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2011-12 Annual Report Noosa & District Landcare Group Inc

2011-12 Annual Management Report

Conservation & Sustainability

Noosa & District Landcare Group Inc PO Box 278, Pomona Q 4568

Tel: 07 5485 2468 Fax: 07 5485 0413 www.noosalandcare.org

ABN: 73 315 096 794


Contents

President’s Message

Treasurer’s Report for Financial Year 2011/2012

Financial Summary

Our Management Committee

Our Organisational Chart

Aims and Objectives

2011/2012 Works Across the Sunshine Coast and Burnett Mary Region

Opportunities in 2011/12

Our Partners

General Manager’s Report

Administration Manager’s Report

Nurseries and Contracts Manager’s Report

Contracts and Services Manager’s Report

Waterwatch Co-ordinator’s Report

Program Support Officer’s Report

Community Nature Conservation Manager’s Report

Staff in Operations

Environmental Training and Education

Members and Volunteers

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President’s Message

This financial year has been extremely busy for Noosa & District Landcare.

With several concurrent intakes of Green Army personnel, the Rural Futures Centre at times resembled an army recruitment depot with the numbers of people turning up each day for work. Since this program has finished, the staff and volunteers have settled back into work routines which will not turn their hair white overnight.

Noosa & District Landcare has now established a core group of dedicated staff and regular volunteers. This team is working well together for the organisation. Indeed, the Committee is very happy with acquisition and implementation of work throughout the Group.

I know Phil would use the term “standing on shoulders of giants” when it comes to his team of staff and volunteers. However, worthy of mention is Phil as General Manager of Noosa & District Landcare who represents the Group across a number of forums and runs a very professional and organised mob.

The opening of the public garden next door to the Resource Centre has proven to be popular. It has provided ease of public access to the nursery and increased profile for the Group. Well done to the team who worked hard to get this project to the table, funded and then completed on the ground.

As you may know, I slipped away for a couple of months earlier in the year and travelled through Europe. I had a great time and bumped into a Noosa & District Landcare member in Paris!

Professionally and financially Noosa & District Landcare is now in a position to respond with due consideration to a number of factors which may impact the business over time.

We truly look forward to our future to deliver quality and accountable natural management resource services and to work in partnerships (whoever and wherever they may be) to support the core objectives of our Constitution.

George Kootoofa


2010/11 2011/12

$ $

Net income 1,391,046.43 1,730,737.12

Net expense 1,221,988.65 1,609,828.12

Total Cash, Fixed and other Assets 1,587,197.88 1,682,740.76

Total Liabilities 761,529.84 736,527.12 NET INCOME 169,057.78 120,545.00

When the existing committee came together four and a half years ago we worked hard to understand the history of the group and the Constitutional objectives with which it had been tasked. We then set about providing the strategic direction to support the achievement of a sustainable future for Noosa & District Landcare (NDLG).

Each year since then the Committee has set out recommended targets to be achieved by the operation in order to support these constitutional objectives and to provide for an ongoing sustainable future for the group. We are lucky to have a wonderful team of people at NDLG that collectively rises to the challenge each year and works hard to achieve the sometimes challenging goals we set them. This process doesn’t necessarily proceed without the odd setback, but we review our plans, acknowledge our mistakes, celebrate our wins and continue to work professionally toward our goals.

I am happy to report that we have made some real progress in that direction again this year and the great team of workers and volunteers at NDLG have once again achieved this. At the end of the financial year 11/12 total revenue is up 24% on the previous year to $1.73M. Expenses increased in line with this and in addition to providing benefits to the environment and the community, NDLG has injected over $1m in wages and purchases to the local economy.

Diligent and prudent management of the Group’s funds has contributed a modest surplus and resulting increase in our equity reserve at year end. Maintaining a modest but healthy equity reserve is critical to maintain and grow a sustainable operation. It provides for such things asessential asset replacement and helps to ensuring adequate working capital is available for the organisation going forward

through the inevitable ups and downs of the economic cycle.With funding changes occurring at all levels of government across Australia and closer to home, such as the possible de-amalgamation of the Sunshine Coast Council for example, NDLG will again be reviewing its source of revenues and income for the coming years. These events occur with cyclical regularity and can take the wind out of the sails of any group thatdoes not plan effectively for leaner times ahead.

I reiterated in my last Treasurer’s report that surpluses are hard-earned and the purpose of the equity reserve is to provide a sustainable foundation for the ongoing pursuit of the Group’s constitutional goals. The Committee therefore applies stringent criteria and approval process for access to, and actively manages the application of, this equity reserve.

We will continue to take a prudent approach to managing the Group’s financial affairs and to ensure we continue to be in a sustainable position to enhance the environmental, community and economic benefit that the Group continues to bring to the locality.

John Cronin

Treasurer’s Report for 2011/2012

Financial Summary for 2011/2012

continued next page ...


