Neds Corner Station wins rabbit battle

WHEN station manager Peter Barnes Th is success is due to a range including ancestral burials, scar came across four Australian bustards of controls including destroying trees, fi replaces and shell middens. while out watering new plantings, he warrens, laying poisoned baits, Warrens cannot be mechanically couldn’t believe his eyes. shooting, releasing the calicivirus ripped in some areas and instead Th e threatened birds, once and installing vermin-proof fences. more creative and sensitive ways of common in southern Australia, More than 20,000 warrens making them unusable are deployed hadn’t been recorded on the have been treated, 13,000 of them such as covering entrances or property since it was bought by destroyed. collapsing them by hand. Trust for Nature 16 years ago. Knowing how to most eff ectively Five hundred hectares of the The bustards are a testament control the rabbits on Neds Corner property has also been fenced to to the dramatic rehabilitation was initially a process of trial and keep predators and rabbits out. the 30,000 hectare Neds Corner error and methods have changed and Th is enables Trust for Nature Station has undergone since 2002. refi ned over the years. Th e property’s to explore the potential of Had the birds fl own across back sheer size makes the job diffi cult. reintroducing regionally extinct then, they would have looked down “We were good at killing them, animals to the property. at a heavily grazed property, blowing but not so good at controlling them,” Rabbit control is ongoing, red dust with bare clay pans and lots Peter said. and is likely to continually play a of rabbits, and kept fl ying. “We used to get straight into part in managing this important Neds Corner Station in North West ripping up warrens which would conservation property. Victoria is one of 43 conservation only leave the rabbits homeless and “Once you get down to low reserves owned by Trust for Nature. force them to live on the surface, numbers you just cannot stop Th e property has had a long battle fi nding homes in bushes and working. Now if we notice rabbits in with rabbits: they prevented natural anywhere they could hide.” a spot or re-infesting, we’ll treat that regeneration and de-stabilised the Reducing the number of rabbits as it comes up,” Peter said. A bustard sighted at Neds Corner Station. Photo: Peter Barnes. soil and sand dunes. before destroying warrens was a Controlling the rabbits has When the Trust purchased the more eff ective approach. completely transformed Neds Corner plant and animal species, including wonders is a new species of daisy property there were more than 30 Neds Corner is on Ngintait Station and allowed indigenous 77 threatened plants, 24 reptiles and for Victoria. rabbits per spotlight kilometre. country and the fi rst people of species to move back in. 112 types of birds. “And, fi ngers crossed, the After more than a decade of work Millewa Mallee. As one of Victoria’s largest Researchers have found 21 bustards will like what they see the average is now 0.4 rabbits per Th e property features numerous conservation reserves, it is now species not previously known and permanently call Neds Corner spotlight kilometre. important cultural heritage sites home to more than 1000 native to science and among its many Station home,” Peter said. New skills and partnership to fi ght feral pests FOR the fi rst time the unique skills agencies work together with a to help coordinate their fi rst wild dog and expertise of the Landcare coordinated strategy. baiting program held between August network are being harnessed to “Landcare is brilliant at doing and September this year. tackle feral pigs, dogs, foxes and other that sort of thing – networking “We had 20 landholders take pests on the Central Tablelands. and planning – so we expect this part in this group’s fi rst program,” Central Tablelands Local Land initiative to bring new people into she said. Services has contracted local a more strategic approach to pest “Th e majority of these people Landcare groups to provide pest management,” Paul said. had not taken part in a coordinated animal group coordinators, utilising “Th e idea is to get community baiting on this scale before, so that their networking and engagement members engaged in a structured was a great result.” skills to increase landholder format, with the help of pest animal Four new pest animal group participation and support eff ective coordinators to bring them to the table.” coordinators have now been engaged pest control. Beth Greenfi eld is the fi rst pest by Central Tablelands Local Land Agencies across the state are animal group coordinator to be Services, including Beth Greenfi eld, closely watching the pilot project. employed under the new Landcare Watershed Landcare; Mel Kiel, Little Central Tablelands senior land and Local Land Services pilot project. River Landcare; Sally Kirby, Central service offi cer Paul Gibb said it is the She started her new role in July, Tablelands Landcare; and Jayden fi rst Local Land Services region in working in the Watershed Landcare Gunn, Mid Lachlan Landcare. A new New South Wales to launch a formal region covering Mudgee, Gulgong, pest animal group coordinator will joint pest management project with Rylstone and Hill End. also be appointed to the Lithgow Landcare. “I’ve been getting to know Oberon Landcare region. “Th is partnership is funded by landholders in this region and “Landcare and Local Land Local Land Services, where we’re identifying the key challenges Services have already been working together to achieve the goals we need to tackle, including working with each other on a of the recently released Regional overcoming some of the basic regular basis, but this new project Pest Management Strategy,” he said. problems for landholders engaging will formalise and enhance that Feral pests are a big problem and communicating with their local process, combining our biosecurity for both agriculture and the pest groups,” Beth said. expertise with Landcare’s knack Networking and engagement are new tactics being used to manage foxes and environment, and pest control Beth also worked with the newly for networking and community other feral pests. works best when landholders and formed Piambong Yarrabin Pest Group engagement,” Paul said. Clean4Shore voted Australia’s favourite Landcare project

NEW South Wales Coastcare group Each year, Clean4Shore leads Graham Johnson was very Clean4Shore won the coveted up to 70 fi eld trips: engaging the excited to win this esteemed award People’s Choice Award at the National community, schools, disability, on behalf of the group. Landcare Awards held in October. indigenous and business groups “I’m very proud that Landcarers Operating on the Central Coast, in the removal of plastic and have voted for litter management,” Clean4Shore was chosen above 64 polystyrene around the Hawkesbury Graham said. “I have a great support group from other national fi nalists by receiving River, Brisbane Waters and Tuggerah my Facebook page, and from people the most votes from the Australian Lakes. that follow our program who are willing public in an online poll in the lead- Volunteer groups led by to get out there and do something up to the 2018 National Landcare Clean4Shore remove garbage from about the litter in our waterways. Awards gala dinner. waterways while simultaneously “Th is is a pretty big achievement It is the only award among all 11 educating themselves about the for us. It makes it all worthwhile.” handed out that is voted on by the Central Coast foreshores and For all the 2018 National Landcare public and not a judging panel. mangroves. Award winners, see inside. Graham Johnson receiving the People’s Choice Award on behalf of Clean4Shore. Managing the pest animals and weeds that hurt farmers’ pockets By Minister for Agriculture Farmers are waking up to a trail tools and another $15 million of destruction left by wild dogs on this year for communities and Water Resources, sheep flocks and Landcarers find in drought. themselves battling weeds invading Pests and weeds are an even David Littleproud MP native habitat. bigger threat in a drought where It would be easy to give up - farmers struggle to keep them under PESTS and weeds are unfortunate especially when weeds are growing control and when livestock is under realities that cost farmers money. resistant to chemicals. stress. The bill for weed control is But the government is committed They are a drag on drought around $4 billion a year including to fight harder and smarter. As pests recovery. production losses. Pests cost up to and weeds adapt, we’ve got to find We’ve set up our command $800 million. new ways to take back control. centre in this war. We’re investing It’s a huge drain on the rural There’s too much at stake. $20 million in the Centre for Invasive economies where about $18,000 is Even though pest and weed Species Solutions. spent on the average farm every year management is the responsibility The centre is running 21 new keeping weeds under control. of landholders and the states, the projects to help prevent, detect and Australia has about 3200 Coalition Government is making big manage invasive pests. introduced plants. Around 500 are investments. This includes a project to weeds. We’ve invested $76 million investigate how viruses can be used At least 73 introduced animals through the Agricultural to control rabbits - one of the most now have feral populations, Competitiveness White Paper costly pests for Aussie farmers. including 25 mammal species, 20 to tackle pests and weeds, with We’re developing technology to birds, four reptiles, one amphibian $25.8 million going to drought- get pests and weeds off our land. and at least 23 freshwater fish. affected areas. The government will keep The stats show the size of We put an extra $30.3 million working alongside our farmers and the problem but the toll on the over four years from next year for land managers as we take on pests environment is harder to measure. established pest and weed control and weeds together. Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud MP. National conference a Annual report celebration of Landcare sums up By CEO Landcare Australia, tremendous Dr Shane Norrish

