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Working togetherNatural Resources Kangaroo Island

ACHIEVEMENTREPORT

20182019

ContentsMessage from the Regional NRM Manager

Summary of activities 2018–19

3

4

Goal 1 5

Saving threatened narrow-leaved mallee woodland 6

Spring cleaning glossy black-cockatoo nests 6

Goal 2 7

Wins with woody weeds on KI 8

Exploring water quality in the Cygnet River catchment 8

Goal 3 9

Community looks out for European wasps 10

Exploring new technology for farming 10

Goal 4 11

Dudley landholders help remove feral cats 12

Working with farmers to plan for climate change on KI 12

Goal 5 13

Working together for the KI dunnart 14

Supporting project delivery on KI 14

Looking forward 15

Managing our landscapes: conversations for change 15

Working together to deliver NRM 15

Implementing NRM in 2019–20 15

How we can help you 16

Message from the Presiding Member 17

2019© Department of Environment and Water

ISSNsPrinted: 2208-8148 On-line: 2208-8156

This document may be reproduced in whole or part for the purpose of study or training, subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source and to its not being used for commercial purposes or sale. Reproduction for purposes other than those given above requires the prior written permission of the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board.

All images within this document are credited to Natural Resources Kangaroo Island unless stated otherwise.

Work outlined in this document is funded by:

Front cover image: Mark Agnew, Water Officer, with a year 4 class from Kangaroo Island Community Education Kingscote Campus exploring catchment systems.

Back cover image: Tawny dragon (Ctenophorus decresii).

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3 43 Working together Natural Resources Kangaroo Island Achievement Report 2018–19 Working together Natural Resources Kangaroo Island Achievement Report 2018–19 4

Message from the Regional NRM ManagerWelcome to the Natural Resources Kangaroo Island (NRKI) 2018–2019 Achievement Report.

The introduction of the Landscape SA Bill to the state parliament in mid-2018 paved the way to review and change the way we operate. It was with sadness and thanks that we said goodbye to those members of the board whose term had come to an end. I would like to place on record my great thanks to Kathie Stove, Craig Wickham, Dr. Reggy Rismiller, Peter Clements and of course our long-standing Presiding Member Richard Trethewey for their tireless work over the years. This meant, for the last part of the 2018–2019 financial year, the business of the NRM Board fell to just four board members and myself. I am happy to report that those board members rose to the occasion, meeting the challenges before them with gusto. Jenny Stanton, Jasper Taylor, David Welford and Annette Florance helped me steady the ship in the interlude.

The Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Board punched well above our weight securing funding from the second phase of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program (Regional Land Partnerships and Smart Farms Grants) for a number of the project proposals we submitted. Some of these new projects complemented existing board funded projects whilst others opened a new field for the board and Natural Resources Kangaroo Island staff to explore in order to help island residents manage their natural resources. Some projects are solely supported by the NRM Board and on others we are working collaboratively with private businesses, groups and organisations. You can read more about the current projects in this report and look forward to a raft of other projects that are due to kick up a notch in the 2019–20 period.

As always our staff here at NRKI have rolled up their sleeves and met all these new challenges head on. I never cease to appreciate the way our staff simply get on with the job and deliver time and time again behind the scenes, they are a credit to this island and to Natural Resources Kangaroo Island.

Our working relationship with our department’s other division on KI, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, remains strong and I continue to look forward to working with the team to deliver what is best for the island and the Department of Environment and Water (DEW).

At the end of the 2019 financial year the NRM board welcomed a new Presiding Member, Andrew Heinrich, appointed by the Minister, I am very pleased to welcome Andrew into the fold. He is a respected member of the community on Kangaroo Island and I look forward to working with him as we transition into the future of natural resources management. You can read what he hopes to see going forward at the end of this report.

Damian MileyRegional NRM ManagerNatural Resources Kangaroo Island

Summary of activities 2018–19

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Biosecurity Program » Inspected 2,593 vehicles and passengers travelling to

KI for biosecurity risks. » Responded to potential and actual KI pest incursions,

such as European wasps.

KI Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator » Assisted to implement sustainable agriculture projects

through face to face site visits and workshops. » Developed and distributed ‘Growing Kangaroo Island’

E-newsletter.

Feral Cat Eradication Program » Trialled, monitored and assessed tools and parameters

for feral cat eradication on the Dudley Peninsula. » Developed a baseline data set of the presence of fauna

in bushland and farmland. » Conducted workshops to train dogs to detect feral

cats on KI. » Assessed density of feral cats on the Dudley Peninsula.

