Port Augusta-Quorn region in the spotlight
The Port Augusta-Quorn district was in the spotlight last week when SAAL Landscape Board visited the region and held its sixth joint meeting with the Pastoral Board.
In Port Augusta, SAAL board members toured the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, where they received a presentation on regional cactus management by board staff. Friends of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden secretary Chris Nayda showed members through the Children’s Garden, with activity resources supported by a 2023–24 Grassroots Grant.
Port Augusta Coastcare also provided an update to the board, highlighting recent initiatives and upcoming activities across the Port Augusta area.
SAAL Board members visited the Hallett Green Cement Transformation project at the old power station site. Members heard how the project aims to reduce carbon in the production of cement and concrete.
At the formal meeting of both boards in Quorn, members heard from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport about its Northern Water Project and members discussed matters important to the region, including rangeland goats, increasing threats from feral pigs, kowari protection and wild dog management.
A community dinner at Quorn Bowling Club created a valuable opportunity for the community to connect with board members. About 50 attendees heard from Livestock SA CEO Travis Tobin, Dog Fence Board chair Geoff Power, and James Johnston from the Invasive Species Council.
The SA Arid Lands Landscape Plan 2026–2031 was officially launched during the dinner.
The joint meeting ended with a visit to Carriewerloo Station where members inspected a population of Desert lime trees, a reverse drain, and telemetry and tanks system in use.
Planning is underway for the 2027 regional meeting. Previous regional board meetings have been held in Hawker (2021), Marree (2022), Mt Ive (2023), Copley (2024) and Andamooka (2025).
