Having trouble reading this email?  View it in your browser.

 
   
Natural Resources Northern and Yorke

5 January 2015

 
Volunteers eNews
 

In this issue

Friends of Mt Remarkable recognised for years of service
YP beaches given a clean up by young volunteers
Hooded Plover survey shows promising results
Young environmental leaders mark successful year
Sandy Pitcher to head Environment Department
South Australian Weed Control App
This summer book online and relax
Biodiversity & Endangered Species Team AGM & Information Session
Ag Excellence launch apps guide for farmers
Tarcowie Landcare Group works calendar for 2015 - all welcome
Farmers and community groups rewarded in 25th anniversary landcare grants
Nature Play SA’s 12 reasons to play in parks in 2015
Volunteering SA's 2015 Training Calendar
Nature Play SA - getting our kids outdoors

Did you know if your children have a Nature Play Passport you can complete an online form to receive a FREE National Parks SA vehicle entry pass?

The Nature Play Passport is a physical passport booklet with ten 'mission' pages, stickers, suggestions on great places to go and things to do outdoors and a list of 15 things every kid should do before they’re 12.

Visit Nature Play SA's website for more information.

Register for a Nature Play Passport

Online Form to recieve your free National Parks SA vehicle entry pass for 12 Conservation/National Parks, including Innes National Park & Mt Remarkable NP, valid until 30/6/2015.

 
 
Friends of Mt Remarkable recognised for years of service

The Friends of Mount Remarkable National Park held a Christmas celebration and awards presentation recently, with certificates of appreciation presented to 11 members to recognise their efforts in maintaining and caring for the park.

Between them, the 11 members have racked up more than 160 years of service to the park over the 25 years the ‘friends’ group has been running.

Mount Remarkable National Park ranger in charge Donna Ferschl says the work of the volunteer friends group is invaluable.

“It’s really important to have a friends group in the park, they get a lot of work done that we can’t get to in our daily role,” she says.

“The park would not be maintained to the level it is today without their tireless efforts.”

Members recognised at the certificate presentation include: Nigel Gillett, 24 years of service; Roger Hunt, 18 years; Keith Lloyd, 15 years; Peter Venhoek, 15 years; Ray Morick, 11 years; Bob Middleton, 10 years; Eric Dagger, 10 years; the late Harvey and Joan Spencer, 16 years; Richard and Eleanor Roberts, 11 years.

Friends of Mount Remarkable National Park president Nigel Gillett has been involved in the group almost since its inception, and with 24 years of voluntary work with the friends group, is the longest serving member.

Mr Gillett says the Friends of Mount Remarkable group is involved in cutting and maintaining tracks, pest and weed control, survey work, photo monitoring of campsites, track inspections, hut restoration and much more.

He says he thoroughly enjoys his involvement in the group and as a lover of the outdoors says being a member gives him access to some amazing areas of the park.

“I just really enjoy getting out into the park and walking in some of the gorges, there’s some quite fantastic scenery that you just don’t see if you’re driving past,” he says.

“It really is a hidden gem of a park.”

There are currently 14 families involved as members of the friends group, with one from Adelaide, as well as Port Augusta, Port Pirie and towns surrounding the national park.

New members of the Friends of Mount Remarkable National Park are welcome.

The group meets on the first Saturday of the month at Mambray Creek headquarters.

For more information, take a look at the group website or phone Roger Hunt on 0438 680 588.

Image: Nigel Gillett (right) receiving service award for 24 years with the Friends of Mt Remarkable NP from Regional Manager, Trevor Naismith (left).

   
Back to the top
 
YP beaches given a clean up by young volunteers

A group of teenage scouts from the Bleden Venturers group from Blackwood and Eden Hills gave the beach at Swincer’s Rocks a clean-up recently, collecting marine debris during a weekend visit.

It is the third consecutive visit to Yorke Peninsula by the group to undertake the clean-up program, which saw more than 4500 small pieces of plastic collected from the beach in the first three hours.

More than 150 pieces of fishing rope were also collected on the first day, and further large amounts of plastic were collected on the following day.

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke community team leader, Yorke, Deborah Furbank says the work of the scout group plays an important role in caring for the YP environment.

"The small bits of plastic are ingested by fish and birds so it is great to get them out of the marine environment," she says.

"The rope is a hazard for marine mammals and eventually breaks down into small micro particles, entering the food chain."

The District Council of Yorke Peninsula supported the clean-up by providing free camping to the group.

   
Back to the top
 
Hooded Plover survey shows promising results

A survey of Yorke Peninsula’s Hooded Plover population is showing positive signs for the bird, but more needs to be done to help the species which is vulnerable to extinction.

A team of 42 volunteers aged 17-83 recently surveyed a 320 kilometre stretch of suitable bird nesting habitat on YP, counting 231 adult Hooded Plovers.

