The Bugle - 20 March 2009
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories- Biodiversity Symposium island style
- Snakes of western Queensland is a must have guide
- School kids go green
- Celebrate regional NRM and share your story
- Linking landscapes in our region
- 2009 Riverprize brings big dollars and environmental rewards
- 28 March, switch it off for Earth hour 2009
- Carbon pollution reduction scheme draft released
- Pennefather Beach safe with rangers in residence
- $1 million Water and Environment trust honours Peter Cullen
- Oil spill affects local beach dwellers including wildlife
- Exciting opportunities for biodiesel production from algae
- Tackle climate change on the farm with QFF guide
- Caring for our Country funds weed control in Cape
- Cape turns its sights on feral pigs
- Sugar conference is sweet for Queensland
- International World Water Day – 22 March 2009
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
Biodiversity Symposium island style
The iconic Whitsundays is the venue for a brand new symposium on island biodiversity later in the year. Expressions of interest are requested from key interest groups by the end of April 2009.
The Island Arks Symposium will bring together practitioners in terrestrial and marine ecology, coastal engineering, fire ecology, invasive species management, waste management, environmental economics, communication and marketing. It will aim to identify, discuss and resolve management challenges, and identifying pathways for long-term conservation of island ecosystems including their sustainable use.
Reef Catchments are expecting the symposia topics and location will attract a lot of interest from Australia and the South Pacific. Scientists, island managers, ecotourism operators and students with a direct and indirect interest in island sustainability are encouraged to attend.
Other partners in the Island Arks Symposium include ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and WWF. For further information on the symposium or to register an expression of interest, visit the Island arks website and click on the ‘register here’ button.
Snakes of western Queensland is a must have guide
At long last an easy-to-read guide to west Queensland snakes is now available. This concise ‘glove box’ edition was launched recently in Longreach by co-authors Angus Emmott (Hon MSc) a local grazier and Steve Wilson (BAppSc) from Desert Channels Queensland.
Both authors are eminently qualified and have worked extensively in western Queensland. They have written the guide as a compact reference book for a broad audience including locals, naturalists and the intrepid traveller.
For further information please contact Aleisha Domrow on 4652 7822.
School kids go green
A leadership workshop to teach school children how to develop and implement environmental actions plans was held recently by the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC). Prior to the workshop students were encouraged to conduct an environmental audit of their school to calculate energy and water consumption, waste generation and the biodiversity of their school grounds.
During the workshop students exchanged ideas on how to tackle some of the challenges they will face in the next nine months, to increase their schools’ sustainability. The range of activities included calculating their ecological footprint which led to some innovative ideas including car pools for those not on a bus run, setting-up worm farms and chicken pens at their schools to help use food wastes.
The workshop was facilitated by staff from QMDC and OzGREEN with students, teachers and parents from Crows Nest State School, Ballandean State School, Mary MacKillop Catholic School and Teelba State School. All these schools are involved in the Queensland Environmentally Sustainable Schools Initiative.
For further information email Lisa Yorkston or call on 4637 6234.
Celebrate regional NRM and share your story
Five years of regional NRM in Queensland will be celebrated at an event being held on 20 and 21 May in Townsville and open to everyone.
Regional bodies in Queensland are invited to showcase and share a regional case study and in particular expressions of interest are being sought on the following topics: community engagement; biodiversity; coastal assets; sustainable farm practices; remote and rural Queensland; urban and peri-urban issues; and emerging and current NRM issues.
Expressions of interest to showcase regional projects are due on 31 March 2009 and all regional NRM bodies in Queensland are encouraged to apply. Registration details for the event will be available mid April 2009.
For further information please visit the RGC website.
Linking landscapes in our region
The northern Brigalow Belt bioregion has been identified as one of 15 national biodiversity hotspots in Australia. Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM, in partnership with Greening Australia, the Environmental Protection Agency and landholders are undertaking a Caring for our Country program to enhance biodiversity values in the region. Graziers are encouraged to incorporate environmental stewardship into their operations and create corridors of native habitat across the region.
As an environmental steward, land mangers will be protecting remnant vegetation, particularly threatened ecosystems and riparian areas; and managing total grazing pressure to encourage a healthy environment for native plants and animals.
Burdekin Dry Tropics’ Doug Willis said, “the project recognises the efforts of graziers in protecting habitat on their properties and encourages them to commit to perpetual voluntary conservation agreements over their properties, and thus increase the National Reserve System,” he said, “the aim is to have a network of connected habitat areas protecting biodiversity in the region but also complementing the existing grazing operations.”
The northern Brigalow Belt is an area in the Burdekin Dry Tropics region that encompasses Townsville, Bowen, Collinsville and Eungella.
For further information visit the Burdekin Dry Tropics website.Government updates
2009 Riverprize brings big dollars and environmental rewards
Big rewards are offered this year for the 2009 Riverprize from the Riverfoundation. The National Riverprize is now worth $200,000 and the International Thiess Riverprize is now worth $350,000!
