Issue 16, APRIL 2018

Citizen Science for the Julia Creek Dunnart Pastures, Productivity & Pest Forum Fighting Fire with Fire Grazing Case study Rubber Vine & Fire

WHO are we? Southern Gulf NRM is the natural resource management (NRM) organisation for the Southern Gulf region of north west . We work with our partners and the community to protect our region’s natural resources and maintain the prosperity of industries and communities that rely on these. The region comprises all the land whose creeks and rivers run into the south of the .

Image: © Mel Bethal Photography SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 2 SOUTHERNGULFNRM CEO’S This is ademanding year for Southern Gulf NRM in our efforts to attract significant NRM investment to support our Southern Gulf community. update “ Chief Executive Officer Andrew Maclean directors aboutfuture directions. the regional community to share issuesandideas withstaff and Our discussionsat theforum are animportant opportunityfor Creek on27April.Adiverse program shouldbeofwideinterest. I amlookingforward to CommunityForum scheduledfor Julia for regional producers, addressing allaspects ofthecattle business. Team andAgForce helpsto ensure we deliver anintegrated program partnership withtheDepartment ofAgriculture BeefExtension McKinlay andClonaghwere well-attended. SouthernGulfNRM’s Although rescheduled dueto rain, ourGrazing BMPworkshops at and theburnswere conducted safely andwithgood effect. the momentopportunityarrived. Theoperation went smoothly Congratulations to allinvolved for taking theopportunityto lightup things were lookinggrimuntil we received good rains inearly March. managed burningoperations isnarrow intheSouthernGulf, and conservation project. Thewindow ofopportunityto safely conduct on Calton Hillsstation asapart ofourCarpentarian Grasswren I was thrilledinmid-March to see burningoperations conducted impressive $17millionfor theSouthernGulfcommunity. summarised theproposals at underway present, whichtotal an and thenatural assets ofourregion. Elsewhere inthisissue,we’ve quality proposals that are relevant to theneedsofourcommunity community. Thebest way thisisby high developing ofachieving is essentialifwe are to continue to supporttheSouthernGulf called for proposals for thenext few years. Agood fundingoutcome programs come to anendthisyear andboth governments have Major Australian andQueenslandGovernment NRMinvestment CHAIR’S our fundingapplications. However, despite theserisks, we sometime inMayasto ifwe have beensuccessful inanyof of July2018.We’re not likely to get confirmation until and therefore what ourbudget will looklike from the1st over what offundingSouthernGulfNRM willreceive level existence isby nomeans guaranteed. There isnocertainty Despite theserenewed fundingcommitments ourcontinued Southern Gulfregion. projectsnew inorder to be ableattract furtherfundingto the Southern GulfNRMstaff willbebusilydesigning exciting Queensland Natural Resources Investment Programme. will becontinuing theirinvestment inNRMunderthenew the QueenslandGovernment recently confirming that it of both theQueensland andAustralian Governments with Southern GulfNRMisgrateful for thecontinuing support our shared landscapes. NRM groups inorder to great achieve outcomes for partners from around theregion andwithourneighbouring that we are willingandableto work collaboratively with forward qualityfundingapplications that alsodemonstrate that theCEOandstaff worked tirelessly inorder to put communities across theSouthernGulf. TheBoard recognises excellent andlonglasting outcomes for ourregional attractive proposals that we willhonestly believe create The staff have hardworked to producevery some very fundingguidelinestothe new ourown regional priorities. the key purposeofSouthernGulf NRMandhow we can align sit down andreassess what are thekey prioritiesandwhat is great opportunityfor thestaff andour community partners to Commonwealth Governments NLP2program. Thiswas a projectdeveloping applications for released thenewly The staff busy over the have been pastvery months few with Roger andShane. Roger Hill,theboard muchlookforward to andIvery working Southern Gulfinprevious years. Ialsowelcome Director new welcome asaDirector ShaneMcCarthywhohasserved for welcome directors two new to theSGNRMBoard. We After advertising Directorsfor new late in2017,Ihappily and landscape changingprojects. Welcome allto another year updates ofSouthernGulfnews, update Chairperson Megan Munchenberg productive very anduniquelandscapes. projects that willultimately have alongterm impact onour the SouthernGulfregion working onrelevant andinnovative opportunity to applyfor more fundingto distribute around on behalfofourcommunities andwe are energised by the we dobusinesscurrently, we are determined to work hard Although we are facing significant challenges to theway and to buildtrusting relationships withourmajorinvestors. partnerships, to better engage withourregional stakeholders communities andwe willcontinue to work to buildonour and staff are here to dobusinessonbehalfofour regional continue to beprovided locally across theregion. TheBoard all options to ensure modelcan that aviableNRMdelivery The SouthernGulfNRMboard iscommitted to exploring changes going forward. core priorityfor theorganisation andacritical elementofany of stakeholders across theSouthernGulfregion remains a critical that regional leadership andcommunity engagement with locally based project staff. Whatever theoutcome, itis through thisprocess isthelossofalocally established office outcomes from thesediscussions.What isn’t negotiable models. Amerger isonthetable asoneofthepossible group based inTownsville, around possibleshared business Tropics,a discussionwithNQDry ourneighbouringNRM cost savings.Inresponse, SouthernGulfNRMcommenced requested that NRMbodiescollaborate to findefficienciesand Resources, MinesandEnergy, theHonAnthonyLynham, has In previous years, theQueenslandMinister for Natural our local NRMgroup. business willbecritical inorder to ensure of thesurvival as beingwillingto change someoftheelements ofourcore changed. SouthernGulfNRMmust respond to thesechanges funding available andtheGovernment expectations have been facing considerable change for sometimenow. The Regional Bodiesacross QLDandacross thenation have in theSouthernGulf. a viableregionally based NRMgroup remains active hardare to working very findallpossibleways ofensuring SOUTHERNGULF.COM.AU

