Southern New England Landcare © December 2012, Southern New England Landcare Ltd ACN 099 357 454 Level 1, 3/119 Beardy St PO Box 85, Armidale NSW 2350 www.snelandcare.org.au [email protected] T 61 02 6772 9123 F 61 02 8209 6623 Photographs courtesy of the Directors and Staff of Southern New England Landcare except where otherwise stated. Design and layout by Kàren Zirkler, www.successinsitu.com.au. Contents

Introduction Chairman’s Report...... 4 Vision and Mission...... 4 Vale John Winter-Irving and Memorial Bequest...... 5 Our Directors...... 5 Our Staff...... 5 Our Groups...... 5 Executive Officer’s Report...... 6 Community Support Cross Catchment Community Support Project...... 8 Awards...... 9 Publications...... 9 Conferences and Events Frog Dreaming...... 10 Wool Expo and Sustainable Living Expo...... 11 Soil Health Forum...... 11 Landcare Adventure...... 11 On-Ground Project Reviews High Country Urban Biodiversity Project...... 12 Malpas Catchment Project...... 16 Environmental Trust...... 17 Caring For Our Country – Uralla and Walcha...... 17 Hotspots...... 17 Rural Womens’ Education: Recognising Women Farmers...... 18 UNE Landcare...... 19 Namoi CMA Partnerships...... 19 Northern CMA Incentives Grants...... 19 Community Action Grants...... 20 Pest Animals and Weeds...... 21 Research Projects New England Pellet Heater Project...... 22 Lower Apsley Carbon Project...... 22 Wongwibinda’s Compost Trial...... 22 Sponsors and Supporters...... 23 3 Introduction

Chairman’s Report

Southern New England including Ellen Nyberg, Brenda in project delivery in our region Landcare has seen three years Shepherd, and Nic Cobcroft, the where the two CMAs meet. of great achievements in the project was a great success. execution of natural resource Landcarers from our region were management in the region. The Landcare Community well represented at the National Resource Centre, which has been Landcare Awards in September The focus continues to be on made possible with financial 2012, with Balala- Brushgrove the work of many volunteers to assistance from Armidale Landcare Group a national implement projects throughout the Dumaresq Council, is home finalist after taking out the NSW community. to our dedicated team of staff Community Group Award in 2011. and volunteers. Credit for Well done to all who have been Landcare’s vital link between much of our success over many part of the achievements seen in natural ecosystems and the years must go to our Executive this part of our region. coexistence of humans can serve Officer Sonia Williams, for her the community now and into the I would like to acknowledge tireless contributions - not only future. Our landcarers have been the time taken by Southern to our organisation, but also to active in urban and agricultural New England Landcare’s Board Landcare and natural resource landscapes. Their work has members in overseeing the management across NSW. Thank encompassed education, extension, operations of our organisation. you to our Office Administrator project design and project Their ongoing commitment Lucy Chapman, and Community management. Many thanks to all demonstrates a passion that will Support Officers Bec Ballard the organisations partnering with enable landcare to prosper into the and Mahri Koch for their tireless Southern New England Landcare future. commitment throughout the year. over the past three years (their And thank you to our part-time Landcare is a grassroots community logos can be seen on the inside staff including Sara Schmude organisation, so special thanks front cover). (Schools Program), Heather must go to the members and Twenty twelve has seen the Apps (Administration), Sally volunteers who make up our completion of the High Country Taylor and Emily Ingram (Project organisation and ensure its Urban Biodiversity (HiCUB) Administration), and Ruth outcomes. They are an important Project where Southern New Tremont (Site Inspections). Thanks part of our landscape and our England Landcare partnered to the many others who have made community. with four Local Government a contribution to the management Steve Harvey, Chairman organisations and the University of of our projects. New England in a project funded This year we have been working by the NSW Environmental Trust. to improve our relationship with Here we saw the successful the three Catchment Management collaboration of project partners Authorities (CMA) within our Vision and Mission and many community volunteers to region. This will enable more Our VISION is for a vibrant, socially and economically healthy community complete the many tasks involved. effective joint planning and existing in a healthy, productive and Great preparation by our implementation of future projects. biodiverse environment. Partnership Officer Jackie Bowe, CMA and Border Our MISSION is to foster community and hard work by the HiCUB Rivers Gwydir CMA are also participation in sustainable natural 4 resource management. team, managed by Dave Carr, and looking at a more coordinated effort Vale John Winter-Irving and Memorial Bequest