WITHOUT a doubt, the National Landcare Conference and Awards plant biosecurity is a highlight in the Landcare calendar. THE 10th edition of the National 31 case studies highlight facets It is an incredible experience Plant Biosecurity Status Report of the biosecurity system including joining together with so many reveals the tremendous effort being eradication efforts, surveillance passionate, talented, and insightful made across the country to sustain programs, regionalised and priority Landcarers to encourage one our plant industries and our unique pests, innovations and events. another and celebrate our ecosystems. This includes aspects of achievements. The report, produced annually the $200 million investment in This year’s conference and by Plant Health Australia (PHA), improving biosecurity surveillance awards was no exception. is a go-to reference for anyone and analysis through the Australian Last month, 500 delegates seeking to understand Australia’s Government’s Agricultural from across Australia gathered in plant biosecurity system and its Competitiveness White Paper to Brisbane for three days to learn, performance. better target critical biosecurity risks share knowledge, and network with The 2017 report was developed and help improve market access for experts, peers, and the community. with input from 90 contributors and Australian producers. Exploring the theme Landcare: details the efforts being made by “The report also details building a better tomorrow, we Australian and state governments, 700 scientific projects being were challenged to think about industries, research agencies and undertaken around Australia by our country’s future and the the community. researchers and funders seeking important part we all have to play in “This year the National Plant to solve challenges affecting caring for it. Biosecurity Status Report displays plant industries and our unique The conference’s keynote speaker, the system through the three environment,” said PHA executive Australian National University’s layers of protection: pre-border, at director and chief executive officer Climate Change Institute director Landcare Australia chief executive officer, Dr Shane Norrish. the border and post-border, with Greg Fraser. Professor Mark Howden was examples of how this works in “Each project sheds light on some inspirational in his presentation great honour for Landcare Australia Landcare Program, the National specific circumstances,” said PHA aspect of plant or bee biosecurity on the need for a climate change to recognise their achievements. Landcare Network, Queensland chair Steve McCutcheon. that will inform better management strategy for Landcare. Congratulations to all the finalists Water and Land Carers, the working The report profiles 40 plant of pests, crop production and the Landcarers have an important and winners not just on their groups, awards judges, and our industries, providing information on environment,” Mr Fraser said. part to play in acting on this issue. achievement but for the enormous sponsors for the part they have the value of the crop, main growing Plant Health Australia is We need to be at the forefront, difference they are making. played. areas and priority pests. the national coordinator of the especially regarding the restoration As with all things Landcare, Putting an event on of this size It identifies the greatest exotic pest government-industry partnership and management of Australia’s many people have helped make this would not have been as successful threats and explains the mechanisms for plant biosecurity. natural assets. event happen. without this valued support. in place, including surveillance and • The report is available to read or Our 11 national award winners I’d particularly like to thank the If you didn’t get to join us this diagnostics, to maintain the pest download at: planthealthaustralia. are fine examples of this and it was a Australian Government’s National year, I hope you can make it in 2020. status of plant industries. com.au/NPBSR Baxter the border collie has a nose that knows

BAXTER the border collie is living has been very effective, but we proof that you really can teach an struggle to find the plants before old dog new tricks. they flower,’’ she said. The fun-loving canine is the first “With Baxter now part of the in Australia to sniff out fireweed – team we can detect seedlings and an invasive plant threatening the remove them before they flower and environment and cattle industry. their seeds spread on the wind and Baxter spent seven days in via livestock.” training with owner Jacqui Diggins Baxter trained several years before showing off his new skills ago as an urban search and rescue on the Atherton Tablelands in Far sniffer dog to find missing people. North Queensland. But he was never deployed. “He took off, smelt the weed and Jacqui said her border collie was dropped to the ground in a spot born blind in one eye. where we could see nothing,’’ Jacqui “It has never stopped him, or said. slowed him down,’’ she said. “We found a tiny fireweed the A Churchill Scholarship size of my thumb, and that was the recipient for research into first of three. We would have walked using detection dogs to support straight over the plants.” conservation programs, she has Fireweed is a daisy-like plant that visited New Zealand and America competes with pasture and is toxic to see the wide range of uses for to livestock. detection dogs. Wet Tropics natural resource “In Australia dogs are now being management organisation Terrain used for everything from feral cat NRM hopes Baxter will help fight its detection to quoll surveys, koala Baxter the border collie is rewarded with ball time after detecting fireweed, in trainer Jacqui Diggins’ hand. spread as part of an initiative funded and frog detections and in some by Queensland Government’s cases weed detection,’’ she said. “He knows there will be play – his entire coastline of NSW, along the infestations over the past 18 Natural Resource Management “A dog’s sense of smell is believed ball comes out and usually it’s tug of coast to Brisbane and as far north months on private land and along Investment Program. to be between 1000 and 10,000 times war,’’ Jacqui said. as the Wet Tropics. roadsides. Terrain NRM’s Evizel Seymour better than ours. Humans can smell Fireweed is listed as a restricted Even light outbreaks can produce “Having Baxter come in at the said Baxter had buoyed spirits. baking bread about a block away but invasive pest in Queensland. First one million seeds per hectare. end, when plant numbers are “We’ve been working with the dogs can smell every ingredient.” detected in New South Wales, it Evizel said intensive work low, will build our confidence of Tablelands Regional Council for Baxter’s reward for finding has spread rapidly over the past 30 at three isolated sites on the removing all plants in the area’’ more than two years and the project fireweed is ‘ball time’. years and is now found along the Tablelands had reduced fireweed she said. Working together to More sustainable crops determine threats to just an application away Australia’s environment SCIENTISTS are investigating whether a clay-based ‘vaccine’ for PROTECTING Australia from exotic they provide to the Australian public, plants could safeguard the nation’s pests, weeds and diseases that could are adequately protected from future $5.5 billion-combined cotton and negatively impact the environment biosecurity threats. vegetable industries against pest is a national priority. A national priority list of infestation and crippling crop losses. Previous introductions of pests, environmental pests and diseases, Funded by Hort Innovation and weeds and diseases, examples developed in partnership with the Cotton Research Development including foxes, lantana, myrtle biosecurity system participants, was Corporation, the project is being rust and the amphibian disease one of the key recommendations delivered by the University of chytridiomycosis, have negatively in the 2017 Priorities for Australia’s impacted Australia’s unique biosecurity system report. Queensland (UQ) in partnership environment, biodiversity and our Collaboration is an important with Nufarm, and involves trials way of life. component of the project, where of the non-toxic, biodegradable The Department of Agriculture joint decisions have been made with product BioClay on farms in and Water Resources, the Australian key stakeholders from governments Queensland and other locations Bureau of Agricultural and Resource and other organisations throughout across the country. Economics and Sciences (ABARES), the entire process. Hort Innovation research and as well as experts from state and Two workshops were held in development general manager territory governments, March and June 2018 to facilitate the David Moore said the new work New Zealand government, development of stakeholder networks followed more than four years Professor Neena Mitter (centre) and QAAFI researchers test the non-toxic, universities and other organisations and to inform the development of the of research into developing the pathogen-free BioClay spray on cabbages. Photo: University of Queensland. are working together to identify and national priority list. product, and the trials presented determine high priority exotic pests, Project participants are currently an exciting step toward the “The high-tech BioClay spray vegetable and cotton crops,” she weeds and diseases that could harm in the process of assessing species commercialisation of BioClay. responds to these challenges by said. Australia’s environment and social for the national priority list. “The Australian vegetablepriming the plant’s own defences, “BioClay offers sustainable amenity should they arrive here. A consultation process is industry is among Australia’s largest helping the plant to naturally attack crop protection and residue free The project, due for completion by expected once the assessment period horticultural industries with an specific crop pests and pathogens.” food produce – which consumers the end of 2019, will identify high risk is complete, likely around mid-2019, estimated annual gross production UQ research arm, the Queensland demand. species across all taxonomic groups with the final list anticipated to be value of $3.7 billion, and exports to Alliance for Agriculture and Food “There is no genetic modification and ecosystems, including terrestrial published by the end of 2019. Asia and the Middle East valued at Innovation, is leading the trials, of the plants, and the process does and freshwater vertebrates, plants, The list and prioritisation process over $270 million,” he said. and while the project is not due for not involve chemicals that might marine pests, terrestrial and aquatic will be initially reviewed after three “Globally, an estimated 40 per completion until 2021, agricultural affect untargeted insects. invertebrates, plant pathogens, wildlife years, and there will be the flexibility cent of food grown is lost to crop biotechnologist and research leader, “BioClay is the first step towards diseases, and aquatic animal diseases. to add or delete species as needed to pests and pathogens. Professor Neena Mitter, said early revolutionising how we manage pest This is to ensure that Australia’s keep the list current. “Pest and disease management signs were promising. control organically for increased native flora and fauna, unique • For further information on is increasingly challenging for both “Through large-scale trials we sustainability and resilience of environments (from our tropical the national priority list of exotic the fruit and vegetable and cotton know that BioClay works, and crops and industry at large. This rainforests to our reefs and oceans, environmental pests and diseases industries, who are facing climate the work we have done to date is an exciting project that has the national parks, deserts, estuaries and project, contact environmentalpestlist@ change, pesticide resistance and provides a great foundation for pest potential to ultimately reshape heritage sites), and the social amenity agriculture.gov.au. chemical use limitations. and disease management across industry approaches to pesticides.” Hot on the tracks of feral animals in the Top End

