State Government releases 50 year vision for Victorian environment
Posted on 22 December, 2009 by Connecting Country
The Victorian Government has released “Securing our Future: A white paper for land and biodiversity at a time of climate change”, a document 4 years in the making.
The white paper’s vision is to reverse the loss of nature and reconnect one of the most fragmented landscapes in Australia.
Commentators highlight that substantial investment will be required to make the goals of the white paper a reality.
Environment groups alsoexpressed concern at the proposals to overhaul the state’s main conservation legislation, including abolishing the independent Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC).
For more information:
Read the Victoria Naturally Alliance summary of the White Paper here.
“Environmental management to be streamlined” – The Age
View the White Paper on the DSE website.
Current funding opportunities
Posted on 11 December, 2009 by Connecting Country
Grants & Funding websites
– Grantslink www.grantslink.gov.au/
– DAFF grants & assistance www.daffa.gov.au/about/grants_and_assistance
– DEWHA grants & funding www.environment.gov.au/about/programs/index.html
– FRRR grants www.frrr.org.au/currentprojects.asp
– Caring for our Country funding www.nrm.gov.au/funding/index.html
FarmReady reimbursement grants
Posted on 11 December, 2009 by Connecting Country
FarmReady Reimbursement Grants, for courses completed prior to 30 May 2012, assist primary producers and Indigenous land managers to attend approved training courses aimed at improving their capacity to adapt to climate change and increase self reliance and preparedness. Application forms need to be lodged and approved prior to attending approved courses, followed by submitting the claim for reimbursement (up to 30 days after the completion of the course).
Managed by the department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, further information and application/claim forms can be accessed on their website here.
Golden Sun Moth spotted in Muckleford and Spring Gully
Posted on 8 December, 2009 by Connecting Country
The critically endangered Golden Sun Moth has been spotted in the Muckleford and Spring Gully areas.
The Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana) is a bronze coloured day-time flying moth, with clubbed antennae. The upper-side of the forewing is dark bronze brown and grey. The hindwing of males is dark brown whilst females have bright orange hind wings with black spots. Adult males are larger (3.5cm) than females (3.0cm).
The moth occurs in Natural Temperate Grasslands and grassy Box-Gum Woodlands where the ground layer is predominantly wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia species). Grasslands dominated by wallaby grasses are typically low and open. The bare ground between the tussocks is thought to be an important feature for the Golden Sun Moth – it is on these bare spaces that females are observed displaying to attract males. Habitat may contain several wallaby grass species typically associated with other grasses particularly spear-grasses (Austrostipa species.) or Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis).
Female Golden Sun Moth. Photo: R. Zollinger
For more information and to report sightings contact;
Nathan Wong
Grassy Ecosystems Co-ordinator
Trust for Nature
60 Leathbridge Rd
Welshmans Reef 3462
Ph: 0458 965 329
Ph/Fax 03 5476 2239
A new wildlife freeway – Treeway – in Muckleford
Posted on 8 December, 2009 by Connecting Country
An innovative biolink project in Creasys Road, Muckleford was celebrated on Saturday by members of the Muckleford Catchment Landcare Group. The project involves the planting of some 6300 trees and bushes in a 2.3 ha strip along Creasys Road and Turners Lane, together with a linking section to Chinamans Creek.
Planting was undertaken by members of Muckleford Landcare in September and October after extensive site preparation, including collapsing of rabbit warrens and deep ripping by Yeomans plow. The majority of planting has been undertaken on private land which has now been fenced off to protect the new vegetation from grazing and pests. Three landholders along Creasys Road agreed to set aside portions of their land for this project.
Further information about the activities of the Muckleford Catchment Landcare Group can be found at http://northcentral.landcarevic.net.au/muckleford-catchment or by contacting the Secretary Paul Hampton, on 5474 2189.
L – R: David Griffiths (Project Officer) , Sue Slaytor (Project Manager & participating landowner), David Whillas (participating landowner) and Cr Christine Henderson.
Priority veg Yellow Box Woodlands – View layer in google earth
Posted on 3 December, 2009 by Connecting Country
The priority vegetation for Connecting Country’s 2009-2010 funding is Yellow-Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) Woodlands.
You can download a file from this website and drape it accross Google Earth to view where Yellow Box Woodlands occur, right accross the Mt Alexander Shire.
From the home page – Click on ‘Current Projects’ tab – Go to the bottom of the page, click on ‘On Ground Works’ link – Go to the bottom of the page, click on ‘Priority Vegetation’ link.
BushTender announce Round 2 Expressions of Interest
Posted on 3 December, 2009 by Connecting Country
The DSE’s BushTender program is currently operating in North Central Victoria, including all of Mt Alexander Shire.