It was with great sadness that John was involved with Landcare we experienced the sudden and at the group and network level unexpected loss of Southern and, through his role as Deputy This award will be announced New England Landcare’s highly Chair of New England North West annually at the Southern New esteemed and hard-working Landcare Network Chairs, he England Landcare Christmas Chairman, Mr John Winter-Irving, ensured that Landcare had a strong function, the inaugural award being in September 2011. John died while regional voice in order to retain and made in December 2012. working on one of the six properties build support from our CMAs. that he ran with the help of his In memory of John’s ready wife Ona on behalf of the family smile and infectious laugh, his partnership. enthusiasm, and his dignified and John was in the third year of thoughtful approach to his job as Our Groups his Chairmanship of Southern Chair, the Winter- Irving family During the period 2009-2012, the New England Landcare and has made a bequest which will following community groups were had been a dedicated worker for be awarded to a Southern New members of our organisation: Landcare and particularly for our England Landcarer, to further 1. Arding Landcare Group Inc. organisation for nearly 20 years. his or her skills and knowledge in 2. Aberfoyle Landcare Group In his role as Chairman, he was natural resource management or to 3. Armidale Urban Rivercare Group able to bring a perspective that provide leadership opportunities. 4. Balala-Brushgrove Landcare Group balanced traditional agricultural 5. Bergen Op Zoom - Ohio (BOZO) with alternative environmental Landcare Group approaches. 6. Boorolong Landcare Group Our Staff 7. Citizens’ Wildlife Corridors Inc. During the period 2009/10-2011/12 the following staff were employed. 8. Cooney Creek Landcare Group Executive Officer/Business Manager: 9. Dangarsleigh Landcare Group Our Directors • Sonia WILLIAMS 10. Ebor Conservation & Recreational Reserve Trust The following directors held office for Project Director HiCUB: the full period 2009/10-2011/2012 11. Glen-GRO Landcare Group unless otherwise stated: • Jackie BOWE (2009-10) 12. Grass Growers Tea Party • Shane Phillip ANDREWS (Secretary • David CARR (2010-12) 13. Harnham Landcare Group to 12/11/09, then ceased 12/11/09) Landcare Coordinators & Project 14. Herbert Park Landcare Group • Stephen John HARVEY Officers: (Chair 10/11/11 to current ) • Shane ANDREWS 15. Lower Apsley Landcare Group • Peter Angus LYTTON-HITCHINS • Bec BALLARD (Chair to 12/11/09, then ceased) 16. Malpas Catchment Management • Nic COBCROFT group • Richard John MACLEAN • Alice DEVLIN 17. Nowendoc Landcare Group • David Mathison Kendall MAILLER • Emily INGRAM (from 10/11/11) 18. Oaky Landcare Group • Mahri KOCH • William Malcolm PERROTTET (from 19. Rockvale Landcare Group • Ellen NYBERG 10/11/11) 20. Soil Health Forum • Tom POLLARD • Mary Caroline STREET 21. Sustainable Living Armidale Inc. (Honorary Treasurer) • Sara SCHMUDE 22. Uralla Rivercare Group • Michael Lind TAYLOR • Brenda SHEPHERD 23. Winterbourne-Moona Plains • John Clive WINTER-IRVING • Bec SMITH Landcare Group (Chair 9/11/09 to 13/09/11) • Sarah TAIT 24. Wongwibinda Landcare Group • Sally Rose WRIGHT • Sally TAYLOR 25. Woolbrook-Walcha Road • Karen Maree ZIRKLER • Ruth TREMONT Landcare Group (Secretary from 12/11/09) 5 • Chris WHACKETT 26. Yarrowitch-Tia Landcare Group Introduction

Executive Officer’s Report

During the reporting period of as and when appropriate resources nature of Landcare is supported. 2009/10 to 2011/12, Southern become available. The reinstatement of Landcare New England widened its scope of Southern New England Landcare group funding in the form of operations, whilst at the same time has been proactive in giving its Federally funded Community continued to service its traditional members a voice by influencing Action Grants is an example of members and member groups. those with influence: hosting what this lobbying can achieve. The High Country Urban site visits for the likes of Major These group-scale grants have been Boidiversity Project, funded from General Jefferies, Ross Garnaut, a great boon to re-establishing the NSW Environmental Trust, and speaking to the Parliamentary group activity and helping provided resources to better Committee into the Role of Landcare to return to group-led support the urban community to Government in Assisting Farmers action and learning. be involved in ‘Landcare’ type Adapt to Climate Change. Key Performance activities. The project has many Via our involvement with the Indicators legacies that will allow support to regional New England North West continue into the future. Southern New England Landcare Landcare Network Chairs, we have Ltd works under a Strategic Plan, The Landcare Resource Centre been instrumental in supporting which has four main objectives, was established as part of the the reinstatement of the Regional and an Implementation plan, project. It has provided a base to Landcare Facilitator Program which outlines strategies and tasks many community groups, and has across the area. We are also able to to achieve our objectives over the allowed us to establish a library, make input to Landcare NSW and coming year/s. The following table meeting facilities, equipment the National Landcare Network in provides a snapshot of performance storage, and computer facilities for an effort to ensure the grass roots against these objectives. group use, all in a central location in the CBD. Many thanks to Objective Snapshot of Outcomes for 2009/10 - 2011/12 Armidale Dumaresq Council for Innovative on- Example projects include: ground natural Hotspots their support of this great facility. resource Soil Health Forum events management Lower Apsley Carbon Audit We also successfully adapted to practices and Landcare Adventure the change of focus from local education HiCUB Environmental Trust R&R grants - CWC & Erosion - with bird and regional targets to Federal monitoring targets under the Caring for Our Build and service Established a Landcare Resource Centre our networks Increased focus on urban group support Country program. However, this Assist groups with reporting and management of group-level meant that we were unable to work funded projects Active participation in regional and State-wide Landcare ‘from the ground up’ in meeting representative bodies member’s needs. Much thought and Work with landholders and others to develop ‘shelf’ projects Implemented Salesforce database for member contact and effort was expended in developing project tracking Increased use of web-based and e-news flashes for timely ways in which we could meld and dissemination of opportunities mesh top-down targets to local Build and maintain Board training in Financial Literacy and Management needs. An Expression of Interest staff and board Adaptive management training course for senior staff capacity process allows us to develop ‘shelf’ Provide financial Sourced Landcare project management work to diversify projects with landholders that can security for our funding base organization Implemented accruals accounting system 6 be quickly developed into grant Increased retained earnings as a buffer against changes to applications by our Project Officers funding Introduction

“The Landcare Resource Centre ... allowed us to establish a library, meeting facilities for groups, central storage for loan equipment, and group computer facilities—all in a central location in the CBD.”

