variability; biodiversity; profit; and carbon emissions – and overcome the barriers to adoption of sustainable practices such as stubble retention, zero tillage and farm forestry.

• Landscape scale projects to share technical information and applications, and improved NRM based industry resilience; strategic grazing of native pastures etc.

Strategy: Sustainable Land Management – Tillage, soil improvement and WUE

Actions

• Soil condition (acidity and sodicity) and erosion protection strategies that include sustainable farming extension events and activities (research trials and demonstrations, farmer networks, field days, fertiliser management extension) to encourage zero-till, stubble retention, fertility management, grazing management practices and contouring, and the use of farm forestry for soil remediation.

• Land management (capability), business and drought management planning.

• Salinity management plans; assistance, market-based incentives and Landcare activities to reduce recharge

• Landscape management programs, linking biodiversity management, pest and weed control, salinity management plans, wetlands and riparian lands; on-ground assistance, market based incentives, and Landcare activities.

Resource Condition Target: S2. Soil Condition

S2: By 2030, the physical, chemical and biological condition of the region’s soil resource will be maintained or improved from 2000 benchmark data.

Resource Condition Sub-targets:S2 (a): By 2030, acidification rates are balanced by treatment on all at risk soils.S2 (b): By 2030, soil phosphorus is maintained at appropriate levels.S2 (c): By 2030, the area of land affected by secondary salinity is constrained to an additional 4,000 ha.

Management Action TargetsS2.1: By 2015, the Water Use Efficiency of dryland agricultural crops and pastures is improved by at

least 5%, due mainly to improvements in soil physical and nutritional condition.S2.2: By 2015, 225,000 ha of poorly structured top-soils are no-tilled.S2.3: By 2015, 13,000 tonnes of gypsum has been applied on sodic soils since 2008.S2.4: By 2015, lime rates will restore pH to above 5.0 and maintain them at those levels on 75% of

at-risk land.S2.5: By 2015, salinity management plans are implemented in high priority catchments.

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Soil Resource Condition Target 1: Soil ProtectionS1: By 2030, the number of days that erosion-

prone soil is protected from erosion is increased to at least 335 days per year

Target explanationThe protection of erosion-prone soil requires both adequate levels of soil surface cover, and that the soil is in an undisturbed condition. In cropping areas this requires stubble retention and minimum or no-till practices to be implemented on erosion-prone soils. In grazing areas, it will be achieved by grazing management to retain cover. This target will leave soils at risk of erosion for a maximum of 30 days per year. The theoretical minimum number of days that cropped soils will be at risk of erosion if direct drill or no-till technology is adopted and adequate surface cover is maintained is 15 days.

The extent to which soil is inherently prone to erosion is classified on a scale from class one (least prone) to class seven (most prone). The term ‘erosion-prone soil’ used in the RCT refers to soil in classes three and above. These areas are shown for wind and water erosion risk in section 3 State of the Region. Moderately water erosion-prone soil, or Class 3e, makes up 20% of the region (450,000 ha). Contour banks are another management practice that can help slow run-off and reduce the risk of erosion.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006;

Target L1 By 2011, land condition will have improved compared to 2006.

Milestone 2.1 By 2020, sustainable natural resources based industries will deliver multiple outcomes.

Milestone 2.2 By 2010, land capability assessments will take into account climate change risks, and will be a key element of planning for all land-based industries.

Milestone 2.3 By 2010, NRM plans will adopt a catchment-to-coast approach.

It also aligns with targets in the ‘Soil Conservation and Land Management: Directions for the Agricultural Lands of SA (2005)’: “For all Regions, by 2010, the Water and Wind Erosion Indices are reduced to 35 days or less.”

Key Partners:• DWLBC• PIRSA• Land Managers• NGOsThe following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

S1.1 Undisturbed soil B3.1 Revegetation

S1.2 Ground cover B1.3 Sustainable grazing C3.1 Coastal management

Overview of the asset

Aspirational TargetHealthy soils supporting the environmental, social and economic needs of the region, now and into the future

Healthy soils underpin the region’s agriculture and biodiversity, and help improve water

quality. The aspirational target recognises that there are multiple users of the soil resource, and that future generations will be relying on almost the same resource base as currently exists. The target aims to balance the needs of users across different sectors and timeframes.

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Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe Erosion Risk Index developed by the Land Condition Monitoring Program (DWLBC) will continue to be used to monitor this target in cropping zones. Additional indicators and monitoring may need to be developed.

TrendIn water erosion risk areas, monitoring over the past eight years indicates that the average number of days per year soil is protected from erosion as 286 days, with a slightly decreasing yearly trend. In wind erosion risk areas, monitoring over the same period indicates that soil is protected on average 295 days per year, with a slightly increasing trend. It is estimated that to reach the target of 335 days, a 17% increase in the number of days water erosion-prone soil is adequately protected is required, and on wind erosion-prone soils a 14% increase is required.

Links to other resource assets and InfluencesReducing the risk of soil erosion will improve water quality in catchment run-off, reducing the outflow of sediments to estuaries and marine environments. The protection of wind erosion-prone soil will reduce the incidence of dust storms, and soil deposition on infrastructure and native vegetation. Improved soil protection will improve agricultural productivity, and reduce the need for fertiliser inputs to replace nutrients removed in eroded soil. Herbivorous pest animals will need to be controlled, and minimum soil disturbance approaches to weed control adopted. Climate change projections indicate a likely increase in erosive climatic conditions.

Soil Resource Condition Target �: Soil ConditionS2: By 2030 the physical, chemical and

biological condition of the region’s soil resource will be maintained or improved from 2000 benchmark data

Target explanationThe primary RCT seeks to at least maintain the condition of the overall soil resource, and ideally see it improved. The third sub-target acknowledges that processes are underway which will see some land decline in condition due to salinity, but, if recommended actions are implemented, the extent of land that will be affected will be limited. Therefore, to achieve an overall maintenance of soil condition, improvements in other areas will need to be accomplished.

Water Use Efficiency is used as a surrogate measure for soil condition, although several assumptions are made. In part, improvements in soil condition should be driven by economic influences. Balancing acidification rates is one of the key aspects of soil condition that needs to be addressed in the region. Maintaining appropriate soil phosphorous levels is important for the economic productivity of soils. Phosphorous levels should not be mined (i.e. depleted beyond their original levels of around 8-12 ppm), but should also not be so high as see to cause contaminated run-off flow into watercourses. Phosphorous levels should be matched to the requirements of desired plant species. Appropriate soil phosphorous levels for agricultural areas are given in Maschmedt (2000).

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target L1. By 2011, land condition will have improved compared to 2006.

Milestone 2.7 By 2010, the impacts of salinity and diffuse pollution on water resources will be decreasing.

Milestone 2.3 By 2010, NRM plans will adopt a catchment-to-coast approach.

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It also aligns with targets in the ‘Soil Conservation and Land Management: Directions for the Agricultural Lands of SA (2005)’: “By 2010 water use efficiency of agricultural crops and pastures are improved by at least 20% due mainly to improvements in soil physical and chemical condition.”

Key Partners

• DWLBC• PIRSA• Land Managers• NGOsThe following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

S2.5 Salinity management plans

W2.3 Salinity management plans

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe Land Condition Monitoring Program (DWLBC) has developed the indicators and methodology for monitoring some of the relevant targets. Several of the methods contain a number of assumptions. To obtain a more exact measure, a rigorous field monitoring program would need to be implemented.

TrendAcidification rates are inferred from research and investigation. The amount of lime used in the region from 1998/99 to 2001/02 is approximately half that estimated to be required to balance annual acidification rates, and is well below that required to raise the pH to above pHCaCl 5.0.

WUE increases of 20-30% have been recorded for wheat and barley grain yields in most Statistical Local Areas in the Northern and Yorke region between 1968-75 and 1999-2000. No equivalent measure is available for pasture production.

Barnett (2000) estimated an additional 7,000 ha of currently non-saline land would become saline if no action was taken to stop groundwater rise. In some districts groundwater levels are now falling due to changes in landuse and below-average rainfall. Monitoring at Jamestown and Minlaton indicates an average decrease in salt-land area of 2-3% per annum over the past 15 years.

Links to other resource assetsMaintenance of the region’s soil condition, and improvements in water-use efficiency, will contribute towards sustaining the region’s agricultural productivity. Countering acidity will reduce the risk of heavy metals being released into groundwater. Strategies implemented to limit the spread of secondary salinity will also have an effect in reducing salinity levels in groundwater and watercourses. This will minimise the loss of biodiversity in ‘at risk’ areas including low-lying and water-dependent ecosystems. Climate change modelling predicts lower rainfall that may reduce recharge to saline groundwater tables, but the potential effects on other soil factors need to be investigated.

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Viable Water Resources

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SummaryAspirational Target: Viable Water Resources

Viable water resources, supporting environmental, social and economic needs.

Resource Condition Target: W1. Sustainable Water Supplies

W1: By 2030, the amount of surface and groundwater available is maintained within the bounds of historical variations and does not deviate significantly from seasonal climatic drivers.

Resource Condition Sub-targets

W1 (a): By 2030, fluctuations in groundwater levels, pressures and seasonal spring and baseflows will be maintained within limits previously observed in the region, for comparable climatic conditions.

W1 (b): By 2030, flow regimes in priority river catchments do not deviate significantly from previously observed seasonal and inter-annual variations for comparable climatic conditions.

Management Action Targets

W1.1: By 2015, a revised Water Allocation Plan, compliant with National Water Initiative guidelines, is in place for the Clare region.

W1.2: By 2015, the Baroota area has an approved Water Allocation Plan in place.W1.3: By 2015, the management of water resources is regulated by a series of defined Water Affecting

Activities.

Targets and Strategies

Snapshot of targets

Viable Water Resources

ViableWater

Resources

SustainableWater

Supplies

GoodWater

Quality

Sustainableground and

surface water

Nutrientlevels

acceptable

Salinity�uctuationsacceptable

WaterAllocation Plans(Clare & Baroota)

StormwaterFlood Mitigation

Managementplan

Developmentplans protect

water quality &wetlands

SalinityManagement

Plans implemented

WatercourseProtection

Water-a�ectingactivitiesregulated

Nutrientlevels

acceptable

Improvedwaterway health; less

degradation

RiverManagement

Plansimplemented

AspirationalTarget

ResourceConditionTargets

ManagementAction Targets

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Resource Condition Target: W2 Good Water Quality

W2: By 2030, water quality is maintained, within climatic limitations and natural conditions, within levels set for aquatic ecosystems in the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy.

Resource Condition Sub-targets

W2 (a): By 2030, mean nutrient levels in watercourses are maintained below Environment Protection Policy (Water Quality) guidelines for aquatic ecosystems.

W2 (b): By 2030, fluctuations in salinity levels in surface water and groundwaters exhibit trends that reflect climatic and seasonal influences and do not exceed levels recorded prior to 2008.

Management Action Targets

W2.1: By 2015, Stormwater and Flood Mitigation Plans are implemented for regional cities and major towns.

W2.2: By 2015, local Development Plans incorporate principles to protect water quality, as presented in the Regulations and Policies of the NRM Plan.

W2.3: By 2015, salinity management plans are implemented in high priority catchments.

Resource Condition Target; W3. Watercourse Protection

W3: By 2030, core refuge areas are protected by a 20% reduction in the extent of priority degrading watercourse management issues.

W3 (a): By 2015, the length of watercourses unaffected by priority degrading management issues is increased by 5%, with a focus on protecting core refuge areas.

Management Action Targets

W3.1: By 2015, River Management Plans are reviewed for the Light, Wakefield and Broughton Rivers.

Note: EPA Water Quality Guidelines are defined at www.epa.sa.gov.au/water_epp.html

Strategy and ActionsStrategy: Water Resource Planning – WAPs and WAAs

Actions

• Water resource monitoring (ground and surface water – quality and quantity)

• Water Allocation Planning – preparation and implementation

• Regulation of Water Affecting Activities.• Local Government development planning• Support and assist irrigators, especially

in prescribed catchments, in improving water use efficiency – through research, demonstration, field days, awareness raising of latest techniques and practices, and on-ground works.

• Integrating emerging knowledge and impacts of climate change.

Strategy: Water Resource Management – Nutrients, salinity and river management

Actions

• Land managers support – research and demonstration, awareness raising, on-ground works, assistance and support groups (wetlands and waterways) for restoration and management.

• Monitoring water quality and aquatic biota.• Salinity Management plans – research &

demonstration, district planning, incentives and support groups.

• River management planning – assessing assets and risks; and designing collaborative management responses.

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Water Resource Condition Target 1: Sustainable Water SuppliesW1: By 2030, the amount of surface and

groundwater available is maintained within the bounds of historical variations and does not deviate significantly from seasonal climatic drivers.

Target explanationSpring and base flows in watercourses are critical to the survival of water dependent ecosystems. They are generally linked to groundwater levels, and as such, a single target is used to ensure that surface and groundwater are managed as one resource. The target aims for there to be no further decline in the availability of surface and groundwater while allowing for climatic and seasonal variation. The target therefore allows for water to be used for economic and social needs. If projected reductions in rainfall occur as a result of climate change, water extraction may need to be reduced to meet the target.

The previously observed period refers to a relatively recent historical period of 30 years or

less in which water quantity has been monitored in the region.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Milestone 2.4 By 2010, all water resources will be managed within ecologically sustainable limits.

Milestone 2.6 By 2010, NRM-relevant statutory plans will address the impacts of climate change.

Milestone 2.8 By 2020, alternative water resources will fulfil 25% of consumptive demand.

Key Partners

• DWLBC• Local Government – International Council

for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)*• SA Water• Land Managers

* ICLEI is an international association of local governments to support local government in the

implementation of sustainable development activities.

Aspirational TargetViable water resources supporting environmental, social and economic needs.

With relatively low rainfall throughout the Northern and Yorke region, water is a precious resource that is subject to a wide range of demands. The NRM Board aspires to ensure the management of water to meet the needs of the region’s people, economy and environment.

To date, there has been very little co-ordinated management of the use of water outside the Clare Valley. One of the key challenges to ensuring the Resource Condition Targets are achieved will be adequately engaging the community in understanding their relationship to the resource and to other users who also depend on it.

Tackling Climate Change, South Australia’s Greenhouse Strategy, contains the following objective relevant to regional water resource management:

“Objective 8.2: to incorporate climate change in the sustainable management of water resources and water supply.”

This objective is incorporated into the strategies for water resource management.

Water Risk AssessmentAn assessment of risks to the Northern and Yorke’s water resource asset was undertaken by a panel of experts (for detailed Risk Assessment Analysis see Appendix 4). The assessment indicated both the surface and groundwater of the Willochra River catchment to be most at risk. Development potential is one of the biggest risks for most catchments.

Overview of Asset

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The following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

W1.1 Clare WAP

W1.2 Baroota WAP B4.3 Water Allocation Plans

W1.3 Water Affecting Activities

B4.1 ‘Important’ wetlands protected

B4.2 ‘Good’ wetlands protected

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationExisting flow stations and observation wells will continue to be monitored and additional monitoring stations may be established to fill key information gaps. A system of monitoring of water levels at representative permanent pools may be implemented.

TrendSurface water run-off has declined in higher rainfall catchments due to the construction of surface water storages, but it is estimated that environmental flow requirements are being met, if only just, in the major catchments. Groundwater levels in many aquifers have declined.

