ISSN 0314 - 5352

Number 127 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/newsletters/wdn May – June 09

Produced for landholders in the Western Division of NSW Shrubs wanted for bug study

By Alan Kwok unknown. I’m interested in a whole bunch Ph: 0403 947 008 of questions, including: Email: [email protected] • what animals are living on the shrubs, Native shrubs can be pretty unappealing and how do they differ between shrub and it is easy to walk past a shrub and species? In this issue ... assume that nothing is living on it. But Shrubs wanted for bug study then, most of the animal world, including • does a shrub surrounded by lots of other insects and spiders are smaller than a few shrubs have the same number and type Veterinarian appointed to Dareton millimeters! Apart from their smallness, of bugs compared with a shrub on its they are often quite bizarre and amazing own in the middle of a paddock? Is climate change real? looking creatures (see photo below), and • do the type and number of bugs change Long-term patterning of there definitely are some strange ones on between seasons? rainfall in western NSW shrubs. But just what is living in a sea of • how quickly can these animals find Western Lands endless shrub? Commissioner update shrubs which have no other animals on I am doing a PhD at the University of them? Community benefits from NSW investigating how insects and spiders Western Lands Act changes are affected by vegetation in semi-arid • how quickly can these animals respond Lachlan graziers go on best and arid Australia. Invasive native scrub to good rains? practices tour is a huge component of the vegetation in And ultimately, what happens when you Lachlan CMA and partners western NSW, and how insects and spiders throw all of these factors into a boiling recognised use it, and are affected by it is virtually pot? For example, do animals find certain Important lessons learnt at Broken Hill preschools Continued on page 3 NPWS finalist in Outback Tourism awards A morabine grasshopper found on hopbush near ‘Living the wild life’ photo Cobar. These are wingless grasshoppers, and competition although found across Australia, little is known of their habits or lives. Photo supplied by Alan Kwok. Sustainable farming principles for Western Catchment

Agisting cattle in the Western Division

Getting cattle NVD’s correct

Another big issue – sheep lice

FarmReady Reimbursement Grants

High impact carbon conference

Western Lands Advisory Council COMMUNIQUÉ May – June 2009 1 In passing... by Sally Ware I mentioned in the last Newsletter that we • If you already receive your Rangelands Officer now have a brand new site on the NSW Newsletter by direct mail, you are NSW DPI, Hay DPI website. If you are able to access the already on the mail list and need to do internet, I encourage you to go on at the nothing. web address: • If you wish to receive the Newsletter www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/resources/ by email, please go to the website (see periodicals/newsletters/western- address opposite) and register your division-newsletter email address or just do a search on the DPI website • If you wish to receive the Newsletter under Western Division Newsletter and by direct mail – please go to the there on the screen is our web library website to register your mailing of past issues plus other details about address, or if you are unable to, please submitting articles and advertising. fill out your contact details in the form From the beginning of 2010 we are below and mail it to Sally Ware, NSW planning to change the mail out system DPI, Hay NSW 2711 or fax it to her at of the newsletter. The mail box drop (02) 6993 2177. method will cease at the end of 2009. Please note that your contact details will Hence, please consider your options only be used for mailing the newsletter to if you wish to continue to receive the you. Newsletter.  I currently receive my newsletter by mail box drop. From the beginning of 2010, I wish to receive my Newsletter by DIRECT MAIL.

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Post to Sally Ware, NSW DPI, Hay NSW 2711 or fax to (02) 6993 2177

Editor and Advertising: Western Division Newsletter Sally Ware, NSW DPI Hay © State of sally.ware@dpi. nsw.gov.au through NSW Department of Primary Industries 2008 Tel (02) 6993 1608 This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in an Layout and Distribution: unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your own personal use or for non-commercial use Bill Noad, NSW DPI in your organisation. To copy, adapt, publish, distribute, or commercialise any of this publication [email protected] you will need to to seek permission from the Editor of the Western Division Newsletter. Tel (02) 6881 1213

The Western Division Newsletter is produced by NSW Department of Primary Industries with funding assistance from the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Department of Lands and the following Catchment Management Authorities.

2 Western Division Newsletter continued Shrubs wanted for bug study from page 1 species of shrub faster, or quicker in or Hopbush in particular would be ideal!), summer compared to spring? as the more information I can collect the Here’s where I need some assistance, and better! Ideally I’d like to revisit the same this is a chance for any landholder who shrubs several times throughout the year to is interested in biodiversity to find out see how things change and how the animals something a little different about what behave. is on their property! There’s obviously I’m hoping to look at the shrubs throughout plenty of native invasive scrub out in the 2009 and early 2010, mainly in the warmer Western Division. Through community months (particularly November–December, participation, landholder knowledge and and late January to March), but also less scientific research we now have a much intensely during the cooler parts of the year clearer picture of how these shrubs can (May–June, and late August–September) as affect the soil and vegetation – but we well as in response to good rains. just don’t know how they affect the tiny If anyone is interested and/or could help animals. I’m looking for landholders me out at all it would be great to hear from who have native scrub, and who would you. Please contact me at be willing to let me onto their land to Ph: 0403 947 008, or have a look at some of their shrubs. Any Email: [email protected] species of shrub are fine (Turpentine and

Veterinarian appointed to Dareton Dermot McNerney has been appointed by NSW DPI to work with Western Livestock Health and Pest Authority. He’ll be based at Dareton, and cover the southern areas. Dermot (pictured) brings a wealth of veterinary experience, beginning in Ireland, through Rhodesia (when it was Rhodesia) where he worked with diseases like rabies and Foot-and-Mouth Disease, and to New Zealand, where he’s worked for twenty years. He is looking forward to the challenge of Australian animal diseases and how to help stockowners deal with them.

Looking for a tough, hard working, BUNNERUNGIE WHITE reliable workmate to go the long distance ?

DORPERS ‘70 series’ Phil & Chris Larwood ute – newer, not Bunnerungie Station softer Wentworth NSW 2648 Phone/Fax: (03) 5027 0220 Talk to IAN LUGSDIN at Email: [email protected] Lugsdin Toyota, Hay 2711 Ph: 02 6993 1661 Mob: 0428 729 305 for a no fuss, obligation free quote on the full range of Pure bred flock rams for sale Toyota utes and wagons LMD 17590

May – June 2009 3 Is climate change real? Despite the abundant media commentary yearly intervals for the last 15 years. Its many people are still sceptical about 4th Assessment Report in 2007 was the whether climate change driven by human- most definitive yet in terms of identifying induced global warming is actually human-induced greenhouse gas emissions occurring. Most sceptics do seem to agree as a fundamental factor in the earth’s that global warming has occurred in changing climate. By Ron Hacker Research Leader (Pastures & recent decades but disagree on the cause Figure 1 summarises the IPCC’s estimate Rangelands) and whether it should concern us to the of changes since 1750 (the beginning of Director, Trangie Agricultural extent others believe it should. Amid the Research Centre the industrial age) in the major ‘radiative claims and counterclaims it’s hard to get forcings’ affecting the earth’s climate. an appreciation of the facts. The figures These ‘radiative forcings’ (so called and their explanations reproduced here, because they influence the amount of from the 4th Assessment Report of the radiation arriving at the earths surface) Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate result from both human activities and Change (IPCC), are some that I’ve found natural processes. The bars shown in the particularly useful in trying to get a figure represent the level of each forcing handle on the situation. The IPCC is the in 2005 relative to 1750. Human activities international body that has been reporting cause significant changes in long-lived on changes in the earth’s climate at five greenhouse gases, ozone, water vapour,

FAQ 2.1, Figure 2 Figure 1. Relative importance of radiative forcings for climate change between 1750 and 2005

4 Western Division Newsletter surface albedo (i.e. reflectance), aerosols a) and contrails. The only change in natural forcing of any significance occurred in solar irradiance. Positive forcings promote warming and negative forcings promote cooling. The thin black line attached to each bar represents the range of uncertainty associated with the estimate. The figure indicates that human activities have led to both positive and negative effects but the net effect is positive and much greater than the natural changes.

