Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management

CRADLE COAST 5 6

1 1 NATURAL RESOURCE

0 0 MANAGEMENT

2 2015 2 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 1 Cradle Coast NRM Annual Report 2015-2016

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express prior permission of the publisher.

Published by: Cradle Coast Authority PO Box 338 Burnie TAS 7320 Ph: 03 6433 8400 [email protected] www.cradlecoastnrm.com www.facebook.com/cradlecoastnrm

This report is produced to fulﬁ l the statutory reporting obligations of the Cradle Coast NRM Committee under the Tasmanian Natural Resource Management Act 2002. The Committee is required to report on its activity to the Minister for Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. This report covers the period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016.

The Cradle Coast NRM Committee acknowledges the ﬁ nancial support provided to it by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments. CONTENTS

4 Foreword

7 Introduction

8-10 Cradle Coast NRM Staﬀ and Committee

12 Executive Oﬀ icer Report

14 Cradle Coast NRM Strategy Summary

Cradle Coast NRM 2015/2016 Program Overview

Sustainable Environment

16-17 Restoring and Maintaining Urban Waterways and Coastal Environments

18-19 Conserving and Protecting Species and Eco-Systems

20-21 Community Skills, Knowledge and Engagement

Sustainable Agriculture

25 Regional Landcare Facilitator

26-27 Productive Landscapes

28 Building Indigenous People’s Capacity in NRM

29-33 Cradle Coast NRM Financial Statements

34 Thank You

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 3 FOREWORD

I present the Annual Report clear that there is a crucial role for on our committee and staff , whose for 2015/16 on behalf of the regional NRM in supporting the impact experience, knowledge and passion Cradle Coast Natural Resource assessment and recovery actions. contributed so much to this region. Management Committee. While optimistic about our future, As we look to the future, I would A key task this year was to review the it is clear that the recovery from like to acknowledge the signifi cant Cradle Coast Regional NRM Strategy, recent events will take time. contribution of Committee members which was completed in 2015 and We are committed to working with Tina Alderson, Shane Broad, formally accredited in early 2016. We our regional community in the Sue Jennings and Bill Walker, who left developed the revised document recovery process. It is also important us in this period. I would particularly in response to feedback from our that we work on creating a more like to thank Bill for his support community and stakeholders. resilient region to ensure that we as Deputy Chair and Sue for her This Strategy will provide valuable are better prepared to deal with incredible passion and dedication guidance for strategic decisions and any future events. We refl ect this in to NRM. I am pleased to welcome investment in our region through the our commitment to supporting our Gemma Lewis to our Committee next fi ve years, at a time when we are farmers in sustainable agriculture, in this period and extend a warm recovering from a range of natural our schools education program and welcome to our new members who disasters and challenges. community participation in a diversity will be joining us later in 2016. of environmental activities. The 2015/16 year has been one of The task ahead for the NRM our most challenging, particularly for This Report is my last as Chair of the Committee will be challenging, but our region’s primary producers and Cradle Coast NRM Committee, and with the support of capable and dedicated staff , I am confi dent that the environment. With record dry I would like to acknowledge and we will deliver the best possible spells, devastating fi res then fl oods, refl ect on the incredible journey NRM outcomes for the region. compounded by diff icult economic and the Region has undertaken over conditions, notably in the dairy the last 15 years. At the beginning in On behalf of the Committee I would industry, and emerging biosecurity 2001/02 a combination of interest like to express our gratitude to the threats including Myrtle and Blueberry and fear of the unknown packed community of this region, who in Rust, the need to work together across initial public consultation meetings partnership with our Committee government, industry and community to capacity. Our Committee operated and staff continue to support and is clear. with 15 representative members, and participate in NRM activities in our our discussions and debate were region, regardless of the adversities Cradle Coast NRM will continue to robust and informative, setting the and challenges we face. Thank you. play its part and evolve to meet culture of an open and respectful the regions’ needs, both current environment which was also Rick Rockliff and future. Recent events have challenging and productive. Committee Chairman highlighted the importance of our regional capacity and networks. It is gratifying to look back and The capacity to communicate and realise how far we have come in disseminate critical information on this time, to our acceptance today biosecurity threats and our ability as an integral part of the regional to respond swift ly to support State community which operates eff ectively agencies and others in fi re and fl ood in partnership with government, events has also been notable. industry and community. It is a credit With fewer resources and more to the many exceptional people centralised services, it has become I have been privileged to work with Opposite photo: Mark Wisniewski

