October 2022 Newsletter

Welcome to my last newsletter as the out-going Secretary. This is to give a summary of the AGM weekend. First up, the weather was amazing! Friday saw fog in the valley which was soon overtaken by an all over, dense fog which fortunately quickly cleared to a lovely day as were the next 3.

The AGM went very smoothly with 38 people present representing 18 shareholdings. Ages ranged from 8 to 92 with several “next generation” members present including 3 generations of the Brown and Ragless clans. I suppose that there were 3 generations of the White clan present too, albeit uncle and nephews. It is always good to see Brodie at the AGM as a young and interested teenager. We had members and visitors from Sydney, Canberra, KI and other wide-ranging places across the state. Bren began proceedings with a very interesting talk on the establishment of his and Elizabeth’s Harrogate block, the devastation of the Cudlee Creek fire and the good work being done, along with their neighbours, with the help of a “Revitalising Private Conservation” grant.

It was lovely to welcome John and Meg, and their daughters Cathy and Belinda who were attending their first AGM as shareholders. Cathy and Tom Reeves were elected as directors. John and Meg were presented with an Honorary Membership to our Company for their 38 years of continuous service.

I resigned as Secretary and Peter Vincent has taken on that role. We wish Peter and the new directors all the best and thank S W and M B for all the work they have done in their time as directors.

N talked to the booklet that she and A had produced, and our thanks go to our member, C W and Fuji/Xerox for the complimentary printing there-of. The booklet is a beginner’s guide to flowering plants on Rockleigh, describing some 100 of the 300 plants listed for the property. More-over, they have established an unobtrusive walking trail near the campsite where some 60 of the plants can be seen in a 10 minute walk. These plants are named and numbered, that number corresponding to the page in the booklet. Many thanks N and A for all your work and the excellence of the product.

Between official duties, birdwatching, botanising and guided walks were the go. D M spent many fruitless hours searching for a particular spider orchid ( Caladenia tentaculata) known to have been on the property but wound up with 2 specimens of  C. verrucosa and 1 species new to the property, another spider orchid, C. stricta. It is just a shame that only 1 of one of this species was found. Not good odds for successful breeding! DM also added Cranberry Heath, Astroloma humifusum, to the plant list. The birders clocked up 65 species for the 4 days with the migratory Rainbow Bee-eater, White winged Triller and Rufous Song Lark being highlights.

The Sunday was to be an open day with a number of groups and individuals invited. Only one couple, associated with the Nature Foundation, turned up, but I guess expecting people to give up a long weekend at the beginning of the school holidays is asking a lot. Nonetheless, a great walk was had and a convivial evening was enjoyed with the visiting couple staying to camp. Everyone finally departed on the Monday.

Thanks to everyone who made the weekend a success and thank you members for being such a diverse, friendly, supportive and knowledgeable mob. I have enjoyed my time as secretary (well, most of it!) and really appreciated the response to newsletters etc. The Company has a real community feel to it and the volunteers do an amazing job, often at some personal expense. For those of you unable to help at the likes of working bees, maintenance, etc, please do your best to help by donations, encouragement, growing plants, helping attract grants – whatever talents you can bring to bear. Thank you.

All the best Graham

August 2022 Newsletter

AGM and open day

A reminder that the AGM is on Saturday 1^st October at Rockleigh.  The 2 main agenda items will be 3 amendments to the Constitution passed last year and the election of directors. We also intend to hold an open day on the Sunday. More details in the next newsletter.

Deer culls and foxes

Our roo shooter in the Tothills,  has shot several deer and, while at it, 17 foxes! It is good to have these pests removed but unfortunately the fox numbers do not appear to change significantly even with some 60 baits taken last year. Consequently, we are suspending the baiting program this year to see what happens. A’s cameras will tell the story.

Meanwhile on Rockleigh, another deer shooter has removed 1 young red deer on his first visit. The shooter  has been successfully hunting deer for over 10 years and is an expert on their habits, calls and tracks. He also hopes to remove the cat that has been recently sighted on the property.

A change to the Management Plan, Green Folder.

You will recall that our reliance on the CPI to fix a share price was scrapped 3 years ago on legal advice. We were remiss in not realising that it is still mentioned in the Management Plans for each property. We ask you to cross out or delete the last sentence in paragraph 3 on page 2 of the KI plan, paragraph 1, page 2 of the Tothills plan and paragraph 5, bottom of page 4 of the Rockleigh plan. Thank you.

Rockleigh

Recent work carried out at Rockleigh has included the spraying of false caper and soursobs, particularly on the roadsides, but also small incursions into the property; clearing fence lines of fallen trees, removing most guards from Bill’s (Matheson) patch and the erection of kangaroo and wallaby mesh guards on last year’s plantings where required. A has also completed the annual spraying of soursobs in the Tothills.

Growing Plants for 2023

We are looking for volunteers to grow plants for Rockleigh next year. Nic and Ange have volunteered to grow some 200 mixed Eucalypts plus a heap of kangaroo grasses. We are looking for people to grow Accacia argyrophylla, A. euthycarpa, A. paradoxa and A. pycnantha. If we could also get some Dodonea and Allocasuarina in the mix, so much the better. Please let me know if you are able to help and how many you are prepared to grow. We have the seed and can supply the pots and soils if needed. Thank you.

Graham

July 2022 Newsletter

It was very pleasing to see the Eyre Peninsula and the Gawler Ranges in such good condition after all the rains earlier this year. I can thoroughly recommend the Nature Foundation’s Hiltaba Station as a place to spend some time. It features lovely drives and walks with spectacular scenery.

I was able to attend the Rockleigh planting day. Our 16 volunteers plus Aaron and Cooper from GWLAP managed to get 1000 plants in the ground with guards and a good watering. Many thanks to my brother Ian for supplying 2000 litres of water and helping out during the day. The cows did not get fed that night! It was great to see 3 generations of the Smyth family helping out as well as P R from Sydney. Many thanks P V and BL for getting the final details organized and all those who turned up for such a fantastic effort. My thanks to MB for the photos following the newsletter.

As alluded to in a previous newsletter we have incurred some significant costs this year. As you would be aware from the recent balance sheets presented at the AGM and emailed to all shareholders, the $5000 collected annually from fees barely covers ongoing management costs. The $3000 feral deer eradication program has been partly off-set by a $1000 grant that Andrew successfully applied for but the new signage is expected to cost another $2000 plus we have spent $900 upgrading the Rockleigh track, establishing an exclosure for grasses and purchasing weedicide which will last us for some time.

