LANDCARE IN FOCUS NOVEMBER 2021 - Bob Hawke Landcare Award Winner Andrew Stewart Celebrating landcare and recognising individual excellence in ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
NOVEMBER 2021
LANDCARE IN FOCUS
Bob Hawke Landcare Award Winner Andrew Stewart
Celebrating landcare and recognising individual excellence in sustainable agriculture
IN THIS ISSUE
4 Bringing life and diversity to the land we look after
5 Sniffing out feral animals on the Queensland coast
Using technology to support decision impacting dryland salinity
6 Report reveals Landcarers enjoy a lift in mental and physical wellbeing
Project improves dairy herd’s health and the environment
7 Building a climate resilient, sustainable beef cattle enterprise
8 National Landcare award winners
10 Land restoration research draws big crowds
UWA soil expert scoops new Landcare award
11 Rock chutes to fight erosion and help the reef Credit: Penny Gray
WE WANT TO 12
Corangamite grazier takes home Bob Hawke Landcare award
HEAR FROM YOU
Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery
14 Landcare and Aboriginal communities - working together for wildlife recovery
Sharing the ‘Story of Cattai’ THIS YEAR HASN’T BEEN EASY, BUT IT HAS
Contact our editorial team 15
with your article or content
Landcare Farming Program
BROUGHT OUT THE BEST IN ALL OF US
idea by emailing Landcare in Focus is published by Landcare Australia in partnership
HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP,
digital@landcareaustralia.com.au with Australian Community Media and supported by the Australian
Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
through the National Landcare Program.
*Due to space restrictions some article content
I
may be edited. We also cannot guarantee that all DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in Landcare in
submissions will be published. Focus are not necessarily those of Landcare Australia Limited (Landcare am so pleased the Landcare I announced this year’s winner of the about sustainable land management. important cooperation, partnerships,
Australia) and its employees. Landcare Australia is not responsible for any conference was a success. We were all Bob Hawke Landcare Award as Mr This combination of on-ground results and determination are to the future of
errors or inaccuracies of the information contained in the publication. The
purpose of Landcare in Focus is to share information and promote the disappointed not to attend in person, Andrew Stewart. and an ability to bring the community Landcare. Congratulations once again to
great work of the Landcare community. Landcare Australia assumes no but the event was again a wonderful together and look to the future really all our nominees, finalists and winners.
liability for any action that may arise from acting on published content. All opportunity for knowledge sharing. The Andrew is a fourth-generation farmer
demonstrates the Landcare ethos. The awards, and more importantly the
content in Landcare in Focus is copyright and may be only be reproduced enthusiasm and passion shown by the from Victoria’s Otway Ranges and his
with written permission from Landcare Australia. Aboriginal and Torres commitment to delivering the Yan Yan This year’s finalists, Justin Kirby people and communities behind the
Strait Islander readers are warned that the following issue may contain
entire Landcare community is inspiring.
Gurt Creek Catchment community and James Walker, are also delivering success of awards such as these, are why
images of deceased persons. The Landcare awards have been an the Australian Government has invested
revegetation program, which is restoring outstanding contributions to farming
important event for more than 30 nearly 18m of creek frontage and forming and their communities, showcasing the over $1 billion under phase two of the
Cover Photo: Bob Hawke Landcare Award Winner Andrew Stewart
years, and this year was more ambitious a wildlife corridor connecting several true depth, dedication, and knowledge of National Landcare Program.
Celebrating landcare and recognising individual excellence in sustainable agriculture. Credit Annette Ruzicka
than ever, with a record number of farms, is truly impressive. the Landcare movement. I look forward to celebrating all things
participants. The award nominees always
Landcare at the next National Landcare
Landcare Australia is proud to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the set a high standard, and again this year Andrew has also brought together more The nominees and finalists brought
Conference, scheduled for August 2022.
Traditional Custodians of the Country on which we live and work. We value and respect their deep and truly captured the spirit of than 5,000 people on his farm, to show communities with them on their
continued spiritual and cultural connections to the land, waters, seas and sky, and pay our respects to the movement. what is possible and educate them journeys and demonstrated how
their Ancestors and Elders past, present and future.
Editor: Stephen Milton - Landcare Australia
Designer: Dani Lane - ACM
THE CHALLENGES AHEAD
WILL ONLY MAKE US STRONGER
L ANDCARE’S GREATEST DR SHANE NORRISH,
CEO LANDCARE AUSTRALIA
ASSET IS ITS PEOPLE
A
fter a series of rescheduled dates extraordinary example of Landcare inspirational work, representing the their Habitat, landcarers are making a
Landcarer, the online community platform to help you and and delays, the 2021 National solidarity and delivered a landmark event best of the Landcare community and tremendous difference with on-ground
Landcare Conference finally which reflected not only the heritage of encouraging a new generation to follow in activities and enduring solidarity. But
your group expand your knowledge, skills, and resources. took place in August – and I think all who the Landcare legacy but the future of the their footsteps because we need you now there’s still so much more to be done.
attended will unanimously agree it was movement in an ever-evolving modern more than ever.
worth the wait. Australian society. The enduring effects of extreme
It’s two years since some of the worst conditions will continue to present
WWW.LANDCARER.COM.AU Observing the necessary public health Also taking place during the event, bushfires in recent history left a huge immense challenges ahead in the
and safety restrictions, it was ultimately the 2021 National Landcare Awards impact on the Australian landscape and preservation and protection of our
decided to host the entire conference on recognised our most passionate and the recovery of habitat and communities natural resources but I am certain the
a virtual platform, offering a multitude of dedicated landcarers making incredible is ongoing. With the work and projects Landcare movement will continue to
FREE | DEDICATED TO LANDCARE logistical challenges. strides in the fields of sustainable supported by the Landcare Led Bushfire demonstrate our combined resolve
USER GENERATED CONTENT | COLLECTIVE SHARING However all involved, from organisers to agriculture, conservation and Cultural Recovery Grants, funded by the to overcome those same challenges
technical coordinators, from panelists Land Management. Congratulations to Australian Government’s Bushfire and strengthen the resilience of local
to speakers, pulled together in an all the winners and nominees for their Recovery Program for Wildlife and communities.
