contents...productive agricultural land from urban development. the aboriginal community are...

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Contents

What is a Subregional Plan? 2

What do we want our subregion to look like in 30 years? 4

A model of the Ranges and Cross-border Creeks Subregion 5

Seven Landscape Objectives for our subregion 7

Key actions for the primary production landscape 9

Key actions for the natural landscape 11

Key actions for the urban landscape 12

Getting the plan into action and tracking progress 13

Appendix 1. Project ideas 15

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge and respect the traditional owners of the

ancestral lands, the Potaruwutj, Jardwadjali, Bunganditj

(Boandik) and Meintangk people. We acknowledge elders past

and present, and respect the deep feelings of attachment and

relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country.

2

What is a Subregional NRM Plan?

A Subregional Plan identifies local priorities and

sets out an action plan that can be used by a

range of organisations and groups working in

natural resources management (NRM). The

Subregional Plan informs the Regional NRM

Plan.

The Subregional Plan aims to be at a scale that is relevant to the

community – so that landholders and community members can

pick it up and see what needs doing in NRM in their patch. The

actions in the plan will need landholders, industries,

organisations and governments to work together to achieve

them.

This Subregional NRM Plan is endorsed by the South East NRM

Board. NRM levies (raised each year from ratepayers and water

licensees in the region) will contribute towards implementing

actions in the plans.

The subregional actions will help achieve the Regional NRM

Plan’s vision of Healthy landscapes for better living, and the

seven proposed landscape objectives for protecting the health

of our landscapes.

A subregional community forum will be held in early 2018, to

identify which subregional actions from this plan will be

implemented for the next 1-3 years and which individuals,

groups, landholders and/or organisations will partner to carry

them out.

How did we develop the Subregional NRM Plans?

Subregional Plans have been developed for the four subregions of the South East region (see map

on page 3). The first step was to understand what the community values about this subregion and

what drives and threatens our landscapes. This information was gathered through surveys, meetings

and forums, and then brought together into community workshops where we discussed the future of

our landscapes and what actions are needed.

The key actions were prioritised by the community for three landscape types (primary production,

natural and urban landscapes). The appendix captures the full range of actions and project ideas

suggested.

Across the region, over 2,000 community members

contributed to this NRM planning

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About the Ranges and Cross-border

Creeks subregion

The Ranges and Cross Border Creeks subregion is home to the World Heritage

Naracoorte Caves, an unparalleled caving experience, with a rich fossil history and

nature-based tourism experiences. The caves preserve the bones of megafauna

that became extinct around 40,000 years ago and is Australia's most complete

marsupial fossil record for the past 500,000 years. Large protected native

vegetation areas in the subregion provide refuge for many of the native fauna and

bird species, including the critically endangered red-tailed black cockatoo.

The ground surface rises from the plains in the west to the Naracoorte Ranges in

the east, reaching more than 60 metres above sea level. Several ephemeral creek

systems that originate in western Victoria flow westerly through the plateau and

ranges toward the western dunes and flats. The Naracoorte, Mosquito, Morambro

and Tatiara/Nalang Creeks flow through this subregion and have large catchments

in Victoria. Mosquito Creek is the largest and most reliable of the creeks and

supports a range of threatened fish and frog species and is the main water source

for the Bool and Hacks Lagoons Ramsar site.

Primary production focuses on dairy, livestock, and horticulture including the

renowned Wrattonbully and part of the Padthaway grape growing and wine

making regions. Agriculture is the biggest employer, followed by manufacturing

(meat processing), retail trade and health care.

We acknowledge and respect the traditional owners of these ancestral lands,

Potaruwutij to the North, Jardwadjali to the East, Bunganditj to the South and

Meintangk to the West.

It includes the major townships of Naracoorte and Bordertown, and the resident

population of the subregion is about 10,500 people.

Want to know more about the natural resources in the

subregion?

Further information on the subregion and its values, drivers and threats is

available at www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast

http://www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast

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“What kind of place do we want our subregion to be in 30 years’ time?”

Local people and visitors continue to enjoy our

unique caves and fossils

We continue to use the best science available to

manage our World Heritage-listed fossils and caves,

and we have further explored and preserved other

caves on public and private land.

We have marketed our caves well and attracted

tourists and visitors across the globe. This unique

tourism icon has significantly contributed to the

economic values of our region.

Our industries continue to produce premium

food and wine, forestry and fibre products

Our horticulture and agriculture are clean and

green. We use technology better and people have

more knowledge about how to maintain soils, use

water efficiently, and match production to the

capacity of the land.

Food, wool and wine grapes remain our key foci of

primary production and we’ve adapted the types of

livestock, crop and grape species to suit the

changing climate. The Wrattonbully and Padthaway

wine regions continue to produce premium wines,

while our crops and meat are held in high regard in

the market.

We have been controlling the impacts of pest

species such as rabbits, foxes, deer, cats and buffel

grass and keeping an eye out for new weeds, pests

and diseases.

We continue to improve our use of water

Improvement in irrigation practices and the

introduction of crops that require less water, has

resulted in significant savings in the amount of

groundwater we extract.

We continue to use groundwater for potable water

and we have been encouraging recharge through

our characteristic runaway holes, and by keeping

water in the landscape, and recapturing it from

urban areas.

Water tables have declined due to reduced rainfall,

but good science has allowed us to define the

sustainable limits for extraction and improved our

water allocation planning.

We have protected our groundwater quality from

pollutants and contaminants through careful

management, monitoring and good decision-

making.

We have retained the ecological values of

natural areas

We have worked hard to protect remnant native

habitats on both private and public land, and have

increased the connections between our remnant

vegetation areas to provide biodiversity corridors.