Governance 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Total % Income Southern New England Landcare Grant funding 728,228 843,654 1,772,325 3,344,207 85.4% Sponsorship 16,554 16,729 17,223 50,506 1.3% Ltd, is a not-for-profit company, Fees charged 19,354 96,642 121,305 237,301 6.1% set up in response to the changed Cash contributions 77,368 62,205 89,159 228,732 5.8% funding environment in which Sundry income 1,499 570 1,739 3,808 0.1% Interest 5,693 19,821 26,063 51,577 1.3% Landcare now operates. The Total Income $848,696 $1,039,619 $2,027,814 $3,916,129 100.0% membership of the Company is Expenditure open to all Landcare and similar Landcare works, M&E 276,058 281,159 1,116,791 1,674,008 43.4% Education & resources 74,070 105,727 180,772 360,569 9.3% groups in the region, and the Wages & staff costs 400,983 544,429 591,280 1,536,692 39.8% function of the company is to Other 79,176 92,911 115,890 287,977 7.5% resource and promote Landcare in Total Expenditure $830,287 $1,024,226 $2,004,733 $3,859,246 100.0% Surplus $18,409 $15,393 $23,081 $56,883 the region. Assets The Company is governed by a Cash 271,774 484,682 495,253 Receivables 85,182 87,775 95,965 Board of Directors with a wide Property plant equipment 32,498 26,062 17,347 range of skills in landcare, business, Total Assets $389,454 $598,519 $608,565 community and other areas. The Liabilities Loans & borrowings 8,183 3,582 - Board meet at least six times Creditors and accruals 40,671 84,047 168,425 per year and review delivery of Employee provisions 34,025 43,449 64,193 programs, strategic directions and Unspent grant funds 234,127 379,560 264,985 Total Liabilities $317,006 $510,638 $497,603 marketing. Member Funds $72,448 $87,881 $110,962 The Southern New England the three year period 2009-2010 Landcare Coordinating Committee Key Financial to 2011-2012, groups received (SNELCC) Inc quarterly meetings Indicators 2009-2012 $208,094 in funding for projects. are utilised as a reference panel Southern New England Landcare to ensure that the actions of the In addition to the cash resources has its accounts audited annually Company meet the needs of the received by our organization and to standards in accordance with Landcare and broader community. organizations we have assisted, the Corporations Act 2011. A full we receive significant in-kind copy of each years audited report contributions from our members, can be obtained from the office of partner organizations and the Southern New England Landcare wider community. Whilst the or downloaded from our website value of this can be somewhat www.snelandcare.org.au. subjective, Southern New England Other Contributions & conservatively estimates that this is Financial Resources in the order of at least $2.5 million.

Our staff have also assisted our Thus for the 2009-2012 period, Landcare groups to access grants more than $6.6 million worth of (i.e. grants that were not received community-based natural resource through Southern New England management on-ground works and Landcare Ltd) for Landcare group- education was achieved! 7 scale projects and resources. For Community Support

“The CSO project is the basis of our support to the community... Southern New England Landcare has facilitated more than $6.6 million dollars worth of community-based natural resource management on- ground works and education projects.”

Cross Catchment Community Support Project

The Cross Catchment highly successful Frog Dreaming community is essential to help Community Support project Conference was supported annually inform NRM projects and underpinned Southern New through the Southern New programs. This project provides England Landcare’s operations England Landcare community the infrastructure that allows the during this triennial period. support program. community to be connected to NRM programs and policy. Northern Rivers and Border Community support staff delivered Rivers-Gwydir CMA’s together many workshops, field days Our database of more than 800 contributed $124,000 (2011-2012) and training events, a number supporters and 400 financial towards the project. These funds of annual regional agricultural members is a valuable resource that were combined with funding from and sustainable living expos and enables a ready market for ideas Armidale Dumaresq Council and shows, and guided the completion and opportunities. Southern New other project officer allocations of on-ground works projects in England Landcare has invested from current projects to employ all sections of the Southern New further to ensure we have a high part-time Landcare Coordinators England Landcare network. Staff quality customer relationship to service the Southern New developed new partnerships, management platform upon which England Landcare community. grew existing partnerships, and to maintain our records. facilitated project development The CSO project is the basis of The Community Support workshops with landholders and our support to the community. Program allows us to work with other major NRM bodies. Acting as a trusted interface groups, members and the wider between landholders, consultancies, The Community Support Project community to ensure local needs government agencies and programs, is about more than just NRM are incorporated into project design Southern New England Landcare outcomes. We recognise that and delivery. has facilitated over $6.6 million an empowered and supported dollars worth of community based natural resource management on-ground works and education projects.

A Schools Landcare Coordinator employed for one day per week 8 focused on delivery of Landcare programs to district schools. The Awards Publications

A total of nine awards were NSW: Winner - Southern Landchat made to Southern New England New England Landcare. Six editions of Landchat were Landcare, its groups or projects: • 2011 Northern Rivers produced for each year in this • 2009 Namoi NRM Awards, Landcare Awards, Urban review with a hard copy circulation Special Award for outstanding Landcare Award: Winner of 1000 per issue, as well as being leadership and community - Armidale Urban Rivercare available at www.snelandcare.org. engagement in natural Group. au. resource management in the • 2011 -Gwydir Landchat is one of two main Namoi Catchment. Landcare & Catchment communication tools for the • 2009 Namoi NRM Awards, Management Innovation in organisation. In February 2011 Community Group Award - Sustainable Farm Practices we introduced our e-news—a Encouragement - For adopting Award: Engineered fortnightly distribution of news sound land management Woodlands Project. and events that we send to our practices on public or private • 2011 Border Rivers-Gwydir Landchat recipients who have land and working towards Landcare & Catchment email. This has proven to be a sustainable land use and Management Community very useful and efficient means protecting an area on behalf of Group Award: Balala- of promoting events and funding the community. Brushgrove Landcare. opportunities in a timely manner. • 2010/11 Local Government • 2011 State Landcare Find Landchat Issues 72 -89 at and Shires Associations Community Group Award www.snelandcare.org.au under the of NSW – Excellence in (& National Finalist): Balala- ‘Latest News’ menu. the Environment Awards: Brushgrove Landcare Group. , & Armidale Dumaresq • 2012 Keep Australia Councils and Southern New Beautiful, Tidy Towns England Landcare – Winner Sustainable Communities Div. B Natural Environment Awards (Wildlife Corridors Protection & Enhancement & Habitats Conservation Outcomes Award for HiCUB Project. ): • 9 awards in 3 years HiCUB Project. • 18 editions of Landchat distributed • 2011 Landcare Australia 9 to 1000 readers Community Group Award Community Support

