The Bugle - 6 March 2009
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories
Government updates
- NRW seeks information from all regional NRM bodies
- Emerald's first rice trials under scrutiny
- Trials measure butterfly pea crop rotation potential
- Immediate assistance for flood & fire affected councils
- Research to cut greenhouse gas emissions in livestock
- Management manual - the final word on fighting Bellyache Bush
- Emerald saleyards display a winner
- Westwood celebrates its place in Queensland’s 150 year history
- Boost to Central Queensland’s environmental reserves
Wetlands updates
Natural resources news
- Smithsonian award for Qld cane researcher
- Water and Catchment educators & communicators of South East Queensland
- Help Coastcare to live Life on the Edge
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
What’s new at DCQ?
‘Legends, Larrikins & Landcare’ 15–17 October
Planning for the Queensland Landcare Conference 2009 -‘Legends, Larrikins and Landcare’ is well underway. The conference comes to Longreach from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 October, and will be hosted by Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ) and supported by six local Landcare groups.
For further information, or to be included in the mailing list for regular e-bulletins, visit the conference website or contact the organisers on (02) 9368 1200.
Weed Watch
With the blessing of rain comes the curse of weeds popping up with renewed vigour. Please keep your eyes peeled for any plants that you think are out of the ordinary and report any suspicions to Brett Carlsson on 4652 7823.
Indigenous Strategy Launch
DCQ and its Aboriginal Advisory Panel (AAP) marked a significant milestone, and a first for the region, with the launch of its Aboriginal Engagement Strategy earlier in the month.
The engagement strategy was developed, in consultation with the AAP, as a tool to guide investments and to encourage the Aboriginal community’s involvement in natural resource management.
Jazzed up website
Check out the revamp of the DCQ website. A fresh look with a few more bells and whistles. Jump online and check out some of the new features at DCQ’s website.
Coffee carriers cut waste
Another DCQ milestone was the launch of its first initiative in partnership with the Merino Bakery in Longreach. The initiative aims to cut down on waste by replacing cardboard trays with a reusable carry bag for takeaway coffees. If you’re in Longreach, grab a coffee or two and a carry bag and don’t forget to bring your bag with you next time!
For more information on what’s happening at DCQ visit the DCQ website or phone Regional Communications Coordinator Aleisha Domrow on 4652 7822.
Discover something new
The Dawson Catchment Coordinating Association (DCCA), with support from the Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA), are hosting an Information Sharing Day on Thursday 19 March at the Blackwater International Coal Centre.
Agenda items include controlled traffic farming, compost tea, healthy soils, weed management, parthenium competition, natural sequence farming, Clarke Creek community plan, biodynamics, FRCC innovations, Callide Valley softwood scrub project and healthy soils.
If you would like to attend this FREE event please RSVP to DCCA by Friday 13 March via email or phone 4993 1004.
Lunch will be provided.
Bids seek funds for environment
Up to 10 bids are in the final stages of preparation by the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) as it seeks more funds to help restore the region's environment under the federal government's Caring for our Country business plan.
Group chief executive officer David Brown recently put out a call to interested people and groups to join with BMRG in submitting a bid – and received a response of around 40 expressions of interest.
The Caring for our Country business plan is new and quite different to previous funding processes in that the government is calling for project proposals that address specified targets and outcomes. Projects are expected to be collaborative, based on the best available science and giving the greatest public benefit.
The six national priority areas under Caring for our Country include the national reserve system, biodiversity and natural icons, coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats, sustainable farm practices, natural resource management in northern and remote Australia, and community skills, knowledge and engagement.
All those considerations culled the number of suitable expressions of interest, but this week Mr Brown and his team were still working on finalising a range of bids and expected to end up with between 6 and 10.
The federal government has extended the 6 March closing date for bids until 3 April because of the flooding in the north of Queensland and the fires in the southern states, but Mr Brown said BMRG’s bids were still expected to be completed by 6 March.
For more information visit BMRG’s website or contact Mark Casswell on 41812999.
Government updates
NRW seeks information from all regional NRM bodies
The Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) is asking Queensland regional natural resource management (NRM) bodies to provide information for the redevelopment of the Queensland Regional Body Information System (QRBIS).
