SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY · 33 rd Annual Report 1981/82.

VICTORIA

Report

of the

SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

for the

Year ended 30 June 1982

Ordered by the Legislative Assembly· to be printed

MELBOURNE F D ATKINSON GOVERNMENT PRINTER 1982

No. 51 Cover: The effects of salting can be devastating. As the salty water-table rises it reaches root systems causing trees and plants to die. Salt also breaks down the soil structure making the land more prone to the various forms oferosion. The result is a desert-like landscape.

2 SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY ----·------

378 Cotham Road, Kew, , 3101

The Honourable Evan Walker, M.l.C., 29 October 1982 Minister for Conservation.

Dear Mr. Walker, In accordance with the provisions of the Soil Conservation and Land Utilization Act 1958 No. 6372, the Soil Conservation Authority submits to you for presentation to Parliament its Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 1982. The Authority wishes to express its appreciation for the continued co-operation and assistance of Government departments and State instrumentalities, municipal councils and land holders. Yours sincerely,

A. MITCHELL, M.Agr.Sc., D.D.A., Chairman

D.N. CAHILL, B.Agr.Sc., Dip.Ag.Ex., Deputy Chairman

~M~~h~--c?- -~~ J.S. GILMORE, J.P., Member

The year under review saw a change in Government. The Authority wishes to record its sincere thanks to the Honourable Vasey Houghton, Minister for Conservation from 16 June 1979 to 7 April1982. The Authority welcomes the Honourable Evan Walker to this important portfolio.

3 AIMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Soil Conservation Authority is a public • To ensure correct land use in water supply statutory body established in 1950. It operates catchments, with the object of protecting water under the Soil Conservation and Land Utilization quality and maintaining sustained yield. Act 1958 and associated legislation. • To provide a service to landholders which will Three members, appointed by the Governor-in· ensure the efficient utilisation of "on-farm" Council, manage the Authority's overall activities. water resources in areas outside designated The Authority reports to Parliament through the irrigation areas. Minister for Conservation. The principal objective of the Authority is to • To promote community awareness of the need achieve the adoption of soil-conseiVing land use for soil conservation. practices by all land users in the State. • To provide advice and co-ordinate the policies Specific aims are: and activities of government departments and • To achieve correct systems of land use and public authorities on the alienation, occupation, management on all land in the State so there is care and use of Crown lands to ensure that soil neither loss of soil nor its fertility. erosion does not occur. • To control erosion and reclaim eroded land. • To control shallow extraction of soil, sand and • To control dryland salting and reclaim affected gravel to ensure soil protection during and land. after extraction.

CONTENTS

4 STRUCTURE OF THE AUTHORITY

~··~~~·-

AUTHORITY DISTRICT CHAIRMAN ADVISORY -- DEPUTY :.: COMMITTEES CHAIRMAN MEMBER

I I I SECRETARY .·,

I ·,

CATCHMENT ::,;;· FIELD RESEARCH& PUBLICATIONS & &LAND ADMINISTRATIVE • I ' OPERATIONS INVESTIGATIONS ~: INFORMATION CAPABILITY DIVISION "" DIVISION .,. DIVISION SECTION DIVISION ~ x·. ..._•. ~~ I I ! r, l Catchment Investigations Soil Consc•rvation Personnel I Laboratory ~ P-::-u-b-11-c-at_.io_n_s___ _ ! Land Studies Erosion Control Office Services Hydrology i Publicity ! Land Capability Reclamation I Budget Agronomy IMedia Contact 1 Computing Farm Water Supply Stores Geomorphology Displays & Field Day Service Technical Library Dry/and Salting , Photographic Services Catchment Management , Conservation Econom1cs i Public Relations 1 Extractive Industries Land Disturbance Extension & Community Education

REGIONS r=c;;;;tral - Northern I -Alpine & - Glenelg ' Coastal South Eastern - M a/lee - North Eastern - Barwon

5 MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY

Chairman A. MITCHELL M.Agr.Sc., D.D.A In addition to his duties as Chairman of the Authority, Mr. Mitchell is Deputy Chairman of the Land Conservation Council, Chairman of the Environment Protection Council, Member of the State Co-ordination Council, and Member of the Commonwealth/States Standing Committee on Soil Conservation (currently its Chairman). During the period 10 April to 30 June, Mr. Mitchell was appointed Member of the Envir~nment Protection Authority due to the absence on sick leave of the Member, Mr. Stanton Archer. Mr. Mitchell is also Chairman of the Thomson Stage III Committee, which is formulating policies for catchment land use and protection for Thomson dam.

Deputy Chairman D.N. CAHILL B.Agr.Sc., Dip.Ag.Ex. Mr. Cahill is Deputy Chairman of the Authority. His responsibilities ·include soil conservation and erosion-control programs, coastal foreshore erosion control, land capability investigations and extractive industry controls. He represents the Authority on the Coastal Management and Co­ ordination Committee and the Flood Plain and River Management Committee of the River Murray Commission.

Member J.S. GILMORE J.P. Mr. Gilmore represents the Auti)ority on the Victorian Irrigation Services Advisory Committee and the Natural Resources Conservation League. He has the responsibility of liaison with the 23 statutorily-appointed District Advisory Committees, which represent clients of the Authority, and is Chairman of the Bogong High Plains District Advisory Committee. He superVises grants and loans made to landholders for soil and water conservation, and grants to organisations for erosion control on foreshores and Crown land. Farm water supply services are a further responsibility.

6 SENIOR OFFICERS Chief Soil Conservationist J.F. ALL!NSON Dip.Ag., M.Env.ScL Principal Research Officer F.R GIBBONS B.Sc. Chief, Catchment and Land Capability Division RM.JOY BA (Hons), M.Sc., M.Env.Sci., Dip.Ed. Secretary D.M. AUGHTERSON Deputy Chief Soil Conservationist HAALLEN D.DA Senior Publications and Information Officer D.M. STONE Chief Engineer GH FINDLAY B.E.Agric.

7 THE YEAR IN BRIEF

Soil Conservation Advice Authority staff made over 11,000 inspections to provide advice on erosion prevention and control. This included 2,000 visits to group projects, 1,800 for farm water supply advice, 500 for water supply catchment supervision and 700 for the control of extractive activities, as well as 3,000 to assist local government and Government departments. Erosion Control The amount of structural erosion control work carried out was the highest for ten years. The upsurge is attributed to three factors: need, the good rural economy, and a prolonged construction season. Dryland Salinity Investigations by Authority staff have enabled the preliminary mapping of Victoria into hydrogeological salinity provinces. These provinces will provide a planning base for salinity control programs. Meanwhile, Mr. Williamson of CSIRO working with the Authority's Bendigo salinity team has estimated that it will take 400 to 1,600 years for the salt to be removed from most catchments between the Goulburn and the Avoca rivers. Farm Water Supply A total of 440 dams and 208 km of pipeline were surveyed. The reduced amount compared to 1980/81 is attributed to the introduction of service charges and the competing demand for staff time on erosion control work. Coastal Erosion Thirty grants amounting to $97,000, were made for the control of foreshore erosion. Eleven grants, valued at $64,000, had to be refused for lack of funds. Water Supply Catchments Three water supply catchments, covering 208 km2 were proclaimed bringing to a total of 75 the number of proclaimed catchments in Victoria. Proclaimed catchments now cover approximately one sixth of the State. Land Capability Land capability assessments were provided to 15 planning authorities as a basis for planning decisions. Wind Erosion A survey in late autumn 1982 showed that 50 per cent of light soils and 10 per cent of the land area of the , was subject to wind erosion. National Soil Conservation The Commonwealth Government allocated $3 million to the States for soil Program conservation for the period 1981/82. The value of the Federal allocation as a stimulus to soil conservation in Victoria was difficult to ascertain as the allocation was absorb~d into general revenue grants to the State and no "earmarked" funds flowed on to the Authority. Legislation The Soil Conservation and Land Utilization (Amendment) Act 1981 confirmed the role of the Soil Conservation Authority in combatting the problem of dryland salinity. The amendments also contained the important provision that conditions imposed on the land within water supply catchments are now binding on all subsequent owners or occupiers of that land, not only on current owners or occupiers as is the case at present. Reviews Two independent reviews of the services provided by the Authority came to the same conclusion on one point; land resource assessment services currently dispersed in other organisations would be more effective if combined with those of the Authority and under Authority guidance. No action has resulted from these recommendations.

8 OVERVIEW

Sixty per cent of the Soil Conservation Authority dune reclamation, 100 km of protective fencing staff are based in the field. They are located at 26 and the planting of 56,000 trees. field centres throughout Victoria to provide an on­ The Authority provided $337,000 in grants site service to landholders, municipalities, statutory towards works on landholders' properties and to bodies and other Government departments. municipalities. During the year, Authority staff carried out 8,000 Soil and water conservation loans to the value of inspections with land holders and over 3,000 $148,485, at the ruling interest rate of 10 per cent inspections for other departments and municipalities. per annum, were provided to 21 land holders to Major items of work completed include 160 carry out major erosion control works and to erosion control structures, 80 km of diversion improve their stock and domestic farm water banks, 54 km of gully battering, reclamation of supplies. 410 ha of salt-affected land, 400 ha of Mallee

A startling comparison of how farmland which has been ravaged by erosion (above) has been restored, with the assistance of the Authority, to being fully productive (below).

