The Journey Project Platypus and Landcare in the Upper Wimmera Catchment Acknowledgements The publication of this booklet was made possible with funds from the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority for the Celebration of 25 Years of Landcare in Victoria.
Jane Marriott from Project Platypus wrote and collated the Project Platypus history with editing by Phil Williams and others. Members of Landcare Groups who researched and wrote their histories for this publication - Alan Green, Annette May, Michael Greene, Rosie Nater, George Holden, Harold Thomas, Liz Kelleher, Rob Shea and others are thanked for their valuable contribution.
In publishing this history of the organisation, Project Platypus recognises the hundreds of people who have been involved in many ways in the Project Platypus and Landcare journey.
Photo Credits Photos by Project Platypus staff, Management Committee and Landcare group members. Front cover photo by David Fletcher. Contents Part 1 - History and Development of the Project Platypus Organisation 19 94-2012
1.1 Beginnings ...... 4
1.2 Project Platypus Management Committee ...... 6
1.3 Project Platypus Staff ...... 9
1.4 Sponsors, Funding and Partnerships ...... 11
1.5 Volunteers and Works Teams ...... 14
1.6 Project Platypus Projects ...... 16
Integrated Sub Catchment works - Astons, Six Mile,
Mt Drummond, Glendhu
Platypus, Bandicoots & Biodiversity
Grampians to Pyrenees Biolink
Weed Control
1.7 Engaging the Community ...... 21
1.8 Plantouts ...... 24
1.9 Reflections on Project Platypus and Landcare ...... 29 Part 2 - History of Landcare Groups in the Upper Wimmera Catchment 1987 -2012
2.1 Moyston Landcare Group ...... 30
2.2 Black Range Land Management Group ...... 32
2.3 Concongella Landcare Group ...... 34
2.4 Northern Grampians Landcare Group ...... 36
2.5 Great Western Landcare Group ...... 38
2.6 Navarre Landcare Group ...... 40
2.7 Jallukar Landcare Group ...... 42
2.8 Elmhurst Landcare Group ...... 44
2.9 Stawell Urban Landcare Group ...... 46
2.10 Crowlands Landcare Group ...... 48
2.11 Landsborough Landcare Group ...... 49
2.12 Upper Wimmera Farm Tree Group ...... 50
2.13 Perennial Pasture Systems ...... 52
2.14 Project Platypus and Landcare Milestones ...... 53 1.1 Beginnings
Issues... The Wimmera River in Western Victoria forms part of the Murray Darling Basin. It is a large land locked system with its source in the Mount Cole Range above Elmhurst and terminates at Lake Hindmarsh and Wyperfeld National Park beyond Lake Albacutya. The Upper Wimmera Catchment refers to the 3,027km2 catchment area upstream of where the Mt William Creek adjoins the Wimmera River near
Steep bare, overgrazed hills causing Dadswells Bridge. erosion and salinity The main land uses in the region are mixed and undertook on-ground works with grants farming, mostly sheep and dryland cropping, mainly through state government funding, but also includes enterprises such as grapes, primarily the Land Protection Incentives olives, forestry, vegetable production, cut Scheme. Works included pest plant and flowers and other livestock such as goats, animal control, revegetation, salinity control cattle, pigs and poultry. The population of the and erosion control works. Upper Wimmera is estimated to be around 15,000 people with over 800 farming families However, Landcare groups were struggling to and a population of 6000 in the largest town maintain their enthusiasm, because the tasks of Stawell. of applying for and administering grants as Massive erosion problems, silting streams, reducing productivity well as participating in the labour and The region is home to an extensive array of management component of projects could flora and fauna including a large number of become overwhelming. The workload of an threatened and endangered species. Since active group could be so onerous it became a European settlement, private land has been disincentive to take on major or more subject to significant clearing of native projects. Mary Bignell and Dave Munday, vegetation, primarily for agriculture and also facilitators from the Dept Natural Resources gold mining, which has resulted in numerous and Environment, Barry Clugston from the environmental issues. These include loss of Upper Wimmera Farm Tree Group and a biodiversity, soil erosion, salinity, loss of soil number of far sighted Landcare members and soil fertility and reduced water quality. saw the benefits of establishing an umbrella Saline discharge areas with low group to take on some of the grant production values Landcare in Victoria was established in 1986 application and project management tasks. by a group of farmers in Winjallock near St This group could provide a broader and Arnaud to encourage a concerted response prioritised focus for potential projects to best to land degradation and was a formal address the land degradation issues across recognition of a movement that had been the whole of the Upper Wimmera Catchment. evolving for many years. Initially the focus was on planting trees, reflecting Landcare’s origins in the Farm Tree Groups that sprang During 1994 regular meetings of up in Victoria in the 70’s and early 80’s. Over representatives of all the Upper Wimmera its 25 years Landcare has engaged the Landcare groups, Julian King and Alex Arbuthnot from the VFF and DNRE staff Vast areas of sub catchments needing support of thousands of Victorians and more land rehabilitation works than 700 groups work together to shape the discussed how such an organisation could future of Victoria’s land, biodiversity and work. It is a testament to the commitment and waterways with a broad focus on sustainable enthusiasm of this group that by June 1995, management. after numerous meetings, many late nights and a lot of hard work, Project Platypus was In 1994 when Landcare in Victoria was 8 born. The organisation now had a clear and years old, the movement had been embraced unique identity - the platypus symbolism in the Upper Wimmera catchment by rural suggested by Barry Clugston reflected the communities centred in Moyston, Elmhurst, proposed land rehabilitation works which the Black Range, Concongella, Great would improve the environment and water Western, Jallukar, Navarre, Crowlands and quality for platypus and guarantee their long Multiple issues rabbits, weeds, erosion, by the Upper Wimmera Farm Tree Group. term survival as well as the long term health loss of biodiversity - ripe for a project! These local Landcare groups met regularly and future of the rural communities. The 4 Assets... easily recognised Project Platypus logo was longevity of the organisation and its ability to designed by Lindsey Williams. attract funds to address these issues.
The boldly stated aim of the fledgling Project The heart of the organisation was and Platypus was “To improve land and water continues to be the Management Committee, quality in the Upper Wimmera River made up of representatives of each of the Catchment, so achieving enhanced member Landcare groups and meeting biodiversity, a sustainable catchment and a regularly to guide the structure and sustainable catchment community.” By 1995 development of the organisation and set A group of people with a vision and the the now familiar structure of a Management priorities for actions. The Project Platypus passion to make it happen Committee and several subcommittees was Landcare journey from the initial meetings in place, with Michael McMurtrie as the first and discussions to the present has been a chairman. Work on making the idea a reality collaboration involving individual landholders, began in earnest and over the next few years Landcare Groups, state and federal hundreds of volunteer hours were devoted to government departments involved in natural shaping the organisation, seeking funds and resource management, local business, local planning projects. A document Project government, sponsors, philanthropic Platypus – A Major Landcare Initiative for the organisations, schools, other environmental Upper Wimmera Catchment was produced to organisations and thousands of community showcase the plans, commitment and volunteers, supporters and friends. Landholders willing to address land credibility of Project Platypus to potential degradation, early revegetation site at Moyston sponsors. This was complemented by a The journey has not been without its detailed Action Plan by Mary Bignell from hiccups but has been an overwhelmingly DNRE which outlined and costed a 5 year rewarding one for the many people who plan for pasture establishment, tree planting, have been involved and has made vermin and weed control, salinity and erosion significant improvements to the health of control projects. It was estimated that there the environment. This publication was 3000km of gully and stream bank erosion describes and celebrates the and 2283ha of salinity affected land in the achievements of Project Platypus and the Upper Catchment. The massive extent of the Landcare Groups and recognises the land degradation and management issues in contributions made by those who have People willing to research, plan and act the region has ironically played a part in the been part of the Project Platypus journey.
The Upper Wimmera Catchment - Landcare Groups
Sponsors, Project Platypus and landholders planting trees and addressing the issues
Advice, support and partners have guided the journey of Project Platypus
5 1.2 Project Platypus Management Committee
Translating a good idea into a reality doesn’t just happen and the idea of forming an umbrella group to represent regional Landcare Groups was a novel concept in 1994. Fortunately the region had enough people with a passion for the idea, the environment and Landcare to turn the idea into a reality. The Project Platypus Management enthusiasm of all involved. There was so Inaugural President Michael McMurtrie Committee has been the driving force for the much energy and excitement that we felt and George Holden organisation for 18 years, developing the nothing was going to stop us!” structure of the organisation and overseeing In 1999 Michael Greene from Elmhurst its direction and operations. Landcare Group was elected as chair and The basic role and structure of the PP worked towards the consolidation of the Management Committee evolved over the organisation. During Michael Greene’s first few years and has been reviewed at leadership the inaugural Plantout was held regular intervals to respond to changing which went on to become an annual needs and conditions, particularly as part of highlight of the Project Platypus calendar. the development of the Project Platypus Great Western farmer, Bill Kilpatrick took Strategic or Corporate Plans. Great Western farmer Bill Kilpatrick at a up the baton in 2002 and celebrated the 10 Landcare display year anniversary of Project Platypus in 2004. Project Platypus Management Bill recalls “Steering the organisation Committee Members through the difficult time following the end of The 1994 committee - subsequently the the Rio Tinto Partnership required Project Platypus Management Committee - considerable energy and vision by the contains many names that feature in Project Management Committee.” Platypus and Landcare Groups throughout Having been heavily involved with Project the following years. Platypus since its inception and with a wealth of experience, Phil Williams took on The original executive committee members the Chairperson position in 2005. He recalls, Michael Greene on his Elmhurst farm were Chairperson Michael McMurtrie, “The highlight of my term as chairman was Karingal Secretary Jane Williams and Treasurer Scot seeing Project Platypus settled into its new Douglas with representatives from each ‘shop front’ in Stawell’s Main Street. The Landcare Group on the committee. The lowlight was the terrible bushfires which member representative was often the ravaged the area in 2006” . Phil was the also regular attendee but could be substituted by the editor of the newsletter that served as a another group representative at the monthly monthly communication of Project Platypus meetings. progress and happenings to Management Committee members and for many years The Chairpersons of the Management compiled the informative and more widely Committee over the lifetime of Project distributed Project Platypus News. Phil Williams took on many roles including Platypus have all been committed to Project here as MC at a Jallukar Plantout Platypus and have made valuable Alan Green has also been involved in contributions of their time, energy, expertise Project Platypus since its inception and was and enthusiasm. elected to lead the Management Committee in 2007. He brought his business acumen Michael McMurtrie steered the ship for 5 and agricultural experience to the productive and busy years. Michael was, organisation and helped raise the profile of and still is an outspoken champion for Project Platypus. Project Platypus and never misses an opportunity to promote the organisation to Current chair, Leanne Jackman brings politicians, potential sponsors and board strong people skills and thoughtful members. Michael recalls “The thing I leadership to the organisation. She believes Alan Green showing a visiting group some of the improvements on his Great Western remember most about those early meetings “A focus to strengthen and build farm was the absolute commitment and partnerships with Local, State and Federal 6 Government and Corporate organisations Clugston, Phil Hall, Athol Mackay, Lyle will see Project Platypus better placed to Driscoll, Peter Brazier, Lisa Moore, Rosie support the sustainability and growth of our Nater, Phil Hall, Richard Kelleher, Steven Landcare Groups and Projects into the Ware, Harold Thomas, Stephen Start, future.” Tristan Kennedy, Howard Frampton and Mark McKew. Many Management Committee members have been long serving and their To round out the expertise of the Management Committee, ex officio contributions have been wide and varied Leanne Jackman at home on the farm including serving on sub-committees, members are invited to participate in and representing Project Platypus on various contribute to the monthly Management external committees and making Committee meetings and typically include a delegations to politicians and potential local DPI officer, a local Landcare facilitator, sponsors. a representative from GWMWater, a representative from the WCMA and from Scott Douglas was the inaugural treasurer Rio Tinto when they were partners. Julian and served on the Management Committee King (VFF) attended many early meetings for 7 years. and provided much needed guidance and support in the early days of Project Jane Williams held the position as Platypus. Secretary for 8 years and worked diligently The present Management Committee and with a passion for the organisation Peter Jackson and Nigel Binney from which would play an important role in GWMWater have been involved with Project improving natural resource management in Platypus and have applied their expertise to the region. As well as being Secretary, Jane the decisions of the Management also served as a member of the Project Committee since the inception of the Portfolio subcommittee and, along with Phil, organisation and have made a valuable used their local knowledge and expertise to contribution to the development of the encourage revegetation and remnant organisation as well as supporting our bids protection , including writing many of the for continuing sponsorship from GWMWater. early submissions and other documents as As representatives of sponsor Rio Tinto, well as being a driving force behind Jallukar The late Jane Williams, inaugural Landcare Group. Helen Fenney and John Smart attended secretary and plant guru smiling despite Management Committee and Sub- the very wet 2005 Plantout George Holden has been a longstanding committees and worked hard to ensure that member of the Management Committee and Project Platypus projects maintained their a number of sub committees. He has been a integrity by using the best science available mentor to the organisation and landholders and drew on their corporate experience to on agricultural and erosion issues. mentor Project Platypus.
Other members of past and present Staff from the Department of Primary Management Committees whose volunteer Industries (and its predecessor departments) contributions have contributed to the growth and the Wimmera Catchment Management and development of the strong Project Authority have been close partners often Max Skene, Regional Landcare Facilitator Platypus organisation we have today serving on the Management Committee – and great supporter of Project Platypus include – informing, guiding and participating in the development of Project Platypus. Julie Ross MacPhie, Graeme Price, Greg Dean, Andrew and Max Skene in particular were Emile Wilkinson, James Brady, Ken long serving and supportive members. Readwin, Ray Graham, Neil Marriott, Ferg Anderson, Colin Snooks, Vern Hutton, The Project Platypus Manager has always Rupert Bibby, Paddy Bourke, Patrick been a vital contributor to the Management Monaghan, Ken McPhee, Dominic Browne, Committee, and as an employee is able to Ron Bibby, Leigh Blackmore, Lil Isles, provide the administrative support, Howard Frampton, Mark Farrer, Bernard background to issues and the links between partners, sponsors, staff and the Bill Pyke consulting engineer on a bus tour Boatman, Robert Vance, Jan Ibsvon Seht, with the Management Committee 2011 Peter Laidlaw, Jon Wilkinson, Barry management committee. 7 Sub-committees or Action Groups have governance through legal compliance, been an ongoing feature of the Project producing an up to date constitution, Platypus structure. They have functioned to instituting financial tracking and garner the expertise of landholders, sponsors accountability have all contributed to the and agencies to develop plans, projects and viability and credibility of the organisation. priorities and make recommendations to the • Building a strong financial base and Management Committee. Typically sub accounting system to serve the growing committees have included groups such as organisation has been an ongoing task of Julie Andrew from DPI in discussions with Revegetation and Biodiversity, Erosion Athol Mackay Managers, Management Committees and Control, Climate Change, Project Oversight, book keepers. Running the Project Platypus Implementation and Scientific Accountability, “business” effectively has only been Partnerships, Funding & Finance, achieved by constantly reviewing accounting Organisational Development and systems and procedures. Communications. Many members have made valuable contributions to the direction • Promoting and building a credible profile and actions of Project Platypus by for the organisation is important for sponsors participating on these committees. want to see a well run organisation, Landcare Groups who want to deal with an Management Committee effective umbrella organisation and the Achievements Management Committee regularly Management Committee and staff who want undertake site visits to look at projects The Project Platypus we see in 2012 is a to work for an efficient and responsible testament to the successful management by organisation. Project Platypus continues to previous and present Management be viewed as an innovative and skilled Committees. To take an idea of an umbrella natural resource manager and an effective landcare group and develop this into the leader for its rural communities. organisation we see today with a full time The 2012 Management Committee has Manager and a dozen staff, an annual recently completed the Strategic Plan for budget of $800,000, up to a hundred project 2012-2014, which reviewed the Vision, sites per year and regular community events Purpose and Guiding Principles of the all funded through successful applications organisation and listed the objectives for the One of the most enjoyable tasks – for grants and sponsorship is an outstanding next 3 years and the measurable outcomes releasing platypus back into the river achievement. on which the success of the organisation The Management Committee continues to can be judged. The relationship between the support “a strong and innovative community- 11 member Landcare Groups and Project driven organisation, providing leadership in Platypus and the function and membership improving the environmental health of the of the 5 sub-committees has also been Upper Wimmera Catchment and contributing revised to ensure a continuing healthy and to the prosperity and health of the mutually beneficial relationship. community.” Some of their major The present committee continues to reflect achievements have been on the past and plan for the future of the organisation. Current Chair Leanne Meetings of staff, Landcare Groups and • Obtaining funding to employ managers and Jackman acknowledges all the committee Management Committee are important to undertake on-ground works. Without the members who have generously volunteered funds for projects, for project facilitators and their time and skills over the years “For all a manager, not much can happen on-ground the energy and enthusiasm freely given, we or in the office. The committee has have been rewarded with a wealth of successfully achieved their aim to stimulating social and community interaction supplement funds from government grants with the added bonus of enjoying and with funds from sponsors and philanthropic enhancing our beautiful natural organisations to increase the resilience of environment. The mix of experienced and the organisation. fresh faces on our current committee sees • Developing an organisational model which us not only enjoying our time together, but Three Management Committee chairs and Emily at Project Platypus 10th has grown and responded to changing also well placed to make the most of anniversary circumstances. Ensuring appropriate challenges and opportunities for the future.” 8 1.3 Project Platypus Staff
Project Platypus Managers significant vision. This was turned out to be a very rewarding opportunity.” After a stint Whilst the Management Committee oversees teaching in Malaysia, Peter returned to the development of the organisation, the day Stawell Secondary College as Principal. to day running of the business requires the regular and constant attention of a Manager When Emily Anderson (nee Tyson) began who also provides leadership for the Project work as Manager in 2004, she brought Platypus team. Project Platypus has been experience as a Landcare facilitator and an extremely fortunate in the calibre of its enthusiasm for engaging with the community. First full time Manager Kerryn Shrank got Managers, each making a unique and the organisation off to a great start Up until this time Project Platypus had been valuable contribution to the organisation. housed in the DPI/DSE office in Patrick St, occupying a space about six square metres, The first person to fulfil this part time role with so with the steady growth of the organisation the title of Project Officer was Sherrie looking for a new office was a priority. In Christian in early 1996. Sherrie’s role was to 2005 an old building on the corner of Patrick contact landcare groups about possible and Main St was secured, renovated and its projects and try to find potential sponsors. In three rooms set up as a display area, a five August 1996 Kerryn Shrank was appointed desk office area and a kitchen meeting area. as the first Manager. Kerryn was seconded Emily describes the office “This space, from the NRCL (Natural Resources coined the ‘Project Platypus Landcare Project Platypus manager Peter Hilbig Conservation League) which operated out of Centre’ really established Project Platypus hands over the reins to Emily Tyson the Wail Nursery. Kerryn organised the as an independent leader in the NRM launch of the partnership with CRA at industry, it was a wonderful place to work Seppelts in 1996 and was instrumental in and encouraged many people such as bedding down that partnership in its first year. Landcare members, colleagues, volunteers One of the biggest events organised by and the general public to drop in and find out Kerryn was a weekend workshop at Halls what Project Platypus was all about.” Today Gap in July 1997 at which the Management Emily lives with Nick and two children on the Committee priorities and objectives for the farm near Willaura and keeps in touch with next 3 – 5 years were developed. Through NRM issues as a board member of the diligent applications for funding Project Wimmera Catchment Management Authority. Manager Luke Scott directs proceedings Platypus was able to employ Kerryn full time. at a Plantout At the end of 1997 Kerryn took up another Luke Scott began in 2007 and he capably position after having set up an excellent filled the shoes of previous incumbents using framework for the structure and operation of his background as a zoologist to address Project Platypus. biodiversity in revegetation projects and promote our icon, the platypus. A humorous In 1998 Project Manager Peter Hilbig , a presentation on platypus with a variety of science teacher and assistant principal at props at an AGM was typical of Luke’s sense Stawell Secondary College began the task of of humour. Luke found that commuting consolidating and expanding the role and between family living in Warrnambool and activities of the organisation. Setting up the work in the Wimmera took its toll and at the Leigh Blackmore the current manager systems and structures to take the end of 2007 he resigned to take on a making a presentation to Landcare organisation forward and looking for avenues sustainability role at Warrnambool TAFE. for funding were Peter’s key tasks. Peter This was followed by two years as store recalls “When exploring the possibility of manager on a NT aboriginal community. applying for the manager position at Project Luke is presently working in the Dept of Platypus I visited work in progress at Aston’s Climate Change, Canberra. Scour and spoke with landholders and other stakeholders. I was struck by the Having served as Stawell Urban Landcare commitment of the people, their concern for Group representative on the Project Platypus a sustainable future and the scope of their Management Committee and as the local projects. Their infectious passion inspired Waterwatch facilitator Leigh Blackmore was Jane Marriott at a seed collecting able to hit the ground running when he was me to proceed with my application and I was workshop excited to join Project Platypus to support its appointed as Project Platypus Manager in 9 2008. Leigh’s first task was to review the projects and the annual plant and hectare accounting system of the ever growing totals reached new records each year. organisation, organising the payment of the Although the roles of project officers could be wages for up to twenty employees and a described as Natural Resource Management dozen different funding sources at any one positions, it is the people management and time. Leigh has overseen the biggest growth interaction that determines the success of in the organisation since its inception and has projects and Bernie’s record was excellent. developed and implemented streamlined Bernie left the organisation in 2010 for a Bernie Rudolph out on site discussing systems for managing the organisation that break from the hectic round of Works erosion projects with Bill Pyke and George Holden have improved the efficiency of Project Agreements, Plantout planning, compiling Platypus. Leigh recalls “Relocating Project tree orders, organising plantings etc. He Platypus to the Western Highway site which reminisces “I spent a lot of time chatting with would house the office based staff and the landowners about projects, the weather etc increasing number of vehicles and but it is critical to build rapport, equipment in one location was an important understanding and trust to ensure the step in the consolidation and efficient success of projects long after the project is operation of Project Platypus.” completed.”
