Summer 2000 Victorian Victorian 18 ISSUE andcareandcare LL & CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT

Garden thugs revealed!

Dense Waterweed threatens rivers

Degorseing Corindhap

Fighting the curse – weed feature issue

Editorial contributions Carrie Tiffany, Tiffany and Associates CONTENTS 1 Lane Street, Blackburn North 3130 CONTENTS Phone (03) 9894 2169 Fax (03) 9894 2515 E-mail: [email protected]

Mailing list enquiries Weed warriors? Brenan Wotherspoon, Victorian Farmers Meet the Trewins Garden thugs Federation, Phone (03) 9207 5527 Fax (03) 9207 5500 9 12-13 E-mail: [email protected]

Advertising The recapture Paul Crock of Mexican Treeplanting Phone 0418 377 264 Fax (03) 9428 4676 Feathergrass gets groovy Cover photograph: 15 18 Paterson’s Curse in the Euroa hills by Paul Crock Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management is published for the Victorian Landcare community by the Victorian Farmers Federation in partnership with the Department of While every effort has been made to Natural Resources and Environment, Alcoa World Alumina , the Victorian ensure the accuracy of statements in Catchment Management Council and the Natural Heritage Trust. Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Magazine the Victorian Farmers Federation, its partners, agents, servants, and contractors disclaim all responsibility for the statements quoted herein.

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LEEDS RFCP29066 FromFrom thethe editorseditors

Weeds are a constant source of concern for landholders. Controlling weeds requires vigilance and good co-ordination with neighbouring land managers. The small bulbils on the flowering stems of Bulbil Watsonia are easily carried along roadsides by slashers and other machinery. In this issue of Landcare and Catchment Management we chart the progress of Particular emphasis is placed on dealing Farewell Gabrielle Sheehan groups and individuals tackling some with new weeds, on the importance of of our common weeds and look at the One of our editors, Gabrielle Sheehan cooperative arrangements and on strict threats posed by new and emerging weeds. from NRE, has left us to move on to a enforcement where an individual’s new position at Melbourne Water. Regional Weed Action Plans inaction places community effort at risk. Gabrielle has been keenly involved in the All of the Regional Weed Action ’s Regional Catchment magazine for several years and was one of Management Authorities are planning for Plans include an analysis of the current the instigators of our broader ‘catchment big advances in weed control by preparing situation, a discussion of the research and management perspective’. Regional Weed Action Plans through investigation required, priority species, substantial community consultation. cost sharing guidelines, management We wish her well in her new endeavours – options, an outline of roles and no doubt we’ll be seeing an increase in The action plans cover a five to ten responsibilities, targets and timelines and water stories in coming issues! year period and aim to minimise the a monitoring and evaluation component. Please keep your stories and letters economic, environmental and social coming. We are always interested in impacts of declared and potential pests We encourage all landholders to get a hearing from our readers. for community benefit. The priority copy of the Weed Action Plan for their species and locations are identified. region as soon as it is available. Lyall Grey, Jo Safstrom, Carrie Tiffany RABBAIT® Pindone Oat Bait The Proven Solution Conveniently packaged solutions for the largest to smallest rabbit problems Easy to use with reduced risk to other animals Available over the counter at all leading rural merchant stores Contact Your local merchant for more information

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Another Quality Product from Animal Control Technologies. The makers of FOXOFF®, MOUSEOFF® Zinc Phosphide and NEW MOUSEOFF® Bromodialone. Trade Enquiries Welcome - PO Box 379 Somerton Victoria 3062 Junior Landcare School mites grow gorse mites in the classroom! By Raelene Kwong

Weed Awareness is a school education The tiny red mites, which feed only on program being run by Agriculture gorse, suck out the contents of the plant Victoria’s Keith Turnbull Research cells weakening the gorse bushes and Institute. Students team up with scientists causing them to produce less seed. to help control weeds by breeding and The students reared the gorse spider releasing natural enemies of the weed, mites in their classrooms. They were called biological control agents. provided with a cage, overhead lights, Many of the weeds present in Australia containers and the mites. The students John Stoner from KTRI talking were brought in without their natural propagated or collected gorse plants to to students about gorse. enemies, such as insects, mites and fungi. feed the mites. When the mites had run These natural enemies help to keep the out of food, the students transferred them They worked with local Landcare and weeds under control in their countries to new gorse foliage. The old food wasn’t community groups, Parks Victoria rangers of origin. Biological control works by thrown out as it contained hundreds of and NRE officers to release their mites at restoring the ecological balance between eggs laid into the silken web covering the local gorse infestation. All of the schools a weed and its natural enemies. branches. The branches were placed into involved got together at the release site nursery containers to allow the eggs to so they could discuss the program and The Weed Awareness program is hatch and increase the number of mites compare their efforts in rearing the mites. currently targeting gorse (furze) – one in the colony. of Australia’s worst weeds. Twelve Darraweit Guim, Lancefield, Langley, schools have been breeding and releasing Using this technique, the students reared Hastings, Hastings West Park, Bittern, thousands of gorse spider mites. thousands of mites over a six-week period. Somers, Crib Point and Balnarring primary schools were involved, as well Mites are released under shelters to protect them from the rain. as Bellarine Peninsula Secondary College. The benefits of this program have been enormous. The students’ knowledge of biological control and weed management has increased significantly. It has also provided them with the opportunity to be involved with other members of the community on trying to solve a local weed problem. The program was a group effort with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, , BHP, Upper Maribyrnong Landcare Group, Swan Bay Catchment Group, friends of local koala and wildlife groups and Parks Victoria all involved. For further information contact Raelene Kwong on (03) 9785 0171.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 5 Mitchell Shire Council

Stockpiles of gorse are burnt off along the Kilmore Creek.