Connecting Country is funding extra projects in the Mt Alexander Region.
To register call 136 186 or email customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au
Visit the DSE website here for full details.
Creasys Road Revegetation Project Launch
Posted on 27 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Come and be inspired by this fantastic project!
The Muckleford Catchment Landcare Group invites you to the official launch of the Creasys Road Revegetation Project.
The project will be launched by Cr Brook Acklom. A walking tour of the project will be conducted by the Project Manager, Sue Slaytor. This will be followed by an informal BBQ with refreshments. Please bring your children, your neighbors, your friends and your own chairs.
Where: Northern Boundary of 89 Creasys Road, Muckleford (look for the signs on the day).
RSVP: Paul Hampton, Secretary, 5474 2189, paul-hampton@bigpond.com by Monday 30 November.
Agscene Newsletter
Posted on 13 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
If you would like information concerning agricultural issues in the North Central Catchment Area take a look at the Department of Primary Industries monthly newsletter, Agscene.
Articles in this week’s edition include:
- New drought package announced
- Much to be gained from electronic NLIS tags for sheep
- Food from thought at DPI 40:40 Symposium
- Why not give DPI’s dairy extension officers a call?
- Upcoming events: DPI Queenscliff Centre open day and a workshop for youth in horticulture and dairy
To receive your copy of Agscene contact:
Georgina Wilson, Media & Communications Advisor
DPI – Mallee & North Central
(03) 5430 4417
Or email georgina.wilson@dpi.vic.gov.au
Serrated Tussock slasher workshop
Posted on 13 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party, the National Serrated Tussock Management Group and the National Chilean Needle Grass Taskforce would like to inform you of new modifications that can be made to slashers to reduce the spread ofnoxious weeds such as Serrated Tussock (Nassella Trichotoma) and Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella Neesiana).
Slasher fans and slasher covers are a reasonably new invention which significantly reduces the spread of invasive species particularly Serrated Tussock and Chilean Needle Grass.
The Department of Primary Industries in partnership with Hume City Council and Macedon Ranges Shire Council are testing prototype slasher covers this year on tractor linkage slashers to minimise weed spread. The project with the Hume and Macedon municipalities aims to not only test the prototype but also promote the concept to other grass slashing contractors.
The field day is at Somerton Rd, Greenvale (Melway Map 178 E6).
The day will finish with lunch.
Register your intention to attend by email to charles.grech@dpi.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 9217 4120.
Click here to read articles from the October 2009 ‘Tussock Times’.
$400,000 available to Victorian organic producers
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
The Victorian Government will provide support for the state’s organic food industry with a new funding program, to the tune of $400,000.
Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan announced during National Organic Week in October that the ‘Support for Organics Grant Program’ would be implemented to foster what she described as ”Victoria’s nation-leading approach to production, consumption and export of… organic products.”
She said the package – which will provide funds over two years – was also expected to help secure jobs and enhance lifestyles for organic farmers and producers in regional and rural Victoria, and provide them with the capacity to stay one step ahead of their competitors.
For information on how to apply, see the Support for organics grant program Guidelines.
Woodend Landcare Group Working Bee
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
All are welcome to join the Woodend Landcare Group for their final working bee for 2009.
Activities will take place along the new Five Mile Creek track, south of the creek. Please bring along your gardening tools, hat, gloves and sunscreen.
Enjoy a morning tea afterwards provided by Woodend Landcare Group. RSVP’s are essential.
Location: meet at the end of Pyke Street, Woodend
To RSVP contact: Jo Clancy, President Woodend Landcare Group
on 5427 1909 or email rasbooks@netcon.net.au
Stanley Park AGM and talk on Birds of the Macedon Ranges
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Stanley Park Committee of Management invites you their AGM which will include a presentation on ‘Birds of the Macedon Ranges’ by Bruce Donaldson.
This fully illustrated talk will introduce you to the birds you are likely to encounter in the Macedon Ranges with commentary on their frequency, location and behaviour as well as tips for observing and identifying them.
Venue: Jubilee Hall, Smith Street, Macedon
Light refreshments will follow the meeting
To RSVP contact: The Secretary, Stanley Park Committee of Management on 5426 242 or email stanleyparkmountmacedon@gmail.com
Woodend district Aboriginal Heritage and Aboriginal Heritage Act talk
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Learn about the Aboriginal Heritage of the Woodend District and the Aboriginal Heritage Act at a talk to be presented by the Woodend Landcare Group.
