Department of Sustainability and Environment Department of Primary Industries This project is funded as part of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority Regional Catchment Strategy in the Shepparton Irrigation Region and is provided with support and funding from the Australian Government and Victorian Government through the National Action Plan for salinity and water quality and the Natural Heritage Trust. This project is delivered through partnerships between the Department of Primary Industries, Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water.
Published by: Catchment and Agricultural Services Department of Primary Industries Tatura 2004
© Copyright State of Victoria 2004
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
Authorised and Printed by: Department of Primary Industries Ferguson Road, Tatura.
ISBN 1 74146 202 9
Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
For more information about DPI visit the website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Acknowledgments: Stories written by SIL-GB staff, Compiled by Kym Ockerby and Raechel Ballinger.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 2 Introduction
The aim of the story approach in the Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken (SIL-GB) Team is to implement the use of stories as a sharing and evaluation tool within the team. The idea was adopted at the Sustainable Irrigation And Land Management (now SIL- GB) Team Workshop in Moama in 2001. The story approach was adapted for the team by utilising Target 10’s story sharing. The Target 10 dairy extension project has been using a story format since May 1998.
The story approach promotes sharing of experiences, whether positive or negative within the SIL-GB Team. This approach is also an opportunity for individual team members to write down their personal experiences/learnings.
There are no specific topics for the stories. Each time a member of the SIL-GB team has a farm visit, talks to a group, attends a meeting or participates in a training session, there is an experience that could be shared!!
This year the stories were categorised into Domains of Change. Domains of Change are broad ‘categories’ which indicate some sort of change. The four Domains were decided upon by utilising Target 10’s categories and adapting them to suit the work the SIL-GB Team does and the SIL-GB Vision. These Domains of Change are deliberately not too specific as it is up to the author to interpret what they feel is the change and which category (as listed below) it belongs in.
• Changes in landowner or community attitudes • Changes in land/water/environmental/economic or social management • Changes in the way we operate • Any other changes
Stories collated over 2003-2004 range in topics such as personal growth, changes in landowner attitude and changes in team operations.
Please enjoy reading these informative and insightful stories and thank you to team members for sharing their experiences.
Happy reading!!
Kym Ockerby Story Champion of the SIL-GB Team
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 3 Contents
• Introduction 3
• Changes Coming from Within 5 & 6
• Evaporation basins – are they as bad as people think? 7 & 8
• Mamma Mia and Saltwatch 9 & 10
• The Nanneella and District Rural Information Kit 11 & 12
• A presentation at ANCID, how scary!! 13 & 14
• Community Surface Water Management Program Portfolios 15 & 16 – A change in the way we operate
• “The Block!” 17 & 18
• “The Block Part 2” The next chapter 19 & 20
• Lifestyle Improvement through Whole Farm Planning 21 & 22
• The Farm Team visits projects in the Corangamite Catchment 23 & 24 Management Authority area
• The Cornella Local Area Plan self promotion 25 & 26
• Focusing on Outcomes and Managing Stakeholders Expectations: 27 & 28 lesson learned from the review of the Whole Farm Plan program • The Showdown: Bally Vs Public Speaking 29
• Babblers Promote Environmental Stewardship 30 & 31
• A Sunny Trip 32 - 35
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 4 Changes Coming from Within
Name of person recording the story : Rabi Maskey
Who was involved in the story : A landowner from Katamatite
When did this story happen? March 2003
Domain Of Change: Changes in landowner or community attitudes
What happened? This story is about a landowner, Daryl Lukies, who has been on a property at Katamatite for the last 25-30 years. He has decided to prepare a whole farm plan this year and thinks that it is never too late to prepare one. He said, “Now I could clearly see a link between preparing a whole farm plan and an efficient use of water”.
I remember meeting Daryl before this recent discussion with him. He was present at a meeting when I was discussing a whole farm plan with another landowner, who happens to be his son. At that time, I remember that Daryl was actively asking questions on different aspects of the plan. It is never too late “I am really impressed with the whole farm plan that my son to prepare a whole prepared”, Daryl told me. He told me that his son is using his farm plan – a view plan not only for his channels and drainage construction but from a landowner. also using to manage the whole of his property.
Daryl told me that he use to be a landform / laser grader for the last several years. He has lasered some parts of his farm without preparing a whole farm plan. “At that time I was looking at the farm in bit and pieces”, Daryl told me. “I was doing the lasering as resources became available and never thought of linking it as a whole farm”.
“Now I would like to see how my lasered paddocks will fit with the rest of the farm during the process of developing this whole farm plan”, he told me. Daryl also told me that he is looking forward to his whole farm plan and would then be interested in accessing an incentive for the reuse system after that.
“I thought that I knew everything on my farm and never needed a whole farm plan until I saw my son using his plan to manage his whole property”. Daryl thinks that it is never too late to start one for his own property and feels that he is moving in a right direction.
Why do you think this is a significant change? This story identifies the changes that the landowner went through in relation to his belief, attitude and behaviour. These changes, in this case, didn’t come from a change agent, but from getting exposure from another farmer, who he can relate to. People adopt change by What difference has it made already? looking and learning from The interesting aspects from this story are the changes in others who are similar to a landowner’s attitude towards whole farm planning, and them – an old and reliable mantra of extension.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 5 an appreciation from a landowner as to what changes are needed to make him adopt a whole farm.
What difference will the change make in the future? The landowner will be using his whole farm plan to manage his irrigation and other resources in the farm. He will be installing a reuse system and will be recycling it to its full potential.
This story also strengthens our belief that people usually change by looking and learning from others who are similar to them.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? The main aim of GB Regional Catchment is to manage irrigation water efficiently on farm. Landowners coming from the status quo and implementing some of the programs promoted by the GBRC are significant achievements in the catchment.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 6 Evaporation basins – are they as bad as people think?
Name of person recording the Story : Terence Batey
Who was involved in the story? Frank Taylor (landowner); Terence Batey (groundwater officer)
When did this story happen? early 1980’s up until the present day
Date of narration: February 2003
Domain Of Change: Changes in landowner or community attitudes
What happened? In 1981, groundwater pumping from shallow aquifers, with off-farm disposal, to provide salinity control to a group of properties began near Girgarre in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria. The local community pushed very hard for groundwater pumping to control high watertables. However, the groundwater salinity limited salt export and a community evaporation basin was proposed. Frank Taylor, who has been a part of the Girgarre Salinity Control Project since its inception, remembers the “salt was coming up the bays at 2 metres per month and it left a white tinge on the soil. We tried mole drains, tall wheat grass, fescues, gypsum and strawberry clover with no luck”.
