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Congratulations to the Shire of Campaspe Winner National Landcare Local Government Award CONTENTS

Editorial Business Management Wade Hughes Page 5 Wally Shaw Peter Sutherland Mining Week Editorial Group Page 7 Paul Crock (03) 9207 5555 Mal Brown (03) 9412 4382 Sally Gibson (03) 9412 5048 Communicating over Phil Roberts (03) 9207 5555 the catchment Editorial Consultant Page 9 Tiffany & Associates (03) 9894 2169 An end to the blue lagoon Advertising Manager Page 14 Paul Crock Phone (03) 9207 5562, Fax (03) 9207 5500

Design Addicted to Deer Bouquet Productions Pty. Ltd. Page 16 Phone (03) 9376 0911, Fax (03) 9376 0922 Premier launches Future Harvest Printing Page 22 Henry Thacker Print Group Breakwater, Geelong. Phone (03) 5248 3333, Fax (03) 5248 7222 Catch-up around the CMA’s Cover Photograph Page 24 A winter scene - Andrew Chapman New Zealand Landcare Trust Contributions and mailing list enquiries Page 28 Victorian Farmers Federation Landcare Section, Level 6 24-28 Collins St, Melbourne 3000 The Victorian Landcare Magazine is a joint publication of the Victorian Phone (03) 9207 5555 Fax (03) 9207 5500 Farmers Federation, Alcoa of Australia Limited and the Department of Natural E-mail: [email protected] Resources and Environment, with the support of the Catchment and Land Victorian Landcare is published for the Victorian Protection Council and Greening Australia Victoria. 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 the Victorian Farmers Federation, its part- ners, agents, servants and contractors disclaim all responsibility for the statements quoted herein.

ISSN: 1327 5496 Victorian Landcare Page 3 Creswick gets connected Grants The Farm$mart Rural Fiona said that, although recent estimates Communications Centre at suggest 60% of Victoria’s 30,000 full-time Creswick has been granted farmers have a personal computer, many $100,000 to help produce a ‘culture of of them are under utilised and relatively community connection’ in the south-west few are used to link farmers to the world region of Victoria. wide web. The funding is part of the State “Farm$mart recognises the importance Government’s Skills.net project which of Australian farmers having access to the supports Internet training and access latest information and communication opportunities for thousands of people technologies to help their businesses living in country Victoria. establish and maintain a competitive edge.” Project co-ordinator, Fiona Chambers, said The Minister for Multimedia, Alan Stockdale (right) the Farm$mart Rural Communications “Farm$mart also recognises the opportunity with Fred Davies from Stoney Creek Oil Products announcing the Skills.net grants at Bullarook. Centre will provide free Internet access to use these technologies as a catalyst for and training to farmers and community change. To achieve this, there needs to members. The centre will also work be strong bridges built between existing The program will have a large element closely with farmer groups, agricultural providers of education, extension and of peer-mentoring. extension and education providers such the farmers.” Fiona believes that, through working as TAFE, universities and agricultural The first stage of the project will involve together, the centre will become a consultants. training and net orientation programs hotbed for local creativity. A computer laboratory of approximately directed to a mix of farming and non- For more information contact 20 state-of-the-art computers with farming rural community members as well as Fiona Chambers on (03) 5333 6782. permanent modem links will be installed the facilitators and organisers of community at the Creswick Landcare Centre. and farming groups in the region.

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Central Gippsland South West North East North West Wimmera 350 Collins St 16 Kay St 132 Koroit St 2/164 Welsford St 118 Curlewis St 17 Darlot St Melbourne, 3000 Traralgon, 3844 Warrnambool, 3280 Shepparton, 3630 Swan Hill, 3585 Horsham, 3400 Telephone: (03) 9243 2668 Telephone: (03) 5176 1761 Telephone: (03) 5562 9611 Telephone: (03) 5821 2655 Telephone: (03) 5032 9900 Telephone: (03) 5381 0052 Facsimile: (03) 9243 2666 Facsimile: (03) 5176 1682 Facsimile: (03) 5562 0744 Facsimile: (03) 5831 2097 Facsimile: (03) 5032 4471 Facsimile: (03) 5381 0065 Also at Mildura Telephone: (03) 5023 3025 Letters to the editor From the editors Dear Mr Crock, Mr Brown and Ms Gibson Landfest is fast becoming a major event So there we were, all the editors of I wish to congratulate you on being a finalist on the landcare calendar; a great showcase The Victorian Landcare Magazine for the National Landcare Awards 1998 in of what’s happening with groups, together in Canberra, in ‘the big house’ the Ford Landcare Media Award Category. for the National Landcare Awards. businesses and products. Landfest is a family festival and this year the organisers I was at the Great Hall in Parliament House Well we didn’t win but we did have a enticed famous Melbourne band Tiddas to in Canberra to see the award presentation fantastic time. The awards were hosted by sing at the festival. We hear Geoff Park is and was very impressed by the standard of the Yamatdje man and television personality scanning the charts for who to invite next Victorian finalists. Ernie Dingo. His irreverent sense of year and considering a new career as a humour delighted the huge audience of The work which you have done in respect to rock concert promoter! landcarers from around Australia. landcare is a credit to Victoria and a reflection on your commitment, dedication and perse- New additions to the magazine The Prime Minister, John Howard, verance to improving land and water quality. and the Governor-General, Sir William In your responses to our reader survey, I would like to thank you for your Deane, presented the awards and both you highlighted “how to” stories and participation and wish you continued success. made rousing speeches in support of interviews with individuals as highest landcare. The theme of the night was priorities, while giving us plenty of food Yours sincerely ‘Bringing the Bush to Parliament House’. for thought on all sorts of other things Hon. Marie Tehan, MP With the help of the bushwackers bush you wanted to see. Minister for Conservation and Land Management band, graziers from Alice Springs danced the night away with dairy farmers from In this edition you will notice icons relating to various topics which you Tasmania. Scientists swapped tall stories Dear Members of the Editorial Committee and landcare group co-ordinators discussed identified in the survey, location maps their research. and contact details. These additions are to On behalf of the Australian Landcare help you identify clearly with the things Council, I would like to congratulate you on Well done Landcare Australia for organising you want to read, where they are in your committee’s outstanding achievement in another successful round of National Victoria and how to get more information. winning the Ford Landcare Media Award for Landcare Awards. See our feature on pages Victoria in the Landcare Awards. 18 and 19 for details of the winners. We are listening to you and taking your lead. Please keep your stories and letters I was pleased to be present at the Eaglehawk On the home front, the Creswick coming. We are always keen to receive resort on 24 March for some of the national Landcare Centre had another success with them. judging and discussions between state award its Landfest landcare festival. Creswick winners. I was also at the presentation of Education Officer, Geoff Park, reports that Mal Brown awards in the Great Hall at Parliament over 2,500 people attended the festival, Paul Crock House. So I am personally aware of your with many travelling from Melbourne and Sally Gibson work, and I congratulate you for the further afield. Phil Roberts commitment you have shown to fostering the landcare ethic. The Australian Landcare Council is made up of community landcare representatives from each state, and related organisations and agencies. Your community representative is Ms Alison Teece. For the Council to properly fulfil its function, it must act as a conduit on federal landcare policy from community groups at the one end to the Ministers at the other. The Australian Landcare Council can be most effective it is used by local, regional and state landcare bodies. We welcome communications on federal policy issues. Yours sincerely

Bruce Lloyd Chairman

Over 2,500 people attended Creswick’s Landfest during Landcare Month. Victorian Landcare Page 5 Where are the NHT funds being spent in Victoria?

Grants Victoria’s total share of the NHT for Victoria shared 18% of the national 1996/97 was $33,530,777. This comprises: 1997/98 NHT allocation of $186.9M. It is expected that, in 1998/99, the NHT $14.17M National Landcare Program; will allocate $290.4M to improved natural $2.99M Native Vegetation Initiative; resource management across Australia. $0.16M National Reserves Initiative; The figure below indicates Victoria’s $0.23M National Wetlands Program; regional totals for federally funded $0.19M Fisheries Action Program; projects under the Natural Heritage Trust $14.75M Murray Darling 2001; for 1997/98. The bar graphs show the $0.65M Farm Forestry; and percentage share from major initiatives. $0.38M Water Watch. National Landcare Program

Native Vegetation Initiative

MD2001

NHT 1997/98 Federally Funded Projects Other

NB: Regional values are total NHT dollars for 1997/98, eg. Glenelg $1,343,000.

100% 100%

80% 80% 100% 100% 60% 60% 80% 80% 40% 40% 60% 60% 20% Mallee $3,708,000 20% 40% 40% 0% 0% 20% 20% 100% 0% 0% 80%

60% Wimmera North Central North East $1,488,000 $4,637,000 Goulburn $2,076,000 40% $9,817,000 100%

20% 80%

0% East Gippsland 60% Glenelg Port Phillip $347,000 100% $1,134,000 $1,343,000 West 40% Corangamite 80% Gippsland $1,367,000 $1,032,000 20% 100% 60% 100% 100% 0% 80% 40% 80% 80% 60% 20% 60% 60% 40% 0% 40% 40% 20% 20% 20% 0% Victorian Landcare Page 6 0% 0% MiningMining WeekWeek launchedlaunched withwith LandcareLandcare seminarseminar inin BendigoBendigo A recent Landcare seminar to mark the On the down side, much of the forest beginning of Mining Week in March cover in Central Victoria was cut down helped forge a new understanding between for fuel or timber; extensively-mined the mining industry and the Landcare areas became the source of significant movement. erosion; the early concentration on allu- vial mining resulted in selective clearing Speakers included Mr Bruce Lloyd, of certain forest communities; and rivers Chairman, Australian Landcare Council, and streams were polluted permanently Mr Douglas Buerger, Managing Director, with mercury, arsenic and sediment. Bendigo Mining; Mr Alex Arbuthnot, Board member, Landcare Australia On the other hand, Victoria produced Limited; Mr David Lea, Executive around 2,500 tonnes of gold over a Director - Minerals and Petroleum, century and the wealth created fuelled DNRE; Marilyn Sprague from Goldfields the establishment of the affluent, well Marilyn Sprague, Goldfields Nursery, explains Nursery; Rob Youl, Landcare Foundation educated society we now enjoy. mine site revegetation to Bruce Lloyd, Chairman Victoria and Doug Sceney, DNRE. Also, much of our natural wealth was of the Australian Landcare Council. A look at Victoria’s early mining industry left intact because of the limitations of “Miners, like farmers, have woken up to reveals that in the six years following the the technology of the day. For example, the need to protect the land they manage. official recognition of gold discoveries in remnant topsoil profiles remain in many Miners and farmers need to understand Victoria in 1851, the population rose areas between small-scale diggings and the land. They must seek out information sixfold. This period had a devastating trees were most often cut and allowed and use best practice rather than trial and impact on the environment of Victoria to regrow from the stump rather than error. In this regard, miners lead the way and land rehabilitation was not part of the removed altogether. The legacy of in the use of technology”, said Marilyn. vocbaulary of these early miners. environmental and other problems They really needed Landcare! associated with early mining gave rise “Good rehabilitation need not to a long history of regulatory innovation. compromise genetic diversity.” Marilyn This led to the current mining legislation. illustrated the point with samples of four Mr William varieties of grevillea that must be put back McLusky, The State Government’s Victorian Chairman of only on the site from which they came, Perseverance Initiative for Minerals and Petroleum, adding that we must not risk cross Mining, with a $16.5M progam of mapping and pollination and ultimate genetic loss. Mining Week surveying, is credited with opening up Bear at the “Mining and agriculture continue to be the Landcare new areas of the state for exploration. and Mining Yet, modern mining is a very small user of backbone of Victoria and Australia. Victoria Seminar. land. The area of land actually affected continues to fight above its weight with by mining in Victoria is estimated to be agriculture producing 26% of the nation’s 0.02% of the State (AMIC 1994). agricultural production from just 3% of the national land mass,” said David Lea. “Environmental awareness is a recent phenomenon within the mining According to Mr Lea: “Both farmers industry but now there is widespread and miners have impacted on the land commitment to environmental and both are working to restore the land. management,” according to The mining industry wants the Marilyn Sprague who operates community to know that modern mining Goldfields Revegetation, is far more environmentally responsible Bendigo’s Indigenous than the mining of the 19th century.” Nursery and Wildflower Bruce Lloyd reminded participants that Farm. mining companies are among the best corporate supporters of Landcare.

Victorian Landcare Page 7 GreenfleetGreenfleet

The Australian landscape is degrading Already, thousands of rapidly. Vast former grasslands are now motorists and many desert. We constantly hear stories of corporations have rising watertables, increased salinity, soil signed up their vehicles erosion and loss of species and habitat for to help Greenfleet and native flora and fauna. Landcare groups tackle greenhouse and landcare There are large tracts of land available problems. and the willingness to plant the trees, but the difficulty lies in securing the funds Through the motorist’s necessary to support large scale projects. subscriptions, 65,000 trees have already been planted in the Through motorists’ subscriptions, 65,000 trees Now there is a solution. have already been planted on farming properties Bass Coast Shire. They were planted by in the Bass Coast Shire by Scouts Australia. Motor cars are the fastest growing source Scouts Australia as part of a successful of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. world record tree-planting attempt, The average car in the Australian fleet with assistance and direction from For more information or to subscribe emits 4.33 tonnes of carbon dioxide local landcare groups and industry. contact the Foster Foundation on (a significant greenhouse gas) per year. 1900 140 197 (maximum call cost Both professional planters and community 75 cents per minute, mobile and pay People have long identified driving their groups will work together this year to phones extra). cars as the most environmentally damaging plant 500,000 trees in the Ovens River thing they do but, so far, have not had a catchment area in northern Victoria. Local mechanism to reduce that impact. nurseries have already propagated 250,000 It is generally accepted that one long-term trees for the Ovens River planting. solution to the greenhouse problem Greenfleet not only conducts involves massive revegetation programs. environmental plantings but will also be The Foster Foundation (a not-for-profit involved with agroforestry and plantations. environmental education organisation) It is a unique project that will benefit not has hence developed the Greenfleet project. only the environment but also create employment and assist the farmers on Greenfleet invites motorists to make a whose land most of the trees will be planted. tax-deductible contribution of $25 each year to enable at least seven trees to be planted on their behalf to absorb the carbon dioxide emissions of their vehicle.

Victorian Landcare Page 8 Communicating over the Catchment

How do we value wildlife? The Melbourne Zoo Education Service Staff from the Zoo Education Service is inviting schools and landcare groups to are currently filming projects for the Putting a dollar value on our native discuss how we value wildlife and share satellite broadcast on 9 September, 1998. animals is a difficult task, and it probably information on different environmental If your school or landcare group has misses the point. There is scientific value, projects. The Murray Darling Basin an environmental project, be it carp habitat value, tourism value and intrinsic Commission has provided funding for the infestation, or native mammal value in our native animals. There is also project which is called Communicating conservation it may be suitable for value in maintaining a diversity of wildlife over the Catchment. filming and inclusion in the broadcast. in the environment. The Zoo Education Service is co-ordinating Contact Communicating over the a website and a live satellite broadcast to Catchment. The web site includes schools in south-eastern Australia. The competitions, discussion groups, website and broadcast will raise questions and live chat. about how and why we value our wildlife. http://www.coc.zoo.org.au/studcon.html. Or call the Zoo on (03) 9285 9300. Break of slope tree plantings reduce recharge By Jo Curkpatrick, Communication Co-ordinator, National Dryland Salinity Program

Salinity co-ordinators and chairs of There have been over 120 hectares of trees Salinity Implementation Groups from planted in suitable areas at the break of across Victoria recently inspected break slope over the past five years. of slope forestry for catchment salinity Initially the sites were planted control in volcanic hills on the north- predominantly with blue gums but now eastern end of the Strathbogie Ranges. there are a wide variety of species being The site, at Richard Sadler and Meredith planted including ironbarks, spotted gums Paez’s property in the Warrenbayne area, and pines. These species may prove to be was established with a belt of commercial more drought resistant than the blue gums blue gums in 1992 to intercept and use but still provide good growth and high water below the surface of the slope. water use characteristics. “We have waterlogging and salinity across According to Geoff Elder from the Centre our farm and break of slope plantings for Land Protection Research at Bendigo showed potential for reducing dryland the trees on the Warrenbayne site have “The project has taught us quite a bit. salinity as well as providing a commercial successfully reduced groundwater recharge It has shown that we really need to look return,” Richard Sadler told the visitors. to very low levels within five years of their at the kind of trees we plant, the width establishment. of the plantation, the location of the trees “The trees initially showed good growth on the slope and tree management. rates but they are really suffering from “Our research shows that, at this early These are all important factors in making moisture stress at the moment,” he said. stage, the impact on water tables extends a success of break of slope plantings,” said at least 50 metres downslope of the Sadler “They are too dry for pulping so we will Geoff Elder. plantation,” Geoff Elder said. grow them on for timber, but yes, they “We now think that the trees on the have dried out the soil profile.” At the Harrison’s site, 150m close by, Warrenbayne site were actually planted Richard Sadler suggested that landholders too far up the slope. But by looking at shouldn’t under estimate the work required the site and doing some drilling to identify to manage the trees. where the rocks stop you can more He advises landholders to concentrate on accurately site the tree belts,” he said. small areas, or perhaps look at joint For more information contact Richard ventures to share the management. Sadler on (03) 5763 2231 or Geoff Elder at Bendigo on (03) 5444 6777.

