The Bugle - 18 May 2007
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories
- Community has a say in catchment planning
- Clarke River and East Burdekin catchments project
- Sustainable Landscapes –delivering sustainable solutions to the Mackay Whitsunday Region
- Climate change model for Queensland's coastline
- New projects to study marine mammals
- Draft croc plan draws more than seventy submissions
- Fish survival school trains threatened species
- NRM Ministerial Council releases a communiqué
- Riversymposium receives US$210 000
- Two million dollars for research into Queensland’s tropical rivers
- Spur throat locust alert
Regional NRM group stories
Community has a say in catchment planning
Condamine Alliance is reviewing their regional NRM plan, guiding their multi-million dollar investment in the Condamine River catchment's natural resources into the future and residents are invited to have their say.
The review will strengthen the scientific basis of the Condamine Catchment Natural Resource Management Plan and take account of stakeholder concerns, said Condamine Alliance CEO Phil McCullough.
This plan forms the basis for annual investments from governments and the community by identifying the region's main assets and ways of protecting them, including land and water management, biodiversity and agricultural practices.
"Consultation, feedback and negotiation between the Alliance, as the accredited catchment manager, and stakeholders is a big part of this process. Our stakeholders include communities, Indigenous people, environmental groups, industry groups, universities and local, state and federal governments," Mr McCullough said.
"The Alliance will also be considering an alternative presentation of the 200-page plan to move towards a more user-friendly and accessible document, that incorporates targets that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound."
The review of the plan, targeted for release in 2008, involves a reconsideration of its scientific basis by consultant Natural Solutions, and wide community consultation this month and next, led by the Condamine Catchment Management Association (CCMA).
CCMA will conduct 10 community engagement workshops in May and June (in Toowoomba, Crows Nest, Cambooya, Chinchilla, Dalby, Oakey, Warwick, Clifton, Pittsworth, and Millmerran).
The science review of the report will be available on the Condamine Alliance website around 21 May, for perusal and comments.
For workshop dates or more information contact the Condamine Alliance on 4620 0102.
Clarke River and East Burdekin Catchments project
by June Brundell, Dalrymple Landcare Committee project officer
Landholders in the Clarke River and East Burdekin Catchments have made a strong response to funding grants for on-ground works to improve the condition of their catchments.
Around 29 funding applications totaling $1.2 million dollars in requests have been submitted. Since funding for on-ground works only covers a little over $800 000, some projects and budgets have been adjusted to fit.
Some landholders applied for grants of up to and over $100 000. As a condition of funding they have to match this at least dollar for dollar; some graziers are matching funding by three to one.
The areas covered by the funding include:
- managing the areas along the streams and rivers
- wet season pasture spelling
- rotational grazing
- conservative stocking rates
- potential use of fire for management and environmental outcomes
- reclamation of strategic and identified degraded areas.
Although the two sub-catchments are very diverse with their own special problems, the big issues facing both are the same: pasture degradation, declining biodiversity, erosion of hot spots, degradation of riparian and frontage country, the emerging woody weed problem, overgrazing and woodland thickening.
Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM is funding the Dalrymple Landcare Committee to deliver the Clarke River and East Burdekin Catchments project.
Visit the Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM website to learn more about these type of projects.
Sustainable Landscapes – delivering sustainable solutions to the Mackay Whitsunday Region
The Mackay Whitsunday Natural Resource Management Group’s flagship-Sustainable Landscapes, provides a variety of cash incentives, training and field extension and encourages effective partnerships with agricultural industries, landholders, public land managers and business.
Incentives across a range of land management practices deliver improvements in soil health, water use efficiency and polluntant management (nutrient, sediment and chemicals). Through this package of investments, land managers are delivering natural resource management solutions which help to protect the Great Barrier Reef catchment's water quality and biodiversity.
The packaging of these NRM solutions encourages rapid adoption by land managers because the funding reduces the financial risk of adopting new practices.
