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Issue 12: December 2008 Welcome to the December edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA). Previous editions of this newsletter are available on the CMA website. To subscribe to Catchment News or make changes to your subscription details please send an email to hcr@cma.nsw.gov.au. Click here to view large text format | Click here for print-friendly version What's happening around the catchments?
When Peter and Helen Horn found their 121 hectare Glen Martin property 'Sunnyside' in 2004, they knew it was the project they'd been looking for. The property had been grazed by cattle and a lot of timber had been cleared but there was great potential for re-establishing the dry and wet rainforest remnants that remained. In 2007 the Horns approached the CMA for some advice on conserving and caring for the important native vegetation remnants on their property. CMA Project Officer Trevor Cameron helped the Horns develop a Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) for a large proportion of the property. Since their PVP application was approved, the Horns have fenced off 20 hectares of rainforest, with 5 km of electric fencing, which they are powering with solar panels. They have removed substantial Lantana infestations and have planted up to 500 native trees and shrubs, including Red Cedar, Whale Bone Tree, Sandpaper Fig and Water Gum. Around 100 bird species have been sighted on the property—among them are the Grey-crowned Babbler, the Speckled Warbler and the Glossy Black-Cockatoo—and significant numbers of koalas, sugar gliders and several species of bat are also enjoying the bushland habitat. While the Horns are motivated above all to enhance the natural bushland on their property, they haven't sacrificed grazing areas. In fact by thinning and clearing wattle regrowth in strategic areas, the Horns have actually increased the total grazing area available to them and have sown oats and rye in these areas for their grazing enterprise.
Peter Horn is one of 15 Hunter residents who recently became members of the CMA's Hunter Community Reference Group (CRG). Since it was established in September 2005, the CRG has provided a community voice on the management of priority natural resources issues in the Hunter region. Operating as a subcommittee of the Board of the Catchment Management Authority (CMA), the group assists in the exchange of information, helping the CMA to keep in touch with the broader community. The CRG has provided expertise on a number of assessment panels for funding allocations including the Upper Hunter On-Ground Initiative, and continues to provide input to the development of the annual budget for allocation of Hunter Catchment Contributions. The group is also currently participating in the redevelopment of the CMA’s website. The CRG is made up of 15 community members, and two CMA Board members, Julia Imrie and Arthur Burns, who co-Chair the meetings. CRG membership is based on skills, rather than on representation of any particular organisation, agency or company, and is conducted on an honorary basis. Other newcomers to the group include Patricia Bestic from Greenlands, George Betts from Scone, Tony Hegarty from Cassilis, Noel Jupp from East Gresford and Eric Line from Birmingham Gardens. They add to the already diverse mix of knowledge, skills and experience within the group. More information on the membership and activities of the Hunter CRG can be found on the CMA website.
The draft Central Coast Water Sharing Plan, prepared by the Department of Water and Energy is currently on public exhibition until 28 January 2009. The 10-year Water Sharing Plan sets out the rules for sharing water and licenses between users, including irrigators and the Gosford/Wyong Council's Water Authority, while also balancing the needs of water-dependent species such as prawns and fish. The Central Coast plan covers the Tuggerah (including Wyong River), Hawkesbury River (including Mangrove and Mooney Mooney creeks), and Brisbane Water (including Narara and Erina creeks) catchments, but does not include Ourimbah and Jilliby Jilliby creeks as Water Sharing Plans already exist in these catchments. Two community information sessions were held in November to help provide information about the draft plan to license holders and other interested groups. Copies of the plan are available for review at the CMA's Tocal and Gosford offices or from the Department of Water and Energy website. If you wish to comment on the draft plan you should complete a submission form, which is also available on the website.