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke community team leader Deborah Furbank says the count showed an increase in bird numbers, up from 212 last year, partly due to better training and a larger area being covered.

"This year 100 per cent of suitable habitat on YP was surveyed for the first time, up from 67pc in 2012, giving us a good baseline figure to measure our conservation efforts," she says.

Recently listed under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Ms Furbank says despite the promising signs found from the surveys, the Hooded Plover is still vulnerable on YP.

"Although this is a positive number of birds, there’s still room for improvement to get the population to a sustainable level," she says.

"It does show however, that we have good genetic diversity and we can focus on recruiting young birds into the population."

The Hooded Plover breeding season runs from August to March, coinciding with one of the busiest periods for holidaymakers on YP and Ms Furbank says the efforts of the community are vital to the survival of the species.

"It takes nine weeks of no disturbance from laying before the juvenile bird is able to fly and during this time they are vulnerable and have a low chance of survival," she says.

"Beachgoers can do a lot to help at this time of the year by sticking to the wet sand below the high tide mark. Eggs are well camouflaged and can be laid anywhere above the high tide mark or in the dunes, and can be easily crushed by people and vehicles.

"If you spot a Hooded Plover or one of the signed fences when walking your dog at the beach, place it on the lead until you’re at least 100 metres away as unleashed dogs keep the adult bird from the nest, leaving it exposed."

The surveys were conducted in conjunction with BirdLife Australia, who also recently banded a number of juvenile birds to enable them to be tracked to give a better understanding of their movements once leaving the nest.

Last week the organisation also conducted data portal training on YP for 14 volunteers who have now "adopted a beach" to monitor breeding pairs of Hooded Plover and can enter the observations directly into a data program for collection of information.

More volunteers are welcome for this program and training can be provided, so if you would like to help monitor YP’s Hooded Plovers, please contact Deborah Furbank on 0421 617 155.

Photo of Grainne Maguire and Renee Mead of Birdlife Australia banding a Hooded Plover with volunteer Glenda Woodward of the Friends of Hooded Plovers Yorke Peninsula, assisting.

   
Back to the top
 
Young environmental leaders mark successful year

Young Environmental Leaders (YELs) recently celebrated a successful year at workshops in their respective areas.

Lower & Mid North's celebration was a culmination of work by 15 students from Snowtown, as well as Auburn, Brinkworth and Watervale primary schools, with each group doing a presentation highlighting environmental projects undertaken throughout the year. See photos and read more on this story on our website.

Yorke Peninsula has more than 30 year 6-7 students from Curramulka, Stansbury, Port Vincent and Edithburgh primary schools, along with St Colomba’s Memorial, Yorketown Area and Minlaton District schools gathered to celebrate and present on their sustainability projects completed throughout the year. See photos and read more on this story on our website.

Southern Flinders/Upper North had a group of 25 year 5-7 students from Wilmington Primary School (PS), Orroroo Area School (AS), Melrose PS and Hawker AS gathered to celebrate and present on sustainability projects completed throughout the year. See photos and read more on this story on our website.

Pictured are the Youth Environmental Leaders from the Southern Flinders/Upper North Group.

   
Back to the top
 
Sandy Pitcher to head Environment Department

Ms Sandy Pitcher has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR).

Ms Pitcher has served as Deputy Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet since 2010, and has more than 14 years of experience in the senior ranks of the public service in South Australia, Canberra and the United Kingdom.

Premier Jay Weatherill said Ms Pitcher has been an outstanding leader within the State Government and her appointment is well deserved.

“Sandy Pitcher has been a tremendous asset to my Department and has acted in the role of Chief Executive of DPC on a number of occasions,” Mr Weatherill said.

“Sandy has been at the centre of managing Cabinet processes and has assisted myself and former Premier Rann at COAG meetings, representing South Australia with great professionalism.

“Her diligence and ability to provide strategic advice is second to none, making her a perfect choice for the role of DEWNR Chief Executive.”

In 2012, Ms Pitcher’s service was recognised nationally when she was awarded Telstra Businesswoman of the Year in the community and government category.

She replaces the outgoing DEWNR Chief Executive Mr Allan Holmes who had served in the role since 1999.

“I extend my gratitude to Mr Holmes for his 15 years of service to the Government,” Mr Weatherill said.

“There have been many great achievements within his Department under his stewardship, including the establishment of our Marine Parks network.”

Ms Pitcher will begin in the role from 19 January 2015 on a five year term of appointment.

Media contact: Jarrad Pilkington – 0409 060 380 | Chris Burford 0419 567 989

   
Back to the top
 
South Australian Weed Control App

The free Weed Control app provides essential information about the control of weeds declared in South Australia under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004.

The weed control app includes:

  • control recommendations for over 100 declared plant species
  • chemical and non-chemical treatments
  • information on the safe use of herbicides
  • colour photographs of each species for identification.