Water Management Program » Assisted 30 landholders with development applications

and Water Affecting Activity (WAA) permits. » Monitored nutrient and sediment in Cygnet River and

across KI. » Surveyed watercourses for their shape and

macroinvertebrates (water bugs).

Planning for the future of the KI dunnart » Co-hosted workshop to explore current and past

knowledge of KI dunnart and develop a draft conservation advice to guide recovery of the KI dunnart.

Glossy Black-cockatoo Recovery Program » Protected critical glossy black-cockatoo nesting habitat

by maintaining 219 glossy black-cockatoo nests.

KI narrow-mallee woodland

KI narrow-mallee on-ground work sites

Glossy black-cockatoo habitat where nests maintained

Animal plant control weed activities

Water monitoring locations

European wasp trap locations

Feral cat eradication focus area

Conservation area

Marine park sanctuary zone

Road

River

KEY

Recovering the Kangaroo Island Narrow-Leaved Mallee Woodland Threatened Ecological Community through local landscape action » Mapped KI narrow-leaved mallee woodland and

associated threatened species. » Surveyed 2,100 ha and controlled 100 ha of bridal veil

invading KI narrow-leaved mallee woodland. » Grew and sold 45,000 local plants to 271 customers

at KI Native Plant Nursery and assisted landholders to protect and restore KI narrow-leaved mallee woodland.

Animal and Plant Control Program » Controlled five Weeds of National Significance and

eight declared weeds over 3,637 ha and 453 km of roadsides across KI.

» Controlled 101 feral pigs in outlier populations across 1,538 hectares.

» Worked with all domestic goat owners to ensure compliance with regulations to prevent escape.

» Provided technical support and equipment to control declared species across KI.

Kangaroo Island Farming into the Future » Developed KI Climate Adaptation Action Plan with

farmers. » Reviewed new and innovative farming tools and

technologies. » Investigated farm stewardship and accreditation

schemes for KI.


Protecting glossy black-cockatoo nests from possums.

Goal 1Kangaroo Island’s unique character and qualities are protected and enhanced for the enjoyment and benefit of the extended KI community, visitors and future generations

45,000 local native plants grown and sold to 271 customers through the KI Native Plant Nursery

9,706 ha of KI narrow-leaved mallee woodland mapped

219 glossy nests maintained and protected from predators

Spring cleaning glossy black-cockatoo nestsOnce found across Southern Australia, the glossy black-cockatoo now has its last refuge on Kangaroo Island. A major threat to the surviving population on Kangaroo Island is a loss of nesting hollows in large, old eucalypt trees, particularly in areas near their feeding habitat (drooping sheoak). Remaining hollows are highly sought after by glossy black-cockatoos and a suite of other species. Honey bees, little corellas and galahs all seek out the hollows, often killing any glossy chicks found in them. Other predators, such as common brushtail possums, prey on glossy black-cockatoo eggs and nestlings in the hollows.

To maximise the chances of breeding success, the Glossy Black-cockatoo Recovery Program targeted its funding and protected 219 of these nesting hollows to improve breeding success. 27 corrugated iron tree collars were replaced and two new collars installed at the base of trees with nesting hollows to prevent common brushtail possums from climbing the tree trunks to the nests. To prevent common brushtail possums climbing across to

nests from adjacent trees, 28 tree canopies were pruned. Twelve artificial nest boxes needed repairing and three bee hives were removed from glossy black-cockatoo nesting hollows.

Funded through the KI NRM Board with Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers

SnapshotsSaving threatened narrow-leaved mallee woodlandThe critically endangered Kangaroo Island narrow-leaved mallee (Eucalyptus cneorifolia) woodland lines many roads on eastern Kangaroo Island, often forming picturesque arches above them. Until recently the full extent of this woodland was unknown. However, the KI NRM Board recently mapped these roadsides and many other patches of the woodland for the first time. The mapping found that KI narrow-leaved mallee woodland extends across 7,878 hectares of eastern Kangaroo Island in 832 individual patches. This means it covers just 1.8% of the Island’s land mass. Along the roadside this important woodland is home to 60 species of threatened plants, including six national, 21 state and 50 regional threatened plant species. The remaining patches are highly fragmented, small in size and vulnerable to threats such as weed invasion and changes in fire severity and frequency. It’s estimated that this community has declined in extent by more than 90% over the past 200 years.