// 2 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 3 //
Bees between the SNIFFING OUT FERAL ANIMALS
ON THE QUEENSLAND COAST
mustard. Supplied
A
n eight-year-old English Springer Mr Garrett said the advantage of using a
Spaniel is proving to be a key dog was the ability to search areas that
feral pest management tool on are difficult to access.
the more rugged parts of Queensland’s
“On the coastal strip, the vegetation can
coastline.
be quite thick sclerophyll rainforest
Rocky and his handler, Tom Garrett,
Rocky has been trained to locate any through to coastal dune country so have spent the past year on fox and
sign of foxes, feral cats or rabbits and there’s lots of low scrub, creek areas and feral cat detection work from the
indicates their presence by tail wagging irrigation channels,” he said. Gold Coast to Mackay. Supplied
when a scent is detected.
“Using a scent the dog can locate dens a
He is part of Southern Queensland lot quicker than 10 people walking in a
Landscapes comprehensive feral animal transect would do. Rocky, star of
detection and control service provided the Conservation
“Rocky was one of the first detector dogs Detector Dog
BRINGING LIFE AND DIVERSITY TO THE LAND WE LOOK AFTER
to private landholders, government for foxes and feral cats in Queensland but Program.
departments and businesses through its there are more scenting dogs now being Supplied
Conservation Detector Dog Program.
O
used for quolls, foxes, and feral cats.
n the first day of Spring, The field pea and vetch, among the mix of in partnership with the Australian the flowers. Measuring our soil biology is He was one of the first conservation SQ Landscapes Conservation Detector
Rebecca Zentveld, owner of legumes, cereals, radish, buckwheat and Macadamia Society, and the Australian equally valuable and we look forward to canines to provide a commercial service Dog program is set to expand with Tom
Zentveld’s Coffee Plantation broadleaf, sown in June were bursting Subtropical Coffee Growers’ Association. sharing the details with other Australian by a natural resource management to take charge of a new English Springer
and Roastery, located on 15 hectares in with hot pink and purple flowers. The This project is one of one of eight coffee growers through Australian organisation in Queensland.
industry-led soil research projects Spaniel with the possibility of it being
Northern NSW, witnessed an eruption of cover crop trial, led by Dr Terry Rose from Subtropical Coffee Growers’ Association
which aim to quantify the benefits of meetings and future open field days. Soil Recently, Rocky has protected turtle trained to detect diseases in honey bees.
colour between the rows of mature the Faculty of Science and Engineering at
regenerative agricultural practices in results will also be written up into peer- nesting sites from predators such as pigs
coffee plants on her trial multi-species Southern Cross University, is delivered He said the Spaniels were preferred for
restoring soils across Australia over reviewed publications and shared with and foxes, and a critical bilby population
cover crop plot. by the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance three years. their excellent hearing, obedience and
macadamia, avocado and horticultural from feral cats in south-west Queensland. soft mouth.
However, it wasn’t just the riot of networks. The project will measure the
Bursting with life. colour that lifted Ms Zentveld’s spirits. soil health parameters such as microbial Rocky and his handler, Southern For more information on the
Supplied “We found that two native grass species biomass carbon, fungi and bacteria Queensland Landscape Pest Weeds and Conservation Dog Program contact
were showing up in the rows where we ratios, total nitrogen, total carbon, and Conservation Dogs Senior Project Officer Southern Queensland Landscapes
had planted cover crops the previous more,” she said. Tom Garrett, have spent the past year on on (07) 4620 0111 or sqlandscapes.
year. Bringing in more biodiversity by fox and feral cat detection work from the org.au/conservation-detector-dog-
planting our 7-9 cover crop seed mix “Lead researcher Dr Terry Rose has been
very accommodating and collaborative. Gold Coast to Mackay. program
has allowed the right conditions for our
dormant native grasses to thrive, which He has really listened to want we wanted
is very exciting. to achieve.”
USING TECHNOLOGY TO
D
“It was a moment of joy in our Lorraine Gordon, founder of the
Regenerative Agriculture Alliance and ryland salinity impacts across the region, often in close
regenerative farming journey; bringing landholders, consumers and
SUPPORT DECISION IMPACTING
Director of Strategic Projects at Southern proximity.
life and diversity to the land we
Cross University, said: “Farmers have communities causing more
look after.” Local farmer and project participant,
come to the researchers with a problem than $270 million in lost production
The eight soil research projects are
funded by a $2.5 million grant from the
and farmers, researchers and other
important stakeholders collaborate to
DRYLAND SALINITY and remediation interventions, and
affects more than 2.5 million hectares
Kevin Roberts, hopes his legacy from a
lifetime of farming will be to improve
Australian Government Department of co-create solutions delivering on-the- of Australian farming land. or reclaim unproductive land while
Agriculture, Water and the Environment. increasing production and leaving his
From left – Christopher Carr (Southern Cross University ground benefits for farmers, whilst also
The grant funding is from the Building With funding from the inaugural
Entomologist, ) John and Rebecca Zentveld, Terry Rose contributing to a scientific base farm in better condition for the next
Landcare Community and Capacity South Australian farmer, Kevin nbn™ Sustainable Agriculture
(SCU, Director, Centre for Organics Research) Program (BLCC), which is an element of of knowledge.” Roberts participated in soil generation.
technology project. Supplied Landcare Grant, the Meningie East
the National Landcare Program (NLP). For Ms Zentveld, regenerative agriculture He feels that having a greater
Field Healthy Soils Group, supported
BLCC grants are funding a diverse range is a journey. “We dropped the use of by the Coorong Tatiara Landcare understanding of soil moisture levels,
of projects across Australia which are chemicals seven years ago. In that time,
agriculture-focused, strategic, capacity Assistance Program, implemented a through the use of soil probes, and its
it’s been wonderful to see the increase in
building initiatives to support the project to provide technology-driven impact on salinity impacts is helping
microbial life and soil health. This is the
sharing of knowledge and achievements, next step in our journey. tools to landholders, farmers and him achieve these goals.
