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<strong>Flinders</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>Land</strong> <strong>Management</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> <strong>Flinders</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>2004</strong> - <strong>2050</strong> <strong>South</strong> Australia 7. Partnerships Whilst the task of restoring the indigenous biodiversity of the site is significant, in addition to the other improvements recommended as part of the LMP, it is not unrealistic. Approximately two kilometres from <strong>Flinders</strong> <strong>University</strong> is the Watiparinga Reserve, owned and managed by the National Trust. In 1973 the Trust formally commenced management of the reserve, which at the time had recently been retired from sheep grazing and contained a degraded Eucalyptus microcarpa Woodland, with large weed infestations. The commitment of volunteers, over the ensuing 30 years, has yielded a vastly increased biodiversity. Recent flora surveys confirmed a more than six fold increase in indigenous species, from 25 in 1961 to 162 in 1998 (of which 26 were grasses). Interestingly, only 22 of these 138 species that had recolonised were artificially reintroduced. Of course, this result would not have been possible without the long term vision and commitment through voluntary assistance. Similarly, it is recognised that the <strong>University</strong> alone cannot be expected to achieve such results with its work force and budget, therefore the partnerships with various agencies and volunteer organisations will be crucial to the success of the LMP as detailed below: Mitcham Council Whilst the Council is unable to provide financial assistance for land management their role in overseeing the implementation of the LMP, mostly in regard to the control of pest plants, is important. Their staff will also be able to provide advice on weed control techniques, revegetation and creation and maintenance of fuel reduction zones. Patawalonga Catchment Water <strong>Management</strong> Board The Board will consider funding works undertaken as part of the LMP, provided they have demonstrable benefits for improved catchment management. The Board has previously funded works within <strong>Flinders</strong> <strong>University</strong>, however in the case of larger scale projects with wider benefits than just catchment management, such as the LMP it would look to partner with other agencies that will also accrue some of the benefits. Specific actions of interest to the Board include the removal of pest plants and environmental weeds within the riparian zone (and subsequent revegetation), road drainage for erosion control in addition to work in proximity of the stormwater outlets across the study area. It is noted that from 2001 – 08 the Board will be absorbed into the Mount Lofty Region Greater Adelaide Natural Resource <strong>Management</strong> Board. Urban Forests Program The Program has the vision of conserving biodiversity within the greater Adelaide region. The <strong>Flinders</strong> <strong>University</strong> site is of particular interest to the Program, as it provides an excellent opportunity to restore and expand the Eucalyptus microcarpa Woodland vegetation association, currently poorly conserved in the region. Through the State Government’s One Million Trees Program the site could be considered as part of a large-scale revegetation project to create a series of Urban Forests through the Adelaide Region. The Urban Forest Biodiversity Program also provides an opportunity for funding work related to ecosystem restoration. The proposed vegetation management works to restore the vegetation community within the moderate-high quality Eucalyptus microcarpa Woodland in Precincts 4, 6 and 7 may be eligible for funding under this program. Office for Recreation and Sport The Office administers the Community Recreation and Sports Facilities Grant, which has two categories – community ($20-50K) and regional ($20-200K). Initial indications from the Office have highlighted their interest in trail development for mountain bike usage, as there is currently a lack of formal trails within metropolitan Adelaide. On this basis, such trails could be eligible for regional funding. It is tentatively suggested that the proposed development of the trail adjacent the creek in Precinct 5 and 6, and the linkage from Sturt Creek Linear Park to Sturt Gorge Recreation Reserve would both qualify for funding. The Office can also assist <strong>Flinders</strong> <strong>University</strong> in the management of trails through the provision of signage, and clarification of the liability issues relating to public use of the trails. <strong>Plan</strong>ning SA PSA have responsibility for allocating funding for development of Regional and Metropolitan Open Space, generally within Council ownership or control. Whilst the <strong>University</strong> does not strictly fit this criteria there may be an opportunity for funding trail development, particularly associated with the proposed linkage from Sturt Creek Linear Park to Sturt Gorge Recreation Reserve. 7.1 Assistance With Implementation 7.1.1 Greening Australia Greening Australia manage Green Corps, which is a Commonwealth Government youth development program offering people aged 17-20 the opportunity to receive quality training while participating in projects that contribute to significant environmental and cultural heritage initiatives. Greening Australia also manage Youth Conservation Corps, a similar program developed by the <strong>South</strong> Australian Government. The <strong>Flinders</strong> <strong>University</strong> site offers a range of activities, from weed removal to trail construction, which would be well-suited to either program. Preliminary discussions with Greening Australia have been undertaken, and they have indicated an interest in incorporating the <strong>University</strong> into their future programs. The Youth Conservation Corps program runs over a 14 week period whilst the Green Corps has a 6 month timeframe. Initial indications are that a Youth Conservation Corps project team could commence as early as February 2005, whilst the earliest a Green Corps team could commence would be from start of the 2005/2006 financial year. 7.1.2 Adelaide Mountain Bike Club The Club was responsible for the design and construction of the cross-country trail in Precinct 7, a task which they spent over 500 volunteer hours achieving. Their trail design and construction techniques accord with the IMBA standards for sustainable trails and avoid clearance of indigenous vegetation wherever possible. The Club has expressed an interest in further trail development, in conjunction with weed removal and revegetation, and using the site as demonstration to public land managers of sustainable trail development. The LMP recommends a two year monitoring period for the recently constructed trail, prior to deciding whether to allow further trail development. During that time, weed removal and scattered revegetation should be undertaken in proximity to the trail. The Club would be a valuable ally in undertaking such on-ground works, as their members are generally young, fit and enthusiastic. 7.1.3 <strong>University</strong> Involvement The student environmental action group, Ilkari, has undertaken weed control and revegetation work, largely within the Main campus and the high-quality Eucalyptus microcarpa Woodland in Precinct 6. Unfortunately, the group does not have a strong membership base, probably due in part to the temporary nature of students. This group should continue to be supported by the <strong>University</strong> management, and be encouraged to seek new members from the surrounding residential area. If successful, this would provide a relatively stable membership base of people who have a direct interest in their local environment. Both the School of Population, Geography and Environmental <strong>Management</strong>, and the School of Biological Sciences offer subjects with direct relevance to the management issues confronting the study area. It would be opportune for students to gain practical experience through undertaking on-site work as part of their course program. ⏐ AUGUST <strong>2004</strong> ⏐ PAGE 24
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