Spring Newsletter 2013

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Darlene Fisher
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1 The pig baiting program getting underway with corn collection. Details on page 6. The Tree Collection Days are fast approaching. Details on page 7. GBLC Annual General Meeting Spring Newsletter 2013 Landcare Week nd 8th September Phil Jones (Nortec, Grafton) delivering Indian Myna traps. Details on page 5. Reflections on the life of Keith Pickstone on page 4. The new display wall with all the latest NRM information inside the Landcare office in Tenterfield. Phebalium squamulosum in flower at the Landcare office. Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

Chairman s Report 2012/13 - Clive Smith 2012-13 has been a year of financial uncertainty. That uncertainty led to the re-think of our staff employment.

All our staff, Libby especially, put a big effort into this. Our big project of the past 2 years, the Flood Project, is nearing completion, thanks to magnificent work done by Mandy.

2 Chairman s Report 2012/13 - Clive Smith has been a year of financial uncertainty. That uncertainty led to the re-think of our staff employment. Mark Thomas left full-time employment as our Community Support Officer but has returned for 2 days a week where he provides valuable support to school and town Landcare areas and also continues to produce excellent newsletters. We thank him for all his efforts. For the first time, we introduced membership of Granite Borders Landcare. This resolved a lot of internal problems for us but was also timely as funding bodies now require groups applying for funding to have financial members. All our staff, Libby especially, put a big effort into this. Our big project of the past 2 years, the Flood Project, is nearing completion, thanks to magnificent work done by Mandy. We ve received tremendous feedback on her ability to manage this important project. We thank Mandy for all the hard work she put into it, and all the other projects she continued to manage for us. Libby has grown into the role of our office manager and continues to impress us all with her capability. So thank you to Mark, Mandy and Lib for your hard work and support. I d also like to thank the executive committee and sub-committees for your continued enthusiasm for the Landcare movement and support throughout the year. The end of this financial year ends a 14 year association with Jennie Coldham, our previous Community Support Officer, when Network Chairs take over her employment as she takes up another contract as Regional Landcare Facilitator. I d like to thank Jennie for all her help and support over these years. The good news for GBLC, going into the next financial year, is that we have received 1 years funding for our Community Support Officer position and these funds will enable us to extend the role of the CSO. We have to thank Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority for their on-going support and for making these funds available. We still have to be cautious as these funds apply only to Landcare groups in this CMA and many other areas are still facing an uncertain financial future. Thank you to all our members for the strong support we receive from all of you. Our network has a large number of associated groups. This is a diverse area of land management and we need your continued involvement. Members attending the GBLC AGM at the Tenterfield Golf Club Mole Station Native Nursery Frost Hardy Farm Trees We provide trees and shrubs for revegetation, shelter belts and farm forestry. Seed is collected locally whenever possible Mole Station Tenterfield NSW 2372 Sarah & David Caldwell Ph Fax caldnsy@activ8.net.au Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

3 Spring Editorial Welcome to the Spring Edition of the Granite Borders Landcare newsletter. Within this issue there is great information on events and projects that are coming up in the next few months. In particular there is more detailed information on the successful projects GBLC secured through the Federal Government s Sustainable Agriculture Community Landcare Grants and Volunteer Grants. The Spring Wildflower Walks are detailed on page ten. Although the first walk will have been and gone by the time you read this newsletter, it is not too late to put the next two walks in the diary. The Spring Revegetation Project Tree Collection Days are fast approaching so make sure your ground preparation is ready to give your natives the best possible start. There may still be plants available so contact Mandy Craig if you are interested in biodiversity plantings this Spring. The Indian Myna project is reviewed on page five with a summary of the project activities, people involved and on-ground outcomes. The Feral Pig Project is detailed on page six with a huge response from local landholders who are dealing with the increasing problem of managing feral animals on their properties. And finally there is a reflection on the life of Keith Pickstone, who sadly passed away recently. Keith was a dedicated family man who made many contributions to the local community throughout his life. We celebrate Keith s life on page four. As always, your thoughts, views and submissions are welcome to include in future issues. Please them through to me at mark@gblc.org.au. In this issue Annual Report Clive Smith Tree Collection Day Landcare Hothouse Workshop Spring Wildflower Walks Indigenous Publications return BLOG Landcare Field Day GBLC Projects update Indian Myna project summary Feral Pig Project commences Keith Pickstone remembered Membership Contact Details Just a reminder to keep Granite Borders Landcare in the loop if your contact details change so that we can update our records. Granite Borders Landcare Staff Contact Details Elizabeth Melling Amanda Craig Mark Thomas Office Manager (02) landcare@gblc.org.au Project Manager mandy@gblc.org.au Schools & Urban Landcare mark@gblc.org.au MELLING MECHANICAL Proprietors: Geoff & Elizabeth Melling For all your professional car, motorbike and truck repairs. Registration checks, Air-conditioning, Wheel Alignments, Servicing and Repairs. 444 Rouse Street P (02) Tenterfield NSW 2372 F (02) E geoff.melling@optusnet.com Happy reading. Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

