$15,000 for landscape management

Yorke Peninsula Council has received $15,000 through the Northern and Yorke Landscapes Board’s Grassroots Grants for landscape management projects.

Council has received $5000 for the ongoing weed control at Minlagawi Gum Flat Reserve and $10,000 for weed control and rehabilitation at Coobowie Beach Road Reserve.

The reserve at Coobowie was previously a sand quarry and has been backfilled with rocks and rubble material in the past.

“Given sea level rises and increased storm surge activity is predicted for this coast, the maintenance of stable and vegetated foredunes is a high priority in coastal areas in order to withstand high tide events and prevent flooding,” Operations Manager Stephen Goldsworthy said.

“At Coobowie the foredune is currently stabilised which should be maintained to prevent loss of sand due to the action of wind and water.

“This could also be bolstered by additional plantings and landscaping in the area behind the dune.”

The reserve’s former use has left it uneven, and a haven for weedy plant species.

“The removal of this material would not compromise the integrity of the foredune and levelling of the land would create a native reserve which is easier to manage and more aesthetically pleasing,” Mr Goldsworthy said.

“Land uses that are compatible with the conservation zoning could include the addition of a walking trail and/or seating, revegetation with native coastal plants or other amenities which do not weaken the foredune.”

At Minlagawi, Council will complete weed control of invasive casuarina glauca (swamp oak) to protect native vegetation and Narungga cultural values.

“Swamp oak, whilst native to New South Wales and Queensland, is not indigenous to South Australia and has become a weed, with infestations excluding other species and changing the habitat values for native flora,” Mr Goldsworthy said.

“The swamp oak is particularly detrimental to the river red gums, which the reserve is named after, a sub-species that is only found on Yorke Peninsula in the reserve.

“The river red gums are significant to Narungga people, providing food, shade, shelter, material for tools, and a range of other provisions.”