The Bugle - 14 December 2007
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories- Pipeclay Creek and Weir River get funding boost for water quality
- Farmers learn how to make best use of limited rainfall
- Going from locals to champions
- Back to nature approach is 'common sense'
- Pasture cropping saving soils through drought
- Burdekin pests beware
- Celebration of achievements through partnerships
- Protecting biodiversity hot-spots from lantana, a call for site nominations
- Premier announces new climate change council
- Consultation on proposed new fishing rules underway
- Historic native title agreement for North Queensland
- Boost for SEQ turf and flower sectors
- Government buildings go green
- Water storage levels boosted in central and south-west Queensland
- Landcare Queensland bookshop Christmas catalogue out now
- Queensland farmers address challenges of climate change
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
Pipeclay Creek and Weir River get funding boost for water quality
A group of 12 farmers in the Pipeclay Creek area, north of Goondiwindi, have received an unprecedented $250 000 grant from the Australian Government's Community Water Grants scheme to improve the water quality in the Pipeclay Creek and Weir River.
The group, covering 13 properties and over 930 000 hectares at the top of the Weir catchment, will use the funds to implement a local natural resource management plan aimed at reducing run-off and erosion, and improving the health of the local river systems.
Tammy Caldicott, from the Waggamba Landcare Group in Goondiwindi, has been working with the group for 12 months and first had the idea of applying for the grant.
The Pipeclay Creek community has spent the last four years developing a strategic natural resource management plan for their collective properties and these funds will allow for some of that plan to be implemented sooner rather than later.
By increasing infiltration of water in the soil (instead of water running straight into the river), filtering run off through vegetation, constructing soil conservation works, and establishing healthy riparian zones, the group will ensure the quality of water flowing into the Weir River will be much higher.
For more information, email Tammy Caldicott or visit the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee website.
Farmers learn how make best use of limited rainfall
Farmers in the South Burnett are finding better ways to use precious water under a project supported by the Burnett Mary Regional Group.
Over 90 farmers attended a field day last month at Manumbar in the South Burnett under the 'Sustainable Farming-Sustainable Communities' initiative.
The field day was organised by the South East Burnett Landcare Group and was attended by landowner Allan McGrigor, who is also a director of the Burnett Mary Regional Group.
Mr McGrigor said that during this time of drought, farmers were hungry for relevant information on ways to improve the management of their land.
The field day was a resounding success where farmers learnt about Keyline practices, which aim to increase the productivity of the soil to levels greater than before it was farmed or grazed.
The emphasis is on improving soil and soil organic matter by deep non-inversion tillage combine with cyclic high-density grazing.
The presenter of the field day, Ken Yeomans, was the youngest son of the man who first developed the Keyline farming philosophy. The late P.A. Yeomans believed that permanent agriculture must materially benefit the farmer, the land and the soil.
A Keyline design is unique to each property and is formed from evaluation of water movements over the land with the idea of controlling and making the best use of the rainfall in the management of the land.
Going from locals to champions
Community leaders from across the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin have recently completed a four month course to go from active locals, to champions for their communities.
The inaugural NRM Champions course was delivered by the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC) and partially funded through FarmBis.
QMDC's community training coordinator Sandy Robertson said the course was designed as a leadership course for community leaders to help them better represent their communities in the NRM field, championing the environmental needs of their communities locally, but also at higher government levels.
The course included four workshops, taking participants to different venues across southern Queensland.
The courses covered personal development, communication skills, leadership, community engagement in natural resource management, achieving the triple bottom line, and local, regional and global natural resource management issues.
The next round of the NRM Champions will begin in Toowoomba early in 2008 with an open forum where the 2007 participants will present their experiences to anyone who may be interested.
For more information you can email Sandy Robertson or visit the QMDC's website.
Back to nature approach is 'common sense'
Best-selling author, environmental scientist and horse stud owner Peter Andrews believes natural sequence farming (NSF) is as obvious as the nose on your face.
Talking to landholders at a field day near Marlborough in central Queensland on 6 December, Mr Andrews called NSF a 'common sense' approach to working with the Australian landscape.
He said NSF was about "restoring the balance in the landscape", by rebuilding natural water flows and vegetation that existed in the Australian landscape before European settlement.
More than 50 people attended the day organised by the Three Rivers sub-regional group and the Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA), which included a presentation at the Clarke Creek P&C Hall and a visit to the property of graziers David and Elizabeth Hill.
Three Rivers coordinator Michelle Wright said local land managers appreciated the chance to question Mr Andrews, who wrote the best-selling book 'Back from the brink'.
