INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
TRANSFORMING TO OUTCOMES FOR THE MOORE CATCHMENT
INSIDE THIS STRATEGY pg #
Section 1 Introduction 2 Section 2 Connections 7 People and the landscape 8 People and the soil 15 People and water supplies 21 People and the floodplain 26 People and waterways 29 People and the ocean 36 People and the biota 38 People and the atmosphere 44 Section 3 The way forward 47 Section 4 List of strategies 49 Section 5 References 52 Section 6 Acknowledgments 54
STRATEGY 2001 PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP MOORE CATCHMENT CATCHMENTGETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 1 INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION Where are we heading? MOORE The Moore Catchment is a very Do we walk away and say that this is rewarding place to live, work and nature’s way of telling us that we don’t RIVER recreate. It has generously supported belong here? every aspect of our rural lifestyles. CATCHMENT No! However, the catchment is now sending MOORE RIVER CATCHMENT us strong signals that it is out of Perhaps we are ready to acknowledge that balance, not just on an environmental we have all the necessary ingredients for front, but economically and socially a prosperous and sustainable community, • Covers more than 14,000 too. we just need a different recipe. square kilometres of land in the Sediment is choking our creeks and Yes! rivers, salt is scarring our landscape, Shires of Gingin, Victoria while commodity prices are falling and schools are closing. Plains,Dandaragan, Moora, Dalwallinu, Coorow, Carnamah Do we throw up our hands and proceed as though it’s ‘business as usual’? and Perenjori.
No! • Has a total population in the order of 15,000 people. And how will we • Provides over nine per cent of Water, a vital ingredient but a Western Australia’s gross value get there? fragile resource. of agricultural production. First off, we need a recipe that we all really want is scones. At the same time understand and accept, and that delivers there is no point cooking scones if you • Is an investment base for local, the appropriate end product. are preparing a dinner banquet. interstate and international Put simply, there is no point giving people This document contains a recipe that businesses. a recipe for a cheesecake when all they uses local ingredients and will appeal to the tastes of the Moore Catchment • Supports industries such as community. For it to be successful, the ingredients need to be mixed in the right tourism, retailing, forestry and order and in the right proportions. Furthermore, with cooking comes resource extraction. washing and wiping up — jobs we all try • Is part of the South West to avoid! Botanical Province which has Once the community is committed to this document, it is likely some people may the greatest native floral wish to add to it. diversity in the whole of That is okay. It is like someone wanting Australia. to make raisin scones rather than plain scones, and we know that at the end of • Is a high priority area for water the day we are just increasing the versatility of the recipe. resource management. Ready to cook up a storm?
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 2 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION General Approach THE A multitude of organisations in Western the Perth metropolitan area but its MOORE Australia are concerned with community population is only one per cent of Perth’s. CATCHMENT development, either in a voluntary Given these factors, the Moore GROUP capacity or as part of a government Catchment Group initiated the program. Generally these organisations development of an overarching strategy A community initiated group, taking are doing a competent job in their (i.e. considering the environment, a coordinated and cooperative specialist field. economy and people as interrelated approach to rural planning and entities), which is highly focused and management. Unfortunately, when they are transferred catchment specific. en masse to a rural community, it creates It has broad community an overload of committees, stand-alone representation, with two members reports, recommendations and funding from each of the eight constituent options. The dirdirThe ect and strstrect eam-eam-eam- shires: Gingin, Victoria Plains, lined apprapprlined oach taken in Dandaragan, Moora, Dalwallinu, This is of great concern, as rural Coorow, Carnamah and Perenjori. communities cannot afford any the devdevthe elopment of this duplication of effort. Resources, strstrstrategy gavgavategy e rise to itsitse The Moore Catchment Group especially people, are at a premium. Take title ‘Getting Moore totoe receives a yearly operating grant the Moore Catchment as an example — from the Water and Rivers it is over two and a half times larger than the PPthe oint’.oint’.oint’. Commission. It is also sponsored by other state departments and local government authorities. Reasons for Developing a Strategy
What is a strategy? Similarly, the casualty list will be just as Is this just another mumbo jumbo word high for biodiversity. It is estimated that that fits into the bureaucratic demands 450 endemic plant species will be lost of our time? from our wheatbelt as a result of salinity.
No. It is our recipe for success. It is the belief of the Moore Catchment Group that many strategies have not been The term strategy was originally used implemented because, while they are relation to warfare, and meant the ‘art of ‘overall plans’, they are not sufficiently planning and directing the larger military responsive to the current situation. For movements and operations in a campaign instance, a feature of planning exercises is setting up a ‘vision for the future’. Nine or war’. times out of ten, the vision is unrealistic, ignoring the environmental, economic or Scene from the First World War, Are we fighting a war? Well the analogy Pontoon Bridge Heilly. social constraints already existing in the has already been made. Take recent news region. headlines: ‘The war against salt’, ‘The fight against rural population decline’. To move forward, the community must accept the past, deal with the present and And the stakes could be just as high. prepare for the future. There is the potential for our catchment to turn into an inhospitable, barren The Moore Catchment Group views a wasteland. Take a photo of a bombed area strategy as ‘the skilful management of a in Europe during the First World War, situation’: a situation we have now, and and it looks very similar to a salt-scalded one that we need to address urgently to safeguard our future. area in the Western Australian wheatbelt. A salt-scalded paddock in the Moore Catchment.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 3 INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION No matter what hat you wear in the community
This strategy belongs to you
Because ...... Because evevevery individual, family and orggganisation has a hands-on rrrole to play in the future of the Moore Catchment.
Because ...... Because the sciences, arts, social grrroups, educational institutions, media, bbmedia, usinesses and govovovernments ararernments e all called on to offer creativeativeativeee leadership in implementing this strategy...
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 4 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION Scope of the Strategy
The Moore Catchment Group The strategy follows three principles: floodplain, waterways, biota, ocean and has reviewed many strategies 1. Outcomes focus on the atmosphere. from Western Australia and connections people have interstate. Unfortunately, not It should be noted that each connection is with the environment considered to have equal importance. one adequately fits our needs. We then took this concept a step further (see diagram below). Some strategies were divided into The Moore Catchment Group is specific issues (e.g. soil structure decline, committed to making a difference to the For each connection we identified where drainage, algal blooms). However, this lives of people in the region. To do this the Moore Catchment community relied exacerbates the problem of not looking it is vital that the community is most heavily on the environment. For at the connection or wider impact of considered in a dynamic and instance, the strongest links people have different actions. interconnected social, economic and with the landscape is through their environmental setting. wellbeing and their homes, while the Some strategies were divided into themes strongest link people have with the soil is (e.g. land, water and biodiversity). For this strategy to be adopted it really through their livelihoods. However, this leads to excessive needs to put more of a human face to duplication and discourages integration natural resource management. After all, We then decided how to improve each link. between government departments and it is people, not a slender tree frog, who This approach will guarantee people- community groups. will implement the strategy. related outcomes such as pride, cohesion, participation, commitment, conservation, This doesn’t mean following in the acceptance, collaboration, protection, Other strategies were divided according footsteps of our industrial forefathers — sharing, mitigation, recovery, to specific outcomes or targets. In it is about rediscovering how we are enhancement, investigation, investment, general, people living in the catchment intricately linked to the environment we sensitivity and adjustment. would find it difficult to relate to them choose to live in. because they were too technical or only The desire for balance is being echoed took an environmental perspective. In particular, this strategy critically across Australia. The Moore Catchment examines the connection that people have now has the opportunity to be at the This strategy is unique! with the landscape, soil, water supply, forefront of achieving this goal.
CONNECTION CONNECTION LINKLINK OUTCOMEOUTCOME People and the landscape Wellbeing Pride Cohesion Participation Commitment Home Conservation
Acceptance People and the soil Livelihoods Collaboration
People and water supplies Health Protection Development Sharing
People and the floodplain Security Mitigation
People and waterways Pathway Recovery Playground Enhancement
People and the ocean Backyards Investigation
People and the biota Senses Investment Identity Sensitivity
People and the atmosphere Survival Adjustment
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 5 Scope of the Strategy INTRINTRINTRODUCTIONODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
‘Fixing up our catchment is 3. Strategies bridge the not just about the an expanding role in many areas it is unable to continually accept new envirenvironment. It requirequireses gap between government envirenvirenvironment. It requirequirequireseses responsibilities and deliver effectively finding a balance of and community without adequate resources. Local managing the environment,onment,onment, government’s share of Commonwealth the economy and commu- An interface represents a transition zone taxation revenue has fallen from 0.92 per nities — an integratedatedated between two or more discrete entities. cent to 0.59 per cent in 15 years while apprapprapproach. Improooving ourourving Strategies that focus on the interface have its responsibilities have increased from the potential to be more effective and catchment is thereforeforefore aae the provision of fundamental cost efficient. vvvererery human activity. It It. infrastructure, such as roads, to include environmental management, social invinvinvolvolvolves people; it is done We see this in nature. services, economic planning and more. by people and, at the end of the day daythe , it will benefit At all ecosystem levels, nature is The real solution is to develop an people.’people.’people.’ conservative with its inputs and outputs. efficient and effective interface between This is possible because all exchanges government and the catchment Adrian Wells, resident of Wodonga ,Victoria happen across an interface. At a community. The Moore Catchment microscopic level, the cell membrane is Group has a vital role in making this a selective barrier to the movement of happen. 2. Strategies focus on solutes. At a landscape level, vegetated achieving the stated river foreshores are a barrier to nutrient Why aren’t actions included in and sediment movement into waterways. this document? outcome Humans have upset the balance of inputs and outputs. Our biggest mistake in The ‘sustainability’ movement has been attempting to restore the balance has Armed with this strategy, the Moore characterised by a reflective learning been to try to make small changes across Catchment Group will be in a good culture resulting in gradual changes the entire landscape. position to help the community and local over time. Reasons for slow progress government establish a set of clear actions to achieve each year. It can lobby on achieving sustainability may be that: This is largely an artifact of the way government to build true partnerships i) it takes time for groups of government assistance has been and provide access to coordinated stakeholders to plan and coordinate administered. Throughout the decade of programs, information and expertise. activities; ii) there are time-lags before Landcare hundreds of community groups results are evident; and iii) economic have competed for a small share of the disincentives operate at all levels. In order for us to keep our finger on the funding pie. Government agencies have pulse and keep things happening, the also competed for their share often Instead of overlooking these social action list needs to be updated on an getting larger projects funded. These have barriers, we need to carefully identify annual basis. The strategy document been criticised for not engaging local our priorities and evaluate the clearly has a much wider scope than communities. opportunities and constraints operating individual actions. It is also written to in the Moore Catchment. provide guidance over a longer period It is obvious that this approach is not of time. Every desired outcome has a set of having the desired outcomes. Pumping more dollars into it, at the expense of strategies to support it. The strategies The ‘who, when and how’ are more other community needs, is not the have been developed from a careful effectively negotiated with stakeholders evaluation of local, regional, state and answer. To get value for money, at a sub-catchment or local level. national issues. Commonwealth and State Government Taking this approach will also allow funds should be directed towards relevant actions to be incorporated into As opportunities and constraints supporting locally driven efforts in the annual business plans for local change over time, it is expected that priority areas. the strategies will need to be updated authorities and government agencies. in the future. This should be done at This doesn’t mean shifting responsibility least within the next 15 years. directly to local government. While it has
PRESENTED TOTO THETHE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY BY BY THE THE MOORE MOORE CATCHMENT CATCHMENT GROUP GROUPOUPOUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 6 GETTING MOOREMOORE TOTO THETHE POINTPOINT Directory Connections, Links and Outcomes
PPPeople and the landscape 888 O ur Our WWWellbeingellbeingellbeing 888 PPPriderideride 999 CohesionCohesionCohesion 111000 PPParararticipationticipationticipation 111111 Commitment 111222 Our HomeHomeOur 111333 ConserConserConservvvationationation 141414 PPPeople and the soil 151515 Our LivLivOur elihoodelihoodelihood 151515 AcceptanceAcceptanceAcceptance 191919 CollaborCollaborCollaborationationation 202020 PPPeople and water supplies 212121 Our HealthHealthOur 212121 PPPrrrotectionotectionotection 222222 Our DevDevOur elopmentelopmentelopment 232323 SharingSharingSharing 252525 PPPeople and the floodplain 262626 Our SSOur ecurityecurityecurity 262626 MitigationMitigationMitigation 222888 PPPeople and the waterways 292929 Our PPOur athwayathwayathway 292929 RRRecoecoecovvverereryyy 333222 Our PlaygrPlaygrOur oundoundound 333333 Enhancement 353535 PPPeople and the ocean 363636 Our Backyarddd 363636 InvInvInvestigationestigationestigation 333777 PPPeople and the biota 383838 Our SSOur ensesensesenses 383838 InvInvInvestmentestmentestment 393939 Our Identity 404040 PPPeople and the atmosphereee 444444 Our SurSurOur vivvivvivalalal 444444 AdjustmentAdjustmentAdjustment 464646
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 7 PEOPLE AND THE LANDSCAPE We are linked to the landscape through our wellbeing and our homes. I. O ur I. Our WWWellbeingellbeingellbeing
‘If I could pick only one thing likely to suffer stress as a result of an ‘Nev‘Nev‘Never doubt that a small that makes the Mooreee increase in workload or the loss of grgrgroup of thoughtful, Catchment special, it would employment. committed citizens can canens havhavhave to be the generosity of thetheosity change the world; indeed it’s people.’people.’people.’ This could support the notion that the rural sector is more closely associated the only thing that ever has.’has.’er with the idea of community. Rural people Margaret Mead, anthropologist What exactly is wellbeing? know who their neighbours are, they recognise you when you walk down the It is a term that sums up all the feelings agree on expectations about people and main street, and they’ll notice your related to being happy, healthy and the landscape: we can either accept absence at the last Rotary meeting. prosperous. Stress is defined as any further deleterious changes, maintain the interference that disturbs a person’s current status or look for improvements. wellbeing. In the long term it can lead to Because strong social networks exist in rural areas, a sense of place is extremely illness and social problems. Wubin farmer Helen Nankivell believes important. It establishes what is ‘it is time now for the Moore Catchment distinctive about the local area and its HoHoHow strstrw essed out are rurrure alalal to pull together so that each person is people. It helps people understand what people?people?people? vitally aware of what is going on one kind of community they live in, what it kilometre away, 10 kilometres away, 100 was and what it hopes to become. Fears have been expressed that isolation, kilometres away — right down to the sea.’ A dynamic and successful catchment the rural recession and a sense of loss According to Associate Professor David community will have the following amongst country people will fuel Goldney of Charles Sturt University, features: unprecedented levels of alcoholism, drug ‘Going to rural Australia could soon be abuse, depression, suicide and emotional like going to a Macdonald’s restaurant — disturbances, and will have a resounding * It will have a realistic perspective on you could be anywhere in the world. We its particular circumstances. impact on Australia’s economy for years are losing the landscape.’ to come. * It will be willing to identify, develop He refers here to the loss of diversity in The media have focused on a ‘crisis in and pursue unconventional solutions — the landscape — which can be both new problems may require new solutions, the bush’ and ‘dying’ rural towns, and natural diversity (e.g. bushland sites) and highlight the widening disparities but too often the same approaches man-made diversity (e.g. the architecture reappear. between metropolitan and country areas. of different towns). It is difficult to find reliable data in WA * It will show frugality and tight A person from Geraldton remarked that that compares the stress levels of rural management to carefully allocate limited she could not imagine driving along the and city residents. resources. Midlands Road without the majestic Salmon Gums. Likewise, a wheat silo is a However, a one-off survey conducted by * It will communicate its needs to people familiar landmark for many towns in the the South Australian Health Commission outside the region who can offer Moore Catchment. provides some insights. Derived from assistance — the ability to gain external 3,000 interviews the findings showed a support for local innovations is often vital The only way to simultaneously preserve slight tendency for people in country for providing seed funds. our natural and agricultural assets into regions to suffer from lower levels of the future is to modify the way we interact stress than their metropolitan GETTING with the landscape. In the early days of counterparts. MOORE TO settlement the Midland Railway Company marketed its subdivisions as ‘unlocking THE POINT Of all those whose stress levels had the land’. Now, with our collective To improve wellbeing we need to build changed, people in the country tended experience, it should be about ‘working a sense of pride and cohesion to attribute the change to someone close with the land’. and encourage greater participation to them getting sick or dying, whereas and commitment in the Moore metropolitan respondents were more Catchment. It is time to plan for the future and to
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 8 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE LANDSCAPE - WELLBEING Outcome 1 — Pride
Pride is about having a positive identity … and discovering that our land and culture are worth celebrating for a wide variety of reasons.
Strategy 1 Raise awareness of our natural and cultural features in order to foster a sense of belonging in the Moore Catchment.
Strategy 2 Build leadership capacity and group skills within the community so that ambitious and innovative projects are undertaken in the Moore Catchment.
Strategy 3 Find interesting ways to promote the Moore Catchment in order to involve locals and attract people from outside the area.
