Case Studies Archives
Project Case Study Archive
- Case Studies
Birchip Landcare Group
LOCATION: VIC
A healthier eco-system, sustainable sport and a happier community have been the remarkable and positive outcomes from the Birchip Urban Stormwater Treatment Project.
Cleve Area School [SA]
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: SA
In the 1970s Cleve Area School received a special gift. The late Mr Gordon Sims donated a 400 hectare farm to the school to educate youth and train our farmers of the future - allowing young people to research and develop ways of farming that feed our nation, and look after our soil, waterways, native plants and wildlife. The research and trials conducted by these kids are helping to set a new direction for farming in Australia. The school is one of 47 farms involved in a national research project, Biodiversity in Grain and Graze. The students test soil, monitor and record the health of vegetation and collect important insects like bees and ants, which play important roles in our natural ecosystems and in farming. They also began the biological control of one of Australia''s worst weed threats, the bridal creeper. Students at the school will go on to become farm managers combining best farm practice with the needs of the natural environment beyond.
LOCATION: SA
Crows Nest Shire Council [QLD]
LOCATION: QLD
Historically, landowners have not seen themselves as stewards for the water that flows onto and through their properties. However below-average rainfall and episodes of poor water quality have prompted Crows Nest Shire in South East Queensland to challenge and change this view. The council invited landholders to attend workshops on improving water quality. Those who attended could gain funds for landcare work on their properties. The council also introduced a voluntary conservation agreement for people who owned land containing significant conservation areas. Landholders who agreed to the long-term preservation of their land were rewarded with council rate rebates, plants to revegetate sites and help from the council''s natural resource management crews to carry out on-ground works.
Crows Nest State School [QLD]
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: QLD
Lee Reushle, a teacher at Crows Nest State School in Queensland, was looking for new ways to teach her grade six and seven students about maths, English, science, technology and teamwork. She found the answer in the environment. Lee worked with her students to build a mini forest and bush food garden with bird nesting boxes, butterfly habitat and a flowering calendar. These projects have given students inspirational new way to become actively involved in their education.
LOCATION: QLD
David and Janet Hunter [QLD]
LOCATION: QLD
As a child, David Hunter thought burning wheat stubble was a waste of precious resources. As an adult he has become an organic farmer, committed to improving soil health and creating an organic banana farm where he has allocated two thirds of the property to nature conservation. David and his wife Janet have implemented an environmental management system (EMS) to ensure the sustainable management of the property and the re-creation of vulnerable rainforest habitat. David has taken a leadership role in landcare at a local and catchment level. The visionary child grew into a visionary adult.
Deloraine High School
LOCATION: TAS
The Deloraine Landcare group aims to enhance biodiversity within the Meander Valley and surrounding districts through the protection, enhancement and restoration of the natural environment, whilst providing learning outcomes for students and developing environmental partnerships within the community.
Desert Channels Queensland [QLD]
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: QLD
Desert Channels Queensland is engaged in Indigenous projects which cover a huge area - more than a third of the state. Coordinator David Thomson is busy building bridges between landowners and the Indigenous communities at sites like Stratford Station where cave art, native wells and burial sites are being protected for future generations. He is also making sure that the remains of several Iningai people are brought home from museums around Australia.
LOCATION: QLD
Desley kippax
LOCATION: TAS
Desley has been a local Landcare champion for over ten years. Her achievements have been significant although Desley remains humble about the work that she has accomplished. Desley''s involvement with Landcare began in about 1987 when she founded the Cygnet Junior Landcare Group. This group was very active and achieved a great deal in Burton''s Reserve, a coastal wildlife sanctuary at Cygnet in Southern Tasmania.
Devonport Christian School [TAS]
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: TAS
In only a matter of years the Jiloa Wetland, a 4000 square metre area owned by the Devonport Christian School, has been transformed from a polluted, eroded and weed-filled block into an attractive bush and wetland region with clear waters and flourishing native vegetation which is attracting croaking frogs and flocks of birds. The local community now regularly visits the area to enjoy the boardwalks, pools, waterfalls and native vegetation. This regeneration success story is due to the significant efforts of the Devonport Christian School students in collaboration with teachers, parents and the broader community.
LOCATION: TAS
Forbes Urban Landcare Group Inc
LOCATION: NSW
Forbes Urban Landcare Group (FULG) works in the township and surrounds of Forbes NSW on the Lachlan River. Our group has been most successful in creating awareness and knowledge in the community regarding environmental issues in urban areas. This has been achieved by utilising the media and via education, demonstrations, partnerships and community work associated with our many projects sites.
Frank Young
LOCATION: SA
Frank Young is a traditional Anangu (Yungkunytatjara) man who has lived in the APY Lands all his life. Frank has traditional connection to the Wataru area in APY but Frank is committed to ensuring that all traditional country (and natural and cultural resources) are managed appropriately to support traditional culture, lives economy and health of the Anangu people of the region.
Friends of Avalon Dunes
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation
LOCATION: NSW
Avalon is a lovely beach town in the North Shore of Sydney. Its popular surf beach, considered a possible new location for the "Baywatch" show, was under threat of being washed away by the tide and blown away by the wind because the native vegetation, responsible for stabilising the magnificent dunes and beach structure was taken over by invasive weed. Friends of the Avalon Dunes, a group of local volunteers that had grown in the area, concerned about losing the incredible place that many Sydneysiders and tourists all over the world visit, sprung into action. Partnering with Coastcare, local council and state government they developed a model for dune restoration and weed removal, and today the Avalon dunes stand majestically at 22 meters high, protecting the beloved Avalon Beach for all of us to enjoy.
LOCATION: NSW
Friends of Mt Majura [ACT]
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: ACT
The two dams in the popular Mount Majera Nature Reserve in Canberra were denuded, compacted and unsuitable for plant life because of silt in the water and erosion caused by visitors. Friends of Mount Majera had a vision to create a vibrant wetland around the dams as a haven for birds, frogs and other animals. Members called it the Dragonfly Project because the return of this high-on-the-food chain species would indicate a healthy ecosystem. After planting over 12000 grasses and dry land plants and tackling erosion and access issues, the water quality has improved and many animals have returned to the area. Dragonfly larvae have recently been found in both dams.
LOCATION: ACT
Hindmarsh Landcare [VIC]
LOCATION: VIC
Project Hindmarsh in South Western Victoria has been a hugely ambitious biolink corridor project. Hindmarsh Landcare Network partnered with Greening Australia 10 years ago to plant 100 kilometres of roadside to create 2000 kilometres of uninterrupted wildlife corridors, linking the Little Deserts National Park to the Big Desert, from the Wimmera River to the South Australian border. More than 1.5 million trees have been established. Work with over 300 landholders has ensured the protection and enhancement of 2700 hectares of remnant bush on private land. The project is now aiming to link coastal vegetation north along the South Australian border to Broken Hill.
Huon Valley Council
The Huon Valley Council has a long history of supporting Landcare, Bushcare, Rivercare and Coastcare groups in the Huon Valley. In the last decade, the council has achieved significant outcomes in terms of support for care groups; the partnerships it has developed with Stakeholders and environmental works that have occurred.
John and Sue Grund [SA]
ISSUES: Soil erosion by water
LOCATION: SA
The Eyre Peninsula in South Australia is one of our most drought-prone regions and faces serious erosion and soil degradation problems. John and Sue Grund have spent the past 38 years tackling these issues on their 4000 hectare farm near Kimba. They pioneered a no-till method of planting crops, have enriched sandy soils by spreading clay, introduced farm forestry on particularly inhospitable land and are revegetating large areas of the property. The Grunds are involved in numerous environment organisations locally and regionally and have produced a ground-breaking booklet sharing farming success stories with other farmers across the Eyre Peninsula.
LOCATION: SA
John Blunt [NSW]
LOCATION: NSW
The Orange-Bathurst region of New South Wales was once covered in thick eucalypts. However the district now faces degradation problems because of its history of over-clearing. When John Blunts property, Merungie, was scarred by a major landslip caused by tree clearing going back to 1951, John had a vision to get local farmers together to address the problems. He has worked tirelessly for the past 14 years initiating and managing revegetation projects in the region and much of the change in the district''s landscape can be traced back to his work.
Joondalup Community Coast Care Forum Inc.
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Community development, Dune erosion
LOCATION: WA
Before 2000, dune brushing and revegetation projects around the City of Joondalup in Western Australia were carried out piecemeal by schools and other volunteer groups. The Joondalup Community Coast Care Forum Inc was formed to lobby the City of Joondalup to prepare a management plan for the entire 16 kilometres of coastal reserve within the council boundaries. The council allocated $150 000 per year for the foreshore reserve and the group has worked ever since on restoring the native vegetation through its own innovative and holistic approach. The group has occasionally gone into battle with the council to protect certain areas of the reserve and have built a relationship of mutual respect. The Joondalup Community Coast Care Forum has recently been contracted by the land developer, Satterley Group, to manage vegetation on a bushland reserve associated with a new coastal housing project - raising funds that are going back into its core business.
LOCATION: WA
Life in the Suburbs [ACT]
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: ACT
Bushland reserves in and around Australia''s cities are becoming isolated and reducing in size. A team of dedicated environmental scientists, managers and interested members of the public, armed with binoculars, spotlights and clipboards, conducted ecological surveys throughout suburban Canberra to gain an accurate record of biodiversity in the region. The Life in the Suburbs project, conducted through the Australian National University, has provided invaluable information to the general community about the health of the water systems, mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fish, invertebrates and flora in the Canberra area.
LOCATION: ACT
Little Swanport Catchment Plan Implementation Committee
LOCATION: TAS
Since the inaugural meeting in 2003 the LSCMPIC has fulfilled these roles and responsibilities in many ways. The achievements of the committee range from direct on ground activities such as fencing of riparian land and priority remnant vegetation such as saltmarsh, to engaging the community in water quality monitoring activities, as well as providing an ongoing forum for communication exchange between a variety of stakeholders and the catchment community.