Figure 2 (a and b) show how the results b) from Global Circulation Models (GCMs) compare with actual changes in global mean surface temperature since 1900. GCMs are large computer models of the atmosphere that are the basis for forecasting what future climates might be like. Some 23 of these models, independently developed, are run by various institutions around the world and the IPCC uses the results from the whole Figure TS.23 ‘ensemble’ of models in its assessments. In both (a) and (b), the thick black line is Figure 2. Effects of anthropogenic (human-related) and natural the actual global mean surface temperature forcings on global average surface temperature since 1900 as measured. (Mean surface temperature is not expressed as the actual value but as an ‘anomaly’ – the difference between the actual value and the average for the period 1901–1950). The ‘spaghetti’ of Moogenilla Angus thin lines shows the result produced by Condobolin each individual model. The thick lines show the average of the model ensemble • Specialising in bulls for larger remote herds – essentially the best bet provided by all • Excellent growth and carcase qualities the computer simulations. The difference • between (a) and (b) is that in (a) the models Proven performance in commercial western herds include both the natural and anthropogenic • Using leading AI genetics for 16 years (i.e. human related) forcings while in (b) • Fully performance recorded with the Angus Society only the natural forcings are included. Vertical grey lines indicate the timing Call or email for detailed EBVs or brochure of available bulls. of major volcanic events. The marked Paul Sinderberry & Sarah Wrigley difference between (a) and (b) since about Ph: (02) 6896 2902 Fax: (02) 6896 2816 1960 is obvious with only (a) providing Email: [email protected] a reasonable fit to the actual, observed temperature trend. So are human activities having an effect on our climate? I’ll leave it up to you.

May – June 2009 5 Long-term patterning of yearly rainfall in western NSW How much drier has it been in recent account for the entire rainfall record at years? As part of a larger study of rainfall each site. patterning, I asked whether we’ve had less Two distinctive features came out of this rain recently by: work on 75 NSW sites, including those in • finding places in the Western Division the Western Division: By Greg Curran, NSW DPI, with good rainfall records going back • almost all of them had 2 wetter periods Broken Hill before 1890 and two drier periods (a few did not) • comparing the long term average – these were in a sequence of wetter/ with each year’s rain, summing these drier/wetter/drier differences each year, and plotting this – the two wetter periods were progressive sum over time. When the statistically equal progressive sums are plotted over time, wet and dry periods stand out clearly. – the two drier periods were statistically equal The method is simple and is based on the notion many people have that there – the drier periods had significantly is only one average rainfall over decades less rain than the wetter periods in or centuries, and despite ups and downs, all cases rainfall always comes back to that average. • the changes from wetter and drier (and If we’ve had a significant change in rainfall vice versa) were abrupt and complete over the last few years, you’d expect to – these changes happened at much see the average to change compared with the same time across NSW (~1894, earlier years. The results for 15 western ~1946, ~2000) NSW sites and for ’s Observatory Hill are in Table 1. The figures in this table

Table 1. Average annual rain for wetter and drier periods; all years; % difference Site Wetter1 Drier1 Wetter2 Drier2 All years Wetter Drier % difference wet vs dry* 327.5 276.9 369.0 300.3 319.9 359.1 282.4 27% Belmont Stn 406.3 284.3 374.7 262.3 330.2 376.9 282.0 34% Corona Stn 253.5 188.5 233.4 208.7 210.2 239.8 195.4 23% Enngonia 436.5 306.4 388.7 282.7 351.3 395.2 303.4 30% Clare Stn 316.4 268.6 320.0 232.5 296.0 318.9 265.5 20% Hay 394.9 331.5 405.1 288.2 364.6 402.7 326.0 24% Hillston 450.1 328.3 392.0 308.1 364.8 399.4 326.5 22% Ivanhoe PO 391.3 265.1 365.5 240.7 298.0 372.3 262.7 42% Menindee PO 273.0 206.8 274.9 202.4 242.0 274.5 206.3 33% Mungindi PO 661.2 446.5 545.0 455.2 505.5 559.7 447.6 25% Nymagee 523.4 361.7 459.0 259.8 415.7 469.4 356.2 32% Tibooburra PO 442.1 190.6 263.2 166.7 223.7 266.5 187.6 42% Wanaaring PO 380.0 236.4 299.7 228.2 276.8 315.5 235.4 34% Wentworth PO 309.8 234.9 300.6 237.1 285.0 305.7 235.6 30% Wilcannia 307.2 225.7 285.4 205.8 259.0 290.8 223.1 30% Sydney Observatory 1294 1099 1344 1135 1216 1322 1108 19% Hill * calculated by [“Wetter” – “Drier”/”Drier”] as a percentage

6 Western Division Newsletter – the wetter or drier periods lasted The sameness in averages for the 2 wetter many decades and the 2 drier periods, and the timing of A key finding was that the difference changes from wetter and/or drier at all 75 between these wetter and drier periods sites, was remarkable. This suggested that was proportionately greater in western rainfall in NSW tended to occur in wetter NSW than more easterly areas. For the or drier ‘states’ that lasted decades. The 15 western NSW sites, the wetter periods comforting notion that rainfall is totally had (20% to 42%) more rain than the drier random, and always comes back to the periods. average, is mistaken. And yes, it has been much drier recently. Western Lands Commissioner update Amendments to the Western Lands Act Advisory Council will be the main 1901 forum for consultation on the remake. A By Geoff Woods, Western Regulatory Impact Statement should be Lands Commissioner/Regional The Western Lands Amendment Bill Manager, Western Region, finalised by April/May and then circulated recently passed through both houses of Department of Lands Parliament and will be enacted shortly. for public consultation and comments. The amendments in the Bill give effect Incentive Funding for Conservation to recommendations made in the Final Reserve Review report of the Western Lands Act The Western Region has been successful tabled in Parliament in June 2008. This in obtaining $105,000 in funding from the Review included extensive consultation Lower Murray Darling CMA to establish with all members of the Western Lands a Conservation Reserve at Coomealla near Advisory Council, other key stakeholders Wentworth. An area of 446 hectares will (including Pastoralist’s Association of be managed under an Incentive Property the West Darling and NSW Farmers Vegetation Plan to enhance the condition of Association) and the general public. Key the vegetation through the removal of stock amendments to the Act are in regard to and the control of weeds and feral animals. membership and term of the Western Hillston Common Plan of Management Lands Advisory Council, objects of the Act, boundary fencing provisions and an The Minister for Lands approved the easement along the wild dog fence. For adoption of a plan of Management for the more detail see the following article on Hillston Common last year which will now page 8 by Michael Nott. guide future uses, management and provide a framework for public access. The plan of Western Lands Act Regulations management will initially be administered The Western Lands Act Regulations by staff from the Region but it is are due for remake by September 2009. foreshadowed that a Trust or Committee However, the Department has made an will be established to manage the Common Application to have the remake deferred in the longer term. The Hillston Common until the Western Lands Amendment Bill Trust has been under administration since 2008 is passed by Parliament as this may April 2007. affect the Regulations. Land Management Works on Crown Wild Dog Destruction Act Regulations Lands The Regulations are due for remake by This financial year the Region has carried September 2009 and the Western Lands out a number of land management works

May – June 2009 7 ‘Western Lands Commissioner on Crown Land parcels throughout the Commercial Development Opportunities update’ continued from Western Division. previous page A priority for Crown Lands Division • Firebreaks have been graded and other of Department of Lands is to identify fire hazards removed from the Hillston and facilitate commercial development Common, Goodooga Common, West opportunities on Crown land. Western Brewarrina, Dareton and Coomealla Region is putting resources into identifying areas. several commercial development • Weed spraying programs to control opportunities. Mesquite, Devils Rope, Hudson Pear, State Parks Bathurst Burr and African Boxthorn Western Region has identified potential will be conducted around Silverton, sites for state parks on Crown land within Pooncarrie, Dareton, Coomealla, Cobar, the Western Division. At this stage a few Hillston Common and Lightning Ridge. sites have been identified to the Director • Rabbit ripping will be carried out General for more investigation. State Parks on Joulni, Lot 93 at Coomealla and provide facilities and land for recreational Dareton. and tourist activities such as picnics, • Fencing is proposed for Lot 93, Cobar camping, BBQs, camping, swimming Common and Menindee Common in and water sports and bushwalks. Lake joint funding arrangements with the Burrendong State Park is one well known relevant Council authorities. State Park and is the most western of the 17 State Parks in NSW.

