Southern Gulf Catchments
Regional NRM Plan
(2015 – 2020)
DRAFT 10.1
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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OUR VISION
Southern Gulf Catchments: where a strong and vibrant community prospers through sustainable
management of land, water, native vegetation and wildlife resources, while respecting the culture,
rights and interests of individuals, industries and communities.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Our region and our country are full of dynamic natural systems. When these ecosystems are
resilient, supported by a complex natural biodiversity, and able to use and reuse their resources
internally and sustainably, they can cope with stress. Resilient ecosystems can cope with drought
and flooding rains, with fire and scorching hot days. Landscape denuded of its strength in diversity
and resource vitality cannot cope with such stresses. This plan is a clear, defensible and transparent
statement of what needs to be done in NRM, why action is needed, and how the best possible
actions are determined and delivered.
The plan is based on the best science and methodological
approaches currently available. The
benefits of the Regional Plan’s approach, methods and targets, are continually reviewed by the
board and through active discussion with stakeholders.
The NRM Plan is for all people who live in, or have influence over the region. Natural resources
management is not possible without active community involvement. The development of this Plan
would not have been possible without the significant input received over the last two years from the
community and key stakeholders, and the board thanks you for your involvement. The NRM Plan
places great importance on working with Traditional Owners and respecting the value of the natural
resources of the region. We will continue to work to build partnerships with the Aboriginal
communities of the region.
The NRM Plan also sets boundaries. There are simply not sufficient financial and practical resources
for the community to address everything. We must set priorities. Where do we best direct our
limited resources for greatest effect? The NRM Plan determines these priorities and defends our
choices. We must continue to challenge ourselves and our NRM Plan, and improve it with future
versions. We respond to what we have learned by following the plan, to make a better plan for next
time.
The NRM Plan recognises that climate change is continuing to increase in influence over the region
as a driver of change. While this will bring new challenges, there are opportunities from the new
economy in Carbon Farming.
The region has a proud history, strong people and a robust basis for the management of natural
resources. Through this NRM Plan we will continue to seek to improve the management and
sustainable use of the lands and seas of Southern Gulf Catchments.
Signed
Megan Munchenberg
A/ CHAIR
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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Table of Contents
1)
Executive Summary.............................................................................................................. 4
2)
Context................................................................................................................................ 5
a) Purpose ........................................................................................................................... 5
b) Structure and how to use this document .......................................................................... 5
c) Plan Preparation .............................................................................................................. 6
d) Looking ahead ................................................................................................................. 9
3)
a)
b)
c)
Regional Overview ............................................................................................................. 10
Natural assets ................................................................................................................ 10
Community assets .......................................................................................................... 11
Economic assets ............................................................................................................. 13
a)
b)
c)
Drivers of change ............................................................................................................... 15
Climate Change .............................................................................................................. 15
Other Regional Drivers of Change ................................................................................... 16
Vulnerability Assessment ............................................................................................... 17
4)
5)
Stakeholder Engagement ................................................................................................... 19
a) Key findings Stage 1 Community Consultation and Engagement ...................................... 19
6)
Priority Issues .................................................................................................................... 21
7)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Assets and Strategies ......................................................................................................... 22
Land .............................................................................................................................. 22
Inland Waters ................................................................................................................ 26
Biodiversity ................................................................................................................... 33
Coasts............................................................................................................................ 39
Cultural Heritage............................................................................................................ 42
Community Capacity ...................................................................................................... 44
8)
Monitoring and Evaluation ................................................................................................. 46
9)
APPENDICES: ..................................................................................................................... 50
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1) Executive Summary
The Southern Gulf Catchments Limited Regional NRM Plan 2015-2020 brings together the best
available science and knowledge with the communities’ priorities and aspirations to identify
strategies for the effective management of the regions’ unique and valuable natural resources. The
plan supports and promotes collaboration between community, government, industry and other
stakeholders. The table below summarises the priority issues and outcomes for the plan.
Asset
Priority Issues
1. Unsustainable grazing practices lead to
degradation and erosion
2. Pest plants and woody weeds create a
threat to production and biodiversity
3. Current greenhouse gas emissions are
too high
Water
3. Human activities create serious impacts
on the integrity and conservation of river
systems and wetlands
4. Tourists are a major source of those
impacts on water in key areas
5. Over extraction of surface and ground
water threatens waters value
Biodiversity 6. Pest animals threaten native species
7. Pest plants threaten biodiversity
8. Fishing activities both recreational and
commercial threaten fish stocks
Coastal
11. Ghost nets and other marine debris
marine
threaten wildlife
12. Marine pest plants and animals
potentially threaten wildlife
13. The quality and quantity of water
discharged to the Gulf is under threat
Cultural
14. There are major threats to significant
heritage
cultural sites from damage and loss
15. There is a continuing loss of culture
and connection to country
16. Indigenous interests in land and sea
are not adequately represented in decision
making
Community 17. The community’s future depends on
access to water and to generate social and
economic benefits
18. Community viability is threatened in
the face of climate change and external
social and economic drivers
19. Levels of heavy metal dust and fumes
are too high
Land
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Outcomes
All land in SGC is sustainably managed
and condition is improving by 2020.
Click Here To See Management Actions
By 2020 have strategies in place for the
sustainable management of all inland
water sources.
Click Here To See Management Actions
By 2020 see an increased investment in
weed and feral management by 50%.
Click Here To See Management Actions
By 2020, ensure that the coastal waters
of the Southern Gulf are managed
sustainably and key impacts are being
addressed.
Click Here To See Management Actions
By 2020 there will be community level
NRM plans for each of the Traditional
Owner groups in the region
Click Here To See Management Actions
By or before 2025, in at least 50% of the
project being implemented under this
NRM Plan, have at least one party
engaged to take the lessons and
benefits deeper into the community.
Click Here To See Management Actions
2) Context
Southern Gulf Catchments Limited (SGC) is a
community owned and driven organisation that
formed in 1996. SGC is part of a national
network and is the designated Regional Natural
Resource Management (NRM) Body for the
Southern Gulf NRM region. SGC’s charter is to
plan and deliver programs that support healthy
and productive country, viable communities and
sustainable industries. SGC is governed by a
Board of directors that represents the regions
community’s perspectives and priorities and
Figure 1: Southern Gulf Catchments NRM
works in partnership with all tiers of
Region
government, regional organisations, industry,
landowners, researchers, environmental and
community groups. Primarily funded through Government programs, SGC also builds on this
investment by leveraging private investment and volunteer activities and ensuring collaboration
across established networks.
Regional NRM Bodies (also known as Catchment Management Authorities in NSW and Victoria) are
guided by their Regional NRM Plans and associated Investment Strategies. These plans outline the
key natural resource management priorities and strategies for effective management and
opportunities for collaboration. They are based on the community’s aspirations and priorities and
influenced by best available science and knowledge.
a) Purpose
The Southern Gulf Regional Natural Resource Management Plan 2015 - 2020 (SGC NRM Plan) aims to
identify the regions’ NRM priorities and opportunities for all stakeholders to collaborate to better
manage, and protect those resources. The SGC NRM Plan achieves this by:
 Incorporating the latest science and information
 Reflecting the communities priorities and issues
Southern Gulf Catchments is the region’s only
 Identifying strategic objectives, actions and
community-based organisation that has the
partners to implement effective projects and
sole purpose of working with all land
programs.
managers to address large and complex
natural resource issues at the landscape level building collaboration, gathering and sharing
information and brokering funding for onground work.
The SGC NRM Plan is a guiding document for Southern Gulf
Catchments Limited, its projects and programs. It can also
be used by any organisation involved in managing our
natural resources, all levels of Government, private
Board Resolution NRM Planning Workshop
companies and investors. Key partners and collaborators
November 2013
are also identified in recognition of the often
multidisciplinary approach required for effective natural resource management.
b) Structure and how to use this document
The SGC NRM Plan replaces the previous document published in 2005 and builds upon the
significant research, community consultation and collaborative work achieved during this process.
Chapter 1 introduces the SGC NRM Plan.
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Chapters 3 and 4 concisely outline the assets of the region followed by a summary of the external
pressures on the region including the latest climate change projections and predicted climate
scenarios.
Chapter 5 describes the stakeholder engagement processes undertaken in the development of the
SGC NRM Plan, and how consultation will continue into the future.
Chapter 6 outlines the existing and proposed Priority Issues which provide the overarching structure
to then develop the strategic objectives, partners and delivery pathways outlined in Chapter 7
Strategies. Chapter 6 acknowledge the drivers of regional change and how they impact the Southern
Gulf NRM Region.
Chapter 7 uses an assets based approach to identify status, threats, and management priorities. The
final chapter, Chapter 8, outlines the monitoring, evaluation and adaptation approach to ensure the
SGC NRM Plan remains current, strategic and viable.
The Appendices contain key reports and summaries that underpin the chapters in this plan. These
reports and summaries can be accessed at www.southerngulf.com.au/page/NRM%20Plan.
c) Plan Preparation
In 2013 the Australian government committed funding to NRM organisations, through its Clean
Energy Future Fund, to include action to address climate change in their NRM plans. This funding
allocation was referred to as Stream 1 funding. To support appropriate adaptation responses to
climate change, funding was allocated to science organisations such as the CSIRO and the Bureau of
Meteorology, to develop climate change projections and examine the potential impacts of climate
change on Australia at the regional scale. This was referred to as Stream 2 funding, and its outputs
have been used throughout this Plan.
The Stream 1 funding was accompanied by a clear set of principles and their attributes (the Stream 1
Principles) to guide the work in relation to the Australian Government investment component of the
overall Plan updating process. The core significance of incorporating the effects of climate change
needed to be integrated throughout the Plan, augmented by lessons leant from the Plan produced
under the previous Natural Heritage Trust (NHT2) initiative within the joint Commonwealth/State
Regional Natural Resource Management Framework.
The stream 1 Principles are:
1. Plans identify priority landscapes for carbon plantings and strategies to build landscape integrity and
guide adaptation and mitigation actions to address climate change impacts on natural ecosystems
a) Planning processes identify opportunities and management strategies to maximise environmental
benefits and landscape resilience, including biodiverse plantings, wildlife corridors, landscape
connectivity and protection of remnant vegetation
b) Planning processes recognise, provide guidance to avoid and mitigate potential risks and adverse
2.
impacts associated with carbon sequestration in the landscape, including impacts to biodiversity,
water resources and production systems
c) Planning processes identify priority landscapes for potential carbon sequestration opportunities,
mitigation and adaptation in the context of improving landscape connectivity, resilience and
wildlife corridors
Planning process is logical, comprehensive, and transparent
a) Planning processes consider previous planning and are consistent with relevant jurisdiction
specific planning requirements
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3.
b) Planning processes are informed by a clear understanding of the regional stakeholder and
community aspirations and objectives
c) Planning processes demonstrate a clear understanding of the regional NRM organisation’s
business, roles and responsibilities
d) Planning processes show evidence of cooperation for cross- regional climate change impacts and
land use planning
e) Adaptive planning responds to new information and guide improvements as knowledge improves
f) Planning processes use information at an appropriate scale to spatially identify priority areas in the
landscape for carbon sequestration projects and environmental co-benefits
g) Planning processes demonstrate adaptive planning that responds to current and anticipated
climate change research and additional information
Plans use best available information to develop actions and are based on collaboration with
government, community and other stakeholders
a) Plans demonstrate strategic alignment with relevant state and Commonwealth NRM policies (such
as urban and regional planning, matters of National Environmental Significance, National Water
Initiative and the National Wildlife Corridors Plan)
b) Plans meaningfully engage community and stakeholders
c) Where relevant, plans identify roles and responsibilities for partners in the region
d) Plans integrate biophysical, socio-economic and climate change information to fine tune strategies
for improving landscape connectivity, function and resilience
The climate change projections provided under Stream 2 were used as the basis for a climate risk
and vulnerability assessment. The results of that assessment are directly reflected in this Plan.
