October 2026 edition

A shared commitment to Country

South Australia's nine landscape boards have formalised a shared commitment to strengthening relationships with First Nations people and recognising their enduring connection to Country.

The new Statement of Commitment outlines 12 commitments to guide how landscape boards embed First Nations partnerships and expertise into their regional landscape plans. It recognises the knowledge and cultural authority of First Nations people and the role this brings to caring for Country.

While the statement provides a shared foundation across the state, each landscape board will work with First Nations communities to put these commitments into practice in ways that reflect their region.

>> Read the Statement of Commitment and what it means for South Australia’s landscape boards

Photo: (L to R) SA Arid Lands Landscape Board Member Mark Mayfield, Kangaroo Island Landscape Board Chair Andrew (Aphid) Heinrich, Narungga Elders Eddie Newchurch and John Buckskin, Northern and Yorke Landscape Board Chair Geoff White, Green Adelaide Board Chair Chris Daniels, Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board Chair David Greenhough, Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board Member Tammy O'Malley and Limestone Coast Landscape Board Chair Penny Schulz.

Spring is in full swing for Marna Banggara

Spring monitoring of yalgi at Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park has wrapped up, while predator control continues across the region as part of the Marna Banggara project.

Three years on from the last translocation, the team has been checking in on the yalgiri, or brush-tailed bettongs. Regular monitoring helps the team understand how the population is faring and the impact these little ecosystem engineers are having on the landscape. As they dig for food, they turn over soil and leaf litter, helping native plants grow and restoring natural processes that have been missing for more than a century.

Years of widespread, coordinated predator control, using multiple techniques across the landscape, have been central to the return of yalgi and continue to benefit other native wildlife in the region. With local communities, project partners and volunteers all playing a part, the progress so far has the team thinking about what the future might hold for other native species that once called the peninsula home.

>> Follow the Marna Banggara project

A quiet stretch of sand might not be as empty as it looks

Hooded plover breeding season is underway along the Yorke Peninsula coastline, but you might not notice these little beach residents are nesting right under your nose.

Hoodies lay their eggs in shallow scrapes in the sand, where both eggs and chicks are remarkably well camouflaged. With people, dogs and vehicles sharing the same stretches of beach, it's easy to disturb a nest without even realising it's there.

Over the coming months, keep an eye out for signs marking nesting areas, follow any directions in place and give these little birds plenty of space to raise their chicks.

>> See what to look out for during hooded plover breeding season

Still time to tackle buffel grass

South Australia still has an opportunity to prevent buffel grass from becoming an irreversible statewide problem, but coordinated action needs to ramp up.

That was the message from BuffelpalooSA 2026, a two-day forum held in Port Augusta last week. Researchers, Traditional Owners, landholders, industry representatives and government agencies came together to discuss what it will take to manage the spread of this invasive grass.

The focus was on preventing new infestations, protecting vulnerable landscapes and securing the long-term coordination and funding needed to make control efforts count. The discussions will help inform future submissions and inquiries into buffel grass management.

>> Read more about BuffelpalooSA

There’s always something else to notice

Nick Modra might be known as the pygmy blue-tongue lizard guy, but spend some time with our Regional Field Ecologist and it quickly becomes clear his interests stretch much further.

For Nick, knowing what lives in a landscape is about more than being able to put a name to a plant or animal. Sharing that knowledge can help landholders better understand what is on their property and what it needs to remain there.

It is a curiosity that keeps growing too. After years working across the Northern and Yorke, Nick reckons he has barely scratched the surface of the natural world.

>> Find out which species really get him talking

Could your property demonstrate landscape rehydration?

Slowing water down and spreading it across the landscape can help restore natural processes that keep water moving, storing and cycling through a property.

We're looking for primary producers interested in hosting a landscape rehydration demonstration site, with support available to design and install suitable works. You can also register your interest in attending a future learning event to see these techniques in practice.

Expressions of interest close 15 October 2026.

>> Express your interest in hosting or attending

Want to talk it through first? Contact Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator Molly on 0456 538 224.

New rebate to support plague locust control

Eligible primary producers and landholders can apply for help with expenses associated with controlling Australian plague locusts on their property.

The Plague Locust Chemical Rebate provides reimbursement for approved products used to control locust hopper bands or adult swarms in defined areas. In the Mid North, eligible areas include Port Augusta, Flinders Ranges, Mount Remarkable, Orroroo-Carrieton, Peterborough, Northern Areas and Goyder.

The rebate covers product expenses, including delivery, up to a maximum of $35 excluding GST per hectare sprayed. Eligible expenses must be incurred between 1 July and 31 December 2026, with products applied from 1 September 2026.

Applications close at 5 pm on 14 February 2027.

>> Check your eligibility and apply through PIRSA

Looking after yourself when caring about birds

For people who spend time watching and caring for birds, the impact of H5 bird flu can be difficult to witness. BirdLife Australia has put together a Wellbeing Field Guide to help people look after themselves as the situation continues.