Project Platypus Staff Sean Malloy worked on weed and rabbit Project Platypus staff and volunteers in Since its inception more than 30 staff 2006 control projects for almost 10 years. Sean’s members, many of them part time or casual annual Bridal Creeper spraying program has employees have made contributions to seen a dramatic reduction in the spread of Project Platypus. The nature of the this invasive weed. Sean has also been organisation has attracted people with involved in facilitating rabbit and weed control passion and enthusiasm for their role and the for Landcare Groups and other organisation. Because of the ephemeral organisations. The capacity of Project nature of landcare funding jobs are often Platypus to address pest plants and animals short term, part time, seasonal and project has increased dramatically and today two based. spray trailers operate for a large part of each year with six part-time staff. These well A staff BBQ meeting at Halls Gap in 2010 Jane Marriott , one of the first employees, resourced and experienced work teams are began as Seed Bank Co-ordinator in 2000 in a good position to undertake and is still working part time on various complementary weed and rabbit control for projects. Jane recalls “The seed collection local councils or for landholders undertaking role saw me out and about the catchment independent works. and I loved exploring the region looking for remnants to collect from and for potential revegetation sites.” Other roles and projects Other people who have been employed by that Jane has applied her passion for the Project Platypus and made valuable environment and organisational skills include contributions to rabbit or weed control, Works Co-ordinator, Engaging Small administration, revegetation works, bookkeeping, are - Judy Sheppard, Allistair Current staff members in the bush behind Landholders, Community Engagement, the office organiser Agrifest 2011 and author of the Johnson, Linton Argall, Anne Dempster, Project Platypus & GWMWater Partnership Tristan Kennedy, Joe Facey, Michael 15 year celebration book and the Southern McMurtrie, Peter Greenberger, Lisa Moore, Brown Bandicoot Recovery Plan. Jacqueline Young, Victoria Leeke, Michelle Simpkin, Colin Snooks, David Margetson, Bernie Rudolph began as a part time Cathy McDermott, Bronwyn Bant, Graeme Navarre’s Rabbit Facilitator and in March Pearson, Angela Jones, Bob Wallace, Barry 2004 commenced as ‘Weed facilitator and Curtis, Adam Merrick and Allistair Stephens. revegetation support’ but became full time There has been a number of casual staff who Works Co-ordinator when Adam Merrick have undertaken short term projects and resigned. Bernie’s relaxed and friendly tasks, as well as participants in Labour It is hard to escape the mobile phone! Peter Hilbig and volunteer manner led to many landholders signing up Programs who have all contributed getting for revegetation and remnant protection the jobs done at Project Platypus. 10 1.4 Sponsors, Funding and Partnerships
A major driver for establishing Project Platypus as an umbrella Landcare Group or network was to reduce the workload of Landcare Group Office bearers and members in keeping up to date with Landcare initiatives and applying for and administering funds, particularly for broad scale projects across several Landcare Group areas and whole of catchment projects.
Worthy projects don’t just appear and can The launch of one of the first projects GWMWater completed at Ron Bibby’s hill require considerable research and ground In late 1994 Wimmera Mallee Water was work often beyond the scope of Landcare approached for sponsorship and in 1995 Groups to prepare and execute. In addition, Project Platypus efforts were rewarded the sources of funds and their pre requisites with funds for undertaking ‘The Upper have and continue to be ever changing and Wimmera Catchment Support Initiative’, rarely ongoing. Having an umbrella group described by Wimmera Mallee Water as such as Project Platypus to negotiate, apply “an investment in land rehabilitation works for and administer the funding of projects ... sparked by the need to improve water has greatly reduced the workload of quality in the Wimmera River.” Landcare Groups. Landcare Australia and Rob Youl have The common theme of early Management GWMWater (previously Wimmera Mallee been long term supporters and promoters of Project Platypus Committee meetings was applying for grants Water and Grampians Water) annual and seeking sponsorship. Project Platypus funding has continued, typically for erosion relied on the enthusiasm and vision of the control works which have taken place in inaugural Management Committee, the Six Mile Catchment, Astons Scour, Landcare Group members and supporters Ironpot Creek, Mt Drummond, Glendhu, such as Dave Munday and Barry Clugston to Daves Avenue, Salt Creek Elmhurst and attract funds. In 1994 a Project Platypus smaller projects across the catchment. newsletter described the need for Funds also supported the setting up and sponsorship “... so we can accelerate the operation of a seed bank which supplied adoption of Landcare solutions to the seed for the ever growing revegetation The signing of the major sponsorship deal problems of the catchment.” A talk by Susan projects undertaken by Project Platypus with Rio Tinto (CRA) Holmes from Telecom in 1995 detailed the each year. Over a 16 year period annual requirements of a potential sponsor, how to funding from GWMWater has provided approach a sponsor and what a company over $400,000 to implement projects on would expect to receive for their sponsorship. over 100 different sites. In early 2005 a two day Sponsorship Workshop facilitated by Landcare Australia Besides the GWMWater financial clarified some of the issues and approaches. contribution, the input of the staff and the The support and sourcing of sponsors by board of GWMWater has enhanced the Rob Youl, Landcare Australia and the operation of the Project Platypus Landcare Foundation has contributed to the organisation and the quality of projects. The official launch of Rio Tinto Project success of Project Platypus. The ongoing advice, expertise and Platypus partnership with Minister Pat commitment by Nigel Binney and Peter MacNamara and Michael McMurtrie To provide potential sponsors with the Jackson from GWMWater have been information on which to make a decision the another positive and rewarding component comprehensive document Project Platypus – of the partnership. A publication Project A Major Landcare Initiative for the Upper Platypus and GWMWater - Celebrating the Wimmera Catchment was produced 15 year Partnership in Landcare Works identifying the aims of Project Platypus, 1995 - 2010 describes the history and Landcare targets and potential budgets. This details of the GWMWater and Project document along with persuasive Platypus partnership. As the first and conversations, meetings and presentations continuing sponsor of Project Platypus, Sponsorship celebrations by the established the bona fides that sponsors GWMWater has played a pivotal role in the Management Committee and John Smart would require to fund the new organisation. history of Project Platypus. from Rio Tinto 11 Rio Tinto Tinto funding allowed the Project Platypus organisation to grow, consolidate, develop In 1995 when CRA Limited (later Rio Tinto) and enhance its professional profile. was undertaking exploratory work for mineral sand extraction at Burnt Creek Federal and State Government near Dadswells Bridge, local CRA manager Partnerships and Funding John Smart was approached and the Since the inception of Landcare in 1986 possible sponsorship of Project Platypus there has been bipartisan support from Rio Tinto guided some on-ground works was discussed. such as here in the Iron Pot catchment Federal and State Governments. However, periodical changing of the funding priorities In subsequent discussions with Helen has led to Landcare operating in an Fenney, the PR consultant for CRA, a uncertain environment. Without continuity partnership agreement was developed of funding and changeable overarching which was mutually advantageous. Their structures, Project Platypus and Landcare sponsorship would fund the setting up a have at times struggled to maintain demonstration site(s) which would facilitate momentum. the establishment of a credible and scientific response to catchment problems. Today funding for Landcare activities has The list of issues to be addressed in increased and the need to support Signs reflected the new partnership with documenting the partnership agreement Landcare is better recognised. Whilst Rio Tinto was daunting but with good will on all sides Project Platypus has been fortunate to and extensive communications, a obtain sponsorship funds and grants from partnership was forged. In November 1996 Philanthropic Trusts, it is funds such as the CRA Project Platypus – A Landcare federal Natural Heritage Trust, National Partnership was launched by the Hon Pat Landcare Program, Caring For Our McNamara at Seppelts, Great Western. Country and state initiatives such as Land This certainty of funding with $100,000 Protection Incentives and 2nd Generation each year for the next three years, and Landcare Funding which have enabled later a further three years, gave the Project Project Platypus to undertake large scale Platypus organisation a very welcome revegetation and remnant protection Nigel Binny and Barry Clugston from long boost in morale and capacity. projects across the Upper Catchment. term sponsors GWMWater were shown prospective works A requirement of the partnership was that The support of state government officers all projects should have a scientific basis from DSE and DPI (and their previous and that they should be monitored to incarnations) has been crucial to the assess their success or failure. The Astons success of Project Platypus. In the early Scour and Ironpot Creek projects were years Mary Bignell promoted the formation developed and became the two funded of Project Platypus and she developed the demonstration sites. Bores and other first Project Platypus Action Plan which monitoring methods were incorporated into provided clear direction for future projects. the projects to measure their success. A Project Platypus and the Landcare Groups Scientific Advisory Committee was are fortunate to have had an excellent A booklet was produced and launched to celebrate the 15 year partnership with established in 1996 and recruited a range sequence of state government funded GWMWater of experts in their field, Project Platypus Landcare facilitators - Dave Munday, members and CRA representatives to Felicity Brown (now Christian), Emma ensure that these and future projects Bayley Stark, Jayne Holmes (now Drum), fulfilled the requirements set out in the Victoria Leeke and presently Bob Wallace. partnership agreement. For a number of years Julie Andrew from DPI provided the Management Committee In addition to the generous funding with an important link with state agreements, the valuable mentoring and government initiatives and helped ensure support from Helen Fenney and John the co-ordination of works across the Smart in particular continued throughout catchment. Max Skene as the regional A bus trip around the catchment with the WCMA and Management Committee on the 8 year life of Rio Tinto involvement. Landcare facilitator with the WCMA made board The certainty and on-going nature of Rio an outstanding contribution to the 12 development of the Project Platypus deliver a wide variety of projects which organisation. Joel Boyd is now the have contributed to the environmental and Regional Landcare facilitator supporting social health of the catchment. Project Platypus and the Landcare Groups. • Mazda Foundation – part funding manager position Developed from the previous Catchment and Land Protection (CALP) boards, the • Myer Foundation – to establish the Wimmera Catchment Management Project Platypus website, to undertake Besides funds for revegetation sponsors Authority (WCMA) is the regional Statutory platypus surveys and grants have funded a wide range of projects Authority Natural Resource Management body in the Wimmera. Funded by the State • Ian Potter Foundation – part funding Government, it is responsible for creating a manager position healthier and more sustainable environment in partnership with a range of • Helen McPherson Smith Trust – organisations and stakeholders such as Protecting Paddock Trees project Project Platypus. • Norman Wettenhall Foundation – Philanthropic Trusts Southern Brown Bandicoot Recovery Plan
Government funding requirements may Aerial flights over the catchment have • William Buckland Foundation – part exclude important projects that have been been pivotal for planning and monitoring funding manager position identified by Landcare Groups or Project Platypus as having merit. To this end • Reichstein Foundation - early support for obtaining Philanthropic Trust grants have setting up Project Platypus enabled a broader range of worthwhile projects to be achieved across the Upper Other Sponsors and Partners Wimmera Catchment. These funds have also been used to leverage government Project Platypus has been privileged to grants when matching funds were required enjoy excellent relationships with other or to fund wages for project managers or organisations and businesses, many of co-ordinators. them local, and with other NGO’s involved Rabbit control is an essential component in natural resource management. We of land management Project Platypus is extremely grateful to thank the following for their past or the trustees of the following organisations continuing contribution to Project Platypus for their confidence in the organisation to and the Landcare community.
Greening Australia Woolman/Advance Coles Petroleum Grampians Community Ararat City Council Pyrenees Shire Health Council University of Ballarat Workco Stawell Gold Mines Funds provided materials for volunteers to construct and erect nest boxes Conundrum Holdings Seppelts /Southcorp Powercor SP AusNet Pomonal Wildflower Vicroads Nursery Conservation Volunteers Parks Victoria Northern Grampians Australia Shire Council Foundation for Regional RACV Landcare Australia and Rural Renewal Victorian 4WD Mobile Warratah Fencing Trust for Nature Landcare Group For many years local seed was collected Green Eggs SES Landmark Australia to provide diverse revegetation plants 13 1.5 Volunteers and Work Crews... getting the work done
The contribution made by volunteers and various works crews to the operation, development and success of Project Platypus is perhaps the most outstanding feature of the organisation. From the many thousands of hours spent by Project Platypus and Landcare Group committee members attending meetings to the hundreds of people participating in Plantouts, the contributions of volunteers is what makes
Skene St students can turn their hand to Project Platypus and Landcare happen!. many tasks including folding and stapling newsletters Some of the teams who have featured in Project Platypus staff. These crews with projects and tasks are their comprehensive training are able to achieve significant outcomes in fencing, Schools have been involved in a range revegetation and weed control projects. of Project Platypus activities. Jane Adam Blake, Joel Hastings and Bob Schmidt from Skene St School has Wallace are some of the Greencorps organised students to help with tree team leaders who have taken a group of planting, painting nest boxes, folding teenagers and developed them into a newsletters and catering. John Pye, past “green team”. teacher from Stawell Secondary College Green Corps crews undertake fencing, planting and in this case seed collecting has given students the opportunity to be Part of the Scouting experience involves involved in tree planting, erosion control participating in community projects and work and catchment studies. Students Project Platypus is fortunate that the from the three Stawell Primary schools, Avoca and Ararat scouting groups have Marian College and small rural schools contributed to our annual planting efforts have been involved in planting days and since 2001 at sites at Glendhu, Elmhurst, have done a great job assisting Bulgana and Dadswells Bridge. An landholders getting a large number of overnight camp out and camp food is part trees planted and guarded. These of the environmental experience which activities with local schools are mutually has enhanced the horizons of the scouts rewarding partnerships that contribute to A Greencorps spraying team prepare sites and contributed to the success of a for planting by eradicating weeds the future health of our environment. number of revegetation projects.
Project Platypus has regularly had The Landmate prison works crew have Greencorps and Conservation provided thousands of hours labour, Volunteers Australia teams assisting with assisting landholders undertaking large various projects from seed collecting to projects. Several thousand kilometres of planting and spraying weeds. An fences to protect vegetation or fence out experienced team leader comes with the erosion control works from stock have team who can work independently of been erected and their skill and organisation in planting thousands of trees a day is something to be seen - The Avoca scouts and their leaders are a great planting team often in harsh weather and with tough site conditions! For many years Keith Price was the Landmate supervisor, followed by Wilber Wilde - both skilled in motivating and organising Landmate teams.
Because of the variety of work available and its willingness to involve the community, Project Platypus has benefited from many individuals engaged in employment projects . Participants The Landmate crew undertake the huge task of spreading hay to stabilise an have joined weed spraying teams, erosion site planting, fencing and office work and 14 have increased the labour available to The Landcare movement is essentially assist landholders to complete their founded on the volunteer activities of all Landcare projects. Some of the the Landcare Groups and their individual participants have gone on to full time members – putting their hand up as office employment based on their positive work bearers, attending meetings, participating experiences at Project Platypus. in working bees, undertaking works on their own or members’ properties, The Men’s Shed in Stawell led by Brian organising or participating in community Winters, built dozens of bird and mammal events, catering! A variety of employment projects have nest boxes as part of a Stawell Gold benefited participants, Project Platypus and landholders Mines grant to Project Platypus and these The contribution and achievements of were distributed across the region. The each of the Landcare Groups in the nest boxes and the picnic tables Upper Wimmera Catchment are detailed constructed for a walking track project and further celebrated in Part 2 of this were completed to a high standard. publication.
Plantout Volunteers account for the Project Platypus acknowledges the greatest number of people involved in wonderful contribution that thousands of Project Platypus activities. Volunteers volunteers have made to all aspects of come from far and near attracted by the Project Platypus operations and to Volunteers hard at work planting and opportunity to make a real contribution to Landcare in the region. All the volunteers guarding in freezing conditions at Warrak the environment and have fun being part groups and individuals are thanked. of a large, well organised team. Many Because Project Platypus values their planters return each year for the volunteers they have set in place systems experience and some go on to become to ensure the volunteer experience is involved in Project Platypus in other rewarding and safe, so volunteers will ways. (See Plantout section) return for more of the same!
The Stawell Mens Shed group made nest boxes as part of a wildlife project
Hundreds of Plantouts volunteers have planted thousands of trees
In response to the 2006 fires Clive Crouch and volunteers constructed and distributed nest boxes 15 1.6 Project Platypus Projects
Engaging works facilitators and consultants, implementing OH&S measures, purchasing and maintaining equipment, supplies and vehicles, applying for grants and sponsorship, researching, planning and prioritising projects are all prerequisites to the efficient roll out of the all important on-ground works Project Platypus undertakes.
