coorong tatiara - the lakes hublakeshub.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/coorong-ta... · october 9th...

Coorong Tatiara LAP Newsletter 1 Spring 2010

Coorong Tatiara Coorong Tatiara Coorong Tatiara Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan NewsletterLocal Action Plan NewsletterLocal Action Plan NewsletterLocal Action Plan Newsletter

Sustainability, Agriculture & the EnvironmentSustainability, Agriculture & the EnvironmentSustainability, Agriculture & the EnvironmentSustainability, Agriculture & the Environment

What's on this SpringWhat's on this SpringWhat's on this SpringWhat's on this Spring

September

1st - Keith Youth Environment Council 6th - River Murray Youth Council Meeting - Murray Bridge 6th - Landcare week 7th - Mallee Sustainable Farming Field Day - Waikerie 8-9th - Pasture cropping/No kill course, Mt Pleasant 10th - Tintinara Weed Warriors 12th - Sustainable House Day 14th—Karoonda Trial Site Walk @ Lowaldie 15th - Southern Lagoon Pumping Information Night, Gemini Downs 16th-17th - Upper North Farming Systems/Native Grass Tour 17th - Tintinara and Keith School bridal Creeper Day 23rd - Bridal Creeper field day, Meningie

October

5th- World Habitat Day 9th - Keith Show 16th - Coonalpyn Show 17-23rd - Water week 25th - River Murray Youth Council

November

3rd - SE Junior Youth Forum 8th - National Recycling Week 21st - Pangarinda Arboretum open day, Wellington

Project UpdateProject UpdateProject UpdateProject Update

The 2010 Caring for our Country On-ground Works Program is now in full swing with around 12,000 hectares of works now in process. With Spring approaching these works will be inspected by CTLAP officers. An officer will be in contact soon to make an inspection time and property visit. Payments will be made soon after. This is a good opportunity to discuss future funding options with the officers. Numerous workshops and field days are being hosted by the CTLAP so please contact us for any more information on these days.

Spring 2010

In this IssueIn this IssueIn this IssueIn this Issue

◊ Threatened species day

◊ Naturelinks ◊ Weed Spotters program

◊ Perennial pasture trends for 2010

◊ Article by Ben Hooper, Nuffield Scholar

◊ Pest plant calendar ◊ Welcome new staff ◊ NRM Group Update ◊ River Murray Youth Council Update

◊ Soils after drains ◊ Locust Information ◊ Managing rabbits ◊ Weed warnings ◊ NRM Education pages ◊ Tree farmer of the year

Mount Boothby Fox Baiting WorkshopMount Boothby Fox Baiting WorkshopMount Boothby Fox Baiting WorkshopMount Boothby Fox Baiting Workshop

12 Landholders in the vicinity of the Mount Boothby Con-servation Park and the Department for Environment and Heritage (DENR) have banded together for a coordinated fox baiting program for the protection of the areas endan-gered Mallee Fowl. SE NRM Authorised Officer Ian Qualmann conducted the workshop on August 23rd and the fox baits were supplied by the Coorong Tatiara LAP Program. This is the first time that DENR and Local Landholders have coordinated the baiting program in this region and it is planned to make this at least a twice yearly event.


Free pest information sessionsFree pest information sessionsFree pest information sessionsFree pest information sessions

The SE NRM Board can provide free presenta-tions to your community group or to any group of interested persons on pest plants or pest animals. The beauty of these presentations is that they can be designed specifically for your interests or needs and can be delivered at a time and location that suits you and your group best.

Topics can include:

� Weed identification skills

� Best practice control methods

� Impacts of pest plants and pest animals

� Strategies to prevent weed spread

We’re happy to tailor a session to suit your needs. Presentations can be ½ hour to whole day, weekdays or weekends, morning, noon or night. For further information please contact Leah Feuerherdt on (08) 8463 7427 or at [email protected]

Looking for something fun and a little

bit different to do with the whole fam-ily on a weekend this September?

Here’s your chance to explore the treas-ures of the Limestone Coast and celebrate Biodiversity Month as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local community groups take Threatened Species Day to the Piccaninnie Ponds area (date and location to be con-firmed). The day will include heaps of hands on ac-tivities for the kids (and young at heart), as well as fantastic opportunities to learn more about our local threatened plants and wildlife, and where they live. Prizes, giveaways, talks by special guests, chil-dren’s crafts and guided tours will also feature, along with heaps of other exciting activities to be announced. Keep an eye on local media over upcom-ing weeks for more information, or contact Becky McCann, DENR threatened species community support officer on 8735 1112.