and promote community leadership. advisors in South Australia’s Upper
“The process of regeneration is an “Knowing what’s happening under the
The ‘Multispecies Cover Crops in Southeast region. The tools aided
enlightening headspace. We don’t just ground has revealed potential scope
Subtropical Horticultural Plantations’ these individuals to make decisions
focus on the problems. When we see about managing salinity impacted for summer cropping and shown the
project, which centres on six farms in
weeds, we ask ‘what is their role?’ rather importance of reducing recharge of the
Northern NSW, will measure changes landscapes and helped them avoid
in soil health and insect ecology than trying to make our coffee plantation areas around the low-lying areas and
look like a neat park. salinity issues in threatened areas.
in macadamia, coffee and avocado further reinforcing the need to retain
plantations with either permanent This has attracted employees who share The project’s research aimed to groundcover” Kevin says.
groundcover or annual mixed species this mindset. We have just employed a determine the causes or patterns
cover crops between rows, re-sown regenerative agriculture student from relating to ‘transient’ salinity and “When you can’t control your own
continuously following termination with Southern Cross University, who is now on the environmental or seasonal data decision-making process it can
a roller crimper. board, ” she said. which indicates or forecasts dryland be quite stressful, but this new
Ms Zentveld said she looked forward to salinity processes. Initial findings technology is helping me make well
For more information about all eight
welcoming entomologist Dr Christopher from interpreting the soil probe data informed decisions which also gives
research projects:
Carr on site to inspect insect life. showed that there are two different me more flexibility and the capacity to
farmingtogether.com.au/eight-
“It will be interesting to see which groundbreaking-soil-research- soil salinity processes occurring participate more in the community.”
pollinators we are encouraging with projects-revealed-by-southern-cross/
// 4 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 5 //
REPORT REVEALS LANDCARERS ENJOY A LIFT IN BUILDING A CLIMATE RESILIENT
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING SUSTAINABLE BEEF CATTLE ENTERPRISE
T
MELINEE & ROB LEATHER, ‘Barfield Station’ Banana QLD
he numbers don’t lie - connections. Significantly, 19 per cent than four hours per month volunteering with the combined value amounting to
C
participating in Landcare had reduced their use of physical health also noticed a distinct mental health $191million annually.
services. entral Queensland cattle To ensure they have the right type of annually, the Leathers have been They have planted out 1,000 hectares of
activities can significantly boost. KPMG Australia generously provided producers, Melinee and Rob cattle to suit their tropical environment able to access a wider number of Leucaena and are planting an additional
boost your psychological and physical The report revealed Landcare their services pro bono to produce the
Fifty-nine per cent of urban Landcarers Leather are constantly looking and seasonal conditions, the Leathers lucrative markets, including the Global 1,300 hectares given its capacity to
wellbeing while decreasing your involvement helps individuals save $403 report and Landcare Australia was
healthcare costs. reported an improvement in their mental to capitalise on market opportunities only select bulls with Estimated Breeding Animal Partnership and Australian sequester carbon and reduce methane.
per year in avoided healthcare costs. delighted to have Federal Environment - they do this by chasing the best Certified Humane.
wellbeing, compared to 47 per cent in Values (EBVs) targeting specific traits,
For years, Landcarers have described For the Landcare movement, exceeding Minister Sussan Ley present the results And they have planted out 15 hectares of
regional areas. available science and technology whilst such as polled gene, 200, 400 and 600
the benefits they get from volunteering 140,000+ individuals, that equates to at a launch event in Albury, NSW with The Leathers have committed to native tree shelter belts.
tracking their performance through day growth rates and days to calving.
in their communities and environment. $57million nationally. The report addresses additional Holbrook Landcare Network. aligning themselves with the livestock
benchmarking and data. They are strong advocates for continuous
In 2021, Landcare Australia approached savings to Landcare volunteers around Melanie says: “Animal welfare is industry’s goal to be Carbon Neutral by
Participants who gave more than 100 You can read or download the learning and collaborating in groups.
KPMG Australia to quantify the hours each month reported better mental productivity, and benefits owing to report at landcareaustralia.org.au/ Their overall business plan is ensuring particularly important to us. We have 2030. This means:
seen the production and profitability Melinee sits on the Australian Beef
significance of those benefits with health, while 43 per cent who spent less natural disaster resilience and recovery, wellbeing-report/ that the practices they undertake are
They have invested in and are Sustainability Framework Steering
research. continuously improving their bottom benefits of having stress free cattle with
utilising solar renewable energy Group, and is actively involved in Meat
line and building a sustainable farm a good quality of life. We undertake low
The recently published findings by KPMG wherever they can. & Livestock Australia and Queensland
From l-r: Dr Shane Norrish, operation that will endure increasingly stress stock handling and administer
Australia, in partnership with Landcare Landcare Australia CEO, Federal Government led projects. She is also
extreme weather conditions. pain relief during animal husbandry They are involved in the Queensland
Australia, indicate Landcare volunteers Minister of Environment, Hon. involved in her local Landcare and
practices, with our staff fully trained Government’s Method to Market project
do feel better when they get involved in Sussan Ley MP, Donna O’Neill, The Leathers run a beef cattle finishing catchment groups, including Fitzroy
KPMG Australia, in all aspects of livestock handling and to benchmark their on-farm carbon
Landcare activities. operation across three properties in Basin Association and the Burnett Mary
Doug Humann AM, husbandry.” emissions and sequestration.
For the report, Building resilience in local Chair Landcare central Queensland spanning 17,000 Regional Group.