We have allocated adequate resources to look after

the land and to educate people to protect

ecological values of our natural areas, including

iconic species such as red-tailed black cockatoos,

bush stone curlews and southern bent wing bats.

We have lost some paddock trees but we have

revegetated sites to support farm practices, for

ecological outcomes, and to maintain the beauty of

our landscape.

We have maintained the quality and quantity of

water in our creeks, which flow into and support the

biodiversity and ecological character of the Bool

Lagoon Ramsar site.

We have mitigated and adapted to the

changing climate

We prepare each year to minimise the risk of large

bushfires to life, property and biodiversity. We use

controlled burns across the landscape and

coordinate them on both private and public land, to

reduce fuel loads and to benefit biodiversity.

We generate and use more renewable energy. Self-

generation and storage have helped us enjoy a

more reliable and cost-effective energy supply.

Our community is thriving and we are enjoying

safe, healthy living

Good planning has protected natural areas and

productive agricultural land from urban

development.

The Aboriginal community are actively part of

managing our shared landscapes, and their

knowledge and cultural values are respected.

We offer rich, immersive experiences with our

nature-based tourism and premium food and wine,

which have attracted high-yielding tourists. We are

careful to manage tourism impacts by educating

visitors about the values of our landscapes.

People get into nature more and we are

volunteering and caring for our natural places.

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A model of the Ranges and Cross-border Creeks subregion

The model shows what we value about our landscapes – depicted here as environmental and socio-economic values. It also identifies the environmental and socio-

economic drivers, and the pressures and threats that affect what we value about our landscapes.

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Want to know more about subregional and industry models? For more information, including conceptual models of the natural and urban

landscapes and the main natural resources-dependent industries in the South East, go to www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast

http://www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/southeast

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Protecting the health of our landscape – 7 objectives for taking action The Regional NRM Plan’s vision of ‘Healthy landscapes for better living’ highlights that healthy landscapes underpin our livelihoods and our lifestyles. We can keep our

landscapes healthy by having objectives to protect key values and manage the drivers and threats that may change these values. The actions we identified can be grouped

under seven landscape objectives.

1. Maintain groundwater

availability and quality

Groundwater is our most prized natural resource. It

is our only permanent source of water and provides

our high quality drinking water. It supports our

industries, including the production of livestock,

dairy, forestry, viticulture and food processing. It

also supports our groundwater-dependent

ecosystems.

The groundwater in the unconfined aquifer varies in

depth and quality, but generally it is relatively easy

to access and of good quality.

Water availability depends largely on rainfall and

recharge, and is also impacted by over-extraction.

Over-extraction of our groundwater, particularly for

irrigation purposes is a key threat to our

groundwater resources. If extraction exceeds the

sustainable yield of the aquifers, it will impact our

future economic development, social infrastructure

and underground water dependent ecosystems.

Pollution is a threat to the quality of groundwater,

including nitrogen from agricultural sources and

potential contaminants from industries, mining, and

urban stormwater.

2. Conserve ecological values

of terrestrial and wetland

habitats

We value our native vegetation and wildlife, and its

diversity across our landscapes. We value the 11.7%

of the area that is native vegetation, including

regionally significant woodlands containing buloke,

South Australian blue gum, grey box, red gum and

stringy bark species. Our scattered paddock trees

provide aesthetic value on farms. We have 284

native fauna species, including woodland birds and

unique cave species such as southern bent-wing

bats. Threatened species include the yellow-lip

spider orchid and the squirrel glider.

Habitat clearance has had significant impacts on our

wildlife. The small patches of remnant vegetation

that remain are at risk from pest animals and weeds,

fire, clearance, grazing and disturbance.

We value our magnificent Naracoorte Caves and the

World Heritage fossils they contain. The caves are an

important Aboriginal cultural heritage site for the

Potaruwutj, Jardwadjali, Bunganditj

(Boandik) and Meintangk people.

3. Maintain surface water

availability

and quality

Our wetlands are special. We have approximately

1,200 wetlands in our subregion, including Lake

Cadnite, Mullinger Swamp, Deadman’s Swamp,

Poocher Swamp, and nationally listed seasonal

herbaceous wetland communities. Our wetlands

provide important recharge to the groundwater

system, support biodiversity and provide

recreational and aesthetic values.

We value our cross border creeks: Morambro,

Tatiara, Nalang, Naracoorte and Mosquito Creeks,

which originate in Victoria and run through our

subregion, providing habitat for rare native species

such as Yarra Pygmy Perch, Dwarf Galaxias

(threatened fish) and the Southern bell frog.

Threats to surface water are particularly low flows

due to reduced rainfall and pollution through

increased use of nutrients and harmful pesticides

and herbicides.

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4. Maintain and

improve soil

health

Our soils underpin our agricultural industries. The

variety of soil types in the subregion such as deep

loamy texture contrast soils, deep sands and

cracking clay enables a diversity of land uses:

grazing, dryland cropping, irrigated agriculture,

viticulture and commercial forestry.

Soils are valued for their role in supporting primary

production in our subregion. However, agricultural

production can affect the pH (acidity and alkalinity)

of soils, which can pose a threat to our agricultural

productivity. Around 72% of our soils are susceptible

to becoming acidic, if not appropriately managed.

5. Minimise impacts of

weeds, pest animals

and diseases

Pest plants and animals represent a key threat to

our subregion’s ecological values and agricultural

production.

Key pest animals are rabbits, foxes, cats, goats and

deer. Rabbits and foxes are widespread and are

controlled to minimise their impacts on agricultural

productivity and native wildlife.

