The Bugle - 29 May 2009
In news this week
Regional NRM group stories
- People’s passion can turn into profit
- Exciting marine and coastal NRM workshops in Cooktown
- Clearing the myths of the 3Cs
- Native fish showcase
- Tourism opportunities for Mutton Hole
Government updates
- WormBusters put a new spin on ‘dipstick’
- The future of water
- Which fish to fish is the question on everyone’s lips
- Gregory offers a lifestyle change
- Lantana is under attack from keen landholders
Reef updates
Wetlands updates
Natural resources news
- Landcare heroes, ordinary folk who do extraordinary things
- Sustainable Industries Awards gala night
- Innovative awards for young people up for grabs
- Renewed investment in rural and regional Australia
- Get a job in NRM!
Regional NRM group stories
People’s passion can turn into profit
Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ) is passionate about the communities and the unique landscapes out west.
However the landscape, while unique, is under increasing threat as large-scale mining move closer and closer. Western Queensland communities continue to show their tenacity and resilience in the face of population drift and economic downturn; the people and their fierce passion remain.
With the recession DCQ like everyone else has had to weigh its options on how to maintain and expand future works across its one-third of Queensland.
DCQ has created two new entities to generate funds for this purpose DC Solutions, the not-for-profit commercial arm of DCQ and the Desert Channels Foundation, DCQ’s philanthropic trust.
DC Solutions offers services in the fields of pest management, property planning, cultural surveys, event management, design and publishing, editing, filming and video production, creative communication, recruitment and retention, personality profiling and team-building, carbon audits, information management, mapping services and much more. For more information view the DC Solutions website.
The Desert Channels Foundation, while not yet officially constituted, has already received pledges for more than $10,000 from keen supporters. Donations can be tied to a specific outcome such as preservation of night parrot habitat or combating the spread of cane toads, or it can fund priorities as identified by DCQ. For more information, or to make your pledge, go to DC Foundation website.
For further information visit the DCQ website.
Exciting marine and coastal NRM workshops in Cooktown
Cape York Marine Advisory Group (CYMAG) is hosting the 4th Annual Marine and Coastal NRM workshop in Cooktown on 3–4 June funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, following the success of previous workshops.
The goal of the workshop is to continue promoting open communication and co-ordination between organisations conducting marine and coastal NRM in Cape York.
Key representative organisations will deliver presentations on their activities in Cape York marine and coastal NRM, and identify priorities for future activities. Presenters will also provide a one page abstract to be included in the Workshop Proceedings Report.
Day one will focus on: current government and NGO programs; introduction to Cape York NRM working group; Wetlands, Water Quality and Reef Research; biodiversity and aquatic species and weeds and feral animals.
Day two will focus on: supporting Cape York communities and NRM; current community NRM projects and an open forum to discuss the support needed by CYP Communities for NRM activities.
For further information visit the CYMAG website, phone Ian McCollum on 4069 5300 or email Christina Chowley.
Clearing the myths of the 3Cs
Carbon and Climate Change are words we hear everyday, however do people really understand how it affects them and their business?
Three information days were hosted by Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ) recently in Prairie, Winton and Barcaldine. More than 70 people in the Desert Channels region now have a better understanding after learning more about the ‘3Cs’ from CSIRO, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF) and Department of Environment and Resource Management scientists.
DCQ Industry Liaison Officer Colleen James said there seems to be some mis-information regarding carbon and climate change and DCQ wanted to give community members an opportunity to hear from experts in the field.The interactive sessions were popular and enabled landholders the opportunity to ask questions.
Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence senior scientist Dr Grant Stone, spoke on the climate change impacts on livestock carrying capacity and covered a wide range of issues that are likely to influence decisions on grazing.
CSIRO Systems Ecologist Dr Chris Stokes provided an overview of the carbon cycle in the rangelands to show some of the ways in which carbon storage may change the future. He highlighted how improving land condition and soil health can provide multiple benefits, and some of the risks, uncertainties and limitations involved in promoting carbon storage in rangelands.
QPIF Senior Scientist Dr Steven Bray discussed some of the challenges to developing a whole-property greenhouse gas budget using a hypothetical case study property to explore the impact of some of the management options.
For more information email Colleen James or phone 4658 0600.