Feelings of grief, anger and uncertainty are understandable, particularly when the wildlife and places you care about are affected. The guide offers practical tools to help people stay grounded, manage their exposure to H5 bird flu news and recognise when they might need additional support.

It also reminds us that looking after ourselves is part of being able to continue caring for birds. Staying connected with others and making time for familiar routines can help when things feel overwhelming.

Explore BirdLife Australia's Wellbeing Field Guide

When rabbits move into town

As conditions dry out, rabbits can find plenty to eat in our gardens and watered lawns. They're not just a problem on rural properties, and once they settle into town, they can be difficult to get rid of.

Beyond the damage to your garden, their burrows can undermine buildings and create trip hazards. Tackling a rabbit problem means dealing with the places they shelter as well as the rabbits themselves. Working with neighbours can also help stop them moving straight back in.

If rabbits are making themselves at home on your property, our fact sheet covers the control options available in urban areas and how to get started.

>> Read our guide to controlling rabbits in urban areas

Help track the great Bogong moth migration

Bogong moths are on their annual spring migration towards the Australian Alps, and scientists need more sightings from South Australia to help understand where they travel along the way.

The endangered moths have been making headlines recently, with large numbers appearing in major cities after strong winds blew some off course. Some can migrate up to 1,000 km before reaching the Alps.

Zoos Victoria’s Moth Tracker is gathering sightings to better understand their migration. Bogong moths are also an important spring food source for the Critically Endangered Mountain Pygmy-possum.

If you think you spot a Bogong moth, take a photo and upload your sighting. You don’t need to be certain of the identification.

>> Learn more and help track our winged friends

Image: Denis, Moth Tracker

See who’s flying around your neighbourhood

The Aussie Bird Count returns from 19–25 October, giving people across the country a chance to help build a snapshot of the birds living around us.

Taking part is simple. Spend 20 minutes watching the birds in your backyard, local park or another favourite spot, then record what you see through the Aussie Bird Count.

Another option for your vineyard

South Australian winegrape growers can apply for support to rest vineyards through PIRSA’s Vineyard Resting Rebate.

The rebate contributes towards the cost of Ethephon to reduce grape production while maintaining healthy foliage, helping reduce vineyard management costs while growers consider future options.

Check eligibility and rebate details through PIRSA

Funding for existing Heritage Agreements

Owners of native vegetation Heritage Agreements can now apply for support and grant funding through the Native Vegetation Heritage Agreement Grant Program 2026–2030.

Funding is available to support work that enhances biodiversity on land already protected under a Heritage Agreement.

Check the program details and eligibility through the Department for Environment and Water

Help find the Black-chinned Honeyeater

These elusive little birds are becoming harder to find, with an estimated 50–100 remaining in the region.

ReBird the Ranges and Adelaide University need your help finding out where they're still hanging out. Spring is a great time to keep an eye and ear out, so if you spot one or hear its call, let them know!

>> Learn more and find out how to report a sighting

You don't have to weather it alone

The Weather It Together campaign is making a mark across regional South Australia, helping farmers and their communities stay connected and supported through the toughest of seasons. Weather It Together is about small steps that make a big difference. It focuses on four simple behaviours that help in tough seasons. You don’t have to tackle this season on your own.

>> Learn more

Find the latest information and opportunities for people working in agriculture in the Northern and Yorke region, via our Sustainable Ag Update. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Molly O'Dea keeps her finger on the pulse and updates this page regularly to help keep you informed.

>> Sign up to receive the Sustainable Ag Update to be the first in-the-know.

OCTOBER

03 | Meet Your Local Beach Wildlife, 10:00am - 2:00pm, Moonta Foreshore
07 | Young River Makers, 10:00am - 11:30am, Gawler East
10 | Paddocks and Pathways, 10:00am - 11:30am or 2:00pm - 3:30pm, Gawler Belt
10 | Willowie Open Day, 10:00am - 1:00pm, Willowie Forest
17 | Gawler Repair Cafe, 9:30am - 12:00pm, Gawler South
23 | Clare Valley Private Lands Network Field Day, 9:00am - 12:00pm, Auburn
30 | Waterbug BioBlitz, 8:30am - 5:00pm, Nuriootpa

Bite-sized Grants
The Northern and Yorke Landscape Board's Bite-sized Grants offer between $200 and $2,000 to community groups and not-for-profit organisations for small, short-term projects. The aim is to deliver positive environmental and landscape management outcomes, such as weed control, revegetation projects and pest animal management.

Office views with Regional Field Ecologist, Nick.

Out there somewhere

Do you have a landscape or nature photo to share? If you've taken a striking photo somewhere in the Northern and Yorke region, we'd love to share it in an upcoming edition of the Yakka.

>> Email Anna with your images

Acknowledgement of Country

The Narungga, Nukunu, Kaurna, Ngadjuri and Peramangk people are the traditional custodians of the Northern and Yorke region. We acknowledge and respect elders past and present, and value their connection to Country.