The KI NRM Board is currently working with landholders to help them protect and restore KI narrow-leaved mallee woodland on their properties. The KI NRM Board provides grants for this work, as well as advice on how best to manage the woodland. The KI Native Plant Nursery is also available to supply landholders with local native plants and provide advice on what to plant and where.

Funded through the KI NRM Board with the Australian Government

Mapping KI narrow-leaved mallee woodland.


Goal 2Kangaroo Island’s ecosystems are healthy and resilient, biodiversity loss is minimised and ecosystems continue to deliver life‑supporting services

13 declared weeds and Weeds of National Significance controlled over

3,637 ha

2,593 vehicles checked for biosecurity incursions prior to travelling to KI

358 feral animalscontrolled

across 9,287 ha

SnapshotsWins with woody weeds on KITwo woody, garden-escapee weeds invading Kangaroo Island bushland have recently become declared in South Australia. However, the KI NRM Board’s Animal and Plant Control Team has been trying to control their populations for several years.

Bluebell creeper (Billardiera heterophylla) is a twisting, evergreen, perennial creeper smothering native vegetation at Western River, Parndana, Vivonne Bay and on the Dudley Peninsula. Over the past five years limited resources made controlling this weed difficult. However, this year over 1,645 plants have been destroyed using cut and swab, physical removal and spot spraying techniques over 74.6 hectares.

Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) is a hardy, vigourous shrub that invades native vegetation in woodland, sand dunes and creek lines in areas such as Smith Bay, Emu Bay and Grassy Flat on the Dudley Peninsula. The Animal and Plant Control Team has been controlling Italian buckthorn since 2006 using a cut and swab technique. This year 28 hectares were controlled. The weed is still growing at control sites but less plants are germinating each year.

Both weeds produce large amounts of seed which remain viable in the soil for decades. Eradicating these weeds from KI may not be possible in the long-term. However, the Animal and Plant Control Team’s work is stopping them from spreading to new areas and is reducing the impacts to the environment where they are found in the short-term.

Funded through the KI NRM Board with the Kangaroo Island community and Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

Removing Italian buckthorn seedlings from roadside vegetation.

Exploring water quality with our future leadersA Year 12 class from Kangaroo Island Community Education engaged the services of the KI NRM Board Water Officer to help explain how to monitor water quality, interpret the data collected and how water quality varies across Kangaroo Island. The Water Officer explained how the KI NRM Board monitors the Cygnet River using water quality sonde point measurements and the composite samplers located up and downstream. The composite samplers automatically sample water when the river is flowing for later analysis. Following collection, the water samples are sent to a mainland laboratory to analyse their concentrations of nutrients and sediments. This data can then be used to calculate the amount of nutrients and sediments delivered to sea grass meadows in Nepean Bay.

The field trip visited three sites in the Cygnet River Catchment (Duck Lagoon, Koala Lodge and the estuary near the Racecourse). At each site the students collected point water quality measurements which they later interpreted as a part of a school project.

Funded through the KI NRM Board with the Kangaroo Island communityStudents monitoring water quality with the KI NRM

Board Water Officer in the Cygnet River estaury.


Goal 3The Kangaroo Island community enjoys ahigh level of well-being, is resilient and connected

77 social media and print articles read

by 23,396 people

Engaged with 25% of landholders & 10 industry groups to implement sustainable agricultural practises

19 workshops, presentations & field days given on KI & mainland

Exploring new technology for farmingOn the 20 June 34 local farmers and business people attended a tools and technology workshop at the Ozone Hotel and then a field visit to American River Oyster Farm.

A diverse range of industry representatives attended with primary producers from sheep (meat/wool), beef, cropping, aquaculture, viticulture and honey production. The presentation explored current and future potential use of technology for each industry.

Each session looked at the use of spectral technologies across industries including the role of vehicle mounted devices, robots and drones, and the agricultural uses of satellites. Each participant mapped where they operate and the type of primary production they were involved in.

A survey of participants highlighted that over 50 percent rated their current use of technology at five or less out of ten. To help address this the KI NRM Board will run another tools and technology field day in partnership with AgKI. This will showcase some of the technologies available for primary production on the Island and will occur in March 2020. All industries are encouraged to send through any thoughts or ideas to the KI Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator.