On 13 November around 80 partners and friends gathered to celebrate the 15th birthday of the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project (KWRP). Since its inception in 1993, KWRP has become one of the largest active coastal rehabilitation projects in Australia, encompassing 1590 hectares over three sites in the Hunter River estuary. The project, which sits in close proximity to the Port of Newcastle, with its industrial complex and urban infrastructure, was initiated to compensate for the loss of fish, shorebird and other wildlife habitat in the Hunter estuary, caused by 200 years of draining, filling and clearing. Ash Island, one of the main sites managed through the project, was once used informally as a rubbish tip and dump site for burnt out stolen cars. Today the land on Ash Island has been transformed through the efforts of the KWRP staff and dedicated community volunteers who have helped plant over 150,000 trees and shrubs to extend the remnants of rainforest and riparian vegetation that once flourished on the floodplain adjacent to the wetlands. There are now over 300 species of indigenous plants and over 27 threatened species and one threatened community on Ash Island, which provides habitat for over 200 species of birds including 34 migratory species, 42 species of fish and crustaceans, 15 species of frog, and 10 species of bat. For more information on the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project, go to the website, call 4964 9308 or drop in for information at the Old Schoolmasters House on Ash Island (cross the Ash Island Bridge from the lights near McDonalds on the Pacific Highway at Hexham).
On a wet and miserable Sunday morning, around 15 dedicated Landcarers joined some soggy CMA staff for a field day in the Congewai Valley. They were there to talk about the effects of erosion on the local area and to discuss some practical ways of preventing it. Since the June 2007 flood, the CMA has continued to support landholders in affected areas with advice and financial assistance to help stabilise stream banks. Landholders have been encouraged to fence off sensitive areas from cattle and install off-stream watering points away from the stream, and in some cases plant native species on the face and top of riverbanks to ensure an adequate buffer for future flood events. Field day participants were taken to two properties in Congewai to assess the stream condition at various sites and discuss management options. They also had the chance of getting their hands dirty with some tree planting and water quality testing, with the guidance and assistance of the CMA's Lower Hunter Community Support Officer Grahame Price and Riparian Officer Linda Russell and Ingrid and Amanda from the Hunter-Central Rivers Waterwatch team. If you have a natural resource issue that you're currently managing that you would like some assistance with, contact the CMA to discuss what sort of options are available to you.
Dr Jason Morton from Avon College in Cooranbong has been studying the behaviour and social organisation of sex-changing fish known as wrasses for the past six years. This groundbreaking research is currently being sponsored by the Australian Geographic Society. Starting life as females, Jason's research has shown the fish live in a harem of socially-ranked females with the top female most likely to change sex after the male dies. These colourful and fascinating fish are abundant in the coastal waters of Australia with many calling the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park home. Dr Morton has long had a passion for the ocean - surfing its waves and diving its depths - as well as attempting to unlock its secrets in his role as a marine biologist and this passion will come alive at the informative and interactive presentation at Cape Hawke Surf Life Saving Club on December 5 as part of the Marine Discovery Series (see Dates for the calendar for details). The Marine Discovery Series has been initiated by the Hunter-Central Rivers CMA with the support of Great Lakes Council and the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, and is aimed at improving public awareness about our marine environments, which unfortunately are not well understood. Past presentations have covered a broad range of topics from the science of the surf to the biology of Port Jackson sharks. All have featured scientists with extensive knowledge and a shared passion for preserving our marine resources for future generations.
Goulburn River landholder Julia Imrie, Scotts Flat dairy farmer Arthur Burns and Wyong local Neil Rose will continue as members of the CMA Board, thanks to their recent reappointment by NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, The Hon Carmel Tebbutt. All were appointed as Board members of the CMA when it was first formed in January 2004, and are looking forward to continuing in the role for another three years. The news was welcomed by the other members of the CMA Board-John Weate from the Great Lakes area, John Asquith from the Central Coast, Chris Scott from the Manning, and Chairman Dr WEJ Paradice. The Board represent the diversity of our region and bring expertise and experience in community, government and industry activities, as well as an understanding of environmental, social and economic issues facing our catchments. CMA Chairman Dr WEJ Paradice says the extensions provide some continuity for the CMA Board. 'The commitment that our Board members have made to the CMA and the communities they represent is considerable. We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and well-qualified group of people, who are familiar with the inner workings of the CMA and understand the expectations of the role,' said Dr Paradice.
