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kingfishertheQuarterly magazine of the East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc.
Issue
17Making the Nicholson River Rail Trail Bridge shine!
BandiLink
Wild Dogs
What why when how where and who
2
contentsRemembering Andrea Brumley 3
Turning 100 next year - making the Nicholson River Rail Trail Bridge shine! 4
BandiLink 6
The Old and the New at Meerlieu 7
Winning the battle against Wild Dogs 8
What why when how where and who 9
Spring – very busy for Landcare 10
A helping hand for Landcare Group Projects 10
Expressions of Interest 11
What is Landcare?Landcare is a unique community driven organisation that strives to ‘do something practical’ about protecting and repairing our environment. All sorts of people take part in Landcare projects and activities – farmers, small landholders, schools and their students, professionals and visitors from Australia and around the world.
Landcare contactsEast Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. PO Box 1498, 574 Main St, Bairnsdale 3875 Phone: 03 5152 0600, Fax: 03 5152 6865
Web: www.egln.org.au
ABN: 98 434 926 368 Incorporated no. A0051001V
Staff contacts: Natalie Jenkins - Network Coordinator 03 5152 0612 [email protected]
Paul Harvey - Group Facilitator 03 5152 0608 [email protected]
April Wilkins - Group Facilitator 03 5152 0602 [email protected]
helloThe end of the year is fast approaching and the silly season is almost upon us. The Landcare team would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. To get you in the mood for the silly season, below is a little something silly:
from the Landcare team
© East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc., 2015. This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process, nor can any other exclusive right be exercised, without the permission of the East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. Published December 2015
Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims any liability for any error, loss or other consequences that may arise from you relying on the information in this publication.
Cover photo: Purple Beard Orchid at Cape Conran. Photos by Landcare staff unless otherwise stated.
VicRoads and the EPA found over 200 dead crows on the Princes Freeway near Morwell recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian Flu.
A Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone’s relief, confirmed the problem was NOT Avian Flu. The cause of death appeared to be from vehicular impacts.
However, during analysis it was noted that varying colours of paints appeared on the bird’s beaks and claws.
By analyzing these paint residues it was found that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with lorry’s, while only 2% were killed by cars.
The EPA then hired an Ornithological Behaviourist to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of truck kills versus car kills.
The Ornithological Behaviourist quickly concluded that when crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow to warn of danger.
They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout “Cah”, not a single one could shout “Lorry”
Please note that the Landcare office will be closed over the Christmas period from Monday 21st December to Friday 8th January 2016.
Regards Natalie Jenkins Network Coordinator
Happy times! Dick and Andrea
Brumley at the 10th Anniversary
Celebration Dinner for
Nicholson River Landcare in May
2014. Photo - Merryl Wright
In her element. Andrea (second
from left) prepares to lead
members of FOGL (Friends
of the Gippsland Lakes) on a walk at the
Rijs’ property at Nicholson
September 2013. Photo - Merryl Wright
In July this year, members of the Nicholson River Landcare Group were saddened by the loss of friend and colleague, Andrea Brumley. Andrea had been a member of Nicholson River Landcare since 2008 which had included a three year spell as Treasurer and from July 2013 – June 2015 she had held the position of President.
Andrea was a scientist with knowledge, skills and practical experience across a range of environmental areas, including native flora and fauna, and pest animals and plants. She was well suited to Landcare activities and as an enthusiastic educator passed on her knowledge to others.
A project which she made her own was the annual walk on the Rijs’ property in Nicholson, where on-going revegetation works over several years were transforming the landscape. As leader, Andrea would first explain the geology and geomorphology of the site, before the walkers completed the 9 km of tracks along Salt and Butchers Creeks. This event has now been named the Andrea Brumley Memorial Walk, with this October’s inaugural walk attracting 30 participants including representatives from four other Landcare groups.
Nicholson River Landcare will also place a seat of remembrance on the Rail Trail at Nicholson in recognition of Andrea’s enthusiasm, knowledge, leadership and commitment – she was a special person.
