Coorong Tatiara Coorong Tatiara - Coorong District … Summer... · Coorong Tatiara Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan NewsletterLocal Action Plan Newsletter ... levelling, revegetation,

Coorong Tatiara LAP Newsletter 1 Summer 2012

Coorong Tatiara Coorong Tatiara Coorong Tatiara Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan NewsletterLocal Action Plan NewsletterLocal Action Plan NewsletterLocal Action Plan Newsletter

Sustainability, Agriculture & the EnvironmentSustainability, Agriculture & the EnvironmentSustainability, Agriculture & the EnvironmentSustainability, Agriculture & the Environment

In This Issue……In This Issue……In This Issue……In This Issue……

• Priority issues in the Coorong and Tatiara District

Financial Incentives for:

• Erosion Control & management of non-wetting sands

• Perennial Pastures

• Native Vegetation fencing and establishment

• Farm Forestry & Fodder Shrubs

2012 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

• Managing African Love Grass

• Pasture Cropping & No Kill Cropping

• Water Security Forum

• On Line Weather Stations

• Review of the Coorong Local Action Plan

• The New Tatiara Local Action Plan

• Contact Details

On Ground WorksOn Ground WorksOn Ground WorksOn Ground Works The Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan staff are currently carrying out their inspections & payments for the 2011

on-ground works season. We are gradually making our way around the 256 participating properties in the

Coorong and Tatiara District Council areas. Large areas of work addressing wind erosion and b iodivers i ty enhancement have been successfully

carried out.

Expressions of Interest for the 2012 on-ground works program are now open. Financial incentives are available for; perennial pasture establishment, clay spreading, sandhill stabilisation and

levelling, revegetation, fencing of remnant vegetation & wetlands, farm forestry and fodder shrubs.

For further information or to ensure that you are on our mailing list please contact one of the LAP Officers. 2012

Expression of Interest forms are now available at www.coorong.sa.gov.au or at your local council office.

An Expression of Interest for

on-ground works for 2012 is

enclosed with this newsletter.

Please return the form no later

than 31st of January 2012

Do not hesitate to contact a member of the CTLAP Team if you require assistance on 87 572100.

Summer 2012

How does the CTLAP How does the CTLAP How does the CTLAP How does the CTLAP Funding work?Funding work?Funding work?Funding work?

Around $3 million from the Commonwealth Caring for our Country Program, the SA

Murray Darling Basin NRM Board, & vital support from the Coorong District and Tatiara District Councils is being man-

aged by the CTLAP over a 4 year period until 2013. The funding is being used to ad-

dress wind erosion issues and enhance biodiversity in the Co-orong and Tatiara Districts.

The project is being under-taken collaboratively with the Tatiara and Coorong District

Councils who have committed funding & support to the pro-ject and is delivered by Offi-cers based at Tintinara.

To register for the funding, fill in the Expression of Interest form supplied in this newslet-

ter and send it to the CTLAP Office. The form will be proc-essed and a works proposals

form will be sent out to obtain further project details. A fund-ing offer will then be made.

Once finished, the LAP Officers will inspect your works at the end of the season and make a

payment based on your suc-cessful project.

Has your address Has your address Has your address Has your address changed? changed? changed? changed? Please let us know Please let us know Please let us know Please let us know 0n 8757 21000n 8757 21000n 8757 21000n 8757 2100


Land Management & Biodiversity Issues in the Coorong & Tatiara DistrictLand Management & Biodiversity Issues in the Coorong & Tatiara DistrictLand Management & Biodiversity Issues in the Coorong & Tatiara DistrictLand Management & Biodiversity Issues in the Coorong & Tatiara District

The CTLAP works closely with

the community to identify

priority issues & to develop a

range of land management

options that are implemented

i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h

landholders. Alone, no single

landholder can overcome these

challenges. However, by

implementing a range of

practical options across the

entire district, we can make a

real difference.

The CTLAP provides financial

and technical assistance to

landholders in the Coorong and

Tatiara District for projects

which address the following

issues.

Wind Erosion

One of the most prevalent soil types in our district are light, sandy soils. Windblown sands can damage crops & pastures,

bury young plants, cause nutrient loss, bury fences and causes significant changes to

the landscape. Off-site impacts include reduced air and water quality.

