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Issue 6: June 2008 Welcome to the June 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. Click here to view large text format | Click here for print-friendly version What's happening around the catchments?
A project coordinated by the Mid North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee, along with significant funding provided by the CMA, has been targeting weeds that emerge along the coastline after bitou bush has been removed. These are called coastal emerging weeds and include glory lily (Gloriosa superba), the West Australian golden wreath wattle (Acacia saligna), agaves and spiny rush. Many of the weeds targeted in this project are what is called 'garden escapees' - spreading after landholders carelessly dispose of garden clippings or, with the particularly prolific types, simply jumping the fence and taking over. At selected worksites along the coastal strip from Crowdy Head on the North Coast through to Forster in the South, the balance of weeds to native vegetation has totally changed. It used to be 80 per cent weeds and 20 per cent native vegetation, but now it's the other way around. An important part of this approach has been the formation and ongoing training of Aboriginal Green Teams to conduct much of the weeding work which has included hand removal and chemical spraying. There are three Green Teams from the Aboriginal communities of Taree, Forster and Karuah with the project providing much of their training.
Charlestown South Public School participated in a CMA Waterwatch training day at Charlestown Golf Course during May. Their school Waterwatch kit was sponsored by the Charlestown Golf Club who aim to make the golf course more environmentally sound. Year Four students led by their teacher, identified problems with the dam of the 9th hole to be high turbidity and high water temperature. They identified these issues to be caused by lack of bordering vegetation and numerous water birds stirring up the water. They thought it may also have been possible that clay sediment (transported from rainfall runoff) from an unused quarry behind the golf club, contributed to the excessive turbidity reading of 400NTU's (nephelometric turbidity units). The students recommended these problems be managed by planting shrubs and native grasses around the dam and also by planting trees in the disused quarry to help hold the soil together. Schools and community get involved to help protect Lake Macquarie An overgrown and eroding creek infested with weeds at Waratah Avenue, Charlestown, has been given a new lease of life with the help of local children and community members with partial funding supplied by the CMA. The project, coordinated by the Office of the Lake Macquarie & Catchment Coordinator, included two planting days inviting local school children and community members to become involved in the protection and beautification of their local area. All up over 8,800 native species will be planted as part of this project, with 1,800 planted by the community. In addition to improving water quality, planting around the stream edges with native plants also helps beautify the area. In conjunction with the planting, physical works were carried out within the creek to create an effective filtration system to improve water quality before it enters Lake Macquarie. The works will treat storm water run-off by creating a series of shallow vegetated ponds (riffle ponds) and will also prevent erosion by placing rock work and vegetation along the creek bank.
Living on a rural residential property is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice. Being able to enjoy peace and quiet, open space and the natural environment, whilst still being close to large towns and cities, are key factors driving this trend. The 'Guide to Rural Residential Living' website and resource guide is an innovation of local councils collaborating under the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Strategy, with funding support provided by the CMA. The project was managed by Hunter Councils Inc. The website and resource guide has been tailored especially to the needs of landholders on small farms and acreages. It brings together hundreds of information products and sources to assist landholders understand and address the range of opportunities and challenges that a rural lifestyle offers. Never before have so many resources been brought together in one easily assessable, central location for landholders living in the Hunter, Central Coast and Lower North Coast of NSW. Everything from keeping horses and chickens, dealing with your neighbor's dogs, storing water, growing your own food, controlling weeds and feral animals, or creating your own patch of the Australian bush, the resource guide has it covered. In particular, the Guide aims to ensure these kinds of activities complement the natural environment and the community in which people live. The 'Guide to Rural Residential Living' website can be accessed at www.ruralresidentialliving.com.au. Or to receive a free CD-Rom copy of the resource guide, contact you local council or visit your local library after July 2008.
