Registration
Online Registration Closed
Online registration is now closed. No new registrations for the conference, events, or guest tickets are being accepted through the online system.
If you would like to register or have questions about your registration, please contact the Event Team at ARSConference@austrangesoc.com.au or 0429 352 058.
Delegates who have already registered can refer to their bookings via the online portal.
The Australian Rangeland Society 19th Biennial Conference will be held in the upper Spencer Gulf city of Port Augusta, with the Flinders Ranges providing a spectacular backdrop. Port Augusta is located on Australia’s crossroads – north and south and east and west – for both rail and road.
The main conference sessions will be held at the recently redeveloped Central Oval Complex. A complimentary conference shuttle bus will run between Central Oval, the various function venues, and our partner accommodation.
Conference Registration Fees
- All registration fees are quoted in Australian dollars and include GST of 10%
- Registrations fees are quoted on a per person basis
- The Australian Rangeland Society is a not-for-profit organisation
Registration Inclusions
Full registration (Monday – Thursday)
- Conference satchel, name badge, conference proceedings and access to conference program app
- Welcome Mayoral Reception on evening of Monday 25 September
- Your choice of field tour Tuesday 26 September (supplement applies for Arid Recovery Tour)
- Networking BBQ Dinner on Tuesday 26 September
- Entry to all conference sessions, the exhibition and poster areas
- Arrival tea and coffee, tea breaks and lunches
- Rangeland Muster on evening of Wednesday 27 September
- Conference Dinner on evening of Thursday 28 September
Accompanying Person
- Name badge and access to conference program app
- Welcome Mayoral Reception on evening of Monday 25 September
- Your choice of field tour Tuesday 26 September (supplement applies for Arid Recovery Tour)
- Networking BBQ Dinner on Tuesday 26 September
- Access to the exhibition and poster areas
- Arrival tea and coffee, tea breaks and lunches
- Rangeland Muster on evening of Wednesday 27 September
- Conference Dinner on evening of Thursday 28 September
One-Day Registration
- Access to all sessions, exhibition and poster areas on the selected day
- Conference satchel, name badge, conference proceedings and access to conference program app
- Arrival tea and coffee, tea breaks and lunch on selected day.
No social functions are included in the day registration category but can be purchased separately.
Field Tours
The Australian Rangeland Society 19th Biennial Conference field tours will provide delegates opportunities to learn about innovations and developments in rangeland management within the context of a number of industries.
The tours take delegates through different landscapes giving them an opportunity to see the South Australian outback and regional areas.
The tours will take place on Tuesday 26 September* and are included in the full registration fee (early bird, regular and student) and the accompanying persons package.
Delegates need to self-select their preferred tour option. We recommend early selection as seats are limited, and tours will close when full. All tours commence in Port Augusta, and will return to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden at approximately 4:30 pm, for the Gourmet BBQ networking dinner.
Field Tour 1 – Arid Recovery
This is an overnight trip for those looking to start their conference experience in Roxby Downs. This features the ecosystem restoration initiative at Arid Recovery, (a 123km² fenced reserve). Feral cats, rabbits and foxes have been eradicated providing protection for the reintroduction of four species of locally extinct mammals. This tour includes a sunset guided tour of the unique habitats of the arid zone. You will walk through the dunes to get up close and personal with some of the Reserves nocturnal wildlife followed by a BBQ dinner. After spending the night in Roxby Downs, you will travel by bus to Port Augusta via Purple Downs/Andamooka Station and Woomera, to discuss the land systems and land management activities across multiple tenures. http://www.aridrecovery.org.au/
Includes tea breaks, BBQ dinner, lunch and accommodation.
* The Arid Recovery Field Tour is an overnight trip, commencing Monday 25 September. Delegates will depart Port Augusta by coach at 12:30 pm (included in tour cost) or can make their own arrangements to Roxby Downs (flights available to Olympic Dam at delegates cost, coach pick up at Olympic Dam Airport on request). Accommodation is included and a supplement of $100 applies to this field tour.
Field Tour 2 – Middleback
Managing the rangelands with a collaborative approach – utilising resources and seeking out new opportunities to maximise production and conservation outcomes.