“All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today...” Frog Dreaming Participant

Conferences and Events

Frog Dreaming Following performances, students “It is so important that we all work and their teachers discussed the together to create solutions for our During spring of each year, 80 possibilities of turning their ideas problems.” inspired children from regional into action, and presented their schools connected with their “It was great how everyone in plans to the conference. natural environment and each other our tribe was given a chance to through story telling, dance and Representatives from Southern contribute.” New England Landcare, Border song at the two day Frog Dreaming “All the flowers of all the tomorrows Rivers-Gwydir CMA and other Conference. are in the seeds of today.” organisations such as Thalgarrah Prior to the conference, each Environmental Education Centre “Meeting heaps of new friends was participating school identified a provided support and resources to really cool!” local natural resource management develop, implement and manage “I think the kids had a really good issue of importance to it. Students the childrens’ projects. time, and learnt a lot in the process.” then designed and developed an artistic performance based on this From the Dreamers I thought the storytelling was issue and presented it to the other “I made friends with kids that I never very special, the fire twirlers were schools at the conference. thought I would.” fantastic and the drumming circle to end Tuesday festivities was truly Common issues chosen by schools “Bec, did you know that that was beautiful!” included protection of urban the most amazing thing I have ever habitat, weed control, managing done?” pollution in school grounds, and recycled art. “It was great fun to dress up and paint our faces.” Aboriginal culture and heritage was explored and experienced with “We learnt so much about the local Elders through drama, art environment in a fun atmosphere full works, music and mixed media of creativity.” presentations. “Sara you are awesome!”

Outcomes • 240 students connected with each other and their environment • Key NRM themes explored through music and dance • Local biodiversity management action plans developed 10 • Aboriginal cultural heritage showcased Community Support

Wool Expo & Soil Health Forum Landcare Adventure

Sustainable Living A Field Day with Dr Judi Earl The 13th Landcare Adventure was Expo presented a hands-on look at Hosted by Southern New England planned grazing and the issues and Landcare at Guyra on the 16th- Southern New England Landcare gains to be made (Kentucky, 2010). 17th March 2011. partnered with other local businesses and organisations, with Dr Christine Jones and Garry The event featured knowledge, displays promoting natural resource McDouall spoke on soil carbon experience, experimentation, management in our region at these and sequestration, dispelled myths, innovation, networking, and popular annual events which attract and highlighted opportunities and capacity building on a regional a range of community members challenges (Uralla, 2011). scale. It was all about providing including school children and resource managers with the tools Delivering Healthy Soils, Healthy landholders. to build their capacity and their People workshops, Dr Maarten resilience through a desire to Stapper toured the New England experiment, recognise opportunities (2011) in to highlight the vital work and develop a knowledge and skill of soil biota in making nutrients base to implement ideas. available to plants. Among the topics covered Dr Carol Hungerford outlined were pastured eggs, soil health, important information, about organic potato farming and weed health problems associated with management in production systems; modern mass food production biodiversity, aquatic weed and and associated farming practices wetland management; Indigenous (Uralla, 2012). Protected Area management plans, identifying fuel loads, eucalyptus identification and methods of Outcomes propagating native plants. • 100 farmers contributed to biodiversity conservation • Sustainable land management practices instigated on 50 ha • 200 members and 1000 volunteers Outcomes Outcomes participated • 360 landholders with increased • 3 sustainable farm tours • Partnerships formed with 2 Local management skills Government organisations • 3-day exhibits at each annual event • 15 landcare champions recognised • 2500 attendees each year • Soil health information provided to 5,000 people at 3 expos • Regional NRM partnerships • Averaged 6 groups of 25 school established and extended children participating in activities • 25 landholders implementing a granite soil trial at Balala • Hosted the 2011 Border Rivers each year Gwydir CMA Regional Landcare • 160 attended 2 soil health Awards dinner 11 workshops On-Ground Project Reviews

“HiCUB ... demonstrated Southern New England Landcare’s ability to manage a large $2 million project to achieve not only on- ground outcomes, but a well-resourced community with stronger partnerships.”

High Country Urban Biodiversity Project

The High Country Urban • It was an effective partnership who developed the project Biodiversity project (HiCUB) with Local Government, application and business plan. The was the largest urban demonstrating Southern New business plan and program logic set environmental project England Landcare’s skills in out five objectives and 18 outcomes undertaken on the Northern managing large contracts on for the project. Tablelands. their behalf Objective 1 Four Councils—Walcha, Uralla, • It demonstrated Southern New Improve the ecological health of Armidale-Dumaresq and Guyra— England Landcare’s ability urban riparian lands and bush lands contracted Southern New England to manage a large (more than including Ecologically Endangered Landcare to deliver the project in $2M) project Communities: reduce weeds; increase the urban areas of Walcha, Uralla, • It expanded Southern New in area and quality of native Kentucky, Armidale, Ebor, Guyra England Landcare’s role from vegetation; erosion remediation; and and Ben Lomond between 2009 rural Landcare to include improve habitat linkages at landscape and 2012. urban areas scale. This unique Council-Community • It significantly increased On-ground works were conducted partnership delivered significant community capacity, at numerous sites in riparian zones, on-ground works, engaged broad partnerships and resources, urban bushland, community sections of the community and built including the Landcare parkland and peri-urban lands. trust and capacity among Councils, Resource Centre and These works included major community organisations and the in-stream erosion control and broader communities. • It achieved major on-ground sediment interception works; outcomes. HiCUB was a significant project bush regeneration; large-scale for Southern New England HiCUB was established in 2008- revegetation; and development Landcare in many ways: 09 by a large group of stakeholders of plans for conservation and

