The Bugle - 3 April 2009
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories
- Rove is wild about wildlife and wildlife are mad about Rove
- Everyone’s a winner in gold lined environmental awards
- New dollars to eliminate feral animals and weeds from the Cape
- Barra unable to survive in 'wasteland'
- Easter campers on track for holiday weekend in Moreton Bay
- Funding support for Indigenous communities carbon markets
- LGAQ develops new NRM planning guideline
- One small step in Nambour is one giant leap for the environment
- Continued commitment to 'earth hour' will ensure climate smarts
- 40 years of conservation captured and celebrated in classic style
- Last chance to enter waterway awards
- Wine growers alerted to heatwave strategies
- Pollution seeking robotfish due for release
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
Rove is wild about wildlife and wildlife are mad about Rove
Well known television personality Rove McManus is about to join forces with the Burnett Mary Regional Group to help conserve the Great Sandy Strait wetland.
As Vice President of the international group Fauna and Flora International, Rove has been travelling around the world to learn more about the conservation of habitats and threatened species.
The exciting thing for the Burnett Mary Regional Group is Rove and Fauna and Flora International (FFI) have agreed to a joint partnership, in the first Australian based conservation effort for FFI. As the wetland is an internationally significant biodiversity area, Rove said he was very interested in the projects being done.
Rove stated one of the great things about FFI is their focus is not just on wilderness conservation, or saving one particular animal or plant. It’s about allowing humans to live where animals are, and vice versa and this difference was the initial attraction to the organisation.
The partnership with Fauna and Flora International began with a nomination in the Great Sandy Biosphere programme. A final decision on the Biosphere nomination is expected in May when the International Coordinating Council for the Man and the Biosphere Programme meets in Korea.
For further information visit the Burnett Mary River Group website.
To view Rove talking about his work visit the Fauna and Flora organisation website.
Everyone’s a winner in gold lined environmental awards
It was a case of a gold medal presenter for gold medal achievements as environmental leaders and innovators were recognised at the Nissan Central West Industry Excellence Awards 2009.
Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ) was the proud sponsor of the Environment Awards category, in association with Isa Skills Job Futures and the Georgina Pastoral Company. The three environment awards in this category were presented by Winter Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury and DCQ Chair Peter Douglas.
The Job Futures ‘Education and Training Award’ was awarded to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton, recognising their work in encouraging, promoting and facilitating the discovery, preservation and display of fossil material from the age of dinosaurs within Australia. The Age of Dinosaurs has also developed partnerships, involved universities and schools and produced some great publications.
Boulia Shire Council was the recipient of the Georgina Pastoral Company ‘Innovative Environmental Management Award’ for its Parkinsonia Control Project, outside the National Parkinsonia Containment Line.
The ‘Outstanding Individual Achievement’ award went to Mitchell Grass Meats, a family run business in Longreach. George and Anna Hetherington have created a niche rural business producing 100 per cent chemical free, grass fed meats direct to consumers.
DCQ Chairman Peter Douglas stated the awards not only reward people but also offer an opportunity to share with the rest of the community the outstanding work carried out in managing the natural assets in the region.
For more information visit the Desert Channels Queensland website.
New dollars to eliminate feral animals and weeds from the Cape
Weeds and pest animals cause a major problem to both landholders and the environment on the Cape York Peninsula.
Funding is now available to Cape York landholders to assist in the control of feral animals and weeds on their properties. The Landholder Incentive Scheme for approved pest control methods is now available for up to $1000 for weed control and $500 for feral animal control.
To be eligible for the funding, landholders are required to produce a current pest management plan and ensure a pest assessment has been conducted by an officer from Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Program (CYWAFAP).
For further information or an application form visit the CYWAFAP website.
Barra unable to survive in 'wasteland'
A preliminary investigation into the health of the Cattle Creek wetlands has declared the system a ‘dead wasteland’ and unless it is drained, fish won’t survive.
Scientists who recently conducted electrofishing surveys found that oxygen levels in the wetlands near the highway bridge were so low they were unable to find a single barramundi.
The survey also found the number of fish species in the system had fallen significantly from 15 varieties in 1994 to just eight species today. The few fish species who had survived in the water had red fins and gills, which is a characteristic sign of stress due to reduced oxygen levels.
