| Home | Help | Contact |
Search:

Regional natural resource management

The Bugle - 10 August 2007

In news this week

Regional NRM group stories 

Government updates 

Reef updates 

Natural resources news 

Regional NRM group stories
Fish freeways under construction

Burdekin Dry Tropics Natural Resource Management (BDTNRM) wants to know how to get native fish moving thoughout the Burdekin Dry Tropics Region again. If you are one of those people who remember seeing fish in your local rivers and streams when you were a kid, but they aren’t there anymore, or there aren’t as many as there used to be, we would like to hear from you.

BDTNRM, with Alluvium Consulting and funded by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust, is taking a close look at all the potential barriers to fish movement in the Burdekin Dry Tropics Region. Alluvium Consulting has just completed a series of maps showing existing structures that might be restricting fish movement along our rivers, creeks and streams. They include things like road and rail crossings, culverts, weeds and other structures.

Now BDTNRM wants to present these maps to the community so you can tell them whether these structures are indeed barriers to fish, and you can let then know about fish barriers they might have missed. BDTNRM are also very interested in hearing your stories about where you have seen fish in the past, so they can get a better idea about historical fish distribution in our region.

BDTNRM will be holding a series of community meetings to present their findings so far and to listen to your thoughts and ideas about barriers to fish movements. The first meeting is being hosted by the Fish Restocking group and will be held at Charters Towers. Meetings will also be held in Townsville, Ayr and Bowen, dates to be announced.

For more information contact Jenni Edmonds, BDTNRM, on 4724 3544 or visit the BDTNRM website.

Top

Salinity report paves way for investment

A major report released last week will pave the way for investments to combat salinity in the Woolshed and Plain Creek catchments.

The 84-page report was released last Thursday by natural resource management body SEQ Catchments.

Report author Roger Shaw said salinity was a major problem in the creeks catchments.

"Woolshed and Plain Creeks show salting outbreaks and also very high groundwater salinity in the northern parts of the catchments," the report says.

"While these salt issues have been present for many years, there is a need to determine the priority management actions that will result in a sustainable reduction in the impacts of salinity over the longer term."

SEQ Catchments Lockyer community partnerships manager Tony McKew said the report would guide investment in projects combating salinity.

"This report is not one that will sit on the shelf. The focus of it is implementing on-ground options," Mr McKew said.

"The report provides details down to the catchment and paddock scale. Local areas prioritised for action have been identified."

SEQ Catchments has allocated $150 000 to start investing on-ground in 2008 to implement the report's recommendations. SEQ Catchments will ensure its investment acts as a catalyst to attract further investment to address the issues identified.

The report identifies a wide range of on-ground salinity management options based on criteria that sets priorities.

For more information on the report, contact Tony McKew, SEQ Catchments, on 3816 9718.

Top

Teaching kids to manage our land for the future

Sixty-five students from Stanthorpe, Warwick, Toowoomba and Roma participated in the third annual Property Planning field day and competition last week.

On 30-31 July, students, teachers, and technical staff travelled to Origin Energy's Spring Gully property, north of Roma, to learn about a wide range of land management practices designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of a rural enterprise.

Organised and hosted by local NRM group, the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee  (QMDC), the event gave senior agriculture students some insight into the long-term planning involved in managing a rural enterprise.

QMDC's education officer, Pam Fisher, said that students would now put together management proposals for Spring Gully as part of the Property Planning competition, which would be judged later in the year.

"Going to Spring Gully gave the students a much broader scope for their property plans," Pam said.

"For the first time we have had the assistance of Traditional Owners, as well as the unique environment of a gas exploration site.

"These new considerations will allow students to expand on their normal course work and look outside the normal scope of agriculture."

QMDC technical staff conducted a range of presentation and training sessions for students over the course of the two days, with a welcome for all participants being given by Colin Hewitt of the Hewitt Cattle Company, who holds the grazing rights to Spring Gully.

Top

New greenery for kindy

Charleville Kindergarten's environmental work was rewarded with South West NRM donating as part of Planet Ark's National Tree Day, held on the last Sunday in July.