Salvinia molesta, a noxious aquatic weed which has infested Wollombi Brook for 20 years, is making a re-appearance after being flushed from the Brook by the floods of the June long weekend in 2007. The weed has been recently detected in dams and backwaters in the Wollombi area. Salvinia molesta is a free floating aquatic fern, native to Brazil. It can double in its size in two to ten days under warm growing conditions. The weed can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions and thrives in warmer waters with high nutrient levels. The re-appearance of Salvinia in dams and backwaters is a major concern as the weed could easily be transferred into the Brook again by further heavy rain or flooding or by livestock with access to the Brook. A full-blown re-infestation of the Wollombi Brook could lead to the possibility of this weed ending up in the Hunter River, which would be disastrous for the region. The CMA together with Hunter Councils Inc. and Cessnock City Council had been working together with the local community to address the Salvinia issue prior to the June flood event. A strategic plan and a coordinated approach was being undertaken involving meetings with landholders, provision of Conservation Volunteers Australia teams, equipment, treatments and containment of the weed via the use of floating beams. Local Landcare groups had also generously offered to loan their equipment to landholders to assist in manually removing the weed from affected properties. While it is imperative that the infestations are treated and removed, it is also an essential part of managing this problem to look at reducing the ideal conditions for the growth of this weed. This can be done by better managing the water quality of the Brook itself. Planting local native trees and shrubs along the Brook to create better shading will reduce the water temperatures, while also providing a buffer to catch any running off adjacent land into the Brook.
The 13-15th May saw around 200 people gather in Dubbo for the inaugural State Conference of the 13 NSW CMA's Aboriginal Reference Groups (ARG). ARG members are community people who bring Aboriginal cultural values and protocols into the Natural Resource Management portfolio and provide advice and recommendations to CMA's on Aboriginal issues. Being the first event of its kind in NSW since the formation of the CMA in 2003, conference delegates were able to share stories from unique and diverse Aboriginal communities across NSW and recognise the efforts of partnerships in delivering on-ground outcomes for Aboriginal communities, organisations, CMA's and the NSW and Australian Governments. The conference provided the knowledge, motivation and skills required to continue to develop effective projects that achieve sustainable and productive outcomes through appropriate consultation and service delivery to NSW Aboriginal communities. The highlight of the conference was the opportunity for Aboriginal people from across NSW to reconnect with each other and showcase the achievements of Aboriginal communities in natural resource management by way of static displays, poster presentations, DVD's and power point presentations - all of which proved very popular with all who attended.
The CMA has contributed funding to convert an existing stormwater detention basin at Chandler Close, Edgeworth into a wetland to help improve the water quality entering Lake Macquarie. The project, worth an estimated $250,000, will capture stormwater from a catchment of around 15 hectares, consisting predominantly of residential housing and roadways. Stormwater from the area flows to Cockle Creek before entering Lake Macquarie. The existing stormwater detention basin only holds and then slowly releases water to prevent flooding downstream. In addition to the wetland, a gross pollutant trap (GPT) will be installed to capture coarse sediments. The wetland, with the help of macrophytes (water plants), will remove the fine sediments and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) that have the potential to cause damage to the Lake water quality. In addition to the 1650m2 of vegetation planted directly as part of the wetland construction, a further 1.2 hectares of remnant Spotted Gum woodland surrounding the area will also be enhanced. Rocky Point salt marsh trial Estuarine foreshores are naturally dynamic places. Protecting the foreshores of coastal lakes with native vegetation increases the stability of the banks and protects the soil surface from impacts of rain and wind and makes them more resilient to wave action. A recent trial for salt marsh regeneration at Basket Bay, Rocky Point, aimed to trial activities that could increase the extent of salt marsh communities and fringing vegetation along the foreshores of Tuggerah Lakes. The works were identified as part of a priority program to restore foreshore vegetation in the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan and within the CMA's Catchment Action Plan targets. The project recreated the natural slope of the lake edge to encourage the assimilation of sea grass wrack (detached leaves of sea grass and floating macro algae) on the foreshore. This was intended to reduce wrack building up offshore and to facilitate passive regeneration of salt marsh plants, which are considered an endangered ecological community under NSW Threatened Species legislation.
Divers in the Great Lakes have formed a new underwater research group - GLURG (Great Lakes Underwater Research Group). Forster based marine biologist Suzanne Fiebig is coordinating the project with the assistance of the CMA and Great Lakes Council. 'We are really lucky to have Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park on our door step and we can contribute to the scientific understanding of our area by regularly observing and recording what's going on out there,' Suzanne said. A series of eight introductory dives are currently underway. The first of the dives took place on May 10. Similar underwater research groups have been established up and down the coast and have played an important role in natural resource management at various levels. For example, another research group played an integral role in establishing the first marine park in NSW. So with a real affinity for their local dive spots, these underwater research groups can contribute much more than just data to the overall task of conserving our precious marine resources for future generations. GLURG's first task is to carry out a baseline study of the species they find at various dive sites including Seal Rocks and Blackhead. One of the group's long term goals is to establish a live internet site highlighting the amazing marine species living in the Great Lakes area.