Australia, Alison hectares and running around 4,500 Utilisation of tools and technology They are reviewing their herd structure
communities: The wellbeing benefits of The Leathers are seeing multiple
Ratcliffe, CEO, trade head. such as pain relief and polled animals, and looking to select animals with
participating in Landcare, KPMG surveyed Holbrook benefits from their commitment to
more than 1,000 Landcare volunteers rigorously recording all management and higher feed conversion efficiency
Landcare As Melinee puts it, “looking after our sustainable farming - their production
and coordinators from Landcare groups. husbandry practices that are audited (resulting in faster turn off rates).
cattle is important to us and that means costs have been significantly reduced,
They also interviewed people involved in making sure we have sufficient supplies they are capturing market premiums,
different Landcare activities.
of good quality feed and clean water and their environmental footprint is
Forty-six per cent of respondents across matching our stocking rate with the diminishing, the biodiversity of their
the country reported improvements in carrying capacity of the land and the land continues to improve and they
their mental wellbeing, 93 per cent felt seasons.” are becoming increasingly resilient to
a connection to the land while 90 per climate extremes.
cent experienced stronger community The Leathers use tools like pasture
budgeting and Cibo Lab satellite mapping To get a bird’s eye view of Melinee
to measure pasture growth and coverage. and Rob’s operations: mla.com.au/
They have also invested heavily in research-and-development/
Mark Perry on Perryview, his NSW Leucaena and other legumes to ensure Environment-sustainability/
PROJECT IMPROVES DAIRY
Mid-North Coast dairy farm.
good supply of highly nutritious feed producer-case-studies/#mce_
throughout the seasons. temp_url
HERD’S HEALTH AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
Mid-North Coast NSW dairy farmer, laneways. But operating on river
Mark Perry, used an a2 Milk™ country, with an extremely high
Sustainable Farming Landcare Grant annual rainfall, the gravel didn’t
to help improve the welfare and health hold up.
of his herd of 150 milkers, while also
The solution, funded by the grant, was
benefiting the environment and
a combination of cement to pave the
his business.
laneways and fencing to keep the cattle
With high rainfall and the Bellingen to the tracks so they wouldn’t churn up
River running through his property, the mud on either side. This also meant
muddy quagmires made it difficult to the cattle could easily and quickly
move cattle and caused many to suffer move from paddock to milking shed
from hoof problems and mastitis. and back again. Mark says this was
good not only for the cattle but for
With livestock prone to health
the staff who faced a more
problems due to the mud, Mark was
straightforward task and didn’t need
forced to take cattle out of the milking
to negotiate the mud.
herd while paying higher veterinary
costs and purchasing additional With the work complete, Mark reports
medical supplies to treat the cattle, that the paved and fenced laneways
causing a financial hit from lost are making a significant positive “The herd’s health has improved With the laneway concreted and
production and increased costs. impact on the herd’s welfare with significantly, so we don’t need to take fenced, there is less erosion in the
fewer mastitis and fungal infection as many cows out of the milking herd, laneway and nutrient run-off, which
With concerns about the herd’s
cases in their hooves, translating into which also makes the dairy more has been an environmental benefit Melinee Leather inspecting
heath, he initially tried to gravel the Leucaena at ‘Barfield Station’
reduced veterinary costs. productive. overall,” said Mark.
Banana central QLD. Supplied.
// 6 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 7 //
Congratulations
Floating Landcare took home the Australian Government Costa Georgiadis
Partnerships for Landcare. Pictured here at the 2019 NSW was the host of
Landcare Awards National. Supplied the 2021 National
Landcare Awards
and Conference
TO THE 2021 NATIONAL LANDCARE AWARD WINNERS
Landcare Australia was honoured to for his pioneering efforts to secure the legumes in previously degraded soils that Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and An independent review found this was the National Landcare Award winners through online communities, Landcare
host the 2021 National Landcare Awards future of the unique biodiversity of WA’s had been continuously farmed. for promoting landcare practices such as a sophisticated and inspiring plan that on their many accomplishments and and Aboriginal cultural heritage Financial Sector
in early August, albeit in a radically south coast, including the establishment sets a high standard for Indigenous also praised the Landcare community and much more. to Improve
weed eradication and cultural burning.
And the next generation of landcarers Conservation
different format than usual. of the Denmark Wetland Centre for Protected Area planning in Australia. for their resilience and extraordinary
were certainly not forgotten on the The Northern Territory’s Dhimurru Special guest speakers taking part Outcomes.
community education and coordination It also represents a fresh way of linking stoicism during the ongoing pandemic.
More than 3,000 people registered to night. With just 140 students and Aboriginal Corporation won the included former Deputy Prime Minister
of the Balijup Fauna Sanctuary. measures of Indigenous health along with Author, filmmaker
attend the 2021 National Landcare eight staff, Victoria’s Newham Public Coastcare Award after working tirelessly He applauded the adaptability of John Anderson delivering the keynote
Basil’s ongoing monitoring of species those of ecosystem wellbeing. and Indigenous fire
Conference with many of them also School impressed the judges with their for 20 years on the western side of the those involved in landcare to come address; ANU scientist and academic
reintroduced into the enclosure has seen practitioner Victor Steffensen
tuning in for the 2021 National Landcare environmental and sustainability Gulf of Carpentaria to protect land and ACT’s Red Hill Bush Regenerators together online to celebrate the 2021 Professor David Lindenmayer AO and
an impressive rise in the numbers of also participated in a panel on the
Awards. programs. They won the Woolworths marine wildlife from plastic debris. picked up the ACM Landcare Community National Landcare Conference, giving Stacey Vogel from the Cotton Research
bandicoots and other native animals. advantages and benefits embracing
Junior Landcare Team Award for The corporation’s work has made an Group Award for their efforts restoring communities across Australia the chance Development Corporation.
The biennial awards, hosted by popular cultural burn methods can bring for the
Tasmanian mixed crop and vegetable their project to establish indigenous enormous difference in an area with the native ecology of one of the most to be part of something special during
ABC TV presenter and Landcare Delegates also had the opportunity to Landcare community in tackling climate
farmer Michael Nichols was recognised vegetation along a tributary of Deep significant remaining remnants of Landcare Week.
champion Costa Georgiadis, were some of the highest densities of foreign- attend panel discussions on a variety of change on the Cultural Land Management
with the Australian Government Creek, creating a nature corridor for endangered yellow box and Blakley’s red
initially due to be held in Sydney in sourced rubbish in the world. Meanwhile, over two days, Costa topics sure to be of interest to so many panel with additional speakers including
Innovation in Agriculture Land local wildlife and connecting with the gum grassy woodland in Australia.
