Archives for December 2014

Bonsucro trip brings industry leaders to Philippines

Jaime · Dec 11, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Delegates at the Bonsucro AGM in Manila — Delegates learn more at the annual Bonsucro AGM, held this year in the Philippines.

This November the annual Bonsucro AGM and conference week was held in Manila, Philippines, attracting industry leaders and innovators from around the globe, including some of the foremost authorities on sugar, ethanol, farming, milling and refining.

The Philippines is one of Bonsucro’s top 10 priority markets and one of the largest sugarcane producers in the world with nearly 30 sugarcane mills, 14 refineries and 4 bioethanol distilleries.

Reef Catchments CEO Rob Cocco attended the event, with the focus of the forum very much aligned toward showcasing what has been achieved in the past twelve months and laying the platform of future aspirations for the sustainability group.

“Events for the week included formal updates on Bonsucro delivery toward its vision and goals, an update on the accreditation standards and process, member alignment with the standard and recommitment from several of world’s largest buyers of sugar to sustainable sourcing of sugar,” Mr Cocco said.

“Also on the table were ethanol and sugarcane by-product and formal networking actions within supply chain and civil society groups from around the world.”

Mr Cocco said it was evident there had been a large growth in membership and interest in sustainable sugarcane production and processing across the value chain, driven by Bonsucro and its members.

“Evidence of this enhanced interest saw a number of peak grower groups and a cross section of Australian milling companies attend the conference this year,” he said.

Enhanced interest goes well for future drivers via markets and the supply chain seeking more sustainability produced sugar and sugarcane by-products both in Australia and oversees.

“Programs like Bonsucro provide an ideal vehicle to have market arrangements into the future that also influence farm practice actions and link to natural asset condition improvement, offering integrated options with current government support.”

A key area of discussion was the establishment of a formal grower recognition component to the current Bonsucro standards review process. This recognition would allow for individual growers to become members of Bonsucro and align themselves with the production standard.

Founded in 2008, Bonsucro is a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder organisation fostering the sustainability of the sugarcane sector through its leading metric-based certification scheme and its support for continuous improvement for members. With an ever-increasing membership list counting nearly 200 members from 27 countries representing all areas of the supply chain, and a Board that is similarly representative across the industry, Bonsucro is a highly robust, transparent and democratic organisation that has the resources and commitment to bring about its vision: A sugarcane sector that is continuously improving and verified as sustainable.

Reef Catchments became aware of Bonsucro through the Project Catalyst Initiative and in 2009 became a civil society member of Bonsucro. Since that time Reef Catchments, and now Catchment Solutions, have been involved in supporting operational and governance aspects of Bonsucro. In 2012 CEO Rob Cocco was a member of the governance subcommittee which transitioned Bonsucro to a new era of operations that has seen the group grow to become a major influence in sustainable sugarcane production worldwide.

New Program Aims to Improve Land Management and Condition

Jaime · Dec 11, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Trees in the Mackay Whitsunday area — Funding opportunity exists for land managers in priority areas.

Reef Catchments has a new funding opportunity for property owners to increase productivity, make property management easier and improve biodiversity.

Incentives are available to help property owners implement a range of management activities on their land.

Activities covered under this program will focus on good land management practices that also reduce threats to biodiversity such as weed control, revegetation, fire and feral animal management.

Maintaining riparian corridors is also a high priority, as they play a key role in landscape health and improved water quality.

Funding is also available for fencing vegetation types which helps better manage pastures, stock and reduces erosion risk as well as having beneficial environmental outcomes.

Kerensa McCallie, Reef Catchments Senior project officer said the new program worked with land managers to achieve outcomes to benefit both agriculture and biodiversity.

“This program expands and complements the existing programs offered by Reef Catchments through the Australian Government Reef Programme and we would encourage land managers who may be eligible for funding to contact us for more information,” she said

The new range of incentives will be targeted to priority areas that have been identified as critical habitat for nationally threatened ecosystems and species in the Mackay Whitsunday region.

For a full list of eligible activities, or for further information please contact Kerensa McCallie on 0429 033 541 or email kerensa.mccallie@reefcatchments.com and request an Expression of Interest Form.

These can then be posted back to PO Box 1096 Proserpine QLD 4800.