Native fish showcase
Work is underway to boost native fish populations across the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin.
The Queensland Murray-Darling Committee’s (QMDC) Paul Webb said the annual Native Fish Strategy tour focussed on a different section of the Murray-Darling each year. An initiative of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, the Native Fish Strategy aims to boost the numbers of native fish across the system.
In the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin, a host of activities will be held that will not only help native fish thrive but also educate the community about the importance of overall riverine health.
This year, tour events will be held in the Toowoomba, Dalby, Warwick, Goondiwindi, Texas and Dirranbandi areas.
In addition to the keen interest and work from recreational groups such as the fishing clubs involved in monitoring, restocking and awareness raising activities such as the Carp Buster 2009 fishing series, landholders in the region also work to protect the riverine environment from stock and pollutants from cropping run-off.
Improved grazing land management, conservation tillage, contouring and riparian rehabilitation projects are just some of the activities being undertaken on many properties in the catchment. These works significantly reduce stream sediment loads and also improve in-stream habitats for native fish.
A series of River Walk signs have been erected recently around Goondiwindi as part of the Border Rivers Demonstration Reach project, which supports the rehabilitation of selected sections of the rivers to increase native fish populations and outline the positive impact of community work.
Native Fish Awareness Week promotes the Murray-Darling Basin Authority's Native Fish Strategy, which aims to bring back native fish populations to 60 per cent of estimated pre-European settlement levels within 50 years.
For further information visit the QMDC website.
Tourism opportunities for Mutton Hole
The Gulf community had the opportunity to have their say on the future of the Mutton Hole Wetlands at a community consultation forum recently held at the Normanton Visitors Information Centre.
The Mutton Hole Wetlands is a 7860 hectare land mass less than a kilometre north of Normanton and had previously formed part of the neighbouring Mutton Hole cattle station until the area was purchased by the Queensland Government in 2004. It was later declared a conservation area and managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service; however, the Carpentaria Shire Council will take over the wetlands in the future.
Northern Gulf Resource Management Group (NGRM) biodiversity and tourism officer Vicki Jones and CSIRO sustainable ecosystems representative Dr Isla Grundy conducted the community consultation.
There is strong support from the scientific and local communities for the wetlands to be used for bird surveys, teaching and eco-tourism. There has been little scientific investigation in the past due to its previous private ownership.
A model of the wetlands has been created by Normanton State School children with assistance from the Gulf Christian College and CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, to encourage the children to become interested in the project and talk about wetlands at school and at home.
The operational management proposed plan will highlight Aboriginal culture as well as the environmental values of the monsoons in the Gulf in a plan to develop sustainable tourism and environmental management of the wetlands.
For further information visit the NGRM website.
Government updates
WormBusters put a new spin on ‘dipstick’
Technology used to detect bowel cancer in humans is now being used to improve the health of sheep and boost productivity.
Researchers with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF), and the Sheep Co-operative Research Centre, have been involved in the commercialisation of a 'dipstick' test that enables early on-farm diagnosis of the potentially fatal barber's pole worm.
Maxine Lyndal-Murphy from the QPIF WormBuster parasitology group said the new 'dipstick' test was similar to bowel cancer testing as it detects occult blood in faeces.
Barber's pole is the main worm parasite in sheep in Queensland and northern NSW costing the industry up to $30 million per year in lost production and costs associated with failures of chemical treatments.
In its acute form it can rapidly cause death. Currently, producers can wait two days or longer for results of a conventional worm egg count test and another week for more detailed laboratory analysis for barber's pole. If treatment is necessary then sheep have to be re-mustered, incurring extra expense in terms of time and labour.
Early intervention will stop the progress of the infection before it has time to reduce productivity and cause sheep deaths, especially lambs and weaners during the warm wet summers. Once the dipstick becomes commercially available later this year, producers will be able to do their own sampling and testing and decide whether sheep needed worm treatment.
For further information visit the QPIF website or call phone 13 25 23.
The future of water
The Water for the Future initiative designed to meet the challenges of water scarcity and climate change, has been up and running for a year and work is well underway to secure water supplies for all Australians and improve the environment.
The Australian Government's 10 year, $12.9 billion investment in strategic programs includes infrastructure investment, buying back water entitlements, improved water management arrangements and a renewed commitment to water reform nationally.
