Acknowledgments The generous contributions of stories and photos by members of Landcare, Friends of, and other community environment groups, from across the Port Phillip and Westernport region, has made the preparation of this booklet possible. The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA) gratefully acknowledges the important role these many volunteers and their groups have played in the production of this booklet.

The preparation of this booklet has been led by John Robinson from the PPWCMA’s Landcare Support Team, working together with the other members of the team, namely Daley Walker, Doug Evans, and Melissa Douglas.

Sponsors The PPWCMA is also grateful for the financial support provided for this booklet by the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Victorian Landcare Program, and from CitiPower.

CitiPower is pleased to support the production of this booklet celebrating the success of Landcare and Friends groups in the Port Phillip and Westernport region. As the electricity distributor to Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs, we are committed to the principles of sustainable development and managing our business in an environmentally responsible manner. In addition to the many environmental programs specific to our electricity distribution network, we also partner with the community in programs encouraging environmental responsibility and sustainability. These partnerships are one of the ways we can support and acknowledge the vital role of volunteer groups in protecting and preserving our natural environment.

Stories of community landcare success Port Phillip and Westernport Region 2004

ISBN: 0 9750709 4 0

Published by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Frankston.

Copyright © The State of Victoria, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, 2004

Website: http://www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au

Cover photos: Top left: Chandler Hill Parkcare Group – Dandenong Catchment Top right: Darraweit Guim Primary School – Maribyrnong Catchment Bottom left: Little River Improvement Program – Werribee Catchment Bottom centre: Friends of Wurundjeri Garden Working Group – Yarra Catchment Bottom right: Friends of Bunyip State Park – Westernport Catchment

Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Contents

Introduction 3

Dandenong Catchment Friends of George Street and the Urban Forest 4-5 Friends of the Brighton Dunes (Dr Jim Willis Reserve) 5 Friends of the Dandenong Valley Parklands 6 Friends of the Grange 6-7 Chandler Hill Parkcare Group 7 Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve 8 Friends of Long Hollow Heathland 9 Friends of Braeside Park 10 Friends of Balcombe Park 11 First Friends of Dandenong Creek 11

Maribyrnong Catchment Bullengarook Landcare Group 12 Clarkefield District Farm Landcare Group 13 Darraweit Guim Primary School 14 Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley 15 Greening of Riddell 16 Maribyrnong Landcare Association (Heinz and Max Gujer) 17 Mount William Rabbit Action Group (Deep Creek Landcare Group) 18

Werribee Catchment Little River Improvement Program 19 Rushing Waters 20 Wyndham Lakes Residents’ Association 21 Brisbane Ranges Landcare Group 22

Westernport Catchment Friends of Bass Valley Bush 23 Friends of Bunyip State Park 24 Maryknoll Tracks and Reserves Group 25 Phillip Island Landcare Group 28 Deep Creek Landcare Group 29 Australian Plants Society (South Eastern Melbourne Region) 29 Back Creek Landcare Group 30 Johns Hill Landcare Group 30-31 Bunyip/Cardinia Catchment Landcare Network 32 Manton and Stony Creek Landcare Group 33 Friends of Frog Hollow 34 Poowong Landcare Group 35 Mt Lyall Landcare Group 36 French Island Landcare Group 37 Loch/Nyora Landcare Group 38 Ripplebrook Landcare Group 38 Cardinia Hills Ragwort and Landcare Group 39

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Contents 1 Yarra Catchment Mt Evelyn Environmental Protection and Progress Association 40 Friends of Loughie’s Bushland 41 Montmorency Field Naturalists 42 Hochkins Ridge Flora Reserve Committee of Management 42 Fishcare 43 Holly Hill Community Fireguard Group 44 Friends of Wurundjeri Garden Working Group 45 Friends of Merri on Parade (formerly Friends of Ross Street) 46 Earthcare St Kilda 47 Friends of the Wildlife Reserves 47 Friends of Westgate Park 48 Macclesfield Landcare Group 49 Growing Friends of Yarra Bend Park 50 WACMAC Landcare (Whittlesea Agricultural Society, 51 Arthur’s Creek District, Merriang and Cottles Bridge Landcare Groups) Friends of Wilson Reserve 52 Map Where the stories came from 26-27

Port Phillip and Westernport CMA Region

2 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport CatchmenContentst Introduction

All across the Port Phillip and Westernport region, thousands of volunteers, typically as members of around 500 Friends of, Landcare and other community environment groups, are actively caring for our land, water, native plants and native animals. They strive to protect our public and private land from erosion and salinity, our creeks, coasts and wetlands from pollutants, and our native plants and animals from weeds, pest animals and other threats. This caring is a selfless contribution to the future health of our environment and all the benefits that we derive from it.

Community landcarers volunteer a substantial amount of time, knowledge, skills and other resources towards achieving sustainable natural resource management in the region. Not only do they carry out significant works on the ground, but they successfully run events, develop plans, manage projects, establish partnerships, hold meetings, raise funds, create and distribute newsletters and posters, conduct and undertake training and learning activities, conduct promotional activities and hold social functions.

These groups play a key role in implementing practical solutions for local environmental problems and developing an ethic of stewardship for catchment assets. They provide leadership, innovation and motivation for change within their local communities. They also provide valuable social interactions that contribute to the strength and fabric of local communities.

The capacity of a group to be able to do this effectively is dependent upon many factors. One important factor is learning from the experiences of others, especially their successes, and this is the motivation for producing this booklet.

This is a compilation of 53 stories of success from the five waterway catchments that make up the Port Phillip and Westernport region. These stories have been contributed by the groups and told in their words. Their stories illustrate the diverse nature of the groups, the activities they undertake and the issues they are tackling.

Sharing these stories will inspire, motivate and build the confidence of other groups, as well as improve the connections between groups.

Each story of success told in this booklet is accompanied by the name of a contact person, and a means of contacting them, who can tell more about their particular story.

This booklet is also a way for the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, along with our key supporters in the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Victorian Landcare Program and CitiPower, to express our appreciation for the efforts and achievements of community landcare volunteers across this region.

Congratulations and thanks on a job well done to those highlighted in this booklet and the many other volunteers that are truly making a difference across our region.

Dr. Mick Lumb Chair, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Introduction 3 Friends of George Street and the Urban Forest Friendly fi re To promote regeneration of the woodland through an ecological burn

In the early 1980’s, a large stretch of the woodland in the George Street Reserve was destroyed by accidental wildfi re. At fi rst, lovers of the Reserve were dismayed, but soon changed their attitude as they discovered the wildfi re had caused regeneration of the famous Sandringham Heathland.

Having decided to make the survival of the Heath a priority, the Friends Group pulled up tea-tree seedlings Catchment and were rewarded with a rich fl owering of Correas, Wedding Bush, Bossiaea, Twiggy Daisy Bush, Beard Heath, Guinea Flowers and other well-known plants. Special attention was given to remnant orchid colonies. The work parties were informal occasions, led by Don Neale, a Black Rock resident with skills as a naturalist and a strong interest in indigenous fl ora.

The Friends Group now operates as part of the Friends of Bayside Network. Work parties are held regularly with City-Wide (the Council’s service provider). We meet with Council representatives to undertake short and long-term planning within the guidelines set out by Simon Cropper of Botanicus.

An outstanding achievement of the Group, was an ecological burn in 2000, assisted by a grant from Greening Australia Victoria, which saw the Friends Group as fi nalists in the National Banksia Awards. Following meetings with residents from adjoining properties, the Friends Group undertook site preparation, which

Dandenong involved cutting and moving Tea-tree onto the burn site. On the day of the scheduled burn in March, members of the Friends Group joined staff from the Bayside City Council, City-Wide, and the fi re services, to watch the lighting of the fuel and keep the fi re under control. Eventually the fl ames died down and a great burst of rain wetted the ash-bed and allayed some fears about fl ying sparks.

The results have been spectacular, as plants have regenerated from both rootstock and the seedbed, and species not seen in the area in living memory have appeared. The challenge has been to keep the burn site

Catchment weeded without disturbing the tiny new indigenous plants. Multitudes of Coastal Tea-Tree seedlings and a number of small Boneseed (once described as a Goth of the plant world) have been removed. The Greening Australia grant enabled the Friends Group to support the employment of a skilled person to assist with weeding. The Reserve has benefi ted from his meticulous work and the detailed reports he has produced regularly, about the state of its vegetation.

The Reserve is important for native birds, mammals and reptiles, and students and Bayside Friends of Native Wildlife, led by Michael Norris, conduct surveys of its wildlife. The work of Frank Steward who observes and reports on birds of the Reserve is very valuable. The Friends Group hope to produce a book with illustrations and text describing the diversity of the Reserve’s birds. In 2003, the arrival of a family of Kookaburras brought great pleasure.

The Friends Group have a happy and constructive relationship with the Bayside Council’s Community Plant Nursery, from which comes the stock of indigenous plants used in revegetation projects. The Friends Group have appreciated the training provided by the Community Plant Nursery about seed collection, weeding

Dandenong techniques and plant identifi cation, and especially the delight of working in a piece of bushland close to their homes. Photographer, Pauline Reynolds, a former Mayor of Sandringham, and Valerie Tarrant, historian and Co- author of Bayside Refl ections: History and Heritage of Sandringham, Hampton, Black Rock and Beaumaris, are Immediately after controlled burn - where the ash bed is the enthusiastic joint coordinators of the Friends of the left to cool and settle naturally Photo by Pauline Reynolds Reserve.

4 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Dandenong Catchment What made it a success: • The grants have benefi ted the George Street Reserve • The local peoples’ great affection for the wildfl owers in the heathland Our partners were: • The initial interest of the then City of Sandringham, and the • Bayside City Council ongoing interest of the City of Bayside, as the owners of the • City-Wide George Street Reserve • Fire Services • The cooperative effort, initially between the local people, and then between the City of Bayside, the service provider, and Cost: members of the Friends’ Group • Grants from Greening Australia Victoria and the old MMBW • Sound research into the characteristics of the heathland and their management. This has included new learnings about the Contact: role of fi re, similar to that practiced by the Boonerwrung, in Valerie Tarrant regeneration Ph: 9598 0554 Catchment

Successful Controlled heathland ecological regeneration burn at George after controlled Street Reserve, ecological burn with Melbourne and intensive Fire Brigade weeding by the fi refi ghter Friends of George assisting in Street Reserve wetting down (assisted by NHT surrounding grant funding) vegetation Photos by Pauline Reynolds Friends of the Brighton Dunes (Dr Jim Willis Reserve) Saving a species of indigenous plant Dandenong that would have otherwise died To regenerate the Black Wattle, which had declined to just one remnant tree within Dr Jim Willis Reserve

Once Port Phillip was ringed with Black Wattles and Sheoaks.

The early settlers used the bark of Black Wattles for tanning, Catchment and as a result, the profusion of beautiful wattles was gradually decimated. Our foreshore Reserve (Dr. Jim Willis Reserve) is one kilometre long. On the foreshore are Sedge and Spinifex. On the secondary dune is a Tea-tree and Boobialla community. In the tertiary area, there is a remnant of the Black Wattle/ Sheoak community. The old Black Wattle fl owering, We have just one remnant Black Wattle, which is more than 60 note the dieback at the top of the tree 17/10/2000 Photo by Jenny Talbot years old. Five years ago, we collected seeds from this Black Wattle and the Community Plant Nursery at Sandringham were successful in propagating 18 Black Wattle seedlings. Of these seedlings, 17 are still alive. We planted these Black Wattle seedlings on the escarpment among some remnant Drooping Sheoaks and the sole remnant Black Wattle, from the remnant Black Wattle/Sheoak community. Some of the Black Wattles seedlings we planted are thriving while others are not doing quite so well, depending on the soil type.

What made it a success: Cost: Dandenong • Skill and dedication of Erika Anderson and Carmen Skrobonja, • The Friends Group are volunteers from the Community Plant Nursery, in seed propagation • Community Plant Nursery and Citywide paid by the Council • On-going care after planting, hand-watering through four drought summers Our partners were: Contact: • Bayside City Council provides skilled staff from Citywide to Jenny Talbot or Elizabeth McQuire via Westernport and work with us Dandenong Landcare Coordinator • Department of Natural Resources and Environment Ph: 9785 0117

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Dandenong Catchment 5 Friends of the Dandenong Valley Parklands New path construction for fl ood prone areas To prevent existing path from being washed away due to fl ooding

There are many kilometres of pathways in the Dandenong Valley Parklands, along Dandenong Creek, in between Boronia Road and Wellington Road. The section of pathway reconstructed is used intensively by

Catchment pedestrians and cyclists, and it traverses an area of fl oodplain immediately east of Shepherd’s Bush, a block of remnant bushland. The block is subject to fl ooding after normal heavy rain over a 24-hour period; sometimes the water is more than half a metre deep. Hence the path has been resurfaced at least three times in the past 15-20 years, but the reconstructed path has been subsequently swept away in fl oods.

Besser Grass Pavers were chosen for the site, as they were easy to lay by a volunteer group, were reasonably priced and the literature cited they were ideal for resisting water fl ow on the bank of waterways. With nine tapered holes in each paver, we anticipate that there will never be a drainage problem with the path.

What made it a success: Cost: • Materials supplied by Nubrik P/L at a reduced price • $3797 from Parks Victoria grant • Involvement of the Friends Group and Parks Victoria staff in Contact: site location, cleaning the area and laying of the pavers Bryan Loft

Dandenong Our partners were: Ph: 9561 2381 • Parks Victoria Dandenong Valley Parklands offi ce • Nubrik P/L

“Two thirds into construction, a one in ten year fl ood occurred. There was no damage, which resulted in the ‘part constructed path’ surviving.”

Catchment Friends of the Grange Vermin Proof Fence To fi nish off the vermin proof fence around the Grange Heathland

In 2001, the Friends of the Grange applied for a Federation Grant to enable us to fi nish a vermin proof fence around the heathland at the Grange Reserve. The southern fence around the heathland had been done through the courtesy of the Spring Valley Golf Club and Vodafone. The Friends Group received a grant from the Kingston Council for the northern section of the fence, and needed to apply for the eastern and western section of the vermin proof fence. The application was sent off.