Expressions of interest close on 16 January 2015. To download an EOI please CLICK HERE.

Hunt for Tilapia continues in Mackay

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

A barramundi which is a natural predator of tilapia — Barramundi are natural predators of Tilapia and are currently being monitored in the Mackay Gooseponds. In June this year 1000 barramundi fingerlings were released into the Gooseponds to help control the Tilapia pest species. The release was a coordinated event, made possible by strong support and contribution from the local community, including key stakeholders – Reef Catchments, the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance and Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association.

Efforts to detect and control tilapia outbreaks in Mackay were recently renewed, taking a high-tech twist with the use of environmental DNA (eDNA sampling).

Trent Power, aquatic ecologist from Catchment Solutions, said the latest round of Tilapia sampling would focus primarily on the upstream and downstream waterways around the Gooseponds, as well as other potential at-risk areas.

“As well as the Gooseponds and adjoining waterways, we will extend the search to the Botanic Garden lagoons as this area is a likely hotspot for new incursions,” Mr Power said.

Samples of eDNA collected will be sent to James Cook University (JCU) where they will be analysed for the presence of tilapia DNA, providing a method of early detection.

“The team at JCU have developed primers which can amplify DNA markers specific to tilapia, allowing us to detect the presence of tilapia DNA in water samples,” Mr Power said.

“This technique is relatively new but has proved to be very sensitive, with the potential to detect tilapia at some sites where traditional sampling methods may not pick them up.

“The data can be used to assess current distribution and also to track movements in the tilapia population with follow-up sampling after the wet season.

“This information will also help us assess the predatory control trial (release of barramundi) in the Gooseponds which started in June this year, it would be very encouraging if tilapia DNA was not found.”

Samples will also be gathered with the use of an electrofishing boat to support eDNA findings and provide additional information on the native fish populations.

“As the name implies, electrofishing uses an electrical current to temporarily stun the fish which can then be scooped up and identified. It is important to use both techniques to provide the best picture of the fish community at each site. eDNA will be able to tell us if tilapia are present and electrofishing will allow us to determine species composition and size distributions,” Mr Power said.

He said it was critical the levels of tilapia in Mackay continued to be tracked and monitored.

“Tilapia are considered to be one of the worst aquatic pest species in Australia with a high potential to out compete our native fish species, so it is very important we have an accurate gauge of their movement,” Mr Power said.

“If you sight or catch a tilapia, we are asking people to ring Queensland Fisheries straight away to report the find on 13 25 23. If we can get the community on board to keep an eye out for tilapia and to report sightings, we have a much better chance of controlling the spread in Mackay and beyond.”

He said he applauded the level of community commitment so far.

“We would not be able to so successfully address Tilapia in the Mackay region without the support we have had from the community. The project has been a coordinated community effort, with strong support from key groups such as the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance and Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association. Very generous donations from members of the public were also received for the purchase of barra fingerlings”

Stop the Spread is a Reef Catchments Systems Repair program, with funding from the Australian Government and supported by the local community.

Mackay 2014 coastal achievements released

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Click here to download a PDF copy.

Coastal works done across the Mackay region in partnership with Mackay Regional Council and the community have been tallied for the year – and the results show an outstanding commitment to our coast.

In 2014, 6680 kilograms of rubbish was removed from Mackay coastal reserves and beaches, equal to the weight of more than 16 full-grown dugongs.

Together, we have managed 557 hectares of coastal environment for invasive weeds and native plant rehabilitation – an area equal in size to 679 soccer fields.

For a full list of coastal achievements in the Mackay region for 2014 CLICK HERE.

Reef Catchments Program Leader, Kerri Woodcock, said these were great results for the Mackay our coast, with the Coasts and Communities Program and Coastcare in place to deliver strategic on-ground outcomes and give people an opportunity to contribute to the health of their beach.

“The work we do on our coast could not happen without a strong commitment from many organisations, local community groups and individuals. Mackay Regional Council are at the forefront of this work, and are responsible for managing all of the public coastal land on which the Coasts and Communities Program works. But we also have many passionate community members who care about our coast enough to take the time to be involved, whether it be through coming along to Coastcare events, monitoring activities, or even picking up litter on their daily beach walks,” she said.