Groundwater pumping with an evaporation basin is now seen as the saviour for farming in the area. Frank recalls how “after about 12 months of the pumps being installed new growth was apparent in areas previously salt affected”. Complimenting new pasture growth, Frank and his family planted out some 3000 trees that have grown 1-1.5 metres per year. “In the mid eighties we lost all out trees from high watertables but now we have recovered all our land” Frank says. In addition, Frank has won 1 st prize at the Royal Melbourne Show for clover hay and oats and peas from land that was previously barren.
Why do you think this is a significant change? Frank openly admits that he was a bit sceptical about having an evaporation basin near his property but fully realises that “if we didn’t have the basin we wouldn’t be here now”. The authors experience with trying to generate community interest in farm evaporation basins as part of the Mt. Scobie pilot site, highlighted community uncertainty about evaporation basins – we don’t want one near our place….if we have one then it’s saying to the world we have a salinity problem…it smells….it will lower our land value - are all common responses from people. Frank is one of the few people in the region to have been a part of a project that has been running for more than 20 years and included disposal of saline groundwater to an evaporation basin. If anyone was going to say an evaporation basin had a negative impact upon his farm and livelihood then it would be Frank Taylor, but this is not the case!
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 7 What difference has it made already? The evaporation basin, with its large body of water has attracted a huge range of birdlife into the area. “Sometimes more than 300 swans, heaps of ducks and other water birds and protected wildlife are present at the one time” says Frank. Much of the perceived negatives for evaporation basins revolve around land values and more importantly the question “ What impact does an evaporation basin have on land value”? “Land value in 1974 for this farm was about $1000 acre, in the early 1980’s, when the salt came in, the land probably wasn’t worth very much at all. But, in 2001 the land has been valued at $4000 acre”. The site has also been a very useful tool for promotion. Frank recalls how “….once a day, everyday of the week, there are school buses and university students from within the region and also Melbourne and as far as Mildura travelling to visit and see how it all works.”
What difference will the change make in the future? Presently, there are no other evaporation basins (managed for salinity control) in the Shepparton Irrigation Region. The ultimate aim is to have 50 constructed, but if community attitudes are that evaporation basins are a negative then it might be a struggle! However, if there are advocates for evaporation basins other than agency staff, it can assist in selling the positives. It is hoped that Frank’s experience will make others more comfortable with the idea of having an evaporation basin on or near to their property.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? Frank’s story links very strongly with the GB Regional Catchment Strategy in that apart from being a goal of the strategy, evaporation basins and the concept of managing high salinity groundwater on-farm underpins the success of the strategy. Further, with ever increasing resistance to salt export out of the region with outfall to the River Murray, evaporation basins will become necessary. Already in some parts of the catchment, there is limited scope for salt export yet there are still areas where shallow saline watertables threaten agriculture production, environmental assets and social harmony of the region.
What have I learnt from this experience? I have had a few meetings with Frank and heard him speak quite passionately about how the evaporation basin and groundwater pumping has saved his farm. In addition, he is a great believer that if he was going to buy a property, “get one with a groundwater pump”! This enthusiasm makes you realise that there is an untapped resource out in the community. People that can shed new light on issues through their different approach, story telling and own life experience can be your programs biggest asset.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 8 Mamma Mia and Saltwatch
Name of person recording the Story : Cindy Ambrosio
Who was involved in the story? Lyndall Ash, Giovanna Busiello (Co-ordinator of Italian Womens Group), St Mel’s Womens Group and Cindy Ambrosio
When did this story happen? 4th June, 2003
Date of narration: 12 th of June 2003
Domain Of Change: Changes in landowner or community attitudes
What happened? A recent successful Saltwatch activity engaging an Italian women’s group was a prime example of a capacity building exercise. Capacity building primarily seeks to identify skills of communities whilst at the same time identify gaps/needs and work together to meet those gaps or needs. This is how the story goes…..
Cindy and Giovanna were stuffing their faces at an Italian function. Somehow or other they got talking about fried foods and how they taste delicious but sadly are no good for our health. I said to Giovanna “I can’t live without my fried polpette (meatballs)” Giovanna replied “I lova them too Cinzia but I can’t eat them” Next thing we were talking about how to dispose of cooked oil. Giovanna said “ I throwa the oila down the sink” Amazed I let Giovanna know that this wasn’t the best option. I told her that it would be better disposed of in another environmentally friendly manner. Then I saw the light, sister! Yes, why not have a Saltwatch session at Giovanna’s Italian Ladies Meeting – surely if Giovanna didn’t know what to do with oil maybe the rest of the group didn’t either.
So off went Lyndall & I to run a Saltwatch session based on “A Story of a Catchment” with this untapped audience. And it was great. Great because of the interaction, the oohs, the ahs, the ‘che schifo’ (how awful!), the questions, the laughter, the positive rapport created and of course the food (Lyndall got to taste her first persimmon and loved it). The facial expressions telling us “gee I didn’t know we lived in a Catchment and that what I do affects the environment” or the look of amazement of “No, that can’t be that
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 9 salty; that can’t be right – surely” The gestures telling us “mamma mia, that can’t be true!” Yes the Italian culture coming alive in an Australian Saltwatch session.
Why do you think this is a significant change? Saltwatch was specifically targeted to an adult audience rather than a school age group. The activity raised awareness regarding the GB Catchment and environmental issues with a group that one would assume already knew about this ‘stuff’. The Saltwatch session was conducted primarily in a language other than English
What difference has it made already? It raised awareness amongst the women involved as to how what they do personally ultimately affects themselves and the wider community An increased rapport with the woman’s group A greater appreciation and understanding of Lyndall – she became a wannabe Italian – when in Rome do as the Romans do!
What difference will the change make in the future? Saltwatch could be extended to other age groups with very little modification A change in the attitude of women of ‘belonging’ to a Catchment and a change in practice in their everyday lives. A greater appreciation and understanding of how my Saltwatch colleague works.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? The Catchment Strategy has as one of its goals that of building the capacity of its communities. As part of its salinity management actions the RCS specifically mentions multicultural issues. In this instance both the building of capacity within a multicultural community alongside salinity and environmental issues were targeted and met.