Links to other resource assetsThe quantity of surface and groundwater, and the timing, duration, volume and frequency of flows are closely linked to the management of land in surrounding catchments. The clearance of land for agriculture caused increased surface run-off and infiltration to groundwater, but the damming of surface run-off, and potentially contour banking, reduced tillage and stubble retention, have caused declines in surface flows. Recharge reduction measures undertaken in catchments at risk of rising salinity need to be taken in consideration of freshwater resources. Water dependent ecosystems can rely on critical low flows, many of which are lost through extraction and dams. Links between catchment surface and groundwater flows to the marine environment are poorly understood but may be critical to coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems. Similarly, the level of water use by exotic plants, especially large trees such as Peppercorns, is poorly understood but could have a negative impact on water quantity.

Water Resource Condition Target �: Good Water QualityW2: By 2030, water quality is maintained, within

climatic limitations and natural conditions, within levels set for aquatic ecosystems in the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy.

Target explanationThis target encompasses water quality parameters including salinity, nutrients and turbidity, and recognises that these may vary with seasonal conditions. Salinity, in particular, will vary throughout the season and in many locations is naturally high. The target incorporates surface and inter-related groundwater.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target W4. By 2011, an increase in net water quality compared to 2006.

Milestone 2.7 By 2010, the impacts of salinity and diffuse pollution on water resources will be decreasing.

Milestone 2.3 By 2010, NRM plans will adopt a catchment-to-coast approach.

Key Partners

• DWLBC• Local Government – International Council

for Local Environmental Initiatives• EPA• Land ManagersThe following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

W2.1 Stormwater plans C2.1 Stormwater plans

W2.2 Development Plans

C2.2 Development Plans

W2.3 Salinity management plans

S2.5 Salinity management plans

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe EPA has been monitoring water quality at eight stream sites in the Northern and Yorke region as part of its state-wide monitoring program. Nutrients, turbidity, salinity and macro-

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invertebrates have been monitored according to the Australian Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting.

Groundwater salinity is monitored by DWLBC’s bore monitoring program, by the Northern and Yorke NRM Board and by SA Water.

TrendAlthough many of the stream sites are consistently and possibly naturally saline, nutrient and turbidity levels are usually good but do rise occasionally. Macro-invertebrates indicate good ecological health at most sites.

Groundwater salinity is highly variable across the region. In general there is a lack of data to indicate a trend in condition but there are concerns that in some areas salinity levels have increased.

Links to other resource assetsThe management of soil to prevent erosion is important to avoid the contamination of surface run-off with soil particles and nutrients. In particular the maintenance of vegetated riparian zones is important for filtering surface run-off before it enters a watercourse.

Recharge to saline groundwater affects secondary salinity of soil and watercourses. Increases in water salinity levels can limit extractive uses such as irrigation and stock water, causing landholders to look to alternative water sources (such as sinking bores or constructing dams) which can impact water quantity, or change land use altogether, affecting agricultural productivity. Higher salinity levels can be toxic to riparian and other water-dependent ecosystems. High nutrient levels stimulate excessive growth of some aquatic plants and algae that in turn can trigger a number of degrading outcomes. Terrestrial fauna relying on groundwater fed water-holes may also suffer from poor water quality. During high flow events, water from the streams of the Mambray coast and the Broughton, Wakefield and Light Rivers reaches the marine environment through estuaries.

Water Resource Condition Target �: Watercourse ProtectionW3: By 2030, core refuge areas are protected

by a 20% reduction in the extent of priority degrading watercourse management issues.

Target explanationThis target links with other biodiversity targets and will help to focus efforts on addressing external threats to core refuge areas, such as upstream erosion.

Core refuge areas are important areas, usually located in the lower part of catchments, which retain water permanently or for long periods, and are hence the places where fish, macro-invertebrates, aquatic plants and other life forms retreat to when other parts of the river dry up. Generally these will include several areas of ‘important riverine habitat’ where they exist in close proximity, as connectivity between these areas may be achieved even during moderate flows.

Degrading watercourse issues, as well as important riverine habitat, remnant native vegetation, and other features have been mapped in the Broughton, Wakefield and Light River catchments. To be effective, however, more detailed investigations will be required to identify the location of any required works.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target W1 By 2011, all ecosystems dependent on prescribed water resources have improved ecological health compared to 2006.

Target W2 By 2020, all aquatic ecosystems have improved ecological health compared to 2006.

Target W3 By 2015, no further loss of wetland or estuary, extent or condition compared to 2006.

Milestone 2.3 By 2010, NRM plans will adopt a catchment-to-coast approach.

Key Partners• DWLBC• DEH• Land managers

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The following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

W3.1 River management plans

B4.1 ‘Important’ wetlands protected

B4.2 ‘Good’ wetlands protected

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe spatial extent of watercourse management issues has been mapped for fourth order and above watercourses in the Light, Wakefield and Broughton catchments, based on aerial video and field surveys. Third order and below watercourses should be considered with regard to their influence on core refuge areas, in particular sediment loads.

TrendDegrading watercourse management issues exist throughout the mapped catchments. The Willochra Creek and other catchments have yet to be surveyed to the same level of detail.

Links to other resource assetsThe integrity of core habitat areas is critical to the survival of many water-dependent ecosystems and species, as well as some terrestrial fauna. Pest plants and animals threaten many important riverine areas through competition, predation and habitat modification. Changes to flow and the quality of surface run-off, as well as gully erosion, can alter the integrity of watercourses, causing pools to fill in, channels to erode, or vegetation to be smothered or washed away.

The degradation of watercourses has the potential to impact negatively on the condition of coastal, estuarine and marine environments.

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Healthy Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Ecosystems

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SummaryAspirational Target: Healthy Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Ecosystems

Healthy, functioning coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems that are managed sustainably to support the environmental, social and economic values of the region.

Resource Condition Target: C1. Improving Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Ecosystems

C1: By 2030, there is no reduction in the extent, and a steady improvement in the condition, of coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems, compared to 2008.

Resource Condition Sub-targets

C1 (a): By 2015, there is no decline in:• The status of 11 indicator reefs on Yorke Peninsula (as per the Northern and Yorke reef health

survey);• The extent or condition of seagrass meadows, or• The extent or condition of mangrove forests.

C1 (b): By 2015, there is a reduction in the level of impact from marine pests.

Management Action Targets

C1.1: By 2015, areas with high marine conservation values are protected and actively managed in marine parks.

C1.2: By 2015, all marine bioregions are being actively managed under approved ecosystem guidelines.

C1.3: By 2015, a marine pest management framework is in place.

Targets and Strategies

Snapshot of Targets

Healthy Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Ecosystems

Healthy CEM

Ecosystems

ImprovingCEM

ecosystems

Nutrientlevels

acceptable

Less impactfrom pests

High-value zones

protectedin marine parks

All marinebio-regions

managed underguidelines

Marine pestmanagement

frameworkin place

No declinein key

habitats

Good CEMwater

quality

Reductionin pollution

loads

StormwaterFlood Mitigation

Managementplans available

Developmentplans protectwater quality

Stablecoastal

landscapes

Nutrientlevels

acceptable

Reducedimpact

CoastalManagement

guidelines

Developmentplans protect

coasts

No decline; improved

conservation value

AspirationalTarget

ResourceConditionTargets

ManagementAction Targets

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Resource Condition Target: C2. Good Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Water Quality

C2: By 2030, water quality is maintained, to meet levels set for aquatic ecosystems in the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy.

Resource Condition Sub-targets

C2 (a): By 2030, a 10% reduction in the pollutant load of discharges from licensed point source pollution sites.

C2 (b): By 2015, a 50% reduction in the pollutant load of sewage and stormwater discharged into the marine environment.

C2 (c): By 2015, return marine discharges will have no adverse effect on existing salinity and temperature equilibria.

Management Action Targets

C2.1: By 2015, Stormwater and Flood Mitigation Plans are implemented for regional cities and major towns.

C2.2: By 2015, local Development Plans incorporate principles to protect water quality, as presented in the Regulations and Polices of the NRM Plan.

Resource Condition Target; C3 Stable Coastal Landscapes

C3: By 2030, the extent and diversity of coastal landscapes is maintained and their condition improved, compared to 2008.

Resource Condition Sub-targets

C3 (a): By 2030, there is no decline in the conservation value of the 35 coastal areas of highest conservation priority.

C3 (b): By 2030, there is an improvement in the conservation value of an additional 14 areas, currently classed as ‘priority coastal cells’.

C3 (c): By 2015, the condition of at least 4, out of a total of 14, ‘priority coastal cells’ is improved to high conservation totals.

C3 (d): By 2015, there is no further decline in the conservation value of the remaining coastal areas.C3 (e): By 2015, there is an overall reduction in the threats to coastal ecosystems and landscapes from

vegetation clearance, weeds and uncontrolled access by stock, vehicles and pedestrians.

Management Action Targets

C3.1: By 2015, coastal management guidelines are developed and adopted for vegetation management and public access.

C3.2: By 2015, local Development Plans incorporate principles to protect coastal areas and manage aquaculture developments, as presented in the Regulations and Polices of the NRM Plan.

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Strategy and ActionsStrategy: Marine & Fisheries Management

Actions

• Preparing and implementing a marine pest management framework, e.g. involving dive groups in annual surveys of high risk sites like boat ramps and marinas.

• Preparing and implementing Marine Park plans and Ecosystem Guidelines.

• Conducting education programs for recreational fishers.

Strategy: Coastal Management – Water quality and coastal management

Actions

• Preparing coast-care management plans for priority locations; assistance to Local Government and CoastCare groups, and on-ground works; access control, revegetation and weed control.

• Conducting education programs for recreational fishers and beach goers.

• Local Government Development Planning – adopting guidelines for performance based planning controls that minimise the marine impacts of coastal development.

• Water efficiency and discharge management programs; stormwater and flood management, effluent and recycling – promotion, planning and on-ground assistance.

• Integrate emerging knowledge and impacts of climate change.

Aspirational TargetHealthy, functioning coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems that are managed sustainably to support environmental, social and economic values of the region

Coastal, estuarine and marine (CEM) areas make up a significant proportion of the Northern and Yorke region and support a range of ecosystems, native species, and economic uses. They are highly valued by the community and tourists.

The social values of the coasts include having coastal areas that the public can access. The CEM environment is an important economic asset to the region, supporting fishing, tourist and mining industries. The economic future of the region depends in part on careful management of this resource.

The CEM resource has a strong biodiversity component and is heavily influenced by the management of water resources, therefore this section links closely to the Biodiversity and Water Resources sections of this strategy.

Risk assessmentA qualitative risk assessment was undertaken using an expert panel approach. This identified pest plants and animals as the highest threat to CEM habitats. Other threats associated with coastal and near-shore disturbance were the next highest risk. The habitat with the least number of risks was rocky headlands. Intertidal zones, samphire, subtidal reefs and subtidal seagrass had the greatest number of high risks (Cheshire et al. 2007a). See Appendix 5 for more information.

Overview of Asset

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Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Resource Condition Target 1: Improving CEM EcosystemsC1: By 2030, there is no reduction in the

extent, and a steady improvement in the condition of, coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems, compared to 2008.

Target explanationCEM ecosystems include the various habitats such as wetlands, seagrass meadows and reefs, as well as the individual species that they comprise, such as plants, algae, mammals, and fish. The target aligns with the State’s ‘No Species Loss’ goals.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target W2 By 2020, all aquatic ecosystems have improved ecological health compared with 2006.

Target B2 By 2011, no species and ecological communities have moved to a higher risk category from 2006.

Target B3 By 2011, no further net loss of natural habitat extent and condition below that of 2006.

Milestone 2.3 By 2010, NRM plans will adopt a catchment-to-coast approach so as to protect coastal ecosystems and associated industries.

Key Partners

• DEH• PIRSA• EPA• SA Water• NGOsThe following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

C1.3 Marine pest management

I1.1 Pest risk assessment

I2.1 Biosecurity and incursion response

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationMonitoring of this target will link to the management of the Marine Park areas of Spencer Gulf, Lower Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent, and Kangaroo Island (Government of South Australia 2006). In addition, indicators will include threatened marine species, commercially harvested species, and marine pests. The condition of reefs should be re-assessed using the methodology outlined in Turner et al. (2007).

Monitoring may determine the impact of specific management actions on the CEM ecosystems, e.g. that the area and condition of CEM ecosystems is not declining. Monitoring also facilitates adaptive management and assesses the success of programs.

Long-term changes may include the overall area and condition parameters such as physical/chemical (water pH, temperature, pollution levels, and nutrient levels) and biological condition of CEM ecosystems. Indicators of this long-term change will include the distribution, health, and abundance of threatened marine species, commercially harvested species, marine pests and micro-algae.

Current programs determining the condition of CEM ecosystems may include the condition of reefs (Turner et al. 2007) although, as the authors note, the indices of condition require further investigation. The report does not make any judgement on the effectiveness or otherwise and this must reviewed prior to broad scale implementation of any monitoring and evaluation process.

Knowledge gapsCEM ecosystems in the region have been mapped in the inter-tidal zone but less so in the subtidal zone. To address this, marine habitat mapping is being conducted for the NYNRM Board by DEH to provide critical information on the extent and distribution of its marine ecosystems.

The indicators for marine ecosystems have been described by Government of South Australia (2006) and Turner et al. (2007). Until recently the condition of the coasts and estuaries was poorly defined, however the Conservation Assessment of the Northern and

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Yorke Coast (Caton 2007) has begun to fill some of the gaps and provide targets for further investigation. The condition of terrestrial coastal ecosystems is unknown but various factors which may contribute to condition have been monitored.

TrendThere is currently little known about the condition of CEM ecosystems. A recent survey of 11 sub-tidal reefs off the Yorke Peninsula coastline identified that seven were rated in good condition, two in moderate and two in poor condition. It was discussed, however, that the sites in poor condition may not be disturbed and instead the indicators of condition may need to be refined (Turner et al. 2007). The area of habitats has been mapped by sub-region. Preliminary results of sea-grass mapping indicate that areas of seagrass have been lost in the region including in Wallaroo Bay (Gaylard pers. com.).

The status of wild stocks of harvested species is monitored at a State level. Species of concern harvested from the Northern and Yorke region are the southern rock lobster (Northern Zone), black lip abalone (Central Zone), western king prawn (Gulf St Vincent), King George Whiting (Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent) and garfish (State) (Primary Industries and Resources SA 2007).

Links to other resource assetsThis target encompasses the biodiversity component of the CEM resource. While many species are distributed specifically within the CEM landscape, some bird and fish species migrate between CEM and the inland landscapes. The health of the CEM resource affects fish stock, and hence licensed and recreational fishers, and consequently affects the level of tourism, fish processing and related industries, and development pressures. The sea and estuaries are connected to inland areas through the catchment to coast continuum, and also to other regions, states, and countries through the flow of water and the movement of fauna. This places additional challenges to maintaining populations and water quality, and to preventing the introduction of pest plants and animals.

Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Resource Condition Target �: Good CEM Water QualityC2: By 2030, water quality is maintained, to

meet levels set for aquatic ecosystems in the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy.

Target explanationThe classification of water quality is taken from the ANZECC Guidelines. Port Hughes has been used as the benchmark for water quality in the Spencer Gulf (Department for Environment and Heritage 2006b) and a comparison with Adelaide metropolitan beaches (EPA).