Victorian Landcare Page 9 Kids Plant the Aire

By Michelle Work began following brief instructions on how to plant trees and push reeds into MacEwan the mud. Each student was given a supply The Date: Late spring 1997. of water rush, tea tree and larger trees. The Crew: Three mini-buses full of eager These were all planted in different zones Prep, year 1 and 2 Apollo Bay school of the river bank. children. The students enjoyed getting their hands The Place: Peter and Lisa Deppeler’s farm dirty and gained a valuable understanding on the Aire River near Hordern Vale. of the basics of river bank rehabilitation. The Task: To begin revegetating the At the end of the day, lots of happy banks of the Aire Heritage River. children covered in mud, climbed back Property owners and Landcare members, onto the buses and headed for home. Peter and Lisa Deppeler had successfully Hopefully, they will come back in the applied for funding from Waterways future to see the results of their efforts. Management Incentive to begin Fisho’s follow-up rehabilitating their property’s Aire Due to this year being exceptionally dry, Heritage River frontage. the survival of the new trees was looking The students at the Apollo Bay School grim until some unexpected assistance had responded enthusiastically to the arrived. Deppeler’s call for volunteers. When the fish have not been biting, local Landcare Technical Advisor for the fishermen have been lending a hand in an Colac/Otway region, Wendy Briggs, effort to keep the trees alive. By watering was present to inform everyone on the the trees, the fishermen have been helping importance of streamside vegetation and establish habitat for the fish and, in doing river conservation. so, will be increasing the catch for their She spoke on issues ranging from tables. fencing-out stock to providing a healthy The Hordern Vale/Glen Aire Landcare environment for the local platypus. Group has been operating for less than Diagrams were used to illustrate the 12 months. Surrounded by National Park, difference between degraded river banks State Forest, the ocean, including the Aire with unlimited stock access and river Heritage River and significant wetlands, the banks which had been fenced off and group is extremely fortunate to be in such a revegetated with local mixed species. unique area.

Revegetating streamsides to maintain the health of our rivers will continue to be high on the list of priorities. For more information contact either Michelle MacEwan on (03) 5233 5500 or Lisa Deppeler on (03) 5237 9266.

Victorian Landcare Page 10 Millewa-Carwarp Kangaroo Fence Millewa-Carwarp Landcare Group Troy Muster, members are close to finishing 120km of electric fencing along the boundary of the Group Coordinator Murray Sunset National Park to reduce the impact of kangaroos on crops and pastures in adjoining freehold land. In the past, conventional fencing proved ineffective in preventing kangaroo access to farmland. The animals in the area were Ten wire sloping fence has four live and six earth able to utilise the artificial water and food wires. Materials costs were $1,600/km. supplies on the farms and shelter in the park, leading to higher populations than In 1994, the group successfully sought When completed, the fence will run for a would otherwise naturally occur. funding through the DNRE Good total of 120km. Neighbour Program to build a second Group members who have taken part Past methods of control through the issuing 50km stage of the electric fence along the in this project have noticed a dramatic of wildlife destruction permits had little or western boundary of the Millewa-Carwarp reduction in the impact of kangaroos on no effect in minimising the problem. Landcare area. their property and are overwhelming in In 1991, the Landcare group and the Following negotiations between the their support for the project. Meringur branch of the VFF started to Landcare group and DNRE, it was agreed Parks Victoria is monitoring the fence to lobby the State Government for financial that DNRE supply 60% of the cost of determine the impact of the change in support for the fence along the boundary materials for an eight-wire vertical electric management on kangaroo populations of the park with the hope it would fence. Group members contributed the within Murray Sunset National Park. effectively control the kangaroo problem. remaining 40% cost of materials and the It is expected that, in the years to labour to erect it. Thirty thousand dollars was received come, they will start to see a reduction by the Landcare group to erect a This section was completed in 1996, in the kangaroo population to a more demonstration electric fence along a leaving a gap of 40km in the south-west natural level. 30km section of the park boundary in Millewa between the first and second For more information about the the south-east Millewa. stages of the fence. Millewa-Carwarp Landcare Group or the After looking at various options for the The group successfully sought funding kangaroo fence, contact Troy Muster on design of the fence, a sloping nine wire again through the Good Neighbour (03) 5022 3000. electric fence was chosen. Program last year to complete the The demonstration fence was officially remaining 40km of the fence. commissioned in November 1993 costing As before, the group provided 40% $46,000 plus erection costs, of which the of the materials and all the labour. Landcare group members contributed Erection of the final stage $16,000 in materials plus labour. commenced during 1997 The fence proved to be very effective and and is now near completion. the group began looking at options to expand the project.

Victorian Landcare Page 11 Landcare has a voice

In brief By Phil Roberts, Executive Officer VFF Farm Tree and Landcare Association Landcare Group Survey In June this year, Victorian Landcare The Victorian Farmers Federation has “The VFF is providing a package that group members are asked to participate renewed its support for the Landcare gives groups incorporation, insurance in a third Landcare survey - the only movement across the State with sweeping and a copy of the Victorian Landcare longitudinal study providing data changes to its Landcare section. magazine to all their members. Being affiliated with the VFF/FTLA on the Landcare movement over time. Designed to reduce the demands on means groups only need to write one The surveys were conducted by Dr Allan volunteer office-bearers who are the cheque to cover all these services,” Curtis of Charles Sturt University, in backbone of Landcare groups, the Peter said. 1993/94 and 1995/96. They measure the VFF landcare section is there to help. change in participation in Landcare and “By lessening the administration involved There are more than 400 landcare help identify the barriers to increasing with incorporation and insurance, groups groups in Victoria affiliated with the VFF participation. can spend less time on administration and through the VFF Farm Tree and Landcare more time on landcare activities.” In the 1995 survey, Dr Curtis identified Association. These groups are incorporated the characteristics of highly effective and insured in one simple process, and Peter said the VFF provides Victorian groups, effective groups and non-effective for one flat fee per group, an initiative farmers with a voice to lobby groups and those not working so well. which has been effective in reducing governments. The new structure within Filling in the survey will take no more the administrative load to all Victorian the VFF will now also provide a direct than half an hour and your co-operation Landcare groups. lobbying voice for Victorian landcare will be greatly appreciated. A summary of groups on issues ranging from the Natural Peter Walsh, Deputy President of the VFF the findings will be included in a future Heritage Trust process to River Front and President of the VFF/FTLA, said the issue of the Victorian Landcare Magazine. Licensing and other land management new landcare package will remove a issues. BHP Targets Powlett Project group’s administration burden. “The VFF NHT submission will Over the next three years BHP will give Victorian landcarers a chance to contribute around $150,000 to help have input on an important topic. groups involved in South Gippsland’s Lobbying is the VFF’s core activity Powlett Project carry out Landcare and landcare groups can now take activities aimed at addressing major soil advantage of this,” he said. and water degradation problems Peter said the VFF helped start landcare throughout the entire catchment. in 1986 and, over ten years later, are Further assistance will also come in the happy to continue the tradition. form of BHP staff adopting the area for weekend activities such as tree planting, For more information, contact Phil seed collection, weed control and water Roberts (03) 9207 5561, Paul Crock quality monitoring. (03) 9207 5562 or Jon Pitt (03) 9207 5560. The sponsorship is part of a total package of $450,000 BHP will contribute to Landcare work throughout Australia. Two other catchments; the Mary in VFF Farm Trees and Landcare Association Queensland and the Hunter Valley in Fee Structure for 1998/99 NSW, also being sponsored by BHP have modelled their approach on the Incorporation $20 per group Powlett Project which has been running Insurance $63 per group successfully for two years. Adminstrative/ mailing costs $2 per mailing address

Victorian Landcare Page 12 Whiteheads Creek By David Hayward

Group News

Whiteheads Creek was settled in the Some successful trials of aerial pasture 1840s by squatters and, during the 1860s, seeding have also taken place where opened for selection in parcels of up to conventional methods are impossible. 130ha. Most of the land was cleared for We own and hire out a direct drill seeder firewood for Melbourne and for railway and two spray units to enable smaller sleepers including the box-ironbark properties to undertake pasture work. covering the ironstone hills. The group considers education about We are now faced with salinity as a serious salinity is vital, hence our ‘salt trail’. Group members preparing high recharge and worsening problem. Whiteheads This comprises two information boards country for planting. Creek is presently a major contributor on our main roads and maps to find of salt to the Goulburn River. Discharge significant sites which have been Whiteheads Creek Landcare Group is sites with spiny rush and gully erosion signposted. We also have our own now part of the Hughes Creek Catchment are expanding. Landcare brochure. Collaborative, providing us with the benefit of their vast experience with Serious flooding of Seymour township in In conjunction with three other Landcare rabbit eradication as well as the advantage the early 1970s led to the formation of groups with high recharge ironstone of being part of a larger group which aids the Whiteheads Creek Soil Conservation country in the Mitchell Shire, we have greatly in funding. Group in 1977, which later developed appointed a salinity co-ordinator to help into one of the earliest landcare groups promote works on the ground. A trial sub-catchment has been in 1986. We now have about 50 of the This includes production of a newsletter, established over an area of 200ha which local landowners active and financial. organising appropriate guest speakers includes about 40ha of recharge. Most of and field days and production of a booklet this area has either been sown down with To combat salinity, our major priority, of contacts for landcare works. deep-rooted perennial pasture or planted we advocate tree planting and pasture The Mitchell Shire provides office space with trees over the last decade or so. improvement on recharge sites. Each year, and some backup. As yet, there is no fall in the watertable we try to plant several hectares of high or decline in the EC reading of the density trees as a landcare project on groundwater. This suggests that the work recharge hilltops, either as tubestock of the Whiteheads Creek Landcare or as seed stock. Group has only just begun.

Victorian Landcare Page 13 Local landholder, Ken Munzel, and his daughter beside the sump of a new irrigation re-use system. An Group News

By Carri Tiffany

The future of A major study of the lagoon system was the Gum and Cockatoo done in 1995. The report that followed Lagoons, near Gunbower, recommended works to improve flows and is looking up with the completion ‘mixing’ within the lagoons along with the of a nutrient and flow management adoption of best management practices by strategy. landholders to reduce nutrient runoff. The report stressed that flow improvements The lagoons are isolated meanders of could only be undertaken with reduced the Gunbower Creek providing nutrient inputs or the problem would simply an irrigation supply for eight local be transferred downstream. landholders. Because the lagoons were so isolated they had little flow which, The first stage of the flow improvement when coupled with high nutrient works have recently been completed by loads from surrounding properties, Goulburn-Murray Water. The works will caused severe outbreaks of blue-green allow up to 50ML per day to pass through algae. the lagoons to improve flows and mixing. The major costs of the project will be The blooms were first noticed shared by Goulburn-Murray Water and more than five years ago and the Shire of Campaspe. Landholders will have since been a regular be contributing by undertaking a range occurrence, the worst being of nutrient reduction works on their the summer of 1994/95. properties. The community were very upset over the issue and were These include: moved to form the Gunbower • re-use systems to intercept irrigation Landcare Group in 1994 in runoff; an attempt to address the • whole farm plans to improve problems. management of flood irrigation; • installing/improving effluent The blooms have threatened management systems and disposal; the lagoon environment • fencing the lagoon frontages to and forced some encourage the regeneration of native landholders to find water species and to provide a buffer strip for supplies elsewhere. filtering rainfall runoff to the lagoons. • fencing to prevent stock access to the frontages will reduce nutrients and allow regeneration to occur; and, • planting of indigenous vegetation in fenced frontage areas to create a buffer zone. According to the project co-ordinator, Louise Thomas of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment in Kerang, improving water quality in the lagoons will have considerable agricultural benefits.

Landholders from around the lagoon gathered at the opening of ‘Jumbo’s Cut’, a channel to provide improved Victorian Landcare Page 14 flow in Cockatoo Lagoon. end to the blue lagoon

Gum Lagoon

“Cleaner water for irrigation, stock and “Seeing the flow improve gives us hope She is also busy telling people about the domestic supply will be very important to for the future, we are looking forward to project, which she believes, is the first of these landholders and, at the same time, seeing the health of the lagoon improve its kind. keeping the nutrients and irrigation over time.” “This project will act as a pilot for other tailwater on the farm will provide savings “Being involved in the project has made lagoon catchments in the area with in both water and fertiliser.” us much more aware and given us access similar water quality problems,” she said. Louise said the environment would also to many resources we didn’t know were For further information contact Louise benefit with improved conditions for fish, available,” Debbie said. “We are using the Thomas on (03) 5451 0105. vertebrates and invertebrates. She is Torrumbarry East of Loddon Land and pleased to report that many landholders Water Management Strategy incentives have already started with nutrient for farm planning, re-use systems and reduction works and are showing a trees which are helping us to decrease lot of enthusiasm for the project. our impact on the lagoon environment. This is a whole-of-community project. It’s According to Debbie Munzel, a dairy been great to see everyone get involved.” farmer near Gum Lagoon, the flow improvement works are already making Louise Thomas is busy monitoring and a difference. recording improvements in the water quality of the lagoon. Regular readings “This summer the flow through Gum was are taken for nitrogen and phosphorous, much improved, although we did have an turbidity (cloudiness of the water), algal bloom halfway through the irrigation salinity and temperature. season. This meant the lagoon had to be shut off which actually makes the algae worse, but we can’t allow Blue-green algal scum on Cockatoo it to get downstream.” Lagoon in October 1994. Debbie said that despite the hiccup during summer, local An aerial photograph taken in 1990. landholders are noticing flow Cockatoo Lagoon (left) and Gum Lagoon improvements. (right) show up as dark and isolated watercourses that barely connect to their source, the Gunbower Creek in light brown.

Victorian Landcare Page 15 Addicted to Don’t use the terms ‘new’ or Deer offer relatively hassle-free farming. ‘alternative’ around an Australian They can be run on most pastures used for deer farmer. They’ll quickly put sheep and cattle although higher quality you right. and irrigated pastures produce better results. Special fencing and handling sheds Deer have been farmed successfully are needed but it is possible to convert in Australia since the 1970s. existing fences and farm buildings without The industry has survived the incurring great expense. initial boom and bust cycle of any emerging enterprise and gone on to From a landcare point of view, deer, with create strong demand for its product, their small soft hooves, are certainly much both locally and to export markets. kinder to the soil than cattle. And they are hardy animals, with few pest and The current challenge for disease problems. Australian deer farmers is surviving the economic downturn in many So why isn’t the Australian deer industry Asian countries. bigger, more vocal, and more visible?

Farming deer can provide three The NZ connection sources of income: meat, antler and the sale of breeding stock. According to Guy Dockrill, the manager of Ostlers Hill Deer Stud at Flinders, the Deer meat, venison, is highly answer is about the nature of Australian regarded. It is low in saturated farmers: “Often not very entrepreneurial.” fats and very lean. Over 80% of Australian-produced venison is Guy is from New Zealand where the deer industry is huge. It grosses around $200 Straight from the freezer. Guy Dockrill exported, mainly to Asia. with a pair of antlers ready to be sent to million a year, equal to the dairy industry. Velvet antler is the complete antler of New Zealand for processing. Guy said there is nothing stopping a male deer, harvested on a yearly basis. Australia from becoming a bigger deer The antlers are removed as soft tissue farming nation than New Zealand. before they calcify and harden. The active ingredient of velvet antler is called “Over here, there is more land and better pantocrin. It is used extensively as an land. Deer could be huge. We need to oriental tonic, particularly in Korea. work on developing good markets for Australian researchers have shown it our products and raising the profile of is valuable in the treatment of arthritis. Australian deer,” he said. In New Zealand, a team of athletes at Guy and his wife Julie came to Australia five Otago University took velvet antler years ago, bringing a great deal of knowledge capsules during a trial and recorded about deer farming and breeding. a significant improvement in their Guy worked for the NZ strength tests.

