Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au Farming communities working closely together

THE National Landcare Program comprehensive understanding (NLP) is the key element in of the approaches, successes and the ’s failures in community engagement commitment to natural resource and natural resource management management. across the Landcare movement. One billion dollars has been The regional delivery model for invested over the last four years NLP funding was also scrutinised through ’s 56 regional as part of the review process to natural resource management investigate whether it was an bodies, and through programs effective approach to achieving of national significance, such our national natural resources as World Heritage Grants, 20 management and agricultural million Trees, Reef Plan 2050, and productivity outcomes. the Indigenous Protected Areas The methods used to program. review the NLP included an The NLP also delivers on many on-line stakeholder survey other government priorities, during 2016 (more than such as advancing the interests of 900 responses received), an Indigenous Australians, especially independent financial analysis in land management on country and of the government funding supporting farming communities packages from 1996-97 to and regional Australia. 2017-18, advice from the In June this year the government National Landcare Advisory published its report on the review of Committee, consideration of the current and historical NLP. analysis and advice from natural One billion dollars has been invested over the last four years through Australia’s 56 regional natural resource management bodies. The report has been used to resource management experts, inform the next phase (from July as well as submissions from with their Regional NRM Plans and Greater efficiencies andmaintains the key elements of its 2018) of Australian Government government and non-government also progressed Commonwealth improved outcomes may be success, while also evolving to be support for this exemplary, organisations. objectives. achieved through regional bodies more effective in addressing the community driven, land Most respondents felt the The review noted funding working together in consortiums, natural resource management management movement. NLP had resulted in improved under the regional model of such as the successful Rangelands challenges at a regional level, and The review examined whether land management; increased the NLP is most likely based on Alliance, Reef alliance and Tri State connecting local outcomes with the NLP has been efficient and adoption of sustainable farm historical priorities and criteria, Alliance, along with continuing to national priorities in agricultural effective in delivering agricultural practices; and enhanced social and could be better aligned with meet individual regional plans and productivity, developing regional and environmental outcomes across and institutional capacity for current and future priorities and Commonwealth objectives. Australia and importantly, different regions and agricultural integrated natural resource conditions. Regional scale delivery The review was an important protecting out natural resource base sectors. management. Importantly, NRM may also be improved by opening opportunity to reflect back on for the future. It was important for government regional organisations confirmed opportunities for involvement to a past programs, as well as to look • Visit: www.nrm.gov.au/regional/ policy makers to develop a NLP funded projects aligned well wider range of organisations. to the future and ensure that NLP regional-nrm-organisations. Growers urged to improve the map impediments to rapid response is crossed the north Queensland coast By Horticulture Innovation identifying where exactly the host on March 28. Australia crops are. It also has the potential to assist “This new map allows growers growers with insurance claims. AUSTRALIA’S avocado, mango to help safeguard the future of their John said this research may also and macadamia growers are industries by pinpointing where inform future mapping projects for being called on to contribute to farms are, along with helping other horticultural industries. a map that aims to enhance the their industry bodies and relevant This mapping project is nation’s biosecurity response and agencies plan and enact biosecurity supported by Horticulture planning capability, and help measures during serious pest and Innovation through funding with recovery efforts after severe disease incursions,” John said. from the Australian government weather events. “In the case of severe weather Department of Agriculture and The draft online map, available events, such as fires or floods, this Water Resources, as part of its Rural at http://ow.ly/z9oJ30diXkV, shows map will also allow peak bodies R&D for Profit Program. commercial avocado, mango and and authorities to quickly and easily Led by the University of macadamia crops around the identify farms impacted, speeding New England, the work involves country, and has been formulated up any aid provision process. a host of industry collaborators with satellite imagery generated “We are encouraging growers including Avocados Australia, the by scientists, land-use information to grab their smartphones, tablets Australian Macadamia Society, from industry and government, as or laptops, review the map and and the Australian Mango Industry well as ‘citizen science’ collected via add their comments to help Association, and Simpson Farms. a purpose-built app. support their industries through The University of Queensland, Horticulture Innovation chief this ambitious land-use mapping University of Sydney, Central executive John Lloyd said that while project,” he said. Queensland University, Agtrix Pty contributors have made more than The Land Use Survey app is Ltd, the Queensland Department 1000 entries via the Land Use Survey available for Android and iOS of Agriculture and Fisheries, app so far, there is still plenty more devices, and can be downloaded Queensland Department of work to be done. via the Google Play Store and Apple Science, Information Technology John said during plant App Store respectively. and Innovation are also project biosecurity outbreaks such as citrus The map has helped respective collaborators. canker, banana panama disease industry representative bodies • See more on the and, more recently, the tomato- determine the extent of the impact broader National Tree Project The Land Use Survey app in action. potato psyllid, one of the biggest of Tropical Cyclone Debbie, which at http://ow.ly/CNp630diXiS. Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au The future of the National Landcare Program secure

groups and the Australian I encourage you all to continue Assistant Minister for Agriculture community. your involvement in Landcare and Water Resources, the Hon. The Smart Farms program will through the Smart Farms program protect and improve the condition which will put Australian farming Luke Hartsuyker of natural resources on farms, which at the forefront of land resource in turn drives improved productivity management into the future. THE Australian Government is and profitability. From July 2018, the government investing more than $1 billion into ‘Farming smarter’ is the mantra will invest $450 million over the future of the National Landcare for the next round of Landcare five years to deliver the national Program (NLP). projects, helping organisations priorities of protecting soils, water, In September, the government and individuals to put their heads vegetation and biodiversity and launched the next phase of the NLP, together to develop innovative supporting agriculture productivity and mapped out the nationally- sustainable agriculture practices. agreed priorities for delivering at the regional and local level. The $134 million Smart Farms on-ground natural resource The Regional Land Partnerships program will encourage farmers, management and sustainable Program builds on the strengths of fishers and foresters to adopt agriculture outcomes that will the existing program, with national sustainable agricultural best benefit rural communities and coverage that will connect and practices. deliver environmental and involve communities, including Giving farmers, fishers, foresters agricultural outcomes. Indigenous communities. and regional communities the tools, Protecting and improving the We want to fund the most technologies and funding will allow condition of our natural resources, innovative projects that tackle them to invest in their soils, water soils, water and biodiversity is a today’s challenges and harness the and biodiversity. never-ending goal, which requires next generation of ideas. Farmers have a natural instinct long-term, on-the-ground planning, There is great awareness about to care for their land and we want to investment and delivery. the Landcare movement and the support these ideas that have been The NLP has been structured benefits it brings to communities put to the test on a local farm by to achieve this through building across Australia. helping our smart farmers to share knowledge and engaging the Through our consultations and that idea with the local community community and industry in projects reviews one thing that has come and the nation. to improve those land management to the fore is the strong support The Smart Farms program is practices needed to benefit the for continuing to deliver the NLP made up of three components: condition of these natural resources through a regional model. • $60 million Smart Farming and farm production. Local Landcare groups have local Partnerships; The government is significantly know-how and we want to continue The Hon. Luke Hartsuyker MP. • $50 million Smart Farm Small contributing to this effort to tap into that local environmental Grants; and through the NLP and is a national and land management knowledge. with an estimated area of more naturally to all of us - taking care of • $24 million Building Landcare leader in the cause to protect There will of course be than 9.5 million hectares of land the land. Community and Capacity soils, water and biodiversity in refinements to make sure we meet being sustainably managed to I look forward to continuing to Program. our farms, communities and the needs of landholders, volunteers improve natural resources with work with Landcare communities environments. Calls for the first round of grant and communities across Australia’s corresponding environmental, across Australia, research Key programs in the $1 billion applications under the Smart Farms diverse farming communities. agricultural productivity and social organisations and farmers to deliver dollar NLP investment include Small Grants and Smart Farming Landcare across the country outcomes. these new government investments the $450 million Regional Land Partnerships were announced in continues to play a critical role The next six years of Landcare that will ensure Landcare delivers Partnerships Program and the $134 October 2017. in helping to improve farming will be exciting as we look to real, tangible benefits for all million Smart Farms Program. More information on the practices and land management. take advantage of technological of Australia, ensuring we have These programs were developed programs and how to apply is The NLP has seen an increase advances in land management and healthy and productive farms into in consultation with Landcare available at www.nrm.gov.au. in uptake of sustainable practices, seek to continue to do what comes the future. Communities working together is the heart of Landcare