Departing Port Augusta at 8:00 am, with the option to join this tour in Whyalla at 9:00 am. This tour explores the Middleback Alliance a collaborative partnership sharing resources and cooperatively delivering across boundaries and industries. We will explore the projects and works program that has included 12 properties over an area of more than 250,000 hectares. This field trip will visit Chalky Wattle enclosures and look at the mine rehabilitation activities at Iron Duke. We will then learn about new ways to fund conservation activities at Ironstone Hill Conservation Park, through environmental offsets. The tour will also visit the Nutbush Retreat at Pandora station to look at on-property diversification and discuss developments in the region including increased defence land management and the Middleback research station.
Includes tea breaks and lunch.
Field Tour 3 – Lines in the Landscape GeoTrain
An enlightening heritage rail journey through the rich landscapes of the Pichi Richi Pass. With expansive views from the Brill Railcar, we’ll explore the geological formation of the Flinders Ranges stopping at places of interest to study tidal rhythmites, ripple stone, paleontological finds and more.
Guest speakers will share their knowledge on topics including geology, ecology, tourism and alternative industries. https://www.pichirichirailway.org.au/
Includes tea breaks and lunch.
* Disembarkation at points along this route is by portable steps and points of interest are located on uneven ground. Delegates with mobility impairments should consider their access requirements before selecting this field tour.
Field Tour 4 – Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden – Come and Go/Stay the Day
The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden was established in 1993, to research, conserve and promote the wider appreciation of Australia’s arid zone flora. The Garden showcases a diverse collection of arid zone habitats in a picturesque setting of more than 250 hectares. Uniquely, the coastal location of the AALBG also features a biologically rich marine environment dominated by grey mangroves. This rare side-by-side combination of arid and marine environments, together with a fascinating regional and cultural history, makes this the perfect location for a full day of ‘drop in’ activities including a series of bird watching sessions, escorted walks and workshops. The workshops will be supported by a presentation from University of Technology Sydney researchers and local volunteers about their work on arid plant adaptations. http://www.aalbg.sa.gov.au/
Includes tea breaks and lunch. Download the program here.
Registration Information
First Author Registration Requirements
Registration for at least the day of their presentation is required for the first authors of accepted oral and lightning presentations and posters. For oral presentations, the deadline is 26 May 2017. For lightning and posters, the deadline is 14 July 2017. If the first author is unable to attend the conference and would like to appoint a substitute speaker/presenter, contact us at ARSConference@austrangesoc.com.au for final approval. The substitute author must also register to attend the conference.
Registration Payment Policy
Full payment of the registration fee must be made at the time of registration. Payment can be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard). If you do not have access to a credit card please contact the conference organiser on 0429 352 058 to make alternative arrangements.
Cancellation Policy
Registration cancellations and amendments must be sent in writing by either mail to PO Box 81, Quorn 5433 or email ARSConference@austrangesoc.com.au.
Registration cancellations received up to and including 18 August 2017 will receive a refund of their registration fee, less AUD $120.00 administration charge. Registration cancellations received after Friday 18 August and up to Monday 4 September will receive a 50% refund, less AUD$120.00 administration charge. No refunds will be given for registration cancellations received after Tuesday 5 September 2017. As an alternative to cancellation, your registration may be transferred to another person up to 15 days prior without receiving any cost penalty.
Transfers made within 14 days of the Conference will incur an AUD$25.00 transfer fee.
Refunds will be made in the following ways:
1. For payments received by credit or debit cards, the same credit/debit card will be refunded.
2. For all other payments, a bank transfer will be made to the payee’s nominated account.
Students
Student fees are applicable only to full-time students. Student ID or official letter of University must be provided.
Disclaimer
The conference program is confirmed at the time of printing. However, Australian Rangeland Society (ARS) reserves the right to make any changes at any time as circumstances dictate. Every effort will be made to ensure a program of equivalent standard and value should unavoidable changes occur.
Insurance
The registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. Participants are advised to take out appropriate insurance, including cover for travel, accommodation and personal possessions. Neither the Committee nor Pure Outback Pty Ltd covers individuals against the cancellations of bookings for any reason including cancellation or postponement of the conference or for theft or damage to belongings.
Privacy
In registering for this conference, relevant details will be incorporated into a delegate list for the benefit of all delegates (name, organisation and state/country only). Should you not wish for your details to appear in the delegate list, please tick the privacy box when registering.
Photography and recordings
Attendance at the conference constitutes consent to the use and distribution by ARS of the attendee’s image or voice for informational, publicity, promotional and/or reporting purposes in print or electronic media.