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News of our world
Date: 16/10/08
In the role as ACT Regional Natural Resource Management and Landcare
Facilitator, I thought it appropriate to give you a bit of an update every month or
so. I will keep comments to a minimum and rely on readers contacting me if they
wish to know more. In the interests of brevity contributions are not individually
acknowledged here. Please notify me of anyone who may wish to be added or
removed from the distribution list. This newsletter will also appear on
www.actlandcare.org.au
In this issue:
Funding Opportunities
• Professional Advice and Planning Grant
• Farm Ready Fund to Help Farmers Tackle Climate Change
• AusIndustry Climate Ready Innovation Grants
• $5,000 grants available for innovative sustainable farming ideas
• Australian Weeds Research Centre
• Green Precincts Fund
Public Billboard
• Commonwealth Bank Green Ambassadors
• National Landcare Awards 23rd October Parliament House
• Weed Swap
• Water Week Celebrations
• Walk in Dunlop Grassland
Community Forums and Training Opportunities
• Natural Sequence Farming Demonstration
• Weeds Field Day
• Discover life on the wild side: Bird Walk and wildlife walk
• Frogwatch Census Week (19 – 25 Oct)
• Tending the Grassroots – strengthening community environmental
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networks
‘Future Footprints’ at the Belconnen Community Festival,
STIPA 6th National Native Grasslands - Conference Victoria
Saving a Sunburnt Country – Conference Sydney
Grassland Extravaganza Field Day
Whole of Paddock Rehabilitation Field Trip to Weilora
Greening Australia propagation season begins
Stories of Interest
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Caring for Our Country Media Release 30 September 2008
Managing for Climate Change
Greening Australia Volunteers update
Patch Protection brochure
Water Footprint
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Funding Opportunities
Landcare Australia Ltd grants www.landcareonline.com
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Dilmah Water Quality Funding - closes 31 Oct 2008
Westpac Operation Backyard employee grant program- no closing date
applies
Junior Landcare Grants Program - closes 24 Oct 2008
Professional Advice and Planning Grant
Rural Financial Counsellors have lists of consultants who can provide advice using
the Professional advice and training grants of up to $5500 (Inc GST). Visit the
RAA website www.raa.nsw.gov.au for a complete list of all rural counsellors.
The scope of the grants has been broadened to include the development of all risk
management and business plans for a farm, NOT just a drought management
plan. You do not have to be in receipt of other benefits through Centrelink. The
aim of the grants is to assist farmers with planning and decision making
processes during this difficult time. There is an off farm assets test limit of
$750,000 but NO Income test. Applicants must have been farmers for two years
or more. Ring 13 23 16 for more information.
Farm Ready Fund to Help Farmers Tackle Climate Change
On 30 July 2008, the Federal Government announced the FarmReady fund. The
$26.5m fund aims to provide Primary producers and industries access to
specialised training to help them deal with the impacts of climate change. Primary
producers will be able to apply for grants of up to $1,500 each financial year to
attend approved training sourses, which will help to cover travel, accommodation
and childcare costs. Industry associations and farming and natural resource
management groups will be able to apply for grants of up to $80,000 each
financial year to help support their members in adapting to climate change. The
first courses are expected to begin in the next few months.
There is a very good primary filter tool on the DAFF website to assist farmers to
conduct their eligibility test for the Climate Change Program. Available at
www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/australias-farmingfuture
AusIndustry Climate Ready Innovation Grants
The Australian Government's Climate Ready Innovation Grants aim to increase
the level of high quality innovation activities by small to medium sized enterprises
in Australia that address the effects of climate change. Closing date for the first
four rounds are - 4 Dec '08, 12 Mar '09 and 25 Jun '09. For further details visit
www.ausindustry.gov.au/ and click on AusIndustry Products.
$5,000 grants available for innovative sustainable farming ideas
Landcare Australia wants to hear from farmers or land managers who have
innovative ideas to encourage and develop sustainable farming practices.
For further information and to see examples of projects already underway for the
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Woolworths Sustainable Farming Program, please visit www.landcareonline.com
or contact the Project Officer – Shivani Jayasinghe on 02 9412 1040 or email
[email protected].
Australian Weeds Research Centre - Open call for research project applications
The Australian Government has committed $15.3 million over 4 years 2008-12 to
establish an Australian Weeds Research Centre.
Applications for funding are currently invited for projects that address key priority
areas.
Projects may include:
• improvement in best practice methodology
• biological control
• weed control technology
• improving technical capacity for mapping and reporting across jurisdictions
to assist the gathering of good spatial information
• better understanding of the impacts of climate change on weed spread.