There are now a number of successful projects which are providing an incentive to others in their industry. The O’Connell and Broken River catchment projects engage the grazing sector and deliver water quality and biodiversity solutions. Similarly, the Bakers Creek Project focuses on sustainable land mangement practices for cane growers in the catchment.
The Sustainable Landscapes approach is adaptive and is suitable for anywhere in Queensland.
Government updates
Climate change model for Queensland's coastline
The Queensland Government will help fund a research initiative to assess the impact of climate change on Queensland's coastline and develop a computer model to predict and track storm surges and coastal erosion.
Premier Peter Beattie said Griffith University had been awarded a $973 920 grant from the government's Smart State Innovation Fund to conduct the research.
"When all other partner funding is included, the total project involves an overall investment of $3.8 million," Mr Beattie said.
"Griffith University researchers will develop a computer model that will have the capacity to predict and track storm surges and coastal erosion and inundation due to rising sea-levels and extreme weather events caused by global climate change."
Mr Beattie said the research will be of enormous benefit to coastal management and emergency services.
"It will provide decision-makers with the key information they need to mitigate the risk of climate change in coastal regions and for our emergency services, it will provide them with a model to predict extreme weather conditions from which they can develop responses that could save many lives," Mr Beattie said.
Partners on the project include the Department of Natural Resources and Water, Gold Coast City Council, the Danish Hydraulics Institute, the Bureau of Meteorology, and the CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research centre.
New projects to study marine mammals
The Australian Government today announced details of 15 new research projects on the management and conservation of marine mammals.
Announcing the new funding of $800 000 at the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart, the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, said the projects would be undertaken through the AAD's Australian Centre for Applied Marine Mammal Science.
"This priority research will focus on whales, dolphins, sea lions and dugongs, in Australian waters," Mr Turnbull said.
"In particular it will investigate marine mammal population structure, distribution and abundance; population threats; management of risk and mitigation; and non-lethal study techniques."
In 2006, the Australian Government set aside $2.5 million over four years at the centre.
This new funding has been allocated from the government's $100 million Commonwealth Environment Research Facility and Natural Heritage Trust fund.
"[The] vast array of information gathered will help us to better understand our marine mammals and go a long way towards their improved management in the future," Mr Turnbull said.
The Australian Centre for Applied Marine Mammal Science is a centre of excellence, bringing together the best marine mammal scientists from research institutions around the country.
Draft croc plan draws more than seventy submissions
Submissions on the draft Crocodile Conservation Plan have closed, with more than 70 submissions received and now being considered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the draft Nature (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007 was released in March and submissions closed 4 May.
"The plan is updated every 10 years and the new version will regulate conservation and management of estuarine crocodiles in the wild for the next 10 years," Ms Nelson-Carr said.
"Nearly half the submissions were from individuals, with the rest coming from councils, government, business, conservation and other organisations.
"Submissions included a petition regarding removal of crocodiles from populated areas."
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Crocodile Advisory Committee, which is made up of representatives from government departments, the crocodile farming industry and green groups, will have input into the final plan before it is considered by Cabinet.
"It's expected the plan will be ready by the end of 2007.
"In developing this plan, the EPA is aiming to get the balance right between public safety, sustainable commercial use of estuarine crocodiles and protecting this species in the wild."
For the full media release visit Queensland Ministerial statements online.
Fish survival school trains threatened species
Teaching survival skills to threatened species of fish is a new and unusual project being undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries at the Southern Fisheries Centre, Deception Bay.
A $400 000 study being funded by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission's Native Fish Strategy is looking to develop techniques to boost the chances of survival of threatened species when they are released into the wild.
The project will train species such as Murray cod, silver perch and the eel tailed catfish reared in hatcheries for restocking programs to seek shelter and avoid predators in natural freshwaters.
This is the first project of its kind in Australia that will release trained fish in large numbers to the wild and is an extremely important one in the fight to conserve these fish for the future.
DPI&F fisheries biologist Dr Michael Hutchison explains that hatchery-reared fish are not use to predators and can be easily targeted when they are released into the wild.