Article written by Merryl Wright – Nicholson River Landcare Group
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RememberingAndrea Brumley
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Making the Nicholson River Rail Trail Bridge shine!The Nicholson River Landcare Group was founded in 2004 following a community meeting held to discuss concerns for the health of the Nicholson River.
Working with the Nicholson Angling Club, and other organisations such as the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, the group’s initial aims were to work with landholders and managers of public land to improve the environmental health of the river and environs, with emphasis on weed removal, revegetation and protection of the riverbanks.
Rail trail bridge For the past ten years, in addition to many projects on private land, Nicholson River Landcare has made a major contribution to the rehabilitation, beautification, community access and safety of the areas adjacent to the Nicholson River Rail Trail Bridge. The year 2016 sees the Centenary of the construction of this historic Bridge, and work undertaken by Nicholson River Landcare together with its partner organisations over the past decade will ensure that the Bridge will look its best.
West side of the bridgeBy 2006, Nicholson River Landcare was supporting Friends of the East Gippsland Rail Trail, and the Rail Trail Committee of Management in a major project to rehabilitate an area of degraded remnant temperate coastal rainforest which is adjacent to the west end of the Nicholson River Rail Trail Bridge. The site slopes steeply down to the river, and initial activity focussed on repeated poisoning and removal of extensive blackberry, boxthorn and other noxious weeds. After clearing, the site was planted with native species matched to the original EVC zones, and the threatened Limestone (Buchan Blue) Wattles which have thrived on the limestone based soils at the site.
Subsequent work up to 2015 has seen stabilisation of the steep riverbank with ‘silt worms’ and plantings, walking tracks graded and gravelled for better community access and picnic tables and viewing seats installed.
Turning 100 next year
East embankment newly planted
Sept 2011
Looking across river to revegetated West riverbank 2015
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East side of bridgeOn the east side of the bridge, the old railway embankments slope away steeply on both the north and south sides of the Rail Trail walking track. Once again working with Friends of the East Gippsland Rail Trail, and the Rail Trail Committee of Management, Landcare volunteers have undertaken extensive weed removal, revegetation planting with thousands of indigenous trees and shrubs, construction and gravelling of vehicle access tracks, walking paths, access steps with safety railings and installation of signage and seats.
The recently completed and popular ‘Loop Walk” leads down from the top of the embankments up and around under the eastern Bridge abutment, providing a great view of the historic timber pylons. Shortly after the Loop Walk was completed, members of the community used the site for a ‘Pram Walk’ to raise funds for charity.
The project has a genuine community focus. Sarsfield CFA Brigade has provided volunteers and equipment to burn and clear unwanted vegetation, and the East Gippsland Shire donated bicycle racks for Rail Trail users. Local companies have donated herbicide and materials to construct bird boxes, and EG Landcare Network contributed hundreds of seedlings. Nicholson residents including Nicholson Primary School students have also joined with Landcare volunteers for planting days.
Project supportSince 2010, this project has received funding support from the State Government through Victorian Landcare Grant schemes and from the Commonwealth Government’s ‘Caring for our Country’ grants. Together with clearing and stabilising sections of weed infested riverbank a short distance upstream of the Rail Trail Bridge, and two related projects reviewing ways of reducing rabbit numbers at the revegetated sites, total project funding of almost $65,000 has enabled this work to be satisfactorily undertaken.
Merryl Wright Secretary, Nicholson River Landcare Inc.
East embankment fabulous growth
in 18 months February 2013
All photos Merryl Wright
Right: Access steps
down to Loop Walk 2014
Far right: Community
Planting Day May 2013
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The BandiLink project has been operating in the Meerlieu/Perry River area for almost 12 months with community support and funding available to continue the program in 2016. BandiLink is a Trust for Nature (Victoria) initiative supported by Communities for Nature (a Victorian Government program), the Southern Ark Project (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning), Wellington Shire Council and the East Gippsland Landcare Network.
As the project enters its second year, the BandiLink Steering Committee have decided to make some changes to the program to try and increase its effectiveness, specifically to increase fox bait take.
