update

Volume 10, Issue 3

MALLEE

MMLAP AGM and 10 Year Celebrations

This year our AGM was held in conjunction with our 10 year celebrations on the 14th
September. It was a fabulous day held at the Perponda Sports Club. A very generous and
delicious lunch was enjoyed by all and prepared by the lovely ladies and men of the Karoonda
“Mallee Ewes and Rams” Relay for Life Team with proceeds going to the charity.
Sally Pederick – the first Project Officer for the MMLAP gave a look back at the projects and
programs they ran in the early years and her experience with the MMLAP Committee and
Landholders. There were some very entertaining stories about the joys, frustrations, memories
and experiences that Sally shared. We thank Sally for taking the time to look back at her role
and the beginning of the MMLAP in action and for sharing it with us.

Sally Pederick sharing some memories

The AGM was then held with the some new and familiar faces leaving and joining
the Committee; What's inside
This year we say goodbye to Greg Werner and Jeremy Nelson as Committee
members and thank them for their contributions to the LAP.

We now introduce the new MMLAP Committee for 2008/09; Mallee Futures Program 2009
Rod Brown (Chairperson), Damian Berger (Vice Chairperson), Rex Spinley
(Treasurer), Karen Payne (Secretary), Trevor Schiller, Andrew Hall, Neville Pfeiffer, Farewell to Loren Mountain
Chris Grant, Malcolm Johns, Adrian Growden, Lew Westbrook, Stephanie Evans,
Barry Manuel and new member Leighton Pearce (SA MDB NRM Board). Welcome Phil Barron, Greening Australia

Once again we have fantastic commitment and support offered up by local Mallee Futures Program Perennial Pasture
people contributing to the LAP. Our Committee members put immense amounts of and Fodder Evaluation
time and energy into the group and provide invaluable support and knowledge.
Some of these people have been actively involved for ten years. We thank them for Bushy Tales
making the operation of the MMLAP a success and look forward to their input and
contribution to the LAP in the future. Sustainable House Days 2008

Following the AGM, a tour was held to the Perponda Bottle Tanks with Kevin Chairperson’s Report
Burdett giving a very entertaining and informative commentary on the history of the
family property – it was a fascinating glimpse at some local Mallee history and we Grasslands of National Importance
thank Kevin and his family for welcoming us on their lovely property.

Kevin Burdett talks on the history

of the Perponda bottle tanks

www.malleefutures.org.au
Mallee Futures Program 2009
Farewell
With the change in Federal Government there have been
significant changes to the availability and way in which
funding is allocated for environmental and natural resource
management projects. The Government is currently not
providing funding for devolved grant projects and as such we
have been unable to secure funding for the Mallee Futures
Program for 2009. There will be some limited funding
available for on-ground works, however we will not be able
to offer the large scale incentives that we have in previous
years and any on-ground works will be targeted at priority
salinity, erosion and biodiversity areas.

A small amount of funding provided through the SA MDB

NRM Board will be available for biodiversity projects and dry
land management. The exact details of the types of projects
and the number of projects that we will be able to fund will
not be know until the end of 2008/ early 2009. Further
information will be provided as soon as we have more
details.
Free technical advice and support will continue to be
provided through the MMLAP to help assist landholders with
the planning and design of their projects. The LAP will also
continue to run free workshops and field days open to all
Mallee landholders.
If you have any questions please contact Rowena Danks on
8531 2066 or mmlap@internode.on.net
Welcome
It is with mixed emotions that I say goodbye to the Murray
Mallee LAP and take on a new position as Environmental
Officer with the City of Prospect Council.
I have enjoyed my time with the LAP and have appreciated
the opportunities the position has provided me. The job has
been very rewarding and I have learnt a lot during the past
12 months. Even though I will miss the LAP and its people, I
am looking forward to my new role and the challenges it
presents.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who I have worked
with for their support, encouragement and guidance in
particular Rowena, Rod and the LAP committee. I wish the
LAP all the best for the future in these somewhat uncertain
times and I know that they will continue the fantastic work
they've been doing.
It has been a pleasure working with you all.

Loren Mountain, Mallee Futures Program Officer

G'day!

I've just started on a “Landscape Restoration” project with the SA Murray Darling
Basin NRM Board. With over 18 years experience in the biodiversity 'game' in SE
Australia, my aim is to help get more large scale, biodiversity on-ground projects
going in the region. This is quite a challenge when there is stuff-all OGW funding
around at the moment – but that is a part of what I will need to try and help rectify. Terms or programs like Carbon,
Habitat 141, Conservation Action Planning/The Nature Conservancy and River Murray Forest are all ones we will need
to try and get our heads around.

I look forward to working with Rowena to help you build upon the already impressive results achieved so far for your
hard work and dedication.

There is a huge amount of experience, knowledge, science, determination and good old enthusiasm out there that we
can draw together to do some really effective large scale projects with multiple benefits. I see actions like helping scale-
up long-term integrated and coordinated pest and weed control as a key fundamental action that will benefit
biodiversity and productivity in the region. Anyway, I'm looking forward to helping make a positive difference in the
region.

Cheers, Phil Barron, Greening Australia 0427 181 585 or 08 8372 0122 pbarron@greeningsa.org.au
Mallee Futures Program Perennial Pasture and Fodder Evaluation
An excerpt from the recent evaluation carried out through the MMLAP Mallee Futures Program

Background
The Mallee Futures Program involves working with Murray Mallee landholders to
increase the uptake of sustainable resource management practices, enhance their
skills, knowledge and awareness of natural resource management, and
implement on-ground actions identified as priorities in the Murray Mallee Local
Action Plan and Murray Mallee Revegetation Plan.

Since 1999 the Mallee Futures Program has attracted contributions of support
and funding from the National Landcare Program, Natural Heritage Trust,
National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, and the State and Australian
Governments.

The Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association (MMLAP) received funding
Eyres Green saltbush
in 2008 through the National Landcare Program to evaluate the outcomes of
productive perennials established with funding through the Mallee Futures Program since 2003.

This evaluation relies on the records kept by the farmers and as such is based on local knowledge. These records include rainfall
and temperature records, property scale records, management history and techniques for each property - including pest and disease
management, re-seeding and the actions taken and the grazing regime (including recovery). The project aimed to evaluate
landholder knowledge to determine:
If landholders believed soil erosion issues have decreased
If the perennials have been an advantage during periods of low rainfall
Establishment and management practices, especially of successful projects

This report reviewed information on lucerne and saltbush production from 12 farmers in an area of the Mallee ranging from Swan
Reach to Pinnaroo. This provided information on the environmental effects of these perennial plants and also an indication of the
ideal establishment and management practices.

Due to the differences in management, establishment and environmental issues associated with the two perennial species the report
is presented in two sections, ‘Lucerne Evaluation and Saltbush Evaluation.'
Keith Bolto, Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Rural Solutions SA

Copies of the full report are available through the MMLAP. Contact Rowena Danks on 8531 2066 or mmlap@internode.on.net for
your copy.

Bushy Tales from the Flora Fella by Phil Barron of Greening Australia
Its Spring....and a Sneaky Orchids' minds turns to……?
Keep your eyes peeled for Orchids in your scrub – they are great indicators of a
healthy patch.

Orchids are amazing little critters! Did you know that some of them use sexual
deception as a reproduction strategy? Often it's a species - specific relationship, with
only 1 orchid species attracting one species of pollinator (usually a native wasp).
That is, the orchid tricks a male wasp to visit using chemicals that 'smell' like a
female wasp. When he lands in the flower, a trigger mechanism tips him onto a
column, which houses the pollen and the receptive stigma - pollen is either removed
or deposited in this process. I wonder if he feels ripped-off?

In SA only a small proportion of orchids are pollinated this way - mostly the spider
Caladenia capillata, photo by Jerry Smith orchids, including the Wispy Spider-orchid or Daddy-long-legs (Caladenia capillata).
Karoonda Reserve.
There are over 50 species in the region and, luckily for us, greencomb spider orchids are not uncommon in the mallee. The other
orchid common to the mallee are greenhoods and rufous-hoods, which are pollinated mostly by fungus gnats.

Because of this complex pollination mechanism, the ecosystem that supports these orchids then must be relatively intact if they are to
survive. There needs to be the correct species of soil fungus for seedling establishment (they require the presence of particular soil
fungi or mycorrhizae), the correct pollinator species and the food plants that the pollinators need.

The best way to help is to control overgrazing, pests and weeds – which will in turn help farm productivity too. Thanks to Doug
Bickerton of DEH for some handy info on this!
Sustainable House Days 2008
The second weekend in September again saw houses right
across Australia open for inspection by people keen to
incorporate sustainable features into their homes. In South
Australia eighteen homes were open and guided tours were
given by the home owners, who explained the various
features of their houses and some of the trials and
tribulations of incorporating cutting edge design.

Houses varied from the exotic to the humble and all

degrees between. Homes were open in the country as well
as metropolitan Adelaide. Features common to all houses
were orientation to best capture northern winter warmth,
thermal mass to hold and slowly release heat, wall and
ceiling insulation and overhangs to protect windows from
summer sun.

One of the very best houses was at Eden Valley, the home
of Steve and Sue Proeve, who lived in a converted shed on
their rural property for six years while they built their dream Northern aspect of house showing solar HWS photovoltaic
house. Walls were formed from road base and 10% panels and vine trellis for summer shading
cement, window lintels from recycled hardwood and a
polished concrete floor with beer bottle glass pieces to add
some interest.

The house also featured a dry composting toilet designed to save hundreds of
kilolotres of water each year. The house generates its own electricity from solar panels
and is off the grid.

Indeed the house is run entirely on rainwater collected from the house and
outbuildings. The property also features one of the more impressive organic gardens
in the district.

Dry composting bins at rear of house

Reed bed provides treated water

for the garden

Kitchen view

If you missed Sustainable House Day this year, don't worry, it's an annual event. In the meantime you can visit the web site at
www.sustainablehouseday.com
Steve Coombe
Chairperson's Report 2007/08 – Rod Brown
Today is a very important AGM and a very important celebration to recognise the active involvement
of MMLAP in the life of our mallee community, particularly in the area of encouragement of on
ground works by subsidising on farm and community projects to improve sustainability and
conservation of our natural resources, whilst endeavouring to improve farm profitability. The past 12
months have seen valuable contributions despite increasing difficulties associated with uncertainty of
ongoing, long term funding.

I have included part of the LAP chairs submission to the Federal Minister, prepared by Rowena and
Loren on behalf of MMLAP. This excerpt clearly outlines the achievements of MMLAP over the past
decade: Achievements that deserve celebration and recognition. My personal thanks to Rowena and
Loren for their assistance in compiling this information.

Except from submission;

Rod Brown

‘To maintain and enhance the natural and agricultural systems

of the Murray Mallee through the support of the community'.

The Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association Inc (MMLAP) is a community organisation comprised of members representing
a range of groups and organisations in the South Australian Murray Mallee region, covering 2 million hectares. The Association,
formed in 1998, has a network of 750 landholders in the region receiving regular communications.

In the last 10 years, we have sourced funding to enable members of our community to better manage their Natural Resources
through on ground works to:
Protect and enhance remnant vegetation (7,940.5ha),
Revegetate local native species (1045.9ha),
Establish Fodder (3413ha),
Establish Pasture (14,126ha),
Establish product block (45.5ha) and
Control erosion (878ha).

Total over 27,400 ha

We have been able to support this work with $2.2million of funding while $6.6million of support was provided as in-kind
contribution.

But we do more than plant trees!

We've also been able to encourage and educate people of all ages to look after our environment better through:
On farm advice
Field trips
Workshops
Visiting schools
Mentoring youth groups

We encourage new ideas and diversification by supporting:

Research
Trials and demonstrations
Field trips to expose landholders to new ideas and follow-up workshops

Each LAP has prepared a similar document and these will accompany the overall document that will be discussed in Canberra, face
to face, by two of our LAP chairs.

In essence the issues highlighted to be discussed will be:

Rolling three year funding
Greater funding flexibility for unexpected contingencies
Better communication with funding bodies
Greater security for staff

The future positive contributions that our LAP has made towards improving the sustainability of our environment will no doubt hinge
on swift and meaningful outcomes from discussions with both the Federal Minister and the SAMDB NRM Board.
continued
 Department for Environment

Grasslands of National Importance in our Backyards and Heritage

S o u t h Au s t r a l i a n M u r r a y - D a r l i n g
Basin Natural Resources
Government Management Board
of South Australia

In June 2007 two ecological communities that are found in the SA MDB
were listed Nationally as critically endangered. Peppermint Box
(Eucalyptus odorata) Grassy Woodlands of South Australia and Iron-
grass (Lomandra effusa and Lomandra multiflora spp.) Natural
Temperate Grasslands of South Australia were both listed under the
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act
1999 as critically endangered ecological communities. Their titles may
be a mouthful, but as ecological communities, it could be said that
there is less than a mouthful left of them.

That is why in May this year the Department for Environment and
Heritage (DEH) appointed Jean Turner as a Grassy Ecosystems Recovery
Project Officer. Jean will be based in Clare and said that “The project
aims to assist in the recovery and management of these endangered
ecological communities across South Australia”. “One of the first steps”
Jean said, “is to help land manager and project officers to identify
Eucalyptus odorata Jean Turner
which areas, that contain these ecological communities, are in a
condition that meets the national listing”.

What are Iron-grass Grasslands?

Iron-grass Natural Grassland of South Australia ecological community extends from the western bank of the Murray River, through
the Mt. Lofty Ranges and north to Mount Brown Conservation Park, west of Carrieton. In the SA MDB it predominantly occurs in the
strip of land falling between the eastern Mt. Lofty Ranges and the River Corridor, north past Eudunda and south to Lake Alexandrina.
On the eastern side of the Murray River it occurs in relatively large patches, adjacent to and south east of Tailem Bend. It is generally
found on gentle slopes of low hills above 380m above sea level.

Iron-grasses Lomandra multiflora ssp (Many-flowered Mat-rush) and Lomandra effusa (Scented Mat-rush) are the dominant species
in this ecological community. Other common plant species include Bulbine Lily (Bulbine bulbosa), Yellow Buttons (Chrysocephalum
apiculatum), Australian Bindweed (Convolvulus erubescens) and Scaly Buttons (Leptorhynchos squamatus). Trees and shrubs are
absent or sparse.

The pre-european extent of Iron-grass Natural Temperate Grassland of South Australia is estimated to be between 1,000,000 ha to
750,000 ha. The present extent is likely to be less than 5000 ha. Historically, this community largely occurred on good agricultural
soils in areas of reliable rainfall, which has resulted in it being greatly reduced by land clearing with remaining areas being
fragmented and subject to various agricultural activities such as grazing and pasture improvement. Most of the Iron-grass Natural
Temperate Grassland of South Australia is now found within private freehold land. In the SA MDB the community is conserved in
Poonthie Ruwi - Riverdale Conservation Park near Tailem Bend.

What are Peppermint Grassy Woodlands?

Peppermint Grassy Woodlands of South Australia ecological community extends from the southern Flinders Ranges to Lake
Alexandrina in the south. In the SA MDB the ecological community occurs in the area bounded by the eastern Mt. Lofty Ranges,
Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Murray Bridge and through the Western Murray flats. Remaining patches of this community typically occur on
gently to moderate slopes, hilltops and adjacent plains.

Peppermint box (E. odorata) is the dominant species in the tree canopy. Other tree species that may be present in the canopy, but
are not as abundant as Peppermint Box, include: Grey Box (E. microcarpa); SA Blue gum (E. leucoxylon); Sugar Gum (E.
cladocalyx); Mallee Box (E. porosa); Drooping Sheok (Allocasuarina verticillata); White Cypress-pine (Callitris glaucophylla); and
Southern Cypress-pine (C. preissii). The vegetation structure is an open to
dense woodland and the ground layer comprises mainly grasses and
herbs. In the SA MDB less than 1% of the remaining areas of Peppermint
box woodlands are formally protected.

What does the listing of these ecological communities mean for land
managers?

Not all areas that contain the mix of these species will qualify as the
nationally listed ecological community as the 'condition' of the community
is taken into consideration.

contined

Lomandra effusa Jean Turner

continued Grasslands of national importance

In general terms, protection under the EPBC Act does not prevent landholders from continuing to use their land
in the same way they were before, providing they do not change or intensify their activities. National protection
means that approval needs to be sort before any new or intensified activities that may be likely to have a
significant negative impact upon the ecological communities occurs.

These communities may exist in some patches to the west of the MMLAP region. If you think you may have one
of these ecological communities on your land and would like to find out more about it and/or are keen to find
out what you can do to help protect these important communities contact:
Jean Turner, 8841 3451 or mobile 0421 617 155 or
Chris Grant, Bush Management Advisor 8595 2174.
Kylie Moritz and Jean Turner

References:
Beeton, R.J.S. (2007) Iron-grass natural Temperate Grassland of South Australia ecological community Advice. Threatened
Species Scientific Committee.
Department of the Environment and Water Resources (2007) EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.7 Nationally Threatened Species
and Ecological Communities – Peppermint Box (Eucalyptus odorata) Grassy Woodland of South Australia and Iron-grass
Natural Temperate Grassland of South Australia.
Department of the Environment and Water Resources (2007) Newly Listed – Peppermint Box Grassy Woodland of South
Australia and Iron-grass Temperate Grassland of South Australia. Our Land Our Plan, Our Future. Issue 8, September 2007.
Kahrimanis, M.J., Carruthers, S., Oppermann, A. and Inns, R. (2001) Biodiversity Plan for the South Australian Murray-
Darling Basin. DEH, SA.

continued Chairperson’s Report

On the occasion of the 10 year Celebratory AGM, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of current
committee, past committees and present and past Project and Implementation Officers for their enthusiasm and commitment to
making our vision a reality!

“A dynamic, prosperous and healthy region supported by and active and committed community”.

In closing I would specifically like to thank the 2007-2008 Committee Members for their involvement and valuable
contributions to:
Updating MMLAP Strategic Plan
Updating the Constitution of MMLAP Inc.
Updating MMLAP Policy and Working Document
Thank you for your practical and thoughtful contributions to maintain the effectiveness of our LAP under changing and difficult
conditions.
In particular a VERY BIG THANK YOU to Rex Spinley for his time and skill to undertake training to rationalise and improve our
financial accountability.

It is with a great degree of personal sadness that we say farewell to Loren. Thank you for the confidence, efficiency and
commitment you have brought to our Mallee Futures Program, mentoring of students and other contributions too numerous to
mention. Our best wishes go with you as you tackle the challenges of your new position with your particular gifts of
enthusiasm, knowledge and dedication.

I also thank Rowena for her unstinting commitment of time and energy as our Project Officer. Her quiet, thoughtful and
efficient contributions, in very difficult circumstances, have ensured the success of the MMLAP during the past twelve months in
particular. Her willingness to face challenges head on and seek workable solutions has been greatly appreciated, not only by
the Committee as a whole, but also by me personally. Thank you Rowena. We look forward to your leadership in the future,
whatever form that future may take.
Thank you too to all those in the wider community who have encouraged and supported us, particularly those who have gone
the extra mile to join us in this celebration today.

Rod Brown, Chairman

Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association Inc.
September 14th, 2008
 MMLAP Committee Membership

Rod Brown (Chairperson/ Public Officer)

Lameroo ph: 8577 4033

Damien Berger (Vice Chairperson)

Karoonda ph: 8578 6066

Karen Payne (Secretary)

Galga ph: 8121 2806

Rex Spinley (Treasurer)

Karoonda ph: 8184 8928

Barry Manuel
Mindarie ph: 8578 7018

Neville Pfeiffer
Parrakie ph: 8576 2051

Andrew Hall
Wunkar ph: 8589 7029

Trevor Schiller
Waikerie ph: 8541 9096

Chris Grant, DEH

Berri ph: 8595 2174

Malcolm Johns
Karoonda ph: 8589 7053

Adrian Growden
Karoonda ph: 8578 1057

Stephanie Evans
Mercunda ph: 8589 7039

Lew Westbrook
Loxton ph: 8584 7811

Leighton Pearce, SAMDBNRM Board

ph: 8582 4477

hetta designs
08 8531 1131

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