Hundreds of landholders from across the Some key areas where projects which have Works on Col Deans Astons property catchment have undertaken projects been undertaken over the last 18 years are including flood retention dams, battering and sowing down banks facilitated by Project Platypus to address salinity, erosion, loss of habitat, remnant • Integrated Sub Catchment works protection, pest plant and animal control, sustainable farming practices and carbon - Astons Scour Catchment – integrated farming on their properties. sub catchment works
Once funding is secured, landholders are - Six Mile Catchment – integrated sub sought who fit the funding criteria and who catchment works appreciate the benefits of the project to the environmental health and productivity of - Mt Drummond – erosion control The after photo tells the success story with their land. Sites are then inspected by a - Glendhu Catchment – integrated sub eroded banks healed and water Project Platypus Works Co-ordinator, works managed catchment works agreements are drawn up detailing the commitments of both parties, site • Protecting Platypus, Bandicoots and preparations commence, plants for Biodiversity revegetation sites are ordered and projects are underway. • Grampians to Pyrenees Biolink - Revegetation and Remnant Protection Some of the first projects in 1995 and 1996 were erosion control works and planting • Weed Control across the catchment funded by Wimmera Mallee Water on the Water rushing off Glendhu’s steep cleared Darbyshire and Greene’s property at Salt Astons Scour Landsborough hills causes massive erosion Creek at Elmhurst, hill planting and erosion works on Ron Bibby’s hill at Navarre, and The high silt loads entering the Wimmera saline revegetation on Ian Brady’s Moyston River from the 5200 ha Astons Scour property. catchment near Landsborough, and the erosion on the lower slopes and flats below Mt Struggle prompted its nomination in 1995 as a Pilot Project to demonstrate a well planned and scientific response to a variety of long standing land degradation issues. Funds from Rio Tinto, GWMWater,
Starts Glendhu property magnificent but federal and state governments along with with many issues landholder commitments allowed comprehensive planning and mapping of the Astons Catchment, followed by battering of gullies, installation of gully plug dams, fencing of waterways, establishment of perennial pasture, rabbit control and revegetation works. With Rio Tinto involvement, Project Platypus was encouraged to adopt a scientific approach to projects involving comprehensive planning, costing, recording and monitoring Repairing Mt Drummond’s eroded gullies and retaining trees posed some issues of works. Records from stream gauging stations, site visits and photographic 16 comparisons have been useful tools in lower slopes as a priority for works. A assessing the improvements in the partnership between the Landcare Group, functioning of the landscape from projects landholders, engineering consultant Bill undertaken across Astons Scour. The Pyke, GWMWater and Project Platypus positive impact of works was the result of a has seen extensive works undertaken over productive partnership between committed 10 years. landholders, consultants and advisors, the Concongella Landcare Group, the The results have been dramatic – shifting sponsors, contractors, volunteers and soils on slopes have been stabilised by Engineer Bill Pyke and Works Coordinator Project Platypus. Works in the Iron Pot Bernie Rudolph are happy with the controlling grazing, active gully erosion results at Mt Drummond Creek catchment were part of a second has been repaired, areas have been Pilot Project. revegetated with trees or grasses and various water diversion measures Six Mile Creek Catchment instituted. Because site works take time to stabilise, the site has required continued The Six Mile Creek sub catchment of the monitoring to ensure that works are not Wimmera is more than 10,000ha and rises compromised by heavy rains. The in steep hills of the Dunneworthy Forest Northern Grampians Landcare Group and enters the Wimmera River near Joel regularly undertakes monitoring and Joel. Landholders in the Concongella and maintenance works to ensure the project Some solutions at Mt Drummond were as Great Western Landcare Groups were continues to be successful. simple as establishing contour banks and particularly concerned with their serious intercepting with lines of plants erosion. This led to these landholders The on-going partnership with GWMWater coming together with Project Platypus to has allowed minor repair works to be identify the areas of degradation, draw up undertaken when needed and highlights a plan of action and determine priorities for the value of a long term commitment from undertaking works. a sponsor organisation. The first plan collated by Mary Bignall was based on landholder input and was later Glendhu reviewed and updated by Lisa Moore in The steep cleared hills of the Glendhu conjunction with landholders. Aerial photos of the Six Mile Creek Creek catchment contribute significant silt Catchment are a graphic way to see the Revegetation works on the steep bare hills extent of the problems loads to the Wimmera River. A large of the catchment were followed by erosion portion of the catchment is occupied by control on the lower slopes and flats, Jack and Lyn Start’s 2400ha visually fencing off creek lines and establishing stunning Glendhu Station. Jack’s ambition perennial pastures and native vegetation. is to restore the property by fencing out and revegetating the steep hills to reduce In 2005 works in the catchment were run off and erosion, repair eroded gullies funded through a NLP grant “Saving the and farm the lower slopes and flats Soils of the Six Mile” and boosted in 2008 sustainably. with a $300,000 State Government Grant which saw prioritised works undertaken Site visits with landholders of the 6 Mile across more than 12 properties. Work This massive undertaking is assisted by Creek Catchment and engineers determining the best solutions continues but today the much healthier Jack’s fleet of earthmoving equipment to catchment reflects the substantial rip planting lines and repair eroded gullies investment of state and federal and through a variety of funding sources. governments and GWMWater, the efforts With contributions from DPI, the WCMA of a group of motivated landholders and and Project Platypus and volunteers the the securing of funds and co-ordination of partnership has been productive. works by Project Platypus. Landmate has erected fences and planted trees, the Avoca scouts have contributed Mt Drummond to several plantings and Project Platypus Plantout volunteers have planted over Trickle pipes capture the excess flow and Northern Grampians Landcare Group saw 50,000 plants across the steep rocky hills direct water to the base of the gully the degradation of Mt Drummond and its and along eroded gullies. The works on 17 this property have been ground breaking return since the drought broke is unknown. and provide a dramatic example of A 2012/2013 project will look at the affect landscape scale rehabilitation. In years to of the prolonged drought on platypus come these works at Glendhu will make a populations, ways to secure populations, significant contribution to biodiversity improve platypus habitat and develop a conservation. local platypus management and recovery plan. Complementary erosion control work, Paddock trees are important aesthetically perennial pasture establishment and The Southern Brown Bandicoot was once and for biodiversity revegetation have also taken place on the common in the Black Range, in the adjoining properties of Perry Richards, Grampians National Park and on the Harold and Edith Thomas and Allen and Grampians fringes centred on Pomonal. By Andrea Hart and have contributed to a the early 1990’s Black Range Landcare substantial reduction in silt loads entering Group members had noted their dramatic the Wimmera River. decline and received a grant from Envirofund for surveys to determine the Platypus, Bandicoots and presence of bandicoots, to increase and Biodiversity link areas of bandicoot habitat and to promote community awareness. Researching platypus in the waterways in It is fitting that the subject of the Project Unfortunately a fire across the Black the Upper Wimmera has been a focus of Platypus logo and namesake, the Range in 2006 is believed to have all but biodiversity projects platypus , has been the basis of several wiped out any remaining populations. The Project Platypus studies in the Upper focus for the group subsequently shifted to Wimmera Catchment since 1997. providing refuges for the bandicoots and Historically platypus had been recorded in other wildlife remaining and to undertaking a number of stretches of the Wimmera fox control to reduce predation on River, Mt Cole and Nowhere Creeks but vulnerable wildlife. rigorous studies had been few and sightings largely anecdotal. During Rio In 2009 a Project Platypus revegetation Tinto’s sponsorship, the Australian project was undertaken to commence a Communicating the results of trapping and Platypus Conversancy (APS) in link/corridor of continuous vegetation involving the community increases conjunction with Earthwatch Australia between the Black Range and the awareness conducted a series of live trapping Grampians. Presently Project Platypus is programs to determine the presence of focussing on efforts to recover the platypus in the Upper Wimmera catchment. nationally threatened bandicoot by Melody Serena and Geoff Williams from implementing a large scale and long term the APS invited community members to fox control program on private property in assist with the trapping program. This conjunction with controls on public land. involved two hourly checking of traps This was the priority action listed in the overnight and next day if you were lucky local bandicoot recovery plan produced by viewing the endearing creatures being Project Platypus in 2011. weighed and recorded. Increasing the linkages between the Grampians and Pyrenees will increase the Maintaining and improving biodiversity is resilience of fauna Reports on the health of the population and a key pillar of Project Platypus works. In their environment were published over the particular, its revegetation and remnant several years of trapping. In the late 1990’s protection works aim to provide the good numbers were reported in the upper diversity of habitat needed to maintain reaches of the Wimmera River, Mt Cole fauna populations. Other biodiversity Creek, Nowhere Creek but very projects have included nest box making disappointing numbers between 2006 and and distributing, bandicoot refuges, Fauna 2010 when rivers and refuge pools dried and Birds on Farms Workshops, up and surveys ceased. Just prior to the information sheets on Mistletoe, promotion breaking of the drought a limited trapping of the habitat values of logs and hollows The ultimate goal of revegetation! In this and paddock trees, revegetation and case a site protected by fencing out stock program recorded two platypus in a deep pool near Dadswells Bridge but their wider remnant protection. 18 Grampians to Pyrenees Biolink over 800,000 plants planted over 1500ha in the Upper Wimmera catchment. Historically erosion control works were the Revegetation or remnant protection major projects undertaken by Project projects are changing the landscape in the Platypus. Today however revegetation Upper Wimmera but there is a long way to works and remnant protection are the go before the issues of habitat loss, major on-ground activities of Project threatened species and restoring Platypus, closely followed by weed control biodiverse habitats will be adequately activities. Each year when the call for addressed. Creek lines are an obvious site to interest in revegetation works are made, revegetate, banks are protected, water many landholders from across the region Weed Control filtered and corridors created respond and the Project Platypus revegetation manager inspects sites and Environmental and agricultural weeds are with the landholders develops a works classified by regional, state and national plan. This typically involves the landholder authorities according to their potential receiving a subsidy per metre to erect threat or spread. Farmers, Landcare fences, the landholder ripping and spraying Groups and the community have their own planting lines and Project Platypus priority weeds depending on their situation purchasing plants and guards. Assistance and the extent of infestations. Project with labour from volunteer groups and Platypus aims to support community weed projects by accessing funds to address Large hill planting sites will create the works teams is available for all aspects of susbstantial nodes of vegetation required a project if the project is large or if the their priority weeds and providing for many birds and animals landholder is unable to undertake the work. facilitators and equipment.
In 2008 Project Platypus commenced a Weeds which have been on the Project partnership revegetation and remnant Platypus agenda are Bridal Creeper, Spiny protection project with the WCMA called Rush, Patersons Curse, St Johns Wort, the Grampians to Pyrenees Biolink. Broom, Horehound, Bathurst Burr, Cape Project Platypus has revegetated about Tulip, Gorse, Blackberry and Chilean 300ha each year based on the need to Needle Grass. Sean Malloy headed the connect fragmented landscapes, to first weed control team and over many provide habitat for fauna and to respond to years has reduced the spread and extent Well equipped spray trailers make the work a little easier for spraying crews climate change. Projects typically involve a of Bridal Creeper in particular. Research range of preparations prior to planting a into the control of Spiny Rush led to the suite of species from grasses to trees publication of a booklet recommending the which help provide the diversity necessary most efficient controls. to sustain healthy ecosystems. Projects Mapping has become an integral part of which provide the greatest benefits receive weed control with comprehensive records a greater subsidy per metre for fencing. of the location and extent of weed Projects can vary from a 1 ha fencing out populations and control actions of a paddock tree to fencing off and undertaken. Today Project Platypus revegetating a 50ha site. A tentative small operates two weed spray trailers. From first project often leads to further Volunteer Col Povey and Project Platypus 2008 -11 Colin Snooks developed the involvement in projects by the landholder. Weed Co-ordinator got stuck into the program from a two day a week project colourful Pattersons Curse Providing habitat for nationally or state over six months to a 5 day a week all year threatened fauna species and protecting or war on weeds! Allistair Stevens now co- enhancing nationally threatened ordinates works with Graham Pearson and vegetation communities are the principles Dene Marshall and the two weed control of funding from the Caring For Our teams which operate throughout the year. Country Federal Government funding and Project Platypus also provides weed and include the restoration and protection of rabbit control for councils, VicRoads and Buloke and Grey Box Grassy Woodland. other land managers. Rabbit control works are usually initiated by Landcare Groups and Project Platypus offers experienced Gorse on roadsides and in degraded sites It is estimated that since its inception has been mapped and is sprayed Project Platypus revegetation projects with facilitators to co-ordinate the works. annually 19 Map of Project Platypus Work Sites 1994 - 2012
N
0 12.5 25 kilometres
LEGEND
Locations Perennial Pasture Rabbit Control Revegetation Remnant Protection Erosion Control Weed Control WCA Major Waterways
20 1.7 Engaging the Community
Encouraging the Landcare community and the general public to be involved in both the practical and theoretical aspects of natural resource management is seen by Project Platypus as an important role. Besides regular informative articles in the media and in newsletters, Project Platypus engages speakers and presenters for workshops, conferences and field days and has mounted many displays to give the community an opportunity to receive up to date Kate Auty Sustainabilty Commisioner for farming and landcare information. Victoria spoke at the 2011 AGM
These community events are a regular such a presentation and an extended feature in the Project Platypus calendar question time demonstrated the interest and besides being opportunities to in the topic. increase knowledge and understanding, they also provide social and networking • Peter Andrew has trialled a number of opportunities for rural communities. alternative approaches to managing soil erosion, poor water quality and loss of Some of the regular or memorable events biodiversity. His book Back from the Brink are: and belief in natural sequence farming 190 people listened to Peter Andrew talk provoked some controversy and his on Keyline farming at the 2009 AGM Annual General Meetings are a presentation at the 2009 AGM resulted in necessary component of any 190 attendees. incorporated community group and to maximise the benefit of getting a group of • Julian Cribb’s 2010 presentation on the people together to achieve an future of food, how we will grow it, how administrative outcome, Project Platypus much we will need to feed a growing uses the AGM as an opportunity to gather world was a wake-up call that we will people together socially as well as need to farm more sustainably if we are providing motivational guest speakers. to feed an estimated population of 9
The number of people attending Project billion in 2050. The 10th year celebration was attended by Platypus AGM’s indicates that Landcare the who’s who of Project Platypus in our region is alive and well. Some of • One of our more controversial and our best attended AGM’s were memorable AGM speakers was a presentations by presentation by John Fenton from Lanark who was a champion for combining • Alex Gartman in 2011 spoke about the biodiversity and farming such as seen on reasons for the success of the Birchip the Potter Farms in the Western District. Cropping Group during her time as CEO Dinner and drinks and the formalities of which saw a dramatic growth in that the meeting took rather a long time and organisation and which in some ways by the time John began his presentation mirrors the Project Platypus journey. some of his ideas were couched in rather Michael McMurtrie in costume and Bruce However there were significant provocative tones which agitated much of Dalkin debated the future of Landcare differences in structure and operation his farming audience!! such as their focus on research and their ability to maintain community drive which • Local landholders provided the provided useful food for thought the entertainment for the 2006 AGM with a Project Platypus organisation. Kate Auty, debate on Is Landcare Dying? Michael Sustainability Commissioner for Victoria McMurtrie in costume and Bruce Dalkin, also spoke at this meeting. Prue Pyke and George Holden made informative and interesting presentations. • Ben Keogh from Australian Carbon Traders presented to a packed room the Free Tree Day is a way Project Platypus background to Carbon Trading and In 2010 walkers take in the magnificent seeks to introduce new landholders to views from the head of the 6 Mile Agriculture. In 2008 the time was right for Landcare and there are few better feel catchment 21 good activities than planting a tree. Each biodynamic, no till, carbon farming and year a particular group of landholders women on farms. are targeted to give tree planting a go. Encouraging landholders to plant Awards and presentations can provide paddock trees, engaging with public recognition for one’s efforts and landholders in the Landsborough area, over the years Project Platypus has distributing free native grasses and received a number of awards which giving away plants suited to landholders usually necessitated a team “suiting up” Free tree day at Landsborough in 2007 led in the Stawell Urban Landcare area are and heading to Melbourne to see which to rush hour outside the Landsborough some of the successful initiatives to Hall of the finalists won the award. One of the encourage landholders to plant trees. awards that Project Platypus has received was the BP Catchment Award Open Landcare meetings or Landcare in 1997. Linkups were held quarterly or half yearly over several years in the mid Communicating and selling the Landcare 2000’s to foster communications message is one way to increase the between the Landcare Groups in the awareness and membership of Project Platypus “network” and allowed Landcare. individuals and groups to showcase Landcare facilitator Bob Wallace engages projects and engage in discussions Displays at the Wimmera Mallee Field with students at Agrifest 2011 and gives about projects. A different Landcare Day, Festivals, Stawell Agricultural them a tree to plant group would host a field visit to local shows, the Ararat and Melbourne works or properties followed by a Sustainability Expos and other events barbeque tea and get together. Groups often lead to positive engagements with getting together socialising and sharing individuals and groups. Displays might their successes and failures provided focus on tree and plant species, positive and valuable interactions. encouraging volunteers, nest boxes, weed identification, biodiversity or Farming in the 21st Century is a revegetation. Free plants at a display partnership between local governments, have proven a most successful way to An excursion to Colin and Carol Snooks DPI and Project Platypus to provide start a conversation and engage the property to see green feed production was forums for farmers on developments in broader community. part of Farming in the 21st Century sustainable farming. In 2009 Project Platypus held field visits to the Greens Visiting demonstration sites and field and Snooks farms to see how they were visits have been an essential part of the diversifying and making their enterprises planning, developing, implementing and more sustainable. In 2010 Victoria Leeke monitoring of projects. Visiting properties organised a very successful soils prior to or following works allows workshop at Pomonal. landholders to share their knowledge and experience and also to benefit from As part of Farming in the 21st Century, interactions with neighbours, visitors or experts in a particular field. These Jane Williams accepts the BP Catchment Agrifest 2011 was held with workshops Award from Minister Marie Tehan to provide farmers from across the events are also social events where region with an opportunity to hear the landholders from across the catchment latest innovations, predictions and can showcase the improvements they initiatives. This was generously funded propose or have made. through a grant from the William Buckland Foundation. Having high In a catchment as large as the Upper calibre speakers, with an important Wimmera catchment there has been a message and an engaging delivery was great deal of arm waving to the head of the aim of the day and feedback from the the catchment or downstream to over 120 participants suggested that demonstrate a point. Fortunately today presentations were engaging and useful. the arm waving can be followed up by Hundreds of displays have been mounted by Project Platypus, including this one at In 2012 Agrifest was once again held detailed mapping to identify proposed Creswick Landcare Expo and featured speakers on marketing, work sites and projects. 22 Bus Tours taking sponsors such as Walks across the catchment to see the GWMWater or Rio Tinto out to sites lay of the land, to follow a creek line from where funds have been invested has its source or to look at projects have been a useful means of ensuring the become an annual event in the Project continued interest and involvement of Platypus calendar. sponsors. Bus tours for Landcare Groups and members, the Management One of the first walks was the joint committee, staff and the general Wimmera Landcare Mountains to Mallee community have had a variety of 2007 project beginning on the slopes of A successful plant propagation workshop destinations. Visits to other Landcare Mt Cole where the Wimmera River was held in 2006 at Phil and Jane Williams Wildflower nursery regions and groups, to sites with begins and hiking 300km to where the exemplary works or to particular events Wimmera enters Lake Hindmarsh. The have helped to provide participants with progress of walkers was widely reported skills, experiences and motivation. and provided a valuable insight into the issues affecting the Wimmera River. Some of the most successful workshops Other walks have been Glendhu were the 2001 Birds on Farms and 2007 Galivanting in 2009 which traversed the Fauna on Farms which combined steep hills of the Start’s spectacular presentations by experts such as Alan Crowlands property, the Mt William Creek Reid from the Gould League and walk with 60 inspired people travelling A seed collection workshop gave zoologist Clive Crouch with farm visits to from the base of Mt William to near participants the skills to collect their own seed for projects the Leeke’s wildlife dam and George Dadswells Bridge where the creek enters Holden’s Ironbark remnant. Seed the Wimmera River and the Six Mile Walk collecting and plant propagation in which began at the Dunneworthy forest workshops were also very popular. and finished near Joel.
Field visits look at many aspects of farming crops, sheep management, erosion control etc
Landcare groups and organisations meet regularly to exchange ideas and developments
Walks across the catchment have become a regular feature after this Mountains to Mallee Walk 23 1.8 Plantouts
Plantouts have been the annual highlight of the Project Platypus calendar since their inception in 2000. Originally Project Platypus partnered with DPI to organise and host revegetation works on the steep, bare hills in the east of the catchment. As DPI salinity officer, Julie Andrew’s role was to identify saline recharge sites on steep hills, control grazing with landclass fencing and revegetate the hills.