The most effective way of controlling wind erosion in our

area is by maintaining and improving ground cover, stabilising sandhills and blowouts, clay spreading, and

fencing off affected areas.

Dryland Salinity

Dryland salinity is caused when

deep-rooted perennial plants are

replaced by shallow rooted

annual crops, pastures and

weeds. This allows large

volumes of unused rainfall to

reach sub-surface aquifers,

causing groundwater to rise

bringing salt to the surface.

In the Coorong and Tatiara

Districts 110,000ha have been

affected by dryland salinity. A

further 120,000ha is at risk

within 50 years if no action is

taken to increase the cover of

d e e p - r o o t e d p e r e n n i a l

vegetation across our landscape

t o reduce g r oundwa te r

recharge.

Sustainable Agriculture

P r om o t i n g s u s t a i n a b l e

agricultural practice is vital for

the future of our district.

Improving sustainability can

include balancing land use and

land capability, increasing water

use efficiency, fencing to land

class and capability, overcoming

issues associated with non-

wetting sands and stabilising

bare & eroding land.

Biodiversity

Protecting and enhancing the

native flora and fauna of our

district is also a priority issue for

the Local Action Plan.

Extensive areas of the district were

cleared during the 1940s and

1950s after the introduction of

trace elements greatly improved

the area’s agricultural productivity.

Our native vegetation and wetland

areas give our region it’s unique

character that is valued by locals

and visitors alike. Preservation of

these areas is a significant

contribution to maintaining our

natural heritage, as well as

enhancing our environment.

Protect ing remnant nat ive

vegetation and wetland areas by

fencing them off from stock

prevents further degradation and

allows regeneration to occur.

Revegetation using local native

v eg e t a t i on a l s o p r o t e c t s

biodiversity by increasing the

population of local plant species

and providing habitat for native

birds and animals..

Existing paddock trees are ageing

and dying. There are few new

trees regenerating naturally to

replace them. Establishment of

windbreaks can contribute greatly

to paddock productivity and farm

amenity.


Erosion Control, Non Wetting Sands, & Financial IncentivesErosion Control, Non Wetting Sands, & Financial IncentivesErosion Control, Non Wetting Sands, & Financial IncentivesErosion Control, Non Wetting Sands, & Financial Incentives

Sandhill Retirement,

Stabilising Sandhills & Blowouts

Bare and eroding sandhills are not only totally unproductive, they a l so reduce the

productivity of the rest of the farm and district. Recharge rates are extremely high under

these areas and it is very important that they are stabilised, covered with perennial vegetation and

where possible stock access is minimised.

In some cases a stock-proof fence may be all that is needed but often stablisation

with cereal rye will be required before perennial vegetation such as veldt grass & primrose, or native vegetation

can be established. Very steep areas and ‘blow-outs’ may require earthworks to stabilise them. Spreading hay bales and

other forms of organic material will be considered as a form of stabilisation.

• Funding for stabilisation

& retirement: up to $100 / ha

• LAP funding for fencing:

up to $450 / km

• L A P f u n d i n g f o r

earthworks & levelling: up to 30% of costs

Clay Spreading

S p r e a d i n g c l a y a n d incorporating it into the topsoil

is an extremely effective method of overcoming some of the challenges of managing non wetting sands. This is a long

term solution that greatly improves the establishment of pastures and crops and

s i g n i f i c a n t l y i m p r o v e s production.

Clay spreading improves the establishment success and water use of crops and pastures. Improved plant vigour

reduces the amount of rainfall that reaches the groundwater, and greatly reduces the risk of

wind erosion.

Please Note: Funding for clay

spreading can only be provided for projects addressing wind e ros i on and sand h i l l stabilisation.

• LAP funding for clay

spreading: up to $40 / ha

• Maximum area funded:

up to 40 ha

• Minimum clay spreading

rate 80 - 250 tones / ha

Lakeshore Restoration

and Erosion Control

Funding is available via the Lower Lakes Community Revegetation Project for revegetation and fencing in

areas adjacent to the Lakes and parts of the Coorong for the ecological restoration of

these internationally significant Ramsar listed wetlands.