Lyn Coulston [ACT]
LOCATION: ACT
Lyn Coulston has been involved with landcare in the Upper Murray since its inception 23 years ago and there are few environmental projects in the region that she has not been involved in. One of her great passions has been to help land managers eradicate weeds, particularly blackberry. In 2005 she led 16 private and public land management organisations to form the North East Blackberry Action Group. The achievements of this community-driven partnership were so significant that the group won the 2006 State Weed Buster Award. Lyn was then appointed chairperson of the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce which uses the Upper Murray experience as a model for the rest of the state.
Maroochy Catchment Centre [QLD]
LOCATION: QLD
The Maroochy River in South East Queensland has many friends. The large number of community groups attached to the Maroochy Catchment Centre have worked tirelessly for over a dozen years improving, monitoring and promoting the health of the river. But by 2004 water quality was still in decline. The catchment centre and the council developed a comprehensive plan, redoubling their efforts to help the river. In the past year there have been 2500 activities where people have volunteered hundreds of thousands of hours, equating to millions of dollars worth of in-kind support.
Melanie Gent
Mel Gent is a young landcare leader who values the involvement of other young people in natural resource management outcomes. As a result Mel has grown from a Green Corp participant to a Green Corp Leader who mentors and trains her young team in a range of natural resource management issues.
Mount Roland Rivercare Catchment Inc [TAS]
LOCATION: TAS
The Dasher and Minnow Rivers in Tasmania were seriously degraded by historic activities including straightening, digging channels and carrying out earthworks - problems exacerbated by poor farming practices and pollution. In 1999 concerned residents formed Mount Roland Rivercare. They built structures to slow down the river flow, fenced out riverbanks, installed alternative watering troughs for stock, removed willows and planted 23 000 native plants. Thanks to involvement from landowners, school children and the community, the river is healthy again and fish - including rare species - have returned.
Murrayville Landcare Group [VIC]
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: VIC
In the mallee region of Victoria, just 160 landholders are scattered over some 220 000 hectares of dryland agriculture. Declining numbers of local advisory staff led district landholders to form the Murrayville Landcare Group in 1993. All 160 landholders in the area are members and their planning and action has had major impacts on the landscape. Some 40% of land has changed over to no-till farming, which has reduced soil erosion and improved soil health in the area. Group members also planted 62 000 native plants to create a wildlife corridor between the Murray Sunset and Big Desert National Parks.
LOCATION: VIC
NAILSMA Dugong and Marine Turtle Project
The NAILSMA Dugong and Marine Turtle Project brings together Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders with scientists from across northern Australia to better manage and protect marine turtles and dugong.
Driven by Indigenous people, the Project has created new Indigenous Ranger programs and supported communities to combine Traditional Knowledge with modern research and training to undertake management activities such as mapping and monitoring populations and habitats, tracking turtle migrations by satellite, and developing turtle and dugong management plans.
The Project supports Indigenous people across the north to share knowledge and experience with each other and with other people around Australia and overseas through ranger exchanges and innovative communication tools like Message Disk - a DVD of audio-visual on-country stories by Indigenous rangers
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Coastal land degradation, Education/awareness raising, Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: NT
Indigenous people are the ''front-line'' managers of Australia''s northern coast-a last stronghold for dugong and marine turtle in the world.LOCATION: NT
The NAILSMA Dugong and Marine Turtle Project brings together Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders with scientists from across northern Australia to better manage and protect marine turtles and dugong.
Driven by Indigenous people, the Project has created new Indigenous Ranger programs and supported communities to combine Traditional Knowledge with modern research and training to undertake management activities such as mapping and monitoring populations and habitats, tracking turtle migrations by satellite, and developing turtle and dugong management plans.
The Project supports Indigenous people across the north to share knowledge and experience with each other and with other people around Australia and overseas through ranger exchanges and innovative communication tools like Message Disk - a DVD of audio-visual on-country stories by Indigenous rangers
Noosa & District Landcare Group Inc [QLD]
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: QLD
The Noosa and District Landcare Group has taken an entrepreneurial approach to the business of landcare. This nonprofit community organisation, which formed in 1991, has grown to over 300 members and 100 volunteers. The group employs 23 staff and eight subcontractors and turns over $1.5 million each year. Proceeds from the natural resource management business are being channelled into in-ground projects that protect and enhance the local environment and that fall outside other funding programs.
LOCATION: QLD
NRM South
LOCATION: TAS
It''s the care in Landcare that southern Tasmanian regional body NRM South has focused on to spark is the regional body responsible for developing and implanting an NRM strategy in southern Tasmania. It has chosen to do so by working with the care community to promote the landcare ethic. NRM South worked with more than 7000 individuals and nearly 300 groups with workshops, information and other resources. Property management plans have been created for some 28 000 hectares of land and there have been protection works for native vegetation, threatened species and water quality in rivers and wetlands covering 1000 hectares and more than 10 care groups have developed local action plans.
Preminghana [TAS]
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: TAS
There are only a few remaining Aboriginal rock engravings (or petroglyphs) in Tasmania. Preminghana, an area in the far north-west of the state, has huge panels of culturally significant rock engravings. The area is also home to several rare and endangered species. Through considered management by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Land and Sea Council on behalf of the Aboriginal community, a healthy balance protects both the rich cultural heritage and the fragile coastal environment.
LOCATION: TAS
Reef Watch Program
2007 National Science Week: Unsung Hero of South Australian Science (Highly Commended)
2007 Premiers NRM Award for Outstanding Integrated Volunteer Project (Winner)
2008 Winner South Australia Landcare Awards Australian Government Coastcare Award
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation
LOCATION: SA
2005 Civic Trust (Natural Category)LOCATION: SA
2007 National Science Week: Unsung Hero of South Australian Science (Highly Commended)
2007 Premiers NRM Award for Outstanding Integrated Volunteer Project (Winner)
2008 Winner South Australia Landcare Awards Australian Government Coastcare Award
Riverglade Wetlands Restoration Project [NSW]
LOCATION: NSW
The Riverglade Wetland, on the outskirts of Tumut in the mid-Murrumbidgee catchment, was traditionally an important meeting place for the Wiradjuri people en route to the Snowy Mountains. However in recent times Indigenous people lost connection with the 20 hectare site and the area faced a host of environmental challenges. The Riverglade Wetlands Restoration Project has transformed the wetland. Natural flooding cycles have been reintroduced and revegetation has led to more than 70 bird species returning to the area. The community has rediscovered the wetland with local Aboriginal guides regularly hosting cultural walks, local schools visiting for environmental information days and frequent Bugwatch activities. At dusk each evening the new walking tracks are buzzing with human and wildlife activity.
Riverglades Community Wetlands [SA]
LOCATION: SA
Riverglades is a wetland on the River Murray just north of Murray Bridge near Adelaide. By the late 1980s man-made barriers were blocking the water flow and the area was permanently flooded. Despite having been an important breeding ground for fish and home to endangered species in the past, the wetland was stagnant and had lost the potential to support healthy life. More than 80 local families rallied together and purchased the 45 hectare area with the intention of revitalising its biodiversity. The group has worked hard to restore the area to its natural beauty. Recently, an internationally recognised authority on wetlands described Murray Bridges Riverglades as ''the jewel in the crown''.
Robyn Mapp
Robyn Mapp, and husband Ivan, moved to Biloela in late 1987, and after living in town for a few years, purchased a small property 5km out of town. I have only known Robyn since early 2003, and can only guess that this coincided with Robyn becoming involved with the Callide Valley Landcare group, in the early 1990''s.
Ted Johansen [NT]
LOCATION: NT
Much of what is known about geckos and lizards in the Northern Territory is thanks to Ted Johansen. Despite working independently of environment organisations Ted has attracted funding and brought together government departments, pastoral leaseholders and scientific experts to research and document the yellow-snouted gecko and other lizards. He is currently self-funding a book which will share with people everywhere his knowledge and passion for the geckos and lizards of the Northern Territory. Ted embodies the spirit of landcare with his passion, commitment and dedication to conservation.
Tim and Jane Parsons [TAS]
LOCATION: TAS
Tim and Jane Parsons are both sixth generation Derwent Valley farmers, but their local history isn???t the only thing they share. The couple has a joint commitment to creating a farm where agriculture and environment go hand in hand. They are working towards 20% native vegetation on the property and have been adopting sustainable farming methods such as rotational grazing and retaining stubble for many years. Their influence goes well beyond the farm gate ??? not only are they both involved in landcare at a regional and state level, but their farmstay and farm tour business gives visitors a first-hand experience of a healthy, diverse landcare farming system that runs cooperatively with nature.
Tim and Karen Wright [NSW]
LOCATION: NSW
Holistic farmers Tim and Karen Wright from Uralla have ushered in a complete transformation of management approaches on their 4000 hectare property Lana. They adopted the Holistic Management decision-making framework, coupled with planned grazing so that 95% of the property is in recovery mode at any one time. The Wrights have developed 10 working with nature principles to guide their farm operations. Moving to a low input system has improved productivity and outputs, reduced the environmental costs of production and improved farm business results.
Tiwi Land Council [NT]
The challenge for the Tiwi Island community is to develop an independent economy which creates business and employment opportunities, especially for the islands many young people, while protecting the island''s abundant natural resources. With comprehensive guidance from the Tiwi Island Regional Natural Resource Management Strategy, the Tiwi Land Council is providing strong leadership for the future management of the Tiwi Island forestry and aquaculture industries.
