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Proceedings of the 6th Lake Eyre Basin Conference Basin Voice: Shared understanding and action for a sustainable LEB future Linking science and management PORT AUGUSTA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 Lake Eyre Basin – Australia’s unique, natural, desert river system: Healthy environments, sustainable industries, vibrant communities, adaptive cultures 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE 1 Appendices Appendix 1 – Delegate list First Name Surname Organisation / University State Debra Arthur Marilyn Kate Agnew Ah Chee Ah Chee Andrews Connections Now Pty Ltd LEB CAC LEB CAC SA SA SA NT Veronica Arbon Wirltu Yarlu - University of Adelaide SA Angela Geoff Bob Griff Damian Arthington Axford Backway Barham Barrett Griffith University DEWNR Lake Eyre Yacht Club None CSIRO Qld SA Vic SA ACT Sharon Bell SA Daryl Bell Joanna Blessing Jon Bok Robert Brandle Andy Greg Tom Bubb Campbell Carrangis Sara Clifford James Sonia Cocking Colville Ros Consoli Dulkaninna Station / Outback Lakes SA Dulkaninna Station / Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Qld Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts Santos DEWNR, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Ninti One S. Kidman & Co Ltd DEWNR Qld Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts Arid Lands Environment Centre LEB Ministerial Forum Secretariat Centralian Land Management Association Henry George Justin Colin Cook Cooley Costelloe Cruickshank Matthew Darcey Jenny Leigh Lucy Davis Deutscher Dodd 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 Qld SA SA NT SA SA Qld NT ACT NT Qld SA Vic SA LEB CAC University of Melbourne Santos Ltd Department of Land Resource Management Monash University NT Vic Qld SA Natural Resources SA Arid Lands PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE SA PAGE 2 David Dolman Angus Lisa Rex Angus Tom Emily Jan Jennifer Gerald Duguid Edwards Ellis Emmott Fagan Fatchen Ferguson Firn Fogarty Kate Forrest Jeff Foulkes Katrina Gepp Kriton Glenn Simon Goodhand Bert (Blackie) Gordon Travis Gotch Nerissa Haby Andrew Colin Brendan Judith Mary-Anne Harper Harris Harris Harrison Healy Luise Hercus Darian Hiles Paul Hodges Alun Anne Alan Ian Hoggett Holst Holt Hopton Melissa Horgan Ian Houston Scott Sue Andrew Greg Dameion Dennis Richard Michael Howell Jackson Johnson Johnston Kennedy King Kingsford Langdon 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 Lake Eyre Basin - Community Advisory Committee NT Dept DLRM Muloorina Station Rex Ellis's Bush Safari LEB CAC DEWNR Ninti One Ltd University of Queensland Central West Aboriginal Corporation National Rangeland NRM Alliance NT NT SA SA Qld NSW SA SA Qld Qld SA SA Western Catchment Management Authority Geoscience Australia NSW ACT Dept Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Western Catchment Management Authority Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Dept. Environment, Water & Natural Resources SA NSW SA SA LEB CAC Ninti One NSW SA NSW Qld SA Australian National University NSW Friends of Mound Springs (FOMS) SA Dept of Environment, Water & Natural Resources Desert Channels Group Western Catchment Authority GABCC DMITRE Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Dept of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry DMITRE Griffith University Primary Industries and Regions SA Nature Foundation SA Inc University of NSW Geoscience Australia PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 3 SA Qld ACT NT SA SA Qld SA Qld SA SA NSW NSW NSW ACT Gini David Ned Chris Lee Leek Loades Madden Manning Mathwin McIntyre University of Melbourne DEWNR Oodnadatta Aboriginal School Freshwater Macroinvertebrates SA Dept of Environment, Water and Natural Resource Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, SA SEWPaC SARDI LEB CAC Tony Magor Henry Mancini Gregory Rupert Jan ACT SA Qld Tess McLaren Australian Wildlife Conservancy SA Dale McNeil DEWNR SA Catherine Miles Mahdi Montazeri Chris Moran Chris Morony Steve Gavin Alex Morton Mudd Nankivell Vol Norris Leonie Melissa Nunn Nursey-Bray Sharon Oldfield Camilla Osborn Matt Alexander Benjamin Lisa Nicole Judy Donald Osbourne Osti Parkhurst Pearson Piris Radcliffe Ransom Michelle Rodrigo Emma Don Lynette David Joc Glen Tina Brenda Ross Rowlands Rowlands Schmarr Schmiechen Scholz Schroeder Shields 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 Vic SA SA SA SA SA Miles Environmental Consulting DEWNR The University of Queensland, Sustainable Minerals Institute Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources CSIRO Monash University Nature Foundation SA Inc SA Qld SA NT Vic SA LEB Facilitator Qld LEB CAC University of Adelaide Lake Eyre Basin Community Advisory Committee Centralian Land Management Association Rural Solutions SA DEWNR Qld SA SA NT SA SA SA SA ACT ACT SA Pure Outback LEB Ministerial Forum Secretariat LEB Ministerial Forum Secretariat 4WDSA Department of Land Resource Management NT LEB Ministerial Forum Secretariat Traditional Owner group NT ACT Qld Qld SA SA SA SA NT SARDI LEB CAC DEWNR University of Adelaide LEB CAC PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 4 Gregory Peter Jen Aaron Wendy Mark Paul Lisa Merri Kurt Sandra Phil Matthew Murray Dan Gresley Mark Snowdon Spence St Jack Stuart Stuart Sutton Tanner Taylor Tothill Tschirner Turnbull Turner Turner Tyler van Holst Pellekaan Wakelin-King Walsh Janet Walton Gregory Warren Raelene Peter Jackie Dale Derek Davina Melissa Warren Watts Watts Wenham White White White Andrew Willson Hugh Trevor Wilson Wright 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 BMEET/SNP Management Service Desert Channels Group DEWNR Arabana Board of Directors Central Land Council Outback Communities Authority Arabana Board of Director Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Facilitator Marree Hotel LEB CAC Member for Stuart Wakelin Associates Natural Resources SA Arid Lands Dept. Environment, Water & Natural Resources Dieri Mitha Council/SNP Management Services Dieri Mitha Council Inc. DEWNR - SA Arid Lands DMITRE LEB Ministerial Forum Secretariat The University of Adelaide DEWNR Dept Environment, Water and Natural Resources DEWNR Wrightsair PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 5 NSW Qld SA SA NT SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA Vic SA SA NSW SA SA SA SA ACT SA SA SA SA SA Appendix 2 – Focus Session 1- Thresholds of Potential Concern (TPC) Introduction The final detailed plan for this session was a result of a consultative and interactive process between the Lead Facilitator and selected members of the Conference Organising Committee and the Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP). Both the committee and SAP recognised that the conference represented a unique opportunity to test run some of the Thresholds of Potential Concern (TPC) (and Strategic Adaptive Management – SAM) concepts and processes with participants from a diverse background but still very well informed and connected within the LEB. The overall objectives for this first session were:• For participants to have input into and test run the TPC process and to give feedback on the exercise. • For the committee and SAP to gain input from a segment of the LEB community on their experience of TPC - what they thought about it. It was considered very important to “get the language right” and not use too many technical terms. The session was also based on scenarios/issues that conference participants were familiar with and therefore confident in making a contribution. The issues finally used were in the top priorities for the LEB i.e. Weeds/pests; Altered hydrological regimes due to excessive water extraction (can be from irrigation; CSG or other examples); Total grazing pressure – stock, introduced and native herbivores and Tourism. For this session the main focus was on:• What is changing? • How do you know this? • How can this change be measured? Workshop Format and Process 1. Inspire the audience regarding the topic – TPC 2. Presentation of background material on TPC – context for the session, introducing the TPC framework – including terminology to be used and relationship between Values; Impacts/Effects/Threats/Indicators, Consequences/Signals and how this can be measured. 3. Presentation of a case study i.e. LEBRA – an area we already have some data and can use to run through the TPC process, as an example of how it can work, acknowledging that this is still a work in progress. 