VICTORIAN

Autumn 2011 Issue 51 & C atc h ment M anagement

MANAGING WATER FEATURE Yarra Pygmy Perch rescue mission Creating and restoring wetlands Aquatic weed alert Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management

A u t u m n 2 0 1 1 I s s u e 5 1

6 Contents 03 From the Minister

04 Farmers take catchment approach to protecting Corner Inlet Farmers high in the Strzelecki Ranges and close to the coast are working to reduce the flow of nutrients and sediments into the RAMSAR-listed Corner Inlet.

06 Creating and restoring wetlands Wetland enthusiast Aidan Banfield shares some tips on how to establish and restore wetlands and explains the role of wetlands in fire and flood control.

10 Waterwatch – communities caring for local waterways Habitat for the Growling Grass Frog is being restored in Geelong thanks to the efforts of Installing netting over new plants at the Conservation Volunteers Australia. The Mudgegonga Waterwatch Group has continued stormwater wetlands below Stawell Hospital. monitoring their local waterways through drought, fire and flood.

12 Aquatic weeds 16 Wet conditions encourage the spread of aquatic weeds. Watch out for these species. 16 Deep Creek Landcare Group’s Yarra Pygmy Perch rescue mission When the Deep Creek Landcare Group learned this native fish was endangered they started work on a project to restore Yarra Pygmy Perch habitat, and hopefully save the diminishing species.

20 Managing bogs in the Strathbogie Ranges How the Wetland Tender Program is assisting landholders in managing spring wetlands – a diverse, depleted and environmentally significant asset in the region. 22 Regional roundup Find out what’s happening in Landcare across Victoria.

The Yarra Pygmy Perch is a small fish with a dangerously small population.

Editorial Advisory Committee Authorised by the Victorian Government, Karen Brisbane Victorian State Landcare Team, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. Melissa Whitelaw Landcare Australia Limited, ISSN 1327 5496 20 John Young Victorian Catchment Management Council, Katie Le Blanc DPI, Susi Johnson FTLA, The State of Victoria and its employees do not Sally MacAdams DSE, Cathy Heycock DSE. guarantee that this publication is without flaw of Editorial contributions any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular Carrie Tiffany, PO Box 1135, purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for Mitcham North 3132 Phone 0405 697 548 any error, loss or other consequences which may E-mail: [email protected] arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Cover photograph Mullaroo grass on the bank of the The State of Victoria acknowledges contributions Mullaroo Creek at Lindsay Island in made by private enterprise and other persons the north-western corner of Victoria, or groups interested in Landcare. Acceptance of by David Wood. these contributions, however, does not endorse or imply endorsement by the State of Victoria © The State of Victoria Department of of any product, service, or view offered by Sustainability and Environment 2010. contributors. Many spring wetlands in the Strathbogie This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance Ranges are surrounded by grazing land. with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

2 | victorian landcare and catchment management From the Minister

It gives me great pleasure to be a part about managing water. Two dairy farming in Victoria. The first group was formed of the Victorian Landcare & Catchment families in West Gippsland discuss at Winjallok near St Arnaud in 1986; Management magazine – a publication their involvement in the Corner Inlet I doubt the members of that group would that showcases the diversity and efforts Connections Project. Stretching from the have predicted how eagerly Landcare of so many Victorian Landcarers. hills to the sea, the project aims to reduce would be embraced across Australia and the flow of nutrients and sediments into around the world. For more information I’m looking forward to working more Corner Inlet and so improve the health of on 25th anniversary activities go to closely with Landcare groups whose the inlet, particularly its seagrass meadows www.landcarevic.net.au/25years protection and conservation work is an which are sensitive to nutrients in the essential part of preserving Victoria’s I look forward to more contact with water. Peter and Lynne Truscott, who live valuable natural assets. you and being a part of your work and near the coast, are upgrading their effluent achievements and believe that the best As the Member for Warrandyte since management system, while high up in environmental outcomes can be achieved 2006, I’ve seen first-hand the difference the Strzelecki Ranges Trent and Belinda by working together. local volunteers can make to our Crawford are improving water quality by environment and landscape. removing blackberries from local waterways. Thank you This issue’s topic, decided before the There are also stories on wetland January and February floods, deals with the management, the fate of the Yarra Pygmy real issues our community is facing, and Perch and Victoria’s first Indigenous the important role Landcare plays in flood Landcare group. recovery; helping to support those in need I’m also looking forward to being a part of Ryan Smith by sharing information and resources. celebrations throughout Victoria to help Minister for Environment and In this issue there is a range of stories celebrate the 25th anniversary of Landcare Climate Change

Devastated by a prolonged drought, the town of Wycheproof is now adjusting to new lakes. This photograph was taken from the back of the Wycheproof Cemetery, looking east.

autumn 11 issue 51 | 3 Farmers take catchment approach

to protecting Corner Inlet By Gillian Hayman and Wendy Williamson

Nutrient, effluent and fertiliser control at Yanakie Peter and Lynne Truscott milk 300 cows on 215 hectares at Yanakie in West Gippsland. A creek that runs through the Truscott property flows into Corner Inlet – a spectacular RAMSAR-listed wetland. Peter and Lynne are well aware that their management practices can impact on the wider catchment and the inlet itself. The Truscotts are part of the Corner Inlet Connections Project. Stretching from the hills to the sea, the project aims to reduce the flow of nutrients and sediments into Corner Inlet and so improve the health of the inlet, particularly its seagrass meadows which are sensitive to nutrients in the water. Farms are only one source of the sediments and nutrients. Land clearing, the mining operations of years gone by Peter and Lynne Truscott on their Yanakie farm beside Golden Creek, where they have done some and the bushfires have all had their effect replanting. The West Gippsland CMA will finish the replanting works as part of the Corner Inlet on the inlet. In recent months DPI and the Connections Project. West Gippsland CMA have been working with landholders in the area, focusing on fencing creeks, soils, fertilisers and effluent With the help of Daniel Watts from DPI The Truscotts frequently refer to the management. Ellinbank, the landholders have drawn up DairySAT self-assessment tool which effluent, nutrient and fertiliser management Dairy Australia recommends for dairy plans. Often it is a case of putting down farmers to improve productivity and in writing the guidelines and procedures environmental outcomes on their farms. which the farmers have long had in their They have found it a useful guide for heads. best practice in everything from effluent The Truscotts have upgraded their effluent management to native vegetation and management system and make the most waterways, but were pleased to note of the nutrients and water from the ponds. that they had already adopted many of its recommendations. “We recycle the waste water for washing One of the benefits of the dairy yard and spraying onto our The West Gippsland CMA has also been paddocks in the summer time,” Peter says. working with farmers on revegetating and reusing wastewater is that fencing off riparian zones. Fencing off the “We hire a slurry tanker to apply the streams reduces grazing pressure and less fertiliser is needed, effluent onto the more distant paddocks.” helps prevent erosion and sediment loss. and consequently the One of the benefits of reusing wastewater Trees provide valuable shade and shelter is that less fertiliser is needed, and for stock as well as habitat for birds and farmer saves money. consequently the farmer saves money. other wildlife. With the help of the soil and effluent “We’ve been doing this for some time on samples he took, Daniel Watts recently Golden Creek, which flows through our drew up a guide for fertilising the Truscott property, and the mangroves in the inlet property. are definitely looking healthier,” Lynne says. The plan shows that sometimes they Peter is pleased to see the birdlife can do with less fertiliser and the mix is increasing as he plants more trees beside adjusted according to the soil samples. the creek.

4 | victorian landcare and catchment management It’s a great area to be farming in with high rainfall and productive land.

The Corner Inlet Connections Project is involving landholders at both the top and the bottom of the catchment.

Cleaning up the headwater Network, three Landcare groups are working and a recently renovated dairy where creeks in the Strzeleckis together to improve the health of Corner 120 cows are milked. Up in the Strzelecki Ranges, at the Inlet and the Nooramunga catchment. Trent and Belinda are now in their third headwaters of the Jack and Albert Rivers, Trent enjoys farming in the area. season on the 150-acre property. Their members of the Yarram Yarram Landcare future plans include fencing out Billy Creek, Network are also working on the Corner “It’s a great area to be farming in with high removing willows and re-establishing native Inlet Connections Project. The measures rainfall and productive land. The Corner vegetation along its banks. There are they take to protect their waterways will have Inlet Connections Project is an added plans to link the two creek plantings with an effect further down the catchment where bonus that will improve our waterways a shelter belt of trees and shrubs allowing the creeks meet the sea. The landholders – and there’s an even further bonus have been removing blackberries, fencing off that the work will have a positive impact wind protection from the westerlies in the remnant vegetation and planting native trees. downstream by protecting Corner Inlet.” winter and shade and shelter for the cows and pastures in the warmer months. At Binginwarri, Trent and Belinda Crawford In addition to the creeks, the farm also are laying out plans for their dairy farming includes five acres of healthy remnant For further information contact Gillian business. After some time share farming, vegetation which is fenced and protected Hayman at Dairy Australia on 5683 2663 Trent decided it was time to lease some from grazing, productive clay loam soils or go to www.dairyingfortomorrow.com land and manage his own herd. Trent Crawford inspects recent work to remove blackberries from the headwaters of the Jack and The Crawfords are members of the Albert River catchments. The long-term benefits will include less sediment run off into Corner Inlet. Binginwarri Landcare Group and are working hard to remove blackberries within the headwaters of the Albert River. Belinda grew up on the farm and remembers swimming in the river as a child. “The farm was leased out for 20 years and unfortunately the weeds had a chance to take hold. Before we sprayed we couldn’t even get to the water because of the blackberries. It had become pretty ugly,” Trent said. The adjoining dairy farmers have also been involved in the project which is managed by the West Gippsland CMA with funds from the Federal Government’s Caring for our Country program. According to Paul Martin, former co-ordinator of the Yarram Yarram Landcare

autumn 11 issue 51 | 5 Wetland plants are very resilient and are expertly adapted to colonising new areas once the conditions are right.

A Southern Brown Tree Frog on Water Ribbons at Redman Bluff Wetlands. Creating and restoring wetlands

After a dry and difficult ten years, the developed over many years of observing recent high rainfall, saturated catchments and experimenting with wetland plantings, and flooding have seen some of Victoria’s particularly in Redman Bluff Wetlands in the freshwater marshes and wetlands bounce Grampians. back with vigour. It is very satisfying to see Make loose rich soils these areas lush with wetland herbage and Wetland plants need loose, deep, rich attracting myriads of native insects, frogs soils. For farm dams topdress with 300 to and birds. 600 mm of saved topsoil (200 mm is the Some wetlands have not recovered. The minimum). For restored wetlands the soil worst have been denied water, flooded or should be okay, but if the soil is compacted drained and no longer have the necessary it may need to be cultivated. hydrological conditions to support wetland Incorporate lots of organic material plants. Others have degraded slowly, their Where adding topsoil, or cultivating, add as in-soil seed banks exhausted after years of much mulch to the soil as possible. Wetland cropping and grazing. plants love to grow in pure organic material, Even in these areas all hope is not lost. so you cannot add too much organic Wetland plants are very resilient and are material. Aim for 50 percent of the soil expertly adapted to colonising new areas being made up of organic material. once the conditions are right. This can Add nutrients sometimes happen naturally, particularly if a Wetland plants are hungry. New wetlands source of seeds is close by in an adjoining (particularly dams or ponds), and restored wetland, and the hydrological conditions wetlands, often lack enough nutrients to are still favourable. At other times these allow wetland plants to establish rapidly. wetlands need a helping hand. When adding topsoil sprinkle a layer of Once the favourable water patterns blood and bone below it. When cultivating, are restored, or in the case of a new mix blood and bone into the soil. wetland, created, there are a number of Mulch heavily A natural wetland flourishes after years of steps that can be taken to help establish A thick layer of mulch not only conserves drought at Myston West Road in the Grampians. wetland plants. This advice has been moisture, it provides nutrients which feed the

6 | victorian landcare and catchment management A Southern Brown Tree Frog on Water Ribbons at Redman Bluff Wetlands. From left, Aileen and Tom Banfield, Gypsy the dog, Henry Beckitt-Curwen, Vanessa Beckitt and Aidan Banfield in front of Snip Swamp, part of the Redman Bluff Wetlands. The Grampians are in the background and Douglas Beckitt-Curwen was behind the camera.

The role of wetlands in fire and flood control Creating and restoring wetlands By Aidan Banfield In January 2006 the Banfields’ two floods were bare or sparsely vegetated. properties at Pomonal were burnt Downstream of the wetlands, flood out by the devastating Grampians peaks were not as big, being spread plants over time. Leaves, woodchips, hay, bushfires. They were fortunate to out over time. cut grass, composted grass, potting mix or save their houses and camping ground. tree pruning all make good mulch. I’ve used “The wetlands had the capacity to While some of this was due to their 30 cm thick grass hay with good success. hold back volumes of water and then own efforts on the day, Aidan Banfield Another excellent approach is to flood thick release it gradually as the flows over believes that his Redman Bluff Wetlands long grass in situ, or grow a heavy crop of rye the outlets eased.” effectively stopped the fire in its tracks. corn grass prior to flooding. Aidan has observed this was also the “It was amazing to see where the Plant generously case with Brady and Goose Neck fire had run out of puff, over a short Plant wetland plants at high density. This helps Swamps near Dunkeld when he visited distance, once it hit the wet ground them out-compete weeds, stabilises soils, them before and after the floods. absorbs wave energy, creates a microclimate surrounding and in between the and leads to quick growth. Large plants such wetlands,” Aidan said. “These areas were still releasing banked back floodwaters weeks after as Water Ribbons should be planted at four According to Aidan the wetland has the flood, taking some of the pressure per square metre and others (particularly also protected the property during the off the Wannon and Glenelg Rivers most wetland herbs) at 10 per square metre. recent floods. If budgets don’t allow for planting a wetland downstream. Other wetlands and at high density, choose the areas of the “It is the areas that were densely flood plains on these river systems wetland with most favourable conditions for vegetated (with stock excluded) in played their part too – all adding up wetland plants, and plant these. and around the wetlands that have not to less environmental and economic suffered damage. Areas on our property damage than we would have seen Use guards to protect plants and in the wetlands eroded by the without wetlands.” Wetland birds can cause heavy losses on newly planted areas. Guard plants for the first six months; longer if swans are present. Plastic tree guard sleeves with 4 x 1 metre bamboo stakes are ideal for individual plants. Keep water up through For further information go to An alternative is wire or plastic mesh guards the first summer www.wetlandsinfo.net.au/pdfdocs.html with 2 x 1 metre stakes. Use a cage with If possible add water by sprays or If you’d like to arrange a visit wire netting for dense plantings of several occasional flooding to keep soils a little to the Redman Bluff Wetlands square metres, or vine or orchard bird moist through the first summer. Mulch contact Aidan Banfield by email at netting on heavy wire frames for larger areas. helps with retaining moisture. [email protected]

autumn 2011 issue 51 | 7 Re-snagging the Goulburn River

to create habitat for native fish By Jim Castles

Snags have been removed from our river In-stream habitat mapping was carried systems in the past to improve boating out by scientists from the DSE Arthur Why are snags safety and navigation, and in the mistaken Rylah Institute in 2010 to identify areas belief that flows would improve as a that have a low density of snags. The important to native fish? result. Snag removal has caused the loss re-snagging sites will be selected based Snags are the branches, trunks and of in-stream habitat in our waterways, on this mapping and access to the whole trees found lodged in waterways. resulting in the decline of native fish waterway at the sites. populations. A group of fisheries and They form structures and create scour riverine ecologists from the Murray Darling The fallen trees to be used as snags pools (deep holes) in the riverbed which Basin Authority recently estimated that have been sourced from a number of provide habitat for native fish. locations across the catchment. River Red native fish communities in the basin were Fish use snags to shelter from fast about 10 per cent of their levels before Gum, Grey Box and Yellow Box trees currents and sunlight and take refuge European settlement. that had fallen in local government from predation. Snags are also important managed parks, reserves and roadsides to fish as feeding and spawning sites and Re-snagging, where feasible and practical, due to storms and flooding will be used as nursery areas for juvenile fish. is increasingly becoming a priority for the for the project. The CMA has received rehabilitation of native fish populations permission from VicRoads to use portions Recent investigations into the ecology of in our waterways. While re-snagging of some large trees that were removed large native fish species have shown that on its own is unlikely to achieve native as part of the construction of the snags provide vital habitat for native fish, fish recovery, when combined with Nagambie bypass. including the iconic Murray Cod and the revegetating riparian areas, restricting stock endangered Trout Cod. The project is part of the CMA’s Goulburn access and managing flows, a net benefit Research carried out over a seven- River Large Scale River Restoration for native fish populations is expected. year period in the Goulburn River near Project and funding was provided by Shepparton found almost twice as many The Goulburn Broken CMA is the Victorian State Government. implementing a re-snagging project in fish at a site with a high density of snags, the Goulburn River between Murchison For further information contact Jim Castles compared to a site with a low density and Shepparton. by email at [email protected] of snags.

A stockpile of timber that will be used to re-snag the Goulburn River. The timber was sourced from a park in Seymour and construction works along the Nagambie Goulburn Valley Highway bypass.

Fish use snags to shelter from fast currents and sunlight and take refuge from predation.

8 | victorian landcare and catchment management Many Indigenous people are really keen to get some reconnection to the land and to have a chance to pass on their skills and knowledge to the young blokes.

From left, Dick Murray, Wayne Edwards and Desi Smith from the Bidja Bila Landcare Group helped plant almost 500 trees and grasses at Gateway Island recently. Photograph courtesy of the Border Mail. New Landcare group helps Indigenous men reconnect with the Murray By Carrie Tiffany

Victoria’s first Indigenous Landcare group 50 different tribal groups represented in “The Landcare group will be a good has formed in the north east. The Bidja Bila, the region. opportunity for these young blokes to get or men of the river, Landcare Group has some practical experience. This will help The Murray Oxbow site has a lagoon with started work at Murray Oxbow, a 13-hectare them to find employment in the natural permanent water. The group is keen to do area of Crown land along the Murray River some fishing and see which fish species are resources area,” Richard said. between Albury and Wodonga. present. They are also planning to make Richard is now off to Mildura to talk to Richard Kennedy, Indigenous Involvement a bark canoe and traditional fishing spears the local Indigenous community about Officer with the North East CMA, said using local materials. getting involved in Landcare. He hopes the group was formed in response to Other Landcare projects include planting the example of the Bidja Bila Landcare the Finding Common Ground report. Group will inspire others to get involved. Commissioned by DSE, the report native trees and shrubs and removing recommended increased Indigenous introduced woody weed infestations. For further information contact involvement in environmental activities. At the group’s first working day they Richard Kennedy at the North East planted 500 native trees and grasses along CMA on (02) 6043 7613, or by email Richard Kennedy says the benefits of the Murray River on Gateway Island. at [email protected] Indigenous people being involved in Landcare go both ways. Bidja Bila group chairman Desi Smith said Indigenous Landcare the group provided an opportunity to meet resources on the Gateway “It’s obviously good for the environment, new people. Finding Common Ground: A review of but it is also good for the community. Many Indigenous people are really keen “You come along and you’re meeting Indigenous engagement in Landcare to get some reconnection to the land and people, and knowing that it’s good for the in Victoria is available on the Victorian to have a chance to pass on their skills and environment and getting back to nature. Landcare Gateway at www.landcarevic. knowledge to the young blokes.” I think it is a really good, positive thing.” net.au/resources/publications There are currently 14 active members Richard Kennedy said some of the younger A Landcare note for people interested in the group. Richard says although most members of the group were also undertaking in establishing an Indigenous Landcare of the men were born locally, the Albury training under a green jobs program at the group in their local area is available at Wodonga region is a resettlement hub for local TAFE to help them get first aid, chemical www.landcarevic.net.au/resources/ Indigenous people and there are around user and chainsaw certificates. for-groups/notes

autumn 2011 issue 51 | 9 Waterwatch – communities caring for local waterways

Waterwatch Victoria is a community engagement program where thousands of Victorians volunteer their time to Mudgegonga volunteers inspire local change monitor and rehabilitate local creeks, wetlands, groundwater, rivers and By Emma Nilsson estuaries. Waterwatch supports groups to get involved in local waterway A dedicated group of Waterwatch to the environmental condition of the monitoring and on-ground action. volunteers in Victoria’s north east has small creeks and catchments in the area. continued water quality monitoring in A network of Waterwatch co-ordinators “The information is useful for grant provides water quality and biological the face of prolonged drought, the 2009 applications and looking at trends to monitoring training and supports bushfires and severe flooding. highlight problems,” Stephen said. Waterwatch volunteers, schools and In February 2007 members of the The group has encouraged local community groups. For further information Mudgegonga Landcare Group started landholders to protect water quality by go to www.vic.waterwatch.org.au water quality monitoring three waterways fencing areas of riverbanks, eradicating that flow into the Ovens River after they weeds and invasive species and reducing suspected Mudgegonga might be the the use of pollutants. source of poor water quality in the area. In 2009 Mudgegonga was impacted by the Since that time members have tested Black Saturday bushfires which destroyed eight local sites along the Barwidgee stock, fences, crops and many homes. The and Happy Valley Creeks each volunteers continued to monitor the local month. The sites are monitored for waterways, providing valuable information reactive phosphorus, turbidity, nitrate, on erosion and sediment issues to the dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, community. temperature, pH and macro-invertebrates. Mudgegonga Waterwatch has been an A Waterwatch team based at the North East inspiration to the 60 other Waterwatch CMA has offered support and guidance to volunteers in the north east who have the Mudgegonga Waterwatch group. The witnessed the community rebuilding their team analyses the group’s monthly data and lives and properties after the bushfires. develops an annual report that demonstrates Despite difficult times the group has remained how the results compare against the strong and continued to promote healthy objectives of the State Environment waterways as well as raise awareness of the Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria). importance of improving catchment health. According to Mudgegonga Landcare Group For further information contact Emma Co-ordinator Stephen Routledge the way Nilsson on (02) 6043 7616 or visit the that the data is collated gives a clear idea as website at www.necma.vic.gov.au

Two volunteers from the Mudgegonga Waterwatch Group collect monitoring supplies from Waterwatch Co-ordinators from the North East CMA. Indigenous wetland vegetation is being planted along the river as well as aquatic plants that have been placed to provide emerging and floating vegetation – ideal frog habitat.

10 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Waterwatch – communities caring for local waterways

Building habitat for a special frog

By Rebecca George

For the past two years Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) has made a concerted effort to rehabilitate a wetland along the Barwon River in Geelong. With funding from Shell, the project aims to encourage the once common Southern Bell Frog (Litoria reniformis) to return to the area. The Southern Bell Frog is also known as the Growling Grass Frog due to the distinctive growling call of the adult male. This ground-dwelling and relatively large frog once had a population across its southern range numbered in the millions. Today, the frog is estimated to have a wild population of approximately fifty thousand and the species is listed as endangered. The major reason for the decline of Southern Bell Frog populations in SA and NSW is chytrid disease. In Victoria, populations are relatively disease-free. A Waterwatch co-ordinator provides a close-up of the many water bugs found in the However, declining water quality, changed rehabilitated wetland. water flows and loss of habitat are placing pressure on these frogs which will further reduce their resilience to disease and CVA has formed a partnership with For further information contact Corangamite Waterwatch at the Rebecca George at the Corangamite exacerbate broader population health Corangamite CMA to establish a monitoring CMA on 5232 9100. issues. program and provide training and At one particular wetland along the equipment for its volunteers. Volunteers Barwon River, the Shell EcoVolunteer generally visit the wetland once a month group at CVA has been busy removing for ongoing rehabilitation works and for willows and other invasive weed species water testing. Collecting water quality and cleaning up general rubbish such information from the wetland has given as mattresses and shopping trolleys. the volunteers a greater understanding Indigenous wetland vegetation is being of the health and function of the wetland. planted along the river as well as aquatic A number of family days and school plants that have been placed to provide excursions have also been held at the emerging and floating vegetation – ideal wetland. Waterwatch co-ordinators frog habitat. have used these opportunities to show By the end of the project CVA plans to families and students the diverse array enhance wetland habitat at four other of macro-invertebrates that live in locations along a 20-kilometre stretch the wetlands. Macro-invertebrates are of the Barwon River in an urban area of a biological indicator of waterway Geelong. Rehabilitating several wetlands health. An abundance and diversity A group of young volunteers from CVA gets will minimise habitat fragmentation and of macro-invertebrates will create involved in water quality monitoring at a encourage frog populations to move ideal conditions for higher wetland wetland near Geelong. across wetlands and expand their habitat. consumers such as frogs.

autumn 2011 issue 51 | 11 Regional Landcare Aquatic weed alert Infestations of aquatic weeds can choke waterways, Facilitators restrict access for irrigation and recreational purposes The Australian Government’s and harm aquatic flora and fauna. commitment to support a national network of Regional Landcare Facilitators continues to be implemented in Victoria In Victoria, five aquatic species are declared following the recent heavy rains and floods. with ten organisations contracted to host as State prohibited weeds under the Aquatic weeds can spread rapidly following a Regional Landcare Facilitator. Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 these events and potentially establish The Regional Landcare Facilitators will due to their highly invasive nature and across vast areas of waterway making their work with the State funded Regional the threat that they pose to the State. eradication difficult. Landcare Co-ordinators to support Adopting good hygiene practices such as Landowners are urged not to attempt to community Landcare and production washing down boats, clothing and fishing control or dispose of any suspect infestations groups to adopt sustainable farm and land equipment is an effective way to prevent themselves, but to call DPI immediately to management practices. The facilitators are: aquatic weeds from being introduced into arrange for the safe removal of the plants. North East Ovens Landcare Network new areas. For more information about aquatic or Amber Croft and Dave Cromarty. Landholders need to be extra vigilant in other State prohibited weeds contact the Tel: 0408 930 508 the search for invasive aquatic weeds Customer Service Centre on 136 186. Glenelg Hopkins CMA To be advised. Tel: 5551 3351 Project Platypus Association Incorporated Bob Wallace, Bindi Lees and Trevor Barker. Tel: 5358 4410 Corangamite CMA Grant Godden. Tel: 5232 9100 Far East Victoria Landcare Inc To be advised. Tel: 5161 1365 North Central CMA Ashley Beven. Tel: 5440 1809 West Gippsland CMA Nick Dudley. Tel: 1300 094 262 Goulburn Broken CMA Charlie Sexton. Tel: 5761 1619 Port Phillip and Westernport CMA To be advised. Tel: 9296 4662 Mallee CMA Tom Fagan. Tel: 5051 4331 The Australian Government will also work with the Regional Landcare Facilitators through their community networks to help land managers understand how they can benefit from the Carbon Farming Initiative. More information about the Carbon Farming Initiative is available at www.climatechange.gov.au/cfi Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a free-floating perennial herb. It is regarded as one For further information contact of the world’s worst water weeds because of its ability to reproduce rapidly and choke waterways. Dean Jones, Caring for our Country Facilitator, on 5430 4530. Water Hyacinth is easily identified by its swollen, bulbous leaves and purple flower with a yellow spot on the upper petal. Water Hyacinth infestations have been found in ponds and dams throughout Victoria.

12 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Aquatic weed alert By Katie Le Blanc

Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is a free-floating All species of Horsetail (Equisetum species) Lagarosiphon (Lagarosiphon major) has perennial fern. Its leaves are oval shaped and are declared State prohibited weeds in submerged growth and can be rooted or covered in waxy hairs. Submerged leaves look Victoria. Horsetails have hollow stems free floating. and act like roots. Salvinia can grow very quickly with vertical grooves that are jointed. The simplest way to identify Lagarosiphon is and form dense mats across the water surface Instead of flowers Horsetails produce cones. by the leaves. They are stiff to touch, bright in just a few days. Horsetails also have extensive underground to dark green in colour and are arranged in Salvinia infestations are generally restricted to root systems which enable them to spread alternate spirals along the length of the stem. backyard ponds. Salvinia poses a significant to neighbouring properties. Horsetails are Lagarosiphon is not currently known to be in threat to local river and lake systems. A recent a semi-aquatic weed. At this stage Horsetails Victoria. infestation was detected on a private dam in have only been detected in backyards. western Gippsland. Horsetails are poisonous to stock if eaten.

Landholders need to be extra vigilant in the search for invasive aquatic weeds following the recent heavy rains and floods.

Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) can be identified by its hollow stems and white, ball-shaped flowers that appear on individual flower stalks. The leaves are glossy green and form in opposite pairs along the stem. Alligator Weed has previously been confused with a vegetable commonly used by the Sri Lankan community called Mukunu-Wenna. A number of backyard infestations still exist as a result of this confusion and some creeks in Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs are also infested. Regional infestations have also been discovered in Bendigo and Warragul.

autumn 2011 issue 51 | 13 Winery benefits from wetland flavour

Visitors to the Tahbilk Estate near Nagambie are generally thinking more about wine than about wetlands. While the Tahbilk winery, established in 1860, is well known for its contribution to the Australian wine industry it has also been making headlines for wetland management.

The estate has been in the Purbrick family for five generations and the environmental ethic has been handed down with interest. The winery is surrounded by a large water mass. This creates a unique meso-climate which enables Tahbilk to produce wines that are distinctly different to those in the surrounding area. While the Goulburn River flows to Tahbilk’s west the estate also contains eight kilometres of meandering billabongs which make their way through the middle of the property. Bird hides, timber boardwalks and walking tracks allow visitors to get close to nature at The swampy billabongs were known by the Tahbilk wetlands. Scientists are electronically tracking the the local Aboriginal people as Tabilk-Tabilk

endangered Freshwater Catfish in the – meaning the place of many waterholes. Tahbilk billabongs. With the construction of the Goulburn catfish in Victoria. The fallen trees, aquatic Weir in 1889 the Goulburn River was plants and slow flowing waterways of the raised five metres and the billabongs are Tahbilk billabongs are ideal habitat for the now permanent. catfish. The consistent water levels, slow flow One of the main aquatic plants that and warmer temperatures have attracted provides shelter for the catfish is also an abundance of native birds, fish and another endangered species. The Water amphibians, including some endangered Shield Lily (Brascenia schreberi) is a and threatened species. perennial aquatic plant unique to Victoria. The lily forms a wide floating fringe around Habitat for endangered species the billabongs which the catfish use as Tahbilk has been a member of the coverage for nesting. Nagambie Landcare Group since its inception. More recently it has been In partnership with DSE, Tahbilk has started assisted by DSE and the Goulburn Broken a range of water rehabilitation initiatives to CMA to develop a management plan to improve the in-stream conditions in the Forming positive partnerships help protect the Tahbilk billabongs from billabongs on the property. impurities and eradicate introduced pest has been critical to Tahbilk’s The first of these strategies has been plants such as the Mexicana Lily. success in its environmental revegetation and fencing around the DSE is electronically tracking the remnant vegetation areas to exclude stock. projects. endangered Freshwater Catfish (Tandanus The second is the construction of a new tandanus) in the billabongs. The Freshwater bridge which will allow more effective fish Catfish have been declining in numbers for passage between the Tahbilk billabongs and at least the last 60 years throughout the the Goulburn River. The bridge will ensure Murray Darling Basin area due to habitat there is enough space and light for the fish degradation, disruption in flow regulation to pass between the two areas. and competition with introduced fish Revegetation has been underway in the species. wetlands since 1995 when additional trees The billabongs offer a habitat haven for the and understorey were planted to attract most southerly remnant population of the greater numbers of birds and gliders.

14 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Winery benefits from wetland flavour By Hayley Purbrick Landcare photography competition

Readers are invited to enter our 2011 Landcare Photography Competition. Entries are invited in three categories: sustainability, water and ‘what Landcare means to me’.

There is a general prize in each category and prizes for primary and secondary students. Each prize winner will receive $150 for their school, Landcare group, or charity of choice. The winning entries will be published in the magazine. To enter, send a low resolution jpg (under 200KB) to [email protected] with your name, contact details and a caption. Prints and CDs will also be accepted and should be posted to: Project Officer, Victorian Landcare & Catchment Management magazine, DSE, PO Box 500, East Melbourne 8002. You will need to gain the permission of anyone who is recognisable in your photographs. A high resolution file (over 1MB) will be required if your photograph is to be published. The competition closes on 10 June 2011. Entries can also be uploaded and viewed on the Landcare Gateway: www.landcarevic.net.au/resources/magazine/vic/2011-landcare-photography-competition

In 2004 these efforts were complemented with nature walking paths, timber board walks and bird hides which are now open to the public every day. Tahbilk is working with the local Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank to revegetate much of the estate with native species such as the River Bottlebrush (Callistemon sieberi), the Rough-barked Honey-myrtle (Melaleuca parvistimina) and the Wedge Leaf Hop Bush (Dodonea viscosa). In association with the Seedbank, Tahbilk has also created a new trial site which will ensure the future supply of genetically healthy seed for direct seeding and tubestock revegetation projects on the Longwood plains. Forming positive partnerships has been critical to Tahbilk’s success in its environmental projects. By getting the appropriate agencies involved we’ve been able to access the right knowledge and expertise. This has helped us to get the most out of the property – both for our business and for the environment. Beth Brisbane took this photograph of a Royal Spoonbill in the wetland at Doctors Swamp, It’s about getting the balance right. west of Murchison, in December 2010 – something that has not been seen for many years. For more information contact Hayley Purbrick by email at hpurbrick@tahbilk. com.au

autumn 2011 issue 51 | 15 Revegetation work along Deep Creek by the Deep Creek Landcare Group will help create healthy waterways for the Yarra Pygmy Perch. Deep Creek Landcare Group’s Yarra Pygmy Perch rescue mission

Once prominent in the swamps and habitat has forced Yarra Pygmy Perch into The president of the DCLG, John Blamey, lagoons of early Melbourne, urban sprawl only a few locations in Victoria, and the said he was thrilled when their application saw populations of Yarra Pygmy Perch species is now extinct in the Yarra River. was approved. (Nannoperca obscura), dwindle as bodies Yarra Pygmy Perch were first discovered in “The WWF recognised the dangerous of water were drained to make way for Melbourne in the 1870s. They are usually development. This drastic change to their position the Yarra Pygmy Perch population light brown with a pale belly, spots along was in and was able to help us in our the midline, and clear, faint yellow to black rescue mission,” John said. fins. They can grow to 6 or 7 centimetres, but are sometimes smaller than a dollar The DCLG received $5000 from the WWF coin. which was used to remove introduced vegetation around the creek and replant The small size of the fish makes them native species. The area was then fenced vulnerable to predators and also makes off to protect it from further damage. it harder for them to compete for often limited resources. Yarra Pygmy Perch Waterwatch drought monitoring are listed as a threatened species both in The DCLG conducted fortnightly drought The small size of the fish Australia and internationally. refuge monitoring during autumn and summer on behalf of Melbourne Water’s makes them vulnerable to Landcare takes a stand Healthy Waterways Waterwatch program. predators and also makes it The Deep Creek Landcare Group (DCLG) was formed in 1986 and is one of the The drought monitoring project uses local harder for them to compete oldest in Victoria. The group works around knowledge and gathers observational data the Lancefield area to revegetate and which is then reported back to Melbourne for often limited resources. rehabilitate land and promote sustainable Water. The information helps Melbourne Landcare values. Water form drought response plans for the area. The group learned the local Yarra Pygmy Perch population was endangered in Melbourne Water senior aquatic scientist 2000 and applied to the World Wildlife Dan Borg said Waterwatch had been Foundation (WWF) for funding to help conducting drought monitoring for the past restore the Yarra Pygmy Perch’s habitat, two years to keep an eye on the Yarra and hopefully save the diminishing species. Pygmy Perch population.

16 |  victorian landcare and catchment management In this case, the willows were out-competing the native in-stream vegetation that provides shelter for Yarra Pygmy Perch, which was leaving them vulnerable to predators.

The Yarra Pygmy Perch is a small fish with a dangerously small population.

Deep Creek Landcare Group’s Yarra Pygmy Perch rescue mission By Anushia Sivanesan

“The small Yarra Pygmy Perch population “Community groups are a fantastic help in Victoria is critically important to the because they know the local area well, genetic diversity of the species,” Dan said. are passionate about it and can dedicate extra time to each site. They help to “It makes the drought refuge program very implement and maintain the programs, important because we need to recognise and protect safe havens for threatened fish and work with us to achieve the best such as the Yarra Pygmy Perch.” outcome for the waterway.” The drought refuge monitoring is part of Melbourne Water invested $115,000 to a long-term, co-ordinated plan for the rehabilitate the site and with help from species’ survival. Deep Creek Landcare Group and Parks Victoria hopes to see a rise in the Yarra Restoring river health Pygmy Perch population. In 2008 Melbourne Water began a willow removal program in the Lancefield area A lot of work must still be done to try to eliminate introduced plants that were to increase Yarra Pygmy Perch numbers dominating the waterways. to a sustainable level. As a long-term alternative, Melbourne Water is looking The General Manager of Waterways, into possible re-location of the Yarra Chris Chesterfield, said the site in Pygmy Perch species. Lancefield was identified as somewhere that significant work had to be done to John Blamey said the Deep Creek protect a vulnerable species. Landcare Group was dedicated to ensuring the survival of the Yarra “In this case, the willows were out-competing Pygmy Perch. the native in-stream vegetation that provides shelter for Yarra Pygmy Perch, which was “A lot of good work has been done so leaving them vulnerable to predators.” far, but we still have work ahead of us.”

Chris Chesterfield said that the help of For further information contact Sam Harrison from Waterwatch nurses a local community groups like Deep Creek Anushia Sivanesan at Melbourne Water Yarra Pygmy Perch, with Mat Kinred from Landcare was invaluable when it came to on 9235 7152, or by email at anushia. Melbourne Water and John Blamey, maintaining river health. [email protected] President of Deep Creek Landcare.

autumn 2011 issue 51 | 17 FTLA Update

By Susi Johnson

The Farm Tree and Landcare Association’s annual forum was held in February and it was a good opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the association. In the past year 14 new groups joined the FTLA. We took the feedback from our last annual forum to the Ministers, both Federal and State, continued our representations for more co-ordinators, participated in the Landcare Volunteer Recruitment Initiative, the annual Landcare Forum at Halls Gap and Caring for our Country consultation in Canberra. We auspiced 39 groups in applying for the Federal Government’s Community Action Grants, made submissions regarding the National Landcare Framework and began discussions with the Victorian Landcare Council and the Victorian Landcare Network on working together more closely. We progressed our business plan, negotiated a property insurance deal, provided governance training and kits and Fencing farm dams to exclude stock will improve water quality. increased our interstate membership. We also witnessed the terrible flooding and are helping members with recovery in any way we can. FTLA history Farm water solutions 2011 is the 25th anniversary of Landcare and the FTLA. One of our projects this By Heather Field year is to put together a history of the association. If you have served on the committee or been otherwise involved Inadequate or unreliable water supply efficient water use in the grazing, dairy and and have recollections or documents that or poor water quality can be a major horticulture industries. would be of interest please get in touch. limitation for property owners reliant on On-farm activities, training and up-to-date water from intermittent water sources The FTLA incorporated in 1986 as the information is available to help farmers such as rainwater tanks, watercourses or Victorian Land Management and Farm get the most out of their water today dams. Water supply and quality issues can Trees Group Inc, changing its name to while planning for tomorrow. restrict the scale and type of enterprises include Landcare during the 1990s. conducted, and the productivity and Training packages have been developed We were involved with Open Farms profitability of the property. to improve the management of stock, and Greening Australia and hosted domestic and other non-irrigated farm Landcare Liaison Officers. The Trunkline With our climate changing to less water supplies for environmental, publication went out to 8000 members predictable rainfall patterns farmers reliant economic and social sustainability in a before the Landcare magazine started in on surface and groundwater may need variable climate. 1996. Some issues – safety, tax, insurance to adapt their farming systems to ensure and fears that bureaucracy would kill availability and efficient use of farm water This project has a user-friendly website Landcare – appear regularly in the and sustainable production systems into at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/farmwatersolutions minutes. the future. and a series of farm water agnotes and farming stories to assist landholders Despite challenges, the number of Farm Water Solutions is a DPI project plan and manage farm water. Landcare volunteers, groups and networks working with service and training continues to grow, as does the FTLA. providers, water authorities, retailers and For more information on the training We look forward to the next 25 years farm communities to better understand packages available please contact of Landcare. and manage water access, storage and Heather Field at DPI on 5336 6607.

18 |  victorian landcare and catchment management E-tags reveal the travel patterns of our native fish

By Rachel Rodger

Technology similar to e-tags that track cars on Melbourne’s A fishway on the Barham River near tollways will be used to provide details about fish Apollo Bay. communities in the Corangamite region.

The Corangamite CMA will trial the Fish movements tracked Geelong. However, there is an expectation technology in Geelong’s Barwon River to up- and downstream these bigger fish species will have access shed light on what’s happening beneath According to Denis Lovric the technology upstream and in time establish populations the water and assess the prevalence of is not unlike a traffic control system used to further along the waterway. record traffic volume on roads. endangered species. Once the infrastructure is in place and According to Denis Lovric, a senior river “A PIT tag reader will be built inside the the study is complete, researchers hope health officer with the Corangamite CMA, fishway. It will be like the two rubber strips to establish an online database of fish the study will provide the most advanced put on roads to monitor cars, but in this migration information for agency staff and information on fish habitat, helping case it will track the direction of movement public access. More fishways are planned researchers assess the effectiveness of of the fish up- and downstream,” he said. for Kennedy’s Creek, Skenes Creek, St George River, Yahoo Creek and the man-made interventions like fishways. “Fish need access to the river upstream as Gellibrand River. River health staff will well as the sea so it’s important we monitor The study will take place over 12 months also conduct studies to determine the the effectiveness of fish passages. Some of following construction of a vertical slot effectiveness of existing fishways. fishway – a man-made passage that enables our native fish are endangered. We need fish to climb barriers and migrate up- and to ensure they can access the best available The Gellibrand River, which travels through downstream for breeding. Environmental habitat to complete their life cycles.” the Otways to the Princetown coast, is a research priority. researchers from the DSE Arthur Rylah If it functions as researchers predict, the ­­Institute will conduct the study, first fishway built into the Barwon River’s lower Denis Lovric and his river health colleagues catching as many fish as possible to implant tidal barrage will also provide benefits for are keen to see whether there has been them with a tiny electronic (PIT) tag. This recreational anglers. Currently, species a positive impact on fish populations and will track the fish’s movements and feed like Estuary Perch and Black Bream water quality following the completion of information to a computerised database. cannot access the Barwon River through more than 100km of rehabilitative work along the waterway in the past decade. Australian Grayling sighted He said there were already signs threatened fish communities had improved. An Australian Grayling was photographed in the Gellibrand River last year. This is believed to be the only positive identification of the species in the waterway. “As part of the study, we’ll find out what effect the rehabilitation work has had on the river,” Denis said. “It would be fantastic if threatened species like the Australian Grayling, which have not been officially recorded in the Gellibrand before, are found in greater numbers.” For further information contact Rachel Rodger at the Corangamite CMA on 5232 9133 or by email at [email protected] Denis Lovric in front of a constructed fishway. Fishways allow native fish to migrate up- and downstream for breeding.

autumn 2011 issue 51 | 19 Managing bogs in the Strathbogie Ranges

Local Strathbogie Ranges Landcare groups have long known that the spring wetlands (locally referred to as bogs) are a unique and important part of their landscape. In 2005 a worrying trend developed where landholders were digging out their bogs to build farm dams for stock watering during the drier seasons, which inspired the Hughes Creek Catchment Collaborative to run a bog protection program.

Researchers started detailed field investigations that revealed that although relatively common on the Strathbogie Ranges, the spring wetlands were unique to the area. Information days and field days increased interest in the diversity and ecology of bogs amongst landholders and most now value them as assets rather than nuisances that need improving by slashing and draining. The diverse remnant wetlands are an environmentally significant, but depleted asset. The biodiversity values of the wetlands are many, including providing critical habitat for vulnerable species such as sphagnum moss-beds, Long-nosed Bandicoots and Latham’s Snipe (a rare wetland bird).

A Strathbogie Ranges bog. The bogs don’t look like typical wetlands.

Alpaca breeder turns wetland manager

Robyn Betts recently bought 100 acres Robyn’s challenge is to maintain and in the Strathbogie Ranges with the aim enhance the diversity of flora and fauna. of consolidating her alpaca breeding “The management plan was great enterprise. When Robyn first purchased to help identify management options. the land she had no idea that it It’s a way of thinking about where contained wetlands. According to Robyn weeds are now and how to monitor a site visit from a Wetland Tender field and manage the weeds,” she said. officer was a real eye opener. Fencing off significant areas from The visit gave her an opportunity to alpacas and occasional grazing of other understand the complexity of her areas is also part of the plan. wetland, its soils, plants and animals. Latham’s Snipe, a freshwater wetland The knowledge she has gained from Robyn Betts in the wetland on her property in the Strathbogie Ranges. bird, was found during the site the tender process has broadened assessment, as well as evidence of her focus from alpaca breeding to Long-nosed Bandicoots. improving the biodiversity value of the property, particularly the wetlands.

20 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Managing bogs in the Strathbogie Ranges By Jenny Wilson, Bertram Lobert, Janet Hagen and Simon Casanelia Landcare and art in the Barrabool Hills

The Barrabool Hills Landcare Group has found a way to link art and the environment with the production of a recent booklet recording changes in the local landscape.

The booklet features an image of Eugene von Guerard’s oil painting, A View of Geelong, 1856, on the cover. The booklet also includes many before Fairy Aprons are found growing in the saturated soils of bogs. and after photographs of Landcare sites throughout the hills. At the launch of the booklet, Mick The wetlands are groundwater dependent Wetland Tender operated in several stages. Shawcross, President of the Barrabool – water seeps from the ground and Initially, after receiving an information kit, Hills Landcare Group, said the group provides seasonal, or year-round saturated landowners choose to put in an expression thought it was important to document soils. At many sites, soil saturation provides of interest. A free, no-obligation site visit and celebrate its achievements. conditions for peat formation, where dead was then organised by a field officer. Some vegetation accumulates in the bog more members of local Landcare groups were “Using the von Guerard is a way for us to show how significant these hills have quickly than it decomposes and builds up a employed as field officers. always been to the Geelong community, spongy, anaerobic layer that then supports Following the site visit the wetlands and I think will continue to be,” he said. shrubby, heathy vegetation above it. Most were assessed for quality and size and of these wetlands are on private property management actions were discussed For further information contact and very few are in conservation reserves. with the landowner. These actions were Kaye Rodden by email at [email protected] In recognition of the importance of these recorded in a management plan. Finally, wetlands, the Goulburn Broken CMA the landowner decided how much provided an opportunity for landowners money they required to carry out the to receive financial incentives, through a management actions and submitted a bid tender process, to manage their spring to the Goulburn Broken CMA. The bids wetlands for conservation. The Wetland were assessed against a range of criteria, including value-for-money and quantity and Tender Program was funded through the quality of the wetlands to be protected. Victorian Government. After the assessment phase landowners Landowners tender to carry were notified of the result of their bid. out management actions The tender approach allowed landowners The Wetland Tender Program for the to decide how much financial assistance Strathbogie Ranges has now closed. A similar program for the Longwood they require to manage their land for Plains area is planned for 2012. biodiversity conservation and used public funding efficiently by ensuring priority areas For further information contact Jenny with high biodiversity values were targeted Wilson on 5820 1100 or by email at in a cost-effective manner. [email protected]

autumn 2011 issue 51 | 21 Around the State – News from the Regional Landcare Co-ordinators

Corangamite The Landcare Impressions – Sowing the seeds of change in Corangamite booklet was launched in February at Derrinallum. The booklet showcases a collection of inspiring stories from individuals and groups from across the region. A great day was had by over 50 community members and group co-ordinators along with the Victorian State Landcare team. Well done to all those involved. The 2011 Corangamite Landcare Awards will be held from April – June this year. Check the website at www.cma.vic.gov.au for information on how to nominate members of your community.

For further information contact The Victorian State Landcare team with Corangamite volunteers and co-ordinators at Tracey McRae on 5232 9100. Mount Elephant for the launch of a new booklet about Landcare in the region. Goulburn Broken Our Regional Landcare Facilitator is well Dan Garlick. Dan, along with Sam Monks, The region will be holding its environmental underway with getting to know the Bronwyn Johnson and the network awards this year. Applications are now Landcare networks and putting together a board, are entering an exciting phase for being accepted across the different sustainable farming program that everyone the district. Maffra & District Landcare categories. This is always a great chance to can get involved in. Network continues a phase of review recognise and celebrate the excellent work Three new Conservation Management and renewal led by co-ordinator people carry out that contributes to the Networks have formed in the last 12 Darren Williams and board. improvement of our environment. months. Our challenge is to co-ordinate Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network For further information contact works between these groups and now has 20 Landcare groups. The most Tony Lithgow on 5571 2526. existing Landcare networks. The CMA recent are the Friends of Land & Water North East will be working with the networks and Landcare Group based around the new Flood events have continued in the region government representatives to ensure that lifestyle village in Warragul and the over spring and summer. Some floods the support for our facilitators is secured Latrobe Urban Landcare Group. into the coming year. have wiped away years of Landcare work South Gippsland Landcare Network recently from our waterways. For further information contact held a community meeting in Foster to look The regional Landcare awards will be Tony Kubeil on 5761 1619. at a new Tiger Quoll Corridor Project. running in May – June this year. The More than 50 interested people attended. Port Phillip and Westernport awards will be part of our celebrations Support for Landcare and other Bass Coast Landcare Network, in of 25 years of Landcare in the region. community-based natural resource partnership with two other networks, Keep an eye out for the call for management is stepping up again in the recently launched its Landcare Stewardship nominations. A DVD of Landcare in the region. Our unsuccessful bid to secure Project and Soil Project. GippsLandcare region is also being developed to mark the Caring for our Country funding to continue has started on a promotions campaign to 25th anniversary. the CatchmentCare Co-ordination raise awareness about how people can get program led to the loss of local support An Indigenous Women’s Landcare Group involved in Landcare in the region with a positions. Since then, the CMA has has been formed in the region and series of advertisements and articles in the negotiated with Melbourne Water and includes members from both Victoria and local print media. others to secure funding to restore NSW. The group has already completed support roles. For further information contact their initial plan and will be working closely Phillip McGarry on 1300 094 262. with local community health organisations Agreement has been reached that 4.4 and schools. This group, as well as the Glenelg Hopkins community NRM co-ordinator positions new Indigenous men’s group – Bidja Bila, will be established until at least June 2012. While the good rains in the region have was formed through the support of the been great there has been some flood For further information contact Victorian Landcare Program, Volunteer damage to crops and infrastructure. The Doug Evans on 9296 4662. Recruitment Initiative, Caring for our CMA is currently assessing whether there Country and the CMA. West Gippsland has been damage to completed Second Yarram Yarram Landcare Network Generation funded work. The CMA will For further information contact Tom Croft welcomes their new co-ordinator, apply for funds to rectify this damage. on (02) 6024 9107.

22 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Around the State – News from the Regional Landcare Co-ordinators

North Central East Gippsland Mallee The region continues to deal with the The region has been challenged by The region has experienced a number ongoing challenges from the several both fire and flood in recent months. of challenges recently with locusts, rain, flood events that have occurred over the Members of the Landcare community mosquitoes, bumper harvests and now, past months. Many groups have been send their good wishes to those in some cases, waterlogging. unable to complete their projects due recovering from these events. Many farmers are reporting high numbers of to the rain – a very different story to the A fire in Far East Gippsland in early rabbits and with plenty of feed around they previous ten years. However, groups are February burnt out in excess of 11,000 have the potential to escalate and become a still active and finishing off their 2009-10 hectares of grassland and bush. More major problem very quickly. In response to Second Generation projects. than 20 properties had damage to this a number of groups are underway with Welcome to Ashley Beven, the new over 50 kilometres of fencing. Several their rabbit ripping programs. Weed growth Regional Landcare Facilitator in the region. Landcare revegetation sites were has also been strong with the extra moisture. Funded by the Caring for our Country destroyed. Groups tackling weeds such as Bridal program, she will work with groups in Creeper this year will be kept very busy. The expressions of interest received addressing sustainable land management for the 2011/12 Victorian Landcare Major flooding in the region means practices. Grants are positive and indicate that extensive areas of Landcare works Groups are currently reflecting on the Landcare is healthy in the region. The including fencing and revegetation will past year by completing the ‘supporting Far East Victoria Landcare Network have to be repaired or replaced. A lot of your group’ survey. The survey tracks and Snowy River Interstate Landcare these works were completed when groups group health and provides the Landcare Committee have secured Caring for had more support so this will put a huge team with information to help plan support our Country funding for a Regional burden on already strained resources. for the year ahead. Landcare Facilitator position. The increase in water in the region is For further information contact For further information contact seeing previously parched wetlands and Jodie Odgers on 5440 1883. Sandie Brown on 5150 3581. riparian zones teeming with flora and fauna. We are witnessing the return of some species that have not been seen The fire that raged through Far East Gippsland in early February destroyed several Landcare sites. for many years and in some places were thought to be locally extinct. It is a unique opportunity for us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Mallee. For further information contact Kevin Chaplin on 5051 4344. Wimmera The region faced many challenges over summer with locusts, late harvests and floods. The flood recovery effort continues to demand time and energy as scattered fence lines and debris are cleaned up across the catchment. The region has three enthusiastic Caring for our Country funded facilitators based in local networks. Bindi Lee is active in the west Wimmera; Trevor Barker is supporting the Hindmarsh Landcare Network and Yarrilinks areas; and Bob Wallace is working for Project Platypus. Hindmarsh Landcare Network, supported by the CMA, will host the third Wimmera Landcare Forum in early April at the Little Desert Nature Lodge near Nhill. Extra water and colour in the landscape this year will make for a spectacular backdrop as we plot future directions and opportunities for Landcare in the region. For further information contact Joel Boyd on 5382 1544.

summer 2011 issue 51 | 23 In brief

Victorian Landcare Awards The Victorian Landcare Awards will be running again later this year. Go to www.landcarevic.net.au/ resources/awards for information on categories and nominations. The Victorian Bush – back through time The Victorian Bush – its original and natural condition by Ron Hateley is an examination of the Victorian environment pre-1788. Using primary source material such as diaries, memoirs, artworks and newspaper articles the reader is invited to see the landscape as the first European settlers and explorers saw it. The book also poses specific questions related to natural resource Early morning at Doctors Swamp, west of Murchison. A photograph by Beth Brisbane management. submitted to the Landcare magazine photography competition. See page 15 for more details. The book is available from Polybractea Press at www.polybracteapress.com.au an array of models, data and knowledge contributions on this topic as well as that can be used to simulate how climate your general Landcare news and views. Source Catchments and catchment variables (like rainfall, We are also seeking stories to celebrate Source Catchments is a water quality and evaporation, land use and vegetation) the 25th anniversary of Landcare in quantity model designed to help natural affect runoff, sediment and contaminants. Victoria. resource managers and consultants develop targets, prioritise improvement A 12-month free trial of Source Contributions to the next issue should programs and measure the effectiveness Catchments can be downloaded at be sent to the editor by 10 June 2011. of catchment management activities. www.ewatercrc.com.au Carrie Tiffany, editor The software provides a framework Next issue – Sustainability Victorian Landcare & Catchment for modelling the amounts of water The next issue of the magazine Management Magazine and contaminants flowing through will feature stories on all aspects of PO Box 1135, Mitcham North 3132 a catchment and into major rivers, sustainability – on the farm and in Phone: 0405 697 548 wetlands, lakes or estuaries. It integrates the community. We welcome your Email: [email protected]

The Victorian Landcare & Catchment Management magazine is published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment and distributed in partnership with the Farm Tree & Landcare Association and the Victorian Catchment Management Council. The magazine aims to raise awareness of Landcare and natural resource management among Victorian farmers, landholders, the Victorian Landcare community and the wider community.

Mailing list enquiries Executive Officer Farm Tree & Landcare Association Phone: 9207 5527 Fax: 9207 5500 Email: [email protected] To receive your copy via email alert Contact Jess Barnes Phone: 9637 8190 Email: [email protected] Read the magazine online Back issues of the Victorian Landcare & Catchment Management magazine can be found at www.dse.vic.gov.au/victorianlandcaremagazine The print size of the magazine can be enlarged online for easier reading.

Published on 100% recycled and recyclable paper VICTORIAN

Winter 2011 Issue 52 & C atch m ent m A N AG E m ent

SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE Victoria’s first equine Landcare group Healthy soils in Gippsland Sustainability on the farm Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management

W int e r 2 0 1 1 I s s u e 5 2

9 Contents 03 From the Minister

04 Sustainable seed production in the Goulburn Broken Catchment Local farmers, private industry, indigenous work crews and amateur botanists are collecting large volumes of seed from indigenous fauna for major revegetation projects across the catchment.

08 Sustainability on the farm Ross McDonald farms in the west Wimmera and has been active in Landcare for many years. He shares his thoughts on running a sustainable farm business.

10 Landcare engages with horse owners in the Yarra Valley An Environmental Farmers Network field Katie Jacobson charts the rise of Victoria’s first equine Landcare group and provides day looking at revegetating ridges in the some tips for managing horse properties. Bullock Hills south of Ararat. 14 Landcare American style Virginia is home to two Landcare groups. John Robinson reports on how the groups 14 use a triple bottom line approach and are making direct links with their customers.

16 Innovative revegetation for steep slopes A trial run by the Bass Coast Landcare Network has yielded some interesting findings on how steep slopes can be revegetated more effectively and efficiently.

20 Healthy soil means sustainable farms Graeme and Jenny Cope have embarked on an ambitious soil management program on their Fish Creek dairy farm.

22 Regional roundup Find out what’s happening in Landcare across Victoria.

The New River, Virginia – a US heritage river.

Editorial Advisory Committee Authorised by the Victorian Government, Karen Brisbane Victorian State Landcare 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. 20 Team, Melissa Whitelaw Landcare Australia ISSN 1327 5496 Limited, Jan Mahoney Victorian Catchment Management Council, Katie Eldridge DPI, The State of Victoria and its employees do not Susi Johnson FTLA, Jessica Barnes DSE, guarantee that this publication is without flaw of Cathy Heycock DSE. any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular Editorial contributions purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for Carrie Tiffany, PO Box 1135, any error, loss or other consequences which may Mitcham North 3132 Phone 0405 697 548 arise from you relying on any information in this E-mail: [email protected] publication. Cover photograph The State of Victoria acknowledges contributions Horses in the Yarra Valley made by private enterprise and other persons by Andrew Chapman. or groups interested in Landcare. Acceptance of © The State of Victoria Department of these contributions, however, does not endorse Sustainability and Environment 2011. or imply endorsement by the State of Victoria Organics consultant Gerhard Grasser of any product, service, or view offered by This publication is copyright. No part may be contributors. inspects the topsoil at Darryl Hook’s reproduced by any process except in accordance Pound Creek property. with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

2 | victorian landcare and catchment management From the Minister

Sustainability is an important concept for As Environment Minister and someone the Landcare community. The aim of many keenly interested in protecting our groups is to support work that is productive, natural assets, it’s a great feeling to be profitable and environmentally sustainable. able to encourage local communities Sustainability also includes the efficient use and environment groups to apply for a of energy and other resources, as well as $20 million green grants fund that was climate change mitigation and adaptation. announced in the 2011-12 State Budget. This issue of the Landcare magazine has This funding is for small- and large- plenty of food for thought on all these scale grants to support local community issues, with a wide variety of stories about projects focused on improving biodiversity, sustainability. I am always interested to hear reducing/managing waste and cleaning up how Victorians deal with such a challenging our coasts and waterways. I encourage topic as sustainability and there’s a real Landcare groups and networks to access overview of that in the following pages. this grants fund, to help support them in

Sue Logie and Tammy Muir have established 10 hectares of seed production areas on their Variable Glycine is a depleted pea species property at Yielima in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. that is difficult to collect in the wild. The Euroa Arboretum has turned a handful of original wild seed into a potential ten kilograms of seed each year.

their hard work across Victoria to build a better environment. Also of interest in this issue is the feature on Ross McDonald, a farmer from Kaniva in the Wimmera, who shows how his desire to farm sustainably affects all of the decisions he makes. Five Landcare networks in south Gippsland report on their soil acidification and soil carbon project, and a committed group of landholders in the Shepparton region describe their efforts to restore the genetic diversity of local plants. Each time I meet a Landcarer, or learn about their efforts through sources such as this magazine, I’m impressed by the level of commitment and dedication that is happening throughout the state. I plan to do my bit to make sure that work and effort is supported and acknowledged. Thank you

Ryan Smith Minister for Environment and Climate Change

winter 2011 issue 52 | 3 Sustainable seed production in the

Goulburn Broken Catchment By Jim Begley

A large-scale indigenous seed production Eighteen seed production areas producing limitations in the seed supply of targeted project in the Goulburn Broken Catchment 35 species have now been established species can be reversed enough so that is striving to reverse the trend of native across the Goulburn Broken catchment depleted species can now be included in plant extinctions in the landscape, build with more and more landholders getting mainstream revegetation projects. ecological function and ultimately provide involved each year. According to Seedbank Variable Glycine (Glycine tabacina) is a sustainable farming ecosystems for the Co-ordinator Liz Evans, approximately 150 depleted pea species that is difficult to future. kilograms of seed is collected annually. collect in the wild. Through seed collection In 2001 staff from the Goulburn Broken “Local farmers, private industry, indigenous beds specially designed to catch the highly Indigenous Seedbank at the University of work crews, individuals with an interest in dispersible seed, a handful of original wild Melbourne’s Dookie campus began the botany, seed collectors and nurseries are all seed has been turned into a potential ten long process of collecting seed from wild involved in seed production and collecting. kilograms of seed each year. populations of indigenous flora species. Our latest project a partnership with Sally Mann, a botany enthusiast who The goal was to develop seed production Tahbilk Winery.” was instrumental in setting up the seed areas from these declining populations and Arboretum returns depleted production areas at the Euroa Arboretum, build the genetic diversity of missing shrub species to the landscape reports that Silver Banksia (Banksia and ground layers back into the landscape. Seed production areas established by marginata) is another success story. As direct seeding is the preferred the Euroa Arboretum have shown that method of revegetation for large-scale landscape change big volumes of seed Cathy Olive from the Euroa Arboretum and Janet Hagen from the Hughes Creek Catchment are required. Dedicated seed production Landcare Network with some of the plants that are being used in revegetation projects across areas are necessary to build the volume the Goulburn Broken Catchment. of available healthy seed, reduce the effects of inbreeding in fragmented plant populations, and improve the efficiency of seed collection. Seed production areas also protect remnant vegetation from the future pressures of seed collection.

As direct seeding is the preferred method of revegetation for large-scale landscape change big volumes of seed are required.

4 | victorian landcare and catchment management Seed that is collected needs to be of good genetic stock. This requires multiple healthy parent plants from multiple sites.

Stocks of Prickly Currant Bush at the Euroa Arboretum.

“Silver Banksia was once widespread across “We needed large quantities of seed for our the future effects of climate change on our Victoria. It is now grossly depleted and direct seeding projects. The drought was native plant populations. completely absent from the northern half impacting on roadside vegetation and we “Plants are static, they have been adapting of the catchment. Historical records show needed good healthy plants to collect from. to change for thousands of years, and that Silver Banksia was quite common. The distance to travel between populations their potential to cope through climate Early explorers often referred to the was also taking up a lot of our time. change is possible, some may drop out species in their journals as honeysuckle. and others will survive. The question is, do These plants are pollinated by honeyeaters “We identified the species needed for direct we have enough volume of plants out in and were a great food source for nectar- seeding and also the species which were in the landscape to adapt to the changes? We dependent species like pygmy possums decline on the roadsides. This provided a may need to change the way we do things and regent honeyeaters, many of which foundation for the seed production areas on to maximise the resilience of species,” are now virtually extinct.” our property,” Tammy said. Dr Broadhurst said. To counteract the short supply of Tammy and Sue have revegetated 50 To sponsor a species or for more Silver Banksia seed, Sally and her team hectares of their property with 10 hectares information about the project contact propagated 90 plants from nine depleted being used for seed production. They Jim Begley from the Goulburn Broken populations. The plants were brought collect around 35 kilograms of clean seed CMA on 5761 1574, or by email at together in a seed production site to cross each year for use on revegetation projects [email protected]. pollinate. The seed from the cones of throughout the catchment. the first 90 plants has grown into 2000 Volume and diversity of plants plants which will be planted out across the needed for climate change resilience catchment this year. The goal of the indigenous seed In just seven years a species that was on production project in Goulburn Broken the brink of extinction in the local area has is to build the volume of plants in the been brought back to life. As numbers of landscape, increase the diversity of species Silver Banksia build each year across the available for revegetation, and improve landscape they will be restoring a missing the genetics of plants so their health and habitat component for insects, birds, adaptation potential is maximised. reptiles and mammals. Seed that is collected needs to be of Landholders establish their good genetic stock. This requires multiple own seed production areas healthy parent plants from multiple sites. Tammy Muir and Sue Logie from Yielima Plans are underway for a study that in northern Victoria have been producing will provide the genetic background to native seed on their 258-hectare property the project. Dr Linda Broadhurst, from Seed production areas on Geoff Lodge’s property since 2000. Sue and Tammy were CSIRO in Canberra, has lent her skills and at Murchison. Different varieties of Acacia, motivated to get involved through their knowledge to the project. Dr Broadhurst Dodonaea, Dillwynia, Eutaxia and native wallaby grass are sown between the rows. connection with the Superb Parrot Project. believes we should also be considering

winter 2011 issue 52 | 5 After 13 years of drought (some will say more) farmers across the Mallee are rethinking how they use what has been a very scarce resource.

Farmer Colin Hunt uses information from the Mallee Water Use Efficiency project to help him manage the heavier soils on his property at Millewa. Decade-long project promotes water

use efficiency on Mallee farms By Michael Moodie

It might seem strange to be talking about broader ranging scenarios in collaboration Each soil type in each paddock is soil water use efficiency at a time when there is with farmer groups. tested prior to sowing to determine plenty of water around, but after 13 years topsoil fertility, soil moisture, starting Core research sites at Karoonda and of drought (some will say more) farmers nitrogen levels and sub-soil constraints Ouyen address the many challenges to the across the Mallee are rethinking how they such as salinity, boron and chloride. sustainability and wider uptake of water use The information is entered into a crop use what has been a very scarce resource. efficient intensive cropping systems, including modelling program called Yield Prophet. The Mallee Water Use Efficiency Project is grass weed problems, disease, high fertiliser a decade-long research project that aims to costs and the need to reduce exposure to The program works by simulating crop improve whole-farm water use efficiency downside risk. The research at both sites is growth conditions, agronomy, crop inputs and profitability across the 7 million hectare focused on matching inputs to yield potential and climatic conditions for the current Mallee region, encompassing Victoria, and incorporating break crops into low growing season, and then predicting crop South Australia and New South Wales. rainfall Mallee farming systems. yield and other performance outcomes based on historical climate data for the Demonstration paddocks compare trial A partnership between Mallee Sustainable remainder of the growing period. Farming, CSIRO and DPI with funding strips such as different fertiliser rates. from the GRDC, the project uses Differences in the crop water use efficiency Based on this data, Yield Prophet generates on-farm core research sites coupled with between treatments are monitored reports that can be used to forecast yield, regional demonstration paddocks to show throughout the year across the two to manage climate and soil water risk, target farmers how to make better use of the three soil types in each paddock. specific grain quality, and assess the possible effects of climate change. Yield Prophet available water and, in turn, increase their According to Millewa farmer Colin Hunt profitability. the information gathered from trials and reports are made available on the Mallee demonstrations in the project help him to Sustainable Farming website for farmers Project activities include the highly variable identify how to best use the heavier soils to access. soil types and production potentials on his farm. common across Mallee paddocks and For further information go to the Mallee farms. Simulation modelling is also used “This helps us to make the most of available Sustainable Farming project website at to test water use efficiency strategies and soil moisture for better production, ground www.msfp.org.au recommendations for longer term and cover and soil health,” Colin said.

6 | victorian landcare and catchment management Teens build nest boxes for local wildlife

Bunnings stores in Victoria have taken up Year 10 and 11 students from Shepparton The nest boxes will go towards a larger the challenge of sustainability by helping High School who came to the store to project for the Monbulk Landcare Group. teenagers build nest boxes that will help build and paint 30 nest boxes for animals The nest boxes will be installed on preserve and protect native fauna. such as Squirrel Gliders and Brush-tailed private and public land by local Scouts and Venturers, with a wildlife information The Goulburn Broken CMA’s Landcare Phascogales. Staff at the store were so Corporate Partnerships Facilitator, Karen impressed with the students’ enthusiasm day held on the different species that will Brisbane, started the program in 2010 with that they are keen to see the program use the boxes. The first round of boxes Trudy Hobbs from Bunnings in Shepparton continue. will be designed for Kookaburras, and a group of Victorian Certificate of Brush-tailed Possums and Eastern and Other Bunnings stores are also getting Crimson Rosellas. Boxes for Sugar Gliders, Applied Learning students from Shepparton involved. The Bayswater store has taken High School. King Parrots and Gang Gang Cockatoos on the challenge of building 30 nest boxes are also being investigated. The Shepparton Bunnings store supplied all with the Bayswater Secondary College the materials, plus equipment and lunch for over a three-month period. The Bunnings store in Pakenham is donating materials for 40 nest boxes for the Cardinia Catchment Landcare Group. The boxes will be built for Feathertail Gliders, Owlet Nightjars, Tree Creepers and King Parrots. Pakenham Bunnings will supply material for the boxes and cut the wood to size. The local Cubs and the Cardinia Catchment Landcare Group will build and install the boxes as part of a larger project to recruit volunteers for Landcare. For further information contact Karen Brisbane on 5820 1134 or by email at [email protected]

Students from Shepparton High School display the nest boxes they made with help from the local Bunnings store.

Managing Country Together By Richard Kennedy

Traditional owner groups and between participants gave everyone lots representatives from Government of ideas to take back and implement in organisations around the state met at their communities. Yarra Glen in February 2011 for the Workshops delivered information relating Managing Country Together gathering. to the many issues that arise when dealing The event was run by Melbourne Water with agencies and managing country in partnership with Landcare Australia. together. There were good ideas on The gathering provided a good how to inspire others to start new networking opportunity. Groups were projects and get more people involved. able to discuss what natural resource The Wurundjeri people, the traditional management agencies were doing in owners of the Yarra Valley, also hosted their country. a site visit to look at some traditional The gathering was from an indigenous scar trees around the Healesville area rather than an agency perspective. and the mission stations at Coranderrk. The Wurundjeri community’s Jindi Worabak Participants were able to talk directly to dance troupe performed around the campfire Richard G. Kennedy is the Landcare at the Managing Country Together gathering. representatives of government agencies, Indigenous Involvement Officer with ask relevant questions and get direct the North East CMA. answers. The sharing of knowledge

winter 2011 issue 52 | 7 Sustainability on the farm By Ross McDonald

Ross McDonald farms in the west Wimmera and has been active in Landcare for many years. He shares his thoughts on running a sustainable farm business.

Our family has farmed in the Kaniva area artifacts. This serves as a reminder to me All of our paddock trees are protected and since 1879. My wife Fran is a secondary that even though we own the land, I am will be fenced off over time, no matter school teacher, our daughter Grace is at really only the caretaker. how inconvenient they are to the farming the University of South Australia and son operation. All of our remnant vegetation Our aim is to run a profitable farming Joe is doing his VCE at Kaniva College. has been fenced to exclude stock and is operation with the least negative impact on We have 800 hectares – 600 hectares are under protective covenants with Trust for the environment. Everything we do on the cropped annually and 200 hectares are set Nature. We are also attempting to link aside as remnant vegetation. farm is considered with this aim in mind. Some of these actions on the farm come these areas with revegetation corridors. There is evidence of Aboriginal occupation at a price, but they leave me with a clear By the end of 2012 we will have on our farm, with scar trees and stone conscience. I still have to compromise, completed 30 hectares of revegetation but ultimately I am here to run a profitable work on the farm. We have BushTender business or we will not survive. agreements on these remnants and receive Minimum tillage for payments for the management work we maximum benefits carry out. With the carbon market about We don’t burn stubble on the farm and to start, we also hope to be able to sell will not use urea because it damages the carbon produced in the revegetation areas. atmosphere. Tractor usage is kept to a We have developed a small wetland on minimum with sowing done usually in one the edge of some remnant vegetation using pass without cultivation. We grow mustard piped groundwater. This provides habitat for a local bio fuel producer with the for frogs and birds when there is little water intention of running all our farm vehicles around. on bio fuel. Care is needed with spraying operations close to vegetated areas to It’s been great to see the vegetation respond avoid off-target damage. We don’t use crop and some of the birds and animals return dusters to apply chemicals or fertilisers for with the wet season of 2010. We didn’t quite

Joe McDonald canoeing on the farm dam the same reason. get enough run off to fill our wetlands which in 2011 – the first full dam since 1996.

Ross McDonald with some Sugar Gums planted in 2008. They are showing good growth despite only 1100 millimetres total rainfall.

Our aim is to run a profitable farming operation with the least negative impact on the environment. Everything we do on the farm is considered with this aim in mind.

8 | victorian landcare and catchment management An Environmental Farmers Network field day looking at revegetating ridges in the Bullock Hills south of Ararat.

A scar tree on the McDonalds Kaniva property is a daily reminder of early Aboriginal occupation. The Environmental Farmers have been dry for 14 years, but most of our dams filled up. Our son, at 17, had his first Network – sustainability, one swim in a farm dam – something I did every summer when I was a kid. By David Cummings The climate change challenge policy at a time Farming has been very challenging for the last 15 years, which I think is largely due to climate change. We all need to consider Australian farmers are still looking for of farming in a social, environmental, the impact we are having on the planet. the right balance between farm outputs energy and economic sense. and environmental outputs. As human As a farmer I am in a position to do more The EFN promotes policies that further population increases so do the pressures than most people, but I also have more to the environmental health of private and on our farms. What will happen if lose. If the worst climate predictions occur, public land in farming areas. The policies we keep pushing farm production I will not be able to continue farming the are built from member contributions. way I do now. without proper consideration for the environment? Farmers must also learn The current policy coverage includes Many farmers have left our district in the to cope with the imperfectly defined biodiversity, farm greenhouse emissions, last ten years. Our small town is struggling. effects of climate change. bio-fuels, water, wetlands, farm forestry, I have invested a lot in our farm and wind farms and climate change. The sometimes find it hard to remain positive Six years ago, in the light of these EFN policies are used as a basis for about our future. growing concerns, a group of interested taking part in debates on the future commercial farmers saw the need for of farmlands and farm production in But it is not all bad. I like what I do and I an organisation to represent the many southern Australia. am proud to be a farmer. I also enjoy the farmers who see that farm production work I do with Landcare. Sometimes when is intimately linked to environmental According to Andrew Bradey, EFN I’m out looking over a nice crop, I turn the production. President, the EFN aims to influence other way and see some healthy trees, standards, regulations and expectations, some tall native grasses or a Wedgetail Because many of the existing and to be a force for change towards a Eagle overhead – well, that just makes my organisations are focused on the more sustainable future. day. I want people to be able to see these production of individual commodities, “We need to re-evaluate the things in 100 years time. the opportunity to see the way the whole system links and works together environmental costs of farming – and I am currently President of the Kaniva was often being missed. investigate the role that farming land can District Landcare Group, a member of play in improving the general state of the the Victorian Landcare Council and on The Environmental Farmers Network environment,” Andrew said. the Board of the Hindmarsh Landcare (EFN) provides a collective voice for For further information about Network. I am also a member of the farmers who are concerned about the the Environmental Farmers Environmental Farmers Network. declining health of native vegetation, Network visit the website at www. Farming doesn’t happen in isolation. Being wetlands, waterways and soil and environmentalfarmersnetwork.net.au connected to the wider community and interested in the long-term sustainability learning from each other is very important.

winter 2011 issue 52 | 9 Landcare engages with horse

owners in the Yarra Valley By Katie Jacobson

The Yarra Valley Equestrian Landcare Program has educated more than 200 property owners and many agency staff on the close links between horse health and behaviour and good land management.

The program has shown that traditional is critical to selling the value of good land whole farm planning approaches are not management for horse health. effective at connecting and engaging with The first course was promoted by the equine community. Successful Landcare members of existing Landcare groups education programs for horse owners who were also horse owners. Word must be delivered on the basis that horses soon spread across neighbouring horse are owned to be loved, not managed. properties and through local pony clubs. The Yarra Ranges is a region dominated by The program snowballed, the phone was intensive horticulture, large scale beef and ringing hot with enquiries and we had a full equine lifestyle properties. In 2006 I was course of 20 people every 3-4 months. employed through Yarra Ranges Council Further down the catchment, the as a Landcare Facilitator for the region. WACMAC Landcare Network (Whittlesea My role involved working with the 10 Agricultural Society, Arthur’s Creek existing Landcare groups to establish District, Merriang District, Strathewen and the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Cottlesbridge Landcare Groups) had been Landcare Network and together develop working with Jane Myers, one of Australia’s programs to support sustainable land leading experts on small property management practices. Horse owners Existing networks such as pony clubs are valuable horsekeeping. Jane had periodically come for promoting Landcare programs and events. were a major target audience. down from Queensland and run some The best model for involving horse owners very successful short courses on horse in property planning was the Horses, Land behaviour and land management for the and Water Program being run in South WACMAC region. Australia by HorseSA. We nominated the The two Landcare networks realised that Yarra Valley as a Victorian pilot region as by combining aspects of the two programs part of the program’s national expansion. the best possible approach for sustainable In September 2007 the first Horses, Land land management on lifestyle equine and Water Program was run at Macclesfield properties could be created. Pony Club. Pam Brookman from South Equine Landcare Program Having a presenter who Australia was funded by Yarra Ranges emerges after fires owns and truly understands Council Landcare Program to present The Black Saturday fires in 2009 created the sessions which covered basic whole a surge in requests for information and horses is critical to selling property planning principles plus identifying, support from horse owners in the region, the value of good land understanding and managing local soils, with many local equine properties burnt by pastures and weeds for horse and pony the fires. The Yarra Valley and Dandenong management for horse health. Ranges Landcare Network worked closely with the DPI Small Landholders program health. Horse owners have a deep connection with their animals to support the local fire-affected properties and deliver education courses from which Watching the sessions in progress was an the revised Yarra Valley Equine Landcare important learning experience. The deep, Program emerged. personal connection that horse owners have with their horses was evident. Through working with the DPI team, the It was also clear that having a presenter course evolved to now include a day of who owns and truly understands horses presentations by Jane Myers on horse

10 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Horse owners in the Yarra Valley have been keen to learn more about soil, pasture and weed management on their properties.

health and sustainable land management, Group. Since then the group has held Katie Jacobson is currently working on followed by a practical day led by the public talks, elected a committee and even community and corporate fundraising DPI Small Landholders team on property created a Facebook page for members programs for a not-for-profit organisation. planning, with a practical soils, pastures and to follow their events and to share She wrote this article in her role as weed management component. educational resources. a volunteer for the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Landcare Network. The Equine Landcare Program now The Yarra Valley experience shows that represents a significant and valued project equine land managers in peri-urban in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges areas can be successfully engaged about Landcare Network Strategic Action Plan, sustainable land management. The secrets and thanks to Jane’s national reputation, are to recognise the personal links over the and the strong connections to local pony productive and have someone who truly clubs and other horse groups, it continues understands horse health and behaviour as to go from strength to strength. your public face. Working with local pony clubs and horse groups to promote the From Landcare learners to leaders programs and messages across their large In November 2010 more than 80 past memberships is also valuable. participants from the course and other local horse owners attended a forum in the For further information go to Facebook Yarra Valley and unanimously decided to and search for Yarra Valley Equestrian form the Yarra Valley Equestrian Landcare Landcare. The Yarra Valley experience Tips for managing horse properties: shows that equine land managers in peri-urban • Take a walk around the property • Cross-grazing horses with cattle can regularly to identify what’s growing, be an effective pasture management areas can be successfully where and when tool for pasture growth and weed engaged about sustainable management • Use a small shovel to dig up some land management. pasture and investigate soil types as • Maintain horses on high ground in well as root and soil health winter to keep them healthy and prevent waterlogging of pastures. • Horses are social animals. To prevent This will also improve soil and pasture tracking and erosion problems along condition in spring and summer fences avoid keeping animals on their own

winter 2011 issue 52 | 11 The second Landcare for Singles planting day attracted 85 people to Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave South. According to participants, it was a lot of fun, and a great way to meet new people. Landcare for Singles success in the Yarra Ranges

Love is in the air and new plants are in the ground after two Landcare for Singles planting days in the Dandenong Ranges during May.

According to Yarra Valley and Dandenong The project attracted 185 new contacts for “The vast majority of people who attended Ranges Landcare Network representative Landcare in the area. Landcare for Singles had never been to a Landcare event before, but many said Chris Morgan, Landcare for Singles was So, do you plant here often? part of a planned program to engage and they had been thinking about some kind A number of structured events were run at recruit some new, younger volunteers to of volunteering for a while. Many of them the planting days. Firstly, participants divided the network. have indicated they would be interested in themselves into groups based loosely having further involvement with Landcare.” “Our volunteer base is ageing and over- around age. Prompt questions printed on stretched. This prompted us to conduct the tubestock helped start conversations Kim says the issue of how new volunteers a 12-month recruitment drive which and break the ice. This was followed by are brought on board is important. focused on a new model of recruitment speed planting where singles planted each “Traditionally Landcare groups and called TOTAL recruitment. The model new plant with a new person. The planting networks have asked for a substantial uses planned, strategic and active ways of days wrapped up with a woodfired pizza time commitment from their volunteers. approaching volunteers rather than the lunch when everyone gathered together Younger people are often not in a position more common passive methods of simply to chat some more. to make that sort of commitment, so we advertising and waiting for people to turn are looking at more project-based episodic The planting events were followed by an up,” Chris said. ways that they can make a contribution. evening party in June with food and drink, The Landcare for Singles events used We are being very careful about how we two bands, a DJ and an exhibition of local seek to involve these people in the future.” Twitter, Facebook, radio advertising and artists at the Burrinja Café in Upwey. The email networks to appeal to the target party gave volunteers a chance to meet, An anonymous love letterbox that allowed audience. The tactics were a success. mingle and talk about Landcare again. singles to express interest in someone Despite cold and wet weather 42 people they’d met at the planting days was put attended the first planting day and 85 Kim Boswell, Landcare Facilitator for to good use. Landcare staff forwarded the people attended the second. More than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges letters (confidentially) and are hoping that 1300 tubestock were planted in the Landcare Network, said that the project some Landcare love is the result. Birdsland Reserve, a 75-hectare bushland has attracted a great deal of interest with Landcare for Singles was supported and reserve located in Belgrave South. a new, untapped audience. funded by Yarra Ranges Council and DSE.

12 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Drought tolerant pastures

By Samantha Monks on the Gippsland Plains and Lisa Warn

Yarram Yarram Landcare Network (YYLN) is working with 16 producers from Woodside to Stradbroke who have established trials to demonstrate the use of drought-tolerant perennial pasture species and better grazing management on their properties. Participants have each sown three paddocks (10 hectares) of pastures over the three years of the project.

The Caring for our Country project is being delivered by YYLN with the support of the University of Melbourne’s Mackinnon Project. EverGraze principles are being used to establish trials of appropriate perennial pasture species and management practices. The properties are located around Woodside, Darriman, Seaspray and Stradbroke in south-east Gippsland. Participants are all active members of the Woodside or Merriman Creek Landcare Groups. The soil types on the farms are mainly light sandy clay loams, which have low water holding capacities and are prone to wind erosion. Producers in the area have been hit hard by the prolonged drought conditions. Confidence, incomes, pastures and soils have all suffered. The project has been important for boosting morale and increasing peer A drought-tolerant pastures field day at Charles Meckiff’s property at Darriman. support amongst the participants. Average annual rainfall is 600 millimetres, All of the sowings in the second year The project has equipped the participants but the district has experienced drought (2010) were excellent and benefited from with knowledge of suitable species and conditions for the past three to four years. the summer and early autumn rains in varieties for their area, better sowing Despite the dry conditions in 2009 (the 2011. Year three sowings are currently techniques and an understanding of soil first year of the project), 15 paddocks underway. A range of perennial species has testing and fertiliser requirements. The were sown. The majority had good been sown including lucerne, cocksfoot, participants have improved their skills in establishment results and all of the phalaris, fescue and kikuyu. species identification, establishment and pastures survived their first summer. assessment. The project is aiming to have at least 500 hectares of perennial pastures established by 2012. Participating farmers have worked hard, often in difficult conditions, to get the pastures established under the strict project guidelines. The drought-tolerant pastures group was awarded the Special Network Award at the recent YYLN 2011 Landcare Awards. For further information please contact Samantha Monks on 0419 371497 or by email at [email protected] The drought-tolerant pastures group with their Special Network Award at the 2011 Yarram Yarram Landcare Awards.

winter 2011 issue 52 | 13 Silos at Catawba Farm with the Appalachian Mountains in the background. Landcare American style

Virginia is the heartland of the US Landcare initiative. Virginia, which covers roughly half of Victoria’s area and is home to 7.7 million people, currently has two Landcare groups.

While many of the issues that confront The Grayson Landcare Group was US landholders are different, the process formed in 2005 in Grayson County, where groups of landholders identify issues southwest Virginia. Grayson County has of common concern (and these issues a long farming tradition. The Grayson provide the impetus for action), are much Landcare Group promotes the adoption the same as in Australia. Virginia’s Landcare of sustainable farm and land management groups formed from local communities practices. This includes rotational grazing seeking solutions to specific environmental, to improve productivity and installing off economic and land management problems. stream watering systems to help protect Landcare Virginia-style doesn’t have a waterways. strong focus on revegetation. Virginia has Landcare group markets 63 per cent forest cover and a forgiving its own natural foods climate of more than 100 centimetres Members of the Grayson Landcare Group average annual rainfall. The emphasis is established Grayson Natural Foods in on triple bottom-line outcomes – making an endeavour to increase landowner sure environmental and social factors are incomes and return more money to the considered alongside financial performance. Although agriculture contributes US$55 local community. Grayson Natural Foods billion each year to Virginia’s economy, is a co-operative, grass-fed beef cattle 53 percent of the state’s 60,000 farmers processing and marketing enterprise that produces and markets value-added beef Bo (William) Wines, a farmer from Catawba operate at a net loss (a 2002 figure). While and aims to enhance the viability of local Valley, Virginia, was one of more than 70 farming costs have risen with inflation, volunteers at a workday organised by agricultural commodity prices and farmer farms and protect them from the pressures Catawba Landcare at Catawba Farm. incomes have remained the same. for subdivision.

14 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Members of the Grayson Landcare Group established Grayson Natural Foods in an endeavour to increase landowner incomes and return more money to the local community.

The New River, Virginia – a US heritage river.

Landcare American style By John Robinson

The Angus cattle that produce Grayson an increase of 16 per cent from 2009. sustainable and self-supporting model farm. Natural Foods beef are raised according This reflects the growing popularity of The group’s vision for Catawba Farm is to an agreed set of protocols, including locally grown, farm fresh produce. gradually being realised. The Catawba no antibiotics, hormones, or steroids. To Catawba Farm a Landcare incubator Sustainability Centre was established at the eliminate middlemen Grayson Natural Catawba Landcare Group was established farm in 2009, with funding from Virginia Foods sells its beef hamburgers and steaks in 2006 to encourage improved Tech University and a range of government direct to consumers, including up-market environmental stewardship among agencies. The sustainability centre has been restaurants in Washington DC (six hours landholders in the Catawba Valley. The set up as a showcase for students and the away) and universities. All income, other valley is at the headwaters of the Catawba local community. It is running projects on than operating costs, is returned to the Creek, a tributary of the Roanoke River innovative land management practices that participating farmers. and the Upper James River, which feeds create better land stewardship and projects According to Jerry Moles, Grayson into Chesapeake Bay. Catawba Landcare that support new and expanding agricultural Landcare Group Facilitator, consumers has instituted a streamcare program to and natural resource businesses. restore and protect the valley’s streams will pay more for quality, safety and good and rivers, as these waterways ultimately Catawba Landcare has also played a role stewardship. reach millions of people downstream. in the establishment of the Catawba Valley “Demand for Grayson Natural beef Farmers Market. The 150-hectare Catawba Farm is the exceeds supply, so the Landcare group is Catawba Valley’s major landmark. It has While Landcare in the US is still at a looking for more local farmers who are a long history as a resort, tuberculosis formative stage, the Catawba Landcare willing to raise grass-fed cattle according to sanatorium and dairy. Virginia Tech Group and the Grayson Landcare our strict protocols. This illustrates that our University has owned the farm since the Group are at the forefront of efforts to shared belief in the triple bottom-line and 1980s. In the mid-1990s it unsuccessfully promote sustainable practices among their a willingness to work together can make attempted to sell the property for a communities. a difference.” prison, golf course and housing. The local John Robinson visited Virginia and North community wanted to see the site put to a The group has plans to establish a meat Carolina in 2008 on a Fellowship from productive use and were very concerned processing facility to further benefit the Australian Landcare International to get at its potential sale. local economy. Momentum is building in a sense of how Landcare is being applied the local foods movement across the US. Catawba Landcare helped develop a vision in the US and to see how Australian In mid-2010 there were 6132 farmers for Catawba Farm as a Landcare incubator, Landcarers can best support the emerging markets operating across the country – with the aim of it becoming a productive, US Landcare initiative.

winter 2011 issue 52 | 15 Innovative revegetation for steep slopes

Two large-scale revegetation projects that were part of the Bass Coast Landcare Network’s Land Stewardship project in 2009 have yielded some interesting findings on how steep slopes can be revegetated more effectively and efficiently.

Steep slope direct seeding in the South spot spraying the hills. A combination of Gippsland hills is generally undertaken direct seeding and tubestock is more cost using heavy earthmoving equipment. This effective than planting tubestock alone. exposes large areas of soil on very steep Labour costs are also reduced as it took gradients of land. The costs are high; there only half a day to direct seed each hill using are soil erosion risks and safety concerns three people. Planting tubestock would for the dozer drivers. have taken five days with three people. Steep hillside sites (five hectares each) Site and seed preparation on Bruce and Lyn Herbert’s property at Sites were sprayed six weeks prior to Moyarra and Brian and Cheryl Enbom’s planting and seeded in early June 2009. property at Jumbunna were involved in the Strips a metre wide were sprayed across project. Both families have also participated the contours on the hills with a 1.5-metre in the DSE EcoTender program. gap in between the strips. The hills looked Lyn Herbert and Dave Bateman with a like zebra stripes from a distance. Three methods were used on each site. 14-month-old Blue Gum at Moyarra – Seed mixes were made up using native the result of a trial to revegetate steep They included planting of 5000 tubestock, species appropriate for the sites. Of the slopes in the south Gippsland hills more sowing four kilograms of indigenous seed five kilograms of seed for each site, efficiently and effectively. onto bare ground (no till) and direct seeding 10 per cent was overstorey eucalypts, one kilogram of pre-germinated seed. 50 per cent was middle-storey trees and Standard Landcare practice would have shrubs and 40 per cent was seed from involved planting 10,000 tubestock and understorey species.

The steep hills looked striped after they had been sprayed and seeded along the contours.

Steep slope direct seeding in the South Gippsland hills is generally undertaken using heavy earthmoving equipment. This exposes large areas of soil on very steep gradients of land.

16 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Innovative revegetation for steep slopes By Dave Bateman

A good variety of species have germinated across the site.

One kilogram of seed went through a period well into November and high For further information contact Geoff process of pre-germination. The remaining temperatures. Trease from the South Gippsland Seed four kilograms of seed was mixed with 25 Bank on 0400 746 828 or Dave Bateman The pre-germinated seed at the Jumbunna kilograms of sawdust as a bulking material from the Bass Coast Landcare Network property, facing north, struggled during prior to sowing. All the acacia seeds were on 0488 399 151. this warm period. However, the site at heat treated, which involved soaking them the Herbert property faced the south-east in boiling water for 20 minutes prior to and the pre-germinated seed was able to sowing. This process is called scarification withstand the prevailing conditions. and enhances the germination of hard- coated seeds like acacias. The results from the Moyarra property The pre-germinated seed was seeded by are very positive. Grass growth was one person moving across the sprayed exceptional following a very wet spring. slope and chipping out a shallow divot of In the pre-germinated seed site, 14 species soil at spacings of 1.5 metres (removing are strongly represented. A number of the weed seed from that particular patch). the Blue Gums are over three metres in A second person then placed a small height, with many other eucalypts easily The results from the handful of seed in the small hole created. standing two metres tall. Moyarra property are very The other section had the seed broadcast In the areas where seed was broadcast positive. Grass growth was over the sprayed dead grass. Some a good variety has germinated and is tubestock planting occurred amongst emerging. exceptional following a very these areas. One aspect that could be improved with wet spring. Positive results despite the pre-germinated seed site would be extreme conditions to keep the eucalypt seed separate from Weather conditions following the seeding the rest of the species. Controlling where were extreme. For the first seven weeks the eucalypt seed was placed would allow after sowing, conditions were mild and for a more satisfactory spread of these damp, ideal for germinating seed. At the plants and also improve the chances end of October, conditions began to of independent understorey plants warm up, with no rainfall for a four-week establishing.

winter 2011 issue 52 | 17 Students from Balnarring Primary School have improved their school grounds and recorded a huge increase in birdlife. In 1996 29 different bird species were recorded at the school. In 2008 this had increased to 84 species. Schools get serious about sustainability

By Jane Liefman ResourceSmart AuSSI (Australian (Balnarring Environmental Action Team) Sustainable Schools Initiative) Vic is a who work across all four ResourceSmart statewide environmental sustainability categories of water, waste, energy and framework for primary and secondary biodiversity. schools that provides students with real-life The school addresses sustainability using learning experiences and leads to improved a whole school approach. Sustainability is management of the school’s facilities and resources. The program is co-ordinated taught inside the classroom and outside by Sustainability Victoria in partnership too when their wetlands become an open with the Department of Education classroom. The school has a garden, a barn and Early Childhood Development, for chickens and goats, a worm farm and is other environment organisations, local involved in composting. government and environmental education Students and staff participate in a weekly service providers. sustainable classroom challenge that Schools use the School There are five modules in the framework: focuses on energy and waste reduction biodiversity, action planning, energy, tips. The school has installed a five-kilowatt Environment Tracking system waste and water. Schools use the School solar system and has introduced many to input data and track their Environment Tracking system to input data water reducing initiatives. and track their progress as they implement progress as they implement The school has enviroflush urinals, tanks their school’s environmental action plan. to supply water for toilet flushing and their school’s environmental Earlier this year Aitken College, Balnarring evaporative coolers, dual flush toilets, action plan. Primary School and Eltham North Primary security fittings on outside taps, a safety School were announced as the first schools valve to detect surges in water use and to receive five star sustainability certification a no watering policy for the gardens and under this system. At the end of 2010, oval. Any overflow water is piped to the 27 per cent of all Victorian schools were Korra Bun-Yun wetland. involved in ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic. For further information on ResourceSmart Balnarring Primary School has a student-led AuSSI go to www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/ environment team called the BEAT kids for_educators_2439.html

18 |  victorian landcare and catchment management FTLA news By Susi Johnson

Happy birthday Landcare! Landcare is a dynamic movement, difficult In 1986 the Minister for Conservation to quantify but very resilient. We look and Lands, Joan Kirner, and VFF President forward to reaching 50. Heather Mitchell announced an exciting Annual forum new joint initiative called LandCare Over 50 members and guests celebrated (initially spelt with a capital C). The strong the FTLA 25th year at the 2011 AGM. community foundation of Landcare has Attendees reaffirmed the importance of ensured its longevity. funding for co-ordinators and facilitators, In this, the 25th anniversary year, the need for increased funding for the government partnership is being on-ground works and recognition of the rejuvenated through the draft National importance of Landcare for community Landcare Action Plans, input to the wellbeing. development of a new Victorian Landcare After an opening address by Alexandra policy and the Caring for our Country Gartmann there were sessions on review. The Farm Tree and Landcare Professor Alan Curtis’ new Landcare survey Association (FTLA) has worked with its results, farm trees for conservation and members to provide input to all of these profit, capacity assessment of local groups, processes. marketing to light greens and the Caring In 1981 the Farm Tree and Land for our Country review. Management Group got underway with The FTLA Committee of Management for four Farm Tree groups and the Trunkline 2011/12 is President David Clark from the magazine. In 1986 $200,000 of Victorian Upper Mt Emu Creek Landcare Network, Government LandCare grants superseded Vice President Alex Arbuthnot from the Alex Gartmann from the Birchip Cropping Garden State Committee funding. In 1988 Maffra & Districts Landcare Network, Group addressing the FTLA annual forum. 34 LandCare Groups were registered Treasurer Peter Berrisford from the plus another 50 were in the process Bellarine Landcare Group and Secretary of registering. A conference in Bendigo Richard Jamieson from the H11-H12 followed and Landcare launched nationally. Catchment Action Group. The 1990s was the decade of Landcare. The ordinary members are Artur Muchow The main principles were integrating from the Middle Yarra Landcare Network, economic and environmental goals, Karen Alexander from the Johns Hill long-term sustainability of agriculture, Landcare Group, Aurel Dessewffy from appropriate valuation of environmental the Murroon Landcare Group and Terry assets, intergenerational equity and Hubbard from the Upper Goulburn recognising the global dimension of Landcare Network, with the immediate Landcare action. In Victoria, Landcare past president Susan Campbell from the broadened its farmer base with the City Springhurst & Byawatha Hills Landcare Landcare Program and by 1995 there Group. The FTLA wishes to express its were 285 groups in the FTLA. thanks to past President Andrew Stewart At the International Landcare Conference and to Allison Mudford for their service Landcare is a dynamic held in 2000, Joan Kirner said that the total to the committee. movement, difficult to commitment of volunteers and paid staff Renewals needed constant replenishing and support Renewal notices were due on 30 June quantify but very resilient. from communities and government. 2011. If you are unsure whether your We look forward to group has renewed please call the FTLA “Land protection initiatives needed to reaching 50. be based on the Landcare principle of on 9207 5527 or email [email protected]. community empowerment, ownership and Some groups assume that they are action, backed by resource,” she said. covered by the FTLA insurance and have subsequently discovered they Over 10 years later these calls sound are non-financial. familiar, and the FTLA is still going strong.

winter 2011 issue 52 | 19 The first step in the four-year management program involved dividing the property into three main areas, based on soil types: plains, heavy messmate and gravelly hill.

Dr Damian Bougoure, a soil microbiologist from DPI, was the keynote speaker at the Bass Coast Landcare Network’s healthy soils, sustainable farms field day. Healthy soil means sustainable farms The Bass Coast, La Trobe, Maffra, South Gippsland and Yarram Yarram Landcare Networks are involved in a project that aims to build knowledge about managing soils for productive and sustainable agriculture in Gippsland.

The project is looking at as many different soil explorers as many of them will be was acidic, had low phosphorus and soil soil management strategies as possible, establishing their own trials in the future. biology was low. Other issues were acid including high-input, nitrogen, potassium, Fish Creek dairyfarmers embark root in the plains area, weeds such as bent phosphorous, biological, organic and on soil management program grass and moderate pastures. biodynamic approaches. Each Landcare The tour then stopped at Graeme and Graeme Cope wanted to avoid ripping network is developing its own programs Jenny Cope’s property on flat country at the acid mat and having to carry out too as part of the three-year project which has Fish Creek. Purchased just three years ago, much oversowing to improve the pasture. been funded by Caring for our Country the 840-acre property has been converted He also planned to follow rotational and is being co-ordinated by the West from a low input beef enterprise to a high grazing management and to apply nitrogen, Gippsland CMA. input, high production, dairy farm milking potassium, phosphorus and sulphur at The South Gippsland Landcare Network’s 600 cows. fairly conventional rates in winter and early most recent event was a Soils Big Day Out The Copes’ management strategy has spring, when soil biology is sluggish. bus tour organised by Jill Vella. The tour involved using lime and commercially Kevin Hughes advised applying one tonne took a busload of soil explorers to Hallston cultured microbes to stimulate soil of lime per hectare each autumn to on the steep slopes of the Strzeleckis to biology, in conjunction with a conventional increase soil pH, as well as the addition view a sustainable pasture trial. nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and of commercially cultured soil microbes. The pasture trial is evaluating strategies sulphur fertiliser regime. Graeme applies the microbes using for establishing productive pastures on Farm consultant Kevin Hughes, who a boomsprayer, which he says works north-facing slopes. Trial co-ordinator and has advised the Copes since 1994, extremely well. Some farmers in the area Landcare group member Malcolm Cock explained that the first step in the four-year apply microbes by air. gave an overview of the practical aspects management program involved dividing Kevin also recommended applying half a of establishing and running on-farm trials, the property into three main areas, based tonne per hectare of pig or fowl manure including site preparation, monitoring on soil types: plains, heavy messmate and with the lime to provide nutrients for the and evaluation. This was valuable for the gravelly hill. Soil tests revealed that the soil microbes and existing micro-organisms.

20 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Only a limited amount of oversowing has occurred, yet pasture throughout the property is far denser and more palatable than when it was purchased.

John Mulvany explains the fundamentals of soil testing, tissue analysis and different fertiliser approaches at a healthy soils workshop in Gippsland.

Healthy soil means sustainable farms By Jillian Staton

Lime boosts soil biology “Most people put lime on every three or four years, but I’ve found that annual applications give the soil biology a better boost, especially in the first three or four years of a management program,” Kevin said. In most cases, choosing the right lime for the job comes down to cost and convenience. However, farmers should note the composition of the product they are considering as different limes contain additional chemicals depending on their mineral source. Graeme Cope said the results of the Organics consultant Gerhard Grasser inspects the topsoil at Darryl Hook’s Pound Creek property. program have been extremely positive. “Only a limited amount of oversowing matter that forms the mat on the soil improvement in the first year is realistic, has occurred, yet pasture throughout surface. Phosphorus levels have also risen and then it’s more gradual. significantly – far more than has been the property is far denser and more “Nevertheless, the cumulative palatable than when it was purchased. applied – suggesting that soil biology has improvements that Graeme is likely to We’re getting a lot more production unlocked existing deposits. see will definitely be worthwhile. They out of the pasture because it contains Graeme believes the program has been include an additional inch of topsoil each more rye and clover, and the cows are a worthwhile investment. year, improved water holding capacity and happy to graze it down nice and even,” improved soil structure that will enable the Graeme said. “The lime and microbes don’t replace soil to hang on to more nutrients. Over fertiliser but they certainly help to drive While soil pH has not yet risen above time, this means a more productive soil the pasture.” five, the acid mat is definitely declining. using far less inputs,” Kevin said. Kevin said that this is the result of Graeme and Kevin are not expecting For further information contact increased biological activity breaking the same dramatic results each year. Tony Gardner on 1300 094 262 or down the partially decomposed organic Kevin Hughes believes a 60 per cent by email at [email protected].

winter 2011 issue 52 | 21 Around the State – News from the Regional Landcare Co-ordinators

Glenelg Hopkins To date four positions (2.4 full-time For further information contact The Glenelg Hopkins Environmental equivalent) have been filled with Jodie Odgers on 5440 1883. Achievement Awards will be held at advertising for another three positions East Gippsland Hamilton Exhibition and Conference underway. In the Western Port catchment Welcome to Emma Orgill, the new Centre on 25 August 2011. There has we welcome Geoff Boyes and Bridgette federally funded Caring for our Country been strong interest in all of the categories. MacCallum to the Cardinia Environment Regional Landcare Facilitator for East Over 60 groups applied for Administration Coalition; Joel Geoghegan to the Bass Gippsland. Emma will be operating out of Support Grants, which have now closed for Coast Landcare Network and Kathleen the Far East Victoria Landcare office and 2011. The grants assist groups to pay their Bartlett to the South Gippsland Landcare will be delivering her program across the insurance and other administration costs. Network. In the Werribee catchment whole of the region. we welcome Emmanuelle Brunet to The annual Group Health survey was the Port Phillip and Westernport CMA. Volunteer Co-ordinators in East Gippsland undertaken in the region. Better planning, will pool resources to hold a Care Groups attracting new members and accessing For further information contact Day during August – a day of celebration, external support were highlighted as issues Doug Evans on 9712 2296. recognition and reward for volunteers that need addressing. Goulburn Broken with Coastcare, FishCare, Waterwatch and Sheepvention will be held from 1-2 August We have been busy in funding mode – Landcare. The event will be held at Lake 2011. The Landcare team will celebrate attempting to place community projects Tyers with the theme of winding back time. the 25th anniversary of Landcare with a together to fund Landcare works across the Participants will be treated to presentations gathering of Landcarers from around the catchment. Our networks have also been about the history of the region and have region for a morning tea. very busy with their projects. More than 100 the opportunity to discover the natural people attended the Gecko CLaN Landcare For further information contact beauty of Lake Tyers. gathering to watch the documentary Food Tony Lithgow on 5571 2526. Inc at the Swanpool cinema. For further information contact Port Phillip and Westernport Sandie Brown on 5150 3581. Landcare groups and networks have been Support for Landcare and other working with the CMA on delivering Mallee community-based natural resource World Environment Day morning teas to The season ahead looks promising for the management is stepping up again in the the eight local government areas within Mallee Landcare community, particularly region. Following negotiations, funding the catchment. for those who have tree planting planned. has now been secured from Melbourne The Yelta Landcare Group, headed up by Water, DAFF’s Regional Landcare Facilitator Goulburn Murray Landcare Network Pauline Bartels, has been particularly active Initiative and DSE’s Vision for Werribee held their Landcare Awards on 22 July with tree planting in the Merbein area and Plains Initiative. in Nagambie – a testament to the passion has engaged the community to a greater and efforts of Landcare over the past degree than ever before. 25 years. The VFTLA Red Cliffs Community Landcare For further information contact Group is offering a unique approach to Tony Kubeil on 5761 1619. Landcare in the Sunraysia region. It is North Central a whole of school concept where the It has been a busy time in the region senior students from Red Cliffs Secondary with many groups applying for the 2011- College form the group’s executive with a 12 Victorian Landcare Grant funding shadow adult executive as mentors. The round. The CMA has held a number of accountancy students run the books, the information sessions to give groups an tech and woodwork students design and The VFTLA Red Cliffs opportunity to hear about the funding produce project construction plans, while Community Landcare Group round for the year. the agriculture students take care of the agronomy and botany. is offering a unique approach The Landcare team hosted five Community Grants Writing courses for Landcare The school hopes to develop the group, to Landcare in the Sunraysia and community groups to assist them in in conjunction with the wider community, region. mastering the art of grant writing. The to raise its profile locally and conduct workshops highlighted the importance of activities around the Red Cliffs area that project planning and some key dos and help develop a greater sense of community don’ts when it comes to grant submissions. pride and ownership. A number of other schools in the region are now watching this We welcome back three groups; development very closely with the intention Lockington District Family Landcare of mirroring the concept if it proves Group, Gunbower Landcare Group and successful. Echuca West Landcare Group who have come out of recess and are planning to For further information contact start some projects in their areas. Kevin Chaplin on 5051 4344.

22 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Around the State – News from the Regional Landcare Co-ordinators

The South Gippsland Landcare Awards had a Friday the 13th theme. The Landcare folk believe the scariest things in the region are weeds and pest animals and this was reflected in their costumes.

North East the state awards to be held later this year. team. The project has led to some very useful discussion and planning for our region. Interviews are underway for the A growing interest in soil health is evident production of a DVD celebrating 25 years across the region with more than 300 people For further information contact of Landcare in the region. A digital library attending a series of soil health field days held Joel Boyd on 5382 1544. of Landcare history is also being produced. over recent months. This is year one of a Corangamite Documents, photographs and videos are three-year project that is clearly meeting an The biennial Corangamite Landcare Awards being collated for the production. important need for landholders. were held on 22 July 2011 and people Two part-time, Caring for our Country For further information contact gathered to celebrate the achievements funded Regional Landcare Facilitators have Phillip McGarry on 1300 094 262. of the many individuals, groups and been busy working with the Landcare organisations that have contributed to networks in the region. Amber Croft Wimmera The Wimmera Landcare community is improving our region. Congratulations to and Dave Cromarty are employed and all of the winners and nominees. managed by North East Landcare – a underway with its annual program of collective of all four Landcare networks. community plant out days. With water Congratulations are also due to the groups back in the Wimmera and greener who were successful in receiving funding The newest network, the Mitta to Murray landscapes a major talking point, it’s been through the 2011/2012 Corangamite Landcare Network, is starting to develop exciting to introduce more people to Landcare Grants. an action plan, and other networks are Landcare through these events. updating their existing plans. This has been New partnerships with West Vic Dairy and facilitated by Moragh Mackay from Bass Events were hosted by Jallukar, Concongella, Heytesbury & District Landcare Network Crowlands, Northern Grampians and Great Coast Landcare Network as part of the have developed into a series of farm focus Western in June and July. The Yarrilinks Network Planning Toolkit project. workshops. The Upper Barwon Landcare plant out at Murtoa on 6-7 August 2011 will Network and CMA staff have also been For further information contact bring city-based migrants, local farmers and involved in a Landcare Stewardship Tom Croft on (02) 6024 9107. community members together. Hindmarsh Replication research trial sponsored by DSE. West Gippsland Landcare Network will deliver the final plant out weekend on 20-21 August 2011. Landcare celebration projects are being Both the South Gippsland and Yarram planned for the 25th anniversary and Yarram Landcare Networks local Landcare The CMA, Hindmarsh Landcare Network Volunteer Recruitment Initiative projects Awards were well attended and showcased and Project Platypus have recently are underway along with a suite of the great work being done in these areas. participated in the Land Stewardship workshops, bus tours and farm walks. A wide range of local and regional business Replication Trial project run by Bass Coast sponsors were also represented. Winners Landcare Network in collaboration with For further information contact from the local awards will be nominated for Nature Matters and the DSE ecoMarkets Tracey McRae on 5232 9100.

winter 2011 issue 52 | 23 In brief

Grassland conference Landcare Victoria on Facebook. Share activities and a number of resources are Wyndham City is hosting a grassland information, events and links to articles available on the Gateway to help with this. of interest with other Landcarers and management conference in November A much anticipated highlight of the beyond to spread the word about 2011. celebrations will be the 2011 Victorian Landcare. The conference is an opportunity for Landcare Awards ceremony to be held those managing biodiversity in the plains Go to Facebook and search for at Government House to share research and techniques, create Landcare Victoria. in Melbourne on 16 networks and to enhance their grassland Victorian Landcare turns 25 this year November 2011. management skills. There are activities being planned across To find out more For further information go the state to celebrate Landcare’s 25th about the 25th to www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ anniversary in Victoria. Groups and anniversary visit grasslandmanagementconf networks are encouraged to plan their own www.landcarevic.net.au New Zealand Landcare Trust The New Zealand Landcare Trust will be holding a conference in the Waikato region (North Island, Bay of Plenty area close to Rotorua and the Coromandel Peninsula) from 7-8 March 2012. For further information visit the website at www.landcare.org.nz/ Get connected with Landcare Victoria online Landcare Victoria now has its own YouTube channel. Subscribe to the channel to view videos from all around the state including videos from the North Central CMA about the birth of Landcare in St Arnaud 25 years ago. Go to www.youtube.com/user/landcarevic Extend your networks into the social A grassland conference being held in November is aiming to improve biodiversity management online space by becoming a friend of within the Volcanic Plain Grasslands.

The Victorian Landcare & Catchment Management magazine is published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment and distributed in partnership with the Farm Tree & Landcare Association and the Victorian Catchment Management Council. The magazine aims to raise awareness of Landcare and natural resource management among Victorian farmers, landholders, the Victorian Landcare community and the wider community.

Mailing list enquiries Executive Officer Farm Tree & Landcare Association Phone: 9207 5527 Fax: 9207 5500 Email: [email protected] To receive your copy via email alert Contact Jessica Barnes Phone: 9637 8190 Email: [email protected] Read the magazine online Back issues of the Victorian Landcare & Catchment Management magazine can be found at www.dse.vic.gov.au/victorianlandcaremagazine The print size of the magazine can be enlarged online for easier reading.

Published on 100% recycled and recyclable paper VICTORIAN

Spring/Summer 2011 Issue 53 & C atc h m ent m A N AG E m ent

LANDCARE AWARDS FEATURE Gecko CLaN pasture success Cate Barham – a young achiever Elizabeth Balderstone – top primary producer Victorian Landcare and Catchment Management

S p rin g /S u m m e r 2 0 1 1 I ss u e 5 3 Contents

9 03 From the Minister

04 Looking back at Landcare A snapshot of Victoria’s Landcare milestones.

06 Top Landcarers honoured The 2011 Victorian Landcare Awards are announced at Government House.

08 Australian Government Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices Award Gecko CLaN, an affiliation of 23 Landcare groups in the Goulburn Broken region, is achieving outstanding results with a pioneering approach to pasture cropping.

10 Bushfire Recovery Award An Arbor Week planting at Willow Park The Baw Baw Shire Council, Upper Goulburn Landcare Network and Nillumbik in 2008. Shire Council Natural Environment Recovery Working Group have played important roles in helping their communities to recover from the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009. 23 16 Australian Government Coastcare Award Friends of the Great South West Walk have been maintaining a 250-kilometre walking track along the capes, bay and beaches of the south west coast.

21 CitiPower and Powercor Landcare Network Award The South Gippsland Landcare Network credits its dedicated volunteers with its many successes.

23 Urban Landcare Award Friends of Merri Creek have been protecting and enhancing one of Melbourne’s much loved urban waterways since 1988.

26 DPI Sustainable Farming Award Corangamite Troy Missen has developed a farming system that matches land use to land class A community weeding day at the on his property at Werneth, south of Ballarat. Strettle Wetlands in Thornbury. 30 Regional roundup Find out what’s happening in Landcare across Victoria 24 Editorial Advisory Committee This publication is copyright. No part may be Karen Brisbane Victorian State Landcare Team, reproduced by any process except in accordance Melissa Whitelaw Landcare Australia Limited, with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Jan Mahoney Victorian Catchment Management Authorised by the Victorian Government, Council, Katie Eldridge DPI, Susi Johnson FTLA, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. Jessica Barnes DSE, Cathy Heycock DSE. Editorial contributions ISSN 1327 5496 Carrie Tiffany, PO Box 1135, The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee Mitcham North 3132 Phone 0405 697 548 that this publication is without flaw of any kind or is E-mail: [email protected] wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and Cover photograph therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other “Moonrise behind an old gum tree,” Robert Gardiner. consequences which may arise from you relying on any This image was one of the entries in the 2011 information in this publication. A salinity trial on Elizabeth Balderstone’s Landcare Photography Competition. See page 28 The State of Victoria acknowledges contributions made by for all the category winners. property at Darriman – fescue is establishing private enterprise and other persons or groups interested in well. © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability Landcare. Acceptance of these contributions, however, does and Environment 2011. not endorse or imply endorsement by the State of Victoria of any product, service, or view offered by contributors.

2 | victorian landcare and catchment management From the Minister

This issue is a testament to the achievers to enable Landcare groups and networks reflect on the past and plan for the future. of Landcare – some named and others throughout the state to mark this Thank you to the conference organisers, acknowledged for their behind-the-scenes milestone. Each of Victoria’s ten CMA it was an amazing event. work. Congratulations to the 24 winners, regions received $60,000 to distribute to Congratulations are also due to the winners the highly commended entrants and all groups for small projects. The Victorian of the Landcare photography competition of the individuals and groups who were Government is committed to supporting whose beautiful images are featured in this nominated in the 2011 State Landcare and resourcing Landcare to help achieve issue. The photographs really demonstrate Awards. real differences to our environment and the diversity of Landcare. community. It was a great pleasure for me to meet As the next issue will come out in the new the award winners at the recent ceremony I have been encouraging groups and year, I’d like to wish you all a happy and held at Government House in Melbourne, networks to apply for one of the 60 safe holiday. I hope you have a great festive as the awards have special significance Landcare facilitator positions that are season and I’m certain Landcare 2012 will this year because we celebrate the 25th part of the Government’s $12 million be just as successful as this year! anniversary of Landcare in Victoria. I would commitment over the next four years to like to personally commend all those support Landcare co-ordinators and help volunteers who do so much for Landcare local community volunteers to protect and and the environment. Congratulations on restore Victoria’s environment. your efforts and achievements in the past The Growing Sustainable Communities 25 years. I look forward to the next Landcare conference at the MCG was 25 years alongside future generations another highlight event for me this year. of Landcarers. It was a chance for Landcarers to mix with Ryan Smith In this important milestone year, I was those who shared their common goals and Minister for Environment and pleased to announce grants of $600,000 focus, as well as giving us the chance to Climate Change

The winners of the 2011 Victorian Landcare Awards with Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith, and Governor Chernov (centre), at Government House.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 3 Landcare through the years

Landcare was founded at Winjallock near St Arnaud, Victoria, on 25 November 1986. It was formal recognition of a movement that had been evolving for many years. Today Landcare is a national and international program that has earned great community respect. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Landcare here are some of the milestones:

Australia launches the one billion trees 1940s program. The National Soil Conservation 1986 The Farm Tree and Landcare Association Australian farmers start forming land Program is established. The Australian Trust is established. management groups. for Conservation Volunteers gets underway and TreeProject reaches out to farmers, 1960s with volunteers growing and planting The Soil Conservation Authority establishes seedlings on properties across Victoria. the Hanslow Cup, a competition for the best The Salinity Bureau starts working with application of soil conservation principles. communities on Salinity Management Plans. 1970s 1983 Volunteer groups are working to combat A dramatic dust cloud rolls into Melbourne soil erosion on a district scale. and heightens community interest in land degradation issues. 1980s In 1986 Joan Kirner, Minister for Conservation, The Garden State Committee is formed 1984 Forests and Lands, along with Heather Mitchell, and the Victorian Farmers Federation Farm The Potter Farmland Project is launched Victorian Farmers Federation President, officially Tree Groups get underway. Greening in western Victoria. launch Landcare at Winjallock, near St Arnaud.

A field day in progress on John Armit’s property in the Tambo Valley for the presentation of the 1964 Hanslow Cup.

4 | victorian landcare and catchment management 1988 Glenaroura Land Management Group and Northcote Rotary plant 200 trees. Since then Northcote Rotary, Thornbury Darebin Secondary College and Manningham Rotary have been involved in propagating up to 9000 seedlings each year. More than 70,000 trees have been planted over the life of the project. More recently the Victorian Pajero 4WD Club and Victorian 4WD Rural Response Group have helped with transport and fencing.

1989 City dwellers from Ballarat joined their rural neighbours from the Leigh Catchment Group Alcoa Australia becomes a corporate for a series of field days in 2001. partner to support Landcare projects across Australia. Other large corporate sponsors follow including: Elders, Sony, 2002 2008 Banrock Station Wines, Computershare, The Camperdown College Environment The Victorian Landcare Council is Westpac, Coles, Australia Post, Holden Group propagates indigenous plants established to represent the interests of and CitiPower. for restoration projects at Mt Leura volunteer Landcare in Victoria. and Mt Sugarloaf. The group has also 1990s created bush-tucker gardens, established 2009 Landcare goes national and the Australian an environment education centre and Landcare is at the frontline of recovery Government declares the Decade of organised a national wetlands conference efforts after the devastating Black Saturday Landcare. which attracted 150 students from across bushfires. Australia. 1995 2010 Victorian Landcarer Sue Marriott is Bidja Bila (Men of the River) Indigenous awarded a Churchill Fellowship and Landcare Group formed in Victoria’s travels to South Africa, Poland and the north-east. United Kingdom. Within two years Landcare is on the national agenda in 2010 South Africa. Landcare is now found in First Landcare-branded AFL match, 18 countries. Richmond v Sydney (Round 14), is played 1995 at the MCG. Research reveals that 35 per cent of 2011 Victorian Landcarers are women. 2004. A group of Master Treegrowers learn More than 1200 Landcare, Coast Action/ how sugar gums can be managed to provide Coastcare, Conservation Management 1995 sawn timber and fuelwood supplies. Networks and friends groups are operating Southern Farming Systems Group forms in Victoria. Sixty-two Landcare networks with a focus on profitable farming in provide an umbrella organisation for many higher rainfall zones (Geelong, Streatham, 2005 Gippsland–East Gippsland Aboriginal of Victoria’s Landcare groups. A Victorian Hamilton, Gippsland and Tasmania). Co-operative undertakes the Tatungoloong Landcare Conference celebrates the 25th revegetation project allowing traditional anniversary of Landcare. 1997 owners to reclaim, restore and reconnect First Victorian Landcare Network forum with the Boole Poole Peninsula. is held near Bacchus Marsh. 1998 Hindmarsh Shire co-ordinates restoration of corridors of indigenous vegetation across 80 kilometres of farmland to connect two national parks and protect 100 kilometres of the Wimmera River and wetlands. Over 100 metropolitan volunteers attend a community planting weekend with 250 locals. These mass annual planting weekends continue. In July 2011 Stradbroke Hall is decorated Claudia James from the Wallan Environment with wattle, banksia, callistemon and hakea 2000 Group and the 1st Wallan Wallan Scouts at blooms for an anniversary event celebrating First International Landcare Conference a National Tree Day planting in 2007 along the Merriman Creek Landcare Group’s 26th held in Melbourne. Taylors Creek in Wallan. birthday.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 5 Landcare awards recognise outstanding community effort

The carpark was full of utes and the grand ballroom was buzzing as 400 members of Victoria’s Landcare community celebrated the 2011 Victorian Landcare Awards at Government House in November.

Governor Alex Chernov AO QC welcomed the guests, congratulated the award nominees and made a special thank Cassy Jamieson, Chelsea De Bone, Taylor Johnson and Pea Saunders from Balnarring Primary you to the award judges. He said the School after receiving a Highly Commended in the Westpac Education Award. achievements of Landcare in Victoria were a tribute to all who are involved and drew attention to the need for the community “Recently we are seeing new environment by supporting and maintaining to work together in confronting new environmental challenges. The importance the great natural assets throughout Victoria. challenges to the environment. of biodiversity surviving climatic changes “Landcare is a grass-roots environmental will concern all who participate in this outstanding organisation (Landcare),” movement that was started by a group of Governor Chernov said. Victorian farmers in the 1980s and what has been achieved since then deserves Victoria’s Minister for Environment and our praise and ongoing support,” Minister Climate Change Ryan Smith said the Smith said. awards celebrated the 25th anniversary of Landcare and the great work done “The winners of the 2011 Victorian by thousands of volunteers across the Landcare Awards embody the enthusiasm state to make a difference in their local and commitment that has made Landcare

Elizabeth Balderstone with her DPI Sustainable Farming Award for West Gippsland and Rural Press Primary Producer Award in the garden at Government House. Members of Victoria’s Landcare community gathered in the grand ballroom at Government House.

6 | victorian landcare and catchment management Landcare awards recognise outstanding community effort

Highly Commended The 2011 Victorian Landcare Award judges highly commended the following nominations. Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award Jean Carnell Toshiba Community Group Award Fish Creek Landcare Group Westpac Education Award Balnarring Primary School Urban Landcare Award Friends of Willow Park Rural Press Primary Producer Award Rick and Jenny Robertson The Bushfire Recovery Award Heather Campbell from Landcare Australia Limited, Minister for Environment and Climate Friends of Robin Hood Reserve Change Ryan Smith, Darren Perry, winner of the Leighton Holdings Indigenous Landcare Award, Long Service to Landcare Award and Governor Chernov. Rob Youl, Lyn Coulston

in Victoria what it is today and I’d like to Landcare has had on our environment and Heather Mitchell Memorial congratulate the Highly Commended and our community,” Minister Smith said. Fellowship Kim Boswell all nominees for their solid efforts. Wurundjeri elder Aunty Di Kerr gave DPI Sustainable Farming “These Victorians give up their time to the welcome to country and Catriona Award West Gippsland make a difference in their local areas and Rowntree, presenter for the Channel Nine Rosemary and Graeme Trease the Victorian Landcare Awards are a great Network’s Getaway program, was the MC opportunity to celebrate and recognise for the event. Catriona’s grazier husband, the real difference volunteers can make to James Pettit, is the Chair of the Geelong the environment and to our community,” Landcare Network. Minister Smith said. After the ceremony Governor Chernov “These awards recognise what Landcare is invited the guests to inspect the state all about, people working together to put rooms at Government House and enjoy the environment first, while strengthening morning tea in the beautiful gardens. community partnerships. “It’s as much your house as it is mine,” “I hope that all Victorians will join me Governor Chernov said. Heather Campbell from Landcare Australia in recognising the significant impact that Limited, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith, Julie Hind from the Friends of Willow Park (winners of the Toshiba Landcare Community Group Award) and Governor Chernov.

Landcare stalwarts Rob Youl and Horrie Poussard caught up with friends and colleagues at the awards. Rob Youl was highly commended in the David Redfearn, Ray Radford, Ruth Shiel, Paul Prentice and Nicole Lowe from the Friends of Merri Long Service to Landcare Award and Horrie Creek accepting the Urban Landcare Award from Minister for Environment and Climate Change Poussard is one of the initiators of Landcare in Ryan Smith, and Governor Chernov and Heather Campbell from Landcare Australia Limited. Victoria.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 7 Toshiba Landcare Community Group Award Friends of Willow Park

The Friends of Willow Park, an urban Landcare group in Wodonga, was formed after a successful community campaign to save the park from a local council proposal to build a three-storey aquatic centre on a large parcel of parkland. The group’s President, Julie Hind, moved to a house bordering the park in the same week that the council’s plans became public. Julie attended one of the first meetings of a save-the-park group and then went on to become one of the founding members of the Friends of Willow Park. “It was obvious that we needed to be proactive if we wanted to protect the park into the future and have a say in how it is used and managed,” Julie said. After extensive work in partnership with the City of Wodonga, the Friends of Willow Park have developed a master plan for the park that will guide its future over the next 25 years. Willow Park is a large urban public open space on the floodplains of the House Creek and surrounded by residential housing. The friends group led the Floods in Wodonga last year dislodged nest boxes and uprooted newly planted trees in Willow community consultation for the master plan. Park, but the friends group is undeterred. A questionnaire and a Play and Say Day elicited responses from people about their partnership with local schools, TAFE and have all helped to get the environmental concerns for the park, what they valued youth groups. message out in different ways. about it and their vision for its future. From an original 15 members there are The group’s initial repairs to House The group has undertaken revegetation now 100 families involved in the Friends Creek by removing weeds and replanting works, constructed nest boxes for locally of Willow Park and many more attend the suffered a blow last year when four flood endangered squirrel gliders and completed group’s events. Julie believes the efforts of events destroyed 75 per cent of the new Waterwatch monitoring in the park in the group are paying off. plantings. “People are starting to behave differently But Julie Hind is optimistic that the new in the park – there’s a real sense of works will produce an even better future for community ownership. I’ve noticed people the creek, restoring the natural flow of the stopping to pick up litter and re-stake water and even re-creating former wetlands. young plants. This is something that “Biodiversity is a big focus for us. We are wouldn’t have happened before,” she said. working on a biolink that will go beyond The group uses social activities to help the park boundaries and encourage local avoid burn out. They go out to dinner residents to take stewardship for smaller together once a month and have sections of House Creek that border their encouraged more people to attend properties. We’re hoping the success of events with some smart marketing ideas. the Friends of Willow Park will encourage When the monthly working bees weren’t others to take responsibility so we can attracting many people they changed protect the whole eight kilometres of the the name of the activity to ‘Community creek,” Julie said. Gardening in the Park’ and got a bigger The group’s vision for the park is an urban The Friends of Willow Park at a weed crowd. Activities for dog owners, families bushland loved and enjoyed by all in the identification field day in the park. with young children, and gardeners, community – they are well on the way to achieving that.

8 | victorian landcare and catchment management Pasture cropping involves sowing annual cereal crops into living perennial pastures so that the crops grow symbiotically with the existing pasture. It’s a regenerative technique.

Farmers involved in the Gecko CLaN pasture cropping project assess ground conditions at a grazing management field day in September this year. Australian Government Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices Award Gecko CLaN Pasture Cropping Project

A pioneering approach to pasture cropping Pasture cropping has many benefits. “It’s a total change of mindset and it is producing outstanding results for a Perennial pastures provide persistence certainly doesn’t look as even as traditional Landcare network in the Goulburn Broken and resilience within the crop and are cropping, but it’s helped many local farmers area. The Gecko CLaN is an affiliation of more efficient at using water. Fertiliser and survive through difficult times. We have 23 Landcare groups from Yarrawonga to chemical use is reduced. Soil health and paddock trials right across the catchment Mansfield and Avenel. According to the moisture retention is improved and there so farmers can find a local example they network’s Pasture Cropping Project Officer, is an increase in fodder available all year can relate to, and our field days are very Jacci Campbell, the project got underway round. With the paddock covered at all specific and outcome focused,” Jacci said. because of the drought. times soil structure repairs itself, nutrients New developments in the project include a and water remain on the property and “People were really struggling. Many had to focus on grazing as a management tool and there are fewer weeds. look at their enterprises and find something improving local knowledge of native grasses. to give them hope that they would be The Gecko CLaN was able to transfer the able to continue. We needed a low-cost, technique, originally developed in northern low-input system and that’s exactly what NSW, to Victoria, through developing pasture cropping is.” an extensive network of demonstration paddocks and using farmers to teach Pasture cropping involves sowing annual farmers. The network has now received cereal crops into living perennial pastures three Caring for our Country grants for so that the crops grow symbiotically with the project. the existing pasture. It’s a regenerative technique. It loosens the soil surface at Jacci Campbell practises what she wider intervals than traditional cropping preaches. Pasture cropping is underway and provides a greater amount of litter on her family’s beef enterprise near Violet which is returned to the soil’s surface. Town. According to Jacci, pasture cropping This provides excellent conditions for the is suited to a mixed farming operation Farmers inspect a trial plot at an introduction germination and growth of native grasses. where stock are being run. to pasture cropping field day at Avenel.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 9 Bushfire Recovery Award

Nillumbik Shire Council Natural Environment Recovery Working Group

The Shire of Nillumbik includes the programs following the bushfires. Topics include group feedback and reports, communities of Christmas Hills, St Andrews The group also makes recommendations pest plants and animals, biodiversity and and Strathewen, which were all affected by to council and regional committees and work on public land that impacts on private the Black Saturday fires of February 2009. taskforces on natural environment recovery landholders. An area of 98 square kilometres was burnt, issues from a community perspective. The needs of individual landowners have including public and private land. The group meets on a monthly basis. been brought to the group by Landcare The Natural Environment Recovery It discusses environmental recovery from and Community Recovery Committee Working Group was established in May the level of individual property owners members and referred to the Rural 2009 to co-ordinate activities and support through to catchment management issues. Extension Officer and the volunteer and Contract Liaison Officer at Council, as well as back to Landcare groups where feasible. This has ensured that assistance is targeted appropriately to ensure sound property management and environmental outcomes. Dawn and Gary McDonnell from St Andrews believe the support they were offered after the fires was outstanding. “There were times when we could have walked away from our property – not knowing where to start with erosion, weeds and pest animals as well as the building issues,” Dawn said. The Natural Environment Recovery Working Group has been the focal point in delivering bushfire recovery assistance to landholders in the Shire of Nillumbik and Members of the Nillumbik Shire Council Natural Environment Recovery Working Group observe the the very high uptake of the support offered regeneration at Kinglake National Park 18 months after the Black Saturday bushfire. is an indication of its success.

Baw Baw Shire Council

The Bunyip Ridge bushfires on Black Saturday affected many communities in the Baw Baw Shire. After the fires the four main community recovery committees of Labertouche, Drouin West, Longwarry and Jindivick each developed a community recovery plan. All four committees identified the environment, walking tracks and bushland reserves as priorities for recovery works from donated funds. The Baw Baw Shire Council Natural Environment team applied to the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority and was successful in obtaining funds to implement these plans. Students from Marist Sion College work on the Bandicoot walking track – The project saw walking tracks, bridges, a Baw Baw Shire Council fire recovery project. picnic grounds, signage, car parks and

10 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Upper Goulburn Landcare Network

Within weeks of the Black Saturday bushfires the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network had held emergency meetings, and with support from the Goulburn Broken CMA diverted its efforts to full-scale bushfire recovery. The network operates in the Shire of Murrindindi which was devastated by the Volunteers from National Australia Bank braved cold and wet conditions to work on environmental fires. Nearly half of Murrindindi was burnt recovery projects organised by the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network. including the entire townships of Kinglake and Marysville. supplied with refreshments. The According to David Howie, the Uniting Based in Yea, the Upper Goulburn volunteer teams removed 86 kilometres Church Minister serving the bushfire Landcare Network is a collective of 17 of burnt fencing and rebuilt more than affected region, the enormity of the local Landcare groups. 195 kilometres of fencing. bushfires and the total devastation of the The network identified fencing as an urgent land that they caused was beyond most The network also co-ordinated volunteers priority in helping fire affected landholders people’s experience. working on revegetation. It has planted with the recovery effort. 17,600 trees and shrubs and distributed “Even beyond the fencing program, it is The network swung into action a further 15,000 to landholders in need. the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network co-ordinating 3310 volunteers from Native fauna has also benefited. Volunteer which has placed a priority on aiding the businesses, community groups, service teams made timber nesting boxes for large healing and recovery of the landscape. It clubs and concerned individuals. The birds and small mammals. The network has is because of their work that we now see volunteers were equipped with protective erected 49 boxes and distributed a further some signs of new growth and new life clothing, trained in the safe use of tools and 116 boxes for landholders to install. returning to the land,” David Howie said.

All of the bushfire recovery projects acknowledged funding support received from local government, the State and Federal Governments, the corporate sector and community donations.

revegetation works undertaken at Glen facilities that have been installed as part Cromie Park, the Labertouche Flora and of the project. Respect for the memorial Fauna Reserve, the Longwarry Bandicoot is also evident in the absence of obvious Walking Track, Nangara Reserve, Robin vandalism,” he said. Hood Reserve, Picnic Point Reserve and Many new community groups formed the Jindivick to Nangara Bridle Trail. after the fires to help manage the different At Robin Hood Reserve the council recovery projects. The council developed a worked with a friends group to rehabilitate friends group manual to assist new groups the reserve and erect a bushfire memorial to get up and running. An environmental for the Drouin West community. calendar of events has also been a great success at publicising environmental activities. Brian Connelly, Chair of the Drouin West Recovery Committee, said the success of Following the fires there was an inundation of weeds across the affected area. The the project can only be measured by a visit council also worked in partnership with Longwarry Primary School students helped to the reserve. other agencies to educate, train, equip and with the fire recovery effort on National “Particularly on the weekends, you can support landholders to successful treat the Tree Day. see the numbers of people using the weed outbreak.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 11 Australian Government Natural Resource Management Award West Gippsland CMA

The West Gippsland CMA’s approach to Some of the successes of the ten-year Landcare is based on that of a supportive Landcare and CMA partnership include a family – local groups have ownership and a quarterly Regional Landcare Forum, shared voice while the bigger regional priorities for support for on-ground works, employment natural resource management are identified opportunities and career pathways for and met. The CMA shares a vision for Landcare staff, respect and support for Landcare as being strong, resilient, effective community leaders and the recognition and unique. and celebration of Landcare achievements. There are five Landcare networks in the The five Landcare networks in the region region, 70 Landcare groups and almost are quick to praise the CMA. Peter 2000 community Landcare members. The Newgreen from the Latrobe Catchment regional groups and networks have strong Landcare Network believes the CMA’s local priorities and identities, but with the involvement in the Baw Baw to Strzelecki support of the CMA they also come together Biolink Strategy is a good example of A farm walk during the West Gippsland under the banner of GippsLandcare to a strong partnership that is delivering CMA’s Landcare Week activities. promote strategic co-ordination and excellent on-ground outcomes. create opportunities for investment. “Much of this strength can be directly In 2010 GippsLandcare supported the attributed to the commitment the CMA first ever Landcare-branded AFL game. has to Landcare,” Peter said. The message, Tigers Roar Support for West Gippsland is going from strength to Landcare – Get Involved Today!, increased Belinda Brennan from the South Gippsland strength. awareness of Landcare in the region and Landcare Network quotes projects The Chief Executive of the CMA meets right across the state. including the Cape Liptrap to Bunurong Biodiversity Biolink, the Tarwin Catchment regularly with the chairs of the five The CMA views Landcare as the key Enhancement Project and Corner Inlet Landcare networks to discuss issues of mechanism for delivering natural resource concern and ensure the continued success Connections as prime examples of management in the region. Local Landcare and viability of Landcare. The CMA is successful CMA partnerships. group action plans and Landcare strategies a good example of the West Gippsland feed into the Regional Catchment Strategy Belinda says the support provided by Landcare motto – Landcare is for and its related action plans. the CMA has meant that Landcare in everyone!

Representatives from the Bass Coast Landcare Network, Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network, Maffra & District Landcare Network, South Gippsland Landcare Network and Yarram Yarram Landcare Network with West Gippsland CMA board members and staff celebrating 25 years of Landcare at a recent Regional Landcare Forum.

12 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Dr Sidney Plowman Travel and Study Award Malcolm Thompson

According to Mallee Landcare stalwart Malcolm Thompson, the best time to plant trees was 50 years ago – and the second best time to plant trees is now! Malcolm has spent the last 18 years working in the Mallee and his commitment to revegetation is legendary. Malcolm’s work has focused on revegetation of indigenous species through tubestock Malcolm Thompson prepares a site at Ned’s Corner for direct seeding. planting and direct seeding, fencing of remnant vegetation, fencing of saline areas, Landcare groups, school groups – in fact been operating since 1979. The group replanting saltbush and salt tolerant trees, anyone who will listen. is acknowledged across Australia for sand dune reclamation and weed control its leadership role in engaging with the Malcolm will use the award to travel to programs. community, partners and volunteers. Western Australia to investigate successful Malcolm is always ready to share his revegetation projects. He will visit the Men Malcolm will also view demonstrations knowledge about native vegetation of the Trees (MOTT) – an active group of equipment with the aim of identifying techniques and the value of biodiversity. of 2000 volunteers who plant more than new revegetation technologies that can He makes the time to talk to landholders, 500,000 trees each season. MOTT has be trialled in the Mallee.

Heather Mitchell Memorial Fellowship Karen Brisbane

Karen Brisbane has been working in Landcare to community grants and managed the in the Goulburn Valley for 12 years. She Goulburn Broken Regional Landcare Awards. co-ordinated the Goulburn Murray Landcare Karen also volunteers with the Victorian Network for ten years and in 2010 was appointed as the Victorian Government’s first Landcare Network, assisting with the corporate Landcare facilitator, hosted by the organisation, co-ordinating meetings and Goulburn Broken CMA. commenting on documents and processes. Karen Brisbane hopes to create positive links Karen’s dedication and commitment to between Thailand and Australian Landcare Karen has been involved with every aspect through her fellowship. of Landcare. She has worked in local area Landcare is known throughout the region, planning, group project support, funding across Victoria, across Australia, and even and report writing, co-ordinating Green internationally. In 2009 Karen was the connection with the program, called Soil Corps teams, running Rabbit Buster, Australian Landcare International Fellow. Doctors, came about when she hosted FoxOff and weed programs, developing She spent 26 days visiting natural resource four delegates from the Thailand Land and delivering schools education programs, management projects in the US and gave Development Department to visit irrigation co-ordinating Crown land grants, managing 15 presentations about local Landcare. and salinity projects in the Goulburn Valley. environmental restoration projects and The Heather Mitchell Fellowship will allow Karen also plans to enrol in the Goulburn organising numerous bus trips, field days, Karen to travel to northern Thailand to Valley’s Fairley Leadership course. The displays and events. assist landholders who are developing course encourages and develops leadership More recently, Karen has developed a whole farm plans and dealing with salinity qualities for the benefit of the regional sponsorship toolkit and a statewide guide issues in their rice paddies. Karen’s community.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 13 There are so many new things happening, and that gives me a lot of energy. All this means I have the greatest job in the world.

Belinda Brennan is the koala with Rob Jones from the South Gippsland Landcare Network board at the Foster market. Australian Government Local Landcare Facilitator/Coordinator Award Belinda Brennan

Belinda Brennan believes that everybody is identifying key patches of remnant Belinda’s family is actively involved in should be involved in Landcare – she vegetation and areas of revegetation to Landcare too. At the launch of the One just needs an opportunity to chat with create biolinks that increase the long-term Million Trees project her children, husband them and explain why! Belinda is the ecological resilience of the landscape and and parents came along to lend a hand. Co-ordinator of the South Gippsland ultimately help protect native species. Belinda believes that work/life balance is Landcare Network. Over the past four Belinda has been engaging the community an important issue for people in Landcare years she has developed, co-ordinated in the project with displays, seed collection, and when managed properly it can help and overseen the delivery of over $1.8 propagation, tree planting and weed control. prevent burn out. million of Landcare projects for the region. “I work school hours so I get to spend time Belinda is a great believer in thinking with my children. But they also know I often outside the square. When she learnt have meetings in the evenings. They are that 50 per cent of people who buy happy to be involved in Landcare activities land in South Gippsland are not from on the weekends such as dressing up as the area she created a welcome to koalas or walking in the Arty Gras Parade.” Landcare pack and convinced 17 real Belinda says working in a volunteer estate agents to distribute it. organisation gives her opportunities to be The One Million Trees for South Gippsland flexible and creative and to develop new program owes a great deal to Belinda’s programs. dedication and enthusiasm. Belinda “There’s a lot of energy in the network. developed a successful partnership with If someone comes up with a great idea South Gippsland Water to fund propagation we always try and give it a go. The job I kits, develop a showcase native garden started four years ago certainly isn’t the job at Mossvale Park and provide small tree I’m doing now. There are so many new planting grants for groups. Belinda Brennan hands out propagation kits at the One Million Trees launch. things happening, and that gives me a lot She also co-ordinates the Friends of of energy. All this means I have the greatest Strzelecki Koalas project. The project job in the world.”

14 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Community education and awareness is one of the council’s priorities. Council staff regularly attend community events providing environmental advice, giving away indigenous plants and handing out Landcare flora and fauna brochures to local residents.

Corangamite Shire worked with the South West Waste Reduction Group to provide free kitchen scrap bins to encourage residents to compost at home and through the kerbside greenwaste system. Local Government Landcare Partnership Award Corangamite Shire Council

For locals in the Corangamite shire the ‘what’s on’ page of the council’s website is the first port of call for finding out about community events. The Corangamite Shire Council has worked collaboratively with local community groups for many years to address natural resource management issues. Community education and awareness is one of the council’s priorities. Council staff regularly attend community events providing environmental advice, giving away indigenous plants and handing out Landcare Cobden Scouts help to plant over 800 native plants at Corangamite’s Cobden Lake in June this year. flora and fauna brochures to local residents. The council also works in partnership with community groups on Landcare initiatives. media and publicity, walking track designs, many community groups helping them Pest plant control programs with Landcare community planning and co-ordinating with media and promotional support. networks have been critical for the local weed control and planting activities. An environmental and sustainability environment. A partnership with DSE Local groups are quick to praise the efforts workshop series has been popular. This is helping to map significant biodiversity of the council. Anne Carrucan from the year’s topics included sustainable living, living assets and a Rural Roadside Management Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf Development green while renting and Brolga workshops. Plan is guiding the management of weed Committee said many of the committee’s The council provides a range of incentives control, biodiversity conservation and achievements wouldn’t have been possible to local residents, businesses and groups. fire prevention. The plan, which was without the technical and financial support There is an environment improvement developed with a stakeholder reference provided by the council. group, covers the entire local area. program, a community grants scheme “We had help with funding, volunteer and funding for Conservation Volunteers The council has worked closely with the and work crew assistance, administration Australia and Green Corps crews. Cobden Lake project team on weed support and publicity materials. Our Landcare projects are always underway. control, revegetation and improving group is looking forward to many more The council works with businesses, facilities. The council has assisted the group years of successful collaboration with the neighbouring councils, schools and with funding applications, volunteer crews, Corangamite Shire Council,” she said.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 15 Australian Government Coastcare Award Friends of the Great South West Walk

For the last 30 years a dedicated band The coastal erosion along the walk is of volunteers has been maintaining a due to the extreme elements. The cliffs 250-kilometre walking track along the capes, and dunes are continually being pounded bays and beaches of the south west coast. by the relentless winds and surf coming According to Friends of the Great South West off the Southern Ocean. The walking Walk Works Co-ordinator Gordon Page the track reduces the impact of foot traffic group concentrates on reducing the effects by keeping walkers on a defined path. A of water runoff from the track, controlling range of water bars has also been installed weeds and general erosion works. to minimise gouging and to disperse the water over a broader area. “We have a membership base of around 150 and there is an associated walking The group’s technical abilities at controlling group with 40 members. We send a crew and mitigating coastal erosion have been of volunteers out to the track three days a recognised by local agencies. Their week – rain, hail or shine! methods have been trialled and assessed over a 30-year period. “I head out with a crew every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and it’s a great Friends of the Great South West Walk day. It’s mainly retirees. We have people run regular guided walks along different from all walks of life – a wool manager, a sections of the track as well as one chippy, a lab technician – even a retired supported walk every year where walkers headmaster.” can tackle the whole 250-kilometre track.

Friends of the Great South West Walk work with students from Wesley College spreading Coast Wattle to help stop erosion.

Gordon says the group is motivated by a love of the bush and a sense that they are doing something important. He has walked the track eight times and is now a support driver for the two-week walk. “Last year one of the walkers recorded 110 different species of birds along the track. People come from all over Australia and even overseas to do the walk. While the friends group maintains the track they are able to enjoy the environment without damaging it.” The friends group has forged many partnerships with the community. They have links with two Portland Rotary clubs, the Lions club, schools, field naturalists, Parks Victoria, DSE, the Point Danger Committee of Management, Birds Australia and many local Landcare groups. An association with Business and Community Links sees a local business donate a worker for a day. The Friends of the Great South West Walk are a skilled group of volunteers who show outstanding dedication to protecting and conserving the environment of the south west coast.

16 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Cate Barham (centre) with friends supporting the Barwon Coast ‘Bin it or Swim in it’ campaign by wearing t-shirts to the beach during peak visitor periods. Be Natural Young Landcare Leader Award Cate Barham

When Cate Barham was growing up at Group Nursery and organised Clean up Her dreams for the future include teaching Stawell, in the Grampians, she looked Australia Day activities. She also regularly and working in a museum illustrating fauna forward to the annual trip to the coast supports other community groups including and flora specimens. with great excitement. Now, at just 21, the Friends of Ocean Grove Nature Cate is one of the founding members of Reserve, Friends of Buckley Park, and the Ocean Grove Coastcare Group and Friends of Barwon Bluff by attending their one of Victoria’s most inspiring young activities and events. environmental leaders. Cate is recognised in the group as one of Cate left Stawell to study visual arts, but its most active and enthusiastic members. after a year she became fascinated with She has actively helped recruit many other the flora and fauna she was drawing and members to the group with a special wanted to know more about it. She emphasis on engaging young people in transferred to a conservation and land caring for their local natural environment. After moving to Ocean management course in Geelong and hasn’t Cate is currently working as a co-ordinator looked back. Participating in Volunteer Tour for the Bellarine Landcare Group and is Grove two years ago Guide Training with the Queenscliff Marine enjoying the opportunity to broaden her Discovery Centre also cemented her love Cate helped form the skills. And she loves living close to the for the coastal environment. coast. Ocean Grove Coastcare After moving to Ocean Grove two years “I love the beach. I walk along the beach Group and took on the ago Cate helped form the Ocean Grove every day with my dog Pockets and Coastcare Group and took on the position position of secretary. boyfriend Mitch – Pockets is a Jack Russell of secretary. cross. His official title is ‘Ocean Grove Cate has helped to co-ordinate working Coastcare Responsible Pet Ownership bees for removing garden escapees from Mascot’,” Cate said. the dunes around Collendina, hosted Cate’s passion for art helped her to walk and talk events along the foreshore, discover her interest in the environment, volunteered at the Bellarine Landcare and she’s not quite ready to let the art go.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 17 Max Skeen on the banks of his beloved Wimmera River. Long Service to Landcare Award Max Skeen

To the people of the Wimmera, Max groups connect with Traditional Owners groups. He’s able to relate to landholders Skeen is a local Landcare champion. Over along the Wimmera River. Max supported at a grassroots level with a genuine interest his 25 years of involvement in Landcare and encouraged more than 400 people on in what they are doing. he has helped to transform the Wimmera the 350-kilometre walk that took 15 days “Max never looks for recognition, but landscape with millions of trees, shrubs and to complete. he’s always there to support and provide grasses established on vast areas of private After the walk Max said, “The truth is, we direction. Max has a great ability to look and public land. Max’s efforts have improved don’t really know our landscape until we forward objectively and advocate for the the condition of waterways, soil, biodiversity experience it first hand. Getting out and interests of the environment and local and habitat across many projects. physically being there, observing it and landholders. The Wimmera is a better During his many years as the Regional absorbing history from locals takes our place because of him,” she said. Landcare Co-ordinator with the Wimmera understanding to a new level.” Although he retired last year Max is CMA, Max supported the formation of the Leanne Jackman, chair of Project Platypus, continuing his involvement in Landcare Hindmarsh Landcare Network and the believes that Max has been a great leader through a position on the Hindmarsh development of the Project Hindmarsh for Wimmera Landcare. Landcare Network Board and the annual planting weekend. Project Hindmarsh Wimmera River Improvement Committee. has since established more than 1.5 million “During my time in Landcare I’ve noticed trees to create wildlife corridors linking the the respect that Max is given from Thanks to Paul Carracher from the Little Desert National Park to the Big Desert landholders, agencies, investors and Wimmera-Mail Times for the photograph. National Park, and the Wimmera River to the South Australian border. Max has also been a local leader in the effort to strengthen partnerships between Landcare Honour Roll Wimmera Landcare groups and local A 2011 Victorian Landcare Long Service There are 363 people listed on Indigenous community groups. He has Honour Roll has been compiled to the roll across four lengths of service, worked to develop relationships with mark the 25th anniversary of Landcare from 10 years to more than 25 Traditional Owners from the Wotjabaluk, in Victoria. The honour roll was years. The honour roll can be viewed Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk an opportunity for groups and networks on the Landcare Gateway. Go to people. to acknowledge the work of their longest www.landcarevic.net.au and search In 2008 Max organised a Mountains to the serving and most committed members. for honour roll. Mallee Walk that saw Wimmera Landcare

18 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award Shaun and Lisa McIntyre

Shaun and Lisa McIntyre from Karabeal in the Grampians have been at the helm of the Panyyabyr Landcare Group since its formation 18 years ago. Shaun and Lisa met at agricultural college and their relationship grew from a shared passion for the environment and sustainable farming. Shaun’s family have farmed at Karabeal for five generations, while Lisa is originally from Melbourne. Lisa and Shaun were keen to start a Landcare group in the area – to work on environmental issues, but also so Lisa could get to know the locals. In 1993 Lisa and Shaun sent out a leaflet to all of the families who live in the Panyyabyr area and the group hasn’t looked back since. From an original membership of 30 families, the group has grown to include From left, Lachlan, Miranda, Lisa, Airlie, Shaun and Alec McIntyre inspect some Landcare works 54 families. Shaun has been the president on their property at Karabeal. of the group since its first meeting and Lisa has been the secretary. Shaun and Lisa believe that Landcare has relationships. The success of this could really improved the local environment and be seen during the stresses of the drought The couple have been the driving force this encourages them to continue working years and the Grampians fires,” Lisa says. behind most of the group’s activities, in the group. organising field days, pasture field trials and Lisa hasn’t considered the possibility of weed control, soil health, farm forestry Lisa also credits the achievements of burnout. She says the future for the group and direct seeding projects. Lisa keeps the group with strong support from is looking bright. everyone in the area up-to-date with the committee and especially from the “We’ve got second generation members what’s happening in the group. Many treasurer, Colleen Lomas. getting involved now and lots of exciting new activities are conducted jointly with the Shaun and Lisa have an inclusive approach projects on the go, so it’s looking good.” neighbouring Mirrantawa Landcare Group. to running the group. They listen to the Lisa says a diverse range of projects keeps community and have developed good everybody interested. relationships with the local natural resource management agencies. “One of the group’s recent projects involves treating the local landscape as one large farm “The group has a great social and and aims to join all of the local residents and community ethos. It is inclusive of all farms to the Wannon River and swamps by family members with lots of room for extensive vegetation corridors.” the informal get togethers that cement Shaun and Lisa have an inclusive approach to Lisa McIntyre (in the white jumper) speaks at a perennial pastures field day run by the Panyyabyr Landcare Group. Lisa says field days are important social events – a chance to kick the gravel, running the group. They share a cup of tea and catch up with each other. listen to the community and have developed good relationships with the local natural resource management agencies.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 19 Darren Perry on Lindsay Island, one of three islands in the Murray River that stretch between Wentworth and the Victorian border. Darren says the islands are some of the richest sites of Aboriginal cultural heritage in the whole of Victoria. Leighton Holdings Indigenous Award Darren Perry

Darren Perry, a Ngintait man from Swan Mulcra Island – one of north west managing any new sites found during Hill, has been critical to the success of Victoria’s most culturally sensitive sites. construction. The plans were among several major environmental projects at the largest of their type implemented in Mulcra Island is an anabranch of the Victoria. They covered an area of 3000 Murray River. The drought and low hectares, involved extensive construction river levels of recent years prompted works and included five Indigenous the need for an environmental watering stakeholder groups. program that began in 2007. More recently the construction of weirs and Darren led two cross-cultural training reservoirs at Mulcra Island has helped sessions with private construction to protect the island and allow for the contractors working on the project. efficient management of environmental The sessions were run by Indigenous water flows. community members together with the The project is important Mallee CMA and involved 45 contractors Mulcra Island is an important cultural site undertaking ground-disturbance works at for local Indigenous people – surveys have not just because it protects the island. identified scarred trees, hearths, campsites, the cultural sites, but middens and burial grounds on the island. Darren believes the project is important not just because it protects the cultural because it revives the Darren Perry has been working in the sites, but because it revives the natural cultural heritage field for many years and natural environment environment from where the Ngintait has a family connection to Mulcra Island people’s culture grew. from where the Ngintait through his ancestry. Darren helped to people’s culture grew. develop two cultural heritage management “I was taught by elders how to identify plans that protected the culturally significant sites – how to care for our culture and sites during the construction of five to protect it. regulators and stop banks on Mulcra Island. “We need a legacy to hand on to future The cultural heritage management plans generations. Our way of doing things is allowed for Indigenous people to have to look after our past and to hand it on – input into planning the construction works, keeping the environment healthy is a vital protecting culturally significant sites and part of this,” Darren said.

20 |  victorian landcare and catchment management The SGLN staff credit the many dedicated volunteers who undertake the on-ground work with making the network so successful.

Proud winners at the 2011 South Gippsland local Landcare Network Awards. CitiPower and Powercor Landcare Network Award South Gippsland Landcare Network

The South Gippsland Landcare Network the 712 families involved in Landcare in Register of Environmental Organisations (SGLN) is made up of 18 Landcare South Gippsland – approximately 2000 and established the South Gippsland groups and covers an area of 4000 square individuals. The network is involved with Landcare Fund. The network is one of only kilometres across the shires of South the local community to improve the a handful of Landcare organisations to be Gippsland, Cardinia, Bass Coast and long-term sustainability of farming and entered on the register and be granted Baw Baw. the environment. The focus is on finding deductible gift recipient status. practical solutions to land management The network was formed in 1995 by The network currently has 13 major issues. a key group of volunteers. It represents projects underway. These include projects The SGLN is managed by a board of 12 for new landholders, the enhancement enthusiastic volunteer members. The work of the Tarwin catchment, pest plant and is challenging, especially when it comes to animal control, a Cape Liptrap to Bunurong sourcing funds; however, members have biodiversity biolink, healthy soils, targeted been quick to innovate, finding new partners land stewardship, a catchment profile for and even expanding the range of projects Corner Inlet and a coastal Gippsland Bridal they are undertaking. In the last four years Creeper project. the network has developed, co-ordinated The network’s two showcase projects are and overseen the delivery of more than One Million Trees for South Gippsland and $1.8 million worth of Landcare projects. the Friends of the Strzelecki Koalas. The network operates under a strategic The SGLN staff credit the many dedicated plan with six key themes: caring for our volunteers who undertake the on-ground land; Landcare groups and memberships; work with making the network so successful. funding; collaborations and partnerships; The strength of the network is also evident education, communication and promotion; in the number of organisations who A remnant protection field day at and, governance. Koonwarra. continue to support it and the range of new In 2009 the SGLN was entered on the partners who have joined in recent years.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 21 Kids can get a bit lost in the middle years. We know that hands on learning means they are more likely to retain information, so focusing our studies on the creek has educational as well as social benefits.

Ballarat Christian College students in front of their organic vegetable gardens. Westpac Education Award Ballarat Christian College

Hanging out at the creek doesn’t mean rubbish, installed a sediment trap, done a Waterwatch Education Officer with the goofing off for the year 9 students at lot of revegetation work and established an Corangamite CMA, says the students Ballarat Christian College. The students organic vegetable garden. There’s a great involved in the creek project are devote seven hours a week to the creek sense of pride among the year nines who environmental leaders for the school and project and use it to focus their studies take turns in maintaining the site each year. for the wider community. in science, ecology, geography, natural Students really enjoy spending their free “They are a very dedicated and passionate resources and organics. time at the creek,” Giselle said. bunch. It’s clear they want to do what’s The creek is also at the centre of a According to Giselle the year 9 cohort best for the health of their creek and it’s leadership program where year 9 students was selected to be the creek caretakers been inspiring to see them keep up the buddy with students from grade 1 and as it can be a tricky year to keep students water quality monitoring each year.” 2 as environmental mentors. As the engaged. knowledge and confidence of the students “Kids can get a bit lost in the middle years. has increased they have taken their We know that hands on learning means environmental message to the broader they are more likely to retain information, community as well – giving presentations at “I like being able to remove so focusing our studies on the creek has the 2011 Melbourne Water Kids Teaching educational as well as social benefits.” the reeds from the creek Kids Conference. as well as observe the On any school day at the college, year The creek is a stormwater system that 9 students will be found at the creek macro-invertebrates,” runs through the school grounds, feeds completing science and environment into the Yarrawee Creek and then Heidi Monkman, year 9. related school work as well as connects to the Leigh and Barwon Rivers. redeveloping and stabilising an offshoot of According to year 9 co-ordinators Giselle the creek, weeding, tending the organic “The creek is great because Greene and Andrew Kynoch, before garden and undertaking maintenance tasks. the project got underway the creek was I get to work outside and get A recent project involves building a wood- weed and snake infested and strictly out wet! It helps to break up a fired pizza oven so the students can host of bounds for students. events and cook their own organic food. busy week,” “After four years of intensive work the Waterwatch monitoring is also an Ross Weightman, year 9. creek is now an asset for the school. important activity. Rebecca George, We’ve removed the weeds and the

22 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Urban Landcare Award Friends of Merri Creek

Merri Creek is one of Melbourne’s much environmental asset, enjoyed by the many loved urban waterways. It is the longest people who walk, run and cycle along its tributary of the Yarra River and runs from banks,” Ray said. the Great Dividing Range through the Friends of Merri Creek have spearheaded northern suburbs of Melbourne to join public advocacy for the conservation of the Yarra at Dights Falls in Abbotsford. the creek and protected it from numerous The Friends of Merri Creek during a planting The Friends of Merri Creek urban development threats. As well as its many day at the Cooper Street grasslands (Bababi Landcare group was formed in 1988 to projects in the southern area the group Marning) in Campbellfield. revegetate the creek and enhance and is also active north of the Western Ring preserve the native grasslands along its Road, where much of the land along the According to Ray, activities that are highly banks. The friends also help direct the creek is privately owned. visible, like those along the well-used planning and management of the creek The Friends of Merri Creek have led Merri shared path, attract more volunteers through their role on the Merri Creek major campaigns to save native grasslands than those in less visible locations, like the Management Committee. at Craigieburn (Galgi Ngarrk) and grasslands. Ray Radford has been the secretary of the Campbellfield (Bababi Marning) which “We can put up signs along the pathways group for 15 years. Ray used to go running resulted in them being declared as reserves and let people know about activities along along the creek. He saw people doing large in 1998. the path, but it’s harder at other places. scale plantings during the bicentennial in The group holds a number of working Getting more young people involved has 1988 and decided to get involved. bees which involve planting, weeding, also been a priority for us. We’ve noticed Ray says the changes to the creek litter clean-ups, monthly water quality that fauna events, like bird surveys, attract environment since that time have been monitoring, quarterly bird surveys and an more young people and we recently set up enormous. Many areas have been opened annual harvest of Kangaroo Grass (for use a Facebook page to help spread the word,” up and made accessible with pathways, in plantings). Ray said. and the revegetation work has greatly More than 70,000 indigenous plants have A survey of Growling Grass Frogs along improved the local landscape. been planted by the group since 2000. the creek is one of the group’s upcoming “In the 1960s the southern area of Over the last seven years they have held events. The Friends of Merri Creek Merri Creek was referred to as a rat more than 300 different activities involving newsletter was recently renamed the Merri infested drain. Today it is a much loved 3400 volunteers. Growler in honour of the frog.

The Friends of Merri Creek show the results after a day of weeding at the Strettle Wetlands.

More than 70,000 indigenous plants have been planted by the group since 2000. Over the last seven years they have held more than 300 different activities involving 3400 volunteers.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 23 Rural Press Primary Producer Award DPI Sustainable Farming Award* West Gippsland Elizabeth Balderstone

Elizabeth Balderstone sees herself as the custodian of her property Warrigal Creek at Darriman, near Yarram, and she’s very aware of its heartrending history. Prior to European settlement the area was the home of the Brataualung clan of the Gunaikurnai people. In 1843 a massacre of these people took place, believed to be on the banks of Warrigal Creek. Elizabeth’s connection with the property began in the 1970s when she met her future husband, Alistair Irving, and his father Elizabeth Balderstone in a belt of revegetation that was direct seeded in 2005. The site links up John – both keen tree planters. with Jack Smith Lake. A variety of different species were seeded including grasses and understorey plants with seed provided by the local seedbank. Elizabeth and Alistair were early members of the Stradbroke/Woodside Farm Trees Group and then Elizabeth joined the Woodside Since 1995 Elizabeth has completely Elizabeth has improved pasture Landcare Group when it formed in 1989. fenced off and revegetated the entire management on the property, conducted length of Warrigal Creek and its salinity trials, and monitored resource use Alistair died in 1987 and some years later tributaries that run through the property to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. the larger family farming partnership was – significantly increasing its biodiversity She credits her generous and enthusiastic split. Elizabeth has continued the focus on values. A conservation covenant has been family, staff and advisers for helping to improving productivity and sustainable land placed over 80 hectares of the property, transform the farm. management practices on her property. including 49 hectares which adjoin the Jack “At the beginning the task seemed Smith Lake State Game Reserve, which impossibly daunting, but now we have are fenced and managed as a Wildlife entered our second stage with the Management Co-operative with Parks establishment of new corridors and shelter Victoria. More than 2000 trees have been belts. The goal is that 15 per cent or more planted in this area. of the property will be in protected and The 1378-hectare farm supports a merino non-grazed areas. flock, a prime lamb enterprise, a herd of “We are also increasing our focus on beef breeders and lucerne production establishing persistent, drought tolerant I have a strong belief that under irrigation for hay and silage. A whole perennial pastures, especially with the farm plan has guided Elizabeth’s farm fate has made me the challenges and changes presented by management, but she views it as a dynamic climate change, and given our fragile document and is constantly reviewing it to custodian of this land and coastal sandy soils.” see where improvements can be made. that I’m responsible for trying Elizabeth says she sometimes wonders “I’m very conscious that what we thought what Alistair Irving and his father would to restore the balance, and were good practices in the past, with the think of the changes to the property if they benefit of hindsight, were not always so. leave it in a healthier and were able to see it today. I have a strong belief that fate has made more sustainable condition. me the custodian of this land and that “There’s still a lot of work to do, but the I’m responsible for trying to restore the change is encouraging. In the last 20 years balance, and leave it in a healthier and Landcare has really transformed our local more sustainable condition.” landscape for the better.”

*DPI Sustainable Farming Awards were granted in five of the ten CMA regions. No nominations were received for some regions. In other regions the independent judges deemed that no nominations adequately addressed all of the relevant criteria.

24 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Sustainable Farming Awards DPI Sustainable Farming Award North East Neil Paulet and Janice Horsfield

Neil Paulet, his wife, Janice Horsfield, and and gullies on the properties. They also their two sons have developed a range of have a 28-hectare agroforestry plot on good management practices on their cattle some steep country. grazing property in the Tallangatta Valley. Neil has lost count of the number of Neil and Janice bought the original property trees they’ve put in, but he says it would in 1988 and have since expanded, be between 30,000 and 40,000. He purchasing three more parcels of land. They credits his parents with getting him started run a 325-hectare cattle grazing operation on tree planting. They valued trees on Neil Paulet and his son James on the family cattle grazing property in the Tallangatta Valley. and have more than 300 hectares of bush. their Gippsland dairy farm, starting with planting Cypress Pines for windbreaks Neil says the property was in a fairly in the 1950s. ordinary condition when they first bought it. Perennial pastures have been established, Livestock management on the properties “The bush wasn’t in the right location electric fencing is extensive and off stream is based upon strategic rotational grazing. to be useful to the stock for shade and water supplies have been installed. Cattle are grazed at high intensity on there were very few trees on the grazing small areas for short periods and are then Neil has been an active member of the country. It was clear we needed trees for rotated around the farm. This promotes Tallangatta Valley Landcare Group for over shade and shelter.” strong pasture growth and recovery rates, 15 years and is currently its secretary. Neil and Janice have now revegetated 95 maintains ground cover and improves soil He is the Immediate Past President of the per cent of the creek frontages, waterways and livestock health. Mitta to Murray Landcare Network. DPI Sustainable Farming Award Port Phillip and Westernport Faye Tuchtan and Graham Wood

Graham Wood and Faye Tuchtan are the properties and maximise their innovative, high profile business leaders commercial return in line with principles in the Bass Valley who have embraced of environmental sustainability. Landcare and become two of its most According to Faye it was an environmental stalwart advocates. best management practice course and Faye manages a stud cattle genetics and the local Landcare people who motivated seedstock business and Graham operates them to get the works underway. an agricultural machinery sales company. “We’ve been trying to do things They farm cattle on two properties – more naturally right across the farm south of Grantville and at Bass. – improving soil health, minimising Both properties were very run down fertilisers, breeding cattle that produce when they were purchased, with poor less methane, revegetation, protecting soil health, extensive weed infestations, remnants, recycling silage wrap and using derelict fences, water quality problems less power and fuel – there are a lot of and unprotected areas of remnant improvements that can be made.” vegetation in poor condition. They Graham and Faye have held many field have worked tirelessly to improve days on their properties. They are known throughout the region as a couple who Graham Wood and Faye Tuchtan in front of the use and promote Landcare principles and dam they built on their property at Bass. The practices and are always keen to share dam has ended their reliance on mains water. their experiences with others.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 25 Sustainable Farming Awards

DPI Sustainable Farming Award Corangamite Troy Missen

Troy Missen has developed a farming system “With full control traffic we use the same that matches land use to land class. His defined track whenever we put a machine property at Werneth, south of Ballarat, has over the crop. This means we sacrifice a been in his family since 1987. Troy took narrow strip of compacted soil, but the rest over the farm in 1994 and runs a cropping, of the soil will never have a wheel over it grazing, lucerne and farm tree enterprise. again.” Over time Troy has expanded the business, According to Troy the narrow traffic strips buying more land, leasing other country become compacted like roads – they are and developing extensive share farming and easier to drive and require less fuel and less contracting operations. horsepower. It also makes the paddocks accessible when they are wet. Troy’s interest in sustainable farming led him to no-till cropping. He uses mapping Troy’s attention to detail is paying software to identify and overlay information dividends. Improved farming practices, such obtained through the use of crop sensors, as stubble retention and soil conservation Troy, Carly and Joel Missen standing alongside plant testing, zonal soil testing and harvest techniques such as cover cropping that Little Woady Yaloak Creek that was fenced yield maps so that changes in productivity retain groundcover and enhance moisture and revegetated in 1999. can be compared across years and retention, are resulting in higher farm between paddocks. Inputs such as fertiliser, productivity. The no-till sowing and gypsum and lime are used strategically to controlled traffic approach improves soil “The sheep used to camp in the creek address soil type specific issues and nutrient structure and growing conditions, while the during the summer and erode the banks, applications are based on soil moisture and combination of these practices is predicted but since they’ve been out the whole area likely crop responses. to increase soil carbon over time. has come back beautifully. Last year we Troy says his involvement in the No Till Revegetation has also been one of Troy’s had a big flood over summer, but the creek Farmers Association has been critical for priorities. He has fenced his section of held up well and we had no damage.” the changes he’s made on the farm. In the Little Woady Yaloak Creek, removed Improved soil structure and groundcover 2008 he changed over to a full control gorse and replanted the riparian areas has reduced water turbidity running off the traffic system after seeing demonstrations to complement the remnant native farm and the water in the Little Woady on farms in Queensland. vegetation. Yaloak Creek is clearer. The index of stream condition in the creek increased from average in 2003 to good in 2009. Troy is an active member of the Woady Yaloak Catchment Group. In 2000 he took on the role of GIS co-ordinator, maintaining project details and training local farmers and he now serves on the committee. Troy left school early to farm. He says it would have been nice to have gone on further and got a degree, but there are plenty of opportunities to educate yourself in farming. “There are so many top farmers around who share their knowledge through field days and trials and different groups. Cam Nicholson from the Woady Yaloak Catchment Group is a good example. Whenever Cam asks me to have a go Troy Missen in his lupin crop. Troy established the plantation in the background in 1996. It has at a trial I say yes, because I always learn been very successful at controlling a saline soak that had been increasing in size. something.”

26 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Rick and Jenny Robertson enjoy their bushland and swamp remnant. The site is protected with a conservation covenant DPI Sustainable Farming Award East Gippsland Rick and Jenny Robertson

Rick and Jenny Robertson have managed they encouraged Rick to give it a go. “We think there’s an exciting future in their 1000-hectare merino sheep and farming. By taking a good look at our grass Rick and Jenny reassessed the property and fine wool property at Bengworden for 22 management we’ve been able to have under the guidance of consultants moved years. They are both active members of the more control over the future by reducing towards a regenerative farming system. Bengworden Landcare Group and have a our risks – and a positive impact on the They set up an extensive laneway system shared interest in sustainable farming. balance sheet too.” to improve stock management, introduced Rick and Jenny have established more than cell grazing, closely analysed their stocking 100 kilometres of shelterbelt tree lines rates in conjunction with rainfall charts and across the property. The tree lines work projected feed budgets and introduced a as natural linkages across the landscape, pasture cropping system. complementing a 23-hectare area of bushland and swamp protected by a The pasture cropping regime provides covenant. quality feed for the winter deficit, out- competes annual weed species and A further 38 hectares of sandy ridges encourages the regeneration of perennial on the property is used as a plantation pasture species. The grazing management We think there’s an exciting woodlot for sawlog production. This has aims to have 100 per cent ground cover optimised the return from country that all year round through the adoption of future in farming. By taking has a poor carrying capacity and protects cell grazing. it from erosion. Salinity has also been an a good look at our grass issue. Salt affected land adjacent to the Rick says their involvement in the management we’ve been foreshore of the Gippsland Lakes has Bengworden Landcare Group has helped been reclaimed with a 10-hectare plot of support them through these changes. able to have more control saltbush. The saltbush also provides shelter “It’s a proactive group and there’s a good over the future by reducing and a valuable reserve of green feed for core of people who share our ideas and lambing ewes in harsh weather. are giving this new system a go.” our risks – and a positive Despite these improvements, diminishing Rick and Jenny acknowledge that there impact on the balance sheet commodity prices, drought, crop failure is still a lot of work to do. But things are and looming debt were threatening too. turning around. Their inputs have been the property. In 2008 Rick and Jenny reduced by 60 per cent and the wool cut happened to see an ABC Landline program has increased by 19 per cent. on NSW farmer Nigel Kerin’s success with regenerative farming. The Robertsons’ Jenny says that she and Rick love farming three daughters were watching too and and are excited about the future.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 27 2011 Photography competition winners

More than 100 entries were received for the 2011 Landcare Photography Competition. Judges Andrew Chapman, Tracey Koper and Tim Arch were impressed by the quality and diversity of the photographs that were entered.

Entries were judged in three categories: how humans consume and conserve e) Water – general winner sustainability, water and ‘what Landcare the environment. I believe that we all Roslyn Jamieson means to me’. Each winner received $150 should be careful when it comes to the Lower Kalimna Falls to donate to a Landcare group, school or environment and do what’s in our power Roslyn is the Chair of the Southern charity of their choice. to conserve it.” Otway Landcare Network, President a) Sustainability – general winner c) What Landcare means to me – of the Apollo Bay Landcare Group, Bernard Carroll general winner and a member of the Victorian Mobile Dairy herd grazing Robert Gardiner Landcare Group. She took this photograph at Kalimna Falls, near Lorne. This photograph was taken on Bernard’s Moonrise behind an old gum tree 450-hectare family farm at Mudgegonga. Robert’s photograph of the moon “I am passionate about Landcare in all its forms and help out with tree planting, “I have been involved with the rising behind an old gum tree features weeding and wildlife monitoring wherever Mudgegonga and District Landcare Group on the front cover of this issue. The possible. I have lived in the Otways for since it was established in 1994. There photograph was taken after midnight four years now and just love the fresh air have been many thousands of trees and on the Black Range in Murrindindi. and beautiful scenery.” understorey plants established along the “The timeless grandeur of the Australian streams, gullies, erosion sites and steep night sky reminds me of our great f) Water – school winner unproductive areas of our farm since responsibility and honour, to protect our Charmoni Martin-Cogger then. Our farm was severely impacted little world from over-clearing, endless Wetland colours by the Black Saturday bushfires. Pasture energy demands and exploitation.” and fencing was our biggest loss, the Charmoni is 12 years old and took this tree plantations and shelter belts have d) What Landcare means to me – photograph at the Spectacle Wetlands recovered reasonably well.” school winner in Kwinana, close to her home. The b) Sustainability – general winner Lara Maruff wetlands are seasonal and usually retain Laura Bando Reach for the sky some water over summer. They are an Switch off Lara is 13 years old and lives on 20 important stopover for migrating bird species. Laura is a student at Caulfield Grammar. acres in St Andrews. She took this Her photograph sums up her views photograph in Gisborne. Charmoni’s favourite photographic on energy – that we should turn off “I see beauty in everything, most things subjects are her 13 pets. She is also lights and conserve energy as much people wouldn’t even stop to look at. interested in wildlife and has supported as possible. I believe there is a place for nature the Bilby foundation in the past. One “The photograph was taken at my everywhere, from the trees, to the bark it day she would like to be like David school camp at Yarra Junction. At the sheds, to the leaves that grow from it, to the Attenborough, whose documentaries camp students in year 7 and 8 learn insects and animals that eat the leaves.” she loves.

a b

28 |  victorian landcare and catchment management 2011 Photography competition winners

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spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 29 Around the State – News from the Regional Landcare Co-ordinators

Port Phillip and Westernport Landcare and Fishcare for their efforts A Family Fun Nature Day held in All of the new Community NRM throughout the year. More than 50 Castlemaine in September drew a crowd Co-ordinator positions have now volunteers enjoyed a plant history walk of over 700 people to environment- been filled. We welcome Geoff Boyes along the shores of Lake Tyers and themed stands which included several of and Bridgette MacCallum at the activities at the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust the Landcare groups from the Castlemaine Cardinia Environment Coalition, Joel learning about the history of the land, the area. The event was a great opportunity Geoghegan at the Bass Coast Landcare lake, the church and the farm. for the groups to showcase their projects Network and Kathleen Bartlett at the South and recruit new volunteers. Landcare groups across the region have Gippsland Landcare Network. started their 2011–2012 projects funded The CMA Waterwatch team, with support The CMA is hosting Emmanuelle Brunet through the Victorian Landcare Grants. from the Landcare team, launched a Frogs for the Yarra catchment, William Hogg for The energy and capacity of groups is Field Guide at Smeaton in October. The the Werribee catchment, Grant Godden heartening to see. Equally busy are those guide is for anyone interested in learning for the northern catchments and Matt groups who successfully applied for 25th more about the frogs of north central Khoury for the Mornington Peninsula. Anniversary Landcare Grants. Victoria. The guide is a handy size to use in Geoff, Grant and Matt are part-funded the field and contains lots of information to Welcome to our newest group, the through the Regional Landcare Facilitator help identify frogs, eggs or tadpoles. Snowy West Landcare Group. This group Initiative. is operating under the Far East Victoria For further information contact Congratulations to our winners in the 2011 Landcare Network and is about to embark Jodie Odgers on 5440 1883. Victorian Landcare Awards. It’s great to see on their first project – rehabilitating the rail Mallee their stories in this edition. trail near Orbost. It has been an interesting few months for For further information contact For further information contact Landcare in the Mallee as groups anxiously Doug Evans on 9712 2296. Sandie Brown on 5150 359. await the outcome of the new Landcare Goulburn Broken Facilitator initiative. Hopes are high that the Mallee will secure some positions. The region celebrated 25 years of Landcare at the recent annual local Many groups are reporting a good season Landcare awards. Around 130 people and are looking forward to returning to attended the evening with Upper Goulburn previous projects that had suffered during Landcare Networking winning the the drought. Interest in remnant vegetation Network Award. The Koyuga Kanyapella protection and rehabilitation works is high. Landcare Group won the Group Award, Increasing rabbit numbers have prompted Shepparton High School and the Bunnings groups to apply for DSE Victorian Landcare Project won the Education Award, Russell Grant funding to conduct rabbit ripping and Wealands won the Hubert Miller Award tree planting activities. and the Gecko CLaN won the Sustainable Farming Award. Royce Dickinson was also Junior Landcare is making a comeback in acknowledged for his Landcare efforts. the region as the focus on climate change, carbon farming and renewable energies 25th Anniversary Landcare grants from is taking hold in our schools. I have been the Victorian Government have provided taking a number of enquiries about how funding for 19 projects in the region junior Landcare could be integrated including community education about into the school curriculum. The Red native fish, walking tracks and rail trails. Ten Cliffs Community Landcare Group is an events are being run through the Regional innovative model for junior Landcare and Landcare Facilitator project, the theme of is creating interest in the region. these being farmers teaching farmers. The state Landcare team held their Landcarers from the region recently Volunteers shared their experiences at East regional meeting at the Trust for Nature attended the 25th Anniversary Landcare Gippsland’s 8th Annual Care Day in September. property, Ned’s Corner Station, in August. Conference and the state Landcare The team also visited the Yelta Landcare awards. Congratulations to all the winners Group and the Millewa Carwarp Landcare North Central and to those who were nominated. Group to view their projects and discuss There is plenty of activity in the region how they see Landcare now and in the For further information contact with the 2011–2012 Victorian Landcare future. The team was impressed by the Tony Kubeil on 5761 1619. Grants now being distributed to visit and has vowed to come back and East Gippsland successful groups. The grants will enable spend more time in the region. East Gippsland’s 8th Annual Care Day was groups to continue to be active in their held in September. The event rewards community while undertaking local priority For further information contact volunteers from Coastcare, Waterwatch, projects. Kevin Chaplin on 5051 4344.

30 |  victorian landcare and catchment management Around the State – News from the Regional Landcare Co-ordinators

The Stony Rises Land Management Network has recently established west of Colac. Welcome to Bret Ryan, the new Corangamite Regional Landcare Facilitator. For further information contact Tracey McRae on 5232 9100 Glenelg Hopkins More than 140 people attended the Glenelg Hopkins Environmental Achievement Awards held in Hamilton in late August. The awards recognised the tireless contribution that groups and individuals make towards improving and protecting the region’s natural assets. Groups have been taking advantage of the excellent weather conditions to complete their 2010–2011 Landcare Grant projects Members of the Millewa Carwarp Landcare Group met with the State Landcare team at a trial and there has been a strong response from site near Werrimull recently to look at the grazing potential of locally indigenous plants on low groups applying for projects for next year. productive soils. A number of networks and consortiums have also submitted applications for Landcare facilitator positions. West Gippsland October. Landcarers from around the There are big changes and new region found the events in Kaniva and The Landcare Gateway website is an opportunities for Landcare across the Jeparit informative and entertaining. important communication tool for the region. All five networks are hoping Thanks to Steven Hobbs for showing region. The CMA regularly updates to secure a share of the Victorian so many people around his farm and information about grants and Landcare Government Facilitator Funding Initiative to biodiesel plant. The Laharum Landcare news and many groups in the region are help support and develop local Landcare. Group also put in a big effort transporting using the gateway to display their activities their gasifier to Kaniva. The gasifier was and projects. The networks have now held their a highlight and the group’s contribution For further information contact annual general meetings and the quality was much appreciated. and quantity of community activity and Tony Lithgow on 5571 2526. on-ground works is very impressive. Rod Quantock’s performance North East filled the Jeparit Memorial Hall and Early calculations indicate that the The region marked 25 years of Landcare got people laughing as well as thinking region’s Landcare networks, groups and with four anniversary activities held during about serious climate change issues. communities will have undertaken projects September, including the 2011 North Congratulations are due to everyone worth in excess of $1.5 million. Full details East Active Service Awards. More than involved in the event. will be published in the 2010–2011 200 Landcarers and Landcare supporters Regional Landcare Report Card. For further information contact attended the events which were Congratulations to the South Gippsland Joel Boyd on 5382 1544. supported by the CMA and the Victorian Landcare Network (SGLN) for winning Corangamite Government. the Parks Victoria Environment and The region has secured $755,000 across More than 100 active service awards Sustainability Award in October. Further four projects through Caring for our were presented, totalling 1420 years of congratulations are due to the SGLN Country grants this year – a fantastic Landcare service in the region. The awards for their success in the 2011 Victorian effort by those who put the submissions highlighted the enormous contributions Landcare Awards as well as to the other together. made by volunteers to Landcare in nominees and winners and the 65 regional the North East. A booklet and a DVD It’s been a busy time with many groups nominees on the 2011 Victorian Landcare celebrating 25 years of Landcare in the celebrating 25 years of Landcare with Long Service Honour Roll. North East was also launched on the night. community events as well as many A Landcare digital library continues to be For further information contact on-ground projects. Congratulations to developed and expanded as more and Phillip McGarry on 1300 094. the groups who received a share of the more photographs and publications come $60,000 of funding from the Victorian Wimmera to light. Congratulations to the Hindmarsh Government. Events are listed on the Landcare Network on the success of Landcare Gateway for those who would For further information contact its Farming without Fossil Fuels day in like to get involved. Tom Croft on (02) 6024 9107.

spring/summer 2011 issue 53 | 31 In brief

Indigenous Landcare and to learn about their cultural animals. We welcome your contributions The Ghunda Mulla (Fresh Water Women) connections to the land. The group is on these issues as well as your general Landcare Group was formed in north planning some projects related to the Landcare news and views. native fish strategy, including making reed east Victoria earlier this year to support Contributions to the next issue should be Indigenous women to be involved in fish spears and a bark canoe. sent to the editor by 10 February 2012. Landcare and community activities. For further information contact Members of the group enjoyed a recent Richard Kennedy at the North East Carrie Tiffany, editor visit to Walpiri country in the Tanami CMA on (02) 6043 7613. Victorian Landcare & Catchment Desert to learn about bush tucker plants. Management Magazine Next issue – invasive plants The Junction Landcare Group is and animals PO Box 1135, Mitcham North 3132 encouraging Indigenous youths to get The next issue of the magazine will Phone: 0405 697 548 involved in natural resource management feature stories on invasive plants and Email: [email protected]

Members of the Bidja Bila, Ghunda Mulla and the Junction Landcare groups gathered at the confluence of the Kiewa and Murray Rivers to celebrate Native Fish Awareness week recently. Members learnt about the recovery of the Murray Cod, Silver Perch and Yellow Belly – iconic native fish species. Activities included weaving fish traps and baskets and spear making. A group of local elders demonstrated how to cut a canoe from a large River Red Gum. The canoe will be displayed in the local museum.

The Victorian Landcare & Catchment Management magazine is published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment and distributed in partnership with the Farm Tree & Landcare Association and the Victorian Catchment Management Council. The magazine aims to raise awareness of Landcare and natural resource management among Victorian farmers, landholders, the Victorian Landcare community and the wider community.

Mailing list enquiries Executive Officer Farm Tree & Landcare Association Phone: 9207 5527 Fax: 9207 5500 Email: [email protected] To receive your copy via email alert Contact Jessica Barnes Phone: 9637 8190 Email: [email protected] Read the magazine online Back issues of the Victorian Landcare & Catchment Management magazine can be found at www.dse.vic.gov.au/victorianlandcaremagazine The print size of the magazine can be enlarged online for easier reading.

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