Victorian Landcare Page 16 Farm Deer Feature By Carri Tiffany

Agriculture Department and was one of The antlers are the country’s leading deer farmers. At removed with a saw, Ostlers Hill, he manages 850 head of red frozen, then sent to deer as breeding stock for velvet antler New Zealand for and for venison. processing or exported to Korea or China. There is no irrigation on the 150ha The best two-year-olds Ostlers Hill property. Some paddocks at Ostlers Hill are growing around 2.5kg of Inside the handling shed. Guy Dockrill says many are sown to chicory. Rice and apple hulls prospective deer farmers are put off by the look of this velvet each year. Although Guy said this are also fed. Guy runs the deer at around purpose-built shed but most farm buildings and even is good, it’s way short of New Zealand old houses can be quite simply converted. 36 DSE/ha. The property has been where 4kg is now not uncommon. specifically designed for deer. “A big stag in rut with a full head of The Dockrills are aiming to bring their A large central laneway runs the length hard antler can be lethal. And yes, people Ostlers Hill deer up to the best in New of the farm adjoining the numerous do get killed. But there are sensible Zealand, and world standards. To improve paddocks. The deer are kept in breeding precautions to take. We remove all antlers herd quality quickly, they have been groups according to their strain: when they are still soft and we stay alert at importing high-quality live deer embryos Hungarian, Yugoslavian, German and all times, even when handling hinds.” from New Zealand and implanting them British. in local females (hinds). For Guy, the animal husbandry is a When the deer require handling or challenge he clearly enjoys. “Many deer farmers use artificial velveting (antler removal) they are driven insemination (AI) to improve herd quality. “Deer are highly intelligent animals. into a large purpose-built shed with solid With AI, you get good semen but what’s They are predictably unpredictable. partitions that can split and divided into the point of putting that into a poor quality Over time, you start to learn their secrets, increasingly smaller yards. Deer like to hind? We are getting great results with then you’re hooked. It’s like an addiction. move together. They prefer to turn in a embryo implantation. It is new technology They are regal animals, truly regal animals.” circular motion than move up through and the possibilities are very exciting,” straight raceways. For further information contact the Deer he said. Industry Association of Australia on Removing deer antlers requires skill and Guy Dockrill said there are few negatives (03) 9482 6230. experience. The soft antlers are filled with in deer farming. He admits that deer chew blood and nerves. Guy said it’s a bit like a trees and that handling can sometimes person re-growing their arm or leg each be risky. year. He’s accredited to cut his own velvet and has done 2-3,000 head. The deer are secured in a padded crush where they are injected with pain killers and local anaesthetic. CampaspeCampaspe winswins LocalLocal GovernGovern Parliament House was awash with The Shire of Campaspe beat the other country music and colour in March where, State and Territory finalists, Maitland for the first time in 10 years, the National City Council (NSW), Maroochy Shire Landcare Awards turned up a winner from Council (Qld), Coorong District every state and the Northern Territory. Council (SA), Litchfield Shire Council (NT) and Huon Valley Council (Tas) Prime Minister, John Howard, presented to the prestigious award. 10 awards in the presence of the Governor-General, adding strong praise The Mayor of Campaspe, Greg Toll, for the work of community landcare. received the award from the Prime Minister. He paid special thanks to “The Australian landcare movement, Jan Boynton who held the position of where communities tackle local problems Manager of Strategy and Planning at the with such enormous energy, dedication Shire before moving on to become and innovation, is the envy of the world,” CEO of the North Central Catchment Mr Howard said. Management Authority. He also thanked “This method of tackling land and water David Merrett, the new Strategic Planner, degradation is delivering real and lasting who, he said, “shows great commitment benefits and participation is growing with for carrying on the good work”. more than 4250 groups formed.” Bruce and Marianne Standfield, Victorian Located in the fertile Shepparton finalists for the Individual Landcare Award Sixty-eight finalists from all over Australia Irrigation Region, the Shire of Campaspe met Ernie Dingo under the Fish Creek sign in Parliament House. gathered in Parliament House for a fun relies heavily on agriculture for its night of bush dancing to the Bushwackers long-term survival and prosperity. The and, with Ernie Dingo as MC, the theme council has made ecological sustainability The council runs a Community Grants of ‘Bringing the Bush to Parliament one of its key objectives and is committed Program for landcare and waterwatch House’ really came to life. to being pro-active in the prevention of groups and, in 1996, 12 groups were environmental problems and the funded with a total of $40,000. Projects Shire of Campaspe wins maintenance of biodiversity. ranged from engineering a weed machine Local Government Award An Integrated Strategy Plan provides to employing a project co-ordinator. The corks were flying in Victoria’s Shire direction for the environmental, social The council supports the employment of a of Campaspe when the Prime Minister and physical development of the shire, local Salinity Link Officer by two landcare announced the National Telstra Landcare looking ahead to the year 2010. groups and a senior officer of the council Local Government Award. The award is The plan contains objectives, policies sits on the steering committee. Some made to a local government organisation and actions, which cover agriculture, landcare groups are given in-kind support for excellence in preserving and managing environment, tourism, heritage and such as photocopying. There is a subsidised its local environment and encouraging urban development. tree scheme for private landholders and a landcare ethic, and action in the free trees and fencing materials for landcare local community. There are 22 active landcare groups in the shire. Many are members of the Goulburn groups for certain projects. Murray Landcare Network which As part of the Shepparton Irrigation Area, provides a two-way flow of one of the shire’s main environmental information for groups in the issues is drainage. The council is involved eastern part of the shire. in the Community Surface Drainage Scheme and its role involves facilitating routes, raising rates and contributing to construction and maintenance. The council’s planning controls require Merv and Jan Cupper, finalists in the Primary that, in irrigation areas, whole-farm plans Producer category must be in place before activities such as enjoyed the awards. land forming can be carried out.

Victorian Landcare Page 18 mentment AwardAward David Merrett said winning the award has given weight to landcare issues during the preparation of the council’s next budget round. An independent external auditor recently found that the council’s community grants program was not ‘core council business’. David said money is so tight it might seem easy to make cuts to landcare and the environment but a small investment now will reap benefits in the future. He is looking forward to continuing and expanding the council’s landcare projects. Winners meet winners in Tasmania From left: Greg Toll, Mayor of Campaspe; John Claringbould, Chairman, Landcare Australia; Prime Minister, John Howard; Ziggy Switkowski from Telstra; and David Merrett from the Shire of Campaspe. Dairy farmers Tom and Sue Loughridge from Loch in Gippsland shared the 1998 Sue Loughridge said the Tasmanian trip Both are previous national award winners Landcare Travel/Study Scholarship with would combine their professional interests who we met in Canberra.” Clair O’Brien from Mary River in the in dairying with their landcare interests The Loughridges are also keen to visit Northern Territory. in commercial treegrowing, the benefits New Zealand, particularly the southern of shelter and helping manage The Loughridges won the National Canterbury Plains which, although devoted neighbourhood projects. Landcare Primary Producer Award in 1996. to sheep and cropping, offer outstanding At the 1996 awards ceremony, they met a “We plan to start the trip in Launceston, examples of farm shelter systems with swag of Tasmanian national award winners visiting dairying and other intensively- integrated wood production. and they will use the scholarship to visit farmed districts in northern Tasmania. The Loughridges plan to share the lessons them. Then we would love to call on Biz and of their travels through their involvement Lindsay Nicolson in the Midlands, and with the South Gippsland Landcare Tom and Cynthia Dunbabin at Bangor. The winners are: Network.

Telstra Landcare Education Award - Beachmere State School, QLD Telstra Landcare Local Government Award - Shire of Campaspe, VIC Fuji Xerox Landcare Business Award - The Bunnings WaterCare Program, WA Cotton Australia Landcare Primary Producer - Kym and Brian Denver, SA BP Landcare Catchment Award - Katanning Creek Catchment Group, WA Bushcare Landcare Nature Conservation Award - Bushland Conservation, SA Alcoa of Australia Landcare Community Group Award - Centralian Land Management Association, NT Ford Landcare Media Award - Keva Gocher, ABC S-E Radio, Bega NSW National Landcare Program Individual Landcarer - Sandy Paton, QLD BHP Landcare Research Award - Forest Soils Mapping Project, TAS PremierPremier launcheslaunches FutureFuture HarvestHarvest ExhibitionExhibition

Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett, officially “The community is doing a lot of good School group bookings for regional venues opened the unique travelling exhibition, work and there are literally thousands of can be made on 1800 687 386. People Future Harvest, at Moe Town Hall on 31 Victorians working towards improving the can also visit the exhibition’s website, March. The Museum of Victoria initiative quality of the environment we live in,” http://www.mov.vic.gov.au/FutureHarvest looks at what the 21st century may hold he said. for farmers and tackles the major issues The exhibition looks at the past, present confronting the agricultural industry. and sustainable future of farming in Future Harvest delivers facts about the Australia and more than 50,000 school future of agriculture and food production children, each armed with a curriculum- through interactive exhibits. Mr Kennett based education resource kit and case said the exhibition was one of a ‘bumper’ studies particular to their local area, are crop of projects made possible by the State expected to benefit from the exhibition Government’s Community Support Fund as it travels through regional Victoria. (CSF), which contributed $285,000. The Future Harvest exhibition moved to “The Future Harvest exhibition, like all Ballarat during May and will open at the CSF projects, is creating enormous social Shepparton Science and Technology Centre advantage for the Victorian community,” on 5 June, the Mildura Alfred Deakin Mr Kennett said. Centre on 10 July, Wodonga Civic Centre on 7 August, before moving to the Royal “It is at our children that these Melbourne Show from 17-27 September exhibitions should be directed.” and finally to Scienceworks at Spotswood for the period 16 October 1998 - 18 April 1999.

Victorian Landcare Page 20 HaveHave youyou gotgot aa lifetimlifetimee By Mark Coffey, Manager Technical Services, Greening Australia Victoria

Open or bare-rooted stock is now also more commonly available and is proving very economical. The plant is ‘lifted’ Research from a nursery plot and freighted to the Results property in moist packing, but must be used without delay or they could be set back by dry site conditions. Prices range from 25 to 60 cents each.

Large-scale plantings are achievable using mechanical planters. The Site Weed spraying - Do it early, Do it often! When it comes to land management, Species Selection and Plantation Design Trees are no different to any crop - allow sound revegetation practices provide clear Choosing the right plant, for the right weeds to compete and you will have benefits for crop or animal protection, site, for the right reason. reduced growth and plant losses. soil erosion, salinity control, timber If you are planting for nature conservation, production and increase the natural To grow, plants require water, light, space select species from your local plants, grown biodiversity of the farm. and nutrients. Weeds use water, light, from locally-collected seed. If timber space and nutrients, making them the By developments through the forestry and production is the objective, take some time main culprit for failed revegetation horticultural industries, and subsequent to obtain advice from someone with local projects. (rabbits come a close second). refinements by land managers and experience and a sound knowledge of the Weed control well in advance of planting nurseries, the farming community has a market potential of the end product. Trees will conserve moisture deep into the soil far more comprehensive range of options are often bred for the purpose of timber profile, and therefore assist in giving available to tackle large-scale planting production so, if this is your aim, ensure seedlings a good start in life. projects. the stock you buy has been genetically chosen for those timber traits. The choice of mechanical or chemical Plantings of tens of thousands of trees per control methods will be dictated by the day are now within easier reach. Granted, The design of a scheme will need to focus weed species, soil type and site access. it requires some effort in planning and an on the ‘problem’. For example, if the aim It is important to control weeds when eagle eye on some important details but, is for groundwater uptake, then plant actively growing. by looking after the essentials, your density and positioning at points where planting plan need not take you until the trees can get access to or intercept If your weed control program is only in retirement to implement. groundwater is important. the winter or spring prior to planting, summer weeds present will not only re- Lets look at these essentials. The Planting Stock establish, but they are most likely to There have been some important design thrive because of the reduced competition. improvements in potting systems for As a rule of thumb, 1m clearance around revegetation stock. While the standard each plant for the first two years will see ‘forestry tube’ is still very popular, compact the plant become well established. trays or ‘cells’ such as Hyco or Lannan potting systems are proving to be superior Timing in both cost and effectiveness, provided due There is often debate about the best time care is taken with growing and handling. to plant. A pattern is emerging in south- eastern Australia as to optimum planting These systems use less growing media times. Generally, provided there are (30 to 80cc in comparison to 200cc for reasonable winter rains, good results a forest tube). Some also have features are achieved in June to July on the free- which guard against root distortion often draining soils of the low rainfall areas, caused by container growing. The price of August to early October in medium these vary depending on species and the rainfall areas and October to as late as quantities required from around 35 to 75 mid December in high rainfall areas or cents per plant. where irrigation is available.

Paul Spiers from the Archies Creek Revegetation Group uses the Youman Planter, capable of planting thousands of forestry tubes or bare- Victorian Landcare Page 22 rooted stock per day in all sorts of terrain. ee toto revegetaterevegetate youryour farmfarm

Ground Preparation Plant the stock to a depth so there Ripping will be a site by site consideration. are no roots or potting media exposed It is justified where deep permeation of to the air. (More plants die because water is required or there are reasons to they are planted too shallow rather encourage root stability at depth in the than too deep.) Apply enough water soil profile. Ripping should be done some to settle the loose soil around the months in advance so that large air voids root system (roots will not grow into Compact trays or ‘cells’ such as Hyco or Lannan in the soil are able to close. air voids). potting systems are proving to be superior in both cost and effectiveness compared to conventional Cultivation with disks, power harrows Guarding forestry tubes. or hoe may be required if the soil is not Guarding can be expensive and may be naturally friable. The purpose of tilth is the most time consuming part of the After care to provide sufficient fine soil to ‘close’ the project. A guard per se is not essential It’s back to weeds and rabbits, we’re afraid. plant root system in when planting. to plant growth, it simply affords some Some supplementary watering may be protection as a plant establishes. Using Mechanical Planting Options required. However, if you do have weeds, Guards are justified in situations where Various types of planting machinery can your time will be better spent controlling young plants need protection from be used with the benefit of rapid planting them than watering. Rabbit or other animal extreme elements, particularly hot or cold of hundreds to tens of thousands. damage may occur but must be dealt with high winds or where rabbits or hares are Most machines have some similar features early. Insect attack may cause concern at present. They are also useful in preventing such as a ripper or agro-plough to create a certain times of the year. You will need to herbicide spray drift onto plants. fracture in the soil, a plough to cleft open evaluate whether the plants can withstand a planting hollow and a set of press-wheels The use of milk carton sleeves is popular a level of damage prior to undertaking any to firm the plant into place. and provides an inexpensive means of chemical means of control. protecting the young plant. They also Some have an adjustable scalping blade How do I get hold of a have the practical advantage of acting to plant into continuous depression. mechanical planter? as a reservoir for holding water when This feature is invaluable in the deeper Greening Australia, through the Alcoa hand watering. sands where water harvesting is important. Landcare Revegetation Assistance The scalp also removes a layer of program, have a number of mechanical weed-seed baring topsoil negating the planters and direct seeding machines need for herbicide. available to assist you in large-scale Automatic water and fertiliser dosing is planting projects. For more available on some models. information, contact Jim Robinson on (03) 9457 3024 or e-mail When mechanically planting trees and [email protected] shrubs, some basic practices should be followed. Water the trees thoroughly before planting. Avoid planting stock which is under stress.

Victorian Landcare Page 23 Ian Taylor of ‘Warrambeen’, uses the GAV/Alcoa Bush Planter, a converted vegie planter capable of planting thousands of trees a day. Research WEED ALERT: Silvergrass Results

Silvergrass, or sand fescue (Vulpia Recent research by Professor Jim Pratley from The findings of the research suggest that fasciculata), is a common weed of crops the Farrer Centre for Conservation Farming the choice of species and cultivar may be a and pastures throughout southern Australia. at Charles Sturt University has shown that valuable management option for reducing It is commonly found on sandy soils and is silvergrass is allelopathic- it produces the effect of Vulpia residues. well adapted to low fertility conditions. chemicals which act like herbicides to its Professor Pratley said the best-bet options competitors. This can be an especially The weed is highly tolerant of the main for managing silvergrass include: significant problem when large amounts herbicide groups making it very difficult to • reducing viable seed production; of carryover material are present at control. It also acts as a host for a wide range • minimising the carryover of dry germination and of pathogens causing root diseases in cereals. material from one season to the next; establishment in autumn. • eliminating as much of the population Silvergrass is unpalatable to livestock and Professor Pratley’s research as possible at the start of the season; has a hard, sharp-pointed callus showed that cocksfoot, • raising soil fertility; and at the base of the seed which readily subterranean clover (Trikkala), • encouraging a competitive population penetrates the skin, mouth and hooves of phalaris, canola, medics and of desirable species. sheep, causing irritation and damage to meat, oats were relatively tolerant to wool and hides. To reduce the impact of silvergrass toxins, silvergrass toxins. Subterranean the amount of carryover dry material should Stuart Castricum, a meat processor from clover (Seaton Park, Karridale, be minimised into the sowing period, Castricum Brothers in Melbourne, Clare, Woogenellup, Junee), particularly where the break of season is said silvergrass has damaging long field peas and wheat close to sowing time. The material can be and short-term effects on the meat (Ford, Darter, burnt or incorporated. Incorporation should processing industry. Dollarbird, Rosella) be done at least three weeks before sowing to were relatively susceptible. “Animals with infested skins cause allow time for the toxins to break down, but Lupins, wheat (Janz, handling problems for process workers it is a less favourable option in areas where Vulcan) and barley were resulting in cuts, lacerations and infections. soil erosion is a particular hazard. Silvergrass also penetrates leather pelts, the most affected. meat carcasses and the internal organs of sheep,” he said. Vulpia fasciculata, known as silvergrass or sand fescue from More Crop Weeds By M.R. Moerkerk and A.G. Barnett.

Rid-a-Rabbit Woof! No more bunnies! A new Australian invention is designed to The small portable unit makes access to Some feedback from the users . . . help farmers beat the rabbit problem in an difficult sites, such as under fences, trees Peter Cook of Yanac saw the portability of easy, safe and cost-effective manner. or rocky areas very easy. Using LP gas the unit a big plus. “Eighty percent of my makes the system one of the quickest, rabbits have been killed, and I will keep Using only LP gas, the operator releases a safest and most cost-effective rabbit using the Rid-a-Rabbit unit until they are charge of gas down the burrow and ignites control mechanisms available. all gone.” it with an electronic probe. The ignition of the gas produces a rush of hot air or In summary, Rid-a-Rabbit: Ian Lang of Barongarook, near Colac, is a bleve through the burrow and burns up • kills rabbits quickly and humanely; rabbiting contractor who has used the unit all the oxygen. • has no effect on the operator; for over eight months. “One transect count • is environmentally friendly as it does of 134 rabbits was reduced to seven after The rabbits in the burrows die within not affect other birds of prey or other two applications of the Rid-a-Rabbit unit.” 45 seconds to two minutes. An autopsy animals such as dogs; performed by the University of Melbourne For more information contact: John • is safer to use than other fumigation Veterinary Science Department following Hardiman, Rid-a-Rabbit Marketing, on methods; trials of the device showed cause of death (03) 9841 4507 or 018 533 432 or drop a • is portable; and to be primarily from hypoxia (that is, a line to PO Box 423, Bulleen, Victoria 3105. • cost-effective at about two cents a hole. sudden loss of oxygen.)

