Government of South Australia South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board
South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board
Regional NRM Plan
Volume 2:
State of the Region
A healthy, living landscape meeting the social, environmental, economic and cultural needs of the community, and ensuring the rights and wellbeing of future generations.
SA MDB Regional NRM Plan: STATE OF THE REGION
Natural Resources Management Act 2004
Natural Resources Management Plan for the
South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Region I, Karlene Maywald, Minister for the River Murray, hereby adopt this Natural Resources Management Plan comprising Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4 pursuant to section 80(3)(a) of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004.
Hon Karlene Maywald Minister for the River Murray Date
/
/
i
Foreword The South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural
The success of this Plan can only be achieved by the
Resources Management Region contains a range of natural
involvement, commitment and the cooperative action
assets that are of great economic, social, environmental
taken by landholders, industry, government and the wider
and cultural value. An array of unique and diverse habitats
community. This Plan is one for the Region, a united
supports many species of plants and animals, many of
front on how we intend to manage our precious natural
which do not exist anywhere else in the world. The Region’s
resources.
economy is largely based on agriculture, manufacturing, recreation and tourism and these activities rely heavily on
The SA MDB NRM Board is committed to the delivery of
the Region’s natural resources.
this Plan with its partners and to communicate its NRM outcomes through decisive monitoring, evaluation and
Sustained action is needed to ensure the long-term
reporting programs. The SA MDB NRM Board will use these
sustainability of these natural resources and the South
programs to learn, adapt and continually improve the way
Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources
we manage our natural resources.
Management Board (the SA MDB NRM Board) is pleased to present the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural
The SA MDB NRM Board acknowledges all organisations and
Resources Management Plan. This Plan has been developed
individuals who have contributed to the regional planning
with the communities of the Region under the Natural
effort and offers its appreciation for the hard work and
Resources Management Act 2004.
dedication shown by those who have prepared this Plan. I hope you share the SA MDB NRM Board’s commitment in
This Plan represents a milestone in natural resources
the implementation of this important Plan for the protection
management for the Region. It takes a major step towards
and enhancement of the Region’s natural resources.
fully integrated management of all natural resources within the Region. The Plan builds upon and extends the considerable work, investment and achievements that we have already made to protect, preserve and restore natural
Bill Paterson
resources for our own benefit, and the benefit of our
Presiding Member
children and grandchildren. By implementing the strategies defined in the Plan, it is possible to achieve the vision of a healthy living landscape meeting the social, environmental, economic and cultural needs of the community and ensuring the rights and wellbeing of future generations.
ii
SA MDB Regional NRM Plan: STATE OF THE REGION
Contents i
Minister’s approval
62
5.3 | Groundwater
ii
Foreword
67
5.4 | Wastewater and stormwater
70
5.5 | Aquatic habitats
1. Introduction
79
5.6 | Coast, marine and estuary
3
NRM and the Region
87
5.7 | Key threats
3
1.1 | The NRM Region
90
5.8 | Management initiatives
6
1.2 | What is NRM?
96
5.9 | Information gaps
7
1.3 | The purpose of the Plan
7
1.4 | The structure of the Plan
6. Biodiversity
7
1.5 | Volume 2: State of the Region
99
Life in the Region 99
6.1 | Biodiversity defined
2. Looking forward
101 6.2 | Vegetation communities
11
Successful NRM by tackling climate change
104 6.3 | Native flora
11
2.1 | The observations
110 6.4 | Native fauna
11
2.2 | The projections
115 6.5 | Key conservation areas
12
2.3 | Climate change is core business
119 6.6 | Key threats
12
2.4 | Conclusion
125 6.7 | Key management initiatives 130 6.8 | Information gaps
3. Our natural resources 15
The Region's assets
7. Land
15
3.1 | Overview of regional natural resources
133 The regional landscape
16
3.2 | People, land use and economy
133 7.1 | Terrain
17
3.3 | Condition of the natural resources
137 7.2 | Geological features and landscapes
18
3.4 | Asset interaction
138 7.3 | Land use 144 7.4 | Soils
4. People
145 7.5 | Key threats
27
Our relationship to the Region
157 7.6 | Key management initiatives
27
4.1 | People and NRM
161 7.7 | Information gaps
27
4.2 | Demographics
31
4.3 | Aboriginal people and heritage
8. Atmosphere
33
4.4 | National, state and local heritage
165 A hotter, drier climate
34
4.5 | Community groups and community
165 8.1 | The atmosphere
capacity
165 8.2 | Climate change
39
4.6 | Key threats
178 8.3 | Information gaps
42
4.7 | Key management initiatives
43
4.8 | Role, place and future of people
Appendices
44
4.9 | Information gaps
181 Appendix A: Weed risk assessment 186 Appendix B: References
5. Water
195 Appendix C: Glossary
47
203 Appendix D: Abbreviations used in this Plan
Water in the Region 47
5.1 | Water resource features
49
5.2 | Surface water
iii
1. Introduction SA MDB NRM Plan: STATE OF THE REGION
NRM and the Region 1.1 | The NRM Region
Murray Mallee and Murray Plains
The South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural
Murray Mallee and Murray Plains includes the majority of
Resources Management Board (the SA MDB NRM Board) is
the Region’s agricultural area and consists predominantly
responsible for one of eight natural resources management
of low rainfall mallee and shrubland communities.
regions in South Australia. The SA MDB NRM Region (see Figure 1.1) supports a population of approximately 126,000
Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges
people and extends over more than 5.6 million hectares,
The Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges supports stringy-bark
from the Victorian and New South Wales borders to the
forest, woodland and grassy woodland communities.
catchment boundary along the Mount Lofty Ranges, to the
A number of small tributary catchments drain the Ranges,
Murray Mouth, and up to 14 kilometres into the Southern
joining either the River Murray or Lake Alexandrina.
Ocean.
