1

Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve Management Plan

Discussion Paper

1. Background

The Simpson Desert is the world’s largest sand dune desert, with the world’s longest parallel dunes. South Australia’s Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Simpson Desert Regional Reserve sit just within the South Australian border, abutting southern Queensland and the Northern Territory. This is the country of the Wangkangurru Yarluyandi people and a destination for travellers from near and far. Under section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, every park must have a management

plan. Park management plans set a vision for the protected area and outline a set of directions to

achieve this vision and meet the objectives of the Act. There is currently no plan for the Simpson

Desert Regional Reserve or the Simpson Desert Conservation Park so work is underway to develop a

plan for these parks.

A literature review has been completed and early input has been sought from key stakeholders. This

discussion paper is released to promote further input from everyone on key management issues.

The discussion paper does not cover all the content of the draft management plan, instead it

focusses on a key discussion items only. Comments will be considered and where appropriate,

incorporated into the draft management plan. The draft plan will be released for public consultation

over a 3 month period in early 2017. Feedback received on the draft plan will be used to develop a

final park management plan which will be forwarded to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment

and Conservation for adoption.

Have your say

Do you have knowledge to share relevant to the management of the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and

Conservation Park? We welcome your input. To share your thoughts, ideas and concerns relating to the

development of the Simpson Desert management plan, please get in contact via:

Online Head to the ‘Have your Say’ page for the Simpson Desert management plan at http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/haveyoursay

Email DEWNRProtectedAreaManagement@sa.gov.au

Mail Protected Areas Unit

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources

GPO Box 1047, SA 5000

Consultation on the Discussion Paper closes at 5pm on Friday 28 October

2

2. Map of the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve

3

3. Management Context

The Wangkangurru Yarluyandi people are the traditional owners of the Simpson Desert Regional

Reserve and the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and were formally recognised as native title

holders in October 2014 over an area including the parks and extending into south-west

Queensland.

The Simpson Desert Conservation Park was originally proclaimed as a National Park in 1967 as South Australia’s contribution to a tri-State National Park. Munga-Thirri National Park in Queensland was dedicated at the same time but the Northern Territory did not proceed with dedication. As a result, the South Australian National Park was changed in classification to a Conservation Park in 1972 to protect the area for the purpose of conserving wildlife, natural and historic features of the land. The Regional Reserve, the larger area surrounding the Conservation Park, was proclaimed in 1988 to link the Conservation Park and Witjira National Park and for the purpose of conserving wildlife, natural and historical features whilst allowing responsible use of the area's natural resources. Exploration and mining is permitted in the Regional Reserve under the Mining Act 1971 and the Petroleum Act 2000, subject to Ministerial approval.

Crossing dune after dune through the red sand

4. What are the parks protecting?

The Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve help protect:

- The largest system of parallel sand dunes in the world.

- One of the world’s greatest 4WD challenges and a true Australian outback experience.

- 189 animals adapted to living in arid conditions, including four mammals listed as vulnerable

or rare under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, three of which are also listed as

endangered or vulnerable under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. These are the Itjaritjara (Southern Marsupial Mole)

(Notoryctes typhlops), Plains Mouse (Pseudomys australis), and the Ampurta (Crest-tailed

Mulgara) (Dasycercus cristicauda).

4

- A variety of plants totalling 375 species including ten that are listed as vulnerable or rare

under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Sea Heath (Frankenia plicata), a small dense

shrub, is also listed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act.

- Culturally significant sites and landscapes including gypsum outcrops.

- Bush tucker foods and culturally significant animals.

At the summit of one of the Approdinna Attora Knolls

5. What are the challenges and opportunities?

The park faces a few challenges, but with these challenges are also opportunities.

- Increasing the protection and recognition of Aboriginal artefacts and early European relics.

- Promoting Wangkangurru Yarluyandi people’s connection to Country and enhancing the

tourist experience through sharing the stories and language of the traditional owners.

- Providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors whilst reducing environmental

impacts.

- Developing place names that reflect the area’s Wangkangurru Yarluyandi culture.

- Managing the impact of exotic plants including Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), Tribulus

terrestris and Neurada procumbens.

- Reducing the populations of exotic species including camels, rabbits, foxes, feral cats and

cattle to secure the future of small native mammals, reptiles and birds and prevent erosion

and grazing on native plants.