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage
*Winners of the 2008 Rio Tinto Alcan National Landcare Indigenous Award*The challenge for the Tiwi Island community is to develop an independent economy which creates business and employment opportunities, especially for the islands many young people, while protecting the island''s abundant natural resources. With comprehensive guidance from the Tiwi Island Regional Natural Resource Management Strategy, the Tiwi Land Council is providing strong leadership for the future management of the Tiwi Island forestry and aquaculture industries.
Upper Torrens Land Management Project [SA]
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: SA
The Upper Torrens Land Management Project (UTLMP) is tackling severe degradation over 20 000 hectares at the headwaters of the Torrens Catchment. It has provided facilitation, financial and technical support to more than 150 landholders in the catchment since 1999. The UTLMP''s whole-of-landscape approach has seen landholders working on through the small details and up to the big picture, with satellite photographs showing how the two interrelate. School children, corporations and community volunteers have joined the cause and recently a delegation from China visited to see what the project had achieved.
LOCATION: SA
Wyong Creek Public School [NSW]
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: NSW
Educating students about the importance of the environment is a priority for Wyong Creek School in the Yarramalong Valley near Gosford in NSW. With only 30 students, it is one of the smallest schools in the country, yet the students are making a big impact on the local environment. They have brought their neighbouring creek back to life, and are now enjoying the return of platypus, echidna and kangaroo to the area. They are minimising waste in the school, have built vegetable gardens and are collecting their own water for the gardens.
LOCATION: NSW
‘Mr Landcare’ inspires young and old
Alby Wooler, QLD
Back in 2000, Bicentennial Park in the small seaside town of Emu Park near Rockhampton had degraded and denuded areas, including a salt scald. Local Landcarer Alby Wooler led the community in becoming involved in Olympic Landcare, and the small local revegetation project developed a life of its own. Alby asked local Para Olympian Gerard Gossan to be the project’s mascot, and on the day students, families, groups and politicians got their hands dirty to plant 3,600 trees. Rather than finishing there, the project inspired the formation of the Emu Park Bushcare Group, which has gone on to plant 8,000 plants and rehabilitate a coastal lagoon. That is typical of any project that Alby has a hand in.
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Youth
LOCATION: Emu Park, QLD
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
2006 NLP Individual Landcarer Award FinalistsLOCATION: Emu Park, QLD
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Alby Wooler, QLD
Back in 2000, Bicentennial Park in the small seaside town of Emu Park near Rockhampton had degraded and denuded areas, including a salt scald. Local Landcarer Alby Wooler led the community in becoming involved in Olympic Landcare, and the small local revegetation project developed a life of its own. Alby asked local Para Olympian Gerard Gossan to be the project’s mascot, and on the day students, families, groups and politicians got their hands dirty to plant 3,600 trees. Rather than finishing there, the project inspired the formation of the Emu Park Bushcare Group, which has gone on to plant 8,000 plants and rehabilitate a coastal lagoon. That is typical of any project that Alby has a hand in.
2004 Landcare Primary Producer award winner
This award is made to a primary producer who has made a significant contribution to landcare, shown through sound land management practices and sustainable productivity.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Revegetation
LOCATION: North West Tasmania
Andrew Nichols, “Redbanks”, Tasmania is the 2004 Rural Press Landcare Primary Producer Award winner.LOCATION: North West Tasmania
This award is made to a primary producer who has made a significant contribution to landcare, shown through sound land management practices and sustainable productivity.
2006 Rural Press Landcare Primary Producer Award Finalists
Bob and Ann Davie, Phillip Island Landcare Group, VIC
In 2003, Anne Davie heard a speech by the renowned environmentalist Dr David Suzuki, where he called Melaleuca the kidneys of the earth. It was a significant moment for her – she realised that he had just beautifully described what she and her husband Bob were trying to achieve on their cattle property ‘Bimbadeen’ on Phillip Island, Victoria.
ISSUES: Irrigation salinity and waterlogging, Mine rehabilitation, Non-indigenous heritage, Other, Pasture and crop management, Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Remnant vegetation, Revegetation, River corridor management, Soil acidity, Soil health, Water quality
LOCATION: Philip Island, Vic
2006 Rural Press Landcare Primary Producer Award FinalistsLOCATION: Philip Island, Vic
Bob and Ann Davie, Phillip Island Landcare Group, VIC
In 2003, Anne Davie heard a speech by the renowned environmentalist Dr David Suzuki, where he called Melaleuca the kidneys of the earth. It was a significant moment for her – she realised that he had just beautifully described what she and her husband Bob were trying to achieve on their cattle property ‘Bimbadeen’ on Phillip Island, Victoria.
A large property and a small fortune in reclamation works
Mt Riddock Station Landcare Project, NT
According to the Centralian Land Management Association, a familiar cry from pastoralists in the Northern Territory is: ‘Oh, but it always rains at Mount Riddock!’ In fact Mount Riddock Station enjoys the same amount of rain as other stations in the area – about 300 millimetres a year. It is Dick and Ann Cadzow’s good management that makes the property appear so healthy.
ISSUES: Drought management, Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Revegetation, Stock management
LOCATION: Mt Riddock Station, NT
2006 Rural Press Landcare Primary Producer Award FinalistsLOCATION: Mt Riddock Station, NT
Mt Riddock Station Landcare Project, NT
According to the Centralian Land Management Association, a familiar cry from pastoralists in the Northern Territory is: ‘Oh, but it always rains at Mount Riddock!’ In fact Mount Riddock Station enjoys the same amount of rain as other stations in the area – about 300 millimetres a year. It is Dick and Ann Cadzow’s good management that makes the property appear so healthy.
A million trees lay the foundation for a sustainable mallee industry
Ian Stanley, WA
When he first took over the 20,000 hectare family farm north of Perth from his father Don, Ian Stanley was sceptical about how trees could ever be integrated into farm operations. He believed that ‘big is beautiful’ and that large, open paddocks encouraged operational and economic efficiency. His father’s efforts to create a network of mallees planted in contoured belts to control surface water runoff were primarily an annoyance for Ian. They hampered his efficiency drive, getting in the way of the new and bigger machinery he was introducing to the farm.
ISSUES: Other
LOCATION: Kalannie, WA
2006 NLP Individual Landcarer Award WinnerLOCATION: Kalannie, WA
Ian Stanley, WA
When he first took over the 20,000 hectare family farm north of Perth from his father Don, Ian Stanley was sceptical about how trees could ever be integrated into farm operations. He believed that ‘big is beautiful’ and that large, open paddocks encouraged operational and economic efficiency. His father’s efforts to create a network of mallees planted in contoured belts to control surface water runoff were primarily an annoyance for Ian. They hampered his efficiency drive, getting in the way of the new and bigger machinery he was introducing to the farm.
Aboriginal Lands Trust of South Australia [SA]
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: SA
Aboriginal people own and manage a third of the land in South Australia. In caring for country Aboriginal people make a major contribution to the nations biodiversity assets. Respected Aboriginal leader John Chester was concerned that Aboriginal people were not involved in the landcare movement despite both groups working hard towards the same goal of looking after the land. For the past decade John has worked passionately at a policy and program level within landcare in South Australia, and also nationally and internationally, to ensure that Aboriginal interests are addressed. Most landcare and natural resource management programs now incorporate Indigenous values and priorities. Aboriginal participation in landcare activities is on the increase because significant barriers have been removed.
LOCATION: SA
ACT Natural Resource Management Council
LOCATION: ACT
The ACT Natural Resource Management Council is working to build strong partnerships with the landcare community in the ACT and surrounding region.
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRMB [SA]
LOCATION: SA
Engaging with the community is, by necessity, at the heart of efforts to improve and manage the environment successfully. So when it was established 2004 to replace 14 existing boards, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board had one overarching priority: talk to the people within its catchment. Taking over responsibility for animal and plant control, catchment water management, soil conservation and natural resource management, it had a lot to talk about. The Board''s priority has been to develop an regional plan that identifies significant, tangible results in managing the environment through genuine community partnerships. The plan is currently a work in progress and is on track for public release in July 2008.
Albert Park Primary Builds Frog Habitat
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Water quality
LOCATION: Melbourne
A Mitre 10 Junior Landcare Grant has enabled students at Albert Park Primary to build a frog habitat.
LOCATION: Melbourne
Applying a cost benefit analysis to a catchment plan
Little River Landcare Group Inc, NSW
Losing half the seedlings from their first major planting due to drought didn’t deter the members of Little River Landcare Group Inc from persisting with their vision of a healthy and productive environment, diverse in both its biology and its community.
ISSUES: Revegetation
LOCATION: Little River, NSW
2006 Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award FinalistsLOCATION: Little River, NSW
Little River Landcare Group Inc, NSW
Losing half the seedlings from their first major planting due to drought didn’t deter the members of Little River Landcare Group Inc from persisting with their vision of a healthy and productive environment, diverse in both its biology and its community.
Arid Recovery [SA]
LOCATION: SA
Australias arid zones have suffered the countrys worst extinction rates. Arid Recovery has created Australias largest non-coastal exclosure. Inside the fence is a sanctuary from which cats, foxes and rabbits have been eradicated. Native plants are regenerating and four locally extinct mammals have been reintroduced. This joint initiative between BHP Billiton, Friends of Arid Recovery, the University of Adelaide and the SA Department of Environment and Heritage is researching how to manage pests outside the reserve to protect native flora and fauna on a wider scale.
Arie Bos
LOCATION: VIC
Arie Bos, a landholder from Welshpool in South Gippsland could truthfully be described as a Landcare champion. From the beginnings of the movement he has been active in shaping and guiding the direction and the success of the local Landcare network. He has been Agnes River Landcare group president for many years, and is often found attending other South Gippsland Network group meetings developing partnerships. Arie is not shy of rolling up his sleeves and getting on with the hard work of weed control and planting; many South Gippsland properties and reserves are better for his attentions. He is a member of the South Gippsland Landcare Network board of directors guiding the Network in policy and direction.