9 GROUP CONSERVATION PROJECTS

Group Conservation Areas and Conservation ford, and the Forests Commission continued its Projects continue to be the most important feature tree planting program with the e~tablishment of of soil conservation in Victoria. 40,000 trees at Mt. Puckapunyal. Throughout the State, works have been completed or are in progress in 102 group project CASTLEMAINE WOOLLEN MILL areas involving a total of 2,778 landholders and EMPLOYMENT SCHEME 7,892 km2. A special $46.000 grant was a prompt response Three new projects proposed last year were by the Government to an Authority submission for No. 4 and Wennicott Creek No. 4 a special employment program for Castlemaine both at Coleraine and the Nanapundah Woollen Mill employees displaced by the Mill fire Conservation Project at Glenthompson. of November 1981. In north-eastern Victoria major earthworks Two works teams were formed under Authority programs were undertaken in the Devenish East, supervision. Thirty-three erosion control structures Boweya and Sheep Pen Creek projects. Authority were constructed with the co-operation of 26 assistance mounted to $25,560 towards works clients, including 20 land holders, 3 Shire Councils, costing $38,500. the Forests Commission and Department of Crown Lands and Survey. The works represent a The Long Gully Conservation Project involving total value of $117,000 to which clients only one landholder, the Shire of Violet Town and contributed 40 per cent. the Authority has been completed at a cost of $7,500. This was the most concentrated area of The works are a major contribution to soil tunnel and gully erosion in the North-Eastern conservation in north-central Victoria. They Region and has over many years deposited huge exemplify the "multiplier effect" of this form of amounts of sediment from a 10-ha catchment, finance and the good use to which the Authority onto neighbouring properties and roads. can put such special purpose funding. Many of these eroding gullies may not otherwise have been Protective fencing and earthworks to the value of controlled within the next 5 or even 10 years. $23,000 were completed in the Nillahcootie No. 1 Group Conservation Area near Benalla, during HATTAH KULKYNE NATIONAL PARK March-June 1982. A reclamation program was carried out jointly by In the recently proclaimed Parwan No. 5 Group the Authority, the National Parks Service and the Conservation Area near Bacchus Marsh, five Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board in erosion control structures and 2 km of associated autumn 1982 to reclaim 20 ha of actively eroding protective fencing, together with 200 ha of pasture sand dunes threatening the main access track near improvement have been completed at a total cost Lake MournpooL One innovation in the of $43,000. management program is the use of electric fencing to control the grazing of kangaroos and emus. THEPUCKAPUNYALPROJECT The Authority acts as adviser and prime contractor BROADLANDSPROJECT to the Commonwealth Government on the A co-operative project in the Parish of Broadlands, Puckapunyal Armoured Vehicle Range and carries 6 km east of Bairnsdale, is almost complete. The out major works to control existing erosion and to project financed by the State Rivers and Water prevent the erosion which rapidly develops as a Supply Commission, Country Roads Board, the result of military, tank and vehicle movements and Authority and two land holders uses 2 large live weapon firing exercises. galvanised pipe structures, a grassed chute During the last 11 years, over $5,000,000 has emergency spillway and gully revegetation works been invested in soil conservation measures on to minimise silt deposition and flooding on the the 42,700 ha Range. Last year, soil conservation Princes Highway. works carried out included 500 ha of flats sown to perennial pastures, 8 km of gullies battered, 2 km SUN BURY of diversion banks installed, 300 bulldozer hours Following several years of negotiation between the involved in removing stumps, and the removal of Authority, land developers and the Shire of Bulla, 26 km of internal fence to facilitate works. In an erosion control plan has been adopted by the addition, the Army's Construction Squadron built Shire to ensure that the severe land degradation 2 erosion control structures and a major concrete problems associated with residential development

10 north of Sunbury will be controlled as a cost Alexandra, Coleraine, Bacchus Marsh, Ararat and against the development Heathcote, to assist land holders with carrying out erosion control works. MITCHELL RIVER SILT JETTIES The silt jetties at the mouth of the Mitchell River INNOVATION are unique in and are the second largest An innovative method to control gully heads using in the world. Their preservation is important to sandbag structures was adopted in the Parwan Australia's national heritage. Valley and at Durham Lead. About 3,000 used motor car tyres have been The design comprises an earth filter cloth overlaid combined with selected vegetation to control the with small jute bags filled with a 6:1 sand-cement bank erosion to which they have been subjected. mixture in lieu of traditional reinforced concrete. The site is prepared as for a concrete structure, TREND the filter cloth is laid and the filled bags are placed There has been an increase in the number of and secured with steel rod. land holders arranging and carrying out their own erosion control works under the technical Kikuyu grass is established to provide long-term guidance of, and using financial assistance stability. provided by, the Authority through grants or Soil Although still labour intensive, this method allows and Water Conservation Loans. landholders to build an erosion control structure However, Authority works teams still operate from without engaging skilled labour.

l'·· David Kelly (right} demonstrates to Bruce Ellwood, SCA Works Supervisor John Steele (left} and former District Soil Conservationist, the depth of some of the Castlemaine Mill employee Ken lames working on a holes caused by tunnel erosion on his property at pipe structure in the Fryers Ranges Forest near Meeniyan. Taradale. 11 PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF DRYLAND SALINITY

There are two avenues of approach to the At the same time, it has been shown that some problem of dry land salinity: the treatment of areas, such as the Mallee and the Marnoo districts recharge areas to reduce the volume of water are particularly complex, and additional detailed draining to the ground water, and the treatment of investigations will be necessary. In such areas, the salt-affected discharge areas. valuable cropping land is rapidly becoming severely salted and urgent action is required - for THE TREATMENT OF RECHARGE AREAS example about 9,000 ha have become salted in the Mallee. Salt and Water Budgets The research team based at Bendigo has Catchment Characterisation determined the hydrological properties of typical To determine the most efficient way of utilising soils and their underlying materials. This work research data in the development of a strategy provides a basis for estimating the quantity of plan, a pilot project was set up in the 10,000 ha excess water draining to the groundwater. In turn, Axe Creek catchment, near Bendigo. The the resultant information enables the design of approach was to map the geological, soil and management strategies to prevent salinisation salinity characteristics of the catchment, then to through the selection of plant species that can use incorporate the hydrological data obtained up the amount of excess water. previously. As a result, the catchment has been Two factors of particular importance to divided into five zones, three of which will require determining treatment needs are: specific treatments and the other two will require (i) the amount of salt stored in the ground water maintenance only. itself and in the weathered rock beneath the Economic Studies of Dryland Salting soil; (ii) actual ground water levels. In a joint project with La Trobe University and funded by the Australian Water Resources Mr. D. Williamson, a CSIRO officer working with Council, the relationships between land use, water the Authority's Bendigo team, has estimated that use and farm income are being studied in the under present conditions it would take 400 to Bendigo area, using computerised simulation 1,000 years for the salt to be removed from the models. Accessions to the water-table are catchments between the Goulburn and the Avoca predicted for various land uses such as crops, rivers. annual and perennial pasture. The mod<2ls are Authority staff have carried out projects to used also to predict farm income associated with monitor groundwater at Springhurst, Sheep Pen various land uses. The relationships between Creek, Euroa, Violet Town, Boho, Warrenbayne accessions to the water-table and farm income are and Dookie in north-eastern Victoria; in the generated and the effects on farm income of Mallee at , Rainbow, , growing pasture and crops which use more water and Lake Hindmarsh; in north-central are analysed. Victoria at Marnoo and Burkes Flat and also A second aspect of the work involves estimating throughout the Dundas Tableland near Hamilton the costs imposed by dryland salting on the whole in western Victoria. community in a region. These costs are borne by farmers, whose land becomes less productive, and Hydro-geological Provinces by all users of salty water from local streams and The combination of Bendigo research information rivers. The situation in one sub-catchment of the with salinity information from other areas and Upper Loddon River is being modelled for this general geological data, has enabled production of purpose but the methodology can be applied to preliminary maps of Victorian hydrogeological other catchments affected by dryland salting. provinces. These will form the basis for planning salinity investigation for strategy development and Research Needs for management programs. The application of control strategies is being The stage has now been reached when salinity­ hampered by the lack of information on the water­ control strategies for most areas in the State can using capacity of a range of productive plants be rapidly developed with relatively little under various soil conditions. Such knowledge is additional research and limited local investigation. essential so that the most effective species can be This aspect will be vigorously pursued over the isolated and several options can be offered to next three or four years. farmers. The Authority will continue its work on

12 this topic, but it is important, as the field is so vast, from the year's work indicated that only the that other research organisations develop this Puccinellia ciliata (Puccinellia), with a mulch aspect as welL application, can be established on waterlogged salt-pans. However, Agropyron elongatum (Tall THE TREATMENT OF DISCHARGE AREAS wheat grass cv. Tyrrell) thrives on the higher land During the year, 410 ha of salt-affected land was surrounding the salt-pans. The experimental work reclaimed. The cost of reclamation, which has been continued in 1982 and a new trial was averages between $200 and $300 per hectare, established on a salt-pan located on a cropped including fencing, is high. interdune flat with rising groundwater to test the raised seed-bed (ridge planting) technique. This It is estimated that there are 90,000 ha of land in soil preparation may assist the establishment of Victoria affected by dryland salinity. vegetation on salt-pans. The objective is to stabilise these areas and bring them back into production, even at a reduced LEGISLATIVE CHANGE AND DRYLAND level, rather than to leave them as an eroding SALTING wasteland. The role of the Authority in the prevention, To determine a suitable revegetation technique for mitigation and reclamation of soil affected by naturally-occurring salt-pans in the Mallee (for sa!inisation was confirmed by the Soil example Raak type salt-pans), experimental trials Conservation and Land Utilization (Amendment) were carried out by the Authority in the Act 1981. Manangatang area. The results and conclusion

Deane Runge, Regional Soil Conservationist, inspecting an area affected by dry/and salting at Boho South near Violet Town.

13 SOIL CONSERVATION OF CROPPING LAND

EXTENSION RESEARCH Extensive areas of cropping land in Victoria are susceptible to wind or water erosion. Cropland Management in the Central Mallee Surveys reveal that in the Victorian Mallee about Work is continuing on the Legume and Grass 23,000 ha of land is wind eroded each year and in Species Trial at , where the aims are the heavier cropping lands slopes as gentle as 0.2 to select suitable plants for short-term and long· per cent can be eroded by water if subjected to term cover, and to determine the best techniques. high intensity rainstorms. Economics of Conservation Cropping The fundamental cause is the exposure of This joint project with La Trobe University is cultivated soil during periods of high winds or nearing completion and a report is currently being rainstorms. written. It involves using computerised models to The prime objective is therefore the adoption by simulate crop and pasture growth and soil loss farmers of improved cropping practices to reduce over a 40-year period. The models predict farm soil loss and reverse the decline in soil structure incomes generated by different rotations. The and fertility. impact of soil conservation practices such as reduced fallow length, minimum tillage, contour This involves regular on-farm advice about crop cultivation and contour banks on soil loss and rotations using legume pastures, the retention of farm income is analysed. trash and stubble, and changes in fallow management, including reduced fallow length. So far the models have been used only for wheat· sheep farms on red-brown earths in northern Continued farmer interest in alternative cultivation Victoria. They show the relatively massive soil loss methods was shown by the attendance by 200 that occurs with wheat cropping on erosion-prone farmers of the Chemical Fallowing Field Day at paddocks when soil conservation practices are not Rainbow arranged by the Western Mallee District used. The costs of incorporating soil conservation Advisory Committee. practices into the cropping systems and the associated reduction in soil loss are calculated.

Jim Carroll (left) showing /Jal O'Meara, District Soil Conservationist, how Sandy Creek has literally cut his property at Mudgeegonga in half (inset).