4. Workshop involved dividing all participants into groups according to the 4 prioritised threats to LEB i.e. Weeds/pests; Altered hydrological regimes due to excessive water extraction (can be from irrigation; CSG or other examples); Total grazing pressure – stock, introduced and native herbivores and Tourism. This was done in a random but meaningful way to ensure diversity of background and interest within each group and resulted in 3 groups starting with each of the 4 different issues. Using “World Café” facilitation process, with the assistance of “trained” table hosts and recorders, participants moved through each threat/table and were able to address each of the 4 threats. At the 1st table they spent approx. 20 mins; 2nd table approx.15 mins, 3rd table 10 mins; and 4th and final table 10 mins. This difference in time relates to building and adding to the information and knowledge already gathered. To enable this, the table host gives a quick summary of input with each new group. The total time for the workshop process equates to 60 mins, (5 mins for moving to different tables/feedback). 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 6 Workshop input was gathered using a series of questions and responses were recorded on prepared A3 size sheet, (see results following) .The questions were:a) Why is this an issue/threat? – host lead discussion, managed time. b) What are the warning signs that something is “not quite right” in relation to this threat? (this means the situation is not what you would “normally” expect based on your experiences in the Basin) – include in answer where threat may occur, how big it is in terms of extent of problem across the LEB. c) How do we detect these warning signs and then how would you monitor this? d) Are these warning signs serious i.e. need urgent action or some concern i.e. continue close monitoring? e) Feedback on the process (separate recording sheet, for last table only) Figure 1: Lead facilitator Merri Tothill describing focus group session structure. Photo by Matt Turner. 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 7 Weeds and Pests TPC workshop report sheets Why are “Weeds and Pests” a threat? Cultural Loss of Indigenous peoples animals of particular significance Threat to places of special significance e.g. mound springs Reduction in ability to collect bush tucker Changes to ecosystem relationships and dependencies – traditional food sources e.g. eagles and rabbits, pig etc. Resources Insufficient resources to manage effectively Landholders Indifference or failure to understand/ignorance of land managers regarding pest animals and plants Absentee landholders Change of land use (mining, conservation, Aboriginal) Non-management of Natural Parks Variability of effective management practices, funding etc. intent/motivation Pest Animals Downstream population explosions Detract from the beauty of the landscape Devalue properties (loss of productivity) Costs of eradication and management etc. Horses Central Australia, Horses are breeding up in good years and spreading as conditions deteriorate. They then create serious environmental and social issues. Camels Camels can spread the impact, horses are more concentrated. Camels don’t respect people (not scared), therefore urban and infrastructure* impacts Spread of weeds Camels have larger biodiversity impacts due to browsing behaviour Camels impact on cultural sites (e.g. water holes) Total grazing pressure Outcompete native animals for water and food Drought tolerant Divides communities on their management Gather around small rock holes - suck them dry then die there and contaminate for the future Out compete human communities for their water (e.g. town bores that are limited) Predators Vs. Herbivores (killers and vandals) Competition and interaction with natives and stock Pollution of water (digging and ploughing) Impacts become more concentrated at water points 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 8 Why are “Weeds and Pests” a threat? Impacts of pest species on bush tucker and native species i.e. Rabbits forcing bettongs from burrows and hard hooves destroying habitat and structure Wild dogs (not dingoes) Predatory – sheep industry Decrease dingo genetic purity Threat to small mammals Large cat problem across the basin, kill 20+ cats/day Stops reintroduction of native species. Not enough knowledge about cat behaviour and ecology in landscape, cryptic. Evil – Creepy – have a learned ability Highly adaptive Species predation – resistant to death (9 lives) Limited need for water, get from food Loss of biodiversity Cats Foxes Loss of biodiversity Red claw Displacing native blue claw, floor species (benthic) Cane toads Best killers in the world – from egg stage. Kills predators and eats everything else – flow on effect from one dead cane toad on food chain hierarchy. No more goannas. Adapting to travel further. Longer legs. They are ugly. Blasé attitude to preventing them reaching the LEB – perhaps thoughts of natural limitations due to this habitat. Rabbits Total grazing pressure* Food source for cats and foxes plus other predators Erode soil* and undermining infrastructure Goats Hard to fence in Browser so affect different vegetation structure to sheep/cattle Potential biosecurity risk Destroy habitat – erosion, root up native species, water quality (nutrients and balance) Predate on anything Spread disease Pigs 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 9 Why are “Weeds and Pests” a threat? Total grazing pressure – reduce primary production value Tourism aesthetics Adapting to areas to colonise – sneaky in lignum etc. Gambusia Introduced into natural environment, efficient predator, changes to food web, disease vector and interactions with natives (fin nipping, harassment, egg predation) Goldfish/Carp Numbers appear to be high Will compete with other fish species for food and habitat Native Pests Total grazing pressure and pressure on watering points Absence of suitable culling programs Pest Plants Weeds and pests brought on by industry changing water regimes, benefiting spread and preferential conditions for weeds and pests. Weeds and pests are changing conditions e.g. fire regimes, water flow, structural diversity, nutrient flows and composition. Transportation/spreading of weeds (vehicles, animals, tourists, people) Clogging up water ways, impeding water flows – implications for aquatic biodiversity Detract from the beauty of the landscape Devalue properties (loss of productivity) Costs of eradication and management etc. Downstream population explosions Cactus Kills animals e.g. impales them Their dominance changes pollination The ecology, shelter (veg structure – relevant to most) Chokes out native pastures Changes the aesthetics of the landscape More than one method of spread (seed and plant), easily spread Threatens food production Hard to kill Reduces access for other management. Buffel grass Excluding other species, areas are becoming monocultures* Changing ecosystem function Fire regime changes***, system wide changes, competes for water. Cultural change to landscapes (i.e. ecological impacts, aesthetics, function, habitat) Impedes infiltration of runoff/rain Pulls guts out of soil Sticks to camel feet and spreads Can mask innocent weed infestation 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 10 Why are “Weeds and Pests” a threat? Pastoral – pasture production value, traps soil and supports erosion control, massive root systems Biggest threat Prickly Shrubs (Mimosa, Parkinsonia, Mesquite, Prickly Acacia) Restricted access Changed vegetation structure and ecology Impact on flow regimes, concentrate initially on water courses. Enduring seeds Mesquite have long tap roots Can endure droughts Still prickly when dead Reducing productivity Erosion Athel Pine Change sediment deposition of river systems – the dynamics of river function Socio-economic Implications for grazing (reduction of important pasture) and tourism – expectations by tourists of natural fauna not being met. E.g. impacts of feral cats and foxes; pigs in national parks. Why isn’t something being done? Pressure on existing services to do something. Costs to local government and councils Biosecurity risks Other pests Introduced Diseases Sleepy Cod Mouse plagues Donkeys Noogoora Burr Couch Mexican Poppy Lantanna Parthenium Rubber plant Woody weeds Native species in certain conditions (* = The response was provided by another participant.) 