Produced for landholders in the Western Division of NSW ... · Scholarships Managing Groundcover in...

September/October2008 �

Sep/Oct08

Produced for landholders in the Western Division of NSW

Number�24 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/newsletters/wdn

ISSN 0314 - 5352

Inthisissue...The National Livestock Identification Scheme for sheep and goats has been in place for two and half years but problems are still occurring with correct completion of movement documents. The system relies on the use of ear tags and correct paperwork in order for stock to be traced. A movement document can either be a national vendor declaration and waybill (NVD – see example on page 4) or a transported stock statement (TSS).

Bill O’Halloran, Project Co-Ordinator for the system in NSW, has high praise for the way producers, agents, saleyards and others have backed the system but says

‘We still have a problem with incorrect or incomplete movement documents and this will cause a problem if a traceback is required. For the system to pass the test of a full system review late in 2009, we must have movement documents fully and correctly completed.’

‘We need to make sure that all of the property identification codes (PICs) on eartags in sheep that have not been bred by the vendor are recorded on the movement document. This is essential for prompt tracing. There are national standards for how quickly this tracing needs to be done and if all the PICs are there it saves a huge amount of time trying to find the information.’

Getting it right with Sheep and Goats’ Movements Paperwork

Champagne Daaarlings!

Firm action over illegal land clearing in Western Division

Western Division Scholarships

Managing Groundcover in Rangeland and Cropping Areas

Mesquite and Devil’s Rope!

WLAC COMMUNIQUÉ

Survey: Roos and Goats

Lachlan CMA hosts Research Forum

10 years of joint management of Mutawintji National Park

Feral goat numbers reduced at Mutawintji

NPWS Officer Celebrates 30 years of service

Wildlife and wildflowers spring into action at Kinchega

WC Photo Competition winners announced

Ninety-five landholders attend Landcare Forum

Lachlan CMA partners with Lachlan Shire Council

GettingitrightwithSheepandGoats’MovementsPaperworkBy Bill O’Halloran, Project Co-Ordinator, NLIS, NSW DPI

Riverina RLPB Ranger Sally Osborne and NSW DPI Regulatory Officer Dean Whitehead checking sheep for NLIS sheep tags at a Deniliquin sheep sale. These checks are just one part of an ongoing NLIS audit across the State and includes the checking of movement documentation as well as tags.

Continued on page 5

2 WesternDivisionNewsletter

Inpassing...by Sally Ware Rangelands Officer NSW DPI, Hay

Western Division Newsletter© State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Primary Industries 2008This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in an unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your own personal use or for non-commercial use in your organisation. To copy, adapt, publish, distribute, or commercialise any of this publication you will need to to seek permission from the Editor of the Western Division Newsletter.

The Western Division Newsletter is produced by NSW Department of Primary Industries with funding assistance from the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Department of Lands and the following Catchment Management Authorities:

Editor and Advertising: Sally Ware, NSW DPI Haysally.ware@dpi. nsw.gov.auTel (02) 6993 1608Layout and Distribution:Bill Noad, NSW DPI [email protected] (02) 6881 1213

Good news is always worth sharing and it was very pleasing to hear Dr Alex Ball, Manager, Lamb and Sheepmeats R & D, MLA talk about the excellent prospects for the Australian sheep meat industry at the Riverina Merino Information Day held at Conargo in August.

Whilst the national flock is the lowest it has been since 1920, demand both for the domestic trade and on the international front remains strong. Even the economic slowdown in the US and the high $A is not dampening market growth. The key words from Dr Ball’s presentation were ‘lamb and sheep prices to rise’ and ‘bright future as world demand is rising faster than supply’. These messages certainly sound heartening for landholders out west, now, we just need some rain ...

Two graphs of interest compiled by Kara Jones from MLA and shown by Dr Ball at Conargo are as follows:

Lowest flock since 1920 – how low can it go?

MLA estimates the sheep flock to be around 80 million, a fall of 30 million since

2000 and over 90 million since the peak in 1990. This latest fall has been due to the continuation of drought conditions, rising production costs and further rises in grain prices, relative to wool and lamb prices and a significant shift away from sheep towards cropping, particularly in WA and to a lesser extent in SA.

Sheep prices to rise

MLA predicts tight supplies and strong Middle East demand will hold sheep prices at historically high levels over the coming years

Enjoy reading this Newsletter and please take some time to complete Jessica Gibson’s (NSW DPI) Kangaroo and Goat Harvesting survey which is located in the centre of the Newsletter. By replying and returning the survey, your answers will help Jessica’s research into cost effective kangaroo and goat management programs.



The wheels of the bus go round and round … and the champagne pops and flows amidst laughter, good cheer and a sense of community.

This is what you can expect when you join the Lower Murray Daring CMA’s bus trip to the 2008 Coonamble Women’s Gathering 17–20 October 2008.

This year, 30 LMD catchment ladies will be partially subsidised to attend the Gathering – but there is room on the bus for 20 more non-LMD catchment ladies who will have free cost of transport.

Swapping kitchen aprons for a weekend of indulgence and enrichment, the Gathering tour will start at Wentworth and pick up along the main highways through Balranald, Hay, West Wyalong, Parks and Dubbo.

Although the trip will be a gruelling 12 hours, there will be stops along the way to stretch the legs and refresh the palate and to forge acquaintances into newly formed friendships.

For the LMD catchment ladies, they will be subsidised for the costs of the bus, morning tea and lunch on Friday 17 October, two nights accommodation at the Gathering and one more night (Sunday) at West Wyalong on the journey home. The registration is extra for the Gathering and is $165 per person (which includes workshops, meals and gala dinner).

ChampagneDaaarlings!

LMD CMA 32 Enterprise Way PO Box 363 Buronga NSW 2739 Ph (03) 5021 9460 Fax (03) 5021 1308 www.lmd.cma.nsw.gov.au

For the ladies we ‘pick up on the way’ – free bus transport to and from the Gathering is a great saving. The only costs they will need to pay will be accommodation, registration and additional food. Accommodation in Coonamble has already been reserved for our Gathering bus.

Sounds good … or just a bit confusing … contact Susan Walla at the LMD CMA on (03) 5021 9460 to register your interest in the LMD CMA Gathering Tour.

MoogenillaAngusCondobolin

• Specialising in bulls for larger remote herds• Excellent growth and carcase qualities• Proven performance in commercial western herds• Using leading AI genetics for 16 years •Fully performance recorded with the Angus Society

Call or email for detailed EBVs or brochure of available bulls.Paul Sinderberry & Sarah Wrigley

Ph: (02) 6896 2902 Fax: (02) 6896 2816 Email: [email protected]


Continued from page 1 – Correct completion of the movement is essential if the current National Livestock Identification Scheme is to stay the same.

Did

you

ans

wer

NO

toQ

uest

ion

�?

Ifso

hav

eyo

ulis

ted

ALL

oft

heP

ICs

inth

ism

ob?

Mak

esu

rey

ouw

rite

dow

nA

LLth

ePI

Cs

on

the

tags

ofs

heep

and

la

mbs

that

wer

eN

OT

vend

orb

red.


