Renmark Paringa Landcare Local Action Plan · 2020. 2. 26. · • Matt Warnock • Cr. Jack Gibb (Council Representative) We would like to acknowledge the land covered by this Plan

10 year plan for creating a healthy future for our community, land and water

in the Renmark Paringa Region of South Australia

Prepared by Renmark Paringa Landcare Committee

on behalf of the Renmark Paringa Council

Renmark Paringa Landcare Local Action Plan

How can you get involved?Supporting the Renmark Paringa Landcare Committee is a great way to help build a healthy future for community, land and water in the Renmark to the Border region of South Australia.

We welcome the opportunity to work with people, groups and organisations that have an interest in volunteering or investing in our projects.

Contact us: Environmental Officer - Renmark Paringa Council

- Phone: (08) 8580 3000 or 0458 669 717

- Email: [email protected]

- Office: 61 Eighteenth Street Renmark

- Post: PO Box 730, Renmark SA 5341

- Website: www.renmarkparinga.sa.gov.au/ rplandcare

- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rplandcare

Copyright © Renmark Paringa Council, 2015.

All or part of this document may be copied and distributed with permission from, and acknowledgement of, the Renmark Paringa Council.

Although every effort has been made to ensure the correctness and accuracy of the information contained herein, no warranty express or implied is given.

This plan shall be referenced as Renmark Paringa Council 2015 Renmark Paringa Landcare Action Plan.

Draft version 2 released in 2017

AcknowledgementsFirst draft was prepared by: Seed Consulting Services.

Reviewed and edited by: Peter Waanders, and the Renmark Paringa Landcare Committee and staff.

Photographic credits: Teagan McKillop, unless otherwise stated. Front cover photo by Callie Nickolai.

The 2015 Landcare Committee members:• Susie Sharley (Chairperson)• Jane Du Rieu (Deputy Chairperson)• Bill Berends• Humphrey Howie• Sue Luchich• Mark Stoeckel• Peter Teakle• Matt Warnock• Cr. Jack Gibb (Council Representative)

We would like to acknowledge the land coveredby this Plan is the traditional lands for the FirstPeoples of the River Murray and Mallee Regionand that we respect their spiritual relationshipwith their country. We also acknowledge theFirst Peoples of the River Murray and MalleeRegion as the custodians of the greater RiverMurray and Mallee region and that their culturaland heritage beliefs are still as important toTraditional Owners today.

We would like to thank:• The community in the Renmark Paringa region for their input into this Plan• Our funding partners, especially the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board for their past and current financial support

Natural Resources SA Murray-Darling Basin

Renmark Paringa Landcare Plan Draft Page 2


Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 1.1 What is Local Action Planning?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 1.2 Renmark Paringa Landcare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 1.3 Operation of the Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

2 Our region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 2.1 Location and climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 2.2 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 2.3 Biodiversity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 2.3.1 Native vegetation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 2.3.2 Native fauna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 2.4 Sustainable economy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

3 Our priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 3.1 Environmental flows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 3.2 Biodiversity conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 3.3 Pest plants and animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 3.4 Dryland farming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 3.5 Adaptation to climate change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 3.6 Priority sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

4 Our approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 4.1 Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 4.2 Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 4.3 Goals and priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 4.4 Actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 4.5 Alignment with other NRM plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

5 Our management strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 5.1 Implementation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 5.2 Monitoring, evaluation and reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

6 References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Contents


The Renmark Paringa (RP) Landcare region is recognised as having a magnificent natural environment including Australia’s largest river - the River Murray, a Ramsar listed wetland of international importance and a declared UNESCO Biosphere area. Our region is the birthplace of irrigation in Australia that today supports major horticultural industries including citrus, wine grapes and almonds.

