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All work undertaken through the Central West CMA happens in partnership with the community and a range of other organisations. It is through our stakeholders’ support that the Central West CMA has been able to undertake a range of projects and improve the health of our catchment.

In particular, the Central West CMA has developed partnerships through our three reference groups.

Aboriginal Reference Group

The Central West CMA Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG) held their inaugural meeting on the 15th of March 2005. The overall role of the Aboriginal Reference Group is to provide advice to the Central West CMA on cultural heritage issues in natural resource management in the Central West Catchment. The ARG provides a vital link and an important consultative role between Indigenous communities and the Central West CMA Board and staff.

The ARG consists of a good balance of male and female representatives from 15 communities across the catchment to establish forums to ensure issues are addressed equally.

The ARG has proven to be a strong voice on behalf of their communities and has earned respect and support from both the Central West CMA Board and staff. Members of the ARG are committed to protecting their Heritage and ‘Country’, identifying opportunities for their communities and providing valuable guidance to the Central West CMA.

The ARG recognises the importance of passing on cultural knowledge and building pride in our youth. The group has been instrumental in providing training and employment opportunities in the Central West CMA. These initiatives include a full time trainee funded under the Rick Farley Traineeship and Cadetship program, a position for a School BasedTraineeandaUniversityCadet.

Aboriginal Reference Group

NRMWorking Group

Local Government Reference Group

39CELEBRATING OUR ACHIEVEMENTS 2004 – 2010

Local Government Reference Group

Statewide, CMAs recognise the importance of working with Local GovernmentandhavesignedaMemorandumofUnderstanding(MoU)withtheLocalGovernmentandShiresAssociation.In 2005 the Central West CMA initiated a Local Government Reference Group for staff and Councillors of the 16 catchment Councils - Bathurst, Blayney, Bogan, Cabonne, Coonamble, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Lachlan, Mid-Western, Narromine, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Warren, Warrumbungle and Wellington. Terms of Reference were developed by the Group and included quarterly forums and information sharing. Capacity building is also a strong focus, with ongoing site visits, workshops and seminars, including seminars for Councillors.

In 2006 in response to concerns expressed by the Group, the Central West CMA reviewed its funding for Local Government, increasing its funding and creating a ‘one-stop-shop’ specifically for Councils.

This funding was run out in line with Councils’ own budget framework over a two-year period, resulting in $3.5 million of Central West CMA and Council funds being allocated for water quality projects, such as riparian restoration, stormwater amelioration, constructed wetlands and water sensitive design projects across 13 of the 16 catchment Councils. Additionally a Project Support Officer was employed to assist the Alliance Councils to undertake the projects.

The Central West CMA values the strong partnerships that have been developed through the Local Government Reference Group and is committed to its ongoing support.

Natural Resource Management Working Group

The Natural Resource Management (NRM) Working Group was formed to provide an important link between the Central West CMA and the many Landcare and community groups it works with throughout the catchment – there are over 120 in total.

The NRM Working Group plays a major role in the development of projects and initiatives within the catchment. In a robust forum it tests and evaluates the rationale and assumptions used in the development of NRM plans and implementation programs. Representatives from across the catchment meet bi-monthly to give and receive feedback, network, develop projects, inform, advise and consult with one another. They representLandcareandotherNRM/sustainableagriculturenetworks in the Central West Catchment and build NRM partnerships in collaboration with the Central West CMA and other stakeholders.

The NRM Working Group plays a key role in testing and evaluating the rationale and assumptions used in the development of natural resource management plans and implementation programs.

Salinity and Water quality Alliance helps natural resources

CMAs working together to raise awareness of NRM

40CENTRAL WEST CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

Central West Green Team on the job with their

‘Green’ Machine

left, lachlan CMA Chairman, Rob Gledhill with Central West Chairman, Tom Gavel with the Australian National Field Days committee representatives

Case Studies

TheSalinityandWaterQualityAlliance(theAlliance)hasbeenprotecting and enhancing Central West NSW Local Government Areas in collaboration and partnership with the Central West CMA and local Councils.

The Alliance is made up Bathurst Regional Council, Blayney Shire Council, Bogan Shire Council, Cabonne Council, Coonamble Shire Council, Dubbo City Council, Gilgandra Shire Counci, Mid-Western Regional Council, Narromine Shire Council, Orange City Council, Warren Shire Council, Warrumbungle Shire Council and Wellington Council.

The Alliance’s primary goals are to develop and implement actions to protect the waterways and wetlands of the Central West (including the Macquarie Marshes).

The Alliance also runs the Central West Green Team, a team of four highly skilled bush restoration specialists who work with Council staff and the community to undertake NRM projects and to build capacity.

Since 2007, the Alliance has achieved significant outcomes:• planted26,917plants• treated5539haofwillows• coordinated263volunteers(1647hours)• engaged91LocalGovernmentstaffonAllianceprojects• treated84haofweeds• regeneratedandrevegetated51haofland• rehabilitated37kmofriparianarea• prepared9haofwetlands.

