Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region MunicipalMunicipal InfexInfex

INSIDE THIS June 2006 Edition 21

ISSUE

•Roadside Weeds Cntd. 2 •Call for Local Noxious Weed Nominations

•Getting to Know You 3 •URL Winds Up

•Trees vs. Water Yield 4 •New Approach to Native Vegetation - Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation amendments to clearly assign responsibility Making Progress Region have acted to clear up confusion for roadside weeds to the Department of

•If It’s Broken - Fix It! 5 about local government’s responsibility for Sustainability & Environment. Failing that, it roadside weed management. calls on the MAV to ensure adequate •2005 Watertable Map 6 The City of Greater Shepparton, supported funding is provided for councils to meet Released by the Shires of their statutory •NE Greenhouse Moira and “…That the MAV seek to clearly resolve the requirements. Alliance on a Recruiting Drive Campaspe, issue of responsibility for weed management on In the limited time presented a motion roadsides of undeclared and other roads available to speak •Special Lift-out on 7-10 to the State managed by local government” - CoGS Motion. to the motion, Weed Funding Council of the CoGS councillor Municipal Bruce Wilson •NRM Funding Seminar 10 Association of “If this be the case then the MAV must called on his •Emergency Weed Victoria on the 8th negotiate an immediate commitment for the “cousins from the Declaration of June asking the provision of additional resources to allow city” to understand •Management Plan for MAV to resolve a municipalities to meet their statutory the serious Kanyapella Basin claim that weed requirements” - Rationale. implications of Wetland. management on weed management council-managed roads is now the for regional councils. •Gemmill’s Swamp Bird 11 Hides responsibility of local government. The motion passed unanimously. A work •Irrigation Milestones The motion was combined with a similar plan will now be developed to take the •Information workshops proposal from South Gippsland Shire matter further. Council which seeks legislation Changing Roles •Salt Disposal and the 12 Murray River Traditionally, responsibility for roadside weed management •Salt Disposal 13 was with the adjoining Explained landholder, with DPI charged •Public and Private with compliance and Groundwater Pumps enforcement. However, legal opinion •Snapshots and 14 Snippets from the obtained by DSE/DPI on an MDBC & MAV. obscure sub paragraph in Section 20 of the Catchment •Barmah Boat Tour for 15 and Land Protection Act intrepid SIRIC (1994) exempts landholders members. from responsibility on “crown •Councils combine to save Stormwater $$$$ land managed by a public authority other than the •Old George the golfer 16 Secretary or Minister.” •Box Ironbark Ecology So who is responsible for roadside weed management? While we Course wait to sort that one out very little is being done to control weeds on According to the opinion, in •Coming Events roadside reserves, which are among our most significant surviving the case of municipal roads, stands of remnant vegetation. which make up 85% of roads Infex Page 2 Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region Your Chance to Nominate a Noxious Weed. Weed Numbers The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and DPI are inviting local government, 27,000+ community groups and landholders to nominate weeds for the regional Noxious Weeds List. Number of alien plant species brought into The invitation is part of an 18 month program to assess Weeds of National Significance and State Australia and Regionally Prohibited Weeds for possible declaration as noxious weeds in this catchment. 2,700+ DPI and GBCMA use the list to set priorities for weed management work at a regional level. Number of alien plant Anyone knowing of a weed in the catchment which is not already listed is encouraged to fill out a species which have nomination form and it will be assessed for inclusion in the list. Nominations close on 30th June. become agricultural or Nomination forms and current lists of noxious weeds are available from DPI and the GBCMA. For environmental weeds further information contact Katie Brown, GBCMA Community Programs Manager, on 5736 0100. 34.6 million Number of hectares in Queensland invaded by the imported rubber Roadside Weeds……. vine. in the Shepparton Irrigation Region, this Impact on CMA’s is local government. 61 Another significant impact will be on Number of native plant There are 163,000 km of municipal roads Catchment Management Authorities species made extinct in Victoria. Rough estimates suggest it which, as linear managers for streams or threatened by could cost rural councils at least $18 and waterways, will be accountable for imported weeds million a year to carry out basic weed aquatic weeds, despite having few, if control on road reserves, equating to a any, funding resources to carry out the $30 million rate increase of 8-12% in some shires. work. Annual agricultural losses attributed to Informal discussions between the MAV More Cost Shifting? and DSE/DPI have not resolved the Paterson’s Curse While some councillors agree local issue. 1,831 government may be best placed to Number of weeds Compliance manage roadside which are escaped DSE/DPI remain weeds, they are garden plants. responsible for adamant it can compliance and only be possible if 56% say they will adequate Percentage of enforce linear resources are “World’s Worst managers’ weed provided. Invasive Alien management Many believe, Species” which are responsibilities. however, weed escaped garden But, until the management plants. roadside issue is could be another 26.3% resolved, they will example in a long Percentage of known not launch any list of cost-shifting invasive agricultural or new prosecutions Some weeds with high community priorities, such as onto local environmental weeds on landholders for Paterson’s Curse, will be much lower priorities under government and which are still non-compliance new weed guidelines. Instead, the limited resources ratepayers. available for sale. on roadside available will be aimed at “new and emerging” Councils have weeds. weeds which might still be eradicated. 80 been suspicious Number of known Changing for some time that invasive weeds which Priorities the continued withdrawal of DPI’s weed the CSIRO says should management staff from regional offices DPI has also advised that its own be urgently withdrawn would see more work falling onto local diminishing resources will be directed to from sale. government. “new and emerging weeds” which are still 77 capable of eradication. Taking the Bait? Number of native plant The department acknowledges this Some councils resisted applying for species rendered position “may differ from community funding under the “Tackling Weeds on extinct by agriculture. expectations”. Private Land” program, fearing it would be seen as them accepting responsibility 4 Weeds such as Paterson’s Curse are Number of native plant for roadside management. Even when seen as too far gone for effective species rendered councils did apply, many bids were eradication and are now low (eg: The extinct by weed curse is 95th) on the priority list. carefully structured to avoid any precedent in the roadside weed issue. competition. Infex Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region Page 3 Partners Get It Together. More than a dozen councillors from municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region attended a combined local government / GBCMA workshop on natural resource management in Shepparton on 10 May. The workshop was organised to bring new and re-elected councillors up to date with the latest environmental issues affecting local government and to convey their own priorities back to CMA board members and senior staff. In his opening address, GBCMA Chairman, Stephen Mills, emphasised the mutual dependence of the CMA and local government in managing the many environmental challenges facing the community. Mr Mills said the strength of the relationship between the CMA and councils in this region is envied in many other parts of the country. CoGS Mayor, Cr Jenny Houlihan and GBCMA Chairman, In response, City of Greater Shepparton Mayor, Cr Jenny Stephen Mills, co-hosted the CMA / Local Government Houlihan, said councillors also appreciated the close workshop, which emphasised the close working partnerships in relationship with the GBCMA, which is obvious in their many natural resource management. joint responsibilities and activities. Cr Houlihan specifically referred to “River Connect”, a pilot mutual benefits for local government and the CMA in achieving project aiming to improve the Shepparton and Mooroopna the objectives of the regional catchment strategy. communities’ understanding of their rivers and to recognise Councillors also heard the latest developments in the them as the life-blood of the community. River Connect will catchment’s river health program direct from the its manager, investigate options for invigorating this relationship, particularly Wayne Tennant. through the development of the large flood plain between Municipal Catchment Coordinator, Colin James, outlined a Shepparton and Mooroopna for passive recreation. range of topical issues of particular interest to local government, GBCMA Chief Executive Officer, Bill O’Kane, emphasised the including roadside weed management, coordination of funding, cost-shifting, native vegetation controls and alignment of local and regional planning. It was agreed the workshop was of great value to mutual understanding of the complexities involved in natural resource management, especially given the increasing involvement of councils in environmental planning and management. A similar workshop was held in Euroa for mid and upper catchment councils on 24 May. Those attending voted it a The workshop was attended by councillors from CoGS, Moira, Campaspe and great success. Strathbogie Shires as well as the GBCMA Chairman, CEO and senior managers. Urban Rural Links Program Comes to an End. After ten years’ working to improve Chairman, Cr Alistair Fraser, would not be based groups with similar goals to URL. understanding between rural and urban available to continue in the position. At the height of its activities, URL had ten communities, the Urban Rural Links The MAV also advised it would no longer councils and 40 schools as members and program is to be wound up. host the URL coordinator or provide was active in organising relationships Declining support, lack of sponsors and administrative support. between urban and rural schools, with bus rising costs are behind the decision, made A resolution was passed to wind the trips for school kids to gain better at a meeting of the URL Steering program up. A final meeting of the appreciations of each community’s Committee in Melbourne on 8 May. Steering Committee will be held in June to similarities, differences and challenges. The meeting was told Committee disburse remaining funds to community- URL had strong natural resource theme.