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target W2. By 2020, all aquatic ecosystems have improved ecological health compared with 2006.

Milestone 2.6 By 2010, NRM-relevant statutory plans will address the impacts of land use change and climate change.

Milestone 4.1 No new pest species become established in SA from 2010.

Milestone 4.2 There is a net reduction in the impact of established pest species on natural and productive systems by 2010.

Key Partners• DEH• EPA• PIRSA• Local Government

The following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

C2.1 Stormwater plans W2.1 Stormwater plans

C2.2 Development Plans

C3.2 Development Plans

W2.2 Development Plans

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Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe priority areas where good water quality is required should be designated from a risk assessment analysis and monitoring programs developed. Current monitoring sites are Port Hughes, Port Pirie and Port Germein (Gaylard pers. comm.).

Water quality can be measured by a number of performance indicators as outlined in the National Water Quality Guidelines (ANZEEC).

The water quality of the region’s CEM environments needs to be monitored and evaluated so that intermediate & longer term changes in condition targets can be evaluated. Monitoring also facilitates adaptive management and enables assessment of the success of programs.

Key water quality indicators include:

• Chlorophyll a (phytoplankton biomass)• Nutrient levels• Turbidity (light attenuation)• Temperature

Knowledge gapsA more comprehensive monitoring system will be required to confidently ascertain regional water quality in all areas, so that comprehensive baseline levels for ‘good’ water quality can be established for all areas.

TrendPort Hughes has been monitored by the EPA as a reference site to compare with Adelaide’s metropolitan beaches, as it was considered to have water of good quality. Analysis of the data indicates that although water quality is relatively good, some parameters such as heavy metals are considered poor (Gaylard 2004). A more comprehensive monitoring system is required to confidently ascertain regional marine water quality. Stormwater management is being improved in many coastal towns.

Links to other resource assetsThe quality of marine water in the Gulfs is affected by the quality of water entering from catchment run-off via watercourses, and discharge from coastal towns and industry. Marine waters of the lower Yorke Peninsula are more strongly influenced by the quality of the greater South Australian marine area. Deterioration in water quality may result in the decline in health of marine ecosystems and their eventual loss. Some pollutants are less toxic in low quantities, but may be concentrated and passed on through the food chain, proving more toxic to higher-level predators.

Coastal, Estuarine and Marine Resource Condition Target �: Stable Coastal LandscapesC3: By 2030, the extent and diversity of coastal

landscapes is maintained and their condition improved, compared with 2008.

Sub–RCTs:C3(a): By 2030, there is no decline in the

conservation value of the 35 coastal areas of highest conservation value.

C3(b): By 2030, there is an improvement in the conservation value of 14 additional coastal areas.

C3 (c): By 2015, the condition of at least 4, out of a total of 14, ‘priority coastal cells’ is improved to high conservation totals.

Target explanationBy aiming to retain the extent of coastal landscapes, the Northern and Yorke NRM Board aims to prevent the destruction of coastal vegetation, as well as the geological features. The sub-targets refer to the Conservation Assessment of the Northern and Yorke Coast (Caton et al. 2007), in which 35 of a total 131 areas (or ‘cells’) were identified as having the highest conservation value for the region’s coast. An additional 14 cells were identified as having the potential to be converted to high conservation value if certain actions were undertaken, or threats reduced. The third Sub-RCT aims at a reduction in threats to all coastal areas so that they no longer degrade.

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Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target W3 By 2015, no further net loss of wetland or estuary extent or condition compared to 2006.

Target B3 By 2011, no further net loss of natural habitat extent and condition below that of 2006.

Target B4 By 2020, a net increase in ecological connectivity across all terrestrial, marine and aquatic ecosystems compared to 2006 values.

Milestone 2.6 By 2010, NRM-relevant statutory plans will address the impacts of land use change and climate change.

Key Partners• DEH• Coast Protection Board• Local Government• DPLG

The following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

C3.1 Coastal management guidelines

S1.2 Ground cover

I1.2 Pest animal control

I1.3 Pest plant control

C3.2 Development Plans C2.2 Development Plans

W2.2 Development Plans

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe methods used by Caton et al. (2007) should be used to monitor the coastal areas. These methods may be supplemented with field-based surveys of flora and fauna similar to those used for monitoring terrestrial biodiversity targets.

TrendAreas of conservation importance in the region include the saltmarsh habitats of Gulf St Vincent (from the Light River Delta to Price) and the Spencer Gulf (from Jarrold Point to Winninowie Conservation Park); and the sand dune and cliff landscapes of the west coast of Yorke Peninsula (from Cape Elizabeth to Point Turton).

The record of current conditions is based on Caton (2007) and trends will be delivered from future monitoring.

Links to other resource assetsThe coastal environment is the transitional zone between the inland and marine landscapes. The deep sands of the coastal environment are highly susceptible to erosion by wind, and the maintenance of soil cover and reducing soil disturbance is critical to retaining coastal soils. Control of pest animals such as rabbits is important to retain coastal vegetation and cover. Other pest animals such as cats and foxes threaten the many small reptiles and ground nesting birds found in the area.

The attraction of the coast brings with it development pressures, which in turn highlight the potential impact of climate change via rising sea levels and changes in storm frequency and intensity. These issues may impact upon marina and urban developments as well as forcing coastal species to ‘retreat’ to what are now inland areas.

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Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems

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Targets and Strategies

Snapshot of Targets

Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems

Healthy Terrestrial

Ecosystems

Viablevegetation

communities

Nospecies

loss

Increasedconnectivity

Healthywater-

dependentecosystems

Additional10,000ha

vegetationprotected

Threatenedspecies

recovery plans implemented

Revegetationof 5000ha

Roadsidevegetation

management

Improvecondition of

15% of remnantvegetation

Listed species and

communitiesstable

Increasedconnectivity

in prioritylandscapes

Wetlandsstable andimproving

Waterwaysprotected and

managed

Environmental�ows and climatechange in Waterallocation plan

100,000haactively

managed

Sustainablegrazing of

native pastures

AspirationalTarget

ResourceConditionTargets

ManagementAction Targets

SummaryAspirational Target: Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems

Viable, resilient and healthy functioning ecosystems.

Resource Condition Target: B1. Viable Vegetation Communities

B1: By 2030, maintain the condition of the region’s 1,200,000 ha of remnant native vegetation, and improve the condition of 15% from 2008 levels.

Management Action Targets

B1.1: By 2015, increase the area of remnant vegetation protected under legal and voluntary conservation agreements from 75,000 ha to 85,000 ha; with priority given to high conservation value remnants.

B1.2: By 2015, undertake active management on 100,000 ha of the region’s remnant vegetation to improve the condition compared with 2008.

B1.3: By 2015, sustainable grazing guidelines have been developed with industry for native pastures, to ensure grassy ecosystems are not degraded and to facilitate their recovery.

Resource Condition Target: B2 No Species Loss

B2: By 2030, there has been no loss of ecologically significant species or ecological communities; and the viability and conservation status of these species has improved from 2008 levels.

Resource Condition Sub-targets

B2 (a): By 2015, the status of nationally, State and regionally listed species and ecological communities is maintained or improved from 2008 levels.

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Management Action Targets

B2.1: By 2015, threatened species protection plans will be developed and implemented for threatened species of local priority.

Resource Condition Target: B3 Increased Connectivity

B3: By 2030, there is an increase in ecological connectivity within and between landscapes from 2008.

Resource Condition Sub-targets

B3 (a): By 2015, the ecological connectivity of at least three priority landscapes (Flinders – Olary, Tothill Ranges and Southern Yorke Peninsula) is increased, compared to 2008.

Management Action Targets

B3.1: By 2015, increase the area of native vegetation by 5,000 ha, with a focus on increasing the ecological functionality of remnant vegetation and the protection of erosion-prone areas, such as coastal dunes.

B3.2: By 2015, management plans are implemented for areas of Category A and B roadside vegetation significance.

Resource condition target: B4 Healthy Water Dependent Ecosystems

B4: By 2030, inland and estuarine water-dependent ecosystems are maintained or improved in condition from 2008 levels.

Resource Condition Sub-targets

B4 (a): By 2015, the condition of at least 600 ha of water dependent ecosystems is improved compared to 2008 levels.

B4 (b): By 2015, the extent of watercourse, wetland and other water dependent ecosystems does not decline from 2008 levels.

Management Action Targets

B4.1: By 2015, at least 25% of areas classified as ‘important riverine habitat’ are protected and actively managed.

B4.2: By 2015, at least 25% of areas classified as ‘good native watercourse vegetation’ are protected and actively managed.

B4.3: By 2015, Water Allocation Plans provide water to meet the needs of the environment and account for a changing climate.

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Strategies and ActionsStrategy: Vegetation Management – Care, revegetation and connectivity

• Remnant vegetation protection and management; fencing assistance, pest & weed control, field days, plant identification and education, Local Government roadsides management planning and assistance.

• Sustainable grazing of native grasses and shrublands; trials and field days, fencing and watering assistance; kangaroo and feral goat management.

• Revegetation; trials and field days, seed collection and provision, seeding & planting assistance, ecological connectivity planning & education; an ecological restoration planning tool and improved biodiversity focused revegetation methods.

• Integrate emerging knowledge and impacts of climate change.

Strategy: Species Protection

• Threatened Species Recovery Plans; planning, research and trials, education and assistance, pest and weed control.

• Threatened Communities Plans; recovery planning for a changing climate.

Strategy: Wetlands Management

• Riparian management; field days and demonstrations, on-ground works and assistance, Landcare group action, revegetation and pest and weed control.

• Red-gum management; monitoring, stress identification and management.

• Water Allocation Planning; consideration of environmental requirements and climate change scenarios.

Overview of AssetAspirational TargetViable, resilient, and healthy functioning ecosystems

The aspirational target encompasses terrestrial and inland aquatic ecosystems, including those ecosystems used for primary production. Ecosystems are, in part, dependent on the other resource assets and influences outlined for the region and are, therefore, indicators of the success or otherwise of managing those assets and influences. The viability and resilience of these ecosystems will ensure they exist into the future.

There are close links between this section, water resources, pest control and coastal, estuarine and marine biodiversity sections.

Tackling Climate Change, South Australia’s Greenhouse Strategy (DPC 2007) contains the following objective in relation to biodiversity:

Objective 8.3: To increase the capacity of ecosystems to adapt to climate change.

This has been incorporated in the strategies that follow.

Notes on other relevant goals and an assessment of risks to terrestrial vegetation are in Appendix 6.

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Biodiversity Resource Condition Target 1: Viable Vegetation CommunitiesB1: By 2030, maintain the condition of the

region’s 1,200,000 ha of remnant native vegetation, and improve the condition of 15% from 2008 levels

Target explanationAreas of remnant native vegetation provide habitat for most of what remains of the Northern and Yorke NRM region’s original biodiversity, therefore preservation is critical in order to retain the region’s biodiversity for the future. This target aims to protect, manage and enhance the vegetation areas that are left by reducing threats and augmenting natural processes. The target is intended to drive improvements in the condition of the remnants that are already legally protected in DEH and other reserves, Heritage Agreements, as well as areas on private land that are not legally protected, including grazed shrublands and grasslands. Improvements in condition will be achieved through protection, management, and strategic revegetation and regeneration that improve the ecological functionality of remnants.

The prioritising of remnant vegetation areas for works will need to take into consideration the following factors:

• Size, shape and connectedness of remnants• Threatened species and communities• Condition of the remnant• High biodiversity areas• Other information available

Not all remnant vegetation in the region has been mapped (some small areas, native grasslands and remnant understorey are yet to be surveyed), but the Strategy uses the best currently available DEH records, as supplied specifically for this plan. The total area of remnant native vegetation mapped is 1,200,000 ha. Improving the condition of 15% of the region’s remnant native vegetation from 2008 levels amounts to some 174,150 ha of remnant native vegetation.

The MAT B1.2 states that 100,000 ha of remnant native vegetation is to be improved in condition by 2015 and includes areas of native grasslands and shrublands which are grazed

and could be improved by improving grazing management, threat abatement, and other works on private and public land.

This target infers that if the condition of the region’s remnant vegetation is maintained and improved from 2008 levels, this will have multiple benefits, such as conservation of the regions animals, improvements in weed and feral animal control, and improvements in water quality.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target B3. By 2011, no further net loss of natural habitat extent and condition below that of 2006.

Milestone 1.3 By 2020, the capacity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to adapt to climate change will be greater than in 2006.

Key Partners• DEH• Greening Australia• Native Vegetation Council• NGOs

The following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

B1.3 Sustainable grazing S1.2 Ground cover

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe monitoring program adopted by the region needs to be sensitive to the qualitative and quantitative indicators of condition. The data collected also needs to have sufficient statistical power to enable meaningful interpretation. Examples of current programs which contribute to determining the condition of the remnant vegetation in the region include:

• Nature Conservation Society Bushland Condition Monitoring Scores (Croft et al. 2004)

• Biological Survey (Heard and Channon 1997)

• Biological Survey (Neagle et al. 2008)This report does not make any judgement on their effectiveness and this must be reviewed prior to broad scale implementation of the monitoring process.

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Remnant vegetation in the Northern and Yorke region is diverse and includes coastal, marine, tidal, and terrestrial vegetation such as coastal wetlands, woodlands and grasslands. The estimated 500,000 ha of grassland is not included in the estimated 1.2 million ha of terrestrial remnant vegetation due to insufficient mapping of the region’s grasslands, inter-tidal zones and sea grasses. The region’s terrestrial remnant vegetation occurs principally on private land (94% of region’s native vegetation), with only 4% conserved through the reserve system (Neagle 2008).

The condition of the region’s remnant vegetation may be measured by indicators such as:

• species diversity• weed competition minimised• regeneration of species• viable populations• species health• complexity

Knowledge gapsThe terrestrial remnant vegetation of the region has not been comprehensively mapped or surveyed, particularly in the far north of the region and the grassland communities. Terrestrial coastal vegetation has been surveyed for conservation values but a formal assessment on its condition has not been undertaken. The state of marine vegetation was not readily identifiable.

The baseline condition of the majority of the region’s remnant vegetation is largely unknown. The condition of remnant vegetation in Heritage Agreement areas (1.5% of the region’s native vegetation), in Conservation Parks (3.9%),and in voluntary agreements (0.4%) (Miles 2006a) should be generally known, although no formal process has been applied to the classification of the remnant vegetation’s condition.

Clarification is required about which combinations of condition factors constitute maintaining or improvement of condition, and the time frames over which this target should be assessed. It is expected this will be highly dependent on the type of vegetation being assessed, in addition to external influences such as seasonal conditions.

The condition of remnant vegetation in the region needs to be monitored and evaluated

on a regular basis to determine on-ground change, and also to review the effectiveness of current programs, management strategies and priorities.

TrendThe area of remnant vegetation currently protected through DEH, other public agencies, Heritage Agreements, and voluntary agreements is estimated at 75,000 ha, or 6% of the region’s vegetation (Miles 2006) This does not include an estimated 500,000 ha of native grasslands. It is estimated that 1,700 ha of remnant native vegetation is protected annually through Heritage Agreements and voluntary land management agreements (Miles 2006). Therefore an increased rate of securing land in informal and formal management agreements will be required to achieve MAT B1.1.

The condition of remnant vegetation has generally not been monitored. The area over which management programs are undertaken is currently unknown. A project to improve the grazing management of native grasslands has been undertaken for several years in the region and has seen the introduction of management practices that aim to improve the condition of the native grass component of pastures.

