Landcare In Focus May 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.au Farming & caring for the Reef E WAS heralded as the nation’s Individual Landcarer at the 25th Russell Fry and Hanniversary National Landcare Awards last year but Russell Molloy led Russell Fry – who died soon after from a long-running extensive trials illness – had long set in motion changes bringing together to gauge efficient farmers and Landcare in use of water for Queensland, with the awards now set to recognise the irrigation. crucial role of sustainable farming in conserving the Great Barrier Reef. milestone this year, the State & The State and Territory Territory Landcare Awards Landcare Awards have opened celebrate the achievements of for nominations and the Landcare across a number of Queensland awards will be run diverse areas. in conjunction with ABOVE: The late Russell Fry, last year’s These include Coastcare, Queensland Farmers winner, died soon after receiving his award Junior Landcare, Indigenous Federation’s first-ever – the National 2014 Individual Landcarer. Land Management and The pioneering Queensland farmer believes Innovative Community Group Australian Government Reef sustainable resource use is good for farms as Angle Mustafa, who farms at Babinda, Queensland, places fertiliser underground and uses air-inducted nozzles for herbicides, ensuring the Awards categories. well as the environment. creeks remain free of contaminants. categories. It is also the first time that Winners will proceed as Queensland Water and Land program award categories will graziers to improve farm Russell Molloy led extensive changes in the way that water finalists to the 2016 National Carers, the Regional NRM be added to the Queensland practices that deliver water trials to gauge efficient use of resources are allocated. In Landcare Awards. Groups and Australian Coastal awards at the Reef Range and quality benefits in the Great water for irrigation for some cases the volume of The State & Territory Societies have combined to Red Dust Conference. Barrier Reef catchments. maximising production and irrigation water allocated to Landcare Awards are offer a joint conference – the Information on Queensland’s Even before this, North minimising loss of valuable each farmer has been supported by Landcare Reef, Range and Red Dust conference and awards can be Johnstone and Lake Eacham nutrients in run-off water. drastically reduced. Australia through funding from Conference at Caloundra – of seem at qwalc.org.au. Landcare group on the Overwatering can take But with practical tools to the Australian Government’s which the awards gala dinner Landcare leaders will also Atherton Tableland in far fertiliser below the root zone monitor irrigation demand, National Landcare is a key element. be recognised at other awards north Queensland developed of pastures and crops, with and greatly improved Programme. To celebrate the outcomes events during Landcare Week practical methods to nutrients moving via ground efficiency, farmers have ● Entries for the State & Territory Landcare of the Australian Government in September and beyond. accurately calibrate farm water into streams and out to gained savings in energy Awards close on 31 May, apart from in Victoria, Reef Programme and Since 2008, the Australian irrigation equipment and pass the Great Barrier Reef. costs and fertiliser costs, as where they close on 21 June, Tasmania where they close on 30 June and the Northern Territory, acknowledge the innovative Government Reef Programme knowledge on to fellow Water allocation plans well as providing gains for the where they close on 28 August. For criteria and to primary producers who (previously Reef Rescue) has farmers. implemented in the past environment. make a nomination, go to landcareonline. contributed, five new reef encouraged farmers and The group’s Russell Fry and decade have led to significant Celebrating a silver com.au/landcareawards.

Water for Agriculture Reducing nitrous oxide in irrigation water – the first themed four- page liftout for Landcare ITROUS oxide – government is a funder of of the project will be to identify emissions from irrigation in Focus – is on p5-8. released as a result of research projects in partnership optimum strategies to reduce water to the total emissions of Nmicrobial processes after with state governments, GHG emissions and farm inputs irrigated cotton farming. nitro genous fertilisers are universities, private companies in a summer-winter irrigated Reducing nitrous oxide applied to soils – accounts for and industry bodies that aim to cereal crop rotation. 3 emissions in key perennial about 17 per cent of reduce emissions by Indirect Emissions of Nitrous tree crop industries. Run by agricultural emissions or 15pc improving water and fertiliser 2 Oxide from Broadacre the University of Tasmania to of Australia’s total greenhouse efficiency, maintaining product- Irrigated Agriculture. Run determine nitrogen fertiliser gas (GHG) emissions. ion and lifting farm profitability. by Cotton Research and and irrigation (fertigation) Nitrous oxide emissions Development Corporation, application products and are useful indicators of overall Current projects: it aims to quantify indirect practices most likely to reduce losses of nitrogenous fertilisers, Assessing Opportunities emissions of nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide losses, while also leading to higher farm input 1 for Mitigating Greenhouse nitrate losses from surface water improving fruit quality and tree costs. Reducing these highly Gas Emissions from Irrigated to deep groundwater. productivity in apple and cherry potent emissions can lead to Broadacre Cropping Systems in The project measures the orchards. an overall reduction in on-farm the southern Murray-Darling effects of water and fertiliser The outcome will be to fertiliser use, and contribute Basin. Conducted by the management on emissions develop management strategies to Australia’s efforts to reduce CSIRO, it aims to identify from flood-irrigated cotton. to cut GHG emissions in GHG emissions, mitigate nitrous oxide abatement Measurements are made in intensive apple and cherry climate variability and lift opportunities for irrigated grain individual components of the production. Preliminary results productivity. systems in the southern Murray- irrigation network during filling demonstrate that irrigation Surface water run-off, Darling Basin by comparing the and emptying stages of multiple and nitrogen management particularly from flood-irrigated effects of water and fertiliser irrigations during the season. strategies, such as avoiding farms, is a significant source of management strategies on soil The outcome of the project water logging and leaching, are Australia’s agricultural nitrous surface and sub-surface nitrous will be to quantify the relative likely to mitigate nitrous oxide Irrigated wheat growing in weighing lysimeters coupled to automated greenhouse gas oxide emissions. The Australian oxide emissions. The outcome contribution of indirect emissions. chambers, at CSIRO, Griffith, NSW. – Source: JOHN HORNBUCKLE, CSIRO. Landcare In Focus May 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.au