Making a difference in the Moore Catchment
TOWN HONOURS HORSE POWER A life-size Clydesdale working with the being moulded in a horses. backyard studio will be ‘You’d yoke them unveiled in Moora’s up, stand up on board Centenary Park next and shout, “Righto March as a monument boys, here we go”,’ Mr to the role played by the Tonkin, 87, said. working horse in the ‘It was a marvellous history of local farming. feeling to be working Sculptor Robert 12 horses in a team.’ Hitchcock kneaded and Mr Tonkin said the Federation Park Statue scraped the final details monument, to be cast into the monolithic in bronze with a development in our area was done with horse horse as the man who sculpture of a sheep power,’ Mr Tonkin said. ‘Tractors didn’t pushed the idea, Roger dog, was overdue. come in till after World War II and by that Tonkin, recalled ‘All the early stage all the heavy land had been cleared.’ Extract from The West Australian, 7 August 2000. Extract from The West
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 9 PEOPLE AND THE LANDSCAPE - WELLBEING Outcome 2- Cohesion
Cohesion is about sticking together... and discovering that our land is the common ground for the community
Strategy 4 Facilitate open lines of communication in order to provide avenues for expressing the diversity of interests in the Moore Catchment.
Strategy 5 Support families in their nurturing and educating roles in order to recognise how important they are to the social fabric of the Moore Catchment.
Strategy 6 Coordinate government policies, programs and agencies operating in the Moore Catchment to increase efficiency and achieve outcomes desired by the community.
Making a difference in the Moore Catchment We’re staying, say Gingin locals The residents of Gingin were in no mood population up in the past year. to shift yesterday as they shrugged off a Robert and Teresa Ford, who also moved to the suggestion by Victorian town a year ago, believe their academic Gordon Forth bakery and cafe business the that communities with main street is more profitable populations below 4000 than similar businesses in Perth. should be allowed to die. Jock Butler, who runs the Business proprietors in liquor store and has lived in Gingin, 84km north of Gingin for 49 years, said Dr Perth and population Forth’s comments undermined 615, laughed. the spirit of Australia. Publican David Moffat, ‘There’s more to life than who moved to the town Gingin business owners. economics and you need people just over a year living in country areas,’ he said. ago and has invested heavily in the Gingin Gingin Shire Council chief executive Simon Fraser Hotel, is confident of the small town’s said the shire’s population was growing and its rural future. industries made significant contributions to WA’s He said farm diversification and its economy. appealing lifestyle had pushed the Extract from The West Australian, 6 July 2000 Extract from The West
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 10 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE LANDSCAPE - WELLBEING Outcome 3 — Participation
Participation is about sharing the load … and discovering that every individual, group and organisation is a vehicle for positive change within the catchment.
Strategy 7 Promote images of neighbours and groups taking action to improve the Moore Catchment in order to encourage greater community involvement.
Strategy 8 Actively harness the skills and resources already available in the Moore Catchment in order to develop self-reliance and continuity.
Strategy 9 Give greater recognition to the voluntary contributions of community leaders and representatives in the Moore Catchment so that the associated costs to family, work and leisure time are acknowledged.
Making a difference in the Moore Catchment
GIVING UP telephone line for use with the hyperterminal. The bank also THE GHOST agreed to meet the cost of all postage and small expenses When the bank closed down in and to pay the Shire 60 cents Carnamah, nearby Coorow was (now one dollar) per affected since the bank had sent transaction. staff from Carnamah to operate The bank’s customers can a part-time agency. When now conduct electronic cash announcing its decision to withdrawals, deposits, leave, BankWest offered the transfers and balance queries bank. Main street in Coorow. Shire of Coorow the using cards, as well as make The agency has created a valuable opportunity to act as an agency, cheque deposits and manual cash service to the Shire’s residents at no an offer the Shire accepted. withdrawals at the agency. financial risk to the Council. Several BankWest provided a teller Transactions are not restricted to intangible benefits have evolved counter with cash drawer, a just the original bank’s customers. through less travelling to other towns, safe, a hyperterminal (similar to Clients of a number of other banks with obvious benefits to Coorow’s an EFTPOS machine), are permitted to make electronic businesses. Also, office staff have stationary, cash for a float, withdrawals. The agency also can widened their knowledge and skills signs, staff training and the issue bank cheques and cash with the banking services which installation of a dedicated advances on credit cards to all could be of benefit later in their customers irrespective of their careers. Extract from the Community Wise Tool Kit, November 1999. Extract from the Community Wise Tool
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 11 PEOPLE AND THE LANDSCAPE - WELLBEING Outcome 4 — Commitment
Commitment is about believing in something … and discovering that our land provides an indispensable array of opportunities.
Strategy 10 Focus on opportunities that benefit everyone from seniors to young people in order to build a stronger and healthier community.
Strategy 11 Promote alternative and value-added agricultural and home-based enterprises that have positive economic, social and environmental returns in order to encourage long-term diversification in the Moore Catchment.
Strategy 12 Acknowledge, harness and enhance the efforts and potential of local businesses and service providers to create opportunities within the Moore Catchment.
Making a difference in the Moore Catchment
Country towns working to attract key Thirty three country towns workers, trades people and professionals to their communities were given a boost today when the State allocated Government funds Government announced the allocation of $2 million in grants to provide a better for new houses standard of housing. The following shires will receive a small to medium sized community. grants of $50,000 for one house: ‘All major employers in the town Boddington, Brookton, Bruce Rock, interviewed to date have stated that the Chittering, Corrigin, Dalwallinu, single most important issue in attracting Dandaragan, Goomalling, Irwin, New houses being built in the Shire of Victoria Plains. and retaining quality staff was the Kondinin, Kulin, Laverton, Merredin, Moora to assist businesses, Three standard and price of housing, both from Mingenew, Moora, Morawa, Springs for a doctor or community a rental and purchase perspective,’ Mr Mukinbudin, Mullewa, Nannup, health sister, Perenjori for a mining Stubbs said. Narembeen, Perenjori, Pingelly, company employee and the Shires ‘The proposal to commence a Quairading, Ravensthorpe, Shark Bay, of Shark Bay and Mullewa for program of regularly building and Three Springs, Trayning, Upper additional dwellings for small and replacing new executive quality Gascoyne, Victoria Plains, Westonia, remote communities. accommodation provides council with Wickepin, Williams and York. According to Shire of Moora the opportunity to take a leadership role In addition, a total of $350,000 has CEO, Peter Stubbs, housing is the in jobs creation and economic growth been allocated for a doctor’s house in most direct way of injecting capital in the Shire of Moora,’ Mr Stubbs said. Merredin, two additional houses in into an economy, particularly that of Extract from a government media statement, 3 January 2001 and The Advocate, 18 October 2000.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 12 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE LANDSCAPE We are linked to the landscape through our wellbeing and our homes. IIII. Our Home
‘Considering the region’segion’segion’s visible evidence of our efforts. ‘If ww‘If e forfore get that packaged accrued wwaccrued ealth and today’s Programs such as Drum Muster have been ‘If ww‘If e forfore get that packaged high standard of living, it popular in the catchment. The Dalwallinu eggs or hamburgers camecamegers would be difficult to find a recycling depot has 60,000 chemical frfrfrom animals, a cotton shirttt “humble” abode.’ drums on site after 12 months of frfrfrom a plant, a wooden chair operation. One problem encountered is frfrfrom a trtrom ee, then wwee, e havhave e lostloste that drums have not been triple rinsed People, like all other animals, need that connection with nature.’e.’e.’ before being dropped off. Several Shires shelter, food and water to survive. David Suzuki have also purchased wood chippers to reduce the amount of garden waste going Across the developed world inhabiting a sources. Plant biomass is a promising to landfill. permanent dwelling — the home — has source of energy for the Moore satisfied the need for shelter. Food and Catchment; it can be converted into a Source reduction is different. It involves water are supplied to the home via an range of energy forms including electrical tough consumer decisions based on intricate network of utilities, transport and heat energy, liquid and gas fuels and rating products or services according to routes, industry and businesses. On a charcoal. micro-scale we could liken this to the their efficiency in resource use, such as functioning of an ant nest. In Europe it has been projected that 31 per cent of their renewable energy will be In Australia, people’s homes go above and derived from plant biomass. In Australia, beyond satisfying basic needs. Today a biomass is expected to play a large part home represents a certain quality of life in meeting the federal Government’s target with comfort and convenience being the of increasing energy production from major considerations. renewable sources by two per cent by Coorow tip site. 2010. Keeping up with the ‘Jones next door’ has choosing concentrated washing detergent resulted in a pattern of increasing per Planting oil mallees has already started in smaller packages, or using solar power capita consumption and an associated in earnest in Western Australia’s wheatbelt instead of electricity to heat household increase in the production of waste. with 17 million trees in the ground. An water. integrated wood processing To appreciate the magnitude of household demonstration plant is being developed Source reduction offers the greatest consumption, we can draw on the concept at Narrogin. It will produce electricity, potential for conserving resources and of ecological footprints. This is a measure with activated carbon and eucalyptus oil eliminating waste. However, the success of the area of land needed to sustain a as commercial by-products. person’s standard of living by supplying of any source reduction strategy will depend on consistent and reliable the resources they consume and The oil mallee industry also offers the consumer information being well assimilating any waste they produce. opportunity to develop more distinctively promoted. For instance, a new labelling According to the Australian Bureau of Australian products that are compatible scheme jointly developed by the Statistics, Australians have the second with our landscape. According to one Australian Greenhouse Office and the highest ecological footprint in the world wheatbelt farmer, oil mallees planted in Department of Transport and Regional at a staggering 4.4 hectares per person. alleys vastly improves the workability of With almost three million tonnes of solid Services will enable new car buyers to the land and the aesthetics of the farm. waste going to landfill each year in compare vehicle fuel efficiency at a Western Australia, it is about time we glance. In 1998, the transport sector GETTING critically examined consumer behaviour. accounted for 72.6 million tonnes, or 16 Most of us understand the concepts of per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse MOORE TO reusing and recycling items and can emissions. THE POINT readily identify fairly easy steps to take in To improve our homes we need to these efforts — we can reuse a bag or Rising oil prices and the need to limit change our habits to conserve our drop an aluminium can into a recycling emissions of greenhouse gases are also natural resources and find innovative bin. These steps cause little disruption focusing attention on opportunities to ways to recover energy, water and other in our daily routines and provide highly make greater use of renewable energy materials.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 13 PEOPLE AND THE LANDSCAPE - HOME Outcome 5 — Conservation
Conservation is about using resources responsibly ... and discovering that with the environment we can’t afford to rob Peter to pay Paul.
Strategy 13 Trial environment-friendly technologies in the Moore Catchment in order to encourage future investment in sustainable resource use.
Strategy 14 Engage households, businesses and industry in source reduction practices in order to lessen the impact of the Moore Catchment community on the environment.
Strategy 15 Find practical ways to overcome the barriers for recycling, reuse and cleaner production in order to fix leaks in the human consumption chain.
Making a difference in WWWestern Australiaaliaalia
WA mallee energy plant a first Australia’s first mallee tree- locally grown oil mallee Mallee Company and local believe the IWP plant will powered energy plant has trees, with activated carbon farmers cannot be directly address two of finally been given the go and eucalyptus oil as by- underestimated if we are to Australia’s most serious ahead following the products. develop substantial mallee environmental concerns — allocation of $5 million The public won’t have to plantations to support a farmland salinisation and toward its construction. wait for long for results sustainable bioenergy global warming. Owners and operators because plans are in place industry in WA,’ Mr Eiszele The demonstration plant is Western Power will be to have the project said. set to be the forerunner to spending $3.34m to build operational by February To produce an equivalent several full scale, five the plant in the wheatbelt 2002, at which time it is amount of energy, a megawatt plants. town of Narrogin. This will expected to produce enough conventional power plant be matched by a $1.76m electricity for 1000 homes. would emit as much as 7300 Federal Government Western Power tonnes of carbon dioxide a contribution. Corporation managing year. In addition to this The Australian director David Eiszele is saving, the IWP plant’s Greenhouse Office has confident the technology has mallee plantations will granted $1m to the project strong commercial absorb an extra 4300t of and AusIndustry potential. carbon dioxide per year. (Department of Industry, However, he said Western Both Mr Eiszele and WA Science and Resources) has Power would continue to Energy Minister Colin shown its support with work closely with the Oil Barnett believe the $760,000. The Integrated Mallee Company to assist innovative project would Oil mallee planting in the wheatbelt. Wood Processing (IWP) local farmers develop deliver competitively priced demonstration plant will commercial mallee crops. renewable energy. They produce electricity from
Extract from Farm Weekly, January 2001. Extract from Farm Weekly, ‘The role of the Oil
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 14 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE SOIL We are linked to the soil through our livelihoods. I. Our Livelihoods
‘In true Aussie spirit we havhave eee In Australia, the soils are much older and brbrbranded our efforts to contrcontrts ololol hold less moisture, so in order to survive, ‘No change takes place, no land degradation as the a range of trees and shrubs have evolved matter how clev clevw er the theer ‘v‘v‘vegemite approach’. It’s been with root systems that may go down 15 to science, without profit,ofit,ofit, 20 metres. This is deep when you compare parparparticipation and politics. In a case of spreading too little, them with a northern hemisphere oak tree many ways these are toughertoughere too thinlythinlytoo .’.’.’ that may have roots not much deeper than mountains to climb.’.’.’ two to three metres. Richard George, Agriculture Western Australia In physical terms, soil can be described as a thin layer of biologically active So when agricultural grasslands started Commission stated that it would ‘not allow material lying over rock. It is the result of to replace our native woodlands, and 10 scientific prejudice to get in the way of complex processes of geologic to 20 per cent of rainwater suddenly developing our mallee lands’. weathering, nutrient cycling and biomass became surplus, it began to mobilise salt growth and decay. stored in the subsoil. Railway engineers noted that their boilers were corroding and the water in dams built Soil is the primary environmental stock WherWherWhere does the salt come from?om?om? at railway sidings had become salty. Walter that supports agriculture. Good soil It comes frfrIt om the ocean, carried Ernest Wood published a scientific paper inland by the wind. Depending condition is central to determining the in 1924 that identified the source of salt, on location and soil type, current and future productivity of how it was stored and released and ways agriculture. It also greatly influences the between 100 and 1000 tonnes of to rehabilitate degraded land. cycles of energy, water, nutrients and salt are stored beneath each carbon. hectare of land in the south- Most of the Moore Catchment was cleared west. following the First and Second World Natural weathering processes and human use have brought about continuous changes in soil quality. The deterioration over time of key soil attributes required for plant growth, or for providing environmental services, constitutes ‘degradation’. The key soil degradation processes are salinity and waterlogging, erosion by water or wind, compaction and hard setting, acidification, loss of soil organic matter, soil nutrient depletion and soil pollution.
Different land management practices are associated with different types and degrees of soil degradation Salinity Mural on Moora Shire Office So should our ancestors have known better than to clear vast tracts of the It’s somewhat alarming that early and Wars. According to anecdotal accounts south-west of WA for agricultural repeated warnings on the threat of salinity from the upper catchment, there was production? were ignored. obvious water logging and salt encroachment after the wet years of 1963 In all fairness, no. In geologically young The University of Western Australia’s first and 1964. Trees in the flat valley floor areas of the world such as Europe and professor of Agriculture warned a royal started to die in the following years. North America, replacing a swathe of commission as early as 1919 that vast areas woodland with a field of grain would only of the region dubbed the wheatbelt were bring a few environmental penalties such unsuitable for clearing because of salt. The rise in salt levels was evident in as soil erosion. The report of the Demptser Royal Moora’s waterways as early as the 1950s.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 15 PEOPLE AND THE SOIL - LIVELIHOODS
This caused problems with the railway dam and was of considerable concern ‘I came oo‘I vvver to WWWesternesternestern to the Moora stationmaster, who AustrAustrAustralia an optimist and regularly sent samples to Perth for nononow I’vI’vw e had to compromise.omise.omise. analysis until diesel locomotives took It has changed the over the route. Many of the farm dams emphasis of the approach IIoach and wells became useless as time went nononow advadvw ocate, frfrocate, om fixing ititom on and the summer river pools in the nonow advadvw ocate, frfrocate, om fixing ititom Moore River would kill young sheep if all up to adapting to it.’ they had access to them. Tom Hatton, CSIRO.