4 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 5 6 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 INTRODUCTION

Cradle Coast NRM work with North In 2000, these nine local government West Tasmanian communities municipalities established a regional and industry to manage natural organisation known as the Cradle Currie Naracoopa resources, such as land, water and Coast Authority to provide a regional coasts, to ensure a sustainable voice for North West Tasmania. Grassy future for the region. The Cradle Coast NRM Committee is an independent committee hosted by Cradle Coast NRM supports the Cradle Coast Authority. community and industry projects, facilitates funding, and coordinates The Cradle Coast NRM Annual Stanley natural resource activities and Report for 2015/16 outlines the Smithton Wynyard information sharing. The Cradle achievements of natural resource Marrawah Burnie Coast region’s natural resources and management activities within the UlverstoneDevonport landscapes sustain primary industries; Cradle Coast region. provide clean water, air and homes for a diverse range of animal and Additional copies of this report can be Waratah plant communities. found at www.cradlecoastnrm.com Cradle Valley The Cradle Coast region is bounded For information on the objectives by 2640km of coastline and covers and strategic direction of natural Zeehan approximately one-third of Tasmania. resource management in the Cradle Queenstown The region stretches from Narawntapu Coast, refer to the 2015-2020 Cradle Strahan National Park in the East to King Coast Regional Natural Resource Island and Cape Grim in the far North Management Strategy also available West and to Port Davey in the South. from www.cradlecoastnrm.com The region incorporates the nine local government municipalities of Burnie City, Central Coast, Circular Head, Devonport City, Kentish, King Island, Latrobe, Waratah-Wynyard and West Coast.

Opposite photo: Geoﬀ Gleave

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 7 STAFF

Cradle Coast NRM staﬀ have expertise in agriculture, water, coastal and biodiversity management, monitoring and mapping, and community engagement.

They identify regional natural resource management priorities, prepare regional strategies, promotes NRM principles and support the Brett Smith – Richard Ingram – Grant Pearce – implementation of Chief Executive Oﬀ icer Executive Oﬀ icer Operations Manager NRM activities. Is responsible for leading Leads the team and is the Networks with stakeholder Cradle Coast NRM is a the Cradle Coast Authority’s link between the Cradle groups, project business unit based within services and functions Coast NRM Committee, management, and positions the Cradle Coast Authority. including Cradle Coast NRM. Cradle Coast Authority and Cradle Coast NRM to The Authority is responsible industry stakeholders. support the direction of for providing services relevant sciences. including economic development, tourism and natural resource management across the North West Region of Tasmania.

This information reﬂ ects the team composition at 30 June 2016.

Ernst Kemmerer – Tom O’Malley – Anna Wind – Strategy and Regional Landcare Coordinator: Coastal Implementation Manager Facilitator Heads the Coastal, Develops strategies and Facilitates community Estuarine and Marine programs that better align access to skills and and Community State and Commonwealth knowledge related Skills, Knowledge and funding with community to sustainable land Engagement programs aspirations management practices

8 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 Will Hogg – Spencer Gibbs – Sherrie Jaff ray – Dionna Newton – Coordinator: Biodiversity Coordinator: Productive Project Off icer: Project Off icer: Coastal, Landscapes Community Education Estuarine & Marine Heads projects to protect healthy ecosystems by Leads the Sustainable Works with school groups Facilitates Coastal, monitoring threatened Agriculture program, and youth organisations Estuarine and Marine fl ora and fauna species, facilitating latest best and supports community projects, supports protection of conservation farm management and groups to facilitate community groups areas and community innovation practices environmental education and programs education