The Australian Government has contributed $1 million over the next five years from the Water for the Future plan which enabled increased prize money.
Riverprize is the biggest financial award of its type in the world, however, it is the global recognition for excellence in river restoration and the accompanying opportunities for knowledge transfer and expansion of restoration activities through Riverfoundation’s unique twinning program (mentoring of other
rivers in need) that makes this the most valuable of water prizes worldwide.
Riverprize is a partnership between International Riverfoundation and Riversymposium and is awarded annually at the International Riversymposium – the pre-eminent international conference on freshwater resources management held every September in Brisbane.
Nominations for excellence in river and catchment management are open until 30 April 2009. Any organisation involved in the restoration and sustainable management of water resources is eligible.
For further information about the awards or the symposium please visit the Riverfoundation website.
28 March, switch it off for Earth hour 2009
The Queensland Government is a sponsor of Earth Hour 2009 and will switch off lights and non-essential power too.
At 8.30 pm on 28 March 2009 one billion people around the world will switch off their lights for one hour, to reduce carbon emissions and send a message to the world, that they care about climate change.
Earth Hour is a great opportunity to raise awareness about how our behaviour affects our environment. Earth Hour will focus global attention on addressing the issue of climate change. It hopes to provide a global mandate for action on climate change to the world’s leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December this year, where an agreement will be made to supersede the Kyoto Protocol.
In Sydney, where Earth Hour began in 2007, every ferry in the city’s famous harbour will sound its horn at precisely 8.30pm to herald the beginning of Earth Hour in Australia.
For further information on how you can be involved or to register your support visit the Earth hour website.
Carbon pollution reduction scheme draft released
Minister for Climate Change and Water Penny Wong recently released draft legislation and explanatory materials for the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
Ms Wong stated that Australians had made it clear they understand the challenge of climate change and they want a government that will act. As one of the hottest and driest countries on earth, Australia’s environment and economy will be one of the hardest and fastest hit by climate change if we don’t act now.
The exposure draft legislation sets out in legislation what is required of participants in the emissions trading scheme and the mechanics of the scheme's operations.
The exposure draft legislation confirms the Australian Government’s intention to make emissions cuts of between five per cent and 15 per cent below 2000 levels by 2020, depending on the level of emissions cuts committed to by major economies globally, and its plan for the scheme to commence on 1 July 2010.
For further information or to view the carbon reduction scheme draft legislation please view the full media release.
Pennefather Beach safe with rangers in residence
Peter Harper and Angela Christie are resident rangers at Pennefather Beach, managed by the Napranum Shire Council north of the Weipa Township on the western side of Cape York.
Some of their duties include fire management, foreshore weed management, visitor management, pest management, erosion control and cultural heritage maintenance and management.
The rangers also work on the Ghost Net Program, The Cape York Peninsula Turtle Nest Monitoring project and collaboratively with the Cape York weed and feral animal team.
During their work on the Ghost Net Program Peter and Angela were featured on a documentary which aired on the ABC television show Message Stick in 2007. The documentary showcased the great work done by all of the Indigenous rangers attached to the Ghost Net Program and their role as the first indigenous rangers to train a new group from Mapoon.$1 million Water and Environment trust honours Peter Cullen
Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Water, recently announced a million dollar fund to help establish the Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust.
Senator Wong stated that the trust is the creation of a perpetual legacy and a fitting tribute to Peter Cullen, a great Australian, on the anniversary of his death a year ago.
The Trust was launched at Parliament House in Canberra. Professor Cullen made an enormous contribution to the management of natural resources in Australia, particularly around rivers and freshwater ecology.
The Trust will honour and continue Professor Cullen’s legacy by building water science knowledge and skills in Australia, promoting informed exchange and debate on national water issues, and contributing to improved environmental water management.
The Trust is expected to support early career researchers, and people who can, ‘speak for the rivers’ with clarity and credibility – something Professor Cullen was passionate about.
Contributions will be sought from the public and private sectors. For further information please view the full media release.
Natural resources news
Oil spill affects local beach dwellers including wildlife
Wildlife workers rescued turtle eggs and oil-coated pelicans off Queensland beaches recently.
An international ship venturing into stormy seas off Moreton Bay during a cyclone, lost 30 containers of ammonium nitrate fertiliser into the ocean, puncturing the ships hold and discharging thousands of litres of fuel oil. The resulting oil slick was swept to the shores of Moreten Bay’s islands leaving a black, sticky mess as the tide receded.
Tangalooma Resort Dolphin Education Centre’s Trevor Hassard said five oil-coated pelicans flew in and joined a daily feeding session at Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island. Workers managed to catch three of them and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) planned to evacuate them for chemical cleaning treatment.
Mr Hassard described how sad it was to see birds covered in oil, as it is hard to remove and the birds die as the oil obstructs the insulating effects of the birds' feathers. If they try to preen themselves to remove the oil, they can be poisoned. The EPA’s Mike Short said oil spills and wildlife don't mix.
