Spring 1999 Victorian Victorian ISSUE 13 andcareandcare LL & CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT

Visually impaired lend a hand

Neighbourhood process takes off in the Woady

Best of luck to the finalists in the 1999 Victorian Landcare and Farm Management Awards INSIDE COVER Kondinin AD CONTENTS

Letters Business Management Wade Hughes Pages 4 & 5 Peter Walsh Peter Sutherland Agroforestry Expo Editorial Group Page 6 Paul Crock (03) 9207 5562 Jo Safstrom (03) 9637 8394 Gabrielle Sheehan (03) 9637 8472 International Landcare Conference Editorial Consultant Tiffany & Associates (03) 9894 2169 Pages 8 & 9 Farmers asked to help brolgas Advertising Enquires Paul Crock Page 13 Phone (03) 9207 5562

Design Powlett Project processes Bouquet Productions Pty. Ltd. Phone (03) 9376 0911, Fax (03) 9376 0922 Page 16 & 17 CMA updates Printing Sands Print Group Pages 22, 23 & 24 Breakwater, Geelong. Phone (03) 5248 3333, Fax (03) 5248 7222

Cover Photograph Spring time in Bannockburn Top 20 ‘most unwanted’ weeds Photo: Paul Crock Page 26 Tillage trial to stop Mallee dust Contributions and mailing list enquiries Page 27 Victorian Farmers Federation Landcare Section, Level 6 24-28 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000 The Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management magazine is a joint Phone (03) 9207 5555 Fax (03) 9207 5500 publication of the Victorian Farmers Federation, Alcoa of Australia Limited E-mail: [email protected] and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, with the support Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management is of the Victorian Catchment Management Council. published for the Victorian Landcare Community by the Victorian Farmers Federation, 24-28 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000. Articles may be reprinted provided Victorian Landcare is acknowledged. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of statements in Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management the Victorian Farmers Federation, its partners, agents, servants and contractors disclaim all responsibility for the statements quoted herein.

ISSN: 1327 5496 Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 3 FromFrom thethe editorseditors LETTERS

Welcome to the new Victorian Landcare & from time to time stop copies of the Letters Catchment Management magazine. magazine going to out-of-date addresses Quietly evolutionary, the Victorian and to prevent duplicate postings. Landcare magazine now includes news and information about catchment Groups tell how management across the State. In this edition, we have focused Canadian Creek Dear editors on group processes with ‘how to’ Look for the new icon (see below) to Just a short note to say how much I am stories from some of the State’s identify articles on catchment enjoying the Victorian Landcare magazine. most successful community-based management. I have been involved in the L.I.N.C.S. Catchment catchment landcare projects. and BEN here in Ballarat as well as Management As in every edition, we have several working on two discussion committees stories on landcare activities in Victoria. for the Ballarat Council. If you have anything you want to I’m afraid that these days I can’t do much Included in the magazine will be news on include, the lead-time for publication as I’m dependant on a walking frame, but because of the kindness of our VCA minister, what catchmentmanagement authorities is significant. We need to have your Bruce Waldron, I was able to attend the are doing with their communities, contribution in September for the Jens-gaunt ceremony at Canadian Creek together with casestudies, profiles, and Christmas edition! that you mentioned in your last edition. information from NRE and the Victorian Best of luck to the finalists in the I think it is wonderful to see the landcare CatchmentManagement Council. Landcare Awards. We will feature the movement growing and I find it most Including catchment based material winners in the next two editions in reassuring. enhances the capacity of the magazine the lead up to the International Landcare God bless you all. to give you, the members of the landcare 2000 Conference in Melbourne in Shirley McRae. community, a more complete picture March next year. Read about how to Wendouree of what is happening in natural get involved in the conference on resource management in Victoria. pages 8 and 9. In this broader framework, we provide Berg Feedback The letters section is full of comments Dear Editors, the opportunity to communicate your and feedback. If you want to have your In reference to C. Henry’s letter (Victorian achievements and hurdles, and present say on an issue, send us your thoughts. Landcare, issue 12), it is precisely these other relevant information regarding types of ideas (dragging an iceberg to landcare in Victoria. Enjoy spring. South Australia’s south-east coast) that With this edition we are also asking Paul Crock, Jo Safstrom, Gabrielle Sheehan conservationists are trying to prevent. you to confirm that you want to continue Mr Henry, I sympathise with your to receive this magazine. We do this hardship during drought but Australia is by nature a dry continent. Interfering with nature has caused many of the problems Catchment management we are faced with today including increased levels of salinity, pollution and modifying demonstration - of ecosystems. Bunyip style I’m sorry, but your idea is about as Susan Anderson, Secretary of the Bunyip sensible as redirecting fresh water from Landcare Group sent us through a great great rivers such as the Fitzroy in Western suggestion for promoting catchments and Australia and the East Alligator in Kakadu. catchment management: The net result of these is a depletion of the entire ecosystem. We know that this is true Grass seed donated by a local merchant was Dear Editors, because it has happened to such great rivers sown at six weeks, and tube stock a few days as the Murray and the Murrumbidgee, which Our venue was the Centenary Bunyip before the show. Shelterbelts, plantations, have been significantly tapped for irrigation. Agricultural Show, a landmark event for the fenced dams, weeds, etc., were all labelled whole community. and children provided the farm animals and We wanted to make sure that landcare was fences from their toy farms. represented at the show and so with a fair bit It was a great success both in the design and of hard work and a bit of inspiration, we set construction and during and after the show. about building a catchment. Perhaps other groups will be interested in The large pile of mulch was loaded into a using our idea for taking catchment tandem trailer, sculptured into the upper and management to the general public. lower catchment, and divided into well- Susan Anderson managed and poorly-managed sections. Bunyip LettersLETTERSLettersLetters

Now, moving an iceberg may not appear I later took Tim Doeg (to my knowledge One thing’s for sure – you have never seen to be detrimental to an ecosystem but one of the foremost experts in invertebrate anything like it in your life. many marine organisms use icebergs for studies in the state), to the old dam at Does this story sound familiar? If it does for shelter, from whales to tiny invertebrates. Mt Martha where he netted the surface you, then you’re not alone! Over 2000 If precedence were set for harvesting and middle layers of the dam. people from all over mainland Australia icebergs it would not take long at all for The middle layer of the invertebrate-rich have now reported sightings of animals an adverse effect to occur. dam sported thousands of ostrocods. they believe or suspect could be thylacines. May I suggest to you that there are Tim’s comment to me at the time was The Australian Rare Fauna Research much more affordable ways for individual “that’s what ate your algae!” Association (ARFRA) has been collecting landholders to come to terms with Australia’s It was truly an amazing turn-around. and analysing reported sightings and dry climate. Some of these are innovative I would be interested in hearing from other unusual animals since 1984. and are presented in Victorian Landcare others with similar experiences. Although reports have been received magazine in the very issue that you made John McCubbing from many areas of the state, the ‘hot spots’ your suggestion. Red Hill such as the Dandenongs, Foster, Inverloch - To make the land more productive and Wonthaggi, Wilson’s Promontory National yet environmentally friendly it is necessary Park and Loch Sport contribute significant to work together for a common cause by numbers of sightings. sharing these innovative ideas. Forums such AFRA have teamed up with the Australian as Victorian Landcare magazine provide National University and are concentrating such an opportunity and it is exciting to see on using a BIOCLIM model to develop so many people from all walks of life getting an environmental profile of the areas the involved and making a difference. animal sightings are coming from. These I’m proud to be Australian for many can then be compared to profiles of other reasons, not the least because Australia animals to see whether the sightings really is what it is – unique. do represent a different species. Good luck, Mr Henry, for a prosperous future. Wilson’s Promontory Most kind regards, How is it that thylacines are being David Leviston consistently reported on mainland Mt Clear Australia? Evidence was recently brought to light at the special exhibition from the Museum of Tasmania, suggesting that Algae Solution six pairs were released on to Wilson’s Dear editors Promontory early this century. I would like to draw peoples’ attention to a Alternatively, recent sightings could be very promising experience I had following remnants of the original mainland design and construction of a new dam at Researching rare fauna – The Tassie population, hitherto known only from Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula. Tiger: Back from the edge? fossils and cave paintings. We pumped the new dam full from another Dear Editors Either way, do you have any information that had beautiful clear water. Within a that could help the researchers build their Imagine this... week, it was covered with a broad band climate profile? You are travelling home after a hard game of filamentous revolting algae around the In the past many people were reluctant of footy. Your eyes are nearly as tired as entire perimeter. to report sightings, uncertain of peoples’ your legs, but they spring open when the The owner was very disappointed, so I response to them claiming to have seen a strange animal comes into view as you suggested that we try seeding the dam with supposedly extinct animal. With the new round the corner. invertebrates or zooplankton which live database developed by ARFRA, people on such algae. Your first thought is ‘that’s not a fox.’ lucky enough to have seen a thylacine As an experiment, we found an old dam Immediately it looks too big, the head is have the opportunity to make a valuable near Mt Martha, which I thought would wrong, the tail is totally different. Then it contribution to an important research project. turns and runs off the road, in an awkward contain such dam dwellers. We pumped Please contact Peter Chapple on shambling trot that you’ve never seen in a three tanker loads (3 x 7000 litres) out and (03) 5968 6144 and tell him of your sighting. dog or any other animal. into the new dam with the algal problem. Michael Cleeland As it disappears into the roadside scrub Someone asked me how long it would take Phillip Island and, having never done such a thing before, the image turns over and over in your mind. I suggested “perhaps a couple of months”. Could it have possibly been the Tasmanian Tiger? It was getting dark and you couldn’t To all our surprise, the algae was all gone be sure whether it had stripes or not. by 4.30pm on the day!

Victorian Landcare and CatchmentVictorian Management Landcare Page 5 FARM FORESTRY? It’s about farmers!

Farm Feature

September sees a series of practical field You cannot distinguish agroforestry or Water quality, landcare, enhanced days and events across Victoria highlighting farm forestry from any other type of landscapes, biodiversity and carbon are all farmer views about agroforestry and farm forestry by how it looks. It is not the scale, potential products that the community are forestry as part of the National Agroforestry the planting pattern, the species or the prepared to pay for. These values should be Expo ’99. Rowan Reid, the national purpose of a forest that makes it a farm marketed and sold on an ongoing basis to convenor, highlights why the interests forest – it is about ownership. If a farmer ensure that the rewards form part of the and needs of farmers must be the focus makes the decision to participate in farm balance sheet along with the returns of farm forestry R&D. forestry then, for me, this is farm forestry. from wool, beef, wheat or timber.

Forestry activities in public native forests Essentially farm forestry is about choice. The Australian Master TreeGrower and industrial plantations suffer from a It’s about farmers choosing to commit Program and Agroforestry Expo ’99 poor public image. It seems however that their resources to the development and everyone loves farm forestry. management of forests for, amongst other If agroforestry and farm forestry are things, commercial return. about farmers having the confidence Industry, governments and conservation to grow and manage forests then the groups expose its virtues suggesting that That commercial return might be from Australian Master TreeGrower Program farm forestry offers us our best chance timber but it could be much more than that. and Agroforestry Expo ’99 are about yet of fighting soil and water degradation, Rather than complaining about market demonstrating that they can. turning around our $1.6 billion trade access and low prices for traditional deficit in forest products, reducing the More than 100 growers in Victoria timber products, farmers must take the need to log public native forests, storing have completed the Australian Master initiative and work towards mechanisms carbon dioxide, and the like. TreeGrower Program and many of that allow small growers to sell all the them are featuring in the expo. Can farm forestry really deliver? commercial, environmental and social Are we all talking about the same thing? values of their forests. In Victoria, Agroforestry Expo ’99 What is a farm forest anyway and what includes three full-day expos including We must acknowledge the market realities has it got to do with farmers? demonstrations, displays, seminars and and ensure that the products of our forests much more. These are complemented Firstly, what is a farm forest? are of high quality and properly presented by Open Farm Days highlighting some of so as to attract a fair price. our best growers. Come along and see for yourselves where our leading farmers are taking farm forestry in the future. For more information contact Rowan Reid on (03) 9344 5011, or on the web: www.mtg.unimelb.edu.au Victorian Events Expo Sites 10 September Oak Valley, Euroa. 17 September Great Southern Woolshed, Ballarat. 18 September Apollo Bay Surf Club.

Master TreeGrower Open Farm Days 11 September NE Victoria. 16 September Central Victoria. 19 September Otway Ranges.

Costs: Entry less than $5, expo kit for just $10. Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 6 FarmersFarmers supportsupport waterwater qualityquality strategystrategy

Catchment Management forfor thethe OvensOvens BasinBasin By Margrit Beemster

Mudgegonga farmer Dave Reeves is all The Mudgegonga and District Landcare for the new Ovens Basin Water Quality Group has a number of projects on the go Strategy... especially when it means his where funding has been made available Mudgegonga and District Landcare Group in because they fit in with the aims of the north-east Victoria can access more funding water quality strategy. The projects range to tackle its biggest problem – soil erosion. in size from small projects such as fencing out 100 square metres at the start of “We have very granitic soils around here,” gullies and planting trees, to major works says Dave, also the landcare group’s along the Barwidgee Creek in a joint co-ordinator. “In winter you don’t drive project with the North East Catchment a tractor onto a paddock, but into it. Management Authority. It becomes a bottomless soup. The more you agitate the soil, the worse it becomes.” “Basically it’s fencing, revegetation and rockwork,” says Dave. “The CMA is The group’s area takes in the Barwidgee doing the rockwork and the landcare and Happy Valley Creeks; both identified group and the landholder are doing the as priority sub-catchments by the strategy fencing off and the revegetation. We which is now in its implementation stage. received a grant for the materials from The strategy allows for increased funding Landcare Partnership Initiative 2000. for streambank stabilisation and gully erosion control and more support from “By joining in with NECMA the idea departmental extension officers. is that the dollars available go further in terms of actual streambank repairs. It has been designed to protect and improve Originally they were only going to the quality of water in the Ovens Basin, do a small section of the creek but we which contributes around 14% of the approached them to see if we could work average total flows from the entire Murray- together to make the money go further Darling Basin. It is estimated, on average, and do a better job, to do a more complete some 180 tonnes of phosphorus and 1600 section of the creek. It’s a more holistic tonnes of nitrogen reach the Murray River approach.” each year from the Ovens Basin. For further information on strategy The strategy has identified 12 specific implementation contact Veronica programs with corresponding actions Lanigan at the North East Catchment that target farmers, urban areas, local Management Authority on government and industry. Of particular (02) 6055 6133. relevance to landholders and farmers are the stream management, gullies stabilisation and agricultural industries (which focuses on the adoption of Best Management Practices) programs. Paul Bleeser and Dave Reeves inspect a site along Gibney’s Gorge where rocks have been used to fill what was once a 1.5 metre drop.

Mudgegonga and District Landcare Group Co-ordinator, Dave Reeves, with a big rock chute along Gibney’s Gorge where 240 metres of rock was used to combat a major erosion problem. Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 7 InternationalInternational LandLand

Just 13 years ago the term landcare was Twenty-five concurrent sessions will The theory and practice of managing unknown. Next year Australia is hosting feature speakers from policy, process and land and water for biodiversity the first ever International Landcare practical perspectives as well as global, conservation with the Hon. Sharman Conference. ‘Changing Landscapes – regional and local ones. The sessions Stone, Dr Denis Saunders from CSIRO Shaping Futures’ will be held in include the following topics and and Delmar Blasco, Secretary-General Melbourne from 2-5 March 2000. speakers and many more – of the RAMSAR Convention Bureau. The conference program is studded with The role of networks with Jonathon Sobels Urban landcare with Kay Collins from the local, national and international landcare on the impact of networks on landcare in ACT, Fiona Douglas on tropical landcare luminaries coming together to share rural Australia, Gordon Brown on networks in Darwin and Jacky Williams from the perspectives and gain new insights into that foster government/community Noosa and District Landcare Group. the landcare movement. The conference partnerships and Max Skeen on the Changing landscapes with Dr Fionnula ranges across themes of sustainable Hindmarsh Landcare Network. Frost on living landscapes, Dr Ruth agriculture, greenhouse, community Patterns and trends in rural communities Beilin on recognising landscape futures participation and rural futures. with Professor Geoff Lawrence from Central and Sarah Allen on agri-environmental John Claringbould, Landcare Australia Queensland University, social research projects in Scotland. Chairman and chairman of the organising consultant Neil Barr and farmer Richard Towards the future with Andrew committee, says the conference is a Weatherley from Mortlake, Victoria. Campbell on the grass roots revolution, dynamic model of scale and perspective. The origins of community landcare with Cam Nicholson on the experiences of “It deals with issues important for the Hon. Joan Kirner, Theo Nabben and landholders in the Woady Yaloak the farm, the catchment, the country Njabulo Nduli from South Africa and catchment and Deb Tkachenko on and the world.” Noel Voch from the Philippines. the role of landcare in rebuilding the social fabric of our communities. Keynote speakers include scientist and Rangelands in practice with Caroline author Dr Tim Flannery, Ian Johnson from Boyd on landcare as the vital link in Sustainable Agriculture: dream or reality? the World Bank and co-founder of the rangeland sustainability, Mark Ritchie with Geoff Gorrie from Agriculture, Fisheries Women’s Economic Think Tank, Eva Cox. on decision support systems for managing and Forestry Australia, John Harvey from rangelands and Ian Laurance on the the Grains Research and Development The committee has matched papers and Gascoyne-Murchison Strategy. Corporation and community landcare people to issues, but hasn’t created any graingrowers from the Tammin area in WA. divisions between the grass roots and the managerial or academic. John Claringbould says the conference will give landcare an international focus and keep it in the face of key decision makers. “Landcare is a very important tool for delivering natural resource management. Australians should see the conference as a unique opportunity to showcase our achievements and share our expertise.”

Scientist and author of The Future Eaters, Science journalist and broadcaster Robyn Dr Tim Flannery, will give the keynote address. Williams is an enthusiastic participant in the conference.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 8 carecare ConferenceConference

The role of research and communicating The challenge of meeting food demand The role of the private sector in research with Professor Hugh Possingham and sustainability with Tim Reeves community approaches to natural from the University of Adelaide, Alex from the International Maize and Wheat resources management with Campbell from the Land and Water Improvement Centre in Mexico, Pearlie Dr Marnie Leybourne from WA and Research and Development Corporation Reed from the United States Department Klaus Englehard from Osram. and Martin Westbrooke on the role of of Agriculture and Lynn Arnold from How do we know we are making universities in landcare. World Vision Australia. a difference? with Roy Green The role of local government in Catchment planning processes with from the Australian Land and community participation models Geoff Spencer from the World Bank, Water Audit, Dr Geoff Barrett on for natural resource management Don Blackmore from the Murray- birds and sustainable agriculture with Dr Julian Agyeman from Boston, Darling Basin Commission and Jeremy and Professor Mike Tyler. USA, Mike Berwick from Douglass Gaylard from the Victorian Catchment Educational approaches with Alison Shire Council and Linda Raynor on local Management Council. Russell French on Waterwatch, Robert government and landcare in Australia. Catchment planning at a local level with Wallis from South Australia and Robert International marketing trends – Linda Brownstein on linking landcare Rindzevicius with a school experience. landcare’s role with Alan Oxley on visions and agencies, Saan Ecker on ICM in Educational approaches to engage what the market is going to demand in the Blackwood River Basin and Dr Barbara the community with Leith Boully the 21st century, Genevieve Carruthers on Musso on community-based planning. from the MDBC Community Advisory landcare and environmental management The role of government in community Council, David Ross from the Indigenous systems and Graeme Gleeson on market participation models for natural resource Land Corporation and Ken Sampson access and landcare in New Zealand. management with Dr Stephen Dovers on community involvement in successful Greenhouse with Gwen Andrews from the Australian National University, catchment management. from the Australian Greenhouse Darrel Brewin on catchment management As well as the sessions listed above Office, Professor Snow Barlow from principles and their application in a the conference will include keynote the University of Melbourne and government program and Dr Alan addresses, panel sessions, discussions, Dr Andres Arnalds on carbon Curtis on what an international posters presentations, displays and sequestration in Iceland. audience can learn from the Australian over 30 field trips, day trips and landcare experience. post-conference tours. The National Landcare Awards will be announced during the conference at a special gala dinner on Thursday 2 March. The Prime Minister has been invited to present the awards and entertainment is provided by Australia’s top performers. For further information and registration details visit the conference website at www.nre.vic.gov.au/conf/landcare2000/ or call (03) 9690 6744.

International trade expert Alan Oxley, will Cicely Fenton and her husband John, will speak on marketing in the 21st century from explain how they integrate agriculture, farm the landcare perspective. forestry and revegetation on their farm at Branxholme, Victoria.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 9 Launch of National Dryland Salinity Program Phase II Research ResultsPHASEBy Jo Curkpatrick II More than 2.5 million hectares of “Research in the first phase of the National The second phase of the NDSP will Australia is currently affected by Dryland Salinity Program indicates that use the techniques developed in the first, dryland salinity and is costing all salinity could spread and affect six times to better map and monitor salinity in Australians more than $270 million the area of land that is currently affected Australia. It will also look in more detail a year in lost agricultural production, within the next 20 years,” he says. at the social and economic costs of salinity, environmental assets and damage to options for more effective management, “This means one-third of our productive infrastructure like roads and buildings. and investigate the productive use of land landscape would be affected in the that is already saline. It is a problem affecting all Australians, lifetimes of our children. according to Chair of the Board of Projects with a significant Victorian “Given that 25 per cent of Australia’s the National Dryland Salinity Program content include – agricultural production comes from the (NDSP), Mr Alex Campbell. • Local government capacity to manage Murray-Darling Basin, salinity on this scale Mr Campbell was commenting at the dryland salinity (Research Planning would have a devastating effect on both national launch of the second phase of Design Group – Bendigo). Australia’s regional and export economies.” NDSP in Canberra by Federal Minister • Evaluating the efficacy of engineering for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the The NDSP is an initiative jointly options (Sinclair Knight Mertz – Hon. Mark Vaile and Minister for the sponsored by the Commonwealth Melbourne). Environment, Senator the Hon. Robert Hill. Government and five State Governments • Enhancing institutional support for and Australia’s leading rural industries. the management of dryland salinity “For too long, urban Australia has seen The program was established in 1993 by (Virtual Consulting Group – Albury). this as only an agricultural problem,” says the Land and Water Resources Research Mr Campbell. “The second phase of the For further information about the second and Development Corporation as a means NDSP recognises that this is also becoming phase of the NDSP contact Nicholas of improving the co-ordination of a major issue for those living in urban Newland, Co-ordinator of National Dryland Australia’s research, development and areas; and for the wider environment.” Salinity Program, on (08) 8204 9153 or Jo extension effort towards better manage- Curkpatrick, Communication Co-ordinator Conservative estimates believe there is ment of dryland salinity across Australia. (Victoria), on (03) 9370 1789. about $100 million a year worth of damage “The first phase of the NDSP developed to urban infrastructure in Australia. partnerships between agencies and rural It is estimated that at least 80 country communities in combating salinity,” One-third of our productive landscape could be affected in the lifetimes of our children. towns are suffering from damage to the Mr Newland says. foundations of buildings and infrastructure “It also developed far more due to rising saline watertables. With costs sophisticated and reliable of up to $1 million a kilometre to repair methods for remotely highways affected by salinity, damage to sensing dryland roads is the most significant impact to salinity.” infrastructure. Co-ordinator of NDSP, Nicholas Newland, says the real concern is the rate of spread of salinity in Australia.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Mark Vaile, at the launch of NDSP Phase 2.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 10 IN BRIEF

