This event was a Central Murray BestWool BestLamb, WMLIG and Ricegrower's Australia initiative, made possible with support from the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme via the Murray Local Land Services.
Two 'Drought Smoko' events were held on the 3rd April, at the Mallan Community Hall and 22nd May at the Tullakool Hall with the purpose of bringing together community members impacted by drought, for an informative networking event. Thirty two people attended these events to learn about the latest information on weed control, pest management, stock health and Murray Darling Basin Authority's community engagement processes.
Stephen Battenally (Weeds Biosecurity Officer, Murray River Council) kicked off the event, describing council's role in protecting and managing our roadsides, bushland biodiversity and biosecurity. As part of the current Biosecurity Act, weeds of concern in the locality have been identified as: Sagitteria, Silverleaf Nightshade, Gazania (African daisy), Galenia and Spiny Burr Grass. For weeds such as Silverleaf Nightshade, Stephen recommended pegging out and mapping the infested area to gauge the effectiveness of control measures undertaken. This weed is notoriously hard to kill. Ploughing only aids the spread of this weed and glyphosate spray has little effect on controlling the population.
The council's latest campaign, 'No Space for Weeds' has been created to inform people of new and emerging threats before we get another outbreak similar to that of Bathurst Burr or Paterson's Curse. Residents may have seen red guide posts on the side of roads. These guide posts highlight priority one weeds on Roads and Maritime controlled roads to inform workers of the presence of these weeds. Currently, the Council uses bio-agents for controlling Paterson's Curse, Horehound and Bridal Creeper. Bio-agents are insects that aid in the control of certain weeds and are widely spread throughout the former Wakool Shire region. If you would like to know if you have bio-agents on your property you can get in contact with the Weeds Officer. For more information on weeds of significance, there is an app called 'WeedWise' available for download on your phone or tablet.
Scott Ison (Animal Biosecurity & Welfare Team Leader, Murray Local Land Services) discussed the potential spread of disease from feral animals such as pigs and goats. At this stage the majority of resources are spent on keeping disease out of Australia. He highlighted that extensive testing is undertaken on products imported into Australia, as that is where disease risks are most likely to originate from. Modelling figures suggest that disease outbreaks could cost the Australian economy $50 billion dollars.
In terms of managing contamination from stray livestock found on your property, producers can use the Property Identification Code (PIC) on animal eartags to identify owners/locality by logging into the Local Land Services (LLS) website or by making an enquiry to the LLS over the phone.
Stephen Battenally (Weeds Biosecurity Officer, Murray River Council) kicked off the event, describing council's role in protecting and managing our roadsides, bushland biodiversity and biosecurity. As part of the current Biosecurity Act, weeds of concern in the locality have been identified as: Sagitteria, Silverleaf Nightshade, Gazania (African daisy), Galenia and Spiny Burr Grass. For weeds such as Silverleaf Nightshade, Stephen recommended pegging out and mapping the infested area to gauge the effectiveness of control measures undertaken. This weed is notoriously hard to kill. Ploughing only aids the spread of this weed and glyphosate spray has little effect on controlling the population.
The council's latest campaign, 'No Space for Weeds' has been created to inform people of new and emerging threats before we get another outbreak similar to that of Bathurst Burr or Paterson's Curse. Residents may have seen red guide posts on the side of roads. These guide posts highlight priority one weeds on Roads and Maritime controlled roads to inform workers of the presence of these weeds. Currently, the Council uses bio-agents for controlling Paterson's Curse, Horehound and Bridal Creeper. Bio-agents are insects that aid in the control of certain weeds and are widely spread throughout the former Wakool Shire region. If you would like to know if you have bio-agents on your property you can get in contact with the Weeds Officer. For more information on weeds of significance, there is an app called 'WeedWise' available for download on your phone or tablet.