Ms Woodcock said the long term value of on-ground work done to protect, maintain and improve our coast was immense.

“In Mackay, the coast, beaches and reef are a huge part of our lifestyle. The Coasts and Communities Program is a way for us to work together to keep our coast and beaches in shape so future generations can continue to enjoy them.”

Ms Woodcock said education about coastal values and the impacts that human activities can have on our beaches played a major role in helping people understand coastal management activities.

“Coastal rehabilitation works take time, sometimes decades, to reach their full potential so it is very important people understand the long-term benefits they are helping lay the foundations for, even if they can not see them immediately,” she said.

The Coasts and Communities program aims to maintain and improve the condition of more than 20 of the Mackay region’s much-loved beaches. This is done by developing coastal management plans for individual beaches to help map out a path for their long-term sustainability and then implementing the on-ground activities to achieve that.

The program is delivered in partnership with Reef Catchments and Mackay Regional Council.

“Reef Catchments would like to acknowledge and thank Mackay Regional Council for their ongoing commitment to the future of our coast, with more than $800,000 invested into coastal works across the region for the 2015 year ahead. Council’s investment and support of an integrated coastal management program in the region ensures a bright future for the Mackay coast,” Ms Woodcock said.

2014 KEY COASTAL ACHIEVEMENTS

557 hectares of coastal environment managed for invasive weeds to promote native rehabilitation. That’s the size of 679 soccer fields.
155 dedicated volunteers attended Coastcare activities to improve our region’s beaches.
2,330 native seedlings planted to improve the condition of the coastal environment, replace removed weed species, stabilise dune systems and provide habitat for native animals such as marine turtles and shorebirds.
6,680 kilograms of rubbish removed from our beaches and coastal reserves and prevented from ending up in our waterways and oceans. That’s equal to the weight of almost 17 full grown dugongs.
9 Mackay Regional Council staff working on-ground, committing resources to protect our region’s coast.
19 Coastcare activities held across 6 major beaches to provide opportunities for local residents to care for our coast.
150 beach access tracks maintained to provide safe and clear access to the beach.
275 metres of coastal fencing installed to protect dune rehabilitation areas and define pedestrian access tracks to protect nationally threatened coastal vegetation.
112 beach access signs installed to highlight access points for beach users, helping protect dunes and providing a unique marker for emergency services.
6 Council and Reef Catchments staff working in coastal management planning, compliance, community engagement, monitoring and managing external contractors on our coast.
15 organisations working together to deliver integrated coastal management in the Mackay region.

Coasts and Communities is a joint initiative of Reef Catchments and Mackay Regional Council, with support from the Australian Government the Mackay Regional Council’s Natural Environment Levy.

Systems Repair funding increases irrigation capacity

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Rehabilitation works at Chane Cowley's property, Bakers Creek — Rehabilitation works at Shane Cowley’s property, Bakers Creek. Shane has been able to increase the on-farm water supply available for cane farm irrigation by installing a sediment detention basin and second flush chamber directly upstream from his wetland.

Systems Repair funding increases irrigation capacity and helps improve water quality entering local waterways.

Bakers Creek sugarcane grower, Shane Cowley, has been able to increase the on-farm water supply available for cane farm irrigation by installing a sediment detention basin and second flush chamber directly upstream from his wetland, which flows into Bakers Creek.

With assistance from the Australian Government’s Systems Repair program, Shane was able to build a 1 ML first flush detention basin that catches most of the sediment in the runoff water entering his farm.

A second flush chamber was also created, consisting of a long deep marsh (sedges) zone for filtering nutrients and fine sediment from the water. The second flush chamber features a 3 ML waterhole at its end to supply irrigation water.

The water flows over a rock weir at the end of the waterhole into Shane’s wetland, ensuring cleaner re-oxygenated water entering the wetland.

The project has been successful, and is set to deliver both environmental and production benefits.

“This extra water means that I can irrigate those nearby cane blocks several more times each year and significantly increase their production, as well as improving the water quality for my wetland and the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon,” Shane said.

A rock ramp fishway was incorporated at the exit of the wetland, enabling both scour protection and fish connectivity with downstream habitats. Shane is also a keen fisherman and hopes the fishway will help attract barramundi into the wetland.