14 SOIL CONSERVATION OF PASTORAL lAND

Accelerated erosion results from changes in the coating undoubtedly provided a higher number of landscape brought about by human activities and successfully established seedlings (86 per cent) takes many forms varying from landslides to and greater dry matter yield per hectare. various types of water and wind erosion. Some The coated clover and Phalaris seed combination soils are particularly susceptible to degradation provided in the first year a good ground cover and when disturbed, often being affected in more than yield. one way. Sirolan was superior to all other tested Ph alaris THE PARWAN PROJECT cultivars. Sirolan has a great potentiality for \ . sowing on hills in the lower rainfall zone. The Parwan Valley IS one of those very unstable areas where many different forms of severe However, its suitability can be established only erosion are concentrated. Satisfactory control after the 1982/83 growing season when the using current techniques has proved extremely tillering habit and the persistence of this cultivar difficult For this reason, a geomorphology-based will be assessed in the presence of grazing investigation has been started in an endeavour to animals. determine the processes and mechanisms The final assessment of the sown species survival operating, and then, on that basis, devise a new and persistence wilt be made in the next growing remedial approach. The work is being done jointly season. with the Geography Department, University of . The project is expected to span over 2 SLOPE FAILURE years. A Slope Failure Workshop was held at Colac in February as a joint effort between the Department VEGETATIVE STABU.ISATION OF of Minerals and Energy and the Authority. Those STEEP HILL COUNTRY attending including Shire Engineers from Otway, The result of a trial on the establishment of deep­ Wannon, Glenelg, Portland, Heytesbury, Barrabool, rooted perennial grasses on hill country in the Ballan, Korumburra and Narracan, and lower rainfall zone at Winjallok, established in representatives from the West Moorabool Water Aprill981, indicated that shallow cultivation Board, Department of Planning and Rural Finance suited the clover seeds very well, and the special Commission.

District Soil Conservationist Frank Garden (right) shows Jack Cruise some photographs taken before and after the landslip which occurred on his property at Ensay North in the winter of 1974. With the assistance of the Authority, soil conservation measures have since been carried out resulting in the complete stabilisation of the area. 15 SOIL CONSERVATION OF COASTALFORESHORES

Large coastal erosion projects were undertaken at Woolamai, Rye, South and Discovery Bay. The projects involved extensive planting of marram grass and trees. Thirty grants totalling $96,800, were made to coastal land management organisations. Funds were insufficient to meet a further eleven requests valued at $63,600. A special allocation received through the Public Works Department for coastal erosion control in the Barwon Heads to Queenscliffe area enabled the Authority to carry out dune reclamation works to the value of $95,000 during autumn 1982. Authority officers provided the Coastal Management and Co-ordinating Committee with substantial technical input for coastal inventories and planning guidelines. The Authority looks forward to providing input to the detailed management plans which are to be produced for areas reserved for the protection of the coastline.

Mansfield grazier Graeme Stoney (centre) discussing aspects of the proposed ski village near Mt. Stirling with Pat Feehan (left), Soil Conservationist, and Robert Chaffe, District Soil Conservationist.

16 -~····~ ------SOIL CONSERVATION OF ALPINE AREAS

ADVICE 1:15,000 was produced in conjunction with the The Authority is represented on the Alpine report. One of these maps will be published in Resort Committees of Management for Mt. colour by the Victoria Conservation Trust in Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt. Baw Baw and Lake December 1982. Mountain. In addition, technical advice is provided MONITORING OF VEGETATION, to the Management Committees at Mt. Bull er and BOGONG HIGH PLAINS Mt. Donna Buang and to the National Parks Service at Mt. Buffalo on measures necessary to In 1979, a project was commenced to monitor prevent soil erosion and deterioration of the land. trends in grassland at a series of typical sites on the High Plains and adjacent Mt. Bogong. Most of This service is related to the design and the sites are grazed by cattle. The data supplement supervision of earthworks, to revegetation that collected from the grazed and ungrazed plots measures, and to the preparation of development established in the 1940s at Rocky Valley and plans for alpine resorts. Pretty Valley. Over the past three years there has Advice was provided on erosion prevention been little change in the species composition and aspects of: condition of the grassland at the selected sites, which is predictable as natural changes in alpine • a 2,000-bed village proposed for development near Dinner Plain, Shire of ; vegetation occur slowly. The data provide a good • a proposed gondola lift to link Harrletville to a base from which to measure future changes. large ski area proposed at Mt. Little Feathertop, Snowpatch and bog vegetation is being monitored ; also at a number of sites, some of which have • the development of ski-runs, installation of ski been fenced to exclude cattle. These vegetation lifts and tours and the location of a village and types are particularly susceptible to damage by ancillary services for the proposed Mt. Stirling trampling. Alpine Resort; The results from this type of monitoring assist in • the maximum number of, and the dates of entry formulating guidelines for conserving the and exit for, stock to be grazed on licensed vegetation and soils, a principal aim of soil areas affecting land above 1,220 m. conservation in alpine areas.

MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS FALLS CREEK SKI SLOPE STUDIES Forest management prescriptions for logging Much of the original shrub vegetation on ski-runs operations and roading were prepared in has been slashed or in some cases completely conjunction with the Forests Commission and removed and replaced with exotic grasses and National Parks Service for areas designated by the clover. This improves skiing conditions on the runs Land Conservation Council for "once only" during periods of light snow cover. logging within proposed National Parks and other areas of special interest. Interim prescriptions were A series of investigations has commenced into the also agreed upon by the Authority and the effects of modifying vegetation on ski slopes and Commission for logging in the Glenmaggie possible methods of revegetation. Proclaimed Water Supply Catchment as well (1) Monitoring slashed vegetation to detect prescriptions for the East Kiewa Experimental changes in condition and species composition; Logging Area. (2) Trials on slashed vegetation to ascertain the response to fertiliser, straw mulch and BOGONG HIGH PLAINS VEGETATION oversown exotic seed; MAP AND SURVEY (3) Revegetation trials using indigenous species. A report entitled "Alpine Vegetation of the Initial results indicate that two snow-grass Bogong High Plains'' was completed by K species (Poa hiemata and Poa hothamensis) McDougall. This describes and analyses the may be suitable for revegetating disturbed composition and condition of alpine plant sites. Seedling establishment was promising communities on the Bogong High Plains and for these two species when treated with adjacent Mounts Bogong, Feathertop and fertiliser and mulch in summer-sown plots. Hotham. The report will be published by the These trials are reported in "Revegetation of Ministry for Conservation in 1983. Disturbed Sites on the Bogong High Plains" by A series of five vegetation maps at a scale of R. Adair (Unpublished SCA Report).

17 SOIL CONSERVATION OF CONSTRUCTION SITES

The Authority provides an advisory service to construction authorities to minimise soil erosion and sedimentation from major works sites. Advice was given to: • State Electricity Commission of Victoria on the Loy Yang Project; • State Rivers and Water Supply Commission on the Blue Rock (Tanjil) Dam; • Country Roads Board on the Berwick by-pass: • Alcoa of Australia Ltd. on the Portland construction site. Workshops were organised for staff from Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, State Electricity Commission of Victoria and Country Roads Board. Detailed comment was provided for the environmental effects statement for the proposed Driffield power station, evidence also being given on this matter to the Parliamentary Public Works Committee of Enquiry.

A badly eroded batter on a shire road in South Gippsland. With many subdMsions taking place and substandard roads being constructed, many shires are likely to face high maintenance and repair costs as a result of soil erosion and sedimentation. Inset shows top soil being placed on a batter at an SECV's Loy Yang project work site in preparation for revegetation a good example of work carried out to minimise soil erosion. 18 CONTROL OF SOIL AND GRAVEL EXTRACTION

Reduced demand for constructional materials was reflected in a 25 per cent reduction in the number of inspections. Regional inter-departmental co-ordinating committees continued to emphasise the need for careful planning as the basis for orderly extraction and were responsible for organising: • a seminar entitled "Natural Construction Materials- A Diminishing Resource". The seminar held at Bendigo was eo· sponsored by the Loddon-Campaspe Regional Planning Authority and attracted over 90 delegates mainly from local government. • a survey of the long-term needs for river gravel extraction from the Ovens River as a basis for orderly extraction.

19 LAND RESOURCE APPRAISAL

The Authority has a responsibility to predict which sought after by land use planners as base data management practices will cause soil erosion and prior to applying social and economic criteria to to recommend development and management produce plans. which will avoid problems. During the year, land capability assessments were Two main types of assessment are carried out by completed over 9,062 km2 in 12 municipalities. the Authority: land studies which are fundamental Planning of a further 12,831 km2 in 6 studies of the land's physical characteristics and municipalities is in progress. Details of work land capability assessments which interpret the carried out are shown in Table 3. physical characteristics of the land in terms of their capability to sustain use without significant LAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL (L.C.C.) deterioration. Land studies are now complete for Special investigations for the L.C.C. have been two thirds of Victoria. One such study "A Study of carried out in East Gippsland and the Otways to the Land in the Otway Ranges and Adjacent assess the suitability of land for softwood Plains" covering an area of 3,685 km2 was production and pulpwood harvesting. completed during the year. Currently under way is a study of 4,200 km2 of land in the Campaspe Soil Conservation officers have been members of area. several Land Conservation Council study groups throughout the State including South Gippsland, Land capability assessments are being increasingly Gippsland Lakes Hinterland and Ballarat.

LAND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT STUDIES as at 30 June 1982

20 FARM WATER SUPPLY DEVELOPMENT

SERVICES ASSESSMENT The Authority is charged under Section 14(1)(d) During the year, the Authority participated in the of the Soil Conservation and Land Utilization Act Farm Water Supply Study in the Avoca River with assisting land holders in the use and Catchment. Initiatives resulting from this as yet development of water resources available to them. unpublished study are being pursued as resources In addition to providing technical advice to permit. landholders, the Authority provides loans on A postal survey was carried out on water supply favourable terms to farms for the development of problems in drought-affected East Gippsland. water supply schemes. Requests for both farm water supply and soil Landholders are placing increasing importance conservation advice resulting from the survey are upon use of on-farm water as a means of being serviced. offsetting the effects of drought, as an aid to farm management and preventing soil erosion and CHARGES increasing production. Certain services relating to dam siting and Services provided during 1981/82 include: reticulation schemes hitherto free of charge are now subject to recoupment of costs involved. - 770 dams investigated or designed and Total funds invoiced for the year were $28,400. constructed with a capital value of $1 ,800,000; - reticulation schemes involving 208 km of SOIL FOR DAMS pipeline on 60 properties with a capital value of $500,000; The method of analysing, evaluating and reporting - 260 ha of irrigation layouts (survey, design and on soils for farm dams was further developed and advice) completed for 13 farmers with a capital standardised. Soils from 163 individual dam sites value of $200,000. were tested and reported on using the revised method. Laboratory work is being concentrated The irrigation schemes were for land outside into two areas of concern: seepage from dams in proclaimed irrigation areas with water provided well-structured red clay soils in southern Victoria, from catchment-filled dams or bores. and seepage from dams in north-western Victoria which are filled by State Rivers ·and Water Supply Commission channels.