This new Local Action Plan marks 20 years since Renmark Paringa Landcare Committee (previously known as Renmark to the Border Local Action Committee), was first formed in the Renmark Paringa region. Twenty years ago our first Local Action Plan set about tackling the issues that threatened our environment and our livelihoods and it listed objectives to reduce salinity, wetland degradation, inefficient irrigation methods, and pest plants and animals. Landcare has played a leadership role in addressing these issues by working with the community and government.

During this period RP Landcare has worked through many changes in community attitudes, government policies, departmental restructures, droughts and water restrictions, funding cycles and governance. RP Landcare has played a role in building resilience in our community, essential to surviving challenges.

In partnership with the community, RP Landcare has built a better understanding of native plants and animals, water and soils; and supported the development of several large scale Land and Water Management plans. Landcare has encouraged young people to understand their environment through “hands on” workshops and tree planting with schools, and has established an Environmental Education Award to support residents to pursue a career in environmental science or land management.

Emerging challenges will include finding new ways to manage natural resources that are placed under greater stress by extreme climatic

conditions, and sourcing funding to continue to manage our natural resources as government resources decline. This new plan will support us to attract further funding, and enable us to respond to the challenges of the next 10 years.

This new Plan will guide our community into a new era that brings opportunities to tap into the high interest in locally important priority sites – Ral Ral floodplain, Pike River anabranch, Paringa Paddock, and Bookmark Creek. Eco-tourism provides Landcare with opportunities to continue educating residents and visitors through interpretation of our environment and how it is being managed, so that they become more involved in caring for it.

On behalf of the Committee I want to thank the hardworking volunteers and passionate individuals who do the on-ground works, who observe and raise the emerging issues and volunteer on the numerous groups and committees – they are the ACTION in Local Action Plan. This new Local Action Plan will help to guide our actions to ensure that future residents and visitors can also enjoy and appreciate the river and its amazing natural beauty, winding creeks, stunning cliffs, native wildlife and sustainable industries.

Susie SharleyChairperson Renmark Paringa Landcare Committee

Foreword


ForewordIn 2012 the operations of the Renmark to the Border Local Action Planning (RBLAP) Association were integrated into the Renmark Paringa Council structure via the formation of a Section 41 Committee.

The integration has not only assisted with the funding of the Renmark Paringa Landcare operations in a period of reduced State and Federal Government funding, but also addresses a skills gap in environmental management which existed within Council’s staff structure.

This has been an important move to assist Council to address its emerging priorities in building a sustainable environment.

The creation of a new Local Action Plan over a period of 10 years will assist in providing forward direction to Council and the Community on what environmental challenges and opportunities exist in our region.

The Renmark Paringa Council is committed to a sustainable future for its community and looks forward to realising the environmental benefits from the actions outlined in this plan.

Tony Siviour Chief Executive OfficerRenmark Paringa Council


Activity Description

Engaging local schools in natural resource management programs

We have engaged with the local high school and primary schools through co-ordinating workshops, programs, guest speakers, and providing technical assistance to teachers and students. Some examples include:• Tree-planting at Johnsons Waterhole by St Joseph’s Primary School• Water Watch monitoring with primary and high school students at Bookmark Creek • Other initiatives include Rabbit Scan, Tracks & Scats, Arbor Day, Sustainable

Gardening

Wetland and floodplain management

We have supported land managers, wetland management groups, reference committees and the local community in driving the responsible management of these important environments for the health of our River system. Some examples include: • Through our partnership with the Nature Foundation, floodplain watering events have

taken place at a number of sites• Bird and salinity monitoring at watering events• Support of Bookmark Creek Action Group and various other wetland community

groups• Involvement in the Ramsar planning process • We were a principal stakeholder in the Pike Implementation Program which included

representatives from the Pike River Land Management Group, the Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resource Management Board and the South Australian Water Corporation.

Revegetation schemes

We have co-ordinated revegetation schemes for local land managers, providing seedlings and on-ground work support for revegetation projects. Some examples include:• Seedlings grown by RP Landcare have been provided to various landholders and

tree-planting projects• Providing free seedlings and advice for revegetation projects.