The impacts were felt further personal sacrifices made in the decade downstream. A promising irrigation of Landcare. For instance, the Moore venture on the Moore River was Catchment is home to the inaugural John disbanded in the 1960s. An agent’s Tonkin Tree Award, given by Greening description of the Cowalla property in Australia in 1987 to the Ranfurly Park 1908 said: ‘The estate is one of the most property owners. valuable properties in WA for extensive
irrigation operations. There is an Bagging Rainbow Trout for trials in saltwater farm dams. Recent studies have shown that even if unlimited supply of fresh water, which farmers had responded on the scale has a perennial flow. The river is flanked A survey of community attitudes in the Moore Catchment in 1999 showed that the recommended, salinity would still be on by rich alluvial flats which are abundantly the increase. adapted for the production of maize, respondents tended to agree with the statements that ‘WA agricultural land faces sorghum, millet, lucerne, paspalum, rye, InitiallyInitiallyInitially, r r, esearchers ovvvererer--- couch and other grasses or clovers.’ serious degradation problems caused by clearing native vegetation’, but were estimated the amount of water It has only been in the last few undecided about the statements relating used by trtrused ees and suggested decades that we havhave e rre ealisedealisedealised to the area of agricultural land that will be that 20 per cent of the clearededed the dimensions of salinity. IfIf. affected by salinity. land would need to be returnedeturnedeturned the currcurrthe ent levlevent els of rrels echarecharechargegege to trtrto ees. HoHoees. wwwevevevererer, oo, vvver the pastpaster co ntinue, continue, WWWA is set to lose as Farmers have responded to government two decades, more accuraccure ateateate mush as 6.3 million hectares orores programs aimed at reducing groundwater means of measuring 30 percent of its agriculturagriculturagriculturalalal recharge, although not on the scale trtrtranspiranspiranspiration havhavation e prpre omptedomptedompted land by 2050. recommended by hydrologists. This is not to take away from the considerable hyhyhydrdrdrologists to conclude that betwbetwbetween 50 to 80 per cent of the Estimated currurrurrent impacts of salinity in WWWestern Australiaaliaalia landscape would need to be Annual cost in millions of convconvconverererted to trtrted ees or perperees ennialennialennial dollars in the year 2000 pasturpasturpastures.es.es. Impacts of salinity Best bet Possible range The community attitude survey showed Agricultural land — opportunity cost $80 $80–261 that farmers had a diversity of attitudes of lost operating profit towards the density of tree cover. In Rural towns — Annuity of a 50 year $5 $2–16 general, an increase to 20 per cent is discounted present value valued but an increase to 50 per cent is Roads — Additional repair and $505 Not tested not. maintenance costs Railways — Additional repair and $11 Not tested The scale of the problem is further maintenance costs exacerbated with very few economic Vegetation — Imputed cost of $63 $63–626 options for salinity management in the low protection of 10% of affected areas rainfall agricultural region. Approximately
Source: R Short and C McConnell (2001) PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 16 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE SOIL - LIVELIHOODS
50 per cent of the Moore Catchment falls The Commonwealth’s National Salinity For example: into this category. Action Plan has allocated approximately $157 million over seven years. The * Development and field testing of salt- According to hydrologist Richard George, Commonwealth, State and regional tolerant plants. ‘it appears that for much of the flat and natural resource management groups and lower rainfall areas, reclamation with the catchment communities are seeking a * Provision of infrastructure for current recharge based options, while better framework and principles for processing woody perennials in the emotionally attractive, is not feasible in directing the investment of limited public the short to medium term’. funds to the best effect. wheatbelt. * Development of new, profitable Hence, there needs to be a greater The State, regions and catchments must emphasis on the development of work together to establish priorities for perennial-based farming systems. improved technologies, both for salinity managing salinity. * Research and development on prevention and for adaptation to a saline environment. Setting priorities will require construction, monitoring and consideration of the following criteria: management of on-farm drainage. Wubin farmer John Nankivell insists that ‘there is a real need for research and * Support for farmer groups such as the development within the catchment as a * Asset significance (economic, social Oil Mallee Association, WA Lucerne whole, and in the outer catchment in and environmental) particular. Farmers will be generous with Growers and the Saltland Pastures their land and time if they can see * Urgency of remedial measures Association to demonstrate, test, something happening. But it has been * Scale of intervention required difficult to attract either students or improve and extend improved farming personnel.’ * Feasibility of asset protection systems for salinity management. (biophysical and social) The proportion of the gross domestic * Changes to land use planning controls product spent on research has dropped * Cost-effectiveness of intervention to allow catchment land trading. almost 10 per cent in two years to just 1.5 per cent. However, at a local level it is Utilising these criteria has two important * Rate relief. encouraging that the Liebe Group, a high ramifications. First, the top priority public investments will be the ones that generate profile research and development group, Greater consideration is needed to the greatest public benefit per dollar of has formed to service the Shires of determine the allocation of funds between investment. An example could be Coorow, Carnamah, Perenjori and direct support (targeted at specific groundwater pumping to protect a town’s Dalwallinu. locations/catchments) and indirect infrastructure from salinity. support (relevant across broader regions). The University of Western Australia Second, direct financial assistance to conducted an informal review of research landholders for on-ground works will be The spotlight is on salinity for and development priorities for salinity and targeted to particular sites based on the the moment, but we must muste concluded that the area with the greatest net public benefits at those sites. An rrremember that management is discrepancy between current effort and example could be engineering works to also about maintaining the research needs is the design of new protect a lake of high biodiversity value. institutional arrangements and policies. health of 70 per cent of the What happens when the public priority Attitudes at the ground level reflect this landscape that will not be is low, but there are extensive private significantly affected by need. According to Yerecoin farmer, Barry assets at risk? Johnson, ‘farmers in the catchment often salinitysalinitysalinity... face personal conflicts of interest when In this situation payments targeted to allocating capital for on-ground whole-of-industry programs may be more Soil acidification has been described as rehabilitation works with no immediate appropriate. Funding could provide new the ‘sleeping giant’ of land degradation return’. Wheatbelt farmers are calling for tools, increase the profitability of existing problems in the State’s agricultural area. ‘hands in the dirt help’. tools or provide institutional reform. This is because the process can be gradual
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 17 PEOPLE AND THE SOIL - LIVELIHOODS
and invisible and require ongoing Other problems such as soil structure monitoring and remediation. A decline, nutrient decline and erosion are conservative estimate of the cost of lost closely related. In general terms, production from soil acidification is $150 successful management practices GETTING per hectare. maintain a protective cover on the soil MOORE TO surface, increase organic matter levels and THE POINT Many of the soils in the wheatbelt are minimise damage to soil structure caused To improve our livelihoods we need naturally on the acidic side as they have by machinery and stock. to accept the hydrogeological been exposed to extensive leaching and features of our landscape and weathering over long periods of time. Significant improvements have been made collaborate to develop However, soil acidification is increasing in some areas. For example, farming technologies for adapting to it. as a result of current agricultural systems that use minimum tillage or practices. The biggest problem is the permanent beds have demonstrated leaching of nitrates from legume crops advantages for improving soil structure and pastures, as well as nitrogen-based and the suitability of soil habitat for fertilisers. earthworms and other organisms.
Soil acidification can be remedied or The challenge will be to keep soil prevented by applying lime or dolomite conservation issues at the forefront as as sources of alkaline material. It is diminishing agricultural returns drive encouraging to see an increasing number increased production. Where a soil of Western Australian farmers respond conservation practice is profitable to the problem, reflected by the record extension is needed to encourage farmers 653,000 tonnes of agricultural lime to take it up. This can be done by applied last year (see graph below). This supporting production groups to is still short of the estimated 1-2 million demonstrate, test and extend improved tonnes needed annually to treat soil production systems. acidification.
Lime use in WWWestern Australia for Agriculture (includes all sources of lime)
700 “Time to Lime” program launched 600 500 400 300 200 100
0 Lime use (100,000 t/ha) 89/90 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/99 99/00
Agricultural Census Years (April to March)
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 18 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE SOIL - LIVELIHOODS Outcome 6 — Acceptance
Acceptance is about acknowledging the facts of a matter … and discovering that it is better to be honest than beating around the bush.
Strategy 16 Emphasise the urgent need for conserving soil resources that will not be affected by salinity in order to safeguard a profitable and sustainable agricultural industry in the Moore Catchment.
Strategy 17 Communicate that in some cases dryland salinity will not be reversible in the Moore Catchment so that rural adjustment networks are put in place now.
Strategy 18 Ensure that the investment of public resources in salinity recovery, containment and adaptation in the Moore Catchment are made on realistic bases and address true management priorities so that the investment is effective.
Making a difference in WWWestern Australiaaliaalia
The inaugural award for Adapt to excellence in salinity research and development in salt, says Australia went to Floreat- based CSIRO scientist Tom Hatton. scientist Dr George said that though salinity threatened a great The Wheatbelt will never look the Jumbo Sorghum seeded in January same again, according to WE deal of the State’s landscape, there 2000 in the Wubin area to soak up water was land that would never be from seepage areas. Wood Award winner and salinity to profit from salinity scientist Richard George. affected, and its conservation should be a high priority. problems. Next year, a But the Agriculture WA network of bores would be researcher said strategies had Many people expected the future to look like the past which, installed within the towns of emerged to use the 30 per cent of Merredin and Katanning to land already lost to salt while also from a geological viewpoint, was ridiculous. This was not the first keep watertable levels down. improving productivity of the 70 Saline waters would be per cent that would not go salty. time big areas of the Wheatbelt had turned salty. Nor would it be desalinated for use by Dr George is the second WA industry and mined for scientist to win the national the last. WA had a 5000 to 10,000-year salinity cycle. products such as magnesium award, launched by the CSIRO salts. last year. Dr George said there were ways Extract from The West Australian, 2 November 2000 Extract from The West
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 19 PEOPLE AND THE SOIL - LIVELIHOODS Outcome 7 — Collaboration
Collaboration is about pooling the community’s energy and expertise … and having the belief that it’s ‘one in, all in’.
Strategy 19 Collaborate with landholders to monitor soil condition and related inputs and outputs in order to provide essential data for identifying areas at risk of land degradation and assessing various treatments.
Strategy 20 Encourage strategic alliances or partnerships between Landcare groups, production groups and government in order to develop specific enterprise packages that farmers will adopt and that generate environmental benefits.
Strategy 21 Build new business opportunities from saline land in order to find innovative and profitable ways of living with salt in the Moore Catchment.
Making a difference in the Moore Catchment
For the first time a Landcare group has won genuine environmental outcomes. LANDCARE GROUP the WA Rural Leadership Award. The new partnership has delivered: RECOGNISED FOR The West Koojan-Gillingarra Landcare * 3 million pines in the ground delivering Conservation District Committee won the much needed environmental benefits such DEVELOPING THE 2000 Rural Leadership Award for working as reduced groundwater levels and reduced PERFECT PINE in partnership with the community and the wind erosion. WA Government to restructure the pine * $320,000 in up-front payments for use sharefarming scheme and provide better of the land, providing a boost to land values returns for all concerned. and cash flows. It was widely recognised that the existing * $470,000 in local contract work planting scheme was not being adopted in the district seedlings and fencing. due to poor short-term economic returns. * $112,000 invested for other Landcare Key LCDC members raised the idea of and biodiversity objectives in the area. incentive payments for enterprise change. According to Community Landcare Following negotiations with key Coordinator, Alexandra Gartmann, the stakeholders the scheme was adapted giving project has opened people up to the idea of farmers an up-front payment for use of their alternative farming systems and land to grow pines. diversification opportunities. The up-front payments were derived from ‘The LCDC has trialled and promoted cost savings by increasing the critical mass numerous alternative pastures, grasses, tree of trees being planted. This came about from crops, biosolids, rainbow trout and other John Longman, secretary of the West the LCDC’s proposal to increase the area “edge” ideas,’ she said. Koojan-Gillingarra LCDC, proudly holds planted from 1000ha to 4800ha in one year ‘While the idea of pine sharefarming is the 2000 Rural Leadership Award with virtually no extra cost to CALM. not new, the LCDC has been able to look The partnership has resulted in multiple at something that is already in place and benefits across the community, including
Extract from the National Facilitator Magazine, December 2000. view it with new eyes,’ she said.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 20 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND WATER SUPPLIES We are linked to water supplies through our health and development potential. I. Our Health
‘Sir‘Sir‘Sir, can I interinter, est yyest ou in a glass Most Australians expect their household ‘W‘W‘With 90% of our bodies of our rrof egion’s finest drop ——op water to be clean, clear and safe to drink. Ideally, it should be colourless and well made up of water, I oftenoften, it’s extrextrit’s acted frfracted om the grgrom ound,ound,ound, aerated, with no unpalatable taste or feel that wwfeel e arare e mormore e HHe 222OOO just a few kilometres up thethees odour, and it should contain no than human.’ rrroad.’oad.’oad.’ suspended matter, harmful chemical Anon substances or disease-causing microorganisms. Could this be our future? land in a priority 3 area, protection relies It is vital to protect groundwater from on adherence to a set of management Maybe not. But keep in mind that we live pollution because, once contaminated, it guidelines. on one of the driest continents on Earth can be very expensive and often and groundwater aquifers currently impossible to remove the pollutant. In Water source protection plans were provide 47 per cent of WA’s public water rural WA, the quality of a town’s water completed for larger towns in the Shire supply. There is a greater reliance on supply can be protected by proclaiming of Gingin in 1997. The remaining towns groundwater in country areas, with 80 per a reserve over the groundwater source in the catchment, with the exception of cent of the public water supply coming recharge area (under the Country Areas Miling, were completed in 1999. from this source. Water Supply Act 1947). From the adjacent table, it is evident that In the Moore Catchment alone, 10 towns Within the water reserve, the land can be unconfined aquifers generally have a rely on the Water Corporation’s public managed as a priority 1, 2 or 3 source priority 1 or 2 classification. This is water supply well fields (see table below). protection area. Development is generally because shallow groundwater is Elsewhere, individual landowners not permitted in a priority 1 area. In a vulnerable to contamination: chemicals or generally have rain water tanks and bores priority 2 area some development is micro-organisms can easily filter through for self-supply. allowed under specific conditions. For the soil to the watertable, particularly when the watertable is close to the surface or if the soil is sandy. In comparison, Aq uifer Aquifer Contamination Risks PPPriorityriorityriority groundwater confined by soil or rock with TTTypeypeype low permeability has better protection from pollution because it is not directly Calingiri Unconfined Fuel storage, agricultural activities. 2 connected to the surface environment. Gingin Confined Minimal risk from existing agricultural and 3 residential land uses. With precautionary disinfection, the town Unconfined Run-off from a sports oval, rural properties and 3 water supplies in the Moore Catchment septic tanks. meet the Australian Water Quality Guilderton Unconfined Decommissioned tip site, agricultural activities, 2 Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters fuels and lubricants from limestone quarry and (raw drinking water) 1992. Increasing road run-off. nitrate levels in the Calingiri, Guilderton, Lancelin Unconfined 4-wheel drive recreation area, fuel storage, 1 New Norcia and Woodridge groundwater mechanical servicing facility, industrial and supplies are a concern. Water supplies residential sub-divisions. in the upper catchment are also threatened Moora Confined Minimal risks from existing agricultural land 2 by increasing levels of salt. uses. Unconfined Piggery, fuel storage and agricultural activities. 2 GETTING New Norcia Unconfined Agricultural activities. 2 Seabird Confined Minimal risks from existing residential land use. 3 MOORE TO Watheroo Unconfined Agricultural activities. 2 THE POINT Woodridge Unconfined Septic tanks, nutrient and pesticide leachate 3 To ensure our health is maintained into from horticulture. the future we need to take steps to Yerecoin Unconfined Agricultural activities. 2 protect our water supplies now.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 21 PEOPLE AND WATER SUPPLIES - HEALTH Outcome 8 — Protection Protection is about safeguarding a valuable asset … and discovering that water is the basis of life.
Strategy 22 Communicate the critical importance of high quality groundwater for town water supplies in order to gain government and community support for reducing and eliminating contamination risks.
Strategy 23 Develop government/industry partnerships for land uses that have the potential to adversely impact on the quality of groundwater supplies in the Moore Catchment so that best management practices can be more widely communicated and implemented.
Making a difference in Australiaaliaalia
Protecting our Some research priorities Study the relationship between water drinking water quality and gastroenteritis in the community. Australians should not take the quality ‘It’s important that we spend enough of their drinking water for granted, the money to protect public health, without Investigate best methods for identifying director of the national drinking water over-spending on systems we don’t and controlling toxic blue-green algae. research centre said today. need. To do this, we must have good ‘Most Australian expect their water scientific knowledge, relevant to Develop new ways of identifying and to be clean, clear and safe to drink — Australian conditions. This is where the treating natural organic matter in drinking they don’t want to pay through the CRC comes in,’ said Professor Bursill. water. nose for it either,’ sad Professor Don The CRC for Water Quality and Bursill, Director of the Cooperative Treatment is one of the first research Examine ways to reduce the likelihood of Research Centre (CRC) for Water centres in the world to combine expertise pathogen outbreaks in water supplies by Quality and Treatment. in water quality and treatment with improving understanding of how ‘Not many people realise the public health research capability. pathogens occur in water catchments and enormous effort that goes into The CRC brings together universities, how they move through the catchment into delivering high quality drinking water CSIRO, government, water authorities water storage systems. to towns and cities across one of the and water-related businesses from driest nations on Earth,’ he said. across the country to focus on Australian Provide a better understanding of what The water supply industry spends up drinking water quality. happens to water quality between the to $1.4 billion each year to provide water treatment plant and the customer’s drinking water to Australian tap. communities. Media release from the Centre for Water Quality and Treatment, 17th October 2000 Quality and Treatment, Media release from the Centre for Water
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 22 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND WATER SUPPLIES We are linked to water supplies through our health and development potential.