David Reid (left) showing Jim Wood, District Soil Conservationist, a dam which now fills two badly-eroded gullies on his property at Wilby.

21 PROTECTION OF WATER SUPPLY CATCHMENTS

Sections 22 and 23 of the Soil Conservation and • Walkley Creek Catchment: supplies water for Land Utilization Act (1958) and Section 5(1)(b) of Boolarra from a total catchment area of the Land Conservation Act (1970) provide for the 7.9 km2 which is mostly freehold land. Proclamation of water supply catchments, the There are now 75 proclaimed catchments Determination of Land Use therein and the covering approximately one-sixth of the area of imposition of Land Use Conditions to protect the State. These are listed in Table 4. water supply catchments. lAND USE DETERMINATIONS PROClAMATIONS A Land Use Determination determines the use to Proclamation of a water supply catchment is a which the land in the catchment can be put legal definition that a specific area of land has a without causing deterioration or detriment to the prime use for the production of water for water supply catchment areas. domestic, agricultural and/or industrial use. The Authority makes a determination only During the reporting period, three catchments following detailed investigation of the catchment were proclaimed: and following consultation with locallandholders, • West Barham River Catchment: the source of District Advisory Committees, government domestic water supply for Apollo Bay. The instrumentalities, particularly the Land Conservation catchment area is 12 km2 and is all public land. Council and the local planning authorities. • McCal/ums Creek Catchment: supplies water During the year, considerable effort was focussed for Maryborough and Tal bot from a total on investigations towards Land Use Deterrninations catchment area of 188 km 2 which is for three important catchments. These are all near predominantly fr~ehold land. completion:

WATER SUPPLY CATCHMENTS PROCLAIMED UNDER THE SOIL CONSERVATION AI\ID LAND UTILIZATION ACT 1958

22 • Gellibrand River Catchment: supplies water for experiments have also been designed to measure Colac, Warrnambool and other western district the effectiveness of vegetated buffer strips in towns from a total catchment area of 690 km2 reducing the sediment and chemical load in the of which approximately 40 per cent is freehold runoff. land. • Tanjil River Catchment: will supply water to the new Blue Rock Dam and the from a total catchment area of 509 km2 of which 22 per cent is freehold land. • East Kiewa River (U2) Catchment: supplies water primarily for hydro-electric power generation at the Clover Power Station and also for domestic consumption at Bogong Village. The total catchment area is 18 km2 which is all public land. There are now 33 land use determined catchments covering 2,879 kmZ. These are listed in Table 5.

LAND USE CONDITIONS Land Use Conditions are conditional management methods to be applied by government instrumentalities and landholders to protect water supply catchments. The Authority commenced legal proceedings against a logging contractor for failing to comply with Land Use ConditiOns in the Tarra River Catchment. The operation involved the removal of tree ferns and logs from freehold land in the catchment.

CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT Within proclaimed catchments advice is given to landholders and to managers of public land with a view to avoiding erosion and water contamination and ensuring a substantial yield of water. If necessary, action is taken to prevent unwise use of land. In Land Use Determined catchments, the Authority has an additional responsibility to implement the measures contained in the Determination. In general, this has been achieved through co-operation between the Authority on the one hand and landholders and managers of public land on the other.

CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT RESEARCH The Authority established a co-operative research project with the Department of Agriculture to investigate the loss of soil and agricultural chemicals from potatoes growing under controlled conditions. Experimental runoff plots were installed at the T oolangi Potato Research Station to collect, measure and analyse runoff under simulated and natural rainfall events. The

23 SMALL CATCHMENT HYDROLOGICAL STUDIES

The aim of these studies is to be able to predict the runoff from small catchments and the hydrologic effects of changes in land use. Such information is of fundamental importance to the work of the Authority. It is also important to other agencies such as the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, State Rivers and Water Supply Commission and Forests Commission of Victoria. Despite being seriously under-resourced steady progress was made with studies at the four experimental areas at Parwan (near Bacchus Marsh), Stewarts Creek (near Daylesford), Long Corner Creek (near Myrtleford) and Reefton (near Warburton). A research project on suspended sediment characteristics of a small watershed was successfully completed in the form of a thesis for the University of Melbourne by Miss A. Spurritt. A study of the vegetation at Reefton catchments 1 to 4 was completed by Mr. K. Lavis, LaTrobe University, also in thesis form.

Ken Ash ton, Senior Soil Conservationist, examining damage caused by illegal fern-extraction operations in the Tarra River water supply catchment,

24 COMMUNITY AWARENESS

During 1981/82, the Authority continued to radio and television broadcasts, prepared 6 press promote the importance of soil conservation to kits for regional newspapers and produced several the wider community. video films for regional television stations.

DISPLAYS AND FIELD DAYS SCHOOLS EDUCATION Authority staff participated in a total of 76 field A total of 119 school excursions were conducted days, some of which were held at the following by Authority officers throughout Victoria. These locations: Ballara~ Hamilton, Ouyen, Glenthompson, included 30 excursions conducted by the Bendigo, Kooloonong, Horsham, Seymour, Authority's Schools Education Officer of which 15 Elmore, Wangaratta, , Geelong, Silvan· were held at Woodstock, 7 in the Port Phillip Bay Wandin, Benalla, Bacchus Marsh, Broadford, Yea, area and 3 in the Torquay/Lorne area. Soil Alexandra, Mansfield, , Carisbrook, conservation excursions at the Parwan Valley Cranbourne and Mortlake. involved about 700 level-12 geography students.

Displays exhibited at the field days covered the Over 1,000 students viewed the Authority's topics of soil salting, farm water supply, display caravan carrying the teaching unit "What is conservation cropping and hobby farms. Soil" which was exhibited at 37 primary and The Authority also participated in many displays secondary schools throughout the Mallee. and exhibitions held in Melbourne and regional centres. UNIVERSITIES AND TERTIARY EDUCATION COLLEGES MEDIA LIAISON A series of lectures on soil conservation was given Authority staff issued 182 press releases, made 23 to students of the Schools of Agriculture at

The McQueen partners, Kooloonong, winners of the 1981 Hanslow Cup Competition for the best effort in soil conservation in the northern Mallee.

25 Melbourne and LaTrobe Universities. the publication on behalf of VIRPO. Individual lectures were given to town planning students at the University of Melbourne, farm HANSLOW CUP COMPETITIONS apprentice students at Bendigo and environmental In accordance with the bequest of Mr. Harold studies students at Ballarat. Hanslow, the Authority holds three competitions each year to determine the best efforts in soil PUBLICATIONS conservation. The Competitions serve a double The Authority produced a total of 30 publications purpose: keeping landholders informed of and reprinted 19 others. The following are some developments in soil conservation and helping to of the major publications produced: promote a good working relationship between the Authority and landholders. Living With The Alps: A full-colour booklet illustrating the Authority's role in Victoria's alpine The following are details of the competitions held: areas was distributed to ski resorts. tourist information centres and motels in north-east The 1981 Northern Mallee Competition was won Victoria. by the McQueen Partners of Kooloonong. A field day held on their 1,363-ha property on Otways Land Study: Technical Communications 17 September 1981 attracted more than 200 14 "A Study of the Land in the Catchments of the people. Otway Range and Adjacent Plains" was officially launched at Colac on 1 June and has now been The winners of the 1982 Northern Region Soil distributed. The publication has a wealth of Conservation Competition were Messrs. A.E. and information on the various characteristics that N.J. Tranter of Toolleen who also won the William combine to form the unique natural environment McRobert Waranga Shire Award for their 825-ha of the Otway Range. property.

Salt/and in Victoria: A new booklet released by The 1982 South-Eastern Competition was won by the Victorian Irrigation Research and Promotion the Landy partnership for their 64 7 ·ha property Organisation (VIRPO) will help farmers in their "Bell Point" at Tarwin Lower, South Gippsland. fight against salinity and inform the public of the The 1982 Eastern Mallee Competition was won damage being done to our priceless and by the Watson family for their 1,352-ha property irreplaceable farm lands. The Authority produced at near .

... ~ Michael Randall ofRomsey (right} who was an early co-operator in the Eppalock Catchment Project, returned to Heathcote to meet Authority Members who, as part ofa public awareness campaign, toured the area in July 1981. Pictured above discussing the project's achievements are (from left}: Councillor Ted Kemp, Greg Sheehan, Soil Conservationist, and Michael Randall. 26 DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEES

During the year, a restructure of District Advisory Committees (DACs) was carried out resulting in a reduction in their numbers from 23 to 17 to conform with new regional boundaries. The new committees will progressively commence operations from July 1981. The Authority met in conference with 30 members from Central, Northern and Mallee DACs during March at Swan Hill. The interchange of view on a range of topics proved of considerable assistance in developing works programs. Committees provide an invaluable link between the Authority and its widespread clientele. Their advice, assistance and service on behalf of the community is gratefully acknowledged.

STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOIL CONSERVATION

The 45th Annual Meeting of the Standing Committee on Soil Conservation was held in Wellington, New Zealand, on 6 and 7 October 1981, and was attended by Mr. Mitchell, its current Chairman. The main item considered was the development of a strategy for effective soil conservation in Australia in view of the withdrawal of the Commonwealth from specific-purpose funding of the proposed National Soil Conservation Program. Such a strategy was developed and recommendations made in a report to the Australian Agricultural Council. Amongst other items considered by the Standing Committee were recommendations arising from its sub-committees and working parties. The Committee agreed to publish the report of its Working Party into Dryland Salinity in Australia and a Soils and Water Analysis Handbook, prepared by its National Committee on Soil and Land Resources Survey. By invitatipn, Mr. Mitchell attended the meeting of the Standing Committee on Agriculture held in Adelaide on 5 February 1982, when the report of the Standing Committee on Soil Conservation was considered.

