Gorse Task Force Progress Report 2005/06 – 2006/07

Published by: Catchment and Agriculture Services Department of Primary Industries Ballarat 2007 © State of , Department of Primary Industries, 2007 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

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2 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 Stakeholders

Community Groups Ararat Landcare Group Friends of the Napoleons Bushland Mount Bolton/Beckworth South Ballarat Urban Landcare Group Landcare Group Bald Hills Creswick Landcare Group Garibaldi Environment Group Napoleons-Enfield Landcare Group Stoneleigh Landcare Group Bamganie and Meredith District Glenlyon Landcare Group Landcare Group Nerrina Environmental Trentham & District Grenville Landcare Group Preservation Association Landcare Group Beaufort/Raglan Landcare Group Haddon Landcare Group Pittong-Hoyles Creek Ullina Landcare Group Blampied-Kooroocheang Hasties Creek Landcare Group Landcare Group Landcare Group Upper Barwon Landcare Network Invermay Landcare Group Portland Gorse Project Break-o-Day Forest Upper Mt Emu Ck Environment Group Lake Goldsmith Landcare Group Rocky Lead Landcare Group Landcare Network Buangor Landcare Group Lal Lal Catchment Landcare Group Rokewood Landcare Group Upper Williamson Creek Landcare Group Burrumbeet Landcare Group Leigh Catchment Group Ross Creek Landcare Group Wattle Flat – Pootilla Cardigan-Windermere Lexton Landcare Group The Dales Landcare Group Landcare Group Landcare Group Miners Rest Landcare Group Progress Association Woady Yaloak Catchment Project Daylesford Landcare Group Misery-Moonlight Landcare Group Snake Valley Landcare Group East Moorabool Landcare Group

Municipalities

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 3 1. CHAIRPERSON REPORT

“The Gorse Task Force (GTF) Committee has become so intent in striving to maintain programs with the challenge of annual funding.” Jeanette Bellchambers

I am pleased to inform you that the control program that addresses both Gorse Task Force (GTF) Committee, and productive and biodiversity benefits facilitators, have achieved the across the region. treatment and control of 111.9ha of In March 2006 the National Gorse Task gorse from 32,061ha of agricultural Force (NGTF) visited Ballarat for their land involving 1095 landholders during annual meeting. They viewed the 2005/2006 and 203.67ha of gorse from progress in our region, and our ability 24,552ha of agricultural land involving to develop strong partnerships with the 690 landholders during 2006/07. landcare community to deliver In 2005/06 we secured a total of integrated projects. I had the pleasure $410,400 and in 2006/07 $353,100 of of presenting to the NGTF our State and Federal Government funds successful process of engaging the through the Regional Catchment wider community, and attracting Investment Plan (RCIP). The GTF have co-investment in gorse control projects. continued to face annual changes, Although the NGTF is focused on however they have been very funding projects where eradication is successful in adapting to and possible, the committee was quite accommodating these changes and impressed with what has been continue their successes of building achieved, particularly our process of strong partnerships that have built the engaging with many stakeholders to communities capacity to deliver a weed build the communities capacity.

4 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 A half day bus trip in October 2005 was groups. Some of the key achievements for the beneficial for the GTF committee to appreciate Gorse Task Force committee under Jeanette’s and catch a glimpse of on ground works leadership included, representing the undertaken in the Corangamite CMA region, in community at the Tackling Weeds on Private both the Woady Yaloak and Leigh Catchment Land Initiative launch, and working group areas. During the trip the committee was collaboratively with the Department of able to catch an overall prospective of the Sustainability and Environment in addressing variety of on ground works our facilitators have issues with pest control on roadsides, resulting delivered and hear from landcare partners that in the development of the statewide Interim have readily appreciated GTF and DPI support Roadside Pest Control Program. in their local areas. Finally thankyou to the GTF committee who The Local Government Urban Project has regularly attend meetings and give their time continued this year. This partnership pilot and community knowledge so generously. project with Golden Plains and Moorabool It is with your commitment and input, that Shires has enabled a Local Government, Local gorse will continue to be less of an impact Law to be developed for weed control in urban on productivity and biodiversity assets in areas and we hope it will be adopted by other the region. municipalities. This project has also enabled a Jeanette Bellchambers facilitator to work in several small township locations in both of these shires. The work On behalf of DPI and the GTF we greatly achieved in township locations has yielded appreciated Jeanette's voluntary positive community support and feed back and commitment in advocating the gorse is a huge step forward in gaining all landholder program. Her constant approach and contribution to gorse control. dedication have been beneficial in setting The GTF committee made a commitment in the the seed of an effective gorse control program across Victoria. later part of 2006 to commence the Laurie Norman development of a new Gorse Control Strategy. Gorse Task Force Chair The new strategy will provide a guiding framework for the GTF to deliver an advanced program that will provide opportunity for the community to successfully reduce the impact of gorse across Victoria well into the future. Sadly on the 2nd January 2007, our friend and GTF colleague of five years, Jeanette Bellchambers, lost her fight against pancreatic cancer and died peacefully at Gandarra in Ballarat. Her death was a great loss for her much loved family and also to the broader landcare community. Jeanette was an avid community volunteer who was always willing and prepared to support and guide her peers. Jeanette joined the GTF committee in 2001 as the Corangamite CMA representative and was elected as Chairperson in 2003, a position she still held until her illness took hold in mid 2006. During Jeanette’s time as Chairperson she provided community guidance in strengthening the Gorse program in Victoria and successfully developed cooperative partnerships between state and local government and community

