South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board - Regional NRM Plan Excerpt

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