Community benefits from Western Lands Act changes Western communities will benefit in a • changes to the term of appointment By Michael Nott number of ways from changes to the for members of the Western Lands Media Officer, NSW Western Lands Act. Advisory Council to bring about a Department of Lands The changes to the Western Lands Act degree of flexibility in the appointment follow a comprehensive five-yearly review of council members and of the legislation. • to make provision for the appointment The review found that the Act is generally to the council of a nominee of the working well but recommended a number Minister for Mineral Resources. of improvements that have now been The Department of Lands received 19 endorsed by state parliament. submissions commenting on the issues The changes to the Western Lands Act as a paper for the review of the Act. result of the review include: The Western Division covers some 32.5 • allowing for creation of 100 metre million hectares or over 40% of the state, wide maintenance easements along with 9.4 million hectares of that, or 11% of parts of the 600 kilometre dog-proof the state being unincorporated, meaning it fence bordering Queensland and South has no direct local government with most Australia to prevent wild dogs entering of the land being Crown land. New South Wales The Western Division is generally west • strengthening the powers that may of a line from the Queensland border at be exercised by the Western Lands Mungindi to Balranald near the Victorian Commissioner in relation to boundary border. fencing for western lands leases

8 Western Division Newsletter Legal Road Network Project The project continues its progress across times departmental paperwork may not the Unincorporated Area with some be a priority but please keep in mind that By Rex Miller 2700 km of roads and 350 km of easements for the project to progress to program it is & Maurice Cenzato recorded on plans. imperative that responses to our requests Legal Roads Network Project Team for the completion of application forms for The roads currently being identified are the Western Lands Branch Barrier Highway between Broken Hill and the creation of easements and alteration of Department of Lands, Dubbo Wilcannia and the Menindee Road, Old access conditions are returned promptly. Ph: (02) 6883 5400 or (02) 6883 3005 Pooncarie Road and Tandou Road south of If those applications are not returned it [email protected] Broken Hill. will result in the opportunity to create an [email protected]. gov.au Landholders that are affected by these easement to a landlocked property being current works should have received missed. It will not be possible for the paperwork outlining the actions required project to revisit these areas and any creation of legal access in the to ensure the provision of legal access. future would be at the landholder’s expense. Landholders that use these roads as The project has prepared fourteen plans that have defined all the primary access and have not received any roads in the Unincorporated Area north of the Barrier Highway. Our paperwork should contact us as soon as focus now is on the remainder of the Unincorporated Area south of possible. the Barrier Highway. Landholders generally are responding We look forward to your continued support so that an effective legal well by returning their paperwork in a access system can be achieved in the Western Division. timely fashion. We understand that at Stress Signs Stress occurs when we lack the resources to meet extra demands on our health, energy, emotions or thoughts.

Stress can show up in a number of ways Physical – tiredness; unable to rest, relax, sleep; increased tendency to illness, dizziness, palpitations, shakes; difficulty in breathing, choking in the throat and aches, nausea, diarrhoea, muscular tensions which may lead to pain e.g. headaches, neck and backaches, menstrual disorders, change in sexual interest. There may also be a feeling of numbness or unreality as in a dream. Habits – increased smoking, drinking or eating, craving for salts, sweets no longer enjoying usual interests, recreations. Social – irritability, intolerance, not wanting to be with people or not wanting to be alone or not getting on well with people anymore Thoughts – poor concentration, no mental energy, can’t think clearly, poor decision making, planning, forgetfulness Emotional – changeable feelings, unusually strong emotions, numbness, being sad or apprehensive without reason, loss of interest in things When you notice signs like these in yourself, this is your body’s way of saying ‘your’re exhausted – stop now!’ Reassess before you no longer have the strength to cope.

People under stress are often so busy coping with the causes of the stress, that they do not notice stress building up. Information taken from a pamphlet called ‘Coping with Stress in our Country Communities’. It was developed by ‘Women in Agriculture’ Victorian Mallee Group in 2003.

May – June 2009 9 Looking after my health By Dr Karl Wiener, Clinical Health is precious and requires regular (irritability, mood changes, sadness), Psychologist, Murrumbidgee attention throughout our lifetime. Both behavioural changes (avoiding others, General Practice Network physical and mental health is important sleep disturbances, appetite changes, for us to function well to enjoy our desired energy and motivation changes), and activities, earn a living, and spend quality thinking changes (negative thoughts about time with our family and friends. As with self, reduced concentration and memory farm machinery, we cannot take for granted difficulties). that our body will work at its desired Your doctor is the first point of call for performance without giving attention to both your physical and mental health care maintenance and potential repairs. We needs. If you have a number of health should also be aware that some physical issues you would like to discuss with your health problems mimic mental health doctor, consider asking the receptionist for problems and vice versa. You might want a long appointment. Should both you and to ask how can I give my body the right your doctor identify a mental health care maintenance. Some maintenance can be need, you might want to ask for a referral self administered by giving your body to see a psychologist or counsellor. a nutritious diet, keeping attention on How will a psychologist help with one’s one’s alcohol and nicotine consumption, mental health care needs? and making time for sleep and exercise. However, some maintenance will require Psychologist use a treatment called you to have a brief medical check up ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’ or by your local doctor. In my psychology CBT. Following an assessment, CBT practice I have seen clients who told me will provide you with practical strategies that they were ‘walking time bombs’ allowing you to influence negative risking a stroke from high blood pressure. thinking patterns. Like a coin that has two Luckily a brief medical check up and blood sides, we can choose whether we want tests were able to identify the problem and to have a negative or positive thinking allowed the treatment of the blood pressure pattern, with a balanced thinking pattern condition. being the most desirable state. How do I know that I have a mental In addition to your GP, there are other health care need? useful resources available 24 hours per day, free of charge including: Given that one in four people experience some form of depression throughout one’s • Lifeline: 13 11 14 life time it is not uncommon that one • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 might experience a period of depression Accessline throughout one’s life. Depression is a condition that develops gradually • Greater Southern Area Health Service: and persists for more than 5 days with 1800 800 994 symptoms affecting one’s feeling • Greater Western Area Health Service: 1300 369 968 Rural Financial Counselling Service – Murrumbidgee General Practice Southern Region Network is a not-for-profit company Servicing Ivanhoe, Mossgiel and Roto providing primary health care support Monday and Tuesday – based in Ivanhoe – plus on farm appointments to communities in SW NSW including Commenced March 30 , Leeton, Griffith, Hay, Hillston, Contact: Linda McLean ph: (02) 6995 1109; , , , [email protected] Finley, Berrigan and .

