Download draft plan released for consultation

Gawler Ranges
National Park
Draft Management Plan 2015
Working together to maintain strong relationships, healthy Country and to connect people
to an ancient landscape.
1
Your thoughts
are important
The Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management
Plan is released for public comment in accordance with
section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.
This draft plan sets out objectives and strategies
for the ongoing protection and conservation of
the natural and cultural values of Gawler Ranges
National Park. It has been developed with input
from the Gawler Ranges National Park Advisory
Committee, stakeholders, and staff from across
the South Australian Government. Through the
consultation process, four priority management
themes have been developed – ‘Protecting natural
values’, ‘Respecting, recognising and protecting the
culture of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People’,
‘Providing high quality visitor experiences’ and
‘Connecting histories’. In addressing these priority
themes, the plan strives to provide realistic and
achievable goals for the management of this park.
I encourage you to make a submission on the draft
plan. Before it is adopted, the plan will be further
refined in response to submissions received. Guidance
for making a submission can be found on page 26
and the criteria used to assess submissions can be
found at
www.environment.sa.gov.au/parkmanagement
John Schutz
Director of National Parks
and Wildlife
Warning
Aboriginal People are warned that this
publication may contain images of deceased
persons or culturally sensitive material, which
may cause unintentional grief. Every attempt
has been made to gain approvals for materials
used within this document.
1
Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation, 2015
Gawler Ranges Park Advisory Committee members,
past and present
Traditional Custodians and Park Advisory
Committee Welcome
The Gawler Ranges Park Advisory Committee members past and present, have worked hard, together with
the traditional custodians, to write this plan. We feel proud to present this plan to direct management of the
park’s many values into the future.
The Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People are the traditional custodians of this region and as such have acquired
intimate knowledge of Country. This knowledge has been incorporated into the customs, lifestyles, value
systems, and cultural practices of this unique and distinctive group. This cultural way of knowing, being,
and valuing the munda (land) has been transmitted down from generation to generation through bloodlines,
the genealogies of the foundation families of the region. These families have been living and working and
participating in culture here since time immemorial. Cultural practices include caring for Country.
We continue this care of Country today as co-managers of the Gawler Ranges National Park with the
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and welcome visitors to share this park with us, to
continue to enjoy and look after it together.
Contents
Directions for management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Park significance and purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
What are we looking after?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
What are the challenges and opportunities? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Management themes and priorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Appendices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Further reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Invitation to contribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management Plan
2
Developing this
draft plan
The Gawler Ranges is an ancient landscape containing many
important cultural sites and stories, stunning geology, and
unique plants and animals. It is the homeland of the Barngala,
Kokatha and Wirangu peoples, collectively the Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People, who have lived in and looked after the land
from time immemorial.
In 2011, the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People, and South
Australia’s Minister for Sustainability, Environment and
Conservation agreed to manage the park cooperatively.
Consequently, the Gawler Ranges Park Advisory Committee
was created to advise on the management of the park and
help the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People and government
work together on the management of Country, guided by
the Gawler Ranges Co-Management Agreement. In the near
future it is anticipated that the Advisory Committee will assume
greater responsibilities by evolving into a Co-management
Board.
This plan will progress this partnership by setting directions for
park management. The Advisory Committee has worked in a
spirit of new beginnings to develop this plan. The Committee
welcomes all people to this Country to share and learn from its
history and special values.
Co-management of Gawler Ranges National Park under the
Committee’s guidance aims to protect and wisely use these
unique values for the benefit of current and future generations.
Co-management brings enormous potential for Traditional
Owners, local people and visitors to see the landscape in a
different light, to re-connect to nature, experience the strong
Aboriginal culture, and to generate economic benefits for
Aboriginal people.
This draft management plan was developed following a review
of the previous park management plan (DEH 2006) and the
consideration of feedback received on a discussion paper about
the future management of the park. Nine submissions were
received, including feedback from the Friends of Gawler Ranges
group which represents many neighbours and locals who are
passionate about the park.
This draft plan has been developed to encourage all interested
people to have their say about the future of the Gawler Ranges
National Park this draft plan and the strategies set out to guide
the future management together.
3
Directions for
management
The Gawler Ranges National Park is fundamental to the Aboriginal
law, culture and beliefs of the traditional owners – the Gawler
Ranges Aboriginal People – who are the native title holders of this
land. It protects a unique and ancient landscape that is of
significant and strategic conservation value. It is also a park that is
much loved by the local community and people who visit the park
for camping, walking or experiencing its fascinating Aboriginal
culture and seeing interesting relics of a past agricultural era.
Who is involved?
Who has set the
management directions?
What is important?
The park’s significance and
purpose and what are we
looking after?
Once adopted, the Gawler Ranges National Park Management
Plan will provide direction for how the park will be managed into
the future. It will concentrate on strengthening the resilience of
the Gawler Ranges landscape through;
What are the issues?
• Managing effective partnerships to maintain park values;
Challenges and
opportunities?
• Reflecting on long term changes in land use and the impact
of these changes on current values;
• Maintaining and caring for culture through long term
effective involvement of Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People
in park management;
• Utilising landscape scale programs to build on existing
conservation programs and managing threatening
processes such as fire, abundant species and visitor use;
What guides us?
Objectives and priorities?
• Encouraging and enhancing visitor experiences and
involvement within this spectacular park.
Park management seeks to support landscape resilience restoring
native plant and animal populations, ecosystem processes and
facilitating the conservation of individual species. Management of
the park will continue to utilise the best available scientific
information and contemporary management practices.
Other plans that will influence the management of the park
include the Gawler Ranges National Park Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Management Plan 2009 (Vickery et al. 2009), the Gawler Ranges
Caring for Country Plan 2010-2015 (Mueller et al. 2010), the South
Australian Arid Lands Natural Resource Management Plan (SAAL
NRM Board 2010), and the South Australian Arid Lands Biodiversity
Strategy Volume 4: Gawler Conservation Priorities (DEH 2009).
The management plan will also meet the requirement for the
completion of a park management plan specified under section
38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. It will be adopted
subject to any native title rights or interests that may continue to
exist in relation to the land and will be implemented in accordance
with the relevant provisions of the Native Title Act 1993.
The Gawler Ranges National Park Committee will work with the
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
(DEWNR), the South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resource
Management Board, park neighbours and stakeholders to
determine priorities and coordinate the delivery of the strategies
that are outlined in this plan.
What is the work?
Objectives and strategies?
