LightBeachActionManagementPlan · LightBeachActionManagementPlan vii Nearshore the area extending from the low water shoreline to the generally less than 10m depth or beyond the breakerzone

Light Beach Action Management PlanBiodiversity Values and Threats to Ecological AssetsA report prepared by EBS Ecologyfor the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board

Light Beach Action Management Plan

Light Beach Action Management PlanBiodiversity values and Threats to Ecological Assets

June 2010

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

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

Cover Photos: Light Beach at low tide (left) (Photo: A Lamanna), Aerial image of Light Beach (Right)(Photo: Coastal Management Branch, DEH)

2/48 Barwell RdKURRALTA PARK

SA 5037

Phone : 08 71215607Fax : 08 8297 3768

Email : [email protected]

Web : www.ebservices.com.au

Acknowledgements

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

like to thank the following:

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

Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board

Barbara Reid chair of the District Council of Mallala Foreshore Advisory

Committee

Andreas Humphreys from the District Council of Mallala

Kevin Taylor from Cheetham (Dry Creek) Pty Ltd

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

Resources Management Board, the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources

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

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

1.1 Light Beach management area.............................................................................. 11.2 Naming protocols ................................................................................................... 2

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

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

4.0 RESULTS - VEGETATION DESCRIPTION ........................................................... 144.1 General overview ................................................................................................. 144.2 Vegetation Associations....................................................................................... 174.3 Native plant species............................................................................................. 264.4 Vegetation condition............................................................................................. 264.5 Pest animals......................................................................................................... 264.6 Weed infestations................................................................................................. 26

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL ASSETS................................................. 295.1 Tidal creeks.......................................................................................................... 295.2 Estuarine river habitats ........................................................................................ 295.3 Saltmarsh communities........................................................................................ 295.4 Mangroves ........................................................................................................... 305.5 Coastal shrublands and dunes ............................................................................ 305.6 Wetlands of National Importance......................................................................... 315.7 Waterbird and migratory wader habitat................................................................ 345.7.1 Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied Parrot) ..........................................................345.7.2 Acanthiza iredalei rosinae (Slender-billed Thornbill)....................................................36

5.8 Butterflies ............................................................................................................. 365.9 Plant species of conservation significance .......................................................... 375.10 Areas of known Conservation value .................................................................... 415.11 Landscape connectivity........................................................................................ 41

6.0 THREATS TO NATIVE VEGETATION AND ECOLOGICAL VALUE ................... 436.1 Recreational vehicles........................................................................................... 436.2 Rubbish ................................................................................................................ 456.3 Feral animals........................................................................................................ 476.4 Weeds .................................................................................................................. 496.5 Erosion ................................................................................................................. 526.6 Mining................................................................................................................... 526.6.1 Mineral exploration licence............................................................................................526.6.2 Co proclaimation of mining and conservation areas......................................................53

6.7 Development pressure......................................................................................... 536.8 Climate change ................................................................................................... 576.9 Changing local coastline and mangrove forest displacement ............................. 57

7.0 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS .................................................................................. 598.0 REFERENCES........................................................................................................ 669.0 APPENDICES ......................................................................................................... 68

Appendix 1. Vegetation associations and species lists.......................................................... 68

Appendix 2. Habitat preferences and associated behaviour (foraging, roosting, or breeding)for conservation significant bird species recorded within the Management area, or expected touse the site. ............................................................................................................................. 72

List of Tables

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

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

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

Table 4.1 Declared, environmental, and significant weed species observed within themanagement area ................................................................................................................... 27

Table 5.1 Conservation significant flora species listed in Schedules 7, 8 and 9 of the NPWAct 1972 (as at 7/1/10) that may occur within the Light Beach management area................. 38

Table 5.2 Regionally rated flora species (Southern Lofty region) within the vicinity of the LightBeach management area. ....................................................................................................... 38

Table 7.1 Management of coastal assets............................................................................... 61

Table 7.2 Action table for management recommendations.................................................... 63

List of Figures

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 4.3 Vegetation condition.............................................................................................. 28

Figure 5.1 Wetlands of National Importance .......................................................................... 32

Figure 5.2 Wetland of National Importance – Clinton SA 007................................................ 33

Figure 5.3 : Flora species of conservation significance recorded during field investigations . 40

Figure 5.4 : Regional connectivity ........................................................................................... 42

Figure 6.1 Feral animal activity recorded during field investigations...................................... 48

Figure 6.2 Weeds recorded during field investigations .......................................................... 51

Figure 6.3 Mining tenements and exploration licenses along the Gulf of St Vincent coastline................................................................................................................................................. 54

Figure 6.4 Active and non-active mining tenements at Light Beach management area........ 55

Figure 6.5 Development zones along the Gulf of St Vincent coastline and inland ................. 56

Figure 6.6 Mangrove forest locations in Australia. ................................................................. 59

Figure 7.1 Recommended management actions ................................................................... 60

List of Plates

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

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

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

Plate 4.4 Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush) / Atriplex paludosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush)Open shrubland ....................................................................................................................... 20

Plate 4.5 Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush) / Atriplex paludosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush)Open shrubland ....................................................................................................................... 21

Plate 4.6 Olearia axillaris (Coast Daisy-bush), Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush), Myoporuminsulare (Common Boobialla), Atriplex Spp. (Saltbush), +/- Maireana Spp. (Bluebush) Openshrubland ................................................................................................................................. 22

Plate 4.7 Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) +/- Callitris gracilis (Southern CypressPine) +/- Eucalyptus gracilis (White Mallee) Open Woodland................................................. 23

Plate 4.8 Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) +/- Callitris gracilis (Southern CypressPine) +/- Eucalyptus gracilis (White Mallee) Open Woodland................................................. 24

Plate 4.9 Avicennia marina ssp. Marina (Grey Mangrove) Low Closed Forest ..................... 25

Plate 5.1 Hesperilla donnysa donnysa form flavescens (Yellowish Sword-sedge SkipperButterfly) .................................................................................................................................. 37

Plate 5.2 Theclinesthes albocincta (Bitter Bush Blue Butterfly) ............................................. 37

Plate 6.1 Vehicle use of access track in northern section of Light Beach management area 44

Plate 6.2 Erosion resulting from off-road vehicle use and subsequent pooling of water inwash-out zones in northern section of Light Beach management area .................................. 44

Plate 6.3 Trail bike tracks in a saltplan within the northern section of the Light BeachManagement area ................................................................................................................... 44

Plate 6.4. Dumped car bodies within the southern section of Light Beach management area.................................................................................................................................................. 46

Plate 6.5 a) and b) asbestos dumping; c) and d) hydroponic / illicit drug equipment dumping;e) makeshift shack erected at southern end of Light Beach, f) drop-hole toilet built alongsidethe shack; g) dumped couch; and h) dumped car body that has been burnt to removeevidence. Photos: Barbara Reid (2009). ................................................................................ 47

Plate 6.6. Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit) scats within Melalueca lanceolata(Dryland Tea-tree) Open Woodland. ....................................................................................... 47

Plate 6.7 Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn) within Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree Open Woodland) .............................................................................................................. 50

Plate 6.8 a) Erosion on access track after tidal flows funnelled down tracks; and b) Evidenceof seagrass dumping 1.5 km from foreshore due to high tidal flows. Photos: Barbara Reid(2009). ..................................................................................................................................... 52

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Light Beach Action Management Plan vi

Glossary

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

acid soil horizon affected by oxidation of sulfides.

The exposure of the sulfide in these soils to oxygen

by drainage or excavation leads to the generation of

sulfuric acid.

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

resulting from the aeration of soil materials that are

rich in iron sulfides, primarily sulfide.

Chenier Dune discrete, elongated sand and/or shell bodies

stranded on a coastal mudflat or marsh.

Estuary a partially enclosed coastal body of water that is

either permanently, periodically, intermittently or

occasionally open to the sea within which there is a

measurable variation in salinity due to the mixture of

seawater with water derived from on or under the

land’. It also encompasses the ecosystem processes

and associated biodiversity within estuaries and their

adjacent habitats.

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

issued for exploration in the state. An EL authorises

the licensee, subject to the Act, Regulations and

conditions of the licence, to explore for all minerals

and/or opal other than extractive minerals

Flotsam marine debris that is floating on the water without

having been thrown in deliberately, often after a

shipwreck

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

highest tide mark. The intertidal zone is subject to

alternating periods of flooding and drying.

Jetsam marine debris that has been voluntarily cast into the

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

in an emergency.

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Light Beach Action Management Plan vii

Nearshore the area extending from the low water shoreline to

the generally less than 10m depth or beyond the

breaker zone.

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

which have not been exposed to air or oxidised, but

pose a considerable environmental risk when

disturbed, as they will become very acidic when

exposed to air and oxidised.

Supratidal the shore area above the high tide level.

Tidal land includes reefs shoals and other land permanently or

periodically submerged by waters subject to tidal

influence.

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Light Beach Action Management Plan viii

Executive Summary

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

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

Beach management plan boundary) supports coastal habitats that are vulnerable to

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

known biodiversity values are discussed in this report.

At this location there are known biodiversity values of:

Wetland of National Importance - SA007

Migratory and waterbirds of National significance

Remnant coastal mangrove forests, low coastal dunes, and samphire

shrublands

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

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

anticipated that information on the local biodiversity assets coupled with

management recommendations to conserve biodiversity values will enable all

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

landscape features.