Infex Page 4 Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region Salinity Research Causing a Re -Think on Forestry Environmental managers are having to re-think the role of large- a year, far more than previously thought. scale revegetation as one of the basic tools for long-term The estimated impact on salinity in the Murray River at Morgan, salinity management. the off-take point for Adelaide’s water supply, would be the A long-held belief has been that re-vegetating catchments equivalent of 28,000 tonnes of salt each year. would stabilise soils and reduce the risk of saline runoff Water loss caused by doubling existing forestry hectares in the contaminating areas downstream. Murray Darling Basin has been estimated at 700 gigalitres per Based on this belief, the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment year, second only to losses attributed to climate change. Strategy aims to almost double vegetation cover from 26% to The water yield issue is of particular concern with large-scale 50%. forestry, which has never been well regarded because of the But modelling carried out on the South-West Goulburn region minimal benefits to biodiversity offered by the non-indigenous indicates the trade-off between re-vegetation, water yield and single-species plantations. salinity is not as beneficial as first thought. GBCMA CEO, Bill O’Kane, says the results have caught many The models suggest the Goulburn Broken revegetation targets people by surprise and will require a re-think of the trade-off would reduce catchment water yield by more than 130 gigalitres between water yield and salinity. Native Vegetation - the New Approach.

The roll-out of DSE’s “new approach” to the Native DSE and local government will provide data to populate Vegetation Framework is gathering pace with three the layers, including aerial photographs, based on who important strategic documents approved for release. has the most up-to-date information.

• Net Gain Calculator - a tool to assist council planners There has also been a lot of interest in third party off-sets, work out the amount of off-set planting required. such as “Bush Broker” and “payment-in-lieu” but, to date,

• DSE Assessment Procedures - will guide planners in there is little or no information on how these processes will assessing native vegetation clearance applications. work. • Revegetation Guide - outlines how to manage offset This has not helped the introduction of the New Approach. plantings. Despite the best efforts of regional DSE staff, many The documents were approved on May 31 and will be council planners are sceptical about the process, largely distributed to councils in coming weeks. because, almost three months after the start-date, vital working details and guidelines are still being developed. As well, DSE’s Benalla-based Native Vegetation Support Officer, Gary Smethurst, has completed the first of four Meanwhile, the review of exemption provisions under the training sessions at each of the 12 municipalities in the Native Vegetation Framework was completed some north-east region. months ago and is awaiting ministerial approval. The review came after concerns there was too much latitude The sessions have outlined the basics of the amended for uncontrolled native vegetation clearance by people framework and demonstrated a desk-top GIS assessment claiming exemptions from permit requirements for tool which is being developed in the region to assist purposes such as personal use, firewood and public planning officers process applications for native vegetation safety. clearance permits. Some concern has been expressed by council staff about The assessment tool includes (or refers to) several layers the actual workload which will result from the “standard such as zones, overlays, cadastre data and aerial path”, whereby the majority of clearance applications will photographs and provides a “step-through” process be assessed by local government without referral to DSE. resulting in a summary page of key outcomes. Under the New Approach, only major applications will be A record of previous native vegetation applications for referred. each location is also planned as an interim measure until There are also questions about resources available for the state-wide Native Vegetation Permit Tracking system, compliance and enforcement of permit conditions, being developed by DSE head office, becomes available. particularly for offset planting. An almost total lack of This will enable planners to check if permits have enforcement to date has meant many offset requirements previously been issued for a location and if permit have either never been planted or have died through lack conditions have been met. of maintenance. The local MYFOL-type assessment tool is designed to be Moira Shire has announced it will audit all native compatible with local governments’ existing GIS systems. vegetation clearance permits issued over the past three years to check compliance, particularly in offset planting. Infex Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region Page 5