By Geoff Woods, Western Lands Commissioner/Regional Manager, Western Region, Department of Lands

‘Recording this information on the form does take time but I cannot emphasise enough how critical it is that it is done properly. A failure to record all the PICs is seen as a failure in tracing and a failure in the current system’.

‘There is an option for vendors to use a pink post breeder tag instead of recording all the PICs. This option is intended for people like finishers who bring in many small lots and are now selling them as one lot. If the pink tag is used, it is essential

that all previous movement documents received for the mobs in the boxed mob are completed fully and kept for the required 7 years.’

Inspectors from Rural Lands Protection Boards and NSW DPI are checking mobs at saleyards over coming months to ensure producers are filling out their movement documents correctly.

Bill says that ‘to get the system to work effectively and to avoid having to move to much more expensive options, we have to get the movement documents right. I’m sure we can achieve this with help from producers and their agents’.

‘Getting it right with Sheep and Goats’ Movements Paperwork’ continued from page 1

The Department of Lands is taking a firm stand against illegal land clearing in the Western Division of the state.

The department (Lands) through the Western Lands Commissioner has issued a leaseholder in the Western Division with an order to stop clearing land and not to cultivate the land that has been cleared.

Commissioner Geoff Woods said it was alleged that the leaseholder illegally cleared over 400 hectares of land of high conservation value with the potential to cause serious environmental harm such as soil erosion.

‘We have a duty to protect all leasehold land in the Western Division and will strongly do so where there is a need to safeguard the environment.

‘The order issued by the Western Lands Commissioner bans the leaseholder from carrying out any work on the land or to use it for cultivation so that it can naturally regenerate.

‘The leaseholder also cannot rake up, remove, plough or burn logs, timber or other living or dead vegetation on the land.

‘The land is now covered with dead timber and some rosewood tree stems have been cut down to near ground level.

‘There is now a real risk of wind erosion following the alleged illegal clearing.

‘As the land had not been cultivated within the meaning of Western Lands Act, a prosecution is not possible, but an order to protect the land and stop any further damage has been issued under section 18D of the Act.

‘If the leaseholder breaches the order, they could be liable to fines of up to $11,000 and the possible forfeiture of their Western Division lease,’ Mr Woods said.

Editors note: due to the Privacy Act it is not possible to name the leaseholder or the locality of the alleged illegal land clearing as this may identify the leaseholder.

FirmactionoverillegallandclearinginWesternDivision

� WesternDivisionNewsletter

Students from the Western Division enrolling in courses at Tocal Agricultural College are eligible for a $2000 scholarship. This covers all the tuition fees at Tocal for a full year. All students from the Western Division and the Riverina/Murray regions who are accepted into a Tocal full-time course will receive this award.

According to Deputy Principal Bill Kinsey, the scholarships are provided by NSW DPI so that students from the far west and south-west of NSW have support to cover the extra costs of travel to the college. ‘The scholarship was introduced in 2004 to assist those travelling long distances

to attend Tocal. As it fully covers college tuition, it means families are better able to afford for their sons and daughters to undertake training at the college,’ he said.

Two students who received these awards in 2008 are Rachel Gillett of Wagga Wagga and Tess Lawrence of Barmedman. Both are enrolled in the college’s Horse Husbandry program which has received wide acclaim from the horse industry. Run by Warwick Lawrence (World Campdraft Champion) and Lyn Walsh, this course trains people in all aspects of stock horse training and breeding and is arguably the most successful course of its type in Australia. During the course, students are provided with a 2 year old stockhorse to break in and train under guidance from staff. This is a fantastic learning experience that equips them with the skills they need to work in the horse industry.

Other full-time courses at Tocal include a Certificate III and IV in Agriculture. These courses have also been in demand in recent years, partly due to the skills shortage in agriculture and the large number of positions available on properties in NSW, Qld and the Territory. All of the graduates from 2007 are employed or attending university and the college regularly receives calls from prospective employers seeking skilled workers.

According to Deputy Principal, Bill Kinsey, the fact that there are so many jobs in agriculture is a bonus for students interested in working in the livestock and cropping industries. ‘Students usually start out as farmhands but quickly work their way up to management positions. Others become auctioneers or work in rural businesses such as stockfeed or machinery companies. Our graduates can be found in a wide variety of positions all around Australia and Tocal courses are designed to give graduates a broad range of practical farm skills,’ he said.

WesternDivisionScholarshipsBy Bill Kinsey, Deputy Principal, Tocal College, NSW DPI


The college has strong industry support and the large number of scholarships available means that many students gain financial support which makes it easier for their families to afford to send them to college. Industry support is also available in the form of work experience on commercial farms which gives students an insight into the work they will be doing when they graduate. Farms in NSW, Qld and the Northern Territory regularly take students for work experience. According to Mr Kinsey, students also have the opportunity to work on large properties in New Zealand and King Island in Bass Strait.

The 19th Annual ‘Kilfera’ Field Day Ivanhoe NSW

Wednesday 1st October 2008 commencing at 10am A great family day out featuring:

Rural Products, Sheep & Cattle Studs, Machinery, Craft, Manchester, Nursery & Government Agencies

Auction in aid of R.F.D.S. & the Ivanhoe Hospital Exhibitor enquiries welcome

Contact: Clive, Fay & Peter Linnett ‘Kilfera’ Ivanhoe Phone: (02) 6995 1315 Fax: (02) 6995 1224

Email: [email protected] ‘Bringing Outback People Together’

Back to Ivanhoe Reunion Weekend October 4 - 6

The shortage of skilled labour is of real concern throughout regional Australia and it is good to see that Tocal is continuing to turn out keen young people with sound practical skills and the right attitudes to work.

For more information, contact the college on 1800 025520 or visit www.tocal.com

Above: Tocal’s Horse Husbandry program has received wide acclaim from the horse industry.

Left: Maintaining a bike is one of many practical activities taught at Tocal.


A continued warming trend in the central and south-eastern Indian Ocean and a warming trend in recent months over the equatorial Pacific are responsible for the current rainfall pattern that south-eastern Australia is experiencing. The Bureau of Meteorology is indicating neutral conditions to persist for south-eastern Australia for the August to October rainfall period with a moderate swing towards below normal rainfall in an area covering eastern and central South Australia and far western NSW.

What does this mean for the coming spring season? The chances of exceeding the median rainfall over the August to October period for far western NSW and central and eastern South Australia are between 30% and 40% (Figure 1). This means that there is a 60% to 70% chance of below average rainfall occurring in these areas.

The 30 day value of the Southern Oscillation Index was +3 at 22 July (Figure 2). A negative value means less chance of rain occurring, with a positive

ManagingGroundcoverinRangelandandCroppingAreas

value meaning a greater chance of rain occurring. The stronger the value, positive or negative, the more likelihood of that event occurring.

