NATIONAL RURAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
North West Rangelands EC–
Declared Area
Assessment
April 2011
Summary
The North West Rangelands Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declared area received extremely
high (90th to 100th percentile) rainfall for the period April 2010 to February 2011.
Numerous periods of extremely high rainfall from mid 2010 to early 2011 greatly increased
pasture production. Producers that the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) met with advised
that they were looking to restock and that surface and ground water supplies had been
recharged.
NRAC considers that seasonal conditions have provided the majority of producers the opportunity
to return to typical farm management practices. On the basis of the available information, NRAC
recommends that the North West Rangelands EC declaration not be extended beyond
15 June 2011.
Assessment
NRAC has undertaken a review of seasonal conditions in the North West Rangelands
EC–declared area to determine whether an extension to the declaration is warranted. The
Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) arranged an itinerary
for the on ground inspection of 15–18 March 2011 (conducted in conjunction with the Central
North East [including Annex] EC–declared area) where NRAC met with local producers to assist
in its deliberations. NRAC notes that wet weather conditions limited the extent to which the
scheduled inspection itinerary could be completed. PIRSA provided NRAC with further
information post inspection and NRAC considered advice from the Australian Bureau of
Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES).
The area is predominantly located within the desert climate zone. Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)
data indicates that average annual rainfall ranges from 100–200mm for much of the area with the
exception of the southern tip which can receive up to 300mm. Rainfall is typically uniform through
the seasons with low reliability.
Agricultural production in the area is dominated by low intensity grazing of sheep for wool and
meat and beef cattle on natural vegetation. Production is strongly influenced by large single
rainfall events related to irregular storm activity. Rainfall timing and temperature also strongly
influence plant growth, although plants can respond to rainfall at any time of the year.
ABARES’ analysis of BoM rainfall data indicates average to extremely high rainfall was received
in winter 2010 and predominantly extremely high rainfall was received in spring 2010 and
summer 2010–11. During the inspection NRAC heard and observed that perennial bush, shrub
and pasture regeneration and growth had greatly increased. Further, NRAC was advised that the
cover and extent of the feed base exceeded expectations and it was likely a good seed set would
be achieved benefiting future seasons.
ABARES’ advice indicates that climatic conditions for pasture production were exceptionally
favourable. Extremely high rainfall throughout the period April 2010 to February 2011 contributed
to at least average pasture growth, supported by above average accumulated potential pasture
growth and evidenced by average to above average vegetation greenness anomalies. ABARES’
advice further indicates that pasture production conditions over the review period should provide
sufficient feed for livestock through much of 2011 and should also provide a favourable
production outlook for at least another season.
Stocking rates were reportedly below what were considered long term averages, although NRAC
heard that some producers would likely not restock to previous levels, as they considered these
levels no longer represented a sustainable stocking rate. Information from both PIRSA and
producers indicates that due to the increased quantity and quality of feed, producers were
restocking primarily through breeding rather than buying in, due to high livestock prices.
NRAC heard that periods of extremely high rainfall had increased surface and ground water
supplies. During the inspection NRAC observed significant quantities of surface water that would
be sufficient for the upcoming season. ABARES’ advice indicates that adequate upper layer soil
moisture for much of the region is likely to have allowed surface runoff and replenished stock
water levels. Further, lower layer soil moisture also improved, which is likely to have replenished
some groundwater aquifers and other, larger water stores.
NRAC considers that seasonal conditions have provided the opportunity for above average
growth and regeneration of pasture species providing a feed base for at least two seasons. The
increased growth has allowed producers to commence restocking and as a result of periods of
extremely high rainfall, ground and surface water supplies have increased and are sufficient for
the upcoming season.
NRAC notes that whilst not part of the review guidelines, there were comments that extremely
high rainfall resulted in some flood damage to fences and internal roads in some areas. NRAC
also heard that the poor condition of the public road network in some areas was affecting the
transport of livestock and supplies. Further, there were comments that labour was difficult to
attract and retain in the industry, and although this is an issue across Australia, NRAC notes the
isolation of the area somewhat exacerbates the issue.
On the basis of the available information, NRAC considers that seasonal conditions have
provided the majority of producers in the North West Rangelands EC–declared area with the
opportunity to return to typical farm management practices.
Recommendation
NRAC recommends that the Minister not extend the North West Rangelands EC declaration
beyond 15 June 2011.
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Area description
The North West Rangelands EC declared area extends:

along the eastern boundary of the Alinytjara Wilurara Natural Resource Management
Region

to the South of the Northern Territory and Queensland borders but excluding the pastoral
leases of Alton Downs, Andrewilla, Pandie Pandie, Beckwith, Dickinnna and Cordillo
Downs

to the West of the eastern border of South Australia, the Lake Eyre National Park and the
western boundaries of the pastoral leases of Muloorina, Lake Letty, Callanna, Witchelina,
part Mulgaria, Andamooka, Bosworth, Pernatty, the Lake Gairdner National Park and the
western boundaries of the pastoral leases of Mount Ive, Unalla and Buckleboo

to the North of the northern boundary of the pastoral leases of Bollards Lagoon, Merty
Merty, the Strzelecki Regional Reserve, the northern boundary of the pastoral leases of
Lake Hope and Mulka, Lake Eyre National Park and the northern boundaries of the
pastoral leases of Oakden Hills, Yalymboo, Mahanewho and the northern boundary of the
Eyre Peninsula Natural Resource Management Region.
The area excludes National Parks and Reserves with the exception of the Innamincka Regional
Reserve that is managed as a pastoral lease and is included in the North West Rangelands area.
EC area history
The application was based on the cumulative impact of insufficient effective rainfall, over the
period 2002 to 2007 which resulted in a lack of feed available to sustain livestock numbers.
Declaration
Industry
Start Date
Expiry Date
Prima facie
All producers
15 June 2007
EC declared
All producers
7 August 2007
15 June 2009
EC extended
All producers
16 June 2009
15 June 2010
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EC extended
All producers
16 June 2010
15 June 2011
Production systems as recorded in the original application
Climate:
 Predominantly a desert climate zone.
 Annual average rainfall ranges from 100–200mm for much of the area with the exception
of the southern tip which can receive up to 300mm.
 Rainfall is typically uniform through the seasons with low reliability.
Enterprises:
 Low intensity grazing of sheep for wool and meat and beef cattle on natural vegetation.
 Extended dry periods and low plant growth is typical and the careful management of
stocking rates and total grazing pressure is critical to conserve and protect the pasture
base and soil moisture.
Production:
 Production in the area is strongly influenced by large single rainfall events related to
irregular storm activity. Rainfall timing and temperature also strongly influence plant
growth, although plants can respond to rainfall at any time of the year.
 The area consists largely of chenopod (saltbushes and bluebushes) and mulga (Acacia)
shrublands which provide the feed-base during dry years.
 During wet years, growth of the understorey of native perennial and annual grasses, and
forbs provides the basis for increased production.
 Both tropical and temperate pastures provide relatively equal contributions to overall
production.
 Livestock rely on dams and bores. Some natural water points are available following
heavy rainfall.
EC review guidelines
The review process includes, but is not exclusive to, consideration of whether:
 seasonal, agronomic and resource conditions have provided an opportunity for the
majority of producers within the Exceptional Circumstances declared area to begin to carry
out typical farm management practices relevant to their enterprise type and production
cycle
 climatic conditions have enabled the majority of crop producers to carry out typical farm
management activities such as allowing the planting and harvesting of their average crop
area
 rainfall and temperature in the main growing season has resulted in an increase in plant
growth to enable the majority of livestock producers to carry out typical farm management
practices and taking into long term trends, a return to average livestock numbers is
underway
 there is sufficient water for livestock and domestic water use.
Attachment
ABARES’ advice
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