Mallee Magic
When 53 hectares at Monarto were purchased 40 years ago, the Mallee was considered rubbish country. Today, it’s an environmental hotspot under a permanent heritage agreement.
Early efforts included mistakes—such as planting a weedy WA wattle—but with time and knowledge, biodiversity was improved using locally sourced provenance plants. The property is home to the nationally endangered Prostanthera eurybioides, protected in collaboration with botanists for over 30 years. Its only other known population is 400 kilometres away.
A $100,000 Native Vegetation Council grant now supports a goal to boost biodiversity by 20% over 10 years. Local contractors and volunteers are involved, and education days continue to share the Magic of the Mallee.
This is the story of 40 years caring for a biological hotspot—restoring habitat, protecting rare plants, and inspiring future generations.
Bio
John Boland is Professor of Environmental Mathematics and Deputy Director of the Industrial AI Research Centre. His research covers water resource management, renewable energy utilisation, energy efficient house design and environmental accounting. He is an expert member of the International Energy Agency Task 16 on solar resource assessment.
Event
Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 6:30pm – 7:30pm @Robin Hood Hotel, 315 Portrush Road, Norwood SA 5067
The other talk at this location is Urban Jungle at 8:00pm – 9:00pm