With groundcover already at critical levels in both rangeland and cropping areas due to the lack of effective rainfall over the past ten years and with the present seasonal climate outlook taken into consideration, there is a real risk that there will be an increase in the likelihood of soil erosion and resultant dust events occurring this spring/summer. From dust concentration monitors (7 in total) located around the Lower Murray Darling catchment, there have been a number of minor dust events that have been detected by the dust concentration monitors for the month of July. Generally, the winter months are the ‘quite’ time of the year for soil erosion and resultant dust events as this is the time of the year when groundcover is at its maximum due to winter rains. The period December to April is the time of year when soil erosion and resultant dust events are

LMD CMA 32 Enterprise Way PO Box 363 Buronga NSW 2739 Ph (03) 5021 9460 Fax (03) 5021 1308 www.lmd.cma.nsw.gov.au

Figure 1. Chance of exceeding the median Rainfall August to October 2008. (Product of the National Climate Centre)

45%

45%

50%

40%

40%

40%

35%

35%

50%

65%60%

55%

50%45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

70%

75%

80%


wind erosion and dust events are at their greatest risk of occurring due to reduced groundcover levels.

The resulting dust from wind erosion can contain about ten times more nitrogen and twice as much phosphorus as the soil it has eroded from. This results in crucial soil and fertility being lost from the paddock. The most effective way of controlling erosion is by maintaining adequate groundcover and soil aggregation.

Rangeland paddocks that have a minimum groundcover level of 40% not only display significantly reduced wind erosion effects but are also ‘rain ready’, that is, vegetation responds faster to rainfall due to increased infiltration.

Regular monitoring of groundcover in rangeland and cropping areas by land managers over the next two seasons will ensure that wind erosion and dust events are reduced and that soil productivity is maintained. Simple monitoring techniques are available to land managers and can be accessed as Farmtalks 26 and 29 on MSF’s website.

most likely to occur due to groundcover being at a minimum.

Maintaining what little groundcover exists will be a real challenge for land managers this spring/summer if adequate rainfall is not received. Confining stock to drought containment areas will ensure that (1) stock won’t lose condition as they do not have to travel as far in search of food and water, (2) native vegetation is not grazed upon heavily to the point where it may not recover when good rainfall events return and (3) both cropping and rangeland areas have adequate groundcover (40 or 50%) to protect them from wind and water erosion.

There are two groundcover targets – 40% for rangelands and 50% for cropping lands. The differences are due to the additional protection rangeland sites receive from biological crusts, shrubs and trees.

Land managers need to aim for 40 or 50% groundcover at all times, especially during December – April when feed supply is diminishing and when cropping paddocks are being prepared for the following cropping season. This is the period when

Figure 2. 30-day moving SOI (shown against end date)

�0 WesternDivisionNewsletter

The next major flood could sweep millions of seeds of one of Australia’s worst environmental and agricultural weeds, Mesquite, into the Darling River, causing an environmental catastrophe along the lower reaches of the river, and the Murray River below Wentworth.

Armed with vicious spikes up to 2 centimetres long, Mesquite (Prosopis species), is of Mexican and Central American origins. It has already infested large tracts of grazing land north and east of Broken Hill.

According to Mark King, chair of the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Management Authority and Wentworth Shire Councillor, who addressed a meeting of the Murray Darling Association recently, some of the Association’s member shires have severe infestations of mesquite, one of 20 declared Weeds of National Significance in Australia.

The Lower Murray Darling Catchment Management Authority (LMD CMA) is conducting an intensive eradication

program funded by the Australian Government under the Defeating the Weed Menace Programme on 26 properties in the Broken Hill area, including infestations on the city’s southern margins.

The Broken Hill City Council (BHCC) is also undertaking a separate campaign to clean up the Broken Hill Common, east of the city’s airport. The project has been running for two years, and contractors have sprayed an estimated 150,000 mesquite trees.

The program also involves the Western Catchment Management Authority, NSW Prickle Bush Working Group, NSW Department of Primary Industries, the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, and the Western Lands Commission.

‘Up to 95 per cent of mesquite has been killed on some properties, but major infestations remain on several others. ‘The worst infestation is probably large enough to absorb almost our entire annual budget,’ said Mr King.

MesquiteandDevil’sRope!LMD CMA 32 Enterprise Way PO Box 363 Buronga NSW 2739 Ph (03) 5021 9460 Fax (03) 5021 1308 www.lmd.cma.nsw.gov.au

Mesquite is a prickly menace that can form massive impenetrable thickets. Its thorns are up to two centimetres long.

September/October2008 ��

The program was aiming to eliminate all mesquite from the catchment within a decade, to prevent the prickly menace forming the massive imprenetrable thickets that have made huge areas of western Queensland, inaccessible to livestock, larger feral pests like goats and pigs, and impassable even to four-wheel drive vehicles.

Mark King says ‘mesquite is thick enough in some places to prevent graziers mustering their stock. The larger stands are so densely interlaced that sprayers on foot cannot get inside them, by cutting access tracks into stands of trees.’

‘Mesquite has first call on scarce soil moisture, and by shading native groundlayer, denuding the soil of its protective ground layer of native herbs and grasses’ said Mark King.

Some mesquite thickets around Broken Hill are already impassable to spray contractors’ vehicles, forcing workers to carry heavy spray packs with a herbicide-diesel oil mix long distances in hot, dry conditions in late October, November, and December; when the plants are growing vigorously and are at their most vulnerable. Mark King said drenching a large mesquite tree to ensure it died often could take the entire contents of an 18-litre backpack, necessitating a long trek back to a truck.

The spray teams locate stands and record the position on a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. GPS coordinates are later loaded onto a computer and sent to the LMD CMA Office in Buronga for mapping, which clearly shows the association of mesquite with waterways. These coordinates will be used in follow-on work in later years and allow the distribution of plants to be compared.

Sprayed areas must be monitored for several years, to ensure there is no germination or regrowth. Mesquite seeds can remain viable in harsh conditions for 20 years or more – so even after all the trees have been removed, the soil retains a bank of viable seeds that could be picked up and washed downstream in a flood.

When the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ (DAFF) funding for the three year eradication program runs out, property owners will be required to monitor their land for regrowth. A number of landholders have been trained to use the GPS system, and upload the data to Buronga.

The LMD CMA is now turning it’s attention to another imported prickly horror, a cactus called Devil’s Rope (Cylindopuntia imbricata) which has hooked ends on its thorns that hook into the arms of kangaroos.

According to Mark King, when the animals attempt to remove the spikes with their teeth, the spikes lodge in their cheeks, causing severe pain, bleeding, and in many cases, infection and death. The thorns can easily penetrate thick rubber on car tyres, breaking off whole ‘arms’ of the plants, and transporting them to uninfested areas.

A large stand of Devil’s rope occurs just south of the Coombah roadhouse, between Wentworth and Broken Hill, and also infests land in the Lake Mungo area.

LMD CMA will continue to monitor and support projects that eliminate weeds from the area and improve the ultimate health of our catchment.

Devil’s Rope - an imported prickly horror with hooked ends on its thorns that hook into the arms of kangaroos and penetrate thick rubber of car tyres.


The thirteenth meeting of the Western Lands Advisory Council was held at Cobar on the 10th and 11th June 2008.

On the afternoon of 10 June 2008, the acting Chair, Mr Ken Turner, welcomed the Hon Tony Kelly MLC, Minister for Lands, Mr Stephen Fenn, Senior Policy Advisor, Mr Fergus Taylor, Chief of Staff, Mr Graham Harding, General Manager, Crown Lands Division, Department of Lands, and Mr Mark Matchett, Office Manager for the Director General, Department of Lands to the Western Lands Advisory Council meeting.

