The Bugle - 08 August 2008
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories- Bundaberg schools being water wise
- TSRA community based management plans update
- Research to Reality - Beef extension innovation for the Burdekin Catchment
- Pest plants booklet available online
- Regional NRM climate stories a focus of landcare conference
- Agriculture and forestry consultation on carbon trading scheme
- Taskforce to confront koala crisis
- Australian agricultural industries in your pocket
- Massive discounts for Monto locals
- Burnett Mary region set to go off in September
- Call for local heroes
- Early bird registrations extended for Veg Futures 08
- Wonderful water works in the Burnett
- SKM Landcare Innovation Award
- Little bug fights a big battle
- AgForward workshop update
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
Bundaberg schools being water wise
Students from four Bundaberg schools have proven how easy it is to be water wise.
Under the Waterwise in Schools project, students from Bundaberg Central State School, Moore Park State School, Kepnock State High School and St Luke's Anglican College accepted the challenge to measure their water use over a five-week period.
The students participated in several activities, including a visit from Burnett Mary Regional Group's (BMRG) Joel Bolzenius and Cheryl List with the help of Drainman to talk to about water conservation and water quality.
Drainman's motto of 'think global, act local' was a point of discussion for students.
"If everyone works together, we can make a difference. Every little bit counts," said one of the students.
St Luke's Anglican School saved the most water during the five-week challenge and was announced as the winner by BMRG chairman Russell Stewart.
"It is great to see students being so supportive of efforts to reduce the use of this precious asset," he said.
Mr Stewart presented the school with an award last month and spent some time talking to the students about being water wise and other important environmental projects.
The Waterwise in Schools project is an initiative of Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, proudly supported by BMRG, News Mail and Bundaberg Regional Council.
TSRA community based management plans update
Torres Strait Regional Authority's Land and Sea Management Unit (LSMU) recently released a very informative article outlining the development progress of Community Based Turtle and Dugong Management Plans for eight Torres Strait Island communities.
The article outlines the steps that have been taken over the past two-and-a-bit years to develop the plans which have been driven by the aspirations of Traditional Owners from the eight island communities.
The hard work of the LSMU and community members involved in the development process is evident from the article, and the success in developing the eight plans to the final stage of approval is very exciting, well deserved and a credit to all involved.
You can view a copy of the full article from the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance website.
Research to Reality - Beef extension innovation for the Burdekin Catchment
Three beef producer teams from the Collinsville, Belyando and Northern Speargrass (Greenvale) regions are about to complete a two-year beef extension project which has taken a 'whole of business' approach to assessing beef enterprise profitability.
Funded by Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and the Beef Cooperative Research Centre, the project Research to Reality has used extensive enterprise analysis to assist producers in identifying practical solutions to key financial, production and sustainability issues.
These solutions have culminated in producer-led research projects tackling a range of issues including property development, land rehabilitation, animal nutrition, succession planning and weed control.
Producers have considered these issues within a broader process of continuous improvement and innovation.
This involved producer teams working through a six-step process of issue analysis, setting targets, identifying actions, taking action, evaluating and creating new opportunities.
DPI&F project leader Brigid Nelson said, "The most critical step has been the issues analysis where we used benchmarking tools to assess each enterprise's economic performance.
"This information was an important first step in assisting producers to get an accurate picture of the key strengths and weaknesses within their enterprise," Ms Nelson said.
The project also utilised DPI&F's Breedcow Dynama program to understand the impact of suggested improvements on herd structure and profitability. Another important tool was the use of a beef-focusing framework that clearly illustrated the relationship between key sustainability issues such as land condition and its wider impact on animal nutrition, live weight growth, reproduction rates and overall profitability.
Producer teams have been encouraged to share and compare their results. Ms Nelson said significant learnings have come from producers questioning each other over their results and understanding the impact of different management practices on profitability.
