Fast-Tracking Adaptation of Grain Production Systems to Climate Change – Benchmarking Horsham East and Sheep Hills Farmer Groups

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Fast-Tracking Adaptation of Grain Production Systems to Climate Change – Benchmarking Horsham East and Sheep Hills Farmer Groups Fast-tracking adaptation of grain production systems to climate change – Benchmarking Horsham East and Sheep Hills farmer groups. J G Nuttall, D R Price & A J Wallace Department of Primary Industries – Horsham September 2009 Acknowledgements This benchmarking review was funded by the Department of Primary Industries, through the project ‘Fast-tracking the adaptation of the grains industry to a changing climate’ (CMI 102686). The cooperation of 51 farming families within the study regions of Horsham East and Sheep Hills, who had active participation in the benchmark survey, is also greatly appreciated. Thanks also to Geoff Stratford (DPI) for valuable editorial comment. Agency personnel associated with the broader Department of Primary Industries project, ‘Fast-tracking the adaptation of the grains industry to a changing climate’ and the design and implementation of the benchmark survey were: Roger Armstrong (FFSR Horsham) James Nuttall (FFSR Horsham) De-Anne Price (FSV Horsham) Chris Sounness (FSV Horsham) Ashley Wallace (FSV Horsham) September 2009 Use of data and disclaimer No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the author. While the information contained within this report is believed to be true and correct the Victorian Department of Primary Industries and its employees associated with this report give no warranty on quality of data and accept no responsibility for any errors contained herein and any damages or loss caused, suffered by any individual or corporation. 2 Executive Summary Across south-eastern Australia persistently dry seasonal conditions over the past decade has caused crop yield to be suppressed and have limited the diversity of crops grown where cereal production has been favoured over pulse and oilseed options. Two farmer groups, at Horsham East (central Wimmera) and Sheep Hills (northern Wimmera) are engaged in a participatory action research (PAR) program with the Victorian Department of Primary Industries with the aim of fast-tracking the adaptation of their farm enterprise to an uncertain climate, through identifying robust farming practices. In benchmarking the farming enterprises of these groups, both ABS statistics and a grower survey with 51 participants, were used. Vertosol soils dominated 80% and 50% of average farm area in Horsham East and Sheep Hills respectively. This soil type has high clay content and water holding characteristics; however under low rainfall conditions, little moisture is available to crops due to high matric attraction of water to clays. Average wheat yields in 1995 and 2008 were 3.3 and 1.7 t/ha respectively for the Horsham East district and 3.0 and 1.3 t/ha across these time periods for the Sheep Hills region. In 1995, the rainfall use efficiency (RUE) of 9.4 kg/ha.mm was similar to that of 9.0 kg/ha.mm recorded in 2008 for Horsham East. Average RUE for Sheep Hills was 8.7 and 8.5 kg/ha.mm in 1995 and 2008, respectively. Barley crops at Horsham East, on average, yielded 3.3 t/ha in 1995 and 1.8 t/ha in 2008 whereas in Sheep Hills average yields were 2.9 and 1.5 t/ha in 1995 and 2008 respectively. The average RUE at both locations was higher in 2008 (drier) compared with 1995 where at Horsham East this ratio increased from 9.4 to 9.6 kg/ha.mm and for Sheep Hills from 8.9 to 10.4 kg/ha.mm. Canola yield averages at Horsham East decreased from 1.9 to 0.7 t/ha and in Sheep Hills 1.5 to 0.3 t/ha between 1995 and 2008. The canola RUE for Horsham East averaged 5.0 kg/ha.mm in 1995, but decreased to 3.6 kg/ha.mm in 2008. For Sheep Hills, RUE was 4.1 and 2.3 kg/ha.mm for 1995 and 2008 respectively. Highest RUE was 7.9 kg/ha.mm, this occurring during both 1995 and 2008 seasons. 3 Lentil yields in 1995, on average, were 1.8 and 1.1 t/ha for Horsham East and Sheep Hills respectively, however in 2008 average yields dropped to 0.6 and 0.3 t/ha for Horsham East and Sheep Hills, respectively. Lentil RUE dropped from 5.1 and 3.8 kg/ha.mm for Horsham East and Sheep Hills respectively in 1995 to 3.3 and 1.7 kg/ha.mm in 2008. Highest lentil RUE was 10.0 kg/ha.mm, this occurring in both regions. Chickpea, on average, yielded 1.2 and 1.6 t/ha for Horsham East and Sheep Hills respectively in 1995 but this declined to 0.5 and 0.3 t/ha respectively in 2008. The RUE of chickpea in 1995 was 3.8 and 4.8 kg/ha.mm for Horsham East and Sheep Hills respectively but dropped to 2.5 and 2.0 kg/ha.mm, in 2008. The highest chickpea RUE was 7.6 kg/ha.mm, this occurring at Sheep Hills in both 1995 and 2008. Maintaining standing stubble has increased over the period 1995 to 2008, although a high proportion of farmers grazed stubbles at Sheep