As a consequence, the Board has increased the annual fee to $150 but would be very grateful for donations beyond this if you are able. On the other hand, if you are financially challenged at this stage, please let me know and provisions can be made.

2022 May Newsletter

The working bee on Saturday was a great success thanks to the 9 volunteers and, despite the forecast, the weather was very pleasant. The track has been repaired, with good run-off areas for the water. The sides of the track have been cleared of intruding vegetation. The exclosure is up and sporting 500 native grasses. There are, however, still 50 kangaroo guards to put in place on last year’s plantings. My personal thanks to all who helped out. It is always a very friendly and capable group and a great chance to catch up. It also shows the depth of skills and dedication present in our membership.

Planting day 25^th June          Start time 10.00am

I have attached a map of Rockleigh with a rough outline (in red) as to the planting area and how to get there (see email). I have also placed posts with a fluoro green painted tops at the relevant turns. As the track into the actual planting area is very sandy and steep we are asking that you park in the area indicated on the map and walk down. If you have to drive down to off-load gear, please engage 4WD to avoid excess churning up of the sand.

Peter and Bren will be organizing things on the day so if you have any queries please contact them. Peter’s mobile is 0419 500 597 and Bren’s is 0430 595 947. I will be away for all of June, returning in early July.

As mentioned last newsletter, GWLAP will be doing the scrapes and holes, so for planting you will need gloves (if preferred), a trowel, a hammer for putting up corflute guards and a bucket for water. I’m sure there will be spares of everything (except gloves) if you don’t have the gear. If feeling energetic, please bring a mattock, as the GWLAP team may need some help and scrapes are often missed.

A “Thank-you”

I would like to thank all volunteers, but particularly those on the management committees, who give freely of their time and often foot considerable costs in travelling to properties and carrying out maintenance work. They also pay the annual fee. A special mention goes to N and A for all their work in collecting and sowing seed, growing and planting seedlings and their untold hours of donated time and travel. Well done everyone.

All the best,

Graham

The following are edited newsletters in which irrelevant information such as dates of working bees has been removed.

2022 April newsletter

We will have in the order of 1000 seedlings to plant out thanks to GWLAP, Nic and Angela, Ian Roberts, Barbara Bansemer and Bren Lay. GWLAP will again be supplying the grunt work by preparing the scrapes and auguring holes but we need lots of help getting the plants in, watered and guarded.

AGM

Apologies to those with other commitments on this long weekend but the Board felt this was the best weekend to coincide with school holidays here and in NSW.

More news

The Board has recently given the go ahead for a deer cull in the Tothills (see last newsletter) at an approximate cost of $3000 for the year. We are also in the process of renewing the signs on all the properties. This is particularly relevant to KI where pressure is building from 4WDrivers and bikes. The cost is going to be in the vicinity of $2000. The Board has also given the go ahead to the Rockleigh group to erect a 25m x 25 exclosure  for grasses and to repair the track at a combined cost of about $700.

Given that our current annual fee of $100 barely covers ongoing expenses, the Board has made the decision to up this fee to $150. This fee is not due until July 1^st and more information will be printed in an up-coming newsletter.

Back to Rockleigh

We were fortunate to get 10mm of rain a week ago and should have had a similar amount in the last 24 hours or so. This is excellent for the new plantings which are looking fantastic. Nic and Angela have been visiting most weeks to plant out seedlings, mainly grasses, but Senecios and Sennas as well, which they have grown and are too big to wait until the end of June. I was down there last week and mowed the area where the exclosure will go. Bren and I will spray the area next week so the 500 odd grasses that N & A still have can be planted as soon as possible.

Directors

Steve White is retiring at the end of his term this year so we will be looking for a new person to join the Board. New ASIC regulations require new directors to acquire a registration ID. This can be done by googling Director registration or by going to asic.gov.au and clicking on director registration under “features” on the page that comes up. So if you are interested please apply.

This year will also be my last as Secretary. Peter Vincent has agreed to take on that role. I will still have a year of my 3 year term as a director and will stay on as such. I am very grateful to Peter for accepting that responsibility and am sure he will be excellent in that role.

2022 March newsletter

Greetings all,

We now have a Company without John and Meg as shareholders though we trust that they will  continue to advise, help and visit as best they are able. I am sure you would agree that their work and sacrifice over the last 47 years has been greatly appreciated and that the legacy that they have left is quite remarkable. Many thanks John and Meg. We welcome their daughters, Catherine and Belinda, as they become the official shareholders in the family.

Andrew and the Tothill working group, with the Board’s approval, have instigated a feral deer control program in the Tothills. R D, an experienced shooter, has been contracted to carry out the cull. We can expect to pay $3000 pa for his services. The way deer are proliferating it may be a long-term program. Hopefully we will be able to get some grants to help fund the costs. To ensure that there are no safety issues with people wishing to visit the Tothills, you are asked to notify Andrew of any intended visit so that he can let R know of your presence. You can contact Andrew on his mobile 0427 764 896 or by email at wurst@bigpond.com.au. We are legally obliged to control feral deer.

We are going ahead with replacing property signs. This is mainly so we have the wording “No Unauthorised Access” on them which enables the police to act and is particularly important on KI where we have had tracks forced through the bush by bikes and 4WD vehicles.

We still have money to spend from our original Revitalising grant which must be spent by the end of June. Our seedling growth has met a few obstacles this year with poor germination of the Senna seeds and rabbits and rats invading GWLAP’s nursery. However, Nic and Angela have grown many grasses and are already planting some of them out. The rest of the funds will be spent on guards and costs incurred by GWLAP in raising seedlings. The watering done by GWLAP and volunteers earlier this year was very successful and cost much less than the quote thanks to the efforts of those volunteers. We can now organize another watering if necessary or buy even more guards with the money saved!

Together with the cat eradication program, the Dunnart survey and the proposed Echidna survey, DEW is now conducting an aerial and ground survey to establish the population size of Tammar Wallabies. The purpose of the survey is to establish a reliable base-line on which to establish commercial cull quotas. (The overall cull number will be 10% of the total population) It is hoped the commercial quotas will be taken up and reduce the number of destruction permits issued. Whatever the result, culls on our land will not happen, but it will be interesting to have a number for our wallaby population, however unreliable it may be. The aerial survey will be done at night using thermal imaging cameras and drones. The images are of sufficient quality to allow wallabies to be distinguished from kangaroos.