James Cook University marine expert Mike Kingsford said the toxic effects of the spill would show within a few days, when plants, crustaceans and birds would probably die.
Sourced from The Associated Press.
Exciting opportunities for biodiesel production from algae
Researchers at the CSIRO have found opportunities to create jobs in regional Australia, address future fuel shortages and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, through the production of biodiesel from algae.
CSIRO research has shown that under ideal conditions it is possible to produce algal biodiesel at a lower cost and with less greenhouse gas emissions than fossil diesel.
CSIRO Energy Transformed Researcher Dr Tom Beer said using algae to make biodiesel removed the issue of competing land use because algal farms have a lower environmental impact in comparison to crops grown for biodiesel.
The study found that a 500 hectare algal biodiesel plant in a rural area could create up to 45 jobs and opportunities to diversify in the agricultural sector.
However some challenges still exist such as cost, infrastructure needs and the scale of production required to make algal plants feasible.
For further information visit the CSIRO website.
Tackle climate change on the farm with QFF guide
A handy easy to read guide to help agricultural farmers address future climate change issues was recently released by the Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF).
The guide, A Farmer’s Guide to Climate Change in Queensland, contains a summary of research undertaken by scientists employed by QFF to define climate risks and potential industry responses.
The guide documents the key scientific findings of the broader QFF project, and detailed industry level action plans to manage future climate scenarios in Queensland.
QFF President Gary Sansom said adaptation to increased climate variability is one of the biggest challenges facing Australian agriculture in the next 20 to 30 years.
For further information visit the Queensland Farmers Federation website.
Caring for our Country funds weed control in Cape
The Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Program (CYWAFAP) is well underway for 2009 with surveys and on ground works continuing as well as supporting landholders and communities with their pest management needs.
Work plans to strategically target hymenachne, bellyache bush, rubber vine and pond apple are continuing in the Cape area. 2007 surveys and control outcomes of rubber vine and pond apple have provided a greater understanding of the size and location of the infestations.
The Caring for our Country funding has enabled further control and awareness of newly declared gamba grass in the Northern Peninsula Area to reduce this pest down to a manageable level.
For further information about pest management in Cape York visit the CYWAFAP website.
Cape turns its sights on feral pigs
A large feral pig control program is planned for the Staaten River Catchment area on the Cape York Peninsula later this year. The control program is a combined project with members from both the Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Program (CYWAFAP) and the Wild River Rangers Program using best practice techniques.
An awareness campaign will alert the community to the environmental impacts of feral pigs and how to reduce this impact in the Staaten Catchment area.
The program will demonstrate to a broad range of stakeholders including Traditional Owners, landholders and local and state government agencies what can be achieved using integrated pest management techniques to control feral pig populations.
The control program will be conducted using a combination of aerial shooting initially, followed by 1080 baiting once the numbers of pigs are reduced. This program will have a great impact on the feral pig population in the region.
For further information visit the Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Program website.
Sugar conference is sweet for Queensland
The CANEGROWERS Conference 2009‘ The next decade: How can growers manage the future?’, to be held in Townsville on 31 March, is shaping up to be a big event . Tony Burke, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry leads a prominent field of expert speakers on a broad range of topics from marketing to fertiliser.
One of the key topics will be competitive pricing in fertiliser, a timely topic for cane farmers who are experiencing tight times financially. Conference organisers, Canegrowers, have also announced negotiations with New Zealand fertiliser giant, Ravensdown Fertiliser Co-operative Limited and it’s tipped that a joint announcement will be made at the conference.
The incoming Chairman of the new Queensland Sugar Limited Board, Alan Winney, will outline the new structure and the management of sugar marketing in the next decade. Canegrowers Chairman Alf Cristaudo will discuss the international sugar industry and where Australia fits within the wider sugar economy and Canegrowers Chief Executive Officer Ian Ballantyne will discuss what the future might hold.
For further information or a registration form visit the Canegrowers wesbite.
International World Water Day – 22 March 2009
International World Water Day on 22 March is a day to focus the world’s attention on advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The theme for World Water Day 2009, is ‘Shared Water - Shared Opportunities’. Special focus will be placed on transboundary waters.
Nurturing the opportunities for cooperation in transboundary water management can help build mutual respect, understanding and trust among countries and promote peace, security and sustainable economic growth.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) leads the activities of the World Water Day 2009 with the support of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.
For further information visit the United Nations Water 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: Terrain NRM
Title: Catchment Co-ordinator - Johnstone
Tenure: 12 months
Salary range: $50,000 to $65,000
Location: Innisfail
Summary information: The purpose of this position is to work with the community in the Johnstone Catchment to build and maintain strong local partnerships for planning and delivery of landscape rehabilitation and other NRM programs leading to improvement in resource condition at both a regional and local scale.
For more information: Contact Karen Smith 40438 000 or email karens@terrain.org.au
Closing date: 23 March 2009
Thought for the week
Stop looking at where you have been, and start looking at where you are going.
Mike Murdock
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Last updated 20 March 2009