Financial Summary for 2011/2012 (continued)

Grants for delivery of projects comprised 45% of income, 55% of income was generated through fee-for-services arrangements with work sought under Preferred Supplier Arrangements, tenders and private business.


Management Committee 2011/2012 President George Kootoofa Extensive engineering background Secretary Paul Steels Bachelor of Environmental Science Treasurer John Cronin PhD MA (Mgt) Graduate Diploma in Law Diploma of Financial Services Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Committee Member Fiona Waterhouse Bachelor of Manufacturing Management Diploma of Environmental Studies Certificate in Business Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Prominent figure in Australian Cleantech market

Committee Member Luke Barrowcliffe Bachelor of Science (Communications) Butchella man from traditional homeland including Fraser Island Owns Goorie Vision (indigenous media) Committee Member Craig O’Hara Commercial lawyer Land for Wildlife member Committee Member Wayne Morris Timber industry Owner of Mary Valley Timber for 23 years Committee Member Phillip Moran Diploma of Conservation and Land Management Extensive natural resource management background Representation on industry boards Community support Owns Burrawinee Nature Refuge

Top, left to right: Paul Steels, Wayne Morris, Craig O’Hara, John Cronin, George Kootoofa Bottom, left to right: Fiona Waterhouse, Phillip Moran

Absent: Luke Barrowcliffe


Field Crew: Dylan D’Angio, Darrin Barden, Charlie Sparks, Aaron Brunton

Trainees: Aimee Roil, Peter Hewston, Ross Marks

Nursery Staff: Aimee Roil, Catrina Samson, Melvina Osbourne & up to

20 Volunteers

Retail Nursery: Lyn Harm

Management Committee: George Kootoofa, Paul Steels, John Cronin, Craig O’Hara, Luke Barrowcliffe, Fiona Waterhouse,

Wayne Morris, Phil Moran

General Manager: Phillip Moran

Contracting Services Manager Paul Sprecher

Administration Manager Kim Maddison

Nursery Operations Manager Damien Morley

Administration Officer: Chris Cadogan

Administration Assistant:

Margie Cosgrave

Noosa Waterwatch: Anita Russell

Vanessa Moscato & up to 40 volunteers

Community Nature Conservation Program Gemma Wright

Assisted by: Wendy May & Aaron Brunton and over 100 volunteers

Organisational Chart

GENERAL MANAGER

MANAGEMENT TEAM

MANAGER ADMINISTRATION

MANAGER NRM OPERATIONS

MANAGER NURSERY OPERATIONS

MANAGER CONSULTING

SERVICES


Aims and Objectives

The mission of the Noosa & District Landcare Group (NDLG) centres on promotion of sustainable use of natural resources through on-ground and educational programs.

NDLG has been operating in the Noosa district since 1992.

Noosa & District Landcare:

• Promotes the value, protection and rehabilitation of the Noosa Biosphere, Cooloola and Sunshine Coast regions, providing for a sustainable, productive and ecologically-improved environment for future residents and visitors

• Encourages the adoption of sustainable land use and best management practices

• Assists in the preservation of water quality and waterway health in the region’s natural waterways

• Educates the community through educational programs, community workshops and traineeships

• Provides environmental activities and services to encourage wider community involvement

Aaron and Dylan working with aquaspears for a private property planting


2011/2012 Works Across the Region Noosa and Mary River Catchments

Throughout 2011/2012, Noosa & District Landcare Group has carried out a range of natural resource management works in a comprehensive range of areas.

Works Bushland revegetation and regeneration

Weed management services

Coastal rehabilitation and riparian restoration

Water quality consultancy

Community Action Grants

Green Army and traineeships

Environmental and carbon offsets establishment

Propogation of native tube stock (approximately 100,000) including propagation of mangroves and Richmond Birdwing vines

Facilitation and co-ordination of research projects such as the Lake Cootharaba Nitrogen Project and dugongs in Moreton Bay

Junior Landcare and National Tree Day

Volunteer programs co-ordination such as Community Nature Conservation and Noosa Waterwatch

Community engagement, education and training


Organisation Skills Governance (board representation and liaison)

Environmental project management

Administrative and financial management

Technical (revegetation, ecological survey, pest management, riparian management)

Monitoring and evaluation (projects and water quality)

Education, training and extension services

Extensive on-ground/in-field services

Volunteer co-ordination

Financial Fee-for-service contracts (approximately 55% of income)

Grants and funded programs (approximately 45% of income)

Eucalyptus seed identification workshop Weed removal, Seaview Creek, Sunshine Beach


Our Partners

Local government:

• Community Partnerships funding purchases outcomes and events delivered by Noosa Landcare to the community such as Noosa Waterwatch program, landholder support, environmental and sustainability issues, dissemination of information to the community, representation and educational support in local schools.

• Preferred Supplier List through application under the Council tender process. This secures work in a range of NRM services and program management.