Through a partnership between the Central West CMA, the Lachlan CMA and the Australian National Field Days (ANFD), nearly 2500 landholders are better informed about natural resource management, climate change and how they can work with a range of organisations to improve the environment.

The 2009 ANFD theme was Changing Agriculture in a Changing Environment. The feature exhibit concentrated on the challenges and impacts placed on agriculture and the environment and how better to prepare and adapt to meet these changes.

The exhibit highlighted how CMAs and other key organisations can support land managers, the agricultural industry and communities to better manage our natural resources for a sustainable future.

The exhibition provided visitors with an interactive experience full of activities and practical demonstrations.

CMA staff along with our key partners provided talks about a range of NRM issues, including native vegetation, biodiversity, soils, water, monitoring and cultural heritage management.

A demonstration soil pit and water monitoring site were also set up outside the pavilion and manned by our CMA soil experts.

Managing invasive native scrub across catchments

41CELEBRATING OUR ACHIEVEMENTS 2004 – 2010

Pest animal control helps the Macquarie Marshes

launching the INSW research program’s management guide were Tom Gavel (Central West CMA Chairman), Terry Pitkin (Hermidale landholder) and Andrew Mosely (Western CMA Board)

DECCW ranger Mal lesson (left) and pilot Gerry Wilcox with the helicopter used for aerial shoots

Thickening and encroaching native trees and shrubs over open country is affecting rangelands across the globe, severely limiting pasture production.

Called Invasive Native Scrub (INS), this phenomenon was recorded as early as the 1870s in western NSW. It continues to be a major issue affecting agricultural production, property management and farm viability, and can lead to a range of environmental issues.

The Central West and Western CMAs are working together to better understand the science of this phenomenon and the practicalities of rehabilitating widespread areas of INS into more natural mosaics of native pastures and open woodlands.

The CMAs, in conjunction with the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW), have implemented a research program to develop knowledge of this issue and fill information gaps. Around 80 landholders have been directly involved; providing study sites, working with researchers and attending workshops and field days.

The research program has delivered rigorous science, practical resources, case studies and other information to help landholders and CMAs manage this critical issue, for both environmental benefits and production outcomes.

Through collaborating on common issues such as this, CMAs can effectively engage communities across a broader scale and make real differences to our natural resources.

A Central West CMA project has taken aim at feral pig and fox populations to protect native fauna and flora in the internationally recognised Macquarie Marshes and adjacent private properties.

At the beginning of May an aerial shoot took place on properties adjacent to the Macquarie Marshes over four days. A total of 626 pigs, 6 foxes and 3 cats were destroyed. An aerial shoot on the Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve then followed, as well as pig and fox poisoning on the private properties.

This work has improved agricultural land and reduced livestock losses. A large number of landholders were involved in a coordinated approach that successfully increased awareness of the biodiversity and production benefits of pest animal control.

The Central West Livestock Health & Pest Authority (LHPA) and the Central West CMA worked in partnership to remove feral animals from the identified area.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change and Water (DECCW) – Parks & Wildlife Group and North West LHPA also assisted with the project.

The landholders were given observation sheets for pigs, foxes and cats and were requested to complete the observation sheets both before and after the control activity as part of their Property Management Plan.

This is another great example where working in partnership increases our environmental benefits and ensures a sustainable future.

Rick Farley Traineeship Program opens doors

RiverSmart – A partnership to make a difference

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Pictured at a recent Aboriginal Reference Group meeting are Kyra Roach, Peter Weston (Central West CMA Board), Chris Dunning, Neville Merritt (ARG Chair) and Jen Shearing

Central West CMA Chairman, Tom Gavel (far left) with Riversmart CEO Dr Phillips (3rd Right) and a range of community representatives promoting the blue bucket water campaign

Case Studies

The Central West CMA’s Aboriginal Traineeship program has continued to provide real opportunities for Aboriginal education and employment and attract energetic young people to the field of natural resource management.

Initiated by the Central West CMA’s Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG), the program aims to increase employment opportunities for people from Aboriginal communities in the catchment who have an interest in caring for and protecting our land.

The program is named in honour of Rick Farley and in recognition of his remarkable life. Rick was a great champion of natural resource management, farming and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The opportunities available from this program are immense, according to one of the 2009 trainees Chris Dunning.

‘I’m thrilled to be awarded a traineeship where I can work in the area that interests me and compliments my horticultural studies,’ said Chris.

‘The traineeship has opened doors and allows me to follow my passions for cultural heritage, conservation and caring for vegetation, land and water.’

On a very wet World Environment Day in 2009 a partnership was launched for the benefit of the environment and our communities.

RiverSmart Australia and the Central West CMA undertook a commitment to work together to improve our local rivers.

The Macquarie RiverSmart initiative aims to help river communities take local action to increase the health, productivity and sustainability of the Macquarie River and the Macquarie Marshes.