FBA chief executive officer Suzie Christensen said the interest generated by Mr Andrews' visit demonstrated the proactive approach of many local landholders.
She said the FBA was considering funding a study tour to Mr Andrews' property in NSW to enable landholders to see the effects of NSF techniques in-person.
Check the FBA website for future updates.
Pasture cropping saving soils through drought
Organic beef producers near Surat in Queensland Scott Proud and Jennifer Schwennesen have been using pasture cropping practices to secure the longevity of their property, and rehabilitate and conserve their soil.
For the past five years, Scott and Jennifer have been experimenting with a range of soil management techniques in an attempt to maximise groundcover and water infiltration all year round.
In 2006, the couple were one of 17 farmers approved for funding through the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee's (QMDC) Soil Tender program, which was funded through the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, and the Natural Heritage Trust.
This funding has helped Scott and Jennifer improve their pasture cropping methods to further protect their soil from degrading.
QMDC agricultural systems officer, Kathryn Taylor, inspected the project recently. "Scott and Jennifer's property, 'Sydenham', had some hard to manage, hard setting, sodic soils that had really suffered in the past under declining organic matter levels," said Kathryn. "The result was scalded, unproductive paddocks where very little would grow."
Scott and Jennifer's soil tender proposal involved using pasture cropping, where a conventional crop was sowed into standing pastures to increase groundcover and improve organic matter.
QMDC has a range of projects that deliver technical advice and financial support to communities across their region, visit their website for more details.
Burdekin pests beware
Pests in the Burdekin region will be on the hit list at a workshop for the development of a regional pest management strategy sponsored by Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM (BDTNRM) on 17 December.
The main objectives of the day will be to provide a framework for decision-making and co-ordination of on-ground works, new and emerging pest introduction eradication and prioritisation of pest management, and to raise awareness of weed issues within the region.
The workshop will be held at the Stadium Riverway, Thuringowa from 9am–4:45pm and is by invitation only.
Anyone with an interest in pest management in the region should contact Neil Pemberton-Ovens on 0427 658 790 for more information.
Celebration of achievements through partnerships
Condamine Alliance hosted 100 people, representatives of 63 business partners that deliver NRM projects, at its annual partnerships celebration on Monday.
The event, themed "Celebrating our achievements through partnerships", provided an opportunity for partners to reflect on the year and on successful projects.
Keynote speaker was Dr Jim Cavaye, an accomplished practitioner in community development, whose key message was that "community engagement is not an activity, it's a relationship".
Five partner groups were invited to share their findings and experiences:
- Building roads: supporting dairy partnerships — Theresa Kunde
- One step ahead of weed spread: predictive modelling for NRM — Associate Professor Armando Apan, University of Southern Queensland
- Councils close ranks in war on pests — Garry Wilson, Clifton Shire Council
- Joining hands around wetlands — Steve Cupitt, Greening Australia
- Please keep your soil at home … and out of the dam — Kellie Goodhew, Toowoomba Landcare.
All partners were invited to prepare displays of their work and projects, and were able to take a "virtual tour" through the projects of the catchment and view vital natural resource management work.
At the end of the day the Alliance led a discussion on partner perspectives and the direction of the catchment.
More details on partnerships in the region can be found on the Condamine Alliance website.
Government updates
Protecting biodiversity hot-spots from lantana, a call for site nominations
Lantana has been confirmed as one of our worst environmental weeds, with more than 1250 native plants and 150 native animals at risk due to its invasion according to a recent study.
The study, jointly undertaken by the New South Wales Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and Biosecurity Queensland, is part of a new two-step plan to reduce the threat posed by lantana to native species in Australia.
DECC Weed Ecologist Dr Paul Downey explained that "by developing this two step approach, control of lantana can be directed to sites where the native plants and animals are at the greatest risk of extinction, as well as to where there is the greatest likelihood of lantana control and recovery of these native species".
The plan is a simple one: first identify the native species at risk from lantana invasion; then identify priority sites for lantana control. "Part of this project, funded by the Commonwealth's Defeating the Weeds Menace, will also fund initial control of lantana at some of the high priority sites," said Dr Downey.
"Land managers who have lantana and any of the identified high priority native species at risk on their land are being asked to provide site details for inclusion in the plan," Dr Downey said.
Land managers who wish to be considered for the initial funding need to lodge their site nomination by the end of December, although on-going nominations for inclusion in the plan will be accepted up until the end of March 2008. Once finalised, the plan can be used to guide future investment in lantana management for biodiversity conservation at a national, state, regional and local scale.