10 Western Division Newsletter Around the traps

NSW DPI contracted helicopter heads out with a sling of hay for Sheep stranded in flooded country on Prairie near Bourke following downpour 13–14 February stranded sheep on Prairie, Bourke Below: Unloading sheep on high ground at Prairie, Bourke

May – June 2009 11 Australian Pastoral Property Innovation Manual

Producers are renowned for their Do you have something you would like creativity and resourcefulness when to share? Be recognised for your ingenuity faced with opportunities and challenges. and showcase your innovative thinking in the manual by documenting your innovation. However, how many producers would admit they are innovative? This manual will document a range of on- property innovations from pastoral areas and Bestprac National Coordinator, David from other industry and geographical regions Heinjus says ‘The creation and adoption of Australia that are applicable to Australian of innovation is generally a low cost pastoral properties. approach to improving the competitiveness Innovations do not necessarily have to come of a pastoral rangelands business. It has Innovations Manual from a pastoral setting but to be included in been shown that there is also a direct to Showcase the manual must be applicable to pastoral relationship between the adoption of Producer’s Ingenuity businesses. The process is very straight innovation and profitability.’ forward. There is a brief template to fill in Innovations include anything that makes detailing the innovation which also includes things easier, safer, more efficient and a requirement for photos or diagrams of the profitable. innovation. The value of an innovation is not always The innovations can range from innovative recognised when the invention is made. It administration and OH&S systems through may take sometime before the innovation to production related innovations such as is appreciated within and by the market. individual animal management and trap Often an innovation is not recognised yards for pests. because things have had to happen out This is a national project (supported by of necessity and the inventors themselves Bestprac and Caring for Our Country) do not recognise the invention as an which includes individual Bestprac groups innovation. documenting innovations, as well as ‘Having an innovative culture within a individual properties researching and rangeland wool and meat business can also documenting. We are hoping to collect be a great way to manage adverse seasons’ innovations from all around Australia. said David. The manual aims to share practical on Bestprac has recognised this and as a result property innovations that have shown is collecting the innovations producers improved outcomes for the innovator whilst have invented over the years to produce encouraging innovative thinking of the the ‘Australian Pastoral Property Innovation readers of this manual. Manual’. David says that ‘the Bestprac How do you get involved? network is working hard to harvest simple, cost effective innovations and redistribute Contact Natasha Morley at Rural Directions these ideas as a way to improve the way Pty Ltd on 08 88421103 or email a rangelands business is run. Some small [email protected] for the things can often make a big difference.’ innovation template or more information

Rangeland Best Practice and Innovation 12 Western Division Newsletter Goats and Grazing Issues and Opportunities

Nymagee Hotel Mt Hope Hall Ivanhoe RSL Club 9th June 10th June 11th June

Lachlan CMA are pleased to be able to offer a workshop in rangeland goat management for the Western Area. This workshop will cover aspects of managing total grazing pressure of livestock and goats while trying to maintain ground cover. It will address goat infrastructure, market requirements, goat traps and have a session on local experiences.

If you would like to attend there are 3 locations – Nymagee, Mt Hope, Ivanhoe. The program is the same for each location.

Could you indicate your preferred location and numbers attending by replying to the contacts below by Friday 29th May

PROGRAM

11.00 am Registration and morning tea

11.30 am Welcome and introduction – Kerry Wratten, Lachlan CMA

11.45 am Rangeland goats, livestock and ground cover – Total grazing pressure Trudie Atkinson, NSW DPI, Trangie

12.15 pm Local Experiences – Local Landholders

12.45 pm LUNCH

1.45 pm Infrastructure – Fencing, Goat Depots, Goat Traps

2.15 pm An overview of the goat industry and market requirements – Peter Schuster, Schuster Consulting Group, Dubbo

3.00 pm Close

If you are interested in attending this workshop and for catering purposes, please reply by th Friday 29 May to:

Kerry Wratten Paul Theakston Lachlan CMA Western CMA Ph: 6895 2033 Ph : 6836 1575 Mobile: 0429 982 197

May – June 2009 13 Lachlan graziers go on best practices tour

By Anna Cochrane Natural Resource Officer, Lachlan CMA, Hillston

Graham Finlayson discussing the importance of water point placement in time-controlled grazing systems

The Lachlan Catchment Management Peter showed the group grazing country Authority (CMA) drove 31 landholders that had been sown with lucerne, buffel around the north-west of NSW in early and premier digit grass, which had April to showcase grazing industry best established well on low rainfall and practice in low-rainfall climate. provided good stands of feed. The bus trip left Hillston on Friday 3rd From Nymagee, the bus travelled to April and travelled to Nymagee, , Nyngan to lunch in the beautiful saltbush Brewarrina, Bourke and Cobar before gardens of Anna and David Smith, ‘Box returning home. Cowal’. Anna, an artist, has developed a First stop, after a hearty breakfast at the spectacular garden incorporating metal Mount Hope Pub, was Peter Weston’s work, pottery and artistic tin designs on the property, ‘Yalgo’ at Nymagee. Peter, in banks of the Box Cowal creek. The ladies partnership with his family, has developed weren’t the only ones on the trip who an innovative total grazing pressure loved it! fencing system that utilises uniquely The biggest single lesson learnt from designed high density polyethylene the three day tour was the importance droppers and high tensile spring clips. Peter of setting goals and making decisions to demonstrated how the droppers and clips achieve those goals, across all facets of were manufactured using local labour and life, not just farming. Jim McLaughlin at explained how their custom-built fencing ‘Merryanbone’ Nyngan started planting trailer is used efficiently. Also recognised saltbush 10 years ago to provide a diversity as an industry leader in invasive native of feed to manage drought. The saltbush species control and pasture introduction, has provided multiple benefits including

14 Western Division Newsletter improvement in pasture composition and an ability to better manage grazing pressure in low-rainfall times. Jim is currently trialling establishment of old man saltbush with intercropping. Both Graham Finlayson at ‘Bokhara Plains’ Brewarrina and the Mosely family at ‘Etiwanda’ Cobar stressed the importance of holistic management for both their families and their operations. Graham and Cathy Finlayson have set goals including profitability, family time and diversification and have made business decisions to reflect that. On-farm tourism, agistment and life-long education are critical factors in the success of their business. The holistic management view adopted by the Graham Finlayson using a map to explain his planning processes to landholders on the bus trip Finlayson’s focuses on the importance of time-controlled animal impact on their grazing country to reduce selective grazing, improve the establishment and composition of native grasses and reduce scalded claypan country. The Mosely Family have had amazing success with rotationally grazing in a single mob their mix of sheep, goats and cattle. The typically red ridge Cobar country has responded well to animal impacts. The Mosely’s have set both personal and business goals and have a property development plan that helps meet those goals whilst taking into consideration budgets, cash flow and seasons. Above: Megan Mosely talking Participating landholders enjoyed the to the group at Etiwanda opportunity to network with other farmers from both inside and outside the Lachlan Catchment and many have been inspired to set personal and business goals, seek out further training and think outside the square with some of their grazing Peter Weston points out the management practices. features and operation of his For more information contact Anna custom made fencing trailer Cochrane at the Lachlan CMA on (02) 6967 2998.

May – June 2009 15 Lachlan CMA and partners recognised at Energy Australia National Trust Heritage Awards

By Kath Mann Media and Public Relations Officer, Lachlan CMA, Parkes

The Hon Kristina Keneally, MP Minister for Planning presenting the Award to Rob Gledhill Chairman Lachlan CMA on behalf of all the BIG project partners.