Threatened Species DayThreatened Species DayThreatened Species DayThreatened Species Day

Come visit the LAP Come visit the LAP Come visit the LAP Come visit the LAP

team at the Keith team at the Keith team at the Keith team at the Keith

ShowShowShowShow

October 9thOctober 9thOctober 9thOctober 9th

◊ Bring your water sample for salinity testing

◊ Plant and Weed identification

◊ NRM Education Activities

◊ Information on the LAP funding program

◊ Bridal Creeper

Management

ReminderReminderReminderReminder

Works completed forms are due

30th September 2010


NaturelinksNaturelinksNaturelinksNaturelinks

The Department for Environment and

Heritage recently released five Naturelinks Plans including the River Murray-South

East NatureLink Plan. NatureLinks is an ambitious, landscape-scale approach to conserve the unique plants and animals of South Australia. Landscape-scale conservation is rapidly becoming the dominant approach for responding to the challenges of biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and climate change throughout the world. NatureLinks aims to manage and restore large areas of habitat within five broad biodiversity corridors: River Murray-South East, Arid Lands, Cape Borda to Barossa and Flinders-Olary. This approach builds on existing conservation programs and protected areas by coordinating conservation efforts across private and public land. The NatureLinks Plans provide a long term vision for a landscape that will sustain people, industry, culture, plants and animals through healthy ecosystems. The plans provide a starting point for government organisations, non-government organisations and the community to work together to secure a sustainable future for South Australia. Approaching conservation on such a large scale will take time, but will provide the best opportunity for our native species to survive and adapt to environmental change. The Department for Environment and Heritage would like to invite all South Australians to share in this ambitious vision. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n v i s i t www.naturelinks.sa.gov.au Copies of the River Murray-South East NatureLink Plan are available from the Department for Environment and Heritage Murraylands Office in Berri or phone 85952111

Do you spend time in our natural environment?

Are you interested in plants and weeds?

Would you like to have a crucial role in protecting our natural re-

sources? If you answered yes then join the SE NRM Board’s Weed Spotters Program! The Weed Spotters Program is all about detecting new weeds before they become established and impact on our environment and productivity. All training and resources are provided by the Board and all you need to do is stay observant and report what you see- EASY! For further information please contact Leah Feuerherdt on (08) 8463 7427 or at [email protected]

Weed SpottersWeed SpottersWeed SpottersWeed Spotters

Resources AvailableResources AvailableResources AvailableResources Available

At the ctlapAt the ctlapAt the ctlapAt the ctlap

⇒ Water Salinity testing ⇒ Salinity meter ⇒ WC Diamond tree planter ⇒ Pottiputki tree planters ⇒ Plant and weed identification


Perennial Pasture Establishment trendsPerennial Pasture Establishment trendsPerennial Pasture Establishment trendsPerennial Pasture Establishment trends

Have you ever wondered why so many questions are asked when filling out an

application? Those 210 landholders who have applied for the 2010 CTLAP On-ground works, would be familiar with our works proposal forms and costings. We

use the information provided in these forms (Yes, we do use it) to create a general trend for each season. The 2010 perennial pasture establishment data has been collated and provided for you for your own information. Please note this

information is supplied prior to the season and is based on predicted works.

Lucerne Varieties

AuroraAquariusAR8

Copper 9.5Eureka

FlairdaleHalmark

Hunter riverHunterfield

LS5Merlin

MinstralMixed

ML99Own Seed

PegasisQTS

QuadrellaSardi 7

SequelSiriverStamina 676

Super 7Super ChargeSuper Cuff

Super SonicSuper Star

SurviorTrifecta

UQLWizard

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Variety

Frequency

Based on 138 sites, 31 dif-ferent varieties of lucerne seed have been used throughout the area, Aurora, Hunterfield and Flairdale being the most popular.

Most Lucerne throughout the district is sown during June, with timing ranging from April to August. The time of sowing however is dependent on rainfall.

Month of Sowing

M a y

J u n e

J u l y

A p r i l A u g

Seeding Rate kg/ha

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

3kg 4kg 4.5kg 5kg 6kg 6.5kg 7kg 7.5kg 8kg 9kg

Rate (kg/ha)

Fre

quency

Out of 102 farmers the average quantity of seed used was 5.2 kilograms per hectare with most farmers using 5kg/ha. The amounts ranged from 3kg-9kg.