IIII. Our Development
WWWith mormorith e and mormore e peoplepeoplee Groundwater Area. It is important to note ‘W‘W‘Wateraterater, water evev, erererywherywherywhereee applying for water extractionactionaction that despite it being named the Gingin but not a drop to sparsparop e.’e.’e.’ Groundwater Area, it actually extends to licenses, it’s getting Anon the Shires of Dandaragan, Victoria Plains prprprogrogrogressivessivessively harharely der to fulfil and Moora (see map on adjacent page). and paulownias. grgrgrooowing demands for water in The Gingin Surface Water Area was the lolothe wwwer MoorMoorer e Catchment.’ proclaimed on 2 February 1964 under the The Gingin Groundwater Area Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914. Management Plan was produced in 1993, Historian Joseph Powell, in his overview This proclamation was made in view of outlining allocation limits for 17 separate of water management in Western the possibility of Gingin Brook providing sub-areas. Because these limits did not Australia between 1826 and 1998, wrote water to the northern portion of the include any provisions for the that ‘whether simplistic or sophisticated, Comprehensive Water Supply Scheme or environment, the document is under failing or succeeding, and whether to the Midland Railway line towns and review and is not expected to be emerging from the efforts of districts. completed until mid 2002. governments or private individuals and groups, at no An interim approach to stage were water management managing the groundwater projects and practices resources in the area has been divorced from the obsessive based on the following debates on the pace and principles: character of development.’ * Avoid over-allocating the water resource by issuing For most of the first two licences where there is a high hundred years of European degree of confidence that the settlement in Australia water allocation will not breach the resource policies were focused limits of that aquifer. on exploitation to promote * Avoid any needless economic and demographic The Gingin Brook is primarily a groundwater fed system. The nearest populations expenditure by licence growth. of three species of fish are found 250 kilometres to the south of the state. applicants by providing early rejectionof applications where water is However, since the 1990s the environment Licensing controls on the Gingin Brook not available. has been recognised as a legitimate user started in 1979 and by 1995 there were 19 * Licences will be issued or commitments of water. In 1994, the Council of licensees extracting surface water. From made up to the interim allocation limits. Australian Governments (COAG) 1995 a moratorium on extraction from the recommended a number of fundamental Gingin Brook has been in place (at 1.6 The extent to which groundwater has been water reforms, including the need to gigalitres per year). This restriction will allocated in the unconfined aquifers of the provide water for the environment. continue until environmental water Gingin Groundwater Area are shown on requirements and the impact of private the following page. It is important to note Today, the objective of water allocation abstraction are better understood. that there have been significant reductions is to promote efficiency and equity while in the allocation limits of the confined protecting the environment. Allocation in The government proclaimed the Gingin aquifers. New information from drilling the Moore Catchment is evolving along Groundwater Area eleven years after the investigations suggests that recharge of similar lines — environmental water Gingin Surface Water Area was the Leederville–Parmelia and the provisions are needed to sustain aquatic proclaimed. Licensing began in 1988, and Leederville aquifers are significantly less and riparian ecosystems and some the number of new applications has than originally believed due to the extent terrestrial vegetation systems. increased rapidly in the past 13 years. This of a shale layer that lies between the has been mainly due to an expanding confined and unconfined aquifer. The Allocation is an issue for the Gingin horticultural industry including the confined aquifers of the Gingin Brook system and the Gingin growing of vegetables, fruit, grapes, olives Groundwater Area are fully allocated.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 23 PEOPLE AND WATER SUPPLIES - DEVELOPMENT
An imporimporAn tant consideration forforation * There is hydraulic conductivity between estimated that about 80 per cent of the the futurfuturthe e is the interactionactionaction the Coonderoo River and the Perth Basin water discharged from the Gingin Brook betwbetwbetween surface water and aquifers. There is potential for saline river is from the Greensand aquifer and the grgrgroundwater in the catchment. water to drain into and contaminate the Leederville Formation. Perth Basin aquifers. * Bores or soaks within the unconfined * There is increasing demand for Greensand aquifer and Leederville The interaction between the Moore River groundwater abstraction in the lower Formation may impact on stream flow system and groundwater is under Moore Catchment. This raises concerns when positioned too close to the Brook. investigation. Preliminary results show that saline groundwater may migrate from Bores within the confined Leederville that: the river as a consequence of large bore Formation will have a negligible impact * Saline water from the Moore River is abstractions. on stream flow. leaching into the coastal plain aquifer * Nutrient levels are high in the Gingin south-west of Cowalla Bridge. This will Another interaction to consider is Brook. Excess fertilisers are considered lead to rising groundwater salinity in the between the Gingin Brook system and to be entering the Gingin Brook from coastal aquifer and will have an impact groundwater. Preliminary investigations surface run-off and groundwater flow. on coastal groundwater public water show that: The next step is to analyse and quantify supplies and further groundwater * The Gingin Brook is primarily a all of the abovementioned risks. extraction. groundwater fed system. It has been
WWWater allocation in unconfined aquifers of the Gingin GrGrGingin oundwater Areaeaea (Domestic and stock bores are generally exempt from licensing)
GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT To improve the catchment’s development potential we need to share our water wisely.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 24 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND WATER SUPPLIES - DEVELOPMENT Outcome 9 — Sharing
Sharing is about dividing a resource equitably … and discovering that the environment is a legitimate user of water too.
Strategy 24 Encourage efficiency in water use through improvements to methods of agriculture and irrigation in order to increase land use options in the Moore Catchment.
Strategy 25 Determine the water requirements for environmental features in the Moore Catchment in order to refine surface and groundwater allocation limits.
Strategy 26 Establish and maintain a bore and river monitoring network in order to quantify the risk of saline water from the Moore River contaminating the coastal and Perth Basin aquifers.
Strategy 27 Position abstraction bores at a sufficient distance from waterways to prevent saline river water being drawn into the bores and to maintain the discharge of fresh groundwater into the waterway.
Making a difference in WWWestern Australiaaliaalia
Protection policy for WA environment
The setting aside of water for the Western for water allocation to be carefully allocation planning throughout the State Australian environment has been formally managed in the coming years to meet on regional, sub-regional and local area recognised for the first time in a new future demands while maintaining the levels. Statewide policy. State’s environment. Extensive water allocation planning is The Environmental Water Provisions ‘When allocating the right to use water, now underway in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Policy for Western Australia — developed whether it be for mining, irrigation or town Midwest and South West regions. The new by the Water and Rivers Commission — water supply, this policy outlines that the policy will be instrumental in ensuring that outlines how the Commission determines needs of the environment are determined adequate water will be set aside for the what water can be used for development early in any water allocation strategy. environment in this process. and social uses after environmental needs ‘This process is based on getting it right Environmental Water Provisions are met. the first time, thereby preventing (EWPs) are the water levels provided to Commission chief executive Roger Payne situations that have arisen in eastern States maintain the ecological values of water- said that the new policy was good news for where water has had to be taken back from dependent ecosystems, taking into account both the environment and for the certainty farmers and industry to replenish the ecological, social and economic impacts. of the State’s future sustainable depleted environment. The draft policy was one of a series of development. ‘Economic, social and ecological Water Reform discussion papers released ‘A recent audit of water use in WA found considerations are all important and all for public comment during consultation on that usage had doubled in the last 15 years need to be considered in water allocation the Rights in Water and Irrigation and is projected to double again by 2020,’ decision-making, consistent with the Amendment Bill 1999 that modernised Mr Payne said. objectives of the National Strategy for WA’s water laws. ‘However it is clear from this audit that Ecologically Sustainable Development.’ More information on the Environmental water is sustainably managed in WA. The Water and Rivers Commission Water Provisions Policy for Western ‘This increasing use highlights the need balances these needs for water in Australia is available from the Water and Rivers Commission on (08) 9278 0300. Extract from a government media release, 22 March 2001
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 25 PEOPLE AND THE FLOODPLAIN We are linked to the floodplain through our sense of security I. Our SSI. ecurityecurityecurity
‘I’ll nevnev‘I’ll er forforer get flying ovvvererer winter caused extensive flooding and managing the floodplain there are three MoorMoorMoora after the floods. It was long-term inundation to many low lying problems that need to be addressed: a clear morning and the groundoundound areas from Latham to Gillingara. Roads looked like a mirror for the sky... were closed to the east and west of i) Existing problem — existing TherTherThere was water everererywherywherywhere.’e.’e.’ Marchagee for almost 6 months. properties which are liable to flooding. ii) Future problem — properties which, Major flood events and consequent flood due to development, become liable to Between 18 and 20 March 1999, heavy damage happen infrequently in the Moore flooding and which were not part of the rainfall associated with the remnants of Catchment, but the costs at the time are existing problem. tropical cyclone Elaine fell over the Moore often very high. iii) Residual problem — flooding that is Catchment. The result in Moora was the unavoidable after the adopted floodplain highest flood on record, causing massive But how significant is the cost when it is management measures have been put in damage and disruption to the town. evened out across time? place. And that wasn’t the first or last time the town of Moora had its feet wet. Historical To work this out, the average annual For Moora, a detailed floodplain records indicate that there were major damage is calculated. This incorporates management study was undertaken after floods in 1917, 1955, 1963 and 1968. After the relative probability and damage over the 1999 floods. The problems outlined the March 1999 floods, Moora was all possible flood events from a two year above were addressed using options such flooded again in May and August. event to the probable maximum event. as emergency response, planning and Under existing conditions, the estimated structural works (see table below). So why build in a town in a floodplain? average annual flood damage for Moora Many rural towns in the south-west are is at least $105,400. EmerEmerEmergency RRgency esponseesponseesponse located next to rail networks. At this time railways were constructed in the lowest Is this an economic cost the community While the response to the March 1999 parts of the landscape with the least can bear year in, year out? flood was handled very well by the Shire gradient. The Midland Railway line is no of Moora and the State Emergency Service exception, following the valley of the If the answer is no, then we need to many lessons were learnt in flood Moore and Coonderoo rivers. seriously weigh up the benefits and cost forecasting, warning and evacuation. of various management options. While Flooding in the Moore River Catchment one option is to re-establish the entire For the May 1999 floods a local warning is not limited to Moora. The March 1999 town outside the floodplain, it is not network had been put in place and the flood caused extensive damage to considered feasible for economic and town was well prepared for the emergency. infrastructure, crops and livestock social reasons. River levels are now constantly monitored throughout the Moore Catchment. by the Water and Rivers Commission via Therefore, people must live with floods a computer link-up with gauging stations Indeed, the rain in May and throughout by managing the floodplain. When located in the catchment.
Residual PrPrResidual oblemoblemoblem FuturFuturFuture PrPre oblemoblemoblem Existing PrPrExisting oblemoblemoblem
‘Most of the people we toldtolde ManagManagManagementementement Emergency response Planning Structural works measurmeasureses said that they would leave.e.e. measurmeasurmeasureseses mechanisms Others, especially one 90- OptionsOptionsOptions Forecasting, warning, Land use zoning Retention basins, yyyearearear-old lady said, “I don’t evacuation, recovery, controls, building levees, channel knoknoknow what all the fuss is ongoing community regulations, info. on widening, flood- about. After 90 years in thisthisears education. appropriate build- proofing of tototown the water never camecameer ing materials. buildings, house near my house!”’ raising. Dave Van Heek, State Emergency Service CostCostCost Low Low High
Source: Water Studies Pty Ltd (2000) PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 26 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE FLOODPLAIN - SECURITY
Planning Mechanisms existing problems as soon as possible. These lakes will play an increasing role in Unfortunately, structural measures tend flood mitigation because the proportion The Moora Shire Council has adopted the to be costly and the options are often of the catchment wetted-up will increase following zoning and building controls complex. In any catchment, a thorough as groundwater levels rise. A recent study as part of best practice development investigation would be necessary before showed that on a similar catchment, flood within a floodplain: any major works were implemented on flows could be up to twice as great once · Future residential, commercial, the ground. groundwater levels have stabilised in 50 industrial and public utility years time. development be encouraged in flood- A number of options have been evaluated free areas. on economic, social and environmental Surface water management practices, such · Subdivisions below 2000 square grounds for Moora, including detention as grade banks, will reduce the impacts metres can occur subject to any basins, levee bank systems and widening of flooding locally. They reduce the buildings being constructed using high the river channel. The Shire of Moora has velocity of run-off and therefore minimise base foundations (stumps). applied for funds to do a detailed paddock erosion. For Moora, it will mean · Independent hydraulic assessments be assessment of the Long Pool Detention reducing the impact of flood events with conducted for proposed developments Basin option. a two to 10 year recurrence interval. For in high flood ways. larger events like March 1999, structural · Finish floor levels for houses be 0.5 The federal government provides financial works are required. metres above the March 1999 flood assistance for flood mitigation measures level. that protect existing developments. Drainage works in the catchment have the · For non-habitable buildings finish floor However, with the cost of flooding potential to increase the impact of levels be 0.15 metres above the March averaging $400 million a year across flooding if they are designed incorrectly. 1999 flood level. Australia, funding would normally cover less than 30 per cent of the cost of design StructurStructurStructural WWWorksorksorks and construction of approved works.
Due to the anxiety and stress related to Other cost-sharing arrangements need to major flood events, the community be negotiated to ensure that an equitable understandably wants solutions to distribution of the costs is achieved.
Whole system management
An essential aspect of understanding flooding is identifying the links between the different components of the hydrological system.
To the north of Moora there are many lakes which have the potential to attenuate flooding. The Yarra Yarra lakes system has a large capacity to store flood waters, holding approximately 200 gigalitres before it overflows. In the large rainfall events of 1999 it did not overflow, and GETTING even if it should do, the flow rates would be very small and the salinity MOORE TO concentration would be similar to those THE POINT downstream. Similarly, the lakes along the To improve our sense of security we Coonderoo River store water and need to mitigate the existing and Hydrologist Peter Muirden, showing the height of water therefore mitigate flooding downstream future problems associated with major in the Yarra Yarra Lakes after the winter of 1999, and the level of water that would have overtopped the lakes. at Moora. floods.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 27 PEOPLE AND THE FLOODPLAIN - SECURITY Outcome 10 — Mitigation
Mitigation is about taking precautionary actions … and acknowledging that floodplains will always be subject to flooding.
Strategy 28 Maintain an effective flood forecasting system in the catchment in order to give people living in flood prone areas adequate time to initiate emergency procedures.
Strategy 29 Maintain agency and public awareness of flood warning and emergency responses in order to overcome complacency and the problems associated with the turnover of staff and residents in flood prone areas.
Strategy 30 Utilise land use planning and advisory tools to encourage development outside the 1 in 100 year flood level of the entire Moore River and its tributaries in order to decrease the potential for future flood damage in all parts of the catchment.
Strategy 31 Explore avenues for funding flood mitigation works in order to share the costs equitably and reduce existing anxiety and future social disruption to the community.
Making a difference in the Moore Catchment
FUNDING ALLOCATED TO FARMERS line and an area of remnant vegetation. Mr Carter said the response from IN THE UPPER MOORE CATCHMENT landholders in the catchment has been great. A sum of $130,000 has been 2001,’ he said. ‘Requests for funding grants have allocated to farmers in the upper Mr Carter said the funding of the exceeded the project’s ability to fund all Moore River catchment between on-ground activities is the first stage work this year but the Moore Catchment Moora and Dalwallinu as part of of implementing local action plans Group is currently looking at options to a Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) that have been prepared. gain further funding to undertake more funded project to improve surface ‘The local action plans are aimed on-ground works,’ he said. water management. at ensuring the long term NHT Project Coordinator, Jason sustainability of both economic and Carter, said the aim of the funding environmental values,’ Mr Carter is to demonstrate and encourage said. better land management practices ‘Undertaking these and further in the Moore River catchment. similar works will contribute to ‘The funding will used to towards controlling runoff from the subsidise more than 100 catchment and assist with reducing kilometres of grade banks, over the flood risk to Moora,’ he said. 100 kilometres of fencing for The on-ground works have already started with the first 2.5 kilometres Landcare technician Noel Dodd and farmer Mike watercourses, remnant vegetation McLean survey the first of over 100 kilometres and cleared areas to be of fencing completed by farmer of grade banks to be constructed. revegetated, and 100,000 Frank King of Bindi Bindi. Mr King seedlings to be planted in July said the fencing is protecting a creek Extract from The Advocate, 31 January 2001
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 28 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND WATERWAYS Waterways are our pathway through the landscape and our outdoor playgrounds. I. Our PPI. athwayathwayathway
‘When I walk along the Mooreee There are a number of practical reasons RivRivRiver I prprer etend I’m in the for this. A greater volume of water is ‘When yy‘When ou put yyou our hand ininour explorexplorexploration parparation ty of GeorGeorty gegege flowing off the catchment due to clearing, a flofloa wing strstrwing eam, yyeam, ou touchtouchou Fletcher Moore. His worwore. ds ringringds increasing the head of water along the the last of what has gone loudly in my mind … ‘the scene river during floods. There is also a beforbeforbefore and the first of what of the rivrivof er was evever er vver arararyingyingying reduction in the dissipation of the energy is yyis et to come.’ and kept the interest alivalivest e’.’e’.’e’.’ of floodwaters due to less fringing Leonardo da Vinci, philosopher vegetation along the river. Added to this is the prevention of water dispersal over In places the river hasn’t changed a great the floodplains by levee banks, which our link to the past, and losing our past deal from George Fletcher Moore’s further increases the energy of the makes it more difficult to evaluate our original observations in 1836. For floodwaters. future. instance the ‘good alluvial flats with abundant grass’ remain a feature of the River rehabilitation is not simply a reversal Cultural features that could be highlighted Swan Coastal Plain and Dandaragan of the degradation process. Given the include: Plateau. In addition, the deep river valley changed conditions under which the river and ironstone hills between Mogumber system now operates, it is very unlikely · River pools and reaches significant to and Regans Ford are still visually that the original state of the river could Aboriginal people. impressive. be re-established. · Places where the Perth to Dongara Over $100 million is spent annually in Stock Route crosses the Moore River, In others places the river has changed. Australia to address stream degradation, especially at Neergabby where the Drover’s Inn (Junction Hotel) still The deep pools described favourably by but project failure rates are high. This is stands. early explorers and pastoralists are now because efforts have generally been focused on reaches that show no signs of · The role of the Moore River in the mostly filled with sediment. Bank erosion natural recovery. operation of steam locomotives on the is severe and extensive on the Moore Midland Railway Line. River. The most effective strategies for river · Significant relicts such as bridges. For rehabilitation should be viewed as a instance, the old Junction Bridge over William de Burgh is a local historian process of recovery enhancement. That Gingin Brook has the oldest surviving whose family has farmed on the Moore is, river reaches already showing natural timber bridge piers known in WA. River since 1858. He remembers how the signs of recovery (e.g. a well-defined low · Historic and contemporary stories of 1917 flood caused significant erosion on flow channel) will yield the most cost- life on the river. cleared land and the banks of the Moore effective, sustainable returns. River. Near the Cowalla homestead (where the Moore River bends south on Prioritising river reaches according to the coastal plain), sediment was their recovery potential offers a great deposited in heavy layers in the flats and opportunity for farmers, catchment filled at least one pool, known as management committees and government Mandigin Pool. De Burgh recalls agencies to target their resources (see following page). subsequent floods cutting new river courses and filling pools and particular Enhancing the physical stability of the channels with sediment. Moore River and its tributaries may also GETTING encourage the community to restore its MOORE TO The extent of erosion and the enormous cultural heritage. quantity of sediment on the move THE POINT To improve the pathway of water we suggests that the old drainage line of the The Moore River contains many need to take practical measures to river may no longer be large enough or reminders of indigenous connections and the physical and cultural strong enough to contain the energy of early European settlement. These should recover integrity of the catchment’s waterways. floodwaters. be enhanced on the grounds that they are
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 29 PEOPLE AND WATERWAYS - PATHWAY River Types
Intact rrIntact eaches need protectionotectionotection frfrfrom off-site impacts. TheseTheseThese should be the highest priority in the catchment.