As you drive up the Highway Weed inspection linked to planning permits This process is still being refined, but away from Melbourne the first rural appears to be working well. The Council is proactive in weed control shire you enter is the Shire of Mitchell. in the Mitchell Shire and is taking steps The Environmental Unit works in Mitchell Shire Council covers 2858 to eradicate and control all noxious weeds cooperation, where appropriate, with square kilometres of rural Victoria and within the Shire. Appropriate planning the relevant Catchment Management includes the major towns of Wallan, permit applications are referred to the Authorities and NRE, to create an Kilmore, Broadford, Seymour and . Shire’s Environment Officer who integrated regional approach to land Mitchell Shire Council is becoming undertakes an inspection of the property. management across the Shire and increasingly involved in environment This inspection includes taking note of related catchments. management – its broad aims are to any noxious weeds, pest animals, erosion The planning permit process is an protect and enhance the natural or other land degradation problems. important part of an overall approach environment. The Environmental The Environment Officer then makes a by the Mitchell Shire to target pest Management Unit and the Landuse recommendation, which appears on the plants, in particular gorse and Planning Department amalgamated at planning permit. Typical conditions blackberries. the start of the 1999/2000 year – this include that the landholders must take partnership was a step towards Council The Council is committed to an reasonable steps to eradicate and/or improving the quality of the environmental integrated raft of environmental control the spread of gorse on the advice given on planning permit management programs. property, as per the Catchment and Land applications and on other planning issues. Protection Act 1994.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 6 gets tough on weeds By Elyse Garmston

Land Management Rebate Scheme Each member provides an important link to their relevant agency, community group The Land Management Rebate Scheme, and own networks within the Shire and is a financial incentive available to is encouraged to take a proactive role landholders with properties four hectares in promoting the Shire’s environmental and over to undertake and/or maintain programs and in receiving feedback works that address land degradation on from the wider Mitchell community. their property. The rebate scheme is an important Weed control – Council-owned land facet of the Environmental Unit at Mitchell Shire Council allocated the Shire and provides an incentive for $60,000 over two years (1999-2000) environmental works on privately owned for weed control on Council-owned land land. It also acts as a good first point of and is working towards the ambitious contact for environmental education aim of creating a gorse and blackberry and awareness. In the 2000/2001 year free shire in ten years time. 62% (1820) of the eligible landholders applied for the rebate, this equates to 78% Mitchell Shire Council sees this of the eligible land area. The scheme is program as an integral part of the overall environment program – it sets in its third year of operation and still Elyse Garmston inspects Whiteheads Creek generates a lot of interest. a good example, complies with the west of Seymour. Catchment and Land Protection Mitchell Shire Environment Committee Act 1994 and illustrates that we are practising what we preach. The Mitchell Shire Environment • a display at the Seymour Alternative Committee includes representatives Education Farming Expo in February 2001; of NRE, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and local The education component of the • new landholder kits, containing Landcare, environment and environmental management program information about natural resource community groups. includes: management will continue to be distributed to all new landholders over The main purpose of the committee • a land management calendar/poster currently being developed with the four hectares, on a six-monthly basis; is to provide advice and make formal and recommendations to Council on Macedon Ranges and Mount matters concerning the management Alexander Shires; • a 2000 edition of the Land of the natural environment. Management Information Directory, which lists local farm, environmental and land management services and is an important local environmental education material.

Building Bridges Project Mitchell Shire Council continues to support local land management through its commitment to the Building Bridges Sugarloaf to Darebin Project. This project involves bringing city students to the Mitchell Shire to assist in salinity control works. For further information contact Elyse Garmston at Mitchell Shire Council on (03) 5734 6200.

Works on the Wallan Creek. Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 7 Herbicide advice for

environmental weeds By Nigel Ainsworth

Whenever people involved in the or that everyone has already got all the I recently carried out a survey on control of environmental weeds get information they need? If there was only herbicides for environmental weeds. together they begin discussing herbicides. one inquiry about Watsonia would that Results so far show off-target herbicide The impression I get is that there’s a lot indicate low demand or has that person effects on native plants was what most of knowledge out there from years of passed information (possibly with people wanted information on, with practical experience, but at the same distortions) to dozens of other people? advice for weeds not on labels and on time many people frustrated by being general environmental effects of unable to get relevant and reliable herbicides also popular. information for their particular problems. Field experience slow to influence A few environmental weeds are covered by publications like Best Bet Practical experiences with herbicides Management Guides produced by are not always widely communicated. the Weeds CRC, Landcare Notes There may be a feeling that trials or management handbooks, were not done properly – with formal and have registered herbicides. experimental designs and statistics, or that observations are only of Advice for many other local interest. Another reason weeds is harder to come may be fears that doing the by, especially new weeds. trials contravened legislation, Good advice is crucial although most of the informal trials I have heard of in Most people would Victoria were legal off-label agree that even when use. The end result is often information exists it is that experience in the field is often hard to find. This slow to influence publications matters because without or herbicide labels. appropriate advice users can damage valued native NRE policy quite rightly stops species or neighbouring staff giving advice based on crops or simply achieve rumours or guesswork, or on poor weed control. matters outside their area of Weed control may even competence. Sometimes there be neglected because after just isn’t any reliable information available. On other occasions chasing around different there may be specialist advice sources and assessing conflicting available within NRE but delays advice the whole thing just while local staff refer the inquiry to seems too difficult. the right person and details are checked. Why is it like this? Unlike weeds of Wherever you get herbicide advice pastures or crops the herbicide market from make sure it is current, applicable for most environmental weeds is very to your area and from a reliable source; small, so companies are understandably a good indication is willingness to uninterested in developing such uses. issue written advice. Unfortunately NRE is not always aware of what information is needed. It is important to keep track of what the For further information contact For example, if no questions about issues are so we can assemble the relevant Nigel Ainsworth at the CRC for Watsonia are received does this mean advice and also direct the small budget for Weed Management Systems on that Watsonia is not important, experiments to where it will do most good. (03) 9785 0184.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 8 WEED WARRIORS? –

meet the Trewins from Barcoo Ridge By Irene Grant

To fully realise the productive potential According to Michael, Barcoo Ridge had However, don’t get neurotic about it of their farm Michael and Shirley Trewin received little or no weed maintenance either, because they do come back and you believed their first major task was to get rid over the years and the soil fertility levels just have to keep at it.” of the weeds, in particular Paterson’s Curse. were at an all time low. Barcoo Park was covered with a variety of The Trewins came to their Barcoo Ridge Years of neglect broadleafed weeds including Paterson’s property overlooking Lake Hume at Curse, capeweed, blackberry, briar and Granya in north-east Victoria eight years “There had been an attitude that, at thistles. ago, and they describe the land as being in worst, nothing could be done about the a “dreadful state”. In less than five years the problem of weeds, and at best, weeds were Achieving productive potential good early stock feed,” Michael said. Trewins have significantly reduced their “We broke up the farm into manageable weed problem and effectively increased the “However, I very quickly realised that sections so the problem does not seem as productivity of the farm by up to 50%. everything that is green isn’t necessarily great and the results are much more According to Les Broadhurst, NRE good grass and to stay in business we obvious.” had to focus on increasing the overall Catchment Management Officer at Paddocks were reduced in size and the productivity of the farm. The immediate Walwa, the Trewin’s property had been Trewins took advantage of rotational effect we had on weeds went way a weed disaster zone. grazing principles to improve the overall beyond the cost of the spray; we did quality of the pasture while reducing the “They have done a remarkable job, it in achievable steps, but we were impact of weeds. making improvements in two years that committed right from the beginning.” would normally take five,” Les said. A tree planting and gully improvement Michael believes chemicals are not a program, with some 4100 trees planted this running cost but a capital improvement season alone, has also been implemented and had every farm vehicle fitted with a throughout the farm with dramatic results. spray unit to opportunistically spray weeds over the whole of the 800 hectare “To achieve the productive potential Michael Trewin: property. of the farm we incorporate sustainable “What others see practices wherever possible. It is important as a waste I see “With weeds you have to be very as a capital for us to leave the farm and the disciplined, be prepared to get off improvement.” environment in a better physical state your backside and progressively than when we came here. It is great to attack the problem, and not be able to see the improvements we have just at certain times of the made and that the work we have done year, it is something we do has made a real difference.” all year round. For more information contact Irene Grant at NRE North East on (03) 5720 1759.