Victorian Landcare Page 24 Fungi - the root cause of tree success Research Tiny fungi living around the roots of native The scientists found that the roots of native Results trees and shrubs are probably critical to the plants are only sparsely distributed through success of farm revegetation programs. woodland soil, but mycelia (threads) from This is the finding of a recent study by mycorrhizal fungi are widespread. CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products. According to Dr Tommerup, the findings “The fungi involved in woody plant CSIRO scientists Dr Inez Tommerup and suggest the presence of the right fungi decomposition are called saprophytes Dr Neale Bougher have completed the can be critical to the success of farm and are related to the mycorrhizal fungi. first major investigation of fungi in the revegetation programs. Saprophytes help make the nutrients West Australian wheatbelt. More than available to plants in two ways. One is “The special root association formed 90% of the WA wheatbelt land has been by breaking down wood and litter in the between vegetation and a mycorrhizal cleared for cropping. The investigation soil and on the surface. The other is by fungi is called a mycorrhiza. In a took place in some remnant patches transporting mineral nutrients from the mycorrhiza, the plant gives the fungus of woodland. soil into decomposing litter. The litter is sugars derived from photosynthesis and an important component of soil organic the fungus gives the plants mineral nutri- matter.” ents,” Dr Tommerup said. “Fungi contribute directly to soil “The fungi extensively explore the structure by binding soil particles and soil and, for many plants, it is the through soil organic matter processes. fungi rather than the roots Fungi are essential to soil health and, which do most of the nutrient therefore, to ecosystem sustainability. gathering from soil. Hence They are essential ecological elements the fungi greatly enhance which should be considered in ecosystem the plant’s capacity to take up and remnant management and restoration.” nutrients from soil. The fungi therefore affect Dr Tommerup and Dr Bougher are plant survival and health. confident that the knowledge now Because they contribute available on wheatbelt soil fungi can mineral nutrients to the be used more widely in the regeneration plants they are also of degraded woodlands and in assisting in the plant’s ‘vegetation reconstruction’ tree and capacity to produce shrub planting to create woodland flowers and seeds.” on cleared areas. Dr Tommerup said the “The ever-growing problems of rising association between plants watertables and soil salination leave no and fungi was doubt about the need to increase tree often not recognised and shrub cover. But this is currently as the fungi function hard to achieve with many of the remnant underground. The only patches of bush not regenerating and obvious part of their life tree planting having low success rates,” cycles is when they fruit, Dr Tommerup said. forming mushrooms, toad- The researchers are now developing a stools, truffles or cup- method for introducing suitable sets of fungi. fungi when local trees and shrubs are According to Dr planted on farmland. The technique Tommerup fungi also have involves raising seedlings with a wide a key role in soil organic diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi from matter and woodland areas where the chosen plant soil nutrient cycling species grow naturally. When the seedlings processes such as litter are planted in an area being revegetated, decomposition. they take the fungi with them. More information is available from Dr Inez Tommerup on (08) 9333 6674.

Victorian Landcare Page 25 Dunrobin Rabbits Catch-up: Around the CMAs in the Spotlight Over 100 landcarers attended a ‘Listening The plans are being developed by the to Landcare’ forum held by the Glenelg- committees for the Werribee, Hopkins CMA in April. The forum was Maribyrnong, Dandenong and Western designed to hear landcare concerns which Port catchments. For further information, are now being addressed by the board. contact Graeme Jeffrey on (03) 9785 0182. Landcare and other interest groups in the Over the next few months, Mallee CMA Corangamite region have recently been will be surveying landcare groups in its The Dunrobin Landcare Group has just recipients of $270,000 to carry out region to find out how the Authority can completed a successful rabbit eradication streamside management works in line with help them in their work. Areas in which program with a novel approach to wind up the Corangamite CMA’s Water Resources the CMA anticipates it could assist the Rabbit Buster initiatives. Program. A regional Landcare network is include providing a contact point for Chairman of the group, Peter Gorman, being established to assist the CMA and groups, budget preparation for NHT said a combined spotlight night was DNRE in their priorities and directions. projects, helping with administration held recently, organised by the group’s and alleviating group isolation. Landcarers from the Shepparton Irrigation secretary, John Matthews. Region were recently treated to a tour of The co-ordination of Landcare programs A large number of landholders pooled the dryland country at the upper reaches to improve water quality and reduce land their resources, greyhounds and kids to of the Goulburn River by the Goulburn- degradation will be improved through round up as many rabbits as possible over Broken CMA. There they saw work to implementation committees currently being a wide area. restore upper catchment waterways. established by the North East CMA. The Prizes were allocated to the various teams The busload of 42 was joined by a similar work of these committees is to implement from the remaining Rabbit Buster Funds number from the upper catchment which the regional catchment strategies. was a great chance to network and learn and the night concluded at the Dunrobin Wimmera CMA has established four more about the particular Landcare Hall with refreshments. committees to implement its regional challenges facing the hill country. The spotlight night was part of the catchment strategy: land, water, group’s effort to work co-operatively. Landcare groups will benefit from the biodiversity and sustainable regional It highlighted the need for all landholders recent decision by North Central CMA to development. Matters being addressed to be continually aware of the devastation develop a community-friendly structure to include salinity, river frontages, waterways that large numbers of rabbits cause to the implement its Regional Catchment restoration and roadsides management. environment and to the rural economy. Strategy. After an extensive community A demographic study of the region is also consultation, the Authority has being undertaken as part of the recently For more information contact the established four implementation released Wimmera Economic Perspective. Dunrobin Landcare Group President, committees: one for each of the river East Gippsland CMA has been undertaking Peter Gorman, on (03) 5581 1381. catchments. The structure will ensure major works programs on waterway greater communication with community management and bank protection on the Dunrobin President groups, especially landcare groups. Peter Gorman lower reaches of the Snowy and Tambo A Bushcare facilitator has also been (left) discusses Rivers and improving vegetation in the the group’s Rabbit appointed and will start in May to develop upper parts of the catchment. It has also Buster project with projects to enhance protection of remnant Group Secretary, been assisting landowners and agencies vegetation and increase revegetation John Matthews. and other organisations to cope with the projects. severe conditions that exist in the region Broadening the representation of interest as part of the drought. groups such as Landcare groups in its management structure is the aim of a discussion paper on a future advisory The successful networking of landcare structure recently issued by the West groups and individuals in catchment Gippsland CMA. regions will be the subject of a report to Government in November. The Minister Landcare groups are represented on the for Conservation and Land Management, catchment implementation committees Mrs Marie Tehan, has requested the report of the Port Phillip Catchment and Land from the Victorian Catchment Protection Board as it develops its Management Council which published a catchment action programs in four of its Victorian Landcare Page 26 major landcare report, Towards 2000: five catchments (Yarra’s action plan is Caring for Landcare in Victoria, last year. already complete). Pete the platypus

Teaching adults about river health you “The platypus is an emotive animal,” “If we don’t have riparian vegetation, might think hard enough. explained Ross Scott the Authority’s Lake the smorgasbord gets a bit thin and, geez, Wellington Rivers Manager. it gets hard to see in the river because all But teaching children about it... the soil from the river banks ends up in now there’s a tall order. “Its unusual combination of features the river. ‘Erosion’ the boffins call it.” provokes a certain affection which we Nonetheless, the value of children as can use to build a bridge to help people And so Pete’s patter goes. conduits of messages to their parents is become more aware of rivers and their well understood - at least by children! - Included in the newsletter is a club health.” and it is something the new catchment membership form requesting such details management bodies are exploring in their Pete, complete with sun cap and thongs, as the name of the creek or river nearest community awareness activities. was introduced to West Gippsland to your home as well as your birthday. children via the pages of the Authority’s Club members receive a certificate, West Gippsland Catchment Management Meanders newsletter. The newsletter as well as a birthday card on the big day Authority has shown particular devoted a whole page to capturing and they can also can collect a ‘living imagination in conceiving a catchment ‘catchment kids’ with an invitation present’ from the Authority’s own health club for kids. to colour in Pete to be part of his club. indigenous Cowwarr Nursery to plant The Pete the Platypus Club, an idea in their garden or along their favourite The idea was an instant hit. originating in the former Lake Wellington stretch of river. Rivers Authority, “We sent out a notice to all the schools This information is relayed for processing has found a in the catchment with a copy of the to ‘Captain Slayford’ at the Authority niche in the newsletter and received requests back for who, of course, is no relation whatsoever hearts of the between 25 and 300 copies per school,” to the Authority’s officer with the same youngsters said Authority Corporate Support surname. of the Manager, John Slayford. region. “Pete appears in the local papers relaying The newsletter was also strategically important environmental messages as dropped off at doctors’ well,” explained John. and dentists’ surgeries places The club appears to have heightened where people awareness of the importance of riparian congregate. zones among the children of the catchment. Some have sent the Authority As well as the photos of their own creek in various states usual children’s page of repair. attractions, colour-ins and other activities the page also Targeted at primary school pupils, subtly educates its young readers in the club has also sparked an idea for a catchment health. Platypus Conservancy on Traralgon Creek. Ross said the purpose would be to Readers are encouraged to watch for establish baseline information about the platypi in their local creek or river; the platypus population before a proposal to page includes broader education about remove willows in the riparian zone was local vegetation such as the swamp taken up. paperbark or river redgum; or talks about the meaning of riparian “This would provide us with information vegetation in a way children - about the impact of riparian vegetation and adults? can understand. on river health.” Says Pete: “The boffins say the The authority is working with industry, proper name is ‘riparian vegetation’. the community and the tertiary education Very toffy.. me and the mates just call sector to try to give the project birth. it trees and shrubs and things along Perhaps Pete will build bridges here too. the riverbank.”

Victorian Landcare Page 27 ON THE SHELF- New Publications Books

The Australian Farmer’s Guide to The New Rural Industries Crop Weeds and More Crop Weeds the Internet A handbook for Farmers and Investors The first step in controlling weeds is to Ignore what they say in the computer If you’re thinking of diversification this identify them. Identifying weeds at the store. Getting connected to the Internet handbook provides a good start. It gives a earliest possible stage means they can can be a very frustrating experience. ‘warts and all’ assessment of the strengths, be controlled before they start to damage Here’s an Internet Guide that has weaknesses and opportunities and threats the crop. These two volumes are a been written specifically for farmers. for 94 of Australia’s smaller or emerging straightforward guide to identifying crop It gives basic information about how to animal, aquaculture and plant industries. weeds. Between them, 207 different weed get connected, examples of how some species are covered. It also provides an overview of the key farmers use the Internet and a list of rural success factors in the development of The guides are full of quality colour Internet Service Providers. new industries, how to initiate your own photographs and line drawings to help One of the book’s best features is its market research and where to with identifying important directory of 250 web sites relevant to get advice or additional informa- weed seedlings and mature Australian farmers. Each site has a tion. plants. More Crop Weeds also description of content and a rating of includes keys to both narrow Each chapter has been ‘net appeal’. Purchasers of the book also and broad-leafed weeds. researched and written by get access to an on-line version of the experienced ‘experts’ in the Crop Weeds is $65 and More site directory. new industries or products. Crop Weeds is $55. They are The guide is $25 + $6 postage from available from VIDA Book The guide is $40 + $8 postage the Rural Industries R&D Corporation. Sales on (03) 5362 2111. from the Rural Industries Phone (02) 6272 4819. A postage fee of $10 applies. R&D Corporation. Phone (02) 6272 4819. While you can’t predict the future Pivot Prescription Farming helps you profit from it • A complete yet simple approach to improving profitability of your farm.

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PIVOT LIMITED. ACN 004 080 264 160 Queen Street, Melbourne 3001. Tel: (03) 9605 0400 PIVOT PROMOTING PRODUCTIVITY PVT2856 Philippine - Australia link established David Morgan, former external relations The planters will help Ecolink manager with Rio Tinto Exploration, has in revegetating over-logged helped establish a link between Landcare areas. and a community group, Ecolink on the Head of Ecolink, Roger southern island island of Mindanao in the Montealto commented at the Philippines. presentation, that Australia Through his role with Rio Tinto and the had, in the past, assisted with contacts he has established, David some road building and introduced the concepts of Landcare to the irrigation projects, and hoped groups in the Philippines. During his last that this new link would lead visit in January, David presented the group to further initiatives by both David Morgan presents Head of Ecolink, Roger Montealto with the Hamilton Tree Planters to help them with their with three Hamilton Tree Planters, donated governments in the rehabilitation work on the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines by the manufacturer, Keith Cumming. of areas devastated by over-logging. David spoke about Landcare in Australia and welcomed the links established between the Philippines group and those in Australia. “Landcare groups in Victoria and Ecolink can learn from each others’ experiences in revegetation projects, and hopefully, through this budding partnership improve the environment in both communities”. After career spanning 20 years with the Rio Tinto Group, David has left to pursue a career in consulting to companies, communities and governments on finding Win/Win solutions to land management issues. He said “it had been a wonderfully rewarding career with Rio Tinto because they had always had the community at heart”.

Profitable and Sustainable Farming Systems - WHERE ARE THE $? A seminar for Farmers and Landcare Professionals

Topics include case study examples When - 2nd and 3rd July 1998 ✢ Integrated cropping systems Where - Geelong, Victoria ✢ Blue gums and other forestry options ✢ Grazing systems using cell grazing For course details contact: ✢ Adopting new management systems Lachlan Polkinghorne ✢ Profitable and sustainable rangeland management National Landcare Facilitator ✢ Incorporating biodiversity in agriculture (03) 5229 6050 ✢ Financing the change to sustainability [email protected] National Landcare Facilitator$ Project NewNew ZealandZealand LandLand New Zealand and Australia may have by Don Ross, formed a united land mass aeons ago, but their land forms, uses and management have National Co-ordinator followed very different paths since then. This is where landcare and the Landcare Now, on the eve of the 21st century, there Trust came in. is real potential for the landcare movement to bring the two land masses together again As in Australia, the initial push for a in a non-physical but quite far-reaching NZ Landcare Trust came from landusers way. Even more exciting is the possibility, themselves, particularly members of recognised by the 1997 Australian production and conservation groups which Landcare Conference, that by encouraging both had an ‘advocacy warrior’ tradition. communities into environmental Some New Zealand communities had been stewardship, landcare could influence working on soil conservation, weed and and unite groups all round the world. pest issues for many years but, in 1996, on the recommendation of landuser groups, New Zealand landcare, as a formal Government took a proactive approach structure, is quite recent and owes a and funded the establishment of the New lot to the Australian experience. Zealand Landcare Trust. Since the mid 1980s, New Zealand Some regional councils were already landuser groups have watched Australia’s encouraging landcare groups, but the Trust’s developing landcare concept with a great mandate was to co-ordinate and extend the deal of interest and enthusiasm, although concept nationally. Australian landcare had our landuse and management problems are already proved the concept of co-ordinators not on the same scale. For example, helping communities establish their own rabbits are high profile in New Zealand landcare groups and then supporting the but, overall, only significantly affect about groups to become self-sustaining, especially 300,000ha - one paddock in Central by working alongside them, helping them Australia!! focus, develop skills and access information. Other problems such as tree decline, The Trust is administered by a Board of water quality and quantity, depletion, Trustees representing farmer groups, Maori degradation, and weeds may each be a landholders, conservation and recreation focus for a landgroup somewhere in New groups. Significantly, the Trust sits outside Zealand, but as local issues, not extensive government, an approach I personally problems as in Australia. support as it puts accountability with What really spurred New Zealanders into the community. While not downplaying landcare was the Resource Management Act the huge and effective involvement of 1991. government agencies in Australia, what impresses me most is the impact of This Act won some international non-government groups like Greening acclaim as the first major environmental Australia, National and State Farmer legislation in the world. Its aim was to Federations, Landcare Australia and the bring all environmental legislation Victorian Landcare Foundation. Landcare under one umbrella thus streamlining enthusiasts such as Wellington Lee, Alex innumerable rules and regulations into Arbuthnot, Lindy Moffat, and Rob Youl something of a one-stop-shop. of the Victorian Landcare Foundation, The Act was also important because, for David Millsom of Greening Australia, the first time, the concept of sustainability or Landcare Australia’s Brian Scarsbrick was enshrined in New Zealand legislation, (at the risk of naming few) confirm for me as was the concept of ‘community not only that landcare in Australia is alive involvement’ the Act demands and well, but also that the New Zealand consultation with communities over Trust is on the right track with its Victorian Landcare Page 30 planning, landuse and land management. community focus. dcarecare TrustTrust With key strategic areas of education, support and co-ordination, the Trust acts as a linchpin for an informally-structured network of groups, planners and resource providers. Part of this linchpin role is that of information broker. The Trust can help groups access a wealth of scientific information and practical expertise that is, as yet, virtually untapped. As a result, existing research can be put to maximum use and landusers can have input into future research. This is important Enjoying working in such beautiful surroundings, some landcare groups are looking at eco-tourism to because Government, as the major research help economic sustainability. funder, is looking critically at how effective its research dollars are in delivering Some 200 groups are now operating in The enthusiasm and commitment we relevant findings to end-users. New Zealand not bad on a per capita basis derive from being alongside and learning (and less than one year of formal landcare from our Australian counterparts will Joint ventures are already taking place. structures) given there is no direct works really help landcare both in New Zealand For example, a group of arable farmers in funding available. and internationally. Methven in the South Island is working alongside the Crop & Food Research We look forward to sharing some of our For more information on Landcare in NZ, Institute and Lincoln University field experience with our Australian counterparts contact Don Ross via: testing a soil quality monitoring kit. The at the year 2000 international conference in E-mail:[email protected] or write to group is helping refine the kit, which has Melbourne, where we hope to build NZ Landcare Trust PO Box 16-269, been specifically adapted to New Zealand significantly on our representation (of 13) Christchurch, NZ. conditions, before its official release. in Adelaide. So far, the New Zealand landcare movement has been more enthusiastically received and taken up than anyone foresaw.