He said fisheries scientists will be looking to install mesh barriers in tanks with the juvenile fish able to see predators moving about.
Once the DPI&F develop their fish training strategies, Queensland's restocking groups will be able to gain the best possible results from their environmentally friendly programs which are of real benefit to rural and remote communities.
For the full media release visit Queensland Ministerial statements online.
Ministerial Councils release a communiqué
The Primary Industries and Natural Resource Management Ministerial Councils have released a communiqué about their recent meeting in Brisbane.
Natural Resource Management, Environment, Water and Primary Industries Ministers from across Australia met in Brisbane on 20 April to consider issues impacting on Australia's natural resources and primary production sectors. This was the twelfth meeting of the Ministerial Councils and the first joint Ministerial Council meeting.
Specific issues dealt with by the Councils included the Regional NRM Chairs Forum, the 17th McKell Medal presentation to Ms Kate Hadden from the Northern Territory and the next steps for salinity in Australia.
There was a lot of discussion about water topics including water accounting, metering, trading, data sharing, benchmarking and pricing, also enhancing water planning, urban water reform and the second stage of the National Water Recycling Guidelines.
Councils discussed the impacts of drought, water availability and climate change on agriculture and the need for continued cooperation in the interests of farmers for the duration of the current drought, in particular, in responding to the potential impacts of emerging water shortages.
Councils welcomed progress in the development of the National Agricultural Monitoring System (NAMS) and its expansion to include information for irrigated industries.
Councils noted progress in the continual improvement of Australia’s biosecurity arrangements through the enhancement of the Australian Biosecurity System for Primary Production and the Environment (AusBIOSEC). This will include the provision of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) which will commit the Australian, state and territory governments to high level policy principles and approaches for improving Australia’s biosecurity system.
You can read more about the decisions of these Ministerial Councils on the MAFF website.
Riversymposium receives US$210 000
Premier Peter Beattie has welcomed a promised US$210 000 contribution from The Nature Conservancy environmental organisation towards holding the 2007 International Riversymposium in Brisbane in September.
Mr Beattie, who is in the United States on the final leg of a trade mission, accepted a cheque for US$50 000 on behalf of Riversymposium. It is the first instalment of funding from the respected international organisation.
"The Riversymposium, now in its 10th year, is a leading international forum on river management. It is supported by both the Queensland Government and the Brisbane City Council," Mr Beattie said.
"The Nature Conservancy's gift will ensure the Riversymposium once again achieves its aim to bring world experts together to find solutions to critical water issues," Mr Beattie said.
The Riversymposium is a central part of Riverfestival, a 10-day environmentally-focused festival, now recognised as a global model for changing perceptions. The symposium is expected to double in size this year, to more than 1000 delegates. Around 50 delegates from developing countries will attend, their trip fully funded through the International River foundation and AusAid.
The donation is part of A$1 million raised for The Nature Conservancy's Australia's program at the Antipodean Odyssey - A Celebration of Australian Biodiversity held during G'day USA Australia Week 2007.
For the full media release visit Queensland Ministerial statements online.
Two million dollars for research into Queensland’s tropical rivers
The Queensland Government is providing $2 million in financial backing for research into the economic, environmental and social management of Queensland's tropical rivers.
Griffith University has been awarded the $2 million Innovation Projects Fund grant and their research will focus on the Flinders and Mitchell river ecosystems that flow into the Gulf of Carpentaria which will be invaluable in helping to manage the Queensland's tropical rivers.
When all other partner funding is included, the total project involves an overall investment of $8.5 million.
The catchments of the Gulf of Carpentaria generate over half the surface water runoff in Queensland and the Gulf's coastal waterways support northern fisheries. The region also supports mining, tourism and agriculture and the overarching objective of the research is to see how we can manage rivers so that they can sustain these industries in a way which is not damaging to the ecosystem.
For the full media release visit Queensland Ministerial statements online.