By Tessa Matykiewicz, Landcare, and to better serve the against pests such as wild dogs Landcare community. and pigs. Landcare Australia CEO I’m also pleased to On page eight, learn about acknowledge the winners so a group in Queensland who THE theme of this month’s far of the State and Territory created the Greater Whitsunday Landcare in Focus, Farming Landcare Awards – check the Food Network, achieving a Communities Working Together website landcareaustralia.org.au thriving farmers market with for Collective Outcomes, to see who won awards so far. defines what is truly the heart All the winners will go on to the farm-to-plate dinners, supplying of Landcare – the people who National Landcare Awards next local produce in restaurants are collaborating and dedicating year. around the region, and their time and energy to It’s truly inspiring to see the ultimately employing local get things done for the good of amazing work that’s been done people in profitable farming our land. across the country over the past enterprises. I’m excited to let you all couple of years. Recently, a total of $100,000 know that Landcare Australia There are so many amazing in funding was made possible and the National Landcare examples of projects and the through Landcare Australia’s Network (organisations that Landcare community coming Workplace Giving Program offer services and represent together in this edition. to support 10 group’s habitat the Landcare community On page five you can restoration projects across the at a national level) are in read about 22 landholders in discussions to create who got country. unity and stronger alignment together to erect a pest exclusion Sign up for our eNewsletter, between the two entities. fence of 210 km, enclosing Landlink, on our website to This is a great opportunity approximately 177,000 hectares hear about future funding to create one national voice for and creating a solid barrier opportunities. Landcare Australia CEO, Tessa Matykiewicz. Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au Partnership transforms sweet potato industry

International Potato Centre (CIP) in By the Australian Centre for Peru to develop diagnostic tests. International Agricultural The partnership continues to this day, with CIP providing early Research warning of new viruses at the global level (and tests to detect them) while SWEET potato growers in the remote researchers in Australia and PNG highlands of Papua New Guinea monitor continuously for new virus (PNG) and in the fertile farmlands threats closer to home and develop of Australia might seem to be the tests to identify them. worlds apart. The nerve-centre of this However, they share an intense surveillance effort, supported interest in a common enemy - plant jointly by Q-DAF and ACIAR, is viruses. Gatton Research Station, outside Now, a long-standing partnership Brisbane, where Sandra Dennien between researchers in Australia, monitors disease samples collected PNG and Peru, supported by the from farmers’ fields across the region. Australian Centre for International Viruses of sweet potato, like Agricultural Research (ACIAR), those of various other crops, can is providing them with a shared be eliminated from the plant by solution, in the form of disease-free heat treatment, ‘thermotherapy’, planting material. which differentially affects the Sweet potato is the main staple rate at which plant cells and virus food of PNG, supplying some particles replicate. two-thirds of the country’s basic If it is done judiciously, virus- calorie needs. free plant cells can be retrieved from However, as the country’s the growing point and multiplied population has grown, especially in through tissue culture to generate the densely populated highlands, disease-free plants. In PNG, the NARI team maintains disease-free sweet potato stocks in an insect-proof screen-house at Aiyura Research Station. the productivity of this vital food- These can then be multiplied crop has faltered. vegetatively, mainly by cuttings the treatment ‘just right’ and, with The most recent ACIARwho turned this experimental The decline in yields was maintained in screen houses, where the help of tissue culture specialist project, on this occasion funded procedure into a commercially variously attributed to falling soil fine mesh excludes the insects Winnie Maso, recovered disease- by Australia’s Department of viable enterprise. fertility or increasing pest pressure, (mainly aphids and whiteflies) free sweet potato plants. Foreign Affairs and Trade, seeks to Most Australian sweet potato but work that began in 1984 carrying the viruses that would Since then, NARI’s scale up the technology to provide farmers now plant their crop with increasingly showed that plant otherwise reinfect the plants. Aiyura Research Station has a ‘clean seed system’ to support the PT material. viruses were a key factor. Thermotherapy, though simple provided a steady stream of ‘PT’ transformation of sweet potato in “This essentially simple Plant viruses cannot reliably in principle, can be tricky in practice. (pathogen-treated) or klin cuttings PNG from subsistence crop to a full- technology has transformed the be identified by symptoms alone, The varieties of sweet potato (’clean’ in local pidgin). scale commercial enterprise. sweet potato industry in Australia so in 2004 researchers from most popular in PNG proved quite Specially trained farmers then Meanwhile in Australia, and is now set to play an equally Queensland’s Department of sensitive and initially died under the further multiply the material, as a PT technology has been important role for this vital crop Agriculture and Fisheries (Q-DAF) heat treatment. small business, to provide enough enthusiastically adopted by the in PNG,” Q-DAF researcher and teamed up with their counterparts Persistence paid off, however, klin cuttings for the thousands sweet potato industry. veteran of the ACIAR projects at PNG’s National Agricultural and 10 years ago NARI researcher of other smallholder sweet A pioneer in this effort has been in PNG and Queensland, Research Institute (NARI) and the Dorcas Homare managed to get potato farmers. Eric Coleman, a researcher-farmer Mike Hughes said. Tackling salinity in the basin which tells the story of salinity Salt Interception Schemes that take By Neil Andrew, chair of in Australia and how it is being more than 500,000 tonnes of salt out Murray–Darling Basin Authority managed today. of the system every year. The way our continent was Salinity is not going away, which IF there is one issue that formed means we have saline is why in 2015, Basin Ministers brings people across the Basin groundwater and soils. agreed to a 15-year strategy to together, it is the importance of Land clearing for dry land manage this problem up to 2030, managing salinity. farming and irrigated agriculture which was only possible because of Anyone working in natural production over the last century has the shared commitment by all sides resources knows the damage mobilised those salt deposits. of politics. salinity can do to the environment In the early 1980s, salinity levels We are well on track to do and to agriculture. in the Murray River were extremely the same with the Basin Plan to I am particularly passionate high due to low flows. ensure it’s long-term health and about this issue, both from my Irrigating with such salty productivity. experience as a citrus farmer in the water damaged crops, reduced It will take time but if we work early 1980s, and in my current role harvest yield, and corroded pumps together we will get there. as MDBA Chair. and pipelines. One key component of the plan Tackling salinity is a big success Governments, landholders is flows to the ocean. story of our time — all governments and communities decided to This essential flow has a dual and agencies, including the MDBA work together and we have since purpose — it is used to maximise and its predecessors, have worked successfully reduced salinity in environmental benefits, and it with Basin communities over the the Basin. helps carry over one million tonnes last 30 years to tackle it. The video recognises theof salt out to sea, enhancing the I was pleased to attend the achievements of communities health and productivity of the Basin Mildura Field Days in May 2017 to and governments who stepped as a whole. release our Salt of the Earth video, up to find solutions, including the • Visit: mdba.gov.au. Chair of Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Neil Andrew. Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au It’s better when we’re together