The snow-capped South Island mountains are symbols of New Zealand’s clean, green image, something the landcare movement helps sustain.

Victorian Landcare Page 31 victorian

LL Issue 9 Spring 1998

Alcoans lend a hand

Why grow grapes? CONTENTS

Letters Business Management Wade Hughes Page 5, 26 Peter Walsh Peter Sutherland Kangaroos: fact and fiction Editorial Group Page 7 Paul Crock (03) 9207 5555 Jo Safstrom (03) 9412 4382 Sally Gibson (03) 9412 5048 Phil Roberts (03) 9207 5555 Sow ‘n’ Grow Editorial Consultant Page 9 Tiffany & Associates (03) 9894 2169 New fly first for Australia Page 13 Advertising Manager Mark Saunders Phone 0418 505 938 Rio Tinto remote sensing Design Bouquet Productions Pty. Ltd. Page 16 Phone (03) 9376 0911, Fax (03) 9376 0922 Why grow grapes? Printing Page 18 Henry Thacker Print Group Breakwater, Geelong. Phone (03) 5248 3333, Fax (03) 5248 7222 Saline soils at Yarram Cover Photograph Page 24 Dairy cows on Spring Pasture - Andrew Chapman Junior Landcare Contributions and mailing list enquiries Page 31 Victorian Farmers Federation Landcare Section, Level 6 24-28 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000 The Victorian Landcare magazine is a joint publication of the Victorian Phone (03) 9207 5555 Fax (03) 9207 5500 Farmers Federation, Alcoa of Australia Limited and the Department of Natural E-mail: [email protected] Resources and Environment, with the support of the Catchment and Land Victorian Landcare is published for the Victorian Protection Council and Greening Australia Victoria. 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 the Victorian Farmers Federation, its partners, agents, servants and contractors disclaim all responsibility for the statements quoted herein.

ISSN: 1327 5496 Victorian Landcare Page 3 From the editors There has been plenty of activity over On World Environment the winter period that can’t pass without Day, the United Nations comment. Environment Program (UNEP) elected Greening July saw the departure from office of Australia to the ranks one of Victoria’s staunchest Landcare of its Global 500 Roll supporters and dedicated farm leaders, of Honour, one of the Mark Thomas, GAL, receiving the award in Moscow Wally Shaw. Wally’s departure from the world’s most prestigious Victorian Farmers Federation sees the GA joins an elite group of environmentally environmental awards. end of a thirty year career representing the focused groups, companies and individuals interests of Victoria’s farming community. Mark Thomas received the award on including the likes of French marine behalf of GA in Moscow, from UNEP’s On behalf of the Landcare movement in explorer Jacques Cousteau and Sir David Executive Director Klaüs Töpfer, who Victoria, we thank Wally for his support Attenborough. praised GA for their efforts in helping over the years. However, we must all Lastly, on behalf of all the team, we would revegetate Australia. especially thank Wendy for supporting like to thank former Landcare magazine editor him in his endeavours for, without her “These environmental defenders have and NRE Manager Community Education support, Wally would not have achieved demonstrated that it is at the community and Customer Research, Mal Brown, for his as much as he has. and local level where action to protect dedication to salinity, Landcare and the environment acquires its full We welcome Peter Walsh to the post of education over the years. He has been meaning. In honouring them, UNEP VFF President. Peter is currently President actively involved in the magazine since its hopes that their examples will inspire of the VFF Farm Trees & Landcare inception and we have all benefited from his and guide many other men, women Association, and hence brings knowledge creativity and expertise. We wish him well in and young people to join the global and support for Landcare into office. his new career in the private sector. coalition dedicated to protecting the Paul Crock, Sally Gibson, environment,” he said. Phil Roberts, Jo Safstrom

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Central Gippsland South West North East North West Wimmera 350 Collins St 16 Kay St 132 Koroit St 2/164 Welsford St 118 Curlewis St 17 Darlot St Melbourne, 3000 Traralgon, 3844 Warrnambool, 3280 Shepparton, 3630 Swan Hill, 3585 Horsham, 3400 Telephone: (03) 9243 2668 Telephone: (03) 5176 1761 Telephone: (03) 5562 9611 Telephone: (03) 5821 2655 Telephone: (03) 5032 9900 Telephone: (03) 5381 0052 Facsimile: (03) 9243 2666 Facsimile: (03) 5176 1682 Facsimile: (03) 5562 0744 Facsimile: (03) 5831 2097 Facsimile: (03) 5032 4471 Facsimile: (03) 5381 0065 Also at Mildura Telephone: (03) 5023 3025 LettersLETTERSLetters Letters

Letters The Weed Initiative program in particular Currently, if you look at the flow chart of has been a well targeted and very successful where our applications go and where and program in South Gippsland. Proving to us when the money comes back, it’s a bit of that government and farmers can form a crazy maze. This letter may create some very effective partnerships to achieve great interesting discussion and idea generation, Feedback on NHT Debate on-ground outcomes. but let’s have them heard, Please! As a program that promised on-ground Yours in Landcare Dear Editors, outcomes as one of its major objectives, time David Ziebell I am writing to you to express community is running out before that precious commodity South Gippsland Landcare Co-ordinator concerns of the Natural Heritage Trust. of good will evaporates amongst the Landcare Originally hailed as the greatest environmental groups. The very ones who are in the best Frog Update restoration project ever, the Natural Heritage position to achieve an on-ground result. Trust is beginning to translate to those on the Rather than just sit back and criticise, Dear Editors, land as a program that is failing to deliver. our community has been working through I would like to suggest that through the possible solutions. From our perspective, there are many problems Victorian Landcare magazine people be notified with this scheme, almost too numerous to We see one of the main problems with NHT as that Roundup kills frogs as well as weeds. mention. The convoluted assessment process, being the complicated system of communicating Some people may be using the weed killer, the time delays, payments in instalments between Landcare groups and Canberra. ignorant of what else it kills. Some people and the different priorities of the various One option may be to have the Catchment may be able to be more careful of where and government departments, have all detracted Management Authorities write the submissions when it is used. from a scheme that promised so much. for Landcare groups. If Canberra mistrusts I don’t expect a radical change of lifestyle for However, it’s the thread of mistrust running Landcare groups and co-ordinated bids from people from this knowledge, but it may enable through the whole process that has the greatest Networks - as demonstrated so far - perhaps people to be more careful and selective when potential to damage the partnerships that are integrated bids professionally written will be using weed killers. essential for Landcare to work. Why doesn’t more successful. any bugger trust anyone any more? Thank you for your consideration on this. This would take one link out of the chain, For many years now Landcare groups albeit community ownership through Landcare A.M. Hayson throughout Australia have been performing networks, but it may stop the large number of Shelbourne vital on-ground land restoration works - extra ‘go it alone’ bids by each Landcare group In response to this community concern, with small amounts of Federal funding - arising from present frustrations. the manufacturers of Roundup and on sites that are obviously degraded. In most Another (wishful) approach could be to Glyphosate have changed the surfactant cases the labour and machinery costs are extend the community voice that is the which was causing the problems with carried by the landholder for projects of public Landcare network system up the chain to frogs and have released frog-friendly benefit. Let’s face it, there aren’t too many Canberra. Such a structure could involve glyphosate mixes for use near waterways. ways taxpayers’ dollars can be spread further regional networks, a state community For more information contact your local than through grants to Landcare groups. appointed group and a federal network (of herbicide retailer. Of course accountability is important, but it’s state chairs perhaps?) created from the groups Eds got to the stage now where accountability, up and not from the top down. evaluation and monitoring have become This would provide a line of communication mantras. Those outside the bureaucratic process we don’t have now. Yes, we do have can’t understand what all the chanting is about. the Australian Landcare Council, Our feeling is that rather than agonise over however, it seems far removed from as many as 85 questions on a form, those the local groups. This network involved in the assessment process need system may be able to communicate first-hand experience of the on-ground works on the Internet or through being accomplished by the groups and an teleconferencing to understanding and trust of community plans minimise cost. for the future. State Government grants to Landcare groups, in contrast, seem to be able to get the job done with a minimum of fuss.

Victorian Landcare Page 5 Escalate your rabbit control with anan excavatorexcavator By Matt O’Hare

This results in fewer reopenings. GMLN’s pest plant and animal committee are offering an incentive scheme which pays 20% of the costs of excavation and free Gastoxin tablets. Some farmers are also taking advantage of the 34c in the dollar Landcare Rebate. All farmers who have used the excavator are more than impressed by the speed and An excavator is the latest weapon The excavator can easily access these effectiveness of the process. used by the Goulburn Murray Landcare areas, even in dense pine stands. For further information contact Network (GMLN) in its fight against Damage to tree roots and overhanging Matt O’Hare, the GMLN’s Rabbit rabbits. The 20 tonne machine fitted branches is minimised by careful operation Buster Facilitator, on (03) 5864 1075. with a four-foot ripper has proved very and by using the excavator’s flexible arm. effective in difficult ripping situations, In most cases we have destroyed the including under fences and around trees. Excavator benefits warrens first with the excavator and Most of the network’s area is irrigated then followed-up by fumigating any • Rips under fences. so the rabbits are confined to isolated reopenings with Gastoxin tablets. • Removes/relocates stumps and infestations. However, remnant stands Ripping before fumigating has two logs ripping warrens underneath. of murray pine and yellow box provide advantages. Firstly, it saves time. Instead • Removes boxthorns and attractive harbour. Ripping with tractors of spending several days fumigating peppercorns. in these areas has been difficult in the past warrens farmers only have to monitor • Crushes hollow logs or piles up as most warrens are concentrated at the the sites and fumigate reopenings. for burning. base of trees. Overhanging branches and Secondly, because the entrance to the • Less time/labour required for tree roots made the job complex, time warrens is not filled in, the area to be fumigating. consuming and ineffective, as the whole ripped can be better assessed by looking • No need to cross-rip. warren was often not destroyed. at the direction the hole takes. Goulburn Murray Weed Alert

The Goulburn Murray Landcare Fiona encourages farmers to get Fiona says Kyllinga is a good example. Network’s Pest Plant and Animal weeds identified early. There is no known control method Committee is advising farmers to identify available and it is decimating pasture “In the past farmers have failed to weeds early or suffer the consequences. in the Northern Irrigation Region. have weeds identified before losses in The committee is undertaking a productivity occur. This has become a “Getting in early and eradicating weeds major weed campaign during 1998/99. serious issue more recently as some of when only a few plants are present can Fiona Fisher, GMLN’s Pest Plant the newer weeds are immune to the save a lot of time, money and heartache.” Facilitator, says it’s all about raising usual control methods.” For further information contact Fiona Fisher community awareness of new on (03) 5866 2164. invasive weeds spreading in the region. An infestation of prairie ground cherry in the Northern Irrigation Region. KANGAROOS: Fact and Fiction

Research Results

Eastern Grey kangaroos. Dr David Freudenberger from CSIRO believes kangaroos can cause significant grazing pressure.

Harvesting of red and grey kangaroos Fiction: Kangaroos are at risk of extinction. Regardless of what sort of feet they have, has a scientifically legitimate, ecological one kangaroo or one sheep has a Red and grey kangaroos are not facing and economic role in Australian negligible impact in a 1000ha paddock. extinction! Indeed, their numbers are rangelands, according to Dr David However, 100 kangaroos or 100 sheep booming thanks to the absence of dingoes Freudenberger of CSIRO Wildlife & can equally damage a landscape. It’s from many areas and easy access to water. Ecology. the total number tearing away at Prior to the development of a livestock vegetation, exposing it to erosion by Dr Freudenberger, who has spent industry, vast areas of Australia were once wind and water that matters. decades studying the grazing impact of without drinking water for a majority of the kangaroos and sheep on Australia’s vast In the absence of dingoes and in the time. Scientists believe kangaroo numbers rangelands says the kangaroo industry is presence of drinking water, kangaroos went through cycles. During the wetter an important component of the economy can become a significant (30-40%) part years that usually followed an El Nino in many parts of regional Australia yet of total grazing pressure. When there event, roo numbers increased dramatically. many Australians carry misconceptions are a lot of grazing mouths, the land is When the El Nino returned, they quickly about the roo’s impact. at risk of falling apart. It’s the number died of thirst with just a few survivors at of mouths (and stomachs) that are “On average, every four properties isolated billabongs. important. The hardness of the feet support a roo shooter,” he said. Today, thanks to bores and dams, most is of secondary importance. “Each shooter could be considered a areas of Australia are less than 8km small business feeding into the rural from water - an easy hop for a kangaroo. Fiction: Humans are not the normal economy, so it’s important that the Where there is drinking water, kangaroos predators of kangaroos. kangaroo’s place in the environment thrive until they starve. Humans have been a predator of is understood.” kangaroos for at least 50,000 years. Fiction: Kangaroos are kept in check by Dr Freudenberger says there are several dingoes all over Australia. Our predatory skills have changed: commonly held misconceptions about we now use high-powered rifles rather kangaroos. If dingoes were still widely spread they than spears and dogs. Without predation, might control kangaroo populations but the only other controlling factors are Fiction: Kangaroos are in balance with the dingo has been exterminated from starvation and disease. Starving animals, nature. most areas except central and northern be they kangaroos or sheep, over-graze Australia. Kangaroos have been a part of Australia by necessity. Commercial harvesting of for nearly five million years, but the Fiction: Kangaroos are okay because kangaroos is a modern form of predation. land has changed dramatically in the they are soft-footed. Eliminating harvesting would only past 200 years. In some places, kangaroo increase the risk of overgrazing, land numbers and impact are far greater Kangaroos have two long, soft feet. degradation and rural poverty. than ever before. Sheep, cattle and goats all have four hard hooves that chip away at the soil.

Victorian Landcare Page 7 YoungYoung WeedbusWeedbustersters Group “Many classroom activities were supported News by the excellent Weedbuster campaign materials, providing students with the starting point,” she said.

The Urban Rural Links program, “The Reservoir East Primary School, in conjunction with the National for example, took their grade four Weedbuster Week initiative and the children on a walk of the Darebin Creek Victorian Government’s ‘Win the War (an important metropolitan waterway), Against Weeds’ campaign, co-ordinated collecting samples of weeds to be pressed, a weed poster or project competition for later identified and mounted in 3D schools involved in the links program. presentations,” she said. Ingrid Duncan, the URL Co-ordinator, “More importantly, from that point the highlighted the rationale behind the children went on to study the waterway competition. in general and the effects of weed invasion and litter pollution. Developing an “Weeds are not exactly a most riveting understanding of the creek and the topic - but the extent of the weed problem threats to its health, the children now in Australia today compels us to reach out value it as an important part of their to the younger generation in an effort to environment,” Ingrid said. lift awareness of the problem and help stem the tide in the future,” Ingrid said. An interesting array of entries, including James Butler, Reservoir East Primary some in languages other than English, School, with the best 3D Presentation. “Students were invited to enter a project highlighted an important aspect of the or poster depicting weed or a weed issue. Urban Rural Links program, providing These posters or projects were produced Award Winners opportunities for participation in Landcare individually or in groups of up to four by non-English speaking and Koori groups. Best Poster Presentation students, using any medium, on up to Jane Kerr - Axedale Primary School A3 size paper.” After lengthy deliberations, competition judge, Mal Brown, then Manager Best Project Presentation Ingrid was encouraged by the way in Community Education and Customer Mehtap Yurter - Dallas Primary School which schools tackled the issue of weeds Research for NRE, awarded prizes in Best 3D Presentation in the environment. six categories. James Butler - Reservoir East Primary School Presentation ceremonies at each of the Best Environmental Message four winning schools saw the award Gulcan Sert - Dallas Primary School winners presented with their prizes Most Original Entry by Mayors and representatives of Lauren Reynolds & La Cinta Hurdle - their respective municipalities Axedale Primary School (Hume, Darebin, Moira and Greater Bendigo). Weeds Campaign Award Goodie Brennan, Eleanor Brennan & Natasha Stedman - Katunga South Primary School

Ingrid acknowledged competition sponsors Monsanto Australia, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and Safeway Stores and sincerely thanked (L-R) Mehtap each of them for their assistance in Yurter and Gulcan Sert from providing excellent prizes for the winners Dallas Primary and their schools. School. Gulcan’s poster was judged For more information about the Urban to contain the best Rural Links program, contact Ingrid environmental message. Duncan on (03) 9468 3209. Victorian Landcare Page 8 Sow ‘n’ Grow By Margareta Osborn

Group News

How can we involve more women in Landcare? was the question raised by the dedicated men of the Nambrok and Districts and Clydebank Landcare groups.