The GBCMA’s River Health Strategy is making major inroads into improving the health of the Broken River, with a $2.8 million works program now into its second year. Improved flows, erosion control, re-snagging, revegetation of the river corridor and installation of a fish-way at Casey’s Weir are among the works carried out to date. An extensive monitoring In the days when the Broken River was seen primarily as an irrigation water supply, snags program, which checks the were removed and the river straightened to improve flow. Now, snags and bends are being river for salinity, nutrients, put back to overcome the erosion, siltation and loss of habitat caused by past practices. turbidity, temperature and a range of other environmental indicators, confirms the water quality and biodiversity is responding well priority was efficient delivery of irrigation improving the quality of urban stormwater to the work. water. entering the river. The river’s improvement program began Snags were removed and the river Water sensitive urban design, such as with extensive research to identify the straightened to improve water flow. This man-made wetlands to treat town major threats to its well-being, such as was a disaster for the river’s environment, stormwater before it gets into the river, is erosion, stock access, un-seasonal flow causing erosion, turbidity and loss of becoming commonplace. regimes, loss of habitat, man-made habitat, now requiring major works to fix. The City of Greater Shepparton and the obstructions and weeds. A number of CMA programs now offer Rural City of Benalla have installed Priorities for the works program were incentives for landholders to carry out several gross pollutant traps which stop based on the levels of threat. work along the river frontage, including tonnes of litter from getting into the river alternative stock-watering, fencing, each month. Tragically, a lot of work is required to irrigation re-use and revegetation. About A number of community groups are also repair the damage caused by policies of 80% of landholders have expressed previous river managers whose main involved, particularly in monitoring, interest in helping revegetation and weed control. improve the river’s One of the biggest success stories has condition. been fish ladders, which allow fish to Local government move upstream for spawning. has also been Monitoring has confirmed huge numbers heavily involved in of fish are using the ladders to follow their the program, (Continued on page 15) particularly by

Fish ladders, such as this one at Casey’s Weir, restore natural fish migration patterns by allowing them get past man-made obstructions to reach their spawning grounds. Monitoring has found the ladders are highly successful, with some of them seeing the passage of thousands of fish in the lead-up to the spawning season. The biggest danger now is vandals, who have Gross Pollutant Traps intercept tonnes of litter from town cut their way into some fish ladders to set nets. stormwater systems and stop it entering the river systems.

Infex Page 6 Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region

1996

DO NOTHING 2020

Watertables Continue the Downward Trend. Watertables in the Shepparton Irrigation Region are continuing their downward trend, with years of drought, reduced water use and improved irrigation methods contributing to a marked improvement over the past decade. In the latest watertable map for 2005, red and yellow areas show where the watertable is within two metres of the soil surface - the danger level above which salt is drawn to the surface by a process known as evapotranspiration. At this level, most crops and pastures are also affected by waterlogging. Many indigenous trees, such as box and native pine, are affected long before that. The 1996 map, outlining the situation after a number of wet years, shows a dramatic difference to 2005, demonstrating the major influence of the drought and the subsequent drop in irrigation water use. Scientists warn it is premature to think the watertables are gone forever, as a return of a few wet seasons would certainly see the trend reverse. They say it is essential to continue with the region’s groundwater management strategy to protect the local environment and economy. The 2020 map shows the likely situation in a “do nothing” scenario North East Greenhouse Alliance on a Recruiting Drive

The North East Greenhouse Alliance is on a recruiting drive to There is no membership fee for expand its membership, particularly with local government. NEGHA, but members must Seven councils have joined the regional alliance, which is one of sign a memorandum of five formed in Victoria under the State Government's understanding which sets greenhouse strategy. The councils are Moira, Wodonga, targets for achieving Benalla, Wangaratta, Towong, Alpine and Indigo. The North greenhouse gas reductions. East Catchment Management Authority is also a member. The minimum target is a 10% The alliance's full-time regional coordinator, Jennifer Allan, who reduction by 2010, but some is hosted by Wodonga City Council, says the alliance is keen to members have set higher goals have all local governments and other key stakeholders in the than this. region involved in it’s projects. Members must also agree to host at least one project and The two main aims of the alliance are to develop greenhouse contribute to Alliance activities, either directly or in kind. gas abatement and climate change adaptation projects. Raising The Goulburn Broken CMA is also investigating its role in community awareness of greenhouse issues is essential for both greenhouse and climate change and is looking at the best way it of these aims. can contribute to local efforts. Coordinator, Tim Barlow, says the NEGHA has recently secured funding to develop the first stage CMA is keen to support councils in reducing greenhouse gas. of a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for the region. Tim Barlow and Jennifer Allan are attending the next meeting of Projects are also being developed around sustainable public the Goulburn Broken Environmental Planning Forum being held lighting, carbon sequestration, alternative fuels and transport in Benalla on June 28 to discuss local government's involvement and energy savings for schools and member organisations. in greenhouse issues and outline benefits for councils joining the alliance. Infex Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region Page 7

Latest Guide to Sources of Funding for Weed Management. Information supplied by the Bitou Bush National Coordinator and the National Coordinator for Boneseed and Willows. Program Timing Dept. Relevant Criteria Link

Defeating the www.daff.gov.au/ October 2006 DEH/DAFF • Strategic on-ground control and eradication at regional level. Weeds Menace defeatingweeds

Round 8 • Up to $30,000 (50,000 for significant public benefit). www.nht.gov.au/ NHT Envirofund NHT. Opened Feb • Weed control on public land. envirofund

• Up to $50,000 NHT Community Round 2 Opened • Improving surface or groundwater health, such as erosion www.communityw DEH, DAFF Water Grants March 2006 control, creek and riverbank repair, cleaning up a local creek atergrants.gov.au or wetland.