12 management. Works were carried contractors Eco Logical Australia, projects which protect this out by Councils, contractors and community volunteers and other biodiversity. by volunteers and community contractors. Detailed reports are Objective 5 organisations. On-ground projects available. Improve resource use efficiency include at least one highly visible Objective 4 site in each local government area. - increase utilization of council Increase long-term participation mulch; increase uptake of rebates for Objective 2 in urban ecosystem rehabilitation rainwater tanks, and alternative Improve the effectiveness of councils targeting community volunteerism energy technology; decrease nutrient and community effort toward and investment from private and load in town water supply. environmental rehabilitation through government sources. The major works on Urandangie improved integration, collaboration During the life of the project, Creek will significantly improve and greater knowledge transfer the HiCUB team worked very the quality of Armidale’s water between councils and stakeholders. hard on increasing community supply. HiCUB used over 1000m3 Perhaps the most significant understanding of the HiCUB of Council mulch. outcome of the HiCUB project has project aims and to get as many The legacy of HiCUB is a series of been the increase in collaboration people involved as possible. The continuing projects in each town, between various sustainability active recruitment and involvement a well-resourced community and stakeholders on the Northern of the community led to a greater stronger partnerships among all Tablelands. The level of cooperation understanding of the value of urban participated. between Councils and community biodiversity and of the impact that organisations has greatly increased, people have on it – both positive built on mutual understanding and and negative. We believe that trust. this will lead to positive changes Objective 3 in behaviour and a greater level of support for local government Monitor, evaluate and implement improvement in approaches to rehabilitation of urban areas.

Monitoring and evaluation of the biophysical and social outcomes 13 of HiCUB was achieved by On-Ground Project Reviews

Armidale Uralla Guyra

Already very active in sustainability Works in Uralla focused on priority projects included bush and environmental conservation, recommendations contained in the regeneration, urban plantings, many Armidale community Uralla Sub-catchment Management walking tracks and major riparian organisations participated in Plan: to decrease sediment loads works and took place in Guyra, HiCUB, volunteering thousands of into Rocky and Uralla Creeks Ben Lomond and Ebor and in rural hours and resources. and improve the condition of the areas adjacent to Guyra. riparian vegetation. The Dumaresq Creek Riparian A major project was Urandangie Works is a highly visible project Activities included stream bed Creek works to reduce sediment with thousands of trees and shrubs modification and plantings on and nutrients entering Malpas planted along the creeklands, private, public and council- Dam, the major water supply for interpretive signage, bush managed land in several locations Armidale. While entirely on rural regeneration, willow removal and in Rocky Creek and Uralla Creek. land, this project will have a major rock revetment. Used by many Projects improved habitat for impact on the urban population of residents for recreation, the project aquatic wildlife, particularly the Armidale. has significantly improved amenity. native water rat and platypus. Guyra had no existing Over time plantings will provide Bush regeneration activities took environmental groups, although food and shelter for wildlife that place in two locations: Mount there was a strong ethic of use the creek as a corridor. Mutton and The Glen, with the looking after the town. HiCUB The project increased collaboration aim of stimulating a local group experienced great success by between Council, community to care for these places and also to working with existing community organisations, contractors and provide opportunities for schools, organisations, including Guyra Southern New England Landcare. volunteers and participants in Work Bowling Club, Rotary and local The membership and capacity of for The Dole and Juvenile Justice schools. Great input was made several groups has increased as a programs. to projects by the Ben Lomond result. Landcare Group and Ebor Village Link.

Outcomes • 21,200 seedlings established • 10.7 ha weed control Outcomes • 3.8 ha revegetated • 3000 seedlings established Outcomes • 44 community open days or • 2.2 ha weed control • 18550 seedlings established working bees • 3400 m2 revegetated • 2000 m2 weed control • 1339 volunteers • 19 community open days and • 4.5 ha revegetated • 210 field day visitors working bees • 13 community open days and • 18 media articles • 275 volunteers working bees 14 • 13 projects • 3 media articles • 148 volunteers • 45 partner organisations • 21 partner organisations • 28 partner organisations On-Ground Project Reviews

Walcha Regional

The Walcha working group decided Several projects were not confined to focus on rehabilitation of the to a particular town, and impacted Apsley River within the levee banks the whole region, including SLEX of Walcha. This major project and Frog Dreaming, which drew involved river bed modification people from across the region and and minor beautification measures beyond. While these projects did recommended by the Floodplain not bring in the greatest number Risk Management Committee. It of volunteers, they were able to was a challenge to develop a plan bring attention to locally significant that had maximum benefits for environmental and sustainability biodiversity, beautified the area issues like biodiversity in New and was consistent with flood England woodlands, and wood management guidelines. smoke.

Planning began in July 2010 after In addition, HiCUB staff months of rain and minor flooding. actively participated in regional By the time construction began in initiatives such as New England late 2011, significant progress had Sustainability Strategy (NESS), the been made with revegetation: most New England Wind community levee plantings were underway or wind farm project, Farming the finished. Sun solar bulk-buy scheme and Northern Rivers and Border Initially, Walcha’s urban Rivers-Gwydir CMA Catchment community was tough to get on- Action Plan development. board, but after completion of the construction and plantings, both HiCUB also supported regional Council and the community are groups such as Sustainable proud of their beautiful levee area. Living Armidale, National Parks Association, the Soils Forum and the Regional Energy working group.

