Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority

Catchment News

Issue 3: March 2008

Welcome to the March 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 receive Catchment News each month, send an email to hcrcmanews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au.

What's happening around the catchments?

Subsidised training for rural landholders

The CMA is currently offering substantial subsidies for rural landholders in the Hunter-Central Rivers CMA region to attend training in sustainable land management. The CMA has endorsed 25 courses from eleven training providers, covering farm planning, sustainable grazing, vegetation management and farm water supply. A list of endorsed courses and application information is available from the CMA website. The deadline for participants to complete their training is 31 May 2008 so get in quickly before time runs out.

 Keeping Place at Bahtabah

On Tuesday 26 February the community of Lake Macquarie was invited to attend the opening of the Bahtabah Keeping Place and Cultural Centre at Blacksmiths. The centre has recently become home to a number of artefacts that were being stored at the Australian Museum and have now been returned to their place of belonging in the area now known as Lake Macquarie.

With funding support from the CMA and the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust, Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) has been able to recover stone axes, grinding stones, spears for hunting and fishing, boomerangs, and waddy used as fighting sticks, providing an important opportunity for the community to learn more about the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the area.

The Bahtabah Keeping Place and Cultural Centre will be offering tours and bush tucker and cultural artefacts workshops for local schools and the wider community. Contact Bahtabah LALC for more information on 4971 4800.

Photo provided courtesy of Michael Green from Bahtabah LALC.

Mopping up after the floods

Following the June 2007 flood in the Hunter Valley, the CMA received over 100 enquiries from landholders from the Hunter catchment whose properties had been affected by flood damage. In response the CMA has provided advice, site inspections and funding to Hunter landholders to help rehabilitate damaged areas through riparian revegetation, fencing, erosion control and stabilisation works.

The CMA has allocated up to $251,607 of Hunter Catchment Contributions and Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust funding to 24 projects to repair riverbanks in the Hunter damaged in the floods. Landholders have been also been assisted in accessing funds through other sources such as the Natural Disaster Relief Fund, Rural Assistance (Flood Relief funding), Envirofund, or EnviroTrust through the Singleton Shire Landcare Network.

Monitoring conducted following the June floods indicated that, while areas such as Singleton and Cessnock were badly effected, overall the Hunter River was not subjected to the widespread bank failures and erosion that were seen after previous major flood events. This result is thanks to the joint efforts of Hunter landholders and the CMA, and previously the Hunter Catchment Management Trust, over a number of years to revegetate the streams of the Hunter Catchment.

At a recent public meeting in Singleton, the CMA made a commitment to hold a free workshop for landholders to provide further advice on understanding river behaviour, best practice techniques for river management and current legislation. If you are in the Singleton area and would like to attend, contact Singleton Community Support Officer Steve Clarkson on 6578 7346.

Drought not out

The unseasonal summer rains have brought a great deal of optimism to the CMA region with improvements in pasture growth and groundcover and more suitable conditions to begin planting. According to the DPI's Drought map and status of RLPBs (February 2008), the Hunter is now classified as satisfactory but it is still too early to call the drought over. 

The wetter conditions mean farmers have been given a reprieve from drought conditions and a chance to investigate better ways to manage their water supply to ensure that if conditions do worsen again, they'll be in a better position to cope.

The CMA is currently organising a series of farm water supply workshops to help farmers in the Mid and Upper Hunter achieve efficient management of their water supply for drought conditions. For more information on these workshops contact Jon Thorne at the CMA's Muswellbrook office on 6542 4426. 

Chinese Ministry of Water Resources visits the Hunter 

On 25 February a delegation of around 15 people from the Ministry of Water Resources of the People's Republic of China came to Muswellbrook to find out how river rehabilitation is done in the Hunter. Former Upper Hunter River Rehabilitation Initiative (UHRRI) Project Manager Dan Keating, who is now working as a Vegetation Officer for the CMA, took the group on a tour of some of the UHRRI sites and explained (through an interpreter) the positive results that have been achieved through the project, particularly with regards to the reintroduction of large woody debris into the river. 