Systems Repair project funding available to farmers is an additional source of funding, separate from the Reef Programme water quality grants (formerly Reef Rescue).

Reef Catchments worked together with Shane on this project to provide help with the system design and funding for up to 50% of the costs. The project was recently completed with the additional structures now filling from recent rainfall events. The wetland has also been revegetated with native plants to restore habitat and connectivity.

This additional source of funding for water reuse structures is only available in priority Sub Catchments of the Pioneer River Main Channel, Sandy and Bakers Creek due to funding restrictions.

To find out if you are eligible and for more information on other activities throughout Mackay and the Whitsundays, contact Peter Muller from Reef Catchments on 0437 640 186.

Reef Catchments to explore carbon opportunities for land managers

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Cattle in the Mackay/Whitsunday area — Land managers are invited to learn about potential carbon opportunities under the Emissions Reduction Fund.

The Emissions Reduction Fund is the centrepiece of the Australian Government’s policy suite to reduce emissions. The fund will provide incentives for emissions reduction activities across the Australian economy.

The Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014 was passed by the Senate on 31 October 2014 and the House of Representatives on 24 November 2014. Legislative rules and amendments are yet to be completed and once finalised, will be administered by the Clean Energy Regulator.

Though policy is still being finalised, Reef Catchments is seeking to work with land managers interested in changing land management practices to potentially receive carbon payments.

“Reef Catchments is exploring opportunities to aggregate emission reduction activities across the region, taking a coordinated approach to ensure land managers receive the best advice and carbon payment options,” said Robyn Bell, Reef Catchments climate coordinator.

“To receive carbon payments an activity that is reducing emissions / or sequestering carbon must use an approved methodology. “

Approved methodologies to date under the existing Carbon Farming Initiative that are relevant to the local region include:

Agriculture

Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in beef cattle through feeding nitrate containing supplements
Sequestering carbon in soils in grazing systems

Vegetation (regrowth, reforestation, avoided clearing and avoided harvest)

Environmental Plantings
Human-induced regeneration of a permanent even-aged native forest
Measurement based methods for new farm forestry plantations
Native forest from managed regrowth
Native forest protection (avoided deforestation)
Reforestation and afforestation (the establishment of a forest or stand of trees in an area where there was no forest)

If you are interested in finding out more about the potential for future carbon payments, please contact Reef Catchments on the details below to request an Expression of Interest form.

Dr Robyn Bell, mobile: 0488 733 121 or email: robyn.bell@reefcatchments.com

New tracking program to shed light on turtle’s journey

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

A female flatback turtle with tracking transmitter — A new project will use transmitters to find out where the female Flatback turtles that nest on Mackay’s beaches go once they have laid their eggs.

Where do our region’s female turtles go? That elusive question is set to be answered by the Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association in partnership with James Cook University.

A new project, funded by Mackay Regional Council’s Natural Environment Levy, is seeing adult female Flatback Turtles (Natator depressus) fitted with satellite transmitters to find out where the female turtles that nest on Mackay’s beaches go once they have laid their eggs.

Four turtles will have transmitters fitted this season, with three attached so far. The turtles are now actively sending back data to help us understand the movements of the Flatback species.

The transmitters, which are fitted with a special webbing harness, will send back data for up to a year. Using satellite telemetry, the transmitters will relay information each time receivers break the surface of the water when the turtles come up to breath.

This will allow researchers to track their movements, with the community also invited on the journey – anyone can jump online to see where the turtles have been by heading to www.seaturtle.org

This project goes a long way to increasing the knowledge about the turtles that nest along our coastline, which in turn will help efforts to conserve these iconic creatures and ensure their return to our region each year.

Region’s first Turtle Talk and Beach Walk

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Fay Griffin (Mackay & District Turtle Watch Association) explains the nesting cycle at the first Mackay Whitsunday Turtle Talk and Beach Walk. — Fay Griffin (Mackay & District Turtle Watch Association) explains the nesting cycle at the first Mackay Whitsunday Turtle Talk and Beach Walk, which attracted more than 40 people.

It’s that time of year again, when marine turtles start making their way up beaches along our coastline to nest.

This year, members of the Mackay and Pioneer Valley community had the rare chance to learn more about the incredible journey and nesting cycle of our returning sea turtles, with the region’s first Turtle Talk and Beach Walk held at Ball Bay in November.