The systems approach involves By Heidi Kleinert working in collaboration with four Community Pest Management FOR over a century, communities Groups (CPMGs) to map the across Australia have been battling the management systems - the Victorian impact of introduced weeds and pests. Blackberry Taskforce, Victorian There have been research trials, Gorse Taskforce, Victorian Serrated incentive schemes, biological Tussock Working Party and control programs, new agencies and Victorian Rabbit Action Network. community groups. But, this is not about mapping And yet, here we are in 2017 the geographical locations of pests still facing a formidable challenge or weeds. in managing established invasive Rather, it is about understanding species such as blackberry, gorse, the relationships between all the serrated tussock and rabbits. groups and institutions that interact In dealing with this challenge, in managing blackberry, gorse, there is growing acknowledgment serrated tussock and rabbits, in of the complexity of weed and rabbit order to define the gaps, problems management. and opportunities. It occurs on a vast spatial scale, It is a novel way of looking at and is influenced by countless the issue, but it builds on the work ecological and economic factors. and networks already established Perhaps one of the biggest parts by CPMGs. of this complexity, though, is the In early 2017, the project people issue. completed a series of social systems It is people at the coalface that maps by undertaking more than 110 undertake the control activities, interviews and several focus group It is people in community groups sessions. coordinating projects, and It The Victorian community were is people within industry and also invited to have their say through government developing the the blog - weedsandrabbits.com. necessary policies and support The research identified the Participating at the invasive species workshop are Terry Hubbard (Victorian Landcare Council) and Alice Knight (Corangamite CMA). programs. key stakeholders, and who else If our approach to weed and needs to be around the table in co- and the CPMGs hosted an invasive further empowering communities acknowledging local knowledge and rabbit management is to become developing projects. species workshop. to lead and deliver effective weed experience as co-creators of projects.“ more effective and sustainable, we It pinpointed the trigger-points More than 130 people who work and rabbit management. Projects that were submitted at need to build the capacity of those of influence, what has and has not in weed and rabbit management Agriculture Program the workshop and by the CPMGs people and help them to work worked in historical programs, across the state attended the event. Manager Michael Reid can see that will see an investment close to across their differences. where and how funding and The intent of the workshop was this new approach is starting to $900,000 over 2017-2019. The Victorian government has information flow, and how we can to enable participants to understand build momentum. These projects will be recognised that managing weeds improve those flows. and share the different perspectives Its strength, he said, is in its community-led and delivered by and rabbits requires thinking The end goal of the project is to and experiences of their counterparts, recognition that those working the four CMPGs. outside the box. enhance participation in weed and and to identify where in each system at the coalface bring invaluable • Heidi Kleinert is a Community Funding received from the rabbit management, and improve action could be undertaken to experience to the table. Engagement Officer in established Australian government’s Agriculture community opportunities to tackle support better outcomes for invasive “If we are to make further invasive species at Agriculture Competitiveness White Paper has these invasive species. species management. headway in managing these Victoria. Lauren Hull, Michael enabled Agriculture Victoria to To share all the information Workshop participants were also problems, we need to work in Reid, Paul Dennis and Andrew introduce a ‘systems approach’ to from the study and bring the whole invited to submit project ideas to partnership,” Michael said. Woolnough from Agriculture understand and respond to the system together, Agriculture Victoria Agriculture Victoria and the CPMGs “Partnerships are more than the Victoria contributed to this article. problem as a community. for investment, with the aim of provision of funds, they are about

Congratulations to the 245 Powerful Youth Projects underway in Victoria!

landcareaustralia.org.au/powerful-youth-projects Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au Technology to transform agriculture, but only with sufficient investment

about their food and fibre than By John Harvey ever before. So the questions have to be TECHNOLOGY’S transformative asked - can the industry keep up potential for the agriculture industry all comes down to innovation and with the available opportunities and investment. who will make these transformative John Harvey, managing director technologies commercially available? of Rural Industries Research and Which of course, comes back Development Corporation (RIRDC), to investment supporting the said innovation will continue innovation. to create new applications for Global investment by venture technology and make its adoption capitalists in agtech has jumped on-farm possible. from US$400 million in 2010 to But, investment is required to US$3 billion in 2015, and while commercialise this innovation and the Australian agtech innovation support its implementation so it can ecosystem is relatively immature, its deliver on its promise of production potential is huge. and efficiency gains. We have innovation incubators At an almond farm in like SproutX (Australia’s first Mildura, robots developed by agtech accelerator), disruptors Sydney University work day seeking solutions like Agrihack, and night, moving through the and companies like The Yield and orchard, gathering data to create a Observant come in. comprehensive view of the entire Pockets of innovation are springing operation. up in regional Australia, bringing This trial was one of a series together agtech ideas, startups and of projects led by Professor of entrepreneurs with investors, IT skills, Robotics and Intelligent Systems marketing and finance. Salah Sukkarieh, supported by These are the people whose Horticulture Innovation Australia. Kay Hull and John Harvey of RIRDC discuss the Internet of Things. entrepreneurialism will ‘solve the His team are pioneering farm’ and transform the industry. autonomous robots for the The Internet of Things is a new What is just around the corner is guide robots to operate in a range of By looking at old problems in new horticulture industry that can monitor form of communication between a collection of digital technologies scenarios. ways and embracing technology the soil and check the health of the humans and objects, and between that have the capacity to make the It is the nanomaterials that in and innovation, they will provide plants, meaning farmers don’t have to objects themselves. entire Australian agricultural supply pesticides can deliver site-specific, the industry with the technology physically check each orchard. Combining with external and chain more precise, more profitable slow-release applications targeting and the solutions it needs to boost They can even sense when the regional datasets, the Internet and more sustainable. specific pests and diseases. productivity and profits. fruit is ripe. of Things approach means Collectively, they are referred It is the synthetic biology that will With clear knowledge now of the At Mingenew in , Darrin’s decision making can be to as ‘agtech’, and they are set to result in more nutritious crops that endless possibilities technology can Darrin Lee has taken an Internet preemptive and is always driven by transform the industry. thrive with less water and require provide to the industry. of Things approach to managing accurate data. It is the sensors that will generate fewer chemical inputs. It is time to focus on making his family’s properties and created It’s easy to see from the above real-time, continuous data about It is the gene editing that will its promises – of efficiency and a wirelessly connected network of that while agriculture might be the health of individual plants facilitate faster and more precise production gains – a reality. devices, sensors and vehicles that one of Australia’s most traditional and animals. plant and animal breeding. All of which requires not only provide him with quality data in industries, it is about to be upended It is the artificial intelligence that And, It is the ability to provide innovation, but more critically, real-time. by technology. will convert data into decisions and consumers with more information investment. Landholders work together to control grazing pressure