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 11 Weeds and Pests What are the warning signs? How do we detect these warning signs? (monitoring) Are these warnings Serious – needing urgent action? Concern – need closer monitoring? Weeds Need some form of disturbance which will allow introduction/colonisation Loss of recruitment of juvenile species due to weed infestation Buffel grass When you see it along roadsides and water courses. Increase in presence and coverage*. Spreading down vector pathways. Becoming a monoculture. Monitoring – species counts Mapping and monitoring* Opportunistic sighting. Fire frequency and intensity Remote sensing. Cactus Increased patches recorded, increase in spread and density. Dead impaled animals and more flat tyres. Aquatic pests Loss of native aquatic species Pest plants and animals Statistically significant reduction in proportion or distribution of key species Cats Presence, if you see them they’re a serious problem. Demand for cat traps (waiting list). Tracks, scat and feathers Reduction in prey items/native animals Mapping and monitoring (M and M), educated people reporting them e.g. weed spotters. Depends on who you speak to and where it is. Depends on how bad the infestation is. Conservation land = serious Pathways of spread = serious Pastoral use – manage it / graze it. Serious if expending Immediate response as difficult to eradicate therefore SERIOUS. Water courses = SERIOUS Visual monitoring Serious Monitoring programs (ongoing) Species counts/sampling Statistical methods Serious? Community feedback, landholder surveys Spot light surveys, trap survey (natives and cats) and track counts, and motion sensor cameras. Increased number of dead cats visible. Serious – need urgent attention. Basin wide problem. Wild dogs Increased lamb/calve kill rate No title Visible changes in land condition, development of upstream diversions and changes to land use. 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 Prey remains/carcasses Landholders do a pastoral report (SA NRM) Pastoral board – photo points NSW LHPA on ground assessment Regular genetic testing dingoes to check for cross breeding Importance of local knowledge or long term monitoring data, if it doesn’t exist get it going. Remote sensing for historic records and impact monitoring Depends on situation – usually serious. Concern now but if not actioned in the future may become serious. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 12 Pigs Rooting/Pugging Polluted water Eaten stock, dead turtles, mussel shells, feathers Increased numbers/sightings Scats and tracks Large Herbivore Visual damage Damage to waters ( pugging, pollution and digging) Infrastructure impacts Moving into drought conditions Vehicle impacts. Cane Toads Breeding female - calls Foxes Declining native animals Hear and see them Scats Gold fish Show up in fish trap Landholder reporting, annual track survey, photo points and camera monitoring (motion). Serious – if there, get on top of it! Spotter flights Local reports Photo point monitoring Motion capture camera Monitor motor vehicle accidents Varies to location, time of year i.e. camels in Simpson were serious, currently low but without follow up will rise again. Hot spots – Santa Theresa Monitor for the sound (frog watch) dead animals (why) Tracks Observation, sounds Depend on numbers but serious for certain wildlife to have any e.g. bird ground nesters. On-going monitoring Dependant on numbers. Concerned now and potentially serious. (* = The response was provided by another participant.) Tourism Why is “Tourism” a threat? Visitor numbers Impact of a single (climate driven) event, influx of tourists e.g. floods Camping around waterholes creates erosion issues – impacts on flows etc. Motor vehicles not staying on tracks, unregulated movement of tourists including walking inadvertently into and damaging sites, fragile soil, biodiversity loss and landscape function loss.** Not sure of capacity of land to bear numbers (resilience) Increase of campers’ footprint (sophisticated equipment), can push further into otherwise pristine areas.*** Tracks stand down, fragile slopes caused by boats and vehicles Management Lack of balanced management Damage to infrastructure Pressure on existing infrastructure (services) to protect natural environment. Lack of tourism, lack of investment in organised tourist activity – need to develop ecotourism.** More tourists in rangelands than residents therefore danger they could influence policy/management to detriment of basin Lack of infrastructure/education resources that enhances good behaviour Campsite usage – reduction in habitat through progressive degradation (looking for the ideal campsite) Some lack of “sufficient” regulation to enforce good practice or vigilance of compliance 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 13 Why is “Tourism” a threat? Points of high visitor interest are not well managed/not managed at all Regional economy Lack of tourism will lead to population decline e.g. Marree (anywhere north of Hawker) – loss of social services Increasing pressure on local community resources e.g. accidents etc. Environment Leaving rubbish and spreading weeds, tourists not careful.** Abandoned fishing nets with wildlife trapped (died), perhaps this is locals not tourists? Interruption to bird breeding due to low level flights Threats to vegetation (deadwood) etc. firewood bring your own.** Culture Taking of artefacts – intentional and accidental Threat to value of Aboriginal culture and misinformation – not just Aboriginal experience Loss of culturally sensitive areas through the use of inappropriate recreational activities and the vehicles used to get around Health Rubbish (plastics, excrement, sharps etc.) Tourist experience Tourists being underwhelmed by their experience.* Why do people come to the Basin? To experience isolation etc. therefore control numbers and access to iconic sites. No emotional investment by east coasters in values of Basin if we keep telling them to stay away/not welcome here! Lack of understanding of ‘place’ if not enough tourism Lack of knowledge/respect/awareness of tourists Power of media (the internet) – social media (facebook) (e.g. evidence of degradation shown on facebook) (* = The response was provided by another participant.) Tourism What are the warning signs? Site Damage & overuse Movement in restricted areas, when people should know better. Early warning signs – tracks, general presence of strangers, littering and trashing areas.** 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 How do we detect these warning signs? (monitoring) ‘Damage’ watch! Recording visitor levels - road counters, visitor numbers.* Set up risk management process for sites that are at risk e.g. on roadsides Visitor feedback mechanisms Monitor rubbish loads Are these warnings Serious – needing urgent action? Concern – need closer monitoring? Serious – damage Tyre tracks – needs monitoring Concerning – requires monitoring Serious in certain areas – site dependant and temporal (e.g. drought) PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 14 What are the warning signs? How do we detect these warning signs? (monitoring) Visual monitoring, count branches cut off – targeted sites. Firewood Evidence of trees chopped down Increased visitor footprint Visual signs of people going where they haven’t been before e.g. loo paper Noticeable increase in campsites, deterioration of roads, human wastes, increased erosion around tree roots (e.g. huge masses of exposed roots) Visitor experience Poor visitor feedback Water quality Use of detergents etc. Health of river Current riparian monitoring programs record evidence Survey of key sites at times of intense activity Monitoring for peak visitation times e.g. school holidays (April-Sept) Visual observation on the impact on vegetation (firewood), less wood on ground Local visitation and landholder management Visual observation and photographs (photo points) Bird/animal breeding Disconnect with traditional knowledge Spread/increase in weed infestation Inappropriate actions and locations Impact on infrastructure (e.g. roads, hospitals, other services), health centre staff burn-out, increase in off road traffic evident, increase in flying doctor/search and rescue/police services required Visitor feedback mechanisms Test for water quality Speak to experts (localised e.g. rangers) If you need to walk more than 30’ than you’re in the wrong place (management action) Monitor quality of flooding Nest surveys Local meetings, discussions Emergency services reports Town committee meetings Visual/locals Police reports Are these warnings Serious – needing urgent action? Concern – need closer monitoring? Serious – waterholes close to high traffic areas. Needs more monitoring For high visitation areas – serious (hierarchy of risk/vulnerable sites) (actions – improved management) educating tourists through e.g. rangers. serious (* = The response was provided by another participant.) 