The management of the coastal native vegetation at Light Beach remains a

conservation priority because much of the Adelaide coastline is already highly

modified. As the metropolitan area expands, there is increasing pressure on coastal

landscapes to provide for recreation, human use, and development.

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

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

and enhance the current native vegetation and biodiversity assets.

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Light Beach Action Management Plan 1

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

coastal vegetation along Light Beach, South Australia. Light Beach is located south of

the township of Port Prime and approximately 52km north of metropolitan Adelaide.

Land use in the area includes agriculture (grazing, cropping, orchards, market

gardens), conservation (Port Gawler Conservation Park and Buckland Park additions)

commercial and private residential.

The coastline in the Light Beach area remains relatively un-modified by human activity

and constitutes a significant area of remnant coastal vegetation and coastal/estuarine

habitat in the northern Adelaide region and supports significant wetlands. For these

reasons there is considerable interest in conserving the natural character of the area.

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

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

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

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

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

Environmental Consulting 2005).

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

an overview of the vegetation in the Light Beach management area, including the

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

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

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

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

management recommendations based on the information gathered during the project.

1.1 Light Beach management areaThe Light Beach management area is located approximately 1.5 km south of Port

Prime and 52km north of metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. Occupying an

approximate area of 820ha, the management area is comprised of land owned by the

Minister for Environment and Conservation and the District Council of Mallala. The

majority of land parcels are subject to active mineral production tenements leased to

Cheetham (Dry Creek) Pty Ltd although they are not currently being mined. No sites

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

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

northern and southern sections. There were only three public roads available to access

the management area. Port Prime Road and/or Crabb Road permitted access to the

northern section of the management area and Light Beach Road permitted access to

the southern section. The northern section is the area that lies below Crabb Road and

continues to the tidal inlet (Figure 3.1). The southern section is the remaining area that

lies south of the northern section (everything included below Light Beach Road).

2.0 Fieldwork methodologyThe field survey involved an assessment of:

Aerial photography and DEH floristic mapping to identify vegetation

associations and their boundaries;

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

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

Additional vegetation associations developed by EBS were added to the

existing DEH floristic mapping. For each vegetation association general

landform and location descriptions were recorded and photos taken;

Recording brief flora species lists and observed threatened flora species;

Documenting declared and environmental weed species: mapping any acute

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

with GPS;

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

species); and

Identifying priority management zones.

Table 2.1. Condition ratings used to assess the vegetation associations

Rating Condition Description

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

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

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

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

5 - Very Poor Consists only of exotic species.

*Or all strata if the upper and lower strata are difficult to distinguish

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Source: adapted from Stokes et al. 1998.

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

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

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

site was used to create GIS datasets and subsequent mapping.

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

modifications as advised by the State Herbarium which are used in Lang and

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

2.3 Level of detailThe level of detail in this report is based on a desktop review and 1.5 days field work -

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

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

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

and acute weed infestations were noted. Associated management issues were

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

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

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

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

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

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

at the Light Beach Delta, it was only possible to survey a portion of this vegetation

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

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

associations present within these areas have been assessed, as best as possible,

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

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

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

further detailed assessment.

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3.0 Physical location

3.1 LocationLight Beach is located approximately 65km north of the Adelaide CBD and 3km south

of Port Prime. More broadly, it is situated within the Gulf of St Vincent on the Samphire

Coast (Figure 3.1).

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Figure 3.1 Site location map

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3.2 Landform, topography and hydrologyThe site comprises coastal landscape features such as intertidal salt marsh habitats,

supratidal salt marsh habitats, mangrove habitats, and chenier dunes (relict, linear

coastal sand dunes which have been stranded within the intertidal saltmarshes).

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

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

zones (Atlas of SA, 2009).

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

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

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

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Figure 3.3 Maximum and minimum temperatures for the Northfield Research Centre

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

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

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

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

Table 3.1 Bioregional ecological information

EYB Eyre and Yorke Block bioregion

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

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

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

for agriculture.

EYB 2 St Vincent subregion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

on road verges and a few isolated blocks.

Parham Association (EYB 2)

Remnant

vegetation

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

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

CP) (DEH 2002)

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

sloping plain.

Geology Alluvium and sand.

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

loams and greyish calcareous sands.

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

coast daisy bush, coast beard heath and coastal wattle

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

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Figure 3.4 Location of Light Beach management area within St Vincent Subregion (Eyre and

York Block Bioregion)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and modification from multiple land uses.

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

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

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

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

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

area.

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

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

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

City and the Adelaide International Raceway.

3.7.1 Pre-European vegetation of the Northern Adelaide plains

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

extensive mangroves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

freshwater inundation from flooding events with established riparian ecosystems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

woodlands.

Table 3.2 Historical plant associations

Plant Association Vegetationgroup

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

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

Low shrubland

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

PLANT ASSOCIATION 4Gahnia filum, Thatching grass Sedgelands Sedgelands

PLANT ASSOCIATION 5Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum Shrubland Shrublands

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

Shrubland

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

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

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

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Plant Association Vegetationgroup

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

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

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

3.7.2 Current ecological landscape of the Northern Adelaide plains

The presence of the dense mangrove forests in the intertidal zone still dominates the

low lying coastal fringe. Major changes over time have been the clearance of

grasslands, sedgeland and woodlands for agricultural and horticultural development.

There has been a redirection of natural water flows across the landscape through

diversion into a constructed drainage network and the artificial flooding of low lying

areas, perhaps previously sedgelands, grasslands and shrublands, such as Buckland

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Park Lake and the loss of wooded areas, especially grassy woodlands of mallee box

and native pine.

There have been numerous flood events in this area, most recently in 2004 where

widespread damage occurred to property and horticultural crops, infrastructure and lost

revenue for primary producers. Flood mitigation works in this area, proposals for

increased dam walls (Little Para) have been in the planning over many years. The

landscape features seen today include levee banks that provide access routes

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

evaporation ponds and sewerage treatment beds.

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

indigenous native plants are common on roadsides and are also present as ornamental

plantings for visual amenity and/or garden escapes.

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

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

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

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

determine appropriate water allocations is frequently limited by knowledge regarding

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

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

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

processes include: an increase in the discharge of effluents into the inlet, plans to close

and/or relocate the salt fields, and projected rise in sea level (Australian Wetland

Database).

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4.0 Results - Vegetation description

4.1 General overviewA narrow strip of vegetation along the shoreline is dominated by Nitaria billardierei

(Nitre Bush) Shrubland within the management area. Samphire Low Shrublands are

predominantly found within low-lying and intertidal zones. These Samphire flats usually

grade into Saltbush and/or Samphire Shrublands within the supratidal zones. The

eastern boundary of the management area is also considered a suptratidal zone and

comprises Tecticornia spp. and Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Beaded Samphire) Low

Open Shrubland. Figure 4.1 depicts tidal zones

Tall Shrublands of Olearia axillaris (Coast Daisy-bush), Atriplex spp. (Saltbush),

Marieana spp. (Bluebush) inhabit the sandier soils and are found on low sand dunes

and chenier dunes; these vegetation communities are less common in the

management area. A small pocket of Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) +/-

Callitris gracillis (Southern Cypress Pine) +/- Eucalyptus gracillis (White Mallee) Open

Woodland is found at the very northern section of the management area in sandier

soils and is the southern tip of a larger corridor that continues north of the management

area.

The southern section of the management area is characterised by Avicennia marina

ssp. marina (Grey Mangrove) Forest at the shoreline that grades into Sarcocornia

quinqueflora / Tecticornia arbuscula (Shrubby Samphire) Shrubland; these vegetation

associations occur within a dominant tidal channel.

Saltpans are found intermittently in the northern to mid section of the management

area and support very little vegetation due to their highly saline environment and water

holding capacity.

Figure 4.2 illustrates the vegetation associations found on site.

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Figure 4.1 Tidal zones within the Light Beach Management area

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Figure 4.2 Vegetation associations recorded within the Light Beach Management area.

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4.2 Vegetation Associations

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

Landform: Saline samphire flat

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

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

within this association, which is most likely because of the highly saline conditions

which prevent recruitment.

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

access within saltpans interspersed amongst the vegetation and already formed

vehicle tracks.

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

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Association 2 – Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Beaded Samphire) +/- Tecticornicaarbuscula (Shrubby Samphire), Tecticornia pergranulata ssp. perganulata

(Shrubby Samphire), Suaeda australis (Austral Seablite)

Landform: Saline samphire flat

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

to flooding from tidal flows, especially near the Light Beach Delta. These samphire flats

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

association because of the highly saline conditions which prevent recruitment.

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

access within saltpans interspersed amongst the vegetation and already formed

vehicle tracks.

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

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Association 3 – Atriplex paludosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush), Tecticorniaspp. (Samphire), Maireana oppositofolia (Salt Bluebush) Low Open Shrubland

Landform: Supratidal zone

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

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

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

association supported Threlkeldia diffusa (Coast Bonefruit), Tetragonia implexicoma

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

bush) occasionally occurs as an emergent species.

Management Issues: Susceptible to weed infestation, particularly Lycium

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

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

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

rabbits/foxes and possible grazing.