PEST animals in the Gilgunnia, Managing pest animals NSW area have been left on the consumes a large amount of outer by landholders involved in the resources, time and finances from Gilgunnia Cluster Fencing Project. landholders, not to mention the This project, which resulted stress and frustration it imparts in a total pest exclusion fence of on them. 210km being erected around the By working collaboratively perimeter of 22 properties enclosing through this project, 22 landholders approximately 177,000 hectares, has in the western region have given created a solid barrier to pest animal themselves the best opportunity to species in the Gilgunnia area in the manage these issues. western region of NSW. While this project has only This has allowed landholders been recently completed, the opportunity to gain control over landholders have already reported grazing pressure and will result in significant reductions of pest better outcomes for on-going pest animals along their section, with animal and weed control activities. one remarking it has stopped Improved management of total several hundred pigs from entering grazing pressure (TGP), which is the their property every evening. combined grazing pressure exerted This project was funded under by all grazing animals (domestic, the Australian government’s 2016 native and feral) on the vegetation, Pest and Weed Drought Funding soil and water resources, is key to program. ensuring grazing does not exceed • For more information about stocking capacity. cluster fencing, contact Along with TGP, pest animals Western Local Land Services such as wild dogs, pigs and Senior Land Services kangaroos, are a constant issue for Office - Native Vegetation, landholders in the western region. Brian Dohnt on (02) 6836 1575. Landholder Dean Hague inspects his section of the fence. Photo: Western Local Land Services. Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au Building water catchment and community resilience at Mulloon

Shoalhaven Water Catchment’s mammals, reptiles, frogs, fish and By The Mulloon Institute protected lands. invertebrates. MCLRP is being implemented The wider Mulloon Catchment INDEPENDENT landscape thinker by The Mulloon Institute – a has also benefited with Peter Andrews recently walked a research, education and advocacy improvements in water quality, section of the Mulloon Creek in New organisation that actively water yield, and enhanced South Wales to help with planning demonstrates, monitors and shares biodiversity resulting from tackling for the Mulloon Community regenerative methods of land soil erosion, habitat fragmentation Landscape Rehydration Project management. and weed proliferation. (MCLRP). A major focus of the project is Community participation has Peter is a master in reading creek repair and erosion control expanded to 20 landholders across the landscape, with a lifetime using small interventions to slow the catchment, bringing neighbours of experience in healing and and filter water flow, preventing closer together to share ideas and rejuvenating degraded agricultural further erosion and beginning to knowledge, and creating a greater landscapes across Australia. rebuild the soil. sense of community cohesion and He approaches landscape repair Importantly, it also aims to wellbeing. by harnessing a landscape’s natural recharge shallow aquifers in the Landholders can also better patterns and processes to restore adjoining floodplain which have appreciate their property’s place in its function and resilience, allowing dried out from nearly 200 years of the broader landscape, and how it the land to flourish even in times of erosion. influences and is influenced by the drought. This provides critical moisture entire catchment. The Mulloon Communityfor flora and fauna to thrive and Involving landholders in the Peter Andrews talking with landholders. Landscape Rehydration Project aims builds catchment resilience during scientific benchmarking and to rebuild the Mulloon Catchment’s drought conditions. monitoring that accompanies natural landscape function and Interventions in the creek are the project benefits the science boost its resilience against climatic made using natural materials found and gives landholders a deeper extremes, leading to more reliable onsite and are complemented by insight into the natural phenomena stream flows, improved ecosystem holistic agricultural and landscape occurring on their properties and in functioning and enhanced management practices along the catchment. agricultural productivity. the creek, including sustainable Amongst the project’s many Located 40 minutes east of grazing, fencing, tree planting, supporters are the Australian Canberra, the project spans 23,000 slope stabilisation and contouring. government’s National Landcare hectares with 40 kilometres of creeks Much has changed over the Programme, 20 Million Trees, and tributaries, and represents a 11 years since initial construction of numerous Green Army teams, major up-scaling of the successful the Natural Sequence Farming pilot Landcare Australia and Manpower. Natural Sequence Farming pilot at Mulloon Creek Natural Farms. The project has even caught the at nearby Mulloon Creek Natural The floodplain pocket is now eye of the United Nations, being Farms. 60 per cent more productive, and chosen by the UN’s Sustainable The Mulloon Catchment forms the creek has been transformed Development Solutions Network as part of Sydney’s drinking water into a healthy, vibrant ecosystem, one of five projects globally to help it supply system, and the project filtering water through its extensive develop guidelines for sustainable, provides a critical biodiversity reed beds, capturing floodprofitable and productive farming. corridor connecting Tallaganda sediments, recycling nutrients and • Contact Peter Hazell on National Park with the Mid- providing complex habitat for birds, 0427 075 397. Mulloon Creek has been transformed into a vibrant ecosystem. Working together creates ‘BIGG’ outcomes managing native pastures or a Meat By the Barossa Improved and Livestock Australia-supported Grazing Group Producer Demonstration Site, and determining which pasture species THE Barossa Valley in South respond to the variable seasonal Australia is renowned for its food, conditions. wine and heritage, which stems One of BIGG’s key projects, from generations of vibrant farming supported by the Adelaide Mount communities learning and working Lofty Ranges NRM Board, is together. measuring soil moisture in pastures; The Barossa Improved Grazing the first time in Australia that a Group (BIGG) has applied the same farming systems group has done approach to improving on-farm this. productivity and achieving natural This information will now be resource management outcomes. developed into a pasture production With a common focus on model for local producers to help sustainable grazing practices, BIGG manage their grazing businesses. links five different farming groups The BIGG network also exposes including sheep, beef, dairy and producers to innovative ideas two local agricultural bureaus with and industry experts, through a common focus on sustainable local conferences, workshops and grazing enterprises. communication outputs, which BIGG brings together farmers from all grazing industries to learn, share knowledge, network and achieve practical This approach has generated highlight relevant local, state and production solutions. many opportunities for local national information. producers by directly being It also provides the opportunity In addition to improving skills local issues, work together, and more variable climates and also it involved in on-farm projects for partnerships between the and knowledge, most importantly, learn from other industries. provides the opportunity to join to improve their production, industry organisations and NRM BIGG offers benefits to the local This approach has helped local together and celebrate the good seeing firsthand the benefits bodies who support the many community by giving farmers the farmers combat two bushfires that seasons. of watercourse rehabilitation, projects BIGG manages. opportunity to network, discuss affected the region, droughts and • Visit: www.biggroup.org.au. Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au Years of getting things done