Green, weed-free grass of home – the Trewin’s property at Granya. Degorseing

Marie Curtis hopes other groups will learn from the Corindhap experience.

Ever since the introduction of gorse (or “Since we moved into the district nine Mechanical removal furze) to the Ballarat region, landholders years ago, we have reclaimed at least 35 “When we first started on our property, we have either loved it or hated it. Over 150 acres of land on our property, using needed to identify our boundaries because years later, a dedicated Neighbourhood various means – proving that with positive the gorse was terribly thick,” Marie said. Group within the Woady Yaloak Catchment effort we can keep the land clear of the Project has tackled the weed head-on in a weed and increase our productivity. “We used a bulldozer to clear our fence concerted effort to rid it from their area. line and, in the process, pushed up large “The tremendous support from the Woady heaps of the gorse. The dozer was useful According to Marie and Tony Curtis, with Yaloak Catchment Project helped us to in compacting the plants and reducing the dedication and peer support, the landscape achieve our personal goals, however when volume. These heaps were burnt and the can be cleared and productivity returned. the Neighbourhood Group initiative was areas cleared were subsequently sprayed developed, it gave us the with Grazon,” she said. opportunity to work with our neighbours to achieve Burning much more at a local level.” Tony said that once they had some clear Marie explained that with space around the boundary, burning the support of the Woady remaining stands of gorse proved to be a Project, the Corindhap convenient way to reduce large volumes Gorse Group has been able quite cheaply. to trial different methods of gorse control, finding some “The heat of the fire obviously destroyed better than others. some of the seed in the soil, but what was not destroyed has since germinated prolifically. Excavators in the creeks “When these new seedlings appeared, it and gullies proved successful in removing was quite easy to spray them with Grazon established gorse stands. – an effective way of killing thousands of immature plants,” he said. Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 10 Group News Corindhap By Paul Crock

Tony made the point that if the seedlings were not sprayed, the problem would be back thick and fast. He also stressed the importance of informing the local CFA of your intentions to carry out a burn to ensure the conditions are right and that there is no chance of it getting out of control.

Mulching Members of the gorse group had also trialled the use of a large mulcher on a big stand of mature plants. The area was mulched, worked up and sown down Earthmoving equipment has been used to pile up the gorse and burn it off. with a turnip crop. After the turnips, it was sown down with an annual hay crop Tony explained that creek frontages with Enforcement and then down to perennial pasture in a mixed population of native vegetation Like many community issues dealing the autumn of the third year. is an example where burning is difficult with pest plants and animals, there are and careful spraying is a solution. Marie said that the cropping phases were always a few people who do not see the important after mulching but within two “The helped the benefits of eradicating the problem. to three years a carpet of gorse seedlings group by organising the spraying of While the Corindhap community is still appeared and had to be sprayed. some of the worst roadside infestations getting motivated to attack the problem, in the area,” Tony said. some landholders and land managers Control timetable are not sharing their enthusiasm. “The Woady Yaloak Project has also “The timeframe for realistic control of helped by providing incentive funding As part of the Ballarat Gorse Task gorse is at least three years,” Marie said. to help people have a go.” Force, NRE are providing technical “In the first year, burning in late spring, support should the need arise. slashing and clearing the debris, is a good Bio-control “The department is working more closely start. The area should be worked up and In their quest to eradicate gorse from with communities that are willing to try sown down with a summer crop – such hard to reach areas, the Corindhap Group, and eradicate gorse (and rabbits) from as turnips. This helps germinate more of with the support of the Woady Project, their area by providing facilitation support the seed left in the soil, which is in turn and under guidance of researchers from and technical assistance for landholders killed by cultivating in the autumn and the Keith Turnbull Research Institute, who become involved in what we are establishing perennial pasture,” Marie said. established a nursery site for the new doing,” Marie said. “Once the pasture is down, small gorse gorse spider mite. “If people still do nothing, then NRE seedlings will still appear, some may “This new biological control agent is a have advised us that they will be issuing be out-competed by pasture growth and small mite that is attracted to the flowers Land Management Notices to those who some grazed by sheep. of the gorse plant and attacks the seeds,” have had every opportunity to undertake “For the stronger seedlings, maintenance Marie said. works but have refused to do so.” and vigilant spot spraying over the next She accepted that this new weapon would Marie said that this change in policy also two years are the key to attaining a not be a quick fix, but that it would help gorse-free status,” she said. applied to crown land managers and that bring more balance to the problem by action was now being started in areas that Marie and Tony now budget for at least helping check the spread of the weed. were previously not considered a priority. five litres of Grazon herbicide each year for follow-up spot spraying activities. “We have two nursery sites set aside to Marie hopes that the Corindhap help the mites build up in numbers,” Neighbourhood Project will provide a Spraying she said. model for other areas in the catchment and elsewhere to help similar communities Chemical control of larger areas of gorse “Hopefully, from this site we can start control their gorse. is very expensive, but is in some cases to build sustainable populations of the necessary where mechanical removal mite for release into other areas close-by.” For more information contact Marie by bulldozer or burning is not an option. and Tony Curtis on (03) 5346 1476.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 11 Our gardens are growing

