The Bugle - 23 March 2007
In news this week
- Wetlands focus group will ensure reef protection and fishing for our future
- Life’s a beach – Sarina's new coastal guidelines aim to keep it that way!
- New faces in the Burdekin region
- Dishing the dirt on organic waste
- Climate change, clearing link to be tested
- More droughts and flooding rains predicted for the Fitzroy Basin
- Board retreat advances Fitzroy Basin Association
- South East Queenslanders creating environmental network
Government updates
- Queensland Climate Change Centre opens for business
- Is your community vulnerable to climate change?
- Leaseholders to get longer terms for looking after the land
- WaterWise initiative to maintain Queensland lifestyle
- Boost forecasted for primary industries GVP
Reef Plan updates
Natural resourcesnews
- 'Drawing Together' for reconciliation
- Book a date with a future farmer
- 'Recovering Rainforest': Queensland Rainforest Forum
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
Wetlands focus group will ensure reef protection and fishing for our future
Queensland wetlands experts met in Mackay last week to review the best way to protect freshwater wetlands in the region.
This workshop is the first of a series being held in Great Barrier Reef regions. The workshops will develop a wetland plan to guide Australian Government funding under the Great Barrier Reef Coastal Wetlands Protection Programme.
Mackay Whitsunday NRM Group's Matt Bloor said "Wetlands next to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon have two vital environmental functions to perform; to filter and 'clean' the freshwater before it leaves the land to enter the lagoon, and to act as a nursery area for around 70 per cent of the Reef's commercial and recreational fisheries."
The workshops will use a decision support system (DSS) to help wetland managers prioritise funding of on-ground works for wetland protection.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Donna Audas is assisting the process of scoring wetlands in this region to direct funding to areas of greatest need.
"These workshops allow stakeholders to identify the regions most important wetlands and prioritise investment in an open, transparent and scientifically informed approach," Donna said.
Matt concluded "The result is that this region's [Mackay Whitsunday] community will benefit from increased recreational opportunities, better commercial fisheries and more fish for local fishers.
"We will also help protect our much loved bird life and wetland species and reduce impacts on river and Reef water quality."
For more information contact Matt Bloor from Mackay Whitsunday NRM Group on 4957 7158 or 0400 256 803.
Life’s a beach – Sarina's new coastal guidelines aim to keep it that way!
The Sarina Shire Beaches Management Guidelines for Coastal Zones were launched this week in Mackay by the Mayor of Sarina Shire, Cr Kevin Morgan.
The management guidelines respond to a community voiced need to protect and enhance the condition and amenity of the coast and foreshore in Sarina for the future.
"Sarina Shire Council, Sarina Catchment Landcare Catchment Management Association Inc. and Mackay Whitsunday NRM Group are working in partnership with the community to protect the natural environment and lifestyle of people here," Cr Morgan said.
The guidelines will be distributed for further community consultation and assistance in determining on-ground work required. The Mackay Whitsunday Natural Resources Management Group's Sustainable Landscapes Program will also provide guidance for these works.
For further information contact Cr Kevin Morgan, Sarina Shire, on 4964 8162.
New faces in the Burdekin region
The Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM (BDTNRM) has three new staff members.
Jenni Edmonds joined BDTNRM mid-March as the new NRM facilitator for the Upper Burdekin Rangelands catchment. Jenni's strong agricultural background, and experience with graziers and the Charters Towers community, will be a great asset to BDTNRM. You can contact Jenni on 4754 6120.
A little over a month ago, Bronwyn Roberts took up the role of CHRRUP's Belyando Suttor field officer, funded by BDTNRM. Brownyn is well known in the Emerald area, and described it as her perfect career. Bronwyn can be contacted on 4983 1211.
Finally, in November 2006, John Nicholas started with the Dalrymple Landcare Committee Inc. as the project officer working on the National Landcare Program funded SPIRAL project. John is glad to be back working in a region he knows so well. You can contact John on 4754 6120.
The Bugle team wishes them all the best in their new careers.
Dishing the dirt on organic waste
The mountain of organic fertiliser produced right on their doorstep each year by the booming lot-feeding business is – literally – a mixed blessing for Darling Downs farmers.
A survey of end-users of these animal or plant wastes shows that while they are valued as a resource, most producers and end users - more than 80% - believe they can be applied with no risk to the environment.
In fact, over-application of nutrients contained in 'recycled organics' – especially high-strength effluents produced by abattoirs, feedlots and piggeries that are irrigated on small land areas - can have a severe impact on water and soil quality, says Condamine Alliance CEO Phil McCullough.
Problems occur mainly where non-composted products are applied. Contractors have only recently begun to compost and co-compost, with the biggest stumbling block for farmers being price.