Although the UHRRI project has come to an end, the full results of the research have not yet been released, with several research projects yet to be finalised. These projects are due for completion over the next couple of months. Project stakeholders will discuss the communication of these important research outcomes in a forthcoming meeting.

The group also managed to squeeze in a visit to the CMA's Kooragang Wetlands Rehabilitation Project in the Hunter estuary, where they were given a comprehensive tour of the project sites by Communications Officer Sue Rostas.

Discovering the 'blue backyard' of the Great Lakes

A group of residents living around the Great Lakes area has enrolled to study in a very different sort of classroom. Around 20 students have been given the chance to learn from the experts in a unique underwater education program on the marine environment of the Great Lakes area. 

The course includes presentations from a range of experts, a rocky shores walk, and a snorkel trip so that students can really get to know their own 'blue backyard'. All graduates of the course are required, upon completion of the course, to pass on what they have learnt by developing their own education projects. 

The course is being funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust through the CMA with support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Primary Industries and Manning Coastcare.

'Snap-shot’ survey of the Wollombi Brook released

Hunter-Central Rivers Waterwatch has just released the results of a special ‘snap-shot’ survey of the health of the Wollombi Brook catchment.

In November 2007 students from Broke, Congewai, Ellalong, Laguna, Milbrodale, Millfield, Paxton and Wollombi Public Schools participated in the Wollombi Brook Catchment Crawl, an initiative of Hunter-Central Rivers Waterwatch and the CMA. 

As part of a catchment crawl local students and teachers investigate water quality issues in a particular catchment, testing water quality for turbidity, salinity, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen; and surveying water bugs and completing habitat and site assessments at various sites along the waterway. The sites visited as part of the Wollombi Brook Catchment Crawl included Ellalong Lagoon, Wollombi Brook at Wollombi, Broke and Warkworth.

The report details the main trends that came through in the results of the crawl and contains several areas of action to help improve the overall health of the Wollombi Brook catchment. The report is available from the CMA website. 

Action on Tilligerry Creek

Works to improve the water quality in Tilligerry Creek in Port Stephens are underway with 5.2 km of fencing being installed along the creek and drains and 1.7 km of native trees being planted. The work is part of a pilot program being funded by the Australian Government, National Landcare Program, Community Water Grants, Environmental Trust and the CMA, which aims to reduce agricultural runoff entering the creek from six properties. 

The Tilligerry Creek Catchment Committee is being established in March, with community, council and government represented. The group will provide a local voice and will facilitate improvements within the Tilligerry Catchment. The first task will be the finalisation of the Draft Tilligerry Creek Catchment Plan which will provide a direction for improvement into the future. For more information on this project contact Port Stephens Community Support Officer Philippa Lloyd on 4980 0279.

Caring for Country

On Thursday 14 February Wyong Community Support Officer Rebecca Young joined 34 Landcare volunteers, Wyong Council staff and local school teachers on a journey to explore the Indigenous heritage of the Wyong area. Darkinjung LALC's Cultural Officer Craig Foreshew provided a valuable local perspective, and captivated the crowd with information on tribal interaction and artefacts. The weather was kind, staying cool and dry for the group's visit to Norah Head where they saw remnant shell middens and stone flints.

Site Orientation and Bushland Management

Trees in Newcastle (TIN) are asking for Expressions of Interest from Landcare and Coastcare groups for on-site workshops during April and May. The workshops will help groups learn about what is on the land they're caring for and what they need to consider when putting an action plan together to look after it. Topics include Native Plant and Weed ID, Weed Management and Removal. There is a limit to the number of workshops that can be run so please contact TIN on 4969 1500 as soon as possible so that a workshop can be coordinated for your preferred date and tailored to your group's site.

Dates for the calendar

4,5,6 and 19 March - Marine Discovery Series presentations

The popular Marine Discovery series continues this month with presentations in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Wyong and Terrigal.

In Lake Macquarie on Tuesday 4 March at 6.30 pm at the Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, NSW DPI's Dave Harasti presents his fascinating talk on the secrets of the Seahorse and the marine life of NSW. At 6.30 pm on Wednesday 5 March at Nobby's Surf Club in Newcastle and Thursday 6 March in Wyong (Towoon Bay Surf Lifesaving Club) Dave Powter from the University of Newcastle will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the unique Port Jackson Shark, while Keith Davey will introduce you to the wonders that await your discovery on NSW's rocky shores. 