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 5 2. BACKGROUND

The Gorse Task Force (GTF) formed in 1999 as a result of community action for gorse control, driven primarily by the municipalities of the Central Highlands Region and a number of local Landcare groups. Its membership currently consists of representatives from Community Groups, Catchment Management Authorities (CMA), local municipalities, the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

2.1 Background The GTF’s formation prompted the The two principal goals of the development of the Gorse Control strategy are to: Strategy (GCS) which was officially • Reduce the overall extent of gorse launched in September 1999, following within the GTFA by 25% within consultation with a wide cross section five years of the community. • Reduce the extent of gorse by 15% within 5 years on all roadsides and waterways

6 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 These goals provided dual objectives of reducing the overall infestation of gorse within the GTF area as well as reducing infestations where there is the greatest chance of spread, while also providing the greatest public benefit. The GCS comprises ten strategies that relate to the mechanisms of changing people's attitudes towards gorse and their responsibilities for its control. They are also aimed towards increasing the adoption of improved land management techniques for long term control of gorse.

The ten key Strategies are as follows (in no particular order): • Define an ongoing role for the Gorse Task Force. • Increase community awareness of gorse. • Develop Gorse Control Action Plans within each Landcare group area. • Define the responsibilities for the control of gorse. • Control gorse on roadsides and waterways. • Support community groups and landholders actively controlling gorse. • Facilitate greater control of gorse on public land. • Increase the control of gorse on private land. • Promote changed land use as an integral component of gorse control. • Establish a monitoring and evaluation process for gorse control programs. • Procedures and guidelines for the monitoring and evaluation of control works and progress towards implementation of the strategy will be developed.

The core programs for implementation of the GCS have included: • Employment of Facilitators (all facilitators are authorised under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994): to provide sound technical advice and information to all landholders within community developed focus areas. • Community Group Incentives: for the provision of incentives to landholders for on-ground gorse control works along high priority waterways as part of an integrated landholder assistance package including weed control and follow-up protective fencing and revegetation.

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 7 2. A REVIEW

The end of the 2006/07 financial year signified the seventh consecutive year of operation for the GTF program. The GTF’s performance throughout the last two years has been very pleasing given a reduction in available funds from previous years, and the requirement to generate new program delivery processes. Whilst faced with these challenges, the GTF committee and staff have continued to deliver a high level of achievement, some relating to improvements in internal controls and others in engaging the community and strengthening partnerships.

8 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 2.2 A Review of 2.3 New Gorse 2005/06 – 2006/07 Control Strategy

HIGHLIGHTS AND CHALLENGES Early in 2005/06 the GTF obtained investor support to continue implementation of the expired 1999 Gorse Control Strategy (GCS). The committee’s decision to continue to operate under the 1999 Strategy was Highlights primarily based on the developed of new Weed Action Plans for all CMA’s • more than 1600 private landholders were engaged through across Victoria. However in 2006/07 the committee identified the need to facilitation activities develop a new GCS that would ensure the community would feel confident an innovative gorse control program could continue to be delivered. A GTF • more than 54,000 hectares of private land was mapped and enhanced committee workshop held in 2006 provided scope for the committee to or protected as a result of projects undertaken across the region reflect on the key achievements and lessons learnt from previous activities, • three new shires were engaged in the Interim Roadside Project, and identify key issues and challenges to be considered whilst developing resulting it the establishment of new partnerships a new strategy. • a partnership project with the Golden Plains and Moorabool Shires Findings from the workshop provided leeway for the GTF to engage a saw the development of a local by-law for pest plant compliance in consultant to develop a new GCS with a statewide scope that will enable urban areas the GTF to undertake the following actions: • an expression of interest for DPI’s mobile compliance team to establish • secure future state and federal funding the Woady Yaloak project area as a Ministerial Priority Area for gorse • deliver an innovative integrated gorse control program that engages the control was successful wider community • partnerships were enhanced with the Glenelg Hopkins CMA Waterways • broaden current level of partner engagement Unit to secure funding until the end of 2007/08 • implement a program relevant to community priorities and balance • agreements with North Central CMA provided a wider opportunity for government direction with community direction Landcare groups in the North Central region to access 2nd Generation Landcare funding for on ground works • explore future directions/options for landholder enforcement • the establishment of co-investment projects with CMA and community partners provided a greater opportunity for landholders to incorporate waterway fencing and revegetation into gorse control plans • presentation of GTF program at the Australian Weed Conference (Sept 2006) in Perth. • Development of project brief for new Gorse Control Strategy and consultant engaged