The Friends Group received a letter back from the grant’s committee saying that they had not heard of ‘The Grange’ and its treasures of fl ora and fauna. They asked if we would be interested in sending in a further application to obtain a grant to publicise this precious remnant of bushland, as they had some extra money to distribute. Dandenong The Friends Group thought up various ways in which this could be done and sent off the application to produce a book, CD-Rom, poster, coloured brochure, website and an upgrade of the bluestone shelter for displays. We were successful in receiving funding for all our planned activities.

To fulfi l our obligations for all these activities took a lot of dedication on the part of the Friends Group, but we succeeded. As a result, the fence, book, colour brochure, CD Rom and six seasonal colour posters, instead of the shelter upgrade as this was undertaken by the Kingston Council, were all completed.

6 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Dandenong Catchment This I believe is our success story; you don’t know what you can achieve until you try. The Friends of the Grange is a very active group of happy willing people led by Kingston Council’s Natural Resources team.

When the Friends Group received the grants, our bank account was earning a lot of interest, and after all our obligations were met, it was decided that we should use the bank interest to set up a web page. The Friends of the Grange now have our own web page. The newsletter is updated each month. The Group’s web address is http://home.vicnet.net.au/~grange

What made it a Cost: success: • Federal Government -

• Dedication, hard work, $44,000 Catchment commitment Contact: Thelma Spice via Westernport Our partners were: and Dandenong Landcare • Federal Government Coordinator • Kingston City Council Ph: 9785 0117

Cover of The Grange CD Rom

Chandler Hill Parkcare Group

Wildfl ower walk Dandenong People to be aware of indigenous vegetation and the activities of our group

Our group is a small group of volunteers that meet weekly removing environmental weeds from the Chandler Hill area of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Initially, we decided to hold wildfl ower walks to raise

awareness of the other less-known walks in the Park, as well as to increase the awareness and knowledge of Catchment interested people in the area.

In September 2003, we conducted our ninth wildfl ower walk, showed participants the different wildfl owers in the Park, and provided them with a history of the area. This walk was attended by 42 people, and for the two years prior, we had 45 and 40 people respectively.

Parks Victoria staff provided lunch, we had an informal chat and had access to brochures and photographs.

We have recruited some new members to our group from these walks.

The date of the walk has varied over the years, from early September to late October, which has allowed the walkers to see a wider range of wildfl owers. For example, last year we held the walk of September 1st (Wattle Day) and provided walkers with a history of Wattle Day and a wattle plant.

What made it a success: Cost: • Good publicity • Parks Victoria covered the • Preparation of walk route food and publicity costs

• Access to brochures and Dandenong photographs Contact: Our partners were: Gordon Carter • Parks Victoria Ph: 9762 2117

“A three year old child pointed to a bush and said, “look at the coffee table”, he had been told earlier it Enthusiasts at the Wildfl ower Walk, 1996 Photo by Gordon Carter was a Tea-tree!”

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Dandenong Catchment 7 Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve Demonstration garden for indigenous plants To plant a demonstration garden with indigenous plants that are tolerant to low water use within Koolunga Native Reserve

The Friends of Koolunga Native Reserve was formed in 1994 as an initiative of Knox Environment Society Catchment and Knox Council. We work under the auspices of the Council, but are an incorporated body.

Within the Koolunga Native Reserve a portion of land for the demonstration garden was selected, which bordered a walking path in the Reserve that is constantly in use. The plants selected are both hardy and colourful, and would fi t in to a local family garden.

A grant was received through the ABC Open Garden Scheme through the Community Grants. Plants were ordered through Operation Revegetation and community working bees provided the labour.

Signs from Knox City Council and from the Open Garden Scheme mark the site and the Mayor of Knox opened the Garden at a special function followed by a BBQ.

There was an element of faith needed to look at the garden to see what had survived and what had died during

Dandenong the dry periods, but now the rain has started things are shooting again.

What made it a success: Cost: • Co-operation with Knox City Council and the ABC Open • Knox City Council supplied the mulch and the signs for the Garden Scheme, and Community involvement in the working garden bees • The grant from the ABC Open Garden Scheme was $1,000 Our partners were: Contact:

Catchment • Knox City Council, the Open Garden Scheme, and Operation Kathleen Loxton Revegetation Email: [email protected]

“At the opening the sign had not yet been installed and was leaning drunkenly against a tree. The ‘curtain’ to be removed was a Clean Up Australia Day bag!” Dandenong

Sign unveiled by Cr Karen Orpin, Mayor of Knox, assisted by Kathleen Loxton (wearing hat), chairperson of the Friends Group

Sign to be erected in garden

8 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Dandenong Catchment Friends of Long Hollow Heathland Revegetating the BMX track at Long Hollow Heathland, Beaumaris To prevent damage by an inappropriate activity (BMX riding in a Flora Reserve) and to regenerate indigenous heathland vegetation from dormant soil-stored seed.

Long Hollow Reserve is the most diverse remnant of what was referred to in the early 1900s as “the Catchment Sandringham Flora”. Dr Sutton and other early Field Naturalists in Victoria often caught the train to Sandringham and walked through the heathlands on weekend botanical expeditions. As a result, there is good documentation of about 360 species from the region. Although less than half remain today, more than 120 of the species can be found at Long Hollow.

The Friends of Long Hollow Heathland made presentations to Bayside City Council (Committee of Management), to close and fence the BMX area and seek an alternative location for BMX use. This involved liaising with the community directly through a letter drop box and discussion at a subsequent Council meeting.

The Friends Group helped obtain NHT Bushcare funding for fencing and site preparation, and then assisted contractor City Wide to restore areas where signifi cant soil disturbance had occurred. In April

2002, the Friends Group assisted City Wide with an ecological burn and careful weeding of the subsequent Dandenong regeneration. The Friends Group are involved in on-going monitoring and documentation of the regeneration. Approximately 50 indigenous species have regenerated, including 15 locally rare or regionally signifi cant species, whereas previously there was just one species. In spring 2003, an article was published in Bayside’s “Banksia Bulletin” to inform the local community about the success of these efforts.

The Friends Group has been working on this area since 1980 and was responsible for preventing its sale when it was owned by the Department of Education, and subsequently for getting it reserved under the Crown Land Catchment (Reserves) Act. Although a small group of approximately 10 people, we have been very persistent over the years and have done a huge amount of physical work, weeding, ecological burning, monitoring, interpretation and much more.

What made it a success: Our partners were: • Perseverance of the Friends • Bayside City Council Group over several years • Natural Heritage Trust • Documentation of the botanical • City Wide values of the Reserve and • Gerry Kempson professional assessment of (specialised weeding) potential to regenerate site • Simon Cropper (botanical • Active support for the project survey) from Bayside City Council, contractor City Wide and NHT Cost: funding • $5,000 from NHT for fencing • Cooperation from local

and site preparation Dandenong community and neighbours, • $8,000 from Bayside City which helped minimise Council for fencing, ecological vandalism and stopped BMX burn and labour activity simply transferring to other inappropriate parts of the Contact: Successful regeneration at Long Hollow Heathland Reserve Rob Saunders • Timely, intensive and careful Ph: 9515 3383 weeding Email: [email protected]

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Dandenong Catchment 9 Friends of Braeside Park Planting of indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses Salinity reduction, habitat improvement, landscape amenity, seed source

The health of the Red Gum woodlands throughout Braeside Park is declining. One cause of this is thought to be a rising saline watertable. Catchment In 1999, to combat this the Friends of Braeside Park, with the help of Parks Victoria staff, developed the Salinity Reduction Project for the site. This project has involved planning and implementing the revegetation of areas affected by salinity, in an effort to lower the water table. We received a series of grants through Parks Victoria’s Community Grants program to carry out the works. The volunteers and Rangers built fences to relocate cattle and protect the areas to be planted. We held several planting sessions with up to 30 people attending each session, including members of our Friends Group, other organisations and the general community. We advertise our planting days on community radio and in the municipal paper. Over the past four years, 9,000-10,000 trees, shrubs and grasses have been planted, reclaiming former pasture land and establishing new habitat areas. We are now into the fi fth year of the project.

The Friends Group were also involved in the installation of watertable watch bores throughout the Park. For

Dandenong over three years, a group of Streamwatch volunteers have been monitoring the watertable levels and salinity concentrations. Through this program, we hope to be able to show the effect of the revegetation on the salinity.

The Friends Group have grown all the plants at a nursery within the Park, from seed and cuttings collected throughout Braeside Park. These plants have been used to revegetate the Park and if we have a surplus, we sell them to neighbours.

Catchment What made it a success: Cost: • The informal guidance of Parks Victoria staff • We have received a grant from Parks Victoria in each of the • Cooperation between Parks Victoria staff, the Friends Group years we have carried out the work. This amounts to over and many members of the community $15,000 Our partners were: • Our own members have been assisted on special planting days by community members Contact: • Groups such as Guides, Green Corps and Conservation Parks Victoria Ranger Volunteers Australia Ph: 9551 1640 Dandenong

March 2002 Comparative photo January 2004

10 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Dandenong Catchment Friends of Balcombe Park A controlled burn To regenerate the heathland

In March 2001, an ecological or controlled burn was carried out in Balcombe Park, in conjunction with Bayside City Council, contractors to the Bayside City Council Bushland Crew, and the Friends of Balcombe Park. The site in the Park was very degraded with woody and exotic weeds, and was adjacent to an area, which had been deliberately lit in 1992, with spectacular regeneration of native heathland, particularly

Wedding Bush (Ricinocarpos pinifolius). This plant had not been present in the Reserve for well over 40 Catchment years. The regeneration at this site inspired the control burn and resulted in similar regeneration to the wildfi re site with plants appearing, which had not been sighted for years. Weeding of the burn area has been carried out meticulously by the Friends Group, the Bushland Crew, and a contractor hired to weed the site with funding from the Natural Heritage Trust grant.

What made it a • Contractors to Bayside City success: Council Bushland Crew • We all worked together Cost: as a team to coordinate • Bayside City Council with council, fi re brigade, funded the Bushland Crew Bushland Crew contractors to prepare the site by to Bayside City Council, cutting down woody weeds and the Friends of

• Grant of $2500 from the Dandenong Balcombe Park Natural Heritage Trust Our partners were: Contact: • Bayside City Council Joan Couzoff • Friends of Balcombe Park Ph: 9589 1060 Burn site Balcombe Park, cutting down woody weeds prior to ecological burn in 2001 Photo by Joan Couzoff

First Friends of Dandenong Creek Catchment Pollution alert signage To reduce pollution in the Dandenong Creek

Using maps provided by Knox and Maroondah Councils, we marked on a large-scale contour map, provided by Melbourne Water, the location of each of the 48 drains entering Dandenong Creek between Scoresby and Boronia Roads. We then erected signs at each drain outlet stating “Pollution? Phone EPA (and quoted the number of their pollution hotline and drain number)”. None of the four authorities with whom we dealt with had ever had a common map showing all the drains. The initiative means that any of the authorities can identify the exact drain at which a pollution event is occurring and respond appropriately. This is a “fi rst” for Victoria and led to our group being given a “Knox Pride Award” and recognition in the local newspapers.

What made it a success: Cost: • It allows for a pollution event to be pinpointed exactly, and • The project was funded by a $1500 grant from Parks Victoria

allows for an accurately targeted response together with signage materials supplied by Maroondah and Dandenong Our partners were: Knox Councils • Melbourne Water Contact: • Maroondah and Knox Councils Barry Robinson • Parks Victoria Ph: 9801 1628

“The EPA phoned us frantically asking for a copy of the map because they had began getting calls before our offi cial map handing over ceremony!”

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Dandenong Catchment 11 Bullengarook Landcare Group Landcare information kit To promote Landcare and provide assistance to new group members

The local Foodworks supermarket agreed to print the Bullengarook Landcare Group logo onto calico shopping bags and donated 250 of the shopping bags to the Group. Other than selling the bags for a small profi t, the Group decided in 2003 to use the bags for an information kit for new (and current) Landcare Catchment members – a project that we had talked about for some years.

Bullengarook Landcare Group’s member’s kit contains the following: • Introduction (What is Landcare?) • Bullengarook Landcare Group activities and projects (including update on rehabilitation of local reserve and creek) • weed control - assistance for landholders - blackberry and gorse Landcare Notes - use of herbicides - Central Victorian Weeds Booklet • tree planting procedures • feral animal control • grants and other support for landholders Maribyrnong • general information (equipment, contacts, websites, Landcare Notes etc) • gate post sign acknowledging membership of Bullengarook Landcare Group

The Group’s Committee spent an enjoyable social evening, after its last meeting for the year, collating the Catchment information for the kit into plastic binders and sharing a glass or two of wine and supper with our spouses.

What made it a success: Cost: • Sharing the collection and research of the materials • Plastic folders and photocopying - about $60 • Social evening to compile the kits • Gate post signs – $450, which we included in the kit Our partners were: • Foodworks Supermarket Contact: • Macedon Ranges Shire Council Jennie Stewart • Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority Ph: 5428 2209 Landcare Coordinator Email: [email protected]

“We had a great time collating the information sheets and placing them into the folders over a couple of glasses of wine.” Maribyrnong

12 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Maribyrnong Catchment Clarkefield District Farm Landcare Group ‘Our fi rst big outing!!!’ (August 2003): Revegetation of a section of Emu Creek To make a start at improving water quality and to have a go at organising and running a planting day, in a riparian environment, that involved group members and interested people from the wider community

As we were new to this type of activity, the Group enlisted the help of Lachlan Milne, Environment Offi cer Catchment (Macedon Ranges Shire), to help us apply for CMA funding and to locate a suitable area for our fi rst project. We began by contacting some of the community groups (such as Rover Scouts), in our district, and invited them to be a part of the project, either through a personal approach, by letter, or through community noticeboards. All of which had some success. The Internet was a surprising source of volunteers.

The landowners provided all with a wonderful BBQ picnic lunch in an idyllic setting at the top end of the gorge in which we were planting. A follow-up visit was also catered and a pleasant evening spent wandering glass in hand, re-visiting the site of much hard work to check on the survival rate of the plants.