What have I learnt from this experience? Firstly to listen to the needs of people even within a social setting. To think outside the square in terms of what we can do with already existing programs, for example extend Saltwatch specifically to adult participants. Don’t assume that all people know about environmental issues eg; Fried Oil Never assume that you know what a work colleague is like!
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 10 The Nanneella and District Rural Information Kit
Name of person recording the Story : Rebecca Lukies
Who was involved in the story? Rural Information Kit sub committee
When did this story happen? 27th November 2002 to 8th August 2003
Date of narration: 30/10/03
Domain Of Change: Changes in the way we operate.
What happened? “Develop a Rural Information Kit with the Nanneella LAP, shouldn’t be too hard’ I thought. ‘Pull together a bit of information, print up a pamphlet, shouldn’t be too hard, not hard at all!” And so began my involvement with the Nanneella Rural Information Kit (RIK) where I learnt not to underestimate the imagination and enthusiasm of communities and assume that I have the best understanding of how things should be done.
This story begins with me being pretty sure of what a RIK should look like. I hadn’t met with the group, but had assumed that they would want to produce an A4 pamphlet or booklet with a few pictures and some information on different topics.
At our first meeting I was met with “OK so we don’t want to produce one of those pamphlets that collect dust on the shelf, the RIK needs to be different and really useful for the community.” There went my pamphlet idea. Luckily I realised it was time to shut-up and let the community run with what they wanted to do and how they wanted to do it. And so began the development of the Rural Information Kit.
Right from the start the group wanted their kit to be practical and decided that it should be able to hang on the wall next to the phone, in the study or even down the dairy and include contact numbers and information that could be easily accessed. Innovations the group developed included incorporating a whiteboard with emergency contacts, attaching a whiteboard marker holder, map of the LAP area and all the contact information being contained in plastic folders.
The group were well aware that departmental contacts and phone numbers often change often and that the relevance of these information varies over time. To overcome this the group felt that by displaying information in plastic pockets, they would be easily replaced and updated as required.
It was fantastic to see that as we progressed along with the development of the RIK, the group became more and more excited. This slowed us down at times as they kept generating new ideas, however it was their enthusiasm and wealth of ideas that eventually made the kit such a success.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 11 So proud were the group of how their RIK had developed, they decided to hold a large community launch which would not only promote the value of the RIK, but would also demonstrate the community ownership of it’s development by inviting students from the Nanneella Estate Primary School to provide entertainment on the day.
The launch was a great success with the children presenting plays and songs they’d developed along the theme of communities and the sharing of information and Sharman Stone launched the kit to around 60 local Nanneella and district residents.
Why do you think this is a significant change? It demonstrates the ideas behind Local Area Planning being implemented and working in the real world. The LAP group came up with the idea themselves, developed the concept of what the kit should contain and how it should be launched and showed great pride and enthusiasm in being able to do so. The RIK has truly been developed by the community, for the community, and targeted specifically towards what their needs really are.
What difference has it made already? The enthusiasm the kit generated has been contagious and given the community something to work towards and celebrate in what has been a tough year. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it has also been a valuable source of information, with further evaluation work planned for the next 6 to12 months to determine exactly what impact the RIK has made.
What difference will the change make in the future? Provide the community with an on-going, updateable source of contact information for a range of social, economic and environmental issues of the area.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? The RIK provides the Nanneella and district community with practical and easily accessed contact information for all of the various programs under the GB RCS. It will continue to help them to identify who they need to speak to when they need to know information on a range of environmental issues.
What have I learnt from this experience? Not to underestimate the enthusiasm and drive of local communities and assume that as a departmental employee I know how information should best be delivered.
Perhaps my biggest learning however has been that if you give the community the opportunity to develop and run with their own project then the results can be astounding and ‘going along for the ride’ can be a really enjoyable experience.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 12 A presentation at ANCID, how scary!!
Name of person recording the Story : Libby Reynolds
Who was involved in the story? Farm team members & myself
When did this story happen? October 2003
Date of narration : 2nd February 2004
Domain Of Change: Changes in the way we operate
What happened? I submitted an abstract to present at the Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (ANCID) conference in Shepparton in October 2003. I was asked to make a combined presentation with someone from another agency. That sounded ok to me and I began the process of writing my presentation.
I wanted the presentation to be something different and I wanted to get my audiences’ attention. After talking to many people and lots of brain storming I came up with the idea of telling the story of a Local Area Plan (LAP) communities experiences.
Writing the paper and developing the presentation was challenging but rewarding at the same time. I held various practice sessions and received feedback from a wide range of people as I developed the presentation.
As the date of the conference drew closer, I found I was organised and ready for the challenge of speaking to over 100 people at a national conference!! However, I was concerned about the progress my co-presenter was making. I made many attempts to help and get things wrapped up. At the eleventh hour the whole presentation, with its two parts was complete.
The day of the presentation arrived and I was nervous but keen to share my story about LAPs. When arriving in the room where the presentation was to be made, I decided to practice my presentation before everything started. Lucky I did as my PowerPoint presentation had a video segment in it and it didn’t work. After some quick thinking, I decided to delete the video segment from my presentation.
After sitting and listening to 5 men (I am not sexist!!) speak it was my turn to speak. I was facing a small room with no windows, it was very stuffy, there were people standing out the door as the room was full, mid afternoon and I was the last presentation before the afternoon tea break!!!
My co-presenter had just spoken and it was finally my turn. I firstly had to wake everyone up so I asked them all a question and the audience all laughed (at the time I didn’t know if this was at me or with me). The rest of the presentation was easy and time went quickly and everything went well. Next was question time and to my surprise I had lots of questions and I was able to answer them. After the presentation I had a lot of positive feedback and interest on my topic and presentation.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 13 Why do you think this is a significant change? This presentation was a significant change because it allowed me to explain the LAP process on a simple but effective level
What difference has it made already? It gave everyone in the room a taste of LAPs and what they are about.
What difference will the change make in the future? It will hopefully encourage people to find out more about LAPs and be involved.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? The presentation has created a larger awareness of LAP’s and also about the GB RCS.
What have I learnt from this experience? I felt the presentation helped me to develop my public speaking skills. In making this presentation successfully, I learnt the benefit of preparation and I went into my presentation confident because I had prepared well including practice presentations. This is something we all need to remember when presenting.