- Increasing knowledge of the native plants and animals through research and monitoring

programs to enhance the management efforts to conserve vulnerable species.

- Increasing knowledge of the potential impacts of mining activity and balancing any future

mining activity in the Regional Reserve with conservation and tourism.

- Undertaking site visits with traditional owners to monitor the health of plants and animals to

understand the impact of long term seasonal conditions and climate change.

- Coordinating Simpson Desert management activities between South Australia, Queensland

and the Northern Territory.

5

6. Key discussion themes

6.1 Protecting cultural sites

Issue

There are cultural campsites throughout the park

that are important to modern day Wangkangurru

Yarluyandi people as it is through the use of these

sites that they remain connected to Country. Being

sites for congregation, many artefacts including

stone implements are scattered within their vicinity.

Approdinna Attora Knolls are rare gypsum outcrops

that were once the highest dune crests in the area.

There are small gypsum nodes in the southern and

eastern sections of the Simpson Desert but the

Attora Knolls are particularly significant due to their

height, great geological, historical and cultural

significance. They provide a great view from the top

across the country but the fragile gypsum has been

prone to visitor damage in the past. Visitor access is

now controlled through a designated carpark and

walking trail to the summit of one of the Knolls.

Camping is also not permitted within two kilometres

of the Knolls to protect cultural sites.

Impact

Visitors may intentionally or unintentionally damage culturally significant sites through driving off

the marked tracks or removing artefacts. In some areas, gypsum outcrops are traversed by tracks

which not only causes physical damage but can impact on storylines.

Possible strategies

- Continue to manage access to culturally significant sites.

- Conduct surveys to document cultural sites and realign tracks where required to avoid

disturbing significant sites.

- Provide information for visitors to increase their knowledge and understanding of

Wangkangurru Yarluyandi peoples’ culture and connection to Country.

- Encourage responsible and sustainable practices such as staying on marked tracks and

removing all rubbish.

Using signage to help protect cultural sites

6

6.2 Campfires and wood collection

Cooking dinner on a campfire in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve

Issue

Having a campfire under a sky of stars is part of the desert experience. Fires are banned in the

neighbouring parks, Witjira National Park and Munga-Thirri National Park in Queensland, leaving a

visit to the Simpson Desert parks as the opportunity to enjoy a campfire.

With only minimal tree coverage in the Simpson Desert, there is a limited supply of suitable

firewood. As time passes, this supply will continue to decline and wood will be found further and

further from designated tracks and campsites.

Impact

Although it doesn’t look like much, dead wood is ecologically valuable as it provides habitat for

insects, small mammals and reptiles. It also has a role in erosion control and helps smaller plants

establish in shifting sands.

In a quest to retrieve suitable wood from a dwindled supply, visitors will be inclined to drive further

off the marked tracks causing erosion, spreading weeds and potentially damaging cultural sites.

Possible strategies

There are four options to manage campfires and wood collection in the Simpson Desert parks, these are:

1 continue to allow fires and wood collection; 2 ban wood collection but allow fires (sustainably sourced wood must be carried in);

3 allow only solid fuel or gas fires; or

4 ban all wood collection and all fires.

The second option is preferred as it addresses the impact of wood stocks being decimated without

impacting on the visitor experience. Wangkangurru Yarluyandi people have traditional rights which

enable them to collect wood and have campfires for cultural purposes. However, the Wangkangurru

Yarluyandi people would like to see the habitat that dead wood provides protected, and therefore

traditional owners will also bring in their wood from sustainable sources outside of the parks.

7

The requirement for visitors and traditional owners to bring in their own wood for the purpose of

having campfires will be phased in over a period of time under the direction of a communications

strategy.

6.3 4WD driving and Trailers

A Ranger checking the Desert Parks Pass of a visitor towing a trailer

Issue

Some sections of tracks have become degraded due to a combination of increased visitor traffic and

incorrect tyre pressures being selected for vehicles. There is also concern that the use of trailers

contributes to track damage, in particular on the crest of dunes. It is however acknowledged that

some visitors require the use of a trailer to make the journey possible.

Due to the fragile soil, new tracks can be created by a single 4WD whose operator decides to take

the road less travelled. It can takes years for these unnecessary tracks to heal and revegetate. In the

swales, some visitors have created entirely new tracks to guide them to a firewood source or an

even more secluded campsite.

