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What's happening in our region :
- ‘Caring for our Country’ Regional Investment
Strategy
- BDTNRM
to Sponsor Attendees to Landcare Conference
- Water Quality Improvement Plans
- GPS
and Computer Mapping Training at Greenvale
- Quoll
Seekers Network launch on 31 May Townsville
- Property Management Planning Implemented in the Desert
Uplands
- Managing Weeds in the Desert Uplands
- Wanted: Aquatic Plant Photos
- New
NRM Link
- BBIFMAC’s Water Quality Pixel
Project
- Market-based Instruments (MBIs) Workshop, 29–30
May, Townsville
- Conferences and Symposia Coming Up
- Coastcare Assessors Sought
- Central Highlands students flocked to lesson in
NRM
- Grasswren Survey Needs Volunteers, 7–16 and
21–30 July, Mount Isa
- National Volunteer Week 12–18
May
- National Farm Day 24–25 May
- Photography Competition
- Reef Check Training Courses
- Saving Australian Snubfin Dolphins
- Be Alert in the Fight against Declared
Plants
- Statewide education program teaches school children to
save water
- Grant Opportunities
Deadline for contributions to next month’s
Burdekin Bites is Tuesday 3 June.
Send your news items to deb.cavanagh@bdtnrm.org.au |
BDTNRM releases our Regional Investment Strategy
08-09
Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM recently completed its first Regional
Investment Strategy under the Rudd Government’s new
‘Caring for our Country’ programme. With Caring for our
Country still under development, the first year of the programme is
a transitional one.
According to Operations Manager, Dr. Scott Crawford, this RIS is
very different to the previous one. Firstly, with Caring for our
Country still in transition, this is a one year (2008-2009) RIS
only. Secondly, there is a strong focus on linking regional to the
six national Caring for our Country priorities. And finally, the
investments are structured around 16 sub programmes.
These sub programmes provide a better link between activities
and the regional and national priorities, and provide a clearer
picture of what we do.
Sub programmes are:
- Managing pest plants and animals
- Threatened habitats and endangered species
- Restoring and maintaining habitat connectivity
- Sustainable coastal development
- Healthy coastal and marine ecosystems
- Building community capacity and engagement in coastal
management
- Integrated groundwater management in the lower Burdekin
- Sustainable grazing land management
- Sustainable agricultural land management
- Restoring native fish passage in the Burdekin
- Rehabilitation of priority wetlands in the lower Burdekin
- Supporting an integrated monitoring response for the Burdekin
WQIP
- Supporting an effective and resilient NRM community
- Fostering community engagement & participation
- Valuing and building capacity for Traditional Owner management
of Land and Sea Country
- Core operations
Initial funding announced for the BDTNRM provides for some
investment in these sub programmes; however, that funding is only
sufficient to fund around 25-30% of the 2008-2009 RIS. While
we’re optimistic that we’ll be able to fund more of the
RIS in the near future, it also means that we need to work smarter
and more effectively, with an even stronger emphasis on working
collaboratively.
“The success of our activities, and ultimately the long
term sustainability of our region depend on successful, productive
and creative relationships with industry, government and the
community,” Dr. Crawford said.
“This is a great opportunity for us to address the
important environmental issues facing our region. Not only
can we put our heads together and come up with creative ways of
addressing the future of our region’s resources, but we can
also actively work together to put those ideas into
practice”.
For more information about BDTNRM’s programme go to
www.bdtnrm.org.au
For information about the Federal Government’s
“Caring for Our Country Programme” go to
www.nrm.gov.au/index.html
BDTNRM to Sponsor Attendees to Landcare Conference
BDTNRM has approved $4000 to sponsor Landcare members to attend
the 19th Annual Queensland Landcare Conference in September at
Monto. This year’s sponsorship program will pay full
conference registration and four night’s accommodation.
The sponsorship program is open to Landcare and other community
NRM group members within the Burdekin Dry Tropics region. Your
membership in a Landcare or community NRM group must be confirmed
by a Committee Member. Confirmation of membership can be done on
the application form or separately by email or telephone.