StrStrStrategies for reaches showingwingwing high rrhigh ecoecoecovvvererery potential include vvvegetation maintenance and stock management. Strategies for rrreaches showing moderateateate rrrecoecoecovvvererery potential include directectect planting, bed and bank contrololol structurstructurstructures.es.es.
DegrDegrDegraded rraded eaches can be left to adjust naturally until they showww signs of rrsigns ecoecoecovvverereryyy...
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 30 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND WATERWAYS - PATHWAY
If we had a time machine ...
The MoorMoorThe e RivRive er has a strange course which twists and turns unlike mormorunlike e convconve entional rivers. This is because of a complex historhistorhistory — what wwy e see nonoe w as the Moore RivRive er is rrer eally parpareally ts ofofts sevsevseverereral rivrival ers joined together...
Originally, it seems, westward drainage from the Darling Plateau was prevented from flowing directly to the coast by uplift of the Perth Basin. Instead water flowed down the valley that ran south from what is now the Yarra Yarra Lakes along the Darling Scarp, turning south-east to cut the valley now occupied by the Brockman River, and finally into the Avon River. The part of the valley occupied by the Coonderoo River, and probably the Moore River as far as south as Mogumber, was filled with up to 30 metres of sediments between two and five million years ago.
At some stage, a stream may have cut back from Regans Ford (this was the coastline about 2 million years ago) and captured the Moore River at Mogumber — making it do a right turn. Alternatively, the river may have found its course blocked to the south, and overflowed to the west, cutting the gorge from Mogumber to Regans Ford.
With the onset of drier conditions, and recession of the coast during the ice ages maybe 100,000 years ago, the Spearwood Dunes built up along the coast, preventing the river reaching the sea. The river then had to turn southwards from Karakin Lakes before breaking through the sea at Guilderton.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 31 PEOPLE AND WATERWAYS - PATHWAY Outcome 11 — Recovery
Recovery is about making something work properly … and discovering that nature has its own set of checks and balances.
Strategy 32 Prioritise the Moore River and its tributaries into sections of intact, recovering or degraded reaches in order to help river managers prioritise and cost out river rehabilitation efforts.
Strategy 33 Explore avenues for providing landowners with funding assistance for river and tributary rehabilitation so that works can be designed and implemented within a catchment framework.
Strategy 34 Recognise and promote the traditional, historic and contemporary associations that the community has with the Moore River and its tributaries in order to foster a caretaker ethic towards the region’s waterways.
Making a difference in the Moore Catchment
Cultural values protected An eight kilometre section of the — with some dying there without having Moore River, downstream of the opportunity to return to their families Mogumber, has been fenced off to and homes. help prevent erosion of the The old mission is now an Aboriginal riverbank — but also with a view farm, owned and run by the Wheatbelt of preserving an area of Aboriginal Corporation. significance to Aboriginal people. Like many other farms the property Many of the State’s rivers and was in a difficult situation: the managers streams have ties with Aboriginal were required to get the farm more communities because they were productive to be commercially viable, important places for gathering food whilst at the same time the owners and sites of cultural and spiritual wanted to retain its cultural links and significance. attract tourists to this stunning stretch But the section of river near of river. Mogumber is special for another So with the help of the Water and An impressive view of the Moore River reason — it’s the site of the old Rivers Commission, the Wheatbelt winding through the Mogumber farm. Mogumber Aboriginal Mission Aboriginal Corporation has been trampling the riparian vegetation. which operated from the early working to try to protect the riverine The Water and Rivers Commission 1900s. environment. provided the material for the fencing, Aboriginal people from around This was achieved by erecting a fence which was erected and will be the State were sent to the mission along the foreshore to stop stock maintained by the farm community. Exert from Moore Than Meets the Eye, July 2000
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 32 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND WATERWAYS Waterways are our pathway through the landscape and our outdoor playgrounds.
IIII. Our Playground
‘The waterways of the Mooreee Bay area will no doubt further increase Catchment are a trtre easureasureasure chestcheste the number of visitors to the estuary. ‘I chatterchatter‘I , chatter as I flowww of rrof ecrecrecreational experiences, Fishing, swimming and viewing the TTTo join the brimming rivererer,,, and it’s not just because thereee scenery are the most popular recreational FFFor men may come and men is a ‘Silver’ Cr Crer’ eek or aaeek activities on the Moore River estuary. may go,go,may Therefore, any act that has a negative ‘Diamond’ Island.’ But I go on for evererer.’.’.’ impact on water quality or destroys the Tennyson, from the poem The Brook natural surroundings will have an adverse Recreation is defined as an agreeable or affect on the popularity of the area. refreshing activity, relaxation or Algal blooms — the rapid excessive amusement. In Western Australia, growth of algae — are a public health Primary and secondary contact with water concern and an ecological problem. They waterways are a valuable recreational is a significant public health issue. In resource. are generally caused by high nutrient levels general terms, the water should be and favourable conditions such as warm sufficiently free from direct contamination weather and still water. The Moore River estuary is a popular by human and animal faecal material, recreation site in the catchment. Local nuisance organisms and toxic chemicals. During the summer months, algal mats resident Sylvia Cleverly captures its (usually Enteromorpha species) are MicrMicrMicro-oro-oro-organismsganismsganisms commonly observed in the Moore River estuary. This is a concern as it indicates a There’s a river somewhere just north of Perth, Stock have direct access nutrient-rich system. Furthermore, when to a large proportion of the mats decompose they deplete the That’s a foretaste of Paradise here on God’s earth. the river foreshore and water of oxygen, which can lead to the death of aquatic plants and animals. Algal There’s a desert, bush, river, ocean and trees, septic tanks are used along the Moore River species that can cause toxic algal blooms Where children are safe to go where they please. and Gingin Brook. The have been detected in the estuary, but to Shire of Gingin has been date only in low concentrations. They can fish, canoe, swim or skim down a dune, routinely measuring With two years of water chemistry data, Then later, watch stars and the bright rising moon. bacterial counts in the estuary since 1999. The researchers have found that during summer total nitrogen loads from the shire has erected a sign Moore River and Gingin Brook are similar. that says ‘swim at your In comparison, total phosphorus loads are relaxed atmosphere in a poem: own risk’ and vacation swimming lessons The results of a survey conducted at are no longer held in the Moore River Guilderton in 1998 have shed some light estuary. on how people use the Moore River estuary for recreation. Landholders are being encouraged by Landcare groups to fence off the Moore The Moore River estuary is a recreational River and its tributaries. Grants are resource utilised by people of all ages. It available to subsidise the cost of erecting is most popular among family groups and the fence. people living in the northern suburbs of Perth. One would expect this trend to Nuisance organismsganismsganisms continue with the metropolitan area expanding northwards. Algae are a diverse group of aquatic plants containing photosynthetic pigments. The popularity of the Moore River estuary Many are microscopic but some can be is increasing, with a large number of first- large, including the large seaweeds. time visitors to the area. Upgrades to Without algae our waterways would be roads and the proposal for a new road deprived of oxygen and food, and would linking Lancelin to the Cervantes–Jurien The W festival was an opportunity for local children to support few life forms. learn about the environment whilst developing their artistic skills.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 33 PEOPLE AND WATERWAYS- PLAYGROUND
much higher from the Gingin Brook. TTToooxic chemicals During winter total loads of nitrogen and phosphorus are much higher from the Waterways containing chemicals that are Moore River due to the volume of flow. either toxic or irritating to the skin or Efforts to reduce nutrient losses should mucous membranes are unsuitable for be a high priority in both catchments. recreation. To date, there have been no investigations on the presence and Research has shown that vegetated concentrations of toxic chemicals in the buffers 10 to 50 metres wide can achieve Moore River or its tributaries phosphorus and nitrogen filtration rates . of the order of 50–100 per cent. VVVisual useuseisual
In this area, the Shire of Gingin has taken Preserving the visual amenity of the a proactive approach with its Irrigated landscape surrounding the Moore River Horticulture Standards (Policy Statement estuary will be a tough challenge. No 1.12). It states that all annual Australians love the coast, and in Western horticultural activity shall have a Australia the number of people living on minimum distance of 200 metres The rest area at the Lancelin Road Bridge is a popular from any wetland. waterway location in the Any included catchment. So to is the Neergabby Junction, granville within this Park, Apex Park and Regans minimum distance Ford picnic area.
shall have a dense Generally these locations are native vegetation stopping and resting places, where people have minimal buffer of not less primary or secondary contact than 20 metres in with the water body. Enhancing the visual appeal of width. This buffer these natural assets would be is to be received favourably by the local established prior community. Information from a Moora District Community to the Meeting in February 2000, commencement of indicates that beautifying the Moore River is one of the top ten the development items that the community wants and maintained for to do. the duration of the development. For perennial horticulture, the coast bordering the metropolitan area the set-back is reduced to 100 metres and has climbed by 600 per cent between 1971 the buffer is reduced to 10 metres. and 1990.
Further research is needed in the The extent of development on the catchment to determine the appropriate foreshore is presently small. However, the setbacks and buffers for different land fear is that environmental damage is uses. Best land management practices usually caused by an incremental process. should also be implemented, encouraging GETTING soil conservation and discouraging excess This has been described as the tyranny MOORE TO application of fertilisers that eventually of small decisions. Therefore, it is THE POINT find their way into waterways. According appropriate to establish sound planning To improve our watery playgrounds we to calculations by CSIRO, $900 million policies and management practices as need to enhance their natural values is outlaid each year on fertilisers, soon as possible to mitigate against this and buffer them from adverse land use accounting for 23 per cent of total problem. impacts. production costs. However, it has a net efficiency of 10 per cent. PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 34 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND WATERWAYS - PLAYGROUND Outcome 12 — Enhancement
Enhancement is about improving the quality of an asset … and discovering that our enjoyment of waterways hinges on them being healthy.
Strategy 35 Promote the natural beauty and ecological functions of the various waterways in the catchment so that people see waterways as more than just a drain or channel.
Strategy 36 Support and expand the existing water quality monitoring program in order to establish targets and incentives to reduce nutrient losses from specific sub-catchments.
Strategy 37 Demonstrate and promote how different land uses positively and negatively impact on the region’s waterways so that sensitive land use planning and management are central to future decisions.
Strategy 38 Redesign existing recreational sites and facilities so that they protect the local environment and at the same time improve the social and economic potential of waterways in the region.
Making a difference in the Moore Catchment
Guilderton Green Corps project launched Federal Member for Pearce Judi Moylan officially the effects of introduced species,’ she said. launched the Lower Moore River Green Corps ‘The participants will take part in activities including project in Guilderton. planting, seed collection, Ten young people will take fencing, bank stabilisation part in the project, which will and propagation.’ address environmental Mrs Moylan said the issues recognised in the program, as well as providing Lower Moore River Action tangible environmental Plan. benefits for the Lower Moore Speaking at the launch Mrs River, would also provide the Moylan said the participants 10 young people taking part would spend six months with practical experience and working to reverse damage accredited training.
done to the local Green Corps hard at work on the banks of the Moore River. ‘It is this combination of environment and protect it environmental and from further damage. skill based outcomes that has lead to Green Corps ‘Among the problems this project will address is nation wide success,’ she said. the damage caused to the banks by heavy use and Extract from The Moore River News, February/March 2001
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 35 PEOPLE AND THE OCEAN We are linked to the ocean through our own backyards. I. Our Backyard
‘I was rr‘I eally surprised to find up-welling of nutrient rich waters from ‘Bey‘Beyond all things is the that not evevthat erereryyyone living in the the deeper ocean. ‘Bey‘Bey‘Beyond all things is the MoorMoorMoore Catchment had been to sea.’ Anon the mouth of the river at somesomeer In this type of environment, low time, nor felt a connection to concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen limit biological productivity. As wherwherwhere their run-off and a consequence, our waters are grgrgroundwater ultimately ended characterised by low counts of upupup.’.’.’ phytoplankton and high water clarity. Productivity is instead driven by plant Does that really matter? communities attached to the sea floor. These typically consist of extensive Yes, it does. About 80 per cent of macroalgal communities and perennial contamination in marine environments is seagrass meadows. thought to enter the sea from the land. In catchments dominated by agricultural These biological communities can absorb land uses, the main contaminants are occasional high fluxes in nutrients, but nutrients and sediment. prolonged inputs can cause significant imbalances. Nutrient enrichment But is that a concern to us? stimulates phytoplankton blooms which cloud the water and promote excessive Some people may view the ocean as a growth of ‘nuisance’ algae. huge receiving environment. By virtue of its size, the ocean should easily assimilate Another natural characteristic of the photosynthesis and altering sediment increased inputs of nutrients and central coast region is the low level of grain size on the seabed. sediment. This is certainly not the case sediment input to the near-shore waters. for the central coast region of WA. Elevated sediment loads can have a To date there has not been any monitoring detrimental impact on marine of water and sediment quality, nor marine Our coastal waters are naturally nutrient communities by smothering sedentary ecosystem health near the mouth of the poor due to historically low riverine plants and animals, clogging gills, Moore River. inputs and the absence of a significant reducing the light available to plants for At a more fundamental level, there needs to be an understanding of the mixing of catchment and ocean waters to determine the degree and spatial extent to which the Moore Catchment influences the marine environment. This is an important consideration for marine biodiversity conservation in the region. GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT To better manage the connection between people and the ocean we need to investigate how our actions are impacting on the marine environment.
A plume of brown water can be seen entering the Indian Ocean from the Moore River. Picture taken following floods in the catchment in March 1999.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 36 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE OCEAN - BACKYARD Outcome 13 — Investigation
Investigation is about carefully studying a system … and discovering that the ocean does have a disturbance threshold.
Strategy 39 Collaborate with research institutions to assess the state of the marine environment offshore from the Moore River Estuary so that a benchmark exists for monitoring change.
Strategy 40 Address any land-sourced pollution problems on a catchment basis in order to communicate best land and water management practices and develop consistent performance targets for industry, the community and government authorities.
Strategy 41 Take responsibility for improving the quality of stormwater running off the catchment after large rainfall events in order to reduce the flush of nutrients and sediments to the marine environment.