Armadale Primary School [WA]
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: WA
When the Dieback Working Group was approached by year six teachers from Armadale Primary School to fund Dieback the musical, their first reaction was laughter. But the group soon saw the potential of the idea and along with Alcoa World Alumina Australia, supported the rock eisteddfod piece and a complementary landcare education package. The performance (renamed Stop the Rot!) was a great success, earning accolades from as far afield as the International Union of Forest Research Organisations conference. The Discovering Dieback education package has empowered students to believe they can take action to preserve their bushland. The Dieback Working Group and Alcoa are providing professional development for teachers so the program can be delivered at more schools.
LOCATION: WA
Art, radio, big rocks and countless committees
Tune into community radio station QBN FM in Queanbeyan on a Sunday morning and you’ll catch Radio Landcare, a one hour program devoted to landcare guest speakers and information. It also runs on Tuesday mornings on Canberra’s 2XX. The programs are produced by Queanbeyan’s Landcare powerhouse Tom Baker, who for 20 years has channelled his passion for environmental improvement and conservation into countless action groups and projects. With so much Landcare activity in the ACT, Tom is never short of stories to go on air.
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: Queanbeyan, ACT
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Tom Baker, ACTLOCATION: Queanbeyan, ACT
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Tune into community radio station QBN FM in Queanbeyan on a Sunday morning and you’ll catch Radio Landcare, a one hour program devoted to landcare guest speakers and information. It also runs on Tuesday mornings on Canberra’s 2XX. The programs are produced by Queanbeyan’s Landcare powerhouse Tom Baker, who for 20 years has channelled his passion for environmental improvement and conservation into countless action groups and projects. With so much Landcare activity in the ACT, Tom is never short of stories to go on air.
Australian Seabird Rescue
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Ballina, NSW
Based in Ballina on the far north coast of NSW, Australian Seabird Rescue (ASR) is a team of volunteer specialists focussed on the welfare of seabirds, waterbirds and marine turtles and the reduction of human impact on their habitats.
LOCATION: Ballina, NSW
Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative ACT
Becoming more sustainable is a long term achievement for schools. Several schools in the ACT are starting to show a reduction in their consumption of non-renewable resources through smart purchasing, increased recycling and reduced consumption of energy and water.
LOCATION: ACT
AuSSI is a partnership between the Australian Government and States and Territories that supports schools to become more ecologically sustainable. AuSSI is assisting ACT schools in this process.Becoming more sustainable is a long term achievement for schools. Several schools in the ACT are starting to show a reduction in their consumption of non-renewable resources through smart purchasing, increased recycling and reduced consumption of energy and water.
Automatic irrigation sees practices changing in Victoria
ISSUES: Drought management, Irrigation Management, Pasture and crop management
LOCATION: Shepparton, Victoria
In May 2006 the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority celebrated the one hundredth Automatic Irrigation Grant to farmers in the Shepparton Irrigation Region. The automatic irrigation systems not only help farmers sleep through the night – they have productivity and environmental benefits too and can pay for their cost in as little as three years.
LOCATION: Shepparton, Victoria
Back on country
Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group, QLD
For the first time, seven different indigenous language groups have come together over a vast region to achieve common goals. The communities, from Queensland’s northern gulf, are participating in natural resource management through the Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group (NGISG). The NGISG is made up of two elected members from each participating indigenous community and an employed coordinator, Ron Archer, a Djungan Elder. It was created in May 2002 to improve indigenous involvement in land management issues for the Savannah region of northern Queensland.
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: Savannah region, northern Qld
2006 Alcan Landcare Indigenous Award FinalistsLOCATION: Savannah region, northern Qld
Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group, QLD
For the first time, seven different indigenous language groups have come together over a vast region to achieve common goals. The communities, from Queensland’s northern gulf, are participating in natural resource management through the Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group (NGISG). The NGISG is made up of two elected members from each participating indigenous community and an employed coordinator, Ron Archer, a Djungan Elder. It was created in May 2002 to improve indigenous involvement in land management issues for the Savannah region of northern Queensland.
Back to grass roots
ISSUES: Pasture and crop management, Water quality, Weed management
LOCATION: Glen Innes, on the NSW northern tablelands
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Glen Innes, on the NSW northern tablelands, is predominately a grazing district producing beef cattle, sheep for wool and fat lambs for meat. Some farmers grow grains such as corn and buckwheat, and a few have moved into niche markets like garlic and wine production.
LOCATION: Glen Innes, on the NSW northern tablelands
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Badger Creek Primary School
LOCATION: VIC
Badger Creek Primary School became a member of the Mt Toolebewong Landcare Group in 2003, and immediately formed a voluntary Junior Landcare Group. For several years members of the group met every fortnight in lunch time to work on projects within and outside of the school, and due to popular demand, the sessions became weekly.
Balcombe Estuary Coastcare
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Indigenous heritage, Remnant vegetation
LOCATION: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
2004 Victoria Coastcare Award Finalist, Balcombe Estuary Rehabilitation Group (BERG), was formed in 1997 and has over 200 volunteers dedicated to the rehabilitation of the Balcombe Estuary Reserve.LOCATION: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Baldivis Primary School: BALDIVIS CHILDREN''S FOREST INC
LOCATION: WA
The Baldivis Children''s Forest project was inspired and developed by children nine years ago, when seedlings were first planted in a degraded Tuart Woodland Reserve. Since these early beginnings the Forest has developed into a vibrant environmental study center which provides extensive learning expereinces for school children and community members.
Barapa Barapa Indigenous Work Crew
For the first time, the North Central Catchment Management Authority?s (CMA) employed 12 Indigenous men from the Barapa Barapa community to undertake site assessments along the Loddon River, from Appin South to Kerang. They were employed as a work crew under the $2.5 million North Central Drought Employment Program (DEP) 2008-09. Due to historic reasons, the Barapa Barapa community?s connection to country around the Kerang Lakes and Gunbower Forest has diminished. The North Central CMA identified this as a priority natural resource management issue and sought expressions of interest from the Barapa Barapa community to partake in the 2008-09 Drought Employment Program. The Barapa Barapa Community proposed candidates that would lead to the best possible natural resource and community well-being outcomes for their country and people. Successful candidates were inducted, trained and employed as part of the 200 people strong DEP work crews.
Barkly Landcare and Conservation Association
The primary intention of this project was to build pastoralist''s capacity to better manage parkinsonia for the long-term. In doing so, the aim was to increase the likelihood of succeeding in eliminating the impacts of parkinsonia on production and environmental values.
Bass Coast Shire Council
LOCATION: VIC
In Bass Coast Shire Council there are eleven Landcare Groups which cover seven catchments with over 1000 families involved. Council provides funds, employment services support, IT support, GIS data and office space to Landcare. The Landcare Program in the Shire is basically underwritten by the Council through the development of an MOU and annual operational plan. Council?s contribution of $50,000/yr provides a base level of funding and in-kind support which encourages greater investment by other agencies, corporate and government bodies. This funding combined with other partnership support sees in excess of 250,000 plants established over 180 ha over 100 km of roadside weeds controlled, 12 sustainability seminars delivered each year, 60 landholders with developed Environmental Management Systems and associated works and more than 500 landholders engaged in the Landcare Program.
Bedford Ground Water Interception Scheme
Coorong District Council was the 2004 South Australia Research Award Finalist.
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Water quality
In 1996 the Coorong District Council initiated the Bedford Ground Water Interception Scheme at Cooke Plains, an hour and a half east of Adelaide in the Coonalpyn agricultural region. Coorong District Council was the 2004 South Australia Research Award Finalist.
Bellarine Catchment Network (formerly known as SBICMC)
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation
LOCATION: VIC
Swan Bay is recognised as an area of international significance by the International Convention on Wetlands of International Importance for the extraordinary diversity of migratory bird life it supports, as well as the abundance of marine fauna and flora through its varied ecosystem of seagrass beds, sheltered intertidal mudflats, intertidal sandy beaches and rocky shores, subtidal soft substrata and rocky reefs, as well as the open water environment. This incredible biodiverse area needed looking after, and ten years ago the Swan Bay Integrated Catchment Management Project was established. The project team developed a detailed plan which supports the Bellarine Peninsula community to link remnant vegetation, coordinate integrated weed control, improve water quality, protect waterways and introduce sustainable farming practices. The project has inspired widespread community participation in a huge range of on-ground projects that are protecting and improving this fragile environment.
LOCATION: VIC
Big Picture Brings Big Profits
ISSUES: Pasture and crop management, Remnant vegetation, Revegetation, Soil erosion by water, Soil health
LOCATION: Woori Yallock, Victoria
In recent months Australians have become increasingly aware of environmental issues and our farmers are no exception; but what is probably not widely recognised is that many farmers are working hard to improve the environment and understand that what’s good for the environment is often also good for the bottom line. This is why more and more farmers are adopting Whole Farm Planning.
LOCATION: Woori Yallock, Victoria
Billabong Aboriginal Development Corporation
LOCATION: ACT
Billabong Aboriginal Development Corporation was established in 1998 to provide community support and development opportunities for the ACT Indigenous community.
Birds Tasmania
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Hobart, Tas
2009 TAS Australian Government Coastcare Award WinnerLOCATION: Hobart, Tas
Birdwatch — Bringing Birds Back
ISSUES: Revegetation, Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Canberra, ACT
LOCATION: Canberra, ACT
Blinman Parachilna Pest Plant Control Group
LOCATION: SA
The Blinman/Parachilna Pest Plant Control Group (BPPPCG) has been instrumental in raising the profile of Oleanders and Opuntia species as invasive weeds that threaten biodiversity, productivity and aesthetic values that underpin sustainable land use in the Flinders Ranges.