LANDCARE legend Monica Durcan In 2000, Monica set up her own has spent more than 30 years rolling business, Landcare Promotions, and up her sleeves and rallying friends, was appointed Executive Officer at family, and complete strangers to Avongro. ‘get things done’. During this time Monica was From creating cattle crossings, busier than ever, helping to develop to a tree top walk and building an a Private Forestry Development underground tunnel, Monica has Committee for the wheatbelt, dedicated three decades to making directing the documentary ‘Greener a difference in the Western Australia Horizons’ and writing the book wheatbelt. ‘Branching Out Big Time’. With her eyes wide open after She also secured Australia’s watching the ‘life changing’ 1987 second biggest Caring For Our Barrie Oldfield documentary ‘Wheat Country grant to develop a farm Today, What Tomorrow?’ Monica forestry modelling tool for the low decided it was time to do something rainfall wheatbelt. for the environment. South West Agroforesty Network And with that she signed up to executive and good friend, Richard volunteer with Men of the Trees, Moore, knows Monica’s secret to and soon after became their full- getting things done. time nursery manager. “Let’s find a way of doing this She didn’t know anything about sums up Monica’s approach for me,” running a nursery, but was good Richard said. with people and organising. “It’s collaborative, determined, Monica got the nursery going enthusiastic, efficient, passionate seven days a week and developed and innovative.” a program of activities for the Like so many industries where increasing number of nursery people are driven by their desire volunteers. to make the world a better place, She looks back fondly at Landcare employees and volunteers that time in the environmental are not immune to burn-out, movement. scepticism or becoming downright “It was like this huge dance jaded. everyone wanted to be involved in,” But, according to friends and Monica Duncan engaged with the farming community for over 30 years, and retired as SWCC Regional Landcare Monica said. colleagues, Monica puts everything Facilitator earlier this year. “There was a huge surge of into her work and has remained as people wanting to do something spirited and enthusiastic as ever. in healthier waterways and protection with grassroots Landcare “She is one of those rare people positive for the environment. She also sees a bright future for of flora and fauna – the whole system. and catchment groups in who still have such a passion and It was great to be part of it.” the industry she leaves behind. “That was always the original efforts to promote Landcare drive for what they do after so After seven years (she says her “I see a resurgence in Landcare intention.” practices to farmers across the many years. life works in seven year cycles), she and I’m grateful that I’ve seen this Well-known for her spirit, south west. “Her perpetual lust for life is had a quick stint at the Australian before retiring,” Monica said. passion, creativity and enthusiasm, Nerilee Boshammer, SWCC’s infectious.” Trust for Conservation Volunteers, “Good Landcare should equal Monica retired from the South West community engagement program The South West Catchments coordinating agroforestry tours in better and healthier production Catchments Council (SWCC) earlier manager, worked with Monica for Council’s Regional Landcare the wheatbelt, developing Landcare systems with better bottom line for this year, leaving behind an epic and three years in supporting these local Facilitator Programme is resources, running engagement the farmer. enduring Landcare legacy. Landcare networks. funded through the Australian events, and managing the State “Done well at a landscape-scale, As SWCC’s regional Landcare “It’s not often you meet someone Government’s National Landcare Landcare Awards. Landcare can deliver these and result facilitator, Monica worked like Monica,” Nerilee said. Programme. Fighting weeds leads to rare plants find from the Oxley Creek Catchment youth members on caring for the By Greg Siepen Association.” environment. A rare plant has been discovered With the help of scouts and cubs In addition, since 2015, 20 by the Tyamolum Scout Centre in from various groups, including garbage bags worth of mothers of Queensland. Richlands, Riverview, Moggill, millions plants have been collected, On a planting and weed removal Taringa-Milton-Toowong and and there’s been a significant project on a property in Mount Kenmore, plus their leaders, more reduction in the cat’s claw invasion. than 1,000 native seedlings have Plastic water pipes have been laid Crosby, volunteers recorded the been planted. throughout the property, providing location of more than 100 rare These seedlings have started safe drinking water for the scouts and Lloyd’s native olive plants. well with the good rains of spring cubs camping on the property, water This plant only grows in the and summer, and will eventually for newly planted seedlings, as well Karalee-Karana Downs-Mount help shade out the nasty weeds and as a source of water for fighting fires. Crosby area, and was named after prevent new ones from invading. “The scouting fraternity the late Lloyd Bird. “They treated the patch of cat’s connected to Tyamolum is very The project is funded under claw occurring in a patch of dry grateful for the sponsorship of this an Everyone’s Environment Grant rainforest, and also led the removal project by the Queensland state provided by the Queensland of the weeds throughout the eucalypt government,” Ian said. government. forests on the property,” Ian said. “This “It has complemented the “To protect this rare plant, was supported by scouting volunteers activities that have been going on we needed to remove as many who have done follow-up weeding.” under the auspices of the Land for competing weeds as possible, like The planting took place on three Wildlife program and demonstrates weed of national significance cat’s Community Environment Days the importance of Landcare and claw creeper, mothers of millions, which also saw the participation of environment to the various levels lantana, ochna, and corky passion members of other Landcare groups of achievement in cubs, scouts and vine,” project chairman, Ian Heath such as Moggill Creek Catchment venturer sections.” said. Group, The Hut Environment and Contact: Ian Heath on “Fortunately, we have had the Community Association, and OCCA [email protected] or help and expertise of weeders who helped educate the scouting (07) 3371 3712. Some of the bags of Mothers of Millions that were removed. Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au Look over the virtual fence

the land, and different ways of higher prices, Gus said the overall By Chris Gillies approaching livestock enterprises. impact on the land and his finances YOUR neighbour need not be over An example of this was the shift far outweighs any dent in ego. the fence, according to rangeland to smaller sized livestock he runs “It’s about being comfortable in grazier Gus Whyte. on his 19,000-hectare operation in what you’re doing,” Gus said. With social media, the web, and New South Wales. “Someone might say that’s email, Gus has created a network Going against conventional wrong, but really it might be wrong of graziers that share information wisdom, Gus said he read that by for them, and we are doing what’s in order to improve the way they swapping out larger stock with right for us.” manage the land. smaller stock, feed requirements Being able to connect with This different approach was would be reduced, while increasing other graziers via social media sparked by the difficulty in finding the profitability of his property. has encouraged him to study and information that addressed the “Stock will first fulfil their own read more. particular needs of rangeland requirements before they put on Gus also said the outlook that has environments. weight, reproduce, or grow wool,” come from his continual learning Gus explained the rangeland Gus said. has taken him on a journey as he Rangeland grazier Gus Whyte and his wife Kelly and son Mitchell. properties he, along with his family, “A smaller animal needs less food constantly learns new things or manage are complex environments to meet their requirements than a finds an alternative perspective. “Some land management might For Gus, his farm benefits from and vastly different from the higher larger animal. “If people are sharing their not work well in one season, but good land management which rainfall improved pastures that “Smaller stock aren’t sought after interpretations and how they do will work in the next, or some land shows in its improved productivity most people identify as Australian and were less expensive to buy, things, it challenges your way management might not be good for and long-term sustainability. grazing land. which ties up less capital while our of thinking and gives you a new a particular type of land,” he said. Plus, enjoyment of spending With this lack of information, margin remains the same or better. perspective to look at the same “The trick is not to put one bad time on the land, and with his he turned to other graziers through “If I buy stock worth problem,” Gus said. practice on top of another. family who help manage it, Twitter and online research. $150 per head and sell at $200 per It is this diversity in thinking “This sharing of ideas and working makes the work and time spent Gus said he found other graziers head, compared to stock at $75 per and problem solving that made Gus together to look after the land is a worthwhile. with similar rangelands in Mongolia, head and sold at $125 per head – realise good management requires priority for most farmers, because “If we’re looking after the land Africa and North America (to name there’s still a margin of $50.” adaptability and to be open to no one wants to see their property and respecting our livestock, we get a few) who were open to sharing While he misses out on bragging change to meet the challenge of degraded and risking erosion by dust more enjoyment out of what we do,” information on how they managed rights at the pub that comes with the season. storms or heavy rain events.” Gus said. Banding together for regional branding individuals, consumers and all Regional food ambassador By Reef Catchments levels of government, to bring fresh, Matt Golinski and ABC Landline’s seasonal, local produce onto tables. Pip Courtney will also be presenting WITH self-reliance and ability This year, the addition of a their perspectives on the local food to problem solve with limited farm to plate bus tour will provide movement. resources, what can a group of an opportunity to strengthen In May, regional Landcare Mackay Whitsunday Isaac farmers relationships between food lovers facilitator, Juliane Kasiske, in Queensland achieve together? and producers. collaborated with network members When it comes to the Regional Landcare facilitator, Kell and Mandy Tennent of Greater Whitsunday Food Network, Juliane Kasiske, is supporting Cloudbreak Lowline Eungella Beef the answer is a thriving farmers the tour by bringing sustainable in an Innovative Grazing Networking market, annual, sold out farm to plate land management practice to the Farm Tour. dinners, local produce in restaurants forefront as well as identifying These collaborations demonstrate around the region and best of all, successful marketing strategies. the importance of shared knowledge profitable farming enterprises which Together, the network hopes to and peer support when taking employ local people. demonstrate the value of produce by greater ownership over the supply The network is a collaboration discussing the pressures of farming chain, through direct sales. of local farmers with a vision and seeing first hand the realities of A sense of community and to strengthen agriculture using farm life. cooperation over competition is recognisable regional branding. It is also about helping farmers proving successful for the network Over three years since initial build direct relationships with in the Greater Whitsunday Region. Greater Whitsunday Food Network members Kell and Mandy Tennent, president Deb conception of a working group, customers and have confidence to • Visit McLucas and Regional Landcare Facilitator Julia Kasiske at the Innovative Grazing they have gathered support from produce food to meet that market. www.greaterwhitsundayfood.org.au. Networking Farm Tour.