Preference will be given to those applicants not previously
sponsored by BDTNRM, but all interested people are encouraged to
apply. Selection will be made on the strength of the application
and the value to the BDT region. Unless the sponsorship program is
not fully subscribed, there will be only one person from any single
group.
Get the application form from BDTNRM’s website.
Applications close on Thursday 12 June. Successful applicants will
be notified on Friday 13 June.
For any enquiries or to confirm an applicant’s membership
of a group, contact Amanda Laurie, on 47243544 or amanda.laurie@bdtnrm.org.au
Water Quality Improvement Plans
Creek to Coral and BDTNRM have been developing Water Quality
Improvement Plans (WQIP) through the Australian Government’s
Coastal Catchments Initiative (CCI) program and the process is due
for finalisation with the Natural Heritage Trust on 30 June. BDTNRM
WQIP covers the Burdekin and Haughton River Basins while the Creek
to Coral WQIP has focused on the urban catchments of the Black and
Ross River Basins. For more information, visit www.bdtnrm.org.au/projects/coastal_catchments.html
and www.creektocoral.org.au.
GPS and Computer Mapping Training at Greenvale
The Regional Groups Collective is providing free GPS and
Computer Mapping Training at Greenvale to be held at the State
Emergency Services Building. Graziers from the Burdekin Dry Tropics
and Northern Gulf Region are welcome to attend. Please contact Doug
Willis (BDTNRM) on 07 4724 3544 or Mike Digby (Northern Gulf) on 07
4062 1330 if you would like to attend. Dates are as follows:
- 17 June: GPS Training
- 18–19 June 2008 (two day course): GIS Training.
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BDTNRM Out and About
A reminder that you can see BDTNRM staff and displays at the NQ
Field Days on 14–15 May and at the Fishing Expo 31
May–1 June.
What's On
For more details go to : www.bdtnrm.org.au/events/
May
12–18:
National Volunteer Week
14–15:
North Queensland Field Days
16: Applications close
Queensland Country Credit Union Community Grants Scheme
14–18:
Ingham Australian Italian Festival
Campdrafts at Julia Creek and
Greenvale
18-22: Australian
weeds conference, Cairns
20-22: Irrigation
Australia Conference, Melbourne
23: Applications close
23 May, Foster's Group Community Grants Program
28:Peter Andrews
Workshop, Desert Uplands
29-30: Market-based
Instruments Workshop, Townsville
30:Peter Andrews
Workshop, Desert Channels
Applications close, Dilmah Water
Quality Funding-Best Tea, Best Water
Applications close, Threatened Species
Network Community Grants – Round 11
31: Northern Beaches
Festival
Quoll Seekers Network launch,
Townsville
Fishing and Outdoor Expo,
Townsville
June
1: Fishing and Outdoor
Expo, Townsville
1: Eco Fiesta
1–2: QUT Smart
Train Visit, Townville
5: World Environment
Day
6–10: Palm Creek
Folk Festival
10–13:
Australian Vertebrate Pests Conference, Darwin
17: GPS Training,
Greenvale
18–19: GIS
Training ((two day course), Greenvale
30:Reef Check
Australia's International Year of the Reef Photography Competition
Closes
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Quoll Seekers Network launch on 31 May, Townsville
Quoll Seekers Network launch on 31 May in Townsville. Venue and
times to be announced: please check our calendar of events for
updates. For further information on the launch email Townsville
City Council natural resource management officer Andrew Hannay
Andrew.Hannay@townsville.qld.gov.au
or if you are interested in being a member of QSN contact Dr Scott
Burnett, Lecturer - Wildlife Ecology Tel: (07) 5459 4812, M: 0408
963350.
Property Management Planning Implemented in the Desert
Uplands
The Desert Uplands Committee (DUC) in partnership with the
Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM (BDTNRM) is currently undertaking an
incentive program ‘Capacity Building in the Desert Uplands
Region’. This program largely focuses on providing
landholders with skills, information and financial incentives to
aid them in adopting best management practices with property
management plans.