Outcomes • 20000 seedlings established Outcomes • 500m2 weed control • 420 native seedlings established • 1ha revegetated • 14 community open days and • 10 community open days and working bees working bees • Over 10,000 people reached • 15 partner organisations • 46 partner organisations 15 • 10 media articles • 13 media articles On-Ground Project Reviews

Malpas Catchment Project

The Malpas Catchment Group • ‘Wild About Guyra’ Field Day CSO project for the Malpas aims to improve natural resource held in South Guyra TSR coordinator. management resulting in • AIMS courses held in the Grants for Landcare on-ground sustainable and profitable landuse, Guyra region works were scarce nationally with an improvement in the water during the financial year. In 2011, quality in the Malpas and Guyra • 2 Malpas landholders involved Southern New England Landcare Dams and Macleay Catchment. in NRCMA ‘Demonstrating won a grant of $148,000 from the Biological and Conventional During the 2009/10, 2010/11, and Caring For Our Country program Approaches to Improving Soil 2011/12 financial years, the Malpas to fund on-ground works and Health on the NE Tablelands” Catchment community continued landholder capacity building across Project working toward the objectives of its the Malpas catchment to June Environmental Management Plan. • Malpas Family Day involved 2013. members of New England Collaborative activities and events Sailing Club and Armidale promoted through the Malpas Rowing Club as stakeholders, Catchment Project during these as well as local landholders years included: • Malpas landholder hosted • Preparation and submission of Northern Rivers CMA Board Landchat articles and Malpas for a half day field trip Catchment newsletters • Banbai Business Enterprises • SLEX ‘Water Cycling’ Bus engaged to develop bush Tour visits to Malpas Dam regeneration plans in Guyra • Work and history of the • Waterwatch kit made available Malpas Catchment Group to Malpas Committee, shared at Landcare Adventure landholders and schools Outcomes in Guyra, March 2011 – advertised in Malpas • 6 field days, expos and community • Launch of the Urandangie Catchment news. events showcasing the Malpas Creek Water Quality region Partnerships with numerous Enhancement Project and • 3 pasture management training stakeholders continued, with courses with 35 landholder Malpas Group catch-up dinner Armidale Dumaresq Council participants from the Malpas region at Urandangie, March 2011 funding the Catchment • 4 regional schools received NRM information • Malpas Catchment Group Coordinator position, and Guyra • 5 on-ground works projects stand at Guyra Show each year Shire Council providing office completed space for the Coordinator and • Black Mountain, Bald Blair, • 20 media communications meetings. The Northern Rivers & showcasing the Malpas Catchment St Mary’s and Guyra Central Border Rivers- Gwydir CMA’s 16 schools visited by Malpas contributed funding under their Schools Coordinator On-Ground Project Reviews

Environmental Trust CfOC Uralla & Walcha Hotspots

Improving Degraded Riparian Areas Enhancing Connectivity of Hotspots was run at Enmore and Remediating Eroded Lands Remnant Native Vegetation (2009) and Wards Mistake (2010) increased knowledge and awareness in Walcha/Uralla District was and helped landholders understand of the value of riparian areas funded through the Australian how to manage fire for biodiversity. to agriculture and biodiversity. Government’s Caring for Our Two interactive workshops Works protected riparian zones, Country Program. The project consisted of site visits and property reduced erosion and sedimentation, created biodiversity corridors planning. Landholders learnt about and improved water quality in across the landscape and connected different vegetation types on their the Northern Rivers and Border remnant vegetation. This will properties and how they respond Rivers-Gwydir Catchments. increase habitat for native species, to fire, recommended fire intervals improve ground cover and water use Vegetation Management for for each and different ecological efficiency. Threatened Woodland Birds, in responses to hot versus cool burns. partnership with Citizens Wildlife Numerous community awareness Vegetation surveys were conducted Corridors Inc, improved habitat raising activities were supported on participating properties and and strengthened links, corridors as a part of this project. These landholders developed property and refuges between remnants. included the Landcare Adventure, plans identifying fire management Frog Dreaming Conference, New Bird surveys (In Sight Ecology) zones. England and Sustainable Living developed baseline data. Displays Expo displays and local field Landholders who completed this were held at regional events days. Project Planning workshops program had access to incentive (Landcare Adventure, Wool allowed landholders to access funding to implement strategies Expo, Shows, SLEX, field days). technical advice and budgeting and that would allow fuel loads to Waterwatch and tree planting mapping support to develop future accumulate for a desired ecological occurred at Frog Dreaming. on ground projects. These projects response when conducting a burn. have since been included in follow- Hotspots was funded by the Outcomes on funding applications. Northern Rivers CMA and • 23 sites on 18 properties implemented by Never Never • 9 ha of eroded land remediated Resources in partnership with • 10.3 km of stream protected Southern New England Landcare • 58 ha of riparian land protected and NSW Rural Fire Service. • 32 ha of remnant land protected Outcomes • 24 ha of land revegetated • 24 sites on 22 properties • 29.5 km of fencing constructed • 8.2 km of stream protected • 63 bird species recorded at riparian • 77 ha of riparian land protected Outcomes project sites • 85 ha of remnant land protected • 25 properties involved • 44 & 45 bird species recorded at • 18.5 ha of land revegetated • 35 land managers involved remnant and revegetated sites respectively • 26 km of fencing constructed • 4 (2x2) workshops delivered • 20 property plans developed 17 On-Ground Project Reviews