Weeds in the subregion are an ongoing challenge to

control. A total of 59 high threat pest plant species

occur in the subregion including buffel grass.

Species such as Caltrop and Golden Dodder are

spreading further south and are an emerging risk to

this subregion.

6. Manage fire in the landscape

Uncontrolled bushfires are a threat

to life and property, including to the

forestry plantations in our subregion.

They can cause the loss of significant

populations of plants and animals. Controlled burns

are needed to enhance biodiversity and reduce the

risk of bushfires.

7. Adapt to and mitigate

climate change

Significant threats to the subregion from climate

change are declines in rainfall and groundwater

levels, increased number and intensity of heat

waves and increased risk of bushfires.

Adaptation and mitigation actions, including those

in the Limestone Coast Regional Climate Change

Adaptation Plan, will be required to take on this

challenge

The climate change information to the right relates

to the whole region.

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Actions for everyone

This plan contains actions for everyone in the subregion. Actions have been grouped into three landscape types - if you live in a town, have a look at the actions for the urban

landscapes table. If you own a farm, check out the actions for the primary production landscape. Finally, for actions to protect ecological values, have a look at the table for the

natural landscape. Many of the actions identified can also be carried out across more than one type of landscape (for example, pest control and revegetation).

The tables below show the key NRM actions recommended as most important by the community for this subregion. The key actions were developed through a prioritisation

process with community members at subregional workshops, as well as from meetings with natural resource dependent industries and the South East Aboriginal Focus Group.

A subregional community forum will be held in early 2018, to identify which of the key subregional actions from this plan will be funded for the next 1-3 years and which

individuals, groups, landholders and/or organisations will partner to carry them out. These details will be added to the key action tables below.

For the complete list of NRM actions and project ideas identified by the subregional community, please refer to Appendix 1.

Landscape objectives Key actions for the primary production landscape Potential people /

organisations1

1. Maintain groundwater


Continue to conduct groundwater research, including better understanding of groundwater recharge

locations and quantity

Industry groups, SENRMB,

DEWNR, EPA

Support landholders to improve water use efficiency, minimise pollution and optimise nutrient application Landholders, SENRMB,

Councils, SA Water, EPA

Maintain and continue the well monitoring program, including:

water levels and pollution (nitrates and salinity) to support water allocation plan evaluation

making information available to landholders and irrigators

DEWNR, EPA

2. Conserve ecological

values of terrestrial and

wetland habitats

Support landholders to protect and establish native vegetation, including:

coordinate, promote and provide incentives for landholders to protect remnant native vegetation and

paddock trees, and to establish new biodiversity plantings and shelter belts

advice on what to plant and best design

targeting plantings alongside road reserves

SENRMB, local Landcare,

farmer groups, volunteers

1 See page 14 for acronyms

Table 1. Key actions for the primary production landscape

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Protection of surface water in wetlands and cross border creeks on primary production land

Identify and prioritise wetlands for provision of water, in recognition that they cannot all be retained

(climate change will impact surface water).

Develop a management plan for cross-border creeks, including protection from pollution and erosion

Investigate the creation of permanent waterholes in creeks

SENRMB, SEWCDB,

landholders, Nature

Glenelg Trust, Victorian

counterparts

4. Maintain and improve

soil health

Support landholders to do best practice soil and land management through extension programs, including:

Overcoming constraints in sandy soils such as water and nutrient holding capacity

Minimising soil degradation such as erosion caused by grazing practices and poor land management

practices.

Support local research on managing soil profiles on farm and best practice management

Industry groups, SENRMB,

DEWNR, PIRSA, SEAFG


weeds, pest animals and

diseases

Implement coordinated pest animal control programs across all land tenures, including fox baiting program,

deer and rabbit control

Support landholders with advice and compliance on controlling pest plants and animals, including:

focus on species of concern in the subregion

information on new methods of control

Support the development of industry-led biosecurity plans

SENRMB, Councils,

landholders, Industry,

PIRSA

6. Manage fire in the

landscape

Investigate options to facilitate burning on private land and a coordinated approach to burning across the

landscape

DEWNR, CFS, landholders,

Councils

7. Adapt to and mitigate

climate change

Support primary producers to adapt to climate change by investigating, trialling and promoting technology

improvements such as new crop varieties and livestock genetics adapted to the changing climate

SENRMB, landholders, Ag

Bureaus, industry, LC

Climate Adaptation

Committee

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Table 2. Key actions for the natural landscape

Landscape objective Key actions our natural landscape Potential people /

organisations2

2. Conserve ecological

values of terrestrial,

wetland, coast and

marine habitats

Community education and engagement on biodiversity management to facilitate community action on

ground SENRMB, schools

Enhance stream side vegetation in creeks, drains and in wetlands

NGOs, SENRMB, DEWNR

Foster opportunities for Aboriginal involvement in managing Country, including

Involve and employ Aboriginal people in management of species and sites, including the Naracoorte

Caves National Park

Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge into management

Support regional Aboriginal people to participate in planning (meetings/workshops)

SENRMB, DEWNR, SEAFG,

NRA, Ngarrindjeri Land

Progress Assoc.,

Burrandies, Pangula,

Native Title groups



Protection of surface water in key wetlands, drains and cross border creeks

Identify and prioritise wetlands for provision of water, in recognition that they cannot all be retained

(climate change will impact surface water)

Develop a management plan for cross-border creeks, including protection from pollution and erosion

SEWCDB, SENRMB


weeds, pest animals and

diseases

Ensure control of pest plants and declared animals, particularly rabbits, foxes and deer in National Parks,

reserves and public lands, including the Naracoorte Caves National Park

SENRMB, landowners,

DEWNR


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Table 3. Key actions for the urban landscape

