Record-sized fish captured at Yappala IPA

Fears that summer flooding could spell disaster for one of the Flinders Ranges’ rarest freshwater fish has proven unfounded after remarkable survey results.

A team monitoring Hookina Creek near Hawker, recorded more than 800 individual Flinders Ranges Mogurnda — and two specimens that broke previous size records for the site.

The floods cleared dense vegetation allowing access to sites that had not been surveyed previously. In addition to confirming that the population continues to survive and breed, one of the most significant findings was evidence of upstream movement.

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Rainfall tests Hawker revegetation trial

Good rainfall is revealing how dramatically cultivating compacted ground can transform the way water moves through soil and what grows as a result.

At a revegetation trial on Saul Webb and Louise Watson’s property outside Hawker, moisture penetrated to 50cm in ripped strips compared to just 15cm on nearby hard, scalded surfaces, a difference that's already showing up in plant growth across the six-hectare trial site.

The results of this trial will be documented in a best-practice revegetation guide to be developed.

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Port Augusta-Quorn region in the spotlight

SA Arid Lands Landscape Board members visited the Port Augusta-Quorn region in June as part of its annual regional roadshow, taking in everything from an innovative carbon reduction project to children’s nature play activities funded by Grassroots Grants.

Stops across Port Augusta, and Quorn gave members a first-hand look at the diversity of work happening on the ground – from the cochineal nursery at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens to telemetry water infrastructure in action at Carriewerloo Station.

The visit also included a joint meeting with the Pastoral Board, and a community dinner at Quorn Bowling Club, where the SAAL Landscape Board Regional Landscape Plan 2026–2031 was officially launched.

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Bird flu - be aware, not alarmed

With a bird death from the serious and highly contagious H5 strain of bird flu recorded in South Australia, it’s important to stay informed and prepared.

H5 bird flu is a viral disease that primarily affects birds, but can sometimes infect other animals. The likelihood of humans becoming infected is low.

It has moved across the world and is spread through the movement of migratory birds.

If you are a bird watcher, or keep pet birds or chickens, find out what you need to do >>

Boom time for pest species

Feral pigs in excellent condition, camels on the move, and pest animal numbers swelling off the back of bumper seasons — the country around Coongie Lakes has rarely been more challenging for controlling feral animals.

In May, an aerial crew armed with thermal imaging technology tackled flooded roads, storms and fuel shortages to remove more than 250 pest animals from this internationally significant Ramsar wetland country.

It was a timely intervention: feral pig incursions are now being reported in areas further south and west than ever recorded.

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Five weeds, five districts and one wet season

Roadside weeds don't respect fences. A single untreated infestation can seed hundreds of kilometres of highway, so keeping them under control is a shared responsibility.

Across five districts of the SA Arid Lands region, five priority species have been targeted in a program funded by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and delivered by SAAL and neighbouring landscape boards.

It includes the ever-persistent Buffel grass through to cactus species that rank among Australia's most damaging weeds of national significance. Unusually high rainfall this season triggered significant regrowth across established infestations, with many sites requiring multiple treatment rounds before control can be achieved.

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All aboard for the Pastoral Bus Tour

An opportunity is available for pastoralists ready to step off their own country and into someone else's — with fresh eyes, open minds, and plenty of questions.

The Central Australia Pastoral Bus Tour will head north and visit some of Central Australia’s most respected livestock production businesses, and there are still a few places spare.

Over eight days in late October, participants will get a unique insight to experienced pastoralists over the border who are navigating the realities of running family enterprises in a highly variable climate — from succession planning to innovative production technology.

The tour also includes participation at the Old Man Plains Research Station Field Day, where updates on results of the long-term research trials into cattle breeding efficiencies and sustainable grazing management will be shared.

If building your network, sharpening your thinking, being inspired by others and coming home with practical ideas to consider on your property sounds like time well spent, head to our website for full tour details and how to register your interest before places fill.

Small actions now can make a big impact

The quiet in the paddock after good rain? Don't mistake it for a win.