South West NRM's regional landcare coordinator, Angie Walton, said the donation recognised the hard work the kindergarten had put into being environmentally friendly.

"It's important to recognise the efforts of the community for Landcare and environmental initiatives," Mrs Walton said.

The kindergarten recently received a Junior Landcare grant to improve their watering system and plant more native trees and shrubs. President of Charleville Kindergarten Association, Brenda Koch, said the grant is very welcome.

"At the moment, too much water gets wasted; the sandpit just becomes a bog when we water," Ms Koch said.

Charleville Kindergarten Association's director, Jane Devlin, said using water wisely was something the children put into practice everyday.

"The kids help water the garden all the time using buckets," Ms Devlin said. "They absolutely love it."

The trees will help replace those lost in a fire at the end of last year.

"They not only provide shade but provide food and shelter for native birds and other wildlife," Mrs Walton said.

The kindergarten is hoping to become more water efficient in the future, with plans for a water wise native garden and a rainwater tank.

Story sourced from the Western Times.

Top

Government updates
Record number of producers assisted by DPI&F drought scheme

A record number of Queensland primary producers received support through drought assistance in 2006-07, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said last week.

Mr Mulherin said the department's Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS) unit had processed 6250 claims worth a total $12.26 million in assistance to producers.

"This is the largest amount of money provided by DPI&F in assistance since 1993-94 and more than the combined total for the past two years," Mr Mulherin said.

"Since the beginning of the drought in 2002, the department has processed more than 22 900 applications valued at more than $41 million."

Mr Mulherin said the effects of the drought were devastating and it was important the government continued to provide the level of support producers required.

He said 85 shires and two part-shires were drought declared under state processes, equivalent to 62.5 percent of Queensland's land area.

Mr Mulherin said DRAS provided freight subsidies on the transport of fodder and water in times of drought and returning from agistment and restocking in the recovery period.

The number of claims for assistance had increased from about 60 a week in August 2006 to a peak of more than 200 per week.

"Additional staff were employed to ensure that claims were processed as quickly as possible," Mr Mulherin said.

During the past financial year, staff were also responsible for processing applications under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements - following Cyclone Larry - and the National Livestock Identification System Reader Rebate Scheme.

Top

Ag Show will shine light on Queensland's future

The Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) will focus on the all-important climate change issue at this year's forthcoming Heritage Ag Show.

The Heritage Ag Show is Queensland's largest machinery field day and technology event, and will be held over three days at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, on 4-6 September.

NRW will be located in the Queensland Government pavilion and representatives from the new Climate Change Centre for Excellence will be on hand to discuss the economic, social and environmental risks that Queensland communities are now facing due to climate change, as well as different aspects of research, including the much talked-about cloud seeding.

According to NRW regional communications officer Chris Leslight, both sustainability and responsibility are the department's main priorities if Queensland is to have a strong economic and environmental future.

"This means looking more carefully at our resources and production methods to see if there are better ways of managing them," Mr Leslight said.

"This year's display at the Heritage Ag Show will show not only what the government is doing about managing the future, but also offer ideas to visitors about how they can do the same in their everyday lives."

Queensland's climate is projected to become more variable and extreme in the future, and NRW is leading the research in this area for not only Queensland, but Australia.

Other aspects of NRW business on display will be the Vegetation Management Act, and its impact on climate change, water monitoring in the Condamine-Balonne and the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative. A special part of the display will be a water metering display, which will involve an interactive model of meters in action.

Other topics of interest include the Smart Map, where people can view their property on a number of different levels, and other information on a variety of other department functions.

Top

QPWS and Traditional Owners re-sign hunting agreement

Acting Environment Minister Rod Welford lsat week welcomed the re-signing of an agreement which will help protect the turtle and dugong populations in the Pine River Management Area, north of Weipa.

Mr Welford said Traditional Owners Angumathimaree Paynerenhnama had re-signed an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency which prohibited the taking of turtle and dugong except by those people recognised as Traditional Owners of the area.

"Anyone not recognised as Traditional Owners of the area can be charged under the Nature Conservation Act if they take turtle and dugong," Mr Welford said.