By TESSA JAKSZEWICZ AROUND THE NATION Landcare Australia CEO Major projects include millions of trees ABARES meets ANDCARE ABARES Outlook Conference was Australia has secured a Carrying out our Our new directors are: Our recent Coles Junior We have already launched held on March 3-4 in Canberra with the theme The Business of significant role as one of commitment to renewal of Jan Davis, former CEO of the Landcare grants have been a number of campaigns, L Agriculture: Producing for Profit. three service providers in the our board, we have appointed Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers overwhelmingly popular with including our financial year tax The 16 sessions examined the key federal government’s 20 Million three directors who will Association and identified as more than 1700 applications appeal – see the back page of replace our longest-serving one of our top 100 women in from schools and youth groups issues that will drive the profitability Trees Programme – to manage this edition. of the Australian agriculture sector. multi-stakeholder, large-scale members: Bridget Dowsett, agriculture; Natalie Collard, to create school gardens and We are also again co- ● a dedicated bush regenerator outgoing CEO of Australian associated programs. Transcripts, presentations and session videos sustainable revegetation. ordinating the state and are available from agriculture.gov.au/abares/ We will plant trees and who has worked in public Dairy Farmers, and now It shows the strong demand territory Landcare Awards outlook-2015 associated understorey until at policy for conservation; corporate affairs Telstra, for programs that connect kids with support from the National least 2018 to establish healthy Hume Macdonald, a farmer Victoria and Tasmania; and with Landcare and creates a Landcare Programme. Aquaculture in view THE federal government has self-sustaining communities that and agribusiness expert who Adele Beachley, who has a better understanding of where Nominations for some areas create habitat for threatened has had long-standing ties to wealth of business, mobile and food comes from. committed to work with industry close as early as May 31 but to develop a national aquaculture species. Westpac, and; Alex Arbuthnot digital technology experience We are seeking to build this others are open for several We’re looking forward to AM, a former president of the including as a former head of program further. strategy. The National Aquaculture months. Statement was released by Senator working with Landcare groups Victorian Farmers Federation. Blackberry Australia. Landcare Australia has Landcare in Focus is now to get this important job done. I would like to thank them We look forward to their also developed a fundraising Richard Colbeck, parliamentary available in electronic form via Further information is for their significant contribution generous contributions and strategy with our first-ever secretary to the Minister for online subscription and it’s free. available on our website to Landcare Australia and thank our outgoing board fundraising manager to help Agriculture, on June 8, 2014. landcareaustralia.com.au and for the guidance they have members for their many years of us raise money for Landcare ● Visit landcareonline.com.au/resources/ The strategy aims to identify goals via nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees. provided me. service. activities. landcare-in-focus/landcare-in-focus-magazine/ and action areas, timelines, responsibilities and reporting requirements. The strategy will include a comprehensive consultation process. ● If you want to participating in the strategy development or would like a copy of the terms of reference, email aquaculturestrategy@ agriculture.gov.au Forestry analysis Vision for water shared OUTLOOK scenarios for Australia’s forestry sector: key drivers and opportunities, was By BARNABY JOYCE industries, our environment, and Infrastructure Ministerial is something the government recently released by the Australian Agriculture Minister the broader Australian Working Group and outlined in shares, and I am proud to be part Bureau of Agricultural and community. This is why the Agricultural of a government that puts ideas Resource Economics and Sciences. OR many who live in big managing our water resources is Competitiveness green paper- into action. The report describes a range of cities, water is something a major priority for the which I discussed in the The recently announced outlook scenarios for the forestry that’s easy to take for Australian government, and November 2014 issue of projects in Tasmania, along with sector and analyses the availability granted. Fresh, clean water water infrastructure will be a key Landcare in Focus. You can see $18 million for the Chaffey Dam and use of logs, opportunities for F consideration in the the final options paper presented upgrade, $15.9 million for the primary processing, and factors is always available at the turn of affecting these outlooks to 2050. forthcoming white papers on to the prime minister at Great Artesian Basin a tap. But those of us who work ● This publication is available at agriculture.gov. on and care for our land know agricultural competitiveness and agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/ Sustainability Initiative, and au/ABARES/publications what a precious commodity developing northern Australia. natural-resources/ further work along the Murray- water really is, and the vital The right infrastructure in waterworkinggroup. Darling including the $180 Farm biosecurity check AUSTRALIA is free from many importance of managing it well. the right place will help us meet I appreciate the dedication million Menindee Lakes Project, pests and diseases that can cause The origins of modern water water resources well is integral future challenges by allowing us and passion of Landcarers across are just some of the ways that damage to our agriculture and infrastructure lie in ancient to the productivity and to better manage this vital Australia to making practical the Australian government is environment industries. However, Rome. When the city’s profitability of our farm resource. It will also help grow changes that deliver benefits for putting ideas into action and given recent plant pest and animal population grew too large to rely businesses. For our agricultural our economy in the long term, our sustainable land delivering on its commitment to disease incursions, now is a solely on local rivers and industries, water is wealth and opening up new areas of management practices, improve Australia’s water good time to have a look at what groundwater, a system of canals stored water is a bank. production and bringing better environment, and communities. infrastructure. biosecurity measures you can put and aqueducts was built for returns to the farm gate. That is why I encouraged I encourage you to stay up to in place to protect your property. I know that everyone Farmbiosecurity.com.au provides transporting water around the involved in the Landcare In February, the Australian Landcare groups to get involved date on the development of the free information and tools to city. Aqueducts were also used movement likewise understands government announced $60 in the development of the white papers on Agricultural help prevent the spread of pests, to supply water for agricultural the value of water. It is the million in funding to support Agricultural Competitiveness Competitiveness and diseases and weeds. purposes such as land irrigation lifeblood of our land – it plays an water infrastructure projects in white paper. I am pleased to see Developing Northern Australia ● If you spot anything unusual, call the Exotic and watering livestock. Now essential role in our food and Tasmania. This investment will numerous Landcare groups and at dpmc.gov.au/taskforces. Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881 or the Emergency farmers use sophisticated and fibre production by agricultural help secure the state’s water networks around Australia made I look forward to the Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888 technologically-advanced water industries, our environment and supply and deliver strong submissions, and I thank you for continued involvement of the Land use data out infrastructure and irrigation biodiversity, and our way of life. benefits to the local economy your contribution. Landcare movement as we work ABARES has released Catchment systems to manage their land. Our water must be managed and community. The Landcare movement’s towards realising our vision for scale land use of Australia – update In Australia’s harsh and often strategically to deliver positive These projects were commitment to real, practical the future of Australian March 2015 data product and unpredictable climate, managing outcomes for our agricultural identified by the Water changes with tangible outcomes agriculture. the Addendum to the guidelines for land use mapping in Australia: principles, procedures and LANDCARE in Focus is ■ No more than 2 or 3 high Landcare in Focus. definitions, 4th Edition report. produced by Landcare Australia resolution (must be at least ■ Contact information for more This catchment-scale land use through funding from the 1MB in size) images that clearly information if required. dataset for Australia provides the Australian government’s illustrate the accompanying The next issue will have a best available land use mapping National Landcare Programme. article. focus on soil quality and erosion information for Australian regions. For more information or ■ Full captions for each and nutrient management. It is used by the Department to submit an article, email attached image that explain who DATES FOR 2015: of Agriculture, state agencies enquiries@landcareaustralia. is in the photos and/or what ■ Publication date: August 20, and regional natural resource submissions will be must include: management groups for monitoring com.au. ■ they illustrate. Also, please deadline – July 16, theme – soil. included. One article of no more than ensure that we have permission ■ Publication date – November and reporting on natural resource Please note that due to space Submissions must adhere to 300-600 words saved as a conditions and trends, planning restrictions we from any people featured in the 19, deadline – October 15, the following guidelines Microsoft Word document or photos to use these photos in theme – pests and weeds. and risk assessment and modelling. cannot guarantee that all and the deadlines below and a PDF. ● Visit agriculture.gov.au/abares/publications

Landcare In Focus May 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.au Gold Coast youth get with program Green Army Warringah graduates Dominic Fubelli and Kristi Matea in front of the dunecare work at Freshwater beach. OUNG people involved in the Coastal Custodians YGreen Army are seeing Green their hard work come to fruition after completing the first project of its kind managed by Landcare Australia and workforce expert Army to Manpower Group. Their work has also been acknowledged by a team including Prime Minister Tony Abbott. rescue Referring to the graduation resources could be directed to of the project sponsored by rehabilitating areas affected by Warringah Council this month, natural disasters. Mr Abbott said Sydney’s “Here at Freshwater, the Northern Beaches had seen Landcare that this Green Army significant benefits from the team has done provides a great rehabilitation around Manly visual illustration of the benefits Lagoon and the restoration of of dedicated efforts towards dune sites within the coastal a tangible project. The team lagoon landscapes of Freshwater tackled hardy weeds such as Beach and Dee Why. lantana, planted seedlings and “During the past six months, erected fencing to keep rabbits Green Army participants have out while the native vegetation EW Landcare events can ABOVE: Highschoolers initiatives. The youth who were made a significant contribution takes hold,” Ms Jakszewicz said. attract 900 people with a included in outreach to involved in the March retreat and through their dedication “Not only can residents and relatively young average engage the next tranche of have already started their own and teamwork, we can see visitors now enjoy this popular age of 30 years and who go Landcare leaders – City of initiatives such as firsthand the tangible results of area at Freshwater Beach, for F Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate Youth4Beaches, Responsible their activities,” Mr Abbott said. example, with dunes that are on to plant 27,000 trees over with Southport State High “These participants have healthier ecologically, but three annual events. But that was School students. Divers and mass tree plantings the achievement of the aptly at schools. not only generated real Landcare looks set to continue environment and conservation named Gold Coast’s Biggest As more young people on-site through local initiatives.” RIGHT: Naomi Edwards benefits for our community, She said as a result of this Tree Planting Day. is keen to show the scope become aware of the potential but they have gained valuable project, Warringah council The event planted a mere of the project in this and pleasure of Landcare, other practical training and experience was talking with Bushcare and 5000 trees when it started three selfie at the site. activities benefit – including to help them prepare for the schools to care for and develop years ago and since has grown BeachCare’s Currumbin to workforce, pursue further the site in the long term.