• Propagating native (endemic) plants for local government initiatives.

State and Federal Government Departments:

• Project submissions addressing required funding outcomes including community education and NRM services

• Traineeships

• Managing Green Army work participants (program ceased 2012)

• Consultancy contracts

• Preferred Supplier List through application under a

tender process. This secures work in a range of NRM services and program management.

• Propagating native (endemic) plants for projects

Regional Bodies and Catchment Groups:

• Project submissions addressing required funding outcomes including community education and NRM services

• Preferred Supplier List through application under a tender process. This secures work in a range of NRM services and program management.

• Propagating native (endemic) plants for projects.

Private landholders:

• Property visits and planning

• NRM services, contracts and tenders

• Selling native (endemic) plants

Local business/Corporate sponsorship:

• Donations

• Partnership with other local and regional groups

• Volunteer and training services

Opportunities in 2011/2012 Work opportunities and partnerships are currently sourced from the following areas:

Burnett Mary Regional Group Gympie and District Landcare

Bjarne K Dahl Trust Kin Kin State Primary School

Brisbane City Council Maroochy Landcare Group

Cooloola Coastcare Inc Mary River Catchment Co-ordination Committee

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (formerly Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation)

Noosa Integrated Catchment Association

Department of Transport and Main Roads NRMA Insurance

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection SEQ Catchments Ltd

Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

seqwater

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

Sunshine Coast Council

Ecofund Queensland The Neilsen Group

ENERGEX Limited 70 private landholders and businesses

Grants to Voluntary Environment and Heritage Organisations


General Manager’s Report Phillip Moran

2011/2012 The year that was ...


The last financial year has seen a number of challenges for Noosa & District Landcare Group (NDLG). We have seen a change in State Government and new Councillors and Mayor on the Sunshine Coast.

We have started to see changes in direction for the new State Government, which NDLG will factor into our business model. One of these changes will see a cessation of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work - Green Army - program. For Noosa Landcare this has been a very successful program. We have had 100 participants over the life of the program, and the benefits to our local community and environment have been substantial. The opportunity that this program has provided participants to gain employment has included some real highlights. We have been very fortunate to see Peter Hewston, Aimee Roil and Ross Marks emerge as an integral part of Noosa Landcare’s workforce. These three are Trainees at NDLG and have proven themselves to be individuals of great potential.

The downside is the Group will lose the services of our two long-serving supervisors on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program: Col Macdonald and Joseph Petrie. Both these guys started as participants of this program themselves, only to become supervisors in their own right. It is my hope that the program may recommence so we can continue to work with them. The SEQ Catchments component (FarmFLOW) will continue without the assistance of program participants. A big thank you to Susie Chapman here for all her work to partner with Noosa Landcare in any programs that she runs.

The Sunshine Coast Council held elections which saw the retirement of Mayor Bob Abbot. Uncle Bob will be missed, however I have met the new Mayor, Mark Jamieson and look forward to working with him. Long-serving Councillor Lew Brennan was replaced by Tony Wellington in Division 12. I have to thank Lew for always representing the hinterland, particularly after amalgamation. In this regard I have had many meetings

with Tony and know that he will do a good job of looking after environmental issues as we face the future.

I would also like to congratulate the other newly-elected Councillors.

The Nurseries have continued to grow quality plants to help members and landholders revegetate their properties. Aimee Roil has done an outstanding job of assisting Nurseries Manager Damien Morley in this endeavour, with long-term Landcare stalwart Chelsea Greensill on maternity leave.

Waterwatch continues throughout the Noosa and Mary catchments with over 40 volunteers monitoring the health of their creeks. The Sunshine Coast Council and in particular Jan Maddin has offered terrific support, as has SEQ Catchments. Thanks to Anita Russell and Vanessa Moscato for their work. And a particular thanks to long-term, super volunteer Mari Gray.

Our Conservation Services crew has done a great job of doing the hard, hot (and very wet!) work out in the field. Our supervisors (Darrin Barden, Dylan D’Angio, Aaron Brunton, Charlie Sparks) have raised the bar in relation to the quality of the work done. We have also employed a number of casuals throughout the last financial year, and they have all worked very well.

This year has also seen upgrades in the IT capacity of the Group. To this end we are very grateful to the tireless efforts by Ron Hickman ... who thought retiring meant less work! Thank you Ron.

A highlight of the year was the finalising of the Station Place project. It was officially opened by Cr Tony Wellington on 28 July 2012 and saw the culmination of many years of hard work. This project on the Railway land between our Resource Centre in town and the Railway Gallery had its genesis over five years previously, with Kim Maddison working with Queensland Rail to secure the lease on the land and design by Shaun Walsh. Thanks to a grant from the Sunshine Coast Council and funds from the Rural Futures Network, combined with many hours by Lyn Harm and our Green Army people, Pomona now has a great addition to its town centre.