3 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 LINKS GULF SOUTHERN SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 SISP ensures high quality AGRICULTURE MINISTER visits the Southern Gulf BOARD APPOINTMENTS

When a vacancy on the Southern Gulf NRM Board Queensland’s Minister for Agricultural Industry Development We also took the opportunity to express our concern about the arises, the Board refers the matter to the Standing Shane McCarthy the Hon Mark Furner MP visited the Southern Gulf region declining level of beef extension services in the Southern Gulf. Shane comes from a family with deep Independent Selection Panel (SISP) and requests on 27 February and invited Southern Gulf NRM to brief him The Southern Gulf region supports around one million head of seated roots in the Southern Gulf Region that it make an appointment to the vacancy. on NRM issues in the region. CEO Andrew Maclean and cattle and merits strong support from the State Government. (4 Generations) around Hughenden, Director Ray Campbell represented Southern Gulf NRM at the We have great regard for our Department of Agriculture beef Richmond and Julia Creek areas. He has SISP helps to ensure high standards of governance briefing in Cloncurry. extension colleagues but our capacity to provide an integrated spent the majority of his 46 years living for Southern Gulf NRM by conducting a extension service to the region is hampered by their severe SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS and working in the area in a wide range rigorous selection process. As Mr Furner is the Minister responsible for Biosecurity staffing limitations. We asked for at least one more position to of capacities from the Banking Sector, Queensland, we briefed him on the threat of Prickly Acacia be based in the Southern Gulf region. to Local Government, and associated SISP advertises and promotes any vacancy and in the region. We were pleased to show him evidence of the Rural Industries of both Wool and Beef. He and his wife own calls for applications. Applicants need to provide great work that has been achieved by Southern Gulf NRM The Minister gave us a good hearing and we thank him for a rural property, south of Hughenden, as well as running the SISP with all the information needed to allow and landholders in the region, but pointed out that there is that. Thanks also to Robbie Katter MP, for arranging the swimming pool in Hughenden. evaluation of their suitability for appointment. a long way to go. We told the Minister that we need a well- opportunity. We are following up with the Department on Shane has spent time as a board member before 2012-2016 and coordinated, properly funded, regional program supporting the issue of beef extension staffing and continue to pursue The Southern Gulf NRM board is skills based. was the Local Government Sector Representative and a Flinders producers to systematically eradicate the threat of the weed resources for regional weed management. As well as needing to have good knowledge Shire Councillor during this time. Shane was heavily involved in to pastures and the environment; to collaborate in sub- about governance and management of the the Flinders Shire’s “Good Neighbour Policy “implementation catchment scale projects; to build knowledge and skills; and organisations, Board directors must collectively and formation during his time in Local Government. During this to ensure the risk of spread is minimised. hold knowledge about natural resource time he also developed many contacts at Local, State and Federal management in the Southern Gulf region. levels of government. He is currently also serving as Chair for the Hughenden Irrigation In making appointments, the SISP considers Project Corporation (HIPCo) looking into Irrigation around the the makeup of the remainder of the Board and and associated water storage. ensures that new appointees complement Shane is involved in many community groups and is President of and balance the knowledge and skills of the Hughenden Show Society, Vice President of the Hughenden existing directors. Chamber of Commerce, and Vice President of Hughenden Race Club.

Good governance demands that directors focus only on what is best for their company. Among Roger Hill Roger is a passionate believer that other advantages, SISP helps ensure that Southern innovative rural land uses and natural Gulf NRM directors are appropriately independent, resource management are at a point avoiding the risk that a director might be of evolution for an outstanding somehow beholden to a sectional interest group. future relationship. The SISP idea is not new. It is the system that has This was ignited as a young man by family been in place at Terrain NRM, our counterpart in members and while working for six years the Wet Tropics region, for more than 10 years. in the fragile rangelands of the Gascoyne, Terrain NRM had thoroughly road-tested the idea Pilbara, Goldfields, Murchison and Nullarbor districts of Western before Southern Gulf NRM adapted it to our region initially as a ringer and then as a fixed wing mustering pilot. at the 2016 Annual General Meeting. Clients included pastoralists, mining, government and indigenous stakeholders. This developed a first hand understanding for the SISP is solely accountable to Southern Gulf interactions of society in the rangelands. NRM company members. The current SISP In this old and fragile area of Australia, Roger learnt how society, Image © North West Star - Derek Barry members were elected at the 2016 Annual General mining, cattle, sheep and feral goats interacted to utilise the country Meeting. Members are: and develop its resources. Parts of these areas now have the most • Mr Paul Woodhouse (chair) innovative agricultural and mining developments in Australia, all • Cr Belinda Murphy within the rangelands and within realms of society’s impetuous both • Cr Craig Young culturally and politically. Since 2004, Roger has been back in his home country of North SISP is activated only when Board vacancies arise. Queensland, added a Business degree to this experience and enjoys The experience and wisdom of SISP members, working with Herron Todd White as a Property Valuer servicing who undertake their role as volunteers, is greatly North and North West Queensland. As a Director and partner in the appreciated by Southern Gulf NRM. enterprise, he has business and Company Director experience.