Victorian Landcare and Tree and timber expo The library has a selection of historical Farm Management Awards photographs from the Better Farming Train ‘Clever Trees’, an agroforestry expo and can arrange prints for people at a very There has been plenty of interest in this year’s showcasing the unusual beauty and reasonable cost. The photographs can be Victorian Landcare and Farm Management potential uses for the wide range of seen and ordered from the NRE website at: Awards. The response has been terrific with timbers being grown by farm foresters http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/virtualexhibition plenty of high-standard entries in all award in central Victoria, will be held on 17 categories to make for a good competition. September 1999. Victorian Weeds Strategy launched Judging panels have now finished their The expo will feature a ‘Building for The Victorian Weed Strategy was tasks. Finalists will become known shortly the Future’ house, with sections created launched last month and sets the scene with winners announced at a special from locally sourced timbers which are for control of noxious weeds in this presentation ceremony in October. often overlooked in mainstream building. State for the future. Its aims are to: Local furniture makers will display and Weedbuster Week ‘99 sell their pieces made from lesser-known • ensure early detection of and rapid response to new weed problems; This year’s Weedbuster Week will be held native timbers. from 10-17 October. The theme is ‘weed ‘Clever Trees’, will be held at the Great • inform all Victorians about the prevention is the intention.’ Groups Southern Wool Shed, Western Hwy (on the economic, social and environmental around Australia will be hosting activities Melbourne road), Ballarat, 10am to 5pm. impacts of weeds and how to minimise to raise awareness about weeds. For more information contact the Creswick these impacts; Weedbuster Week is a great Landcare Centre on (03) 5345 2200. • achieve a significant reduction in the way to draw attention to impact of existing weed infestations; weedbusters Better Farming Train your group’s weed control logo • establish working partnerships to efforts and to try and attract We have had lots of interest in an ensure cost-effective weed management new people to get involved. article in the last issue on Victoria’s Better in Victoria; and Landcare and community Farming Train. The train visited country groups in Victoria will be running towns in the 1920s and 30s dispensing • promote the evaluation of weed clean-up days, demonstrating weed control advice about the latest agricultural management in Victoria. techniques, putting up displays and working techniques. Many of our readers thought The strategy has been finalised after input alongside schools and other groups. it was a terrific idea and something that from the community and key stakeholders. would be still a great success today. For more information about Weedbuster Copies are available from the NRE Week contact Carolyn Munckton at the The photographs that we used for the article Customer Service Centre on 136 186. Department of Natural Resources and were courtesy of the NRE Corporate Library. Environment on (03) 9637 8273. A quick note on the readership

We currently print 30,000 copies of All these requests and duplications add the Victorian Landcare and Catchment significant pressure to our printing and Management Magazine. postage budget. We constantly have people ringing, faxing, We need to know whether you want to e-mailing and writing to us asking to be continue to receive the magazine. included on the list. In addition, there are If you wish to stay on the mailing list, just more and more landcare groups signing up send the cover sheet back to the Reply Paid to the VFF Farm Trees and Landcare address – no need for a stamp. Association (with every group member getting a personal copy as part of the deal). If you don’t respond, we will remove you from the mailing list, making this the last You may be receiving multiple copies, edition you will get. one for being a VFF member, and one through your landcare group, but with Any questions? Contact Paul Crock on different address details. We can’t separate (03) 9207 5562. these types of duplications. Catchment management in Victoria: Message from NRE Catchment Management

By Peter Sutherland, Executive Director, CMSA Division, NRE

Water management into Progress, Challenges and Future Directions – been notified and are required to complete the 21st century State Water Planning 2050 sets out agreement forms prior to receiving their a number of principles for a sustainable funding. Victoria has set the scene for continued water sector: investment in water resource improvements in water resource Launched in 1996, LPI2000 initially knowledge; water quality and supply management with the release of Progress, provided $3 million in funding to landcare protection; market mechanisms to Challenges and Future Directions – groups. Through CMSA, this funding was facilitate allocation; optimising economic, State Water Planning 2050. distributed to implement landcare projects social and environmental benefits; aimed at strengthening the partnership First in a series of and service delivery strategies. between the government, industry and State Water Water is a fragile, limited resource the community. Planning 2050 and using it wisely ensures we have a policy and An overview of the first three years of prosperous future. Currently Victoria’s technical papers, funding under LPI2000 is being prepared. management of its water resources and the document Prosperity and Partnership is a publication catchments is recognised as world’s best was launched by highlighting ten of the projects covering practice. This is a key advantage in Deputy Premier on-ground works, facilitation, new attracting investment, particularly in the and Minister technology, interaction with local agribusiness and food processing sectors. for Agriculture government, pest plants and animals The challenge for Victoria now is to build and Natural and community projects. A copy of the on this excellent record and continue the Resources, publication will be sent to all sustainable development and protection of Patrick McNamara, at landcare groups. our water resources into the 21st century. the Victorian Farmers Federation Annual Conference in July. Landcare Partnership Initiative 2000 Catchment Management and Sustainable Agriculture (CMSA) is the Division of The publication outlines the past The Minister for Conservation and Land the Department of Natural Resources and achievements of the Victorian water Management, Marie Tehan, recently Environment responsible for maximising sector, its current challenges and the announced the successful 1999/2000 the environmental, economic and social actions and directions that need to be grants for the Landcare Partnership benefits of integrated catchment undertaken in order to achieve our goals. Initiative and $850,000 will be provided to 25 projects across the state through management and sustainable development CMSA. These projects range from of resource based industries. funding landcare facilitators to supporting on-ground works. Successful groups have

NRE: Caring for your Catchment Farmers asked to help brolgas by Sue Mudford, Trust for Nature, south-west Victoria

Research Results

Brolgas need a range of wetlands and shallow swampy areas to flock, breed and find food.

A new project has been launched to Spare a wetland Become a reporter preserve brolga habitat in partnership with Farmers are encouraged to preserve their If brolgas are nesting on land near landowners, by Victorian Trust for Nature permanent and ephemeral (or seasonal) you, take note. Observe what type of site director, Dr Brian Whelan. The Brolga wetlands as a part of their whole farm plan. they have chosen and try and determine Wetlands and Grasslands Protection By utilising these existing ecosystems, why. How many chicks did they raise? Program seeks to address the problem of loss brolgas and other birds such as Japanese What problems did the nesting pair have? of wetlands and grasslands and other brolga snipe, spoonbills, freckled duck and ibis NRE flora and fauna officers at Colac and habitat on farms throughout Victoria. do provide some control over insect Hamilton are interested in these sorts of The brolga, a large majestic bird, is attack on pastures and crops. results. common in northern Australia, but now Wetlands should be fenced to keep stock out Covenant your site is rare in Victoria. Anecdotal evidence and to encourage grasses, rushes and sedges Trust for Nature regional co-ordinators are suggests that brolgas were once present to grow. When fencing, it is important to available to visit properties with remnant in the thousands, but populations have take into account the flight path of brolgas grasslands and wetlands. They provide now declined to under 600 birds. They and other birds as they have been known advice on what species of animals and need a range of wetlands and shallow to get caught up in fences and electric wires. plants exist on the property and help swampy areas to flock, breed and find Mesh or ringlock fencing is generally not develop management guidelines with food. In Victoria, more than 90% of recommended. For fencing advice, contact the owner. By developing a voluntary these swamps occur on private farmland. NRE flora and fauna officers. covenant for these areas, landowners The birds maintain a seasonal life-cycle Create a new wetland will then permanently protect the habitat of this majestic bird. determined by natural rainfall patterns. Case studies in Victoria have shown The last three very dry years have reduced that brolgas will nest in new locations if For more information on the brolga, the bird’s ability to nest and rear young – conditions are suitable. Varying depths of contact Sue Mudford on (03) 5599 5223 for example, less than eight brolga pairs water and as many shallows or ‘edges’ as or Trust for Nature on 1800 999 933. successfully raised chicks in south-west possible will encourage nesting. Victoria last season. Increasing fox numbers and the trampling of nests by stock have also taken their toll on the population over the years. Brolgas tend to pair-up in long-lasting relationships, with the same pairs often being seen feeding in open farmland at flocking sites in summer and autumn year after year. Up to 200 birds gather annually at these sites. They are also commonly seen following the oat feeder or eating large insects, spiders, mice, water snails and plant tubers. How can you help the brolga?

Brolgas tend to pair-up in long-lasting relationships Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 13 The Powlett Experience

By Martin Fuller, Powlett Project Manager

South Gippsland’s Powlett Project has a The SC also develops the budget and reputation for achieving high volumes of manages the strategic direction of work in a relatively short time. the project. Since 1996, over 130 sites covering 2. Partnerships 112.70ha of land have been rehabilitated by planting 225,170 indigenous trees and The success of the Powlett Project is understorey species. This required 77,000 determined by well-founded relationships, metres of fencing and has involved 2300 which are, more importantly, actively urban-based and local volunteers. maintained. The Powlett’s success can be contributed to Partners in the project include: landcare the efforts of the steering committee, low groups within the catchment; the wider The Powlett catchment finishes in Bass levels of bureaucracy and a strong sense of South Gippsland Landcare Network; Bass Strait – so does the rehabilitation! local ownership throughout the catchment. Coast and South Gippsland Shires; South Gippsland Regional Water Authority; the The majority of projects have been 4. Extension and demonstration activities West Gippsland CMA; Coast Action; the undertaken in areas that are actively NRE; the Victorian Landcare Foundation; Within the community some land degrading and have been done with LAL; Edison Mission Energy; BHP; the management practices are still seen as minimal direct financial assistance to ATCV; Water Watch; and GAV. questionable. Holding extension events landholders. (External funding to date and establishing demonstration sites for amounts to less than $250,000.) The Powlett Project has established broader public education are considered very strong linkages with local nurseries – On average, landholders carry more than important components of the project. amounting to contracting expertise 55% of individual project costs, mostly in and production to ensure supply of site preparation and fencing. This ensures 5. Monitoring and evaluation project inputs. high levels of ownership and ongoing Monitoring of catchment characteristics commitment to site maintenance. Maintenance of these relationships, such as water quality have been woven particularly financial partners, is seen into this project. A multifunctional project as crucial to the success of the project. Potential exists to form strong linkages The project’s structure has evolved over 3. New and ongoing works with universities to perform environmental the last three years to where it can be assessments and snap-shots which will clearly divided into six key components. The focus of the Powlett Project is further strengthen the project. achieving work on the ground quickly 1. Project planning and efficiently. Although revegetation Evaluation of works undertaken is is the most common activity, weed conducted by the steering committee Project development is managed by the control, soil erosion control, water and project officer on a regular basis, landcare groups within the catchment. quality monitoring and fencing are which helps fine-tune the project and A steering committee (SC) made up also being undertaken at a great rate. enables direct feedback from individual of all partners in the project determines landholders to the committee. project priority and viability. Sufficient flexibility exists in the project to tackle emerging issues if the groups 6. Urban-rural links consider them a high priority. The Powlett Project has taken up the challenge of spreading the landcare ethic Farm planning is an integral into the city. Involving urban-based part of the project’s success volunteers is seen as important in reaching this goal and has been successfully carried out many times since the project’s inception.

Project site selection and management At the heart of the Powlett Project is a determination to achieve results on the ground.

South Gippsland’s Powlett Project has a reputation Victorian Landcare Page 16 for achieving high volumes of work in a relatively short time involving urban-based volunteers. Group Ideas

Innovations such as Alcoa mechanical planters assist in the high volume success.

To achieve this the steering committee project officer, Jodie Gager, has devised an approach that attempts to capture sites, skill landholders in addressing land degradation issues and provide them with the confidence to make landcare part of their ongoing year-to-year activities.

Project site selection: “These details are entered into a database and photos are taken before One-page project registration forms project commences and are filed with are sent out in January to groups and project site reports,” she said. landholders throughout the catchment. Powlett Project success story A rural mailbox drop is also done to “The reports are then presented to the In terms of success, the Powlett Project encourage less group-orientated committee during monthly meetings for has been fortunate in that it has had time landholders to participate. final approval.” to develop at its own rate and has been Forms are returned to Jodie for assessment Record-keeping and monitoring driven from the ground up. This is the key and follow-up one-on-one visits organised. to its success. Apart from the one-page project reports, “These visits provide an opportunity to all sites are recorded on an aerial mosaic For more information about the provide extension advice and explain and topographical maps of the catchment. Powlett Project, contact Martin Fuller procedures in greater detail. It also helps It is envisaged that these will be on (03) 5674 3516 or Jodie Gager ensure that landholders who apply for ultimately incorporated into a GIS system. on (03) 5671 2471. assistance have sites and management skills to ensure the long-term future of the site,” Jodie said. Powlett Pointers “For example, weed infestation and Some key points in developing large projects in landcare revolve around a two-stage process. property decline may lead to suspension • Start with manageable goals. of projects until other issues or sites Phase one – development Phase two – operating are addressed.” • Assess the existing landcare infrastructure and From the farm visits Jodie prepares a one- culture. • Ensure project has a continuous improvement ethos. page summary report outlining the project, • Identify and work with community leaders to develop • Maintain a good record-keeping system and keep budget and likely timetable of events. the concept. committee and partners up-to-date on achievements. • Appoint a local multi-skilled steering committee. • Diversify to meet community needs. • Develop broad interest and promote across the region. • Look for new partnerships, sub-projects and associations. • Strive for local ownership and support. • Actively maintain close relationships with corporate supporters. Out-foxing Gary Box says farmers were baiting foxes were taking some of his lambs but it and spotlighting, but they weren’t wasn’t until after the baiting campaign co-ordinating their activities. Gary has that he realised the scale of the damage been working with landholders and the they were doing. Parks Victoria and Forestry land managers “I’d visit a paddock in the first few days of to get a major Foxoff baiting campaign lambing and there would be three or four timed to coincide with lambing. lambs. When I came back a few days later “When people work together the there might only be one. Foxes tend to chances of success are greatly increased. strike at the very start of the season.” It’s economical too – individuals can use James Anderson says he is fortunate to less bait because there is greater coverage Tony Rinaldi out laying baits. have the assistance of a semi-retired friend overall. The public land managers for the who walks the paddocks laying the baits. local parks and forests have always baited According to Gary Box, NRE’s But he says even farmers strapped for time but they didn’t realise the significance of Catchment Management Officer at St and cash should give Foxoff a go. timing their bait laying for lambing. Arnaud, the key to successful fox control “When we all work at it together in a is communication. Local farmers have “This is the first year we have all worked concentrated effort the rewards are much been concerned that fox numbers were together and it’s really paid off.” greater. Last year we did a big campaign building up in the area. Certainly with less on our own place but having neighbours rabbits, thanks to calcivirus, the foxes Worth the effort to back you up increases the rewards.” were more visible. They were coming out James Anderson, a farmer from into the open to find food and lambing Sutherlands, north-west of St Arnaud, Fox corridor percentages were suffering. says the Foxoff campaign has increased At Kooreh, south of St Arnaud, farmer his lambing percentages by 10-20%. Tony Rinaldi has been engaged in a major James had a ‘sneaking suspicion’ that battle with foxes. Tony describes his property as a fox corridor.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 16 Group Ideas the fox By Carrie Tiffany “Our farm is in a thoroughfare. In the “It’s really worth the time to lay and check New pest animal bait procedures south-west there’s a large area of crown the baits. Just saving a few lambs a season forest and granite rises. In the north-east will pay for a couple of boxes of bait.” Administrative procedures for pest animal there’s a rocky range. The Avoca River baits using 1080, including Foxoff, have been Tony says knowing where to put the bait runs alongside the place so the foxes use simplified to encourage landholders to get increases the chances of it being taken. the farm to move from point to point.” involved in pest control. From years of spotlighting he’s learned The Rinaldi’s lamb-down 1000 ewes. how the foxes move across the property The changes have been made after a review They also farm meat goats and pigs. Foxes so he knows which areas to target. requested by farmers and the Victorian Farmers have been a problem with all of the stock. Federation. However, the Department of “We noticed the foxes use particular Tony says it’s great to see less rabbits about Natural Resources and Environment said the routes. They like to move along a gully but it means the foxes are very hungry. requirements for laying baits would continue line or a ridge. Anywhere they think to be maintained at the same stringent levels. “They get into the pig huts to take piglets there’s some cover and protection.” The main changes are: and at one stage we even had them living Tony says working with your neighbours • there is now one simplified application form in a hay shed.” is very important. Last year the whole for each type of bait; Two years ago Tony attended a meeting area was being baited, covering 20 • nomination of another person to collect about Foxoff and decided to give it a try. kilometres of farmland in each direction. the bait has been incorporated into the This year he has put out 200 baits with More recently some of his neighbours application form; 130 being taken. haven’t baited which he says weakens • while neighbours must still be informed of the overall effect. the intended use of 1080 it is not necessary to “We’ve found 30 fox carcasses and use the NRE form to do so; and they say you only find one in five, so the “We are working hard at controlling foxes • it is no longer necessary to advise NRE in baits are certainly effective. Our lambing on our place so it’s a bit rough when they writing that neighbours have been notified. percentages are up by 15%. are fattening-up nearby.” For more information contact your local office of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment or visit the website at: http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/notes

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 17 NewNew processprocess revitalisesrevitalises grass-rograss-ro

A new approach to catchment management The history However, despite the earlier success, is reaping rewards for landholders in the changing financial circumstances, the The Alcoa Woady Yaloak Catchment Woady Yaloak catchment. changed role of NRE and the advent of Project covers 120,000ha between Linton the Catchment Management Authority After six years, and with Alcoa’s and Cressy on Victoria’s western plains. have altered the environment in which recommitment to their project, the Initiated in 1992, it was the state’s first landcare works are being undertaken. catchment group decided that it was large-scale community catchment project. time to review their achievements and The Woady Yaloak Group set about The plan was based on building the skills to plan for the future. finding solutions to these problems. and confidence of individual landholders Following numerous discussions and help within the catchment. With the assistance of Ted Rowley, from Roger Standen, a consultant from a consultant from Western Australia, Four key areas were identified in the early Bendigo, the committee concluded a and Cam Nicholson, the project manager, stages as being integral to the health of more integrated approach to catchment the group adopted a neighbourhood group the Woady Yaloak River – trees, pastures, management was needed. approach to catchment management. rabbits and erosion. Alice Knight, the chair of the This involves small groups executive committee, said the The Woady Yaloak community hosted the recent launch of the Replanting looking at a range of issues at evaluation was very useful. Victoria 2020 Program at Linton. a sub-catchment or sub-sub- catchment level, including “We realised issues that environmental, social and impact on our catchment profitability issues. activities were not just environmental,” she said. Ted says the process follows a logical planning cycle – “Farm productivity, profitability, • Where are we now? business and financial • Where do we want to get to? management, as well as social • How are we going to get there? issues, were linked to our ability • Then action! to undertake environmental work.” Empowerment has strengthened the community. The new process has helped lift the enthusiasm and “The first step involves a facilitated This erosion of social capital in the effort in tackling land degradation at a grass roots level. discussion with the group identifying the catchment was seen as a major issue issues that are bugging them the most. arising from declining farm profitability. Seven landcare groups in the catchment established an executive committee “We then ask – ‘so what do you want “As more and more people are driven to for the project and sub-committees to this area to look like in five or 10 years take off-farm work, they have less time concentrate on these four issues. time?’ ” he said. to invest in activities such as field days or information nights,” Alice says. Achievements “Once this is described, we all work through how we will get there.” “Lower profitability also limits our The success since the project’s inception ability to make the dollar for dollar in 1993 has been dramatic: 220,000 trees Each group then starts working on their match of many landcare funding established; 250,000 rabbits destroyed; most pressing needs and picking them off programs such as NHT.” 49km of erosion gullies repaired; and 3500ha piece by piece. of deep-rooted perennial pastures sown. Erosion in the Misery Moonlight Hills. The local neighbourhood group has identified their goal and are actively addressing their challenges.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 18 Group otsots workwork Ideas By Paul Crock

Implementing these localised plans the catchment and NRE can maximise their vast technical Planning and vision-setting activities are knowledge,” Cam said. very useful tools, however, if they are not followed through, these activities amount Funding neighbourhood to dreaming. works The local groups in the Woady are now A further change is the Learning in groups is still a key to the success of the project. becoming hungry for information and empowerment of the new don’t have the time to waste in the neighbourhood groups by the executive Landcare funding processes never quite implementation of their localised plans. committee in letting them determine match up with the timing needs of the Cam Nicholson has worked with the group what level of funding is needed to achieve community according to Alice Knight. since the inception of the catchment plan. their works. “One of the benefits of having access He says that in the past, work has been Alice said this is a good way to ensure to Alcoa Landcare funding is that we can done on an individual basis, focused mainly equitable outcomes for the funding dollars. use the funds to SUPPORT issues that are on activities that did not adequately important to the community and not eligible “A project may involve considerable support an integrated approach.” or timely for funding under other programs. earthworks, fencing and revegetation, “NRE did provide facilitation support so group members determine what is the “We can use it at any time of the year for some of the landcare groups in the most fair and equitable means of covering and it helps us maintain and build the catchment, but regular changes in staff these expenses,” she said. momentum of the local neighbourhood curtailed the building of relationships group concept,” she said. necessary to achieve the best environment “In some cases it may be 50:50, in others to learn and share information. 100% of the earthworks covered with The Woady community were also the fencing being met by the landholder.” successful in receiving considerable “To solve this problem, the committee funding through the Replanting Victoria “The group may also decide that priority has taken on the role of supporting 2020 Program. The group plans to actions may lead to more than 50% being the neighbourhood groups with distribute these funds using the new paid out to other landholders on the neighbourhood facilitators,” Cam said. neighbourhood group process. grounds of hardship,” Alice said. Cam said NRE had a vital role to play, Alice is sure the new process is building Once a group has settled on a project, in supporting the groups with technical trust and meaningful partnerships a very short application is made to the information and conducting additional within the Woady Yaloak catchment executive committee for the funds to monitoring to help assess the impact of area and is helping lift the enthusiasm undertake the works. different solutions. and effort in tackling land degradation “This approach simply builds on the One person is nominated to present at a grass roots level. the request and it is up to the executive strengths of various people and organisations For more information about the Woady committee to find the funds. in catchment management.” Yaloak Neighbourhood Group approach, “The Woady Yaloak Project has the stabili- On average, the cost sharing equates to contact Cam Nicholson on (03) 5258 3860 ty, reputation and trust of the people within dollar for dollar and strategically the most or Ted Rowley on 0409 836 618. important catchment issues are being met.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 19 GENIS visit WARRAMBEEN

Group News

Marilee Lindgren from Kansas City enjoyed learning about the wool process.

Twenty-three energetic geography teachers “GENI puts the package together to give “The tour has given me all sorts of from the mid-west USA recently visited teaching professionals in geography an new ideas and I have learned a lot that the Warrambeen Landcare Education affordable means to learn first-hand and I can bring back to my school,” she said. Centre at Shelford for a taste of landcare to form some meaningful international Members of the group passed lambs on the sheep and cropping property. networks in both a personal and around as Ian described the issues for professional sense,” she said. The teachers were on a ‘Capricorn woolgrowers in Australia and, after a Exchange’, an ‘eco-culture’ tour of Many on the tour were undertaking short tour of the historic woolshed and Australia organised as a result of a additional professional development the Landcare Centre, the group boarded partnership between the Australian courses in the US. The tour was their bus and continued the tour through Geography Teachers Association organised to give participants educational to Adelaide and Central Australia. (AGTA) and the Geographical credits towards these courses. For more information about Warrambeen, Educators Network of Indiana (GENI). Dorothy stressed that the tour participants contact Trish Taylor on (03) 5281 2350 or Lindsay Francis, the AGTA representative were all current teachers or student the Capricorn Exchange Program, on the Warrambeen leg of the tour, was teachers looking for personal development contact Lindsay Francis very positive about the exchange program. and to establish international linkages. on (08) 8370 5039. “This is the third tour of its kind “Many of our teachers and their schools and the linkages established between have made great connections since the teachers and schools is really exciting. exchanges have begun and, with the use of the Internet in schools increasing, “The program is based on a home hosting we hope to establish many more links arrangement where US teachers are during this trip,” Dorothy said. hosted by their Australian counterparts. They visit the Australian schools and For the participants in the tour, the give presentations to the kids on their visit to the Warrambeen Landcare geography and landscape issues, as well Education Centre was their first time as touring to look at different issues such on a wool-growing property. as landcare across the country,” he said. Ian Taylor amazed the group with “When they get home, the teachers some quick and nimble sheepdog present the tour to their school students work, bringing a small flock of sheep and establish linkages between the and lambs into the yards. schools that host them here and their Marilee Lindgren, a teacher from Kansas own,” Lindsay said. City, thoroughly enjoyed her first time Dorothy Drum, the leader of the on such a property. She enjoyed learning GENI tour, is responsible for bringing about the wool process from the sheep’s the group together in the US. back and was keen to bring the landcare message back to her school. “We see these tours as a great opportunity to learn more about geography, landscape and agricultural issues in Australia.

