The Bugle - 11 May 2007
In news this week
- Traditional knowledge recording...recognising the value of Indigenous people's NRM knowledge
- Field trip delivers new understanding of sustainability in cane
- Covering stubble
- Funding drought set to break: Groups cash in on grant-writing workshops
- Hang on, help is on the way for border ranges rainforests
- Passmore Reserve hooks a big catch
Government updates
- $4.3 billion to protect Australia's environment
- $30 million more to protect the Great Barrier Reef
- $200 million more to help communities save water
- $112.1 million funding for Landcare
- A better future for Indigenous Australians - $47.6 million for new Indigenous environmental jobs
- $50 million for environmental stewardship
Reef updates
Natural resources news
- 2007 Queensland Landcare Conference: Registrations now open
- How to win funds and influence panels
- Water quality sampling and analysis workshops
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
Traditional knowledge recording...recognising the value of Indigenous people's NRM knowledge
Knowledge is a valuable thing to be kept for future generations.
Regina Bernard, Aboriginal Land Management Facilitator with the Mackay Whitsunday NRM Group is leading a Traditional Knowledge Recording project.
Oral culture needs to be conserved. In this project, Aboriginal people are recording valuable cultural information to document the relationship that they have sustained with the Australian environment as custodians of the land.
Caring for Country principles are the foundation of the project. The project records these principles of Aboriginal custodianship and cultural use of natural resources for future generations. Traditional owners from the Mackay Whitsunday region will participate in the project.
For more information contact Regina Bernard, Mackay Whitsunday NRM, on 4957 6945.
Field trip delivers new understanding of sustainability in cane
On Friday 16 February, the Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group, together with BSES Ltd, led a field trip to visit a range of sustainability initiatives on cane farms in the Mackay Whitsunday region.
Andrew Barfield - a canegrower who lives on a property adjacent to Pioneer River at Dumbleton Weir - is a board member of the Sugar Research Development Corporation (SRDC), and chairman of the Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS). Andrew is using native species to revegetate 1.7 ha of unproductive cane land with funding provided by Mackay Whitsunday NRM's Sustainable Landscapes Program.
The planted areas were once a haven for a range of woody weeds such as Yellow guava and Leucaena, and grasses like Guinea and Para grass. Tree canopy regrowth is helping to manage the weeds, reducing the available habitat for rats - known to significantly reduce cane productivity. Revegetation has increased the biodiversity and amenity values of Andrew's property whilst improving river bank stability and water quality.
1550 trees have been planted, with another 1000 seedlings still to go. Planting will be completed by the end of May.
Covering stubble
A colour booklet to help Central Queensland farmers accurately assess their sorghum crop stubble cover has been developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries in conjunction with the Fitzroy Basin Association.
Research shows that retaining more than 30% ground cover in the paddock was the best recommended farming practice to reduce runoff and soil erosion.
Valeria Berry, DPI&F cropping land management extension officer, said "Being able to estimate the stubble cover is a valuable skill that will allow farmers and consultants to adopt best management practice recommendations to ensure cropping country is adequately protected and to improve the cover if necessary.
"Our guide includes illustrations for crop scenarios such as sorghum following wheat, sorghum following chickpeas and sorghum following sunflowers," Ms Berry said.
Copies are being mailed to growers who have worked closely with the CQSFS project and FBA. Additional copies of the Assessing Stubble Cover - photo standards for sorghum crops booklet are available through the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 or by email.
Thanks to the Rural Weekly for this story.
Funding drought set to break: Groups cash in on grant-writing workshops
Natural resource projects in South East Queensland are set for a big wave of funding following a series of ten grant-writing workshops coordinated by SEQ Catchments.
More than 160 workshop participants honed their grant-writing skills – so funding organisations can expect to be inundated with high-quality proposals in the coming months!
SEQ Catchments and the Department of Communities funded the workshops, which were facilitated by Landcare Queensland’s Sam Morris. Col Freeman from SEQ Catchments presented supporting information on Envirofund grants.
The workshops covered topics including:
- why organisations give money to community projects.
- building worthwhile partnerships.
- general fundraising principles for community groups.
- an introduction to project planning and development.
- pitfalls and tips for success.
- specific grants such as Envirofund.
A huge thanks to the following community groups for hosting and promoting the workshops: Environmental Networking Partnership/Ipswich City Council, the Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council (Gecko), Maroochy Waterwatch, Logan and Albert Conservation Association/Logan and Albert Rivers Catchment Association, Pumicestone Region Catchment Coordinating Association, and Moreton Bay Coastcare.