4 SOUTHERNGULFNRM SOUTHERNGULF.COM.AU 5 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 Pastures, Productivity & Pest Forum FEATURED SPEAKERS

Jenny Milson, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Jenny Milson has a long background with cattle and sheep properties. Her time in DAF has revolved around extension and research in grazing land management in western and north-western Queensland. Jenny has authored and co-authored plant identification publications and is part of the team that presents the MLA EDGE packages Grazing Fundamentals and Grazing Land Management EDGE. She has worked closely on the pimelea and indigofera research projects and likes collaborating with Biosecurity Qld officers to get to the bottom of plant poisoning Even when everything looks cases whenever possible. dry and there’s not much feed in the paddock, your Professor Roger Stone, University of Southern Queensland country can still be in good Professor Stone has a lengthy career in both meteorological and climatological condition; it can still be ready research extending over 35 years, particularly in research and development in climate to respond well when rain is science, drought preparedness, and seasonal climate forecasting for agricultural and received. By thinking about pastoral production and also global commodity trading. Roger is currently Director of your seasonal calendar you can

© Mel Bethel the International Centre for Applied Climate Sciences and Professor in Climate Science establish timelines around key Pastures, Productivity & Pest Forum at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. management decision dates. These decisions – and your

Friday 27 April, 2018 Desiree Jackson, Livestock Management planning around them – are Désirée Jackson has worked as a scientist and extension officer with the Department key to influencing your land of Agriculture for over 20 years and now is part of the delivery of the Nutrition EDGE

condition and consequently, and Breeding EDGE workshop packages across Northern Australia. She was project your long-term productivity. leader and one of the authors for the book “Phosphorus management of beef cattle in northern Australia” and one of the authors of the “Weaning management in “ Jenny Milson Department of northern Australia” book. Désirée ran a long-term grazing trial at Rosebank Research Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Shire Civic Centre Hall, Julia Creek Station to look at steer growth rates and diet quality on Mitchell grass country across Forum 9am | Community Feedback Session 3.30pm | Catering provided, including drinks at close a range of stocking rates which she is currently writing up. She also provides a diet Event is in collaboration with McKinlay Shire Council & Department of Agriculture and Fisheries quality interpretation and recommendation/ration and lick formulation service using faecal NIRS technology. FEATURED SPEAKERS INCLUDE Dr Lee Allen, Biosecurity Queensland Jenny Milson Pastures, planning and productivity Dr Lee Allen is a Senior Zoologist in Pest Animal Research with Biosecurity Queensland Community and industry Désirée Jackson Golden rules to effective nutritional management with over 30 years employment history with the Queensland Government specialising driven innovation is in wild dog ecology and management. Over the course of his career he has researched improving herbicide Dr Roger Stone Climate and seasonal forecasting the efficacy of large-scale 1080 baiting programs, 1080 loss, manufactured baits, application techniques Dr Lee Allen Wild dog management research and implications for north west Queensland PAPP toxicoses, cyanide ejectors, maremma guardian dogs, soft-catch traps and and prickly acacia control Dr Wayne Vogler New tools for weed management – misting, heli-drop and skattergun investigated the seasonal movements, dispersal and diet of wild dogs and their impact outcomes. Trials have on beef cattle production. His current studies are evaluating cluster fences in central demonstrated that these west Queensland and the impact of wild dogs on deer and cattle west of Townsville. new techniques more The day closes with a feedback and planning session – speak about land management issues important to you. than “stack up” when Dr Wayne Vogler, Biosecurity Queensland compared to current Dr Wayne Vogler is Senior Weed Scientist with Biosecurity Queensland at the Tropical control methods. They Weed Research Centre, Charters Towers. Wayne has more than 20 years research have improved herbicide REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: experience into the ecology and management of invasive weeds. He has conducted application efficiency, research into the ecology and management of herbaceous, woody and grass weeds Pru Wharton Nathan March ! SouthernGulfNRM reduced costs and in extensive grazing systems in Queensland; including rubber vine, bellyache bush, Regional Landcare Facilitator Project leader – War on Western Weeds " SouthernGulfNRM enabled more prickly parthenium, invasive grasses and Navua sedge. Most recently Wayne has done Phone: 4743 1888 / 0428 888 079 Phone: 0427 603 328 acacia control within a www.southerngulf.com.au extensive ecology and control research for prickly acacia management in western Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] shorter period of time. Queensland, where he has defined the duration of gut passage for prickly acacia seeds, tested and gained approval for the use of agricultural misters and aerial spot Dr Wayne Vogler, herbicide application techniques. Biosecurity Queensland

This event is an initiative of Southern Gulf NRM funded through • The Regional Landcare Facilitator program under the Australian Government National Landcare Program • Queensland Government War on Western Weeds • The Australian Government War on Northern Invasive Weeds Project SOUTHERNGULF.COM.AU 7 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16