The members of the Advisory Council discussed a number of matters with the Minister.

The Council was advised that the proposed windfarm at Silverton is probably worth more than the whole of the Western Division. Each of the 1600 properties in the Western Division is worth about $1M (on average) which equals $1.6B and the windfarm project is worth about $2.8B.

Proposed amendments to the current legislation will enable the Department of Lands to grant ‘parallel leases’, (two leases over the same parcel of land), but only with the consent of the head lessee. These amendments will also enable the head lessee to negotiate any compensation with the developer.

The creation of parallel leases is still in its infancy and there is much work to be done to determine the terms and conditions that will be required in the parallel lease, such as ‘who is responsible for shutting the gate’. The Minister invited the Western Lands Advisory Council to compile a list of issues that need to be considered.

The determination of any Development Application for the proposed windfarm is the responsibility of the Department of Planning. The Advisory Council

WesternLandsAdvisoryCouncilCOMMUNIQUÉ�thAugust2008

understands that the process of determining the Development Application includes, (amongst other considerations), a consultation phase and consideration of the implications or effects on the wildlife in the area.

The Report on the Review of the Western Lands Act 1901 (the Act) was discussed at the Cabinet meeting of 10 June 2008. The Report is currently available on the Department of Lands website: www.lands.nsw.gov.au

A number of recommendations were noted in the Report on the Review. These recommendations included: that the Objectives of the Act remain unchanged, except to the extent that that may be necessary to facilitate new land uses and development opportunities and to provide clarity that the scope of the objects, as they relate to the social, economic and environmental interests of the State, include matters relating to both indigenous and non-indigenous cultural heritage; that an easement up to 100 m wide be created along the entire length of the dog proof fence; that the Western Lands Act 1901 be amended to include fencing definitions, standards and requirements similar to those that exist in the Dividing Fences Act 1991, to ensure all stock are contained within property boundaries and to strengthen provisions as they relate to the ongoing maintenance, repairs and upgrading of boundary fence; that a Planning Instrument be created for the Unincorporated Area; that the term of the Western Lands Advisory Council members be up to 3 years; that a nominee of the Minister for Mineral Resources be a member of the Western Lands Advisory Council; and that the Legal Road Network project team be able to dedicate lands, other than Western Lands Leases, as legal roads.

Ken Turner, Acting Chair, Western Lands

Advisory Council


The members of the Advisory Council were advised that the Budget Committee has approved a waiver of up to 75% of the rent for rural Western Land Leases for the 2008/2009 rent year.

The moratorium on the issuing of Kangaroo Trapper Licences and the importance for landholders to be able to access trappers as a tool to manage Total Grazing Pressure on their lands was discussed. Kangaroo numbers are presently considered to be at a manageable level, however the fragility of the environment during the extended drought period should not be endangered by overgrazing by an expanding kangaroo population.

The Legal Road Network project is progressing well and it is expected that the Unincorporated Area will be completed

by the end of 2008. To date seven plans have been registered, which represents the dedication of 1100 km of roads and the withdrawal of 7916 ha from Western Lands Leases, Crown Reserves or Commons.

There has been good progress in wild dog control north of Bourke by the Ledknapper Wild Dog Action Group.

The Advisory Council was provided with an overview of carbon sequestration, through forestry, which is the process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and turning it into biomass such as roots, stems and foliage. This is usually achieved by planting trees.

The next meeting of the Western Lands Advisory Council is to be held in Bourke on the 14th and 15th of October 2008.

WesternDivisionNewsletter Advertising Rates per Issue

All prices are GST inclusive; 10 % discount for full year advertising; published Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct

Contact: Sally Ware, NSW DPI, Hay Ph: (02) 6993 1608 Email: [email protected]

18 cm x 25.5 cm $550 18 cm x 12.5 cm $307 14 cm x 10 cm $223 10.5 cm x 12.5 cm $209 18 cm x 5 cm $149 10.5 cm x 8 cm $139 6.8 cm x 10 cm $120 6.8 cm x 5 cm $67

Deleteorchangeofaddressdetails(pleasetickonebox)

Delete Change of addressName: ........................................................................................................ Address:......................................................................................................................................................................................Phone: .........................Please fax to Sally Ware at the Hay office of NSW DPI on (02) 6993 2177 or post to PO Box 393, Hay NSW 2711 or email typed details through to [email protected]


Vertebrate herbivores other than domestic stock are often overlooked as important components of grazing pressure in Australian rangelands.

Kangaroos have been estimated to cost more than $27 million per annum in lost agricultural productivity (McLeod 2004) which is due to factors such as competition for forage, damaged fences and damaged crops.

Goats are now generating $6 million in sales per annum (McLeod 2004) however their impacts on the landscape may be considerable.

In recent years, the commercial use of kangaroos and feral goats has been suggested as a method of reducing economic pressure on pastoralists whilst simultaneously reducing rangeland degradation. However, the effectiveness of such an approach remains untested.

Project Aims

We are aiming to examine the extent to which commercial use reduces pest impact on agricultural production values. We also aim to define how commercial use can be successfully integrated with more conventional pest control activities.

Methods for measuring agricultural production benefits

Kangaroo harvest rate (the main treatment) will be related to agricultural production (wool yield, lambing and calving rates, stocking rates) using farm records. Historical harvest rate data will be collected from the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC). Production data will be collected by census of properties while variables such as pasture production, forage quality, soil

Survey:RoosandGoatsArethereagriculturalproductionbenefits from commercial harvesting?By Jessica Gibson, Technical Officer,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary [email protected]: (02) 6391 3907

fertility and landscape function, which all affect agricultural production, will be measured across main vegetation types and larger geographical areas.

Research Outcomes

This research will aid in providing improved, cost-effective kangaroo management programs which are based upon sound scientific evidence and clearly defined production objectives.

We need your help

Your participation in our survey is vital. We ask you to complete our written survey that is found in the following pages of this newsletter remembering the benefits research can give individuals, properties, towns and regions.

To say thank you, for each completed survey that is returned, we will send you a recent publication relating to vertebrate pests, their management or monitoring, for example, Improving Fox Management Strategies in Australia (Saunders and McLeod 2007), and Living with Kangaroos (Hacker and McLeod, 2003) to name a few. Please remember all of your information will be kept confidential. Simply pull out the middle pages of this newsletter, fill out the survey, fold and tape the edges and return to the reply paid address located on the back page of the survey. Thank you, your participation is greatly appreciated.


Please fill in all questions; it may help if you have your farm records handy. *All information recorded will remain confidential*

1) Property Name: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2) Your name: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3) Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4) Phone number: …………………………………………Town/ Postcode: ……………………………………. 5) Property Size: ……………………………………………………………….. ha / acres (please specify) 6) How long have you owned or managed the property: ……………………………………………..