The evening included an interactive beach walk followed by a free barbecue. Though no turtles were spotted on the night, the event was enjoyed by all.

Reef Catchments coastal coordinator, Claire Bartron, said the average female Flatback made the trek from the water into the sand dunes three times to lay clutches of around 60 billiard-ball sized eggs.

The Turtle Talk and Beach Walk helped demonstrate what can be done to keep human interference to a minimum, ensuring the return of our region’s precious turtle population.

“It is during nesting and while digging the nest chamber that female turtles are most vulnerable and they can be easily disturbed, even by the most well-meaning visitors,” Ms Bartron said.

“The use of torches, camera flashes or moving in front of a female can all be enough to see her heading back to the ocean – and prevent her from laying her eggs.”

Nesting turtles can become disorientated by artificial lights, including from streets, parks, and housing. Dogs also pose a problem and have been known to attack nesting turtles, injuring or even killing them.

“Fortunately it is very easy to learn how we can help these amazing animals, without disturbing them. The Turtle Talk and Beach Walk helped people learn more, and the night walked helped demonstrated how to spot a turtle and the actions to take if they are seen,” Ms Bartron said.

“This is the first time this event has been held and we were very please to give members of the community the opportunity to come along.”

The evening included a presentation from the award-winning Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association (MDTWA) who have worked to protect and monitor the region’s iconic and threatened sea turtles in the Mackay region for more than 20 years.

The event was is a joint initiative of Reef Catchments, Mackay Regional Council and the Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association (MDTWA).

To find out more about upcoming coastal events and initiatives, sign up to our Coastal E-News.

Coasts and Communities is a joint initiative of Mackay Regional Council and Reef Catchments, through funding from the Australian Government and with support from Mackay Regional Council’s Natural Environment Levy.

Farmers action Soil health at Mackay symposium

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Hands holding soil — Soil Health has been identified as a priority issue for land managers in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac area.

The spotlight was firmly set on soil health in Mackay this month, with a full-day symposium for farmers at the MECC held Thursday, 4th December.

With soil health one of the biggest challenges faced by our region’s growers, the symposium provided insight from leading soil and land management experts.

More than 80 cane producers and graziers attended the Reef Catchments event, which was free to all landholders.

Reef Catchments project officer, Belinda Billing, said after working closely with cane farmers, graziers and horticulturalists across the region this year, it was evident farmers were hungry for more information on maintaining and improving their soil health.

“There is much greater awareness in the farming community now about the importance of soil health, which has been declining over the years in the Mackay Whitsunday region, as it has been over much of Australia,” she said.

“Farmers have let us know they want to find out more about actions they can take to improve their soil health and their productivity. This symposium allowed them to hear from leading experts to find out about practice changes they can make on-farm. It also gave them a wider picture of the overall benefits and value associated with building more robust, healthy soils.”

Keynote speakers included Rodger Savory (Savory Grassland Management), Kym Kruse (RegenAG) and Christopher Cameron (Soil Health Manager, Jurgens Produce). Also presenting were local sugarcane growers and Nuffield Agricultural Scholars Simon Mattsson and Joe Muscat, whose research relates to the topic of soil heath with supported trials on their own properties near Mackay.

Soil expert, Rodger Savory, spoke to growers and graziers about the changes that could be expected under a holistic management approach, putting soil health in a wider context.

Rodger is the son of Allan Savory, renowned as a global pioneer of holistic farm management. He has spent a lifetime building his understanding soil health in Africa, America, Canada and now Australia.

“Every decision a farmer makes has an impact – on the land that his grandchildren will depend on, on his productivity, his bank balance and his family,” Rodger said.

“Holistic management is a process to ensure the farmer is making better decisions to achieve what he truly wants, without having unintended consequences. Once decisions are made in context, it is possible to begin to reverse the degradation of any landscape or property, and to restore life and fertility to the soil.”

Rodger’s work has focused on the reversal of degraded landscapes, turning severely damaged land into productive grasslands. There are now more than 40 million acres of land managed holistically around the world, a number that is growing dramatically each year.