Under the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme, clear expectations have been
specified focusing particularly on accountability for outcomes and stakeholder engagement. In
relation to regional NRM planning the expectation is: “Regional NRM plans are robust and
deliverable”
This expectation is supported by expected practices and advanced practices that demonstrate its
achievement.
Expected practices
For the past two years, the regional NRM organisation has a regional NRM plan that:
 is based on appropriate and best available scientific, economic and social information and
has been updated in the last three years
 considers previous planning, is consistent with relevant jurisdiction-specific
requirements and demonstrates strategic alignment with relevant Australian Government
and state/territory NRM plans, policies, priorities and strategies and priority natural
resource management issues identified by agricultural industries
 has been developed with comprehensive and documented engagement of the
community, including landcare, Indigenous and Industry groups and land managers
 has been developed using a process for determining NRM priorities, includes a
framework that clearly identifies public and private benefit and where government
intervention is required
 clearly articulates Indigenous land and sea management aspirations and participation and
identifies strategies to implement them
 includes goals which are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound
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

includes mechanisms for evaluating effectiveness and implementing the findings
identifies and establishes suitable partnerships and opportunities for collaboration to
achieve NRM outcomes, including, where appropriate, through collaboration with other
regional NRM organisations.
Advanced practices
In addition the regional NRM organisation must have complied with at least three of the following
advanced practices:
 ongoing, regular mechanisms for active community participation and engagement in
regional NRM plan implementation are established
 regional NRM plan supports relevant Indigenous land and sea management plans
 the regional NRM planning process includes an independent scientific review process
 mechanisms are included for ensuring that new information can be continually
incorporated into implementation activities
 regional NRM plan demonstrates understanding of the socio-economic profile of the area
 clearly articulates measures to support Indigenous land and sea management aspirations
and participation, including Indigenous employment and training opportunities
 the regional NRM Plan is underpinned by relevant theme-based Sub-Strategies (or Action
Plans) that are scientifically rigorous with strong community and stakeholder input.
As part of its on-going support for the Regional NRM Arrangements in Queensland, the Queensland
Regional NRM Groups Collective provides NRM Planning Guidelines to promote best practice NRM
planning. This provides regional NRM bodies with a common set of attributes that can be applied
both to the planning process and plan content. The following table provides a visual map of the
principles, standards and good practice exemplars established in the Queensland Regional NRM
Planning Guidelines, which have been reflected in this Plan.
Table 1: Summary of Elements for best practice NRM planning
This plan will
3.5 Support diverse
3.2 Broker collaborative action 1.9 Be an effective
3.7 Support accountable
investments
communication tool
reporting
This plan
3.3 Articulates a 3.4 Identifies
4.6 Provides spatial 2.5 Identifies priority
2.6 Documents
4.4 Identifies
regional vision
strategic outcomes
products
knowledge needs
MERI strategies
research priorities
and actions
1.6 Reflects
4.3 Incorporates
4.1 Uses relevant
2.4 Documents the
4.2 Uses best
4.5 Documents
community
Indigenous and local
information &
plan logic
available science the evidence base
values &
knowledge
knowledge
aspirations
Community
Key NRM stakeholders
Science
3.1 Improves
1.8 Relevant to
1.7 Links to
3.6 Clarifies
2.1 Adopts a systems approach 2.2 Identifies
community
key stakeholder govt. policies,
roles and
uncertainties
knowledge &
groups
programs and
responsibilities
capacity
plans
1.1 Engages the 1.2 Engages key 1.3 Engages
1.5 Links across
1.4 Engages scientific
2.3 Considers
community
sectors
government
regions
community
scenarios and
risks
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d) Looking ahead
Southern Gulf Catchments Ltd will continue its work with NRM stakeholders both within the region
and across neighbouring NRM borders to engage, inform and promote best-practice natural
resource management strategies to ensure more resilient landscapes and natural waters. It will
provide information about emerging developments and opportunities to increase on-property soil
and vegetation carbon stores and landscape resilience. The engagement of Indigenous stakeholders
and the coordination and facilitation of vertebrate pests and weed programs will remain high
priorities.
Reliance on Australian and Queensland Government investment
The Southern Gulf Catchments Region is remote and isolated with a sparse population and little
access to private investment in public good initiatives. This Plan sets out a realistic, albeit ambitious
scope of Outcomes that build the resilience of the Region’s landscapes, NRM community and its
enterprises.
Achieving outcomes in the Southern Gulf Catchments NRM Region is almost entirely dependent
upon investments by the Queensland and Australian Governments in enabling SGC to work with
local land managers, Local Governments in the Region, State Agencies, and other Regional NRM
Bodies and community partners.
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3) Regional Overview
a) Natural assets
The Southern Gulf region covers an area of 214,450 km2, nearly the size of Victoria but with a
population of only 35,000 people1. It starts with the southern end of the Gulf of Carpentaria and the
islands off the coast then follows the course of the rivers south and east to include Mt Isa and the
towns on the Barkly Highway as far as Hughenden. The major rivers that define the catchments:
• The Flinders and Cloncurry Rivers
• The Leichhardt and Alexandra Rivers
• The Nicholson, Gregory and Albert Rivers
• Settlement Creek and other smaller creeks on the Queensland Northern Territory border
• Morning Inlet between the Leichhardt and Flinders Rivers.
The area also includes the Wellesley Island group and the ocean of the southern end of the Gulf of
Carpentaria itself.
The three major bioregions of the Southern Gulf region are:
• Gulf Plains - this bioregion covers approximately 12% of Queensland and contains a variety
of ecosystems from coastal salt flats and mangroves to huge areas of grasslands and
woodlands.
• Mitchell Grass Downs - a bioregion of largely undulating plains dominated by Mitchell Grass
tussock grassland; soils are self- mulching, deep, heavy grey or brown clays
• North West Highlands - bioregion characterised by rugged, hilly country with mostly red
skeletal soils, and snappy gum communities with a spinifex understorey.
There are also small but significant areas of the
Einasleigh Uplands and the Desert Uplands bioregions
in the east of the region. The southern parts of the
region are flat to undulating natural grasslands. In the
south-west the grasslands give way to the ranges of
the Southern Gulf–Lake Eyre Basin divide and in the
south-east the grasslands continue over a low
continuation of that divide. The flat grasslands of the
Barkly Tableland stretch westward from this divide
into the Northern Territory. To the north-west are
stony hills and ranges that rise above the alluvial plains
of the gulf savannah to the north and north-east. The
Great Dividing Range and the low divide between the
Flinders and Norman Rivers form the eastern boundary
of the Southern Gulf region.
The Southern Gulf region includes a range of national
parks, resource reserves, fish habitat reserves, wetland
reserves, nature refuges, and lands and sites listed on Image i: The region is characterised by
breathtaking natural landscapes (source
the National Estate Register and the World Heritage
SGC)
Register.
• World Heritage - Riversleigh Fossil Field
1
Queensland Regional Profiles: Resident Profile for Southern Gulf Catchment Region, Queensland Government
Statistician’s Office, Queensland Treasury and Trade.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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•
•
National Parks - Lawn Hill in the west, Porcupine Gorge and part of White Mountains in the
east, Finucane Island in the north.
Wetlands - Southern Gulf aggregation, Marless Lagoon aggregation, Wentworth aggregation
in the Gulf Plains bioregion; Thorntonia aggregation (includes Lawn Hill Gorge) and Gregory
River wetland in the Northwest Highlands bioregion.
The total number of threatened species (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act)
in this region include 5 endangered species such as the iconic Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae),
the Julia Creek Dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) and the Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus).
Vulnerable species include the Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) and the lesser
known Brush tailed Rabbit Rat (Conilurus penicillatus) and the Bent-Wing Bat (Miniopterus
schreibersii) declared as conservation dependent2.
The climate of the Southern Gulf can be described as semi-arid in the south and south-west to
tropical monsoon in the northern parts. The region’s climate is influenced by the north-west
monsoon which generally moves south into the region in the summer
months. The climate is characterised by hot, wet summers and cooler,
dry winters, with frequent cyclonic activity between December and
April, often accompanied by prolonged rainfall events and occasional
widespread damage from high winds.
Rainfall in the region is predominantly monsoonal. Although there is
high variability from year to year and within years, on average, about
80% of annual rainfall occurs during the four month period from
December to March. Average annual rainfall increases from about 350
mm in the south-west to more than 900 mm along the southern and
western coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria, and to 1200 mm on
Mornington Island3.
Variability of rainfall is high, both within a year and from one year to another. A dry year may bring
less than a third of average rainfall, while a very wet one will almost triple the average. In some
years, a single massive storm may bring more rain than is seen in the whole of a drought year.
b) Community assets
There is a long and proud history of effective natural resource management across the Southern
Gulf region. SGC is the leader in facilitating and managing natural resource management projects
and programs and this plan builds on that experience and achievement.
• Aboriginal peoples have managed the land and resources of the region since time
immemorial. We all have much to learn from that experience
• Graziers are the main land managers of the region and have led the way in developing
sustainable land management practices, including fencing off waterways
• Mines have strict and onerous licences which require a broad range of NRM outcomes
including protection of ground and surface water and restoration of native vegetation
• Local Authorities are leaders in pest management with a particular responsibility for stock
routes
2
Biodiversity Summary for the Southern Gulf Region 2011 by the Department of Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population and Communities (SEWPC) for the Natural Resource Management Spatial Information
System.
3
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables
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•
The prawn trawling industry has put in place the most controlled fishing regime anywhere in
Australia.
Of course, long before European settlement, the Southern Gulf region has been home for many
Aboriginal peoples. The traditional owners of the region include the following groups:
Gulf Region
• Borroloola and NT border region - Binbinga, Yanuwa, Mara, Waanyi (Ganalanja or Nicholson
River), Garawa, Gunindiri
• Mornington Island – Lardil • Bentinck Island – Gayardilt
• Burketown – Ganggalida, Gananggalinda, Mingin, Kukatj
• Normanton – Kuthant, Kurtijar, Koknar, Takalak, Agwamin, Yanga
• Mount Isa – Kalkadoon (Georgina-Corella Rivers), Yalarmga, Yanda, Guwa, Pitta- Pitta
(Mulligan River), Wakabunga (Leichhardt & Gregory Rivers), Nguburinji
• Cloncurry – Mayi-Thakurti, Mayi-Yapi, Mayi-Kutuna
• Richmond – Mbara, Wunumara (McKinlay River, Julia Creek, Alick Creek), Ngawun, MayiKulan
Eyre Region
• Hughenden – Yirandali
Desert Region
• Wambaya, Alawa, Ngandji, Wakaya, Bularnu, Warluwarra
Around 35,000 people live in the area, with the large majority in Mount Isa, Cloncurry and
Hughenden. Outside these centres the population density is extremely low, with many communities
and properties scattered across an immense area nearly the same size as the whole of Victoria.
More than 7,000 of the population are of Aboriginal descent accounting for 21.7%4. This is a great
human resource to help understand and manage the natural resources of the region. SGC is
committed to being inclusive and respectful in working with and seeking the direction and advice of
Aboriginal peoples in developing and implementing this plan.
The overall average population growth for the region remains on average around 1% per year,
approximately half of the state average. However some shires in the region are experiencing
negative growth, in particular the Richmond and
Flinders shires. Easily the largest population centre
is Mt Isa with around 22,000 residents.
Queensland Government population projections
estimates the region’s population to increase to
around 41,000 people by 2040, a modest rise of
0.7% compared to state average of 1.9%5.