Hills, whereas for Horsham East farmers increasingly avoided grazing stubbles. Incorporation of stubbles was not a common practice in the Horsham East district in either 1995 or 2008, whereas over 50% of farmers at Sheep Hills either incorporated some or all of their stubbles in 1995, although there has been a trend away from this practice up to the present time. The burning of at least some stubble was common practice in 1995 where 85% and 62% of growers burnt stubble in Horsham East and Sheep Hills districts, respectively. Between 1995 and the present (2008) there has been a shift away from burning stubble, with only 30% and 4% of farmers now burning stubbles in the Horsham East and Sheep Hills districts respectively. Fluid fertilisers were used by 29% and 27% of farmers at Horsham East and Sheep Hills respectively in 2008. Alternative fertilisers such as guano, duck manure, formic acid mixes and unspecified biological products were also used by 24% and 17% of farmers in the Horsham East and Sheep Hills region respectively in 2008. For phosphorous application a ‘standard rate’ was the most common method used in 1995 where 75% and 85% of farmers adopted this approach in Horsham East and Sheep Hills respectively. More recently (2008) there has been a shift away from this method, particularly in Sheep Hills, where now only 25% of farmers apply a ‘standard rate’. In this region, P application has been increasingly based on nutrient budgets and on seasonal conditions where 40% and 30% of farmers respectively now using these methods. For Horsham East, the rate of P application has also been increasingly based on seasonal conditions, where 25% of farmers used this approach in 1995 compared with 35% in 2008. Growers at Sheep Hills have increasingly used soil tests for decision making purposes on P nutrition. 4 For nitrogen (N) applications, 60% (Horsham East) and 78% (Sheep Hills) of growers applied a standard rate in 1995; however in 2008 these proportions had dropped to 35% and 38% for Horsham East and Sheep Hills respectively. Growers at Horsham East favour the method of basing N application on the seasonal conditions where in 2008, 80% of farmers used this method; compared to 35 % for their counterparts at Sheep Hills. Using soil tests to determine N requirement are used in part or full by 35% of farmers at Horsham East and 50% of farmers at Sheep Hills. No nitrogen is ever applied to 6% of farms at Horsham East, this pattern being constant over time (1995 & 2008). At Sheep Hills the proportion of farms where no N is applied has increased from 5% in 1995 to 25% in 2008. Adoption of technology such as steering guidance systems, inter-row sowing and variable rate technology varies considerably. At Horsham East, no growers used GPS guidance systems on an entire farm basis in 1995; however by 2008, 30% of farmers had taken up this technology. At Sheep Hills, 12% of growers used GPS guidance in 1995 and this has increased to 70% of growers in 2008. The high rate of adoption of guidance systems at Sheep Hills may be linked with the desire to inter-row sow, where 68% of farms sowed either some or all paddocks to this method in 2008. This is compared to 30% of farms at Horsham East being inter-row sown. For variable rate technology, only 1 grower at Sheep Hills utilizes this technology across the entire farm and 3 growers across both districts apply variable rate to a portion of their farms Over the last decade seasons have been dominated by below average rainfall. This raises the question, is growing successful crops during this period due to good luck or good management? Horsham East growers believed it was a combination of both factors, whereas at Sheep Hills, farmers were of the strong opinion that a good crop was delivered through good management. For the decade of dry seasonal conditions, growers across both regions were united in their opinion, that natural climatic variability was occurring and that the previous dry seasonal conditions were not related to human induced climate change. 5 Table of contents Background ………………………………………………………. 7 General …………………………………………………………… 11 Land use …………………………………………………………... 11 Rainfall ……………………………………………………………. 14 Soil type …………………………………………………………… 14 Crop type ………………………………………………………….. 16 Crop species ………………………………………………………. 16 Crop production and water use ……………………………………. 21 Stubble management ………………………………………………. 23 Fertiliser management ……………………………………………... 26 Adoption of technology …………………………………………… 28 Grower perception on cropping success and climate ………………. 31 References …………………………………………………………. 33 Appendix 1. ………………………………………………………... 34 6 Background In the last decade, persistently dry seasonal conditions across south-eastern Australia has increased the incidence of crop failure, suppressed yield and limited the diversity of crop choice within the farming system where grower sentiment has favoured cereal production over pulse and oilseed crop options.