27 ADMINISTRATION

STAFFING parts of the Research and Investigations The Authority is concerned that an inadequate Division including funds and resources for staffing level is adversely affecting its service to upgrading the catchment-hydrological studies, clients. Whilst client demand continues to increase laboratory studies and economics investigations the total staff establishment is decreasing (from (Review 3). 173 in 1980/81 to 169 in 1981/82). Action has taken place on only the first recommendation which is within the Authority's REVIEWS control. The Authority was involved in four Reviews during The recommendations regarding the aggregation the year: within the Authority of land appraisal services 1. The Parliamentary Public Bodies Review closely mirror those reached by the Agricultural Committee: A written submission was prepared Council in 1978. Unfortunately, no action has and verbal and written evidence was given taken place on these. largely in relation to interaction with River Improvement Trusts. LEGISLATION 2. The Economics Committee: Details were given The Soil Conservation and Land Utilization of activities, priorities and ways in which (Amendment) Act received Royal Assent on expenditure could be reduced. 15 December 1981. 3. Review of the Research and Investigation The amendment contained the following Division and Land Capability Section (Public provisions: Service Board, Ministry for Conservation and • confirmation of the role of the Authority in the Authority). combatting the problem of dryland salinity. 4. Review of laboratory services (Public Service • conditions imposed on the use of land within Board). water supply catchments to become binding on The chief recommendations arising from reviews 3 subsequent owners and occupiers of the land and 4 (above) were: and not only on current land holders as hitherto. Land Appraisal • the ability to revoke or vary land use • That all land-appraisal activities within the determinations. Authority (land studies and land capability • the ability to make land use determinations for assessment) be combined to form one Division parts of catchments and not necessarily entire (Review 3). catchments as previously. • That this Division be augmented with staff of • people who became owners or occupiers of complementary skills from elsewhere within the land within a group conservation area Ministry for Conservation (Review 3). subsequent to its declaration may now become • That the responsibility for field work and participants in that scheme. physical testing of soil associated with the soil • the ability to amend approved group survey program be transferred from the conservation plans with the consent of that Department of Agriculture's Agricultural landholder in situations where only one Chemistry Laboratory to the Ministry for land holder is affected. Conservation's Soil Conservation Authority • soil conservation district advisory committees Laboratory (Review 4). may now appoint local committees to assist them in their work, such committees to hold Laboratory office for no longer than a twelve month period. • That chemical analysis of soil now undertaken • fines for contravention of the Act were by the Soil Conservation Authority's Chemistry substantially increased. Laboratory be undertaken by the Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory (Review 4). STAFF DEVELOPMENT Hydrology In-Service Training • That certain improvements be made in various During 1981/82, the Authority conducted 4

28 courses involving 94 officers. The courses were VISITORS FROM OVERSEAS AND about slope failure, water supply, coastal INTERSTATE management, and policy and procedures. The Authority hosted visitors with soil conservation interests from other countries and External Training states: Nine officers are undertaking part-time study at • Professor Norman Hudson, of the National Melbourne, Deakin, New England and Macquarie College of Agricultural Engineering, England, Universities and at Footscray, Gippsland and inspected Authority works in the area of Bendigo Institutes of Advanced Education. cropland management, as well as conducting a seminar for Authority staff. Staff Conference • Mr. H.J. van Staden, Soil Conservation A Staff Conference was held at Dookie Engineer, Department of Agriculture and Agricultural College between 8 and 10 December Fisheries, South Africa, took part in inspections 1981 and was orientated towards training and of soil conservation projects in central Victoria. staff development. The Conference, attended by 130 officers from all Divisions, featured eight one· • Two officers from the centre for Soil Research day training courses conducted concurrently, in of Indonesia inspected applied research as well the areas of legislation, financial administration, as soil conservation and erosion control Mallee cropping techniques, gully stabilisation, projects. geology, photo-interpretation, land capability and • Five officers from the Upper Solo Watershed soils characteristics. Management Project, Indonesia, toured Victoria, inspecting catchment management SAFETY practices. The Authority's aim in this area is to achieve a • A delegation of officers of the Indian substantial reduction in both personal and motor Government visited western Victoria, inspecting vehicle accidents during the 1980s. conservation works on individual properties, as During the year, a reduction of 32 per cent in well as within project areas. motor vehicle accidents and 62 per cent in personal accidents has been achieved. It is anticipated that the determined effort of all Authority staff will maintain this trend.

ACCOMMODATION The Authority's allocation of $30,015 was fully expended in undertaking preventative maintenance and urgent repairs to the 18 departmental residences and 27 offices. and the provision of office furniture. Funds were insufficient to carry out planned maintenance work to residences at Horsham, Benalla and Kew, and to offices at Broadford and Heathcote. Additional office accommodation was arranged at Benalla to relieve a serious overcrowding situation. Office accommodation at Head Office is still seen as a major problem and estimate submissions continue to press for further accommodation. Negotiations are proceeding to obtain a more suitable office at Swan Hill and an additional office in the State Public Offices, '-''"""'""'of the Soil Conservation Authority, Warragul. A lex Mitchell, having a discussion with Norman Hudson• Professor of Field Engineering at the National College ofAgricultural Engineering, England, who visited the Authority as part of a travelling fellowship with the Commonwealth Department of Education.

29 • Messrs Clive Malcolm and John Clarke, Soil Research and Survey Branch, Department of Agriculture of Western Australia, inspected salted areas throughout northern Victoria, and conducted seminars on aspects of salting for Authority staff and university students. • Mr. Brian Crack, Acting Director, Division of Land Utilization, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland, held discussions on aspects of Authority work with senior staff. • Dr. R. Stony, retired officer of the CSIRO Division of Land Use Research, Canberra, conducted a workshop for Authority staff on the use of photographs in mapping land systems. • Professor Dr. Siegfried von Muller, Forest Experimental Research Institute, Bad en Wurttemberg, West Germany, visited the Bendigo area and discussed the soil-land-form relationships there. • Dr. J.A. Beattie, Senior Lecturer in Soil Science, Department of Agricultural Science, University of Tasmania, discussed evaluation of soils with Authority Officers.

30 FINANCE

REVENUE Trust Funds The total revenue received by the Authority was Trust Fund expenditure totalled $743,865 of $56,322 which included $29,523 for farm water which $577,948 was provided by the Federal supply services. Other revenue came from the sale Government for soil conservation works at of publications and the hire of the mulch spreader Puckapunyal Army Training Reserve. $57,345 and other plant was spent on the Tanjil and Mitchell River Land Capability Project and a further amount of EXPENDITURE $35,947 was spent on the Portland Land Study Project. Vote Other significant expenditure was for the The total vote expenditure was $4,195,782 of maintenance of Authority plant and for Economic which $3,417,592 was for salaries and Research Studies. allowances. Special Allocation Works and Services An amount of $46,000 was provided during the Expenditure from Works and Services funds second half of the year to enable workers stood totalled $1,290,251 which included $906,870 for down because of the Castlemaine Woollen Mills water supply catchments and other conservation fire to be employed in soil conservation works projects. An amount of $30,015 was spent (by the programs. Public Works Department) on the maintenance and adaptation of the Authority's offices and residences throughout the State.

VOTE EXPENDITURE WORKS & SERVICES EXPENDITURE IN THE LAST 5 YEARS IN THE LAST 5 YEARS

1.3 -1.29 4

1.2 ~ ~ 1.14 1.18 ~. z3 1.0 ~ 1.05' z -0.98 ,. 0 0 .• ..J 2.71 ..J ..J ..J 0.8 ,•,• ::?! ::?! 02 0

0.6 V .. .. e " ;~ '•:·: 0.4

.~ 0.2 t.:O .•. ' 77/78 78/79 79/80 80/81 81/82 77/78 78/79 79/80 80/81 81/82 YEAR YEAR

31 STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE Allocation Expenditure Estimates 1981/82 1981/82 1982/83 $ $ $ VOTE FUNDS Salaries and Payments in the Nature of Salary Salaries and Allowances 3,394,338 3,394,338 3,683,451 Payments in Lieu of Long Service Leave, etc. 25,000 25,000 3,419,338 3,417,592 3,708,451 General Expenses Travelling and Subsistence 81,982 81,981 112,500 Office Requisites, Equipment, 100,298 100,298 53,700 Printing and Stationery Books and Publications 59,676 59,676 115,600 Postal and Telephone 114,324 114,318 151,100 Motor Vehicles- Purchase and Running 306,753 306,752 584,300 Fuel, Light, Power and Water 23,059 23,058 30,500 Incidental Expenses 52,788 52,787 73,000 Laboratory and Other Equipment 9,500 9,490 24,000 Publicity 19,900 768,200 768,190 1,196,050 Other Services District Advisory Committees ...... __lQ,QOO 10,000 J2,0QQ TOTAL VOTE FUNDS 4,195,782

VOTE EXPENDITURE 1981/82

General Expenses Salaries and Payments in the Nature of 18.31% Salaries ---+-

81.45%

32 Allocation Expenditure Estimates 1981/82 1981/82 1982/83 $ $ $ LOAN FUNDS (WORKS AND SERVICES ACCOUNT) Water Supply Catchments and 906,876 906,870 1,552,000 Other Conservation Projects Plant and Machinery (Includes Radio Mast) 93,998 93,998 99,000 Farm Water Supply --~10,!:j12 ___!_Q,511 31.000 -·--·-~·~-- 1,011,386 1,011,379 1,682,000 Loans and Grants Assistance 105,980 105,979 115,000 Crown Land and Foreshore Erosion Control 68,927 68,926 77,000 Port Phillip Foreshore Erosion 27,952 27,952 30,000

Castlemaine Special Unemployment Works ~ _ _46,QOO ___ _j_6,00Q ~·.~-- 248,859 248,859 222,000 (Expenditure by Public Works Department) Kew - repaint throughout and replace carpets 25,000 Buildings- Adaptations and Maintenance 30,015 30,015 120,000 Kew - Airconditioning and glazing 250,000 Kew - additional offices 70,000 Ouyen replacement of residence 75,000 Hopetoun - purchase of residence ~-·70,000 TOTAL LOAN FUNDS _h22~£6__Q 2,514,000

WORKS & SERVICES EXPENDITURE 1981/82 Water Supply Catchments and Other Conservation Projects 2.33% Adaptation Plant and Machinery ;;::,..,--and Maintenance Farm Water Supply of Buildings

Loans and Grants Assistance rown Land and 78.39% Foreshore Erosion Control Port Phillip Foreshore Erosion Castlemaine Special Unemployment works.