From December 2015, the length of time the poisoned fox baits are laid will increase from 3 days to 7 days. The poisoned meat baits are laid on the first Monday of each month for seven days. To help landholders/residents in the target area keep track of when poisoned baits will be laid, a BandiLink 2016 Calendar has been produced and will be sent out prior to Christmas.
The best way to keep your dog safe during these seven days each month is to ensure your dog doesn’t leave your property without you but, in case you are concerned that your dog may roam, dog muzzles are available FREE to landholders and residents in the target area, to help ensure your working dogs and pets are kept safe while baiting is occurring.
Other incentives available to landholders in the target area are –
▪ Partial reimbursement for contractor costs to lay 1080 baits, conditional to the use of a compliant program and records detailing number and location of bait stations
▪ Mileage reimbursement for landholders to contract shooters. Shooters must verify number of foxes shot and mileage log book to be signed by the landholder.
As funding is limited, these incentives are available on a “first in – first served” basis. For more information about the incentives please contact April Wilkins at the East Gippsland Landcare Network on 5152 0602 or [email protected]
For more information about the BandiLink project, please contact Brett Mills at Trust for Nature on 5153 2999 or 0409 530 642.
Working together to recover bandicoots and habitat links from the Great Divide to the Gippsland Coast
Sheep farmer, Craig Bush, ensures his working dogs are safe using dog muzzles for the 7 days each month that the fox baits are out. Photo – Brett Mills
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The 17 hectares of new vegetation at the Meerlieu Flora Reserve is off to a great start with the old sand dune receiving ample spring rains.
The
Innoculants for native seed.
The Rippa Seeder at work creating a very
wide furrow.
Photos - Martin Potts
Old &
the New at
Meerlieu
This revegetation site on Parks Victoria land was once cropped by the Vardy family, and, with areas of exposed sands dominating the site, natural regeneration is not occurring.
However, thanks to the recent success of the East Gippsland Care Groups Communities For Nature Funding, revegetation works are well underway.
Given the nature of the dry sands at Meerlieu, Greening Australia used one of their oldest direct seeding machines, the Rippa Seeder, to undertake the work.
“The Rippa Seeder breaks the surface mat of weeds and creates a very wide furrow that will be best for holding moisture,” explains Martin Potts, Gippsland Project Manager for Greening Australia.
A new approach has also seen Biochar and mycorrhizal spores used as inoculants to help increase the seed viability and seeding health.
“Biochar has all the elements of smoke for breaking dormancy in seed,” explains Martin, “while our fungal mix has the potential of increasing the seedling ability to find water by increasing the root zone over 100%.”
Monitoring of seed strike has begun with an excellent response so far, and the old Meerlieu Flora Reserve has a new generation of wilderness on the way.
This project is supported by the Victorian Government and article written by Martin Potts – Greening Australia Gippsland
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Winning the 2015 East Gippsland Landcare People’s Choice Award for Best Group Project was simply the icing on the cake for the Glenaladale Landcare Group.
Coordinated baiting and trapping carried out by the group over the past two years on an area covering 9,000 hectares has resulted in a massive reduction in wild dog activity.
“It’s like chalk and cheese from when we started to where we are now,” says group member, Trevor Howden, who has been baiting on four properties, including his own, as part of the coordinated baiting and trapping program.
“We believe we have knocked off almost all of the ‘inside dogs’ and while there are still plenty further out, we haven’t seen any here for twelve months.”
The impetus for the program was the availability of Australian Wool Innovation funding which allowed the group to purchase more than 7,000 baits, and employ a contractor to help bait and trap.
The group approached many landholders for permission to bait on their property, and was pleasantly surprised with the level of cooperation they received, particularly from absentee landholders and life-stylers who only come up on the weekends.
Some landholders were not aware that there were wild dogs in the area, so having remote camera footage of wild dog activity (see photo) was invaluable. “It has been extremely useful in proving to people that there really are wild dogs out there,” says Trevor. “The cameras also proved that dogs DO take baits.”
