Nominations for 2015 Premier's NRM and State Landcare awards close 5 July

Yakka brings you news and stories from across the Northern and Yorke region.

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Eric Sommerville appointed Presiding Member of regional NRM Board

Spalding farmer, Eric Sommerville, has been appointed as the new Presiding Member of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resource Management Board. Mr Sommerville had been acting in the role for eight months.

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke (NRNY) regional manager Trevor Naismith welcomed the appointment by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Ian Hunter.

“A long-serving Board member, Eric has done a first class job as the Interim Presiding Member since the resignation of Caroline Schaefer in September 2014,” Mr Naismith said.

"It is a great pleasure to work with a Board that has such a broad spectrum of skills," Mr Sommerville said.

"There is a lot of wisdom and experience in the Northern and Yorke NRM Board."

Mr Sommerville told Yakka that the Board has a different job to do now, from what it has done in the past.

"Our role is to make things happen - to identify what needs to be done, where investments need to be made and to get funding to enable the work to be done on the ground." 

"It is also really important that the levy raised in our region is spent wisely."

Mr Sommerville has a very clear aspiration for his term as Presiding Member.

"I want to leave Northern & Yorke in better condition than when I came to the Board."

Dr Andy Sharp wins top prize for leadership in conservation

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke landscape programs coordinator Dr Andy Sharp (pictured centre left) has won the 2015 Rotary Leadership in Conservation Award for the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR).

Presented by the Rotary Club of Burnside at an awards dinner on April 29, the award recognised Dr Sharp’s work in conservation, soil science, water management and sustainable agriculture.

He said it highlighted the efforts of all involved in natural resources in the Northern and Yorke region.

“It really represents the work of everyone – the staff and volunteers; I really just play a very small role in that team,” he said.

However, Natural Resources Northern and Yorke regional manager Trevor Naismith said Dr Sharp was an integral leader in natural resources in the region, well-respected for his team leadership and ability to deliver successful outcomes.

To read the full article click this link

New appointments add depth to regional NRM Board

Two new members, Natalie Sommerville and Kay Matthias, have been appointed to the Northern and Yorke NRM Board, returning the Board to its full complement of nine community members.

A Mid North farmer and Chairperson of the Yacka-Moorundie Landcare Group, Ms Sommerville (pictured left) is a strong advocate for training and professional development as an important element of future-proofing the grains industry. Among other roles, Ms Sommerville sits as a volunteer on the Partners in Grain (SA) Reference Group, an organisation whose purpose is to build capacity for women and young people in the grains industry.

Ms Matthias comes to the Board with considerable experience within both the government and business sectors. As Chief Executive of Rural Business Support which services agri-business, fisheries and small businesses in regional South Australia, Ms Matthias has spent almost a decade helping businesses to adapt to change and remain viable and sustainable.

Board members, all of whom live and work in the region, are selected for their NRM experience and skills, and their understanding of the complexities of natural resource management in the Northern and Yorke region.

For more information about Board membership and responsibilities click this link.

$120,000 windfall for Northern and Yorke community groups

Community, volunteer and school groups from across Northern and Yorke region have been successful in the latest round of Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Managment  Board / National Landcare Program Community Grants.

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke partnerships, evaluation, review and improvement Officer John Peet says the projects are many and varied.

“Seventeen grant applicants were awarded a total of $120,000 for projects ranging from education, weed control and revegetation to nitrogen management in soil, bush tucker gardens and beach landscape restoration,” he says.

“We were extremely pleased with such a great response to the program and the range of funding applications,” Mr Peet says.

Successful applicants include:

• Caltowie Corridors of Green Landcare Group ($6000)
• West Yorke Peninsula Habitat Group $(9090)
• SA Conservation Research Divers ($10,000)
• Friends of Telowie Gorge ($8950)
• Port Clinton Progress Association ($9000)
• Trees for Life ($9495)
• Tarcowie Landcare Group ($3326)
• Wakefield Regional Council ($12,799)
• Ardrossan Progress Association ($9000)
• Subaru 4WD Club of SA ($2000)
• Hart Field-Site Group ($9990)
• Johnburgh Landcare Group ($4700)
• Pt Pirie Youth Service Network ($6000)
• YP Alkaline Soils Group Inc. ($7000)
• Southern YP Landcare Group ($5000)
• Friends of Burra Parks ($5000)
• Flinders View Primary School ($2650)

Marine discovery day for Young Environmental Leaders

A group of 40 students and teachers from eight Southern Yorke Peninsula schools took part in a reef walk and marine activities at Port Vincent as part of the 2015 Natural Resources Northern and Yorke (NRNY) Young Environmental Leaders (YEL) program recently.

Stansbury, Port Vincent, Curramulka, Edithburgh and Warooka Primary Schools, as well as Minlaton District School, St Columba’s Memorial School and Yorketown Area School were represented.

NRNY community ranger Fabienne Dee says the event was a great opportunity for the students to experience hands-on marine learning.