Victorian farmers may be distressed to It can also be found growing under Along many Victorian roadsides, plants hear that their home gardens are the prominent perch trees in the middle of such as Spanish Heath (Erica lusitanica), source of many weeds. In Australia, over paddocks or bushland where birds have Bulbil Watsonia (Watsonia meriana var. 700 garden plants have been recognised stopped and dropped seed-filled faeces. bulbillifera), Sparaxis (Sparaxis species) as invasive weeds. These garden thugs are and broom (Cytisus scoparius, Genista Blackberry (Rubus species) and Boneseed the garden plants grown for their beauty monspessulana, Genista linifolia, (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. and hardiness that then jump the back Chamaecytisus palmensis, etc.) are monilifera) are other plants readily fence and invade farm and bushland. spreading rapidly. spread by birds and foxes. Paterson’s Curse (Echium plantagineum) Hygiene is very important on and between Wind is another carrier of weed seeds. is a classic example. Grown for its beautiful farms. Checking and quarantining stock is Pampas Grass (Cortaderia species) has purple flowers back in the 1800s, it escaped a good idea to remove weed seeds before huge fluffy plumes, each of which can from gardens and now occurs in every State entering a new area. Ensure weeds such as contain 100,000 seeds that can be carried and Territory costing Australian agriculture Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) by the wind 30 kilometres or more. over $35 million each year. or Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma) Willow (Salix species) and a number of are not harvested with hay and moved to St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), grasses are other plants spread by wind. new areas. Cleaning soil and plant Blackberry (Rubus species), Boneseed Water can wash seeds and plant parts material from machinery and vehicles (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. down slopes, watercourses and drains. before being moved to a new farm or monilifera) and Broom (Cytisus scoparius) In east , 40 kilometres of the paddock also makes good sense. Many are a few more examples of plants that Tambo River below Omeo is infested with weeds such as Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) cause great economic and environmental Periwinkle (Vinca major), a popular garden and Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) damage. The natural homes of many of ground cover with mauve flowers. Every can be carried in soil on vehicles and our much-loved indigenous plants and time the river floods, plant parts are equipment. Weed seeds also collect in tyre animals are under threat. washed further downstream where they treads, grilles and gutters of vehicles. How do they spread? root and grow into new infestations. Getting stuck into the garden Many garden thugs have berries and seeds Then of course there are many weeds If you have a garden, check to see if plants that are carried by birds and animals from spread in hay, soil and on farm and are spreading into nearby bush. Dispose of gardens into surrounding bushland and roadside maintenance equipment. garden prunings and waste carefully to farming areas. Those living in the minimise spread. Avoid dumping piles and other areas infested with Bridal of garden waste in bushland, over the Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) back fence, in paddocks or along will be familiar with this weed along roadsides. Compost it, dispose roadsides. Birds have carried berries of it through local council from gardens and now spread collection services or it along the roadsides. take it to the tip.

The magnificent flowers of Morning Glory distract gardeners while the plant strangles other garden plants. It also strangles the bush when it escapes. Research Results thugs! By Kate Blood

Ensure trailers and utes are covered so Keen gardeners and nursery people are seeds and plant cuttings do not fall off increasingly ordering seeds and plants and infest roadsides. through mail order or over the Internet from overseas. This is extremely dangerous It is hard for gardeners to understand as plants not cleared by quarantine when that some of these plants are weeds when English Broom has spread over 20,000 hectares coming into the country can become of Australia and is still found in gardens. many are still legally available for sale at serious weeds or carry plant diseases. nurseries and garden centres. The Nursery Industry Association of Australia (NIAA) If wanting to order plants or seeds from recognises this problem and is working overseas, clear it with quarantine before towards a solution. placing orders. Check with the Australian NIAA in association with various Quarantine and Inspection Service (see government agencies including the ‘Quarantine’ in the White Pages or the Weeds Cooperative Research Centre AQIS website at: www.aqis.gov.au). (CRC), have come up with a draft Finally, consider replacing garden thugs national strategy on invasive garden in your garden with safer alternatives. plants called Garden plants under the They may be non-invasive exotics or local spotlight. The strategy recommends the The bird lollies of Cotoneaster can be carried indigenous plants that require less water several kilometres from gardens to bushland. education of gardeners and the nursery and fertilisers. They also do a good job of industry about garden thugs. attracting local wildlife. If you see garden During Weedbuster Week this year, a thugs invading local bushland, natural poster and brochure on the safe disposal areas or farms report the weeds to your of garden waste and a few other tips local weed officer or Catchment about garden thugs, was circulated. Management Officer.

Some of Victoria’s garden thugs

Trees • Morning Glory (e.g. Ipomoea indica, I. cairica, I. purpurea). • Some Maples (e.g. Acer negundo, A. pseudoplatanus). Arum Lily invades creeklines and damp areas • Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). • Periwinkle (Vinca major). out-competing the local indigenous plants. • Willow (some invasive Salix species). • Tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis). • Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata). Herbs and succulents Shrubs • Paterson’s Curse (Echium plantagineum). • Broom (mainly yellow and white flowering • Watsonia (e.g. Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera, introduced broom including Cytisus scoparius, W. borbonica, W. marginata, W. versfeldii). Cytisus multiflorus, Genista monspessulana, • Horsetail (Equisetum species). Genista linifolia, Chamaecytisus palmensis, • Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica). Spartium junceum). • Crassula (Crassula multicava). • Boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera). Grasses • Pampas Grass (Cortaderia species). • Heath (e.g. Erica lusitanica, E. arborea, E. baccans). The fruit of Blackberry are carried by birds and foxes. • Mexican Feathergrass (Nassella tenuissima). • Some Cotoneaster (e.g. Cotoneaster glaucophyllus, • Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma). C. franchetii, C. horizontalis, C. lacteus, • Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum). C. microphyllus, C. pannosus, C. simonsii).

Climbers and creepers Aquatics • Salvinia (Salvinia molesta). • Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides). • Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides). • English Ivy (Hedera helix). • Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). • Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia).

