The Bugle - 25 January 2008

Over 20 people attended a summit workshop in Mitchell late last year to determine the most significant changes that have occurred in the region as a result of government and community investment in natural resource management.

The workshop was part of a project supported by the Australian Government, and delivered by Hassall and Associates consulting firm, in partnership with the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC), to find a better way to evaluate the impact of investment in NRM activities.

Tricia Gowdie, from QMDC, said the pilot project was the first to be tried in Queensland. "We hope that, through performance story reports, we can better demonstrate to the Australian community the impact of the investment and the importance of funding programs such as the Natural Heritage Trust," she said.

"[The] workshop allowed the community to review a range of stories collected over the last few months [of the year] and pick the ones they think best tell the story of change."

The Australian Government has been an active participant in the trial, with various staff attending the workshop, including the recently appointed first assistant secretary in the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Ms Alex Rankin.

The Queensland departments of Natural Resources and Water and Primary Industries and Fisheries were also represented at the workshop, along with local governments from the nearby areas.

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Pest fight keeps feral pigs controlled

Feral pig numbers are down and baby turtle births are on the rise, after a successful pest control program on Cape York.

At Mapoon, turtle deaths because of pigs have dropped to less than 10 per cent and significant hatchling populations have been reported for the first time in years after continuous pig control, the Cape York Peninsula Development Association (CYPDA) said. At Napranum, pig predation figures have dropped to about 30 per cent.

The improvements come after the removal of around 15 000 pigs from areas near nesting beaches in recent years. Pig attacks can account for as much as 80 per cent of hatchling loss on the Cape, the CYPDA said.

About 80 per cent of the loss is caused by feral pigs, wild dogs, goannas, tidal inundation and traditional use also contributing. For the turtles to survive, at least 70 per cent of their egg clutches need to produce hatchlings, the Environmental Protection Agency estimated.

While the results from Mapoon and Napranum are encouraging, remote beaches in the northern peninsula area remain vulnerable to pig predation. The CYPDA added that of the hatchlings born this year only a few will reach adulthood. Those that mature will not return to nest for up to 20 years.

Story sourced from the Cairns Post.

Top: Ranger with baby turtle and turtle egg

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QMDC Caring for Country plan available for comment

The Queensland Murray-Darling Committe (QMDC) released its draft regional Caring for Country plan for public comment last week. The plan has been developed as a key supporting document for the region's NRM plan, and will help guide future Aboriginal and cultural heritage projects across the area.

QMDC's Aboriginal program regional coordinator Tim Knox said "This is an opportunity for community members to have input to the draft Caring for Country plan, which will deliver vision and direction for the planning and management of Aboriginal cultural and natural resources throughout the region."

Public comments will close on Friday 1 February, and can be addressed to Christine Davis, or by post to PO Box 6243, Toowoomba West, Queensland, 4350.

The draft plan can be accessed from the QMDC website. Hard copies are also available from:

QMDC's offices in Goondiwindi, Roma and Toowoomba
the Indigenous Coordination Centre (ICC) in Roma
Landcare centres across the region
most Aboriginal organisations across the region.

For more information contact Tim Knox on 4637 6270.

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Green audit helps FBA switch on to savings

A waste and energy audit at the Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) has shown staff could save up to 14 tonnes of emissions each year, simply by switching off lights and unused equipment such as computers, photocopiers and printers.

FBA's NRM manager Claire Rodgers said "FBA already has a strong recycling culture, but we can still do more to reduce wastage and energy consumption."

Ms Rodgers said the audit "was a good reminder that simple acts like making use of natural light, double-sided printing and turning your computer off at the wall can add up to make a real difference."

The audit was conducted by environmental science student Leanne Harrison who audited the FBA office over twelve days in December and presented a final report to staff earlier this month.

"Generally, FBA staff have a good awareness of what needs to be done but like most people it's a matter of changing behaviours and forming new habits," Ms Harrison said.