Lindsay Francis (r) and Dorothy Drum meet the working dogs after an impressive demonstration. Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 20 Visually impaired lend a hand By Paul Crock

“In the early stages we used the Group pottery room as the propagating area, News but time restraints meant this became unworkable,” Noel said. “Instead, we learned that Barwon Water had nursery facilities available June Minett is nearly totally blind, yet she for community groups to use.” says it gives her a chance to get out into the Around this time, the Greening community and do something worthwhile. Connewarre Group applied for and “I wanted to learn more about gardening received federal funding under the and have the opportunity to be involved One Billion Trees Program, for a wildlife in and to do something good for the corridor from Hospital Swamps, Lake community,” June said. Connewarre to Thompson’s Creek. “I have learned how to make cuttings, Noel and the then Treasurer of the pot up plants the right way and learned Connewarre Group, Sue McCoombe, how to plant trees once they are the set about developing the new program right size. The program has also given with Tim Solly from Barwon Water. June Minett pricking out seedlings me the confidence to try it out at at the Barwon Water Nursery. “After establishing the linkages with home,” she said. Barwon Water, we approached the Legally blind, Alan Mackie sees the members and management at the Illawarra The Vision Australia Foundation’s program as a way of lifting his Centre with the idea of developing Illawarra Centre in Geelong has teamed self-confidence. the program from propagation into an up with the Greening Connewarre Tree integrated program from tree seed to “The program is thoroughly enjoying. Group and Barwon Water in an innovative the planting stages,” Sue said. Learning how to pot up the plants landcare program that is helping visually and actually doing it is soothing and impaired people get involved in restoring “Everyone agreed and we have not relaxing, but you can do it and chat vegetation around Lake Connewarre. looked back since.” at the same time. The new program grew out of attempts to The program participants find the “I think that others would really benefit establish a gardening program on the limited program a great way to learn new skills from the program as everything about it grounds of the centre in Geelong in 1995, and make a meaningful contribution is relaxing and enjoyable,” Alan said. and has since blossomed to provide a great to the community. opportunity for all concerned to help The program has already helped landcare in the area. the Greening Connewarre Group plant thousands of trees and Noel Read, a rehabilitation provided visually-impaired worker at the centre, people with the opportunity established the program to meet new people, learn new and moved it from gardening skills, build confidence and into native tree propagation. contribute meaningfully to the “Through my involvement with community and to landcare. the Connewarre Tree Group, For more information about the I collected seed that the centre Illawarra landcare project, contact members then propagated. Noel Read at the Vision Australia Foundation on (03) 5221 4100.

Program participants and helpers with Victorian Landcare and the fruits of their labour ready to plant. Catchment Management Page 21 Catchment Management West CMA assists in revegetation project Gippsland The Upper Spring Creek Landcare Group The landcare group invited Greg Peters, in the Shelbourne/Lockwood area south-west Waterways Manager – North Central CMA moves on of Bendigo has begun work on a three-year CMA, to an information day to assist local Natural Heritage Trust project to rehabilitate landholders with the process of assessing Landcare Forum and enhance riparian vegetation along the condition of the streams and methods While the future support mechanisms Bullock and Spring Creeks. of rehabilitation of creeks and streams. for the landcare movement have been considered at a state-wide level in recent Funded through Bushcare, the project is Geoff Park, Bushcare and Biodiversity times there has also been a flurry of being supported by the Lockwood South Manager – North Central CMA, is also activity in West Gippsland. Primary School Junior Landcare Group, the involved, offering advice and assistance on North Central Catchment Management revegetation and strategies to landholders “In response to concerns from the South Authority, Bendigo Regional Institute of to enhance biodiversity in the area. Gippsland Landcare Network, the West TAFE, Lockwood South Uniting Church, Gippsland CMA has initiated a regional In a further effort to improve the health the City of Greater Bendigo and a large review and it has been agreed that the of the catchment, many landholders in the number of local residents. timing is right to convene a Landcare project area along Bullock Creek have Forum as provided for in the CMA Upper Spring Creek Landcare Group. participated in an integrated pest plant and structure,” said Ken Ashton, CEO of the animal program. Members are fencing off West Gippsland Catchment Management streams to reduce impact by stock and Authority. revegetating with local understorey tubestock grown from seed locally collected Scheduled for late August, the forum will and propagated, and nurtured by the seek to improve communication between juniors at Lockwood South Primary School. landcare and other stakeholders, ensuring the integration of projects and the Contact North Central CMA. understanding of strategic directions. Telephone (03) 5448 7124. “Through the forum, we will also aim to make certain that appropriate support mechanisms are in place to deal with an Strategy targets algal blooms ever increasing role where resources are scarce,” said Mr Ashton. Victoria’s upper north east will The North East CMA is responsible The forum will also clarify the role of have an estimated 77% reduction for implementing the strategy which landcare under the new catchment in blue-green algal blooms with the is an action plan under the North East management structure. implementation of the Upper North East Regional Catchment Strategy. “The Authority has a number of other Water Quality Strategy. “Protecting and enhancing water quality forums established which have been The strategy, which covers the Kiewa River in the Kiewa and Upper Murray Basins is very successful and it is hoped that the Basin and the Victorian portion of the critical as they contribute 24% of the total Landcare Forum can follow the same Upper Murray Basin, is estimated to bring Victorian discharge to the Murray-Darling path,” said Mr Ashton. in total economic benefits of between $4.2 Basin system,” said John Riddiford, CEO West Gippsland CMA. and $7.8 million per year to the region. of the North East CMA. Telephone (03) 5175 7800. A draft of the strategy has been released by The waterways targeted by the strategy are the North East Catchment Management used for potable water supply, environmental Authority for public consultation. flows, irrigation, stock and domestic supply and a variety of The strategy contains 13 specific programs recreational uses. with corresponding actions to reduce nutrient and sediment inputs in local North East CMA. waterways and the Murray River. Telephone (02) 6055 6260. Catchment modelling has predicted that full implementation of the strategy will (L to R) Veronica Lanigan, NECMA Water reduce total phosphorus loads from the Quality Officer; Patrick McNamara, Kiewa River by 38 tonnes and those from Deputy Premier and Minister for Lake Hume catchment by 37 tonnes. Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Lindsay Jarvis, CMA board member, at the launch of the strategy.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 22 Catchment New guidelines cut through Management Goulburn Broken Catchment red tape Check-up Management Authority has answered a call from landcare for Corangamite groups who say they have become bogged down in red tape. The guidelines are a first for the state and will hopefully assist landcare members to In a joint effort by the Goulburn Broken overcome the red tape which landcare rivers During May and June, people in the CMA, Goulburn Murray Landcare groups believe can hinder their efforts to Corangamite catchment were seen wading in Network, VFF Farm Tree and Landcare achieve on-ground works. Association and the Victorian Farmers rivers, even on the coldest and wettest days. The Goulburn Broken CMA is keen to Federation, a new manual of Landcare They were officers from the Corangamite work with landcare groups to ensure their Management Guidelines has been Catchment Management Authority time and resources are utilised where they developed to assist landcare groups in undertaking an assessment of the health are most needed. the daily running of their organisations. of rivers and streams in the Barwon, Copies have been sent to every landcare The Landcare Management Guidelines Moorabool, Lake Corangamite and Otway group in the catchment and are available can be purchased from the CMA for $20. Coast catchments. This was done in to other Victorian groups on request. Goulburn Broken CMA. partnership with NRE as part of a state- The manual offers guidelines on setting Telephone (03) 5822 2288. wide assessment of river health, called the up and running a landcare group covering Index of Stream Condition. Funding is Goulburn being provided by NRE, Corangamite topics such as roles and responsibilities Broken CMA of executive members, employing staff, Chair, John CMA and the Natural Heritage Trust. Dainton (L), insurance and WorkCover. and landcare Corangamite CMA Water Resources Shepparton accountant Russell Guppy member Peter Manager, Dr Tim Fletcher, said that the Zoeththalt, index provides an integrated picture of the helped prepare the guidelines which examine the also include examples of a range of new guidelines environmental condition of waterways. at their forms and brochures that may be useful Nagambie “We collect information about all the to landcare groups. launch. different aspects of stream health including water quality, the flow (hydrology), the condition of the bed, banks and streamside vegetation, as well Catchment management a as surveying the bugs living in the stream,” said Dr Fletcher. community responsibility The Index of Stream Condition survey represents the most comprehensive Gippslanders have been challenged to “Many farmers are the most effective environmental assessment of waterways in take more responsibility for their own environmentalists in Gippsland because the region. In all, 214 randomly selected actions and help to make the region a they know their future is directly linked sites were assessed over four weeks. leader in waterway management activities. to the continued health of the catchment. The survey will be repeated every five We are continually working with “As a community, our success as custodians years to determine any changes over time. landholders to re-establish native of some beautiful waterways will be judged vegetation along river banks, control “We hope that in five years the health of by our children in future years,” said pest animals and plants, stabilise river our waterways will have improved Duncan Malcolm, Chair, East Gippsland banks and generally encourage good significantly and that this will Catchment Management Authority. management practices which minimise show up in the Index of “The establishment of CMAs across the impact on our waterways. Stream Condition results,” Victoria has helped to stabilise the health said Don Forsyth, CEO of “Landcare groups have been sensational of our streams, but if we fail to muster more Corangamite CMA. in their efforts to raise awareness of community involvement the degradation environmental issues and carry out Corangamite CMA which has already occurred is likely to practical work on the ground in Telephone (03) 5232 9100 accelerate in the future.” co-operation with the CMA, but we Mr Malcolm has congratulated farmers for can always do more.” taking a lead role through the formation of Dr Tim Fletcher, landcare groups and involvement in other East Gippsland CMA. Corangamite CMA activities such as Bushcare and Waterwatch. Telephone (03) 5153 0462. Water Resources Manager, helping out with river health assessment. Courtesy: The GeelongVictorian Advertiser. Landcare Catchment Management Leadership study for Mallee landcare Waterways initiatives A regional landcare leadership study “The development of a close relationship in Glenelg-Hopkins undertaken by the Mallee Catchment between landcare groups and the Management Authority has provided CMA will ensure natural resource baseline information about landcare management in the Mallee is strategic in the Mallee. and effective with strong community involvement and ownership.” As part of the study, the landcare group During May, more than 50 Hamilton and database held within the Mallee CMA has There are more than 20 landcare district residents attended a forum on the been updated and an inventory of equipment groups in the Mallee, mostly in the health of local waterways organised by the and other physical resources used by landcare dryland farming area. groups in the Mallee collated. A regional Glenelg-Hopkins CMA. Mallee CMA. map has been produced that details The forum gave residents the opportunity Telephone (03) 5022 3041. perceived landcare group boundaries within to gain an understanding of the changes the region. A register of landcare group that have occurred to local rivers and lakes Waitchie Landcare Group – Tour of Murrayville social and operational resources has also looking at saltbush plantings and alley farming. and what is being done to improve them. been compiled. The study also investigated Examples of what communities are doing how landcare groups and the landcare to tackle their waterway management philosophy are related to the activities issues were displayed during the talks. of the Mallee CMA. A tour of the Grange Burn and Lake “The Mallee CMA is now faced with an Hamilton was held in the afternoon, looking interesting challenge in determining how at catchment issues, and revegetation and to best assist the landcare network in the erosion control works at a nearby farm. most efficient, effective and strategic In a separate initiative to promote long- manner possible,” said Scott Glyde, term health of regional waterways, the CEO of the Mallee CMA. CMA is supporting construction of a low energy, minimal operational cost, treatment process for domestic sewage generated by Wimmera community has the City of Portland. The project is the first its say on water issues of its type in Australia. The Wimmera Catchment Management The CSIRO and CRC have been involved Authority held a series of five public “This excellent attendance, along with Portland Coast Water Authority in a workshops during June at Stawell, with extra written submissions following 15-month pilot trial. The process involves Warracknabeal, Nhill, Edenhope and the workshops, has confirmed the treatment of effluent in reed beds using Horsham to explain the principles and strong community interest in the water phragmites australis, a native reed that content of its waterway, floodplain and issues,” said John Young, CEO of filters water. This process will eliminate rural drainage strategies and to seek the Wimmera CMA. the discharge of raw sewage to the marine further input from the community. environment and make available for re-use These strategies will guide all waterway, Over 200 people from the regional the total effluent generated by Portland. floodplain and rural drainage related community participated in the activity in the region for the next 10 years. A pressure pipeline has been installed to development of the new strategies that They form a major component of the transfer the effluent to Portland Aluminium will provide direction for the management Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy. Alcoa for agricultural re-use trials. of the Wimmera’s waterways, floodplain and rural drainage systems. “Community consultation and input has Glenelg-Hopkins CMA. been crucial to developing the strategies, Telephone (03) 5571 2526. More than 60 written submissions were as it will be to their implementation,” received from the community early in said Mr Young. Ian Inness-Wardell, Waterways Manager, the investigation stage of the planning Glenelg-Hopkins CMA, explaining works on Wimmera CMA. an unnamedun-named tributary tributary of of the the Wannen. Wannen. process, which began in November last year. Over 140 people including farmers, Telephone (03) 5382 1544. landholders, landcare group members, local government and state agencies attended the recent public workshops.

Wimmera River – Big Bend, Dimboola. Victorian Catchment Management Council Catchment ManagementVCMC Council looks to future Measuring catchment health Their development has involved extensive of Victorian rivers consultation with CMAs, government The newly formed CMAs have a agencies, scientists and non-government River health is one of the Victorian very important role in improving the organisations. It is expected that the first Catchment Management Council’s management of Victoria’s catchments. set of indicators will be available to top priorities in its current program. However, at present there is no acceptable CMAs later this year. As the State Government’s key adviser on set of key performance indicators that catchment management, policy and strategic are available to use in assessing whether Landcare Working Group established directions, the Council is developing advice the various management initiatives are The Council has recently established a on long-term vision and goals to improve effective or not. Landcare Working Group. the health of Victoria’s rivers. Its directions Accordingly, the Council is leading a are designed to meet the future needs of The group, under the chairmanship of project to identify and develop a small users and the environment, in the medium Council member Dr Sarah Ewing, is suite of catchment indicators to assess and long term. monitoring and reporting to the Ministers the condition of Victoria’s catchments. on the implementation of the Council’s Council’s advice to government will The Natural Resource Assessment and report on landcare, ‘Towards 2000: be mainly based on the knowledge Monitoring Program is a follow-on project Caring for Landcare in Victoria.’ and expertise of Council members. from the production of the first catchment Water engineer John Tilleard, Monash The report outlined recommendations for condition report, ‘Know Your Catchments’, University water scientist Professor Barry action by Government and, in particular, produced in 1997. This report contained a Hart, farmer and former research director the new CMAs, which will advance set of 27 interim indicators. Christine Forster and EPA Director Chris support and development of landcare. Bell are the Council members most closely The current program being conducted in A progress report on implementation involved in developing the advice. conjunction with NRE, EPA and CMAs, is being prepared for Government. has identified 20 indicators in three While the Council cannot pre-empt The group will also identify emerging categories: Government response to the advice, it hopes issues of central importance to landcare, it will give rise to a major Government • condition indicators (e.g. remnant among them: uncertainties surrounding policy and River Health Strategy to vegetation condition); the future of the National Heritage Trust; a need for a more integrated delivery of measurably improve our waterways by • impact indicators (e.g. nutrient programs; the effects of poor commodity the middle of the first century. concentrations); and prices; access to technical and facilitation Catchment Management Authorities • activity indicators (e.g. landholder support; and, the notion of landcare (CMAs) and key stakeholders will be widely and community group works). groups as ‘self-supporting’. consulted on the Council’s Position Paper It is also hoped that indicators of the during the development of the advice. Council website launch economic and social condition of the The Council recently launched its If you wish to receive a copy of the catchment will also be developed. Position Paper when it becomes available, website, containing resources for contact the Council on (03) 9412 5045. The indicators will be compatible with landcarers and students including a the indicators being used for the National publications list, three pages of links, Land and Water Audit. a catchment map and contact details for CMAs. Designed for quick downloading, the site contains links to some 85 other related organisations from state-based to national to international. Visit us often at www.vcmc.vic.gov.au Council members and send us your feedback. on a tour of river health issues in north central Victoria.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 25 Catchment Action programs Management Rabbit Buster guide resource CONTINUES The State Government has announced management a further $10 million over the next three The Catchment Implementation CAPs for the Dandenong, Werribee, years for the continuation of the Rabbit Committees of the Port Phillip Catchment Maribyrnong and Westernport Buster Initiative. Since its inception in and Land Protection (CaLP) Board catchments were officially launched 1996 Rabbit Buster has achieved the most have now completed the development during May and June 1999 after significant advances in rabbit control in of integrated Catchment Action receiving CaLP Board approval. Victoria for many decades. Programs (CAPs) for the management With the Yarra CAP approved by SRabbit calicivirus disease has provided a of their respective catchments, based government and launched in June, great opportunity to make a lasting impact on the priorities established through there is now a CAP for all five on rabbit numbers, but only if it is backed the Regional Catchment Strategy. catchments of the Port Phillip region. up with integrated control programs. “The finalisation of the CAPs is a major Copies of the CAPs are currently Rabbit Buster encourages landholders to step forward, because they will guide the available by contacting Donna carry out traditional rabbit control work development of works programs by all those Dvoracek at the Port Phillip CaLP such as above-ground harbour removal, who have an interest or responsibility in Board. The Yarra CAP is also now ripping of warrens and fumigation. sustainable catchment management,” said available on the Port Phillip CaLP CaLP Board Chair, Marshall Baillieu. Board website at: For information about http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/catchmnt/ how your group can For each major issue the CAPs have portphillip/yarra access Rabbit described the extent, severity and trend of Buster assistance the problems, assessed the existing initiatives Port Phillip CaLP Board. contact your already in place and recommended Telephone (03) 9785 0187. local office additional actions where required. of the Department of Natural Resources 20 ‘MOST UNWANTED’ WEEDS and Environment. Australia now has an official listing of first and an important element of the the country’s 20 ‘most unwanted’ weeds. National Weeds Strategy. 10 steps to long-term rabbit control The Commonwealth Ministers for “Weeds have been selected according 1. Control rabbits using more than Forestry and Conservation, Wilson Tuckey, to their invasiveness, economic, one method. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mark environmental and social impacts, Vaile, and the Environment, Senator current distribution, potential for spread 2. Involve your neighbours. Robert Hill, jointly released a list that has and effect in reducing the growth of 3. Find out where the rabbits are and been agreed with the States and Territories desirable plants,” Mr Tuckey said. what they are living in. after extensive consultation. “The list will be important to research 4. Poison to knock numbers down Mr Tuckey said the listing of Australia’s organisations, commercial partners, indus- and take advantage of when weeds of national significance is a world try and community groups in determining biological control (RCD and their priorities,” Mr Tuckey said. myxomatosis) is working. 5. Destroy above-ground harbour. Weeds of national significance Common name Scientific name Common name Scientific name 6. Burn/remove fallen timber and alligator weed alternanthera philoxeroides mimosa mimosa pigra remove noxious weeds. athel pine tamarix aphylla parkinsonia parkinsonia aculeata 7. Rip and destroy all accessible bitou bush / boneseed chrysanthemoides monilifera parthenium weed parthenium hysterophorus rabbit harbour. blackberry rubus fruticosus agg. pond apple annona glabra bridal creeper asparagus asparagoides prickly acacia acacia nilotica ssp. indica 8. Check your ripping (look for cabomba cabomba caroliniana rubber vine cryptostegia grandiflora reopenings). Chilean needle grass nassella neesiana salvinia salvinia molesta 9. Fumigate all burrows. gorse ulex europaeus serrated tussock nassella trichotoma 10. Check rabbit-prone areas once hymenachne hymenachne amplexicaulis Willows except weeping salix spp. except s. babylonica, a month. lantana lantana camara willows, pussy willow and s. x calodendron and s. x mesquite prosopis spp. sterile pussy willow reichardtiji

Further information on the list of Weeds of National Significance is available from John Thorp at the National Weeds Strategy o n (03) 6344 9657. Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 26 NATURAL HERITAGE TRUST NEWS – National Landcare Program • State package of recommended projects • Calls for 2000/2001 applications will is now in Canberra awaiting decision. open late in 1999 – groups should start planning new projects now! • 70% of recommended new projects are community group led, 30% agency • Current Natural Heritage Trust (including regional implementation extended for an additional year to committees, local government). 2001/2002. • $16 million requested (170 projects) – • NEXT EDITION – some tips for the approximate NLP pool for Victoria better applications! in 1999/2000 is $12 million. Ingrid Duncan • Increasing number of applications State Co-ordinator from landcare networks, resulting in National Landcare Program larger projects. Telephone (03) 5430 4483. Minimum tillage trial to stop Mallee dust

Catchment Management by Sarah Lance, Landcare Co-ordinator, Swan Hill NRE

Erosion, particularly wind erosion, is a Planning for the demonstration critical environmental issue in Victoria’s site began early this year. The group Mallee. Tonnes of precious topsoil are lost chose a 20 acre paddock close to to the atmosphere every year. With it town and the area’s major road. goes moisture, organic matter and valuable The site contains a similar soil type Waitchie Landcare Group sowing with nutrients that are vital for successful across the length and breadth of the area. Stubble King disc-opening direct drill. crop growth. Apart from the damage to This paddock was divided into replicated Three tillage methods were used on the farmland caused by excessive tillage of trial plots. An important feature of this site: (i) minimum tillage using a tyned the soil in fallow systems, resulting dust demonstration was that the area put direct drill with coulters and press wheel; storms cause health and safety problems under seed was large enough to be sown (ii) no-till with a double disc opening and inconvenience in everyday life. and harvested by standard agricultural direct drill with press wheels; and machinery. The group decided to sow The Waitchie Landcare Group is one (iii) conventional tillage using an offset barque barley at the site in their first year. of the many Victorian Mallee landcare disc for preparation and a conventional groups originally formed around rabbit and A base-line soil test was conducted to combine seeder. Barque barley and DAP weed control issues. The group wanted determine pH, salt content and levels of super from the same bin were used in all to see conservation tillage methods that phosphorus, potassium, nitrate nitrogen, the seeders. address these problems trialled successfully ammonium nitrogen, sulphur and iron. A Next year the trial will be expanded. and profitably in the region, so they began full trace element test was also conducted It is planned to continue the trial at the a three-year demonstration project. to determine any deficiencies that may present site but to also include another affect the results. A soil sample was site at a different stage in crop rotation. also tested for soil-borne diseases. Farmers in the area are also being actively In preparation for the minimum encouraged to sow their own paddocks tillage sowing, plots were sprayed with the same implements used at the with Sprayseed to knock down demonstration site. This will provide the self-seeded triticale that was insight into the operation and use of emerging through the stubble. these implements on the typical Mallee paddock. Stubble King disc opening direct For more information, contact drill at the Waitchie minimum Sarah Lance, telephone (03) 5036 0812. tillage demonstration site. ON THE SHELF Books

Windbreaks group can market itself both to sponsors The Kiewa Catchment Landcare Group – and the local community. caring for our land video costs $30. Windbreaks by The booklet is free. Contact Di Griffin The booklet summarises the history, Steve Burke on (02) 6027 1529. outlines the achievements and goals of the group. theory and practice of establishing It includes the benefits of becoming a An Introduction to Herb Growing windbreaks. This practical guide looks at group member and a list of equipment This report, by Howard Rubin the economic and environmental benefits the group has for hire. There is a great and Elle Fikke-Rubin for the Rural of windbreaks. It uses the latest technical section profiling the ‘people’ of the Industries Research and Development information but presents it in an group – they explain why they became Corporation, provides a background easy-to-read format. involved and what they get out of it. on herbs in Australia. It gives a The booklet is a very interesting read – The guide contains some interesting case general overview of herb growing and full of quotes, maps and good, clear studies where farmers explain how and discusses potential growers’ prospects black and white photographs. Maurie why they have established windbreaks on in the industry, export markets, set-up Smith’s ‘reflection’ on the back page is a their properties. The case studies cover costs, marketing, harvesting, drying and great testimony to the dedication and both cropping and grazing enterprises. selecting the right herbs to grow. commitment of the members of this group. It’s hard to imagine a more complete The video demonstrates the projects the An Introduction to Herb Growing is publication on windbreaks. The guide will be group has completed over the last 10 available from the NRE Information useful to all farmers, land managers, scientists years. Centre on (03) 9637 8080 for $10. and consultants interested in improving the productivity and health of the land. Windbreaks is available from the NRE Information Centre for $39.95. Call (03) 9637 8080.