For more information contact Kate Blood at the Weeds Cooperative Research Centre at KTRI on (03) 9785 0111. Each plume of Pampas Grass can produce 100,000 seeds which can be carried over 30 kilometres by the wind. Research DENSE WATERWEED – Results a new threat to our waterways By Lalith Gunasekera

Australia is one of the world’s driest disrupts native habitats, displaces native continents, so our limited water plants and effects hydroelectric output, resources and wetlands are urban water supplies and recreational important not only to our activities such as swimming, boating vegetation and wildlife and fishing. but also to our human The soft, slender, green stems of Dense inhabitants. Native Waterweed may grow to 180 centimetres aquatic plants play an or longer and may be highly branched. important role in our Leaves are strap-like, about 2.5 wetlands and centimetres long and usually occur in waterways. whorls of four at a node. Occasionally Several alien aquatic three to six may be present.Very fine plants that have become serrations may be seen on the leaf established in Australia margins with a hand lens. now cost the community The plant spreads in Australia solely by millions of dollars to control vegetative reproduction. The stem breaks each year. Four aquatic into segments in the autumn. New plants weeds (Alligator Weed, grow from small buds on these stem pieces Salvinia, Water Hyacinth the following spring. The white flowers and Lagarosiphon) have are the only part of the plant that reaches been declared as prohibited the water surface. Flowering occurs in Victoria. in summer and early autumn. Dense Dense Waterweed is one of the Waterweed (Egeria) can be confused with emerging aquatic weeds recently Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and Elodea found around Melbourne. It was or Canadian Pondweed (Elodea candensis) probably introduced by someone but is distinguished by its larger leaves dumping an aquarium into a and distinctive flowers. Dense Waterweed waterway. Recent investigations is also known as Brazilian Elodea, Leafy found Dense Waterweed Elodea, Oxygen Plant and Anacharis. infestations at Lilydale Lake, Merri Established nurseries are equipped to Creek at Fitzroy, Dandenong Creek grow aquatic plants in an environmentally at Heathmont and Dandenong and acceptable manner using tanks which are the Langwarrin Reservoir. specially built for the purpose. Freelance Dense Waterweed is a fast growing growers often use natural streams as their South American (Argentina, Brazil) nursery – artificially seeding aquatic plants aquatic plant. As a result of the into those streams to which they return aquarium trade it is now found in later to harvest their crop. This is totally Chile, Mexico, the United States, unacceptable. The aquarium and England, New Zealand and Australia. horticultural industries are well placed Dense Waterweed is a declared noxious to play a significant role in ensuring that weed in Tasmania, Northern Territory, Australia is not burdened further with South Australia and Western Australia. unwanted aquatic weed problems. It is It is still available as an aquarium plant essential to eradicate all isolated patches of in Victoria. Dense Waterweed and prevent it becoming established in other parts of the State. Because Dense Waterweed grows completely submerged, it is difficult to For further information contact Lalith eradicate with herbicides. The weed retards Gunasekera at Keith Turnbull Research water flow, interferes with irrigation, Institute on (03) 9785 0111.

Lalith Gunasekera with Dense Waterweed (Egeria) infesting the Merri Creek. Research Worse than Serrated Tussock? – Results meet Mexican Feathergrass

The Cooperative Research Centre Weeds CRC Director, for Weed Management Systems Rick Roush, is extremely (Weeds CRC) is offering $100 reward concerned about the for information leading to the arrest potential of Mexican and recapture of escaped Mexican Feathergrass in Australia. Feathergrass plants. The plants have “We are alarmed at what been inadvertently offered for sale by might result if these nurseries in New South Wales and plants are not found and Victoria and over the Internet. destroyed. The plants Mexican Feathergrass, known as Nassella produce large numbers of tenuissima, is closely related to Serrated seeds that readily attach Tussock, widely regarded as the worst to clothing and the coats pasture weed in Australia. Serrated of animals, so could be Tussock costs more than $50 million a dispersed widely before year in losses to agricultural production we realise it,” he said. and is causing major damage to sensitive Suspected Mexican native grasslands. Mexican Feathergrass Feathergrass plants has the potential to invade a greater should be reported range of land and, if left unchecked, to local NRE offices. could spread through eastern Australia into southern Queensland and to Specimens with Western Australia. flowering heads or seeds should be The two grasses are difficult to identify. collected to enable According to David McLaren from NRE, correct identification of Mexican Feathergrass is almost identical the plant. The Weeds to Serrated Tussock, to which it is closely CRC, based in Adelaide, related. Both plants have no nutritional will be contacted when value for stock. the species, identity is “Livestock have been known to starve confirmed and will send to death with a full stomach when grazing out the $100 along with Serrated Tussock. Mexican Feathergrass is a letter of gratitude. believed to be even less nutritious.” Mexican Feathergrass, Nassella tenuissima – a potential disaster for Australia. Mexican Feathergrass has been sold at several locations in Victoria with the incorrect label – Stipa Why Mexican Feathergrass is potentially a worse weed than Serrated Tussock: tenuissima-Ponytails. • It is less palatable than Serrated Tussock in its countries of origin. David McLaren said by the time • Mexican Feathergrass grows in a much broader climate range in its countries the authorities became aware of the of origin than Serrated Tussock. situation at least 23 of the 116 plants available had been sold. • Mexican Feathergrass is a very attractive groundcover plant that is very easy to propagate. Its popularity with the nursery trade has led to it being advertised “The wholesaler voluntarily destroyed extensively overseas in gardening books, magazines and on the web. another 400 plants in their possession. But the others have got out and are • The CRC for Weed Management Systems has initiated a biological control placing Australia at risk. We are program on Serrated Tussock and Chilean Needle Grass and has made attempting to alert people to the considerable progress with a rust fungus and a smut. However these agents dangers of their purchases.” will not be effective against Mexican Feathergrass.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 15 Ten years of community catchment manag

Farming land north of Tatura The same land after a community surface drain showing permanently waterlogged has been constructed showing its return to soils leading to rising watertables. productive use and protection of vegetation.