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 15 Total Grazing Pressure (TGP) Why is “Total Grazing Pressure” a threat? Vegetation and erosion Loss/decline of vegetation cover, increased bare area leading to increased erosion.** Dry arid tableland impacts – feed on small shrubs (e.g. saltbush), when they feed on limited plant life when seeding equals no regeneration and changes in dominant species when there’s rainfall on an impacted area, increase in species (some weeds).* Hoofed animals, compaction, overstocking equals movement over the earth.* Wind erosion/dust storms increase with increasing TGP – impacts on quality of life, storms going further.** TGP affects the likelihood of a system to get erosion problems Reduced grazing can also be a threat as the grazing pressure is keeping the weeds/woody weeds/invasive plants at bay Spread weeds, also if grazing is too high, weeds can invade the disturbed area.*** Impacts on native veg and native fauna Potentially mining our soils (soil depth, structure, nutrients) Compacts ground so water can’t infiltrate (like cement) Loss of top soil Landscape function Very fragile landscape Reduced function of riparian zone (loss of vegetation to filter runoff, bind soil etc.) Undermining functionality of the system i.e. ability of vegetation to reach maturity and reproduce – persistence of native plants, ability to recover.*** Loss of biodiversity from feral animals and habitat loss.*** Amount of organic matter left on floodplains – quantity and quality reduced of amount being carried back into waterholes after/during flooding Localised knowledge, need to manage grazing to local plant community – different to each part of the country.* Interactions between weeds and stock/feral animals Monitoring of waterholes, understorey, exposed tree roots, lignum degradation, nitrification and loss of ground cover Loss of productivity, decreases biomass Lack of apex predators Competition between species – altered population dynamics Changes whole ecosystem Impact on fire regime Water Impacts around waterholes (water points) leads to increased erosion, leading to increased sediment input into waterhole, decreased water quality, including deposited sediment, reduced persistence, altered hydrology, cattle entering waterhole and destroying in stream habitat.**** More inputs/nutrients into water (more fertilizer on land) run off, attracts new species weeds/algae Direct impact by stock and feral animals on water body – pugging, increased nutrient input.* Animals falling into rockholes, no way out (i.e. no flushing) therefore permanent pollution Surface water drunk dry until next rain, direct pollution of waterhole through dead animals Water availability impacts kangaroos numbers Controlled grazing can have good impacts – can be too much or too little e.g. phragmites in mound springs Locating water points into previously unwatered country impacting on refugia areas 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 16 Why is “Total Grazing Pressure” a threat? Take of more water Industry and management Animal welfare Stock feed can also introduce weed seed Kangaroos – if market overseas fails the shooters will stop and there will be an increase in kangaroos – need to make money off kangaroos shot Inside and outside of dog fence have different feral animals therefore different TGP – wild dogs killing kangaroos Need spatial distribution of TGP – waterhole/riparian, rabbit warrens – not just the number of animals but where they are (spatial distribution will be different depending on animal).* Protected Areas - Have a lot of information from pastoralists and non-government organisations – kangaroos and ferals in protected areas Landholders do spot counts on rabbits, camel control etc. there are points when it’s alarmingly clear the impact they’re having. We can’t measure TGP – we can only measure what we know – monitoring stocked animals is easy; the feral animals (goat impact more severe than cattle) and sometimes kangaroos are the hard animals to monitor. Landholders are learning from mistakes Indonesian live trade stop led to an unprecedented increase of stock on properties Industry can’t defend itself (if asked if managing land well) can lose industry It comes down to management, it is in our control – we should manage it about business enterprise and how them manage business better (openness of managers) Loss of control e.g. stock agent influences/banks (people on ground are not always in control of their business) can’t afford to rest paddock or lay seed Creates a false economy (so business models out of whack – destroys long term economy/community out of balance Loss of potential for land to be used Damage to national estate – creates pressure to graze in national parks (puts pressure on national reserves) Animals Increased numbers of wood ducks – same as land grazing impacts Tourism Negative effect on tourist numbers due to aesthetically unappealing Cultural Disturbance of cultural sites – harvesting grasses Exposes cultural artefacts Cultural values loss of diversity, medicines, food, ceremonial.* Community Sustainability of enterprises and communities impacted It’s depressing (when its bad, its really really bad) – loss of potential – hard to look at impacts if you can’t do anything about it.* Is the biggest issue in LEB – if managed will help manage other issues (* = The response was provided by another participant.) 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 17 Total Grazing Pressure (TGP) What are the warning signs? Vegetation and erosion Bare areas, reduced ground cover and riparian vegetation.*** Most warning signs are more obvious in dry years. Increase in soil movements patterns. Disappearance of soil crust. Rabbits climbing trees. Grassland height below 4 inches. How do we detect these warning signs? (monitoring) Unexpected dust storms out of season * (a net increase in dust storms (frequency, intensity, duration)) Red – ground cover of key structural perennial species Lots of roly-poly. Increase in weeds/unpalatable species Loss of palatable species and then loss of unpalatable species Grazing line apparent in trees, debarking on trees, dying trees Extinction of plants in local and regional areas, decrease in diversity. ‘Dead finish acacia’ if this goes big warning sign. No regeneration of indicator species 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 Land managers monitor riparian vegetation (educated by E.M.U. program), look at vegetation quality and monitor sites away from waterhole Need the landholder/pastoralist to identify when there’s a problem – how and when does a pastoralist know when to act? Indigenous communities notice the changes in the environment but do not always have a link with the landholder to pass this information on. Need to use their knowledge, somehow communicate it with the landholder (kangaroos don’t get fat when it’s green, but when they’re eating dry grass. Monitoring of soil crust Increase in scald area size (monitoring) Bare ground index using satellite imagery – very powerful brad area monitoring – also detects scald size, herbage, woody plants etc. Need to record change over time. There is data available but not always the expertise at the landholder level to use this data Dust is now monitored (oxford university) Look at vegetation to determine what’s grazing and the intensity Look at dung Need to know your country Long term flora and fauna monitoring.