update

Volume 11, Issue 3

MALLEE

Biodiversity in saltbush plantings – a tale of two seasons

Saltbush plantings are an increasingly common sight in the SA Murray Mallee landscape. These plantings play an important role in
sustainable grazing enterprises in the region and can be effectively used to help fill the summer-autumn feed gap. Saltbush
plantings may have a number of other direct benefits for sustainable production systems such as soil stabilisation and erosion
reduction and they may provide suitable habitat for native biodiversity.

A preliminary study to learn more about the biodiversity values of saltbush plantings was undertaken by the Department of Water,
Land and Biodiversity Conservation in the SA Murray Mallee. We compared plant, bird and flying invertebrate communities in
saltbush plantings, remnant vegetation and pastures on five properties in spring 2008 and autumn 2009.

Government of South Australia

Department of Water, Land and
Biodiversity Conservation

Aerial photo typical

of the study
landscape, with a
saltbush planting
visible in the centre
of the image,
adjacent to roadside
remnant vegetation
(Imagery source
DEH 2008).

What's inside
2009 AGM
Farewell to Emily
The key findings from the study were:
There were more plant and bird species in remnant vegetation sites than in Chairman’s Report
saltbush or pasture sites in both spring and autumn. Recognising Women Farmers
The mix of plant species, vegetation structure and groundcover varied between Introducing Gayle Drabsch
remnant, saltbush and pasture sites and varied between seasons. Karoonda Nature Park
More bird species were recorded in saltbush plantings than in pasture sites but
there were fewer bird species in saltbush compared with remnant sites.
Bird community composition was significantly different between saltbush,
remnant and pasture sites.
Three bird species listed as 'rare' at the state level (Elegant Parrot, Hooded
Robin and Restless Flycatcher) were recorded in saltbush plantings.
Orange Chats and White-fronted Chats were observed nesting in saltbush
plantings in spring.
A mix of invertebrate species known to be beneficial to and pests of agriculture
were recorded across remnant, saltbush and pasture sites.

Future work on the biodiversity values of fodder shrub plantings is being planned,
looking in more detail at how birds use these systems. These investigations are
intended to provide information that will assist land managers and regional NRM
planners in the strategic placement and on-ground management of fodder shrub
plantings to improve production and biodiversity outcomes.

For more information, contact Stuart Collard, stuart.collard@sa.gov.au www.malleefutures.org.au