Recommended publications
  • 10/04/2021 Laharum
    Round 1 10/04/2021 Round 5 15/05/2021 Edenhope Apsley Laharum Edenhope Pimpinio Rupanyup Natimuk United Rupanyup Laharum Swifts Kaniva Leeor United Kalkee Kalkee Taylors Lake Noradjuha Quantong Swifts Natimuk United Harrow Balmoral Harrow Balmoral Pimp Balmoral Noradjuha Quantong Jeparit Rainbow Jeparit Rainbow Taylors Lake Rainbow Edenhope Apsley Kaniva Leeor United Edenhope Round 2 17/04/2021 Laharum Noradjuha Quantong Round 6 22/05/2021 Kalkee Jeparit Rainbow Rupanyup Kalkee Swifts Kaniva Leeor United Taylors Lake Swfits Pimpinio Edenhope Apsley Pimpinio Laharum Rupanyup Harrow Balmoral Harrow Balmoral Noradjuha Quantong Harrow Taylors Lake Natimuk United Natimuk United Edenhope Apsley Jeparit Rainbow Kaniva Leeor United Rainbow Round 3 24/04/2021 Swfits Rupanyup Round 7 29/05/2021 Pimpinio Kalkee Edenhope Apsley Kalkee Apsley Taylors Lake Laharum Natimuk United Laharum Natimuk United Noradjuha Quantong Kaniva Leeor United Pimpinio Jeparit Rainbow Edenhope Apsley Jeparit Noradjuha Quantong Rupanyup Kaniva Leeor United Harrow Balmoral Harrow Balmoral Taylors Lake Balmoral Jeparit Rainbow Swifts Jeparit Round 4 1/05/2021 Laharum Kalkee Round 8 5/06/2021 Swifts Pimpinio Taylors Lake Pimpinio Rupanyup Taylors Lake Swifts kalkee Edenhope Apsley Noradjuha Quantong Apsley Rupanyup Laharum Kaniva Leeor United Natimuk United Jeparit Rainbow Natimuk United Rainbow Harrow Balmoral Jeparit Rainbow Harrow Harrow Balmoral Edenhope Apsley Harrow Noradjuha Quantong Kaniva Leeor United League Bye 8/05/2021 Queens B'day 12/06/2021 Round 12 17/07/2021
    [Show full text]
  • Gippsland Roadmap
    9 Dec 2019 The Energy Innovation Foreword Co-operative1, which has 10 years of experience On behalf of the Victorian Government, I am pleased to present the Victorian Regional Renewable Energy Roadmaps. delivering community-based As we transition to cleaner energy with new opportunities for jobs and greater security of supply, we are looking to empower communities, accelerate renewable energy and build a more sustainable and prosperous energy efficiency and state. renewable energy initiatives in Victoria is leading the way to meet the challenges of climate change by enshrining our Victorian Renewable Energy Targets (VRET) into law: 25 per the Southern Gippsland region, cent by 2020, rising to 40 per cent by 2025 and 50 per cent by 2030. Achieving the 2030 target is expected to boost the Victorian economy by $5.8 billion - driving metro, regional and rural industry and supply chain developed this document in development. It will create around 4,000 full time jobs a year and cut power costs. partnership with Community It will also give the renewable energy sector the confidence it needs to invest in renewable projects and help Victorians take control of their energy needs. Power Agency (community Communities across Barwon South West, Gippsland, Grampians and Loddon Mallee have been involved in discussions to help define how Victoria engagement and community- transitions to a renewable energy economy. These Roadmaps articulate our regional communities’ vision for a renewable energy future, identify opportunities to attract investment and better owned renewable energy understand their community’s engagement and capacity to transition to specialists)2, Mondo renewable energy.
