Introducing the State

Natural Resources

Management Plan

South Aus t ra l ia, a capab le

and prospe rous communit y,

manag ing natura l r e source s fo r

a good qua l i t y of l i f e w i thin the

capac i t y of our env i ronment fo r

the long te rm.

http ://www.nrm.sa.gov.au

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Why is the State NRM Plan important?

‘The South Australian landscape, including our coastal and marine systems, must be healthy, resilient and productive. Achieving this is a primary concern of the Natural Resources Management Council.

Everyone uses or relies on South Australia’s natural resources in some way. Whether they inhabit the increasingly urban coastal fringes or inland areas of the State, I encourage everyone to invest in protecting and enhancing our natural resources.’

Dennis Mutton

Presiding Member, NRM Council

February 2006

The NRM Counc i l

The peak advisory body for natural resources management in South Australia – the NRM Council – prepared the State NRM Plan 2006. The NRM Council is responsible for keeping the State NRM Plan under review and welcomes suggestions and feedback.

The NRM Council is a nine-member, skills-based, community body that has been established to:

keep the overall condition of South Australia’s natural resources under review;

promote integrated management of the State’s natural resources; and

provide advice to the Minister about achieving ecologically sustainable natural resources management in South Australia.

This brochure provides an overview of South Australia’s State Natural Resources Management Plan, including goals and outcomes. However it does not provide policy and strategy details. The full plan needs to be used for Natural Resources Management planning and decision-making under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004.

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VisionState NRM Plan Vision and Goals

The plan establishes a long-term view – a 50-year vision – and charts key directions for natural resources management over the next five years under four major goals.

VisionSouth Australia, a capable and prosperous community, managing natural resources for a good quality of life within the capacity

of our environment for the long term.

GoalsGoal 1

Landscape scale management that maintains healthy natural systems and is adaptive to climate change

Goal 2Prosperous communities and industries using and managing natural

resources within ecologically sustainable limits

Goal 3Communities, governments and industries with the capability, commitment

and connections to manage natural resources in an integrated way

Goal 4Integrated management of biological threats to minimise risks to

natural systems, communities and industry

Themes Landscape-scale approaches where action is designed to maintain and enhance the

health of whole systems - landscapes, catchments and ecosystems including estuaries and coastal waters.

Genuine community engagement that encourages all parties to participate in NRM planning and become partners in action.

Adaptive management that involves carrying out an ongoing cycle of planning, doing, checking and reviewing to ensure that we learn from, and continue to improve, management practices.

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PrinciplesGuiding principles set the scene for NRM in South Australia……

Guiding principles in the State NRM Plan clarify the thinking and intent of sustainable NRM.

Our na tur a l resources mus t be managed fo r long te rm soc ia l , e conomic and env i ronmenta l out comes by l andscape s ca le improvement s to the ecosys tems which we depend upon .

1. Win, win, win – Ecologically sustainable development of natural resources underpins a sound economy while delivering positive social and environmental outcomes.

2. Work within limits – The use of our natural resources in response to social and economic pressures must work within ecologically sustainable limits to maintain their life supporting capacity.

3. Look after the future – Ecologically sustainable development of natural resources will protect their capacity to provide ecosystem services upon which the well-being of future, as well as current, generations depends.

4. Use without losing – Natural resources management must embrace the fundamental interdependence of economic productivity and ecologically sustainable use.

5. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts – Natural resources management will be most effective when using an ecosystem approach that recognises and integrates all the components and processes of ecosystems and their use; and manages these at the appropriate temporal and spatial scales.

Peop le and the i r read iness , w i l l ingness and ab i l i t y to cont r ibute to sus t a inab le na tur a l resources management a re c r i t i c a l to rea l is ing the v is ion .

6. People are the key – Capable, connected and committed people are critical to effective natural resources management.

7. Work together – Government, communities and industries must work together to integrate the management of natural resources.

8. Knowledge is power – It is essential to develop and share knowledge and that the understandings of rural, urban, Aboriginal and scientific communities are sought and valued.

9. Learn by doing – Management of natural resources requires an adaptive approach that is continually improving by testing and learning from actions in a purposeful, persistent, information-rich, flexible and inclusive manner.