“What people forget is that civilisation is based on healthy soil. It is critical that farmers, as controllers of the soil, are given the tools and the knowledge to understand what creates unhealthy soils, and how to prevent it, as well as what creates healthy soils, and how to encourage it,” Rodger said.

To register your interest in being notified about upcoming soil events, contact Reef Catchments on (07) 4868 4200 or email reception@reefcatchments.com

Grower Case Study: Simon Mattsson, multi-species intercrop trial (Marian)

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · 1 Comment

GROWER CASE STUDY: SIMON MATTSSON, MULTI-SPECIES INTERCROP TRIAL (MARIAN)

Background

Simon Mattsson has a sugarcane farm on the north side of the Pioneer River at Marian. Sugarcane farmers in the Mackay region have been experiencing a decline in production over the last 15 years which Simon believes is due in part to declining soil health from the long-term sugarcane monoculture. This cropping system has lead to declining levels of soil carbon and reduced diversity in the soil biology.

The idea for this trial came from Simon’s Nuffield Scholarship trip to the United States where corn farmers in North Dakota have shown that growing a range and diversity of plant species within their corn crops has significantly improved the soil health. Plant and crop diversity also increased the spectrum of species within the soil biology populations, in turn increasing soil carbon and nitrogen fixation and increasing the uptake of all nutrients. This led to yield being maintained while significantly decreasing usage of chemical fertilisers.

Solution Trialled

With help from Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture Program, Simon has established a multi-species intercrop trial over four hectares. Within the trial, three treatments have been replicated four times. Eight species of plants are being used within these treatments and these include: radish, turnip, chickpea, soybean, common vetch, sunflowers, cereal rye and oats along with use of more biologically friendly fertilisers. Plant species are planted beside the sugarcane stool after harvest.

This trial seeks to determine if growing diverse plant species alongside the sugarcane can help to increase fixation of soil carbon and nitrogen, improve nutrient cycling and improve the spectrum and diversity of soil biology and therefore soil health.

The three treatments consist of:

A control which is the sugarcane monoculture with standard chemical fertilisers.
Sugarcane with 4 of the 8 multispecies (oats, cereal rye, turnip and common vetch) but using alternative fertilisers to supply the same amount of nutrients as the control.
All 8 of the multispecies with the same alternative fertiliser products.

This is the first year of the trial with the multispecies being planted in mid-July following harvest of the cane in late June. The multispecies were then sprayed out and crimp rolled in early October to speed up the biological break down and the release of stored nutrient back to the cane crop.

Results

Result analysis is underway, with the first set of soil sampling recently taken by Dr Graham Stirling, with further analyses to be done in December and again in February.

Soil analyses will include soil biology, forms of soil carbon and macro and micro-nutrients. Sugarcane yields will also be measured from each of the replications.

The benefits of this cropping system are expected to be many and varied and will take time, possibly more than one growing season, to show.

Anticipated benefits to be measured include improved nutrient cycling and uptake of nutrients, increased soil carbon levels, weed suppression, water retention in dry periods and improved drainage during heavy rainfall events.

In the longer term Simon hopes this will lead to longer ratoon cycles through improved soil health, a more resilient and robust sugarcane crop and production benefits associated with significantly reduced inputs.

Follow this trial
To follow the trial and keep up to date with Simon’s results find Simon Mattsson on Facebook, or contact Reef Catchments (Peter Muller) on (07) 4968 4234 |
E: peter.muller@reefcatchments.com

This trial is part of Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture Program, with funding from the Australian Government. It is supported through the Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship, with funding from Sugar Research Australia.

Natural Resource Management Plan 2014-2024 set to launch

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

A final draft of the new Natural Resource Management Plan for Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac has been approved by the Reef Catchments Board and contributing stakeholders across the community for its formal launch in February, 2015.

To view a copy of the draft report – CLICK HERE.

This follows a concluding period of open public comment, where community and stakeholders were again asked to provide final input to the plan and its supporting documents.

The NRM Plan has been developed collaboratively, with Reef Catchments pulling information together on behalf of a multitude of stakeholders, including local governments, industry bodies, Traditional Owners and the local community.

The plan provides the community and stakeholders an opportunity to have a say on how our land, water, coasts and islands should be managed for the future.

NRM Plan coordinator Alice Spencer said it was important that everyone who took part in the plan review would now have an opportunity to take part in its implementation.