“The marine discovery day was designed to capture students’ imaginations and develop their understanding of the marine environment,” she says.

“It was great to see the students so engaged and fascinated by the exploration of the reef as well as the activities run back at the marine centre.

“Our marine ecosystems are vital both socially and economically and it’s important for young people to develop an understanding and appreciation of our marine habitats and the species that call them home.”

South Australia’s Marine Parks and Sanctuary Zones protect some of Australia’s most important marine habitats, many with plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.

Yorke Peninsula young environmental leaders James Way, Lucy Glazbrook and Archie Campion pictured above left.

Have your say about natural resource management in N&Y region

Whether you are a primary producer, a resident, a volunteer, work with an NGO, in local government or industry, the Northern and Yorke’s Natural Resource Management (NYNRM) Board is interested in your thoughts about how the region’s natural resources are managed.

Under the NRM Act 2004, Natural Resource Management (NRM) Boards must review their NRM plans every 10 years.

The NYNRM Board has recently reviewed its regional plan and while it remains relevant, there is an opportunity to update and improve it.

A draft concept statement has been prepared as the first step in identifying areas for improvement and includes a summary of changes being considered and strategies for community participation.

The NYNRM Board will begin the community consultation process by seeking input from people at a local level about the values of their area and the specific issues they are facing.

Have your say and help shape how natural resources are managed in the Northern and Yorke region by visiting www.environment.sa.gov.au/haveyoursay

Download the Have Your Say survey form, and return it to the Natural Resources Centre Clare by 10 July 2015.

For further information email DEWNR.NRNY@sa.gov.au  or call the Natural Resources Centre in Clare on 8841 3400.

Warndu Mai Garden opens at Quorn Area School

A new bush food garden has been opened at Quorn Area School and it is already providing a wide range of learning experiences for students.

The Warndu Mai Garden (Good Tucker Garden) is a collaborative project between Natural Resources Northern and Yorke (NRNY), Quorn Area School and the wider Quorn community.

Officially opened by Northern and Yorke Natural Resource Management Board presiding member Eric Sommerville, the garden was kick-started with a $2000 2014 Northern and Yorke Community NRM Grant.

NRNY Upper North and Southern Flinders community team leader Kate Pearce says students are already benfitting from the new learning space.

“The Bush Food Garden complements cultural learning programs based at the school, where junior primary students are learning Adnyamathanha,” she says.

“The students have been involved in all the planting and also labelling of plants with their Aboriginal names, so it’s been a great cultural experience.”

Ms Pearce says the local Quorn community has been very supportive of the new garden, with contributions of materials and labour from local businesses, school staff and students.

Nominations for Landcare awards close 5 July

Nominations for the 2015 Premier’s NRM awards and State Landcare awards will close on Sunday 5 July 2015.

These awards recognise South Australian volunteers who generously donate their time, knowledge, resources and expertise to conserve and improve the State’s land and water resources. Bushland, farm, backyard or region; wetland, waterway, catchment or coastline; each environment benefits from the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers.  

Categories for the 2015 Premier's NRM awards include:

• Partnership Project
• Community Engagement
• Big Picture
• Aboriginal Leadership (male and female)
• Rising Stars (male and female)
• Service to Natural Resources Management
• NRM Research or Innovation

Categories for the State Landcare awards include:

• Individual Landcarer Award
• Partnerships with Landcare Award
• Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices Award
• Landcare Facilitator or Coordinator Award
• Coastcare Award
• Landcare Community Group Award
• Young Landcare Leader Award
• Junior Landcare Team Award
• Indigenous Land Management Award

For details about the award categories, criteria, and application forms, click on this link.

For advice and assistance, contact the State Coordinator:           Meegan Hill, DEWNR
Ph: 08 8124 4785
E: meegan.hill@sa.gov.au

Environment's Good Living blog

For stories about people, places, things to do, and how you can get involved in South Australia's parks and reserves, subscribe to the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) Good Living blog.

Visit the Good Living website for stories about the Ethel wreck, recently exposed on a beach on southern Yorke Peninsula; Northern & Yorke Regional Manager's thoughts about reconciliation and co-management; and a host of other stories from across South Australia's parks and reserves.

Don't miss underwater photographer Carl Charter's breathtaking images of leafy seadragons, sea stars, cuttlefish and nudibranchs, and discover his 'seacrets' for capturing the brilliance of South Australia's marine creatures.

To receive monthly updates about what's new on the Good Living blog and for links to the most popular articles,  click this link to suscribe.

Tarcowie Landcare volunteer recognised for outstanding service

Tarcowie resident June Jenkins has received a 2015 Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for outstanding service as a Landcare volunteer in the state’s Mid North.

June (pictured left with volunteers Kieren Brewer and Mark O'Conaill) received her certificate at the Tarcowie Landcare Group’s annual planting day in mid June.

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke (NRNY) community team leader Bonnie Maynard said NRNY staff had nominated June, whose passion and enthusiasm was inspiring.