"But the benefits of implementing improved energy and waste systems could include cost savings, decreased environmental impact and improved employee morale."

Ms Harrison, who is in her final semester of study towards a Graduate Certificate in Environment through Griffith University, completed the audit as part of the Monash Sustainability Institute's Green Steps program.

Top: Leanne Harrison and Claire Rodgers discussing FBA's environmental audit.

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Expressions of interest wanted for a bit of Bush Tender(ness)

Time is running out for landholders in the southern Brigalow Belt to submit expressions of interest for funding through the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee's (QMDC) Bush Tender 2007.

The competitive Bush Tender, funded through the Australian Government's Maintaining Australia's Biodiversity Hotspots programme, will help landholders manage high value remnant vegetation for the long-term.

QMDC's regional biodiversity officer Kate Steel said, "This programme has invited bids for funding under a stewardship arrangement, with the aim of protecting valuable intact ecosystems - but not at the expense of productive land."

The funding for Bush Tender 2007 covers the southern Brigalow Belt, including most of the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin, as well as some areas of the Fitzroy Basin and Condamine catchments.

Expressions of interest will close on 14 March, with bids being assessed in April.

Program funding will be available for the management of remnant vegetation already retained for high biodiversity values and mapped by the Department of Natural Resources and Water. For a full list of eligible vegetation, download the brochure from QMDC's website.

For further information contact Emma Taylor on 4623 3478.

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Research uncovers life of elusive finch

New research has shed light on the secret life of the elusive Crimson Finch, a bird once common in Central Queensland, but now fighting for survival.

The Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) funded research by the Central Queensland University (CQU) to learn more about the Crimson Finch and how to look after it.

FBA biodiversity coordinator Graham Lightbody said the research would help improve conservation efforts, and a fact sheet was available from the FBA office by calling 07 4999 2800 or from the FBA website.

The finch is now only found at scattered sites within a range of 100km from the lower Isaac River to the lower Connors River and Funnel Creek, and their tributaries.

CQU research officer Wayne Houston said that while there was still more to learn, the research uncovered some possible reasons for the finch's decline.

"The finches are usually found near major streams with healthy vegetation along the banks, especially Chionachne, also known as river or cane grass, the seeds of which provide their main food source," Mr Houston said. "If cattle graze the grass during the wet season, it can mean the plant won't produce enough seed to sustain the finches in the dry season."

FBA and CQU are continuing their research into the finch to gain a better understanding of their population, food and habitat requirements, and to develop guidelines for grazing and fire management.

Top: the Crimson Finch

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Librarian helps FBA 'link' into new knowledge

Bronwyn Fryar loves linking people to information, and as librarian for the Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) she's providing the link to information needed to improve local natural resource use.

Mrs Fryar works part-time to manage publications and provide research assistance at FBA, Central Queensland's regional NRM group.

"FBA took a boldly innovative step in employing a librarian, it was a first among regional natural resource management groups in Queensland," Mrs Fryar said.

After working as a teacher and then raising her family, Mrs Fryar fulfilled a lifelong dream by studying to become a librarian at 46, and has now been a librarian for 10 years. She joined the FBA in 2005 and said she enjoyed the challenge of running a one-person library.

The FBA library stocks a range of books, reports, and multimedia products on topics such as grazing, pasture management, property planning, salinity, water quality, and pest and weed management.

"The collection is a dynamic work in progress and plays an increasingly important role in supporting FBA staff in their research and on-ground work," Mrs Fryar said.

Mrs Fryar said as well as a resource for staff, members of the public had limited access to the library and could search publications through the FBA website.

Top: Bronwyn Fryar in the FBA library

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Are we loving the coast to death?

"Unless community attitudes change, the coastline will be loved to death." That's the prediction of the group in charge of looking after natural resources in the Burnett Mary region.

Russell Stewart, chair of the Burnett Mary Regional Group, told guests at a Coastcare function in Bundaberg last month that with increasing development and a growing population, the coast is coming under greater pressure.