The median age for the region has also remained
steady at 31.5 years, compared to the state
average of 36.6 years6.
Image ii: Community engagement underpins
the plan (source SGC)
4
Queensland Regional Profiles: Resident Profile for Southern Gulf Catchment Region, Queensland Government
Statistician’s Office, Queensland Treasury and Trade.
5
Queensland Regional Profiles: Resident Profile for Southern Gulf Catchment Region, Queensland Government
Statistician’s Office, Queensland Treasury and Trade.
6
Queensland Regional Profiles: Resident Profile for Southern Gulf Catchment Region, Queensland Government
Statistician’s Office, Queensland Treasury and Trade.
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Table 2: Median age for SGC population (source: Qld Regional Profile)
c) Economic assets
Mining and cattle grazing are two of the most significant economic sectors across the region. Mining
is the largest employer with one in every six working people employed in the sector, and many more
working in related sectors such as manufacturing (which covers smelting and metal processing), as
well as transport and construction, that are dependent on mining.
Mining’s importance for the region is even more
marked when judged by the value of that
production – The North West generated $1.9
billion Regional Product (GRP) in 2011-127. The
prospect of further expansion of the industry also
remains strong with the Queensland Government
recently awarding 6 Mineral Development Licences
for base metal exploration north of Mt Isa8.
The sector is dominated by Glencore an Anglo–
Swiss multinational commodity trading and mining
company with its headquarters based in
Switzerland. The company was created through a
merger of Glencore with Xstrata on 2 May 2013,
one of the biggest mining takeovers9. Glencore
operates two Mount Isa Mines (zinc and copper),
Black Star South, Cloncurry’s Ernest Henry and
Mount Margaret, George Fisher and Lady Loretta
mine.
Figure 2: Percentage of employment by industry, SGC 7
There are also many mines across the region
owned as one-off ventures by smaller exploration
businesses. The total number of mining exploration permits granted across the region is 1193. The
number of production mining permits is 398, with the majority of these licences being held in the
7
North West Queensland Strategic Development Study 2013, GHD, AEC Group Pty Ltd, Elliot Whiting
Media Release Daniel Zavattiero, Executive Director – Uranium, Minerals Council of Australia Sep 2014
Uranium boost from Queensland to the world Statement
9
"Glencore finishes takeover of Xstrata". Financial Times. 2 May 2013.
8
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Cloncurry Shire. The most common permits are for mineral exploration (92%) or production (96%)
but interest is also shown in exploration permits for coal (0.03%), Petroleum/gas (0.02%) and
geothermal resources (0.01%)10.
Cattle grazing involves a much larger number of enterprises, with around 500 separate properties
across the region. The large majority of these are small family-based businesses but an increasing
number are now owned by larger corporate businesses, such as the Australian Agricultural Company
(AACo) and the Stanbroke Pastoral Company. These two companies, between them, manage ten
properties covering more than 3.3 million hectares within the SGC region11,12.
Grazing in the region is the next most important sector, and is the dominant land use type. In
2010/11 the sector was worth around $800 million which is attributed to livestock sales and
slaughter. It is the second largest employer after mining, accounting for approximately 8 per cent of
workers13. The region accounts for nearly 16 per cent of the state’s cattle herd14.
Commercial fishing is an important economic activity within the Gulf of Carpentaria. One
Commonwealth and five Queensland managed commercial fisheries operate within the Gulf coastal
and marine zone. The main target species include Spanish mackerel, tropical snappers, Barramundi,
king and blue threadfins, mud crabs and nine commercial species of prawns with an Annual Gross
Value of production of more than 65 Million dollars15,16.
Recreational and Traditional fishing are also important industries, however compared to commercial
fishing catch, records are poor17. Amongst the recreational sector there is often a perception that
levels of take by the sector are much smaller than that of commercial fisheries however available
recreational fishing survey data indicates that catches are still substantive and may exceed the
commercial catch for a number of species. Much of the recreation catch is taken by tourists, annual
visitor numbers to the Carpentaria shire alone were 14,000 in 2002/3, and recreational fisher
numbers for the entire Gulf were assessed to be around 100 00018.
10
www.business.qld.gov.au/industry/mining/mining-online-services/mining-permit-search
http://www.aaco.com.au
12
http://www.stanbroke.com.au
13
DAF (2015) Queensland Agricultural Land Audit: Chapter 5 Gulf and North West, Queensland Government
14
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation 2010, The Queensland beef industry:
current trends and future predictions, State of Queensland.
15
Zeller, B. and Snape, N. (2006). Ecological Risk Assessment of Queensland-Managed Fisheries in the Gulf of
Carpentaria. Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland
16
DAFF (2013a) Gulf of Carpentaria Line Fishery. 2012 fishing year report. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry. State of Queensland 2013.
DAFF (2013b) Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery. 2011 fishing year report. Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry. State of Queensland 2013.
DAFF (2013c) Gulf of Carpentaria Developmental Fin Fish Trawl Fishery. 2011 fishing year report. Department
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. State of Queensland 2013.
DAFF (2013d) Mud Crab Fishery. 2011 fishing year report. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
State of Queensland 2013.
17
Zeller, B. and Snape, N. (2006). Ecological Risk Assessment of Queensland-Managed Fisheries in the Gulf of
Carpentaria. Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland
18
Greiner, R., & Franklin, D. C. (2013) Towards an improved understanding of angler tourism in northern
Australia. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 2013
11
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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4) Drivers of change
a) Climate Change
The effects of climate change are already being experienced in the region, with reports of changing
rainfall patterns and increases in sea levels. Looking forward, significantly greater changes are
expected. The information below was derived from NRM Planning for Climate Change Stream 2
Projections19, and the Spatial Analysis of Southern Gulf Climate Change Datasets for NRM Planning
(refer Appendix 1). The projections data was used as a basis of the risk assessment in Chapter 4c
below.
i) Temperature
Temperatures will rise dramatically within the Southern Gulf region in the next 70 years. Under the
medium emissions scenario mean annual temperatures will be 1.6 – 2.1oC higher by 2085, while
under the higher impact scenario mean annual temperatures will be 3.6 – 4.4oC higher by 2085.
Changes in Maximum Temperature of Warmest Period will range from 3.7 – 4.6oC higher under the
high emission scenario whereas changes in Minimum Temperature of Coldest Period will range from
3.4 – 4.5oC higher under the high emission scenario. Temperature seasonality is projected to
become less variable.
Extreme temperatures are projected to increase at a similar rate to mean temperature, with a
substantial increase in the temperature reached on hot days, the frequency of hot days, and the
duration of warm spells.
ii) Rainfall and Runoff
Despite uncertainty in future projections of total rainfall for the Monsoonal North East sub-cluster,
an understanding of the physical processes that cause extreme rainfall, coupled with modelled
projections, indicate with high confidence a future increase in the intensity of extreme rainfall
events. However, the magnitude of the increases cannot be confidently projected.
Drought will continue to be a feature of the regional climate variability, but projected changes are
uncertain.
Modelling of runoff changes show that increases in rainfall, should they occur, will have a major
impact. All models consistently predict that the Saxby and Flinders Rivers will have the greatest
increase in runoff, followed in descending order by the L Creek, M Creek, Nicholson River, Cloncurry
River, Leichhardt River, Mornington Island, Eight Mile Creek, Cliffdale Creek, Settlement River and
Lagoon Creek.
iii) Sea level
Sea levels will rise significantly along the Gulf of Carpentaria coastline within the Southern Gulf
region. Under the medium emission scenario, sea level rise will have doubled to 0.43m by 2090,
while under the higher emission scenario sea level rise will have tripled to 0.59m by 2090.
The Flinders River Basin was rated as having a high total risk and vulnerability, with the Leichhardt
and Nicholson Rivers, Settlement Creek and Morning Inlet given a comparatively lower medium risk
and vulnerability rating. Sea level rises under climate change was rated a low threat to most of the
Southern Gulf river basins, except for Settlement Creek, rated at medium risk, and Morning Inlet,
rated at high risk.
19
http://www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/en/climate-projections/future-climate/regional-climatechange-explorer/sub-clusters/?current=MNEC&tooltip=true&popup=true
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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Late in the century warming of the Monsoonal North East coastal waters poses a significant threat to
the marine environment through biological changes in marine species, including local abundance,
community structure, and enhanced coral bleaching risk. Sea surface temperature is projected to
increase in the range of 2.2 to 3.9 °C by 2090 under a high scenario. The sea will also become more
acidic, with acidification proportional to emissions growth.
iv) Other climatic changes
TROPICAL CYCLONES: Tropical cyclones are projected to become less frequent, but the proportion of
the most intense storms is projected to increase (medium confidence).
FIRE WEATHER: The primary determinant of bushfire in the Monsoonal North East is fuel availability,
which varies mainly with rainfall. Changes to future rainfall will be the determining factor of change
to fire frequency. When fire does occur, there is high confidence fire behaviour will be more
extreme.
EVAPORATION: Potential evapotranspiration is projected to increase in all seasons as warming
progresses (high confidence).
HUMIDITY: There is little change projected in relative humidity until later in the century under a high
emission scenario, where a decrease in relative humidity is projected (medium confidence).
b) Other Regional Drivers of Change
Management and use of natural resources occurs within the context of the world around us. Things
that happen on the property, such as a dump of rain or the bank calling in an overdue loan, are likely
to affect what a resource manager does today or tomorrow. But regional, national and global
activities and events can also affect the conditions of natural resources and how we manage them.
Global population growth is one of the most important factors driving NRM, fuelling the economy,
the demand for resources and the production of waste, including greenhouse gas emissions. The
impacts flow on to affect markets and prices, business viability, standards of living and the climate.
Any factor that causes a change in a system is thus called a “driver”.
Key drivers for the region include:
Demographic changes seeking growing demand for resources
Throughout the world people are living longer. Coupled with a growing middle class with increased
affluence, particularly in China and India, there is increased demand for foods and mineral resources
that the region provides.
Depreciation of the Australian dollar
Since the early 2000’s Australian trade has suffered from a high Australian dollar, making our
products more expensive compared to other nations. In recent years the value of the dollar has
declined making Australian products more competitive. However, this does have a negative impact
on the cost of imported goods, making them more expensive. There is projected to be a continued
decrease in the Australian dollar over the coming years.
Slow global economic growth
The global economy has had slow growth ever since the Global Financial Crisis which commenced in
2007. This is despite the continued increase in global population and median age, and the
subsequent demand for more resources. It is unclear how long this situation will continue, but slow
economic growth is likely to be an issue for the life of the plan.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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Competition from Brazil, India and other low cost countries
The region is dominated by industries that compete with developing nations. The region benefits
from being in close proximity to Asian markets, but will always be subject to global terms of trade
for its products.
Telecommunications
The rise of the internet and access to smart phones and other technology is providing a rapid
cultural and economic shift in Australia and the rest of the world. Information that assists decision
making, such as market spot prices, are readily available and can improve decision making. We are
able to access knowledge, information and expertise far more readily which improves the quality of
decision making in the region.
Sustainable Management of Natural Resources
It is increasingly recognised that a biodiverse and healthy environment improves the productivity
and sustainability of industries that rely on the landscape. Grazing benefits from having a diverse
range of healthy biota, fisheries from healthy fish stocks and communities and horticulture from
healthy water ways. This growing recognition for the benefits of sustainable NRM will continue to
underpin management strategies in the region.
Tourism
There is continued growth of nature based tourism, and the region is well placed to provide unique
experiences. Tourism growth will continue to be feature of the region. This not only brings new
economic opportunities, it reinforces the need to manage the impacts of camping and four wheel
driving to maintain the pristine environment for all to enjoy.