0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Fre

qu

en

cy

<100

100-150

150-200

200-250

250-300

300-350

350-400

400-450

450-500500+

Cost ($/ha)

Cost of Lucerne Establishment

Based on costings from 138 farmers, the average cost of perennial pasture establishment was $248.5 per hectare, with a range of $83—$907/ha. A major-ity of the landholders fell between $200 and $300/ha.

Of those who had es-tablished a cover crop, a majority used Barley. Cover crops are a good way to prevent wind erosion problems during lucerne establishment.

Covercrop

55

5

44 2 11 1 1

Barley Lupins Rye

Oats Triticale Peas

Vetch Last year stubble All ready covered

Pre emergent weed control had quite a diverse result. Out of 220 listed, Round Up was the most popu-lar control method. 25 different chemi-cals were listed. Post emergent weed control was also very diverse with 23 dif-ferent chemicals of which Raptor being the most common.

Perennial Pasture Establishment trendsPerennial Pasture Establishment trendsPerennial Pasture Establishment trendsPerennial Pasture Establishment trends

Round UpAl lyAmicide

Boxer Gold

Broadstr ikeCr edi t/ Bonus

Cul ti vationEster 680

Gar lon

GlyphosphateGoal

Hammer

KnockdownL.V Ester

Panmex

PowermaxSlashing

Spr ayseed

Str i kerTr ef lan

Tr i f l ur 480Tr i f l ur al in

Tr i logy

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Frequency

Weed Control method


Scholarship awarded to TINTINARA localScholarship awarded to TINTINARA localScholarship awarded to TINTINARA localScholarship awarded to TINTINARA local

In October last year I was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship to investigate “Pest and Disease Management in the Apiary Industry” with a focus on the cold storage of bee hives. This program has given me the opportunity to study abroad for 16 weeks as well as the privilege of been a part of a truly unique network in the agriculture sector. I work in the family’s beekeeping business involving 1200 hives managed for pollination services and honey production. Recently I completed the second stage of the scholarship which involved a six week global focus program. This target of this unique program is to extract you from your everyday business and to give a broad overview of Agriculture and the cultures involved in production and consumption.

As a group of 8 we visited France, Belgium, UK, Ireland, Canada, Texas, China and the Philippines. To say the least, it was an intense trip and quite the learning experience! First stop on the itinerary was a guided tour of the WW1 Western front ending at the Menin Gate in in Ypres where we attended the evening remembrance service. I was amazed to find that every night over 5000 people gather for the reading of the Ode and the Last Post.

This was an extraordinary lead into Brussels, where we spent the next few days learning about the European Union policy. Of particular interest is their domestic subsidy schemes and most importantly their import tariff systems. A lot of what we learnt was hard to stomach, as much of the policy is a thorn in the side to Australia as we are so reliant on our exports. It was however the basis for great debate when we were to travel with European partners. Our group was treated to an amazing itinerary, including visits to Rothamsted Research institution in the UK where they have been conducting wheat on wheat trials for over 140 year. Ruminate omissions testing in Ireland, the basis for current methane statistic. Visiting the Three Hills Hutterite colony in Canada was an eye opener, a great business model but an interesting way of life. The Texas pan handle was exceptional in terms of sheer production, but seemingly not sustainable as in some areas their double crop of cotton and corn is amounting to a water table decline as much as seven feet. To see China’s emerging middle class, numbering over 300 million people, in action was mind boggling. There is no doubt they will take over as the largest economy in the world. Their stimulus package was completely based on infrastructure and it was truly amazing to witness such a massive expansion in road and rail. China is the biggest producer of Wheat and rice in the world, it was hard to fathom as this is achieved by land allocation of 1/15 of a hectare per person and next to no mechanical aid. The growth in the dairy sector was the most startling observation, traditionally milk has not been a part of their diet but the picture speaks for its self.

This was our core group


We finished at the International Rice Research Centre in the Philippines where some of the most crucial research, in terms of physically feeding the human race, occurs. Over a 1/3 of the world’s population is reliant on rice as their staple diet. This centre puts the debate of genetically modified products under the microscope and paints a very a worthy picture for its purpose.