Challenges • strengthening relationships and understanding between rural and urban people • securing ongoing funding to strengthen communities ability to commitment to ongoing weed control • remain relevant to community • balancing Govt direction with community direction • promoting ourselves • address actions of national strategy in order to seek federal funding

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 9 3. FACILITATION AND EXTENSION

The Facilitation and Extension Program builds the communities capacity to be actively engagement in weed control.

The GTF have employed facilitators for The facilitation and extension program the past seven consecutive years to is an important component in our provide awareness and extension efforts to build the communities services to land managers. These capacity to be actively engaged in services have primarily included community weed control programs. The individual property inspections with program provides effective leadership one on one contact to encourage all to public and private land mangers and land managers to accept their delivers on our primary goals to reduce management responsibilities and to the overall extent of gorse within the adopt preferred control techniques for GTF area and to reduce the extent of long term control of gorse. gorse on all roadsides and waterways.

10 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 Specific roles and responsibilities of the program include: • identifying and establishing partnership opportunities as well as developing integrated gorse control projects • working with community members to identify priority activities and work programs • supporting Landcare and other community-based natural resource management programs • strengthening community and government collaboration • maintaining, improving and establishing links with all land managers • providing information and assistance in defining weed management responsibilities and preferred control techniques to private landholders. CASE STUDY: Coolebaghurk • developing and coordinating informative field days and community meetings Creek – not just a stream on the map. • engagement of state-wide public land managers to collectively undertake weed control works on private-public interface For many years the Coolebaghurk Creek a primary tributary of the upper was inaccessible due to heavy infestations of gorse and blackberry. An agreement between the East Moorabool and Meredith/Bamganie Landcare groups, the GTF, DPI, DSE and 81 private landholders has seen the Coolebaghurk Creek undertake a new lease of life for all to see. The agreement provided a joint funding initiative for private landholders to undertake weed control along their private water frontages, with a total of $13,000 claimed to treat 18 hectares of gorse along 19 km of the Coolebaghurk Creek from Elaine through Meredith to the Moorabool River junction. Many landholders have also taken up incentives for fencing and re-vegetation provided by the CCMA Moorabool River Health Project. The Department of Sustainability and Environment provided in excess of $30,000 through the State Governments Good Neighbour Program to treat and remove all gorse from Crown Land located in Meredith. These works are an essential element in the government’s approach to pest management on the public/private interface and their commitment to support community pest plant programs. This result not only increased the health and productivity of the Coolebaghurk catchment, it also highlighted the community’s commitment. The overall success of the pest plant project hinge on the participation of all facets of the community.

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 11 3. FACILITATION AND EXTENSION

Funding support from the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s The delivery of these structured activities through skilled GTF staff has Victorian Landcare Program (VLP) and the Corangamite, Glenelg Hopkins provided Landcare groups with an increased ability and a sense of and North Central CMAs has provided a full time gorse facilitator in each achievement in managing effective weed control projects. During project of the three Catchments. reporting processes Landcare groups were asked to comment on the key community benefits in implementing a gorse control program in their land- Facilitation and Extension Program achievements for 2005/06 and 2006/07 care group region, some of the feedback provided included: include: • The Gorse program generates community interest in landcare group • Over 1600 property inspections covering approximately 54,300 hectares activities of land • Support from GTF/DPI facilitator results in a high level of landholder • Private landholders controlled, over 274 hectares of gorse. understanding and participation in weed control projects • 26 Landcare/Community groups in the GTF area have actively • GTF projects generated landholder interest in waterway protection on participated or continued to participate in the GTF program by their property implementing or planning coordinated and strategic gorse control programs. • The program provides opportunity to advocate other NRM projects in our area • Facilitators have coordinated and delivered 12 informative field days, attended and supported 73 landcare group meetings, and published 33 • Landcare groups developed a better understanding of the social press articles. dynamics in their area