Some of the most influential players in the NSW dairy industry gathered in Taree recently as part of a two-day Dairy Industry Development Cooperative (or DIDCO) forum, hosted by the local Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group. The Farmers Targets for Change (FTC) program, funded largely by the Hunter-Central Rivers CMA and MidCoast Water, and the associated Sustainable Agriculture Grants funding from the CMA for on-ground works, were highlighted as a major success story by Ray Johnston, livestock officer (dairy) with the Department of Primary Industries, during his address to the forum group. Up to 95 per cent of local dairy farmers in the Manning, Myall and Wallis catchments have been participants in the FTC process, which involves gathering the collective knowledge of local farmers (through on-farm visits, group workshops and farm planning) to assess how specific farming practices are impacting on the natural resources, production levels and financial bottom line of their enterprises. Forum delegates had the opportunity of visiting a number of local dairy farmers who have risen to the challenge of protecting their natural resources while improving production. One such farmer is Peter Brown who operates a large dairy at The Bight, near Wingham. Peter has been trialing the use of a Probiotic Low Energy Aeration (PLEA) System for managing dairy effluent and has had some promising results in controlling sludge and odours in effluent ponds. The treated effluent has proved to be a great resource, being recycled for irrigating paddocks and washing down the dairy shed floors after milking. The delegates of DIDCO, which is a key representative body for the NSW dairy industry, participating in the forum were impressed with the innovation displayed by local farmers and in particular the successful partnerships between the Dairy Advancement Group (DAG), local dairy farmers, DPI, the CMA and the local water utility, MidCoast Water, who are working together to improve the environment and the bottom line for local farmers.
Seagrass habitats play a vital role in our coastal ecosystem and are particularly important in the sustainability of commercial and recreational fisheries, but can be damaged by boat moorings. Port Stephens local Des Maslen makes a living from installing and servicing moorings and has witnessed the way traditional dump weight and chain moorings scour the seabed as they get swung around by the wind and tides. Figuring there had to be a better way, Des invented an innovative seagrass-friendly mooring system, which uses a single anchor post with a load spreader that sits underneath the seabed. The post extends up away from the seabed and connects to a swivel head and a shock absorber, which is attached to a surface buoy by a rope. The Seagrass Friendly Mooring system, which made an appearance in June 2007 on ABC television's The New Inventors, has been used to replace traditional moorings across the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park in a collaboration between the Marine Park, NSW Maritime, DPI and the CMA. Up to 50 moorings, both private and public, across Port Stephens will be replaced with the seagrass friendly system through the ground breaking project, which was developed by the CMA with funding from the Australian Government. If you'd like to see the Seagrass Friendly Mooring system in action, a demonstration day is being held at Shoal Bay Jetty on December 20 (see Dates for the calendar for more details).
Between November 17 and November 21, over 50 school and community Waterwatch groups in the Hunter-Central Rivers region took to their local waterways to test for phosphorus, a major contributor to water quality problems. The groups were participating in P Week, an annual Waterwatch event that aims to provide a 'snap-shot' of available phosphate levels across the region so that potential problem areas can be identified. This year, the teams focused on five subcatchments that had been identified by the CMA as priority areas for nutrient reduction in the Hunter Region: Winding Creek, Wollombi Brook, Ironbark Creek, Wallis/Fishery Creek, and the Paterson/Allyn River. Almost half of the sites tested had phosphate levels above the guideline trigger value recommended by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC). The trigger value is the point at which water quality can deteriorate, causing algal blooms and depriving fish and other aquatic animals of oxygen. Very high phosphate levels were found at: Paterson River at both Hinton and Paterson; Ironbark Creek near the Hexham floodgates; Ellalong Lagoon; and Winding Creek at Charlestown. These sites will be the subject of further investigations by the Hunter-Central Rivers Waterwatch team to determine what is contributing to the high phosphate levels. Dates for the calendar4 December - Information session in Nowendoc Nowendoc landowners are invited to meet with CMA Community Support Officer Albert Mullen at Nowendoc Hall to find out what kind of support is available to them for managing all kinds of natural resource issues, including controlling erosion and improving stock water systems. Contact Albert on 6558 2304, or 0428 670 524 for full details and to register your attendance. 