I also experienced the difficulties of co-presenting at a major conference, as it is very hard for the two to flow and it reduces the time available and makes it difficult to get the message across.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 14 Community Surface Water Management Program Portfolios – A change in the way we operate
Name of person recording the Story : Sue Ward - Technical Support Officer CSWMP
Who was involved in the story? Community Surface Water Management Program (CSWMP) Team Members
When did this story happen? 2003/2004
Date of narration: 25/6/04
Domain Of Change: Changes in the way we operate
What happened? Throughout the past 12 months the Community Surface Water Management Program team has been in a transitional phase of functioning. This momentum for change has stemmed from changes in staff, roles and the rationalisation of resources due to funding constraints. Complexities exist on all levels in the Program, from the structures to the relationships with external and internal service partners, customers, stakeholders and team members. It was at this time that the CSWMP team was undergoing a review of the operational management, when Surface Water Management Officer- Sandra Schroen, put forward a proposal for the development of specialised “Portfolios” as a way of acclimatising to the complexities and the changes.
Preliminary steps towards expanding the concept commenced with the identification of team members’ areas of interest and the natural grouping of related functions that already existed within the team. It was from this point that the Portfolios began to take shape. After intensive collaboration the Portfolios emerged and were defined as: Program Coordinator – Geoff Lodge; Portfolio Coordinator – Sandra Schroen; Finance – Mark Paganini; Policy - Brian Holmes; Project Management - Shane Byrne; Farm Development – John Bourchier; Environment – Georgie Fraser and Systems Support – Sue Ward
The team members participated in an approach that involved the gathering of information that identified their areas of interest. Skills and interest audits were undertaken with the result providing a match of people to Portfolios. Only the Program Coordinator and the Systems Support roles were pre determined as roles pertaining to existing core duties. On the implementation time line, the roll out of the Portfolios is in its infancy. The Shepparton Irrigation Region Community Surface Water Management Program is a comparatively large team so not all members currently own a portfolio. However, scope is available for further expansion and maturity of the concept as the implementation proceeds. The Portfolio component of the Team members’ role only accounts for 20%(one day a week) of their overall role responsibilities.
Why do you think this is a significant change? The change to the Portfolio concept is a significant change to the way the team operates. The advantages for the CSWMP are evident from three perspectives: The individuals within the team, the team itself and the program.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 15 What difference has it made already? The difference that this change has made already is that Portfolio development has allowed team members to gain motivation by working in areas of special interest. Skills are also enhanced within the areas of expertise that in turn creates a broadening of the range of skills needed within the Portfolio itself. Mark Paganini states that “The portfolios play an important role in the smoother running of the program, with areas of expertise allowing for increased knowledge of specific issues which lead to increased efficiencies in the CSWMP”. As individuals, team members have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in their respective Portfolios. Portfolio Coordinator Sandra Schroen sees that a key benefit with the Portfolio concept is “ That team members can show leadership in a variety of ways and the portfolio will allow them to do so and help their skills in an area that they want to head towards”.
From the team perspective the benefits of the Portfolio are numerous and provide excellent opportunities in attaining efficiencies. Efficiencies such as the prevention of duplication or overlap of tasks, a greater cohesive and collaborative approach to issues, greater knowledge sharing by use of intuitive support systems and a sharing of workloads that will maximise the capability of the team output. Program Coordinator Geoff Lodge conveys that “ The portfolio concept arose from the desire of staff wanting an opportunity to specialise in one core area of the CSWMP which they particularly enjoyed. As we roll out these portfolios over the next six months I anticipate we will see some efficiency gains in work outputs and this will hopefully accelerate us towards our nominated outcomes”. Accelerating these outcomes will play an important role in meeting the program goals as identified in the G B Regional Catchment Strategy.
What difference will the change make in the future? The future differences for the way that the team operates will manifest itself in a number of ways for the CSWMP and the extended family of service partners, providers, customers and stakeholders. The portfolios or areas of expertise will be promoted resulting in easier targeting by partners, customers or fellow SIALM groups to increase efficiencies in working together. As the skill levels rise specialised knowledge will result that will allow for the capture, storage and retrieval of intellectual capital. This in turn will enable the use of data to help build expert and decision support systems. Brian Holmes, Policy Portfolio coordinator believes “ The portfolio concept will add substantial value to our work and the way we do business. It provides us with a structured process for creating, developing and rolling out ideas. It also ensures team members both within the CSWMP and more broadly the SIALM program, are aware of who they can approach about particular issues”.
What have we learnt from this experience? In conclusion the process of developing the Portfolios has been a pathway of self-discovery for the Community Surface Water Management Team. The team collectively possesses great talents, strengths and synergies. The Portfolio concept has served as a catalyst that Community Surface Water Management Team 2004 empowers individuals and unifies the L-R: Sandra Schroen, Brian Holmes, Kym Ockerby, Geoff Lodge, team on the journey of improved Mark Paganini, John Bourchier, Georgie Fraser, Sue Ward, Shane program delivery. Byrne. Absent: Veronique Froelich
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 16 “The Block!”
Name of person recording the Story : Libby Reynolds
Who was involved in the story? Muckatah Landcare Group
When did this story happen? June/ July 2003
Date of narration : 3 rd February 2004
Domain of Change: Changes in community attitudes
What happened? As the Local Area Plan (LAP) facilitator for the about to be implemented Muckatah Katamatite Naring district, I started to introduce myself to the two landcare groups within the LAP boundaries. The groups are Muckatah and Naring Landcare and I met with a few members of the Muckatah Landcare group and this is when the fun began.
Over the last couple of years the Muckatah landcare group had become the committee of management of 4.5 hectares of Crown land within their catchment. The block was bare and the groups aims were to control the Patersons Curse and plant the block with trees to help choke out the Paterson’s Curse. Recently an environmental assessment was undertaken on the site and it was identified that the block contained significant grassland species and needed to be protected. The group was told by the Environmental program at DPI that they were able to plant trees on the block, but ripping the land in preparation for planting the trees was out of the question because of the disturbance this would cause to the significant grassland species.
The group was therefore pretty angry at the whole system and DPI by the time I became involved. As we all know, we don’t like being told what we can’t do and all the group wanted to do was do what they thought was the best thing for the block.
I then became the main point of contact due to previous run ins with other DPI staff and I worked with the group on what they can and can’t do. Well, I attended the groups monthly meeting with a representative from Lands Victoria. By the end of the meeting the community members where very angry and where unable to see reason or listen to what I was saying. I learnt that night that we all read and listen to things very differently and this is how things are misinterpreted.