Kiewa Catchment Landcare Group – www.nmit.vic.edu.au caring for our land This booklet and video produced by the Kiewa Catchment Landcare Group are an what do grapes, excellent example of how a landcare olives & biodiversity have in common? Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE and the Environmental Management Unit of Monash University invites you to attend a workshop to discuss an emergent agricultural technique known as Analogue Forestry.

Date: 9 & 10 October 1999 Location: Toolangi Forest Discovery Kinglake - Healesville Rd

For more information or a workshop brochure phone: Anthony Dufty: 03 9380 4688 Kath White: 03 9269 1458 Quality Endorsed Company Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 28 NOW, WHERE,HOW....

Greg Smith, AND DO IT! Farm$mart Co-ordinator, Victorian Farmers Federation

Farm$mart is a very popular and There is now a keen interest in how innovative, farmer-focussed, extension Landcare might move beyond the very program in Victoria. It’s about helping obvious and very significant, on-ground Farm$mart facilitators are available to help groups set farming families develop a vision - and works. The network of almost 900 groups the direction for their faming businesses. setting goals - and planning to achieve the and 30,000 members can have an and strategic planning. The process goals and the vision. This process leaves incredible influence on community and routinely involves: rural families with motivation, confidence economic development, and consequently NOW -What is the situation now? and the capacity to manage change. have a substantial impact on regional eg the farm’s financial viability, or the development and catchment The program is based Adult Learning farm’s natural resources, or the management in Victoria. Principles. Over the last 2 years, about communications within the 4,000 farmers have participated in the A Great Opportunity for Landcare Groups farming family. 2-day, Farm$mart Series A workshops and Many Landcare groups have already taken WHERE -Where would we like things to many of these are now following up with the opportunity that Farm$mart provides be? eg farm viability, natural resources, the 5-day, Series B workshops. There has to transform their activities and include communications. been an enormous amount of very positive more ‘discussion group-type’ sessions by HOW -How are we going to get there? and complimentary feedback about the making good use of the resources available How are we going to achieve our vision program. via Farm$mart. with regard to farm viability, natural Farm$mart and Landcare There is a very widespread awareness resources, communications? Clearly Landcare has achieved an across Victoria about Farm$mart and DO IT! -Don’t just think about it, do it! enormous amount of on-ground work farming families are increasingly Get on and make it happen! And, and it continues to mobilise a wide recognising that the program delivers regularly monitor and review progress. cross-section of the Victorian rural very interesting and beneficial workshops Get involved community. A recent survey by Charles in a very non-threatening learning To find out more, or to become involved Sturt University reports that, where a environment in convenient locations - with Farm$mart, contact your Landcare group operates, 46% of at convenient times and of manageable nearest office of the Department properties have a Landcare member. duration. of Natural Resources and It is estimated that about 27,500 members The Strategic Planning Process Environment or the belong to the 890 Victorian Landcare Farm$mart workshops concentrate on Victorian Farmers groups. instilling the culture of strategic thinking Federation.

Landcare is about combining productivity with conservation. With Farm$mart helping set the businessfocus, farmers can now look forward to a sustainable farming operation and a profitable business.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 29 Junior Landcare

Wooragee Junior Landcare Group celebrates10years of action Wooragee Rural School, Australia’s first All were instrumental in developing “They can relate it back to their own Junior Landcare Group, has celebrated landcare in Victoria and were involved places. A lot of sharing of information 10 years of involvement in landcare. in launching Wooragee Rural School’s happens between students, families and Junior Landcare Group. landcare members so the students feel Since forming a Junior Landcare Group they are really making a contribution in 1989 the school has built their own Wooragee School teacher, Di Tyrell, and a difference.” shade house and hot house, propagated said the students really enjoy working their own plants, done research work on projects involving landcare. with CSIRO on Paterson’s Curse, developed a weeds database and run their own waterwatch program. The students have recently built their own bird hide and are involved in daily bird watching and recording. The school commemorated the 10 years of action with a special celebration in June. Guests included Heather Mitchell, Joan Kirner and Caroline Hogg.

Heather Mitchell, Joan Kirner and Caroline Hogg (l-r) with students from Wooragee Rural School celebrating 10 years of involvement in landcare. Kids talk river health in Mildura A major river health conference involving The conference aims to reinforce the Stefano will cater for the conference presentations by primary school students importance of river health, raise awareness dinner using local river food. will mark the launch of National Water among primary students and provide an “The health of the Murray-Darling River Week in October this year. opportunity for students to system is vital to rural communities such as interact with their peers. The conference, to be hosted Sunraysia. The quality of water in the River by the Mallee Catchment It is the first ever conference to Murray sustains the irrigation industries and Management Authority and focus on both water and young the prosperity of local communities. the Mildura West Primary people. Students developing the “How we manage our rivers also impacts on School, will be held in conference are working with the biodiversity of aquatic life and the quality Mildura, Victoria, from expert mentors in water science. and quantity of food that we can sustainably 17-19 October 1999. The students will present and remove from the river. I am sure the young discuss information on water The conference is targeted at people will do a great job in communicating quality and quantity, salinity, upper primary school students these messages,” Stefano said. flooding and biodiversity. and their teachers, in particular For more information contact schools active in environmental Mildura chef and presenter Arron Wood, Conference Convenor, education. Over 150 students of ABC’s ‘A Gondola on Mallee Catchment Management and 80 teachers are expected the Murray’, Stefano de Pieri, is a Authority, telephone (03) 5022 3069. to attend from across Australia. keen supporter of the conference. LANDCARE WITH NUFARM WEED CONTROL Weedmaster 360...the green glyphosate from Nufarm

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Victorian ISSUE 14 andcareandcare LL & CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT

Red Gum River Guardians

Collecting Native Seed Happy Christmas INSIDE COVER Trounce ad. CONTENTS

Business Management Letters Wade Hughes Peter Walsh Pages 4 & 5 Peter Sutherland Olympic Landcare Editorial Group Paul Crock (03) 9207 5562 Page 10 Jo Safstrom (03) 9637 8394 Gabrielle Sheehan (03) 9637 8472

Editorial Consultant Community based GIS Tiffany & Associates (03) 9894 2169 Pags 12 Our top primary producer Advertising Enquiries Paul Crock Page 14 Phone (03) 9207 5562

Design Landcare award winners Bouquet Productions Pty. Ltd. Phone (03) 9376 0911, Fax (03) 9376 0922 Pages 14 – 17 Collecting native seed on your farm Printing Sands Print Group Pages 18 & 19 Breakwater, Geelong. Phone (03) 5248 3333, Fax (03) 5248 7222

Cover Photograph News from the CMAs Lyn Mitchard – Our top primary producer Photo: Paul Crock Pages 22 – 24 Natural Heritage Trust helps scouts do the job Contributions and mailing list enquiries Page 30 – 31 Victorian Farmers Federation Landcare Section, Level 6 24-28 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000 Phone (03) 9207 5555 Fax (03) 9207 5500 The Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management magazine is a joint E-mail: [email protected] publication of the Victorian Farmers Federation, Alcoa World Alumina Australia and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management is published for the Victorian Landcare Community by the with the support of the Victorian Catchment Management Council and Victorian Farmers Federation, 24-28 Collins Street, The Natural Heritage Trust. Melbourne 3000. Articles may be reprinted provided Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management is acknowledged. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of statements in Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management the Victorian Farmers Federation, its partners, agents, servants and contractors disclaim all responsibility for the statements quoted herein.

ISSN: 1327 5496 Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 3 FromFrom thethe editorseditors Landcare loses

This spring saw a great variety of works one of its mothers undertaken as Natural Heritage Trust funding momentum builds. Over the next few editions, we will be seeking to track Former VFF the success of many of these projects. President and co-founder of In the last edition, we asked you to the Landcare return the fly-sheet with your details, and movement, Welcome to the summer 1999 edition of asked you to tick the box if you wanted to Heather Mitchell Victorian Landcare and Catchment continue receiving the magazine. passed away on the Management Magazine. We had thousands of returns, however 12th of November, many people continue to ring asking if it following a fight December celebrates the end of the is too late to reply. To give you a chance, with cancer. ‘Decade of Landcare’ with the we have repeated the offer. If you want announcement of the 1999 Landcare and to continue receiving the magazine, Perhaps best known in her role as the first Farm Management Award winners. but did not reply last time, tick the YES woman to hold the VFF Presidency, Heather Congratulations to everyone who box and send it back. took the helm at a time when rural industries received an award and to all landcarers where experiencing very depressed economic who have done such magnificent job in Following every edition we receive many and challenging environmental conditions. Victoria over the last decade. letters and faxes regarding story ideas or feedback on articles. We encourage lively She worked tirelessly with the then Labor The awards reaffirm the strength and discussion on all issues, and welcome Government, changing their perception of vitality of the Landcare movement and such interest in the magazine. Please keep agricultural industries which led to a better give recognition to those who have made them coming. situation where the rural community and the an outstanding contribution. The judges Government could work together to resolve commented on the high standard of On behalf of the Victorian Landcare and some of the significant challenges facing entries and the great variety of projects Catchment Management Magazine, we farmers. that now exist within the Landcare wish you all a merry and safe Christmas, movement in Victoria. and a happy ‘bug-free’ New Year! Heather’s efforts with Joan Kirner, the then See you all next century. Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, In the next two editions we tell the saw the birth of the Landcare concept. stories of a selection of the winners. As Paul Crock in other years, Victorian Landcare Award Heather and Joan launched the first Jo Safstrom winners are now finalists in their ‘LandCare’ group at Winjallock, near St respective fields at the national level, and Gabrielle Sheehan Arnaud in November 1986. Thirteen years we wish them the best of luck. Carrie Tiffany later, there are now 4,600 Landcare groups across Australia, and Landcare movements established in South Africa, New Zealand, Bass salutes Landcare pioneer the Philippines, North Two years ago saw the passing of America, and Wales in Arthur Farvis, the inaugural President the UK. of the Bass Valley Landcare Group. Heather is survived by In recognition of Arthur’s efforts in her Husband, the Hon. initiating and leading the Bass Group Gordon Carmichael, her for the best part of seven years, the three daughters, one son local community has named one of its and eight grandchildren. first and most visible project successes May she rest in peace. after him. Paul Crock Arthur’s children came from near and far to attend, with grandchildren galore to help unveil the plaque. Next time you are heading past Bass, drop in and have a look at the plantation along the banks of the Bass River and spare a thought for Arthur. LettersLETTERSLettersLetters

Rabbit Busting – Dear Editors, more than busting rabbits! I read with interest the article in the winter Dear Editors, Letters edition on the north-east catchment region Just a quick note to highlight a concern and the mention of a new wetland which has regarding the Rabbit Buster advice ‘10 steps been created in the city centre of Wangaratta to long-term rabbit control’ on page 26 of the with the help of the North East CMA, the Spring ’99 edition. rural city of Wangaratta and the NLP Urban Water Quality Initiative. Points five and six suggest destroying above- Some ‘take home’ messages from Europe ground harbour and burn/remove fallen In the rural city of Wangaratta I know of timber. If rabbit control is the most important Dear Editors, several wetlands which have been lost recently or are threatened by degradation due to thing in the world, then fine. However, as My wife and I were fortunate enough to agricultural pursuits on private land. biodiversity is also a key catchment issue, recently travel in Europe for the first time. The wetlands have either been drained or a slash and burn approach will further It was a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable lost due to the illegal or permitted removal impoverish our landscape. visit and we particularly enjoyed exploring of remnant vegetation and the land has been rural regions in France, Belgium, Spain, By all means remove/destroy noxious weeds, levelled out. One large wetland is threatened England, Ireland and Turkey. but remnant shrubby vegetation and native by degradation. grasses are a high priority for protection and One has to marvel at the history and the I am aware that large-scale horticulture and fallen timber is essential habitat for birds such splendour of so many things in Europe – agribusiness development is being promoted as the Bush Stone Curlew and of course but there are some very stark memories of north of the divide with consequent loss of reptiles. environmental degradation that are ingrained remnant vegetation and wetlands. Local in our minds, such as – Please try to promote balanced and more government, NRE and the North East CMA ‘biodiversity-aware’ rabbit control strategies. • Quality and availability of water. It is sad need to ensure through the planning process Bruce Gill that one cannot trust local water supplies in that the remaining wetlands on private land Tatura Europe, so you resort to bottled water all are not degraded and lost. the time. It seems logical to save and preserve the • Air quality – visibility in major cities is very remaining wetlands on private land rather Magazine responses poor due to air pollution. In fact the sky than creating new wetlands – just as it is Dear Editors, was always clouded by a pollution haze no logical to stop all land clearing of native matter where one travelled – even in vegetation rather than funding replanting With reference to your note requesting remote, rural areas. whilst clearing is still occurring at a higher whether or not we require a copy of the rate than revegetation. Victorian Landcare & Catchment • Wildlife – wild animals seemed to be Management Magazine the answer is YES. non-existent and there was little sign of Sarah Minifie bird life, presumably due to loss of habitat Milawa We find the magazine very interesting with and hunting. regards to what other people are achieving throughout Victoria. The ‘take home’ message was obviously that water, air quality and wildlife are very If the magazine was only sent to secretaries of precious resources that we in Australia must Landcare groups many of the members would strive to protect and enhance, because time to never see the publication as when we meet as do this is rapidly running out. a group for meetings or working days we don’t have time to read magazines. On the other hand, several countries we visited showed obvious signs of ‘regional Keep up the good work. prosperity’ – no doubt as a result of Kind regards, governments and people being serious about rural and regional development – again, Linda Elliot a clear message for us in Australia. Arthurs Creek Greg Smith Rutherglen

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 5 Interview with Alex Arbuthnot, AM

An edited interview with Alex Arbuthnot Standing out this year was the innovative My experience over several days of AM, member of the Victorian Catchment land use of our top farmers across diverse visiting the properties of the Hanslow Cup Management Council, chief judge of the commodities, regions and land types. winners reaffirmed that farmers are great 1999 Victorian Landcare Awards and co- innovators, great researchers. If research I can’t say that any one commodity is judge of the 1999 Cotton Australia institutes can work effectively with these addressing land management issues better Primary Producer Award, on his farmers, I believe that we will address the than others but it is quite obvious that impressions of farmers, Landcare and big issues of sustainability. the future of sustainable agriculture some of the larger issues are going to following a tour of Hanslow Cup winners’ have to be addressed with new cropping The Cotton Australia Primary Producer properties. techniques, and in our dryland areas. Award is judged by visiting and selecting from the 10 Pivot Landcare Hanslow Cup People employing direct tilling techniques – On behalf of the judging panel for the 1999 winners drawn from each catchment we saw this on two or three properties – Cotton Australia Primary Producer Award, region. I would like to congratulate this year’s are, without doubt, forerunners in what entrants. They were outstanding. I believe will become the norm for stable The judging method associates the land management in the next decade. regional Pivot Hanslow Landcare Cup Our top farmers are also our top landcarers In particular, we saw one property where award with the prestigious national or, put another way, our high production direct seeding of lucerne into pastures Cotton Australia Primary Producer Award. farmers are also very aware of the need for was followed by direct seeding of annual This year Nyora dairy farmer good land and water management. crops such as wheat and oats over the top. Lyn Mitchard becomes Victoria’s I think this is the future of sustainable representative in the national award. agriculture. The Hanslow Cup was, for many years, regarded as the most prestigious award for soil conservation in Victoria. I can clearly recall as a young man being taken across Victoria to a field day on a winning Hanslow Cup property. It was a very impressive way to demonstrate good land management and I am very pleased that that award has now become associated with the latest innovation in land management – Landcare. To help revitalise the historical Hanslow Cup, the sponsorship of agribusiness leaders Pivot Limited was secured. The regional Hanslow Cup winners will be encouraged to hold field days to show their outstanding properties to interested farmers from both their region and throughout the State. Our tour demonstrated that most farmers farm for future generations. That is why it is important that the corporate world, and indeed governments, offer whatever assistance they can because people out there are working for future generations at immediate personal expense to themselves.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 6 Introducing Sherryl Garbutt Minister for Environment and Conservation

As the new Minister for Environment and in land and water management, will be Over the coming months I am keen to Conservation, I am proud to have the task coming to Victoria so the spotlight will be meet with Landcare groups in regional of encouraging and overseeing Landcare in on our Landcare efforts. Victorians should Victoria to see first hand the vital work Victoria. be proud of their achievements and be they are doing to shape a sustainable ready to learn from our visitors about their future. I will be keen to listen to Landcare Firstly I would like to congratulate the progress and innovations. groups about how Government can work winners of the 1999 Victorian Landcare effectively in partnership to support a and Farm Management Awards. The I am also pleased to hear about the growth second generation of Landcare in this volume and quality of entries received of networking and collaborative efforts State. indicates the spirit of Landcare is very between Victorian Landcare groups. much alive in Victoria. I am delighted to This demonstrates that the Landcare be a part of such a vital community-based community is dedicated to making a movement achieving real progress in difference both locally and at the restoring our environment. landscape and catchment scale. As the Minister responsible for Landcare, I will Sherryl Garbutt It is an exciting time for Landcare in this reinforce these efforts by supporting works Minister for Environment State with Landcare 2000 coming up in and research into the effectiveness and and Conservation March. International delegates, interested future direction of the program. Catchment management in Victoria:

Catchment Message from NRE Management By Peter Sutherland, Executive Director, CMSA Division, NRE New vision for dryland agriculture

Dryland agricultural industries make $8.3 million a year and the Federal prosperity in dryland agriculture. up 70% of Victoria’s agricultural Government around $6.8 million into the The report will be used as the basis for production, generating around $3.6 billion Sustainable Dryland Agriculture and Land developing a new vision for Victoria’s annually. Significant natural resource Management Key Project. Landholders land management in dryland areas. issues face dryland Victoria and threaten have also made a significant investment The review showed that a significant the development of these industries. through Landcare, Salinity Management boost in prosperity could be achieved Plans and on-farm measures. To assist in combatting these issues by addressing natural resource issues. It is the State Government has invested NRE has recently completed a strategic estimated that the Key Project could yield review of the Key Project, which aims benefits of up to $340 million as a result to maximise Victoria’s sustainability and of improved dryland salinity management alone.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 7 Red Gum River Guardians

Catchment Management

Riparian red gum vegetation on the Campaspe River at Echuca.

A seminar promoting better understanding its beautiful rich, red timber. It is also a native grasses, herbs and scattered shrubs. of the ecology, conservation and key species in a rare ecosystem. The Red Gum River Guardians seminar management of Red Gum ecosystems was Most of the major creeklines and rivers was opened by Mayor of Campaspe, held in Echuca during October 1999. of northern Victoria are lined with Red Cathie Halliday. Tim Fisher from the Organised by the Shire of Campaspe, Gums. They provide a vital link between Australian Conservation Foundation gave NRE and the North Central Catchment waterways and the surrounding dry the keynote address. Scientists and Management Authority, the seminar saw country. Without the Red Gum our native landholders presented sessions on Red leading scientists and land managers fish would have no snags in which to live. Gum history, birds of the Murray corridor, sharing their knowledge about this The role of River Red Gums in the flight-paths through the farm, carpet important ecosystem. conservation of fauna is only just being pythons and gliders and other mammals. understood. The River Red Gum is firmly etched A final session looked at future directions into Australian culture through literature Widespread clearing of the northern plains for the conservation and management of and folklore. Its timber has powered the has left isolated pockets of vegetation Red Gum ecosystems in northern Victoria. paddle steamers of the Murray; its sleepers crossed with Red Gum lined creeks and For more information and copies of have paved the nation’s railways, and rivers. The woodland vegetation has been the proceedings contact Geoff Park at the foundations of millions of homes. highly modified so that few natural areas NCCMA on (03) 5448 7124. Furniture builders and tourists keenly seek remain with the original understorey of Stop Press: Second Generation Landcare Grants Landcare Australia on-line Sherryl Garbutt, the Minister for Environment and Conservation, has announced the Second Generation Landcare Australia has put a great deal get out of supporting Landcare and the Landcare Grants. The closing date for of effort into its website. The site, which LAL sponsorship team provides some applications is February 25, 2000. was launched in July this year, is slick and detail For copies of guidelines, contact your colourful with a mixture of hard facts and on how they service sponsors. Catchment Management Authority or fun gimmicks. The kids’ stuff is bright and interesting ring the NRE Customer Service Centre Start at the ‘who’s who’ where you meet and they promise more to come. You can on 136 186. the Landcare Australia team Brady-bunch send someone a ‘virtual tree’ to add to style, and find out exactly what they do. the cyber forest (over 200 trees have been ‘virtually’ planted since the website You can get on the soapbox, respond to was launched), play a memory game and Landcare Australia’s topic of the month download some stunning screensavers. (‘does Landcare Month work?’ is the current topic), or send a general message LAL has received a very positive response or request for information. to the launch of the site and it’s popular with visitors. The site had 2048 hits in The sponsorship pages concentrate July, 30,788 in August and 27,685 in on ‘the partnership’ between Landcare September. Australia and sponsors. Some of the major corporations talk about what they Go to www.landcareaustralia.com.au Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 8 We are the Landcare generation

Acclaimed scientist and author, Dr Tim By David Beckingsale Flannery, believes Landcare is strategically one of the most important things that has happened to the Australian environment for a long time. “Landcare is a very powerful engine of social change. It helps people come to Tim Flannery is the keynote speaker at terms with the nature of the problems the International Landcare 2000 they are facing and to learn from Conference to be held in Melbourne from each other.” 2-5 March 2000. He says that today’s Landcarers are the first generation of While Flannery believes we are going Australians with the community behind in the right direction after centuries of them. catastrophes he says we are still at a very early stage in terms of outcomes. “People now understand that it is not only acceptable, but desirable to care “Probably 90% of programs are on the about the land. It is only since the 1960s wrong track, but it’s all part of learning and 1970s that we have realised, and and it’s valuable experience. I don’t think been appalled by, the destructive early Landcare will change the world overnight, phase of white history – now we are but I do think it will change the world www.nre.vic.gov.au/conf/Landcare2000/ starting to turn that around.” eventually. It will certainly change the or call (03) 9690 6744. way that we think, which is a major achievement.” Landcare and social change For further information and Flannery says he is supportive of Scientist and author Dr Tim Flannery is registration details for the International one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming Landcare because it is social as well as Landcare 2000 Conference International Landcare 2000 Conference. scientific. visit the conference website Wanted: 100 ‘Victorian hosts’ Wanted:The organisers of the International Landcare 100 2000 Conference ‘Victorian are asking for Victorian Landcarers tohosts’ volunteer as conference hosts. There are no formal duties, just a willingness to be approached by people from interstate and overseas to talk about what you do in Landcare. A host may simply chat with other delegates, provide them leads and ideas about places to visit and perhaps share a lunch with them. Being a host is a great way to meet with other conference delegates and do some informal networking. Hosts will be identified in some way, possibly by wearing a T-shirt. To be a conference host you must be a registered delegate of the conference. Being a host is open to people who have already registered and people yet to register who are community co-ordinators/facilitators or community group members. Simply complete this coupon and attach it to your registration, or send it to: International Landcare 2000 Conference, Waldron Smith Convention Network, 93 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park 3206, by 31 January 2000.

Victoria Hosts Registration of interest

Name: ...... Phone: ......

Group: ......

Address: ...... P/Code: ......