Pandorea jasminoides


General Manager’s Report (continued) Noosa Landcare has also supported new Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCA) across the Sunshine Coast this year by donating 200 free trees to each new property signed up. This initiative together with the Land for Wildlife program managed by ex Noosa Landcare employee, Dave Burrows, is an outstanding example of private landholders doing their bit for our environment.

Day-to-day, on-ground operations of the Group are handled by Damien Morley and Paul Sprecher, with assistance from Anita Russell. A big thank you to these guys; the juggling of work schedules, particularly during the wet weather we have seen, has been difficult ... and has been carried out in a professional manner.

Our many volunteers who contribute to the NDLG, have again risen to the challenges and I would like to acknowledge their good work.

Strategic direction for the Group is set by our volunteer Management Committee - George Kootoofa, Paul Steels, Dr John Cronin, Luke Barrowcliffe, Fiona Waterhouse, Craig O’Hara and Wayne Morris. I would like to thank

them for their stewardship of the Group throughout the year.

Our Administration team headed by Administration Manager Kim Maddison and supported by Chris Cadogan and Margie Cosgrave, have done a sterling job this year. They may not think so, but their efforts are what really keep us on track. Financial acuity is not an option, it is a must. This, and the good natured way they deal with day- to-day administration tasks, is very much appreciated.

The Group has continued to support the local community ... helping out in the floods early in the year, providing school education and advice on just about anything. This is what makes us a community group.

It has been interesting , with subsequent years sure to be even more so! I would like to commend the Group as a whole for achieving so much this year, and thank them for all their efforts. We do live in a beautiful part of the world, and each one of you has helped to keep it that way. Thank you.

Opening of Station Place, Pomona

Green Army helping post-floods, February 2012 Green Army Graduates, June 2012


Kim Maddison

Administration Manager’s Report

Administration can probably be a bit of a dry report really. However, it is surprising how varied and exciting this role can be, involved in projects behind the scenes from go to whoa. With Noosa & District Landcare Group (NDLG) I have had the opportunity to start at the bottom of the food chain and gradually learn new tricks and acquire some qualifications along the way. And with each passing year I feel as though I have so much more to learn!

Financially, the group is performing close to forecasted target in all areas. However, there is no guaranteed income stream for NDLG and therefore the hard work to secure funding and contracts continues. This side of the business is unrelenting and produces enduring partnerships and ventures.

The Administration department employs the following personnel:

We provide:

• Front office services and delivery of environmental information to the public

• Retail Plant Nursery and plant orders collection point • Support to Management and Operational

Committees • Support to Project/Program Managers as required • Liaison with funding partners and other groups/

organisations • Implementation and monitoring of group

requirements in relation to projects management,

finance (including detailed cash flow forecasting and

reporting, book keeping and payroll), human resource management functions, occupational health and safety, insurances, not for profit status, incorporation returns

• Applications by Administration for funding through Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Maroochy Landcare and grants to Voluntary Environment and Heritage Organisations in the past three years has secured over $1.7m for the Group. This has delivered enormous benefits to the local economy and environment.

• Compilation and monitoring of marketing initiatives and newsletters

This Administration team also had assistance from Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants Siobhan Clasby and Harrison Farrow, who worked in both offices.

Marketing is a team effort, which stems from the annual Marketing Team meeting involving all key staff and supported by Fiona Waterhouse. This year the NDLG website ‘image and content’ has been updated - Twitter and Facebook are attracting more friends, monthly newsletters (online e-news) are now issued.

The forthcoming year 2012/13 will see a focus on redeveloping and updating the Business Plan to provide a strong foundation to guide the group sustainably into the future.

Administration Manager Kim Maddison

Administration Officer Chris Cadogan

Administration Assistant Margie Cosgrave

Nursery Assistant (Greenhouse) Lyn Harm

Where did it go? 2011-12 saw the upgrading of two vehicles as the Green Army/FarmFLOW programs kept us quite busy. Our list of employees seemed to be forever changing as one tranche would finish and another start. Whilst I got to know the names, I didn’t necessarily get to meet all the participants before they moved on. They have been a benefit to the Group through providing a pool of trained personnel, some of whom have remained with us.

The securing and organisation of these programs by Kim has been a major contribution to the Group’s successful year. This is not to take away from the performance of

the Project Managers and Field Crew alike. Without their efforts in organising the daily flow of work, vehicles, inductions etc, it would not have come together. During the latter part of the year we began work on a new ‘project-based’ database to capture more information on each work site. We hope to have it operational for the new financial year.

All in all, a pretty pleasing result for the year.

Chris Cadogan


This year has seen the nursery industry contract considerably and many nurseries have closed down. Fortunately our nurseries have continued to trade strongly due to internal consumption with our contracting services work and being a preferred supplier for the Sunshine Coast Council’s Land for Wildlife program.

