Bubbling up from Australia's Great Artesian Basin, mound springs are unique lifelines across the rangelands and are of great ecological and cultural significance. For the Arabana and Dieri people, mound springs are central to their culture, and have sustained life in South Australia's desert lands for thousands of years. In partnership with volunteer group Friends of Mound Springs, Brook Pastoral Company, Dieri Aboriginal Corporation, and the S outh Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board (SAAL Board) a joint project has had positive outcomes for the culturally important Reedy Springs and St Mary's Pool on Murnpeowie Station on the Strzelecki Track. Early engagement with all groups in a genuine partnership approach included involvement from initial ideas to co-design, planned works, site visits, and on-ground works. A 2.45 km fence was installed to protect the 42-hectare spring group, expanded to protect the springs as well as new cultural sites identified by Dieri people during site visits. In addition, fencing was also installed to manage vehicle access to a nearby waterhole. Knowledge has been shared on cultural and ecological values of the springs and ongoing monitoring will continue using the same collaborative approach. Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation were contracted to complete the fencing works, further supporting First Nations employment and participation outcomes and a rich cross-cultural exchange. The Board is working with Arabana Rangers and Arabana Elders, along with FOMS, on opportunities for springs projects on their Country and will consult with other First Nations groups for new projects.
Get reliable rangeland science
Toggle Search