Round 9 • Up to $50,000 www.wwf.org.au/ Threatened Community NHT, WWF • Enhancing, restoring or establishing key habitat outwork/species/ Species Network Grants Program tsngrants

• $36 million for total program www.deh.gov.au/ Maintaining • Improve conservation of Australia’s 15 biodiversity hotspots biodiversity/ Australia’s 2004 - 2007 DEH hotspots/ Biodiversity • Enhance active conservation management and protection of national.html#whe Hotspots Program terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems as habitat for native plants and animals. re

• $3,000 to $45,000 (more on merit) Commonwealth • Encourage business and industry to develop practices www.deh.gov.au/ Second round Environmental DEH consistent with ecologically sustainable development. education/ TBA Education Grants • Develop resources and consistent approaches to programs environmental education in the community.

• Up to $150,000 Landcare - Natural National www.landcare.go • Must contribute to sustainability of natural resource base Resource Mid 2006 Landcare v.au/ and demonstrate wider applicability across relevant Innovation Grants Program nlpinnovations industries.

• Around $30 million for total program • For local and regional Landcare activities consistent with Landcare - National regional NRM plans Community Mid 2006 Landcare www.daff.gov.au Support Grants Program • Larger-scale strategic on-ground activities that allow for participation by community Landcare and primary industry groups.

Landcare— National • Benchmarking current NRM practices Sustainable At any time Landcare • Establishing and implementing national NRM strategies www.daff.gov.au Industries Initiative Program • Innovative environmental management system projects

www.greenreserv Green Reserve • Provision of NewStart recipients aged 40 - 65 to work in e.com.au/ At any time DEWR Program local conservation projects, 2 days a week for 26 weeks. greenreserve/ index/htm

Australia’s • Total $55,000 nationally. Open Gardens Expected to open www.opengarden. Open • Garden related community projects (could include weed Grants Scheme in May 2006 org.au Gardens displays, education programs about invasive garden plants.) Infex Page 8 Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region

• $15 million over three years. • High public benefits Recreational Fishing Expected to • Maintain and enhance habitats, improve fishers’ awareness, www.daff.gov.au/ Community Grants DAFF open mid-2006 ownership and responsibility, foster partnerships. recfishinggrants Program • Will support protecting environment at water’s edge, sensitive habitats, education and awareness raising.

www.deh.gov.au/ Indigenous Protected • Support indigenous landholders to manage land and protect Any Time DEH/NHT indigenous/ipa/ Areas Grants natural and cultural features funding.html#who

2006 round • $5 million. Healthy Soils for www.lwa.gov.au/ TBA (2005 was LWA/NHT • Accelerate practices of farmers and resource managers Sustainable Farms funding in October) which maintain and restore soils.

• Up to $3,000 www.etree.com.a E Tree On-Going E Tree • Planting native species on public or private land and u associated weed control.

Kennard's Kennard's Hire • Donation of hire equipment and/or vehicles for Landcare and www.landcareonli As required Hire through Equipment Grants community group projects. ne.com.au Landcare

Bundaberg Bundaberg Rum • $1,000 to $5,000 www.landcareonli Any Time Rum through Bush Funds • Water quality projects ne.com.au Landcare

• Up to $5,000 for projects with Westpac staff as volunteers Westpac Operation www.landcareonli Any Time Landcare • Bushland rehabilitation, improving roadsides for wildlife, Backyard ne.com.au preventing erosion.

18 May, 3 Mitre 10 Junior • Up to $500 for schools and youth groups involved in www.landcareonli August, 19 Landcare Landcare Grants environmental projects ne.com.au October

Australia Post 31 May, • Up to $3,000 to support community groups involved in www.landcareonli Community Landcare 29 September improving their environment. ne.com.au Development Grant

Australian Australian Bird • Up to $3,500 31 May Bird www.birdobserver Environment • Maintain, improve or extend native habitat for birds, native 31 October Environment s.org.au Foundation Grants animals and plants. Foundation

• Up to $10,000 31 May Norman • Innovative projects that act as a model Norman Wettenhall 30 June Wettenall • Build community capacity to effect long term change www.nwf.org.au Foundation Grants 30 September Foundation 31 December • Disseminate information that will benefit the natural environment

Foundation • Up to $350,000 total Seeds of Renewal for Rural and www.frrr.org.au/ Early 2006 • Small grants for rural and regional groups for projects and Program Regional generalgrants.asp activities that aid the growth of Renewal

• Funds, in-kind donations or partnership support • Seek to educate and involve the Australian community in Holden Community www.holden.com. Most times Holden restoring and preserving Australia’s natural environment. Support Association au • Applying alternative technologies to achieve environmental gains. Infex Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region Page 9

• $2.5 million per year. Average grant $12,500 Macquarie Bank See website for Macquarie www.macquarie.c • Innovative, community-based projects benefiting the Foundation Grants dates Bank om.au environment.

• Develop partnerships to help prevent irreversible damage to the environment 1 February • Encourage biodiversity Ian Potter 1 May Ian Potter www.ianpotter.org • Support economic and ecological sustainability of land and Foundation Grants 1 August Foundation .au preservation of species 1 November • Foster broad public awareness of environmental challenges facing rural Australia

• Sustainable water and land management TBA (closing Myer Foundation • Preservation of biodiversity date for 2005 Myer www.myerfoundat Natural Environment was Foundation • Enabling communities to participate effectively in ion.org.au Grants September) discussions about environmental and ecological health and empower them to provide long term, solutions.