FERAL buffaloes, pigs and cattle The GPS trackers, developed by are having a devastating impact on CSIRO’s Data61 researchers, are wetlands and important cultural made at a fraction of the cost of sites across the Top End. commercially available alternatives. They destroy wetlands and creeks, This has opened up the prospect cause declines in water quality, spread of conducting large-scale tracking diseases that could be passed on to projects that have not been livestock, and destroy infrastructure economically feasible before. like roads and fences which are so Using a low-power and long- important in remote areas. range communication system, Past attempts at controlling these called LoRa, the GPS trackers and introduced pests have had limited the environmental sensors upload success, but recent advances in their data to CSIRO’s Senaps cloud digital technologies might be about service in near real-time, as the to change that. animals are roaming around. A team of scientists and Indigenous The local expertise of Indigenous Rangers have been connecting feral rangers has been instrumental in animals up to the internet. the effectiveness of the technology. New technology developed Initial tests of the equipment by CSIRO with James Cook at the Djelk Indigenous protected University and Indigenous ranger area in east Arnhem Land showed groups in Arnhem Land and Cape that the use of digital technology in The GPS tracker designed by Data61. Photo: Chris McKay, CSIRO. York is bringing invasive species remote areas presents a unique set monitoring into the data age and of challenges. The Rangers’ intimate knowledge ‘learn’ the behaviour of the animals Working with environmental allowing for real-time monitoring of While the system worked in the of the landscape also enabled them over time. managers, like the Indigenous the animals. town of Maningrida – 500 kilometres to advise on where to place sensors Using machine learning, the ranger groups, is also ensuring The system uses electronic GPS east of Darwin – mobile networks in and communications equipment data will help predict the animals’ that the new tracking system is co- trackers attached with animal collars areas beyond, where buffalo and where feral animals most frequent. future behaviour by measuring designed by the people who will and an array of environmental pigs inhabit, were patchy. As of October 2018, 22 the temperature and humidity of use them. sensors embedded in the landscape. With the assistance of the buffaloes in east Arnhem Land, different parts of the landscape This means the technology and Telecommunication infrastructure Djelk Rangers, the system was and 20 pigs on Cape Yorke have against their movements. insights it delivers will be available then receives the signals from the connected to their communications been fitted with the GPS tracking Understanding where feral sooner in the areas where it is most trackers and sensors to deliver infrastructure and placed close to the collars. animals go under specific weather needed, offering the potential to information about the feral animals animals, allowing the sensors to pick The data collected by this system conditions will help to better change long-term management and the habitats they frequent. up the signals of the GPS trackers. will feed into a model that is able to manage their impacts. strategies. Charlie Arnott wins Bob Hawke Landcare Award NEW South Wales biodynamic in Landcare and sustainable land He also plans to use his 5000-acre mixed farming property, farmer and grazier Charlie Arnott management practices. award to facilitate more on- Hanaminno, at Boorowa NSW. was honoured at the 2018 National Charlie was ecstatic to win the farm workshops and training for Passionate about growing clean, Landcare Awards as the winner prestigious award. farmers and others interested in healthy meat, Charlie’s approach and of the prestigious Bob Hawke “The other finalists, Graeme and biodynamics. practice of biodynamic and holistic Landcare Award. Simon, have made such huge “The biggest impact I can have is principles demonstrate every aspect Charlie was chosen amongst contributions to Landcare, and both teaching farmers how to do things of the Landcare ethic. an exceptional group of finalists have had a positive impact working differently,” Charlie said. The Bob Hawke Landcare Award which included Victorian farmer with their local communities,” “I’m a firm believer it’s much is not the first time Charlie’s farming Simon Falkiner and Tasmanian poo- Charlie said. better to give a man a fishing rod practices have been recognised. ologist, Dr Graeme Stevenson. “I was completely surprised and teach him how to use it, rather He has won several agricultural The award acknowledges a when I heard my name being called than just giving him fish. industry awards for leadership, person who has demonstrated a out. It’s a real honour to have what I “Helping other farmers to focus resource management, and remarkable commitment to caring do for a living – my passion – being on what we can control is the biggest conservation. for the land, champions better acknowledged and celebrated.” barrier. Charlie has been an active practices, and gives their time to By winning this award, Charlie “While we still face the same Landcarer since the inception of share knowledge with others so that hopes to inspire more farmers to adopt challenges, what we do differently is the Landcare movement in 1989, they too can prosper. organic and biodynamic practices on how we approach them.” with previous roles in all levels of With a $50,000 prize package, their properties so they too can benefit Charlie practices regenerative Landcare, from district groups to the Winner of the prestigious Bob Hawke the award enables Charlie to further from enhanced landscape biodiversity, farming, organic, biodynamic and Sustainable Farming ambassador Landcare Award, Charlie Arnott. develop his knowledge and skills healthy plants, and animals. holistic grazing principles on his for Landcare Australia. Suspicious stink bug sparks response