Based on the current DEH mapping of remnant native vegetation, 86% of the region’s remnant native vegetation is contained in five blocks which have an area of more than 10,000 ha. There is an estimated 8,535 blocks of remnant vegetation between one and 20 ha, representing 3.2% of the region’s vegetation (data supplied by DEH 2007).

Links to other resource assetsIn agricultural areas, native vegetation has been left uncleared on low productivity soils such as sand dunes and steep slopes, which are often highly susceptible to erosion. The protection of remnant native vegetation is important for providing soil cover and slowing wind speeds and water run-off. Remnant vegetation also has a role in reducing recharge to saline groundwater tables. Remnant vegetation along watercourses and coasts in many areas provides the most contiguous corridor of vegetation, albeit narrow. The control of pest plants and animals will be one of the critical aspects in protecting and enhancing remnants.

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Biodiversity Resource Condition Target �: No Species LossB2: By 2030, there has been no loss of

ecologically significant species or ecological communities; and the viability and conservation status of these species has improved from 2008 levels.

Target explanationThis target is closely aligned to South Australia’s No Species Loss Strategy. Threatened species and ecological communities are most sensitive to the changes that have taken place in the region and can be considered indicators of successful biodiversity management. This is an ambitious target, as many populations and communities of threatened species are highly isolated and very susceptible to threats.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target B1 By 2020, 50% of species and communities in each of the 2006 risk categories have moved to a lower risk category.

Target B2 By 2011, no species and ecological communities have moved to a higher risk category.

Milestone 1.3 By 2010, the capacity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to adapt to climate change (and other threats) will be greater than in 2006.

Key Partners• DEH• Native Vegetation Council• Greening Australia• Aboriginal Lands Trust• NGOs

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe international standard for conservation status assessment, the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (version 3.1), is used in South Australia. The status of all species and communities in the region has been reviewed.

Species and community viability can be measured by a range of attributes which may include (but is not limited to) the following indicators:

• Abundance• Genetic diversity• Distribution / extent of occurrence• Conservation status• Linkages between populations• Tolerance to impacts

Other attributes may also need to be monitored. Iterative assessments of the conservation status of species and ecological communities need to be undertaken.

The viability and conservation status of species and ecological communities in the region needs to be monitored and evaluated on a regular basis to determine on-ground change, and also to review the effectiveness of current programs, management strategies, and priorities.

Knowledge gapsThe viability of species and ecological communities in the region is largely unknown, with the exception of a small number of threatened species.

The attributes which constitute viability require definition. Clarification is required to determine which combinations of the viability attributes constitute an improvement in viability, and the time frames over which this target should be assessed.

TrendIn the Northern and Yorke region 46 nationally threatened species and 186 State threatened species are recorded. There are 10 ecological communities that occur in the region and are listed as endangered at a State level, of which nine are declining and one is static. Two communities are listed as endangered nationally.

Links to other resource assetsWater-dependent communities and species will rely on the management of water quantity and quality to sustain and improve their viability. Some communities in low-lying areas are at risk from secondary salinity. Threatened terrestrial fauna that require good quality permanent waterholes will also be relying on

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the management of water resources. Similarly, threatened species and communities of coastal, estuarine, and marine areas will require the careful management of these systems. Pest plants and animals threaten many species and communities; however, in some situations they may provide shelter and food. Their control will need to be carefully planned. Activities to sustain threatened species and communities will need to take into consideration the potential impacts of climate change.

Biodiversity Resource Condition Target �: Increased ConnectivityB3: By 2030 there is an increase in ecological

connectivity across terrestrial, marine and aquatic ecosystems, from 2008 levels.

Target explanationA landscape approach to biodiversity conservation needs to be implemented in order to improve the resilience of the region in responding to major threats, in particular climate change. Restoring ecological connectivity across the region through implementing the Wild Country philosophy (an Australia-wide system of linked natural areas) will be vital to ensuring species and communities remain viable into the future. Terrestrial, coastal, and inland and estuarine water-dependent ecosystems will be addressed.

Ecological connectivity is important for ecological flows across terrestrial, marine, and aquatic ecosystems. It can be species or process specific and operates over a range of scales (A West 2007. pers comm.). Therefore the connectivity of the region’s ecosystems will need to be monitored and evaluated over a range of scales.

This target infers that if the ecological connectivity is increased, it will be from a reduction in threats such as pest plant and animals, clearing of terrestrial landscapes and stream barriers (e.g. weirs) in aquatic ecosystems.

Ecological connectivity includes:

• Hydrological connectivity (e.g. downstream to upstream, watercourse to floodplain, river to estuary to marine)

• Vegetative connectivity (including intact vegetation, scattered overstorey or scattered shrubs)

• Connectivity to support species migrations• Threats to connectivity (e.g. areas free of

predatory animals)

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target B4 By 2020, a net increase in ecological connectivity across all terrestrial, marine and aquatic ecosystems compared to the 2006 levels.

Milestone 1.3 By 2010, the capacity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to adapt to climate change (and other threats) will be greater than in 2006.

Key Partners• DEH• DWLBC• Local Government• Greening Australia• Native Vegetation Council

The following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

B3.1 Revegetation S1.2 Ground cover

S2.5 Salinity management plans

B3.2 Roadside vegetation

I1.3 Roadside weed control

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationConnectivity at multiple scales requires assessment for the three ecosystems defined under this target. Methods of measuring connectivity will also need to be defined. Some examples of measurement may include focal species, spatial relationships of vegetation, or a combination of these. If using a focal species approach to measure connectivity, the ‘right’ focal species and time periods for assessment will need to be determined. Spatial relations of vegetation patches may be used, but specific objectives need to be considered.

Iterative landscape scale planning and implementation can be undertaken in desired

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locations. Monitoring and evaluation can then occur for the ‘use’ of the ecosystems by focal or other species if this approach is adopted.

The ecological connectivity across terrestrial, marine and aquatic ecosystems needs to monitored and evaluated on a regular basis to determine on-ground change, and also to review the effectiveness of current programs, management strategies and priorities.

Knowledge gapsMuch of the terrestrial vegetation and ecosystems in the region have not been comprehensively surveyed. Similarly in aquatic ecosystems, only three of the region’s catchments have been surveyed. In contrast, coastal vegetation in the region has been assessed for conservation values which include measures of connectivity (Caton et al. 2007).

The most effective indicators of connectivity need to be identified for the Northern and Yorke NRM region. Current research is often focused on birds as indicators for connectivity, or based on indices of spatial relations of vegetation patches. This may or may not be appropriate for the Northern and Yorke region. An evaluation of the indicators must be undertaken, particularly with the species based approach, where one organism is often used as surrogate.

Clarification is also needed as to what constitutes an improvement in connectivity. It is expected this will be highly dependent on the type of ecosystem and on the scale being assessed.

TrendEcological connectivity has not been quantified. However, it is evident that there was a dramatic reduction in ecological connectivity as the region’s vegetation was cleared, and connectivity continues to be degraded through pest plant and animal invasions, further clearance, over-grazing, over-use of the region’s water resources, and other human activities.

Links to other resource assetsAs previously outlined, connectivity incorporates a hydrological component, connecting catchments to rivers and floodplains, and to estuaries and marine waters. Connections in coastal landscapes may include links to inland areas, or may focus along the coastline, depending on the priorities. Given the

susceptibility of coastal areas to rising sea levels, buffering of low-lying and erodable areas will be important to enable coastal systems to respond. In some cases, in order to increase connectivity, threats such as those posed by pest plants and animals will need to be reduced.

Biodiversity Resource Condition Target �: Healthy Water dependent EcosystemsB4: By 2030, inland and estuarine water-

dependent ecosystems are maintained or improved in condition from 2008 levels.

Target explanationAll ecosystems are dependent on some water resources; however water dependent ecosystems are those in which a high proportion of ecological processes, such as regeneration, are driven by water. In the Northern and Yorke NRM region this includes aquatic and riparian ecosystems, floodplains, freshwater and saline wetlands. It also includes ecosystems dependent on groundwater where there may not be a surface expression of that water. The actions expressed under this target relate to the management of the vegetation of these ecosystems, of stock, and of pest plants and animals. The management of the water resource that sustains these ecosystems is addressed in the water resources targets of this Strategy.

The condition of the region’s inland and estuarine water-dependent ecosystems may be indicated by factors similar to those used for the condition of remnant vegetation, but other factors such as those related to water flows and quality will need to be examined.

This target infers that if the condition of the region’s inland and estuarine water-dependent ecosystems is maintained and improved from 2008 levels, it will have multiple benefits such as conservation of the region’s animals, improvements in weed and feral animal control, and improved conservation of the region’s native vegetation.

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Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target W1 By 2011, all ecosystems dependent on prescribed water resources have improved ecological health compared to 2006.

Target W2 By 2020, all aquatic ecosystems have improved ecological health compared to 2006.

Target W3 By 2015, no further loss of wetland or estuary, extent or condition compared to 2006.

Milestone 2.3 By 2010, NRM plans will adopt a catchment-to-coast approach.

Key Partners• DEH• DWLBC• Greening Australia• Land managers

The following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

B4.1 ‘Important’ wetlands protected

B4.2 ‘Good’ wetlands protected

W1.3 Water Affecting Activities regulated

W3.1 River management plans

C3.1 Coastal management guidelines

B4.3 Water Allocation Plans

W1.1 Clare Water Allocation Plan

W1.2 Baroota Water Allocation Plan

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe condition of region’s inland and estuarine water-dependent ecosystems needs to be monitored and evaluated on a regular basis to determine on-ground change, and also to review the effectiveness of current programs, management strategies and priorities.

Indirect measures of the RCT will include the areas of watercourses that are protected and actively managed. Repeating the assessment methods used in the Mid-North Rivers Management Planning Project may be useful

to measure change where applicable, providing the assessment methods are detailed enough to detect changes in condition. Other methods such as the Bushland Condition Monitoring method may also be applied to measure the condition of vegetation.

Knowledge gapsThe baseline condition of the majority of the region’s inland and estuarine water-dependent ecosystems is largely unknown. Clarification needs to be undertaken as to what combinations of condition factors constitute maintaining or an improvement of condition, and the time frames over which this target should be assessed. It is expected this will be dependent on the type of ecosystem being assessed.

TrendKey watercourse issues have been mapped for the highly modified Light, Wakefield and Broughton Rivers. In the northern catchments of Mambray Coast and Willochra, significant areas of good habitat exist within the southern Flinders Ranges but over-grazing has modified vegetation outside of Conservation Reserves.

Significant areas of watercourses have been protected and managed through devolved grants programs within the region, with 191 km of watercourses protected and 267 ha revegetated between 1998/99 and 2003/04 (Miles 2006b).

Links to other resource assetsThe maintenance of surface and groundwater flows to watercourses is the main driver with regard to water-dependent ecosystems (WDEs). Declining water quality, in particular water salinity, threatens many WDEs. Due to their position in the landscape, they are impacted by the management of soils in the surrounding catchments, especially in terms of secondary salinity and water erosion effects.

Sediments washed into watercourses from surrounding catchments usually deposit in pools and slow-flowing sections of watercourses, smothering aquatic habitat and filling in water holes. The integrity of watercourses, including the prevention of bed and bank erosion, and the management of weeds and pest animals is vital to supporting water-dependent ecosystems. The vegetation, water flow and potential fauna movement in WDEs link inland and coastal, estuarine and marine systems.

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Minimal Pest Impact

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SummaryAspirational Target: Minimal Pest Impact

Pest plants and animals not significantly affecting the environment, primary production, or communities.

Resource Condition Target: I1 Less Impact from Pests

I1: By 2030, there is a net reduction in the impact caused by pest plants and animals on the environment, primary production and the community.

Resource Condition Sub-targets

I1 (a): By 2030, the distribution and abundance of introduced pest plants has not increased compared with 2008.

I1 (b): By 2030, the distribution and abundance of pest animals has not increased compared with 2008.

Management Action Targets

I1.1: By 2015, pest risk assessment and management plans are operational for priority pest plants and animals.

I1.2: By 2015, 50% of priority areas are managed to control feral animals.I1.3: By 2015, 90% of roadsides are managed with effective weed control programs.

Resource Condition Target: I2 No New Pests

I2: By 2030, no new significant introduced pest species have become established.

Management Action Targets

I2.1: By 2015, biosecurity and incursion response plans are operational for priority pest plants and animals.

Targets and Strategies

Snapshot of TargetsStrategies and Actions

Minimal Pest Impact

Biosecurityand incursion

response plans

Risk assessment and

managementplans

Area undere�ective

management

MinimalPest

Impact

Less impactfrom pests

No newpests

Marine andterrestrial

pests undercontrol

No establishment

of new marine orterrestrial pests

AspirationalTarget

ResourceConditionTargets

ManagementAction Targets

Roadsideweed control

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Strategy and ActionsStrategy: Pest Control

Actions

• Risk assessment and management plans; prioritise pest plants and animals, monitoring and reporting; research control options and the implications of climate change

• Pest control field-works; trials and field days, promotion and training, targeted seasonal assistance and on-ground works, regulations and enforcement, roadside and other works programs for feral animal and weed control

Aspirational TargetPest plants and animals not significantly affecting the environment, primary production, or communities

The aspirational target realises that complete elimination of pest plants and animals from the region would be an unrealistic target, and instead focuses on reducing their impact on the environment, agriculture, and communities.

A plant or animal may be considered a pest if it exhibits adverse effects on the environment, primary production or the community. Impacts may range from economic costs, stock injuries or illnesses, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, soil loss, fouling of water holes to affect human health.

The definition of plants includes living plants and reproductive parts (e.g. seeds or bulbs), but excludes non-living, processed plant products, bacteria, fungi, micro-organisms and algae. The definition of animals includes vertebrate animals except fish, and does not include invertebrates. This definition, however, only limits the Board in what species can be prescribed under the Act. The species does not necessarily have to be exotic but the declaration of native species can only occur if supported by the State or Regional NRM Plan.

Due to the threat pest plants and animals pose to biodiversity, this section is closely linked to the biodiversity section (Terrestrial Ecosystems) and to Coastal Ecosystems.

Overview of influence

Strategy: Biosecurity

Actions

• Risk assessment and Biosecurity and Incursion Response Plans, monitoring and reporting consistent with the draft SA Biosecurity Strategy; education and training in identification of risks, assessment of climate change implications.

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Pest Plant and Animal Resource Influence Target 1: Less Impact from PestsI1: By 2030, there is a net reduction in the

impact of pest plants and animals on the environment, primary production and the community.

Target explanationReducing the impact of pest plants and animals requires a strategic approach for the containment, control and eradication (where possible) of existing infestations. Assessment of the pest risk of plants and animals and the feasibility of controlling them will inform which approach is applied to which pest, and the location of on-ground works.

The focus is on containing the distribution of established pests, but it is envisaged that this will be done in conjunction with a shift to strategic control and eradication programs. This intention is consistent with the national weeds and vertebrate pest strategies.

The actions to control pest plants and animals will be determined at a regional level and also at locality specific levels to meet the Resource Condition Target.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target L1 By 2011, land condition will have improved compared to 2006.

Target B3 By 2011, no further net loss of natural habitat extent and condition below that of 2006.

Milestone 4.2 There is a net reduction in the impact of established pest species and overabundant native species on natural and productive systems and the community, by 2010.