The Australian Home Heating Association (AHHA) has been a proud partner of Landcare for 21 years.

AHHA has proudly contributed $10,000 to the Farm Forestry Landcare Network which is working to establish sustainable timber forests on unproductive land across regional .

AHHA.woodheat We look forward to sharing the progress of the project, and recommend that all consumers use @aushomeheating firewood sourced from sustainably managed homeheat.com.au forests and plantations. Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au Sugar partnership helps to accelerate practice change

but we knew that they would By Wet Tropics Sugar Industry get even greater value out of this Partnership equipment if we enhanced their knowledge with extension support. THE cane industry, natural resource “The best way to deliver this is by management, and government collaborating. agencies in the wet tropics in “We’ve recruited a network of 10 Queensland have formed a unique extension officers that are hosted partnership to work together on within our partner organisations improving land management so they’re embedded within practices. industry networks. The Wet Tropics Sugar Industry “This approach enables us Partnership (WTSIP, pronounced to benefit from integrating our ‘witsip’) is the first of its kind in activities as well as sharing ideas Australia and a significant change and innovations. for the industry. “It’s a win-win for growers as well Previously, external pressure as water quality.” to shift farming practices led Carole Sweatman, CEO of to many water quality projects Terrain NRM, said there were being delivered by a variety of already tangible benefits of the organisations with different goals industry working together towards and perspectives. the same purpose. Now, the industry is evolving “Industry bodies, productivity and many of these organisations services, sugar research, millers are collaborating to improve and natural resource management grower yields and profits as well as now sit around the same table water quality. taking responsibility for making WTSIP chair Joe Marano says collective decisions for the good of the partnership is determined to the industry,” Carole said. make sure that growers benefit from “This is producing better results investment coming into the region on the ground for growers and as a to improve water quality and is consequence more funding is being focused on delivering industry-led channelled through this partnership training and extension. arrangement.” Shifts in practice for the Wet Tropics sugarcane industry has seen water quality the big winner. “It became obvious that after While growers are continually several years of funding through making improvements to their the last few years and the big winner channelled into reducing runoff growers in our region and they’re Reef Rescue incentive grants to practices, Peter Sheedy, Manager has been water quality,” Peter said. from farms. more involved. growers, there was an opportunity of Canegrowers – Herbert “The Wet Tropics Pilot Report “Because WTSIP is industry-led, “Because of that we’re in a for us to collaborate on providing River, said WTSIP is sparking Card, released in December 2016, it creates more trust with growers stronger position to act as a catalyst industry-led extension support,” quicker and broader adoption of scored all of our catchments as and will hopefully lead to longer for practice change,” he said. Joe said. practice change. ‘moderate’, a reasonably good term sustained engagement. • Visit: www.wtsip.org.au or “Many cane growers have been “The cane industry has made result that surprised many, but “It has already allowed us to contact Elaine Seager at Elaine. able to upgrade their equipment, huge shifts in practice change over reflects how much effort has been engage with the vast majority of [email protected] or 0418 710701. Organic growers discussion group a resounding success By the Western Port Catchment Discussion Group was set up to cater seasonal conditions and the mix of specifically for the needs of organic green manures utilised. Landcare Network vegetable and fruit growers. The use of lucerne as a green The group of farmers decided to manure at this stage is a clear THE latest ‘Australian Organic meet every two months on different winner in terms of its nitrogen input Market Report’ reveals the nation’s organic farms. to the system. organic industry is worth $1.72 The group goes on a walk around A second trial is looking at the billion, and growing by more than the farm, and discuss topics including benefit of the addition of compost 15 percent each year. soil fertility, nutrient cycling, rotation and green manure as both a source This has created challenges for organic farmers who are trying to design, composting, and on-going of organic matter and stimulation to meet the increasing demand. organic trials. nutrient cycling. Pete Ronalds is the sustainable Twenty to 30 growers now Again, the rise in nitrogen from agriculture manager with the regularly attend the group discussions the lucerne green manure crop has Western Port Catchment Landcare and describe them as ‘stimulating, exceeded expectation and clearly Network and supports farmers in inspirational, and informative’ and demonstrates the benefit of this the Port Philip and Western Port are a great way to build relationships approach. regions in Victoria through National and network. The addition of compost, as Landcare Programme funding. The National Landcareexpected, also provided increased Several organic farmers Programme has funded a couple of nitrogen and improved soil physical suggested to Pete there was a lack of trials on participant’s farms. conditions. Farm walk at Peninsula Organics by the Organic Vegie and Fruit Growers opportunities for them to share ideas The trials have included Historically, field days and and learn from other organic farmers. Discussion Group. comparing the effects of a range of workshops involving the organic An initial meeting was held green manure crops on soil fertility industry create great interest, but on an organic vegetable farm in Coordinated by Pete and reinforced and built-on by the February 2015, and attracted more and nutrient cycling. have left attendees thirsting for more facilitated by Chris Alenson, the field days and on-going organic than 20 growers. This has been illuminating, information and practical support. discussion group is a model worthy research trials. As a result of the meeting, particularly the monthly soil This group is unique in Australia, of take-up by the burgeoning • Contact: Pete Ronalds at the Organic Vegie/Fruit Growers tests indicating the rise and fall and possibly a leader in its mode organic industry where [email protected] or 0402 650 382, of nitrogen levels in relation to of operation. discussion group information is or Chris Alenson on (03) 5968 3040. Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au Farmers and communities benefit from collaborative modernisation