WHEN a staff member walked “The bug we caught had four into Warren Birchmore’s office antenna sections, while the BMSB with a suspicious looking bug on has five. I was fairly certain it wasn’t her jumper, Warren immediately a BMSB, but I wanted to be sure,” thought of the brown marmorated Warren said. stink bug (BMSB). Suzanne put Warren in touch Warren is viticulture systems with South Australian Research manager at Accolade Wines, based and Development Institute (SARDI) at Reynella. entomologist Greg Baker who was “I was aware of the BMSB problem able to confirm that the stink bug due to the recent publications in question was a native gum tree and alerts, so I had heightened shield bug. awareness,” Warren said. “It was a relief that our bug “When I pointed out the bug on wasn’t the BMSB, which is exotic to her jumper, she instinctively flicked Australia and we really don’t want it it off and it flew away. here,” Warren said. “But I knew I needed to catch it “It was a good process to go for identification. through for me, because now I’m “I managed to catch it and familiar with the steps for identifying contain it in a jar, which was hard to or reporting a suspicious pest.” do as the bug was very active.” Warren said vineyard staff are key The next step was finding to monitoring for unusual pests, as information to assist with identifying they are looking at vines every day. the bug. “Our vineyard managers are Warren contacted Vinehealth well versed in knowing what pests Australia’s technical manager and diseases could appear and are The gum tree shield bug. Photo: Warren Birchmore. Suzanne McLoughlin. always on the lookout for something Together they identified some unusual,” he said. of the distinguishing features of “If they do spot something, the bugs that Warren could use to they immediately investigate it, initially discount the bugs it was either internally within Accolade or likely not to be. outside with organisations such as “Suzanne also suggested putting Vinehealth or SARDI. the bug in the fridge to slow it down, “And all of us in the industry which was a great tip,” Warren said. need to be vigilant. “Once the bug was sluggish, I “It’s much better to be alert and get put a ruler under the jar for scale, unusual insects or diseases identified, and took photos using the flash than to ignore the problem, and function. suddenly it is everywhere.” “This was also a good move, Suzanne said Vinehealth Australia because the colours and markings on is constantly looking at ways to make the bug showed up vastly different in the pest and disease identification the photos when I used flash. process easier for growers. “I thought the bug was a brown “With new pest pressures on grey colour, but it was actually dark our doorstep, we’re focused on brown to black, with yellowish spots. preventing the entry of exotic pests, as “That was a real eye opener – well as ensuring growers know what the colour differences between the to do if they find something unusual. naked eye and the camera.” We’re here to help,” Suzanne said. The markings on the bug and the • If you think you’ve found an number of antenna sections were exotic pest or disease, call the Exotic also helpful in identification. Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Monitoring is vital for best practice farm-gate hygiene. Photo: Vinehealth Australia. The need for change in rangeland goat management in the Western Division By Marwan El Hassan Commercial goat harvesting Collaboration is therefore key for is sporadic and opportunistic success in the future. GOATS in Australia are a source of and depends solely on favourable Adaptive management, whereby conundrum and conflict. markets as an incentive for uptake. goat numbers are continuously On one hand, they can exert The tendency among some controlled not only for commercial significant pressure on native pastoralists to release underweight purposes but also for resource biodiversity, and are therefore and pregnant goats back in the wild protection, is needed. after mustering to ensure a ‘reserve’ Both conservationists and considered by many as pests. for hard times make things worse pastoralists should work together to On the other hand, they are a and effectively counteract attempts achieve this goal. significant resource for a growing to reduce numbers in the wild. It is certainly not an easy task goat meat industry that has put It’s important for conservationists and requires ongoing dialogue Australia on top of exporters in to appreciate the value of goats to until a shared understanding of the the world, and that relies on the rangeland producers in hard times, ‘problem’ is reached. Rangeland goats in their very suitable habitat. wild goat population for around 95 such as droughts. However, I believe it’s doable. percent of its supply. Many producers have survived And even more, I believe it’s the best globally. Some signs of this change in goats, which creates continuous and Large-scale eradication is not and stayed on their land thanks to way forward. attitude has been reflected in the latest steady supply and contributes to the feasible for many reasons. goats when all other animals simply There are encouraging signs that management plan of the Western LLS protection of resources. In fact, we have so far failed to died or had to be sold. things are indeed changing in the where goats are called ‘unmanaged The timing for collaborative, control the growth of the rangeland These same pastoralists are western division. rangeland goats’, rather than ‘feral’. adaptive management seems perfect. goat population to an estimated 5.8 also the stewards of the land that The majority of stakeholders The industry, represented by the A seemingly sustainable global million in the western division of conservationists rely on to manage from both ‘pest’ and ‘resource’ Goat Industry Council of Australia demand and the possibility to reach New South Wales alone. resources in the rangelands. groups have a better appreciation of and Meat and Livestock Australia new markets form an opportunity Siloed approaches to manage Pastoralists also need to acknowledge each other’s position. also recognise the critical need to to control and harvest larger goats have so far failed. the critical importance of natural For example, the Western protect natural resources and work numbers of goats to supply the Localised eradication in resources not only for environmental Local Land Services (LLS) now on sustainability of the goat industry exports markets. Thus collaborative protected areas is not working given purposes but also for their own acknowledges the value and potentials in the west. management can lead to a win-win the high mobility of goats from livelihood and wellbeing in the future of the goat meat industry, in light The industry is slowly moving scenario for all stakeholders in the neighbouring pastoral areas. on the land. of growing demand on the product towards semi-management of rangelands. A bright future for Fishery Falls farmer By Sam Moore and “For me, I’ve got pond apple and Singapore daisy that I’m working Toneya McIntosh, hard to clear.” Both species are major weeds, Cane Changer Project particularly in Queensland’s Wet FOR over 30 years, Lenny Parisi has Tropics, and can rapidly out- grown sugarcane on the banks of compete native species. the Mulgrave River in Fishery Falls, “I had Singapore daisies right Queensland, with his family. Like throughout the block when we first most sugarcane growers, he has started,” Lenny said. been making significant on-farm “We’ve worked hard to keep changes to improve productivity them under control, sometimes and protect the environment. spraying them out if we really Lenny has a strong connection to need, but we always try natural the environment and often spends methods first.” time fishing or diving on the Great For Lenny, it’s the natural Barrier Reef in his local area and methods that sometimes make all further north near Cooktown. the difference. “I’ve got my hands in the reef Like many growers in the area, which probably makes me a better he had problems with wild pigs farmer,” Lenny said. eating and damaging his sugarcane “I’m looking at the problem before he adopted green cane trash from both ends – I’m making on- blanketing. farm changes to reduce runoff and “The pigs still like the cane, but improve sustainability, but I’m also they often get diverted to the worms seeing the effects on the reef at the that live in the trash,” he said. other end.” “At least the damage is now Lenny’s grandfather originally spread out and not focused just on planted cane during the war the cane.” when times were tough. A lot has Green cane trash blanketing changed since then and one of the also helps to retain valuable soil things Lenny is doing is restoring moisture and nutrients. Because vegetation that was cleared during of these benefits to soil health, those early years. growers can also apply less fertiliser “I’m working with the and undertake less groundwork to Mulgrave Landcare and Catchment control weeds on their property. Group to revegetate areas of my While he’s certainly got a lot to be farm that aren’t suitable for cane,” proud of, Lenny has no plans to slow Lenny said. down any time soon. “We’ve now planted trees over Looking towards the future, he seven hectares and hope to restore hopes to continue re-purposing the area back to its original state.” areas of his farm to benefit the But as he will tell you, large-scale environment. revegetation doesn’t come without its “With Landcare, we’re looking Lenny Parisi is building lagoons on his property to help improve the water quality flowing into the Great Barrier Reef. challenges. Like most farmers, Lenny to build a larger lagoon on another spends a lot of his time controlling swampy region of the farm that help to improve the water quality “This will help to rebuild the increase after the second lagoon is the spread of invasive species. isn’t great for growing cane,” flowing to the reef.” banks of the river and establish a completed.” “We’re always doing what we can he said. Landcare volunteers visited his wildlife corridor,” Lenny said. With all of these changes taking around the farm to stop the spread of “Over time not only will this farm to plant another 1500 trees “We’re already starting to place, it certainly seems like a bright introduced species or remove things bring more wildlife and local along areas of his riverbank that see an increase in birdlife in future is on the horizon for this that shouldn’t be here,” he said. vegetation into the area, but it will were lacking vegetation. the area which will continue to Fishery Falls farmer. New appointment shines spotlight on environmental biosecurity

THE environment has always been environmental biosecurity risks. should be managed along with a big factor in managing biosecurity This national leadership role animal, plant and human health,” risk, but a new Chief Environmental is similar to those of the Chief Mr Thompson added. Biosecurity Officer (CEBO) is Veterinary Officer, the Chief Plant The key objectives of the CEBO enhancing Australia’s capability Protection Officer or the Threatened role are to: to provide national leadership on Species Commissioner. • enhance understanding and environmental biosecurity. Ian hopes the role will ensure oversight of environmental In June 2018, the Australian a more strategic and transparent biosecurity risks; government announced it would approach to national environmental • perform a national policy, establish the role – within the biosecurity preparedness and engagement and leadership role; Department of Agriculture and investment. • ensure that Australia’s Water Resources – in response to the “I’ll be working to strengthen environmental and community 2017 report, Priorities for Australia’s engagement with community and biosecurity risks are better biosecurity system: an independent environmental groups, including defined and prioritised; and review of the national biosecurity on their role in biosecurity • improve the maturity of Australia’s system and its underpinning and how they contribute to the environmental biosecurity intergovernmental agreement. national biosecurity system,” preparedness, surveillance and Ian Thompson was appointed Mr Thompson said. response capacity. Australia’s inaugural chief environmental biosecurity officer Ian Thompson. as the inaugural Australian CEBO An ongoing $825,000 a year The department, now working in October. He has extensive project fund will also be established with the CEBO will to continue to: do not pose an unacceptable disease outbreaks that threaten experience in this area and has the to drive investment in building • collaborate with the Department biosecurity risk; Australia’s environment. strong networks and relationships environmental biosecurity of the Environment and Energy – • provide inspection and Protecting the environment from in the environment and natural capability and capacity, and to including the Threatened Species certification services to facilitate pests and diseases is important so resources management community improve ability to detect and Commissioner – to develop and the safe movement of people, that all Australians can enjoy our required to make it a success. eradicate environmental pests implement policies and programs goods and conveyances into and unique biodiversity – now and into The CEBO will be the primary and diseases. that protect the environment; out of Australia; the future. representative and advisor to “Managing biosecurity risk • conduct risk analyses, including • partner with state and territory • For more information visit: the Australian Government on to the environment is a key part import risk analyses, so that goods governments, industry and www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/ all matters relating to Australia’s of the biosecurity system. It and people arriving in Australia communities to manage pest and environmental. New centre’s projects creating invasive species solutions

