qbnlandcarers

QCC Plan of Management submission

2008-05-09T10:11:00.000+10:00

Queanbeyan Landcare has submittted its submission to the Queanbeyan Council Plan of Management consultation.

We thanked Council for their increased allocation to weed control but suggested more is needed.

Don't forget cleanup day this Sunday

2008-02-28T13:57:00.000+11:00

At the Queanbeyan River causeway, immediately downstream of the Caravan Park, from 10 till 12 noon followed by a bbq, by QCC, at Queen Elizabeth Park, opposite Riverside Plaza at noon

Sartor approves Tralee

2008-02-27T11:22:00.000+11:00

SMH article here

Gale fencing

2008-02-18T21:02:00.000+11:00

We were pleased to see a large turnout to do some fence repairs.

We fixed the fence around the cavaletto...
...and repaired a particularly bad bit of ringlock on Cooma road...

Of course we had our typically beautiful Queanbeyan weather, the dog took the kids for a short bushwalk, and what better way to finished it off but with a nice cup of tea.

February Working Bee - Gale Precinct

2008-02-12T09:50:00.000+11:00

Join us for a nice bit of fencing and a cup of tea in the bush.

Meet at 'the bend' about 9:00am Sun 17th...

View Larger Map

African Lovegrass

2008-02-11T22:31:00.000+11:00

Just on the outskirts of Queanbeyan a thriving crop of African Lovegrass full of seed. The ACT attempts to control this by mowing it before seed set but unfortunately they missed this bit, lots more where this came from.

Queanbeyan Landcare in 2008

2008-02-06T21:12:00.000+11:00

First meeting 2008!

Proposed events:
Working bee to strengthen the Gale Precinct Grassy-Box Woodland fencing, to help reduce trailbike erosion, on Sun 17th Feb 9:00am meet at the 'bend' on Wickerslack Lane.

Proposed Field Day at Scottsdale, part of the Bush Heritage Fund Estate.

Join us at the National Cleanup Day on Sunday 2nd March at the Queanbeyan Landcare site at the Morisset Low Level Crossing, BBQ in nearby park afterwards.

View Larger Map

Next meeting on Wed 5th March, see side bar for details

March meeting alternate venue

2007-03-06T11:13:00.002+11:00

The meeting will be held at Council Chambers, committee room 1.

Go through the main entrance double doors, turn right down the hall.

The April meeting will be back at the Railway Carriage.

test

2007-03-06T11:13:00.001+11:00

test

Gale Working Bee Sun 4th March

2007-02-28T09:05:00.000+11:00

On the last working bee, whacking sweet briar, we noticed some Wort regenerating among lots of other weeds so this weekend we'll don the backpack sprayers for a short session.

Meet at the carpark at the highest point on Wickerslack lane, Sun 4th March about 9:00am.

All welcome.

Gale working bee Sun 18th Feb 9:00am

2007-02-13T09:25:00.000+11:00

We are proposing a working bee this Sunday 18/2/07 at 9 am. for two hours. Meet at the car park at the highest point of Wickerslack lane. Please let Dave know if you are coming so that he can ensure enough work and materials are available.

Tasks will include spraying weeds (if wind is suitably low), cutting and painting woody weeds and collecting seeds. So bring yourself, gloves, sun glasses, sun hat, sun screen and sensible shoes or boots.

Gale News The last Gale grant has now been exhausted on fencing materials and financial assistance to Qbn Council who erected a new chain mesh fence across the Edwin Land Parkway at the back of houses in the Barracks Flat estate area just south of where the Parkway crosses River Drive down by the river.

Dave Dempster is also very busy canvassing Councils in the Monaro policing region to support his efforts to get NSW Govt to fund two police trail bikes and a trailer for a regional squads to be located in QBN. This is aimed at stopping trail bike incursions into Gale. Incursions have increased again in past two months. In the past week alone Dave Dempster with help from Les and Roger has fixed two cuts one along Cooma Rd and the other on the big bend of W'slack lane. We have also temporarily mended the cavelletti (horse stile) at the big bend in W'slack Lane with a more permanent mend scheduled for next Thursday.

Other motor bike access/fencing in Barracks Flat estate also needs attention.

The Miraby fence along the west side of Cooma Road adjacento to Gale is now finished. Problems of this fence being cut have yet to emerge..

The rain this last weekend (about 34mms) was most welcome. Hopefully not to much damage from the run off.

Dave Dempster with some help from Alison and others has started work on all the willow regrowth. exotics and weeds along the river from the Googong Dam downstream boundary, to the White Rocks area.

At the next Landcare meeting (Wednesday 7 March 2007 at 7.30 pm in the railway carriage at west QBN) we will be discussing care of the QBN river from Googong to Qbn. All welcome so come along and have your say.

If anyone is interested in making a proper record of the birds and animals in Gale over the next 12 months please contact Roger Clement at the above email address or else come to the next Landcare meeting and we can talk about that too.

First metting of 2007!

2007-02-07T10:13:00.000+11:00

All welcome to the first meeting of Queanbeyan Landcare for 2007.

Held at the usual place; the Henderson Road Railway carriage 7:30pm.

Queanbeyan Landcare AGM Wed 6th Dec 2006

2006-11-05T19:13:00.000+11:00

The Queanbeyan Landcare Inc. Annual General Meeting will be held on:

Wednesday 6 December 2006 at 7pm

HACC CENTRE, off Crawford Street

Refreshments provided.

Enquiries: 6297-4920

ALL WELCOME

Queanbeyan Weed Swap Day

2006-10-24T14:19:00.000+10:00

Queanbeyan residents can take advantage of a similar scheme to ACT’s Weed Swap in conjunction with Queanbeyan City Council, the Australian Native Plant Society and Queanbeyan Landcare.

We need Landcare Volunteers to hand out native plants, to call Phil on 62972424 or Tom on 62974920

When:
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November,
8.30am-4pm

Where:
Waste Minimisation Centre, laneway off Lorne Road, Queanbeyan

Aprasia (legless lizard) survey Sun 29Oct 10:00am

2006-10-21T20:43:00.000+10:00

Join us for our annual Aprasia parapulchella survey at the reserve in Barracks Flat at the northern River Drive end. Sun 29th Oct 10:00am.

Click here for more info on Aprasia

NATIVE PASTURES FIELD DAY BREDBO 30th Oct

2006-10-12T14:52:00.000+10:00

SUSTAINABLE FARMING NATIVE PASTURES FIELD DAY BREDBO

FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER – 10:30 AM

17 Jerangle Road, BREDBO*

• Native Grassland Species Identification – David Eddy, Monaro Grassland Conservation Management Network

• Demonstration of Native Pasture Sowing Techniques

1. Broadcast Method – using the Bredbo Community Landcare Group ute-mounted Blower Seeder to broadcast a mix of native grass seed material.

2. Direct Drill – utilising the ROCK HOPPA All Terrain Direct Seeder to sow pelletised wallaby grass seed on rough country. Sows in tussock – lovegrass – rocky ground

* Turn onto Jerangle Road at Bredbo, property is approx 6km from Bredbo and will have banners on roadside. Follow arrows to demonstration site.

Natural Sequence Farming - Defining the Science and the Practice

2006-10-12T10:58:00.000+10:00

Natural Sequence Farming - Defining the Science and the Practice

Bungendore workshop 31st October – 1st November 2006

More info at:

http://www.nsfarming.com/news061008.htm

Carwoola Landcare wildflower walk 14th Oct 9am

2006-10-12T10:54:00.000+10:00

Carwoola has some of the best remnant vegetation in the region; discover
what might be on your block. Carwoola Landcare will be holding its annual
wildflower walk, again led by local wildflower expert, Ros Cornish.

When: Saturday 14th October, 9am-11am
Where: 292 Wanna Wanna Road, Carwoola.
Parking space is limited: please car-pool if possible

More Information from:
Lynton Bond
6238 2368

Lyndfield Park, 'Open Garden' Oct 14-15

2006-09-19T13:30:00.000+10:00

A missive from the 'Open Garden Scheme'

Dear Landcare and catchment co-ordinators,

On October 14 and 15, John Weatherstone’s Gunning district property, Lyndfield Park, will open in conjunction with Australia’s Open Garden Scheme and the ABC. Peter Andrews, whose controversial views on water use featured on Australian Story recently, will be guest speaker on both days. Peter’s book, published with the ABC, is being released on the same weekend and ABC Radio 666 will also be conducting a live outside broadcast from the property on Saturday morning.

Approximately 40ha of Lyndfield Park will be open to the general public, including John’s extensive seed collection operation, his greenhouses, pasture renovation, extensive tree replanting and erosion control ( you can even see the trees planted by Prince Charles on his visit there last year. HM apparently raved about John’s achievements!)

The property is on the Oolong Road at Gunning, approximately 27kms east of Yass on the Hume Highway (property gates approximately 100m off the Highway on the left). Gates open between 9am and 4.30pm each day and entry is $5 (children free)
As this opening is of very considerable interest to many farmers, landholders and Landcare volunteers across the Southern Tablelands and Southwest slopes, I would greatly appreciate your assistance in circulating this email as widely as possible.
Please contact me if you require further information. Many thanks for your assistance.
Yours Sincerely,

Genevieve Jacobs
ACT/Southern NSW co-ordinator,
Australia's Open Garden Scheme
Tel/fax 0269 432666

Link to Natural Sequence Farming
http://www.naturalsequencefarming.com/

Along the Molonglo art show 23'9 - 1/10

2006-09-18T11:47:00.000+10:00

This year the Molonglo Catchment Group has again asked for the assistance of the Artists Society of Canberra in presenting the spirit of the catchment, past, present or future, and to draw the connection to the here and now. What we asked is to collectively Capture the Spirit of the catchment.

When: Opening: Friday 22nd September, 6.30pm for 7
Exhibition Saturday 23rd September - Sunday 1st October
Where: Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue

Sponsers:
ACTEW
National Capital Authority

Working Bee Sun 17th Sep 9:30am

2006-09-13T15:39:00.000+10:00

We're going to do a little weed spraying at the Aprasia Site, swotting some more St John's Wort.

QBN Landcare meeting 6th Sept

2006-09-05T11:17:00.000+10:00

The next Queanbeyan Landcare meeting will be held at the Henderson Road railway carriage from 7:30pm, Wed 6th Sept.

All welcome.

QBN Landcare working Bee Sun 26th Sep

2006-08-25T08:24:00.000+10:00

Working Bee at Gale, blocking tracks with logs.

9:30am at the White Rockes gate.

Gale working bee 9:30am Sun 30th July

2006-07-28T09:07:00.000+10:00

Meet at the White Rocks gate, Cooma Rd., just past the Barracks Flat Bridge. We will be preparing the ground for seeding so bring along a rake. For more information on working bee please ring Dave Dempster on 6297-5608.

Molonglo Catchment Group wins stormwater education grant

2006-07-28T08:55:00.000+10:00

The Molonglo Catchment Group was successful in its ACT Environment grant application for $14,825 for Canberra Stormwater Education Initiative that was put together by Matthew Dickinson on behalf of the the three ACT catchment groups.

This project seeks to address significant stormwater pollution issues affecting water quality in Canberra’s waterways. The aim of the project is to reduce the introduction of gross pollutants through a community awareness raising initiative delivered through a collaborative program by the three ACT catchment groups, Waterwatch and Frogwatch.

There will be two main target audiences of the project, firstly residents in the catchments will be targeted through displays and presentations at staged events, advertisements in local publications and other media outlets and representation to community groups. In addition, a program will be delivered to schools in the catchment offering them the opportunity to have a presentation delivered to the students. A presentation will be set up that will be located at libraries and shopping centres.

Secondly, the business community will be targeted through posters distributed to workplaces. A specific poster will be designed that highlights catchment management issues and stormwater pollution in particular. The poster will be used as an educational tool by the three catchment groups, Waterwatch and Frogwatch assist them in delivery of their core messages to the community.

Lynton

Regional Landcare Awards

2006-07-07T15:27:00.000+10:00

"The Murrumbidgee Landcare Association intends running four community workshops through the Murrumbidgee catchment, possibly including Queanbeyan, in mid-August looking at the future of Landcare in the catchment.

Also, the inaugural Regional Landcare Awards to be held on Wed 13th Sept in Murrumbateman. Nominations for group(s) or individual(s) for one or more of the awards are invited."

The competition is being organized by the Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority

02 69217308
murrumbidgee@cma.nsw.gov.au

Gale Precinct Working Bee Sunday -9:00am 28th May

2006-05-24T09:28:00.000+10:00

Meet at the White Rocks gate after 9:00am. We could spray St John’s Wort and collect Cassinia seed. Bring a spray pack with water in it if you have one. Glyphosate herbicide supplied.

We would also like to borrow a rakehoe (McLeod Tool) and a pipe bender?
(call Dave, 6297-5608)

Mirrabee is the name of the Ngunnawal land across from Gale. Readymix has delivered rocks to close it off and we hope to have them in place by the end of the financial year. Fencing should follow closely after.

The Mirrabee committee consists of Ngunnawal Local Aboriginal Land Council, Qbn Landcare, Qbn Council staff, NSW police, NSW Dept of Env and Cons, and Jerrabomberra Residents Assoc.

Queanbeyan Tomorrow: Community Summit

2006-05-04T16:16:00.000+10:00

Queanbeyan City Council is running a major Community Summit on Saturday May 20 to be held at the Masonic Hall, Crawford Street.

QCC media release is here

issues include:

The CBD - traffic, parking, appearance, image, activities, the river and social issues
Transport - public transport, bikes / walkways, major roadways, CBD traffic flow
Infrastructure - water issues, sewerage treatment, green energy, planning and siting, new infrastructure
Services - recreation, social, health, aged care, schools
Culture - arts, facilities, cinema, social activities, history and heritage
Image - developing our own identity, our relationship with the ACT, town feel with city amenity

Landcarers should endeavour to attend and present your case.

Press Release: NEW FUNDING REQUIRED FOR WEEDS CONTROL CAMP

2006-05-04T16:12:00.000+10:00

Core Invasive Plants Unit: NEW FUNDING REQUIRED FOR WEEDS CONTROL CAMPAIGN:

Members of Queanbeyan Landcare Inc. are urging Queanbeyan Council to strongly upgrade the level of priority accorded to the control of invasive species, particularly weeds, through the creation of a Core Invasive Species Unit with considerably more resources. A submission is being presented by Landcare to Council as part of its 2006-2007 Management Plan Budget.

Ian Frakes, Chair of Queanbeyan Landcare explained that the Landcare proposal is for Council to ‘invest’ more resources in the control of invasive plants to give Council more flexibility to efficiently and more strategically manage a suite of serious declared and environmental weeds. Action is required in both the rural and urban areas of Queanbeyan. “ If we are to have any chance of reducing their impact in the long term, we need to embark on a comprehensive weed strategy involving the community. This is essential also if Council is to fulfil its legislative requirements.”

“The impact of a number of noxious and environmental weeds is increasing in the Queanbeyan Shire as well as adjoining areas of the ACT and Palerang Shire, such as St Johns Wort, Serrated Tussock, Pattersons Curse, invasive willows and blackberries and concerns have been raised by a number of unrelated communities and organisations” said Mr Frakes. “There is growing concern about the continual spread of African Lovegrass (Eragrostis Curvula) throughout city and rural roads with little apparent control effort as resources are directed elsewhere. This weed alone, if not controlled, has the potential to destroy agriculture and native grasslands, as has occurred in the Upper Murrumbidgee Valley. Recent mass germinations have just occurred along a number of our rural roads.”

The Landcare submission states that Council needs to expend up to $115,000 in new money per year for a new vehicle, new equipment, a Weeds Education Officer (as Cooma Monaro Shire Council does) and a dedicated publicity campaign

This is essential to enable Council to be acting both in the rural context within expanded boundaries and the urban and peri-urban (rural subdivision) area
These extra resources will allow a stepping up the public education and liaison which is critical to getting some 15,000 Queanbeyan households informed through the media, rates notices and web site information, on the highest weed priorities and be part of the solution and not the problem:
The new resource unit can free up more resources on the properties Inspection program and critical follow-up and to work more cooperatively with the ACT and Palerang
A sustained Weeds Campaign also requires regular staff training, new technologies in training such as mapping and monitoring and also implementing a larger range of biological control.
Council has new obligations under its Management Plans for Mt Jerrabomberra, Jerrabomberra Creek, Queanbeyan River and other sensitive natural areas with a number of threatened species, as well as the margins of several newly gazetted Nature Reserves.

“The additional resources can to a significant extent pay for itself by working for other agencies. The new resource unit can also second for other purposes in quiet times, (windy, wet weather) such as the ever-increasing demands for fire retardation zones

“Landcare would welcome the opportunity to work with Council to review its current approaches and develop a broad plan, assess resource needs and obtain advocacy support for the optimal outcome for the community and the environment” Said Mr Frakes. “ This may require the employment of an expert to evaluate individual weed species and overall strategies, including prevention of future invasions in clean areas .”

Mr Tom Baker, Landcare Publicity Officer, stated that enlisting Contractors cannot always provide Council with the flexibility, continuity and corporate ownership that is needed in a long term weed campaign, where dedication and continuous community contact will be essential.

“What greatly concerns Landcare members and member of many other groups, is that if we don’t invest the resources in this critical area, future generations will have to bear the horrendous cost of greatly escalated invasions of serious weeds” said Mr Baker. “This includes the emergence of potential new agricultural, environmental and amenity weeds – future ratepayers ‘will not be happy’ with the legacy they will inherit from us. Invasive weeds arguably constitutes the most serious and widespread natural resource and environmental threat in South East Australia.

“Local Government is central to a ‘wage war on weeds campaign’ and we understand that Council’s Weeds Control Officer and the Parks, Gardens and Conservation Section supports the need to put additional effort into controlling weeds with the maximum community effort.”

“Most residents are not aware of the impact of weeds and are not able to identify weeds. There is a specially urgent need for an education program to adequately implement Council’s current African Lovegrass control Strategy” said Mr Baker.

The Total Weeds Campaign proposal is supported by a number of community organisations including the Molonglo Catchment Group, the Monaro Conservation Society, Fernleigh Park Landcare, Carwoola Landcare, Royalla Landcare, Friends of Grassland and the Conservation Council of South East Region and Canberra.

Promoting Queanbeyan

2006-05-01T13:28:00.000+10:00

The QBN Business Council and the Visitor Information Centre are organising a workshop on promoting QBN. I thought you, and other people/groups you believe would be interested, may wish to attend the workshop. This would also help the many of us to meet and to strengthen our community ties. The invitation below is written by the QBC's CEO who hopes that the workshop will spark interest. His email address is Geoff.Bird@QueanbeyanBusinessCouncil.com.au

please let us know your thoughts,

with best wishes

Ania Lian,
(Critical Pedagogy & Technology Consultants Pty. Ltd. Australia)
Queanbeyan Business Council
Water Autonomy Project (Project convenor)
Resource Recovery & Sustainability of Queanbeyan Project (Project convenor)
0421 593 447
ania.lian@criticalpedagogy.com

2006-04-21T08:19:00.000+10:00

Friends of Grasslands and Greening Australia bus tour

SUN 30 APRIL 9AM to 2:00PM Greening Australia free bus tour and lunch Susie Wilson will show FOG members and friends a variety of revegetation projects within the ACT, including sites which have been established through the new ACT Land Keepers project. The tour will also revisit some of the restoration work undertaken in former pine forest areas following the January 2003 fire. Details of each site will be provided. Meeting point Kubura Place, Aranda at 9am, or along the way. To book, contact Janet Russell on 02 6251 8949 or fogcanberra@yahoo.com.au or Susie Wilson swilson@act.greeningaustralia.org.au, 02 6253 3035 by 26 April.

Regards
Paul Hodgkinson (Vice President, Friends of Grasslands)

Gale working bee Sun 30th April

2006-04-03T15:11:00.000+10:00

Meet at the big gate 9am Sunday.

Update:

This event is postponed till Sunday the 30th April.

Round 8 Envirofund

2006-03-24T13:41:00.000+11:00

Round 8 of the Australian Government Envirofund is now open and closes on 28th April 2006.

Envirofund provides grants of up to $50,000 for local environmental projects. Weed management and rehabilitation works may be funded through Envirofund. For application forms and guidelines, phone 1800 303 863 or visit www.nht.gov.au/envirofund

Please contact Steve Welch at Environment ACT if you are considering an application 6207 7131 or steve.welch@act.gov.au

“Queanbeyan Tomorrow” visioning strategy

2006-03-13T17:49:00.000+11:00

PLACE BASED FORUM
QUEANBEYAN VISION 2021

10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Monday 27 March 2006

Queanbeyan Conference Centre
(Bicenntenial Centre)
253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan

You previously received a letter and information from Mayor Frank Pangallo on the opportunity to participate in the “Queanbeyan Tomorrow” visioning strategy.

We have been able to organise an additional meeting during the day for members of the community and people from organisations and businesses to attend, as many people are busy at night.

If you are able to attend this meeting to share your ideas on how you would like Queanbeyan to be in the future and what services you think would be needed – please ring 02 62980281 by Wednesday 22 March 2006.

2006-03-09T11:47:00.000+11:00

Australian Government Envirofund

http://www.nht.gov.au/envirofund/

Now inviting applications for funding.

The Australian Government Envirofund is the local action component of the Australian Government's $3 billion Natural Heritage Trust. It helps communities undertake local projects aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource use.
Community groups and individuals can apply for grants of up to $50,000 (GST inclusive) to carry out on-ground and other actions to target local problems.
Applications for Round 8 close at 5pm on Friday 28 April 2006. Your signed original application must be received at the Envirofund office in Canberra on or before that date.
Round 8 will cover the normal range of activities funded by the Envirofund. Please read the Round 8 Guide and Application Form carefully before starting your application, as this Round is not the same as Round 7 (2005 Drought Recovery Round) and there have been some changes since the previous normal round (Round 6).

Hon Peter McGauran’s speech given at the Australian Landcare Council’s dinner 14 February

2006-03-08T18:36:00.000+11:00

Landcare

What you all desperately want to know tonight is precisely what I can’t tell you – which is exactly where natural resource management is going beyond 2008 – beyond NHT2 and the NAP.

And I‘m sorry about that. It’s still a bit too soon. But we’re getting there and we’re making progress in what I think you’ll agree is the right direction.

We’ll shortly have the report from Kim Keogh, and Doug Chant, and Bob Fraser – which is - and I would emphasise this - just ONE of the sets of views that will inform those decisions.

Your views, the views of Landcare, is another and very important set – so understand that you are deeply included in that process and retain the very strong influence that you’ve properly long held – as the real pioneers of community based NRM.

We’re also doing a lot of work internally, at DAFF, looking into where we’ve been – in pretty forensic detail - and how we can improve our performance in delivering the tools that will maximise the benefits from targeted, coordinated, NRM.

So there are multiple streams of data on which decisions will be based, and some key parts of it are still to come in.

Senator Campbell and I expect to have the report from the Ministerial Reference Group by the end of the month.

We’ll use that input, and your input, and a range of other inputs, in discussing the issues with the states at the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council meeting in April.

There will then be engagement of the Prime Minister, whose had a strong personal interest in NRM as long as he’s been Prime Minister.

And ultimately there’ll be Cabinet.

So I’m simply not yet in a position to be in any way precise.

What I can do confidently – and determinedly – is provide some reassurances, and some broad indications, about the general directions in which we’re headed.

Perhaps a central issue for you is that the commitment to Landcare is solid: Whatever the overall shape of the future programmes – it will include Landcare.

And there will be a significantly enhanced focus on our productive landscapes as a cornerstone of the new arrangements.

There’s no doubt that, to date, the NHT, and perhaps even some aspects of the NAP, have been perceived as predominantly environmental programs. Certainly concern about the environment was a key catalyst in their development.

That perception issue has perhaps not been so deep in the case of the NAP: There was always a major association with productivity in that program: Most of the land identified as either salinised, or threatened with salinisation, is in our productive landscapes - and the clear focus of the NAP is to recover or protect the productivity of grazing and farming land. The NHT, on the other hand, has been more strongly identified with the environment.

And I certainly haven’t been comfortable with that since I came to the job.

As you well know, 60% of our country – and 70% of national water use - is under the stewardship of primary producers.

If we’re going to care for our landscape – from an environmental point of view – then by definition that’s only going to be achieved through some deep form of engagement with landholders: And that’s either through a predominantly regulatory regime - or through a more user-friendly process.

And there’s no doubt that, to date, the emphasis – perhaps with a high degree of inevitability - has been on regulation.

I use inevitability on the basis that regulation is the language of NRM for the states, which have the ultimate constitutional authorities in land management matters.

The classic, perhaps the most controversial and certainly one of the most important examples of that as far as landholders are concerned is the regulation of vegetation management.

Not so long ago clearing was a condition of maintaining a lease: Now, through a 180 degree turn in the content of regulation, and in response to green sentiment taking hold in most if not all state governments, we’ve got the exact opposite: heavy-handed regulation that comprehensively rules out clearing.

The water issue’s in the same basket, to a degree, and increasingly, biodiversity regulation – not all of it from the states – are other examples of the regulatory burden.

And much of this increasing regulatory requirement – the compulsion – of landholders to deliver environmental services has been in the name of the public good. Some of it returns a productivity component. A lot of it does not, and a lot of it is very onerous.

The circumstances that seem to be forever compounding this load remind me of the same sort of urban mindset that played out in relation to native title: The great sensitisation was, allegedly, in the cities – but the cities very happily pushed the resolution well beyond the city limits onto the bush: onto farmers and miners.

Conscience salved. Cost nil. And I think we’re seeing that again, to a very great degree, in relation to NRM: The environmental cost is perceived in the cities, and transferred to farmers - who have been blamed for simply abiding by the regs of the day.

So we’ve had an unfortunate confluence – of a traditional state government reliance on regulation – that’s aligned with green sentiment - to create an inordinate burden on landholders in relation to NRM - and we’ve got to break that cycle.

The commonsense approach – a much more just approach - is clearly a consensual approach - with more carrots – fewer sticks.

And we’ve seen a lot of recent good work that’s pointing in that direction, as the informed way to go. A stand-out is the Productivity Commission’s work on vegetation.

Importantly, that report got strong support from the Commonwealth, and I think has been important in getting the attention of many of my colleagues to the fact that regulation has become a counter-productive, not to say unjust, blunt instrument in landscape management.

There’s certainly no rocket science in that overall conclusion as far as you’re concerned of course: Landcare was and is a consensual, cooperative, grass roots approach to land repair and maintenance that’s helped establish some of the key groundrules for effective NRM into the future.

And perhaps the key groundrule is the principle, widely understood among landholders, that a sustainably productive landscape is, by definition, a reasonably healthy landscape.

That’s why you’re engaged in Landcare. Environmental benefits accrue, but so do productivity gains – and the two ultimately merge into the sustainability that’s the real driver.

Whether it’s the microbial health of soils, through to the more visible symptoms of landscape health - vegetated, non-eroding gullies and river-banks – and thus healthier water - to shade-slash-habitat trees - decent groundcover - it’s the farmer with the environmentally healthier landscape who is ultimately going to be the most productive farmer, especially in multi-generational terms.

The trick is going to be in consolidating this growing recognition of the central role that landholders have into a model for future NRM programs that has less regulation, and more carrots, and broad support.

Perhaps the biggest issue of all - in achieving this greater role for landholders - is how it’s going to gel with the regional structure that’s been built under NHT – and the NAP – because that regional structure is certainly staying.

The Ministerial Reference Group’s charter was how the regional processes might be refined, not how it might be superceded.

So achieving a sharper focus in the future on better ways to engage farmers is going to require a highly consensual approach: There are many stakeholders who are going to have to be on board.

The states are going to have to be on board, because in seeking to take the lead on NRM the Australian Government has necessarily had to work through and with the States: That’s just a fact that reflects the States’ constitutional pre-eminence on NRM issues.

The regional bodies are clearly going to have to be on board.

And the model that’s ultimately adopted to provide a higher recognition for landholders has to have broad support across the Commonwealth agencies, not least with the Minister and Department of Environment and Heritage.

And of course landholders themselves have to be on board.

Oddly enough the latter may be the most challenging of those tasks - because developing a format for willing farmer involvement to deliver environmental services, equitably and fairly, is not going to be easy. There are plenty of opinions about how to go about it – and at least as many about how not to go about it.

We have to deal with the duty-of-care issue, and there are plenty of opinions on that too, at either end of the spectrum: We have to find an agreed ground-zero in terms of what’s reasonable to expect of farmers.

A middle ground for the duty-of-care has to be found between the extreme green end of the NRM spectrum – which would have that bar set ridiculously high – as against the other extreme – which would basically exclude any outside influence inside the fence-line.

And then there are key decisions on the tools to be used – stewardship payments, environmental management systems - market based instruments.

Regulation, in-so-far as it remains ought to be as sensible, and as flexible, as we can make them – because one of the biggest problems with many of the NRM regs is the one-size-fits-all syndrome.

Certain regulatory requirements might be quite sensible in one area – and almost meaningless in another.

That’s a big challenge because it requires a degree of consensus across a range of jurisdictions, with a range of existing statutory controls and no doubt strong views on where they’re prepared to bend – where they’re not.

So I have to say to you that the design is still far from complete.

The funding issue is far from settled.

Whether we have two programs that are analogous to the NHT and the NAP – or whether there is one – is in the air:

You’ll no doubt be aware that there is a considerable push among some of the key stakeholders for there to be just one program, with NAP funding merged into a broader based NHT program.

Some of that is based on inter- regional jealousy – where, for example, an NHT region adjoining a NAP/NHT region sees more money going to the joint region.

Some of it is based on the fact that not all water quality issues are associated with salinity.

So there is still a way to go before we know exactly the shape of what lays ahead.

But I would like to think that, as you patiently wait, you will have faith that the very best endeavours - in this still quite young development of an holistic approach to landscape repair and maintenance - will be maintained, and that it will be improved.

I hope that you will also be encouraged by the steady spread of the recognition that greater attention has to be paid to positively engaging the long-term managers of most of the landscape.

And I hope and know that you will recognise that the Howard-Fischer, then Howard-Anderson, and now Howard-Vaile governments have demonstrated a deep and steadily increasing commitment to the task now for a decade.

The first phase of the NHT, and then the development of the NAP, reflected an approach that was built on achieving a national consensus on the NRM issues that confronted us, and getting on with the job of dealing with them.

That continued through NHT2 – with the addition of the regional structures – and even though that transition was a long way from perfect, the extent of the commitment to the job can’t be questioned: $3 billion to NRM through the Trust, and $700 million – from the Australian Government – to the NAP.

Water has also come ever more comprehensively into play - through the NWI and the associated $2 billion funding commitment - through the concerted effort to improve productivity and the environment along the Murray - as well as through the abiding water aspects of the NHT and NAP.

Throughout the development of those contributions the stand-alone commitment to Landcare has been maintained.

I know that the bottom line is not what we’ve done – what we’ve previously committed to – but what we commit to and do into the future – and that’s an understandable approach: perfectly human, perfectly reasonable.

But I do emphasise that we have shown that commitment, will continue to show that commitment, and I can assure you that the Landcare movement – the pioneers of community based NRM – will not only have a place in the brave new world – but will be among the first to know how it’s going to unfold.

You’ll know very soon after I do.

Thank you for another opportunity to be with you and – sincerely - thanks for the ongoing input.

It’s invaluable, and I hope that you will ultimately see a reasonable reflection in what emerges.

2006-03-07T09:33:00.000+11:00

'Garden Plants Going Bush'

Steve Welch, ACT Landcare Facilitator, is seeking people to help with the 'Garden Plants Going Bush' display at Lanyon Garden Festival 25 - 26 March.

If you can help contact Suzie Breitkopf on 6207 2484 suzie.breitkopf@act.gov.au

2006-03-01T08:33:00.000+11:00

Invasive species - a Global Challenge

by Dr Mark Lonsdale Assistant Chief of CSIRO Entomology.
8pm Thursday 2nd March- ANU (details below)

One of CSIRO's weed and pest experts Dr Mark Lonsdale is the new Chair of a global project, the Global Invasive Species Programme, which is combating the threat of invasive pest species world wide.
"Invasive species such as weeds, foxes, rabbits and marine pests cost Australia billions of dollars each year. The cost worldwide is too high to calculate," says Dr Lonsdale. "In many countries invasive species impact on economic development, human health, native species and agriculture. In developing countries invasive species pose a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of billions of people."

Worldwide, invasive species have become one of the most significant drivers of environmental change but Mark believes their impact can be reduced. "Invasive species are an international problem which requires an international solution," says Dr Lonsdale. "By combining regional knowledge from around the globe the GISP aims to conserve biodiversity and sustain human livelihoods by minimising the spread and impact of invasive species." As the new Chair of GISP, Dr Lonsdale sees opportunities to tap into a growing pool of international knowledge which he believes will have benefits for Australia, such as techniques to control pests which have not yet arrived here. GISP was established in 1997 and is currently funded by the World Bank. It has created an international network of governments, research organisations and trade industries with the common goal of addressing the invasive species problem.

Dr Lonsdale's past work includes researching the impact of invasive weeds and their biocontrol, environmental risk assessments, and assessing the ecological implications of genetically modified organisms.

All welcome
Field Naturalists meeting: 8pm Thursday 2nd March: ANU Division of Botany and Zoology, Gould Building (Building 116), Daley Rd, Australian National University. (Map of ANU - http://campusmap.anu.edu.au/displaymap.asp?grid=ef54)

2006-02-24T13:31:00.000+11:00

INVITATION - Annual General Meeting

Queanbeyan Landcare Inc is pleased to invite you to our Annual General Meeting to be held
on Wednesday 8 March, at 7pm.

This is the culmination of 12 busy months hard work by the members of Queanbeyan Landcare, in association with Queanbeyan City Council and the Queanbeyan community.

The AGM will take place at the Home and Community Care Centre, which is located behind Council Offices and Library. The off-road carpark is accessed from Rutledge Street. Please RSVP Tom Baker on 62974920 or allbaker@bigpond.com.au

We will have local author and researcher, Alan Fox, who will give a slide show and short talk on the Changing Australian Landscape.

Alan has vast experience in his field of environmental management and education and he has a particular interest in natural vegetation systems, fire and the role of indigenous people in conservation. He is currently completing two significant books, one a Biography of Allan Stromm, essentially a history of nature conservation in NSW over the last 100 years. The second book is A Nature of Australia, dealing with the beauty and peculiarities of our environment and its care needs.”

“Alan was awarded the Order of Australia in the year 2000, for his services to education and environmental management.”

Light refreshments will be provided.

2006-02-24T09:39:00.000+11:00

Australian Government Envirofund

The Australian Government Envirofund is the local action component of the Australian Government's $3 billion Natural Heritage Trust. It helps communities undertake local projects aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable resource use.
Community groups and individuals can apply for grants of up to $50,000 (GST inclusive) to carry out on-ground and other actions to target local problems.

http://www.nht.gov.au/envirofund/