33 Balance Receipts Payments Balance (1/7/81) (30/6/82) TRUST FUNDS Puckapunyal Project Trust Account 109,068 1,050,514 577,947 581,635 SCA Trust Accounts - Gippsland Lakes Study 10,000 9,771 229 Alpine Ecology Research 1,221 5,241 5,579 883 Economic Research 18,254 12,260 5,994 Land Capabilities Study 1,401 118 1,283 Tanjil and Mitchell Rivers Study 2,482 55,752 57,345 890 Portland Regional Study 19,968 23,800 35,947 7,821 Competition Trophies 1,892 1,435 600 2,727 Hire of Mulcher 9,316 11,653 4,280 16,689 Hire of Plant 11,508 9,079 20,225 362 Conservation Cropping 5 4,500 169 4,336 Brick & Pipe White Elephant Project 4,837 2,753 2,084 Loy Yang Project 6,996 42,000 14,388 34,608 Land Resources Data Bank 17 17 Effect of Timber Harvesting ~·--2l,:)OO TOTAL TRUST FUNDS ~~_1Q8,7JI _1?34,7213 _743,899 ~9,54Q

TRUST FUNDS EXPENDITURE 1981/82

Puckapunyal Project (Commonwealth Funds) Portland Regional Study

77.7% Other Projects and Studies Funded by Outside Organisations

34 SUMMARY Allocation/ Expenditure Estimates Funds Available 1981/82 1982/83 1981/82 Vote Funds 4,197,538 4,195,782 4,916,501 Loan Funds 1,290,260 1,290,251 2,514,000 Trust Funds 1,403,43?_ 743,899 N/A TOTAL 6,229~~? 7,430,5Q1

Audit comments on the financial statements and accounts of the Soil Conservation Authority are included in the Auditor-General's report to Parliament

SOURCE OF FUNDS 1981/82

TRUST FUNDS $1,403,439 20.4%

LOAN FUNDS $1,290,260 18.7%

VOTE FUNDS $4,197,538 60.9%

35 APPENDICES

TABLE 1 STATE SUMMARY OF MAIN ADVISORY ACTIVITIES

····----···· 1981/82 1980/81 1?79/80 GROUP CONSERVATION AREA (GCA) ACTIVITIES Visits During Planning 152 392 250 Visits for Execution of Works 1712 1396 1385 Visits for Reviewing GCA Plan 81 92 144 Landholders Present During Visit 766 881 767 NON GCA ACTIVITIES Initial Inspections Made 1456 1490 1425 Initial Inspections Outstanding 178 246 168 Subsequent Inspections Made 827 826 767 Subsequent Inspections Outstanding 138 222 115 Other Visits Made 3513 3671 3421 SPECIAL ASPECTS Farm Water Supply Advice 1782 2439 1930 Water Supply Catchment Supervision 494 617 667 Inspections Regarding Extraction of Sand, Gravel, etc. 703 756 927 EXTENSION ACTIVITIES Talks and Lectures Given 109 123 94 Radio and TV Broadcasts Made 23 28 13 Field Days and Excursions Held 76 50 64 Meetings of Landholders Held 26 17 14 School Excursions Conducted 119 129 100 Show or Trade Exhibits Staged 37 25 15 Press Releases Made 182 78 40 Field Days etc. Attended 413 281 292 DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEES Meetings Held 87 75 71 Inspections Conducted 69 66 54 INSPECTIONS FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTS State Government 1629 1563 1399 Commonwealth Government 25 55 82 Local Government 1142 1029 1019 Other Organisations 255 461 598

36 TABLE2 STATE SUMMARY OF MAIN WORKS COMPLETED

Individual Totals Projects Properties WORKS ITEM 1981/82 1981/82 1981/82 1980/81 STRUCTURES Chutes, Drops, Weirs No. 29 20 49 61 Barrages & Silt Traps m3 660 298 958 4511.1 Pipe Structures No. 55 25 80 31 Groynes No. 3 2 5 7 m 108 6 114 16.6 -· Revetment Fencing m 181 50 231 1242 Grassed Chutes No. 20 8 28 9 m2 1892 1285 3177 678 EARTHWORKS Diversion Banks m 21835 58130 79965 50186 ------·- Heads Battered No. 38 9 47 105 Grassed Water-ways m 2820 3001 5821 5810 ha 6.5 23 29.5 21.2 Graded Banks m 7739 18026 25765 20742 ha 285 1230 1515 210

------~~~ ~-~~------Gully Plugs No. 7 16 23 30 m3 7260 29800 36000 45023

------~- Gully Battering m 33920 19855 53775 31627

------~ ------Contour, Furrows Land holders 9 23 32 37 and Cultivation ha 102 262 364 490.2 Mallee Dune Shaping Landholders 27 27 2 ha 393 393 13 ------FENCING (Not Coastal) Protective km 63.75 37.0 100.75 130 Protective Subdivisional km 4.05 6.5 10.55 23.3

--~- TREE PLANTING Tubed Trees and Cuttlngs No. 43870 12339 56209 119870 MULCHING Finn Equipment ha 5 2 7 11 ASSISTED PASTURE ESTABLISHMENT Aerial Seeding Land holders 4 4 7 ha 206 206 365 Chisel Seeding Landholders 17 19 36 37 ha 447 546 993 1050.5 Pasture Improvement Land holders 20 14 34 23 ha 1208 358 1566 412.6 Salt Reclamation Landholders 12 35 47 22 ha 128 282 410 117

37 TABLE 2 (continued) STATE SUMMARY OF MAIN WORKS COMPLETED

Individual Totals Projects Properties WORKS ITEM 1981/82 1981/82 1981/82 1980/81 -----'--- FARM WATER SUPPLY SURVEYS Dams Detailed Investigations No. Combined Totals { 75 N/A MI 4751 Field Assessments No. Combined Totals { 440 693 MI 1659 2013 ···-- Pipeline Reticulation No. 22 38 60 64 m 48490 159031 207521 200042 Irrigation Projects No. 4 4 8 ha 50 50 27 COASTAL Protective km 21.7 6.3 Marram Grass ha 35 29 Walkways Surface No. 21 6 m 1270 358 -Elevated No. 1 m 50 Cliff Revegetation No. 6 3 m2 12450 11500 ········--- Dune Shaping No. 11 2 m3 9600 14600 ··------m 60 ~--- m 1000 No. 9700 Rock Beaching m3 600 ------~~- ~--··· ------·········-- Steps No. 2 m 60 --··········------OTHER WORKS Groundwater Investigations -Bores No. 4 m Trickle Pipes No. 10 m 300 :fibreglass Modules No. 1

Gully Seedinll_ __~ m 2000 Gravel Pit Reclamation No. 12 ha 30 Tea-tree Sand Traps m Landslip Drainage No. 4 ha 5 Tunnel ripping Landholders 8 ha 72 ······--~--

38 TABLE3 LAND CAPABILITY STUDIES FOR LAND USE PLANNING

Area Purpose Progress Erosion Risk Studies Documentation of hazards Report completed Shire of Portland and input to municipal Report completed planning. Work in progress Shire of Glenelg Work in progress Work in progress Otway Ranges Erosion risk associated Report completed East Gippsland with forestry Pilot study completed GIPPSLAND ENERGY Resources Study Area (Major project funded by Environmental Studies Division, Ministry for Conservation) Shire of Morwell-broadscale Input to municipal and Report completed Shire of Morwell-detailed regional planning Draft completed Shire of Narracan·broadscale Report completed Shire of Narracan-detailed Work in progress -detailed Work in progress Capability studies around: Yarram, Leongatha, Draft capability maps Koonwarra, Yallourn North, completed Port Welshpool, Port Albert, Mirboo North Portland Area (Project funded by Environmental Studies Division, Ministry for Conservation) Capability study within 30 km Input to regional and Draft report completed radius from Portland municipal planning Shire of Pakenham Input to municipal Draft map and report in planning preparation Delatite River Catchment Input to Land Use Draft land resource Determination inventory prepared Shire ofTambo Input to municipal Interpretive maps planning provided for Planning Scheme

Note: These studies have been carried out by officers from the Catchments/Land Capability Division and district staff from the Field Operations Division.

39 TABLE4 WATER SUPPLY CATCHMENTS PROCLAIMED UNDER PROVISIONS OF SOIL CONSERVATION AND LAND UTILIZATION ACT 1958

Date of Date of Use of Name of Catchment Proclamation Gazettal Area (km2) Water 4.7.50 5.7.50 10,062 I Upper Barwon 4.11.53 11.11.53 145 T Parwan 24.1.56 1.2.56 157 I Upper Goulbum 18.12.56 19.1.57 3,535 I Glenmaggie 4.12.57 4.12.57 1,909 I Rocklands 17.9.58 17.9.58 1,342 I Wimmera Systems 2.9.59 4.9.59 4,386 S&D Riddells Creek 12.1.60 13.1.60 5 T Gisbome-Sunbury 12.1.60 13.1.60 6 T Lancefield 22.3.60 23.3.60 19 T Romsey 22.3.60 23.3.60 9 T Wood end 22.3.60 23.3.60 4 T Mount Macedon 22.3.60 23.3.60 3 T Macedon 22.3.60 23.3.60 3 T Eppalock 19.7.60 20.7.60 2,116 I Cairn Curran 29.5.62 30.5.62 1,594 I Sunbury 29.5.62 30.5.62 18 T Ojerriwarrh 27.11.62 5.12.62 26 T Tyers River 30.1.63 6.3.63 317 T Kilmore 25.5.63 29.5.63 5 T Bunyip River 25.6.63 3.7.63 39 T Trawalla Creek 8.10.63 16.10.63 108 S&D Lorne 15.7.64 22.7.64 28 T Healesville 8.9.64 16.9.64 3 T Upper Kiewa 24.2.65 3.3.65 409 HE Mirboo North 24.2.65 3.3.65 8 T Orbost (Rocky River) 18.5.65 26.5.65 23 T Lake Merrimu 31.8.65 8.9.65 85 I&In McCraes Creek 9.11.65 8.12.65 5 T Billys Creek 1.3.66 9.3.66 21 T Drouin 1.3.66 9.3.66 14 T Tarago River 30.5.67 7.6.67 114 T Lake Nillahcootie 19.9.67 27.9.67 413 I,S&D Lake Merrimu (Goodmans Creek) 13.2.68 21.2.68 39 I,In&T Gellibrand River 5.11.69 12.11.69 507 T&In Ryans Creek 3.3.70 11.3.70 77 T Rosslynne Reservoir (Jackson Creek) 8.9.70 16.9.70 85 T Tarra River 26.1.71 17.2.71 28 T Rosslynne Reservoir (Riddells Creek) 14.9.71 22.9.71 21 T Micks Creek 26.4.72 3.5.72 5 T Lal La! Reservoir 6.6.73 13.6.73 219 T Betka River 18.9.73 26.9.73 108 T Thomson River (Stages 1, 1(a) and 2) 25.9.73 3.10.73 332 T Lake Merrimu (Lederderg River) 15.4.75 23.4.75 218 !&In Avoca Town Water Supply 19.8.75 27.8.75 10 T Nicholson River 19.8.75 27.8.75 451 T Honeysuckle Creek 25.5.76 2.6.76 25 T