The Weed control app provides information from the Weed Control Handbook for Declared Plants in South Australia.

In addition app users can:

  • record the location of weeds
  • keep a personal log of control activities 
  • phone or email regional Natural Resource officers
  • send photos and text of high risk weeds.

The app will be updated annually as chemical uses and plant declarations change.

The SA Weed Control app is produced by Biosecurity SA in partnership with the eight Natural Resource Management regions.

Download app from Google Play (for Andriod devices) or iTunes App Store (for Apple devices).

   
Back to the top
 
This summer book online and relax

As many South Australians prepare to head for the beach or the bush this summer, they can now book online for entry, camping and accommodation at Innes National Park and Mt Remarkable National Park.

With its stunning scenery, great beaches and recreational opportunities, Innes NP is a favourite holiday destination for many South Australians and interstate visitors who will head to the tip of Yorke Peninsula over Christmas, New Year and during January.

Visitors can book on arrival, using a stand-alone computer facility at the Innes park office.

Mount Remarkable NP does not have an on-park booking facility, but there are agents in most Southern Flinders centres, Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Port Germein.

However, by booking ahead using personal devices visitors can go straight to camping areas, or, if visiting for the day, enter the parks without the need to find a booking agent.

Parks Pass holders must also book online using their Parks Pass number to secure a campsite.

Visitors to Innes and Mt Remarkable national parks are no longer required to display park entry permits on their vehicles.

This is a first for the Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources. In the coming months, the online booking system will be rolled out to other South Australian parks.

To book online for entry, camping and accommodation at Innes NP and Mount Remarkable NP visit www.parks.sa.gov.au.

Photo taken at Innes NP by Lochie Cameron for our 2014 Photo Competition.

   
Back to the top
 
Biodiversity & Endangered Species Team AGM & Information Session

Saturday 7th February, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (lunch provided)

Barbara J Long Function Room (adjoining Town Hall), Clare.

Everyone is welcome! There is no cost to be involved with BEST and no commitment needed, come along and volunteer with us when you can.

RSVP: 23rd January via email or 8841 3400.

Annual General Meeting
10:00 - 11:00 am

  • Review of last 12 months
  • Reports from President & Treasurer
  • Re-election of Committee Positions
  • Projects for next 12 months

Information Session
11:30 am – 3:30 pm

  • Update on the Alligator Basin Survey Project

by Wendy Cliff (NRNY Volunteer Support Officer & BEST Secretary)

  • Fire in our Environment

by Stuart Beinke (NRNY Regional Fire Management Officer)

  • The impact of sheep grazing activity on burrowing spider populations and pygmy blue-tongue lizards (Tiliqua adelaidensis) in the mid north of South Australia.

by Jess Clayton (PhD Candidate, Flinders University)

  • Threatened & Threatening! Invasive cactus ‘hooks up’ with iconic Flinders Ranges rock-wallaby

by Lorraine Edmunds (NRNY Communications & Engagement Coordinator & Arkaroola Conservation Projects Officer)

   
Back to the top
 
Ag Excellence launch apps guide for farmers

Producers who want a hand sorting the wheat from the chaff when it comes to finding useful farming apps have a new guide: the second edition of Ag Excellence Alliance’s Smartphone Apps for Smart Farmers.

Ag Excellence Alliance administration manager Mandy Pearce says the new edition contains 414 apps, of which 235 are iOS apps for iPhones and iPads and 179 are Android apps, for brands such as Samsung, HTC and Nokia.

“This edition reflects just how far technology has moved in only two years,” Mrs Pearce said.

The guide identifies both paid and free apps that can help farmers in their day-to-day work; everything from weather or fire information to business tools, such as farm inputs and supplies.

“There’s a lot of new content online which has been identified in this second edition with 226 new apps, including 123 iOS and 103 Android.

“The original publication generated an enormous amount of interest and I have been asked to speak to groups about apps at various events across the state, and interstate, since it was released.

“With this overwhelming response, it was only logical that it needed updating to ensure the latest information was available.”

Mrs Pearce said the project’s next stage is to list all the apps on the Ag Excellence website so users can filter and search the apps that may be useful without having to search through numerous apps on iTunes or Google Play. This is due for completion in January 2015.

The book is available in three formats – the full edition, iOS or Android – and can be downloaded at www.agex.org.au.

For more information contact Mandy Pearce on 0418 805 670 or email

   
Back to the top
 
Tarcowie Landcare Group works calendar for 2015 - all welcome

All working bees commence from meeting point at 9 am. Meetings are held on the Saturday prior to Sunday Working Bee.

  • 2nd Feb: watering
  • 5th April: weed and mistletoe control; guard collecting
  • 7th June: planting
  • 12th - 14th June: planting with local schools
  • 1st August: annual bushwalk
  • 10th October: AGM
  • 11th October: watering; seed collection; weed control
  • 6th December: watering;seed collection

The meeting point for all working bees, unless stated otherwise is at June Jenkins house, 55 Chappies Rd Tarcowie.