Pest and Weed Control

We are actively involved in various Pest and Weed management projects. Examples include:• Removal of Desert Ash from the river bank• Control of the Prickly Pear infestation at Whirlpool Corner • Follow up monitoring and removal where necessary

Environmental Education Award Association

The Environmental Education Award Association is supported through assistance with administration. The Award provides financial assistance to students who ordinarily reside within the Renmark Paringa Council boundary to undertake and complete a tertiary education in environmental studies.

Community Group and Volunteer support

The Committee has supported over 16 community groups to manage their local environment, including: • Bookmark Creek Action Group • Templeton Wetland Action Group• Ral Ral Floodplain Working Group • Weila Wetland Group• Murtho Irrigators Group • Pike River Land Management Group• Whirlpool Corner Wetland Group • Renmark Paringa Lyrup Bushfriends• Woolenook Wetland Association

Capacity building

We co-ordinated irrigation efficiency and sustainability training courses and carried out irrigation and crop surveys. These led to greatly improved irrigation practices. Some examples include: • In the mid-early 2000s we delivered RiverCare courses in partnership with the

Renmark Irrigation Trust. Over time, these courses developed into more specialised irrigation management courses.

Table 1. Summary of Renmark Paringa Landcare’s past achievements.

1.3 Operation of the CommitteeAs a Section 41 Committee of the Remark Paringa Council, there is a rigorous approach to financial and risk management underpinning delivery of actions under this Plan. While full details are described in the Committee’s Terms of Reference, the following features of the structure should be noted:

• Financial management - The finances of the Committee are administrated by Renmark Paringa Council staff on behalf of the Committee.

• Budgeting - The annual draft operating budget plus any capital expenditure or project budget allocations for the next financial year will be prepared by Council staff for consideration by the Committee for recommendation and inclusion in the Renmark Paringa Council draft Annual Business Plan and Budget.

• Financial reporting and auditing - The Committee’s financial operations are independently audited by the Renmark Paringa Council’s external auditors as part of Council’s normal annual audit process. The Committee’s accounting records may be subject to audit by Council Finance staff or Council external auditors at any time.

• Risk management - All Council projects require a risk management assessment and project plan including project scheduling prior to the commencement of any works.

The Committee’s Terms of Reference are available on the Renmark Paringa Council website: http://www.renmarkparinga.sa.gov.au



2.3 Biodiversity2.3.1 Native vegetationWetlands and floodplainsWetlands and floodplains are abundant in our region. The variable habitats they provide have high ecological value, and they support a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Our wetland communities are dominated by plants like Common reed (Phragmites australis), Bull rush (Typha domingensis)and Club rush (Bolboschoenus caldwellii) and water plants such as Ribbon weed (Vallisneria americana) and Floating pond weed (Potamogeton tricarinatus).

Our floodplain areas have different vegetation communities compared with lower lying wetlands. The flora is more dominated by trees and shrubs with major floodplain vegetation communities dominated by:

• River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), including Blackbox (E. largiflorens), Lignum and grasses/sedges;

• Lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta), including Coobah (Acacia salicina) and occasional red gum;

• Samphire (various species); and• Blackbox, with various species of saltbush.

Historically, the flood plain and River experienced annual wetting and drying cycles. High flows traditionally came in winter and spring and the River became a series of pools over the summer and early autumn months. Our native flora and fauna evolved under these conditions and are adapted to these cycles.

Regulation of the River with locks and weirs has impacted on wetlands and floodplains. It has resulted in relatively stable water levels and the groundwater table below floodplain areas has risen. In many locations (such as the Pike and Chowilla floodplains), the highly saline water table now limits the growth and regeneration of floodplain vegetation (RBLAPA 1999). The demand for irrigation water has also altered the timing of flows, with greater volumes now delivered in the summer months than would have occurred naturally.