With my eyebrows raised pondering their Robyn Scott, Marie Barrett, Gale Dowsett and Andrea Killeen ‘pricking-out’ seedlings. motives and after some discussion, we came up with a simple but effective idea. During the practical activities, help and Sow ‘n’ Grow has been a huge success, Sow ‘n’ Grow workshops teach ideas were traded, new friendships made ‘sow’ much ‘sow’ that a mystery bus tour participants to propagate native trees (though no marriages yet!) and water fights was organised with 35 super sleuths as a and shrubs for planting at little or no added plenty of hilarity. follow-up activity. The sleuths spied out and collected seed from roadsides as the cost. While initially aimed at women, Robyn Scott, a participant in the first bus toured the area. They also visited two the success of the workshops has had workshop said, “Landcare is also ‘people local farmers who propagate native trees the men clambering to be involved. care’. If the smiles and laughter were in their own backyards using the simplest anything to go by, Sow ‘n’ Grow certainly Greening Australia’s Kate Walsh of facilities. and Jim Robinson provided technical proved that!” “I found Sow ‘n’ Grow very informative,” expertise and used seeds and fruits from Initially some people came because they said Alf Ezunger, a participant in the local native trees to give participants felt obligated; others were dragged along by second workshop. “I didn’t realise it was practical experience in the identification, friends. Many came because they wanted to so simple to collect seed and grow my collection and germination of seed. learn how to grow their own trees at low own trees.” Joined by Donna Bebbington from cost, which is particularly relevant in these West Gippsland Catchment Management times where dollars are as scarce as rain. For more information contact Maffra and Districts Landcare Network Co-ordinator, Authority (CMA), they also showed Sow ‘n’ Grow has gained community Margareta Osborn, on (03) 5139 0152. participants the processes of ‘pricking credibility through the ‘bush telegraph’, out’ using a ‘dibble stick’. This involves with an overwhelming public response. transplanting tiny seedlings into prepared With the support of the CMA which has Checklist to Sow ‘n’ Grow tree tubesusing a stick sharpened to a provided facilities, potting mix, fertiliser tapering point. They also showed how • Collect ripe native seed pods. and utensils, at least 60 people now know to ‘pinch a seedling’s legs off’ to • Dry out in warm place. how to Sow ‘n’ Grow their own trees. eliminate ‘J’ curves in the root system • Germinate seed in trays until Over a dozen people have already and how to plant and water down the seedlings are about 1cm high. reserved a spot for the upcoming ‘amputees’ with lots of TLC. • Fill tree tubes with potting mix and a workshops in spring. few granules of fertiliser. The interaction between people was • ‘Prick out’ seedlings into tree tubes. amazing. • Label seedlings. • Water down seedlings. • Place in sheltered place to grow. • REMEMBER to water frequently.

Jim Robinson, GAV, explaining how to Sow ‘n’ Grow.

Victorian Landcare Page 9 Mein h By Carrie Tiffany

Rudy Novotny is an active member of the Bald Hills Creswick Landcare Group and he sees host farming as being an extension of the Landcare idea. “Being host farmers means we get to keep in touch with city people while they get a taste of farming. It’s about bringing people together to talk about the land. I see myself as an ambassador for Landcare.” Rudy says a lot of people come back over and over again and they are always thrilled to see how the property is changing.

Rudy Novotny feeding out with some guests. “We’ve planted many, many trees - often with the help of guests - and they love to see how they’ve grown and By the age of three, both of my The provision of farm accommodation is how the landscape is changing.” children declared their intention to an effective way to diversify farm income be farmers. Unfortunately we live in and, with many properties, it’s the only “We really appreciate the friendships suburbia, so in the interest of a little part of the farm income that’s growing. we’ve made as host farmers. One of our early work-experience we got in touch current guests works in computing so he There are 147 farms listed with the with the Host Farms Association. was up at the house last night helping Association in Victoria and many me upgrade my computer system - it’s all The Association produces a detailed unlisted. Hank’s figures suggest that about sharing skills and knowledge.” brochure and, using it as our guide, we around 45,000 people stay at member host have spent many cheap and enjoyable farms each year for a gross accommodation Farming and fishing weekends at Victorian farms. The children turnover of around three million dollars. recall the farms by their favourite animals: When the Noble family purchased their Hank says making a success out of a Sandy the toothless old goat at Euroa; property, Brimin Lodge at Rutherglen, host farm business depends greatly on the Maneater the rabbit from Castlemaine; they saw immediate potential for the personality and attitudes of the farmers. Soldier and Captain, the Clydesdales at cabin on the river. The Noble’s knocked Dimboola. but I remember the care and “You have to like people and like talking up a brochure on their computer and did attention we received from our hosts, the about what you do,” he said. their own advertising in the Weekly Times. Now, as well as running a mixed farm time they spent showing us their farms “People visit host farms because they with agroforestry, prime lambs, crops and often, their Landcare projects. want a slice of rural life. If they just and aquaculture, they have a successful wanted a bed they would stay in a motel. One of our hosts said running a host host farm business. farm is like being inside a huge funnel Visiting a farm is an experience and along which information, knowledge enthusiastic hosts can really make Simon Noble says: “Last year the cabin and attitudes are constantly being that experience come alive.” was occupied for 300 nights. Most of our exchanged between the country and business is repeat or referral so advertising the city. “It’s a mind expanding A view of Landcare at Hillview is minimal. The cabin brought in around experience,” he said. Alison and Rudy Novotny have been 30% of our total farm income. We are members of the Host Farms Association serious about making sure people have Good business for nine years. They retired from Ballarat a good time and want to come back.” According to Hank van Apeldoorn from to Hillview, a 33ha beef property at Simon’s wife, Phillippa, is the President the Host Farms Association of Victoria, Creswick. The cottage was already in of the local Landcare Group and the farm accommodation is also an income- place but they are continually improving family have done a lot of work expanding experience. and upgrading it and have created a revegetating their river frontage to healthy business along the way. improve the property and create an

Victorian Landcare Page 10 ost, the farmer!

idyllic holiday setting. The Nobles leave The Noble’s have both the self-contained river a copy of the Brimin Lodge Wildlife cabin and a B&B cottage at Brimin Lodge Register in the cabin for people to add near Rutherglen. The cabin is $50 per night. to and, according to Simon, most do. For bookings phone (02) 6035 7245. “Our guests are really interested in both The Novotny’s farm Hillview offers a Hank van the farm and the wildlife. I try to gauge self contained cottage that sleeps six from Apeldoorn from the the level of involvement they want and to $55 per night. For bookings phone Host Farms provide it. We leave written information (03) 5345 2690. Association. about the farm in the cabin and many of our guests buy some of the Murray Cod we raise in our aquaculture operation.” Tips for prospective host farmers If you are thinking of offering accommodation on your property • Prepare a business plan. Consider what • Manage all of your risks. Farm safety Hank van Apeldoorn says the first thing standard of accommodation you want is a key issue, particularly with you should do is visit a local host farm. to offer and the costs involved in children roaming about. If you are The Host Farm Association has a detailed providing it. going to provide meals, hygiene (food safety) must also be considered. membership kit and can offer advertising, • Don’t overcapitalise. Most successful advice and assistance. host farms use existing buildings that • Be realistic about the time you The Association can be contacted at can be converted into suitable will need to put into the business. Level 6, 230 Collins Street, Melbourne accommodation without enormous cost. Talking to people, cleaning accommodation and maintaining 3000. Telephone (03) 9650 2922. • Don’t consider host farming unless your property at a presentable you like talking to people and are The Noble’s cabin on the Murray River standard will all take time away comfortable sharing your property at Rutherglen offers a farm experience from your other farming duties. and great fishing. with visitors.

Victorian Landcare Page 11 Free legal advice for Landcare groups From the By Phil Roberts, Executive Officer VFF Farm Tree and Landcare Association inventors shed Free legal advice on employment is now All groups need to do to take part is be a Group available to Landcare groups in Victoria. member of the Association. Ideas The Victorian Farmers Federation has Once they have informed the Association recognised the growing need for this vital of their contracts, work can begin on service as the Landcare movement ensuring groups are fully covered. continues to evolve. Friends of Wattle Park have Peter Walsh, VFF and association developed a new ‘Spot Weeder’ In a move that will help many Landcare President, said that this type of information making relatively heavy weeding groups and networks across the state, and support is really needed by groups. easier. Designed for ‘friends of’ the VFF will assist member groups of the “We have some treasurers of groups who groups, Landcare groups, farmers, Association with advice on employment are spending so much voluntary time on parks and gardens staff, the issues, including the drafting of new the administration of their employees. ‘Spot Weeder’ solves the employment contracts. At the moment What we would like to do is provide problems associated with many groups don’t have access to this advice and information to make this a bending or kneeling if you’ve information and are working in the dark lot easier, at no cost. The great thing got a crook back or gammy knees. when it comes to employing people. for groups is that they have access to It is also handy where you There is a huge amount of work involved the experience and expertise of the can’t spray, being able to pull for groups who employ people. Groups need VFF Legal Department and don’t need out well-established deep- to know their obligations as employers on to feel so isolated,” Peter said. rooted weeds and large clumps. issues such as WorkCover, taxation and For more information on how your group It’s heavily galvanised and superannuation. The VFF can help groups can obtain this legal service, please call should last for years. work though the employment maze by Phil Roberts at the VFF on (03) 9207 5561. providing free advice on the options For more information contact the inventor, available. Howard Hodgens, on (03) 9833 4732.

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PIVOT LIMITED. ACN 004 080 264 160 Queen Street, Melbourne 3001. Tel: (03) 9605 0400 PIVOT PROMOTING PRODUCTIVITY PVT2856 NewNew biobio controlcontrol forfor boneseedboneseed

Research Results

Adult Mesoclanis magnipalpis on a flower of boneseed.

A new biological control agent has been released to attack boneseed, one of Victoria’s worst environmental weeds. NRE liberated the first lacy-winged seed flies to be released in Australia at the You Yangs Regional Park, west of Melbourne. Minister for Conservation and Land Management, Marie Tehan, said that the You Yangs has one of Victoria’s worst infestations. “Boneseed infestations eventually eliminate all native plants and the fauna which depend on them. Even the gum trees have been killed off and are unable to regenerate,” Mrs Tehan said. “Boneseed produces large numbers of This tiny insect dispersed at hard seeds which accumulate in the an amazing rate - over 400km per soil and remain viable for many years. month - and is now attacking bitou Seed fly larvae eat the weed’s fruits and bush throughout NSW. Up to 80% prevent the formation of this seed.” of buds are infested with eggs and around 40% of the seed is being The seed fly, known to scientists as destroyed. Continued build-up of Both show Mesoclanis magnipalpis, has been fly populations is expected to increase great promise collected in South Africa, where the damage. and are expected boneseed is a native plant, and bred to have a devastating in the quarantine laboratories of the Leader of the Institute’s Weeds of effect,” Robin Adair Keith Turnbull Research Institute Natural Ecosystems program, Robin said. (KTRI) at Frankston. Adair, is overseeing the release of the seed fly. “The plan is to attack the “The scientific team at KTRI “It is hoped that in Australia, where weed with a number of natural enemies. have thoroughly tested the seed the fly has no natural enemies, it will So far, four species of leaf beetles, fly to ensure that it only attacks dramatically reduce seed production. a moth and another species of seed fly boneseed. In order to meet Australian Release of the seed fly is a new phase have been released. The tip moth, which safety standards, the flies were in the co-ordinated biological control destroys developing buds, and the tortoise reared under quarantine conditions campaign against boneseed and its beetle, which eats the leaves, have in the laboratory before release. near-relative, bitou bush,” Mrs Tehan said. established in NSW and are starting to Strict procedures were followed to KTRI released another species of seed control the weed. Other biological ensure that the flies are free of parasites fly for bitou bush in New South Wales control agents being studied include and diseases - which could have been in 1996. a rust fungus and a leaf roller moth. imported with them from South Africa.”

Victorian Landcare Page 13 Alcoans help tackle

In what was a first for Alcoa’s Victorian operations, employees and staff were invit- ed to help with Landcare projects in a practical sense. Presentations were made to shift crews and articles in internal newsletters promoted Landcare and the Swan Bay project. Bernie Niven from Alcoa said it was a great opportunity to contribute to the Before the family Day environment in their local area. “We really enjoyed ourselves. The erosion on the site was terrible and by lending Families from Alcoa and KAAL where erosion of the creek banks has the farmer a hand, we have helped him Australia’s Pt Henry works near Geelong, contributed to water quality problems fix the problem. We now understand how joined members of a Green Corps team, and siltation in Swan Bay for many years. hard it is for the farming community to volunteers from the Alcoa weekend Thanks to the efforts of the landholders tackle these problems on their own when program and community group members in fencing off the creek from stock access commodity prices are so low.” to make up an army of over 40 people and the volunteers who lent the farmers “Not only was it rewarding to see the at a Swan Bay family day recently. a hand in planting the trees, this problem thousands of trees in the ground by the The group planted nearly 2000 trees and should be able to slowly fix itself. end of the day, but as we live close by, we shrubs along Anderson’s Creek in the will be able to visit the site and watch the Swan Bay catchment, near Queenscliff, trees progress,” Bernie said.

Victorian Landcare Page 14 Swan Bay woes

Lynn Murray, from KAAL’s Pt Henry works, also brought his wife and two children along to help. “Having just purchased some land ourselves, we thought we would come along and learn how to revegetate it properly,” he said. “The kids had a great time planting trees with their mum and dad and running up After - A job well done and down with trees and tree guards for the other volunteers.” “Chris and Kaitlyn had a great time. downstream sections will be fenced Quite often, projects such as this are out of They really enjoyed exploring the gully off and planted out later by a Green the reach of most landholders. With Alcoa’s and playing in the mud, but they also Corps team. By the end of the season, contribution and your efforts we have learned how they can play an important the site will be home to nearly 10,000 helped the future of Swan Bay.” she said. trees and shrubs and will link up role in the local environment,” Lynn said. For more information on the Swan Bay sections of the creek from Anderson’s After a sumptuous BBQ lunch with lots Catchment Project, contact Sue Road to Swan Bay. of big juicy snags, courtesy of Alcoa Longmore on (03) 5258 1836. Landcare, the weather set in, making The Catchment Group Co-ordinator, Sue ongoing planting really only suitable Longmore, thanked the volunteers and for the local ducks. Some of the really Alcoa for their support for the project, keen volunteers worked on and encouraged people to visit the site to briefly, helping push the total watch the trees progress. to nearly 2500 trees. “As you can see, it The inclement weather is a difficult task dumped 30mm of rain on tackling these sorts of the site over the ensuing problems. days, giving the trees the best start possible. The remainder of the site and the

Chris and Kaitlyn Murray

Victorian Landcare Page 15 Rio Tinto flies high for

World Geoscience Corporation’s Britten Norman Trislander aircraft. This aircraft is now fitted with the SALTMAP system developed by World Geoscience and CSIRO for Landcare applications.

In 1996, mining giant Rio Tinto started “The raw data is the same but the “By combining with information from to look at the Western District geology interpretation of it is different,” he said. other data sets such as topographic maps, hoping to discover hidden gold and base we can create a model forecasting the Rio Tinto agreed to have the data metals deposits. The company started their effect of increasing recharge and interpreted and presented the technical search by studying old maps and looking watertable levels on land and stream report to the local Landcare community. into what the old-timers had found. salinisation,” he said. Rio Tinto Exploration’s Chief Geologist, The report The interpretation of the data from Tim McConachy, said the results from The report, compiled by Perth-based Rio Tinto was mostly office-based, the early prospectors were once a good World Geoscience Corporation, also involving only one short field trip. indication but new discoveries relied on involved interpretation of aerial Greg pointed out that better a much more technical approach. photographs, satellite images, topographic, interpretation could be made with additional maps outlining the present “When we started our search, we used drainage and remnant vegetation maps. extent of salinity, water quality data a plane heavily equipped with the latest In 1996, World Geoscience received and access to better models on the technology, which let us look far below a National Landcare award for their process causing localised salinity. the surface to any potential hidden pioneering work in this field. mineral deposits,” he said. Greg Street of World Geoscience said “If remedial works are to be designed, the Rio Tinto data should be reinterpreted “We flew over the area, sending weak the technology measures the conductivity at 1:20,000 or 1:10,000 scale in electromagnetic waves deep below the of the ground. The benefit for Landcare conjunction with other data sets such surface. The return signal gives us an is that not only can it detect deep as soils, topography, cadastral, vegetation idea of what minerals might lie below.” conductivity changes, of interest to mineral explorers, but areas with a high climate and drainage,” he said. “Unfortunately we did not find any conductivity shallow in the soil profile significant new mineral deposits. However, which may be due to salt. we did find a gold mine of information for the local Landcare groups,” Tim said. “The survey was designed to detect large conductive bodies in the ground. Prior to the flying part of the project, With flight line spacing set at 200m, the David Morgan, External Affairs Manager spacing does not completely define the salt with Rio Tinto Exploration, had met storage levels close to the surface,” he said. with several local landholders who outlined their salinity problems and “It does, however, show general patterns expressed interest in the survey. and provides a good idea as to the locations of high and low salt concentrations in the “The data we collected to look for soil, allowing the position of the salt in the minerals could be easily adapted to landscape to be mapped,” he said. understand salinity,” David said.

Tim McConarchy and David Morgan Victorian Landcare Page 16 study the results of the survey. Research Results By Landcare Paul Crock

The results The report warns that scalds are likely The outbreak of saline areas is highly to form, particularly where valleys cross likely along the edges of the Otway Basin. The report gives no on-ground shallow bedrock or other barriers to The report recommends that these areas recommendations. These could only be groundwater flow. are investigated and closely monitored. made after more detailed interpretation and in consultation with farmers, The Otway Basin sediments are high in Conclusion Landcare co-ordinators, consultants, conductivity due primarily to salt stored NRE, Rio Tinto and World Geoscience. in the weathered rock profile. Further The report has shown how such imagery investigation into the distribution of can be used as another tool for CMAs and The general findings of the report, salt is recommended by detailed ground state and federal governments to give a however, are outlined below: surveys and drilling at selected sites. better idea of underlying salinity threats. They can then assist the community by Casterton survey area The laterite profiles at the edge of providing a better guide as to where to the Dundas Tablelands also need further In the Casterton survey, the report identifies strategically identify areas which need investigation as do the deeply weathered areas of higher conductivity associated with closer monitoring and evaluation. the sediments of the Otway Basin, laterite sections of palaeozoic basement. Ground This targeted effort will help ensure profiles of the western edge of the Dundas geophysical surveys at selected sites followed remedial works are concentrated in the Tablelands and deeply weathered zones in by drilling and monitoring would assist in areas which will deliver the best results the palaeozoic basement rocks. understanding of the local conditions. for the investment. The area north-east of Casterton has the The report suggests management of For more information about airborne highest conductivities. It is mostly cleared recharge is needed on all areas of Otway electromagnetic surveys, contact Greg for agriculture and rising watertables are Basin sediments and laterite profile as Street on (08) 9273 6400, or the highly likely to mobilise salts stored in the well as the deeply weathered zones in Western District survey, contact David Otway Basin sediments and laterite profiles. the palaeozoic basement rocks. Morgan on (03) 5787 1277.