Key Partners• DWLBC• DEH• Land managers• Local Government

The following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

I1.1 Risk assessment plans

C1.3 Marine pest management

I1.2 Pest animal control

I1.3 Pest plant control C3.1 Coastal management guidelines

B3.2 Roadside vegetation management

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe collection of baseline data (e.g. abundance and distribution) for much of the region, will assist in determining if control programs are reducing pest impacts (or population size and distribution if impacts can’t be quantified), and facilitate adaptive management. On a more operational level, monitoring of individual programs will allow the efficiency of each program to be assessed.

A number of factors determine the impact a pest species has on an asset(s), and ultimately it is the impact of the pest that is of concern, whether it be a plant or animal species. These factors need to be taken into account for terrestrial, coastal, estuarine and marine systems. Impacts are generally considered in terms of economic, environmental, or social measures.

Indicators of the impact of pests commonly include distribution and abundance of pest species, economic effect on land use and resource condition. Monitoring of particular species (e.g. trends in population size) or land uses affected by pests before and after control will also be assessed qualitatively through periodic assessment of pest invasiveness and the feasibility of containment. Monitoring the number and type of species present in the region may allow for a quick response to new incursions.

To directly determine the impact of a pest species, the resource that is affected needs to be monitored. Monitoring for this section will link closely with monitoring requirements for the biodiversity and CEM assets. Monitoring of distribution and abundance can be undertaken via aerial, remote sensing or on-ground surveys. Data can be collected on-ground via

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vegetation surveys and relative abundance surveys, which include the number of active warrens or dens, track or scat counts, trap counts and spotlight surveys (for pest animals). Indirect measures such as estimates of the area infested, the area under active management, assessment of resource damage, and the number of new incursions may also be included. Surveys of landholders and on-ground managers may also provide an avenue for the collection of presence, distribution, and abundance information on pest species in the region.

The frequency of monitoring will be determined by factors such as the pests’ known invasiveness, potential impacts, rate of pest detection, presence of threatened species, ecosystems, economic value of affected industries, and the rate of disease spread (by host species).

Knowledge gapsThere is little definitive data on the extent or impact of most pest species across the region, however data may exist for particular species or sites. DWLBC has produced distribution maps for many declared species (at the hundred scale) which may provide useful baseline data. For some vertebrate pest species there are still many knowledge gaps about the best methods to determine population abundance and distribution. There are also many knowledge gaps about the potential impact of climate change on pest distribution and impact. Economic impacts on biodiversity resources are also often difficult to quantify in comparison to impacts on agricultural or human resources.

TrendLittle trend information is available on the changing condition of resources or species impacted upon by pests. Limited information on a National and State scale is available, with changes at the regional scale largely unquantified.

Links to resource assetsPest plants and animals affect all natural resource assets identified in this Plan as well as primary production. High numbers of herbivorous pest animals, rabbits in particular, remove soil cover, leaving it at risk of erosion. The traditional methods used to control many pest plants involve high levels

of soil disturbance. Coastal dune systems are particularly susceptible. Pest plants and animals can out-compete native species, graze native vegetation and prey on native fauna. Exotic trees along watercourses alter the shade, temperature and nutrient conditions of water-dependent ecosystems. Introduced fish prey on native aquatic fauna and flora. In remote areas, pest animals concentrate at waterholes, degrading the banks and surrounding vegetation, and fouling the water. A ‘total grazing pressure’ approach is required in pastoral areas.

Pest Plant and Animal Resource Influence Target �: No New PestsI2: By 2030, no new significant introduced pest

species have become established.

Target explanationReducing the impact of pest plants and animals requires a strategic approach for the prevention of new incursions. Assessment of the pest risk of plants and animals and the likelihood of them being introduced and surviving in the region will drive activities in this regard.

The focus is on strategic monitoring for potential incursions and rapid response if any are identified. This intention is consistent with the national weeds and vertebrate pest strategies.

The actions to control pest plants and animals will be determined at a regional level and also at locality specific levels to meet the Resource Condition Target.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target L1 By 2011, land condition will have improved compared to 2006..

Target B3 By 2011, no further net loss of natural habitat extent and condition below that of 2006.

Milestone 4.1 No new pest species become established in SA from 2010.

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Key Partners• DWLBC• DEH• Land managers• Local Government

The following alignments are critical within this Strategy:

This Resource Condition Target

Other Targets

I2.1 Incursion response plans

C1.3 Marine pest management

B1.2 Remnant vegetation management

Considerations for monitoring and evaluation

Monitoring will provide early detection of, and rapid response to, any new pest incursions. On a more operational level, monitoring of individual programs will allow the efficiency of each program to be assessed.

Collaborative monitoring programs will be developed with community and industry interest groups. The programs will provide for periodic inspections of potential high risk incursion sites (e.g. major roadsides, boat ramps and marinas) for specific pests that are considered as high risks for introduction to the region.

Knowledge gapsThere is little definitive data on the extent or impact of most pest species across the region, however data may exist for particular species or sites. There are also many knowledge gaps about the potential impact of climate change on pest distribution and impact – and what that will mean in regard to new incursions.

TrendLittle relevant information is available on the changing condition of resources or species affected by pests.

Links to resource assetsPest plants and animals affect all natural resource assets identified in this Plan, as well as primary production.

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Community driven NRM

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Targets and Strategies

Snapshot of Targets

Community driven NRM

CommunityDriven NRM

Awarenessand

Engagement

CapacityBuilding Adoption

Program targetlandscapeoutcomes

Capacity buildingframework for

resource managers

ParticipativeR&D

program

Businessexcellence for

board operations

Increasedawareness andengagement

Increasedcapacity

Increasedadoption

AspirationalTarget

ResourceConditionTargets

ManagementAction Targets

Stakeholderrelationships

Communicationand engagement

plan implemented

SummaryAspirational Target: Community Driven NRM

The community ‘driving’ sustainable natural resources management effectively.

Resource Condition Target: P1. Awareness and Engagement

P1: By 2030, 30% of the region’s population are aware of and understand NRM, are engaged in managing natural resources, and support other natural resource users.

Resource Condition Sub-targets

P1 (a): By 2015, 20% of the region’s 89,000 people are aware of and have a greater understanding local NRM issues.

P1 (b): By 2015, 10% of the regions 89,000 people are engaged in local NRM projects and support other NRM users.

Management Action Targets

P1.1: By 2015 there will be strong collaborative networks established with key sectors of the community.

P1.2: By 2015, a responsive communication and engagement plan will be implemented.

Resource Condition Target: P2 Capacity Building

P2: By 2030, the capacity of individuals, organisations and communities is sufficient to have implemented the NRM Plan.

Management Action Targets

P2.1: By 2015, there is a collaborative capacity building plan or framework to ensure resource managers have access to relevant training, extension services, and support networks.

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P2.2: By 2015, there is a participative R&D program designed to support better investment decisions and policies, and to develop and build capacity to apply innovative management solutions.

Resource Condition Target: P3 Adoption

P3: By 2030, there is an increase in adoption of integrated NRM practices.

Management Action Targets

P3.1: By 2015, programs and projects are targeted at total landscape outcomes, to optimise participation and the adoption of sustainable management practices.

P3.2: By 2015, the NRM Board has achieved best practice performance, monitoring and reporting, in accord with the NRM Business Excellence Framework.

Strategies and ActionsStrategy: Stakeholder Relationships

Actions

• Encourage two-way communication and engagement structures, programs and activities at various levels with individuals and organisations, e.g. Landcare, Technical Advisory Committees, Regional Groups, Aboriginal groups, industry organisations, non-government organisations, education providers, and Local Government.

• Show leadership with forums for:-Regional NRM Groups-Aboriginal Communities, and-Local Government NRM planning and

management.• Plan multi-party programs that link

resource managers and their organisations, communities, researchers and administrators in integrated landscape management programs; Identify joint goals and develop outcome-focused projects to achieve them

• Monitor, evaluate and report; ensure all stakeholders are aware of issues and actions to address them – and are involved in assessing, rewarding and refining programs for change (public reporting and community communication)

• Build programs with schools and TAFE colleges that use the Regional NRM Plan as a teaching resource and assist with implementation of the Plan.

Strategy: Capacity Building and Adoption

Actions

• Collaborate with partners to develop an agreed ‘extension framework’ that harnesses drivers and motivating factors to continually improve the capacity of resource managers.

• Build the capability of regional stakeholder organisations, community representatives, and partner bodies through training and participative programs; especially regarding governance, planning, project management, and technical NRM issues.

• Develop resource manager forums and programs of skill development to promote the adoption of sustainable practices; with landholders, irrigators, Aboriginal groups and Local Government.

• Network with organisations able to provide skills and resources in addition to those of the Board.

• Promote cross-agency and cross-issue approaches to build understanding and capacity, and increase efficiency and effectiveness.

• Facilitate NRM projects to integrate Aboriginal knowledge and culture in sustainable NRM such as an Aboriginal names dictionary.

• Integrate emerging knowledge and impacts of climate change.

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People Resource Influence Target 1: Awareness and EngagementP1: By 2030, 30% of the region’s population

are aware of and understand NRM, are engaged in managing natural resources, and support other natural resource users.

Target explanationAwareness of NRM is a key first step to becoming engaged in NRM. This target encompasses all people in the community, particularly the urban population, who may not traditionally think of themselves as natural resource managers. Engagement will come through supporting the structures and processes that support NRM and using community champions to promote and demonstrate NRM. A 2007 survey by DWLBC indicated that only around 5% of the population were aware of NRM.

Recognition of the uses made of natural resources and the degradation from unsustainable use is the precursor to understanding the role that humans play in causing, but also in reversing, the degradation. Once recognition is achieved people may be ready to take an effective role in managing these resources.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target P1 By 2011, the capacity of people in the community, institutions and regional organisations to sustainably manage natural resources will be greater than in 2006.

Milestone 3.4 By 2010, the SA community is 10% more committed to NRM than in 2006.

Key Partners

• Community, including Aboriginal Communities

• DEH• DWLBC• Land Managers• Local Government• NGOs

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationComprehensive indicators are being developed and may include aspects such as participation in programs and formal roles, volunteer numbers and/or hours, willingness to support the NRM levy, understanding of NRM, and press coverage. Participation in asset-based programs will be reported against this target.

Participation in programs could range from recycling waste to revegetating one’s own property. Volunteerism is assumed to be outside of time spent on one’s own property, even if that work has a high public benefit.

Aspirational TargetThe community ‘driving’ sustainable natural resources management effectively

The Northern and Yorke NRM Board looks forward to a future in which the community has the motivation and resources to self-manage the region’s natural resource assets. In such a future, the role of an NRM Board would focus on administration, co-ordination and information sharing, with lobbying, regulation and incentives no longer required. To achieve this aspiration will require a dramatic shift in the psyche of many people, which will begin with NRM becoming a core

value of the community. It will involve the whole community recognising that they, not just rural landholders, are natural resource managers. It will also require that the people, the Board, Government Agencies, and other organisations involved in NRM, have adequate resources to effectively manage natural resources for ecological sustainability.

This section links strongly to all other resource assets and aims to integrate the management of individual resource assets. The Management Action Targets of this section are integral to the achievement of most other Management Action Targets in this Strategy.

Overview of influence

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TrendThe current state of this indicator is largely unknown, especially among the non-rural population. A survey of awareness of NRM issues and adoption of sustainable practices among rural landholders showed that weeds and native and introduced pest animals were the mostly widely recognised issues. Only approximately 25% of landholders felt that other NRM issues were a problem on their property or in the region.

Links to other resource assetsThis Target aims to bring together elements of awareness raising that cut across all resource asset and influence targets to ensure the region’s community understands its responsibility within the Northern and Yorke landscape. Key areas of awareness and understanding will include:

• The inter-relationships between natural resources

• The influence of past generations, needs of the current generation, and obligation to future generations

• The spatial scale of resources such as the catchment to coast continuum

• The social, environmental and economical values of the resources

• The importance of recognising and incorporating the knowledge and values of different interest groups and communities; including Aboriginal groups.

People Resource Influence Target �: Capacity BuildingP2: By 2030, the capacity of the region is

sufficient to have implemented the NRM Plan.

Target explanationThis target recognises that a range of social, physical, and human resources need to be improved at the level of the individual through to institutional levels in order to deliver the targets set out in the plan. The targets recognise the short term variations in capacity to deliver as a result of abnormal seasonal conditions.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target P1 By 2011, the capacity of people in the community, institutions and regional organisations to sustainably manage natural resources will be greater than in 2006.

Milestone 3.3 By 2010, the connections to drive NRM through institutional, organisational and community arrangements will be stronger than in 2006.

Key Partners• DWLBC• Community• NGOs

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationThe indicators and method of evaluation will be based on the method outlined in Raymond et al. (2006), with an additional indicator that assesses stakeholders’ understanding and agreement on roles, and responsibilities towards NRM, still to be developed.

TrendIn the rural area there is a high focus on NRM due to the reliance on land for viable business purposes. However, with adverse seasonal conditions there is increased difficulty engaging rural people in sustaining NRM practices. In non-rural communities implementation is low.

Links to other resource assetsThe capacity of individuals, organisations and institutions is critical to the long-term sustainability of the natural resources of the Northern and Yorke region. Organisations require sufficient capacity to develop programs that adequately address NRM issues, to support individual resource managers, to develop policy that protects resources, and to ensure compliance with that policy. Individuals need to have the capacity to sustainably manage resources, including knowledge, time, funds, commitment, and equipment. Each tier of the community needs to be able to support the others to achieve the shared vision and goals for the region.

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People Resource Influence Target �: AdoptionP3: By 2030, there is an increase in adoption of

integrated NRM practices.

Target explanationThis target seeks to facilitate the adoption of practices that will achieve the targets previously outlined in this Strategy in an integrated fashion so that one resource is not improved at the expense of another. It should also encourage the prioritisation of management activities to address local and regional priorities, so that resource managers tackle the issues that are most pressing in the area over which they have influence.

Increasing the level of adoption of sustainable practices requires recognition of the processes that landholders work through to change these. Strategies to facilitate these processes will be incorporated into the implementation of the NRM Business Plan.

Critical alignmentsThis target aligns with the State NRM Plan 2006:

Target P1 By 2011, the capacity of people in the community, institutions and regional organisations to sustainably manage natural resources will be greater than in 2006.

Milestone 3.1 By 2010, the capabilities of the SA community will be greater than in 2006.

Milestone 3.2 By 2010, the science, technology and innovation capabilities for NRM are greater than in 2006.

Key Partners• Community• Local Government• Land Managers• NGOs

Considerations for monitoring and evaluationIndicators for this target are being developed. The number of participants in Board programs and other NRM programs in the region may in part indicate adoption of improved practices. Adoption outside of these programs can only be inferred from field and other survey methods.

Determining if adoption of practices has been integrated can be assessed either at the property scale or through monitoring of the RCTs.

The adoption of ‘best practice’ operational systems by the Board will be considered under this target.

TrendA survey of rural landholders was recently undertaken which showed adoption of improved stock management practices was low (between 6-25%), but improved crop management practices were higher. Devolved grants programs have had increasing participation rates among rural landholders.

Links to other resource assetsAdoption of sustainable NRM practices needs to take into consideration the impact that the management of one resource has on another, and also the relative priority of different NRM issues. This leads on from the awareness and understanding promoted under I1 that should enable the community to identify all the resources which it affects, and which ones require most urgent action.