It’s hard to describe a trip of this magnitude in a few words! The Nuffield experience, thus far, has been more powerful than I could have ever hoped. I’m looking forward to the final stage of the scholarship, where I have the opportunity to study the international Apiary industry. Article by Ben Hooper, Tintinara

By Ben HooperBy Ben HooperBy Ben HooperBy Ben Hooper

YiLi dairy company’s growth, which generally represents the dairy industries growth (Income, Brand Value, Tax Paid)

As the weather starts warming again, control of some of our perennial pest plants needs to occur. Be on the lookout for Boneseed, its bright yellow daisy like flowers should be starting to emerge, which makes spotting amongst the native vegetation nice and easy. Young plants are easily removed by hand pulling, larger ones can be removed with use of mattock or spade or even cut and paint/scrape stems with glyphosate. Bridal Creeper rust should be starting to appear around the region. This bio-control helps reduce the impact of Bridal creeper on native vegetation. Check out a bridal creeper patch on a roadside near you to see if the rust is present, you should see small yellow dots on the leaf surface, with small rings of rust pustules on the undersides of the leaves. Not there, why not try making and spreading spore water, it’s simple and can be done now. Contact a LAP or NRM officer on where you might find a collection spot for BC rust and further instruction on how to make spore water.

Pest plant control calendarPest plant control calendarPest plant control calendarPest plant control calendar

Boneseed Plant


SE Welcomes New SE Welcomes New SE Welcomes New SE Welcomes New

Threatened Species TeamThreatened Species TeamThreatened Species TeamThreatened Species Team

Rare and threatened plants and wildlife of the South East will continue to be supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR, formerly DEH), with a new threatened species team building on the work and enthusiasm of previous staff and community volunteers. The team of Oisín Sweeney, project manager and ecologist, Toby Read, on ground works coordinator, and Becky McCann, community support officer, started in July, and are based in DENR’s Mount Gambier office. “The threatened species program is still going strong,” said Mr. Sweeney. “We’re just taking a different approach. We will continue the great work already being undertaken, working closely with the community and our other partners to build on these achievements and help ensure the survival and recovery of threatened species and habitats throughout the region.” You can contact the threatened species team on (08) 8735 1112 or visit their website www.environment.sa.gov.au

Water conservation, weed management and climate change are some of the environmental management topics that will be addressed by new South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management (SA MDB NRM) Board Lower Murray education coordinator Harry Beauchamp. The NRM Education Program, which is offered to all schools throughout the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Region, will be locally led by Mr Beauchamp and fellow NRM education coordinator Pippa Cattanach. Mr Beauchamp, who began his position with the SA MDB NRM Board last month, will bring a wealth of experience to the position including 27 years as a primary school teacher. “During my 27 years as a teacher I developed an interest and passion for environmental issues and incorporated this into students’ learning,” Mr Beauchamp said. “While at Murray Bridge North School I developed sequential programs in environmental studies, which involved students in local environmental projects and monitoring and I encouraged other staff to run the programs themselves. “Over the past four years I have worked as an overnight educator and tour host at Monarto Zoo and as an NRM education officer focusing on the Waterwatch and Weed Warriors programs. This has enabled me to develop links with many of the Lower Murray schools that I will be working with.” Mr Beauchamp said he was looking forward to working together with students and staff to learn more about NRM and making their schools more environmentally sustainable. “I am impressed with the range of activities, actions and programs they are involved in that are already making a difference in their local areas,” Mr Beauchamp added. Mr Beauchamp will support schools with the Waterwatch, Weed Warrior and other education sessions, facilitate the Junior Youth Environment Forum and assist schools as they progress as sustainability leaders in their communities. The SA MDB NRM Board NRM Education Program works in partnership with the Department of Education and Children’s Service to implement the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative SA, which is an internationally recognised best practice model guiding schools to become more sustainable.