Simply complete this coupon and attach it to your registration, or send it to: International Landcare 2000 Conference, Waldron Smith Convention Network, 93 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park 3206, by 31 January 2000. Alligator Weed Olympic Landcare stretches for Gold mix-up is Group News sorted out A plant-swap by scientists and members of the City of Casey Aquatic Weed Community October saw another project under the Action Group has helped control the spread of Olympic Landcare banner successfully one of the world’s worst weeds. accomplished at Ravenswood, albeit under Dr Lalith Gunasekera, a scientist at the Keith trying climatic conditions. Turnbull Research Institute, says Alligator One thousand local and urban-based Weed originates from the Parana River system volunteers – 700 getting to the site in in Argentina and came to Australia through two V/Line Passenger trains – planted over ship ballast in 1946. 10,000 plants and direct seeded another “It has become widespread in tropical and 40,000. warm temperate regions where it infests Among the volunteers were one hundred waterways, causing problems with water flow, migrant students from Somalia, Sudan, flooding and sedimentation and providing Ethiopia, Eritrea, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, habitat for disease carriers like mosquitoes.” China and Japan, giving the day a truly In 1996 it was discovered that the Australian international feel. Sri Lankan community was growing Alligator Eight Olympians were also involved in the Weed as a leafy vegetable. Alligator Weed was festivities including John Landy, Damian wrongly thought to be the plant Mukunu- Brown, Des Duguid, Simone Ingram, wenna, a popular leafy vegetable grown widely Simon Heffernan, Kerri Tepper, Faith in Sri Lanka and used in a curry recipe. Leech and Phillip Sawyer. Lalith Gunasekera says some older people John Landy, the Victorian Olympic unknowingly cultivated and used the weed Landcare Patron and President of Above: as a regular part of their diet for over 25 years. Greening Australia Victoria, said that One thousand “The plant was considered to have the need for such large-scale projects volunteers braved the high rates of vitamins, minerals and was critical. elements. fibre and was spread from family to “The Gold Tree symbolises the loss of family as a very valuable backyard vegetation since European settlement. herb.” Now we have to make sure that we can A public awareness campaign and put a good percentage of it back if we survey uncovered more than 750 are to reverse the threat of salinity and infestations of Alligator Weed in 130 biodiversity decline,” he said. Lalith Gunasekera suburban backyards. Lalith James Blundell sang a few of his well- inspects a plot of Gunasekera says one-third of these Alligator weed known songs as the Rotary Clubs of in a backyard sites have now been treated and all Bendigo and Bendigo South supplied a at Doveton. known infestations will be eradicated sumptuous BBQ lunch for the wet and within the next year. weary volunteers. The key to controlling the spread of Alligator For more information regarding Olympic Weed was the promotion of a suitable Landcare, contact Katie McCracken at replacement plant. An Australian native species GA on (03) 9457 3024. Below: Olympic Landcare spirit. Alternanthera denticulata (Lesser joyweed) in the same family was grown and trialled. It has been widely accepted by the Sri Lankan community as an alternative to Mukunu-wenna. More than 3000 replacement plants have been distributed through Buddhist temples and personal contacts. According to Lalith Gunasekera the Sri Lankan community is very keen to grow this new plant in their backyards and have already Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 10 started to distribute them from family to family. Who’s there to lend a hand?

Is your Landcare group finding it hard to The biggest of the programs by far is the motivate the troops, or are you doing large Green Corps Program. Now in its third projects and would really appreciate a hand? year, the Green Corps Program is designed to provide selected volunteers with the You may have heard or read about the opportunity to join a team for six-month Australian Trust for Conservation periods to help the environment. Volunteers (more often referred to as the ATCV). You may not really know what they “Green Corps focuses on 17 to 20 year do or have to offer, so we caught up with olds who are committed to helping the the ATCV’s Victorian State Manager, Ian environment,” Ian said. Smith, to find out what and why they do “Like other project teams, the ATCV, what they do. through Green Corps, provides a team of According to Ian, since the ATCV started in volunteers, transport, supervision and 1982, the organisation has grown to be the safety training. largest organised volunteer group in the “The project runs for six months, with the country, with over 1300 volunteers in the proponents responsible for organising the field on any given day, supported by 170 works schedule and keeping projects and highly qualified staff. materials ahead of the team,” Ian said. “Since we started, we have grown with the While this seems like a great opportunity to success of the Landcare movement because get some extra hands on the ground, the our volunteers provide some of the valuable ATCV struggle to get enough applications elbow grease to keep the Landcare machine for Green Corps grants. moving. “Green Corps projects run for six months, “Every day we have volunteers in the field and while we understand some groups may working on environmental projects to assist find it difficult to keep six months work in anything from endangered species ahead of the volunteers, larger Landcare monitoring, to Landcare group works or projects are ideally suited for Green Corps restoration of heritage buildings.” teams,” he said. Ian is quick to emphasise that all the Ian also made an important point that volunteers contribute to cover their own Landcare groups can apply for Green Corps costs of being at a project, highlighting their or ATCV support by contacting the ATCV dedication to the environmental cause. directly, or apply to have projects funded “The ATCV provides the team supervisor through the Natural Heritage Trust. and transport and the project managers or “Landcare groups should think of the landowners provide tools and materials,” ATCV as a key stakeholder in their Natural Ian said. Heritage Trust projects, as we can provide The ATCV manage an impressive network the people power that smaller rural of programs both statewide and nationally, communities don’t readily have access to.” all involving volunteer management. Ian Ian said there were numerous ways people says all are based on the philosophy of the could get more information about the ATCV providing the in-kind management ATCV and Green Corps. support. “We have information and application Some of these programs include: the Federal forms on the ATCV website, Government’s Green Corps – Young WWW.ATCV.com.au or if people ring the Australians for the Environment Program; ATCV South Melbourne office, Tree Victoria; the ATCV Remote Coastcare Trudy will be able to send them out Program in partnership with Environment some information.” Australia; National Tree Day with Planet Ark; Arbor Week in association with the The number for the ATCV is NRCL; Clean Up Australia in the (03) 9686 5554. Melbourne area; and the Alcoa Weekend Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers Landcare Program. upgrading tracks and fences in the Arthur’s Seat State Park Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 11 Cheap, effective GIS aids catchment planning by Paul Crock

Group Ideas “The only drawback was the somewhat The group’s Neighbourhood Project expensive software. For this new project to Facilitator, Jen Clarke, works with work, we needed a simple cheap package individual farmers to update their to do the job,” she said. information, before sending it through to be updated on the main GIS by local Farmers throughout the Woady Yaloak Since completing his Graduate Diploma, farmer Susie Ellis. Susie is in charge of catchment will soon be able to enjoy the Rick Pope has remained in contact with inputting the data to the GIS and she said benefits of GIS-based farm plans in a new the group and is happy to see the Woady the benefits of the GIS package were more and exciting community-led project being steering committee continuing his work by than first thought. undertaken in partnership with Alcoa, expanding the GIS model across the whole University of Ballarat Centre for Rural and of the catchment. “We can collect all the data for proposed Regional Information, Corangamite rehabilitation projects and combine them “The new model is great. It revolves Catchment Management Authority, to use in grant applications, or to give around the development of a CD-ROM NRE and the Golden Plains Shire. the Woady Yaloak Steering Committee that the farmers can either have access a better picture of the works proposed, The new project is an extension of one of to or purchase cheaply, that contains all in progress and completed,” she said. the earliest Landcare group-based GIS the relevant information for their farming projects funded under the National system and land rehabilitation efforts Susie pointed out that the mapping of Landcare Program. In 1994, the Pittong at a catchment level, but with enough the achievements of the five years of the Hoyles Creek Landcare Group, located in resolution to go to the individual farm Woady Yaloak Project is another integral the upper reaches of the Woady Yaloak level. component of the new GIS. catchment, initiated the project with Rick Pope, a student of the Graduate “As Alice said, the stumbling block was “The GIS gives us a chance to give a Diploma in Land Rehabilitation Program the cost of the software, but by using free pictorial representation of the works at the University of Ballarat. ‘public domain’ software, with links to undertaken with Alcoa’s support, so we higher resolution maps for the whole can show our sponsor how much has been The farm plans developed from this initial catchment, we hope to make it cheaper achieved at a catchment level,” she said. project proved to be a valuable resource to and easier to use for everyone,” Rick said. the farmers, so the decision to develop a “But more importantly for the community, cheap and effective GIS package for the The Woady Yaloak group, with support it gives individuals a chance to see what whole catchment was made. from Alcoa and other sponsors, has now they have achieved at their farm level over produced the CD-ROM with data the last few years – something that is very Alice Knight, Chair of the Woady Yaloak covering the Woady Yaloak catchment easy to lose track of,” she said. Catchment Committee, said the Pittong- from Ballarat to Cressy that can be viewed For more information regarding Hoyles Creek Project had given them on any modern home computer. another management tool for their farm the Woady GIS Project, contact at Linton, but also one for their local “The base layer is a satellite image,” Cam Nicholson on 0417 311 098 or neighbourhood. Rick said. Susie Ellis on (03) 5340 3583. “We found the GIS very useful for “Overlays include soil types, drainage lines planning in terms of prioritising areas for and contours, land uses, title boundaries works on our property and a useful means and more. Farmers can of identifying potential linkages of works select an area, zoom in between neighbours to form a truly on it and print it out integrated approach to catchment on their office management in our area. printer,” he said.

Learning the ropes of the GIS at the University of Ballarat Centre for Rural and Regional Information Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 13 1999 Victorian Landcare & Winner of the Cotton Australia Landcare Primary Producer Award and the Pivot Landcare Hanslow Cup for Port Phillip Region WINNER • Lyn Mitchard, Nyora • Lyn Mitchard runs a 180 hectare dairy ripping and aeration to overcome Lyn says the changes on the farm are farm at Nyora in South Gippsland. She compaction, improve soil structure and soil aimed at achieving a system of sustainable farmed with her husband until he passed biodiversity. Pasture mixes have changed management. They have also greatly away in 1995 and has continued since then and a combination of traditional and improved productivity. Production per with a sharefarmer. organic fertilisers are used. hectare of the dairy herd has nearly doubled in the last ten years. Lyn is an active member of the Mt Lyall Lyn says they used to fertilise annually Landcare Group. She represents the group in one overall farm application. “Now we “This year we are leasing an additional 100 on the committee of the South Gippsland fertilise according to the results of soil hectares on lighter well-drained soils to Landcare Network and on the seed bank tests.” carry young and dry stock. This will reduce committee. Lyn says she has gleaned much feeding-out, traffic and compaction on the The farm plan has been invaluable in of her knowledge about farming from the dairy pasture in winter.” reorganising fencing and tracks across Landcare group. the property. At present, there are 43 Lyn has recently participated in “In 1991, the group ran a property paddocks of around four hectares each. a Farm$mart farm planning course. management planning course. Fences separate soils of differing moisture She says the work on the farm is nowhere We participated in the course and and productivity regimes. near completed and there is still a great upgraded our farm plan.” deal she would like to achieve. An area of remnant vegetation has been Since then, Lyn has been working hard fenced from stock while the creek that “The more we learn, the more we realise to put the plan into action. A systematic passes through the property has been what needs to be done.” program of pasture improvement is planted to trees and understorey of local underway. Techniques have included deep provenance.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 14 Farm Management Awards Winner of the National Landcare Program Individual Landcarer Award WINNER • Robert McColl, Bamganie •

A heart operation was the jolt that Robert has devoted an incredible amount Environment and he has organised a bevy got Robert McColl heavily involved of time and attention to Landcare as well of courses in the area such that now every in Landcare. Robert was recuperating as doing much to improve his own family landholder has a whole-farm plan and the from major surgery in 1992 when the farm. With his detailed knowledge of the Landcare group has a whole area plan. Bamganie/Meredith and Districts Landcare area’s topography and geography, he has Robert admits he has put a great many Group was looking for a personally urged, motivated and cajoled hours into Landcare. He says the reward new president. large numbers of landholders to address is simply driving around the place and problems of weed control, rabbit and fox “They couldn’t find anyone to take it on seeing how it’s improving. eradication, tree decline, protection of so I thought I’d give it a go.” remnant vegetation, erosion control “I’m a fifth generation local so this is my The Bamganie/Meredith area is part of the and replanting with indigenous species chance to put something back into the Corangamite catchment. It has suffered to improve water quality. He has also area. Landcare is really about bringing severe erosion problems, heavy rabbit been a leader in the establishment of people together – conservation, infestation, rising watertables and salinity farm forestry. productivity and co-operation. at the head of catchment for streams It’s a great thing to do with your life.” Robert has nurtured Junior Landcare flowing into the Leigh and Barwon rivers. through a water monitoring and tree Under Robert’s guidance the Landcare planting project on the Coolebarghurk group has tackled all of these problems Creek with the Meredith School. He and significant improvements have actively liaises with Barwon Water and the been made. Department of Natural Resources and

Robert McColl has put a great many hours into Landcare.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 15 1999 Victorian Landcare &

Winner of the Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award WINNER • Lexton Landcare Group • How many Landcare groups set goals for sides. On the people front, 25% of all The group is currently reviewing its goals the next 30 years? The Lexton Landcare landholders will have completed a farm and priorities for the next ten years. It is Group, centred around the town of planning course and group membership examining targets for 2010 and 2020 and Lexton, 50 kilometres north-west of will be at over 75%. the broader role the Landcare group might Ballarat, is constantly looking to the play in the community. The group is large, with over 100 members future. They also have good reason to across 60,000 hectares of grasslands. Their David says the group’s success comes from look at the past. biggest concerns are erosion and salinity. a number of factors. “They are a dynamic David Clark, the group’s co-ordinator, says Rabbit control is another constant job. bunch – progressive in both action and by the end of this year the group will have The group was formed in 1988 because of thought. Also having a large group means planted 8% of all recharge areas to trees; concerns about these issues. the work is spread further and there are stabilised 85% of all stream and gully more points of view.” David Clark says running parallel to heads; and stabilised 20% of all stream the degradation issues was the need to Over the past 12 years, the group has improve the rural viability of the region had some 29 people serving as committee through healthier, more productive farms. members. They communicate by a monthly newsletter and hold regular “In our early years, we put a great deal of events. This year’s events have included effort into getting the right information. Members of the Lexton a first aid for the bush course, a visit to a Now, we are into implementation.” Landcare Group timber and furniture factory, a WorkCover unloading trees for a planting day. The group has completed detailed land for employers evening and a group-wide class mapping for the area, mapped the ‘Foxoff’ fox control activity. extent of pre-cleared vegetation David says the group is most proud of the communities, mapped pasture-sowing leadership and partnership role it has been options for the area and the risk of salinity able to take with neighbouring groups. to local water supplies. “At the end of the day, Landcare is about making a difference on the ground. Whether it’s your own ground or someone else’s.”

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 16 Farm Management Awards

Winner of the BP Landcare Catchment Award WINNER • Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Committee •

Now in its third year, the Swan Bay Management Committee was formed and “It’s the doing that matters. People can’t Integrated Catchment Management Plan a detailed Catchment Management Plan ignore the fencing, weed control, creek demonstrates an innovative, holistic was developed. bank stabilisation, wildlife corridors, dune approach to catchment management restoration and wetland protection that is The plan is a flexible, dynamic document driven by the local community. being done.” that is constantly being updated and Swan Bay is one of the most intact amended. It addresses the key issues for Sue says the success of the project areas of wetland and marine ecosystems the catchment: water quality; stormwater; lies with the Catchment Management within Port Phillip Bay. Over 90% of the remnant vegetation and wildlife corridors; Committee. catchment has been cleared for intensive pest plants and animals; sustainable “They are a very dedicated group who put agriculture and urban settlement. agricultural practices; and community in many hours on-the-ground and behind participation. In 1996, Landcare and conservation groups the scenes to make our vision of holistic working on independent projects within According to the Committee Secretary, catchment management a reality. It’s the Swan Bay recognised the need to combine Sue Longmore, the visibility of numerous committee who have inspired the their skills and energies and create a on-ground projects across the catchment community to get involved.” ‘whole catchment care’ approach. The captures the attention of the local Swan Bay Integrated Catchment community and fuels further interest and activity.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 17 HowHow toto collectcollect nativenative seedseed Group Ideas A Background: Capsules – found on species such as Eucalpts. B Top left: vary genetically. By collecting from only Follicles – Found on species such as Banksias. one plant, you will limit the genetic C Below left: Pods – found on species such as Acacias. variation in the plants you propagate, so a handy rule of thumb is never to As summer rolls on, now is the time to collect more than about 10% of seed collect seed from many species. If you from any one parent plant. want to start growing your own trees, or if Knowing this, then how do I go about you would like a nursery to grow plants A collecting the seed? B from your immediate area on contract, we thought we would look at how you go Species with seeds in capsules can be about collecting the seed you need. a bit difficult to collect. Seed from low branches can be picked relatively easily What is the seed and where do I find it? without damaging the plant, but a few All flowering plants produce fruit, inside things have to be taken into account first. which is found the seed. Fruit can be Many trees with capsules produce flowers, anything from berries, pods, nuts to immature capsules and mature capsules succulent stone fruits such as a peach. on the same branchlet (small branch). C In this case, only the mature capsules from Native plants produce many different nearest the trunk should be picked as the types of fruits, but we will focus on the immature capsules and flowers are the more common types of native fruit – seed source for future years. capsules, follicles and pods. A fruit picking bag with a strap that A Capsules are usually relatively small, goes over the head and around the neck, dry and woody, and stay on the plant with a big pouch, is a good way to collect By for a couple of years. When mature, the capsules. With both hands free, it lets capsules split open and release lots of little Paul Crock you reach in and get the mature capsules seeds. Capsules can be found on Eucalypt quickly. and Melaleuca species (to name a couple). As Landcare has Taller trees are trickier targets and B Follicles are like big woody nuts and can evolved, we have branchlets often have to be cut off to remain on the plant for many years. They become more and more collect the seed. Some people use long- usually split in two, releasing one or two aware of the importance of handled pruners and saws to remove larger seeds, often with a paper-thin ‘wing’ local vegetation types and their branchlets with seed capsules connected. to help the seeds disperse in the wind. genetics. (One innovative Landcare group used an Species such as Hakea, Grevillea, Banksia old chainsaw chain with a rope attached at Nurseries are responding to this all have follicles. demand by producing stock from local both ends. The idea was that you throw C seed sources either by collecting their Pods are self-explanatory. ‘Like peas in a the rope over the branchlet, pull the own seed, sub-contracting seed collectors pod’, native legumes also produce pods to chainsaw blade up and gently saw it off – or growing native plants on contract for house their seed. Plants that produce pods avoiding getting whacked in the head by landholders who have collected their own often give their seed a special hard coat to standing well clear of the drop zone.) protect them against the elements which seed. A safer means of getting to larger/taller needs special treatment before they will trees involves talking to the local power With the expansion of large-scale Landcare germinate. Pods are found on Acacia company contractors that prune around projects such as the Greater Glenelg species. Biolink and the Powlett Project, the power lines. With their cherry pickers, pressure on local nurseries to deliver is I now know what seed is but how should they can reach the tallest of trees and strained. Being able to collect seed and I collect it? remove the branchlets and capsules much more safely. grow trees for your own use is not too Firstly, you should collect seed from as difficult and worth a try. many plants as possible. Like any livestock Collecting follicles is easy if you can reach enterprise, seed from different plants will in and twist off the older nuts close to the

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 18 onon youryour farmfarm

trunk. Knocking the follicles off with a seed can be dried and stick is also a good way of collecting them. stored for sowing at a For species such as Casuarinas, a useful later date. hint is to climb the tree so you don’t get How do I store the whacked on the head with the nuts as they seed if I don’t need to Germination testing at the fall off (but try and go a bit easy on the Melbourne Indigenous Seedbank. use it all at once? tree). Once the seed is harvested from the fruit, Plants with pods are the easiest to collect. it can be all stored the same way. Quite simply, you can pull the pods off the Picking up plant like picking peas. This can be done Firstly, it pays to give the seed a light spray fallen seed. with minimal damage to the parent plant. with some insecticide, to kill any bugs or weevils from eating the seed in storage. It is important that you don’t pick Mothballs or naptholine can help protect immature pods. Check the seed in some revegetation assistance, contact Greening the seed, but should not be left in the jars of the older pods to see if they look ripe. Australia on (03) 9457 3024 or David for too long as it has been known to affect If the pod contains large plump shiny Warne at the GAV/Alcoa Portland the viability of some species. seeds with firm white flesh inside the Seedbank on seed, chances are it is viable. Storage containers can be anything (03) 5521 7856. with a tight-fitting lid. Jars, tins and plastic I have bags of pods, capsules and follicles containers all make useful storage – what next? containers. These should be kept in a cool, The GAV/Alcoa Portland The next step is to clearly label a paper dark place where the temperature and Seedbank. bag with where and when and from how humidity are not going to change much. many plants you collected the seed. Fill the Another option for you is to give bag with the follicles, the capsules or the the seed to a seedbank for them to store pods and seal them up and leave them in for you. Greening Australia operate the sun to dry out and open up. If you use seedbanks throughout Victoria a plastic bag, the fruit will sweat and and it would pay to ring GAV become mouldy rather than open up as to find your closest one. required. Open fertiliser bags are good for larger branchlets and for lots of seed. Seedbanks are a good source of seed for direct seeding or for An excellent place for drying seed is in the sourcing seed from your area back of a car under the rear window, as if you don’t have time to collect this is most often in the sun and can get it yourself. They also provide quite hot. Other options include next to a germination testing and other window or in a still place where the wind useful advice. won’t blow the bags away. One last thing that is important if Eventually, the seed will fall out of the you intend collecting seed in fruit and be ready to sow. bushland reserves, is that you Seeds from pod-producing plants such as check with your local NRE Acacia species have a seed coat that will office to see if you need a need to be treated prior to sowing. permit to do so. A most effective method of treating hard Hopefully this has given you seed coats found in many such species, is enough information to start to soak the seeds in just-boiled water for collecting your own seed. an hour or so while the water cools. This For more information softens the outer coat and the seed should regarding species information, germinate much easier. Once soaked, the seed collecting, storage or other

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 19 Catchment North-eastNorth-east farmers’farmers’ Management By planplan forfor cleanclean waterwater Margrit Beemster

Vicki, who lives on the family dryland grazing farm with husband Craig and children Carissa and Jarrod, is representative of the growing number of people who are becoming more concerned about the environment and issues such as land degradation and soil erosion. She readily admits that she went on the working party because she saw it as a way to learn more about land/water management and the quality of water in her area. “I came in blind but I’ve learnt there are just so many issues when it comes to water quality,” says Vicki. “At first I felt totally out of my league – I don’t have any kind of technical background – but after a while I started asking questions and voicing my opinion.” Vicki says the strategy not only helps The upper reaches of the Kiewa River. businesses and the community become aware of water quality issues, it also lists actions that the individual can undertake to help water quality. “On our place we fenced off a creek and planted trees to help stabilise the bank before it became a problem. Another thing we can do is rotational grazing to reduce Vicki McMurrich and her son Jarrod, bare paddocks in summer.” who is part of the Waterwatch program at Kiewa Valley Primary School. Like the other community members of “ the working party, Vicki’s time attending If nothing gets done now, what will Vicki was a member of a community-based meetings was voluntary. As well, she was happen in the future? It will only get working party which helped develop the heavily involved in the proofreading and worse.” Upper North East Water Quality Strategy. editing of the draft strategy. The strategy is now being implemented by Vicki McMurrich, from Kiewa in north- the North East Catchment Management The strategy comprises a number of major east Victoria, is talking about why they Authority under the direction of three programs including community education, have a strategy to look after water quality. geographically-based implementation agricultural industries, forest management, stream management and gully stabilisation. “I hope it will make people think and be committees. aware of how important water quality The strategy applies to two basins – the Estimates have suggested that the strategy really is,” says Vicki, who has lived in the Kiewa Basin and the Victorian portion of will decrease phosphorus loads to the Kiewa Valley all her life. “Every one of us the Upper Murray Basin. Together they Murray River by a total of 75 tonnes. is partly responsible for water quality in contribute 24% of the total Victorian Copies are available from Veronica one way or the other. All run-off water – discharge to the total Murray-Darling Lanigan, the North East Catchment whether it be from the farm, from Basin system. Both basins supply water Management Authority’s Water Quality households in town, or from industry – for use downstream in Victoria, NSW Officer on (02) 6055 6133. ends up in our waterways at some stage.” and South Australia.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 20 Catchment 1010 Management