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A formal Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) framework is

being developed to support this Strategy. It will be integral to the periodic review of the NRM Strategy and the Business Plan, and as input to the adaptive management approach adopted by the Board.

Evaluation Framework

Monitor

Improve

Report

Evaluate

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MonitoringMonitoring will be undertaken in accord with the evaluation framework, examining effort with regard to the ‘means’ (e.g. foundation planning and immediate activities), and the ‘ends’ (intermediate outcomes such as changed management and long-term improvements in the condition of natural resources). Existing agency monitoring programs will be the primary source of information, e.g.

• Soils – DWLBC Seasonal Land Condition Monitoring

• Water – DWLBC OBSWELL Groundwater Monitoring

• CEM Ecosystems – DEH Performance Assessment System (Marine Planning)

• Terrestrial Ecosystems – Biodiversity Monitoring Baseline Datasets (University of Adelaide)

EvaluationEvaluation will concentrate on two factors:

• Seeking to understand cause and effect, i.e. the impact of NRM programs on resource management practices and the subsequent impact in terms of resource condition; and

• Disassociating seasonal or climate induced variation from long-term trends in resource condition.

Case studies will be used to provide indicative cost:benefit information, as required.

The following chart records the key elements of the evaluation components of the MERI framework.

• Resource condition;including trends

• Timely completion• Awareness and support

• Resources allocated• Actions completed

• ‘On-ground’ management• Plans etc. prepared

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ResourceCondition

ManagementPractices

Strategiesand actions

Foundation plans and strategies

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Stages Measurements

ReportingState of the Region Supplements will be released periodically, providing an update on resource condition and the achievement of targets. The reports will document the status of resources and changes in condition – and provide information on the influence of different strategies and actions. Some reports will be tailored for community or stakeholder audiences while others may be more administratively focused for the Board.

ImprovementAn adaptive management approach will use evaluation processes and subsequent reports as critical information for the review of priorities, strategies, programs and projects. Immediate action will be taken when appropriate and shifts in the allocation of resources will be directed via annual alterations to the Business Plan. Any fundamental changes required will be considered with stakeholders and reflected in future amendments to the NRM Strategy.

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Australian Government (2003b) National Natural Resource Management Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. In ‘www.nrm.gov.au’.

Barnett SR (2000) ‘Extent and impact of dryland salinity in South Australia.’ PIRSA.

Caton B, Detmar S, Fotheringham D, Haby N, Royal M, Sandercock R (2007) ‘Conservation Assessment of the Northern and Yorke Coast.’ Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

Cheshire A, Westphalen G, Fordham A (2007a) ‘Northern and Yorke NRM Region: Coast and Marine Risk Assessment.’ Science to Manage Uncertainty, Belair, South Australia.

Cheshire A, Westphalen G, Fordham A (2007b in prep.) ‘Draft Northern and Yorke NRM Region: Terrestrial Vegetation Risk Assessment.’ Science to Manage Uncertainty, Belair, South Australia.

Croft S, Pedler J, Milne T (2004) ‘Bushland Condition Monitoring Manual: Field Guide to Bushland Monitoring.’ (Nature Conservation Society: Adelaide).

Deane D (2008) ‘Preliminary Estimates of Farm Dam Development in the Northern & Yorke NRM Region’ Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, South Australia.

Department for Environment and Heritage (2006b) ‘Performance Assessment System – for the Draft Spencer Gulf Marine Plan.’ Coast and Marine Conservation Branch, Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia.

Department of Water LBC (2006) ‘State Natural Resources Management Plan.’ (Government of South Australia: South Australia).

DPC (2007) ‘Tackling Climate Change: South Australia’s Greenhouse Strategy 2007-2020.’ Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

DWLBC (2006) ‘State Natural Resources Management Plan.’ (Government of South Australia: South Australia).

EconSearch Pty Ltd (2007) Economic Profile of the Northern and Yorke NRM Board.

Gaylard S (2004) ‘Ambient Water Quality of the Gulf St Vincent Metropolitan Coastal Waters: Report No. 2: 1995-2002.’ Environment Protection Authority, Adelaide.

Government of South Australia (2006) ‘Draft Spencer Gulf Marine Plan.’ Coast and Marine Conservation Branch, Natural and Cultural Heritage, Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

Heard L, Channon B (1997) (Ed.) ‘Guide to a Native Vegetation Survey: using the Biological Survey of South Australia Methodology.’ (Department of Housing and Urban Development: Adelaide)

Magarey PD, Deane D (2004) ‘Small Groundwater Basins Risk Assessment: Northern and Yorke Agricultural District ‘ Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, South Australia.

Maschmedt D (2000) ‘Assessing Agricultural Land.’ PIRSA Land Information, Government of South Australia, Adelaide.

McInnes KL, Suppiah R, Whetton PH, Hennessy KJ and Jones RN. (2003) Climate change in South Australia. Report on: Assessment of climate change, impacts and possible adaptation strategies relevant to South Australia, Climate Impact Group, CSIRO Atmospheric Research.

Miles C (2006a) ‘Integrated Vegetation Strategy for the Northern and Yorke Region.’ Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board, South Australia.

Miles C (2006b) ‘Integrated Vegetation Strategy for the Northern and Yorke Region.’ (Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board: South Australia).

National Land & Water Resources Audit (2000) ‘Australian Water Resources Assessment 2000. Surface Water and Groundwater – availability and quality’. Land and Water Australia

Neagle, N. (ed.) (2008). A Biological Survey of the Mid North and Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, 2003-2004: Assessment of Biodiversity Assets at Risk. (Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia)

Northern and Yorke NRM Board (2006) ‘Draft Water Allocation Plan for the Clare Valley Prescribed Water Resource Area.’ Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board.

Primary Industries and Resources SA (2007) ‘South Australian Fisheries Resources – Current Status and Recent Trends 2006.’

Raymond C, Cleary J, Cosgrove K (2006) ‘A Community Capacity Assessment Tool and Process for Natural Resource Management.’ Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, Government of South Australia, Adelaide.

Richards R, O’Connor P, Dart J (2006b) ‘Guidelines for Regional Target Setting in SA – User Rapid Reference.’ Hyder Consulting Pty Ltd, Melbourne.

Suppiah et al (2006) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group 1, 2007.

Suppiah R, Preston B, Whetton PH, McInnes KL, Jones RN, Macadam I, Bathols J, Kirono D (2006) ‘Climate Change under enhanced greenhouse conditions in South Australia.’ Undertaken for the South Australian Government by the Climate Impacts and Risk Group, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research.

Tonkin Consulting (2005) CLGR of South Australia Water Supply Investigation; Ref No 20040684RA3.

Turner D, Kildea T, Westphalen G (2007) ‘Examining the health of subtidal reef environments in South Australia, Part 2: Status of selected South Australian reefs based on the results of the 2005 surveys.’ South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide.

References

Photographs have been provided by:

• Deb Agnew• Department for Environment and Heritage• Peter Day• David Deane• PIRSA Fisheries

• Catherine Gasmier• David Sloper• John Smyth• Rick Thomas• Mary-Anne Young

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Appendices

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The BoardThe Board is comprised of members from the general community, local government, organisations and other bodies with interests in natural resources management, and key State Government agencies – Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH), Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) and Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA).

The functions of the Board are defined in the NRM Act and include:

• To undertake an active role with respect to the management of natural resources within its region.

• To prepare a Regional NRM Plan in accordance with the Act, to implement the Plan and to keep the Plan under review to ensure the objects of the NRM Act are being achieved.

• To promote public awareness and understanding of the importance of integrated and sustainable natural resources management within its region, to undertake or support educational activities with respect to natural resources management, and to provide mechanisms to increase the capacity of people to implement programs or to take other steps to improve the management of natural resources.

• To provide advice with respect to the assessment of various activities or proposals referred to the Board under this or any other Act.

• To resolve any issues that may arise between any NRM groups that are relevant to the management of natural resources within its region.

• At the request of the Minister or the NRM Council, or of its own initiative, to provide advice on any matter relevant to the condition of natural resources within its region, or on the management of those resources, to conduct any inquiry or audit, or to provide any other advice or report that may be appropriate in the circumstances.

• Any other functions assigned to the Board by the Minister by or under this or any other Act.

NRM GroupsThe Act provides that a regional NRM Board can designate an area within its region as an area within which an NRM Group can operate. The Northern and Yorke NRM Board has established three NRM Groups under the Board: the

• Upper North;• Lower North; and• Yorke Peninsula.The internal boundaries for the three NRM Groups follow local government boundaries. These NRM Groups are established to ensure the Northern and Yorke NRM Board develops effective partnerships with the communities, industries and local councils within each NRM Group area. NRM Groups are the primary mechanism that enables the Northern and Yorke NRM Board to maintain an awareness and connection with local issues and priorities and the local actions that are needed.

Northern and Yorke NRM BoardA

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Northern and Yorke NRM Board Members*Community Members• Mr Merv Lewis: Presiding Member,

land management, primary production, community affairs

• Ms Helen Thomas: Primary production, pastoral land management, soil conservation

• Mr Kerry Ward: Water resources management, soils conservation and land management

• Mr Richard Wilkinson: Local government, coast marine and estuarine management

• Mr Neville Wilson: Local government, primary production, pest animal and plant control

• Ms Jackie O’Reilly: Small business, horticulture

• Ms Jayne Bishop: Sustainable environments, water resources and education

• Ms Kathie Bowman: Local government, primary production

Government Members

• Ms Helen Weinert: Australian Government• Mr Tim Collins: Department for Environment

and Heritage• Mr Bob McLennan: Department of Water

Land and Biodiversity Conservation• Mr John Cornish: Department of Primary

industries and Resources SA• Ms Anita Crisp: Local Government

Upper North Group Members• Mr Peter McInnes (Chair)• Mr Paul Slattery• Ms Jane Luckraft• Mr Rieck Shine• Ms Geraldine Davis• Mr Paul Kretschmer

Lower North Group Members• Mr Robert Tilley (Chair)• Mr Philip Johns• Ms Karryn Durrant• Ms Pam Pilkington• Ms Beth Walton• Ms Jillian Wilsden• Roger Lang

Yorke Peninsula Group Members• Mr Raymond Agnew (Chair)• Mr Alan Twartz• Ms Caroline Paterson• Ms Paula McKay• Ms Deb Furbank• Mr Richard Way

* Current at May 2009

The Board has formed an Aboriginal Engagement Project to provide advice on encouraging Aboriginal participation and involvement as a member of NRM groups.

Klynton Wanganeen is a representative of the Board on the SA NRM Council’s Aboriginal Statewide Advisory Committee (ASAC).

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What landscape-scale management isLandscape-scale management (LSM) is an approach to natural resources management that draws together other approaches such as:

• Integrated NRM;• Catchment management;• Environmentally Sustainable Development;

and• Triple Bottom Line Reporting.LSM considers the spatial scales at which ecosystems operate, and the inter-connectedness within and between those ecosystems. There is strong emphasis on biodiversity, whilst recognising the social and economic values of landscapes. LSM aims to sustain ecosystems, economies and society into the future, particularly in the face of climate change.

LSM involves identifying landscape at a spatial scale that is appropriate to issues in that area, and setting goals and management strategies for those landscapes that take into consideration the different elements shown in the diagram below.

Landscape-scale management

How landscape-scale management will be appliedA goal of the Northern and Yorke NRM Board is for landscape-scale management to maintain healthy natural systems in the face of climate change. LSM is still a developing concept, and this approach has not yet been formally applied to the region, although much of the thinking behind it has gone into developing regional projects and plans such as this (the NRM Plan).

Although the Regional NRM Plan structurally separates each of the natural resource assets and their attributes, it is not intended that they be managed in isolation. During the course of the plan being implemented, the Board will develop strategies to move programs towards the LSM approach. This will require the identification of distinct landscapes based on the environmental, geographical and social characteristics of the region along with whole-of-region scenario analysis. The development of a shared vision for each landscape will enable the prioritisation of activities within each landscape.

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Landscape-scale

Management

Spatial ScaleClimateGeology

CatchmentsLand uses and

modification

Temporal ScalePresent

PastFuture

ValuesSocial

EnviromentalEconomic

Integrated NRMSoil

BiodiversityWater

Coast, Estuariesand Marine

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The following table outlines how the National Matters for Targets (Australian Government 2003b) have been addressed by the Northern and Yorke NRM Regions RCTs (or MATs where applicable):

National ‘Matters for Targets’

National Resource Condition Matters for Targets Relevant Northern and Yorke NRM Region Targets1. Land salinity

2. Soil condition

S2 By 2030 the physical, chemical and biological condition of the region’s soil resource will be maintained or improved from 2000 benchmark data.

3. Integrity of native vegetation communities B1 By 2030, maintain the condition of the region’s 1,200,000 ha of remnant native vegetation, and improve the condition of 15% from 2008 levels.

4. Integrity of inland aquatic ecosystems (rivers and other wetlands)

B4 By 2030, inland and estuarine water-dependent ecosystems are maintained or improved in condition from 2008 levels W3 By 2030, core refuge areas are protected by a 20% reduction in the extent of priority degrading watercourse management issues.

5. Integrity of estuarine, coastal and marine habitats C1 By 2030, there is no reduction in the extent and a steady improvement in the condition of coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems, compared to 2008. C3 By 2030, the extent and diversity of coastal landscapes is maintained and their condition improved, compared with 2008.

6. Nutrients in aquatic environments

7. Turbidity/suspended particulate matter in aquatic environments

8. Surface water salinity in freshwater aquatic environments

W2 By 2030, water quality is maintained, within climatic limitations and natural conditions, below levels set for aquatic ecosystems in the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy.

9. Significant native species and ecological communities

B2 By 2030, there has been no loss of species or ecological communities and their viability and conservation status has improved from 2008 levels.

10. Ecologically significant invasive species I1 By 2030, there is a net reduction in the impact caused by pest plants and animals on the environment, primary production and the community.

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National Management ActionMatters for Targets Relevant Northern and Yorke MATs1. Critical assets identified and protected S1.1 Water erosion

S1.2 Wind erosion W3.1 River management plans C1.1 Marine conservation plans C1.3 Marine pest management framework B1.1 Remnant protection B2.1 Threatened species protection B3.2 Roadside management plans P1.1 Biosecurity plans P1.2 Pest risk assessments

2. Water allocation plans developed and implemented W1.1 Clare WAP W1.2 Baroota proclaimed W1.3 Water affecting activities B4.3 Water allocation plans

3. Improved land and water management practices adopted S2.1 WUE S2.2 No-till S2.3 Gypsum applied S2.4 Lime applied W2.1 Stormwater management plans W2.2 Development plans W2.3 Salinity management plans C1.2 Marine ecosystem guidelines C2.1 Flood mitigation plans C2.2 Development plans C3.1 Coastal management guidelines C3.2 Development plans B1.2 Remnant management B4.1 Important riverine habitat B4.2 Good watercourse management I1.3 Feral animal control I1.4 Weed control P1.1 Landscape programs P1.2 Communication plan

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Catchment Risk AssessmentA water resource risk assessment workshop was held on 24 April 2007 to assist in the identification and prioritisation of risks, and subsequent prioritisation of MATs. Participants were:

• Dave Clark, consultant• David Deane, DWLBC• Tom Carrangis, consultant• Kerry Ward, Northern and Yorke NRM

Board.

