The Bugle - 31 October 2008
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories- New signs to help beach scrubs
- Trapping knowledge for wild dog and fox control
- BMRG partners present: Water quality and equitable use
- Carbon pooling pays farmers for leaving trees in the ground
- Western science meets traditional eco-knowledge
- Planning for the common good
- Green volunteers receive major funding boost
- National atlas highlights Australia's renewable energy potential
- Call for public input into Burdekin, Gulf, and Mitchell water plans
- Queensland Government shows way on land management
- Sustainability expert to head Office of Clean Energy
- Queenslanders to help put bite into wild dog review
- Grants encourage community to protect natural resources
- SEQ Waterways graded in latest report card
- New manual to help communities improve waterways
- New online tool for every data need
- Forum focuses on the future of transport fuels
- Indigenous rangers, marine scientists team up to map Territory seabed
- Australians challenged to save a million buckets of water
- Proserpine Mill rewards sustainable cane farming
- AgForward workshop update
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
New signs to help beach scrubs
Critically endangered beach scrub remnants in Central Queensland now have signs to inform and educate on the ecosystem's value and the threats these areas are under.
The interpretive signs were developed through the cross-regional Bringing Back the Beach Scrub project, a partnership between Reef Catchments, Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM, Fitzroy Basin Association, and the Environmental Protection Agency, and funded by the Australian Government. The signs have been installed at thirteen high profile remnants between Townsville and Rockhampton.
Beach scrub was recently listed as critically endangered under federal legislation (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)), which means these areas face an extremely high risk of extinction.
Kerri Woodcock, coastal coordinator for the project said, "Typically, beach scrub is found within two kilometres of the sea and represents some of the last remnants of native forest vegetation on the coast.
"It provides an important habitat for many threatened plants and animals, and valuable ecosystem services such as acting as a buffer to coastal winds and erosion," Ms Woodcock said.
The Australian Government's listing of beach scrub under the EPBC Act will help prevent its decline and to provide support to on-ground efforts that ensure its long-term survival.
Bringing Back the Beach Scrub has also completed high resolution mapping of beach scrubs in the Central Queensland region, and funded on-ground works at 11 beach scrub remnants in partnership with local councils, state government departments, and community groups.
Final project reports are available for download from the Reef Catchments website. New coastal projects are currently underway to maintain and restore the condition of local beach scrub communities.
Trapping knowledge for wild dog and fox control
A one-day workshop on wild dog and fox trapping will be held by the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC) and Biosecurity Queensland in Roma on 3 November.
The workshop, which will include information about satellite tracking data, animal behaviour, trap types, preparing and setting traps, and lures, will be held at the Roma RSL Hall to help communities address rising wild dog and fox numbers.
QMDC's Shane Cartwright said, "There has been a lot of on-ground research over the past few years, looking at wild dog behaviour and the most effective trapping methods for the region.
"The workshop will use a lot of this information, and provide some practical demonstrations for setting traps, to help the community control wild dogs and foxes," he said.
Wild dog and fox numbers have increased over past years, leading to more attacks on stock and native fauna in the region.
"We've also heard anecdotal reports that a lot of the knowledge about which trapping methods work best is getting lost, impacting on our ability to control these problem animals," he said.
"As a result, QMDC and Biosecurity Queensland organised this workshop for property owners and members of the public to rebuild knowledge and skills in trapping vertebrate pests," Mr Cartwright said.
The workshop will start at 8.30am. Registration will be $190 per person, for materials and catering. People interested in attending should contact Angela Betts at QMDC's Roma office on 4622 8446.
BMRG partners present: Water quality and equitable use
Burnett Mary Regional Group's (BMRG) Partnership Showcase presentations are available for viewing online.
Each week BMRG will provide a presentation on a particular NRM topic. The focus of week five is water quality and equitable use, and includes presentations on Bundaberg Canegrowers' water quality improvement pilot project, SEQ Catchments' Maleny and Woodgate groundwater investigation projects, and Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers - Beyond the Tap and integrated area wide.