Rural Women’s Education: Recognising Women Farmers

Women’s Business There was a wide range of Women Adapting to workshop topics including Funded by the Department of Changing Landscapes Aboriginal Cultural heritage and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, bush tucker walks, soil carbon and An active group of agricultural this project focussed on connection healthy soils, how to manage stress, women from north of Guyra to country, networking, finding no dig gardening and cooking to south of Walcha and east to balance, discussing the big issues your produce. Participants also Kempsey were participants in a for women on the land and sharing heard an inspirational talk about series of five workshops. knowledge and real life stories of an Aboriginal youth program The aim of the project was to form ordinary women achieving amazing for troubled and disadvantaged a women’s group and provide things. youth—BackTrack—which is a networking opportunity for Two workshops were held in up-skilling and building the agricultural women in the Southern January and April 2012 where confidence of participants and New England to learn about women of the land participated in helping the community through climate change and its potential learning, laughter and networking. numerous volunteer efforts. impact on their businesses. Attendees came from numerous An educational DVD on both Understanding the importance backgrounds with European and Women’s Business workshops of biodiversity to the landscape Aboriginal ethnic groups well was developed by TAFE New and using new technologies in represented. Both workshops England, showcasing the activities agricultural businesses was also were very popular and a highlight delivered by the Project. The DVD a focus for the group. Having for many was learning about the will continue to be used at other fun along the way, the group has Banbai people, the traditional regional events where Southern recently started a Facebook page owners of “Wattle Ridge”, hosts of New England Landcare is entitled Armidale Rural Womens the first workshop. represented. The Women’s Business Network. The speakers at both workshops Project complemented the Women The Rural Women’s Group were recognised as being highly in Changing Landscapes Project. continues to come together every successful in their chosen field two months with Southern New and their success was achieved England Landcare providing the through hard work and developing Outcomes venue and co-ordination. networks, providing a good • 2 workshops, 104 participants example to the women present. (indigenous and non indigenous) • Inspirational talks by local women Outcomes • Increased understanding of indigenous culture & NRM • 5 educational workshops • Increased resilience of rural women • Formation of Armidale Rural through mental health education Women’s Network (39 members) and self awareness • Facebook page to share • Educational DVD as a valuable achievements 18 resource • Stronger ties between partner organisations On-Ground Project Reviews

Namoi CMA Northern Rivers CMA UNE Landcare Partnerships Incentives Grants

A number of high quality In 2011, Southern New England A grant of $23,900 was awarded bushland remnants exist on the Landcare entered into two joint to the Finlaysons at “Pointsfield”, University of New England venture partnership agreements Wollomombi, through the (UNE) campus. Over the years with Namoi CMA. The first Northern Rivers CMA Incentives the UNE Landcare group has agreement convened two workshops Grants program to implement the come and gone, depending on with Southern New England Wollomombi River Reach plan the support available. To develop communities aimed at developing during 2010 and 2011. links with UNE, HiCUB took projects deemed necessary by those Stage one of the Plan protected the opportunity to reinvigorate communities. Both workshops 10 ha of land either side of the the group, supporting riparian were well-attended and a number Wollomombi River. The Finlaysons plantings, bush regeneration and of locally important project plans constructed 2550 m of stock plant identification activities. were developed for future funding exclusion fencing and planted possibilities. UNE Landcare developed a strong 2,600 native tree and shrub partnership with UNE Facilities The second partnership saw Namoi seedlings, installed off-stream Management Services (FMS) who CMA and Southern New England watering points, and removed prepared planting sites, removed Landcare deliver a number of field invasive grasses and weeds from 10 green waste and provided funds for days to address key threatening ha of “Pointsfield” straddling both willow and poplar removal. processes occurring over 40 ha of sides of the river. Stage 2 of the endangered upland wetlands of the River Reach Plan is now ready for This partnership will continue, with southern New England Tablelands. implementation. plans to revegetate the next stage of Interested landholders were also Dumaresq Creek, and include the engaged under Land Management Armidale Urban Rivercare Group. Agreements with Namoi CMA to protect and repair wetland areas on their properties.

Outcomes • 630 seedlings planted • 220m3 mulch spread • 600m2 riparian land revegetated • 1000m2 weed control and removal • Three bush regeneration• activities with 82 volunteers Outcomes Outcomes • Four revegetation activities with 76 • 35 landholders gained awareness of • 2,600 seedlings planted volunteers key threatening processes to upland • 10 ha riparian reach controlled for • Two plant identification workshops wetlands weeds with 16 participants • 40 ha upland wetlands committed • 2.55 km river reach stock exclusion • Four UNE Talloires Committee to protection fencing meetings 19 On-Ground Project Reviews

Community Action Grants

Armidale Urban Rivercare The project has increased the rural New England communities. extent, condition, connectivity, Armidale Urban Rivercare Group Wongwibinda and resilience of native habitat facilitated group members to at Dangarsleigh. Over time, the Wongwibinda Landcare Group has provide much needed maintenance plantings will also lead to improved been involved in a long term goal of native plantings that had soil health and reduce erosion. to preserve and restore vegetation previously been established along in the riparian zones of Doughboy Dumaresq Creek in Armidale. Glen GRO and Kangaroo Creeks, and to This ongoing program of riparian Glen GRO Landcare Group develop and restore crosslinks rehabilitation saw the removal completed a spectacular between the two creeks. During of invasive weeds that were rehabilitation and enhancement the past 20 years many projects threatening the revegetated sites. project at Majors Corner, Walcha, have been implemented on several BOZO where 720 m of Thunderbolts Way member properties to achieve this. roadside was cleared of weeds The group undertook the next stage BOZO Landcare Group and planted with 800 natives. of the plan with 1.9 km of riparian established native tree and shrub Group members established a rock fencing and 130 ha of remnant plantings as corridors across two walkway, a native grasses garden, vegetation fenced from stock member properties as part of the and a large log seat at the site to grazing at Wongwibinda Station. group’s action plan to enhance encourage the travelling public to A further 400 ha was fenced for biodiversity connectivity in the appreciate the native vegetation. intensive grasslands management BOZO district. This Community Taking centre place on the site aimed at improving pasture Action Grant provided biodiverse plan were three 6 m tall totem biodiversity and increasing soil native tree corridors across 5.8 ha poles erected to complete the carbon sequestration. of the Bergen Op-Zoom Ohio area, enhancement of the site. linking existing areas of vegetation. Dangarsleigh Soil Health Forum Soil Health Forum members Outcomes Dangarsleigh Landcare Group delivered “Best Management • 66 volunteer community members completed a revegetation project to involved Practices for Soil Health”. This was connect existing remnant Yellow • 4 km riparian area weeded and an education project for landholders Box/Blakely’s Red gum woodlands, maintained in the Armidale region aimed establishing 3.1 ha of biodiversity • 1.9 km river reach stock exclusion at assisting them to learn about fencing corridors on four properties. A ways of reducing chemical inputs • 720 m roadside weeds removed mix of 4,060 local native tree and to soil while increasing carbon • 5.58 ha revegetated shrub species were planted. The sequestration and mineralisation • 130 ha remnant woodland new seedlings will be monitored of compost and compost tea. protected and protected by group members, Key consultant for the project, • 4,860 seedlings planted with weed control, exclusion fence Dr Christine Jones, presented • 3.1 ha fenced & revegetated maintenance, and watering to be 20 workshops and field days that were • Envirowalk and native grass garden undertaken as the seasons pass. established extremely popular with urban and On-Ground Project Reviews

