Yellabinna Reserves...Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area and Pureba, Yumbarra and Boondina Conservation Parks will be managed into the future. The management

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Yellabinna ReservesManagement Plan 2013

Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area

Yellabinna Regional Reserve

Pureba Conservation Park

Yumbarra Conservation Park

Boondina Conservation Park

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Managed to maintain healthy country and wilderness quality and conserve broad scale

mallee woodland ecosystems.

Minister’s ForewordThe Yellabinna Reserves Management Plan articulates an integrated and collaborative approach to the conservation of over three million hectares of mallee woodland. The Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area, the Yellabinna Regional Reserve, and the Pureba, Yumbarra and Boondina Conservation Parks facilitate the conservation of biodiversity and protect large and intact areas of native vegetation where arid zone plants and animals continue to flourish. As such, they are core protected areas in the East meets West NatureLink.

This beautiful landscape is central to the culture of traditional owners. It has also been enjoyed by local people as well as visitors to the Ceduna area for generations. Traversing these reserves via Googs Track is an iconic outback journey which has left many visitors with an indelible memory of this remarkable land.

The region’s mineral resources make a significant contribution to the South Australian economy. Mineral exploration and mining is permitted in the Yellabinna Regional Reserve and the Pureba, Yumbarra and Boondina Conservation Parks. Conservation will continue to be achieved in parallel with mineral resource development.

This management p lan will promote the continued cooperation of traditional owners, the mineral resources sector, local residents and government agencies. I thank those who have contributed to its development and look forward to the community’s ongoing support for its implementation.

I now formally adopt the Yellabinna Reserves Management Plan under section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and section 31 of the Wilderness Protection Act 1992.

The Hon Ian Hunter MLC Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation

Yellabinna Reserves Management Plan

Directions for managementThe Yellabinna reserves protect a major part of the world’s largest

intact mallee woodland ecosystem. They are central to the culture of

traditional owners, encompass areas of outstanding beauty and

wilderness quality and offer important recreational opportunities for

the local community.

The Yellabinna Reserves Management Plan provides direction for how Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area and Pureba, Yumbarra and Boondina Conservation Parks will be managed into the future.

The management plan was adopted on 24 May 2013, subject to any native title rights or interests that may continue to exist in relation to the land. The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources will ensure that all actions implemented in accordance with the management plan are consistent with the relevant provisions of the Native Title Act 1993.

This management plan meets the requirements of section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and section 31 of the Wilderness Protection Act 1992.

Park significance and purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The value of wilderness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Setting the management direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

What are we protecting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

What are the challenges? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Management themes and priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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Yellabinna Reserves Management Plan

Park significance and purposeThe long-term protection and enhancement of the Yellabinna

reserves begins by understanding their special values.

This management plan applies to Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area (500 704 ha) Yellabinna Regional Reserve (2 000 896 ha), Pureba Conservation Park (226 404 ha), Yumbarra Conservation Park (324 352 ha) and Boondina Conservation Park (12 554 ha). The plan refers to these reserves collectively as the Yellabinna reserves. They are located on the edge of Australia’s iconic Nullarbor Plain, north of the Eyre Highway, Ceduna and the Great Australian Bight (Figure 1).

Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area is constituted under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. As a result, this area is managed for conservation and wilderness protection purposes. Mining is prohibited in wilderness protection areas constituted under this Act.

Yellabinna Regional Reserve is constituted under section 34A of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Pureba Conservation Park, Yumbarra Conservation Park and Boondina Conservation Park are all constituted under section 30 and are each subject to a joint proclamation under section 43 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. These reserves are all managed for conservation purposes while still allowing for approved mineral exploration and mining.

The plants, animals and geological features such as rock holes form a unique cultural landscape which is central to Aboriginal culture. This landscape and the cultural sites within it help to sustain a living connection to Country for the Aboriginal community. The south west portion of South Australia encompasses the traditional lands of the Kokatha, Mirning, Wirangu, Kokatha Mula, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people and includes the area of the Far West Coast native title claim. The traditional owners continue to play an important role in maintaining healthy Country.