End result - over 700 plants in the ground and many tired, but satisfi ed workers. An area that was previously eroding and weedy is now on its way to a new beginning. All that we needed was some rain!

Many of our volunteers had never done anything like this before and enjoyed themselves so much that they came back again a couple of weeks later and planted out a further 800 plants! Maribyrnong What made it a success: • Envirofund The weather was kind. The number of people who came and • Wurundjeri Rover Scouts (Sunbury) helped due to the numerous ways we advertised the event.

Pre-planning and preparation of the site such as weed control Cost: Catchment spraying. Lots of good humour and energy. The project funding came from Envirofund and was part of a $16,000 grant for waterway protection projects on three Our partners were: properties in the area • Lachlan Milne, Environment Offi cer (Macedon Ranges Shire), provided a Tool Trailer, portable toilet, collected and organised Contact: plants into groupings according to planting locations Julie MacDonald • the property owners Ph: 5428 7623 • Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority Email: [email protected]

“A few children came to help and were duly warned about watching out for snakes. After helping to assemble tree guards, some of them wandered off to explore. “Mum, Mum I’ve found something!” Mum dropped what she was doing and hurried over to the rock crevice expecting the usual bug, lizard or whatever, only to fi nd the children trying unsuccessfully to extract a small snake skeleton!” Maribyrnong

720 trees later Thank you to the Group and Envirofund for On guard – plenty of protection their help for the trees

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Maribynong Catchment 13 Darraweit Guim Primary School Deep Creek Platypus: now and forever To improve the habitat for our platypuses, and to work on the project as a whole community – landholders, residents, students and other children in the school and the township and surrounds

After the fi rst platypus surveys and trapping in 2001, the school became involved in doing Studies of Science and the Environment (SOSE) and Science work on the lifecycle of platypus and their habitat.

Catchment In 2002, this involvement went beyond academia. The students did a Waterwatch program at the Deep Creek, near the school. They also contributed to the improvement of the local riparian zone (where we have a platypus population), by propagating, then planting, native grasses and sedges. With the assistance from the Department of Education and Training, the school received funding to participate in the Scientists and Engineers in Schools (SEiS) Program. Through this program, the school started working with Geoff Williams from the Australian Platypus Conservancy. Geoff mentored the students about platypus, and involved them in the trapping and surveying of platypus along the Deep Creek, in and around Darraweit Guim. The students then went on to develop a workshop that they could take to other schools and teach other students about platypus and their sustainability.

In 2003, the students presented their workshop on platypus to several other local schools, and in October they presented it at the River Health Conference in Mildura. The work with platypus continues with the students assisting the local landcare group and community in the riparian improvement project along the creek, and by doing water quality testing with Waterwatch, at least once per year. They are also prepared to take their Maribyrnong workshop on platypus to other schools.

What made it a success: Cost: A real project that involves students at both school and the (over 2 years) ~$8000

Catchment home. When the students take home news about the platypus • SEiS Program ~$4500 that they learned at school, parents will happily tune in and • School Global Budget ~$1000 discuss with their children, as many of them have been involved • Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management in the monitoring and assessing of platypus. Authority ~$2500 Our partners were: Contact: • Department of Education and Training (Victoria) Darraweit Guim Primary School - Rob Rindzevicius (Principal) • Australian Platypus Conservancy Ph: 5789 1234 • Upper Maribyrnong Catchment Group Email: [email protected]

“When Geoff was holding a platypus in a bag, and explaining to all in the audience about their uniqueness, including their spurs, a wet patch suddenly appeared on the bottom of the bag. “Poison from the spur?” offered one bright student, “No, he’s just had a pee!” answered Geoff.” Maribyrnong

Children from Darraweit Guim Primary School setting up Geoff Williams (Australian Platypus Conservancy) with school children nets in the Deep Creek for the trapping of platypus and members of the community about to release a trapped and assessed platypus back into the Deep Creek

14 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Maribyrnong Catchment Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley Charles Grimes 200th Anniversary Re-enactment (February 2003) The Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley and Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West, joined together to celebrate the discovery in February 1803, of Saltwater River, now known as the Maribyrnong River, by Surveyor General Captain Charles Grimes and botanist James Flemming Catchment The 200th Anniversary Re-enactment Celebrations along the Maribyrnong River, involved the Mayors of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley and Melbourne City Councils, who welcomed Captain Charles Grimes and James Flemming and the fl otilla of small boats to their municipalities.

Rowers from local clubs, dressed in period costume, set off from Gem Pier, Williamstown, in a replica rowboat, supported by the “Blackbird”. They arrived at Pipemarkers Park, Maribyrnong, where hundreds of people, many in period costume, gathered to witness the fl otilla’s arrival. The next day, celebrations continued at Maribyrnong Park, Essendon, and at the Turling Basin, Melbourne.

Speeches, and selected relevant extracts from the diaries of Captain Charles Grimes and James Flemming were read out at each event describing their observations of the river and surrounding landscape in 1803. Historical Societies and environmental groups also set up displays.

The current Surveyor General, has recently unveiled a plaque at the Turning Basin, which acknowledges that

Captain Charles Grimes discovered the site for the City of Melbourne 32 years before John Batman. Maribyrnong

What made it a success: Cost: The partnership between all the organisations involved; the Major sponsors: Catchment project coordination by Melbourne’s Living Museum of the • City West Water - $5,000 West; the supportive and active role played by the Charles • Maribyrnong City Council - $5,000 Grimes 200th Anniversary Re-enactment Steering Committee; • Melbourne Water - $2,000 the huge contribution by volunteers; and the goodwill and enthusiasm of everyone involved. • Parks Victoria - $1,000 Our partners were: • In-kind support from Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley and • Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West Melbourne City Councils and volunteers partner • Maribyrnong Living Cruises organisations - $20,000 • Polly Woodside Trust • Footscray, Williamstown, Essendon, Sunshine, and Keilor Contact: Historical Societies and RHSV John Upsher • Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley and Melbourne Ph: 9317 7148 City Councils Email: [email protected] Maribyrnong

Replica of an 1880s longboat, like the Planting the commemorative tree at Pipemarkers Mayfl ower, that Grimes and Flemming used, Park, Maribyrnong being rowed up the Maribyrnong River

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Maribynong Catchment 15 Greening of Riddell Willow removal, Riddells Creek Removal of willows to improve in-stream and riparian habitat

Large multi-trunked willow trees were removed from the banks and the middle of half a kilometre of creek in Wybejong Park, Riddells Creek. We employed a contractor, who had an excavator with a grappling hook, as he was able to remove and stockpile the trees, with a minimal amount of damage to the banks of the creek. To get the excavator on to the site we needed to work from the land opposite Wybejong Park, which is private Catchment property, as Wybejong has a steep escarpment on the creek. The landowner of the property was not happy with the amount of disturbance that the excavator created and halfway through the project he ordered the contractor off his land. To fi nish the job we needed to employ another contractor and we had to do a lot more manual clean up of the site than previously expected.

In January 2003, we had consulted with the community and undertook a series of interviews with locals; in February, we poisoned selected willows using the cut and fi ll method; in March, we removed the willows; in April, we had many working bees to clean up and sort debris from useable timber, which local people took away for fi rewood and we had some of the in-stream stumps ground out; in May, the local CFA helped us burn off the debris stockpiles; from June to September, we removed willow twigs and prepared areas of creek bank for planting and monitored emerging plant growth; in October, we planted out some areas with native tussock grass, sedges and trees; and in November and December, we monitored the site for regrowth, which we poisoned, as well as weeded and watered our planting sites.

Maribyrnong What made it a success: Our partners were: We held discussion/slide shows with the local Primary School • Greening of Riddell students and the Senior Citizens Club to make sure that the local • Local CFA community understood the reasons why we were removing the • Riddells Creek Primary School willows. • Rotary Club Catchment • Interact Club We interviewed numerous people in the local community to • Local tradesmen with special skills and equipment gauge the level of knowledge and attitude in the community. • Advice from DPI, DSE, and Parks Vic (who own Wybejong This told us that people are passionate about trees and that once Park), and Melbourne Water (who we consulted about a large they were educated about the problems with willows in streams, undermined oak tree) then they agreed with the objectives of the project. However, • Lachlan Milne, Environment Offi cer, Macedon Ranges Shire, there was a proviso that clear lines of communication were used was very helpful and that the project was fi nished, ie landscaped and replanted. Cost: We used the local community newsletter Riddell Roundup and • Grant of $8000 from the Port Phillip and Westernport submitted monthly articles on the project’s progress, written by Catchment Management Authority one of our members who is a very good wordsmith. Contact: We used the talents, skills and networks of our group and Lyn Hovey via Werribee and Maribyrnong Landcare Coordinator consulted the community at every stage of the project. Ph: 5429 9629

“At the time, it felt anything but a success story. It was a very painful process, which involved angry confl ict, endless debate, back breaking labour, and that sick feeling in your heart when you cut down a tree, multiplied by a factor of 200. Biodiversity is hard work, and it is very hard to do the right thing by the environment. However, both the community and the Group, can now see the difference the project has made to the creek. Talk in the town has gone from ‘who do they think they are?’ to ‘they’ve done a great job!’”

An excavator removes willow trees in March 2003 from Riddells Creek Maribyrnong

Banks are planted with Poa labillardierie to hold in times of fl ood

16 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Maribyrnong Catchment Maribyrnong Landcare Association (Heinz and Max Gujer) Tree growing in rural landscapes To stabilise 12.3ha of eroding hillside through revegetation

The Gujer brothers’ 212 hectare property is characterised as follows: • hilly • deep gully erosion and sheet erosion

• low fertility on hillsides Catchment • low water absorbency • capacity - one sheep per acre The property’s dams never dry out, as run-off is 40-50% and the little moisture in the ground evaporates due to strong winds. Some of the old gum trees on the hills are slowly dying off due to old age and prolonged drought. If 15mm of rain falls in Sunbury, then at the farm, on the northern fringe of Sunbury, we get just 5mm of rain. To stop the run-off and erosion problem we have worked on the steep and denuded hillsides. Max, my brother, is a very good machinery operator. Firstly, Max breaks the sheet erosion, fi lls in the eroding gullies and washouts. Then he deep rips on the contours down to 600mm, at three metre intervals. This means that we work the same row three times until the depth is 600mm. The soil is very compacted and hard. The next step is to use an Austrak with rotary hoe over the deep rip lines to seal them and to conserve the little soil moisture present. Otherwise, the wind dries the soil moisture out to the bottom of the rip lines. The Austrak can operate on up to 45-degree slopes. Target areas are fenced off to keep stock out. The rotary hoeing also helps suppress weeds.

We have found that winter planting works best on our property. For planting, we use Pottiputki planters and a Maribyrnong 1.6 metre long rod to fi nd the rip line (as long as there is good moisture in the soil). If the soil is too dry, then we dig 20 holes at a time and completely fi ll them with water. Once the water drains into the soil we plant the

trees and protect them with guards. After these trees are planted, they are not watered. This method is best on Catchment our hills, as with little rain the run-off from the row spacing gives the trees the extra water they need to survive. From our experience, we have found that half the trees on the fl at will not survive if they are not watered. We source our trees from Western Plains Flora Nursery and advice is sought from the Maribyrnong Landcare Association. Over a two year period, almost 9,000 trees were planted at our property using this method.

What made it a success: Cost: • Deep ripping down to 600mm to enable planting in the rip • Landholder contribution - $20,125 lines • PPWCMA grant - $9,230 • NHT grant - $6,200 Partners: Contact: • Maribyrnong Landcare Association Heinz Gujer • Conservation Volunteers Australia Ph: 9744 2230 Email: [email protected]

“Heinz has increased the honey harvest from his beehives due to the large variety of indigenous trees planted at the property over the past 10-15 years. Heinz’s organic honey has won fi rst prize at the J. Bee Club. A further bonus from the revegetation work has been an increase in the variety and number of native birds found at the property.” Maribyrnong

2002 - planting with the help of volunteers from Conservation Volunteers 2004 - good Australia growth from the trees that were planted two years earlier Photos by Heinz Gujer

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Maribynong Catchment 17 Mount William Rabbit Action Group (Deep Creek Landcare Group) Rabbit management success story To reduce the existing rabbit population to a manageable level

In late 1996, an 11 square kilometre area near Mount William, east of Lancefi eld, had been identifi ed as one of the worst rabbit infested areas in Australia. Local landholders, through Deep Creek Landcare Group, Catchment succeeded in having the area chosen as a Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD) release point and obtained initial funding for three years, for a rabbit management project. At the time, the average spotlight count was over 77 rabbits per kilometre (in one half kilometre stretch the count was 120!). Plague level is generally accepted as 35 rabbits per spotlight kilometre.

Our strategy was to create a rabbit hostile environment. We combined the RCD release, warren ripping, burrow fumigation and harbour removal, cooperatively across all the properties in the control area. Surviving rabbits migrated to the roadsides. We next sprayed the woody weeds on the roadsides adjoining the properties within the control area to remove harbour and expose the warrens, and these too were either ripped or fumigated.

At our last count in 2003, there were 1.8 rabbits per spotlight kilometre.

What made it a success: Cost:

Maribyrnong • Landholder cooperation and persistence • About $60,000 over the life of the program from Rabbit Buster Funds, which were administered by the State Government Our partners were: Contact: • Deep Creek Landcare Group John Blamey (Mount William Rabbit Action Group Facilitator/ • Department of Sustainability and Environment

Catchment Secretary) Ph: 5429 2011

“The embarrassment of farmers getting lost on their own land when fog rolled in during one of our spotlight counts.”

Maribyrnong Eastern side of Mt William range - dozer ripping bracken. Warrens were in bracken, which also provided harbour

Gary Talbot guiding the bulldozer ripping the warrens

18 Stories of community landcare success 2004 MaribyrnongWerribee CatchmentCatchment Little River Improvement Program National Tree Day – 2003 To participate in National Tree Day 2003 and plant some 1500 plants

For a number of years Little River Improvement Program Inc (LRIP) has been involved in National Tree Day events and the Group wanted to make 2003 more successful than any of the previous days. This was going to be a large task, because in previous years around 600-800 plants were planted on each occasion.