LANDCARERS will have more tools develop detection and surveillance “A critical part of this load falls in the fi ght against pest animals techniques to combat potential new on our researchers and national thanks to a suite of innovative threats. research collaboration works,” projects launched by the Centre for Th e centre was launched by Mr Cox stated. Invasive Species Solutions (CISS). Minister for Agriculture David “From an environmental point Th e new centre has established Littleproud on the 18 September of view and for agriculture, we a powerful member and partner 2018 at Parliament House. desperately need a Centre for collaborative research, development “Farmers face huge costs, Invasive Species Solutions.” and extension platform that has productivity losses and the spread Th e CISS is maintaining the brought together state, territory of diseases at the hands of pests momentum built by the Invasive and federal government agencies, and weeds, and continue to keep Animal’s Cooperative Research industry research development fi ghting to stop them in their tracks,” Centre which fi nished its research corporations – including Meat and Minister Littleproud said. projects in mid-2017. Livestock Australian and Australian “Th e 21 projects target pest CISS will continue the work Wool Innovation – the CSIRO animals in particular, and will look of its predecessor, collaborating Fiona Simson (National Farmers Federation), David Littleproud (Federal Minister for and universities to focus on the at new management tools, better nationally to deliver a rabbit Agriculture), Helen Cathles (Centre for Invasive Species Solutions) and Andrew Cox development of improved tools and strategic decision making, as well biocontrol research pipeline. (Invasive Species Council) launch the new centre. strategies that will strengthen the as community engagement and Two of the centre’s rabbit specific management of vertebrate pests. education.” biocontrol projects will be looking problem in nearly all jurisdictions creating a series of priorities for Twenty-one projects have been Notable environmentalist and at ways to optimise current of Australia, impacting agriculture deer research and management, co-developed with CISS’s members Invasive Species Council’s chief strategies in order to ensure future and threatening precious native including best practice and partners, and are focused on executive offi cer Andrew Cox has management benefits within the ecological communities, particularly management, understanding their developing solutions to managing praised the establishment of the environment and agriculture those within national parks. role as vectors of exotic disease, problematic species such as rabbits, new centre, highlighting the danger sectors. Together with fi ve state and and looking at new tools to tackle wild dogs and deer. invasive species pose to Australia’s Another of CISS’s projects territory governments, three the problem. Th e Australian Government has threatened native species and the include Australia’s largest research local councils, three universities, • For more information on the contributed $20 million towards importance of continuing to combat collaboration to tackle feral and three private environmental Centre for Invasive Species the CISS to fund the projects and this problem. deer. Feral deer are an emerging groups, CISS is working on Solutions visit invasives.com.au. ‘Trojan Y’ will be the downfall of pest fish A large part of our work It also attacks other fi sh and become almost entirely female, involves partnering with the tadpoles, reducing their survival reducing reproduction and University of Tasmania’s (UTas) rates. continuity of the population. ‘Trojan Y’ research project to Concerned with the impact Using hormones, the sex eradicate gambusia from within of this pest fi sh, the TIWC of these species are able to be the wetlands. Volunteers Group were involved in reversed – male to females and Gambusia was introduced implementing control programs, females to males – without to Australia in 1925 as part of an experimenting with diff erent involving genetic modification, international malaria control netting and trapping techniques, mass killing or causing ecological program. and modifying habitats to make harm. Th e fi sh was believed to decrease channels less favourable to TIWC Volunteers Group the population of mosquitoes that gambusia. assist this project by undertaking carried the disease by eating the We also undertook routine weekly population monitoring, mosquito larvae and pupae. sweep-netting sampling for maintaining fi sh stock, and Gambusia was fi rst reported population assessments and dip- educating the community on the Gambusia holbrooki female and male. Photo: Massimiliano Marcelli. in Tasmania in 1993 when it was netting for eradication. impacts of introducing unwanted released into a farm dam in close Unfortunately, these standard species. proximity to the Tamar River in techniques for population control So far current results are By John Duggin, Tamar Island fauna and fl ora, and the pest fi sh northern Tasmania. were limited in their success. demonstrating great promise. Gambusia holbrooki. It was later found in the Tamar ‘Trojan Y’ was established by However, ‘Trojan Y’ requires Wetlands Centre Volunteers Group Each year the group of 26 Island Wetlands in 2000. UTas in collaboration with Inland further controlled laboratory volunteers provide more than With the ability to establish Fisheries Service Tasmania, NRM studies, tank tests, and FOR 18 years the Tamar Island 5500 unpaid hours to the TIWC quickly in freshwater ecosystems, North, and TIWC Volunteers environmental assessment that are Wetlands Centre (TIWC) Volunteers and the local community, acting gambusia is an enormous threat: Group. beyond the current project, but we Group in Riverside, Tasmania as the first point of contact in competing for food with native Th e aim of ‘Trojan Y’ is to continue to explore other options has been educating people about interpreting the Tamar Island species such as the vulnerable green manipulate sex ratios so that and hope that one day gambusia wetlands ecology, wetlands Wetlands. and gold frog. successive generations of the fi sh will be a thing of the past.

Getting ready for a spring clean? Don’t forget your wood heater.

Spring and early summer is Firewood should be bought the perfect time to service early and kept stacked in a your wood heater and to start criss-cross fashion to season stocking up on firewood for over the warmer months. next winter. The AHHA recommends using firewood from sustainably An annual service by an managed forests and plantations. AHHA member serviceperson will prevent any build-up of These simple steps will help to creosote, making your heater ensure your heater is warming safer, more efficient and your home efficiently and AHHA.woodheat @aushomeheating cleaner burning. cleanly next winter. homeheat.com.au Exclusion a solution in the face of extinction