Welcome HarryWelcome HarryWelcome HarryWelcome Harry


At the Beginning of this new year the Lower Murray Youth Council kicked it off with some exciting adventures and changes. Not only have we continued our mission to change our schools by creating school action plans, but also this year we have travelled around our great state participating in a variety of activities. The first few months took us through some rocky roads with the farewell to our old mentor; Kath Thompson, and the introduction to our amazing new mentor; Jodie Sommerville. As well as the induction of our new chair Bethany Jurgs. However, we managed to start off the year with a road trip to Katarapko Creek where a few members of the council joined in on a canoe trip up the creek. We stopped at intervals to learn about the amazing ecosystems that are part of the creek and about the work that is going in to maintain the area. In recent weeks we have continued to work on our school projects with some beautiful gardens planned along with various actions such as shorter showers and riding our bikes to school and work being put into action. Not only have we worked in our individual school groups but in a team of enthusiastic students at the Adelaide AYCC Climate Change Summit. These lucky students were able to attend workshops designed to educate young Australians on the effects of climate change and the actions we can take to maintain our earth. They were also involved in a protest rally through the streets of rundle handing out information cards concerning this year’s election. The Lower Murray Youth Council are excited to continue the work they have been starting this year and cannot wait for the upcoming events that we will be participating in. Thank You to all those involved in making the Council Possible, Bethany Jurgs, LMYC Chairperson

Lower Murray Youth CouncilLower Murray Youth CouncilLower Murray Youth CouncilLower Murray Youth Council

Coorong Southern Lagoon

Pumping Project Information 15th of September

The Northern Natural Resource Management group is hosting an information night in the proposed Southern Lagoon Pumping Project and the current and future ecological health of the Coorong, surrounding wetlands and the Upper South East Drainage system. Glynn Ricketts—Project Manager, Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Program, Department of Environment and Natural Re-sources will be speaking on the proposed Southern Lagoon pumping project. The Co-orong has suffered from zero flows over the barrages since 2006. As a consequence, the Coorong's Southern Lagoon in now five to six times as salty as seawater—almost dou-ble the salinity levels since the mid 1980’s. A proposal to pump hypersaline water out of the Southern Lagoon is being considered as part of the long term plan for the Coorong. Mark De Jong—Senior Environment Officer, Adaptive Management South Eastern Water Conservation and Drainage Board will be speaking on the adaptive environment man-agement of the Upper South East Wetlands and Drainage systems. He will also focus on the wetlands that have recently been inun-dated. The Northern NRM Group strongly encour-ages all interested community members to attend. Please RSVP to Naomi Brick on 87 246 032 by Friday 10th of September for directions and catering purposes as a light supper will be served.

Meet your Northern NRM Group

at the Keith Show The Northern NRM Group in conjunction with the Coorong Tatiara LAP will be at the Keith Show on October 9. We would love to meet you and answer queries you have about natural resource management in the region. We will also be running a service testing wa-ter for salinity levels and providing informa-tion on controlling Bridal Creeper using sporewater. Hope to see you on the 9th!

Northern NRM Group UpdateNorthern NRM Group UpdateNorthern NRM Group UpdateNorthern NRM Group Update


Pastures after the drainsPastures after the drainsPastures after the drainsPastures after the drains

The ‘Pastures after the Drains’ project is producing some interesting insights into soil conditions near the Upper South East drains. The project was initiated by the South East Natural Resources Management Board in 2008 and is run by Diana Dunstan of the SARDI pasture research team at Struan Research Centre. The Struan-based project is trying to understand the impacts of the drainage scheme by focusing on soil salinity levels in land near the drains. Importantly, the project is also identifying the most productive pasture species for areas impacted by the drains. The project is funded through the Federal Government’s ‘Caring for Our Country’ program.

What Has Been Done? The team has conducted a total of 45 soil surveys in the Upper South East over the summers of 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Survey sites were mostly selected where drains were at least 1.5 metres deep. Samples were collected from the topsoil (0-10 cm) at intervals of between 100-300 metres from the drain, out to a maximum distance of three kilometres. Pasture evaluation sites were established in June 2009 near the Taratap, Fairview, Bunbury and Mount Charles drains. A wide array of perennial and annual leg-umes, grasses and herbs were sown. The performance of these species has now been monitored for just on 12 months and is providing valuable insights into the best adapted species. New pasture demonstration sites were established in June this year next to the Taratap, Bald Hill and Bunbury drains. These sites are comparing the best-performing pastures when sown as grass/legume mixes.