Pest problems have increased significantly in the last 12 months. Our riparian nursery in Yurol Forest has been continually attacked by scrub turkeys and possums. Both of these pests are difficult to control as they are protected native animals. The turkeys are able to fly up onto the benches and then pull out the seedlings and dig out the potting mix. I am not sure what food source they are seeking, as the plants on benches are free of worms particularly when only freshly potted. The possums crave germinated bunya nut seeds and have the dexterity to remove firmly-attached covers. If the cover cannot be removed then the possums tear the styrene containers apart from the sides.

Mice and rats continue to be a problem. In the Rural Futures Centre nursery the bait stations have been restocked on a weekly basis for the last three months. During the winter months rodents appear to go into nest-building mode and target freshly potted-up seedlings. The tops of the plants are chewed off and taken away to destinations unknown. Attacks on freshly-sown seed trays have been stopped by placing small mesh cages over the top of the trays.

Myrtle rust is still our major pest problem. The wet summer and autumn made control particularly difficult with rainfall almost on a daily basis. Spraying had to be performed on some weekends and during the Christmas break to ensure our preventative spray program was maintained. I have recently acquired a positive airflow protective hood which has made pesticide application procedures both safer and more comfortable.

In the past 12 months the nurseries have had two intakes of Green Army trainees for 18 week periods. These traineeships have provided the nurseries with an abundance of labour and the participants have gained considerable practical experience in native plant production.

The backbone of Noosa Landcare’s nurseries, our volunteers, continue to turn up diligently each week and pot up thousands of plants, as well as seed cleaning and propagating. The Riparian nursery volunteers were sent into hibernation this winter and resumed work in September. It’s good to see them back and if it’s possible, they seem more eager than ever.

At the Rural Futures Centre Nursery Steve and Tim deserve a big pat on the back for their dedication. These two fellows will pick up the hose on the hotter days and

water any plants that are stressing with no prompting from me. They often help me compile orders and have keen eyes for spotting any irregularities in the day-to-day running of the nursery.

Now for our paid nursery staff. Everybody’s favourite nursery supervisor, Chelsea Greensill, is pursuing a career in motherhood and has had a lovely baby daughter (Bella) in August. However before she departed, Chelsea was able to pass on her many skills to Aimee Roil. These are considerable shoes to fill, however Aimee is going very well and is a very capable and conscientious young lady.

Also thanks to Catrina Samson and Melvie Osborne for their efforts. Ross Marks has also been a big help and would prove to be a worthy successor to Aimee should she pursue a similar career to Chelsea. Also, a very big thanks to Lyn Harm. Lyn has been helping at the Riparian Nursery, as well as the planning and planting of the recently-opened Station Place in Pomona.

Finally my thanks to everybody else I work with, in particular Anita Russell. Anita is always there for clarity on the most mundane computer tasks that I fail to grasp on an infinite basis.

I am now nearing my 13th year with Noosa Landcare and still enjoy the work. This is a result of the people I work with.

Nurseries and Contracts Manager’s Report Damien Morley

Our wonderful nursery volunteers


The year 2011/12 has again been very busy and successful for the Group. We have increased our client base and have increased the number and type of commercial contracts that we undertake. The healthy finances of the organisation is crucial to long-term survival. More importantly though, it means our sphere of influence is increasing, leading to greater environmental improvement. As a not-for-profit group, having a robust organisation also means we can continue to provide professional and high quality services to the community. Our commitment to school education, volunteer networks and environmental advocacy is underpinned by the strong business model and committed staff of the Group.

Noosa & District Landcare Group (NDLG) recognises that the health of the organisation is supported through strong partner relations. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners.

Our most important partners are local landowners who demonstrate great personal commitment and willingness to engage with NDLG to improve and care for their local environment. As an natural resource management professional, I am very aware that I am involved in an industry that requires lifelong learning and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with local landowners. They provide the “classroom” in which I learn many lessons. I am grateful to them. There are too many to mention in this small space, but I would sincerely like to thank them for their efforts, assistance and passion for our common goal.

Of our professional partners I specifically must thank the Sunshine Coast Council, SEQ Catchments, Ecofund Qld, ENERGEX, Burnett Mary Regional Group, Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee and seqwater for the commitment they have made toward the improvement of our local environment.

Over the years, all industries have improved the safety, conditions and opportunity of workers and it is heartening to see the aforementioned entities take their corporate social responsibility even further by demonstrating their commitment to their local environment.

I would like to thank everyone involved with the Group’s activities for their support. As a group we continue to focus on strengthening existing partnerships and look to build new ones that will continue to work toward improving the environmental health of our region.

Contracts and Services Manager’s Report

Paul Sprecher

Revegetation on a private property

Revegetation on a private property

Eucalyptus pilularis


Winning Riverprize 2011 at the 14th International Riversymposium would be the highlight for our Waterwatch team this past year. Our very own Natural Resource Manager, Phil, sat next to the-then-Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot at the Riverprize Gala dinner when the Sunshine Coast Rivers Initiative was announced as the 2011 winner. As a result, there has been a committee formed to represent the Sunshine Coast Rivers Initiative to determine how the winning funds will be spent.