• multi-disciplinary technologies and multi species approaches
• new methods which reduce reliance on herbicides
• quantifying the impact of weeds of national significance on biodiversity.
For more information on the Australian Weeds Research Centre—including details
on the open call for applications process and an application form—visit
www.daff.gov.au/australianweedsresearchcentre, email
[email protected] or call 1800 136 100.
Applications close 5.00 pm 24 October 2008.
Green Precincts Fund
The Green Precincts Fund was announced in the 2008-09 Federal Budget, with
funding of $15 million over four years to support at least 10 high-profile
demonstration projects that deliver water and energy savings while educating the
community about water and energy efficiency.
The Government is looking to work with community organisations, sporting clubs
and state and local government. Eligible funding recipients must be
incorporated in Australia.
An Expression of Interest must be submitted by close of business on 22
November 2008. Short listed applicants will be invited to submit a detailed project
proposal.
The guidelines and Expression of Interest forms are available from
www.environment.gov.au/water/programs or by calling 1800 218 478.
For more information visit: www.environment.gov.au/water/programs or email
[email protected] or call 1800 218 478.
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Public Notices
Commonwealth Bank Green Ambassadors
The Commonwealth Bank and Conservation Volunteers Australia have come
together to recognise, reward and support young Australians who are actively
involved in improving their local environment.
The program is searching for young people between 16 and 30 years of age who
can demonstrate leadership in an environmental capacity at home, work, school,
on the road or in the community.
Applications are open until Friday 24 October 2008.
www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/greenambassadors/ga-applynow.htm
National Landcare Awards 23rd October Parliament House
Don’t forget to vote for the Peoples Choice Award
The ACT finalists include:
Life in the Suburbs (Inspiring Young People)
Geoff Hyles (Farming for the Future)
Namadgi National Park (Living Environment, Healthy Communities)
Frogwatch Program (Conserving our Wilderness)
Lynton Bond (Legends of our Land)
Friends of Mt Majura (The Power of People)
To place your vote visit: www.landcareheroes.com
Weed Swap
Swap your weeds for local native seedlings for free!
When: Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October 2008 from 8.30am to 4pm daily.
Where: Corkhill Bros Landscaping yard near the Mugga Lane tip and Canberra
Sand & Gravel's yard at Southern Cross Drive, Parkwood.
Celebrate National Water Week 19th – 25th October
To celebrate National Water Week ACTEW will be holding a free open day at
Rosary Primary School. On the day there will be free water saving information
and gardening talks, tours of ‘Grass Roots’ – the turf and irrigation research
project, a sausage sizzle and entertainment, as well as free arts and crafts for the
kids to enjoy.
Saturday 25 October from 10.00am to 2.00pm at Rosary Primary School, Fleming
St Watson.
House hold water usage
The Australian National University are investigating intra-household water use in
the ACT region as part of a research project developing a methodology, based on
household diary keeping, to provide water researchers and policy makers with
data about water use within the household. You are invited to participate in this
research by keeping a water use diary over a seven (7) day period during
National Water Week, October 19 - 25, 2008.
For more information contact
Kate Harriden
M. Arts (Asian Studies)
P: 02 6282 2082
E: [email protected]
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Walk in Dunlop Grassland
A walk organised by Saint Barnabas Church, Charnwood. Friends of Grasslands
Vice President, Isobel Crawford, will provide information on Canberra grasslands
and plant identification, while an ACT Indigenous ranger, Euroka Gilbert, will
provide an Indigenous cultural perspective. The Ginninderra Catchment Group’s
Dunlop Grasslands Nature Reserve brochure will be launched at the walk.
When: 2pm Sun 19th October
Where: meet at the corner of Shakespeare Crescent and Binns Street, Dunlop.
Cost: gold coin donation.
BBQ afterwards
More information: http://www.saint-barnabas.org , or contact Jack Lloyd at
[email protected] or 6161 3312.
Community Forums and Training Opportunities
Natural Sequence Farming Demonstration
Upper Shoalhaven Landcare, Southern Rivers CMA, Mulloon Creek Natural Farms
and The Natural Sequence Association with Peter Andrews invite you to a Natural
Sequence Farming Demonstration Field day at Mulloon Creek.