Mark Wisniewski – Claire Smith – Jemma O’Neill – Lauren Clarke – Kate Elphinstone – Project Off icer: Finance and Business Support Reception and Communications GIS & NRM Corporate Services Off icer Administrative Off icer Manager Support Off icer Provides regional Provides fi nancial Provides media and NRM GIS services Provides fi nancial administrative Provides general communications whilst supporting and budgetary support for the administrative support for the community groups support for NRM team. support for the NRM team. to raise awareness the NRM team. NRM team. of NRM issues and implement ‘hands-on’ programs. CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 9 CRADLE COAST NRM COMMITTEE

The Cradle Coast NRM Committee is comprised of nine members with agricultural, cultural heritage, scientiﬁ c, educational and forestry experience.

The Committee guides NRM projects, deﬁ nes priorities and, as required, oversees regional NRM strategic planning. Rick Rockliﬀ AM – Chair Peter Tyson Peter Voller Committee members are appointed by a selection panel established through a public process for a term of up to three years.

Tasmania has 3 Natural Resource Management Committees established under the Tasmanian Natural Resource Management Act 2002 to represent the South, North and Cradle Coast (North West) regions of the state. Bill Walker – Deputy Chair Sue Jennings Tony Moore

Additional Members Guy Grey Shane Broad Helen Strickland Gemma Lewis

Opposite: Apple orchard. Photo: Ernst Kemmerer

10 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 11 EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT

The 2015/16 year started with great of the fi res. Before we had time to promise and potential but proved to recover, the region was hit with be one of the most challenging for catastrophic fl oods in June. our region in recent history. The fl oods severely impacted many of our coastal catchments The completion of our Regional NRM and inundated our communities. Strategy review in late 2015, our third Cradle Coast NRM has been actively iteration, was a welcome milestone. engaged in supporting impact It was pleasing and humbling that so assessment and recovery actions many in our community expressed an associated with these events and will interest and were willing to share their continue to monitor and adapt our knowledge and views in support of our response in the recovery phase. work. In addition to regional input, the Strategy also incorporated feedback We face a long and potentially diff icult from stakeholders across our State. recovery from this exceptional period, It was rewarding to work together with but we are confi dent that the Regional NRM North and NRM South to develop NRM Strategy can provide some of this Strategy document. the necessary guidance. You, our community, had already identifi ed Counter to this positive experience, the our rivers as a priority in the region, dry spring and summer brought with and our climate change work had it many challenges for our primary identifi ed the increased risk from producers and our environment. fi re and fl ood. We have already been Impacts included unprecedented developing and delivering projects demand on our region’s water to address these threats, including resources and record amounts of innovative work in developing our supplementary feed being imported to “Fuel Gauge” App to assess and report support grazing enterprises, adding to bushfi re fuel load hazards, pasture the farmer’s input costs and increasing modelling under changing climate the risk of weed incursions. The dry projections to assist graziers and conditions also put stress on many of our Clean Rivers partnership with Above: Eroded river. Photo: Cradle Coast NRM our native vegetation communities Dairy Tas to protect and improve Flood damage. Photo: Mark Wisniewski and fauna species. our waterways. Opposite: Flood damage. Photo: Mark Wisniewski

With such a dry landscape, there There is no doubt that this has been With the new Regional NRM Strategy was a heightened level of fi re risk. one of the most diff icult years we have as a guide, we are well positioned Sadly, we experienced one of the faced as a region, but the resilience of to work in partnership with our worst fi re seasons in many years. our landscape and our community is community and our investors in The January fi res devastated many remarkable. However, this resilience is 2016/17 to maintain and improve this parts of our region. The impact not without limits, and it is critical that wonderful part of our planet. on our natural environment was we continue to support each other as particularly severe with many areas a community. We must work together Richard Ingram unlikely to recover for decades, to support and maintain the resilience NRM Executive Off icer if at all. Thankfully there was no loss of our landscape to ensure that we of human life and minimum damage are best positioned to deal with to infrastructure relative of the scale future challenges.