into a tree-planting festival, Cobaki wetlands rehabilitation training or improve their career “It’s important to remember transforming a wetland and but it comes out of the legacy of project, which Ms Edwards was opportunities.” that Green Army teams are creating habitat. The secret of Landcare,” she said. instrumental in driving. Landcare Australia CEO helping out on projects The secret of success? “Fun, “That is how the Gold Sponsored through a Tessa Jakszewicz, who throughout Australia, including accessibility and providing success? “Fun, Coast’s Biggest Tree Planting Landcare Australia grant, all attended the graduation along regional and rural areas, so Day was imagined – do what we with Parliamentary Secretary groups looking for resources people with a connection to accessibility and Gold Coast projects aim to for the Department of the do best times 10.” are encouraged to sponsor a local and global causes,” said improve urban water Environment, Bob Baldwin, project and benefit from Green Naomi Edwards, a young adult providing people Attracting young people to management, while inspiring service provider partner Army team work, including who is passionate about with a connection Landcare and associated youth to lead their own Manpower Group and project undertaking Landcare on private Landcare and getting more activities is a passion that Ms Landcare initiatives. sponsor Warringah Council, land,” Ms Jakszewicz said. people involved. to local and Edwards shares with Megan Using social media said projects had great potential Green Army groups can Ms Edwards leads many Rowlatt, who works with youth extensively, Ms Edward’s links to be taken up by local council apply for other projects, Landcare initiatives on the Gold global causes.” in the Illawarra area, NSW. with Griffith University and and Landcare groups to including in supervisory roles. Coast and is among a few The Illawarra development of Landcare networks, are helping continue the work – as was the Mr Baldwin said that the recently engaged ambassadors initiative to inspire the ‘Intrepid Landcare’ – which plan for the site at Freshwater program would support 15,000 to make larger attractions such Bay. As well, Green Army young Australians. for the national Younger community to connect to the combines Landcare activities as the Biggest Tree Planting Day Landcare Program, launched at waterways – including its famed with a splash of adventure – is an everyday possibility on the the National Landcare beaches – and tapping into the being adopted in the form of Gold Coast. Conference in September. younger generation. Gold Coast Intrepid Landcare, The Younger Landcare She says being on the Gold Ms Edwards began working set to be launched this program is co-ordinated by Coast in no way hinders her with Landcare as a 19-year-old month. Landcare Australia with support cause – the district has no fewer almost a decade ago, and the The seed to set up the first from the Australian than 40 Landcare or related self-described “community Queensland Intrepid group was Government’s National groups. mobiliser” now keeps firm links planted at a Gold Coast Landcare Program. The ‘biggest’ tree-planting with the Landcare world. Landcare leadership retreat ● For information on mass activities on the day is part of an active Gold “Not everything we do might held this year as part of the Gold Coast, email info@ Coast-wide catchment care be under the Landcare banner, new Younger Landcare program goldcoastcatchments.org.au Freshwater dune site overrun by weeds before the Green Army work X29440323 1 Landcare In Focus May 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.au 2

3 use FIREFIGHTERS, NOT FIRELIGHTERS Fire retardant plants have the 4 following features: n High moisture content: Leaves that are larger and 5 Plants to protect thicker with smooth edges take more heat to dry out and ignite. n Low volatile oil content of 6 leaves. n Smooth bark: Trees with loose, fibrous or stringy bark can ignite more easily and 7 encourage fire to spread through the crowns of the trees. against bushfires Native tree species can 8 also be helpful in property protection by forming a fire and windbreak. Lillypilly – Acmena smithii. 9 isitors to this year’s LEFT: Project annual Toronto Fire initiator Lois It is important to note that no Simpson with plant is fireproof and all plants Station Open Day on will burn if they dry out and are May 30 will have the members of the 10 V Toronto Fire exposed to enough heat. opportunity to stroll through Brigade. this multi-award-winning Native fire 11 demonstration garden and see retardant species for themselves how native fire- Trees resistant plants can make an n Acacia melanoxylon 12 attractive and potentially – blackwood. life-saving buffer around their n Alphitonia excelsa – red ash. homes. n Acmena smithii – creek 13 Initiated by local landcarer lillipilly. Lois Simpson, the Toronto Fire n Alectyron subcinereus – Station Model Fire-Retardant native quince. 14 n Baloghia lucida – brush Native Garden in NSW bloodwood. Pigface – Carpobrotus glaucescens. demonstrates what can be n Cassine australis – red olive 15 achieved when inspired berry. individuals, groups and n Cryptocarya glaucescens agencies work together to – jackwood. 16 build local natural disaster n Casuarina glauca – swamp resilience. oak. The project came about n Diospyros australis – ebony myrtle . 17 when Ms Simpson, armed with n Diploglottis australis – native a list of local fire-retardant tamarind. plants, had a vision to n Elaeocarpus obovatus – hard 18 transform the garden at her quandong. local fire station into an n Ficus macrophylla – Moreton attractive and engaging Bay fig. 19 education centre. In just two n Ficus oblique – small-leafed fig. years she had brought together n the right mix of government Ficus rubiginosa – Port 20 THE TRANSFORMATION Jackson fig. agencies and community n Glochidion ferdinandi – Magenta lillypilly – Syzygium groups, secured essential cheese tree. paniculatum. funding and inspired dozens of n Guioa semiglauca – Guioa. 21 people to get involved in n Hymenosporum flavum – creating a garden that would native frangipani. demonstrate the role of native n Pittosporum undulatum 22 species in reducing bushfire – sweet. n Pittosporum – native daphne. risk. n Podocarpus elatus – plum 23 Treasuring bushland is pine. often considered at odds with n Pouteria (Planchonella) protecting the community australis – black apple. 24 from bushfires but this award- n Synoum glandulosum – false winning Landcare partnership rosewood. project shows how planting n Syzygium paniculatum – 25 the right native species in the magenta lillipilly. right places can actually help Shrubs and Herbs safeguard homes and other n Allocasuarina distyla – scrub 26 assets. she-oak. Native frangipani – Hymenosporum Before and after images of the garden beds at the station entrance reveal the transformation of the site. n Backhousia myrtifolia – grey flavum. The partnership included myrtle. the Toronto Fire Station Toronto Fire Station is engines and learn about fire n Breynia oblongifolia – coffee 27 Landcare Group, which These plants and surrounded by bushland, so safety. All were invited to plant bush. formed in 2013 to coordinate trees can function reducing risks on-site has been a tree or shrub. Dozens n Carpobrotus glaucescens the project, Toronto Area a high priority. volunteered and, in just four – pigface. 28 Sustainable Neighbourhood as a protective “As part of the project we hours, added another 500 fire- n Cordyline stricta – narrow- Group and Fire and Rescue removed some very flammable retardant plants to the garden. leaved palm lily. n NSW. ember curtain. tea-trees in the station grounds One year on, the garden has Crinum pedunculatum – R.Br 29 and replaced them with more continued to mature and swamp – lily, river lily. Together, they worked n Doryanthes excelsa – correa throughout 2013 and 2014 to a protective ember curtain. than 700 fire-retardant native become more established, and giant lily, Gymea lily. 30 create the 80-square metre This wall of less flammable plants,” Mr Brown said. plans are in place to further n Elaeocarpus reticulatus – model fire-retardant garden, vegetation helps to trap embers “We also installed special enhance the garden with the blueberry ash. with the benefit of funding before they spread,” Mr signage in the garden to installation of a frog pond. n Eupomatia laurina 31 from Lake Macquarie City Harvey said. educate visitors about the This inspired and inspiring – Bolwarra. Council’s Sustainability Grants “One of the greatest benefits of fire-retardant native project has received wide n Lomandra longifolia – spiny- Strappy palm lily – Cordyline stricta. plants and explain the headed matrush. program and in-kind support bushfire hazards is when live recognition, with Toronto Fire n principles of an asset Myoporum acuminatum 32 from Lake Macquarie embers are carried on hot Station Landcare Group – boobialla. Landcare. winds.” The species chosen for protection zone.” winning the 2014 NSW Tidy n Omalanthus nutans – Landcare Lake Macquarie the demonstration garden have At an initial planting day at Towns Environmental bleeding heart. 33 Coordinator, Jason Harvey, characteristics that make them the fire station in September Education Award and the n Pittosporum revolutum – said the project demonstrates harder to burn, such as smooth 2013, a keen group of local Toronto Area Sustainable rough-fruited Pittosporum. the positive effect of native bark and leaves with high community members worked Neighbourhood Group n Rapanea variabilis 34 plants, not only in beautifying moisture content. alongside firefighters to get receiving the Lake Macquarie – muttonwood. n a garden, increasing The garden includes more than 200 fire- retardant 2015 Community Group of the Trema tomentosum – poison plants in the ground. Year Award for their role in the peach. biodiversity and providing attractive specimens such as n Wilkiea hugeliana – Wilkiea. 35 Swamp Lily (Crinum A second planting was project. habitat but also in protecting Pictures: Courtesy & copyright of lives and property. pedunculatum), Native timed to coincide with the The efforts of Lois Simpson Australian National Botanic Gardens, D. “The [judicious] planting of Frangipani (Hymenosporum annual Toronto Fire Station were also recognised when she Greig (Hymenosporum), other pictures 36 fire-retardant species can flavum), Magenta Lilly Pilly Open Day which is popular was awarded the 2014 Lake Murray Fagg. References and further information: Trees in Newcastle, Fire Swamp lily – Crinum pedunculatum. provide shade, privacy, erosion (Syzygium paniculatum) and with local families. More than Macquarie Environmental Retardant Plants, TIN Topic #13; www. control, habitat and bushland Bleeding Heart (Homalanthus 100 members of the Excellence in Landcare Award treesinnewcastle.org.au/page19330/ 37 Landcare.aspx; Lake Macquarie Backyard l views but most importantly, populifolius). community came along to and the 2014 Charlton Habitat Planting Guide, www.lakemac. This is an excerpt from a fact sheet from Lake when bush fire strikes, these Toronto Fire Station meet the firefighters, look over Environmental Volunteer com.au/downloads/408BCAFE6E12D47 Macquarie Landcare, which is supported by Lake E321A27A6D9B043621D0DFAC0.pdf Macquarie City Council. 38 plants and trees can function as commander Tim Brown said the station, explore the fire Award. Water for Agriculture — Landcare In Focus 1 May 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.au 2