The survey, conducted in 2005, revealed that at least 363 000 tonnes of solid waste and 7400 megalitres of effluent are produced each year.
The Alliance, which manages the Condamine River catchment, produced a question-and-answer sheet to address frequently asked questions about recycled organics, and to assess treatment methods. These sheets are available from the Condamine Alliance website (under 'Enhancing Markets for Recycled Organics').
This year the group has contracted FSA Consulting to show alternative methods for handling recycled organics, especially effluent, that can reduce the environmental risks for both 'high-risk' industries and farmers.
A series of shed meetings will be held around the Downs in the next few months to demonstrate alternative methods for re-use, such as composting or evaporation, and to establish an incentive program for producers and end-users that could involve funding of monitoring equipment, irrigation infrastructure, or solids handling and spreading equipment.
Climate change, clearing link to be tested
The impact of climate change and human activity on the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion, a National Biodiversity Hotspot, extending from central Queensland to north-central NSW, will be studied to develop a set of decision-support tools for its restoration and conservation.
Condamine Alliance will partly fund the $500 000-plus project involving a team of researchers from the University of Queensland, University of Southern Queensland, EPA, and Department of Natural Resources and Water.
"Condamine Alliance will use these tools to target investment in the restoration of native vegetation, and this will have a positive impact on birds, reptiles, and ground-dwelling mammals in the bioregion," Debroah Vella, the Alliance's project coordinator, said.
Dr Martine Maron, co-chief investigator and USQ landscape ecology lecturer, said "The brigalow is habitat for many threatened fauna species, so our partner organisations are keen to work with us in pooling knowledge to develop an action plan for restoration in the region."
Lead investigator and senior research fellow at UQ, Dr Clive McAlpine said the research will consider multiple species and threats, including the impact of climate change and the opportunities to use regrowth in large-scale restoration.
For more information contact Deborah Vella, Condamine Alliance, on 4620 0114, or visit the Australian Government's National Biodiversity Hotspot website.
More droughts and flooding rains predicted for the Fitzroy Basin
More prolonged, frequent and intense droughts and flood events will be the continuing legacy of climate change for the beef industry to manage in the Fitzroy Basin, scientists predict.
Over eighty percent of the Basin is grazed with the majority of producers already managing their natural resources to minimise soil run off into catchments and conserve water supplies.
This adaptive management will be further tested, however, as predicted rising temperatures, increased rainfall variability and the Basin's booming economy increase the demand for water.
The Fitzroy Basin Association is working with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to develop a case study exploring the effect of climate change on grazing country.
One of the key scenarios will be that drought and infrequent intense rainfall events may reduce pasture cover and increase sediment entering streams, water storages and the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
To counter this scenario land managers will be offered a suite of training and tools to help assess pasture quantity and quality, forecast rainfall and pasture growth and then balance their stock numbers accordingly.
Michael Bent, FBA, said the case study project is one of a number funded by the Australian Greenhouse Office under its Greenhouse Action in Regional Australia program.
Called Practical adaptations to climate change in regional NRM the project involves seven regional NRM organisations in Australia developing strategies to adapt to the changing climate.
With World Meteorological Day being celebrated today under the banner 'Understanding Global Impacts', it is particularly pertinent to recognise regional efforts to address a global issue.
The FBA case study project demonstrates a proactive regional approach to climate change for the valuable central Queensland beef industry.
Board retreat advances Fitzroy Basin Association
A crystal ball and hard data were just some of the tools employed at the recent Fitzroy Basin Association Board retreat held at the Roslyn Bay Resort Inn, Yeppoon.
Long-term planning and strategic focus for the 07/08 financial year and beyond were focuses of the retreat, as FBA's regional investment strategy currently directs millions of state and federal funding into projects that improve biodiversity and land and water quality from the Capricorn and Curtis Coasts out to central Queensland's boundaries.
Post-June 2008, a new funding program endorsed at both the state and federal levels will potentially fund these regional activities.
The Board will ensure a smooth transition for the myriad of collaborative partnerships between government agencies, universities, industry and community groups and hundreds of individual land holder projects that rely on this funding.
The Board membership reflects the diversity of the region's stakeholders with many travelling several hours and putting their businesses on hold to be at the retreat.
Social time over dinner allowed the Board to cement internal relationships, seen by members as critical to their long term success.
Suzie Christensen, FBA CEO said "The commitment of the Board members to FBA, their stakeholders and the community at large resulted in a very positive two days."
The retreat was a chance for the 'big picture' issues such as climate change and water scarcity to be raised alongside regional planning priorities and uncertainties, such as the looming federal election.