2000 - All the partners with landowner Project Platypus organised the planting Officer David Margetson explains “Instead Jack Start planning the revegetation project component of the project and given the of each landholder struggling to plant their difficult steep terrain, large sites and own 500 or 5000 trees, volunteers do the thousands of plants a community planting job and get to have fun as well. Plantout is event was chosen as the best way to get an excellent way to get involved in the 15,000 – 30,000 trees in the ground. Landcare, allowing for people from all Hayley Johnson (now Molloy) from DPI walks of life to come together and make a continued in the role of co-ordinating meaningful contribution to our Plantouts. Subsequently Project Platypus environment.” organised annual Plantouts as part of their revegetation program as a way to assist Plantout 2000 Glendhu 2000 - On the big day with team leaders landholders to complete large projects. organising teams to head out planting A tough site for the first ever Plantout, the 2400ha Glendhu Station property lies at The planting weekend, dubbed Plantout, is the head of Glendhu catchment and is promoted to Landcare groups across the comprised of steep, rocky, cleared hills region, local community members and and valleys incised by eroded waterways. volunteers from further afield. At Plantout Jack and Lynne Start have been actively the equipment, food, shelter, toilets, warm restoring their spectacular property for fires and entertainment on the Saturday over 20 years. In 2000 14,000 trees and night are all provided. The combination of shrubs were destined for one of their social interactions, beautiful landscapes (many) steep and rocky hill sites. To get and hard work has proved to be a good the plants in the ground volunteers came 2001 - Thorough site preparation is recipe and each year a mix of newcomers from across the region to be part of the required for successful plantings and old timers enjoy the experience. At the event. Julie Andrew from DPI and Project 2009 celebration of 10 years of Plantout Platypus had ensured that the site had Harold and Edith Thomas, Doreen and been fenced, sites ripped where possible, Athol Mackay and Ken and Margaret trees and tools were distributed on site, Johnson received awards for their 10 camping sites set up and good tucker years of planting at the annual Plantouts. organised. Julie recalls “Picking holes on a Plantout weather has varied from sublime steep rocky hill to create a friendly niche to downright freezing, but organisers look for a plant was a challenge.” However, after planters with hot cuppas, good food good company, an amazing landscape and and a fire and shelter to warm up. a massive effort in tough conditions all 2001 - A sunny day is a bonus and lunch made for a successful weekend. Project catered by the Elmhurst Landcare Group Recently the organisation of Plantout has revives planters been modified with planting days Platypus Manager Peter Hilbig confirmed timetabled over 5 weekends in July, each “The welcome of the hosts Lynne and for one day only. This has reduced the Jack Start and the sheer ruggedness of huge catering requirements and site the site made a lasting impression on logistics and has given volunteers a volunteers and confirmed Plantout as an greater window for participation. Landcare annual event on the Project Platypus Groups help host the mini Plantouts which calendar.” are also very successful in getting thousands of plants in the ground. Plantout 2001 Elmhurst Community groups are encouraged to Elmhurst is surrounded by a series of 2002 - Planters assemble ready for their instructions, and to collect tools and plants engage members of their organisation to steep bare hills on the edge of the participate. Project Platypus Revegetation Pyrenees and Mt Cole Ranges. The role of 24 Julie Andrew from DPI was to engage rugged area required substantial landholders in revegetating their steep organisation by Project Platypus. It is this hills. Several landholders from the high level of planning and organisation that Elmhurst Landcare Group including Doug keeps volunteers coming back. Navarre and Pauline Boatman took up the Landcare Group did a wonderful job challenge and prepared their steep hill catering for lunch, the evening meal as well planting sites with rip lines. On the July as breakfast for those camping at the Plantout day volunteers were ferried in Football Oval site. 4wd’s up the very steep hills. Teams 2002 - Teams of 3 “stake out” their rip line worked their way across and down the hill, Plantout 2003 Joe Kilpatricks and head off into the distance planting trees and shrubs at the Hill Great Western recommended spacings. Lunch was Yet another steep hill planting provided the provided on site and after a day of usual challenges and spectacular views for backbreaking work, planters were planters. In conjunction with DPI, Joe had transported back to Elmhurst Golf Club, fenced this extensive hill site from stock where the local hospitality was enjoyed. and ripped planting lines to revegetate a Doug Boatman describes “The Plantout salinity recharge site and provide a site on my place was pretty rugged, rocky significant remnant link with the nearby and steep but the volunteers got the job Dunneworthy Forest. Planters assembled done and today we have a vegetated hill 2003 - Landowner Joe Kilpatrick and site in a sheltered valley and formed teams to with trees up to 8m high. It encouraged me leaders meet before Plantout to plan plant and guard along their designated rip Plantout activities to do further planting projects” line at the designated spacings and with Plantout 2002 Navarre Hill the recommended ratios of trees to shrubs. In the late 1990’s Ron Bibby had From a distance planters looked like ants successfully revegetated a hill site at crawling across the ground. Volunteer Navarre and this provided the impetus for planters Lisa Moore and Ray Davies recall planting on Navarre Hill, owned by Charlie “We joined up with a group of young Raeburn and Noel Supple. Plantout people and worked all day with them organiser Jane Marriott describes the site taking it in turns planting, guarding and “Because of its steep and rocky nature its 2003 - Lunch time at Plantout is a social replenishing supplies. It was great fun.” value for grazing was low but in terms of occasion and gives the legs a break from Lunch and a cuppa provided welcome traversing steep hills biodiversity it was outstanding as the breaks but by 4.30 on Saturday afternoon, original grassy groundcover was largely tools were returned to the tool trailer and intact and fallen logs and rocks provided weary planters made their way back to habitat.” Great Western for drinks at Seppelts and a meal at the Great Western Club Rooms. Lines were ripped for planting trees and Live music entertained the planters whilst shrubs on slopes that were frighteningly others chatted round the campfire outside. steep in places. The weather was mainly After a Sunday morning planting session, kind for the 150 or so planters who were another successful Plantout was declared directed to try and find the “least rocky” with 15,000 trees in the ground. 2004 - Paddy and Nan Burke from spots for planting. Volunteers made their Moyston Landcare Group with a friendly welcome for planters way around the hill following rip lines and Plantout 2004 Moyston Salt sending people back (long distances) to Creek get more trees, guards or stakes when they ran out. The weather was generally The Moyston Plantout stands out in many kind except for a short sharp soaking rain people’s memory as the Plantout where which caught far flung people out on the the sun was least evident. Fog and low hill but things heated up a little when a cloud were the order of the day but didn’t camp fire spread and a DSE vehicle had to dampen the spirits of the 200 or so be moved in a hurry! planters as they “marched” along the Salt Creek corridor planting and guarding trees. Looking back along the planting lines with 2004 - Site leader Adam Merrick with the The logistics for getting tools, plants, food, all important pre planting briefing shelter, people, first aid, toilets to such a the hundreds of white carton guards 25 announcing their presence is particularly were thrilled with the outcome and at the rewarding on flat sites such as along a amazing growth of the plants that has creek line. Team leaders directed their taken place since” teams and ensured that tools and plants were kept up to the volunteers, that tasks On the Sunday another group of planters were rotated and that quality control was planted out a low lying area of Delahunty’s achieved. property near Lake Fyans where gumboots were very much the order of the day. 2005 - Sleet and rain led to the only Volunteers were rewarded with the sight of cancellation of a planting session at a thousands of white guards flanking the Salt Plantout 2006 Glendhu Plantout! Creek as they drove home on Sunday Since the 2001 Plantout at Glendhu, Jack afternoon along the Moyston to Great and Lynne Start had been busy Western Rd. Project Platypus Works Co- undertaking more erosion works, rabbit ordinator Adam Merrick recalls “Unlike and weed control and revegetation. A some of the previous Plantout sites access series of steep hills at the head of the at Moyston was easy and the hospitable Glendhu Creek was chosen as one of soils and good season meant that after Project Platypus 2006 revegetation just one year the sites were looking projects and as the site for the annual amazing.” Today the very successful Plantout. The all too familiar preparations 2005 - Steep hills, lovely views and lots of plantings make a visual and environmental ensued, ripping planting lines, rabbit plants to be planted impact on the local landscape. control, fencing from stock as well as the usual preparations for the Plantout Plantout 2005 Holdens Hill weekend. The region had been in the grips Concongella & Delahunty’s of a long dry period and by early July the Jallukar site, like the rest of the region was still Although the air at 8.30 on a wintry pretty dry. The Plantout was dependent on Saturday morning at Concongella was very the site being moist enough to ensure the chilly, the rip lines on the Holden’s hill survival of the seedlings and anyone who awaited plants and so 4WD vehicles suggests that plants could be watered in transported planters up the hill where tools, has not experienced the ruggedness of 2006 - Volunteers get last minute plants and guards were at the ready. these steep hill planting sites! instructions and load up with plants and Teams set off and made a good start, but picks for planting tools by lunch time the chill air had turned into Works Co-ordinator Bernie Rudolph made sleet driven by a freezing wind. Planters the call “By mid July there was just enough struggled the 1km back to the catering rain to go ahead with the event. It was marquee and tried to warm up. Ken heartening to see volunteer planters, many Redwin recalls “If I hadn’t tucked my dog of them regulars, picking the tough ground under my raincoat I think he would have to find enough soil to plant in places that frozen to death.” As the weather showed were too steep to have been ripped.” As it no sign of improving many called it a day turned out, the weekend was a great and headed home to warm up. Organisers success with over 200 volunteers from across the state getting 12,500 plants in 2006 - The warm fire, cuppa and toilets were left with the task of locating planting are a long way down tools abandoned in the hasty descent and the ground. The weather was fantastic and deciding on Sunday’s plans. everyone was in high spirits throughout the weekend. The Plantout was organised in A reduced complement of volunteers partnership with Crowlands Landcare enjoyed extra helpings of Saturday’s roast Group who excel in catering for the hungry dinner at Concongella Hall and hoped for masses. better luck the next day. With over 2/3 of the plants still to be planted, it was Plantout 2007 Jallukar fortunate the weather on Sunday was The very active Jallukar Landcare Group beautifully sunny and the Sunday planters turned on good weather, a great Plantout worked at a feverish pace to get an venue based at Pomonal Hall and plenty of 2007 - Sites have been well prepared over the last several months ready for amazing 8000 plants in the ground in just volunteers to helped to plant on several planting five hours. George Holden recalls “We properties in the Pomonal, Black Range, 26 Bellellen, Moyston and Dadswells Bridge Elmhurst was chosen for Plantout from the areas. The idea of planting multiple sites 2009 revegetation sites. The site was to be on the Plantout weekend was a result of revegetated to increase its biodiversity smaller corridor plantings being the focus values and to provide a riparian corridor. of Project Platypus revegetation works with The ratio of trees to shrubs and grasses larger sites being serviced by the WCMA planted was low to ensure an open Catchment Tender process. woodland vegetation community would be created. Planters registered at the Elmhurst Sites were very accessible and team leaders Hall and were bussed to the site where 2007 - Back at the hall for the evening who by now knew the drill were able to Revegetation Officer Bernie Rudolph gave meal and entertainment - yay! ensure planting was even more efficient with volunteers their OH&S and planting teams assembling guards, distributing instructions. Planting teams worked guards, filling buckets with a mix of plants, towards a central point and welcomed the planting and guarding. A record 30,000 hot drinks, soup and a warm fire at the plants were planted over the weekend. Barry central marquee. Bus tours to see the Curtis from Bellellen was amazed - “Soon amazing growth at previous Plantout sites after arriving volunteers had assembled and were part of the weekend activities. distributed the guards, planters were armed with full buckets of plants and a Potti Putki Elmhurst Landcare Group again displayed and work continued at a steady pace all day. their hospitality with wonderful meals, great 2008 - Why are all these people sitting on The plants today are more than 3m high.” local entertainers and lots of willing bus the job - folding and assembling Planters at Al Mackay’s granite hill site near drivers, dishwashers and planters. thousands of guards the Black Range were rewarded with Melbourne based landowner Dechlan Ellis stunning views as they planted. remembers “We were blown away by the efficiency, enthusiasm and end results of Plantout 2008 Stawell this community based event. We could Stawell Urban Landcare Group volunteered never have achieved an outcome like this to host the 2008 Plantout and plenty of without the assistance of Project Platypus volunteers arrived bright and early at the and the volunteers.” It is the combined Stawell Racing Track on the third Saturday efforts of 120 or so volunteers working as one big team to get 25,000 plants in the morning in July for a cuppa and cake and 2008 - An extensive planting along the to find which Plantout site they were ground that makes Plantouts such a feel Halls Gap valley floor has been very successful headed for. Ten different properties had good and worthwhile event. sites prepared with the largest site on the Plantout 2010 Barton Station valley floor at Halls Gap. Many sites were quite wet which usually ensures the Moyston successful establishment of plants. Although Georges Creek is not a major waterway, it eventually makes its way into On Saturday evening over seventy people the Mt William Creek and then into the enjoyed a good feed, good company and Wimmera River. On the extensive Barton good music at the Stawell Racecourse Station the stately Red Gums and small venue. On Sunday teams headed out again herbs and grasses which would once have 2009 - A summer Plantout planning to new sites and worked until lunchtime. graced the Georges Creek were largely meeting with Elmhurst Landcare members Volunteer planter Gordon Marriott says absent, so the Plantout plantings were to “The small teams at each site provided a help put back the diversity and create a good opportunity to get to know your fellow creek corridor. A 70m wide corridor along a planters.” 4.5 km stretch was fenced off from the surrounding grazing and cropping country In fine weather, with the soil moist and and the site prepared well by Barton warm about 120 volunteers planted and Manager Norm Hunt. guarded over 18,000 plants. Volunteers registered at the Moyston Plantout 2009 Elmhurst Recreation Reserve, grabbed a cuppa to 2009 - The assembling of guards is the A site with patches of remnant grasses warm up and were bussed to the site to first activity, followed by placing out beside the Rocky Creek tributary near start work planting and guarding plants guards 27 along prepared rip lines. With the advent of Project Platypus Manager Leigh the revolutionary Potti Putki planting tool, it Blackmore says “Volunteers responded is the guarding of plants which is the well to the idea and teams at each site slowest part of the process. Typically half planted the 6000 or so plants allocated for of the volunteers assemble the bamboo the site and over the five days in July got stakes in the guards and distribute these at 20,000 plants planted. The greater the required distance along the planting involvement of Landcare Groups was very lines. The planter “pops” the plant into the positive.” 2010 - Well rugged up Plantout volunteers rip line - without the need to bend! -and of all ages join in the fun another person follows behind installing Jallukar, Crowlands, Concongella, the guard over the plant. Watering is not Northern Grampians and Great Western necessary as plants go into moist soils and Landcare Groups each hosted a planting follow up rain is assured when trees are day and reported it was a great group planted in July and August. activity supplemented by volunteer planters from near and far and supported Lunch at the amazing bluestone wool shed by Project Platypus. Groups supplied a was welcomed by volunteers as was the BBQ lunch and cuppas and Project roast dinner and a warm fire back at the Platypus supplied the toilets, marquee, recreation reserve in the evening. On tools, delivered plants to each site and
2010 - Warmth, music, good food and Sunday some planters completed the ensured team leaders were briefed on their good company are the rewards for weary Barton planting and others planted at role. planters Simon Brady’s Jallukar farm. Secretary of Moyston Landcare Group Madelene The model for future July planting days Townsend was impressed with her first was endorsed and in 2012 July very Plantout “Everyone pitches in, whether it is successful July Plantouts were held at with catering, driving the shuttle bus or Great Western, Navarre, Lake Lonsdale, planting. It is a great community event.” Moyston, Elmhurst and Dadswells Bridge.
2011 July Plantouts For a number of reasons, including of the 2011 - The Kilpatrick family are thrilled at huge workload of organising and catering the sight of carton guards extending into for large numbers over two days and the the distance opportunity to give volunteers a choice of planting days, it was decided to trial having mini planting days during the month of July instead of one major Plantout weekend.
2011 - The planting site on Banfield’s Redman Rd property provided planters with a lovely backdrop
2011 - Excellent site preparation, moist soils, skilled planting make for successful revegetation 28 1.9 Reflections
Beginning as an idea by a group of Landcarers with a part time manager with a desk in the Stawell DNRE offices to the Project Platypus we see 18 years later has been a significant achievement, particularly considering the largely volunteer nature of the organisation. There have been periods when funding was hard to secure but the strength of the idea and the determination and vision of the community has been remarkable. Many of the individuals involved at the start still Landscape scale changes are changing play a significant role in the organisation. the environment for the better
The fundamental goals and the • Increased funding for projects organisational model developed in the addressing Climate Change first year are still relevant today. The administrative operations of the • Pressures on rural communities from organisation have been refined and poor seasons and the impacts on farm expanded considerably to adequately productivity and profitability and efficiently administer the extensive projects undertaken. The success of Project Platypus can be attributed to its community support, its grass-roots approach to problem solving The Upper Wimmera Catchment has Since 1994, Project Platypus has some stunning environments achieved impressive results in attracting and its ability to relate to land managers over $4.5 million for projects to address and investors. Project Platypus has been loss of habitat, fragmentation of remnant an adaptable and flexible organisation vegetation, threatened species, erosion, which has enabled it to maintain its salinity, pest plant and animal control strength and vitality over the years. In and sustainable farming practices which 2012, Project Platypus’s capacity to recognise the importance of soils, carbon support Landcare groups and the accounting, perennial pastures and the community to achieve on-ground results impacts of climate change. is better than ever.
The organisation has established good The platypus and other fauna will be While the major portion of Project relationships with its stakeholders continue to be indicators of catchment Platypus funding is from state and health including landholders, Landcare Groups, federal governments Project Platypus agencies, investors and all levels of enjoys the relative flexibility of Government. The committed supplementary funding from Management Committee team made up philanthropic trusts and sponsors. The of representatives of most of its member organisation relies on successive groups has an excellent understanding of governments to recognise the important natural resource management and their role of Landcare in natural resource governance role. management and to fund organisations such as Project Platypus who work with Project Platypus has an excellent track and for their communities. Landholders and Project Platypus is record with highly skilled and committed to improving the environment experienced staff who have helped build The 2012 to 2014 Project Platypus the good reputation that Project Platypus Strategic Plan describes some of the has earned within the region and challenges and opportunities facing beyond. farmers and communities as The Project Platypus Management • Designing on-ground works to factor in Committee and the broader community potential impacts from climate change have been successful in encouraging, supporting and developing Landcare • Addressing possible decreases in activities and are well equipped to take landholder involvement and Landcare the organisation through the challenges Looking back at past achievements provides motivation for future protects funding and changing models of funding. of the next 20 years. 29 2.1 Moyston Landcare Group
Beginnings rip the site and it was decided the best way of protecting the young trees from In 1987 a group of individual landholders rabbits was to wire net the whole area. concerned about salinity and water table For the first few years the trees levels got together and planted 1000 struggled on the harsh, windswept sites trees on a very steep hillside at Mt. but now they are thriving and can be Ararat. The next year the group planted seen from afar. Many smaller plantings 1500 trees on rocky rises and saline were also undertaken by the group, with areas, this time with guards to protect Members working on a wire netted members helping each other. The planting site at Mt Ararat 1990 trees from rabbits. A Field Day was held planting days were well attended and in conjunction with the Dept. of ended socially with a bite to eat and a Conservation, Forests and Lands in few drinks. 1989, and sites with salinity and high water table levels were visited. The • In 1989 the group gained funds to erect group was also taken to an area on the a hot house and a shade house at the Ararat hills to see the encouraging Moyston Primary School. The aim was results of a 2 year old tree planting. to foster an understanding of Landcare Afterwards an informal meeting was held with the students through Junior and a decision was made by those Landcare. Students collected local present to form a Landcare Group. Mt Ararat planting site in 2012 native seeds and propagated them for David Cole and Bob Sanders were planting around the school with surplus elected spokespersons and in 1989 a plants sold to locals. public meeting was held and 32 landholders signed up to be members of • An early project on Ian and Kevin the Moyston Landcare Group. Brady’s site on one side of the Moyston Ararat Rd and Peter and Judy Bigmore’s The original objectives of the group were on the other involved fencing off creeks to assist landowners of the Ararat Hills to and planting trees. Projects such as re-establish the hill areas with trees to these in prominent positions helped to help halt the rising water table and promote the group and their work to the associated salinity problems. The Moorfoot’s hill site in 1994 wider community. Whole Farm Plan concept was to be encouraged, with the total water • In the early days rabbits were a major catchment to be tackled by group efforts threat to the survival of the young plants rather than as individuals struggling to and tree guards of some description do what they could. By increasing were vital. Today, the curiosity of community awareness of the problem, cockatoos and kangaroos seem to be more landholders would get involved and the biggest threat to the young plant’s become eligible for assistance through survival. Even the white cardboard the Landcare program. guards can’t guarantee the safety of the seedling within. Members of Moyston Landcare Moorfoot’s 1994 planting site in 2012 participated in the discussions in 1994 to • By 2000 the Moyston Landcare Group form an Upper Wimmera Landcare seemed to be losing momentum, mainly umbrella organisation - Project Platypus as grants for works no longer needed to - which would help to co-ordinate works come through the Landcare Groups, but across the catchment and access could be accessed directly from WCMA, funding for larger projects. DPI, Project Platypus etc. The group plantings which contributed to group Achievements cohesiveness no longer happened. • After the first plantings on a steep hill Project Platypus began an annual at Mt Ararat, others followed along the Plantout Weekend in 2000 hosted by a western slopes of the Ararat Hills, different Landcare Group each year. Members enjoy morning tea at Brady’s creek planting site on Ararat Rd including another very steep site on This weekend was open to all and Moorfoots Hill. A bulldozer was used to endeavoured to attract city folk to be a 30 part of Landcare working alongside CMA, to assist landholders to control locals. Moyston Landcare Group hosted new and emerging weeds such as Plantout sites in 2004, 2007, 2008 and Chilean Needlegrass, Patersons Curse 2010. and Bathurst Burr, as well as a host of old favourites! Small pockets of rabbits • The group’s direction changed in 2004 have also been targeted. when small landholder, Ken Readwin took over the role as President of the People Moyston Landcare Group. His focus Moyston Common Mine Walk working bee Presidents of the Moyston Landcare was more historical – the creating of a 2010 Group who have served the group and walking track around the old mining area their community well have been David to the west of the township. Cole, Bob Sanders, Peter Bigmore, Jan Ibs von Seht, Ferg Anderson, James This project was known as the Moyston Brady, Ken Readwin, and currently Mine Walk, and a small band of Work for Adam Merrick. The hard working past the Dole participants spent a few weeks secretaries of the Landcare Group are clearing a track and installing numbered Bob Sanders, Peter Bigmore, Paddy markers at interesting points along the Bourke, Anne Marshall, Carol Jackson, way. In the last few years the Moyston Sue Horvath, Madelene Townsend and Landcare Group, with Community currently Rosie Nater. Site of the 2004 Moyston Salt Creek Rd Engagement funds through Project Plantout in 2012 Platypus, has endeavoured to finish this Reflections off with signage and a picnic table. A small planting with children from the Moyston Landcare Group hopes that Moyston Primary School in 2010 helped their community remains strong and to restore some understorey plants. vibrant, and continues to work together to care for and improve their • The main focus in the last two years environment for the generations to has been to secure funds through the come.