Doing the work
Themes
Checking the work
Learning and adapting
The Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People have set the steps
for the management directions as outlined above
Gawler Gawler
Ranges Ranges
NationalNational
Park Draft
Park
Management
Management
Plan
Plan 4
0
34
400
'Old Paney
Homestead'
""
Traditional Use
Zone
0
34
"
"""""
260
""
"
" """
"
"
""
""
"
"
""" ""
" ""
" """"" "
"
0
38
0.5
Policeman's
Point
0 km
"
""
" "
" ""
360
0
40
0
44
1
to
Minnipa
a
eW
On
y
Blue Sturts
#
Old Paney
Homestead
Area
" """ " ""
"
"
"
"
"
to Wudinna
Waganny
Campground
Mattera
Campground
Paney and
Park Office
2
4
8
Shearing shed
6
10
PINKAWILLINIE CONSERVATION PARK
Mount
#
Allalone
0 km
Gawler Ranges
National Park
Figure 1
Kolay Hut
Campground
Chillunie
Campground
Kolay Mirica
Falls
Yardea !
Pondanna
Outstation
GAWLER RANGES
NATIONAL PARK
Mount Sturt
Stone
Dam
Scrubby Peak #
Yandinga Campground
Enlargement
Old Paney Homestead Area
GAWLER RANGES
CONSERVATION
PARK
380
Organ Pipes
380
360
Scrubby Peak Campground
400
300
32
0
360
420
" ""
34
0
""
Kododo Campground
W ay
HILTABA NATURE RESERVE
""
220
400
420
340
"
On e
"
360
""
"
"
5
""
0
38
220
0
36
28
0
240
Management track
Public road
Other protected area
Traditional Use Zone
Gawler Ranges
National Park
LEGEND
" " " " " "
to Kimba &
Buckleboo
Historic
Building
Campground
Walking trail
Park significance and purpose
cultural heritage sites, objects and places .The park provides
The long term protection and enhancement of Gawler
Ranges National Park begins by understanding its
significance and purpose.
Gawler Ranges National Park (162,875 ha) is located approximately
600 kilometres north-west of Adelaide and 40 kilometres north
of Wudinna in the northern portion of South Australia’s Eyre
Peninsula (Figure 1).
The park was created in 2002 through purchase of the former
pastoral property of Paney Station and the Scrubby Creek
pastoral lease to protect diverse and relatively intact vegetation.
These communities were not previously well represented in
South Australia’s protected area network. The park is subject to
joint proclamation under section 43 of the National Parks and
Wildlife Act 1972. As a result the park is managed primarily for
conservation purposes while still allowing for approved mineral and
petroleum activities.
The park is also important for regional tourism. It provides local
people and visitors to the region with opportunities to tour via fourwheel drive, camp, walk and learn about the region’s rich natural
and cultural heritage.
The Gawler Ranges region is rich in Aboriginal heritage and is
culturally significant to the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People who
have a long and continuing history of custodianship of the Gawler
Ranges. The region sustains the living culture of the Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal Community. Traversing the Country are richly woven
stories of Aboriginal culture, exploration and arid-land pastoralism
and the connections between cultures. The park protects significant
opportunities to work with the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People to
share their stories to learn about their connections to Country and
exchange management ideas. The park continues to be a special
place for many people who live near the park, have visited it and
hold its values close to their hearts.
Gawler Ranges National Park adjoins Pinkawillinie Conservation
Park, and Hiltaba Nature Reserve which is managed by the Nature
Foundation SA. It is also part of a large interconnected network
of protected areas. These vast protected areas and the numerous
remnant patches of vegetation that extend across northern Eyre
Peninsula, form the core of a significant corridor of integrated
biodiversity management, across land from Eyre Peninsula through
the Great Victoria Desert and Nullarbor Plain into Western Australia.
Large protected area networks such as this are strategically
important for biodiversity conservation. They facilitate broadscale
movement across the landscape in response to changes to the
ecosystem that may arise as a result of climate change.
The park is situated midway between the arid pastoral land to the
north and the semi-arid broad acre cropping land to the south. As a
result, some of the flora and fauna species that are protected within
the park and adjacent protected areas are at the extremes of their
geographical distribution or are found nowhere else.
The Gawler Ranges are a central feature of the park. They were
formed during a massive volcanic eruption almost 1,500 million
years ago. Exposure to the elements has created spectacular cliffs of
columnar rhyolite, known as organ pipe formations, along with rock
holes, springs and intermittent waterfalls. The ranges also support
a diverse range of vegetation communities and are a refuge for a
number of rare or threatened flora and fauna species.
Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management Plan
6
What are we looking after?
The Gawler Ranges National Park is valued for:
• A cultural landscape, sites, objects and stories that have been
passed down through generations and are of profound
cultural significance;
• Opportunities for the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People to share
their knowledge and culture, develop business ventures, create
jobs, exercise their traditional rights, care for their Country and
reconnect people to the land and culture;
• Four distinct landforms: hills and ranges, plains and rises,
drainage lines and sand dunes that provides habitat for a range
of animals including Kangaroos, the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby
(Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus), Southern Hairy-nosed
Wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons), reptiles, birds and bats,
• Being part of a large connected landscape scale protected area;
• Semi-permanent soaks, granite waterholes and rocky gullies
and outcrops that are culturally significant water sources and
provide critical habitat and drought refuges for plants and
animals;
• 18 fauna species (Appendix 1) and 24 plants species (Appendix
2 ) that are listed as rare or threatened under the National Parks
and Wildlife Act 1972. Six species are endemic to the Gawler
Ranges - Gawler Ranges Hop Bush (Dodonea intricata), Gawler
Ranges Greenhood (Pterostylis ovata), Gawler Ranges Mint
Bush (Prostanthera florifera), Gawler Ranges Grevillea (Grevillea
parallelinervis), Crimson Mallee (Eucalyptus lansdowneana) and
Pointed-leaf Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca oxyphylla);
• The Sturt’s Desert Pea (Swaisona formosa) which supports fond
memories of childhood pasts on Country for the Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People;
7
• Shrublands that are recovering from historic grazing and are
comprised of Bitter Saltbush (Atriplex stipitata), Pearl Bluebush
(Marireana sedifolia) and emergent Western Myall (Acacia
papyrocarpa). Bitter Saltbush is widespread across the park);
• 39 vegetation communities including significant extensive
Mallee communities and a remote outlier of threatened
Peppermint Box (Eucalyptus odorata) open woodland on the
lower slopes of Mount Fairview;
• Australia’s most extensive population of the Twinleaf Everlasting
(Rhodanthe oppositifolia oppositifolia) and the only population
of the endangered Currant bush (Leptomeria preissiana) within
South Australia’s protected area network;
• Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999; two species listed as endangered, the
Short-tailed Grasswren (Amytornis merrotsyi pedeleri) and the
Inland Green-comb Spider-orchid (Caladenia tensa). Five species
which are listed as vulnerable are Malleefowl (Leipoa ocelata),
Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus),
Ooldea Guinea-flower (Hibbertia crispula) and Desert
Greenhood (Pterostylis xerophila), and the Greater Long-eared
Bat (Nyctophilus timoriensis).