Then it's back to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Terrigal on Wednesday 19 March at 6.30 pm to catch up once again with Dave Powter and this time Bill Gladstone for the Port Jackson Sharks and Rocky Shores talks. A big thanks once again to Crowne Plaza Terrigal for their fantastic hospitality at the first presentation in January. The great support in promotion (and generous catering!) really helped kick off the series in style. 

For more information on the Marine Discovery Series contact the CMA's Coast and Marine Officers Joel Tyndall on 4337 1204 or 0428 117 914 or Brian Hughes on 6551 8994 or 0428 293 021. 

5 and 12 March - Natural gardening workshops in Woy Woy

If you'd like to learn how to create a water-efficient natural garden with herbs, vegetables, native plants and bush foods, spend some time outdoors and connect with youth and others in your local community, then come along to a free workshop at Woy Woy Environment Centre.

The workshops will be at 10.00am to 11.30am at Woy Woy Environment Centre, Old St Luke’s Church, 267 Blackwall Rd (corner of Billabong St). To register, call Mia Hughes on 0417 043 165. Individual or group bookings welcome.

12 March - Autumn Water Bug Survey

Join in the fun of the Autumn Water Bug Survey and see how many stonefly and mayfly nymphs, beetles and bloodworms you can find in your local waterway. Water bugs (or aquatic macroinvertebrates) are excellent indicators of a healthy waterway; the more sensitive bugs you can find, the healthier the waterway. For more information on activities planned in your area contact Hunter-Central Rivers Waterwatch Coordinator Ingrid Berthold on 4930 1030 or go to www.bugsurvey.nsw.gov.au. 

16 March - Kooragang planting day

Come and join 30-50 like-minded people as they endeavor to plant 500-800 trees and shrubs in two hours. Help extend the remnants of rainforest and riparian vegetation that once flourished on non-tidal areas of Kooragang Wetlands. When the work is done, enjoy a BBQ lunch while reflecting on a good morning's work with fellow volunteers and staff.

On Sunday 16 March we'll be working on Scotts Way (2) doing Woodland/Rainforest planting. To register your interest contact Peg, Rob or Sue at the Kooragang Wetlands Office on 4964 9308. Go to the Kooragang website to learn more about the work that is being done through the CMA's Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project.

19 March - Soils Workshop in Mandalong

Learn why soil health is so important to your pasture production and what the implications are for the productivity of your soils. We’ll consider soil pH, texture and structure as part of assessing your soils. District Agronomist from Tocal DPI Neil Griffiths will talk about best management practices for sustainability and production. Participants will also get to see the results of local landholder field trials using aeration techniques, fertiliser and lime.

To register your interest complete the registration form below or contact Carolyn Jenkinson at the CMA’s Gosford office for more details on phone: (02) 4337 1213 or email: carolyn.jenkinson@cma.nsw.gov.au.

26 March - Sustainable Agriculture and Carbon Farming Field Day

Come along to Rob and Maree Goodears' property Illogan at Cassilis to learn from their successes (and lessons learnt) in pasture establishment, conservation farming, salt bush establishment, gully erosion and revegetation through the onground works they have implemented during their participation in the NSW Government's Environmental Services Scheme.

Rob and Maree were recently awarded the inaugural NSW Carbon Cockies Award in coastal areas for their work in farming to reduce the carbon outputs of their enterprise. The Goodears farm 1300 ha in the Goulburn River catchment and use a system of no-till cropping, stubble retention, tree establishment and grazing management to help build their soil carbon levels and enhance their overall soil health.

Pierre Louys from the Hunter Region Landcare Network will discuss temperature mapping and Alternative Land Management Systems/Environmental Management Systems, while the CMA's Fiona Marshall will provide information on support, funding and training currently available from the CMA to rural landholders for sustainable land management activities. To register your attendance contact Fiona Marshall or Jon Thorne on 6542 4444.

27 March - Project Aware in Port Stephens

Residents of Port Stephens will soon have their chance to participate in the popular Project Aware on the Rocks courses happening this year along our coastline. 