    [Show full text]
  • Horsham Parish Will Be Merged with Nhill, Warracknabeal and PARISH CONTACTS Hopetoun Parishes Into One Ministry District
    Horsham-Dimboola–Murtoa–Natimuk- Rupanyup- Nhill All Saints/Souls Day - 1st November 2020 Horsham Parish will be merged with Nhill, Warracknabeal and PARISH CONTACTS Hopetoun Parishes into one Ministry District. From January Parish Priest: Fr. Peter Hudson 15th 2021, in the first 6 months of 2021, Monsignor Murphy will Parish Secretary: Camille Del Castillo prepare our Parishes for the canonical transfer into the new 10 Roberts Ave Horsham 3400 Ministry District. To help our Parishes to prepare for this, myself PO Box 212, Horsham Vic 3402 Phone:5382 1155. and Monsignor Glynn Murphy, will meet with Horsham Email: Parishioners, this Friday November 6th, in the Parish [email protected] Centre from 6pm to 7.30pm. Diocesan Website: www.ballarat.catholic.org.au 20 Parishioners can attend. Please inform Camille in the SCHOOLS Office on 53821155 if you are coming, or leave a message. Ss Michael & John Primary Principal: Andrea Cox There will be a booklet presented to guide you Phone: 5382 3000 St Brigid’s College Covid Safe Plans for coming to Mass or Church include: Principal: Peter Gutteridge • Face masks must be worn. Legal requirements apply to these Phone: 5382 3545 • Social distancing is adhered to: 4 meter square rule. Our Lady Help of Christians Principal: Cathy Grace • Names, contact numbers, time attended, MUST be recorded. Phone: 5385 2526 • Maximum number of people permitted: 20 plus faith leader. Nhill: St Patrick’s • Hand sanitiser provided. Cleaning/Sanitising protocol displayed. Principal: Kingsley Dalgleish • Reminder if people are sick or unwell do not attend, get tested • To attend 6.30pm, Sunday 9 and 10.30 Masses, please book Fr Richard Leonard will come to our Parish for an in at the Office 53821155, leave a message or phone 0419323397 Advent Mission this year • If more than 20 turn up I will ask those who didn't book, to leave DECEMBER 5th to 9th November opens up a few more areas for us to gather.