Download the workshop handouts from the Landcare Queensland website and click on the link to "grants+funding".
Hang on, help is on the way for Border Ranges rainforests
- Community events in May, June offer input and insight
Local residents can contribute their insights on 12 May to a recovery plan for the rainforests of South East Queensland's Scenic Rim and Border Ranges of northern New South Wales.
These rainforests are among the most precious natural assets in both states, both pests and inappropriate land use threaten this beautiful and diverse area, said SEQ Catchments environment sector partnerships manager, Liz Gould.
SEQ Catchments is coordinating community consultation for development of the Border Ranges Multi-species Rainforest Recovery Plan, funded from the Natural Heritage Trust, to support the management and protection of its unique values.
"Community input is critical to plan development, so SEQ Catchments and its partners are coordinating events in May and June to gain further community input in the development stage," Ms Gould said.
The event will include a presentation on the Border Ranges Multi-species Rainforest Recovery Plan; an introduction to the frogs of the rainforest, focusing on those under threat or at risk; and a visit to a private rainforest area.
The community event for contributions to the plan will take place on Saturday 12 May, 9 am at the Killarney Hotel, Willow Street, Killarney. For more information (and RSVP for catering), contact Liz Gould, SEQ Catchments, on 3816 9723 or 0400 748 157.
Passmore Reserve hooks a big catch
Popular fishing and picnic spot Passmore Reserve, on the Condamine River, will benefit from $60 624 in funding from the latest round of the Australian Government's Recreational Fishing Community Grants program.
Condamine Alliance and Clifton Shire Council applied for the funding for a project called Enhancing Recreational Fishing at Passmore Reserve.
Passmore Reserve, about 20 km west of Clifton, covers about 1.2 km of the Condamine River. The project will improve the fish, aquatic and riparian habitat and the day-use facilities for recreational fishers and other visitors.
The reserve is home to a diverse range of aquatic and riparian habitats, and has benefited from the care and maintenance of the site provided by the Nobby District Fishing Club.
Local fishers also support the project, involving:
- re-snagging to improve fish habitats and restocking to rebuild fish populations.
- revegetation with local species to improve biodiversity and ground cover, enhance fish-food chains, discourage invasive species and assist natural river snagging processes.
- erecting shelters for picnic tables and providing rubbish bins.
- installing three sturdy fireplaces to reduce impacts of open fireplaces and risk of bushfires.
- stabilising the wetland outlet channel to protect in-stream and water edge habitats by reducing bed erosion and sediment deposition in water holes.
- interpretive signage to increase visitor awareness and knowledge of fish and aquatic species, habitats and ecosystems, restocking activities, and to guard against translocating pests.
- upgrading and designating tracks and paths to improve safety of access, to allow degraded areas to recover and to minimise impacts on river banks and revegetation.
Round 5 of the Recreational Fishing Program is now open, and applications close on 25 May. For more information visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
Government updates
$4.3 billion to protect Australia's environment
The Australian Government continues record levels of environment spending in the 2007-08 budget, announcing $4.3 billion in funding to tackle the pressing issues of climate change, water security and natural resource management.
"This funding will build on successful initiatives of past years and introduce new, practical and targeted investments to tackle important environmental issues," the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, said.
"This budget also includes a range of measures, taking Australia's response to climate change to new levels, at a cost of $741 million over five years to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, and help Australia prepare for the unavoidable impacts of climate change."
The Australian Government will provide $2 billion over five years from 2008-09 to build on the achievements of the $3.1 billion Natural Heritage Trust and $1.4 billion National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, announced in 1997.
"Land and water damage costs us up to $3.5 billion every year. On the salinity issue alone, an estimated 5.7 million hectares are at risk from shallow water tables and this could grow to 17 million hectares," Mr Turnbull said.
"This $2 billion package will ensure that action continues on a local, regional and national scale. The Australian Government has been working with states and territories to develop the future programme and is expecting them to continue their significant investment in this important and successful partnership."
To read this and other budget media releases, visit the Department of Environment and Water Resources website.
Top$30 million more to protect the Great Barrier Reef
Protection for Australia's world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park will be strengthened with $15.6 million in new funding in the 2007-08 federal budget, the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, announced this week.
"One of the greatest threats to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, arguably second only to climate change, is poor water quality," Mr Turnbull said.
