The Bugle - 02 May 2008
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories- Trees and shrubs guide a hit across Queensland
- Broadsound brainstorm provides direction
- Farmers gain incentives to reuse effluent
- SWNRM meeting prepares Qld NRM bodies for future
- SEQ property planning incentives on offer
- Desert Channels digs the dinosaurs
- Time to be prepared with a grazing strategy
- Federal Minister to launch Sarina beaches project
- Australian Govt announces $12.9b water program
- NRM on agenda for Australia's Ministers
- Emissions trading consultation begins with ag sector
- Torres Strait bêche-de-mer fishery assessment up for comment
- Minister meets to discuss future of Landcare groups
- The winds of change for NRM leadership
- Environment 'burning issue' for Aussies
- New industries have a vital role in ag future
- NAILSMA backs 2020 climate change outcomes
- Water weeds choke river
- AgForward workshop update
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
Trees and shrubs guide a hit across Queensland
Since featuring as a story in 'The Bugle' last month, the demand for Desert Uplands Build-Up Committee's (DU) publication A guide to trees and shrubs of the Desert Uplands has gone up significantly.
DU's communication officer Hannah Whiteaker said she had received several calls from all different areas of the state since the article was published.
"I'm not sure what someone in Ipswich City Council would want with a Desert Uplands guide, but I've sent it," Ms Whitaker said.
If you have a regional NRM story that you think needs to be read by over 15 000 people, drop the Community Partnerships communication team a line.
Broadsound brainstorm provides direction
Around 30 people brainstormed ways to restore and protect Central Queensland's Broadsound environment at a workshop at the Marlborough Hotel on 15 April.
Invited stakeholders, including landholders and agency staff, met to discuss a number of proposals from a new report funded by the Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA).
FBA biodiversity coordinator Graham Lightbody said two years of research went into producing the 'Landscape Condition in the Broadsound Basin' report, which was designed to guide investment in natural resource management.
Mr Lightbody said ideas generated from the workshop included financial incentives to help landholders improve land management, investigating carbon offsetting associated with the recovery of regrowth vegetation, and encouraging tourism based on the region's natural and historical attractions.
"The workshop helped identify a way forward, which could include restoration work, exploring new markets and partnerships, and collaborations to improve resilience for the future," he said.
FBA, together with its sub regional group Fitzroy River and Coastal Catchments Inc, looks forward to working with the community to explore ideas raised at the workshop further.
Farmers gain incentives to reuse effluent
Many farmers now acknowledge that it is possible to reduce impacts on downstream nutrient levels by reusing effluent as fertiliser, which also increases their own production levels.
The Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) and the National Landcare Program have made incentive funding available to farmers through the Queensland Dairy Organization to implement these best management practices.
The program included training, nutrient auditing, budgeting and general property management planning information to growers.
Interested growers had to attend training sessions before they were then eligible to apply for on-ground works funding through a competitive tendering, or market-based instrument, process.
This required farmers to provide detailed improvement plans, for example, effluent ponds, shade and shelter belt fencing, feed out troughs and hard stand areas that would not only increase production but also help the environment.
The overall success of this project was evident - the demand was greater than funds available, which resulted in the best options possible being selected.
The high level of interest allowed the funding providers to acknowledge growers that had high levels of initiative and enthusiasm to implement on ground works, but also those landholders keen for triple bottom line environmental, financial and social outcomes.
For more information on the program contact Joel Bolzenius from BMRG on telephone 4181 2999.
SWNRM meeting prepares Qld NRM bodies for future
Improving NRM bodies' engagement of local governments across Queensland was a key point discussed at a meeting held in Charleville recently.
South West NRM hosted local government officers from Queensland regional NRM bodies last week.
Suzanne Nicholls, South West NRM's district project coordinator for Augathella, Charleville and Morven, said the meeting was a great success.
"We're really keen to be involved in weed and feral animal projects with local governments in the future and improving our engagement of local governments will help in those endeavours," Ms Nicholls said.
"We had the NRM project coordinator for the Local Government Association of Queensland, Malcolm Petrie there and our own CEO, Geoff Edwards, also took a day out of his schedule to be involved," she said.
Other issues discussed included how shire amalgamations were going to affect NRM projects.
SEQ property planning incentives on offer
Incentives of up to $2000 are being offered to landholders to undertake works and improvement programs which will reduce sediment flows into the Brisbane River and/or improve water efficiency on their properties following Property Management Planning (PMP) sessions with SEQ Catchments.
The PMP sessions have a strong land and water use efficiency focus to ensure landholders are well placed to deal with the changes likely to occur in relation to water allocations and trading rights.