The project team is now busy writing up project results including a detailed cost benefit analysis and practical case studies of what has been achieved. Field days and the development of producer research sites are also scheduled to share the project success with other producers in the Burdekin catchment.
Pest plants booklet available online
The publication Pest Plants of the Desert Uplands has recently been updated and reprinted and is also available on the Desert Uplands Build-Up and Development Strategy Committee (DUBDSC) website.
The guide will assist visitors and Desert Uplands residents alike to identify pest plant species found within the region. It provides a description of the species, what problem it causes and the control measures that are available.
If you would like more information or would like to receive a hard copy of the booklet please email the Desert Uplands office.
Regional NRM climate stories a focus of Landcare Conference
The 2008 Queensland Landcare Conference, being held in Monto from 21–24 September, is expected to attract 300 delegates from across the state.
The event features presentations related to a broad range of topics, in line with the theme Sustainability by Design including permaculture, peak oil, climate change adaptation, low carbon living, local food production systems, soil carbon, rural mental health, wetland management, peri-urban futures, and education and awareness raising.
Regional NRM stories from across the state feature heavily in the conference program.
Don Coventry, CEO of Southern Gulf Catchments and volunteer convenor of the Conservation and Environment Working Group for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas will address delegates about the peaking of world oil supplies and the impact on rural industries. Don will present his paper in a keynote session looking at climate change.
Also discussing climate change as a keynote speaker is Mike Berwick, chair of the Regional NRM Groups' Collective. Mike will provide an overview of how Queensland's regional NRM bodies are addressing climate change and will highlight efforts such as assessments of climate change adaptation, impacts, risks and modeling techniques.
Ashton Berry from Burnett Mary Regional Group will look at the process used to identify changes in temperature, precipitation, sea-level rise and extreme events as well as mechanisms for incorporating climate change into regional NRM planning for the purposes of adaptation.
Convenor of the Landcare Conference, Michelle Gleeson said "climate change is an issue that gains much media attention, however our members want to know how it affects them and what can be done at the local level. These speakers will help us gain a better understanding of the regional impacts of, and solutions to, climate change.
"Regional groups have played a large role in this conference - from much needed sponsorship, to assistance with promotion and registering staff and community groups – their contribution is valued and appreciated," she added.
Standard registrations for the conference close 31 August and more information is available on the conference website or on Landcare Queensland's website. You can email event manager Samantha Morris from Wombat Creative for more information or contact her on 0421 709 519.
Government updates
Agriculture and forestry consultation on carbon trading scheme
Regional forums to discuss agriculture and forestry's place in Australia's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme are being conducted nationally by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The forums will focus solely on the aspects of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper, released on 16 July, that relate to agriculture and forestry.
Consultations planned for Queensland are:
- 18 August, Rockhampton, Walter Reid Cultural Centre, 1.30-3pm
- 19 August, Mackay, Entertainment Centre, 10-11.30am
- 2 September, Roma, Cultural Centre, 10-11.30am.
The information gathered by the forums will feed into the Department of Climate Change's consultation process which closes on 10 September.
More information about the submission process is available on the Department of Climate Change website.
Taskforce to confront koala crisis
Tighter planning controls and dog laws, stronger protection of key habitats and an expanded network of road crossings are among options to be considered in confronting a crisis facing koalas in South East Queensland (SEQ).
New research shows the population of koalas in the wild is directly linked to the animals' movement through urban areas and urgent action is needed to slow the dramatic mortality rate.
This information has come to light since the introduction in 2006 of the Queensland Government's Koala Plan and means more radical moves are needed to stop the extinction of koalas in SEQ.
A top-level taskforce comprising scientific experts, conservation groups, developers, State Government and local councils will be formed to recommend action.
The group has been tasked to think outside the square and look at a further range of options to protect this much loved iconic animal.
For more information on the Koala Plan, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website.
Australian agricultural industries in your pocket
Essential facts and figures on Australian agriculture are now at your fingertips with the release of a pocket-sized reference produced by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Australia's Agricultural Industries 2008: At a Glance provides easy-to-read information on primary industries and the natural resources on which they rely.