The local Primary School was approached, to participate on July 26th 2003, as part of Schools’ National Tree Day. The entire 110 children from the school got involved. Planting was carried out in a newly landscaped car park area prepared by the Wyndham City Council and a total of around 500 plants were put into the ground. Catchment On the following Sunday (July 28th), which was a cool and cloudy day, some 700 plants were planted at Rothwell Reserve, one of the local Council parks, with the assistance of 12 members of the local community. At the completion of the hard work the participants were then treated to light refreshments.

A total of around 1200 plants were planted by LRIP to celebrate National Tree Day in 2003. Thanks to the organising skills of LRIP members: Jennie, Ruth and Rachel, assistance from Wyndham City Council, and the valuable contributions of the kids of the Little River Primary School, as well as the members of the local community, our total planted certainly eclipsed all previous efforts. Special thanks to Rick Wolany Toyota of Werribee, for fi nancial assistance in the form of sponsorship, which helped with the cost of public liability Werribee insurance and refreshments.

During 2003, altogether some 2500 plants were planted by LRIP, with the signifi cant assistance provided by Mary-Anne and the students of Geelong Grammar School, who were involved in an after school planting program on the banks of the Little River.

What made it a success: • Public liability insurance - approx. $300 and refreshments Early preparation to obtain the assistance of the Primary – around $150, which were covered by the sponsorship of School’s teachers and children. Considerable effort by several Rick Wolany Toyota (Toyota is a major sponsor of members of LRIP to organise plants, mulch, tools and National Tree Day) refreshments. • LRIP Committee members donated their time and expenses Our partners were: involved in activities such as transport, phone calls, notices, mailing etc Catchment • Wyndham City Council • Little River Primary School Contact: • Rick Wolany Toyota, Werribee Ron Goldsmith Cost: Ph: 5283 1566 Email: [email protected] • Mulch - provided by the Wyndham City Council

“The surprise that LRIP members Jennie and Rachel experienced when the entire school (some 110 kids), turned out for the Friday planting, when they had expected just 20-30 children. It took some time to get some order into the chaos, but they both enjoyed the experience.” Werribee

John McNaughton, a member of one of the Some of the attendees in one of the planted original families in the area areas at the end of the planting

Photos by Ron Goldsmith

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Werribee Catchment 19 Rushing Waters Werribee River clean up – Ballan To remove rubbish and noxious weeds, and undertake general beautifi cation works along the Werribee River in Ballan

I (Kerrin Ash), had a vision to have the Werribee River and surrounding areas, which we as a community could be proud of, an area where Ballan residents and visitors to the area can fully utilise and enjoy.

Initially, we letterboxed the residents that live along the Werribee River in Ballan. A committee of nine people was formed who were passionate about seeing this project come to fruition. We held a meeting and set a date to start the planning of a Clean Up Day. The local Council (Moorabool Shire), Clean Up Australia, and East Catchment Moorabool Landcare Group were contacted to fi nd out information on what could be done and how to go about it. These sources provided support and direction on how the day could be run with the involvement of volunteers and community groups. The Lions and Lioness Clubs of Ballan both donated morning/afternoon tea and lunch for the participants. Moorabool Council offered advertising of the event through their weekly column in the local newspaper and the Community Capacity Building Initiative Representative informed all the Community Groups. Flyers on the Clean Up Day were also distributed to all the residents in Ballan and were displayed in all the local shops.

The Clean Up Day was held on Sunday 20th July, 2003 and 40 participants attended, along with the

Werribee equipment required to do some serious work ie. whipper snippers, chainsaws etc. We were able to remove a number of Willows, Box Thorn, Blackberry, Ivy, and long grass from an area approximately 50 metres along both sides of the Werribee River.

The area now looks fantastic; passing traffi c can now see from a distance the water fl ow in the river. Since this fi rst Clean Up Day, we have held three additional Clean Up Days, which have also been very successful. We have planted 200 native indigenous trees in the area and have had the support of the local Primary School, with the children taking on the responsibility for looking after the trees, with water and mulch. We have scheduled another four Clean Up Days during the remainder of 2004, with more of the river to be cleaned up and replanted. This project has been very rewarding for the committee of Rushing Waters, the participants, Catchment the community, and me.

What made it a success: • Community Capacity Building Initiative • Having passionate people in your team and the support of the • Local Newspapers community/Council Cost: Our partners were: • Nothing, everything was donated • Moorabool Shire Council Contact: • East Moorabool Landcare Group Kerrin Ash • Lions and Lioness Clubs Ph: 0439 885 835 • Clean Up Australia Email: [email protected] Werribee

Removing woody weeds along the Werribee River in Ballan - the Rushing Waters Project’s fi rst Clean Up Day on 20th July 2003

20 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Werribee Catchment Wyndham Lakes Residents’ Association Lollypop Creek Nature Trail To establish a series of interpretive signs that would inform people using the trails on Wyndham Green about the unique fl ora and fauna and the history of the area

Our starting point had been the formation of the Wyndham Lakes Residents’ Association, as the new housing estate fi rst developed. In 1999, the Association became an incorporated society. A sub-group of residents focused on the signifi cant values of Lollypop Creek and became a Land for Wildlife group.

A small committee initially listed the most important features of the existing trails along Lollypop Creek, which include: Catchment • the gnarled River Red Gums, some over 200 years • ever increasing bird life old, which line the edges of the creek • snakes, frogs, lizards and skinks • the Flora Reserve containing the threatened • picturesque Tucker’s Water Hole with its rocky species Small Scurf-pea (Cullen parvum) and escarpment other plants of State signifi cance A Group member began sketches for each of the fi ve proposed signs, as well as a large introductory sign, while another member started a local history search of the area surrounding Lollypop Creek. Quotes were obtained for the six signs. The signage material had to be both vandal and weatherproof. DNRE helped with authenticity of descriptions and photographs of the fl ora and fauna. A quote for the signs was accepted from Werribee Robert Avitable’s Geelong fi rm, Art Farm Design, using vitreous enamel baked onto an aluminium backing. The Aboriginal history of the area was obtained from the Wathaurong Cooperative in Geelong. The Lollypop Creek Nature Trail was fi nally opened on September 14th 2002, more than two years after the idea had fi rst been proposed. The opening was combined with a Land For Wildlife Open Property Day, and the program included a talk about the history of the area; Reg Abrahams Cultural Offi cer from the Wathaurong Cooperative; opening of the trail by Mary Gillett (Member for Werribee); and a Flora and Fauna walk led by Dr Sue Hadden DNRE. The trail continues to be used by an ever growing number of Werribee residents.

What made it a success: • DSE continues to fund the management of the Flora Reserve Catchment The Wyndham Lakes Residents’ Association is a pro-active through the Botanic Guardian Grant Scheme Group that initially obtained support from World Wide Fund For Cost: Nature to protect the remnant grassland and fl ora species along • $17,600 for six signs as well as a set of identical replacement Lollypop Creek. Ongoing support has continued from Wyndham signs City Council, DSE and the Greybox and Grasslands Nursery. • Grants from Wyndham City Council under Community Our partners were: Partnership Program; World Wide Fund For Nature; and DSE Botanic Guardian Scheme • Land For Wildlife offi cer Elise Jeffery advised us throughout the project Contact: • Lou Lane advised on Aboriginal history and the likely Elaine Macmillan meaning of the name Lollypop Ph: 9731 1547 • Wyndham City Council has continued to provide grant money, Email: [email protected] through its Community Partnership Program

“The sign describing the reptiles had to be reworded, as the wording “on a quiet night you may hear the distinctive bonk, bonk, bonk of the pobblebonk frog”, was deemed to be inappropriate.” Werribee A view of the walking track along Lollypop Creek with Feathered Friends sign on the right

Lollypop Creek Nature Trail sign in place

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Werribee Catchment 21 Brisbane Ranges Landcare Group Purchase of spray trailer by the Group To purchase a small spray trailer for the use of group and non-group members

The Brisbane Ranges Landcare Group is situated south of Bacchus Marsh, and as our name suggests, the Group’s area is on the eastern side of the Brisbane Ranges National Park, and takes in the communities of Anakie and Balliang. Land use is mainly sheep and cropping, on properties that range in size from 150 hectares to 700 hectares. In addition, there are also a number of smaller hobby farms within the Group’s area.

In 1997, our Landcare Group was formed. A number of environmental problems in our community were recognised and the Group developed strategies for their control. Similar to some other areas, one of the major Catchment problems in our area is weeds, and in our particular case, the weed of most concern is Serrated Tussock.

The Group formed a small sub committee and the idea of purchasing a small spray trailer was developed. The purchase of the spray trailer by the Group would have several advantages: • those on smaller properties would have access to equipment, which would make the control of Serrated Tussock easier, thus encouraging its control • the charge for the trailer’s hire would contribute to the Group’s fi nances • the spray trailer project would be a group activity that would help get the newly formed Group up and running Werribee A $4000 grant was applied for from the DNRE. In November 1998, the grant was received, however, the grant received was not quite the sum applied for. Nevertheless, with a little ingenuity, two Group members built an excellent spray unit.

The spray trailer consists of a 600 litre tank, two live hose reels of varying lengths with spray lances, and the pump powered by a 5HP petrol engine.

The spray trailer is hired out at $25.00 a day to non-members and $20.00 a day to members, thereby encouraging people to join the Group. Through a mail out we invited people to an open day, where we took the trailer to the local hall and provided an opportunity to come, look and learn about the operation of the Catchment spray trailer.

We have also taken up the invitation of Anakie Primary School to display the trailer at school’s 150 year anniversary fair, as a way of promoting the Landcare Group.

What made it a success: Cost: • A common & identifi able • $3250 comprised of $3000 problem – weeds, in particular grant and $250 from Brisbane Serrated Tussock Ranges Landcare Group funds • An achievable goal – the spray trailer Contact: Andrew Prime Our partners were: Ph: 5369 4261

Werribee • DNRE Email: [email protected]

Brisbane Ranges Landcare Group’s spray unit

22 Stories of community landcare success 2004 WesternportWerribee Catchment Friends of Bass Valley Bush Margo Kroyer-Pedersen Wildlife Shelter To care for injured, sick and orphaned regional wildlife

Margo Kroyer-Pedersen was a well-known wildlife artist who probably knew more about rearing wombats than anyone in Australia. She used her painting to provide the funds to look after wildlife and when she became frail, our Group took over the running of the shelter and named it after her. Catchment The shelter provides for the care and rehabilitation of wildlife. Because of increasing traffi c volumes with tourists heading to Phillip Island, there has been a jump in the number of injuries to marsupials, small mammals, birds and reptiles. In addition, the steady population growth has seen a dramatic increase in the number of attacks by domestic dogs and cats.

We equipped the shelter with cages, pens, and feeding equipment. We formerly used a small Daihatsu Mira, as a wildlife ambulance, to pick up injured or orphaned wildlife in the area from Phillip Island to Cranbourne. Recently the Shelter found a corporate sponsor and now has a Combo, with more space, which allows us to transport much bigger animals and provides easier access to cages.

Animals in the shelter have included wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, antechinus, bats, blue tongue lizards, a peregrine falcon, kestrels, many galahs, rosellas, and magpies. Westernport

What made it a success: Cost: • Obtaining the support of members of the Group to set up the • Total funds spent in setting up the shelter were about $3,000 shelter and local vets who provide emergency veterinary care and there is an annual running cost of about $1,000 which is and advice provided by supporters and sales at markets Our partners were: • The ambulance is provided by a private sponsor

• Members of Friends of Bass Valley Bush assisted by providing Catchment old blankets, sheets etc and helped construct some of the pens Contact: needed to house the animals Phil Westwood • Bass Coast Shire Council provided funds to sign write the fi rst Ph: 5678 8473 wildlife ambulance Email: [email protected]

“One of the orphaned magpies raised at the centre spent so much time playing with the farm dogs that it developed a wonderful bark. It became very disconcerting for passing raptors to have a group of magpies chase them with one in the middle barking like crazy!” Westernport

Friends of Bass Valley Bush – “Our new Combo!” One of the smallest creatures to be in the shelter was this Little Forest Bat. We often get calls about bats in houses and sometimes about them hooked up in barbed wire fences

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment 23 Friends of Bunyip State Park Development of 3km Button-grass Nature Walk in Bunyip State Park (from 1999-2003) Provide recreational/educational access by upgrading walkers-only track severely damaged by trailbikes and horses Catchment

The group carried out the following activities: • Reconnaissance, measurement/distance markers • Assessment of drainage and repair work needed to rehabilitate the track surface • Installation of protective fencing and bollards to protect track as walkers-only status • Manual drainage of standing areas of water • Supervision of excavation work and installation of drainage culverts • Spreading of 40 tonnes of crushed rock on repaired track surface • Installation of four seats and an Information shelter with display of photos and maps • Completion of boardwalks constructed by a Green Corps • Seed collection and revegetation of degraded areas • Preparation of walk notes for 20 numbered posts Westernport • Periodic repair work following vandalism and illegal track use • Publicity and the ‘Offi cial Opening’ of Button-grass Nature Walk on October 11th 2003

What made it a success: Cost: • Botanical and environmental diversity of Button-grass Track • Three grants from Parks Victoria Community funding

Catchment • Enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers whose various totalling $17,700 individual skills (fencing, digging, photography, revegetation, Contact: etc.) made for a great team effort Marianne Sawyer or Anne Marsden via Westernport and • Support from the Park Management Dandenong Landcare Coordinator Our partners were: Ph: 9785 0117 • Parks Victoria (Gembrook) • Green Corps (construction of some boardwalks) • ‘Work for the Dole’ team for a week Westernport

Sand spread on the track - age is no barrier! Rangers and members erecting sign at entry to track

24 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment Maryknoll Tracks and Reserves Group Flora report To carry out a survey and subsequently report on the fl ora of various reserves in Maryknoll

The Maryknoll Tracks and Reserves Group have been operational since the 1970s. It has a core group of six members. However, the members operate a ‘tree phone’ system when looking for helpers to carry out on-ground works, which means that each of the members telephone around to others in the community. This has been very successful and the members have enlisted the help of 92 different community people to help them in their work. Catchment

Rik Brown has completed a fl ora survey and produced a report on the fl ora of the St Joseph’s Wildfl ower Reserve, Triangle Reserve and Yarrarubba Reserve, entitled the ‘Maryknoll Reserves Accounts Report’. By the end July 2004, Rik will have also completed another report, entitled ‘The Overview of the Vegetation and Habitat of the Maryknoll Reserves’. This information will enable the Maryknoll Tracks and Reserves Group to make more informed decisions about the management of these reserves.