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Wetlands key to ag landscape 5 ETLANDS have been supporting 6 agricultural production for W 7 thousands of years by replenishing groundwater supplies and reducing waterflow rates during floods 8 to prevent infrastructure damage. Wetlands also support farm 9 management more broadly by: providing high-nutrient 10 fodder, shade for livestock and habitat that supports pest- control species; acting as 11 windbreaks to protect crops and property; providing a source for domestic water 12 consumption; improving water quality; and helping to prevent issues related to acid sulphate 13 soils. There is growing recogni­ tion among landholders that 14 wetlands can help, instead of hinder, production. 15 They can contribute to the Wetlands support irrigated agriculture by providing a water source, replenishing groundwater supplies and reducing waterflow rates during flood. – Picture: ARTHUR MOSTEAD, Department of the Environment. production values of properties while providing environmental complements their existing financial benefits – including vegetation cover prevents wind wetland management on 16 benefits. farm management. providing shelterbelts for stock erosion of the surface soil. Wetlands can private land, including through In recognition of these For example, in the and protecting a large part of The restoration work has contribute to the the use of environmental values, some farmers are Wimmera a farmer has restored the farm from wind because of also encouraged the return of water. 17 investing in wetland a five-hectare wetland that has its central position. During the birds and frogs. production values By mimicking natural flows, restoration that supports and produced environmental and dry season, the native Elsewhere in the Murray- environmental water can help Darling Basin, farmers are of properties to protect and restore the 18 AUSTRALIA’S SIGNIFICANT SITES ARE MASSIVE revegetating farm dams that while providing resilience of wetlands in the contribute to better water basin. Australia boasts an impressive and provide communities with Many wetlands are also special quality and healthier livestock environmental The maintenance of a 19 network of wetlands throughout recreation and tourism. places for Australia’s first people while also encouraging the healthy wetland on private its diverse landscapes – from They also provide habitat for and are often an important benefits. the mangroves and reefs of animals and plants and contain feature of their cultural and return of wildlife. land can have significant its coasts to the expansive a wide diversity of life. spiritual practices. Targeted wetland benefits for agricultural 20 floodplains of inland rivers. Wetlands are generally Australia now has 65 wetlands conservation such as this is conserve native trees through production and environmental Wetlands provide significant beautiful places to visit and are of international significance providing indirect benefits for planting; allowing wetlands to conservation, and an increasing economic, environmental, and popular locations for tourism (Ramsar sites) that cover more landholders. undergo natural wet and dry number of farmers are coming 21 social benefits. and recreational activities, than 8.3 million hectares. For instance, it has enabled cycles; and generally reducing up with innovative ways to use They supply water, help to particularly in regional and Many wetlands across Australia them to service the wider disturbance of the land. their wetlands to complement improve water quality, provide remote locations. They are are on private land and include community by: providing The Australian government their agricultural production 22 flood and storm mitigation, magnets for swimming, rivers, lakes, floodplains, benefits for downstream users; is working with states and while simultaneously offer climate change mitigation boating, fishing, camping and swamps, waterholes and farm improving the aesthetics and territories in the Murray- and adaptation opportunities birdwatching. dams. supporting healthy 23 value of properties; helping to Darling Basin to improve wetlands. 24 Improving the Great Barrier Reef’s water quality 25 AREFUL targeting of in the Great Barrier Reef region. water quality outcomes. recommendations to improve reduce dissolved inorganic The report was jointly expenditure is needed to The report analyses water It identifies investment land management practices. nitrogen loads when calculating funded by the Department of 26 Cimprove the quality of quality data for the major land priorities that could deliver Investment priorities for applications for nitrogen Agriculture and the Department water flowing into the Great uses in the Great Barrier Reef’s the biggest water quality the grazing industry include fertiliser. of the Environment, with Barrier Reef lagoon. 35 sub-catchments, reviews improvements for the reef. supporting adoption of better The report will be used by assistance provided by a 27 The Australian the likely impact of the The report focuses on herd management practices, and natural resource management working group of scientists from government’s prioritisation herbicide, nutrient and sugarcane and grazing – the two investment to reduce sub-soil organisations to better target the Australian and Queensland project report, Reef Water sediment loads on the reef’s main industries contributing to loss through gully and stream hotspots for pollutants and governments, CSIRO and 28 Quality Protection Plan 2013, corals and seagrasses and the anthropogenic pollutants in the bank erosion. by the Department of the Australian universities. provides information to support changes in land management lagoon. In the sugarcane industry, Environment to prioritise Reef l Download the report or find out more about 29 decisions on funding priorities practices needed for better The report contains there are opportunities to Trust funding. the Australian Government Reef Program at www.reefplan.qld.gov.au 30