    [Show full text]
  • Horsham Rail Bypass Planning Report - Final Report
    Horsham Rail Bypass Planning Reference: 233162 Prepared for: Horsham Report Rural City Council Final Report Revision: 3 12 June 2013 Document Control Record Document prepared by: Aurecon Australia Pty Ltd ABN 54 005 139 873 Aurecon Centre Level 8, 850 Collins Street Docklands VIC 3008 PO Box 23061 Docklands VIC 8012 Australia T +61 3 9975 3000 F +61 3 9975 3444 E [email protected] W aurecongroup.com A person using Aurecon documents or data accepts the risk of: a) Using the documents or data in electronic form without requesting and checking them for accuracy against the original hard copy version. b) Using the documents or data for any purpose not agreed to in writing by Aurecon. Document control Report Title Horsham Rail Bypass Planning Report - Final Report Document ID 233162-RPT-002 Project Number 233162 P:\RLS\233162 Horsham Rail Bypass Project\3. Project Delivery\340 File Path Deliverables\7. Final Report Rev 3\Horsham Rail Bypass Planning Report - Rev 3.docx Horsham Rural City Client Client Contact John Martin Council Rev Date Revision Details/Status Prepared by Author Verifier Approver 0 1 February 2013 Draft issued for client comment HR JPW / ST GCH JEB Final report incorporating HRCC 1 13 March 2013 HR JPW / ST GCH JEB and project team comments Revised final report expanded to include Road over Rail grade 2 17 May 2013 JPW JPW GCH JEB separation option, limited economic assessment Report updated to address HRCC comments including 3 12 June 2013 JPW JPW GCH JEB similar signalling costs for the passing loop for both options Current Revision 3 Approval Author Signature Approver Signature Name J Williams Name J Belcher Title Senior Rail Engineer Title Project Director Project 233162 File Horsham Rail Bypass Planning Report - Rev 3.docx 12 June 2013 Revision 3 Page 2 Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms 6 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Grampians 2018 OVG.Pdf
    OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE Grampians visitgrampians.com.au CONTENTS Discover the Grampians Region 4 Getting Here 7 Discover the Great Outdoors 8 Discover Our Parks 10 Discover the North 12 Discover the East 24 Grampians Region Map 33 Discover the South 34 Discover the West 40 Step into an Ancient Landscape 48 Art, History and Culture 50 Discover Aboriginal Heritage 52 Discover Wine Regions and Wineries 54 Explore by Road 58 Discover Events and Festivals 61 visitgrampians.com.au Follow us: @thegrampians #grampians #grampianspeakstrail #grampiansway Published March 2018 by Grampians Tourism Board Inc www.grampianstourism.com.au Information in this booklet is correct at time of printing. Silent Street Photo by Rob Blackburn Design by Artifishal Studios · artifishal.com.au Front cover image: Mt Abrupt, near Dunkeld visitgrampians.com.au | 3 DISCOVER THE GRAMPIANS REGION EXPLORE BIG NATURE WILDFLOWERS Welcome! Explore the great Discover vibrant Step into the Whether outdoors and wildflowers, ‘Grampians you’re a wine jump right into the rugged garden’! Wander taster, outdoor Grampians with mountains through diverse explorer or magnificent sights and majestic landscapes, vivid and a multitude waterfalls, while wildflowers that food finder, of activities. getting up close change with the the Grampians Discover the best to the natural seasons, taking in region has of the Grampians inhabitants such everything from an adventure region at your as kangaroos, sub-alpine forest waiting for you. own pace by wallabies and and woodlands With diverse following one emus as you go. to heathlands, areas to explore of our popular Renowned for swamps and and stories touring routes. rugged mountain riverine territory.
    [Show full text]
  • Gippsland-Regional-Growth-Plan