COMMUNITY FORUMS test the waters

With Southern Gulf NRM Directors and staff out and about This is a critical time in the Southern Gulf region as we come SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS in the Southern Gulf region every day, we like to think we to the end of major funding rounds. How should we shape have our finger on the pulse of the interests and concerns of Southern Gulf NRM delivery in the future? the regional community. Here’s a few questions you might like to consider (but don’t But from time to time it is important to come together limit yourself to these): in a more formal way to share information and ideas • Could we – and should we – better integrate our weed Southern Gulf NRM urges locals of the about directions for natural resource management in management and grazing land management projects? McKinlay Shire region to keep an eye on the Southern Gulf region. Our community forum series After all, they both have the same ultimate purpose of the ground for any dunnarts and report provides the opportunity. ensuring productive and sustainable rangelands pastures sightings to Southern Gulf NRM or the for the future. Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre. Following on from earlier forums in Cloncurry and • What opportunities do you see for integrating the Citizen Science for the For more information regarding the Hughenden, the last forum was held in Richmond in management of nature conservation values into grazing JULIA CREEK DUNNART Citizen Science program, contact Kayler conjunction with the Annual General Meeting in November. land management? We know that many producers are Plant at Southern Gulf NRM. We had the good fortune of presentations from Flinders actively interested in wildlife, flora and their habitats. How Shire Mayor, Cr Jane McNamara and Richmond Shire Mayor, can Southern Gulf NRM best assist? Southern Gulf NRM is pleased to be working in collaboration with Cr John Wharton who spoke about their involvement in • What are the natural resource management implications in McKinlay Shire Council to support the endangered Julia Creek dunnart. the Northern Australia Advisory Council and the CRC for the growth of irrigated farming in the Southern Gulf region? Developing Northern Australia. This framed up discussion How should we respond? This collaboration has supported many initiatives for the endangered about how the Southern Gulf community should respond to • The Southern Gulf region has only very limited participation species over the past 10 years including the establishment of the feral these important national initiatives. in the Carbon Farming Initiative. Why is this? What are the proof Julia Creek dunnart Aerodrome Sanctuary in 2008. Two dunnarts obstacles to greater participation? were also kept at the Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre to raise • What are the key topics you would like to see included in awareness amongst visitors to the region. The next Community Forum will be held field days and workshops in the future? in Julia Creek on 27 April as part of our The University of Queensland’s Native Wildlife Teaching and Research Facility has also been an important partner having conducted surveys Pastures, Productive and Pests Forum. throughout the region which have gathered information on the ecology Please be sure to join us to make sure your that supports the threatened species its distribution. UQ provided captive bred Julia Creek dunnarts for release in the sanctuary at Julia views about natural resource management © Emma Walton Creek. With the facility situated near Brisbane, surveys can only run for issues and priorities can shape the short periods thus limiting the information that can be gathered. design and delivery of our projects. Julia Creek dunnart Feedback of dunnart sightings from landholders and travellers have often been passed on to the organisations. With a level of interest (Sminthopsis douglasi) already existing in the region, the partnership continues with the launch National Conservation Status: Vulnerable of a Julia Creek dunnart Citizen Science program. The aim of the citizen Queensland Conservation Status: Endangered science program is to systematically capture the dunnart sighting Weight: 40-70 g information from locals and visitors that are in the region year round. Head and Body Length: 110-135 mm This information will assist with further research on the distribution of Tail Length: 110-130 mm the species as well as support future conservation efforts. Hind Foot Length: >20 mm Common Features: Sandy brown colour, The Julia Creek dunnart Citizen Science program is easy to be part speckled with grey above and buffy white of and suitable for all ages. All you need to do is keep an eye out for below. Rufous hair on the cheeks and at the Mouse-sized marsupials, record simple information such as the date, base of the ears. Dark hairs towards the tip weather, location and any distance features. If the animal isn’t too of its tapering tail. A darker face stripe runs quick, a photo is also very valuable. between its ears and eyes.

8 SOUTHERNGULFNRM SOUTHERNGULF.COM.AU 9 FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE – Grasswrens benefit from managed burns

Southern Gulf NRM achieved an Preparations for the burning have been made over several months and operations could not commence important milestone in early March until after sufficient rainfall to ensure moderate fire with nearly 8000 ha of controlled behaviour. The anxiously-awaited wet season rains finally arrived in early March and project partners jumped burning carried out on Calton Hills at the opportunity to safely conduct the burning while SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS Station, North West of Mount Isa. conditions were most suitable.

This operation reduces the risk of extensive wildfire destroying The burning was conducted using incendiary devices the habitat of the endangered Carpentarian Grasswren as well distributed from a helicopter under the expert guidance of as protecting pasture resources and other assets. Mick Blackman from Friendly Fire Ecological Consultants. Satellite image analysis showed that that fire burnt The project is a partnership between the Kalkadoon slowly for a few hours and self-extinguished overnight This photo demonstrates community-owned Calton Hills Station, Southern Gulf NRM – just as was planned. how management can and Birdlife Australia that aims to protect the habitat of the impact on land condition. nationally-endangered Carpentarian Grasswren. Southern Gulf NRM is grateful for the strong support given to the project by Calton Hills Station manager Peter Edmonds Funding for the project comes from the Australian and to the Calton Hills Board of management. Government’s National Landcare Program along with a very valuable contribution from the Glencore Community A related element of the project is to build fire management Program . knowledge and skills among cattle station personnel. The LAND CONDITION MONITORING Queensland Rural Fire Service has provided substantial Long-unburnt spinifex clumps are a vital habitat component support for the project including capacity building to Benchmark and Improve Pasture Condition for the Carpentarian Grasswren. Largely confined to North through their professional training and also the loan West Queensland, populations of the Carpentarian Grasswren of fire suppression equipment. The experience gained were badly affected by extensive, hot, dry-season wildfires in conducting managed burning operations is very Background that burnt through the region in 2012. relevant to ensuring we maintain regional capacity for fire CASE STUDY Pasture Partners is funded by the Australian Government through suppression if the need arises. Following years of drought Southern Gulf NRM’s Sustainable the National Landcare Programme. It is aimed at benchmarking Ironically, well-managed fire is the best tool to ensure that Grazing Program was developed to focus on how to improve and improving pasture condition across the Southern Gulf sufficient unburnt spinifex remains for the bird. A mosaic Birdlife Australia volunteers will survey the project area in groundcover and land condition through the adoption of best region through the utilisation of land condition monitoring and of burnt and unburnt areas significantly reduces the risk coming months to assess the impact of operations on the grazing management practices. The Pasture Partners project targeted training programs. of hot wildfires that could destroy habitat over large areas. population of this iconic bird. encourages graziers to establish monitoring sites to assess The project also provides grant funds to graziers, known as Frequent, low intensity fires managed over millennia groundcover and land condition and implement management Pasture Partners, who establish monitoring sites to assess land by Aboriginal people was the fire regime Carpentarian Southern Gulf NRM has made application to the Australian practices changes where appropriate. The success of the project condition on a regular basis. These producers then provide Grasswrens became adapted to. Government for further funding to expand this important is measured in the improvement in groundcover and land reports to Southern Gulf NRM each quarter until June 2018 but successful project, which is a great example of how beef condition through the adoption of grazing land best management it is intended that they continue with this practice themselves Wildfire is a risk to Carpentarian Grasswrens, but it is a risk production and nature conservation can be integrated. practices. This case study outlines how monitoring of in the longer term. to graziers as well. The fire that destroys Grasswren habitat land condition under the Pasture Partners Project has led to the also destroys fodder, fences and other assets. There is a implementation of grazing best management practices that will strong alignment between Grasswren conservation and ultimately improve land condition and ground cover. Pasture Partners monitor their sites by scoring: cattle production. Post fire regrowth is expected to improve • pasture condition, pastures on Calton Hills in coming months. • soil condition, Overview • ground cover, To better understand what is happening at a property scale • tree basal area, graziers are best to systematically study what is occurring at the and writing notes about pasture species, grazing history, site scale. Graziers are then able to make the right decisions, rainfall and other notes relevant to the site. informed by the monitoring information they collect. They then have the best basis for implementing any needed practice change In the Southern Gulf region it is generally best to to better manage their pastures and herds, resulting in more even monitor twice a year: grazing pressure and improved land condition in areas that were • at the end of the wet season (usually mid-late April when in a less than ideal state. there will be little further pasture growth) • at the end of the dry season (end of October to mid-November before early storms commence)