10. Everyone’s responsible – Everyone benefits from natural resources, and everyone must be responsible for their share of the costs to manage natural resources sustainably.

To f i x the p rob lems, manage the r isk s and capture the oppor tun i t ies we mus t lea r n f rom the pas t and th ink beyond the p resent .

11. Think outside the square – The thinking that created our natural resource management problems cannot necessarily solve them: innovative thinking and brave decision-making are required.

12. Prevent rather than cure – Preventing the degradation of natural resources by dealing with causes is preferable to rehabilitation and treating symptoms.

13. If it’s broke, fix it – Repair of landscapes and seascapes will be needed to ensure that natural resources can continue toprovide ecosystem services into the future.

14. It’s a risky business – Because of the uncertainties of managing and using ecosystems, best available information should be used in a precautionary way as part of a risk management approach.

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NeedWhy do we need a State NRM Plan?

Current trends in the condition of South Australia’s natural resources show that, while some improvements are occurring, the condition of our natural resources is declining in a number of areas (see Table 1, overleaf).

The health of marine and coastal environments, the River Murray, many other rivers, streams and wetlands, and water quality are under threat.

Dryland salinity, soil acidity and erosion continue to be serious issues. The situation for native vegetation, though South Australia has halted broad scale legal clearance, remains tenuous. The number of plant and animal communities at risk is increasing and invasive species remain a serious problem.

Continuing demand for residential land is putting pressure on water resources, productive agricultural land as well as native plants and animals.

Climate change is now recognised as a significant risk that adds to the challenges of managing natural resources in South Australia’s variable climate.

T H E R I S K S

The State NRM Plan identifies five key risks to improving current trends in the condition of South Australia’s natural resources. These risks are:

adverse impacts of climate change

using or altering natural resources beyond sustainable limits

effort that is fragmented or not integrated, that is:

– not effectively coordinated when holistic solutions are required

– developed without seeking to involve all individuals who affect, use or manage those natural resources

– doesn’t take interactions between natural resources (eg soil and water) or whole natural systems (ecosystems, landscapes, catchments) into account

under-utilisation of, or insufficient community capacity for, managing natural resources

impacts of pests and overabundant native species.

Key trends in the condition of South Australia’s natural resources are indicated in Table 1, overleaf.In

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Tab le 1 :Trends in the cond i t ion o f South Aus t r a l ia ’s na tur a l resources

Health of the The area of seagrass along the Adelaide coastline is decreasing, with marine and coastal 720 hectares lost between 1995 and 2002. environment

Pollutant loads in wastewater discharged into Gulf St Vincent are decreasing. For example, total nitrogen load discharged from the metropolitan wastewater treatment plants to the Gulf is now less than 700 tonnes per annum. In the late 1980s it was more than 2500 tonnes per annum

The area of mangroves is decreasing in selected locations along the South Australian coastline

River Murray Salinity levels in the River Murray are predicted to increase significantly over the next 50 years without further remedial action.

In July 1997 diversions from the River Murray were capped at 1993/94 levels of development. Agreement has been reached to return 500GL of annual flow on average to the River by 2009, however more is required if the health of the river is to be restored.

Rivers, streams The health of rivers, streams and wetlands is variable but generally in and wetlands decline due to increasing extraction and drainage for industrial, domestic and agricultural purposes.

Groundwater Groundwater quality is declining in some regions, particularly on the quality Northern Adelaide Plains and in parts of the South East: The biggest single threat to groundwater quality across the State is salinity.

Soil acidity and Extent of acid soils and rates of soil acidification in South Australia is erosion increasing and will continue to increase unless the level of remedial action is also significantly increased.

Native vegetation Broadacre vegetation clearance is halted except under regulated conditions.

Revegetation activity is stable, no change since 1998.

Threatened The number of plants and animals and ecological communities at risk is species increasing particularly at the regional level.

Introduced species Rabbit numbers are in decline since introduction of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD, also known as calicivirus) although the extent varies across the State.

Extent of terrestrial pest plants is increasing

Population and South Australia’s population growth rate has increased slightly to 0.6% urban form in 2004/05, up from 0.5% per year between 1996-2001. This is still significantly below the rate of 2.4% per year observed in the 1960’s.