7) Please rank only the main vegetation types you have on your property, writing the number 1 for the most widespread, 2 for the second most widespread etc. (you do not need to fill out all boxes) Please estimate the percentage (%) cover of each vegetation type present on your property:

Banded Saltbush …………….% Bimble Box-Pine …………….%

Mulga …………….% Gidgee and Brigalow ………….%

Belah and Bluebush …………….% Grass Plains …………….%

Mallee …………….% Riverine Woodlands ……………%

Saltbush Plains …………….% Floodplains …………….%

Other (specify) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. %

8) Please estimate how many watering points there are on your property:

None 1-20 21-35 36- 50 51-75 75+

9) At any one time, estimate how many of these watering points would be active:

None Few (1-35%) Some (35-65%)

Most (65-99%) All (100%)

10) Does your property share a border with a reserve or National Park: YES / NO

1) Please show your annual rainfall records for the last 10 years (or for as long as you have records):

Year Total Rainfall Eg. 2005 230mm

2007200620052004200320022001200019991998

RAINFALL INFORMATION

PROPERTY AND OWNER INFORMATION

Agricultural Production and Commercial Harvesting Questionnaire

�� WesternDivisionNewsletter

2) Do you have any sources of permanent natural water (lakes, rivers, creeks) on your property (circle): YES / NO

1) What is your main enterprise or source of production from your property? (eg. Wool, lamb, cropping or beef etc). Please specify the breed or variety:

…………………………………………………………………………

2) For this main enterprise only, please estimate the annual yield you have recorded and the measure (eg. 100 wool bales produced per year, 6Kg wool per head, 350 lambs marked per year, 120 cattle sold per year etc.):

Year Annual Yield Measure (eg. Bales produced per year)

170 Wool bales this year Eg. 2005 2007200620052004200320022001200019991998

3) Please list all other sources of production from your property (eg. Wool, lamb, beef, goats, kangaroo etc): ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4) Comments (any other information that might be relevant to your production rates such as abnormal weather, historical events, changes in management etc): ……………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

1) For your main enterprise/ source of production only, please estimate the total stocking ratesfor your property over the last ten years (please specify per year/ha/acre etc.) If your main source of production is cropping please record the amount of land that is utilised:

Year Enterprise(eg. Wool, beef, lamb)

Stocking Rate (yr/ha/acre)

Eg. 2005 Sheep for wool 9 DSE/ha Eg. 2003 Cropping 300 acres

STOCKING RATE INFORMATION

ENTERPRISE AND PRODUCTION (YIELD) INFORMATION


2) If you have any other significant enterprises on your property, please estimate stocking rates (or total cropping areas) for these (please specify per year/ha/acre etc.):

Year Enterprise(eg. Wool, beef, lamb)

Stocking Rate (yr/ha/acre)

Eg. 2004 Beef Cattle 5 per ha 2007 200620052004200320022001200019991998

OTHER INFORMATION

1) In your opinion, since you have been living at your property, have the numbers of:

a) kangaroos:

Increased Decreased Stayed the Same

b) goats

Increased Decreased Stayed the Same

Comments:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2) Do you believe that the number of kangaroos on your property directly influences your overall production: YES / NO

3) Do you believe that the number of goats on your property directly influences your overall production: YES / NO

4) How often would a professional shooter visit your property to harvest kangaroos?

Never Monthly

Weekly Every 3 months

More than once per week Every 6 months

Other ……………………………………………………………………………

5) How often would you or someone else visit your property to harvest goats?

Never Monthly

Weekly Every 3 months

More than once per week Every 6 months

Other ……………………………………………………………………………

6) Do you undertake any kangaroo control yourself? YES / NO

7) Do you undertake any goat control yourself? YES / NO


8) Any other comments: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

*All information included on this form will remain confidential and names of properties and landholders will not be published*

Would you like to receive a report on this research? If so, one will be made available to you at the earliest convenience:

Yes, please send me a copy of your report

Second fold -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No stamp required If posted in Australia

Delivery Address: 1447 Forest Road ORANGE NSW 2800

Jessica Gibson (Technical Officer) Commercial Harvesting Project Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW DPI Reply Paid 79810 ORANGE NSW 2800

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First fold


The Lachlan Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has a strong commitment and facilitation role to play in furthering research and technical investigations in our Catchment.

That is why they have initiated the development of the ‘Who, What and Where – Research in the Lachlan Catchment’ Forum. The Forum was held over two days in late July in Forbes and brought together many individuals and organisations involved in research activities in the Lachlan Catchment.

The participants enjoyed the two day event which was well supported by the Hon Verity Firth, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. ‘I congratulate the Lachlan CMA for organising such a forward-looking event. The land, water and vegetation of New South Wales are in a fragile balance and their good management is critical to our future.

The NSW Government is committed to helping make sure our natural resources are managed in a sustainable way, with maximum involvement by local communities.’ Minster Firth said.

The Forum explored four major themes over the two half days, which correlated directly to the themes of the Lachlan Catchment Action Plan including land, water, biodiversity and community.

Highlights included:

• Showcasing research that is happening in and concerning the Lachlan Catchment.

• Linking scientific research findings with professionals in the research, extension and planning fields.

• Developing an understanding of what is happening in the Catchment and to explore the emerging trends and gaps.

• Opportunity to reinforce and develop real and active partnerships.

LachlanCMAhostsResearchForumintheLachlanCatchment

‘It was great to formalise a structure to improve integration and dissemination of research findings to professionals and the wider community for the Lachlan Catchment,’ said Mr Robert Gledhill, Lachlan CMA Chair.

Another outcome for the Forum was the recommendation to develop a central source of natural resource management information for the Lachlan Catchment to enable easy retrieval of the information.

‘It was great to see the research community support this pilot event, which I am sure many other catchments may see value in hosting.’ Mr Gledhill said.

The professional participants attending were drawn from a wide field of planning, policy, research and extension areas. They included government agency employees, council employees, private contractors, technical advisors, CMA staff from the Lachlan and other catchments.

The program included a key note address by Dr Peter Carberry from CSIRO about the Agricultural Sustainability Initiative. There were structured presentations, facilitated theme workshop sessions and poster viewing and discussion.

Ms Phyllis Miller, OAM, Convenor of the Natural Resources Council addressed the Forum during the evening dinner. Phyllis a local to the Forbes area and very passionate about natural resource protection entertained the crowd.

Dinner speaker Phyllis Miller with Chairman Lachlan CMA Rob Gledhill

By Kath Mann Publications and Media Officer, Lachlan CMA


September marks the ten year anniversary of the Mutawintji National Park, Nature Reserve and Historic Site being returned to the Aboriginal owners on September 4 1998.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Joint Management Co-ordinator Mutawintji National Park, Pat Laughton said the ten year anniversary is being celebrated on Saturday 6 September at Mutawintji.

‘The Mutawintji Board of Management and the Land Council would like to invite the local community to the celebration.

‘We have a huge day planned with activities starting at 8 am for breakfast and running through until 8 pm. Activities include a ceremony, traditional dances and games, a yarn tent featuring traditional owners conducting language lessons, storytelling and artefact workshops, live bands on stage, food all day and cultural tours of historic and significant sites.

‘Ten years of joint management is a significant achievement and the celebration will highlight the importance of the protection of cultural and heritage sites within of our parks.

‘The Historic Site, within Mutawintji National Park, contains one of the best collections of Aboriginal art in New South

Wales, including rock engravings, murals and paintings,’ he said.