• Sites of geological and geomorphological significance including
an extensive outcropping of the Gawler Ranges volcanics which
is one of the world’s largest known areas of rhyolite, known as
the Organ Pipes;
• A series of buildings, sites and artefacts that illustrate the
region’s rich pastoral and agricultural heritage;
• Opportunities to use a network of access roads, walking trails,
camping facilities and visitor information that enable people to
enjoy a range of activities including camping, walking and
sightseeing.
What are the challenges and opportunities?
Looking after the park presents many challenges and opportunities.
These include:
• Manage the impact of pest plants including exotic grass species
such as Buffel Grass on native flora, fauna and cultural sites;
• Building an understanding of Aboriginal culture and comanagement among visitors and the local community through
the transfer of cultural knowledge and getting young Gawler
Ranges Aboriginal People back on their Country.
• Manage the impact of pest animals including cats and foxes on
fauna and managing the effects of excessive grazing pressure
caused by goats, rabbits and over abundant populations of
kangaroos;
• Managing fire to protect life and property, enhance the
condition of vegetation communities, and to protect rare or
threatened species;
• Including traditional burning practices in future fire
management activities and undertake prescribed burning
programs to protect park cultural values;
• Ensuring that mineral and petroleum exploration or mining
activities are carefully managed in a way that does not
compromise the objectives for the park;
• Building partnerships with mineral and petroleum interests
within the park;
• Manage the impact of visitors to the park by providing
campground management and maintaining the road and
track networks;
• Identifying, understanding and protecting Aboriginal
cultural values;
• Sustaining the coordinated contribution of volunteers and land
managers towards biodiversity and heritage conservation across
the Gawler Ranges;
Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management Plan
8
Management themes and priorities
This section of the plan discusses the overarching management approaches for the Gawler Ranges National Park, focusing
on four key themes.
Theme 1: Protecting natural values
It is important to understand why the park was declared and upon
what we base the values we are managing now. In 2001 the local
community supported the declaration of Gawler Ranges National
Park to conserve what remained of the property’s significant
biodiversity values. The community recognised its endemic flora and
fauna and recreation values.
The extensive areas of remnant vegetation within the park are in
relatively good condition, including woodlands of native Pine, Sheoak
and Western Myall, Mallee and shrublands of saltbush, chenopods,
samphire and spinifex and spear–grass grasslands. The park contains
a broad range of habitats and vegetation communities, many of
which continue to recover from grazing. 603 vascular plant species
and 217 species of vertebrate fauna have been recorded across the
bioregion (Gillam et al. 2009). The majority of these species are found
within the park.
Management partnerships
These include encouraging partnerships between the community and
the Gawler Ranges Parks Advisory Committee, focusing management
on priority species and communities, monitoring performance and
approaching management on a landscape scale. The concept of
landscape scale management involves working across boundaries.
9
This approach is guided by a series of plans developed for the
Gawler Ranges landscape. Currently targeted species include the
nationally listed animal species such as Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby
and Malleefowl, and endemic plant species such as the Gawler
Ranges Hop Bush, and the Gawler Ranges Grevillea, Crimson Mallee
and Pointed-leaf Honey Myrtle.
The partnership will progress successful management activities within
the park which protect biodiversity values and aim to meet regional
and national objectives. These include building resilience of Country
and returning to traditional management practices where possible to
meet our objectives. The partnership will support two-way learning
between partners. It will also provide opportunities to progress
more Aboriginal employment on Country, returning Aboriginal
custodianship, embracing traditional management practices through
traditional burning and cultural heritage site management.
Changing practices
Guiding policy
Changes in land management practices have influenced the condition
of the Country. This land has been looked after by the Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People, the past pastoral lessee and more recently the
South Australian Government.
Park management is guided by policies and regulations which assist
the community, government and the co-management partners,
to manage the park and determine priorities. The conservation of
species that are listed as rare or threatened under the Australian
Government’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 are guided by national conservation advice
and recovery and threat abatement plans for key threatening
processes. These plans have been prepared for the Malleefowl
(Benshemesh 2007) and the Desert Greenhood protection (Pobke
2007). There are also threat abatement plans for the management of
goats, foxes and cats (DEWHA 2015).
For generations the Mallee woodlands and chenopod plains of the
Gawler Ranges region existed in harmony with the natural cycles
of rain, drought, fire and traditional use by the Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People. Through traditional ecological knowledge acquired
through generations they managed this land through strict protocols
and responsibilities passed down for the care and use of resources
in an increasingly arid environment, such as water in the rock holes
and seeps. They also used management tools including fire to burn
Country regularly in mosaic patterns while the Country was sung
and spiritually maintained. Pastoral expansion in the 1850s broke this
custodianship and introduced different land management practices
that resulted in fragmentation of the vegetation, the creation of
roads, clearing of the vegetation and the introduction of new plant
and animal species. Many of these changes continue to impact on
the park and determine priorities.
To determine priorities and focus works the status of all plants
and animals within all of South Australian Interim Biogeographic
Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) bioregions has been assessed.
This has provided for a revision of South Australia’s threatened
species schedules under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.
Bioregions are relatively large areas of land characterised by broad
landscape scale natural and environmental features that influence
the function of the entire ecosystem. They capture the large scale
geophysical patterns across Australia and these are in turn linked
to fauna and flora which occurs in each region. This is the basis of
landscape scale management.
Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management Plan
10
Priorities for the conservation of biodiversity in the park are also
guided by the Arid Lands Regional Natural Resources Management
Plan (SAAL NRM Board 2010) and the South Australian Arid Lands
Biodiversity Strategy Volume 4: Gawler Conservation Priorities (DEH
2009). The five priorities set out in the Biodiversity Strategy match
the co-management partner’s directions and include examples such
as managing threats to the threatened Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby
within the park from competition and predation, and managing
fire across boundaries to ensure endemic species and threatened
habitat such as the Gawler Ranges Hop Bush, the Gawler Ranges
Grevillea, the Short-tailed Grasswren and other species or
communities are protected (DEH 2009).
Mining
There are several mineral exploration tenements over the park
and there may be more in the future. Some exploration has
occurred in the past, however there are no operational mines
in the park. In South Australia the potential impacts associated
with mineral exploration activities are managed under the
Mining Act 1971. Petroleum exploration activities are managed
under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000. Prior
to commencement of any licensed exploration activities, a
Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) or
Statement of Environmental Objectives (SEO) must be prepared
by the proponent and approved by the Minister for Mineral
Resources and Energy. Within parks, the Minister for Sustainability,
Environment and Conservation will also have a role in relation to
the approval of the PEPR or SEO and the granting of any licence.
11
The process for development of the PEPR or SEO includes
consultation with traditional owners. The PEPR process ensures
that licensed mineral or petroleum and geothermal 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 process will require cognisance of areas with particular
significance such as the Scrubby Peak area which has sensitive
environmental associations or where populations of rare and
threatened species are found. 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 and the Native Title Act 1993.
While the administrative process for seeking exploration and mining
activities consideration and approvals depends on the proclamation
(or type) of reserve, all parks have regional park-based staff who
are tasked with ongoing direct communication with any mining
companies. These staff have good knowledge of every park and the
biological and heritage values of them. Their tasks include meetings
on and off site, negotiating park-based access and reviewing each
activity while it is happening. Monitoring is ongoing to ensure any
impacts are kept to acceptable levels and that sites are appropriately
rehabilitated. They report any concerns and issues either directly to
the mining company or the principal regulator, the Department of
State Development.
Abundant species
Many things influence the condition of Country and the comanagement partners use many tools to manage these influences.
One influence includes high populations of pest animals and
overabundant native animals which have significant impacts on
biodiversity values and can compete with rare and threatened plant
and animal species in the Gawler Ranges National Park. An annual
assessment of overabundant species grazing pressure is used to
indicate when the control of pest and overabundant grazing species
is required.
The strategic culling of Western Grey Kangaroos (Macropus
fuliginosus) and Euro (Macropus robustus) will be considered if
these species are threatening the values of the park. Strategic culling
will be implemented if the assessment of total grazing pressure
determines that control measures are warranted, in accordance with
section 38(10)(a) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Kangaroo
management programs may consider commercial options for the
utilisation of carcasses.
Fire management
Fire plays a pivotal role in maintaining the natural condition of
habitats and native vegetation. Traditional fire regimes were altered
after the commencement of pastoralism through the introduction
of pest plants. With removal of stock grazing and with reduced
pest animal numbers, the recovery of vegetation communities has
resumed. Prescribed burns are undertaken within the park and on
adjacent properties to reduce fuel loads, minimise impact of intense
fires on the park’s biodiversity and cultural values, and to reduce the
likelihood of large scale wildfire that pose a risk to life and property.
Fire management on public land includes prescribed burning and
regional cooperative fire management plans support the integrated
management of natural resources. Cooperation with neighbours
and consultation with stakeholders is undertaken to ensure that
the prescribed burning is effective and promotes conservation
values. Where possible fires will be managed to minimise impact
on neighbouring properties and to protect life and property and
biodiversity values.
Each of these management processes helps to significantly improve
the natural condition and long term viability or resilience of the rare
and threatened plants and animals, to withstand climatic or fire
induced episodic changes to the environment and to help us build
on past success.
Ensuring effective management
An evaluation and resourcing of regionally successful management
programs such as Bounceback and the Working On Country
programs, has led to the current successful management of
threatened species and protection of pivotal heritage sites such
as rockholes within the park. These programs have successfully
engaged the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People to work on Country
and provide opportunities to continue this. These programs also
meet the guiding directions of the co-management partners. New
opportunities may arise which will grow these successful programs
or add to new co-management practices.
Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management Plan
12
Two successful programs which support management of the park
and delivery of regional conservation activities include Bounceback
and the Working on Country program.
The success of these programs relies on a coordinated approach to
habitat restoration and pest plant and animal management within
the park and beyond park boundaries. The ongoing participation of
neighbours and the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People is essential.
13
Universities, non-government organisations, resource industries
and volunteers undertake research and monitoring in parks.
Research can build an improved understanding of park values,
threats and management strategies. Monitoring, undertaken
within the park and across the broader landscape is also
important to build an understanding of long term trends, to
inform park operational decision making and to measure the
success of management actions.
Bounceback
Working on Country Program
The Bounceback program extends from the Gawler
Ranges to the Flinders and Olary Ranges and targets
the coordinated management of pest species, such
as goats, foxes and rabbits. Pest animals such as
foxes, rabbits and goats compete with native fauna
for food, water and shelter. Competition for food
resources during periods of scarcity has a significant
impact on the park’s Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby
population (DEWHA 2008). Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) pose
a major predation threat particularly to juvenile rockwallabies. Pest animals such as goats (Capra hircus)
also foul critically important water sources upon
which threatened species rely, and may also damage
the integrity of cultural sites (DEWHA 2008). Since
2002 monitoring has shown that populations of
Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies and Malleefowl have
increased in the park and on surrounding properties
as a result of the Bounceback program. Future
engagement of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People
with Government to continue this successful program
across the landscape is planned.
The Australian Government’s Working on Country
Program employs Aboriginal staff and focuses on
regional land management priorities. This focus is
programmed through activities such as pest animal
control and the protection of rock holes. The program
also supports neighbours to manage conservation
values with landscape scale outcomes (Jenkins et al.
2011). The Working on Country programs together
with Bounceback supports threat abatement
plans and has successfully assisted the recovery of
the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby populations and
threatened and endemic plants such as Dodonea
intricata in the gorges and Prostranthera florifera on
the hill tops.
The success of the Working on Country program includes
the collaborative direction which guides the Gawler
Ranges National Park Advisory Committee and the wider
community to maintain the natural and cultural values
of the park. The program also provides opportunities
for Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People to resume their
custodianship of Country and work in the park.
Objective and strategies
Conserve and increase the resilience of biodiversity values, by enabling natural ecological processes to continue.
• Continue to build on control programs for pest herbivores and pest plants and develop plant and animal management
plans to support conservation of park values in collaboration with neighbours and SAAL NRM Board.
• Incorporate the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People’s skills and knowledge in the management of the park and support two
way learning to support management of park values.
• Develop and implement a fire management plan for the park that sets priorities for fire management including protection
of the ecological and cultural values and incorporates traditional burning practices.
• Encourage a cooperative approach to biodiversity conservation programs within and adjacent to the park.
• Conduct regular assessments of the health of fauna, flora, habitats and vegetation communities through programs such
as Bounceback to monitor the effects of current land management practices on park values and ecological trends.
Gawler Gawler
Ranges Ranges
NationalNational
Park Draft
Park
Management
Management
Plan
Plan 14
Theme 2: Respecting, recognising and
protecting the culture of the Gawler
Ranges Aboriginal People
Barngarla, Kokatha and Wirangu people – the Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People – have over 30,000 years of strong connections
to their Country and are the native title holders of an area that
encompasses the park. The Gawler Ranges National Park is rich in
Aboriginal heritage and it is significant spiritually and culturally to the
Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People. The land and waters within the
park have many interconnected and complex meanings and values
that are central to the lives of Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People.
Geological and natural explanations of this Country’s formation
and values is one perspective of the land. To the Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People, the land is interwoven with creation dreaming
stories and responsibility stories that have been carried through the
generations and which maintain spiritual connection to the Country.
These stories can inform modern day management and programs
such as the Working on Country, and provide a valuable opportunity
to continue traditional responsibilities and cultural obligations.
The arrival of European immigrants in the 1800’s had a profound
effect on Aboriginal people, their culture and way of life. Many
European immigrants were compassionate towards Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People and provided employment as shepherds, trappers,
house helpers and shearers. However generations of Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People suffered gravely as a result of dispossession and
removal from Country, injustice and the spread of new diseases
which decimated their populations. Despite this the Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People and their Tjukurpa (traditional knowledge,
language and connection with Country) remain strong.
Many place names in the Gawler Ranges are derived from the
languages of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People and there are
numerous cultural sites within the park including stone artefact
scatters, shell middens, stone arrangements, and campsites, ovens
on clay pans, quarries, religious sites, rock holes, burial sites and rock
engravings. The condition of some sites has been affected by the
development of vehicle tracks, campgrounds, fences and buildings
associated with the park’s pastoral era. The South Australian
Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 provides for the protection of all
Aboriginal sites, objects and remains in South Australia. Some of
the sites in the Park are registered under the Aboriginal Heritage
Act 1988, but many sites are not yet surveyed or registered and it is
likely there are sites that have yet to be discovered. Information about
some sites may be confidential according to Aboriginal tradition. The
Act specifies that a person must not divulge information about any
Aboriginal sites in contravention of Aboriginal tradition.
Conservation planning is undertaken for the protection of known
sites. Further conservation planning is a priority at sites that are
currently at risk of damage. Some sites are particularly sensitive or
should not be visited for cultural reasons. However, after further
planning the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People may identify cultural
sites that they wish to promote and make accessible for visitors in
order to communicate the cultural heritage values of the park.
“This is our Country we still have our culture,
language and Tjukurpa, our Traditional law and we
are passing it on. The one story strong that brings
us all together is Seven Sisters story that travels
through this land.”
Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People, 2009
To sustain Tjukurpa the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People undertake
traditional practices in the park including traditional hunting and
gathering. A Traditional Use Zone has been designated so that the
Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People are able to undertake traditional
and cultural activities (Figure 1). Periodically the area may be closed
to public access. The traditional owners request that people respect
their right to conduct these practices on Country in privacy. Further
detail about these traditional activities is summarised in Table 1.
15
Two senior elders of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People at the handover of Native
Title held at Gawler Ranges National Park.
The Gawler Ranges Caring For Our Country Plan 2010-2015 (Muller et
al. 2011) sets directions for the protection of Aboriginal cultural values.
Certain Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People who hold knowledge of
traditional land management practices and mythological sites are
able to identify and advise on the management of cultural sites.
There may be no visual evidence of the site’s significance, however
landscape features such as a tree, rocky outcrop, creekbed or water
hole, may physically represent a mythological story. Information
about culturally significant sites is passed down through stories of
travellers, ancestors and mythological beings .These stories, the
knowledge of the land and its uses remains the intellectual property
of the Gawler Ranges people for Country and may be shared with
park visitors through interpretation or ecotourism ventures planned
by the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People.
The Gawler Ranges Cultural Heritage Interpretation Masterplan 2013
(SANTS 2013) sets out the key themes and messages that should be
conveyed to the public about the parks cultural heritage. These are:
•
•
•
•
This is our Country;
You are in an ancient landscape with an ancient culture;
Permanent and semi-permanent water holes are desert refuges;
The land is tough but fragile. It is subject to cumulative effects
of tourism, people and pastoralism. It needs careful
management.
The Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People have contributed to the
management of the park over many years. The senior elders
encourage young Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People to participate
and take future roles in managing the park.
Table 1: Traditional use summary
Activity
Additional Information
Ceremonial and other
cultural activities
A Traditional Use Zone (see enlargement Figure 1) has been set aside for the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People to
use for return to Country, hunting and gathering, to conduct ceremonies or for other purposes. The Traditional
Use Zone may be periodically closed to public access for these purposes to provide the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal
People with privacy.
Hunting and gathering,
and the collection of
other resources
Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People may gather plants, firewood for campfires, and other resources for food
and cultural purposes throughout the park. Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People may hunt species other than
those that are listed as rare or threatened under the National Parks and Wildlife Act or the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act using traditional methods. The use of firearms is prohibited.
Use of generators
Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People may use generators in accordance with noise and capacity restrictions
that apply in public camping areas (see page 18).
Camping and the use of
fires.
The Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People may establish a camp for up to 21 consecutive days and use a
campfire throughout the park. Total fire bans and fire restrictions apply. They are encouraged to use public
camping areas (Figure 1) or areas that are not in the vicinity of the general public (such as the Traditional
Use Zone). Temporary shelters may be erected for camping within the Traditional Use Zone but all
materials must be removed from the park once deconstructed.
Vehicle access
The Gawler Ranges people may access the public vehicle network (Figure 1) and designated management tracks
as approved by the Gawler Ranges Parks Advisory Committee or the Director of National Parks and Wildlife.
Objective and strategies
Respect, recognise, promote and protect cultural values through a partnership between the Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People, the broader community and Government.
• Develop a traditional hunting and gathering protocol that identifies species that may be hunted by Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People and establishes a process for monitoring the species and number of individuals that have been taken.
• Contribute the skills and knowledge of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People to research, monitoring and management
activities whilst ensuring that traditional ecological knowledge and intellectual property rights are respected.
• Create opportunities for involvement of Aboriginal people to work on Country including employment and enterprise development
and to conduct cultural heritage surveys and site protection works as necessary for the protection of Aboriginal cultural sites.
• Ensure that commercial tourism, events, mineral exploration or other authorised activities are undertaken in a culturally
appropriate manner as approved by the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People.
• Work with the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People to develop a cultural awareness program delivered to park stakeholders
and government officers.
• Update visitor information to ensure that visitors respect the aspirations of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People for the
use of the Traditional Use Zone and are aware of its location and purpose.
