VICTORiA, 1980 SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY THIRTIETH ANNUAL REPORT FINANCIAL YEAR 1978-79 PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT PURSUANT TO ACT No. 6372 By Authority.· F. D. ATKINSON, GOVERNME\J"T PR IN TER. MELBOURNt: No. COVER PICTURE In the preparation of land for some practtces are known to reduce soil erosion better than others. The Soil Conservation Authority is examimng a number of such croppmg practices, mciuding the use of minimum tillage and the modification of the fallowtng process. When tested, the results of the investigation will be communtcated to farmers. lt is m ways such as /his that the Soil Conservation Authonty has contributed to the agncultural producltvity and conservatron of Victoria's sotls during a period of almost thirty years Chairman: A. MITCHELL, M.Agr.Sc., D.DA Deputy Chairman: D. N. CAHILL, B.Agr.Sc., Dip.Ag.Ex. Member: J. S. GILMORE The principal objective of the Authority Is to achieve the adoption of soli-conserving land use practices by all/and users In the State. Specific alms are: • To achieve correct systems of land use and management on all land In the State so there Is neither loss of soU nor Its fertility. • To control erosion and reclaim eroded land. • To ensure correct land use In water supply catchments, with the object of protecting water quality and maintaining sustained yield. • To provide a service to /andholders which w/11 ensure the efficient utilisation of "on farm" water resources In areas outside designated Irrigation areas. • To promote community awareness of the need for sol/ conser­ vation. • To provide advice and co-ordinate the policies and activities of government departments and public authorities on the alienation, occupation, care and use of Crown lands, to ensure that soli erosion does not occur. • To control shallow extraction of soli, sand and gravel, to ensure soli protection during and after extraction. CONTENTS Page 1 INTRODUCTION REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES 3 The Minister 3 The Authority 3 Standing Committee on Soil Conservation 4 Visits Overseas and Interstate 5 Visitors from Overseas and Interstate 6 District Advisory Committees 6 Group Conservation Areas and Conservation Projects 6 Special Projects 8 Grants to Landholders and Shires 8 Soil and Water Conservation Loans 8 Farm Water Supplies 8 Conservation Engineering 8 Extension Activities 11 Commonwealth Extension Services Grant Funds 12 Assistance to Other Organisations 13 Extractive Industries 13 Conservation of Coastal Foreshores 14 Water Supply Catchments 14 Land Studies 16 Land Capability 18 Hydrology 20 Investigations into Dryland Salting 22 Cropping Management 22 Management of Native Pastures 23 Alpine Activities 24 Soil Erodibility 24 Land Disturbance 25 Publications and Information 27 Administration 27 Staff Development 28 Accommodation 28 Library 28 Finance 29 Statement of Expenditure and Income APPENDICES 31 A. Table 1.: Summary of Main Advisory Activities 32 B. Table 11.: Summary of Main Works Completed (including all Projects)- 1978-79 33 C. Table Ill.: Water Supply Catchments Proclaimed Under Provisions of Soil Conservation and Land Utilization Act 1958 35 D. Table IV.: Water Supply Catchments-Land Use Determinations and Land Use Notices Made by Soil Conservation Authority 36 E. Staff-Numbers, Distribution and Function 37 F. District Advisory Committees SOIL CONSERVATION AUTHORITY THIRTIETH ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1979 Under the provisions of the Soil Conservation and Land Uttlization Act 1958 No. 6372, the Soil Conservation Authority has the honour to present to Parliament its Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 1979. BENCHMARK REPORT The 27 of February 1979, was a day of some significance for soil conservation in Australia. On that day the summary report of the Commonwealth-States Collaborative Soil Conservation Study, entitled "A Basis for Soil Conservation Policy in Australia" was tabled in Federal Parliament and received the support of all parties. Subsequently the report was tabled in most State Parliaments. This comprehensive study, undertaken during 1975-1977, revealed for the first time the full extent of soil erosion and land degradation throughout the Nation. it also put forward practical recommendations which would ensure their treatment The report estimated that $675 million. at 1975 values, would be required for capital works to treat existing soil erosion problems in Australia. For Victoria, the cost was estimated to be $122 million. Of this amount, $50 million would be required over the next decade, in situations where there would be irreversible damage to the land resource or serious off-site effects if action is not taken. There are two significant things about the report The first is that it does more than catalogue