12 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 Compliance/Enforcement Effective control of gorse through facilitation and extension is only possible where there is a desire on the part of the landowner to control gorse. Unfortunately, some landowners are not willing to accept their responsibility and compliance with the Catchment and Land Protection Act (CaLP Act 1994) and community objectives can only be achieved through the use of enforcement measures. The Department of Sustainability and Environment provide Enhanced Enforcement Program (EEP) funding to DPI to employ an Authorised Enforcement Officer to support facilitator extension activities conducted by the GTF. These officers are engaged at the end of the compliance process when it is clear that facilitation and extension activities have not succeeded. EEP support ensures that recalcitrant landholders don’t affect the overall success of the projects. However, the low numbers of Land Management Notices issued compared to the number of properties visited is an indication that extension activities are effectively contributing to building the communities understanding of gorse control options, with 97% of landholders contacted over the past two years voluntarily undertaking gorse control works.

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 13 4. COMMUNITY GROUP INCENTIVES

Community Group Incentives enhance community commitment to on ground gorse control works.

One of the key roles of the GTF Community Group incentives for on program is to co-ordinate funding ground works have been directed opportunities for integrated onground towards areas defined in partnership gorse control. The main source of funds with community groups. Through these the GTF utilises for onground works is partnerships Gorse Control Action Plans competitive funding from the CMA’s are developed to ensure community Regional Catchment Investment Plan projects align with the GCS, and CMA (RCIP). The RCIP is an investment Strategies and sub-strategies. This prospectus that sets priorities for the process provides for effective weed implementation of the CMA Regional control as a precursor to improved land Catchment Strategies and regional sub- and water management. strategies to achieve agreed natural The targeted landholder extension resource management outcomes. RCIP program is the vehicle for initiating the investors include the Victorian and distribution of on-ground incentives to Australian governments – through eligible landholders. Upon landholders programs such as the Natural Heritage voluntarily undertaking successful Trust and National Action Plan for gorse control works they are Salinity and Water Quality. Almost 70% considered eligible to claim a 50% of the GTF’s total funding to implement rebate through their local Landcare projects in the North Central, group. Corangamite and Glenelg Hopkins regions is sourced through the CMA managed RCIP process.

14 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 The community group incentives program has There are more than 40 Landcare and other allowed for a significant uptake of land community based natural resource management management practices by private landowners. groups in the GTF region, comprising of voluntary These include measures to follow-up members who work to protect, enhance and revegetation and protective fencing works, restore the landscape on private and public land. enhance management skills to promote the The GTF have endeavoured to support these implementation of best management practices groups and increase their sense of achievement within the community. to contribute to weed control in their region.

Achievements against the Regional Catchment Investment Plan (RCIP) CASE STUDY: Linking Category Standard Output Target Actual % Target Actual % communities together – Snake in RCIP 05/06 05/06 Achieved 06/07 06/07 Achieved Valley Landcare Group – 2006 Community Number of Gorse Control Action Plan devolved grants A joint initiative between the Snake Valley to community 11 13 118 12 13 108 Landcare Group, Upper Mount Emu Group groups with Landcare Network, GTF, and DSE public Action Plans land managers provided scope for developed participation of the Snake Valley Number of community in five GTF funded projects. community groups N/A N/A N/A 12 16 133 During 2006/07 the GTF provided $3,000 of supported funding to the Snake Valley Landcare Group to link up four existing gorse control target Projects funded by the GTF in 2005/06 and 2006/07 include areas via the Canico and Biallie Creeks. A total of 26 new landholders were engaged in the project which enabled the Partners Project Funding enhancement and protection of works Amount previously undertaken by 165 landholders Bamgamie/Meredith LCG, Moorabool Rehabilitation of riparian zones along $6,000.00 during 2003 to 2005. Gorge Recovery Project, Corangamite Deadman Gully Creek The new project area covered approximately CMA – Moorabool River Recovery 4200 hectares and contained approximately Project, DSE – Crown Land six hectares of gorse, primarily concentrated Leigh Catchment Group, Napoleons/ Closing the Caps – Enhancing the Upper $5,000.00 along the creeks and tributaries. Enfield LCG, Ross Creek LCG, DSE – tributaries In total the GTF have contributed $9,700 Crown Land towards works in the Snake Valley region Cardigan Windermere LCG Protecting Cardigan-Windermere $1,800.00 over the past five years, with private Waterways – Gorse Project 05/06 landholders contributing in excess of $10,000 based on a 50-50 cost share. In Snake Valley LCG, Upper Mount Emu Linking communities together along the $3,500.00 addition DSE have invested $15,000 for Creek Network Baillies and Canico Creek through gorse grooming and follow up spraying on private control public interface. Invermay LCG Invermay North-West Gorseathon $2,750.00 The continued investment and the Upper Network, Enhancement of Emu Creek and $6,000.00 geographical linking of project areas in DSE Crown Land tributaries from Lexton to Carngham Snake Valley has provided greater management efficiency from private Upper Mount Emu Creek Network, Enhancement of Emu Creek and $6,000.00 landholders and has proved to be of great DSE Crown Land tributaries surrounding Mount Rowan benefit to the community through Burrumbeet LCG Reducing the spread of noxious weeds $3,300.00 community connections and a total along Bailie and Canico Creeks reduction of gorse across the landscape.

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 15 5. INTERIM ROADSIDE PROJECT

The Gorse Control Strategy identifies gorse control on roadsides as a high priority (in 1999 it was estimated that approximately 40% of gorse in the region occurs on roadsides).

Roadsides often contain remnant previous and newly treated gorse vegetation with high biodiversity infestations on private interface values, which are threatened by the roadsides. invasion of gorse. The potential for The IRP is delivered in partnership with long distance spread of gorse along local government where GTF roadsides is high through activities facilitators provide strategic direction associated with road maintenance. to shire on community priority areas In 2004/05 the GTF initiated the Interim and local government coordinate the Roadside Project (IRP) with funding engagement of contractors to treat sought from DSE. The IRP was initiated infestations. whilst government sort clarification of In 2005/06 and 2006/07 grants totalling the responsibilities for control of pest $266,986, were approved by DSE, to plants and animals on undeclared the municipalities. Contractors were roadsides under the Catchment and employed by municipalities to spray Land Protection Act 1994. The basis of 182 roadsides across ten shires, the IRP was to protect and enhance resulting in 113 km’s of gorse treated.

16 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 CASE STUDY: GTF commits to partnership project with City of Ballarat Shire The GTF is committed to working with Local Government at all levels to benefit the entire community. This commitment is reflected through the establishment of the Interim Roadside Weed Control Project with six shires across the south west region. Through the course of the project the GFT have provided support to shires in building their capacity to treat gorse infested roadsides in community priority areas, Shire No. of Roads Km’s Treated through strategic support and funding for on-ground works. At the end of 2005/06 05/06 06/07 05/06 06/07 financial year the City of Ballarat had Ararat 5 1 4.60 0.75 received a total of $98,706 enabling the treatment of over 200 kilometres of Ballarat 18 17 17.20 10.30 roadsides along 102 roads within Colac/Otway 13 10.60 community gorse target areas. Golden Plains 24 4 26.45 1.50 The active working partnership between the City of Ballarat, the Gorse Task Force, Hepburn 9 26 3.40 7.10 Landcare groups and the Department of Macedon Ranges 3 1.00 Primary Industries has complimented the many years of previous works that over Moorabool 15 36 4.95 17.40 1,000 private and public land managers Moyne 1 1.00 have been undertaking for many years. Pyrenees 2 4 1.32 3.80 Although an interim approach this project has wide ranging benefits extending on a Surf Coast 4 2.00 broad scale. Controlling gorse on these Total 73 109 57.92 55.45 roadsides has reduced the probability of gorse to spread, not only locally but also across the Ballarat region.

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 17 6. OTHER INITIATIVES

Ongoing support from the Good Neighbour Program (GNP) has shown to be an essential element in engaging all land managers in gorse control.

6.1 Public Land Works Funding from the state government’s Ongoing support from the Good Good Neighbour Program (GNP) have Neighbour Program (GNP) has shown to enabled public land management be an essential element in engaging all businesses i.e. Land Victoria, Forest land managers in gorse control, both Management and Park Victoria to through adding value to works significantly increase their level of undertaken by private landholders and gorse control works on the public land increasing awareness across local interface between private land. Strategic areas. Over the past two years public direction provided by the GTF and land managers have been successful in facilitators have enabled coordination obtaining $117,798 to control gorse between public and private land works, infestations on public land in all active to target priority areas that support community target areas. community group’s projects.

18 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 Onground achievements of Good Neighbour Program works within community target areas.