Visit the BMRG website to view the presentations.
Carbon pooling pays farmers for leaving trees in the ground
Tablelands farmers could receive up front payments to leave trees in the ground under a United Nations backed carbon pooling and biodiversity program.
The program offers farmers a cost-effective way to make money from the carbon market, ahead of the introduction of Australia's compulsory emissions trading scheme, due to start in 2010. The Degree Celsius initiative is a joint project between Terrain NRM and Biocarbon to establish a carbon pool as part of the region's NRM activities.
Degree Celsius officer Gavin Kay said field research was used to verify the amount of carbon stored in the standing vegetation on each farm.
"Eligible farmers receive an up front payment for what is already there," Mr Kay said, "then annual payments as the carbon sequestered increases over time."
Mr Kay said Degree Celsius was not just about carbon but other critical environmental services such as biodiversity conservation and protection of water quality. Degree Celsius will pool carbon which has biodiversity values and to verify the regional carbon pool against the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards, which represents some of the highest standards in the world.
"The aim is to raise the profile of the wider range of environmental services," Mr Kay said, "we have received an in-principle OK from the independent verifiers."
Degree Celsius recently made a public call for interested people on freehold land to become involved and include their vegetated areas in the regional carbon pool.
For more information call 0403 537 S57 or email Gavin Kay, Terrain NRM.
Western science meets traditional eco-knowledge
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and James Cook University (JCU) recently held a three-day workshop on Thursday Island to explore tools for community-based management of dugongs and turtles in the Torres Strait.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders to develop a mutual understanding of various management tools and the degree to which they are being used in dugong and turtle management plans.
TSRA chair, Toshie Kris, said a range of tools have been incorporated into the eight management plans developed so far. These include culturally appropriate management options which can involve spatial and seasonal closures.
"Designing spatial closures requires information about native title, information from traditional owners, and information from researchers so it is important that there is mutual understanding by all stakeholders," Mr Kris said.
The largest spatial closure developed to date is the dugong sanctuary in the western region of the Torres Strait. JCU research found this area is likely to be an important source of dugongs for the rest of the Torres Strait. The workshop discussed the need for this region to be better protected and for Papua New Guinea villagers to be involved in discussions.
Terrence Whap, a dugong and turtle project officer from Mabuiag Island, said his community is a centre for dugong culture and the communities are aware of the importance of managing dugong populations.
"Spatial closures are one of many appropriate management tools but good management requires government and communities to be involved together in a practical way. Our dugong and turtle management plans are working documents and everyone needs to be involved in implementing them," Mr Whap said.
Dr Helene Marsh, Professor of Environmental Science at JCU, said she was very impressed with the progress that had been made in the Torres Strait region in the management of dugong and turtle.
Planning for the common good
Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ) has started the ball rolling on developing management plans for the town commons of Birdsville and Bedourie.
DCQ and Diamantina Shire Council are working together to develop a plan that benefits the community whilst ensuring the long-term viability of their commons.
Locals are encouraged to have their say by completing a survey and are invited to attend workshops to be held in Bedourie and Birdsville on the week of 17 November.
Workshops will be an opportunity to discuss the various aspects of the commons including recreational use, cultural sites, protecting nature, maintenance and tourism.
This new stage in town common planning in the west follows DCQ's success in delivering the Longreach Town Common Plan. There has been a great deal of community interest in developing the common plans and DCQ hopes to continue with projects potentially in the Blackall-Tambo and Boulia shires.
For more information contact Mike Chuk at DCQ on 4658 0600.
Government updates
Green volunteers receive major funding boost
The Queensland Government has renewed its commitment to environmental volunteers with funding of $300 000 per year for three-years for Queensland Water and Land Carers (QWaLC), Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace announced this week.
QWaLC, which was established in 2004 with funding from the state government, has become the peak body coordinating volunteer NRM groups.