Impact

Careless driving impacts the environment through damage to native vegetation, the spread of weeds

such as Buffel grass, erosion and generally scaring the landscape. There are also possible cultural

impacts if vehicles travel off marked tracks. Cultural campsites, artefacts and culturally significant

land features such as gypsum outcrops can be easily damaged.

Effort has been made over the last 3

years to monitor the health of the

dunes via photo-points. The results

are not yet conclusive but it seems

that scalloping occurs during the

high use tourist season and that the

dunes then undergo a repair phase

thanks to rainfall and sand

movement during the summer

closure period.

Rangers conducting dune photo point monitoring in April 2016

8

Possible strategies

Due to the remoteness and scale of the parks, the parks are best maintained when visitors leave no

trace. The tracks in the Simpson Desert parks are not graded, so it is up to visitors to do the right

thing if the tracks are to remain in a good condition.

- Continue to encourage all visitors to travel on marked tracks only.

- Promote the correct setup for 4WD vehicles, including loading and most importantly tyre

pressures through signage and publications.

- Continue to discourage the use of trailers through publications.

- Complete further sand dune monitoring to inform the impact of vehicles and trailers

throughout the Simpson Desert.

6.4 Camping and visitor amenities

Swagging it under a sky of stars

Issue

There is no phone reception or fuel services and there are no rubbish bins, toilets or shelters. This is

the Australian outback. There are signs though, both directional and interpretive to guide visitors

across the desert.

Camping is allowed within 50 metres of public access tracks through the parks, unless otherwise

signed, whilst camping is allowed within 500 metres of the track in neighbouring Munga-Thirri

National Park in Queensland.

Impact

Some visitors may expect more facilities, whilst others are happy to keep the outback in a more

natural state, relatively free of infrastructure. The remoteness of the parks adds significant costs for

both implementation and maintenance of any facilities.

Directional signage has recently been improved and there are sufficient signs to guide visitors along

the various tracks through the desert. Visitors’ understanding of the cultural and environmental

importance of the desert could be enhanced through an improvement in interpretive signage. In

some cases, this may mean replacing weathered signs, whilst other areas with no signage could be

improved with the installation of signage. All signage should be sympathetic to the local

environment be designed in a way that limits maintenance. There is also a potential for technology

based information to be developed, for instance using apps.

9

There may be some confusion with the camping guidelines, as evidenced by a few tourist and 4WD

websites suggesting different allowable distances from the tracks for camping.

Possible strategies

- Develop an interpretive plan for the parks to enhance the visitor experience through sharing

more information about the environmental, cultural and European history of the Simpson

Desert.

- Develop a camping strategy consistent with Munga-Thirri National Park and the Northern

Territory, and promote camping guidelines.

- Consider additional interpretive information to be provided in the Desert Parks Pass once it

is available online to value add to interpretive signs.

6.5 Rabbits, foxes and cats

Rabbit warrens in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve

Issue

Rabbit populations fluctuate with seasonal conditions and when conditions are favourable they can

be seen right across the desert. Foxes and cats also respond to conditions and increase in number

following an increase in prey species, which respond to environmental conditions.

Impact

Particularly in greater numbers, rabbits can decimate native plants which in turn causes erosion as

the topsoil becomes exposed. Foxes, and in particular, cats have a greater impact as they prey on

native species including reptiles and small mammals.

Possible strategies

- Due to the remoteness and size of the parks, rabbits are difficult to control. Utilising

biological control such as Calici virus may be the only option available to control rabbit

populations in arid South Australia.

- Foxes and cats should be shot opportunistically. Targeted control in priority areas should be

undertaken following high rainfall events, in a ‘boom’ period.

10

6.6 Camels and cattle

Dromedary Camels in the Simpson Desert [credit: The Advertiser]

Issue

Camels were introduced for the purpose of transporting people and goods with the goal of exploring

and developing central Australia. Afghan cameleers crisscrossed the desert from the mid nineteenth

century but when cars became available, the use of camels declined and many animals were

abandoned.

Many neighbouring properties run cattle and following favourable conditions and a greening of

vegetation in the Simpson Desert, cattle can stray into the parks. Due to the size and remoteness of

the parks, it is difficult to know when cattle incursions have occurred. In most cases, cattle perish as

water sources dry up.