2022 January Newsletter

• The Rockleigh Management Group spent yesterday reinstating the “wells” or “sumps” around last year’s plantings to facilitate the watering which GWLAP and volunteers will be doing on the 22^nd January. Many of the wells were completely filled in with sand washed down by the rains late last year. The survival rate among the plantings is very high which is very pleasing.
•  GWLAP are growing around 1000 plants for this year, Nic and Angela some 500 and Barbara Bansemer 100, so we will be looking for plenty of volunteers come July.

Peter Vincent stayed on for some bird watching yesterday In his words

Fascinating to watch a pair of bee-eaters living up to their name.  Perfectly positioned to gorge themselves on bees coming and going from a hive in a dead tree.  Very acrobatic, rarely missed.

A few juvenile birds about, at least 5 young Diamond Firetails, at least 8 hooded Robin (2 eggs per clutch, so at least 4 nesting pair).  Two young goldfinches, unfortunately.  May be nesting on our property.  Two straw-necked ibis circling overhead but seemed to be just passing through.

I Hope you  all received Andrew’s newsletter giving a run down on the Tothill cameras and their observations. Many thanks for that Andrew. You may remember that the Dunnart team on KI has posted cameras on our property. A Western Pygmy Possum was observed along with native bush rat, echidna, Rosenberg goanna and of course, cats. The possum and rat are new to our mammal list for the property.

New rules for Directors

Directors must have a registration ID.

This can be done by googling Director registration or by going to asic.gov.au and clicking on director registration under “features” on the page that comes up. Current directors have until Nov. this year to register but new direc

Website https://www.bushlandconservation.au/
Email bushlandconservation1975@gmail.com
Mobile 0419500597

Firstly, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Graham White, who has been diligently preparing the newsletter and keeping us all informed about the Bushland Conservation news for many years now, as part of his role as company secretary.

I have met many of you but look forward to meeting those that I haven’t at a company volunteer day or the next AGM. In the meantime, I will endeavour to keep you up to date with what is happening in the company through the newsletter and other notifications and reminders.

Company News

New company email address
Please note that the company has a new email address bushlandconservation1975@gmail.com. This email address will now be used for all formal company notifications and all communications coming from the company secretary.

Website
Please also be reminded that the official Bushland Conservation website can be found at https://www.bushlandconservation.au/.

Board Changes
The board changes announced at the AGM have now been completed with M. B. resigning and both C. K. and T.R. taking up roles as directors. We welcome the two new board members.
M.B. was a valuable contributor to the board during her tenure of over 12 years and her involvement was much appreciated. A “Thank you” letter was presented to M.B. at a recent field visit to inspect a conservation property in the mid North.

Annual Fee

Thank you to all those who have paid the annual fee of $150 for 2022/2023. In particular, thank you to those members who have made donations in addition to the annual membership fee. These fees are critical to the management of the properties, the general running of the company and to support ongoing conservation projects such as the re-vegetation of Rockleigh. Unfortunately there is still small number of unpaid membership fees.

Official Notifications
The company needs to maintain a register of contact details for offical notifications. Please ensure that you update the company of any changes in address or contact details so that all members receive official notifications.
Can you please provide me with the latest contact details of the following people if you know their whereabouts: Ross Berkefeld, Andrew Moylen and Lynn Pedler.

Sale of Shares
There are a number of interested buyers for shares in Bushland Conservation who would like to be actively involved in the company. Bushland Conservation does not get involved directly in any negotiations on the sale of members shares. However, please contact me if you are considering selling your shares, and I can put you in touch with potential buyers. The last sale of shares was at a price of $69 per share.

Property Reports
New signs have been created and installed on all properties to replace the ageing ones. Thank you to the property coordinators and volunteers involved in this project. These signs make it clear that there should be no unauthorised access. Unauthorised access is becoming more of an issue for the company, mainly on our Kangaroo Island Property, where there is significant concern about erosion and damage to the vegetation from 4WD vehicles and motorbikes.

Kangaroo Island
Deb Sleeman, the KI Property Coordinator, has been working with the PhD student to set up study sites on the Bushland Conservation property for data gathering for the Rosenberg’s goanna research project. Feed-back will be provided once the study has been completed.
The cat eradication project is progressing well, with our donated cameras being put to good use. Sensors have now been installed on the traps, allowing the project team to know whether a trap is open or closed. This has reduced the requirement for unnecessary travel and traffic on the tracks.
The use of dogs to track cats on the property will only be required towards the end of the project, if at all. There is no intention to use dogs for widespread hunting of cats. The dogs are specifically trained for the purpose of very targeted tracking based on specific camera trap sightings.

Rockleigh
The significant re-vegetation projects that the company has undertaken in recent years have been well supported by favourable rainfall through spring and into summer. With further rain, there will not be a requirement for watering but a call may still go out for volunteer watering day!
Approximately 1500 plants are currently being grown by volunteers for the 2023 planting season. This is a substantial effort and thanks go to volunteer growers. Some of these are grasses which will be planted in the exclosures that have now been erected. There will also be a substantial number of tube stock that will need to be planted, with guards installed. Planting days provide a good opportunity to visit Rockleigh and contribute to the re-vegetation effort. More details will be provided closer to the planting days.

Tothills
Unfortunately deer have become an increasing problem in many parts of the state. This includes the Tothills, where feral deer are causing substantial damage. In addition to managing the native vegetation and landscape, Bushland Conservation has an obligation as a landholder to remove feral deer from its properties. The company has engaged a shooter to control feral pests on the Tothills.
With the support of the property coordinator Andrew Wurst and making use of camera traps, this programme is now achieving some success.

Summary
Our three properties have come through the summer season well and have benefited from some milder weather. In particular, the plantings at Rockleigh in recent years are growing well, providing encouragement to continue the efforts to more fully re-vegetate this exceptional property. Much of the focus of the current activities of the company is on Rockleigh, in preparation for the planting season, which will provide an opportunity for members, relatives and friends to participate in the rewarding work of re-vegetation. The company has also been actively pursuing further grants to fund an ongoing re-vegetation program at Rockleigh. This has included a field visit by the Native Vegetation Branch of the Department of Environment and Water to discuss the latest Native Vegetation Heritage Agreement Grant Program. Further information will be provided to members if we are successful in these efforts.