The investment focuses on four key priorities: taking action on climate change, using water wisely, securing water supplies, and supporting healthy rivers.
With the drought continuing in many areas, and the reality of climate change unfolding, the need for concerted action to help irrigators and their communities adjust to lower water availability, is very real.
The Minister for Climate Change and Water Senator Penny Wong spoke about the challenges and choices faced in dealing with Australia's water issues as the keynote speaker at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia's Water for the Future forum in Adelaide on 18 May.
For a copy of the keynote address visit the Minister for Climate Change and Water website.
Which fish to fish is the question on everyone’s lips
Recreational anglers are being reminded about ‘no take’ Queensland fish species which are off limits.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said there were a number of species protected in Queensland to help boost vulnerable fish stocks.
‘No take’ means just that and fishers found in possession of ‘no take’ species face fines of up to $100,000.
These fish have been identified as particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure. Some of the species are protected because of the concern about stock levels, however, others such as chinaman fish are known to cause ciguatera poisoning.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol Education Officer Karl Roebuck said many of the no take species are 'quintessentially Queensland' and it is important for recreational anglers to identify them to protect these fish in the future.
In addition to the already protected great white and grey nurse sharks, a number of vulnerable shark species have also been declared no take. From 1 July, all sawfish and speartooth sharks are included as they have also been identified as vulnerable.
For further information about which fish to fish visit the QPIF website or phone 13 25 23.
Gregory offers a lifestyle change
The Gregory community will benefit from the latest round of Blueprint for the Bush funding. This investment in the future of rural and regional Queensland enables communities to deliver practical measures to address development issues.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the Longreach Regional Council would receive $8000 through round four of this year's Our Place, Our Future initiative.
The funding will enable the council to attend the 2009 Country Regional Expo in Brisbane in late November to showcase the region to prospective employees and families interested in a lifestyle change.
This investment helps to strengthen and enhance relationships between rural and urban areas and helps build networks and support needed to attract and retain skilled workers.
The Government's Blueprint for the Bush - Our Place Our Future initiative provides rural and remote communities with the resources to build a more sustainable future.
More than 150 Blueprint for the Bush initiatives across the state have increased sustainability of primary production and prosperity of rural Queensland.
For a copy of the full media release visit the media statement website.
Lantana is under attack from keen landholders
An increasing number of Central Coast landholders are looking for answers to control a huge spike in the spread of lantana after recent favourable growing seasons.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said lantana was listed as a weed of national significance and currently infests some four million hectares of Queensland and New South Wales grazing lands.
Lantana costs the grazing industry around $104 million annually in lost productivity and control costs and has an invasive potential to cover 35 million hectares. Some graziers in the Mackay region are literally confronted with a wall of lantana on their properties and are keen to develop management plans for control options.
Since December, more than 200 people have attended lantana control field days held in Mirani, Eungella, Proserpine and Sarina to learn cost-effective mechanical and chemical control measures.
In April Biosecurity Queensland officers in Mackay hosted two of the field days at Sarina and Proserpine districts in conjunction with Mackay and Whitsunday Regional Councils, Sarina and Whitsunday Landcare Catchment Associations and Mackay Regional Pest Management Group.
Lantana poisoning is yet another management issue for livestock owners and the field days provided an opportunity to outline the clinical signs to watch for and the treatment options. Participants were also provided with an update on research projects investigating biological control measures.
For a copy of the full media release visit the media statement website.
Reef updates
Dive into the ocean and explore the Reef
State-of-the-art technology now allows people to dive beneath the water surface and explore 3D underwater terrain of the Great Barrier Reef (Reef), without leaving their computer.
Google Ocean includes ocean-related content which has been compiled from contributions by marine managers such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).
GBRMPA Chairman Russell Reichelt said this technology allows people from all over the world to experience one of Queensland’s greatest natural treasures.
Google Ocean opens up new opportunities to educate the community about the Reef, presenting its natural wonders to everyone from school children to scientists.
The 'Explore the Ocean' layer highlights the Great Barrier Reef and other protected areas from around the world and allows exploration of a three dimensional ocean including bathymetric features.
Users can zoom in on the ocean to see a dynamic water surface, and once beneath the surface they can navigate a 3D sea floor.
