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Protection of sacred springs in South Australia’s rangelands
Author
Smith, A
Gerlach, CA
Warren, F
Dadleh, K
Booth, F
Publisher
XII International Rangeland Congress
Publication Year
2025
Body

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.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Additional Information
This paper is part of the larger XII International Rangelands Congress Proceedings. Page Numbers: 263-267. Theme: Theme 2 / Collaborations for rangeland restoration and conservation
ISSN
978-0-646-72121-7
Conference Name
International Rangeland Congress
Collection
International Rangelands Congress
Keywords
partnerships
First Nations
mound springs protection