Landscape objective Key actions for the urban landscape Potential people /

organisations3

1. Maintain groundwater availability

and quality Water sensitive urban design to improve stormwater quality and aquifer recharge SENRMB, Councils

2. Conserve ecological values of

terrestrial, wetland, coast and

marine habitats

Use of infrastructure corridors as biodiversity corridors (e.g. revegetation along gas

pipeline)

Encourage volunteers to assist with NRM action

Create tourism opportunities around our landscape

Friends of Parks, Green Army,

community groups, Councils,

SENRMB volunteers, CVA, schools,

DECD, landholders

3. Maintain surface water availability

and quality Maintain and enhance the ecological values of creeks inside townships SENRMB, SEWCDB, Councils

5. Minimise impacts of weeds, pest

animals and diseases Ensure environmental weeds are not sold in nurseries SENRMB

7. Adapt to and mitigate climate

change

Reduce our environmental impact (including our carbon footprint), through:

education on sustainable living, including energy audits

production and use of renewable energy

Councils, Limestone Coast Climate

Adaptation Committee, DEWNR

(Coast Protection Board)


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Getting this plan into action

Together landholders, organisations, industries, government and individuals

can ensure our landscapes remain healthy over the next 30 years.

We are going to have open, community forums to get the Plan into action. The co-

design of projects by these forums will make sure the projects work on the ground

in this area and will help the NRM outcomes to be sustained over the long term.

Everyone in the community is encouraged to help implement this plan – we

all need to look after our landscapes and their values for the future.

Action tables indicate potential people or organisations to lead the actions.

Before actions are implemented, we will have identified a desired outcome and

how to measure the contribution of the action towards sustainable NRM.

Funding is important for getting actions implemented. The SE NRM Board

will allocate NRM levies towards achieving some actions in the tables. Other

organisations and individuals can fund actions. For example landholders are

responsible for the control of declared weeds and pests on their land. We will also

look for other funding opportunities to achieve actions.

Measuring success is vital for knowing whether our goals are being

achieved and tracking landscape health.

Tracking progress and adapting our plan At subregional community forums each year, we will track progress of how we are

going with completing the actions in this Plan. We will discuss what is going well,

what might have changed, how we can be more effective, and, if required, adapt

the way we are working.

This Plan is a ‘living’ plan that can be adapted each year as needed, and will be

reviewed and amended at least every 3 years.

Are our landscapes staying healthy? We need to monitor the key drivers and threats to make sure our landscapes are

heading in the right direction and staying healthy. We also want to check whether

our NRM actions are making a difference.

It is important that we take notice of the trends in the health of our landscapes and

adapt our actions to make sure we maintain them.

3-year

Subregional

P lanning

ACTION

ADAPT

Monitoring &

evaluation of

landscape health

LEARN

Pro jec ts

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Acronyms

AQIS – Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service

BoM – Bureau of Meteorology

CFS – Country Fire Service

CVA – Conservation Volunteers Australia

DELWP - Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (VIC)

DEWNR – Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (SA)

DECD – Department of Education and Child Development (SA)

DPTI – Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (SA)

EPA – Environment Protection Authority (SA)

LC – Limestone Coast

LIDAR - Light Detection and Ranging remote sensing

NGOs – non-government organisations

NRM – natural resources management

PIRSA – Primary Industries and Regions South Australia

SAWID – South Australian Wetland Inventory Database

SEAFG – South East Aboriginal Focus Group

SENRMB - South East Natural Resources Management Board

SEWCDB – South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board

Further reading

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (2017), Subregional

baseline and predicted changes report for the SE NRM Region: Ranges and Cross

Border Creeks

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Groundwater status

report for the Lower Limestone Coast Prescribed Wells Area

Regional Development Australia, South East Natural Resources Management Board

and Limestone Coast Local Government Association (2016), Limestone Coast

Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan

Limestone Coast (2015) Climate Projections Report, prepared by URPS for the

Limestone Coast Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan

Appendix 1. Full list of project ideas to achieve the Landscape Objectives

Emerging out of the two subregional workshops held in Naracoorte in mid-2017, industry workshops and DEWNR staff workshops are a range of actions and project ideas to

manage natural resources more sustainably in primary production, natural and urban landscapes. This appendix is a consolidated record of the workshops and they are

presented here to assist future decisions about management actions by government, community and industries. Actions and ideas that arose out of the workshops that are not

directly related to natural resource management have been recorded but they have not been included in the Plan.

Table 1. Actions for the primary production landscape

Landscape Objective Action Project ideas

Potential

people /

organisations

Importance

Contributes

to other

priority

1. Maintain

groundwater

availability and

quality

Conduct groundwater research

and development

Conduct groundwater research and development with industry involvement to better

understand:

o Specific aquifers within Hundreds

o Depth to groundwater

o Impacts on groundwater of using deep rooted crops

SENRMB,

DEWNR,

industry, EPA

High 7 (climate

change)

Maintain and continue the well

monitoring program

Monitor water levels and pollution (nitrates and salinity) to support water allocation

plan evaluation DEWNR, EPA High 7 (climate

change)

Support landholders to improve

water use efficiency and

minimise pollution

Provide an education and extension program about:

o water use efficiency and irrigation technology, e.g. drop tubes on pivots

o target advice for slow innovators and large users

o information on groundwater status and use

o improving practices from point sources of nitrogen and over-use of fertilisers

o improving dairy effluent plans

o investigating mixing groundwater and reticulated water for irrigation

SENRMB,

industry groups,

landholders,

Councils, EPA

High 7 (climate

change)

Investigate sources of

groundwater pollution Investigate nitrogen plume sources and improve practices of polluters

DEWNR, EPA,

Industry Medium

Quantify and provide for cultural

access to water

Consider cultural water in the next review of the Lower Limestone Coast, Tatiara and

Padthaway Water Allocation Plans and enable Aboriginal involvement in water

management.