"This agreement does not restrict the activities of Traditional Owners but identifies a process by which people caught doing the wrong thing will be dealt with appropriately."

Angumathimaree Thanaquith Aboriginal Corporation spokesman, Mervyn Wales, said Traditional Owners were concerned at the level of unauthorised hunting of these important species.

"Only Traditional Owners have the Native Title right to hunt these species on their country," Mr Wales said.

"If you are not a Traditional Owner of the Pine River Management Area and you are hunting, you are not only breaking our customary law and showing great disrespect for us and our people before us, you are also breaking the state law and can be charged."

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service northern region director, Clive Cook, said QPWS officers, with assistance from Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol and the Queensland Police Service, would carry out regular patrols as well as checks at boat ramps.

"Signs are being erected at boat launching areas around Weipa and leaflets will be distributed shortly to explain the agreement," Mr Cook said.

To read the full media release, visit the Queensland Government media statement website.

Top

WaterWise grants help proactive groups combat drought

Queensland's sporting clubs, community groups and churches can share in $3 million in grants to help get them through the worst drought on record, Water Minister Craig Wallace said recently.

The second round of the Lifestyle WaterWise Grants is now open for applications.

"The grants will assist not-for-profit organisations to maintain gardens, parks and sporting fields during the drought," Mr Wallace said.

"The program offers sporting clubs, churches and community childcare, kindergartens and pre-schools grants of up to $30 000 to implement waterwise measures."

Mr Wallace said there had been a positive response to the first round of applications, and he expected a similar response in round two.

Almost 400 organisations received grants in the first round of the program.

"Eligible measures include improving watering systems, replacing existing water amenities like toilet cisterns, providing alternative water sources such as water tanks, and installing swimming pool covers and rollers.

"There are two levels of grants - up to $30 000 and between $3000 and $10 000 for organisations seeking smaller grants.

"This is the government's way of supporting our community clubs and sporting groups through the state's worst drought on record."

Projects should fall under four categories:

Applications for the second round close on 5 October. Application forms are available from the Department of Natural Resources and Water website.

Top

Reef updates
More than $5 million to protect the Reef

The Australian Government will provide $5.46 million in funding for projects to improve water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Malcolm Turnbull last week announced 20 Natural Heritage Trust projects - approved under the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan - which will markedly improve water quality entering the Reef.

"The Great Barrier Reef is an international icon and we are adopting a range of strategies to address the decline in water quality entering this magnificent environment," Mr Turnbull said.

"Eligible projects range from preparing soil management plans for farmers, community-based and remote-sensor water monitoring, and demonstration projects for broad-scale land users such as cane farmers and horticulturalists."

Since December 2003 the Australian Government has allocated more than $19.8 million to projects that improve water quality and rehabilitate areas of the Reef catchment. This funding is in addition to more than $15 million allocated for Queensland wetlands, almost $60 million on regional NRM projects and a further $14.4 million to extend the Australian Government's Marine Monitoring Programme.

Mr Turnbull said "the Reef Plan implementation has gone hand-in-hand with the rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 2004, which increased protected areas from 4 per cent to 33 per cent."

"The Reef Plan builds on existing government policies and industry and community initiatives to halt and reverse the decline in the quality of water entering the Reef.

"The responsibility for implementing these strategies and actions is shared by all Reef Plan participants - governments, industry groups, regional NRM bodies, land managers, Indigenous people and community groups.

"The success of the Reef Plan will depend largely on the integration and coordination of activity by these groups."

For more information, visit the Reef Plan website.

Top

Landholders embracing good environmental practice

An increasing number of landholders along the Queensland coast are choosing environmentally responsible practices on their properties.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority water quality and coastal development director Hugh Yorkston said this was a positive step forward.

"Good water quality is vital for the health of plants, animals and habitats in the Great Barrier Reef," he said.

"Improved land practices have a positive effect on the marine environment as rivers, drains and other waterways connect land-based activities to the ocean.

"We've been talking with landholders in various sections the Great Barrier Reef Catchment who are doing some fantastic things.