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

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Association 4 - Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush) / Atriplex paludosa ssp. cordata(Marsh Saltbush) Open Shrubland

Landform: Intertidal zone (low coastal dunes)

Description: This association was dominated by Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush) over

Samphire spp., Sueada australis (Austral Seablite), Maireana oppositifolia (Salt

Bluebush), Maireana brevifolia (Short-leaf Bluebush), Atriplex paulodosa ssp. cordata

(Marsh Saltbush), +/- Olearia axilaris (Coastal Daisy-bush) and Carpobrotus rossii

(Native Pigface). This association was found on the foreshore on low coastal dunes

within the intertidal zone. It is present in a narrow linear association parallel to the

coastal edge that extends through the entire management area.

Few to no weeds were noted within this association at the northern end of the

management area; however, the southern end was more degraded with scattered

pockets of Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn) present on low dunes, especially

along the coastal access track. Euphorbia terracina (False Caper) is also scattered

within the southern section on low dunes.

Management Issues: Weed infestations and possible rabbit occupancy.

Plate 4.4 Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush) / Atriplex paludosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush)Open shrubland

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Plate 4.5 Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush) / Atriplex paludosa ssp. cordata (Marsh Saltbush)Open shrubland

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Association 5 – Olearia axillaris (Coast Daisy-bush), Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush), Myoporum insulare (Common Boobialla), Atriplex spp. (Saltbush), +/-Maireana spp. (Bluebush) Open Shrubland

Landform: Chenier dunes and low coastal dunes.

Description: Olearia axillaris (Coast Daisy-bush), Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush), andMyoporum insulare (Common Boobialla) dominate this vegetation association, with or

without Atriplex spp. (Saltbush), and Marieana spp. (Bluebush). This association is

found in the sandier soils and on low sand dunes and chenier dunes. This vegetation

association was less common within the management area and was found on the

western boundary of the management area along the coast. It is more common within

the southern section of the management area along the coastal access track that runs

parallel to the coast.

Management Issues: Weed infestations, especially of Lycium ferocissimum (African

Boxthorn) and Euphorbia terracina (False Caper) which are scattered within this

association.

Plate 4.6 Olearia axillaris (Coast Daisy-bush), Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush), Myoporuminsulare (Common Boobialla), Atriplex Spp. (Saltbush), +/- Maireana Spp. (Bluebush) Openshrubland

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

(Southern Cypress Pine) +/- Eucalyptus gracilis (White Mallee) Open Woodland

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

dunes.

Description: This association is found within a small patch within the northern end of

the management area. It is situated between samphire flats and grades into a large

samphire flat on the eastern edge of the association. Eucalyptus gracilis is not overly

common and stands of Callitris gracilis are located throughout this association.

Understorey species include: Exocarpus aphyllus (Leafless Cherry), Nitraria billardierei

(Nitre-bush), Atriplex paludosa ssp. paludosa (Marsh Saltbush), Maireana oppositifolia

(Salt Bluebush), Austrostipa sp. (Spear-grass), Carpobrotus rossii (Native Pigface),

and Tetragonia implexicoma (Bower Spinach).

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

present throughout the area with evidence of diggings and droppings noted. Fox

footprints were observed during the field study and would inhabit the area.

Plate 4.7 Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) +/- Callitris gracilis (Southern Cypress Pine)+/- Eucalyptus gracilis (White Mallee) Open Woodland

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Plate 4.8 Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) +/- Callitris gracilis (Southern Cypress Pine)+/- Eucalyptus gracilis (White Mallee) Open Woodland

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

Landform: Tidal Channel / Intertidal Zone

Description: This association is found in the south west portion of the management

area and fringes the coast and along Light River Delta. It is located within a

mangrove/samphire estuarine area whereby tidal channels are fringed by mangroves

and other samphire species of Saracocornia blackiana (Thick-head Samphire), and

Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Beaded Samphire). Nitraria billardierei (Nitre-bush) and

Suaeda australis (Austral Seablite) is also sporadically located within or surrounding

the Mangrove Forest. Some isolated pockets of Mangrove trees are found scattered

along the intertidal zone extending out form the main forest.

Management Issues: Public access and erosion to river channel banks. Degradation

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

compaction of vegetation and tidal flats through off-road car / motorbike access.

Plate 4.9 Avicennia marina ssp. Marina (Grey Mangrove) Low Closed Forest

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

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

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

conservation significance. For additional information regarding plant species known to

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

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

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

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

to Port Gawler.

4.4 Vegetation conditionVegetation within the management area is considered to be of moderate to good

quality within the northern end and to be of poor to good quality within the southern end

of the management area. Specifically, the Samphire Shrublands, Mangrove Forests

and Saltmarsh Communities contained no weeds due to their highly saline

environment, and therefore support extensive areas of high quality vegetation.

Vegetation condition is poor to moderate in the sandy soils, especially along disturbed

roadsides, where conditions are more favourable for weed species and vegetation

communities are free from tidal inundation. The sandier areas also support flora

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

Figure 4.3 for vegetation condition across the management area.

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

degradation of coastal shrublands and woodlands by creating burrows that damage

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

necessary for stabilisation by grazing on emerging seedlings.

4.6 Weed infestations

In total, 15 weed species were recorded during the field survey (Appendix 1). Table 4.1

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

well environmental weeds of local significance and other environmental weeds

recorded in the management area. Most commonly observed weed species within the

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

maritima (Two-horned Sea Rocket), and Lagurus ovatus (Hare’s Tail Grass).

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

Scientific name Commonname Status Comments

Asphodelus fistulosus Onion Weed D Scattered along roadsides within disturbance areas

Cynara cardunculusssp. flavescens

ArtichokeThistle D Scattered along roadsides within disturbance areas

Lycium ferocissimum AfricanBoxthorn D

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

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

Oncosiphonsuffruticosum

CalombaDaisy D Found sporadically along coastal dunes, along

vehicle access tracks.

Cakile maritima ssp.maritima

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

foreshore.

Mesembryanthemumcrystallinum /nodiflorum

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

Acacia saligna GoldenWreath Wattle E In coastal dunes and and sandy soils. Uncommon

in the management area

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

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

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

Limonia companyonis Sea-lavender E Scattered along coastal dunes near the foreshore

Lagurus ovatus Hare's TailGrass E

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

Piptatherummiliaceum Rice Millet E Scattered along roadsides within disturbance areas

and within sandier soils.

*Reichardia tingitana FalseSowthiste E Very scattered along roadsides within disturbance

areas and within sandier soils

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

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Figure 4.3 Condition of vegetation within the Light Beach Management area.

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5.0 Environmental and biological assets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

south of St Kilda to the end of Barker Inlet.

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

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

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

Audit 2002).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Morrisey 2000 in DEH, June 2007).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

section 5.7 for more detail about these bird species.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(DEH June 2007).

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

dunes that are interspersed between samphire shrublands. The coastal shrublands

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

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

site are found within the sandier soils and dunes such as the Adriana quadripartita

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(Coast Bitter Bush). The shrublands supported by the dunes are significant vegetation

types that have historically been extensively cleared; therefore, any remnant dune

systems remaining should be managed to maintain existing biodiversity.

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

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

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

The Light Beach management area falls within Clinton Wetland which covers a

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

comprises 1964 ha of land consisting of Mangrove forest, inter- and supra-tidal flats,

subtidal seagrass meadows, tidal channels, estuarine mud flats, stranded shell beach

ridges and sand beach ridges. Clinton Wetland is included as a wetland of National

Importance based on Criteria 1 and 3 of the Directory of Important Wetlands of

Australia.

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

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

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

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

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

tidal flat Gulf system.

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

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

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

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

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Figure 5.1 Wetlands of National Importance

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Figure 5.2 Wetland of National Importance – Clinton SA 007

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

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

species that are conservation significant have been identified to either use the

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

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

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

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

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

Management area and the State Vulnerable Acanthiza iredalei (Slender-biller Thornbill)

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

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

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

saltmarsh habitats. Saltmarsh and mudflat habitat supporting samphire shrublands in

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

Additionally, Cheetham salt fields and Port Wakefield / Webb Beach are considered

important shorebird sites in South Australia that provide landscape connectivity to

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

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

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

2009).

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

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

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

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

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

populations (DEH 2009).

5.7.1 Neophema chrysogaster (Orange-bellied Parrot)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

during their over-wintering period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

rocket). The species also uses Tecticornia-dominated saltmarshes around low-lying

saline drains, coastal lagoons and estuaries (Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Team

2006).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the western fringe of the Cheetham salt-fields adjacent Bolivar WWTP in 2006.

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

performed in the Gulf of St. Vincent in 2007 and 2008, but no birds were sighted (Birds

Australia 2007). The lack of sightings within the Adelaide Plains does not mean that

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

surveyed. The saltmarsh habitat between Adelaide and Port Wakefield presents

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Garnett & Crowley 2000).

5.7.2 Acanthiza iredalei rosinae (Slender-billed Thornbill)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

rise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

form could be considered Endangered (Grund, 2002).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bush Blue Butterfly, existing Adriana quadripartita populations should be protected and

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

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

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

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

5.9 Plant species of conservation significanceTwo Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 listed flora

species detailed in the Protected Matters search of the EPBC database are recorded

for the management area:

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

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

previously recorded within the Light Beach management area (WGS84 Z54

248924 6185314) and an extensive population exists on defence land north of

the Parham township (Barbara Reid pers. comm., 2009). Additional survey work

has been undertaken between Pt Gawler and Port Prime (Caton et al. 2009). It

__________________________________________________________________________________


is envisaged further survey work will be undertaken in the future in the AMLR

NRM Boards region.