NEW South Wales is home to one “Feral animals are one of the of the world’s most diverse natural greatest threats to our wildlife and environments. However, among this national parks,” he said. natural beauty, many species are on “Goats compete with native the verge of extinction. animals for food and cause erosion Th e malleefowl is an iconic in steeper country.” endangered species within the Malleefowl chicks are abandoned NSW area. before they hatch, making them an It’s a ground-dwelling bird about easy target for predators. the size of a domestic chicken. Since the installation of the fence Malleefowl make easy prey for the malleefowl population has foxes and are under threat from rapidly increased. feral goats and pigs that destroy Good fencing is an eff ective their nests. place to start when managing A collaboration between Local feral animals and protecting Umbrella extensions stop vermin from Land Services, Waratah Fencing and native species. Exclusion fencing is an effective method of protecting the endangered malleefowl. climbing over fences. regional property owner Des Lush, A broad range of fencing “We are trying to help as much as has resulted in the installation of solutions can help keep animals Fun facts about malleefowl: 30 kilometres of fencing at Mount contained, whilst protecting we can. At the end of the day, I think Hope, west of Condobolin. them from predators, including anything we can do to help them is Th e unusual breeding habits of to ensure the temperature of the the malleefowl see the mated mound stays at a constant 33 Using a unique one-exit system, the choice of wires and posts, or positive.” pair spend between six and degrees whilst the female lays up an exclusion fence was built to installing aprons and umbrella • For more information 11 months per year building and to 18 eggs per breeding season. help protect malleefowl on Des’ extensions. about Waratah fencing maintaining mounds that are Just before the eggs hatch, the property, keeping the birds separate “Malleefowl are amazing technology or to fi nd out about approximately four metres wide, malleefowl abandon their nest from their predators. creatures and don’t deserve to exclusion fencing tactics, visit by one metre high. Th e male forcing the chicks to fend for For Des, managing feral animals be wiped out by people and feral www.waratahfencing.com.au and female pair work together themselves. on his property is a high priority. animals,” Des said. or talk to your local distributor. Ecological communities National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants to thrive from restoration THE National Landcare Program is unsuccessful applications did not the Australian government’s natural demonstrate how their project A THREE year project, revegetating resources management program. would contribute to program 1190 hectares of cleared land, has It aims to protect, conserve and outcomes. Many projects had come to completion at Dakalanta provide for the productive use of limited relevance to the program. Wildlife Sanctuary on the Eyre Australia’s water, soil, plants and • Projects were not well described Peninsula, South Australia. animals and the ecosystems in and applications were often poorly Th e Dakalanta Revegetation which they live and interact, in written. Often it was diffi cult to Project is part of the Australian partnership with governments, understand what the project Government’s 20 Million Trees industry and communities. planned to achieve and what Program and has been delivered Smart Farms Small Grants is a activities were being proposed. in partnership between Landcare sustainable agriculture element of Applications did not suffi ciently Australia, Australian Wildlife the National Landcare Program. demonstrate how a project would Conservancy (AWC) and WildEyre, It is an open, competitive contribute towards the Smart a consortium of regional natural grants opportunity off ering up to Farms program outcomes or show resource management organisations. $50 million over six years (2017-18 value for money. Commencing in June 2015, the to 2022-23) to fund short-term (up • Many applications applied project involved 2380 kilometres to two years) projects to support for funding for ineligible or of direct seeding, with over 50 farming communities to increase inappropriate activities. Others locally-sourced native plant awareness, knowledge, skills and did not demonstrate they would species, including drooping sheoak capacity to adopt best management achieve a worthwhile public and mallee. practices. benefi t. Many unsuccessful Previously farming land, the Th e fi rst round will be followed applications would have southern area of the sanctuary by subsequent calls for applicants delivered a high level of private was severely degraded by fi re and through to 2022-23. benefi ts (that is, demonstrations stock grazing, and incapable of Landcare Australia’s direct seeding lines on Dakalanta Wildlife Sanctuary are Th e fi rst funding round under being carried out on private land regenerating naturally. thriving with a diverse mixture of local native fl ora. Smart Farms Small Grants received and/or demonstrating the use of Based on Landcare Australia’s 800 applications. a specifi c commercial product monitoring program, the project It also protects a number of off all artifi cial watering points for It was excellent to see the interest or machine) to the applicant has generated exceptional results, important species including a large two years after revegetation.” shown by stakeholders in the without off setting them with a delivering and exceeding the population of southern hairy-nosed Th is eff ective project management program, however, this made the private co-contribution. project’s targets with over 2 million wombats, western pygmy possums, was essential to delivering the fi rst round highly competitive. • Many unsuccessful applicants did trees, shrubs, and groundcovers and little long-tailed dunnarts, and project, due to extremely tough and After assessment, less than not demonstrate that they had the established on the site. is home to over 118 species of birds, challenging conditions created by 10 per cent were selected for funding. capacity to deliver the project. Th ough small now, these some of which are declining and are the area’s limestone calcrete soils. A list of the successful projects seedlings will re-establish green regionally signifi cant. Custom seeding units were can be found on the Department After the Round 1 assessment, corridors, providing habitat, According to Landcare designed to cope with the hard ground. of Agriculture and Water Resources the Department of Agriculture dispersal, and food availability for Australia’s national 20 Million Trees “An enormous eff ort has gone website. and Water Resources and the regional and national threatened program manager James Walsh, into Dakalanta – from all parties Th e main weaknesses with Community Grants Hub provided species. the large-scale restoration project involved – and the great results applications in Round 1 included: some feedback. Th ey will also reduce Australia’s has been delivered in accordance speak for themselves,” Landcare • Applications should clearly and Th is is to enable future applicants, greenhouse gas emissions and with best practice management and Australia chief executive offi cer Dr concisely address the selection whether they had applied previously reinstate ecological connectivity ecological standards. Shane Norrish said. criteria. It is diffi cult to assess or not, to write better applications. in this part of the Eyre Peninsula “Our methods included “We are extremely pleased to be poorly written and verbose Writing applications is time region. deploying a science-based and part of this signifi cant project. applications, so careful editing is consuming and missing out on Dakalanta Wildlife Sanctuary landscape-scale approach to “Th e exceptional results could advised; funding is disappointing. Future forms an important connectivity pest and weed management,” not have been achieved by us • Many unsuccessful applications applicants should consider how the area as it is bounded to the north James said. alone. It has taken partnership, did not describe what it is their information above and the general by Cocata Conservation Park, with “We also successfully negotiated collaboration, and working together project would achieve and what feedback can be used to strengthen adjacent areas nearby forming part with local landholders within fi ve towards a common goal, which is project activities they would do and their application before they apply of the WildEyre Biolink program. kilometres of the project site to turn what Landcare is all about.” how they would be done. Many for Round 2. New tech trials real-time fruit fl y monitoring and alert system

NEW technology developed by RapidAIM CEO and former requests for a similar system against scientists from CSIRO could change CSIRO researcher Dr Nancy pests such as codling moth. the way we monitor the world’s Schellhorn said the new technology Dr Schellhorn said the biggest biosecurity barrier to trade: can reduce crop loss and provide technology has huge potential for the fruit fl y, which costs Australia early warnings of future pest managing a range of food and fi bre more than $300 million a year. hotspots. pests, and that it could help growers Th e technology, known as “Growers rely on weather radar target their pest management RapidAIM, uses low-powered smart and take action accordingly, but eff orts. sensors to detect insects such as until now there hasn’t been any pest “Around the world, more than fruit fl y from their characteristic ‘radar’ to support them against pests 900 million tonnes of insecticide is movements. like fruit fl y,” Dr Schellhorn said. used to control insect pests every Th e sensors, which can be placed “Th is new technology can reduce year, but 98 per cent reaches a target by the thousands, send data to a the time spent manually checking other than the intended destination,” cloud using a radio modulated fruit fl y traps by more than 35 per Dr Schellhorn said. technique. Growers can then see cent, and provides and immediate “With RapidAIM technology, real-time data fl ow of the pest on picture of fruit fl y presence in crop-protection products can be Fruit fl y in a trap. Photo: Andy Wang. their farms and regions through a specifi c locations to enable a rapid used in a more targeted way.” linked mobile app. response for control.” With trade tipped to more manage pests and help Australia SA, WA, NSW, VIC and Tasmania, With the support of Main RapidAIM was successfully than double over the next 20 maintain its high level of before the technology is fully Sequence Ventures, who manage trialled by some of Australia’s biggest years, CSIRO is working towards biosecurity into the future. commercialised in coming months. the CSIRO Innovation Fund, CSIRO fruit producers in Shepparton, introducing more real-time, A further trial comparing • To fi nd out more or to stay are now taking this innovation to Victoria last year, with positive autonomous digital biosecurity RapidAIM traps to existing manual updated about RapidAIM’s growers around Australia. feedback from trial participants and systems such as RapidAIM, to traps will soon begin in locations in progress, visit http://rapidaim.io. Kind acts of rescue inspiring care for the land

FOR centuries storytelling has been we might feel that nourishes ourselves a constant part of life. and sometimes whole communities.” In fact, stories have existed long It is these positive feelings of before recorded history and while rescue that Gretchen is particularly the methods may have changed, intrigued by. humans still desire to connect with “We know that bad one another through storytelling. environmental news stories have Stories are a way information an alienating eff ect. Th ey make for can be shared, often reaching places burnout and compassion fatigue,” that facts can’t reach, something she said. former ABC Radio documentary “By sharing positive stories about maker and storyteller Gretchen connecting with our environment the Miller is exploring through her PhD Rescue Project aims to inspire and studies at the University of New encourage others especially those South Wales. who many not be environmentally In partnership with Landcare active or concerned, but who live and Australia, Gretchen has created work in a close relationship with the the Rescue Project – a website natural environment, such as farmers where stories of connection to the and small town communities.” environment can be shared. For Kate Read, her story of rescue According to Gretchen, the idea involves her and her son getting behind to project is to explore the their hands dirty, planting hundreds power of citizen storytelling in of trees in the ancient Capertree environment communication. Valley in NSW. “In the act of environmental Kate describes the experience as Capertree Valley planting day. Photo: Virginia Beak, Little Gecko Media. rescue we nurture a tree through restorative. drought or restore a place or native “Replanting the habitat works “I like to think of my boy in to create a podcast and audio • To read more stories of rescue animal to health. But this is not a its own restorative magic on me. decades to come, taking his children documentary from the stand-out or contribute your own, visit one-way encounter,” Gretchen said. Th ere’s an interconnectedness and and grandchildren to see the groves stories. the Rescue Project’s website “In rescuing we too receive a hopefulness to planting trees that that we planted.” “It’s just another storytelling method landcareaustralia.org.au/ something in return. In the act of reminds me of Jean Giono’s ‘Th e Once Gretchen has received we can use to connect and share these rescue. Story contributions can be giving back, there is a quiet emotion man who planted trees’, Kate said. enough contributions, she plans inspiring experiences,” she said. made until 18 December 2018. Controlling Australia’s carp pest

CARP are the worst freshwater experts to test whether the carp body of water by scientists from in Australia, including how to Experience from overseas pest in south-east Australia’s virus is a possible solution. the University of Adelaide. mount an effective clean-up shows that the carp virus is known waterways – dominating native The National Carp Control Their results will show how the operation. to infect only carp. Nevertheless, fish and making rivers muddy Plan, a project set up by the dead carp decompose in a real The results of all of this the decision whether to release and difficult for water plants to Australian Government, is using environment. research will inform the the virus is an important one and thrive in. the best available science, research This will tell us how they affect development of the National consultation with stakeholders and To solve this problem, the and information to investigate if oxygen and nutrient levels in Carp Control Plan which will potentially aff ected communities Australian Government is the virus is safe and effective in the water, and how this impacts be prepared for government will continue to inform the exploring the best way to control Australian conditions. on native fish, plants and water consideration in early 2020. development of the plan. carp in our rivers, lakes and dams. One project includes testing of quality. In the meantime, no decision • For more information on the A range of research projects water samples near Berri, South Other projects are investigating has yet been made on the carp National Carp Control Plan, are currently underway by Australia, after frozen dead carp the costs, benefits and risks virus. This means the virus has not or to give your feedback, see universities, CSIRO and other were introduced into a secured of the carp virus if released been released in Australia. carp.gov.au. The Landcare community

THE 2018 National Landcare Management Authority, Wurundjeri “After seeing the fantastic work Awards held in Brisbane last month Council’s Narrap Team, Yarra4Life being done by others nominated in highlighted the inspirational work project and its partners, Melbourne this category, it is truly an honour of 68 worthy nominees – all vying for Water, and volunteer group Friends to receive this award on behalf of one of 11 award categories. of Coranderrk, Wandoon Estate’s Precision Pastoral,” he said. For more information and full sustainable farming practices have case studies of the winners, visit delivered outstanding examples Australian Government nationallandcareconference.org.au. of productive beef cattle grazing, Excellence in Sustainable habitat restoration and waterway Australian Government management and protection. Farm Practices Award, Individual Landcarer Jacqui Wandin was surprised to Lake Baroon Catchment receive this award. Care Group Inc, QLD Award, David Marsh, NSW “We are really proud to receive David is acknowledged for alerting Lake Baroon Catchment Care Group this award because we’ve spent primary producers to the fact that a was founded to improve water years and years trying to improve healthy catchment and long-term quality in the Baroon Pocket Dam, the property and it’s really nice to be Australian Government Individual Landcarer winner, David Marsh. profitability go hand in hand. the most important source of water acknowledged,” she said. He was pivotal in the early for the Sunshine Coast. “We believe it’s our inherent establishment of the Landcare The group which supports responsibility to look after movement, and his property ‘Allendale’ 34 farms covering 1961 hectares, our property.” has long been a proving ground for delivers agricultural, landslide, weed control, and dairy programs sympathetic land management. Australian Government David was delighted to win the that have improved productivity Australian Government Individual Innovation in Agriculture for landowners while delivering Landcarer Award. Land Management Award, broader environmental benefits. “Receiving this award is very Peter Stevens, who accepted the Precision Pastoral, NT award, was delighted by the win. humbling but also makes me feel Precision Pastoral developed “It’s great to receive recognition very proud to be recognised in a pastoral management tools that for all the years of work we put into roomful of peers who are all doing help farmers integrate animal and this project,” he said. wonderful things,” he said. pasture data, linking livestock “There are a lot of people that performance to environmental are going to be very proud of this Australian Government conditions for more efficient amazing outcome.” Innovation in Agriculture pastoral management. Land Management Award, Farmers making decisions about Austcover Young stocking rates or land management Wandoon Estate Aboriginal have used the Precision Pastoral Landcare Leader Award, Brooke Collins and Jacqui Wandish accepted the Australian Government Management Tools to give them a Partnerships for Landcare Award on behalf of Wandoon Estate Corporation, VIC Kathleen Brack, VIC Aboriginal Corporation. Wandoon Estate Aboriginal better understanding of groundcover Keen to attract more young Corporation represents the trends and animal condition, and people to Landcare, Kathleen ran Wurundjeri people, the Indigenous reduce their monitoring costs. an Intrepid Landcare Retreat at owners of the historical property Tim Driver was ecstatic to be Wilsons Promontory for 20 people ‘Coranderrk’ in the Yarra Valley. presented the Australian Government aged 18 to 35. Through partnerships with Port Innovation in Agriculture Land Kathleen targets younger people Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Award. through her effective use of technology

Australian Government Innovation in Agriculture Land Management winner, Precision Pastoral. Australian Government Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices winner, Lake Baroon Cacthment Care Group Inc.

The bag that’s funding hundreds of kids’ environmental projects Bag for good™ is part of Woolworths’ commitment to a greener future. Any money made from the sale of these bags funds the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program. We’re offering grants of up to $1000 each to hundreds of primary schools and early learning centres for gardening and recycling projects. And the good doesn’t stop there. You only have to buy a Bag for good™ once and you can use it again and again. If it ever gets damaged, we’ll replace it for free and we’ll even recycle your old one. So it really is a bag for good, and for good.

Find out more at landcareaustralia.org.au/woolw orthsgrants celebrates its champions and social media, including using an Indigenous ranger team and the species, and mitigating erosion via Facebook, to create an online local community to provide direction, fencing and strategic plantings has network of young people interested technical support and resources in achieved long-term benefits for in Landcare in West Gippsland. the management of the northern local flora, fauna, native fish, and Followers share job opportunities, fringes of the Nullarbor Plain and invertebrates. information on relevant field days, and deep within the Great Victoria Desert. Richard Owen was excited feature case studies highlighting their Based in Tjuntjuntjara, the second to accept the award on behalf of concerns and barriers to adaptation. most remote community in Australia, Hindmarsh Island Landcare Group. “Landcare is such an amazing patrolling the region is a logistical “The quality and diversity of grass roots movement and I’m thrilled feat and an adventure on country, projects across this category was Austcare CEO Maria Parry presented Kathleen Brack with the Austcover National to receive this award,” Kathleen said, requiring careful planning to ensure very high and we are rapt to be Young Landcare Leader Award. appropriate cultural and ecological signalled out to receive this award,” Fairfax Media Landcare outcomes and the safety of participants. he said. Community Group Ian Baird was delighted to accept Award, Birdlife Australia the award on behalf of Spinifex Land Woolworths Junior Gluepot Reserve, SA Management. Landcare Team Award, “Receiving this award is an BirdLife Australia Gluepot Reserve Mount Compass amazing honour for us,” he said. is Australia’s largest community “We just manage the land Area School Swamp managed and operated conservation our people have taken care of for reserve. Ambassadors, SA thousands of years. Situated 64 kilometres from the Mount Compass Area School’s “It’s a huge area between River Murray in South Australia’s Swamp Ambassadors are a student- Riverland, the reserve is managed Kalgoorlie and the Nullarbor, so very led environmental program where and operated entirely by volunteers. challenging, but also very rewarding.” students are the custodians of More than 54,000 hectares in the school’s critically endangered Sure Gro Treemax Fleurieu swamp. size, it is home to 22 nationally Sure Gro Treemax Coastcare winner, Hindmarsh Island Landcare Group. Jo McPhee The students worked hard threatened species of birds, 53 species of Coastcare Award, and Richard Owen received the award on behalf of the group. reptiles and 12 species of bats, some of to change the perception of the Hindmarsh Island swamps, through partnerships with which are nationally threatened. Landcare Group Inc, SA Duncan MacKenzie was excited Fleurieu Swamps Recovery Program Hindmarsh Island Landcare Group to receive the award on behalf of and undertook leadership and aims to protect and rehabilitate Birdlife Australia Gluepot Reserve. guide training to effectively share saltmarsh areas, with a focus on “It’s an honour to be receiving this their knowledge and promote the reconnecting waterways. award, and it’s really encouraging to importance of Fleurieu swamps in The Murray Mouth Estuary know that our work is being recognised an engaging way. Restoration Project has been the by the Landcare community,” he said. “The students’ passion and Group’s major restoration project commitment to the school’s swamp Rio Tinto Indigenous since 2001. is epitomised by their willingness Land Management Seventeen years later, 500,000 to give up their weekends and plants have been planted on more afternoons to take community groups Award, Spinifex Land than 100 sites. on visits to the area,” Jessica Sullivan, Management, WA Hindmarsh Island Landcare a staff leader for the Mount Compass Ethan Hansen and Ian Baird received the Rio Tinto Indigenous Land Management The Spinifex Land Management Group’s work in increasing habitat Area School Swamp Ambassadors, Award on behalf of Spinifex Land Management, with Landcare Australia chairman Program is a collaboration between connectivity, propagating local said. Doug Humann AM (centre).