Planters at the 2004 Moyston Plantout, boots and knees not yet dirty
Regular meetings can be social as well as functional
Adam Merrick and Moyston students at the 25 year Landcare commemorative planting 2012 31 2.2 Black Range Land Management Group
Beginnings many of the sites this proved to be a resounding success. The Black Range is a granite range south east of the Stawell township which has • Rabbit control was the most time remained well vegetated with open consuming and frustrating task for grassy woodland, heathland, and rocky landholders prior to the Calici virus scrub despite a long history of grazing decimating numbers for some years. and timber removal. A number of Rabbit proof netting of properties, 1080 residents owned bush blocks around the To counter rabbit and kangaroos eating baiting, implosion and ripping of warrens vegetation, plots were fenced and perimeter and enjoyed the beautiful and shooting are all employed to keep the revegetated landscape and views but did not enjoy the rabbits under control. Given the difficult rabbits which populated the range in their terrain in the range, rabbit control is going thousands and were destroying the to be impossible until a new control diverse flora of the extensive bushland. method is found. Erosion was also an issue on the fragile granite soils and past poor land • Weed Control was less time consuming management practices had impacted the than rabbit control, but regular spraying health of the Black Range environment. or removal of Bridal Creeper, St Johns Wort, Great Mullein and in more recent Anne Davis and Elwyn Dennis who live times the South African Weed Orchid has Trials confirmed that rabbits were the primary cause of poor ground cover on the Bunjils Cave Rd believed that the been undertaken. Project Platypus has vegetation formation of a Landcare Group might assisted landholders with weed control ensure that rabbits and weeds could be using their spray trailer and works crew. addressed as a group and that remnant protection and revegetation could take • Restoring understorey species on place to protect soils and provide habitat properties around the fringe of the Black for a range of threatened fauna. In 1987 a Range has been a common theme for meeting was called at the Grange Golf planting projects with many of the tasty Club and over 20 people joined the Black herbs and lilies being destroyed by Range Land Management Group, the first rabbits or previous grazing. Increasing Landcare Group in the Wimmera. the diversity of vegetation has been the A youth labour program (LEAP) goal of many landholders. established a direct seeded corridor between the Black Range and Sugarloaf Achievements • The development of a Management Plan The group agreed on their priorities and for the Black Range was undertaken by over subsequent years was involved in a Elwyn Dennis in 2003 with funds from number of projects Wimmera Catchment Management Authority. The feature of the publication • In the 1980's exclusion plots were was a series of photos to assist the created on Crown land on the top of the identification of the wonderful wildflowers range to determine the impact of rabbit of the Black Range. and kangaroo grazing on the diversity of the understorey. These were • Establishing a direct seeding corridor 15 years on, the 150m wide and 4km long corridor provides excellent habitat subsequently monitored to record the between the Black Range and Sugarloaf impact these animals were having on was the goal of the LEAP Scheme - a native vegetation. Numerous exclusion youth employment project facilitated by plots were also put in on members’ Phil Williams. For 6 months the team properties throughout the ranges. These worked on rabbit proof fencing of the were planted with many of the rare or 3.5km long corridor, followed by 50km of localised shrubs and herbs that had been spraying and direct seeding. The results contract grown for the group through were amazing and today the corridor grants. The aim was for that the resembles a forest and provides habitat exclosures would act as seed banks for for wildlife the eventual migration of the protected A workshop at the Grange Golf Club with • In the past the Black Range was famous Clive Crouch talking on Bandicoots plants out into the surrounding land once rabbits were brought under control. On for its Southern Brown Bandicoot 32 populations which by the late 1980’s Reflections appeared to be dwindling. By the mid The Black Range Land Management 1990’s sightings were few and the group group was unique amongst Landcare received an Envirofund grant to groups in that most landholders owned undertake surveys and establish dense bushland with little or no agricultural plantings to protect remaining activities and enjoyed a common love of bandicoots. The 2006 bushfires however the natural environment. What was burnt across the range, destroying most shared but not enjoyed was the constant of the Bandicoots former refuge areas, so The 2006 bushfires affected most of the battle with rabbits which are difficult to efforts were focussed on fox control, range with impacts on properties and eradicate in rocky bushland. After 19 wildlife providing artificial bandicoot refuges and years of operation the group was finding community education. Landholder it difficult to maintain members and went concerns were reflected in the large into recession for a few years. In April attendance at a workshop on bandicoots. 2008 at a meeting to gauge interest in Bandicoot projects continue with Project reviving the group 20 landholders Platypus undertaking revegetation, local attended and decided to reactivate the recovery plans and large scale fox group. Although the group continued to control plans. meet on an as needs basis, the need for People a group to tackle issues was less as to a large extent weeds, rabbits and Group members take a break from the walking track project work The contribution of Anne Davis and revegetation have largely been Elwyn Dennis in initiating the group and addressed by individual members. The undertaking secretarial work, grant group rallied in 2010 to undertake a applications and project facilitation was walking track project on Pleasant Creek. substantial. Because of the small member base, all members have taken The social networks established through on roles or responsibilities at various the group have ensured neighbours are times – Peter and Carole Brazier, Neil available to help each other or come and Wendy Marriott, Mark and Jenny together for a particular project or cause Farrer, Barb and Graham Walker, Patrick as was experienced in 2011 when a Monaghan, Jane Marriott, Grant Stewart, motor bike track was closed due to its Rabbit control is a constant activity in the rocky hills of the Black Range Helen Rosenbaum, Cathy Donehue, impacts on neighbours and the Graeme and Merilyn Cox, Ian and Jill environment. In May 2012 the group Mitchell, Rod Tonkin, Lachlan Campbell, decided to unincorporate and act more as Jim Redford, Keith Lofthouse. Peter a social network and undertake projects Graveson from Parks Vic provided good facilitated by Project Platypus. support in his role as manager of the public land in the range and Speedway members were involved in early plantings.
Pleasant Crk arises in the Black Range and is the site for a recent Walking Track project
Bandicoot Recovery works are ongoing
33 2.3 Concongella Landcare Group
Beginnings Platypus weed data base and although the constant war is ongoing, the obvious The Concongella Landcare Group was successes are very heartening. formed in October 1993 to serve the area between Stawell and Landsborough • A rabbit action group based at the Cocks’ and from Campbells Bridge to Bulgana. Farm Subdivision was slowly developed It is a very large area for a Landcare into a cohesive force with great success. group with 122 listed landholders and Individual rabbit control works and group challenging country with steep bare hills The planting of Col Halls Hill at Joel in campaigns have been effective in keeping 1979 was a landmark project and issues with erosion, rabbits and rabbit numbers down. weeds. By June 1995 the group had 50 paid up members with George Holden as • By June 1999 the group had raised and the inaugural Chairman and Val spent nearly $75,000 in grants, mostly Membrey as Secretary. matched by in kind works by the landholder recipients. There was a flurry of meetings and administrative activity in the first few • The group has strongly supported the years with bi-monthly group meetings development of Project Platypus with and committee meetings on the alternate Phil Hall and George Holden month. John Read, then Principal of Concongella group is heavily involved representing the group on the Erosion & planning and monitoring works in the Six Concongella School, had a strong Salinity Sub-Committee and Barry Hall Mile influence on the group’s formation and and Larry McLean on the Pasture hosted those early meetings at the Establishment Sub-Committee. school and Terry May continued this help when he became Principal. In the first • Since the group’s inception the group year the group had two combined has been very fortunate to have the meetings with the Navarre Landcare support of Stawell Gold Mines. They Group at the Landsborough Hotel and took out financial membership and were Navarre football ground. represented at meetings by then Environmental Officer Brian Myles. Their Achievements mapping and drafting department Aerial photo of Holdens’ showing fenced off and replanted creeklines • The group was successful in obtaining provided the group with a splendid map a $16,000 grant for detailed surveys and of the group’s area, as well as a detailed planning work in the landcare area map of the Aston Scour catchment. including the Astons Scour catchment. This work paved the way for Project People Platypus to follow up with major works in In March 2006 long serving and hard Astons Scour. working executives George Holden and Cheryl Hall were replaced by John • Green Swamp at Greens Creek was Kindred as Chairman and Dianne experiencing increasing salinity and bad Hodder as Secretary. In 2009 Mal weed problems so tree planting and Concongella group helped drive erosion Nicholson took over the chair and Phil works in the Astons Scour weed control at the site were early group Hall became Secretary/Treasurer. Other projects. long term active members who have passed on or left the area are Bill • A spray trailer with self-retracting hoses Watson, Brian Monaghan, Ken and with a 150 metres reach was purchased Maree McQualter, Ian Morrow, Clem with grant monies and has proven to be Palmer, John Tiddy and Laurie Cossar. a valuable asset for the group with good Current active members include Ken use by Concongella Group members and Hall, Barry Hall, Howard Frampton, by surrounding Landcare groups. Mandi Nicol and Tim Swindels, Barry Infestations of weeds including Spiny Bibby, Steven West, Tige Mannington, Rush, Cape Tulip, Horehound, Bathurst Larry McLean, Kevin Thomas, David Grassed batters and a trickle pipe repair erosion sites Burr, Bridal Creeper and Patersons Monaghan, John Vance, Sue Holden, Curse have been mapped on the Project George Holden, Ian Gibson, and Col Hall 34 Over the years our group has benefitted experiencing some difficulty in getting greatly by input from people like Dave 3,000 trees planted in a project on Munday, Julie Andrew, Pat Monaghan ‘Overdale.’ George offered to employ (Water Watch), John McIntyre (Ag. Mandy and Tim to help the job along. Department), Mary Bignall (Six Mile They quickly organised the Cocks’ Farm Creek), Mark Farrer (DNRE), Stuart rabbit buster group to a surprise working Lardner, Mel Gammon and Ron Sanders bee over one weekend which saw (Auditing), Felicity Brown (DPI), Emma almost all of the trees in the ground. Bayley-Stark, Bernie Rudolph, Hayley George recalls “What a wonderful Steep bare hills make perfect planting sites with multiple environmental benefits Johnson and successive Project weekend and how grateful we were for Platypus Managers Sherrie, Kerryn, the help.” Peter, Emily, Luke and Leigh and from employing Bill Pyke – soil erosion The 2005 Plantout weekend on design, and weed and rabbit facilitators Concongella Hill was a Landcare Sean Malloy, Linton Argall, Alistair experience that was truly memorable! Johnson, David Margetson and Colin So many people on difficult terrain and Snooks. some very average weather and a brilliant landcare spirit with 13,000 trees Reflections planted. George Holden at the 2005 Plantout on Like other Landcare groups, there is a his “Overdale” property strong focus on pest animals and plants, but because the group area is recognised as having some of the worst of Victoria’s soil erosion problems, control and reclamation of erosion had to be the main focus. The Landcare members are committed to continue their on-going weed, rabbit and erosion control and to manage their properties in a sustainable way. A much needed break from scaling hills and planting at Plantout 2005 As an example of the one of the many positive aspects of the Landcare movement was when George was
Sharing knowledge and experiences is fa - cilitated by site visits
The moment of truth for erosion works... heavy rain!
35 2.4 Northern Grampians Landcare Group
Beginnings • Regular field trips enabled group members to observe how other groups The Northern Grampians Landcare and individuals were doing Landcare and Group, based around the Dadswells to see innovations in land management. Bridge community, is recorded as Several members of the group did farm beginning in 1990. After a quiet start the management courses which helped group was reactivated in 1994 at a those landholders with an understanding meeting in the Dadswells Bridge Hall of planning, conservation works, initiated by locals Peter Davie and Ian Rabbit control in sandy country is an on - mapping and tree coverage. going task for Landcare McDonald, with the support of Julie Andrew from DCNR. • In 1996 the NLP funded 5km of fencing In communications landholders were on Grahams and Howards and Coopers encouraged to include all the family and property marking the start of extensive to be involved in determining the future works in conjunction with Project direction. Over 40 farming families were Platypus at Mt Drummond. Bill Pyke on the mailing list in 1994 and many of designed works and Wimmera Mallee those are still involved. Some of the Water funded work to address the issues the group looked at addressing massive challenge of over 3kms of were corella damage, fox and rabbit serious gully erosion (up to 5m in depth) The group is involved in the major erosion control, weed control, erosion works and over four active gully heads. control project at Mt Drummond revegetation. Works continued over a number of years Achievements and the Landcare group undertook • A plantation in 1990 on Arch McLeod’s planting, monitoring and minor repair property along Sandy Lane was the first works. The Mt Drummond activities have project completed by NGLG and is been the group’s largest project. marked with a plaque. • A large trickle pipe was installed on Ian • A bus trip of local landholder sites was McDonald’s Warra property where waters held in 1995 to look at issues across from the Mt Drummond runoff were Planting a revegetation corridor between their Northern Grampians area and help the Wimmera River and Lake Lonsdale backing up at an alarming rate. Designed determine the direction of projects. by Bill Pyke, it stabilised the system near Problems identified included erosion and the Wimmera River. pest plants and animals. • Trials to control onion grass were • At meetings there has been a steady undertaken and the group actively cavalcade of guest speakers, primarily pursued improved methods for managing from government departments, who have pastures. Corella control was undertaken attended meetings to keep landholders as part of protecting pastures. informed about current projects and Thousands of corellas were trapped over funding sources. A strategic planning a number of properties. This initiative session facilitated by Nigel McGuckian, A Stawell Church group helped the was not ultimately successful but was a Landcare plant Daves Ave attracted a wide audience of the local reflection of landcare initiatives to community. The group has appreciated improve profitability of farming the input of these agencies and communities. individuals who have ably serviced the group’s needs. • Weed control of Bridal Creeper was • Joe Facey took on the leadership of the regularly undertaken with Project Fox Control portfolio for the group and Platypus assistance. In 2008 Lisa Moore also managed the borrowing of the rabbit and Linton Argall facilitated fumigator. With the sandy soils and comprehensive weed and rabbit mapping proximity to bushland fox and rabbit and control along the Wimmera River. A comprehensive pest mapping and Other troublesome weeds include Cape control project along Mt William Creek control have been and remain major issues. Tulip, Blackberry and Briar Rose.. 36 • A wet weather flight was undertaken in flora and fauna of the area. A brochure 1997 and video produced with UWFTG has been produced with nature notes. assistance to locate problem areas and give an overview of drainage issues. • Ross and Judi Dunkley in conjunction This initiative embraced the wider with Project Platypus have undertaken farming community as a showcase and an annual conservation program since publicity for the landcare group. 2007 on their property at Ledcourt to improve their land and the environment. • Daves Avenue project to connect the The program has included the Ross Dunkley and Bernie discuss a paddock tree project and revegetation Wimmera River corridor commenced in development of extensive tree corridors, 2000 with Landmate undertaking fencing planting of paddock plots and the fencing of sites assisted by the Landcare group of a Buloke remnant with a total of and in 2001, 8000 trees were planted. 15,000 trees and understorey planted. Further fencing and planting and an This was achieved with the dedicated extension of the site to connect to Lake assistance of Project Platypus, Northern Lonsdale continued with fencing and tree Grampians Landcare Group, planting in 2006 and 2007. Now Greenfingers Nursery, Greening complete the bio-link is 17kms long and Australia, Landmate, Horsham Woolshed incorporates new plantations, enhanced and many enthusiastic volunteers. remnants and un-used road reserves. The Landcare Group busy folding guards • Annual plantings continue in for a Plantout • The group assisted the Jackmans with conjunction with Project Platypus their wetland project, establishing a wild Plantout. life corridor linking a swamp with the Mt William Creek. 7,000 trees have been planted on the property and the group The People continues to be involved in ongoing The Landcare Group has been well plantings. served by the various DSE, DPI, Parks Vic, Project Platypus, the WCMA and • In 2009 the Mt William Creek Walk was Landcare facilitators who have helped enthusiastically embraced by the group keep the group motivated and informed. who helped organise the walk and host The group created a walking track beside Office bearers for the group who have the final leg of the walk. Some 35 people the Mt William Creek taken on the extra workload and served of all ages and persuasions completed the group well are Peter Davie, Ian the final leg of this adventure, held McDonald, Frank Barnes, Peter during drought when the creek and river Jackman, Ewan Letts, Leanne Jackman were both dry. It was a cultural and and currently by Ray Graham and Judi educative journey, which embraced the Dunkley. Executive meetings reduce the wider community. A book was published need for members to attend unnecessary and a time capsule buried. Undoubtedly meetings and efforts are focussed on on- it was a highlight for this group. ground activities. The group is fortunate to have a long list of members who have • In 2010 the Project Platypus Small been active and supportive and This section of the Mt William Creek at Landholders Project was undertaken at Dadswells Bridge provides good platypus contributed to the positive outcomes Dadswells Bridge to develop a walking habitat across the area. trail, in conjunction with the group, Dadswells Bridge Progress Association and Rural City of Horsham. A committee Reflections was formed with Shirley Ashfield as the The Northern Grampians Landcare co-ordinator and community working Group is now 22 years old, and is proud bees constructed the route of the walk of their achievements. A small with bollards and signage planted trees community, the group embraces new along the trail and two picnic areas were members as they move to the area. The established beside Mount William Creek. group looks forward to continuing to care Sights were identified along the track Group members enjoy a talk on for the land and the community it Waterwatch by Joel Boyd from the WCMA and marked for walkers to appreciate the supports. 37 2.5 Great Western Landcare Group
Beginnings provide links to forest areas as well as to shelter stock and crops. The group was founded in 1994 to address local land management issues • Plantings on the steep hills in the and build on the soil conservation and Bulgana area provided challenges for the pasture works of the 1950’s. At the first operators of the bulldozers ripping the meeting DNRE supplied a large aerial planting lines and the many planters who map so landholders could identify their had to scale the steep slopes which Greens sedimentary hill country, good for properties and observe the extent of any included scouts, Landmate crews, planting trees issues. Soil conservation, particularly on Greencorps and other volunteers. properties with steep bare hills, and Several Project Platypus Plantouts have salinity were two major issues affecting been hosted by Great Western with the landholders. Creating biodiversity group providing catering and assisting corridors for flora and fauna and getting with on site logistics on the Plantout sites community involvement in planting was and at the Great Western Football Club. another goal. • Members of the Great Western Achievements Landcare group have been involved in The Great Western Landcare area has a the formation and operation of Project Extensive planting site with planting lines diverse range soils from granite sands to Platypus since its inception. being ripped at the Hurnalls sedimentary clays and land uses often reflect these soil types. Cropping, • The group values the social gatherings vineyards, industries and grazing are the that have been held such as plantings on predominant rural activities. members’ properties and bus trips and excursions which help to maintain the • In 1997 Ballarat University undertook a sense of community and co-operation. land degradation study which identified recharge sites and areas for salinity • The local school has been involved in control, pasture improvement, weed and the Landcare group and undertook a pest control and creek bed erosion. Sites salinity monitoring project and kept weather records. Planning works in the Six Mile involve best suited for tree planting and areas Concongella and Great Western Landcare with rabbits were also identified. This led • Rabbit control is an on-going issue and to targeted works in the steep hills and group control is encouraged by along waterways as funding became employing a facilitator to oversee works. available. People • The Six Mile sub catchment was identified as a priority for works and The Presidents of the groups have been landholders contributed to detailed plans Alan Green, Bill Kilpatrick, Jim Kilpatrick, and priorities. Whenever federal and Bruce Dalkin, Mark Kindred and Ross state government funding or sponsorship McGregor. Secretaries include David from GWMWater was received the next Leeke, Don Hurnall and Paul Dakis. Local members conduct a pasture workshop stage of works was undertaken. Extensive work including landclass Although the number of members is not fencing, rabbit and weed control, gully large there is a core of committed and battering, establishment of perennial active landholders. Because many of the pastures, massive revegetation and the holdings are large the number of potential installation of water retention dams have landholders is low. The group is fortunate transformed the health and productivity of that a number of members have a strong this sub catchment. environmental and agricultural background. • With several blocks of remnant Reflections vegetation on public land, plantations and Before and after photos kept by the The group has appreciated the support landholder show dramatic changes corridors of vegetation were planted particularly in the Dunneworthy area to from Ballarat University and industry and 38 the funding and support from state and generation of landholders. To keep up to federal governments which enabled the date with project funding opportunities group to plan and undertake projects. and link the group with current initiatives Project Platypus and DPI staff have been a Landcare facilitator is essential. A supportive and have secured funding for facilitator can also help with some of the projects and provided facilitators to administrative tasks. The group is ensure projects are well prepared and confident that the positive results across executed. the region that can be attributed to Landcare will be continued by group An aerial photo of the Six Mile catchment shows some of the issues Many of the present members have been members who are committed to caring involved since its inception and the for the land and will be taken up by the challenge is to involve the next next generations who share the vision.