• $500 to $5,000 Sunshine • Enhance the quality of life through conservation and Sunshine Foundation 1 July Family environment www.mgg.com.au Grants 15 December Private Fund • Supported by voluntary labour • Seed funding www.bhpbilleton.c • $50,000 to $100,000 om/bb/ BHP Billeton 1 March • Directed at long term solutions sustainabledevelo Corporate 1 August BHP Billeton • Will become self-sustaining pment/ Community Program 1 November • Prove opportunities for involvement of BHP Billeton community/ employees supportguidelines. jsp

Environment Victoria Environment • Website contains links to state and federal grants and www.environment website Victoria funding . .vic.gov.au

Goulburn Broken • Funding opportunities pages outline various options for www.gbcma.vic.g GBCMA CMA website funding under the RCIP process, with links to other sources. ov.au Port Phillip • A comprehensive grants calendar for state and federal www.ppwcma.vic. Westernport CMA PPWCMA funding sources gov.au website Regional Catchment Various - • Must address actions and priorities listed in regional Investment Process Check CMA CMA’s CMA websites catchment strategy (RCIP) websites

• $33,000 to $290,000 Various— • Large-scale projects too broad for a single region National Heritage check CMA NHT • Incorporate high level of coordination and joint investment CMA’s Trust (NHT) websites • Related to institutional reform, particularly in land-use and planning

• Typical about $400,000 NHT Regional • Meet state/federal priorities that CMA’s are unable to meet End of financial Funding Strategic NHT under standard funding CMA’s year Reserve Component • Address emergency priorities • High cost - high return projects

Volunteer Group • Community projects that relate to Parks Victoria managed Parks www.parkweb.vic. Grants - Parks May 2005? areas Victoria gov.au Victoria • In close cooperation with Parks Victoria staff Infex Page 10 Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region

• Up to, but generally less than, $50,000 Crown Land • Improve community benefits of Crown land reserves Reserves Not open at www.dse.vic.gov. DSE • Protect and enhance natural values of crown land reserves Improvement present au Program • Encourage a planned approach to management and development of crown land reserves

• $100 to $3,000 • Help conserve Victoria’s rare and threatened native plant Botanic gardens Victorian species and vegetation communities on public and private adrian.moorree@ Any Time Scheme Government land. dse.vic.gov.au • Encourage and support community groups to carry out local conservation projects

Community Support - • $30,000 to $500,000 Four rounds / Victorian www.dvc.vic.gov. Strengthening • Improve community environments, resources and year Government au Communities infrastructure

Victorian • Extend local volunteering opportunities Victorian www.dvc.vic.gov. Volunteering Small Ongoing • Encourage community organisations to attract more Government au Grants volunteers

Not Wanted: Bear Skin Fescue. NRM Funding Seminar

The Victorian Government Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is has made its first ever holding a one day seminar to explain “de-mystify” the emergency declaration of a funding processes for natural resource management noxious weed in an attempt projects. to control Bearskin Fescue. The seminar is open to all employees working with Festuca gautieri is a community groups and landholders. It will be held at the perennial tussock grass Euroa School House from 10.00am to 12.00pm on Tuesday which grows to 50cm high, 18 July. forming a dense canopy Guest speakers include: smothering all competition. It’s sharp spikes make it unpalatable to stock. The plant has been imported for sale • Ian Linley, National Landcare Program Coordinator as a garden plant since 2003. It was banned in Western • Amber Parkinson - DAFF, on Envirofunds, Community Water Grants, Healthy Soils, Menace Weeds funding. Australia after it was found it to be “highly invasive”. An • Megan McFarlane, GBCMA, Funding Coordinator on the estimated 1,000 plants per month have been sold through CMA’s Expression of Interest process. Victorian nurseries under names such as “Blue Periwinkle”. Further information from Megan McFarlane at GBCMA.

Plans to Restore the “Endangered” Kanyapella Basin A draft management plan for the Kanyapella Basin wetland has been completed. The huge natural basin, which covers almost 3,000 hectares, is located 15 kilometres east of Echuca. It is officially listed as degraded and endangered, with more than 50% of the wetland system lost through generations of clearing, grazing, weed inundation and lack of flooding. However, Kanyapella still provides breeding grounds and habitat for many rare and endangered native plants and animals. The draft plan recommends the environmental status of the basin be raised to reflect its potential for restoration and that natural wetting and drying regimes be returned to encourage regeneration. Infex Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region Page 11

Movement at the wetland Preliminary designs of two bird hides to be constructed at Gemmill’s Swamp in Mooroopna have been approved. The hides, which will provide panoramic views across the wetland, are the latest stage in a program to rejuvenate the ecological health of the wetlands and develop the site for eco-tourism and passive recreation. It follows similar work at the highly successful Kinnairds The draft design of one of the two bird Swamp site at Numurkah. hides planned for Gemmill’s Swamp. A management plan has been Designed by Glen Berrill, the hides are completed for the wetland and funds similar to those already established at Kinnairds Swamp near Numurkah. are now being sought for its implementation. Gemmill’s, which is located on the north-east fringe of Mooroopna, is an excellent example of a red gum wetland, with a wide range of native grasses providing habitat to numerous species of native birds and animals. For decades it has lain largely unappreciated, but its potential is now being realised, with hopes that it might be included in the “River Connect” project, which aims to One of the views from the proposed northern bird-hide now being designed as part of the re- re-connect the Shepparton and development of Gemmill’s Swamp in Mooroopna. Mooroopna communities with their river system by providing better access and facilities. Yorta Yorta traditional owners are keen to use the projects to Cycling and walking tracks to provide ready access between illustrate the rich indigenous heritage of the region. There is talk of Gemmill’s and the floodplain between Mooroopna and Shepparton, interpretive signage and even organised tours to show people the including Kids’ Town, are among options being considered. many culturally significant sites in the area.