Bob and Anne Davie
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Stock management
LOCATION: ‘Bimbadeen’, Phillip Island, Victoria
Brangus beef producers Bob and Anne Davie have been farming in southern Victoria for the past 50 years, however their property ‘Bimbadeen’, which spans 440 acres on Victoria’s Phillip Island, has undergone remarkable changes during this time and now stands as one of Victoria’s leading examples of farming using Environmental Management Systems (EMS).LOCATION: ‘Bimbadeen’, Phillip Island, Victoria
Borroloola Community Education Centre [NT]
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: NT
Only 30 years ago the Yanyuwa traditional owners at Borroloola near the Gulf of Carpentaria played, hunted and lived on the Nolinga, which is now known as the McArthur River. Today these elders are sharing their knowledge and culture with local children at the Borroloola Community Education Centre, giving them a greater appreciation of their river. Students are getting their hands wet sampling water from the Nolinga, studying macro invertebrates, trapping mammals and studying weeds. The students have made a video about their environment studies, and the traditional stories have inspired performances, books and a mural. All the stories of the Nolinga have been shared with educators across the Northern Territory through the Explore NT website.
LOCATION: NT
BOURNDA ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRE
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Coastal land degradation, Community development
LOCATION: Caulerpa Taxifolia was first discovered in Wallagoot Lake in 2007.
Caulerpa Taxifolia was first discovered in Wallagoot Lake in 2007.
LOCATION: Caulerpa Taxifolia was first discovered in Wallagoot Lake in 2007.
Boxthorn & Blisters!
ISSUES: Remnant vegetation, Weed management
LOCATION: Brimbank
SPONSORS: Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Sony, Westpac
In Melbourne’s north - alongside Tullamarine airport - Jacksons Creek and Deep Creek join to form the city’s second river, the Maribyrnong. The confluence, deep in a basaltic valley system with ancient red gums and a mob of kangaroos, is a magical, seemingly remote spot, unknown to most Melburnians and yet visible from the air to thousands of travellers dailyLOCATION: Brimbank
SPONSORS: Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Sony, Westpac
Brian Baxter
LOCATION: TAS
Brian Baxter, with his wife, own and manage the 693 hectare property, Greenside, at Pipers River. The property has been in the family since 1905 and Brian is a 4th generation landholder.
Brine shrimp turn a salty liability into a resource
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging
LOCATION: Morawa, WA
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Western Australia is the state most affected by salinity, with more than 7000 farms and 1.2 million hectares of agricultural land showing signs of salinity, of which nearly half cant be used for production. The cause of dryland salinity is the clearing of native vegetation and its replacement with shallow-rooted crops and pastures that do not use as much water. Unused water leaks down into the water table and raises it, bringing the salt stored in the soil to the surface.
LOCATION: Morawa, WA
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Bringing Landcare Groups Together, Lake Macquarie
This award is made to a community group that has adopted sound land management practices on public or private land and is working towards sustainable land use and/or enhancing or protecting an area on behalf of the community.
ISSUES: Community development, Revegetation, Streambank erosion
LOCATION: Central Coast, NSW
Lake Macquarie Landcare Inc won the 2004 Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award for its success in bringing together hundreds of landcare groups and activities to share resources, expertise and information. Over the last four years, the group has grown extensively and now covers 140 landcare groups working in estuaries, urban areas, forest, heathland and along the coast.LOCATION: Central Coast, NSW
This award is made to a community group that has adopted sound land management practices on public or private land and is working towards sustainable land use and/or enhancing or protecting an area on behalf of the community.
Bringing young indigenous people back to country
Bringing young indigenous people back to country
Young Aboriginal people in Tasmania, although often active in contemporary Aboriginal culture, can be severely alienated from place and elders. With moves by the Tasmanian government to return land to Aboriginal people and increase cooperative management of culturally significant areas, Australia’s first wholly indigenous Green Corps team took 10 young Aboriginal people for six months and set about helping them to build community pride, connections with their communities, and connections with country.
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising, Indigenous heritage, Youth
LOCATION: Southern Tasmania
Southern Channel Indigenous Land Management Team, TASLOCATION: Southern Tasmania
Bringing young indigenous people back to country
Young Aboriginal people in Tasmania, although often active in contemporary Aboriginal culture, can be severely alienated from place and elders. With moves by the Tasmanian government to return land to Aboriginal people and increase cooperative management of culturally significant areas, Australia’s first wholly indigenous Green Corps team took 10 young Aboriginal people for six months and set about helping them to build community pride, connections with their communities, and connections with country.
Brisbane City Council
LOCATION: QLD
With a vision of protecting and restoring Brisbane''catchments and bays in partnership with the community, the Brisbane City Council''s (BCC) Creek Ranger program is a flexible and dynamic local government program that provides dedicated support to the city?s community-based catchment groups. This grass-roots program is built on a foundation that uniquely invests in human resources to go beyond the usual confines of traditional natural resource management to build community capacity in catchment management.
Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Group
ISSUES: Streambank erosion, Weed management
LOCATION: Brisbane Valley, Qld
The Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Group has been working hard for 15 years in the Brisbane River catchment upstream from the Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams, the main water supply for over a million people in south east Queensland. Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Group was a 2004 Queensland Community Group Award Finalist.
LOCATION: Brisbane Valley, Qld
Building a secure future for ginger farmers at Buderim
Templeton Ginger Farm, QLD
Ginger growing in Australia is largely confined to the rich soils around the Buderim Ginger Factory at Yandina, inland from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. However farms in the district are being sold as their productivity drops below the quota required by Buderim Ginger. The main cause of falling productivity is the repeated use of nematocides, which have bred resistant strains and destroyed the microbial balance of the soil. In tandem with development pressures on farming land, the future for ginger growers was looking grim. But ginger grower Shane Templeton is working with the University of the Sunshine Coast and local businesses to trial different approaches to controlling non-beneficial nematodes and keeping soils productive for the future. He comes from a long family tradition of ginger farmers committed to environmental and community wellbeing.
ISSUES: Pasture and crop management, Soil erosion by water, Soil health, Water quality
LOCATION: Buderim, QLD
2006 Rural Press Landcare Primary Producer Award FinalistLOCATION: Buderim, QLD
Templeton Ginger Farm, QLD
Ginger growing in Australia is largely confined to the rich soils around the Buderim Ginger Factory at Yandina, inland from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. However farms in the district are being sold as their productivity drops below the quota required by Buderim Ginger. The main cause of falling productivity is the repeated use of nematocides, which have bred resistant strains and destroyed the microbial balance of the soil. In tandem with development pressures on farming land, the future for ginger growers was looking grim. But ginger grower Shane Templeton is working with the University of the Sunshine Coast and local businesses to trial different approaches to controlling non-beneficial nematodes and keeping soils productive for the future. He comes from a long family tradition of ginger farmers committed to environmental and community wellbeing.
Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee
Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee have been around since 1998 and is a not for profit group.
They have taken unprecedented steps by designing and constructing a community driven educational centre that aims to instigate sustainable behavioural change household by household. This unique project is firmly rooted to its natural resource management origins but also weaves what it means to be a good environmental citizen into the urban fabric of society.
They have taken unprecedented steps by designing and constructing a community driven educational centre that aims to instigate sustainable behavioural change household by household. This unique project is firmly rooted to its natural resource management origins but also weaves what it means to be a good environmental citizen into the urban fabric of society.
Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee (B4C)
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Revegetation, Streambank erosion, Urban land degradation
LOCATION: Bulimba Creek, Queensland
SPONSORS: Coles, Pricewaterhouse Coopers
The Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee Inc. (B4C), represents local care groups concerned with the sustainability of Brisbane's Bulimba Creek catchment, an area covering 122 square km from Hemmant to Runcorn. The Committee is a not-for-profit, voluntary organisation and was endorsed as a Landcare Catchment Group in 1999.
LOCATION: Bulimba Creek, Queensland
SPONSORS: Coles, Pricewaterhouse Coopers
Bundaberg Rum Bush Fund - Murray River Revival Tour
The Bundaberg Rum Bush Fund, a joint venture between Bundaberg Rum and Landcare Australia, staged the Murray River Revival Tour - a ten day extravaganza in September and October to highlight the issues affecting the river and to donate $150,000 in grants to local Landcare groups working to restore it.
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising, Streambank erosion, Water quality
LOCATION: Albury - Renmark
In 2004 one of the country’s most important waterways, the Murray River, was thrown a lifeline by Australia’s number one spirit, Bundaberg Rum.LOCATION: Albury - Renmark
The Bundaberg Rum Bush Fund, a joint venture between Bundaberg Rum and Landcare Australia, staged the Murray River Revival Tour - a ten day extravaganza in September and October to highlight the issues affecting the river and to donate $150,000 in grants to local Landcare groups working to restore it.
Burgoigee Creek Landcare Group
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Soil erosion by water, Water quality, Wind erosion
LOCATION: North East Victoria
The Burgoigee Creek Landcare Group area is in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in north east Victoria, bordered by the steep Murmungee escarpment on three sides and the Ovens River forming the southern boundary. Erosion represents the major land management problem in an area with extremely steep hillsides that have been extensively cleared of vegetation.
LOCATION: North East Victoria
Bush Friendly Nursery Scheme
It identified that one of the causes was retail nurseries inadvertently selling environment weeds to the public. The first step in the Council’s “Bush Friendly Nursery Scheme” was to distribute a brochure that listed environmental pest plants of horticultural origin to local retail nurseries.
ISSUES: Community development, Weed management
LOCATION: ACT
The ACT Department of Urban Services was 2004 ACT Local Government Award Finalist for taking up the challenge to reduce weeds in the Shire, following the release of an environmental weed survey of the ACT. LOCATION: ACT
It identified that one of the causes was retail nurseries inadvertently selling environment weeds to the public. The first step in the Council’s “Bush Friendly Nursery Scheme” was to distribute a brochure that listed environmental pest plants of horticultural origin to local retail nurseries.