12 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 13 CRADLE COAST NRM STRATEGY 2015-2020

The Review of the Cradle Coast NRM HOW THE STRATEGY SUPPORTS Strategy in 2015 helps to inform the THIS VISION next fi ve years of natural resource management for our community The Strategy supports this Vision by: and stakeholders. • Providing a guide to anyone living or working in the region to engage in activities that promote and PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY foster healthy natural resource management; The purpose of the Natural Resource Management Strategy for Cradle Coast • Outlining the current condition 2015–2020 is to guide activity that of the region’s natural resources, will help manage and improve the so we can build on previous natural resources in the North West achievements and recognise key of Tasmania. areas for future activities, increasing the community’s It is a whole-of-community Strategy awareness and capacity to manage that identifi es the social, economic natural resources; and environmental values of the region and outlines how the • Identifying the main threats and community can work together to issues facing these resources, so The Strategy is available to download manage and improve its condition. we can plan preventative actions at cradlecoastnrm.com The Strategy does not have statutory and implement restorative works power or replace any current where necessary; mechanism or policy relating to natural resource management but • Setting out what is known about encourages partnerships between the resources, so we are working community, industry and Government. from a common understanding and can help to fi ll any knowledge gaps and share knowledge from past experience; VISION • Having focus areas for action so The Vision for natural resource we know what we are working management in the Cradle Coast towards; and region is: • Providing a summary of community priorities for the region To have proactive, vibrant based on state and regional surveys and workshops. communities who protect and advocate environmental, social and economic progress for a sustainable and bright future for our region.

Opposite: Sunrise. Photo: Kaare Wind

14 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 15 RESTORING AND MAINTAINING URBAN WATERWAYS AND COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS

ABOUT: This program is designed to protect or restore high priority coastal and urban waterways by ensuring a sustainable balance between economic, environmental and social values. This is achieved through weed reduction which decreases key threats and by increasing community awareness. This program faces challenges of adverse weather conditions, including ﬂ ooding and bushﬁ res.

FOR THE 2015/2016 YEAR THE PROGRAM ACHIEVED:

HECTARES 490 PROTECTED OR 161Ha plantings for RESTORED protected. revegetation projects.

3 workshops on 9 Saltmarsh Mapping with 27 Aim Achieved workshop participants. 140Ha 161Ha Land Manager Projects.

FUNDING: PROJECT PARTNERS: This project is funded by King Island NRM, Burnie City Council, Devonport City Council, the Australian Government Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmanian Government, National Landcare Programme. University of Tasmania, Storm Pastoral and Circular Head Landcare.

16 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 KEY PROJECT | LAUNCH OF THE SALTMARSH ATLAS

ABOUT: The Cradle Coast region is home to threatened saltmarsh wetlands, a largely unknown and unappreciated part of our natural environment. Through a partnership with the University of Tasmania, Cradle Coast NRM co-published a Coastal Saltmarsh Atlas. This resource is available to all council and community groups.

The University of Coastal Tasmania and Saltmarsh Cradle Coast NRM, Atlas mapped threatened launched. wetlands using 1 aerial imagery and surveys.

Saltmarsh LISTED FOR wetlands PROTECTION are vulnerable IN 2013 to habitat fragmentation, under the Federal threats from human Environmental Protection activities, invasive species and Biodiversity and sea level rise. Conservation Act 1999.

