Boards visit the Flinders Ranges
A joint meeting between the SA Arid Lands Landscape Board and The Pastoral Board in Copley last week has encouraged the continued exchange between the two boards to discuss common issues alongside the opportunity to brief the Deputy Premier Susan Close.
While in the region members of both boards visited key sites.
This trip included Holowiliena Station, where Luke and Frances Frahn showed members exclosures and tree guards established to protect bullock bushes supporting both grazing regimes and conservation values on the property, initiatives funded through SAAL’s Grassroots Grant program. A tour also provided an opportunity to visit land rehabilitation works funded through the board's inaugural Building Pastoral Sustainability Property Management Program.
The Copley Community Gardens showcased a transformed site, burgeoning with fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and native bush foods for the community.
A community barbecue at the Copley Hotel was also well attended by 45 people. This provided an opportunity for the community to engage with board members, as well as Livestock SA represented by CEO Travis Tobin. Issues discussed with community included stock returns, grants programs, the prioritisation of wild dog management, managing goats and kangaroos. At the join board meeting, topical discussions included fencing guidelines and the upcoming International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026.
Following the meetings, members joined pastoralist and recognised amateur palaeontologist Ross Fargher for a tour of the region’s newest National Park at Ediacara/Nilpena. Board members also had the privilege of seeing international palaeontologist Dr Mary Droser in action while she is on her annual research and site visit, and heard from Ross about the transition from pastoralism to science and how there is a place for both in the pursuit of World Heritage status at this site and others