* Identification of indicator species Loss of trigger indicator species PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE Are these warnings Serious – needing urgent action? Concern – need closer monitoring? Serious What’s serious in one land type may not be serious in another. Link from serious to concern needs to be informed by monitoring Big warning sign ‘dead finish’ - serious PAGE 18 What are the warning signs? Landscape function Loss of riparian groundcover and understorey How do we detect these warning signs? (monitoring) Less numbers of fauna and flora species (indicator species)* Weather patterns appear accentuated Increases in fire and lack of fire Water Physical disturbance by stock and feral animals (stock in waterhole).* Pugging, increased turbidity, reduced water quality (including algae, reduced fish condition) Increased sedimentation (decrease in vegetation on riverbanks decreases filtration and increases sedimentation). Reduced native species at waterholes (flora and fauna) and increasing as you move away from waterhole.* Movement of birdlife (more like lack of birdlife at waterholes) Changing macroinvertibrate assemblages and fish Industry Change in grazing patterns (i.e. cattle will have to go further and further from water to get to feed – accelerated distance of grazing from water.)* Visible differences on fence lines and road reserves.* Condition of the stock (i.e. skin and bone), decrease in animal health, increase in disease. ** 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 Population monitoring of feral animals (financial and spatial problem (some travel very long distances)) Recruitment of annuals and grasses downward trends monitoring Monitoring Burning at the wrong time of year – hot/cold fires Fire statistics Species composition of rangelands –per cent of Perennial vs. Annual, Native vs. Exotic Waterholes drying up that used to be permanent due to siltation Need to know what type of waterhole you’re dealing with i.e. temporary or permanent Long term monitoring (bathometric) consecutive increase in sedimentation Permanent – important refuge therefore – visual warnings such as loss of vegetation may be too late. What are early warning indicators? Are we dealing with change that can be fixed/reversible? Monitor change in functional feeding groups Experience has a large factor in TGP impact management Monitoring Need to understand the natural state should look like Property under stress need to decide to move stock or not and many hold off until last minute. Many can’t afford to move them so they keep them on the land – subsidy to get stock of the land PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE Are these warnings Serious – needing urgent action? Concern – need closer monitoring? Depends on species – serious Concern Concern Serious Big warning sign Concern (monitor for trends) Serious Serious - urgent Concern When livelihoods impacted its urgent particularly if scale (more properties/communities impacted the more serious it is). Serious PAGE 19 What are the warning signs? Number of feral animals increased (out of control).* Increase in number of scats How do we detect these warning signs? (monitoring) Awareness Increase in family issues families breaking down currently only if a drought TGP is largely unknown – feral animals fluctuate largely, changing so quickly TGP is more about controlling ferals – stock can be managed better (managed more easily) Aerial surveys (ACRIS) Amount of goat sales and other grazing fauna/animals statistics Not recognising TPG is an issue – all visible signs of overgrazing are present including economic, social, mental health Are these warnings Serious – needing urgent action? Concern – need closer monitoring? Serious Serious (* = The response was provided by another participant.) Figure 2: Conference participants attending a focus group session. Photo Matt Turner 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 20 Altered hydrological regimes due to excessive water extraction Why are “Altered hydrological regimes due to excessive water extraction” a threat? Aquifers Cumulative – will depend on nature of threat, big picture through to detail e.g. climate change Not enough monitoring of bores/springs/surface waters Recharge rates – vital to understand a relationship with surface water.* Bore integrity and capping program – review status No surface extraction because need to keep the system natural so that water flows right through GAB – big picture threat – Adelaide water supply (pie in sky) – e.g. most $ value but need to look at other values – need proper value of other uses of water GAB – massive decline in food production (sheep and cattle) – threat from mining – consequence for long term land management (if communities decline) GAB – possible decline in water quality (i.e. more salinity) Surface water The small floods are important for refugia function (and will be effected by any extraction) Mound springs – mulligan, Edgbaston (some may have already declined with impacts on endemic species) Impacts on springs and endemics Flowing bore drains – especially into natural drainage lines – wasted through evaporation Big risk of altered overland flows reducing flood frequency in lower system (frequency and quality) e.g. linear infrastructure, water harvesting (e.g. stock dams and irrigation), roads and levee banks.* Registered wetlands – allocations need to protect, including artificial (GAB bores) Anything changes water volumes in refugia waterhole permanent Changing natural drying regime (how long it takes a water to dry out) Integrity of channel banks Water extraction upstream floods don’t penetrate downstream and get less water Dams across creeks – ineffective regulation of dam construction Salinity impacts Keeping water level at the same level – changes the vegetation structure. Need variable water levels Ecosystems Sensitive ecological communities depend on – refugia, flood plain, wetland and GAB spring ecosystems Reduced or loss of resilience of system – reduces resilience.** Pollution Chemical contamination of GAB – current also future Tailings spills Vegetation Proliferation of buffel grass Erosion Wind/soil erosion – due to broken soil crust Animals (feral and stock) Feral camels –pressure on vegetation – connected impacts 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 21 Why are “Altered hydrological regimes due to excessive water extraction” a threat? Increased competition for surface water from ferals Industry Mining – major impact on GAB Contamination of groundwater from mining/petroleum bores. Construction of causeways/bridges Irrigation (rice/cotton) – wrong place – climate is too dry Increased grazing/agriculture/horticulture Total grazing pressure – via water points – can compromise water refugia – existing stock dams depriving Stock and domestic use is already taking enough water out Aboriginal culture Impacts on springs e.g. Dalhousie and all the plants and animals and cultural values, language/tribal group boundaries, groups not always communicating effectively, Native title process can make it worse and also cause poor relations with pastoralists etc. Song lines/stories based often on groundwater and where it comes to the surface – importance to my theology e.g. Rainbow Serpent – very important – can go for hundreds of kilometres. Loss of cultural values Communities Towns/communities reduced security of domestic water supply Other economic changes effecting community structure Conflict for water use – resource competition for GW and SW use People movement People livelihoods depend on water (recreation (fishing, swimming, boating), Pastoralism, Towns, Tourism, Mining (equity/opportunity), loss of biodiversity) Government and policies Changed policy and planning regime – impact on downstream – lack of consultation Not enough cross border links in agencies/bureaucrats –cripple downstream users, values e.g. Lake Eyre (* = The response was provided by another participant.) 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 22 Altered hydrology regimes due to excessive water extraction What are the warning signs? Aquifers Loss of Great Artesian Basin (GAB) pressure - dropped bore levels, increased salinity How do we detect these warning signs? (monitoring) Monitor to get baseline Groundwater monitoring sites GAB spring Debubbling Less discharge Shorter tails Fauna and flora dying Local or complete extinction (endemics) Extinction of spring/spring groups (complete loss of discharge and sometimes vegetation) Surface water Key wetlands/waterholes drying up more often. Banks start collapsing.