2020. But the ongoing pandemic forced expertly hosted the National Landcare involved in Landcare. Barry Hunter, and Joe Morrison from
Management Award. His Redbank Farm Cobaw Biolink. Meanwhile, the Wunambaal Gaambera
the event to 2021 and eventually online And NSW’s Floating Landcare took home Conference with more than 60 speakers Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation.
at Sisters Creek was praised for its use Aboriginal Corporation’s work on Pip Job from the NSW Department of
along with the hotly anticipated two-day The students also designed and built the Australian Government Partnerships from the Landcare community,
of precision agricultural techniques to Wunambaal Gaambera country — which Primary Industries and former chief The 2021 National Landcare Conference
National Landcare Conference. a wetland to provide an alternative for Landcare gong for its program government representatives and
address crop variability and resource use covers 2.5 million hectares of some of executive for Little River Landcare and National Landcare would not be
breeding ground for frogs, with 10 restoring weedy hotspots in national academics in 40 sessions across four
Seventy-five amazing nominees efficiency. the most ecologically and culturally facilitated a panel on Landcare’s role in possible without the generous support
southern brown tree frogs now calling parks and other public lands along the conference streams: Sustainable
competed in 11 categories, honouring significant land in Western Australia’s Wellbeing and Mental Health while Sue of the Australian Government’s National
This year’s Australian Government it home. Hawkesbury River and Pittwater and Agriculture; Environment and Climate
Landcare excellence on the coast, farms Kimberley region — secured the KPMG Brieschke from Hinterland Bushlink Landcare Program, Gallagher, Saving
Landcare Farming Champion is Amarula Central Coast waterways. Change; Community Partnerships in
and suburban, regional and remote Also in the youth category, Dhani Gilbert, Indigenous Land Management Award. lead a discussion on roving Restorers: our Species, Australian Community
Dorpers, a sheep stud operated by Justin Action; and Landcare Impact.
communities. Individual, community, The Wunambal Gaambera people made a You can also read about the winners Media, Austcover, KPMG Australia and
and Lorroi Kirkby at Gravesend near an Indigenous activist and climate action A Win-Win for Nature, Landholders and
youth and Indigenous achievements Healthy Country Plan — a world first — to of the new General Jeffery Soil Health Woolworths.
Moree in northern NSW. The couple’s campaigner from the ACT, walked away A hugely diverse range of topics were Community. And Natasha Cadenhead
were all celebrated during the help them keep their country and Award and Bob Hawke Landcare Award
focus on soil biology and regeneration to with the Austcover Young Landcare presented including sessions on from University of Queensland’s School You can read more about the
two-hour ceremony. on pages 10 and 11 in this edition.
increase groundcover to effectively use Leadership Award. An aspiring field culture healthy and to built the capacity empowering rural women, the value of Earth and Environmental Sciences conference and award winners
The Australian Government Individual all the rain that falls on their land has ecologist, Dhani was honoured for of their families to live on their country Minister for Agriculture and Northern of on-farm biodiversity, meeting the spoke about Making Business Work and watch recorded sessions at
Landcarer Award went to Basil Schur helped establish sub-tropical grasses and her work as a community educator at in the future. Australia David Littleproud commended challenges of climate change, connecting with Biodiversity and Leveraging the nationallandcareconference.org.au
Natasha Cadenhead from University
Newham Primary of Queensland’s School of Earth and
School captains Environmental
and sustainability Sciences spoke
group with about Making
National Business
Woolworths JLC Work with
Team award. Biodiversity.
Supplied Supplied
Michael Nichols and Redbank Farm won
the Australian Government Innovation in Members of Redhill Bush Regenerators who
Agriculture Award. Supplied won ACM Landcare Community Group Award
Susie Duncan Austcover Justin and Lorroi Kirkby
from Hinterland Young Landcare of Amarula Dorpers
Bushlink Leadership brought home the
participated in Award winner Australian Government
a discussion on Dhani Gilbert Landcare Farming
Wunambal Gaambera roving Restorers: from the ACT. Champion title.
Aboriginal Corp won the A Win-Win Supplied Supplied Basil lSchur picked
National KPMG Indigenous for Nature, up the Australian
Land Management Award. Landholders Government Individual
Pictured at the 2019 WA and Community. Landcarer Award.
Landcare Awards. Supplied Supplied Supplied
ROCK CHUTES TO FIGHT
Gullies Project -
Woodleigh Station
rock chute completed.
EROSION AND HELP THE REEF
Supplied
R
ock chutes have been put engineered structures a solid testing
through their paces on period.
cattle stations in Far North
The chutes range from 20 metres to 100
Queensland’s Herbert River catchment
metres in length. They have been built
– and they’ve been given the ‘thumbs-
in gully complexes to stop erosion that
up’ as solutions to gully erosion and
has seen gullies spread like fingers out
topsoil losses.
across the land, causing topsoil losses
Four rock chutes with accompanying and sending sediment through river
bund walls were built on Mt Garnet and systems to the Great Barrier Reef.
Innot Hot Springs properties over the “These structures reduce the energy
past three years, along with different of large water flows and prevent
rock structures that have secured erosion from continuing upstream,’’
tailings dam walls at historical mining Ms Mackenzie said. “They are part
ventures at one property. Together, of a solution that includes fencing to
Emeritus Professor Abbott (far left) with they will prevent an estimated 1,200
UWA student volunteers at the Land manage erosion and cattle movements, Grazing Project is delivered by “We work closely with landholders.
Restoration demonstration site. Supplied tonnes of sediment – the equivalent to installing off-stream watering Terrain NRM and funded through And through this project, hundreds
50 semi-trailer loads – from reaching points, making changes to grazing the Australian Government’s Reef of other graziers have also gone to
the Great Barrier Reef each year. management practices, planting native Trust IV program. workshops on natural grazing
A
grass at the sites and undertaking
LAND
Terrain NRM’s Jen Mackenzie said Ms Mackenzie said the grazing practice methods, targeting stock rotation
n innovative Land Restoration Abbott, who was recently named the initiative at a Karry Fisher-Watt’s weed control.”
Demonstration Site at The property near Brookton.” the first La Nina wet season since the changes were just as important as the patterns, soil health and pasture
inaugural General Jeffery Soil Health
RESTORATION University of Western Australia’s Award recipient at the 2021 National chutes were constructed had given the The $3 million Herbert Gully and engineered structures. management.”
The project is a UWA collaboration with
farm, Ridgefield attracted about Landcare Awards.