Soil samples being collected from the top 10cm

of soil near the Mt Charles Drain

What Have We Found? Our studies have shown that the majority of land surveyed contained low levels of topsoil salinity. Almost no salinity was found in the topsoils in the southern parts of the study area, while low salinity levels were found in about two thirds of topsoils in the northern zone. It is unclear if these low levels can solely be attributed to the influence of the drains, or to the recent run of dry years, or both. The results of some of the surveys are presented in the charts below. Salinity (ECe) levels of 2-3 are considered to be low. It is important to note that while salinity levels may generally be low in the topsoil, it does not imply that subsoil salinity levels will also be low. The SARDI pastures team will be tak-ing a closer look at this issue next summer. The outcome of these investigations will pro-vide valuable insights into the likely long-term success of perennial species such as lu-cerne.


Pastures after the drainsPastures after the drainsPastures after the drainsPastures after the drains

Ballater East, Didicoolum, Fairview and Wongawilli Drains

Salinity Measurements over Distance. Feb-Mar 2009

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800

Distance from Drain (m)

Calculate

d E

Ce (dS/m

)

Ballater East(2m)

Didicoolum 1(3m)

Didicoolum 2(2m)

Didicoolum 3(3m)

Fairview 1(3m)

Fairview 2(2m)

Wongawilli(3m)

Bunbury, Mt Charles and Taunta Hut Drains

Salinity Measurements over Distance. Jan-Mar 2009

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

20.0

22.0

24.0

26.0

28.0

30.0

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1200 1400 1600

Distance from Drain (m)

Calculate

d E

Ce (dS/m

)

Bunbury 2(2m)

Bunbury 3(1.5m)

Mt Charles 1(1.5m)

Mt Charles 2(2m)

Mt Charles 3(3m)

Taunta Hut 1(2m)

Where To From Here? One of the main objectives of this project is to develop a set of pasture establishment guide-lines for areas impacted by the deep drains. The pasture demonstration sites established ear-lier this year will greatly assist this process. These sites will allow producers to see the results first-hand at field days to be held later this year. Detailed results of the 2009 soil surveys and pasture evaluation assessments are now avail-able on the nrmSPACE.se website. Results of the 2010 soil surveys are currently being inter-preted and will be soon be added to the website. Further information on the project and cop-ies of the ‘Soils after the Drains’ factsheet can be obtained by contacting Diana Dunstan at Struan on 08 8762 9195, or by emailing [email protected].


Managing Rabbits NumbersManaging Rabbits NumbersManaging Rabbits NumbersManaging Rabbits Numbers

As the optimum time for rabbit control approaches the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management (SA MDB NRM) Board is encouraging local farmers to obtain professional advice and assistance from the Board to develop an integrated rabbit control program. According to SA MDB NRM Board senior officer Kym Haebich there has been a slight increase in rabbit numbers throughout the Mallee region and those numbers may continue to build as spring approaches. “It is important to clean up around properties and remove any old timber or dead bushes, which could provide homes for rabbits,” Mr Haebich said. "You can't depend on biocontrol, landholders need to inspect their properties and target rabbit hot spots.” Since their introduction from Europe in the 1800s, the effect of rabbits on the ecology of Australia has been devastating and resulted in millions of dollars worth of crop damage. SA MDB NRM Board operations manager Peter Michelmore said the Board recognises pest

animal and plant control is fundamental to sustainable land management and is a key

component of the Board’s Business Plan.

“SA MDB NRM Board officers will soon be actively planning for the annual summer control

programs,” Mr Michelmore said. “Our project officers map rabbit activity on roadsides to

estimate resources required by landholders such as supply of appropriate bait.”

Mr Michelmore said the Board will work together with local landholders during November to

April, which is the optimum time to undertake rabbit control. “We normally provide

approximately 20 tonnes of oat bait material in rural areas and 2 tonnes of Pindone laced

carrots in the semi urban areas per year,” Mr Michelmore added. ”The Board also has 20

bait-layers strategically placed at depots across the region available for hire at a nominal

fee.” An integrated Best Practice Manual including contractor engagement advice for warren

destruction is also available on request.

For more information or to talk to a SA MDB NRM Board project officer about rabbit control,

please telephone 8582 4477 (Berri), 8532 1432 (Murray Bridge), 8391 7500 (Mt Barker) or

visit: www.samdbnrm.sa.gov.au.

The SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Board is encouraging local farmers to obtain professional

advice and assistance to develop a rabbit control program during spring and summer.


R e p o r t s a n d

observations from autumn surveys

indicate that egg laying has occurred in some areas north

east of the Dukes Hwy from Keith.

Hatchings in the Upper SE are expected to occur in

late September with the mid instar (ideal

life stage for control) occurring about mid October.