Each reserve has been documented with information on vegetation communities, signifi cant plants, habitat features, signifi cance ratings, weed infestations and ratings.

From the report already produced, we found that we are surrounded by ‘gold’, in terms of the native vegetation that is present. Many of the areas in our reserves still have an intact ground layer with all the lilies, grasses, herbs, mosses, lichens and orchids present. Westernport Rik, during his survey work, saw the Powerful Owl in the Wirragulla Reserve and Weatherhead Forest Reserve. Our creek vegetation is very important, with the stands of Melaleuca squarrosa and M. ericifolia found along the creeks, which provide habitat for Ring-tailed Possums that in turn provide food for the Powerful Owl.

What made it a success: Cost: Catchment • Receiving project funding • Funds from Australian Government Envirofund • The Community Group is very dedicated to the maintenance of the Maryknoll Reserves Contact: Our partners were: Vivien Clarke • Australian Government Ph: 5942 8427 Westernport

Members of the Maryknoll Tracks and Reserves Group with Rik Brown Front: Bethany Hamburg, Sarah McClelland, Nicki Booth, Lachlan McClelland Middle: Rik Brown, Vivien Clarke, Jenny McClelland Back: Brad Waterhouse, Michelle Hamburg, Vin Tyler

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment 25 WHERE THE STORIES CAME FROM WHERE THE STORIES CAME FROM Phillip Island Landcare Group Phillip Island Environmental Blitz To carry out a large-scale environmental project, involving the wider community, which was featured on Burke’s Environmental Blitz

Phillip Island Landcare Group has worked towards the long-term protection of the island’s ecosystem for 16 years. The Group actively involves local, national and international participants, through projects that Catchment contribute to environmental action and education, at a local and global level. One of the major highlights for the Group was when television celebrities from Burke’s Backyard and Backyard Blitz came onto the island to fi lm Burke’s Environmental Blitz, at the Ventnor Common Reserve, in early October 2002. It’s not every day that two national television programs join forces with Landcare and the local community to give Phillip Island an environmental makeover. The scale of the environmental activity was incredible, with over 700 volunteers involved in the two days. “We felt very honoured to have been chosen by Landcare Australia and Don Burke to showcase the extraordinary power of the Phillip Island Landcare movement in tackling our local environmental problems”, said Mike Cleeland, President, Phillip Island Landcare Group. The 14-hectare site at Ventnor Common, near the town of Cowes, was chosen as the ‘host community’ because the on-ground works were part of a long-term Landcare plan. Over two days, more than 13,000 indigenous plants were planted to form part of the important Phillip Island wildlife corridor; a series of frog Westernport ponds and wetlands were constructed for the island’s bird species; an area destroyed by 4WD vehicles was also reclaimed; rabbit proof fencing was constructed over two hectares; and gorse removed, as well as one third of a two hectare pine forest, which was invading the surrounding native bushland. “It would normally take a Landcare group many years to accomplish this level of works”, said Mike. “Coastal erosion works, track estalishment, 120 metre boardwalk construction

Catchment and bushland regeneration, also played an integral part of the major environmental transformation”, commented Mike. The Federal Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Dr David Kemp, visited the site during the fi lming and met members of the Landcare Group, television crews, and sponsors. The Phillip Island community and the Landcare Group achieved a real boost to their collective ‘energies’ as they brought together and forward, a signifi cant amount of their The large group of volunteers for the Environmental Blitz future plans and actions into one huge weekend. What made it a success: • Westpac Banking Corporation • Strong community support, • Mitre 10 Phillip Island Landcare is a vibrant enthusiasm, dedication and • One Steel Waratah Fencing and active Group that is continually ownership • Sigma Pharmaceuticals • A well organised planning process • Edison Mission Energy growing and looking into the future • Lots of volunteers from the local • Kennards Hire community and further a fi eld to develop new ways of tackling • Bass Coast Shire Council and many • Engagement of local partners, such Westernport problems. With good planning, as Bass Coast Shire, Westernport other local and regional supporters Water, Phillip Island Nature Park as Cost: cooperation and innovation we well as major corporate partners • All in-kind believe we can make a difference. • High profi le celebrities raised the awareness of environmental activity Contact: in the community Kellie Nichols Our partners were: Ph: 5678 2335 • Natural Heritage Trust Envirofund Email: [email protected]

28 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment Deep Creek Landcare Group Deep Creek Landcare Newsletter To create a newsletter on the activities of local environment groups, which is circulated to the community

In December 2003, we published our fi rst newsletter, to increase awareness of natural resource management issues in the catchment. Committee members wrote articles and our secretary/editor Gaye Cooke produced Catchment the newsletter. The Group’s fi rst newsletter contained information about Landcare planting days and the water-monitoring program that the Group is involved in, Waterwatch. Reports were also published from other local groups, including the Paradise Action Group and the Friends of Kennedy Creek. The newsletter was circulated to the members of all the Groups, local schools, community members, the Shire of Cardinia, and other stakeholders, as well as being available in the local shop. We hope to be able to produce a newsletter every six months. Because of the newsletter, we have had new members join our Landcare Group.

What made it a success: Cost: • Funding support • All in-kind • Members of Deep Creek Landcare Group and other groups who wrote articles Contact: Our partners were: Meryl Waterhouse • Melbourne Water Ph: 5941 1306 • Port Phillip and Westernport CMA

• Shire of Cardinia Westernport

Australian Plants Society (South Eastern Melbourne Region) Catchment Boneseeding on Arthur’s Seat To reduce noxious weeds and introduced plants

Our Group has been running for nearly ten years. Twice a year, a group of members from our Society visits the Cook Street Spur to weed ‘our’ designated area in the Arthur’s Seat National Park, and we are prepared to tackle anything!

Our main concern is weeding Boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera), Western Australian Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla) and Myrtle-leaf Milkwort (Polygala myrtifolia), but we also take out other plants that are not indigenous, such as Sydney Wattle or Pittosporum.

We have started to replant and Parks Victoria provides us with indigenous plants. Each year there is less to do in ‘our’ area, so we are spreading out to undesignated areas. We celebrate each spring when we see orchids, grasses and other indigenous plants reappear now that the smothering effect of the weeds has been removed. What a reward for two days of work a year! Westernport What made it a success: Cost: • A common interest in plants • No costs have been associated with this activity • Good friends Contact: • The reward of seeing regeneration of the natural bush Cathy Spencer Our partners were: Ph: 9584 5850 • The Parks Victoria Rangers supervise the Group’s activities and they have supplied the indigenous plants for replanting

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment 29 Back Creek Landcare Group Back Creek Christmas dinner To celebrate on an annual basis the year’s achievements of the Landcare Group

At the end of each year, members of Back Creek Landcare Group come together to celebrate the year’s successes.

Catchment Our inaugural celebratory meal was held on December 6th 1997, an Italian dinner at the home of Kathy and John Paterson. It was a superb smorgasbord meal with culinary delights like mussel soup and tiramisu. The waitresses also delighted us with a few beautiful tunes. We now have our annual meal at the Tynong North Meetings Rooms. Each year we seem to time it well, and the Friday Group (a local group that meets on Fridays), beautifully decorates the room.

At the meal in 2003, Jim McNabb, a naturalist, shared some of his adventures working with owls.

Each year we have a raffl e to augment our fi nances and Pakenham Produce and a local plant nursery provide the prizes. We have a great turnout of our members and various friends from other Landcare Groups join us for a memorable evening.

What made it a success: Cost: • Each member contributes a main dish, salad or dessert • All in-kind Westernport Our partners were: Contact: • Pakenham Produce Vivien Clarke • A local plant nursery Ph:5942 8427

“The food is superb and it is so good to have so many talented chefs in our area!” Catchment Johns Hill Landcare Group Reduction in foxes in rural-urban fringe To reduce fox numbers over long enough period, so that native wildlife and lambs can survive to adulthood

Johns Hill Landcare Group is based in the Menzies Creek – Emerald – Kallista South area, in the southern Dandenongs. The Landcare Group was offi cially formed in August 2002, but had operated for a number of years as a loose group of landholders exchanging ideas and working co-operatively.

Many of these landholders have received Melbourne Water Stream Frontage grants, or have participated in the community group MEANDER’s hard work along the Menzies Creek ‘Reserve’. Westernport The network was further increased following a Parks Victoria fox-baiting program for neighbours of parks and bushland reserves. When the program was stopped, Parks Victoria ran a workshop to inform landholders about fox habitat, habits and lifecycles in the bush and urban areas, plus the options available to land managers for reducing fox numbers.

In the meantime, the Landcare Group was formed and successfully applied for grants for weeding, fencing and revegetation. However, no grants were available for foxes.

30 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment However, the seeds had been sown and several landowners discussed a co-ordinated approach to fox baiting. While all were members of the Landcare Group, the insurance issues seemed too complex for the activity to be an offi cial Landcare activity. Besides, for the program to be effective over a long period, each landholder has to take full responsibility (and each has to have an Agricultural Chemical Users Permit, ie ACUP). All participants are Landcare Group members, the program is reported in the Group’s newsletter, and others are invited to get further information on the program.

The properties within the area totalled about 500 acres. With NRE, a program was set up that coordinated timing, location of baits, recording of information, notifi cation of neighbours, and reporting to NRE. Each landholder was responsible for their own baits, the actual baiting and notifi cation of their neighbours. One property used regular shooting of foxes to remove them, and another property employed someone to ‘clean Catchment up’ any dens, and to shoot.

Results: With baiting from May to October 2003, a total of 51 baits were taken from fi ve bait stations and a further 11 foxes were shot. Only four bodies were found from baiting. Towards the end of the program, few baits were being taken, perhaps indicating fewer foxes, or else, that the foxes had become wilier.

Impact on lambing: of 60 lambs (in the one property that had them), only one lamb was taken compared to many more in previous years (number not recorded).

Impact on native wildlife: diffi cult to monitor the impact, but one property reported a 3-fold increase in sighting of echidnas, and far more diggings than they’d seen in 17 years. (When baiting fi nished, a fox scat with echidna quills was found.)

Most neighbours of the properties were kept informed of the program’s progress and some nearby urban Westernport streets were leafl eted with the ‘Foxes in Urban Areas’ leafl et.

The same group of landholders are about to start the next six month program (lambing is approaching). Some are keen to make it all year and monitor changes in wildlife. We suspect this size of 500 acres is about the minimum that can keep foxes out of a core area, so it needs full cooperation and constant monitoring Catchment What made it a success: Cost: • Coordinated timing of the baiting, as the landholders were • Cost of the bait - landholders mostly on adjacent properties, and there were few wandering • Time (ie labour) - NRE and landholders dogs to worry about, as participating landholders and their Contact: neighbours were responsible dog owners Karen Alexander Our partners were: Ph: 5968 4651 • Department of Natural Resources and Environment (now DPI) Email: [email protected]

“Only being able to get monthly permits increases the paperwork. However, notifi cation to neighbours on monthly basis is fi ne.” Westernport

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment 31 Bunyip/Cardinia Catchment Landcare Network Bunyip/Cardinia Catchment Landcare Network To promote the Landcare ethic, ie we all live in a catchment and our land management practices have an impact on water quality, soils and native vegetation Catchment In 1998, the Bunyip/Cardinia Catchment Landcare Network (BCCLN) was set up by a small community group, in the catchment of the Bunyip River, one hour from Melbourne. It was clear that the area was suffering from the same degradation as much of Victoria - waterways, wetlands and remnant vegetation damaged by stock and an overall lack of native vegetation, as a result of historical overclearing.

The BCCLN’s original vision was to increase the amount of indigenous native vegetation on properties, which would have benefi cial effects economically, ecologically and socially. A network of local community groups was set up to attempt an overall change in landholder attitudes and actions that would have a catchment wide effect. Incentives were offered for fencing, plants, planting and weed control support. Field days, tours and educational workshops were held to encourage participation and attitude change. Water monitoring of local creeks and mammal surveying was set up for each Landcare Group. Each participating property is offered property and weed management planning and ongoing support to complete projects.

Westernport Teams of volunteers and Government funded Green Corps groups assist landholders with planting and weed control.

To date, the BCCLN has nine Landcare Groups, comprising 300 members (with an additional 100 that help with planting days), and 200 ongoing projects. We have: put in 160 kilometres of protective fencing; protected 450 hectares of waterway, wetland and remnant bushland; planted 200,000 indigenous plants in the projects; have three direct seed sites; and spent $840,000 in grants to landholders. Catchment

What made it a success: • Shire of Cardinia • A dedicated community • Melbourne Water • Ability to change landholder attitudes Cost: • Good access to funding • Lots of grants, too many to detail! • Wide range of activities to attract landholders to the Landcare Contact: Groups Julie Weatherhead Our partners were: Ph: 5942 8580 • Australian Government’s Envirofund Email: [email protected] Westernport

Andrew Troedel of ‘Buneep Park’, Bunyip North, standing beside his one year old direct seeding windbreak. These seeds germinated and grew through the drought of 2001/2.

32 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment Manton and Stony Creek Landcare Group Planting at Red Hill Primary School To carry out a planting project that will provide a future environment of indigenous species and improved amenity for the school

In February 2004, the Manton and Stony Creek Landcare Group conducted its fi rst planting session, just a few months after the Group’s offi cial establishment. The Red Hill Primary School was selected as an excellent Catchment site to create an area of indigenous trees and shrubs, in the somewhat barren playground and woody weed- contaminated nature strip. The project provided an example of the benefi t of planting to the students and provided an opportunity to initiate community awareness about the Group.