Bush tucker on a commercial scale
Dinahline Inc, SA
In mid 2003, 10 kilometres north of Ceduna, Reedy Creek Nursery was helping Dinahline Community establish a bush food garden. The nursery, widely acknowledged as a leader in bush tucker plot establishment and plant production, had been approached by the Aboriginal Lands Trust to look at the feasibility of establishing bush food gardens on indigenous communities in the Ceduna area. Mike and Gayle Quarmby from the nursery noticed that the Dinahline team seemed especially dedicated, committed and ingenious.
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: Ceduna, SA
2006 Alcan Landcare Indigenous Award FinalistsLOCATION: Ceduna, SA
Dinahline Inc, SA
In mid 2003, 10 kilometres north of Ceduna, Reedy Creek Nursery was helping Dinahline Community establish a bush food garden. The nursery, widely acknowledged as a leader in bush tucker plot establishment and plant production, had been approached by the Aboriginal Lands Trust to look at the feasibility of establishing bush food gardens on indigenous communities in the Ceduna area. Mike and Gayle Quarmby from the nursery noticed that the Dinahline team seemed especially dedicated, committed and ingenious.
Buttles Creek Willow Removal
Buttles Creek Willow Removal and Revegetation Project
Buttles Creek is a tributary of the Queenbeyan River, part of the Murrumbidgee River catchment area. The creek was severely infested with willows and other woody weeds, badly effecting water flow and water quality in the area.
ISSUES: Threatened species
LOCATION: ACT
2004 ACT Rivercare FinalistLOCATION: ACT
Buttles Creek Willow Removal and Revegetation Project
Buttles Creek is a tributary of the Queenbeyan River, part of the Murrumbidgee River catchment area. The creek was severely infested with willows and other woody weeds, badly effecting water flow and water quality in the area.
By Goji! What a berry!
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Pasture and crop management
LOCATION: Ballarat
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Goji berries are making an impact as one of the newest super foods in the health food industry, thanks to their high nutrient values and antioxidant content. However most commercial crops are grown only in China and the United States and most of the products are sold in their dried form.
LOCATION: Ballarat
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Camperdown College Environment Group [VIC]
Camperdown College is a small secondary school in south-west Victoria with around 450 students. Its environment group formed in 2002 and has volunteer student members across all year levels. The group has achieved a tremendous amount in five years, not only within the school itself but in local, national and even international communities. The group has worked on projects in Nepal, New Zealand and Queensland as well as hosting conferences and running an environmental education centre, bush food gardens, regeneration projects and a major waste minimisation project.
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: VIC
*Winners of the 2008 Westpac Landcare Education Award *LOCATION: VIC
Camperdown College is a small secondary school in south-west Victoria with around 450 students. Its environment group formed in 2002 and has volunteer student members across all year levels. The group has achieved a tremendous amount in five years, not only within the school itself but in local, national and even international communities. The group has worked on projects in Nepal, New Zealand and Queensland as well as hosting conferences and running an environmental education centre, bush food gardens, regeneration projects and a major waste minimisation project.
Cape to Cape Catchments Group
Funded by: Barefoot Raddler Coastcare Grant
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Coastal land degradation, Education/awareness raising, Threatened species, Weed management
LOCATION: Margaret River, South West of WA
Project: Margaret River Dune Dudes Taking Care of our CoastLOCATION: Margaret River, South West of WA
Funded by: Barefoot Raddler Coastcare Grant
Caring for Cottesloe
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation
LOCATION: Cottesloe, Perth, WA
Since its inception, Cottesloe Coastcare Association has grown to more than 150 volunteer members, received $150,000 in government grants and expanded their operations to protect and restore the entire coastline within the town of Cottesloe.LOCATION: Cottesloe, Perth, WA
Caring for Green Turtles on Christmas Island
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Community development, Threatened species
LOCATION: Christmas Island, WA
2004 Western Australia Landcare Education Award Finalist, Christmas Island District High School, has worked to ensure Greta Beach is a safer place for the nesting Green Turtles and a more pleasant recreational area for the residents of Christmas Island.
LOCATION: Christmas Island, WA
Caring for the Coast
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: Sydney''s northern beaches
SPONSOR: Hanson
As two of Australia’s most popular volunteer organisations, a fitting partnership has evolved between Coastcare and Surf Life Saving Northern Beaches, Sydney.
LOCATION: Sydney''s northern beaches
SPONSOR: Hanson
Carpentaria Ghost Nets Programme
The nets travel through the ocean with the currents and tides, capturing endangered sea turtles, crocodiles, sharks and other marine animals in a lethal process called ghost fishing.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Building community involvement/skills, Coastal land degradation
LOCATION: Gulf of Carpentaria
Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been lost accidentally or abandoned at sea and incredibly, in the past 20 months alone, over 60,000 metres of discarded nets have been collected in Australian seas. The United Nations General Assembly has now identified ghost nets (and marine debris) as an issue of international concern.LOCATION: Gulf of Carpentaria
The nets travel through the ocean with the currents and tides, capturing endangered sea turtles, crocodiles, sharks and other marine animals in a lethal process called ghost fishing.
Cell Grazing Increases Stocking Rate by 190%
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Remnant vegetation, Revegetation, Stock management, Weed management
LOCATION: Broadford, Victoria
Allan and Sheila Stute carry 800 head of cross-bred ewes and prime lambs and 200 merino wethers on their 350 acre ‘Redhill’ near Broadford in Victoria, and in the last 10 years have increased their annual stocking rate by 190% largely due to the introduction of cell grazing.
LOCATION: Broadford, Victoria
Chasing parthenium
ISSUES: Weed management
LOCATION: Calliope near Gladstone in Queensland
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
A creeping menace is finding its way into the grazing country around Calliope near Gladstone in Queensland. Parthenium weed, which has gained a strong foothold in central Queensland, is creeping into the Boyne Calliope catchment in isolated pockets and along waterways. Its presence poses a serious risk to the region’s beef cattle and cut hay industries.
LOCATION: Calliope near Gladstone in Queensland
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
City of Victor Harbor [SA]
LOCATION: SA
As a waypoint each year for migrating southern right whales, the City of Victor Harbour has become the South Australia premier coastal tourist centre. But while visitors watch the action above the sea surface, it is what happens below that matters most to the whales. Behind the scenes the council, which manages and funds the South Australian Whale Centre, is working closely with the community to support and nurture the areas environmental resources with a view to maintaining a healthy habitat for the whales. It developed the first watercourse management plan in the state with the Inman River Catchment Group. It is also restoring the Inman River estuary, runs a Bush for Life project and a roadside vegetation management plan. The council works closely with Victor Harbour Coastcare Group, and looks after its own backyard by planting thousands of native plants on reserves, streambanks and coastal areas around the city. The outcome is a healthy passage for whales and continued amazement for tourists who come to see these great creatures pass through.
Clear vision and planning brings sustainable farming success
In just two and a half years they have implemented a number of Landcare farming techniques to improve the farm and been awarded the Department of Primary Industries Sustainable Farming Award at the 2005 Victoria Landcare Awards.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Pasture and crop management, Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Remnant vegetation, Revegetation, Stock management
LOCATION: East Gippsland, Victoria
Allan, Helen and Andrew Sheridan run two sheep properties in East Gippsland Victoria, one near Loy Yang in the Latrobe Valley, and ‘Garoogong’ a 700 hectare property at Bengworden south west of Bairnsdale. LOCATION: East Gippsland, Victoria
In just two and a half years they have implemented a number of Landcare farming techniques to improve the farm and been awarded the Department of Primary Industries Sustainable Farming Award at the 2005 Victoria Landcare Awards.
CoastKeepers
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising, Technical advice and support, Weed management, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Bondi Beach, NSW
SPONSOR: Hanson
Hanson Australia's leading supplier of construction materials - has continued its commitment to Coastcare by funding the National Parks Association of NSW's groundbreaking "CoastKeepers" program.
LOCATION: Bondi Beach, NSW
SPONSOR: Hanson
Coffee Bush Corner, Ludmilla
ISSUES: Community development, Revegetation, Streambank erosion, Urban land degradation, Weed management
LOCATION: NT
A 2004 Northern Territory Nature Conservation Finalist, Ludmilla Creek Landcare Group Inc, is an urban community landcare group at the forefront of integrated catchment management in the Northern Territory. Their 1998 “Draft Ludmilla Creek Catchment Management Plan” covered all catchment ecosystems and included a resource inventory, issues analysis and action plan.LOCATION: NT
Coles Helps Brisbane's Precious Wetlands
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising, Threatened species, Water quality, Weed management, Wetland management, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Bulimba Creek, Brisbane
SPONSOR: Coles
With some of Brisbanes most precious wetlands and floodplains being threatened by urban development, the Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee (B4C), with help from Coles, is working hard to rehabilitate these areas and prevent them from collapsing under the pressures of large population growth.
LOCATION: Bulimba Creek, Brisbane
SPONSOR: Coles
Combining new and traditional practices on 4000 square kilometres
Wagiman-Guwardagun Rangers, NT
For many years the Wagiman people fought to get title to their traditional lands in the Upper Daly region of the Northern Territory. Eventually they were successful, and they now hold title to 4,000 square kilometres of land which is vitally important for its cultural, social, environmental and economic values. In 2003 the Wagiman people established the Wagiman-Guwardagun rangers, a full time group of rangers who are training in natural resource management to look after the land and develop enterprises for the future.
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Education/awareness raising, Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: Daly, NT
2006 Alcan Landcare Indigenous Award WinnerLOCATION: Daly, NT
Wagiman-Guwardagun Rangers, NT
For many years the Wagiman people fought to get title to their traditional lands in the Upper Daly region of the Northern Territory. Eventually they were successful, and they now hold title to 4,000 square kilometres of land which is vitally important for its cultural, social, environmental and economic values. In 2003 the Wagiman people established the Wagiman-Guwardagun rangers, a full time group of rangers who are training in natural resource management to look after the land and develop enterprises for the future.
