Southern Otway Landcare Network

5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013

FINAL

Table of Contents

Acknowledgem ents...... 3 Abbreviations ...... 3 1. Introduction...... 4 2. Plan vision...... 5 3. Plan Objectives/Goals ...... 6 4. Plan Strategic Principles...... 7 5. Relevant Legislative and Policy Requirem ents and other Strategies and Guidelines ...... 8 6. Priorities and prioritization m ethods...... 9 7. Potential Funding sources...... 9 8. Goals, Monitoring and Evaluation...... 9 8.1 Five Year Resource Actions Targets...... 11 8.2 Annual Works Plans...... 13 2009 Annual Works Plan...... 14 2010 Annual Works Plan...... 18 9. References ...... 22 APPENDIX...... 23 Appendix 1: Horden Vale Glenaire Landcare Group ...... 24 Appendix 2: Apollo Bay Landcare Group...... 25 Appendix 3: Otway Barham Landcare Group...... 28 Appendix 4: Wongarra to Wye Landcare Group (W2W) ...... 32 Appendix 5: Proceedings of SOLN Weed Forum 2009 ...... 35 Appendix 6: Pest Plant and Anim al Prioritisation...... 37

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 2

Acknowledgem ents

The following people and group m em bers provided inform ation and assistance towards the developm ent of this strategic plan and their assistance is gratefully acknowledged:

• Southern Otway Landcare Network (SOLN) Com m ittee and staff. • Horden Vale Glenaire Landcare Group. • Otway Barham Catchm ent Landcare Group. • Apollo Bay Landcare Group. • Wongarra to Wye Landcare Group. • Attendees of the SOLN Weed forum : Sim on Pockley, Sheryl Sm ith, David Churchill, Ken Forrester, Allan Evans, John Marriner, Carole Webley, Margaret Murphy, Doug Watson, Bruce Costin and Peter Gardiner. • Departm ent of Prim ary Industries: Ryan Melville. • Departm ent of Sustainability and the Environm ent: Craig Clifford. • Colac Otway Shire: Travis Riches. • VicRoads: Richard Curwell. Abbreviations

ABFC The Apollo Bay and Kennett River Foreshore Com m ittee ARI Arthur Rylah Institute CCMA The Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority COS Colac Otway Shire DAFF Departm ent for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry DEWHA Departm ent for Water, the Environm ent and the Arts DSE The Departm ent of Sustainability and the Environm ent DPI The Departm ent of Prim ary Industries EVC Ecological Vegetation Class GFN Geelong Field Naturalists Ha Hectare LC LorneCare PV Parks Victoria SCIPN Surf Coast and Inland Plains Network Sep Separation Creek SFS Southern Farm ing System s SOLN Southern Otway Landcare Network SV Seeding Victoria VR VicRoads W2W Wye to Wongarra Wye Wye River

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 3

1. Introduction SOLN is a non-profit Landcare organisation that provides opportunities for the local com m unity to undertake and learn about indigenous vegetation restoration initiatives and on ground works to assist with land m anagem ent issues in conjunction with relevant governm ent agencies.

The SOLN operating boundary extends from Wye River in the east to Johanna Beach in the west and from the coast in the south to the top of the catchm ents in the hills to the north. Four Landcare groups exist under the SOLN um brella: Hordenvale- Glenaire, Otway Barham , Apollo Bay and Wongarra to Wye. To oversee the m anagem ent of these groups SOLN operates with a 12 m em ber Com m ittee of Managem ent (incorporating three representatives from each Landcare Group) and three working com m ittees including Projects and Funding Com m ittee, Hum an Resource Com m ittee and a Strategic Planning Com m ittee (each containing one m em ber from each of the four Landcare groups).

SOLN works to protect and enhance the coastal catchm ents of the Southern Otway Region. This incorporates various aspects of land m anagem ent including social, environm ental and econom ic values. This plan is a collaborative effort between SOLN com m unity m em bers to provide a considered strategic direction and sets goals and m anagem ent action targets to protect the coastal catchm ents and associated assets within the SOLN area.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 4

2. Plan vision The SOLN overall vision can be sum m ed up in the following sentence:

‘SOLN’s aim is to protect and restore our environment so that we can all live, work and find joy in a healthy, productive, balanced landscape.’

This vision can further be broken down into three m ain categories: Leadership, Environmental Services and Community Engagement. These categories are described below and build on the previous SOLN Managem ent Plan (Scenic Spectrum s 2003).

Leadership: “Inspire, innovate, adapt”

• Redefine the role of Landcare in the Otway Com m unity so that it supports the sustainability of both the local and the global environm ent;

• Relocate/retrofit SOLN’s operating location to be re-aligned with this role;

• Secure long-term funding and sponsorship for SOLN’s delivery infrastructure;

• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships with Governm ent, Corporate, Com m unity, and Education sectors to program accredited training program s based on our activities in the field;

• Engage in strong political advocacy to ensure that SOLN is supported by Governm ent at all levels; and,

• Develop and provide security of em ploym ent and clarity of m ission to skilled staff to deliver our vision.

Environm ental services: “Build, support, and demonstrate ‘Best Practice’.”

• Foster an inform ed awareness of appropriate EVC targets and NRM issues;

• Protect and restore a healthy habitat for all the Southern Otway stream s, rivers, and estuaries;

• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships with Agencies to m anage pest plants and anim als with an endorsed plan and shared ‘hot spot’ m aps and priorities;

• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships to m aintain and develop a Seedbank to Best Practice standards;

• Advise, support, m anage and seek funding for public and private on- ground projects; and,

• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships that respond to clim ate change.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 5

Com m unity engagem ent: “Connect, educate, empower, celebrate.”

• Re-run a Best Managem ent Practice on farm s program ;

• Continue to develop the WaterWatch Program ;

• Map m em bership and known landholder im provem ents and com pleted landholder projects;

• Use m ore m edia channels to prom ote and showcase SOLN activities;

• Im prove the sustainability of the Com m ittee of Managem ent to ensure succession;

• Establish relevant connections with a younger constituency and volunteers;

• Establish strategic links with like-m inded groups in Australia and in China; and,

• Celebrate successes. 3. Plan Objectives/Goals The goals of this strategic plan were constructed with guidance from the individual Landcare group strategic plans, com m unity workshops, the SOLN com m ittee of m anagem ent, and the SOLN Weed forum .

Goal 1: Protect and enhance the coastal catchm ents and associated assets within the SOLN area incorporating social, environm ental and econom ic values.

Goal 2: Increase com m unity capacity for effective long-term and sustainable land m anagem ent.

Goal 3: Prom ote and im prove partnerships for coordination m anagem ent works of the four Landcare groups within the SOLN boundary and relevant agencies including the Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority, Colac/Otway Shire, Apollo Bay Foreshore Com m ittee, the Departm ent of Prim ary Industries, the Departm ent of Sustainability and Environm ent and Parks Victoria.

Goal 4: Apply the species led and asset based approach to the m anagem ent of pest plants and anim als (See Appendix 6).

Goal 5 Establish effective m onitoring, evaluation and reporting of works.

Goal 6 Establish a centre for sustainable living and com m unity education

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 6

4. Plan Strategic Principles

The SOLN Strategic Plan is based on land m anagem ent principles derived from national, state and regional strategies and com m unity input. The principles are as follows:

Principle 1: A landscape approach to planning land m anagem ent is required with em phasis placed on protection and m aintenance of agricultural and best quality rem nant native vegetation assets, as well as a strategic approach to revegetation projects.

Principle 2: Land m anagem ent practices should be undertaken using integrated m anagem ent system s and involve high levels of coordination and co-operation am ong all levels of industry, governm ent agencies and the com m unity.

Principle 3: Projects are incorporated into long term , holistic land m anagem ent plans with defined direction and m easurable end purpose.

Principle 4: Program s should endeavor to address the source of land degradation and pest introduction where possible.

Principle 5: The im portance of education of the wider com m unity of the value of being com m itted to sustainable agriculture, ecological m anagem ent, clim ate change and com m unication of successful program s.

Principle 6: Prevention and early intervention the m ost cost effective techniques for m anaging land degradation and pest plants and anim als issues.

Principle 7: An outcom e based approach to m onitoring, evaluation and reporting should be im plem ented.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 7

5. Relevant Legislative and Policy Requirem ents and other Strategies and Guidelines

The following figure (Figure 1) illustrates how the strategic plan relates to other strategic docum ents for native vegetation m anagem ent and biodiversity conservation.

National • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 • National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia's Biological Diversity 1996 • National Water Quality Managem ent Strategy (NWQMS 1992) • Australian Weed Strategy – A national strategy for weed m anagem ent in Australia (NRMMC 2007a) • Australian Pest Anim al Strategy - A national strategy for the m anagem ent of vertebrate pest anim als in Australia (NRMMC 2007b)

State • Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 • Flora and Fauna G uarantee Act1988 • Victorian Pest Managem ent – A Fram ework for Action, 2002 (DSE 2002a) • Victorian Pest Managem ent – A Fram ework for Action. Managem ent Strategies for Weeds, public land, rabbits, wild dogs, feral goats and pigs, foxes, (DSE 2002b) • Review of Noxious Weeds in Victoria (DPI 2006) • Guidelines for Preparing Regional Pest Plans (DSE and DPI 2007) • Victoria’s Native Vegetation Managem ent – A fram ework for Action (DSE 2002c)

Regional • Corangam ite Regional Catchm ent Strategy 2003 – 2008 (CCMA 2003) • Corangam ite Native Vegetation Plan (CCMA 2006a) • Corangam ite Weed Action Plan 2001 – 2004 (CCMA and DPI 2000) • Corangam ite River Health Strategy (CCMA 2006b)

Local • Otway ranges Biodiversity Action Plan (DNRE and CCMA 2002) • SOLN Five Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 • Southern Otway Region Catchm ent Managem ent Plan (Scenic Spectrum s 2003) • Hordenvale Glenaire Landcare Group Strategic Plan 2008 • Otway Barham Landcare Group Strategic Plan 2008 • Apollo Bay Landcare Group Strategic Plan 2008 • Wongarra to Wye Landcare Group Strategic Plan 2008

Figure 1: The relevance of the SOLN Strategic Plan in context of existing strategies

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 8

6. Priorities and prioritization m ethods SOLN is a com m unity driven organization and as such priorities and how resources are expended is determ ined by the com m unity. The creation of this docum ent initially involved utilizing m anagem ent priorities as defined by the previously created five year strategic plans for each of the com m unity Landcare groups. The four Landcare groups were then inform ed of current national and state strategies recom m ended for pest plant and anim al m anagem ent prioritization through com m unity workshops which was then used to set m ore specific priorities for pests of the SOLN region. Additional issues raised at the SOLN Weed forum were also incorporated. A brief description of the current national and state pest plant and anim al prioritization strategies is outlined in Appendix 6.

The determ ination of priorities can also be influenced by external factors. Factors such as funding preferences, available resources, tim efram es, technical requirem ents, survey requirem ents and project planning can all play a role in the prioritisation process. 7. Potential Funding sources As SOLN is a com m unity based, not for profit organization m uch of the funding for projects and adm inistration com es from governm ent bodies. SOLN has received funding through the Federal Governm ent, the State Departm ent of Sustainability and Environm ent, the Departm ent of Prim ary Industries, the Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority, Barwon Water, the Colac Otway Shire, Coast Action/Coastcare and other private foundations such as the Sydney Myer Foundation and Dilm ah Tea. It is a vital role of the coordinators to continually seek new and innovative ways of applying for funding through these sources and to search for additional funding sources. Further, with the recent significant governm ental changes in funding structure which leaves com m unity driven initiatives largely unsupported, SOLN m ust also seek new avenues of sponsorship, form ing partnerships with corporate entities and educational bodies (schools, universities, CAE’s etc.).

Many of the goals and targets outlined in this docum ent are dependant on funding being secured and the strategic plan m ay require to be reevaluated if funding cannot support any proposed works. 8. Goals, M onitoring and Evaluation Setting goals, m onitoring and evaluating project success is of vital im portance for any project. Without this key process it is im possible to judge the effectiveness of resource use and determ ine project success. To ensure SOLN’s effective use of resources a Twenty Year Aspirational Target, Key Five Year Resource Action Targets (Section 8.1, to be com pleted by 2013) and proposed Annual Works Plans (Managem ent Actions and Measurable Results, Section 8.2) have been detailed for 2009 and 2010.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 9

Additional Annual Works Plans should be created each year to allow flexibility regarding available funding and potential new strategic directions.

The Twenty Year Aspirational target ties in with the plan vision and is as follows:

‘To effectively use resources by collaborating with the community and relevant agencies to ensure a sustainable landscape that supports and enhances productive land, biodiversity and community health’

The Five Year Resource Action Targets have been taken from com m unity guidance through the four individual Landcare group strategic plans and m eetings with each of the Landcare groups and directions from the SOLN com m ittee of m anagem ent. Proposed annual works plans draw from the Five Year Resource Action Targets and likely funding resources. The proposed annual works plans provide proposed Managem ent Actions which detail actions to be taken and also Measurable Results which set out m easurable goals related to each focus area.

Evaluation

Further, the success of each project should be assessed during and at com pletion, taking into account three assessm ent criteria where possible:

1) The condition of attributes (Outcom es) – eg: increase in education levels, num ber of people attending courses, increase in ecosystem health (m ay take m any years to detect som e changes);

2) The status of threats (Effectiveness) – eg: a m easured % reduction in weed cover or density, reduction in erosion; and,

3) Im plem entation (Efficiency) – eg: hectares treated per $$$, num ber of people educated per $$$, num ber of hours to achieve goals.

Assessm ent criteria should be sim ilar across projects where possible so that the success of projects can be com pared against each other.

Exam ple of assessm ent criteria for a revegetation project:

1) Outcome: the outcom e is to have a 75 % survival of tree and shrub EVC character species and a 75% cover of the EVC canopy and shrub benchm ark cover after 5 years;

2) Effectiveness: the weed cover is to be reduced to less than 25% and cover of erosion prone ground reduced to less than 5%; and,

3) Efficiency: The cost of revegetation projects should be less than $9,150 per hectare.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 10

8.1 Five Year Resource Actions Targets.

Type Asset Threat Key Five Year Resource Action Target Organizational The SOLN Inefficiency Up to date Procedures and Processes Manual Support organisation Miscom m unication 55 COM m eetings facilitated W ater W atch Existing m onitors m aintained and 5 new m onitors trained 35 training days held for com m unity and schools with over 800 attendees 20 newsletters circulated Seed Bank – 15 new active seed collectors 25 new species collected 150g of all collected species stored in seed bank Increase in seedlings grown for SOLN projects form SOLN collected seed W eed busters – 10 Weedbusters education sessions facilitated with over 250 students in attendance Youth – Landcare Cadets program continued at Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill Schools with over 400 students taking part 16 general Landcare sessions facilitated at Apollo Bay and Lavers Hill Schools with over 250 students in attendance Lack of Com m unity Capacity – Inform ed, m otivated com m unity Urban Com m unity knowledge Increased understanding of ecological values within SOLN Com m unity Asset Office open to the com m unity 6 days per week Capacity Mism anagem ent 1000 Show Bags distributed Youth Lack of skills 500 DVDs produced and distributed Farm ing com m unity Education Lack of 5 SOLN Annual Report produced Land Care Project confidence and 250 weekly electronic newsletters Support Centre m otivation 250 weekly newssheet articles SOLN Seed Bank Absentee 100 Seedling Identification Books distributed SOLN Resource Landholders 5000 Indigenous Flora and Fauna brochures sold Centre SOLN and Landcare – Stalls m anned at Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo Bay Show, Landcare L.I.F.E. expo All positions filled at each AGM Fauna Surveys – Investigate feasibility and facilitate 5 fauna surveys at various locations Townies – 6 fern species and 15 rare and threatened species propagated Facilitate 8 training sessions with over 60 attendees 125 Townie newssheet articles Display garden m aintained and enhanced Incorporate Wye River, Separation Creek and Kennett River com m unities into townies group with six m onthly newsletters. Support Centre – Seed cleaning bays constructed and seed sieves purchased Continued provision of service to the com m unity and m aintenance of site and SOLN seedlings Shade house com pleted Facilitate 3 year pasture m anagem ent trial at 3 sites Low nutrient Facilitate 6 soil health workshops with 250 attendees values, high Facilitate 3 year dung beetle survey with 24 properties fertilizer input, soil surveyed for dung beetles and over 18 colonies collected Soils erosion, landslips and redistributed Pasture Sustainable Unsustainable Plan and im plem ent 6 across boundary farm plans Alternative Farm ing grazing practices, Initiate a farm focus group with over 100 attendees production on sm all com peting weeds Trial niche agroforestry opportunities at 9 properties and acreages Viability of large facilitate 6 field days with over 60 attendees scale farm ing Trial alternative production options at 3 properties on sm all practices acreages and facilitate 6 field days with over 60 attendees Biodiversity Intact habitat and Fish Barriers, Sweet Pittosporum reduced to negligible levels on Skenes existing links Habitat Creek Road and support to reduce infestations given to