    GIPPSLAND REGIONAL GROWTH PLAN BACKGROUND REPORT Acknowledgement of Country The Gippsland Local Government Network and the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure acknowledge Aboriginal Traditional Owners within the region, their rich culture and spiritual connection to Country. We also recognise and acknowledge the contribution and interest of Aboriginal people and organisations in land use planning, land management and natural resource management. Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne Printed by Finsbury Green, Melbourne If you would like to receive this publication in an accessible format, please telephone 1300 366 356. This document is also available in Word format at www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/regionalgrowthplans Unless indicated otherwise, this work is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence. To view a copy of the licence, visit creativecommons.org/licences/by/3.0/au It is a condition of this Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Licence that you must give credit to the original author who is the State of Victoria. 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 consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. March 2014 Table of contents ACRONYMS ....................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • List of Parishes in the State of Victoria
    List of Parishes in the State of Victoria Showing the County, the Land District, and the Municipality in which each is situated. (extracted from Township and Parish Guide, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, 1955) Parish County Land District Municipality (Shire Unless Otherwise Stated) Acheron Anglesey Alexandra Alexandra Addington Talbot Ballaarat Ballaarat Adjie Benambra Beechworth Upper Murray Adzar Villiers Hamilton Mount Rouse Aire Polwarth Geelong Otway Albacutya Karkarooc; Mallee Dimboola Weeah Alberton East Buln Buln Melbourne Alberton Alberton West Buln Buln Melbourne Alberton Alexandra Anglesey Alexandra Alexandra Allambee East Buln Buln Melbourne Korumburra, Narracan, Woorayl Amherst Talbot St. Arnaud Talbot, Tullaroop Amphitheatre Gladstone; Ararat Lexton Kara Kara; Ripon Anakie Grant Geelong Corio Angahook Polwarth Geelong Corio Angora Dargo Omeo Omeo Annuello Karkarooc Mallee Swan Hill Annya Normanby Hamilton Portland Arapiles Lowan Horsham (P.M.) Arapiles Ararat Borung; Ararat Ararat (City); Ararat, Stawell Ripon Arcadia Moira Benalla Euroa, Goulburn, Shepparton Archdale Gladstone St. Arnaud Bet Bet Ardno Follett Hamilton Glenelg Ardonachie Normanby Hamilton Minhamite Areegra Borug Horsham (P.M.) Warracknabeal Argyle Grenville Ballaarat Grenville, Ripon Ascot Ripon; Ballaarat Ballaarat Talbot Ashens Borung Horsham Dunmunkle Audley Normanby Hamilton Dundas, Portland Avenel Anglesey; Seymour Goulburn, Seymour Delatite; Moira Avoca Gladstone; St. Arnaud Avoca Kara Kara Awonga Lowan Horsham Kowree Axedale Bendigo; Bendigo
    [Show full text]
  • Cultures Unite on the Cricket Pitch
    SPORT Wimmera Sports Calendar WEDNESDAY February 9 VOLLEYBALL: Come and Try night 7-8pm at St Brigid’s College stadium. All ages welcome. Contact David 0407 810 803. CRICKET: Melbourne Country Week day 3 – Horsham v Grassmere at Oakleigh. NETBALL: Taylors Lake netball club training for A, B and C grades starting at 6.30pm at the soundshell. Contact Letitia 0400 964 770. SLAM AND SWEAT TENNIS: tennis fi tness program 9.30-10.30am $6 per session. Contact Sue 0409 257 256 for when this program resumes after the holidays. WALKING: Kaniva Moovers and Shakers. Departs from Kaniva LINK Neighbourhood House at 9am. If you would like to join this walking group contact Janine Clark at West Wimmera Health Service on 5391 4222. WALKING: Edenhope Moovers & Shakers. 4:30pm (alternative activity with diffi cult weather). Meeting at Corner Lake & Mollison Sts Edenhope. Contact Cath 5585 9827. KEEN-AGERS TABLE TENNIS: Horsham Table Tennis Association and the University of the Third Age (U3A) invite those 50 years young (or older) to come to Maydale Pavilion, Horsham Showgrounds from 9am for social table tennis. Equipment provided. Please wear rubber sole shoes. Players must be members of U3A or take out membership with the Horsham Table Tennis Association. Contact Ethel Sanders 5382 6654 WALKING: Harrow Moovers & Shakers: 7:15pm at North Harrow Reserve (alternative activity in diffi cult weather). Contact Pauline on 5585 9827. EXERCISE PROGRAM: Soldiers Memorial Hall Natimuk, 6pm-7pm Strength and Flexibility Class. Contact the YMCA 5382 2576. WALKING: Hopetoun Moovers & Shakers: 5:30pm and 6:30pm at the Hopetoun and District Neighbourhood House.