In 1927, lobbying by the Barrier Field Naturalists saw the NSW Government declare Mootwingee (now Mutawintji) Historic Site as a ‘Reserve for the Preservation of Caves, Flora and Fauna, and Aboriginal Carvings and Drawings.’

In 1967 the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service assumed responsibility for management of the site and it was

�0yearsofjointmanagementofMutawintjiNationalParkBy Katie Richie, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Environment and Climate Change

September/October2008 2�

gazetted in 1982. After the gazettal, local Aboriginal groups campaigned to regain an involvement in the protection and management of the site. In support of cultural rights approximately one hundred people blockaded the entrance to the Historic Site.

Extensive planning and discussions occurred and the National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Aboriginal Ownership) Act was passed providing for the land to be returned to the Mutawintji Local Aboriginal Land Council, to hold on behalf of its traditional owners, and leased back to the NPWS.

‘Mutawintji is now managed under a joint management arrangement between the Aboriginal community and Government in NSW. This was the first agreement for the cooperative management of a national park between an Aboriginal community and Government in NSW.

‘A Board of Management, made up of a majority of Aboriginal owners, is responsible for the care, control and management of the three areas.

‘The Board is responsible for developing annual works programs and approving, monitoring and initiating projects, for

example, funding has been allocated by the board to the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby recovery plan.

‘The Board has also overseen the design and construction of viewing platforms to protect art within the Historic Site.

‘Since the Mutawintji joint management agreement the NSW Government and Aboriginal communities have entered into fifteen joint management agreements for parks throughout NSW,’ Mr Laughton said.

Mutawintji National Park is located near Broken Hill in Far Western NSW. Entry to the Historic Site is by guided tour only, tours are run over school holiday periods by the Mutawintji Local Aboriginal Land Council.

The Mutawintji Cultural Resource Centre, which may also be visited during a tour of the Historic Site, has colourful murals of Aboriginal mythology that depict the story of the Mutawintji people.

For more information on the ten year anniversary celebration please contact the Broken Hill Area NPWS office between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm from Monday to Friday on ph: (08) 8080 3200.

Lookingforatough,hardworking,reliableworkmatetogothelongdistance?

‘�0series’ute–

newer,notsofter

TalktoIANLUGSDINatLugsdinToyota,Hay 2711

Ph: 02 6993 1661 Mob: 0428 729 305 for a no fuss, obligation free quote on the full range of

Toyota utes and wagons LMD 17590

BUNNERUNGIEWHITEDORPERS

Phil & Chris LarwoodBunnerungie Station

Wentworth NSW 2648Phone/Fax: (03) 5027 0220

Email: [email protected]

Pure bred flock rams for sale


FeralgoatnumbersreducedatMutawintji

The National Parks and Wildlife Service’s (NPWS) new approach to goat management has resulted in a substantial increase in feral goats being removed from Mutawintji National Park.

NPWS Senior Ranger Pests, Far West Region Brett Norman said the NPWS contracts goat trappers to remove goats using on foot mustering with trained working dogs.

‘Significant numbers of feral goats inhabit a large area of Mutawintji in mostly rough and inaccessible country.

‘In November 2006, NPWS awarded three contractors with 12 month contracts on a monthly rotation to remove feral goats from the park.

‘The use of three contractors has resulted in close to 8,250 feral goats being removed in the first 12 months and a further 5000 to July 2008. This is four times the amount that had been removed annually by one contractor.’

Mr Norman explained that over the previous ten years a sole contractor was responsible for goat removal.

‘The increase in goat numbers removed is likely due to the contractors being able

to rest dogs and focus their efforts on the month they are scheduled.

‘The Mutawintji Board of Management fully supported the awarding of the multiple contracts to reduce the goat numbers.

‘Mutawintji National Park and Nature Reserve, consisting of some 75,000 ha, is dissected by a number of rocky ranges which is unfortunately great habitat for feral goats.

‘In the ranges the goats do not have any competition from domestic stock and after rain there are plenty of small rock holes of water, supporting their populations.

‘Feral goats are classified as a pest because they compete with native animals for food and shelter and can damage native vegetation and cultural heritage sites.

‘Competition and habitat degradation by feral goats is listed as ‘a key threatening process’ under the Threatened Species Conservation Act. In particularly feral goats have been recognised as a threat to the endangered Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby.

‘Feral goats have the potential to spread weeds and diseases, and can hosts many sheep diseases. Also because goats are hard hoofed they can cause soil compaction and erosion, so there a lot of reasons why goats are considered a pest,’ Mr Norman said.

‘Goats were introduced into Australia with the First Fleet. Wild populations have become established by goats escaping from farms or being abandoned by farmers when they have become unprofitable.

‘NPWS staff keep track of numbers removed with National Vendor Declarations (NVD’s) and monthly reports from contractors on the size, sex and condition of goats taken and location of catch.

By Katie Richie, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Environment and Climate Change


George Williams is celebrating 30 years of service with the National Parks and Wildlife Service after starting in September 1978 as a Field Officer at Sturt National Park.

‘I have been a Field Officer at Sturt for the whole 30 years. I have never felt a need to do anything or go anywhere else. Why change something that’s good,’ George said.

‘I live in Tibooburra and work with five other field officers to maintain and manage the eastern and central parts. Sturt covers an area of 325,329 hectares so it’s no walk in the park, if you know what I mean.

‘Another Field Officer Billy Thomas who celebrated 30 years service last year is based out at Fort Grey and he looks after the far western side of the park.

‘I enjoy all parts of my role as a field officer – road maintenance, pest control, maintaining the park, helping tourists – it’s all great.

‘The diversity is actually a major part of the job. I am always learning to do new and different things and I think that’s my greatest triumph in the role.

‘As a field officer you need to be able to adapt; to be able and willing to take on new methods and learn how to use new equipment as it comes along.

‘In the last 30 years I have seen a big improvement in safety on the job, as with most other farm or machinery work, NPWS have taken on important procedures to protect officers.

‘One thing I must say is required for the job is a tolerance of the heat and flies. I never go anywhere without my cap and a water bottle.’

George explained that pest management is an imperative element of the job.

‘Foxes, dingoes and rabbits are common pests in far western NSW as they can cause a lot of damage to our native vegetation and threaten our wildlife. Native animals and birds are precious and their protection is crucial.’

National Parks and Wildlife Far West Regional Manager Steve Millington said the work that George and other field officers in far western NSW do should be commended.

‘The maintenance, protection and conservation of national parks and reserves are vital and without our field officers it would not be possible. Managing a remote National Park in western NSW such as Sturt is especially tough; the officers have a lot to contend with. Their ability to be able to work well together and with park neighbours in managing the park is essential.’

‘DECC is undertaking an ongoing survey of goat management at Paroo Darling National Park with some work at Mutawintji National Park. This project includes the control of watering points, strategic barrier fencing and radio tracking to determine home range of feral goats in the Far West.

‘Only licensed goat trappers can remove goats from a National Park and goat trappers must adhere to a number of Codes of Practice for handling of animals.

‘The goat trappers also have a special exemption allowing them to take dogs into the park, NPWS reminds all visitors that dogs and domestic pets (other than trained assistance animals such as guide dogs) must not be taken into national parks, state conservation areas, nature reserves or historic sites.’

