parhamactionmanagementplan · an overview of the vegetation in the parham management area,...

Parham Action Management PlanBiodiversity Values and Threats to Ecological Assets

A report prepared by EBS Ecologyfor the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board

__________________________________________________________________________________Parham Action Management Plan

Parham Action Management PlanBiodiversity values and Threats to Ecological Assets

June 2010

COPYRIGHT: Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Environmentaland Biodiversity Services constitutes an infringement of copyright.

LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Environmental and BiodiversityServices Client, and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement betweenEnvironmental and Biodiversity Services and it’s Client. Environmental and Biodiversity Services accepts no liabilityor responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.

Cover Photos: Parham Beach (left) (Photo: AMLR NRM Board- Bill Doyle), Webb Beach Creek (Right)(Photo: AMLR NRM Board- Bill Doyle)

2/48 Barwell RdKURRALTA PARK

SA 5037

Phone : 08 71215607Fax : 08 8297 3768

Email : [email protected]

Web : www.ebservices.com.au

Acknowledgements

Several people provided valuable input into the production of this plan and we would

like to thank the following:

Jill Pearson, Caroline Taylor and Aleisa Lamanna of Adelaide and Mount

Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board

Barbara Reid chair of the District Council of Mallala Foreshore Advisory

Committee

Andreas Humphreys from the District Council of Mallala

Kevin Taylor from Cheetham (Dry Creek) Pty Ltd

This project is partially funded through the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural

Resources Management Board, the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources

Management Board and the Australian Government's Caring for our Country.

Contents Page1.0 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Parham management area .................................................................................... 11.2 Naming protocols ................................................................................................... 2

2.0 FIELDWORK METHODOLOGY............................................................................... 22.1 Mapping methodology............................................................................................ 32.2 Taxonomy .............................................................................................................. 32.3 Level of detail ......................................................................................................... 3

3.0 PHYSICAL LOCATION ............................................................................................ 43.1 Location.................................................................................................................. 43.2 Landform, topography and hydrology .................................................................... 63.3 Soils ....................................................................................................................... 63.4 Climate ................................................................................................................... 63.5 Bioregional information .......................................................................................... 83.6 Remnancy and conservation ............................................................................... 103.7 Landscape context ............................................................................................... 103.7.1 Pre-European vegetation of the Northern Adelaide plains.............................................103.7.2 Current ecological landscape of the Northern Adelaide plains......................................12

4.0 RESULTS - VEGETATION DESCRIPTION ........................................................... 134.1 General overview ................................................................................................. 134.2 Vegetation Associations....................................................................................... 174.3 Native plant species............................................................................................. 294.4 Vegetation condition............................................................................................. 294.5 Pest animals......................................................................................................... 294.6 Weed infestations................................................................................................. 29

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL ASSETS................................................. 335.1 Tidal creeks.......................................................................................................... 335.2 Estuarine river habitats ........................................................................................ 335.3 Saltmarsh communities........................................................................................ 335.4 Mangroves ........................................................................................................... 345.5 Coastal shrublands and dunes ............................................................................ 345.6 Wetlands of National Importance......................................................................... 355.7 Waterbird and migratory wader habitat................................................................ 385.7.1 Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied Parrot) ..........................................................385.7.2 Acanthiza iredalei rosinae (Slender-billed Thornbill)....................................................40

5.8 Butterflies ............................................................................................................. 405.9 Plant species of conservation significance .......................................................... 415.10 Areas of known Conservation value .................................................................... 455.11 Landscape connectivity........................................................................................ 45

6.0 THREATS TO NATIVE VEGETATION AND ECOLOGICAL VALUE ................... 476.1 Recreational vehicles........................................................................................... 476.2 Rubbish ................................................................................................................ 506.3 Feral animals........................................................................................................ 516.4 Weeds .................................................................................................................. 536.5 Erosion ................................................................................................................. 586.6 Mining................................................................................................................... 586.6.1 Mineral exploration licence............................................................................................586.6.2 Co proclamation of mining and conservation areas.......................................................58

6.7 Development pressure......................................................................................... 596.8 Climate change .................................................................................................... 636.9 Changing local coastline and mangrove forest displacement ............................. 63

7.0 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS .................................................................................. 658.0 REFERENCE LIST ................................................................................................. 719.0 APPENDICES ......................................................................................................... 73

Appendix 1. Vegetation associations and species lists.......................................................... 73Appendix 2. Habitat preferences and associated behaviour (foraging, roosting, or breeding)for conservation significant bird species recorded within the Management area, or expected touse the site reference?. ........................................................................................................... 78

List of Tables

Table 2.1. Condition ratings used to assess the vegetation associations................................. 2

Table 3.1 Bioregional ecological information............................................................................ 8

Table 3.2 Historical plant associations ................................................................................... 11

Table 4.1 Declared, environmental, and significant weed species observed within themanagement area ................................................................................................................... 30

Table 5.1 Conservation significant flora species listed in Schedules 7, 8 and 9 of the NPWAct 1972 (as at 7/1/10) that may occur within the Parham management area. ...................... 42

Table 5.2 Regionally rated flora species (Southern Lofty region) within the vicinity of theParham management area...................................................................................................... 42

Table 7.1 Management of coastal assets............................................................................... 67

Table 7.2 Action table for management recommendations.................................................... 69

List of Figures

Figure 3.1 Site location map..................................................................................................... 5

Figure 3.2 Average annual rainfall for the locality of Northfield Research Centre ................... 6

Figure 3.3 Maximum and minimum temperatures for the Northfield Research Centre............ 7

Figure 3.4 Location of Parham management area within St Vincent Subregion (Eyre andYork Block Bioregion) ................................................................................................................ 9

Figure 4.1 Tidal zones ............................................................................................................ 15

Figure 4.2 Vegetation associations ........................................................................................ 16

Figure 4.3 Vegetation condition.............................................................................................. 32

Figure 5.1 Wetlands of National Importance .......................................................................... 36

Figure 5.2 Wetland of National Importance – Clinton SA 007................................................ 37

Figure 5.3 : Flora species of conservation significance recorded during field investigations . 44

Figure 5.4 : Regional connectivity ........................................................................................... 46

Figure 6.1 Feral animal activity recorded during field investigations...................................... 52

Figure 6.2a Weeds recorded during field investigations – north section ............................... 56

Figure 6.2b Weeds recorded during field investigations – south section............................... 57

Figure 6.3 Mining tenements and exploration licenses along the Gulf of St Vincent coastline................................................................................................................................................. 60

Figure 6.4 Active and non-active mining tenements .............................................................. 61

Figure 6.5 Development zones along the Gulf of St Vincent coastline and inland ................ 62

Figure 6.6 Mangrove forest locations in Australia. ................................................................. 65

Figure 7.1 Recommended management actions ................................................................... 66

List of PlatesPlate 4.1 Tecticornia pergranulata ssp. perganulata (Black-seed Samphire) / Tecticorniaindica (Brown-head Samphire) / Maireana oppositifolia (Salt Bluebush) +/- Atriplex paludosassp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush)................................................................................................. 17

Plate 4.2 Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Beaded Samphire) +/- Tecticornica arbuscula (ShrubbySamphire), Tecticornia pergranulata ssp. perganulata (Shrubby Samphire), Suaeda australis(Austral Seablite) ..................................................................................................................... 18

Plate 4.3 Atriplex paludosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush), Tecticornia spp. (Samphire),Maireana oppositofolia (Salt Bluebush) Low Open Shrubland................................................ 19

Plate 4.4 a) Olearia axillaris (Coast Daisy-bush) / Myoporum insulare (Common Boobialla) /Acacia ligulata (Umbrella Bush); b) Same association with Pittosporum angustifolium (NativeApricot) and Alyxia buxifolia (Sea Box) +/- Nitraria billadierei (Nitre-bush) Shrubland. .......... 21

Plate 4.5 a) Myoporum insulare (Common Boobialla) / Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush); b)same association with Atriplex cinerea (Coast Saltbush) and Sueada australis (AustralSeablite)................................................................................................................................... 23

Plate 4.6 a) Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) +/- Callitris gracilis (Southern CypressPine) +/- Eucalyptus gracilis (White Mallee) +/- Acacia ligulata (Umbrella Bush) +/- Acaciacupularis (Coast Umbrella Bush) Open Shrubland; b) same association showing revegetationarea; c) Callitris gracilis stand within the association; d) Adriana quadripitata (Coast Bitter-bush) stand within the association........................................................................................... 26

Plate 4.7 A) Avicennia marina ssp. Marina (Grey Mangrove) Low Closed Forest; b)associated mudflats................................................................................................................. 28

Plate 5.1 Hesperilla donnysa donnysa form flavescens (Yellowish Sword-sedge SkipperButterfly) .................................................................................................................................. 41

Plate 5.2 Theclinesthes albocincta (Bitter Bush Blue Butterfly) ............................................. 41

Plate 6.1 Trail bike tracks in a saltpan.................................................................................... 48

Plate 6.2 Removal of barrier near Bakers Creek.................................................................... 48

Plate 6.3 Illegal boat ramp created by public to access Baker Creek.................................... 49

Plate 6.4 Erosion resulting from illegally built boat-ramps at Baker Creek ........................... 49

Plate 6.5 Dumped computers near Webb Beach................................................................... 50

Plate 6.6 Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit) scats within Melalueca lanceolata(Dryland Tea-tree) Open Woodland. ....................................................................................... 51

Plate 6.7 : a) Example of a roadside supporting weed species adjacent to the township ofParham; b) example of roadside supporting weed species along Port Parham Road............ 54

Plate 6.8 Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn) within roadside vegetation near Parhamtownship................................................................................................................................... 55

Plate 6.9 Euphorbia terracina (False Caper).......................................................................... 55

__________________________________________________________________________________

Parham Management Plan vi

Glossary

Acid Sulfate Soil (ASS) a soil or soil horizon which contains sulfides or an

acid soil horizon affected by oxidation of sulfides.

The exposure of the sulfide in these soils to oxygen

by drainage or excavation leads to the generation of

sulfuric acid.

Actual acid sulfate soils (AASS) soils containing highly acidic soil horizons or layers

resulting from the aeration of soil materials that are

rich in iron sulfides, primarily sulfide.

Chenier Dune discrete, elongated sand and/or shell bodies

stranded on a coastal mudflat or marsh.

Estuary a partially enclosed coastal body of water that is

either permanently, periodically, intermittently or

occasionally open to the sea within which there is a

measurable variation in salinity due to the mixture of

seawater with water derived from on or under the

land’. It also encompasses the ecosystem processes

and associated biodiversity within estuaries and their

adjacent habitats.

Exploration Licence (EL) an Exploration Licence (EL) is the principal title

issued for exploration in the state. An EL authorises

the licensee, subject to the Act, Regulations and

conditions of the licence, to explore for all minerals

and/or opal other than extractive minerals

Flotsam marine debris that is floating on the water without

having been thrown in deliberately, often after a

shipwreck.

Intertidal (foreshore) the coastal zone measuring from the lowest to the

highest tide mark. The intertidal zone is subject to

alternating periods of flooding and drying.

Jetsam marine debris that has been voluntarily cast into the

sea by the crew of a ship, usually in order to lighten it

in an emergency.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Parham Management Plan vii

Nearshore the area extending from the low water shoreline to

the generally less than 10m depth or beyond the

breaker zone.

Potential acid sulfate soils (PASS) soils which contain iron sulfides or sulfidic material

which have not been exposed to air or oxidised, but

pose a considerable environmental risk when

disturbed, as they will become very acidic when

exposed to air and oxidised.

Supratidal the shore area above the high tide level.

Tidal land includes reefs shoals and other land permanently or

periodically submerged by waters subject to tidal

influence.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Parham Management Plan viii

Executive Summary

There are remnant native coastal vegetation values on the Northern Adelaide plains

that extend from Barker Inlet to the Yorke Peninsula. This section of the coast

(Parham management plan boundary) supports coastal habitats that are vulnerable

to threatening processes. Current known threats that modify the landscape and

erode known biodiversity values are discussed in this report.

At this location there are known biodiversity values of:

Wetland of National Importance - SA007

Migratory and waterbirds of National significance

Remnant coastal mangrove forests, low coastal dunes, and samphire

shrublands

This management plan is aimed at assisting the community and natural resource

managers to identify local biological assets and prioritise management. It is

anticipated that information on the local biodiversity assets coupled with

management recommendations to conserve biodiversity values will enable all

stakeholders to make key decisions to ensure the long term management of natural

landscape features.

The management of the coastal native vegetation at Parham remains a conservation

priority because much of the Adelaide coastline is already highly modified. As the

metropolitan area expands, there is increasing pressure on coastal landscapes to

provide for recreation, human use, and development.

The aim of this report is to provide a resource document for the community and

natural resource managers to assist in achieving on–ground works that maximise

and enhance the current native vegetation and biodiversity assets.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Parham Action Management Plan 1

1.0 IntroductionThis management plan details the biological assets and threats impacting on remnant

coastal vegetation at Parham township and surrounds, South Australia. Parham

township is approximately 65km north of metropolitan Adelaide and consists of a

cluster of houses on the Northern Adelaide Plains. Land use in the area includes

agriculture (grazing, cropping, orchards, market gardens), conservation (Port Gawler

Conservation Park and Buckland Park additions), commercial and private residential.

The coastline in the Parham area is both relatively un-modified and modified by human

activity. It supports a significant area of remnant coastal vegetation and

coastal/estuarine habitat in the northern Adelaide region and supports significant

wetlands. For these reasons there is considerable interest in conserving the natural

character of the area.

This report compliments a series of reports that have documented the native vegetation

types, biodiversity assets and threatening processes along the Northern Adelaide Plain

coastal area, namely: Metropolitan Adelaide and Northern Coastal Action Plan 2009

(Caton et al. 2009); Buckland Park (Durant, 2007); Middle Beach to Port Gawler

(Durant, 2007); and Thompson Beach Third Creek Management Plan (Delta

Environmental Consulting 2005).

A brief description of the area is provided in Section 3 of this report. Section 4 presents

an overview of the vegetation in the Parham management area, including the

description and mapping of the vegetation associations, an appraisal of vegetation

condition, details of native plant species observed, and a summary of acute weed

infestations. Section 5 summarises the significant ecological and biological assets of

the area and major threatening processes. Section 6 of the report provides

management recommendations based on the information gathered during the project.