"This budget commits a further $14.2 million over four years from the Natural Heritage Trust to comprehensive monitoring and reporting of water quality and ecosystem health of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
"This funding will also help to gauge the success of strategies being implemented to improve water quality. This includes the ongoing implementation of the 10-year Reef Water Quality Protection Plan agreed to by the Australian and Queensland Governments in 2003 to halt and reverse the decline in water quality from land based sources, with about 26 rivers flowing into Reef waters.
"This funding supports better regional reporting, the expansion of monitoring of water quality, Reef health and seagrass including effective engagement of volunteers.
"[This] announcement builds on funding already committed by the Australian Government to protecting the Reef and will provide even better protection, ensuring sustainable recreational opportunities as well as tourism and fishing industries that support the local economies.
"More importantly, it will ensure that Australia continues to protect the biodiversity and resilience of the Reef itself," Mr Turnbull said.
To read this and other budget media releases, visit the Department of Environment and Water Resources website.
Top$200 million more to help communities save water
The six-year extension of the Australian Government's Community Water Grants programme was announced this week by the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, and the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator Eric Abetz.
"Community Water Grants is an extremely successful programme - it has provided vital funding that's been the catalyst for groups to undertake important water saving projects," Mr Turnbull said.
"The government is building on this by providing a further $200.7 million to extend the programme until 2012-13.
"We've already saved 27 500 mega litres of water through 3194 Community Water Grants projects since 2005, and we can potentially save another 50 000 mega litres of water over the next four years. This is an inspiring result for the environment."
Senator Abetz said collectively volunteers have spend over 905 000 hours of their time implementing Community Water Grant projects. This is an invaluable contribution to the nation's water saving efforts from which everyone benefits.
"Community Water Grants is about community participation - people willing to adopt wise water practices. Every Australian has a role to play - by working together with practical solutions we can conserve our precious water resources," Mr Turnbull said.
To read this and other budget media releases, visit the Department of Environment and Water Resources website.
Top$112.1 million funding for Landcare
The Australian Government's long-standing commitment to Landcare continues with an additional $112.1 million allocated to the vital National Landcare Programme over three years.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said Landcare was a practical community-based movement that boosted the long-term productive and environmental value of the landscape.
"The government has invested more than $700 million in the programme since coming to office in 1996 and this latest investment will make sure Landcare continues to play a key role in strengthening the links between farmers and regional natural resource managers," Mr McGauran said.
"Around 75 per cent of farmers and land managers are involved in Landcare activities or benefit from knowledge acquired through the movement.
"Increasingly, Landcare groups are also attracting strong support from the wider community, and this has added to the movement's well-deserved reputation for being at the forefront of efforts to implement sustainable natural resource practices.
"Key programme components such as support structures will be retained to maintain work momentum and others will be improved to encourage more industry links."
To read this and other budget media releases, visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
A better future for Indigenous Australians - $47.6 million for new Indigenous environmental jobs
The Australian Government will provide $47.6 million over the next four years to contract Indigenous Australians to deliver environmental services in remote and regional Australia, the Minister for Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, announced this week.
"This is a giant step forward in creating properly paid jobs for Indigenous people looking after the country," Mr Turnbull said.
"It is the largest injection of funds ever for Indigenous environment work.
"Indigenous Australians will be engaged through the new initiative to work on the government's environment priorities - from protection of threatened species, control of feral pests and weeds and protection of wetlands and sea country, to conservation of national heritage sites.
"We need to build the resilience of our landscapes and flora and fauna as we prepare to adapt to climate change, and in our remote and regional areas Indigenous Australians are best placed to deliver these services."
Mr Turnbull said his department would begin talking with Indigenous organisations, including Land Councils, about the programme. The first contracts will be negotiated in areas where environment management plans involving Indigenous communities exist, and where strong governance structures are in place to ensure sound contract management.
For more information about the programme visit the Department of Environment and Water Resources website. To read this and other budget media releases, visit the Department of Environment and Water Resources website.
$50 million for environmental stewardship
Farmers and other landholders across the country will be paid to help preserve and restore high-end environmental assets under a new long-term stewardship programme.
Ministers for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, and Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, this week announced the $50 million Environmental Stewardship Programme as part of the 2007-08 federal budget.
The Ministers said $50 million will help establish contracts with landholders over the next four years, with follow-up payments for up to 15 years.
Mr McGauran said the programme would create long-term partnerships to manage our natural resources for current and future generations.