Trevor stresses that landholders should not become complacent, however. “It won’t take long for the dogs to move back in if we don’t keep the momentum up,” he says, adding that he hopes that more landholders will take advantage of funding opportunities to obtain their 1080 accreditation. “Even if you don’t have sheep, it’s important to participate. We’re all facing the same issue together.”
Wild DogsWinning the battle against
Trevor says the local Wild Dog Controller (WDC), who baited and trapped on the perimeter of their target area, was excellent to work with. “He maintained a barrier around us while we concentrated on getting rid of the ‘inside dogs.”
Article supplied from Taking Control , produced by the Department of Land, Water and Planning
Dog taking bait Glenaladale. Photo - Trevor Howden
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What why when how where and who
At the end of October, East Gippsland Landcare hosted the Victorian Landcare Council (VLC) Forum. From Friday the 30th October 2015, Landcarers from across Victoria made their way to The Abbey on Raymond Island.
The VLC hold 3 forums a year, rotating around different Catchment Management Authority regions, to learn about the region, local Landcare works and the VLC.
This time it was all about East Gippsland. Friday was committed to discussing how Landcare in East Gippsland has evolved from its beginning over 25 years ago, to how we see its future. Open and frank discussions about agriculture, the environment, succession, community, partnerships and many other challenges that lie ahead have provided valuable insight needed help to Landcare in East Gippsland plan for the future, to become stronger and even more effective.
The following day was much more relaxed with field trips looking at agricultural and environmental works with presentations by our local Landcarers, showing what we do here.
Talks by Neil Stringer from Forge Creek Lamb, Barry Newcomen from Tambo Valley Producers and Peter Treasure from Wuk Wuk Beef provided insight into how Landcare and agriculture can work together – all generating much interest and conversation.
We visited Rick and Jenny Robertson’s property to see what can be achieved with a little bit of courage and support from the local Landcare community. The Robertson’s (Bengworden Landcare) changed their grazing management practices which have resulted in a more profitable farming business, a healthier farm and a happier family.
We also visited Forge Creek, where Paul Harvey (Landcare Facilitator) explained the history of the site, demonstrating the amazing transformation from something degraded and bare to a vibrant waterway and vegetation corridor teeming with wildlife and wildflowers.
The VLC visitors were very impressed with Landcare in our region and the forum itself was a great success. People went away knowing what great work Landcare in East Gippsland is doing and what a great place it is to live!
Article written by Amanda Bartkowski – East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority
Photos - Amanda Bartkowski
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Spring– very busy for Landcare
EGLN ran a series of successful workshops this spring, attracting dozens of Landcarers.
The season began with a walk in beautiful weather around Nyerimilang Park on 12th September, which was particularly good for the birders in the group with over 40 species spotted or heard.
October started with 35 people going on a Raymond Island orchid hunt, where, thanks to local Field Naturalist, Andrew Bould, no less than 19 different orchid species were identified.
The following weekend on Sunday 11th, a group explored the rail side reserve at Fernbank, which contains a very diverse remnant of plains grassy woodland flowering species, including the endangered Blotched Diuris Orchid (Diuris sp. aff. Dendrobioides).
A small group of 13 headed to Mallacoota for the middle weekend in October, taking in a variety of local walks which included encounters with koalas, red-bellied black and white-lipped snakes, a very unusual skink, and a whole range of flowering plants, with a large colony of Eastern Mantis Orchids / Large Green Comb Spider Orchid (Caladenia tentaculata) perhaps the highlight.
The workshop season wrapped up on Saturday 8th November with a party of Victorian Landcare Council members exploring parts of Forge Creek Reserve, whilst the following day saw 27 Landcarers attending a native grass identification walk near Forestech.
A helping hand for Landcare Group Projects fringing the Gippsland LakesDoes your Landcare Group need some help delivering the on ground component of a project?
Is the project located along the Gippsland Lakes (up to 15 kms inland)?
Landcare is partnering with Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) to improve the health of the environment fringing the Gippsland Lakes by offering groups the opportunity for the GLaWAC NRM crew to help deliver the on ground labour component of your projects during 2016.