It provides a snapshot of the key features for each of our agriculture and food industries including their size, location and contribution to the economy, and how they are tackling pressures like climate change and a challenging trade environment.
At a Glance also provides information on the people who work in our agriculture and food industries and live in rural and regional areas.
Copies of At a Glance are available online from DAFF's science agency, the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS), or contact the BRS Bookshop on 1800 020 157 for hard copies.
Natural resources news
Massive discounts for Monto locals
North Burnett Landcare group this week announced a super registration discount for members of their group for the 2008 Queensland Landcare Conference.
Residents of the Monto district, who become members of the landcare group are also eligible for a massive discount on registration fees. This means people can save more than $200.
The special registration rate includes attendance at all conference sessions and field trips and the Monday night conference dinner. It does not include attendance at the gala conference dinner on Tuesday night.
More information about the special registration fee or the conference program is available from Michelle Gleeson on 0439 760 887. The conference program is also available online from the conference website or the Landcare Queensland website.
Burnett Mary region set to go off in September
Yet another reason to head Burnett Mary way in September. The Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) has organised a free event to be held on 1 and 2 September at the Bundaberg Civic Centre to showcase achievements across the region.
Over the past three and a half years the BMRG has partnered with various organisations across the region to carry out close to 400 activities to address a wide range of environmental issues.
As it moves into a new phase of natural resource management the Burnett Mary Partnership Showcase is a chance to determine what has been learnt and achieved over the last four years.
The showcase will feature presentations related to projects carried out by a wide variety of organisations across the Burnett Mary region and aims to:
- increase awareness of what has been done to address NRM objectives
- discover better ways of doing business in the future
- ensure past learnings are incorporated into future delivery.
If you are interested in attended the showcase please RSVP by telephoning 4181 2999.
The showcase will coincide with the Burnett Mary Natural Resource Management Awards being held on the 1 September. Please visit the BMRG website for more information.
Call for local heroes
The media spotlight has turned towards the award winning North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) Dugong and Marine Turtle Project.
After learning the project was nominated for a Banksia Award, the ABC contacted NAILSMA and has proposed a feature on the Dugong and Marine Turtle Project for the Local Heroes section of the ABC Indigenous portal.
This potential exposure is a great opportunity for ranger groups to give recognition to people involved in their program that have inspired and excelled. It would also be an opportunity to profile a ranger program in a national forum.
NAILSMA is offering to support those interested in completing an application.
For more information or to apply, contact Josh Kitchens at NAILSMA.
Early bird registrations extended for Veg Futures 08
Early bird registrations for Australia's national vegetation conference Veg Futures 08, to be held in Toowoomba from 20–23 October, have been extended until 31 August.
Register now to join researchers, policy makers, scientists, practitioners and landholders to discuss and challenge a range of vegetation management issues.
The conference program includes keynote presentations covering issues such as global, national and local pressures and drivers on vegetation; water's interface with vegetation; carbon markets; and climate change and adaptation, as well as a broad range of technical and practical speakers.
Hands on 'paddock sessions' will offer field-based learning opportunities with local and national vegetation experts, and a series of workshops and forums will provide a snapshot of what is happening in vegetation management across the country.
Trade and sponsorship opportunities are still available but close soon. For more information visit the Veg Futures website or contact Samantha Morris at Wombat Creative on 0421 709 519.
Veg Futures is an initiative of Greening Australia in partnership with Land and Water Australia.
Wonderful water works in the Burnett
It's that time of year again when aquatic weeds such as salvinia, water hyacinth and hymenachne have started to slow down their growth and chill for a bit, but rest assured while the weeds are having a slow down, the Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA) is not.
The BCCA team can been seen out on the river checking for weeds and keeping an eye on the maintenance of Burnett Catchment's river systems in regards to aquatic weeds.