Property News
Rockleigh Planting June 2023
We have about 1250 seedlings to plant out this year, thanks to our many willing growers. Unfortunately there is no grant money to help fund this planting effort and so this work will be done by volunteers .

Company News
Next AGM

A reminder that the next AGM will be held at the Tothills property on Saturday 14 October starting at 1:30pm. More details including directions will be provided closer to the time.

New Members
The Board, at its last meeting, voted unanimously to offer A W and N N the opportunity to become members of the company through the issue of new shares at the most recent share sale price. This was made possible by using the vacant shareholding that became available following a recent share transaction. The monies raised will be used to fund the ongoing management and conservation of our properties as well as provide some financial flexibility for the future.
As many of you are aware, A and Nhave contributed hugely as volunteers to the Company through their efforts at the Rockleigh property. Among their achievements have been the collection, cleaning and drying of local provenance native seeds, the establishment of a seed bank and the propagation of some 4000 tube stock. As well as participating in the general planting programmes, the planting out of the native grass enclosures has largely been through their efforts. This work will greatly help in more efficiently sourcing substantial amount of seeds from several species of native grasses, a critical food source for Diamond Firetail finches. They also set up a walking trail to showcase some 50 plant species when they flower in spring and have published a booklet to help identify many of the more common plants on the property.A and N are worthy and enthusiastic additions to our membership and we warmly welcome them into the company.

Talyara Property
Some of the board and company members had an opportunity to visit a property known as Talyara approximately 10 km NW of Laura, on the eastern flanks of the southern Flinders Ranges. The property is covered by Heritage agreements and extends over an area of 486 hectares. The property is well vegetated by sclerophyll woodland and forest typical of this area. There are no substantial issues with the property but the current ownership group is considering the ongoing management of it and their involvement. Bushland Conservation and representatives of the Talyara ownership group have had discussion about this property but as yet there is no firm proposal. The membership will be kept up to date on any developments.

The company has been active over the last 2 months, with a successful planting programme at Rockleigh and being awarded a substantial grant to fund a 3 year re-vegetation project, also at Rockleigh. Bushland conservation is fortunate to have an active membership group prepared to volunteer their time to support the management and conservation work on its properties. The board would like to thank the membership
for its ongoing support, which continues to build on the legacy that has been created since the formation of the company in 1975.

Property News

Rockleigh:
Planting June 2023
We had another successful planting season thanks to the many volunteer growers and planters. The work was carried out mainly over two weekends, the first to prepare the area by mowing and scalping to control the weeds (primarily veldt grass) and the second for planting. A total of 2200 plants were planted, including over 900 native grasses in the exclosure which is being developed as a native grass seed nursery. Special thanks to Angela and Nic who were major contributors, growing over 1800 plants, Ian White for supplying the water and helping out on the day, and to Graham White for overseeing the overall effort. Thanks also to Bren, for the use of his mower and mowing expertise and plant growing, and to our other growers, Tom Reeves, Ian Roberts, the Bullocks, Julie Turner and Barbara Bansemer. .

Grant Award
Bushland Conservation has been awarded significant funding for a re-vegetation project on Rockleigh through the Native Vegetation Heritage Agreement Large Grant programme. This project will be carried out over 3 years and will result in the planting of over 12,000 local provenance native plants. The initial phase of the work involves weed control and erecting a 1.54 km feral proof fence to enclose an area of 13 hectares. Bushland Conservation will be engaging Goolwa Wellington Local Action Planning Group (GWLAP) to work with us on this project. The company will purchase a ride-on mower through the grant funding and will undertake slashing and spraying of the site when the weather dries up. A fencing contractor has now been engaged to erect the fence and this work will be undertaken in October this year.

The award of this substantial grant recognises the capability of Bushland Conservation to manage a conservation project of this scale, based on the re-vegetation work that has been undertaken at Rockleigh over many years and on the experience, expertise and motivation of its members. The company is fortunate to receive this funding and is committed to delivering a successful project that will add substantially to the conservation value of Rockleigh.

Tothill Ranges

Worm Lizard Research Project
Andrew Wurst has set up a research project to investigate the presence of worm lizards in the Tothill Ranges. This involves setting up a pattern of tiles across a part of the property and then checking them at regular intervals. This species is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC act but there is a record of it occurring in the Tothill Ranges. Andrew came up with this idea while supporting a similar project in a conservation reserves to the east of Mt. Bryan, run by a NWPS ecologist Matthew Heard. Matt will be our guest speaker at our AGM in the Tothill Ranges and he will discuss the worm lizard amongst other conservation and ecology related matters.

Property Visit

The Tothills property was visited by the U3A Nature Photography Group as part of the student studies and kindly provide a donation to the company.

Kangaroo Island

Feral Cat Eradication Programme

The Feral Cat Eradication team has reported that the Bushland Conservation property is largely cleared of feral cats and the focus is now on preventing re-enter and doubling back as the programme moves progressively west. In excess of 45 cats have been removed from the vicinity of our property through a combination of techniques. The Felixer device has proved particularly useful, including 12 cats removed from a location near our AGM site. The use of cameras has also been critical to the success of the programme. The Feral Cat Eradication team has been grateful for the support received from Bushland Conservation, including the companys provision of cameras.

Goanna Research Project

The initial phase of the research project on the Rosenbergs Goanna has now been concluded. The study area included Bushland Conservation’s KI property and the work on the property was carried out with the support of some of our Kangaroo Island members. This study has found that these goanna play an important role as scavengers in controlling agriculturally harmful blowfly populations, highlighting the significance of reptiles in the ecosystem

Remembering Robert (Bob) Seamark

Robert (Bob) Seamark died on 31 May 2023 after a short illness. He was on country in Central Australia when he got sick. He is survived by his loving wife Kay Hannaford and his three children Anna, Tom, Ben and his grandchildren. Bob was one of the earliest shareholders in the company acquiring his initial shareholding on 17/12/76. He was one of the company’s earliest directors being appointed in 17/12/76 and serving on the board until 31/10/95. Bushland Conservation has been fortunate to have had people like Bob to support its conservation aims and to build the legacy that we have today.
Bushland Conservation Board extends its sympathies to his family and hopes that they are able to continue an involvement in the company.