High conductivity area (red and white areas) in the Otway Basin sediments north of Casterton. Increased recharge into this area is likely to result in increased land and stream salinity. Note the area of shallow bedrock (blue). Structures such as this where they cross drainage lines can force groundwater to the surface resulting in salinity.

Casterton Victorian Landcare Page 17 Why grow

Chris Etheridge and his family grow No-one could accuse Chris Etheridge “One of the problems with vines is that grapes in the Yarra Valley under of poor planning in his vineyard, Yarra it can take four to five years before your contract to a major winemaker. Walla, near Gruyere. Chris used to work decisions bear fruit. We planted in 1994. For many small property holders, in Gippsland at the Victorian College Our first decent crop wasn’t until 1998. vines provide income and an of Agriculture and Horticulture, running When we decided to plant we knew there opportunity to be part of an farm management and financial planning were a lot of other people with the same exciting industry. courses. After 12 years, he decided it was idea. Because of this we decided to sign time to practise what he preached and a long-term contract to supply grapes to By Carrie Tiffany returned to the family’s Yarra Valley Southcorp for Coldstream Hills and their property to consider its future. At only other labels.” Farm 250ha Yarra Walla was too small to Feature “There are enough uncertainties in continue as a viable grazing property. farming without having to worry about Chris did some research and decided to product prices, so locking in the grape plant 40ha in vines. price makes a lot of sense. Most grape Lucy Etheridge wields the supply contracts have a base price with secateurs. Pruning during quality bonuses and penalties to encourage winter often means freezing temperatures. us to keep improving the product.” Romance and hard work Chris says people can get caught up in the romance of the wine industry but it is a very expensive business to get into and it requires a great deal of planning and hard work. “With vines, it’s constant activity. We started ploughing and preparing rows the autumn before we first planted. During winter, we erected the trellis and laid the irrigation. The vines were planted as rootlings in spring and for the first season are allowed to grow and sprawl. After that, they are pruned and trained onto the trellis. Pruning alone can take three months. Over summer there is constant watering, weeding and spraying. We harvest during March, April and May. Our red grapes (pinot noir) and any chardonnay which is used for sparkling wine are hand-picked, the rest are machine-harvested. And then the whole cycle starts again...” Victorian Landcare Page 18 Vineyards are an important source of grapes? seasonal employment in the Yarra Valley.

Pests and diseases are a constant problem Unfortunately, it can be for viticulturists. With young vines, difficult for new growers rabbits can be a major problem, then, to get good advice. The when fruit is ripening, hoards of starlings Department of Agriculture and Indian Mynas descend. Chris uses has had some very good plastic guards to protect young vines people, but these days they from rabbits and uses a scare gun for are just too thin on the the birds - but in such a well-populated ground, so people should area he has to consider noise complaints seek professional advice.” from the neighbours. Chris says that being a Another constant worry is late spring contracted grower helps to get around When Chris’s daughter Lucy isn’t at frosts. In early October 1997, a number some of these problems as the wine university she’s in the vines pruning and of Yarra Valley vineyards suffered major companies can provide advice about swapping stories with the team of locals frost losses. Frosts burn the young tissue what to grow and where to get good, who get valuable seasonal employment on the vine. The vines will rebloom but disease-free root stock. from Yarra Walla and the other Yarra produce much poorer yields. To avoid Valley vineyards. frost damage, viticulturists must keep Viticulture and Landcare Chris says, “We are in for the long the ground weed-free. Some of the bigger Chris shares his viticultural knowledge haul. Most of the big wine companies operations have occasionally employed through the Yarra Valley Landcare Group, are now represented in the Yarra Valley. helicopters to hover around vineyards on of which he was one of the founding com- This brings stability and benefits to frosty nights to keep the air circulating. mittee members. He is hard pressed to find smaller growers like us.” many ‘Landcare negatives’ with viticulture. Sabotage rumour “Internationally Australia has a well “When vines are being established topsoil regarded product, yet we only produce It is disease that viticulturists are most can be lost, but it is always possible to 3% of the world’s wine. There is plenty fearful of. In the late 1800s, the vine stabilise soil between rows. Vines are of room for expansion.” root disease phylloxera wiped out the deep-rooted so they probably assist in Yarra Valley’s wine industry. Rumour states Wine made from Yarra Walla grapes can reducing the watertable and reducing the disease was intentionally brought in be tasted in the Coldstream Hills label. salinity problems. We are in a high from Europe after Yarra Valley wine was rainfall area but water use must still be acclaimed at a Paris competition. Chris planned. We provide all of our water from Etheridge believes an economic downturn farm dams but many growers are looking was the more likely cause of the industry’s to tap into local rivers and watercourses.” failure at that time but he says phylloxera and other diseases like grape vine yellows “Our use of chemicals probably has the are still a real threat. And, whether most potential for damaging soil and introduced accidentally, or on purpose, water but it is not in our interests to these diseases could cause the industry let that happen. I believe all growers great harm. are extremely careful about chemical use. Firstly, because chemicals are very “Viticulturists need to be very, expensive, using them wisely is always very careful when sourcing root stock. the best option and, secondly, because Some of the new vine plantings are on the wine companies demand a clean, phylloxera-resistant root stocks, but a chemical-residue-free product.” great bulk of the existing vines are potentially susceptible to phylloxera. In for the long haul It’s issues like disease that there are great benefits to be had from growers working Chris Etheridge believes the wine industry together and sharing knowledge. will be a key part of the Yarra Valley’s future. And of his family’s future too.

Chris Etheridge, ‘practising what he used to preach’. Victorian Landcare Page 19 RABBIT-FREE:

Levels of infection to RCD Tim is keen for landholders to take full vary across Victoria with advantage of the opportunities RCD offers recent surveys (May 1998) by using all the control methods available, showing an average 40-60% of not just relying on the 1990s magic bullet rabbits in the RCD monitor of RCD or the mid 20th century magic Destroying weed harbour is an sites immune to the virus. The bullet of poisoning. important step in becoming rabbit free. revised monitoring program aims to better understand the What does rabbit-free look like? There is a new catchphrase on the rabbit interactions between RCD, the rabbit and Both Tim and Steve believe that rabbit busting front: long-term strategic rabbit the many environmental variables that free is no rabbits seen on your spotlight management. affect the kill rate of RCD in Victoria. transects and no active burrows or Blood and eye samples (to determine age) Tim Bloomfield from the Victorian Institute warren systems. Landcare groups like are taken on a quarterly basis, along with of Animal Science reports that this new Manangatang believe this is achievable spotlight transects and warren monitoring program, supervised by Steve McPhee, in their part of Victoria, traditionally the to get a snapshot of the rabbit, RCD and RCD Monitoring Program Co-ordinator, home of the rabbit. Many of the Landcare the value of traditional control measures is trying to find the best ways in which groups involved in the program are aiming across all the 20 Victorian monitor sites. existing rabbit control methods and to destroy every burrow, urged on with the strategies can be integrated with RCD to Long-term management catch cry: ‘leave no home for the rabbit’. optimise the long-term environmental and economic benefits for all landholders. Tim Bloomfield says, in the wake of RCD, Why aim for rabbit-free? landholders have a real opportunity to “The ultimate goal is to be rabbit-free Steve McPhee says the right number of create long-term strategic rabbit and with RCD, myxomatosis and using rabbits is zero. “Remember that Thomas management with the tools currently the very effective traditional control Austin only had about 24 wild rabbits in |available. Twenty-one Landcare groups are measures of harbour destruction (warren 1859, so if you allow two or six or 20 on involved in the integrated program which ripping), fumigation, weed removal, your place you will only get more rabbits involves intensive planning and monitoring. poisoning and rabbit proof fencing, this and waste money, time and effort. Like is a possibility,” Steve McPhee said. The works are funded and carried out zero toll, rabbit-free is a goal we must jointly between the group and NRE. always strive for because the alternative There are two parts to the program: Each group has set its own basic guidelines is unacceptable.” a revised way of monitoring RCD; for allocation of Rabbit Buster funds with and a landholder-based group action For further information contact their own mix of landholder/Rabbit Buster program taking advantage of the Tim Bloomfield or Steve McPhee at dollars. The Landcare group allocates biological control methods of RCD VIAS on (03) 9217 4200. Rabbit Buster funding to Landcare group and myxomatosis along with the members to do ripping, harbour removal traditional rabbit control methods in (control of boxthorn, furze, bracken “If we are going to clear the rabbit out a co-ordinated and planned manner. and removal of fallen timber) and the of this country it will be a job for all all-important follow up fumigation. together, otherwise we will be doing it Revised RCD monitoring still in the days of our great-great Monitoring the effects of the groups’ rabbit The new RCD monitoring program will grandchildren. And in the days of their control is an essential part of the program involve monitoring a smaller number posterity if we keep on with the foolish and each Landcare group, with help from of sites, from 114 down to 20, more inten- poisoning game.” David G. Stead, Special NRE, undertakes spotlight transects, warren sively and with standardised procedures. Rabbit Menace Enquiry Commissioner to monitoring and grazing/cropping exclusion the New South Wales Government, 1935. The program commenced in January plot surveys four times a year. NRE also 1998 prior to the annual baiting programs. does a yearly sociological survey Blood taken from samples of shot rabbits and ongoing cost/benefit is used to determine the level of RCD analysis of rabbit control. immunity within a population of rabbits. This information will help groups to make informed decisions on whether to release RCD if the immune status is low, or to implement conventional integrated control The Pentland Hills Landcare Group measures if the immune status is high. have been carrying out extensive warren removal. The area is heavily infested with rabbits and averages Victorian Landcare Page 20 eight to ten warrens per hectare. Research is it really possible? Results

Where are you? RCD/Landcare monitoring sites across Victoria.

Furze, or gorse, was introduced to Australia as an ornamental. Furze fortnight It is listed in a Tasmanian nursery catalogue from 1845. Furze is a regionally prohibited weed “In the Whittlesea area, north of in Gippsland, which means landholders Melbourne, extensive areas of furze Obviously any control works must eradicate it or control it on their have been identified from aerial should take into account land. In the rest of the state it is a photography,” he said. other farm activities and regionally controlled weed and be incorporated into the “As well as being a fire hazard, furze landholders must take all reasonable farm plan. smothers remnant streamside vegetation, steps to control it and prevent its spread. often the last bastions of biodiversity.” “Once you’ve Furze infests nearly one million hectares of started a furze To effectively control furze an integrated Victoria. It grows on a wide range of soil control program of manual control, cultivation, types and is common on roadsides, creek program it’s grazing and chemical spraying works banks, neglected areas and forest margins. crucial to best. Rowan advises that control can plan what Furze is a very competitive species which be expensive but procrastination can plants you reduces the productivity of pasture and increase the final expense. want to forest areas. Furze seedlings and young Because furze is so visible, easily replace shoots are eaten by stock but the sharp identified and results are obtained it with, spines cause injury to stock, wildlife and relatively quickly, it can provide otherwise a people. Furze grows into dense thickets short-term reward for the fruits of your Pandora’s which restrict stock movement and provide labour. It can often be the first of a box of new weeds will just move in,” harbour for rabbits and other pests. whole series of pests that need some Rowan said. Rowan Hore, Catchment Management sort of control. It could be a catalyst Groups of landholders could promote their Officer, NRE’s Port Phillip Region, for the development of a whole activity to the optimum time of year for says these thickets also pose a farm plan and a group approach their locality and call it ‘Furze Fortnight.’ considerable fire threat and can to pest control. act like a fuse along watercourses. Victorian Landcare Page 21 Catchment Conference: Landcarers the

Conference He said this integrated approach had already delegates resulted in a very strong commitment by network over a cuppa. stakeholders to catchment management and improved environmental outcomes. Mrs Tehan said the community now had Victoria was well placed to implement the a key role to play in biodiversity strategy released earlier this helping to resolve year because of its land management the difficult local decisions approach involving Landcare, former which will be necessary to director of NRE’s Flora and Fauna Program, achieve sustainability. Ms Diana Patterson, told delegates. Keynote speaker and The strategy is based on a system of dividing President of the Victoria into biological regions which are Murray Darling Basin defined by ecological characteristics. Commission, Professor “There are currently numerous examples John Lovering, passed of co-operation between Landcare groups Landcare and the role of the community on lessons learned from that and others working together to turn in restoring our catchments was high on mega-catchment to Victoria. He said around the status of threatened species,” the agenda at Victoria’s first catchment that most of all, what the commission she said and attributed landscape management conference held in had learned is that the community improvements over the past decade to the Shepparton and Mooroopna in June. must play a leading role because most growth of hundreds of Landcare groups. of the solutions will need to be Run by the Victorian Catchment Those groups, together with CMAs, she implemented on private land. Management Council, 270 delegates said had a ‘critical’ role to play in attaining attended the conference, some travelling “Any structure that is created needs to a biodiverse landscape in Victoria. from surrounding States as well as from involve the owners and managers of the throughout Victoria. land - you,” he said. World class Landcare projects

It was believed to be the first conference of its Community benefits Landcare Foundation Victoria Chairman, type and size to be held in regional Victoria. Wellington Lee, spoke at the conference Secretary of NRE, Michael Taylor, dinner. Sectors represented included Catchment was able to tell the delegates that, He outlined several roles for the Management Authorities; Federal, State and this year, responsibility for regional foundation over the next five years Local governments; peak conservation and NHT and Landcare co-ordination and including some world-class Landcare industry bodies involved in natural resource implementation committee support projects which the foundation will get management, other non-government will be transferred from NRE to CMAs. underway by working closely with the organisations, and industry and business. One million dollars in annual funding catchment management system. “The response from such a wide range of will be allocated across the CMAs for sectors was very encouraging for the success these additional functions currently “I see Landcare groups, especially those and future of the concept of managing our undertaken by NRE regionally. networked in a region, as the shock troops of the restoration of catchments,” he said. natural resources on a catchment basis,” He said CMAs need to raise understanding VCMC Chairman, Jeremy Gaylard said. in the community of the benefits of their Deputy Premier and Minister for work and the reasons why all members Agriculture and Resources, Patrick Landcare the linchpin of the catchment community should McNamara, the main speaker at the Co-hosted by the Goulburn-Broken contribute to the costs of these programs. dinner, talked of programs at the Catchment Management Authority and State level for pursuing economic The Environment Protection Authority’s the City of Greater Shepparton, ‘leadership and ecological sustainability. Director of Policy, Rob Joy, also and action’ was the conference theme. acknowledged the role of Landcare groups as He attributed progress to date in the Minister for Conservation and Land an integral stakeholder with the Authority management of land and water to the Management, Marie Tehan, opened the in the catchment management structure. farming community’s commitment conference and identified individual through Landcare, salinity management He saw the role of EPA with its legally landholders and community groups as and other programs. And he said it was enforceable environment protection the ‘linchpin’ of Victoria’s catchment this which provided the inspiration for policies as strengthened by community- management system. work to improve the future of regional life based regional catchment strategies. in Victoria.