The Mid-Brisbane Irrigator Group, with about 70 members, took the initiative to have their members and other irrigator landholders undertake the PMP sessions.
There are about 120 irrigators in the mid reaches of the Brisbane River who undertake a diverse range of land uses in the sub catchment, including grazing, horticultural, nursery and turf.
Almost 20 irrigators recently completed a series of PMP sessions which helped them determine individual plans for their properties; a further 11 have now commenced a new round.
Greg Leach from SEQ Catchments is facilitating the PMP workshops which include developing detailed maps of the properties for the participants. Scott Wallace from GrowCom is providing additional information, particularly in relation to horticultural best management practices and water use efficiency, to participants.
For more information you can contact Greg on 0407 012 201.
Desert Channels digs the dinosaurs
Desert Channels Queensland's Aboriginal Advisory Panel (AAP) proved to be a major boon for the Western Queensland organisation, The Australian Age of Dinosaurs, based in Winton.
The Australian Age of Dinosaurs is in the process of developing a new and exciting dinosaur museum on a large mesa located just outside Winton.
This unique site, home to a diverse array of fauna and flora is also the traditional home of the Goa tribe.
Until recently, Kylie Piper, a representative from The Australian Age of Dinosaurs, was unaware of any Goa people who could assist with the development of this museum.
At the February AAP meeting in Longreach, Kylie was put in touch with representatives of the Goa mob and, this weekend, a number of Traditional Owners will walk the site and do initial survey work.
For more information on the work of Desert Channels Queensland call 4658 0600.
Time to be prepared with a grazing strategy
This time of year is decision time for land managers. It's the last opportunity to appraise pasture condition and calculate how many animals can safely run on paddock feed until October without resorting to buying in expensive hay or other roughages.
To help in planning this year, Condamine Alliance technical officer George Lambert has some valuable advice for land managers.
You can check it out on the Condamine Alliance website or contact George on 4620 0112.
Federal Minister to launch Sarina beaches project
Mackay Whitsunday NRM Group (MWNRM), in conjunction with Sarina Landcare Catchment Association, Mackay Regional Council and BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, is having an official launch of the Sarina Beach Coastal Sustainable Landscape Project.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke will officially launch the project on Grasstree Beach on 7 May from 9.30 am – 11 am.
The project aims to ensure the future sustainability of Sarina beaches through weed eradication, replanting of native species, fencing for dune erosion protection.
It will also include amenities such as barbecue areas, pedestrian access points, and walkways, as well as turtle friendly lighting and signage.
If you would like to know more contact Matt Bloor at MWNRM on 0400 256 803.
Government updates
Australian Govt announces $12.9b water program
The Australian Government has announced that its upcoming budget will include $12.9 billion for a water investment program over ten years.
The program, Water for the Future, identifies four key priorities: taking action on climate change, using water wisely, securing water supplies and supporting healthy rivers.
This includes:
- $1.5 billion in new urban water investment to help secure water supplies for Australian households and businesses.
- $3.1 billion to purchase water to put back in Murray-Darling Basin waterways
- $5.8 billion will be available under the 'Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure' program for key rural water projects
- households rebates of up to $500 for the purchase and installation of rainwater tanks and greywater products.
The government is also accelerating investment in the Murray-Darling Basin, with $400 million brought forward between 2007/08 and 2009/10.
Visit the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website for more information on the program.
NRM on agenda for Australia’s Ministers
Natural resource management, environment, water and primary industries ministers from across Australia met in Melbourne on 18 April to consider issues affecting Australia’s natural resources and primary production sectors.
This was the thirteenth meeting of the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, which also met jointly with the Primary Industries Ministerial Council on 17 April.
Specific issues dealt with by the councils in the two meetings included a comprehensive presentation from the NRM regional chairs forum and future NRM directions under the new Caring for our Country arrangements.
A communiqué detailing outcomes of the meetings can be downloaded from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
Emissions trading consultation begins with ag sector
Peak agriculture groups met this week with Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke to discuss the implications for farmers of a new emissions trading scheme.
At the heart of the Australian Government's plan to tackle climate change is a greenhouse emissions trading scheme, to be implemented in 2010.
This work with agricultural groups is expected to play an important role in the Federal Government’s Green Paper on emissions trading, to be released in July.
Organisations represented at the meeting included the National Farmers' Federation, Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Grains Council, Australian Dairy Farmers, Australian Cane Growers Council, Cattle Council of Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, and the Australian Farm Institute.
Discussions focused on key features of the scheme announced by the government to date, the future timetable, and further consultation processes.