Coorong District Council, Local Government Award winner
The Coorong District Council was one of the first in Australia to show the foresight to fully incorporate the environment into its strategic and development planning.
This award will be made to a local government organisation for excellence in preserving and managing its local environment and encouraging a landcare ethic and action in the local community, and co-operating on landcare issues with neighbouring organisations/councils/landowners.
ISSUES: Community development, Dryland salinity and waterlogging
LOCATION: Coorong, South Australia
In 2004, Coorong District Council, South Australia won the Landcare Australia Local Government Award. LOCATION: Coorong, South Australia
The Coorong District Council was one of the first in Australia to show the foresight to fully incorporate the environment into its strategic and development planning.
This award will be made to a local government organisation for excellence in preserving and managing its local environment and encouraging a landcare ethic and action in the local community, and co-operating on landcare issues with neighbouring organisations/councils/landowners.
Corridors Across NEWROC – Local Government working together on NRM
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: WA
NEWROC sees sustainable management of natural resources as the key issue for a better future where participants will work together in partnership to be strong advocates for their region with its diversity and value.
LOCATION: WA
Craft ACT
When a bunch of artists, a craft and design gallery, national park rangers and a volunteer environment group met for the first time in 2005 to discuss the possibility of creating art inspired by historic settler''s cottages and natural beauty of Namadgi National Park, it was initially fraught with trepidation and unease.
Creating a waterproof farm
ISSUES: Drought management, Groundwater management, Irrigation Management, Irrigation salinity and waterlogging, Water quality
LOCATION: Southern Fleurieu Peninsula
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Ninety kilometres south of Adelaide, the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula enjoys a temperate climate with relatively high rainfall. It’s a district that produces beef cattle, dairy products and prime lambs. Deep Creek Conservation Park attracts some 30,000 visitors a year, and some of the swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula are listed as critically endangered ecological communities.
LOCATION: Southern Fleurieu Peninsula
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Creating social harmony along with sustainability
Bangarang People, VIC
Members of the Bangarang community are the traditional custodians of the natural resources of land and water in the Warby Range area. Community elders have worked in partnership with the Warby Range Landcare Group to develop mutual respect between cultures, enhance social harmony and balance the needs of landholders and the Bangarang people.
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising, Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: Warby Range, Vic
2006 Alcan Landcare Indigenous Award FinalistsLOCATION: Warby Range, Vic
Bangarang People, VIC
Members of the Bangarang community are the traditional custodians of the natural resources of land and water in the Warby Range area. Community elders have worked in partnership with the Warby Range Landcare Group to develop mutual respect between cultures, enhance social harmony and balance the needs of landholders and the Bangarang people.
Dairy farmers turn effluent into a valuable resource
ISSUES: Pasture and crop management, Stock management, Water quality
LOCATION: Timboon, Victoria
The CAS Dairy Effluent Project in Victoria’s south west must be doing something right – since it began in 2003, farmers in the district are eight times more willing to invest in new effluent management systems. Dairy farmers Martin and Andrea Van de Wouw from Timboon have led the way, showing how they can use every drop of effluent for productive irrigation.
LOCATION: Timboon, Victoria
Dalrymple Landcare Committee Inc: ROGER LANDSBERG
LOCATION: QLD
During the severe drought of 1987, Roger Landsberg assumed responsibility for managing the family''s 32,000ha North Queensland cattle property "Trafalgar". Too many cattle and low rainfall resulted in a degraded landscape on "Trafalgar" and across the Upper Burdekin region in that year. Roger dramatically reduced cattle numbers from 4300 to 1600 head and instigated a management program based on the safe carrying capacity of the property. By 1995 the property was generating the same level of profit with a beef herd of only 2900 head, as it had prior to the droughts of the 1980s. Cattle numbers were increased only as land condition improved. The recovery continues and today the property is safely carrying 3500 head. The native pastures are dominated by desirable perennial species. Runoff and soil loss are minimised and the habitat value of the property is high. The lower cattle numbers and higher animal growth rates have reduced methane emissions significantly on the property.
Darwin City Council Protecting the Primary Dunes of Mindil Beach
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Coastal land degradation, Community development, Dune erosion
LOCATION: NT, Darwin
The Greening Mindil Project was created by the Darwin City Council in partnership with the Larrakia people. The project was aimed at biodiversity protection and erosion control by restoring the dunes at Mindil Beach.
LOCATION: NT, Darwin
DARWIN CITY COUNCIL - ZERO TOADS
ISSUES: Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic
LOCATION: Darwin
Darwin City Councils Zero Toads project was aimed at a continuation of, and working in conjunction with, FrogWatch North to set up more trap lines (deflection fences leading towards traps) and also to environmentally and humanely eradicate cane toads.
LOCATION: Darwin
Darwin City Council Zero Toads Project
LOCATION: NT
Darwin City Councils Zero Toads project was aimed at a continuation of, and working in conjunction with, FrogWatch North to set up more trap lines (deflection fences leading towards traps) and also to environmentally and humanely eradicate cane toads.
Darwin High School
LOCATION: NT
As part of Darwin High School''s Year 10 and Secondary Intensive English Unit program, and in conjunction with Conservation Volunteers Australia, 350 students participated in one week of community involvement titled "Students for Conservation". The aim was for students to gain a greater understanding of the need for conservation and land care as well as participate in volunteer work for the community.
David and Anita Reilly [SA]
LOCATION: SA
After a major flood in 1993, organic farmers David and Anita knew they had to drastically change their farm management if they were to have a chance of tackling salinity problems in their irrigation water. They diversified into salt-tolerant horticulture and have established a micro-propagation centre and nursery for date palms. They are trialling other fruits and vegetables using organic farming methods. Endangered cape barren geese, rare in South Australia, are thriving as a weed squadron in the organic wine grape vines. The Reillys have worked with neighbours to build a predator-proof sanctuary that contains brush-tailed bettongs, rufous bettongs and potaroos.
David Pannell
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging
LOCATION: WA
2004 Western Australia Research Award Finalist, David Pannell, has conducted research on the economic and social aspects of landcare, which has had a major influence on conservation-minded farmers throughout Western Australia. LOCATION: WA
Desert Channels Queensland
LOCATION: QLD
Desert Channels Queensland Regional NRM Group has been around since 2002, DCQ has been recognised for several significant attributes.
Developing Catchment Plans, Upper Murray
LOCATION: NSW
In 2000, the Upper Murray Landcare Groups (UMLG) Board, a network of six landcare groups in the Albury and Upper Murray region, devised a unique model for developing cachment plans.
Direct Seeding Landcare Farming Success
ISSUES: Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Revegetation, Stock management, Streambank erosion, Water quality, Wetland management
LOCATION: Woodside, West Gippsland
Rosemary and Fergus Irving operate a 1,464 hectare merino wool production property, ‘Tramore’, at Woodside in West Gippsland, Victoria. Having farmed in the area all their lives, the Irving’s have achieved great success implementing Landcare farming practices creating both production based and environmental benefits.
LOCATION: Woodside, West Gippsland
Diversification and Planning Delivers ''Green Eggs''
Now, 20 years later and having implemented a number of Landcare farming activities on the property, the Greens have increased the property’s stocking rate to 5.1 sheep per hectare and diversified into a successful free range egg business.
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Soil erosion by water, Pasture and crop management, Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Revegetation, Weed management
LOCATION: Ararat, Victoria
When Alan and Shelly Green first purchased their 480 hectare farm ‘Pine Ridge’ in 1984 the property was basically unviable with a stocking rate of just 2.3 sheep per hectare, meaning that Alan and Shelley needed to work off farm. LOCATION: Ararat, Victoria
Now, 20 years later and having implemented a number of Landcare farming activities on the property, the Greens have increased the property’s stocking rate to 5.1 sheep per hectare and diversified into a successful free range egg business.
Dorrigo Mountain Top Landcare Group [NSW]
LOCATION: NSW
Waterfall Way is the scenic road between the coast and Armidale that passes through the Dorrigo district. It is among the top three scenic drives in Australia. Dorrigo Mountain Top Landcare Group came together in 1991 to plant native trees that would beautify Waterfall Way and provide shelter for cattle in the adjacent paddocks. What started as a small project grew - and now their vision of a network of wildlife corridors across the farming landscape connecting two national parks is becoming a reality, with 50 000 trees established, 160 hectares of rainforest and 80 kilometres of creek fenced off and 70 cattle troughs provided as alternative watering sources.
Dr Splutter Grunt and the Poo-ologist
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: Tasmania
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
When he’s not entertaining primary school children as Dr Splutter Grunt, Dr Graeme Stevenson can be found hanging around paddocks in the dark with a bucket of fresh horse dung catching blue bomber dung beetles, which he then sells to farmers in Tasmania.
LOCATION: Tasmania
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Dung Beetles for Landcare Farming
ISSUES: Irrigation Management, Pasture and crop management, Soil health, Stock management
As more and more Australian farmers embrace the virtues of sustainable agriculture - or “Landcare Farming” - no longer is an environmental conscience dismissed as a threat to productivity. Rather, restoring the ecological balance of a property will actually improve its productivity - a theory epitomised by the dung beetle.
EcoAction Group
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Coastal land degradation, Revegetation
LOCATION: Kangaroo Island South Australia
The stunning scenery and popular surfing, swimming and fishing location at Pennington Bay has resulted in the area being heavily impacted by people and as a result the fragile, soft limestone cliffs and dunes were being eroded and native vegetation was being trampled and degraded.