Lower Herbert Catchment Group chairman, Vince Vitale stated the creek used to be a nursery for barramundi and other fish. He blamed an infestation of the water weeds hymenachne and para grass along with a build-up of silt in the waterway.
A recovery plan to rebuild a healthy creek would mean the entire wetlands would need to be drained and the grass and sand removed.
A group of local farmers and property owners in the region, have thought about life beyond a recovery plan. With an eye on the future, they believe revitalised wetlands have the potential to become a major tourist attraction.
Terrain NRM commissioned a survey on the health of the waterway as part of $200,000 in funding from the Federal Government through its $200 million reef rescue package.
For further information visit the terrain website.
Government updates
Easter campers on track for holiday weekend in Moreton Bay
Cleaned up beaches on Moreton Bay and Bribie Island will be open for business at Easter, allowing Queenslanders to once again enjoy holidaying in South East Queensland.
Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change, Kate Jones stated, more than 75 per cent of camping grounds on Moreton Island will be open to the 1500 campers expected to visit the Bay over the long weekend.
Arrangements have been put in place to assist about 250 campers whose bookings were made in sections of the Bay that are still closed. Alternative camping arrangements are being offered including their booking transferred to another national park, transferred to another holiday period or the offer of a full refund.
Certain sections of Moreton and Bribie Islands are still closed with restricted access as the clean up of oil continues. These temporary closures will ensure the delicate, painstaking clean up operation is not adversely affected. To date, 325 workers have removed approximately 900 tonnes of oil-affected sand from Moreton Island since mid March. Oil was spilled from the Pacific Adventurer, a container ship damaged at sea during cyclone Hamish, in early March.
To encourage tourism back to the Bay a $750,000 advertising campaign starring Olympian Grant Hackett began this week. Selling the message, 'South East Queensland is still the place for your Easter holiday', the campaign is designed to help Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Fraser Coast tourism operators get back on their feet. Advertisements will air in Brisbane, Sydney and northern New South Wales.
To top off this great news, the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin announced Moreton Bay seafood is a clean, healthy and premium product.
For further information visit the Queensland Government media statements website.
Funding support for Indigenous communities carbon markets
An investment of $10 million was recently announced to to support participation by Indigenous communities in potential carbon market.
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, and Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Wong, said the initiative was part of the Australian Government's comprehensive strategy to tackle climate change and would complement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
Workshops with indigenous organisations and other interest groups are underway across Australia to provide information on climate change and the implications and opportunities for Indigenous people. A number of large-scale fire management project areas will be established in the savanna regions of northern Australia and look at whether traditional fire management can be used to help reduce carbon emissions.
The traditional fire management project will be managed by the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance, which will partner with Indigenous land managers and scientists and researchers from Charles Darwin University and the CSIRO. This is an element of the Australian Government's Caring for our Country program.
Senator Wong said the initiative would investigate the legal framework for crediting emissions reductions from altered fire regimes and research their scientific and market potential.
For further information visit the Australian Government website.LGAQ develops new NRM planning guideline
A new guideline to assist Queensland local government officers integrate NRM issues into their local planning schemes has recently been released by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).
The guideline supports the previous document ‘Incorporating Natural Resource Management (NRM) into Planning Schemes–A Guideline for Queensland Local Governments’ developed in 2008.
The new guideline is focused on providing advice on how to implement NRM through the development ofa biodiversity and water management generic NRM provision, designed for planning scheme codes. Additional generic code provisions will be prepared for other aspects of NRM and added to the document as they are completed.
This guideline has been developed for planners and environmental professionals in local government by identifying an example of code structure and content, which provides a starting point for the development of locally specific codes.
The generic provisions in the guideline are not intended to be mandatory or form part of the standard planning scheme provisions being developed by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.
For further information, view the LGAQ guidelineor email Malcolm Petrie.One small step in Nambour is one giant leap for the environment
Nambour is a step closer to reducing its carbon footprint with the opening of the first Queensland Government environmentally friendly office building at the Maroochy Research Station.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Tim Mulherin said the new office reflects the future direction of the department as an eco-conscious organisation, and one that is intent on protecting our lifestyle and environment.
The building sets a benchmark for environmental standards in keeping with the State Government's Towards Q2 'green' aspirations, with a 2020 target to cut Queensland's carbon footprint by one-third.