The content was developed with the help of the GBRMPA and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies.
For further information visit the GBRMPA website or the google ocean layer.
Fishers need to strike a balance with new rules
Recreational and commercial fishers will need to brush up on their rules with a number of changes to regulations recently coming into effect throughout Queensland.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said the new rules were aimed at ensuring sustainable fisheries. The majority of these new rules came into effect on 1 March, however some changes will be phased in over time to give fishers time to adjust.
The changes to the Inshore Fin Fish Fishery – the largest and most diverse fishery in the State – the East Coast Trawl, East Coast Tropical Rock Lobster, Crab and Freshwater fisheries have now been finalised.
As Queensland's population has doubled in the past 30 years to 4.3 million, and most of that growth has occurred along the coast, it has placed greater pressure on its fishing resources. There has also been a significant increase in boat ownership and fishers on the water, this coupled with improvements in fishing technology, gives a greater capacity for catching fish.
It is important to Queensland's economy that commercial fishing remains viable and recreational anglers are able to continue enjoying the Queensland fishing experience.
The changes include new bag and size limits for some of the most popular species like whiting and flathead. Changes have also been made to the commercial fisheries including the East Coast Net Fishery which targets shark, grey mackerel and barramundi; the East Coast Trawl Fishery, which targets prawns and scallops; and the East Coast Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery.
For further information visit the QPIF website or phone 13 25 23.
Wetlands updates
Celebrating how Cape York cares for its wetlands
A celebration of Cape York wetlands and Caring for our Country will take place in Laura on 30 May.
The celebration will raise awareness of the importance of wetland management in Cape York and discuss how modern scientific NRM and traditional knowledge complements each other.
Cape York Peninsula Landcare along with other Cape York NRM providers and organisations including South Cape York Catchments, Cape York Marine Advisory Group (CYMAG), Cape York Weeds and Feral Animal Program (CYWAFAP), Cook Shire Council, Hopevale Community Arts and Cultural Centre and the Laura Ang Gnarra Rangers, will host the event.
A highlight of the day will be two documentaries: one was produced by CYMAG, on a biodiversity study undertaken with the Traditional Owners of the Jack Lakes area and the future joint management of Jack Lakes with Traditional Owners and the Environmental Protection Agency; the second documentary was produced by the North Australia Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance, to showcase the activities of Cape York Indigenous Rangers.
In addition local artists from Hopevale and Cooktown will express Caring for our Country through their artform. Artists include ‘Black Image’ singers – Deadly Award winners, Hopevale dance troupe, painters, weavers and photographers.
Transport, meals, camping and all entertainment will be provided by the hosting organisations. Buses will also be organised so be sure to book early so you don't miss out!
For further information and to make bookings phone Cape York Peninsula Landcare on 4069 5046.
Reviving our wetlands
"Revive our Wetlands" is a nation-wide industry funded project to turn wetlands back to their natural state. The project team were at Central Queensland’s Byellee wetlands this week.
This project is an industry funded Conservation Volunteers Australia program, to help restore and maintain the health of significant wetlands through volunteer engagement while building local community capacity.
The project focuses on birds and wildlife and the team has been tasked with controlling erosion at the site.
The site covers an area of Calliope River mangroves, saltpans and freshwater lagoons that contains a rich diversity of bird species.
More than $1.8 million is being invested for: volunteer coordination; school education; project management and monitoring of program sites. This brings the total contribution since 2000, to $5 million.
Five key wetlands sites will benefit including: Upper Spencer Gulf, Desert Coasts Wetlands in South Australia, Townsville Town Common Queensland, Southern Rivers Wetlands New South Wales, Beeliar Regional Park Wetlands Western Australia and Point Cook Coastal Park, Cheetham Wetlands Victoria.
In addition, 50 other wetlands will receive hands-on conservation assistance, 100 schools will be engaged and more than 10,000 volunteer days contributed.
For further information please visit the Conservation Volunteers website.
Natural resources news
Landcare heroes, ordinary folk who do extraordinary things
Landcare is made up of extraordinary Australians, identifying local problems and finding solutions for them. People involved in Landcare and Coastcare prove the ‘think local, act global’ slogan really works.
