Council acknowledges we are on the ancestral lands of the Gunung-Willam-Balluk. Council passes on respect to the elders of traditional family clans, past and present.

Photo: Chilean Needle Grass

HUME CITY COUNCIL

RE-SOURCERural Environment Newsletter AUTUMN 2015

www.hume.vic.gov.au

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Ask the expertsHume City Council is promoting a new feature in Resource. Readers now have the opportunity to write in to our experts with a land management question. Each quarter several questions will be chosen, with the question and answer featuring in the latest addition of Resource. If you have a burning land management question, email it by 10 April 2015 to resource@hume.vic.gov.au

Did you know?Council offers a service whereby landowners can take a photo of a weed specimen, email it to namethatplant@hume.vic.gov.au and have it identified by a Council officer.

Instructions for emailing your images:

Photo files must be between 1 megabyte and 6 megabytes (or no more than 9 megabytes per email)

Photos must be accompanied by:

■ Your full name and contact details

■ The location of the plant on the property

■ A brief description of the plant’s key features

■ Please use the GPS function if your camera permits

Conserving our Rural Environment Grant Program Update!Small grant application closing soon 2014-15The Conserving our Rural Environment (CoRE) grant replaced the Sustainable Land Rebate and the Rural Areas Plant Donation Scheme in July 2014.

The small grant is provided as a $300 (excluding GST) reimbursement to the landowner following submission and approval of an annual application form. Small grant applications are open until Tuesday 31 March 2015.

You can download an application form from Council’s website or use the following contacts to request a form or receive further information from the Sustainable Environment Department on 9205 2200 or email coregrant@hume.vic.gov.au

Applications opening soon for 2015-16!The second year of the Conserving our Rural Environment (CoRE) program is about to get underway and will continue to offer landowners an opportunity to apply for assistance to improve rural land and the environmental assets on their property.

Year 2 of the program will build on the success of Year 1, which assisted 40 landowners to undertake on-ground improvement works on their property through the Medium and Large Project grants and supported hundreds of landowners through Small grants.

Grant typesThe Small grant of $300 (excluding GST) provides basic support to landowners to continue managing their land. This grant is provided as a reimbursement to the landowner via a cheque following submission and approval of the grant application form.

Medium ($301 - $5,000 excluding GST) and Large ($,5001 - $10,000 excluding GST) Project grants provide a greater level of support. You are required to contact Council prior to submitting an application to discuss proposals and to arrange a site visit. All Medium and Large Project grant applications will need to be supported by a quote/s.

Key Dates Year 2 – 2015/2016Small Grant

■ Applications for the Small grant open 1 July 2015 subject to Council budget approval.

■ Applications for the Small grant will close 31 March 2016.

Medium and Large Project Grant

■ Medium and Large Project grants open 1 April 2015 subject to Council budget approval.

■ Applications for the Medium and Large Project grants will close 12 June 2015.

ContactFor further information about the program please contact Council’s Biodiversity Project Officer on 9205 2849 or email us at coregrant@hume.vic.gov.au

You can also visit Council’s website at www.hume.vic.gov.au

2 RE-SOURCE I AUTUMN 2015

RE-SOURCE I AUTUMN 2015 3

Seed head

As autumn approaches Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) becomes a priority for Councils Natural Landscape Management Team. It is a noxious weed in Victoria and is also currently listed as a Weed of National Significance. It is widespread throughout Hume’s roadsides, creek-lines and parkands, and poses an enormous threat to conservation areas and rural land.

Chilean Needle Grass is easily confused with a number of indigenous species, including our local Spear grasses (Austrostipa sp.). Depending on the time of year and conditions, Chilean Needle Grass is often quite distinctive.

Putting the pressure on Chilean Needle Grass

The best time for identification is during its flowering/seeding period, usually early spring. Chilean Needle Grass grows up to 1 metre in height and 0.3-0.6m in width. It forms a dense tussock with flat or somewhat in-rolled leaves. The seed is 8-10mm long and can be distinguished by its unique, purple collar (corona) that divides the seed and the awn (see image), a trait that our native species do not have. A number of its close relatives, including Lobed Needle Grass (N.charruana), Texan Needle Grass (N. leucotricha), and Cane Needle Grass (N.hyalina) can also be difficult to distinguish from one another. Correct identification of these species is a must when looking at control as all of these plants differ in terms of their reproduction, growth cycle, and preferred control techniques. (Refer to Council’s website for more details at www.hume.vic.gov.au)

Throughout autumn the Natural Landscape Management Team use an integrated approach to control. By this time most plants have already dropped their panicle seed and are now vigorously growing after a usual hot, dry summer. An integrated approach refers to the overlapping of management techniques, such as ecological burning, herbicide application, hand weeding and catcher mowing. Using this integrated approach, with constant pressure throughout much of the year is the only means of containing, reducing and eventually eradicating this invasive competitor.

For assistance with Needle Grass identification and advice about implementing an integrated control program, contact Council’s Sustainable Environment Department on 9205 2200.