Because of the extent of the catchment waving of hands to the distance has to suffice
A previous Plantout site in the distance and a new one in the foreground
Revegetation site in granite country near Sugarloaf
Getting the next generation involved in Landcare
39 2.6 Navarre Landcare Group
Beginnings degradation, works that had already been completed and to plan future work. A Navarre is situated 39kms northeast of second grant provided funding for library Stawell on the edge of the Wimmera. The resources, a community noticeboard and Navarre and District Landcare Group membership of Landcare Net. Other catchment incorporated the Wattle Creek- projects included fertiliser testing and Heifer Station Creek catchment, extending education of farmers in sustainable from Barkly and Frenchmans to Greens agriculture, safe use of chemical sprays, Creek and from Tulkara/MorrlMorrl to north Ron Bibby’s hill was crying out for works property management planning and of Malakoff and Landsborough Hill. The promoting opportunities for farmers such Heifer Station Creek flows into the as Farm$mart. Key projects include Wimmera River at its’ western extremity. • $14,000 was received from Wimmera The Wattle Creek-Heifer Station Creek Mallee Water in 1995 for the first catchment comprises three predominant corporate-sponsored planting through “land management units:” Project Platypus. The Little Hill Project, 1. Upland alluvial plain – comprising otherwise known as “Ron Bibby’s Hill” saw gravel, sand and clay with saline 6000 trees planted out by inmates from groundwater discharges into some Ararat Prison. Sponsors and Project Platypus visit drainage lines, streams and depressions. revegetation and erosion works on Ron • Funding was received for construction of Bibbys hill 2. Sedimentary rises – undulating rises a greenhouse located at Navarre Primary and low hills on sediments of sandstone, school to propagate locally-occurring shale and slate. species for planting out.
3. Sedimentary hills – rolling to steep hills • $70,000 was received for rabbit control, and rocky ridges of sandstone, shale and and in May 1996, Ken Stewart took on the slate. role of Rabbit Control Coordinator. The Rabbit Busters program led by Ken had The 85% of the catchment that has been some extremely active periods particularly Ron Bibby’s hill today is a local landmark cleared of native vegetation is when rabbit numbers were high. predominantly used for grazing with around 15% used for cropping. Sheep and • Various earthwork projects were cattle are run on a variety of pastures undertaken to address gully erosion, such including improved perennial and annual as rock groynes around Batcocks Scour pastures and unimproved and remnant and in the Tulkara area near Ware’s native pastures. property. Many local landowners have implemented land class fencing to protect A preliminary meeting was held in August fragile areas and waterways. 1993 which determined the need for a Landcare Group, and the inaugural • The publication of the group’s Catchment meeting of the Navarre and District Management Plan in 1997-98 provided a Peter Hannet and Ron Bibby both had Landcare group was held on 8th erosion issues to address template for farmers to plan ground works, September 1993. The priorities established and was the underpinning document for by the group at that time were sustainable future grant applications in the area. The agriculture, salinity, erosion control, vermin Catchment Plan Steering Committee and weed control, and rising water tables. comprised Karen Ware, Lyle Driscoll, Barry Bibby, Rob Tehan, Ron Bibby and Mary Achievements Bignell (DSE). The group achieved early success with Community Salinity Grant applications, • The group purchased a “weed trailer” and received funding for producing a with mounted spraying equipment, colour aerial photo of the Wattle Creek - knapsacks and chemicals to support Gully battering, contour banks and pasture Heifer Station Creek Catchment area to control of St John’s Wort in the hills around establishment repairs identify and map areas of land Barkly and along the roadsides. The 40 farmers around Greens Creek developed Austerberry as treasurers, and Lyle an initiative to control Paterson’s Curse in Driscoll, Rupert Bibby, and Colin Snooks that area. Management of weeds, in as presidents. Vice presidents were particular St John’s Wort, Paterson’s Gerald Parry and Shane Bibby. Current Curse and Spiny Rush, and rabbit control office bearers are Shane Bibby as have been ongoing projects since the President, Richard Kelleher as Treasurer commencement of the group. Barry Bibby and Liz Kelleher and Richard Kelleher as became the local contact person for the Secretaries. management of Spiny Rush in 1996. Navarre Primary School planted a site on Reflections Wares property • The Project Platypus Plantout on Landcare is now a permanent part of the Navarre Hill in 2002 was the group’s rural landscape in the region thanks to largest and most ambitious project. those who pioneered the movement in the Landowners Lawrence (Charlie) Raeburn early 90's. From time to time interest in and Noel Supple with President Rupert Landcare ebbs and flows within the Bibby collaborated with Rio Tinto Project community but the need for the Landcare Platypus, the Department of Natural group will remain. Weeds and rabbits will Resources and Environment and not go away and the long term problems Greening Australia and the Navarre such as salinity and soil erosion will community to ensure a successful continue to affect land management even The 2002 Navarre Hill Plantout has transformed the local landscape outcome for the community. Prior to the though much has been done since those Plantout, Navarre Hill was a barren early days. environment that required extensive preparation in terms of rabbit control, The success in dealing with challenges erosion control works, grass seeding, that lie ahead will depend upon the fauna surveys and seed collection and energies of the leadership and the propagation. Jane Marriott of Project community within the Navarre and District Platypus provided significant direction in Landcare group and the acceptance that the planning of the project and provided we all have a duty of care to leave our critically important knowledge, skill and land in good condition for future time in harvesting seeds. The Williams generations. Navarre Landcare hosted the 2002 Plantout and catered for dinner at the family in Pomonal grew the seedlings for footy club the Plantout. 200 volunteers from other Landcare Groups, locals and the Landmate Crew planted 15,000 plants on the large hill to the north-west of Navarre, known variously as Navarre Hill, Melville’s Lookout (after the bushranger who used to hide in the thick scrub on the hill) and Blake’sHill. It was a memorable event, with older community members and toddlers in attendance. Weeds and in particular Pattersons Curse are an ongoing problem People Founding committee members were President Lyle Driscoll, Secretary Stephen Ware and the six committee members Ken Stewart, Clive Hardwick, Ron Bibby, Gerald Parry, Rob Tehan and Kieran Devery. Subsequent office bearers include Doreen Bibby, Joan Austerberry, Ken Stewart, Stephen and Karen Ware, Colin Snooks revegetation site at Colleen Parry and Ron Bibby who were Navarre Secretaries, Vern Hutton and Joan 41 2.7 Jallukar Landcare Group
Beginnings resulted in more sustainable local landscapes. These have included Jallukar In May 1991, Michael McMurtrie called a Group projects as well as those organised meeting of interested people at the through Project Platypus, when Jallukar Pomonal hall to hear DCE officers outline Group was responsible for the catering on the local land degradation issues and several occasions. Shelter belts and options to combat them. Jallukar Landcare creekline revegetation have been Group was subsequently formed to cover established on Mt View (Peel), Grampians the Mt William catchment area, extending Saline site in Jallukar Forest being planted Paradise (Banfield), Jallukar Park (Brady), from Jallukar on the south, Mt Drummond by Landcare Teran Park (May), Green Hills and Lake Lonsdale on the north, Pomonal (McMurtrie’s), and on the properties of and surrounds on the west to the edge of Delahunty, Pat and Norm Reid, Ken and Black Range on the east. This amounts to Eleanor Reid, Bill and Leigh Lax, Geoff 600km2 with over 40km of waterways. and Ann Hardy, Elizabeth and Ian Jackson, Michael was elected Chairperson / Scott Douglas and many more. President, Jane Williams Vice-president and Ken Reid Secretary /Treasurer. The • Fencing was completed along saline committee included Anne Hardy, David areas, for tree planting and to define land Peel, Peter Brady and Norman Reid. The classes. In 1995 the Peel family and group became incorporated on 8 Pomonal PS children planted 1300 trees in The same site today... Landcare does November 1991. work! 3 hours.
Achievements • Pasture renovation was successful at Mt The group has always been very proactive Dryden where the steep degraded hills with a supportive and enthusiastic band of were sprayed and seeded by air. Rabbit workers. An initial bus trip invited warrens were ripped with a bulldozer by members to assess their property needs David West - dangerous work on the very and identify degraded areas. This was steep and rocky slopes. followed by Whole Farm Planning workshops. Over nearly 20 years, scores • Several properties in the catchment were of projects have been completed involving affected by increasing saline discharge Millers Creek walking track weed control and unproductive problem areas. A work in progress the properties of most members. Many projects have also been undertaken on creekline from Jallukar Park to the Jallukar public land and involved members of the State Forest showed salt scarring and wider community. erosion. The Brady and Reid families together with the Jallukar Landcare Group • Educational bus trips have been a addressed the problem with successful highlight and included Lanark and the results evident today. To ensure the Dunkeld area, Lake Hindmarsh and survival of Redgum trees members carted Rainbow, Challicum Hills Windfarm and a soil from Brady’s dam bank with 10 tip tour of Gason’s at Ararat. trucks to create mounds for planting in the forest. Tall Wheat Grass and Phalaris were Millers Creek track today – a community • Rabbits and noxious weeds were also used on properties including Mt View asset targeted for control and the purchase of to reduce a salty water table. warren fumigators by the group in 1992 was a highlight. A consistent campaign • The Millers Creek Project at Pomonal and the introduction of Calicivirus have aimed to involve community members with seen a huge decline but not complete the development and appreciation of this eradication of rabbits. Weed control has pleasant public space. Weed eradication also been an ongoing project with was carried out along the creek, successful 2nd Generation Grants from the indigenous species were planted and CMA targeting Patterson’s Curse, Cape seating installed. Tulip and Bathurst Burr. • Jallukar Landcare Group was involved Jallukar Landcare Group planters celebrating their efforts • Many planting projects have brought the with the planning and implementation of community closer together and also the Mt William Creek Walk, following the 42 main watercourse through the Jallukar at a time when rabbits were a serious pest area to the Wimmera River. Day 2 in the area. A number of members have included a catered night at Peel’s with been heavily involved in the formation and poet Colin Driscoll entertaining the weary development of Project Platypus. walkers. Reflections People Jallukar Landcare Group has been a Presidents have been Michael McMurtrie vibrant and effective force for 20 years (twice), David Peel, Peter Brady, Jane with many successful projects in 2011 Plantout on Banfields with Pomonal’s stunning Grampians backdrop Williams, Ken Reid, Wayne Burton, Bernie addressing land degradation. Much of the Rudolph and Terry May. Secretaries have group’s success has been due to regular included Ken Reid, Ken McPhee, Eleanor social gatherings and the passionate Reid (twice), David Peel, Peter Brady, Phil members with diverse backgrounds with Williams, Jill Miller, Annette May, Peggy all opinions respected. They include large Pechenuik, Jane Williams and Fred Rich. landholders, weekend residents and small Scott Douglas was treasurer from 1995 to block holders in Pomonal and surrounds. 2003, followed by Terry May, Barry Curtis, Many interesting guest speakers have also Leon Sachse and Leigh Blackmore. The informed the group. Meetings are social more recent position of Project Officer has occasions at members’ homes and been undertaken in turn by Ken McPhee, properties and often involve a tour or Plantout 2005 saw thousands of plants Terry May and Joe Price to organise and sharing of a project. planted at Delahunty’s oversee the numerous activities undertaken by the group from pest January 2006 saw many members and the eradication to bus trips and excursions. community affected by the Grampians bushfire followed by flooding along the Mt The group has been fortunate to have a William Creek in February 2011. A positive number of passionate and active and supportive relationship exists with members. Michael McMurtrie began Project Platypus and other groups and growing trees on the hill at Greenhills agencies. before the beginning of the landcare group, much to the questioning of the local As part of a strategic planning session led Aileen and a band of helpers catering for landholders. Salt tolerant Red Gums from by Nigel McGuckian, the Jallukar planters Albacutya were sourced from Wail Landcare Group determined to continue to Nursery. engage people in a social atmosphere, catering for and respecting everyone’s This interest developed into his initiation of diverse interests and practices and the Jallukar Landcare Group. Michael is contribute to a sustainable environment. also involved with Project Platypus and broader Landcare organisations. Jane Williams had a passion for the natural environment, including a strong desire to reintroduce the original indigenous species Members meeting at May’s shed for a and discourage the use of invasive meeting and a meal introduced plants. She was a driving force in collecting seed of the correct species and their propagation. Plants were initially grown for the local group and expanded to other groups. Phil retired from teaching in 1992 and assisted Jane in the nursery. The group remains indebted to Jane who worked tirelessly until her recent passing. The late Norm Reid became very prominent with rabbit control as he Visiting the other end of the catchment at approached and educated landholders Lake Hindmarsh 2008 and spent many hours destroying warrens 43 2.8 Elmhurst Landcare Group
Beginnings plants were planted over 117 hectares of steep hill country by 200 volunteers. The Elmhurst Landcare group covers a Planting steep hills reduces recharge of picturesque 22,000 ha area located in the rainfall water into the hill and the discharge headwater catchment of the Wimmera of saline water further down the slope. River between the Pyrenees Ranges to the Another Plantout hosted by the group was north of the township and Mt. Cole State held on in 2009. Forest to the south. The area has several major creeks whose source is in these In 1998 Elmhurst Primary School students • The Wimmera Enhancement & forested ranges with the main enterprise help plant on Darbyshire’s farm Rehabilitation Elmhurst (WERE) project being grazing both on steep hill country exemplified a coordinated approach to and down to the river flats. rehabilitating a problem area. It was funded by the Wimmera Catchment Management A group of landholders with a common Authority and was supported by voluntary concern for environmental issues formed in efforts of the Landcare group. Redefining 1988 and the Elmhurst Landcare Group the stream flow with a chain of ponds, rock was formally launched in 1991 with their chutes, fencing, weed control, and tree aims controlling rabbits and weeds, planting has seen the former waste land improving pastures, and addressing now a valued community rest area. erosion, salinity, declining vegetation, and Weed and erosion issues along Salt Creek other land management issues. The were addressed • Land class fencing in hill country and group’s members comprise farmers, life Whole Farm Planning courses have style landholders, retired and semi retired increased farmers understanding and people, anglers and other interested towns management of the land according to its people, who are all motivated by their capacity. Pasture establishment programs desire to address environmental issues. were established to respond to farmers Achievements needs. Workshops also helped to develop the skills of landholders in natural resource After agreeing on their priorities, the group and business management, chemical use set about developing a number of projects and productivity trials.
A 1996 tree planting along the Iles creek • Group based rabbit and weed action work line • An active Junior Landcare initiative in resulted in 480 acres across three Elmhurst Primary School led to bore properties being fenced out and treated to monitoring, grass and weed identification, reduce high numbers of rabbits. This was assessing animal and fish habitat and supplemented by wide scale 1080 water quality. campaigns coupled to a rabbit buster program. • Platypus research in the Wimmera River • Weed control plans for St Johns Wort, and Nowhere Creek by the Platypus Pattersons Curse and others pest plants Conservancy was coordinated by Project saw the implementation of aerial spraying, Platypus and has been of huge interest in the local area and beyond. The Platypus Erosion from run-off from steep hills is a spraying and biological control techniques. big issue Weeds remain a serious concern. has become icon in the area and is a measure of sustainable land management. • Tree planting, natural regeneration, direct seeding and revegetation have been part • Erosion control works in various streams of an integrated approach in many sub and creeks, installing silt traps, trickle catchment rehabilitation projects involving pipes, gully battering, grass chutes, several landholders with a great example in diversion banks, and complete gully the Glenlofty area. In 1990 approximately reclamation work has ensured cleaner and 10,000 trees and shrubs were planted in better quality water entering the Wimmera the Elmhurst area. River.
The section of the Wimmera River at Elmhurst is home to platypus • At the Project Platypus Plantout at • The group has undertaken many other Elmhurst in July 2001 14,000 indigenous activities such as social gatherings, site 44 visits, producing newsletters, the Land Reflections mate program, accessing aerial flights and The Landcare Group has built on the works the community notice board which have of the previous generations of landholders contributed to the success of the group. and agencies such as the Soil People Conservation Authority and the Department of Agriculture. The benefits of perennial Many Landcare members have contributed pastures, the use of fertiliser, the role of to the group’s success and they continue molybdenum and early gully reclamation Group rabbit control campaigns are the to support and maintain the Landcare work was encouraged by inspirational most effective group by taking on various committee individuals such as the late Tom Morgan. roles, developing various projects and carrying out ongoing programs. President The Elmhurst Landcare Group continues to Bill Langcake, Secretary Geoff Penna, carry the banner for sustainable land Treasurer Tony Roberts were preceded as management. The group plans to maintain office bearers by Peter Laidlaw, Lil Iles, their spirit of co-operation and the Garry Iles, Ben Greene, Michael Greene, understanding in the community of the Stephanie Stephens, Julian Kaye, Tony need to preserve our greatest asset - the Roberts. Doug Boatman. They have been land for our use and that of successive supported by group members who have generations. had a significant input into the group’s Landcare meetings and workshops help keep the group informed activities, projects, and social occasions. The Elmhurst Landcare Group has Special recognition is made of Lil Iles and reflected and celebrated its achievements Ross McPhie who were given Life at various times along its journey but is Membership for their tireless work and realistic about the fact that there are many efforts in the group’s early development - more years of work to be done. A ten year coordinating applications for funding, celebration and bus trip was one of the rabbits, trees, catchment planning, highlights in the journey, reflecting on the producing newsletters and notices. Lil was group’s achievements and their also a recipient of the Centenary involvement in the wider landcare Federation Medal in 2001 for services to movement. Associations and partnerships Landcare. with Greening Australia, DNRE, Project Emily, Lil and Doug entertain Victorian Governor John Landy Platypus, GWMWater, Granite Creeks Landcare Group, Advisers & Technical Services, the Platypus Conservancy and Victorian Landcare Council have contributed to the success of the group.