10 SOUTHERNGULFNRM © Kayler Plant, Southern Gulf NRM SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16

Pasture Partners Project Implementation Reasons for Participation Pasture Partners are provided one-on-one training in land There are a range of reasons that Pasture Partners condition monitoring by Southern Gulf NRM’s Rangelands Officer. have been keen to establish their monitoring sites. They are coached in how to establish monitoring sites on their properties using FutureBeef’s Stocktake Plus app which has the Pasture budgeting – choosing sites that are representative of the ability to email the data and photos in reports. average pasture quality and quantity within a paddock or portion of a paddock for the purpose of pasture budgeting to enable them At the end of the wet season graziers can see how their pastures to stock the paddock at a safe level. Bob Shepherd, Principal have responded to the wet and determine how many livestock Extension Officer (Grazing Land Management), Queensland units the paddock can carry through the impending dry season. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, conducted three Forage The most accurate method is to prepare a pasture budget – either Budgeting field days across the region in May 2017. This photo demonstrates a good Landscape Photo on using the Stocktake Plus app or using a spreadsheet.

SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS Pasture species – some participants have established sites to Frontage Land Type. The picket indicates the location of At the end of the dry season graziers can assess how accurate monitor the actual pasture species and intend to focus their the monitoring site, with the photo taken facing to the their forage budgets or assessments were at the end of the wet management on improving their pasture condition. They also south with a tree in the background to ensure future photos and decide whether the land condition is improving, declining want to monitor how the species mix changes (e.g. perennials vs are of the same area. A Trayback Photo is taken at the or being maintained as a result of their management decisions annuals, 3P species vs less desirable species) over the year and site looking directly into the monitoring site to show the and what management strategies they can implement to due to various seasonal patterns. tussocks and pasture mix. address any issues. Note - 3P species are pasture species that are Perennial, These range from: The benefit to graziers is to identify how their land condition Palatable and Productive. 1. Pasture budgeting and adjusting stocking numbers to align a. Adjusting stocking rate to seasonal carrying capacity changes over time, taking into account their own management with the seasonal carrying capacity of a property or paddock. b. Pregnancy testing Weed management – many participants have established sites to and what seasons are experienced during that time. Through 2. Landtype fencing and splitting paddocks to better manage c. Segregating breeders based on calving period keep a closer eye on weed invasion and want to understand how this project Southern Gulf NRM has also been able to identify how stock graze particular paddocks. As pasture species vary d. Controlled mating programs their management impacts on their weeds over various seasons. what is happening across the region. The information provides according to landtype, stock tend to preferentially graze either e. Early weaning calves in drier seasons Weeds being monitored vary from feathertop grass to prickly the organisation with the basis for how it might be able to deliver the more palatable species or the sweeter country. Fences can f. Early weaning out-of-season calves acacia, as well as gidgee or boree thickening and encroachment. future projects to address issues and facilitate the adoption of force stock to graze non-preferred areas, evening out grazing g. Culling breeders that are not productive h. Testing for disease and/or implementing a disease best management practice. Monitoring of degraded areas to assess whether the areas are pressure and ensuring more complete utilisation of pastures in each paddock and reducing the risk of pasture degradation vaccination program 203 monitoring sites have now been established across 24 improving, declining or being maintained and consider strategies from excess grazing pressure. i. Selling stock earlier in drier seasons. properties across the region – from the region’s northeast corner; to address the problems. 3. Water infrastructure – the provision of water reduces the There are excellent benefits in monitoring land condition. By down to the southeast corner near Stamford; and all the way Monitoring prior to infrastructure development – several keeping a record of changes that are occurring on their properties through to the Gregory and Burketown region. distance stock must travel to water. Often they are reluctant participants have established sites because they are planning to to travel beyond 2.5 km grazing circles so extra water points graziers become more attuned to those changes and can subdivide paddocks to even out grazing pressure and implement result in more even grazing pressure. implement strategies to improve the land condition. The project has a particular focus on native Mitchell wet season spelling to restore overgrazed areas. They are keen to 4. Weed control – some participants are monitoring to determine monitor overgrazed areas and how they recover from rest; and grass pastures following the extended drought years how quickly weeds are invading and will be better informed to Land condition monitoring is the first step in undergrazed areas and how they respond to heavier grazing. and its subsequent decline and its need to be nurtured know what level of control or when treatment is required. undertaking best grazing management practice. to bring it back to its full potential as a pasture. 5. Thickening and encroachment by Gidgee, Boree, Whitewood and Gutta Percha – participants can monitor how quickly At some locations demonstration sites of A, B, C and D Land thickening and encroachment is taking place and will Michael & Hannah Crisp are using an iPad to enter Condition and Fire Scar demonstration sites have been Outcomes decide at what point intervention is required, assuming that monitoring data into the Stocktake Plus app as they established to show graziers the differences that land Monitoring leads to adopting practices to improve legislation is complied with before undertaking activities. The monitor a site on Lorraine Station, via Cloncurry. condition has on pasture production and sustainability. land condition sites will again be monitored following intervention to assess The easy to use Land Condition Guide book is available how quickly it reoccurs. Pasture Partners involved with the monitoring project have now from Southern Gulf NRM. considered a range of activities to improve their land condition, 6. Claypan reclamation – one property has undertaken claypan reclamation earthworks in an attempt to improve land Participants are provided with a Pasture Partners Report which with many implementing or planning to implement on-ground condition in frontage country that has been preferentially is compiled using their Stocktake Plus data; graphs of what activities that will lead to changes of practice most appropriate to grazed. Other properties are considering whether changes have occurred over the time being monitored; and their situation to achieve better groundcover and land condition. to do similar work. graphs comparing their data to other participating properties that have the same land type. 7. Pasture improvement – five properties are considering undertaking a pasture improvement program to improve the quality of their pasture. A few are trialling Progardes, a relatively new Desmanthus variety, with the plan to establish larger areas if establishment is successful. Michael Crisp, when asked what value he saw by 8. Herd efficiency – most Pasture Partner participants have participating in the Pasture Partners land condition monitoring project said that it was “to keep a record of Woodland encroachment by Gidgee, attended the Herd Efficiency workshops convened as exactly what’s happening in terms of our environment Whitewood, Boree and Gutta Percha part of the project. As a result they have implemented and to see what impact grazing is having on it. Our brains is having an impact on land condition or plan to implement strategies to improve herd tend to be selective when remembering what state the in many areas of Southern Gulf. efficiency which include:

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The rangers have been applying on-ground fire lighting fire management plan for reducing the spread and density techniques to complement the broader landscape of rubber vine and bellyache bush. The plan would need to scale application of fire by R44 helicopter with gel torch involve landholders and land managers, Traditional Owners mounted under its skids. and CLCAC, Shire Councils, Southern Gulf, Biosecurity Queensland, National Parks and Queensland Fire and The fire management regimes currently practised by the Emergency Services. As part of the plan, the river would Gangalidda Garawa rangers could and should be far more be divided into manageable segments, say 1 km segments SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS widely applied. Southern Gulf envisages the involvement for argument sake or divided on more feasible geographic of extensive ground fire control support to tackle rubber features. Each segment would ideally have the river or vine and bellyache bush in a number of highly threatened channels fenced off from grazing (a lot is already) and practical riparian ecosystems. Some individual landholders (e.g. fire breaks installed on all fence lines along the river. An Almora, Yeldham, Gregory Downs, Inverleigh, West Leichhardt) integrated fire management and weed management strategy are embracing fire management practices on a small scale could then be developed in association with the groups listed. Rubber vine and FIRE and it desperately needs to be broadened with greater The expertise and knowledge of the Ganaglidda Garawa landholder support. rangers and National Parks rangers along with the other participants could be put to great use to begin the long slow The issue of inadequate fire management as the primary In particular, Gregory River and its main tributaries Lawn Hill process of restoring and rehabilitating these beautiful, iconic and initial means of treating or gaining access to vast tracts Creek and O’Shannassy River require the development of a and endangered rivers. of riparian country devastated by rubber vine has been cited in several reports to the Queensland Government’s Regional Natural Resource Management Investment program. It remains a major issue and rubber vine will continue to spread and increase in density until the implementation of fire management regimes similar to those practised by Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (CLCAC) Gangalidda Garawa rangers along the Gulf coast. The setting up of such a program has not progressed for a number of reasons including the enormity of the task, funding or lack of it and concern about the risk of fire escape on grazing properties. Fire on rubber vine plants on back of saltpan Massacre Inlet The Gangalidda Garawa rangers have been conducting storm or early wet season burns along the Gulf coast on Aboriginal lands and grazing properties for at least ten Ground burn of rubber vine prior to aerial ignition of Rubber vine taking over Gregory River years with very successful and beneficial outcomes. This remaining infestation, Albert River east of Burketown. riparian zone, south of Punjaub fire management program has the objectives of property protection through hazard mitigation, rubber vine eradication and rubber vine seed bed reduction. Over the Fire on Gregory River – a wildfire in August 2017 past five years, storm burns have taken place from Tully Inlet killed rubber vine towers on island between near the NT border east to Old Doomadgee, Bayley Point, channels of the river north of Gregory Downs Point Parker and Moonlight Creek, from Nicholson River to homestead. The site is accessible and open to Albert River and beyond to Finucane Island National Park, ground application of basal bark herbicide. and further east along the Gulf coast to Normanton and Karumba, with burning of rubber vine inland on Inverleigh and Yeldham stations, around the Bidunggu community at Gregory and on Mutton Hole wetlands. Rubber vine infestations mainly on sand islands surrounded by salt flats have been removed and any regrowth treated and Fires on rubber vine around Horse Island, east of Massacre Inlet the ranger team and Southern Gulf are claiming to have prevented the spread of rubber vine across the NT border, although an upcoming aerial survey will determine if this is still the case.