FUNDING: PROJECT PARTNERS: This project is funded by the Australian University of Tasmania, Circular Head Landcare, Government National Landcare Programme and Launceston Field Naturalists and King Island the University of Tasmania. NRM Group. Top photo: Black River. Photo: Ernst Kemmerer Photo: Black River. photo: Top and Jason Charles Hill Tasmania Tourism photo: Inset

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 17 CONSERVING AND PROTECTING SPECIES AND ECOSYSTEMS

ABOUT: This program strives to maintain and enhance natural values throughout North West Tasmania and primarily focuses on plants, animals and waterway management. This is delivered through the Biodiversity program, which partners with a large range of stakeholders and the community to deliver a suite of environmental and conservation projects throughout the region.

FOR THE 2015/2016 YEAR THE PROGRAM ACHIEVED: 16 75 125Ha of rice grass volunteers community members control and students undertaken by attended a engaged to Circular Head collate data, Giant Landcare Group Freshwater 27Ha check cameras in Duck Bay. The Lobster protection and ecological and analyse talk presented by enhancement burn photographs Todd Walsh. of nationally undertaken by from the devils threatened Tasmanian Land and quoll saltmarsh Conservancy in the Vale of IR camera habitat is evident Belvoir with monitoring at aft er another successful season post-burn the Vale of of weed control. ﬂ ora Belvoir by surveys Devils@Cradle. complete.

PROJECT PARTNERS: FUNDING: Devils @ Cradle, University of Tasmania, Parks and Wildlife, Tasmanian Land Conservancy, Mt Roland Rivercare Group Inc, This project is funded by Circular Head Landcare Group, Friends of Fernglade, Todd Walsh the Australian Government (consultant), NRM South, NRM North, Threatened Plants Tasmania, National Landcare Programme. Tasmanian Government, Friends of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Conservation Landholders Tasmania. Giant Freshwater Lobster. Photo: Anna Wind Photo: Lobster. Giant Freshwater

18 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 ATTENDEES AT EVENTS

VOLUNTEERS ENGAGED As part of the Devils @ Cradle Monitoring Program

Aim Achieved Aim Achieved 10 117 5 16

HECTARES IMPROVED

HECTARES PROTECTED

Aim 25 Achieved 25 Aim 125 Achieved 125

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 19 COMMUNITY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

ABOUT: This program is designed to increase community skills, knowledge and engagement across four project areas: Community Group Support, Citizen Science, Youth Education and Community Education Projects. The Cradle to Coastlines print and e-newsletter features stories of these projects, spreading the education message even further into the community. Natural Connections Grants are also oﬀ ered to eligible community groups.

FOR THE 2015/2016 YEAR THE PROGRAM ACHIEVED:

9 NRM Community 44 capacity building ﬁ eld days with workshops totalling 569 388 participants. participants.

8 educational workshops totalling 2295 970 total participants. participants.

WORKSHOPS FIELD DAYS COMMUNITY COMMUNICATIONS GROUPS participating in NRM 17 44 20 9 14 7 20 10 Aim Achieved Aim Achieved Aim Achieved Aim Achieved Above: Burnie beach. Photo: Anna Wind Photo: Above: Burnie beach. Wind Kaare photos: Opposite

20 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 KEY PROJECT | NATURAL CONNECTIONS GRANTS

ABOUT: Natural Connections Grants were launched at a Coastcare Week Event themed “Connecting the Coast” in December 2015. Community Groups that successfully applied for and received grants were: Ulverstone Coastcare, King Island NRM, Turners Beach Coastcare, Reef Life Survey, Central North Field Naturalists and Friends of the Leven.

The grants totalled 8 8 activities Natural $82,701. and events. Connections 246 Grants. project volunteers.

KEY PROJECT | FUNGI TALKS AND WALKS

ABOUT: The Natural Connections Community Group Grants funded specialist Fungi Field Trips in the Cradle Coast Region. Citizen science is critical to discovering new Fungi species, due to the large diversity of fungi species. Fungi Researchers alone cannot discover them all, and arming our community members with Fungi knowledge enables citizens to contribute valuable information to research databases.