QRBIS is a regionally specific, web enabled database, designed for regional NRM bodies to help them develop their plans and investment strategies. The data provided is specific to each regional boundary, with sub-regional data provided wherever possible.
However, there are still some gaps in the information that is required by regional bodies, and ways in which the QRBIS system could be improved.
NRW’s Catchment Programs, through the Social and Economic Unit, in partnership with the Officer of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR), NRM bodies and the Department of Treasury, plan to develop additional components for the existing database, including adding new databases and developing a profiling module.
To achieve this, Catchment Programs is asking regional bodies to identify additional data needs that OESR will purchase from other Queensland and Australian Government departments and add to QRBIS. New database modules for the system that will allow NRM bodies to build profiles quickly and easily via a simple ‘select and build’ database management system will also be developed.
The Social and Economic Unit are asking those seeking more information, or anyone with a special interest in social and economic data, to please email project manager Derec Davies or phone 3224 7838.
Emerald's first rice trials under scrutiny
Central Highlands irrigation farmers could be adding rice to their summer grain cropping options based on the performance of the region's first varietal trials and three commercial plantings.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) principal research scientist, Dr Richard Sequeira, is overseeing the 2008-09 trial plantings of 15 rice varieties.
Dr Sequeira said that with an anticipated 90-95 day growing period in Central Queensland's summer season, a rice grain cash crop would be a welcome addition to an irrigator's crop rotation.
DPI&F farm supervisor Tony Hawke planted the first trial plots on 20 December at the Australian Agricultural College Corporation's Emerald Campus with a follow-up second trial plot planting on 19 January.
Dr Sequeira said the total irrigation requirement for the rice could still reach 10 megalitres/ha before the anticipated late March-early April harvest.
For the full media statement visit DPI&F's website.
Trials measure butterfly pea crop rotation potential
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) have taken on the challenge of developing a bank of knowledge based on meticulous measurement of butterfly pea (BFP) growth and performance characteristics to assess its economic contribution to a Central Queensland farming systems crop rotation.
DPI&F field crop development extension officer Max Quinlivan has said BFP was a highly valued legume widely used by Central Highlands and Dawson-Callide cattle producers as a productive interim grazing crop option.
"To assess the economic feasibility of using BFP as a practical option in a grain growing rotation, we are gathering data on growth rate performance and plant water use, plus BFP's contribution to soil nitrogen and the build up of soil organic carbon," Mr Quinlivan said.
Mr Quinlivan said previous studies had already amassed a wealth of detailed plant performance information relating to wheat and sorghum crops.
"Our objective is to use the BFP production data to determine its performance within a wheat and sorghum crop rotation," he said.
The DPI&F trial has been funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
For more information visit DPI&F’s website.
Immediate assistance for flood & fire affected councils
Queensland and Victorian councils devastated by recent natural disasters will receive almost $74 million in Financial Assistance Grants (FAG) three months early.
This financial year's final quarterly FAG payment—originally scheduled to be paid in May— will now be distributed to 39 flood and 24 fire affected councils from early March.
More than $40.6 million will be shared amongst the Victorian councils devastated by bushfires and almost $33 million will be provided to flood affected councils in north Queensland.
This immediate funding injection will help alleviate the cash flow problems caused by these natural disasters and give affected councils the resources they need to start the job of repairing their infrastructure and rebuilding their communities.
For the full media statement and a list of councils visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government's website.
Research to cut greenhouse gas emissions in livestock
Over the next four years, over $26.8 million will be invested in 18 projects in a major research effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.
This includes funding from the Federal Government, research organisations and industry bodies as part of the Climate Change Research Program, which has three key priorities including reducing greenhouse pollution, better soil management and adapting to a changing climate.
The unprecedented research effort would help to achieve significant cuts to Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
Projects will include:
- exploring dietary supplements and alternative feeds to reduce methane production within livestock
- the use of chemical or biological controls of bacteria in the stomach of livestock to help reduce emissions
- genetic approaches such as selective breeding to lower livestock emissions.
Meat and Livestock Australia will coordinate and manage the 18 projects around Australia.
