At the time of the settlement of the Lower South East by Europeans the area was covered with a variety of native vegetation, predominantly eucalypts and acacias and a diverse understorey of many smaller species. With settlement came land clearance which continued up until the mid 1980s.
As a result of this clearance for agriculture, and combined with impacts of burning programs, drainage, vermin and weed invasion, there is a major reduction (approximately 90%) of original native vegetation remaining in the District. These remnant vegetation areas can be scattered or consist of isolated trees in otherwise cleared areas, and often those trees may be in poor condition, have suffered die-back, soil compaction or ring barking by stock.
Many of the surviving species are unique to this area, or are rare and vulnerable plants. It is a community responsibility to work together to protect our remnant vegetation, and where possible, implement planting programs of species. To aid this work the following is advised:-
Council continues to work to protect this fragile remainder of our natural environment. Further information can be gained from the Department of Environment & Water.
324 Commercial Street West
PO Box 724
Mount Gambier SA 5290
Phone: 08 8721 0444
Email: info@dcgrant.sa.gov.au
5 Charles Street
Port MacDonnell SA 5291
Phone: 08 8738 3000
Email: PMCC@dcgrant.sa.gov.au