I decided to let the group calm down for a couple of days and I did receive an apology for the way the group spoke to me personally. They were angry at the system, not me. During this cooling down period the group met on their own and looked at the block, and they then approached me and said we need to work on the block. One thing that helped the group was, two of the key members attended a launch of a grassland near Numurkah and this day allowed them to see first hand a grassland reserve similar to their own, just more developed.
We sometimes need to see things before we understand what it will look like.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 17 I then organised for Doug Robinson who is Environment- Biodiversity Landscape plan project officer for Trust for Nature, to undertake a site inspection and to help the group understand the significance of the block to the environment and the area. This meeting allowed the group to get a better understanding and they were now willing to move ahead.
The group had turned full circle and they are now very keen to move on and leave the past in the past, whereas before they where unable to let the past go. The group is now developing a management plan for the reserve and are looking at doing some planting in the autumn.
Why do you think this is a significant change? The group wanted to rip up a grasslands reserve and plant trees and now they understand the value of the grass and herbs.
What difference has it made already? The difference is in the landowners attitudes and their understanding. DPI’s relationship has also improved.
What difference will the change make in the future? The grasslands will be protected and managed, whereas in the past it has been left and was a paddock of Paterson’s Curse.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? It is protecting the Plains Grassy woodlands.
What have I learnt from this experience? I have learnt that you need to work with the groups and sometimes they need time to understand that what they think is the best thing isn’t always the right thing to do.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 18 “The Block Part 2” The next chapter
Name of person recording the Story : Libby Reynolds
Who was involved in the story? Muckatah Landcare Group
When did this story happen? Ongoing 2004
Date of narration: 8th November 2004
Domain of Change: Changes in community attitudes
What happened? This is a story of how the Muckatah landcare group is progressing with the vegetation of a reserve. It shows the change in attitude of a local community group where the reserve is now a talking point in the Muckatah district.
Next time you drive along the Benalla–Tocumwal Road through Muckatah, have a look at the land on the North-East corner of the intersection with Powerline Road. You may notice the seedlings that have been planted recently.
This four-hectare site of crown land is significant because it contains numerous native flora species indicative of plains grassy woodland, including some rare and endangered species. Less than two percent of this vegetation community (Plains Grassy Woodlands) remains, which is why Muckatah Landcare has been busy rehabilitating this site.
In 2003 Muckatah Landcare became the Committee of Management of this site, which is now officially known as the Peter Kennedy Reserve.
Muckatah Landcare has prepared a management plan in consultation with the Department of Primary Industries to plan for the future management of the reserve. It is hoped that this plan will bring about the best possible outcomes, of Muckatah Landcare’s vision for the Reserve.
The Landcare group aims to control the prolific growth of Paterson’s Curse and other weed species on the Reserve and rehabilitate the site for public use. This small group has a nucleus of hands-on workers who tackle the ongoing jobs together with the local Green Corps team, scout groups, and other community members.
In the last few months the Reserve has been sprayed for the control of Paterson’s Curse and other weeds. Designated areas were then deep ripped in preparation for National Landcare Week, in which 1000 native seedlings were planted that included trees, shrubs, grasses, and herbs. Further revegetation works are planned for next Autumn to increase the diversity of native flora on the Reserve.
Muckatah Landcare hope to rehabilitate this site to show a vegetation which is similar to that of the Muckatah region prior to European Settlement, and eventually make it accessible to the community for enjoyment and education.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 19 Why do you think this is a significant change? The group is proud of their achievements and they have worked with DPI to improve the landscape of the block.
What difference has it made already? The group now has a project to work on and they are positive. It has improved the groups relationship with DPI. It has also given the community a place to call theirs and they are proud of the works so far.
What difference will the change make in the future It has helped the landcare group to understand more about grasslands and the process has allowed them to look towards the future through developing a management plan.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? The area is now being not only protected but enhance for the future. The work has contributed towards the GB Regional Catchment Strategy by protecting the Plains Grassy Woodlands.
What have I learnt from this experience? I have learnt that we can give groups assistance and information, but at the end of the day, they are the only ones that can make a community project successful. Lastly the groups that challenge you are the ones that are the most motivated groups.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 20 Lifestyle Improvement through Whole Farm Planning
Name of person recording the Story: Chris Nicholson Date of narration: 16 th September 2004 Who was involved in the story? Frank & Maureen Leyden, Merrigum dairy farmers When did this story happen? Over the last 25 years
Domain Of Change: The adoption of a whole farm plan has led to lifestyle improvements
What happened? This story is based around the whole farm planning process and subsequent implementation of a plan that a landowner went through over a 25-year period.
It was 1970 when Frank Leyden took over the management of the family dairy farm from his father, who had first cleared the land in the 1940’s. At that stage the farm was made up of hundreds of small irrigation bays with kilometres of channels and drains.
In 1979, realising that something had to be done to reduce the labour requirements of the property Frank and his wife Maureen, starting down the track of undertaking the redevelopment of the property by doing their first piece of laser grading.
During the 1980’s they continued to undertake bite size chunks of laser grading as finances permitted, each section carried out according to plans drawn up for that particular section. In one section of approximately 10 hectares they were able to reduce the number of irrigation outlets from over 70 down to 6.
Nearing the completion of their property development in the late 1990’s they realised that some sections of the property developed with paddock plans did not quite link to others resulting in the inability to completely drain irrigation channels. To rectify this problem the Leydens prepared a whole farm plan for the whole of the property and included the design of an above ground channel so that it could to be drained between irrigations.
Since implementing their whole farm plan the Leyden’s have installed automatic irrigation on around 28 hectares of the property, which according to Frank, was initially done to allow him to get some sleep at night but now has also resulted in water savings of around 4 ML per irrigation.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 21 The Leyden’s are now focusing then energy on a significant patch of remnant box trees on the property that they intend to enhance through the planting of understorey species.
Why do you think this is a significant change? The implementation of paddock plans and then a whole farm plan has led to large redevelopment works on the property which has not only assisted increasing both the production and water use efficiency, but also improved the lifestyle of the operating family.
What difference has it made already? By completing the whole farm plan and undertaking the majority of the works, the Leyden’s have reduced the amount of labour required to run their property, improved the water use efficiency off the property and at the same time increased production.