These groups organise community projects such as weed clearing, tree planting, and other on-ground work to protect the environment and raise awareness about the importance of NRM.
"More than 300 volunteer groups across Queensland are registered with the organisation and it provides representation, advocacy, promotion, networking, and insurance administration for its members," Mr Wallace said.
"We value the hard work and dedication of these groups and their volunteers and want to ensure they can continue their important role. They take the environmental message to the heart of our communities and educate people about their local area," Mr Wallace said.
National atlas highlights Australia's renewable energy potential
The first ever, user-friendly interactive atlas to map the full extent of Australia's renewable energy resources is now up and running.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the atlas is an invaluable tool as Australia explores solutions to climate change.
"This on-line Renewable Energy Atlas is available to anyone who wants to know more about our continent's energy potential and the array of options available to us," Mr Garrett said.
"It will be used by planners and investors to expand and develop renewable industries in Australia, and will help build community awareness of the enormous potential for growth in this area," Mr Garrett said.
The atlas shows in-depth, nationwide information on all forms of renewable energy from solar exposure and wind speed to geothermal temperatures.
Mr Garrett said, "Wind speeds, wave and tidal information, ocean currents, biomass, and hot ground water data are all charted. Other information such as contours, roads, towns, electricity transmission lines and climatic factors gives data better context.
"Never before has there been such a comprehensive resource available with information about renewable energy in Australia and never before has it been so easily accessible for everyone to learn from and use for the benefit of our environment," Mr Garrett said.
Funded under the Australian Government's Low Emissions Technology and Abatement Program, the Renewable Energy Atlas will continue to be developed. It will support the Australian Government's expanded renewable energy target that aims to ensure at least 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity comes from renewable energy by 2020.
To explore the Renewable Energy Atlas visit the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website.
Call for public input into Burdekin, Gulf, and Mitchell water plans
The public has been invited to provide submissions on resource plans for three important Queensland river systems – the Burdekin, Gulf, and Mitchell river systems.
The draft resource operations plans (ROPs) for the Burdekin Basin, the Gulf and the Mitchell water planning areas will secure existing water supplies and provide for the regions’ growth by introducing water trading to drive efficiency and innovation in water use.
Natural Resources and Water (NRW) Minister Craig Wallace said the release of the ROPs meant comprehensive planning to ensure the security of water resources in Queensland is under way or has been completed for more than 92 per cent of the state.
"The plans set out the necessary arrangements for implementing requirements of water resource plans finalised for the areas in the latter part of 2007," Mr Wallace said.
"These complementary plans are developed with comprehensive input from the community and assessments of social, economic and environmental factors.
"In conjunction, they will ensure that current uses and the emerging opportunities that will shape future prosperity in the three plan areas are provided for in a timely fashion," Mr Wallace said.
The draft ROPs are now open for public scrutiny and comment prior to finalisation on 30 January 2009. Further information on the draft plans can be found on the NRW website.
Queensland Government shows way on land management
Valuable information on vegetation management and aspects of the groundbreaking Delbessie Agreement was provided to delegates at last week's Veg Futures 08 conference in Toowoomba.
Natural Resources and Water (NRW) Minister Craig Wallace said staff gave a presentation on the groundcover index, a technological development that could provide data for a range of initiatives including the Delbessie Agreement.
The groundcover index was developed by NRW and uses satellite images to monitor ground cover over time. Groundcover levels influence infiltration, run-off and erosion by wind and water. The groundcover index can also assist separating the effects of climate, from land management issues and will be one of a range of tools that will help land managers observe and better understand natural processes, environmental influences and effects of management practices on future sustainable rural production.
Mr Wallace said, "The Delbessie Agreement heralds a new era in the management of Queensland's rural leasehold land, which accounts for more than half of the state's area.
"Its primary focus is the long-term sustainable management of rural lands and gives landholders greater certainty over their productive future.