RESEARCH
Ms Fisher-Watts, Nutra-Rich (Brookton)
130 people during an open day on 3
“This project is focused on protecting and and Wheatbelt NRM.
September.
improving soil on small pockets of land
DRAWS BIG
Professor Abbott said the open day visit
The UWA Farm Ridgefield 2021 Open (up to 10ha) which would otherwise be highlighted one of several examples of
Day: Pastures and Fodder for low grade and non-profitable pasture or
CROWDS
land restoration at Ridgefield, including
Sustainability featured visits to four remnant vegetation in poor condition,” plantings by Greening Australia (as
research sites currently underway at Professor Abbott said. part of the Australian Government’s 20
the West Pingelly farm. Million Trees Program) and trees planted
“It involves a novel approach using
The Land Restoration Demonstration permeable biomass wells and walls by children from Perth schools.
Site was established with a grant from containing biological materials using These activities involved valuable
the National Landcare Program (NLP2) hay, compost and biochar based on contributions from volunteer UWA
led by UWA Emeritus Professor Lynette the success of an existing small-scale students.
University of Western Australia’s
Emeritus Professor Lynette Abbott
was rewarded UWA ACADEMIC research into symbiotic soil fungi in
agriculture and disturbed natural
Rural Solutions, Brian has worked as
a soil conservation officer and soils
SCOOPS NEW
for her efforts Victorian farmer Andrew Stewart
to champion, environments during an academic and land management consultant won the Bob Hawke Landcare Award.
improve and career that has spanned more than since 1982. He has extensive Credit Annette Ruzicka
educate
others about
soil health.
SOIL HEALTH five decades. knowledge of South Australian soils,
their distribution, properties and
AWARD
Her research has addressed fungal
Supplied
interactions with plants and
implications for fertiliser management
management in agriculture.
CORANGAMITE GRAZIER TAKES HOME
A
He has also determined the extent
leading academic from Western
and soil amendments. of soil acidification in traditionally BOB HAWKE LANDCARE AWARD
V
Australia was recognised for Professor Abbott has developed the non-acidic areas and promoted the
her decades of dedication to the innovative ‘Know your Soil Biology’ adoption of treatment options. ictorian farmer Andrew form a web of trees that meander across emissions and climate change through and poor nutritional grasses. Thanks to
fields of soil science and soil biology workshops for farmers and provides While Robert is a sustainable Stewart won the Bob Hawke the landscape, providing waterway, soil, unique industry approaches. their innovative farming measures, the
with the inaugural General Jeffery Soil hands-on activities on the benefits of agriculture educator, researcher and Landcare Award for his pasture and livestock protection, wildlife farm’s carbon footprint has been
He created the Agrihive Farmecco
Health Award. soil biota for soil health. advocate. Through extensive study, environmental work and sustainable corridors and improved aesthetics and reduced and the planting of trees and
digital platform to help other farmers
experimentation and collaboration, agricultural advancements on his wellbeing. fodder shrubs has enhanced wildlife
Honouring Australia’s first national She is currently consolidating soil implement sustainable landcare goals.
farm at Corangamite. corridors and bio-link habitats for
soils advocate, the late Major General health knowledge through a project in he has developed management Andrew has also invited more than 5000 He also developed an innovative ‘Floating
practices resulting in quantifiable Thirty years ago, Andrew developed Lease’ to reflect seasonal conditions, insects and birds.
Michael Jeffery, University of Western the Australian Government’s Smart people to his farm to educate them about
Farms program. improvements in soil characteristics. a whole farm plan for Yan Yan Gurt sustainable land management practices. which addresses emissions through an The Bob Hawke Landcare Award
Australia’s Emeritus Professor Lynette
Robert has additionally collaborated West Farm, a 230-hectare grazing and off-grid solution for the power supply recognises individuals who have
Abbott was rewarded for her efforts to Also in the running for the award were Also acknowledged for their work were
with three universities over the past agroforestry property in southern on his property. This approach is being demonstrated leadership and
champion, improve and educate others South Australia’s Brian Hughes and runners-up James Walker of Longreach,
20 years and developed best practice Victoria. Plantings 50,000 trees and prototyped commercially. commitment in natural resource
about soil health. New South Wales’s Robert Quirk. shrubs have boosted woody vegetation Queensland and Justin and Lorroi Kirkby
methods for growing sugar cane in acid Elsewhere at their Gravesend property management and sustainable
Over the course of her career, Professor The SA Principal Consultant at sulphate soils and boosted soil organic across the farm from 3 per cent to 18 from Moree, New South Wales.
50 kilometres from Moree, Justin and agriculture.
Abbott has conducted pioneering Primary Industries and Regions SA- carbon levels from 2 to 6 per cent. per cent, without hindering
At Camden Park, an 8100-hectare Lorroi revegetated the formerly degraded
agricultural production.
organic cattle station, James has focused property of rundown cropping blocks Nominations for the 2022 Bob Hawke
The plantings have been connected to on tackling land degradation, carbon that once featured patchy ground cover Landcare Award will open in March 2022.
// 10 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 11 //
LANDCARE
U Ribbon and Snow Gum seedlings collected animals from the air over large areas,
sing drones and artificial Landcare NSW, Landcare Victoria Inc, Starting in Mallacoota and expanding help native species including Koalas, local schools, along with private
intelligence to monitor Landcare ACT and Landcare Association to other parts of the region, the project the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby and landholders and community volunteers by network members for their heat and sometimes in places inaccessible on foot.