• Finalise a Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Cultural Interpretation Masterplan (SANTS 2013) and commence implementation of its
recommendations
Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management Plan
16
Theme 3: Providing high quality
visitor experiences
“…You can really tell the difference here. You
might find it a little bit different- relaxing, the
smell, a lot more birds and bigger kangaroos …
come and enjoy it “
Clifford Woodford - Ranger and Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People 2014.
The park is cherished by many people for its spectacular scenery,
historic agricultural and pastoral relics and the opportunities that
it provides for viewing nature, camping, four-wheel driving and
walking. The Scrubby Peak and Blue Sturts areas in particular,
have had a long history of recreational use. The Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People seek to share their culture through tourism. This
offers an opportunity for people to gain a deeper appreciation of
the park and the culture of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People.
A network of roads within the park provides access to campsites
and other destinations (Figure 1). Several more remote sites are
only accessible via four-wheel drive. For the safety of visitors a
speed limit of 40km per hour applies. In addition some tracks are
one-way and may be closed in unfavourable weather conditions.
All tracks within the park require ongoing maintenance and repair.
Camping under the stars is synonymous with the Gawler Ranges.
Currently, visitors can camp in seven designated camping areas,
each with very basic facilities. These camping areas are near
points of interest such as the Organ Pipes, historical homesteads
and short walking tracks to vantage points. The historic
17
Pondanna Outstation offers commercially operated, self-catering
accommodation. Old Paney Homestead and Kolay Hut are not
available for accommodation but do provide temporary shelter
for visitors.
Campers are required to bring in their own water and firewood.
They may have campfires and use quiet generators during daylight
hours (provided generators are below 2.0 K va, with a maximum
noise level output of up to 65 dB at 7m). There are no black water
dumping points within the park, visitors should utilize points
provided nearby outside of the park in townships and road stops
prior to entering the park. Camping within defined camping
areas and using fire places where provided, is a requirement
and will ensure that visitors do not adversely impact fragile soils,
vegetation and cultural sites or detract from the experiences of
other visitors.
To protect vegetation or avoid impacts on cultural sites it may
be necessary to relocate access tracks or camping areas from
time to time. To improve camping experiences within the park a
review of current camping areas and facilities will be conducted.
While significant investment in camping facilities is not warranted,
there is an opportunity to improve camping facilities by closing
less popular camping areas and improving facilities at the more
popular sites.
There is also a need to diversify the types of walks available
for visitors. This could include walks that enable visitors to
understand Aboriginal cultural values or a longer regional
walking route that integrates dreaming stories with historic sites
and extends beyond the park to Poodanna Rocks near Wudinna.
This concept requires further discussion within the community to
ensure that it is supported and economically feasible. A cultural
heritage site survey and assessment of risk to biodiversity values
including consultation with the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People
is undertaken prior to any facility development.
The Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People are also interested in
developing new tourism experiences to share their culture.
Self-registration bays at park entry points provide information
for visitors. Further information on the natural and cultural
features of the park is available at key visitor sites, online and via
park brochures. Interpretation currently covers the interesting
history and extraordinary natural features of the park. The
Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People plan to share their culture and
enhance visitor experiences through improved interpretation
and provision of opportunities to experience their culture.
Several non-Aboriginal commercial tourism operators currently
visit the park with small groups. New commercial tourism ventures
will continue to be supported providing they are compatible with
the values of the park. However applications to conduct tours that
promote the culture of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People or
to access cultural sites will require consultation with the Gawler
Ranges Aboriginal People before they are approved.
Objective and strategies
Provide opportunities for high quality visitor experiences that support the conservation and cultural values and
encourage a greater understanding of the park.
• As guided by the Gawler Ranges Interpretation Plan 2013 review and renew visitor information and interpretation including
signs, park brochures, and online information to enhance park use and enjoyment and to communicate the responsibilities,
opportunities, aspirations and culture of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People.
• Provide visitor information that encourages the adoption of responsible use practices and improves awareness of permitted
recreational activities and safe recreational practices.
• Consolidate and maintain access tracks within the park to improve vehicle access to park features as required.
• Develop a walking trail strategy to guide the expansion of the walking trail network within the park to enhance visitor experiences
by increasing access to scenic vantage points, and the natural and cultural features of the park and surrounding areas.
• Conduct a review of all campgrounds to improve and consolidate camping opportunities.
• Investigate and progress the establishment of a cultural meeting place which assists visitors to understand and engage with the
culture of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People and the park values.
Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management Plan
18
19
Theme 4: Connecting Histories
The footprints of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People have always
been left in the Gawler Ranges. Many local farming families also
have strong affinities with the park as their descendants first arrived
in this region in the 1850’s and eked out a living from this Country.
The stories of these people are important and remain evident at
numerous sites throughout the park.
Before first contact, the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People’s traditional
lifestyle cared for and utilized the many rock holes dotted across the
landscape such as at Policeman’s Point (Figure1). These important
points were relied on to survive while travelling across and caring for
Country. The rock holes were also vital to wildlife.
Policemen’s Point is a sacred site, as it is a pivotal semi-permanent
water hole upon which Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People’s depended
on. Once European people arrived on Country, this opportunity to
travel and fulfil their responsibilities was interrupted. The Gawler
Ranges Aboriginal People’s population was also decimated by new
introduced diseases and many were rounded up and removed from
the land upon which generations had relied. Conflicts arose here and
early records from the 1920’s recall this period of conflict.
“I think in the early days Paney may have been a
police station as I recall a long shed made of rails
with rings in the uprights and remember being
told that the natives were sometimes chained to
these when they were brought in to be tried…
There was also a spring in a creek about a mile from
the house known as ‘Police Well’ so called because
a policeman was speared by wild natives and his
grave was in the creek nearby.”
Old Paney Homestead is a reminder of early station life and the
enormous struggles met in this remote and variable Country. It is
maintained with support from the Friends of the Gawler Ranges.
Pondanna Outstation consists of an historical homestead and sheds.
This site is significant to the history of the region as the first regional
cultivated source of hay supporting other pastoral leases. Some
stories of early pastoralism have been interpreted at this site.It is
maintained through the efforts of the Friends of the Gawler Ranges.
Elements of the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People’s culture were
celebrated by the first pastoralists with one of the first regional
surveyors Hack, working with the Aboriginal people to name places
and features such as Paney and Yardea (Bishop 2001).