Elmhurst catered and hosted 2001 Plantout at the Golf Club
Signage promotes Landcare river projects and platypus facts
45 2.9 Stawell Urban Landcare Group
Beginnings gaining a Victorian Landcare grant for weed control works on Big Hill. Weed infestations around the Stawell Coordinated by Julie Andrew this project township prompted an enthusiastic has a long term plan including all land group of individuals to hold weed managers and the Stawell community in removal working bees. They believed ongoing weed control of Broom, that a Stawell Urban Landcare group Boneseed, Cotoneaster, Gazanias, would make a valuable contribution to Bridal Creeper, Cootamundra wattle and the local environment and in 2004 a Attendees at the 2004 meeting at Stawell Pittosporum. Community and Landmate meeting was called at the Stawell Town Town Hall form a Stawell Urban Landcare working bees have made inroads on Group Hall with Barry Clugston addressing the weed infestations. meeting and John Pye’s students giving a report on their Grampians Rail Trail • The group hosted the 2008 Plantout project. The 25 attendees agreed to which involved welcoming and establish the Stawell Urban Landcare registering volunteers at the Stawell Group with weed removal and Racing Club dining room and catering management of public places as its key for meals throughout the weekend. In goals using community engagement to July 2012 the group catered for the achieve this. planting day near Lake Lonsdale. The first project was to create a walking Achievements track along Pleasant Creek • In 2011 the Landcare group took on the • Developing the Pleasant Creek Walking coordination of the annual Ironbarks Track was the group’s first big project Walks with primary students. This which called for many hands to wrestle activity to increase awareness of the with and remove dense thickets of local box-ironbark forests has been Broom from the banks of Pleasant running for over 10 years with local Creek, prepare and lay the track, install schools seeing positive outcomes in culverts and bridges, replant bare areas students learning. and produce signs and brochures. Regular working bees were organised by • The development of a tool trailer by Regular working bees were held to weed, Leigh Blackmore with John Pye leading John Pye has enabled the group to store build bridges, plant and socialise bridge work and many willing workers and transport tools and equipment and including Gerard’s dog turning up to catering gear. The trailer is used at work hard for a few hours and enjoy a working bees and events and is loaned cuppa. The completed walking track is to Project Platypus and other Landcare now complemented by Federation Park Groups. on the Western Highway and is a valuable asset for Stawell. • Members participated in the Waterwatch program monitoring local • Revegetation over several years at waterways and provided valuable Moonlight Sands was undertaken in information collated by the Wimmera conjunction with Peter Graveson from Catchment Management Authority. Free trees were distributed in the main street to raise community awareness Parks Victoria. Combined with a walking track and seating this area has been • For a number of years the Landcare transformed from a wasteland to a park. Group co-ordinated other groups and individuals to clean roadsides on the • Broom is one of the most extensive of Western Highway and along London Rd Stawell’s weeds and many hours have as part of Clean up Australia program. In been spent mapping, spraying and 2011 the group assisted Grampians removing it by hand. The Landcare Regional Waste Management to clean group also coordinated Ararat Prison up the Pomonal Roadside between Landmate crew in control works. This Stawell and the tip. work is ongoing as the seed will continue Regular displays were mounted at the Stawell Show to engage local residents to germinate for a number of years. In • In 2011 the group supported Project 2011 the group was successful in Platypus by locating and flagging rabbit 46 warrens at Old Lake Oval near the environmental weeds and biodiversity Stawell Cycling Track. management.
• The group has also arranged capability The beautification and maintenance of building opportunities for members and natural areas such as Pleasant Creek others by running chainsaw and Moonlight Sands has provided a accreditation training in 2011 and a recreation resource all the community media writing workshop in 2012. can utilise. The big picture plan is to Members have also improved their weed develop a walking track linking all the SULC hosted a visit from other Landcare identification skills through involvement signature attractions around town, Groups and showcased Pleasant Creek walk in on-ground control. including – Pleasant Creek, Big Hill, The Arboretum and Moonlight Sands. People Past presidents of the group are Simon The group continues to be active and Marston, Leigh Blackmore, Gerard plans to focus on on-ground work, McAloon and Ian Nicholson who has educating and engaging the local served since 2007. Founding members community and promoting Landcare. of SULC are Elizabeth Jackson, Roslyn Byass, Gerard McAloon, John Pye and were supported by the Landcare The neglected Moonlight Sands area has Coordinator at that time Felicity been transformed Christian nee Brown and Parks Victoria officer Peter Graveson. The group has established relationships with key partners including Parks Victoria, Project Platypus, Department of Primary Industries, Wimmera Catchment Authority, Northern Grampians Shire, Stawell Goldmine, GWMWater, Department of Sustainability and Environment and local primary schools. Weeding Big Hill is a big task and will need many hands for many years! Reflections The group has built networks with other community groups, council and businesses that have improved the capability and resilience of the Stawell community. Workshops, displays, articles in the Stawell Times News have raised community awareness of natural resource issues such as SULC hosted the 2008 Plantout at the Racecourse and planters received a friendly welcome
The group set up video cameras to monitor rabbit activity
47 2.10 Crowlands Landcare Group
Beginnings in making decisions which pasture grasses In August 1994 David Munday from DNRE will do best in local conditions. called a meeting of local residents in and • Crowlands Landcare Group has been around Crowlands to see who would be represented on the Project Platypus interested in commencing a Landcare Group Management Committee since 1995 and in the area. The 20 people who attended currently has 2 members. were keen and a further meeting of 28 • The group has had a variety of workshops landholders was held in September to form a Crowlands Landcare holds regular and guest speakers on different subjects workshops, planning sessions and social committee to draw up plans for establishing a including Occupation Health and Safety, events Landcare Group. At the first meeting of the chain saw safety, bio fuels, laws relating to Crowlands Landcare Group in November farms, a C.P.R First Aid Course, Chemical 1994 Graeme Price was elected President, Users Course and a Whole Farm Planning Emile Wilkinson Vice President, Jean Course which were all well attended. Boatman Secretary and Doreen McKay as • The group hosted the first Project Platypus treasurer. The main aims of the group were to Plantout on Jack Start’s property at Glendhu promote new landcare and conservation in 2000. Large numbers of trees have been practices and techniques, control rabbits, planted since on several members properties undertake soil erosion works, trial pasture for agro forestry, revegetation and erosion plots and Spiny Rush eradication. Landcare legends Athol and Doreen control. The group has hosted two more Mackay know a thing or two about Plantouts, the last one being in 2011. With revegetation Achievements regular Landcare events, often held at the The group has a large environment to Crowlands Hall the catering efforts of operate, with weeds and erosion being Crowland’s women are well practiced and significant problems. The group gratefully renowned. acknowledges the vital assistance of the many staff from DPI, DSE and Project People Platypus in achieving significant on-ground The inaugural President Graeme Price was results. followed by Bernard Boatman, Jeff • A group tour of Woady Yalloak area was McGuinness, Paul Harrington, Mark McKew, held in February 1995 to view their efforts to Trials of pasture grasses are important for Steven Start, Shane Molloy and currently combat Spiny Rush. Subsequent trips taken local graziers Dennis Harrington. Secretaries following Jean as a group include a tour of Gason’s and Boatman include Jackie Grimmer, Edith A.M.E. in Ararat, a tour of Australian Wool Thomas, Graeme and Bree Price, Wendy Testing Authority in Melbourne and Hifert in Harrington and Harold Thomas. Doreen Geelong. The group visited the Wallop Top McKay has been the treasurer from the Croppers Group and hosted a return visit. group’s inception! At the 2011 Annual General • Aerial flights over the Crowlands Group Meeting President Shane Molloy presented area were held in 1995 to enable members to Life Memberships to Jean and Bernard gain an overview and receive photos Boatman, Doreen and Athol McKay, Vic Start identifying the extent of soil erosion in the and Edith and Harold Thomas for their long district. Extensive works on erosion control - service to the Crowlands Landcare Group. Platypus surveys along the Wimmera River yielded good numbers prior to the gully battering levy banks, trickle pipes and drought rock chutes in creeks - together with tree Reflections planting has help address erosion measures. The group has a very active and engaged • Extensive rabbit warren ripping has been membership and is an excellent model of a carried out on the Glendhu and healthy Landcare Group. The group plans to Dunneworthy hills areas as well as group continue to control pest plants and animals 1080 rabbit poisoning programs. Athol McKay including those weeds that are appearing in has organized has organized the group’s numbers that have not been seen in the area Fox-off campaign since the Group was previously. Kangaroo numbers are steadily formed. increasing and may become a problem in the • Trial plots for different pasture grasses were near future. Soil conservation and pasture Landcare stalwarts Harold and Edith Thomas dancing after planting all day set up on Paul Harrington’s property and are improvement works are also identified as a still ongoing. The results have been valuable priority. 48 2.11 Landsborough Landcare Group
Beginnings • Landholders in the Astons Scour Catchment were part of Project Platypus In June 1995 a meeting was held to form the works over a number of years to address Landsborough Landcare Group to “pursue erosion by installing gully plug dams, productivity and improve land management establishing perennial pastures, installing for its members.” At its second meeting in rock groins and battering banks. August staff from DNRE helped the group to develop objectives to determine future • In 2010 the group met again to apply for a activities. It was fairly clear that weeds and Second Generation Landcare grant to Spiny Broom and Gorse are common rabbits were to be major concerns as was undertake ongoing weed and rabbit control. weeds controlled by the group erosion and the sedimentation of creeks. These works were facilitated by David The group had a slow start but from 1997 to Margetson through Project Platypus and 2002 were undertaking a range of weed and involved works on several properties and rabbit control projects as well applying for public reserves. Natural Heritage Trust funds to undertake erosion control works in the • In 2011 the group applied for and was Malakoff/Howards Creek catchments. successful in gaining a further grant for Achievements weeds control under the ‘Communities for Nature’ program. Targeted weeds include • The group was active for a number of Pattersons Curse, Gorse, St. Johns Wort, Rabbit numbers are lower than in times years in undertaking “RabbitBuster” work Spiny Broom and Horehound. Project past but still need vigilance ripping warrens and employed facilitators Platypus and the Landmate crews will again including Ron Marriott to co-ordinate works. provide important support. Calici virus substantially reduced rabbit numbers in the early 2000’s but rabbit People numbers were building up again by 2010. Office bearers for the group have been • In 1997 a spray unit was purchased to Darryl Leslie, Greg Dean and Narelle allow landholders to control Pattersons Thomason. Active members have included Curse, Spiny Broom, St Johns Wort and Box broadacre farmers, smaller landowners, Thorn. Trent Leslie facilitated some of these some absentee landowners as well as town weed control works. The group was dwellers. The group has appreciated the Establishing crops and pasture and managing water are important land fortunate to have the assistance of assistance of state government agency staff management principles Landmate crews to undertake weed control, such as DNRE, DPI, and WCMA. Much of particularly on roadsides. the facilitation of group activities would not have been possible, without the invaluable • In 1997 the Upper Wimmera Farm Tree resource and support from past and present Group sponsored an aerial flight over the staff of Project Platypus. Landsborough catchment to capture some dramatic images showing the extent of the Reflections erosion in the region. The fact that the group is still undertaking • For several years the repair of a deep scour works is due to the tenacity and dedication Works to address massive erosion in the in Wattle Creek was planned and costed. of two long term members and office bearers Wattle Creek was achieved with a number After 3 or so years of efforts by the Wattle Darryl Leslie and Greg Dean. It has been of partners Creek Project Steering Committee a difficult to keep the momentum of the group partnership between Project Platypus, the going and there are a limited number of WCMA, the Landcare Group and the “large scale” farmers in the area and many Pyrenees Shire finally saw works begin with smaller blocks and absentee landholders. drop structures installed, gullies battered and The environment has benefited from the the area revegetated. In 2002 the project was works undertaken by the group and they completed and when it rained quite some plan to continue overseeing weed and rabbit years later Darryl Leslie reported that the control activities. It is possible that a core of structures had done their job. The Wimmera landholders interested in controlling weeds A dam on the Wattle Creek catchment Catchment Management Authority completed and rabbits or undertaking revegetation allows for overflows to be diverted rock structure maintenance in 2012. projects may prompt a revival of the group. 49 2.12 Upper Wimmera Farm Tree Group
Beginnings • Tree guards and stakes were hard to come by in the 1980’s and the UWFTG bought In 1985, a year before the Landcare these in bulk and made them available to movement in Victoria was launched, a landholders and Landcare Group. meeting was called by Ararat Soil Conservation Authority Officer, Clem • When direct seeding was a novel Sturmfells, for farmers interested in practice, the UWFTG purchased a direct addressing the severe erosion and salinity seeding machine as a way to get trees in problems caused through the over Aerial photos give landholders an the ground cheaply and effectively. The excellent perspective of problems clearing of hills. There was a good direct seeder has been used across the attendance at the Joel Hall meeting where catchment. The group also trialled aerial Barry Clugston was elected as Chair and seeding of steep bare hills to stabilise Clem Sturmfells as Secretary of the Upper soils. Wimmera Farm Tree Group (UWFTG). It was agreed that the group’s focus was to • The group purchased other equipment assist landholder tree planting projects by such as a spray unit and Potti Putkis to sourcing funding for trees and tree guards loan to landholders undertaking plantings. and offering advice on tree species, site Some of the plantings funded through the preparation and the most effective group were for Break of Slope planting to location of sites. Widespread mapping and control of Spiny address salinity, agroforestry plots and Rush in low lying areas was undertaken streamside and roadside plantings. Achievements Over its 20 years of operation the group • Communicating the value of trees was had some outstandingly successful the driving force for the group and a video projects and events. Funding for UWFTG and catchment booklet promoted this projects was from a variety of sources message. Regular newsletters kept including state and federal Government landholders up to date with projects and grants through CF&L, DPI and Tree events. Field days and seminars on the Victoria, Greening Australia and NLP Wimmera Rivera catchment, salinity, Red grants. Gum regeneration and Whole Farm
Site visits were an important learning planning sessions brought information on experience • An early project was a bus trip to the best practice land management to local Potter Farms in Hamilton with 45 people audiences. Stalls at local shows promoted seeing evidence of the positive the planting of trees. contribution trees can make on farms. Numerous bus trips were organised for • Weed control was and still is a major landholders to visit a variety of projects issue in the catchment and the UWFTG including tree aspiration research at focussed on mapping and treating Spiny Logan, Lucerne plantings at Bridgewater, Rush infestations. A Ballarat Uni student Wail Nursery and other Farm Tree completed a comprehensive report of the Groups. various treatment methods to eradicate Spiny Rush Planting trees was a major priority of the group • Aerial flights were offered to Landcare People Groups to gain a unique perspective of the land degradation issues faced in the Membership of the UWFTG was from various sub catchments of the Wimmera. across the Upper Wimmera region with a Aerial photos of extensively eroded creek concentration of works in the steep hill lines and barren hills and pastures were country in the east and north of the region made available to Landcare groups and where the salinity and erosion issues were a stark reminder of the urgency and were the most severe. Office bearers and extent of the issues. Groups who a very active sub-committee helped benefited from the aerial photos were maintain the direction and impetus of the Astons Scour landholders, Elmhurst and group. These include Jon and Kris A French forestry group toured McKay’s extensive plantings other Landcare Groups and local McMillan, Barry & Cheryl Hall, Jim government. Kilpatrick, Alan Green, George Holden, 50 Lillian Iles, John Greene, Councillor Alan making tree planting a positive and Kingston, Vic & Elizabeth Start, Bernard acceptable farming practice. The group & Jean Boatman, Phil Hall, Barry was also instrumental in fostering the Clugston, Lisa Moore, Clem Sturmfels formation the development of other and Michael Greene. Landcare Groups in the Upper Wimmera.
The role of DPI and DSE officers in the The subsequent development of Project support, development and maintenance Platypus and Landcare Groups across of the group was pivotal as they were the Upper Wimmera decreased the need Mackay’s forestry plots with 2001 Plantout site in the foreground able to contribute their resources, for a catchment wide body such as the knowledge and passion to projects to Farm Tree Group and the group ensure their success. disbanded in 2006 after having made a substantial contribution to the Reflections environmental health of the catchment The Farm Tree Group responded to the and its communities. Lisa Moore and urgent need to revegetate the extensively Barry Clugston oversaw the disbanding of cleared farming land in the Upper the group and its assets in 2006 with the Wimmera – to reduce erosion, salinity, ‘Hamilton’ direct seeding unit, a spray enhance biodiversity and provide stock unit, various tree planters, guards and shade and shelter. The group was very stakes donated to Project Platypus. Many Revegetation along creeklines protects successful in highlighting the need for group members have maintained an waterways and water quality revegetation and instigating planting interest in all things environmental within projects across the catchment and the Upper Catchment and beyond.
The control of Spiny Rush includes burning, spraying and physical removal
Restoring trees across the landscape has multiple environmental benefits
Understanding soils is an important element of land management
51 2.13 Perennial Pasture Systems
Beginnings • PPS continued their extension work in 2010 with the newsletter, field days and the The Perennial Pasture Systems (PPS) annual conference. A second EverGraze group was formed in mid 2007 after a trial site at Tottington also commenced. workshop convened by Julie Andrew and Ewan Letts of DPI. The aim of workshop, • Funding from Meat & Livestock Australia conducted at Hall’s Gap, was to bring assisted with building the trial pastures together graziers in the upper Wimmera project. The group continued to gain new catchment interested in progressing and farmer members as well as attracting PPS is an active group of graziers working integrating perennial pastures in their together to improve productivity several members from industry such as farming systems and to consider forming a agronomists and seed suppliers who are grower group and enjoy the benefits that regular attendees at PPS events. might come from that. An executive committee was convened at the workshop • In 2011 a soil amelioration project was which initiated the PPS group and Simon commenced with funding from the A W Brady from Jallukar became the group’s Howard Trust. At the Annual conference first President. The aim of the group is to dinner Ben Greene from Elmhurst was push the boundaries of perennial pasture elected as the group’s second president. research in our region and to provide • Another major project was commenced in information on productive pasture 2012 with the establishment of four A good cover of perennial grasses is the management to members. In 2011 PPS key to healthy pastures and stock replicated plant variety trials set up to test became an affiliated member of Project pasture species under the different soil and Platypus in recognition of the role that climatic conditions in the region. productive perennial pastures play in sustainable farming systems. People Achievements PPS currently has a membership of 68 farm businesses from across Central • PPS commenced three paddock scale Victoria and the Southern Wimmera. projects to trial new pasture varieties which Members are heavily involved in prime had become available. Planning of the lamb, mutton, wool and beef production. project and development of a business The group also has 30 members involved The group plans projects, site visits and plan as well as paddock walks were the shares information in agribusiness and agronomic services main activities throughout 2008. and an associate group member, the Yarram Landcare Pasture Group. • Funding to progress the group was gained through Project Platypus and in The total area farmed by group members March 2009 Rob Shea hired a part time is 64,473 ha varying from 20 to 5000 ha project manager Rob Shea to overee the holdings. PPS members manage approx establishment of the three PPS trial sites 450,827 DSE, made up of 258,740 sheep, along with the EverGraze phalaris and 7,558 cattle and 903 goats. Cropping and lucerne trial site at Mooneys Gap. export hay operations are also conducted on many of the farms. Trials allow comparisons of pasture • During 2009 the group’s newsletter was species and treatments commenced and PPS held their first Reflections annual conference and dinner. The large membership of the group and their active program reflects the keen interest of farmers to farm sustainably and profitably. The group relies on motivated farmers sharing their knowledge and experience and all members learning from the numerous trial sites across the region. As the results of trials are known, these will be shared with PPS members and the PPS members visit plant breeders in broader farming community to progress Tasmania sustainable land management. 52 2.14 Project Platypus and Landcare Milestones
Many of the people involved in setting up Project Platypus in 1994 are still involved in Project Platypus today. Looking back at Project Platypus and Landcare achievements and events in this publication will trigger memories and serve as a reminder of the many successes (and the few failures!) of the organisation. The steady growth in the organisation and the huge contribution made by the thousands who have been involved in some way with Project Platypus is reflected in the following annual milestones. These milestones, some small and some substantial, provide an important record of the growth and development of a community based rural environmental movement.