Project Aware on the Rocks is a unique community education model which involves participants learning about marine ecology in their local area and then passing on what they have learnt by designing and delivering education projects to their own networks and communities. 

The courses are being funded by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust through the CMA's Education Grants. The Port Stephens course is due to commence on 3 April 2008. If you are interested in taking part, there will be a free information session held at 7.00 pm on Thursday 27 March at Tomaree Library and Community Centre. Places are limited so book your place by contacting Melinda Anderson on 02 4980 0251 or email melinda.anderson@portstephens.nsw.gov.au.

28-30 March - Horse Management Workshops

A series of free one-day workshops will be held on the Central Coast covering aspects of sustainable horse management. The workshops are being coordinated by the CMA with funding from the National Landcare Program. The workshops will be conducted by Jane Myers, author of the books Managing Horses on Small Properties and Horse Safe. Contact Carolyn Jenkinson for more details on phone: (02) 4337 1213 or email: carolyn.jenkinson@cma.nsw.gov.au.

April 1 and April 29 - Master Tree Growers courses

Annabel Kater from Australian Sustainable Timbers will deliver two Master Tree Growers courses starting 1 April and 29 April respectively. Annabel is well-qualified in forest management having recently completed Forestry Stewardship Council certification for a group of native forest farmers. For information contact Pierre Louys by phone 0447 418 348 or email Pierre.louys@cma.nsw.gov.au.

Support available for natural resource management (NRM) activities

Current CMA funding opportunities

While there are no current rounds of CMA funding open for applications, if you need some help managing a natural resource issue on your property or in your catchment - or you're interested in a Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) - the CMA may be able to provide help with seeking financial assistance, technical advice or other information. Contact your nearest CMA office or go to the CMA website and complete a Registration of Interest form.

Other NRM funding programs

Small Grants for Small Rural Communities

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) has established a small grants program for small rural Australian communities. To be eligible, projects must be for a charitable purpose. Organisations demonstrating Community Partnerships will be preferred to multiple applications from one community. Funding will go to projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for communities living in small rural and remote locations in Australia, contributing to their development in social and community welfare, economic, environmental, health, education or cultural areas. Applications close 28 March 2008, with funding up to $5,000 per grant. More information go to the FRRR website. 

The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority 
supporting the community in managing our natural resources

The Hunter-Central Rivers CMA is working with private landholders, local government and industry to better understand and manage our local catchments, while providing funding and expertise to implement natural resource management activities.

The CMA Board meets this month for its Annual Strategic Planning Workshop and meetings of the Strategic Investment Committee and Systems Audit Committee at the CMA's Tocal office.

The members of the Hunter-Central Rivers CMA Board are Dr WEJ Paradice (Chairman), Neil Rose (Deputy Chairman), John Weate, Julia Imrie, Arthur Burns, John Asquith, and Chris Scott. The General Manager is Glenn Evans. 

For more information on any of the stories in this edition of Catchment News, contact Hunter-Central Rivers CMA Community Education Manager Tiffany La Gerche on 4930 1030.

For all other inquiries contact your local CMA office:
CMA Tocal Office
816 Tocal Road (Private Bag 2010) Paterson NSW 2421
Phone: 02 4930 1030
Fax: 02 4930 1013
Email: hcr@cma.nsw.gov.au

CMA Gosford Office
40 Mann Street (PO Box 1267) Gosford NSW 2250
Phone: 02 4324 3844
Fax: 02 4323 3960

CMA Muswellbrook Office
Level 2, 160 Bridge Street  (PO Box 297) Muswellbrook NSW 2333
Phone: 02 6542 4444
Fax: 02 6543 4164

CMA Taree Office
98 Victoria Street (P0 Box 440) Taree NSW 2430
Phone: 02 6551 8994
Fax: 02 6552 2047

For inquiries relating to the CMA's Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project:
Kooragang Wetlands Information Centre
Ash Island (enter from Ash Island Bridge) Hexham NSW
Postal address: Private Bag 2010 Paterson NSW 2421
Phone: 02 4964 9308
Fax: 02 4964 9307

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© Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority 2008.