The new regional office is co-located at the research station and annual savings are expected between 15 and 20 per cent on energy and 50 per cent on water, annually, compared to a typical office building.
Designed by Queensland Government owned, Project Services, the $2.2 million regional headquarters features controls for ventilation, lighting levels and glare; translucent cladding for more natural light and raked ceilings.
Pollution is minimised through reduced flows to the sewer and stormwater system, less dependence on coal-fired electricity for ventilation and lighting, and operational waste minimisation.
The office will accommodate 25 staff to work across the areas of industry and regional development, Biosecurity Queensland, and research, development and extension services. It is a reflection of the department's approach to modernise services to meet the challenges presented by a changing primary industries sector in order to accelerate future growth.
For more information visit the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation website.
Alternatively contact the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.
Reef updates
New research on coral growth decline hasserious implications for the Great Barrier Reef
Further evidence of the effects of climate change has been found in the widespread decline in growth rates of the major reef-building coral species porites.
The Australian Institute of Marine Science conducted the latest scientific research which has shown porites growth rates on the Great Barrier Reef (Reef) have dropped by 14 per cent since 1990, which is the slowest growth rate in 400 years. Because the slow growth was widespread, it’s not believed to be caused by local issues.
It is more likely, rising ocean temperature and acidity are the major causes of the reduced growth. This research adds to the growing weight of evidence that global climate change is already affecting the Reef.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Chairman Russell Reichelt says healthy coral reefs have a greater ability to withstand bleaching events than coral reefs under stress from pressure such as poor water quality.
Coral reefs can bounce back from a major disturbance if the natural ecosystem is operating normally. Queenslanders need to work together to minimise all stresses to the Reef and in this way help build its resilience to the effects of global warming and changing ocean acidity. This will help to ensure future generations are able to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
For further information visit the Australian Institute of Marine Science website.
Wetlands updates
Find out how wetlands work
The Queensland Wetlands Program has a new series of models showing how coastal zone wetlands function.
The models can be used by anyone, as complex ecological, hydrological and geomorphic processes and management challenges are explained in an easy-to-understand manner.
The models are a great resource for planners, consultants, teachers, landholders and on-ground workers. A 'make your own model' tool is also available to help students explore wetland connectivity.
Models for arid and semi-arid wetlands are under development. To view the models visit WetlandInfo.
The Queensland Wetlands Program is a joint initiative of the Queensland and Australian Governments to protect and restore wetlands across the state.
School champions for wetlands curriculum sought
Queensland schools are being encouraged to express their interest in using the Wetland Warriors curriculum.
The Queensland Wetlands Program has developed a Wetland Warriors curriculum that can be tailored to a school's local area making the healthy catchment message relevant to students.
The curriculum, designed for middle primary school children, contains all Queensland School Authority essential learnings. It also contains a field component with lots of fun learning. The Queensland Wetlands Program is offering a small grant to train and support the teachers involved.
Successfully trialled in two Townsville schools last year and more recently in Mackay, it includes sessions on how wetlands work, the impact of land management actions and the role wetlands play in maintaining catchment health.
Students learn how to protect, conserve and manage wetlands which includes a field trip and an indigenous-inspired story thread unit.
For more information about the curriculum or to register your interest email the wetlands team by 8 May 2009.
Naturalresources news
Continued commitment to ‘earth hour’ will ensure climate smarts
Support for managing climate change reached new global heights on 28 March 2009. Hundreds of millions of people across 25 time zones, more than 4000 cities and towns in 88 countries around the world, joined together and switched off lights to support Earth hour.
The world’s largest demonstration of public concern about climate change was made when people 'voted earth' and switched off their lights.
Earth Hour Global Director Andy Ridley stated, the level of global support showed a real desire from people all over the world, for urgent action on climate change. It provided a mandate for the world’s leaders to secure a new deal and define an effective global response when they meet in Copenhagen.
Mr Ridley further stated that the real task was to build on the momentum and really make those votes count in Copenhagen.
In the meantime, there is still much to be done by earth hour organisers over the next eight months. While the leaders of the world decide how to step up to meet the challenge, earth hour organisers need to make sure those world leaders do the right thing.
Earth Hour is a global climate change initiative that encourages individuals, businesses, governments and communities to turn out their lights for one hour on one day of the year to show their support for action on climate change. It began in Sydney, 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights. In 2008, just one year later more than 50 million people around the globe participated.