LED BUSHFIRE vulnerable koalas. Climate
testing the next generation of eucalyptus
of SA are administering the grants and
coordinating projects with Landcare
involves volunteers and landcarers
from Far East Victorian Landcare and
Greater Gliders. However, with the surge
of volunteers after the Black Summer
in monitoring island species by using
Birdata, a mobile phone app. The app
drought tolerance. Tests will occur in
climate chambers at the Australian Plant
It means conservation groups anywhere
in Australia will be able to partner with
RECOVERY
trees. Recruiting citizen scientists to teams and other community groups. Traditional Owners collaborating to fires, this restoration work has been will enable BirdLifeAustralia to collect Phenomics Facility at ANU, which can QUT to transmit data to the hub, offering
protect endangered butterflies. These better understand butterfly ecology, challenging to manage. information on numbers and dispersal replicate extreme climate conditions and
are just a few of the 111 bushfire recovery Projects are now underway in the faster, cheaper and more accurate
identification and survey protocols. Wildlife Near Me, the new information- while helping users learn more about interpret the most resistant varieties.
projects funded by the Landcare Led rainforests of south-east Queensland, monitoring of population numbers.
the rainforests of the NSW North Coast Land managers will also receive sharing app, will aim to fix this issue, their local feathered friends. Ongoing
Bushfire Recovery Grants program. guidance on protecting host plants surveys will be critical to assessing the With the seedings collected and Supported with $325,000, community
and Tablelands, the forests of the NSW driving stakeholder collaboration and
and butterfly habitats. information sharing for informed and post-fire abundance and distribution of knowledge from the local network, groups Noosa and District Landcare and
In a joint announcement by Federal South Coast, World Heritage-listed Blue
Minister for the Environment Sussan Mountains, the alpine environments coordinated approaches to wildlife birds, particularly for priority species. researchers hope to discover which Watergum will test the system before
Future work will evolve around captive species have the best shot at long-
Ley MP and Federal Minister for across ACT, NSW and Victoria, the forests breeding, salvage operations for future conservation. Two wildlife survey being made ultimately available to
In the Snowy Monaro, Australian term survival, to support diversity,
Agriculture and Northern Australia and coastal ecosystems of East Gippsland fire events and host plant mapping. The projects will test the system to guide environment and Landcare groups
National University is working with regeneration and revegetation in future
David Littleproud MP, the $14million and Kangaroo Island. ultimate goal is to prevent the butterflies recovery efforts. across the country.
Landcare to conduct temperature harsher climate conditions.
grants program is supporting from sliding unnoticed into extinction.
A notable project awarded $250,000 in Meanwhile, in South Australia, trials on native trees. With $180,000 The program will develop the capacity of
regeneration and community resilience And in south-east Queensland,
funding, researchers and ecologists Meanwhile, some organisations are communities and local students across in funding, these experiments will
in seven government-designated regions
Kangaroo Island are being recruited to Queensland University of Technology Landcare groups to conduct scientifically
impacted by the Black Summer bushfires from the Threatened Species developing app technology to aid the focus on the climate resilience of native
Conservancy and Melbourne University help save bird species impacted by is developing a new program featuring robust drone surveys for wildlife
in Queensland, New South Wales, the recovery and monitoring of species. eucalyptus species with the hope
are spearheading an initiative to monitor Black Summer. drones and artificial intelligence to detection in their own regions, drawing
Australian Capital Territory, Victoria In the Blue Mountains, non-profit of safeguarding bush areas against
dwindling butterfly populations and increasing extreme conditions. protect endangered native animals. on local knowledge and skill to enable
and South Australia after the 2019-2020 Science for Wildlife is using $300,000 The fires left several species, including
protect rare habitat for species found effective on-ground management for
Black Summer bushfires. in funding to build an app to coordinate 17 found only on the island, at risk of Working with Upper Snowy Landcare With an initial focus on koalas, QUT
only in East Gippsland. They will examine volunteers and help prevent them from koalas and other species in bushfire-
extinction. Some including the Network, the researchers are examining researchers will develop a community
Facilitated by the Australian seven threatened species, including the possibly harming habitat or animals, or Southern Emu-wren and Kangaroo affected areas.
Government’s Bushfire Recovery southern Sedge-darter and Two-spotted species from the woodlands and forests of wildlife conservation network using
themselves. Island Whipbird, lost up to 80 per cent More information on projects
Program for Wildlife and their Habitat, Grass-skipper. With largely outdated south-east Australia affected by drought, an AI-powered data hub combined
of their habitat. funded by the Landcare Led Bushfire
Landcare Australia, the National data, researchers know little about The organisation has been driving dieback and the recent bushfires. Using with drones equipped with infrared
Landcare Network and state peak bodies the species and the impact of extreme native species replanting, rehabilitated With $50,000 in funding, BirdIfe high-resolution real-time imaging cameras to better detect the animals. Recovery Grants visit
Queensland Water and Land Carers, conditions. release and community engagement to Australia aims to educate and engage technology, researchers will assess The technology will help Landcarers see landcareledbushfiregrants.org.au
Bassian Thrush Eucalyptus after impacts of dieback
Credit Tom Hunt and extreme temperatures.
Birdlife Australia Credit Zach Simpson
Kangaroo Island
student Jess Paterson
choosing survey sites
Credit Birdlife Australia
East Gippsland endangered
butterflies have been critically
impacted. Credit Luis Mata
Prof. Grant Hamilton and
researchers will boost
Climate Testing Chambers system to spot koalas
Credit ANU Credit QUT
// 12 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 13 //
LANDCARE AND ABORIGINAL A national program to strengthen
connections between farmers, farming
COMMUNITIES – WORKING organisations and Landcare
TOGETHER FOR WILDLIFE
RECOVERY Get Involved in the Landcare Farming Program
L
andcare on the North Coast is The new Aboriginal Landcare Officer The Landcare Farming Program is a joint initiative between Landcare Australia and the
embarking on an Aboriginal position will provide support to National Landcare Network, funded by the Australia Government. The Landcare Farming
engagement program – Aboriginal groups, North Coast Landcare Program objectives include re-establishing and strengthening connections in the
‘CountryCare’ - which is set to employ networks and Landcare groups to agricultural sector between farmers, farming organisations and Landcare; identifying,
an Aboriginal Landcare Officer, the first co-design collaborative activities that sharing and promoting information and practices that support improved management of
such position in the State. build capacity and partnerships – with soil, waterways and biodiversity; and contributing to agricultural and rural community
a particular focus on projects that can resilience.