"We're blessed with an incredible coast which we all enjoy, but there are more four wheel drives, more fishing, more boats and more stormwater which carries rubbish and anything else which people put down the drain," he said.

Mr Stewart said that although the group had provided over $3 million to successful coastal projects in the region, ultimately it was up to the community to take action.

"We see ourselves as agents for changing community attitudes to the environment, and I think these attitudes are changing, although not as quickly as some of us would like," he said.

"For example, most people [don't] understand that one simple plastic bag can be fatal to a turtle. We use them every day to carry shopping or to take out the rubbish."

Mr Stewart paid special tribute to the 'coastal heroes' who volunteer to help with on-ground works such as dune restoration, revegetation, weeding, fencing and monitoring.

"These people are making remarkable contributions to a better coastal environment. Without their help, the coast would be much worse off, so we need many more coastal heroes," he said. The volunteers at the Coastcare Week function were presented certificates of appreciation by Mr Stewart and Cr Lorraine Pyefinch of Bundaberg City Council.

Coastcare Week is a national initiative held in the first week of December each year to raise community awareness of coastal and marine issues. For more information on Coastcare in the Burnett Mary region, contact Sue Sargent, coastal and marine coordinator for the Burnett Mary Regional Group, on 4181 2999 (extension 204).

Top: Russell Stewart presenting appreciation awards to some coastal heroes

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South-west landholders plan for the future

A group of south-west landholders recently met in Bollon to discuss a proposed Planscapes project.

Robyn Haig, South West NRM's regional landcare coordinator, said Planscapes was a program designed to encourage landholders to work together on environmental projects.

"Working together across multiple properties is a very efficient way of achieving sustainable landscapes," Ms Haig said. "If we want to be serious about protecting the landscape, then a combined and coordinated effort is what's needed."

The Planscapes project wil aim to fence riparian areas, relocate watering points, and improve pasture condition in the Wallam and Mungallala sub-catchments. South West NRM will match the landholders with 50% of the full cost to implement the project.

South West NRM's district project coordinator for Bollon, Lauren Winks, said the organisation contributes to the financial side of the project.

"The landholders contribution is their time and labour, as well as some other inkind contributions if they wish," Ms Winks said. "With the nearby Wallam Creek slowly rising throughout the day, it's never been a better time to start on projects like these."

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Meeting with the Mob in Longreach

Desert Channels Queensland's (DCQ) NRM facilitator Ron Beezley, regional coordinator Steve Wilson, and project coordinator Jeff Poole welcomed to country 10 Aboriginals from as far away as Windorah and Mt Isa at an historic meeting in Longreach at the end of last year.

"We are here today to hear of projects and offer support for what you are doing on country," explained Steve.

The purpose of the meeting was to seek representatives from all Traditional Owner groups (14 in total) that have land in the DCQ region.

The representatives will form the Aboriginal Advisory Panel (AAP), an initiative of DCQ, created to provide an opportunity for Indigenous people of the region to get involved and have a say in caring for their country. It also provides an opportunity to learn what 'natural resource management' is about and how partnerships with DCQ can be of assistance and mutual benefit to both groups. It is anticipated that the AAP will meet 4 times a year with DCQ covering costs for private mileage, accommodation and meals. DCQ will also pay each representative on the AAP a 'sitting fee'.

During the course of the day Jeff updated the group on some of the projects involving DCQ, Aboriginal partners and local governments, which include the Stratford Station Site Protection at Blackall, Two Boys Dreaming at Birdsville, Town Clean Up at Dajarra and the Burial Site Protection at Durham Downs. The group also developed operational guidelines for the AAP and looked at the Indigenous Engagement Strategy.

For more information contact Jeff Poole, Project Coordinator at DCQ on 4652 7813.

Top (from left): Steve Wilson, Lyn Rowlands, Don Rowlands (Park Ranger), Adrienne Williams, and Alan James.