The Shepparton Irrigation Region Until July 1995 this was under the Q. What are the greatest challenges for Land and Water Management Plan direction of the community-based Salinity groups working to implement land and (SIRLWMP) is recognised throughout Program Advisory Council (SPAC) and water management plans? Australia for the successful its irrigation committee. SPAC was The need to capture and maintain implementation of best management responsible for overseeing the Goulburn funding to achieve on-ground works and practices in catchment management. Broken Dryland Salinity Management change is absolutely critical to success. The plan has been developed and Plan in addition to the SIRLWMP. Government commitment to supporting the refined with wide community input The responsibility for implementing the implementation of the 30-year SIRLWMP and involvement at all stages and is SIRLWMP and the other components of has been very strong, and ongoing, despite now in its 11th year of implementation. a Regional Catchment Strategy in the changes in leadership. It is essential that government investment be targeted in a The plan has been extremely successful Shepparton Irrigation Region now lies consistent manner using formal budgetary in achieving works on the ground, with the SIR implementation committee and cost-sharing principles. changing behaviour of land managers and of the Goulburn Broken Catchment increasing community understanding of Management Authority. Obtaining and retaining real community environmental issues. Targets set by the The SIR implementation committee empowerment and ownership is an ongoing community for on-ground works such as meets on a six-week cycle throughout the challenge. The effort must be put in from whole farm planning, groundwater pump year, and is made up of eight community the start to get true community ownership installation, surface drainage construction, representatives and a representative from and involvement in plan development and wetland protection, fencing of remnant each of the key agencies. subsequent implementation. vegetation, waterways rehabilitation Ownership of the Land and Water and revegetation, have all been met The SIR implementation committee Management Plan by the community or exceeded to date. maintains a constant rotation of members on a two to three year election process. is critical for its success. The SIR implementation committee has been able Victorian Landcare and Catchment This is to ensure that fresh ideas are Management asked Allen Canobie, to maintain this ownership by controlling constantly brought into the committee’s Chairman of the Shepparton Irrigation the policy and funding directions over deliberations. However, whilst a rotation Region Implementation Committee, the bureaucratic processes. This in turn of a couple of members has occurred over Ken Sampson, the committee’s Executive has been achievable as a result of the the life of the committee, there has been Officer and Chris Norman, NRE Tatura, accountability and transparency processes a core membership that has been retained. how the implementation committee has the committee has in place. maintained its energy and commitment The committee is skills-based with Managing increasing workloads for all to the task. a wide range of industry and community involved – both committee members and representation, including the water agency staff, is a real challenge, as is the Q. How was the implementation industry, various commodity groups, security of tenure and turnover of agency committee set up? Has its structure and environmental groups and farmer bodies. staff. Recruitment is a lengthy process and membership changed over the ten years? Whilst the focus is on skills, there is there is also the time required to become also a deliberate attempt to achieve The SIRLWMP has been in the acquainted with implementation processes geographic spread in membership. implementation phase since June 1990. and gain the trust of the community.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 16 ement in the Shepparton Irrigation Region

Catchment By Allen Canobie, Management Chris Norman and Ken Sampson

Changing commodity prices continue to A successful committee will overcome place pressure on the ability of the farming these challenges by: community to meet their component • Clear and open communication of the cost-sharing for on-ground works. between all members of the committee Farmers must be in a financially stable and its various stakeholders. (or growing) situation to contribute to The presentation of a grant for the the cost-sharing established in the plan. • Leadership being provided by all of first drainage nutrient removal the members, not just the chair. scheme constructed in the Shepparton Implementing long-term strategies within Irrigation Region in April 1999. All members are expected to show short-term political timeframes is very leadership and direction within their difficult. The SIRLWMP has a 30-year local communities and the other life, but each political transformation • Also critical to the success of the bodies/committees they represent requires it to be repackaged to address implementation committee has been in implementing the SIRLWMP. the new government’s focus. This always its policy to ensure that significant proves difficult when you are trying to • Ongoing technical and administrative high amounts of funds are dedicated implement a successful long-term formula. support from agency staff is critical to getting works on the ground. to allow informed decision-making to Approximately 70% of the total Ensuring that all natural resource occur and to provide the committee budget for the SIRLWMP is dedicated issues continue to be dealt with in an with the required information. to activities resulting in a direct integrated fashion is a further challenge. change on the ground. The development of a new local area • Having a community-based committee planning approach will play an important that truly reflects community views will Q. Allen, you are a busy landholder – role in ensuring this happens at a result in greater community acceptance what keeps you involved? sub-catchment scale. of policy and implementation strategies. I worked hard in my younger days under Many of the policies in the SIR have Q. What are the keys to a successful the direction of my father to establish been very difficult to reach as some committee? our farm. Once I felt that the farm was require a reduction in allocations and operating in an effective manner my There are a number of challenges facing farmer rights to ensure that the interest turned to community activities. the SIRLWSMP as it prepares for the hydrological systems in the region are I have had a long involvement in my next 20 years of implementation in a sustainable (and not just service us for community, from Apex and Rotary to constantly changing environment. the next 20 to 50 years). No doubt one being a past Shire President. of the most important elements for Allen Canobie with Ken Sampson. the successful implementation I enjoy my off-farm interests. They keep of the SIRLWMP has been me stimulated and I am continually its community ownership learning from all of the different people and involvement I am involved with. I think I learn more from the very start from others than I contribute, and for through to the this, I consider that I am very lucky. stage where I hope to contribute something for the they approve betterment of the greater community. all activities, Personally, I want to leave my farm to policies and the next generation in a better condition budgets prior than when I took it over. I guess my to any involvement in the SIR implementation agency committee allows me to try and achieve action. this aim for the whole region, not just for my own property.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 17 Tranceplant – a rage for young tree planters

Group Over the past eight years many Victorian News youths have come together in the bush to hold outdoor parties. Out of this culture a new group was spawned – Tranceplant – a group that combines revegetation work Through organising and staging these with great parties. events we are bringing together two groups Tranceplant is a non-profit association of people who might not normally interact.” made up of members who care about Tranceplant have staged seven events. the environment and want to help in the They have ranged from farmers’ properties best way they can. Tranceplant organises in the Strathbogie Ranges, Kilcunda “We are looking for more good projects events for between 100-500 people. and nearby at Archies Creek, Nagambie. that we can help out on. We do quality When a good day’s work has been done, The next event will be staged on a work which can be seen from the good then the celebrations commence. Central property at Romsey. success rate of our past events. to all this is the golden rule of Tranceplant “Thinking about how we treat this country – minimum impact – which means that More tree planting projects wanted can be quite depressing, but facing the facts conscious efforts are made to have as little The group has also worked on Boneseed and getting involved in positive action is impact on the property/site as possible. removal at the You Yangs Regional Park part of the mind shift this country needs. Because of the nature of the events near Geelong. Mark says that while When we get old, we will be standing in and the limited resources of the group, the group is happy to participate in all forests that we had all sown – these are the Tranceplant involves the local community activities that aid the land and promote experiences that make present volunteer around the event site. Mark Feltrin, a local habitat to survive and prosper, efforts more than worthwhile.” Tranceplant member says getting locals their main activity is tree planting. Tranceplant are looking for potential sites involved is integral to the success of event. The group has now planted 50,000 trees. for next year and sponsors that can help “Tranceplant is very much aware of Mark says the group now has such a level make the group’s life a bit easier. For more the rural/urban divide and in our of expertise they can easily plant 10,000 information contact Mark Feltrin on own small way, this is our response. trees a day. (03) 9489 3655.