Average household size is declining – this will probably continue to increase the demand for housing faster than the growth in population, posing challenges for the natural environment of Adelaide and surrounding areas.

Land use Residential land use is increasing in semi-urban regions with resulting pressures on biodiversity, water resources and agricultural land.

Water consumption Per capita water consumption in the Adelaide metropolitan area has reduced from 460 litres per day in 1997-98 to 415 litres per day in 2003-04.

Re-use of treated wastewater is up from 7.6% in 1995 to 20.5% in 2003/04

Soil Productivity Quality of soil available for primary production is declining – soil condition is degrading due to an increase in salinity, acidity etc. causing reduced yields (hence productivity).

Water productivity Quality of water available for primary production is declining with increased water salinity affecting the yields (hence the productivity) of horticulture and pasture production and is reducing cropping options.

Heading in the right direction Proceed with caution Cause for concern

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7Heading in the right direction Proceed with caution Cause for concern

Goals

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Key Directions

GOAL 1

Landscape scale management that maintains healthy natural systems and is adaptive to climate change.Taking a landscape-scale approach is essential to manage the risks associated with continuing shifts in landscape pattern and function, particularly those associated with predicted climate change, at the right spatial scale and over appropriate timeframes. Climate change will add to other threats that also must be addressed within a landscape management approach. Landscape-scale management addresses terrestrial, freshwater, marine and coastal ecosystem functions and their associated biodiversity at the bioregional level, the productive capacity of land at land system level and water resources at the catchment or basin level.

W H AT W I L L B E H A P P E N I N G ?

Raising awareness about climate change and climate variability and their implications for natural systems and related industries.

Research into the effects of climate variability and climate change and innovative approaches to managing natural and productive systems.

Developing and trialling market mechanisms to create incentives for private investment in activities that have environmental benefits.

Linking remaining habitats with stepping-stones to create major biodiversity corridors across the landscape - corridors that utilise public and private land.

Support for the recovery of threatened species and communities.

Investigation, and promotion of, NRM practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or store carbon.

Documenting, protecting and enhancing remaining areas that are important for conservation and landscape health: wetlands, watercourses, estuaries, mangroves, seagrasses and wildlife habitat.

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GoalsKey Directions

GOAL 2

Prosperous communities and industries using and managing natural resources within ecologically sustainable limitsOur natural resources are critical to the prosperity of our State and are the foundation of our productive capacity. Prosperity is about our quality of life, our economic development and employment status and prospects and our health, recreational, cultural and social needs being met, including those of Aboriginal people. The allocation and use of natural resources within their ‘ecologically sustainable limits’ is fundamental to achieving the vision of this Plan. Ecologically sustainable limits mean natural limits beyond which natural resources may be damaged and unable to recover. Limits include land capability, sustainable water yields, biodiversity conservation and sustainable harvesting of wild resources.

W H AT W I L L B E H A P P E N I N G ?

Water allocation planning, in consultation with stakeholders, which focuses on sustainability and takes into account the likely effects of climate variability and climate change on water resources.

Support for improving water use efficiency in the production of food and other products.

Ensuring water is provided for the environment: to provide habitat for biodiversity; to maintain the ecosystem services that watercourses, wetlands and estuaries provide in the landscape; and to support tourism and recreation.

Investigation and promotion of sustainable land management practices.

Investigation into, and market development for, innovative industries that suit environmental conditions and enhance degraded natural systems.

Support for Aboriginal communities wishing to achieve economic development through using and managing natural resources.

Promotion and investigation of water conservation, recycling and the use of alternative water sources like stormwater and wastewater for appropriate purposes.

Preparation of guidelines for catchment-based stormwater planning.

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GoalsKey Directions

GOAL 3

Communities, governments and industries with the capability, commitmentand connections to manage natural resources in an integrated way

Community engagement and empowerment are vital for sustainable solutions to be owned and delivered through the State NRM Plan. A broad range of community skills and resources, as well as ongoing commitment and good connections, will need to be engaged and where necessary developed. Also, fundamental to the success of the Plan will be access to the best and most recent knowledge, generated through responsive and ground-breaking research and technological innovation. Local people - including landholders, businesses, Aboriginal landholders and native title claimants – as well as education, research and development institutions - must all be recognised and engaged in ways that respect their cultures, contributions and needs.