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Butterfly effect - a sensitive species in the midst of chaos

It calls just one type of tree home, prefers to shelter in tunnels formed by borer moths, and relies on a particular species of ant for its survival. Some may call it fussy, but the habitat of the Bulloak Jewel butterfly (Hypochrysops piceatus) is slowly but surely disappearing and this fragile species is now endangered.

Condamine Alliance in conjunction with Condamine Headwaters Landcare, the Condamine Alliance Traditional Owner group, and a number of industry, community and government partners have begun a project to protect habitat for the Bulloak Jewel.

The focus of the project is conservation of the Ellangowan Nature Refuge near Leyburn (south-east Queensland). At present there are only two main protected sites of the butterfly's habitat - the first within Ellangowan and the second in Bendidee National Park near Goondiwindi.

The on-ground works will involve three main areas, weed control, signage (including pictograms and Nature Refuge signs), and revegetation of eroded gullies by planting species native to the area such as bulloaks and lomandras.

The Traditional Owner working group will provide specialist skills and knowledge to:

conduct a cultural heritage assessment of the reserve.
tree spearing to control tree pear and other weed control.
revegetation of the area.
fencing off a scar tree on the Nature Refuge.
development and maintenance of a walking trail through the Nature Refuge.
erecting signage highlighting edible and medicinal vegetation.

The butterfly populations are particularly vulnerable given their small size. Relatively minor disturbances or small-scale clearing can have an immediate effect. The positive side is that on-ground works can be targeted and with this protection of the butterflies' habitat they stand a better chance of survival.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service staff are searching for new populations of the butterfly to identify and monitor their distribution and examine some of the as yet not understood inner workings of their habitat and symbiotic relationship with the ant and tree species.

For more information contact Dawn Heath, Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group, on 4661 9909.

Top: photo courtesy of the CSIRO website.

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Government updates

Latest release: NHT1 projects now on CD

The Learning and Evaluation unit, part of Community Partnerships in the Department of Natural Resources and Water, has developed a CD documenting the projects funded in Queensland under NHT1.

The CD - Natural Heritage Trust in Queensland, phase one projects (1997-2002) - captures and shares valuable information on projects funded in Queensland under NHT1.

The CD is a compilation of information from approximately 1000 NHT1 projects in Queensland and includes:

a searchable summary of all Queensland NHT1-funded projects, grouped by region. Where available, detailed information is also provided, including a project summary, monitoring efforts, an inventory of resources and approved NHT funding.
an offline catalogue of materials produced and available by some NHT1 projects (e.g. reports, CDs, photos, maps, field guides etc). This material is held in the Department of Natural Resources and Water library in Mineral House, Brisbane and can be viewed in the library or borrowed through inter-library loan.
a printable map of Queensland NHT1 regions with links to a summary of NHT1 projects, by region.
links to the Australian Government NRM website and to the Department of Natural Resources and Water library website.

The CD has been distributed to regional body CEOs and communication officers. For a copy of the CD, contact Claire Carter, Community Partnerships, on 07 3224 2323.

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Passionate Queensland producers in running for national award

Earlier this week, acting Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Andrew Fraser, announced the four Queensland finalists vying for the prestigious 2008 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation's (RIRDC) Rural Women's Award.

The finalists, all directors of family farming enterprises, are:

Jeanie Conachan, a cotton and grain grower from Theodore in central Queensland
Georgina Somerset, a beef producer from Durong, near Kingaroy
Rosslyn Smerdon, an avocado and custard apple producer on the Sunshine Coast
Helen West, proprietor of the Australian Pumpkin Seed Company from Chinchilla.

"I would like to congratulate these passionate and committed women for their contribution to the development of their respective industries and communities," Mr Fraser said.

"[The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries] coordinates this award in Queensland and is committed to supporting and promoting the work of innovators in agriculture."

The winner of the Queensland RIRDC Rural Women's Award will receive a $10 000 bursary to implement a project that contributes to the development of their own skills and benefits primary industries.