FUNGIMAP is a national not-for-proﬁ t CITIZEN-SCIENCE organisation dedicated to the study and appreciation Over 60 people of Australia’s incredible attended fungi talks held by fungal diversity. Cradle Coast NRM in Burnie.

Over 400 fungi species Over 40 community have been found members attended in the Tarkine fungi walks in the Wilderness Area. Tarkine Wilderness Area.

FUNDING: This project is funded by the Natural Connections PROJECT PARTNERS: Grants made possible through the Australian Fungimap and Central North Field Naturalists. Government National Landcare Programme.

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 21 KEY PROJECT | YOUTH EDUCATION

ABOUT: Our Youth Education Program, recently branded ‘Inspiring Our Kids’, engages schools and the wider community of young people in activities and information sessions that will promote environmental awareness and invoke passion to make a diﬀ erence in their communities.

4 primary schools participated in Marine Matters Workshops, including Somerset, Cooee, Boat Harbour and Port Sorell Primary in July 2015.

$600 sponsorship for the UTAS Science Investigation Awards. $100 prize for the best environmental investigation in each grade level. 170 5 schools visited by students participated in The Lobster Man the National Science Week Todd Walsh in October 2015 Bright Ideas Festival in and May 2016. Queenstown in August 2015. 500+ people reached in 16 bags of sea spurge partnership with the 180 and rubbish removed from Parks and Wildlife Service students participated in Doctor’s Rock’s Beach Discovery Ranger Program student-led workshops at by year 7 and 8 students in the Ulverstone, Devonport the annual Kids Teaching from Marist Regional and Circular Head, Kids event held in College in partnership with Arthur River and Montague September 2015 including Waratah Wynyard Council River areas in January 2016. and Wynyard Landcare in 6 December 2016. 122 local primary schools: from Penguin High School Boat Harbour, Somerset, students participated in Cooee, Port Sorell, learning how to assess Sassafras, and Yolla District the ﬁ re hazard of the bush High School. adjacent to their school.

PROJECT PARTNERS: FUNDING: Local Primary Schools including Cooee, Somerset, Boat Harbour, Sassafras, Port Sorell, Havenview, Burnie, and Yolla and Penguin This project is funded by District High Schools. National Kids Teaching Kids, Tasmanian Parks the Australian Government and Wildlife Service, National Science Week, University of Tasmania, National Landcare Programme. local community groups and councils, such as Burnie City Council, Waratah Wynyard Council, Friends of Fern Glade.

22 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 KEY PROJECT | SHOREBIRD MONITORING PROJECT

ABOUT: The Shorebird Monitoring Project is a community driven project to increase awareness of resident beach- nesting birds. The project was designed to address the decline of resident beach nesting birds in the Cradle Coast region. This is the only volunteer driven shorebird monitoring project of its kind in Australia.

th 45 project sites were 7year of a identiﬁ ed using Google Earth and our Geographic Information System (GIS), scoped between Stanley and Narawntapu year study. 10 National Park (128kms).

Counts are conducted twice a year in November and 18 Lead Volunteers March. The timing are instrumental to the is strategic – project’s success. at the start and end of the breeding season. Managing 85 volunteers.

PROJECT PARTNERS: FUNDING: Volunteers Birdlife Australia, Birdlife Tasmania, The Natural Values This project is funded by Atlas, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, Birdlife Australia: the Australian Government Shorebird 2020 Project and The Atlas Project, DPIPWE, Land Managers: National Landcare Programme. Circular Head Council, Waratah Wynyard Council, Burnie City Council, Central Coast Council, Devonport City Council, Latrobe Council. Above: Shorebird volunteers. Photo: Cradle Coast NRM Coast Cradle Photo: volunteers. Above: Shorebird John Harrison Photo: Plover. Inset: Red-capped

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 23 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

24 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 REGIONAL LANDCARE FACILITATOR

ABOUT: The Regional Landcare Facilitator role enables community access to skills and knowledge related to sustainable land management practices. This is achieved via the Smallholder Property Management Planning Program, which delivers educational programs, support and advice to small landholders in the Cradle Coast Region. The program will continue until 2018.