* Need to monitor whole group/complex to separate anthropogenic changes to natural change Measure chemical contamination Canegrass swamp – example of small wetlands not getting enough water Dams across tea creek – water stops rather than flowing – loss of vegetation beyond the dam Changed extent of floodplain, dying plant communities and change to plant communities.** If rainfall modelled runoff flow per cent less than actual Change in natural drying time and persistence 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 Are these warnings Serious – needing urgent action? Concern – need closer monitoring? Crook animals, Major if water becomes unfit for current use Concern Concern Need baseline Need past flooding pattern (satellites) Local knowledge and surveys Waterhole water level and water quality, sedimentation, including temperature Size and location of dams Monitor vegetation change in size/vigour Concern Map and monitor vegetation health (satellite, normalised digital vegetation cover, thermal infrared) and extent of flow Remote sensing needs to be matched to land type.* Nutrients in the soil Measure on ground and satellite/aerial photo Colonies of waterbirds breeding For key wetlands, timing of water between flows Monitoring of vegetation Identify man made modification or impact over natural range in condition Triple bottom line measurement Taking a whole of basin concern – needing monitoring, small localised effect Lack of pigeons, parrots and finches More weather data recording – telemetered Difference between rainfall events and inundation extent and duration Serious – due to timeframes PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE Concern Concern *(continue monitoring) Serious PAGE 23 What are the warning signs? How do we detect these warning signs? (monitoring) Are these warnings Serious – needing urgent action? Concern – need closer monitoring? Can’t reverse quickly turn around slowly so closely monitor and start implementing other management Concern-continual to monitor until trend is established Increased emergent vegetation – green and blue green algae. Remote sensing – plant cover Visual Water sampling prior to aesthetics problem Fish kills Decline/loss of aquatic fauna/flora Locate sensitive nodes considering spatial and temporal Monitoring water levels and yield in bores Monitoring of aerial photography Very serious Serious Local knowledge Increase of pests and pest numbers Serious Local observation (landholder networks, neighbourhood watch) Serious/close monitoring Land satellite imagery For a given rainfall event, dam didn’t fill up Very serious Increase in suicide Sales to other users Serious Photo points – pastoral monitoring Landholder reports Adhoc surveys Pig shooters to report Visibility gauge Increase in respiratory disease Changing volumes Going down suddenly Vegetation change in and around No fallen logs and habitat around edges of waterholes, exposure of sandbars Change in vegetation area inundation, local inundation, recession back into rivers Construction Diversion of water (physical) Government Changes in government policy Social change Demographic change, change in pastoral operations and health of communities therefore recreation length and type (sailing, fishing etc.) Vegetation Proliferation of buffel grass, increased growth of buffel grass Erosion Increase in dust – have to sweep floor more Very serious. If already blowing too late (* = The response was provided by another participant.) 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 24 Participant Evaluation of the Strategic Adaptive Management and Thresholds of Potential Concern Focus Group session 1. 1 0 Below are the participant session evaluation scores (1 – low to 7 high): 2 3 3/4 4 5 5/6 6 0 2 2 6 11 2 25 7 15 Ideas for improvement (for similar sessions if run again): • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Needed more time************ I’m not sure if it captured what I thought was the goal of the session – identifying values (as presented by Dale & Glen) of the community on which to base decisions for further research management. I would have valued more time to hear about this. We didn’t really seem to pin down the thresholds of potential concern concept.** Didn’t include values e.g. what do you value about a topic, just the threats Facilitators should lead seminars, not provide answers or engage in discussion too much. (Host of table 3 was very good at leading/chairing seminars.)** Group seminars are not suitable for introverted people, often loud personalities take over discussion. Host of session needs to consider different personalities when leading discussion. Do earlier in the day The definition of ‘threats’ could be better defined. (There was some confusion around the table). The facilitators could have had more training in the process/questions Ensure that people know where the results will go and that there won’t be planning for planning sake. Every workshop and conference seems to have one of these processes.* Questions more explicit**** Focus on fewer issues* Ensuring facilitators are well briefed to get through all necessary parts of the focus session – not getting stuck on details but ensuring all concepts are covered. Example worked through in intro – I don’t think the questions we worked on actually give the right information to develop TPCs for SAM Pull out from larger groups to work on in smaller groups Warmer weather******** Scribe on every table Diminishing returns by the time we got to the third threat most points have been covered** Clarity in explanations of the requirements of each question The groups worked well when they were kept on task and not allowed to digress.* Big maps of the region on the table would be nice Good coffee Indoors/ heating** Less table movement/ more time at each table.* We didn’t have time to get into defining the thresholds of potential concern. More time for real process – even overnight for greater thought by participants, even greater diversity of participants* Some people lagged towards the end, maybe long sessions but spaced over the conference not clumped. Next step up The hosts were great but maybe would have had an easier time guiding the groups through the topics if they had practice. Maybe a little more time for second session* Maybe have straight up in the morning – so people are fresh and more interested* Keep on the subject Varied sessions included 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 25 2. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3. • • • • • What new information (that you had not personally heard before) was presented? Tourists washing porta-potties out in the river…eww! Nothing specific, but personal views was useful Lots of new bits and pieces Liked the idea of developing more detail on others ideas rather than saying the same generalist things Hydro-topical water flow impacts Using social media to monitor perceptions/ experiences Rabbits climbing up trees. Ask Raelene Warren** All pretty stock standard Details about buffel grass** Implications of exotic weeds on “bush tucker” diversity The view that tourism can be regarded as a “positive impact” The SAM process Some of the methods of determining thresholds of concern for grazing, tourism, water etc. 40% of the information discussed was new Info about cards Tourism and threats to/impact on health and police services – had not considered this before. Red claw are benthic feeders What different weeds etc. people think about from different areas Not much**** Allelopathy of date palms at springs. Some of the land management issues that I had not previously been aware of. Alice Springs only has 90 years of ground water left Some of the indicators of overgrazing Nothing stood out* Info on new landsat ideas Tourism impacts were interesting* Learnt from other members at the table No new info but good overview of threat issues None*** Hydrology and mining was interesting Was good to have peoples input from a range of backgrounds Good to hear different stakeholders ideas/values and what they see happening to the landscape Heard most of it before, but it was good to hear how passionate people are* None of your business, I’m not letting you know what I don’t know. How the environment can change over time if not managed properly That red claw crayfish were with Diamantina system Information was widespread throughout basin Dust storms from mines stopping birds flying to new breeding areas Lots of things, but sorry, brains too full to identify