"The agreement rewards farmers and graziers, who look after their land, with longer leases of up to 50 years compared with the current maximum of 30 years using criteria that includes the management of land condition, environmental values and indigenous access," Mr Wallace said.
The Delbessie Agreement was signed by the Queensland Government, AgForce Queensland, and the Australia Rainforest Conservation Society late last year.
About 400 delegates attended the Veg Futures 08 conference that featured national and international experts who gave presentations on climate change, policy, and the implications for vegetation management.
Sustainability expert to head Office of Clean Energy
A leading Australian expert on sustainability innovation, Dr John Cole, has been appointed acting head of the Queensland Government's new Office of Clean Energy.
The Office of Clean Energy has been set up by the state government to explore renewable energy and other methods for reducing Queensland's carbon footprint.
Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said Dr Cole had the experience and drive necessary to steer government initiatives to fast-track renewable energy development and reduce Queensland's carbon footprint.
"Dr Cole is a Queenslander who is well-known nationally and overseas for his leadership on sustainable industry development and innovation," Mr Wilson said.
"He has already played a key role as Executive Director, Sustainable Industries Division, for the Environmental Protection Agency," he said.
"Dr Cole is at the cutting-edge of thinking about climate change, having facilitated a national forum for the Garnaut Climate Change Review on the technology development implications of climate change," Mr Wilson said.
Dr Cole will report directly to the Minister and provide regular progress reports to Cabinet.
Queenslanders to help put bite into wild dog review
Property owners have the opportunity to participate in a review of Queensland's wild dog strategy with a series of forums being held around the state.
Former AgForce president Peter Kenny has been appointed as an independent reviewer of the strategy and a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU between the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F), AgForce, the Local Government Association of Queensland, and the Environmental Protection Agency, is for the management of wild dogs inside the wild dog barrier and to check fences.
Ten forums are being held around regional Queensland, and will look at the effectiveness of the strategy in protecting grazing industries, controlling wild dogs, and the impacts of wild dogs on Queensland's economy, lifestyle, and environment.
Wild dogs in Queensland cause considerable financial loss to the sheep and cattle industries by killing and harassing stock. It is estimated that wild dogs cost industry $33 million a year through lost production, and are responsible for the destruction of native species, spreading disease, attacking domestic animals, 'dilution' of dingo genetics, and they pose a risk to human safety.
While five forums have already been conducted, the remaining forums will take place at:
- Gympie: 3 November
- Charleville: 5 November
- Roma: 5 November
- St George: 6 November
- Warwick: 7 November
For further information about the forums or to provide comment on the discussion paper, visit the DPI&F website or call the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.
If you are unable to attend a public meeting but still wish to contribute, download a copy of the wild dog management issues paper and email your comments, answers, and suggestions to the wild dog review team.
Reef updates
Another $50 million for Reef protection
Premier Anna Bligh has warned of the danger chemicals pose to the Great Barrier Reef and outlined new legislation to tackle the problem.
"The presence of pesticide residues, especially herbicides, is widespread in water bodies of the Reef, including streams, wetlands, estuaries, coastal and reef waters," Ms Bligh said.
"These herbicides inhibit photosynthesis in coral resulting in coral death as well as seagrasses – an important habitat within the Reef lagoon and a food source for dugong and turtles."
Under the 2003 Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan the state government had been working with farmers and industry to voluntarily address water quality and the use of pesticides through better management practices.
However evidence from recently released documents such as the 2007 reef water quality report and an independent scientific consensus statement showed more needs to be done.
Ms Bligh said, "I announced on the weekend, following the Reef Summit, $50 million over five years to support regulation to prevent agricultural water pollution in Great Barrier Reef catchments.
"On top of existing commitments this means we have now committed $175 million over five years to tackle this problem," Ms Bligh said.
A stakeholders group will be established to work with farmers and other representatives in developing the legislation.
Read the full media release on the Queensland Government media statement website.
Warmer water devastating Great Barrier Reef's seabirds
Tens of thousands of seabirds on the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding waters are failing to breed because warmer water from more frequent and intense El Nino events means there is insufficient food to raise their young, according to research compiled by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).