Many dams including Stone Dam, were constructed from local rock
and were built across watercourses to supply water to stock and small
settlements. Many of these old dams or wells have been removed to
reduce the amount of artificial water sources for pest animals. Tracks
and trails from the pastoral era now form the majority of roads and
management tracks within the park. Remnants of other structures
such as fences, yards, dog sheds and shearing sheds remain evident
across the park.
These sites and relics are stark reminders of human hardship,
conflict and survival. While it is not feasible to conserve all sites
and relics, it is important to conserve sites that are of historical
significance and help to explain the history of the region. There is
also a need to complement existing interpretive information in the
park by telling a broader story that incorporates the perspectives of
the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People. Identifying sites of historic
significance and planning conservation works will be guided by the
principles of the Burra Charter (ICOMOS 2013), the Gawler Ranges
Aboriginal People and others within the local community who have
an interest in this work.
Callary H.E 1972 (Early European resident)
Despite this conflict, the resilience of Gawler Ranges Aboriginal
People to maintain their cultural responsibilities was reflected by
their ability to stay on Country and be employed on Paney station as
shearers, trappers and stockmen from the early 1900’s.
Objective and strategies
Conserve historically significant sites and objects and use these to reconcile Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal histories.
• Identify and conserve sites of historical significance in accordance with the principles and processes of the Burra Charter.
• Encourage research that consolidates historic records and information relevant to the history of the park.
• In conjunction with local historians, the Friends of Gawler Ranges and the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal People identify strategies
to communicate appropriate and broader historic themes to visitors.
• Conserve Pondanna Outstation, Old Paney Homestead, Paney Homestead, shearing shed and quarters and the Stone Dam as
representative examples of pastoral and agricultural heritage.
Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management Plan
20
Appendix 1
Fauna species of Conservation Significance recorded for Gawler Ranges National Park (Source: BDBSA 2014)
CONSERVATION STATUS
FAUNA SPECIES
COMMON NAME
Acanthiza iredalei iredalei
Slender-billed Thornbill (western ssp)
R
Cacatua leadbeateri
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
R
Calamanthus cautus cautus
Shy Heathwren
R
Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
Banded Stilt
V
Corcorax melanoramphos
White-winged Chough
R
Falco hypoleucos
Grey Falcon
R
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine Falcon
R
Leipoa ocellata
Malleefowl
Lichenostomus cratitius occidentalis
Purple-gaped Honeyeater
Amytornis merrotsyi pedleri
Short tailed Grasswren
Myiagra inquieta
Restless Flycatcher
R
Neophema elegans
Elegant Parrot
R
Neophema splendida
Scarlet-chested Parrot
R
Pachycephala inornata
Gilbert’s Whistler
R
Turnix varius
Painted Buttonquail
R
Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus
Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby
Lerista distinguenda
Dwarf Four-toed Slider
R
Morelia spilota
Carpet Python
R
Eucalyptus lansdowneana
21
EPBC Act Cwlth1
Vu
NPW Act SA 2
V
R
En
under consideration
Vu
Appendix 2
Flora species of Conservation Significance recorded for Gawler Ranges National Park (Source: BDBSA 2014)
CONSERVATION STATUS
FLORA SPECIES
COMMON NAME
Acacia iteaphylla
Flinders Ranges Wattle
R
Anogramma leptophylla
Annual Fern
R
Austrostipa pilata
Prickly Spear-grass
V
Caladenia tensa
Inland Green-comb Spider-orchid
Centrolepis cephaloformis ssp. cephaloformis
Cushion Centrolepis
R
Ceratogyne obionoides
Wingwort
R
EPBC Act Cwlth1
NPW Act SA 2
En
Gratwickia monochaeta
R
Grevillea anethifolia
R
Hibbertia crispula
Ooldea Guinea-flower
Vu
Leptomeria preissiana
Leptorhynchos scaber
V
E
Annual Buttons
R
Lobelia cleistogamoides
R
Melaleuca armillaris ssp. akineta
Needle-leaf Honey-myrtle
R
Melaleuca leiocarpa
Pungent Honey-myrtle
R
Melaleuca oxyphylla
Pointed-leaf Honey-myrtle
R
Microlepidium pilosulum
Hairy Shepherd’s-purse
R
Phyllangium sulcatum
V
Podolepis jaceoides
Showy Copper-wire Daisy
Pterostylis xerophila
Desert Greenhood
Rhodanthe oppositifolia ssp. oppositifolia
Twin-leaf Everlasting
V
Santalum spicatum
Sandalwood
V
Schoenus sculptus
Gimlet Bog-rush
R
Vu
Velleia cycnopotamica
Wurmbea decumbens
V
R
Trailing Nancy
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
En - Endangered
Vu - Vulnerable
1
R
R
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (South Australia)
E - Endangered
V - Vulnerable
R - Rare
2
Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management Plan
22
References
Benshemesh, J. (2007). National Recovery Plan for Malleefowl. Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia.
Biosecurity SA (2012). South Australia Buffel Grass Strategic Plan: A plan to reduce the weed threat of buffel grass in South Australia.
Government of South Australia, Adelaide
Bishop G.C. (2001). “A Good Supply of Stock Water” – Pastoralism in West Gawler Ranges: A Historical Survey of the Gawler Ranges National Park.
NPWS and Heritage SA, Uraidla S.A.
The Burra Charter (1999). The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance; Australia ICOMOS Inc. International Council of
Monuments and Sites. Canberra
Callary H. E (1972). Letter to DC of Kimba from Mrs H.E. Callary Hilltown 25/1/1972 (cited in Bishop G.C (2001). “A Good Supply of Stock
Water” – Pastoralism in West Gawler Ranges: A Historical Survey of the Gawler Ranges National Park. NPWS and Heritage SA, Uraidla S.A
Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) (2009). Regional Species Conservation Assessment Project. Government
of South Australia. Adelaide
DEH (2006). Gawler Ranges National Park Plan of Management. Government of South Australia, Department for Environment and Heritage. Adelaide
DEH (2009). South Australian Arid Lands Biodiversity Strategy - Gawler Conservation Priorities, Vol 4. South Australian Arid Lands NRM Board,
Department for Environment and Heritage. Government of South Australia, Department for Environment and Heritage. Adelaide.
DEH (2012). Caring for Our Country Nature Links: Celebrating 20 Years of Bounce back building resilience across the ranges. Government of South
Australia, Department for Environment and Heritage. Adelaide
DEH (2007). No Species Loss- Overview, A Nature Conservation Strategy for South Australia 2007-2017. Government of South Australia,
Department for Environment and Heritage. Adelaide.
DEWHA (2008). Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Unmanaged Goats – Five yearly review 2008, Department of
the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra.
DEWHA (2008). Threat abatement plan for predation by feral cats, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra.