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6 7 a river paddock 8 Contributed by ANITA BRADE water can help reduce risk of adjoining rivers or integrated. Better still, 9 MANN, Cooma Region Waterwatch livestock diseases such as liver watercourses is filtering runoff additional benefits include fluke. into rivers, creeks and dams so opportunities to increase roduction, l Encouraging native these areas of the farm can biodiversity on the farm, 10 biodiversity and water vegetation along river directly influence the reduce erosion and implement quality can fit together corridors increases biodiversity availability of clean water. drought proofing – which are in the river paddock to and maximises the resilience of Discussion included how to also important aspects of a 11 P your farm. achieve a resilient farming use buffer strips, maximising well-functioning, productive system. These were just some of the groundcover and selective and resilient farm. 12 Cooma Waterwatch and ideas discussed at the River The River Paddock field South East Local Land Services Paddock field days held across The big message day was jointly held by Cooma recently organised three field the Monaro. Waterwatch (funded by Icon 13 days on this topic on the The focus for the field days of the day was Water, formerly called Cooma Creek, Murrumbidgee was how to get the most from ACTEW Water – a finalist in and Snowy Rivers. the river paddock – which can that production the 2014 National Landcare 14 Tips included: be one of the most productive and clean water Awards) and South East LLS. l Fertilising at the right areas of the farm for grazing, The field days were held on time and in the right amount hay or cropping, especially on are not mutually local farms in an actual river 15 will mean more for your crop the Monaro. exclusive but can paddock, which allowed and none for the river, where it Given that these areas have attendees to talk soil and will just wash away and the ability to be most be integrated. production issues in the 16 perhaps even cause algal productive, it makes sense to context of a real site. RIGHT: Landholder Sarah Glauert and ACT government NRM facilitator Anna van blooms. try maximising return from grazing as some tools that farm The events also featured Dugteren observe waterbugs from the Murrumbidgee. l Grazing the river corridor these areas, and this may give managers can integrate to help local projects along the river 17 only very selectively and never us more choice to use other, clean water on the farm. corridor, which provided Landcare’s Bredbo River rehabilitate the Snowy River letting young stock graze will more marginal areas of the The big message of the day examples of what others are Wattle Park project and the corridor to increase landscape 18 prevent high pathogen loads farm more selectively. was that production and clean doing and what assistance work of SE LLS’s Snowy River connectivity and ecosystem in natural water supplies. Another function of water are not mutually there is available. Weaving the Web biodiversity resilience in the Snowy- l Providing off-stream floodplain paddocks and land exclusive but can be Projects included Bredbo project, which is working to Monaro region. 19 20 Willow control and river 21

22 recovery on the Meander Contributed by 23 QUAMBY BEND LANDCARE & LANDCARE TASMANIA 24 nce valued for riverbank protection, Owillows have the ability 25 to propagate and grow vigorously and have caused serious damage and significant cost by displacing native 26 vegetation and causing streambank erosion, blocking the main river channel and 27 causing excessive flooding, erosion, log­­‑ jams and channel movement. 28 Crack willows (Salix fragilis) are widespread along the Willows along the Meander River in the Quamby Bend district. Meander River catchment 29 in northern Tasmania and What was done remove willows from the river River’s health. The Quamby associated tributaries. and allow greater access. Bend Landcare members are The Quamby Bend Landcare Several large sections of Further control and cutting committed to the ongoing 30 Group has been committed the river and tributaries have of stumps with chainsaws occurs control of willows, gorse and to the ongoing control and had primary control of gorse, with all willow stumps pasted hawthorn and followup weed management of willow, along willow and hawthorn with some with chemical. control – with the ultimate aim areas also receiving follow up with gorse and hawthorn, Willows cut from the river of freeing the river of willows. 31 regrowth control. for many years. More than are piled in heaps to dry out and “We have managed Grasses have been seeded $20,000 from the philanthropic then burnt in May and June. existing sites with success Tasmanian Landcare Fund in along the river banks until and believe this project 32 regrowth of native species Areas cleared along the river are the past four years has been then seeded down with native will improve connectivity instrumental in allowing this to such as silver wattle, teatree, to sites already completed native olive and eucalypts can grasses and local provenance occur, along with funding from seed is collected and germinated and fit into our current farm 33 NRM North and crucial in-kind establish. maintenance regime,” Quamby The program has added for revegetation of native contributions. species along the river. Bend Landcare member Ian The willow control program several sections of healthy Mitchelson said. 34 riparian vegetation to this The removal of gorse and forms part of ongoing efforts Willow control in a tributary of the Meander River. willows has improved existing “We will also commit our by the Landcare group to stretch of the Meander River own time to follow up and prioritised by the Landcare Control programs have also and links with numerous past stands of native vegetation and remediate the Meander River allowed regeneration along subsequent revegetation if group. built on existing control works activities undertaken on and required.” 35 and tributaries in the Quamby the river as well as enhancing Bend and Selbourne districts Group members have and support areas that still have adjoining Landcare member The Landcare group has a developed and implemented native vegetation, providing properties. The Landcare wildlife habitat and water passion for this section of the and aims to control gorse, quality and reducing river bed hawthorn and willow adjoining property management plans to a good native seed source for group has used a willow control river and combines the control 36 and bank erosion. several sites where control help determine priority areas natural regeneration. contractor for primary control activities with social activities on for willow and weed control and Areas have been fenced activities with great success. activities have been completed. The future the river. Members have helped 37 The Quamby Bend revegetation activities. to remove stock from native Willows are initially cut by clear the swimming corner on Rivercare plan has provided These sections of the regeneration and existing native a contractor in February and This project is part of the river and have held quite a strategic direction for all weed river retain some of its native bush, and off-stream water March, using an excavator to a larger long-term project few family days and BBQs on 38 control and Landcare activities vegetation. troughs have been installed. open up thick infestations and to improve the Meander the river during the summer. Water for Agriculture — Landcare In Focus 1 May 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.au 2

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Tamborine schools on board with Landcare group 4 olunteers with Tamborine Mountain 5 VLandcare and local school children have been working to rehabilitate the Wilson Road wetland with the help of $8000 6 from a Landcare grant. Two mountain waterways associated with the wetland, 7 Guanaba Creek and Cedar Creek, have been included in the south-east Queensland 8 group’s work, part of its Corridors Regeneration Project started the previous year. 9 Because of its success, project partner Coca-Cola ABOVE: Rehabilitated creek areas have resulted in playtpus sightings, as ecosystems agreed to extend the funding are reinvigorated with funding from corporate partners. 10 – taking the total to $16,000. The group has undertaken right: Tamborine has been working in the area for years, including dedicated work around creek engaging student volunteers from local schools. areas for years. 11 Tamborine Mountain Bernards State School, who gauge the health of the aquatic Landcare coordinator Judith tested water quality while environments. Roland said this project learning about the macro Thirteen bugs were 12 concentrated on removing invertebrates that live in the identified using iPad apps, invasive weeds in the wetlands streams. The students caught including the caddisfly larvae and waterways and replanting water bugs in ponds in the area, and mayfly nymphs, which are 13 with appropriate native species. and used a powerful micro-eye juvenile, sensitive water bugs Degraded creek banks were microscope to project enlarged and indicators of very good stablised with mass plantings of images of the creatures onto a water quality. 14 reeds, rushes and trees. TV screen for closer scrutiny. Ms Roland said the program will continue regular water-bug has about 150 volunteers and only in the changed physical It also leveraged the They also measured water was a huge success, especially testing days and water quality has undertaken projects through environment but also in the enthusiasm of teachers and quality parameters such the education component. monitoring with the children. Landcare Australia funding from reinvigorated ecosystems, 15 students from Tamborine as pH, dissolved oxygen, Because of the encouraging Tamborine Mountain corporate supporters. including platypuses returning Mountain State School and St temperature and turbidity, to results, the Landcare group Landcare was formed in 2003, Its success can be seen not to the area. 16