Making a difference in WWWestern Australiaaliaalia
Western Australia now ‘The Ocean State’ It’s been dubbed The Wildflower State, the that given the huge size of Australia’s ocean This has led to the establishment of the Cinderella State and the State of territory and the fact that it supports Strategic Research Fund for the Marine Excitement. Now Western Australia is set industries worth $50 billion, national Environment for strategic research in areas to win a new title as the ‘Ocean State’, investment in marine research was such as broad-scale oceanography, coastal according to one of the nation’s top marine disproportionate. and shelf processes, marine habitat mapping, scientists. ‘Too often we ignore the great potential ecosystem monitoring and planning tools for The identity is mainly thanks to WA’s fast of our oceans. They can, if we learn to ecologically sustainable development. growing investment in marine research, understand them and use them well, provide The fund is a $20 million joint venture management and policy, the Chief of us with great and lasting gifts. between various state agencies, universities, CSIRO Marine Research, Dr Nan Bray, ‘The oceans drive the weather on our industry and CSIRO Marine Research aimed told State parliamentarians. planet. They provide a great reservoir for at studies of the State’s marine resources and Speaking at a science briefing for MPs the greenhouse gases we are pumping into how to address them in a sustainable way. in Parliament House, Perth, Dr Bray said the climate system. ‘I think it’s a great model. As usual, WA ‘In Australia today, earnings from marine is leading the way — and it is because the resources are growing at three or four times State took the lead in setting priorities. That the rate of the national economy,’ Dr Bray helped our working group to find a says. mechanism for joint work, confident we In the past three years, WA in particular could meet its needs on an ongoing basis.’ has taken rapid steps to invest in Dr Bray says the research may lead to new understanding and managing its oceans understanding of how ocean systems affect through a series of scientific policy the State’s marine industries and agriculture, initiatives. These included a taskforce aimed new information on marine biodiversity and at identifying the State’s marine research ecosystems and better ways to manage and A survey of community attitudes showed needs and establishing the best ways of regulate ocean resources. that recreational fishing is a popular activity applying both for funding and facilities to in the estuarine and marine environments
those needs. media release on marine research, 16 November 2000. Extract from CSIRO’s of the Moore Catchment.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 37 PEOPLE AND THE BIOTA (LIVING THINGS) We are linked to native plants and animals through our senses and identity. I. Our SSI. ensesensesenses
WWWouldn’t it be grand hiringhiringand There are so many ways to enjoy our Noah’s ark for a day or two. ItIt. natural biodiversity: bushwalking, ‘What does it matter if weee cercercertainly would be a greateateat picnicking, bird watching, painting, lose a few birds, evevds, en half ofofen chance to meet all the photography, fishing, plant identification them? One answer is ourourer crcrcreatureatureatures that livlives e in the Mooreee — the list goes on. livlivlives will be poorer and ourourer Catchment.’ landscapes will be Biodiversity yields indirect values too. aesthetically impovvverishederishederished There are very few people who do not These are usually described as ecosystem and harsher to live in.’in.’e take pleasure in seeing a blue wren in services. In an agricultural context, Denis Saunders, CSIRO their garden or a joey taking its first biodiversity is essential for controlling wobbly hops. pests and diseases, pollinating crops and forming soil. According to Uriel Safriel, director of the Biodiversity can be a source of profound The future use of biodiversity also has a Blaustein Institute for Desert Research inspiration. Take the poetry of Banjo value — it is described as an option or (who gave a presentation at the Moore Patterson or the gumnut babies of May bequest value. Natural compounds for Catchment Group’s community forum in Gibbs as an example. medicine usually fall into this category. 2000) the initial challenge of diversification should not be taken by the A turtle made of of natural fibres was a farmers themselves as this requires an feature of the Guilderton Art Trail. An environment rich in biological diversity offers the institutional investment in research and broadest array of options for development in the agricultural and sustainable economic activity, economic disciplines. Once the and for adapting to changing agricultural know-how and economic environments. guidance are available the result hinges on the farmers’ open-mindedness, This applies to agriculture too. courage and determination. Biodiversity offers an alternative Of the 200,000 species of wild livelihood for a farmer. For example, plants, notes biogeographer income can be supplemented with Jared Diamond, ‘only a few ecotourism (based on the non-cleared thousand are eaten by humans, portions of the farm), aquaculture and and just a few hundred of those have been Not for you? Well ... as a younger person silviculture. surely you would have had lots of fun more or less domesticated.’ Three swimming in a local creek, catching quarters of the world’s food comes from tadpoles, almost standing on a bobtail, only seven crop species — wheat, rice, climbing trees and smelling the wattles corn, potatoes, barley, cassava (manioc) in flower. and sorghum.
Playing in the bush is of tremendous Disease already damages or destroys 13 educational value to our youth. More per cent of the world’s crops, insects 15 formally it can be used at all levels of per cent and weeds 12 per cent; in all, education, whether it be primary, two-fifths of the world’s harvest is lost in secondary, tertiary or adult education. It the paddock. can facilitate the study of biology, GETTING geography, geology and history. As already noted, the Australian MOORE TO environment is not naturally suited to But you still don’t like the idea of an supporting the exotic plants and animals THE POINT outdoor classroom? Well … catching a To better manage the connection that provide the bulk of our produce. The feed of fish off the Guilderton coast, between people and the biota we need most urgent and challenging task in front taking them home and cooking them on greater investment in our natural of us is to develop systems and cultivars the BBQ would have to make your mouth biota. for sustainable agriculture. water!
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 38 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE BIOTA - SENSES Outcome 14 — Investment
Investment is about backing a project … and discovering that biodiversity is the future bread and butter of the catchment.
Strategy 42 Provide opportunities for people to learn and enjoy their natural surroundings to build an understanding of the intrinsic values of biodiversity.
Strategy 43 Communicate that biodiversity losses in soil microorganisms, pollinators and other species are counter-productive to enhancing agricultural productivity so that efforts are directed towards mimicking and preserving ecological functions in the landscape.
Strategy 44 Balance the exploitation and preservation of biological resources in the Moore Catchment to ensure that options for the future are not compromised.
Strategy 45 Support local projects developing the commercial potential of our biodiversity in order to harness the catchment’s intellectual property and increase returns to the community.
Making a difference in the Moore Catchment
today,’ Ms Guidera said. ‘She has been a tireless worker and a generous mentor, making her an Bouquets for outstanding role model for rural women and all Australians,’ she said. Mrs Tonkin has a vision to enhance the sustainability and export value of the industry. She believes this can be done by broadening the economic base through wildflower lady improve flora resource management and tourism. ‘I believe that generating stable export markets will provide for economic Coomberdale wildflower entrepreneur Rhonda Tonkin has won sustainability, which the Western Australian Rural Industries Research and will create greater Development Corporation Rural Women’s Award for 2001. opportunities for Always modest about her exceptional achievements, Mrs rural women and Tonkin said she was honoured to receive her award. diversification ‘I am amazed at the number of people who have called to opportunities,’ Mrs congratulate me,’ she said. Tonkin said. ‘Family members, friends, past employees, truck drivers and Already Mrs business acquaintances have taken the time to call me,’ she Tonkin said she has said received many calls Mrs Tonkin is the principal of Western Wildflower Farm from rural women situated in Coomberdale in the Shire of Moora. who are working The operation involves producing, value-adding, from home in a similar way and have expressed an interest in working with wholesaling, retailing and exporting wildflowers from the her. property and around the region. Along with her award Mrs Tonkin will receive a $20,000 bursary which In presenting the award, Chair of the Rural, Remote and she intends to use to undertake a three week market research study of the Regional Women’s Network Liz Guidera paid tribute to Mrs US and Europe to improve market relationships and expand the market for Tonkin’s contribution to the wildflower industry and her local Western Australian flowers. community. In March Mrs Tonkin will travel to Canberra where, along with all State ‘Rhonda has been personally committed to sustainable and Territory winners, she will be presented with her bursary at a national agriculture and the wildflower industry for over 25 years, as awards dinner and take part in a leadership seminar and media training. she has built her business into a sophisticated operation it is Extract from The Central Midlands and Coastal Advocate, 21 February 2001.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 39 PEOPLE AND THE BIOTA (LIVING THINGS) We are linked to native plants and animals through our senses and identity. IIII. Our Identity
‘It’s unlikely that futureee the greatest number of extinctions has ‘Man did not weaveaveave the wwe ebebeb genergenergenerations will forgivgivgive furfure thertherther occurred in the wheatbelt region. Threats of life: he is merely a strstrely andandand to biodiversity in the wheatbelt are from losses of biodiversity thrthrersity oughoughough in it. WhatevWhatevWhatever he does to multiple disturbance factors including: bad management or lack of the w wthe ebebeb, he does to commitment.’ Clearing and fragmentation of himselfhimselfhimself.’.’.’ habitathabitathabitat Chief Seattle, 1854. In today’s society there is a growing view per cent of their remnants are smaller than that all species have an inherent right to The destruction of habitat is the major 20 hectares. exist. Biodiversity belongs to the future cause of biodiversity loss across the as well as the present and no generation globe. According to American Professor, This type of basic information is of people has exclusive rights to it Paul Ehrlich, ‘the primary cause of the becoming more critical as we gain a . decay of organic diversity is not from greater understanding of critical habitat This is not a new concept. Many religions direct human exploitation or malevolence, resources and edge effects. For instance, promote preservation of all living things. but the habitat destruction that inevitably the national ‘Birds on Farms Survey’ For instance an Islamic biblical passage results from the expansion of human conducted by Birds Australia has shown reads: ‘And the almighty God said: There populations and human activities.’ that: is not an animal on the earth, nor a bird * Biodiversity declined in patches of on the wing which is not part of your In the Moore Catchment, land clearing woodland smaller than 10 hectares. community.’ has been principally for agricultural * Woodland dependent birds were 31 per development. In 1997, a Memorandum of cent more diverse in farm sites As a result of the evolutionary process, Understanding to protect remnant surrounded by other patches of woodland. Australia’s flora and fauna are distinct in vegetation on private land was signed by * Woodland dependent birds were 12 per many ways from those found elsewhere. the Commissioner for Soil and Land cent more diverse in broad strips of native Long isolation has led to the evolution of Conservation and the state government vegetation, compared with narrow strips endemic species (plants and animals agencies for natural resource less than 50 metres wide. restricted to a specified region or locality) management. Clearing is still an issue, and its stability has allowed the survival particularly for horticultural development Habitat degradationadationadation of many ancient and relict species. on the Swan Coastal Plain. Undoubtedly, the primary threat to Australia’s climate and landscape Information from the Department of conservation in the Moore Catchment is variability have also led to the Conservation and Land Management that posed by the rising saline watertable development of biota with many indicates that the Shires of Perenjori, which threatens communities in the low- adaptations to local conditions — and Moora, Victoria Plains, and Dalwallinu lying parts of the landscape. these species have interacted in have less than 10 per cent remnant specialised ways to form diverse vegetation. The Shires of Dandaragan, Of the 4,000 vascular plant species in communities. Coorow and Carnamah have less than 25 the agricultural region of Western per cent, but this is largely concentrated Australia, 1500 species occur low in the Human activity has been changing in the western parts of the Shires which landscape. Of these, 450 are endemic to Australian ecosystems for at least 50,000 are outside the Moore Catchment. The the agricultural zone and are in danger of years, but the pace and extent of change Shire of Gingin has less than 30 per cent extinction as a consequence of rising has increased since European settlement. remnant vegetation. saline groundwater. In February 2000, the scientific journal Nature named Western Australia’s south- Remnant stands are scattered throughout GETTING west as one of 25 global hot spots, singled the Moore Catchment in various sizes, out for its internationally significant MOORE TO shapes and degrees of isolation. Presently, biodiversity and the extinction threat no geographical analysis has been carried THE POINT posed to it. out to determine their size distribution, To preserve our biological identity we patchiness and connectivity. Geographical need to be sensitive to the According to the Western Australian analysis in the Avon Basin could provide environment and adopt a State of the Environment Report for 1998, a ballpark figure for size distribution; 58 precautionary approach.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 40 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE BIOTA - IDENTITY
This has a serious flow-on effect. The by Aboriginals has also been lost. and management guidelines that can be Department of Conservation and Land implemented on the ground. According Management has reported a 50 per cent This actually poses the most significant to bushcare facilitator Ann Maree reduction in the number of waterbirds threat to the conservation and O’Calaghan ‘the impact of fragmentation using wheatbelt wetlands due to saline- management of biodiversity in WA, and can be managed strategically’. induced death of shrubs and trees. in our own catchment. Enhancing the capacity for farms to support biodiversity is essential because Other factors that can degrade habitat A number of groups are taking proactive much of the catchment’s remnant include defoliation by livestock or measures to address this issue. vegetation is on private land. This can only problem native species (e.g. kangaroos, Herbariums have been set up throughout be achieved through genuine partnerships corellas), trampling, water extraction or the catchment and many Landcare groups in nature conservation. Options need to drainage, weeds, disease, timber have been active in community bushland extend beyond fencing subsidies. The extraction, inappropriate disturbance surveys. There are also many research Native Vegetation Working Group regimes (e.g. frequency of fire and institutions carrying out ecological supports market based options, such as flooding) and pollution. investigations in the catchment. ‘subdivisions for conservation’, and recommends tax-deductions for bushland PPPrrredation by introducedoducedoduced However, these efforts are not reaching management and differential rating. speciesspeciesspecies their full potential because there is limited coordination at both a local and Practical frameworks are also needed to Europeans introduced a number of catchment scale. Often the only way a assist individuals and government species that prey on native animals. The farmer will find out that research is being agencies in making informed and fox has had a dramatic negative impact done in the area is when they see an responsible decisions on potentially upon small mammals. The Department unusual car parked on the side of a gravel conflicting issues such as drainage works. of Conservation and Land Management road. Similarly, the results from bushland has had considerable success with baiting surveys are not usually shared between The Water and Rivers Commission has programs in reserves. The limitations to Landcare groups, although they often funded a project on assessing and baiting are that it has to be maintained contain relevant information. managing drainage to lakes in the Moore and there is a reluctance to bait on Catchment. The system for ecological agricultural land and near towns because The research effort also needs to be assessment that has been proposed by the baits can kill animals sensitive to prioritised. In particular, more research Sinclair Knight Merz is contained in the 1080, including domestic dogs. The is needed on finding landscape designs diagram below. impact of feral and domestic cats is less Decision trtrDecision ee for the conservvvation assessment of lakes in well understood. the MoorMoorthe e RivRive er catchment of WWWestern Australiaaliaalia
It is difficult to Figure 7-1: Decision tree for the conservation assessment of lakes in the Moore River catchment of Western Australia assess the exact SPECIAL FEATURES VEGETATION/HABITAT REPRESENTATIVENESS magnitude of our ASSESSMENT
impact on biodiv- No further survey needed impact on biodiv- ersity because our knoknoknowledge base has
Survvey major gaps in it. needed NO
In Western Australia, many YES species and communities YES have not been scientifically described and their resource NO requirements and conservation status are SINCLAIR KNIGHT MERZ unknown. In many cases the traditional knowledge held
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 41 PEOPLE AND THE BIOTA - IDENTITY
We already know that particular areas of the Moore Catchment have a high conservation value ...
Key areas of the conservation estate There are many more reserves, vested a good example. within the Moore Catchment include: with different authorities for various * Salmon gum and gimlet woodlands and purposes, and Crown Land throughout associated understorey species in the * Moore River National Park the catchment. The conservation value north and eastern parts of the catchment. * Watheroo National Park and subsequent management of these * Riparian vegetation fringing waterways * Mogumber Nature Reserve areas should be addressed. and wetlands throughout the catchment. * Marchagee Nature Reserve A number of important vegetation * Acacia shrublands showing a great * Pingarrega Nature Reserve associations also exist in the catchment, diversity of species in the upper Moore * Capamauro Nature Reserve and include: Catchment. * Buntine Nature Reserve * Heath vegetation communities located * Tuart stands located within secondary * Gilingarra Nature Reserve on rocky chert ridges between Carnamah dunes near the mouth of the Moore River. * Carot Well Road Nature Reserve and Moora. Cairn Hill north of Moora is
Entrance statement to the Watheroo National Park – heading west on the Watheroo Road.
Case Study — The Buntine–Marchagee catchment is an imporimporimportant site for natural divdival ersity rrersity ecoecoecovvverereryyy
A 140,000 hectare area in the northern agricultural zone between Dalwallinu and Coorow has become the fifth recovery catchment for natural diversity under the State Salinity Strategy. The Buntine–Marchagee catchment has been included following consultation with local landowners and catchment groups and has been endorsed by the Conservation Commission of WA and the State Salinity Council. The area has high biodiversity values, including 39 species of native plants listed on CALM’s priority flora list, and a range of mammals, reptiles and birds. The sand plain in the southern part of the catchment is crisscrossed by saline GETTING drainage lines often referred to as braided channels. Many of the saline streams, MOORE TO pans and samphire areas are naturally saline but other parts of the catchment are at risk of increased salinity because of rising watertables. THE POINT CALM will coordinate the preparation of a recovery plan for the catchment, in To preserve our biological identity we close consultation with the local land conservation district committees and catchment need to adopt a precautionary groups. approach and our actions need to be The overall focus of the recovery strategy will be on-the-ground work on private sensitive to our natural farmland. surroundings.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 42 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE BIOTA - IDENTITY Outcome 15 — Sensitivity
Sensitivity is about treading lightly … and discovering our biota is an unknown frontier.
Strategy 46 Promote cooperative inventory and monitoring programs for biodiversity in order to track the health of native species and to learn more about their resource requirements.
Strategy 47 Encourage the establishment and enhancement of strategic corridors, stepping stones and buffers to protect the viability of remnant patches of vegetation.
Strategy 48 Take a regional and partnership approach to weed, pest and disease management in order to use landowner and government resources efficiently.
Strategy 49 Increase the profile of high conservation areas and ecological communities throughout the catchment in order to involve as many stakeholders as possible in their protection.