2009 Annual General Meeting
Checking out Butcher's Soak
Farewell to Emily
It is with sadness that we say goodbye to
Emily Hall who has moved on to a new
job. Emily contributed to the
administration of the MMLAP with a
pleasant nature and she will be missed.
We wish her all the best for the future.
Chairman's Report Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association Inc.
AGM 6th September 2009
The past 12 months have been a unique
challenge and journey, from a position
of uncertainty about our future, due to
changes in government and consequent
federal funding, to the encouraging and
confident position that we are able to
share with you and the wider community
today.
The assured immediate future of MMLAP
is due to the support of SA MDB NRM
Board, with the active assistance of Bill
Paterson, Denise Fowles and John
Johnson. We also acknowledge the
assistance of Board staff, too numerous
to name, who have given direction and
assistance with formulating grant
applications for submission. We extend
our sincere thanks to these people for
their encouragement, support, advice
and assistance.
Thanks also to Allan Piggott and the
Mallee Coorong NRM Group for their
continuing interest and support by
On Sunday, 6th September, 2009, our
AGM was held at the Brown's Well
Football Club. Attendance was down on
last year with only 12 people attending.
The Chairperson, Project Officer and
Treasurer presented their reports – see the
Chairperson's Report in this newsletter.
New staff member, Gayle Drabsch, was
introduced and welcomed. Management
Committee nominations were accepted
from Rod Brown, Damian Berger, Rex
Spinley, Chris Grant, Adrian Growden,
Andrew Hall, Malcolm Johns, Leighton
Pearce, Neville Pfeiffer, Trevor Schiller and
Lew Westbrook.
including our monthly report on their
meeting agenda and inviting either
Rowena or myself to speak to the report
and answer questions at each meeting.
A very big thank you must be recorded
for the outstanding work of our Project
Officer, Rowena Danks, for the
preparation, compilation and successful
funding submissions she has compiled
on our behalf. Due to her dedication
and unstinted effort MMLAP can
approach the future with confidence.
Another big thank you must go to our
treasurer, Rex Spinley. The amount of
time, wisdom and practical advice he
has given to our LAP have been
prodigious. The financial report,
recorded for your perusal, attests to the
financial viability and credibility of our
LAP - Thank you Rex.
The continuing success and impact of
MMLAP is also, in no small part, due to
the enthusiasm, input and dedication of
Executive Committee elections were held
with the following positions re-elected
unopposed:
Chairperson:Rod Brown
Vice-Chairperson:Damian Berger
Secretary:Chris Grant
Treasurer:Rex Spinley
Once again, a filling lunch was provided
before everyone boarded a bus to tour
the district. Lew Westbrook provided a
lively commentary on places of interest
and local history. A stop at Butcher's
Soak enabled us to stretch our legs and
investigate the spring which is reputed to
have never run dry.
Thanks to Lew for organising the catering
for lunch and the bus trip.
Anyone wanting a copy of the 2008/09
Annual Report, please phone Gayle on
8531 3075 or email her at
gayle.drabsch@internode.on.net Please
indicate if you require a hardcopy or CD.
the MMLAP committee members. On
behalf of the wider community – Thank
you.
There have also been some changes in
the day to day operation of our LAP
during the past 12 months that have
contributed to the success of our LAP. For
example, changes to our constitution and
operational policies to help streamline
practical issues and improve over all
effectiveness; the appointment of an
executive that meets before each bi-
monthly committee meeting to deal with
matters authorised by the committee or
to make recommendations to the
committee for approval. Many thanks to
Chris Grant, Damien Berger, Rex Spinley
and Rowena for their individual and
corporate wisdom and leadership; the
appointment of Emily Hall as our
administrative officer. Thank you Emily
for the manner and efficiency you have
brought to the work of our LAP.
continued on next page
Recognising Women Farmers
In 2007/08 Mallee Sustainable Farming in conjunction with Focus
Consulting ran a “Strengthening Our Communities” program funded by the
Australian Government, Department of Families, Community Service &
Indigenous Affairs, to assist projects in drought affected areas.

Over 20 rural communities were assisted and all communities acknowledged that they
would like further workshops/networking/training sessions in the future.

This project “Recognising Women Farmers” funded through DAFF is an ideal

continuation to support these communities. Approximately 80% of the original
participants were women farmers and this would prove a valuable follow on.

The course content includes:

build and share knowledge and experiences
increase access to planning tools and resources
develop leadership and management skills
develop programs to increase participation in agriculture, fisheries and forestry
industries
develop skills to contribute more effectively to government and industry decision
making
build networks among rural, regional and remote Australians
facilitation of meetings

The trainer (Lin Baddock) will use proven techniques to stimulate and provide
opportunity for sharing and developing skills. The delivery will consist of a structured
workshop, small group exercises and discussion.

Lin will run an abridged training session on leadership and management skills and
many aspects of Certificate IV in Corporate Governance. This will assist in the
participants self development as well as giving the participants confidence to contribute
to government and industry decision making and encourage participants to think about
obtaining placement on Boards to direct the path of their relevant industries
The six days of focus groups will be held over three states with two presentations in each state.