Intact native flora fragm entation, Skenes Creek, Wye River and Separation Creek townships. and fauna Pest plants and Sea Spurge controlled to low levels between Marengo com m unities anim als, stock and Skenes Creek with over 20 com m unity m em bers Fish populations in Foxes and feral taking part in SPAG! the Barham River, cats No establishm ent of any em ergent weeds in the Sugarloaf and Wild Dog and Logging on private and Onion Bay foreshore area with revegetation Skenes Creeks land successfully com pleted at Onion Bay Rare and Revisit 75 projects and assess project success threatened flora and Excess seedlings allocated to past projects fauna Dune erosion control design finalised for Skenes Creek beach in conjunction with Foreshore com m ittee 24 ha of biodiversity revegetation corridors connecting catchm ents and national park with the coast im plem ented Aquatic Fauna surveys undertaken in 2 waterways Rem ove fish barriers from East Barham River, Skenes Creek and Whale Bone Creek Ford River: Control Willows and im plem ent 4 km of riparian revegetation Aire River : Im plem ent 3.3km of riparian revegetation Water Quality Calder River: Im plem ent 1.5 km of riparian revegetation Aire River Barham River Catchment: Im plem ent 4km of fencing to Wild Dog Creek protect 18 ha of riparian vegetation, 2 off point watering Skenes Creek locations, 6 km or riparian revegetation, 2 interpretive signs Ford River erected Willows rem oved from above the confluence, the Calder River estuary and 0.4km of Beauty Gully and liaise with COS to Barham River Pollutants, Weeds control weeds Beauty Creek W aterways Weeds, Stock, W ild Dog Creek: Im plem ent 8.5 km of riparian Tributary erosion revegetation, install interpretive signage, control upstream Andersons Creek willows Catchm ent Skenes Creek: Im plem ent 3km of riparian revegetation, Connectivity facilitate burn with CFA Wye River Smythes Creek: Collect. Propagate and revegetate 1ha Sm ythes Creek with native species Carisbrook W halebone Creek: Im plem ent 1km of riparian Sugarloaf Creek revegetation W ye River: Im plem ent 2km of riparian revegetation and facilitate education cam paign regarding pest plants and anim als Separation Creek: Im plem ent 1km of riparian revegetation Kennett River: Im plem ent 1km of riparian revegetation Landcare Mem bers Townies Real estate agencies Paid m em bership num bers up by 50% Relevant Agencies Townies m em bership num bers up to 20 such as Colac Loss of m em bers Strengthen working relationships with relevant agencies Partnerships Otway Shire, CCMA, Lack of ensuring co-operation, collaboration and com m unication. Barwon Water, com m unication Strengthen coastal partnerships VicRoads, Apollo Establish Secure corporate funding through new Bay and Kennett partnerships River Foreshore com m ittee SOLN roadsides m apped and used to guide roadside weed m anagem ent Wongarra weeds m apped and prioritised Reported em ergent weeds eradicated Dissem inate inform ation relating to pest plants and anim als regularly At least 60 articles relating to pest plant and anim als Roadside vegetation Pest plants and Pest Plants printed in the newssheet Landscape anim als and Anim als Weed Spotter training held with at lets 8 attendees Sunnyside Road Em ergents Ragwort brochure included in rates m ail out and com m unity Ragwort pull organized Com m unity fox baiting program im plem ented in conjunction with Parks Vic baiting Mail out with rates to Wye River, Separation Creek and Kennett River residents of a brochure of com m on weeds species and what to plant instead

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 12

8.2 Annual W orks Plans

2009 Annual W orks Plan Relevant Potential Type Focus Area M anagem ent Actions M easurable Results Agencies Funding Organization Facilitate 11 COM m eetings 11 COM m eetings held with quorum Adm inistration SOLN0 NA al Support Update Procedures and Processes Manual Procedures and Processes Manual updated Increase program by 1 new m onitor Maintain existing m onitors One Q AQ C and 2 Macro-invertebrate sessions for staff and com m unity Education Water Watch CCMA Coordinate yearly water watch program . 5 com plete testing kits and other m onitoring equipm ent CCMA 4 school training courses Received results subm itted to CCMA 4 quarterly SOLN water watch newsletters distributed Annual Water Watch report distributed Train new seed collectors 3 new active seed collectors Maintain seed bank and processes for 5 new species collected accepting and distributing seed 20% of species have 150g of viable seed for each provenance Distribute seed to nurseries for SOLN projects CCMA, Increase seedlings by 10% grown from SOLN collected seed Seed Bank SV, PV Provenance tracking SV, PV, Ensure 100% correct provenance for SOLN revegetation projects Maintain database DSE Able to track all seed from collection to planting. Continue partnership with Seeding Victoria Less than 10% of SOLN seed bank becom es unviable including seed on consignm ent and Signed MOU agreed upon germ ination testing. Deliver Weed busters program to Apollo Bay 50 children attend weed busters workshops Weedbusters DPI DPI and Lavers Hill PS (grades 3 and 4) Written positive feedback form teachers and children Deliver Landcare related activities to prim ary and secondary aged students at Apollo Bay Continue Apollo Bay com m unity cadets program DPI, and Lavers Hill College 80 students educated per school DSE Youth CCMA, 4 school education sessions at each school 50 children educated each term Myer, DSE Run 1 session each term at Apollo Bay and Written positive feedback from teachers and children Lavers Hill prim ary of secondary schools on Increased invitation to im plem ent m ore sessions Landcare them es using SOLN Education kits Office open 6 days per week Determ ine forum date and form appropriate partnerships 200 show bags handed out Staff and resource library available to the 500 DVDs produced and 100distributed Com m unity public CCMA, SOLN 150 copies of SOPLN Annual Report distributed Capacity Investigate cultural heritage forum DSE 50 weekly electronic newsletters Inform ation distributed to public 50 weekly newssheet articles 20 seedling books distributed 1000 Flora and fauna brochures sold Hold stall at Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo Stalls m anned at each event. All of Bay Show, Caulfield Racecourse Landcare DVD created and 200 show bags distributed SOLN and SOLNs EXPO (L.I.F.E) and the Barham River Festival DVD aired at Apollo Bay Music Festival, US Landcare Conference via DSE (VIR Landcare stakehold Create DVD Rob Youl and SOLN AGM Grant). prom otion ers Run SOLN AGM All positions filled at AGM Produce SOLN Annual Report Annual report com plete

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 14

Relevant Potential Type Focus Area M anagem ent Actions M easurable Results Agencies Funding DSE, PV, DSE, PV, Investigate potential issues with holding fauna Fauna Surveys ARI, GFN, Fauna surveys suitability investigated during July and August CCMA, surveys DU GFN, ARI Best Practice on DPI Prom ote EBMP locally Run one EBMP workshop with 5 com pleted EBMP form s DPI, DSE Farm s Workshops Undertake propagation trials for 3 key fern species Undertake propagation for 3 new rare and vulnerable species Propagation trials com pleted successfully Undertake 2 Training sessions for local seed DSE SOLN, SC, 8 townie m em bers trained in local seed collectin and cleaning Townies collecting and cleaning m ethods for new (Second ABFC Coordinator trained in viability and germ ination testing Townie m em bers. Gen) 26 articles in the newssheet over the year Coordinator to train in viability and germ ination testing of native seeds. Write segm ent for local newssheet advertising up com ing events welcom ing new m em bers. Com plete shade house and install watering system Shade house com pleted and watering system functioning Continual developm ent of seed cleaning Seed cleaning bays constructed and seed sieves purchased CCMA, Support Centre facility Continued provision of service to the com m unity and good health of SOLN DSE Continued m aintenance and upkeep support SOLN seedling m aintenance centre Display garden planted out Planting indigenous species in display garden. Initiate 3 year pasture m anagem ent trial on 3 Three sites selected, m apped and m onitored including 1 field day sites 50 people attended workshops DAFF, Sustainable Soil, Pasture and DPI Run 2 soil Health workshops 8 properties surveyed for dung beetles and 6 colonies collected and DEWHA Farm ing Anim al Health Initiate 3 year dung beetle survey redistributed (CFOC) Run one dung beetle workshop Dung beetle workshop attended by 20 people Undertake 3 ha of Sweet Pittosporum Control Sweet Pittosporum reduced to negligible levels on Skenes Creek Road DAFF, Over 20 people involved in SPAG group Im plem ent com m unity driven Sea Spurge DEWHA Enhance VR, SCIPN, Sea Spurge reduced to low cover between Skenes Creek and control program (CFOC Biodiversity assets LC Marengo Liaise with foreshore com m ittee to control Coast), No establishm ent of em ergent weeds in Sugarloaf area weeds and revegetate Sugarloaf Foreshore DSE (CC) Biodiversity Plan with foreshore weed control approach area Continued m onitoring of past projects Revisit 15 projects and discuss project success to Projects and Funding Enhancem ent of past projects Habitat and Committee CCMA Facilitate dune erosion control design at CCMA Corridor Creation Allocate excess seedlings to past projects Skenes Creek beach with foreshore Erosion control design finalised com m ittee Investigate possible rem oval of fish barriers W aterways Fish barriers CCMA Initiate discussions with CCMA and private landholders CCMA from the East Barham River and Skenes Creek

Ford River CCMA Rem ove Willow Trees All Willow Trees rem oved from the Ford River Bridge to the Aire River CCMA Revegetate riparian zones Initiate planning for rem oval of Willow Trees upstream of Ford River Aquatic Fauna Surveys Bridge Facilitate rem oSvOalL oNf w5i llYoewas cr lSotsrear tteog Aiicre Pwlaithn 20N0a9tiv -e 2p0la1n3ts established for one km south of the Ford River bridge Parks Victoria (approx. 4 ha) 15