In their 18th year, the Landcare Heroes Awards recognise the achievements of many dedicated people who give up their time to care for our precious land and water resources.
Through the actions of thousands of Landcare groups across Australia, this country will tackle the big environmental challenges of climate change, loss of biodiversity and long term sustainability.
The good news is this quiet environmental revolution is happening right now across rural and urban Australia! Landcare invites all Queenslanders to make some noise about the environment and is also on the look-out for individuals, groups and community networks who deserve to be recognised.
There is a category for everyone so nominate yourself, a group, or local environmental heroes to win Queensland’s top Landcare prize and be an inspiration to everyone else.
For further information or to vote visit the Landcare heroes website.
Sustainable Industries Awards gala night
The prestigious Queensland 2009 Sustainable Industries Awards are on again and will be celebrated with a gala dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 12 June.
These annual awards are the Queensland Government’s paramount recognition of industry leaders in sustainability, innovation and eco-efficiency.
Visionary Queensland companies are developing innovative products and practices that lower consumption of fossil fuels and water, and cut waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Award finalists include Australia’s first self-sustaining industrial estate, a carbon-cutting fresh food distributor, a peak organisation helping rural landholders conserve vast amounts of land, an innovative cleaning company and a multi-million-dollar sustainable rail infrastructure program.
This is the perfect opportunity for everyone including colleagues, peers, industry associates and corporate guests to network with Queensland sustainable business leaders carving a path in environmental innovation.
It is anticipated Premier Anna Bligh will present the Premier’s Award for ClimateSmart Leadership, and Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Kate Jones will present the Minister’s Award for ClimateSmart Leadership.
For further information or to purchase tickets visit the Sustainable Awards website.
Innovative awards for young people up for grabs
Young Queenslanders with innovative ideas that will boost Australia’s rural industries can apply for up to $50,000 under a national awards program.
The 2009 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry—coordinated by the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS)—are open to Australians aged 18 to 35 who work or study in primary industries. Applications close on 3 July.
BRS Executive Director Karen Schneider said the 13 awards present a great opportunity for young innovators to contribute to the future of rural industries by helping them to convert their ideas into reality.
The awards range from fisheries and forestry, to grains, grapes and wine. Since 2001, more than 100 young people have received awards, including 19 Queenslanders.
The 2009 award winners can use the funding for a range of activities such as conducting research projects, visiting industry or attending conferences. The 2008 Australian Animal Welfare Strategy Award Winner Stephanie Sinclair will use her award to investigate the application of a topical anesthetic and antiseptic for pain relief in northern beef cattle during dehorning.
For further information or an application pack visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website or call on 02 6272 5039.
Renewed investment in rural and regional Australia
A record $24 billion will be invested in rural and regional Australia, to build stronger communities, deliver better infrastructure, and protect regional and rural communities from the worst of the global recession.
Budget measures that will help support rural and regional Australian communities include $866 million to support primary producers; $21.2 billion to upgrade regional infrastructure; $1.7 billion to support local communities and more than $450 million to drive rural research and development.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese said the funding in regional and rural infrastructure is to support jobs, stimulate local economies and deliver long-lasting benefits in communities.
Every council and shire in regional Australia will share in $430 million from the $800 million Community Infrastructure Program. Work is already underway, with more than 3000 local projects being funded, including new and upgraded local community centres, town halls, sports grounds, swimming pools, parks and playgrounds, as well as revitalising town centres and main streets.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said rural and regional Australia continues to feel the effects of the global recession. The Federal Government is working to minimise its impacts on rural and regional economies, to build stronger communities, and to boost productivity and growth for the long-term.
Helping Australian primary producers prepare for climate change and promoting their role in global food security is also a top priority.
For the full media release visit the media statement 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 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 Water
Title: Senior Catchment Scientist
The successful person will be responsible for coordinating the delivery of specialist projects related to reservoir management and the compliance of Seqwater reservoirs to existing industry and regulatory standards, with a focus on issues relating to the mobilisation and transport of pollutants originating in the catchment.
Location: Brisbane
Contact:For more information on this position, please contact Ben Bolt on 07-3035-5746.
Closing date: 8 June 2009.
Thought for the week
To choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, is to choose one’s own way.
Viktor Frankl
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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.
Last updated 09 June 2009