The reserves are also highly valued by members of the local community, some of whose families have lived in the region for many generations. The vast and largely unmodified landscapes of the reserves, and the Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area in particular provide an authentic wilderness experience for visitors. Googs Track passes through Yumbarra Conservation Park, Yellabinna Regional Reserve and Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area. It offers a unique four-wheel drive and camping opportunity for self-reliant visitors.

These reserves protect over 3 million hectares of mallee woodland – the largest intact area of mallee woodland in the world (Figure 2). This area also extends northwest into the Great Victoria Desert. The reserves contain seven habitats: Beaked Red Mallee and Yorrel Woodlands, Black Oak and Myall Woodlands, Mulga Shrublands, Spinifex Grasses, Chenopod Bluebush, Rockholes and Salt Lakes, and Granite Outcrops with Rockholes.

The reserves provide an important refuge for many plant and animal species that are of national or state conservation significance. Fauna species of significance include the nationally endangered Sandhill Dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila) and Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes typhlops), and the nationally vulnerable Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata).

1 Yellabinna Reserves Management Plan

The Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) is present throughout the reserves. The Dog Fence is located on portions of the eastern and southern boundaries of the reserves to exclude dingos from adjacent farmland. The region is also known to support one of the most diverse arid reptile faunas in the world (DEH, 2004). Nationally listed flora species recorded include the Olodea Guinea-flower (Hibertia crispula) and Club Spear Grass (Austrostipa nullanulla).

Collectively, these reserves form a large and interconnected area in which natural ecological processes can flourish. The reserves form an integral part of the ‘East meets West NatureLink’. This is one of five ‘NatureLinks’ in South Australia which are corridors of strategic importance for biodiversity conservation. This area stretches from the Eyre Peninsula to the West Australian border. It encompasses the Yellabinna reserves, the Nullarbor Plain, the Maralinga Tjarutja lands (including the Mamungari Conservation Park) and the Great Australian Bight. These large interconnected reserves are critical for biodiversity conservation and may increase the resilience of species to the effects of climate change.

The region is also an emerging mineral province of high prospectivity with particular focus on heavy mineral sands. There are ongoing mineral exploration activities throughout a number of the reserves and Iluka’s Jacinth-Ambrosia zircon mineral sands mine has been developed within the Yellabinna Regional Reserve.

Nullarbor Regional Reserve

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Figure 1: Yellabinna Reserves.

Yellabinna Reserves Management Plan 2


The value of wildernessWilderness is defined by the Wilderness Protection Act 1992 as land and ecosystems which are minimally affected by modern technology and not seriously affected by exotic animals, plants or organisms.

Collectively, these reserves form an area with significant wilderness qualities (Figure 2). The Yellabinna reserves are a critically important resource for the long-term protection of biological diversity and self-sustaining ecosystems, particularly in the face of climate change. Wilderness areas also offer unique opportunities to enjoy solitude in pristine natural environments.

As the climate changes, our natural systems are likely to become more susceptible to broad scale pressures such as increased bushfire intensity and frequency, and the spread of weeds and feral animals. Large, intact wilderness areas are critical in providing a buffer against these disturbances and ultimately reducing species extinction.

All of the reserves, with the exception of Boondina Conservation Park, are recognised nationally as forming an area of high wilderness quality (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 2012). The area is also recognised internationally as an important arid wilderness in global assessments (Sanderson et al, 2002). Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area was proclaimed in 2005, following a wilderness quality assessment of the Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Pureba Conservation Park, Yumbarra Conservation Park and adjacent conservation reserves by the South Australian Wilderness Advisory Committee (Wilderness Advisory Committee 2004). This report noted that a large proportion of the study area met the wilderness criteria that are set out in the Wilderness Protection Act 1972.

Wilderness protection areas in South Australia are managed under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. Under that Act, the Code of Management for Wilderness Protection Areas and Zones South Australia (DEH, 2004) provides guidelines for the protection, enhancement and management of wilderness areas. The management operations within the Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area will implement, to the extent practicable, the relevant policies of this code.