Appendix 2 contains a more detailed analysis of the drivers of change for the region.
c) Vulnerability Assessment
A climate change risk and vulnerability assessment was conducted for each of the assets listed in the
plan (refer Chapter 7). Risks were classified as:



Existing Response: Current or planned activities sufficient to address the risk
Operations Critical: Additional actions are required to address the risk
Enterprise Critical: Threatens the function of the Southern Gulf Region
No actions were identified as being Enterprise Critical. A vulnerability assessment was completed
for each risk that was identified as being Operations Critical. The key vulnerabilities for the region
were:

Grazing pressure leading to:
 Decreased ground cover
 Loss of biodiversity
 Increased erosion
 Loss of soil productivity
 Increased weed infestation
 Loss of riparian habitats

Greater variability, longer dry season and heatwave, with increased bushfire and periodic
flooding leading to:
 Decreased ground cover
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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




Loss of biodiversity in terrestrial and marine habitats
Increased erosion
Loss of soil productivity
Increased weed infestation
Coral bleaching

Erosion, feral animals and weeds leading to
 Siltation and pollution of coastal ecosystems
 Loss of riparian habitats

Unregulated camping and vehicle damage in key hotspots contributing to erosion, weed
infestation and habitat destruction.
Lower but significant vulnerability
 Mine leaching from unmanaged sites increasing pollution in waterways, particularly as a
result of increased flooding and storm intensity
 Depletion of water resources during extended dry season
 Thermal stress of grazing stock
 Overfishing by tourists
 Unmanaged off river water storage increase risk of pest and weed infestation, and release of
pollution.
Not significantly vulnerable but should be monitored
 Saltwater inundation of freshwater resources
 Mine leaching as a result of decreased ground cover
 Woody vegetation replacing grasses and herbs
 Loss of Prawn habitat from sedimentation
 Reduction in fisheries from loss of sea grass, warmer waters and ocean acidification
These vulnerabilities have been considered in the development of outcomes and actions listed
below. The full risk and vulnerability assessment is contained in appendix 4.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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5) Stakeholder Engagement
Stage 1 – commenced May 2014
During stage 1 the Regional NRM Plan update project consulted with stakeholders via a succinct
survey to ‘ground truth’ issues and concerns identified by staff and community champions. The
survey was tailored to each stakeholder group, addressing broader impacts under climate change
and more specific issues to provoke interest and a higher level of response.
Stage 2 – The circulation of this draft plan constitutes stage 2 of the engagement process.
Table 3: Scales and Stages for community engagement and consultation20
Scale
Regional
Stage 1
May 2014
Stage 2
October 2015
Consultation via a succinct survey
Quarterly e-updates through existing SGC enewsletter
Visibility on SGC website
Updates provided on SGC Facebook page
Group and
Individual
Circulation of the draft plan to key
stakeholders
Letter to major
groups/companies/Government agencies
inviting comments
Update displayed on SGC
website/Facebook
Consultation via a succinct survey tailored to
stakeholder groups and identified community
champions
Presentations at regional forums
Engagement correspondence to original
including reporting results from the first
stage of consultation
Focus on clarity of messaging based on risk and
vulnerability
Draft plan made available for download
online
a) Key findings Stage 1 Community Consultation and Engagement
The issue of climate change is often a contentious one, especially in a region which has recently
suffered a number of extremes in climate including the current drought conditions. It is difficult to
ascertain how much the current drought conditions have affected responses. In addition, with some
parts of the region only receiving an average 380mm of rainfall per year, the subject of drought and
rainfall is often foremost in people’s minds. A number of respondents commented on these
conditions and mentioned they tried to not base their responses on the recent wet seasons. The
number of responses per sector were generally not surprising except for the coastal/marine
community with only 1 response. It’s important to note that respondents were only sourced from
residents of the region.
The results indicated that almost all sectors agreed they are noticing that the wet season seems to
be arriving later, and consistently delivering less rain (approximately >66% of respondents). The
grazing industry was generally divided on this question though, with around 39.1% agreeing and
6.5% strongly agreeing, compared to 41.3% responding that the wet season is arriving at around the
same time as previous years. Many graziers added comments about the cyclical nature of climate,
and believed that current conditions are part of the ‘natural cycle’ which lasts around 10 or 11 years
20
Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement Strategy to support the update of the Southern Gulf Catchments
Natural Resource Management Plan 2014
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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and is not related to climate change. However, 43.5% of the grazing sector respondents agreed, and
6.5% strongly agreed that the wet season is consistently delivering less rain.
A similar pattern was seen with responses regarding whether there are a greater number of
extremely hot days throughout the year than in the past. 57.1% of the mining sector agreed and
7.1% strongly agreed, 66.7% of both the conservation and Indigenous sector respondents agreed
also. This is compared to the more varied response from the Grazing sector with 41.3% agreeing,
and 4.3% strongly agreeing that there seems to be more extremely hot days during the year, with
7.1% responding that it was about the same. Similarly, questions regarding other extreme weather
events generally had a divided response across all sectors. When asked whether respondents
thought that cyclones are having a bigger impact than in previous years only the conservation sector
agreed (66.7%). The grazing sector respondents replied with 54.3% disagreeing, 19.6% about the
same, and 66.7% of the Indigenous sector also disagreed. 46.7% of the mining sector thought that
cyclones were having the same impact as previous years, 13.3% disagreed and the majority of the
local Government sector respondents either disagreed (33.3%) or thought the impacts were about
the same (33%).
The survey results appear to indicate that concern still remains across all the sectors around the
invasion of pests and weeds. Almost all sectors agreed or strongly agreed that spread of weed seed
is increasing during each flood event, and that many weed species were flourishing. The grazing
sector responded that the threat of potentially new pests and weeds invading the region, under a
changing climate, is a major issues with over 86% agreeing or strongly agreeing. Conversely, each
sector generally disagreed that there are more naturally occurring fires than in previous years21.
A detailed report on the phone survey is contained in Appendix 5.
21
Southern Gulf Catchments Limited phone survey RESULTS to support the update of the Southern Gulf
Regional Natural Resource Management Plan
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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6) Priority Issues
As a result of the stage 1 consultation process it was identified that most of the priorities in the
previous NRM plan are still considered appropriate for the new NRM Plan. These results were
examined by key staff to form a proposed draft list of priorities for the new NRM Plan and for
stakeholders’ consideration.
Any proposed changes were guided by 2 overarching principles:
1. The guidelines of the funding programme, primarily that the Regional NRM Planning for
Climate Change fund is for Regional NRM Bodies to incorporate climate change mitigation
and adaptation into existing regional NRM plans
2. Reflective of the charter of Southern Gulf Catchments Limited as a facilitator of natural
resource management projects and programs on behalf of the communities of the Southern
Gulf NRM region.
Table 4: Priorities for the SGC NRM Plan
Asset
Priority Issues
1. Unsustainable grazing practices lead to degradation and erosion
2. Pest plants and woody weeds create a threat to production and biodiversity
3. Current greenhouse gas emissions are too high
Water
6. Human activities create serious impacts on the integrity and conservation of river
systems and wetlands
7. Tourists are a major source of those impacts on water in key areas
8. Over extraction of surface and ground water threatens waters value
Biodiversity 9. Pest animals threaten native species
10. Pest plants threaten biodiversity
11. Fishing activities both recreational and commercial threaten fish stocks
Coastal
14. Ghost nets and other marine debris threaten wildlife
marine
15. Marine pest plants and animals potentially threaten wildlife
16. The quality and quantity of water discharged to the Gulf is under threat
Cultural
17. There are major threats to significant cultural sites from damage and loss
heritage
18. There is a continuing loss of culture and connection to country
19. Indigenous interests in land and sea are not adequately represented in decision
making
Community 20. The community’s future depends on access to water and to generate social and
economic benefits
21. Community viability is threatened in the face of climate change and external social
and economic drivers
22. Levels of heavy metal dust and fumes are too high
Land
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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7) Assets and Strategies
a) Land
This section is a summary based on a more detailed report that can be found appendix 3.1
i)
Background
2
The Southern Gulf Catchment covers a total area of 214,450km , 90% of which is in Queensland,
while 10% is in the Northern Territory. The region is roughly the same size as the whole state of
Victoria.
The most recent classification of the land in the region was undertaken using the Grazing Land
Management Land Types. The map below illustrates that the south of the region is largely Mitchell
Grass plains or Rough Spinifex Hills interspersed by Open Red Country. The areas adjacent to the
Gulf of Carpentaria are Coastal Country, South of which is Bluegrass/Browntop Plains. The east of
the region consists of a complex mix of Basalt, Sandy Forest Country, Hughenden Rough Country.
Figure 3: Grazing Land Management Land Forms for Southern Gulf Catchments
source: www.southerngulf.com.au
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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One particular feature of the soils in the grazing lands of the Monsoonal North is that they are
typically phosphorus deficient. This impedes both weight gain and reproductive productivity22.
Phosphorus supplements are therefore important for maintaining the nutritional health and
productivity of cattle, particularly in the wet season, when grass contains high levels of protein
needed for animal production.
Trials have been undertaken for the assessment of land condition using the ABCD Land Condition
Classification scheme. While localised problems are known, a comprehensive assessment of land
condition has not been completed for the Southern Gulf NRM Region, so it is not clear the extent to
which land is relatively intact. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the quality of land management
practices is generally good.
Land in the region is managed by a large number of individual owners, lessees, traditional owners,
Government agencies, Local Governments, Landcare Groups and Aboriginal Community Councils.
The table below shows land tenure within the Southern Gulf Catchments NRM region (figures are
based on the North West Division ABS Area) compared with the State as a whole. Table 5: Land tenure within Southern Gulf Catchments
Percentage Tenure
Tenure
North West Qld
Aboriginal Land
Queensland
4.1
Freehold other than Aboriginal Land
19.5
Leasehold other than Aboriginal Land
74.2
Nature Conservation Reserve
1.6
Forest Reserve
0
Defence Land
0
Other Crown Land
0.6
THIS TABLE WILL BE UPDATED TO REFLECT MORE RECENT DATA
2.4
36.3
54.3
3.3
2.3
0.2
0.8
CARBON FARMING
There are some opportunities for carbon sequestration in the landscape. In terms of generating
credits under the Carbon Farming Initiative, only the Savannah Burning Methodology has been
trialled in Northern Australia. This methodology is being extended to include a low rainfall zone (600
to 1000mm) which covers the northern reaches of the Southern Gulf Region. Changes in seasonal
rainfall, as a result of climate change, will have significant impact. However, the greatest impact on
carbon stocks is likely to be from poor fire management. For this reason managing fire for fuel loads
as well as tree populations is still very important. It may also be found that reducing the current fire
frequency from that used in the model simulations may actually mitigate the predicted losses due to
changes in rainfall.
A range of studies have also been conducted into the potential for managing ground cover to
improve carbon storage. Of critical importance is the capacity of land to respond to rain and
produce useful forage. The results of these studies indicate that land in good condition, specifically
an increased abundance of perennial grass tussocks, should have a long term outcome of increased
soil carbon across the region. The establishment of the long term monitoring program will carry the
22
Jackson, D., Rolfe, J., English, B., Holmes, B., Matthews, R., Dixon, R., Smith, P., and MacDonald, N.
(2012) Phosphorus management of beef cattle in northern Australia. Meat and Livestock Australia.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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above research through to re-affirm these predictions for the trial sites. This monitoring data will be
imperative to determine:
 the increase in soil carbon at the site
 the improvement in landscape health
 the most effective land rehabilitation technique, and
 the affect of mechanical land rehabilitation on land condition score.