SENRMB Medium

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Potential

people /

organisations

Importance

Contributes

to other

priority

2. Conserve

ecological values

of terrestrial and

wetland habitats

Support landholders to conserve

and establish native vegetation

Coordinate, promote and provide incentives and advise to landholders to conserve

remnant native vegetation and paddock trees, and to establish new biodiversity

plantings and shelter belts (e.g. Bucks for Bush)

Provide advice on what to plant and best design

Target plantings alongside road reserves

Undertake research on effective replacement of mature red gum paddock trees

SENRMB, local

Landcare, farmer

groups

High

Increase compliance around

felling native trees

Lobby to increase penalties for removal of native vegetation that provides habitat for

fauna species

Increase compliance of native tree removal for firewood

AFG (supply

offcuts),

DEWNR, cross

border with Vic.

High

Expand remnant vegetation

patches for biodiversity Buy 15m wide strips of land next to roads from landholders to plant to trees

Nature Glenelg

Trust, SENRMB Medium

Revegetate vegetation fringing

wetlands, creeks and drains

To improve the habitat values and support filtration of water, support landholders to

improve the condition and width of vegetation fringing wetlands, creeks and drains.

SENRMB,

landholders Medium

3. Maintain surface

water availability

and quality Engage landholders on

managing and protecting

surface water

Develop guidelines and education materials for land managers to:

o Understand their role in recharging groundwater, filtering chemicals and keeping

the balance in agricultural systems

o protect wetlands from conversion to productive land uses where possible

o minimise the impacts of agricultural pollutants on wetlands and creeks

Increase access and promotion of programs to encourage landholders and industry

to dispose of waste and chemicals appropriately (e.g. drum muster)

SEWCDB,

SENRMB, EPA High

Monitor and adjust the Lower

Limestone Coast Water

Allocation Plan

Review the current wetland setback assessment process to determine if it can be

improved and adapted if necessary, including a review of the policy that sets the

wetland classifications (e.g. SAWID Ecological Value Assessment, and degree of

groundwater dependency)

SENRMB High

Protection of key wetlands and

cross border creeks

Protection of key wetlands and cross border creeks

Identify and prioritise wetlands for protection, in recognition that they cannot all be

retained (climate change will impact surface water).

Develop a management plan for cross-border creeks, including protection from

pollution, erosion, etc.

SENRMB,

SEWCDB,

landholders,

Nature Glenelg

Trust, Victorian

counterparts,

Friends of

Shorebirds

South East

High

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Potential

people /

organisations

Importance

Contributes

to other

priority

Conduct surface water research

and development

Refine our understanding of the interactions between surface water and groundwater

and develop a regional water balance model to assist in communicating the

complexity to the community

Review the extent and impacts of pollutants on surface water quality

Investigate opportunities for retaining water in the landscape to improve the quality

of wetland habitat, and recharge groundwater, e.g. use of weirs to hold water in

wetlands

DEWNR,

SEWCDB,

SENRMB, EPA

Medium

Investigate opportunities to

construct water treatment

wetlands

Determine at appropriate locations to remove nutrients and chemicals and reduce

the turbidity of water entering high value wetlands.

EPA, SEWCDB,

Councils Low

4. Maintain and

improve soil

health

Conduct best practice on-farm

soil management research

Benchmarking best management practice for stocking rate, fertiliser and soil

management

Develop trials for testing and improving soil health

Encourage collaboration on best-practice soil management across industries

Landholders,

SENRMB, PIRSA High

7 (climate

change)

Support landholders to do best

practice soil and land

management

Extension programs (could include a local technical subgroup) to build understanding

and capacity in:

o managing soil profiles on farm and best practice management

o managing soil biology, pH and nutrient interactions, including application of

compost to improve water retaining capacity of soil

o methods for preventing degradation, including managing alkaline soils and best

management practice

o preventing wind erosion e.g. maintaining ground cover, retiring steep areas,

minimal till, appropriate pasture systems etc.

o growing perennial pastures to increase water use efficiency, soil carbon and soil

biodiversity, and managing stock on perennial pastures

o adapting crop and pasture types to suit the changing climate

o fertiliser and chemical management to minimise impacts on water resources

SENRMB,

DEWNR, PIRSA,

SEAFG

High 7 (climate

change)

Educate children and the

community about soils

Schools and general community education program about:

o soil health and narratives about local good practices with soils

o local geology, landscape changes and Aboriginal stories of water change and

land management

SENRMB, PIRSA,

SEAFG High

Continue to provide support for

whole-of-farm planning

Including:

o Continuing the weather stations program

o Farm mapping support such as NRM Farm

SENRMB Medium 7 (climate

change)

18


Potential

people /

organisations

Importance

Contributes

to other

priority

5. Minimise

impacts of

weeds, pest

animals and

diseases

Implement coordinated pest

plant and animal control

programs across all land tenures

Including:

o Targeting fox, rabbit and deer control and priority weeds

o collaborate with landholders and relevant bodies to manage pest animal threats

to the landscape

SENRMB,

DEWNR,

Landowners,

PIRSA

High

Support landholders with advice

and compliance on controlling

pest plants and animals

Promote compliance and control of declared weeds such as horehound, Bathurst Burr

and Caltrop.