Desert Uplands recently held two field days on properties
covering the implementation of property management planning. The
program of the days was informal and the small group atmosphere
promoted grazier input and participation. The Desert Uplands
Committee has had a strong response to these field days which are
described as, ‘not just another talkfest,’ and hope to
continue the concept. For more information please contact Rowan
McKay: Tel: 0428 511 060
Managing Weeds in the Desert Uplands
The Desert Uplands is host to many different weeds species. Some
weeds do not impact severely, although they are prolific, some are
extremely threatening and impact severely over localised
areas. As the magnitude of impact varies with each weed
species so does the way in which they are dealt with under state
legislation. Examples of a class 2 weed are bellyache bush
(Jatropha gossypiifolia) and mother of millions (Bryophyllum
Sp.).
To get some of this information across and to raise awareness
the Desert Uplands ran a community field day on a property that has
battled with both of these weeds. The day was informative with
talks from Dow Agroscience, the Tropical Weeds Centre, Land
Protection Officers and Regional Bodies. The Desert Uplands
Committee would like to thank the landholder and all speakers for
their contribution to the day.
Wanted: Aquatic Plant Photos
A plant identification pocket guide for the Burdekin Delta is
currently being assembled. There will be an aquatic plant section
covering 15–20 species: the plan is to have a photo
indicating the form of the plant and a close-up showing a key
identification characteristic. If you have any photos you think
would be relevant (close-up photos of flowering and/or fruiting
parts are of particular interest), please contact Amber Webster
(WetlandCare Australia) on 4721 3543 or amber.webster@bdtnrm.org.au
New NRM Link
A link to an index to a collection of articles and links
containing knowledge related to the Southwest NRM region has been
added to our NRM links page. Anecdotal, technical, policy and
scientific information is included as well as published and
unpublished papers, maps, raw data, and miscellaneous items of
interest. Follow the links from www.bdtnrm.org.au/about/links.html
BBIFMAC’s Water Quality Pixel Project
This project has progressed to the stage that early lab results
are in the process of being mailed to growers. Early results have
shown that the majority of runoff points are very low in nutrient
levels. This is encouraging and it will be interesting to see the
difference once fertilizer application starts. Groundwater results
have been interesting with some areas being hotspots for high
nutrient levels. For more information about this project go to:
http://bdtnrm.org.au/surface_water_and_wetlands/
Market-based Instruments (MBIs) Workshop, 29-30 May,
Townsville
Regional group and government staff with an interest in MBIs for
NRM change will be attending two-day workshops which aim to
increase the capacity of government policymakers and
regional groups to use MBIs such as offsets, conservation
tenders and cap-and-trade mechanisms as tools to
assist in the management of natural resources. The first Queensland
workshop will be held in Townsville. Training will provide
information on MBI policy options and how to use them, including
practical examples and hands-on activities that explore the
design of MBIs. A number of products such as fact sheets, case
studies, an online documents library, and support tools such as a
decision support tool and a metric essentials tool will be shown,
in addition to demonstrating the online MBI community. Additional
online training electives will be available for participants to
access.
Nine Conferences and Symposiums Coming
Up
- Australian weeds conference 18-22 May,
Cairns
Invasive plants cost Australia more than $4
billion dollars each year in lost agricultural production and
countless more in the loss of environment and biodiversity.
Presentations, a trade display and field trips will provide new
information about weed issues, successful outcomes, research
undertaken and some of the innovations and management techniques
for controlling invasive plants. This biannual conference is being
hosted by the Weed Society of Queensland on behalf of the Council
of Australasian Weed Societies. For more information go to:
www.16awc.com.au/
- Irrigation Australia Conference, May
20-22, Melbourne
This trade fair is dedicated to the Irrigation Industry and in
addition to free forums, offers a number of half-day
workshop sessionsare designed for irrigators, contractors,
installers, specifiers, retailers, resellers and designers to share
business issues and explore practical solutions. For more
information go to www.irrigationaustralia.com.au.