The management of grazing practices in the region will have the greatest contribution on the
condition of ground cover in the future.
ii) THREATS
POORLY MANAGED GRAZING
While the rate of vegetation clearance in the region has been historically very low, native vegetation
never-the-less can be threatened by continuous uncontrolled grazing. While not often described as
vegetation clearance, continuous uncontrolled grazing can greatly reduce species diversity and
vegetation cover. Excessive grazing pressure can also lead to soil erosion, particularly in high risk
areas and increase the risk of invasive weed species.
Controlling risks of over-grazing requires adoption of a comprehensive suite of measures including,
stocking rates, pasture management and supplementary feed. A well-structured Property
Management Plan is the most effective mechanism to identify and implement this suite of changes.
Areas at high risk of erosion and degradation will need to be identified as part of the development of
the Property Management Plan, and stocking and pasture management controls implemented to
minimise these risks. Stock route management will also need to be addressed.
FIRE
Fire management is also a key factor in sustainable management. Best practice for fire management
is not fully understood, partially because it varies considerably across the region and seasonally.
Additionally the purpose for fire management (weed control, regrowth, etc.) affects the apparent
effectiveness.
MINING
Past and present mining operations and exploration activities have considerable potential for
ongoing, harmful environmental impacts unless effective management practices are in place to
minimise land disturbance, mitigate or control site emissions and allow appropriate site
rehabilitation.
Present-day mining and processing take place under environmental management guidelines, subject
to licensing by the EPA to address the major issues of waste water management, water quality
monitoring, rehabilitation of disturbed areas, overburden dumps and tailings; final landform
stability, including tailings dam stability site land use after mining.
The lack of rehabilitation of derelict mines and old mining areas and the subsequent environmental
impacts including erosion and the re-mobilisation of elements through exposure.
OTHER
Other threats such as population growth, broadscale native vegetation clearance, and horticulture
are not yet at a scale that is likely to threaten the natural resources of the region. Irrigation
development along the Flinders Region is a potential future threat that will need to be monitored.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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iii) Outcomes
All land in the Southern Gulf NRM region is sustainably managed and condition is improving by 2020.
iv) Baseline
There is very limited data to understand the current status of the landscape at the present time.
Site specific information indicates that the land is is generally good condition across most sites in the
gulf.
v)
Management Actions and Implementation
LAND
Regional NRM Priority
Strategic Objective
1. Unsustainable
grazing practices lead
to degradation and
erosion
Ensure there is
comprehensive land
condition monitoring.
Ensure all land
management practices
contribute to improving
land condition.
2. Pest plants and
woody weeds create a
threat to production
and biodiversity
3. Current Greenhouse
gas emissions are too
high
Key partners and
collaborators
Land Managers
Northern Gulf
Catchments
RegenAg
Qld Department of
Agriculture and
Fisheries (QDAF)
Meat and Livestock
Australia (MLA)
Agforce
Landcare and other
community
environment groups
Refer to the section on
the Biodiversity Asset
below
As above
Research grazing and land
management practices to
capture carbon in the
landscape.
As above
Develop a grazing
methodology under the
ERF
Actions
Establish region wide ABCD
Land Condition monitoring
by 2018.
Update and review grazing
land management standards
by 2019.
Identify high priority
management areas by 2020.
Review fire management
practices and develop a
regional best practice
guideline by 2017.
Refer to the section on the
Biodiversity Asset below
Continue to support
research into grazing
management for improved
carbon.
Develop draft CFI
methodology for
management of perennial
tussock grasslands
Develop 5 trials of the CFI
Savannah Burning
Methodology in SGC by
2019.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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b) Inland Waters
This section is a summary based on a more detailed report that can be found Appendix 3.2.
i) Background
The Southern Gulf NRM region is a vast area of both tropical perennial streams and large rivers to
the flat coastal wetlands of the Southern Gulf of Carpentaria. All highly dependent on the seasons
and in particular the often unpredictable natural flow regimes crucial to maintaining environmental
flows. The remoteness and size of the region has contributed to a paucity of knowledge however it is
thought that many of the aquatic ecosystems of northern Australia are currently in good condition
and of high national and global value.
Figure 4: Key issues for inland waters
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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Table 6: Catchments within the region
Rainfall variability is high, both within any one
year and from year to year, being in the order of
20-25%. Most rivers are perennial and are dry for
most of the year but most still contain
waterholes, an important refuge for plants and
animals. Whereas the Gregory River and Lawn
Hill Creek are spring-fed permanent streams.
Image iii: Rubber Vine (source SGC)
The flows in these rivers are highly variable
within season and between years. The Gregory
river (part of the Nicholson catchment) is the
only river in the region with a consistent
continuous flow throughout the year.
The Gulf wetlands are some of the most
important ecological communities in Australia, supporting many industries including the lucrative
prawn and fin-fish industries as well as recreational fishing, grazing, tourism and Indigenous
communities. A vast 25,000km2 of the southern-eastern Gulf of Carpentaria is listed under the
Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia. The southern Gulf wetland aggregation vary from
extensive marine intertidal flats, beaches and fore dunes to swales, saline clay plains and tidal
channels which are heavily influenced by the tides and flooding events.
The surface water resources of the Southern Gulf NRM region not only serve as habitat for aquatic
plants and animals but also water for irrigated agriculture, drinking water for humans and stock,
process water for mining and industry as well as recreational purposes. The North Queensland
Irrigated Agriculture Strategy (NQIAS) identified water storage and large areas of potentially irrigable
agricultural soils (more than 8 million ha, 2 million of which are most promising), and there is the
potential for an irrigation development in the Flinders catchment totalling 10,000 to 20,000 ha.
Currently, major water resource development within the region is largely associated with the mining
industry. The majority of surface water entitlements are accessed from the Flinders, Leichhardt and
Gilbert basins. Water for industrial use, stock and domestic (including town water supplies) is
highest around Mt Isa in the Leichhardt catchment. Whereas surface water for irrigation is the
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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highest in the Flinders Catchment. Much of this water is accessed via in stream storages. Lake Julius
is the largest storage in the Southern Gulf Catchments NRM region and is available as back-up supply
for Mount Isa mines and town use, and for use by Ernest Henry Mining. Lake Moondarra is the major
source of supply for Mount Isa and the mining operations of Glencores’ Mount Isa Mines.
Groundwater is also a most valuable water resource in the Southern
Gulf region, and is obtained predominantly from the Great Artesian
Basin (GAB) but also in some areas from sub-artesian sources (i.e.
not connected to the GAB). The basin was formed between 100 and
250 million years ago and comprises of alternating permeable and
impermeable layers with the permeable layer causing the
groundwater to become pressurised. The accessibility of this water
source has meant that permanent water can be accessible almost
every 6 km due to the numerous bores, bore drains and dams across
the region
Image iv: A rehabilitated bore (source
GABCC)
There is a very limited knowledge of the aquatic flora and fauna of
the region, with no complete inventory of species or their
distribution. To date, 4 fish species are known to inhabit the Flinders catchment, including the
commercially and recreationally important Barramundi. The Freshwater Sawfish has been recorded
in the region and is one of the most important freshwater fish species, listed as vulnerable under the
EPBC Act and critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Again, little is known
of the ecology and exact distribution of the species.
Groundwater dependant ecosystems including springs are also numerous with almost all of these
springs containing communities which are listed as endangered under the Environmental Protection
and Biodiversity Act as they are dependent on the natural discharge from the GAB. Springs provide a
critical habitat for numerous species, many of which can be found nowhere else. There is plenty of
scope for further survey work which will undoubtedly reveal more endemic species.
Riparian areas or riparian communities are the areas that fringe rivers and waterholes and play a
critical role by filtering nutrients and sediments from the land, stabilise river banks and provide
important habitat for numerous species. These areas are highly productive and hence are not only
favoured by native species but also introduced species, pests and weeds. Furthermore, the
difference in habitat between the riparian areas and the sounding landscape can be very
pronounced emphasizing their attractiveness.
ii) THREATS
WEEDS
Land managers and all stakeholders of the Southern Gulf NRM region regard weeds as a significant
threat, including to the aquatic ecosystems. The distribution and abundance of weeds in the region
is poorly known however reports considering the rangelands estimates that there are more than 640
non-native plant species and 92 of these pose the greatest risk to biodiversity. Many of these
species are either escaped ornamentals or were introduced deliberately for primary production.
The weeds that are arguably the most environmentally concerning weeds are Rubber Vine and Belly
Ache Bush, both which are Weeds of National Significance and both are common across the
northern riparian areas. Other weed species that particularly favour the riparian zone include
noogoora burr, calotrope and parkinsonia. The weed calotrope is a relative newcomer ( past 10
years) to the region and is spreading quickly especially to areas along water courses.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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Unfortunately some aquatic weeds have also made their way into the region with salvinia and water
hyacinth being found in the Nicholson-Gregory watershed as well as Lake Julius reservoir near
Mount Isa. The weed hymenachne also poses a threat to the region, particularly the southern gulf
wetlands aggregation.
GRAZING AND FERAL ANIMALS
Grazing pressure especially in riparian areas which
are favoured by cattle eventually leads to increased
rates of soil erosion, trampling and loss of native
vegetation and the potential for further weed
spread. Grazing pressures may not also be a result of
cattle but also other feral animals including feral
horses and pigs. The pressure on these systems is
particularly acute during the dry season with some
studies finding that water quality and invertebrate
communities can suffer.
Image v: Cattle grazing close to water holes
(source SGC)
Animal pest species found in the region include feral
pigs, feral cats, wild dogs, cane toads, feral horses or brumbies, feral cattle, rabbits, swamp
buffaloes, camels, donkeys and goats. Feral pigs are considered to be the most damaging of
vertebrate pests in the region and exist in high populations causing major destruction of native
ecosystems, particularly wetlands and permanent waterways.
GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION
Groundwater is an important resource for the Southern Gulf Catchments NRM region. The flinders
catchment has more than 3000 registered groundwater bores, with the vast majority of these
accessing the Great Artesian Basin. Since European settlement and the increased pressures on the
GAB there have been marked changes to many spring complexes, particularly in discharge areas in
Queensland with only 44% of the original 171 spring complexes still active.
EROSION
Agricultural development in Northern Australia
has received increased focus in recent years,
particularly the Flinders and Gilbert catchments
under the Australian Governments’ CSIRO
Flinders and Gilbert Agricultural Resource
Assessment part of the North Queensland
Irrigated Agriculture Strategy. Besides localised
impacts, environmental flows are key to the
health of key recreational and commercial fishing
catches. Wet season floods play a critical role in
the health of river systems in northern Australia
and the catchments of the southern gulf region
are no exception. By transporting nutrients and
Image vi: Measuring the extent of soil erosion
sediments through the system a diverse areas of (source SGC)
habitats and species are created and supported
from floodplains, river channels, riparian vegetation and wetlands.
Much debate around whether alluvial gully erosion is an artificial or natural process still occurs in the
region however it is generally agreed that the rate of erosion has increased since European
settlement. These increased rates can be attributed to a number of factors, including cattle grazing
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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in the riparian zone, a reduction in perennial grasses, tree clearing and infrastructure development
such as roads and tracks.
If climatic conditions change and in particular become more variable with higher intensity rainfall
events, erosion rates may increase. Estimates for the amount of sediment produced in extremely
active sediment sources can be up to 35,000 tonne per hectare per year.
TOURISM
The environmental values of Northern Australia are also valued by tourists and recreational users,
mainly for camping, fishing, boating, hunting, bush walking, bird watching and gem fossicking.
Recreational fishing is also one of the biggest tourism activities in the region as well as being a very
popular pastime for residents. These pastimes are well suited to camping and caravanning both in
designated and non-designated areas. Permanent waterholes are favoured especially for
recreational fishers and with the potential of localised impacts such as littering, damage to the
riparian zone, water pollution and firewood removal. Much of the camping done in the southern gulf
NRM region is ‘free bush camping’ either with permission or sometimes without. Unfortunately
some visitors don’t treat the environment and unique habitats of the region with the respect it
deserves.