SnapshotsCommunity looks out for European waspsEuropean wasps are an introduced pest that cause environmental, social and economic damage. Arriving in Australia in the 1950s they soon spread across the eastern states and are now found in the Adelaide hills and metropolitan area. These wasps are a biosecurity threat to Kangaroo Island and could easily be transported here accidently in freight and equipment.

Over the past five years the Biosecurity Liaison Officer has set up European wasp monitoring traps around Penneshaw, American River and Kingscote, near transport yards and businesses that import goods and machinery to the Island.

The community has come on-board to assist the search. Last year they reported nine suspicious wasps from Kingscote, Baudin Beach and American River, often bringing in specimens for identification. The Biosecurity Liaison Officer responded quickly, investigating the reports and setting a series of traps to determine the veracity of the report.

Thankfully in all cases the suspicious wasps were native and either local flower wasps, hairy wasps or sand wasps. The community is commended for their quick actions in preventing the arrival of such a dangerous pest.

Funded through the KI NRM Board with the Kangaroo Island community

A European wasp trap in Kingscote.

Participants at the Tools and Technology Workshop.


Goal 4Kangaroo Island prospers with a vibrant economy that is based on sustainably managed natural resources, primary production and industry that underpins its brand value

30 landholders assisted with development applications for Water Affecting Activities

KI farmers assisted to develop a KI Climate Change Adaptation Action plan

Growing Kangaroo Island E-Newsletter developed, distributed and

read by 282 people

Snapshots

Working with farmers to plan for climate change on KIThe Future Proofing Agriculture on Kangaroo Island project had four components and was designed to address the Australian Government’s outcomes of helping farmers adapt to changing market demands and a changing climate.

15 KI farmers stepped up to help shape a Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan for Kangaroo Island.

The plan identifies what needs to be done to ensure the island’s agricultural sector is on the front foot for a warming, drying and more erratic climate. The project reviewed new tools and technologies that will support improved on-farm decision-making, leading to better environmental outcomes together with greater profitability. The potential for soil carbon sequestration in grazing systems to earn farmers an additional income through selling carbon credits was investigated but further work is required to assess the viability of this due to relatively high soil carbon levels on KI already.

And finally, the importance of stewardship and accreditation schemes was explored as consumers, lenders and the Australian Government are increasingly interested in this issue. Kangaroo Island is well positioned to take advantage of its ‘clean, green’ brand reputation and the growing demand for ethically and sustainably produced food and fibre, particularly carbon neutral, or negative, red meat products.


Dudley landholders help remove feral catsLandholders on the Dudley Peninsula worked closely with KI NRM Board staff to prepare for feral cat eradication, by heavily reducing the number of feral cats within an area of 2000 hectares, during the trial of the Felixer™ Grooming Traps (Felixers). These traps are one of a suite of control tools being trialled by the eradication program. The innovative, new traps work by using laser recognition technology to specifically target feral cats based on their shape and gait. Having developed on the mainland, they needed to be modified for use on Kangaroo Island to cope with our wetter weather, thicker vegetation and abundant wildlife.

During the six week trial 20 feral cats walked past the Felixers and 13 of these were targeted and subsequently died. Following the trial, control staff used thermal technology to locate and shoot another 15 feral cats in the area. Neighbouring landholders also participated by trapping another 11 feral cats on their properties. Monitoring found feral cat density varied greatly across the Dudley Peninsula. High numbers of feral cats were found around farm dumps and lower numbers were found in bushland. Feral cats were also found exploiting farm events for food; moving into areas after kangaroo shooting and lambing to feed on fresh kangaroo carcasses and lamb afterbirth.

This work was a great example of how KI NRM Board staff and landholders were able to remove a significant number of feral cats from a small area in short period of time, by working together and coordinating control efforts.


Felixer designer John Read explaining how the traps work to KI landholders.

Farmers developing the KI Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan.


Goal 5The Kangaroo Island community uses an adaptive governance approach, learning and making decisions together, valuing all knowledge types and sharing information freely

Surveyed the shape of 11 watercourses to develop a hydroecological model for KI to determine water requirements

Feral cat density assessed in different habitats across the Dudley Peninsula using

85 cameras

over 4,680 trap nights

Snapshots

Supporting project delivery on KIThe Board’s work is not just confined to project delivery. A number of core services are provided by the Board in order to support the effective and efficient delivery of project work.

In 2018–19 these services included planning and coordinating the delivery of 12 projects, providing administrative, financial, evaluation and communications support. The core services also ensure the right information is monitored and recorded to allow the appropriateness, impact and effectiveness of project delivery to be evaluated and reported on.

While these services do not necessarily achieve the goals and objectives of the NRM Plan by themselves, they are foundational for the delivery of the projects that do. By providing a consistent framework for planning, delivering and reporting on project activities, and tools for storing, managing and sharing information and knowledge, they allow the Board to make informed decisions about how to use their available resources more efficiently while still delivering on the region’s priorities.

This integrated approach to learning, adapting and improving will help ensure that we continue to plan and deliver projects that achieve the best outcomes for our region’s natural resources.


Working together for the KI dunnartThe Planning for the future of the Kangaroo Island dunnart project was established to work with key stakeholders, including the Australian and South Australian Governments, researchers, non-government organisations and landholders, to undertake conservation planning to help the nationally threatened Kangaroo Island dunnart (Sminthopsis aitkeni).

In May 2019 a workshop was held to present the current understanding of the status, trends, threats and potential conservation actions for the Kangaroo Island dunnart. The 43 participants also discussed research implications and identified critical knowledge gaps. Workshop attendees included representatives from the National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Hub, the Australian Government, the SA Government, scientific researchers and local landholders.

The outcomes of that workshop were used to contribute to a new conservation advice for the Kangaroo Island dunnart. This is an important document under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 that will be used by the Australian Government to guide long term investment in management for the conservation and recovery of the species. Additionally, a grant agreement was established with local conservation group KI Land for Wildlife to deliver ongoing on-ground activities, community engagement and planning in relation to the recovery efforts of the Kangaroo Island dunnart.


KI dunnart. (Image J. Gates)

Co-hosted an expert workshop to explore the current knowledge about KI dunnarts and to develop a conservation advice for them

KI NRM Board discussing the new hydroecological model for KI.


Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator project

This project will: » Support farmers, agronomists and farming system

groups and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Creating a safe haven for the KI dunnart by eradicating feral cats from Dudley Peninsula

This project will: » Control feral cats across the Dudley Peninsula.

» Establish baselines to monitor trends in mammals, including introduced rodents, and birds following feral cat removal.

Feral cat strikeforce — developing a wildlife detection dog program for feral cat eradication

This project will: » Train a small team of local landholders and their

companion dogs in humane and ethical wildlife detection dog techniques to support feral cat eradication on Kangaroo Island.

Use of native flora and fauna for integrated pest management (IPM) in horticulture and viticulture on KI

This project will: » Establish trial sites to demonstrate IPM principles

and measure outcomes of its benefits, feasibility and economic sustainability on KI.

» Identify branding/marketing opportunities related to IPM.

» Identify and trial novel ways of financing revegetation/fencing.

Looking forwardManaging our landscapes: conversations for changeThe management of the State’s natural resources is undergoing significant reform. The State Government introduced a new Landscape SA Bill into Parliament in March 2019 to replace the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. With the Landscape South Australia Bill 2019 now set to be enacted in late 2019, we anticipate the establishment of the new Landscape Board in 2020.

Keep an eye out for new developments at www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/kangarooisland/news

Working together to deliver natural resources managementThe KI NRM Board recognises that partnerships and collaborations are keys to success. Good management of our natural resources can only be achieved with a common regional vision and partnerships across organisations and with the community.

The Australian Government is a vital partner to the Board, providing valuable funding to many projects undertaken on KI. The Board is looking forward to continuing to work with AgKI as platinum partners to deliver sustainable agriculture on KI. The Board is also looking forward to working closely with the KI Council and KI community as we work towards feral cat eradication from the island.

To effectively manage the island’s natural resources the Board will also continue to work closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Biosecurity SA, Rural Solutions SA, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and the KI Commissioner. Locally the Board will continue to work with the KI Industry and Brand Alliance, KI Plantation Timbers, KI Land for Wildlife, Envisage Environmental Services, D’Estrees Entomology Science Services and other contractors to manage KI’s natural resources.

The Board is also looking forward to working with our local community and in particular KI landholders, who supply the vision, drive, commitment and on-ground action that effective natural resources management depends upon.

Implementing NRM in 2019–20The Board will deliver a suite of projects across KI in 2019–20. These projects are funded through the NRM land levy, the state allocation to Natural Resources Kangaroo Island, and Australian Government funding.