14 SOUTHERNGULFNRM SOUTHERNGULF.COM.AU 15 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 16 ethical engagement with Traditional Owners andfacilitating research andinnovation. http://anfab.org.au Australian native food andbotanical sector. Its purposeisto guidethesustainable ofthesector development by supporting Australian Native Food andBotanicals (ANFAB) isthepeak national bodywhichrepresents allinterests intherapidly-growing An outcome of anearlier project istheKar-kar: Mitakoodi area, traditional book. medicinalPlantusesofthe Cloncurry Southern GulfNRMwas pleased to assist insupportingthisinitiative, especiallyasitcontinues thework begun afew years ago. participated alongsideElders and theyounger generation, allfocused ofbushfoods ontheharvesting andmedicine. be created outofthistraditional knowledge. Seniorgovernment officials attended andnational representative organisations the concerns ofprotecting traditional knowledge and lobbying for practical infrastructure that willenablejobsandincomes to oil for example asabase for somebushmedicineproducts alsonetworked .They withnational campaigners whoare addressing learntThey smallinteresting details suchaswhat ingredients are usedby others, aspart oftheirproduction methods; coconut products, somuchwe could do.” problem willbeaccessing land,because its diffuclt inour to region.”,get onCountry explained Pearl.“We have manyideas for “Something smallscale andunlike someofthestories ofcentral Australia we won’t have theproblem ofover Our harvesting. consider afuture venture. vitamin greater level, thanother similarfoods. Thesesorts ofexamples have inspired andempowered thesefour women to The science data allowed for theproduct to besoldascommercial food butalsoitdiscovered that high thefood hada very a case study ofabushfood from around theKunurrua area, that cost approximately $2,000for each item to beanalysed. The science ofanalysingbushfood not commonly eaten isalsosomething ofinterest to theMitakoodi women. There was SOUTHERNGULFNRM Northern Territory’sNorthern Department of and Industry primary Resources. the event with the Bushfoods Development Industry team that of is the part organised (ANFAB) Botanicals and Food Native Australian workshop. harvesting Four women travelled to Alice Springs to join in abush food &bush medicine MITAKOODI ethical ways that created benefits for everyone. seeds to other countries whohave lenientlaws. There were alsoplentyofstories ofpeoplepartnering inan knowledge. There were case studies ofpeopledoingthewrong thingstealing seedsandhavingsoldthose a wideawareness oftherange ofbushfoods andmedicinesbalanced withtheneedto protect that A themethroughout was thedilemmaoftraditional owners wanting to share knowledge, encouraging said theparticipants. womenattend workshop and thelegislation around selling food products. Allofitwas interesting andinformative, of sellingto “middlemen” butalso thelegal andethical issuesofintellectual property sessions alsoincludedthedifficultissuesofselling,especiallydifferent experiences buckets, havingto walk longdistances andcleaning theseed.Thedetailed workshop aspects of this work. This included the physical hard labour of wild harvesting, carrying aspects Thisincludedthephysical ofthiswork. hard carrying labourofwildharvesting, Harvesting traditionalHarvesting foods andmedicineswas discussedindetail, covering allsorts of don’t have here, like do, they asQueenslandhistory isdifferent.” was special.Their“welcome to was country beautiful” addedPearl, “it’s something we nine language groups speaking theirlanguages, withEnglishasasecond language, there,” saidKay, andshe‘learnt more thancould beimagined.” For Donna,hearing formal workshop sessionsbutalsofrom theinformal networking. “Amazing to be They have returnedThey enthusedandempowered withinformation after the Connelly, DonnaAh-One,KayOliver andChantel to Harley attend. A smallgrant from theCommunityCapacity buildingfundenabledPearl many changes coming to agriculture, are ‘they rightup benefiting agriculture. Womenare actively embracing the empowered by thesechangingattitudes andhow thisis Tess Arnoldisexcited to seehow women are being can make achange inagriculture’. and Ithinkthat’s where you get thetruegenuine person that know what they’re talking speak about-they from theheart managing places. Alot ofthosewomen they have doneit, andgoneindustry onfrom head stockman to overseers to leadership roles. have walked They thewalk inthecattle weren’tthey good enough.‘Now women have gone onto stock camps itwas tough, women were madeto feel that changed alot. WhenHannahCrispfirst started working in The opportunitiesandrespect for women inagriculture has and feeding theworld. respect for farmers andtheircritical role incaring for land positive stories to promote agriculture, andrebuilding in findingways to linkmeaningfully to consumers, sharing areThey alsoanactive part ofagriculture’s future, especially not afraid to have ago. resilient, passionate, talented, good at sharingstories, and versatile,equipment, inspiring,supportive, innovative, patient, mature, compassionate, good withcattle and What dowomen bringto agriculture? are They tenacious, national InvisibleFarmer project . and theirrole inagriculture withLiza Dale-Hallett for the manager ofLorraine Station) share theirthoughts onwomen (co-manager ofFloraville Station), andHannahCrisp(co- Munchenberg (ChairofSouthernGulfNRM),Kylie Camp Tess Arnold(co-manager, Gregory Downs Station), Megan WOMEN role to play in the future of agriculture, and in bridging In a‘hungry and growing world’ women have avital inagriculture the gap between producers and consumers. “ the axleonwhichitspins’. ofthisbusiness.Andinfact,in thecycle Iwould saythat we’re horses’ back working inthedusty yards. Weplaynolessarole celebrated. We’re just asvaluable asthepeoplesitting onthe powerful role, andthat needsto beacknowledged and communities playavery andwomen themselves. ‘We needs to beproperly valued by government, corporations, of agricultural enterprises. Thiswork isfoundational and work ofwomenthat isessentialto thelessobserved success in the‘day to daybusinessofgrowing cows’ clear sheisvery and allof‘thedailyminutiaelife’. WhileKylie Campisnot family, feeding people,creating a‘little green verdant oasis’, scenes -managingthehome,paying accounts, caring for Many women’s work inagriculture ishiddenbehindthe of thewomen behindit’ Gregory district issuccessful andsustainable because by thisleadership, ‘Thewholecommunity around the sporting events. Megan Munchenberg hasbeeninspired a RFDSclinicwithregular managingannual services, through theirtireless fundraising work oftheCWA, securing actively fostered astrong community spiritat Gregory A leading example isthegenerations ofwomen whohave Women alsoplayacritical role inbuildingrural communities. collecting data are andthey good at seeingthelittle things.’ there…in thescience, technology, new breeding, genetics, https://invisiblefarmer.net.au and Twitter andread thelatest blogsonourwebsite: on Facebook @invisfarmer, follow usonInstagram management, please jointhenational conversation diverse work ofwomen inagriculture andland If you have astory to share aboutthevital and Partner Investigator Invisible Farmer Humanities Department&Lead Curator & Deputy Head,CollectionsDevelopment, Senior Curator, Sustainable Futures Guest contribution by Liza Dale-Hallett SOUTHERNGULF.COM.AU