Effective Communications. Senator Peter McGauran was in the Goulburn Irrigation Valley on May 15 to help the GBCMA celebrate A workshop to improve skills of local government, a couple of major milestones in its program to CMA and agency staff in communicating water- Milestones improve irrigation and water-use efficiency. related issues to the wider community will be held in Shepparton on 22 June. The workshop is The occasion was the 15th anniversary of limited to 20 participants and will explore issues private groundwater pumping incentives and such as understanding behaviour and individual the 100th CMA grant for an automatic irrigation styles in communication. Further information are system. available from www.clearwater.asn.au There are now 330 private groundwater pumps in the irrigation region, protecting 36,000 Wood Smoke Workshops hectares of land from high watertables while Two workshops to help local government staff also providing a valuable water resource for deal with issues arising from burning firewood are irrigation. to be held by the EPA in Melbourne on the 11th 100 properties have installed automatic and 12th of July. Wood heaters are a common irrigation to service more than 6,400 hectares. form of home heating, but they also generate a large number of complaint s about air quality. The one day workshops will outline methods to deal with complaints, improve understanding of wood smoke issues, how to reduce potential health impacts and recommended procedures. Registrations are free and close on 3rd July. Further information from Michael Chertok, EPA, on 9695 2789. Infex Page 12 Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region Salt Disposal and the Murray River. Up in the headwaters of the Murray River, salinity levels is not as significant as the concentration of salt in the are low, around 50-60EC, but, as the river meanders the water. Provided there is enough water to dilute the salt to 2,100 kilometres to the ocean in South Australia, it picks manageable levels, the environment is safe. up salt from every tributary and from groundwater seeping A fundamental aim of the Goulburn Broken Catchment in from surrounding land. Management Strategy is to manage this salinity so our By the time the water gets to Morgan, the off-take catchment can dispose of its excess salt into the point for Adelaide’s water supply, the salt Murray River without exceeding our level has increased by a factor of ten and allowance. is over 600EC. 30-60 EC This keeps salt levels in our own This equates to more than 10,000 catchment and the Murray River at tonnes of salt every day. safe levels. The Goulburn Broken catchment The main means of achieving contributes about 4.7% of that Campaspe this is through public salt, about 65,000 tonnes a Goulburn-Broken- 4.7%18 EC groundwater pumps which year. tap into saline underground Rivers ver water . While these statistics, Wakool River expressed in tonnages, ddon Ri When the opportunity 4.5% 28EC Lo sound awful, it is important Barr Creek arises (i.e.: high flows in to remember the total 9.6%60EC channels and rivers), the tonnage of salt (salt load) Murrumbidgee River pumps start operating 3.1% 19EC and dispose of salt, Yarrawonga using the high flows to Torrumbarry dilute the salt

Swan Hill concentrations to safe Wakool Junction levels. Public pumps Euston are funded through the CMA. Merbein Groundwater 5.4% 34EC Lock 9 The CMA also Renmark EC constantly monitors all 4 our catchment’s Lock 4 Darling River Groundwater 20.9% 5.4% 3 channel and drainage Lock 3 outfalls to track the Morgan exact amounts of salt C E and nutrients entering Groundwater the river system. N.S.W. 1.4% 9 What are these “EC” things? VICTORIA EC means “Electronic Conductivity” and is the basic term used to express the concentration of S.A. salt in water. It is worked out by measuring the MURRAY Groundwater 6.9% 42EC conductivity of water between two electrodes. Groundwater 5.6% 34EC EC meters are very simple to use and provide RIVER Groundwater 6.9%123EC 43EC immediate, accurate readings. EC’s replaced Groundwater.9% How Much “parts per million”, which requires a laboratory 19 analysis to determine. To convert EC units to Water? ppm, multiply the EC by 0.6. eg: 1000 EC 1 Litre = 1,000 millilitres equals 600 ppm. About 1,000 EC is the 1 Kilolitre = 1,000 litres maximum sustainable salinity level for irrigating 1 Megalitre = 1 million litres clover-based pasture. Sea water is 30,000 EC. The agreed salinity level for the Murray River at 1 Gigalitre = 1,000 megalitres MORGAN 100% 618EC Morgan is 618 EC. Each EC unit in the Murray 1 Olympic Pool = 3.3 Megalitres River equates to 6,000 tonnes of salt. 1 Sydney Harbour = 500 Gigalitres Infex Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region Page 13 Watery Statistics 3 million plus Salt Disposal - What is it? Tonnes of salt that pass down the Murray River each year. Salt Disposal is the managed disposal of salt from a The Murray Darling Basin 24,909,000 catchment to achieve what is called “Salt Balance” - Salinity and Drainage Megalitres of water consumed in Australia in 2000-2001 equalising the amount of salt coming in (importing) with Strategy was born. 75 that going out (exporting) to prevent the salt building up This national agreement and contaminating our soils and water. Percentage of water used by set 1988 salt levels as the agriculture. Every year, about 100,000 tonnes of salt comes into the upper limit for the amount 968,000 Shepparton Irrigation Region, most of it in our irrigation of salt each catchment Megalitres of storm and waste water. More salt is generated within the region by high could contribute to the water from Sydney each year. watertables. salinity level of 1.2 billion The term “Salt Disposal” is the Murray River. Only about 60,000 People on earth who do not tonnes leaves the commonly used in catchment Anything done have sufficient clean drinking catchment, so we management, but what does it since then that water. are accumulating causes an really mean? 3.3 million more than 40,000 increase in People who die each year from tonnes of salt in our soils each year. salinity must first have a drinking contaminated water. Decades ago, it was realised this accumulating salt load “Salt Disposal had to be managed or the continual build-up would Entitlement” (SDE), which destroy our environment, economy and our way of life. is strictly regulated by the MDBC. The days of the Goulburn Valley being the food bowl of The Goulburn Broken catchment, like every other in the Australia would be gone forever. Murray Darling Basin, earns its salt disposal credits by But any salt we export from our catchment affects investing in salinity mitigation works within the catchment everyone else downstream so, before we could start and by supporting salt interception works (ie: evaporation disposing of our excess salt, an equitable management basins) further downstream. system had to be developed to protect the rivers and the Our regional catchment strategy currently has an SDE of communities who depend upon it. 5.15 EC but, when fully implemented, will need 17.3 EC.