Fencing of the lakeshore will help prevent soil erosion leading to the loss of valuable land, damage to public and

p r i v a t e i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , sedimentation, salinisation and damage to lake edge plants.

Su b s t a n t i a l a r e a s o f revegetation will improve the

habitat value of the area for wading birds and significantly contribute to the ecological restoration of the area which

has been severely impacted by drought in recent years.

Funding is also available to help relocate stock watering points away from the lake

edge.

• Funding for Lakeshore

revegetation:

Up to full cost

• Funding for Lakeshore

Fencing: Up to $4,000 km

• Funding for alternative

watering points: Up to $600 per point

For information on Lakeshore fencing contact Terry Sim on: 0419 099 467

For information on Lakeshore revegetation contact Ken

Strother on: 0885 751830 or 0419 049208

Wind erosion causes sandblasting of plants, and damages fences and roads. It also causes fine particles high in nutrients, clay content and organic matter to be lost from the soil forever.

Non wetting sands can compound the challenges of weed control, crop & pasture establishment. Both problems increase the rate of groundwater recharge which leads to dryland salinity.


Perennial Pasture Establishment Options & Financial IncentivesPerennial Pasture Establishment Options & Financial IncentivesPerennial Pasture Establishment Options & Financial IncentivesPerennial Pasture Establishment Options & Financial Incentives

Dryland Lucerne

Lucerne is a deep-rooted perennial pasture species that

grows well in our district. Unlike shallow-rooted annual crops and pastures, lucerne uses water all year round and takes

moisture from deep in the soil profile. Because of this, it greatly reduces groundwater

recharge, & provides excellent groundcover. A major factor in the onset of dryland salinity in this area is

believed to be the loss of large areas of lucerne in the late 1970’s due to aphids. Re-establishing as much of this

land as possible back to lucerne is a vital component of managing dryland salinity in

this district.


establishment:

up to $15 / ha

• LAP funding for fencing to

landclass

up to $450 / km

• Max area funded: 100ha*

Salt Tolerant Pastures

and Post Drainage Pastures

Salt tolerant perennial pastures are ideally suited to many salt

affected areas in our district. As well as restoring the productive potential of these areas, salt

tolerant pastures provide valuable ground cover. Puccinellia is very tolerant to

both salinity and waterlogging. It provides excellent stock feed and will grow in areas previously covered by sea

barley grass or where the soil has become bare.

Trial work is currently being undertaken by SARDI to identify the best pasture mixes for ‘post drainage’ areas. If you

are seeking plant selection advice for post drainage pastures please contact Freya

Hawker of SARDI to discuss your best options on: P: 87 629162

E: [email protected] • L A P f u n d i n g f o r

establishment:

up to $25 / ha • Maximum area funded:

100 ha*


landclass: up to $450 / km

Perennial Pastures are a vital component of wind erosion and dryland salinity management in the Coorong and Tatiara Districts. Some pasture species, such as lucerne, use almost as much water as native vegetation, while others, like salt tolerant pastures, allow landholders to productively use salt affected land. Veldt Grass has a valuable role in stabilising fragile, sandy soils where few other perennial plants can persist.

Veldt Grass

Veldt Grass is a perennial grass

suited to lighter sandy soils and

is useful in soil stabilisation and

reducing the risk of erosion.

• LAP funding for Veldt

Grass establishment:

Up to $15 / ha


landclass

up to $450 / km

• Max area funded: 100 ha*

* Note maximum area of

pasture funded per property

has increased to 100ha from

80ha in 2011.


Native Vegetation Management Options & Financial IncentivesNative Vegetation Management Options & Financial IncentivesNative Vegetation Management Options & Financial IncentivesNative Vegetation Management Options & Financial Incentives

Planting Native Windbreaks

Planting windbreaks is a good way of incorporating native

vegetation into your farm to reduce groundwater recharge, provide protection for stock, crops & pastures, create

habitat for native fauna, reduce spray drift, & improve visual amenity.

Windbreaks generally provide protection for a distance into

the paddock of 12 to 15 times their height. For the most effective protection, they

should be planted at right angles to the most damaging winds & include a range of local t ree, shrub and

groundcover species of varying size.