Prasophyllum pallidum (Pale Leek Orchid): Vulnerable species or species

habitat likely to occur in the management area. Not observed during field

investigations.

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

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

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

Beach management area (Tables 5.1 and 5.2)

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

Scientific name Common name NPW Act SLAcacia dodonaeifolia Hop-bush Wattle R R

Eragrostis infecunda Barren Cane-grass R V

Juncus radula Hoary Rush V E

Tecticornia flabelliformis Bead Samphire V V

Maireana decalvans Black Cotton-bush E E

Myoporum parvilfolium Creeping Boobialla R V

Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa Five-spine Bindyi R R

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

Scientific name Common name NPWAct SL Recorded in

the field

Maireana decalvans Black Cotton-bush E E

Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium E

Juncus radula Hoary Rush V E

Rhagodia spinescens Spiny Saltbush E

Alyxia buxifolia Sea Box R

Eragrostis infecunda Barren Cane-grass R V

Myoporum parvilfolium Creeping Boobialla R V

Acacia salicina Willow Wattle V

Cressa cretica Rosinweed V

Eucalyptus largiflorens River Box V

Eutaxia diffusa Large-leaf Eutaxia V

Tecticornia flabelliformis Bead Samphire V V

Maireana aphylla Cotton-bush V

Rhagodia parabolica Mealy Saltbush V

Wilsonia backhousei Narrow-leaf Wilsonia V

Wilsonia rotundifolia Round-leaf Wilsonia V

__________________________________________________________________________________


Scientific name Common name NPWAct SL Recorded in

the field

Bolboschoenus medianus Marsh Club-rush R

Gahnia filum Thatching Grass R

Lomandra effusa Scented Mat-rush R

Marsilea drummondii Common Nardoo R

Mimulus repens Creeping Monkey-flower R

Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum R

Pittosporum angustifolium Native Apricot R

Adriana quadripartita Coast Bitter-bush U

Austrostipa curticoma Short-crest Spear-grass U

Austrostipa elegantissima Feather Spear-grass U

Callitris gracilis Southern Cypress Pine U

Eucalyptus porosa Mallee Box U

Maireana enchylaenoides Wingless Fissure-plant U

Melaleuca lanceolata Dryland Tea-tree U

Myoporum viscosum Sticky Boobialla U

Samolus repens Creeping Brookweed U

Wilsonia humilis var. humilis Silky Wilsonia U

Acacia hakeoides Hakea Wattle K

Acacia ligulata Umbrella Bush K

Acacia notabilis Notable Wattle K

Atriplex paludosa ssp.paludosa Marsh Saltbush K

Eragrostis dielsii var. dielsii Mulka K

Halosarcia indica ssp. bidens Brown-head Samphire K

Lawrencia squamata Thorny Lawrencia K

Myoporum montanum Native Myrtle K

Paspalidium jubiflorum Warrego Summer-grass K

Enteropogon acicularis Umbrella Grass Q

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

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

Although not listed in Table 5.2, Exocarpos aphyllus (Leafless Cherry) (regionally

vulnerable) and Callitris gracilis (Southern Cypress Pine) (regionally uncommon) was

also recorded during field investigations. This species is of local interest (Figure 5.3).

__________________________________________________________________________________


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

__________________________________________________________________________________


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

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

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

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

Port Parham (coastal), Buckland Park (grassland /chenopod shrubland), Buckland Park

Lake (aquatic ecosystem), Gawler River (Red Gum lined banks) and the Port Gawler

Conservation Park (mangroves).

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

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

landscape connectivity is high, despite dissection by roads and informal tracks in dunes

that fragment vegetation on a local scale. At a regional level, the coastline of the

management area forms part of a wetland of national importance (Clinton), considered

to be a significant shorebird site (Figure 5.1). The coastline of the management area

also supports vegetation that forms part of a larger remnant strip of coastal native

vegetation that links the samphire shrublands and mangrove forests of Clinton

Conservation Park with those in Port Gawler Conservation Park (Figure 5.4)

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 5.4 : Regional landscape connectivity.

__________________________________________________________________________________


6.0 Threats to native vegetation and ecological value

6.1 Recreational vehiclesRecreational use of conservation areas inevitably has negative impacts on the

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

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

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

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

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

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

region biodiversity as a whole.

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

disturbance to soil that may prevent recruitment or recolonisation by flora (Plates 6.1,

6.2 and 6.3). Primarily, the use of recreational vehicles (cars, motorbikes etc) in the

open saltpan areas and dunes are most evident.

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

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

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

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

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

management tracks only. If Light Beach Road is to be used as a planned management

track, both sides of the road should be fenced to prevent off-road vehicle use in the

adjacent saltpans. Partnership with Cheetham Salt Pty Ltd may be needed to execute

this action.

The recent closure of Light Beach Road to public access due to excessive off-road

vehicle damage has allowed significant regeneration of a variety of local flora species.

Careful consideration should be made to protect this regenerating flora prior to any

reopening of Light Beach road.

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

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

to designate walking trails that will permit access to the beach.

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

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

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

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

actively pursued.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plate 6.1 Vehicle use of access track in northern section of Light Beach management area

Plate 6.2 Erosion resulting from off-road vehicle use and subsequent pooling of water in wash-out zones in northern section of Light Beach management area

Plate 6.3 Trail bike tracks in a saltplan within the northern section of the Light BeachManagement area

__________________________________________________________________________________


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

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

Shrublands where it is often trapped within branches.

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

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

on main access roads and within the intertidal zone at the southern section of the

management area. The dumping of car bodies is often associated with additional

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

and spreading of pest flora species.

At the time of the survey, two car bodies had been dumped within the coastal dune

system and the intertidal zone of the management area (Plate 6.4). Access permitting

the dumping of these cars would have been gained along the coastal access track

which joins Light Beach Road. Prior to the field survey, Barbara Reid of the Mallala

Foreshore Advisory Committee, carried out a beach inspection on 23rd of October 2008

and found a multitude of different rubbish materials deposited on Light Beach, as well

as the installation of a shack supporting a long-drop toilet and fireplace (Plate 6.5).

Access to the beach via Light Beach Road has been restricted by Mallala Council by

installing a locked gate. It is evident the locked gate has decreased the opportunity for

public rubbish dumping, however, the public is still finding a way into the management

area which is evident from the presence of the two discarded cars.

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

effort would help remove unwanted marine debris. Previously unrestricted access to

Light Beach has resulted in large amounts of waste being deposited by the public and

continued access restriction is necessary to alleviate this pressure on the Light Beach

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

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

to work, as is evident from a barrier that was removed at Baker Creek, Parham (see

Parham Management Plan, EBS 2009).

Signage detailing reasons for the restriction and highlighting alternative areas to

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

Beach or Parham, may alleviate community dissatisfaction arising from restricted

access at Light Beach.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plate 6.4. Dumped car bodies within the southern section of Light Beach management area.

a b

c d

e f

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plate 6.5 a) and b) asbestos dumping; c) and d) hydroponic / illicit drug equipment dumping; e)makeshift shack erected at southern end of Light Beach, f) drop-hole toilet built alongside theshack; g) dumped couch; and h) dumped car body that has been burnt to remove evidence.Photos: Barbara Reid (2009).

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

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

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

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

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

palatable.

Tracks observed within the Melalueca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree) Open Woodland

during the field survey were believed to be from Vulpes vulpes (Red Fox). The Red Fox

is believed to inhabit the management area, and if present they would pose threat to

waterbirds, especially in times of breeding. It is also likely Felis catus (Cat) may roam

the management area which poses similar threat to that of the Red Fox.

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

g h

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.1 Feral animal activity recorded during field investigations

__________________________________________________________________________________


6.4 WeedsGenerally, the Samphire Shrublands and saltpans supported no weeds and are

considered areas of high conservation value. Few weeds were identified within the

northern section of the management area.

Most commonly observed weed species within the management area were Lycium

ferocissimum (African Boxthorn), Cakile eduntula (Sea Rocket), Euphorbia paralias

(Sea Spurge), Limonium companyonis (Sea Lavender), and Lagurus ovatus (Hare’s

Tail Grass). Of these, the most invasive and problematic species is L. ferocissimum.

This species was most prevalent along the coastal dunes; however, they can be found

within vegetation associations on sandy soils. They will pose the biggest threat to

native plant diversity if they continue to colonise the dune system. While C. eduntula

and L. ovatus are also quite common they pose less threat as they are less aggressive

colonisers. Cakile eduntula may also be contributing to dune stabilisation.

Active management of Lycium ferocissimum is evident within the management area,

with many dead species observed during the field survey (Plate 6.7). Control efforts

should be targeted towards acute infestations, especially in high priority remnant areas

(i.e. on coastal dune systems). However, for this weed to be controlled, its eradication

from surrounding lands (private and public) is important to prevent its dispersal into

coastal vegetation.

Invasion of both these species in natural areas is greatly enhanced by disturbance

such as soil movement. The impacts of off-road vehicle disturbance encourages soil

disturbance which fosters the persistence of these weed species.