Keith Pickstone - A Landcare Legend 1935 2013 Granite Borders Landcare lost one of it s stalwarts with the passing of Keith Pickstone recently.

Keith was a current member of the GBLC Executive Committee and age did not dampen his enthusiasm or commitment to the Landcare movement.

4 Keith Pickstone - A Landcare Legend Granite Borders Landcare lost one of it s stalwarts with the passing of Keith Pickstone recently. Keith was involved in Liston Farmers Landcare for many years, encouraging farmers to share their experiences, grow their knowledge and improve their management of the land. Keith was a current member of the GBLC Executive Committee and age did not dampen his enthusiasm or commitment to the Landcare movement. Many of you will be aware of Keith s exploits in the world of natural resource management but may not be aware of his involvement in various community organisations in the Tenterfield and Stanthorpe districts. Keith was involved in both cricket and rugby in the Stanthorpe district, and was a passionate fisherman and golfer in his day. He represented the Stanthorpe Show Society, Rotary and more recently Probus. He also served as a Councillor and Mayor for Tenterfield Shire Council. Keith will be missed by everyone that he has touched through his community commitments, and the thoughts of all the staff and members of Granite Borders Landcare are with his family and friends. Keith Pickstone at home in the saleyards. Seb s Bobcat & Tipper Hire 5 tonne Excavator with Power Tilt - Bobcat Hire - 4-in-1 bucket Yard & Site Clean-up - House & Shed site preparation Posthole Digging - Irrigation Trenching - Rock Breaker & Ripper Gravel & Roadbase - Mushroom Compost Seb Puglisi - PO Box 418 Tenterfield NSW 2372 Mob Ph sebpuglisi@bigpond.com Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

Indian Myna Project Wrap This project has been successfully delivered across the Northern Tablelands to assist the community in understanding the threat posed by the introduced Indian Myna and to

Volunteers at the Stanthorpe Mens Shed and Nortec in Grafton have constructed traps, workshops have been held in Tenterfield, Stanthorpe, Glen Innes and Drake.

The trapping program has involved over 90 volunteers and has resulted in over 200 birds being caught and euthanized across the district.

5 Indian Myna Project Wrap This project has been successfully delivered across the Northern Tablelands to assist the community in understanding the threat posed by the introduced Indian Myna and to encourage trapping and euthanizing through a controlled, humane program. It has been a collaborative effort involving many organisations across the district. Volunteers at the Stanthorpe Mens Shed and Nortec in Grafton have constructed traps, workshops have been held in Tenterfield, Stanthorpe, Glen Innes and Drake. Phil Rogers delivering traps that have been constructed by volunteers at Nortec in Grafton. The trapping program has involved over 90 volunteers and has resulted in over 200 birds being caught and euthanized across the district. Although this is the conclusion of the Federal Government funded Community Action Grant it is by no means the end of the challenge facing the community. Indian Mynas continue to threaten our native fauna, agricultural systems and human health and the management of this introduced bird is important to maintaining the healthy environment in which we live. Traps are available to loan from the Granite Borders Landcare office in Martin St Tenterfield and are also available through Craig Magnusson, Southern Downs Regional Council Pest Management Officer. Our display Indian Myna with the Pee Gee Trap that is available through Granite Borders Landcare. Thank you to everyone that has assisted in making this project such a success. Contact the Landcare office on or landcare@gblc.org.au for further information or to enquire about loaning a trap. Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

Feral Pig Control Project Granite Borders Landcare Committee has received funding from the Border Rivers- Gwydir Catchment Management Authority to conduct a two year coordinated broad-scale feral pig

Free feeding involves laying the corn out where there has been recent pig activity or known thoroughfares to entice the pigs to come to a central point for their free feed.