Victorian Landcare Page 22 ‘shock troops’ of catchment restoration

Chairman, Australian Landcare Council, or strategy which includes Landcare Mr Bruce Lloyd, said it was important that plans as well as others. landcarers knew that this was the body to She said suites of overlays also gave take up national policy issues. The Victorian the schemes the ability to schedule in representative is Moolort landcarer, Alison or out buildings or works for which a Teese, also a member of the VCMC, the permit was required. They had great State Assessment Panel and the Council for flexibility to be used, she said, with other Sustainable Vegetation Management. plans such as salinity management plans A growing interest in Landcare and wholefarm plans. internationally was also noted by Bruce Participation in Landcare was a key step “as we develop a better, more co-operative Minister for Conservation for landholders in demonstrating and cost/beneficial system.” and Land Management, community leadership, according to the Marie Tehan, opens the He believed Landcare’s positive, voluntary paper on leadership by Jeremy Gaylard. conference. process and its ability to change attitudes and For CMAs, he said leadership was facilitating practices also meant that it had much to offer the growth of Landcare within the region CMAs and Landcare national Greenhouse reduction programs. and ensuring that resources were directed to The relationship between CMAs Bruce, however, noted the potential for widely understood priorities. and stakeholders such as Landcare was volunteer loss with the greater regionalisa- The future development of Landcare, regarded as ‘critical’ to their success, tion of Landcare projects. He said while the he said would be aligned to council’s according to Glenelg-Hopkins CMA council generally supported regionalisation high priority concerns for the next three Chairman, David Koch. with its better cost-benefits over individual years: river health and sustainable projects, it would watch Victoria’s catchment David said the recent ‘Listening to primary production. arrangements with interest with their Landcare’ forum at Glenelg-Hopkins emphasis on regional projects. The legal costs to farmers and organisations had demonstrated this to his authority. of being ignorant of good catchment man- He also talked about the need to explain agement were identified by VCMC Member Landcare and planning to stakeholders, including Landcarers, the and Director of the Monash University Landcare plans would be taken into rating being extended across Victoria and Water Studies Centre, Professor Barry Hart. account by planning authorities under the its key elements of fairness, affordability new State Planning Policy Framework, He called for land managers to have a and equity and transparency. Chief Panel Member of the Department of knowledge strategy to protect them from Overall, the conference was a great Infrastructure, Helen Gibson, told delegates. legal laibility for catchment degradation. opportunity to bring together Victoria’s She said under the framework, planning “Legal liabilities could be high, particularly catchment community and to hear its authorities had to have regard to any if it was shown that they were not operating leaders ideas and observations of the approved catchment strategies and with state-of-the-art practices,” he said. system to date. Next year, an issues-based any associated implementation plan forum will be held in a catchment region where, no doubt, Landcare issues will have Natural Resources Conservation League members a special place. gave delegates all a seedling at conference end

Victorian Landcare Page 23 Helping trees to grow in saline soil

By Steve Ronaldson, Research Yarram Salinity Results Co-ordinator

Yarram and Wellington Salinity Groups • use plastic tree guards to increase relative have been looking to CSIRO and other air humidity around the plant and to stop leading authorities to help identify trees animals, especially rabbits, from eating for saline land in their area. the seedlings. Dr Nico Marcar, a plant scientist with CSIRO, Dr Marcar highlighted to the group that Canberra, has been involved in evaluating over combinations of the above usually have 40 different species of native trees and shrubs a greater impact than single treatments. growing in saline soils since 1988. “Fertiliser may have no effect by itself but Over this time, he has established a when trees are also mulched or tree-guarded, central database of all results from his a significant response has been found,” trials, including information on climate he said. and soil parameters, to try and identify Group members Rob and Jenny Davies Dr Nico Marcar demonstrates the EM38 salinity meter to the group. promising species. Different provenances have a moderately saline site, where over have also been compared and, where 500 local native trees and shrubs had been Also evident on the site was the amount of possible, clonal materials were also tested. planted in September 1996. The group Melaleuca ericifolia regrowth since the site showed Dr Marcar over the site. “Selecting the right tree species and giving had been fenced from stock and how quickly them every chance to survive after planting The area had been mounded five it can recolonise an area through seed is crucial,” Dr Marcar said. months before planting and sprayed with and suckering. Roundup and Simazene, two weeks before “This includes appropriate before and Altogether, the trees and Melaleuca planting. Some trees were guarded to see after planting strategies that need to be regrowth on the site had combined to if this made any difference to growth, or undertaken to reduce the stress on the make a previously unproductive area offered protection from rabbits or hares. newly established trees.” productive by providing shelter for stock Dr Marcar outlined a variety of these The trees were showing good growth, and helping to reduce the high watertable strategies to the group including: given that the district has just had the in the area. The plantation also made the driest 10 month period on record. Dr Marcar area’s aesthetics much more appealing. • time planting to coincide with the period pointed out that, when considering planting Dr Marcar is a co-author of Trees for Saltland, of maximum leaching of salts - late winter a moderate to severely affected site such a book which documents results from trials or early spring; as the Davies’, people should not only and research over the past 10 years and is • mounding (at least 25cm high) in consider indigenous species. a valuable resource for groups wishing to addition to ripping of the site especially “Other natives from around Australia have know more about salinity and the best where waterlogging occurs (double ridge been shown as growing well in similar salinity, ways to help trees to grow in it. mounds are best and should be rainfall, soil, frost tolerance,” Dr Marcar said. constructed 4-6 months before planting); For more information about the tree trials • mulching with rice husks, straw or plastic “The purpose of the trees should also be contact Steve Ronaldson, Yarram Salinity sheeting to decrease water stress during considered, be it for beautification, to lower Co-ordinator, on (03) 5182 5155. dry periods, helps promote leaching and watertables or timber production and species minimises upward movement of dissolved planted to realise the necessary salts. Mulch also helps with weed control; outcomes,” he said. The Davies’ salinity planting site June 1997

Victorian Landcare Page 24 New and old photographs at Merton

The Merton Landcare Group is running There are two classes - beginners and The group is keen to discover a photofest and historical exhibition at advanced photographers - with a black any photographs of the Merton the Merton Memorial Hall from 30 and white and colour category in each. area which could be loaned for October - 1 November 1998. The theme Prizes are cash and film. The competition the display. John Fraser from of the photo competition is Landcare. is being held in conjunction with the Merton Landcare Group says It will include whole farm planning, a display of historic photographs of any photographs, framed or tree planting, Landcare meetings, social Merton and the surrounding district. unframed, would be greatly occasions, landscapes and portraits. appreciated. As well as the display, John plans to record all of the photographs for historical purposes. “Even if people have photographs that are torn or faded they should still consider loaning them to the group as they can be scanned into the computer and repaired.” Entry forms can be obtained from John Fraser at Merton on (03) 5778 9540, or by writing to PO Box 1, Merton 3715.

Does anyone remember the Merton store in 1915?

Rid-a-Rabbit Woof! No more bunnies! A new Australian invention is designed to The small portable unit makes access to Some feedback from the users... help farmers beat the rabbit problem in an difficult sites, such as under fences, trees Peter Cook of Yanac saw the portability of easy, safe and cost-effective manner. or rocky areas very easy. Using LP gas the unit a big plus. “Eighty per cent of my makes the system one of the quickest, rabbits have been killed and I will keep Using only LP gas, the operator releases a safest and most cost-effective rabbit using the Rid-a-Rabbit unit until they are charge of gas down the burrow and ignites control mechanisms available. all gone.” it with an electronic probe. The ignition of the gas produces a rush of hot air or In summary, Rid-a-Rabbit: Ian Lang of Barongarook, near Colac, is a bleve through the burrow and burns up • kills rabbits quickly and humanely; rabbiting contractor who has used the unit all the oxygen. • has no effect on the operator; for over eight months. “One transect count • is environmentally friendly as it does of 134 rabbits was reduced to seven after The rabbits in the burrows die between not affect other birds of prey or other two applications of the Rid-a-Rabbit unit.” 45 seconds and two minutes. An autopsy animals such as dogs; performed by the University of Melbourne For more information contact • is safer to use than other fumigation Veterinary Science Department following John Hardiman, Rid-a-Rabbit Marketing, methods; trials of the device showed cause of death on (03) 9841 4507 or 018 533 432 or drop a • is portable; and to be primarily from hypoxia (that is, a line to PO Box 423, Bulleen, Victoria 3105. • cost-effective at about two cents a hole. sudden loss of oxygen).

Advertisement Victorian Landcare Page 25 LettersLETTERSLetters Letters

Letters Teachers are incredibly overstretched with their workloads. Landcare members are also struggling with work commitments and the level of voluntary work being asked of them is increasing as NRE services are decreasing. Landcare nightmare Many great landcaring ideas between schools Dear Editors, and the broader community just do not happen because the paid support needed to guide and It’s a bit of a landcare nightmare here in assist them through projects is not usually East Gippsland. Note: The Swifts Creek - Ensay area had 258mm allowed in funding applications. We have had a 1/6 of our annual rainfall of rain in June. This is on top of a grand This has been made clear to me on the (91.5mm out of 627.5mm) and are half total of 13mm in May. As we all heard at many occasions I have sought funding for way through the year. No decent rains the time, the area experienced some of the a project officer to work as a linking person have hit us since winter 1996. worst floods in living memory. In the next between schools and their local Landcare Landholders have culled their stock to bare edition, we will do a follow-up on group. However, the recent Junior Landcare minimum, holding on to their breeders as Landcare after the floods. initiative did not make it clear if this funding best they can. Most are spending between Eds. was permissible. $40-80,000 on fodder, but still young stock While I appreciate the funding we receive, are dying everywhere. Junior Landcare support we desperately need funds to provide support people to Junior Landcare and In the Tambo Valley catchment, 80% of Dear Editors, freehold land is bare. When the rain does to Landcare in general. Educators in schools and leaders of youth come, conservative sheet erosion figures, I would like to think that next year, in the organisations have been given a boost for the based on 40% of the catchment at 2mm Junior Landcare initiative, specific criteria continuing development of projects that focus loss, equals 80,000 tonnes of topsoil to be is included to allow for the funding of on involving young people in Landcare. potentially washed away. support people. The Junior Landcare funding initiative gives The cost from the loss of fertility The support I have received from NRE recognition of the work already done by people (super and urea) at $48 per hectare will staff at Creswick and Wangaratta has been such as Geoff Park, Geoff McFarlane, Trish be more than $1.5 million, while pasture invaluable and most appreciated. establishment and/or renovation including Kevin, Vera Lubczenko and Tarnya Kruger. Continued support from this Department is seed and super will be over $5.8 million. Thank you Mr. Kennett. The many years critical to communities taking on Landcare of effort to encourage and skill Landcare Things will probably get worse before they tasks - specifically the one of encouraging a educators is at last being supported at the will get any better. I wish I could give you Landcare ethic in young Victorians. project level. a more positive story. Yours in Landcare Translating talk into action usually requires Regards Fran Sorensen dollars. Organising, networking, tapping into Young Landcare Project Officer Catherine Clancy resources, setting up and carrying out tasks Wangaratta Region Catchment Management Officer takes time, energy, commitment and a sound Swifts Creek knowledge of the appropriate people to assist with a project.

Victorian Landcare Page 26 FROM WHOA TO YEO: learning about Landcare from a bike seat by Rob Youl, Landcare Foundation Project Officer

Group News The next day took in Devil’s Kitchen, Berringa, Misery-Moonlight, more old railway reserves and, then, a long hot haul from Rokewood Junction to the bluestone The end is nigh: a group of walls and shearers’ showers of Warrambeen riders enjoys a spell at Red Rock, Alvie, with Lake Landcare Centre. Dinner was again Corangamite in the distance memorable, with a talk on local history and Colac twelve kilometres on. from Claire Barber, songs and poems and the Ian and Trish Taylor ambience. Victoria’s third catchment bike ride Most riders took the train from Spencer After a 20km portage to the mouth of the followed the Woady Yaloak Creek from Street for Ballarat where, after coffees and Woady Yaloak, at the northern end of whoa to Yeo! Yeodene, that is. pies and last-minute checks, the group Lake Corangamite, the riders set off for rolled through the suburbs to the old The theory’s simple: rivers flow from high Colac, following the eastern lakeshore. Ballarat-Skipton right-of-way, now a rail points to low ones under the influence of trail. Tim D’Ombrain and family were the Most Victorians are unaware of this gravity. So a bike ride from the source to guides to Linton, some 35km or so down amazing broken basaltic landscape with its the mouth should be a breeze! the line. The scenery made up for the west-of-Ireland feel (small stone-fenced Not entirely so! You still get your sometimes bumpy going. paddocks and tiny cottages), fertile appendicitis-inducing, long, hard hills, but volcanic croplands and the astonishingly Highlights included the basalt grassland overall a catchment bike ride is a delight. recent cones, craters and stony rises. remnants, the superb trestle bridge over And the azure expanse of Lake So say the 21 riders who pedalled the Woady Yaloak just west of Newtown Corangamite is always nearby. throughout last Labour Day weekend and the beauties of the forest and the between Ballarat and Yeodene (well spectacular cuttings between the bridge The group reached Colac in dribs Colac actually, but ‘Yeo’ rhymes too and Linton. and drabs, but elated, and enjoyed the well with ‘whoa’ for our headline!). comfortable compartment allocated Alice and Kevin Knight hosted a typically it for the trip back to Melbourne. Organisers Trish Taylor and Rob Youl marvellous dinner, with Golden Plains You can’t beat first-class railway seats ran the third such event to show off Mayor, Des Phelan, an interesting guest. after three days on a treadley! the achievements of Landcare in the Linton Sports Centre formed a basic Western District - the first two barracks overnight. We recommend the ride as a catchment rides tracked the Hopkins community-education event for fellowship from Ararat to Warrnambool. and a profound encounter with the land. In brief

Weedbuster Week Victoria’s Weedbuster Co-ordinator is Bushcare boost Carolyn Munckton from NRE. Carolyn National Weedbuster Week is underway The protection of Victoria’s native can be contacted on (03) 9637 8273. again from 11 - 18 October 1998. vegetation has been boosted with the The theme is weed recognition and Landcare tax rebates appointment of ten Bushcare facilitators identification. During the week groups are across the state. encouraged to undertake a weed control The Federal Government’s budget move to Bushcare aims to reverse the long-term activity and involve as many people as provide tax rebates on Landcare spending decline in Australia’s native vegetation by possible. Woody Weed, the Weedbuster icon has been welcomed by farmers. About conserving remnants, conserving (a character-suit) can be loaned $80 million has been set aside from the biodiversity and vegetation restoration. out to groups as an extra Natural Heritage Trust to fund the rebate. attraction. There will be an annual limit of $10,000 The Minister for Conservation and Land for eligible expenditure: $5000 for land Management, Marie Tehan, said the degradation works and $5000 for water facilitators will play a crucial role in projects. The rebate will be restricted to promoting Bushcare and providing producers with incomes of up to $20,700 strategic direction and advice. a year from primary production. Victorian Landcare Page 27 ON THE SHELF-New Publications Books

Catchment Education Resource Book Sustaining Environmental Education Hand in Hand: farming sustainably NRE has a very talented group of The South Australian version of Victoria’s This National Farmers Federation Education Officers and those working in Catchment Education Resource Book focuses publication offers some interesting case the area of catchment management have on ecologically sustainable development. studies of sustainable farming enterprises scored another goal with the production of Many teachers were involved in the across Australia. It provides a good snap the Catchment Education Resource Book. preparation of the book using a ‘whole shot of the state of agriculture in the 1990s. school programs’ approach. The inclusion The book is a compilation of materials Graeme and Frankie MacLennan from of environmental education plans from drawn from many sources. The best thing Woodside in Gippsland ably represent actual schools is great to see. The plans about it is its organisation. Each activity is Victoria with their story of conquering cover all year levels and have been tried presented in a clear and well-thought-out wool prices and creative value-adding. and tested over time. manner and all of the references and The story on the Gabby Quoi Quoi materials are listed (in fact, many are Obviously Sustaining Environmental Education farmers battling land degradation in actually included). The activities are has a South Australian focus, but WA also makes fascinating broken into sections under the science it is still a very useful educational reading. Gabby Quoi Quoi and environment curriculum. publication. means ‘water plenty, plenty’ The book covers both primary and Sustaining Environmental and they have worked hard secondary levels and would be a boon Education is available from to ensure it stays that way. for any school library or Landcare group The Curriculum Corporation for All in all, an uplifting read. keen to involve youngsters in its work. $27.95. Call (03) 9207 9600. Copies of Hand in Hand: The Catchment Education Resource Book farming sustainably are free is available from the NRE Information The MacLennan’s from Gippsland from the NFF. Centre for $20. Call (03) 9637 8080. feature in the NFF publication Hand Call (02) 6273 3855. in Hand: Farming Sustainably.

The Victorian Farmers Federation gives notice to you of the Farm Trees & Landcare Association Annual General Meeting TTuesdayuesday 27th27th OctoberOctober 111.00am1.00am -- 3.00pm3.00pm VFF Boardroom Farrer House Level 6, 24 - 28 Collins Street Melbourne (Lunch provided) Topics for discussion: • The VFF/FTLA strategy for minimising group administration: How to develop more benefits for member groups? • The future for community representation in Landcare - Is there a role for the VFF/Farm Trees & Landcare Assoc.? • Election of committee and office bearers. For more information and RSVP Please contact Phil Roberts Phone: (03) 9207 5561Fax: (03) 9207 5500 Junior Landcare Wooragee kids are away with the birds!

There aren’t The school grounds have been many students at completely redesigned with a native Wooragee Rural garden, hot house and greenhouse, School; in fact recycling station and compost bins. there are 19 and As with most rural schools, it has a one teacher. But bush area ‘outback’. The students have their commitment reclaimed this land as a reservation. to Landcare is They work in teams to weed, prune, plant, staggering. The propagate and mulch their reservation. school started The students use the philosophy of Victoria’s first Chief Seattle for inspiration: “...to hurt Junior Landcare the earth is to pour contempt upon its Group back in Creator. The end of living and the 1997 and they are beginning of survival.” still going strong. Wooragee teacher Di Tyrell says the The Wooragee Rural School outside their bird hide. focus for this year is birdwatching and The School has been involved in Junior Landcare since 1989. the students are reaping the rewards of the hard work planting and caring for the grounds now that so many fantastic birds make it their home. Premier announces grants “We have been watching a pair of tawny frogmouths nesting,” Di Tyrell said. The Premier, Jeff Kennett, was the He encouraged schools, church groups, centre of attention at Rutherglen scouts, brownies, cubs, YMCA and “After two terms of waiting we were recently when he announced funding for YWCA to participate. playing ball outside one day and a baby the Junior Landcare Initiative of $250,000 tawny frogmouth was perched on the “We have 900 adult Landcare Groups per year for the next two years. BBQ watching us. It was wonderful.” across Victoria and they provide a great Mr Kennett said funding of up to resource for our junior Landcarers with, Birdwatching is a daily activity at $5,000 would be available for groups advice, assistance and support for their Wooragee. for on-ground works, equipment and efforts,” Mr Kennett said. “Every day we listen for our bird clock. special learning projects. Tarnya Kruger from On the hour it whistles bird calls for the Creswick Landcare three seconds. There is complete silence Centre is co-ordinating in the school as we listen, then the Junior Landcare. When children form into teams and birdwatch applications closed for five minutes. We also do class at the end of June, birdwatching from our bird hide.” nearly 200 submissions Di says the children enjoy birdwatching for funding had immensely and have learned to distinguish been received. many different species of birds. So if you drive through Wooragee, be quiet!

Premier, Jeff Kennett with school children from around Rutherglen at the launch of the Victorian Landcare Page 31 Junior Landcare Initiative.