Spur throat locust alert
Landowners across western Queensland are being asked to report any sightings of spur-throated locust swarms during the winter months to the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
This warning has been prompted by the Australian Plague Locust Commission after discovering significant numbers of spur-throated locusts throughout the west.
Locusts tend to swarm and roost during the winter months, usually in heavily timbered country and finding and treating these swarms in winter is the best means of combating this pest which poses a significant threat to crops and grazing lands.
The locust will spread out again in spring and can have a devastating impact on summer crops when they are much more difficult to control.
Biosecurity Queensland shares coordination of locust control operations with the Australian Plague Locust Commission.
The most significant recent spur throat locust outbreak was in central western Queensland in 1995-96 when millions of dollars of damage was done to crops.
For more information visit Biodiversity Queensland web information.
Reef updates
New funding for research on the reef
As part of the Federal Budget the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) will get $110 million in funding over the next four years. It will also get an extra $5 million for supporting research into the unique marine ecosystems of North Western Australia.
AIMS Chief Executive, Ian Poiner, says it will allow the Institute to continue essential work on the Great Barrier Reef where they are looking at areas of biodiversity, water quality and the response of the reef to climate change.
Mr Poiner says the funding will enable them to take their research into other parts of tropical Australia, particularly the north west, an area rich in biodiversity. This is the highest budget AIMS has ever had.
The Federal Education Minister, Julie Bishop has also announced $310 000 for a radar for the RV Salander Research Vessel. Mr Poiner says this is a fantastic announcement.
For more information about this announcement visit the Australian Institute of Marine Science website.
Wetlands updates
Vision splendid to transform swamp
A million-dollar vision for swampland in the heart of Innisfail has been given a kickstart by the Queensland Government.
An Innisfail City wetlands group wants to transform a weed-riddled 30 ha patch of land into a wetlands recreation area that could also support tourist attractions such as a froggery.
State Development Minister Desley Boyle announced $28 500 this week towards a feasibility study into developing the Innisfail wetlands as a tourism site.
Johnstone River Catchment Management group secretary Elaine Ridd said plans included inter-connected lakes capable of supporting a natural aquatic ecosystem, boardwalks, bird hides and viewing platforms.
A bid to rid the area of pond apple trees had grown into a major project concept several years ago, she said.
Only a small patch of the original and now endangered wet mesophyll vine forest remains in the area because it is choked by pond apple, a declared noxious weed.
The group also needs money for engineering design work, after having a hydrology study completed last year that showed a lake network is feasible for the area.
Natural resources news
Australian Landcare chairman confirmed as keynote speak for Mackay conference
Chairman of the Australian Landcare Council, Mrs Bobbie Brazil, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for the 2007 Queensland Landcare Conference to be held on 22-25 August in Mackay.
Mrs Brazil, a partner with her husband in a broad-scale dryland and irrigation farming business on the Darling Downs, is also chairman of Land and Water Australia and chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland.
Conference convenor Margaret Land said "We are absolutely delighted that Bobbie can join us for this 18th annual Queensland conference. She is one of 35 speakers already confirmed.
"The theme of the conference is Making a Difference and Bobbie is going to address delegates about farming systems improving soil and water health. As chairman of the Australian Landcare Council, Bobbie has an excellent overview of the breadth of sustainable production initiatives across Queensland and the nation."
Registration to attend the four-day event is now open, with more than 300 delegates expected to attend. Further information about the program or registration costs is available by contacting Landcare Queensland on 3211 4413.
Subsidies are available for local producers to attend the conference. More information is available from Margaret Lane, Pioneer Catchment and Landcare, on 4951 4327.
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 web site 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)
Title Regional Salinity Officer
Tenure: Renewable 12 month contract, fulltime
Salary Range: $50 000 to $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.
Thought for the week
The are only two ways to handle tense situations: you can change them, or you can change the way you look at them. There is enlightenment to be had in changing the way you look at things.
"The Little Book Of Calm" by Paul Wilson (1996)
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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 08 January 2008