Background information – Water Resources

Summary Surface Water Risk AssessmentML = Mid-Lower; NW = North West, N YP = North Yorke Peninsula;

SE = South East; S YP = Southern Yorke Peninsula; W = West

Catchment / Sub-catchment / CatchmentsBroad Risk Category

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aCatchment Yield 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.8

Development Potential 0.9 0.6 0.5 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.7 0.3 0.6

Management 0.3 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.2 0.5 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.5

Existing Development 0.7 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.8

Significance 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.7 0.2 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.5 0.8

Water Quality 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.4 0.4

Total for Area 3.7 3.1 2.8 3.1 3.0 3.3 1.4 2.8 1.7 3.0 3.4 2.7 3.8

Summary Groundwater Risk AssessmentML = Mid-Lower; NW = North West, N YP = North Yorke Peninsula;

SE = South East; S YP = Southern Yorke Peninsula; W = West

Catchment / Sub-catchment / Catchments

Broad Risk Category

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Catchment Yield 0.6 0.7 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7

Development Potential 0.7 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.4 0.7 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.7

Management 0.9 0.7 0.3 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.2 0.7 0.4 0.5 0.8 0.4 0.7

Existing Development 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.2 0.7 0.8 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.9

Significance 0.7 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.2 0.6 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.9

Water Quality 0.6 0.7 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7

Total for Area 3.3 3.0 2.1 3.4 3.2 3.3 1.4 3.2 3.3 2.7 3.3 2.9 3.8

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Surface Water Risk AssessmentML = Mid-Lower; NW = North West, N YP = North Yorke Peninsula;

SE = South East; S YP = Southern Yorke Peninsula; W = West

Catchment / Sub-catchment / CatchmentsBroad Risk Category

Specific Risk

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/ climatic variability

2 3 3 2 2 2.5 2 2.5 1 2.5 2 5 4

Catchment characteristics

4 3 2 3 3 3.5 1 3 2 3 4 2.5 3.5

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4 2.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 4 1 2 1 3 4 2 3.5

Proximity to prescribed surface or groundwater?

4.5 3.5 1 4.5 3 2 1 3.5 1 3 3 1 2.5

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of Monitoring and evaluation

1.5 3.5 2 2 2 2 1 2.5 1 3 1.5 2 2

Inadequacy of Investigations

1 3 2 2 2 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 3

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use activity3 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4

Farm dams 4 2 2 3 2 3.5 1 2 1 2 4 3 3.5

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Contribution to groundwater recharge

3 3 2 2 3.5 3 1 2 3 3 4 2 3.5

Ecosystem dependence

4 3 4 4 4 4 1 3 2.5 3 4 3 4

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Ambient salinity of surface waters

4 2 1 1 2.5 2.5 1 2 1 1.5 4 1.5 2

Potential for point source pollution

3 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1

Level of diffuse source pollution

2.5 1.5 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2.5 1 2

Erosion potential

2 2 2 3 2 2.5 3 3.5 1 3.5 2.5 3.5 3

Total Risk for Area 3.68 3.08 2.75 3.05 2.98 3.25 1.4 2.83 1.7 2.95 3.4 2.7 3.75

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Catchment yield

Climate / climatic variability

Large areas of reliable and significant winter rainfall = 5 Most rainfall during summer, episodic, unpredictable = max of 0

Catchment characteristics

Large areas of high elevation close to the coast = 5; Largely in a rain shadow area, generally flat topography, = 0;

Land capability / development potential

Potential for expansion of high water use activities that could be sourced from surface water capture

Score of 5 would indicate that a lot of pressure for high water use activities is likely and suitable sites exist for this to occur.

Score of 0 would indicate zone is either fully developed or prescribed, or runoff volumes are self limiting.

Proximity to prescribed surface or groundwater?

Max 5 if adjacent to Prescribed Water Region (PWR) or, if groundwater already prescribed, Score of 0 would indicate distant from any current or intended PWR.

Management

Monitoring and evaluation

Currently monitored, good length of record, adequate network recently evaluated – 0. Little or no monitoring or evaluations, or past studies have shown impacts – 5.

Investigations Score of 0 would indicate catchment hydrology and levels of use have been recently assessed and found to be within sustainable limits. Score of 5 would indicate little knowledge as to use or capacity of resource, or that resource has been shown to be under pressure.

Existing development / Impoundments

Level of development Max 5 if widespread development thought to be beyond sustainable limits. Score of 0 would indicate no high water use activities dependent upon surface water.

Farm dams / Major impoundments/reservoirs

Score of 5 would indicate widespread development thought to be beyond sustainable limits and/or reservoirs controlling catchment with no e-flow release program in place. Score of 0 would indicate only scattered stock dams and/or no major reservoirs present or adequate e-flow releases.

Importance of resource

Contribution to groundwater recharge

Max 5 if streamflow known or suspected to be major source of groundwater recharge.

Ecosystem dependence Score of 0 would suggest zone contains no WDE, or that for important WDE, Environmental Water Requirements (EWR) have been determined and are known to currently be met. Score 5 if significant WDE are present and/or their EWR have not been quantified or are not being met

Water quality

Ambient salinity of surface waters

If most flows <1,500 EC this would suggest a score of 5. Score of 0 would indicate that salinity of surface flows limits the range of uses.

Potential for point source pollution

Score of 5 would indicate high potential for industrial or effluent contamination of watercourses or waterbodies. Score of 0 would mean low chance or no such activities occurring.

Level of diffuse source pollution

Score of 5 would indicate high levels of chemical use near to watercourses and low filtering capacity of riparian zone. Score of 0 would indicate good riparian vegetation, limited chemical use, and no stock access to watercourses.

Erosion potential A catchment consisting of mostly highly modified watercourses would score 5. Where largely natural watercourse channels dominate a 0 score would be indicated.

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Groundwater Risk AssessmentML = Mid-Lower; NW = North West, N YP = North Yorke Peninsula;

SE = South East; S YP = Southern Yorke Peninsula; W = West

Catchment / Sub-catchment / Catchments

Broad Risk Category

Specific Risk

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Catchment Yield

Climate / climatic variability

4.5 4 1.5 1.5 3.5 3.5 1 3.5 4 2 4.5 2 3.5

Catchment characteristics

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Development Potential

Potential for expansion of high water use

2 3 3 2 2 2.5 2 2.5 1 2.5 2 5 4

Proximity to prescribed surface or groundwater?

3 2 2.5 3 4 3.5 1.5 3.5 4.5 3 3 3.5 4

Management Inadequacy of Monitoring and evaluation

3.5 3 1.5 4 3.5 3 2 3 4.5 3.5 3 1.5 3

Inadequacy of Investigations

4.5 3.5 1 4.5 3 2 1 3.5 1 3 3 1 2.5

Existing Development

High water use activity 4.5 3.5 1.5 4.5 4 3.5 1 3 3 2 4.5 2.5 4

Farm dams 2.5 3 2 4 3.5 4 1 4 5 2 2.5 3.5 4.5

Significance Contribution to groundwater recharge

2 3 2 4 3 4 1 3 3 3 3.5 3 4

Ecosystem dependence

3 2 1.5 1.5 1.5 3 1 2.5 4.5 2 3 4 4.5

Water Quality Ambient salinity of surface waters

4 3 4 4 4 4 1 3 2.5 3 4 3 4

Potential for point source pollution

4.5 4 1.5 1.5 3.5 3.5 1 3.5 4 2 4.5 2 3.5

Level of diffuse source pollution

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Erosion potential 2 3 3 2 2 2.5 2 2.5 1 2.5 2 5 4

Total Risk for Area 3.3 3.0 2.1 3.4 3.2 3.3 1.4 3.2 3.3 2.7 3.3 2.9 3.8National Indicators for Water Resource Condition (From National M&E Framework)

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Risk AssessmentA risk assessment workshop was held on 27 May 2007. The participants were:

• Anne Fordham, Northern and Yorke NRM Board

• David Duncan, EPA• Ian Miller, Northern and Yorke NRM Board• James Brook, Conservation Council of SA

(ReefWatch)• Joe Misfud, Marine expert representing

Zinifex• John Emmett, DEH• John Gilliland, PIRSA Biosecurity• Josh Coates, Conservation Council of SA• Martin Hernan, SAMFFA• Martine Kinloch, Kangaroo Island NRM

Board• Michaela Heinson, DEH• Rosemary Paxinos, DEH• Scoresby Shepherd, Marine expert• Sean Thompson, EPA• Simon Bryars, SARDI Aquatic Sciences• Steven Madigan, PIRSA Aquaculture• Sue Murray-Jones, DEH• Tim Kildea, SA Water• Tim Moore, Marine expert• Val Day, DEH

Background Information – Coastal, Estuarine and Marine

A detailed description of the results of the workshop are provided in Cheshire et al. (2007a). From the workshop, the risk of 27 threats to 49 maritime assets were assessed, leading to a total of 1323 asset-threat combinations. Of these, a total of 302 (23%) asset-threat combinations were identified as high importance, with risk assessment data obtained for 263 of these. Where no risk assessment data was available the nearest fit was used.

The results indicated that no one region tended to be more risk prone than other regions. Pest plants and animals presented a high risk to the most number of assets (38 of 100 combinations).

The following tables summarise the results of the workshop (from Cheshire et al. 2006 in prep).

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Spread of asset groups across threat categoriesAsset High Moderate Low NegligibleCoastal/ve.g. – Dune systems 9 11

Coastal/ve.g. – Dune/pebble ridge systems 2 2

Coastal/ve.g. – Mangroves/intertidal mudflat/tidal estuary 16 33 1

Coastal/ve.g. – Rocky Headland 1 1 1 1

Coastal/ve.g. – Samphire/salt marsh 14 29 1

Pelagic – Deep Water 6 5 2 2

Pelagic – Inshore 5 18 7 5

Reef – Intertidal 9 8 2 2

Reef – Subtidal 13 11 1

Sand/Soft Sediment – Bays/Sandy Beaches 2 20

Sand/Soft Sediment – Deep water 6 6 7

Seagrass – Subtidal 17 26

Count of risk categories within each threatThreat High Moderate Low NegligibleAcid Sulphate Soils 3 5

Aquaculture 2 7 1

Boating and diving 5

Coastal development (construction) 9 29

Coastal development (operational) 8

Defence Activities 1

Desalinisation Plant 3 3 3

Diffuse source chemical contaminants 1 4 1

Diffuse source nutrients 3 2 1

Diffuse source sediment inputs 2 12 1 3

Dredging 22 2

Grazing 1 10 1 1

Litter/Rubbish Dumping 28

Mining Impacts 2

Off road vehicles/Trail bikes/ Bush camping 7 14 1 1

Oil Spills 24 8

Pest Plants and Animals 38

Point Source – Sewage 2 2 1

Point Source- Industrial Discharge-Heavy metal discharge 6 1

Point Source-Stormwater Pipes/Drains (Major towns) 2 1

Pot line and direct harvest fishing 5

Prawn Trawling 5

Water extraction 8

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Current State NRM and No Species Loss goalsState NRM Goal 1: Landscape scale management that maintains healthy natural systems and is adaptive to climate change

NSL Goal 1: Conservation of South Australia’s biodiversity

NSL Goal 4: Adjustment to the impacts of climate change

State NRM Goal 2: Prosperous communities and industries using and managing natural resources within ecologically sustainable limits

NSL Goal 2: Community ownership and stewardship for biodiversity

NSL Goal 3: Ecological knowledge that can influence decision making

State NRM Goal 3: Communities, governments and industries with the capability, commitment and connections to manage natural resources in an integrated way

NSL Goal 5: Active and integrated natural resources management partnerships

State NRM Goal 4: Integrated management of biological threats to minimise risks to natural systems, communities and industry

Background Information – Biodiversity

Terrestrial Vegetation Risk AssessmentA risk assessment workshop was conducted for terrestrial vegetation communities. Participants included regionally based experts and State-based experts from a range of organisations. The risk assessment process identified that grassland vegetation communities had the greatest number of high risks. Climate change was identified as a high risk for the greatest number of vegetation communities, closely followed by predatory pests (cats and foxes), inadequate knowledge, environmental weeds, and fragmentation/isolation. A full report has been prepared by Cheshire et al. (2007b in prep.).

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Number of asset-threat combinations within assets (percentage of total combinations for that region in brackets) (from Westphalen et al. 2007b p.10).Broader vegetation type

Asset High Moderate Low

Aquatic Aquatic – Coastal & Inland Saline Wetland Vegetation 8 (4.2) 9 (4.8)

Aquatic Aquatic – Riparian 13 (6.9) 8 (4.2) 1 (0.5)

Aquatic total 21 (11.1) 17 (9) 1 (0.5)Forest Forest – Mangrove on intertidal mudflats 4 (2.1) 2 (1.1)

Forest total 4 (2.1) 2 (1.1)Grassland Grassland – Derived Grassland 13 (6.9) 2 (1.1)

Grassland Grassland – General Grassland 10 (5.3) 2 (1.1)

Grassland Grassland – Spinifex Grassland 6 (3.2) 1 (0.5) 1 (0.5)

Grassland Grassland – Tussock Grassland 9 (4.8)

Grassland total 38 (20.1) 5 (2.6) 1 (0.5)Mallee Mallee – Coastal & Sub coastal Mallee 6 (3.2) 1 (0.5)

Mallee Mallee – Non Coastal (arid) 4 (2.1) 1 (0.5)

Mallee Mallee – Non Coastal (semi-arid) 5 (2.6) 1 (0.5)

Mallee total 15 (7.9) 3 (1.6)Open forest and woodland

Open forest and woodland – Inland (Grassy understorey) 10 (5.3) 3 (1.6)

Open forest and woodland

Open forest and woodland – Inland (Shrub understorey) 8 (4.2) 1 (0.5)

Open forest and woodland total 18 (9.5) 4 (2.1)Shrubland Shrubland – Acacia 6 (3.2)

Shrubland Shrubland – Chenopod Shrubland (semi-arid) 5 (2.6) 1 (0.5)

Shrubland Shrubland – Coastal Dune & Cliff Vegetation 7 (3.7) 3 (1.6) 1 (0.5)

Shrubland Shrubland – Inland 5 (2.6) 1 (0.5)

Shrubland Shrubland – Other Shrublands 5 (2.6)

Shrubland total 28 (14.8) 5 (2.6) 1 (0.5)Woodland Woodland – Callitris Forest and Woodlands 8 (4.2)

Woodland Woodland – Casuarina Forest and Woodland 8 (4.2) 2 (1.1)

Woodland Woodland – Inland (Semi-arid) 6 (3.2) 1 (0.5) 1 (0.5)

Woodland total 22 (11.6) 3 (1.6) 1 (0.5)

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Count of risks within each threat (from Westphalen et. al., (2007b) et al p.11).Threat High Moderate Low4WD/Trail bikes/Camping/Bushwalking/Horse-riding 2 (1.1)

Altered environmental flows- surface water 2 (1.1)

Altered fire regimes 7 (3.7)

Altered grazing regimes by feral animals 8 (4.2) 2 (1.1)

Altered grazing regimes by native animals 1 (0.5)

Altered groundwater 1 (0.5)

Altered stock grazing regimes 10 (5.3) 1 (0.5)

Cats/Foxes 19 (10.1)

Changing land use between cropping and grazing 1 (0.5) 1 (0.5)

Climate Change/Drought 20 (10.6)

Dryland salinity 1 (0.5) 1 (0.5)

Environmental weeds 17 (9) 1 (0.5)

Fragmentation/ Isolation 17 (9) 3 (1.6)

Habitat degradation by altered abundance of feral animals 2 (1.1)

Inadequate knowledge and information 18 (9.5) 2 (1.1)

Inappropriate revegetation 5 (2.6)

Lack of appropriate revegetation/restoration 5 (2.6) 1 (0.5)

Management and development of infrastructure (roadsides/fence lines/access tracks/ levees and causeways)

2 (1.1)

Mining Activity 1 (0.5) 1 (0.5)

Nutrient addition 3 (1.6) 1 (0.5)

Off target herbicide, pesticide effects 3 (1.6)

Other pests and diseases (Phytophthora, Mundulla yellows, invertebrates) 4 (2.1) 2 (1.1)

Point source industrial, agricultural and domestic pollution 3 (1.6)

Removal of dead wood- harvesting for firewood 3 (1.6) 3 (1.6)

Soil health and structure 1 (0.5)

Soil movement 1 (0.5) 1 (0.5)

Structural alteration 1 (0.5)

Subdivision Development 1 (0.5) 1 (0.5)

Vegetation clearance 5 (2.6)

Waste disposal/Rubbish Dumping 2 (1.1)

Wetland drainage 1 (0.5) 1 (0.5)A

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Community consultation

Community participation and partnerships are essential for sustainable natural resources management. This includes community and environmental groups, volunteers, industry and business, government agencies, local government councils, schools, research bodies, landowners and managers, and traditional owners – all important stakeholders. The Plan is a plan for the region, not just the Northern and Yorke NRM Board.