When: Sunday 9th November 2008 9.00 am to 2.30 pm
Where: Mulloon Creek Natural Farms at the barn 15 minutes off the Kings
Highway (at the top of the Great Divide)
RSVP and more information: Southern Rivers CMA office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 4842 2594
Weeds Field Day
If you don't know your blue devil from a scotch thistle or Poa tussock from
serrated tussock then here’s a chance to learn the differences. Why waste time
and effort removing something that you don’t need to (or shouldn’t!) remove?
You’ll also learn about some of our native plants and the “garden thugs” that
could be the weeds of the future.
When: Sunday 26 October, 2 - 4pm
Where: Bowen Park, 81 Bowen St , Carwoola
More Information: Lynton Bond 6238 2368 or [email protected]
Wear: A hat, and sturdy shoes, folding chair.
Discover life on the wild side: Mount Majura Bird Walk
Join ornithologist Geoffrey Dabb for an early morning walk to observe and hear
some of the many birds that call Mount Majura home.
When: Sunday, 26 October, 7.30am
Where: Meet at the Antill Street Mt Majura Nature Park entrance opposite
Canberra Carotel
Bring: binoculars if you have them
Limited places! Booking is essential.
For booking and enquiries: phone 6247 7515 or e-mail [email protected].
Gold coin donation for a copy of a bird species list of Mt Majura or download your
copy from http://majura.org/species-lists/
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Discover life on the wild side: Mount Majura Wildflower Walk
Explore the plants growing in the Mount Majura nature reserve on a delightful
walk with local botanist Michael Doherty.
When: Sunday, 2 November 2008, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm
Where: Meet at the Mackenzie / Grayson Streets Nature Park entrance in Hackett
Bring: Sun protection and water; gold coin for a copy of a flora list of Mt Majura
or download your copy from http://majura.org/species-lists/
Enquiries: phone 6247 7515 or e-mail [email protected].
No booking required
Frogwatch Census Week (19 – 25 Oct)
The Frogwatch monitoring period is for the whole of October but a special effort is
made to survey all Frogwatch sites during census week. To help with the
surveying you need to have some experience or to get some training (see above).
If you would like to help, please contact the Frogwatch coordinator, Beth Mantle
at [email protected] or 6278 3309.
Waterwatch Riparian Assessment and Macro-invertebrate Refresher
Course
Come and brush up on your riparian and waterbug skills on 25th October. For
more information, or to register, contact Beth Mantle on 6278 3309 or email:
[email protected]
Tending the Grassroots – strengthening community environmental
networks
This five day event incorporates the bi-annual UMCCC (Upper Murrumbidgee
Catchment Coordinating Committee) and annual MLI (Murrumbidgee Landcare
Inc) Forum, which is titled “Resilient Landscapes; Resilient Communities: The
next generation of Landcare”.
For a complete program visit www.murrumbidgeelandcare.asn.au
When: 14-18 November 2008
Where: Queanbeyan Conference Centre
Registration and more information: Jo Perkins 04159 07959
[email protected]
‘Future Footprints’ at the Belconnen Community Festival,
The Belconnen Community festival is now seeking participants to be involved in
the ‘Future Footprints’; a community approach to environment and sustainability
matters through workshops and activities interactive displays, speaker’s forums,
and the promotion of products and produce.
When: 15 November 2008, Margaret Timpson Park
Registration and more information: 02 6264 0243
[email protected] www.bcsact.com.au
An initiative of Belconnen Community Service,
Canberra Environment & Sustainability Resource Centre,
Ginninderra Catchment Group and See‐Change
with assistance from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust.
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STIPA 6th National Native Grasslands - Conference Victoria
Regenerative Grassland management for Profitable, Ecological and Social Gains
Town Hall Horsham Victoria
9 – 11 November 2008 Contact [email protected]
Saving a Sunburnt Country – Conference Sydney
The challenges of species adaptation in a heating land Australia’s plants and
animals and ecosystems are already feeling the effects of climate change. As one
of the few wealthy mega bio-diverse countries, Australia is in a position to make a
major contribution to protecting the world’s biodiversity.
Wed 19th Thur 20 November 2008 Sydney.
Find out more by following this link www.nccnsw.org.au/sunburntcountry
Grassland Extravaganza Field Day
The Kosciusko to Coast Project is hosting a Grassland Extravaganza field day in
Bredbo on Sunday 23rd November.
For more information contact: Lauren Van Dyke, [email protected]
02 6454 4388, 0411 402 978
Whole of Paddock Rehabilitation Field Trip to Weilora
Greening Australia is hosting a field trip to ‘Weilora’ in Binalong to see and discuss
Whole of Paddock Rehabilitation (WOPR).