17 Dams – more than resevoirs 18 ooking across a rural 19 landscape from an aircraft The field day when the sun is low is 20 Loften a reminder of just aimed to how many dams are below, and how much water is held on encourage local 21 farms. landholders to Dams tend to be regarded as just a means of holding inert improve ... farm 22 water for stock or irrigation, but Jerrawa Creek Landcare dams and creeks. Group in the Southern 23 Tablelands of NSW has Jerrawa Landcare members been working to make that attended the field day as a first huge, scattered water resource A farm dam water quality workshop previously drew attention improving water quality and biodiversity in farm dams and creeks. Jerrawa Creek Landcare Group has now secured new step to conducting a similar 24 a valuable conservation funding for a group project. program in the group’s own asset. catchment area. In 2008, the group held a ways to put more life into their more than just a place for aquatic species to improve yellow spotted bell frog. Leveraging on the groups’ 25 competition for a free “farm dams and waterways. holding water, while also native habitat in-stream and Southern pygmy perch past experiences, Jerrawa dam makeover” as part of a The Central West Local encouraging landholders to in dams. The field day aimed to (Nannoperca australis) were once Creek will work with the Biala larger agenda to promote ways Landcare Services (formerly improve the condition and encourage the local widely distributed throughout and Blakney Creek groups, 26 of improving water quality and Lachlan CMA) used the habitat of creeks and rivers landholders to improve the the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee Gunning Scouts, South East biodiversity in farm dams and concept to reach many bordering farms. condition and habitat of farm and Murray River systems as Local Land Services, Greening 27 creeks. other landholders outside In April Biala and Blakney dams and creeks, especially well as coastal streams in South Australia, the Upper Lachlan Water quality also boosts Jerrawa Landcare’s sphere of Creek Landcare, a new those free of predators such as Australia and Victoria, north- Shire Council, Luke Pearce and farm productivity: livestock, influence. Landcare group adjacent to the introduced redfin. eastern Tasmania and King and possibly also landcare groups 28 like humans, do better when Jerrawa Landcare has now Jerrawa, held a field day with The dams and creeks can Flinders Islands in Bass Strait. in the neighbouring Yass they drink clean water. received a grant from the Department of Primary then be used to improve the But they have now been Valley, to make farm water The exercise received Jaramas Foundation via Industries Fisheries survival prospects of the listed as a threatened species in storages and creeks small 29 700 entries and led to dozens Landcare Australia to continue Conservation manager Luke endangered southern pygmy NSW, with only three known ecosystems, instead of just of landholders learning about its work of making farm dams Pearce on the most suitable perch or the near-extinct populations remaining. reservoirs of water. 30

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4 The proposed Caragabal community water scheme is one

5 step closer, with water security a hot topic in the area.

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16 17 Consultation at Caragabal 18

19 eddin Landcare ABOVE: Caragabal Landholders outline property boundaries and delivery points for water and extent of scheme. benefit more than 400 people. and Central West It has the potential to 20 LLS have hosted a In front of a large crowd After consultation with 37 landholders. About 150 drought proof many Caragabal It has the Wcommunity guest speakers spoke on the Central West Local Land megalitres of water will be properties (accounting for potential to meeting at the Caragabal various components involved Services, state water, required annually to service more than 10 per cent of the 21 Country Club, with climate in establishing a scheme of engineers, Weddin Shire landholder water requirements. Weddin Shire land area) and drought proof variability and drought this size. Since this initial Council and state and federal There is also the increase local land values. resilience a major focus. meeting, water security has MPs, a concept design was opportunity for the Caragabal Thanks to this Weddin many Caragabal 22 At the meeting late last become a hot topic in the area. constructed and the design township to access the water Landcare-funded initiative, properties ... and year, Weddin Landcare A committee has been process is under way. during a drought. The the Caragabal community proposed the construction of a formed and incorporated and is The scheme will involve development of this water is one step closer to increase local 23 community-owned and well on the way to making the constructing a bore and scheme will ensure a secure developing a water scheme land values. managed stock and domestic proposed water scheme pumping the water through stock and domestic water and achieving long-term water supply scheme. 24 happen. a 160km pipe network to supply in the region and will water security.

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26 African boxthorn now in retreat on Bass Strait islands riends of Bass Strait Islands Islands have a long-term has been treating African commitment to Roydon and 27 Fboxthorn on 18 sites in the Flinders Islands and the Furneaux Furneaux Islands over the past Islands generally. five years and Furneaux Landcare These Islands are places that 28 and local Aboriginal communities create a special place in people’s are also treating the weed in the hearts and inspire them to keep Furneaux group, which includes on working on the control of 29 Roydon and Flinders Islands and invasive species and to entice the nearby Pasco Islands, Sentinel their friends along. Island and Settlement Point. The Flinders Island Landcare 30 African boxthorn is an group and the Friends of Bass aggressive environmental weed Strait Islands in particular have in the Furneaux Islands, and has a collaborative commitment to recently been recognised as a ongoing boxthorn control on 31 Friends Of Bass Strait Islands undertaking boxthorn control. – Picture: Karen Ziegler. Volunteers making a dent in the boxthorn. – Picture: Vicki Campbell. weed of national significance. It Roydon Island. Both groups think is mainly spread by birds that What was done Wildlife Service, the Aboriginal it is a big but worthwhile job for 32 feed on the berries or through Land Council Tasmania and role in the control program, with protecting threatened seabird nature conservation. seed drop once the plants Friends of Bass Strait Islands the Flinders Island Aboriginal FOBSI running two multi-day rookery vegetation and reducing Access to Roydon is relatively reach reproductive maturity. (FOBSI) has been undertaking Association Inc at Wybalenna. volunteer working bees during the threat of seed spread to other easy compared with most of the It establishes rapidly, forming on-ground control of African These projects also build on and the year to remove remaining nearby islands. The control Furneaux outer Islands because 33 impenetrable thickets. boxthorn within the 138-hectare link with past African boxthorn stands of boxthorn and conduct works also remove host habitat the island can be accessed by The weed displaces native Wybalenna historic site on control works in the coastal follow-up control in previously for starlings, which are capable crossing a strait of about 2km in a vegetation on the offshore Flinders Island as well as on the reserve between Allports Beach, treated areas. Working bees of distributing boxthorn seed relatively sheltered position. 34 Bass Strait Islands, threatening 38ha Roydon Island. Already, Emita, Duigans Beach and the also incorporate collaborative over long distances, potentially The group will continue vulnerable vegetation 23ha of has been treated on Castle Rock coastal walk. field days with members of reinfesting previously treated with the primary control work communities and reducing their Roydon Island. This project will the Aboriginal community areas. and continue with follow-up for 35 suitability as breeding habitat further extend treatment towards How it was done and members of the Furneaux The Tasmanian Landcare areas treated. There is more work for shorebirds and making access the goal of successful control African boxthorn was treated Landcare Group to share weeding Fund has provided $13,250 to to do and with dedicated and difficult for humans and native across the entire island. using the cut-and-paint method. experiences and techniques. allow boxthorn control works committed volunteers the group 36 animals. Large areas of the Islands This builds on earlier Volunteers used hand tools and at these sites, in addition to has stayed abreast of the control. have been treated to control boxthorn control efforts in the chainsaws to cut the African The outcomes significant contributions made to The groups will continue African boxthorn. The aim is to locality at Lillies Bay-Wybalenna boxthorn off at ground level, After control programs, the project by a number of other monitoring and maintenance 37 control boxthorn and hopefully in Settlement Point rookery, and painted the stumps to kill the native coastal vegetation organisations. visits to treated sites on a three- in time, eradicate the weed at Lillies Bay foreshore. The root system, then burn the cut re-establishes quickly, enhancing to four-year cycle to ensure the completely and return the islands projects were run in co-operation material. and improving the condition The future treated areas remain free 38 back to their natural state. with the Tasmanian Parks and Volunteers play a significant of shorebird rookery habitat, The Friends of Bass Strait of boxthorn. Landcare In Focus 1 May 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.au 2