Relevant Potential Type Focus Area M anagem ent Actions M easurable Results Agencies Funding Investigate potential for CCMA funded aquatic fauna surveys Fence and revegetate 300 m etres of waterway (Approx 1ha) Aire River CCMA Riparian Revegetation of Aire and Tributary Initiate discussion with additional landholders to im plem ent riparian CCMA restoration Calder River CCMA Riparian restoration Monitor and report on autum n direct seeding trial sites CCMA Undertake vegetation protection, 3770m riparian fencing revegetation and fencing 18 ha riparian zone protected Establish off point watering in Beauty Creek 37 ha riparian zone revegetated CCMA, CCMA, Barham River and East Barham 2 off point watering points established BW, DAFF BW, COS, Catchm ent Manage weeds on COS m anaged land Liaise with COS to m anage weeds (Envirofu PV Plan stage 1 of Willow rem oval on the Barham Stage 1 of willow rem oval on the Barham plain planned nd) floodplain 2 signs developed and erected in prom enint locations in the Develop interpretive signage for catchm ent catchm ent Weed species controlled to allow revegetation 285 m of Creekline fenced (Binnawee) Appropriate native species and densities planted along 1.5 km Wild Dog Creek CCMA Rehabilitate Wild Dog Creek CCMA through 2 com m unity planting days Initiate planning for 2010 revegetation projects Install interpretive sign at estuary DEWHA, Weed species controlled to allow revegetation DAFF CCMA, Appropriate native species and densities planted along 1.5km (Approx Skenes Creek Rehabilitate Skenes Creek (CFOC VR, CFA 2ha) through com m unity planting days Coast). Spring burn carried out to clear Blackberry canes SOLN DEWHA, Undertake 5 com m unity seed collection days for seedlings. DAFF Sm ythes Creek CCMA, PV Rehabilitation of Sm ythes Creek Estuary Propagate seedlings for next years plantings (CFOC Liaise with PV to m anage weeds Coast), PV Whalebone Creek CCMA Assess off point watering options Secure off point watering location CCMA Hold com m unity m eeting with m ore than 5 m em bers present to Wye River CCMA Initiate planning with Wye Com m unity CCMA discuss goals and visions Prom ote SOLN via showbags, real estate SOLN Mem bership NA Paid SOLN m em bership num bers up by 10% NA agents and local events Prom ote Townies through newssheet and Townie Mem bership NA Townie m em bership increased by 2 NA com m unity local events Partnerships CCMA, Initiate new partnership with Southern Farm ing System s COS, DSE, Strengthen working relationships with relevant Have stall at Apollo Bay Music festival and assist with Carbon neutral DPI, PV, agencies ensuring co-operation, planning Agencies NA SV, ARI, collaboration and com m unication. Initiate partnerships with SCIPN and LorneCare through SPAG GFN, DU, Strengthen coastal partnerships. Discuss landscape roadside weed m anagem ent with COS, DPI, VR , BW PV and CCMA Create calendar of weeds and control tim es Calendar created and distributed Pest Plants Education DPI Dissem inate inform ation regularly Monthly articles in the newssheet DPI and Anim als Organize Weeds Spotter training Weed spotter training held with at least 8 attendees Liaise with COS to include Ragwort brochure Ragwort brochure included in rates m ail out Ragwort DPI in rates m ail out Ragwort com m unity pull com pleted with 10 com m unity m em bers in DPI Facilitate Ragwort com m unity pull attendance SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 16

Relevant Potential Type Focus Area M anagem ent Actions M easurable Results Agencies Funding Map SOLN DPI, COS, Seek funding opportunities and tem plate for DPI, DSE, roadsides for weed Discuss funding possibilities with DPI, DSE and COS VR m apping approach COS cover Facilitate Wongarra to Wye Landcare Group Map and prioritise DPI to develop a plan on how to m ap and Have plan on how to proceed with weed m apping in Wongarra DPI weeds in Wongarra prioritise weeds DPI, VR, Any reported em ergent weed infestations All reported em ergent weed infestations eradicated (See Appendix Em ergent Weeds COS, DPI COS, DSE controlled appropriately for group nom inated em ergent weeds) Liaise with Gary Sum m ers of Parks Vic to Im plem ent fox ensure that the baiting program s are baiting program in PV coordinated Fox Baiting program im plem ented DPI, PV conjunction with Seek funding to expand local fox and cat Parks Vic control program s

NOTES: PV – Parks Victoria, DPI – Departm ent of Prim ary Industries, COS – Colac Otway Shire, VR – VicRoads. CCMA – Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority, GFN – Geelong Field Naturalists, ARI – Arthur Rylah Institute, ABFC – Apollo Bay Foreshore Com m ittee, SC – Schools, DEWHA – Departm ent for Water, the Environm ent and the Arts, DAFF – Departm ent for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, SCIPN – Surf Coast and Inland Plains Network, LC – LorneCare, SV = Seeding Victoria, DU – Deakin University, SFS – Southern Farm ing System s.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 17

2010 Annual W orks Plan Relevant Potential Type Focus Area M anagem ent Actions M easurable Results Agencies Funding Organization Facilitate 11 COM m eetings 11 COM m eetings held with quorum Adm inistration SOLN NA al Support Update Procedures and Processes Manual Procedures and Processes Manual updated

Increase program by 1 new m onitor. Maintain existing m onitors One Q AQ C and 2 Macro-invertebrate sessions for staff and com m unity Education Water Watch CCMA Coordinate yearly water watch program . 5 com plete testing kits and other m onitoring equipm ent CCMA 4 school training courses Received results subm itted to CCMA 4 quarterly SOLN water watch newsletters distributed Annual Water Watch report distributed Train new seed collectors Maintain seed bank and processes for 3 new active seed collectors accepting and distributing seed 5 new species collected Distribute seed to nurseries for SOLN projects 40% of species have 150g of viable seed for each provenance CCMA, Seed Bank SV, PV Provenance tracking Increase seedlings by 10% grown from SOLN collected seed SV, PV, Maintain database Ensure 100% correct provenance for SOLN revegetation projects. DSE Continue partnership with Seeding Victoria Able to track all seed from collection to planting. including seed on consignm ent and Less than 10% of SOLN seed bank becom es unviable germ ination testing. Deliver Weed busters program to Apollo Bay 50 students educated DPI Weedbusters DPI and Lavers Hill PS (grades 3 and 4) Positive feedback from teachers and children (SWRG) Deliver Landcare related activities to prim ary and secondary aged students at Apollo Bay Continue Apollo Bay com m unity cadets program DPI, and Lavers Hill College 80 students educated per school DSE, Youth CCMA, 4 school education sessions at each school 50 children educated each term Myer, DSE Run 1 session each term at Apollo Bay and Written positive feedback from teachers and children Lavers Hill prim ary of secondary schools on Increased invitation to im plem ent m ore sessions Landcare them es using SOLN Education kits Office open 6 days per week Run cultural heritage forum for landholders in SOLN area in conjunction with CCMA and SOIN Staff and resource library available to the 100 DVD distributed Com m unity public CCMA, SOLN 150 copies of SOLN Annual Report distributed Capacity Cultural heritage forum DSE 50 weekly electronic newsletters Inform ation distributed to public 50 weekly newssheet articles 20 seedling books distributed 1000 Flora and fauna brochures sold Stalls m anned at each event. 500 show bags created SOLN and All of Hold stall at Apollo Bay Music Festival, Apollo All positions filled at AGM DSE (VIR Landcare SOLNs Bay Show, Annual report produced and distributed. Grant). prom otion stakehold Seek funding for m ore SOLN show bags ers Run SOLN AGMS OLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 18

Relevant Potential Type Focus Area M anagem ent Actions M easurable Results Agencies Funding SOLN Annual Report

DSE, PV, DSE, PV, Fauna Surveys ARI, GFN, Run Fauna Survey 1 Fauna Survey run in area close to Apollo Bay public to be invited. CCMA, DU GFN, ARI DSE, PV, DSE, GFN, Flora Survey Run Flora Survey 1 Flora Survey run in area close to Apollo Bay public to be invited. CCMA, ARI, PV GFN, ARI Best Practice on DPI Prom ote EBMP locally Run one EBMP workshop with 5 com pleted EBMP form s DPI, DSE Farm s Workshops Undertake propagation trials for 3 key fern species Undertake propagation for 3 new rare and vulnerable species Propagation trials com pleted successfully DSE SOLN, SC, Townies Undertake 2 Training sessions for local seed 8 townie m em bers trained in local seed collection and cleaning (Second ABFC collecting and cleaning m ethods for new 26 articles in the newssheet over the year Gen) Townie m em bers. Write segm ent for local newssheet advertising up com ing events welcom ing new m em bers. Continual developm ent of seed cleaning Seed cleaning bays constructed and seed sieves purchased facility CCMA, Continued provision of service to the com m unity and good health of Support Centre Continued m aintenance and upkeep of SOLN DSE SOLN seedling m aintenance support centre Display garden planted out Planting indigenous species in display garden. Continue 3 year pasture m anagem ent trial on Continue m onitoring of 3 pasture trial sites and facilitate 1 field day 3 sites, soil tests, DAFF, 50 people attended soil health workshops Soil, Pasture and Run 2 soil Health workshops DEWHA DPI 8 properties surveyed for dung beetles and 6 colonies collected and Anim al Health Continue 3 year dung beetle survey (CFOC), Sustainable redistributed Initiate a Focus Farm group incorporating 2 SFS Farm ing Farm Focus Group attended by at least 20 people. workshops Work with Otway Agroforestry Network (OAN) Niche agroforestry started at 2 sites OAN, DPI, Farm Practices OAN to trial niche agroforestry opportunities Im plem ent across boundary Farm plans DEWHA Plans for 3 across boundary farm s com pleted Sweet Pittosporum reduced to negligible levels and other weeds Follow up on 3 ha of Sweet Pittosporum controlled control on Skenes Creek Road DAFF, Over 20 people involved in SPAG group Continue and enhance com m unity driven DEWHA Enhance VR, SCIPN, Sea Spurge m aintained at low cover between Skenes Creek and Sea Spurge control program (CFOC Biodiveristy assets LC Marengo Liaise with foreshore com m ittee to control Coast), No establishm ent of em ergent weeds in Sugarloaf area weeds and revegetate Onion Bay and DSE (CC) Weeds controlled in proposed revegetation areas of Onion Bay and Biodiversity Sugarloaf Foreshore area Sugarloaf Foreshore to neglible lenes in preparation for planting Revisit 15 projects and discuss project success to Projects and Funding Continued m onitoring of past projects Committee Enhancem ent of past projects CCMA, Habitat and Excess seedlings allocated to past projects CCMA Facilitate dune erosion control design at CFOC, Corridor Creation Erosion control design finalised Skenes Creek beach with foreshore SFS 7ha of biodiversity corridors connecting catchm ents and national park com m ittee with the coast com pleted

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 19

Relevant Potential Type Focus Area M anagem ent Actions M easurable Results Agencies Funding Investigate possible rem oval of fish barriers Fish barriers CCMA Initiate discussions with CCMA and private landholders CCMA from the East Barham River and Skenes Creek Finish willow rem oval Plan aquatic fauna surveys Plan continued riparian revegetation to Aire All Willow Trees rem oved from the Ford River Bridge to the Aire River Ford River CCMA CCMA river confluence with CCMA Willow Trees upstream of Ford River Bridge rem oved Rem ove Willow trees upstream of Ford River Bridge Plan with the CCMA further riparian Aire River CCMA Plans com pleted for riparian revegetation of 1km of the Aire River CCMA revegetation for 1km of the river length Monitor past projects. Calder River sites m onitored and appropriate actions taken where Initiate discussions with landholders below the Calder River CCMA required CCMA Great Ocean Road to extend riparian Plans for revegetation below the Great Ocean Road secured revegetation in 2011-12 Kill willows present above the confluence Undertake riparian restoration for 1.5km Willows controlled above the confluence and for 0.4 km of Beauty Plan with CCMA to rem ove fish barrier in East Gully Barham CCMA, CCMA, 2 km of riparian restoration im plem ented Barham River Plan willow rem oval for 0.4km of Beauty Gully BW, COS, BW, COS, Plan secured to rem ove fish barriers from the East Barham Catchm ent and im plem ent 0.5 km of riparian restoration CC, PV 1st stage of Willow rem oval in the estuary plan com pleted Plan 1st stage of Willow rem oval in the Barham CFOC Adequate cover of understorey indigenous specie s in the backwaters Estuary/floodplain with CCMA, project Top-up backwaters project with m ore W aterways understorey diversity & m onitor site Follow-up willow/weed m gm t in estuary Control Willows to negligible cover Wild Dog Creek CCMA Im plem ent 2km of riparian restoration Adequate cover of native vegetation in revegetation areas CCMA Freshwater Circus and Fish Survey Freshwater Circus and Fish Survey im plem ented Plan with CCMA to rem ove fish barrier Plan with landholders and CCMA riparian DEWHA, Plan to rem ove fish barrier secured works for 2011 DAFF CCMA, Weed species controlled to allow revegetation Skenes Creek Monitor and m anage tributary site for any (CFOC CFA Previous revegetation sites m aintained free of em erging weeds em erging weeds. Coast). Adequate survivorship of revegetation areas to achieve success Revegetate burnt area and top-up previous SOLN plantings DEWHA, DAFF Im plem ent revegetation using previously grown seedlings Sm ythes Creek CCMA, PV Rehabilitation of Sm ythes Creek Estuary (CFOC Liaise with PV to m anage weeds Coast), PV Investigate fish barrier rem oval CCMA, Liaisons achieved with CCMA regarding fish barrier rem oval Monitor past projects, investigate further CC, Whalebone Creek CCMA Past projects achieving revegetation goals riparian restoration projects with landholders CFOC, Funding applied for and m eetings facilitated with 5 landholders and seek funding DSE, TFN Seek funding for com m unity determ ined Applied for at least 2 funding bids CCMA, Wye River CCMA riparian projects Hold com m unity m eeting with m ore than 5 m em bers present to CC, Plan with com m unity pest plant projects discuss pest plant projects CFOC Anderson Creek CCMA initiate discussions with landholders to Successful m eeting with landholders and directions of restoration CCMA

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 20

Relevant Potential Type Focus Area M anagem ent Actions M easurable Results Agencies Funding continue riparian restoration secured. Seek corporate funding/partnerships and SOLN funding NA At least three corporate agencies to be interestd in working with SOLN draft agreem ents Prom ote SOLN via showbags, real estate SOLN Mem bership NA Paid SOLN m em bership num bers up by 10% on 2009 NA agents and local events Prom ote Townies through newssheet and Townie Mem bership NA Townie m em bership increased by 2 NA com m unity local events Partnerships CCMA, Cem ent partnership with Southern Farm ing System s COS, DSE, Strengthen working relationships with relevant Have stall at Apollo Bay Music festival and assist with Carbon neutral DPI, PV, agencies ensuring co-operation, planning Agencies NA SV, ARI, collaboration and com m unication. Cem ent partnerships with SCIPN and LorneCare through SPAG GFN, DU, Strengthen coastal partnerships. Discuss landscape roadside weed m anagem ent with COS, DPI, VR , BW PV and CCMA Education DPI Dissem inate inform ation regularly Monthly articles in the newssheet DPI Rabbit control program initiated on 10 properties with sites m apped CFOC, Rabbits DPI Initiate rabbit control program and m onitored SFS Agree on roadside weed m apping protocols Map SOLN Train Landcare m em bers in m apping DPI, COS, Initiate 2 year roadside weed m apping DPI, DSE, roadsides for weed Begin weed m apping program VR, PV program COS cover Use Landcare determ ined weed priority lists (Appendix) to guide m anagem ent actions Pest Plants Wongarra to Wye Landcare Group plan Map and prioritise Plan developed and Anim als DPI developed on how to m ap and prioritise DPI weeds in Wongarra Mapping initiated weeds DPI, VR, Any reported em ergent weed infestations All reported em ergent weed infestations eradicated (See Appendix Em ergent Weeds COS, DPI COS, DSE controlled appropriately for group nom inated em ergent weeds) Liaise with Gary Sum m ers of Parks Vic to Im plem ent fox ensure that the baiting program s are baiting program in PV coordinated Fox Baiting program im plem ented DPI, PV conjunction with Seek funding to expand local fox and cat Parks Vic control program s

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 21

9. References Hopkins Catchm ent Managem ent Authority. CCMA 2003. Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy 2003 – 2008 by the NWSEC 2002. National W eed Strategy – Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Report from 1997 to 2002 by the Authority National Weeds Strategy Executive Com m ittee. CCMA 2006a. Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan by the Corangam ite NRMMC 2007a. Australian W eed Strategy Catchm ent Managem ent Authority. – A national strategy for weed management in Australia by the CCMA 2006b. Corangamite River Health Natural Resource Managem ent Strategy by the Corangam ite Catchm ent Ministerial Council. Managem ent Authority. NRMMC 2007b. National Pest Animal CCMA & DPI 2000. Corangamite W eed Strategy - A national strategy for the Action Plan 2001 – 2004 by the management of vertebrate pest Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent animals in Australia by the Natural Authority and the Departm ent of Prim ary Resource Managem ent Ministerial Industies. Council. DPI 2006. Review of Noxious W eeds in NWQMS 1992. National W ater Quality Victoria by the Departm ent for Prim ary M anagement Strategy by the Industries, Frankston. National Health and Medical DSE 2002a. Victorian Pest M anagement – A Research Council and Agriculture and Framework for Action, 2002 by the Resource Managem ent Council of Departm ent of Sustainability and Australia and New Zealand. Environm ent. Scenic Spectrum s 2003. Southern Otway DSE 2002b. Victorian Pest M anagement – A Catchm ent Managem ent Plan. Framework for Action. M anagement Prepared for the Southern Otway Strategies for W eeds, public land, rabbits, Landcare Network in association with wild dogs, feral goats and pigs, foxes by Rob Youl Consulting. the Departm ent of Sustainability and

Environm ent.

DSE 2002c. Victorias Native Vegetgation M anagement – A Framework for Action. by the Departm ent of Sustainability and Environm ent.

DSE & DPI 2007. Guidelines for Preparing Regional Pest Plans by the Departm ent of Sustainability and Environm ent and the Departm ent of Prim ary Industries.

GHCMA 2007. Glenelg Hopkins Regional W eed Plan. Published by the Glenelg

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 22

APPENDIX

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 23

Appendix 1: Horden Vale Glenaire Landcare Group

Priority Pest Plants

Type: Absent Type: Em ergent Treatm ent: Prevention Treatm ent: Eradication Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare C Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum Patterson’s Curse Echium plantagineum C Ivy Hedera helix Boneseed Chrysanthemoides monilifera W ONS Pam pas Grass Cortaderia selloana Gorse Ulex europaeus C Bleeding Heart Omalanthus populifolius Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma C Sycam ore Acer spp.

Type: Foothold Type: W idespread Treatm ent: Containm ent Treatm ent: Asset Based Approach Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum C Blackberry Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. C Thistle Cirsium arvense R Pine Pinus radiata Asparagus Fern Asparagus scandens Ragwort Senecio jacobaea C Periwinkle Vinca major Wandering Jew Tradescantia fluminensis Cape Weed Arctotheca calendula Cleavers Galium aparine Willows Salix spp. R Forget-m e –nots M yosotis spp. Arum Lilies Zantedeschia aethiopica Notes: C = Regionally Controlled Noxious Weed, R = Restricted Noxious Weed, W ONS = Weed of National Significance.

Priority Pest Anim als Fox Rabbits Rats Feral Cats Deer Wild Pigs Bower Birds Blackbirds Issues Absentee Landholders Large Forestry Com panies Road Reserves Com m unication with agencies Enforcem ent and Com pliance

Priority Assets

The Horden Vale Glenaire Landcare Group considered the entire landscape as one asset and did not consider prioritising any areas as appropriate.

Assets they consider valuable include: waterways, agriculture, soils, aesthetic values, rem nant vegetation.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 24

Appendix 2: Apollo Bay Landcare Group Five year plan 2008-2013

Vision

To maintain and improve the landscape, comprising an appropriate balance of areas of natural vegetation, where the flora and fauna existing pre European settlement flourish in the correct ecological environments and invasive species are excluded and sustainably productive and aesthetic areas of settlement and agricultural production.

Our specific objectives are to:

1. Restore the W ild Dog and Skenes Creeks and Estuaries to som ething approaching pre-Cook status in line with our vision by: • Planting appropriate indigenous species • Im proving the diversity and quantity of native fish in the creeks by a) Restoring the water quality in the creeks by • rem oval of willows and the planting of shade shrubs and trees along the creeks • Lim iting stock access to the creek b) Rem oving or lim iting fish barriers • Carrying out a m onitoring program to check the above • Inform ing the funding bodies, the public and the landowners of progress m ade towards the vision

2. Rem ove existing weeds within the catchm ent area of the Apollo Bay Group

3. Assess the scenic current scenic quality of the landscape and the degree to which it should be m aintained and im proved

Determ ine the desirability of revegetating the brows of the hills in Wild Dog Valley to shield the ridgelines from below.

4. Increase the knowledge and com m itm ent of the com m unity concerning the preservation of the ecological and aesthetic values of the environm ent.

Proposed future work Eradicate weeds and then plant further along the Creeks • in the Gorge area and on the public land below Binnawee in Wild Dog and • introduce further plantings in Skenes Creek and its tributaries. Fence parts of the creeks to keep dom estic anim als from the creek sides and plantings Continue to control weeds on areas already planted with native species, including

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 25

• spraying of the Kikuyu infestation in the picnic ground in Skenes Creek and • further control the spread of Pittosporum in the catchm ents. Infill gaps in plantings along the creeks with further plantings of native trees and shrubs Introduce som e larger tree plantings with wallaby guards in strategic positions along the creeks to provide m ore shade for the protection of fish and If deem ed to be appropriate, plant along the brows of the ridges at a height such that the foliage of the vegetation shields the ridge lines from view and reduce the probability of landslip on the slopes below. Investigate with CCMA the im provem ents to fish barriers proposed by Greg Peters in his original workshop. Contact the Cultural Office of the Catchm ent Authority and arrange a site visit with the Fram lingham Group to discuss plans and to ask for their knowledge of the area Investigate large scale planting together with the help of Parks Victoria and local landowners of endem ic trees on the steep slopes above Wild Dog Creek. Work with m em bers on land m anagem ent of their properties so that they can com bine protection of biodiversity and native bush on their land with useful production. In order to control feral anim als som e m em bers from the group will be encouraged to take the certification course being held by SOLN and then to dissem inate the inform ation to landowners.

M onitoring

10. The group will m ap the weed hot spots in its catchm ents 11. The group will continue m onitoring the health of the creeks via visual landscape evidence and photographs, water quality m onitoring via Water Watch, and changes to the estuary m ouths via Estuary Watch. 12. The param eters to be m easured will describe the ecological health of the estuary environm ent, including the creek banks, and the water quality in the creeks. 13. The state of the environm ent will be m easured by determ ining the density of plants of each species against the relevant EVCs. 14. Records of any wild life sightings will be kept in order to m onitor progress in biodiversity.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 26

Priority Pest Plants

Type: Absent Type: Em ergent Treatm ent: Prevention Treatm ent: Eradication Patterson’s Curse Echium plantagineum C Gorse Ulex europaeus C Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma C Boneseed Chrysanthemoides monilifera W ONS Chilean Needle-grass Nassella neesiana C Hem lock Conium maculatum C Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides R Type: Foothold Type: W idespread Treatm ent: Containm ent Treatm ent: Asset Based Approach Sea Spurge Euphorbia paralias Blackberry Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. C Arum Lilies Zantedeschia aethiopica Cape Ivy Delairea odorata Nasturtium Nasturtium spp. Ragwort Senecio jacobaea C Holly Ilex aquifolium Cape Wattle Paraserianthes lophantha Spanish Heath Erica lusitanica Thistle Cirsium arvense R Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum Dock Rumex spp. Willows Salix spp. R Notes: C = Regionally Controlled Noxious Weed, R = Restricted Noxious Weed, W ONS = Weed of National Significance. Pest Vectors Refuse dum ping Unclean m achinery Garden Escapees Feral Pets Livestock Horses on foreshore Fire (lack of weed follow up post fire) Priority Pest Anim als Fox Rabbits Rats Feral Cats Introduced birds Wallabies Cockatoos Issues Education Com m unity dem ographic change Stock in water system s Trail Bikes Off-target herbicide dam age Clim ate change Adequate site preparation of revegetation areas Priority Assets

The Apollo Bay Landcare group identified the overall landscape as a priority asset but within that they also identified: 1) Water quality of the two m ain watercourses, the Wild Dog and Skenes Creeks which provide habitat for significant fish species and 2) The beach area which provides im portant aesthetic and tourist values as well as habitat for the significant nesting bird species the Hooded plover. Other assets identified include habitat for the significant Rufous bristle Bird and Grey Goshawk.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 27

Appendix 3: Otway Barham Landcare Group 5 Year Plan (2007-2012) Vision: “To protect and restore the health of the Barham River Catchment from source to sea.” This plan has environm ental as well as social com ponents. Each com ponent is concurrent. Plan A: Restore riparian environm ent - Fencing out stock (where necessary), establish stock crossings (where necessary, plant indigenous species within appropriate EVC’s Provide off-stream and in-stream watering points (where appropriate); Eradicating and controlling weeds eg willows, ragwort, blackberry Tributaries: Anderson’s Creek, Beauty Creek Gullies 2007-2008 PRIORITIES Com plete projects from 2006-2007 within the Special Water Supply Catchm ent area Riparian restoration of the Barham river below the Barwon water pum p station to the estuary; Riparian restoration of Anderson’s Creek from the industrial area to the Barham river; Riparian restoration of the Beauty Creek tributary; Restoration of the Estuary Strategy: Utilise SOLN Coordinators to liaise with landholders to develop detailed project plans and source funding. M easured by: 1. Num ber of successful riparian projects 2. Water Q uality & Macro-invertebrate assessm ent- long term . Plan B. Protect and restore the habitat of the Barham River catchm ent- Establish connectivity and linkages between differing catchm ent EVC’s eg estuary to the forest Protect and extend rem nant vegetation through woodlots, plantations, landslips, bank erosion and buffer zones Rem ove fish barrier (old flow m easuring point) West Barham Em bark on cross-boundary projects to control weeds and feral pests 2007-2008 PRIORITIES 1. Com plete projects from 2006-2007 within the Special Water Supply Catchm ent area Riparian restoration of the Barham river below the Barwon water pum p station to the estuary; Riparian restoration of Anderson’s Creek from the industrial area to the Barham river; Riparian restoration of the Beauty Creek tributary; Restoration of the Estuary Rem ove fish barrier (old flow m easuring point) West Barham Establish a feral pest m anagem ent program in conjunction with Parks Victoria, and Hordern Vale/Glenaire Landcare Group. Strategy: Liaise and draw on expert advice eg. Parks Victoria, CCMA, Barwon Water, DPI etc Utilise SOLN Co-ordinators to liaise with landholders to develop detailed project plans and source funding. M easured by: Annual fish, bird, koala, quoll, wallaby population assessm ent

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 28

Investigate m easurem ent and reporting strategies for weeds and feral pests Plan C. Increased understanding of the catchm ent ecology, environm ental values, and best practice m anagem ent Offer Environm ental Best Managem ent Practice (on farm s) Course to all m em bers Develop m onthly program where experts conduct sem inars and workshops Plan for an annual Barham River Festival with a focus on education and celebration Include walking (cycling track) in riparian zone Maintain Water Quality Measurem ent Activities Map landholder im provem ents, potential projects, past projects and m em bership status. Encourage and prom ote Landcare within the Otway Barham River Catchm ent Provide a voice for m em bers in dealing with policy developm ent and Governm ent agencies 2007-2008 PRIORITIES Run a Best Managem ent Practice on Farm s program Survey Landcare group m em bers to identify subjects and speakers of interest Develop a range of activities to support priorities for 2007-2008 Initiate planning for an annual Barham River Festival Consolidate the water quality testing and m onitoring program and reporting Map known landholder im provem ents and com pleted landholder projects Strategy: Initiate Best Managem ent Practice on Farm s through the Departm ent of Prim ary Industries Work with OBCLG m em bers and other SOLN Landcare Groups to identify potential subjects and speakers Utilise SOLN Co-ordinators to develop an activities calendar Establish an interest group to investigate the concept of an annual Barham River Festival Develop and prom ote the concept of public access to riparian zones to the Colac Otway Shire Publish water quality data in Apollo Bay News Sheet and websites Regular workshops for Water Quality volunteers Utilise SOLN Co-ordinators to produce the m ap M easured by: Percentage of property plans are in the process of being im plem ented Participation at sem inars and workshops A plan for an Annual Barham River Festival –range of activities and participation in activities Water Quality activities and m easurem ent over tim e Com pleted m ap m ade available to all m em bers This plan is underpinned by the: Otway Barham Catchm ent Directions Fram ework SOLN River Health Program - Barham River 2006-2011 (Draft Greg Peters) Thom as, J. F., (2003), Corangam ite Regional Catchm ent Strategy, 2003-2008. Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority, Colac. Peters, G., (2005), Corangam ite River Health Strategy. Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority, Colac. Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority, (2004), Corangam ite Landcare Support Strategy 2004 - 2009. Published by Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority. Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority, (2006), Regional Priorities Docum ent 2006-2008. Published by Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority. Corangam ite Catchm ent Managem ent Authority, (2006), Corangam ite Native Vegetation Plan 2003-2008. Published by Sandsprint, Geelong.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 29

Departm ent for Sustainability and Environm ent, (2005) Index of Stream Condition: The Second Benchm ark of Victorian River Condition. Bam bra Press, Port Melbourne. Youl, R., (2003) Southern Otway Region Catchm ent Managem ent Plan (Part A & B), June, 2003. Published by Scenic Spectrum s, PTY., LTD. Roberts, J., (2004) Environm ental Requirem ents for Farm s, Departm ent of Prim ary Industries. Published by VCMA Environm ental Managem ent System s Project. Corr, K., (2003) Revegetation Techniques: A guide for establishing native vegetation in Victoria. Published by Greening Australia. Harty, Chris. (2003) Apollo Bay Estuaries Managem ent Action Plan – Draft. Published independently. Fenton, C., (2003) Physical Chem ical and Biological Characteristic of Three Estuaries in the Apollo Bay Region. Published independently. The Departm ent of Natural Resources and Environm ent, (2002) Victoria’s Native Vegetation Managem ent: A fram e work for action. Published by The State of Victoria.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 30

Priority Pest Plants

Type: Absent Type: Em ergent Treatm ent: Prevention Treatm ent: Eradication Patterson’s Curse Echium plantagineum C Olive Olea europaea Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma C False Balm of Gilead Cedronella canariensis Sycam ore Acer spp. Coast Tea-tree Leptospermum laevigatum Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare C Chinaberry M elia azedarach Gorse Ulex europaeus C Tutsan Hypericum androsaemum R Bathurst Burr Xanthium spinosum C Cape Weed Arctotheca calendula Sour sob Oxalis pes-caprae R Petty Spurge Euphorbia peplus Type: Foothold Type: W idespread Treatm ent: Containm ent Treatm ent: Asset Based Approach Spanish Heath Erica lusitanica Blackberry Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. C Nasturtium Nasturtium spp. English Ivy Hedera helix Fleabane Conyza spp. Cape Ivy Delairea odorata Ragwort Senecio jacobaea C

Thistle Cirsium arvense R Kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum Notes: C = Regionally Controlled Noxious Weed, R = Restricted Noxious Weed, W ONS = Weed of National Significance. Pest Vectors Clim ate Change Soil Health Weather Refuse Dum ping Im ported hay Im ported gravel Works Depots Dom estic Anim als Nursery Sales Priority Pest Anim als Foxes Feral Cats Rabbits Exotic Birds Ducks Slugs Som e native birds Wallabies Koalas Possum s Issues Education of landholders Co-ordination of control m ethods Relationships with agencies Clarification of responsibilities Priority Assets

The Otway Barham Landcare Group identified m any assets within their catchm ent. Som e of these were intangible such as the aesthetics of the area, tim e (effective use of resources) and m orale of the Landcare group. Other m ore tangible assets included clean water system s, productive land, infrastructure, flora and fauna (biodiversity and rem nant, native vegetation), the beach and access, riparian areas.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 31

Appendix 4: W ongarra to W ye Landcare Group (W 2W ) 5 Year Plan Five priority areas 1. Weeds 2. Com m unity Plantings 3. Priority private plantings 4. Education and Participation 5. Web site up and running Year One Weeds Map and prioritise weed hot spots in W2W. Establish a weed control program in conjunction with Colac/Otway Shire, Parks and the Foreshore Com m ittee. Nom inate a weed control officer to co-ordinate. Com m unity Plantings Continue to work on current plantings at Sugarloaf Peak and Onion Bay. Weed control and Mulching at Onion Bay and weed control and planting at Sugarloaf Peak, (500 fill in plants to be supplied by the foreshore com m ittee). Apply for grant to Spray weeds at Sm ythes Creek m outh ready for planting in 2008/09/10 Priority Private plantings Using our W2W project m ap, identify 3 priority projects on private land and send a Landcare kit to each landowner with an aerial m ap of the proposed planting. Education and Participation Increase participation at m eetings through use of speakers and farm visits. Apply for funding and liaise with other SOLN groups to defray the costs. Year Two Weeds Continue to m onitor, m ap and control weeds Com m unity Plantings Continue fill in plantings at Sugarloaf 300 trees at a tim e. Aim for late August planting. Monitor Onion Bay for weeds. First planting at Sm ythes Creek (500) apply for grant to cover costs. Priority Private plantings Using our W2W project m ap, identify 3 priority projects on private land and send a Landcare kit to each landowner with an aerial m ap of the proposed planting. Education and Participation Increase participation at m eetings through use of speakers and farm visits. Apply for funding and liaise with other SOLN groups to defray the costs Year Three Weeds Continue to m onitor, m ap and control weeds Com m unity Plantings Continue fill in plantings at Sugarloaf 300 trees at a tim e. Aim for late August planting. Monitor Onion Bay for weeds. Second planting at Sm ythes Creek (500) apply for grant to cover costs. Carisbrook River Spraying Priority Private plantings Using our Wongarra project m ap, identify 3 priority projects on private land and send a Landcare kit to each landowner with an aerial m ap of the proposed planting. Education and Participation Increase participation at m eetings through use of speakers and farm visits. Apply for funding and liaise with other SOLN groups to defray the costs Year Four

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 32

Weeds Continue to m onitor, m ap and control weeds Com m unity Plantings Continue fill in plantings at Sugarloaf 300 trees at a tim e. Aim for late August planting. Monitor Onion Bay for weeds. Third planting at Sm ythes Creek (500) apply for grant to cover costs. Carisbrook River Planting Priority Private plantings Using our W2W project m ap, identify 3 priority projects on private land and send a Landcare kit to each landowner with an aerial m ap of the proposed planting. Education and Participation Increase participation at m eetings through use of speakers and farm visits. Apply for funding and liaise with other SOLN groups to defray the costs Year Five Weeds Continue to m onitor, m ap and control weeds Com m unity Plantings Continue fill in plantings at Sugarloaf 300 trees at a tim e. Aim for late August planting. Monitor Onion Bay for weeds. Fourth planting at Sm ythes Creek (500) apply for grant to cover costs. Priority Private plantings Using our W2W project m ap, identify 3 priority projects on private land and send a Landcare kit to each landowner with an aerial m ap of the proposed planting. Education and Participation Increase participation at m eetings through use of speakers and farm visits. Apply for funding and liaise with other SOLN groups to defray the costs 2007-8 Maintenance and re-planting at Onion Bay and Sugarloaf Spraying at Sm ythes Creek 2008-9 Weed control on Sunnyside Road Planting Sugarloaf Weed control and revegetation at Wye, Sep and Kennett 2009-10 Planting at Sm ythes Creek; Spraying at Carisbrook Creek; Weed control at Grey River Weed control and revegetation at Sep 2010-11 Maintenance and re-planting at Sm ythes Creek; Planting at Carisbrook Creek; Weed control on foreshores Weed control and revegetation at Kennett River 2001-12 Maintenance and re-planting at Carisbrook Creek; Weed control on foreshores Weed control at Wye, Sep and Kennett

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 33

Priority Pest Plants

Type: Absent Type: Em ergent Treatm ent: Prevention Treatm ent: Eradication Cape Tulip Two Leaf Homeria miniata S Boneseed Chrysanthemoides monilifera W ONS Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma C Gorse Ulex europaeus C Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare C Pam pas Grass Cortaderia selloana Spanish Heath Erica lusitanica

Type: Foothold Type: W idespread Treatm ent: Containm ent Treatm ent: Asset Based Approach Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox Ragwort Senecio jacobaea C Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum Blackberry Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. C Montpellier Broom Genista monspessulana C Bracken Pteridium esculentum Wild Mustard Brassica sp. Petty Spurge Euphorbia peplus Asparagus fern Asparagus scandens Bidgee Widgee Acaena Novae-Zelandiae Cape Ivy Delairea odorata Cape Wattle Paraseriantus lophantha Periwinkle Vinca major Notes: S = State Prohibited Weed, C = Regionally Controlled Noxious Weed, R = Restricted Noxious Weed, W ONS = Weed of National Significance. Pest Vectors Gravel Pits (Ondit and Woady Yallock Quarry) Refuse dum ping (Grey River historical) Wind (Recom m end belt plantations as seed catchers) Foxes Birds Priority Pest Anim als Foxes Feral Cats Rabbits Exotic Birds Issues Landholder uptake Education Absentee/Lifestyle properties The need for financial incentives Wallabies Koalas Possum s Priority Assets

Tree Plantations Pasture The Coast Native Vegetation Tourism

Waterways (Wye River, Separation Creek, Kennett River, Grey River, Sm ythes Creek, Carisbrook Creek, Sugarloaf Creek, Orchard Creek, Whale Bone Creek, Von Mueller Creek)

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 34

Appendix 5: Proceedings of SOLN W eed Forum 2009 Listed below are the issues identified at the SOLN Weeds forum held in the Apollo Bay Shire Offices on the 26th of February 2009. This forum was open to all m em bers of the com m unity. The concerns of the group were placed into seven broad categories: 1) Weed Control Responsibilities (particularly on roadsides); 2) Education; 3) Data Collection; 4) Enforcem ent/Accountability; 5) Resources; 6) Major Weed Infestations. 7) Em erging Weeds and Vectors. The significance of these issues is outlined below. The issues raised at the forum have been incorporated into this strategic plan. 1. W eed Control Responsibilities The issue of land responsibility and weed control is the m ost im portant weed issue identified at the forum and within that the issue of weeds on roadsides stood out as the issue of m ost concern. Weeds on roadsides are of vital im portance as they can enhance weed m obility through corridor m ovem ent and have im plications on adjacent land through weed invasion associated with edge effects. The clarification of responsibilities within roadsides and im plem enting better control and m onitoring protocols is of vital im portance. Furtherm ore, any weed control works is to be undertaken in an integrated fashion ensuring collaboration between the com m unity and various agencies. 2. Education Education is the key to landholders undertaking weed control. While som e landholders do not have the inclination to undertake weed control even with the correct education m any landholders are open to undertaking works once m ade aware of weed species and the effect they can have. 3. Data Collection At the tim e of the forum there was m uch discussion about roadside weeds and the lack of action taken to control them . Mapping these areas for weeds gives us baseline data to direct the actions of agencies and also provide an im portant m easure of determ ining the success of any control program s. It was considered im portant that all agencies are working from the sam e m ap to encourage co-operation and effective use of resources. 4. Enforcem ent/ Accountability Enforcem ent and accountability are vital to ensure that landholders and responsible agencies adhere to their weed control responsibilities. 5. Resources Som e landholders feel that they do not have the proper equipm ent to deal with weed infestations and a service such as the cheap hire of a spray unit

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 35

m ay enable som e landholders to deal with weed problem s m ore effectively. Discussions with Landcare groups that have purchased spray units revealed conflicting experiences. Hordenvale Glenaire Landcare Group reported that while the spray unit could be used m ore there was generally a good uptake of the service and it was considered a worthwhile investm ent. Conversely the experience of the Wongarra to Wye Landcare Group who also purchased a spray unit reported that it was not used enough to justify the expense. 6. M ajor W eed Infestations With lim ited resources for tackling weeds, resource allocation and prioritisation of weed infestations is of vital im portance. Governm ent research indicates that new and em erging weeds should be addressed first and then assets such as productive land and biodiversity values should be protected. When dealing with large weed infestations m anagem ent practices should always be m onitored for effectiveness and a variety of control m ethods utilised if appropriate. 7. Em erging W eeds and W eed Vectors Em erging weeds are of vital im portance as these are weeds this docum ent recom m ends to target. Governm ent research indicates that allocation of resources to new and em erging weeds gives the greatest reward for expenditure.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 36

Appendix 6: Pest Plant and Anim al Prioritisation

For the purposes of this strategic plan, the definition of a pest plant or anim al has been taken from the Natural Resource Managem ent Ministerial Council Report on W eeds in Victoria (NRMMC 1998)

‘a plant or animal that has, or has the potential to have, a detrimental effect on economic, social or environmental assets.’

Victoria’s pest m anagem ent policy (DSE 2002) describes a natural resource m anagem ent approach that prioritises pest m anagem ent program s to optim ise results by producing the best return for resources invested. There are two m ain approaches recom m ended for pest m anagem ent: 1. Species led approach and 2. Asset based approach.

Species Led Approach

Under this approach to pest m anagem ent, best results are achieved by first increasing efforts to prevent new pest introductions and eradicate em ergent pests to the area. Consequently, the prevention of new and em erging pests is recom m ended to be the highest priority for m anagem ent as detailed in Guidelines for Preparing Regional Pest Plans (DSE and DPI 2007). Generally, this will m ean that priority should be given to program s that prevent the introduction of, or eradicate newly establishing species over containm ent and suppression program s for established species as this approach is shown to provide the greatest value (see the Costs: Benefits section of Figure 2 below).

Figure 2: Invasion curve indicating stages of expansion of a pest species into a habitat, appropriate m anagem ent strategy and the potential costs:benefits of intervention at various

stages of invasion of a weed (GHCM A 2007).

There are a num ber of conditions to be m et in determ ining whether eradication is feasible. As a general rule, when dealing with weed species, these include:

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 37

• Infestations < 100ha; • < 3 infestations;

• Sites are easily accessible; • Species is easily recognisable; and,

• Restricting trade m ay assist eradication, if it is a plant that is currently traded.

Prevention and eradication program s form the basis of the species-led approach to pest m anagem ent, prioritising one species above another on the basis of the risk it poses to the region’s econom ic, environm ental and social values. In particular, the control of State and Regionally prohibited weeds should fall into this m anagem ent approach. Prevention program s should involve m anagem ent of spread pathways such as transport corridors and the delivery of com m unity awareness program s.

At the early stage of invasion, it is feasible to target individual species for eradication. As a pest infestation enlarges, it is less likely that a species will be able to be eradicated, and containm ent approaches to lim it its further spread return the best value for investm ent. Containm ent involves defining the boundary of the infestation and elim inating all satellite infestations outside this boundary and m ay also involve m anagem ent of spread pathways to prevent future reinvasion onto a cleaned area.

Asset Based Approach

Once a pest becom es so widespread that their containm ent is no longer possible, m anagem ent focuses on protecting identified assets using the second approach: Asset Based protection. Asset based protection program s focus upon reducing the im pact of all threats, including pests, on high value assets in the region. Assets m ay have an environm ental, econom ic and /or social value to the region. The control of widespread pest anim als such as foxes preying upon rare and threatened species falls into this ‘asset-based’ m anagem ent approach.

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 38

SOLN 5 Year Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 39