and reshape our fields to improve By Meg Strang the effectiveness of our over head irrigators,” Tom said. THE Quigley family at Nevertire in “Through STBIFM we were also western New South Wales has made some big changes in recent years able to decommission fields where to the way they run their farming the soil types really weren’t suitable operations – and they’re not alone. for irrigation. Throughout the local irrigation “When we relied purely on community, funding provided furrow irrigation, our operations through Commonwealth and State were effectively a stranded asset Government assisted schemes has during dry years. seen extensive modernisation of “Now it’s no longer an all or infrastructure and equipment, and nothing proposition. farmers are working together to “When we have low allocations, make the most of the new irrigation the infrastructure improvements systems that have evolved through and overhead irrigation give us the this process. flexibility to focus on winter crops “Three years on from the changes like chickpeas, canola and wheat. we implemented with the help of the They only need a small amount of Sustaining the Basin: Irrigated Farm supplementary water to significantly Modernisation (STBIFM) program lift yields and profitability. and other similar funding programs, “In recent years farms have been the new infrastructure is starting to able to sustain production even deliver real benefits in our industry,” when there hasn’t been enough Tom Quigley said. water for large areas of cotton, Tom farms in partnership with investing in our farming operations his parents Tony and Sally, and and retaining staff which keeps brothers George and Richie, in the people in the community. family business Quigley Farms. “That’s helped smooth out the “It’s not just our operation, boom and bust cycles agriculture everyone on the Trangie-Nevertire is subject to, creating a more stable irrigation scheme has got on board, local economy. as well as many river irrigators “Farmers throughout this region Funding from the STBIFM program helped Tony and Tom Quigley laser level fields to improve the efficiency of their over head irrigators. and farmers on other schemes,” have invested in new infrastructure Tom said. in partnership with government The STBIFM program is funded “There’s been a huge amount support, and we’ve had to change by the Australian Government of innovation and progress with the way we operate to make this through the Sustainable Rural Water people embracing new ideas and equipment work effectively, but Use and Infrastructure Program. sharing knowledge to solve the now it’s really paying off. Since June 2012 nearly $70 million challenges as we adapt to a new way “Farmers have been really happy has been invested in 108 on-farm of farming.” to share knowledge and bounce modernisation projects. The NSW DPI’s $111 million ideas off each other and we’re Funding has resulted (STBIFM) program has helped getting the technology bedded in 32GL of identified water savings, farmers like the Quigleys upgrade down now. with 10GL remaining on farm equipment and farm infrastructure “We’re getting the hang of for irrigation increasing on-farm creating more sustainable how these new systems work and productivity. farming systems and significant maximising production.” Contact: (02) 6337 2186, water savings. “We’re all working together 0429 340 600, email: meg. “The STBIFM funding allowed towards the same goal of making [email protected] or visit: us to redesign and redevelop our more out of a limited water www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/info/ Winter crop grown with supplementary water supplied through overhead irrigation water supply and drainage systems, resource,” he said. sustainingthebasin. on a reshaped field Photo: S Quigley. New book shows how rabbits have shaped Australia RABBITS have been around for Australia and home, and Finally a transmissible disease, This is a compelling story, so long that some city folk think of from there New South Wales west myxomatosis, and 45 years later thoroughly researched, highlighting them as native animals. But prior to of the divide was just a matter of calici, ended the rabbit plagues. the fundamental importance of the release of myxomatosis in 1951, time, as were Queensland and Whilst the battle was over, collaboration between neighbours they were Australia’s most serious Western Australia. the war was far from won, and (including government) if pest animal. The author captures the mood the author shows how vital pest plants and animals are to South Australian grazier, of the times as landholders first the Landcare model is where be controlled. Landcare, and author Bruce Munday speculated that ‘they’ll never landholders collaborate with Thus the spirit of Landcare tells the fascinating story of rabbits reach here’ then soon switched to each other and with government remains fundamental to our present in a timely book published by ‘how are we going to keep them agencies to control and monitor and future progress in the battle Wakefield Press. out?’ and then ‘how do we get rid the pest. against the rabbit scourge. Timely, because his research of them?’ As the author says, ‘the tale of Peter Alexander is chair includes interviews with old-timers Having tried in vain shooting, Australia and the rabbit is really a tale of the Foundation for Rabbit who can recall the rabbit plagues trapping, poisoning, gassing, exotic of its people and their relationship Free Australia, a publicly and whose stories should never be predators, and warren destruction, with it. The people who brought it subscribed fund to support lost lest history repeats itself. the penultimate weapon was netting here, had fun shooting it, wept over research, raise awareness and Caged rabbits came with the fences. its devastation of everything they encourage on-ground action First Fleet, but not until 1859 when Literally thousands of miles of valued, lived off trapping, dreamt of to eradicate feral rabbits Thomas Austin released wild rabbits supposedly rabbit-proof fence were controlling, searched for cures, and from Australia. at Barwon Park near Winchelsea, erected along state borders and rejoiced when they finally got sick. Bruce Munday established Victoria did they become a problem. property boundaries, underlining Rabbits exhausted our emotions, the Tungkillo Landcare Group Rabbits have had a major impact By the early 1870s, rabbits the futility of this ‘war on rabbits’ our wits, our natural garden and our in 1990, still active today, and the on Australia. had made much of VIC, South unless everyone was participating. bank accounts.’ Landcare Association of SA in 1998. Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au From wildland to bushland: A landscape transformed