Given the national significance of the wilderness qualities of Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Pureba Conservation Park and Yumbarra Conservation Park, their future management will also closely align with the wilderness philosophy where appropriate.

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Figure 2: Yellabinna Reserves satellite image.


Setting the management directionThe Yellabinna reserves will be managed to allow natural ecological processes to flourish and to protect natural and cultural values. This will be achieved through broad scale programs integrated across the landscape and developed in collaboration with traditional owners, the local community, neighbours, government agencies and other partners.

What are we protecting?The Yellabinna reserves are valued for:

• protecting one of the largest areas of wilderness in South East Australia;

• conserving a major part of the world’s largest intact mallee woodland ecosystem;

• supporting a strong and continuous connection between traditional owners, their cultural sites and country;

• enabling natural ecological processes, including wildfire and species distribution, and important ecological connections to flourish on a landscape scale;

• conserving seven habitats that support a diverse range of species including five threatened plant species and four threatened animal species;

• providing opportunities to study large functioning ecosystems and improve understanding of the effects of processes such as climate change; and

• providing opportunities to learn about and enjoy a wilderness experience by traversing Googs Track between Yumbarra and Mount Finke.

What are the challenges?Key challenges to the future management and protection of the Yellabinna reserves include:

• gaining a better understanding of ecological values, threatening processes and the effects of fire, highly variable seasonal conditions and climate change;

• minimising the impact of threatening processes including pest plant and animal species in arid, water dependant ecosystems;

• increasing recognition and support for the protection and maintenance of cultural sites;

• facilitating mineral exploration and mining in a sensitive environment whilst minimising environmental impacts including the development of new access tracks; and

• maintaining the wilderness values of all of the reserves whilst providing for the continued use of the reserves for recreational and cultural purposes.



Management themes and prioritiesThis section of the plan addresses the most important management issues for the reserves, focussing on four key themes

Theme 1: Conserving the mallee woodlands landscape by maintaining natural ecological processesThe Yellabinna reserves form an extensive area of largely unmodified mallee woodland vegetation. The conservation of this vegetation is best achieved through broad scale programs that focus on the strategic priorities for the entire landscape rather than the local priorities for each reserve.

Vegetation within each reserve is in relatively good condition and supports a variety of plant communities and animal habitats. Large and intact areas such as this are generally more effective for the conservation of biodiversity than smaller reserves because natural ecological processes are able to continue, relatively free of unnatural influences. Maintaining the size and condition of this area will ensure that these processes continue to flourish. Maintaining the Aboriginal cultural values of this area, in particular on-ground cultural activities, is central to the health of the mallee woodlands landscape and habitats.

Mallee woodlands have evolved through harsh climatic conditions including extreme heat, bushfires and low rainfall. The ecosystem is dependant on fire and rainfall events for regeneration and species dispersal. As a result, subtle changes in environmental conditions can have a significant impact on flora and fauna.

Pest plants and pest animals are key threats. They can dramatically alter ecosystems by competing with, or predating on, native species such as Malleefowl, dingoes, kangaroos, emus, finches, parrots and small ephemeral plants. For example, the nationally endangered Sandhill Dunnart is threatened by cat and fox predation. Camels represent a significant threat to biodiversity through consumption of, and damage to, native vegetation and fouling of waterholes. They also cause damage to infrastructure and assets such as the Dog Fence. Buffel Grass, an aggressive introduced plant that has been identified as present in areas adjacent to the reserves, displaces native species and is understood to increase the risk of bushfire in critical habitats. Managing these threats over a large and often inaccessible area is challenging. Pest plant and animal control programs are designed to minimise impacts on natural ecological processes, important sites such as water points and species of conservation significance.


Bushfire is a critical part of mallee woodland ecology and an important aspect of Aboriginal culture. However, some nationally threatened species such as the Malleefowl and the Sandhill Dunnart are fire sensitive. A largely natural burning regime, with minimal targeted prescribed burning for critical habitat protection, drawing on the knowledge of traditional owners, will ensure that mallee woodlands, fire sensitive species and cultural values are protected. This planned approach mitigates the risk of burning too much critical habitat in one bushfire.