Talyara Property

The owners of the Talyara Heritage Agreement property, located approximately 10 km NW of Laura, on the eastern flanks of the southern Flinders Ranges and extending over an area of 486 hectares, have now offered to gift this property to Bushland Conservation. This is a generous proposal on an attractive, well vegetated property with significant conservation value.The Talyara owners have identified Bushland Conservation as a credible, like minded organisation with the capability to take over the responsibility for managing the conservation of this property. The board recognises that accepting this offer does come with additional obligations on Bushland Conservation and its members. The implications of taking on the Talyara property are being reviewed by the directors but a recommendation has not yet been finalised. The plan is to provide the membership with a proposal prior to the AGM, summarising the pros and cons and implications, including financial, for a discussion and a vote at the meeting.

The company has been active over the last 2 months, with a successful planting programme at Rockleigh and being awarded a substantial grant to fund a 3 year re-vegetation project, also at Rockleigh. Bushland conservation is fortunate to have an active membership group prepared to volunteer their time to support the management and conservation work on its properties. The board would like to thank the membership
for its ongoing support, which continues to build on the legacy that has been created since the formation of the company in 1975.

Property News

Rockleigh:
Planting June 2023
We had another successful planting season thanks to the many volunteer growers and planters. The work was carried out mainly over two weekends, the first to prepare the area by mowing and scalping to control the weeds (primarily veldt grass) and the second for planting. A total of 2200 plants were planted, including over 900 native grasses in the exclosure which is being developed as a native grass seed nursery. Special thanks to Angela and Nic who were major contributors, growing over 1800 plants, Ian White for supplying the water and helping out on the day, and to Graham White for overseeing the overall effort. Thanks also to Bren, for the use of his mower and mowing expertise and plant growing, and to our other growers, Tom Reeves, Ian Roberts, the Bullocks, Julie Turner and Barbara Bansemer. .

Grant Award
Bushland Conservation has been awarded significant funding for a re-vegetation project on Rockleigh through the Native Vegetation Heritage Agreement Large Grant programme. This project will be carried out over 3 years and will result in the planting of over 12,000 local provenance native plants. The initial phase of the work involves weed control and erecting a 1.54 km feral proof fence to enclose an area of 13 hectares. Bushland Conservation will be engaging Goolwa Wellington Local Action Planning Group (GWLAP) to work with us on this project. The company will purchase a ride-on mower through the grant funding and will undertake slashing and spraying of the site when the weather dries up. A fencing contractor has now been engaged to erect the fence and this work will be undertaken in October this year.

The award of this substantial grant recognises the capability of Bushland Conservation to manage a conservation project of this scale, based on the re-vegetation work that has been undertaken at Rockleigh over many years and on the experience, expertise and motivation of its members. The company is fortunate to receive this funding and is committed to delivering a successful project that will add substantially to the conservation value of Rockleigh.

Tothill Ranges

Worm Lizard Research Project
Andrew Wurst has set up a research project to investigate the presence of worm lizards in the Tothill Ranges. This involves setting up a pattern of tiles across a part of the property and then checking them at regular intervals. This species is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC act but there is a record of it occurring in the Tothill Ranges. Andrew came up with this idea while supporting a similar project in a conservation reserves to the east of Mt. Bryan, run by a NWPS ecologist Matthew Heard. Matt will be our guest speaker at our AGM in the Tothill Ranges and he will discuss the worm lizard amongst other conservation and ecology related matters.

Property Visit

The Tothills property was visited by the U3A Nature Photography Group as part of the student studies and kindly provide a donation to the company.

Kangaroo Island

Feral Cat Eradication Programme

The Feral Cat Eradication team has reported that the Bushland Conservation property is largely cleared of feral cats and the focus is now on preventing re-enter and doubling back as the programme moves progressively west. In excess of 45 cats have been removed from the vicinity of our property through a combination of techniques. The Felixer device has proved particularly useful, including 12 cats removed from a location near our AGM site. The use of cameras has also been critical to the success of the programme. The Feral Cat Eradication team has been grateful for the support received from Bushland Conservation, including the companys provision of cameras.

Goanna Research Project

The initial phase of the research project on the Rosenbergs Goanna has now been concluded. The study area included Bushland Conservation’s KI property and the work on the property was carried out with the support of some of our Kangaroo Island members. This study has found that these goanna play an important role as scavengers in controlling agriculturally harmful blowfly populations, highlighting the significance of reptiles in the ecosystem

Remembering Robert (Bob) Seamark

Robert (Bob) Seamark died on 31 May 2023 after a short illness. He was on country in Central Australia when he got sick. He is survived by his loving wife Kay Hannaford and his three children Anna, Tom, Ben and his grandchildren. Bob was one of the earliest shareholders in the company acquiring his initial shareholding on 17/12/76. He was one of the company’s earliest directors being appointed in 17/12/76 and serving on the board until 31/10/95. Bushland Conservation has been fortunate to have had people like Bob to support its conservation aims and to build the legacy that we have today.
Bushland Conservation Board extends its sympathies to his family and hopes that they are able to continue an involvement in the company.

Talyara Property

The owners of the Talyara Heritage Agreement property, located approximately 10 km NW of Laura, on the eastern flanks of the southern Flinders Ranges and extending over an area of 486 hectares, have now offered to gift this property to Bushland Conservation. This is a generous proposal on an attractive, well vegetated property with significant conservation value.The Talyara owners have identified Bushland Conservation as a credible, like minded organisation with the capability to take over the responsibility for managing the conservation of this property. The board recognises that accepting this offer does come with additional obligations on Bushland Conservation and its members. The implications of taking on the Talyara property are being reviewed by the directors but a recommendation has not yet been finalised. The plan is to provide the membership with a proposal prior to the AGM, summarising the pros and cons and implications, including financial, for a discussion and a vote at the meeting.

Summary
There has been some welcome rains to freshen up our properties. The vegetation is responding well and will hopefully maintain its growth through what was expected to be a hot, dry summer. The major property activities of the company were again focused on Rockleigh. The exclusion fence has now been completed with pleasing results. Mowing and spraying of the veldt grass dominated areas within the exclosure have also been completed, and the tube stock plants are growing well in preparation for the 2024 planting season. Elsewhere, Andrew Wurst has had some success with his reptile project at the Tothills property (see below).