Windbreaks should be planted using a minimum of three rows and a minimum width of 10

meters.


establishment:

up to $400 / ha


up to $1500 / km

Planting Blocks of Native Vegetation

Blocks of local native vegetation provide

excellent groundwater recharge con t ro l , erosion protection,

paddock shelter, and habitat for native birds and animals.

Block plantings are i d ea l f o r r e v eg e t a t i n g unproductive areas such as light sandy ridges or rises, low lying

saline areas, in the corner of paddocks around centre pivots, roadsides, and other cleared

public land. Large areas can be established quickly and easily by direct

seeding. • L A P f u n d i n g f o r

establishment:

up to $450 / ha • LAP funding for fencing:

up to $1750 / km

Fencing Remnant

Vegetation & Wetlands Fencing remnant native vegetation and wetland areas to protect them from stock is important for a number of

reasons. The vegetation in these areas is very important for reducing the overall amount

of rainfall that reaches the water table. The healthier this vegetation is, the more water it will use. Healthy remnant

vegetation and wetland areas are also vital for supporting populations of native plants, birds and animals.

Preservation of these areas is vital to maintain the unique

landscape character of our region. Although protecting large

healthy areas is given priority, smaller degraded sites will greatly improve with the

exclusion of stock allowing natural regeneration.


up to $2000 / km

Loss and degradation of native vegetation is the primary cause of wind erosion and dryland salinity in this district. Re-establishing and protecting this vegetation provides many benefits including greatly

reduced groundwater recharge, wind protection for stock, crops & pastures and the creation or protection of habitat for native birds and animals.


Farm Forestry & Fodder Shrub Options, & Financial IncentivesFarm Forestry & Fodder Shrub Options, & Financial IncentivesFarm Forestry & Fodder Shrub Options, & Financial IncentivesFarm Forestry & Fodder Shrub Options, & Financial Incentives

Farm Forestry

Farm Forestry is an excellent o p t i o n f o r r e d u c i n g groundwater recharge. There is a good market for firewood

in Adelaide (which is currently supplied from Victoria and NSW) and there is also the potential for hardwood sawlog

production.

Farm Forestry plantations will grow well on unproductive land

and can also be grown as windbreaks to provide shelter for stock and crops. Two species recommended for

good quality wood and fast growth rates are Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) and

Flat-topped Yate (Eucalyptus occidentalis). These species will also re-shoot after being harvested.


establishment: up to $250 / ha


up to $450 / km

Farm Forestry provides landholders with the recharge reduction benefits of native vegetation while also providing an economic return. There are a number of farm forestry options which are well suited to our

low rainfall area. There are a variety of ways that these options can be incorporated into a property including block plantings, shelter belts and alleys. Farm forestry also has other farm benefits such as providing shade and shelter for stock, pastures and crops, enhancing farm aesthetics, providing habitat for wildlife, increasing property value and providing farm income diversification.

Fodder shrubs are an excellent option for managing dryland salinity in this district. They provide long-term deep-rooted perennial cover with a productive return. Some fodder shrubs grow well on deep sands that will not support lucerne, while others can be grown on salt affected land to provide ground

cover and increase the productivity of these areas.

Saltbush and other

Fodder Shrubs

Old Man Saltbush is a deep rooted perennial fodder shrub that is suited to areas receiving less than 375mm of annual

rainfall. It grows well on a range of soil types including deep sands, areas that are marginal

for cropping, and mild to moderately saline areas.

The benefits of growing fodder shrubs in these areas include

reducing groundwater recharge, reducing the risk of erosion, filling the Autumn feed gap, creation of a feed reserve during

drought conditions, better utilisation of marginal land, and wind protection for stock.

Seedlings are the most reliable method of establishment.

The CTLAP will consider funding for alternative fodder shrub

species if specialist advice is sought from the SARDI Fodder Shrub Project. Higher incentive

rates are possible if this advice is accessed.


establishment: up to $90 / ha


up to $450 / km

SARDI Feed & Forage

Contact Details

P: 83039683

M: 0448 879247 E: [email protected]

Managing African

Lovegrass

The South East NRM Board & Northern NRM Group have devel-oped a regional management plan for African lovegrass

(Eragrostis curvula), sometimes known as pipeline grass.