South East Queenslanders creating environmental network
Thanks to the Environmental Networking Partnership, environment and community groups in the Ipswich and western catchments of South East Queensland have begun to develop partnerships and share views on common regional issues.
Initiated by SEQ Catchments, the Society for Growing Australian Plants (Ipswich branch) and Ipswich City Council in 2005, the Environmental Networking Partnership (ENP) develops partnerships between organisations, provides a networking forum, encourages information and resource sharing, and supports and strengthens group activities.
A number of organisations are involved with the ENP, undertaking activities such as survey work; education and awareness-raising; representation in catchment, landcare and development committees; bush food and medicine; Envirofund projects; native animal rescue and rehabilitation; native plant propagation; revegetation and regeneration; weed removal; threatened species work; and energy conservation and sustainable living (including resource exchange).
At the last ENP meeting in Ipswich the group discussed opportunities to take collaborative actions on wildlife corridor projects. Further discussions will be held at the next ENP meeting in May.
The ENP meets quarterly. If you would like to attend the next meeting, or find out more please contact Liz Gould on 3816 9723.
Government updates
Queensland Climate Change Centre opens for business
With average temperatures projected to rise by up two degrees celsius by 2030 and rainfall expected to drop by some 13%, it is timely that the new whole-of-government focused Queensland Climate Change Centre has officially been opened by the Premier.
The centre is tapping into the latest knowledge from around the world to help Queensland plan for and adapt to our changing environment. The new centre has 54 staff including 40 scientists. Already two initial projects for the center are underway, to identify and work with communities that may be particularly affected by climate change and working with local governments and rural industries on their future planning.
The centre is headquartered in the Department of Natural Resources and Water at the Indooroopilly Science Centre and also in Toowoomba.
The Queensland Government has provided $9 million in funding including a once-off capital allocation of $1.5 million for high performance computing and other establishment costs and an annual budget of $7.5 million.
For the full media release visit Queensland Ministerial statements online.
Is your community vulnerable to climate change?
Queensland's new Climate Change Centre is trying to determine the communities which are most vulnerable to climate change.
Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the study would identify economic, social and environmental risks.
Possible impacts to be studied include changes in rainfall patterns affecting agriculture and industry, increased coral bleaching which would impact on reef tourism and more intense cyclones, which could place coastal infrastructure and residents at greater risk.
This study is in the very early phases and it is too early to name communities which may be affected.
For the full media release visit Queensland Ministerial statements online.
To find out more visit the Climate Change Centre for Excellence on the NRW website.
Leaseholders to get longer terms for looking after the land
Farmers and graziers who lease state government land will be able to get longer leases if they improve the condition of their land, under innovative land reforms introduced in the Queensland Parliament.
Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said the Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2007 would facilitate the introduction of the Blueprint for the Bush's State Rural Leasehold Land Strategy which allows leases of 50, 40 and 30 years compared with the current maximum of 30 years.
Lease extensions will be granted if land managers keep their land in good condition, conserve high-value areas of their land or allow access by local indigenous people.
Mr Wallace said the state was currently finalising the State Rural Leasehold Land Strategy with AgForce and environmentalists, and the Bill provides a legislative basis for the strategy which will commence in early 2008.
Almost 65% of Queensland is state-owned land that is leased to land managers.
For the full media release visit Queensland Ministerial statements online.
WaterWise initiative to maintain Queensland lifestyle
The Lifestyle WaterWise grants program for not-for-profit organisations is a $10 million program to encourage not-for-profit organisations to reduce consumption of treated drinking water.
The program aims to reduce dependence on town water supplies in Queensland and assist Queensland's not-for-profit organisations to maintain gardens, parks and sporting fields during the drought.
This means Queensland sporting clubs, P&Cs, churches and community childcare, kindergartens and preschools will be able to access grants of up to $30 000 to implement waterwise measures.
The grants are about maintaining the active, outdoor lifestyle Queensland is renowned for, during a drought which has seen so many of our parks, gardens and sporting fields dry out.
The Department of Natural Resources and Water is administering the program, by providing funds to organisations that have met set criteria and passed assessment to retrofit existing facilities with water saving devices.
The grant information package contains six information sheets and an application form with terms and conditions.
Boost forecasted for primary industries GVP
The gross value of production (GVP) for Queensland's primary industries and fisheries is forecast at $10.62 billion for 2006-07, an increase on previous forecasts and just 3% lower than 2005-06.
Minister for Primary Industries & Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said with the debilitating effect drought has had on our primary producers, it was always anticipated that the GVP in 2006-07 would be down on last year. While this is still the case, it is greater than was originally expected.