Property News
Rockleigh
NVHA Grant Re-vegetation Project
The key infrastructure component of the project has now been completed with the construction of the 1.54 km fence, enclosing an area of 13 hectares. Our fencing contractors, Ron and Fiona Dunstan, have done an excellent job and the exclosure should be secure from herbivore pests for many years to come.

Mowing and spraying of substantial areas of veldt grass within the exclosure have also been completed, although it will probably take several years of persistent action to get this weed under control. Two thousand plants are now being grown ready for the 2024 planting season using seeds collected locally and Banksia seedlings harvested from the property.
In addition to the 10,000 plants being planted as part of the 3 year grant programme, it will be interesting to see how the existing native vegetation within the exclosure responds, without the substantial pressure from pest herbivores.

Biodiversity Links Project Monarto to Tungkillo

The 1000 plants being grown by Bushland Conservation on contract to Second Nature Conservancy (previously GWLAP) are coming on well. These will be planted at Rockleigh, outside of the exclosure, in the 2024 planting season.

Revegetation from 1990s
Bushland Conservation had a successful direct seeding re-vegetation program in the 1990s on what was a paddock at the entrance to the Rockleigh property. It is heartening to see the prolific bird-life making use of the flowering eucalyptus and under-storey, including honeyeaters, parrots, thornbills and wrens as well as a family of nesting choughs and extensive echidna scratchings. Interestingly, a recent article in Australian Birdlife indicated that the White Winged Chough is closely related to Birds-of-Paradise. Choughs are an entertaining bird and well worth taking the time to observe. The new habitat is a testament to the foresight and efforts of those involved in this re-vegetation project.

Swamp Wallaby and Koala
Ron and Fiona found a swamp wallaby on the property, the first record, while constructing the fence. This is probably a long term escapee but an interesting visitor nevertheless. And Graham White, on one of his many working days on Rockleigh, recently heard the unmistakable grunting of a koala, an infrequent visitor to the property.

Feral Pests
Ron Dunstan is also our contract shooter for the Tothills property. While at Rockleigh he installed a camerato check on deer numbers based on significant evidence of their presence. Unfortunately the camera has confirmed large numbers, with 7 deer in one photo. As a landholder, Bushland Conservation has a responsibility under the Landscape South Australia Act to destroy feral deer on its properties. Ron has now been engaged to reduce pest numbers, including foxes and cats.

Tothill Ranges
The property welcomed an influx of members and friends for the AGM, with some taking the opportunity to camp and explore the area. Andrew Wurst continues to be active with the camera surveillance (unfortunately confirming the continued presence of deer, see below) and with his Worm Lizard project. No Worm Lizards yet but he did find 4 species of reptiles on a recent inspection including, Boulenger’s Morethias (Morethia boulengeri), Tawny dragons (Ctenophorus decresii), Bougainville’s Slider ( Lerista bougainvillii) and Mallee Black-headed Snake (Parasuta spectabilis). In addition, he also managed to find a Marbled Gecko (Christinus marmoratus) sheltering in a possum box.

Kangaroo Island
The Kangaroo Island property is in good condition and continues to be essentially self-managed under the watchful eye of our Kangaroo Island based members. The feral cat eradication program is continuing to achieve results and the occasional weed infestations are being treated.

Company News

The 2023 AGM was well attended by nearly 30 members and friends. After a welcome from the chair, attendees listened to an interesting talk by our guest speaker Matt Heard, an ecologist with the NPWS. All business was successfully concluded including member approval of the resolution for the board to negotiate with the Talyala owners on the transfer of this property to Bushland Conservation.
A substantial number of members took the opportunity to camp on the property and explore the area.
David Smyth led a visit to the nearby Hester’s Heritage Scrub exclosure to inspect the fence design and to view the significant impact on the native vegetation by excluding herbivore pests.

Summary
There has been some welcome rains to freshen up our properties. The vegetation is responding well and will hopefully maintain its growth through what was expected to be a hot, dry summer. The major property activities of the company were again focused on Rockleigh. The exclusion fence has now been completed with pleasing results. Mowing and spraying of the veldt grass dominated areas within the exclosure have also been completed, and the tube stock plants are growing well in preparation for the 2024 planting season. Elsewhere, Andrew Wurst has had some success with his reptile project at the Tothills property (see below).

Property News
Rockleigh
NVHA Grant Re-vegetation Project
The key infrastructure component of the project has now been completed with the construction of the 1.54 km fence, enclosing an area of 13 hectares. Our fencing contractors, Ron and Fiona Dunstan, have done an excellent job and the exclosure should be secure from herbivore pests for many years to come.

Mowing and spraying of substantial areas of veldt grass within the exclosure have also been completed, although it will probably take several years of persistent action to get this weed under control. Two thousand plants are now being grown ready for the 2024 planting season using seeds collected locally and Banksia seedlings harvested from the property.
In addition to the 10,000 plants being planted as part of the 3 year grant programme, it will be interesting to see how the existing native vegetation within the exclosure responds, without the substantial pressure from pest herbivores.

Biodiversity Links Project Monarto to Tungkillo

The 1000 plants being grown by Bushland Conservation on contract to Second Nature Conservancy (previously GWLAP) are coming on well. These will be planted at Rockleigh, outside of the exclosure, in the 2024 planting season.

Revegetation from 1990s
Bushland Conservation had a successful direct seeding re-vegetation program in the 1990s on what was a paddock at the entrance to the Rockleigh property. It is heartening to see the prolific bird-life making use of the flowering eucalyptus and under-storey, including honeyeaters, parrots, thornbills and wrens as well as a family of nesting choughs and extensive echidna scratchings. Interestingly, a recent article in Australian Birdlife indicated that the White Winged Chough is closely related to Birds-of-Paradise. Choughs are an entertaining bird and well worth taking the time to observe. The new habitat is a testament to the foresight and efforts of those involved in this re-vegetation project.

Swamp Wallaby and Koala
Ron and Fiona found a swamp wallaby on the property, the first record, while constructing the fence. This is probably a long term escapee but an interesting visitor nevertheless. And Graham White, on one of his many working days on Rockleigh, recently heard the unmistakable grunting of a koala, an infrequent visitor to the property.

Feral Pests
Ron Dunstan is also our contract shooter for the Tothills property. While at Rockleigh he installed a camerato check on deer numbers based on significant evidence of their presence. Unfortunately the camera has confirmed large numbers, with 7 deer in one photo. As a landholder, Bushland Conservation has a responsibility under the Landscape South Australia Act to destroy feral deer on its properties. Ron has now been engaged to reduce pest numbers, including foxes and cats.