This plan incorporates a range of useful information such as: ∗ Researched information on the

current and potential impacts of

African lovegrass. ∗ A review of the weed risk as-

sessment for African lovegrass. ∗ A detailed distribution map of

current African lovegrass infes-

tation. ∗ A survey of land managers

which investigated the economic and environmental impacts of

African lovegrass and commu-nity sentiment in regards to control expectations. ∗ A strategic works program that

includes prevention and man-agement activities as well as awareness raising activities.

The SE NRM Board has com-menced implementation of this plan and seeks the cooperation of

all land managers to do their bit to control this problematic grass.

A factsheet has been devel-

oped from the plan identifying

‘best practice control’ tech-

niques. The factsheet is

available from the SE NRM

Board’s website.

www.senrm.sa.gov.au


Pasture Cropping and Pasture Cropping and Pasture Cropping and Pasture Cropping and No Kill Cropping CourseNo Kill Cropping CourseNo Kill Cropping CourseNo Kill Cropping Course

On the 7th and 8th of September Bruce Maynard, founder of the No Kill Cropping Concept, from

Narromine NSW ran a Pasture Cropping & No Kill Cropping Course with CTLAP support. Pasture Crop-ping and No Kill Cropping are management sys-tems that involve planting a crop into an existing

perennial pasture (native or introduced). The sys-tems mimic a natural grassland, with the crops and pastures complementing each other, & benefiting soil biota.

Both systems provide opportunities for low risk

cropping whilst maintaining and enhancing pas-tures for grazing livestock, & can be a good option on erosion prone, hilly or arid country due to the low erosion risk, & minimised overall cost risk of

the cropping operation. Lower input costs, paired with the prospect of any failed crop becoming available stock feed is important when considering

the profitability of these systems. Key differences between the two concepts are; Pasture Cropping - Wet Sown

Conventional sowing rate into existing pasture No Kill Cropping - Dry Sown

Half conventional sowing rate into existing pasture

Bruce highlighted the possibility that shrubs can

bring up nutrients from deeper in the soil than our traditional crop and pasture species. Some discus-sion took place about what the natural landscapes & grazing patterns may have been like prior to

clearance and settlement.

He challenged us to think about harnessing rainfall

right across the season, and to aim for farming systems that are primed to capitalise on any rain that falls, whenever it falls

Bruce explained that the factor we can most influ-ence in our pasture base is reducing evaporation.

This can be done by; ∗ enhancing infiltration,

∗ resting pastures,

∗ using minimum disturbance techniques,

∗ outcompeting annual weeds,

∗ retention of manure, mulch layers and

standing materials. Further information on Pasture Cropping, No Kill Crop-ping, & machinery conversions can be found at www.pasturecropping.com & www.nokillcropping.com

Recently there has been significant concern raised by landholders about the large cost increases for

mains water, particularly relating to stock water. This has also been the most frequently raised issue in the community consultation meetings held throughout the district for the

review of the Coorong District Local Action Plan.

The Coorong & Tatiara Local Action Planning Com-

mittees are holding a Water Security Forum in Tintinara in February. The forum will provide infor-mation & water saving technology expertise at a

full day event focusing on identifying on farm solu-tions.

Topics will include; ∗ Desalinsation including power requirements and

effluent disposal. ∗ Leak detection & leak finding equipment (it is

estimated 20% of purchased water is lost

through on farm leaks). ∗ Overflowing troughs and tanks.

∗ Effective shandying of mains and bore water.

∗ Magnetic ionising water conditioners.

∗ Using & storing water at off peak costs.

∗ Rainwater harvesting techniques.

∗ Matching animal nutrition to water quality.

∗ Case studies of innovative water management. Trade exhibitors will be encouraged to attend. The CTLAP will seek sponsorship from trade exhibitors

& other relevant organisations. The Northern NRM Group, & the Coorong & Tatiara District Councils have already come forward as partners in this event. To register or obtain further information

contact Graham Gates on 0427 572330.