The program is a whole of system approach that will implement projects designed to engage river and bush care groups, school groups, anglers, businesses and individuals in the revitalisation of the river. This body of work will raise awareness of its value and importance as it flows through the catchment.

This partnership has seen a number of key events take place, such as the inaugural Riversmart Paddle-A-Thon Macquarie Blue Festival, which saw canoeists paddle the Macquarie River and a high profile music festival.

The program also includes:• thebluebucketcampaigntogetpeoplethinking

about saving water and water quality issues• aregionalecotourismfeasibilitystudy• supportforlocalcaretakergroups• thedevelopmentofresourcematerialforschools.

Opportunities exist for everyone who lives along the river or the marshes to get involved to help improve our rivers’ health and sustainability.

Increasing NRM capacity in Aboriginal communities

Community turns out for first catchment conference

43CELEBRATING OUR ACHIEVEMENTS 2004 – 2010

Participants at the conference seeing NRM firsthand

Community members and official guests at the training program’s graduation day. This achievement was a direct result of the Aboriginal Knowledge and landscape Values project

The Wellington Soldiers Club was filled to capacity as more than 170 landholders and community members from across the Central West converged for the inaugural Central West CMA conference ‘Partners Towards a Healthy Catchment’.

This successful event was the fruits of collaboration between the Central West CMA, Landcare groups and landholders to raise the profile of natural resource management.

The conference was designed to share the experiences those who have improved the natural resources of their properties and inspire others to do the same.

The conference showcased a mix of landholder presentations, field trips to onground projects and interactive workshops designed to inspire and inform people across the Central West.

The Central West CMA continues to work with the NRM Working Group to raise awareness and capacity within the community.

Aboriginal communities across Central West NSW are the custodians of traditional knowledge and values and have a vital role to play in effectively managing our natural resources.

The Central West CMA and a wide range of project partners have been actively working to understand Aboriginal knowledge and cultural values and increase the capacity of Aboriginal communities to participate in NRM.

This 18 month project saw the Central West, Lachlan, Hawkesbury-Nepean, Hunter-Central Rivers and Murrumbigee CMAs; the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW); and other partners work with Aboriginal communities across a region covering five CMA areas to understand and map Aboriginal knowledge and cultural values.

Through this exercise 180 sites and cultural values were mapped in the Central West and a range of resources and tools developed. Communities have also received advice and assistance to apply for Central West CMA Cultural Heritage incentive funding through this process.

Community members working on the project have also successfully completed industry-recognised training, providing ongoing benefits from their involvement.

School farm planning compEnviro Stories

CENTRAL WEST CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

Wongarbon Primary School students proudly displaying their Enviro Stories certificates for their impressive entries

A group of Orange students hearing the importance of pastures and pasture management from Adam Hook (Central West CMA)

Case Studies

PROUD ACHIEVEMENTS

Liz Davis, NRM Facilitator

‘The great aspects of the Enviro Stories project incorporated kids teaching kids and connecting children with their local natural environment. The excitement of the children sharing their stories, being awarded their certificates and witnessing books that other children had written was a very rewarding experience. I’m so looking forward to reading the entries for the 2010 Enviro Stories competition, Fur & Fins, Feet & Beaks, what can you find in your local creek?’

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As part of our commitment to environmental education the Central West CMA was pleased to work in conjunction with Cotton Catchment Communities (CRC) to deliver the 2009 inaugural Enviro Stories competition.

The competition was a resounding success attracting 107 entries from local primary school kids who composed a story about their local environment based on the theme of Life Underground, Creepy Crawlies. The program was aimed at students from grades three to six .

The judges were delighted with the quality of student entries, commenting that the students were highly creative, provided a diverse range of topics and were attractively illustrated.

The winning five entries were published for families and schools to enjoy across the catchment.

This Central West CMA education initiative will be delivered in 2010 due to popular interest and demand.

Over the last three years the Central West CMA designed and coordinated the innovative school farm planning competition for secondary agricultural students.

The school farm planning competition ensures agricultural students are exposed to the issues of managing land, water, and vegetation while addressing the running of a commercial farm.

The competition is an exercise that encourages students to think about the farm holistically and to develop resilient farming practices that withstand the affects of climate change and the pressures of business decision making.

This educational initiative was designed to reinforce how natural resource management and production can work hand in hand to maximise outcomes and achieve a sustainable viable future.

Photos in this publication have been sourced by a

number of individuals and organisations including:

Owen AppleyardsRod Campbell

DECCWTim Gardiner

Little River Landcare GroupLynne HawkesCherie HughesAndrew Knop

Peter Thompson

WIRADJURI SAYING‘NGANGAANA-GU KAIRAI BILLA’S DYA KAIRAI BILLA’S DURAI NGANGANA NGINDU’

‘LOOK AFTER THE LAND AND THE RIVERS AND THE LAND AND THE RIVERS WILL LOOK AFTER YOU’

(CEC GRANT 2001)