Pest Animals and Weeds

Reducing Rabbits Coordinated Fox Weeds of National Control Project Significance Project The project reduced rabbit populations at Balala-Brushgrove Southern New England Landcare, Funding secured by BRG CMA and Guyra to levels that allow in collaboration with the New through the Caring for Our recovery of threatened floral species England Livestock Health and Country program raised awareness and ecological communities. Pest Authority and NSW National of Weeds of National Significance Parks delivered the Coordinated (WONS) across the New England Workshops were held to plan a Fox Control Program from June to North West. coordinated approach. Kingstown August (2009 to 2011). and Uralla Schools were invited Workshops and field days were to the Brushgrove field day where NELHPA and NPWS contributed held on identification and control children collected rabbit data. funding and technical assistance methods for Serrated Tussock, Thirty landholders did extensive while Southern New England Chilean Needle Grass, Gorse and on-ground rabbit control works. Landcare provided the community Bridal Creeper. networks, project coordination and Rabbit populations at Brushgrove The project was administered by logistical support. were significantly reduced and Northern Inland Weeds Advisory follow-up integrated control The community became involved in Council, with Southern New programs were put in place to a range of control methods through England Landcare delivering the further impact populations. the Fox Foot Raffle, Shooting Log awareness raising and education Draw and Coordinated Baiting component. Landholders agreed to continue Raffle, with local businesses follow up works in autumn and Partnering with National Parks and providing incentive prizes. winter and reported improved Wildlife Service, Livestock Health ground cover in areas initially Field days highlighted the impacts and Pest Authority, and local denuded of vegetation. of foxes on agriculture and government agencies, outbreaks biodiversity while demonstrating of WONS were mapped for the Delivery assisted by Border Rivers- that cooperative control efforts Tablelands and western slopes, and Gwydir CMA under Caring for reduce the rate of reinvasion and chemical and mechanical methods Our Country. landholders save time and money. applied to eradicate or control infestations. Outcomes • $64,000 invested over 16,000 ha Outcomes involving 30 landholders for rabbit • 19,630 baits distributed per year control programs • 350 participating properties per • 30 plans made for coordinated year control in Kingstown and Uralla • 31 community baiting groups • XX local students engaged in rabbit population monitoring • 34 volunteer coordinators • XX workshops improved skills of XX • 40 landholders trained in the safe 21 landholders use of 1080/pindone Research Projects

New England Pellet Lower Apsley River’s Wongwibinda’s Heater Project Carbon Project Compost Trial

Southern New England Landcare In 2007, prompted by concern Claims have been made for the conducted a research project to see about climate change issues, the efficacy of compost often without whether pellet heaters are a viable Lower Apsley River Landcare the comparison of alternative option for reducing wood smoke Group organized the Walcha treatments or untreated controls pollution in New England. Carbon Forum, attracting 130 and the researchers were interested regional participants. The event in looking at the effect of various The project conducted a literature prompted the group to conduct treatments on pastures and soils. review, material research their carbon ‘audit’ during 2009/10, and a community survey to From 2009-2012 Wongwibinda which looked at better understand the value of Pastoral Company (WPC) and pellet heaters and the level of 1. carbon stores in the landscape Dr Lewis Kahn of Agricultural understanding of them in the – principally the soils, trees Information & Monitoring Services community. It also looked at the and pastures (AIMS) conducted a Meat & qualities of local tree and weed Livestock Australia (MLA) funded 2. carbon flows through a typical species for pellet manufacture. trial. Lower Apsley pasture paddock The project concluded that pellet AIMS used a replicated plot trial 3. greenhouse gas emissions heaters can provide a similar heat with 3 levels of compost and 3 rates from fuel and electricity use, output and aesthetic experience to of single superphosphate. Pasture nitrogen fertilisers and from a slow combustion wood heater, production and quality per dollar livestock. but are more expensive to purchase. spent were compared. There was a strong case for pellet As many farmers suspected, All treatments increased pasture heater installation subsidies because results confirmed that there are production with the largest effect of the significant public health huge stores of carbon in a New seen for superphosphate. Compost benefits. England grazing landscape increased soil carbon, and trace – well over 4 million tonnes of Project partners included the mineral concentration of pasture. carbon (C02-e) was estimated to Institute for Rural Futures, Superphosphate increased soil occur in the soils and vegetation Sustainable Living Armidale and phosphorus, soil fungi, protein and of the 16,500 ha group area. the National Centre for Rural major minerals. See the full report at www. Greenhouse Gas Research and snelandcare.org.au/linkedfiles/ A paddock walk and talk was the project was funded by the CarbonAuditQantasSmall.pdf held in April to communicate and Rural Industries Research and demonstrate results and MLA will Development Corporation, who finance the trial for two more years. will publish results in 2012.

Outcomes Outcomes Outcomes • 1 literature review, materials review • local carbon audit results • pasture quality and production and community survey results • farmer friendly brochure outlining results for compost and • 1 research report publication results of the study superphosphate applications • 1 conference presentation • technical report • a further 2 years of research • 2 local public events. • launch of the brochure at a public • a field day in April 2012 22 forum in Walcha, June 2010. demonstrated & communicated results. Sponsors and Supporters

Southern New England Landcare thanks the following organisations for their support during this period.

We also thank the many individual sponsors and partners that have assisted in the successful delivery of specific events and projects.

23 24 A pdf version of this document may be found at www.snelandcare.org.au