For the media statement and a list of projects being supported visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's website.
Hendra recommendations now in play
Biosecurity Queensland has acted swiftly in actioning recommendations from an independent review into the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) response to the Hendra virus cases in Queensland.
Chief Biosecurity Officer Ron Glanville said that since the report was provided consultations have been held with horse industry bodies and Queensland Health on ways to effectively communicate information about horse biosecurity risks.
Biosecurity Queensland is liaising with the Australian Veterinary Association and Equine Veterinarians Australia on a series of infection control workshops for veterinarians that will be progressively rolled out across the state over the coming months.
The Hendra Virus Guidelines for veterinarians and horse owners are also being updated to make them more accessible and comprehensive.
To make horse industries more aware of biosecurity risks a communications strategy is being developed and a number of communications activities to target horse owners are being implemented including:
- a website that will be a ´one-stop-shop´ for horse industry information
- an emergency contact database for Queensland horse owners
- an emergency response plan for the Queensland horse industry that will support the national response plan.
Information on the Hendra virus for horse owners and veterinarians is available on the DPI&F website.
Management manual - the final word on fighting Bellyache Bush
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is inviting landholders with experience in managing bellyache bush to contribute to Australia´s first national management manual for this pest weed, funded by the newly formed Australian Weeds Research Centre.
State, federal and territory agencies have worked together to better understand the ecology of Bellyache Bush, to develop integrated control strategies and to mass rear and release biological control agents, and all of this information will be compiled in the new manual.
The experiences of land managers will also be incorporated through the inclusion of several case studies, for use by land managers in their efforts to control Bellyache Bush.
To oversee the the manual, DPI&F has appointed Anita Randall who will be based at Biosecurity Queensland´s Tropical Weeds Research Centre, Charters Towers.
Suggested information and case studies can be forwarded to Anita Randall or by phoning 4761 5710.
Emerald saleyards display a winner
Vendors and buyers at the Emerald cattle sale held on 19 February were provided with an information stand, set up jointly by Emerald Combined Agents and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries’ (DPI&F) Biosecurity Queensland, offering information relating to their day-to-day business operations.
Representatives from Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) and DPI&F were able to answer a host of questions regarding branding and brand registrations, property-to-property NLIS (National Livestock Identification System) transfers and HGP (hormonal growth promotant) audit information.
The information stand provided producers with 'Move easy waybill' books, 2009 brands register returns, and access to update property details.
Brochures were on hand to prompt landholders to maintain a watch for the Class 1 declared weed menace, Mexican Feather Grass, mistakenly sold through Emerald plant nurseries last year as an ornamental landscaping plant.
Further information displays would be rolled out at selected Central Queensland saleyards in the coming months.
For the full media release visit DPI&F’s website.
Westwood celebrates its place in Queensland’s 150 year history
The small central Queensland grazing town of Westwood, south-west of Rockhampton, has the unique claim of being the first new town proclaimed in the Queensland Government Gazette, after the state became a separate colony back in 1859.
In recognition of the town’s special role in our state’s history the Westwood community was presented with a 1859 commemorative map of Queensland, with the original extract from the 1860 Government Gazette included.
As we celebrate our state’s 150th Birthday, it is timely that we reflect on the people and places which shaped the Queensland we live in today, and the town of Westwood is one of those places.
Queensland celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2009 with a range of activities and events being held right across the state to celebrate the occasion.
The official Q150 program is available on the Queensland Government's website.
Boost to Central Queensland’s environmental reserves
Over 4700 hectares of land across the Central Queensland region will be transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for inclusion into the Bouldercombe Gorge Resources Reserve for conservation purposes.
Approximately 2300 hectares have been transferred to the EPA in the Bouldercombe Resources Reserve; at Castle Tower National Park approximately 1600 hectares of land has been added to the existing 6900 hectares; and at Lake Learmouth State Forest approximately 800 hectares are being transferred for inclusion in the State Forest.
The four parcels of land being added to Bouldercombe Gorge Resources Reserve will form part of a major north-south corridor extending from Bouldercombe in the north to near Mt Perry in the south.