CMA Region 2005/06 2006/07 No of Parcels Gorse Treated Funding No of parcels Gorse Treated Funding Treated (ha) Treated (ha) Corangamite 50 75 $50,550 54 82 $60,305.00 Glenelg Hopkins 48 57.95 $40,780 20 48 $50,493.00 North Central 4 9 $17,700 15 4.7 $7,000.00 TOTAL 102 141.95 $109,030 89 134.7 $117,798.00

6.2 Mobile Compliance Woady Yaloak Priority Area Notice Compliance Project April 2007 and were issued to ensure that landowners who failed to meet the requirements of the Priority Area Notice and control their gorse, faced On 31st October 2006 Minister Thwaites signed the first Priority Area further penalties or have DPI complete the works at the landowner’s Notice under the new amendments to the CaLP Act covering the Woady expense. Yaloak River area around the townships of Haddon, Smythesdale and Scarsdale, south west of Ballarat. The notice required all land owners in The secondary notices resulted in a further infringement notice being the designated area to complete all gorse control work on their property by issued and another land owner appearing in the Ballarat Magistrates Court February 9th. Inspections to determine compliance with the priority area to face the charge of failing to comply with a Land Management Notice. notice were undertaken the week of February 19th 2007 and land owners This land owner was convicted and fined $1500 and ordered to pay $86.54 failing to complete control works faced infringement fines of up to $645. costs. Three Land owners, from two properties, also chose to contest the The Priority Area was declared following three years of significant works infringement notices issued for failing to comply with the Priority Area by the community, Corangamite CMA, Woady Yaloak Catchment Group and Notice. These land owners contested the charges in the Ballarat Gorse Task Force to control gorse and restore the waterway. Magistrates Court; however both matters were eventually found proven with the court imposing fines and costs totalling $1430. A copy of the Priority Area Notice including relevant extension material was sent out to all land owners in the area. The notice including a map A media release promoting the project was also developed and submitted of the area was also published in the local newspaper and Government to local and regional media outlets. The release received coverage in the Gazette. The project involved approximately 1,630 hectares of land and Weekly Times, Ballarat Courier and on WIN TV news. Articles promoting 100 properties. the project also appeared in the Victorian Land care Magazine and Corangamite edition of the Primary Voice newsletter. As part of the enhanced enforcement component of the Tackling Weeds on Private Land Initiative and Improving Provincial Victoria’s Bio-security Landowners visited by DPI staff who had completed their control works Project, a mobile compliance team, with the assistance of the local DPI commented that they were pleased to see DPI taking action to ensure gorse team, operated out of the Ballarat office to inspect the properties landowners failing to control their gorse were being dealt with. within the Priority Area during the week of February 19th 2007. Landscape Protection staff involved in the implementation of the project 16 land owners from 15 properties failed to comply with the Priority Area felt that an increased level of planning, organisation and project Notice, resulting in 18 offences under the Catchment and Land Protect Act management was required to successfully implement a Priority Area Notice 1994. These land owners were issued with Infringement notices for up to in comparison to similar projects utilising other provisions of the CaLP Act. $645. In total $7,310 in fines were issued. However, it was felt that the Priority Area Notice, when used in conjunction with infringement notices, was an effective tool that utilised In addition, a further nine Directions and six Land Management Notices resources more efficiently than similar projects undertaken in the past were issued to ensure that land owners failing to meet the requirement of using Land Management Notices. the Priority Area Notice, met their legal obligations to control Gorse on their properties. A further three properties adjacent to the area were followed up by local officers. Most of these notices expired at the end of

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 19 6. OTHER INITIATIVES

6.3 Co-Operative Urban Weed Control Project

The Urban Gorse Control Project was a partnership project developed Part A Milestone: This project has incorporated the CCMA, Woady between the GTF, Golden Plains and Moorabool Shires. The project was Yaloak Catchment Group, crown land (DSE), Golden Plains and Moorabool funded $64,800 by the State Governments $9 million ‘Tackling Weeds on Shires and various Landcare and community groups Private Land ‘ Initiative and was set up as a three year pilot project to This project has shown great outcomes for a strong working relationship tackle gorse infestations in urban townships. There were two key with the GTF and the two shires involved. This has added great value to components to the projects: the already existing target areas and future gorse control by the DPI, and • The engagement of a facilitator to work with township communities aids in the community knowledge and pressure for controlling gorse. to improve the awareness and capacity of landholders to undertake The facilitator jointly employed by the Golden plains and Moorabool Shires ongoing gorse control programs. ($34,800) provided facilitation and awareness in townships area that complemented • The development of a local law for weed control in urban areas that other GTF community target areas. These townships included, Blackwood, can be adopted by other municipalities to address recalcitrant Barry’s Reef, Ballan, Mount Egerton, Yendon, Korweinguboora, Scarsdale, landholders who do not voluntary participate in community weed Smythesdale, Linton, Haddon, Dereel, Corindhap and Enfield. control programs. ($30,000) Facilitation activities proved to be a great success with 1,920 property owners contacted over the three year period. A total of 87 Work Plans were agreed upon and an additional 45 person’s contacted the facilitator and asked for a property visit and help to develop a gorse control program. There were regular media releases and many phone calls enquiring about the program. Part B Milestones: Communication from the Golden Plains and Moorabool Shires have suggested that even though the local law has been created it is yet to be tested properly, though smaller rural shires might not have the resources to properly implement this local law, other larger shires have shown interest and suggestions that this law may used and tested seem quite possible.

