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Minister sees local landscape projects making a difference
The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board welcomed the Hon. Emily Bourke MLC, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, to the region on 3 July for a series of site visits showcasing the people, projects and partnerships helping care for local landscapes.
The day began at Mount Barker Summit, where board members and General Manager Michael Garrod provided an overview of the region. Discussions focused on population growth, water security, biodiversity conservation, primary production and the importance of First Nations knowledge in caring for Country.
At St Ives, the Minister visited a habitat restoration site managed by Second Nature Conservancy, learning about the ReBird the Ranges program and the importance of restoring habitat for declining woodland bird species across the Mount Lofty Ranges. The visit highlighted the broader challenge of threatened species recovery and the ongoing investment needed to protect and restore native ecosystems.
At Howard Vineyard, the Minister saw an example of innovation in water management and sustainable production. The vineyard is using cleaned recycled water from Mount Barker, supported by natural treatment systems including native vegetation and wetlands, to improve water security for the business while supporting biodiversity outcomes.
The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the future management of water resources in the Mount Lofty Ranges, including the amendments of Water Allocation Plans and the challenges posed by declining rainfall, reduced streamflows and increasing demand for water. The discussion highlighted the need for practical solutions that support the environment, communities and productive agriculture.
The Minister also viewed a low-flow device on a farm dam, which allows a small portion of initial stream runoff to bypass the dam and continue down the natural watercourse, helping maintain downstream flows.
Whilst at Howards, the Minister also acknowledged the launch of the Hills and Fleurieu Regional Landscape Plan 2026–2031, recognising the work undertaken by the Board and its partners to develop a shared roadmap for caring for the region’s land, water, nature and communities over the next five years.
The visit continued at a Mylor property, where landholders shared how they are applying knowledge gained through the Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu Stewardship Program and workshops. The discussion focused on practical actions to restore native habitat and how they are aiming to create wildlife corridors for southern brown bandicoots.
The final stop at Crafers West focused on feral deer management. Local a landholder spoke about the damage deer have caused on their property, including the need to install costly deer exclusion structures to protect fruit trees.
Regional Grazing Pressure Management Coordinator Tom Kloeden demonstrated thermal drone technology, quickly locating four feral deer within dense scrub on the property. The demonstration highlighted both the challenge of detecting deer in complex landscapes and the value of new tools in supporting coordinated control efforts.
Discussions highlighted the need for coordinated action to address feral deer before their impacts become more widespread, and the importance of supporting land managers with the tools, information and assistance needed to protect agricultural and natural landscapes.
The Board thanks Minister Bourke, local landholders and project partners for sharing their knowledge and experiences throughout the day.
"The day was a great opportunity to showcase the breadth of work happening across the Hills and Fleurieu and the strong partnerships that make it possible," General Manager Michael Garrod said.
"Importantly, it gave Minister Bourke the chance to hear directly from local landholders, partners and stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities facing our region, and the difference we are making by working together.
"We look forward to continuing these conversations and working together to support the priorities identified in the Hills and Fleurieu Regional Landscape Plan, while addressing the challenges and opportunities facing our region."