Incentives available to join Burra to Kapunda project

Eligible landholders in the Tothill Ranges area are being offered incentives to be part of Natural Resources Northern and Yorke’s (NRNY) Burra to Kapunda Landscape Project that aims to improve connectivity of biodiversity through the area.

Community Ranger for NRNY’s Lower and Mid North district, Denni Russell says the Tothill belt has been identified as a priority conservation area through the Mid North Community Action Planning process (CAP).

"The project extends from Burra in the north, to Kapunda in the south, with the Barrier Highway forming the western boundary and the Burra-Robertstown-Eudunda road, marking the eastern boundary," Ms Russell said.

The Burra to Kapunda Landscape Project is part of a larger program that aims to restore land condition and connectivity within and between the hills of the Northern Mount Lofty Ranges.

"Native plant and animal populations can become isolated in patches of remnant vegetation along hilltops, creek lines and in paddocks," Ms Russell said.

"Connectivity along the Tothill Ranges belt and surrounding ranges, will provide improved habitat for native reptile and bird species, enabling movement between isolated patches and giving species the best chance of adapting to climate change impacts in the years ahead."

Funded by a Native Vegetation Council Significant Environmental Benefit (SEB) Grant, the project has been running for 18 months, with the next round of on-ground works set to be identified in the next few months.

In the last financial year, 34 landholders were identified with 26 site visits conducted. On-ground works arising from these site visits should begin in 2016.

Expressions of interest for further on-ground works are now being sought from landholders with property in the project area.

Ms Russell said that landholders in and around the Tothill Ranges have a real opportunity to help conserve biodiversity in their local area.

"Anyone with remnant vegetation including grasslands, woodlands and mallee on properties within the project area, may be eligible for financial assistance to support landholders to undertake on-ground works.

"Incentives are available for pest plant and animal control, revegetation, grassland restoration through sustainable grazing, fencing for conservation and whole-of-paddock restoration."

Landholders are encouraged to register their interest by contacting the Natural Resources Centre Clare on 8841 3444 or email denni.russell@sa.gov.au