Regional areas being:

Round 1
Loxton SA 23rd Sept, Wentworth NSW 7th Sept, Ouyen Vic 28th August
Round 2
Murray Bridge SA 24th Oct, Balranald NSW 22nd Oct, Werrimull Vic 20th Oct

Our major goal is to recruit, enhance and build on our previous programs with women in farming, and to bring them together for
group interaction and learning for women in rural, regional and remote areas.
Please contact Focus Consulting office:(03) 5022 1859 for further information or to register your interest.

continued
In closing, in other places in the Annual Report you will read of
the many, many contributions our LAP is making to our
community, in particular such things as capacity building and
community awareness programs (e.g. schools, workshops,
tours etc); on ground works covering such areas as
revegetation, soil/sand dune rehabilitation, addressing dryland
salinity issues, pasture improvement and biodiversity issues
relevant to the Mallee.
I commend our vision statements to you:
‘A dynamic, prosperous and healthy region supported by an
active and committed community.’
‘To maintain and enhance the natural environment and
agricultural systems of the Murray Mallee through the support
of the community.’

MMLAP has achieved, is achieving and will continue to
achieve a wide range of NRM outcomes in our Mallee
community. We greatly value your encouragement and support
through your attendance today. We also value the support of
our many friends who receive our newsletter, with special
mention to those who have taken part in education activities
and on ground works programs.
Of paramount importance in achieving these aims is
community support. I conclude this report by encouraging our
Murray Mallee community to help us “keep the dream alive”.
Rod Brown , Chairman
Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association Inc.
Introducing new team member Gayle Drabsch
I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with
Rowena and the Murray Mallee Local Action Planning
Association. MMLAP Committee Membership
I became actively involved in natural resources
Rod Brown (Chairperson/ Public Officer)
management in 2000 when I joined the team at the
Lockyer Catchment Centre in South East Queensland. Lameroo ph: 8577 4033
As a full time volunteer Assistant Project Officer, I was
involved with creek management, roadside conservation Damien Berger (Vice Chairperson)
and bush tucker trail projects. Karoonda ph: 8578 6066

I subsequently worked as the Lockyer Community Chris Grant, (Secretary)

Contact Officer for SEQ Catchments, the regional NRM Berri ph: 8595 2175
body for South East Queensland, and as the Land for
Wildlife Officer for Gatton Shire Council.
Rex Spinley (Treasurer)
Para Hills ph: 0466 499 560
In 2007 I came to South Australia and settled in Murray Bridge where I offered my
time to the CARE Team which includes LAP groups and staff of the SA MDB NRM
Board. Neville Pfeiffer
Parrakie ph: 8576 2051
I look forward to continuing to support the management of natural resources through
my role as Administration Officer with this organisation. You can contact me by Andrew Hall
phoning 8531 3075 or emailing to gayle.drabsch@internode.on.net Wunkar ph: 8589 7029

Trevor Schiller
Waikerie ph: 8541 9096
Unveiling for Karoonda Nature Park
On Monday, 14th September,
Malcolm Johns
2009, the recently formed Friends Karoonda ph: 8589 7053
of Karoonda Nature Park group
gathered to celebrate the unveiling Adrian Growden
of new information signs at the Karoonda ph: 8578 1057
Karoonda Nature Park, next to the
Pioneer Village in Karoonda. Lew Westbrook
Loxton ph: 8584 7811
Unveiled by Don Anderson of the
Friends of Karoonda Park group,
Leighton Pearce, SA MDB NRM Board
the information signs reveal the
wealth of native plants and animals ph: 8582 4477
found in the park including orchids
and echidnas. Friends of Karoonda Nature Park with new signage

Though members of the group have been looking after this area of remnant
vegetation for many years, the group formally formed earlier this year with the help of
Chris Grant from the Department for Environment and Heritage and Rowena Danks
of the Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association Inc.

Locally known as 'The Patch', this area had been surveyed for town allotments in
1914, however the area has more recently been restored to parklands status.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy the walking trails established by the Lions Club and
Australian Plant Society. A map of these trails can be found at the information shelter
off East Terrace.

hetta designs
0437 914 066

Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association Inc.

Murray Bridge Natural Resources Centre
Mannum Road
PO Box 2056, Murray Bridge SA 5253
ph: (08) 8531 2066 fax: (08) 8532 5300
email: mmlap@internode.on.net

This newsletter is printed on 100% Recycled paper - Protecting our Trees and Environment