They will then compete with other state and territory winners for Australian Rural Woman of the Year.

Last year's winner was Sonya Maley, who owns Resis Australia, a company that uses cane separation technology to create juice concentrates and healthy functional foods containing increased dietary fibre.

The Queensland winner will be announced on 13 February. Members of the public are welcome to attend the ceremony. Contact DPI&F on 3239 3515 for more information.

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Funding scheme gives helping hand to rural communities taking charge of their future

Rural and remote communities wanting to take charge of their future have another opportunity to receive a helping hand from a Queensland Government Blueprint for the Bush initiative. Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the government was providing $7.42 million over three years through the Blueprint's Our Place Our Future initiative.

Mr Pitt said through this initiative, regular rounds of funding were offered to support projects that would increase the capacity of rural and remote communities to manage their futures. Two categories of funding are available; one for planning and engagement, and another for project implementation.

"Planning and engagement funds are designed to help communities develop plans or strategies that may lead to longer-term projects," Mr Pitt said.

Project implementation funding is available for projects that activate existing community plans, social plans or strategic plans.

To be eligible for this category of funding, applicants will need to show that they have already worked with their communities to establish priorities and plans. This may include leadership development and training, projects that celebrate local history, or activities that attract investment and skilled workers to rural communities. Communities can also apply for help with local cultural development activities.

"The applications will need to show evidence that all sections of the community will have input into the project. For this reason I expect each application to be as unique as the community from which it comes," Mr Pitt said.

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation will accept applications throughout the funding period with closing dates this year of 3 March, 2 June, 1 September and 24 November. More information about the funding initiative is on the DLGPSR website.

Top: photo courtesy of the Queensland Government Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation Blueprint for the Bush website.

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Troublesome tilapia targeted for termination

A popular fishing competition aimed at ridding the Mulgrave River of the pest fish tilapia has again attracted state government support.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said $5000 had been awarded to the Aloomba State School Parents and Citizens Association for the Tilapia Terminators Fishing Competition.

"Tilapia compete with native fish for space and food and can dominate waterways," Mr Wallace said.

Tilapia Terminators will have families, schools and corporate teams competing against each other, vying for the honour of catching and removing the most tilapia.

This is the second year the fishing competition will be held after the Aloomba P&C were awarded a $5000 grant in 2007's Community Natural Resource Awareness Activity Grants.

This competition is part of a wider project to raise awareness in the community about the problems caused by noxious fish in our waterways and to educate people on how to identify and legally dispose of tilapia when it's caught.

"It will also promote the importance of our waterways by encouraging the whole community to look after one of our most important natural resources," Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace said the project was one of 14 Community Natural Resource Awareness Activity Grants totalling almost $100 000 awarded to community groups across the state.

"This is the fifth year that the community awareness grants have been offered to celebrate the importance of our natural resources and the valuable work of the volunteers who protect them," he said.

"These grants help groups to develop entertaining and educational projects to raise the community's awareness of Queensland's precious natural resources."

The 2008 Community Natural Resource Awareness Activity Grants culminate in Natural Resources Week from 17-24 May 2008. The other successful applicants are:

South East Queensland

Landcare Queensland $8360
Cubberla-Witton Catchments Network $10 000
Lower Mary River Land & Catchment Care Group $6000
Sunshine Coast Environment Council $9800

North Queensland

Cymag Environment Incorporated $10 000
Northern Gulf Resource Management Group $6770
Innisfail Art Society $5200
Aloomba State School P&C Association $5000

Central Queensland

Central Highland Regional Resource Use Planning Cooperative $4200
Greening Australia $5000
OUCH Volunteers $2865

South West Queensland

Cambooya Landcare $9956
Nindigully Landcare $8100

Top: (right) Black mangrove cichlid (Tilapia mariae) (left) Mozambique mouthbrooder (Oreochromis mossambicus). Courtesy of the DPI&F website.