    [Show full text]
  • Grampians and Barwon South West Region Passenger Services Cost & Feasibility Study
    GRAMPIANS AND BARWON SOUTH WEST REGION PASSENGER SERVICES COST & FEASIBILITY STUDY FINAL REPORT March 2017 John Hearsch Consulting Pty Ltd 2 Steering Committee Peter Brown, CEO, Horsham Rural City Council Andrew Evans, CEO, Ararat Rural City Council Michael McCarthy, Director Shire Futures, Southern Grampians Shire Council Maree McNeilly, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources Angela Daraxaglou, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources Chris Banger, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources Jozef Vass, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources Study Co-ordinator: Susan Surridge, Horsham Rural City Council Study Team John Hearsch, Study Director Dr Bill Russell Peter Don Participating Councils Ararat Rural City Council Northern Grampians Shire Glenelg Shire Southern Grampian Shire Hindmarsh Shire West Wimmera Shire Horsham Rural City Council Yarriambiack Shire Grampians and Barwon South West Passenger Services Cost & Feasibility Study– John Hearsch Consulting Pty Ltd, Page 2 3 GRAMPIANS AND BARWON SOUTH WEST REGION PASSENGER SERVICES COST & FEASIBILITY STUDY Table of Contents Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 6 Findings ............................................................................................................................ 8 Recommendations ..........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Alpine National Park
    Alpine Grazing Taskforce Report ReportREPORT of theON THE investigation INVESTIGATION into INTO the futureTHE FUTURE of cattle OF CATTLE grazing GRAZING in the IN THE AlpineALPINE National NATIONAL Park PARK ALPINE GRAZING TASKFORCE (replace with new cover) Alpine Grazing Taskforce Al MARCH 2005 Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment May 2005 Also published on www.dse.vic.gov.au/alpinegrazing © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2005 for the Alpine Grazing Taskforce This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne Printed by Impact Digital, 69–79 Fallon Street, Brunswick ISBN 1 74152 124 6 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 consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. For further information contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186. [Signed letter from Taskforce to Minister.] Alpine Grazing Taskforce Report 2 Alpine Grazing Taskforce Report TABLE OF CONTENTS Taskforce findings 5 Part One – Introduction 9 1 The Taskforce 11 The Alpine National Park grazing issue 11 The Alpine Grazing Taskforce 11 Consultation 12
    [Show full text]
  • Executive Summary Grampians and Barwon South West Region
    Grampians and Barwon South West Region Passenger Services Study – March 2017 Executive Summary This Study of the passenger service needs of the Grampians and Barwon South West regions was commissioned by eight local government councils in western Victoria, and covers the area from Ararat to the South Australian border and from Yarriambiack in the north to Glenelg Shire in the south. Councils asked the Study Team to investigate the extent to which existing passenger services – both train and coach – supported the social and economic requirements of this large and productive region, and whether the services currently provided and the infrastructure used could be improved. Councils wanted passenger services and infrastructure that would improve social and economic access and connectivity, reduce isolation, and enable the present and future residents of the region to easily connect with regional centres and Melbourne to meet social, economic, medical, educational and business needs through safe, efficient, frequent and reliable public transport. Central to this issue was whether train services could be reinstated to Horsham, Hamilton and other centres. The Report is based on extensive investigation, and many meetings with councillors, council officers, business leaders, educational and health services and residents in the region. The Study Team also reviewed social and economic statistics for the region in detail. It investigated rail and coach operational questions in fine detail. The work undertaken by the Study Team identified significant unmet needs for better public transport in the region. The Study found that residents, businesses, government agencies and local governments in the region were not being provided with fast public transport access to Ballarat and Melbourne.
    [Show full text]
  • Infrastructure Strategy
    Victoria’s Draft 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy Develop regional Victoria Infrastructure Victoria’s draft 30-year infrastructure strategy considers the infrastructure needs for all of Victoria. The opportunities and challenges for regional Infrastructure strengthens wellbeing in and rural communities are different to those in regional Victoria by connecting people to Melbourne but we found that many infrastructure essential resources and tackling disadvantage needs are shared across the regions. experienced by Victoria’s most vulnerable communities. Each region has unique attributes that can grow economies, create jobs and transform Recommendations specific to the regions industries. Infrastructure investments that build have been developed to address unique on a region’s existing competitive strengths infrastructure needs for: or advantages are most likely to effectively \ Barwon deliver future economic growth. Infrastructure \ Central Highlands must also support communities during natural disasters and prepare them for long-term \ Gippsland climate change. \ Goulburn \ Great South Coast The regions of Victoria \ Loddon Campaspe \ Mallee \ Ovens Murray \ Wimmera Southern Mallee. Enhance market access and Foster regional Victorians’ health, productivity safety and inclusion Regional Victoria is home to key local and export Transport and telecommunications infrastructure industries. Infrastructure plays an important role in can support improved access to services in regional connecting businesses with their markets, boosting areas. Yet
    [Show full text]