40 TABLE 4 (continued) WATER SUPPLY CATCHMENTS PROCLAIMED UNDER PROVISIONS OF SOIL CONSERVATION AND LAND UTILIZATION ACT 1958

Date of Date of Use of Name of Catchment Proclamation Gazettal Area (km2) Water Cann River 27.7.76 4.8.76 632 T Running Creek (Hurstbridge) 3.5.77 11.5.77 20 T Moorabool River (Sheoaks) 16.5.78 24.5.78 460 T Stony Creek 16.5.78 24.5.78 26 T Painkalac Creek (Aireys Inlet) 16.5.79 13.6.79 34 T Lance Creek 16.5.79 13.6.79 20 T Tennent Creek (Candowie Reservoir) 16.5.79 13.6.79 19 T Nine Mile, Clear, and Hurdle Creeks 16.5.79 13.6.79 63 T Bakers Gully (Bright) 16.5.79 13.6.79 7 T Creswick 16.5.79 13.6.79 33 T King River (Lake William Hovell) 16.5.79 13.6.79 332 I Buckland River 12.6.79 20.6.79 322 T Monument Creek 12.6.79 20.6.79 9 T Gellibrand River (South Otway) 12.6.79 20.6.79 183 T Tanjil River 11.12.79 19.12.79 509 l,ln&T Ballarat 11.12.79 19.12.79 98 T Tullaroop Reservoir 27.5.80 4.6.80 722 I&T Britannia Creek 27.5.80 4.6.80 18 T Pennyroyal Matthews & Gosling Creeks 12.8.80 20.8.80 74 T Sunny Creek 2.12.80 10.12.80 5 T Narracan Creek 16.12.80 7.1.81 82 T Skenes Creek 23.12.80 7.1.81 8 T Mitchell River 17.2.81 25.2.81 3900 I&T Rollo Creek 28.4.81 6.5.81 6 T Bealiba 28.4.81 6.5.81 6 T West Barham River 24.11.81 2.11.81 12 T McCallum Creek 22.6.82 30.6.82 187 T Walkley Creek (Boolarra) 22.6.82 30.6.82 8 T

·········---~-----············--~------·~ catchments 36.833

Use of Water (symbols used): {I) Irrigation, (In) Industrial, (T) Town Water, (S) Stock, (D) Domestic, (HE) Hydro-electric

41 TABLES WATER SUPPLY CATCHMENTS- LAND USE DETERMINATIONS AND LAND USE NOTICES MADE BY SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

Date of Gazettal of Detennlnatlon Name of Catchment or Notice Area (km2) Rocklands (Parishes of Tyar, Daahl, Yat Nat) 16.9.59 160 Riddells Creek 27.7.60 5 Lancefield, Romsey 18.1.61 28 Gisborne-Sunbury 18.1.61 6 Woodend 18.10.61 4 Eppalock (Shire of Newham/Woodend) 14.11.62 14 Upper Barwon 30.1.63 145 Macedon and Mount Macedon 8.4.64 5 Sun bury 10.6.64 18 Djerriwarrh Reservoir 8.7.64 26 Kilmore 2.6.65 5 Healesville 2.3.66 3 Eppalock (Kyneton Water Supply) 2.3.66 12 Eppalock (Northern Section) 2.3.66 258 McCraes Creek 21.9.66 5 Lake Merrimu 2.11.66 85 Billys Creek 14.12.66 21 Rocky River (Orbost Water Supply) 2.8.67 23 Bunyip River 7.8.68 39 Lake Merrimu {Goodmans Creek) 2.7.69 39 Tarra River 9.6.71 28 Lake Cairn Curran (Notice only)* 16.2.72 55 Tarago Reservoir 16.5.73 114 Micks Creek 25.7.73 5 Lal Lal Reservoir {Notice only)* 14.11.73 18 Thomson River (Stages 1, 1 (a) and 2} 11.9.74 332 Ryans Creek 30.10.74 78 Mirboo North 4.12.74 8 Tyers River 7.5.75 317 Avoca Town Water Supply 24.9.75 10 Upper Goulburn (Eildon} 2.3.77 868 Rosslynne Reservoir (Jackson Creek} 18.5.77 85 Stony Creek 21.6.78 26 Painkalac Creek 13.5.81 34

Total: 33 Land Use Determinations 2.879

*Land Use Notices are interim controls on changes in land use, specified under the provisions of Section 22(2} of the Soil Conservation and Land Utilization Act 1958.

42 TABLE6 STAFF- NUMBERS, DISTRIBUTION AND FUNCTION

Public Service Board Appointments (Section 13 Ministerial of SC&LU Act) Approval (Section Temporary 14(3)(b) of Location Permanent or Exempt SC&LUAct) Total Head Office, Kew 49 6 7 62 South-Eastern Region and Districts Region (Box Hill) 4 1 5 Yarra (Box Hill and Lilydale) 4 1 5 Avon and Tambo (Bairnsdale) 6 1 7 Avon and Tambo Research 1 1 South and West Gippsland (Warragul) 2 1 3 ·······---- South-Eastern Regional Total 17 3 1 21 ---~·---- North-Eastern Region and Districts Region (Benalla) 11 3 14 Lower Goulburn (Benalla) 1 2 3 Upper Goulburn (Alexandra) 4 4 8 Goulburn (Broadford) 3 3 Upper Murray (Wodonga) 2 2 Ovens 2 2 North-Eastern Regional Total 23 9 32 Barwon Region and Districts Region (Ballarat) 3 1 4 Moorarbool (Bacchus Marsh) 4 4 8 Otway (Colac) 5 1 6 Central (Gisborne) 1 1 Barwon Regional Total 13 1 5 19 Glenelg Region and Districts Region (Horsham) 3 3 South Wimmera (Horsham) 1 1 Glenelg and West Coast (Hamilton and Coleraine) 5 6 11

············~------Glenelg Regional Total 9 6 15 Mallee Region and Districts Region (Swan Hill) 1 1 2 Eastern Mallee (Swan Hill) 2 2 Western Mallee (Ouyen) 3 1 4 Northern Mal\ee (Mildura) 3 3 Mallee Regional Total 9 1 1 11

43 TABLE 6 (continued) STAFF- NUMBERS. DISmiBUTION AND FUNCTION

Public Service Board Appointments (Section 13 Ministerial of SC&LU Act) Approval (Section Temporary 14(3)(b) of Location Permanent or Exempt SC&LUAct) Total Northern Region and Districts Region (Bendigo) 4 4 Campaspe (Bendigo) 2 1 3 Avoca River (Charlton) 4 2 6 Northern Regional Total 10 3 13 ------Central Region and-Districts Region (Bendigo) 6 6 Campaspe (Bendigo) 1 1 Research (Bendigo) 2 1 1 4 Pyrenees (Ararat) 4 3 7 Upper Loddon (Maryborough) 2 1 3 Central (Heathcote and Puckapunyal) 3 1 3 7 Avoca River (Charlton) 1 1 Central Regional Total 19 2 8 29 Alpine and Coastal Co-ordination Region (Box Hill) 1 1 Coastal (Box Hill) 2 2 Coastal (Warragul) 1 1 Alpine (Box Hill) 1 1 Alpine (Benalla) 2 2 -···"""-······ and Coastal Regional Total 7 7 TOTAL 156 13 40 209

STAFF BY FUNCTION

Field Operations Division 101 1 28 130 Research & Investigations Division 11 2 4 17 Catchments & Capability Division 13 2 4 19 Publications & Information Section 2 2 Administration Division 29 8 4 41 TOTAL 156 13 40 209

44 TABLE7 PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED BY THE SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 1981/82 TECHNICAL REPORTS Objectives, Strategy and Operational Areas of the Soil Conservation Authority and Their Relationships to Research, Investigation and Land Capability Assessment in SCA. Soil Mapping in Australia by Frank Gibbons. Dryland Salting in Victoria (2nd Edition) by J.J. Jenkin. A Report on the West Barham River Water Supply Catchment by M. G. Horsford and P.F. Clinnick. A Study of the Land in the Catchments of the Otway Range and Adjacent Plains ..._ TC 14 by A.J. Pitt. Hydrological Characteristics of Soils Relevant to Dryland Salting in Central Victoria by P.R. Dyson and J.J. Jenkin. A Study of the Land in the Catchments North of Melbourne by P.J. Jeffery. The Parliamentary Public Works Committee Driffield Coal Reserves Inquiry. The Alpine Ecosystem by K. McDougall. Land Capability in Rural Areas by David Howe and Frank Gibbons. A Report on the Catchments of Boolarra Waterworks Off-take on Walkley Creek - A Proposal for Proclamation by I. Master. A Report on the Evansford and Talbot Reservoirs Water Supply Catchment (McCallum Creek Water Supply Catchment) - A Proposal for Proclamation by I. Master. • An Assessment of the Geological and Geomorphological Significance of Private Land in the Shire of Portland. • An Assessment of the Botanical Significance of Private Land in the Shire of Portland. • Areas of Zoological Significance in the Shire of Portland. GENERAL Salting of Non-irrigated Land in Australia by Working Party on Dryland Salting in Australia for Standing Committee on Soil Conservation~ September 1981. Report on Dryland Salinity Workshop 8-10 July 1981. Dryland Salting Research Highlights by D. Elvery. Staff Conference Manual. Grassed Cover in Camping Areas by S. Zallar. Living with the Alps. Salt Land in Victoria. Annual Report 1980/81. Survey Manual Report on Cropping Management Workshop 10-12 March 1981.

*These reports were printed for the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research.