‘Weilora’ has a WOPR paddock that was sown in 1994 and grazed since 1999 and
another established in 2002 which was grazed during the peak of the drought and
later re-seeded. Other features include extensive corridor and revegetation blocks
and excellent examples of grassy box woodland and scattered paddock trees.
‘Weilora’ has also been the home for research and surveys on salinity, bird
diversity and fodder production, with further research planned for this summer.
For more information contact Sue Streatfield
Greening Australia Capital Region
Phone 6253 3035 www.greeningaustralia.org.au
Greening Australia propagation season begins
Six community propagation events are planned for October and November:
• Thursday 30 October, 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Lions Youth Haven Kambah
• Sunday 2 November, 9:00am to 12:00noon, Botanic Gardens
• Thursday 13 November, 5:00pm to 7:00pm, ANBG
• Sunday 16 November, 9:30am to 12:30pm, TransGrid Yass
• Thursday 20 November, 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Botanic Gardens
RSVP essential: Phone 6253 3035 or email [email protected]
Make sure you check out the October edition of HANDS-ON, the Greening
Australia volunteer newsletter, at
http://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/community/capital-region
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Stories of Interest
Caring for Our Country Media Release 30 September 2008
AMBITIOUS TARGETS SET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
One million additional hectares of native habitat will be protected and farmers will
be better supported to continue improving land management under ambitious
environmental targets set by the Rudd Government for the $2.25 billion Caring
for our Country program.
Specific five-year outcomes have been identified across the six national priority
areas for the program including:
• increase the size of the protected-area estate under the National Reserve
System to 125 million hectares – a 25% increase;
• increase the area of native habitat and vegetation managed to reduce
critical threats to biodiversity by at least one million hectares;
• reduce the impact of invasive species including rabbits and rodents on
Macquarie Island, Tasmania and cane toads; and maintain viable
Tasmanian Devil populations;
• assist at least 30% of Australian farmers to adopt sustainable land
management practices; and
• contribute to at least 30 partnerships with Indigenous groups and at least
five major regional partnerships.
www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2008/september_2008/ambitious_targets_set_for_environm
ental_program
Managing for Climate Change
The Department of Climate Change has released the publication “Managing
Australian landscapes in a changing climate - a climate change primer for regional
natural resource management bodies’’ This document can be downloaded from
http://www.climatechange.gov.au/impacts/publications/pubs/nrm.pdf
Greening Australia Volunteers planted 50,000 trees in the Lower Cotter
in 2008
A huge effort from community and corporate volunteers throughout 2008 has
culminated in 50,000 native trees and shrubs being planted in the Uriarra and
Pierces Creek areas of the Lower Cotter Catchment. Since the bushfires,
volunteers have planted over 135,000 trees on bushfire-affected land to the west
of Canberra, with a 70% survival rate. Congratulations and thank you to all
volunteers involved. Special thanks to Rivers, Parks and Molonglo Volunteer
Bushfire Brigades for supplying water this year, and to the Macarthur Scout
Group for cooking the BBQ at most of the 2008 plantings.
At the Mad Hatter’s Planting on 21 September, 185 volunteers planted and
watered 4,300 native trees and shrubs. Many volunteers got into the spirit of the
day, wearing a variety of hats. Check out some photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greeningaustralia/
Patch Protection’ brochure
Greening Australia has released the long awaited ‘Patch Protection’ brochure
which is the culmination of 4 years of planning, research, field work, analysis and
writes up. The Patch Protection project addressed key questions around the
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value of fencing remnants and controlling stock grazing for improving vegetation
condition, species diversity and regeneration.
For further information or for printed copies please contact the GA Capital Region
office on 62533035.
Water Footprint
People use lots of water for drinking, cooking and washing, but even more for
producing things such as food, paper, cotton clothes, etc. The water footprint is
an indicator of water use that looks at both direct and indirect water use of a
consumer or producer. The water footprint of an individual, community or
business is defined as the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce the
goods and services consumed by the individual or community or produced by the
business.
www.waterfootprint.org/index.php?page=files/home
$26.76 million boost to Indigenous ranger work
Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced $26.76 million to help Indigenous
rangers fight the loss of biodiversity in remote Australia.
The package under the Caring for our Country initiative includes:
$21.65 million to boost the work of Indigenous rangers on Australia's 25 declared
Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) over the next five years
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/mr20081014.html
Rebecca Blundell
ACT Regional NRM/Landcare Facilitator
Territory and Municipal Services
6205 2913, 0439 895 019
[email protected]
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