Mr Mulherin said forecasts for some primary industry commodities, such as grain sorghum, maize, barley, peanuts, sunflower seed, cotton and milk had been revised down for the year, largely because of the effects of the drought on production. However, prospects have improved for Queensland's beef, banana and sugarcane industries, with upward revisions to the initial forecasts for the year
The March prospectus updates (from December 2006) include:
- sugarcane up from $970 million to $1.095 billion
- milk down from $205 million to $200 million
- sorghum down from $335 million to $215 million
- cotton down from $175 million to $125 million
- maize down from $45 million to $25 million
- barley down from $25 million to $20 million.
The Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries Minister Prospects Update is available on the DPI&F website.
For the full media release visit Queensland Ministerial statements online.
Reef Plan updates
State government focuses on future of Great Barrier Reef
The long-term future of the Great Barrier Reef is looking brighter with proposed new farming practices to reduce nutrient run-off from surrounding catchments.
Comments are being sought on a discussion paper as a part of the Queensland and Australian Government's commitment to reverse the decline in water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. The nutrient management zone discussion paper examines options to better manage nutrients in intensive agriculture, particularly in reef catchments.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries developed the discussion paper with input from peak industry groups and it is time to test the proposed approach with producers and together set some achievable targets for improvement.
Because of the diverse nature of agricultural industries in the Reef catchment, the paper proposes an industry-led, voluntary approach to nutrient management, with solutions tailored to each industry.
Feedback from the consultation will be collated to develop targets and timeframes for the preferred approach to nutrient management. The water quality improvement planning work funded by the Natural Heritage Trust in collaboration with regional NRM groups will also be included in the target setting process.
Comments on the discussion paper will be received up to close of business Friday 11 May.
To download the discussion paper, technical report (compiled by the Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research for the Australian Government) and maps of the nutrient management zones, and directions to submit feedback, visit the reef plan web site
For more information on the consultation process contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.
Natural resources news
'Drawing Together' for reconciliation
What does reconciliation mean to you?
Why not share your interpretation by entering the national art competition Drawing Together, run by the Australian Government.
Open to all Australians, Drawing Together explores reconciliation and promotes the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Public Service.
There are seven awards available, with prize money totalling $82 000. Entries close Friday 8 June.
For more information, or to view the competition guidelines and entry form, visit the Australian Public Service Commission website.
Book a date with a future farmer
Join the Future Farmers' Network (FFN) and other young regional people for the FFN Property Tour, Forum and barbeque on Saturday 21 April.
Starting at 2.00 pm, the day includes a workshop at, and tour of, the Gordon Downs property, and a forum ('Why I've stayed') of five minute presentations from young people involved in agriculture and rural industries. The day will be wrapped up with a barbeque.
RSVP to Delphine Bentley on 0428 101 303 or Joanne Rodney on 0427 719 299 by Friday 13 April.
For more information visit the Future Farmers' Network website.
'Recovering Rainforest': Queensland Rainforest Forum
What has happened since the last rainforest recovery conference ten years ago?
Registration are now open for the Queensland Rainforest Recovery Forum showcasing community projects; rainforest science; and recovery planning, management and conservation.
Along with presentations from community groups, regional NRM groups, government and research institutions, the event will also include interactive forums, field trips, and poster presentations.
Keynote presenters include Professor Roger Kitching, Cr Mike Berwick, Bruce Boyes, and Barung and Noosa Landcare.
Hosted by SEQ Catchments with support from the Australian Government, Centre for Innovative Conservation Strategies and Landcare Queensland, the Rainforest Recovery Forum will be held at Griffith University, Brisbane from 25-27 June.
Contact Landcare Queensland on 3211 4413 for further information, or visit the Landcare Queensland website.
Get a job in NRM!
Are you interested in working with Queensland's regional natural resource management bodies? Then head to the Regional Groups' Collective website where current job opportunities are now available. Be sure to check back regularly to ensure you don't miss out on the job of a lifetime!
Here's a sample of what's on offer:
Cape York Peninsula Development Association
Chief executive officer
Extensive road travel in Cape York Peninsula will be required and applicants should have some knowledge in operating a four wheel drive vehicle.
An understanding of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of Cape York Peninsula would be advantageous.
For more information and a copy of the selection criteria contact Trish Butler (CYPDA) on 4031 3432.
Applications close: Tuesday 3 April
Thought for the week
Cowardice asks the question - is it safe? Expediency asks the question - is it politic? Vanity asks the question - is it popular? But conscience asks the question - is it right? There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but...because it is right.
Martin Luther King (1929-1968)
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The Bugle is a weekly newsletter published by Community Partnerships, the Department of Natural Resources and Water, highlighting regional NRM activities around Queensland.
Last updated 09 January 2008