"The programme will provide ongoing payments to farmers, among others, to encourage them to undertake environmental work beyond what they should be expected to do as part of their business responsibilities. On-ground work could include fencing, replanting and restoring degraded areas, weed and pest management," Mr McGauran said.
Mr Turnbull said the programme will focus on protecting environment matters for which the Australian Government is responsible, for example nationally listed threatened animals, plants, and ecological communities, wetlands and natural heritage places.
The Ministers said long-term commitment in providing incentives to private land managers has strong support from peak farming and environment groups including the National Farmers' Federation, Humane Society International, and WWF-Australia.
The programme will be reviewed in the fourth year to determine future arrangements.
To read this and other budget media releases, visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
Reef updates
Study ties coral disease to warmer oceans
Warmer sea temperatures are linked to the severity of a coral disease, according to a Great Barrier Reef study that offers a dire warning about global warming's potential impact on the world's troubled reefs.
The six-year study tracked the relationship between water temperature and the frequency of a coral disease called white syndrome across more than 1500 kms of the world's largest coral reef.
Researchers have suspected that warm sea temperatures were responsible for disease outbreaks on coral reefs.
But Dr John Bruno, the study's lead author, says the study is the first to conclusively connect the two.
"Our study suggests as global warming warms the oceans more and more, we could see more disease outbreaks and more severe ones."
The results of the study, funded by the US National Science Foundation, will be published in the online journal PLoS Biology.
To read the full story visit the ABC Online website.
Natural resources news
2007 Queensland Landcare Conference: Registrations now open
Registrations are now open for the 18th annual Queensland Landcare Conference to be held from 22-25 August in Mackay.
Hosted by Pioneer Catchment and Landcare, the conference will explore how landcare is helping to make a difference in areas such as cultural heritage, social capacity and well-being, climate change, natural resource management, and more.
The three-day program includes field trips, plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and the Queensland Landcare Awards dinner. Early-bird registrations close 30 June 2007 and modest subsidies are available for those experiencing difficulty to attend.
A preliminary program and registration information are available from the Landcare Queensland website.
How to win funds and influence panels
Community grants expert Samantha Morris, manager of Landcare Queensland, is travelling to central Queensland to share hints and tips for successful submission writing.
Three free workshops for community groups and landholders will be held in Emerald on 4 June (6-9 pm); Biloela on 5 June (6-9 pm); and Rockhampton on 6 June (9 am-12.30 pm).
Sam has more than 13 years experience in grant writing for community organisations. The workshops will be interactive and topics will include:
- truly understanding your organisation.
- project planning.
- the nitty gritty of writing grants.
- budgeting.
- what funders really want.
- targeting your grant application.
To book your place contact Landcare Queensland on 3211 4413 or email Samantha Morris by 30 May.
The workshops are being coordinated by Landcare Queensland with support from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and Fitzroy Basin Association. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and CHRRUP have kindly provided venues at no charge.
Water quality sampling and analysis workshops
This two-day workshop, being held in various locations in Queensland over May and June, is aimed at community groups, local government and agency staff, and others who are involved in the measurement of physical and nutrient parameters.
The workshop objectives include:
- review of sampling practices (focus on nutrients).
- identify and quantify contamination issues.
- understand QA/QC issues - to be applied.
- review and compare field analysis kits - benchmarked against field lab analyses (please bring your own kits!).
- participant data to identify issues and calculate precision data in feedback session.
The workshops will be presented by Dan Wruck of Queensland Health Scientific Services. Dan has extensive experience in water quality analysis testing. He performs proficiency testing for Australian and international laboratories and is a NATA assessor and advisor for NATA accreditation.
The dates are:
- Cairns: 21-22 May
- Townsville: 28-29 May
- Rockhampton: 31 May-1 June
If you would like to attend the Cairns or Townsville workshops, contact Peter Verwey, Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW), on 4799 7052. To attend the Rockhampton workshop, contact Bob Packett, NRW, on 4938 4242.
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:
Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC)
Position: Regional Salinity Officer
Tenure: Renewable 12 month contract; full-time
Salary range: $50 000-$60 000 per annum; or negotiable if required
Location: Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, St George or Roma (Negotiable in the following centres)
Reports to: Regional Land Management Coordinator, Qld Murray-Darling
Committee.
For a copy of the position description contact the QMDC on 4637 6201.
Thought for the week
When you make a mistake, don't look back at it long. Take the reason of the thing into your mind and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.
Hugh White
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We welcome your contributions and feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions for The Bugle please contact Carl Glen or Shona Strachan.
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 08 January 2008