W H AT W I L L B E H A P P E N I N G ?

Building dialogue with private and public landholders, including Aboriginal people. Landholders are the key – they have stewardship of the landscape.

Ensuring leadership is present.

Community involvement, awareness and education programs including support for volunteers and community groups like Landcare, Coastcare, Bushcare and Our Patch.

Support for research into all aspects of NRM – social, cultural, economic and environmental

Improving access to easily understood, current, scientific information.

Encouraging people from all backgrounds and age groups to contribute their knowledge, participate in NRM planning and carry out projects.

Seeking and encouraging potential partners, including local government and industry bodies, as well as community organisations to support and assist in carrying out projects and programs, especially where mutual benefits are identified.

Strengthening existing, and building new, connections between institutions, organisations and the community.

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GoalsKey Directions

GOAL 4

Integrated management of biological threats to minimise risks to natural systems, communities and industry

Pest animals and plants, pathogens and over-abundant native species have had major impacts on biodiversity, agricultural industries and public health. The risks they pose to our terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including productive systems, are likely to increase as a result of climate change, global trade and travel. An integrated approach, based on a risk management framework, will be taken to minimise current and future impacts and, wherever possible, prevent new pest species from becoming established.

W H AT W I L L B E H A P P E N I N G ?

Development of early detection and eradication systems for new pests.

Awareness-raising about preventing the introduction and spread of pest species.

Investigations into appropriate management of over-abundant native species.

Research into future potential biological threats and changes that occur through natural selection, land use, management practices and climate.

Promotion of changes to the land use planning system to improve protection for areas that are important for conservation from land uses that involve pest plants and/or animals.

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How?How to get involved?

As individuals we can all contribute to achieving the goals of the plan by using, managing and developing natural resources in ways that will:

maintain the health of those catchments, ecosystems and landscapes that are in good condition.

wherever practicable, restore the health of degraded natural systems.

R E G I O N A L N R M B O A R D S A N D P L A N S

South Australia has eight NRM regions – each with a regional NRM board. Regional NRM boards develop regional NRM plans that are consistent with the State NRM Plan. These regional NRM plans set out details of activities that will be carried out in each region and identify funding sources. Regional NRM activities will be funded by State and Commonwealth governments, regional NRM levies and through partner contributions to joint projects. Everyone is encouraged to contribute their knowledge and ideas to the regional planning process.

Contact your regional NRM board for information about activities in your region.

Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges NRM Board 5 Greenhill Road, WAYVILLE SA 5034 Phone: 8271 9190

Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Board 321 Goodwood Road, KINGS PARK SA 5034 Phone: 8357 3881

Eyre Peninsula NRM Board PO Box 2916, PORT LINCOLN SA 5606 Phone: 8682 5655

Kangaroo Island NRM Board PO Box 520, KINGSCOTE SA 5223 Phone: 8553 0111

Northern and Yorke NRM Board PO Box 175, CRYSTAL BROOK SA 5523 Phone: 8636 2361

SA Arid Lands NRM Board PO Box 2227, PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Phone: 8648 5194

SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Board PO Box 2343, MURRAY BRIDGE SA 5253 Phone: 8532 1432 (Murray Bridge) Phone: 8582 4477 (Berri)

South East NRM Board PO Box 1047, MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290 Phone: 8724 6000

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F U R T H E R I N F O R M AT I O N

The complete State NRM Plan is available on the web.

Visit: http://www.nrm.sa.gov.au

Copies of the State NRM Plan should be available for inspection in your local library or local government offices, as well as at the offices of your regional NRM board.

Contact details for the NRM Council are: Phone: (08) 8463 6851 Mail: GPO Box 2834, Adelaide, 5001 Email: nrmreform@saugov.sa.gov.au

Meetings of the NRM Council and regional NRM boards are open to the public and community engagement in planning and delivering projects and programs is encouraged.

Contact details for regional NRM boards and a map of SA’s NRM regions are provided inside the back cover.

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