Oncosiphon suffruticosum (Calomba Daisy) was found sporadically along coastal

dunes and along vehicle tracks within the management area. The species is declared

under the Natural Resources Management Act, 2004, and is a priority species for weed

management.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Plate 6.7 Lycium ferocissimum (African Boxthorn) within Melaleuca lanceolata (Dryland Tea-tree Open Woodland)

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.2 Weeds recorded during field investigations

__________________________________________________________________________________


6.5 Erosion

Erosion from the creation of new tracks and widening of already existing tracks through

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

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

exacerbating soil erosion. A July 2008 high tide event created several erosion points

leaving large wash-out zones (Plate 6.9). Erosion has also occurred within dune

complexes due to trail bike use. At the time of the field survey, several vehicle tracks at

both the southern and northern end of the management area were subject to erosion.

Some of these tracks should be closed and rehabilitated. To make them inaccessible

they need to be completely destroyed, for example track ripping may provide a means

of stopping public use of these roads so they can then be rehabilitated.

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

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

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

Plate 6.8 a) Erosion on access track after tidal flows funnelled down tracks; and b) Evidence ofseagrass dumping 1.5 km from foreshore due to high tidal flows. Photos: Barbara Reid (2009).

6.6 MiningActive mining tenements of Cheetham Salt Pty Ltd comprise most of the management

area, except for a stretch of land along the shoreline, which is Crown land (Figures 6.3

and 6.4). It is possible that a combined proclamation of mining and conservation could

take place (Section 6.6.2).

6.6.1 Mineral exploration licence

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

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

a b

__________________________________________________________________________________


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

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

and Resources (PIRSA). However, consultation with Cheetham Salt Pty Ltd may

enable some collaborative works to proceed on public access roads adjacent

Cheetham tenements. Additionally, Cheetham Salt Pty Ltd have aerial photography

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

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

6.6.2 Co-proclamation of mining and conservation areas

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

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

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

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

natural resources.

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

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

petroleum exploration licence applications for areas within regional reserves are

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

Conservation for comment. Exploration work programs are discussed with the

Department for Environment and Heritage as a matter of policy.

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

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

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

the Governor for decision.

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

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

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

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

by his or her successors in title.

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

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

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

Greater Adelaide.

__________________________________________________________________________________


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

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.4 Active and non-active mining tenements at Light Beach management area

__________________________________________________________________________________


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

__________________________________________________________________________________


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1992).

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

variety of ecosystems to further adapt to climate change in an expected more

concentrated time frame than the evolutionary processes of global geomorphologic and

climatic events. In most climate-change models, sea levels are predicted to rise by 9 to

88cm by 2100 and CSIRO scientists predict that the Australian coastline could retreat

inland by 4.5 to 88m by 2100 (NOVA 2008).

In this region, the current landscape modifications may hamper the future landscape

ability to adapt to issues associated with climate change and the natural temporal and

spatial movement of species and communities over time. Due to the flat gradients of

the salt marsh habitats in the Gulf, rise in sea levels will affect the mangrove and salt

marsh communities by pushing them inland. Roads and levee banks that are located

behind most of these communities may form barriers that prevent retreat. If the high

marsh communities cannot colonise new areas they will be replaced by mangrove

communities (Fotheringham & Coleman 2008).

6.9 Changing local coastline and mangrove forest displacementOnly one species of mangrove Avicennia marina (Grey Mangrove) occurs in South

Australia (Graham et al. 2001). The Port River / Barker Inlet area has the most

extensive area of mangroves (17.7 km2) in the Adelaide coastline region. This area is

considered to be the southern limit of mangroves in South Australia, although some

stunted Grey Mangroves occur in Victoria (as far south as Corner Inlet), while on the

west coast its most southerly occurrence is Bunbury (Australian Institute of Marine

Science, 2008) (Figure 6.6).

Mangrove communities, particularly those in the Port River Barker Inlet, are under

threat from the high level of nutrients entering the ocean from stormwater, wastewater

__________________________________________________________________________________


treatment plants and soda products factory outfall (Baker, 2004). The high nutrient

loads have resulted in significantly increased production of Ulva lactuta (Green Algae)

offshore. The Ulva sp. washes ashore and smothers mangrove seedlings,

pneumatophores and small seagrass seedlings (Baker, 2004). Over 250ha of

mangroves between St Kilda and Port Gawler have been lost since 1956 and many

more areas are in poor health (MLR INRM Group, 2003).

Berkinshaw (2004) describes the Barker Inlet mangroves near North Arm as an intact

coastal dune / mangrove / saltmarsh associations with natural hydrological flows:

This area exists on the western (coastal) side of the Penrice salt evaporation ponds.Remnant vegetation is largely intact with appropriate species diversity, structure andhydrological processes and only minor areas of weed (salt tolerant) invasion. Althoughnatural inundation of the Mangrove / saltmarsh association occurs, this zone isthreatened by the absence of an adjacent migration zone (due to the salt ponds andlevy banks) for the mangrove / samphire vegetation to colonise with future sea level riseassociated with land naturally sinking in the region.

It is predicated that mangrove vegetation (along with other intertidal vegetation) will

respond to climate change induced sea-level rise by migrating upslope, or increasing

their elevation through processes of vertical accretion or sedimentation so that they

remain within the same tidal range. This is essential because without such a response,

mangroves suffer from a contraction in extent at the shoreline due to erosion, or

submergence and death (Coastal Indicators, 2008).

Importantly, studies have also found that Grey Mangrove populations have a low level

of genetic variation, and populations can be genetically distinct within each estuary

(NSW Department of Primary Industries 2008). As a consequence it is a conservation

priority to retain populations at a variety of sites. Mangrove vegetation in South

Australia is geographically isolated from other mangrove forests in Australia and this

stand represents the southernmost extent of its range in South Australia. Figure 6.6

illustrates the location of mangroves in Australia.

Mangrove areas are critical to the fishing industry as they are used as fish nurseries by

numerous fish species. They also protect the coast against storms and play a slow, but

continuous, role of land building (City of Salisbury, 2008).

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 6.6 Mangrove forest locations in Australia.

Source: DEWHA (2001)

7.0 Recommended actionsThis section provides management recommendations to mitigate the threats to the

biological diversity of the management area described in Section 5. It should be noted

that as this management plan was based on a brief survey of the overall management

issues, additional detailed surveys, particularly of the areas that were not accessed as

part of this study, may help to provide additional specific management priorities. Table

7.1 lists likely impacts to the biological diversity of Light Beach management area and

Table 7.2 provides recommended actions to mitigate the threats. Figure 7.1 illustrates

priority areas to target for recommended managements.

__________________________________________________________________________________


Figure 7.1 Recommended management actions for Light Beach management area

__________________________________________________________________________________

LightB

each

ActionManagem

entP

lan

61

Table7.1Managem

ento

fcoastalassets

Key

BiologicalA

sset

MainTh

reats

LikelyImpacts

Ligh

tBeach

Delta

Recreationalvehicles

Vegetationdestruction

Increase

inweedinfestations

andcompetitionwith

nativeplantspecies

Creationoftrackswhich

becomeerosionzonesinhigh

tideevents

Dum

ping

ofwaste/carbodies

Nutrientloading/distributionofwasteintocoastalw

aters

Increase

inspread

ofweedspecies

Destructiontonativevegetation

Walking

offtrails

bypublic

Vegetationtrampling,spread

ofweeds

Increase

inspread

ofweedspecies

Saltm

arshes

(saltpans)


Vegetationdestruction

Creationofaccess

trackswhich

becomeerosionzonesinhigh

tideevents

Increase

inweedinfestations

andcompetitionwith

nativeplantspecies

Tecticorniaflabelliformis

habitat

Dam

age

Increm

entalloss

Drainagechanges

Changes

infloodingfrequency

MangroveFo

rests

Clim

ateChange

Lack

ofavailablelandscapetoprovideforthe

temporaland

spatial

movem

entofm

angroves

Sea

levelrise

Changeincoastline

andinundatedareas

Loss

ofhabitat/breeding

groundsandthereforereductioninbiodiversity

Use

oftrees

forfirewoodor

physicaldestructionto

trees

ReductioninMangroverecruitment,potentiallossofseed

bank

onmature

trees

Waterbird

andMigratory

Habitat

Alteredmovem

entofw

ater

AlteredwaterflowtowetlandsofNationalImportance

Disturbance

tosurvivalofbreeding

populations


Disturbance

/decreaseinavailablehabitat

Sealevelrise

Loss

ofhabitat/breeding

groundsandthereforereductioninbiodiversity

FoxesandCats

Directmortality/R

eductioninpopulationnumbers/breedingpopulations

NativeFa

una

Predationby

Foxes/C

ats

Directmortality/R

eductioninpopulationnumbers/breedingpopulations

__________________________________________________________________________________

LightB

each

ActionManagem

entP

lan

62

Key

BiologicalA

sset

MainTh

reats

LikelyImpacts

Disturbance

fromdomestic

dogs

Rabbits

Com

petitionoffood

sourcesandhabitats


Disturbance

/decreaseinavailablehabitat

OverallCoastalRem

nant

Vegetatio

n(Landscape

Con

nectivity)