1979 - Garden State Victoria - Project Tree Cover established a 36 ha revegetation site on Col Halls Joel hill with fencing, 16,400 plants at a cost of $11,600 1983 - A dramatic dust cloud rolls into Melbourne and heightens community interest in land degradation issues 1984 - The Potter Farmland Project is launched in Western Victoria 1985 - The Upper Wimmera Farm Tree Group formed to promote tree planting to address land degradations problems 1986 - The Landcare movement was launched by CF&L Minister Joan Kirner and VFF President Heather Mitchell in Winjallock near St Arnaud - The Farm Tree and Landcare Association is established 1988 - Wimmera River – A Weeping Sore conference at Longerenong identifies whole of catchment issues 1994 - A meeting was convened to discuss the possibility of forming an umbrella group to seek Landcare funding and assist Landcare groups - Meetings continued with a committee formed and members from Landcare groups attending and contributing ideas - The umbrella group was initially known as the Upper Wimmera Sponsorship Group and Landcare groups contributed $50 towards administration and foundation - The umbrella group initially functioned as a sub-committee of the Upper Wimmera Farm Tree Group - Possible names for the group were Clean Water Revival – Platypus Survival and Platypus Project – Wimmera Solution 2000 1995 - The first meeting under the name of Project Platypus was held in June - Office bearers elected to lead the organisation were President Michael McMurtrie, Secretary Jane Williams, Treasurer Scott Douglas. - Many different organisations and businesses were approached for sponsorship or funding and positive responses were received from Wimmera Mallee Water and CRA. 1996 - Wimmera Landcare EcoTour conducted by Dave Munday from DNRE - The Australian Platypus Conservancy visits the Upper Wimmera to determine possible platypus monitoring sites - Site visit by Wimmera Mallee Water and Project Platypus to look at Ron Bibby’s revegetation and erosion control works - Incorporation taken out under the Project Platypus name, rather than VFF umbrella - Report on Dominic Browne’s Aston Scour project plan - Sherree Christian appointed as first Project Officer/Manager - Sherree Christian had a guided tour of Jallukar and Moyston Landcare areas - “Peter Jackson and Nigel Binney were enthusiastic and would do what they could to raise $13,816 for the * project at their next Wimmera Mallee Water meeting.” - Kevin Brady received $5000 from GWMWater funds to undertake a saline rehabilitation project at Moyston - Lengthy discussions were held to develop the CRA partnership agreement - A regional Landcare Forum was held at Longeronong on the next decade of Landcare - An all day bus tour of landcare sites across the Upper Wimmera was followed by a dinner at the Diamond House - Dave Munday spoke to Halls Gap residents about the possibility of forming a Landcare Group - Landcare Groups were requested to submit potential projects that fulfilled the CRA sponsorship requirements to Project Platypus - Kerryn Shrank replaced Sherree as Project Manager, working from Wail Natural Resource Conservation League offices - Bill Pyke was employed by CRA to supervise Astons Scour mapping - Launch of the CRA Project Platypus partnership was held at Seppelts. - Astons Scour and Ironpot Creek chosen as sites for Pilot Projects with CRA mentoring - Funding for Kerryn Shrank’s position was received through LPIS (Land Protection Incentive2000 Scheme) and Kerryn worked 1 day a week out of the Stawell DNRE office in Patrick St 1997 - Funding from the William Buckland, Mazda and Potter Foundations and State Landcare allowed Kerryn Shrank to work full time
53 - The Project Platypus Scientific Advisory Committee was established to ensure the integrity and sustainability of projects - Landcare members attended a tour of Whiteheads Creek and Granite Creek Landcare Group works - Australian Platypus Conservancy submitted their research proposal to Earthwatch and platypus surveys began - The Management Committee discussed the need for a Project Platypus Website - Julie Andrew from DNRE held workshops on tree selection and planting on steep hill sites in the Upper Wimmera - Discussion on the fee for use of DNRE office - $1500 year 1, $3000 thereafter - The Management Committee was restructured - 277 Project Platypus leaflets were distributed at the Wimmera Field Days - The organisation’s name was changed to Rio Tinto Project Platypus – a Landcare Partnership - A 2 day workshop of Landcare representatives and stakeholders was held at Halls Gap to gain input into the structure and organisation of Project Platypus - Discussions about needing to communicate with groups led to the purchase of a fax machine for the Secretary - GIS data was purchased, especially for sub catchment planning in Moyston and Great Western - Mary Bignall, DNRE was farewelled and thanked for her valuable contribution to the Project Platypus Action Plan - Water quality measuring stations were set up at Astons Scour to monitor the success of works - Twenty five Management Committee and Landcare members attended the AGM with 9 apologies - Kevin Balm of Integra assisted with the planning of how the 6 activity groups would function under the Management Committee - Over 20 platypus were trapped and released in the upper Wimmera - Kerryn Shrank resigned as Project Manager - A 2007 article in the Weekly Times announced that “CRA would help reduce salt loads and improve water quality in the Upper Wimmera which presently dumps 85,000t annually... $200,000 is the biggest private donation for on-ground Landcare works in the nation’s history.” 1998 - The first Project Platypus Newsletter to communicate with the Landcare Groups and partners was published by editor Phil Williams - Advertisers in the first newsletter included Howdens, Alan Green Mulesing, Start Bros Earthworks, D & F Boatman Vineyard contractors - Dr Sarah Ewing from Melbourne Uni conducted research on the adoption and success of the scientific approach to Landcare and its social impacts - Peter Hilbig was appointed as Manager of Project Platypus in July to undertake project co-ordination and executive responsibilities - The Corporate Plan for 1998 -2003 was produced based on the results of the 1997 Halls Gap Workshop - The partnership agreement with Rio Tinto was reviewed with a view to a further partnership period - Sponsors and supporters for the year were GWMWater, Rio Tinto, William Buckland Foundation, Mazda Foundation, National Heritage Trust and Dept of Natural Resources and Environment - Six sub-committee or activity groups began meeting – Projects Portfolio, Funding, Communication, Performance Monitoring, Group Development and Integration. - The conservation of platypus was listed as one of the objectives of the Action Plan - Stage 1 of the Astons Scour works with 3 flood retention dams and associated works were completed - 40 different individual platypus were recorded up stream of Crowlands 1999 - Discussions were held on how a local consortium could purchase the large Kaldor property with environmental and cultural values in the Black Range - Andrew Scanlon appointed to DNRE as Landcare Support officer for the Upper Wimmera - A new 3 year partnership agreement was entered into with Rio Tinto - Project Platypus sponsored the 2nd annual Biodiversity Conference in Halls Gap “Woodlands, Wildflowers and Witchetties - 20,000 plastic tree guards with the new Rio Tinto logo are purchased for revegetation - Pyrenees Shire, Project Platypus and the WCMA to share the cost of proposed Wattle Creek remediation works at Landsborough - A representative from the WCMA was invited to be an ex-officio member of the Management Committee - Platypus surveys in the Upper Wimmera River catchment continue. A tagged platypus captured on Mt Cole Crk was 45km from his previous sighting near Elmhurst - The WCMA committed over $150,000 over 3 years to revegetation in the upper Wimmera - Flights over the catchment are sponsored by the Upper Wimmera Farm Tree group to look at past and potential projects 2000 - The Project Platypus Bulletin was published to supplement the Project Platypus Newsletter - Major works in the Six Mile Creek Catchment began, addressing multiple land degradation issues based on a 54 community driven plan - Projects also took place in Heifer Station Creek, Mt Drummond, Astons Scour - A job advertisement for Bridal Creep Control Facilitator was filled by Sean Malloy - Management Committee discussed revitalising the relationship between Project Platypus and its member Landcare Groups - A field visit to the Northern Grampians Landcare project at Mt Drummond was held and a BBQ followed - The International Landcare Conference in Melbourne was attended by Michael Greene, Michael McMurtrie and Peter Hilbig - Project Platypus registered an ABN to comply with GST requirements - Case study results of the partnership between Rio Tinto and Project Platypus made 7 recommendations to improve the operation and integrity of the organisation and of projects. - Michael McMurtrie was presented with a bronze platypus in recognition of his 5 years as Chair. - A call was made for volunteers to help with platypus surveys at Elmhurst - Volunteers were sought to help plant 20,000 trees on the steep hills at Glendhu – the first Plantout hosted by Crowlands - GWMWater funded the setting up of the Project Platypus seed bank to supply seed for revegetation projects - Stawell Secondary College and Stawell church members planted at Daves Avenue - More platypus surveys took place in the Wimmera River and Mt Cole Creek - A digital camera was purchased! - Wimmera Mallee Water Board members had a bus tour of project sites at Navarre and Nthn Grampians - Annual income was $260,000 2001 - Plantout 2001 was held on the steep hills at Elmhurst in partnership with DNRE and 17,000 trees were planted - The seed bank supplied seed from 40 different localities for revegetation sites - The Redman Bluff wetland creation and biodiversity project began - A strategic review of the organisation was undertaken with Mary Bignell and Emily Jenke facilitating discussions - The Ironpot Creek data report is presented at Crowlands by John Smart, Mark Hocking and Julie Andrew - 10 green Corps trainees began work in the Upper Catchment under the leadership of Joel Hastings and Adam Blake - Management Chair Michael Greene reported “this has been a year of great activity and real consolidation” - Project Platypus was again represented on the WCMA sub committees by Peter Hilbig, Neil Marriott and Michael McMurtrie - In partnership with Greening Australia, training on seed collection was held in the Project Platypus seed shed in the old Tech School auto classroom. - Projects were undertaken in Daves Avenue, Astons, Six Mile, Wattle Creek, Pentland Creek. - Rabbit Buster work was undertaken by most Landcare Groups - Launch of Rio Tinto-Project Platypus – Using Science to Plan booklet with the results of the Australian Platypus Conservancy and University of Melbourne research 2002 - Works on Wattle Gully erosion sites are completed with Project Platypus trialling spray seeding batters with native grass - A sub catchment plan for Pentland and Sugarloaf Creek is produced - Works at Aston Scour include Army trucks carting rock donated by Stawell Gold Mines over a 14 hour period - Plantout 2002 was at Navarre Hill with 15,000 trees planted - The Newsletter advertised for a 2nd hand 6x4 trailer to cart plants to planting sites and a sturdy golf buggy to cart bamboo stakes - Project Platypus was a finalist in the Banksia Awards - A Green Corps team is placed in the Upper Wimmera - Seed orchard plots are set up to provide seed of uncommon or rare species - No platypus surveys take place because of the very dry conditions - Leif Simonsen, a Norwegian NRM, mapped sites with GPS and predicted “Electronic maps will be the way of the future” - Jane Marriott was appointed as Works Co-ordinator to help get on-ground works completed - The Australian Platypus Society launched a book in conjunction with Earthwatch in Canberra followed by a field trip to near Crowlands - The Project Platypus Newsletter was distributed to 300 Landcare Group members - Over 80 people attended a Birds on Farms Workshop held at the Grange Golf Club with a field visit to Leeke’s Great Western farm. - Project Platypus and Wimmera Landcare displays as part of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days - Conclusion of the two 3 year partnerships with Rio Tinto
55 - Project Platypus income reached the $500,000 mark - 50,000 trees were planted across the catchment 2003 - Joe Kilpatrick’s Vetches Hill at Great Western was the site for the 2003 Plantout - Conclusion of the 7th year of transition partnership with Rio Tinto 1996 - 2003 - Project Platypus installs accounting systems to allow the organisation to manage the employment of rabbit and weed facilitators for individual Landcare Groups - Mini Plantout at Ware’s Navarre property with Vern Hutton and Navarre Primary School students - The Upper Wimmera Farm Tree Group membership was rekindled with direct seeding projects - A new Corporate Plan was adopted in July - The Six Mile Creek Catchment was the site of major works - Peter Hilbig and Michael McMurtrie attended the National Landcare Conference in Darwin - No platypus surveys were undertaken because of low water flows - Training in Quicken took place to help manage the accounts - SPI Powernet supplied funds to purchase a plant transport trailer and a seed spreader - Great Western Landcare Group formally launched with a large aerial map available to identify properties and problems 2004 - Emily Tyson appointed as Project Platypus Manager - Adam Merrick is appointed as works co-ordinator and Bernie Rudolph as weeds facilitator. - Plantout is at Moyston along Salt Creek to create a riparian corridor - Spiny Rush – A Management Plan developed by Graham Lee for Project Platypus is released - A Photo Competition is held to celebrate 10 years of Project Platypus - The Catchman GIS mapping system is rolled out to Landcare Groups - A juvenile platypus is trapped at Elmhurst among several adults and confirms their survival despite dry years - Stawell Urban Landcare Group is formed after several years in the planning - Bernie Rudolph appointed as full time Works Co-ordinator - A 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner was held with Landcare speakers Rob Youll and Sue Marriott - Stream gauging data continued from two sites at Astons Scour and one in Ironpot Catchment - Project Platypus participated in the Annual Wimmera Biodiversity Seminar – True Treasures of the Goldfields - Open Meetings were held in the Black Range and at Navarre - Project Platypus hosted a function in Melbourne to thank sponsors who were presented with certificates for their support and contributions 2005 - A community tour of the Six Mile Creek Catchment and planning workshop was held - Seed Collecting Workshops were held and attracted 48 participants - An Envirofund grant was received to continue the platypus monitoring program - At Plantout 2005, 13,000 trees were planted on Holden’s challenging hill and 7000 at Delahunty’s Lake Fyans - A fencing field day with Nev Prince took place at Deep Lead - Alan and Shelley Green won the Rural Press Landcare Primary Producer award - A lease was entered into for the corner building on Main St and renovations begun on the new Landcare Centre - Linton Argall, Joe Facey, Tristan Kennedy, Jacqueline Young undertook casual employment roles from fencing to weed mapping - Open meetings were held at Crowlands and Dadswells Bridge - A Chilean Needle Grass outbreak in Moyston was added to the annual weed spraying program - DPI and Project Platypus undertook works in the Hyde Park saline areas near Great Western with the assistance from a Coles Grant - 36,000 plants were planted, 13 km of fencing and 14 km of direct seeding were undertaken for the year - A plant propagation workshop was held at Phil and Jane Williams Pomonal Wildflower Nursery - 9 platypus were trapped at 8 sites between Eversley and Crowlands 2006 - Two separate bushfires destroy fences, farms, plantings and houses in the Grampians, Pomonal, Deep Lead, Black Range - Project Platypus takes the lead in responding to the fires with fencing reconstruction assistance, a tool drive, 12,000 free trees for 30 landholders. - An RACV grant provides materials for hundreds of nest boxes made by volunteers to provide habitat for wildlife - Seawinds Nursery in Mt Martha donates plants for fire affected properties - The Upper Wimmera Farm Tree Group is dissolved and cash and assets donated to Project Platypus - The new Main St Project Platypus Landcare Centre was launched showcasing display area, meeting room and extensive
56 office space - Stawell Urban Landcare Group hosts other groups at a Landcare LInkup - Scouts plant 7000 plants at Dadswells Bridge - A Vegetation Forum was hosted by Project Platypus with Paul Gibson Roy talking on plant provenance and Jane Williams on plant identification - The Seed Bank closes and a new model for supplying seed across the Wimmera Catchment mooted - A helicopter was employed by Elmhurst Landcare Group to spray Pattersons Curse on steep inaccessible sites - 20 years of Landcare was celebrated with a Landcare breakfast with Aaron Wood, previous Young Australian of the Year - 100,000 trees were planted in the Upper Wimmera - Stawell West and Stawell PS students planted 3000 trees 2007 - Luke Scott begins as Manager of Project Platypus - Highlights of an open meeting at Glenorchy are a novel platypus presentation by Luke Scott and a bird walk by Neil Macumber - The Mountains to Mallee Wimmera Landcare walk begins in the upper catchment and finishes at Lake Hindmarsh - Drought Assistance is made available to farmers for fencing and establishing feeding stations - At Jallukar Plantout 30,000 plants are planted by volunteers in one weekend - A Paddock Tree Project to protect and replace senescent trees was funded by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust - The Project Platypus website was set up - The 10th Biodiversity Seminar featured Bulokes - The Perennial Pasture System group was set up in the Ararat Stawell area - 1200 free trees were distributed at Landsborough to test the interest in Landcare - Dadswells Bridge Landcare Group hosted a walk along the Wimmera River - Carbon Smart was introduced to the region from Landcare Australia’s Rob Youll - For the second time income exceeded $500,000, with 77% of funds spent on on-ground works - Drought funding was received from the * Govt for environmental fencing - A grant was received from the Northern Grampians Shire to finalise the fit out of the Stawell Urban Landcare catering and tool trailer - The Mountains to Mallee Landcare 300km walk was an icon Landcare event involving walkers and communities across the Wimmera - An article in the local paper appealed for a shed to house Project Platypus equipment as Skene St School works involved demolishing the old Tech School mechanics room used by Project Platypus. 2008 - Project Platypus purchase a ripper mounder to better prepare planting sites - Free trees and fencing material distributed for the Free Tree project - Plantout is held in and around Stawell - Inaugural Farming in the 21st Century workshops and field visits were held in partnership with surrounding councils and DPI - In conjunction with the Farming in the 21st Century Louisa Kielly spoke to a full venue on their soil carbon trading success - Project Platypus equipment to help farmers prepare sites, spray weeds is available for hire to landholders - Leigh Blackmore takes up the position of Manager - 48 landholders undertake projects this year - A new Project Platypus website is launched - Phil and Jane Williams scale back their nursery propagation of hiko plants for revegetation projects and new providers sought - Funding from the Myer Foundation enables platypus trapping and 2 platypus are sighted in a pool at Dadswells Bridge - Total cash income for the year of $850,000 was largely from government sources - Project Platypus is appointed to oversee the new Landcare co-ordinator Victoria Leeke - A bus tour with the WCMA looks at Project Platypus and WCMA erosion control sites - The Perennial Pasture Systems group begins a partnership with Project Platypus - Grampians Regional Waste Management Group offset their vehicle emissions by engaging Project Platypus to plant trees - A ripper/mounder was purchased to prepare sites for revegetation 2009 - Greenhouse audits of farms by Carly Green are offered as part of Federal Funding for Carbon Accounting - Incentives for improving perennial pastures are offered - Project Platypus and Stawell Urban Landcare Group are involved in Ironbarks nature walks for Primary School students - Farming in the 21 C continues with Project Platypus hosting 57 - Planning sessions are undertaken by several Landcare Groups to plan for the future - 20,000 trees are planted in the 10th annual Plantout at Elmhurst and awards presented to 10 year planters. Bus tours to previous Plantout sites - Nest boxes are constructed by the Mens Shed in Stawell and distributed to landholders as part of a Stawell Gold Mines grant - Project Platypus moves to its Western Highway location with offices, works shed and storage are located on the one site and opening 29th May. - Great Western Landcare Group visits Jigsaw Farms near Hamilton - Peter Andrews, author of Beyond the Brink, guest speaker at AGM attracts 190 people - Gallivanting Round Glendhu hike round the steep hills Start property - Bob Wallace leads a Green Corps crew shared by Project Platypus and Parks Vic - Victoria Leeke focuses on supporting and assisting Landcare groups - Stawell DPI office closes - 3230 paddock trees are distributed to redress the loss of old trees and the lack of regeneration - Integrated works continue in the Six Mile and Glendhu catchments - 233 ha is revegetated , 184 ha of remnant vegetation protected and 100,000 plants planted this year - Mt William Creek Walk a joint initiative of 3 Landcare Groups and Project Platypus was enjoyed by many participants 2010 - Farming in the 21C continues with Project Platypus hosting a Soil Savvy workshop at Pomonal - The Six Mile Creek Landcare Walk led by Bernie Rudolph covered 40 km over 3 days from the creeks origin at Dunneworthy Forest to where it joins the Wimmera River - The engaging Small Landholders Project saw Black Range, Moyston and Northern Grampians Landcare Groups construct walking trails in their region - Julian Cribb spoke on global food production and food security at the AGM - The Victorian Landcare Forum co-hosted by Project Platypus was held at Halls Gap - A major Perennial Pastures and Evergraze Seminar was held in Ararat - Over 1800ha of weed control of 12 targeted weeds was completed - Plantout was held at Barton Station near Moyston along a 4.5km section of Georges Creek - Stawell West students planted on Wayne Burtons Lake Lonsdale property as part of Schools Tree Day 2011 - The launch of publication celebrating the 15 year partnership with GWMWater was followed by a bus tour to view works - Inaugural Agrifest Forum at Concongella, Project Platypus event in the Farming in the 21C series - Bob Wallace is appointed Landcare Facilitator - A Southern Brown Bandicoot Recovery Plan was completed with funds from the Norman Wettenhall Foundation - Landmate celebrated 20 years working of environmental works - Plantouts were held on multiple sites on weekends in July with good participation from host Landcare Groups and volunteer planters - A wet winter with record August rainfall tests erosion control works - Stawell Urban Landcare Group is very active with work at Moonlight Sands, Pleasant Creek and Big Hill - Jallukar Landcare Group receives a grant to undertake work on a walking track on Millers Creek Pomonal - Staff and the Management Committee participated in a replication trial of Landcare Stewardship facilitated by Moragh Mackay from Bass Coast Landcare Network. The course concluded with a local food feast prepared by Steve Gliese. - Project Platypus takes on the management of the Landmate crew timetable - 320ha of revegetation is established and 465ha of remnant protected - Most Landcare groups take up the 2nd Generation Landcare Grants administered by the WCMA to undertake weed and rabbit control - A memorandum of understanding to guide the relationship between the WCMA and Project Platypus was signed - Alexandra Gartmann and Professor Kate Auty spoke at the Project Platypus AGM 2012 - A new Strategic Plan for 2012 – 2014 is developed with the assistance of GWMWater’s Nigel Binney - Agrifest 2012 is held at Concongella - Doing it for the Bandicoots project targets fox control to protect native fauna - The Heifer Station Creek Walk follows the creek between Frenchmans and Glynwylln - New sub-committees aim to engage more members in planning and developing projects and determining Project Platypus directions - Plantouts are held each weekend in July across the catchment - Project Platypus received funding as part of the 25 years of Landcare celebrations to collate this history publication, tree plantings by each group and Landcare gate signs - “The Journey – Project Platypus and Landcare in the Upper Wimmera Catchment” is launched at the September AGM 58