We have a very supportive and dedicated team of Waterwatch volunteers, each one willing to run out in the rain, adopt an extra monitoring site and drive a few more kilometres to fill in for someone on holidays. The monthly calendars are getting busy. We now have 32 volunteers regularly monitoring 48 sites. There are 27 coastal sites and 19 hinterland sites. Eight of these are within the Mary Catchment and 40 in the Noosa Catchment.

In addition, Noosa & District Landcare Group (NDLG) Waterwatch monitors 10 sites in the Kin Kin region as part of the SEQ Catchments FarmFLOW project. All water monitoring sites were visited at the beginning of the year, photos and GPS points were taken and Risk Assessments updated.

We have welcomed four new volunteers in the field and trained another six people to help with data entry and calibration. 41 participants from the Green Army crews over the last year have been trained in water quality monitoring, aquatic macroinvertebrate surveying, and multi-probe calibration.

A water quality monitoring training workshop for volunteers proved to be a great success for the 50 attendees, with four guest and expert speakers from NDLG, Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee, SEQ Catchments and Noosa Integrated Catchment Association.

We endeavour to build the knowledge and skills into everyday living of the next generation, university students, high school work experience students, among others. We have conducted local excursions for Year 12 Biology students from Noosa & District High School, Pomona Early Childhood Centre, Hinterland home school children, Pomona State School Year 5/6, Cooroy State School Year 4 and Cooran State School water quality monitoring at Yellow Belly Hole. These students have had the privilege of learning about water quality, land use management and environmental awareness.

The FarmFLOW project funded by SEQ Catchments, has allowed us to maintain our working and research relationship with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and enabled us to continue training Green Army participants in water quality management and land use management.

Education and awareness continues to be the focus of NDLG’s Waterwatch program. We have had representation at the Noosa Festival of Water, Queensland Garden Expo, World Environment Day and Noosa Biosphere day.

Vanessa Moscato, Gemma Wright and I continue our training and networking. Mari Gray and Gemma attended GIS training held by SEQ Catchments. I attended a grant writing workshop facilitated by Wombat Creative, cultural awareness training with Bev Hand, and the Queensland Landcare Conference. We all attended the Lake Cootharaba Community Information Session in Stage 2 of the Lake Cootharaba Nitrogen Project. More than 50 community members attended including Councillor Tony Wellington.

We were successful in gaining a grant from NRMA which will provide much-needed resources to support the current Waterwatch Program, FarmFLOW landholders, Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation Agreement participants.

Our partnerships and relationships with SEQ Catchments, Seqwater, Noosa Integrated Catchment Association, Maroochy Waterwatch, Healthy Waterways and Sunshine Coast Council continue to develop into new and exciting ventures and discoveries.

We welcomed Vanessa back from maternity leave. Our thanks go to our volunteer Mari Gray who has been a great support with trouble-shooting computers, coming to kids, school and community events and who has been on a mission to enter all data.

Waterwatch Co-ordinator’s Report

Anita Russell

Volunteer Bill


June 2012 saw the completion of the second phase of the Lake Cootharaba sediment and nutrient study, commissioned by the Sunshine Coast Council.

This study has provided preliminary estimates and quantifiable comparisons of inflows from the Kin Kin Creek catchment and the Upper Noosa River catchment, during periods of low to moderate rainfall. Lake Cootharaba’s sediment depositional zones were mapped and a three-dimensional hydrodynamic residence time model was developed.

The study also provided a record of some of the changes that have occurred in Lake Cootharaba throughout its sedimentation history from 1900 to 2012, by combining sediment profiling (geochemical, biological and physical) of catchment sources and lead 210 dating of lake sediments. A multidisciplinary, collaborative approach made it possible to bring together local knowledge from the Elanda Point National Park rangers and the Noosa Biosphere community, with scientific expertise from the University of the Sunshine Coast, the University of Queensland and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.

A series of community information sessions were held to raise awareness of the sediment and nutrient dynamics of Lake Cootharaba, Upper Noosa River and Kin Kin Catchments. Two Honours projects were also supported in this study: Nikita Tully looked at “Sources and Speciation of Dissolved Inorganic Nutrients in Lake Cootharaba and the Noosa River Catchment” and Krystina Lamb focussed on “Tracing Sources and Dating Sediments of Lake Cootharaba, South East Queensland”.

We would like to acknowledge financial and in-kind contributions that made this project possible, from the Sunshine Coast Council, Australian Government (Caring for Country), SEQ Catchments and the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Energy.