When feed is abundant across the landscape, kangaroos, goats, feral cats and foxes don't disappear, they spread out, and they breed.

What looks like fewer animals is often just lower density across a bigger area, and with a bumper season priming a bumper breeding cycle, the pressure building quietly out there could hit harder than in recent years.

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New plan to guide the board's work

The board’s new Regional Landscape Plan was launched at its community meeting in Quorn on 24 June and will guide the work of the SAAL Landscape Board from 2026-2031.

An 11-week consultation period was held in addition to the board consulting with its seven District Groups, board and staff members, and its Aboriginal Engagement Network with all feedback considered in the final version of the plan. The board thanks everyone who provided feedback during the review, drafting and the public consultation process.

The plan had minor updates and modernisation from the board’s first plan, and has been endorsed by Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Emily Bourke. 

The Regional Landscape Plan 2021-2026 expired on 1 July 2026. 

Take a look at the board’s new Regional Landscape Plan >>

New guide for biodiversity

A new Biodiversity Guide is being developed for the SA Arid Lands region.

The document will provide a clear framework for prioritising biodiversity protection and enhancement across the region; and articulate what defines a priority species and ecological community, the key threats, guiding principles, and the enablers needed to drive positive change.

While the development of the Biodiversity Guide is being led by the SAAL Landscape Board, the information contained within it will be a useful resource for any party wanting to protect and enhance biodiversity in the region – it could be leveraged to inform planning decisions, project design and funding applications.

The guide was discussed with stakeholders, first nation groups and partners that are managing biodiversity and/or have in-depth knowledge of biodiversity conservation within the region at three in-person and two online workshops.

The new Biodiversity Guide will replace the more detailed six-volume Biodiversity Strategy written in 2009.

What can your plants tell you?

Spotting the early signs that grazing pressure is tipping the balance can make a real difference to land condition outcomes.

Participants in the board's recent Plants Under Pressure workshops at Dutchman’s Stern, Thurlga Station and Olary were shown how to assess what was eating their plants and impacts of grazing pressure, to help them in decision making to adjust stocking or increase feral herbvore controls.  Feedback from land managers was that the  workshop content was practical and something they would do again.

There’s one final chance to hear how it’s done, at a workshop scheduled for September.

Find out how you can get involved >>

Funds to upgrade wells and water networks

For landholders who draw from the Great Artesian Basin, the water source is a lifeline.

Keeping it flowing reliably depends on infrastructure that sometimes needs an upgrade – which can be expensive.  To support bore upgrades a Commonwealth co-funding program is now open for expressions of interest.

The Great Artesian Basin Water Security Program is offering up to half the cost of replacing or rehabilitating aging wells and distribution networks this financial year.

Find out more >>

Levy supports landholders and commuities across the region

Landholders outside of council areas will soon receive their annual Landscape Levy notice, which contributes to the management of natural resources across more than half of South Australia.

Combined with the water levy, and additional funding received from government and industry, these funds allow the SA Arid Lands Landscape Board to fulfil its responsibilities under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 — including pest management, water resource protection, and support for sustainable industries.

Find out more about your the board's funding and the value of your levy to the work of the board >>

Wildlife experience visits Outback schools

The interactive wildlife experience delivered by Animal Anonymous reached more than 300 people when it visited the region in May.

The experience visited Hawker Area School, Leigh Creek Area School and Marree Area School and delivered public sessions in Marree and at the Port Augusta Coastcare event.

Designed to increase awareness and understanding of native fauna, the tour brought Quokkas and Frilled-necked lizard to the region and audiences welcomed the opportunity to hold tawny frogmouths and sugar gliders.

Funded through the SA Arid Lands Landscape Levy, the event provided a valuable opportunity for students who have limited access to animal-based educational programs to support career paths in the environment and environmental stewardship.

Got something to share?

We always love to hear from our readers. Perhaps you'd like to share what you thought of the second online edition of Across The Outback? Or maybe you have some news to share with the SA Arid Lands community?