To find out more information or to register your interest, contact:

Visit the Tarcowie Landcare Group Website or Facebook Page.

   
Back to the top
 
Farmers and community groups rewarded in 25th anniversary landcare grants

Ten farming and community groups from Northern and Yorke region will share $176,908 in funding through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

They will receive grants from $11,000 to $22,000 to deliver a range of projects that will build knowledge and capacity to better utilise and and protect the region’s natural resources.

"This is a very impressive result for our region," NRNY Regional Manager Trevor Naismith said. "Our farming and community groups are to be congratulated, having picked up more than 25 per cent of South Australia’s projects to be funded through the 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants 2014-15."

Several groups will run field days, workshops and site demonstrations to share information and encourage the broader farming community to adopt practices that will improve their viability and the condition of natural assets.

"Knowledge-sharing will be a big focus of half of the projects," Mr Naismith said, "building on the good work that groups like the Hart Field Site Group and Yacka Moorundie Landcare Group have been doing in recent years."

In other projects, a local soil group will collaborate with research organisations to explore better ways of controlling snails in No Till stubble retention systems on YP. In the Mid North, farmers, landcare and Indigenous groups will work together to improve the condition of Appila Springs.

The importance of planning in property management will be the focus of two projects in the Laura/Wirabarra and Yacka Moorundie/Spalding districts.

Nukunu and Narungga communities will undertake restoration works on traditional country in the Southern Flinders and Yorke Peninsula. Traditional Indigenous practices will be used alongside conventional revegetation techniques to restore high value areas of the Baroota floodplain. Several organisations will team up with the Point Pearce Narungga community to restore coastal dunes damaged by off-road vehicles at Tiparra Springs on YP.

"Educating the broader community about the environmental and cultural significance of Tiparra Springs will be an important part of this project," Mr Naismith said.

"Whether they are promoting healthy and sustainable farming family businesses, restoring springs, conserving native pastures or protecting cultural assets, each of these projects shows just what communities can do to contribute to natural resource management in our region," Mr Naismith said.

For an overview of all successful projects visit their website. www.nrm.gov.au/news

   
Back to the top
 
Nature Play SA’s 12 reasons to play in parks in 2015

South Australia offers some of the most unique and picturesque National Parks in Australia providing unlimited opportunities for children and families to experience a range of landscapes, flora and fauna.

Nature Play SA is partnering with DEWNR and other organisations to launch our 2015 'Park of the Month' program. 

Nature Play SA CEO Sarah Sutter said a different SA park will be featured each month and will include a park-specific program of fun, nature based activities for families to enjoy. 

"Our beautiful parks provide countless opportunities for children and families to connect with nature and to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of playing, learning and being physically active through bushwalking, camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, cycling, surfing and exploring, Ms Sutter said.

"Encounter Marine Park will be featured during January. It offers some of Australia’s best-preserved ocean wilderness and includes the coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula and the east coast of Kangaroo Island. There are lots of activities for kids in the Encounter Marine Park including swimming, beachcombing, fishing, surfing, rockpools and whale watching."

An interactive calendar will be populated for the park being featured each month and is available on the Nature Play SA website

To see what events and activities are planned for the Encounter Marine Park, check out the Park of the Month 'Interactive Event Calendar' and Blog at http://www.natureplaysa.org.au/blog/park-of-the-month-january/"

   
Back to the top
 
Volunteering SA's 2015 Training Calendar

Volunteering SA & NT is the one stop shop for the training of Volunteers, Volunteer Managers and Volunteer Coordinators. Our sessions will provide you with information that is interesting, informative and inspirational. Our workshops offer simple solutions to ongoing issues as well as proven strategies for dealing with more complex concerns.

The workshops are conducted by professional trainers in an environment that encourages discussion, the exchange of information and the development of core skills. A wide range of standard training courses is provided free of charge.

View the full list of sessions on their website.

   
Back to the top
 
   
     
 
Dates for your Diary

January

  • 18th: Northern & Yorke Natural Resource Management Board Meeting
  • 24th: Wilmington Rodeo
  • 26th: Australia Day
  • 27th: School Term 1 starts

February

  • 2nd: World Wetland Day
  • 3rd: Upper North Group Meeting
  • 5th: Lower North Group Meeting
  • 9th: Yorke Peninsula Group Meeting
  • 14th: Spalding Rodeo
  • 23rd: Northern & Yorke Natural Resource Management Board Meeting
  • 27th: South Australian No-till Farmers Association Conference
  • 28th: Marrabel Bull Ride
 
Forward
Subscribe
Visit our site
Contact us
 
     
Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Government of South Australia
  Unsubscribe
Like      Tweet