Program Support Officer’s Report Vanessa Moscato

Lake Cootharaba Sediment and Nutrient Study - Stage 2

1. Krystina Lamb and Peter Brooks of the University of the Sunshine Coast, Lake Cootharaba, with NDLG Green Army participant

2. Volunteer Mari and local home school students looking at water bugs

3. Volunteer Jess being shown the ropes by Anita

1 2

3


Noosa & District Landcare Group (NDLG) continues to support 17 bushcare groups in the Noosa Biosphere as part of the Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) Community Nature Conservation Program (CNCP). The groups range from having six working bees per month (Seaview Creek, Sunshine Beach) to a single annual event (Teewah Blitz).

The bushcare role at NDLG is managed by myself and is well supported by the dynamic NDLG staff and facilities. This year Chelsea Greensill took maternity leave. In her place, Wendy May and Aaron Brunton have added fantastic skills and experience to the program and have led some of the weekend working bees. It is also useful to have extra staff available for once-off events such as National Tree Day.

Green Army participants have provided useful assistance to the program. I attended the Queensland Landcare conference held in Brisbane and learnt from useful natural resource management workshops and presentations.

The accompaniment of NDLG to SCC for delivery of the CNCP is proving fruitful, with successful grant funds awarded to half of the Noosa region’s bushcare groups. In 2012 Community Nature Conservation groups received $76,681 in funding from Caring for Country Community Action Grants (CAG’s). Congratulations to Sunshine Beach, Weyba, North Tewantin, Cranks Creek, Dame Patti Park, Marcus Beach and North Peregian Community Nature Conservation groups for a fantastic outcome for the local environment, highlighting the commitment and dedication that conservation volunteers make to the protection and enhancement of the region’s biodiversity values. We also wish to thank Noosa Integrated Catchment Association for their continued support with the grants.

In addition, the CNCP across the Sunshine Coast has been successful in applying for the 2012–2013 Caring for Country Coastal Connect - Sunshine Coast Engagement & Critical Aquatic Habitat Project funding of $464,023. Nine NDLG bushcare groups will benefit from this project.

Seaview Creek at Sunshine Beach bushcare continues to attract funding and volunteers. The creek has experienced amazing results which are now being replicated further downstream. Weyba bushcare and Dame Patti bushcare have managed their original council reserves so well that they are branching into new areas in their surrounds and attracting more bushcarers. Cooroora Park in Pomona has attracted preschool and primary school groups as well as members of the Pomona community to various community days in the park. These events have featured tree planting, waterwatch and bushcare activities.

A Burnett Mary Regional Group Class 3 weeds grant executed by NDLG has further assisted removal of weeds in the park and on surrounding properties. Spoonbill Street and North Peregian groups received an ENERGEX grant to buy a bushcare trailer for use by the wider community.

2012 has also been a great year for investing in bushcare. 2011 CAG funds were used to purchase a ladder for nest boxes, wheel barrows, books and tools.

Volunteers have collaborated with the wider community in the projects outlined in the table on the following page.

NDLG bushcare activities and news have featured in local media including newspapers, radio, posters, website and social media. A new CNCP brochure and volunteering shirt produced by SCC will also be a great communication tool. Volunteer numbers have swelled by 5-10%.

A new project supported by SEQ Catchments, Caring for Country will facilitate community conservation stewardship of the Castaways Beach dunes. It is envisaged that a new bushcare group at Castaways could come into action in 2013.

NDLG is pleased to have secured a 2012/13 CNCP contract with SCC to continue support to the biosphere bushcarers and their many activities into 2013.

Community Nature Conservation Program Co-ordinator’s Report

Gemma Wright



National Tree Day at Cranks Creek, Tewantin; AW Dan Park; Noosa Hinterland Home School students at Cooroora Ck Park; Pomona and Cooran State Schools, Cooran

Sunshine Beach bushcare collaborated with sustainability students from the University of Georgia, USA to weed part of Noosa National Park

Kids Teaching Kids, Kids in Action Conference with 280 student delegates

Free bushcare workshops each month including native grasses, mammals and nature photography

Bushcare community days at Marcus beach, Seaview Creek, North Tewantin, North Peregian, Boreen Point; these events collaborated with local businesses who donated food and prizes

Bushcare was promoted at Noosa Biosphere day, World Environment Day, Noosa Festival of Water, the launch of the ‘Fussy Glossies’ children’s book and more

IGA corporate planting day at Pinaroo Park, Noosa Endeavour Foundation working bee at Wallace Park, Tewantin

The ‘Biosphere Bushcarers’ have also been promoted at a multitude of events that NDLG has been involved in; the bushcarers’ activities have been promoted to visiting natural resource management delegates and in numerous talks by Phil Moran

Nest boxes were made and donated to NDLG by Noosa & District High School Duke of Edinborough students; nest boxes were installed at reserves at Weyba Creek, Boreen Point and Read Street, Tewantin; a nest box monitoring system with SCC is being developed also

CNCP Volunteers have been involved in wider community projects including ...