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Cape rangers 5

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The planting project on Vince Critchley’s Murray Bridge property. 7 care for future any dairy farmers are moving to more 8 aring for country Mefficient pumping and the environment systems as power costs rise, but far fewer are planting trees. SA dairyman’s 9 lies at the heart of work by the Northern Murray Bridge, SA, dairy C farmer Vince Critchley has Peninsula Area Regional made environmental gains 10 Council (NPARC)/Apudthama inside and outside his dairy Land and Sea Rangers based on trees a search shed with a Lion Landcare the tip of Cape York Peninsula, grant. 11 in Queensland. Mr Critchley considers “We see our work with good paddock trees a necessity, country and the environment and backed the $3800 he for balance 12 as being vital,” said Warren received from Lion for the job Strevens, NPARC/Apudthama with $8000 of his own in-kind Land and Sea Ranger contributions. The fires that ABOUT SUPPORT about my logic behind wanting ravaged the Murray Bridge area to revegetate this area and were 13 co-ordinator. “We do it for our The Lion Landcare grant all impressed to hear of Lion’s in late 2013-early 2014 burnt also helped Riverlight Dairies future. We want to keep our about 6000 hectares near Mr interest in the environment, culture alive and well, and our on another environmental and the professional way that 14 Critchley’s farm. front. Inside the dairy shed, culture is intrinsically linked the field staff acted in the time Mr Critchley fought two Mr Critchley used $7000 of after the fires. back to country.” fires on and near his family’s a Lion grant, plus a $1500 Accordingly, the NPARC/ Riverlight Dairies farms, an in-kind contribution to retrofit a “It is a topic for many dairy 15 Apudthama Land and Sea experience he said “could be variable speed drive (VSD) on farm morning tea discussions Rangers undertake a wide ABOVE: NPARC Apudthama ranger best described as life changing”. his vacuum pump. how cheap milk impacts on range of environmental and Lawrence Pablo checks driftwood in far “I spent days after the fires Because the VSD changes the community. I have much 16 We do it for north Queensland for the presence of exotic with front end loaders pushing speed in order to maintain pleasure in reminding the Landcare initiatives. volunteers how Lion takes “One of our big programs is insects such as termites or borers. fallen trees off the roads, trying the optimum vacuum, rather our future. to put out burning big old trees than running at full speed all the long-term approach to 17 feral pig control. Last year we “We do a lot of work on which burnt for weeks,” he said. farming and addresses issues conducted three aerial shoots the time, the retrofit cut $900 We want to behalf of and in conjunction “Like all farmers involved to $1000 a quarter from Mr such as the environment and and killed over 800 pigs. The keep our with the Department of I saw and felt things that we Critchley’s power bill – plus an animal welfare. That includes 18 feral pigs do untold damage to Agriculture. Once a month we never wish to speak of again.” unexpected $150 a quarter in sustainable returns to dairy the environment up here. They culture alive do cattle bleeding to test for the Losses have been felt on savings on oil. farmers.” indiscriminately dig up a lot of presence of exotic animal many fronts, but Mr Critchley He said the trees were doing 19 native vegetation and destroy and well. diseases; we do plant mapping; said the sadness over the loss of shed equipment. very well and volunteers left turtle hatcheries, seriously marine debris patrols along our paddock trees was universal. With Lion’s support, Mr with a different take on the power of the consumer at the impacting on turtle numbers,” extinct. We’re pretty excited shoreline and exotic termite “Whether they be for Critchley and volunteers from 20 about that,” Warren said. shade for stock or they are the Eastern Hills Mount Lofty supermarket not only impacted Warren said. work. themselves but had a profound Then there’s the ranger seen as part of a sustainable Plains Catchment Group, of “Another major undertaking “We even use their facilities environment for native birds, which he is a member, planted effect on everyone involved. we do is weed control. Last group’s ghost net and fire from time-to-time. Recently a they are the missed the most,” 6000 trees last year. It may be impractical to put 21 year we did pond apple (an work. “Ghost nets are a real couple of poison drums washed he said. Budgets had been a dollar figure on tree planting invasive, exotic aquatic weed) menace all along the northern up on one of our beaches and When he approached “exceptionally tight” since the or quantifying bird habitat or work at Temple Bay and we Australian coast. They are we took the drums to the Lion for a Landcare grant, fires Mr Critchley said, and biodiversity, but Mr Critchley’s 22 also sprayed over 400 hectares fishing nets that have been department’s office in Bamaga his application sought he doubted nearly as many view is they are just as vital to of gambra grass and a further thoughtlessly discarded and and we used their facilities to environmental gains from trees would have been planted the long-term sustainability 60 hectares of lion’s tale. they trap a lot of marine life secure the drums until they revegetation as well as the without Lion’s help. of both the farmers and Lion’s 23 business into the future. Weeds are a major problem in that often die as a result of could be safely dealt with. We energy efficiency from better “All volunteers were told Cape York. They can ruin being entangled. have a good relationship with good pastures and force out “We have just one road that the department. The 24 native plant species.” runs up the middle of Cape department kick-started a lot Some of the other York and some travellers light of basic training and specialist environmental work the ranger fires and don’t properly weed-surveillance training and 25 group did last year included extinguish them or throw to this day when we find turtle work on the west coast of cigarettes out of their windows something of biosecurity LEFT: The team 26 the Gulf of Carpentaria where and start spot fires,” Warren concern we still go to them of volunteers from more than 1000 turtles were said. “Our job is to get in early first. Also we know their staff the Eastern Hills tagged to track movements. to minimise the impact of these up here really well – some of Mount Lofty Plains 27 The group also did a nest count fires by reducing the fuel load.” their officers are even related Catchment Group goes into action and monitored the conditions Like many ranger groups in to some of our rangers. It’s a northern Australia, the NPARC on the Riverlight of nesting sites. very close relationship but one Dairies paddock. 28 “One of our great outcomes Apudthama Land and Sea that’s important to our ranger last year was the rediscovery of Rangers work closely with group, to the department, to the Jardine River turtle – a many federal and state agencies, our local communities and 29 freshwater turtle that was such as the federal Department ultimately, to all thought to have become of Agriculture. Australians.” 30

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38 Landcare In Focus May 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.au Drouin dairyman transforms his windswept farm

West side dam on the Mills’ property taken after regenerative work last year.

IKE many farmers, Trevor Melbourne Water allowed him chances of survival. Mills was so absorbed in It’s gone from an to fence off about 2km of creek Others have appreciated the business of farming frontage. the Mills’ work. that he didn’t pay much open, windswept Looking back – and helped At last count, 90 species L by his own pictures – he said of bird had been seen on the attention to the natural world on his family’s dairy farm in place with trees the work had made “a massive farm. Drouin, Victoria. Then he being blown over all change” to the property. Mr Mills has also taken the picked up a camera. “It’s gone from an open, opportunity to make the place Watching through the lens, the time to having windswept place with trees easier to manage, tearing up he became absorbed in the being blown over all the time old barbed-wire fences in birds, animals and plants the shelter all over it. to having shelter all over it.” inappropriate places and farm hosted. He also became He no longer spends replacing them with single- aware of the need to protect He started with about three winters cleaning up fallen wire electric fence in patterns and support them. hectares of remnant bushland timber with a chainsaw because that support livestock and That was in the 1980s, but that he fenced off, using old the extra vegetation has pasture management while the 122ha farm didn’t come posts and wire recovered from tempered the wind. protecting remnant vegetation. fully under his management other fences. On timbered slopes that By creating 50 paddocks until the late 1990s. The response to removal of used to have problems with managed on a rotational basis, In the past 15 or so years, stock was so fast and so weeds, dense vegetation has he has improved stock carrying Mr Mills and his wife, Anne- gratifying that he kept finding shaded out most weed growth. capacity by 50 per cent Marie, have wrought a more remnants to set aside. He And when a cow is having without any additional inputs. remarkable transformation on started planting trees trouble calving, it’s no longer “We’ve taken a lot of pride what was once an propagated from his own seed. on a cold windswept expanse in the place over the A creek runs through the farm. unremarkable farm. Financial support from but in shelter, increasing her years,” Mr Mills said. Honouring pioneers of the Landcare movement