45 TABLE 7 (continued) PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED BY THE SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY 1981/82

List of Publications - January 1982 Anzac Fellowship Study Tour- August-October 1981 by John Grimes. Briefing Notes for Evan Walker, Minister for Conservation and Planning. Briefing Notes for Review Committee (Part 1) Briefing Notes for Review Committee (Part 2) District Advisory Committee Newsletter. The Parwan Creek Catchment and Its Importance. Northern Mallee Soil Conservation Competition - 1981

46 DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEES

AVOCARIVER 0. R. Poole, R.M.B. 190, Wedderburn (Chairman) B. C. Curnow, Department of Agriculture, State Offices, Bendigo F. 0. Sanderson, "Bromley Park", Coonooer Bridge T. Simpson, Stawell A M. Scott, R.S.D. Terricks, Pyramid Hill J. K. Donovan, Forests Commission, St. Arnaud D. F. Martin, Soil Conservation Authority, High Street, Charlton (Secretary) AVON E. E. Cumming, "The Retreat", Glenmaggie (Chairman) R. J. Reilly, "Deighton View", Bengworden R. Blandford, 18 Gilsenan Street, Paynesville N. F. Chester, 3 Mill Street, Heyfield R. F. Pitman, Department of Agriculture, Maffra D. F. Stevenson, Forests Commission, Traralgon J. Aukema, Soil Conservation Authority, State Public Offices, Bairnsdale (Secretary) BOGONG HIGH PLAINS J. S. Gilmore, Soil Conservation Authority, 378 Cotham Road, Kew (Chairman) W. H. Wagner, 10 Dover Street, North Clayton G. B. Fitzgerald, "Shannon Vale", Omeo W. J. Hicks, Box 69, Dederang Roadside, via Wodonga E. A Weston, Eurobin R. K. White, Principal Hydro-Engineer, Kiewa, SEC, Mt. Beauty M. Gardiner, National Parks Service, Wangaratta (Secretary) CAMP AS PE R. F. Ludeman, Kamarooka (Chairman) D. N. Lowndes, Eppalock W. I. Bell, 124 Neale Street, Bendigo D. J. Knight, Grant Street, Goomong I. J. Johnson, Corop via Elmore I. Smith, Department of Agriculture, Bendigo A A Stirling, Soil Conservation Authority, Box 206, Bendigo (Secretary) CENTRAL AS. Tomlinson, "Redlands", Kilmore (Chairman) S. Whiteley, "Braeside", Cobaw via Woodend B. T. O'Sullivan, "Wattle Park", Seymour T. T. Orde, 'Burncranna", Mount Macedon (Waterworks Trust Representative) A T. Campbell, Kilmore Road, Heathcote South I. L. Franklin, Forests Commission, Mt. Maeedon B. R. Radford, Soil Conservation Authority, Box 33, Broadford (Secretary) EASTERN MALLEE G. M. Mackay, R.S.D. Manangatang (Chairman) K. McK. Mills, State Rivers & Water Supply Commission, Birchip E. L. Pay, Private Bag, G. A. Cullinan, Box 112, Birchip R. F. dormann, Box 172, Sea Lake N. K. McSwain, Department of Agriculture, Swan Hill T. W. Speedie, Soil Conservation Authority, P.O. Box 56, Swan Hill (Secretary) GLENELG A H. Baulch, "Mt. Koroite", Coleraine (Chairman) D. R. Heard, "Attunga", Glenthompson

47 D. H. C. Murphy, "Karadeen", Casterton H. K. Cowland, "Robin Valley", Casterton A. C. Campbell, "Crowlands", Cavendish J. C. Heath, Department of Agriculture, Hamilton J. C. W. Langford, Soil Conservation Authority, P.O. Box 228, Hamilton (Secretary} LOWER GOULBURN D. W. Reid, Lake Rowan (Chairman) J. P. Tallis, "Boorinda", Dookie G. P. Mahoney, Department of Agriculture, Benalla R. Waugh, Forests Commission, Benalla J. S. Wall, "Lynfield'', Caniambo R.S.D., Shepparton A. F. Plowman, "St. Hillier", Devenish J. F. Wood, Soil Conservation Authority, P.O. Box 324, Benalla (Secretary) MOORARBOOL J. G. Henderson, "Inverness", St. Leonards (Chairman} H. A. Boardman, "Carramar", Sheoaks via Bannockburn G. D. Duncan, Department of Agriculture, 166 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne Miss W. Morris, Department of Planning, 150 Queen Street, Melbourne E. W. Gillespie, Toolern Vale, R.S.D., Melton J. Mewton, "Glenkelso", Bungul Road, Mt. Egerton R. McD. Moodie, Soil Conservation Authority, P.O. Box 214, Bacchus Marsh (Secretary) NORTHERN MALLEE B. E. Wait, Kooloonong, R.S.D., (Chairman) J. M. Douglas, F. A Etheridge, Department of Crown Lands & Survey, Red Cliffs N. L. Gowers, P.O. Box 307, Red Cliffs A E. McLean, Annuello N. K. McSwain, Department of Agriculture, Swan Hill H. S. MacLennan, Soil Conservation Authority, P.O. Box 1156, Mildura (Secretary) NORTHERN WIMMERA F. N. Pitt, Jeparit (Chairman) 0. C. Pietsch, Box 79, Dimboola D. Dykstra, Department of Agriculture, Horsham L. G. Atkin, Box 28, Brim A. H. Laverty, Box 9, Nhill I. R. McAlpin, Soil Conservation Authority, Box 179, Horsham (Secretary) OTWAY R. P. Bingley, 45 Harvey Street, Anglesea (Chairman) I. J. Boyd, Naroghid W.S.D., Cobden P. B. Kee, Cooriemungle W.S.D., via Timboon A. J. Holding, "The Ranch", Linton J. R. Channon, Forests Commission, Ballarat D. J. Watson, State Rivers & Water Supply Commission, Camperdown K. G. White, Soil Conservation Authority, Colac (Secretary} OVENS J. L. Baldwin, "Mundara", Laceby (Chairman) S. P. Humphry, "Avondale", Springhurst A N. Holmes, Department of Crown Lands & Survey, Wangaratta R. J. Ritchie, Forests Commission, Wangaratta D. K. F. Heywood, "Glenlock", Everton S. Dalbosco, Porepunkah M. C. O'Meara, Soil Conservation Authority, State Public Offices, Wangaratta (Secretary)

48 PYRENEES L. J. Millar, Wayside Mail, Beaufort (Chairman) J. R. Price, Eversley via Avoca E. J. Ball, "Morella", Lexton C. E. Price, Stawell J. W. Street, "Wangerip", Willaura R. W. Howlett, Department of Crown Lands & Survey, Ararat K G. Knights, Soil Conservation Authority, State Public Offices, Vincent Street, Ararat (Secretary)

SOUTHERN GIPPSI.AND D. A MacAulay, "Aibert Valley", Gelliondale (Chairman) D. F. Stevenson, Forests Commission, Traralgon P. J. Rathjen, "Mount Pleasant", Flynn via Traralgon P. Newcome, "Dalvarra", Fish Creek N. H. Paulet, Flynns Creek Upper via Traralgon J. C. Vinall, P.O. Box 161, Morwell S. B. Ellwood, Soil Conservation Authority, P.O. Box 268, Warragul (Secretary)

SOUTHERN WIMMERA L. W. Loeliger, "Oaklands", Lubeck (Chairman) A R. Gross, 8 Francis Street, Horsham P. J. Heard, "South Wonwondah", Box 58, Horsham G. J. Cranage, Box 72, Edenhope R. J. Elliott, "Yonda", Noradjuha J. D. Gillespie, Forests Commission, Horsham I. R. McAipin, Soil Conservation Authority, Box 179, Horsham (Secretary)

TAMBO D. K Richardson, Cobungra Station, Omeo (Chairman) J. Armit, Bindi C. F. Marshall, Box 428, Orbost F. H. Kramme, Johnsonville E. K Gidley, Forests Commission, Bairnsdale M. J. Lee, Department of Agriculture, Bairnsdale F. M. Garden, Soil Conservation Authority, State Public Offices, Bairnsdale (Secretary)

UPPER GOULBURN K Webb Ware, "Yirraba", Yea (Chairman) J. J. Tehan Jnr., "Wappan", Maindample G. A Scott, Wairerer Road, Mansfield P. 0. Miller, R.M.B. 1260, Alexandra H. B. Prewett, Forests Commission, Healesville J. Montgomery, Department of Agriculture, Benalla R. F. Chaffe, Soil, Conservation Authority, Box 69, Alexandra (Secretary)

UPPER LODDON F. T. Longmire, "Fairview", Werona (Chairman) K O'Connell, Majorca Road, Carisbrook R. M. Nicholson, Wareek via Maryborough G. S. H. Miller, "Ellerslie", Kyneton Cr. R. Kinnersley, T ourello via Creswick B. J. McConchie, Department of Agriculture, Bendigo B. J. Osborn, Soil Conservation Authority, Box 71, Maryborough (Secretary)

49 UPPER MURRAY G. C. Jarvis, "Roseworthy", Cudgewa (Chairman) I. R. Roper, "Kadumba", Tawonga L. H. Jewell, "Keelangie", Private Bag 20, Tallangatta K. H. Godde, Tallandoon via Tallangatta M. E. Zelman, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Wangaratta C. A. Almond, Forests Commission, Wangaratta C. F. Paul, Soil Conservation Authority, P.O. Box 722, Wodonga (Secretary) WESTERN GIPPSlAND H. A Hewson, Warragul (Chairman) I. M. Gibson, "Leathorne", Trafalgar East W. J. Edgar, Forests Commission, Traralgon H. C. Berry, Wonthaggi T. D. Kelly, Nerrena Road via Leongatha J. M. Cunningham, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Cranbourne S. B. Ellwood, Soil Conservation Authority, P.O. Box 268, Warragul (Secretary) WESTERN MALLEE A. K. Burstall, P.O. Box 36, (Chairman) J. B. Griffiths, Qepartment of Agriculture, G. D. Anderson, "Bronzewing", via Ouyen A. G. S. James, State Rivers & Water Supply Commission, Ouyen H. M. Mitchell, K. C. Duthie, P. D. W. Berg, Soil Conservation Authority, P.O. Box 89, Ouyen (Secretary) YARRA B. F. Mullens, "Nanowie", Yea Road, Dixons Creek P. J. McEwan, Department of Planning, 150 Queen Street, Melbourne P. L. Pederson, Blake Street, Shoreham D. G. Hill, Soil Conservation Authority, Suite 6, Whitehorse Plaza, Box Hill (Secretary)

50 z 0 ~ 0 I (11 (11 -..j f\.) ~ (lQ :a f\.) ..... I SOIL .CONSERVATION AUTHORITY ~ o· OFFICES AND REGIONS n Ouyene &

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