Reductioninbiodiversity/availablehabitatfornativefaunaspecies

Disturbance

toconservationsignificantflora

Erosion

SealevelR

ise

Loss

ofsamphire

shrublands

around

inlets(LightBeach

Delta)a

ndpossibleloss

oflowduneson

foreshore

Acuteweedinfestations

Com

petitionwith

nativeflora

Dum

ping

ofwaste/carbodies

Nutrientloading/distributionofwasteintocoastalw

aters

Increase

inspread

ofweedspecies

Destructiontonativevegetation

Rabbits

Herbivoryoffloraspeciesandreductioninseedlingrecruitment

__________________________________________________________________________________

LightB

each

ActionManagem

entP

lan

63

Table7.2Actiontableform

anagem

entrecom

mendatio

ns

Threat

Action

Priority

Closed

commun

ication

channels

Meetw

ithDCofMallalaandCheetham(DryCreek)P

tyLtd.todetermineresponsiblebody

forpestspecies

control,fencing,publicsafety,and

access

regulationissues

High

Consultwith

localconservationvolunteerstoinvestigatewherepossibleworks

couldbe

directed

andhow

volunteereffortcouldbe

included

High

Lack

ofpu

blic

perceptio

nof

value

ofthearea

Extension

ofexistingefforttoraisepublicaw

arenessofeconom

icandconservationbenefitsofthearea

High

Lack

ofprotectio

nof

conservatio

nvalues

Reviewreservationandprotectionofsaltm

arsh

habitats

High

Reviewminingtenements

Recreationa

lVe

hicles

Continue

tousegatetopreventuncontrolledaccess

fromLightB

each

Roadtothecoast

High

Investigatethepossibilityofusingelectronicsw

ipecardsforcontrolledaccess

throughtheLightB

each

gate

forknownresidentialcitizens

andotherauthorities

Medium

Fenceboth

sidesof

LightBeach

Roadifaccess

ispermitted

topreventoff-roadaccess

into

adjacent

SaltpansandSaltmarsh

habitat

High

Fencesamphire

shrublands

andsaltm

arsh

habitat,especiallynear

thecoastto

protecthabitatof

waders

andshorebirds

High

Rem

oveunnecessaryaccess

trackswith

atrack

ripperand

rehabilitate

Medium

Determinehigh

trailbike

useareaswithin

dune

system

sandinvestigateifaccess

canbe

prevented,

however,preventionisprobablybestatLightB

each

Road

Medium

Maintainexistingfences

Medium

Investigatethepossibilityof

providingan

area

forcontrolledoff-roadrecreationalvehicle

usewithin

Port

Gaw

lerC

onservationPark.

Low

Provide

signageat

closed

access

points

(i.e.

LightBeach

Road)

highlightingalternativeplaces

tolaunch

fishing

andrecreationalboats(i.e.MiddleBeach,Thompson

Beach,and

Parham)

Medium

__________________________________________________________________________________

LightB

each

ActionManagem

entP

lan

64

Threat

Action

Priority

Dum

ping

ofRub

bish

andCar

Bod

ies

Preventaccess

intosite(asdetailedabove)

High

Conductregularcleanups,authorised

byDCMallalaandinconjunctionwith

volunteers

Medium

Reportdum

pedcarbodiestothelocalpolice

High

Consultwith

DCof

Mallala

aboutthepossibility

ofprovidingaservicethat

helpscollect

hard

waste

(i.e.

dumpedasbestos,com

puters,drugmaterials,stolengoods).

Medium

Introd

uced

Species

Consultwith

DCof

Mallalaaboutimplem

entedactions

from

Thom

pson

Beach

–Third

Creek

Managem

ent

Planandcollaboratetoexecuteequivalentactions

inconjunction,ifpossible

Medium

Controlof

Lycium

ferocissimum

(African

Boxthorn)

andEuphorbiaterracina

(False

Caper)weed

infestations,targetsanddunesnear

LightB

each

Deltaas

firstpriority

High

Controlotherweedspecies,primarily

withincoastaldunesystem

sfirstandwithinothersandiersoils

Medium

Revegetate

ripped

tracksandcontrolweedspecieswithin

and

around

revegetated

areasto

permit

colonisationby

nativespecies

Medium

Liaise

with

regionalpestanimalcontrolofficertodeterminebestapproach

toferalanimalanddevelopm

ent

ofan

associated

controlprogram

High

Undertake

coordinatedrabbitandfoxcontrolthroughout

themanagem

entarea

andwithin

surrounding

privatelands.Consultwith

Cheetham

(Dry

Creek)PtyLtd.

abouttheirpossibleinvolvem

ent.Target

sandy

soils

forcontrol.

High

Accessand

Visitatio

n

Determineareasto

developamanaged

walking

trailto

thecoastline.G

atethetrailto

preventu

seby

trail

bikes.

Low

Use

signagetodesignatethearea

asalead-onlyzone

fordom

estic

dogs

Low

Consultwith

DCofMallalaaboutclosureofforeshoreduringshorebird

breeding

times

(Sept–

Dec)

Medium

SeaLevelR

ise

Revegetatedune

system

susingspeciesrecommendedinAp

pendix1andrehabilitateerosionpointsand

bareareastostabilisesoils

Medium

Use

atrack

rippertoremoveunused

access

trackstopreventfunnelling

ofwaterinhigh

tideevents

Medium

__________________________________________________________________________________

LightB

each

ActionManagem

entP

lan

65

Threat

Action

Priority

Acquire

land

alongthecoasttosanctionas

areserveto

protectm

oreremnant

coastalvegetationto

offset

potentialloss

Low

Acquire

land

further

inland

that

couldbe

used

asaretreat

zone

fornativevegetationor

that

canacta

sa

revegetationzone

Low

Loss

ofTecticornia

flabelliformis

habitat

Undertake

targeted

localactiontoconserve

species

High

__________________________________________________________________________________


8.0 ReferencesAustralian Institute of Marine Science (2008). Field Guide to the Mangroves of Queensland

http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/reflib/fg-mangroves/pages/fgm-5051.html

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary (2008). http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/coasts/ads

Atlas of SA (2009). (Online, accessed Mar 2009). http://www.atlas.sa.gov.au/go/text-menu/search-for-a-location

Baker, J.L. (2008). Marine Species of Conservation Concern in South Australia: Volume 1 - Bony andCartilaginous Fishes. Report for the South Australian Working Group for Marine Species ofConservation Concern.

Berkinshaw, Todd, (2004a). Mangroves to Mallee multi-site management plan for the Northern AdelaideCoastal Plains, Greening Australia, SA.

Birds Australia (2007). Coorong and Murray Lakes Orange-bellied Parrot Surveys Summary 2007. (Online,accessed 25th March 2009).http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/images/stories/downloads/current_projects/OBP_Coorong_Survey_low.pdf

Bryars, S, 2003, An Inventory of Important Coastal Fisheries Habitats in South Australia, Fisheries HabitatProgram, Primary Industries and Resources South Australia.

Bureau of Meteorology (2009). Daily Weather Observations, Northfield Research Centre, South Australiahttp://www.bom.gov.au

Caton, B., Fotheringham, D. Krahnert, E., Pearson, J., Royal, M. and Sandercock, R. (2009). MetropolitanAdelaide and Northern Coastal Action Plan. Prepared for the Adelaide and Mount LoftyRanges NRM Board and Department for Environment and Heritage. Government of SouthAustralia.

Cogger, H.G. (1994). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, NSW.

Bryars, S, 2003, An Inventory of Important Coastal Fisheries Habitats in South Australia. Fisheries HabitatProgram, Primary Industries and Resources South Australia.

Bureau of Meteorology (2009). Daily Weather Observations, Northfield Research Centre, South Australiahttp://www.bom.gov.au

Cogger, H.G. (1994). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, NSW.

Coleman, P. (2008). Biodiversity Lists for Eastern Gulf of St Vincent Coastal Habitats Between Gillman andPort Parham.

Coleman, P. & Cook, F. (2000) Local Recovery Plan for the Yellowish Sedge-skipper and Thatching Grass,Dry Creek Delta Environmental Consulting, South Australia.

Davis, JA., Froend, RH., Hamilton, DP., Horwitz, P., McComb, AJ., Oldham, CE., (2001), Environmental WaterRequirements to Maintain Wetlands of National and International Importance EnvironmentalFlows Initiative Technical Report Number 1, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.

Delta Environmental Consulting (2005). Thompson Beach – Third Creek Management Plan (for the DC ofMallala), Delta Environmental Consulting, South Australia.

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) and Department of Water, Land and BiodiversityConservation (DWLBC) (2003). Wetlands Strategy for South Australia. Department forEnvironment and Heritage, South Australia.

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) (draft 2002) Provisional List of State ThreatenedEcosystems. In prep.

Department for Environment and Heritage DEH (2007b), Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation website and online database, http://www.ea.gov.au/epbc/.

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH). Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Estuaries InformationPackage (Online, accessed Feb 2009). http://environment.sa.gov.au/coasts/pdfs/amlr_eip.pdf

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) (2007a). South Australian Fauna and Flora database,Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia.

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH). (2009).Wetlands - Migratory Waterbirds and their Habitats.(Online, accessed April 2009).http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/wetlands/shorebirds.html

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts (DEHWR). (2001). Insight Into Habitat Diversity& Threatened Species: Mangrove habitats. (Online, accessed Dec 2008).