Under the GBCMA’s Farm Exploratory Drilling Scheme, landholders pay a deposit of $850 for an Electro-Magnetic Survey (EMS) and exploratory drilling on their properties. If useable groundwater is not located, the deposit is refunded. If groundwater is found with sufficient yield and low enough salinity that it can be shandied with fresh water and used for One of 43 public groundwater pumps in the SIR used to dispose of highly saline irrigation, the landholder installs a “private” groundwater and maintain the catchment’s salt balance. pump. watertable control by disposing of water to channels and drains. Under the FEDS agreement, the landholder has committed to If, however, groundwater located by the FEDS exploration is developing the pump, largely at their own expense, within two too salty for re-use, a “public” pump can be installed. years. Private pumps are under the control of the landholder, who also pays the operational costs. Public pumps are funded through the CMA’s Sub Surface Drainage Program and are managed by Goulburn Murray Incentives offered for private pumps reflect community benefits Water. from the localised watertable control they generate. The landholder’s financial contribution reflects the benefits they get Public pumps are used by the CMA to dispose of highly saline from watertable control and the value of the groundwater as an groundwater according to the regional salinity strategy - the aim irrigation resource. At different times of the year, if certain of which is to maintain the salt balance in the catchment and “triggers” are reached, private pumps can also be used for provide long term regional protection against salinity. Infex Page 14 Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region

Murray Darling Basin Commission. Municipal From the MDBC E-Newsletter Association of Anyone for Salt? Victoria The latest stage of the MDBC’s $60 million From the MAV Environment Bulletin. “Basin Salinity Management Strategy”, the Pyramid Creek Salt Interception Scheme, “Disappointed” with near Kerang, was officially opened on April Budget Funding. 20th. The MAV has expressed The $10 million Pyramid Creek project is disappointment with the level of managed by Goulburn Murray Water and, funding for local government when complete, will intercept 30,000 environmental activities in the recent tonnes of salt a year. state budget. In particular, the MAV says there was no response to its There are nine major salt interception works proposed for the Murray River with a goal of requests for funds to implement diverting more than 1,000 tonnes of salt every day. wastewater management strategies The Pyramid Creek scheme includes a major project by Pyramid Salt Pty Ltd to harvest about developed by 56 Victorian councils 5,000 tonnes of salt (see picture) a year for commercial use. over the past 12 months.

An important new book about combining forestry with Clearwater Training environmental benefits has been released in Canberra. Training sessions are available to Traditional forestry operations are not seen as assist local government staff to use the environmentally sensitive because of the inherent MAV’s Clearwater Tool Box to deliver monoculture and non-indigenous plants which produce community education on stormwater few, if any, biodiversity benefits. and wastewater programs. The toolbox provides a step by step process for Large reductions in rainfall run-off caused by large-scale officers to design, deliver and evaluate forestry, particularly from upper catchments, has only programs. A one day training session lately begun to be appreciated. will be held in Melbourne on 30 June. The book, partly funded by the MDBC, is specifically Further details are available from written for inland areas of the Murray Darling Basin www.mav.asn.au or Amy McDonald on affected by salinity. It addresses issues such as using 9667 5581. species, soils and locations to provide economic wood production while also returning environmental benefits. Community Water Grants Further details from CSIRO Publishing at http:// The second round of the Australian www.publish.csiro.au/pid/5031.htm Government’s Community Water Grants is expected to open in mid Spatial Data Sets 2006. The grants focus on water quality projects for high value The MDBC has published more than 200 spatial data sets in the Australian Spatial Data Directory environmental sites, such as Ramsar- at (http://asdd.ga.gov.au). listed wetlands. Further information is There are plans to expand the maps at a available from Paul Marsh, National rate of 50 to 100 sets per month to provide NRM Facilitator, Rivers and Water, on a readily accessible archive of spatial data 9637 5550. for environmental managers and planners. Sustainability Forum Because of extensive research programs The Victorian Local Sustainability carried out through the regional catchment Showcase Forum will be held in Mid- strategy, the Shepparton Irrigation Region August for local government to share is strongly represented in the map sets. and explore different models and The data set pictured (left) is a salinity experiences in environmental profile of the Murray Darling Basin, which sustainability. Further information from extends from southern Queensland to Claire Ruedin, MAV on 9667 5555 South Australia. Infex Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region Page 15 Taking to the Boats

Members of the Shepparton Irrigation Region Implementation Committee recently took a boat trip along the Murray River through Barmah Wetland to see first-hand the benefits of the huge environmental flood carried out by the GBCMA late last year. Almost 500 gigalitres of environmental water flows were used to create Australia’s largest ever environmental flood. The water was used to extend flooding through the forest from August to November - stimulating a huge regeneration of native grasslands. The flood also generated native bird breeding which has been SIRIC members pause to inspect one of many cultural heritage described as the most significant in more than 30 years. sites in the Barmah Wetland. Five SIRIC members and a number of staff from the CMA, DSE and Parks Victoria took to four boats to travel from Barmah flows, explaining how they are used to “top up” natural flood upstream through the Barmah Narrows to The Cutting, before events to ensure vital grasslands and breeding grounds receive turning into Budgee Creek and on to Barmah Lake. enough water over sufficient time to bring about regeneration. Along the way they inspected a site where bank restoration works Neville Atkinson, Indigenous Heritage Officer for the GBCMA, told are to be carried out by the CMA at the Budgee Creek SIRIC members about the long indigenous history and enormous confluence. cultural significance of the Barmah Millewa wetlands, pointing out GBCMA’s Environmental Water Reserve Manager, Keith Ward, a number of heritage sites. who led the party, outlined the value and timing of environmental The trip was organised to give the SIRIC members an opportunity to see the successful outcome for the huge investment of environmental water used to create the Barmah flood. The community-based SIRIC oversees the implementation of the Goulburn Broken Regional Catchment Strategy in the Shepparton Irrigation Region and provides community input into decisions about managing environmental water flows. SIRIC is also the community reference group for the Barmah-Millewa Significant Ecological Asset Management Plan. Battling the current through The Narrows to inspect wetlands regeneration in Barmah- Plans are underway to hold another Millewa. Along the way the IC members saw some of the challenges facing the world Barmah trip for members of local famous wetland, including the presence of woody weeds, like willows, seen here on the government . Details will be announced riverbank. shortly.

