Spring 1999 Victorian Victorian ISSUE 13 andcareandcare LL & CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT

Visually impaired lend a hand

Neighbourhood process takes off in the Woady

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

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

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

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

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

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 magazine going to out-of-date addresses Quietly evolutionary, the Victorian and to prevent duplicate postings.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

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

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

Farm Feature

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

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

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

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

Catchment Management forfor thethe OvensOvens BasinBasin By Margrit Beemster

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

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

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

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

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 8 carecare ConferenceConference

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

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

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

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

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 10 IN BRIEF

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

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

By Peter Sutherland, Executive Director, CMSA Division, NRE

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

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

Research Results

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

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

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

By Martin Fuller, Powlett Project Manager

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 19 GENIS visit WARRAMBEEN

Group News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management Page 29 Junior Landcare

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

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

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