Heavy rain at Gobur washes away the creek banks. The Hopkins River has benefited from a Tree Victoria planting undertaken by the local angling club. In 1989 a new program to redress the loss of trees in the countryside was started. Tree Victoria was part of a State and The group received a Tree Victoria grant commonwealth initiative where targets the same year to establish 3000 trees and were set for desirable levels of tree complete some fencing. They planted planting to revegetate land in critical areas. stream sides and recharge areas in the The national target was to establish one steep hills surrounding the catchment. The billion trees by the year 2000. project has helped to save soil and improve water quality. Tree Victoria has always focused on community tree growing. Around 1237 projects have been supported by Tree Victoria over the past ten years. This has resulted in over three million plants being The club planted 2000 indigenous native established across the State. trees along a kilometre of the river. Tree Victoria and Landcare have grown Around 95% of the trees have survived. together. Often a Tree Victoria grant was The anglers say the project has helped to the catalyst that got Landcare groups up control stream bank erosion, improved the and running. In many cases a small Tree water quality and created more habitat for Victoria ‘seeding grant’ has led to large- wildlife. scale revegetation works. Revegetation was the issue that got the Tree Victoria has assisted groups from Home Creek Land Management Group every part of Victoria. In 1995 the up and running. A meeting of local Warrnambool Angling Club decided to landholders in the Yarck Hall in 1992 revegetate and beautify a degraded section recognised the need to plant and protect The Tree Victoria trees in the Home Creek catchment area. plantings have real of the Hopkins River. erosion benefits.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 21 Catchment Management Regional forum established The new South East Improving native fish habitat Australia Landcare Forum was launched at a conference in Bairnsdale Four fishways have been installed by over the next two years, improving featuring Landcare members from the Corangamite CMA in partnership breeding and rearing opportunities for the throughout the region and several high- with NRE, as part of the State Fishway region’s native fish stock and reinstating profile guest speakers. Program, which aims to improve fish the range of many species. access to critical spawning and habitat Conference goers had the opportunity to Fishways will be constructed on the areas. The fishways will allow necessary discuss the benefits of all Landcare groups Gellibrand, East Barham, Barwon and migrations of native fish between in the region joining together under one Moorabool rivers, along with two sites freshwater and the ocean to complete their ‘umbrella’ group, before voting to elect on Thompsons Creek. Eight sites on the lifecycle. Studies have identified forum members from diverse geographical Moorabool River have been identified that 70% of fish species in the coastal areas. for fishway construction, opening up more catchments of south-eastern Australia than 20 kilometres of the river to fish Spokesman Rob Belcher said it was require such migrations. migration. The removal of barriers to fish important the South East Australia Construction occurred during May and migration is an integral component of Landcare Forum had representatives from June 1999 on fishways at Pollocksford ensuring the long-term viability of native the 41 Landcare groups active in East Weir (Barwon River) and at other fish species in this region. Gippsland. stream-flow gauging stations on Loves Corangamite CMA (03) 5232 9100 “It’s the first time such a group has been and Kennedys creeks, and on the Curdies formed,” Rob said. River. To ensure that the fishways meet their objectives, monitoring of fish usage “We believe the East Gippsland region will occur in early December 1999. needed better co-ordination of some of This period has been identified as a crucial its Landcare activities. The opportunity time for native fish migration to develop the South East Australia in this region. Landcare Forum came about through discussions with East Gippsland CMA. Together with NRE, the Corangamite CMA will continue fishway construction Fishway at Pollocksford Weir (Barwon River). “There is a strong partnership between the CMA and the Landcare groups and while the Authority is offering its support in the background, it is up to the Landcare A decade of Landcare groups to make this forum work. in the Mallee “The CMA will assist Landcare groups Mallee with their activities by offering advice, The Mallee CMA recently hosted a A series of workshops were held over the support, and improved co-ordination Regional Landcare Conference for course of the second day with pest plants between the various groups as they seek Landcare group members, co-ordinators, and animals, dryland salinity, biodiversity funding for projects and other initiatives.” facilitators and representatives of NRE, on the common farm, farming systems for celebrating a decade of Landcare in the sustainability and personal health issues The conference in Bairnsdale included region. The conference presented the of particular focus. presentations from newly elected community with the information necessary Independent Member for Gippsland East, It is now ten years since the first Landcare to move forward with their Landcare Craig Ingram and one of Landcare’s group was launched in the Mallee. efforts into the next millennium. stalwarts, Rob Youl. The Millewa-Carwarp Landcare Group The emphasis for the conference was launched in August 1989 by Minister East Gippsland CMA was on local issues and local solutions. K. Setches at Werrimull. (03) 5153 0462 Communication was the key to the The Mallee region now has 22 conference with ample opportunities Landcare groups involving for sharing ideas and projects as well as over 1200 members, covering networking with other participants. 2.4 million hectares of land. The conference commenced with a tour Mallee CMA (03) 5022 4377 of the Ouyen area and was followed by a large dinner held at the Ouyen Golf Club. Landcarers on tour, Mallee Research Station, Walpeup.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 22 Catchment Management South Gippsland is high on trees

More than 180 sites in South the need for on-ground and technical Gippsland are sharing support was quickly realised. $260,000 in funding with Network Co-ordinator, Emma Bennett, landcarers adding and the West Gippsland Catchment approximately $500,000 in materials and in- Management Authority’s South Gippsland kind support. Manager, John Turner, took on the This equates to 110,000 trees planted, nine challenge. The result was the appointment kilometres of fencing erected, 100 hectares of Craig Watsford, CMA Supervisor and of remnant vegetation protected and close Grants Officer, who will spend 60% of his to 100 hectares of farmland restored. time providing support to the project. CMA staff member planting trees on the Bass River. With the announcement of a further South Gippsland is a leading example $280,000 from the National Heritage Trust of the community, through Landcare, from NHT and corporate Australia, the health for the year 2000, the huge size of this working with the West Gippsland CMA of our catchment will be the winner. project clearly shows the need for good and others to achieve improved catchment project management. Keep an eye on the changing landscape of resources. South Gippsland in the new millennium. With over 30 groups in the South With partnerships between Landcare Gippsland Network and 15 of these West Gippsland CMA (03) 5175 7800 networks and other CMAs and funding participating in the Hills To Ocean Project, Landcare in the north-east Blueprint for protecting remnant vegetation Representatives of most Landcare groups in the region attended the 1999 North East Landcare Forum at Beechworth in August. This third The Port Phillip and habitat for Ramsar sites. Priorities for annual forum organised by local Landcare Westernport region is revegetation will also take into networks and supported by the North East CMA fortunate to have around consideration the benefits of lowering and local councils, provided a wide range of 29% of its original native saline watertables, controlling erosion facilitated workshops. Dr Sharman Stone was vegetation remaining and improving water quality through the plenary speaker, with Dr Allan Curtis from which makes a significant contribution to stream bank buffer plantings. Charles Sturt University speaking at a workshop land and water quality and biodiversity on the future of Landcare. The strategy will be used to highlight the conservation. need for remnant vegetation management Greening Australia is co-ordinating a range of The Port Phillip Catchment and Land and protection across all land tenure and regional training days for Landcare members in Protection (CaLP) Board is preparing a set revegetation targets. It will also guide the north-east. A training day on environmental Regional Vegetation Strategy (RVS), with investment in vegetation protection, monitoring and evaluation will give participants State Government departments, local enhancement and revegetation and focus skills in assessing, measuring and monitoring land government and the community, to assess the works of community, business and management projects. Training days on the importance of remnant stands and Government towards priority areas. understanding vegetation types provide skills to prioritise targets for protection and understand and recognise vegetation types and Overall the RVS will provide a consistent revegetation. ecological classes. approach to integrated management of The RVS will bring together an extensive vegetation across both public and private At the time of going to print, the North East range of data collected over many years land in the Port Phillip and Westernport CMA was planning another integration workshop on the flora and fauna of the region. region. in November. This is a meeting of Data used in the analysis of priorities all project managers in the region, including will include areas of habitat for threatened Landcare, NRE and CMA representatives, to species, areas of vegetation supporting CaLP Board (03) 9785 0187 ensure that all those managing on-ground works migratory bird species, and coastal and projects are familiar with all other projects wetland vegetation providing important underway and to maximise the opportunities for integration. North East CMA (02) 6055 6133

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 23 Catchment Management

Country and city Landcare support co-operate in Project Hindmarsh in Glenelg-Hopkins Over 75% of Landcare groups in the Support Project. Landcare groups, Glenelg-Hopkins region have responded to facilitators, service providers and NRE a pilot project which offers groups the were all involved with the development opportunity to apply for $300 towards the of the project. costs of group administration. Glenelg-Hopkins CMA Chief Executive On 15 and 16 August over 300 people came The project recognises the contributions Officer, Colin Dunkley, said that this is the together near Nhill, western Victoria, for made by Landcare groups and first time a project like this has been tried the Project Hindmarsh Planting Weekend. As acknowledges lack of administration in Victoria. well as a great turnout by the local community, support as a problem for some groups. about 150 people made the journey from “Landcare groups really appreciate Costs that can be covered by Melbourne to assist in the project. In excess of the support because the funds help administration assistance include 22,000 trees were planted over the weekend. cover the administration costs involved photocopying, faxing, postage, general with facilitating works and keep The main aim of the Planting Weekend secretarial work, laminating, scanning, GIS communications between volunteer was to plant trees for Project Hindmarsh, maps, computer hire, incorporation costs members and between groups moving,” but there was also a terrific social aspect and insurance costs. said Mr Dunkley. to the occasion with a Saturday night party. Glenelg-Hopkins CMA helped regional The Project Hindmarsh Planting Weekend Glenelg-Hopkins CMA (03) 5571 2526 Landcare groups with the Administration is an excellent example of how the city and the country can work together to improve and conserve Victoria’s natural resources. Hindmarsh Shire displayed great leadership in bringing the community together for the Helping hand for native fish weekend with representatives of NRE, Wimmera CMA, Greening Australia Fishladders are being installed on A similar fishladder at Lake Benalla is also (Victoria) and others to discuss and plan for waterways in the Goulburn Broken being constructed. The $200,000 project this major vegetation management project. catchment enabling native fish to will enable native fish to swim upstream The Hindmarsh Landcare Network was move upstream through weirs to breed. from the lake into the Broken River to breed. The river is home to self-sustaining formed by 12 Landcare groups in Hindmarsh In the Shepparton Irrigation Region (SIR) populations of Macquarie perch and Shire. Project Hindmarsh is the name given to four vertical-slot fishways (or fishladders) Murray cod. a series of projects currently being undertaken were installed on the Broken Creek this by the network with support from the Natural year bringing to seven the number of Funding for the projects was provided Heritage Trust’s Bushcare Program and weirs modified on the creek with another following a study by NRE identifying corporate sponsors. Project Hindmarsh two planned. The creek is a significant major barriers to fish migration consists of remnant protection fencing and breeding site of the Murray cod, throughout the State. The Goulburn management and revegetation projects on now threatened with extinction. Broken CMA has managed all the fishway roadsides and private land to create a web of projects with design and construction “The fishladders are part of an biolinks from the Little Desert National Park undertaken by Goulburn-Murray Water. to the Big Desert National Park. environmental program that had continued to develop a more targeted Goulburn Broken CMA (03) 5822 2288 Wimmera CMA (03) 5382 1544 approach dealing with wetlands, remnant vegetation and high recharge areas,” said Ken Sampson, the SIR Implementation Committee Co-ordinator. While initiated as part of the drainage program, these works also have significant environmental benefit and are linked with the Goulburn Broken CMA Nutrient Strategy.

Vertical-slot fishway on the Broken Creek. And at the end of the day, everyone rested. Catchment Management Catchment plans launched In the north-central region The six priority program areas for the implementation committees have been north-central region are salinity, appointed for the four primary river biodiversity, waterways and water catchments – the Avon-Richardson, resources, soil health, pest plants and Avoca, Loddon and Campaspe animals and regional development. catchments. The draft plans were released for public Each committee has developed a draft comment in September 1999 with all ‘whole of catchment’ plan that draws comments to be considered for inclusion together resource management strategies in the final plans. A primary role of the relating to their particular catchment and four committees will be to implement describes catchment priorities under the the whole of catchment plans by enabling six program areas in the North Central the community, agencies, Government, Regional Catchment Strategy. The draft businesses and individuals to manage plans also provide a framework for natural resources in a co-ordinated and developing future options in line with effective way. NCCMA Chair, Drew English (centre) with Campaspe identified priorities and for managing Final plans incorporating public comment Implementation Committee Chair, Ron Brooks (left) and new and emerging issues. Loddon Implementation Committee Chair, James are due to be released in March. Williams (right) at the September launch of the draft Loddon and Campaspe plans. North Central CMA (03) 5448 7124

Grants

NATURAL HERITAGE TRUST NEWS –

• The announcement of successful Hints for better applications: 1999/2000 Victorian projects was made • Groups should liaise with regional NHT • The protection of our remaining native on 1 October 1999. Groups who have Co-ordinators to ensure projects are grasslands is critical. Groups should seek not been notified of the outcome of strategic and address regional priorities. advice on the most appropriate their 1999 submission should contact techniques, particularly for revegetation their regional NHT Co-ordinator • Ensure aims and objectives are clear, and regeneration. immediately. meaningful and achievable. • In developing projects, groups should • The call for 2000/2001 has opened, • Applications should focus on meeting consult as widely as possible with with the closing date for new the objectives of funding programs as appropriate organsisations and utilise applications being 25 February 2000. detailed in the guidelines booklet. any technical advice available. • Continuing project applications in • Budgets need to be considered carefully, Victoria will close on 11 February 2000. with each item explained/justified. This is one time when the more information And finally: • Guidelines and application forms are provided, the better! available from regional Catchment If in doubt, seek advice from your regional Management Authorities. • Monitoring and evaluation are critical NHT Co-ordinator. It will save you time to projects – consider and explain the and effort, lead to a better project • Groups proposing new projects in ‘why, how, when and who.’ Natural submission and hence improve your 2000/2001 are strongly encouraged Resource Monitoring Guide is a helpful project’s chances of being funded. to contact their regional NHT booklet on this subject and is available Co-ordinator for advice prior to at a cost of $15 from the NRE developing project applications. Information Centre (03) 9637 8325 or Enquiries: (03) 5430 4471 • Applications not received on or before seek advice from your regional NHT the closing date will be returned – Co-ordinator. absolutely no late applications will be received. ON THE SHELF

Books

most bookshops. Country Matters: social atlas of rural and regional Australia This new social atlas provides some revealing insights into the social landscape of rural Australia. This book makes available for the first time, easy-to-read, map-based information on a range of rural, social and demographic conditions including population, labour force and employment, income, education and health. Some of the trends and conditions across rural Australia reported in the atlas include: • the proportion of rural Australians gaining tertiary qualifications has increased since 1991; • the proportion of women employed in the agriculture industry has increased; • unemployment rates have declined in Tooth & Nail many areas since the mid-1990s; The Story of the Rabbit in Australia • population has declined across all age groups in many rural and regional areas; and When the First Fleet arrived at Sydney It also tells the story of a Geelong grazier Cove in 1788, its cargo included five who was one of the first to bring rabbits • rural and regional Australia have rabbits. A hundred years later rabbits had to Australia. comparatively low levels of mean colonised Australia, bringing irreversible taxable income, particularly in the The book is an indispensable history of change to the country’s ecology. wheat and sheep zones and the coastal how Europeans, through the introduction areas of the eastern states (reflecting Tooth & Nail is a beautifully written of a single species, changed Australia lower commodity prices). and wonderfully entertaining history about forever. It is also a great read and is often human reactions to the rabbit. Brian very funny. The atlas will be of assistance to groups Coman describes everything from 19th putting together grant applications, Many readers will know of Brian Coman. century poisoning techniques to destroying submissions and proposals. Social data He worked as a research scientist with rabbit warrens with explosives, from the is often difficult to come by. The atlas the Victorian Department of Natural many weird theories circulating as to how provides good quotable information on Resources and Environment for 23 years, to destroy the rabbit, to Louis Pasteur’s social and demographic trends relevant much of it spent helping landholders wage attempts to infect Australian rabbits with to rural industries and communities. the war against rabbits. chicken cholera. Country Matters: social atlas of rural and Tooth & Nail is published by Text, regional Australia costs $40.00. it costs $24.95 and is available through Contact the Bureau of Resource Sciences on (02) 6272 4690. Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 26 Farm$mart workshop prompts the question: Do you remember the curlew?

by Dave Munday, Farm$mart Project Leader, NW Victoria

During a recent Farm$mart Series B Natural Resources day, there was some serious questioning about the meaning of sustainability. Of the ten farmers present, three definitely thought they were sustainable, three were unsure and four thought they weren’t. The discussion led on to what is sustainability, the system in balance, future generations taking on the farm in a good condition and increasing production. I suggested that curlews were once cleaning up and the curlews not being The question “what natural resources common in the woodland areas of the around and undertook to take more notice are important in relationship to farming?” district, but now are not so, and how of the things that are important to him brought quite a varied response. Answers important the logs, sticks and other and weigh up the impacts of his included soil, water, sun, rain, native ground cover is for them to nest. management. vegetation, birds and about 15 other issues. Geoff responded, “Now that you mention Geoff’s action plan at the end of the day Of these, the priorities were seen it, we used to hear the curlews all the time reflected the discussions and his insights. to be soil, water (through catchment on the farm when I was young”. His plan included: management) and remnant vegetation. He was asked when did that change? and • establishing ‘filter strips’ around the Participants undertook a self-assessment of replied, “I’m not sure but probably about catchment dams on the farm; their current management and the health the time we cleaned all the rubbish up of the three priorities. • taking a good look at the remnant from within the patch and got rid of the vegetation patch – maybe fence it off; During discussions on remnant vegetation, rabbits”. and one of the group, Geoff, said, “I rate our The discussion went on for a short time patch of remnant vegetation as moderate • take into account the ‘whole picture’ with other participants, then out of blue to good”. before making a decision. Geoff joined in. Questioned as to why he thought this, For more information regarding “Now that I think about it, I did hear Geoff replied, “There is still good ground Farm$mart programs contact Greg Smith some curlews calling last spring and that’s cover and the trees are pretty healthy”. on (03) 9207 5564 or Ian Voigt or the first time for a long time. I haven’t had Dave Munday on (03) 5381 1255. When asked if had he ever taken firewood the time to clean up the branches out of the area, he replied, “Yes of course in there for a couple of years, not that we have, and we got rid of the rabbit I would have made the connection harbour as well”. until now,” he said. The explanation I gave on the importance At the end of the workshop Geoff and of logs, sticks, understorey and leaf litter I talked about the effect we have on the led discussion onto some of the small natural resources and the need to try to birds that need these items for survival. maintain a balanced approach. He was The group mentioned wrens, thornbills intrigued about the relationship with and robins among others.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 27 IN BRIEF

Trees with Love Weed training Phone in for answers Trees with Love is a new Natural Resources and Environment have Do you want to find out about fox or fundraising program from produced a CD and booklet on preventing rabbit control measures? Perhaps prickly Landcare Australia which the spread of weeds. They are part of a pear or spear thistle have invaded your will plant a tree where it training program that NRE has been property? Where do you go for the is really needed for a special occasion. The running with local government to train information? trees can be planted as a gift to someone contractors how to prevent the spread NRE’s Customer Service Centre now on a special birthday or anniversary, or as of weeds. provides a single point of contact for a unique way of remembering a loved one. Leigh Dennis from NRE Geelong says NRE products, services, publications and People can choose to have their tree 90% of weed spread is caused by man, events and can put you in touch with planted in the National Landcare Forest in a large percentage of this is through the experts when you need specialist Canberra or in a State grove. A portion of transportation of weed seeds or plant parts information and advice. the proceeds from the sale of every tree on vehicles and machinery. Victorians can access the service from will go towards Landcare. The training course aims to raise the anywhere in the State for the cost of a For $29.95 a native tree is planted in awareness of machinery operators as local call (excluding public and mobile a degraded area of your home State and to their responsibilities regarding the phones). Call 136 186 8am to 8pm, you receive a beautiful card and CD of spread of weeds. It also outlines some Monday to Friday or e-mail environmental music. For $99 a native methodologies that can be put into place [email protected] tree is planted with a personalised message to reduce the likelihood of weed spread on a brass plaque in the by machinery operations. National Landcare The course covers weed reproduction, Forest. The same card methodology of weed spread, planning and CD is sent on works to prevent weed spread, machinery your behalf. hygiene, remedial action and legal For more information responsibilities. about Trees with Love For more information contact call 1800 638 733. Leigh Dennis on (03) 9637 8392. Above Pic: Ita Buttrose is the patron of Trees with Love.

NDSP supports project on local government and dryland salinity by Mal Brown Australia’s 774 (1995-96) local resource management, councils with innovative Dryland salinity is a major environmental governments to contribute to the programs - including incentive programs, issue in Australia. Currently about 2.5 management of dryland salinity varies councils working with Landcare, million hectares is affected. The potential considerably. From large and complex and councils involved in regional co-operation is for this to increase to more than 15 organisations with large populations and to enhance their action on a catchment scale. million hectares. large budgets, to small councils in remote The project also involves a survey, a series of rural areas with small populations, small forums and a national workshop. Dryland salinity affects infrastructure such budgets, yet covering large areas of land. as roads, fencing and pipes and the The project is being conducted by a team of important natural assets managed by NDSP is supporting a project to consultants in close cooperation with the local government. Dryland salinity costs investigate the capacity of local Murray Darling Association. government to contribute to the Australia more than $100 million per The project team is being led by Trevor Budge management of dryland salinity. annum from damage to infrastructure of the Research Planning Design Group based More effective management of salinity alone. in Bendigo and is utilising a Reference Group by local government offers considerable comprising specialist members drawn from all Local government can play a vital role savings to the community. in natural resource management by mainland states. The project will document a range of case managing open spaces, maintaining For information contact Trevor Budge, studies of Australian local government community infrastructure and assets, RPD Group, PO Box 2750, Bendigo 3554, councils. The case studies cover councils and controlling local planning and Ph: (03) 5441 6552 development. But the capacity of with a comprehensive approach to natural Junior Landcare The winners from Mildura West

Mildura West Primary School have won city of Mildura. Much illegal liquor was rubbish disposal and recycling system. the 1999 North Landcare Education consumed there in Mildura’s ‘temperance Richard Wood says the greatest outcome Award for their innovative environmental years’ during the 1880s. of the Lock Island project has been the project at Lock Island. Mildura West Principal, Richard Wood, pride on the faces of the children. “It has The students from Mildura West Primary says the island has created a focus for the shown the students that they can do School have the best ‘classroom’ any child school and the community. “Through something about the environment at a could dream of. They have adopted a small caring for the plants and animals of the time when doing everything for the island in the channel of the Murray River island we are creating an ethos of caring – environment is out of their reach.” and spend much of their school days where caring for the environment and for The school is continuing to studying and rehabilitating it. each other becomes a way of thinking.” demonstrate leadership and innovation Lock Island has suffered serious The students have planted trees they have in environmental education. They are weed infestation and loss of vegetation. propagated from seed, produced brochures hosting a National Young People’s It has important historical links to the for the local community and developed a River Health Conference to be held in

“Lock Island is a magic place,” says Sarah from Grade One. Junior Landcare - a step in the right direction By Tarnya Kruger, NRE Catchment Education Co-ordinator Junior Landcare in schools and community groups is continuing to grow and there are new and innovative ideas being developed all the time. Nurturing and enhancing young people’s understanding of their environment is an essential step toward a better future – the decision makers of tomorrow! We’ve had a terrific response to the Junior Landcare Initiative funding this year. Over half of the groups who applied for funding were new groups. There are now more than 250 groups across Victoria involved with the Junior Landcare Initiative. A number of the schools have sent in some great photographs of their projects. There has certainly been a terrific community collaboration and we are sure to see links between schools and Landcare groups continue to develop. For further enquiries about Junior Landcare contact Tarnya Kruger at NRE Creswick on (03) 5345 2200.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 29 Trust helps

Group News

Hundreds of scouts from across Victoria joined volunteers from as far away as California to give the Phillip Island Landcare Group’s wildlife corridor project an enormous boost. The extent of the young helpers’ efforts took everyone by surprise. Jim McFee, local dairy farmer and instigator of the wildlife corridor, was astonished at what was achieved in such a short time. “I can’t believe it’s happening so fast,” he said. “The idea of a corridor was raised in 1992, but we struggled to pull it together due to lack of funding and people power,” Jim said. “With funding from the Natural Heritage Trust and Edison Mission Energy and the Thousands of efforts of our co-ordinators Bessie Hussey and more recently Moragh MacKay and community projects Kirsty Skilbeck, we can start to link up everyone’s landcare work across the like this one have Guides and Island,” he said. scouts planted received funding 15,000 trees in the corridor assistance from the over two days. Natural Heritage Trust. Applications for the next round of grants close on 26 February 2000. To obtain a copy of the Guide to New Applications call 1800 065 823. scouts do the job!