For further information visit the Earth hour website.
40 years of conservation captured and celebrated in classic style
Celebrating 40 years of conservation, Queensland Conservation, is marking the occasion with an innovative oral history project to document the state’s diverse conservation heritage.
Queensland Conservation Executive Director Toby Hutcheon stated, not only is this a great opportunity to celebrate a long history of conservation in Queensland, but it also highlights the long journey ahead to ensure protection of environmental heritage for future generations.
With funding from Q150, the project will capture and exhibit stories, photographs, maps and documents related to Queensland’s conservation leaders, campaigns and organisations.
All Queenslanders are encouraged to participate by contributing stories, photographs and historical documents.
For further information or to make a contribution please email Queensland Conservation oral history project.
Last chance to enter waterway awards
Time is running out to enter the annual Healthy Waterways Awards. Entries close on 22April, so get your entries in!
This is the first year award entries can be made online, making entering even simpler. If you know anyone whose work contributes to the health of our waterways please encourage them to enter.
Come along to the Healthy Waterways Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 20May to celebrate the achievements of the champions who devote their time to the waterways of South East Queensland. Tickets are available for $99, cost price. With only a limited number of tickets available, you'll have to bequick!
The Awards are open to anyone whose work contributes to achieving the South East Queensland Healthy Waterways Partnership's vision including individuals, schools, community groups, students, government, industry, researchers, planners and designers.
Over 400 of the Partnership's key stakeholders will beat the Awards Ceremonyincluding state and local government, industry, community, researchers and sponsors.
The eight award categories offer each winner $1500 and eligibility in the Minister's Grand Prize of $10,000, but you have to be in it to win!
For further information on award categories, entry forms, award night tickets or venue details, visit the Healthy Waterways website oremail Carla Mathisen.
Wine growers alerted to heatwave strategies
Wine grape growers were provided with some exacting and important findings recently, when the CSIRO released a survey of the effects of a heatwave on 100 South Australian properties in February this year.
The findings were presented at the International Greenhouse 09 conference held in Perth.
CSIRO Researcher Leanne Webb stated, the study found crops can survive heat stress with correct management which includes the layout of the vineyard and when to water crops. If the root zones were watered before a major heatwave, it proved to be of huge benefit to the survival of crops.
The research indicated that if growers did not wet the root zone before the event, the grapes suffered more.
The report found some regions in South Australia and Victoria were badly affected however it wasn't related to the temperature the vines were exposed to, but in fact more related to the management of the vines within the regions.
Sourced from ABC News
Pollution seeking robotfish due for release
Queensland’s water quality experts will be following the progress of robot pollution-detecting fish being trialled in the sea off the northern Spanish port of Gijon early next year. This is the first time this type of research will be trialled using independent thinking look-a-like fish!
British researchers from engineering company BMT Group and Essex University have joined forces to develop the five 1.5m long robot fish. BMT Senior research scientist Rory Doyle stated the robot fish will be able to navigate independently without any human interaction unlike earlier trials requiring remote controls to operate the fish.
The $42,000 carp-shaped robots mimic the movement of real fish and are equipped with chemical sensors to sniff out potentially hazardous pollutants that have leaked from vessels or underwater pipelines. This information is then transmitted back to shore using Wi-Fi technology, causing minimal interference to the routine of other fish species in the region.
The environment the fish will be working in is very important to the scientists. The design concept for a robot fish instead of a small submarine was centred around the notion of building on the energy efficiency of fish. This is not only because fish were created from hundreds of millions of years evolution but also because an independent robot fish would be able to navigate in the underwater environment for hours on end.
And if next year's trial in northern Spain is successful, there is high hope robot fish will be used in rivers, lakes and seas across the world.
To see the robot fish in action view the robot fish website.
Sourced from ABC News
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: SEQ Healthy Waterways Partnership
Title: Coordinator, Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program
Tenure: Contract position to June 2010 with option for renewal
Salary range: $70,000-$75,000 (excluding employee superannuation & on-costs)
Location:Brisbane CBD
Contact:For further information download Position Description from the Healthy Waterways website or email Gail Lloyd-apJohn or call on 3403 4503.
Closing date: 17 April
Thought for the week
It is no disgrace to start all over. It is usually an opportunity.
George Matthew Adams
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Last updated 05 May 2009