What difference will the change make in the future? By reducing the amount of labour required to run the property the Leyden’s have been able to operate their business as a family run farm. This means that they are able to operate without the need for external labour and at the same time enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? Preparation of whole farm plans and their subsequent implementation are integral parts of the GB Regional Catchment Strategy.
What have I learnt from this experience? This experience has confirmed to me that lifestyle improvement can be a big factor in a landowners thought process when deciding which way a family enterprise is to head into the future.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 22 The Farm Team visits projects in the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority area
Name of person recording the Story : David Lawler Who was involved in the story? The SIL-GB Group, Farm Team with Tim Corlett When did this story happen? May 2004 Date of narration: September 2004 Domain of Change: The Farm Team was able to see how projects are conducted in another area
What happened? In June 2004 the Farm Team spent three days in the Geelong area looking at projects in the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority area. Tim Corlett manages Corangamite CMA salinity projects. Tim worked with the Environment Team at Tatura before this current role and a couple of years ago he had organised a tour of Shepparton Irrigation Region projects for Corangamite CMA projects staff. The Farm Team tour was aimed at getting an understanding of some of the Corangamite CMA projects and a sharing of experiences.
SERRATED TUSSOCK is a problem weed in the Corangamite CMA and there has been problems getting some landowners to adopt control methods. Serrated tussock can be spread by wind blowing seeds to neighbouring properties and we saw trees being used as wind breaks to limit the spread of the weed. Much of the area has scattered rocks that limit cultivation and this makes it harder to control the weed. A landowner we visited has had a large turn around in attitude towards control of the weed and the role of DPI in getting weed control to occur. The landowner is using pigs to provide an income that is being used to pay for the control of the weed and clearing the rocks. The pigs are grazed over the land in rotation with cropping.
AGRO FORESTRY is changing the landscape in the Corangamite CMA and is being promoted to deal with problem areas like streamside plantings. We saw a varied mix of uses of trees including saw logs and tree belts. Agro forestry in the Corangamite CMA does not include native species only and we saw examples of agro forestry that included strategic plantings in problem areas – not only big blocks that are closely planted.
RAISED BED CROPPING has been developed to provide and improve drainage in cropping areas by creating small gutters and lifting the banks up to get the crop out of the water. The expectation is that this system will bring about large yield increases even with 25% of the area under the gutters. As part of the discussion we were asked to comment on our experience with dealing with water and nutrients coming off properties. This work has provided answers to solving the cropping problems and the water/nutrients involved are now being addressed. The raised bed system is focussed at the farm scale with very little thought to catchment impacts. We described the Local Government approval process for earthworks in the Shepparton Irrigation Region and there were some very negative reactions about involving CMA and local government.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 23 AQUACULTURE is an important and growing industry that is both land and sea based. The industry has a very high degree of regulation for better outcomes in terms of food, health and environment. Aquaculture is producing has high value products and the costs of production high. It involves both land based farms for breeding and sea areas around the bay that are used to grow out the products.
Why do you think this is a significant change? This tour provided an opportunity for us to see a range of projects that are different to those we are involved in. It allowed us to share some of our experiences with the project staff we met.
What difference has it made already? The difference has been that Farm Team members saw some issues that are different those we are involved in we saw how those issues are being tackled in the Corangamite CMA area. Things like planting trees for weed control, using pigs in a weed control program, using agroforestry in problem areas and the need to combine production gains with raised beds with the side effects of water and nutrients leaving properties. This showed us that the problem needs to be understood before the solution can be applied.
What difference will the change make in the future? We will have a greater understanding of the issues being tackled in the Corangamite CMA and some of the innovative methods being used to address the problems.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? The projects we saw are generally dealing with similar issues that are experienced in the GB CMA, however there are differences in the causes of the problems and the solutions being applied reflect those differences.
What have I learnt from this experience? It has been a useful experience to visit another area and observe the projects and share experiences with others involved in land and water management projects.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 24 The Cornella Local Area Plan self promotion
Name of person recording the Story : Jen Pagon Date of narration: September 2004 Who was involved in the story? Members of the Cornella Local Area Plan Implementation Committee & Agencies When did this story happen? August 2004
Domain Of Change: Changes in land/water/environmental/economic or social management
What happened? The Cornella Local Area Plan Implementation Committee (CLAPIC) have been working towards getting some on ground works happening in the upper reaches of the Cornella Creek, where there are serious erosion problems. This erosion impacts on the water quality in the Creek and ultimately Lake Cooper.
The CLAPIC have been working closely with agency staff from the City of Greater Bendigo, GBCMA, DPI, and the landholders in the upper catchment. Funding has been sourced through various funders, such as Envirofunds, the local shire, and the CMA waterways program.
Part of the creek line is on the Northern Highway reserve, north of Heathcote. The group wrote to Vicroads requesting their support in the project, either in kind support or through giving money to the group for the works on the highway reserve.
A meeting was organised on site, with Vicroads, the CLAPIC, Dustin Lavery and Jen Pagon to look at the problem areas and discuss the possibilities of support. The on site meeting went extremely well. The CLAPIC members did all the talking and promoted their project, and their passion to start to fix some of the problem.
The Vicroads representative mentioned at the end of the visit that he was really impressed by the CLAPIC members ability to promote what they are doing, have a big picture view, and their passion about the sustainability of the area.
Why do you think this is a significant change? This is a great example of how the LAP process has empowered the local communities, to give them confidence to talk to different people, and promote their area.
What difference has it made already? The CLAPIC has been successful in obtaining funding from Vicroads for on ground works.
What difference will the change make in the future? The groups confidence to deal with a wide range of people will help them into the future through promotion of their area, their passion and their vision for the area.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 25 How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? This story links in to section 8 of the RCS, Capacity building, values and principles.
What have I learnt from this experience? That empowering the community will equip them with the right skills. Knowledge and confidence to continue into the future themselves.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 26 Focusing on Outcomes and Managing Stakeholders Expectations: lesson learned from the review of the Whole Farm Plan program
Name of person recording the Story : Rabi Maskey
Who was involved in the story? Review Team
Date of narration: September 2004
Domain Of Change: Documenting outcomes
What happened? Recently a team from the Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken group, were involved in reviewing the whole farm planning program in the Shepparton Irrigation Region. The review focused on assessing the impact of the program on the basis of 3 key criteria – the efficiency, the effectiveness, and the appropriateness of the program. The efficiency aspects of the program focused on the delivery of the program. The effectiveness of the program looked at how well the intended outcomes of the program have been achieved. The appropriateness of the program looked at the role of the government in providing incentives and extension services for the program. The review demonstrated that the program has been extremely effective. However, it also identified some options and recommendations to address the challenges of being innovative in delivery methods and in demonstrating the effectiveness of the program.