Tothill Ranges
The property welcomed an influx of members and friends for the AGM, with some taking the opportunity to camp and explore the area. Andrew Wurst continues to be active with the camera surveillance (unfortunately confirming the continued presence of deer, see below) and with his Worm Lizard project. No Worm Lizards yet but he did find 4 species of reptiles on a recent inspection including, Boulenger’s Morethias (Morethia boulengeri), Tawny dragons (Ctenophorus decresii), Bougainville’s Slider ( Lerista bougainvillii) and Mallee Black-headed Snake (Parasuta spectabilis). In addition, he also managed to find a Marbled Gecko (Christinus marmoratus) sheltering in a possum box.

Kangaroo Island
The Kangaroo Island property is in good condition and continues to be essentially self-managed under the watchful eye of our Kangaroo Island based members. The feral cat eradication program is continuing to achieve results and the occasional weed infestations are being treated.

Company News

The 2023 AGM was well attended by nearly 30 members and friends. After a welcome from the chair, attendees listened to an interesting talk by our guest speaker Matt Heard, an ecologist with the NPWS. All business was successfully concluded including member approval of the resolution for the board to negotiate with the Talyala owners on the transfer of this property to Bushland Conservation.
A substantial number of members took the opportunity to camp on the property and explore the area.
David Smyth led a visit to the nearby Hester’s Heritage Scrub exclosure to inspect the fence design and to view the significant impact on the native vegetation by excluding herbivore pests.

After some good early summer rainfall at Rockleigh the predicted hot, dry spell finally arrived and the
countryside has now browned off. The Tothills has experienced a particularly dry season and some autumn rain relief would now be very welcome.
Feral pest management is ongoing at both Rockleigh and the Tothills with some success but more
effort required. Grant applications have been put in for both the Tothills and Rockleigh to defray some of
these costs. Hopefully the company will be successful, particularly given the current government focus on
eradicating feral deer.

Property News

Rockleigh
NVHA Grant Re-vegetation Project
Substantial progress has been made on this project with the exclosure in place, protecting and area of 13
hectares, and mowing and spraying to reduce weed competition. This expenditure in setting the project up
covers a significant portion of the grant funding with $61,000 of the $93,400 grant being spent to date.
We will be putting in over 2000 plants in the exclosure this planting season. This will be the first year of the 3 year programme to put in 10,000 plants. These plants are being grown by Second Nature Conservancy (previously GWLAP) and Bushland Conservation volunteers from local provenance seeds.
The planting effort will be supported by Second Nature Conservancy but as usual, we will be looking for
volunteer planters. Fortunately no guards are required for plants within the exclosure, which will make the
job a bit easier. The dates for the planting day are yet to be finalised but details will be provided well
ahead of time. The benefits of the exclosure in eliminating grazing pressure appear to be apparent already with strong natural re-generation of saltbush and native grasses, in particular, in the north-western corner. This area will not be re-planted, so it will be interesting to how it responds over the next few years.

Biodiversity Links Project Monarto to Tungkillo – Planting Dates

The 1000 plants being grown by Bushland Conservation on contract to Second Nature Conservancy (previously GWLAP) are coming on well. These will be planted at Rockleigh, outside of the exclosure, in the 2024 planting season.

Feral Pests

As a landholder, Bushland Conservation has a responsibility under the Landscape South Australia Act to
destroy feral deer on its properties.
A professional shooter has been engaged to reduce pest numbers, with a particular focus on deer, but also foxes and cats. The shooter has had some success destroying 3 deer and a fox but further visits will be required to reduce total grazing pressure and clear out the remaining foxes and cats known to be present on the property.

Bird Watering Station

The company has maintained the watering station set up some years ago for the Diamond Firetail research project. Graham White in particular regularly tops up the water supply, which is much appreciated by the finches, honeyeaters, parrots, etc.

Tothill Ranges

Andrew Wurst continues to be diligent with the camera surveillance. This has greatly assisted in identifying when and where deer are active on the property, enabling more efficient and cost effective coordination of shooting activities. No Worm Lizards yet from the research project but Andrew was rewarded with 8 tawny dragons including one hatchling .
There is Electrical and Telecommunications infrastructure on the Tothills property that requires regular
inspection and management of fire risk. These activities have been undertaken recently and are
coordinated under the company’s management plan

Kangaroo Island
The Kangaroo Island property is in good condition and continues to be essentially self-managed under the
watchful eye of our Kangaroo Island based members. The feral cat eradication program is continuing to achieve results and the occasional weed infestations are being treated.

Company News

Tothill Ranges Land Purchase Offer
There has been a good response to the request to seek funds through a capital raising for the purchase of land adjacent to our Tothills property. This property has a high conservation value and the board sees
substantial merit in merging the land into Bushland’s existing holding and putting it under Heritage
Agreement.
The funds offered by members to date will hopefully enable the company to purchase a portion of the land
on offer with the possibility of further phased purchases as additional funds are obtained over the coming
years. The board is seeking external sources of funding through donations.
Members will be kept informed of the outcomes of further funding efforts and on the progress of
negotiations with the vendor.

Talyala Land Offer
The board has been given approval to negotiate with the owners on the acquisition of this property but
there has been no progress due to the complex nature of the ownership of the property and any transfer.
2024 AGM

Summary
The company has been through a busy period over the last quarter with the capital fund raising and purchase of the Tothills property, and the transfer of the Talyala property title. These acquisitions significantly increase the land holdings of the company. Ongoing management of these properties is only made possible through the dedicated volunteer efforts of a number of our members, the annual fee from members, government grants and collaboration with groups such as Second Nature Conservancy (previously GWLAP). Bushland Conservation has an impressive record of being run through volunteer work and this was clearly evident during the planting days in June this year at Rockleigh with over 40 volunteers putting in nearly 3000 plants. Our volunteer base is a huge asset to the company and the board extends its gratitude to all the volunteers.

Tothill Ranges Land Acquisition
The acquisition of Sections 4 and 204, totalling about 70 hectares, has now been finalised and the titles
have been transferred to Bushland Conservation. The process of integrating these sections into the existing Tothills management plan and applying for a Heritage Agreement is now underway.