Warm water near the surface forces fish, plankton, and other prey into deeper water, where it cannot be reached by seabirds.
The report, Seabirds and Shorebirds in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area in a Changing Climate, said recent analyses at key sites had revealed significant declines in populations of some of the most common seabird species, which raises concerns regarding the threatening processes acting on these populations.
The results of research were published in another report, Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef: A Vulnerability Assessment.
Negative impacts on seabird populations were recorded in all parts of the barrier reef, in virtually all species, and in nearly all components of reproductive biology. Timing of breeding, year-to-year recruitment, number of breeding pairs, annual hatching, chick growth and adult survival were all affected.
The Reef is home to between 1.3 and 1.7 million seabirds and half the world's population of several species.
Both reports can be downloaded from the GBRMPA website.
Natural resources news
Grants encourage community to protect natural resources
Community NRM groups across Queensland can now apply for funding of up to $10 000 to highlight the value of the environment and the need to protect it.
The Natural Resources Awareness Grants were officially opened this week by Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace.
"Natural Resources Awareness Grants are offered to fund activities and projects which promote the importance of natural resources in our lives, while encouraging more Queenslanders to become involved in their protection," Mr Wallace said.
Grants of up to $5000 are available to groups such as Landcare, Bushcare, Coastcare and Waterwatch, and up to $10 000 will be considered for projects where there is a genuine collaboration between two or more organisations.
Minister Wallace said the grants program will help eligible groups develop entertaining and educational projects that engage the community on natural resource issues.
The theme for this year's grants is Youth working together – protecting, repairing and restoring the environment.
Application forms and guidelines are available from the NRW website or by calling 3238 3165. Applications close on 19 December 2008.
SEQ Waterways graded in latest report card
The 2008 report card for South East Queensland and Moreton Bay waterways is in.
Since 1999, the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EHMP) has produced the annual Ecosystem Health Report Card.
The report card gives an 'A to F' health rating, providing a succinct 'snapshot' of ecosystem health for 19 catchments and 18 estuaries in SEQ, and nine zones within Moreton Bay. It involves the analysis of data from 135 freshwater and 254 estuarine and marine sites (389 in total).
This year's report card found that significant investments to reduce point source pollution in the last decade are now leading to measurable improvements in the ecosystem health of western Moreton Bay. However, any consequential improvement in the Bay's overall health was offset by the impacts of some major flood events which carried extremely high loads of sediments and nutrients from the catchments into rivers and out to the Bay.
The increasing population of South East Queensland, exacerbated by climate variability, is a major challenge to maintaining good ecosystem health in the region's waterways. To ensure future development occurs without causing further declines, actions to improve the health of degraded waterways and protect areas of high ecological value must continue to be identified and undertaken.
The EHMP is managed by the South East Queensland Healthy Waterways Partnership and implemented by a large team of experts from the Queensland Government (the Department of Natural Resources and Water, Environmental Protection Agency, and Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services), universities (University of Queensland and Griffith University), and CSIRO.
To find out more about the 2008 report card results visit the EHMP website.
New manual to help communities improve waterways
NRM groups now have a practical new tool to help check the health of the state's watercourses.
The Queensland Community Waterway Monitoring Manual helps regional NRM bodies and community groups work together with other organisations to protect Queensland’s waterways.
The manual helps the planning and implementation of scientific and strategic water-monitoring programs. It also provides scientific information on the latest and best practices for waterway monitoring in Queensland, and guidance for interpreting water-monitoring activities. Industry groups working with landholders and schools working with students may also find the manual useful.
The manual outlines how to assess waterway health by measuring physical, chemical, biological and habitat conditions and caters for beginners through to more advanced groups. The information collected could be used for a range of local and regional planning activities, including prioritising catchment management activities, and determining whether they had been effective in improving the health of local waterways.