Why do you think this is a significant change? As an extension group, the experience of reflecting and reviewing the program can be considered as unique since most of the time we are busy implementing the program. The review gave an opportunity for the team to reflect on “why we are doing the work we are supposed to do” and “think about how we can improve the program”.
The experience taught us to be pro-active so that we can mange stakeholders’ expectations with regards to the efficiency, effectiveness and appropriateness of the program.
More than before, Government, our key stakeholder, is questioning if the use of extension programs and financial incentives are the most effective and efficient methods to achieving the natural resource management outcomes. The review systematically demonstrated that the current mix of extension program and incentives are achieving changes to natural resource management at a rate that is appropriate and is achieving the changes effectively and efficiently.
What difference has it made already? The report has provided a ‘holistic’ picture of the program in a systematic manner using existing information and experience gained in delivering the program. The key stakeholders are now in a better position in understanding the program in terms of linking activities to outcomes. The process has also allowed others within a bigger team to reflect on how the review can be conducted using existing information.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 27 What difference will the change make in the future? This review has provided a benchmark as to how we can assess the program in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and appropriateness of the program. The review has provided opportunities for other programs to be pro-active and demonstrate impacts on the basis of evidence.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? This review has assessed one of the programs specified in the GB Regional Catchment Strategy. The process will help other programs/ projects to use similar technique to demonstrate impact.
What have I learnt from this experience? There are several learnings from the process. These are as follows:
1. With the changing face of agricultural extension, it is important to keep aside time to reflect and review the program so that one can continuously improve the program. 2. The review showed that it is possible to focus the findings on evidence rather than gut feelings and most of the time it is possible to do a review as a desktop study. 3. The review demonstrated the importance of a team in overseeing the study so that once can learn from each other. It also emphasised the importance of managing “assumptions” in the development and writing up of the study.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 28 The Showdown: Bally Vs Public Speaking
Name of person recording the Story : Raechel Ballinger
Date of narration: November 2004/05
Who was involved in the story? Raechel Ballinger
When did this story happen? Oct/Nov 2004
What happened? I volunteered for the Pilot sessions of “VoiceWorks” training. I suspect I would have been nominated for the course anyway. The 5 week course was run by former MP Don Kilgour. It involved attending a 2 hour session each Wednesday for those 5 weeks. Each week we had to deliver prepared material at least 2 times out the front and using the microphone. Don was very helpful and provided a lot of very useful advice about public speaking, preparation, microphone technique and so on. I found the course to be challenging but very beneficial and have increased confidence about having to speak in public.
Why do you think this is a significant change? I have always been terrified of public speaking (as many people are), but now have increased confidence. Not that public speaking has become my favourite past time but I won’t be as daunted if I need to give a talk. I now know that I do have the ability (I always did apparently) and that I just needed a confidence boost and awareness about the right techniques and preparation to use.
What difference has it made already? Over the duration of the course, my public speaking skills and confidence have drastically improved. My heartbeat used to race at a million miles an hour before having to talk, it has now slowed down to a “quick stroll”. From the talk I gave in week 1 to the talk in week 5, I really improved my delivery. It has also given me more confidence to express my opinions to colleagues and in team meetings.
What difference will the change make in the future? Basically it will put me in a better position to take advantage of opportunities to share information about the work that I do.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? Having confidence and self-awareness about what I can offer and do to assist in community engagement, community support and participation for changes in catchment management underpin the catchment strategy.
What have I learnt from this experience? I have learnt that the time and effort (investment) I put into a training course is exceeded by the benefit returned. I have learnt that preparation, planning and practice are extremely important and when I do them it virtually eliminates doubts about my ability to perform. I have learnt that talks do not have to be boring, they can be improved with humour, emotion and the injection of a little personality. I am also aware that there is always room for improvement and that I need to keep working on it.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 29 Babblers Promote Environmental Stewardship
Name of person recording the story: Rebecca Heard Date of narration: 2nd of December 2004 Who was involved in the story? Landholders in the Strathmerton area When did this story happen? Since 2001 Domain of Change: Change in landowner or community attitudes
What happened? In the Strathmerton area, landholders were initially targeted in 2001/2002, as part of the Grey- crowned Babbler Habitat Restoration Project. This project targeted areas known to be inhabited by Grey-crowned Babblers, within a High Priority Action Zone, as identified in the Draft Goulburn Broken Native Vegetation Plan. This project worked in direct link with the ‘Shepparton Irrigation Region Environmental Incentives Project for private land’.
In the first year of the project, 28,000 indigenous trees and shrubs were planted and over 10,000m of fencing erected. The majority of the revegetation corridors, which were 20-30- metres (6-8 rows) wide, enhanced roadside vegetation, provided wildlife linkages and provided multiple on-farm benefits.
Through the Environmental Incentive Project, landholders in the Strathmerton area have continued to implement works, including revegetation corridors, fencing of remnants and direct seeding. An 80-hectare remnant has also been covenanted in partnership with other agencies, with planned fencing and works for 2005. A number of landholders have also increased revegetation corridor widths to 50-metres in some areas.
Why do you think this is a significant change? In the initial stages of the project, landholders in the area were targeted to participate by extension officers. However, since then, community ‘word-of-mouth’ has meant that landholders in the area, including neighbouring properties, are now contacting extension staff, in regards to being involved in environmental works on their properties. Many landholders are also communicating with one another in regards to their planting’s, in an effort to develop linkages between neighbouring properties and assist one another. Some landholders are also planning ahead, with a goal of what they would like to achieve each year and then discussing these ideas with extension staff.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 30 What difference has it made already? The protection, enhancement and revegetation of private land in the Strathmerton area, provides potential habitat for a range of species, particularly the Grey-crowned Babbler. Some other benefits include improved natural resource skills in the community, improved soil and water quality and the enhancement of landscape values. Also, previously in the environmental incentive project, 30-50-metre corridors were unheard of!
Grey-crowned Babbler
What difference will the change make in the future? The Grey-crowned Babbler is listed as endangered in Victoria and threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. It is anticipated that this project will continue to protect, enhance and provide further habitat for this species, as well as providing multiple benefits for sustainable land management.