Property News
Rockleigh
NVHA Grant Re-vegetation Project
The Rockleigh planting day was well attended with over 20 volunteers turning up to enjoy the lovely fine
winter weather. A total of 1850 plants were put in on the day, 1500 of which were grown by Second Nature conservancy (SNC) and 350 grown by Bushland Conservation volunteers. A further 150 plants will be planted this season to complete our commitment for the first year of the grant of 2000 plants. These were mainly upper storey species distributed over much of the exclosure, with the plan to plant the remaining 7000 plants as mid and lower story infill over the next 2 years.
The company was again able contract SNC using the grant funding provided through the Native Vegetation Heritage Agreement Large Grant programme. SNC provided much appreciated support in preparing for planting through scraping and auguring holes to remove weeds as well as watering on the planting day.

Biodiversity Links Project Monarto to Tungkillo – Planting Dates
The other planting project at Rockleigh was undertaken using the funding provided by a Biodiversity Links
grant obtained by SNC. Bushland Conservation was contracted as part of this grant to grow the 1000
plants allocated to Rockleigh. We are grateful to our volunteer growers, enabling the company to receive a payment of $2500.

Deer Control
Bushland Conservation applied for a grant to help monitor and control deer at Rockleigh through the
Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board Grassroots Grant programme but was unsuccessful. The
company will continue its efforts to eradicate deer and will consider how best to manage this activity without the benefit of grant funding.

Summary

The company has been through a less hectic period over the last few months following the conclusion of
the purchase of further Tothills property, and the transfer of the Talyala property title last year. These acquisitions significantly increased the land holdings of Bushland Conservation and the properties have now been absorbed into the management of the company.

The very dry summer is clearly impacting the vegetation, particularly at Rockleigh with the recent plantings. Watering of the 2024 plantings at Rockleigh has helped but it does highlight the challenges and costs of restoring native vegetation.

A successful AGM was held at the company’s Kangaroo Island property last October providing members
with a good opportunity to visit this wonderful bush property and coastline.

Bushland Conservation is supportive of people wishing to visit its properties for conservation purposes and in the last few months has had visits to Rockleigh from groups including BirdsSA and Friends of Private Bushland (FoPB) and to the Tothills by Faith Lutheran College.

2025 AGM

The 2025 Annual General Meeting, to be held on the company’s Rockleigh property in October, will be an
opportunity to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Bushland Conservation. This is indeed a major milestone
for the company. It is a testament to the founders’ vision and the ongoing efforts of members to grow and
maintain its properties for conservation.

Property News

Rockleigh

Rockleigh continues to be the main focus of work for managing the company’s properties. In addition to the substantial re-planting projects, there is the ongoing work on mowing and weed control, the native grasses nursery, seed collection, watering, track and fence maintenance, pest animal control, the bird watering point etc. Thank you to the Rockleigh management group and volunteers for their efforts in continuing to maintain this property so well.

After some good conditions and encouraging planting programmes in 2021 and 2022, the realities of vari-
able weather caught up with us in 2023 and 2024. The combination of frosts and dry conditions has signif-
icantly reduced the plant survival rates in 2023 and 2024, despite efforts of our volunteers and watering.
Some useful lessons have been gained and will be applied to future planting programmes.

2025 Planting Programmes

NVHA Grant Re-vegetation Project

The company has committed to putting in 3500 plants inside the exclosure in 2025. The timing of this work will depend on when the rains start but the plan is to get the plants in as early as possible. This will allow them to strengthen up prior to any potential frosts, which caused significant loses in 2023 and 2024.Once again we will be looking for volunteers to help out with this substantial planting programme.

More details will be provided once we have a clearer understanding of when the rains will arrive

Biodiversity Links Project Monarto-Tungkillo

The company will again be working with Second Nature Conservancy (SNC) in support of this biodiversity
linking project. Funding is from a grant obtained by SNC. Bushland Conservation will provide volunteer
support to put in the 1000 plants.

Pest Animal Control

Deer are a significant destructive pest at Rockleigh (and the Tothills) and deer control is a substantial ex-
pense for the company as landholders are responsible for removal of deer. Bushland Conservation continues to apply for grant funding to help control deer at Rockleigh through the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board but without success. This is in contrast to the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board which is very supportive of the company’s efforts in the Tothills. Hopefully we will be successful in the current grant round. The company will continue its activities to eradicate deer at Rockleigh and will consider how best to manage this ongoing basis if grant funding is not available.

Tothill Ranges

Pest Animal Control

Bushland Conservation has again agreed to participate in an aerial shooting programme in 2025 to be un-
dertaken and paid for by NPWS. The company also continues to engage a professional shooter for pest
animal control and the benefits of maintaining both approaches were clearly demonstrated last year.
Despite excellent conditions and a blanket thermal imaging coverage of the Tothills Ranges during the aerial shoot in 2024 there was a complete absence of deer. We knew from our camera traps that there were deer in the general area but they had moved on by the time of the aerial programme. Deer were subsequently picked up by the camera traps and our professional shooter was able to respond quickly, culling two deer. The company will continue to monitor and control deer activity in the Tothills.

New Reptile Species Records

Andrew Wurst’s persistence with his “tile project” to research reptiles continues to deliver results with the
discovery of a new species for the Tothills property, a Blind Snake (Anilios bicolour). Getting closer to the
elusive worm lizard! He also recorded a Sand Goanna (Varanus gouldii) on camera which is another exciting new reptile species for the property.

New Tothill Property Plan Update

The board has been investigating the opportunity to obtain and sell Significant Economic Benefit (SEB)
credits, linked to the company’s commitment to place the new blocks under Heritage Agreement. Detailed
discussions were held with a potential buyer but unfortunately these didn’t progress to an agreement. One
of the challenges is that the bushland purchased by the company is already of high conservation value with minimal scope for environment improvement to provide an economy benefit. It is somewhat ironic that the offset process appears to disadvantage the preservation of high quality natural bushland in perpetuity in favour of costly re-vegetation of degraded land. The board will continue to consider options that may benefit its commitment to preserve this new bushland in perpetuity.

Kangaroo Island

Bushland Conservation continues to support the feral cat eradication programme providing access to trap-
ping locations on its property, including two Felixer cat traps. The elimination of cats from the Dudley
Peninsula would be a major step forward for conservation and hopefully this programme will be able to continue to a successful conclusion.

Talyala

Fortunately this property is largely self managed under the watchful eyes of the White family