adjoining areas, of which 22 were Installation of gross pollutant By Landcare Australia noxious weeds and seven were Weeds traps on each creek put a stop FROM an impenetrable forest of of National Significance, dominating to contaminants being carried weeds containing 22 noxious species the flora in much of the site. downstream to the Lane Cove River. to a native bushland with 64,000 The site also proved a major The facts and figures from native seedlings – the M2 Macquarie source of weed infestation for the the regeneration process are Park Motorscapes site has gone neighbouring National Park. impressive: through a dramatic transformation. The riparian zones of both creeks • 10,350 man hours have gone into This major bush regeneration were severely degraded by woody the transformation; project in Sydney took place over weeds and an understorey of exotic • 4,000 cubic metres of topsoil and a period of twelve months on a ground covers. 2,500m3 of mulch was used on five-hectare site, with the 64,000th Their banks were undercut the site; seedling planted in June. and badly eroded, and the creeks • 33,000 tree guards were installed; It was part of Transurban’s were carrying gross pollutants and and roadside regeneration program, contaminants from upstream of • 64,000 native tubestock were an initiative taking a fresh, new the site. planted. approach to how unused land The task at hand was a mammoth A flora and fauna monitoring beside Transurban’s roads can be one. Rehabilitation commenced in assessment conducted in June transformed to benefit communities spring 2016 with weeds controlled 2017 to compare with the original and the surrounding environment. and removed using a combination baseline assessment already shows a The M2 Macquarie Parkof methods. significant increase in the ecological Motorscapes project is the second Workers utilised excavator and value of the site as a direct result of in a series undertaken by Landcare positrak mounted forestry mulching the project works. Australia through its partnership heads and manual lopping, with One example of this can be with Transurban, following the teams of bush regenerators involved seen at Industrial Creek where regeneration of Melbourne’s Power in follow-up work, controlling the area has been eradicated of Street Loop. weeds in the understorey. introduced flora species, and a The Sydney site sits between the The riparian and aquatic habitat total of 5,000 native tubestock site and prevent a reversal of weed be undertaken by Landcare Hills M2 Motorway and Lane Cove of Shrimptons Creek and Industrial were planted to reinstate the National Park, with Shrimptons Creek has been improved by natural ecosystem. dominance. Australia to help the native and Industrial Creeks at either end, stabilising the creek banks with Ongoing, intensive maintenance While motorists enjoy the bushland thrive, creating a draining into the Lane Cove River. sandstone revetment to reduce by a committed bush regeneration vibrant artwork, Kinetica, that valuable ecological buffer Initial vegetation surveys found erosion and sediment transport team is essential to secure the rises out of the site, ongoing between the motorway and Lane 170 flora species on the site or in downstream. continued rehabilitation of the work in the background will Cove National Park. Farewell from the National Soil Advocate appointed a National Advocate for healthy, well managed soils, which Major General Michael Jeffery, Soil Health. are resilient to climate change National Soil Advocate This was a world first in terms and support productive ecological of elevating soil health to a level of and agricultural systems over the AUSTRALIAN agriculture faces national significance. long-term. the global imperative to do more The role of the Soil Advocate By so doing we can show the with less—less arable land, less was developed to provide strong rest of the world how ancient and water, lower inputs—while building leadership and advocacy on the inherently infertile soils in a difficult resilience to an often harsh climate. importance of healthy soil, water climate can be managed to meet the Australian farmers can only and vegetation, and the underlying world’s Sustainable Development achieve real productivity gains benefits for all Australians. Goals for land and soils. over the long-term protecting the I was honoured to be appointed However, the role of the Soil soil, water, plant and animal assets as Australia’s first Soil Advocate and Advocate provides much more that underpin Australia’s food have appreciated every moment in than another public speaking production. the role. platform. It is above all a unique Our ability to remain food I am also grateful for the support avenue for farmers to express their independent, a net exporter of which I have received from the views and concerns, and share food and fibre, and an exporter Landcare Community throughout their knowledge with a person who of good agricultural land practice Australia and wish to thank you all is vitally interested in protecting knowledge also enhance our for making the role effective and their soils. national security. successful. The role established a direct Many areas of the world, In my time as Soil Advocate, avenue of multi-lateral engagement including Australia, are facing I have met with several thousand and discussion between farmers, substantial soil, water, food and farmers, scientists, Indigenous the scientific research community nutrition problems. interest groups, policy makers, and governments. Globally, the rapid scale of soil politicians, consultants, students Also of note is the strong loss far outpaces the natural cycle of and community groups. international interest in the role soil formation. All are actively working to meet by the United Nations Food and At this rate, one prediction is that land management challenges across Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the much of the world’s agricultural the country. USA, China, New Zealand, Rwanda soils will be gone within the next I have seen first-hand the and Fiji. Outgoing National Soil Advocate Michael Jeffery. 200 years. merging of new and old skills and I believe there are substantial In December 2012, the Australian technology, the collaboration of benefits for all Australians from air we breathe and the water will help shape the future policy Government, in recognising the disciplines and the willingness a more focused and integrated we drink. direction necessary to achieve good significance of soil in our daily lives to work together towards shared approach to the health of our soil. In December this year I soil health in Australia. and the impending international challenges. A regenerated agricultural will submit my Soil Advocate I look forward to being security implications of soil loss I am in no doubt that if landscape will ensure the whole report to the Prime Minister. It able to share its contents with being connected to food and we harness and develop our community will be healthier summarises my key findings and communities as across the water shortages around the globe, considerable expertise we will build in terms of the food we eat, the recommendations and if approved Landcare movement. Landcare In Focus November 2017 ~ www.landcareaustralia.org.au Farming communities working together for reef outcomes

By Terrain NRM

FARMERS and graziers in Queensland’s north are playing a leading role in designing two groundbreaking projects to improve productivity and reef water quality. The Queensland government has committed a total of $33 million to fund two Major Integrated Projects (MIPs) in the Wet Tropics and Burdekin regions, led by local natural resource management (NRM) groups Terrain NRM and NQ Dry Tropics. WET TROPICS MIP The Wet Tropics MIP is working with cane and banana farmers in the far north to reduce nutrient and pesticide losses from farms, while the Burdekin MIP is supporting local An aerial view of the Tully catchment, far north Queensland. landowners to minimise sediment and particulate nutrient runoff into “By working together to pool land management and productivity local waterways. shared knowledge of the landscapes in the Burdekin region – with Both NRM groups are working and circumstances of the basins, graziers getting on board to help alongside a consortia of partner people living and working in these design solutions. organisations to achieve enduring areas have created a unique program Erosion causes valuable and sustainable land management tailor-made to their environment,” topsoil primarily from grazing improvements within local Carole said. lands to wash downstream, communities. Over the next three years, an carrying fine sediment particles Hundreds of people in the Wet implementation phase will operate that reduce the amount of light Tropics are helping to steer the across a range of scales, covering five needed by coral reefs and seagrass course of the reef with a project key themes including catchment to grow and survive. designed by the community, for repair and treatment systems, farm The project is targeting the the community. services, local scale monitoring, Bowen, Broken, Bogie catchment The Wet Tropics MIP project ‘Our catchment – our community’, near Bowen and Collinsville in QLD, concentrates efforts into the Tully and influencing. which produces almost a quarter and the South Johnstone catchments, “The success of projects that of the total fine sediment load which are identified as hotspots due to require practice change must delivered to the reef. their intensive horticulture industries. involve the landholders first and Local landholders attended a The project provides anforemost,” cane grower Alan series of workshops earlier this year opportunity to achieve a greater Colgrave said. to propose ideas and solutions. impact on water quality using a “To bring about change we must Then a group of local graziers, Grazier Bristow Hughes sees the effect of water on dispersive eroded soil. more localised approach. get our farmers involved so they scientists, government officers and While farming practice change can have confidence and belief in technical specialists developed Over the next three years the The aim is to develop solutions is proven as the most cost-effective going forward. and prioritised these ideas into an project will trial a mix of new, tried that could be transferred to other way of improving water quality, the “I’ve never been involved in a action plan. and tested activities that include catchments. project proposes a range of other project that is so collaborative.” “They’re actually asking the gully remediation, improving Landholders Driving Change actions in order to meet reef water • Visit www.terrain.org.au/MIP. landholders what can be done to pasture cover, education and is combining graziers’ knowledge quality targets. reduce erosion, rather than having training, incentives to support with the latest scientific research Terrain NRM CEO BURDEKIN MIP somebody in Brisbane or Canberra better practices, involving other to improve how the community Carole Sweatman said the project is The Burdekin MIP, known locally tell you how to manage your land,” non-grazing local landholders; manages its land for the long term. an exciting opportunity to make a real as Landholders Driving Change, Strathalbyn Station, Collinsville, and forging closer links between • Visit: www.nqdrytropics.com. difference. aims to tackle erosion and improve grazier Bristow Hughes said. landholders and policy makers. au/landholdersdrivingchange.

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