By using the processes outlined in the monitoring manual, NRM groups will be able to improve the quality of their data, enabling them to complement information collected through government water monitoring programs.
The Queensland Community Waterway Monitoring Manual was developed by the State Community Waterway Monitoring Team within the Department of Natural Resources and Water, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, with support from the Australian Government.
The manual is available online on the Queensland Waterwatch website, or as a CD. For more information, contact the State Community Waterway Monitoring Team on 3896 9532.
New online tool for every data need
The launch of a new way of accessing and compiling Census data is only weeks away.
CDATA Online is a free online tool which combines information on Australian society from the 2006 Census, with web graphing and mapping capability, and allows people to create data table on a range of different topics, e.g. age, education, housing, income, transport, religion, ethnicity, and occupation.
Predetermined basic tables are available for selection based on broad topics via a topic list. Once a table has been created it can be further customised by adding and removing data items and geographic areas, and by creating custom data groups. Tables, graphs, and maps created in CDATA Online can be downloaded in a variety of formats, while registered users can also save created tables, within CDATA Online, for future retrieval.
For more information about CDATA Online visit the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.
Forum focuses on the future of transport fuels
Queensland's peak conservation body, Queensland Conservation, will host its second Sustainability Business Forum in December with two high profile speakers addressing the future of transport fuels in the age of climate change and peak oil.
The forum features Andrew McNamara MP, Minister for Sustainability, Innovation and Climate Change; and Mark Proegler, Director of Environment for BP Australia. Queensland Conservation's executive director, Toby Hutcheon, said the topic was likely to attract a broad audience from small and large corporations.
"In this carbon constrained world, we need to look at what options are available to fuel our vital transport needs," Mr Hutcheon said. "We are interested in hearing about how Australian businesses can adapt and transform as we reach the end of the cheap oil era."
Minister McNamara will touch on the implications of peak oil for Queensland businesses, and Mark Proegler will discuss the impact of the carbon pollution reduction scheme on the transport sector as well as providing an overview of what BP is doing to develop low-carbon fuels.
The event is expected to attract more than 200 people. It will take place on Tuesday 2 December at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and is sponsored by SEQ Catchments and RACQ.
Registration information is available from Racquel at Wombat Creative on 0419 789 574. Discounts apply to tables of 10 and to registrations received today.
Indigenous rangers, marine scientists team up to map Territory seabed
For the first time, traditional Indigenous knowledge has been combined with the latest technology to map underwater habitats off north-east Arnhem Land.
Indigenous sea rangers and Northern Territory marine scientists have been using an underwater video camera to map the seabed around Bremer Island off Nhulunbuy.
The group's lead scientist, Professor Karen Edyvane, says the information is crucial for managing fisheries, aquaculture and development - and the rangers have a lot to contribute.
"It's really important because we know so little about the Northern Territory's marine environments," Professor Edyvane said.
"We have 3000 kilometres of coastline, most of which has not been mapped. Indigenous people, as we know, have had a long customary connection with coastal environment and marine environment and have a lot to offer."
Professor Edyvane says one of the best things about the device is that researchers no longer have to get into the water.
"The Territory is home to some pretty amazing creatures, but also some which aren't so safe for us in the water," she said.
"Particularly the sharks and the crocodiles and the box jellyfish. So it's a very smart way to go in terms of mapping underwater environments particularly deep, murky ones - and being entirely safe."
Story sourced from ABC online
Australians challenged to save a million buckets of water
Australians are being challenged to save at least one million buckets of water through the new Every Bucket Counts campaign launched by Smart Approved WaterMark, Australia's water conservation labelling scheme.
Every Bucket Counts features three online calculators that show how much water each of us can save with some simple measures. The campaign and calculators, which can be found on the Smart Approved WaterMark website, were officially launched as part of National Water Week.
The three calculators cover car washing, rainwater tanks, and swimming pool covers.