“Although this seems quite final as we put the finishing touches on the plan and begin arrangements for a formal launch, it’s really just the end of the planning process and the beginning of the plan,” she said.

“We now have this collective tool to learn about the region to make better decisions, leverage interest and investment, guide other plans, locate opportunities, and access our shared vision for the region. The community has had a say, and now it’s time to work towards coordinating action.

“We hope the NRM plan will better enable people to work together to efficiently use funding and resources, and that all of the relationships developed during the planning process are strengthened and continue to deliver positive and enduring results.”

As part of this, the key stakeholders to the NRM Plan, many of whom form part of the NRM Plan Development Committee, will be asked to formally sign the document at the launch to officially endorse the broad principles of the plan and the process behind it. The aim is to seek a level of commitment from stakeholders in implementing the agreed outcomes and management actions, while adding to the integrity of the plan as a collaborative effort.

The NRM Plan (2014-2024) final draft is available to view online at www.reefcatchments.com/nrm. To pre-order a printed copy, please contact Alice Spencer – alice.spencer@reefcatchments.com or phone 0428 955 490.

All stakeholders are encouraged to visit the site, and share the link with others however as a final draft, please note that changes may still occur.

Feral pig control continues in Rocky Dam Creek and Carmila

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Pastures at Rocky Dam Creek showing damage by feral pigs — Feral pig damage to grazing pastures in the Rocky Dam Creek catchment area.

Landholders in the Rocky Dam Creek and Carmila Catchments have come together as part of an ongoing effort to control feral pigs, with aerial control throughout the catchments scheduled mid December 2014.

The December 2013 aerial shoot successfully culled 171 pigs, significantly reducing the impact of this pest across the region. Previous aerial control programs have delivered strong benefits to sugarcane and grazing properties with many landholders reporting reduced damage to crops and paddocks and increased productivity.

The feral pig control program is now an annual event thanks to the dedication of local landholders desperate to address the problem.

Landholders consider their contribution to the cost of one hour of flight time money well spent, and the number of local landholders participating in the program grows every year.

Reef Catchments’ Water and Waterways project officer, Iona Flett, said the program was part of a wider regional integrated program and was essential to managing feral pig numbers across Mackay and the Whitsundays.

“Left unchecked, feral pigs can do significant damage – to the natural environment, agricultural areas, cane paddocks and grazing pastures. They also create water quality issues by disturbing riparian vegetation and sediment,” she said.

“Aerial and ground pig control is an essential part of pest management in the Mackay region. Reducing feral pig numbers delivers direct benefits to the local agricultural industry, the environment and the wider community.

“We would like to thank all project partners for their support, in particular, the farmers involved and the Mackay Regional Council staff. We hope to keep working together to establish a cost-effective program to get feral pigs under control across a wide area.”

The project is currently delivered in partnership with the landholders, Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association, Reef Catchments (MWI) Limited and Mackay Regional Council with funding from the State and Federal Governments.

Landholders in the Rocky Dam Creek and Carmila Catchments that are interested in participating in the upcoming coordinated Feral Pig Program should contact Nadine Hamill (Sarina Catchment Landcare) on 4956 1388 for more information.

Traditional Owners meet on Country to plan natural resource management activities in the Mackay Whitsunday region

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Representatives of the Gia, Ngaro, Yuwi-bara and Koinjmal Traditional Owner groups recently spent two days at Action Challenge, Hay Point, to identify their priorities for natural resource management in the region and build partnerships that will help them achieve their goals.

This was also an opportunity for the different groups to spend time on Country together talking, fishing and bush walking as their elders did.

This meeting supports the engagement of Traditional Owners, the reconnection with country and collaboratively working to protect and enhance ecosystems.

Kerensa McCallie, Senior Project Officer for Biodiversity and Indigenous NRM, said it was important that programs include the perspectives of Traditional Owners and support them to be part of the decision making process.

“On-country meetings are an important part of reconnection to country. They provide an opportunity to get out of the meeting room and into the field and have a more open, relaxed discussion,” she said.

The meeting was also an opportunity to build important stakeholder partnerships, with presentations from Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) Indigenous Partnerships Unit, and Girringun Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) about the development of a Traditional Use of Marine Resource Agreement (TUMRA).