South Olary Plains This is one of South Australia’s most ecologically diverse and
The South Olary Plains, a pastoral region of low rainfall,
agriculturally productive regions. It supports a wide range of
extends north of the River Murray and west of the border
flora, fauna, natural environments and human activities. The
with New South Wales. It features mallee, woodlands and
proper management of these natural resources will maintain
chenopod shrubland vegetation, the majority of which
a capable and prosperous South Australia.
remains uncleared. A number of species in this region are listed as threatened due to over-grazing of domestic stock,
The Region’s ecological areas
goats, rabbits and kangaroos.
The Region can be divided into six distinct ecological units and bioregions, as detailed below.
In addition to the terrestrial systems above, the Coorong bioregion is also an important ecological system within
River Corridor
the SA MDB NRM Region. The Coorong marine habitats,
From the border of South Australia and Victoria to
including complex near-shore reef systems and the marine
Overland Corner, the River meanders through a floodplain
organisms they support, are highly diverse. Species of
some 5–10 km wide that includes a complex pattern of
conservation significance include the Leafy Sea Dragon, as
anabranches and billabongs. Beyond Overland Corner, the
well as migrating Southern Right and Humpback Whales.
River has incised a narrow gorge through limestone where
The bioregion also supports a number of marine species
geological structure largely determines its course. The
which are of importance to commercial and recreational
ecology of the River Corridor is unique in the Region, given
fisheries.
the fluvial (riparian) processes involved in its formation. Aeolian (wind) processes dominate the rest of the Region.
More about the Region The Region is in the rainshadow of the Mount Lofty Ranges,
Coorong and Lower Lakes
resulting in a marked reduction in rainfall compared to
The Coorong and Lower Lakes area features low-lying
the country to the west. Even over short distances, a large
alluvial and coastal plains overlain by low sand ridges, with
reduction in rainfall can occur. Annual rainfall ranges from
some outwash fans and isolated remnant hills along the
an unreliable 235 mm near Yunta, just beyond the northern
western edge, and calcrete-capped old coastal dunes, up
extremity of the Region, to 387 mm at Lameroo, near the
to 40 m high adjacent to the Coorong. This area consists
south-eastern corner of the Region, to 768 mm at Mount
of sedgelands, grasslands and low shrublands providing a
Barker near the western edge of the Region.
wide range of habitats and is of international importance for migratory birds.
3
WAKEFIELD
Murray Mallee / Murray Plains REA River Corridor REA Balaklava PortSouth Wakefield Olary Plains REA
EasternMorgan Mount Lofty Ranges REA
CLARE AND GILBERT VALLEYS
WAKEFIELD
Murray Mallee / Murray Plains REA
Eudunda
River Corridor REA Balaklava PortSouth Wakefield Olary Plains REA Blanchetown
Coorong Bioregion
LIGHT
CLARE AND
GILBERT Waikerie
VALLEYS
Coorong Bioregion
STATE MID MURRAY
Nuriootpa
OF
LIGHT
THE REGION:
MALLALA
Swan Reach
Nuriootp
Introduction MALLALA
Gawler
BAROSSA
Gawler
BA ADELAIDE HILLS
KAROONDA EASTADELAID MURRA HILLS
Mannum
ADELAIDE Gulf St Vincent Mt Barker
ONKAPARINGA
MURRAY BRIDGE
Meadows
Mt
MT BARKE Tailem Bend ONKAPARINGA
Strathalbyn
Willunga
ALEXANDRINA Milang Yankalilla
ORROROO/ CARRIETON
VICTOR HARBOR
PETERBOROUGH
MOUNT REMARKABLE
Figure 1.1: The SA MDB Yankalilla
Braemar 0
NRM Group Boundary Local Government Area Boundary
GOYDER
Koomooloo
Burra Gluepot
REGIONAL ECOLOGICAL AREAS (REA) AND BIOREGIONS
Gluepot
Coorong and Lower Lakes REA
Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges REA
River Corridor REA Balaklava PortSouth Wakefield Olary Plains REA
Eastern Mount
Robertstown
Lofty Ranges REA Morgan
CLARE AND GILBERT VALLEYS
WAKEFIELD
Murray Mallee / Murray Plains REA
Robertstown
CLARE AND GILBERT VALLEYS
Barmera
Coorong Bioregion Blanchetown
LOXTON WAIKERIE
LIGHT
MID MURRAY
Nuriootpa
Swan Reach
Blanchetown
LOXTON WAIKERIE
V I C T O R I A
ADELAIDE
ADELAIDE
Mannum
Gulf St Vincent Mt Barker
Mt Barker
MT BARKER
Karoonda MT BARKER
Murray Bridge
ONKAPARINGA
MURRAY BRIDGE
Meadows
Tailem Bend
Strathalbyn
Milang
Lake Alexandrina
Yankalilla
Goolwa
VICTOR HARBOR
YANKALILLA
Victor Harbor
Karoonda
Tailem Bend
Strathalbyn
ALEXANDRINA
Milang
Murray Bridge
KAROONDA EAST MURRAY
MURRAY BRIDGE
Meadows
Willunga
ALEXANDRINA
Pinnaroo
Lameroo
Lameroo Lake SOUTHERN Alexandrina
SOUTHERN MALLE
MALLEE
Goolwa
Victor Harbor
COORONG
COORONG Meningie
Meningie
Coonalpyn
Coonalpyn Southern Ocean Tintinara
SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Region Boundary
SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Region Boundary
Main Road
NRM Group Boundary
0
25
50 Kilometres
Local Government Area 75 Boundary Main Road
Map Production: DWLBC Resource Information Group Map Projection: MGA Zone 54 Date: April 2009
TAT
TATIARA
© Government of South Australia, through the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2009 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as 0 Copyright Act 196825 50reproduced by permitted under the (Cwlth), no part may be any process without prior written permission from the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction Kilometres and rights should be addressed to the Chief Executive, Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, GPO Box 2834, Adelaide SA 5001. MapofProduction: DWLBC Resource Information Group DISCLAIMER: The Department Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, Map MGA Zone 54 its employees and servants do notProjection: warrant or make any representation regarding Date: April 2009 the use, or results of use of the information contained herein as to its correctness, accuracy, currency or otherwise. The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, its employees and servants expressly disclaim all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice contained herein.
75
© Government of South Australia, through the Departm Biodiversity Conservation 2009 This work is copyright. permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth), no pa any process without prior written permission from the D and Biodiversity Conservation. Requests and inquiries and rights should be addressed to the Chief Executive Land and Biodiversity Conservation, GPO Box 2834, A
RowlaJ01
Tintinara
J4672\mxds\FIG1-1-Locality.mxd
Southern Ocean
Local Government Area Boundary
Loxton
Swan Reach
KAROONDAHILLS EAST MURRAY ADELAIDE
Mannum
Gulf St Vincent
NRM Group Boundary
R Berri
BAROSSA
ADELAIDE HILLS
VICTOR HARBOR
Barmera
Gawler
BAROSSA
Willunga
BERRI BARMERA
Waikerie
Loxton
MALLALA
Gawler
ONKAPARINGA
RENMARK PARINGA Berri
MID MURRAY
Nuriootpa
MALLALA
Renmark
BERRI
BARMERA Eudunda
PortSouth Wakefield Olary Plains REA
LIGHT
YANKALILLA
Morgan
Waikerie River Corridor REA Balaklava
Eudunda
Coorong Bioregion
Yankalilla
Area
Main Road
GOYDER
Coorong and Lower Lakes REA
WAKEFIELD
50 75 SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Region Boundary Kilometres Pine Valley NRM Group Boundary
W A L E S
Koomooloo
Burra
25
Map Production: DWLBC Resource Information Group Local Government Map Projection: MGA Zone 54 Date: April 2009 Boundary
Main Road
PORT PIRIE
Tin
Southern Ocean
S O U T H
SA Murray-Darling Basin Terowie NRM Region Boundary
Pine Valley
NORTHERN AREAS
Murray Mallee / Murray Plains REA
bioregions
Southern Ocean Peterborough
NORTHERN AREAS
REGIONAL ECOLOGICAL AREAS (REA) AND BIOREGIONS
ecological areas and
Oakvale
Braemar
PORT PIRIE
Milan
VICTOR Goolwa NRM Region and its HARBOR COORONG Victor Harbor YANKALILLA Meningie Coonalpyn
N E W
Terowie
ALEXAND
PETERBOROUGH
MOUNT REMARKABLE
S
Willunga
Goolwa
ORROROO/ CARRIETON
Peterborough
Meadows
Lake Alexandrina
Victor Harbor
YANKALILLA
ADELAIDE Karoonda
Gulf St Vincent Murray Bridge
MT BARKER
4
DISCLAIMER: The Department of Water, Land and Bi its employees and servants do not warrant or make an the use, or results of use of the information contained h accuracy, currency or otherwise. The Department of W Conservation, its employees and servants expressly di responsibility to any person using the information or ad
'Natural resources management is an approach to managing our environment that strives to achieve a balance between our collective need for resources and the needs of our environment' Biodiversity
Primary production utilises about 82% of the land area of
The Region supports a diverse range of flora, fauna and
the Region consisting mostly of pastoral lands (43%) and
natural environments. It is home to a number of species
dryland cropping and higher rainfall pasture areas (38%).
and ecosystems that are of state, national and international
Grazing of the rangelands is a major land use north of
significance. Most notable are the Ramsar-listed Chowilla
the River Murray. Adjacent to the River Murray, within
Floodplain and the Coorong and Lower Lakes areas (the
part of the Mallee and along the Eastern Mt Lofty Ranges,
northern lagoon of the Coorong is in the SA MDB
horticulture is a major land use consisting of wine grapes,
NRM Region).
citrus, stone fruit and vegetables. There are also areas of dairy production on the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation
Much of the Region’s fauna is under threat. Of the 95
Areas and around the Lower Lakes. In the agricultural areas,
species of mammal that have been recorded for the Region,
broad-hectare farming is largely mixed cereal and livestock
it is thought that only 50 of these currently have viable
grazing, although pulse and oilseed crops are increasing as
populations. Over 110 species of reptile have been recorded
cropping intensifies, particularly in the more reliable rainfall
in the Region, two with a state conservation status of
areas to the south.
‘endangered’ and five with a status of ‘vulnerable’. Of the 13 species of frogs, two are considered significant, with
The drought
one, the Golden Bell Frog, listed as nationally vulnerable.
The Region has been gripped by severe drought in recent
Approximately 31 species of native freshwater fish occur
years, with water inflows during the past two years being
within the Region (four of these are listed as threatened
the lowest on record. Particularly dry winter seasons
under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity
throughout the Murray-Darling Basin system have resulted
Conservation Act 1999), of which eight move between fresh
in low inflows, as well as declining pool and groundwater
and salt water regimes. In addition to freshwater fish, large
levels in many areas throughout the Region.
numbers of estuarine and marine fish (three of which are listed as threatened under the Environmental Protection
The impact of drought is particularly evident at the
and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) move between the
downstream end of the River Murray system and other
Coorong and Lower Lakes and marine ecosystem. Aquatic
catchments, including the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges,
invertebrates recorded within freshwater environments
Burra and the Marne and Saunders. There are often
(rivers, creeks, wetlands and waterholes) in the Region
insufficient flows, for example, to maintain healthy levels
include worms, molluscs, crustaceans and insects.
in the lower lakes, provide links between the lakes and the Coorong, maintain refuge pools for native fish, and
Human activities
maintain the naturally open Murray Mouth. Numerous
The Region’s natural resources support a wide range of
wetland systems along the course of the River and other
human activity including irrigated and dryland agriculture,
water-dependant ecosystems in South Australia are
tourism and recreation and various manufacturing industries
adversely affected, and judicious management of scarce
(notably food products and wine and beverages). Many
environmental water provisions is needed to maintain as
South Australian towns and urban centres, including
much ecosystem function and health as possible.
Adelaide, rely heavily on the River Murray for a large proportion of their annual potable water supply needs. The
Reductions to allocations, limited water access and
Region also faces significant urban growth pressures around
worsening water quality have significantly affected
some of its major towns, most notably Mount Barker and
horticultural, agricultural and dairy industry output and,
Goolwa, placing increased pressure on natural resources in
in turn, have had wider impacts on local communities and
these localities.
economies. Whilst irrigators along the River Murray system have been hit hard with reduced water allocations since
5
N
STATE OF THE REGION: Introduction
Figure 1.2: Map of
2006/2007 (60% in 2006/2007 and 32% in 2007/2008), water users in other areas have also been hit with either
neighboring regions
N
reduced access to water and/or poor water quality. Little improvement is expected without significant rainfall and
SA MDB NRM Region (from 1 July 2009)
runoff.
Northern and Yorke NRM Region
Other threats
Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges NRM Region
Major threats to the natural resources of the Region arise from past and current uses. Some arise from decisions and
South Australian Arid Lands NRM Region
actions made within the Region while others arise from
South East NRM Region
the decisions and actions of upstream states or from global processes (e.g. climate change). Of particular note are:
Kangaroo Island NRM Region
South Australian Murray-Darling Basin NRM Region
• the impact of introduced pest plant and animals • the continued fragmentation and decline of remnant
Lower MurrayDarling Catchment Management Authority
native ecosystems • ongoing land degradation processes such as dryland
Mallee Catchment Management Authority
salinity and soil acidity • the allocation, capture and non-licensed taking of water
Former SA MDB NRM Region boundary
resources beyond sustainable limits • altered flows within river systems • declining water quality due to increasing salinity, nutrients and pollution • inappropriate development practices.
SA MDB NRM Region Examples of existing programs which are run in partnership (from 1 July 2009)
or jointly-funded with other NRM Boards include: Many of these threats are further compounded by the risk
and Yorke • theNorthern Southern Emu Wren Recovery Program and the NRM Region
of a warmer, drier Region under climate change predictions.
Land Management Program with the Adelaide and
Also considered a threat is a lack of broad community
Mount RangesLofty NRM Ranges Region NRM Board
understanding of many natural resource processes and best
Adelaide and Mt Lofty
• theSouth Coorong South Australian Arid Lagoon Flow Restoration Project and
management practices, which may contribute to further
NRM Region of the Coorong District Local Action theLands implementation
unintended degradation.
South Eastthe NRM Region Plan with South East NRM Board
• programs the control of dingoes and feral goats with Kangaroofor Island
Neighbours in NRM The SA MDB NRM Region shares its boundaries with four
theNRM SARegion Arid Lands NRM Board. Lower MurrayDarling Catchment
other South Australian NRM Boards (Adelaide and Mount
1.2 | Management What is NRM?
Lofty Ranges, South East, Northern and Yorke, and SA Arid
NaturalAuthority resources management (NRM) is an approach to
Lands) as well as Victoria’s Mallee Catchment Management
Mallee Catchment managing our environment that strives to achieve a balance
Authority (CMA) and the Lower Murray-Darling CMA
between our collective need for resources and the needs Authority
in New South Wales (see Figure 1.2). Although these
of our Former environment. Natural resources include air, water, SA MDB NRM
boundaries exist, many natural resources management
Region boundary land, soil, plants, animals and micro-organisms, and the
issues need to be jointly addressed. The SA MDB NRM
ecosystems they form.
Management
Board is committed to developing and maintaining effective working relationships with all neighbouring regions for this purpose.
6
Because NRM entails active management of natural resources, people are central to its practice. However, in
• communicates a shared vision and goals for the natural resources of the Region.
the context of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (and therefore this Plan), the exploitation of natural
The Plan aims to support ecologically sustainable
resources such as minerals and energy is not considered part
development in the Region and achieve an appropriate
of NRM.
balance between the environmental, social, economic and cultrual outcomes through the use of natural resources.
When practised in an integrated manner, NRM can improve
In doing so it also seeks to foster a landscape approach to
both ecosystem resilience and agricultural productivity. In
natural resources management where ecological systems or
other words, it aims to augment social, physical, financial
catchments are managed as a whole.
and natural capital.
1.4 | The structure of the Plan The Natural Resources Management Act 2004 creates a
Figure 1.3 shows the relationship between the four volumes
regulatory framework for the management of the water, soil
of the regional NRM plan: Strategic Plan, State of the Region
and biological assets of each region. It requires the SA MDB
report, Regulatory and Policy Framework, and Business Plan.
NRM Board to prepare a regional NRM plan, setting out the policies it will use to protect the environment and the
The SA MDB NRM Board will contribute to achieving the
interests of the community.
long-term vision by implementing a range of strategies and actions that are funded through the NRM levy and other
The preparation of the SA MDB NRM Plan created an
income sources. These strategies and actions are delivered
opportunity for the community and stakeholders to develop
through the Program Areas.
an integrated vision for the future of natural resources for the SA MDB NRM Region.
Partnerships and collaboration are essential to the successful implementation of both the Business Plan and the plans
1.3 | The purpose of the Plan
of our partners, and therefore the overall achievement of
The SA MDB NRM Plan:
the Strategic Plan. A collaborative partnership approach
• assesses the current state and condition of the Region’s
is vital in ensuring commitment between all key partners
natural resources, the current and likely future processes
to collectively make a difference to natural resources
that threaten them, and consider opportunities for their
management.
better protection and management • sets long-term, 20-year targets for the desired state and condition of the Region’s natural resources • describes the broad strategies and actions required to achieve these targets • provides the basis for raising a natural resources
The State of the Region provides the best available information to underpin the regional NRM plan’s strategic directions, investment priorities, and future monitoring and evaluation. This volume describes the natural resources of
management levy to fund the SA MDB NRM Board’s
the Region, and reports on their current state and condition,
statutory obligations under the Plan
as well as trends in state and condition. It identifies threats
• provides a sound basis for direct investment in natural
and pressures impacting on natural resources, and the
resources management into the Region by the
current methods for managing these pressures and threats.
Australian and South Australian Governments
The State of the Region will be reviewed every five years.
• guides the approach to NRM of all the Region’s stakeholders, including the SA MDB NRM Board, the South Australian Government, local government, industry groups, community groups and individuals
7
1.5 | Volume 2: State of the Region
STATE OF THE REGION: Introduction
Future direction
Current position
Requirements
Implementation
Figure 1.3: Relationship between the volumes of the regional NRM plan
You are here
Volume 2:
Volume 3: Regulatory
Volume 4:
Strategic Plan
State of the Region
and Policy Framework
Business Plan
Purpose
Purpose
Purpose
Purpose
The Strategic Plan
The State of the Region
The Regulatory and Policy
The Business Plan outlines
provides direction and sets
provides the best available
Framework presents
actions to be undertaken
challenging targets for NRM
information to underpin
the regulations and
by the SA MDB NRM Board
in the Region. By doing
the regional NRM plan's
policies that underpin the
in order to implement the
so, it provides guidance
strategic directions,
implementation of the
Strategic Plan and meet
for the future investment
investment priorities, and
regional NRM plan. This
the requirements of the
decisions and actions of all
future monitoring and
volume helps ensure the
Regulatory and Policy
stakeholders.
evaluation.
Plan as a whole meets the
Framework.
Volume 1:
requirements of the NRM Act.
Main content
Main content
Main content
This volume includes the
This volume describes the
vision, goals, guiding
natural resources of the
Main content
staff, physical infrastructure
principles, resource
Region, and reports on their
This volume includes
and other resources
condition targets (the
current state and condition,
statutory requirements
required to undertake these
long-term outcomes
as well as trends in state
for water affecting
actions and to monitor and
sought), management
and condition. It identifies
activities, pest control,
evaluate their impact. It
action targets (the medium-
threats and pressures
soil conservation and
also outlines funds required
term outcomes sought)
impacting on natural
land management. It also
from various sources,
and the actions required
resources, and the current
aims to achieve alignment
including the Natural
to achieve these targets.
methods for managing
between the regional NRM
Resources Management
It also outlines the Plan
these pressures and threats.
plan, local government
Levy.
This volume details the
development plans, and
development process. Review and updating Review and updating
This volume will be
This volume sets direction
reviewed every five years.
NRM objectives.
Review and updating This volume presents
Review and updating
a rolling three-year
for the ensuing 10 years.
This volume will be
investment plan and
It will be reviewed and
reviewed and updated as
is reviewed, with parts
updated every five years.
necessary to reflect new
updated, annually.
requirements.
8
2. Looking forward SA MDB NRM Plan: STATE OF THE REGION
Successful NRM by tackling climate change regional NRM plan and is a mechanism to present data,
Climate in the Murray Region1 and Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges
information and knowledge on current asset condition,
Average annual rainfall and modelled run-off over the
pressures and responses. The South Australian Murray-
1997–2006 period are 8% and 21% lower respectively than
Darling Basin Natural Resources Management (SA MDB
the long-term (1895–2006) average values in the Murray
NRM) Board wants to seize this opportunity to set the
Region (CSIRO 2008a). Also:
scene. The Board is serious about climate change—it is
• the annual flow in the Murray system at the SA border
The State of the Region report is a component of the
1. The Murray Region straddles southern NSW, northern Victoria and south-east South Australia and represents 19.5% of the total area of the Murray-Darling Basin.
not just another NRM issue—and considers that adapting
for 2007–08 has been lower than would have ever
and responding to climate change is core business for the
occurred under the 1895–2006 climate (at current level
SA MDB NRM Region.
of development) (CSIRO 2008a) • rainfall for 1997–2006 was 7% lower than the historical
It is increasingly clear that our climate is changing. In the
average, surface water availability was 26% lower and
past, humans have learnt to cope with climate variability
groundwater recharge was 24% lower (CSIRO 2008b).
and change of a natural origin but we are now living in a climate of our own making.
2.2 | The projections A range of research has been undertaken to investigate
2.1 | The observations
the potential changes in climate at various scales. CSIRO
Regardless of whether climate change is underway or
has produced two key documents for the South Australian
coming, there are observed changes in our climate that have
Government that summarise the climate predictions for
enormous potential consequences for the sustainability of
South Australia. Climate change in South Australia contains
ecological systems, food production, economic activities and
an assessment of climate change, impacts and possible
the health of human populations. Much of this chapter is
adaptation strategies relevant to South Australia (McInnes
based on Campbell 2008.
et al. 2003). Climate change under enhanced greenhouse conditions in South Australia contains an assessment of
Global climate
climate change, impacts and risk management strategies
Eleven of the twelve years in the 1995–2006 period ranked
relevant to South Australia (Suppiah et al. 2006). See
as the warmest years in the instrumental record of global
Section 8.2.2 for summaries of these reports.
surface temperature. Also: • sea level rose by 1.8 mm per year over 1961 to 2003
More recently, CSIRO has been contracted by the National
• there has been a shrinking of ice extent and declining
Water Commission to report on current and future water
snow cover • extreme weather events have changed in frequency and intensity over the last 50 years (IPCC 2007).
availability in several regions of Australia in light of changes in climate and other issues. This project is referred to as the Murray-Darling Basin Sutainable Yields Project. Key findings from this project for the Region include:
Australian climate
is less severe than the climate experienced from 1997
• Australian temperatures have, on average, risen by
to 2006. Under this projection, average surface water
about 1°C • the frequency of heatwaves has increased and the
availability for the Murray region would fall by 14%, average diversions in the Murray region would fall by
number of frosts and cold days has decreased
4% and end-of-system flows would fall by 24%.
• rainfall patterns have changed—the northwest has
• If the recent (1997 to 2006) climate were to persist,
seen an increase in rainfall over the last 50 years while much of eastern Australia and the far southwest have experienced a decline (BoM 2008).
11
• The best estimate (median) of climate change by 2030
Since the middle of the 20th century:
average surface water availability for the Murray region
STATE OF THE REGION: Looking forward
Figure 2.1: Effects
More frequent droughts and fires will change environmental stresses on plant and animal communities
Economic and social consequences as more frequent and intense extreme weather has adverse immediate impacts on food production and on the livelihood assets and opportunities in rural areas (under current arrangements)
Climate change
Rises in sea level, increased storm surges and increased ocean acidity impact on marine environments
Increased forest evapotranspiration due to higher temperatures
Loss of arable land due to increased aridity
(Adapted from MDBC) Increased demand for groundwater as surface water availability reduces
Changes in water availability for aquatic biodiversity and wetland/ floodplain management
Some plants and animals become stranded in isolated remnants of vegetation as climate zones change due to lack of suitable habitat for migration
of climate change
More farm dams as surface water availability reduces
would fall by 30%, average diversions in the Murray
Climate change responses need to be hard-wired into
region would fall by 13% and end-of-system flows
core business and not seen as a separate issue for NRM
would fall by 50%. The relative level of surface water
operations. Constructive climate change adaptation
use across the Murray-Darling Basin would be 66%
measures strongly overlap best practice regional NRM.
(CSIRO 2008a). The Board brings diverse stakeholders together to deliver
2.3 | Climate change is core business
integrated approaches for NRM issues – it is ideally placed
Climate change is real and long lasting, having major
to meld top-down strategy and resources with bottom-up
implications for natural resources management, particularly
energy and engagement to deliver effective management
at the regional scale. There are profound implications for
responses at the regional scale. Regional leaders and policy
natural assets and management (including policy and
makers can have as much influence on landscape futures as
planning). See Figure 2.1 for examples.
climate change (Bryan et al. 2007).
A concern for climate change does not replace current NRM
2.4 | Conclusion
issues; rather, many of these issues will be exacerbated or
Climate change is not just another NRM issue—it is a driver
compounded by climate change.
for managing NRM issues and values.
There are two broad categories of climate change response:
It is not business as usual for NRM planning. Successful
mitigation and adaptation. Both responses are required;
regional NRM means integrating climate change adaptation
however, irrespective of mitigation actions taken now,
into core business at all levels, and bringing the community
adaptation to climate change is a must. Adaptation is a
along with it.
risk management strategy involving actions to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and take advantage of new opportunities that may arise.
12
3. Our natural resources SA MDB NRM Plan: STATE OF THE REGION
The Region's assets 3.1 | Overview of regional natural resources The natural resources of the South Australia Murray-Darling
• a fairly stable population of approximately 126,000 predominantly residing in the major urban centres of Murray Bridge, Mt Barker and Berri.
Basin Natural Resources Management (SA MDB NRM) Region underpin its economy, and its water resources
The SA MDB NRM Region is a vast area covering
support much of South Australia. The natural resources of
5,670,200 ha. The land section of this is 5,631,377 ha.
the Region encompass:
The Region can be divided into the five distinct units, as
• significant water resources including the River Murray
presented in Table 3.1.
and significant tributaries of the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges supplying water to the local region as well as
In its natural state, the Region would have supported a
95% of the South Australia population
complex mosaic of temperate woodlands, large tracts
• diverse and unique ecology ranging from arid inland
of mallee, shrublands, saline and freshwater wetlands,
ecosystems, substantial freshwater aquatic habitats
herblands and grasslands. It is estimated that today some
along the River Corridor, ephemeral streams in the
52% of the Region is covered by native vegetation, with the
Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, groundwater basins and
northern area remaining uncleared pastoral land. By contrast
the coast and estuarine environments of the Coorong
the southern, higher rainfall part of the Region is highly
and Lower Lakes
cleared and fragmented. The Region has a diverse flora with
• productive landscape that supports diverse primary production systems including grazing, horticulture
over 2,000 vascular plant species recorded, which represent 57% of the state’s species.
(consisting of wine grapes, citrus, stone fruit and vegetables), dairy, broad-hectare agricultural production
The Region supports a highly diverse fauna, with over
(including mixed cereal and livestock grazing)
450 species recorded. Although 95 mammal species have been recorded historically, it is thought that only 50 of
Table 3.1: Ecological areas and bioregions of the Region
15
Unit
Description
River Murray Corridor
Uniquely influenced by fluvial (riparian) process in forming the landscape distinct from the aeolian (wind) processes that dominate the remainder of the Region. From the border to Overland Corner, the River Murray meanders through a floodplain some 5–10 km wide. Beyond Overland Corner, the River has incised a narrow gorge though limestone where geological structure largely determines its course.
Coorong and Lower Lakes
Low-lying alluvial and coastal plains overlain by low sand ridges, with some outwash fans and isolated remnant hills along the western edge, and calcrete-capped old coastal dunes, up to 40 m high adjacent to the Coorong.
Murray Mallee and Murray Plains
An expansive and gently undulating plain with generally east-west trending sand ridges transitioning to the Ranges to the west consisting of outwash fans.
Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges
Bounded by steep escarpments with small tributary catchments draining into either the River Murray or Lake Alexandrina.
South Olary Plains
A pastoral region receiving very little rain, it extends north of the River Murray and west of the New South Wales / South Australian border featuring mallee, woodlands and chenopod shrubland vegetation, the majority of which remains uncleared.
Coorong Bioregion
Features a diversity of habitats, including complex near-shore reef systems, and marine organisms. The Bioregion supports a number of marine species of importance to commercial and recreational fisheries. Species of conservation significance that occur in this region include the Leafy Sea Dragon, as well as migrating Southern Right and Humpback Whales.
STATE OF THE REGION: Our natural resources
these currently have viable populations in the Region. Over
3.2 | People, land use and economy
110 species of reptile have been recorded in the Region.
The SA MDB NRM Region comprises only 7% of the area
Two of these species have a state conservation status of
of South Australia, but it is one of South Australia’s most
endangered, five with a conservation status of vulnerable
productive agricultural regions supporting a diverse range
and six species are rated as rare at the state level. Fifty-three
of natural environments and human activities including
species of frog are known to occur within the Murray-
irrigated and dryland agriculture, tourism and recreation,
Darling Basin system. Of these, 13 have been verified as
and various manufacturing industries. The Region also
occurring within the Region. Two species are considered
supports a number of towns and urban centres.
significant in the Region; one of these, Golden Bell Frog, is listed as nationally vulnerable.
The Region has a fairly stable population of approximately 126,000, with nearly half residing in the riverine corridor
Approximately 31 species of native freshwater fish occur
and 20% of people living in the major urban centres of
within the Region, of which eight move between fresh
Murray Bridge, Mount Barker and Berri. The area has high
and salt water. Six introduced species also occur within
levels of multicultural diversity, with up to 25% of the total
the Region. In addition to freshwater fish, large numbers
population made up of people born overseas. Part or all of
of estuarine and marine fish occur within the Coorong
fifteen local government areas are located within
and Lower Lakes. Aquatic invertebrates recorded within
the Region.
freshwater environments (rivers, creeks, wetlands and waterholes) in the Region include worms, molluscs,
The natural resources of the Region underpin its economy,
crustaceans and insects.
and its water resources support much of South Australia. The Region has a mix of primary (predominantly irrigated
The marine environment supports a diversity of marine
and dryland agriculture) and manufacturing (notably food
species including mammals, fish, invertebrates, seagrasses
products and wine and beverages) activity and also has a
and algae.
significant urban population with associated housing stock and service sectors (SA MDB INRM Group 2003).
The River Murray is the principal water resource for South Australia with water from the River Murray servicing 95%
The primary land use in the Region is production from
of the entire population of South Australia (at least in part).
dryland agriculture and plantations covering 45% of the
The water resources of the Region also support significant
Region. Land in this class is used principally for primary
aquatic habitats along the entire length of the river from the
production (based on dryland farming systems), specific
State border to the Lower Lakes and Coorong at its mouth.
to the Region is pastoral land and dryland cropping and
The River has a number of tributaries within the Region that
pasture. Grazing of rangelands is a major land use of the
originate in the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges. Groundwater
SA MDB NRM Region to the north of the River Murray.
is extracted from selected aquifers and is particularly
Adjacent to the River Murray, within part of the Mallee and
important to agriculture in the Angas-Bremer Plains and the
along the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, horticulture is a
Mallee regions for irrigation and stock and domestic uses.
major land use consisting of wine grapes, citrus, stone fruit
There is relatively little inflow into the River Murray within
and vegetables. There are also areas of dairy production on
South Australia and the flows here are dependent on flows
the Lower Murray Reclaimed Irrigation Areas and around
into South Australia from upstream states.
the Lower Lakes. In the agricultural areas, broad-hectare agricultural production is largely mixed cereal and livestock grazing, although pulse and oilseed crops are increasing as cropping intensifies, particularly in the more reliable rainfall areas in the south.
16
Agricultural land use in the Murray Mallee is mainly
Recreation and tourism are also significant contributors
restricted to dryland agriculture with a number of crops
to the regional economy that depend on the natural
grown and grazing for wool and meat production, but the
resources of the Region, with tourist accommodation
irrigation industry is growing rapidly as River Murray users
(including the houseboat industry), cafes and restaurants
seek alternative sources of water and land to develop. On
generating significant employment and income for the
the Murray Plains, horticulture, dairying and some irrigated
regional economy (SA MDB INRM Group 2003). Water-
farming are undertaken in addition to the dryland activities.
related recreation in the Region includes fishing, swimming, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, picnicking, camping,
The contribution to the economy of the Region of the
sightseeing, and touring. The coast is also popular for whale
agriculture, forestry and farming sector during 2006–07 is
watching when the whales and their calves come close to
presented in Table 3.2.
shore.
Table 3.2: Contribution of agriculture, forestry
Maintenance, operation and administration of urban water
and farming to the Regional economy 2006–07
supplies—an industry dependent on natural resources— provides water to 95% of the entire population of South
Contribution to regional economy Total employment
8,428 jobs
19.0%
Australia. Many of the state’s high value industries are also
Value of output
$1,090.6M
17.3%
dependent on water diverted from the Murray, including
$587.9M
18.2%
mining and processing facilities in Whyalla, Port Augusta
Contribution Source: EconSearch 2008
and Port Pirie.
Key agricultural commodities include fruit (including grapes)
3.3 | Condition of the natural resources
meat, vegetables, milk and cereals. The major products
The Region has been gripped by a significant drought in
from dryland agriculture in the Region are wheat and barley.
recent years with particularly dry winter seasons throughout
Irrigated horticulture in this Region is expanding with the
the Murray-Darling Basin, and particularly the southern
establishment of potatoes, olives, grapevines and almond
Basin, resulting in low inflows to the system. Significantly,
growing areas (SA MDB INRM Group 2003). Manufacturing
water inflows in the past two years have been the lowest
to support the primary production is a significant regional
since records began. Key responses to climate variability are
activity. Enterprises such as wineries, citrus processors and
noted in Section 8.1.5.
producers and dairy manufacturers tend to locate close to the sources of their raw materials. Industries centred on
While there have been severe droughts in the Basin before,
the River Murray are also important contributors to the
notably the ‘federation drought’ around 1901, and again
economy. Commercial fishing no longer operates along the
in the 1940s, with temperatures in the Basin now warmer
length of the River and is now limited to Lower Lakes and
there is more evaporation and drier catchments so this
the Coorong. Important commercial species include Callop,
period of low water availability combined with the level of
Mulloway, and Pippi (formerly known as Goolwa Cockles).
extraction from the River is more extreme than the previous
The marine recreational and commercial fishery is also a
two periods. This has severely affected the natural systems,
significant contributor to the local economy (SA MDB INRM
communities and economies that depend on water from
Group 2003).
the River Murray. River regulation, historic management and water allocation have combined with the low water inflows to produce a scenario that has not been seen previously in recorded history.
17
STATE OF THE REGION: Our natural resources
The impact is particularly evident at the most downstream
3.4 | Asset interaction
end of the system, where there are insufficient inflows
Natural resource assets do not occur or function in
to maintain water levels in the Lower Lakes, provide links
isolation—there are strong dependent relationships between
between these Lakes and the Coorong and maintain a
assets. These relationships may be obvious or unseen, but
naturally open Murray Mouth without the dredging that
they are essential for the health and productivity of natural
has occurred in recent years. A significant issue is that the
resource assets. Below are simplified figures (Figures 3.1a,
low lake levels have exposed a lot of potentially acid sulfate
b, c, d and e) that demonstrate the positive interaction and
soil that threatens to pollute the system when water levels
exchange between the assets—People, Water, Biodiversity,
rise again. Management of the low water availability has
Land and Atmosphere.
led to allocations to irrigators being cut to a fraction of their original entitlement, affecting the agricultural production
As a result, managing each natural resource asset impacts
and economy of the primary production regions.
on the other assets—these interactions must be identified and built into management across the assets to ensure
While rainfall in the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges is down
flow-on impacts are optimised (and any negative impact is
from average conditions, reductions in this area are
minimised).
proportionally less than the main river channel. Water availability in these regions is impacted by historic water
The different approach for the People asset reflects capacity
harvesting infrastructure such as farm dams and aquifer
and infrastructure requirements for People.
extraction. Natural resources management in this region must include habitat re-establishment to produce more robust natural systems and improved farming methods to ensure greatest efficiency in agricultural production of the area that optimises the use of the resources, while minimising impacts of the enterprises. The Region is highly exposed to on-going climate changes that are predicted to lead to a warmer, drier climate in the Region. The continuation of the low water availability that is currently being experienced, and the nature of the fragmented and isolated habitat areas of the Region, particularly in the south, will expose this Region to the impacts of a warmer, drier climate. Native populations are restricted in their ability to move and weed species easily colonise isolated and fragmented areas of native vegetation. Similarly historic agricultural pursuits will be exposed to the impacts of this drying climate. Effective natural resources management that raises the condition of the resources of the Region to produce more resilient systems will be critical into the future.
18
Figure 3.1a: Interactions of the People asset,
Soil health for agricultural production and natural biodiversity
Atmosphere
simplified
Land
Sustainable carbon footprint Sustainable NRM practices, including pest management
People
Adaptation and mitigation
Capacity: awareness, motivation, knowledge, skills, participation, adoption, confidence, crosscultural awareness Infrastructure: networks, engagement, partnerships, decision making, NRM development, NRM implementation
Sustainable NRM practices including water allocation planning
Water
19
Healthy water to meet requirements of users (inc. environment)
Sustainable NRM practices, including pest management
Protection and restoration of native vegetation (provides habitat for native fauna)
Biodiversity
STATE OF THE REGION: Our natural resources
Provides socio-economic benefits for local and broader community
Atmosphere
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions generated during pumping, salt interception and dredging
Used sustainably reduces dependency upon River Murray
Interactions of the Water asset, simplified
Used for consumption (domestic, stock and industry) and recreation
Water (surface and groundwater)
Used sustainably
Land
Figure 3.1b: People
Reduces risk of secondary salinity benefiting land condition with flow on benefits for crops, pastures and native vegetation
Water quality, volume, timing and frequency depended upon by flora and fauna
Provides habitat processes (availability, quality and diversity) and biodiversity processes (recolonisation, spawning trigger, spread of seed, attractant flows)
Biodiversity
20
Figure 3.1c: Interactions of the Biodiversity asset,
Provides socio-economic benefits for local and broader community
Atmosphere
simplified
Removes carbon from atmosphere and incorporate into biomass
Provides ecosystem services, for example filtration of water, cultural, social and recreational amenity
Flora stores carbon
Biodiversity
Flora provides filtering, soil stabilisation and water balance
Water
21
People
Water quality improvements and maintains groundwater at appropriate levels
Provide soil processes, including development, stabilisation, and water balance
Land condition benefits with flow on benefits for crops, pastures and native vegetation
Land
STATE OF THE REGION: Our natural resources
Figure 3.1d:
Provides socio-economic benefits for local and broader community
Atmosphere
Removes carbon from atmosphere and incorporates into biomass
Used for carbon sinks (vegetation and soil)
Interactions of the
People
Land asset, simplified
Used for primary production
Land
Used for native vegetation
Managed with sustainable NRM practices Provides habitat for flora, fauna, fungi
Water
Minimises water quality risk issues, for example soil erosion, nutrients, pathogens, salt entering waterways
Biodiversity
22
Figure 3.1e: Interactions of the Atmosphere
Impacts food production, livelilhood assets and opportunities
Biodiversity
asset, simplified
Stress on flora and fauna communities, habitat fragmentation, lack of suitable habitat for migratory species
Changes in water availability, higher temperatures, more frequent droughts and fires
People
More frequent and more intense extreme weather
Atmosphere
Increased aridity
Surface water availability reduces Loss of arable land
Water
23
Increased demand for groundwater, more farm dams, reduced dilution flows to improve water quality
Land
STATE OF THE REGION: Our natural resources
24
4. People SA MDB NRM Plan: STATE OF THE REGION