- Australasian Vertebrate Pests Conference,10-13 June,
Darwin
Through these triennial
conferences, the Vertebrate Pests Committee aims to increase the
exchange of ideas, knowledge and innovations of all those involved
in pest animal management in Australia and New Zealand as well as
internationally. For more information, visit www.abcon.biz/vertebrate.html
- Coast to Coast 2008, 18-22 August,
Darwin
‘Collaboration: Crossing Boundaries’ will
focus debate, discussion and learning across the full range of
coastal and marine issues - at the international, national, state,
regional and local levels. More details on: www.coast2coast.org.au.
- NRW Natural Resources Conference,
September, Townsville
‘Perish or prosper: balanced management of North
Queensland’s natural resources’ presentations will
focus on how to manage natural resources sustainably to ensure a
prosperous future for North Queensland. Renowned speakers will
cover topics including: the challenges of Indigenous land tenure;
carbon offset trading; environmentally sustainable tourism; farming
without harming; water recycling from wastewater, stormwater and
seawater. James O’Loghlin, ABC personality and regular guest
on national television will act as MC, and facilitate a panel
discussion on the conference topics. For further details
visit: www.nrw.qld.gov.au/events/nrconference/2008/index.html
- Queensland Landcare
Conference, 21–24 September,
Monto
The conference will have four streams (landscapes, lifestyles,
livelihoods and landspeak) which focus on sustainability. A range
of workshops related to sustainable agriculture will also be
offered. Registrations are now open, a preliminary program and
information about keynote speakers is also now available. To find
out more go to: www.landcare.org.au/Conference.htm
- Australian Rangeland Society's Conference, 28 September
– 2 October, Charter Towers
‘A Climate
of Change in the Rangelands’ will focus on the changing
environmental, social, cultural and economics facing
Australia’s rangelands in the future and linking this dynamic
to the broader community’s real values concerning the
rangelands. Visit: www.austrangesoc.com.au/2008welcome.asp
- PAS8 - Pest Animal Symposium, 19 - 22
October, Cairns
‘Pests on the Move - pest
animals in paradise’ consists of presentations on
community initiatives, policy matters, new innovations, the latest
research and harvesting techniques. Field trips will also be held.
A specific trade session will show off products and the latest
technologies. Abstract submissions are being received now - submit
online by clicking the 'Abstract and early bird discounted
registration is also available. For further details go to: www.pestanimalsymposium.com.au/
- 29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology &
Conservation, 2009, Brisbane:
Registrationfor the symposium is now open and
the conference organisers are calling for
abstracts on: www.turtlesbrisbane2009.org
Coastcare Assessors Sought
As part of the administration process for Coastcare, the
Australian Government is seeking nominations from individuals
interested in contributing to the assessment of applications for
Community Coastcaresmall grants. Assessors may provide advice
relating to individual applications, contribute to grants review
panels and/or provide advice in the development and review of
processes. For more information visit www.nrm.gov.au/funding/coastcare
Central Highlands students flocked to lesson in
NRM
Over 1300 primary school children descended on the Emerald
Showgrounds on 30 April to attend the interactive expo (organised
by CHRRUP with funding from NRW) designed to highlight the
importance of managing natural resources in our local communities.
Children were able to learn about local cultural heritage, water
quality, endangered species in our region, and many other topics.
Judy Warner and Ann Doak from
BDTNRM presented an interactive activity for students to learn
about the assessment of riparian health. Both were impressed with
how interested and participative the students were and how quickly
they were able to grasp the concepts.
Grasswren Survey Needs Volunteers, 7-16 and 21-30
July, Mount Isa
The two surveys for Kalkadoon and Carpentarian Grasswrens aim to
assess the population densities of grasswrens in Spinifex fire
scars of different ages as part of the Birds Australia North
Queensland Important Bird Area Monitoring Program. For more
details, contact Graham Harrington on phone (07) 4096 5051 or
riflebird@austarnet.com.au.
National Volunteer Week 12-18 May
BDTNRM’s Board and staff would like to take this
opportunity to give thanks to the numerous volunteers who give
freely of their time to help protect our valuable natural
resources.