This essential first step allowed Traditional Owners to understand the process behind the TUMRA first hand from GBRMPA representatives responsible for developing the agreements, and the GAC who have successfully implemented a TUMRA on the Sea-Country of 6 salt-water groups around Cardwell in North Queensland.

“The opportunity to have Girringun representatives who have a working TUMRA speak with the TORG meant that Mackay Whitsunday Traditional Owner groups could get a realistic perspective on the challenges, opportunities and lessons learnt by Girringun in the process,” said Ms. McCallie

Former Indigenous Ranger and now coordinator of the Girringun Aboriginal Corporation TUMRA, Whitney Rassip, said the meeting was an opportunity to share their journey.

“We spent two years developing a TUMRA so we feel strongly about helping other groups especially in these early stages, so they learn from our experiences, good and bad.

“Our TUMRA includes 6 saltwater groups and is administered by a TUMRA Steering Committee with representatives from each group, as well as from the GBRMPA, Fisheries Queensland and NPRSR-Marine Parks.

“We work together to sustainably manage hunting of dugong and turtles, while gathering data on habitat and species to assist research efforts. We also train our Rangers to monitor things like seagrass and maintain and monitor cultural heritage sites within the Great Barrier Reef.”

The development of a TUMRA for the Mackay Whitsunday region will progress from here with the first priority being to make sure all the relevant Traditional Owners are involved, a process led by GBRMPA and supported by Girringun and Reef Catchments.

In the meantime, the Reef Catchments TORG will continue to meet quarterly to support the involvement of Traditional Owners in having a say in how natural resources of the region are managed.

The TORG group also provides opportunity for the region’s Traditional Owners to promote their traditional ecological knowledge and cultural heritage to the broader community.

This will include TORG representation on key regional bodies such as the Mackay Whitsunday Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership and the Local Marine Advisory Committees.

For further information about the TORG or Traditional Owner engagement, please contact Kerensa McCallie at kerensa.mccallie@reefcatchments.com or 0429033541

Mackay Whitsunday hosts improved herbicide management workshops for growers

Jaime · Dec 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Dual Herbicide Sprayer Demo Unit — Growers watch a demonstration of the DAFF Dual Herbicide Sprayer.

Reef Catchments and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) came together this month to offer a series of workshops on improved herbicide management on sugarcane farms.

The workshops included a practical demonstration of two types of spray rigs that can help reduce the cost of controlling weeds, as well as information on nozzle selection and regional updates from Reef Programme and regional catchment monitoring.

Growers participating saw a demonstration of setting up and using a shielded sprayer for effective weed control in cane through the use of knockdown chemicals. This session included grower feedback on the pros and cons of using shielded sprayer equipment on the farm.

Phil Trendell, senior project officer from DAFF, said the DAFF Dual Herbicide Sprayer was also be on show.

“This is a DAFF developed spray rig that uses a modified Irvin type boom with a spray bar. The rig is able to accurately apply glyphosate in the inter-row and apply a range of residual and non-residual herbicides against the cane stool,” Phil said.

“This session will look at the application spray pattern through the use of UV dye and inflorescent light.

“Another highlight will be the use of a nozzle patternator to demonstrate the range of coverage and drift that results from using different nozzles under different pressures.”

Growers enjoyed hearing about the savings that could be gained from using the shielded sprayer to spray knockdown chemicals. Some of the smaller growers commented the cost of the spray rig was restrictive, but that they might be able to consider it if receiving a grant or through a programme (for example, Reef Programme).

DAFF also provided growers with an overview of the recent catchment water quality monitoring program results for Mackay Whitsunday, and addressed the new label requirements for products containing diuron.

Growers were presented with the diuron water quality data from the catchment monitoring program run by DSITIA. This data was from two sites – Sandy Creek at Homebush, and the Pioneer River at Dumbleton weir.

Data from the last five years shows that diuron concentrations during wet season run-off have regularly exceeded the irrigation guideline trigger value of 2 ug/L. The results from January 2014 were the highest during this five year period.

Workshops were delivered with the support of local industry service providers, including Plane Creek Productivity Services and Farmacist.

For more information, including on how to get involved with Reef Programme, contact Reef Catchments on (07) 4968 4200.

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