Woolworths Junior Landcare Team Award winner, Mount Compass Area School Swamp Ambassadors received their award from Duncan MacKenzie received the Fairfax Media Landcare Community Group Award on Woolworths’ general manager Queensland Matthew Franich. behalf of Birdlife Australia Gluepot Reserve. Landcarer: a social network with a purpose By Manjari Fergusson including a databank, project involved with Landcare now and in Through the platform, management, group management, the future,” he said. Landcarers who are active on ATTRACTING and engaging the next eLearning, stories, events, polls, chat, The platform allows for social ground can identify biosecurity generation to care for the land has and discussion forums. networking, with users connecting, risks and provide instant been made easier with the creation Essentially, it is an all-in-one communicating, collaborating, notifications and alerts to the of an innovative digital platform: tool built to empower the Landcare and promoting their activities community and authorities. Landcarer. community and address some of its to aid the Landcare movement’s The platform aims to collaborate Several months ago, Landcare challenges. important work. with research organisations and Australia embarked on a journey to According to Landcare Australia Stakeholders can connect and integrate other existing biosecurity address a few challenges faced by the chief executive officer Dr Shane engage with each other at a regional, tools into the platform. Landcare community, and in doing Norrish every Landcarer deserves state and national level, and create Extending the reach of tools the tools to help their efforts in connections based on shared that currently exist and providing so, help usher the community into Landcarer is an innovative digital the digital age. making a positive difference. interests such as biosecurity risks, education and information, platform helping to make a difference. Imagine a central repository “Given the current success of sustainable farming, and habitat Landcarer is updated in real- of Landcare-related data – that’s social networks, we hope to attract restoration. time and through continuous • For more information and to Landcarer. and engage the next generation of A key planned feature slated to engagement, making the platform pre-register, visit landcarer. Stakeholders can engage with the Landcarers through this platform, be released in 2019 is the Biosecurity smarter and more robust with each com.au or email innovation@ platform by utilising different tools, encouraging them to step up and get Identification and Alert system. and every interaction. landcareaustralia.com.au. The story that changed the land: restoration in Mallee country By Bron Willis, Parks Victoria With booming feral rabbit and expertise, helping recognise and After years of careful park Th is was three times the goat populations, an overabundance protect cultural heritage. management, Hattah-Kulkyne estimated number of adult birds IF YOU didn’t visit Victoria’s of kangaroos, and numerous water Young pine, buloke and belah National Park now provides healthy and is a good sign that the park Mallee Parks in the early 1990s, sources for these animals to drink trees now grow healthy and strong, water systems, feeding areas and and surrounding environments you might not be astounded from, native seedlings were fi ghting and in 12,000 hectares of formerly rest places for 12 migratory bird are healthy and providing good by the image of native pine a losing battle. degraded woodlands, more than 1.6 species. breeding and feeding habitats. seedlings growing strong in Mallee For more than 100 years, native million native seedlings have been Migrating birds are not the only Vanessa Oxley and her team country. seedlings did not grow. planted. species that benefi t when rabbit, were responsible for planting 1.4 But when you hear what the But thanks to landscape-scale Th is is the result of a decades- goat and kangaroo populations are million native seedlings in the Mallee once looked like, you will management by Parks Victoria long, landscape-scale restoration kept in check. Murray-Sunset National Park join us in celebrating this wonderful and its partners, the story is vastly project to return the Mallee to Healthy riverine and mallee in 2017. Vanessa works for CO2 achievement. Small seedlings like diff erent now. health. woodlands, which have begun Australia, a landscape revegetation this are the result of decades of Livestock has been removed, Parks Victoria total grazing to recover under Parks Victoria company partnering with Parks hard work. dams have been closed and management coordinator Brendan management, also support the Victoria. When the three Mallee parks kangaroo, feral rabbit and feral goat Rodgers has been working for nationally vulnerable regent parrot, As a project offi cer, Vanessa in Victoria’s north-west fi rst came populations have been kept in check 14 years to protect the Mallee which nests in the parks’ towering brings all the pieces of the jigsaw under Parks Victoria’s care, they for over 20 years. landscape by controlling invasive river red gums. together, from collecting seed and were a sorry sight. Parks Victoria has worked with species. Although only 500 of these birds growing indigenous seedlings After 150 years of pastoralism, partners to protect species such as He works with contractors to were estimated to remain, a survey that once grew here naturally – to young, native trees in the parks’ the endangered Major Mitchell’s keep populations of rabbits, goats at nearby Annuello Flora and Fauna preparing and monitoring the soil, semi-arid woodlands were unable cockatoo, and with traditional and kangaroos in check, and to Reserve recorded 1600 in 2016, after ensuring that the conditions are just to grow. owners who provide critical revegetate degraded woodlands. an unusually wet season. right to plant.

After 100 years of degradation, native pine seedlings are now thriving in the Mallee. Photo: Annette Ruzicka. Brendan Rodgers of Parks Victoria inspecting a native pine seedling. Photo: Annette Ruzicka. Pest bird no ‘myna’ problem in St George INDIAN Mynas in the St George area Hosie said that the success of Inglewood is an example of are being targeted as part of the next a pest removal project such a town where Indian myna step in Queensland Murray-Darling as this one works well when trapping and removal has been Commitee’s (QMDC) regional there is committed community extremely successful with a control program. involvement. measured reduction in mynas Over the past fi ve years, QMDC “Indian Mynas are a durable directly resulting in higher numbers offi cers, community volunteers and pest bird species and they’re of native birds in the area. rangers have led control programs moving further and further west,” An initial count in the funded by the National Landcare Holly said. Inglewood area before the control Program in Texas, Miles, Warwick, “We’re trying to stay one step period began in 2013 revealed a Yelarbon, Inglewood, Stanthorpe, ahead of them and we’ve found this count of 250 individuals and five Millmerran and Toowoomba with works best when local residents are roost trees. the St George region now in the willing to be actively involved.” Towards the end of the trapping Indian myna trapping and removal has been extremely successful in Inglewood, spotlight. Th e community workshop period in 2015, pest myna numbers Queensland. In Australia, Indian mynas are saw local twitching expert Sandy had dropped signifi cantly to a count considered a major pest, threatening Robertson and one of QMDC’s of 50 individual birds with just one • Hollows abandoned by mynas biodiversity due to their territorial rangers, William Taylor, present roost tree observed. Indian Myna facts: • Indian mynas are aggressive, are avoided by native species behaviours and nesting competition information about Indian Most importantly, numbers territorial birds that actively for years. with native bird species. mynas and their eff ects on local of hollow-nesting native parrots compete with and displace • Mynas prey on and evict the A community consultation biodiversity before opening the and cockatoos were observed native species; eggs and young of native workshop was the fi rst step in fl oor to locals to get their thoughts to have more than doubled in • Th ey are a declared pest in (especially hollow-nesting) determining the local observations on populations and trapping the same time as pest mynas Queensland, introduced birds. of pest mynas in the St George area, information. decreased. to Australia in 1862 in an • Th ey carry mites and diseases before a formal index of abundance “While QMDC provide the • Visit www.qmdc.org.au to fi nd unsuccessful attempt to combat that can aff ect humans. is carried out. QMDC’s Aboriginal technical support, information, out more about the Indian insect pests in cane fi elds. • Nesting mynas can block Ranger team will be working on the advice and trapping materials to Myna control project in the • Mynas compete with native ventilation systems in project and local volunteers are being remove these pests, volunteer-lead St George area. birds such as boobook owls and buildings. encouraged to help manage the action groups in each town are • To discuss Indian Myna control many parrot species as well as • Mynas feed on and foul trapping of the birds in the area too. the key to greater success rates in in St George, contact QMDC’s mammals such as sugar gliders horticultural crops, particularly QMDC’s regional coordinator removal eff orts and monitoring the Holly Hosie on 0428 738 559 or for food and nest hollows. soft fruits. for biodiversity and pests Holly population,” Holly said. [email protected].