Making a difference in the Moore Catchment
SEEDBANKS FIRST FOR GREENING AUSTRALIA A possible international first initiative was launched by scale or biological diversity represented by this project and Greening Australia (WA) at Wyening Mission and Winery at the success of this program will fuel the engines of ecological Calingiri this month. restoration for decades to come.’ The day marked Greening Australia’s $300,000 Wyening, in the Shire of Victoria Plains, was established commitment to the sustainable as a farming outpost in the 1870s by Bishop seedbanks project, which will Salvado, the founder of the Benedictine involve the establishment of seed community of New Norcia. It is now owned orchards across the State. by the Young family. Director of Kings Park and John Young said the seedbank site at Botanical Gardens Plant Science Dr Wyening was a demonstration site for Kingsley Dixon said the project was everyone. paramount at a time when some ‘We still have quite a bit of remnant areas of WA had only 2 per cent of vegetation on the property and we aim to have remaining bushland. a rabbit proof fence up this year. We will ‘WA, and the wheatbelt in Seed orchard in the Shire of Victoria Plains direct seed understorey plants next year in particular, now has some of the most endangered flora on small plots of each species.’ earth,’ he said. Greening Australia chief executive Wayne Grant said the ‘The seed resources to meet the challenges of rebuilding choice of venue was particularly poignant since a main factor overstorey and understorey in the wheatbelt can only be met in the winery’s closure in 1973 was the deteriorating quality by seed orcharding. of the vines under attack from salinity. ‘Equipping local communities with local seed orchards ‘Revegetation is a major weapon in the battle against found on sound genetic principles represents an outstanding salinity in this State but it cannot advance without adequate initiative. local plant seed stocks — our sustainable seedbanks project
‘Nowhere else are seed orchards being developed on the is an important initiative. Extract from The Countryman, 22 July 1999.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 43 PEOPLE AND THE ATMOSPHERE We are linked to the atmosphere through our survival. I. Our Survival
‘I havhav‘I e often heard people frfrd omomom by about 25 per cent. One can’t help to the MoorMoorthe e Catchment say that think that some issues are out of our ‘The atmosphere is unlikeunlikee any other ecosystem on they like rrthey eturning frfreturning om a visitvisitom hands. earearearth. It surrsurrth. ounds us and to PPto erererth “because the air is so Of greater concern to the person on the by virvirby tue of this, it touches much cleaner at home.”’ much cleaner at home.”’ land is the question ‘will the status quo all living things.’ stand and if not how do I respond and Australian Greenhouse Office The atmosphere is a globalglobalglobal adapt to change?’ envirenvirenvironmentonmentonment affecting every person and increased by 0.6°C during the 20th every living plant and animal. Human Routine monitoring by the Bureau of century. Australia warmed by 0.7°C from activities at a global scale have led to Meteorology is now showing ozone 1910-1999 with most of this increase stratospheric ozone loss and the depletion over the most populated parts occurring after 1950, and Western enhanced greenhouse effect (see figures of Australia all year round. Measurements Australia has become 25% drier in winter. on adjacent page). at Halley Bay in Antartica reveal that Climate modelling conducted by CSIRO, October ozone concentrations are now indicates moisture stress and drought will These phenomena have local relevance less than half what they were during the increase over time for the south-west of to the Moore Catchment. Ozone 1960’s. According to CSIRO’s Dr Paul Western Australia. For example, the depletion will influence the amount of Fraser ‘based on the maximum predicted average number of days over 35°C each DNA damaging radiation reaching the emissions of ozone depleting chemicals summer in Perth would rise from 15 at ground surface and the greenhouse allowed under the Montreal Protocol, it present to 16-22 by 2030 and 18-39 by effect will influence our climate. will be at least the year 2050 before the 2070. ozone layer recovers. Global warming It is difficult to generate local debate may further delay recovery by 10-20 Evaluating how atmospheric changes on the state of the atmosphere. In the years.’ impact on the Moore Catchment is vital: case of the ozone layer, Australia has first, to assess the region’s vulnerability completely phased out production of Australia, along with most other and secondly to enable the community to CFC’s and halons. Under the Montreal developed countries, did not meet the take proactive measures to cope with Protocol, developing countries have international target of reducing adverse changes and/or to take advantage until 2010. China is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels of beneficial changes. Opportunities do about 90 per cent of the world’s by 2000. Global concentrations of exist for rural areas - global carbon production of halon-1211 – Montreal greenhouse gases are certain to increase trading is becoming an economic Protocol calculations assumed that over coming decades, making some incentive to plant trees. halon-1211 had peaked in 1998 but in degree of climate change inevitable. actual fact emissions have since risen Global surface temperatures have already The need for adaptive responses to ultraviolet radiation and climate change is not widely accepted. As a consequence, there will be a range of institutional and behavioural barriers to overcome. Even on a personal level we are ignoring the warnings. Results from the most recent National Health Survey showed that only 54 per cent of the respondents always used some form of sun protection. GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT To improve our chances of survival in the long term we need to adjust to new atmospheric conditions. Clear skies in the Moore Catchment – a view from the North Miling Road
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 44 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT PEOPLE AND THE ATMOSPHERE - SURVIVAL
Damage to the Ozone Layer
Ozone gas molecules in the stratosphere are very important because they act as a protective shield. The ozone gas molecules absorb incoming ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun, preventing it from reaching the Earth’s surface. The natural balance of ozone has been disturbed by the production and emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs) and methyl bromide. These compounds, which attack and destroy ozone when exposed to sunlight, have been used as refrigerants, foam blowing agents, industrial cleaning solvents, fire retarding chemicals and pest fumigants.
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse gas molecules in the troposphere are very important because they act as a blanket. The greenhouse gas molecules absorb outgoing long-wave radiation emitted from the earth’s surface, heating the lower atmosphere. The amount of heat trapped in the atmosphere depends primarily on the concentration of greenhouse gases and the length of time they stay there. The primary heat trapping gas in the atmosphere is water vapour, but because its natural concentration in the atmosphere is relatively high, inputs of water vapour from human activity have little effect. However, the concentration of other greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are naturally small, so large inputs from human activity can have a substantial effect on the amount of heat trapped in the Source: Australian Greenhouse Office. atmosphere. Major sources of greenhouse gases include power generation, transport, mining, forestry and agriculture.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 45 PEOPLE AND THE ATMOSPHERE -SURVIVAL Outcome 16 — Adjustment
Adjustment is about adapting to a new environment … and discovering that change is inevitable.
Strategy 50 Raise awareness about the health risks associated with increasing ultraviolet radiation in order to encourage people working or recreating outdoors to take the necessary precautions.
Strategy 51 Encourage research towards identifying species or cultivars with broader environmental tolerances that could replace currently used crop and plantation species in order to reduce the region’s vulnerability to ultraviolet radiation and climate change.
Strategy 52 Support improvements in long-range weather forecasting in order to help agriculturalists incorporate climate change in their land use decisions.
Strategy 53 Consider how climate change may alter the boundaries of local vegetation communities in order to assess its overall impact on conservation efforts. Strategy 54 Encourage technical advancements in greenhouse gas abatement at the farm scale in order to provide farmers with economically viable management alternatives.
Making a difference in WWWestern Australiaaliaalia
Huge sea network urged to aid
predict the strength of rainfall events such as the weather forecasts Indian monsoon which influences winter rainfall Scientists want an ocean observing network in in southern Australia. University of Colorado the Indian Ocean to forecast changes in climate researcher Peter Webster — in Perth for the months before farmers, water managers and international conference, Oceans and Climate 2000 mariners in WA are affected. — called for international support for the network The system of free-floating and moored buoys off WA. measuring atmospheric changes, salinity and sea The conference, which has attracted about 800 surface temperatures would cover an area of more marine researches, was organised as part of the than 25 million square km. Indian Ocean Initiative set up in 1997 to focus on The system, backed by remote-controlled the decline of rainfall in the South-West. planes, would benefit about two third of the Professor Webster said that information from world’s population living along the Indian Ocean the new system, particularly in agriculture, would rim. allow farmers to change or rotate crops to the The network would be similar to one in the impact of approaching droughts or floods. Pacific which successfully predicted big changes Perth was viewed as an important staging area leading to the El Nino in 1997. for the entire Indian Ocean region. In the Indian Ocean, the network could help Extract from The West Australian, 15 November 2000. Extract from The West
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 46 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT THE WAY FORWARD T H E THETHE WWWAAAY FFY ORORORWWWARDARDARD The Way Forward
At some stage in our lives we have all sat around the kitchen meetings if he wanted to. He didn’t want that at the expense of table and discussed how to launch an idea. The discussions spending time with his family. have been with family members, neighbours and friends or with people that belong to the same organisation or community group. Volunteering has been declining nationally since the early 1980s It may have even been with the bank manager. and has recently fallen below 20 per cent. Longer and less predictable work hours and a fear of commitment amongst To stand up from the table, with an issue resolved or a clear baby boomers and younger generations are some of the path to follow, transfers a strong sense of accomplishment to explanations that have been put forward. the individuals involved. When the idea is turned into a tangible or visible outcome, the feeling is stronger again. There are signs at a local scale and on a political front that we are at a stage of reappraisal. The newly elected Western In comparison, sitting around the table and talking about Australian State Government is rationalising the way it services problems such as resource degradation and rural decline the community. An emphasis is being placed on establishing generates comments such as: clearer agency roles and at the same time removing duplication of effort. Similarly, the Commonwealth Government is ‘Stop tinkering around the edges’ proposing to remove double handling of funds by allocating ‘Start looking over the fence’ natural resource management grants directly to the regions. ‘Fast track decisions’ At a local level many Landcare groups are taking proactive ‘More pairs of hands’ steps to move beyond trees and fences — they are looking at ‘They didn’t ask our opinion’ sustainable options from both an economic and environmental ‘We weren’t told about that’ perspective. According to Calingiri farmer Steven Woods, alternative farming practices and enterprises are being trialled ‘Short term and restrictive funding’ by Landcare groups across the district. He believes that ‘Preaching to the converted’ integration is the key — linking traditional farming approaches ‘Get the handbrake off’ with new ideas from researchers, sharing information and avoiding reinventing the wheel. The discussion often leaves us feeling frustrated. The difficulty lies in the fact that the issues are much bigger than the individual. Another Calingiri farmer, Michelle Freeman, who is the driving Bigger means that the solutions are not clear-cut, global forces force involving city kids in revegetation, notes: ‘Many of us are usually at play, many people are involved and various groups have been quietly working away on our own properties, and levels of government have a stake in the outcome. replanting and fencing. Linking our activities and identifying how we can fit into the bigger picture makes a whole lot of In response to these big problems we have seen a proliferation sense.’ of community or interest groups and government programs. For instance, the target of 2000 Landcare groups in Australia by the The way forward hinges on building partnerships and new millennium was passed in 1994. Add to this the vast numbers making collaborative decisions. of Progress Associations, Agricultural Societies, Parents and Citizens Committees, Rotary Organisations, Lions Clubs, 1. Building partnerships in the Mooreee Mainstreet Committees — and the list gets bigger. CatchmentCatchmentCatchment
Similarly, on the government front, the Department of Commerce Focus: Networking, negotiation, strategic planning. and Trade now offers a ‘Community Wise Tool Kit’ to guide people through the myriad of state and federal government Case study: There are many cases where regional or catchment assistance programs on offer. groups are in a position to receive government funding but they are unable to implement the project effectively at a local Community groups and government programs have played an level. important role in the development of rural regions. The problem is there are fewer people available to take part in new initiatives, Two full-time positions have been funded to promote and at the moment the same faces are appearing on all the various sustainable land and water management options across the committees. entire Northern Agricultural Region. The positions are actually based in the Shire of Victoria Plains, however the partnership One farmer said he could be out every night of the week attending set up between the Shire of Victoria Plains, the Liebe Group,
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTINGGETTING MOOREMOORE TOTO THETHE POINTPOINT GETTINGGETTING MOOREMOORE TOTO THETHE POINTPOINT 47 THE WAY FORWARD The Way Forward THE WAY FORWARD
the regional natural resource management group (NAIMS), public, experts and politicians. Provides for consensual outcomes the State Salinity Council and the Natural Heritage Trust rather than antagonist responses. ensures the objectives are met across the region. Lesson: Effective public participation underpins the confidence of communities to deal with their problems collectively. There is less administration at a regional level, so NAIMS can focus on supporting local groups by securing funds and For each strategy contained in this document there is an streamlining projects. The partnership with the Liebe Group opportunity to decide on a set of realistic and community significantly expands the officer’s contact base. owned actions to implement it.
Benefits: Professional staff are attracted to country towns; The Moore Catchment Group will play an integral role in local capacity is built; information and resources are shared involving the wider community in making decisions that between groups. Lesson: Cost sharing underpins strong partnerships and boosts impact on the future of the region. public and private investment. Indicators of success
For each strategy contained in this document there is The Moore Catchment Group wishes to evaluate the success of an opportunity to build or cement a partnership in the this strategy in a meaningful way. Moore Catchment. The strategy is fundamentally about the way people interact with The Moore Catchment Group will play an integral role the environment. Assessments limited to physical indicators, in brokering partnerships in the region. such as nitrogen loads in the Moore River Estuary, will not capture the full intent of this document. 2. Making collaborativativative decisions in the Mooreee CatchmentCatchmentCatchment Assessing the success of this strategy is about evaluating the performance of people — the efforts of individuals, groups and Focus: Methods of public participation, connecting government to address priority issues. Stakeholders can relate disciplines. to indicators such as the number of genuine partnerships that have been created in the catchment and how many real actions Case study: Many issues in the community are discussed at have resulted from these partnerships. meetings, forums or conferences. Social and economic indicators are warranted in the assessment Despite having the opportunity to listen to different viewpoints of the success of the Moore Catchment strategy. There is certainly and debate the merits of those views, we often do not take the still a place for physical indicators, especially for ‘state of the next step and arrive at a collaborative decision. This severely environment’ reporting. dampens any plans for quick action. Building partnerships and making In natural resource management the problems are complex and often a trade-off between competing interests is needed. collaborative decisions leads to action. Science can and must inform the debate – but society must choose its own path forward.
A number of research organisations in Australia, including Land and Water Australia, the Australian National University and the Cooperative Research Centre for Weed Management Systems, are jointly researching the merits of alternative modes of public participation. These include consensus conferences, deliberative polls and citizen’s juries.
A citizen’s jury approach was applied to the management of a national park in Australia. The results showed that the method offered the potential to provide informed, deliberated public opinion on significant topical issues.
Benefits: Can be used to bridge the gap between the general Its in our hands.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 48 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT LIST OF STRATEGIES SSSTRATRATRATTTEGIESEGIESEGIES List of Strategies
People and the Landscape • Our Wellbeing • Pride Strategy 11 Strategy 1 Promote alternative and value-added agricultural and home- Raise awareness of our natural and cultural features in order to based enterprises that have positive economic, social and foster a sense of belonging in the Moore Catchment. environmental returns in order to encourage long-term diversification in the Moore Catchment. Strategy 2 Build leadership capacity and group skills within the community Strategy 12 so that ambitious and innovative projects are undertaken in the Acknowledge, harness and enhance the efforts and potential Moore Catchment. of local businesses and service providers to create opportunities within the Moore Catchment. Strategy 3 Find interesting ways to promote the Moore Catchment in order People and the Landscape • Our Home • Conservation to involve locals and attract people from outside the area. Strategy 13 Trial environment-friendly technologies in the Moore People and the Landscape • Our Wellbeing • Cohesion Catchment in order to encourage future investment in Strategy 4 sustainable resource use. Facilitate open lines of communication in order to provide avenues for expressing the diversity of interests in the Moore Strategy 14 Catchment. Engage households, businesses and industry in source reduction practices in order to lessen the impact of the Moore Catchment Strategy 5 community on the environment. Support families in their nurturing and educating roles in order to recognise how important they are to the social fabric of the Strategy 15 Moore Catchment. Find practical ways to overcome the barriers for recycling, reuse and cleaner production in order to fix leaks in the human Strategy 6 consumption chain.. Coordinate government policies, programs and agencies operating in the Moore Catchment to increase efficiency and People and the Soil • Our Livelihood • Acceptance achieve outcomes desired by the community. Strategy 16 Emphasise the urgent need for conserving soil resources that People and the Landscape • Our Wellbeing • Participation will not be affected by salinity in order to safeguard a profitable Strategy 7 and sustainable agricultural industry in the Moore Catchment. Promote images of neighbours and groups taking action to improve the Moore Catchment in order to encourage greater Strategy 17 community involvement. Communicate that in some cases dryland salinity will not be reversible in the Moore Catchment so that rural adjustment Strategy 8 networks are put in place now. Actively harness the skills and resources already available in the Moore Catchment in order to develop self-reliance and Strategy 18 continuity. Ensure that the investment of public resources in salinity recovery, containment and adaptation in the Moore Catchment Strategy 9 are made on realistic bases and address true management Give greater recognition to the voluntary contributions of priorities so that the investment is effective. community leaders and representatives in the Moore Catchment so that the associated costs to family, work and leisure time are People and the Soil • Our Livelihood • Collaboration acknowledged. Strategy 19 People and the Landscape • Our Wellbeing • Commitment Collaborate with landholders to monitor soil condition and Strategy 10 related inputs and outputs in order to provide essential data Focus on opportunities that benefit everyone from seniors to for identifying areas at risk of land degradation and assessing young people in order to build a stronger and healthier community. various treatments.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 49 LIST OF STRATEGIES Strategies STRATEGIES
Strategy 20 Strategy 29 Encourage strategic alliances or partnerships between Landcare Maintain agency and public awareness of flood warning and groups, production groups and government in order to develop emergency responses in order to overcome complacency and specific enterprise packages that farmers will adopt and that the problems associated with the turnover of staff and residents generate environmental benefits. in flood prone areas.
