Prior to the widespread development of permanent watering points across the WA semiarid rangelands, kangaroo grazing pressure was largely moderated by access to ephemeral water supply. Unlimited, continual access to permanent water sources by western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) has enhanced their capacity to remain in areas in excessive numbers during extended dry periods. Excessive kangaroo grazing pressure along with procrastination on de-stocking decisions during these critical periods of pasture establishment and recruitment has stifled the post-drought recovery phase of high value land-systems on many stations.
The Cue Land Conservation District Committee (LCDC) comprises six pastoral stations who collectively manage 500 000 ha of Western Australian (WA) semiarid rangelands. The Cue LCDC is seeking to reduce the level of impact that total grazing pressure has at critical periods on a regional level through integrating grazing management strategies (rest-based systems) and proven technologies (total grazing management yards, exclusion fencing and regeneration works). The major strength of their approach is they are looking beyond their own individual cadastral boundaries to identify the regional 'hot spots' that will be targeted over the coming years. These regional `hot spots' are defined as those in which the economic and ecological return will be the highest by investing in improved infrastructure and regeneration works. As a part of the approach, stations are implementing rest-based grazing strategies to facilitate the re- establishment of perennial grasses and shrubs and introduce productive native grasses that have been largely removed from the system. An investment by the Commonwealth Government of $85, 610 for the first year of operation has been principally used for regional planning and on-ground works.
Renmark, South Australia
ISSN 1323 660
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.