Promote the requirements for control of declared pests under the NRM Act and

methods of control

Promote existing and new biological control agents

Provide public education (including students) on hygiene and movement of stock,

machinery and farm vehicles, and local quarantine requirements

Encourage farmers to reduce herbicide resistance in weeds by rotating use of

herbicides

Leverage funds for further animal and plant control from other sources

SENRMB, PIRSA High

Manage over-abundant native

species

Provide advice to landholders on the management of over-abundant native species,

including permits available for control of kangaroos on private land

DEWNR,

Landholders,

Councils

Medium 2 (habitat

protection)

Industry-led biosecurity plans Support the development of industry-led biosecurity plans Industry, PIRSA,

SENRMB Medium

6. Manage fire in

the landscape

Continue to implement a

bushfire prevention program

Continue to implement bushfire prevention programs, including:

o community education about reducing fuel loads, fire risks and bushfire planning

o setting dates for Upper and Lower South East fire seasons

o prescribed burns planning and implementation in collaboration with commercial

forestry companies to reduce risk of fire in commercial forests

CFS, DEWNR, LC

Bushfire

Management

Committee,

forestry

companies,

Councils

High

2 (habitat

protection)

7 (climate

change)

Facilitate burning on private land

and a coordinated approach to

burning across the landscape

Provide information and guidance to private landholders in applying to Native

Vegetation Council and/or seeking CFS support to implement burns on their land Develop a coordinated plan for prescribed burning across the landscape (on both

public and private land):

o in areas identified as high risk (to life and property)

o for ecological burning on private land to enhance biodiversity, while minimising

impacts on species such as red-tailed black cockatoos

DEWNR,

landholders,

Native

Vegetation

Council, CFS

Medium

2 (habitat

protection)

7 (climate

change)

19


Potential

people /

organisations

Importance

Contributes

to other

priority

Develop a ‘Burning on Private Lands’ Project through the CFS Bushfire Management

Planning process

7. Adapt to and

mitigate climate

change Reduce carbon emissions

Promote and provide policy support for renewable energy, including bioenergy, to

reduce carbon emissions

DEWNR, Green

Energies,

landholders, LC

Climate

Adaptation

Committee

Medium

Support primary producers to

adapt to climate change

Investigate, trial and promote technology improvements, including:

Livestock genetics to more heat tolerant species

New pasture/crop/hay/grape varieties and/or species that require less water and are

more heat tolerant

More drought resistant commercial plantation genetics / species

Adapting silviculture practices, erosion control, management of plantation area and

bushfire management to the changing climate

Cooling stock (e.g. feedlot shade cloth, shelter belts with less flammable, thicker-

canopy species and sprinklers in dairies) or feed additives to help cows retain bodily

fluids

Netting to protect horticulture from increased sunlight and increased rainfall intensity

Industry, PIRSA,

seed companies,

landholders,

SENRMB

Medium

Establishment of carbon and

biodiversity plantings

Provide advice for the establishment of carbon and biodiversity plantings (carbon

farming) on private land, in accordance with the carbon planting guidelines and other

policy that applies to the subregion.

DEWNR, PIRSA,

Industry,

SENRMB

Low

20

Table 2. Actions for the natural landscape

Landscape

Objective Action Project ideas

Potential People /

Organisations Importance

Contributes

to other

priority

1. Maintain

groundwater

availability and

quality

Review policies in the Lower

Limestone Coast Water Allocation

Plan which protect groundwater

dependent ecosystems

To maintain through flow for karst rising springs and minimise any impacts on

groundwater dependent ecosystems, review:

o levels of groundwater extraction

o the allowance for the environment

High 7 (climate

change)

Invest in restoration of groundwater

recharge sites to support

groundwater dependent ecosystems

Investigate sites that support recharge and biodiversity conservation to benefit

groundwater dependent ecosystems

DEWNR, State

Government High

Maintain and continue the well

monitoring program Monitor water levels and pollution (nitrates and salinity)

DEWNR

SENRMB

Landholders, EPA

High 7 (climate

change)

2. Conserve

ecological

values of

terrestrial and

wetland

habitats

Conserve threatened species and

ecological communities

Protect the habitats of small mammals (e.g. antechinus and bats) and increase

connectivity wherever possible to support their movement in the landscape

Look for opportunities to work cross-border in Lower Glenelg (with DELWP) on

a native apex predator trial (in conjunction with Glenelg Ark)

Evaluate the climate change sensitivity of threatened species and implement

any actions that could improve the resilience of populations of threatened

species e.g. translocations

Continue to monitor populations of species

Develop (where required) and implement Regional Action Plans and Recovery

Plans for threatened species and regionally rare communities, including Red

Tailed Black Cockatoos and unique cave; dwelling species such as southern

bent-wing bats

SENRMB, DEWNR,

DELWP,

Industry, Friends of

Shorebirds South

East

High 7 (climate

change)

Revegetation to increase the extent

of native vegetation and biodiversity

corridors

Prioritise further corridor establishment in the subregion to support native

species by linking native forest reserves, wide road verges, fire breaks and old

rail lands.