20 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 Summary

Golden Plains Shire Council

Township Properties Contacted by Letter & Gorse pamphlets Corindhap 40 Dereel 173 Enfield 234 Haddon 180 Linton 238 Scarsdale 80 Smythesdale 190 Total 1135

Moorabool Shire Council

Township Properties Contacted by Letter & Gorse pamphlets Barry's Reef 47 Ballan 37 Blackwood 320 Mt Egerton 147 Yendon 106 Korweinguboora 128 Total 785

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 21 7. CATCHMENT SUMMARIES

7.1 Corangamite CMA Funding Extension and Compliance Activities

Income (GST Exclusive) 2005/06 2006/07 Activity Achievements 2005/06 2006/07 2nd Gen Landcare Grant $42,000 $42,000 Property inspections 460 241 Corangamite CMA $92,900 $92,900 NITEs issued 309 202 Total $134,900 $134,900 Ha inspected 8060.8 6174.6 Ha infested 93.636 130.98 Ha treated 31.12 67.42 Expenditure WPA Issued 194 133 Employment Costs # $131,445 $132,008 Landholders comply with WPA 89 50 Incentives** $11,000 $0.00 LMNs 14 0

Total $142,445 $132,008 (NITE = Notice of Intent To Enter, WPA = Work Plan Agreement, LMN = Land Management Notice)

In-kind Contribution Community Group Incentives

Landholder – (Cash) $46,680 $101,137 Landcare Group Project Type Funding DPI Support $35,000 $35,000 2005/06 Bamgamie/Meredith New 05/06 6 mm DSE – (GNP) $50,550 $60,305 Upper Barwon LC Network New 05/06 $14,953 DSE – Roadside Project $47,000 $47,700 Leigh Catchment Group New 05/06 $5,000 GTF Committee $1,050 $1,050

Total $180,280 $245,192 Priority Waterways Targeted

Total Project Investment $315,180 $380,092 Landscape Zone Waterway Woady Yaloak C4 Woady Yaloak River # Employment = 1.0 EFT Ballarat, 0.2 EFT Geelong, 0.2 EFT Colac (Upper Barwon LCN, M10 Moorabool River East Branch* 0.3 EFT GTF Executive officer) M4 Moorabool River * Moorabool Facilitation & Extension M12 Moorabool River East Branch* Leigh B14 Landholder Field days/ Group Press B12 Leigh River* contacts workshops meetings articles Bellarine B2 (tributaries) 2005/06 440 4 15 9 Upper Barwon B4 Barwon River* (tributaries) 2006/07 180 4 10 3 * High priority reaches Corangamite River Health Strategy Summary Draft.

22 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 Corangamite Map

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 23 7. CATCHMENT SUMMARIES

7.2 North Central CMA Funding Extension and Compliance Activities

Income (GST Exclusive) 2005/06 2006/07 Activity Achievements 2005/06 2006/07 2nd Gen Landcare Grant $42,000 $42,000 Property inspections 209 146 Corangamite CMA $51,500 $56,200 NITEs issued 64 108 Ha inspected 7604.44 3917.6 Total $93,500 $98,200 Ha infested 61.83 89.12 Ha treated 40.95 29.85 Landholders requested to comply with WPA 86 54 Expenditure Landholders complied with WPA 38 39 LMNs 3 0 Employment Costs # $101,575 $102,138 Incentives** $0.00 $0.00 (NITE = Notice of Intent To Enter, WPA = Work Plan Agreement, LMN = Land Management Notice)

Total $101,575 $102,138 Community Group Incentives

Landcare Group Project Type Funding 2005/06 In-kind Contribution Blampied/Kooroocheang New 05/06 NCCMA 2nd Gen Landholder – (Cash) $61,425 $35,782 Ashbourne New 05/06 NCCMA 2nd Gen Creswick – Bald Hills New 05/06 NCCMA 2nd Gen DPI Support $35,000 $35,000 Rocky Lead Follow Up N/A DSE – (GNP) $17,700 $7000 2006/07 DSE – Roadside Project $46,000 $39,200 Ashbourne New 06/07 NCCMA 2nd Gen Blampied/Kooroocheang New 06/07 NCCMA 2nd Gen GTF Committee $ 1,050 $1,050 Daylesford New 06/07 NCCMA 2nd Gen Total $161,175 $118,032 Creswick – Bald Hills New 06/07 NCCMA 2nd Gen Glenlyon New 06/07 $1,830 Total Project Investment $254,675 $216,232 Priority Waterways Targeted