(Continued from page 5) natural migration patterns. Joint Project to Save Water $$$$ This is resulting in greater fish numbers and The Shires of Moira and Campaspe have conservation targets, action lists and better spread of fish populations, combined with the City of Greater implementation plans. All plans must be particularly into the upper reaches. Shepparton to develop Sustainable Water completed by the end of the year. Regrettably, one of the biggest threats to Use Plans. Ms Roberts is based at the City of Greater the fish ladders is people, some of whom The joint project aims to make best use of Shepparton. have actually used angle grinders to cut limited funding available to produce a their way into the passages to set nets to All municipalities are required to develop a generic document which will be adapted to haul in migrating fish. Sustainable Water Use Plan under the suit each council’s individual needs. State Government’s white paper water Measures are being installed to identify Environmental consultant, Ann Roberts, reforms. Councils are then required to people responsible for the vandalism. has been employed by the three councils report to the State Government on their Further details of the Broken River program to develop the plans, which will investigate success, or otherwise, in achieving the are available from the GBCMA website on current water use and then set water specified outcomes of the strategies. www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/thebrokenriver Infex Page 16 Information Exchange for Municipalities in the Shepparton Irrigation Region

A quarterly newsletter about local government COMING EVENTS issues and involvement in natural resource June management in the Shepparton Irrigation Region. 23 - SIRIC For the information of municipal councillors and staff, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management 27- North East Environment Authority and other agencies involved with local Officer’s Forum government in the natural resource management 28 - Goulburn Broken partnership. Environmental Planning Forum. Edited by Colin James 30 - Clearwater Tool Box Training Workshop, MAV, Melbourne. Municipal Catchment Coordinator Goulburn Broken CMA July Phone: (03) 5833 5244 10 - SIRTEC Fax: (03) 5833 5971 11 & 12 - Wood Smoke Workshops, Mobile: 0418 561679 EPA, Melbourne 12 - Malcolm Turnbull visits GB. Old George is a mad keen golfer, but 17- MCC Briefing, Moira Shire his eyesight is deteriorating and his 18 - Funding Seminar, GBCMA, wayward golf balls are becoming a Euroa School House. hazard. 28 - SIRIC meeting at Campaspe The club president has to call him in August and explain that, for safety reasons, 11 - GBCMA Annual Reporting Day George won’t be allowed to continue 16-17 Healthy Soils Through playing. Communication Conference, George is most upset about this, but GBCMA, Seymour he soon has an idea. His old mate Mid - Victorian Local Sustainability down at the nursing home, Harry, has Before European settlement, the box ironbark eco-system Forum, MAV good eyesight and, what’s more, he was one of the most widespread ecologies in the Goulburn 17 - MCC Steering Committee, Campaspe Shire can do with some exercise. Broken catchment. But now, after decades of clearing, it is 28 - SIRTEC So he talks Harry into coming down to among the most degraded and threatened as the remnants September the club, where George puts a struggle to survive against many environmental pressures. All month - Biodiversity Month suggestion to the president. Understanding and preserving the remaining box ironbark 4 - 10 Landcare Week What if Harry acts as George’s eyes, landscape will be essential to preserve the character of what 7 - National Threatened Species so he can continue playing without our landscape once looked like - not to mention the many Day being a risk to anyone? native birds and animals that rely upon it for survival. 15 - SIRIC After a few drinks, the president A five-day workshop, organised by DSE from 16 to 20th of 26 - North East Environment agrees, so they head out to the tee. Officers’ Forum “Harry, you’re sure your eyesight is October this year, will bring together a wide range of leading 27 - Goulburn Broken fine and you can show George where researchers and experts to give participants a better Environmental Planning Forum to aim?” understanding of how this special ecology works, its October 2006 “Yeah, no worries mate. The eyes are relationship to the wider environment and a host of practical 2 - SIRTEC as good as the day I was born.” skills to be able to plan and manage a sustainable future for 8-11 International Landcare Conference, Melbourne Exhibition So, Harry lines up George, checks the this precious resource. & Convention Centre. fairway is clear and gives him the OK. The course will be held in Nagambie, at the heart of box 16-20 Box Ironbark Ecology George gives a mighty swing and ironbark country, and will include day and night field trips. Course, DSE, Nagambie. “whack”, the ball flies off into the The cost is $1,200 which includes accommodation, meals, 21 - SIRIC meeting at Moira distance. transport, instruction and course notes. A FarmBiz subsidy November “Did you see that Harry? What a shot! of $600 is available for participants who own or manage the 15 - MCC Steering Committee, Did you see where it went?” natural resources of a rural or rural residential landholding Moira Shire “Yeah, no worries, clear as day”. greater than two hectares in size. Further details are 15 - Catchment Partners Day Well, then, where is it?” available from course convener, Dianne Marshall at DSE, on December “I can’t remember”. 9637 8823 1 - SIRIC 13 - SIRTEC In Australia, you have a 10.1% chance of developing asthma, 6.9% chance of having your car stolen, 0.14% chance of being involved in a traffic accident this year, 0.00071% chance of dying from lightning strike and a 0.00001% chance of contracting a fatal virus from drinking contaminated water.

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority City of Greater Shepparton Shire of Campaspe Moira Shire 168 Welsford St., Shepparton 90 Welsford St., Shepparton Cnr. Hare and Heygarth Streets, 44 Station St., Cobram P. O. Box 1752 Locked Bag 1000 P.O. Box 35 P. O. Box 578 Shepparton 3632 Shepparton 3632 Echuca 3564 Cobram 3643 (03) 5820 1100 (03) 5832 9700 (03) 5481 2200 (03) 5871 9222