Julian Gray, CEO of Smart WaterMark, said, "Every Bucket Counts makes it easy for people to see how much water they could save by choosing a waterless car wash product, installing a rainwater tank or by using a cover if they have a pool.
"We are calling on people to make a pledge online to save the amount of water the Every Bucket Counts calculators show is easily achievable. If people make the commitment, then Smart WaterMark will donate $2 for every pledge to WaterAid Australia to help programs in countries where every bucket of drinking water is precious," Mr Gray said.
"On average people across Australia use around 23 buckets of drinking quality water each per day. This drinking water is too precious to waste so we encourage everyone to make simple changes in their lives by using water saving products around their home as well as offering their pledge in the Every Bucket Counts campaign," Mr Gray said.
Visit the Smart Approved WaterMark website to use the new calculators, for a full list of products and services, or for more information about the campaign.
Proserpine Mill rewards sustainable cane farming
In an effort to improve the sugar industry's environmental performance, Proserpine Mill is encouraging and promoting the adoption of best practice management (BMP) in the cane growing sector.
Company Secretary of the Proserpine Mill, Ian McBean, said the implementation of land and water management plans, nutrient management plans, and herbicide and pesticide management plans were amongst the BPM modules supported by the mill as part of an incentive program for its cane growers.
Mr McBean said, "We target nutrients, sediments, agricultural chemicals, and smoke; these are the major sources of pollution we are dealing with and they are inter-related.
"If a grower successfully completes and implements any of the agreed BPM modules in a season, the mill pays an additional payment of five cents per tonne of cane supplied per module during the season in which the module was completed – capped at twenty cents per tonne over a four year period," Mr McBean said.
When the incentive program was first introduced in 2006, the mill paid out an additional $160 500 to 264 farms. In 2007, a Soil Analysis Incentive Scheme was introduced, where the mill covers the cost of up to five soil analyses per farm. Soil samples must include both fallow and ratoon blocks and the results are used with the Proserpine soil specific fertiliser recommendations (part of the BSES Six Easy Steps program) to develop a nutrient management plan for the farm.
"When it comes to nutrient management, it is critical to optimise fertiliser application based on soil analysis, soil type and crop needs. Other things like accurate calibration of equipment also come into play," Mr McBean said.
To date, the program has been well received with approximately 68 per cent of the mill supply participating. The nutrient management planning system is now forming the basis of a system to be rolled out by BSES across the industry.
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.
AgForward and AgForce have recently launched AgEssentials. Participants who successfully complete an AgForward/AgForce workshop receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment. The skills from AgForward workshops can be used to gain a Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management through the AgEssentials program.
Upcoming workshops include:
- 18 November: St George - Computer mapping essentials
- 19 November: Goondiwindi - Computer mapping essentials
- 20 November: Texas - Computer mapping essentials
- 25 November: Cunnamulla - Computer mapping essentials
- 26 November: Charleville - Computer mapping essentials
- 27 November: Roma - Computer mapping essentials
To register for the workshops contact Bree Robertson on 3238 6039. To register for the AgForests Field Days 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/organisation: Southern Gulf Catchments(SGC)
Location: Mount Isa
Expressions of interest are being sought from people who have qualifications, experience or an interest working in the natural resource management field.
SGC is interested in hearing from people with some or all of the following attributes:
- positive communication skills with many different groups and stakeholders relevant to community engagement and consultation
- large and/or small project management skills including report writing
- experience and skills in GPS, computer mapping, GIS, ideally ArcGIS/ArcView.
Your details will be kept on file for 12 months for future full-time, part-time or temporary opportunities as they arise. Please feel free to update your information throughout the year.
Please phone 1800 676 242 or 47431888 or go to visit the Southern Gulf Catchments website for more information.
Send a brief letter outlining your experience and why you are interested in working in the natural resource management field, and a succinct resume addressed to Donald Coventry, CEO, PO Box 2211, Mount Isa QLD 4825 or fax number 4749 4887.
Thought for the week
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.
Barack Obama
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Last updated 05 November 2008