Water Security ForumWater Security ForumWater Security ForumWater Security Forum Wednesday 29th of February 2012 Wednesday 29th of February 2012 Wednesday 29th of February 2012 Wednesday 29th of February 2012

Expanded Regional Automatic Expanded Regional Automatic Expanded Regional Automatic Expanded Regional Automatic Weather Station NetworkWeather Station NetworkWeather Station NetworkWeather Station Network

The SE NRM Board has recently expanded its Auto-

matic Weather Station (AWS) network. 5 of these AWSs are now located within the Coorong–Tatiara, following the upgrade & incorporation of a new site

near Coonalpyn. Several meteorological measurements are regu-larly recorded by each of the AWS, including air and soil temperature, relative humidity, & wind

speed/direction. Utilising this information, other parameters are calculated, including evapotranspi-ration and Delta-T. All AWS data is publically avail-able via the blue nrmWEATHER icon on the SE

NRM Board’s website http://www.senrm.sa.gov.au Contact Rob Palamountain on 87 24 6000 for fur-ther information.

The Narrung weather is accessible on the web site http://samdbnrm.sa.gov.au


Review of the Coorong District

Local Action Plan - Update

The review of the Coorong LAP is steaming along, with 19% of Coorong District landholders participating in the initial round of workshops and presentations. Sixty-five

external stakeholders also attended presentations or provided written comment. Copies of the Draft Local Action Plan will be

available from Coorong District Council Offices in late November. Community comment will be sought until the 31st of January, with several community workshops

being planned during this period. Please email [email protected] if you would like more details.

Development of the first Tatiara Local Action Plan

The first draft of the inaugural Tatiara

Natural Resources Management Plan is nearing completion and is currently under review by the Tatiara LAP Committee. It is expected that we will be ready for a round of

public consultation and feedback in the first quarter of 2012. If you are a member of a local agricultural, environmental or business

group and would like to be involved via a briefing session at one of your meetings please contact Adrian Barber (8755 1097) or Graham Gates (0427 572 330) and we will

arrange for a committee or staff member to provide a presentation and discuss the aims and content of the plan.

Coorong CommitteeCoorong CommitteeCoorong CommitteeCoorong Committee

Henry Angas Chairman Meningie

John Barrie Coonalpyn

Lester Cattle

Peake

Steve Murray Coomandook

Allan Piggott Moorlands

Keith Scobie

Policeman’s Point

Ken Strother Narrung

Gordon Stopp Keith

Judy Zacker

Tintinara

Cr Andrew Dawes

Meningie

Tim Tol Coorong District Council

Jim Quinn Coorong District Council

Coorong and Tatiara Local Action PlanCoorong and Tatiara Local Action PlanCoorong and Tatiara Local Action PlanCoorong and Tatiara Local Action Plan

LAP Project OfficerLAP Project OfficerLAP Project OfficerLAP Project Officer

Graham Gates

M: 0427 572 330

E: [email protected]

Lakes Revegetation OfficerLakes Revegetation OfficerLakes Revegetation OfficerLakes Revegetation Officer Ken Strother

M: 0419 049208


LAP Implementation OfficersLAP Implementation OfficersLAP Implementation OfficersLAP Implementation Officers

Samantha Blight

M: 0447 900 001


Tracey Strugnell

M: 0427 750 050


Tintinara OfficeTintinara OfficeTintinara OfficeTintinara Office 37 Becker Terrace

PO Box 399

TAILEM BEND SA 5260

P: 0887 572 100

F: 0887 572 222

www.coorong.sa.gov.au www.tatiara.sa.gov.au

Tatiara Committee Tatiara Committee Tatiara Committee Tatiara Committee

Adrian Barber Chairman

Keith

David Altus McCallum

Cr Robert Mock Bordertown

Tammy Graetz

Bordertown

Miles Hannemann Keith

Tony Hedges Keith

Josie Jackson

Willalooka

John Matthews

Bordertown

Trevor Thomas Wolseley

Rocky Callisto Tatiara District Council

Documents

Coorong Tatiara Coorong Tatiara - Coorong District … Summer... · Coorong Tatiara Coorong Tatiara Local Action Plan NewsletterLocal Action Plan Newsletter ... levelling, revegetation,