"Many are embracing the economic and environmental benefits of changing land-use practices and inspiring other in their community to do the same," Hugh said.

This included everything from improved irrigation and careful fertiliser application to revegetating riparian areas.

"Simple things like avoiding plastic bags, reducing run-off and using fertiliser carefully can make a difference to plants, animals and habitats in the Reef," Hugh said.

"Highlighting this positive behaviour is part of our commitment to educating people about water quality and promoting activities that contribute to a healthy Reef."

Top

Additional $300 000 to combat marine menace

Key tourism sites on the Great Barrier Reef will be better protected thanks to $300 000 funding from the Australian Government to combat crown-of-thorns starfish.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, last week announced the funding would allow the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators to continue running the crown-of-thorns starfish control programme.

"The additional funding takes the Australian Government funding up to $2.7 million for the control programme since 2001, and I'm pleased to assist marine park tourism operators to continue monitoring and eradicating this marine menace," Mr Turnbull said.

"Our Great Barrier Reef is a great Australian icon and this funding helps ensure key tourism sites receive ongoing protection from the potentially devastating crown-of-thorns starfish.

"The programme's targeted approach [helps] marine park tourism operators...focus on on specific areas, as required, to ensure high quality presentation of the Great Barrier Reef.

"Tourism based around the Great Barrier Reef generates 54 000 full-time jobs and contributes $5.1 billion to the Australian economy each year."

The programme is managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and has been implemented on-ground by the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators since its inception.

Crown-of-thorns starfish are found along the whole of the Reef, with outbreaks occurring when their density is high enough that they consume coral faster than the corals can grow.

The recommended control technique involves trained divers injecting the starfish with sodium bisulfate solution, which is harmless to other organisms.

Although this technique has a high success rate, it must be an ongoing control process, as new starfish will re-populate the area.

Top

Natural resources news
Money makes the NRM world go round

The Department of Natural Resources and Water's Community Partnerships' Social and Economic team has successfully applied to part of a $1.2 million National Market-Based Instruments (MBI) Capacity Building Programme.

Two previous rounds of the National MBI Pilot Programme identified a need to build the capacity of policy makers and catchment and regional bodies to design and implement MBIs.

Following this, the national Natural Resources Policies and Programs Committee requested the MBI working group scope a capacity building program to address communication, skills development, capacity building, evaluation, program management and institutional arrangements.

The Social and Economic team, based in Brisbane, will target two challenges for the program:

Australia's state and regional jurisdictions have already had some success and experience in designing and implementing market-based approaches to NRM issues. Some of these jurisdictions have already participated in workshops and forums to build capacity of MBI policy development and implementation, which the Community Partnerships' Social and Economic team intends to build on.

The team will work with MBI professionals from around the country to further develop workshops, new guidance products, a website, fact sheets and case studies to help regional groups and government department use market-based instruments.

For more information contact Claire Heath, MBI project leader, on 3239 3875 (Monday-Thursday).

Top

Cow-powered cars

Gull Petroleum has become the first oil company in New Zealand to release a biofuel petrol on the open market.

The renewable fuel is initially only available in Auckland, but comes eight months ahead of energy targets set by the government.

"It's a big deal for New Zealand, this is the start of the renewable fuels industry in New Zealand," says Gull chief executive Wayne Ferrell.

At $1.61 a litre Gull Force 10 produces lower emissions and is cleaner burning. It is 90% premium gasoline and 10% bioethanol which comes from whey - a dairy by-product. The whey is sourced from the Anchor factory in Reporoa and would otherwise be wasted.

The bioethanol is blended with petrol at Gull's Mount Maunganui plant and is now available at three sites in Auckland. The company intends to roll it out to all its sites over the next few months.

Earlier this year the New Zealand Government set a biofuel target of 3.4% of total fuel in New Zealand by 2012.

And while there is a question mark around second-hand Japanese imports, 95% of new cars will be compatible.

Top

CHRRUP helps community plan for success

Deciding who, when and how someone is going to take over the family business is an emotionally challenging topic, and one that is usually ignored or left to another day.