Interesting research released by Landcare Australia as part its
contribution to the Week shows that over 40 per cent of people in
Queensland are so concerned about the environment that they would
consider getting involved in a local environmental volunteer group.
The week celebrates the benefits the work of volunteers brings to
their communities. Landcare volunteers are making a contribution in
the battle against climate change, erosion, drought and loss of
wildlife and habitats. To find a local group or other volunteering
opportunities, list a project or key contact details, go to:
www.landcareonline.com/directory.
National Farm Day 24-25 May
The aim of the Day is to bridge the city-country divide by
giving city families the chance to spend a day on the farm. First
organised in Victoria in 2006, Meat & Livestock Australia
contributed some funding to make it a national annual event. This
year demand to experience farm life is higher and more farmers
willing to host a city family for a day on the farm are needed. For
more details on how to get involved visit www.farmday.com.au.
Photography Competition
Reef Check Australia's International Year of the Reef
Photography Competition opens for submissions 1st May-30th June
2008
www.reefcheckaustralia.org/photo-gallery/photography-competition-2008/
Reef Check Training Courses
Places are limited on these part-time reef check training
courses which are being held in Cairns (starts 30 May) and
Townsville (starts 1 September). For further details go to
www.reefcheckaustralia.org/education/training/course-dates/index.cfm.
Saving Australian Snubfin Dolphins
Blanche Danastas will be running a new campaign through North
Queensland Conservation Council 's newly established group, the
Australian Marine Wildlife Guardians. Her appointment is
funded through the Vodafone Foundation World Of Difference program.
‘Saving Australian Snubfins’ aims to raise
awareness about threats facing marine wildlife, specifically
snubfins, through workshops, community arts projects, a conference
and community education. Contact blanche.danastas@gmail.com Mob: 0439 89 66 97 or
visit:
www.vodafone-myway.com.au/wod/winners.aspx?id=19&year=2008
Be Alert in the Fight against Declared
Plants
The recent discovery of a class one plant on the premises of a
plant collector is a timely reminder of the need to be aware that
introduced species can adversely impact the region's delicate
ecosystems. The introduction, keeping or selling of a class one
pest without a permit issued by the Department of Primary
Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) attracts a fine of up to
$60000.
More information on declared plants at:
www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_9157_ENA_HTML.htm
Statewide education program teaches school
children to save water
The Queensland Government has released a new statewide water
education program for Queensland students from prep to year seven.
Water: Learn it for life! It teaches students about water
conservation, water recycling and purified recycled water.
Information is available on: www.nrw.qld.gov.au/waterwise/education/
Grant Opportunities
- Threatened Species Network Community Grants –
Round 11, Applications close 30 May
Established to support and inspire communities to conduct
on-ground work for the ongoing health of the natural environment,
specifically targeting the needs of nationally threatened species
and ecological communities. Funding is provided for activities such
as: Habitat restoration; Weeding and feral animal control;
Monitoring and surveying species populations; Fencing; Fire
management. For more information go to www.wwf.org.au/ourwork/species/tsngrants/
- Gambling Community
Benefit Fund, Applications close 31
August
The Fund provides one-off grants of
up to $30,000 to not-for-profit Queensland community groups. For
more information go to: www.gcbf.qld.gov.au/
- George Alexander Foundation Grants,
Applications close 30 June
In addition to scholarships, this foundation also makes grants in
the area of Environment & Conservation, with a focus on
community partnerships, environmental education and sustainable
land practices.
For more information go to:
www.regionalnrm.qld.gov.au/
For more information on the events above and more, go to
www.bdtnrm.org.au/events/
Deadline for contributions to next month’s
Burdekin Bites is Tuesday 3 June.
This edition as well as past Burdekin Bites can be found on our
website:
www.bdtnrm.org.au/news/burdekinbites/index.html
Burdekin Bites is produced by BDTNRM, compiled and edited
by Kim Pritchard and Deborah Cavanagh.
We welcome your comments, ideas and contributions for future
e-bulletins.
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