MINING
The Mining industry is a source of great wealth for the region, however the legacy of abandoned
mines has the potential to put the regions natural resources at risk. Abandoned mines have the
potential to contaminate soil, surface and groundwater. These contaminants are often heavy metals
such as lead and copper which are detrimental to all plants and animals.
Image vii: source SGC
Impacts from mining have also been observed in the township of Mt Isa with increasing focus in
recent years. Both soil, air and water have been impacted by contaminants from mining operations
in the past with lead being of particular concern. Mt Isa is unique however with the country’s’ only
documented natural filtration facility (Clearwater Lagoon) playing a major role in trapping and
filtering any contaminants to produce water within Australian drinking water guidelines.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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iii) Outcomes
By 2020, have strategies in place for the sustainable management of all inland water sources.
iv) Baseline
While the majority of the inland waters are in relatively good condition there remain a significant
proportion of uncapped bores, feral animals, weeds, erosion problems and other issues in the
region.
v)
Management Actions and Implementation
INLAND WATERS
Regional NRM Priority
4. Human activities create
serious impacts on the
integrity and conservation of
river systems and wetlands
Strategic Objective
Key partners and
collaborators
Land Managers
PIAG
Research and
education
institutions
DEHP
DAFF
DoE
Landcare groups or
other community
envt groups
 Promote and support
land and water
management practices
that maintain water
quality
 Promote and support
the adoption of best
practice land and water
management practices
 Assist and support the
development of priority
area identification
framework for aquatic
systems
 Assist and support
localised research in the
region
Continued support for the Pastoral
Industry Advisory Group (PIAG)
Continue collaborative partnerships
with research institutions
Continue collaborative partnerships
with community environment
groups or Landcare groups.
Identify hot spots and catchments
where there is significant erosion
potential by 2017
Establish strategic management
strategy for priority erosion areas by
2018.
5. Tourists are a major source
of those impacts on water in
key areas
 Support and facilitate
the development of
location specific tourism
management plans
QLD Tourism
Authority
Local Govt agencies
CLCaC
Aboriginal
Communities
Mt Isa Fish Stocking
Assoc
Landcare groups or
other community
envt groups
6. Over extraction of surface
and ground water threatens
water values
 Promote and support
collaborative water
resource planning
 Promote and support
water use efficiency
measures
DNRM
Local Govt agencies
Land managers
Landcare groups or
other community
envt groups
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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31
Provide support and facilitate the
sustainable use of the Flinders River
catchment
Develop a tourism management
strategy by 2018
Support reinvestment in the bore
capping program.
 Facilitate the reduction
of barriers to aquatic
connectivity
 Assist in the protection
and management of
groundwater dependent
ecosystems
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c) Biodiversity
This section is a summary based on a more detailed report that can be found Appendix 3.3.
i) Background
The Southern Gulf NRM region contains habitats from open tropical woodlands to semi-arid
woodlands and grasslands. Although the rate of disturbance and impacts on biodiversity has
generally been much less than the rest of the country many pressures still exist such as
unsustainable grazing and altered fire regimes.
The protection and sustainable management of biodiversity in the region is exacerbated with the
lack of basic information on the extent, processes and threats. In particular knowledge of the coastal
and marine ecosystems is poorly known. Comprehensive assessments on abundance and
distribution of species is also required to measures impacts under a changing climate.
A wide range of vegetation types occur in the region reflecting the wide diversity of landforms,
geology and soil types and the climatic variation. Original, pre-European vegetation types are still
broadly retained, although many are impacted by grazing.
The region is comprised of three major bioregions:
 Gulf Plains, which cover approximately 12% of Queensland and contain a variety of
ecosystems from coastal salt flats and mangroves to huge areas of grasslands and
woodlands
 North West Highlands (Mount Isa Inlier) generally rugged hill country with mostly red
skeletal soils, characterised by snappy gum communities with spinifex understorey.
 and Mitchell Grass Downs largely undulating plains dominated by Mitchell Grass tussock
grassland. Soils are self-mulching deep, heavy grey or brown clays. These form some of the
most productive and resilient grazing country
Parts of the Einasleigh Uplands and Desert Uplands bioregions in
Queensland also fall within the Southern Gulf region and the
numerous regional ecosystems included in these bioregions.
There are 7 plant species listed as threatened, 5 as vulnerable and
2 as endangered. These include the vulnerable Pink Gidgee and the
endangered listed species, king blue grass and the little known a
prostrate trailing Cajanus mareebensi, an annual or short-lived
trailing perennial herb which dies back each year.
The Einasleigh Uplands and Desert Uplands are special areas which
have been designated as particularly bio-diverse or “hotspots” by
the Australian Government, of which there are 15 across Australia.
These “hotspots” represent sites which are highly important in
terms of rare species that are exposed to significant threats. Both
of these hotspots cover a range of NRM regions including Wet
Tropics, Burdekin Dry Tropics, Northern Gulf and Southern Gulf
Image viii: Purple necked Rock
NRM regions. The Einasleigh basalt lava flows and lava tunnels
Wallaby (source: Colin Driscoll)
provide habitat for threatened and geographically restricted plants
and animals. Lake Buchanan and Lake Galilee represent ecologically and geologically important
wetlands. The Desert Uplands bioregion contains 22 rare or threatened animals, including the
Masked Owl and the Julia Creek Dunnart, and 29 rare or threatened plants.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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The Southern Gulf NRM Region has 5 protected areas, predominantly resources reserves or national
parks. Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill National Park) in particular is well recognised for its biological and
geological values. The perennial streams and wetlands habitats make the region very biodiverse
containing the vulnerable purple-crowned fairy-wren and the Gulf snapping turtle which until
recently was thought to be extinct.
Figure 5: Protected areas in the Southern Gulf NRM Region
There are currently three nature refuges in the region, Bullen Bullen near Four Ways and Maiden
Springs and Clarke Hills nature refuges which are shared with neighbouring regions. A number of
reptile species inhabit this area of arid tropical savannah dominated by native grasses and scrub
species as well as the purple-necked rock Wallaby.
ENDANGERED, RARE AND VULNERABLE SPECIES
The region supports more than 2000 animals including 502 species of birds, 101 mammals, 231
reptiles and 432 species of fish. Unfortunately 29 are threatened under Federal legislation including
the iconic Gouldian Finch once common throughout the savannah woodlands of northern Australia
and the Julia Creek Dunnart a small carnivorous marsupial restricted to Queensland.
The freshwater sawfish is unique as it is also included in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species list
developed by the IUCN Global Species Programme which assesses the conservation status of species
on a global scale. And finally the critically endangered Bare Rumped Shealthtail Bat and
insectivorous bat thought to inhabit much of Northern Australia.
The Southern Gulf NRM Region is part of the internationally important East Asian-Australasian
Flyway representing an international chain of wetlands of huge importance for migratory shorebirds
providing important stop overs for birds to rest and feed. Some species travel more than 20,000 km
in their annual migration. Species include the Great Sand Plover, Bar Tailed Godwit and the
Sanderling.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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ii)
THREATS
A PAUCITY OF INFORMATION
A common theme across much of
Image Sanderling
Northern Australia is the general lack of
region-wide information particularly an
assessment of terrestrial and aquatic
biodiversity species condition and trend.
Long term systematic studies are
required to be able to make accurate
predictions of the resilience of species
under a changing climate. For example, many thousand invertebrate species are likely to inhabit the
region but are poorly represented in any databases.
GRAZING
Grazing is the predominant land use in the Southern Gulf NRM Region. Poor grazing management
practices can result in grazing animals eating and trampling vegetation and degradation of soil
structure, leading to changes in vegetation cover. Other grazing pressures include: inappropriate
pasture management; increased competitiveness of native and exotic trees and shrubs; changes in
fire frequency provision of artificial water points. These pressures are often particularly felt in
wetland and riparian areas where stock congregate.
The loss of groundcover and top soil in heavily grazed systems is fast becoming an increasing
concern for biodiversity values in the region. Maintaining soil cover is vital to controlling erosion in
grazing lands and once lost is extremely difficult to remediate. Many argue that the landscape has
been naturally eroding before European settlement however it is generally accepted that
inappropriate land management practices can cause and accelerate erosion rates. Gully erosion in
particular can be associated with local scale denudation of vegetation communities. The erosion
potential is exacerbated by increasing intensity of rainfall under a changing climate.
INSTALLATION OF ARTIFICIAL WATERING POINTS
There is an obvious relationship between increased grazing pressure with distance to water and
there have been vast changes to the landscape with the rapid increase in the number of permanent
water sources. Besides cattle, many native and feral animals benefit from this water and help to
maintain their populations including feral pigs. Birds have also increased in abundance and extended
their ranges in many cases as a result of increased availability to water, however further research
specific to the Southern Gulf NRM region is required.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Native animal species will continue to be lost as a result of climate change. Under either a medium
or high emissions scenario by 2045, climate change in the Southern and Northern Gulf NRM regions
will have caused a loss of 5 to 6 amphibian species, 8 to 11 bird species, 4 to 7 Mammal species and
11 to 14 Reptile species.
By 2085, these figures will have increased to a loss of 7 to 13 amphibian species, 11 to 22 bird
species, 7 to 16 Mammal species and 15 to 37 Reptile species. Mammal species that will be lost
include: Greater bilby, Spinifex hopping mouse, Southern marsupial mole, Gould's long-eared bat,
Squirrel glider, Mount Claro rock-wallaby, Fat-tailed dunnart, Lesser hairy-footed dunnart,
Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo, Ringtail possum, and the Carpentaria rock rat.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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FIRE
Inappropriate fire regimes have implications for grazing management but also for biodiversity values
for example the reduction or loss of native plant species which are sensitive to more frequent or hot
fires. Whereas the absence of fire can lead to increased woody tree thickening reducing pasture and
biodiversity values. An ideal fire regime to maintain biodiversity at a landscape scale requires the
development of a mosaic of burnt areas and unburnt areas naturally allowing for species to
regenerate and repopulate. Some studies have shown a rapid decline in some small mammal
species with fire being implicated a major cause however another contributing factor could be the
increased predation by cats. Conversely ants may benefit from more frequent fires by promoting a
more open habitat. Hence, fire management planning is required to not only incorporate finer scale
mosaic burning but to also consider local species which require special attention.
WOODY TREE THICKENING
Corresponding with the changes in fire regimes and increased native pasture utilisation via grazing
there also has been a marked increase in woody tree thickening in the Gulf region. The thickening of
the cover of trees reduces the amount of pasture production and the management of cattle more
difficult. The most common species associated with thickening across the Gulf are;
 Bread fruit ( Gardenia vilhelmii )
 White Wood (Atalava hemiglauca)
 Gutta percha ( Excoecaria parvifolia )
 Yellow wood ( Terminalia platyptera, T. platyphylla )
 Rubbervine ( Cryptostegia grandiflora )
 Wattles (Acacia spp.)
 Tea tree (Melaleuca spp.)
 Cooktown ironwood ( Erythrophleum chlorostachys )
 Currant bush ( Carissa lanceolata )
 Mimosa bush (Acacia farnesinia)
Source (permission needs to be obtained) The Future Beef team (contact Mareeba or Cloncurry)
WEEDS
Weeds are one of the major issues facing terrestrial biodiversity in the Southern Gulf NRM region.
Many weeds were introduced to the region either accidently or deliberately as ornamentals, for
pasture or fodder and even for shade. Some information on the distribution of major weeds is
known but for others the information is limited. Furthermore, large scale management of weeds in
such a vast area will always pose a problem. In a changing climate the risk of further weed invasions
from neighbouring regions also poses a significant threat.