PIRSA is working with landholders, local government, NRM Boards, DENR and interstate agencies to i m p l e m e n t a coordinated response to this locust plague. Control centres are being established at Loxton and Orroroo. PIRSA’s response will be centred on aerial c o n t r o l ( w h e r e possible) of mid instar bands with NRM Board assistance in other areas i.e. council land a n d r o a d s i d e s . Landholders are asked to control locust on their properties, but if swarms are too large (>75 ha) or you do not have the capacity to respond then PIRSA or the NRM Boards may be able to assist. A rebate is being offered to landholders in defined areas to offset some of the costs associated with locust control, see website below for further details.

If locusts are observed on your property, please contact the locust hotline (until Sept 1) on 1300 666

010 or the Loxton control centre (after Sept 1) on 1800 833 451. Check out http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/locust for more

information on chemical rebates, locust distribution maps and other updates.

Locust InformationLocust InformationLocust InformationLocust Information

South Australian Locust Survey 2010

19th—30th April


NRM Education SnapshotNRM Education SnapshotNRM Education SnapshotNRM Education Snapshot

Coonalpyn School join the LAP team outside for a plant identification workshop

Tintinara Area School Celebrate National Tree Day at Lake Indawarra

Tintinara Students participate in Waterwatch at Lake Indawarra


NRM Education SnapshotNRM Education SnapshotNRM Education SnapshotNRM Education Snapshot

Raukkan School plant 500 trees for their farm forestry project in conjunc-tion with National Tree Day

Bordertown and Padtha-way Schools brave the cold to plant trees at the SE Junior Youth Forum at Naracoorte Caves

Leah releases the leaf hoppers for Tintinara Area School’s weed warriors program

Tintinara Area School gets a “Native make-over”


Coorong Committee Coorong Committee Coorong Committee Coorong Committee Henry Angas (Chairman)

Meningie

John Barrie Coonalpyn

Lester Cattle

Peake

Alistair Ifould Coomandook

Peter Miell Tintinara

Steve Murray

Coomandook

Allan Piggott Moorlands

Keith Scobie

Policeman’s Pt

Ken Strother Narrung

Gordon Stopp

Keith

Judy Zacker Tintinara

Tim Tol (Council) Tailem Bend

Coorong and Tatiara Local Action PlanCoorong and Tatiara Local Action PlanCoorong and Tatiara Local Action PlanCoorong and Tatiara Local Action Plan

LAP Project OfficerLAP Project OfficerLAP Project OfficerLAP Project Officer

Graham Gates

M: 0427 572 330

E: [email protected]

LAP Implementation OfficersLAP Implementation OfficersLAP Implementation OfficersLAP Implementation Officers

Anna Reid

M: 0447 900 001


Tracey Strugnell

M: 0427 750 050


Tintinara OfficeTintinara OfficeTintinara OfficeTintinara Office

Po Box 1021

TINTINARA SA 5266

P: 0887 572 100

F: 0887 572 222

www.coorong.sa.gov.au www.tatiara.sa.gov.au

Tatiara Committee Tatiara Committee Tatiara Committee Tatiara Committee

Adrian Barber (Chairman) Keith David Altus

MaCallum Cr Steve Dick

Bordertown Tammy Graetz Bordertown

Miles Hannemann Keith Tony Hedges Keith Josie Jackson

Willalooka John Matthews

Bordertown Trevor Thomas Wolseley

Rocky Callisto (Council) Bordertown

Congratulations Jacksons Congratulations Jacksons Congratulations Jacksons Congratulations Jacksons

Jamie and Josie Jackson from Willalooka have been named the 2010 SA Tree Farmers of the Year. They will presented with a plaque at this years Australian Forest Growers 2010 conference in Mount Gambier this October. The Jackson's will represent the state in the National Tree Grower of the year Award competition also announced this October. The Jackson's property, Tallawong, now has over 20pc tree cover, including shelterbelts, revegetated areas, timber blocks, broombush, tagasaste and fenced remnant vegetation. Their property will be one of the major sites visited in the Upper South East Low Rainfall Farm Forestry Tour at the 2010 Australian Forest growers National Conference. Registrations for the AFG Conference is now open. Information brochures and registrations can be accessed online at www.afg.asn.au

coorong tatiara - the lakes hublakeshub.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/coorong-ta... · october 9th...

Documents