examples Specifics around water extraction Some really interesting ideas from a diverse group and great choices Water monitoring in depth Well covered Different issues for tourism* Different weeds and pests I have never heard of before What was of most interest to you? It was great to chat about issues with new people – different perspectives** Water** Tourism How we are very similar – in our area Differences in interpretation of the same information 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 26 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4. • • • • • It would be of interest if groups were identified as of a specific background i.e. pastoralist etc. to determine individual perspectives Total grazing measure Bias against tourism How people from different backgrounds all see similar issues and impacts. * The jumping straight to monitoring indicator (environmental indicators) rather than what causes the impacts – policy and industry changes Threats of taking water from the LEB** Total grazing pressure – pastoralists have improved over the years and seen as less of a threat with domestic stock. Ferals and roos are a bigger issues*** Trying to understand tourism impact Hearing other peoples interpretation/impressions /how they function/what is important* How NRM is a concern across the whole of our country Differing views discussed in mutual format* Different topics Diversity of views from the conference group* Hydrology***** How would the process work All generally good The process as a risk/hazard identification activity. It encouraged discussion on the drain of events leading to things going wrong. People in the groups views* Altered flow regimes Different values – conflicting values* The question of finding indicators in such variable and little monitored systems What was of interest to a diverse range of people – pastoralists, indigenous, scientist/NRM* Threats and need for actions are partly dependent on point of view and cultural context** New techniques to evaluate overstocking, overgrazing, woods**** The process of getting from threat to monitoring Listening to other points of view – very educational* Opportunity to discuss and give feedback that will be included in future project planning Warning signs Pest/plant animal control in Lake Eyre Basin**** Was good to have peoples input from a range of backgrounds* I though all sessions were important and relevant to the LEB conference Many different views and ideas. People from different backgrounds and places** Davina’s comments on spring groups All of it: everything was interesting* All in general* That everyone has concerns and hopefully governments will listen and fund because people who live in the basin are the backbone to the basin and it’s their livelihood and passion All of it*** The process of deliberating and hearing everyone’s views* Hearing other people’s values* Discussion of threats* Great to break up ideas/ great facilitators* Is how every person had an interest and concerns of the LEB* Everyone had a big input into the thresholds of potential concern Group discussions to a time frame – kept to the point and discouraged ‘side tracking’. How could or would you use any of the information or ideas you have heard? More subject matter for conversation Build on my knowledge of the basin***** Monitoring of tourists Process has potential if used properly but is not really a new idea For NRM planning processes 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 27 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Would be good to have specialist representatives of individual groups of interest, work up these into more specific thresholds of concern. And definitely get feedback from this process rather than it be forgotten Not sure if I would use it, needs to be more structure, felt very messy. Also, evaluation of threats if concern or serious is difficult to determine and depends on very different factors. Linking together people for common message on rangeland management It was motivational to share ideas and have a fresh air break Using social media to monitor perceptions/experiences We will be trying to build suggestions into our plans Not sure** Further studies required before implementing I think there needs to be work done to assist community groups and local organisations to drive the process locally and contribute to the greater body of knowledge* As an initial starting point for the consultative process ( interactive with stakeholders, scientists and government) May help inform nature of framework for tackling LEB issues as a whole Would like to apply this framework to developing management plans* At this stage not sure but will remember impact on cultural sites and disturbances to these General build of ideas* Maybe for different funding – different areas to work on/or to look at Could discuss a range of issues with intelligent people Develop research projects to address some of the questions raised Pass it on to others especially those visiting the LEB The ideas and questions raised help define themes to explore in films we make around the region. A question can be a powerful agent for change Help identify major areas of concern Possibly in future surveys Detecting sedimentation due to erosion from overgrazing Add to my projects conceptual models which undertake our monitoring programs. Share with each other** To inform my work on a monitoring program Take forward into NRM planning, developing monitoring plans, funding proposal of what community would be interested in being a part of. Always hard to get on-ground community participation if they aren’t interested in the subject. Assist establishing stories that express how Aboriginal people “relate” to country A lot of management suggestions were raised but there wasn’t really scope to incorporate these. Would it be appropriate to record these in a parallel (but separate) process? Through meetings, conversations and future knowledge* Articulate it to other interested parties or raise certain issues with target groups. Educate our Aboriginal families to begin the journey again with us all in the LEB family Better understanding of the stakeholders Teaching, practical management, tourism interpretation, professional linkages/networks An important process that included an ongoing “acting, monitoring, learning, acting” loop Informing my task to write a plan, increasing my networks – I now have more people to involve in the plan ( for Lake Eyre National Park and other parks) Relay information back out to community (e.g. Ag Force meeting, NRM board meeting) **** This information is good for across basin management To better the LEB in any way I can and give my support I like the format for collecting information – it’s like brainstorming with more focus.* 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 28 Appendix 3 – Focus Session 2 – Flexible Session Introduction The Committee expressed a desire to have a fully flexible session where the conference participants set the agenda and topics to discuss. The Lead facilitator recommended the use of a version of Open Space Technology (facilitation technique), where we asked conference participants to set the agenda for these focus groups by self-nominating topics (and themselves as topic convenors, if they were comfortable) around 2 questions, based on previous LEB Scenario Planning:1. 