Collectively, the Resources Reserve and adjoining State forest will form a 50km long corridor under EPA management. The majority of this land is considered of “State’’ or “Regional’’ significance for biodiversity conservation under the EPA Biodiversity Planning Assessment in the Brigalow Belt Region.
As at June last year, 7.6 million hectares of land in Queensland was dedicated to conservation through 282 national parks.
For the full media release visit NRW’s website.
Wetlands updates
World Water Monitoring Day
Over 70,000 people monitored their waterways for World Water Monitoring Day 2008 in 70 countries worldwide.
World Water Monitoring Day is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies.
Find out how you can take part between 22 March and 31 December 2009 by visiting the World Water Monitoring Day website.
Natural resources news
Smithsonian award for Qld cane researcher
Queensland sugarcane research specialist Dr Graham Bonnett was awarded the Queensland-Smithsonian Fellowship, worth around $25,000, to fast-track Australia's research into possible environmental issues that need exploring before the release of genetically modified (GM) sugarcane.
Dr Bonnett will spend five months at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), Panama, from August to December 2009.
The STRI will follow up on his work with the Cooperative Research Centre for Sugar Industry Innovation through Biotechnology (CRC SIIB) to determine if GM sugarcane has any altered weediness potential.
The fellowship provides a good opportunity to understand the features of the cane that make it such a competitive weed.
For more information visit the CRC SIIB website.
Water and Catchment educators & communicators of South East Queensland
Recently South East Queensland (SEQ) Healthy Waterways has taken the lead to reinvigorate the South East Queensland Schools’ Water and Catchment Education Steering Committee (SUCCESS) network, a group formed to improve the delivery of water and catchment education in schools.
SEQ Healthy Waterways is working closely with SEQ Water to extend membership to industry, community, and Council water educators and/or communicators, and more Environmental Education Centres. The group also hopes to broaden the scope to community education.
The first meeting was held at the end of January this year with nearly 30 participants. Agenda items included the purpose of the network, key water education topics and messages.
Other agenda items included linking with the Water Education Network (WEN) of the Australian Water Association, collaboration opportunities with SEQ Water and Healthy Waterways, water education training with NRW, auditing of existing water education material and activities and future professional development to use these resources.
Underway is collation of a contact list and matrix of who is doing what in the area of water education and communication, the establishment of an email network and e-newsletter prior to the next meeting in Northern part of the region in March.
For more information email Healthy Waterways Community Education Officer Sharon Marks.
Help Coastcare to live Life on the Edge 
Coastcare's Life on the Edge Challenge is calling on Australians to take part in a collective lap of Australia's coastline—a whopping 36,000km—by doing their own 100km Challenge.
To take on the Life on the Edge Challenge, participants register online to do 100km of any non-motorised activity, or spend 10 hours in the water, and collect sponsorships in the process.
The challenge, which must be completed by the end of March, can be done in stages and the kilometers and hours split between a team.
By taking part not only will you be raising funds and awareness for Coastcare, but you could win one of the amazing prizes up for grabs, including a Fly Dive Cod Hole Expedition to the Great Barrier Reef from Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, Intrepid holidays for two to Cape York or the Kimberley, PADI dive courses, Brunton portable solar panels, Keen footwear and Aerochute flights.
For more information or to take part in the Challenge visit the Life on Edge website.
You can also support Coastcare by purchasing a card, certificates or environmentally friendly e-card from the website!
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: Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC)
Title: CAFNEC Coordinator
Tenure: This is a fixed-term, part-time appointment with a 12-month contract and potential for extension
Salary range: $52,400 full time equivalent (incl. 9% superannuation); dependant on experience and qualifications
Location: Cairns, North Queensland
Contact: To download the full position description, visit the CAFNEC website or email administration. For more information email CAFNEC office or phone 4032 1746.
Closing date: Monday, 16 March 2009
Thought for the week
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you.
Dale Evans
As I move on from The Bugle I would like to thank all contributors and the readership for the pleasure I have had reporting all the great happenings in the NRM world.
Alison Cox
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The Bugle is a weekly newsletter published by Catchment Programs, the Department of Natural Resources and Water, highlighting regional NRM activities around Queensland.
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© The State of Queensland 2009.
Last updated 19 March 2009