Recovering the Kangaroo Island Narrow-Leaved Mallee Woodland threatened ecological community

This project will: » Help landholders to manage, protect and restore

their patches of narrow-leaved mallee woodland.

» Control bridal veil in outlier populations invading threatened plant communities.

» Propagate and supply local native plants for revegetation activities.

Building resilient agricultural systems on Kangaroo Island

This project will: » Present workshops on Natural Sequence Farming,

integrated pest management and seasonal forecasting.

» Establish trial sites for integrated pest management and regenerative agriculture.

» Produce guidelines on integrated pest management on KI.

» Support soil testing for pH and carbon levels.

Animal and Plant Control Program:

This project will: » Work with the community to manage declared

weed and pest animal species in accordance with risk assessment priorities and regional management plans.

Biosecurity Program:

This project will: » Implement permitting systems to prevent the escape

of high-risk captive species.

» Implement pest incursion and response plans for high-risk species.

» Respond rapidly to pest incursions and proactively manage biosecurity incidents.

» Provide mechanisms to support community surveillance and rapid reporting of biosecurity issues.

Water Management Program:

This project will: » Assess flow requirements in aquatic ecosystems to

inform the determination of sustainable catchment water take limits.

» Apply updated water take limits to manage water resources in a sustainable, equitable and transparent way.

» Implement water affecting activity policy to support the development of water resources in a sustainable and equitable manner, optimising productive use while providing for the needs of water-dependant ecosystems and other water users.

http://www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/kangarooisland/news


How we can help youKI Native Plant Nursery » local native plants

» growing, planting and revegetation advice suited to KI soils and climate

» plant identification

Contact Veronica Bates0437 322 [email protected]

KI Narrow-leaved mallee » advice on how to manage

KI narrow-leaved mallee

» grants available to protect and revegetate KI narrow-leaved mallee woodland

Contact Kym Lashmar8553 [email protected]

Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator » assist with natural resource

management activities, such as workshops, farm demonstrations and peer learning sessions

Contact Damon Cusack0437 172 [email protected]

Weed control » weed management advice

» weed identification

» hire of cape tulip weed wiper

Contact Jason Walter0418 708 [email protected]

Biosecurity » reports of new pests

and weeds

» biosecurity advice

» Phythopthora management

Contact Andrew Triggs8553 [email protected]

Water management » advice on water affecting

activities and permits e.g. dams and earth works in or near a water body

» advice on water resources e.g. salinity, wells

Contact Mark Agnew8553 [email protected]

Pest animal control » domestic goat and ferret

permits

» feral goat and deer reports

» feral pig reports oneastern KI

Contact Trish Mooney8553 [email protected]

Feral cat control » control of feral cats

» feral cat trap hire

Contact Brenton Florance0427 618 [email protected]

Message from the KI NRM Board Presiding MemberAs someone who has long had an interest in improving the landscape and environmental benefits on my own property, I was honoured and humbled to be appointed as Presiding Member of the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board by Minister Spiers.

Natural resources management on KI needs to tread a fine balance of doing what is best with the natural resources we have and supporting those who work most closely with the environment; both those working to make a living from it and those who enjoy our natural environment for leisure.

As a farmer myself, and as many others working in agriculture, viticulture, aquaculture or horticulture will tell you, it is important to care for the environment on your own property. The business mission on our family farm is ‘we want to leave the property in a better condition than when we bought it’, something I believe we should all strive for.

With the Landscape SA Bill set to be enacted in late 2019, we are now focussing on getting on with the job.

Looking forward I will represent you in whatever form the Board takes at all levels of government. I hope 2019–20 will be a year for NRKI staff to settle into their roles and getting on with the business of supporting you in managing our island landscape.

Reading through this achievement report I can clearly see that there is a wealth of talent, hard at work, in the current group of staff at NRKI and in the community that work alongside them. The new board will strive to ensure we utilise their skills, knowledge and experience to develop projects that deliver solid outcomes for all of us.

With the formation of the new Board we will also develop a new working relationship with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on KI. The Board will stand apart from, but will continue to work closely with, the NPWS. With so much of our island protected in parks and reserves this relationship remains crucial to ensuring the entire island’s landscape is considered.

I am confident that going forward we can and will strive to work with the entire island.

Andrew HeinrichPresiding MemberKangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board

ContactNatural Resources Kangaroo Island

37 Dauncey Street Kingscote SA 5223T (08) 8553 4444F (08) 8553 2531E [email protected] www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/kangarooisland

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