The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA), Mornington Peninsula Shire representatives, and over 30 enthusiastic members and volunteers supported the project, which involved the planting of 126 trees and shrubs followed by a barbecue.

Importantly, the project created enthusiasm among the Group to come up with plans for future projects in the catchment area, and a major project at hand is the Weed Action Project. This project, which is strongly supported by the PPWCMA, will encourage landowners in the catchment to remove regionally prohibited weeds from the area.

What made it a success: • The Department of Primary Industry also provided guidance Westernport • Good project planning, well in advance, so that carefully and support in establishing the Group selected indigenous plants were ready on the day, members Cost: and volunteers had plenty of notice of the event and local • The Shire provided funds for the plants and materials for the newspapers, newsletters and fl yers were used to promote the project as part of the Community Partnership Grant to the project Group Our partners were: • Total contribution: $1600 for this project and ongoing • Mornington Peninsula Shire provided fi nancial support for the activities Catchment purchase of plants and the Group’s promotional material Contact: • PPWCMA provided guidance in helping the Group to get David Maddocks established, assistance in providing Landcare Group area Ph: 5989 6212 maps, and help with promotion of the Group Email: [email protected]

“The Group removed blackberry, sweet pittosporum, mirror bush and a small cluster of pine seedlings from the nature strip and planted indigenous trees twofold. The following week someone contacted the school to complain about the removal of the vegetation!” Westernport

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment 33 Friends of Frog Hollow A major leap at Frog Hollow To preserve and enhance the remnant vegetation at Frog Hollow Reserve

We applied for (and received) a Federal Government grant from Envirofund for revegetation works, and on the strength of this, were able to establish a new community group from scratch. This has enabled us to prepare planting areas and plant 10,000 indigenous plants along the creek line in our fi rst year of operation. The project started in early 2003, in an area that had been historically farmed for Red Gum timber, and Catchment once cleared, used for cattle grazing. Our Group has achieved this success by engaging the local community including individual residents, families, scout and guide groups, and school groups. We have also gained the support of all three levels of government for our work. During the fi rst year, we managed to raise more than $50,000 in funds to assist with our work. We have conducted a number of successful community events including Clean Up Australia Day, Arbor Week, National Tree Day, and a major Spring Planting Festival event. This year, we expect to plant a further 7,500 plants, and are actively seeking funds for pathway links, a bridge link to a neighbouring park, and information boards.

In summary, our success story has been the amount that we have achieved as a community group in our formation year.

What made it a success: • The local scouts and guides participated in much of the • The hard work and dedication of the initial Committee planting works

Westernport • The strong support, encouragement and advice from Council Cost: offi cers • Total cost of the work (Stage 1) was around $52,000, of this, • The support from both State and Federal politicians $28,340 was provided by Envirofund, and the rest was in-kind • The willingness of the local community to get involved labour donated by the community Our partners were: Contact: • The City of Casey provided support, information, and Stephen Hallett guidance, and the use of their fully equipped tool trailer Ph: 0419 104 124 • Terry Clay, Paul O’Hagan, and Geoff Cummins provided a Email: [email protected] Catchment Bobcat to use to spread the huge amount of mulch

“We had our state Member of Parliament out shovelling mulch on a pouring rainy day!”

From left: Group Committee Members, Hard at work! Ray Darbritz, Hector DeSantos and Stephen Hallet in front of our display at the Spring Planting Festival, to promote our activities and recruit members Westernport

34 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment Poowong Landcare Group Enhancing the Giant Earthworm’s habitat To rehabilitate the habitat of the Giant Earthworm

Our Landcare Group’s area encompasses the source of the Bass River, and it was formed in October 1992. A large section of the river is adjacent to Bass Valley Road, Poowong, and as such, is in close proximity to the township of Poowong. In 1996, our Group realised that the predominantly remnant vegetation in this area was being suffocated by the abundance of noxious and environmental weeds, a result of years of neglect and Catchment garden refuse dumping. This was also very detrimental to the natural habitat of the famous Giant Earthworm. Since then, we have controlled the weeds, and have taken the opportunity to trial the effectiveness of various weed control methods, while being mindful of the impact of chemicals on the environment, and especially on the Giant Earthworm. About 20 people have been involved in the project, where approximately 2500 indigenous plants have been planted, including the rare Strzleckii Eucalyptus. This species is unique to the area and has been grown from seed we have collected. We have also worked with adjoining farmers to have the area fenced off to prevent stock damage.

What made it a success: • Parks Victoria • Enthusiasm, passion and involvement of the whole • RMIT community, especially the Poowong and Loch Primary • Melbourne University Schools, and Korumburra Secondary College • The co-operation of adjoining landholders Cost:

• Support provided by various agencies such as the Landcare • Parks Victoria ‘Good Neighbour’ Program and the South Westernport networks, Catchment Management Authorities, Parks Victoria, Gippsland Landcare Network ‘Hills to Ocean (H2O)’ program RMIT and Melbourne University that helped contribute to $2000 of tube stock, $800 of fencing Our partners were: and $2500 annually for contract chemical spraying • Poowong and Loch Primary Schools • Korumburra Secondary College Contact: • Co-operation of adjoining landholders Stephen Halliday • South Gippsland Landcare Network Ph: 5659 2379

• Catchment Management Authorities Email: [email protected] Catchment

“A stalwart of our Group – not unknown to many in regional Landcare circles – organised a “Controlled” burn-off in some of this area. A sudden change in wind conditions necessitated a rapid change of duties for the Group’s Spray Unit and a “warm” invitation to his fellow CFA members. Not to worry though, the signs down there needed new posts anyway! It certainly did more good than harm!” Westernport

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment 35 Mt Lyall Landcare Group Ponds, pupils, plants and people To change a weed-ridden area within a school into a useful learning tool for pupils

Mt Lyall Landcare Group has been involved in a successful project management process with the Athlone Primary School Council, developing a wetland within the school, which will be used for environmental studies by the pupils. Two very keen members of the School Council decided that an area within the school Catchment that was overgrown with weeds and blackberries and had a natural soak within its boundaries, could be transformed into a wetland. The Mt Lyall Landcare Group approached the school in February 2003 with an offer to assist with funding applications, as well as technical advice for the project.

The area now has two ponds full of water and these are linked by a swale of rocks. Mulch has been spread by the Green Corps and a further 350 trees, shrubs and plants have recently been planted by the pupils with assistance from the Athlone Primary School community and Landcare. Paths have been laid and a viewing platform is now ready to be built to give the pupils safe access for taking water samples from the ponds. A wildlife corridor is being planted, to link the wetland to some remnant vegetation around the Athlone Community Hall.

What made it a success: Cost: • Enthusiasm and cooperation between Landcare, the Athlone • Total cost will be approximately $8,500 School Community and the wider community • Mitre 10 and Strzelecki Lions have each donated $500 • Funding from Envirofund is expected to almost cover the cost Westernport Our partners were: of the construction of the viewing platform, fencing around the area and the vegetation corridor • Athlone School Council and Athlone parents • Further corporate funding is being considered, however, the • Strzelecki Lions Athlone Primary School Council is willing to provide any • Mitre 10 additional funding that may be required • Green Corps Contact: • Notmans Earth Moving Equipment South Gippsland Landcare Network • A student in Environmental Studies at Chisholm TAFE at Catchment Ph: 5662 4555 Cranbourne Email: [email protected] Westernport

36 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment French Island Landcare Group Education about better pasture management To increase knowledge about current pasture management alternatives for sustainable farming, and to produce change in pasture management practices

In 1993, the French Island Landcare Group was established. However, the Group had a bit of a hiatus from Catchment late 1999 to 2002, when it revitalised again.

Landholders were often asking how they could manage pasture weeds and wanting to know how soil/nutrient management could change what species grew in pasture, as an alternative to just using herbicides. As a result, in 2003, French Island Landcare Group organised a series of three workshops about sustainable pasture and grazing management, including soil testing, fertilising, weed control and species diversity, with visiting experts leading the workshops and fi eld trips. Most third and fourth generation farmers have had limited access to training opportunities, and the many landholders who are part-time or absentee often have very limited knowledge about pasture management. The workshop series was very well attended – a total of 51 people participated over the three workshops, from a total Group membership of only 37! A result of the workshop series has been that at least six landholders have had soil tests done on their properties, with a view to re-evaluating their fertiliser and other pasture management practices. French Island Landcare has also produced and distributed notes on soil chemistry to assist landholders’ understanding of their soil test results. Westernport A number of landholders are now also interested in sharing the hire of a soil aerator once we get some rain!

What made it a success: • Alan Cole (Bunyip Landcare) • The workshops were organised in response to a number of • Graeme Emerson and Bruce Taylor (EmFert) landholders who had asked Landcare committee members for • Jim Seabrook and Darren Morgan (TNN Industries) Catchment information on pasture weeds and how to manage them • This led to a holistic look at how we are managing pasture and Cost: the impact of soil health on what grows where • Promotional grant of $500 from PPWCMA’s Second • Having a series of workshops, rather than just one, was also Generation Grants 2002-3 benefi cial - word got around and by the third workshop, the Contact: penny was starting to drop for many participants! Jane Unwin Our partners were: Ph: 5980 1287 • Port Phillip and Westernport CMA Email: fi [email protected]

Alan Cole’s workshop in May 2003 when we were out on members’ properties, Westernport identifying grasses and pasture weeds

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment 37 Loch/Nyora Landcare Group Birdbox creations To encourage family participation in an innovative Landcare activity

One Sunday, the Loch/Nyora Landcare Group held a birdbox-making workshop. By holding it on a weekend, the Group hoped to attract families and some junior landcarers in the area. More than 20 people attended the activity, with a wide range of ages represented. Committee members had already prepared “kits” of timber

Catchment and nails etc, so that on the day, members could choose the type of box they wanted to make, and so that it was a fun and easy process to construct them. Over 30 boxes were constructed and the majority have been put up on private land. The Group also donated some birdboxes to the Greenhills Hostel for the Aged, so the hostel could sell the boxes as a fundraising activity.

What made it a success: Our partners were: • Preparation of the materials required • No partners • Something different (ie other than tree planting) Cost: • Minimal cost - materials were main cost and these came from • Whole families could be involved Group funds • Useful products were created Contact: • A variety of bat and bird nesting boxes were created and South Gippsland Landcare Network hopefully these were installed around the area Ph: 5662 4555 Email: [email protected] Westernport Ripplebrook Landcare Group Revegetation project To join up remnant vegetation through a staged revegetation project Catchment

Ripplebrook Landcare Group is based around the small town of Ripplebrook (south of Drouin), and the Group meets monthly. We regularly hold fi eld days and recently had one on salinity, in which we put down a water table monitoring bore and had guest speakers. We have also had a direct seeding fi eld day and a video night. We realised that we have a number of patches of remnant vegetation throughout our catchment. We decided to devise a major revegetation project to promote revegetation and the protection of remnant vegetation. Through doing this, we found that many of the projects had a link up style of effect. For example, fencing of swamps or wetlands that link up with existing riparian strips along creeks and drains; turning old remnant stands of Gums into small bush blocks and wildlife corridors that link up with natural treed areas along roadsides; fencing and vegetating of farm dams and gullies for wildlife and erosion control. We have been successful in securing funding for the project for the past two years. With foresight, this type of project can attract more Group members as they see the benefi ts that their neighbours are enjoying. The way we have tackled the project has generated a lot more interest in getting trees in the ground, because of the catchment wide benefi ts.

What made it a success: Cost: • We managed to get many people interested • Grants came from Melbourne Water, Port Phillip and

Westernport • Getting some help from Green Corps Westernport CMA Second Generation Landcare and Our partners were: Envirofund • Speakers from Greening Australia Contact: • Melbourne Water Ripplebrook Landcare Group via the Westernport and • The seed bank at Leongatha Dandenong Landcare Coordinator. • Our own marvellous Westernport Landcare Coordinator, Daley Ph: 9785 0117 Walker, and Landcare Facilitator for Central Westernport, Clydie Smith (Department of Primary Industries) • Green Corps

“Ron Kemp won’t dig another hole for a water-monitoring bore…says he’s too old!!”

38 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Westernport Catchment Stories of Rejects thrown in,which we canuseinthefuture. “ This is just one success story; weThis isjustonesuccessstory; aimtohelpeven morepeople. Groups received weed acomplimentary wand toshareamongsttheirmembership. Therefore, theRagwort Inaddition,eachofthetenlocalLandcare ControlGroupcanexpand itsservices. equipment andherbicidethey candoso. applicationsfortherebates. The Grouphashandledallthegrant The benefits: Memberscannoteasily eradicatetheirRagwort and Thistles, however, by usingourcostfree or doesnotproduceany revenue; thus,theweed wands oftheGroup. remaintheproperty The law doesnotprevent anindividual orcompany fromcopying anitemunderpatent,provided itisnotsold “Good Neighbour”sticker onthefinished productandtheoverall savings were intheorderof75%. We hiredapastemployer’s workshop foraday andassemble to machinetheparts weed wands. We puta to produce100ofthepopular, expensive but andpatented“Tordon Granules”applicators(some$90each). members. This made‘thepenny drop’ –expected riseinourmembershipto100. The Groupboughtmaterial In 1999,theShireofCardiniaintroducedanongoing“Weed ControlGrantScheme”forLandcareGroup encouraged self-helptofreeuptimeandenable expansion ofourservices. diffi andasitethatisinstrategic otherproperties). location(toobserve cult terrain, The Grouphas ofRagwortReason forformation ControlGroup:Lackoffinances andcapabilityamonglandholders, of theStateGovernment. and give Ragwort controlto100ofthese.In1992,theRagwort ControlGroupwas established withthehelp We (iemembers),whoover areapopularRagwort support ControlGroup;comprising12farms 800clients 100 oversized springswere replaced byanembarrassed manufacturer, together withagood discount! • Shire ofCardinia • Previous boss oftheCoordinator • Our partnerswere: Encouraging self-help • Shire weed scheme grant • Increase inmembership • What madeitasuccess: community landcare success2004 Cardinia Hills Ragwort and Landcare Group Landcare and Ragwort Hills Cardinia From helpingotherstoself-help To eradicateRagwortfromthewholedistrict

” Ph: 59681470 Meinhard Holtz Contact: (consolidated) Funds camefromdonations,plusearnings • $22 perunit(which is25%ofrecommendedretailprice) • Cost: Westernport

Catchment

39 Westernport CatchmentWesternport Catchment Mt Evelyn Environmental Protection and Progress Association The Owl Land restoration project To build partnerships that would enable the restoration of valuable Powerful Owl habitat and re-energise our membership with a positive, exciting initiative

We developed a project to restore a six hectare area of neglected public open space. Through successfully applying for grants, we are now funding a project team of 15 people to map and remove weeds, construct a main pathway and remove others, rescue and replant trees, and to develop communication materials to inform the wider community. The overall project is funded to just under quarter of a million dollars!