During the free feeding stage motion sensor cameras will also be loaned out to landholders.

6 Feral Pig Control Project Granite Borders Landcare Committee has received funding from the Border Rivers- Gwydir Catchment Management Authority to conduct a two year coordinated broad-scale feral pig control program. The August baiting has started with participating landholders collecting corn and molasses to start free feeding. Free feeding involves laying the corn out where there has been recent pig activity or known thoroughfares to entice the pigs to come to a central point for their free feed. Once the pigs are comfortable with this arrangement LHPA Rangers will then distribute corn that has 1080 poison added. During the free feeding stage motion sensor cameras will also be loaned out to landholders. These will be used to monitor what is occurring at the free feeding site and then be able to eliminate issues that can occur such as possums eating the corn. The project so far has involved 73 landholders from across the district, including the Beardy River, Upper Mole, Pyes Creek, Bonshaw, Emmaville, Mt McKenzie, Bolivia, Leeches Gully and Boonoo Boonoo areas. In total 7.8 tonnes of corn has been distributed for free feeding and 392 kg of poisoned corn in the Bonshaw, Beardy River and Mingoola area. The aim of this project is to engage & establish a long-term network and program for feral pig control for landholders & land managers in the region. If you would like further information please contact Mandy Craig at Granite Borders Landcare on between 9am 3pm weekdays. Above - Remote Sensor Camera demonstration and preparing 1080 baited corn Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

Revegetation Project The weeks are quickly slipping by and now is the time to prepare sites

If you haven t submitted an Expression of Interest for the Revegetation Project it may not

We have information available on local species, planting and preparation information as

The collection days in October will be finalised shortly and those that have completed an

7 Revegetation Project The weeks are quickly slipping by and now is the time to prepare sites for revegetation in the spring. If you haven t submitted an Expression of Interest for the Revegetation Project it may not be too late so contact the Landcare office to get involved. We have information available on local species, planting and preparation information as well as advice regarding ongoing maintenance of revegetation sites. The collection days in October will be finalised shortly and those that have completed an EOI will have details sent through. Contact Mandy Craig on (02) for more information or pop into the Landcare office between 9am-3pm weekdays. Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

8 Funding Success for Granite Borders Landcare GBLC have received funding for a variety of interesting projects through the Federal Government s Community Landcare Grants. The details of the four projects are listed below. Sustainable Agriculture for Dummies-a beginners guide This project will deliver a variety of workshops, field days and NRM training opportunities for the Granite Borders community. The project will address many of the basic principles sustainable agriculture, including; - Best practice management principles for sustainable agriculture - Soil health (including managing soil erosion, balancing fertiliser and nutrient availability and demonstration sites) - Water health (aquatic ecology) - Livestock health and management - Conservation in sustainable agriculture. Co-ordinated Strategic Cross-Border Wild Dog Control Implementation The economic cost of wild dog impacts on the grazing industry is approximately $67 million a year in Queensland alone. This project s focus will be to raise awareness of best practice wild dog control by implementing a strategic & co-ordinate crossborder baiting program to reduce dog movements between the Tenterfield & Southern Downs regions. Education of landholders in effective baiting & trapping techniques will be provided through a field day. A Feral Animal Expert will be engaged to identify & highlight local hot-spots, corridors & areas where landholders can have the most impact. With increasing landholder participation a reduction in wild dog numbers will occur assisting to retain agricultural enterprises & farming resilience. Technical Advice & Assistance for Installation of Off-Stream Watering Points Landholder planning to best manage riparian zones has lead to an increase in stock exclusion through fencing off these zones. Fencing materials & labour for this process is extremely costly but installing alternative watering points has proven to be problematic, often preventing landholders implementing this management practice. This project provides landholders information, on-farm technical advice & partially subsidies the installation of off-stream water points for stock. Workshops, farm planning & mapping will be conducted with the assistance of Catchment Management Authorities & Soil Conservation. Landholders will gain knowledge of best practice methods which will ensure the integrity of the projects is maintained into the future. Implement Grazing Management Change for Sustainability in the Stanthorpe Area Traditional grazing methods such as set stocking have caused land degradation through soil erosion, soil compaction & loss of vegetative ground cover in the Stanthorpe area. This project aims to assist landowners address these issues & move to sustainable grazing practices. Goals include achieving 70% ground cover to reduce the risk of soil erosion & increase soil carbon, reduce soil temperature fluctuations, and minimise weed invasion. Landowners are aware of the sustainable benefits of moving away from set stocking but lack the technical knowledge to make the transition. A workshop will be held to assist these landholders to plan there property management to incorporate rotational grazing. For further information on these projects contact Mandy Craig mandy@gblc.org.au or Mark Thomas mark@gblc.org.au or call the Landcare office on (02) Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

9 Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

10 Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

Indigenous Publications Return Two hugely successful publications from the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority are back in stock at the Landcare office.