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Reef updates

Reef Plan annual report now available

Partnerships, land management practices, water quality monitoring and wetland conservation are some of the activities highlighted in the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan) Annual Report 2006-07, available now.

Director of the Reef Plan Secretariat, Grahame Byron, said the annual report showcases achievements from the 2006–07 year, and outlines challenges for the future.

"Significant work has occurred over the four-year life of the Reef Plan to allow major projects to come to fruition," Mr Byron said.

"The establishment of the Reef Water Quality Partnership in the 2006-07 year is a prime example, and we hope to see water quality target setting, monitoring and reporting to occur in 2008 as a result.

"In addition, many extension and education projects have been implemented, such as Mackay Whitsunday NRM's Sustainable Landscapes Programme, [Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries'] Grazing Land Management initiative, and the joint Australian and Queensland government Queensland Wetlands Programme," Mr Byron said.

The cumulative effect of all these on-ground activities on water quality is being verified by scientific work, such as the Marine Monitoring Programme led by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, who released their first report on water quality data in 2007.

Mr Byron said that improving water quality is a long-term project, and it is important that the ground work laid over the past four years under the Reef Plan continues to increase in momentum.

For a copy of the report contact the Reef Secretariat.

Top: photo courtesy of the Tourism Queensland photo library.

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Wetlands updates

Floodwaters replenish outback wetlands

A lake in south-west Queensland is full for the first time in three years, replenishing a major wetland and bird breeding ground.

Natural Resources and Water Minister, Craig Wallace, said nearly 760 000 megalitres of floodwater from rain over the past two months had passed down the Paroo River system into New South Wales.

The water has refilled parched wetlands along the way, including Lake Numalla in Currawinya National park.

Mr Wallace said the Paroo River at Caiwarro peaked at 4.2 metres in December and again at 3.9 metres in early January. Both spikes were more than enough to spill into the freshwater lake and fill it for the first time in nearly three years.

"The Paroo River is one of the few remaining free-flowing rivers in the Murray-Darling Basin and its survival is vital to the overall health of our inland rivers systems," Mr Wallace said.

"The rains have done their job in Queensland by filling waterholes and wetlands and the flow continues to move into New South Wales to replenish their system as well."

The Paroo supplies a wetlands systems which could support a population of up to 250 000 water birds, including 14 species listed as threatened.

"These wetlands are among the most important inland waterbird habitats in Australia and are listed as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention," Mr Wallace said.

Flows in the Bulloo River, further west of the Paroo, were also replenishing vital wetlands in that system, he said.

Top: Paroo River wetlands. Courtesy of the Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website.

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Natural resources news

CSIRO goes back to school to study the future

School students in north-east Queensland's Cardwell Shire have been working with CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems researcher, Dr Iris Bohnet, to help develop a long-term, sustainable future plan for the area.

"It is important for our research to capture the whole community's ideas and aspirations for the future," Dr Bohnet said. "This includes adults from the different industry sectors and community groups as well as those who will be adults in 2025."

Five local state schools - Tully, Feluga, Murray Upper, Mission Beach, and Cardwell - took the project idea into the classroom. They researched the subject, invited local experts to talk about relevant topics such as sustainable farming and subsequently produced a range of artworks reflecting their visions for the future of the state. The ideas presented by the students stimulated much discussion.

"Mission Beach students suggested bike paths throughout the shire, while Feluga students were interested in planting more trees along creeks in collaboration with the local council," Dr Bohnet said. "Similar to the ideas expressed [by] Tully and Murray Upper, Cardwell students focused on coastal mangrove protection, the future growth of their town and the protection of native wildlife.

"This ... stimulated discussion about how compatible their ideas are and what common priorities they have, an important process in working towards a shared vision for a sustainable future for the shire."

Using the knowledge gathered from more than 50 interviews, three workshops, and the students' artwork, the project team is developing three future visions for the Cardwell Shire as a basis for further community discussion.