Floodplain vegetation was also impacted by logging to provide fuel for pumps when the irrigation settlement was first established.


Mallee

The area surrounding the floodplain was once covered in mallee eucalypt scrubland. Much of the mallee has been cleared for irrigated and dryland agriculture, as the sandy soils are suitable for growing crops. However, large tracts of mallee remain intact, especially north of the River. Mature mallee vegetation communities are made up of three layers, including trees, shrubs and a lichen crust over the soils.

Common and important trees, shrubs and grasses include:• Red mallee (Eucalyptus socialis) and Ridge

fruit mallee (E. incrassata) on the dunes, with Spinifex grass (Triodia scariosa);

• Grey mallee (E. morrisi) on the lower dunes and swales;

• White mallee (E. dumosa) and Sugarwood (Myoporum platycarpum) on the wide swales;

• Black oak (Casuarina pauper), Bullock Bush (Alectryon oleifolius) and Sugarwood (Myoporum platycarpum) on upland plains.

Highland areas are dominated by sandy ridges and areas of silt and clay that are prone to erosion. When covered in the original mallee and associated vegetation the soils were protected, but large scale land clearance has resulted in an increase in erosion.

Clearing of natural vegetation, which used to use up available rainwater, has led to a rise in groundwater tables which in turn have increased discharge of saline groundwater towards the River and floodplains. Application of water for irrigation in some areas has resulted in drainage water creating groundwater mounds, thereby increasing pressure on underlying saline groundwater, which in turn also has led to increased discharge of saline groundwater towards the River and floodplains.


2.3.2 Native faunaFish

The diverse river and wetland habitats in the region are home to 13 species of native fish, from a wide variety of functional groups (Zampatti et al. 2006 a, b).

Threatened species:

- Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii)

- Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus)

- Murray Hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis)

- Freshwater Catfish (Tandanus tandanus)

- Callop (Macquaria ambigua ambigua)

- Dwarf Flathead Gudgeon (Philypnodon

macrostomus).

Mammals

We have surprisingly high species diversity in the region, with at least 25 native mammal species present (Brandle and Bird 1990, DEH 2003, Parks Australia 2005). Twelve of these are microbats, and the remainder are possums, water rat, kangaroos, mice, dunnarts, echidna, and koala.

Threatened species:

- South-eastern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus

corbeni)

- Little Pied Bat (Chalinolobus picatus)

- Western Pygmy Possum (Cercartetus concinnus)

- Feathertail Glider (Acrobates pygmaeus)

BirdsOver 165 bird species are found throughout the mallee, river and wetland ecosystems of our region (Carpenter 1990, Kieskamp 2014, Parks Australia 2005). They play an integral role in maintaining and contributing to regional biodiversity and adding to the unique regional tourism, recreation and natural resources attraction of the area.

The Regent Parrot has declined dramatically in our region during the last decade. We are actively involved in the Regent Parrot Recovery Team, aimed at adressing this decline.

Threatened species:- Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius)- Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata)- Regent Parrot (eastern race) (Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides) - Red-lored Whistler (Pachycephala rufogularis)

- Black-eared Miner (Manorina melanotis)


Reptiles and frogsThirty-eight reptile and eight frog species have been recorded in our region. Reptile families present include turtle, gecko, dragon, monitor, skink, and snake (Lloyd’s 1990).

Threatened species:- Southern Bell Frog (Litoria raniformis)- Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) - Eastern Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus- Broad-shelled Turtle (Chelodina expansa)

- Macquarie Turtle (Emydura macquarii)

InvertebratesThe region is home to a vast number of micro and macro aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Surveys of aquatic invertebrates suggest in the range of 40-121 aquatic taxa across the region (Lloyd and Boulton 1990, Suter 1993, SKM 2005). These invertebrates provide important food, pollination and pest management services to natural and agricultural ecosystems

The Riverland is recognised as one of Australia’s leading food and wine production regions, producing agricultural commodities valued at $777 million per year. Irrigation using water from the River Murray supports Australia’s largest wine grape production area and produces a range of other crops such as nuts, citrus and stone fruit. Outside of irrigation areas, dryland farming enterprises are based on broadacre cropping and grazing on pasture and native shrubs.

The region’s farmers have embraced sustainable approaches to water and land management. In irrigation areas, initial land and water management had degraded many parts of the landscape. This resulted in salinisation of the floodplain and increased salt loads in the river. However, this has been reduced due to changed irrigation management practices. Through the development and implementation of Land & Water Management Plans, we have played a crucial role in facilitating many projects to achieve these improvements. In dryland farming areas, native vegetation once cleared for cultivation is now being re-established to assist with conservation efforts.

2.4 Sustainable economy

Renmark to the Border Local Action Plan Page 15

Pest plants and animals have a major impact on the natural and agricultural environment in the region. They compete with native plants and animals for food and breeding resources and predate on native flora and fauna to the extent that some species are facing extinction. Their control also poses a large cost to agriculture each year.

In the river, European Carp are a well-known pest causing damage to native aquatic plants, disturbing soft sediments in wetlands and competing with native fish. On the land, rabbits are a perennial problem along with goats and pigs which damage the soil and destroy native vegetation. Foxes and cats prey on small mammals, reptiles and birds and their eggs, particularly ground-dwelling species.

Weeds such as Bridal Creeper, Boneseed, Golden Dodder and Weeping Willow all have a significant impact on their environment and present their own difficulties to control.

Action targeting aquatic and terrestrial pest plants and animals is a priority. Local action such as education, early spotting and projects to implement control measures will assist in reducing the problem and can work within the framework of regional pest plant and animal management such as that conducted by the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board.

3.3 Pest plants and animals



3.4 Dryland farmingA significant part of our area is covered by sheep and cereal dryland farming properties, skirted by fragments of remnant vegetation. Without correct management of the soils and vegetation, problems occur such as soil degradation through wind erosion, poor soil health through loss of soil biota, poor crop and fodder production, continuous decline in biodiversity and increase saline groundwater recharge.

Much is known about appropriate and improved management for dryland farming systems and soils, through previous investment in research and development of grain and pastures, soil biota, plant and animal pest control and farming technology. The Mallee Sustainable Farming project and the neighbouring Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association (MMLAP) can provide much information on farming trials and projects supporting sustainable dryland farming, and over the last 15 years has led the charge for dramatic sustainable farming improvement.

We aim to work in partnership with these, and other relevant agencies, to promote ongoing research, and deliver on-ground projects.

Science predicts that the region is expected to experience drier and hotter conditions in the future (Hayman et al. 2011). These changing climatic conditions could impact natural resources in the region in a number of ways over the next 40 to 100 years (Meyer et al. 2010, Siebentritt et al. 2011). For example, a reduction in rainfall could reduce upstream inflows and change river flow regimes, impacting water availability for irrigation, floodplain and river plants and animals. Reduced local rainfall and increased bushfire risk could lead to changing vegetation communities, altering the type of habitat available for native fauna, potentially leading to local extinctions of specialised biota.

Action can be taken now to mitigate future adverse environmental impacts. Many things that can be done already align with existing natural resource management initiatives. For example, practices such as pulsing of river flows, environmental watering, wetting and drying, revegetation and development of nature corridors can all help build resilience to future climate change.

We will continue to undertake these projects and support other local efforts to reduce carbon output at a household and business scale.

3.5 Adaptation to climate change


Figure 2: Priority sites in the Renmark Paringa region. Red circles are easy public access sites: Bookmark Creek (a), Paringa Paddock (b), and Ral Ral Floodplain (c)

We have identified five priority sites (Figure 2) for our work in coming years.

Three priority sites are easily accessible by the public: Bookmark Creek, Paringa Paddock, and Ral Ral Floodplain. They represent a significant opportunity to engage people in natural resource management activities and education because of their proximity to the Renmark and Paringa towns.

Two priority sites are currently receiving long-term investment: the Pike River anabranch and the Riverland Ramsar Site. We recognise these as worthy projects to which we could contribute.

We will continue to work with individuals, community, government and industry on other sites where neccessary.

3.6 Priority sites


Our priority sites: a- Bookmark Creek b- Paringa Paddock c- Ral Ral Floodplain d- Riverland Ramsar Site e- Pike River anabranch

d Riverland Ramsar Wetland

e Pike Floodplain

c

ba


Goal PriorityBi

odiv

ersit

yHelp manage the condition of all watercourses including wetlands, floodplains, creeks, and the river channel in the region

• Identify areas that are regionally significant and support the development of environmental watering and water quality initiatives

• Work with other regional organisations to reduce the impact of pest plants and animals on biodiversity

• Work with other regional organisations and stakeholders to develop strategies and actions for managing the interaction between the environment, the local community and visitors

• Ensure the health of sufficient wetlands of representative types is maintained within the area

• To guide and support the community in managing the ecological health of floodplains and wetlands

• Raise awareness of wetland issues

Facilitate habitat restoration in highland and Mallee country surrounding the River Murray floodplain

• Regenerate native vegetation on degraded and/or cleared land• Work with other regional organisations to reduce the impact of pest plants

and animals in the highland and Mallee country

Support protection of valued habitats and species

• Identify important species in the region that can benefit from community based natural resource management activities

• Work with the community to develop strategies for protecting important species

• Reduce threats to regionally important conservation species, such as by increasing connectivity between areas of habitat, including remnant vegetation and rehabilitated land

Sust

ain

ab

le e

cono

my

Engage land managers and local businesses to improve management of their natural resources

• Work with other organisations to develop opportunities for local landholders and community volunteers to learn about best practice and innovative approaches to managing natural resources

• Incorporate tourism and recreation opportunities into project planning

Support sustainable land management practices

• Help build capacity for land managers to adopt sustainable and profitable farming practices

• Promote pest plant and animal control options • Support the implementation of regional, state and federal water saving

initiatives at the local level• Support work to foster innovative and wise use of water in irrigation

communities• Support activities that successfully help to reduce the impact of salinity• Support farmers to protect and improve management of agricultural

cropping land from erosion and dryland salinity• Support and educate the community in advancing skills and

competencies• Ensure community representation and involvement (e.g. in land and water

management planning activities, River Murray Water Allocation Planning).

Support the community in monitoring positive change in management of natural resources

• Facilitate the involvement of schools, clubs and the broader community in monitoring of on ground works

• Develop partnerships with organisations that can build regional monitoring and research capacity


• Continue, and revitalise, partnerships with key organisations (in particular, the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and other Local Action Planning and Landcare groups);

• Develop and implement a community wetland education and awareness program;

• Ensure regular local media coverage of natural resource management (NRM) issues;

• Raise community awareness of NRM issues to promote community involvement;

• Encourage, support and promote the value of the natural environment within the community by organising ‘hands-on’ activities (e.g. propagation, seed collection, tree planting days, bus tours);

• Encourage and support research projects on key species (especially historical and spatial data) and using native vegetation in carbon offset programs;

• Develop and implement a biodiversity education and awareness program;

• Include relevant biodiversity information in RP Landcare and regional newsletters;

• Develop awareness raising programs for the general community and land managers;

• Develop support mechanisms aimed at increasing volunteer participation;

• Engage with Aboriginal people within the region, identify and offer opportunities for their involvement;

• Support and implement environmental partnership programs (e.g. NRM Education, Waterwatch, Weed Warriors, Youth Leadership programs).

4.4 ActionsThe following actions are proposed to address our goals. These actions may change over the 10-year lifespan of this Plan, and will form the basis for annual work plans and associated funding submissions outlined in Section 5.

Actions for community outcomes

Courtesy of St Joseph’s Primary School Renmark


• Work with SA MDB NRM Board and government agencies to:

○ implement environmental flow delivery programs;

○ implement existing and new planning initiatives;

○ implement existing and new on-ground works;

○ develop management plans for priority wetlands;

• Facilitate local consultation on regional projects (e.g. weir manipulation, floodplain inundation);

• Collect basic information on wetlands for inclusion in Annual Watering Plans and Wetland Management Plans;

• Support goals from relevant Strategic Plans, e.g.No Species Loss (DEH, 2006);

• Support the implementation of pest plant and animal control programs.

• Develop a local revegetation plan setting out priority locations for revegetation and remnant protection. The plan will incorporate remnant management issues, revegetation, weed and pest animal control, priority corridor linkages, hotspots for management, carbon sequestration, and Heritage Agreement sites, and will assist to implement Ramsar and Riverland Biosphere objectives;

• Attract funding to provide land managers and community groups with maximum financial assistance to undertake on-ground works projects;

• Provide implementation assistance for landholders wishing to revegetate (small or large scale) by creating a database of volunteers that can be called upon for working bees, and setting up partnerships with schemes such as Green Corps;

• suppot pasture trials of existing and new varieties to demonstrate suitability to the localised climatic, soil conditions and potential carbon ‘sink’ opportunities;

Actions for biodiversity outcomes


• Participate in regional strategic planning and water allocation planning for the River Murray in South Australia and ensure community representation and understanding of these processes;

• Implement actions of the RP Landcare’s Land & Water Management Plans, including monitoring perched water tables, irrigation codes of practice, salt loads, soil health and pest control;

• Undertake groundwater monitoring programs to identify salinity impacts from irrigation drainage, on farm and at the site of impact (e.g. neighbouring floodplain and wetlands site, floating flag and piezometer network);

• Investigate and demonstrate new technologies which lead to improved irrigation efficiency;

• Investigate and demonstrate water reduce, reuse and recycle options and water quality improvement options to maintain water use for irrigation businesses and reduce reliance on water extraction;

• Reduce adverse impacts of houseboats, vessels, and marinas on natural resources, by supporting relevant policies and programs as well as supporting the adoption of best management practices by recreational water users.

Actions for sustainable economy outcomes


4.5 Alignment with other NRM plans

Natural resource management (NRM) in our region is the responsibility of many organisations and is addressed in various management plans. We strive to look for opportunities to work together and create synergies, while focussing on our role as a link between the community, government and business.

The goals and priorities of this Plan have been developed to align with those of other (national, state, regional and local) organisations that have an interest in NRM.

Table 2 demonstrates this, but is not exhaustive as many local community groups do not have formal plans or objectives. We work with these groups by supporting them to deliver positive NRM outcomes. In the case of unincorporated community groups, this partnership gives them access to funding they would otherwise be ineligible for.

Some local groups we currently work with:

• Bookmark Creek Action Group

• North Calperum Volunteer Group

• Pike River Land Management Group

• RIT Environmental Watering Committee (previously Ral Ral Floodplain Working Group)

• Templeton Wetland Action Group

• Whirlpool Corner Wetland Group

As a Section 41 Committee of the Renmark Paringa Council, the Committee and our Plan stand to play a major role in helping to deliver the strategies of Council’s Community Plan.


Scale Organisation NRM Plans in our region

Purpose/objectives How our Plan aligns

National Murray-Darling Basin Authority

Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) Plan

Sustainably manage the use of water resources in the MDB and optimise the volume allocated to different users for maximum environmental, social and economic benefits. The MDB Plan has a strong focus on harnessing local communities’ first-hand knowledge and passion for their environment to deliver environmental outcomes.

Implementing our Plan can help by providing a way to bring together the resources of the community to focus on regional NRM priorities.

National Commonwealth Environmental Water Office

Framework for determining Commonwealth Environmental Water Use

Guide decisions on the use of Commonwealth environmental water in accordance with the environmental watering plan of the MDB Plan.

Implementing our Plan can assist with identifying priority regional wetlands of interest for Commonwealth environmental water use.

National Department of Agriculture

National Landcare Program

The Landcare approach comprises:1. a philosophy, influencing the way

people live in the landscape while caring for the land – the Landcare ethic

2. local community action putting the philosophy into practice – the Landcare movement founded on stewardship and volunteerism

3. a range of knowledge generation, sharing and support mechanisms including groups, networks (from local to national), facilitators and co-ordinators, government and non-government partnerships – the Landcare model

Implementing our Plan will help meet Landcare’s objective of local community action putting the Landcare philosophy into practice.

State Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources

State Natural Resources Management Plan

Their vision “We care for the land, water, air and sea that sustain us” has three goals:

1. People taking responsibility for natural resources and making informed decisions

2. Sustainable management and productive use of land, water, air and sea

3. Improved condition and resilience of natural systems

Implementing our Plan will assist achievement of goals by facilitating individuals, communities, industry, and government working together.

Table 2. Alignment of our Plan with national, state, regional, and local plans


Scale Organisation NRM Plans in our region

Purpose/objectives How our Plan aligns

Regional South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board

South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Plan

Achieve a balance between the collective need for natural resources and the needs of the environment. It’s goals are:1. Landscape-scale management

that maintains healthy natural systems

2. Using and managing natural resources within ecologically sustainable limits

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

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

The Committee can provide a valuable role in supporting the work of the NRM Board by raising awareness and building capacity in management of natural resources in the Renmark Paringa region and supporting where appropriate the delivery of on-ground works by co-ordinating community input.

Regional Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland

Murraylands and Riverland Roadmap

A vibrant, resilient region that capitalises on change, embraces sustainability, and provides an aspirational living, investment and working environment.

By working with other Landcare groups in the Riverland region, the Committee can help support this objective with community driven NRM activities.

Local Renmark Irrigation Trust

Renmark Irrigation Trust’s Vision

Be recognised as Australia’s leading water resource manager underpinning the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the Renmark Community by 2020.

Working with RIT could position the Committee to develop innovative and new approaches to delivery of environmental water to wetland and floodplain projects in the region.

Local Renmark Paringa Council, Renmark Irrigation Trust, Natural Resources SA MDB, Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland.

SEE Renmark 2024 To deliver an integrated social, economic and environmental vision for Renmark by 2024, when the MDB Plan takes full effect. SEE Renmark 2024 aims to promote and encourage the role of the Renmark community as stewards of the river and floodplain environment by drawing on their support to create a rehabilitated fringe of floodplain habitat around the edge of town and adjoining irrigation areas and further increase environmental education at local schools.

The Committee can provide a critical role in helping the SEE Renmark 2024 partners achieve this aim, given its link between NRM and the community of Renmark. We recognise that a healthy environment is important for regional tourism initiatives such as the proposed Great River Murray Walks.


How can you get involved?Supporting the Renmark Paringa Landcare Committee is a great way to help build a healthy future for community, land and water in the Renmark to the Border region of South Australia. We welcome the opportunity to work with people, groups and organisations that have an interest in volunteering or investing in our projects.

Contact us:Renmark Paringa Council Environmental Officer - Phone: (08) 8580 3000 or 0458 669 717- Email: [email protected] Office: 61 Eighteenth Street Renmark- Post: PO Box 730, Renmark SA 5341- Website: www.renmarkparinga. sa.gov.au/rplandcare- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rplandcare

Copyright © Renmark Paringa Council, 2015.

Documents

Renmark Paringa Landcare Local Action Plan · 2020. 2. 26. · • Matt Warnock • Cr. Jack Gibb (Council Representative) We would like to acknowledge the land covered by this Plan