Lachlan CMA and its partners had amount than we can as individuals. two projects recognised this week at a Congratulations to the partners involved in celebrationary luncheon held in Sydney these projects.’ to announce the successful winners of The Bland Incentives Grants (BIG) this years Energy Australia National Trust Project was announced the winner of Heritage Awards. the Conservation Landscape Heritage The Awards have been running for 16 Category. Lachlan CMA has partnered years and draw entries from across NSW; with the Catchment Lachlan CMA had submitted two projects Committee, the Lake Cowal Foundation, with one being announced a category Greening Australia and the landholders of Winner and the other being recognised as a the Bland Creek Catchment in this project. Highly Commended entrant. The project has successfully achieved the Mr Rob Gledhill, the Lachlan CMA Chair following improvements within the Bland recognised the importance of partnerships Creek Catchment: in all Lachlan CMA projects, ‘It is the • Protected and enhanced 126 km of strength of our partnerships that provides riparian zones (creeklines) to improve the foundation for successful projects. water quality and protected native In partnership we can achieve a greater vegetation;

16 Western Division Newsletter Project Partners L to Right Back - Rob Gledhill, Chair Lachlan CMA; Tracey Robinson, Bland Creek Catchment Committee; Kris Dunstan, Bland Creek Catchment Committee; Melanie Cooper, Catchment Officer Lachlan CMA; Kate Barrett, Education Officer Lake Cowal Conservation Centre; Phillipa Walsh, Director Lake Cowal Foundation

Front - Kerryn Richardson, Manager CMA Chairs Council; Ken McAllister, Bland Creek Catchment Committee; Mal Carnegie, Project Officer, Lake Cowal Foundation

• Conserved 2153 ha of native remnant where school students, land managers and vegetation to improve biodiversity and community members can learn about and natural regeneration; experience a variety of environmental and • Revegetated 553 ha using endemic tree natural resource management issues in a and shrub species to increase the extent practical learning environment. of native vegetation and improved Both of these excellent projects have linkages between remnants across the been the result of the formation and landscape; cohesiveness of great partnerships. ‘These • Improved 10,204 ha of perennial projects are outstanding examples of the pastures through better grazing outcomes that can be achieved by working management systems; and in partnership with other organisations and • Established 1046 ha of perennial community groups,’ Mr Gledhill said. pastures in salinity hazard landscapes The Lachlan CMA has adopted the slogan or as riparian buffers to filter nutrients ‘TOGETHER WE’RE MAKING A and sediment and prevent them from DIFFERENCE’ because we realise how entering watercourses. important it is to maintain our partnerships The Lake Cowal Conservation Centre and connections, and that by sharing our (LCCC) Project was also rewarded being information and ideas we can make a identified as a Highly Commended entry in difference. the Education Category of the Awards. ‘We look forward to continuing to improve Lachlan CMA has partnered with West Natural Resource Management within the Wyalong High School, the Lake Cowal Lachlan Catchment through education Foundation and Barrick Gold in this and on ground works with our valuable project. partners,’ Mr Gledhill said. The LCCC is situated 35 km north east To find out more about projects and of West Wyalong and 3 km south of the initiatives of the Lachlan CMA visit one of Cowal Gold Mine, at Lake Cowal. The the ten local offices or our website LCCC is a community educational facility www.lachlan.cma.nsw.gov.au.

May – June 2009 17 Important lessons learnt at Broken Hill preschools

Children learning about dangerous animals and local wildlife at the Lilliput Early Learning Centre

Children from Broken Hill preschools are ‘One child attending two preschools having fun while learning about dangerous participated in the program twice and he animals and native wildlife in the local area. even remembered all of the answers and National Parks and Wildlife Service thoroughly enjoyed participating in the (NPWS) Community Relations Ranger, lesson again. Julieanne Nicholl said that NPWS Rangers ‘The biodiversity part of the program is have been teaching the children all about designed to showcase the different types of local dangerous animals and about the animals we are lucky enough to have in the diversity of native wildlife. outback. ‘Lilliput Early Learning Centre, Playtime ‘Children learn that frogs don’t just go Preschool, Alma Bugdlie Preschool and “ribbitt” but can make all sorts of unusual Rainbow Preschool are all participating in noises, also that birds don’t just eat seed the program. like the budgie at home and that our ‘The dangerous animal program is very reptiles come in all different shapes and important, especially where we live in far sizes. west NSW,’ Ms Nicholl said. ‘It is great to interact with the kids and ‘It not only focuses on snakes and observe their learning. It is something spiders but also covers other animals like I really look forward to. I hope local kangaroos and dogs. preschools enjoyed the programs and will have me back next year!’ ‘The kids learn not to go near snakes and spiders and what to do if someone is bitten. NPWS have a range of educational They even discover the noise an angry programs and any interested community kangaroo makes. group can contact the Broken Hill Office on (08) 8080 3200. ‘The kids are really interested; they are especially keen to view the jar specimens I take along to the sessions.

18 Western Division Newsletter NPWS finalist in Outback Tourism awards National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff member, Ngaire McCubben was recently recognised for a high level of contribution to tourism in outback NSW. NPWS Far West, Regional Manager Steve Millington said that Ngaire was a finalist for the ‘Outstanding Contribution by an individual to Tourism in Outback NSW’ award. ‘The award was presented by the Outback NSW Regional Tourism Organisation at the recent Outback NSW Tourism Symposium held in Wentworth. Homestead Creek Gorge, Mutawintji National Park ‘Ngaire was acknowledged for her immense effort towards promoting including rock engravings, stencils and Outback NSW in 2008 as the NPWS paintings,’ he said. Tourism and Recreation Officer for Far ‘National Parks are important assets; the West Region. conservation of our native plants and ‘The Mount Wood Homestead in Sturt animals and cultural heritage to be enjoyed National Park was also recently recognised, by people now and into the future is vital. winning the ‘Best Outback Station ‘We congratulate Ngaire on her well Accommodation’ award at the inaugural deserved recognition. In January 2009 ‘Broken Hill and Region Tourism Awards’. Ngaire started a one year secondment to ‘National parks are significant contributors work at the NPWS head office in Sydney to Outback tourism. In 2008 more than as a Project Officer (Visitor Services) in the 200,000 tourists visited our five national Strategy and Business Analysis Unit.’ parks in far west NSW. For more information on tours and ‘The Mungo, Paroo-Darling, Kinchega, activities, visit www.nationalparks.nsw. Mutawintji and Sturt National Parks are all gov.au or call the Broken Hill Area NPWS very diverse and unique parks that attract office on ph: (08) 8080 3200, or Paroo visitors from throughout the world. Darling National Park Visitor Centre (08) 8083 7900. ‘In March 2008 Peery Lake in the Paroo- Darling National Park filled for the first time since 2000 attracting an array of wildlife and water birds to the Lake. ‘The famous Walls of China at Mungo National Park in the south east of the state are a key highlight for many, including world renowned British archaeologist, Paul Bahn who visited the site last year. ‘Mutawintji National Park’s, Historic Site contains one of the best collections of Aboriginal art in New South Wales,

May – June 2009 19 ‘Living the wild life’ photo competition

People have until July 10 to enter People have to be self-reliant and the Western Catchment Management resilient to survive. They are able to rise Authority’s (CMA) 2009 ‘Life & Light to challenges that people living in cities By Lisa Crisp, in the Western Catchment’ photographic would be hard-pressed to believe. Community Education Officer, Western CMA. competition. The theme also refers to the amazing This is the competition’s twelfth year and wildlife – both animals and plants that live its theme is ‘Living the wild life’. It is free in the Western Catchment. to enter and open to anyone, including The Western Catchment supports a wide children, who takes a photograph within variety of plants and animals (biodiversity) the Western Catchment. with 471 animal species and 1,351 plant The theme reflects the unique nature of the species recorded to date. area. There is no denying life in far-western The competition has four sections: open Banded Lapwing by Andrew NSW is quite different to elsewhere in colour, open black and white, secondary Spinks, Ivanhoe the State. student (colour or black and white) and primary student (colour or black and white). Entry to the competition is free and people can enter as many photographs as they would like. Entries will be accepted until July 10. Photographs, including digital images, are to be supplied as a 10 x 15 cm print. Digital photographs must also be supplied on a CD. Photographs of recognisable people should include a completed consent to use form, which is included in the entry information pack. Photographs are to have been taken no earlier than 2007, must be unpublished and not have won any other competition. Winners receive cash prizes of $250 for first place and $50 for runners-up. Many entries are used in Western CMA promotional material, so photographs may be seen by thousands of people. Information packages, including entry and consent to use image forms are available at Western CMA offices, by visiting www.western.cma.nsw.gov.au, calling 1800 032 101 or emailing [email protected].