By entering into a Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) with the CMA in 2007, Wyong Shire Council is helping protect 294 hectares of bushland on ten sites in the Glenning Valley, west of Berkeley Vale. The bushland is protected in perpetuity through an Incentive PVP that has also provided funding for bush regeneration works. After just one year a staggering 210 hectares have been treated for weeds, such as lantana and are showing remarkable recovery with local native species re-appearing within two to three months of the weeds being removed. Under the agreement, Council will undertake follow up work to maintain the sites in their improved condition. Importantly, the sites provide on-going protection for Endangered Ecological Communities such as Swamp Slerophyll forest and freshwater wetlands, and much needed habitat for vulnerable species such as the Wallum froglet, Yellow-bellied glider and Little bent-wing bat.
Many people think that there is only one species of Native Ginger found in
the region, but in fact there are two. These two Native Ginger plants look
very similar and are only easily identified when they are in flower during
summer, as the flowers of Alpinia arundinella are pink with darker
red-pink veins, whereareas the flowers of Alpinia caerulea are pure
white. Alpinia arundinella also tends to have leaves which are
narrower and have wavy margins, but leaves of Alpinia caerulea are highly
variable so leaf characteristics are not reliable. Both species have blue
fruits in late autumn to mid-winter which are eaten by birds. The roots of
these ginger plants are bush foods and were used by Aborigines. Both
species are sympatric (they are found in the sam Be on the lookout for the Pink-flowered Native Ginger and submit new records to be added to the National Parks and Wildlife Atlas: wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas.jsp so we can get a better understanding of its range and abundance in our region. Dates for the calendar2 -11 June - Farm Water Supply Workshops in Glendonbrook and Glennies Creek A series of workshops are being offered in the Hunter to help landholders identify farm water supply requirements and options for improvements. The workshops consist of two days, over two weeks and are being held in Mt Olive and Mitchells Flat in June. Places are limited. To find out more and express your interest in participating in either workshops, contact Steve Clarkson on 6578 7346 or 0428 414 258. 4 June - Sustainability Photo Competition To mark World Environment Day, Great Lakes Council is holding a photographic competition on sustainability. The community is invited to submit their own photographs that address the question 'What does sustainability mean to you?' Competition closes at 4.30pm on Wednesday 4 June and is open to all ages. 5 June - World Environment Day World Environment Day (WED), commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations - Environment Program (UNEP) stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The WED slogan for 2008 is 'Kick the habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy'. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. For more information visit: www.unep.org/wed/
Local lecturer and diver Dr Jason Morton shares his fascinating research on fish social structures and their changing gender roles, while marine research scientist Dr Michael Lowry presents how artificial reefs are providing habitat for fish species. Attendance is free and a booking is not required. Refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Joel Tyndall on 0428 117 914. CMA funding for this Marine Discovery talk is supplied by the Australian Government. 5 June - River Recovery Workshop To help commemorate World Environment Day, the Wyong Community Support Program will be holding a River Recovery workshop where they aim to describe tested methods of creek and river restoration. Presentations will include fish passages, living indicators of creek health, riparian vegetation and case studies of remediation. To register, please contact Rebecca Young on 43505444 or email to rebecca.young@wyong.nsw.gov.au. For the past six years Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) has held an environmental event called the 'Catchment Connections Carnival' to highlight World Environment Day to showcase environmental projects run in the local area by council, state government, business and community groups. The carnival is free, fun and an educational day aimed at celebrating council's local achievements and encouraging all members of the community to help care for the environment. For more information contact LMCC Environmental Officer Margo Smith on 49210702 or email to masmith@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 7 June - Envirofair - Taree Park, 10am to 4pm Envirofair is a fun family day to learn how to minimise your impact on the environment; indulge your mind, body and spirit; and participate in hands-on workshops. Envirofair promotes environmental businesses, home grown produce and or organic food, homemade craft, alternative/complimentary therapies and local art and music. 