A website has been developed containing information about the project, the native plants and animals threatened by lantana, as well as the application form for site nominations. For more detail please visit the NSW National Parks website.
Premier announces new climate change council
World renowned scientist and environmentalist Dr Tim Flannery will be a member of a new council on climate change.
The 16 person advisory panel will ensure Queensland's efforts in addressing climate change are informed by the best available knowledge and experience.
Dr Flannery will be joined on the council by other notables such as the President of the Australian Conservation Foundation Professor Ian Lowe and the CEO of the Clean Energy Council, Dominique La Fontaine.
Premier Anna Bligh will chair the council and deputy chair will be the Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara.
The council will work collaboratively with the brightest and most experienced industry practitioners, community members and experts on climate change.
The council will also provide guidance on allocation of funding from the Queensland Climate Change Fund. The Fund is an initiative of ClimateSmart 2050 and the initial investment of $430 million from the sale of government owned assets will provide ongoing annual funding of approximately $30 million per year.
The council is expected to meet for the first time early in the New Year following the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali this month.
Visit the Queensland Government website for the full details on the council and its members.
Consultation on proposed new fishing rules underway
Queensland fishers have until March 2008 to have their say on proposed fishing rules for the state's largest and most diverse fishery, the East Coast Inshore Fin Fishery.
This formal consultation stage of the East Coast Inshore Fin Fishery review follows extensive preliminary consultation conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) throughout Queensland.
With more than 750 000 recreational fishers and approximately 500 commercial operators accessing this fishery, current management arrangements need to be reviewed so that they meet stakeholder expectations while ensuring sustainability.
A range of management changes are proposed in the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) released by DPI&F including, new and amended size and bag limits for a number of inshore fish species, new management arrangements to protect shark sustainability, changes to netting arrangements in Dugong Protection Areas, and changes to commercial netting regulations.
During the consultation DPI&F will also hold more than 45 public meetings along the east coast seeking feedback about the RIS. These are due to begin late January 2008 and will extend to the end of February 2008.
For more information on the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery consultation or for regular updates subscribe to the e-newsletter on the DPI&F website or contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.
Historic native title agreement for North Queensland
North Queensland's Eastern Kuku Yalanji People will have a significant management role in national parks following the recognition of native title rights over 126 900 ha in Queensland's pristine World Heritage Daintree area.
The grant is the fourth-largest native title determination in the state and recognises the Eastern Kuku Yalanji People's native title over land and waters between Port Douglas and Cooktown.
The historic outcome was achieved through negotiation and agreement between the native title claimants, state and local governments, Wet Tropics Management Authority and others.
It finalises the native title claim the Eastern Kuku Yalanji People lodged 13 years ago and follows the registration of 15 indigenous land use agreements (ILUAs). These agreements settled a range of land use issues, ensured the protection of environmentally and culturally sensitive areas and created economic development opportunities for the Eastern Kuku Yalanji People.
For more on the agreement visit the National Native Title Tribunal website.
Boost for SEQ turf and flower sectors
Queensland's turf and cut flower producers will be boosted by a new Property Management Systems Initiative to ensure ongoing sustainability.
The project proposed by the Flower Association of Queensland Inc in partnership with the Queensland Turf Producers Association Inc will focus on profitability and sustainability beyond the drought.
There are around 150 turf producers and 460 cut flower producers in Queensland, with the majority of businesses based in South East Queensland. These businesses represent important sectors in our state's economy, delivering around $200 million in products and services each year. With lifestyle horticulture one of the hardest hit industries by the drought and continuing urban water restrictions, there is a real need for this project and the opportunities it can provide to producers.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) will appoint an officer to the project to develop and implement new business practices in south east Queensland over the next three years. The officer will be based at the Australian Centre for Lifestyle Horticulture at DPI&F's Redlands Research Station, Cleveland, and help develop a property management system, including environmental best practices for each sector.
The project aims to encourage up to 50 per cent of producers to adopt the new business practices, and for 15 per cent of producers to also develop strategic action plans.
DPI&F's Property Management Systems Initiative is a key project under the Queensland Government's Blueprint for the Bush to support rural Queensland.
Government buildings go green
The equivalent of 48 000 cars will taken off the road courtesy of an ambitious new energy efficiency policy for Queensland Government buildings.
The initiative will cost approximately $150 million over the next eight years but deliver annual ongoing savings of $18 million across the whole-of-government. By 2015 energy consumption will be slashed by 210 000 tonnes per year.
Work has already started under the Government Energy Management Strategy program and will be fast tracked to put specific energy reduction targets on each of the government’s agencies.