5 December - Rockpool Ramble at One Mile Beach Great Lakes Council is inviting local residents and visitors to a free Rockpool Ramble at One Mile Beach as part of Coastcare Week 2008. Come and find out about the critters that live in the intertidal zone of the beach and what you can do to protect this fragile environment. Meet at Cape Hawke Surf Club at 8.30 am. Bring protective, water-proof shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. For more information call Isabelle Strachan at Great Lakes Council on 6591 7301. 5 December - Marine Discovery Series: Gender benders of the sea Dr Jason Morton from Avon College in Cooranbong presents some fascinating information about the colourful Wrasse as part of the ever popular Marine Discovery Series. The presentation is free of charge and will kick off at 6.00 pm at the Cape Hawke Surf Life Saving Club. For more information call Isabelle Strachan at Great Lakes Council on 6591 7301. 6 December - Alligator Weed and Lippia workshop The June 2007 floods have spread Alligator Weed and Lippia (Phyla nodiflora) into areas that were previously unaffected. Port Stephens Council and Hunter Councils are hosting a workshop for landholders on controlling Alligator Weed and Lippia in the Port Stephens area. The workshop will run from 9.30-11.30 am at the reserve next to Hinton bridge. If you think you have Alligator Weed or Lippia at your place, bring along a sample, as well as any other aquatic plants you'd like identified in a sealed container. For further information contact Graham Prichard on 4980 0392. 6 December - Habitat for wildlife Residents of Lake Macquarie are invited to an introduction on the Habitat For Wildlife and Land For Wildlife programs, which involves local land owners and residents improving their gardens to provide habitat for native birds and other animals. The event will run from 10.30 am-12.00 midday at the Bonnells Bay Youth and Community Centre, Fishery Point Road, Bonnells Bay. Contact the Community Environment Network on 4349 4491 to register your attendance. 10 December - Launch of Flood Stories book Residents of Maitland and surrounding areas are invited to attend the signing of the new publication: Maitland, City on the Hunter – Fighting floods or living with them? at the Heritage Room, Maitland Town Hall, from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm. Photos of historic and recent flood events will also be on display. For more details contact the CMA’s Flood Education Officer Amanda Hyde on 4930 1030. 11 December - Glenola Farm Field day With funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, the CMA and Wyong Shire Council are hosting a morning field day and farm walk at Council's Glenola Farm. Set in the beautiful Yarramalong Valley, Glenola Farm is a model farm for sustainable agricultural practices. Staff from the CMA and Council will provide valuable insight into managing cattle and pastures while protecting sensitive streambanks and vegetation. RSVP to Rebecca Dugan on 4350 5444. 16-18 December - Horse workshops in Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast With funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, the CMA is hosting a series of workshops in December on sustainable horse management with renowned expert Jane Myers. Locations include Coorangbong, Wyong Creek and Ourimbah. Contact the CMA's Gosford office on 4324 3844 for more information and to register your attendance before Friday 12 December. 19 December - CMA offices close for the Christmas break, reopening Monday 5 January 2009 20 December - Demonstration of the Seagrass Friendly Mooring System Come along to Shoal Bay Jetty in Port Stephens at 9.30 am to see the creator of the Seagrass Friendly Mooring system Des Maslen demonstrate how the system works and how easy it is to install and service. Then stick around for some morning tea and a visually stunning presentation from award-winning underwater photographer Dr David Harasti, who recently completed a PhD on seahorses. David will provide some insight into why the seagrass is so important to the overall health of the ocean, while sharing some of his incredible images. Contact Brian Hughes on 6551 8994 ext 222 for more information. The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority
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Protecting the
natural bushland of Glen Martin
Hunter residents provide community voice on natural resources
Water Sharing
on the Central Coast 
Kooragang
turns 15 
Landcarers
brave the elements to improve their local catchment
Colourful
gender benders at Cape Hawke
Board
extensions
Dairy farmers
in the Manning show how it's done 
Moorings to
protect 'nurseries of the sea'
Keeping
the 'P' out of local waterways