The morning after: Tranceplanters recover from a day’s planting and a night’s raging on the riverbank at Nagambie. IN BRIEF Are donations to your Landcare The first tour was run in August this year. Landcare Taskforce group tax deductible? Departing from Melbourne it included a The Second Generation Landcare visit to the Creswick Landcare Centre and Most people have seen the words Taskforce is running a workshop for to several salinity and revegetation sites ‘donations of $2 or more are tax community Landcarers in Bendigo during including Moonambel and Lexton. deductible’ on a receipt when donating early March 2001. The tour highlighted the impact of gold to a charity. It may be possible to obtain mining on the landscape around Clunes, The workshop aim is to develop a vision this same tax deductible status for your Talbot and Avoca. After lunch and wine for Landcare in the 21st century. The Landcare group so that all money and tasting at the Warrenmang Vineyard Landcare Taskforce is currently holding goods donated to the group can be Resort participants met with Ann and informal meetings with Landcarers to deducted from the donor’s taxable income. Tony Briody from the Lexton Landcare develop a discussion paper which will A few Landcare groups have already Group and planted some trees along the form the basis for the workshop. successfully applied and many more Creswick Creek. Details about the workshop will be may be eligible. The Salt and Wine Tour has been put available in January from the NRE To be able to receive tax deductible together by natural resources consultant, customer service centre on 136 186. gifts, an organisation must register as Mal Brown, and actor, producer and a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). writer, John Walker. The tour is designed To qualify as a DGR, an organisation for corporate groups looking for a unique must either be listed by name in the tourism experience. income tax law, or fall within one of For further information contact Mal the 13 categories set out in the law. Brown on (03) 5441 7344 or go to The most likely category for a Landcare www.tasteaustraliatours.com group would be Environment. Applications are made on a form provided by staff from Environment Australia (EA). For more information on applying for DGR status, you can contact Environment Australia on (02) 6274 1467, email [email protected] or look at their website at http://www.environment.gov.au/epcg/cru/r eo.html A more detailed article on the process of applying for DGR is also available on NRE’s website at www.nre.vic.gov.au

New Salt and Wine Tour A new and innovative travel group, called Taste Australia Tours, is introducing Melbourne residents to salinity in rural Victoria with some fine local wines thrown in for good measure. The one-day Salt and Wine Tour offers city-slickers the chance to experience some of the new rural industries, learn a little of the environmental changes affecting rural landscapes and enjoy the hospitality of rural Victoria.

Vera Carey from Box Hill said the Salt and Wine Tour was a very worthwhile day. “It’s great to get out of the city and into the bush.”

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 19 ON THE SHELF – weed info

Under Control – Pest Plant and Weed Navigator Animal Management News The Weed Navigator is a directory of This interesting quarterly newsletter is contacts and references to help with full of accurate, up-to-date information weed management. The first book, on pest management programs and issues Contact Directory, lists the contact details in Victoria, with the main emphasis of weed agencies and interested groups on weeds. around Australia and New Zealand. In simple, non-technical language Under The second book, Resource Guide, Control covers a wide range of research lists and describes thousands of weed and development areas. Work undertaken and related books, brochures, posters, by the NRE Pest Plants and Animals web sites, journals, strategies, training Program and the Cooperative Research courses, etc. Centre for Weed Management Systems Weed Navigator is available from is a particular focus. (08) 8303 6590 for $33 including The newsletter provides detailed coverage postage and handling. of biological control and includes a regular section on new weeds, notices of recent Email news services publications and Internet sites of interest. The Enviroweeds email discussion group Under Control is distributed free of charge is a free, easy way of getting in touch to Landcare and friends groups, farmers, with over 600 people interested in local government authorities, pest environmental weeds in Australia and researchers and others. It is available in overseas. Subscribers receive regular paper form, by email as a PDF file and on news bulletins and share information the NRE website at www.nre.vic.gov.au on environmental weed management. There are also discussion groups for Further details and sample copies are pasture and crop weeds. available from Ian Faithfull at KTRI on (03) 9785 0105. For more information email [email protected] Weed management guides Weeds on the web The Weeds CRC have recently published best practice management guides for NRE have a series of Landcare Notes Bridal Creeper, Boneseed, Bitou Bush, and Agnotes available on the web. Broom, Blackberry, St John’s Wort and The notes have clear and useful Horehound. information on: General Weeds; Regionally Prohibited and Regionally Produced as glossy six-page brochures, Controlled Weeds; State Prohibited the guides are based on the latest research Weeds, Other Weeds; Biological Control findings but written in an easy to read of Weeds; Pest Animals; Plants and format. The first ten copies of the guides Animals; Agricultural Chemical User; are available free from (08) 8303 6590 and Weeds, Pests and Diseases. or [email protected] The notes are easy to download and print. Go to www.nre.vic.gov.au

Landcare Notes are available on many weed species, including Bridal Creeper which smothers bushland and is listed as a Weed of National Significance.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 20 A GRAND VISION: the Hopkins to biolink

By Julia Schlapp

Group News

The biolink will fill in gaps and link up with existing areas of remnant vegetation.

Who would have guessed 12 years ago that so the even greater vision of a biolink from Such large areas of planting require so much could be achieved by a small band the Otways to the Grampians was born. some considerable planning and of persistent individual farmers who joined organisation. Greening Australia’s The first of three years of NHT funding together under the Landcare banner? Portland Seed Bank, local nurseries came through for the project in 1999. This and seed collectors provided advice With deep gully erosion, salinity and an year has seen the group erect 79.5 kilometres and collected seed from local remnant obvious wind erosion problem, the farmers of fencing and protect 121 hectares of vegetation. Only a few species used in the Glenthompson district decided to revegetation (including 57 hectares of were not indigenous to the area but riparian revegetation). Over 40,000 tree start planting trees and fencing vulnerable will add diversification of food source seedlings were planted and 130 kilometres areas to exclude stock. As in many places, for native birds and animals. the small groups grew and they joined of direct seeding put in with good success together in a regional catchment group of rates in spite of the dry conditions. Trust for Nature and students from RMIT are assisting in several flora and 80 farmers in 1993. Fortunately many of the landholders along fauna surveys in the region, including the link were far sighted and had protected The group had a grand vision: plantations looking for the Striped Legless Lizard a large percentage of private remnant of native vegetation linking remnant and an experiment on the use of vegetation. There are also some roadside vegetation to form a biolink between mycorrhyzal fungi to enhance direct areas with good grassland and woodland the Hopkins River and the Grampians. seeding success rates. The involvement stands for the corridors to link to. The work of outsiders greatly enhances the Meanwhile other Landcare groups had plan for the rest of 2000 includes erecting a knowledge and enjoyment of the formed to the south and were working further 81 kilometres of fencing, planting local landholders. on similar projects with equal persistence, 55,000 seedlings and 39 kilograms of seed. The vision of three corridors running Such a big project needs a big cast. from the Hopkins to the Grampians Fifty landholders are involved in the has expanded into a network of plantings as well as local schools, corridors that will link remnant the Mulleratarong Centre – an adult vegetation along the way. training support service for adults with disabilities and the Australian Trust For further information contact for Conservation Volunteers. Julia Schlapp on (03) 5577 8265.