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/insight/mangrove.html

__________________________________________________________________________________


Department of Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts (DEWHA). (2009a). Directory of ImportantWetlands in Australia, database (Online, accessed Mar 2009).http://www.environment.gov.au/cgibin/wetlands/search.pl?smode=DOIW

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts (DEWHA). (2009b). Species Profile and ThreatsDatabase: Neophema chrysogaster - Orange-bellied Parrot. (Online, accessed 24th April2009). http://www.environment.gov.au/cgibin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=747

Durant, M (2007a) Summary of native vegetation and threats to ecological assets: Middle Beach to PortGawler, Greening Australia and SA Department for Environment and Heritage.

Durant, M (2007b) Buckland Park: Summary of native vegetation and threats to ecological assets, GreeningAustralia and SA Department for Environment and Heritage.

Estuaries Management and Planning (South Australia) (Online, accessed Dec 2008).http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/coasts/estuaries.html

Environment and Biodiversity Services (EBS) (2009). Light Beach – Coastal Management Plan.(Unpublished). Environmental and Biodiversity Services, South Australia.

Fotheringham, D. and Coleman, P. (2008). Salt Marshes in S.A. Shepherd, S.Bryars, I. Kirkegaard, P.Harbison, and J.T. Jennings (eds.), Natural History of Gulf St Vincent, Royal Society of SouthAustralia, Adelaide, South Australia.

Garnet S.T. and Crowley, G.M. (2000). The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000. Environment Australia,Canberra

Grund, R (2002). South Australian Butterflies datasheets. (Online, accessed Dec 2008).http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~rgrund/donnysa_ds.htm

Kraehenbuhl, D.N. (1996) Pre-European Vegetation of Adelaide – A survey from the Gawler River to HallettCove. Nature Conservation Society of SA, Adelaide.

Matthew, J. (1994). The status, distribution and habitat of the Slender-billed Thornbill Acanthiza iredalei inSouth Australia. South Australian Ornithologist, 32:1-23.

Moulton, B. and Kelly, T. (2002). Area Action Plan for the Protection and Enhancement of Remnant SmoothCutting Grass and Samphire Vegetation formation.

National Land and Water Resources Audit (2002). (Online, accessed Nov 2008). http://www.nlwra.gov.au/

NOVA: Science in the news (19/08/2008), Impact of Climate Warming on Biodiversity. (Online, accessed Nov2008). http://www.science.org.au/nova/091/091key.htm

Orange-Bellied Parrot Recovery Team (2006). National Recovery Plan for the Orange-Bellied Parrot(Neophema chrysogaster). Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW), Hobart.

Oz Coasts (2008). Coastal Indicators: Changes in Mangrove Areas. (Online, accessed Dec 2009).http://www.ozcoasts.org.au/indicators/mangrove_areas.jsp

Pedler, J.A and Mathison, W.E (1993). Remnant vegetation in the Mallala District Council Area: its status andconservation strategies. Save the Bush Program and DC Mallala.

SA Urban Forests Biodiversity Program Million Trees Program 2005 Revegetation Sites brochure

SAM (2008), South Australian Museum fauna database, South Australian Museum.

Seaman, R.L. (2002) Wetland inventory for the Mount Lofty Ranges: an assessment of selected wetlands forthe Mount Lofty Ranges, encompassing the four Catchment Water Management Boards.Department for Environment and Heritage.

South Australian Coast Protection Board (1992). Coastal Erosion, Flooding and Sea Level Rise Stands andProtection Policy. Coastline, 26.

Transport SA (2009).Weeds of the Eastern Region.Government of SA, Transport SA.

Turner, M. (2001). Conserving Adelaide’s Biodiversity: Resources, SA Urban Forests Biodiversity Program.

Watkins (1993). A National Plan for Shorebird Conservation in Australia, Australasian Wader Study Group ofthe Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union.

Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2005), A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Reed New Holland, Australia.

__________________________________________________________________________________

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entP

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68

9.0

App

endices

App

endix1.Ve

getatio

nassociations

andspecieslists

SPEC

IESNAME

COMMONNAME

AUS

SASL

12

34

56

7USE

FOR

REV

EGAIZOACEA

ECarpobrotusrossii

NativePigface

Tetragoniaimplexicoma

Bow

erSpinach

Y

APO

CYN

ACEA

EAlyxiabuxifolia

Sea

Box

RY

AVICEN

NIACEA

EAvicenniamarinassp.marina

GreyMangrove

Y

CHEN

OPO

DIACEA

EAtriplexcinerea

CoastSaltbush

Y

Atriplexpaludosassp.cordata

Marsh

Saltbush

Y

Atriplexpaludosassp.paludosa

Marsh

Saltbush

KEnchylaenatomentosavar.tomentosa

RubySaltbush

Y

Maireanabrevifolia

Short-leafBluebush

Maireanaoppositifolia

SaltB

luebush

Rhagodiacandolleanassp.candolleana

Sea-berrySaltbush

Sarcocorniablackiana

Thick-head

Sam

phire

Sarcocorniaquinqueflora

Beaded

Samphire

Suaedaaustralis

AustralSeablite

+Tecticorniaarbuscula

Shrubby

Sam

phire

+Tecticorniahalocnemoidesssp.

halocnemoides

GreySam

phire

+Tecticorniaindicassp.bidens

Brown-head

Sam

phire

K+Tecticorniapergranulatassp.pergranulata

Black-seedSam

phire

Threlkeldiadiffusa

CoastBonefruit

__________________________________________________________________________________

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ActionManagem

entP

lan

69

SPEC

IESNAME

COMMONNAME

AUS

SASL

12

34

56

7USE

FOR

REV

EGCOMPO

SITA

E*Cynaracardunculusssp.flavescens

ArtichokeTh

istle

Oleariaaxillaris

CoastDaisy-bush

Y

*Oncosiphonsuffruticosum

Calom

baDaisy

*Reichardiatingitana

FalseSow

thistle

Seneciosp.

Groundsel

Vittadiniagracilis

Woolly

New

Holland

Daisy

CRUCIFER

AE

*Cakilemaritimassp.maritima

Two-horned

Sea

Rocket

CUPR

ESSA

CEA

ECallitrisgracilis

Southern

Cypress

Pine

UY

EUPH

ORBIACEA

E*Euphorbiaparalias

SeaSp

urge

FRANKEN

IACEA

EFrankeniapaucifloravar.fruticulosa

SouthernSea-heath

GRAMINEA

EAustrostipaelegantissima

FeatherS

pear-grass

UAustrostipasp.

Spear-grass

*Avenabarbata

BeardedOat

*Bromuscatharticuss

Red

Brom

e

*Lagurusovatus

Hare'sTa

ilGrass

*Piptatherum

miliaceum

RiceMillet

LABIATA

E*Marrubium

vulgare

Horehound

LEGUMINOSA

EAcaciacupularis

Cup

Wattle

RY

Acacialigulata

UmbrellaBush

KY

*Acaciasaligna

GoldenWreathWattle

__________________________________________________________________________________

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ActionManagem

entP

lan

70

SPEC

IESNAME

COMMONNAME

AUS

SASL

12

34

56

7USE

FOR

REV

EGLILIACEA

E*Asphodelusfistulosus

Onion

Weed

Dianellabrevicaulis

Short-stem

Flax-lily

Dianellarevoluta

Black

AntherF

lax-lilly

LIMONIACEA

E*Limoniumcompanyonis

Sea-lavender

MYO

PORACEA

EMyoporuminsulare

Com

mon

Boobialla

Y

MYR

TACEA

EEucalyptusgracilis

Yorrell

VMelaleucalanceolata

Dryland

Tea-tree

UY

PITT

OSP

ORACEA

EPittosporumangustifolium

NativeApricot

RPO

LYGONACEA

EMuehlenbeckiagunnii

CoastalClim

bing

Lignum

SANTA

LACEA

EExocarposaphyllus

Leafless

Cherry

VSA

PINDACEA

EDodonaeaviscosassp.angustissima

Narrow-leafHop-bush

Y

SOLA

NACEA

E*Lyciumferocissimum

AfricanBoxthorn

THYM

ELAEA

CEA

EPimeleaserpyllifoliassp.serpyllifolia

Thym

eRiceflower

ZYGOPH

YLLA

CEA

ENitrariabillardierei

Nitre-bush

TOTA

LSP

ECIES

00

9

+Allsamphire

speciesingeneraHalosarciaandSclerostegiahave

undergonenamechangesandaregroupedunderthe

genusTecticornia

__________________________________________________________________________________

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each

ActionManagem

entP

lan

71

KEY

Reg

ions

forc

onservationsign

ificant

flora

species

AUS=Austra

lia(EnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversityConservationAct,1999)

SA=SouthAustralia

(NationalParksandWildlifeAct,1972)

SL=SouthernLofty

Region(nolegislation)

Con

servationStatus

Cod

es:

V=Vulnerable:rare

andatriskfrompotentialthreatsor

long

term

threatswhich

couldcausethespeciestobecomeendangered

inthefuture.

K=Uncertain:likelytobe

either

Threatened

orRarebutinsufficientdatafora

morepreciseassessment.

R=Rare:hasalowoverallfrequency

ofoccurre

nce(may

belocally

common

with

averyrestricteddistributionormay

bescatteredsparselyover

awider

area).Notcurrently

exposedtosignificantthreats,butw

arrantsmonitoringandprotectivemeasurestopreventreductionofpopulationsizes.