8 June - World Ocean Day World Ocean Day is an opportunity each year to celebrate our world's oceans and also our connection to the sea. The Ocean Project, working closely with the World Ocean Network, helps each year to coordinate events with aquariums, zoos, museums, conservation organisations, universities, schools and businesses. For more information visit: wwwgreencrossaustralia.org/events/search-results.aspx 16,17,20 June - Central Coast Farm Water Supply Workshops Free workshops are being offered on the Central Coast to help landholders identify farm water supply requirements and options for improvement. Workshops will be held at Cooranbong Community Centre (16th), Somersby Hall (17th) and Wyong Creek Hall (20th). Places are limited. To RSVP your place please contact CMA Gosford office on (02) 43243844 before 12 June. 18-19 June - AgriFocus 2025 The AgriFocus 2025 National Convention will be held 18-19 June 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach in Sydney. The convention aims to take delegates into the future to understand how Agribusiness may look in 15 years time and ask the big questions - What does the future hold for the family farm? What does the future hold for farm and ecosystem management? What are the global trends affecting agribusiness? How do we deal with change and growth? For more information about the convention contact Nikki Hancock on: nhancock@principlefocus.com.au 24 June - Green Energy at Home Workshop - Lake Macquarie City Council Learn all about your green power options: renewable energies such as photovoltaic cells and solar power and how to use less energy in your home. 5.30pm-7.30pm Lake Macquarie City Council Administration Building. Bookings are essential. Phone: 49 210 144. 21 and 28 June - Mountains to the Dunes The Central Coast Landscape event will consist of three field components held at Wyong, Gosford and Lake Macquarie, where each will be showcasing their natural resource management activities. This will then be followed by a central conference held at Doyalson Wyee RSL on Saturday 28 June. The key note speaker will be Les Robinson of 'Field Guide to Native Plants of the Sydney Region' fame. In addition there will be a range of speakers on flora, fauna, backyard sustainability, weeds and updates on government Landcare support programs. Registrations are through Wycare Inc. www.wycare.com.au or 43521199. 28 June - Gardening Basics - Port Stephens Council 1.00pm - 3.30pm - Nelson Bay. Learn how to utilise organic waste from around the home with an introduction to composting, worm farming and no-dig gardening. Be prepared to have fun and get dirty. Bookings are essential by phoning 49 800251 or email: melinda.anderson@portstephens.nsw.gov.au. 2 July - Solar Passive Design Learn how to take advantage of the sun's natural energy in your home. Workshop aimed at new builders and renovators. Morisset Library 9.00am - 11.00am. Bookings are essential. Phone: 49 210 144. 27 July - National Tree Day National Tree Day is Australia's biggest community tree-planting event. Since Tree Day started in 1996, more than 1.5 million volunteers have planted over 11.5 million native trees and shrubs. For more information about National Tree Day go to: http://treeday.planetark.com. 2 August - Backyard Biodiversity - Port Stephens Council 1.30pm - 4.00pm - Tanilba Bay Come and learn about local birds, their nesting and eating habits and how to establish a bird friendly garden. This workshop will also cover nesting boxes and how to build them. Bookings are essential by phoning: 49 800 251 or email: melinda.anderson@portstephens.nsw.gov.au. Support available for natural resource management activitiesAustralian Government Funding for Natural Resource Management The Australian Government has announced its new program for investing in the future of Australia's environment and natural resources. The Caring for our Country Program will begin on 1 July 2008 and will integrate all existing Commonwealth Government programs including the Natural Heritage Trust, the National Landcare Program, and the Working on Country Indigenous land and environmental programs. The new program will also remove demarcations between national, regional and local funding and will give non-government organisations, regional bodies, Local Government and State, Territory and Commonwealth government agencies the chance to access funding to achieve national priorities. The Hunter-Central Rivers CMA is reminding landholders that they can submit a Registration of Interest form at anytime to seek assistance from the CMA. This could be technical advice, information on training opportunities or support in developing a project for submission to the CMA's incentive scheme. Incentives will be provided in the 2008/2009 financial year for priority activities in targeted and priority areas, more details on these programs will be made available after July 2008. For more information contact your local CMA office. The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority
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Native
plants turn tables on weeds
Golf club
includes school children in environmental exercise
Helpful information for rural residential landholders
Wollombi Brook still in shadow of aquatic weed
Aboriginal conference creates cross-catchment links
Construction of wetland underway near Edgeworth
G.L.U.R.G. goes deep in the name of research
Wyong Council helps protect Glenning Valley
Native Ginger - Difficult to identify and often overlooked
e
area - their distributions overlap) although records for Alpinia arundinella
are sparse due to it being overlooked and confused for Alpinia caerulea.
Both species grow one-two metres tall and prefer moist, sheltered forests and
are found across the Hunter-Central Rivers CMA region. 
5 June - Marine Discovery Talk
6 June - Catchment
Connections Carnival