How does this link in to the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? There are numerous links, such as working towards achieving vegetation targets, water quality targets and threatened species targets. For example; a target of the Strategy is to increase the conservation status of 60% of threatened fauna by 2030.
What have I learnt from this experience? A targeted approach and a common community goal (ie. a ‘focal’ species) is an important element, for the implementation of successful environmental projects. Furthermore, using focal species is beneficial for achieving multiple benefits for sustainable land management.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 31 A Sunny Trip
Name of person recording the Story: Kym Ockerby
Date of narration: November 2004
Who was involved in the story? The Community Surface Water Management Program - Goulburn Broken and North Central
When did this story happen? 6th – 8 th October 2004
Domain Of Change: Changes in the way we operate
What happened? In 2003 the Community Surface Water Management Program (CSWMP) Goulburn Broken and North Central travelled to the Murray Irrigation Area on a study tour. This proved a great learning and team building exercise, so much so, that the team decided to give it another go this year –this time to sunny Mildura. So early October, off we trundled in our cramped little mini bus.
Now travelling a total of 6 hours in a mini bus seemed like an exercise in itself, however with Brian Holmes’ exceptional driving skills and superior planning and organisation we were able to arrive safely in Mildura, visiting some interesting places on the way!!!
Pyramid Creek Salt Interception Scheme was our first stop. We met Dean Delahunty from Goulburn Murray Water (G-MW), on site to discuss the co-ordination of the project and the potential impact it will have on salinity in the region and the Murray Darling Basin Commission (MDBC). This project will prevent 22,000 tonnes of salt entering the system each year. We were able to tour the project site, which provided an opportunity to appreciate the scale of the project and what it aims to achieve.
Next stop - Woorinen Pipeline. However Brian’s meticulous planning hit a snag here when Geordie McKinlay from G-MW was still in the office at Kerang, an hour away, having got the dates mixed up. So the team enjoyed a lovely lunch under the trees on the side of the Murray Valley Highway!
Salt evaporation ponds
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 32 The temperature was starting to sore now so the team was grateful for our next stop - SouthCorp Winery, Karadoc. Only for the shade of course!!! Rachelle Hevey showed us around the winery effluent treatment system with the final product irrigated onto a woodlot and Lucerne fields. The Lucerne, along with any residual nutrient is then harvested and sold as feedstock. With a hot, tired and thirsty team, we were able to cool off in the café with a couple of Southcorp's finest reds and whites.
Primary treatment pond Group wondering through the Processing Plant
We bunked down at The Hotel Mildura with a quiet, early night had by all.
Day 2 began with a tour of the Mildura Wastewater Treatment Plant. Peter Ebner, the Lower Murray Water Environmental Officer, gave us a great presentation about the unique plant which is locked in by the Murray River. Final effluent is used to irrigate a commercially viable farm. Regular soil tests are performed to measure the impact on the environment. A natural depression/wetland is used as a re-use system, which is very diverse in terms of flora and fauna. The rest of the day was spent with Maxine Schache and staff from DPI Irymple, visiting local environmental features such as Lambert Swamp, Cardross Lakes (both salt discharge sites that are regionally significant) and Nangiloc Colignan Community Tile Drainage System (similar to our Community Surface Water Management Systems).
We returned to the hotel and were surprised to run into James Blundell (country singer) at reception checking in – Sue Ward was the only lucky person to speak to him later that afternoon!! Southcorp processing plant and tank farm
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 33 Georgie Fraser was leaving our team for 5 months to travel to Canada so that night we celebrated her imminent departure. Good opportunity for some team bonding!!
Day 3. By now we had a few weary travellers! The heat was abating though!! We spent the morning with Maxine at Psyche Bend drainage scheme. This is an area of regional groundwater outcropping on the flood plain that was being shandied by subsurface drainage from up on the escarpment. This resulted in water of ~10,000 EC making its way to the river. This had the potential to have adverse impacts on the Ramsar, JAMBA and CAMBA wetlands and billabongs situated just downstream. Engineering works have been set in place to address the problem. EC credits have also been generated by this site.
Finally we were able to visit Woorinen Pipeline on our journey home. This project will provide major service and environmental improvements, including water for the environmental restoration of the Snowy River. It has seen the replacement of a degraded concrete-lined channel system constructed in the 1920s with a 53-kilometre pipeline. The water is supplied from a pump station on the River Murray with a capacity of 300 megalitres per day supplying 220 customers. It also services areas of new development having the potential to provide an additional 120 full time jobs, $24 million of gross production and significant new export opportunities.
So after 3 days in a mini bus, in 35 degree heat, with new knowledge and an appreciation of the “bigger picture”, the team trundled back home.
Group looking at Woorinen pump station
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 34 Why do you think this is a significant change? This trip offered the team the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the links between the work we do and the salinity impacts this has on the Murray Darling Basin. It provided people with an opportunity to gather hands on experience and learn more about how other areas deal with similar issues to us. It also provided people with the opportunity to develop professional networks with people from DPI and other external organisations and agencies working in similar roles, as well as re- connect with our compatriots in the North Central and relax as a team outside of work and get to know some new team members a bit better.
What difference has it made already? The “bigger picture” focus is more prominent in the minds of the team now. We can see how the activities we do, not only effect our area but the Murray Darling Basin.
The entire team has an improved understanding of techniques used to ensure irrigation systems remain sustainable, which is essential to our job roles. Importantly, how water trading works and the benefits water savings can have on local and regional development.
What difference will the change make in the future? The team can continue to look at impacts wider than the Shepparton Irrigation Region and we are able to pass this new insight onto the landowners we work with to broaden their scope of thinking. To look beyond the farm gate and gain an appreciation of how their activities impact their catchment and the river systems.
How does this link into the GB Regional Catchment Strategy? This trip has allowed us to look at varying projects and understand the magnitude and triple bottom line outcomes of projects. It has increased our knowledge of projects relating to water savings and environmental flows, the significance of these projects and about salt interception on a local level and how this impacts on salt disposal entitlements.
What have I learnt from this experience? This trip has allowed me to interact with the team on a different level ie, outside work and get to know new team members better. It has provided an opportunity for me to develop new contacts in various organisations, and gain a greater understanding of the region and what projects they work on. Although we were in a different region, they face similar issues to us and it was good to bounce ideas and knowledge off one another on how to combat or progress the issues/projects.
DPI –Sustainable Irrigated Landscapes – Goulburn Broken – 2003/2004 Page 35