# Employment = 1.0 EFT Ballarat, 0.3 EFT - GTF Executive officer Basin Program Area Waterway ISC ** Community group Incentives made available through NCCMA 2nd Generation Landcare reaches Grants Campaspe Coliban * 22 Kangaroo Creek* 21 Facilitation & Extension Loddon Upper Loddon * 10 (above Cairn Curran reservoir) Joyces Creek 25 Landholder Field days/ Group Press Sailors Creek 28 contacts workshops meetings articles Loddon Birches Creek* 21 2005/06 281 2 16 8 (western tribs above Mc Callum Creek 22 Laanecoorie Reservoir) 2006/07 120 2 13 3 * High priority reaches in the North Central region (Chapter 5 page 32 North Central River Health Strategy DRAFT).

24 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 North Central Map

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 25 7. CATCHMENT SUMMARIES

7.3 Glenelg Hopkins CMA Funding Extension and Compliance Activities

Income (GST Exclusive) 2005/06 2006/07 Activity Achievements 2005/06 2006/07 2nd Gen Landcare Grant $42,000 $42,000 Property inspections 341 250 Corangamite CMA $140,000 $78,000 NITEs issued 192 86 Ha inspected 16,351.34 13,378 Total $182,000 $120,000 Ha infested 58.09 51.45 Ha treated 39.86 61.25 Landholders requested to comply with WPA 113 75 Expenditure Landholders complied with WPA 79 71 Employment Costs # $153,847 $112,138 LMNs 1 0

Incentives** $23,350 $0.00 (NITE = Notice of Intent To Enter, WPA = Work Plan Agreement, LMN = Land Management Notice)

Total $177,197 $112,138 Community Group Incentives

Landcare Group Project Type Funding In-kind Contribution 2005/06 Cardigan Windermere New 05/06 $5,000 Landholder – (Cash) $59,790 $91,875 Snake Valley New 05/06 $1,800 DPI Support $35,000 $35,000 Invermay New 05/06 $2,750 DSE – (GNP) $40,780 $50,493 Burrumbeet New 05/06 $3,300 DSE – Roadside Project $49,000 $31,350 Upper Mount Emu New 05/06 $12,000 GTF Committee $ 1,050 $1,050

Total $185,620 $209,768

Total Project Investment $367,620 $329,768

# Employment = 1.5 EFT Ballarat, 0.2 EFT Portland, 0.3 EFT - GTF Executive officer

Facilitation & Extension

Landholder Field days/ Group Press contacts workshops meetings articles

2005/06 374 2 21 11 2006/07 242 0 5 3

26 gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 Glenelg-Hopkins Map

gorse task force progress report 2005/06 – 2006/07 27 APPENDIX GTF Committee Members 2005/06 GTF Committee Members 2006/07

Name Representing Groups Name Representing Groups Jeanette Bellchambers Chair Leigh Catchment Group Laurie Norman Chair Upper Mount Emu Landcare Network Laurie Norman Treasurer Glenelg-Hopkins CMA Bill Smith Treasurer Ross Creek Landcare Group Bill Smith Ross Creek Landcare Group Peter Everist Woady Yaloak Project Peter Everist Woady Yaloak Project Margaret Adams Miners Rest Landcare Group Ian Miller Blampied/Kooroocheang Landcare Group Margaret Adams Miners Rest Landcare Group John Henderson-Drife Mt Bolton/Mt Beckworth Landcare Group Matthew Pywell Upper Mt Emu Creek Landcare Network Cr Bill McArthur Golden Plains Shires Lysette Ashford Snake Valley Landcare Group Cr Pat Toohey Pyrenees Shires Robert Botheras Daylesford Landcare Group Leigh Dennis Corangamite CMA Ian Miller Blampied/Kooroocheang Landcare Group Ron Gosgrave North Central CMA John Henderson-Drife Mt Bolton/Mt Beckworth Landcare Group Jody Chinner Glenelg Hopkins CMA Cr Bill McArthur Golden Plains Shires Hamish Hurley Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Cr Pat Toohey Pyrenees Shires Peter Keppel Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Leigh Dennis Corangamite CMA Anne Dennis DSE (Land Stewardship and Biodiversity) Jock Leishman North Central CMA Sharyn Williams Executive Officer (DPI) Doug May Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Peter Keppel Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Beth Jones DSE (Land Stewardship and Biodiversity) Sharyn Williams Executive Officer (DPI)