Community Nature Conservation Program Co-ordinator’s Report (continued)

1 2

3

2

4

3. Cooroora Park Working Bee

4. Envirofund tip site

1. Boreen Point Working Bee

2. Nestboxing at Boreen Point


Noosa & District Landcare would not be able to provide such diverse services without the expertise of a range of people. Here they are: Darrin Barden (Chainsaw licence, ACDC, Cert III in Horticulture) is a Field Supervisor and brings his extensive experience with plantation establishment and management to the Conservation Services team. He is the happy glue that keeps the crew together. Dylan D’angio (Chainsaw licence, ACDC, Cert III in Horticulture) is a Field Supervisor and has been working with the Conservation Services team for five years. Chelsea Greensill (Chainsaw licence, ACDC, Cert III in Horticulture) has extensive knowledge of local plants and regeneration techniques. She started as a trainee in 2002, and has been working with the Conservation Services team for over five years. Chelsea works in the nursery and supervises weekend working bees with the Community Nature Conservation Program. Peter Hewston (Chainsaw licence, ACDC) is currently undertaking Cert III in Horticulture and works as a trainee in environmental rehabilitation with Conservation Services.

Aimee Roil (Chainsaw licence, ACDC) is currently undertaking Cert III in Horticulture and works as a trainee to support the Nurseries Manager and in environmental rehabilitation with Conservation Services Ross Marks (Chainsaw licence, ACDC) is currently undertaking Cert III in Horticulture and works as a trainee in environmental rehabilitation with Conservation Services. Ross also applies his considerable skill in photography to assisting NDLG in their marketing objectives. Charlie Sparks is a Field Supervisor and has extensive experience and knowledge of sustainable forestry and broad-scale weed control in the Sunshine Coast region. Aaron Brunton is currently undertaking a Diploma in Conservation & Land Management. He is keen to play a key role in bush regeneration and a sustainable future for the Sunshine Coast. Catrina Samson, Melvina Osborne and Lyn Harm work in our nurseries assisting with propagation, volunteer supervision, plant sales and orders.

Staff in Operations


Environmental Training and Education

Provision of environmental education, advice, activities and training to the Noosa and surrounding districts is a constitutional aim. It aims to influence and create generational change by empowering through learning and demonstrating good practice.

This unit disseminates information to the community through every aspect of NDLG operations. It also provides extension services to landholders and educational packages to the schools of the Noosa region in general environmental and natural resource management issues.

The work to date has incorporated accredited and non-accredited training including conservation and land Management and horticulture. Over 100 Green Army personnel and trainees have received successful qualifications with Noosa Landcare since 2002.

Current Capacity Environmental Education and Training provides the following services:

• Property visit service for landholders

• Information sheets and resources on land and water management issues

• Providing co-ordination and support to community

bushcare groups to rehabilitate bushland areas through the Community Nature Conservation Program

• Community tree-planting events

• A range of related workshops (plant identification, fauna, biodiversity, weeds, carbon farming, water monitoring, property planning, conservation agreements, etc)

• Seed collection walks

• Public displays and talks

• Availability of an environmental resource library

• Demonstration sites in riparian and remnant vegetation management

• Involvement of school groups in Landcare projects and activities

• Working with schools and other groups to develop environmental education packages

• Provision of training to the long-term unemployed through government schemes

• Development of a trained environmental workforce through involvement in traineeship programs

Members and Volunteers

Members and volunteers undertake a variety of activities, voluntarily, such as water quality testing and monitoring, nursery propagation and hygiene, planting and weeding of bushland sites on public land, assistance with school and community education and administrative activities. Volunteers are the working force in the nurseries and help spread the Landcare ethic throughout the community. Financial members are generally not involved in day-to-day operations of the Group, although many volunteer their time to help out. Membership entitles you to vote annually at the Annual General Meeting, four free newsletters each year, E-News every month, hat and gloves, 10% discount on plants and books as well as access to a number of educational workshops or events delivered throughout the year. Greater discounts and a free book apply to gold, silver and bronze memberships. Activities and programs for members and volunteers are co-ordinated by qualified and experienced staff.

Volunteers Management Committee

Rural Futures Centre Office

Permaculture Garden

Riparian Nursery

Rural Futures Centre Nursery

Waterwatch Network

Bushcare over

Volunteer co-ordination

No 6

1

2

10

5

30+

100+

Members 250



Members and Volunteers (continued)

Tree planting, Peregian Beach

Aaron with Liz, Waterwatch volunteer Working bee, Rainforest Court

Sue, nursery volunteer

Nursery volunteers

Working Bee, Marcus Beach

Noosa & District Landcare Group Inc PO Box 278, Pomona Q 4568

Tel: 07 5485 2468 Fax: 07 5485 0413 [email protected] www.noosalandcare.org

ABN: 73 315 096 794

annual report 2011-12 - noosa land care · 2011-12 annual report noosa & district landcare...

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