Volunteer Grant Success For GBLC Granite Borders Landcare have been successful in receiving funding through the Volunteer Grants program, delivered by the Australian Government s Dept.

These include the following; Both publications are FREE and contain valuable information to improve your knowledge of local indigenous plants and their uses, as well as information on

Tenterfield Community Gardens $5,000 funding for training and equipment Koreelah Farmers Landcare $4,000 funding for feral animal management control equipment Granite Borders Landcare

11 Indigenous Publications Return Two hugely successful publications from the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority are back in stock at the Landcare office. Leading author and BR-GCMA Catchment Office for Aboriginal Support Harry White has been overwhelmed by the popularity of the two books. Volunteer Grant Success For GBLC Granite Borders Landcare have been successful in receiving funding through the Volunteer Grants program, delivered by the Australian Government s Dept. of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. These include the following; Both publications are FREE and contain valuable information to improve your knowledge of local indigenous plants and their uses, as well as information on recognising and protecting significant cultural artefacts on your property. For further information contact the Landcare office on (02) or pop in between 9am-3pm weekdays. Tenterfield Community Gardens $5,000 funding for training and equipment Koreelah Farmers Landcare $4,000 funding for feral animal management control equipment Granite Borders Landcare $4,850 funding for Landcare community resources and equipment Sunnyside Seniors Landcare $4,200 for resources to assist in maintaining the Sunnyside Biodiversity site. Congratulations to the successful groups and hopefully this funding assists in delivering the desired outcomes for your groups. Available now from the Landcare office Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

Upcoming Events: Monday 2nd-Sunday 8th September: Landcare Week Tuesday 3rd-Thursday 5th September: NSW Landcare Forum, Newcastle Sunday 15th September: Wildflower Walk - Cannon Creek Tuesday 17th

27th-Sunday 29th September: QLD Landcare Conference - Warwick Thursday 10th, 17th & 24th October: Tree Collection Days, Landcare Office Sunday 20th October: Wildflower Walk - Girraween National Park

12 Upcoming Events: Monday 2nd-Sunday 8th September: Landcare Week Tuesday 3rd-Thursday 5th September: NSW Landcare Forum, Newcastle Sunday 15th September: Wildflower Walk - Cannon Creek Tuesday 17th September: GBLC General Committee Meeting Wednesday 18th September: Landcare Hothouse Workshop, Tenterfield Saturday 21 September: BLOG Field Day - GBLC office, Martin St Tenterfield Friday 27th-Sunday 29th September: QLD Landcare Conference - Warwick Thursday 10th, 17th & 24th October: Tree Collection Days, Landcare Office Sunday 20th October: Wildflower Walk - Girraween National Park Saturday 26th October: BLOG field day, Janine Jamison s property Saturday 23rd November: BLOG field day, Tom Scott & Denise Kent s property, Eukey Tuesday 3rd December: GBLC General Committee Meeting and Christmas Drinks Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily represent those of GBLC or its employees. While every effort is made to publish accurate information, GBLC and its employees do not accept responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed in this newsletter Granite Borders Landcare Committee PO Box 400 Tenterfield NSW POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA Granite Borders Landcare Committee is generously supported by Tenterfield Shire Council. Inside: Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Spring 2013 Newsletter of the Granite Borders Landcare Committee Incorporated Supported by Granite Borders Landcare Newsletter Issue 83 Spring

GRANITE BORDERS LANDCARE COMMITTEE INCORPORATED

GRANITE BORDERS LANDCARE COMMITTEE INCORPORATED PO BOX 400 TENTERFIELD NSW 2372 Co-ordinator - Mark Thomas Phone/Fax 02 6736 3500 Mobile 0404 892 696 Email mark@gblc.org.au Project Manager - Amanda Craig