Boundary Riders by Debbie Symonds of Broken Hill, 2008

20 Western Division Newsletter Sustainable farming principles for Western Catchment

By Daryl Green, General Manager, Western CMA.

Western CMA’s Anthony Azevedo with the sustainable farming fact sheets

The Western Catchment Management The Western CMA contracted the Authority (CMA) has developed a series Department of Primary Industries to of fact sheets outlining sustainable farming undertake research to better understand principles for the Western Catchment. the effects of cropping on the chemical Cropping in the Western Catchment and physical properties of the soil with requires specific considerations and the aim of assisting landholders in making management techniques. decisions about their future management strategies. The grey and red soils of the Western Catchment are naturally low in nitrogen Soil samples were taken from 112 sites and phosphorus and often have low levels in the Western Catchment and each was of organic carbon. There are a number of analysed for its chemical and physical management decisions and practices that properties. Landholders also provided a can increase landholders’ ability to farm cropping history for each of the paddocks sustainably and profitably. that were sampled. This is the most recent study conducted The series of four fact sheets provide plain into cropping practices in the Western English recommendations resulting from Catchment and while many of the the study. recommended practices are applicable The conservation farming fact sheet elsewhere, this study provides information outlines the two major principles of this specifically tailored to far-western NSW. farming system, which is becoming

May – June 2009 21 ‘Sustainable farming principles increasingly more common throughout agricultural production. Our cropping for Western Catchment’ the Western Catchment: stubble retention soils are naturally low in nitrogen and continued from previous page and reduced tillage. It explains the benefits phosphorus, which are often not replaced and mechanics of both practices, including at the same rate as their removal. They also ways landholders can modify existing farm have low levels of organic carbon. machinery to begin conservation farming. The cropping management fact sheet The soil structure fact sheet defines good outlines crop rotation, livestock soil structure, which enables crops and management and weed control strategies, pastures to explore the soil for moisture including invasive native scrub (woody and nutrients and maximise yield potential. weeds) control. Landholders can use these Factors that improve or destroy soil strategies, together with conservation structure are identified and practices farming practices, to help increase yields, for improving poor soil structure are maintain or improve soil structure and recommended. fertility and reduce the risk of crop disease. The soil fertility fact sheet explains ways Copies of the fact sheets are available from to improve soil fertility. Nutrient levels Western CMA offices, by visitingwww. and balances between nutrients must western.cma.nsw.gov.au or ringing be maintained for profitable, long-term freecall 1800 032 101.

Trip to help CMAs work better with western NSW communities

Communications Officer Rod Campbell The trip was an opportunity to talk to staff (pictured) recently had the opportunity from other organisations who are working to better understand how to work with with landholders and communities on INS the community to meet NRM issues and and other local challenges. challenges. The travelling bursary was a great way Through the Murray Darling Environment to meet people and develop networks, Foundation’s CMA travelling bursary, Rod according to Rod. spent two weeks meeting people in similar ‘People lent their experiences and had roles throughout western NSW and south great advice. The take home message west Qld. for me was that we are all individuals Rod works with the Central West and so flexibility and a ‘horses for courses’ Western CMAs on the current Invasive approach is needed. Native Scrub (INS) research program and ‘I can happily report though that the was particularly interested in how to share Western Division Newsletter was information and develop best practice for consistently mentioned as a great way to INS management. keep people in western NSW informed of issues and events relevant to them!’ The travelling bursary was supported by the Murray Darling Environment Foundation, McArthur Management Services and the Central West CMA.

22 Western Division Newsletter Agisting cattle in the Western Division At times when seasonal conditions are favourable, large numbers of cattle move into the Western Division. The aim is to take advantage of the abundance of feed available at those times. There is however some very important considerations that should be taken into account before you consider agisting cattle on your property. Identification All cattle including calves and bulls must be fitted with an approved NLIS device prior to departing the property of origin. These devices may be: • an NLIS approved ear device, or • a rumen bolus with matching management ear tag indicating the • a herd which meets the ‘Beef Only’ animal has a bolus. criteria. Disease status Moving breeding cattle from a bovine The Western Division of NSW is a bovine Johne’s disease residual or control zone Johne’s disease (BJD) protected zone. requires evidence they have a lower disease risk. Failure to meet these requirements Cattle from higher disease risk areas, called By John Irwin BJD residual zones or control zones, must could result in you exposing your herd to Beef Cattle Officer, NSW DPI, (02) 6951 2630 meet conditions prior to movement into the the risk of BJD, quarantine restrictions or Western Division. legal prosecution. • Tasmania is a residual zone. Movement documentation • Control zones cover all of Victoria, As the owner of the agistment property you parts of NSW and South Australia. need to collect and retain all documentation for the cattle you agist. This may include:- • Protected zones cover all of Queensland, the northern pastoral zone • National Vendor Declaration (NVD) or of South Australia, and most of NSW. Waybill or Transported Stock Statement Maps of BJD zones can be found on the • National Animal Health Statement for web at http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/ Johne’s Disease status of Beef Cattle bjd-zoning/bjd-aus.gif These documents are required to enable Cattle moving from a BJD residual or tracing of disease and chemical residues control zone to the Western Division will and may be required for audit purposes. need to have documentary evidence that They are to be kept for 7 years. the cattle are either: Notifying the NLIS database of the • from a herd enrolled in the Australian movement Johne’s Disease Market Assurance The owner of the cattle, or the person in Program for Cattle (CattleMAP), charge of the cattle, is responsible for • a BJD Check Tested herd, or ensuring that cattle are legally identified

May – June 2009 23 and movement is recorded on the NLIS database. This must be done Contracts within 7 days of the cattle leaving their home property Given the arrangements and There are several ways that the NLIS database can be notified of a responsibilities for various people in the movement: agistment of cattle, consider the value • do it yourself: you will need to establish an NLIS database of preparing and agreeing on a written account by going to www.nlis.mla.com.au and following the contract with the owner of the cattle. prompts to ‘Create a new Account’ (see details at end of this Further information article). Contact your nearest NSW DPI livestock • use a third party provider, e.g. stock agent, scanning contractor. officer or your Livestock Health and Pest Some Livestock Health and Pest Authorities may also assist. Authority office. Using your personal NLIS database account, you can submit To create an NLIS database account you your own record of cattle movements. To accurately record the can visit www.nlis.mla.com.au and follow movement of cattle you can:- the prompts to ‘Create a New Account’. • electronically scan the NLIS devices with a NLIS scanner Note that it can take up to 7 days for your account details to be verified and your • create an electronic file using NLIS software. password to be issued. • submit the NLIS numbers and movement details (including PIC For more information on NLIS you can call and dates) to the NLIS database via a database account. direct to Meat and Livestock Australia’s NLIS database helpdesk on 1800 654 743. Getting cattle NVD’s Correct program is auditable.If you have purchased a book of vendor declarations after 2003 you are part of LPA and can be subject to an audit. Currently over 99% of cattle sold are accompanied by a NVD. Given By John Irwin Beef Cattle Officer, NSW DPI, their widespread acceptance and their Yanco (02) 6951 2630 importance to food safety the accuracy of the information included on the NVD is of immense importance. A recent audit of the NVD system found there were significant errors in NVD’s The National Vendor Declaration for presented at saleyards with corresponding cattle represents one of the key systems groups of cattle. developed by the red meat industry to A vendor declaration is made up of three underpin Australia commitment to food parts. safety. The NVD has been an integral part of the Australian cattle industry since 1996. Part A is the producer declaration The aim of the NVD is to transfer Part B is the transport declaration information regarding food safety from the Part C is the agent declaration for cattle seller to the buyer of the cattle concerned. sold at auction. In 2003 the industry introduced the Within the above parts the majority of Livestock Production Assurance program errors occurred in section A. This part (LPA) LPA is designed to be an on farm requires completion by the producer of food safety certification program. The the cattle.