The Board is responsible under the Natural Resource Management Act 2004 to consult with stakeholders about its draft Regional Natural Resource Management Plan. The Board has consulted by calling for written submissions and by holding public meetings to invite questions and comments on the draft Plan and the Board has considered all submissions made in relation to all volumes of the Plan.

The Consultation Strategy for the Regional Plan included a range of tools to encourage input. From mid-September to December 2008 there were public meetings, forums, workshops, information booths, information fact sheets and media advertising in an effort to ensure that all stakeholders had an opportunity to view, obtain information, ask questions and provide input into the Plan.

Further information can be obtained by phoning the Board on (08) 8636 2361.

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Acid Sulphate Soils: soils that either contain sulphuric acid, or have the potential to form sulphuric acid, when exposed to oxygen in the air.

Adaptive Management: a management approach, often used in NRM, where there is limited information, a lot of complexity, or both, and there is a need to implement some management changes sooner rather than later. It is an approach that involves learning from management actions, and using that learning to improve the next stage of management.

Agricultural Zone: generally, the areas south of the 250mm isohyet (or Goyder’s line).

Aquaculture: the farming of aquatic organisms for the purposes of trade, business or research.

Aquatic Ecosystems: an ecosystem located in a water body. The two main types are marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Aquifers: porous, water-bearing layers of sand, gravel, and rock below the earth’s surface; reservoirs for groundwater.

Asset-based Approach: an approach that provides a basis for the protection, rehabilitation and management of natural resources that the community believes to be important. Under this approach, NRM planning focuses on protecting the identified asset by addressing threats to it at a regional level.

Assets — see Natural resources.

Average Recurrence Interval: the average value of the periods between exceedances of a given flow or rainfall event.

Baseline Information: the known data, measured trends and the assessed status of a natural resource (e.g. water quality in a river) or of a social condition relevant to natural resources management (e.g. community knowledge of a threatened species and the required actions for its protection). Baseline information provides a ‘benchmark’ by which the success or failure of our management actions can be assessed.

Biodiversity: the variety of life forms represented by plants, animals and other organisms and micro-organisms, the genes that they contain, and the ecosystems and ecosystem processes of which they form a part.

Biota: all living organisms in a given area, including fungi, bacteria and algae.

Broad-hectare Agricultural Production: generally, commercial-scale cereal or grazing enterprises that are mostly reliant on rainfall (rather than irrigation) for plant production.

Catchment: extent of land where water from rain drains into a body of water, such as a river, lake, reservoir, estuary, wetland, sea or ocean

Coastal Ecosystems: an ecosystem that is located in a coastal environment, bounded by the coastal land margin and the continental shelf. A coastal ecosystem may include dunes, sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, rocky shores, estuaries and lakes. Off shore it may include reefs, seagrass beds and upwellings.

Connectivity: the extent to which patches of similar or complementary ecosystems are connected for the purpose of animal movement, for plant and animal reproduction, and for supporting ecosystem resilience.

Conservation status: the listing of a taxon on state, Australian or international conservation lists according to the threat to its viability.

Conservation: the protection, maintenance, management, sustainable use, restoration and enhancement of the natural environment.

Contaminants: include, but are not limited to, nutrients, sediments and chemicals.

Desalination/reverse osmosis: a process that converts seawater or brackish water to fresh or more usable water through removal of dissolved solids.

Detention Basin: a pond or basin constructed for the temporary detention of water to provide time for suspended sediments and other heavy pollutants to settle before discharge into a watercourse, lake, or other water storage.

Drainage Path: the path that surface water naturally flows along over land.

Dryland agriculture: rain-fed agriculture, practised in areas where crop/pasture production is limited to that part of the year when rain falls.

Dryland Salinity: the process whereby salts stored below the surface of the ground are brought close to the surface by a rising watertable. The accumulation of salt degrades the upper soil profile, with impacts on agriculture, infrastructure and the environment.

Ecological Processes: dynamic interactions among and between biotic and abiotic components of the biosphere.

Glossary

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Ecologically Sustainable: the use, conservation, development and enhancement of natural resources in a way, and at a rate, that will enable people and communities to provide for their economic, social and physical wellbeing while: sustaining the potential of natural resources to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations.

Ecosystem Services: the full suite of benefits that human populations gain from a particular type of ecosystem, such as maintenance of climates; provision of clean water and air; pollination of crops and native vegetation; fulfilment of people’s cultural, recreational, spiritual and intellectual needs; and provision of options for the future (e.g. by maintaining biodiversity).

Ecosystem: a dynamic complex of plant, animal, fungal and microorganism communities and the associated non-living environment interacting as an ecological unit

Endemic flora and fauna: plant and animal species that are restricted to a specified region or site.

Environmental Flow: the share of water provided and managed for the environment to protect river health.

Environmental Values: the uses of the environment that are recognised as being of value to the community. For water quality environmental values this might include: protection of aquatic ecosystems; recreational water use and aesthetics; potable water for drinking; agricultural and aquaculture use; and industrial use. They are not the same as ecological values, which concern the elements and functions of ecosystems.

Environmental Water Requirements: the water regime needed to sustain the ecological values of water-dependent ecosystems, including their processes and biological diversity, at a low level of risk.

Ephemeral Flows: stream flows that only endure for a short time following a heavy rainfall event.

Estuary: a partially enclosed coastal body of water that is permanently, periodically, intermittently or occasionally open to the sea within which there is a measurable variation in salinity due to the mixture of seawater with water derived from or under the land.

Feral: a species that has escaped the management and control of people and is living and reproducing in the wild.

Floodplain: any area of land adjacent to a watercourse, lake or estuary that is periodically inundated with water and includes any other area designated as a floodplain by an NRM plan; or by a Development Plan under the Development Act 1993.

Fragmentation: the division or separation of natural areas by the clearance of native vegetation for human land uses, isolating remnants and species and affecting genetic flow.

Geomorphic Characteristics: features of a landform or landscape including, but not limited to, bed and banks of a watercourse, floodplain of a watercourse or lake, cliffs, soils, rocks and other mineral forms.

Groundwater base flow: usually, the amount of streamflow that is due to groundwater discharge. In periods of low or zero rainfall, streamflow may be comprised solely of base flows.

Groundwater Recharge: the process whereby water below the land surface is replenished by either direct infiltration of rainfall or by leakage from surface water bodies like streams or lakes.

Groundwater: water occurring naturally below ground level; or water pumped, diverted or released into a well for storage underground.

Habitat: the physical place or type of site where an organism, species or population naturally occurs together with the characteristics and conditions that render it suitable to meet the lifecycle needs of that organism, species or population.

Heritage Agreement: a contract between a landholder and the State Government for the protection in perpetuity of a particular area of native vegetation.

Horticulture: the art, industry and science of plant cultivation.

Hydrogeology: the study of groundwater, which includes its occurrence, recharge and discharge processes, and the properties of aquifers; see also Hydrology.

Hydrological Flow Regime: the flow regime applicable to a particular watercourse or aquatic ecosystem as it varies by seasonal and more episodic climatic events (e.g. periodic severe flooding or drought). It may be a natural regime or man-managed (e.g. by weir pool manipulation). It also includes the water quality dimensions associated with particular flow periods (e.g. high salinity during periods of low flows and high turbidity due to erosion during high flows).

Hydrology: the science that describes and analyses the occurrence of water in nature, and its circulation near the surface of the earth.

Indicators: a measure against which some aspects of performance can be assessed.

Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA): a voluntary agreement between a native title group and others about the use and management of land and waters.

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Intensive Farming: a method of keeping animals in the course of carrying on the business of primary production in which the animals are usually confined to a small space or area and usually fed by hand or by a mechanical means.

Introduced Species: a species occurring in an area outside its historically known natural range as a result of intentional or accidental dispersal by human activities.

Keystone Aquatic Plants: those species whose loss from a system leads to the loss of other species. Keystone aquatic plants form the architecture for the wetland habitats; without them the ecosystem cannot function as it should.

Lake: a natural lake, pond, lagoon, wetland or spring (whether modified or not) and includes part of a lake, or a body of water designated as a lake by an NRM plan; or by a Development Plan under the Development Act 1993.

Landscape: a heterogeneous area of local ecosystems and land uses that is of sufficient size to achieve long-term outcomes in the maintenance and recovery of species or ecological communities, or in the protection and enhancement of ecological and evolutionary processes.

Landscape-scale Management: strategic approaches to manage natural resource management values and threats at a landscape scale, being of a sufficient size to sample all landforms of the landscape (i.e. from the top of the hill to the bottom of the valley).

Macroinvertebrates: invertebrate animals (animals without a backbone) large enough to be seen without magnification.

Mangroves: salt-tolerant trees or shrubs that have their lower trunk and roots in sea water at high tide.

Market-based Instruments: schemes that use market-like approaches to encourage ‘good behaviour’, changing management actions to improve natural resource management outcomes.

Micro-organism: small or microscopic forms of life, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and moulds.

Native Animal: a protected animal within the meaning of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and any species included in Schedule 10 of that Act, not including a dingo or any other animal of a class excluded from the ambit of this definition by the regulations.

Native Species: a plant or animal species which occurs naturally in South Australia

Natural resource assets — see Natural resources.

Natural Resources Management: an approach to managing our environment that strives to achieve a balance between our collective need for resources and the needs of our environment.

Natural Resources: include soil; water resources; geological features and landscapes; native vegetation, native animals and other native organisms; and ecosystems.

Pastoral Zone: generally, the area north the 250 mm isohyet (or Goyders line). Also referred to as the rangelands.

Pest Species: any introduced plant or animal that can adversely affect native species and ecosystems.

Protected Area: an area of land and/or sea specifically dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means.

Rare Species: a category for threatened fauna and flora under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (South Australia).

Recharge Area: the area of land from which water from the surface (rainfall, streamflow, irrigation, etc.) infiltrates into an aquifer.

Recovery Plans: documents that detail management and research actions necessary to stop and reverse the decline of listed threatened species or threatened ecological communities. The aim of a recovery plan is to maximise the long term survival in the wild of a threatened species or ecological community.

Remnant Areas: (generally small) areas of native plant communities that are found in otherwise cleared landscapes.

Resilience: the ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from environmental stresses and disturbances.

Restoration: ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed.

Riparian Vegetation: vegetation that is associated with streams, rivers, floodplains and lakes.

Riparian zones/areas: that part of the landscape adjacent to a water body that influences and is influenced by watercourse processes.

Runoff: water flowing over land or in a natural or man-made drain, after having fallen as rain or hail or having precipitated in any other manner.

Saline discharge: the process whereby excess groundwater containing dissolved salts rises close to the land surface, resulting in dryland salinity problems. Saline discharge occurs into waterways when saline groundwaters enter the river channel.

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Salinisation: the process whereby land or water resources become adversely affected by high levels of salt (usually sodium chloride) that inhibit normal ecosystem functioning (including crop production).

Seascape: a heterogeneous area of local ecosystems and sea uses that is of sufficient size to achieve long term outcomes in the maintenance and recovery of species or ecological communities, or in the protection and enhancement of ecological and evolutionary processes.

Species: a taxon comprising one or more populations of individuals capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring.

Stock / domestic dam: a dam for the purpose of the storage of water for domestic purposes or use by livestock, with a capacity of up to 5 megalitres or wall height of up to 3 m from the natural ground level.

Sub-catchment: the area of land determined by topographical features within which rainfall will contribute to runoff at a particular point.

Subspecies: set of populations within a distinct geographical range that are recognisably different from the rest of the populations that make up the species.

Surface water: water flowing over land (except in a watercourse), after having fallen as rain or hail or having precipitated in any another manner, or after rising to the surface naturally from underground. Also, water of either kind that has been collected in a dam or reservoir.

Sustainable Use of Biodiversity: the use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations

Terrestrial: pertaining to the land (contrast with aquatic and marine).

Threatened Species and/or Ecological Communities: species (at national and State levels) or ecological communities (at a national level) classified as being threatened by extinction and listed as either - Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered or Presumed Extinct.

Threatened species: plants or animals that are listed as rare, vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered or extinct in the wild as per the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (South Australia) or Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Threatening Process: processes that threaten or may threaten the survival, abundance or evolutionary development of components of native biodiversity

Turbidity: the cloudiness or haziness of water (or other fluid) caused by individual particles that are too small to be seen without magnification, thus being much like smoke in air.

Underground water — see Groundwater.

Vulnerable Species: a category for threatened fauna and flora under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (South Australia) or Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Water Affecting Activities: activities that can have adverse impacts on the health and condition of water resources, on other water users and on the ecosystems that depend on water resources. These water resources include watercourses, lakes or dams, floodplains, groundwater, springs, wetlands, waterholes and catchment landscapes, among others.

Water Erosion Risk Index: an indicator of the level of water erosion risk expressed as the average number of days each hectare of susceptible soil is at risk of erosion on a yearly basis.

Water Protection Area: An area that is protected from pollution, contamination or unsustainable use; proposed development may be excluded from a WPA area when it is liable to impact the water resource or aquifer recharge.

Water Resource: a watercourse or lake, surface water, underground water, stormwater and effluent.

Water Use Efficiency (WUE): a measure of crop production per unit of water applied. The focus is usually on increasing WUE to make better use of scarce rainfall or irrigation waters.

Watercourse: a river, creek or other natural watercourse (whether modified or not) in which water is contained or flows, whether permanently or from time, to time and includes a dam or reservoir that collects water flowing in a watercourse.

Wetland: an area that comprises land that is permanently or periodically inundated with water (whether through a natural or artificial process) where the water may be static or flowing and may range from fresh water to saline water and where the inundation with water influences the biota or ecological processes.

Wind Erosion Protection Index: an indicator of the level of wind erosion risk expressed as the average number of days each hectare of susceptible soil is at risk of erosion on a yearly basis.