NPWS Officer Celebrates 30 years of service By Katie Richie, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Environment and Climate Change


By Katie Richie, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Environment and Climate Change

At springtime in western NSW mother nature just can’t help boasting an abundance of new life and colour.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Tourism and Recreation Officer, Ngaire McCubben said Kinchega National Park, located 110 km south-east of Broken Hill in far western NSW is a superb place to explore in spring.

‘The Darling River is a prominent feature of Kinchega National Park and is an ideal place to use as a base for your visit.

‘Take a walk among the massive river red gums that are supported by the Darling River or walk along-side the red sand dunes.

‘As you walk spot the varied wildlife including shingleback lizards, lace and sand monitors, bearded dragons, a range of water birds, kangaroos, euros and emus.

‘Visitors can also expect to see beautiful displays of Darling River peas and Darling River lilies, as well as acacia trees laden with spring blossoms.

Wildlife and wildflowers springintoactionatKinchega

‘The NPWS maintains three self-guided drive tours within the park including a River Drive through the red gum woodlands, a Lake Drive that follows the shores of Lake Menindee and the interconnecting Morton Boolka Swamp and the Homestead Loop which is ideal for those who have limited time.

‘The park also provides good opportunities for bird watching, cycling, photography and painting.

‘There are campsites dotted along the Darling River, as well as Lake Cawndilla (currently dry) and Emu Lake campgrounds to camp or park the caravan for a night or two. Visitors can also book into the Shearer’s Quarters, located in the Historic Woolshed precinct.’

Ms McCubben explained that Kinchega National Park is a place of special significance for the local Aboriginal people, who work with the NPWS in the protection, management and interpretation of the cultural sites.

‘The park contains cultural heritage sites of importance including occupation sites and burials that are thought to be up to 25,000 years old.

‘Spring is a great time of year to get out into the sunshine and visit a National Park and experience the social, physical and mental health benefits of being in the natural environment.

‘There are a range of great activities you can do in all of the national parks of far western NSW, no matter what your level of fitness,’ said Ms McCubben.

For more information call 1300 361 967 or visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.


By Maree Barnes, Communication Officer, Western CMA

‘Embracing Change’ was the theme of the 11th ‘Life & Light in the Western Catchment’ photographic competition, which attracted a wide range of subject matter and techniques. The winners are listed below:

Open Colour

Winner ‘Life Line’ – Andrew Barnes, Bourke

Runner up ‘Changing Seasons, Changing Fortunes’ – Andrew Barnes, Bourke

Highly Commended ‘Time to go’ – Helen Murray, Broken Hill

‘Bush Orchid’ – Helen Lavers, Millthorpe

Open Black and White

Winner ‘On the road to change’ – Jo Coleman, Walgett

Runner-up ‘Prime’ – Helen Lavers, Millthorpe

Highly Commended ‘Faith in the Wool Job’ – Jo Coleman, Walgett

‘Kids Playing’ – Debbie Symonds, Broken Hill

Secondary Student

Winner ‘Life among the drought’ – Brodie Nugent, Broken Hill

Runner-up ‘Dog 2’ – Chloe Howard, Ivanhoe

Highly Commended ‘Road RIP’ – Hayley Lawrence, Broken Hill

‘Desert Rain’ – Kellie Leaver, Broken Hill

Primary Student

Winner ‘Reflect the beauty’ – James Turner, Waverton

Runner-up ‘The cracks of new life’ – James Turner, Waverton

Highly Commended ‘Cutting Edge’ – James Turner, Waverton

‘Barking Tree’ – James Turner, Waverton

WesternCatchmentPhotoCompetitionwinnersannounced

Each photo was assessed for composition, suitability to theme, focus or sharpness of image, exposure and creativity.

The judging panel took five hours to assess the 259 photographs submitted and make their decisions.

The judging took place in Cobar this year and was comprised of our Community Education Officer Lisa Crisp; Cobar-based professional photographer Mark Ingram; vice-president of the Cobar Arts Council Peter Rogers; and members of the Cobar Aboriginal Lands Council, Brenda Harvey and Sharron Olsen.

The winning photograph of the open colour section ‘Life Line’ – Andrew Barnes, Bourke

2� WesternDivisionNewsletter

Mark Ingram said he was impressed by the creativity some people used to convey the theme, ‘Embracing Change’.

‘Everyone has their own ideas and the photographs are all unique. In each case, we asked ourselves: ‘what is this photographer trying to portray and does it work?’ Mr Ingram said.

‘The winning photograph of the open colour section, ‘Life Line’ by Andrew Barnes of Bourke was an aerial shot of an irrigated landscape near Bourke (on previous page). It was very colourful and the lines and patterns made by the crop and the diagonal water channel gave it almost abstract quality,’ Mr Ingram said.

The photo also fitted the theme ‘Embracing Change’ well. Bourke has become synonymous with irrigated agriculture although drought conditions have meant that no cotton has been grown around Bourke in four of the seven years after 2001 and horticultural production has been reduced to a minimum.

‘The weather changes as does people’s ability to adapt to change, whether it’s by embracing new crops or more water efficient technology and practices,’ Mr Ingram said.

Mr Ingram said judging the open black and white section was very tough and he was very complimentary of the winner, Jo Coleman of Walgett and her photograph, ‘On the road to change’ (bottom left).

‘This photographer obviously put a lot of thought into the photograph. The composition and balance of the shot was excellent. Having the younger generation, who will take on the challenges of the future, walking away from the camera, suited the theme perfectly.

‘Unbeknownst to us, Jo won this section last year as well, so she obviously knows what she’s doing.

Mr Ingram loved the colour of ‘Life amongst the drought’ (below) by Brodie Nugent of Broken Hill, which won the secondary school section.

‘It contrasted the colourful dress of the young girl smelling the bright plants with the paving and sandstone buildings and really communicated that life and vitality can survive through a drought.

James Turner of Waverton in Sydney blitzed the primary school section, winning all four prizes. James is in Year 6 and took the photographs while visiting his relatives, Barry and Annette Turner, on Polpah Station near White Cliffs.

‘James’ talent is quite remarkable. The winning entry ‘Reflect the beauty’ (next page top right), which I believe is of a reflection in the rear window of a caravan, was extremely eye-catching and creative. The composition and depth in the photograph are excellent and it really shows the rich colours of Western NSW,’ Mr Ingram said.

‘On the road to change’ – Jo Coleman, Walgett (photo features: Sophie and Nick Hay-McKenzie)

Far right: ‘Life among the drought’ – Brodie Nugent, Broken Hill (photo features: Hannah Curtis)


‘Another of James’ photos, ‘Cutting Edge’ generated a great deal of discussion about the animosity towards and gradual acceptance of wide shearing combs over the past thirty years or so. It sums up the concept of embracing change in technology and work practices very well. The photo (right) is almost over-exposed in the area next to the window and very dark in the foreground but it works beautifully.

‘In general, the standard of the photographs submitted was very high. My only advice to future participants is to think about the theme and consider being more creative in the way your photograph can match the theme,’ Mr Ingram said.

The photographs were displayed at the Western Catchment Landcare Forum, held in White Cliffs, and will be featured at various venues in the future.