2. What alliances are important to support the LEB and what can we do to build these alliances? What decisions most affect LEB values and what can we do to influence the decisionmaking process related to these key decisions? Workshop Format and Process The Lead Facilitator introduced this process prior to lunch on Thursday, to start people thinking about and then writing their topics down. This was done on the white board in the open space area of the conference venue. The instructions contained the following information:The questions –1 and 2 as above Example topics for question 1 • Industry (tourism, minerals, energy), NGOs, science/research, regulatory agency, regional/local organisations, ministerial Example topics for question 2 • water management, vegetation management, pest management, private industry investment, government, regional development. Your idea/topic for discussion Suggested by:Name/Mob no (Indicate (√) if you will lead the discussion, assisted by a group facilitator/recorder). Names of those interested in participating in this discussion We offered to allocate facilitators/recorders to assist convenors and suggested using the same table set up as for day 1 - Tables needed to be well labelled by topic and convenor. In this process, it is acceptable and encouraged that people (all except Convenor and recorder) move from topic to topic/table to table, when they feel they need to. However, due to the lateness of this session in the conference program and also the overall business of the proceeding days, there was very little take up and commitment to follow through with this session. A number of people, passionate about Aboriginal people’s traditional knowledge being more obviously incorporated into the LEB process held their own separate session in the main hall. A few small groups gathered in the tables outside and mainly focussed in the questions about alliances, see workshop results. While it could be viewed as a disappointing result, it must be remembered that this session was designed to be truly flexible, self-generating and self-run. It is also important to respect the choices of the majority, who used this time to simply continue networking and also to relax, prior to the conference wrap up and close. A focus on quality rather than quantity will also be revealed in the analysis of this workshop session results. 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 29 Summary responses from Focus Session 2: What alliances are important to support the LEB and what can we do to build these alliances? What alliances are important to support the LEB? What can we do to build these alliances? “consortium of researchers” – not the reverse “field of dreams” No one will come to the table without resources – but need to be ready for when it comes!! Linkage and coordination, broad associated scope of stakeholders (e.g. cultural, local community, national/international community, non-government organisations, State and Federal government, natural resource management bodies and industry (mining, pastoral, tourism)) to make LEB relevant and for knowledge sharing of its importance Driver to make it happen, time to make it happen, ability to communicate at all levels – use Threats of Potential Concern (TPC) Need to get LEB Ministerial forum to ramp up and use the full extent of its power. Revisit LEB Agreement, can we look at an “anniversary” Schools within the LEB Local relationships – contact people in communities Existing groups CWA Landcare groups Industry groups Pastoral companies Mining/Gas Tourism Regional development Science – local communities Police and health workers Service clubs Four wheel drive clubs National NGO’s – Gondwana link/national wildlife corridors University of Adelaide petroleum group – 20 years research on lower Neales River, PhD’s and Masters studies. International cooperation e.g. US desert, Mongolian stepps, Patagonia etc. Industry alliances in mining and petroleum “Professional Public Affairs Officer” (credibility across the board, know the different languages and has substance) to promote profile and link the LEB to its own community and the broader national and international community. Education, science, practicality has great networks. Linkages and works are happening, information is happening. But work is not widely known. Need a person to impart that knowledge, collate and share to the public…. Make it relevant and valuable….so the general Joe Blow knows about the LEB and cares/values it. Make it as important to Australia as Great Barrier Reef, Uluru etc. School talks Community engagement officers Support Friends groups – connect to national groups Coordination – who to talk to connect interstate scientists to local community people. NRM boards connecting to communities – focus on building community connections rather than just NRM Community engagement on values in the LEB Build it where they come e.g. Gymkhana’s, local events etc. Engaging in research projects – citizen science Research, science communication, running volunteers – rotary etc. Contact, inform, possible advocacy LEBRA to make contact Academic and cultural contacts Emphasis collaborative involvement as opposed to risk management/attendance (* = The response was provided by another participant) 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 30 Appendix 4 – 6th LEB Biennial Conference Feedback: Summary Report Introduction The 6th Lake Eyre Basin Biennial Conference was held in Port Augusta, South Australia on 17-19 September 2013. The theme of the Conference was “Basin Voice: Shared understanding and action for a sustainable Lake Eyre Basin future; linking science and management”. A total of 137 delegates, representing community, industry, indigenous and government groups, attended the Conference over all or part of its 2 ½ days. Topics covered during the Conference included: extractive industries communities of the Basin regional natural resource management and adaptive management challenges enjoyment of the Basin Two workshops were held during the Conference. The first workshop focused on Thresholds of Potential Concern (TPC) and Strategic Adaptive Management concepts and processes. The first workshop allowed delegates to ‘test run’ the TPC process and to inform LEB CAC, SAP and SOG on wider community perspectives in this area. The second workshop was a fully flexible session where Conference delegates set the agenda for discussion topics. Dinner functions (comprising a barbeque and a train trip) were organised for the two evenings during the Conference. 67 feedback forms were received from delegates, responding to questions on content, organisation, facilitation, Lake Eyre Basin Vision Statement, overall ranking, possible future Conference locations, as well as the opportunity for delegates to provide further written comments on the Conference in general. Summary of Comments Very positive feedback was given by the majority of delegates on all key components of the Conference (Figure 1). 94 92 90 88 86 84 82 80 78 76 Content 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 Organisation Venue Facilitation PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 31 Figure 1: Satisfaction with key elements of Conference (%) Conference content 30 Comments by delegates were very positive in relation to the content covered (Figure 2) and the mix of delegates at the Conference. Delegates also strongly commented on the conference being worthwhile in meeting their needs and were grateful to the Ministerial Forum for funding such an event. 25 20 15 10 5 0 Disagree Agree Figure 2: Number satisfied with Content Lake Eyre Basin Vision Statement The Lake Eyre Basin Vision statement “Lake Eyre Basin – Australia’s unique, natural, desert river system: Healthy environments, sustainable industries, vibrant communities, adaptive cultures” was discussed at the Conference. Feedback from delegates was that the Vision statement adequately represented the Basin and its uniqueness (Figure 3). 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Disagree Agree Figure 3: Agreement with Vision words Future Conferences 30 There was general consensus that the number of presentations should be reduced at future Conferences. It was felt that the fullness of the program reduced the opportunity for delegates to network. However, delegates did not think that the Conference 25 20 15 10 5 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 0 Disagree PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE Agree PAGE 32 should be longer than 2 to 3 days (Figure 4). Format 40 Figure 4: Number satisfied with duration (2 to 3 days) 35 Also, delegates thought that the plenary format should be maintained (Figure 5). It was suggested that some of the workshops should focus on problems solving unfamiliar issues rather than the well known issues such as weeds etc. 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Disagree Agree Figure 5: Number satisfied with plenary format Location of Next Conference The top three locations nominated by delegates for the next Conference was Longreach, Alice Springs and Birdsville (Figure 6). 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Figure 6: Delegate suggestions for location of next conference 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH LAKE EYRE BASIN CONFERENCE PAGE 33 Longreach Mt Isa Birdsville Alice Springs Broken Hill Blackall Leigh Creek Maree Halligan Bay Winton Roxby Downs Innaminka Townsville Camowsal Pt Augusta 0