For more information on climate change and the emissions trading scheme visit the Department of Climate Change website.
Torres Strait Bêche-de-mer Fishery assessment up for comment
The first round of assessment of the Torres Strait Bêche-de-mer Fishery is due to be reassessed for ongoing export accreditation.
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) has received a submission, 'Strategic and export reassessment report-Torres Strait Bêche-de-mer Fishery', from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
The submission will be used to assess the operation of the fishery for the purposes of Part 13A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Anyone with an interest in the assessment is invited to comment on this proposal. Closing date for comments is 21 May.
Electronic copies of the submission and guidelines are available from the DEWHA website at or a hard copy can be mailed upon request.
For more information email the sustainable fisheries section of DEWHA.
Reef updates
Improving water quality to protect the Reef
Through a series of television commercials the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, in partnership with NRM bodies, is highlighting local people and organisations who are 'improving water quality to protect the Reef'.
The series highlights the excellent on-ground work individuals, industry, community groups and NRM bodies are doing to help improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef.
Themes for the commercials are:
- protecting waterways
- restoring the mighty Barron River
- reducing fertiliser use in dairy country
- Water Quality Improvement Plans - providing local solutions to local problems
- restoring wetlands
- improving ground cover to minimise erosion and soil loss
- innovation improving farm management practices
- on-farm initiatives reducing sediment and nutrient run-off
- smart fertiliser application principles reaping the benefits in the banana industry.
Visit the GBRMPA website to view the commercials.
Wetlands updates
Narran Lakes watering results in huge environmental benefits
Four weeks into a six-week Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) watering at the Narran Lakes system has already resulted in a huge boost to the environmental health of the system's plants and animals, particularly its birdlife.
The MDBC bought 11 000 megalitres of water over the Easter weekend to supplement the natural watering occurring at the internationally important Ramsar wetland site in north central New South Wales.
An expert ground survey has shown that about 75 per cent of the 30 000 pairs of straw-necked ibis attracted to the lakes since January were now expected to successfully produce healthy, full-fledged offspring.
There are also increasing numbers of swans, great egrets, and pelicans, along with tens of thousands of ducks of various species which have arrived since the last aerial survey in March.
The watering is also contributing to the health of plant species, invertebrates, frogs and fish and is likely to continue to benefit these organisms and the other bird species for some time.
The full media release is available on the MDBC website.
Natural resources news
Minister meets to discuss future of Landcare groups
Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace met with the peak body for NRM volunteers in Queensland last week to discuss the future of Landcare groups in the state.
The discussion with Queensland Water and Land Carers (QWaLC) covered the iconic environmental projects in progress in every Queensland NRM region, from the Cape to Cunnamulla.
"It's important that the voices of on-ground NRM volunteers are heard by the decision-makers," said board member Jim Meteyard, from Giru.
"Funding decisions are made at the state and federal level, so it's our job to get across what people on the ground actually need," said Mr Meteyard.
The Department of Natural Resources and Water currently pays for public, personal accident and association liability insurance for the 20 000 environmental volunteers that QWaLC represents.
"That's a real practical benefit for our groups," said Esma Armstrong, Chair of QWaLC, "and a good indication of the state government's support for the work of NRM volunteers."
QWaLC reports that the NRM volunteer movement in Queensland is growing, with their representation recently surpassing 20 000 volunteers.
The winds of change for NRM leadership
The Queensland regional NRM community would like to bid farewell and good luck to Ed Wensing, director of the Queensland NRM team in the Australian Government Joint NRM Team, as he prepares to leave his position on 10 June.
Ed has served in the Australian Public Service for over 28 years. For the past four years he has worked in the Federal Department of Environment and the NRM team.
"I have enjoyed working in the Joint NRM Team and I take some pride in the Queensland team and the strong working relationship we have developed with our state colleagues," Ed said.
"I have worked with a very loyal and devoted team of people including my remotely located staff. I could not have achieved the good results without their support, hard work and diligence."
Ed's great work with Queensland NRM was founded on his extensive background in local government and Indigenous matters, and in both areas his keen insights and productive building o collaboration will be sorely missed.
Environment 'burning issue' for Aussies
A poll by the Australian National University (ANU) found Australians have retained their 'no worries' attitude, except when it comes to the environment, which is now the most burning issue in the country.
Those polled thought the environment was by far the most important issue to be debated at the recent Australian Government's 2020 Summit.
Associate Professor Andrew Leigh, who co-authored the poll results said, "The environment swamps everything else, it's the number one issue for Australians."