1.1 Parham management areaThe Parham management area is located 65km north of metropolitan Adelaide, South

Australia. Occupying an approximate area of 605ha, the management area is

comprised of land owned by the Minister for Environment and Conservation and the

District Council of Mallala. Sections of the management area are subject to active and

non-active mineral production tenements leased to Cheetham (Dry Creek) Pty Ltd. No

sites listed on the State Heritage register occur within the management area.

__________________________________________________________________________________


1.2 Naming protocolsThis report makes reference to the management area as three discrete areas, Parham

township, Webb Beach and Baker Creek. Two public roads provide access the

management area: North Parham Road and Port Parham Road permit access to

Parham and Webb Beach Township. Baker Creek (southern section of the

Management area) was accessed via the boat ramp at Webb Beach township and

along the coast.

2.0 Fieldwork methodologyThe field survey involved an assessment of:

Aerial photography and DEH floristic mapping to identify vegetation

associations and their boundaries;

Ground-truthing vegetation associations on site against DEH floristic mapping,

recording actual vegetation association boundaries and condition (Table 2.1).

For each vegetation association general landform and location descriptions

were recorded and photos taken;

Recording brief flora species lists and observed threatened flora species;

Documenting declared and environmental weed species: mapping any acute

infestations on aerial photography (area covered) and marking individual plants

with GPS;

Identifying management threats (i.e. off-road vehicle use, rubbish dumping, pest

species); and

Identifying priority management zones.

Table 2.1. Condition ratings used to assess the vegetation associations

Rating Condition Description

1 - Excellent Very little or no sign of exotic vegetation resembles probable pre-European condition.

2 - Good High proportion of native species and native cover, reasonable representation ofprobable pre- European vegetation.

3 - Moderate Substantial invasion of exotic but native understorey* persists; for example, may be alow proportion of native species and a high native cover, or a high proportion of nativespecies and low native cover.

4 - Poor Consists predominately of exotic species, although a small number of natives persist.

5 - Very Poor Consists only of exotic species.

*Or all strata if the upper and lower strata are difficult to distinguishSource: adapted from Stokes et al. 1998.

__________________________________________________________________________________


2.1 Mapping methodologyAll field data was captured using a GPS, field notebook, and aerial photography (2009

imagery, 90cm resolution). EBS staff verified and defined new vegetation associations

in the field by hand-drawing polygons on aerial photography. Information collected on

site was used to create GIS datasets and subsequent mapping.

2.2 TaxonomyPlant taxonomy used in this report follows Jessop and Toelken (1986), with

modifications as advised by the State Herbarium as used in Lang and Kraehenbuehl

(2004) and Barker et al. (2005).

2.3 Level of detailThe level of detail in this report is based on a desktop review and 2.5 days field work -

half a day April 2009 and two days supplementary field survey work in December 2009

(to map weeds and feral animal activity). Due to the limited time spent on site, a broad

assessment of vegetation associations present, the dominant flora species present,

and acute weed infestations were noted. Associated management issues were

documented, with particular focus given to off-road vehicle issues, access issues,

rubbish dumping, and presence of pest species, particularly rabbits. All vehicle tracks

within the management area were traversed, and selective additional surveying,

particularly of coastal dunes and other areas susceptible to weed invasion was

undertaken on foot. Some areas were not accessible due to a lack of vehicle access or

due to the terrain (eg saltpans). As no public access track exists within the mangroves

at Baker Creek, it was only possible to survey a portion of this vegetation community

from the foreshore. The southern side of the mangrove forest and adjacent saltpans

were inaccessible and not surveyed. As a consequence, vegetation associations

present within these areas have been assessed, as best as possible, through aerial

photography, DEH floristic mapping, and at a distance on site.

This management plan aims to provide an overview of the vegetation associations

present, impact issues requiring priority management, and define areas requiring

further detailed assessment.

__________________________________________________________________________________


3.0 Physical location

3.1 LocationThe township of Parham is located approximately 75km north of the Adelaide CBD,

and 10.5km north of Port Prime. More broadly, it is situated within the Gulf of St

Vincent on the Samphire Coast (Figure 3.1).

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 3.1 Site location map

__________________________________________________________________________________


3.2 Landform, topography and hydrologyThe management area comprises coastal landscape features such as intertidal salt

marsh habitats, supratidal salt marsh habitats, mangrove habitats, and low or formless

sand shellgrit dunes, and chenier dunes (relict, linear coastal sand dunes which have

been stranded within the intertidal saltmarshes). The saltmarsh areas form a complex

pattern of samphire, cheniers, saline flats and sabkhas. There are two small tidal inlets,

that dissect the dunes and allow tidal flow to the saltmarsh, these occur at Webb Beach

(unnamed) and Baker Creek, south of Webb Beach. The banks of Baker Creek tidal

inlet are lined with mangroves.

3.3 SoilsCalcareous sands are found within the area that are associated with dune systems,

while saline clays (silty clay loams and medium clays) characterise the mudflats and

intertidal zones (Atlas of SA, 2009).

3.4 ClimateThe climatic conditions for the area are presented in graphic format below using data

from the Bureau of Meteorology for the locality of the Northfield Research Centre.

Figure 3.2 Average annual rainfall for the locality of Northfield Research Centre

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 3.3 Maximum and minimum temperatures for the Northfield Research Centre

__________________________________________________________________________________


3.5 Bioregional informationThe site is in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management

region and the Cape Borda to Barossa DEH Naturelinks Corridor. The majority of the

management area falls within the Parham association of the Mt Lofty Ranges

subregion in the Eyre and Yorke Block bioregion (Table 3.1, Figure 3.4).

Table 3.1 Bioregional ecological information

EYB Eyre and Yorke Block bioregion

Archaean basement rocks and Proterozoic sandstones overlain by undulating to occasionally hilly

calcarenite and calcrete plains and areas of aeolian quartz sands, with mallee woodlands, shrublands

and heaths on calcareous earths, duplex soils and calcareous to shallow sands, now largely cleared

for agriculture.

EYB 2 St Vincent subregion

Most of the landscape in this region comprises coastal plains supporting calcrete development and

shallow reddish earths. The plain is mainly dune free but isolated areas are overlain by low indistinct

sand dunes. Near the Mt Lofty Ranges the plains have a definite westerly gradient and merge

eastwards with the alluvial fans from the Mt Lofty ranges. Moderately deep red mallee-yorrell (E.

socialis, E. gracilis) association occurs throughout the region with some woodland of E. porosa on the

plains or E. odorata on the hills and footslopes. The subregion has been extensively cleared and

sown to crops or exotic pastures so little of the natural vegetation remains. What does remain, exists

on road verges and a few isolated blocks.

Parham Association (EYB 2)

Remnant

vegetation

53.5% native vegetation in this association, of which 9.4% is protected in 4 public

protected areas (Clinton CP, Port Gawler CP, Fort Glanville CP and Torrens Island

CP) (DEH 2002)

Landform Coastal complex of tidal flats, dunes, swamps and sandy beaches, backed by a gently

sloping plain.

Geology Alluvium and sand.

Soil Grey non-cracking plastic clays, grey duplex soils, whitish sands, grey calcareous

loams and greyish calcareous sands.

Vegetation Low woodland of mangrove, chenopod shrubland of samphire and open heath of

coast daisy bush, coast beard heath and coastal wattle

Climate E2: “Mediterranean” climate, but with drier cooler winters and less growth than E1.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 3.4 Location of Parham management area within St Vincent Subregion (Eyre and York

Block Bioregion)

__________________________________________________________________________________


3.6 Remnancy and conservationThe native vegetation remaining is concentrated on the coastal areas of the Northern

Adelaide Plains and current major threatening processes to the ongoing presence in

the landscape and ‘health’ (biological integrity) are proposed housing developments,

industrial expansion, off road vehicle use and climate change. This renders the

clearance of any remaining patches of remnant vegetation in this region as a loss of

vegetation and biological diversity in the landscape (Berkinshaw, 2004)

The reduction in native vegetation in the Parham association can be attributed to the

historical clearance of extensive grasslands and open grassy woodlands. These areas

were preferentially cleared for immediate grazing rather than heavily wooded areas.

Port Gawler Conservation Park is the closest protected area to the management area.

3.7 Landscape contextThe northern Adelaide Coastal Plain is a region of high ecological importance

(Berkinshaw, 2004). The value of remnant vegetation and the presence of flora and

fauna of conservation significance highlight this, but there is a high level of disturbance

and modification from multiple land uses.

Typical land use in the region today is market gardening, horticulture, olive plantations,

grazing, salt extraction, waste water treatment facilities, and industrial land fill. There

are new housing developments such as the existing Mawson Lakes and the proposed

Buckland Park developments. The improvement of the transport network follows the

existing suburbanisation but also is expected to lead further urban expansion in this

area.

Generally the region is known for light industrial manufacturing and the provision of

recreational facilities such as trotting tracks at Globe Derby Park, a Motorcross Off-

road track at Middle Beach, Polo club, Winston Park SA Equestrian Centre, Speedway

City and the Adelaide International Raceway.

3.7.1 Pre-European vegetation of the Northern Adelaide plains

Historically the hydrological features of this area are a complex of freshwater westerly

flowing rivers from the ranges to the sea, with riparian areas and wetlands, extending

to floodplains. Prior to European settlement (1788) Dry Creek and Little Para River

where ephemeral waterways, meaning that during summer the creek beds dried out to

create a chain of ponds (Waterwatch SA). The landscape featured intact naturally

functioning coastal features such as tidal flats and creeks, saltmarshes, chenier ridges

__________________________________________________________________________________


and dunes, salinas and sabkhas and the intertidal coastal areas, dominated by

extensive mangroves.

Recent pre-European vegetation mapping by Berkinshaw (2004) shows the Northern

Adelaide Plains as being covered by a mixture of woodlands, shrublands, sedgelands

and grasslands (Table 3.2, Figure 3.5). The following table lists the plant associations

shown in the pre-European vegetation mapping by Berkinshaw (2004).

The historical landscape is considered to have had large expanses of coastal

saltmarsh communities such as low samphire shrublands occupying areas that are less

frequently subject to tidal inundation. Also, shrublands subject to periodic shallow

freshwater inundation from flooding events with established riparian ecosystems

(Gawler, Light and Little Para rivers) providing a suite of habitat areas for a range of

species, but especially for migratory waterbirds. There were extensive floodplain

shrublands such as lignum and chenopod shrublands with other shrublands on slightly

higher ground (including nitre-bush, marsh saltbush and short-leaved bluebush).

Vegetation types included sedgelands (Gahnia filum), grasslands (Lomandra effusa,

Austrodanthonia sp., Austrostipa sp.) with open Red gum woodlands, especially along

the major rivers, creeks and extending out to floodwash plains. There is still remnant

evidence of the presence of coastal dune vegetation, Mallee box and native pine

woodlands.

Table 3.2 Historical plant associations

Plant Association Vegetationgroup

PLANT ASSOCIATION 1Avicennia marina var resinifera, Mangrove Low open forest Low open forest

PLANT ASSOCIATION 2Sarcocornia spp, Sclerostegia arbuscula, Suaeda australis, Halosarcia sp Lowshrubland

Low shrubland

PLANT ASSOCIATION 3Nitraria billardierei, Atriplex paludosa Open shrubland Open shrubland

PLANT ASSOCIATION 4Gahnia filum, Thatching grass Sedgelands Sedgelands

PLANT ASSOCIATION 5Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum Shrubland Shrublands

PLANT ASSOCIATION 6Olearia axillaris +/- Acacia longifolia var sophorae +/- Leucopogon parviflorusShrubland

Shrubland

PLANT ASSOCIATION 7Danthonia spp (sic) +/- Stipa spp (sic) (Wallaby and spear grass) Tussock Grassland Grassland

PLANT ASSOCIATION 8Eucalyptus camaldulensis var camaldulensis, Red Gum Woodland Woodland

PLANT ASSOCIATION 9Eucalyptus porosa, Mallee Box Low woodland Low woodland

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plant Association Vegetationgroup

PLANT ASSOCIATION 10Callitris gracilis Native Pine Low open forest Low open forest

Note: The vegetation mapping done by Berkinshaw does not completely cover the project area, although it does give anindication of the historical presence of vegetation types in the landscape.

Figure 3.5 Pre-European vegetation mapping (Berkinshaw, 2004)

3.7.2 Current ecological landscape of the Northern Adelaide plains

Dense mangrove forests in the intertidal zone still dominate the low lying coastal fringe.

Major changes over time have been the clearance of grasslands, sedgeland and

woodlands for agricultural and horticultural development. There has been a redirection

of natural water flows across the landscape through diversion into a constructed

drainage network and the artificial flooding of low lying areas, perhaps previously

sedgelands, grasslands and shrublands, such as Buckland Park Lake and the loss of

wooded areas, especially grassy woodlands of mallee box and native pine.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Numerous flood events have been recorded for the area, most recently in 2004 which

resulted in widespread damage to property and horticultural crops, infrastructure and

lost revenue for primary producers. Flood mitigation works including increased dam

walls (Little Para) were proposed several years ago, and are still under consideration.

The landscape features seen today include levee banks that provide access routes

throughout most low lying areas, largely for the control and maintenance of salt

evaporation ponds and sewerage treatment beds.

Generally introduced weeds (declared, environmental and agricultural) and non-

indigenous native plants are common on roadsides. Some of these weeds are garden

escapees, while others may have been deliberately planted.

The maintenance of a sufficient level of water flow and the quality of water flow to

Wetlands of National Importance is a critical management issue. According to Davis

(2001), the presence of physical structures such as dams, weirs, irrigation channels

and levee banks may limit the ability to deliver environmental water and the ability to

determine appropriate water allocations is frequently limited by knowledge regarding

both the pre-development water regime and the requirements of biota. Other current

threatening processes to these wetlands include: illegal netting, rubbish dumping, weed

infestation, and grazing by rabbits and off road vehicle disturbance. Potential

threatening processes include: an increase in the discharge of effluents into the inlet,

plans to close and/or relocate the salt fields, and projected rise in sea level (Australian

Wetland Database).