The Yellabinna reserves form a large area which is relatively free of infrastructure. This enables a flexible approach to the management of fire. The development of new assets in unmodified areas should be avoided where practicable so that fire management alternatives are not further restricted.

The rockholes and soaks within the reserves are important Aboriginal cultural sites and are a key element of the culture of the traditional owners. They provide a semi-permanent water source for local and transient wildlife. Under normal conditions wildlife travels between water sources. However, during drought periods, dwindling water supplies provide refuge for large numbers of native and feral animals. Camels, and other feral animals, foul rock holes and soaks, cause erosion and prevent regeneration. The cleaning of rockholes continues to be an important cultural activity of traditional owners, including the Kokatha Mula traditional owners. The ongoing protection of rockholes and soaks, in consultation with traditional owners, is a key priority.

A better understanding of the diversity of the habitats and ecological processes within the Yellabinna reserves contributes to the knowledge and understanding of landscape scale management and ensures management programs within the reserves are effective. Research and monitoring programs help to detect changes over time and will inform future management directions. Conservation of mallee woodlands requires a coordinated effort across all of the reserves as well as the broader landscape. It also needs the participation of traditional owners and neighbours.

The Alinytjara Wilurara Regional Natural Resources Management Plan highlights the importance of a coordinated, landscape scale approach and sets directions for the strategic management of natural resources within this region (Alinytjara Wilurara Natural Resources Management Board 2011). The Yellabinna Reserves cover approximately 10 percent of the Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Region and include many areas that are a focus for conservation efforts. As a result, the reserves are an integral part of coordinated regional conservation programs.

Objectives and strategies

Conserve the natural and cultural values within the reserves and the mallee woodland ecosystem

• Monitor and manage pest plant and animals, in particular camels, in collaboration with the Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Board, the Dog Fence Board, traditional owners, the local community and volunteer groups.

• Protect rock holes and soaks from impacts associated with pest animals in collaboration with traditional owners.

• Conduct small-scale prescribed burning necessary to protect localised critical habitats.

• Improve knowledge of reserve values through research in conjunction with traditional owners, the Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Board, universities, neighbouring land managers, the resources industry, the local community and volunteer groups.

• Consider the impacts of climate change and, where necessary, adapt management practices to maintain natural ecological processes.



Theme 2: Protecting Aboriginal cultural valuesThe south west portion of South Australia encompasses the traditional lands of the Kokatha, Mirning, Wirangu, Kokatha Mula, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people. Traditional owners have a strong connection and knowledge of Country. Their Country is integral to Aboriginal law, culture and belief. This plan seeks to recognise the rights, aspirations and ongoing role of the traditional owners and recognises that the reserves fall within the Far West Coast native title claim area.

Within the reserves there are places that are law places and others that have spiritual meaning and social importance. Each reserve contains different Aboriginal cultural values however they are all recognised and managed as components of a large, complex and interconnected cultural landscape.

The development of a strong connection to Country is recognised as an important means to address social issues experienced by Aboriginal people such as substance abuse, disengagement from education, poor self esteem and poor health. Traditional owners continue to work with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, the Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Board and other organisations like Save the Children on a range of conservation, education and mentoring programs.

Traditional owner and Kokatha Mula woman, Sue Coleman Haseldine describes the area as,

“…..the last inland area where I can teach our children – this is our school. The land – houses. Our bush medicine – our pharmacy. Hunting for our meat, gathering our food – our grocery stores – our garden. Our spiritual beliefs are within and throughout the land – this is our church”.

There are numerous registered or reported Aboriginal sites within the reserves. These sites are important to the many Aboriginal people that have an association with the area. All Aboriginal sites, objects and remains within the reserves are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

Collaboration with traditional owners in relation to the identification and management of cultural sites is critical to their ongoing protection. Ecological and cultural maintenance by traditional owners, including cleaning of rock-holes, is important for the maintenance of healthy Country.

Aboriginal people are permitted to hunt and gather native plants, protected animals and the eggs of protected animals within Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Yumbarra Conservation Park, Boondina Conservation Park and portions of Pureba Conservation Park. Additional cultural activities (traditional maintenance) are also carried out by traditional owners on the reserves.