The corridor stretches for 16 kilometres the vision the late Len Lukey had for it landcare group members prior to the from the Penguin Reserve on the west end but never lived to see,” Moragh said. weekend preparing ground, digging holes of the island, meandering through 11 and distributing plants and guards,” In addition to the scores of scouts, the farms, linking up previous group plantings Moragh said. Australian Trust for Conservation and patches of remnant bush ending at the Volunteers also lent a hand, sending a “The organisation of such a big event was Koala Conservation Centre and team of international volunteers to help in made all the less stressful with such great the Oswin Roberts Reserve. the lead up and after the main planting helpers,” she said. Moragh Mackay, the group’s co-ordinator, weekend. For more information about the Phillip was happy that the scouts could contribute “The ATCV had volunteers on exchange Island Landcare Group or the Wildlife so much to the project. from California, New Zealand and New Corridor Project, contact Moragh or Kirsty “There were over 350 scouts from across South Wales, who worked alongside on (03) 5952 5403. the state. We grouped them into teams, gave each team a local bird or animal name, and then set them to work across four sites along the corridor’s path,” she said. The most important site was the Kitty Miller Wetlands, a huge area excavated to create artificial wetlands and a trout farm in the late 1960s but never finished. New owners Faye and David Forder saw the importance of the wetlands for bird habitat and set aside many hectares of the land for revegetation and habitat establishment. “We have made a great start in revegetating an area that has been in desperate need of work for over 30 years -

Moragh Mackay with a few of the international volunteers at the Kitty Miller site.

The Kitty Miller Wetlands – 30 years late but better than never.

Natural Heritage Trust A Federal Government Initiative Rabbit Back page ad 5 1

A u t u m n 2 0 0 0 E U S S Victorian I andcareandcare LL && CATCHMENTCATCHMENT MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

Growing native trees

Greening the Kananook

CONTENTS

Hindmarsh golf day Business Management Wade Hughes Page 5 Peter Walsh Peter Sutherland Multicultural Landcare Editorial Group Page 6 Paul Crock (03) 9428 9892 Jo Safstrom (03) 9637 8394 Gabrielle Sheehan (03) 9637 8472 Landcare awards Editorial Consultant Pages 7, 10 & 11 Tiffany & Associates (03) 9894 2169 Meet the broom psyllid Advertising Enquiries Paul Crock Page 9 Phone (03) 9428 9892, Fax (03) 9428 4676

Design Create your own wetland Bouquet Productions Pty. Ltd. Phone (03) 9376 0911, Fax (03) 9376 0922 Pages 12 & 13

Printing Seeds to trees Henry Thacker Print Group Breakwater, Geelong. Pages 14 & 15 Phone (03) 5248 3333, Fax (03) 5248 7222

Cover Photograph Catchment management Black and white stilt in Point Henry Wetlands, Geelong Pages 17 – 19

Contributions and Junior Landcare mailing list enquiries Page 21 Victorian Farmers Federation Landcare Section, Level 6 24-28 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000 The Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management magazine is a joint Phone (03) 9207 5555 Fax (03) 9207 5500 publication of the Victorian Farmers Federation, Alcoa World Alumina E-mail: [email protected] Australia and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management is with the support of the Victorian Catchment Management Council and published for the Victorian Landcare Community by the Victorian Farmers Federation, 24-28 Collins Street, The Natural Heritage Trust. Melbourne 3000. Articles may be reprinted provided Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management is acknowledged. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of statements in Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management the Victorian Farmers Federation, its partners, agents, servants and contractors disclaim all responsibility for the statements quoted herein.

ISSN: 1327 5496 Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 3 From the editors Bull sisters From the editors storm Landfest Welcome to the first edition of the Following on from our native seed new millennium. collection feature in the Summer edition, this time we look at how you Renowned sisters-in-song, Vika and Linda This March, we welcome Landcare- can propagate trees from the seed we Bull, will be the lead act at Landfest this oriented people from all around Australia taught you to collect. month. Held at the Creswick Landcare and the world to Landcare 2000, the Centre, Landfest features over 60 stalls first International Landcare Conference. In another timely feature, Sue Mudford with local produce, food, wine, information from Trust for Nature Victoria explains Since Landcare’s inception in Victoria and displays. There will be a grand parade the basics of designing wetlands on your 14 years ago, the movement has grown with some wacky water creatures and lots farm to lift bird habitat values – for at a rapid rate. The fact that Victoria of great local talent. Landfest is on Sunday the brolga in particular. is hosting such a conference at the start 19 March, from 10am-4pm. Contact the of the century augers well for Landcare March has traditionally been Landcare Creswick Landcare Centre on (03) 5345 2200. during the next 100 years. Now is a Month, however this year, with the good time to look back over the Conference and Landcare Awards foundation years of Landcare and the both occurring in this month, Landcare catchment-wide planning philosophies will have a week of concentrated and learn from what has been achieved. efforts during August instead. In this and future editions, we will be To the Victorian finalists, good luck ensuring that the National Dryland at the National Landcare Awards! Salinity Program has a voice in Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management. Paul Crock We will bring you new research findings Jo Safstrom and information about salinity, and explore Gabrielle Sheehan ways to deal with this critical issue. Carrie Tiffany

Nature Is Not A Temple, But A Workshop, And Man’s The Workman In It. Ivan Turgenev 1818-1883

Rural Finance is a proud supporter of Landcare and is a responsible lender to Victorian farmers.

If you are considering property developments ask Rural Finance to design a flexible loan package to meet your individual needs.

Central Gippsland South West North East Wimmera North West Melbourne Traralgon Warrnambool Shepparton Horsham Swan Hill Tel: (03) 9243 2668 Tel: (03) 5176 1761 Tel: (03) 5562 9611 Tel: (03) 5821 2655 Tel: (03) 5381 0052 Tel: (03) 5032 9900 Leongatha Wodonga Mildura Tel: (03) 5662 5910 Tel: (02) 6056 9063 Tel: (03) 5023 3025 Birdies galore

Group Ideas By Greg Barber Hindmarsh Landcare Network

The Hindmarsh Landcare Network in the The challenge took place over nine Western Wimmera region of Victoria is holes and was followed by a nine-hole endeavouring to make Landcare an grudge match after lunch for teams to activity which is caring for both our land settle the morning’s score. and well- being of our rural communities. Home ground advantage didn’t seem The network has held a number of to help the local team and not even social activities encouraging interaction the NRE and Greening Australia teams, between groups and is promoting Landcare who went to the trouble of recruiting meetings as social occasions and a good players from outside the district, could excuse for a BBQ. This aspect of Landcare stop the might of the Nhill South is becoming increasingly important for Landcare Group. The Greening many rural communities with the decline Australia team did take a prize home – The mayor of Hindmarsh Shire, Darryl Argall, of some local sporting clubs and events. for the highest score of the day. tries his luck in the nearest the pin competition. Easily the highlight of the network’s The day clearly belonged to the social activities to date has been the players from Nhill South who made Some of us have already commenced inaugural Hindmarsh Landcare the title of Hindmarsh Landcare training for the next challenge – Network Golf Challenge. Network Golf Champions their own, although Nhill South’s title might and took home both prizes in nearest be quite safe – the training doesn’t Eight teams contested the mighty the pin competitions. seem to be helping at all. challenge at Baker golf course, 30 kilometres north of Nhill. The foundations have been laid for what For more information on the Hindmarsh The course was in excellent condition is sure to become a fabulous sporting Landcare Network or the network’s and the day was well organised and tradition and a highlight on the golf challenge contact Greg Barber catered for by local club members. Wimmera’s Landcare calendar. on (03) 5391 1811. The challenge combatants

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 5 Landcare 2000 lives on electronically As we go to press, planning for the Delegates and others will be able to Organisers hope that post-conference International Landcare 2000 Conference continue debating issues raised at on-line discussions will allow delegates – to be held in Melbourne between 2-5 Landcare 2000 through the website of and others to continue exploration of March – is proceeding furiously. Landcare Australia Limited. Key issues the opportunities and challenges that Organisers are expecting an estimated will be discussed on-line via the site’s face Landcare in the 21st century. 1000 delegates from Australia and ‘Soapbox’, which allows for threaded To participate in discussion, go to overseas to attend the conference which discussions from anyone with access www.landcareaustralia.com.au has the theme ‘Changing Landscapes – to the Internet and email. Shaping Futures’. Ethnic Multicultural Landcare Extension By Bruce Cumming, Network NRE Tatura Environmental and agricultural field workers from state, local government and migrant resource centres have joined to form an Ethnic Extension Network. The network will enable people working with multicultural communities to network electronically and provide an open forum for the sharing of ideas and knowledge. Although in an embryonic form, the network focuses on communication issues, including the forming of partnerships with multicultural communities. The networkers have a common interest in Landcare, the environment, (R-L) Jaswand, Jasminder and Jaggi Singh are working on a whole farm plan for their orchard. sustainability and resource management. Many people working with these issues Victoria is one of Australia’s most Project Officer Lorraine Mathieson is feel remote due to geography or the culturally diverse states with nearly analysing data to get a snapshot of the specialised nature of their work. half of the population either born demographics of the Shepparton Irrigation The network may help break down overseas or having at least one parent Region and the north-east. While there some of this sense of remoteness born overseas. Rural and regional was anecdotal evidence of the communities and provide some new contacts and Victoria has a large population within these regions, more detail was communication opportunities. of people with a non-English speaking required. The project has shown that there background. are many language, nationality and cultural The network is currently only an and religious groupings across the region, electronic one, but in the future it may The National Landcare Program often with local concentrations. become broader to meet the needs of is funding a cultural diversity project network participants. If you are interested in northern Victoria which is Lorraine is also examining the in joining the network please contact being conducted by NRE at Tatura. accessibility of the products and services Bruce Cumming, preferably by email, The project has the dual themes of provided for Landcare and associated at [email protected] or demographics and accessibility. It aims programs. This will help in identifying call him on (03) 5833 5222. to uncover the diversity which exists what are the most crucial communication within the regional farming community. issues for multicultural land managers.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 6 1999 Victorian Landcare & Farm Management Awards Winners of the John F. Hughes Award for outstanding group work in pest plant and animal control • Selkirk Rises Landcare Group •

Jonathon Tischler and the difficult terrain around Selkirk Rises.

The Selkirk Rises (20,000 hectares Funding from the State Government’s Jonathon Tischler, the group’s of stony rises in south-west Victoria) Rabbit Buster Program helped the secretary, says the program has been are perfect rabbit country. The area WINNER group employ bulldozers and excavators very successful. has a long history of infestation. to destroy the warrens. Hunters were “Rabbit numbers have declined to It was not uncommon for rabbit counts used to eliminate remaining surface three per kilometre transect count. to reach plague proportions of over rabbits and any reopening in the Because of this, landholders have 500 per kilometre transect count. ripped areas was fumigated. increased their stocking rates from In late 1995, the Selkirk Rises The following year, only minimum between 25-30% and reduced the Landcare Group made a decision baiting was needed to remove need to provide supplementary feed to launch a concentrated attack on isolated pockets of heavy infestations. to stock in dry seasons. The acreage rabbits and developed a Rabbit Action An extensive warren destruction of land used for cropping has also Plan. Past programs had failed mainly program was again carried out with increased and landholders are now because they lacked co-ordination follow-up fumigations at reopenings. establishing shelterbelts and and relied totally on baiting. commercial blue gum plantations.” At this time, the group was selected In early 1996, the group launched its as one of 15 nominated regional The group has proven that, through initial attack. They were assisted by the rabbit monitoring sites across the a planned and co-ordinated program, unexpected early release of the Rabbit State for RCD. long-term gains in rabbit control Calicivirus Disease (RCD). A mix of are achievable. Year three of the plan saw 21 kilometres aerial baiting, mechanical broadcast of trail baiting targeting low priority and trail baiting, combined with RCD, areas. The Rabbit Action Plan was provided the initial knockdown. also updated for the next three years.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 7

Catchment management in Victoria:

Catchment Message from NRE Management

By Peter Sutherland, Executive Director, CMSA Division, NRE Second Generation Landcare

The Minister for Environment and Landcare groups will have greater flexibility The Minister also announced the Conservation, Sherryl Garbutt, recently to seek support for larger, long-term projects appointment of a Statewide Landcare announced several new initiatives to assist under the scheme. Funding is available for Co-ordinator to work with groups Victoria’s Landcare movement as it grows works and facilitators to provide project and networks and the formation and develops. management or co-ordination of on-ground of the Heather Mitchell Memorial works. Projects that generate multiple Fellowship. Second generation Landcare grants benefits will be given a high priority. for 2000/01 will support an integrated The Fellowship has been established approach to land and water management Joint funding has also been in memory of Heather Mitchell, including native vegetation retention and made available from the State and one of Landcare’s founders, to revegetation, as well as weed and rabbit Commonwealth Governments under help develop the next generation control. the Natural Heritage Trust to build of Landcare leaders. and strengthen Landcare groups and networks in each catchment region. English broom meets its natural enemy

A major weed threat to Victoria’s High The release and distribution of this new Country has been dealt a blow from a agent is part of the Victorian Government’s new biological control agent. The weed, commitment to implementing more English broom, affects around 150,000 cost-effective approaches to weed hectares of the precious alpine region. management on public land. Its natural enemy, a tiny insect called the Broom has become an aggressive invader broom psyllid, is the latest biological of a broad range of habitats and a serious control agent in the fight to suppress this environmental weed. The psyllids reduce serious environmental weed. the vigour and seeding capacity of broom The broom psyllid was released for the by sucking the sap and damaging cells first time in country Victoria at Bright, in the actively growing parts of the last December, by NRE through plant. Broom bushes with high psyllid Agriculture Victoria’s Keith populations are stunted and have Turnbull Research Institute. reduced shoot growth.

Catchment Management and Sustainable Agriculture (CMSA) is the Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment responsible for maximising the environmental, economic and social benefits of integrated catchment management and sustainable development of resource based industries.

NRE: Caring for your CatchmentVictorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 9 1999 Victorian Landcare & Farm Minister congratulates winners

The winners of the 1999 Landcare “Winners, as well as finalists, are to The Victorian awards, run by the and Farm Management Awards were be congratulated and thanked for their Victorian Catchment Management announced by the Minister for commitment to improving our land and Council in partnership with the Landcare Environment and Conservation, Sherryl water resources,” Minister Garbutt said. Foundation Victoria with support from the Garbutt, at a ceremony in the gardens Department of Natural Resources and “Their work is inspirational.” of Parliament House last November. Environment, attracted over 200 entries The Minister also congratulated all those in 25 categories. The Minister said the awards recognised the who had submitted entries in the awards. best models of Landcare work in Victoria.

Winners of the Pivot Landcare Hanslow Cup Glenelg-Hopkins Region WINNER • Bill and Sandra Day, Willaura • Bill Day attributes much of the credit for To sustain the change in production an his well-run farm to his father’s war with extensive pasture renovation program has rabbits. Bill’s father was a soldier settler been undertaken. Much of the property is who took his agreement to keep the land steep hill country with a high erosion risk. vermin-free very seriously. Through his Lucerne has been incorporated into the constant fence checking and use of dogs he pasture mix with perennial grasses and cleared the farm of the last rabbit in 1959. clovers. The perennial pastures have helped to reduce recharge and protect the soils. Bill has stayed vigilant. “Keeping on Bill and Christopher Day near a shelterbelt top of them is the thing. I check the The Days have established trial plots that protects a stock containment area. fences regularly and put traps out as of trees for agroforestry. They have also soon as I see any activity.” introduced a wind-powered reticulated water system, a laneway system and Having a largely rabbit-free farm has Bill says the farm will stay in the family extensive native windbreaks. helped the Days’ move into diversification. for the future and having something good The property was once mainly wool Current activities include fencing for land to pass on is a motivator. “We have a keen producing but now prime lambs and classes and working with neighbouring son and I’d like the farm to be in better cropping play an increasing role. farms on a major wildlife corridor system. shape for him than it was for me.”

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 10 Management Awards Winners of the Bendigo Bank Small Rural Property Award • Robert Muirhead, Kilmore •

A city slickerWINNER all his life, Robert Muirhead Trees have been a big part of the plan. water runoff is now directed to a pond swapped a career in the oil industry for a Over 700 local trees have been planted where it is reused on the property. small property at Kilmore and is very on the sheet erosion site. The garden, Robert says most of the improvement happy with the decision. road and entrance have been landscaped costs will be recovered in terms of the and planted with low water use species Robert bought his 23 hectare property at higher capital value of the farm and that attract birds. All of the plantings are Kilmore in December 1996. At that time increased stocking rates. heavily mulched and drip irrigated. the soil was strongly acidic, there were “The improved look of the place and four active gully and sheet erosion sites, Even though the property is small, the increased diversity of wildlife weeds were common and rabbits were Robert was keen to reduce any negative are harder to quantify, but rampant. In the last three years, Robert impact it was having on the local they are still real benefits.” has turned the place around, greatly catchment. He was concerned stormwater improving both the look of the farm runoff from tanks and roads went to Robert Muirhead on his and its productivity. waste and contributed to local erosion. greatly improved small property near Kilmore. By paving the house driveway, resurfacing Robert says his experience shows what the entry road and adding gutters, can be done on a small farm in a short time and at a reasonable cost. “I spent about six months floundering about talking to anyone who had any ideas to offer. Then I put my plan into place.” Robert decided to work on the simple, basic things first. He tackled the pasture problems by applying lime and super. He put in new fences and rotated stock between paddocks. He fenced the erosion sites and fixed the gully erosion by contouring, laying geotextile cloth and rock placement.

Winners of the Pivot Landcare Hanslow Cup West Gippsland Region WINNER • Bernie and Lorraine Hotschke, Fish Creek • A serious tractor accident hasn’t In November 1995, Bernie rolled his Much of this work has been done along the prevented Bernie Holtschke from tractor on a slick of morning dew when Rowdy Creek which runs through the farm. planting over 5000 trees and being named spreading super on steep land. He was Lorraine Holtschke says Bernie is totally the 1999 ‘Dairy Farmer of the Year’. seriously injured but, through a great deal committed to Landcare. “He works so of determination, has made an excellent The Holtschke farm produces over 90,000 hard and so consistently he really recovery. kilograms of butterfat off less than 600 deserves the results.” acres. Through all Bernie’s fencing and After his rehabilitation, Bernie tree planting, the farm has an extensive decided to fence off a steep network of shade and shelter sites. cliff site and plant 5000 trees. The trees were planted in Each year from 1993 until 1995, Bernie 1998 and are growing well. put aside 10 acres of river frontage and cliffs for fencing and planting. Native He has also been fencing trees were planted along two kilometres out areas of natural bush of frontage to help prevent soil erosion in ‘lots’ to encourage and attract local wildlife. regeneration.

Lorraine and Bernie Hotschke with their top-producing dairy cows. CreateCreate

Birds prefer shallow areas only a few centimetres deep for feeding. by Sue Mudford

Wetlands are among the world’s most threatened ecosystems and Victoria’s wetlands are no exception. Since European settlement one-third of all Victorian wetlands have vanished. This includes the disappearance of over one-half of our non-permanent, seasonal wetlands that provide a habitat for brolgas, ibis, Japanese snipe, frogs and insects. Historically, wetlands have been Brolgas prefer wetlands that are open, flat, shallow and seasonal. under-valued and seen as wastelands If the area was not a natural wetland, Consider the value of ephemeral to be filled or drained. They have consideration should be given to the soil or seasonal wetlands. Often these been taken over or replaced by and whether it can effectively seal the can be far more productive and offer pasture, farmland and water storage, bottom and wall of the pondage area. more diversity than permanent pondages. for housing and industrial estates. While clay is a better sealant than The slope of the wetland area should In Victoria, more than 100 species of coarser textured soils, not all clays not be too great as this increases the native animals depend on wetlands for have good sealing properties. difficulty in building a pondage that their survival. Victoria’s wetlands also will provide the correct balance of have global significance as they nurture Consider siting the wetland so that it water depth which will provide a range at least 50 species of migratory water birds can be seen from your house or driveway of habitats within shallow and deeper from as far away as China and Siberia. so you can enjoy the view. You can further increase the family’s interest by adding a areas. For example, birds such as How to provide a home for these bird hide so everyone can observe the brolgas prefer shallow areas only animals and birds wildlife with minimal disturbance. a few centimetres deep for feeding. Site selection A well-sited wetland will also help Proximity to other wetlands The area should have a water source improve the aesthetics of your property Wherever possible, try and locate and ideally will have previously been and hence increase its market value. new wetlands near existing ones. a wetland. This is often indicated by Type of wetland Water birds can then move easily a moist patch of soil, vegetation such between them as conditions alter as rushes, melaleucas and bulrushes or There are two main types of or, if disturbed, a suitable refuge an area where water collects. wetlands – permanent and seasonal. area is close by.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 12 Group youryour ownown wetlandwetland Ideas

Artificial wetlands are more readily Wetland plants colonised by aquatic plants and animals There are a number of reasons for if located adjacent to an existing site. establishing dryland vegetation around Islands the perimeter. Plants act as a buffer between the wetland and farm areas, Earthen islands can be constructed in helping to reduce nutrient inputs and one of two ways: cut off a spur of land potentially the ocurrence of blue-green that juts into the wetland; or bulldoze a algae. Indigenous plants should be used pile of earth into an island. Gentle sloping as they will encourage the fauna in sides are recommended [at a 1:5 slope], your area to utilise the wetland. These reducing the risk of erosion. Islands provide a secure roosting and nesting plants are an important source of organic place where birds are safe from cats and foxes. The gentle slope also allows waterbirds to material and enhance biodiversity. walk out of shallow water onto an island Many aquatic plants will reappear Depending on the occurrence of weedy and increases the shallow water feeding naturally around the edges, whilst others species and the need for stock water, grazing area. The habitat for plants is also will be introduced by birds and wind. may occur in late summer and autumn. enhanced. On the earthen islands, a covering of Stock access can be controlled either by To protect against wave action and topsoil will aid vegetation establishment. fencing the wetland or by managing access inundation, earthen islands should to paddocks where they occur. Native grasses, reeds and other plants extend at least half a metre above can be hand-seeded or planted. So – good luck and enjoy your wetland the maximum water level and be and the benefits that it brings. You will planted with appropriate species. Loafing and perching sites become part of a growing band of Mud islands, which provide loafing Consider dragging logs and ‘planting’ landowners who are helping to recreate sites for waterfowl, need only to be dead trees into the wetland area to habitat and conserve our wildlife. occasionally awash. serve as perches and to provide protection The Trust for Nature has regional co- from predators. This has been shown Small islands within a wetland can be ordinators throughout the State who will to work very effectively on a farm wetland desirable but many birds, including the help with information on fencing grants, at Hawkesdale where the owners have brolga, tend to prefer wetlands that are monitoring of flora and fauna and also on also protected the area with a open, flat, shallow and seasonal, typical the permanent protection of your wetland conservation covenant. of many of those in south-west Victoria. with a voluntary covenant agreement. Stock access Islands do however provide a secure If you wish to know more about roosting and nesting place where birds Uncontrolled grazing has a big wetland conservation and management, are safe from cats and foxes. They help influence on the establishment of a please contact Sue at Trust for Nature increase the length of shoreline available wetland. Exclusion of stock, especially Victoria on (03) 55995223 or email and increase the variety of habitat for in winter and spring will enable the [email protected] or visit the Trust for birds and aquatic species. plants to seed and the birds to nest. Nature web page – www.tfn.org.au

Many aquatic plants will reappear naturally around the edges, whilst others will be introduced by birds and wind.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 1713 From small seeds mighty

In the last edition, we looked at how to collect native tree seed. This time we will Seed Germinating tray look into how to germinate the seed you collected and propagate trees and shrubs for your farm in time for planting over the Propagating mix winter-spring period. There are many ways for germinating and propagating seedlings, many different potting mixes and lots of types of pots. This is a very basic explanation of seedling Water-holding container Water level propagation aimed at getting you started. bog method Stage 1: The germination process Trays The trays should be watered very carefully Once the seedlings have germinated after sowing (especially the fine seed and grown to a height of two to three To germinate your seed, you will need trays) to avoid the seed being washed out. centimetres, they are ready to be germinating trays. The trays which hold transferred into the growing tube. Watering together vegetable seedling punnets at your This process is called ‘pricking out’. local nursery or even the small punnets Keeping the seed moist and warm is vital In this example, we will concentrate on themselves are excellent for this task. to help the germination process. A very successful method for maintaining standard forestry tubes, although there moisture is known as the ‘bog method’. are a few other tube types which are also being used and the process is very similar. This involves placing the germinating tray in a shallow water bath with a With any types of tubes try and use tubes water level half way up the side of that have ribs or grooves inside that help the germinating tray. train the roots downwards. Warmth Potting medium Keep the trays warm by placing them We will use a standard potting mix, Propagating medium in a plastic bag, or under a sheet of glass. preferably low in phosphorous, but with There are various sand-based propagating Filtered light should be sufficient to some slow-release fertiliser suitable for mixes available, however, fine potting mix keep them warm, as direct sunlight can native plants. (Ask your local nursery staff can also do the job. burn off the small seedlings. for help in picking one.) If using a potting mix, remove any of the With all small seedlings, fungus can be a Wet the potting mix before starting – as larger particles so that you have a mix with problem, especially if you use a plastic bag, this reduces dust – and also ensures the even particles less than six millimetres. so try and ensure that there is adequate air material at the bottom of the tube is damp Straight topsoil should be avoided as flow around the seedlings by having holes in prior to transferring the seedling from the chances are it will contain weed seeds and the bag or at least space for air to circulate. germination tray. potential diseases that could interfere with Pricking out the germination process or compete with Using the bog method, snails and slugs the young seedlings. can’t get to the seedlings, but still There are a couple of ways of pricking out be vigilant. seedlings, but we will concentrate on one Fill the propagating tray with the fine mix, give it a good watering and level Stage 2: Pricking out tried and true method that minimises off the top before sowing the seed. rooting problems. Sowing the seed Fill the forestry tubes with the wet/damp potting mix to a bit below half full. A useful method of sowing the finer seed such as eucalypt or melaleuca seed evenly Gently take hold of a seedling by the stem is to use a salt or pepper shaker. Smaller and, using a thin pointed object such as a seeds should be patted down or lightly knitting needle, nail or kitchen skewer, pressed and larger seeds covered or pushed dig it out of the germination tray, being into the growing mix. very careful not to damage its roots.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 14 trees grow... But how do I do it?