An initiative of the CSIRO Water for a Healthy Country National Flagship, the project is locally supported by the Cardwell Shire Floodplain Program, a partnership between government, industry, community groups, research providers and terrain NRM, the region's NRM body.

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Riverprize nominations open

Nominations for the 2008 International and National Thiess Riverprize are now open.

In 2008, Riverfestival and the International Riverfoundation (IRF) celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the Thiess Riverprize, one of the most valuable prizes of its kind in the world. It is awarded during the Riversymposium for outstanding achievement in the restoration and protection of rivers and waterways across the world. Inaugurated in 1999, it has been awarded to nine international and seven Australian groups.

In 2007, the International Thiess Riverprize was valued at AU$300 000 and the National Thiess Riverprize at AU$100 000.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 28 March. Nomination forms and judging criteria are available on the Riversymposium website.

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2008 Queensland Landcare Conference update

The 19^th annual Queensland Landcare Conference, hosted by North Burnett Landcare Group has the theme Infinity: Sustainability by Design. The conference will held in Monto on 21-24 September 2008.

The program will include special keynote speakers, interactive workshops, lively plenary sessions, regional field trips and a trade exhibition with more than 30 exhibitors.

Visit the Landcare Queensland website to join the conference mailing list and be kept abreast of program highilghts, registration costs and field trip options.

For more information contact Landcare Queensland on 3211 4413.

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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: Fitzroy Basin Association

Title: Personal assistant

Tenure: Full-time to June 2013, with possibility of extension

Salary: $43 272 to $46 432

Location: Rockhampton

The purpose of this position is to provide adminstrative support to the CEO and senior management team of the FBA.

Potential applicants should have experience with the Microsoft Office suite of programs, possess a current Queensland drivers' licence, and be willing to travel to attend meetings, conferences, and training.

For more information or to download the full position description visit the FBA website.

Closing date: COB Monday 4 February

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Best of The Bugle

2003: Regional NRM plans

Healthy regional arrangements takes another step forward with the first two draft regional NRM plans released under the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water and the Natural Heritage Trust.

The Queensland Murray-Darling Committee and South West NRM groups released their draft regional natural resource management (NRM) plans for public consultation in November. The Fitzroy Basin Association draft NRM plan was presented at the December Joint Queensland-Australian Government NRM Steering Committee (JSC) meeting and should be available for public consultation following JSC approval.

Both of these plans identify key regional issues, which range from dryland salinity and water quality management to communication, education capacity building and cultural heritage. The regional NRM plans will be the basis for all future investment from the state and federal governments' Natural Heritage Trust and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. These regional NRM plans will inject millions of dollars into local communities after the accreditation of the plan and the much-welcomed phase of on-ground activity throughout the region.

From edition 10: 09 December 2003

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2004: Governments move to improve the Reef’s water quality

The Australian and Queensland governments have finalised a plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef from declining water quality.

Prime Minister John Howard and Queensland Premier Peter Beattie have signed the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, which will halt and reverse the decline in the quality of water entering the reef lagoon, within 10 years.

The Reef is an international icon, a world heritage site and one of Australia's most significant tourist destinations.

Changes in the intensity of activities in the catchments adjacent to the Reef have led to a decline in water quality entering the Reef. The amount of sediment and nutrient washing into the Reef has quadrupled since European settlement.

From edition 12: 9 January 2004

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2005: Western Landcare group survives urban jungle

Members of the Emu Creek Landcare group travelled from Ipswich to Mt Gravatt East in Brisbane last Sunday to learn about urban Landcare activities.

Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee hosted the successful urban-rural volunteer exchange, which took the Emu Creek Landcare group on a wetland tour of the Bulimba and Tingalpa catchments. Members from both the rural and urban groups exchanged information about the challenges each Landcare group face.

The exchange program's aim is to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities by highlighting the similar goals of Landcare groups throughout the state.