SENRMB, DEWNR,

forestry, landholders

NGOs

High

Develop a Biodiversity Strategy

Develop a biodiversity strategy for the region that includes:

o a plan for connecting remnant habitats

o identification of priority areas for conservation and restoration action

o Support and foster environmental stewardship activities by other industries

e.g. agricultural and forestry industries

SENRMB, DEWNR,

NGOs High

21

Landscape


Potential People /


Contributes

to other

priority

Develop mechanisms and incentives

to encourage protection of wetlands

and remnant habitats

Investigate use of innovative incentives, offsets and policy mechanisms to

encourage protection of wetlands and other natural areas in the subregion,

particularly nationally significant seasonal herbaceous wetlands communities. SENRMB, DEWNR High

7 (climate

change)

Foster opportunities for Aboriginal

involvement in managing country

Investigate co-management opportunities for Parks and reserves

Involve and employ Aboriginal people in management of species and sites,

including the Naracoorte Caves National Park

Improve access to country

Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge into management

Support regional Aboriginal people to participate in planning

(meetings/workshops)

SENRMB, DEWNR,

SEAFG, NRA,

Ngarrindjeri Land

Progress Assoc.,

Burrandies, Pangula,

Native Title groups

High

Establish strategic land purchase

fund for conservation of significant

areas and habitats

Continue the use of native vegetation clearance offsets to provide funding for

strategic land acquisition

Create a land purchase fund to allow profitable land to be converted back to a

conservation land use.

NGOs

SENRMB

DEWNR

Medium

Communicate ecological research to

the public

Promotion and educate the community about the unique ecological values of

the area, e.g. unique species, water science, climate change impacts on species.

Scientific

organisations,

NGOs, DEWNR,

SENRMB

Medium

3. Maintain

surface water

availability and

quality

Improve our understanding of the

interactions between surface water

and groundwater

Develop a regional water balance model to assist in communicating the

complexity of the surface water/groundwater system to stakeholders.

Communicate the impacts of climate change on surface water and dependent

values (groundwater recharge, wetlands, etc.)

SENRMB, DEWNR,

SEWCDB Medium

1 (ground-

water)

7 (climate

change)

Monitor the condition (including

water quality) of wetlands, creeks

and drains

Continue to monitor wetlands, drains and creeks (including condition, water

quality, water levels and flow rates) to improve management and classification

for policy purposes.

Use information to inform management and education programs e.g. to reduce

nutrient in water from over application of fertiliser (which in turn threaten values

in wetland habitats) and encourage protection of wetlands.

SENRMB, DEWNR,

SEWCDB, EPA Medium

2 (habitat

protection)

22

Landscape


Potential People /


Contributes

to other

priority

5. Minimise

impacts of

weeds, pest

animals and

diseases

Update the South East Pest

Management Strategy with new

species and updated science

More planning and risk assessment for new and emerging weeds.

Identify biosecurity incursions.

Incorporate Aboriginal knowledge about biological pest control e.g. use of

native species such as muntries to control weeds.

Clarify responsibility for biosecurity issues.

SENRMB,

SE Aboriginal Focus

Group

High 7 (climate

change)

Implement coordinated pest plants

and animal control programs across

all land tenures

Ensure control of declared animals particularly rabbits, foxes and deer in

National Parks, reserves and unallotted Crown Land.

Including focusing on predator control for priority native fauna species.

Look for opportunities to work cross-border in Lower Glenelg (with DELWP) on

a native apex predator trial (in conjunction with Glenelg Ark).

SENRMB,

landowners,

DEWNR, DELWP

High 2 (habitat

protection)

Advertise reporting pathways for

new pest species in the subregion

Identify and report new incursions or outbreaks of phytophthora, myrtle rust,

phylloxera, and other diseases.

Surveillance for weeds emerging from land use change.

Investigate prohibiting new grazing species such as certain species of deer and

antelope.

SENRMB,

Weed Spotters

network, Biosecurity

SA, PIRSA, Councils,

DPTI, AQIS

High

Support research and development

into new techniques for controlling

pest species

Including biological controls for key weeds and pests. PIRSA, industry Medium

6. Manage fire in

the landscape

Implement a bushfire prevention

Continue to implement bushfire prevention programs, including:

o community education

o enforcing fire restrictions in reserves

o prescribed burns planning and implementation

CFS, DEWNR,

Limestone Coast

Bushfire

Management

Committee,

community,

Councils

High

2 (habitat

protection)

7 (climate

change)

Undertake prescribed burns on

public land

With guidance from DEWNR’s South East Fire Management Plan and CFS’s

Limestone Coast Bushfire Management Area Plan, implement a prescribed burn

program which identifies risk and priority areas for burning, in order to:

o enhance public safety

o protect property

o provide landscape protection

Roadside burning of native vegetation to consider roadside management plan.

Update regulations for new buildings in natural landscapes (e.g. more fire

resistant).

DEWNR, CFS,

Councils High

23

Landscape


Potential People /


Contributes

to other

priority

Use fire to improve habitat for /

encourage propagation of native

species

Investigate value-adding to prescribed burns by using fire to:

o encourage propagation of black wattle and silky tea tree

o improve habitat for native species such as squirrel gliders

DEWNR, CFS,

Councils Medium

2 (habitat

protection)

7 (climate

change)

Preservation of cultural practices

involving fire

Capture Aboriginal people’s knowledge of fire farming techniques. Investigate

need for access to land for cultural practices, including campfires and burning.

SE Aboriginal Focus

Group, CFS Medium

7. Adapt to and

mitigate

climate change

Establishment of carbon biodiversity

plantings Investigate public land that would support carbon biodiversity plantings.

Industry,

landholders,

DEWNR

High

Continue / expand climate change

adaptation and mitigation planning

Embed climate change adaptation and mitigation into all planning across all

sectors.

Increase education on climate

change impacts, adaptation and

mitigation

Provide information on impacts of climate change on natural landscapes

including:

o habitat for native species such as endangered Red Tailed Black Cockatoos,

Southern Bent-wing bats and native orchids

o wetlands, including Mullinger, Poocher and Mundulla Swamps and

Deadmans Swamp Complex

o Cross Border Creeks (Mosquito, Morambro, Naracoorte, etc.) and Cockatoo

lake

Use monitoring and research to track environmental changes that may be

attributed to climate change and to direct subsequent action.