“June has been involved in revegetation efforts in the Tarcowie area for more than 10 years as a volunteer and is now secretary of the Tarcowie Landcare Group.”

June’s award was presented in front of a crowd of students, volunteers, local landholders and NRNY staff during a lunch break at the annual planting event where acacia, native pine, dodonaea, xanthorrhoea and atriplex seelings were planted out.

“This planting day, which is well-supported by local businesses Golden North and Toro Australia,  brings together local landholders, students and volunteers from both the local area and the city,” said Ms Maynard.

The Tarcowie Landcare Group has been undertaking projects in the Tarcowie area for over 10 years, with members participating from all around South Australia.

For more information about the Tarcowie Landcare Group click this link.

Wild weather exposes Ethel wreck at Innes

High tides and huge swells off the south-west coast of Yorke Peninsula recently exposed the 111-year-old Ethel shipwreck on the beach, exciting sightseers and park rangers alike.

The Ethel, originally named Carmelo, was built in England in 1876 and became shipwrecked after being caught in a violent storm off the coast of Yorke Peninsula in 1904.

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke business support officer Cath Cameron, who is based in Innes National Park, went to the beach to see the wreck. 

“Some of the wave faces were well over five metres and as they broke water was exploding out through the back of the wave,”  she said.

“It was Mother Nature at her most powerful and it left a pretty spectacular sight with almost all of the sand siphoned out to sea and the bedrock of the reef exposed.”

While it is extremely rare for the shipwreck to be so visible, it is the fourth time in as many years that it has been exposed in this way.

The Ethel wreck is an icon of Innes National Park and the story of its fate an interesting part of the state’s history.

For more information about the Ethel wreck visit www.parks.sa.gov.au

To read the full article click this link.

Park of the Month - Flinders Chase National Park

Flinders Chase National Park will feature as the Park of the Month for July. Located at the western end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is part of a vast area of wilderness known for its fascinating geology and unique wildlife.

A network of walking trails and boardwalks provide access to many of the park's special places including the Platypus Waterholes Walk with opportunities to see the shy and elusive platypus. Other highlights include spectacular Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, and a colony of long-nosed fur seals at Cape du Couedic.

Park staff will host a range of special activities for children and families to celebrate Park of the Month. So if you are heading to Kangaroo Island this school holidays, be sure to visit Flinders Chase National Park.

For activities, dates and times click this link

Yorke Peninsula Field Days 2015

Australia's oldest Field Days event, Yorke Peninsula Field Days will celebrate 120 years in September. Fifty thousand visitors are expected to pass through the Paskerville gates over the three day event, which will showcase the latest in agricultural machinery, products, services, innovations and technology. 

This year, Natural Resources Northern and Yorke (NRNY) will partner with the Mid North Grasslands Working Group Inc (MNGWG) to promote and share information and advice about natural resource management with the N&Y regional community.

Several other groups will share the NRNY/MNGWG site and include:

        Ag Excellence Alliance

        YP Alkaline Soils Group Inc

        Laura Agricultural Bureau

        Greening Australia

        DEWNR Soils Initiative

        Carbon Farming Knowledge, Regional Connections

When: September 29, 30 - Oct 1

For more information about this year's event click this link

Yacka Moorundie July event

The Yacka Moorundie Landcare Group will host its July event on Monday 6 July 2015.

Where: Washpool Hall, RM Williams Way, located between Spalding and Jamestown.

When: Monday 6 July 2015     6.00pm start

            BBQ Tea & BYO Drinks

Guest speakers:

Dr Bob Holloway OAM - Minnipa Research Station

Phillip Lemon - General Manager of Facilities at Sundrop Farms

Bruce Munday - 'Those Drystone Walls'

Family friendly function         All welcome

To visit the Yacka Moorundie Landcare Group website click this link.

Farmer Group Events - July

Northern Sustainable Soils Winter Field Day

Where: Nathan Hewitt's property on Hewitt Road, 11 kms north of Bute, off Pt Broughton Road.

When: 15 July 2015    7.00 - 11.00am (BBQ breakfast)

Activity: Early Season Crop Walk and Trial Tour

Guest speaker Michael Eyres, Director and soil scientist from Injetka Field Systems, will speak about non-wetting sands, sodic sub surface constraints and low nutrition dune swale systems.

For more information contact: Leet Wilksch on 0408 428 714 or Email leet@agbyte.com.au

Hart Group Winter Walk  21 July 2015

Where: Hart Group Field Site, Brinworth-Blyth Road

When: 21 July 2015    9.00am - 5.00pm

For more information contact: Sandy Kimber on 0427 423 154 or Email admin@hartfieldsite.org.au

Mid North High Rainfall Group Winter Walk 

When: 24 July 2015   2.00 - 5.00pm

For more information contact: Phil Holmes on 0428 587 862 or Email pholmes@ruralco.com.au

YP Alkaline Soils Group Inc

When: 29 July 2015

For more information contact: Kristin McEvoy on 0400 283 015 or Email projects@alkalinesoils.com.au