This was a trial for a broader exchange program between rural and urban Landcare groups throughout Queensland, to demonstrate the realities of managing natural resources. The idea for the exchange program originated at last year's Landcare conference in Toowoomba.

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines' (NR&M) Adam Richardt thought it was a great idea. He proposed that NR&M could promote and support the exchange program. The exchanges focus around an organised activity and take no longer than two days. For this trial, NR&M provided a central contact point for organising the exchange and some funding for travel expenses for the members of the Emu Creek Landcare group.

For more information about the Landcare exchange program, please email Adam Richardt.

From edition 76: 03 June 2005

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2006: Ghost net program wins prestigious Banksia Award

The Carpentaria Ghost Net program has been named joint winner of the prestigious Banksia Environmental Award for Water.

The Natural Heritage Trust-funded program is based in Karumba and involves coastal communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria (across Queensland and the Northern Territory).

To date, the rangers have removed 5148 metres of net thus preventing it re-entering the ocean and continuing its killing spree. See the Ghost Nets website for more info about the issue and the program.

For the last 17 years, the Banksia Awards have recognised many Australians for their tireless work for the environment.

Leading by example, the finalists and winners of the Banksia Environmental Awards have inspired and motivated other individuals, organisations and companies across Australia to take up the vision, pursuit and practice of environmental excellence.

The win is great news for Gulf communities and the Natural Heritage Trust program.

You can email the Ghost Nets coordinator, Riki Young, if you would like more info or to send the team a congratulatory note.

From edition 131: 28 July 2006

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Top: photo courtesty of the Carpentaria Ghost Nets Programme website.

2007: Young Bungunya warriors wage war on weeds

The principal of Bungunya State School is leading his students on a battle against vicious and pernicious harrisia cactus infestations in the Waggamba Shire.

Students from Bungunya State School have used the Weed Warriors program to breed and redistribute mealy bugs, a biological control agent, on infestations of harrisia cactus in the Waggamba Shire.

Bungunya State School principal Chris Erbacher said the Weed Warriors program not only helps to combat weeds, it also provides an innovative approach for teaching students.

The students worked with staff from the Waggamba Shire Council, Waggamba Landcare Group and Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC) to help develop the project.

QMDC local government liaison officer Rose Coburn said that the program helped develop unique partnerships between Waggamba Shire Council and the community.

Waggamba landcare coordinator Tammy Caldicott agreed, saying the Weed Warriors program had increased student and community ownership of actions to beat Harrisia Cactus in the Waggamba shire.

"It's been great to get out in the paddock with the kids and inspire a sense of stewardship at such an early age," Ms Caldicott said. For more information visit the QMDC website.

From edition 176: 13 July 2007

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2007: Nautilus hatching an Australian first

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Townsville reef HQ aquarium has become the first in Australia to hatch nautilus from eggs laid within one of their display tanks.

The breeding program has produced the first baby, a perfect miniature of an adult measuring a tiny 2.5 centimetres in length. This is even more amazing as these animals live at a depth of 100 metres to 400 metres below sea level, so there are limited numbers kept in captivity.

The nautilus was active as soon as it hatched and began consuming a diet of live shrimp. Studies show a baby nautilus will not reach maturity until around seven years of age and can be expected to grow to around 20 centimetres in length.

Nautilus have been living in the Pacific for over 500 million years. They spend the day living in the deep waters off the edge of the reef, while at night they rise to feed on crustaceans. There are still other eggs in incubation and it is hoped these will hatch in the coming months.

Visit the GBRMPA website to learn more.

From edition 156: 16 February 2007

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Thought for the week

Shame on us if 100 or 200 years from now our grandchildren and great-grandchildren are living on a planet that has been irreparably damaged by global warming, and they ask, 'How could those who came before us, who saw this coming, have let this happen?'

Joseph Isadore "Joe" Lieberman, American Senator (Connecticut) (b. 1942- )

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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 25 January 2008

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