Operation Bounceback

Threatened Species - Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby:

"A conservation management program was established to protect vulnerable and declining yellow-footed rock-wallaby colonies in the Olary Hills, Central Flinders Ranges and Gawler Ranges (South Australia). The first stage of this project, focusing on fox control and feral herbivore control around rock-wallaby colonies commenced in 1993. The aim of the project is to improve habitat quality to achieve a substantial and sustained increase in these rock-wallaby populations. The longer-term objective is to develop a rock-wallaby management program for South Australia in which landholders and government undertake appropriate respective components. A coordinated approach delivers a program which can be sustained in the long term (> 20 years) and incorporates a system of integrated pest management that provides a platform for restoration of key ecological communities in arid regions."

South Australians do not lack enthusiasm for challenging environmental projects. It is always mighty obvious if we become party to something which will destroy the environment because we throw up our arms and shout like anything. It's the only time you hear us and the Aldinga Scrub is a perfect example of environmental issues being trodden on insensitively. We yelp big time and we do not forget it. The government has been running Operation Bounceback to help rid the state of species, primarily imported, which do not suit our habitat and which destroy our native plants and fauna. The yellow footed rock wallaby is one of our success stories. It's aimed at returning the environmental balance to our state and keeping the precious things we have. Australian plants, birds and animals are often unique. As part of the programme the government has bought Bimbowrie Station in the north eatern ranges of the state. The federal government also contributes to this programme, but it doesn't appear to be something they avertise much. They seem to go for their negative efforts. Bimbowrie will become a protected reserve and in this way our biodiversity experts can continue with their conservation work.