With strong interest from across the assist with bushfire habitat recovery. Find out more: landcarefarming.org.au
North Coast region, and with support Contact the Landcare Farming Program Manager: mick.taylor@landcareaustralia.com.au
The program largely stems from
from the NSW Landcare Program
recognition by North Coast Landcare that
“Working Together” initiative, the
Aboriginal communities are the original
program will establish and strengthen
“Landcarers” and we are all focused on
ties between the local Landcare caring for the land, environment and
Landcare Webinar Series – people can apply in their local community to You are welcome to use the links from the Landcare
community and Aboriginal groups and focus on Landcare Farming manage environmental issues and support Webinar series web page to share the content
communities in our region.
organisations. community resilience. with your landcare community and others in your
Chair of the North Coast Regional The Landcare Webinar Series brings people network.
“Landcare sees common objectives in the interested in sustainable land management and Registration is free.
Landcare Network, Jim Kinkead said:
conservation activities together. The webinars You can watch the webinar via YouTube or you can If you have a webinar idea, you are welcome to
environmental work it does and the land “This is one of the most valuable things
showcase the rich diversity of knowledge, passion register on Landcarer and ask questions and contact us at mick.taylor@landcareaustralia.com.au
management activities many Aboriginal about community connection - it is just
organisations undertake” said Josh getting people together to connect and and expertise from individuals, groups and interact with the online audience using the live chat. By subscribing you will be notified about each of the
Keating, Coordinator with North Coast seeing how we can evolve from there”. organisations involved in landcare activities. webinars in the series and will have access to attend
If you miss a webinar, you can catch up later and
Regional Landcare Network. “For that Hosted by Landcare Farming Program Manager watch at any time here: any that interest you.
The logo art for ‘Working “Landcare is well placed to respond
Together’ by Jason Ridgeway, reason, the idea of working together and to the impacts of the Black Summer Mick Taylor, speakers in the webinars present ideas landcareaustralia.org.au/webinars landcareaustralia.org.au/webinars
proud Aboriginal artist from the sharing ideas, knowledge and doing joint to inspire people and provide tools that
Dunghutti Nation on the NSW bushfires utilising our professional staff,
Mid North Coast. Supplied projects is a core focus of this position” local community groups and extensive
Mr Keating said. network of volunteers.”
HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF TH E E XC I T I N G TA LK S T H AT YOU C A N WATC H A N D S H A R E :
SHARING THE
CHEN has
delivered The
‘Story of Cattai’,
‘STORY OF CATTAI’ an interactive
presentation to a
C
number of schools
in The Hills.
attai Hills Environment a lot. It’s so important to connect Supplied.
Network CHEN understands our younger generations to the BOB HAWKE LANDCARE AWARD WINNER CARBON PROJECTS METHOD TO MARKET - UNLOCKING ECOSYSTEM
that together, the landcare natural environment and for them SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS
Andrew Stewart & Mick Taylor Stephen Wiedemann & Mick Taylor
community can have much wider to understand the impact we have Dr Hayley McMillan & Mick Taylor
impact. Sharing ideas, resources, and on our aquatic ecosystems,” said
best practice Danielle Packer, Cattai Aware Project
between groups and communities Officer.
is a game changer.
CHEN have used Landcarer to
LANDCARE
A great example is their ‘Story of share this interactive presentation BENCHMARKING
Cattai’, an interactive presentation amongst other landcare groups PROJECT: NATURAL
CHEN has recently delivered to and have already started a chat to CAPITAL FOOTPRINT
a number of schools in The Hills. explore ways to reach other groups FOR IMPROVING
The ‘Story of Cattai’, is a localised across Australia on the topic of AUSTRALIAN BEEF AND SHEEP SUSTAINABILITY LANDCARE SMART FARM - SUSTAINABILITY
adaptation of a free educational catchment management and water Phil Tickle, Tess Herbert, Professor Bruce Allworth NATURAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTING PROJECT
resource like the Learning Activities quality. Landcarer has also enabled & Mick Taylor Jim Radford & Sue Ogilvy Adrian Ward
available on juniorlandcare.org.au. CHEN to share images, knowledge
It provides students with the and ultimately, reach out to a wider
opportunity to explore the impacts audience about their presentation.
and also ways they can improve
Landcarer is a free online community
the environmental quality of local FERAL PIGS IMPACT FIVE INTERVENTIONS HOW YOU CAN GET
platform dedicated to landcare,
waterways. ON CONSERVATION TO IMPROVE SOIL INVOLVED IN THE
providing individuals and landcare AND FOOD HEALTH LANDCARE FARMING
“We loved seeing the children’s groups with a variety of tools allowing PRODUCTION PROGRAM
excitement and eagerness to users to create, contribute and share
engage in the presentation, and resources, knowledge and ideas.
hearing their ideas on how to care Dr. Heather
for their waterways and aquatic How can the landcare community Channon Sue Bestow Mick Taylor
life like frogs and platypus. It’s help you take your landcare
especially rewarding when even the activities to the next level? Get on
teachers tell us that they learned landcarer.com.au and find out.
This project is supported by Landcare Australia and the
National Landcare Network through funding from the Australian
// 14 LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 Government’s National Landcare Program. LANDCARE IN FOCUS November 2021 15 //
S AV E T H E D AT E
20 22 2022 NATIONAL
NATIONAL LANDCARE CONFERENCE
LANDCARE TUESDAY 23 TO THURSDAY 25 AUGUST, 2022
CONFERENCE
LIVE AND VIRTUAL FORMAT
20 22 2022 NATIONAL LANDCARE
NATIONAL
LANDCARE AWARDS | GALA DINNER
AWARDS WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST, 2022
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, DARLING HARBOUR, SYDNEY
MEET US ONLINE OR AT THE 2022 NATIONAL LANDCARE CONFERENCE
If you were inspired by the speakers at this year’s National Landcare Conference, we encourage you to present at the 2022 National
Landcare Conference. The Call for Abstracts campaign is now open until February 27, 2022.
The 2022 National Landcare Conference and National Landcare Awards gala dinner will be hosted as both a live and virtual event in Sydney from
Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 August. This three day event will include over 80 speakers plus a field trip program in the Greater Sydney Region. Early Bird
Registrations will open in April 2022.
Over 3,000 people were involved in this year’s event and more than 60 speakers presented insightful and informative content. If you missed it, you
can access the speaker videos and presentations online including the conference posters and use for training and development, and other capacity
building activities in your community.
For more information please visit www.landcareaustralia.org.au
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
You can also read