In 2003, we had a fabulous project launch on National Tree Day, that was attended by local, state and federal government, our corporate partners and many others. We ran a community competition to name and design a logo for the Owl Land Reserve. We have had numerous working bees for volunteers and plan to create a Catchment Friends of group especially for the Reserve. The restoration of this Reserve will ensure it remains critical habitat for a local breeding pair of Powerful Owl.

What made it a success: • The residents of Mt Evelyn, many of whom are members of The key factor was the mind shift among our group from an other local environment groups, for their contributions and adversarial approach to one of cooperation. This enabled us to enthusiasm built mutually rewarding partnerships, which in turn re-inspired Yarra our group and the greater community. Cost: Our partners were: The project is worth almost $250,000, which was obtained from • TXU Electricity and Gas (grant funding of $59,000 over three three signifi cant grants from our partners. This money will be years to resource the restoration works) spent on wages and training for the CJP participants, as well as • Morrison Community House (management of the CJP and materials and contractors for the on ground works. fi nancial and administrative support) • Shire of Yarra Ranges (in kind support, advice and grants to Contact: $30,000) Amy McDonald • Department for Victorian Communities (provided a Ph: 5982 9650 Community Jobs Program of $125,000 to fund a team of Mob: 0411 777 328 workers) Email: [email protected]

“Powerful Owls hide away during the day. The only time I have seen one on the Reserve was when we were pitching the project to TXU, looking for sponsorship. An owl, complete with dead possum in its claw, was perched perfectly in the tree above. What brilliant timing – TXU, of course, were sold!” Catchment Yarra Yarra

Powerful Owl Beryl Phillips and Claire Worsnop (current MEEPA president), at a fund Photo by Claire Worsnop raising event Photo by Amy McDonald

40 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment Friends of Loughie’s Bushland Saving suburban bush from destruction To ensure preservation of some of our local natural heritage in Maroondah

Our success story lies in the creation of Loughie’s Bushland, which is a bushland reserve of around 10 acres. As one of the most biologically signifi cant reserves in Maroondah Council, it also serves as a valuable corridor.

Reservation of the land occurred over three stages between 1993 and 1997.

The fi rst, and easy, stage involved the letter-boxing of locals about objections to horrifying planning applications. The planning applications were for a housing development on very steep land in bushland areas, which contain sizeable pockets of quality remnant vegetation. This gained 120 supportive objection letters; subsequent liaison with Council and developers, which resulted in fi ve acres being set aside for the Reserve.

The second and more diffi cult stage, involved several meetings of six Catchment core objectors, who produced a near- professional thorough report and a presentation night on the proposed rra development to Council. On the night, locals fi lled the Council Chambers in Ya support of objections to the planning applications.

The third stage, involved on-site meetings with Councillors about more land adjacent, that was also destined for development.

Stages two and three succeeded in raising Central section of Muddy Stretch (which was due to run-off from nearby housing the Reserve’s area to a total of around 10 estates), this has been transformed – from Mud to Miracles! acres.

The whole preservation of land success was a miracle given the diffi culties presented by the bureaucracy and developers!

What made it a success: Scientist, and Community Development Worker) • Persistence • Ringwood City Council (small help) Catchment • Dedication to the cause (preservation of signifi cant fl ora and • Other local environment groups (small help) fauna) Cost: • Ability to liase with Council and developers • Campaign Costs unknown (running costs from individuals’ • Ability to negotiate and compromise pockets) • Knowledge of process and working of bureaucracy • Land Reservation Costs unknown (land purchases by then Our partners were: Ringwood Council, now Maroondah Council, cost $1,000s) • Professional botanists (eg Dr G Lorimer) Contact: • Advice from Trust for Nature, Melbourne Water, Greening Carol Australia Victoria Ph: 9870 8126 Yarra • Professionals within our campaign group (Civil Engineer,

“Senior Local Council Town Planner invited to Reserve to discuss possible reservations with two campaigners - steep hills discussed, campaigners said “that hill is one in three”, senior planner said “no its about one in six”. Campaigners got a surveyor who reported that the hill was just under one in three. (On several occasions, we believed that the campaigners and locals knew more than the staff and developers!)”

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment 41 Montmorency Field Naturalists Weed control, plant records, fauna/fungi records To maintain biodiversity in the Heard Avenue Flora Reserve, Plenty Since 1978, we have had an interest in Heard Avenue Flora Reserve, Plenty, when 97 indigenous plant species were recorded. In 1991, we began to count the plants on three quadrats. However, between 1992 and 1995, no one was able to get to the Reserve. We returned to fi nd weeds EVERYWHERE, especially Boneseed and Sollya. Over the years, we have done our best to remove these and other weeds, Cape Broom, Flax-leaved Broom, Pittosporum, Pines, Cootamundra Wattle and Artichoke Thistle, by hand pulling and the ‘cut and paint’ method. Now we only fi nd the occasional weed seedling. However, Briza and other weed grasses are still a problem. A control burn in March 2001 and a gas burn in November 2001 to destroy seed heads had promising results. In addition, the thick covering of Cassinia has been reduced, letting in more light. In 2000, the total number of indigenous plant species in the Reserve was 132. Understorey plants are recovering. Hopefully we will have enough rain. Catchment What made it a success: • CFA • Enthusiastic members • Occasional members of other • Not much indigenous vegetation left groups now • ‘Envirotechniques’ • Interest in natural history, especially Cost: interconnections • Shire of Nillumbik has details for the • Lots of help and advice from the ‘burns’ Yarra Environment Staff at the Shire of Nillumbik Contact: Julia Davis via Yarra Landcare Our partners were: Coordinator. The CFA burn in March 2001 encouraged Briza at • Shire of Nillumbik Environmental Ph: 9296 4627 edges of hot spots (photo as at September 2001). Staff Photo by Julia Davis

Hochkins Ridge Flora Reserve Committee of Management Adopt a woody weed To eradicate woody weeds in the Hochkins Ridge Reserve In 1991, when we (ie Hochkins Ridge Flora Reserve Committee of Management), fi nally had the fi rst management plan in our hands, we knew that we had a serious weed problem. In particular we had problems with Sweet Pittosporum, Sallow Wattle and Cedar Wattle, and also with Monterey Pine. In the middle of winter, when everyone needed some vigorous exercise to keep warm, we had a working bee to remove these Catchment weeds. Looking at who had turned up for the working bee and what tools they had brought, helped determine what each of us would do. Laurie had a garden maintenance business, and he brought a chainsaw with him. Tony is an artist, so he scored the glyphosate and paintbrush, to paint the Pittosporum stumps as Laurie cut them down. Tony’s wife, Marjorie, also took a paintbrush. Nothing like keeping families working together, is there? Bill brought his son and a sharp axe, so they were allocated the pine trees and, if they felt inclined, the Sallow Wattles. I had a hatchet, so I allocated myself the Cedar Wattles. These were ‘permanent’ allocations. If any of us had a little spare time and an inclination to kill something,

Yarra Yarra we continued the eradication of our weed, not having to worry about the others because we knew we had them covered. This system allowed us to make remarkable progress because we could go into the Reserve at any time and see what the rest of the group had done. It was inspiring and encouraging, for example, to be ringbarking Cedar Wattles and have Bill What made it a success: wander over to tell you that he had pulled out 400 Sallow Wattles during • Allocation of specifi c tasks to people the previous week. By then, Bill had killed every pine in the place. • Very dedicated group members Eventually, every mature woody weed was dead, and even though Contact: hundreds of seedlings still germinate every year, all the seed is coming Helen Moss via Yarra Landcare Coordinator. from outside the Reserve. We won the 2002 Public Land Award in the Ph: 9296 4627 Victorian Weedbuster Awards for our effective woody weed control.

42 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment Fishcare Caring for seals with Fishcare To educate the public about the impact of litter on seals and other marine life

On the last weekend in March 2004, over 20 Fishcare volunteers from as far away as Bemm River, attended the seal enclosure at the Royal Melbourne Zoo to educate the public on the impact of household litter and discarded fi shing tackle on all forms of marine life, in particular seal pups. A range of display materials, including photographs of entangled marine life, samples of dried and preserved sea creatures, fi sheries information, and an educational kids fi shing game, along with the Fishcare educational trailer, were put on view. Volunteers answered questions, discussed with the public the impact that improper litter disposal on land and in the water, can have on our precious marine life. Fishcare volunteers also had the opportunity to feed the seals and to meet the new Giraffe foal.

What made it success: Cost: Catchment Interactive activities for young children (as a high proportion of No cost to the Fishcare volunteer program. All administration Zoo attendance is from young families) and brightly coloured costs (printing, towing the trailer etc) were covered by the displays. Outstanding support from the seal trainers was also regional Fisheries Action Facilitator, who is supported by Port crucial. Phillip and Westernport CMA grant monies. rra Our partners were: Author: • Royal Melbourne Zoo Glen Forster • Assistance with the supply of photographs from the Phillip Contact: Ya Island Nature Park Andrew Kidd • Fisheries administration staff Ph: 5226 4947 • City of Casey Litter Offi cer Email: [email protected] Catchment Yarra

Fishcare volunteers in the seal enclosure at Melbourne Zoo

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment 43 Holly Hill Community Fireguard Group A little bit of heaven in the hills To reduce the fi re hazard near our homes

It was January 1997, the Ferny Creek fi res had burnt to the edge of a revegetated area of National Park below our houses, which was overgrown with blackberries that were already sprayed and dead. The fi re danger was still extreme. A community fi reguard group was formed, comprising 16 households, and it adopted the historical name, because of the presence of holly. The group began clearing and burning the dead blackberries, supported by our local CFA, Parks Victoria and DNRE.

The rapid regrowth of ferns and other native plants inspired us to continue caring for the area. We propagated more ferns and planted other local species to supplement the natural regrowth.

A few members of the Community Fireguard Group still meet each month in this beautiful environment to weed, socialise and maintain the reduced fi re hazard. Contractor spraying has dealt with large areas of holly, Catchment blackberry and other unwanted weed species. Parks Victoria grants have enabled us to tackle a major drainage problem, which involved installing a gravel pit (put in for us by Council), and water distribution pipes.

The provision of a table and benches, plus steps to facilitate easier access, are of benefi t to everyone.

What made it a success: Cost: Yarra • The dedication of a small group. The great cooperation and Approximately $9,000 over four years from Parks Victoria support provided by Parks Vic and CFA grants. Our partners were: Contact: • Parks Victoria Lyn Witt • CFA Ph: 9755 1694 • Council Email: [email protected]

“Two months after we set up the new table a wombat began digging a burrow in the bank behind it. Ultimately the wombat decided not to move in.” Catchment

1997 – early working bee with help from CFA volunteers Photo by Heather Pickett Yarra Yarra

Looking better! - 2003 Photo by Lyn Witt November 2002 - group volunteers take a break Photo by Lyn Witt

44 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment Friends of Wurundjeri Garden Working Group 10th Anniversary celebration 20th May 2000 To celebrate ten years of continuous development of the Wurundjeri Garden and to highlight it’s purpose, ie to recreate this site as closely as possible to its state prior to European occupation and to focus on its use by the indigenous people

Ten years after the initial community planting in May 1990, a special anniversary celebration took place at the Wurundjeri Garden. It was particularly special to have respected Wurundjeri elder Joy Murphy-Wandin at the celebration, and very moving for the 50 or so people present to receive her traditional welcome to country. In her beautiful way, Joy offered gum leaves as a symbol of welcome to Wurundjeri land in a ceremony, which felt like a blessing. The throb of the didgeridoo (not a traditional Wurundjeri instrument, but now in widespread use), played along with clap sticks, by Geoff Tye, a Yorta Yorta man, as he danced, brought a whole new dimension to the atmosphere of this small corner of Hawthorn. Catchment

It was also a great pleasure to have amongst us, Dr Beth Gott, who had generously shared her botanical

expertise in the planning stages of the project, in both the selection of appropriate plant species and their use rra by indigenous people.

After brief formalities, Joy Wandin-Murphy joined with Councillor Loreto Davey, representing the City Ya of Boroondara and Mr Hampton Beale AO, President of the Hawthorn Historical Society, in planting three Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus melliodora) in the Wurundjeri Garden. Then the heavens opened up to water the plants in and everyone retreated to the marquee for morning tea, which included wattle seed biscuits, in lieu of real “bush tucker”.

What made it a success: Cost: • Good organisation by the Hawthorn Historical Society Inc. in • Marquee hire and seat the City of Boroondara conjunction with the City of Boroondara Library Services and • Food donated by Historical Society Cultural Offi cers Contact: • Joy Murphy lending her support, the garden growing well, and Dorothy Sutherland via Yarra Landcare Coordinator the public using it, were all positive elements Ph: 9296 4627 Our partners were: • Hawthorn Historical Society • City of Boroondara, Parks and Gardens Department Catchment Yarra

Joy Murphy-Wandin with dancer, Planting out the Garden Geoff Tye

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment 45 Friends of Merri on Parade (formerly Friends of Ross Street) Revegetation along riparian zones since 1983 Creation of habitats, generation of indigenous species

In 1983, I (ie Carolyn Lunt), began to remove weeds, including blackberry, Tradescantia, buttercup daisy, onion weed etc, from along a section of the Merri Creek in Northcote. We began to replace the weeds with local native plants. Various individuals have assisted in the restoration and revegetation work, and the Preston/ Northcote Specialist Support Services, for adults with an intellectual disability, have supported our work along the creek each week for more than seven years. Last year, we celebrated twenty years of revegetation, watching yellow tailed black cockatoos, blue wrens, herons, kookaburras, kingfi shers, tiger snakes, to name just a few of the creatures who have returned to the habitat that has been established along this revegetated Catchment section of the Merri Creek. An echidna has also returned to the area along the creek.