Strategy 21 Strategy 30 Build new business opportunities from saline land in order to Utilise land use planning and advisory tools to encourage find innovative and profitable ways of living with salt in the development outside the 1 in 100 year flood level of the entire Moore Catchment Moore River and its tributaries in order to decrease the potential for future flood damage in all parts of the catchment. People and Water Supplies • Our Health • Protection Strategy 22 Strategy 31 Communicate the critical importance of high quality Explore avenues for funding flood mitigation works in order to groundwater for town water supplies in order to gain share the costs equitably and reduce existing anxiety and future government and community support for reducing and social disruption to the community. eliminating contamination risks. People and Waterways • Our Pathway • Recovery Strategy 23 Strategy 32 Develop government/industry partnerships for land uses that have the potential to adversely impact on the quality of Prioritise the Moore River and its tributaries into sections of groundwater supplies in the Moore Catchment so that best intact, recovering or degraded reaches in order to help river management practices can be more widely communicated and managers prioritise and cost out river rehabilitation efforts. implemented. Strategy 33 People and Water Supplies • Our Development • Allocation Explore avenues for providing landowners with funding assistance Strategy 24 for river and tributary rehabilitation so that works can be designed Encourage efficiency in water use through improvements to and implemented within a catchment framework. methods of agriculture and irrigation in order to increase land use options in the Moore Catchment. Strategy 34 Recognise and promote the traditional, historic and Strategy 25 contemporary associations that the community has with the Determine the water requirements for environmental features Moore River and its tributaries in order to foster a caretaker in the Moore Catchment in order to refine surface and ethic towards the region’s waterways. groundwater allocation limits. People and Waterways • Our Playground • Enhancement Strategy 26 Strategy 35 Establish and maintain a bore and river monitoring network in order to quantify the risk of saline water from the Moore River Promote the natural beauty and ecological functions of the various contaminating the coastal and Perth Basin aquifers. waterways in the catchment so that people see waterways as more than just a drain or channel. Strategy 27 Strategy 36 Position abstraction bores at a sufficient distance from waterways to prevent saline river water being drawn into the Support and expand the existing water quality monitoring bores and to maintain the discharge of fresh groundwater into program in order to establish targets and incentives to reduce the waterway. nutrient losses from specific sub-catchments.
People and the Floodplain • Our Security • Mitigation Strategy 37 Strategy 28 Demonstrate and promote how different land uses positively Maintain an effective flood forecasting system in the catchment and negatively impact on the region’s waterways so that sensitive in order to give people living in flood prone areas adequate land use planning and management are central to future time to initiate emergency procedures. decisions.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 50 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT LIST OF STRATEGIES SSSTRATRATRATTTEGIESEGIESEGIES Strategies
Strategy 38 Strategy 47 Redesign existing recreational sites and facilities so that they Encourage the establishment and enhancement of strategic protect the local environment and at the same time improve the corridors, stepping stones and buffers to protect the viability social and economic potential of waterways in the region. of remnant patches of vegetation.
People and the Ocean • Our Backyard • Investigation Strategy 48 Strategy 39 Take a regional and partnership approach to weed, pest and disease management in order to use landowner and government Collaborate with research institutions to assess the state of the resources efficiently. marine environment offshore from the Moore River Estuary so that a benchmark exists for monitoring change. Strategy 49 Strategy 40 Increase the profile of high conservation areas and ecological communities throughout the catchment in order to involve as Address any land-sourced pollution problems on a catchment many stakeholders as possible in their protection. basis in order to communicate best land and water management practices and develop consistent performance targets for industry, People and the Atmosphere • Our Survival • Adjustment the community and government authorities. Strategy 50 Strategy 41 Raise awareness about the health risks associated with increasing ultraviolet radiation in order to encourage people Take responsibility for improving the quality of stormwater working or recreating outdoors to take the necessary running off the catchment after large rainfall events in order to precautions. reduce the flush of nutrients and sediments to the marine environment. Strategy 51 Encourage research towards identifying species or cultivars with People and the Biota • Our Senses • Investment broader environmental tolerances that could replace currently Strategy 42 used crop and plantation species in order to reduce the region’s Provide opportunities for people to learn and enjoy their natural vulnerability to ultraviolet radiation and climate change. surroundings to build an understanding of the intrinsic values of biodiversity. Strategy 52 Support improvements in long-range weather forecasting in Strategy 43 order to help agriculturalists incorporate climate change in Communicate that biodiversity losses in soil microorganisms, their land use decisions. pollinators and other species are counter-productive to enhancing agricultural productivity so that efforts are directed towards Strategy 53 mimicking and preserving ecological functions in the landscape. Consider how climate change may alter the boundaries of local vegetation communities in order to assess its overall impact Strategy 44 on conservation efforts. Balance the exploitation and preservation of biological resources in the Moore Catchment to ensure that options for the future Strategy 54 are not compromised. Encourage technical advancements in greenhouse gas abatement at the farm scale in order to provide farmers with Strategy 45 economically viable management alternatives. Support local projects developing the commercial potential of our biodiversity in order to harness the catchment’s intellectual property and increase returns to the community.
People and the Biota • Our Identity • Sensitivity Strategy 46 Promote cooperative inventory and monitoring programs for biodiversity in order to track the health of native species and to learn more about their resource requirements.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 51 REFERENCES References REFERENCES Reports: —— 1996, Australia: State of the Environment 1996, Report to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment by the State Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia of the Environment Advisory Council, CSIRO Publishing, and New Zealand/Australian and New Zealand Environment Commonwealth of Australia. and Conservation Council 1996, National Principles for the Provision for Water for Ecosystems, Occasional Paper SWR Ecosystem Management Services 2000, Lower Moore River No 3. Action Plan, Report to the Guilderton Community Association, Shire of Gingin, Western Australia. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council 1992, Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh Environmental Protection Authority 1993, Red Book: Status and Marine Waters, Australian Capital Territory. Report on the Implementation of Conservation Reserves for Western Australia as Recommended by the Environmental Agriculture Western Australia 2000, Statistical Overview 1996/ Protection Authority, Environmental Protection Authority, Perth, 97: Northern Agricultural Sustainable Rural Development Western Australia. Region, Miscellaneous Report. Gutteridge Haskins and Davey Pty Ltd 2000, Moore River Flood Australian Bureau of Statistics 1997, National Health Survey Review, Bidaminna Area, Consultant’s report to the Water and 1995: Summary Results, Commonwealth of Australia. Rivers Commission, Perth, Western Australia.
—— 1998, 1999, 2000, Environmental Issues: People’s Views Government of Western Australia 2000, Final Report of the and Practices, Commonwealth of Australia. Native Vegetation Working Group, Native Vegetation Working Group, Perth, Western Australia. —— 1999, Population by Age and Sex: Western Australia, Commonwealth of Australia. —— 1998, State of the Environment Report, Western Australia, Report to the Minister for the Environment by the State of the Barret, G 2000, Birds on Farms: Ecological Management for Environment Reference Group, Perth, Western Australia. Agricultural Sustainability, Report compiled for Birds Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. —— 1998b, A Framework for Floodplain Management in Western Australia With a Focus on Carnarvon, Report of the Bellette, K and Ockenden, A 1997, Stormwater Pollution Ministerial Taskforce into Floodplain Management to the Minister Prevention: Code of Practice for the Community, Environment for Water Resources, Perth, Western Australia. Protection Authority and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Adelaide, South Australia. Griffin, EA and Keighery, BJ 1989, Moore River to Jurien Sandplain Survey, Western Australia Wildflower Society, Perth, Black, J 2000, How People Use the Moore River Estuary for Western Australia. Recreation, Report to the Community, Water and Rivers Commission, Perth, Western Australia. Grimes, S and Elliot I 1998, A History of Change: The Mouth of the Moore River, Western Australia, Report to the Water and Blamey, RK, James, RF, Smith, R and Niemeyer, S 2000, Citizen Rivers Commission by the University of Western Australia, Perth, Juries and Environmental Value Assessment, Australian Western Australia. National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Institution of Engineers 1998, Large Timber Structures in Western Clement, J and Bennett, M 1998, The Law of Landcare in Australia: Railway Bridges, The Engineering Heritage Panel, Western Australia, Environmental Defender’s Office, Perth, Perth, Western Australia. Western Australia. Johnson, SL 2000, Hydrogeological Assessment of the Perennial Department of Conservation and Land Management 2000, Brooks on the Dandaragan Plateau, Water and Rivers Indicative Management Plan for the Proposed Jurien Bay Marine Commission, Hydrogeology Report No 180. Park, Marine Conservation Branch, Perth, Western Australia. Lefroy and Hobbs, RJ 1998, Agriculture as a Mimic of Natural Department of Environment Sport and Territories 1994, Ecosystems, Workshop Report for the Joint Venture Agroforestry Australia’s Biodiversity: An Overview of Selected Significant Program, Rural Industries Research and Development Components, Biodiversity Series, Paper No 2. Corporation, Publication No 98/66.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 52 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT REFERENCES REFREFREFERENCESERENCESERENCES References
Morgan, D, Howard, G and Cole, N 2000, The Fish Fauna of Gingin Groundwater Area in the Period Prior to the Approval the Moore River Catchment, Report to the Water and Rivers of the Revised Allocation Plan, Report for the Water Resources Commission by Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia. Allocation Committee, Water and Rivers Commission, Perth, Western Australia. Murdoch University 1990, Draft Management Proposal for Wetlands in the Gingin Shire, Report to the Shire of Gingin by Water Authority of Western Australia 1993, Gingin Groundwater Students of N319: Environmental Management, Environmental Area Management Plan, Report No WG 160. Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia. Water Studies Pty Ltd 2000, Moora Flood Management Study, Robertson, A and Watts, R 1999, Preserving Rural Australia: Consultant’s report to the Water and Rivers Commission, Perth, Issues and Solutions, CSIRO Publishing, Commonwealth of Western Australia. Australia. Journal Articles: Safriel, UN 2000, Recommendations to the Moore Catchment Group Following a Visit to Western Australia, 26 July to 4 August Anonymous, ‘Australian Landcare’, Australian Farm Journal, 2000, Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Sede Boqer March 2001, pp. 32–35, Campus, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
Short, R and McConnell, C 2001, Extent and Impacts of Dryland Anonymous, ‘Linking Action in WA’s Victoria Plains’, Journal Salinity: Western Australia, Agriculture Western Australia, of the Natural Heritage Trust, 1999, p. 6. Resource Management Technical Report 202. Books: Sinclair Kight Merz (in press), Impact Assessment and Management of Drainage Water Discharge to Lakes in the Moore de Burgh, WJ 1976, Neergabby: A History of the Moore River River Catchment, Consultant’s report to the Water and Rivers and Lower Gingin Brook, 1830 to 1960, Shire of Gingin, Western Commission, Perth, Western Australia. Australia.
Stafstrom, R 1999, The Current State of Biodiversity in the Avon Laurie, M 1995, Tracks Through the Midlands, Shire of Moora, River Basin, Consultant’s report to the Avon Working Group, Western Australia. Northam, Western Australia. Powell, JM 1998, Watering the Western Third: Water, Land and Water and Rivers Commission 1997, Moore River Flood Community in Western Australia, 1826–1998, Water and Rivers Management Plan: Bidaminna, Water and Rivers Commission, Commission, Perth, Western Australia. Water Resource Management Series No WRM 7. Conference Proceedings: —— 1997b, Water Source Protection Plans for Gingin, Guilderton, Lancelin and Seabird, Water and Rivers Commission, Landcare Conference, Where Community Counts, 8-10 Water Resource Protection Series No’s. WRP 2–4, 6. September 1999, Esperance, Western Australia.
—— 1998, Algal Blooms, Water and Rivers Commission, Water Pannell, D 2001, Dryland Salinity: Inevitable, Inequitable, Facts No 6. Intractable, Presidential Address, AARES Conference 2001, Adelaide, South Australia. —— 1999, Water Source Protection Plans for Calingiri, Moora, New Norcia,Watheroo and Yerecoin, Water and Rivers Rural Revival Conference, 29–31 August 2000, Berri Resort Commission, Water Resource Protection Series No’s. WRP 13, 16, 19, 20, 21. Hotel, Riverland, South Australia.
—— 2000, Hydrodynamics of the Moore River Estuary: Water Brochures: Quality Sampling, Summary Report to the Community. Department of Conservation and Land Management date —— 2000b, Managing the Groundwater Resources of the unknown, ‘FloraBase’.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 53 References Acknowledgments
Northern Sandplains Dieback Working Party 1992, ‘Dieback My sincere appreciation is extended to the Water and Rivers in the Northern Sandplains: Results and recommendations from Commission and the Natural Heritage Trust for giving me the a regional survey’. opportunity to work directly with the Moore Catchment Group to develop a strategic plan for natural resource management in Shire of Moora 2000, ‘Moora’s flood management strategies’. the catchment.
Newsletters: The project has delivered what it set out to achieve: a strategy document that will get people moving in the same direction and towards Australian Greenhouse Office 2001, Greenhouse News, the same end point — towards a sustainable way of life in the Moore Autumn 2001, pp. 9 – 11. Catchment. Every component of the strategy embraces the Moore Catchment Group’s vision of building stronger links between people, Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology 2000, the economy and the environment. Catchword, October 2000, p. 5. In the year of the volunteer, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of CSIRO 1999, Land and Water Link, CSIRO Land and Water all the community representatives on the Moore Catchment Group. News, No 4, August 1999. Thank you Michael Anspach, Brian Cahill, Elizabeth Eaton (strategy subcommittee), Fiona Falconer, Roger Forte (strategy subcommittee), Land and Water Australia 2001, River and Riparian Lands Harry James, Barry Johnson, Bill Lullfitz, Cynthia McMorran, Helen Management Newsletter, No 18, pp. 3–5. and John Nankivell, Jim Ovens, Dahlia Richardson and Harry White.
Land and Water Resources Research and Development The assistance of local government authorities and state government Corporation 1999, River and Riparian Lands Management agencies is appreciated. Thank you Richard Boykett (Operations Newsletter, No 12, pp. 11–13. Officer, Department of Conservation and Land Management), John Braid (Coast and Clean Seas Coordinator, Ministry for Planning), Magazine articles: Robyn Cail (Liebe Group), Jason Carter (Project Coordinator for Improving Surface Water Management in the Upper Moore Catchment, Hope, D 2000, ‘The Bottom Line’, The Australian Magazine, Moore Catchment Group), Nancy Gannaway (Development Officer, 6–7 May, pp. 29–35. Agriculture Western Australia), Alexandra Gartmann (Community Landcare Coordinator, Shire of Victoria Plains), Jill Kerby (Leader, Newspaper articles: Mt Lofty Ranges Catchment Program, South Australia), Ann Maree O’Callaghan (Regional Bushcare Facilitator, Department of Conservation and Land Management), Sean O’Loughlin (Water Farmers Weekly, 15 February 2001, ‘Lime holds key in soil acid Corporation), Jason Menzies (Promotions Manager, Oil Mallee battle’, p. 11. Association), Duncan Peter (Senior Development Officer, Agriculture Western Australia) and Peter Stubbs (Chief Executive Officer, Shire The Australian, 31 January 2000, ‘Promise of hope on a track of Moora). winding back’, pp. 6–7. A number of people in the Water and Rivers Commission have provided The Sunday Times, 11 March 2001, ‘Fastest dying town in Oz’, integral information and advice for the strategy. Thank you Rick p. 5. Bretnall, Marion Burchell, Eugene Chee, Phil Commander, Misha Cousins, Verity Klemm, Syl Kubicki (strategy subcommittee), Peter The Weekend Australian, 15–16 April 2000, ‘Salt ‘n’ science’, Muirden, Luke Pen, Ron Shepherd (strategy subcommittee), Louise Review, p. 8. Stelfox and Matt Viscovich. I would also like to recognise the high level of professionalism displayed by Tara McGovern from Brown Cow The Weekend Australian, 24 –25 February 2001, ‘The time for Design. discussion is over’ pp. 6–7. A special thanks to everyone who gave me support above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you Pop for the photographs, Mum for your company on field trips, Dad for your guidance on strategic planning and Georgina for your words of encouragement.
Strategy author, Jonelle Black.
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 54 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT Dedication to Syl Kubicki, District Leader, Water and Rivers Commission who passed away suddenly on 9 March 2001. On his last day at work he finished reviewing this strategy.
People can come into your life for a reason, season or lifetime.
When someone is in your life for a reason it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realise is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
Anon
PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT 55 THE WAYTHE FORWARD WAY FORWARD Do you live in the Moore Catchment?
Symbols Catchment Boundary Shire Administration Centres Highways and Major Roads Tracks Rivers Main Channel Secondaryback Channel cover Tertiary Channel
Lake Swamp
‘I think … knowing the community and being involved in the community makes you belong.’ Michael Anspach, Moore Catchment Group
If you are interested in progressing the strategies contained in this document please approach your local PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE MOORE CATCHMENT GROUP GETTINGMoore CatchmentMOORE Group TO member. THE Up POINT to date contact details are held at each Shire office. 56 GETTING MOORE TO THE POINT