DEWHA (2008). Background document for the threat abatement plan for predation by the European red fox, Department of the Environment,
Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra.
DEWNR (2013). Fire Policy and Procedure Manual, Government of South Australia, Department Environment Water Natural Resources, Adelaide.
Gillam, S. and Urban, R (2009). Regional Species Conservation Assessment Project Phase 1 report: Regional Species Status Assessments, West
region. Department for Environment and Heritage. Government of South Australia. Adelaide
Government of South Australia (2012). Natural Resource Management State and Condition Reporting Framework, SA 2012, Adelaide
Hack, S. (1907-08). Explorations North Western District- proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia; Vol. 10 pp 2-11, Adelaide.
Jenkin, T., White, M., Ackland L., Scholtz, G and Starkey, M. (2011). Partnerships in Protecting Rockhole’s, 2009-10, Cultural and Ecological Site
Assessment in Gawler Ranges. South Australian Arid Lands, NRM Board, Adelaide.
Lang P.J., Kellermann J., Bell G.H and Cross H.B. (2013). Flora Survey on Hiltaba Station and Gawler Ranges National Park, Vascular Plants,
macrofungi, lichens and bryophytes. DEWNR, unpublished. Adelaide.
Mueller, S., Jenkins, T.J., Vickery, F.J., Starkey, M. and Ackland, L. (2011). Gawler Ranges Caring for Our Country Plan 2010-2015, Caring for Our
Country, SAAL, Adelaide.
Nature Foundation South Australia (2013). Hiltaba Reserve Plan of Management - Draft, Nature Foundation, Adelaide.
23
Pobke, K (2007). Draft recovery plan for 23 threatened flora taxa on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia 2007-2012, Department for Environment and
Heritage, South Australia.
Potts B. (1977). Chief Supt. (Ret), Hon Secretary, The Australian Police Historical Society, pers comm; Schmaal J. (1977) The way it was at
Yardea. The Police Journal, June 1977 pp18-19, Adelaide.
Ross Watt, D. (2000). Report on Heritage Values Gawler Ranges National Park. Heritage South Australia, Adelaide.
SANTS Ltd (2013). Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Aboriginal Cultural Interpretation Masterplan, South Australian Native Title Service, Adelaide.
SAAL NRM Board (2010). South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Plan, South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources
Management Board, Adelaide.
Vickery F. and Freeman S. (2009). Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan, SA Native Title Service Ltd, Adelaide.
(unpublished)
Wingfield, E (2013). Cited in South Australian Native Title Service (SANTS) Ltd (2013).
Further reading
Coates, F. Jeanes, J. and Pritchard (2002). A National Recovery Plan for Twenty-five threatened orchid taxa of Victoria 2003 – 2007, Department
of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, Melbourne.
Gawler Ranges National Park
www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Find_a_park/Browse_by_region/Eyre_Peninsula/Gawler_Ranges_National_Park
Short-tailed Grasswren (Gawler Ranges)
www.birdsindanger.net/pdfs/Short-tailed%20Grasswren%20(Gawler%20Ranges).pdf
Peppermint box woodland
www.environment.gov.au/resource/national-recovery-plan-peppermint-box-eucalyptus-odorata-grassy-woodland-south-australia
Feral animal threat abatement plans
www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/2109c235-4e01-49f6-90d0-26e6cb58ff0b/files/tap-goat-report.pdf
www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/1846b741-4f68-4bda-a663-94418438d4e6/files/tap-fox-background.pdf
www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/91832626-98e3-420a-b145-3a3199912379/files/tap-cat-report.pdf
Nature Foundation
www.naturefoundation.org.au/our-work/hiltaba/
DEWNR
www.environment.sa.gov.au/managing-natural-resources/plants-and-animals/Threatened_species_ecological_communities/
Regional_significant_projects/Regional_Species_Conservation_Assessment_Project (accessed September 2014). Department of
Environment Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) (2014). Census of South Australian vertebrates. Government of South Australia. Adelaide
www.environment.sa.gov.au/Science/Information_data/Census_of_SA_vertebrates (accessed September 2014).
Gawler Ranges National Park Draft Management Plan
24
Invitation to contribute
This draft management plan is released for public consultation over a three month
period to facilitate community input into the development of the Gawler Ranges
National Park Management Plan. You are invited contribute by making a submission.
To ensure that your submission is effective:
• State the plan to which you are referring, as several may be on public exhibition;
• Make your text concise and clear;
• Refer to the page, section number, paragraph and/or objective or strategy
upon which you are commenting;
• If you disagree with an objective or strategy, state your reasons and say
what you would prefer in its place, and why;
• It is also important to say which sections of the plan you agree with; and
• If you are commenting on the accuracy of background information, provide
references for your information sources.
Please note that your submission will become part of the public record and will be
available to anyone who requests a copy unless you specifically request otherwise.
A final plan will be prepared in response to submissions received on the draft plan.
The criteria used to analyse submissions are available at
www.environment.sa.parkmanagementplans.
The final plan will then be forwarded to the Minister for Sustainability,
Environment and Conservation for consideration together with a detailed
analysis of submissions received. The Minister may adopt the plan with or
without alteration. Notice of the adoption will be published in the Government
Gazette. Once adopted, the Gawler Ranges National Park Management Plan
and an analysis of the public submissions will be available at
www.environment.sa.gov.au/parkmanagement.
25
Submission closes on
8 July 2015
Written submissions:
Barry Hayden
Coordinator, Protected Area Management
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
GPO Box 1047 ADELAIDE SA 5001
E-mail submissions:
[email protected]
Online submissions:
www.environment.sa/Park_management/management_plans
Gawler Gawler
Ranges Ranges
NationalNational
Park Draft
Park
Management
Management
Plan
Plan 26
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.
Photograph courtesy of:
SA Native Title Service, pages 2, 3, 14, 15, 16, 26, & 27
Martin Stokes, pages 8 & 9
D.N. Kraehenbuehl, page 21
South Australian Tourism Commission, pages 18 & 19
Recognition of Indigenous Culture:
All references to Aboriginal culture within this document including images, quotes, stories and language have
copyright and cultural use protocols which apply. Any reproduction of this material must seek appropriate authority.
Permissive Licence
©State of South Australia through the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.
Apart from fair dealings and other uses permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication
may be reproduced, published, communicated, transmitted, modified or commercialised without the prior
written approval of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.
Written requests for permission should be addressed to:
Communications Manager
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
GPO Box 1047 Adelaide SA 5001
Disclaimer
While 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, 2015 | September 2015 | FIS 93010