4.0 Results - Vegetation description

4.1 General overviewOlearia axillaris (Coast Daisy-bush) / Myoporum insulare (Common Boobialla) / Acacia

cyclops (Western Coastal Wattle) +/- Acacia ligulata (Umbrella Bush) +/- Pittosporum

angustifolium (Native Apricot) +/- Alyxia buxifolia (Sea Box) +/- Nitraria billadierei

(Nitre-bush) +/- Atriplex spp. (Saltbush) +/- Marieana spp. (Bluebush) occurs on the

sandier soils on low sand dunes and chenier dunes, and along a narrow strip of

vegetation along the shoreline at Pahrahm township.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Samphire Low Shrublands are predominantly found within low-lying and intertidal

zones. These Samphire flats usually grade into Saltbush and/or Samphire Shrublands

within the supratidal zones. Saltpans are found intermittently throughout the

management area and support very little vegetation due to their highly saline

environment and water holding capacity. Figure 4.1 depicts tidal zones.

Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) +/- Callitris gracillis (Southern Cypress Pine)

+/- Eucalyptus gracillis (White Mallee) Tall Open Shrubland is found throughout the

management area behind the intertidal zone and is located in sandier soils. The

regionally uncommon Adriana quadripartita (Coast Bitter-bush) was observed in three

locations - within M. lanceolata Tall Open Shrubland near Parham township (most

significant population), within M. lanceolata Tall Open Shrubland in the old dump and a

small patch just east of Webb Beach (Figure 4.2).

Baker Creek is lined by Avicennia marina ssp. marina (Grey Mangrove) Forest and

grades into a significant mudflat within the intertidal zone. Seagrass detritus shows

frequent washover conditions occur over the low dunes south of Baker Creek.

The townships of Parham and Webb Beach fragment the native vegetation, as a result

weed species and garden escapes are present adjacent to these areas.

Figure 4.2 illustrates the vegetation associations recorded on site.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 4.1 Tidal zones

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 4.2 Vegetation associations recorded at the Parham Management area.

__________________________________________________________________________________


4.2 Vegetation Associations

Association 1 - Tecticornia pergranulata ssp. perganulata (Black-seed Samphire)/ Tecticornia indica (Brown-head Samphire) +/- Maireana oppositifolia (SaltBluebush) +/- Atriplex paludosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush)

Landform: Saline samphire flat

Description: This association is located on intertidal zones in areas subject to floodingfrom tidal flows and covers a large proportion of the management area. These

samphire flats support remnant vegetation in good condition. No weeds were found

within this association which is most likely due to the highly saline conditions which

prevent recruitment.

Management issues: Compaction and soil erosion from off-road car / motorbike

access within saltpans interspersed amongst the vegetation and already formed

vehicle tracks.

Plate 4.1 Tecticornia pergranulata ssp. perganulata (Black-seed Samphire) / Tecticornia indica(Brown-head Samphire) / Maireana oppositifolia (Salt Bluebush) +/- Atriplex paludosa ssp.cordata (Marsh Saltbush)

__________________________________________________________________________________


Association 2 – Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Beaded Samphire) +/- Tecticornicaarbuscula (Shrubby Samphire) +/- Tecticornia pergranulata ssp. perganulata(Shrubby Samphire) +/- Suaeda australis (Austral Seablite)

Landform: Saline samphire flat

Description: This association is located on intertidal zones in low-lying areas subject

to flooding from tidal flows, especially near Baker Creek. These samphire flats support

remnant vegetation in good condition. No weeds were found within this association

because of the highly saline conditions which is most likely due to the highly saline

conditions which prevent recruitment.

Management issues: Compaction and soil erosion from off-road car / motorbike

access within saltpans interspersed amongst the vegetation and already formed

vehicle tracks.

Plate 4.2 Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Beaded Samphire) +/- Tecticornica arbuscula (ShrubbySamphire), Tecticornia pergranulata ssp. perganulata (Shrubby Samphire), Suaeda australis(Austral Seablite)

__________________________________________________________________________________


Association 3 – Atriplex paludosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush), Maireanaoppositofolia (Salt Bluebush) +/- Tecticornia spp. (Samphire), Low OpenShrubland

Landform: Supratidal zone

Description: This association was not overly common within the management area. It

is found on the edges of Samphire flats and saltpans where the soil grades from saline

soils / mudflat soils into lighter, sandier soils. The dominant understorey of this

association supported Threlkeldia diffusa (Coast Bonefruit), Tetragonia implexicoma

(Bower Spinach), and Sueada australis (Austral Seablite). Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-

bush) occasionally occurs as an emergent species.

Management Issues: Susceptible to weed infestation, particularly Lycium

ferocissimum (African Boxthorn) Cakile maritima ssp. maritima (Two-horned Sea

Rocket), Mesembryanthemum crystallinum / nodiflorum (Ice Plant) and Euphorbia

paralias (Sea Spurge) Other management issues include off-road vehicle use,

rabbits/foxes and possible grazing.

Plate 4.3 Atriplex paludosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush), Tecticornia spp. (Samphire),Maireana oppositofolia (Salt Bluebush) Low Open Shrubland

__________________________________________________________________________________


Association 4 – Olearia axillaris (Coast Daisy-bush) / Myoporum insulare

(Common Boobialla) / Acacia cyclops (Western Coastal Wattle) +/- Acacia ligulata(Umbrella Bush) +/- Pittosporum angustifolium (Native Apricot) +/- Alyxia

buxifolia (Sea Box) +/- Nitraria billadierei (Nitre-bush) Shrubland.

Landform: Chenier dunes and low coastal dunes (Parham and Webb Beach township)

Description: Olearia axillaris (Coast Daisy-bush), Myoporum insulare (Common

Boobialla), and Acacia ligulata (Umbrella Bush) dominate this vegetation association,

and it is found with or without Pittosporum angustifolium (Native Apricot) +/- Alyxia

buxifolia (Sea Box), or Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush). Understorey species include

Atriplex spp. (Saltbush) and Marieana spp. (Bluebush), Carpobrotus rossii (Native

Pigface), and *Cakile maritima ssp. maritima (Two-horned Sea Rocket), and *Limonium

companyonis (Sea-lavender). This association is found in the sandier soils and on low

sand dunes and chenier dunes. This vegetation association was found along the coast

within a fenced-off conservation area within Parham township, as well as within private

properties that are situated behind the low coastal dune system. Further inland this

association occurs with more Pittosporum angustifolium (Native Apricot) and Alyxia

buxifolia (Sea Box).

A fenced-off conservation area1 supporting this vegetation association exists between

the coast and Webb Beach township (54H 248339 6185026). Within this conservation

area significant stands of C. gracilis are found within this vegetation association, along

with some remnant Allocasuarina verticillata (Drooping Sheoak) trees; however, these

areas are not large enough to be identified as a separate association.

Management Issues: Weed infestations, especially of Cakile maritima ssp. maritima

(Two-horned Sea Rocket), Limonium companyonis (Sea-lavender), Lycium

ferocissimum (African Boxthorn), and Euphorbia terracina (False Caper) are scattered

within this association. Evidence of rabbit occupancy is present.

1 Fenced-off area is the management responsibility of the District Council of Mallala

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plate 4.4 a) Olearia axillaris (Coast Daisy-bush) / Myoporum insulare (Common Boobialla) /Acacia ligulata (Umbrella Bush); b) Same association with Pittosporum angustifolium (NativeApricot) and Alyxia buxifolia (Sea Box) +/- Nitraria billadierei (Nitre-bush) Shrubland.

a

b

__________________________________________________________________________________


Association 5 – Myoporum insulare (Common Boobialla) / Nitraria billardierei(Nitre-bush) +/- Olearia axilaris (Coastal Daisy-bush) +/-Atriplex cinerea (CoastSaltbush) +/- Atriplex paulodosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush) +/- Sueadaaustralis (Austral Seablite) Open Shrubland

Landform: Low shellgrit dunes (Baker Creek end)

Description: This association was dominated by Myoporum insulare (Common

Boobialla) and Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush), with or without Olearia axilaris (Coastal

Daisy-bush), Atriplex paulodosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush), Atriplex cinerea (Coast

Saltbush) over Samphire spp., Sueada australis (Austral Seablite), Maireana

oppositifolia (Salt Bluebush), Maireana brevifolia (Short-leaf Bluebush), and

Carpobrotus rossii (Native Pigface). This association was found on the foreshore on

low coastal dunes within the intertidal zone. It is generally present in a narrow linear

association parallel to the coastal edge that extends through the majority of the

management area, especially near Bakers Creek.

Management Issues: Weed infestations of Cakile maritima ssp. maritima (Two-horned

Sea Rocket), Limonium companyonis (Sea-lavender), Lycium ferocissimum (African

Boxthorn), and Euphorbia terracina (False Caper) are scattered within this association.

Evidence of rabbit occupancy is present.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plate 4.5 a) Myoporum insulare (Common Boobialla) / Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush); b) sameassociation with Atriplex cinerea (Coast Saltbush) and Sueada australis (Austral Seablite)

a

b

__________________________________________________________________________________


Association 6 – Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) +/- Callitris gracilis

(Southern Cypress Pine) +/- Eucalyptus gracilis (White Mallee) +/- Acacia ligulata(Umbrella Bush) +/- Acacia cupularis (Coast Umbrella Bush) Open Shrubland

Landform: Shallow limestones to deep sandy soils, low sand dunes and chenier

dunes.

Description: This association is found on sandier soils behind the coastal dune

systems and is often located between samphire flats and saltpans. Melalueca

lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) occurs with or without Eucalyptus gracilis (White Mallee)

and Callitris gracilis (Southern Cypress Pine), Acacia ligulata (Umbrella Bush), and

Acacia cupularis (Coast Umbrella Bush). Understorey species include Exocarpus

aphyllus (Leafless Cherry), Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush), Atriplex paludosa ssp.

paludosa (Marsh Saltbush), Atriplex cinerea (Coast Saltbush), Maireana oppositifolia

(Salt Bluebush), Austrostipa sp. (Spear-grass), Enchyleana tormentosa var.

tormentosa (Ruby Saltbush), (Threlkeldia diffusa (Coast Bonefruit), Carpobrotus rossii

(Native Pigface), and Tetragonia implexicoma (Bower Spinach).

Occasionally, significant stands of C. gracilis are found within this vegetation

association, however, they are not large enough to be identified as a separate

association. Additionally, a remnant patch of Adriana quadripartita (Coast Bitter-bush)

(Regional status is Uncertain) in poor-moderate condition was identified within M.

lanceolata / A. cupularis / C. gracilis Open Shrubland near Parham township (54H

248243 6186544).

Management Issues: Weed infestations and rabbit occupancy. Rabbits appear to be

present anywhere this vegetation association occurs, with evidence of diggings and

droppings noted.

__________________________________________________________________________________


a

b

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plate 4.6 a) Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) +/- Callitris gracilis (Southern CypressPine) +/- Eucalyptus gracilis (White Mallee) +/- Acacia ligulata (Umbrella Bush) +/- Acaciacupularis (Coast Umbrella Bush) Open Shrubland; b) same association showing revegetationarea; c) Callitris gracilis stand within the association; d) Adriana quadripitata (Coast Bitter-bush)stand within the association

c

d

__________________________________________________________________________________


Association 7 – Avicennia marina ssp. Marina (Grey Mangrove) Low ClosedForest

Landform: Tidal Channel / Intertidal Zone

Description: This association is found near Baker Creek. The association is located

within a mangrove/samphire estuarine area whereby tidal channels are fringed by

mangroves and other samphire species of Saracocornia blackiana (Thick-head

Samphire), and Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Beaded Samphire). Nitraria billardierei

(Nitre-bush) and Suaeda australis (Austral Seablite) is also sporadically located within

or surrounding the Mangrove Forest. Some isolated pockets of Mangrove trees are

found scattered along the intertidal zone extending out form the main forest. Many

Mangrove stumps are evident in the mudflats near the tidal channel, along with a few

young trees which are present as a result of revegetation efforts and recruitment.

Management Issues: Public access and erosion to river channel banks through

illegally purpose built boat ramps to launch boats. Degradation of vegetation through

direct destruction to mangrove trees (branches pulled off) and compaction of

vegetation and tidal mud flats through off-road car / motorbike access. Alteration within

this Mangrove Forest has occurred overtime through direct destruction of the forest and

associated erosion issues, as well as through changes created by natural processes of

this dynamic coastline.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plate 4.7 A) Avicennia marina ssp. Marina (Grey Mangrove) Low Closed Forest; b) associatedmudflats

a

b

__________________________________________________________________________________


4.3 Native plant speciesTime constraints limited the amount of detailed information that could be collected

during the field survey and a full plant species inventory was not able to be attained.

Appendix 1 lists species recorded on-site and Section 5.8 details plant species of

conservation significance. For additional information regarding plant species known to

occur in the wider area refer to Caton et al. (2009): Metrolpolitan Adelaide and

Northern Coastal Action Plan 2009; Pedler and Mathison (1993): Remnant vegetation

in the Mallala District Council Area: its status and conservation strategies and Durant

(2007): Summary of native vegetation and threats to ecological assets – Middle Beach

to Port Gawler.

4.4 Vegetation conditionVegetation within the management area ranges from poor to good quality habitat.

Specifically, the Samphire Shrublands, Mangrove Forests and saltmarsh communities

contained few to no weeds due to their highly saline environment, and therefore

support extensive areas of high quality vegetation. Vegetation condition is poor to

moderate in the sandy soils, especially along disturbed roadsides, where conditions are

more favourable for weed species and vegetation communities are free from tidal

inundation. Roadsides adjacent to the townships of Parham and Webb Beach are quite

degraded, generally support a greater diversity of weed species than areas further from

habitation and often consist of poor quality vegetation. The sandier areas also support

flora species that provide suitable shelter for rabbits and palatable food sources. Refer

to Figure 4.3 for vegetation condition across the management area.

4.5 Pest animalsRabbits are widespread across the management area. They contribute to the

degradation of coastal shrublands and woodlands by creating burrows that damage

fragile root systems and contribute to erosion and by reducing native groundcover

necessary for stabilisation by grazing on emerging seedlings.

4.6 Weed infestations

In total, 26 weed species were recorded during the field survey (Appendix 1). Table 4.1

lists declared weeds listed within the Natural Resources Management Act, 2004, as

well environmental weeds of local significance and other environmental weeds

recorded in the management area. The most commonly observed weed species within

the management area were Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn), Cakile maritima

ssp. maritima (Two-horned Sea Rocket), Euphorbia terracina (False Caper), Limonia

__________________________________________________________________________________


companyonis (African Boxthorn), and Lagurus ovatus (Hare’s Tail Grass), Piptatherum

miliaceum (Rice Millet), and Avena barbata (Bearded Oat).

Many of the roadsides within the townships as well as major arterial roads linking from

Port Wakefield road to the townships supported weed species. These roadsides are

always subject to disturbance and were in poor condition.