problems-it also seeks solutions. These are contained in thirty-two important recommendations addressed to Commonwealth, State and Local governments. There is an embracive recommendation that "soil conservation activity in Australia be intensified and extended and better integrated with policies for rural areas and planning for coastal, urban, recreational and mining areas". But perhaps one of the most important recommendations is one which recommends the provision of financial assistance by the Commonwealth to the States for approved projects. The acceptance of this recommendation would be a landmark. lt would be a Federal acknowledgement that the well-being of the Nation, as well as that of the constituent States, is inextricably bound up with the fate of its primary resource-the soiL THE ECONOMICS OF SOIL CONSERVATION One of the fourteen volumes of the Collaborative Soil Conservation Study is a detailed economic evaluation of the Eppalock Catchment Soil Conservation Project in Victoria. The project was commenced in 1960 and completed in 1975 at a cost of $1.2 million. The project formed the prototype of the Authority's Group Conservation Area approach. lt was planned and administered by the Authority, which provided technical and other assistance, including the construction of soil conservation works. to 373 landholders over an area of 827 square· kilometres. The economic study shows that the project gave an internal rate of return of 25.4%, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.0 (using an 8% discount rate). The quantifiable benefits are increased stock-carrying capacity, reduced siltation of Lake Eppalock with consequent protection of the storage capacity and water quality, and reduced road maintenance. Unquantified benefits include flood mitigation" and a reduction in the spread of gully erosion and in the rate of soil and fertility loss. The results strow that soil conservation can pay: the Eppalock Catchment Project was a very sound investment not only for catchment landholders but for the community as a whole. 2 REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES The Minister In April 1 979. the Authority, accom­ panied by members of the Public Service Following the elections in May and re­ Board. made a comprehensive inspection allocation of portfolios of the Cabinet. the of SCA works and projects throughout Honourable W. A. Borthwick, M.P., Minister north-central Victoria. Subsequently, in for Conservation for nine years. became June, Board members inspected the Minister for Health. The Authority wishes to offices at Box Hill and Kew and met Head record its appreciation of the considerable Office staff. help given and understanding shown by the Honourable W. A. Borthwick during his term The Authority expresses its apprecia­ of office. A warm welcome is extended to tion for the loyal and dedicated service our new Minister, the Honourable Vasey given by its staff throughout the year. Houghton, M.L.C. Standing Committee on The Authority Soil Conservation The Chairman of the Authority, Mr A. The fortieth meeting of the Standing Mitchell, serves as a member on a number Committee on Soil Conservation, held in of State instrumentalities. He is Deputy Adelaide, between 25 and 29 September Chairman of the Land Conservation 1978. included inspection of soil conserva­ Council, a member of the Environment tion problems and activities on the west Protection Council, a member of the State coast of South Australia. One of the main Co-ordination Council and is the Victorian items considered was the Collaborative representative of the Standing Committee Commonwealth-States Soil Conservation on Soil Conservation. He is also Chairman Study The Committee also expressed its of the Thomson Stage Ill Committee and concern about the lack of specific convenor of the North-East Alpine Areas Commonwealth funds for urgent soil Working Group conservation works. A working party was Mr D. N. Cahill is Deputy Chairman of formed to establish the terms of reference the Authority. His responsibilities include for a National Soil and Land Resources soil conservation and erosion-control Survey Committee. programs, land capability investigations By invitation, Mr Mitchell attended a and extractive industry controls. He meeting in Sydney of the Standing represents the Authority on the Coastal Committee on Agriculture. during August Management and Co-ordination Comm­ 1978, where resolutions of the thirty-ninth ittee, the Extractive Activities Co-ordination meeting of the Standing Committee on Soil Committee and the Flood Plain and River Conservation were considered. Sub­ Management Committee of the River sequently, the Australian. Agricultural Murray Commission. Council endorsed the recommendations Mr J. S. Gilmore, Member. has and comments made by the Standing responsibilities which include the super­