Scott Ison (Animal Biosecurity & Welfare Team Leader, Murray Local Land Services) discussed the potential spread of disease from feral animals such as pigs and goats. At this stage the majority of resources are spent on keeping disease out of Australia. He highlighted that extensive testing is undertaken on products imported into Australia, as that is where disease risks are most likely to originate from. Modelling figures suggest that disease outbreaks could cost the Australian economy $50 billion dollars.
In terms of managing contamination from stray livestock found on your property, producers can use the Property Identification Code (PIC) on animal eartags to identify owners/locality by logging into the Local Land Services (LLS) website or by making an enquiry to the LLS over the phone.
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John Nolan (Regional Pest Management Coordinator, Murray Local Land Services) explained that LLS work closely with Local Government, National Parks, State Forest and landholders to control pest species. In the last 6 months there has been an aerial monitoring program undertaken to find out baseline population data for species such as feral pigs. Surveys using thermal imaging were undertaken in the Werai Forest, Wanganella, Moulamein, Splitter Creek (Albury) and Little Billabong (Holbrook). It is hoped that by determining a baseline population, that the success of control measures on feral pigs can be more accurately gauged.
Deer are also an emerging problem for the region. The Eastern parts of NSW are in the grip of a feral deer population explosion. A ban on spotlight hunting deer on private property in NSW, has been lifted in response to the magnitude of the problem. |
Rabbits still remain the largest economic and environmental pests facing our districts. LLS has released the K5 calici-virus and landholders can be provided with a vial as part of a co-ordinated approach with neighbours. In addition, the LLS still provide rippers and baited carrots for rabbit control.
Part of John's role is to meet with groups of landholders who have identified a pest species and would like to work together on a coordinated approach to control the pest. John is actively seeking landholders to contact him to assist with monitoring and control measures.
Neil Bull (Environmental Champions Program, Ricegrowers Australia) explained the Australian Sustainable Rice Platform and what it meant for the industry. SunRice is looking to adapt an international sustainable rice platform with the aid of funding through the National Landcare Programme and Murray Local Land Services. The program will help SunRice demonstrate the care for environmental, social and economic factors within the rice industry. This may lead to better returns for growers through access to premium markets. It will aid the improvement of on-farm production systems which will complement the existing Environmental Champions Program undertaken by the rice industry. Australian rice is already world leading in water use efficiency and sustainable production systems, so this program will be a great addition to highlight the industry's environmental credentials.
Roger Knight (Regional Engagement Officer, Murray Darling Basin Authority) works as a conduit between the MDBA and the community, to suggest how basin programs could be better rolled out. Roger spoke of the importance of having good data to help inform both sides of the discussion with sound knowledge. He endeavors to share information about the operating considerations for the river systems, including planned flooding, system constraints and the determination of water resources.
Event summary courtesy of the Koondrook Barham Bridge Newspaper.
Part of John's role is to meet with groups of landholders who have identified a pest species and would like to work together on a coordinated approach to control the pest. John is actively seeking landholders to contact him to assist with monitoring and control measures.
Neil Bull (Environmental Champions Program, Ricegrowers Australia) explained the Australian Sustainable Rice Platform and what it meant for the industry. SunRice is looking to adapt an international sustainable rice platform with the aid of funding through the National Landcare Programme and Murray Local Land Services. The program will help SunRice demonstrate the care for environmental, social and economic factors within the rice industry. This may lead to better returns for growers through access to premium markets. It will aid the improvement of on-farm production systems which will complement the existing Environmental Champions Program undertaken by the rice industry. Australian rice is already world leading in water use efficiency and sustainable production systems, so this program will be a great addition to highlight the industry's environmental credentials.
Roger Knight (Regional Engagement Officer, Murray Darling Basin Authority) works as a conduit between the MDBA and the community, to suggest how basin programs could be better rolled out. Roger spoke of the importance of having good data to help inform both sides of the discussion with sound knowledge. He endeavors to share information about the operating considerations for the river systems, including planned flooding, system constraints and the determination of water resources.
Event summary courtesy of the Koondrook Barham Bridge Newspaper.
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