Guest speaker Dr. Vincent Clarke, noted archaeologist and Woodendl resident, will discuss the pre-European history of the area and subsequent European settlement, as well as how the Aboriginal Heritage Act impacts on local community groups.
Bookings are essential.
Venue: Woodend Neighbourhood House, Forest Street, Woodend
Supper will be provided
To RSVP contact Jo Clancy, President Woodend Landcare Group
on 5427 1909
email rasbooks@netcon.net.au
Cactus Killing Field Day
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Parks Victoria and Tarrengower Cactus Control Committee:
Location: East side of Cairn Curran, follow the signs from the main entrance.
Sausage sizzle at about 12.30pm.
It’s the last field day for the year, so come and celebrate a great year’s work.
For more information contact Tony Kane on 5475 2973.
FREE volunteer recruitment workshop
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
At: North Central CMA, Midland Highway, Huntly
A workshop exploring what motivates people to volunteer and how to meet your volunteers’ needs is being run in Bendigo. Brought to you by Conservation Volunteers Australia the workshop will include;
- Organisation self review
- Discussion of successful volunteer recruitment and retention strategies.
This will be an invaluable workshop for Landcare Groups wanting to retain
and increase membership.
Numbers are limited and registration is essential.
To register contact Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA)
email training@conservationvolunteers.com.au
phone the Bendigo CVA office on 0354 440 777
Click here to see the flyer for full details
Flora Identification Course
Posted on 8 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Brought to you by McKenzies Hill Action & Landcare Group.
Run by Paul Foreman, consultant Botanist and Bush Heritage Australia Ecologist, the course aims to give participants an introduction to the ecosystems and indigenous flora of the Castlemaine area.
The course will run over four Sundays from 2pm – 4pm. There is a day long bus tour of the shire after the four field based sessions.
Sunday September 27th – Introduction to common trees. At Lushington Hill Bushland Reserve (Cnr. Martin & Monaghan streets, Diamond Gully).
Sunday October 4th – Common shrubs. At Kaweka Wildflower Reserve (Cnr. Hargreaves & Turner streets, Castlemaine).
Sunday October 11th – Common wildflowers. At Expedition Pass Reservoir (Reservoir Car Park, Point Road, Faraday).
Sunday November 8th – Common grasses. At Castlemaine Botanic Gardens (Northern Cark Park off Downes Rd).
Sunday November 15th – Tour of the shire. Bus provided. Meeting and returning to the car park opposite the Railway Hotel, Gingell St, Castlemaine. 10am – 4pm
For more information and to book contact Paul Foreman on 5472 4874 or 0429 134 592
Committees and Constitutions Workshop
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Venue: Sustainability Room, Woodend Neighbourhood Centre, Forest St, Woodend.
Does everyone in your committee understand your constitution or the Model Rules? Are you in a Committee and are not too sure what you have to do?
The Committees and Constitutions workshop, presented by Consumer Affairs Victoria, will introduce the roles and responsibilities of committees in community organisations. The workshop will also explain the Model Rules and the requirements of self-developed constitutions and the legal responsibilities they represent.
The workshop will:
– Highlight the benefits of being an incorporated association
– Simplify the legal requirements under the Incorporations Act 1981
– Provide information on handling disputes and grievance procedures
– Explain the roles and responsibilities of each committee member
For further information contact Gaynor Atkin, Community Project Team Leader, Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
Phone: 5422 0247 or Email: gatkin@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Connecting Country Reference Group Meeting and Special General Meeting
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Please be advised of our first Reference Group meeting on the 5th NOVEMBER at 7pm at the Chewton Town Hall, Main Road Chewton (Next to the Post Office). There is parking behind the hall.
The evening will include an official project launch and very brief Special General Meeting in order to make some constitutional alterations.
Also on the agenda is:
– An update on the project and group involvement opportunities;
– A presentation from DSE staff on the Bushtender program which is currently running across the Goldfields Region;
– Further group on-ground project development and funding opportunities to follow on from the workshop held in August.
For more information please call Krista on 0466 012 030
Remnant Native Vegetation Investigation – regional discussions
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) is holding a series of workshops as part of it’s Remnant Native Vegetation Investigation. The investigation will assess the extent, condition and connectivity of native vegetation across public land on the 80% of Victoria outside largely intact landscapes.
More information on the VEAC and the Remnant Native Vegetation Investigation can be found on the VEAC website.
A workshop will be held in Bendigo on Thursday 26th November.
If you are interested in attending please contact Paul Peake, Project Manager, VEAC.
ph: 9637 9896 | toll free: 1800 134 803 | m: 0408 315 407
email: paul.peake@dse.vic.gov.au | www.veac.vic.gov.au