O commemorate patterned fens, and has He and Rosalie were founding In the Landcare group they Landcare’s silver volunteered at the Cooloola members. co-founded Wilma has been Tanniversary, an online community native plant nursery The couple has dedicated secretary/treasurer since 1995 honour roll for veterans of 25 for 15 years. themselves to the group, and Peter president for many years or more was set up last becoming heavily involved in years. year – but it was only as Dennis & Rosalie Stringer projects such as African love nominations drew to a close that Victoria grass and serrated tussock Richard & Zoe Baillie couples uploaded stories of control, and were a driving Victoria Landcare. Dennis and Rosalie Stringer force behind the introduction of have been farming on their dung beetles to the region. Zoe and Richard Baillie were Joan & Gary Wallis property beside the Gippsland founding members of Jindanook Lakes for more than 50 years. Peter & Wilma McKay Landcare group, which formed Victoria They have managed their in 1988 – Richard serving as One such couple was Joan property following Landcare Victoria president and Zoe as equipment and Gary Wallis, pioneers in practices for much of this time. Peter and Wilma were officer during their time with Victoria before Landcare was Landcare on their farm has co-founders of the Triholm the group. launched at a national level in included weed control, rabbit Landcare group in 1991, with The Jindanook LC group the late 1980s. The Wallises set Joan and Gary Wallis. control, shelter belts, retaining the first meeting being held on planted 25,000 trees a year up a group combining Landcare stands of magnificent old red their property. during this time – many as part of the group’s Green Web and primary production and the group’s success. Les Boyce, who continued for gums, rotation grazing and Heavily involved with the project, which aimed to establish provided an example for They became involved a few more years until the BPA managing soil health. local dairy industry, they have bio-links between river reserves, others to follow in the South with sustainable farming and Dennis and Rosalie greatly improved sustainable was eventually dissolved. remnant bush and community Gippsland region and beyond. tree groups immediately after Les had extensive knowledge proactively farm their practices on their own dairy predominantly beef property farm in Poowong, planting plantings. On their farm, the Wallises moving to South Gippsland in of the state’s coastal wallum and planted thousands of trees following whole farm planning about 15,000 trees and Richard was responsible for 1987. rainforest species and initiated while ensuring the property principles and practices, actively applying best-practice the co-ordinating the group’s plantings at Rainbow Beach to remained economically viable as Les & Mary Boyce including extensive shelter environmental management. ragwort aerial spraying program, a working farm. manage erosion and reduce the belts, rotational grazing, Wilma and Peter have the FoxOff fox control program Joan, who passed away Queensland effect of salt laden wind on an exemplary weed control, critical also been a driving force of and dung beetle control late last year, was responsible Rainbow Beach was only exposed high dune. analysis of soil health and environmental programs and projects. for running farm planning gazetted in 1969, an outpost Mary Boyce worked with pasture development. policy. The Landcare Hero Honour workshops inspiring producers town of Queensland’s Widgee Les in planting dune species and They are leaders in their Wilma is a member of the Roll is supported by Landcare to develop whole-farm plans Shire (Gympie). both were active members of field, managing their farm and South Gippsland Community Australia with funding from and strategically develop The Beach Protection Rainbow Beach Coastcare, now stock in an ecologically friendly Weed Taskforce and has the Australian government’s their farm. She and Gary were Authority (BPA) collected Cooloola Coastcare. and financially viable manner. been a representative of National Landcare founding members of the Fish shoreline data there from Mary continues water Dennis was the inaugural the Slow the Flow program Programme. Creek Landcare group and had 1977 to 1988, enlisting local quality monitoring of local president of the Romawi and a board member of the ● Read more online at www.landcarelife. remained driving forces behind volunteers, in particular the late creeks, stormwater and Landcare Group in June 1995. Sustainable Strzelecki’s group. com/25years LandcareLandcare In Focus In Focus May 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.auMay 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.au

WILDLIFE IN ACTION

A bird mother feeds its young.

ABOVE AND NEAR RIGHT: At last count, 90 species of bird had been THE CANVAS seen on the farm. FAR RIGHT: Portrait BEFORE: Swamp 2002 before revegetation work – not ideal conditions for farm animals. of a possum. – Wildlife in action photographed by dairy farmer TREVOR MILLS on his property.

THE ART

AFTER: Swamp area revegetated and no longer muddy 11 years later. The perfect mascot for a wise approach to landcare. Landcare In Focus May 2015 ~ www.landcareonline.com.au

Remote surveillance has a major role in protecting thre nation’s bees. The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor, V. jacobsoni) is among the exotic pests targeted by the biosecurity tools. The program relies on an early warning system. OLAR panels, Australia’s food production is smartphones and look- dependent on bee pollination. alike monitored RIRDC senior program Shives that snare feral bee manager for animal industries, intruders. It may sound like Dr Dave Alden, said honey bees something from a science fiction were vital to food production – movie but the technology is Border security call including the pollination of already here – with scientists backyard fruit and vegetables. now hoping for sufficient “Varroa mite is expected to funding to implement wipe out the feral colonies of nationwide protection for European honey bees in the Australia’s agricultural industries. Australian bush and make it In the past three years, more expensive for beekeepers researchers have developed to manage their hives. This is systems that use smartphone to save our bees likely to reduce the quality and technology to provide a quantity of not just honey, but low-cost form of surveillance to diseases such as the Varroa mite the many horticultural and improve the likelihood of early A WORLD WITHOUT BEES – a blood sucking tick that agricultural crops that rely on attaches itself to the bee,” he detection, containment and A WORLD without bees would ■ There will be less to choose bees for pollination.” eradication of exotic bees and affect everyone: from in the supermarket. said. Without pollination by bees, associated pests. With manual ■ Diets would change ■ Fruit and vegetables will be “The Varroa mite has caused farmers, food processors, surveillance, there is a risk that significantly, with less food more expensive. a massive impact throughout the retailers and even crop bees carrying pests may have available to feed large animals, ■ The variety of medicines in the world with major destruction to protection and seed companies moved on before they are meaning less meat and milk. chemist would decline. the beekeeping, pollination and would find it hard to develop detected; and not all ports have ■ There will be economic and ■ There would be fewer choices agriculture industries. and grow their businesses. biosecurity officers nearby. social impacts on farmers, for clothing materials. “With insufficient bee Landcare Australia aims to Exotic bee pests targeted industries and retailers ■ Significantly, whole ecosystems colonies, pollination of food fund the RIRDC’s National Bee Australia-wide. will alter, eliminating some of crops has declined. This has include the devastating Varroa ■ Little things like coffee or going Australia’s beautiful biodiversity Pest Surveillance Program – an mite (Varroa destructor, V. out for a meal will cost more. habitats. – Picture: Angela Wylie. resulted in a dramatic decrease early warning system to detect jacobsoni), while exotic pest bees of food production.” incursions of exotic bee pests include the exotic Asian The smartphone technology possible incursion of exotic bees having any chance in preventing The effect on Australian and pest bees. honeybee (Apis cerana) and exotic allows for constant monitoring carrying pests. Ports are the most the decimation of our pollination households would be dramatic: At the fake hives the photos strains of the European and provides alerts if bees are likely entry point, so the hives and honey bee industries and “No bees means no food,” Mr are triggered by an app, which honeybee. detected in the bait hives, rather are placed close by. maintaining Australia’s food Kershaw said. “Three out of five traps the insect then activates an Successful trials of new than relying on inspection visits Australia is the last continent security. pieces of food you put in your alarm so a local government surveillance technology in that are time, labour and energy left in the world without the Leading beekeeper James mouth have a pollination link to apiary officer can visit the hive Brisbane and Cairns have shown intensive. It also allows for presence of the Varroa mite, Kershaw, a fifth-generation in bees. And we would see a within 24 hours. The cost to catch boxes can be fitted with a monitoring on remote areas of which has devastated honey bee the vocation, told Landcare in dramatic decline in the build and deliver each hive is cheap smartphone, battery, and the coastline. populations in countries as close Focus that the pinhead-sized pollination of two thirds of $800 and 378 hives are needed a solar-powered charger. The The program uses as New Zealand and Papua New mites that transmitted from bee Australian agricultural output.” in 42 ports. phone takes photos at regular surveillance techniques such as Guinea. No country has to bee, had resulted in entire According to the Rural ● To safeguard bee populations and help keep intervals and uploads them catch boxes (empty hives), log eradicated a bee pest such as the colonies being wiped out. Industries Research and Australia free of varoa mites, donate to the Protect straight to the internet, where traps and swarm capture of bees Varroa mite, so investment in “The biggest threat to bees at Development Corporation Our Bees (see form below) or online at www.protectourbees.org.au they can be checked for bees. at ports in order to detect the early detection is critical in the moment would be pests and (RIRDC) in Australia, 65pc of