24 Western Division Newsletter The errors included. There are comprehensive explanatory • Crossing out the pre printed PIC and notes on the inside cover of the vendor writing in another. declaration booklet that give clear concise instructions on how to correctly complete • Ensuring both the consignment and each section of the form. destination addresses if they are different e.g.if being sold at auction To order vendor declaration booklets the agent’s address as the consigned to contact MLA on 1800 683 111 or address and the address of the saleyards www.mla.com.au. Contact your local DPI as the destination address would need to beef cattle officer. be included. • Not answering all the 9 questions in section A. Another big issue – sheep lice Sheep lice are a problem that seems to be growing in importance in the west over the last couple of years. There are many reasons for a flock to become infested. These include poor application of lice treatment chemicals, mis-mustering of By Sally Ware, NSW DPI, Hay stock, movement of infested animals within (02) 6993 1608 and between flocks, failure to comply with Lousy sheep – insecticide product label directions. However, the resistance or poor main issue currently attracting attention management? – LiceBoss ™ can help. around the bush is the resistance of sheep lice to the insect growth regulator (IGR) group of chemicals diflubenzuron and leading scientists, LiceBoss ™ is a very useful website for those triflumuron or in most cases, the off- landholders looking at changing their management program in order shears backliners. Used widely since the to overcome a lice infestation. The Treatment module in LiceBoss early 1990s, the IGR backliner provided ™ can assist landholders to do a complete review of their operations landholders with an easy to use, cost- and and can help determine if a treatment breakdown is the reason for time-effective way of treating sheep for the lice. Then, for example, if a landholder has found a long wool lice off the board. This large scale use infestation, the Long Wool Treatment site on LiceBoss ™ provides has potentially resulted in resistant lice information on the advantages and disadvantages of using such populations breeding up to the point where a treatment and the Long Wool Module can help the landholder six months or later after shearing and using finalise their decision by determining if the economic loss due to an IGR backliner treatment, landholders reduced wool quality is enough to warrant immediate treatment or are finding sheep in their paddocks that are wait until post shearing. visibly infested by lice. One of the most useful areas in LiceBoss ™ is the Products site Whilst the finger keeps pointing at IGRs, where all the available products are listed for the various application other on-farm factors always need to methods including dips and long- and short- wool backliners. This be considered when determining the website also lists the chemical group to which each product belongs causes of a continued lice infestation. An and whether it is a lice only or lice/fly treatment, the withholding online support tool called LiceBoss ™ period and the cost of the treatment on a $ per sheep basis. has been available for over 12 months to To find LiceBoss ™ go to www.liceboss.com.au. Half an hour of help woolgrowers manage lice in their searching and reading on this website could save you thousands of sheep. Supported by Australian Wool dollars and an enormous amount of time and effort in the paddock Innovation and developed by a number of and sheep yards.

May – June 2009 25 FarmReady Reimbursement Grants – Australia’s Farming Future What is FarmReady? You can find out which training courses are FarmReady is the Australian Government’s approved under the program: $26.5 million program that boosts training • on-line at www.farmready.gov.au and provides opportunities for industry, through an up-to-date database farming, and natural resource management • by calling the administrator on groups to develop strategies to adapt and 1800 087 670, or respond to climate change. The four year program offers two types of support to the • by asking training providers if they agricultural, fishing and forestry sectors: have any courses that are FarmReady approved. • FarmReady Reimbursement Grants Up to $1500 is Am I eligible? available to cover for individual primary producers and course fees each Indigenous land managers to attend FarmReady is not means or asset tested. To be eligible for the FarmReady financial year, approved climate change training activities. Reimbursement Grant, you must be: with funding also available to cover • FarmReady Industry Grants for industry • a primary producer (a farmer, fisher or excess travel, organisations, primary producer and forester) accommodation natural resource management groups • an immediate family member of a to undertake projects to enable their and childcare primary producer members to adapt to the impacts of • a member of the management team of a costs. climate change. primary production enterprise, or FarmReady is a key component of • an Indigenous land manager Australia’s Farming Future, the Australian Government’s $130 million flagship four- What type of training can I do? year initiative to improve productivity and Approved courses will focus on key help farmers manage climate change and learning areas designed to equip you climate variability. with the tools to manage and adapt to the How does the FarmReady impacts of climate change. They include: Reimbursement Grant work? • understanding the implications of Contact the FarmReady administrator, climate variability and climate change online or over the phone, and register • integration of new techniques, your interest in attending a FarmReady including high level technical skills, approved training activity. If you are for sustainable production as a result of eligible, you will receive pre-approval for climate change reimbursement. Book your attendance at • natural resource planning and adaptive the course and pay the required course management such as planning for fees as required by the training provider. sustainable use, integrated catchment After you successfully complete the course, management, drought management, fire submit proof of what you have spent to management, and flood management as the administrator. Up to $1500 is available a result of climate change to cover course fees each financial year, with funding also available to cover excess • farm business management, risk travel, accommodation and childcare costs. assessment and identification of management options

26 Western Division Newsletter • development of research and analytical farming and natural resource management skills to be applied in primary groups to identify opportunities for their production enterprise members to adapt to climate change • strategic planning and thinking, impacts. More information on FarmReady scenario planning, decision making Industry Grants is available on the ‘FarmReady Industry Grants’ factsheet, or • holistic ‘whole farm’ planning by visiting www.daff.gov.au/farmingfuture. • financial management, such as What are the other components of budget preparation, monitoring and Australia’s Farming Future reporting, and ability to understand financial statements > human resource As well as FarmReady, Australia’s Farming management / management of people Future includes: • Other courses include: • Climate Change Research Program to fund research projects and on-farm PMP for natural resource management demonstration activities Farm planning • Community networks and capacity TopFodder silage building activities to focus on increasing Prograze leadership and representative capacity of specific target groups Prograze Abridged • Climate Change Adjustment Program Beef N omics to help farmers develop options for Waterwise on farm on-farm climate change strategies and Irrigated Lucerne for Profit practices, seek specific professional advice and training or adjustment Identification and management of native assistance. grass pastures How can I get involved? Farming in a changing climate To find out about courses registered with Conservation Farming FarmReady, visit What other FarmReady support is www.farmready.gov.au or phone the available? administrator on 1800 087 670. FarmReady also encourages eligible You can also register to receive free groups to undertake projects that develop updates on the program through the strategies to manage the impacts of climate FarmReady subscription list at www. change. Up to $80,000 per financial year farmready.gov.au. will be available for eligible industry,

Lice Problems? Western Division Newsletter Try RivStock’s Richards Hydraulic Cage Plunge Dip For advertising rates and details please visit our website at: Can dip up to 5000 sheep/day Only way to use diazinon in plunge www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/ dipping after May 9 2009 resources/periodicals/newsletters/ western-division-newsletter Call 1300dipnsw for bookings (1300 347 679)

May – June 2009 27 High impact carbon conference ‘Carbon … what the!’