Priority Weed Species for the region - Southern Gulf Catchments Regional Pest Management Plan
2011
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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














Rubber vine
Prickly acacia
Mesquite
Parkinsonia
Bellyache bush
Calotrope
Parthenium
Chinee apple
Athel pine
Giant rat’s tail grass
Mimosa
Salvinia
Hymenachne
Lantana
Cacti
Image ix: Feral pig (source Northern Gulf NRM Board)
PEST ANIMALS
Pest animals are also a major impact on the biodiversity values of the region. Cane toads, foxes,
rabbits, goats, cats, wild dogs and pigs are declared as pests under the Land Protection (Pest and
Stock Route Management) Act 2002 in Queensland. Unfortunately there is no statewide strategy or
program for the control of pest animals to protect biodiversity values and responsibility ultimately
falls to the land manager. Pest animals not only compete for food with native animals but can also
predate on them, spread weeds and diseases, cause erosion and general habitat degradation.
Pest species may predate upon and compete with native fauna, degrade habitat by assisting in the
spread of invasive weed species, cause erosion through trampling and compete with production
animals through the grazing of native pastures
Priority feral animal species for the region (Southern Gulf Catchments Regional Pest Management
Plan 2011)
 Feral pig
* Wild dogs
* Fox * Cane toad
*Feral cat
Other problem species include feral rabbits and goats. Plague locusts are also a periodic problem
iii) Outcomes
By 2020, see an increased investment in weed and feral management by 50%.
iv) Baseline
While biodiversity is relatively intact in the region, there are a number of threatening processes that
are reversing this situation as described above
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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v)
Management Actions and Implementation
BIODIVERSITY
Regional NRM Priority
7. Pest animals threaten
native species
8. Pest plants threaten
biodiversity
9. Fishing activities both
recreational and
commercial threaten fish
stocks
Strategic Objective
 Support the identification
of priority species and
critical refugia to maintain
biodiversity values
 Promote and support the
adoption of best practice
pest animal management
planning with Local
authorities (from Local
Government. Land Councils
and Aboriginal
Corporations)
 Strive to understand the
drivers of declines in
populations of key species
 Assist and support localized
research of pest animals
 Promote and support the
adoption of best practice
pest plant management
planning with Local
authorities (from Local
Government. Land Councils
and Aboriginal
Corporations)
 Assist and support localised
research of pest plants in
the region
 Identify and facilitate
opportunities to assess
rising sea levels and storm
surge events on
biodiversity values and fish
stocks
 dentify and facilitate
opportunities to prioritise
high value coastal
ecosystems
 Identify and facilitate the
removal of barriers to
aquatic connectivity
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
Key partners and
collaborators
Land Managers
PIAG
Research and
education
institutions
DEHP
DAFF
DoE
Landcare groups and
other community
environment groups
Local Government
Adjacent NRM
Regions
Actions
Local Govt agencies
CLCaC
Aboriginal
Community’s
Landcare groups or
other community
envt groups
Progress the actions identified in the
Regional Pest Management Plan
2011 and ensure when the RMP is
updated, new actions are identified
and progressed
Continue collaborative partnerships
with research institutions
Continue partnership and
collaboration with Weed Research
Centre and adjacent NRM regions
Progress the actions identified in the
Regional Pest Management Plan
2011 and ensure when the RMP is
updated, new actions are identified
and progressed
Continue collaborative partnerships
with research institutions
Continue partnership and
collaboration with Weed Research
Centre
DEHP
Land managers
Mt Isa Fish Stocking
Assoc
Local Govt agencies
Research and
education
institutions
Landcare groups and
other community
environment groups
Local Government
Adjacent NRM
Regions
38
Continued support for the Pastoral
Industry Advisory Group (PIAG)
Support the continued balance of
native pastures through best
practice grazing management to
achieve improved biodiveristy
Establish formal working
relationship with commercial fishing
industry by 2017
Identify if no go or seasonal zones
are required in the gulf to allow
restoration of fish stocks by 2018
d) Coasts
This chapter has been summarised from Northern and Southern Gulf NRM Regions: Coastal Marine
Zone NRM Issues 2014. A full copy of the report is contained in Appendix 3.4.
i) Background
The Gulf of Carpentaria’s coastal and marine zone supports biodiversity that is of global conservation
significance including breeding marine turtle populations, submerged patch reefs, extensive seagrass
beds, a significant proportion of the world’s dugong population, endangered sawfish and river
sharks, three species of inshore dolphin, nationally important coastal wetlands, major seasonal
aggregations of internationally migrating shore birds and nationally significant breeding populations
of water birds. The health and productivity of the coastal and marine zone is also reflected in
traditional, recreational and commercial fisheries that produce over $50m of crab, prawn and finfish
product, support a tourist industry and provide material and cultural sustenance for Indigenous
people.
Figure 6: Coastal and Marine Zone defined by combination of Karumba Plains and Wellesley Islands
Provinces of the Gulf Plains Bioregion (Sattler and Williams 1999) and an approximate 160 nautical
mile arc extending out from Karumba as an epicentre
While coastal shorelines provide a conceptual boundary between terrestrial land and aquatic marine
ecosystems, biophysical and ecological process continuity extends across this boundary. Dependent
linkages between contributing river basins and receiving marine ecosystems include the influence of
catchment condition on water quality, the role of river flows in maintaining aquatic habitat and
delivering nutrients to the coastal zone both underpinning fishery productivity and biota that utilise
both freshwater and marine habitats during their life cycle. These dependent linkages underpin the
importance of targeting strategic NRM initiatives within the Gulf’s river basins to deliver coastal and
marine ecosystem outcomes.
ii) Threats
The condition of coastal lands and aquatic ecosystems are being impacted directly and indirectly by
extensive rangeland grazing, pervasive threats posed by exotic species and unmanaged fire regime.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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For marine areas the most significant condition impacts currently recognised are associated with
commercial fishery catch including non-targeted bycatch species, disturbance of the environment
via trawling and marine debris originating primarily from foreign fisheries. Localised impacts are also
associated with coastal development, port operations, recreational fishing based tourism and
settlement. Commercial bycatch is regarded as having a particularly heavy toll on larger marine
species such as dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins and sawfish.
Evidence predominantly anecdotal, is also emerging of vulnerable receiving environments (e.g. sea
grass) and dependent biota being significantly impacted by turbid flood plumes attributed to intense
wet season rain events, the poor and eroded condition of Gulf river basins and associated elevated
sediment loads.
Given the Gulf region’s natural levels of climatic variability and its low lying, low gradient coastline
projected climate change and sea level rise poses significant impact risks to the Gulf coastal zone.
Some sea level rise impacts are already evident as eroded beach strands, breached dune swale
systems and salinised coastal wetlands. Coastal areas are going to experience further relatively rapid
changes in response to sea level rise and more extreme cyclones and storm surges with major
disruption to coastal and near shore ecosystems and concomitant impacts to biodiversity expected.
Projected increases in temperature and changes in rainfall patterns including more frequent and
extended droughts and greater intensity wet season rainfall will also serve to exacerbate the
region’s natural levels of climatic variability and existing catchment condition driven impacts on
receiving estuarine and marine ecosystems. Unchecked climate change poses severe sustainability
risks to coastal and marine biodiversity including impacts associated with ocean acidification,
benthic temperature increases and increased turbidity.
No coordinated or ongoing system scale monitoring of biota, physical parameters or ecosystem
condition within the Gulf’s coastal and marine environment currently exists. This is in stark contrast
to other coastal areas of Queensland with high value marine biodiversity assets e.g. the Great
Barrier Reef and Morton Bay catchments.
The Gulf is unlikely to ever enjoy the level of management investment afforded to more populated
and developed Great Barrier Reef catchments. However, the conservation and cultural values of its
marine biodiversity assets and the direct economic values of its fishery assets warrant further
investment in building the systems understanding required to sustainably manage its ecosystems in
the face of challenges being presented by emerging land use impacts, development proposals and
global warming driven climate change and sea level rise.
iii) Outcomes
By 2020, ensure that the coastal waters of the Southern Gulf are managed sustainably and key
impacts are being addressed.
iv)
Baseline
Increased run off – Is believed to significantly impact sea grass beds, impacting dugong populations.
The sources of this are elevated soil erosion, metals and other mining industry associated loads from
past or current mining practices. Grazing pressure, particularly close to the coast.
Fishing impact – Indigenous, commercial and tourism. Fishing by catch is a regularly raised issue.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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v)
Management Actions and Implementation
The report underpinning this chapter was not finalised until late 2015 and there has not be sufficient
time to consider the implications of the Conduct a comprehensive review of the issues raised in the
coastal study and identify additional actions required to reduce impacts – by June 2016.
While SGC has not has not directly funded programs or had monitoring in the coastal zone, there has
been past collaborations through ghost net projects. SGC will consider whether it should be more
actively engaged in coastal zone management in the future.
COASTS
Regional NRM Priority
10. Ghost nets and
other marine debris
threaten wildlife
Strategic Objective
 Ensure marine species
are not threatened by
marine debris
11. Marine pest plants
and animals potentially
threaten wildlife
 Reduce the impacts of
pest plants and
animals on the native
species.
12. The quality and
quantity of water
discharged to the Gulf
is under threat
 Ensure management
of the quality of water
entering the gulf.
 Support research into
the management of
water entering the gulf
 Ensure coordinated
action across
organisations
 Coordinate action with
Northern Gulf NRM
Key partners and
collaborators
CLCAC
Local Government
DAF
Landholders
Commonewealth
Govt
Landcare
Indigenous
Landholders
Commercial fishing
operators
As above
Actions
As above
Encourage a cross-regional Gulf river
basin water quality data reporting
framework by 2018.
Work with partners to establish
monitoring program to ensure
marine debris are declining
Work with partners to continue
implementation of the campaign to
reduce marine debris
Work with partners to establish
monitoring processes for sea turtles,
dugongs and other species by 2017
Support an integrated research
effort to draw together existing
knowledge on catchments, flows etc.
Support the establishment of a
multi-partner working group to
develop a Gulf coastal zone marine
ecosystem monitoring program
Support monitoring program to
assess changes in sea grass extent
and condition
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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e) Cultural Heritage
i) Background
The Southern Gulf region exhibits a rich and diverse heritage of cultural significance, spread over a
vast area, including natural vistas, Aboriginal artefacts and sites, and products following European
settlement.
The traditional Aboriginal engagement with country goes beyond concern with artefacts and sites to
encompass a wider identification with the cultural significance of the region. It also transcends the
distinction between the different asset classes used in this plan to involve a merging of the self and
country as an indivisible whole.
SGC places great importance on respecting this older understanding of the region and the wisdom
which it includes about the true value of the natural resources of the region. SGC also respects the
rights of the Aboriginal peoples of the region to control access to that understanding. SGC has
worked extensively to build partnerships with the Aboriginal communities of the region.
SGC has trialled a methodology to work with Traditional Owners groups to development community
NRM plans. This process will be continued into the future.
These processes have already identified that Traditional Owner groups have a range of NRM
relevant concerns such as:
 Access to water resources
 Quality and conservation of waterways, springs and waterholes
 Management of biodiversity and weed impacts
 Access to country
 Economic opportunities on country
 Managing impacts of mining and grazing
 Fire management
 Impacts and management of tourism.
The development of community NRM plans will seek to address these and other issues raised by the
communities.
ii) Outcomes
By 2020 there will be community level NRM plans for each of the Traditional Owner groups in the
region
iii) Baseline
Planning has commenced for 2 out of the targeted Traditional Owner groups.