17 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 LINKS GULF SOUTHERN FUNDING PROPOSALS for Southern Gulf communities

Major Australian and Queensland implementing grazing best management practice through demonstrating how timely management decisions Government NRM investment enhance pastures, groundcover, soils, land condition, programs come to an end this year business profitability and adaptability ($4M/four years). With its partners, Southern Gulf NRM has also taken the and both governments have called for opportunity to pursue funding from other sources to support SOUTHERN GULF LINKS #16 SOUTHERN GULF LINKS proposals for the next few years. the regional NRM community: • Building collaboration and coordination in invasive pest This is motivating Southern Gulf NRM to make sure that our and weed management in the Southern Gulf region of submissions deliver for the needs of our community and the northwest Queensland (Biosecurity Queensland) ($0.35M/2 natural assets of our region. years) • We submitted a cut-down version of the same project to Thanks are owed to our regional partners and the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund supporters for their contributions to the development of ($0.125M/one year) these project proposals. Southern Gulf NRM is not always eligible to apply for some Our funding submissions and proposals under the Australian NRM funding programs, but where we can, we enjoy assisting Government Regional Land Partnerships program are: regional communities to prepare applications for their own • Profitable Producers Creating Healthy Landscapes across funding. For example, in response to the National Landcare the Southern Gulf ($2M/five years) Program Environment Small Grants Scheme, we assisted: • Biodiversity Bright Spots – Carpentarian Grasswren in • Fairlight Landcare Group with a project: Attacking rubber Register to monitor your Groundwater Buckley River IBA ($0.25M/one year) vine on Fairlight Creek and the basalt tablelands ($50,000) • Core Services (communications, Regional Landcare • Upper Gilliat Weed Management Groups with a project: Facilitator, planning etc) ($3M/five years) Prickly acacia eradication along Gilliat River in McKinlay • Biodiversity Bright Spots – Healthy habitats for the Shire ($50,000) Eastern Curlew in the Southern Gulf (this project would be Would monitoring your groundwater levels help any bore performance issues. On behalf of the regional community, Southern Gulf NRM will delivered through a partnership with the Carpentaria Land • Receive reports, participate in workshops and discuss submit applications to the Queensland Government’s Natural in your planning? Would you like to know how Council Aboriginal Corporation) ($1.8M/four years) much your groundwater levels change during the monitoring data, groundwater trends and predicted • Biodiversity bright spots – Carpentarian Grasswren Resource Investment Program (NRIP) which is a new program impacts of resource development specific to your local Corridor (following on from the one-year proposal above) following on from the current Queensland Natural Resource year; over various seasons or how levels may be area with other landholders, government and industry. ($1.6M/four years) Management Program (QNRM). Grant guidelines have not impacted by other industries? been released at the time of writing, but we anticipate an • What’s ahead? Drivers of change in the Southern Gulf Southern Gulf NRM is participating in Groundwater Net, For those who register, information sessions will be held application of around $2M/four years for projects that will ($0.5M/two years) explaining what is involved, how to monitor levels and how improve landscape resilience and pasture condition. a Statewide program administered by the Department Prior to Christmas we developed proposals for the Australian of, Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) that supports the project will involve entering data into the DNRM website Government Smart Farming Partnerships Program: We are excited to report that these applications total more producers to monitor groundwater levels in their bores. on the My Groundwater Monitoring site. than $17M for the Southern Gulf region. • Australia’s first aggregated Beef Herd Management ERF Southern Gulf NRM is looking for expressions of interest For further information project as a pathway to best management practice from graziers keen to participate in such monitoring. adoption ($2M/four years) https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/ resources/land-environment/landholders/groundwater-monitoring e-beef smart farming in Northern Queensland, Benefits of participating in Groundwater Net include: • Monitoring can be conducted using either a dip tube or an airline. Fact • You will receive information and advice to monitor the sheets are available explaining how to set these up. Monitoring data water level/pressure of your own bore(s). for registered bores will be entered into the database. If you have an • Regular monitoring will provide you with good baseline unregistered bore it can also be monitored but the data cannot be entered onto the database. data for assessing groundwater impacts or identifying

REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: Contact Anne Alison Phone: 4743 1888 ! SouthernGulfNRM Rangelands Officer Email: [email protected] " SouthernGulfNRM

18 SOUTHERNGULFNRM Image © Leonie Winks Proudly printed on 100% Recycled Paper Image: © Mel Bethal Photography Image: © Mel Bethal

Prickly Acacia factsheets co-developed by Southern Gulf NRM and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries through the Queensland Government funded War on Western Weeds initiative available: www.southerngulf.com.au/resources/fact-sheets

Southern Gulf NRM is supported by: