2008-09 Annual Report | 3666.67 KB

South West NRM Ltd Annual Report 2008-2009 November 2009

Contents Contents 1

Introduction 2

Board profiles 3

Staff profiles 6

Chair’s Report - Tom Garrett 11 ---------------------------------------- 11 3

Chief Executive Officer’s Report - Neil Judd 12

Project Focus - Biodiversity Hotspots - Bryan Walsh 16

Project Focus - Pasture Recovery Initiative - Jean Prow 17 ---------------------------------------- 16

Project Focus - Monitoring water characteristics in western water ways - Ric Newson 18

Board Reports - Vice Chair - Paul Paynter 20

Board Reports - Local Government Representative - Jo Sheppard 20

Board Reports - Traditional Owner Representative - Grace Weatherall 21

Board Reports - Industry Representative - Andrew Schmidt 22

Board Reports - Community/Landcare Representative - Jenny Richardson 23

Board Reports - Conservation Representative - Adam Bradshaw 23

Directors Meeting Attendance 25

State of the Region - Bollon District NRM Coordinator - Jean Prow 26

State of the Region - Quilpie District NRM Coordinator - Ange Sherwin 29 18

State of the Region - Thargomindah District NRM Coordinator - Suzanne Nicholls 31

State of the Region - Cunnamulla District NRM Coordinator - Daniel Wingett 34

State of the Region - Charleville District NRM Coordinator - Cathy Mylrea 36

Aboriginal Support Officer - Mick McNiven 39

Biodiversity Officer - Julie Frousheger 40

Corporate Service Managers Report – Gary Butler 41

Financials 43

Independent Audit Report 53 ---------------------------------------- 43

Auditors Independent Declaration 54


Introduction South West NRM Ltd is a community based organisation and the designated regional body for natural resource management in South West Queensland (refer to Map 1). South West NRM Ltd works with land managers, community, landcare groups, Traditional Owners, Local Government, industry groups, state agencies and a range of other business groups to achieve sustainable natural resource management. Our vision is ‘Achieving sustainable landscapes for rural communities’. This report details South West NRM Ltd’s achievements for the financial year 2008/2009, funded primarily through the Federal Government’s Caring For our Country Program and the Queensland Government’s Q2 Coast and Country Program.. This report showcases landmark activities for South West NRM Ltd.

Map 1 South West Region of Queensland which is represented by South West NRM Ltd


Board profiles

Tom Garrett

Independent Chair

Tom is the South West NRM Independent Chairperson. Tom has

extensive experience in natural resource management in the South

West region and is a member of the Queensland Macropod and Wild

Harvesters Association and the Queensland Rural Industry Training

Council.

Tom has an Advanced Diploma in Rural Business Management

(Agriculture) and a Diploma in Conservation Land Management

(Vertebrate Pests). Tom is also a qualified Justice of the Peace.

Paul Paynter

Independent Vice Chair

Paul is the Independent Vice Chairperson on the Board of South West

NRM Ltd.

Paul has had over 30 years experience serving on various boards and

committees and possesses strong leadership skills.

Paul is an active member of the Charleville community in addition to

the Warrego Urban Landcare Group.


Jo Sheppard

Local Government Rep

Jo is the Local Government Sector Director on the Board of South West

NRM Ltd.

Jo has been a councillor of the Paroo Shire Council since 2000 and was

elected as the Mayor of the Paroo Shire in 2008

Jo has recently been appointed as Deputy Chair of the Regional

Development Committee for the Darling Downs and South West.

Jo has operated her own business as a Rural Consultant for the last

nine years, specializing in economic development, small business

development, business planning and budgeting and specialist raining

delivery for rural and remote locations.

Andrew Schmidt

Industry Sector Director

Andrew is South West NRM Ltd’s Industry Sector Director. Andrew has

lived in the South West NRM region all of his life and is an active voice

for sustainable natural resource management. Andrew has been a

member of Landcare and catchment management for 10 years.

Andrew is also a keen Landcare member and has provided valuable

input into planning process including the Leasehold Tree Clearing

Review and the Regional Mulga Lands Vegetation Plan. Andrew is

currently a member of the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water

Quality Board.

Andrew and his family run a grazing property near Cunnamulla

Grace Weatherall

Indigenous Sector Director

Grace is South West NRM Ltd’s Indigenous Sector Director, and is an

integral part of the Far South West Aboriginal NRM Group.

Grace is the treasurer of the Kooma Traditional Owners Association in

Cunnamulla and is a recognised elder of both the Toowoomba and

South West Queensland communities.

Grace is a lifetime member of both the Downs Aboriginal Housing

Company and Goondir Health Service.

Grace has been a member of the Murray Darling Basin Committee for

the last 18 months.


Jenny Richardson

Community Sector Director

Jenny has served as the Community Sector Director on the Board of

South West NRM Ltd for 3 years.

Jenny & her husband Vin own and live on Leopardwood Park which is

located North of Adavale on the Bulloo River. Jenny & Vin have

undertaken numerous EnviroFund and Futurescapes grants over the last

6 years as well as financing their own projects.

These projects consist of stemming erosion on fragile frontage country

of the Bulloo River and Leopardwood Creek. The overall result is the

marked return of native plant and animal species to these areas.

Adam Kerezsy (PhD student) from the Griffith University has completed

a fish survey & water quality assessment of the Bulloo River and on

Leopardward Park. This survey has revealed that the waterways are in

a very healthy state. They attribute this to the care that they as 3rd

generation landholders are trying to maintain, i.e. the balance between

grazing and nature.

Adam Bradshaw

Conservation Director

Adam is the Conservation Director. He is the owner/manager of the

property, Tomoo, in the Mitchell area. He is a member of the

Australian Conservation Foundation and has completed numerous

training courses including with Resource Consulting Services. Adam is

also a qualified Justice of the Peace.


Staff Profiles

Neil Judd

Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the management of South West

NRM. A key component of the CEO’s role is to assist staff, local members,

community and industry groups shape an effective NRM strategy for the

region. Organisational viability is another key responsibility. Considerable

energy is expended in identifying funding sources and establishing strong

linkages with community, industry groups and other organisations with the

ability to contribute to improving circumstances for the people and

environment of the south west.

Neil has over 20 years experience in agricultural research, development and

extension. Particular emphasis has been our projects working with grazing

enterprises to foster long term economic and environmental sustainability.

Gary Butler

Corporate Services Manager

Gary is the Corporate Services Manager at South West NRM. He is responsible

for managing Financial services and Corporate operations; Gary is involved in

preparing funding submissions to assist landholder groups and individuals to

implement projects that deliver sustainable natural resource management. He

has extensive and varied experience in a number of fields including feral

animal control, cattle breeding/backgrounding and cotton farming. Gary is in

the process of completing a Bachelor of Applied Sciences with University of

Queensland.

Gary is the owner/manager of a cattle property.


Ric Newson

Science Officer

Ric is the Science Officer at South West NRM. He also oversees the management

of the Information Hub and running the water quality testing QA and QC program

for community water testing. Ric has 20 years experience in IT, 6 years

experience in GIS and 15 years experience in managing laboratories as well as 5

years teaching financial management software.

Ric has a B. App. Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Suzanne Nicholls

District NRM Coordinator

Thargomindah

Suzanne's role is to provide technical, planning and other support services to

landholders and the community regarding natural resource management and

resource condition monitoring. Suzanne assists in the delivery of South West

NRM's Planscapes and Futurescapes programs throughout the Bulloo and Paroo

catchments and is based in Thargomindah. Suzanne works with Bulloo Shire

Council, landholders, local schools and other interested groups to promote and

protect the natural resources of the Mulga lands in the Bulloo and Paroo

catchments, through local contact and close communication. Suzanne may assist

interested groups to seek funding for projects or give assistance to any matter

requiring attention.

Suzanne has a Diploma in Wilderness Reserves and Wildlife and is currently

studying a Graduate Certificate through Rangelands Australia.

Martin Wingett

GIS Officer

Martin is the Geographical Information Systems Officer for South West NRM. The

role entails data, capture, management, and analysis and interpretation for on

ground projects and reporting.

Map production for staff and stakeholders and also standardisation of data

capture methodologies and equipment utilisation across the company.


Mick McNiven

Aboriginal NRM Support

Officer

Mick’s position works with Aboriginal people in the region regarding natural

resource management. Mick has 15 years experience working with native title,

and is responsible for the management of South West NRM Cultural Heritage

Projects within the region.

Originally from the Cunnamulla region, Mick is a member of the Budjiti people.

Cathy Mylrea

Programs Coordinator

Cathy is the Programs Coordinator at South West NRM and is responsible for

overseeing funding programs and projects that deliver sustainable natural

resource management. Cathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Australian

Environmental Studies, and is currently studying part-time for a Graduate

Certificate in Rangeland Management at the University of Queensland. Cathy has

worked in natural resource management previously in the Northern Territory as

Project Manager. Her interests include Landcare, growing native plants,

photography and family.

Jean Prow


Bollon

Jean's role is to provide technical, planning and other support services to

landholders and the community regarding natural resource management. Jean

assists in the delivery of South West NRM's Planscapes and Futurescapes

programs throughout the Bollon district.

Jean is involved in the Bollon community and manages a cattle property along

with her husband.


Daniel Wingett


Charleville

Daniel's role is to provide technical, planning and other support services to

landholders and the community regarding natural resource management. Daniel

assists in the delivery of South West NRM's Planscapes and Futurescapes

programs throughout the Charleville and Cunnamulla district.

Daniel has a good working knowledge of production systems and environmental

issues in this area with an understanding of the difficulties that are associated

with living and working in such remote areas.

Angela Sherwin


Quilpie

Ange’s role is within the upper Bulloo Catchment and focuses on the

management of the natural resources within the area. Vegetation, native animals

and soil condition are all resources which are focused on. As this area has a

range of industries,

Ange works alongside local government, graziers, miners, tourists and all the

residents within the community to raise awareness of natural resources and how

to best manage them whilst still utilising the land.

Julie Frousheger

Senior Scientist - Biodiversity

This position encourages conservation of the biodiversity in the South West NRM

region. This is achieved through South West NRMs’ devolved grants,

prioritisation of species for projects, monitoring the condition of natural

resources, improving networks with communities and assisting in the planning

for the region for biodiversity outcomes.

The biodiversity officer promotes the value of nature conservation within the

production systems in the region as well as utilising areas for conservation

covenants.


Deborah Atkinson

Accounts Officer

Having started with South West NRM Ltd, as Office Administration Trainee, Deborah has now progressed to the role of Accounts Officer and is responsible for processing accounts, PAYG, superannuation, staff wages etc.

Under the supervision of the Corporate Services Manager, Deborah ensures that all accounts etc are paid on time, and that correct procedures that involve finance are adhered to.

Deborah has a Diploma in Human Resource Management and is currently doing

a Cert lll in Financial Services and a Diploma in Business, through Charleville

TAFE.

Hayley Bannerman

Office Coordinator

Hayley is our Office Coordinator at South West NRM and ensures the daily operation of the offices in the region run smoothly. Hayley is also responsible for general office procedures including house leasing and coordination of the Board meetings and teleconferences. Hayley also offers administrative support to the Far South West Aboriginal NRM Group.

Hayley has proven customer service ability when it comes to dealing with our Landholders and clients and oversees the administrative procedures in the office.

Hayley believes in studying for self improvement and for furthering her career, and she is on her way to achieving this, as she has commenced a Cert IV in Business Administration.

Hayley also completed an intensive short course in MYOB and backs up the Accounts Officer when needed.

Talia Anderson

Administration Officer

Talia is our Administration Officer, providing excellent customer service and support to South West NRM staff and clients.

Talia ensures the daily operation of the administration and reception areas run smoothly and is responsible for all administrative procedures.

Talia has a Certificate III in Business/Administration and is currently studying for a Diploma in Business and Human Resource Management.


Chair’s Report Welcome again to another South West NRM Ltd annual report.

I have had the pleasure since our last report of working in a strong and fruitful partnership with Neil Judd our

Executive Officer. It has been gratifying, if not always bountiful, when jousting with our partners in government to

have the wisdom and support of an Executive Officer who genuinely understands and seeks solutions to natural

resource management issues. Both Neil and I base our strategies around the need for viable rural enterprises with

strong links to people and landscape. Congratulations to Neil and our team for your success this year.

I acknowledge the commitment of all our staff, in what has been uncertain times for all of us, due to another change

in programs. We of course now receive funding support as well as bid in a competitive process from the Caring for

Our Country program and liaise with the Land and Sea management team from Canberra. I wish I could say that we

have had a smooth and prosperous transition to the new program, however we like many other Regional Bodies not

blessed with links to the Barrier Reef are justifiably displeased, with the apparent lack of commitment from

government towards funding Rangeland centric projects. I do however acknowledge the efforts of our liaison officers

in Canberra for their attention and advice despite confused and strenuous bedding in period, their support was

appreciated. We at South West don't leave anyone wondering about our intentions, so we will continually place a

focus on our regions issues. Despite the initial disappointment and criticism we will pick ourselves up, brush off the

red dirt some of which we hope has returned with our visitors to Canberra, and continue to move forward.

Our inability to attract any major funding for an on ground works program does not mean we will abandon our

stakeholders. SWNRM with core funding will maintain extension services through our offices in Charleville, Quilpie

Thargomindah and Bollon while closing our office in Cunnamulla for the time being. Staff in any one of these offices

will be pleased to take any enquiry from within our region and direct any stakeholders to the most appropriate

contact within the organization. Special thanks to our Local government and industry partners in sharing resources

and knowledge through ever strengthening partnership arrangements, together we can make a difference.

I implore and welcome any of our stakeholders to come with any question relating to natural resource management

whether it is a question on pasture management, mapping, biodiversity, or even wild rivers legislation, if we are not

able to help we will endeavor to find someone who can.

In conclusion let me thank the rest of my colleagues on the Board whose efforts to ensure good governance is

maintained within our structure while ensuring the company’s focus remains on the issues and challenges of our

stakeholders.

Cheers Tom.


Chief Executive Officer’s Report The 2008-2009 financial year presented many challenges to South West NRM Ltd and indeed to the provision of

natural resource management support in the south west region of Queensland. Overall, I am very pleased to report

that SWNRM has emerged from this period of uncertainty with a focussed and motivated team of staff, strong

governance procedures, a committed board and very strong linkages to industry, community and regional partners.

During the year funding to SWNRM reduced by approximately 60% from levels obtained over the last few years via

Queensland and Australian Government regional NRM programmes. As shown below:

Table 1. SWNRM Income over the last four years.

Year Income

2005/06 $6,400,000

2006/07 $6,800,000

2007/08 $6,700,000

2008/09 $2,300,000

Note: revenue rounded to nearest $100,000.

SWNRM appreciates the financial support provided by the Queensland Government (approximately $550,000) and

Australian Government (approximately $1,500,000) during the 2008/2009 year. The funding provided by the two

government programs made it possible for SWNRM to survive the ‚financial storm‛ and also to retain critical

technical and corporate capacity to assist the region shape a viable and sustainable future.

It is particularly re-assuring to note that Australian Government funding to SWNRM is now linked to 4 year

objectives through the Caring for our Country (CfoC) initiative. The ability for SWNRM to obtain support for the next

four years from the Australian Government has been critical to the success in retaining staff and to the provision of

substantive natural resource management support to land managers and the community. Relationships with

Queensland Government agencies remain strong; however efforts to ensure funding is provided to regional NRM

organisations on more than a ‚year to year‛ basis have so far proven unsuccessful.

From an organisational viewpoint the reduction in government funding to SWNRM forced fundamental changes to

the business operation of SWNRM. Changes were evident in reductions to staffing levels (both voluntary and

involuntary redundancies occurred) and also to the provision of cash support to land managers and community

groups in the region. Both of these outcomes are of great regret.

Regarding SWNRM staffing levels, it should be noted that the number of full time employees over the financial year

reduced from 24 full time staff to 13.5 full time staff.

In an attempt to maintain contact with community and stakeholders, SWNRM hosted many field days and

workshops throughout the year to promote topical NRM issues, worked closely with school and community groups


throughout the region, assisted local government and industry groups with strategic planning for pest and weed

control, promoted existing project outcomes extensively through newsletters and media and also oversaw the

completion of numerous on-ground projects.

During the year staff submitted numerous applications seeking additional funds to a host of government and non-

government programmes. It is with great appreciation of the effort made by the staff in compiling professional and

relevant projects that it can reported that a number of the submissions were successful. Examples of successful

projects include:

$41,000 to host a ‚Grazing for Profit‛ workshop in the Bollon district

$45,000 to host a forum (Agri-UP) to progress business, industry and community outcomes for the regions

youth.

$10,000 to plan and construct a community garden in partnership with Quilpie Shire Council and school

students

Several $1,000 junior landcare grants to schools in the region

$24,000 to purchase resources to assist Traditional Owner cultural surveys and site protection.

$80,000 to complete a cultural heritage survey and site protection audit of the Warrego River in partnership

with the Bidjara and Koonya Traditional Owner groups

$50,000 from the Bureau of Metrology to complete installation of water sampling equipment at a number

of strategic sites across the region to track water quality changes remotely during flow events.

A cursory review of the contribution of non-core funding to total SWNRM revenue (approximately 10% of total

budget) highlights, the continued reliance of SWNRM to key Queensland and Australian Government NRM

initiatives. Every effort will be made over coming years to increase the amount of funding from non-core programmes

to allow SWNRM and local partners greater discretion with activity carried out through-out the region.

In recent months (2009-2010) project applications have been submitted for projects worth almost $1,000,000.

Applications have been made to a diverse range of funding providers and have addressed such issues as feral animal

control; grazing management systems; invigoration of pastures with desirable native grass and legume species to

improve productivity, profitability and biodiversity; rehabilitation of rivers and rehabilitation of landscapes. SWNRM

looks forward to advising regional stakeholders as information comes to hand about the fate of these applications.

As stated earlier, the Australian Government (AG) committed to support the regional NRM process for the next four

years (subject of course to satisfactory performance) through the CfoC initiative. SWNRM will obtain approximately

$1,400,000 each year through ‚base allocation‛ to support activities identified as targets by the AG.

SWNRM will utilise CfoC base allocation funding to address AG target areas including;

Enhancing the catchments of the High Conservation Value Aquatic Ecosystems (HCVAE) of the Bulloo and

Paroo rivers


Protecting the Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) of the Eulo Artesian Springs Supergroup; Semi

Evergreen Vine Thickets of the Brigalow Belt and Nandewar Bio-region; and the Brigalow Community

(Acacia harpophylla dominant and co-dominant)

Pest and weed mitigation activity

NRM demonstration activity and general stakeholder/community engagement and awareness.

Land managers and community groups are advised that project submissions will be advertised in the near future for

actions that address CfoC targets.

In addition to the successful negotiation of ‚base allocation‛ support from the AG; SWNRM was involved in the

preparation of a number of very strong applications to the 2009/2010 competitive funding stream of CfoC.

Projects involving SWNRM (as proponent or partner) were as follows:

$20,000,000. ‚Protecting the intact ecosystems, sustainable industries and thriving communities of the

Greater Lake Eyre Basin‛....included Bulloo, Paroo and Warrego Rivers plus Nebine creek system (multiple

partners across 4 states/territories)

$20,000,000. ‚Darling Rivers & Wetlands (DRAW) Program — sustaining aquatic habitats in the northern

basin‛...included SWNRM region (multiple partners across 2 states)

$10,000,000. ‚Map It, See It, Do It – Improving and Sustaining Landscapes in South West QLD‛ (SWNRM

partnership project with local government and south west region Traditional Owners).

$5,500,000. ‚Protecting the Paroo: the last major free-flowing river in the Murray Darling Basin‛ (multiple

partners across 2 states).

$20,000,000. ‚Outcomes for the Outback: protection and production through nature refuges in rural and

remote Queensland‛ (Agforce, NRM, QG agency partners)

$9,000,000. ‚Improved aquatic and landscape outcomes for the Bulloo, Paroo, Warrego and Nebine

catchments‛. (SWNRM partnership project with local government, south west region Traditional Owners

and Queensland Government Agencies).

$10,000,000. ‚Improved catchment outcomes for the Bulloo, Paroo, Warrego rivers plus Nebine creek

system‛. (SWNRM partnership project with local government, south west region Traditional Owners and

Queensland Government Agencies).

$5,000,000. ‚Using traditional Aboriginal ecological knowledge to meet key National Caring for our

Country targets‛. (Multiple partners across Queensland).

$7,000,000. ‚Western Queensland Indigenous Ranger Program‛ (Stage 1)

$10,000,000. ‚Regenerating the Bulloo, Paroo, Warrego and Nebine catchments in South West

Queensland‛. (SWNRM partnership project with local government, south west region Traditional Owners

and Queensland Government Agencies).


It is unfortunate that SWNRM and partners failed to attract funding support for any of projects submitted to the

CfoC competitive stream. This was despite very strong partnerships with state government departments, universities,

local governments, Traditional Owners, industry groups and a number of regional NRM groups.

In hindsight it is possible that the magnitude of the projects submitted by SWNRM and partners were simply too

great to be favorably considered by the AG review team. The total amount of money sought through 1300 CFOC

projects Australia wide overwhelmed the budget of the review team and made the funding of such large scale, multi

partner, multi-jurisdictional, multi target projects almost impossible, despite their obvious merit. In future, SWNRM

will work with partners to address this possibility by breaking down some of the projects to smaller projects with

regional ambitions rather than as requested in the initial CfoC Business Plan, the multi regional, multi partner, large

scale cross jurisdictional projects.

SWNRM will also continue to explore other funding opportunities for regionally important projects; developed and

managed by local partners.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the board and staff of SWNRM for their support, professionalism, determination

and dedication over the last twelve months. I would also like to acknowledge the land managers, Traditional Owners

and community of the south west for their continued dedication to the enhancement of the natural resources and

people resources of the region. It is clear that the last decade has not been kind; however in spite of this the focus

on long term sustainable land use and environmental health remains as strong as ever. South West NRM is proud to

work with you all. We hope for improved opportunities in the coming years to assist with the job!

Best wishes

Neil Judd


Project Focus Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots along Western Queensland Stock Routes South West NRM hosted and managed the Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots along Western Queensland Stock Routes

project from May 2008 through to May 2009 which was funded by the Australian Government.

This cross regional project covered the regional natural resource management (NRM) bodies of South West NRM,

Desert Channels Queensland, Southern Gulf Catchments Inc and

Queensland Murray Darling Committee. It worked in partnership also with

the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM)

{formerly Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Natural

Resources and Water} who were represented along with each NRM body on

the advisory group. The network of stock routes included in the project is

spread across 57% of Queensland.

The project was designed to collect information on biodiversity hotspots (an

area that supports significant biodiversity values under threat) along the

stock routes in the four NRM regions of western Queensland. This project used DERMs’ ‘Back on Track’ species

prioritisation framework as the priority species to qualify as a hotspot. These species varied between each NRM

body. Further criteria were developed by the advisory group to determine a hotspot and site inspections were

measured against these criteria. The project officer, Bryan Walsh collected existing data sets about biodiversity such

as WildNet records and regional ecosystems as well as collecting and recording the knowledge of local people, NRM

staff, council staff, landholders and drovers. South West NRM’s GIS officer, Martin Wingett provided continuing GIS

support to the project over the twelve months.

The project has identified and mapped over 47 hotspots, 8

high nature conservation value areas and over 80 new

WildNet records. Threat abatement to protect these

priority species has been determined and recommendations

made including best practice management. Some of the

highlights of this project include the recording of a new

bilby colony and the extension of the range of many

species, such as the greater glider and buff sided robin. A

positive outcome also from this project has been the

council, government department , local residents and

regional body staff that have been brought together to

share information.

Yellow footed Rock wallaby

Major Mitchell Cockatoos


Pasture Recovery Initiative ‘KUBALI’ BOLLON QLD 4488 OWNER: PAUL FLIPO Lot 1 NB19 GHFL 39/3373

Recovery Area: 4000ha Agreement No: PR108/04 Term of Agreement: 24mths

Total payment: $28,000.00 Commencement date: 17/02/2008

Project Description: The aim of the initiative is to develop

voluntary partnerships with landholders and promote alternative

land uses for the region.

Project Objectives: The objective of the initiative is to maintain

and improve native pastures and the health of the landscape in

the region. To achieve these outcomes, the initiative will focus on

the spelling of pastures and the control of feral pigs, goats and

kangaroos to reduce their impact on the ability of spelled pastures

to rehabilitate.

Monitoring of PRI to Date: 25.11.2008 01.10.2009

Report for Monitoring & Evaluation of KUBALI PRI on

01.10.2009

Owner of Pasture Recovery Initiative paddock at Kubali, Paul

Flipo stated that kangaroo numbers were low and numbers

remain static in the area. Feral pigs and invasive weed species

were also not an issue. In comparison to monitoring carried out

on 25.11.2008 the area under pasture recovery shows a

decline, due to recent severe dust storms and dry seasonal

conditions prevailing.

Rainfall in mm’s for PRI for 08 and 09 is as below.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2008 126 91 105 - 6 87 27 17 40 19 62 48

2009 64 42 5 21 50 88 8 4 3

The ground cover in the paddock consists of varieties of Forbes and herbs (Galvanised burr, Roly Poly, Soda bush)

and several different varieties of salt bush i.e. (Ruby saltbush,) with no grass species evident. All vegetation is dry

and what remains is covered by a thick layer of dust from recent severe dust storms.


MONITORING WATER CHARACTERISTICS IN WESTERN WATER WAYS

The Warrego, Paroo, Bulloo, Nebine and Mungallala Catchments make up 52% (186,000 km2) of Queensland’s

portion of the Murray Darling River system. The Bulloo River feeds into vast floodplain and covers an area of 55 000

square kilometres. Current water quantity monitoring over this extensive area is limited to nine NRW gauging

stations with water quality limited to periodic monitoring at one gauge in the Paroo catchment. Additional

monitoring of both quantity and quality is critical to improve our understanding of catchment yields and pollutant

sources.

As a test case, this project aimed to initially purchase two mobile water monitoring stations to enable the collection

of water quantity and quality data at a number of pre-determined locations across the basin (NOTE: mobile unit

design and implementation based on SEQ Water methodology).

These mobile stations provide key data for the BOM and secondly enhance SWNRM monitoring program. The

stations will provide the flexibility to enable us to monitor water quantity and quality at key sites and in remote areas

previously ungauged during storm runoff events. The data from these newly installed stations would be accessed via

telemetry as well as in person, and would deliver stream height, and water quality (EC, Turbidity, Temperature,

nutrients) data. The data collected undergoes validation, interpretation and dissemination by the Information Officer

based at South West NRM, in Charleville.

Greenspan Mobile Water Quality Trailer


FUNDING AND CONSTRUCTION • The first 3 sites were completed by contractors. South West NRM utilised residual funding to construct a

fourth site on Nebine Creek using the knowledge gained from working with the contractors and Dave Waters

• A fifth site is planned for the Bulloo River if funding permits.

• Tyco have visited Charleville twice as part of their follow up and modified both trailers at no cost as a consequence of these visits.

• They have also provided extensive phone, email and telemetry service.

• If funds become available a portable sampling setup will be constructed – allowing a trailer to be setup on a smaller watercourse for a shorter period of time to do transient monitoring.

• By using sites that are within NextG range considerable costs are saved over using satellite telemetry as our NextG calls are free.

USING THE DATA • Using samples collected at each site – the amount of sediment per litre of discharge is calculated in the

laboratory , this figure is then correlated with the Turbidity readings from the site , allowing a continual calculation of sediment loads in kg or cubic meters

• Similarly for salt from the EC readings

• Using the flow curve the rate of discharge can be calculated from the height readings continually –allowing a continuous reading of discharge at 30 min intervals.

• The data will be posted onto the Unidap WaterQ site when training is done and site is operational ( This is stage 3 of the BOM Funding)

Data being collected at the moment is only a snapshot baseline evaluation; the true value of this data will not be

seen until temporal data is available.


Board Reports Independent Vice Chair – Paul Paynter

The past 12 months have been a huge learning curve for me. Filling in for Tom at the Chairs Meeting in Hobart gave

me a greater insight to the workings of NRM bodies and how they function in other States. By attending the various

special meetings held here I have a better understanding of South West NRM and the problems we face with

funding and how to achieve the best outcomes.

I think the Board, Neil and his team will have to look outside the square for funding to complete some of the

programs or to initiate new ones.

In conclusion I have found the Board is working very well together and that Neil and the staff are extremely

cooperative.

I look forward to achieving our aims in the next 12 months.

Local Government Representative – Jo Sheppard

Amalgamations, reduced councilor numbers and boundary re-alignments saw Local Government emerge in a

changed environment after general elections last year. The South West Local Government Association now consists

of six shires including Maranoa, Balonne, Paroo, Murweh, Bulloo and Quilpie. This area is consistent with the vicinity

in which South West NRM operates.

South West NRM has continued to make every effort to work collaboratively with Local Government in the South

West. This partnership has been strengthened by the concerted efforts of SWNRM CEO Mr. Neil Judd as well as by

having SWNRM staff strategically placed throughout the region within most of the participating shires.

Together Local Government and South West NRM have partnered to not only provide valuable on ground works but

to also speak with one voice on behalf of the environmental, industry and community needs of the region.

As we move into an era of increased competitiveness for funding under the current Caring for Country arrangement

and a difficulty in focusing the attention of a nation on the importance of regions such as SW Qld, it is critical that

each sector work together. We must continue to strive to communicate to the wider community the future

contribution regions such as the SW offer Australia including biodiversity, food producing capacity and cultural

significance.

On a more micro level, it is important that SWNRM and Local Government continue to combine their efforts in

critical areas including pest and weed control, stock route management and a range of efforts relating to long term

sustainability of landscapes and our all important agricultural industry.


Congratulations to all those involved in the organisation who have applied themselves consistently and in a

committed manner, during what has largely been a challenging and even transitional period. A special mention

must be made of the Chair Tom Garrett and Chief Executive Officer Neil Judd who have gone above and beyond the

call of duty to progress the organisation and the overall interests of the region.

Traditional Owner Representative – Grace Weatherall

Since I started as Traditional Owner Representative three projects have started some are still in the planning stages.

Two projects are on the Warrego River both Kunja and Bidjara are to do these projects. Kooma people will be doing

Traditional Knowledge Recording project soon. Budjiti and Mardigan people are working on Indigenous Land Use

Agreement with the Bulloo, Paroo and Quilpie Shire Councils these agreements will be very important to Aboriginal

people as it gives them a say on their Traditional land. The Kullilli Burial Ground near Thargomindah is still moving

ahead. As usual there isn’t enough money to do all projects that need to be done. The Delbessie Agreement has

slowed down. I thought this would be something SWNRM would have been interested in with the connections they

have with the land owners and the Traditional Owners in the region. I have been to two Murray Darling River

meetings this year. Mick, Gary and I thought the Western Queensland Traditional Owners Alliance workshop called

Salt 2 Dust at Dugalunji Camp six kilometers outside Camooweal has been the best workshop we had ever attended.

Run by aboriginal people for aboriginal at a dry camp. Dugalunji is a training camp to teach people in hospitality

and machinery operation. They train people for Councils, Main Roads and mines. Stock Routes is something

Aboriginal people are interested in but are getting very little say in. We will keep trying to be involved and included

in Stock Routes if we can. The fresh water forum Mick and I attended in Adelaide didn’t have the outcome I hoped

for but we were there to be heard at least we were included. Hoping next year will be better.

Yours in the struggle,

Grace Weatherall.

Piastre Fish Traps – Piastre - Quilpie


Industry Representative - Andrew Schmidt

I am pleased to report on activities as the industry sector rep for 2009. Unfortunately the area has slipped back into drought, after a promising start last year. Only a few bright spots in the

region. Our western areas, Thargomindah etc. are being particularly hard hit. I attended a Carbon workshop.

Confusion is still largely on the agenda. Hopefully as science improves, the air will become much clearer. SWNRM

will help with this agenda as there are a couple of small projects measuring carbon in the mulgalands. I imagine in

the future, the groups will be a leading advocate of carbon science. The Rangelands Alliance group of Chairs etc. of

the rangelands regions met in Charleville to exchange ideas about projects, funding applications etc. They are

valuable meetings allowing an exchange of ideas etc which affect the regions.

The previous year has been a difficult one for all groups including the SWNRM. A massive cutting of funding to the

region has cut a lot of projects, only leaving enough money for core business. The funding arrangements have been

put back about 10 years. Valuable time of our excellent staff is now spent chasing dollars, thus diminishing the time

spent on valuable projects.

Our political masters seem to forget unlike other crisis, the food crisis is here. Not yet in Australia but not too far

away. The area which makes up the SWNRM region is 99% rangelands. It does not rely on chemical fertilizers, GM

distorted crops, or mega-litres of Round-up to produce food or fibre. The region is a natural system and all

stakeholders aim to keep it efficient and productive. Keeping it this way along with sharing of our numerous wildlife

is part of the agenda of this group. The government needs to realize that investing in the region will keep the area

both productive and in good health. When you consider the billions of dollars doled out to support large business

struggling with the financial crisis and some of the infrastructure budget overuns that governments have

experienced, it seems almost heartless and irresponsible not to fund the rangeland regions in a proper way.

To finish up, I would remind the stakeholders that the SWNRM is a community group and any ideas or questions are

always welcome. Don’t be couch potatoes; get your message to us.

Thank you and Merry Christmas,

Andrew Schmidt


Community/Landcare Representative – Jenny Richardson

Another year has passed with SWNRM and I reflect on my time and the company’s achievements.

Although it appears we have become very quiet, there is much happening behind the scenes. Decreased funding has

meant that there have been less on ground projects and our outcomes are less visible. Nonetheless, I believe we are

quietly moving along in a positive direction, and the tasks we are undertaking now to lobby government and seek

alternative means of funding will provide benefits to the community in the long term. I encourage the community to

continue to be engaged with SWNRM as we are still able to offer information and facilitation on all matters

pertaining to landscape management focusing on profitable outcomes for rural communities.

Neil Judd, who joined us not long before the last AGM, is doing a great job. Staff morale has improved and the

culture of our organization has changed to a much happier environment. This is reflected in the innovative projects

staff are investigating, as a means of adapting to a changing organisational environment for all NRM regional

bodies.

Ange Sherwin (district project officer) has just joined the company and seems to be a great asset with her very

engaging personality. As one of the community faces of SWNRM, it is essential that our district project officers are

able to relate to landholders and have the right attitude to provide the best service to our community.

This is my 3rd year with SWNRM and I continue to enjoy my time as a board member. Hopefully as time progresses

more funding will allow us to continue working with the community, educating and promoting sustainable practices.

Conservation Representative – Adam Bradshaw

The previous 12 months have been a challenging time at South West NRM, but it has been a period of time that I

have enjoyed.

I would first, like to thank Neil Judd and his staff for their dedication to their work in this exigent year. I would also

like to thank Tom and my fellow board members for another immense year, and especially welcome and express

thanks to the new board members for their input and innovative ideas and direction that they have brought to the

table.

The previous year across our region has seen in general, a return to more favourable seasonal conditions, along with

this and the continuing work done by SWNRM in supporting and encouraging landholders to have an improved

understanding of the important role biodiversity plays in our region, we have seen a great improvement in flora and

fauna.

South West NRM this year have held informative forums, providing detailed educational programs and workshops,

promoted, advised, mapped, reported, monitored, teleconferenced, and strengthen relationships with local state and


federal government agencies, and managed and communicated all of the relevant conservation issues within our

vastness to achieve real outcomes.

In today’s brittle climate, grazing and farming meshes together many diverse disciplines. A successful producer needs

to have a sound understanding of soil science, plant growth and development, animal health and production,

genetics and engineering.

Stock need to be assessed in terms of their habit of growth, adaption to changing climates and soils, cultural

requirements, breeding, propagation and utilisation. Produces must have an understanding of how a plant absorbs

substances from the soil, how it makes food, how it breathes, how it grows and develops and what nourishment it

needs so that plant can be modified to better suit the needs of a commercial production system. Producers also need

to have a sound understanding of the ecological health of their properties and must manage to maintain and

improve bio diversity.

It is a complex environment in which we live, at SWNRM we must continue to educate and assist our landholders to

fully understand, and be able to utilise the diverse range of landscapes and environments that exist within our

region.

In concluding I would like to express that I have enjoyed the challenges of the last 12 months, that I have been

Conservation Director and if re-elected I look forward to working closely with government, regional and community

groups, fellow directors, the Chief Executive Officer and staff to protect the biodiversity and ensure equitable

conservation outcomes within our region.

Adam Bradshaw

Machine Vision Field Day Tomoo


Directors Meeting Attendance Attended Absent Proxy

Name

General

Meeting

10/02/2009

Directors

Teleconference

26/02/2009

Directors

Teleconference

27/03/2009

General

Meeting

12/05/2009

Directors

Teleconference

30/06/2009

General

Meeting

18/08/2009

Directors

Teleconference

06/10/2009

Tom Garrett

Paul Paynter

Andrew

Schmidt

Jo Sheppard

Grace

Weatherall

Jenny

Richardson

Adam

Bradshaw

Neil Judd

Gary Butler - - -


State of the Region

Bollon District NRM Coordinator – Jean Prow

Bollon’s South West Natural Resource Management office was officially opened by the Leader of the Nationals in the

Senate, Mr. Barnaby Joyce on Friday 31st October 2008.

At the offical opening of South West Natural Resource Management

office in Bollon were from back left, South West NRM Chairman Tom

Garrett, Senator Barnaby Joyce, Cr Ian Winks and front, South West

NRM CEO Neil Judd, Balonne Shire Mayor Donna Stewart, Bollon Disrtict

Project Coordinator Jean Prow and South West NRM Programs manager

Gary Butler.

FIELD DAYS & WORKSHOPS WHAT’S NEW OVER THE FENCE’

The ‘What’s New Over the Fence’

field day hosted by Adam & Renae

Bradshaw of Tomoo Station, South

West NRM Ltd and Resource

Consulting Services was hailed as a

huge success. The key attraction of

the day was a demonstration of the Machine Vision Technology project which has been undertaken by South West

NRM in collaboration with the University of Queensland and Tomoo owners Adam & Renae Bradshaw. The project

has investigated the usefulness of this technology to assist with management of domestic stock, and monitor overall

grazing pressure.

NATURALLY RESOURCEFUL WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

The women of the Nebine, Mungallala and Wallam catchments participated in a

short leadership and natural resource management course during January and

February of 2009. The workshops covered the value of birds on farm, Neil Judd,

CEO of South West NRM delivered an interactive presentation on linking

sustainability and profitability to grazing businesses, Col Paton from Department of

Primary Industries and Fisheries presented ‘Stocktake’ and Marg Harrison who was

the guest speaker proved to be a very motivational and inspiring. The day


culminated in a Planning for Positive Change session which saw many positive prospects planned to enhance the

future of the people of the Bollon community.

GPS WORKSHOPS – BOLLON South West NRM delivered a number of GPS training days in the district, including the Three Creek’s Sustainable

Catchment Group, landholders in the Bollon area and students of Bollon State School. The training was delivered by

Daniel Huie, Spatial Imagery Officer, Regional Groups Collective and Martin Wingett, IT/GIS Officer with South West

NRM.

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT

Bollon State School in partnership with South West NRM Ltd were successful in

obtaining a Coles Junior Landcare Grant to build a No Dig Vegetable Garden.

"Carbon Friendly Vegies" is a sustainable gardening based project where

students of the Bollon State School enjoyed the fun of gardening, while learning

sustainable environmental practices and conservation techniques. Produce from

the garden was used to bake pizza in solar ovens to complement a lesson on

renewable and non-renewable energy delivered by South West NRM District

Project Co-ordinator Jean Prow.

Bollon school students have also embraced the opportunity to be responsible for

water monitoring of Wallam Creek and have recorded data and completed bio-

diversity audits of the area.

ON-GROUND PROJECTS

ACTIVITIES TO RE-HABILITATE DEGRADED LAND – FUTURESCAPES

Shaun O’Brien from ‘Nebinedulla’ has rehabilitated

areas of degraded land through ponding and seeding

alluvial flats along the Mungallala Creek, with a long term

strategy of continuing a cycle of grazing and resting

practices to ensure good pasture growth is maintained and

increased.


John Mesner blade ploughed 630 acres on

‘Marango’ to improve moisture infiltration and

sowed with native pasture, on the alluvial floodplain

of the Mungallala Creek

On ‘Bindebango’ owner Ernie Blayden and partner

Leigh McCarthy implemented their project

‘Mungallala Floodplain Rehabilitation State One &

Two’ through ponding, ripping and seeding scalded

areas.

Owners of Deelamon, Dease and Jane Goddard undertook rehabilitation works using soil conservation

techniques. They fenced a portion of an overgrazed paddock and re-established grass species using

crocodile for soil disturbance and sowed the area with pasture to reduce the impacts made by water erosion

in the fragile ridgey run off country.

ALLEVIATE GRAZING PRESSURE ON FRAGILE LAND TYPES – PLANSCAPES The members of the Bollon Planscapes Group fenced off riparian areas to alleviate grazing pressure on these fragile

land types along the Wallam Creek, and installed alternative watering points. This Planscapes project links

neighbouring properties to help protect the Wallam Creek north of Bollon, and the expected results will be an

improvement in water quality, improvement in land condition and prevention of soil erosion. Members of the group

include:

Danny and Fiona Borello who fenced off the creek on ‘Homeboin’;

Owners Doug and Sue Bryant of ‘Bundalloch’;

Brett & Jenny Sheahan fenced 7.5Km of the Wallam Creek on Shannendoah

Owners Ron and Therese Sevil of ‘Kenilworth’ fenced the eastern bank of the Wallam, (other side already

done) and utilised solar energy for alternative watering points.

MANAGE AREAS OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE

‘Tullochard’ owners Barton ad Leonie Lyndley fenced off Mungallala and Stony Creeks on their property to

give them the ability to exclude stock from riparian areas. Two new dams were constructed to provide

alternate watering points, and divisional fencing of a large mulga paddock will improve management

practices and provide further ability for rotational grazing.

Andrew & Lauren Winks of Yendon undertook subdivisional fencing project to manage an area of remnant

vegetation. The area of yellow-jacket vegetation was divided into 3 paddocks to allowing better control and

spelling to preserve this distinctive vegetation in its natural state.


Quilpie NRM Coordinator – Ange Sherwin

DISTRICT WEATHER The Quilpie District has seen a considerable lack of rain throughout 2009 with the most significant rainfall being in

the month of January with 61 mm recorded. Due to this, there is much movement of stock throughout the district

and a large number of enquiries for fodder harvesting permits. The northern portion of the district has been a little

luckier and was underneath some considerable storms throughout the year, although starting to dry off. These

rainfall events resulted in some sizable runs in the Bulloo River which provided some winter feed for stock in the

area.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNITY GARDEN

In early 2009 South West

NRM received a Natural

Resource Awareness Grant to

assist in the delivery of a

project to raise awareness of

the natural resources that are

in the Quilpie township. This

was delivered through a

community garden which was aimed at engagement of all community

members. The garden was supported by many of the local business houses and

was constructed with the assistance of the Council, Church groups, the Quilpie

State College and the South West Healthy Communities Program. Biodiversity

lessons were held in conjunction with the garden construction which allowed

the younger generation to gain knowledge on food webs and how this plays a

part in the environment. This

project is ongoing and is

expected to continue to play

an important role in

education for the community.

Infrastructure which has been

installed in the Quilpie

community garden from

Natural Awareness Resource

Grant.


MESQUITE Mesquite is a Weed of National Significance and a declared weed in Queensland, and has had a considerable effect

on the Quilpie district, particularly on Wanko, Como and North Comongin Stations since the 1950s. Treatment

involving significant funds has been ongoing since the 1970’s, through various programs including the Strategic

Weed Eradication and Education Program (SWEEP), Quilpie Shire Council’s contribution and landholders own funds

to the vicinity of $5 million.

The main infestation originally covered an area of around 4,000 hectares, on North Comongin. Viv Byrne, Quilpie

Shire Council’s Rural Land Officer has been involved in on ground control works, and he says that this ‚main area

which is affected has now been controlled, however the plant is well established throughout the Bulloo River system

with a scatter of plants south to Toompine.‛ There are more isolated adult plants being found on properties all the

time, and Viv is adamant that there needs to be a more vocal education program on the identification of the weed to

stop its’ spread.

ON GROUND PROJECTS

UPPER BULLOO – PLANSCAPES The Parthenium weed infestation in the Upper Bulloo has had consistent treatment in a variety of ways with varying

results. Parthenium is a Class 2 declared weed under the Queensland Land Protection Act and is also listed as a

Weed of National Significance. Problems caused by Parthenium weed include severe impacts on agricultural viability

and health issues for stock and people. The affected area is in the headwaters of the Blackwater and Pleasant

Creeks which are tributaries of the Bulloo River. This issue is significant, and on a national perspective this

infestation is important to control to prevent spread further south into New South Wales. The potential spread of this

weed down the Bulloo River would see a large amount of agricultural and riparian areas affected in addition to

significant wetlands with ecological significance in this High Conservation Value Aquatic Ecosystem.

South West NRM funded the Upper Bulloo Landcare group with the Bulloo Catchment Parthenium Weed

Management Plan in late 2007 through the introduction of a variety of management practices. These included

minimising weed spread, preventing establishment, managing pastures, treating with herbicides and introducing

biological control agents. The plan is ongoing, however has been significantly stalled due to a lack of funding and

the low rainfall which has been experienced in the area, which affects the presence of Parthenium as it is an annual

weed. Landholders reported that the infestation spread has been slowed and the infestations are less dense. Due to

the aggressive nature of Parthenium, its ability to rapidly colonies bare and degraded areas, eradication of an

established infestation in reality is not achievable. Employing an integration of methods is the key to reducing the

population numbers and density of Parthenium, diligence in monitoring to keep it under control, and commitment to

practice hygiene practices. South West NRM is still assisting with this ongoing project with assistance with ideas and

funding proposals.


FUTURESCAPES There have been a variety of onground projects implemented in the Quilpie region since 2006. The most common

theme with the Futurescapes funding round was to alleviate grazing pressure on land types which were assessed as

being fragile. Some of these land types included riparian areas of the Bulloo and Paroo Rivers and their tributaries

and soft mulga county which may be prone to erosion and environmental degradation. The way that this has been

achieved is through more even grazing by installing additional watering points for stock and fencing riparian areas.

Carolyn Landsberg of ‘Bulls Gully’ has achieved good results with her project and how it has assisted their

management aims to spell country and lightly graze fragile areas.

CASE STUDY

QUILPIE WETLANDS PROJECT Quilpie Shire Council is a Futurescapes project recipient for the work that they are doing in the town with sewage

water. The Council constructed holding ponds to polish sewage

effluent using wetland plants and ultraviolet light for treatment

to the required standard for use in irrigation. This facility has

now been completely secured through a fence partly constructed

with South West NRMs’ funding. It is the intention of the

Council that a wetland with abundant birdlife and plant species

will be part of the area in the future with an erection of a

viewing platform and bird hide for tourists to utilise. This facility

will bring another natural aspect to the town and hopefully

engage tourists for longer.

Thargomindah District NRM Coordinator – Suzanne Nicholls

SCHOOL & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

THARGOMINDAH STATE SCHOOL After lessons on water quality and catchment health the school was keen to set up a native fish tank to learn more

about their natural environment; they were successful in applying for $1000 for a tank setup and a School

Environmental Management Plan. Suzanne, District NRM project Coordinator has also attended the school camp to

the Cooper creek and Burke and Wills sites, giving the students learning opportunities about plants and animals in

the Channel Country.

Fencing of the ponds which was South West NRM funded.


YOWAH STATE SCHOOL Yowah students were excited about planting trees in their school grounds at Yowah and being part of National Tree

Day 2009. They have an extensive vegetables garden and received $1000 from Junior Landcare Australia for more

gardening supplies.

EULO STATE SCHOOL Eulo students enjoyed a trip in 2008 to the artesian mud and mound springs and learnt how to test the Paroo River

water quality. They were enthusiastic about receiving funding for a new rainwater tank for their gardens with a

Junior Landcare grant.

NATIONAL TREE PLANTING DAY The Bulloo Shire Council and South West NRM hosted National

Tree Planting Day August 2009;

Locals and visitors planted 120 native trees and shrubs at the

Hydro Artesian Bore.

LANDCARE

BUNDILLA & YOWAH LANDCARE GROUPS These groups have been very active in the past and will be

applying for the Small Community Action Grants this year.

Hungerford, Yowah, Paroo River, Tinnenburra and Eulo Landcare Groups have been very active in the past but due

to lack of funding opportunities and drought they have had little opportunity in the past two years. With the new

funding available from Caring for our Country they are all hoping to be successful in receiving grants and to revitalise

the groups with new projects to protect the Paroo Catchment.

BULLOO SHIRE COUNCIL AND SOUTH WEST NRM LTD A renewed and strengthened partnership was formed this year after negotiations between Bulloo Shire Council and

South West NRM. The Bulloo Shire Council is keen to provide their landholders support in natural resource

management issues and receive assistance with pest management. South West NRM wished to strengthen the

community engagement in the lower Bulloo and Paroo Rivers; to protect these important ecosystems.

The Bulloo and Paroo rivers are internationally recognised as High Conservation Value Aquatic Ecosystems and

RAMSAR respectively, and these catchments support a wide range of industries, including pastoral, tourism,

apiculture, mining and oil.

The partnership has so far focused on community events; weed management and hosting workshops in

Thargomindah. South West NRM is grateful for the office and accommodation supplied by Bulloo Shire, which has

resulted in a mutually beneficial outcome of locating District NRM Coordinator Suzanne Nicholls in Thargomindah.


WORKING TOGETHER ON WEEDS

Several species of cactus have been identified in the Paroo

Catchment, including in the townships of Yowah and

Hungerford. South West NRM project coordinator, Suzanne

Nicholls, has been working closely with Bulloo Shire, Paroo

Shire, Bourke Shire and Queensland Biosecurity to identify

species and implement appropriate control. Suzanne says,

landowners and managers are always willing to control and

prevent weeds on the Paroo, but they often just need some

advice and assistance with the costs of management of weed

outbreaks, as they occur over vast spans of land, and control is

often expensive and time consuming.‛

ON GROUND PROJECTS

FUTURESCAPES

Paul and Jenny Wheeler: ‚Werai Park‛ erected 11km’s of

fence, installed 2 tanks, 6 troughs and about 4km of pipe to

replace an open bore drain. They split a large paddock of

an open flood plain and mulga country to allow managed

grazing, to improve pasture health.

‚Scott Haig: at ‚Dundoo‛ fenced off the Yowah Creek and installed a water point to improve water quality in the Paroo River.

Ben and Graham Haig: fenced 15kms of the Paroo River on ‚Hazelfield‛ with 6 wire sheep fence, including

one ‘hot’ wire to stop stock watering on the river. The funding also included installation of 6 watering

points and 14kms of piping.

Helena and Danny Salmon: fenced off the Bulloo River on ‚Ardoch‛ to protect the area from stock and to

allow better management of pastures. ‚Ardoch‛ station is part of the Upper Bulloo Planscapes group.

Hamilton Smith: fenced Ironpot Creek and installed a water point to reduce grazing pressure on the creek

and improve pasture health on ‚Glenvalley‛.

Roly Hughes: carried out strategic Noogoora Burr control along the Bulloo River with the Moble Creek

Planscape group.


PLANSCAPES - EULO GROUP This group was formed in 2006 by South West NRM and landholders who were interested in training and

funding opportunities for improved catchment management. The group hosted a Grazing Land Management

course and identified issues that were affecting the catchment and their properties. Several properties were

successful in receiving funding from South West NRM and carried out projects to protect the Paroo River.

John and Cherry Gardiner: fenced the Werai Creek, which is in the Paroo Catchment, to protect it from

uncontrolled grazing and to allow for improved strategic grazing management.

David and Carmel Meurant: fenced Werai Creek on ‚Wandilla‛ and installed 9 watering points to evenly

distribute grazing pressure.

Dick and Donna O’Connell: wished to maintain the recently blade ploughed and improved land condition

by improving the grazing distribution across paddocks and resting at strategic periods. To allow this

‚Wombula‛ was funded to install 12 water points and pipe bore water through the property.

Cunnamulla District NRM Coordinator - Daniel Wingett

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EXTENSION

PIMELEA FIELD DAY

South West NRM held a Field Day at ‚Charlotte Plains Station‛

on the 11th of December 2008. The field day focused on the

native plant ‚Pimelea‛ but also included identifying native

pastures and tree species. Speakers of the day included

experienced scientists Richard Silcock, Jenny Milson and Mary

Fletcher who spoke with great knowledge and experience

about the native plant Pimilea, history, symptoms which it can

cause in stock, toxicology and how to identify the plant. The

three species of Pimelea were on display for every participant to

get up close and personal to make identification in the paddock

easier. Landholders also brought along plants grown on their

properties for identification & a tour of the property through the

day made the day very educational.

Out in the paddock with owners Reed & Robyn Russell, identifying pastures and discussing the importance of the local plants with scientists Richard Silcock, Jenny Milson and Mary

Fletcher.


‚ROSSCOE DOWNS‛ FIELD DAY Landholders travelled for from areas of South-West Queensland, Northern New South Wales and South Australia to

attend the Rosscoe Downs Field Day. Soon after arrival they had the pleasure of meeting the Premier and to enjoy

the experience of becoming familiar with the newly designed advanced technologies for rural applications. The

technologies presented on the day included the Machine Vision Animal Recognition Technology and the innovative

transportable robotic shearing and muesling devices. Special guests including Premier Anna Bligh and Peter Kenny

from Agforce announced the Wild Dog Review and spoke about how excited they were for the future of the wool

industry. South West NRM was very pleased to be a major sponsor of the day and was kept busy by providing

information to landholders that were concerned about natural resource matters in the region.

WEEDS South West NRM has been working closely with the Paroo Shire Council and Queensland Primary Industries &

Fisheries in identifying and controlling weeds in the Cunnamulla Township

and surrounding district. Some weeds identified include Mother of Millions,

Parkinsonia, Rubbervine & Coral Cactus. South West NRM supported a

project to mechanically and chemically destroy a large infestation of Coral

Cactus on the Wyandra Common.

ON GROUND PROJECTS

FUTURESCAPES

Geoff Dunsdon - Rehabilitated ‚Melrose‛ and adjoining stock route

with an environmental clean-up project by removing large quantities

of black plastic as it was harming native Fauna & Flora, and now

there’s room for native grasses to regenerate.

Ron Hohn - ‚Bundaleer‛ erected a new fence along one side of the

Bundaleer Lane as the old one was in disrepair and allowing the lane

to be overgrazed and unmanageable. The grazing pressure can now be spread out evenly and the fragile

land types of the Lane can be spelled.

Stuart & Pru Barkla - ‚Rosscoe Downs‛ erected a new fence the other side of the Bunderleer Lane,

therefore it is completely secure from wandering stock. The native grasses can now regenerate and the

grazing pressure can be reduced to a minimum.

Nigel Brumpton owner & manager Geoff Doyle - ‚Woodstock‛

rehabilitated Scalded country by putting organic matter back into the

soil with Silk Sorghum. This then brought back native Mitchell Grasses

and Blue Grass. The project area was fenced off so it can be spelled and

rotationally grazed.


Mike & Anne Keane’s project was managing areas of high nature

conservation value, alleviating grazing pressure on fragile land types and

preserving ‚Pineridge‛ frontage to the Cuttaburra Creek.

2006 PROJECTS

Kooma Traditional Owners Association Inc(KTOAI) managed a project to rehabilitate

the gullies and banks of the Nebine Creek, Protect Cultural Heritage sites and to restore and regenerate native

vegetation.

Neville Haig - ‚Cobbrum‛, fenced off a natural lake and installed a laneway to ease stock pressure off the

lake when mustering and can now manage the grazing pressure over the area.

PLANSCAPES

Jim & Trish Mckenzie - ‚Gamarren‛, decommissioned 3 bore drains and de-silted one dam to provide an

alternate water source to native birds and animals. To restore these riparian areas they rehabilitated the

erosion and areas that have been overgrazed due to using bore drains.

Rodney Cribb of ‚Murra Downs‛ fenced off the Brumby Watercourse where the pastures are sweet being

subject to high grazing pressure.

Peter & Belinda Vagg - ‚Carellan‛, constructed a fence around a freshwater wetland to provide protection

to the sensitive riparian vegetation and to protect fauna that use the lake as a breeding habitat.

Charleville District NRM Coordinator – Cathy Mylrea

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EXTENSION Over the past year South West NRM has been involved in delivering various community education and extension

activities. Such activities have included organising Stocktake training for the Mungallala Landcare group delivered

by Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries. A Series of regional workshops were delivered in partnership with

Agforce on Carbon Issues & Climate Change to the town and surrounding districts. Involvement with the schools

through Junior Landcare and educational activities, have included a series of activities with the senior chemistry

class of the Charleville State High School on water quality.

South West NRM participated on the local show circuit around the region through a

promotional and educational display. This year included an interactive, hand on weeds

display to educate locals and visitors on weed identification, technical advice on control

and reinforcement on reporting weed infestations. The other addition to the display

included the Solar Ovens which utilises the sun’s energy for cooking. Crowds were

entertained and sampled the items cooked such as, cakes, biscuits and roast chicken.

Solar Oven in Use


ON GROUND PROJECTS

FUTURESCAPES South West NRM has funded a significant number of on-ground environmental and NRM projects in the Charleville,

Morven, Mungallala, Augathella, Cooladdi regions. These projects have encompassed a range of project types,

below is a summary.

2007 PROJECTS ALLEVIATING GRAZING PRESSURE ON FRAGILE LAND TYPES/RIPARIAN

Brett McDonald at ‚Allambie‛ fenced the Paroo River

Ardie Lord’s project ‚Camroo River Frontage sustainable management project including Ward River wildlife

corridor‛ was completed on Camroo.

Kenton Peart owner of ‚Dunvegan‛, Well Water Creek enhancement project installed troughs to achieve

even grazing pressure.

John Elmes from ‚Plevna Downs‛ installed alternative water storage and watering points due to fencing off

the Hoganthulla Creek.

Ken Hiscock owner of ‚Holly Downs‛ fenced Back Creek and Yo Yo watercourse.

Charleville Mulgalands Botanical Park western boundary was fenced.

Tambo Shire Council were a recipient of a cold room facility for storage of baits for feral animal baiting

programs.

Bush Heritage, Carnarvon Station erosion project on Channon Creek, headwaters of the Warrego River

project stabilised and prevented further erosion to the High Altitude Grassy Woodlands and Blue Grass

dominated valley floor on Carnarvon Station, through addressing a massive gully erosion problem.

After Before

e


2006 PROJECTS

Colin McDonald of ‚Woolabra‛ Station sprayed Mother of Millions (approx 300ha) on Woolabra along with

the Wellwater Action Group.

Kenton Peart of ‚Dunvegan‛ Mother of Millions control on Well Cater Creek.

Bill and Marilyn Taylor, Halton Downs, Mother of Millions control project on Woolshed Gully

Kerry Brown of ‚Cobbies Block‛, reduced stock impacts off riparian areas.

Michael and Helen McKellar, ‚Booka Station‛, managed an area of high nature conservation (not through

a formal covenant) by fencing Sandy Creek Rehabilitation of "of concern" area and protection of the

riparian and wildlife corridor on Sandy Creek which is part of the head water of the Warrego catchment.

Bruce Chriton, of ‚Ivanhoe Downs‛, project focus was alleviating grazing pressure and rejuvenation of

native pastures on Mitchell Grass Downs country by fencing and an additional reticulated watering point.

Adma and Scott Sargood of ‘Belrose’ fenced out a gully system to control and maintaining a declared class

2 weed Mother of Millions, and control and minimise further degradation to the area.

William Goddard, ‚Deelamon‛ fenced a portion of a paddock that the stock and native animals have over

grazed, and ponded and seeded with native grass to rejuvenate the area. Fencing of a section of the

paddock has allowed control the stocking rate and grazing pressure that has been over grazed in the past.

Guy Walker of ‚Roslin‛, project ‘Western Creek Project’ bulldozed the banks of 3 dams out so that the

water in western and middle creeks can flow past to the Mungallala Creek, then piped water from a bore

to replace dams on creeks with troughs. The outcomes of the project will enable better control grazing

pressure along creeks and allow better water flow to the Mungallala Creek and restore the creek back to

natural flows.

Andrew Cameron, ‘Argyll’ fenced off the Lobster Creek and established a watering point away from heavily

impacted areas of the Lobster Creek watering facility, and the soil erosion and land degradation caused by

high stock concentration will be dramatically improved. Piping water into the heart of Pine paddock and

fencing off Lobster Creek will alleviate these current land conditions and improve future native terrain

prospects e.g. the growth of vegetation for example Mitchell grass.

Before


Aboriginal Support Officer – Mick McNiven

Caring for our Country has brought the worst year I have seen since I’ve worked at South West NRM. With money

being so tight and the layoff of staff and the uncertainty for the rest of staff hasn’t made it a good year.

Meetings attended:

12.01.2009 - AGRI processing industry meeting in Toowoomba. Good contacts made.

18.02.2009 - Grace Weatherall and I attended the Indigenous Fresh Water Forum in Adelaide. Good contacts,

waiting for outcome.

04.03.2009 - Murri Network meeting at Bribie Island. Always a good meeting.

26-30.03.2009 - District trip to let people know SWNRM is still about.

28-30.04.2009 - Trip with Neil Judd and the government showing them our area.

15-16.05.2009 - Worked Charleville Show. The Solar Ovens were a good crowd puller.

18-19.05.2009 - Indigenous Land Use Agreement meeting in Quilpie with the Quilpie, Paroo and Bulloo Shire

Councils.

05-08.06.2009 - Grace Weatherall, Gary Butler and I attended the Traditional Owners Workshop at Dugalunji Camp

six kilometers out of Camooweal. This has been the best workshop I have ever attended.

24-25.07.2009 - Murri Network meeting in Cairns. Good meeting.

15-17.10.2009 - Cathy Mylrea and I attended the Landcare Conference in Longreach. I thought the Murri part was

done well. I presented myself. You would have to ask someone else how I did.

27.10.2009 - Regional Development meeting in Thargomindah.


Biodiversity Officer – Julie Frousheger

Activities in biodiversity have included a broad range of topics in

the last year. The biodiversity officer has worked in a part time

capacity to fulfil as many duties as possible that are required of

this role. The ‘Back on Track’ species prioritisation process was

held at a workshop in Charleville in July 2008 which was

attended by staff, landholders, agency staff, council staff and

land protection officers. The outcomes from the report from this

workshop will be used to source funding for projects to protect

threatened species and their habitats in the region.

Numerous activities have received assistance from the

biodiversity officer around the region in the past year. These

include the biodiversity education at the Quilpie community

garden for the Quilpie State School students, radio interviews

covering important biodiversity topics, a science exhibition during threatened species week in Charleville and a

successful Coles Junior Landcare grant for St Mary’s primary school in Charleville.

The biodiversity officer has participated on the advisory group for the Biodiversity on Stock Routes project

(mentioned elsewhere in this annual report) and assisted the CEO to coordinate the koala research being done in

partnership with the University of Queensland. The major events attended by the biodiversity officer in the last year

are the Veg Futures conference and the Mulga Lands expert panel.

Photo Taken by Nicole Davies in Bollon, June 2009

A variety of flora found in the South West Region.


Corporate Service Manager – Gary Butler

Oh, what a year The past year has delivered many financial and administrative challenges to South West NRM Ltd; Government

funding reduced by 40%; NHT/NAP funding program RIS (Regional Investment Strategy) had to be acquitted and

finalised; Caring for our Country funding program TRIS (Transitional Regional Investment Strategy) had to be

implemented and reported on, using a new set of guidelines and under different Commonwealth Government

strategic direction. While these actions were taking place in the frontline, gaining an understanding of the

Commonwealth Governments Business Plan and Outcomes statement and the preparation of funding

submissions against the Plan and Statement were occurring in the background.

A good old work horse is put out to pasture NHT/NAP RIS commenced in March 2004 and resulted in South West NRM Ltd devolving $22,367,173 throughout

the region; the final projects were acquitted and closed off on 31st December 2008. The RIS supported 293 excellent

individual and group projects and provided landowners (urban and rural), Traditional owner groups, local

governments and community members (individuals and groups) with the opportunity to effect beneficial and lasting

change on their natural environments. Ongoing programs are the Pasture Recovery Incentive Scheme, with 5

properties still under spelling contracts with South West NRM Ltd, and the Koala Research project being conducted

in partnership with The University of Queensland. The continued legacy is the community acceptance of South West

NRM Ltd as the principle deliverer of natural resource management in Southwest Queensland.

Major achievements under the NHT2/NAP RIS:

Development of Far South West Aboriginal NRM and Cultural Heritage Plan

Fencing of the ‘Piastre Fish Traps‛ cultural heritage project with the hand-over ceremony being conducted

onsite during August 2008.

Establishment and implementation of the Pasture Recovery Incentive Scheme was another major milestone

for South West NRM Ltd.

Establishment and implementation of the South West NRM Ltd Cadetship scheme.

Establishment of 15 landcare groups.

243 individual on ground projects developed, implemented and completed.

Establishment of the South West NRM Ltd’s coordinator network, with offices in Charleville,

Thargomindah, Quilpie, Bollon and Cunnamulla.


The going got tough Caring for our Country commenced 1st July 2008 with TRIS, a 1 year interim funding program aimed at providing

organisations with time to adapt to the new strategic direction of the Commonwealth Government in regard to

natural resource management. The first indication of how the new strategy would affect South West NRM Ltd was

the reduction in annual funding by 40% resulting in a review of the company’s staffing levels and operating costs.

This was followed by the partnership agreement between Commonwealth and State governments being dissolved

which meant the Queensland Government was no longer required to match Australian government funding to

regional bodies. The Queensland government did eventually ‘come to the party’ but also at a reduced level of

funding. The southwest region received $2,050,000 combined from both governments for 2008/09; an overall

reduction in historical annual funding of 60%.

The tough got going The changes in funding and direction of the funding bodies lead to workings of South West NRM Ltd, in the words

of our CEO, being ‚pulled to pieces and put back together again‛. Corporate and operational costs have been

streamlined to ensure the operation continues to be onground and community assistance based and did not become

just another ‘shop front’ for NRM. Throughout 2008/09 the company has maintained a high level of involvement

with the south west community to progress sustainable natural resource management; over the next four years

South West NRM Ltd will continue to deliver our core business of achieving sustainable landscapes for rural

communities across the southwest.

A job well done At this point I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all the South West NRM staff; in particular

the Corporate Services team, over the past 12 months they have persevered under what at times could have

described as extremely difficult conditions.

The Corporate Services team:

Deborah Atkinson - Accounts Officer

Hayley Bannerman - Office Coordinator

Talia Anderson - Administration Officer

The Corporate Service team wishes all a safe festive season.


Financials


Independent Audit Report

To the Members of South West NRM Ltd

Report on the Financial Report

We have audited the accompanying financial report of South West NRM Ltd, which comprises the balance sheet as

at 30 June 2009 and the income statement, cash flow statement, statement of changes in equity for the year ended

on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory notes and the directors’ declaration of

the company.

Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report

The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in

accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the

Corporations Act 2001. The responsibility includes designing, implementing and maintaining internal controls

relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement,

whether due to fraud or error: selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies: and making accounting

estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on the audit. The audit has been conducted

in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require compliance with relevant ethical

requirements relating to audit engagements and that the audit is planned and performed to obtain reasonable

assurance whether the financial report is free of material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial

report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of risks of material

misstatement in the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making these risk assessments, the audit

considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to

design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion

on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of

accounting policies and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the

overall presentation of the report.

We believe that the audit evidence obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my audit opinion.


Independence

In conducting the audit, the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 have been complied with.

Auditor’s Opinion

In our opinion, the financial report of South West NRM is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(a) giving a true and fair view of the company’s financial position as at 30 June 2009 and its performance

for the year ended on that date, and

(b) complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations)

and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

Auditors Independent Declaration UNDER SECTION 307C OF THE CORPORATIONS ACT 2001

To the Directors of South West NRM Ltd I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, during the year ended 30 June 2009, there have been:

(i) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 2001 in

relation to the Audit; and

(ii) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit

4 November 2009

2008-09 Annual Report | 3666.67 KB

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