Visitor access, resource use and management activities have the potential to impact on Aboriginal cultural values unless carefully managed. The involvement of, and engagement with, the traditional owners is required to ensure that these values are respected and protected.


Ensure cultural values are recognised, promoted and respected in decision making

• Ensure that the traditional owners have the opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to research, monitoring and management activities whilst ensuring that intellectual property rights are respected and culturally sensitive information is treated accordingly.

• Continue to promote existing collaborative arrangements between the traditional owners and commercial interests to ensure that commercial activities (including mineral exploration and mining) do not impact on Aboriginal cultural values and to increase awareness of Aboriginal cultural heritage and its conservation.

• Identify, recognise, respect and protect Aboriginal cultural sites in partnership with the traditional owners.

• Consider management options for the protection of Aboriginal cultural sites that facilitate cultural management.

• Encourage greater community respect and awareness of Aboriginal cultural values associated with the reserves.


Theme 3: Enabling appropriate and sustainable mining and mineral explorationMineral exploration and mining may be conducted under licence within Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Yumbarra Conservation Park, Pureba Conservation Park and Boondina Conservation Park. The Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area is not available for exploration or other mining activities.

The reserves are part of an area that has been identified as an emerging minerals province, particularly for heavy mineral sands. Exploration for iron ore, copper, gold, uranium, lead/zinc, diamonds, chromium, nickel and platinum/palladium has also occurred. Exploration licences and associated exploration activities cover a large portion of the reserves.

A number of companies have discovered heavy mineral sand deposits in the area. The Iluka Jacinth-Ambrosia zircon mineral sands mine within the north-west corner of Yellabinna Regional Reserve commenced production in 2009.

Activities associated with exploration typically include ground and airborne surveys, drilling operations and the establishment of access tracks and camps. The extent of tracks created for exploration is conservatively estimated to be at least 1016 kilometres (DEH, 2010). A large number of drill holes have also been established. Without careful management this can result in significant native vegetation clearance which can decrease the resilience and condition of vegetation and cause loss and fragmentation of habitat. Once developed, tracks have the potential to facilitate the introduction of weeds and enable the migration of pest animals and predators. Unless rehabilitated they may also be used for recreational access to inappropriate areas within the reserves. Further, once cleared, it is extremely challenging to recreate the natural conditions that are required for effective rehabilitation of mallee woodlands.

Introduction of weeds to the reserves, particularly Buffel Grass, via vehicles, machinery and equipment (including clothing and camping equipment) is another significant risk associated with exploration activities. Sumps associated with drill holes pose risks to visitor safety and wildlife, including threatened mammals located in the reserves. Surface waters within the reserves, including rockholes, may be impacted through exploration activities and inappropriate disposal of grey water. Waste disposal practices may also adversely impact on reserve values and result in pollution of waters and danger to wildlife.

Environmental impacts associated with mineral exploration activities may require assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) and are managed through the Mining Act 1971. Prior to commencement of any licensed mineral exploration activities, a program for environment protection and rehabilitation (PEPR) must be prepared by the proponent and approved by the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy. Depending upon the nature and location of the exploration activities, the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation will also have a role in relation to the approval of the PEPR and the grant of any licence. There are additional environmental controls that apply in relation to exploration activities within Section 457 of Yumbarra Conservation Park.

The process for development of the PEPR under the Mining Act 1971, includes consultation with traditional owners and government. The PEPR process ensures that licensed mineral exploration activities are consistent with the objectives of this plan and that practices are established to avoid or restrict the environmental impact of exploration activities and to rehabilitate disturbed sites. The collaborative process also ensures that proponents address any risks to Aboriginal cultural values and comply with their responsibilities under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.


Potential impacts associated with mining are similar to those associated with exploration on a larger scale and include vegetation clearance and habitat fragmentation. The Jacinth-Ambrosia mine is governed by a Mining and Rehabilitation Program (MARP) approved under the Mining Act 1971. This provides a detailed assessment of potential environmental risks associated with the early works, construction and operational phases of the project. Management plans within the MARP address specific issues such as clearance of native vegetation and heritage management. Future development of mining infrastructure within the reserves should utilise existing infrastructure wherever possible and implement all practicable measures to minimise vegetation clearance and habitat fragmentation.


Minimise and manage the impacts of mineral exploration and mining.

• Evaluate and, as appropriate, approve mineral exploration and mining proposals that:

- are consistent with the provisions of this management plan;

- are based on adequate environmental and cultural information;

- adequately address the protection of environmental and cultural values of the reserves particularly rockholes and soaks and the landscape surrounding these important features;

- include effective biosecurity measures to address the risk of weed infestation and colonisation both during and after completion of activities;

- to the extent practicable, utilise existing tracks and other infrastructure to avoid creation of new tracks and other infrastructure and utilise appropriate methods to minimise disturbance to the natural environment;

- include effective measures to address the risk posed by sumps to wildlife and the general public;

- include waste management practices that avoid any impact on the values of the reserves;

- include appropriate induction of all field staff in relation to the requirements of the National Parks and Wildlife Act and Regulations, this management plan and the terms of the PEPR; and

- provide for the effective rehabilitation or removal of tracks, infrastructure or other disturbances to the natural environment as soon as is reasonably practicable after the track, infrastructure or other disturbance is no longer reasonably required for the relevant activity.


Theme 4: Providing a unique wilderness experienceFor generations, the people of the Ceduna area and visitors to the region have enjoyed wilderness experiences while visiting the beautiful places within these reserves. Most visitors are largely self-sufficient and enjoy low impact four-wheel drive touring, sight seeing and camping. A minimal amount of unobtrusive infrastructure including signs and four-wheel drive tracks is provided in Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area, Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Yumbarra Conservation Park and Pureba Conservation Park so that people can enjoy these activities safely and without an environmental impact. There are no visitor facilities in Boondina Conservation Park.

Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area will be managed in accordance with a Visitor Management Strategy which is detailed in this management plan. This Visitor Management Strategy seeks to provide for public access while also maximising wilderness quality. Remoteness and a lack of development are central to the appeal of each reserve.

A network of four-wheel drive tracks provides public access to the reserves and primary visitor destinations (Figure 1). Googs Track is an iconic four-wheel drive journey which attracts people from all over Australia. It extends to the north from Yumbarra Conservation Park near Ceduna, through Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area to the northern boundary of Yellabinna Regional Reserve near Mount Finke.

Public vehicle access along the western boundary of the Yellabinna Regional Reserve, but not into the reserve, is available via Ooldea Road. The Wirrulla to Kingoonya Road provides public vehicle access to Pureba Conservation Park. There is no public vehicle access available to Boondina Conservation Park. Maintenance tracks, access tracks to and along the Dog Fence, mining tracks and those tracks owned and managed by Australian Rail and Track Corporation are not open to the public. Specialised four-wheel driving skills and local knowledge are required to travel safely on many of these tracks. As a result, Googs track is promoted as the primary access for visitors to the reserves.

A number of commercial tour operators incorporate Googs track into their outback tour itineraries. They are required to hold a commercial tour operator licence and comply with the Minimum Impact Code for wilderness use in South Australia (DEH 2006). Whilst anecdotal information suggests that interest in the reserves has increased visitation is unlikely to increase significantly due to the remoteness of this area.

Camping is an important aspect of the wilderness experience. Googs Lake and Mount Finke are the most popular areas for camping however camping also occurs adjacent to the road network and near other natural features. At several sites, camping has resulted in localised vegetation loss and/or damage to cultural sites. Addressing these impacts through the rehabilitation of degraded areas in and around popular camping sites is a key priority.



Provide appropriate opportunities for visitors whilst maintaining wilderness quality and protecting reserve values

• Provide visitor information that encourages the adoption of minimal impact practices and improves awareness of Aboriginal cultural heritage, permitted recreational activities and safe recreational practices.

• Encourage interested groups and members of the local community to promote the value of the reserves and communicate the importance of adopting minimal impact practices to visitors.