Expression of InterestThe NRM crew within GLaWAC will be working in partnership with a range of environmental organisations, including Landcare, to help deliver the on ground component of selected projects.
The NRM crew are self-sufficient and won’t require daily supervision, but they are very keen to work with Landcarers to create opportunities for shared learning and understanding of Country.
The NRM crew experiences in on ground NRM delivery include:
▪ Planting
▪ Weed control
▪ Project site maintenance i.e moving, hand pulling weeds
▪ Fencing
▪ Construction i.e nest boxes
▪ Seed collection
Please note that project materials such as fencing, plants, chemicals etc. are not supplied by the works crew, these will need to be supplied by the Landcare Group.
If your Landcare Group are interested in participating, please submit an Expression of Interest to Natalie Jenkins – Network Coordinator on 03 5152 0612 or [email protected] with the following information:
▪ Landcare Group name and contact person within group
▪ Description of project location (must be within approx. 15km of Gippsland Lakes)
▪ Description of project works required (i.e 400 plants planted, 4 ha. blackberry spraying)
▪ How many days you require the works crew
▪ When you require the works crew (between Feb & Dec 2016)
▪ Materials that will be supplied by the Landcare Group
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The East Gippsland Landcare Network are seeking expressions of interest from Landcare members who would like to be involved in activities that were not listed on the 2015-2016 GREEN Expression of Interest form.
If you are interested, please complete this form, detach from magazine and return by 31st January 2016 to the East Gippsland Landcare Network, PO Box 1498, Bairnsdale 3875 or drop off at the office at 574 Main Street, Bairnsdale 3875.
Assistance is not guaranteed, but you will be contacted by a project officer
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Home phone: __________________________ Mobile Phone: __________________________
Property address: ____________________________________________________________________
Postal address: ______________________________________________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________________________________
Please tick if interested:
Revegetation activities Hand planting of native seedlings, supplied free with card board guard. Assistance also available for partial fence cost, through a rebate system.
Number of seedlings required: ____________ Length of fence required (m): ____________
Land Class and Grazing Management Fencing Management of grazing pressure to allow for permanent ground cover, through fencing by land class and paddock size. Assistance available for partial fence cost, through a rebate system.
Length of fence required (m): ____________
Rabbit Management Community Forum: Learning – Innovation – Action
I wish to attend a 2 day forum (free) on rabbit management, to be held between March and June 2016
Top Soils – Farmer focused groupFarmer groups actively engaged in soil testing, test analysis, various forms of training, demonstration sites, support, technical advice with the aim of investigating farm soil condition, trace elements, pH, phosphorus and ground cover management and assisting with on farm adoption.
Red Gum Plains Group Foothills Group High Country Group
Expressions of Interest
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Membership formWant to join Landcare?Please complete this form and return to: East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. PO Box 1498 Bairnsdale 3875
Note: If sending a cheque, please make it out to your choice of Landcare Group - as listed below
Surname name (s)
First name (s)
Mailing address
Phone no. Mobile no.
Property address (If different to mailing address)
Signature
Membership type
ð Family ð Individual
Note: For insurance purposes, all members of a family membership must be listed.
ð Bairnsdale Urban $20.00
ð Bengworden $22.00
ð Bruthen $20.00
ð Buchan $16.50
ð Clifton Creek $20.00
ð Dargo $20.00
ð Eagle Point $20.00
ð Eastwood $25.00
ð Flaggy Creek $10.00
ð Friends of Picnic Point $25.00
ð Gelantipy $20.00
ð Glenaladale $25.00
ð Lakes Entrance Community $20.00
ð Lower Tambo $25.00
ð Nicholson River $25.00
ð Nungurner $20.00
ð Paynesville $20.00
ð Raymond Island $20.00
ð Romawi $25.00
ð Swifts Creek/Ensay $11.00
ð Tambo Bluff $20.00
ð Timbarra $20.00
ð Toms Creek $20.00
Which group would you like to be a member of?(subject to accepting the aims and philosophies of the group)
Please tick box