Plan your autumn revegetationAutumn is the best time of year to revegetate your property, as the soils are still warm and increasingly moist and there is plenty of time for seedlings to establish their roots before the next dry hot summer. Site preparation is vital to seedling survival, including spraying out weeds to reduce any competition, and possibly, ripping hard-crusted soils or applying mulch. Planting techniques will influence survival rates. Council’s best results have been attained when using pre-soaked water crystals and digging a large hole surrounded by friable (crumbly) soil. It is also suggested that seedlings are guarded from grazing rabbits, kangaroos or stock and that guards are then removed once the canopy has grown out the top.

Funds for revegetation projects are available through the Conserving Our Rural Environment (CoRE) grants program. Contact Council’s Sustainable Environment Department on 9205 2200 to discuss a potential grant project, or to seek general advice about site preparation, species selection and maintenance. The Sunbury Landcare Association is another avenue for advice and support. They can be contacted on 9740 3178.

Council’s Autumn Rabbit Program underway Rabbits are one of Victoria’s most damaging pest animals. They cause significant problems to farmers, gardeners and the natural environment. Reducing their numbers is an important part of sustainable land management and a legal obligation for all landowners, including Council. Impacts of rabbits include:

■ Overgrazing of native vegetation

■ Damage of revegetation works

■ Exposing soils to weed invasion and erosion

■ Competition with domestic and native animals

■ Reduced agricultural production

Council’s 2015 Autumn rabbit program will be carried out from March through to April. The program aims to reduce rabbit numbers on public land through a variety of control methods. Landowners are also encouraged to consider implementing a rabbit control program on their property in conjunction with Council’s program, to maximise the success of the program.

For further information about Council’s Pest Animal Management Program, or to inquire about how to control pests on your land, contact Council’s Sustainable Environment Department on 9205 2200.

MARCH

The reality of climate changeWednesday 11 March, 6.00pm-8.30pm Hume Global Learning Centre 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows

Passionate presenter Jaime de Loma-Osorio Ricon, who trained with former US Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, will provide a compelling presentation on the latest climate science, the reality of climate change and some solutions - both large and small. The presentation is part of an Enviro Champions Meetup and will be followed by a discussion. Light supper will also be provided.

APRIL

Winter warming without a bill blow outWednesday 8 April 6.00pm-8.30pm Hume Global Learning Centre 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows

Find out ways to make your home feel warmer without blowing out your energy bill this winter and recieve energy saving freebies! This event is part of a Hume Enviro Champions Meet Up. Light supper will be provided.

MAY

Community Plantings (bookings not required)

Sunday 3 May, 10.00am-12.30pm Friends of Emu Bottom Wetland Emu Bottom Wetland, Racecourse Rd, Sunbury (Melway 362 F7)

Saturday 16 May, 10.00am-12.30pm Friends of Holden Flora and Fauna Reserve Jackson’s Hill, Hammersmith Crt, Sunbury (Melway 382 G10)

Sunday 17 May, 10.00am-12.30pm Friends of Malcolm Creek and Grasslands Malcolm Creek Grasslands Malcolm Creek Parade, Craigieburn (Melway 386 K5)

Saturday 23 May, 10.00am-12.30pm Tullamarine Miniature Live Steam Society Bulla Miniature Railway, Green St, Bulla (Melways 177 B7) (enter workshop driveway just after CFA)

Sunday 31 May, 10.00am-12.30pm Sunbury Landcare, Emu Valley Reserve, Valley View Crescent, Sunbury (Melway 362 F1)

Booking required for workshops. Visit hume.vic.gov.au/livegreenworkshops or call the Live Green Team on 9205 2473.

Land Management Workshops - Register your place now!You are invited to attend the following free land management workshops in Hume.

Bookings are essential for catering purposes. To register your attendance, contact the Sustainable Environment Department on 9205 2279 or email resource@hume.vic.gov.au

Other Free Events

Developing a Land Management PlanCome to an introductory property planning workshop to gain an understanding of the basic principles of good property management.

Date: Sunday 22 March 2015

Time: 9.00am-3.00pm

Venue: Jack McKenzie Hall, Green Street, Bulla (Melway Ref: 177 B7)

Topics will include: introduction to land and property planning, how to map property features, how to make improvements to your property and how to develop a three year action plan.

Chemicals Users Course (Certificate Level 3)

This nationally accredited course is run over two days. An important course if you use herbicides to assist with the management of your property.

Dates: Sunday 17 AND 31 May 2015

Time: 8:30am-4:30pm

Venue: Jack McKenzie Hall, Green Street, Bulla (Melway Ref: 177 B7)

Topics will include: preparation and application of chemicals, how to transport, handle and store chemicals and the current legislative requirements.

Sunbury Landcare Association - Annual General MeetingDate: Wednesday 22nd of April

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Evans Street Grassland Meeting Room

Guest speaker: John Bradford

A brief talk on weed control works at the Ramsar Wetlands, Point Cook followed by a session on weed control and herbicide management.

Feedback regarding the current edition or contributions are welcome and can be directed to our Rural Environment Officer by emailing resource@hume.vic.gov.au or calling 9205 2200.

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