And on actions to adapt to/mitigate climate change, to be provided through:

o Engagement of project officer to implement climate change education

component of the Limestone Coast Region Climate Change Adaptation

Plan

o Media (including social media)

o Signage in parks and reserves, etc.

o Meetings with organisations, Councils, groups, etc.

o NRM education (including Coastal Connections and similar programs)

LC Climate

Adaptation

Committee,

SENRMB, EPA,

councils, Tourism

SA, residents

Medium 2 (habitat

protection)

24

Table 3. Actions for the urban landscape

Landscape


Potential People /


Contributes

to other

priority

1. Maintain

groundwater

availability and

quality

Promote water sensitive urban

design (WSUD)

Showcase good examples of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) at different

scales.

Invest in developing effective local WSUD and stormwater infrastructure.

Councils High 7 (climate

change)

Monitor and protect urban

groundwater supplies from

pollution

Monitor urban water sources and consider treatment needs.

Work on minimising all pollutants, including work with farmers upstream of

urban centres to minimise over-fertilising.

Promote urban ‘good practice’, i.e. car-washing on lawn etc.

Educate community regarding link between surface and groundwater.

SA Water, EPA,

Councils, DEWNR High

2. Conserve

ecological

values of

terrestrial and

wetland

habitats

Revegetation and restoration of

remnant habitats

Encourage volunteers to assist with revegetation and maintaining remnant

habitats, including installing signs at priority areas that outline how people

can get involved.

Target older people, those transitioning to retirement and part-time

employed.

Friends of Parks,

Green Army,

community groups,

Councils, SENRMB

volunteers, CVA,

schools, DECD

High

Promote native gardens to provide

habitat for native animals

Open garden weekends for native gardens.

Plant swap events.

Sale native plant packs for biodiversity gardens.

Collaborate with Councils on native plantings in public spaces.

SE Aboriginal Focus

Group, Burrundies,

NGOs, community

groups, councils,

SENRMB, CVA,

schools

High

Community education on

biodiversity

Community education on biodiversity management to identify and facilitate

community action to increase quality, quantity and connectivity within native

vegetation.

SENRMB, schools,

volunteer groups,

Councils

Use citizen science to monitor key

fauna species

Monitor red-tailed black cockatoo and frog populations with volunteers using

citizen science (community reporting sightings / hearings) SENRMB Medium

Support tourism organisations to

raise community awareness about

ecological values

Collaborate with tourism organisations to:

o improve how tour operators explain the landscapes to people

o promote local walks in native vegetation on tourism websites

SENRMB, Limestone

Coast Tourism Medium

Protect hollows trees Educate people about where they can take firewood to prevent impacts on

habitats for species such as the red-tailed black cockatoo. SENRMB Low

25

Landscape


Potential People /


Contributes

to other

priority

Involve Aboriginal people in

protecting nature

Include Aboriginal involvement and knowledge sharing in protecting nature. DEWNR, SEAFG,

SENRMB High

3. Maintain

surface water

availability and

quality

Monitor quality of urban run-off

and impacts on potable water

Continue to monitor quality of urban runoff and other impacts (e.g. sewer

leaks) on potable water supply quality near towns.

Integrate the use of water sensitive urban design and the development of

stormwater management plans if necessary.

SA Water, SEWCDB,

EPA, DEWNR,

Universities

High

5. Minimise

impacts of

weeds, pest

animals and

diseases

Implement a community education

program around weeds

Focus on garden escapees and dumping of garden waste.

Ensure local nurseries do not sell environmental weeds.

Promote "Grow me instead" booklet and distribute the 'Landholder

responsibilities handbook'.

SE NRM Board

Urban residents,

Councils

High

Manage overabundant native

species

Investigate options to manage corellas where they are creating an issue in the

urban landscape.

DEWNR, Councils,

landowners Medium

Control pest plants and animals in

and around urban areas

Implement program to minimise populations of pest animals and weeds in

urban areas.

SENRMB, Councils,

landowners Medium

Minimise impact of domestic pets

on native fauna

Implement a cat management plan in urban areas, including education about

registering cats to minimise native fauna destruction. Councils Medium

6. Manage fire in

the landscape

Continue to implement a bushfire

prevention program

Including:

community education around minimising fuel loads and respecting the fire

season

assess fire risks in urban areas

CFS, DEWNR, LC

Bushfire Management

and LC Zone

Emergency

Management

Committees,

community, Councils

High 2. (habitat

protection)

26

Landscape


Potential People /


Contributes

to other

priority

7. Adapt to and

mitigate

climate change

Increase education on climate

change impacts, adaptation and

mitigation

Promote actions to adapt to / mitigate climate change through:

o working with all sectors on education

o signage in parks and reserves

LC Climate

Adaptation

Committee, SENRMB,

Councils, Tourism SA,

residents, farming

groups

High 2. (habitat

protection)

Continue climate change adaptation

and mitigation planning

Embed climate change adaptation and mitigation into planning across all

sectors, e.g. ensure any green areas created have low water requirement

species that can tolerate the changing climate.

LC Climate

Adaptation

Committee, councils,

DPTI

Medium

Reducing our environmental impact

(including our carbon footprint)

Increase education on sustainable living, including Living Smart sustainability

education for adults.

Incentive programs for e.g. rain water tanks, use and generation of renewable

energy, waste management.

Encourage communities to buy local to reduce carbon emissions from

produce transport.

Investigate options for use of renewable energy sources for wineries,

meatworks and other industries.

Establish more community gardens to reduce carbon emissions from transport

of food produce.

Councils, SENRMB,

community, industry Medium

contents...productive agricultural land from urban development. the aboriginal community are...

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