‘Reflect the beauty’ – James Turner, Waverton

‘Cutting Edge’ – James Turner, Waverton

Left: ‘Prime’ - Helen Lavers, Millthorpe (photo features: Dean Lavers)

Right: ‘Faith in the Wool Job’ – Jo Coleman, Walgett (photo feature: John Wheaton)

Left: ‘Dog 2’ – Chloe Howard, Ivanhoe

Right: ‘Time to go’ – Helen Murray, Broken Hill


Members of the Barrier Area Rangecare Group (BARG) are delighted that ninety-five landholders from around the Western Catchment took the time to leave their properties to attend the Western Catchment Landcare Forum in White Cliffs on August 6 and 7.

The forum’s theme was ‘Embracing Change’ and the program featured a mix of landholder presenters and industry experts speaking on topics that involved innovative and sustainable projects.

The forum was also a fantastic opportunity for landholders to network and learn from each other first-hand about the practices that work well in the Western Catchment.

The program involved two field trips. One of the field trips demonstrated the impacts of contour furrowing and pitting as land rehabilitation techniques. The field trip showed a site where contour furrowing had been very successful and another where it did not suit the land condition and was unsuccessful.

The program also featured speakers from six of the Landcare Groups and highlighted the positive work and different approaches across the region to natural

Ninety-five landholders attendLandcareForumBy Pip Stalley, Landcare Coordinator and Western CMA Community Support Officer

resource management. Issues included the construction of infrastructure to control total grazing pressure, reduce pests, manage groundcover and regenerate pastures.

Highlights included Graham Turner of Grasmere Station who spoke about his pest exclusion project and the benefits of removing pests on maintaining groundcover and the sale of goats as an additional income to his enterprise.

Brendan Cullen of Avenel Station discussed his experience setting up a property for organic certification and the benefits he has found by producing a product that has a targeted market. According to Brendan, the market demand stays fairly constant so that even when mainstream markets are performing poorly, the premium for organic meat and wool can be very rewarding.

Industry speakers included Andrew Bubb from Desert Knowledge CRC, who spoke about remotely controlling and monitoring watering points. According to Andrew, Below: Chris Higgins, Western

CMA Rangeland Rehabilitation Officer, places a clod into water to demonstrate the instability of the soil on a White Cliffs scald.

Right: Sue Davis, Pip Stalley Western CMA Community Support Officer, and Tim Davis of Myroolia Station, Bourke.


due to high petrol prices the technology actually pays for itself in four to six months.

Rod Campbell from the Central West CMA and Brian Dohnt from the Western CMA, spoke about the research into Invasion Native Scrub (INS or woody weeds), which is a major issue in the Western Catchment. Brian also discussed fire as a control method for INS.

The evening’s entertainment saw people dance the night away to Broken Hill band,

Landholders from the Fords Bridge Landcare Group, Brett and Karen Bailey, Pip Stalley Western CMA Community Support Officer, Tim and Sue Davis, Paul Glover and Amanda McGovern.

Right: Tyne pitting completed in the early 1970s on an ironstone ridge at Box Vale Station, where the regenerated grass is clearly visible in a patterned form.

Right: Graham Brown (centre) with Chris Higgins Western CMA Rangeland Rehabilitation Officer (left) and Tas Clarke of Kayrunnera Station (right) discusses successful contour furrowing of a ironstone ridge during the field trip to his property, Caradoc Station.

Plan B, and a dinner to coincide with the launch of the winning entries from the 11th annual Life and Light in the Western Catchment Photographic Competition.

Feedback from the event has been very positive and the Western CMA is looking forward to working with Ford’s Bridge Landcare Group who will host the 2009 forum. A number of the presentations from the forum will be available at the Western CMA website www.western.cma.nsw.gov.au

Far left: Rory Treweeke, Chair of the Western CMA being interviewed by ABC South Australia Country Hour Reporter, Annabelle Homer.


The Lachlan Catchment Management Authority (LCMA) have partnered with Lachlan Shire Council to contribute over $80,000 in funding to undertake environmental works in two natural resource management (NRM) projects.

The first project involves revegetation of approximately 25 hectares around Gum Bend Lake in Condobolin and the Lake Cargelligo storage facility. This revegetation work will build on the existing corridors and linkages of native vegetation.

The aim of the projects are to increase the numbers and variety of plants and animals in the area, which will lead to improvements in water quality, a reduction in erosion levels, rehabilitation of saline areas and provide a future seed bank for Council and the Lachlan CMA.

This project will also provide an opportunity to educate a number of local young people through a youth employment and training program Green Corp. This program will also raise the importance of sustainable land management in the community through a better understanding

LachlanCMApartnerswithLachlanShireCouncil

of native vegetation establishment and its management.

The second project with Lachlan Shire Council will see the installation of two Gross Pollutant Traps (GPT’s), one in Condobolin and one in Lake Cargelligo. These traps capture town stormwater contaminants (cans, bottles, plastic bags etc) before they reach the Lachlan River and the Lake.

This will result in improvements in water quality in the Lachlan River and the Lake Cargelligo storage. These areas are heavily relied upon for town water supply, stock and domestic supply and recreation and irrigation purposes.

Signage at the traps will provide an important educational element for the community on stormwater management and NRM issues. These signs will describe the operation of each GPT, the differing contaminant types and the effect that each contaminant has on the aquatic ecosystem.

The project has been funded through the Lachlan CMA’s Local Government Program, which has assisted numerous councils throughout the Lachlan Catchment to carry out a variety of environmental projects including vegetation management, erosion control, gross pollutant traps, biodiversity strategies and training. Over $900,000 was committed to this program in 2007.

By Kath Mann Publications and Media Officer, Lachlan CMA

Tree planting as part of the Lachlan Shire Council Gum Bend Lake Regeneration of Corridors Project


Blow fl ies awayCoopers® Blowfl y and Lice Jetting Fluid

Serious Fly Protection

Prevents BLOWFLY strike for up to 12 weeks*

Kills MAGGOTS on struck sheep

Treats LICE in long wool

Coopers® is a registered trademark of Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation. * Under low to moderate fl y pressure.

Blowfly_ad_A4.indd 1 11/8/08 10:47:37 AM


If u

ndel

iver

able

ple

ase

retu

rn to

: N

SW D

epar

tmen

t of P

rimar

y In

dust

ries

PO B

ox 8

65, D

UB

BO

NSW

283

0

To the Landholder

P O S T A G EP A I D

A U S T R A L I A

TheeditoroftheWDNwelcomescontributions

IssueNo. Deadlineforarticles Sendarticlesto:125 Nov–Feb 1 October 2008 Sally Ware, NSW DPI

126 Mar–Apr 2 February 2009 PO Box 393, Hay 2711

127 May–Jun 1 April 2009 Fax: (02) 6993 2177

128 July–Aug 1 June 2009 Phone: (02) 6993 1608

129 Sep–Oct 1 August Email: [email protected]

Western Division Newsletter

Produced for landholders in the Western Division of NSW ... · Scholarships Managing Groundcover in...

Documents

Transcript of Produced for landholders in the Western Division of NSW ... · Scholarships Managing Groundcover in...