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
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iv)
Management Actions and Implementation
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Regional NRM Priority
Strategic Objective
13. There are major
threats to significant
cultural sites from
damage and loss
Support protection of
cultural sites
Work collaboratively with
traditional owners to
input into the NRM
program
Key partners and
collaborators
CLCAC
DAF
Landholders
Comm, State and
local government
Landcare
Indigenous
Landholders
Mining companies
14. There is a
continuing loss of
culture and connection
to country
Support programs that
improve culture and
connection to country
As above
15. Indigenous interests
in land and sea are not
adequately represented
in decision making
Work collaboratively with
traditional owners to
input into the NRM
program
As above
Actions
Register culturally significant
waterways, springs and
waterholes under the
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Act
Establish stewardship
payment system for TO’s to
do country works to restore
sites.
Continue to implement the
program for the
development of community
NRM plans.
Employ part time indigenous
personnel to act as cultural
liaison.
Continue to implement the
program for the
development of community
NRM plans.
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43
f)
Community Capacity
THIS SECTION WILL BE COMPLETED WITH THE FINALISATION OF THE REPORT ON COMMUNITY
RESILIENCE
i) Background
Everyone has a role to play in managing natural resources. Each of us can make a difference and SGC
is here to help everyone get involved.
Effective natural resource management is based on the full engagement of the range of individuals,
groups and communities across the region. The development of this plan has involved building
relationships across the Southern Gulf as it is through those partnerships that future change and
growth will flow.
Learning and building consensus and implementing change requires support. It needs skills and time.
It involves communication and involvement. These are the central challenges and resources of the
region. But this does not prevent us defining and monitoring those challenges and skills just as
clearly and closely as we monitor and report on other targets.
SGC will be a resource and shop-front for the region to help provide information and support for
groups across the region. Natural resource management is also indivisible from the life and vitality of
the communities of the region. Unless the region is vibrant as a social and economic reality then
natural resources cannot be sustainable.
THREATS
• Limited population from which to draw volunteers
• Distance barriers to collective action and meetings
• Limited access to funding to build capacity.
• The potential loss of local intellectual property
ii) Outcomes
By or before 2025, in at least 50% of the project being implemented under this NRM Plan, have at
least one party engaged to take the lessons and benefits deeper into the community.
iii) Baseline
While the region has a rich history in developing project and initiatives that involve multiple
stakeholders, there is no baseline for how regularly this occurs in projects.
iv)
Management Actions and Implementation
All Regional NRM Priorities detailed in this plan reflect community concerns. The action table below
list additional specific concerns, and the actions that SGC will take to support the community in
these areas.
COMMUNITY CAPACITY
Regional NRM Priority
Strategic Objective
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
Key partners and
collaborators
44
Actions
16.The community’s
future depends on
access to water and
generate social and
economic benefits
17. Community viability
is threatened by
powerful economic and
social factors
18. Levels of lead and
dust emissions are too
high
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45
8) Monitoring and Evaluation
This Regional NRM Plan has been developed using the robust, simple first principles of strategy and
evaluation that underpin the adaptive management cycle. The Outcomes have been designed to
support their evaluation and implementation of the Actions is able to be regularly monitored,
reported and adjusted. The achievement of the Outcomes in this Plan is bound to the successful
attraction of investment, particularly from the Queensland and Australian Governments. However,
the framework this Plan provides, supports decision-making by all stakeholders and investors in
pursuit of the shared intentions and aspirations identified through the consultation and feedback
processes that supported the Plan’s development.
Implementation of the Plan will be tracked using an annual ‘traffic light’ report to the SGC Board,
linked to the reporting processes for project investors. This process will be augmented by a
cumulative record of prospective adjustments to support the process of refreshing the Plan on a
three-year cycle, consistent with the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme
expectations. Such prospective adjustments will explicitly reflect: the best emerging science; ongoing stakeholder contributions & perspectives; actual implementation performance; and lessons
learnt – in the SGC, in other NRM regions and elsewhere.
Central to the success of the Plan is the evaluation of effectiveness in achieving the Plan’s six
Outcomes across each of the assets listed in chapter 7. This will provide an appreciation of the
extent to which the 2015 baseline situation has moved towards the desired Outcomes, and the
extent to which those actions that have been implemented are adequate | appropriate | efficient |
effective in achieving the Outcomes. This will support decision-making any adjustments needed.
LAND – Management Outcome: All land in SGC is sustainably managed and condition is improving
by 2020.
Regional NRM Priority
Key Actions
Measures / Key Evaluation
Questions
1. Unsustainable grazing practices
lead to degradation and erosion
Establish region wide ABCD Land
Condition monitoring by 2018.
Has a region wide assessment
occurred Yes/No
Update and review grazing land
management standards by 2019.
Identify high priority
management areas by 2020.
2. Pest plants and woody weeds
create a threat to production and
biodiversity
3. Current Greenhouse gas
emissions are too high
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
Review fire management
practices and develop a regional
best practice guideline by 2017.
Refer to the Biodiversity Asset
Section Below
Continue to support research into
grazing management for
improved carbon.
Develop draft CFI methodology
for management of perennial
tussock grasslands
46
Is a program in place to ensure
regular assessment – Yes/No
Has the region commenced the
review of grazing management
standards?
To what extent have high priority
areas been identified and
communicated to stakeholders?
Has the review of fire
management strategies
commenced?
What activities have been done to
support research?
What activities have been
undertaken to support the
development of the methodology
Develop 5 trials of the CFI
Savannah Burning Methodology in
SGC by 2019.
Identify trial sites and
outcomes?
Extent to which trails generate
credits under the Savannah
Burning Methodology.
INLAND WATERS – Management Outcome: By 2020 have strategies in place for the sustainable
management of all inland water sources.
Regional NRM Priority
Key Actions
Measures / Key Evaluation
Questions
4. Human activities create serious
impacts on the integrity and
conservation of river systems and
wetlands
Continued support for the
Pastoral Industry Advisory Group
(PIAG)
What activities have been
undertaken to support PIAG?
Continue collaborative
partnerships with research
institutions
Number of times and events that
the region has contributed to
collaboration
Continue collaborative
partnerships with community
environment groups or Landcare
groups.
Identify hot spots and catchments
where there is significant erosion
potential by 2017
Establish strategic management
strategy for priority erosion areas
by 2018.
Provide support and facilitate the
sustainable use of the Flinders
River catchment.
Develop a tourism management
strategy by 2018
Number of times and events that
the region has contributed to
collaboration
5. Tourists are a major source of
those impacts on water in key
areas
6. Over extraction of surface and
ground water threatens water
values
Support reinvestment in the bore
capping program.
Extent to which hotspots have
been identified
Extent to which strategic
management priorities have been
put in place
Extent to which a tourism
management strategy has been
developed
What partner organisations have
contributed funding or been
involved in the development?
Action taken to support the bore
capping program.
BIODIVERSITY – Management Outcome: By 2020 see an increased investment in weed and feral
management by 50%.
Regional NRM Priority
Key Actions
Measures / Key Evaluation
Questions
7. Pest animals threaten native
species
Continued support for the
Pastoral Industry Advisory Group
(PIAG)
Continue collaborative
partnerships with research
institutions
What activities have been
undertaken to support PIAG?
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What collaborative partnerships
are in place?
8. Pest plants threaten
biodiversity
9. Fishing activities both
recreational and commercial
threaten fish stocks
Continue partnership and
collaboration with Weed Research
Centre
Progress the actions identified in
the Regional Pest Management
Plan (RPMP) 2011 and ensure
when the RMP is updated, new
actions are identified and
progressed
Progress the actions identified in
the Regional Pest Management
Plan 2011 and ensure when the
RMP is updated, new actions are
identified and progressed
Continue collaborative
partnerships with research
institutions
Continue partnership and
collaboration with Weed Research
Centre
Establish formal working
relationship with commercial
fishing industry by 2017
Identify if no go or seasonal zones
are required in the gulf to allow
restoration of fish stocks by 2018
What activities have been done in
conjunction with the weed
research centre?
Number of actions implemented?
Has the plan been updated?
As above
Number of times and events that
the region has contributed to
collaboration.
Number of times and events that
the region has contributed to
collaboration.
Has a formal working relationship
been established?
What activities or meetings have
occurred?
Extent to which no go zones have
been identified.
COASTS – Management Outcome: By 2020, ensure that the coastal waters of the Southern Gulf
are managed sustainably and key impacts are being addressed.
Regional NRM Priority
Key Actions
Measures / Key Evaluation
Questions
10. Ghost nets and other marine
debris threaten wildlife
Work with partners to establish
monitoring program to ensure
marine debris are declining
Work with partners to continue
implementation of the campaign
to reduce marine debris
Work with partners to establish
monitoring processes for sea
turtles, dugongs and other species
by 2017
Encourage a cross-regional Gulf
river basin water quality data
reporting framework by 2018.
Support an integrated research
effort to draw together existing
knowledge on catchments, flows
etc.
Support the establishment of a
multi-partner working group to
develop a Gulf coastal zone
What activities have been
undertaken to support this?
11. Marine pest plants and
animals potentially threaten
wildlife
12. The quality and quantity of
water discharged to the Gulf is
under threat
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48
What activities have been
undertaken to support this?
What activities have been
undertaken to support this?
What activities have been
undertaken to support this?
What activities have been
undertaken to support this?
Has a working group been
established?
marine ecosystem monitoring
program
Support monitoring program to
assess changes in sea grass extent
and condition
What activities have been
undertaken to support this?
What activities have been
undertaken to support this?
CULTURAL HERITAGE – Management Outcome: By 2020 there will be community level NRM plans
for each of the Traditional Owner groups in the region.
Regional NRM Priority
Key Actions
Measures / Key Evaluation
Questions
13. There are major threats to
significant cultural sites from
damage and loss
Register culturally significant
waterways, springs and
waterholes under the Aboriginal
Cultural Heritage Act
Establish stewardship payment
system for TO’s to do country
works to restore sites.
Number of culturally significant
water ways that are yet to be
registered?
14. There is a continuing loss of
culture and connection to country
15. Indigenous interests in land
and sea are not adequately
represented in decision making
Continue to implement the
program for the development of
community NRM plans.
Employ part time indigenous
personnel to act as cultural
liaison.
Continue to implement the
program for the development of
community NRM plans.
Has a payments scheme been
established?
Number of participants.
Number of communities with
NRM Plans in place.
Is there a cultural liaison officer?
Are they an Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islander?
Number of communities with
NRM plans in place.
COMMUNITY – Management Outcome:
Regional NRM Priority
SGC NRM Plan Draft V10.1
Key Actions
Measures / Key Evaluation
Questions
49
9) APPENDICES:
These reports and studies can be accessed online at www.southerngulf.com.au/page/NRM%20Plan
Appendix 1: Climate change projections reports
1.1 Climate Change in Australia: Monsoonal North Cluster Report
1.2 Spatial Analysis of Southern Gulf Climate Change Datasets for NRM Planning
Appendix 2: Drivers of Regional Change full report
Appendix 3: Summary reports supporting chapter 7
3.1 Land Summary
3.2 Inland Waters Summary
3.3 Biodiversity Summary
3.4 Northern and Southern Gulf Marine NRM Issues
3.5 Community
Appendix 4: Risk Assessment
Appendix 5: Stage 1 phone survey report
Appendix 6: Links to legislation, policy and procedures
Appendix 7: References
Images with special thanks to:
Ann Britton Photography – Ann Britton: 0428 281 423
www.annbrittonphotography.com.au
Country Pix Photography - Suzie McCowen: 4746 8712
www.countrypix.com.au
Isaeagle Photography - Marco Bracchi: 0431 275 447
www.facebook.com/isaeagle.photography
J. Curley – Jacqueline Curley: 4742 5956
www.jcurleyphotos.com.au
Leonie Winks Photography – Leonie Winks: 0428 408 840
www.leoniewinksphotography.com
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