Specific actions will look at include mandatory set points for air conditioning levels in government owned office buildings, mandatory switching off of non-essential computers and other equipment outside of normal office hours and minimum energy rating standards for government owned office buildings.
As part of Climate Smart 2050 the government had committed to achieving 'carbon neutral' status for government office buildings by 2020. After all action had been taken to minimise energy use carbon offsets will be purchased to cover remaining energy use.
Reef updates
Great Barrier Reef catchments water quality monitoring report now available
Water Quality Monitoring in Great Barrier Reef Catchments - June 2007 outlines the water quality monitoring programs occurring in the Great Barrier Reef catchments during 2002-07. The report seeks to:
- improve understanding of current water quality monitoring activities supporting Reef Plan and associated with regional water quality initiatives in reef catchments.
- assist in identifying needs and gaps in water quality monitoring activities.
- assist in identifying areas where regional monitoring alliances between government agencies, regional natural resource management bodies and other key stakeholders should be progressed as a matter of priority.
It also contributes to the Reef Water Quality Partnership's collaborative modelling and monitoring strategy for the Reef catchments and marine environment.
Copies of the report can be obtained by contacting the Department of Natural Resources and Water on 3896 9526.
Corals face climate change challenge
Research scientists are looking at whether corals may be able to develop mechanisms to better cope with the effects of climate change.
The joint study has been carried out by scientists from Queen's University in Canada and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
AIMS principal research scientist Dr Julian Caley says they have developed new theoretical modelling which suggests there is nothing to prevent corals evolving greater resistance to bleaching.
For more on this study visit the AIMS website.
Natural resources news
Water storage levels boosted in central and south-west Queensland
Water storage levels in Central Queensland have been boosted by recent in-flows at local dams, weirs and in rivers following widespread falls across the region.
This does not mean the current drought has broken but these latest falls are bringing some much needed relief.
Flows from the Nogoa River into Emerald's Fairbairn Dam are expected to exceed 150 000 megalitres. That means capacity at the dam should rise from its current level of 16 per cent to more than 24 per cent.
The rainfall has totally filled Bedford, Bingegang and Tarturus weirs on the Mackenzie River and has brought an early Christmas present for farmers in the Taroom Shire.
In the south-west, rains have ceased around the Paroo and Warrego rivers but further storms are predicted. For the first time since 2005 Beardmore Dam is full after recieving more than 80 000 megalitres in the past week.
Minor flooding has eased in the upper Barcoo River near Blackall and minor flooding has eased on the Balonne River at Weribone.
The Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) has a system of gauging stations to monitor the flows and ensure the best management of the resource as it makes its way downstream.
The water data is collated to form a complete picture on the flow and how to best manage it. This data is available on the department's website.
Landcare Queensland bookshop Christmas catalogue out now
Looking for a Christmas gift with an environmental and educational twist?
Visit the Landcare Queensland virtual bookshop for all your technical and recreational reads.
The bookshop boasts a beautiful new range of children's books by Maleny author Jill Morris that will make the perfect Christmas gift. With a strong focus on the natural environment, Jill’s books are educational as well as visually stunning.
There is also a catalogue full of inspiring and informative environmental books that are sure to please the adult reader.
Place your order today to ensure your delivery arrives before Christmas! Check out the latest catalogue and ordering details online or email Kristine.
Queensland farmers address challenges of climate change
The Queensland Farmers' Federation (QFF) has convened a panel of experts to provide the latest thinking to the rural sector on the challenges of climate change, the risks and the priorities for adaptation.
The expert panel, including leading climatologists, hydrologists, modellers and agribusiness advisors, met in Brisbane last week as the first step in a six month investigation on how Queensland agriculture can best adapt to climate change.
While most of the talk at the Bali climate change meeting this month will be about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture still faces very significant impacts from a more variable and unpredictable climate regardless of the outcome.
There is a need to know what a changing climate will mean to the choice of what farmers can grow, how much water will be available, what will be the risks of disease, fire or extreme weather events, and how to plan for all of that.
The QFF project is one of 19 projects announced under the Australian Government's National Agriculture and Climate Change Action Plan.
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 body: Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC)
Title: Project Support Officer - Policy, Research & Development and Planning
Tenure: Full-time
Location: Toowoomba
The purpose of this position is to provide assistance to the CEO in the areas of policy development, reporting, strategic research and development activities and planning.
The position description can be obtained from the QMDC website or by contacting Julie James at QMDC on 4637 6201.
Thought for the week
A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.
Franklin Roosevelt
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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 22 January 2009