LMD CMA 32 Enterprise Way PO Box 363 Buronga NSW 2739 Ph (03) 5021 9460 Fax (03) 5021 1308 www.lmd.cma.nsw.gov.au

Over 100 community members and agency indigenous people that it is encouraging to staff attended the LMD CMA’s first realise that this is an issue of significance conference on carbon held on 3 April 2009 to them’ he said. at the Coomealla Club, Dareton. The conference was enhanced by the ‘Carbon … what the!’ proved to be a very sponsors and partners with their generous eye-catching phrase for this carbon session support. and caught the attention of many members Alan Lauder, author of Carbon Grazing: of the LMD catchment community, who The Missing Link brought an holistic wanted to find out more information on approach to the subject so that the farmer just what carbon trading is about, how it can be successful and blended observation will affect them and their farm business, as and scientific enquiry that brought the well as some startling advances in carbon fragments of this new revolution together emission recycling undertaken by Ian and in a way that future graziers will see Daniel Linklater. themselves as ‘managers of carbon’. ‘It was a full program with keynote Louisa Kiely (Carbon Farmers speakers from across the nation speaking of Australia) and Michael Kiely on the aspects of the carbon issue to get (CarbonCoalition) were able to put it everyone on track’ said Mark King, Chair simply that soil carbon is part of the soil of the Lower Murray Darling CMA. that is or has been alive and is present in ‘There was just such a broad cross- litter, roots, insect life and is also found section of the catchment represented in soils as carbohydrates, fats, waxes, including irrigators, graziers, croppers and peptides, amino acids, proteins, lipids and

28 Western Division Newsletter organic acids. They emphasised that the The strong partnership with NSW Above: Daniel Lanklater being soil carbon movement is anxious that soil Department of Primary Industry enabled interviewed by Win TV carbon be given the opportunity to perform some of their expert staff to join the Left: Speaker Alan Lauder and to its potential. Carbon Trading Models conference and share their current author of Carbon Grazing: The were discussed on the Saturday morning knowledge and experiences. Missing Link session as was alternative overseas All in all, it was a great success and the LMD methods of carbon storage. CMA is looking forward in continuing the The winner of the Garmin GPS72 was carbon conversation with more workshops Lachlan McKenzie of Koraleigh NSW. and expert speakers – so stay tuned ! Western Lands Advisory Council COMMUNIQUÉ 26 March 2009

The 15th meeting of the Western Lands MLC, to request the continuation of the Advisory Council was held in Cobar on the 75% waiver of rents, due for payment 18th of February 2009. in July, for the 2009/2010 rural Western It was good to hear at the Advisory Lands Leases. Council, that the northern area of the The Advisory Council members were Jenny McLellan AM Western Division has benefited from some informed that the Review of the Western Chairperson, Western Lands very beneficial rain, in fact too much in Lands Act 1901 is before the NSW Advisory Council Mobile: 0419 279 610 Bourke which was declared a National Parliament and is expected to be discussed Disaster Area. The majority of the Western in March 2009. The Advisory Council Division is still suffering from very severe supports the recommendations that are now drought conditions, particularly the south- in the Review which we indicated in earlier west region, and the Governments have Communiqués. The members supported the recognised that factor with most of the recommendations on the boundary fencing Western Division having their Exceptional matters – ‘that the Western Lands Act 1901 Circumstances extended to 2010. The be amended to include fencing definitions, Western Lands Advisory Council, at the standards and requirements similar to those meeting, recommended writing to the that exist in the Dividing Fences Act 1991 Minister for Lands, the Hon Tony Kelly to ensure all stock are contained within

May – June 2009 29 property boundaries and to strengthen provisions as they relate to In early December 2008, the ongoing maintenance, repairs and upgrading of boundary fences. Advisory Council received a copy Also, that the Western Lands Act be amended to include provisions of the Commonwealth Regional for the Western Lands Commissioner to enforce fencing standards Telecommunications Report and the and conditions through notices or directions in regard to boundary outline for the future. We submitted fencing upgrades, repairs and/or replacements.’ Provisions in the a response to the Review, where we Western Lands Act for the Western Lands Commissioner and indicated that they urgently need to leaseholders to refer disputes to the Local Land Board, with appeal review and upgrade the Universal Service rights through the Land and Environment Court, will be retained. Obligation (USO) from a Standard Voice The members are aware that this has been a long outstanding matter Service to a Standard Telecommunications Contains Diazinon for some landholders and in some cases a contentious issue and we Service to include data standards. The upgrade must be able to keep pace with trust that it will now provide a workable outcome. technological advances and we are aware The Western Lands Act Regulations are due for remake by Is it time to that it does not and that there are a number September 2009, but an application has been made to defer the of grey areas and areas where there is no remake because the amendments to the Western Lands Act, mobile coverage. If you would like a copy currently before Parliament, will affect the Regulations. of the Review please contact the Review give your The Wild Dog Destruction Regulations are also due for remake by Secretariat on 1800 064 851 (free call) or September 2009. A Regulatory Impact Statement should be finalised [email protected] by April/May 2009 and be available for public consultation. The Advisory Council is concerned that * Advertising of the public consultation stage is expected to be in the kangaroo tag allocations are about 50% place by May 2009. The Advisory Council is to be one of the main lower this year than at the same time last forums for consultation on the remake. year, for a variety of factors. We are aware IGR that there are a number of professional The Legal Roads Network Project is gradually progressing, with the shooters leaving the industry and with Unincorporated Area expected to be completed by May 2009. The no further kangaroo trapper licences Central Darling Shire will be the next area to be addressed and that a break? being issued this will severely limit the will be followed by the Bourke Shire Region. management of total grazing pressure The registration of plans continues to be delayed by the non-return control. It is essential that kangaroo of easement identification documents. It is most important that when populations must not be allowed to any landholders receive this documentation which requires them to accelerate. fill in the information about any easements on their properties, that The Department of Lands is continuing they fill in this documentation and return it as soon as possible to with negotiations in regard to the the Department of Lands. If this form is not returned it could mean development of a Windfarm at Silverton. that either easements are put in where they are not wanted or not The Advisory Council was very saddened addressed at all. ® to learn of the passing of Peter Spencer on Eureka Gold is the first Organophosphate (OP) lice treatment that The Advisory Council was very pleased to be advised that the 21 December 2008. Peter worked for the combines rapid knockdown of lice with the convenience of a pour- Scientific Committee established by the Threatened Species Department for approximately 30 years on. What’s more, because it’s from Coopers® you can be guaranteed Conservation Act, back in the middle of 2006, has made a final throughout its various changes of titles. it performs. determination to reject a proposal to list the Old Man Saltbush Peter was a very passionate and stalwart Shrubland in Western NSW as an Endangered Ecological supporter for the Western Division and for Eureka Gold (containing Diazinon) provides producers with an Community in Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the Act. We received that the needs of the people in the Region. He alternative chemical group to the IGR's, for lice control. Switching to advice in December 2008 after we had put a submission into worked in Bourke and Condobolin. To his Eureka Gold this shearing will help prolong the useful life of other the Scientific Committee in June 2006. The Saltbush Shrubland wife, Sue, and family we send our deepest currently available lice control chemicals. community is now highly valued by landholders throughout Western condolences. May he rest in peace. NSW and is also considered to be a very valuable tool for erosion The next meeting of the Advisory Council protection and rehabilitation and in a number of areas it is good is to be held in Cobar on the 29th and 30th Please contact Coopers Customer Service 1800 226 511 stock feed as it is very dense. If it is strategically and carefully of June 2009 and the Minister for Lands, to request your FREE Eureka Gold 10 Point Lice Control Plan grazed in landholder management plans, even after this past seven Hon Tony Kelly MLC and the Director year drought, it will come back after rains as dense as ever as this General, Mr Warwick Watkins and their Please visit our website on: has been proven. personnel have been asked to attend. www.coopersanimalhealth.com.au

30 Western Division Newsletter Coopers® is a registered trademark of Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation Eureka Gold® is a registered trademark of Zagro Animal Health Pte Ltd * Insect Growth Regulator  Western Division Newsletter Western Division Newsletter POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA

To the Landholder If undeliverable please return to: If undeliverable please return to: Department of Primary Industries NSW 2830 PO Box 865, DUBBO NSW

The editor of the WDN welcomes contributions

Issue No. Deadline for articles Send articles to: 128 July–Aug 1 June 2009 Sally Ware, NSW DPI 129 Sep–Oct 3 August 2009 PO Box 393, Hay 2711 130 Nov–Feb 2 October 2009 Fax: (02) 6993 2177 131 Mar–Apr 6 February 2010 Phone: (02) 6993 1608 132 May–Jun 5 April 2010 Email: [email protected]

32 Western Division Newsletter