By Paul Crock

Once you have filled the foam box, keep the young trees in a sheltered position in broken light and somewhere where snails, slugs and rabbits can’t get them. One juicy fat slug can eat your whole forest in one night – so be vigilant on snails and slugs. Maturing your seedlings Hold the seedling centrally over the half- After they have grown to a height of filled forestry tube, dangling the roots about ten centimetres high, gradually freely into the tube. Making sure the roots move them out of the sheltered area to are just touching the potting mix in the start the ‘hardening off’. This means more bottom of the tube and are not curled up light, sun and weather. or bent sideways, with your other hand, fill the rest of the tube with potting mix, gently covering up the roots. Tap the tube on the bench to help the potting mix settle around the roots, gently press the potting mix in, adding more if needed and give the tube a good gentle watering.

Holding the tubes

Foam fruit boxes from your local fruit shop When the seedlings are about 15-20 or shopping centre fruiterer are excellent centimetres high, they are ready to plant out. for holding forestry tubes. Each box holds 48 tubes. There are plenty of other growing methods for native trees which use smaller tubes, air pruning of roots and more that we have not explored here. If you are after more information about propagating trees, there are many books and pamphlets available, or contact Greening Australia on (03) 9457 3024 or your local native plant nursery.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 15 Fixing-up the Fairyknowe Catchment Management By Margrit Beemster

In October of 1993, a torrential cloudburst was once productive country and the rock work, fencing and revegetation. dumped 125millimetres of rain in a ground watertable has risen considerably. Already, with funding from the Natural quarter of an hour on the Fairyknowe Further up the catchment the gullies Heritage Trust, landholders have fenced Creek catchment in the Mitta Valley. coming off the creek are getting deeper out two kilometres of feeder streams and The downpour, onto ground well-saturated and the creek bank continues to erode. are planning to do more fencing and from a wet winter, gouged the creek “At the moment the limited vegetative revegetation work along the creek over and scoured the hillsides causing many the next two years. landslips. Tonnes of silt were washed cover is speeding up the ongoing erosion,” into the raging creek. A small cottage was says waterway engineer Chris Dwyer, “We have done a series of stream surveys swept off its foundations and fences, creek from ID&A, waterway consultants to and used aerial photographs to determine crossings and bridges were taken out. the North East Catchment Management the extent of the damage,” says Chris, Authority. who is liasing with the landholders to “Since that downpour, the creek has never determine where the works are going and really stabilised,” says Maree Paton, who, “A flood like this area had, in the early 1990s, set a pattern.” to identify where fencing and revegetation with husband Gordon, runs a dairy and is needed. beef farm at the lower end of the A joint project between the North East catchment. Catchment Management Authority (as “Our next step is to identify what are the part of the implementation of the Upper high priority, high risk areas which need Their farm has become a ‘dumping immediate attention. Then it’s a matter ground’ for silt carried by the creek and North East Water Quality Strategy), the Mitta Valley Landcare Group and the of working out a design for the works each year the Patons have the creek with the budget available.” dredged to clear a watercourse. Maree says landholders in the Fairyknowe Creek reeds and rushes have taken over what catchment is now underway to try and For information on the Upper North East do something about the problem. Water Quality Strategy contact Veronica The aim is to slow the creek down to a Lanigan, Water Quality Officer on more natural pattern and to stabilise its (02) 6055 6260. bank and gullies, with strategically placed

Maree Paton in front of low country that is becoming increasingly unproductive. Catchment Avoca Nutrient Management Management Strategy Integrating works development in the north-east

The presence of blue- A three-year program to stabilise and around 10,000 trees and shrubs green algae blooms in sections of the Johnstone and Cottontree supplied by Greenfleet and the CMA the Murray River this summer between creeks in the Upper Murray is two-thirds were planted by Landmate crews, Tocumwal and Torrumbarry have only complete, a year ahead of schedule and landholders and the CMA. served to highlight the significant social, under budget, thanks to a joint effort by financial and health implications for The combined activity linking Landcare and the North East CMA. rural communities of algal blooms in Landcare and CMA works has meant waterbodies. Excessive amounts of The Wises Creek/Talgarno Landcare that the Landcare group can now protect nutrients, such as phosphorous and Group gained NHT funding to fence greater areas of the two creeks than nitrogen, are believed to contribute and revegetate riparian areas of the originally planned. This project will help substantially to the development of algal Johnstone Creek, which feeds into to provide more stable streams feeding blooms in our streams and reservoirs. Lake Hume. With additional assistance better quality water into Lake Hume and from the North East CMA, Greenfleet and increased habitat in the catchments. Students at the Natte Yallock Primary the Landmate programs, around School in central Victoria were recently North East CMA (02) 6055 6133 1.5 kilometres of the Johnstone given a demonstration of computer Creek and 0.5 kilometres of modelling of nutrients in the Avoca Cottontree Creek have been catchment. Students at the school have protected by landholders. an extremely good understanding of water quality issues and this inspired The CMA stabilised active erosion the North Central CMA to launch heads with rock chutes, landholders the model at the school. erected two kilometres of fencing, The computer simulation model Anthony Nichol and Neil Paulet demonstrates the impacts of nutrients inspect a section of the Johnstone Creek works. on our waterways and enables trialling Photo courtesy of The Border Mail. of different management options. It is being used in the development of the Avoca catchment’s first Nutrient Management Strategy. Watermark launched in East Gippsland

This strategy is a project of the There has been an exciting development Chair of the East community-based Avoca Implementation in East Gippsland that will have a positive Gippsland CMA and Committee and the North Central CMA effect on the rural and urban communities the Gippsland Coastal Board, aimed at reducing stream nutrient levels, wanting to improve the condition of the Duncan Malcolm, said: “Watermark blue-green algae blooms and improving Gippsland Lakes. is an important step forward in overall stream health. The nutrient model addressing catchment management Watermark is a non-political community is the key to involving the community in issues which affect the Gippsland trust which has been established to decision-making and the testing of Lakes. The degradation of the support community action aimed at Gippsland Lakes is tied up in the management options that contain restoring the long-term health and catchment and we need to address knowledge of local conditions to achieve viability of the Gippsland Lakes. realistic outcomes. all of the issues at their source.” An initiative of the Gippsland Coastal Rural and urban Landcare groups North Central CMA (03) 5448 7124 Board, Watermark will work in co- stand to benefit substantially from operation with existing groups including the establishment of Watermark, Landcare, CMAs, the Coastal Board, through either greater access to Waterwatch and others, to develop actions funding opportunities, or assistance which address very important factors in setting local and regional priorities. affecting the Gippsland Lakes such as urban stormwater, foreshore regeneration, Membership of Watermark is open (L-R) Students from nutrient inputs and catchment conditions. to all individuals and groups. Natte Yallock Primary School Watermark will provide the ideal conduit East Gippsland CMA (03) 5153 0462 looking at the for corporations and philanthropic program with organisations to channel funds into action CMA staff. on this most precious resource. Courtesy of Maryborough District Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 17 Advertiser. Catchment Management Best kept secret open for all

Planning to After four years of discussion and planning Alan Reid, President of the Gould League, the Goulburn Broken CMA’s Yea River officially opened the Wetlands and action in Wetlands project was officially opened last confessed to being obsessed with them. October. Port Phillip Willow management work to open up the Official guests and local residents, together waterway was undertaken by the GBCMA, and Westernport with members of interested recreational which also managed the project, installing and environment groups, gathered at the walking paths, pedestrian bridges, stiles Catchment Action Programs (CAPs) wetlands to witness the opening and enjoy and signage identifying key features of for the Yarra, Dandenong, Werribee, a celebratory barbecue lunch. specific significance. Maribyrnong and Westernport were The site is situated on some 35 acres of The Wetlands provides a home to a variety completed during 1999. The launch Crown land on the Yea River behind of bird life, native flora and aquatic species, of these documents is a major step Cummins Reserve and is managed by with copious indigenous native vegetation forward and the CALP Board’s five the Shire of Murrindindi. The wetlands species. It offers an enormously bio-diverse Catchment Implementation comprise a series of billabongs and an environment and invaluable information Committees are now facing the next anabranch of the Yea River formed for interest groups and students. challenging step of implementation. through channel changes in the river Goulburn Broken CMA (03) 5822 2288 But how does a committee with many years ago, before white settlement. limited time and resources implement a program with up to 127 actions? A solution being trialled is to address one major issue and associated actions per meeting in a focused session. The keys to success are significant pre-planning and inviting all relevant stakeholders to participate in the focus session. For example, the Dandenong committee recently focused on sediment control on construction sites. In addition to the many local Alan Reid (front right) takes local residents and guests on a walk around the Yea River Wetlands project. committee members, various Photo courtesy of Yea Chronicle. stakeholders and specialists were involved including the Department of Infrastructure, the Building Control Discovery in Thompsons Creek Commission and representatives of the construction industry. In September 1999, members of the Another Yarra Pygmy Perch was recently An exciting outcome of this session Thompsons Creek Catchment discovered in the Waurn Ponds Creek, a has been further discussion with Group and NRE’s Flora and Fauna relatively degraded urban stream. The the Building Control Commission branch discovered a very important findings have excited fish biologists from regarding the inclusion of sediment native fish in the Thompsons Creek. the Flora and Fauna branch of NRE who management within the existing A single specimen of the Yarra Pygmy are anticipating future studies to identify control and monitoring mechanisms. Perch was discovered, whilst randomly if viable populations of Yarra Pygmy Perch Should this be developed into a sampling a site along the creek. exist in these waterways. successful model, it would have important benefits across the State. The Yarra Pygmy Perch is known to The habitats of many native fish species have a broad distribution, ranging have been heavily degraded in Victoria, The concept of focused sessions is already from Frankston over to the South isolating populations to small pockets providing important outcomes for this region Australian border. Whilst the species of streams. Degraded waterways can still and promises to be an efficient and effective has a broad distribution, most records be important habitat areas for small technique to gain improved co-ordination are of less than ten individual fish. populations of rare species and we should of catchment management programs. The species is listed under the Flora look out for and protect the hidden values CaLP Board (03) 9785 0187 and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988) of these streams. as ‘potentially threatened.’ Corangamite CMA (03) 5232 9100 Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 18 Catchment Management A united Landcare effort Children voice their The $1.7 million Wellington Catchment Wellington Catchment Care involves 29 Care project was launched recently. Landcare groups and is a joint initiative approval for between the community, NRE, the Federal The project covers Gippsland from Government, the West Gippsland CMA, Warragul through to the Gippsland environment Greening Australia and Loy Yang B Lakes and incorporates the Wellington owner, Edison Mission Energy. Greenprint Landcare Program, launched Students who participated in the inaugural Young People’s River Health last April by Federal Environment There are four components to the project: Conference held in Mildura late last Minister Senator Robert Hill. biodiversity, erosion control, waterways year have praised the conference as and salinity. Brian Frawley explained that According to Wellington Catchment Care an outstanding success. while the project had received substantial Board Chair, Brian Frawley, Wellington financial support from the Government After three days of making friends with Catchment Care is a large-scale Landcare and Edison Mission Energy, it was other students from across Australia, project which has been established to community-driven and input from learning from each other about the implement natural resource management Landcare groups was “of absolute environment and listening to some works across the Lake Wellington importance”. of Australia’s leading environment catchment. spokespersons, the conference concluded West Gippsland CMA (03) 5175 7800 with a ceremony at the Old Mildura Homestead. More than 150 students and teachers from CMA approves projects across Australia attended the conference, organised by the Mallee CMA in worth $1 million conjunction with Mildura West Primary School. Other supporters included AFFA, The Glenelg-Hopkins CMA has approved A variety of catchment management the MDBC, NRE and the Sunraysia Rural projects worth $1,171,762 for improving projects have been approved to Water Authority, as well as many local catchment health in the Glenelg-Hopkins landholders, industry, shires and Landcare sponsors. region. groups, including streamside protection Jackson Robbins, a student at Mildura and enhancement, in-stream works, CMA Chair, David Koch, said the 201 West Primary School, said: “ I took away establishing filter strips, wetland projects will be implemented on-ground from the conference a number of messages enhancement and protection and this year. Interest in the grants has grown including not to wash the car on the demonstration sites of best management from 177 applications in 1998/99 to 285 driveway because chemicals can find their practice for catchment management. for the 1999/2000 funding. way into drains and then into the river.” The projects address priority issues in the region such as salinity control, pest plants “I also learnt that kids can make a and waterway health. difference,” said Jackson. Since last year’s applications have been The conference was opened by Ian approved 220 kilometres of protective Kiernan, chairman and founder of Clean fencing have been constructed, 182,263 Up Australia. The conference dinner was seedlings established and more than 100 prepared by Mildura chef, Stefano de Pieri, hectares of wetlands protected or enhanced. who spoke to the conference delegates about his passion for rivers and the life With funding from last year’s program, they give to communities like Mildura. Bev Byron of Allansford successfully addressed degradation issues along Mallee CMA (03) 5022 4373 the frontage of the Hopkins River. By September 1999, Bev and her husband had already planted 1100 trees. “Thanks to the CMA we have the opportunity to revegetate and improve the health of the river,” she said. Glenelg-Hopkins CMA (03) 5571 2526

An Allansford property along Hopkins River where works have been completed from last year’s funding. This area used to Kids presenting at the Echidna Workshop be infested with gorse. were mentored by Dr Peggy Rismiller. ON THE SHELF Books

Feral Future: The untold story of “Matthew (13:36) recorded Christ’s Parable He proposes a solution to the feral mess – Australia’s exotic invaders of the Weeds, in which Jesus says: ‘Just as it starts with the individual. Low says we the weeds are gathered and burned with need to throw off the role of helplessness Biologist, writer and photographer Tim Low fire, so it will be at the close of the age’.” and embrace some simple principles of has followed on from his award-winning eco-friendly living. Bush Tucker book with a thoughtful Low looks at the careless ways we have discussion on Australia’s exotic pests. allowed many dangerous species into Feral Future is a beautifully written and the country and our various, often carefully researched book. It is full of Low goes right back to the ancients to misplaced, attempts to develop interesting facts and incidents and alive root out the origins of the ferals. control strategies for them. with the passion the author holds for his subject. Feral Future: The untold story of Australia’s exotic invaders is available from the NRE Information Centre on (03) 9637 8080 for $24.95. Grow Your Own Bushfoods Grow Your Own Bushfoods, by Keith and Irene Smith, is a first-ever comprehensive and practical guide to harvesting more than 140 kinds of Australian bushfoods on your own property. The book provides detailed plant profiles of the characteristics and ideal growing conditions for each species. In addition there are suggestions on the best ways to prepare and eat your bushfoods – use them as flavourings in jams, muffins or sauces or make your own bush teas and sweet drinks. A bushfoods directory is also included which lists suppliers of catalogues, seeds and seedlings as well as native plant gardens open for inspection. Written with an emphasis on using natural growing methods, Grow Your Own Bushfoods is a great guide for people keen to learn about bushfoods while at the same time preserving our endangered plant species. Grow Your Own Bushfoods is available from the NRE Information Centre on (03) 9637 8080 for $19.95.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 20 Junior Landcare A thriving environment centre for Kananook Primary

Students from Kananook Primary School “We had some wasted space behind our Stage two of the project is now underway. at Seaford are branching out from their tennis courts and the parents felt this was A group of grade six students planted out school grounds and improving the a great way to use it. There’s a double the first lot of plants last December. More environment of their local foreshore and benefit – it improves the immediate planting is planned for this year. creek. In 1998 the school got together environment of our school grounds and with the Kananook Creek Association allows us to get involved in improving the (L-R) Adiba Ahmad, Samantha Allen, Nancy Kelly,Vicky Pili and Hayley and applied for a grant to improve and broader environment.” Nancy Kelly,Vicky Pili and Hayley Marks taking care of the lemon tree revegetate the Seaford foreshore and the in their school Environment Centre – Kananook Creek environs. they have big plans for lemonade! The application was successful and the school went ahead with stage one – building an Environment Centre at the school. The centre has a propagation igloo, potting-up area, storage shed, compost bin and timed watering system. The Environment Centre was in operation by August last year and has been used with great enthusiasm by students. They have established a small herb and vegetable garden using pot plantings of vegetable and flower seeds and cuttings. The Kananook Creek Association provided cuttings and seeds of plants suitable for revegetating the creek and foreshore reserve. The students potted-up the plants and have cared for them as they’ve grown. Kananook Primary School teacher, Betty Stampton, says the project has been driven by parents and the Environment Sub-Committee of the School Council.

Hayley Marks enjoys the thriving herb garden. Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 21 Research Salt-tolerant grass Results ‘blowing in the wind’

An endangered Victorian known Often called ‘shivery grass’ by farmers, Legume as Adamson’s blown-grass, (Agrostis Adamson’s blown-grass is not as adamsonii) has been found growing well invasive as some other members of shows potential in saline depressions in the Glenthompson, the Agrostis species. It is a short-term Skipton and the Melville Forest areas. perennial and forms tussocks up to Melilotus alba, a legume collected in 20 centimetres in diameter. South America by Senior Research NRE Flora and Fauna Manager, Yvonne Agronomist Pedro Evans, is showing Ingeme, said the species was thought to be “The grass has great potential as a native potential for mixing with Tall Wheat extinct until its rediscovery in 1987 and has alternative to Tall Wheat Grass where Grass or Puccinellia on saline soils. since been identified in over 50 sites from farmers do not intend to graze the saline west of Geelong to north-east of Hamilton. area,” Yvonne said. At trials near Glenthompson, on raised beds, the legume has persisted in salted “The grass does not areas where white and strawberry clover appear to tolerate grazing, have disappeared. so in saline areas that have been fenced off it According to Pedro Evans the plant is seems to be providing already in use in Russia and Argentina good vegetative cover to on packed or degraded soils in pasture prevent erosion,” she said. mixtures with Tall Wheat Grass. For more information “These soils are also quite saline in some contact Yvonne at areas,” he said. the Pastoral and Melilotus alba grows mostly through the Veterinary Research late spring and summer, providing feed Institute, Hamilton, during summer and autumn. Although on (03) 5573 0900. Pedro Evans claims that autumn-sown Yvonne Ingeme identifies Adamson’s blown-grass. Melilotus alba will come up and try to grow then as well. Infrastructure critical for tackling dryland salinity It tolerates grazing but is not suitable for hay due to its ability to form toxins The National Dryland Salinity R&D and processes will be needed to if allowed to ferment. The legume has Program has commissioned The Virtual support such initiatives,” he said. been shown to have the same protein Consulting Group in Albury to help There is also a need for a more and digestibility as lucerne. them identify new policy and institutional co-ordinated whole-of-government arrangements that will improve our Pedro Evans believes a commercial variety approach at the three tiers of government ability to deal with dryland salinity. of Melilotus alba will be available within so that all their initiatives support each three years. In the meantime, he says, the The Group’s principal, Greg Hayes, says other while encouraging appropriate plant is used in the United States of a fundamental problem is that present management of the resources. America as an ingredient in tablets institutional arrangements do not encourage “We may need to change landuse and claimed to reduce cellulite! landholders to change landuse practices. practices at a massive scale, but it will lead For more information, contact Pedro at “Often they see that others will enjoy to benefits for the wider community in the Pastoral and Veterinary Research the benefits while the landholder will improved water quality, less infrastructure Institute, Hamilton, on (03) 5573 0900. be faced with new costs.” damage and conservation of biodiversity,” said Greg Hayes. He suggests that new institutions are needed to provide a basis for joint The research team is looking to identify investment by farmers, community and a range of practical measures that will government so there is an incentive to provide the institutional support needed deal with the problem. to help landholders and others to deal with dryland salinity. “Action by individual farmers won’t be effective unless it is linked into a well- Further information: Greg Hayes designed catchment-scale approach and (02) 6041 1150, Fax (02) 6023 2768, strengthened catchment-level agencies [email protected]

Pedro Evans explains the benefits of Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 22 Melilotus alba and Tall Wheat Grass at the trial site in Glenthompson. VolunteersVolunteers toto bringbring greengreen backback toto PortPort PhillipPhillip RegionRegion

"With the help of community in the volunteers, the government is Melbourne committed to reversing the metropolitan long term decline in the area. quality and extent of the Port "The Federal Phillip native vegetation cover Government by conserving local biological Sharing information about their Urban Bushcare projects are has made a diversity and using vegetation to left Jason Summers, City of Brimbank, Elissa Simmons, commitment Hume City Council and Bill Gould, Tullamarine Live Steam restore the environmental values that at least Speaking at the official Society at the Greening Australia Victoria’s Intergrated of the areas around the suburbs launch of the project, Urban Bushcacre Project launch. 15 per cent of and edges of Port Phillip Bay," Parliamentary Secretary to Bushcare the Minister for Community volunteers from 50 Dr Stone said. funding will Environment and Heritage, organisations around the Port Phillip Dr Sharman Stone MP, said region in Victoria will join together over The 50 community organisations will each be directed to that the Commonwealth had the next two years in Victoria's first host work at their strategically-selected protecting and committed $346,000 in sites on which revegetation will take place. rehabilitating Bushcare funding from the coordinated urban land rejuvenation Natural Heritage Trust. program. Other volunteers will fence remnant bush urban areas. Greening Australia Victoria as bushland. The Urban Bushcare project, will allow all project managers, will provide equipment, Greening Australia Victoria is pleased to Melbournians to join in reversing the long- technical assistance and advice throughout be able to assist these groups repair the term degradation of native vegetation in the two-year project. neglect that urban living has engendered the Port Phillip region. Several thousand on their environment around Port Phillip Greening Australia Victoria President John people and first-year funding of $346,000 Bay," Mr Landy said. from the Federal Government's Natural Landy said this was a massive rejuvenation Heritage Trust, will assist the landscape project to establish more than 200,000 This integrated Urban Bushcare project change over the next two years. local native plants and direct seed another will give the metropolitan area a cleaner, 20,000 stems, as well as restoring more greener outlook for all Melbournians and The area throughout the Port Phillip than 250 hectares of degraded vegetation visitors to the city to enjoy. district extends from the Mornington Peninsula to the Dandenongs and includes waterways, wetlands, coastland and reserves. To assist with the landscape change, groups will receive funding for a variety of individual activities. For example, one group will re-establish vegetation of indigenous flora in the vicinity of their railway station, others will restore native vegetation along creeks, and a wildlife corridor extending from Gellibrand Hill to Moonee Ponds will be established. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Dr Sharman Stone, launched the project in February. These community volunteers represent over 50 groups who will, over the next two years, transform the Port Phillip region in Victoria’s first co-ordinated urban land rejuvenation program.

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 23 1,790 projects approved, $130million invested so far.

Hundreds of Victorian communities getting the support they need to do the work that matters.

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