A group of business people and landholders in the Central Highlands have recognised these problems, and looked to their local community group Central Highlands Regional Resource Use Planning Cooperative (CHRRUP) for assistance.

Anna Keetels, CHRRUP's executive officer, said a series of succession planning workshops have been organised in direct response to community need.

"Our recent work in the Wolfang and Capella neighbourhood catchments brought us into contact with many landholders who told us they wanted more information on this important issue, to rectify gaps in their existing skills and experience."

Succession planning is a way to integrate family members into the business, understand the transition from management to leadership and ownership, identify and resolve areas of conflict, and establish open lines of communication between family members when setting goals for the future.

Anna added "This project will complement a series of 'Better Business' seminars funded by Kestrel and Blair Athol Community Development grants and run by Commerce Queensland.

"We hope to engage landholders to proactively plan for the long term future of their business, which will have flow-on economic benefits for the small towns and communities of the Central Highlands."

One-day workshops will be held in Springsure, Capella and Clermont on 6,7 and 8 November, respectively. It is free to attend. Community members should contact the CHRRUP officer on 4982 2996 to register interest.

Top

Enemy number one: wild dogs and predators

Producers identified wild dog and predator control as the number one priority for the Leading Sheep project, a program that has been working to improve the profitability and productivity of the Queensland sheep industry.

Leading Sheep project chair, Denzil Mills, said sheep producers and stakeholders at three consecutive forums helped to develop the Leading Sheep project outline and selected the following priorities in order of importance:

"AgForce Sheep and Wool members have brought to our attention the fact that wild dogs cost sheep, wool and beef producers more than $30 million every year due to their attacking, maiming and killing of helpless lambs, calves, cows and ewes, thereby inflicting horrific damage," Ms Mills said.

The Queensland sheep flock is at an all-time low, down to an estimated 4.5 million from 14 million in the early 1990s, largely due to drought, wool prices and the wild dog problem.

Ms Mills said "We are currently developing a Wild Dog and Predator Survey to explore, among other topics, the question of 'if you don't have a wild dog problem, would you consider going back into sheep?'."

Leading Sheep is an innovative, regionally-based project initiated by Australian Wool Innovation and operates in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, and AgForce.

Story sourced from the Queensland Country Life.

Top

New manager for the Regional Groups' Collective

The Regional Groups' Collective has a new manager for sustainable agricultural partnerships.

Sarah Hood has joined the Systematic Approach to Agriculture Project, jointly developed by QFF, AgForce and the RGC.

The project aims to support the major primary production industries build a range of sustainable agriculture programs and services to a level of readiness and help regional NRM groups address priority sustainable agricultural production targets as identified in their regional plans.

Before coming to the RGC, Sarah spent the past eight years in the cotton industry, working with the Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative and, more recently, self-managing an irrigation efficiency consultancy. She has received several awards for her work.

Since starting in July, Sarah has spoken to most industry groups involved in the project and looks forward to building on the shared understanding achieved to date.

Sarah can be contacted via email, or on 0428 255 506.

Top

AgForward workshop update

Every month, AgForward runs a number of workshops across the state. Upcoming workshops include:

The cost of the workshops are:

More information on these workshops can be found on the AgForward website  (under 'Workshops').

To register interest for the Brigooda workshop, contact Rohan Allen on 0408 769 918. For all other workshops, contact Bree Robertson on 07 3238 6039.

Top

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:

Regional group: SEQ Catchments

Title: Community engagement manager

Tenure: Permanent

Salary: Negotiable

Location: Brisbane/Ipswich (the position encompasses the South East Queensland area)

The community engagement manager leads SEQ Catchments' capacity to engage with the communities in the region and to access, develop and implement natural resource management projects. This will be achieved by managing the team of community partnerships managers.

For a copy of the selection criteria and position description, contact SEQ Catchments on 3211 4404 or visit their website.

Top

Thought for the week

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)

Top

***

We welcome your contributions and feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions for The Bugle please contact Carl Glen or Shona Strachan.

View past issues of The Bugle.

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 04 December 2007

| Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy | Feedback.

© The State of Queensland 2007.

| Queensland Government Gateway |