Table 4.1 Declared, environmental, and significant weed species observed within themanagement area

Scientific name Commonname Status Comments

Asphodelusfistulosus Onion Weed D Scattered along roadsides within disturbance areas

Cynara cardunculusssp. flavescens

ArtichokeThistle D Scattered along roadsides within disturbance areas

Euphorbia terracina False Caper DFound sporadically along coastal dunes near theforeshore within the southern section of themanagement area.

Lycium ferocissimum AfricanBoxthorn D

Scattered within sandier soils, especially along theforeshore within the southern section of themanagement area.

Marrubium vulgare Horehound D Scattered along roadsides within disturbance areasand within sandier soils.

Oncosiphonsuffruticosum Calomba daisy D Found sporadically along coastal dunes, along

vehicle access tracks.

Opuntia stricta CommonPrickly Pear D Found along roadside edges, particularly near the

old dump at Parham township

Acacia cyclops WesternCoastal Wattle S In the coastal dunes north of the caravan park

Agave americana Century Plant S Found along roadside edges, particularly near andwithin the old dump at Parham township

Cakile maritima ssp.maritima

Two-hornedSea Rocket S Found consistently along coastal dunes near the

foreshore.Limoniumcompanyonis Sea Lavender S Found consistently along coastal dunes near the

foreshore and scattered within sandy areasMatthiola incana Gilliflower S Found scattered throughout coastal dunesMesembryanthemumcrystallinum /nodiflorum

Ice Plant SFound scattered throughout the management area,particularly along roadsides and disturbed areas

Acacia saligna Golden WreathWattle E In coastal dunes and and sandy soils. Uncommon

in the management area

Aeonium aboreum - EFound scattered throughout coastal dunes andalong roadsides close to settlement. Mapped as a‘succulent garden escapee’

Aloe spp. Aloe E Found scattered throughout coastal dunes andalong roadsides close to settlement

Avena barbata Bearded Oat EScattered along roadsides within disturbance areasand within sandier soils, especially Melaleucalanceolata Low Open Woodland

Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass EScattered along roadsides within disturbance areasand within sandier soils, especially Melaleucalanceolata Low Open Woodland

Cotyledon orbiculata Cotyledon E Found scattered throughout coastal dunes and

__________________________________________________________________________________


Scientific name Commonname Status Comments

along roadsides close to settlement. Mapped as a‘succulent garden escapee’

Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge E Scattered along coastal dunes near the foreshore

Lagurus ovatus Hare’s TailGrass E

Scattered along roadsides within disturbance areasand within sandier soils, especially Melaleucalanceolata Low Open Woodland

Phoenix canariensis Canary IslandPalm E Coastal dune beside Parham township

Pinus radiata Radiata Pine E Along Port Parham Road, beside Parham townshipand beside Webb Beach township

Piptatherummiliaceum Rice Millet E Scattered along roadsides within disturbance areas

and within sandier soils.Scabiosaatropurpurea Pincushion E Scattered along roadsides within disturbance areas

and within sandier soils.

Schinus molle Pepper Tree E On coastal dune by Parham township and alongGeorge Road at Webb Beach township

StatusD = Declared plant under the Natural Resources Management Act, 2004;S = Environmental weed of local significance (determined from field survey) ;E = Environmental weed

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 4.3 Condition of vegetation within the Parham Management area.

__________________________________________________________________________________


5.0 Environmental and biological assets

5.1 Tidal creeksTidal creek habitats are characterised by channels between low and high tide levels

and often consist of a main channel with several other smaller branching channels.

Tidal creeks receive little or no freshwater input from the land and are regularly flushed

by tidal movements (Bryars 2003). They may cut through mangrove forests and/or

saltmarsh and usually retain some water at low tide. They often provide a vital link

between intertidal habitats and the open ocean. If water movement along these creeks

is cut off, the habitats that they supply with water may be seriously degraded. Tidal

creeks occur at Light River Delta, and adjacent to the Port River/Barker Inlet system

south of St Kilda to the end of Barker Inlet.

5.2 Estuarine river habitatsEstuarine river habitats are characterised by channels created from land-based

freshwater flows. Estuaries receive sediment from both river and marine sources and

are influenced by tide, wave and river processes (National Land and Water Resources

Audit 2002).

5.3 Saltmarsh communitiesSalt marshes comprise plant communities subject to periodic inundation by the sea

within intertidal zones. Characteristic to arid salt marshes like those within the Gulf of

St Vincent are the presence of two distinct vegetation communities, separated by

structural differences, which are 1) shrubs in the Chenopodiaceae family dominated by

generas of, Tecticornia, Sarcocornia, Marieana, and Suaeda (Fotheringham &

Coleman 2008) and 2) Mangrove forests dominated by Avicennia marina ssp. marina.

Saltmarsh is a valuable coastal habitat, creating a critical buffer zone between the

mangrove community and land, regulating freshwater run-off and providing new habitat

for colonising mangroves (Bass et al 1997 in DEH, June 2007). Saltmarsh habitats are

important roosting places for shorebirds, terrestrial birds, and are important to support

fish stocks (Saintilan and Rogers 2002 in DEH, June 2007). Saltmarsh habitats provide

food for foraging fish at high tide, nutrients for adjacent food webs, and shelter for a

range of marine animals, especially juvenile fish and crabs when inundated at high tide

(Morrisey 2000 in DEH, June 2007).

The food source and food cycle in which saltmarsh habitats play a role is important for

bottlenose dolphins. In the June 2007 publication Reference Paper 2: Key habitat

features necessary to sustain the dolphin population, DEH indicates that saltmarsh is a

__________________________________________________________________________________


supporting ecosystem feature for sustaining dolphin populations in the Port River and

Barker Inlet region. In fact, key scientific information is provided in this report (Sykes

2002 in DEH, June 2007) that once local prey resources became depleted, dolphins

relocated in search of better feeding conditions and “this suggests that to keep the

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary dolphin population within Sanctuary waters, it will be

necessary to conserve particular habitat areas that support prey species”.

Saltmarsh communities are the preferred habitat of the state Vulnerable Slender-billed

Thornbill (Acanthiza iredalei ssp. rosinae) and Nationally Critically Endangered

Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) (Durant, 2007a; Orange-Bellied Parrot

Recovery Team, 2006). It is possible that the extensive Samphire and saltmarsh

communities could present important feeding areas in mid-winter (Orange-Bellied

Recovery Team, 2006) that may aid the recovery of the Orange-Bellied Parrot. See

section 5.7 for more detail about these bird species.

5.4 MangrovesMangrove forests are very productive areas that provide important habitats for many

juvenile and adult marine species that are probable food sources for dolphins (DEH

June 2007). Mangroves trap sediment, are a nursery area for a wide range of fish and

invertebrates and protect the fragile and important saltmarsh habitats from wave action.

Aerial roots (pneumatophores) act to stabilise the mangrove tree, and also play a

significant role in stabilising surrounding sediment by helping to reduce wave action

and providing an environment for sediments to settle (Edyvane 1995). Mangroves also

provide nutrients and organic material to the food web in the form of litter (leaves,

twigs, bark, fruit and flowers). Some animals eat the energy rich mangrove leaves,

while others eat decomposed leaves. The decomposition of leaves is facilitated by

fungi and mud bacteria. This decomposing leaf material is called detritus, which acts as

the bottom level of the mangrove food chain and is eaten by worms, crabs, shrimps

and snails (Edyvane 1995). Marine species that are likely dolphin prey species use

mangrove forests for a variety of habitat functions, including spawning and for shelter

(DEH June 2007).

5.5 Coastal shrublands and dunesThe management area supported low coastal dunes along the foreshore and chenier

dunes that are interspersed between samphire shrublands. The coastal shrublands

support a greater diversity of flora species than the saltmarsh environments and

provide a buffer in storm events. Most of the threatened flora species recorded for the

site are found within the sandier soils and dunes. The shrublands supported by the

__________________________________________________________________________________


dunes are significant vegetation types that have historically been extensively cleared;

therefore, any remnant dune systems remaining should be managed to maintain

existing biodiversity.

5.6 Wetlands of National ImportanceWithin the wider region of the management area, the Gulf of St Vincent supports four

wetlands of national importance: Barker Inlet and St Kilda (SA 005), Clinton (SA 007),

Port Gawler and Buckland Park Lake (SA 015), and Wills Creek (SA 019) (Figure 5.1).

The Parham management area falls within Clinton Wetland which covers a significant

portion of the Gulf of St Vincent coastline (Figure 5.2). Clinton Wetland comprises 1964

ha of land consisting of Mangrove forest, inter- and supra-tidal flats, subtidal seagrass

meadows, tidal channels, estuarine mud flats, stranded shell beach ridges and sand

beach ridges. Clinton Wetland is included as a wetland of National Importance based

on Criteria 1 and 3 of the Directory of Important Wetlands of Australia.

Criteria 1: It is a good example of a wetland type occurring within a biogeographicregion in Australia

Criteria 3: It is a wetland which is important as the habitat for animal taxa at avulnerable stage in their life cycles, or provides a refuge when adverse conditions suchas drought prevail.

Additionally, the wetland preserves the only significant natural mangrove/samphire

community left in the region, as well as supporting the River Wakefield, which is the

only major drainage channel in the area and the only major input of freshwater into the

tidal flat Gulf system.

Detailed on the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts Directory

of Important Wetlands of Australia are bird species that use the Clinton Wetland as an

important feeding or breeding ground. It is known to support breeding colonies and

provides migrational habitat for migrant shorebirds (DEWHA 2009a).

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 5.1 Wetlands of National Importance

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 5.2 Wetland of National Importance – Clinton SA 007

__________________________________________________________________________________


5.7 Waterbird and migratory wader habitatThe management area supports significant waterbird and migratory wader habitat and

feeding grounds for both common and threatened bird species. In particular, 58 bird

species that are of conservation significance have been identified to either use the

management area, or as species that could potentially use the area. Appendix 2 details

the 58 conservation significant bird species that have been recorded within the

management area or are expected to use the site, and their usage of the site (i.e.

foraging, roosting, or breeding). Of these 58 bird species, the nationally Critically

Endangered Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied Parrot) has potential to use the

management area and the state Vulnerable Acanthiza iredalei (Slender-biller Thornbill)

is known to use the management area (see Sections 5.71 and 5.7.2)

Specifically, the southern section of the management area supports vital habitat within

the Mangrove Closed Forest, and the surrounding tidal channels, mudflats and

saltmarsh habitats. Saltmarsh and mudflat habitat supporting samphire shrublands in

good condition is also present within the northern end of the management area.

Cheetham salt fields and Port Wakefield / Webb Beach are considered important

shorebird sites in South Australia that provide landscape connectivity to another

important site at Clinton Conservation Park. These sites are considered areas of

'International Significance' for shorebirds, meaning the site must support at least 1% of

the migratory flyway population or >20,000 individuals of a shorebird species (DEH

2009).

Waterbirds and shorebirds use a range of different habitats, most have specialised

feeding techniques adapted to their niche environment. Subtle changes to the feeding

environment or to an associated prey source may leave a habitat unsuitable for a

specialised feeder. Activities that damage or fragment habitat, such as loss of habitat

from recreational disturbance, will have a negative effect on the longevity of shorebird

populations (DEH 2009).

5.7.1 Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied Parrot)

The entire population of the nationally Critically Endangered Orange-bellied Parrot

(Neophema chrysogaster) is around 150 individuals (DEWHA 2009b). The species is a

winter migrant to the mainland of Australia from breeding grounds in south-west

Tasmania. Orange-belied Parrots arrive on mainland Australia between February and

__________________________________________________________________________________


March, and by late September to October they commence their departure from the

mainland. Over the course of winter the dispersal patterns are poorly understood. They

remain for varying durations at different locations, which is largely due to the availability

of food resources. Their over-wintering range is identified in maps contained within the

National Recovery Plan for this species (Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Team, 2006).

Mainland surveys in recent years have recorded only around 10 % of the population

(around 20 birds), meaning that the majority of the population is un-accounted for

during their over-wintering period.

On the mainland, Orange-bellied Parrots rely on coastal saltmarsh vegetation as their

primary foraging habitat. Key food plants include Tecticornia quinqeflora (Beaded

Glasswort), Tecticornia arbuscula (Shrubby Glasswort), Suaeda australis (Austral Sea-

blite), and other low herbaceous plants. In south-eastern South Australia, dune

frontages, near coastal wetlands, and saline depressions appear to be favoured, where

they feed on Acaena novaezelandia (Bidgee-widgee), and *Cakile maritime (Sea-

rocket). They also use Tecticornia-dominated saltmarshes around low-lying saline

drains, coastal lagoons and estuaries (Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Team 2006).

It is hard to gauge the impact of this habitat loss on the Orange-bellied Parrot due to

the irregularity of their visits to the region, the lack of information on available habitat

within the Adelaide Plains Region, and the lack of certainty about the numbers of birds

that visit the region. In South Australia Orange-bellied Parrots are most often recorded

in small numbers in the far south-east, and the Coorong districts, but a low number of

birds are known to disperse as far north-west as Chinamans Creek near Port Augusta,

which is approximately 220 km from the management area. A recent record of the

Orange-bellied Parrot in the Adelaide Plains region was from the tidal saltmarsh along

the western fringe of the Cheetham (Dry Creek) Pty Ltd salt-fields adjacent Bolivar

WWTP in 2006. Sightings have occurred at Port Gawler in 2006. Targeted surveys

have been performed in the Gulf of St. Vincent in 2007 and 2008, but no birds were

sighted (Birds Australia 2007). The lack of sightings within the Adelaide Plains does not

mean that birds are not visiting the region, as much of their suitable foraging habitat is

rarely surveyed. The saltmarsh habitat between Adelaide and Port Wakefield presents

potentially suitable foraging habitat (Birds Australia- unpublished data). Within the

management area this includes habitat within the tidal saltmarsh and the tidal and

supra-tidal samphires. The suitability of saltmarsh habitat across the region for Orange-

bellied Parrots depends largely upon the condition of the samphire, as poor condition

plants do not produce seeds for foraging. The degradation or loss of over-wintering

__________________________________________________________________________________


saltmarsh habitat has been identified as a primary threatening process for this species

(Garnett & Crowley 2000).

5.7.2 Acanthiza iredalei rosinae (Slender-billed Thornbill)

There are three sub-species of Acanthiza iredalei (Slender-biller Thornbill) in South

Australia. The subspecies A. i. rosinae (NPW Vulnerable) is found in four locations

along the northern shores of Gulf St. Vincent in South Australia, from St. Kilda to

Ardrossan. One of these locations occurs within the management area from Port Prime

south to Torrens Island (Matthew 1994). They occupy samphire shrublands on narrow

coastal saline mud flats often behind a mangrove fringe, on the shores of Gulf St.

Vincent and Spencer Gulf. The bird forages these shrublands and on the ground

seeking insects and other small prey from the foliage of samphire and saltbush shrubs.

Threatening processes to Slender-billed Thornbill populations include the clearing of

shrublands and disturbance to salt flats for recreational or industrial use, and sea level

rise.

5.8 ButterfliesHesperilla donnysa donnysa form flavescens (Yellowish Sword-sedge Skipper

Butterfly) (Plate 5.1), is associated with Gahnia filum (thatching grass) sedgeland,

which is a known threatened ecological community. It is a species that was once very

common on the Adelaide Plains but has declined due to the loss of habitat. It is

considered that the Hesperilla donnysa donnysa form flavescens is now very rarely

seen in South Australia, “based on the extinction of the principal population near

Adelaide, and due to the dilution of the flavescens genetic component in other coastal

populations by the historical fragmentation and disruption of the coastal habitats, this

form could be considered Endangered (Grund, 2002).

The loss of sedgeland habitat for this species is a key threatening process that has

assisted the decline of this species in the landscape. While there are not remnant

pockets of sedgeland within the management area, there are key projects aimed at

trying to assist the active re-establishment of habitat. Future management could look at

possible locations to create this habitat in already modified and/or degraded habitat.

Theclinesthes albocincta (Bitter Bush Blue Butterfly) has been recorded at Parham

(Plate 5.2). The coastal shrub, Adriana quadripartita (Coastal Bitter Bush), is host to

this species and is historically known to occur within the management area. Field

survey work conducted for this report identified Adriana quadripartita in a few scattered

locations throughout the management area. To maintain suitable habitat for the Bitter

__________________________________________________________________________________


Bush Blue Butterfly, existing Adriana quadripartita populations should protected and

the species included in any revegetation works undertaken within its known historical

range, especially within Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) Shrublands.

Plate 5.1 Hesperilla donnysa donnysa form flavescens (Yellowish Sword-sedge SkipperButterfly)

Plate 5.2 Theclinesthes albocincta (Bitter Bush Blue Butterfly) Photo: L.Hunt(http://www.butterflygardening.net.au/PDFs/factsheets/BitterbushBlue.pdf)

5.9 Plant species of conservation significanceAccording to the EPBC Protected Matters search tool, two flora species listed under

the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 have been

recorded in the management area:

Tecticornia flabelliformis (Bead or Fan Samphire): Vulnerable species or

species habitat likely to occur in the area. Tecticornia flabelliformis has been

previously recorded within the Parham management area (WGS84 Z54 248924

6185314) and an extensive population exists on defence land north of the

Parham township (Barbara Reid pers. comm., 2009). No T. flabelliformis plants

were found during the field survey. Additional survey work has been undertaken

__________________________________________________________________________________


between Pt Gawler and Port Prime. It is envisaged further survey work will be

undertaken in the future in the AMLR NRM Boards region.

Prasophyllum pallidum (Pale leek orchid): Vulnerable species or species habitat

likely to occur in the area. Not observed during field investigations.

According to DEH, Berkinshaw (2004) and Coleman & Cook (2000), six flora species of

state conservation significance (as per National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972) value and

44 species of regional conservation significance may occur in, or close to Parham

management area (Tables 5.1 and 5.2).

Table 5.1 Conservation significant flora species listed in Schedules 7, 8 and 9 of the NPW Act1972 (as at 7/1/10) that may occur within the Parham management area. Source: DEHdatabase search, Caton et al. (2009), Berkinshaw (2004), Coleman & Cook (2000).

Scientific name Common name NPW Act SLMaireana decalvans Black Cotton-bush E E

Tecticornia flabelliformis Bead Samphire V V

Juncus radula Hoary Rush V E

Acacia dodonaeifolia Hop-bush Wattle R R

Eragrostis infecunda Barren Cane-grass R V

Myoporum parvilfolium Creeping Boobialla R V

Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa Five-spine Bindyi R R

Table 5.2 Regionally rated flora species (Southern Lofty region) within the vicinity of theParham management area. Source: DEH database search, Caton et al. (2009), Berkinshaw(2004) and Coleman (2008).

Scientific name Common name NPWAct SL Recorded in

the fieldMaireana decalvans Black Cotton-bush E E

Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium - E

Juncus radula Hoary Rush V E

Rhagodia spinescens Spiny Saltbush - E

Eragrostis infecunda Barren Cane-grass R V

Myoporum parvilfolium Creeping Boobialla R V

Acacia salicina Willow Wattle - V

Cressa cretica Rosinweed - V

Eucalyptus largiflorens River Box - V

Eutaxia diffusa Large-leaf Eutaxia - V

Tecticornia flabelliformis Bead Samphire V V

Maireana aphylla Cotton-bush - V

Rhagodia parabolica Mealy Saltbush - V

Wilsonia backhousei Narrow-leaf Wilsonia - V

Wilsonia rotundifolia Round-leaf Wilsonia - V

Alyxia buxifolia Sea Box - R Y

Bolboschoenus medianus Marsh Club-rush - R

Gahnia filum Thatching Grass - R

__________________________________________________________________________________


Scientific name Common name NPWAct SL Recorded in

the fieldLomandra effusa Scented Mat-rush - R

Marsilea drummondii Common Nardoo - R

Mimulus repens Creeping Monkey-flower - R

Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum - R

Pittosporum angustifolium Native Apricot - R Y

Atriplex paludosa ssp. paludosa Marsh Saltbush - U Y

Adriana quadripartita (was A.klotzschii) Coast Bitter-bush - U Y

Austrostipa curticoma Short-crest Spear-grass - U

Austrostipa elegantissima Feather Spear-grass - U Y

Callitris gracilis Southern Cypress Pine - U

Eucalyptus porosa Mallee Box - U

Maireana enchylaenoides Wingless Fissure-plant - U

Melaleuca lanceolata Dryland Tea-tree - U

Myoporum viscosum Sticky Boobialla - U

Samolus repens Creeping Brookweed - U

Wilsonia humilis var. humilis Silky Wilsonia - U

Acacia hakeoides Hakea Wattle - K

Acacia ligulata Umbrella Bush - K Y

Acacia notabilis Notable Wattle - K

Eragrostis dielsii var. dielsii Mulka - K

Halosarcia indica ssp. bidens Brown-head Samphire - K

Lawrencia squamata Thorny Lawrencia - K

Myoporum montanum Native Myrtle - K

Paspalidium jubiflorum Warrego summer-grass - K

Enteropogon acicularis Umbrella Grass - Q

KEYRegions for conservation significant flora speciesSA = South Australia (National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1972)SL = Southern Lofty Region (no legislation)

Conservation Status Codes:E = Endangered: rare and in danger of becoming extinct in the wild.V = Vulnerable: rare and at risk from potential threats or long term threats which could cause the species to becomeendangered in the future.R = Rare: has a low overall frequency of occurrence (may be locally common with a very restricted distribution or maybe scattered sparsely over a wider area).U = Uncommon: less common species of interest but not rare enough to warrant special protective measuresK = Uncertain: likely to be either Threatened or Rare but insufficient data for a more precise assessment.Q = Not yet assessed but flagged as being of possible significance

Although not listed in Table 5.2, Sanatlum acuminatum (Quandong) and Exocarpos

aphyllus (Leafless Cherry) (regionally vulnerable) were also recorded during field

investigations. These species are of local interest (Figure 5.3).

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 5.3 : Flora species of conservation significance recorded during field investigations

__________________________________________________________________________________


5.10 Areas of known Conservation valueKnown areas of conservation value close to the project site include Little Para Estuary

(UFBP, 2001), Greenfields wetlands, Bolivar Waste Water Treatment plant,

Cheetham’s salt fields and nearby areas such as Thompsons Creek and Little Para

Linear Park. Other areas of conservation value include the vegetated areas around

Light Beach and Light River Delta (coastal), Buckland Park (grassland /chenopod

shrubland), Buckland Park Lake (aquatic ecosystem), Gawler River (Red Gum lined

banks) and the Port Gawler Conservation Park.

Locally, within the northern end of Parham township and before defence land and

North Parham Road, a fenced-off conservation area is located along the esplanade.

The strip of vegetation is quite significant as it stabilises the remaining dune system

and is a good location for revegetation efforts. Another fenced-off conservation area is

located at Webb Beach in between the coast and the township near Collins Street and

along Jarmyn Street. This area supports quite a high diversity of native plant species

and should be considered an important stand of remnant vegetation to conserve. It is

under threat from rabbits and weeds / exotic garden escapes and should be managed

for these issues.

5.11 Landscape connectivityThe assessment of landscape connectivity is based on the presence of contiguous

native vegetation cover and landscape features. Within the management area, the

landscape connectivity is high, despite the presence of the townships, dissection by

roads and informal tracks in dunes that fragment vegetation on a local scale. At a

regional level, the coastline of the management area forms part of a wetland of national

importance (Clinton), considered to be a significant shorebird site (Figure 5.1). The

coastline of the management area also supports vegetation that forms part of a larger

remnant strip of coastal native vegetation that links the samphire shrublands and

mangrove forests of Clinton Conservation Park with those in Port Gawler Conservation

Park (Figure 5.4)

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 5.4 : Regional landscape connectivity.

__________________________________________________________________________________


6.0 Threats to Native vegetation and ecological value

6.1 Recreational vehicles

Recreational use of conservation areas inevitably has negative impacts on the

environment. Although the consequences of visitor impacts may not be as severe as

impacts of previous landuses (e.g. grazing and mining), they are of concern at a local

scale where impacts can be severe. Both direct and indirect impacts from recreational

vehicle use of important biodiversity areas are widespread and are of increasing

concern if not managed. Due to the limited availability of coastal vegetation for wildlife,

any degradation to existing remnant patches has an overarching affect on the wider

region biodiversity as a whole.

Off-road driving is a major cause of erosion, vegetation loss, compaction, and

disturbance to soil that may prevent recruitment or recolonisation by flora. Primarily, the

use of recreational vehicles (cars, motorbikes etc) in the open saltpan areas and dunes

are most evident. Most saltpans within the management area have been subjected to

off-road recreational vehicle use (Plate 6.1), in particular saltpans adjacent both Port

Parham and North Parham roads. Fencing has been used on Webb Beach Road and

George Street that has been installed over the past 10 years; however, local residents

access the saltpans from their private properties at Parham township.

It is a constant task to assess impacts from recreational vehicle use; however, to be

sustainable, visitor use and enjoyment should be made compatible with the

conservation objectives of the proposed conservation area. All unwanted tracks should

be closed, and actively rehabilitated, particularly those regulated by the mining

industry. Appropriate signage should be installed to help direct vehicle use on planned

management tracks only. Port Parham and North Parham Road should be fenced to

prevent off-road vehicle use in the adjacent saltpans. Partnership with Cheetham (Dry

Creek) Pty Ltd may be needed to execute this action.

The barrier previously installed within the foreshore near Bakers Creek to prevent

public access had been illegally dismantled at the time of the field survey so access to

the creek could be gained (Plate 6.2). An informal boat launch exists within the bank of

Bakers Creek and has perpetuated erosion of the channel (Plate 6.3). Vehicle access

into Baker Creek needs to be restricted to prevent further erosion issues (Plate 6.4),

weed spread, and general vegetation destruction. This area has a high biodiversity

value for bird species (see Section 5.7) and is best managed through public restriction.

A heavy barrier consisting of steel posts and railing, or alternatively concrete slabs

needs to be installed.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Management walking trails should be created and gated to prevent access by off-road

trail bikes, but still allow access by walkers. Appropriate signage should be used to

designate walking trails that will permit access to the beach. Both the fenced-off

conservation areas at Parham and Webb Beach have walking paths and they have

prevented unnecessary degradation of coastal habitat.

Additionally, the provision of a designated off-road area for recreational vehicle use

would help to alleviate illegal use of the Parham management area. Previously,

measures have been taken to provide such a site adjacent to the Port Gawler

Conservation Park, and continuing to make this a viable management option should be

actively pursued.

Plate 6.1 Trail bike tracks in a saltpan

Plate 6.2 Removal of barrier near Bakers Creek

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plate 6.3 Illegal boat ramp created by public to access Baker Creek

Plate 6.4 Erosion resulting from illegally built boat-ramps at Baker Creek

__________________________________________________________________________________


6.2 RubbishMarine debris deposited by tidal flows (flotsam and jetsom) occurs within tidal zones

and tends to accumulate at the high tide water mark, and is scattered within Samphire

Shrublands where it is often trapped within branches.

Dumping of rubbish (whitegoods, asbestos, general domestic waste, hydroponic

materials) and stolen goods (cars, computers, etc) (Plate 6.5) by the public is common,

primarily on main access roads and within the coastal dunes. At times car bodies are

dumped within the management area and this dumping is often associated with

additional disturbance from burning of the car, erosion of access tracks, creation of

new tracks, and spreading of pest flora species.

To alleviate the pressure of rubbish accumulation from tidal events, a regular clean-up

effort would help remove unwanted marine debris. Restricted access to Baker Creek is

necessary to alleviate this pressure on rubbish dumping within this area of the

coastline. All access points need to be assessed and a planned approach of managed

access adopted. Restriction barriers that are easily moved / lightweight do not appear

to work, as is evident from a heavy barrier being removed at Baker Creek.

Signage detailing reasons for the restriction and highlighting alternative areas to

access the beach (for recreational fisherman), for example at Middle Beach, Thompson

Beach or Parham, may alleviate community dissatisfaction arising from restricted

access.

Plate 6.5 Dumped computers near Webb Beach

__________________________________________________________________________________


6.3 Feral animalsEvidence of Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit) is present within the

management area (Plate 6.6), particularly within the Melalueca lanceolata (Dryland

Tea-tree) Open Woodland and coastal dunes. The vegetation on sandy soils and within

the chenier dunes and/or low coastal dunes are particularly susceptible to disturbance

from rabbits due to the flora species supported within these soil types being more

palatable.

A single burrow, thought to belong to Vulpes vulpes (Red Fox), was observed (Figure

6.1). It is likely that species occurs thoughout the management area. Red Foxes are a

threat to waterbirds, especially in times of breeding. It is also likely domestic and feral

Felis catus (Cat) roam the management area. Similar to the Red Fox, cats are also a

threat to waterbirds.

Plate 6.6 Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit) scats within Melalueca lanceolata (DrylandTea-tree) Open Woodland.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.1 Feral animal activity recorded during field investigations

__________________________________________________________________________________


6.4 Weeds

Generally, the Samphire Shrublands and saltpans supported no weeds and are

considered areas of high conservation value. Most commonly observed weed species

within the management area were Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn), Cakile

eduntula (Sea Rocket), Euphorbia terracina (False Caper), Limonium companyonis

(Sea Lavender), Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (Ice Plant), Acacia cyclops

(Western Coastal Wattle) and Lagurus ovatus (Hare’s Tail Grass). Of these, the most

invasive and problematic species are L. ferocissimum and E. terracina. These species

were most prevalent within vegetation associations on sandy soils (Melaleuca

lanceolata Shrubland) and the coastal dunes. These weed species will pose the

biggest threat to native plant diversity if they continue to colonise the dune system.

While L. ovatus is also quite common this weed poses less threat as it is a less

aggressive coloniser. Cakile eduntula is less common, and although has the potential

to be invasive, it may also be contributing to dune stabilisation. The most acute weed

infestations are on roadsides and land adjacent to townships, and along the arterial

roads linking Port Wakefield Road and Parham / Webb Beach (Plate 6.7). Of particular

concern is the degree of weed invasion in the Melaleuca lanceolata Shrubland in the

old dump. In this area, weeds such as Opuntia stricta (Prickly Pear), Marrubium

vulgare (Horehound), Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn), Mesembryanthemum

crystallinum (Ice Plant), Agave americana and Aloe spp. are common and widespread

(Figures 6.2a and 6.2b)

The presence of many dead L. ferocissimum indicate that control programs have been

effective (Plate 6.8). Future control efforts should target acute infestations, especially in

high priority remnant areas (i.e. on coastal dune systems). However, to achieve

effective long-term control / eradication throughout out the management area, this

weed must also be controlled on surrounding lands (private and public).

Euphorbia terracina was noted within the dunes of the management area, primarily

near Bakers Creek (Plate 6.9). This species is an aggressive dune coloniser that can

grow rapidly to form dense thickets that compete with native species for space, light,

and nutrients. Once established it is able to invade relatively undisturbed vegetation

(Transport SA, 2003).

Invasion of both L. ferocissimum and E. terracina these species in natural areas is

greatly enhanced by disturbance such as soil movement. The impacts of off-road

vehicle disturbance encourages soil disturbance which fosters the persistence of these

weed species.

__________________________________________________________________________________


A degraded native understorey was observed in the majority of Melaleuca lanceolata

Shrubland patches including the area where Adriana quadripitata (Coast Bitter-bush)

was recorded. Although degraded, the presence of native understorey species makes

these areas good candidates for rehabilitation – either by revegetation, fencing and / or

undertaking rabbit control. By increasing the native diversity within this vegetation

association, weed species will gradually be suppressed.

It may be beneficial to fence the Adriana quadripitata (Coast Bitter-bush) population,

however fencing is likely to attract additional attention from vandals and may be less

helpful for the remaining individuals than leaving them unfenced. A better strategy may

be to focus weed control efforts in this area and undertake a rabbit control program

throughout the management area. To create additional habitat for the Bitter Bush Blue

Butterfly, Adriana quadripitata should also be used in revegetation programs.

Plate 6.7: a) Example of a roadside supporting weed species adjacent to the township ofParham; b) example of roadside supporting weed species along Port Parham Road.

a

b

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plate 6.8 Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn) within roadside vegetation near Parhamtownship

Plate 6.9 Euphorbia terracina (False Caper)

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.2a Weeds recorded during field investigations – north section

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.2b Weeds recorded during field investigations – south section

__________________________________________________________________________________


6.5 ErosionErosion from the creation of new tracks and widening of already existing tracks through

off-road vehicle use is impacting surrounding vegetation. In high tide flooding events

water is funnelled through vehicle tracks and creates wash-out zones further

exacerbating soil erosion. Erosion has also occurred within dune complexes due to trail

bike use. Unwanted access tracks should be closed and rehabilitated. To make them

inaccessible they need to be completely destroyed, for example track ripping may

provide a means of stopping public use of these roads so they can then be

rehabilitated.

Vehicle or motorbike use of tracks after high-tide events not only leads to erosion

issues, it also leads to unsafe driving conditions and the public is not always aware of

the associated issue of driving on water-logged mudflats, saltmarshes, or saltpans.

6.6 MiningThere are both active and non-active mining tenements within the management area.

Cheetham (Dry Creek) Pty Ltd comprise a lot of the mining tenements especially near

Webb Beach and Bakers Creek of the management area. Active mining tenements

around Parham township are few; however, some inactive tenements are present

(Figures 6.3 and 6.4). It is possible that a combined proclamation of mining and

conservation could take place (Section 6.6.2).

6.6.1 Mineral exploration licence

In South Australia, all minerals are the property of the Crown and access to land for

exploration is provided by the Mining Act 1971 and Regulations. Regulation,

administration and technical procedures relating to mineral exploration are dealt with by

the Minerals and Energy Resources Division of the Department for Primary Industries

and Resources (PIRSA). However, consultation with Cheetham (Dry Creek) Pty Ltd

may enable some collaborative works to proceed on public access roads adjacent

Cheetham tenements. Additionally, Cheetham (Dry Creek) Pty Ltd have aerial

photography and datasets that would prove useful to aid identification of access points

needing closure and possible areas best used for allowing access to the management

area.

6.6.2 Co-proclamation of mining and conservation areas

The 1987 amendments to section 34 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act provided,

amongst other matters, for a new multiple-use classification of reserve called the

regional reserve. This classification provides for the conservation of wildlife and the

__________________________________________________________________________________


natural or historic features of the land while, at the same time, permitting use of its

natural resources.

Petroleum and mineral exploration activity may take place provided that they are

subject to controls consistent with the management plan for the reserve. Mineral and

petroleum exploration licence applications for areas within regional reserves are

processed by PIRSA but must be referred to the Minister for Environment and

Conservation for comment. Exploration work programs are discussed with the

Department for Environment and Heritage as a matter of policy.

In the case of production tenements, approval must be given by the Minister for

Environment and Conservation. If ministerial agreement with the Minister for Minerals

Resources Development cannot be reached in a particular case, the issue is referred to

the Governor for decision.

Under section 40(a) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, the ministers may enter into

an agreement with the holder of a petroleum exploration licence granted in relation to

land that is, or has become, a regional reserve which imposes conditions limiting or

restricting the exercise of rights under the tenement by the holder of the tenement and

by his or her successors in title.

6.7 Development pressureParham management area lies within the coastal zone, with rural land zoning to the

north-east (Figure 6.5). The management area is under increasing pressure from the

potential for coastal strip development, with the anticipated 30 year growth strategy for

Greater Adelaide.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.3 Mining tenements and exploration licenses along the Gulf of St Vincent coastline

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.4 Active and non-active mining tenements

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.5 Development zones along the Gulf of St Vincent coastline and inland. Source:

Department of Planning and Local Government.

__________________________________________________________________________________


6.8 Climate changeGenerally, the climate change impacts for South Australia are considered to be

potential sea level rise, increase in water temperature and CO2 absorption, and

likelihood of more frequent storm events. The implications of climate change on the

localised landscape in this region are considered to be sea level rise and storm

magnitude, increasing average temperatures and aridity, changed run-off regimes, gulf

waters change and the translocation of species, through habitat retreat, particularly for

mangroves and saltmarshes (DEH, estuary information and Caton et al. 2009).

Current provisions for sea level rise in development plans around the state allow for

sea level rise of 300mm over 50 years (South Australian Coast Protection Board,

1992).

Threatening processes, historical and ongoing, compromise the natural ability of the

variety of ecosystems to further adapt to climate change in an expected more

concentrated time frame than the evolutionary processes of global geomorphologic and

climatic events. In most climate-change models, sea levels are predicted to rise by 9 to

88cm by 2100 and CSIRO scientists predict that the Australian coastline could retreat

inland by 4.5 to 88m by 2100 (NOVA 2008).

In this region, the current landscape modifications may hinder the future landscape

ability to adapt to issues associated with climate change and the natural temporal and

spatial movement of species and communities over time. Due to the flat gradients of

the salt marsh habitats in the Gulf, rise in sea levels will affect the mangrove and salt

marsh communities by pushing them inland. Roads and levee banks that are located

behind most of these communities may form barriers that prevent retreat. If the high

marsh communities cannot colonise new areas they will be replaced by mangrove

communities (Fotheringham & Coleman 2008).

6.9 Changing local coastline and mangrove forest displacementOnly one species of mangrove Avicennia marina (Grey Mangrove) occurs in South

Australia (Graham et al. 2001). The Port River / Barker Inlet area has the most

extensive area of mangroves (17.7 km2) in the Adelaide coastline region. This area is

considered to be the southern limit of mangroves in South Australia, although some

stunted Grey Mangroves occur in Victoria (as far south as Corner Inlet), while on the

west coast its most southerly occurrence is Bunbury (Australian Institute of Marine

Science, 2008) (Figure 6.6).

__________________________________________________________________________________


Mangrove communities, particularly those in the Port River Barker Inlet, are under

threat from the high level of nutrients entering the ocean from stormwater, wastewater

treatment plants and soda products factory outfall (Baker, 2004). The high nutrient

loads have resulted in significantly increased production of Ulva lactuta (Green Algae)

offshore. The Ulva sp. washes ashore and smothers mangrove seedlings,

pneumatophores and small seagrass seedlings (Baker, 2004). Over 250ha of

mangroves between St Kilda and Port Gawler have been lost since 1956 and many

more areas are in poor health (MLR INRM Group, 2003).

Berkinshaw (2004) describes the Barker Inlet mangroves near North Arm as an intact

coastal dune / mangrove / saltmarsh associations with natural hydrological flows:

This area exists on the western (coastal) side of the Penrice salt evaporation ponds.Remnant vegetation is largely intact with appropriate species diversity, structure andhydrological processes and only minor areas of weed (salt tolerant) invasion. Althoughnatural inundation of the Mangrove / saltmarsh association occurs, this zone isthreatened by the absence of an adjacent migration zone (due to the salt ponds andlevy banks) for the mangrove / samphire vegetation to colonise with future sea level riseassociated with land naturally sinking in the region.

It is predicated that mangrove vegetation (along with other intertidal vegetation) will

respond to climate change induced sea-level rise by migrating upslope, or increasing

their elevation through processes of vertical accretion or sedimentation so that they

remain within the same tidal range. This is essential because without such a response,

mangroves suffer from a contraction in extent at the shoreline due to erosion, or

submergence and death (Coastal Indicators, 2008).

Importantly, studies have also found that Grey Mangrove populations have a low level

of genetic variation, and populations can be genetically distinct within each estuary

(NSW Department of Primary Industries 2008). As a consequence it is a conservation

priority to retain populations at a variety of sites. Mangrove vegetation in South

Australia is geographically isolated from other mangrove forests in Australia and this

stand represents the southernmost extent of its range in South Australia. Figure 6.6

illustrates the location of mangroves in Australia.

Mangrove areas are critical to the fishing industry as they are used as fish nurseries by

numerous fish species. They also protect the coast against storms and play a slow, but

continuous, role of land building (City of Salisbury, 2008).

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.6 Mangrove forest locations in Australia.

Source: DEWHA (2001)

7.0 Recommended actionsThis section provides management recommendations to mitigate the threats to the

biological diversity of the management area described in Section 5. It should be noted

that as this management plan was based on a brief survey of the overall management

issues, additional detailed surveys, particularly of the areas that were not accessed as

part of this study, may help to provide additional specific management priorities. Table

7.1 lists likely impacts to the biological diversity of Parham management area and

Table 7.2 provides recommended actions to mitigate the threats. Figure 7.1 illustrates

priority areas to target for recommended management.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 7.1 Recommended management actions for Parham management area

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

67

Table7.1Managem

entofcoastalassets

Key

BiologicalA

sset

MainTh

reats

LikelyImpacts

Baker

Creek

Recreationalvehicles

Vegetationdestruction

Increase

inweedinfestations

andcompetitionwith

nativeplantspecies

Creationoftrackswhich

becomeerosionzonesinhigh

tideevents

Dum

ping

ofwaste/carbodies

Nutrientloading/distributionofwasteintocoastalw

aters

Increase

inspread

ofweedspecies

Destructiontonativevegetation

Walking

offtrails

bypublic

Vegetationtrampling,spread

ofweeds

Increase

inspread

ofweedspecies

Creationofartificialboatram

psErosion

toBaker

Creek

bank

Saltm

arshes

(saltpans)


Vegetationdestruction

Creationofaccess

trackswhich

becomeerosionzonesinhigh

tideevents

Increase

inweedinfestations

andcompetitionwith

nativeplantspecies

Tecticornia

flabelliformishabitat


Increm

entalloss

Drainagechanges

Changes

infloodingfrequency

MangroveFo

rests

Clim

ateChange

Lack

ofavailablelandscapetoprovideforthe

temporaland

spatialm

ovem

entofm

angroves

Sea

levelrise

Changeincoastline

andinundatedareas

Loss

ofhabitat/breeding

groundsandthereforereductioninbiodiversity

Use

oftrees

forfirewoodor

physicaldestructiontotrees

ReductioninMangroverecruitment,potentiallossofseed

bank

onmaturetrees

Waterbird

and

Migratory

Habitat

Alteredmovem

entofw

ater

AlteredwaterflowtowetlandsofNationalImportance

Disturbance

tosurvivalofbreeding

populations


Disturbance

/decreaseinavailablehabitat

Sea

levelrise

Loss

ofhabitat/breeding

groundsandthereforereductioninbiodiversity

FoxesandCats

Directmortality/R

eductioninpopulationnumbers/breedingpopulations

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

68

Key

BiologicalA

sset

MainTh

reats

LikelyImpacts

NativeFa

una

Predationby

Foxes/C

ats

Directmortality/R

eductioninpopulationnumbers/breedingpopulations

Disturbance

fromdomestic

dogs

Rabbits

Com

petitionoffood

sourcesandhabitats


Disturbance

/decreaseinavailablehabitat

OverallCoastal

Rem

nant

Vegetatio

n(Lan

dscape

Con

nectivity)


Reductioninbiodiversity/availablehabitatfornativefaunaspecies

Disturbance

toconservationsignificantflora

Erosion

SealevelR

ise

Loss

ofsamphire

shrublands

around

inlets(BakerCreek)a

ndpossibleloss

oflowduneson

foreshore

Acuteweedinfestations

Com

petitionwith

nativeflora

Dum

ping

ofwaste/carbodies

Nutrientloading/distributionofwasteintocoastalw

aters

Increase

inspread

ofweedspecies

Destructiontonativevegetation

Rabbits

Herbivoryoffloraspeciesandreductioninseedlingrecruitment

Culturalh

eritage

values


Dam

agetoknow

nAboriginalheritagesites

Walking

offtrails

bypublic

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

69

Table7.2Actiontableform

anagem

entrecom

mendations

Threat

Action

Priority

Closed

commun

ication

channels

Meetw

ithDCofMallalaandCheetham(DryCreek)P

tyLtd.todetermineresponsiblebody

forp

estspecies

control,fencing,

publicsafety,and

access

regulationissues

High

Consultwith

localconservationvolunteerstoinvestigatewhere

possibleworks

couldbe

directed

andhowvolunteereffort

couldbe

included

Look

atwaystoengage

newvolunteers

High

Lack

ofpu

blic

perceptio

nof

value

ofthearea

Extension

ofexistingefforttoraisepublicaw

arenessofeconom

icandconservationbenefitsofthearea

High

Lack

ofprotectio

nof

conservatio

nvalues

Reviewreservationandprotectionofsaltm

arsh

habitats

High

Reviewminingtenements

High

Recreationa

lVe

hicles

Provide

heavybarrier

topreventaccesstoBaker

Creek

High

FencesaltpansalongPortP

arhamandNorthParhamRoads

topreventoff-road

access

intoadjacentSaltpansand

Saltmarsh

habitat

High

Fencesamphire

shrublands

andsaltm

arsh

habitat,especiallynear

thecoasttoprotecthabitatofw

adersandshorebirds

High

Destroyunnecessaryaccess

trackswith

atrack

rippera

ndrehabilitate

Medium

Determinehigh

trailbike

useareaswithindune

system

sandinvestigateifaccess

canbe

prevented.

Medium

Maintainexistingfences

Medium

Investigatethepossibilityofprovidingan

area

forcontrolledoff-roadrecreationalvehicleuseadjacenttoPortG

awlerC

P.

Low

Provide

signageatclosed

access

pointshighlightingalternativeplaces

tolaunch

fishing

andrecreationalboats(i.e.Middle

Beach,T

hompson

Beach,and

Parham)

Medium

Dum

ping

ofRub

bish

andCar

Bod

ies

Preventaccess

intosite(asdetailedabove)

High

Conductregularcleanups,authorised

byDCMallalaandinconjunctionwith

volunteers

Medium

Reportdum

pedcarb

odiestothelocalpolice

High

Consultwith

DCof

Mallalaaboutthe

possibilityof

providingaservicethat

helpscollecthard

waste

(i.e.

dumpedasbestos,

computers,drugmaterials,stolengoods).

Medium

Introd

uced

Species

Consultwith

DC

ofMallala

aboutimplem

entedactions

from

Thom

pson

Beach

–Th

irdCreek

Managem

entPlanand

Medium

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

70

Threat

Action

Priority

collaboratetoexecuteequivalentactions

inconjunction,ifpossible

Controlo

fLycium

ferocissimum

(AfricanBoxthorn)

andEuphorbiaterracina(False

Caper)weedinfestations,target

sand

dunesnear

Baker

Creek

asfirstpriority

High

Controlotherweedspecies,

primarily

within

coastaldune,Melaleuca

lanceolata

Shrublands,

theolddump,

andexisting

fenced-offconservationareas

Medium

ConsiderfencingAdrianaquadripartita(CoastBitter-bush)

patch(if

itisconsidered

that

thisactionwillnotd

rawunwanted

attentiontotheremaining

plants),activaterabbitandweedcontroland

possiblyrevegetatethisarea.

Low

Revegetaterippedtracksandcontrolw

eedspecieswithin

andaround

revegetatedareasto

perm

itcolonisationby

native

species

High

Liaise

with

regionalpestanimalcontrolofficertodeterminebestapproach

toferalanimalanddevelopm

entofanassociated

controlprogram

High

Undertake

coordinatedrabbitandfoxcontrolthroughoutthe

managem

entareaandwithinsurro

unding

privatelands.Consult

with

Cheetham(DryCreek)P

tyLtdabouttheirpossibleinvolvem

ent.Ta

rgetsandysoils

forcontrol.

High

Accessand

Visitatio

n

Determineareastodevelopamanaged

walking

trailtothecoastline.Installagatetothetrailtopreventuse

bytra

ilbikes.

Low

Use

signagetodesignatethearea

asalead-onlyzone

ford

omestic

dogs

Low

Consultwith

DCofMallalaaboutclosure

offoreshoreduringshorebird

breeding

times

(Sept–

Dec)

Low

SeaLe

velR

ise

Revegetatedune

system

sandrehabilitateerosionpointsandbare

areastostabilise

soils

Medium

Use

atrack

rippertoremoveunused

access

trackstopreventfunnellin

gofwater

inhigh

tideevents

Medium

Acquire

land

alongthecoasttosanctionas

areservetoprotectm

oreremnantcoastalvegetationtooffsetpotentialloss

Low

Acquire

land

furtherinland

thatcouldbe

used

asaretreatzone

forn

ativevegetationor

thatcanactasarevegetationzone

Low

Loss

ofTecticornia

flabelliformishabitat

Undertake

targeted

localactiontoconserve

species

High

Culturalh

eritage

values

Consultationtoappropriatelymanagesitesinthearea

Medium

__________________________________________________________________________________


8.0 Reference ListAustralian Institute of Marine Science (2008). Field Guide to the Mangroves of Queensland

http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/reflib/fg-mangroves/pages/fgm-5051.html

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary (2008). http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/coasts/ads

Atlas of SA (2009). (Online, accessed Mar 2009). http://www.atlas.sa.gov.au/go/text-menu/search-for-a-location

Baker, J.L. (2008). Marine Species of Conservation Concern in South Australia: Volume 1 - Bony andCartilaginous Fishes. Report for the South Australian Working Group for Marine Species ofConservation Concern.

Berkinshaw, Todd, (2004a). Mangroves to Mallee multi-site management plan for the Northern AdelaideCoastal Plains, Greening Australia, SA.

Birds Australia (2007). Coorong and Murray Lakes Orange-bellied Parrot Surveys Summary 2007. (Online,accessed 25th March 2009).http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/images/stories/downloads/current_projects/OBP_Coorong_Survey_low.pdf

Bryars, S, 2003, An Inventory of Important Coastal Fisheries Habitats in South Australia. Fisheries HabitatProgram, Primary Industries and Resources South Australia.

Bureau of Meteorology (2009). Daily Weather Observations, Northfield Research Centre, South Australiahttp://www.bom.gov.au

Caton, B., Fotheringham, D. Krahnert, E., Pearson, J., Royal, M. and Sandercock, R. (2009). MetropolitanAdelaide and Northern Coastal Action Plan. Prepared for the Adelaide and Mount LoftyRanges NRM Board and Department for Environment and Heritage. Government of SouthAustralia.

Cogger, H.G. (1994). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, NSW.

Coleman, P. (2008). Biodiversity Lists for Eastern Gulf of St Vincent Coastal Habitats Between Gillman andPort Parham.

Coleman, P. & Cook, F. (2000) Local Recovery Plan for the Yellowish Sedge-skipper and Thatching Grass,Dry Creek Delta Environmental Consulting, South Australia.

Davis, JA., Froend, RH., Hamilton, DP., Horwitz, P., McComb, AJ., Oldham, CE., (2001), Environmental WaterRequirements to Maintain Wetlands of National and International Importance EnvironmentalFlows Initiative Technical Report Number 1, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.

Delta Environmental Consulting (2005). Thompson Beach – Third Creek Management Plan (for the DC ofMallala), Delta Environmental Consulting, South Australia.

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) and Department of Water, Land and BiodiversityConservation (DWLBC) (2003). Wetlands Strategy for South Australia. Department forEnvironment and Heritage, South Australia.

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) (draft 2002) Provisional List of State ThreatenedEcosystems. In prep.

Department for Environment and Heritage DEH (2007b), Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation website and online database, http://www.ea.gov.au/epbc/.

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH). Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Estuaries InformationPackage (Online, accessed Feb 2009). http://environment.sa.gov.au/coasts/pdfs/amlr_eip.pdf

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) (2007a). South Australian Fauna and Flora database,Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia.

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH). (2009).Wetlands - Migratory Waterbirds and their Habitats.(Online, accessed April 2009).http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/wetlands/shorebirds.html

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts (DEHWR). (2001). Insight Into Habitat Diversity& Threatened Species: Mangrove habitats. (Online, accessed Dec 2008).

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/insight/mangrove.html

__________________________________________________________________________________


Department of Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts (DEWHA). (2009a). Directory of ImportantWetlands in Australia, database (Online, accessed Mar 2009).http://www.environment.gov.au/cgibin/wetlands/search.pl?smode=DOIW

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts (DEWHA). (2009b). Species Profile and ThreatsDatabase: Neophema chrysogaster - Orange-bellied Parrot. (Online, accessed 24th April2009). http://www.environment.gov.au/cgibin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=747

Durant, M (2007a) Summary of native vegetation and threats to ecological assets: Middle Beach to PortGawler, Greening Australia and SA Department for Environment and Heritage.

Durant, M (2007b) Buckland Park: Summary of native vegetation and threats to ecological assets, GreeningAustralia and SA Department for Environment and Heritage.

Estuaries Management and Planning (South Australia) (Online, accessed Dec 2008).http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/coasts/estuaries.html

Environment and Biodiversity Services (EBS) (2009). Light Beach – Coastal Management Plan.(Unpublished). Environmental and Biodiversity Services, South Australia.

Fotheringham, D. and Coleman, P. (2008). Salt Marshes in S.A. Shepherd, S.Bryars, I. Kirkegaard, P.Harbison, and J.T. Jennings (eds.), Natural History of Gulf St Vincent, Royal Society of SouthAustralia, Adelaide, South Australia.

Garnet S.T. and Crowley, G.M. (2000). The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000. Environment Australia,Canberra

Grund, R (2002). South Australian Butterflies datasheets. (Online, accessed Dec 2008).http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~rgrund/donnysa_ds.htm

Kraehenbuhl, D.N. (1996) Pre-European Vegetation of Adelaide – A survey from the Gawler River to HallettCove. Nature Conservation Society of SA, Adelaide.

Matthew, J. (1994). The status, distribution and habitat of the Slender-billed Thornbill Acanthiza iredalei inSouth Australia. South Australian Ornithologist, 32:1-23.

Moulton, B. and Kelly, T. (2002). Area Action Plan for the Protection and Enhancement of Remnant SmoothCutting Grass and Samphire Vegetation formation.

National Land and Water Resources Audit (2002). (Online, accessed Nov 2008). http://www.nlwra.gov.au/

NOVA: Science in the news (19/08/2008), Impact of Climate Warming on Biodiversity. (Online, accessed Nov2008). http://www.science.org.au/nova/091/091key.htm

Orange-Bellied Parrot Recovery Team (2006). National Recovery Plan for the Orange-Bellied Parrot(Neophema chrysogaster). Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW), Hobart.

Oz Coasts (2008). Coastal Indicators: Changes in Mangrove Areas. (Online, accessed Dec 2009).http://www.ozcoasts.org.au/indicators/mangrove_areas.jsp

Pedler, J.A and Mathison, W.E (1993). Remnant vegetation in the Mallala District Council Area: its status andconservation strategies. Save the Bush Program and DC Mallala.

SA Urban Forests Biodiversity Program Million Trees Program 2005 Revegetation Sites brochure

SAM (2008), South Australian Museum fauna database, South Australian Museum.

Seaman, R.L. (2002) Wetland inventory for the Mount Lofty Ranges: an assessment of selected wetlands forthe Mount Lofty Ranges, encompassing the four Catchment Water Management Boards.Department for Environment and Heritage.

South Australian Coast Protection Board (1992). Coastal Erosion, Flooding and Sea Level Rise Stands andProtection Policy. Coastline, 26.

Transport SA (2009).Weeds of the Eastern Region.Government of SA, Transport SA.

Turner, M. (2001). Conserving Adelaide’s Biodiversity: Resources, SA Urban Forests Biodiversity Program.

Watkins (1993). A National Plan for Shorebird Conservation in Australia, Australasian Wader Study Group ofthe Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union.

Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2005), A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Reed New Holland, Australia.

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

73

9.0

App

endices

App

endix1.Ve

getatio

nassociations

andspecieslists

SPEC

IESNAME

COMMONNAME

AUS

SASL

12

34

56

7USE

FOR

REV

EGAGAVA

CEA

E*Agaveamericana

CenturyPlant

AIZOACEA

ECarpobrotusrossii

NativePigface

Y*Mesembryanthemum

crystallinum/

nodiflorum

IcePlant

Tetragoniaimplexicoma

Bow

erSpinach

YALO

ACEA

E*Aloespp.

Aloe

ANACARDIACEA

E*Schinusmolle

PepperT

ree

APO

CYN

ACEA

EAlyxiabuxifolia

Sea

Box

RY

ARACEA

EPhoenixcanariensis

CanaryIsland

Palm

AVICEN

NIACEA

EAvicenniamarinassp.marina

GreyMangrove

YBRASS

ICACEA

E*Matthiolaincana

Gilliflower

DIPSA

CACEA

E*Scabiosaatropurpurea

Pincushion

CACTA

CEA

E*Opuntiastricta

ErectPricklyPear

CASU

ARINACEA

EAllocasuarinaverticillata

DroopingSheoak

CHEN

OPO

DIACEA

EAtriplexcinerea

CoastSaltbush

YAtriplexpaludosassp.cordata

Marsh

Saltbush

Y

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

74

SPEC

IESNAME

COMMONNAME

AUS

SASL

12

34

56

7USE

FOR

REV

EGAtriplexpaludosassp.paludosa

Marsh

Saltbush

KEnchylaenatomentosavar.tomentosa

RubySaltbush

YMaireanabrevifolia

Short-leafBluebush

Maireanaoppositifolia

SaltB

luebush

Rhagodiacandolleanassp.candolleana

Sea-berrySaltbush

Sarcocorniablackiana

Thick-head

Sam

phire

Sarcocorniaquinqueflora

BeadedSam

phire

Tecticorniaarbuscula

Shrubby

Sam

phire

Tecticorniaindicassp.bidens

Brown-head

Sam

phire

KTecticorniahalocnemoidesssp.

halocnemoides

GreySam

phire

Tecticorniapergranulatassp.

pergranulata

Black-seedSam

phire

Suaedaaustralis

AustralS

eablite

Threlkeldiadiffusa

CoastBonefruit

COMPO

SITA

E*Cynaracardunculusssp.flavescens

ArtichokeTh

istle

Oleariaaxillaris

CoastDaisy-bush

Y*Oncosiphonsuffruticosum

Calom

baDaisy

*Reichardiatingitana

FalseSow

thistle

Seneciosp.

Groundsel

Vittadiniagracilis

Woolly

New

Holland

Daisy

CRASS

ULA

CEA

E*Aeonium

arboreum

-(succulentgardenescapee)

*Cotyledonorbiculata

Cotyledon

(succulentgarden

escapee)

CRUCIFER

AE

*Cakilemaritimassp.maritima

Two-horned

Sea

Rocket

CUPR

ESSA

CEA

ECallitrisgracilis

Southern

Cypress

Pine

UY

EPACRIDACEA

EAcrotrichepatula

Pricklyground-berry

Y

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

75

SPEC

IESNAME

COMMONNAME

AUS

SASL

12

34

56

7USE

FOR

REV

EGEU

PHORBIACEA

EAdrianaquadripartita

CoastBitter-bush

UY

*Euphorbiaparalias

SeaSp

urge

*Euphorbiaterracina

FalseCaper

FRANKEN

IACEA

EFrankeniapaucifloravar.fruticulosa

Southern

Sea-heath

GRAMINEA

EAustrostipaelegantissima

FeatherS

pear-grass

UAustrostipasp.

Spear-grass

*Avenabarbata

BeardedOat

*Bromusrubens

Red

Brom

eDistichlisdistichophylla

EmuGrass

Y*Lagurusovatus

Hare'sTa

ilGrass

*Piptatherum

miliaceum

RiceMillet

LABIATA

E*Marrubium

vulgare

Horehound

LEGUMINOSA

EAcaciacupularis

Cup

Wattle

RY

*Acaciacyclops

WesternCoastalWattle

Acacialigulata

UmbrellaBush

KY

*Acaciasaligna

GoldenWreathWattle

LILIACEA

E*Asphodelusfistulosus

Onion

Weed

Dianellabrevicaulis

Short-stem

Flax-lily

Dianellarevoluta

Black

AntherF

lax-lilly

LIMONIACEA

E*Limoniumcompanyonis

Sea-lavender

MYO

PORACEA

EMyoporuminsulare

Com

mon

Boobialla

YMYR

TACEA

EEucalyptusgracilis

Yorrell

V

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

76

SPEC

IESNAME

COMMONNAME

AUS

SASL

12

34

56

7USE

FOR

REV

EGMelaleucalanceolata

Dryland

Tea-tree

UY

PITT

OSP

ORACEA

EPittosporumangustifolium

NativeApricot

RPO

LYGONACEA

EMuehlenbeckiagunnii

CoastalClim

bing

Lignum

SANTA

LACEA

EExocarposaphyllus

Leafless

Cherry

VSantalumacuminatum

Quandong

SAPINDACEA

EDodonaeaviscosassp.angustissima

Narrow-leafHop-bush

YSO

LANACEA

E*Lyciumferocissimum

AfricanBoxthorn

THYM

ELAEA

CEA

EPimeleaserpyllifoliassp.serpyllifolia

Thym

eRiceflower

ZYGOPH

YLLA

CEA

ENitrariabillardierei

Nitre-bush

+Allsamphire

speciesingeneraHalosarciaandSclerostegiahave

undergonenamechangesandaregroupedunderthe

genusTecticornia

KEY

Regions

forc

onservationsign

ificant

flora

species

AUS=Austra

lia(EnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversityConservationAct,1999)

SA=SouthAustralia

(NationalParksandWildlifeAct,1972)

SL=SouthernLofty

Region(nolegislation)

Con

servationStatus

Cod

es:

V=Vulnerable:rareandatriskfrompotentialthreatsor

long

term

threatswhich

couldcausethespeciestobecomeendangered

inthefuture.

K=Uncertain:likelytobe

eitherTh

reatened

orRarebutinsufficientdatafora

morepreciseassessment.

R=Rare:hasalowoverallfrequency

ofoccurre

nce(may

belocally

common

with

averyrestricteddistributionormay

bescatteredsparselyover

awider

area).Notcurrently

exposedtosignificantthreats,butw

arrantsmonitoringandprotectivemeasurestopreventreductionofpopulationsizes.

U=Uncom

mon:lesscommon

speciesofinterestbutnotrare

enough

towarrantspecialprotectivemeasures

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

77

Assoc

iatio

n1-Tecticorniapergranulata

ssp.perganulata(Black-seedSam

phire)/Tecticorniaindica

(Brown-head

Sam

phire)+/-Maireanaoppositifolia(SaltB

luebush)

+/-

Atriplexpaludosa

ssp.cordata(Marsh

Saltbush)

Assoc

iatio

n2–Sarcocorniaquinqueflora

(BeadedSam

phire)+/-Tecticornica

arbuscula(Shrubby

Sam

phire)+/-Tecticorniapergranulata

ssp.perganulata(Shrubby

Sam

phire)+

/-Suaedaaustralis

(AustralS

eablite)

Assoc

iatio

n3–Atriplexpaludosa

ssp.cordata(Marsh

Saltbush),Maireanaoppositofolia

(SaltB

luebush)

+/-Tecticorniaspp.(Sam

phire),LowOpenShrubland

Assoc

iatio

n4–Oleariaaxillaris(CoastDaisy-bush)

/Myoporuminsulare

(Com

mon

Boobialla)/Acaciacyclops(W

estern

CoastalWattle)+

/-Acacialigulata(UmbrellaBush)

+/-Pittosporumangustifolium(NativeApricot)+

/-Alyxiabuxifolia

(Sea

Box)+

/-Nitrariabilladierei(Nitre-bush)S

hrubland.

Assoc

iatio

n5–Myoporuminsulare

(Com

mon

Boobialla)/Nitrariabillardierei(Nitre-bush)+/-Oleariaaxilaris

(CoastalDaisy-bush)

+/-Atriplexcinerea(CoastSaltbush)

+/-

Atriplexpaulodosassp.cordata(Marsh

Saltbush)

+/-Sueadaaustralis

(AustralSeablite)O

penShrubland

Assoc

iatio

n6–Melaleucalanceolata

(Dryland

Tea-tree)

+/-Callitrisgracilis(SouthernCypress

Pine)

+/-Eucalyptusgracilis

(White

Mallee)

+/-Acacialigulata(Umbrella

Bush)

+/-Acaciacupularis

(CoastUmbrellaBush)

OpenShrubland

Assoc

iatio

n7–Avicenniamarinassp.Marina(GreyMangrove)

LowClosedForest

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

78

App

endix2.Habitatp

references

andassociated

behaviou

r(foraging

,roo

sting,or

breeding

)for

conservatio

nsign

ificant

bird

speciesrecorded

with

inthe

Managem

entarea,or

expected

tousethesite.Informationsourcedandadaptedfrom

DEH

(2009)andDEW

HA(2009).

ScientificNam

eCom

mon

Nam

eAUS

SAStud

yArea

Status

Prim

aryhabitat

Salinewetland

sFreshw

ater

wetland

sCoastal

habitat

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Man-

groves

Inter-tid

alsaltm

arsh

Samph

ireshrublands

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Beaches

androcky

banks

Acanthizairedalei

rosinae

Slender-billed

Thornbill

Vres

supratidalsamphire

bb

Actitushypoleucos

Com

mon

Sandpiper

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

fr

r

Anhinger

melanogaster

Darter

Rirreg

mudflats/beaches

fr

ff

Ardeaalba

GreatEgret

Ma,Mi

res

mudflats/beaches

ff

r

Ardeaibis

Cattle

Egret

Mi

Rwin

supratidalsamphire

f

Ardeaintermedia

IntermediateEgret

Mi

Rirreg

mudflats/beaches

f

Arenariainterpres

Ruddy

Turnstone

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Calidrisacuminata

Sharp-ta

iled

Sandpiper

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Calidrisalba

Sanderling

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Calidriscanutus

Red

Knot

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

r

Calidrisferruginea

CurlewSandpiper

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Calidrisruficollis

Red-neckedStint

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

f

Calidrissubminuta

Long-to

edStint

Ma,Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

f

Calidristenuirostris

GreatKnot

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Charadriusbicinctus

Double-banded

Plover

Mi

win

mudflats/beaches

f

Charadrius

leschenaultii

GreaterSand

Plover

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Charadriusmongolus

Lesser

Sand

Plover

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Charadriusveredus

OrientalPlover

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

r

Chlidonias

White-winged

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

fr

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

79

ScientificNam

eCom

mon

Nam

eAUS

SAStud

yArea

Status

Prim

aryhabitat

Salinewetland

sFreshw

ater

wetland

sCoastal

habitat

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Man-

groves

Inter-tid

alsaltm

arsh

Samph

ireshrublands

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Beaches

androcky

banks

leucopterus

Black

Tern

Cladorhynchus

leucocephalus

BandedStilt

Virreg

mudflats/beaches

ff

r

Egrettagarzetta

LittleEgret

Mi

Rres

mudflats/beaches

ff

r

Egrettasacra

Eastern

Reef

Egret

Mi

Rirreg

mudflats/beaches

rr

Gallinagohardwickii

Latham

'sSnipe

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

f

Glareolamaldivarum

OrientalPratincole

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

r

Haematopus

fuliginosus

Sooty

Oystercatcher

Rres

mudflats/beaches

r

Haematopus

longirostris

Pied

Oystercatcher

Rres

mudflats/beaches

r

Haliaeetus

leucogaster

White-belliedSea-

eagle

Ma,Mi

Eirreg

mangroves

fb

Heteroscelusbrevipes

Grey-tailedTattler

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

rr

rr

Limicolafalcinellus

Broad-billed

Sandpiper

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Limosalapponica

Bar-ta

iledGodwit

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

rr

r

Limosalimosa

Black-ta

iled

Godwit

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Macronectes

giganteus

SouthernGiant-

Petrel

E,

Ma,Mi

Vvag

mudflats/beaches

f

Meropsornatus

Rainbow

Bee-

eater

Mi

irreg

woodlands

/grasslands

Neophema

chrysogaster

Orange-bellied

Parrot

EE

win

supratidalsamphire

f

Neophema

chrysostoma

Blue-winged

Parrot

Ma

Vwin

supratidalsamphire

ff

Neophemaelegans

ElegantParrot

Rirreg

supratidalsamphire

ff

Neophemapetrophila

RockParrot

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

f

Numenius

madagascariensis

EasternCurlew

Mi

Vsum

mudflats/beaches

rr

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

80

ScientificNam

eCom

mon

Nam

eAUS

SAStud

yArea

Status

Prim

aryhabitat

Salinewetland

sFreshw

ater

wetland

sCoastal

habitat

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Man-

groves

Inter-tid

alsaltm

arsh

Samph

ireshrublands

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Beaches

androcky

banks

Numeniusminutus

LittleCurlew

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

r

Numeniusphaeopus

Whimbrel

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

rr

Pandionhaliaetus

Osprey

Eirreg

mangroves

fr

Phalaropuslobatus

Red-necked

Phalarope

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Philomachuspugnax

Ruff

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

f

Plegadisfalcinellus

GlossyIbis

Ma,Mi

Rirreg

mudflats/beaches

f

Pluvialisfulva

PacificGolden

Plover

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Pluvialissquatarola

GreyPlover

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

rr

Podicepscristatus

GreatCrested

Grebe

Rirreg

mudflats/beaches

f

Rostratulaaustralis

Painted

Snipe

V,M

iV

sum

mudflats/beaches

f

Sternaalbifrons

LittleTe

rnMi

Eirreg

mudflats/beaches

fr

Sternabergii

Crested

Tern

Mi

res

mudflats/beaches

r

Sternacaspia

Caspian

Tern

Ma,Mi

res

mudflats/beaches

fr

r

Sternahirundo

Com

mon

Tern

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Sternanereis

Fairy

Tern

Esum

mudflats/beaches

fr

Sternaparidisaea

Arctic

Tern

Mi

vag

mudflats/beaches

Thinornisrubricollis

HoodedPlover

V,M

iV

irreg

mudflats/beaches

r

Tringanebularia

Com

mon

Greenshank

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

ff

r

Tringastagnatilis

Marsh

Sandpiper

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

f

Xenuscinereus

TerekSandpiper

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

f

KEY

Regions

forc

onservationsign

ificant

flora

species

AUS=Austra

lia(EnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversityConservationAct,1999)

SA=SouthAustralia

(NationalParksandWildlifeAct,1972)

__________________________________________________________________________________

ParhamActionManagem

entP

lan

81

Con

servationStatus

Cod

es:

E=Endangered:facing

averyhigh

riskofextinctioninthewild

inthenear

future.

V=Vulnerable:facing

ahigh

riskofextinctioninthewild

inthenear

future.

R=Rare:hasalowoverallfrequency

ofoccurre

nce(may

belocally

common

with

averyrestricteddistributionormay

bescatteredsparselyover

awider

area).Notcurrently

exposedtosignificantthreats,butw

arrantsmonitoringandprotectivemeasurestopreventreductionofpopulationsizes.

Irreg

=Irregular

visitortothemanagem

entarea.

Mi=

Migratoryvisitortothemanagem

entarea.

Ma=Marinelistedspecies.

Res

=Residentspecies

thatuses

themanagem

entareaforb

reedingandfeeding.

Summ

=Sum

mer

migrantspecies

Win=Winterm

igrantspecies.

Vag=Vagrantvisitortothemanagem

entareathatutilisesthemanagem

entareararely.

HabitatU

sage

Cod

es:

b=Breeding

f=Feeding

r=Roosting

Adelaide and Mount Lofty RangesNatural Resources Management Board205 Greenhill RoadEastwood SA 5063Phone 08 8273 9100www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au

This project is partially funded by the Adelaide and MountLofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board andthe Australian Government’s Caring for our Country.

parhamactionmanagementplan · an overview of the vegetation in the parham management area,...

Documents