Also in the world of waterways, BCCA are well underway in the protection of the white throated snapping turtle (Elseya albagula), found in the Burnett, Mary and Fitzroy River systems.
These little guys are almost finished nesting and are now just playing the waiting game for the warmer weather to appear so that their eggs can hatch and bring new life into the river systems.
The snapping turtle was also given the star treatment last month when BCCA hosted an information session at South Kolan.
Visit the BCCA website for more on the work of the group.
SKM Landcare Innovation Award
The Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) Landcare Innovation Award offers $12 000 worth of SKM consultancy services to an innovative community NRM group in Queensland.
Landcare Queensland and SKM are looking to reward passionate groups with an innovative approach to environmental issues through the award.
The SKM Landcare Innovation Award was previously awarded in 2006 to joint winners Tiaro and District Landcare and Save Our Waterways Now (SOWN).
Selection criteria and guidelines have been designed to ensure that the application process is clear and simple. They are available by contacting Landcare Queensland on 3211 4413 or emailing Chloe Tanner.
Nominations will close on 11 September and the winners will be announced at the 2008 Queensland Landcare Conference Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Monto on 23 September.
Little bug fights a big battle
There's a little something out there that's earning a good reputation by destroying a plant known all too well in the Burnett.
The little critter is called the tingid bug and is causing strife for the cat's claw creeper in riparian areas.
Cat's claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati) has an amazing feature where it can attach itself to just about anything and quickly grow to smother it.
The little claws near its leaf base are a sure way to correctly identify this weed species that has been declared as a class 3 weed under the State’s Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.
Apart from being an eyesore, and overgrowing native trees and shrubs, the problem is that it can weaken the root system of tall standing trees and allow them to fall during a flood event, and expose the soil beneath to be quickly washed away.
But now thanks to a bug, it's bon voyage to this pesky plant! Its mortal enemy, the tingid bug, is the size of a sandfly and has been effective in its first release in the Central Burnett by the Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA).
The bug is a form of biological control released by Biosecurity Queensland at the end of last year and it works by eating away the chlorophyll in the leaves to weaken the plant.
In doing this, it means biocontrol can play a very important role in pest management when used correctly and integrated with other control methods.
BCCA staff have been monitoring the success of this first release and hope that the second release will be just as successful.
For more about the biocontrol agent visit the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website.
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.
Upcoming workshops include:
- 19 August: Cunnamulla - GPS essentials
- 19 August: Taroom - AgForests essentials
- 20 August: Eulo - GPS essentials
- 21 August: Charleville - GPS essentials
- 21 August: Warwick - AgForests essentials
- 26 August: Belyando Crossing - GPS essentials
- 27 August: Mt Coolon - GPS essentials
- 27 August: Bowen - GPS essentials
- 27-29 August: Bundaberg - QRWN Conference - AgForward staff will be presenting at this event
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 or NRMjobs 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: Torres Strait Regional Authority - Land and Sea Management Unit
Title: Program Facilitator (Ranger Program)
Salary range: $100 235 - $107 479 per annum
Location: Thursday Island
Closing date: 15 August
This position is responsible for the overall development, coordination, delivery, monitoring, management and reporting of the Torres Strait community ranger program.
Regional body: Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA)
Title: Senior natural resource management officer
Salary range: $80 270 - $90 798
Location: Thursday Island
Closing date: 15 August
The senior natural resource management officer will coordinate the implementation of eight Torres Strait Island Dugong and Marine Turtle Management Plans and facilitate a continuation of planning to Torres Strait Island communities.
For further information relating to these positions please contact Damian Miley on 4069 2957. To obtain a copy of the selection criteria email TSRA or visit the TSRA website and click on the employment link on the homepage.
Thought for the week
It is insight into human nature that is the key to the communicator's skill. For whereas the writer is concerned with what he puts into his writing, the communicator is concerned with what the reader gets out of it.
William Bernbach
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Last updated 14 August 2008