• Discourage the development of new vehicle tracks through the improved definition of appropriate tracks and areas for camping.

• While retaining vehicle access to visitor destinations, rehabilitate areas that have been degraded through camping or off-track vehicle use.

• Continue to allow camping, campfires and generators within the reserves.

Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area Visitor Management Strategy

This section articulates the Visitor Management Strategy for the Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area as required by the South Australian Code of Management for Wilderness Protection Areas and Zones (DEH 2004).

Due to remoteness, visitation to the Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area is very low and is currently compatible with the objective of maintaining wilderness quality. Impacts upon the wilderness qualities of the Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area will be managed through the following strategies:

• Provide vehicular access to Googs Track and Mount Finke without the development of additional facilities or signs.

• Make information available to visitors and the local community to encourage awareness of Wilderness values, adoption of minimal impact practices and awareness of appropriate activities.

• Approve commercial tourism proposals that are consistent with the Wilderness Protection Regulations, the principles contained in the South Australian Code of Management for Wilderness Protection Areas and Zones (DEH 2004) and the requirements of the Minimum Impact Code for wilderness use in South Australia (DEH 2006).

• Periodically assess the impact of visitor activities on wilderness values within the Wilderness Protection Area with a particular focus on Mount Finke and Jellabinna Rocks.

• Implement strategies that are consistent with the South Australian Code of Management for Wilderness Protection Areas and Zones (DEH 2004) to address any emerging impacts arising from visitor activities.

Visitors are self-sufficent and have traditionally made campfires and used generators. However the use of chainsaws within the reserves is not appropriate. The collection of firewood is not appropriate in the Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area.

The off-track use of four-wheel drives, dirt bikes and quad bikes has caused localised vegetation destruction and soil disturbance on salt lakes, sand hills and some areas adjacent to reserve boundaries. Traffic around rock holes, Googs Lake and Mount Finke has also caused some localised damage to vegetation and vandalism has also occurred at some visitor destinations.

The progressive repair and rehabilitation of these areas, while retaining all existing opportunities for public access is an important priority, particularly within Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area and Yumbarra Conservation Park. A greater community awareness of these issues and the adoption of appropriate, low impact recreational practices are required to prevent further occurrences.


• Prohibit the collection of firewood.

ReferencesAlinytjara Wilurara Natural Resources Management Board (2011) Alinytjara Wilurara Regional Natural Resources Management Plan. Alinytjara Wilurara Natural Resources Management Board, South Australia.

DEH (2004) South Australian Code of Management for Wilderness Protection Areas and Zones. Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

DEH (2008) Wilderness in South Australia: Protecting Habitat, Preserving Landscapes. Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

DEH (2006) Minimum Impact Code for wilderness use in South Australia. Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

DEH (2010) A Review of Yellabinna Regional Reserve 2000-2010. Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2012) National Wilderness Inventory. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra, www.environment.gov.au/heritage/publications/anlr/wilderness-inventory/index.html

Sanderson, E.W., Jaiteth, M., Levy, M., Redford, K., Wannebo, A., and Woolmer, G. (2002) “The human footprint and the last of the wild”. Bioscience 52(10) pp891-904.

Wilderness Advisory Committee (2004) Wilderness Assessment Report, Proposed Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area, Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia.

* For a detailed reading list relating to the Yellabinna reserves please refer to the Yellabinna Reserves Supplementary Document 2012.



For further information please contact:Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Phone Information Line (08) 8204 1910, or see SA White Pages for your local Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources office.

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Written requests for permission should be addressed to: Design and Production Manager Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources GPO Box 1047 Adelaide SA 5001

DisclaimerWhile reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources makes no representations and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of or reliance on the contents of this publication.

Reference to any company, product or service in this publication should not be taken as a Departmental endorsement of the company, product or service.

© Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, 2013 | June 2013 | FIS 92035

Documents

Yellabinna Reserves...Yellabinna Regional Reserve, Yellabinna Wilderness Protection Area and Pureba, Yumbarra and Boondina Conservation Parks will be managed into the future. The management