Taking a break: Tree planters from the Mulleratarong Centre are working on the biolink. NATIONAL ACTION Weeds of National Significance

Alien species, which include weeds, the Federal Government is taking a are the second biggest threat to the leadership role in weed issues through: world’s biodiversity behind habitat preventing weeds entering the country removal. Most of the plants that through border control and quarantine; cause weed problems in Australia supporting community weed management A Federal Government Initiative have originated in other countries and activities; supporting weeds research and account for about 15% of our flora. development; and managing weeds Weeds are conservatively estimated to responsibly on Commonwealth land. War on our cost Australian primary industries alone Last year, as part of the National Weeds in excess of $3.3 billion each year Strategy, 20 Weeds of National Significance by increasing production costs and worst weeds were agreed to by the Federal Government reducing productivity. and the States/Territories. These were Eight of Australia’s worst weeds will be While State and Territory chosen on the grounds of their invasiveness, targeted as part of a Federal Government governments are responsible for land impacts, potential for spread and socio- initiated plan to combat 20 of the use matters, including weed control, economic and environmental values. country’s most damaging weed pests. “The Weeds of National Significance strategies have been released in an effort The 20 Weeds of National Significance are: to move one step closer to a win against • Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) • Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) significant weeds that contribute to billion-dollar costs for primary producers • Athel Pine (Tamarix aphylla) • Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) and impact heavily on conservation • Bitou bush/Boneseed (Chyrsanthemoides • Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata) values,” Federal Minister for Forestry and monilifera) Conservation, Wilson Tuckey said. • Parthenium Weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) • Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg) The Federal Government has committed • Pond Apple (Annona glabra) • Bridal Creeper (Asparagus aparagoides) $28.5 million to the National Weeds • Prickly Acacia (Acacia nilotica subsp. indica) Program of the Natural Heritage Trust • Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) • Rubbervine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) over a six-year period to help manage • Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) nationally significant weed problems. • Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) • Gorse (Ulex europaeus) The national strategies for blackberry, • Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma) Chilean needlegrass, Parkinsonia, • Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) • Willows (Salix spp. except S. babylonica, S. X Parthenium, Prickly Acacia, Mesquite, • Lantana (Lantana camara) calodendron and S. X reichardtii) Rubber Vine and Serrated Tussock form a major component of the National Weeds Strategy and focus on minimising the Mimosa pigra current and future impact on all Australians. “The strategies are a proactive attempt to manage priority weeds already present in Australia, weeds that pose future threats to primary industries, land management, human or animal welfare, biodiversity and conservation values,” Mr Tuckey said.

Information about the National Weeds Strategy or the draft Weeds of National Significance strategies is available from the National Weeds Strategy website www.weeds.org.au

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 22 AGAINST WEEDS

Communities put weeds in the firing line Beetle Breeding

Blackberry, willows and broom are on By the end of the project’s first year, with beating Parkinsonia the hit list for local communities on the the support of a diverse range of community eastern fringe of Melbourne. groups including indigenous groups, schools, The spread of Parkinsonia has been friends groups and landholders, more than dramatically reduced in the Northern Funded under the Natural Heritage half the original targets had been achieved. Territory’s Roper River catchment thanks Trust’s Bushcare Program, the North to an innovative beetle breeding project Warrandyte Osborne Peninsula “Sites have actually increased in number funded by the Natural Heritage Trust. Landcare Group aims to protect and private landowner response has been remnant vegetation and revegetate very positive. Several groupings within the Now in its fourth year of Trust funding, a continuous strategic link from corridor should result in new friends or the Roper River Landcare Group Warrandyte State Park to Kinglake Landcare groups being established,” said Bio-Control Breeding and Release National Park along Watsons Creek. Project Coordinator Margaret Burke. Program has been producing thousands of Penthobruchus germaini which is They are also working to enhance “The local Aboriginal reconciliation particularly partial to the seeds of the biodiversity of the existing remnant committee has also decided to join us and Parkinsonia aculeata. The beetle eats vegetation and habitats link through two important sites which had no the Parkinsonia seeds, thus preventing fencing, weed removal, a stream frontage community overseeing the area will be the weed from germinating and spreading. program, planting and development managed by them,” she said. of a seed orchard. In the early 1990s, the uncontrolled The Trust-funded project has also establishment and spread of this Once the weeds are cleared, including generated extensive in-kind support woody weed was the primary land hand weeding where necessary, they will from a range of bodies including the management issue in the Roper River commence planting native species such as Nillumbik Shire Council, Melbourne area. In 1997, the Roper River Landcare wattles, tree fern and Mountain Tea-tree. Water and Greening Australia. Group successfully applied for Natural Heritage Trust funding to trial the use of mechanical, chemical and biological control agents in the Roper catchment. The beetle breeding program has been such a success that 30,000 beetles have been exported to other areas of the Territory and Western Australia. Members of the North Warrandyte Osborn Peninsula Landcare Group Over the life of the project the Natural participating in on-ground works as Heritage Trust has contributed funding part of their project to enhance the of $38,400 mainly for the maintenance Watsons Creek Habitat Corridor. of a beetle breeding centre. Coordinator for the Roper River Landcare Federal Funding in the fight against weeds Group, Liz Brown, believes this a small price for such effective weed control. The Federal Government has allocated (Funding is generally not provided for the $28.5 million from the Natural Heritage control of weeds. This is because most “A unique feature of this is that it shows Trust to the National Weeds Program. projects of this address the symptoms and that a Landcare group can successfully set up and run a biological control In addition, under the Trust’s ‘one-stop-shop’ not the underlying causes of weed problems, arrangements, support may be provided for resulting in short-term outcomes.) It is breeding program,” she said. projects that address the underlying causes of estimated that more than $46 million has weed problems as part of broader natural been allocated to more than 760 ‘one-stop- resource management issues in a region. shop’ projects with a weed component in the first four years of the Trust.

Applications for the next round of Natural Heritage Trust funding for community environmental and natural resource management projects close on 23 February 2001. To obtain an application form please contact your local Federal Member of Parliament. Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 23