Almost one in five of those polled listed the environment as their number one concern, four times as many as a decade ago. The economy came in second, and water third.
And people think environmental problems will only get worse. When asked what would be the most important issue in five years' time, the gap widened and the environment ranked even further ahead of any other concern.
The ANU poll will be repeated quarterly; questions will change depending on the issues at the time. This poll is entitled Public Opinion Towards Governance.
New industries have a vital role in ag future
New and emerging industries will play a vital role in the future of Australian agriculture as change continues in the sector, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) managing director Dr Peter O'Brien said.
Dr O'Brien was speaking at the Queensland Farmers' Federation's Future of Farming seminar in Brisbane last week.
"Climate change, a trend of declining terms of trade, emerging low-cost competitors and consumer preferences are all drivers of the ongoing changes that affect agriculture in this country," Dr O'Brien told the seminar.
"Each of these influences brings threats and opportunities to the sector and they help drive diversification into new industries. For instance, climate change will have a direct bearing on all agriculture but it could also have indirect impacts through emissions trading.
"That could provide opportunities in terms of agro-forestry and carbon sequestration for farmers around the country.
"We can't necessarily predict what the big industries of the future will be but we can identify the factors that will see them succeed or fail," Dr O'Brien said.
To view the full media release, visit the RIRDC website.
NAILSMA backs 2020 climate change outcomes
The North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) delegates that attended the 2020 Summit have backed the outcomes of the discussions held in the water and climate change stream.
The stream called for Indigenous people to be part of the dialogue in developing climate change strategies for Indigenous Australians.
Indigenous Water Policy Group chairman Mr Joe Ross stated that "the magnitude of the issues affecting Indigenous people and their environments and the pressures to develop the north will require new research and partnerships with Indigenous people to answer complex questions."
NAILSMA executive officer Joe Morrison said, "This is a step in the right direction, and given the increased attention being paid to the water resources on Indigenous lands in the north, and the vulnerability of Indigenous communities to any changes in climate, this is timely.
"Furthermore, the need for Indigenous people to engage and then formulate strategies to develop the north must be seen as the primary objective, rather than an afterthought," he said.
The NAILSMA discussion paper that was presented at the 2020 Summit can be downloaded from the NAILSMA website.
Water weeds choke river
Marathon kayaker Steve Posselt has recorded disturbing images of the mid-Brisbane River on his latest marathon effort.
Kilometre-long rafts of the aquatic weed hyacinth make the river impassable, he says.
"It looks like a playing field from a distance, not a river," Mr Posselt said.
"This is not just an environmental tragedy, the hyacinth is currently using up more than an extra one million kilolitres of water per year." Based on Queensland Water Commission data, Mr Posselt estimates the capital cost of collecting this amount of water for the Brisbane system would be $25 million.
Queensland Canoeing may have to cancel their Brisbane River charity race for a second year, because of floating weed that is blocking the waterway.
Last year, canoe racers couldn't get through the mass of weed which is estimated to block the river for about a kilometre between Savages and Burton bridges.
The Brisbane River dilemma reflects a statewide problem with floating weed species, including salvinia and cabomba.
Top
AgForward workshop update
The AgForward team present a range of workshops to landholders, including GPS essentials, computer mapping, vegetation management, and AgForest's native forest field days.
Between March and June this year AgForward will conduct around 107 workshops throughout Queensland. Upcoming workshops include:
- 9 May: Jericho - GPS essentials
- 13 May: Artemis Station - GPS essentials
- 14 May: Lakeland - GPS essentials
- 15 May: Cooktown - GPS essentials
- 15 May: Rockhampton - AgForests field day
- 20 May: Alpha - Computer mapping workshop
- 20 May: Normanton - GPS essentials
To register for the workshops contact Bree Robertson on 3238 6039. To register for the AgForests Field Day contact Rohan Allen on 0408 769 918.
More information on these workshops can be found on the AgForward website (under 'Workshops').
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: SEQ Catchments Ltd
Title: Coordinator – Local Delivery Program, Bremer Catchment
Location: Bremer Catchment
Closing date: 9 May 2008
The purpose of the this position is to work collaboratively with landholders, agricultural industry groups, government agency extension staff and other project staff and apply participatory approaches to coordinate the planning, implementation and monitoring of on-ground waterways restoration works.
Call SEQ Catchments for an application package on 3816 9711. Enquiries should be directed to Tony McKew on telephone 3816 9718 or mobile 0439 852 162.
Thought for the week
The pen is mightier than the sword if the sword is very short, and the pen is very sharp.
Terry Prachett
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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