Impact

Camels browse on some native species including the Gidgee tree, increasing grazing pressure, and

can foul water sources, reducing the availability of clean water for native species. Cattle are hoofed

animals that can cause erosion to fragile soils. In addition to causing erosion, they also directly

impact native vegetation through trampling and grazing. Both camels and cattle can disturb or

destroy cultural sites.

Possible strategies

- Continue the large herbivore aerial control program in the desert to keep camel numbers

low.

11

6.7 Buffel grass and other weeds

The only known area of Buffel grass in the Simpson Desert following burning.

Issue

As of 2015, Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) has been a declared weed in South Australia and is found

extensively in the north of the state, including across the western neighbouring park, Witjira

National Park. The weed has only been recorded at one site in the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve.

In addition to Buffel grass, there is also Tribulus terrestris and Neurada procumbens. Neurada was first observed in Australia in 2000 in the north-west corner of the Simpson Desert along French Line to west of Rig Road Junction. It is only otherwise known to occur at a couple of sites in the Northern Territory. Tribulus terrestris is a spreading vine found throughout mainland Australia. Neurada and Tribulus terrestris are particularly found in areas where visitors stop at track intersections, sites of interest and campsites. All three of these weeds have seeds that allow them to be easily transported by tyres, shoes, camping gear and in the fur of animals.

Impact

Buffel grass is considered one of Australia’s worst weeds due to its ease of establishment, its fast

maturation and spread. The plant can disperse its seeds far and wide and these seeds can remain

viable for over 12 months. The plants themselves can live for at least 20 years. The weed can quickly

form a monoculture, out-competing native grasses and reducing food supply for native birds. The

broader landscape is also compromised as Buffel grass produces more combustible material than

native grasses resulting in hotter and more intense fires.

The major concern with Neurada procumbens and Tribulus terrestris are resilient weeds owing to their ability to germinate only one seed at a time, only germinating others when more moisture is detected.

12

Possible strategies

- Control Buffel grass as a priority before it spreads further, guided by the South Australian

Buffel Grass Strategic Plan 2012-2017, and prevent its spread from Witjira National Park into

the Simpson Desert parks.

- Monitor Tribulus terrestris and control as required, noting Neurada procumbens has spread

too far for control effort to be effective.

- Educate visitors on how they can limit the spread of weed seeds through checking tyres,

equipment and clothing and remaining on marked tracks and encourage the reporting of

new Buffel grass infestations.

6.8 Mining Issue

Petroleum exploration commenced in the area prior to the dedication of the parks in the late 1950s. The Regional Reserve was created for the purpose of conserving wildlife, natural and historical features whilst allowing responsible use of the area's natural resources. Exploration and mining is permitted under the Mining Act 1971 and the Petroleum Act 2000.The question is how we can strike a balance between allowing resources to be utilised and achieving conservation outcomes. Impact

It is difficult to predict the future of exploration, mining and petroleum production in the Regional

Reserve and the impacts may include more tracks being constructed, a spread of weeds, removal of

native vegetation, localised impacts on native fauna and an increase in exotic fauna.

However, exploration, mining and petroleum activities are generally well regulated these days in

South Australia and upon applying for a licence to explore or carry out any activity, companies are

provided with conditions they must adhere to. The intent of the conditions is twofold. First, to limit

the extent of initial disturbance, and secondly, to maximise the chances of regeneration of desert

ecosystems following exploration.

Possible strategies

- Aim to retain as much land as possible for conservation purposes. - Ensure mining companies engage traditional owners in the planning phase of any on ground

works and cultural heritage surveys are undertaken to identify and protect sites, including

those previously unknown. All personnel involved with exploration and mining should also

undertake cultural awareness training prior to works commencing. - Ensure land required for exploration and mining is suitably remediated at the conclusion of

works.

7. Further Reading

Biosecurity SA (2012) South Australian Buffel Grass Strategic Plan 2012-2017: A plan to reduce the weed threat

of Buffel grass in South Australia, Government of South Australia, online:

http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/237340/SA_Buffel_Grass_Strategic_Plan.pdf

National Parks South Australia (2014), Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve, online:

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Find_a_Park/Browse_by_region/flinders-ranges-outback/simpson-

desert-conservation-park-regional-reserve

Shephard, Mark, 1992, The Simpson Desert: Natural History and Human Endeavour, Reed