What made it a success: Cost: • Perseverance, tolerance, patience, anger management, ability • Parks Victoria grant $1390 x 2 to ask for help, and asking how? • Melbourne Water $1000 • ABC Open Garden Scheme Award $1000

Yarra • City of Darebin $500 (2003 Gardener of the Year) Our partners were: Contact: • Judy Rutherford - Friends of Galatea Point Carolyn Lunt • Preston/Northcote Intellectually Disabled group (every Friday) Ph: 9489 2243

“In 2004, while putting in 1000 plants (thanks to Melbourne Water) we found a fl ying fox with a broken wing clinging to a dead tree. We called him “batman”. Craig, from Wildlife Victoria, who rescued the fl ying fox will have its wing pinned.” Catchment Yarra Yarra

I started revegetation along the creek in 1983. In 1998 – same angle 13 years later 1985, Council and government bulldozed an area along the creek to put in a shared footway on a gazetted road!

46 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment Earthcare St Kilda West Beach natural history project To divert an enclosed creek, which fl owed into the sea, into a salt marsh

All weeds including large numbers of thistles and Juncus acutus were removed. An overfl ow channel and a depression in the sand dune were created. Indigenous salt marsh plants were grown from seed and planted.

Gradually over fi ve years the salt marsh was established and began to remove heavy metals from the polluted creek.

The boarding over the top of the creek was removed and the sides of the creek were planted. A bridge made from recycled Jarrah was put in place. A board walk was made which linked the street to the beach.

Two benches made from recycled pier pylons put in at each end of the salt marsh with views over the harbour and a place to watch the sunrise and sunset.

What made it a success: • Melbourne Water • Dedicated people from Earthcare and local school groups to • Nature Links Catchment weed very prickly plants and to establish the newly planted salt marsh, year after year. Assistance from the City of Port Cost: Phillip was ongoing • The cost was about $30,000 to $40,000 raised from grants

• This is a project that needs continued weeding and from Melbourne Water, City of Port Phillip and Parks Victoria rra re-establishment of worn areas creating continuing community Contact: and city involvement Zoe Hogg

Our partners were: Ph: 0402 164 482 Ya • City of Port Phillip Email: [email protected]

“We waited with great anticipation for the fi rst high tide to cause the creek to fl ood the salt marsh…nothing happened! We had chosen the lowest rainfall and the lowest tide for the whole year!”

Planting Knobby Club Rush West Beach at high tide and after heavy rain Friends of the Wildlife Reserves Catchment Wildlife reserves guide training course To promote interest and enthusiasm in the Wildlife Reserves

Thirteen people met up one night a week, for fi ve weeks. First, each of us took turns in standing up in front of the whole group and describing ourselves to strangers. Our next task was to research something about the Wildlife Reserves. Topics chosen included nesting boxes, red gums, ants, the “historical dunny”, the life and work of Charles La Trobe, history of the land Yarra and buildings, local birds, Galaxia fi sh, and What made it a success: Wildlife Sanctuary Marketing Offi cer (as volunteer friends the meaning of local place names. We then • Well structured and thoughtful program member) presented our fi ndings as a talk to the group • Enthusiasm of the participants Contact: and were amazed at the variety of subjects • Interesting subjects studied and Shirley Gates via lots of fun chosen and how much we had learned. Finally Yarra Landcare Coordinator Our partners were: Ph: 9296 4627 we created a well balanced and interesting tour, • La Trobe University Melbourne and we all took turns in presenting on site.

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment 47 Friends of Westgate Park Establishing an area of heath at Westgate Park To create the only indigenous heath in the inner Melbourne metropolitan area; providing habitat for a variety of fl ora and fauna

There was an unused area of land of just under a hectare adjacent to the northeast corner of Westgate Park. The State government decided to incorporate this land into the existing Westgate Park. The question arose as to what use could be made of this land, and it was decided to re-create the type of heath habitat that we believe existed in the area before European settlement.

In April 2002, around eighty truckloads of recycled sandy soil (from beach cleaning) were brought to the site and graded. In November 2002, with the help of about 20 volunteers from Friends of Westgate Park and

Catchment Friends of the Earth, around 1500 plants from the St Kilda Indigenous Nursery were planted. In 2003, Work for the Dole participants planted a further 6000 plants, of over 80 different species. Friends of Westgate Park and participants from Work for the Dole programs have carried out ongoing maintenance of the site.

Now after 18 months, and despite the recent drought, the site is thriving. Even in the fi rst spring, the fl oral display was spectacular. Yarra What made it a success: Cost: • The commitment of a dedicated voluntary workforce wanting • Parks Victoria - $5000 to do something unique for the environment • Work for the Dole program - $1500 Our partners were: • Parks Victoria Contact: • Port Phillip EcoCentre George Fotheringham • Work for the Dole program Ph: 9428 4820 • Friends of the Earth Email: [email protected]

“All the work was done by volunteers or Work for the Dole participants, with well over 1000 hours work having been done on the site.” Catchment

Heath dam July 2003 – before planting Heath dam December 2003 – after planting Yarra Yarra

48 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment Macclesfield Landcare Group Foxes on the fringe To raise awareness and knowledge of management techniques of pest animals in the local community

The main purpose of our fox control program is to raise community awareness of foxes and their impact on the natural and rural landscape. In addition, we wanted to develop expertise and knowledge to responsibly manage pest animals like the Red Fox, in a semi-rural locality, close to Melbourne.

Our fi rst actions included organising a presentation on fox control by the DPI. We soon followed with Agricultural Chemical Users Permit (ACUP) training for several members and the attendance of our Weed Control Facilitator at a short course on pest animals. A trial fox baiting program commenced in late spring/ early summer 2003 with seven bait stations on seven different properties. The fi nal result of the trial baiting program was eleven baits taken over a four-week period. We are now two weeks into our autumn program, with ten baits taken, and we have an additional cooperative landholder involved with bait station up and Catchment running.

What made it a success: • Neighbouring John’s Hill Landcare Group rra • A cautious and personalised approach is essential. Caution due • Peppermint Ridge Farm to the risk of baiting amongst numerous small landholdings Cost: and face to face negotiation to gain acceptance • At the completion of our second baiting period, we will have Ya • Participants were carefully briefed and neighbours received an expended around $3000. However, other pest management explanatory Landcare letter in addition to the offi cial notice activities have been run concurrently with the fox baiting proforma. Many were visited and objections/complaints were program. Funds were sourced from the Group’s general funds promptly followed-up and a Second Generation Landcare Grant • On completion of the initial program, all participants and neighbours were advised by letter of the trial’s success. It was Contact: a relief to commence the second autumn program without Steve Mitchell via Yarra Landcare Coordinator objections! Ph: 9296 4627 Our partners were: • Department of Primary Industries staff at Woori Yallock

“The scent of tuna oil may attract foxes, but don’t spill it in your car or on clothing. It is guaranteed to raise the eyebrows of family and friends!” Catchment Yarra

Debbie Mitchell recovering fox carcasses during baiting program

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment 49 Growing Friends of Yarra Bend Park Yarra Bend Park Nursery Providing plants for Yarra Bend Park, and preserving the rare and endangered species that are indigenous to the Park

Over a period of around four years, the Group has transformed the remnants of a very run down nursery, to one, which is now providing most of the plants used for revegetation projects in Yarra Bend Park. We are now concentrating on saving a number of rare and threatened plants in the Park, which have been stressed by the recent drought. We are building up a database of rare plants in the Park, and mapping them using a GPS. We continue to work on a very extensive seed bank, with the seeds collected from the Park, being labelled, cleaned, stored and catalogued. We raise plants from cuttings and seeds, and grow them on.

All work is done by volunteers, with a great deal of help provided by the environmental rangers of the Park. We have also received support

Catchment from a number of grants, which have allowed us to upgrade our facilities, and from students doing work experience.

Thanks to our efforts, some plants that would otherwise have been lost to the Park now have an assured future.

Yarra Volunteers at work at Yarra Bend Park Nursery

What made it success: • We also had a keen group from the Salvation Army Enthusiasm and a great desire to retain this very special bit Anchorage for a while of natural environment, which is so close to the CBD. The Cost: volunteers and support from Yarra Bend Park staff have been the • Parks Victoria 2002/2003 Community Grants Program key to our success. Having a couple of particularly enthusiastic provided $6962 for the project and knowledgable volunteers has also been an important factor. Contact: Our partners were: Rosemary West via Yarra Landcare Coordinator • All the staff of Yarra Bend Park, especially the Senior Ph: 9296 4627 Environmental Ranger • Horticultural students from time to time Catchment Yarra Yarra

50 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment WACMAC Landcare (Whittlesea Agricultural Society, Arthur’s Creek District, Merriang and Cottles Bridge Landcare Groups) Education – Landcare partnership To forge a partnership between two community-based organisations

1. The Centre – is a community education provider, operating out of Wangaratta and Benalla, which has over 40 years experience in community education and was the winner of the 2002 Victorian Outstanding Adult Education Provider Award. 2. WACMAC – is a community based Landcare project, initiated in 2001 by the Whittlesea Agricultural Society, Arthur’s Creek District, Merriang and Cottles Bridge Landcare Groups. WACMAC’s primary role is to assist rural landholders to achieve a “win-win” situation in terms of environmental protection and productive land use.

Since September 2001, these organisations have pooled resources and expertise to provide a range of Catchment educational opportunities for many landholders in the northern rural fringe of Melbourne. The fi rst two workshops attracted over 130 people to hear a range of expert presenters speak about aspects of sustainable land management, followed by bus tours of relevant fi eld sites. rra

A detailed three-day property management planning course was held in both 2002 and 2003. These courses enabled 42 landholders to create ‘ideal whole farm plans’ for their property. Two of these properties are now Ya being developed as ‘demonstration sites’ to be used for future community education events and to monitor the effects of various land management techniques.

In September 2003, The Centre and WACMAC Landcare invited 60 key members of local Landcare groups to attend a dinner/discussion evening with Coral Love (National Landcare Facilitator). The evening explored ways of ‘building sustainable Landcare’. Two months later this was followed by a more specifi c workshop investigating how WACMAC may be able to continue into the future.

In total, over 250 people have attended the events organised by The Centre and WACMAC Landcare. These people have benefi ted from the collective resources, knowledge and network-base of the two organisations. The Centre has benefi ted by obtaining access to a previously ‘un-tapped’ supply of students and by having WACMAC Landcare take the lead role in facilitating the events. WACMAC Landcare has benefi ted from the additional funding, support and educational expertise provided by The Centre. So, to end this story with a cliché; this partnership has certainly been a “win-win” situation.

What made it a success: Contact: Catchment The ability to forge a partnership, which has lead to being able Tim O’Donnell to use the collective resources of two groups to run events, Ph: 9433 3359 rather than just one. Email: [email protected] Our partners were: • The Centre Yarra

Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment 51 Friends of Wilson Reserve Revegetating Horseshoe Billabong To reclaim as an indigenous grassy woodland, a site that used to be the rubbish dump for Ivanhoe Golf Course and which had become a location with rampant environmental weeds

On Sunday 27th July 2002, Banyule Council had a big Community Planting Day at Horseshoe Billabong. About 50 people turned up, in fi ne weather. This included members of Warringal Conservation Society, Friends of Plenty River, Riverlands Conservation Society and us, plus quite a few people who saw the event on the Banyule website or advertising somewhere. Several staff from Banyule Council were there to organise the day.

On the day there were piles of Hamilton tree planters, many polystyrene trays of grasses, shrubs and tree seedlings, stakes, weed-mat squares and pegs. In addition, there was a barbecue for lunch, at the end of the morning. Catchment Eleven members of Friends of Wilson Reserve mingled with the others. We all twisted the Hamilton tree planters into the tough compacted soil and gravel, and managed to put in probably over 1,000 grasses and all the shrubs. Most were planted in a large area of weed-mat, between the healthy plants that were put in last November, where weed grasses had been sprayed. Planting also occurred in another patch, further south along the track towards the Flying Fox enclosure, where the crew had cleared the weeds a few weeks earlier. Yarra The children collected the empty tubes and piled them back in the trays, some adults dug holes, others planted and everyone chatted happily in the sunshine. At the end of the morning, three people asked to be added to our mailing list.

John cooked up a barbecue of burgers and onions, the kettle was boiled for tea and coffee and a sociable time was had by all. With days of rain before and after the planting, the new seedlings were off to a good start.

What made it a success: Cost: • Lots of volunteers No cost to the group, but the Council spent some of the $20,000 Our partners were: provided by the State, as part of being allowed to use Horseshoe • Banyule City Bushland Management Team Bend for the site of the Flying Fox relocation. • Riverlands Conservation Society Contact: • Warringal Conservation Society Robert Bender Ph: 9499 2413 Email: [email protected] Catchment Yarra Yarra

Another small site 30m south along the Boxes of plants, tools and makings of lunch for Looking east along the billabong rim walking track being planted with shrubs the end-of-activity barbecue. City of Banyule fence. Silver Wattle in fl ower after a contracted team removed masses of bushland team members in foreground weeds some weeks before

52 Stories of community landcare success 2004 Yarra Catchment Printed on Tudor RP 100% Recycled paper produced by Spicers Paper. This paper is made from recycled office papers, offcuts from printing and envelope manufacturing processes, and milk and juice cartons, all collected within Australia.

For every tonne of this paper sold, Spicers Paper contributes $100 to three landfill rehabilitation projects, including one managed by the Merri Creek Management Committee. PO Box 48 Frankston Victoria 3199 Ph (03) 9785 0183 Fax (03) 9773 6521 Website www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au