FOR THE 2015/2016 YEAR THE SMALLHOLDER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROGRAM ACHIEVED:

154 people 81.5 involved across the 34 hectares of soil program through Approximately new members of sampling on the Cradle Coast paddocks across 12 events Smallholder and workshops 50% Network, a including of Cradle Coast land networking group for beekeeping, managers are hobby the region’s hobby 508 farmers, individually hectares of Introduction to farmers formed from productive land in Permaculture and managing participants of the the Cradle Coast LIST Map Training workshop program. region. various events and 100 workshops. hectares or less.

EVENTS INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED COMMUNITY GROUPS

12 146 154 27 13 3 Aim Achieved Aim Achieved Aim Achieved

FUNDING: PROJECT PARTNERS: This project is funded by the Australian TasTAFE, various guest presenters, experts Government National Landcare Programme. and consultants. Opposite: Planting. Photo: Cradle Coast NRM Coast Cradle Planting. Photo: Opposite:

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 25 PRODUCTIVE LANDSCAPES PROGRAM

ABOUT: The Productive Landscapes Program focuses on improving land management. The aim is to encourage improved practices through oﬀ ering land and soil management support, property management planning, trials and demonstrations in innovative and best farming practices. All of this is delivered with on ground support. The program will continue until 2018.

FOR THE 2015/2016 YEAR THE PROGRAM ACHIEVED:

8249Ha 860Ha of improved of implemented management sustainable farm practices. practice.

Across Engaging 49 172 farms. people.

ADOPTED CHANGE EVENTS INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED

49 4 158 15 1 9 Aim Achieved Aim Achieved Aim Achieved Photo: David McCormack Photo:

26 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 KEY PROJECT | COVER CROP TRIAL SITE

ABOUT: This Program established a cover crop trial site to demonstrate groundcover management to prevent soil loss. Longer term aims include: lowering reliance on synthetic herbicides and fertilisers, eﬀ iciency of irrigation water use, and to increase the productivity of properties whilst reducing the risks of soil and nutrient losses to our waterways.

Trial planted Biofumigants, Cover crops, in February 2016 mixed cover crops established between and incorporated and tillage radish Cash crops, back into the soil will be compared protect bare soil in June 2016. against traditional from rain or The following crop 5 rye grass for their hectare paddock surface run oﬀ . will be monitored for abilities to condition trial site located at These crops improve yield and the biological, Van Diemen Quality soil structure, soil quality physical and Bulbs The Tulip fertility and control to determine chemical qualities Farm at Table Cape, of weeds and immediate beneﬁ ts. of the soil. Wynyard. disease.

FUNDING: PROJECT PARTNERS: This project is funded by the Australian Van Diemen Quality Bulbs, Serve Ag and RM Government National Landcare Programme. Consulting Group

KEY PROJECT | FERT$MART DAIRY NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT

Savings made 41 by improving farmers have been eﬀ iciency can equate engaged across to as much as Another 2 years of $30,000 p.a. support is needed 800Ha 30 on average dairying of soil sampling dairy farms totalling for the program, undertaken to operations in North to give as many assist in improving West Tasmania. farmers as possible soil and nutrient 8202Ha the opportunity to management. of dairying operations. become involved.

FUNDING: PROJECT PARTNERS: DairyTas, Dairy Australia and Fert$mart accredited This project is funded by the Australian consultants: Dr Bill Cotching, Seona Findlay Government National Landcare Programme. (Tas Agronomy Plus) and Luke Taylor (Ag Assist)

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 27 BUILDING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S CAPACITY IN NRM

ABOUT: This program is an iterative consultation with the Aboriginal Community to develop relationships, partnerships and ultimately build capacity in the community to participate in NRM activities. This work is strongly focused on maintaining and developing our relationships with Aboriginal organisations. The program will include: training and support for land management practices (including traditional ﬁ re management), development of capacity and skills necessary to monitor and evaluate the program, facilitate broader networks and partnership opportunities and building cultural knowledge and awareness.

THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN ACHIEVED SO FAR:

This project was 5 year commitment to conceived aft er viewing 90+ support the Tasmanian small scale a presentation at the Aboriginal community to send burns have been 2013 NRM Knowledge implemented by 6 community members Conference and the Tasmanian to attend Indigenous Fire facilitated by networks Aboriginal Fire Group across Management workshops in established at cross the landscape in Tasmania. Northern Australia. jurisdictional events.

This project was built on The initial success and The Tasmanian genuine long application of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Fire Group has attracted term relationships interest and support from Community with the local have independently the private sector, supported additional Tasmanian NGO’s and private members of the community Aboriginal land managers. to attend Indigenous ﬁ re community. management workshops.

THANKS We would like to acknowledge and thank Victor Steﬀ ensen and Peta-Marie Standley for their passion and commitment and the traditional owners in Northern Australia for making this project possible.

FUNDING: PROJECT PARTNERS: This project is funded by the Australian Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, Government National Landcare Programme. Aboriginal Land Council Tasmania Photo: Ernst Kemmerer Photo:

28 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AUDIT REPORT

30 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 31 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CRADLE COAST AUTHORITY STATE SUPPORT – NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2016

2016 2015 Note $ $ REVENUE Department of Primary Industry, Parks, Water & Environment 246,667 246,667 Project Contributions 14,185 - Interest Income 8,884 8,480 Total Income 269,736 255,147

EXPENSES Employee Costs 151,755 116,150 Project Delivery and Consultancy 2,918 27,233 Other Operating Expenses 3 102,007 69,095 Total Expenses 256,680 212,478

Comprehensive Result 4 13,056 42,669

The ﬁ nancial statements presented have been compiled from the audited ﬁ nancial statements in relation to State Support for Regional Natural Resource Management 2014-17.

This statement should be read in conjunction with accompanying notes.

32 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 CRADLE COAST AUTHORITY STATE SUPPORT – NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2016

2016 2015 Note $ $ 3 OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES Annual Reporting Costs 6,605 4,291 Accounting, Administration & Audit Costs 23,194 21,756 Advertising 995 1,767 Bank Fees 40 40 Committee Expenses 25,530 23,687 Communications & Marketing 6,690 - General Oﬀ ice Expenses 66 - IT Support & Consumables 2,484 2,304 Postage, Printing & Stationery 428 2,090 Sponsorship 1,258 3,202 Telephone, Faxes & Internet 1,416 962 Vehicle Expenses 33,300 8,996 TOTAL 102,007 69,095

4 COMPREHENSIVE RESULT Project Carry Over 368,048 315,379 Surplus 13,056 42,669 TOTAL 381,104 358,048

The ﬁ nancial statements presented have been compiled from the audited ﬁ nancial statements in relation to State Support for Regional Natural Resource Management 2014-17

CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 33 THANK YOU Thank you to everyone involved with our work throughout the 2015/2016 year.

Friends of the Royal Botanical Gardens

Tasmanian Land Conservancy

34 CRADLE COAST NRM ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 Cradle Coast NRM would like to acknowledge the following photographers for their contribution to this publication: Mark Wisniewski, Geoﬀ Gleave, Kaare Wind, Ernst Kemmerer, Jason Charles Hill, Anna Wind, John Harrison, David McCormack and Tourism Tasmania

Cover photograph: Anna Wind

Designed by Emma Duncan, Red Bird Design Cradle Coast NRM 1 – 3 Spring Street, Burnie PO Box 338, Burnie TAS 7320 Ph: 03 6433 8400 Fax: 03 6431 7014 [email protected] Cradle Coast NRM is an independent committee hosted by the Cradle Coast Authority

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