U=Uncom

mon:lesscommon

speciesofinterestbutnotrare

enough

towarrantspecialprotectivemeasures

Associatio

n1-Tecticorniapergranulata

ssp.perganulata(Black-seedSam

phire)/Tecticorniaindica

(Brown-head

Sam

phire)/Maireanaoppositifolia

(SaltBluebush)

+/-Atriplex

paludosa

ssp.cordata(Marsh

Saltbush)

Associatio

n2–Sarcocorniaquinqueflora

(BeadedSam

phire)+

/-Tecticornicaarbuscula(Shrubby

Sam

phire),Tecticorniapergranulatassp.perganulata(Shrubby

Sam

phire),Suaeda

australis

(AustralS

eablite)

Associatio

n3–Atriplexpaludosa

ssp.cordata(Marsh

Saltbush),Tecticorniaspp.(Sam

phire),Maireanaoppositofolia

(SaltB

luebush)LowOpenShrubland

Associatio

n4-Nitrariabillardierei(Nitre-bush)/Atriplexpaludosa

ssp.cordata(Marsh

Saltbush)

Openshrubland

Associatio

n5–Oleariaaxillaris(CoastDaisy-bush),Nitrariabillardierei(Nitre-bush),Myoporuminsulare

(Com

mon

Boobialla),Atriplex

Spp.(Saltbush),+/-MaireanaSpp.(Bluebush)

Openshrubland

Associatio

n7–Avicenniamarinassp.Marina(GreyMangrove)

LowClosedForest

__________________________________________________________________________________

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App

endix2.Habitatp

references

andassociated

behaviou

r(foraging

,roo

sting,or

breeding

)for

conservatio

nsign

ificant

bird

speciesrecorded

with

inthe

Managem

entarea,or

expected

tousethesite.Informationsourcedandadaptedfrom

DEH

(2009)andDEW

HA(2009).

ScientificNam

eCom

mon

Nam

eAUS

SAStud

yArea

Status

Prim

aryhabitat

Salinewetland

sFreshw

ater

wetland

sCoastal

habitat

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Man-

groves

Inter-tid

alsaltm

arsh

Samph

ireshrublands

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Beaches

androcky

banks

Acanthizairedalei

rosinae

Slender-billed

Thornbill

Vres

supratidalsamphire

bb

Actitushypoleucos

Com

mon

Sandpiper

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

fr

r

Anhinger

melanogaster

Darter

Rirreg

mudflats/beaches

fr

ff

Ardeaalba

GreatEgret

Ma,Mi

res

mudflats/beaches

ff

r

Ardeaibis

Cattle

Egret

Mi

Rwin

supratidalsamphire

f

Ardeaintermedia

IntermediateEgret

Mi

Rirreg

mudflats/beaches

f

Arenariainterpres

Ruddy

Turnstone

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Calidrisacuminata

Sharp-ta

iled

Sandpiper

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Calidrisalba

Sanderling

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Calidriscanutus

Red

Knot

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

r

Calidrisferruginea

CurlewSandpiper

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Calidrisruficollis

Red-neckedStint

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

f

Calidrissubminuta

Long-to

edStint

Ma,Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

f

Calidristenuirostris

GreatKnot

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Charadriusbicinctus

Double-banded

Plover

Mi

win

mudflats/beaches

f

Charadrius

leschenaultii

GreaterSand

Plover

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Charadriusmongolus

Lesser

Sand

Plover

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Charadriusveredus

OrientalPlover

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

r

Chlidonias

leucopterus

White-winged

Black

Tern

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

fr

Cladorhynchus

BandedStilt

Virreg

mudflats/beaches

ff

r

__________________________________________________________________________________

LightB

each

ActionManagem

entP

lan

73

ScientificNam

eCom

mon

Nam

eAUS

SAStud

yArea

Status

Prim

aryhabitat

Salinewetland

sFreshw

ater

wetland

sCoastal

habitat

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Man-

groves

Inter-tid

alsaltm

arsh

Samph

ireshrublands

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Beaches

androcky

banks

leucocephalus

Egrettagarzetta

LittleEgret

Mi

Rres

mudflats/beaches

ff

r

Egrettasacra

Eastern

Reef

Egret

Mi

Rirreg

mudflats/beaches

rr

Gallinagohardwickii

Latham

'sSnipe

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

f

Glareolamaldivarum

OrientalPratincole

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

r

Haematopus

fuliginosus

Sooty

Oystercatcher

Rres

mudflats/beaches

r

Haematopus

longirostris

Pied

Oystercatcher

Rres

mudflats/beaches

r

Haliaeetus

leucogaster

White-belliedSea-

eagle

Ma,Mi

Eirreg

mangroves

fb

Heteroscelusbrevipes

Grey-tailedTattler

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

rr

rr

Limicolafalcinellus

Broad-billed

Sandpiper

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Limosalapponica

Bar-ta

iledGodwit

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

rr

r

Limosalimosa

Black-ta

iled

Godwit

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Macronectes

giganteus

SouthernGiant-

Petrel

E,

Ma,Mi

Vvag

mudflats/beaches

f

Meropsornatus

Rainbow

Bee-

eater

Mi

irreg

woodlands

/grasslands

Neophema

chrysogaster

Orange-bellied

Parrot

EE

win

supratidalsamphire

f

Neophema

chrysostoma

Blue-winged

Parrot

Ma

Vwin

supratidalsamphire

ff

Neophemaelegans

ElegantParrot

Rirreg

supratidalsamphire

ff

Neophemapetrophila

RockParrot

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

f

Numenius

madagascariensis

EasternCurlew

Mi

Vsum

mudflats/beaches

rr

Numeniusminutus

LittleCurlew

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

r

Numeniusphaeopus

Whimbrel

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

rr

__________________________________________________________________________________

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ActionManagem

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74

ScientificNam

eCom

mon

Nam

eAUS

SAStud

yArea

Status

Prim

aryhabitat

Salinewetland

sFreshw

ater

wetland

sCoastal

habitat

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Man-

groves

Inter-tid

alsaltm

arsh

Samph

ireshrublands

Ope

nwater

Shallow

water/

mud

Beaches

androcky

banks

Pandionhaliaetus

Osprey

Eirreg

mangroves

fr

Phalaropuslobatus

Red-necked

Phalarope

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Philomachuspugnax

Ruff

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

f

Plegadisfalcinellus

GlossyIbis

Ma,Mi

Rirreg

mudflats/beaches

f

Pluvialisfulva

PacificGolden

Plover

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

ff

Pluvialissquatarola

GreyPlover

Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

rr

Podicepscristatus

GreatCrested

Grebe

Rirreg

mudflats/beaches

f

Rostratulaaustralis

Painted

Snipe

V,M

iV

sum

mudflats/beaches

f

Sternaalbifrons

LittleTe

rnMi

Eirreg

mudflats/beaches

fr

Sternabergii

Crested

Tern

Mi

res

mudflats/beaches

r

Sternacaspia

Caspian

Tern

Ma,Mi

res

mudflats/beaches

fr

r

Sternahirundo

Com

mon

Tern

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

r

Sternanereis

Fairy

Tern

Esum

mudflats/beaches

fr

Sternaparidisaea

Arctic

Tern

Mi

vag

mudflats/beaches

Thinornisrubricollis

HoodedPlover

V,M

iV

irreg

mudflats/beaches

r

Tringanebularia

Com

mon

Greenshank

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

ff

r

Tringastagnatilis

Marsh

Sandpiper

Ma,Mi

sum

mudflats/beaches

f

Xenuscinereus

TerekSandpiper

Mi

Rsum

mudflats/beaches

f

KEY

Regions

forc

onservationsign

ificant

flora

species

AUS=Austra

lia(EnvironmentProtectionandBiodiversityConservationAct,1999)

SA=SouthAustralia

(NationalParksandWildlifeAct,1972)

Con

servationStatus

Cod

es:

__________________________________________________________________________________

LightB

each

ActionManagem

entP

lan

75

E=Endangered:facing

averyhigh

riskofextinctioninthewild

inthenear

future.

V=Vulnerable:facing

ahigh

riskofextinctioninthewild

inthenear

future.

R=Rare:hasalowoverallfrequency

ofoccurre

nce(may

belocally

common

with

averyrestricteddistributionormay

bescatteredsparselyover

awider

area).Notcurrently

exposedtosignificantthreats,butw

arrantsmonitoringandprotectivemeasurestopreventreductionofpopulationsizes.

Irreg

=Irregular

visitortotheManagem

entarea.

Mi=

MigratoryvisitortotheManagem

entarea.

Ma=Marinelistedspecies.

Res

=Residentspecies

thatuses

theManagem

entareaforb

reedingandfeeding.

Summ

=Sum

mer

migrantspecies

Win=Winterm

igrantspecies.

Vag=VagrantvisitortotheManagem

entareathatutilisestheManagem

entareararely.

HabitatU

sage

Cod

es:

b=Breeding

f=Feeding

r=Roosting

Adelaide and Mount Lofty RangesNatural Resources Management Board205 Greenhill RoadEastwood SA 5063Phone 08 8273 9100www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au

This project is partially funded by the Adelaide and MountLofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board andthe Australian Government’s Caring for our Country.

Documents

LightBeachActionManagementPlan · LightBeachActionManagementPlan vii Nearshore the area extending from the low water shoreline to the generally less than 10m depth or beyond the breakerzone