LOCATION: Kangaroo Island South Australia
EMS help achieve catchment strategies
ISSUES: Drought management, Pasture and crop management, Technical advice and support
LOCATION: North East Victoria
Although Gary and Linda Nankervis had been committed to environmental improvements on their farm since they first got married, it wasn’t till after a tough period in 2003 that they decided to formalise their activities by becoming involved in a pilot program for a Environmental Management System (EMS) on their beef cattle farm in north east Victoria. The outcomes have included on farm benefits, plus contributing to the wider catchment management strategy for the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
LOCATION: North East Victoria
Eric Bell, Buranya Aboriginal Corporation
LOCATION: NSW
As an Elder of the Ngunnawal nation and highly respected leader of the Indigenous community of Yass, Eric Bell is making a difference to his community and the environment through his active involvement and leadership in a wide variety of local development and government bodies.
Erin Rowe
LOCATION: NSW
Erin Rowe is currently employed in the Green Corps program as a Team Leader in the Hawkesbury region - her nomination for this award is in recognition of her achievements and efforts above and beyond her paid role. Erin is a natural leader who has encouraged and inspired many young people to value the natural environment around them and she has helped many young people overcome difficulties in their lives. Erin?s enthusiasm for the natural environment inspired her to complete a Degree in Systems Agriculture and a Masters in Environmental Management. She has been involved as a volunteer in environmental projects for some time and has completed the bronze, silver & gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Evolution of a Catchment Group - Woady Yaloak
The Group won the 2004 Sensis Landcare Catchment Award. This award is made to a landcare group/s, catchment committee or other organisation, for excellence and innovation in creating and carrying out a Catchment Plan.
ISSUES: Soil erosion by water, Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Revegetation, Water quality, Wind erosion
LOCATION: Victoria
Over a 10 year period, the Woady Yaloak Catchment Group has moved from a collection of landholders tackling rabbits, erosion, revegetation and pasture improvement to a sophisticated catchment-wide grouping that constructs holistic projects for the benefit of business and the environment. LOCATION: Victoria
The Group won the 2004 Sensis Landcare Catchment Award. This award is made to a landcare group/s, catchment committee or other organisation, for excellence and innovation in creating and carrying out a Catchment Plan.
Eyre Bio-Regional Permaculture Group
LOCATION: SA
The Eyre Bio-Regional Permaculture Group (EBRPG) members are tireless volunteers who promote urban and peri-urban natural resource management through permaculture initiatives.
Farmers Restoring Their Catchment, Fitzgerald River
Revegetation, planting of deep rooted perennials and fencing of sensitive sites have protected the corridor between the Fitzgerald River National Park and the Lake Magenta Nature Reserve.
LOCATION: Western Australia
During the last five years, 34 farmers in the Fitzgerald River Catchment, 30 km east of Jerramungup in WA''s south west, have conducted numerous natural resource management projects.Revegetation, planting of deep rooted perennials and fencing of sensitive sites have protected the corridor between the Fitzgerald River National Park and the Lake Magenta Nature Reserve.
Farrer Ridge Parkcare Group
LOCATION: ACT
Farrer Ridge Parkcare is a group of volunteers who meet regularly to undertake conservation activities on Farrer Ridge. Volunteers have been working on the ridge since the landcare movement started in 1989.
Friends of Bungan
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Community development, Dune erosion
LOCATION: NSW, Newport
The wild and unspoilt character of one of Sydney''s most beautiful coastal reserves, Bungan Beach, owes much of it''s natural beauty to a dedicated band of locals who have worked to conserve the dunes and headlands for over 30 years. Originally a committee of Warringah Council local residents first banded together in 1969 and have gone through a number of transformations since then. The current group, Friends of Bungan Inc was formed in 1992 when the land was transferred into the Pittwater Local Government Area. Over the past 17 years the Friends of Bungan group has dedicated its efforts to restoring and maintaining the natural bushland with its backdrop of dramatic coastal scenery for the residents and numerous visitors alike.
LOCATION: NSW, Newport
Friends of Hallett Cove Conservation Park
In 1976 the Hallett Cove Conservation Park was proclaimed and recognised as a Geological Monument with international significance. The coastal fringe of the Park had long been recognised as a major geological formation.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Coastal land degradation, Dune erosion, Threatened species
LOCATION: Adelaide, Southern Australia
Finalist South Australian Landcare Awards ''Australian Government Coastcare Award'' 2009LOCATION: Adelaide, Southern Australia
In 1976 the Hallett Cove Conservation Park was proclaimed and recognised as a Geological Monument with international significance. The coastal fringe of the Park had long been recognised as a major geological formation.
Friends of Knocklofty Bushcare Group [TAS]
LOCATION: TAS
Less than two kilometres from Hobart city centre, Knocklofty Reserve has played an important role in the citys history. However, human impact left it highly degraded. Friends of Knocklofty Bushcare Group (FoKL) formed in 1992 with a passionate desire to restore the cultural and natural values of the reserve. They have transformed the historic site through weeding, planting 26 000 native species and creating wetlands for frog habitat. People - and other living creatures - are now flocking to the rehabilitated reserve in abundance.
Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek Inc [VIC]
LOCATION: VIC
When the piano accordion strains of Zorba the Greek drifted out over Kororoit Creek in Victoria one Sunday afternoon, few of the listeners realised they were really being treated to the sounds of landcare. But the concert was part of a determined effort by the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek (FOLKC) to reach the diverse, multicultural communities of Hobsons Bay. FOLKC wanted to encourage them to help save the creek (which had become a sludgy polluted drain) and protect the habitat of the endangered swift parrot. The group���s efforts have been very successful. More than 1000 people have now been involved in planting activities with more than 30 000 indigenous trees, shrubs and ground cover species established.
Friends of Maatsuyker Island
Coastcare Groups and their members show a dedication that is unrivalled in the volunteer community, facing harsh conditions such as howling winds, torrential rainfall and long, rough boat or helicopter rides through remote coastlands has still not discouraged a hardy group of volunteers from tackling an infestation of invasive weeds on remote Maatsuyker Island, Tasmania.
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising, Weed management
LOCATION: Tasmania
Finalist 2008 National Landcare Awards ''Australian Government Coastcare Award''LOCATION: Tasmania
Coastcare Groups and their members show a dedication that is unrivalled in the volunteer community, facing harsh conditions such as howling winds, torrential rainfall and long, rough boat or helicopter rides through remote coastlands has still not discouraged a hardy group of volunteers from tackling an infestation of invasive weeds on remote Maatsuyker Island, Tasmania.
Friends of Maatsuyker Island [TAS]
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: TAS
Howling winds, 1200 millimetres of rain each year and long, rough boat or helicopter rides through remote coastlands have not discouraged a hardy group of volunteers from tackling an infestation of invasive weeds on remote Maatsuyker Island, Tasmania. Their efforts have seen more than 95% of the weed infestations killed and burrowing seabirds returning to their habitat. The volunteers return every year in challenging conditions and continue to care for the World Heritage-listed island from afar.
LOCATION: TAS
Friends of Westgate Park
LOCATION: VIC
Formed in 1998, the Friends of Westgate Park (FoWP) have transformed Westgate Park from an inner city wasteland to one of Melbourne''s biodiversity ''gems'' tucked away under the Westgate Bridge.
Friends Rally for Randalls Bay
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation
LOCATION: Randalls Bay, Tasmania
Since the Friends of Randalls Bay Coastcare Group formed in 1997, there has been a significant reversal in the degradation and destabilisation of the coastal dune vegetation at Randalls Bay.
LOCATION: Randalls Bay, Tasmania
Frogwatch Program [ACT]
LOCATION: ACT
In the third week of October each year, ACT residents can be found gathering around the regions creeks and waterways - hands cupped behind their ears, listening out for frog mating calls. They are part of Frogwatch - a community frog monitoring program that has been running since 2002. All participants receive the Frogwatch census kit and are trained by expert staff at Environment ACT and the University of Canberra so that Frogwatch data is collected according to best practice. Frogwatch data is widely used by government agencies, local environment groups and others and is an important resource for making management decisions about areas that have significant biodiversity.
Gandangarra Local Aboriginal Land Council [NSW]
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: NSW
In one of the most tranquil and beautiful bush remnants at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens in Western Sydney, the Gandangarra Local Aboriginal Land Council Landcare Group is creating a memorial to the stolen generations and a place for Indigenous healing and reflection. The group has undertaken bush regeneration, bridge building and created a sculpture garden. They are contributing to a deepening understanding of Indigenous culture and history among the broader community.
LOCATION: NSW
Garden for Wildlife
LOCATION: NT
Garden for Wildlife is a voluntary conservation program that assists town block owners to manage biodiversity threatening processes on their properties, thus increasing wildlife corridors and contributing to biodiversity conservation of Central Australian landscapes.
Gatton State Primary School
LOCATION: QLD
Gatton State Primary School during 2008/09 has integrated over 1 hectare of green and healthier accreditation initiatives that thrive towards developing student learning of our environment and landcare needs.
GeoCatch
LOCATION: WA
The Geographe Catchment Council (GeoCatch) have been nominated for their "Peppies for possums" Project taking place in the Busselton Dunsborough area. The area has the largest remaining population of the Western Ringtail Possum which the project strives to conserve.
Geoff Hyles [ACT]
LOCATION: ACT
When Geoff Hyles started farming Castle Hill, one of the ACTs largest rural holdings, it consisted of highly improved pastures and almost no trees. Geoff started the painstaking job of restoring vegetation. After a false start using radiata pine, he learnt he needed to plant locally native species to really achieve environmental improvement. The vegetation corridors function as windbreaks, shelter belts for livestock and buffers around remnant vegetation. They improved and extended biodiversity links through adjoining properties and to nearby national parks. The farm has become home to a rich diversity of native vegetation and bird life - plus its waterways are healthier.
Getting Gorse on the Back Foot
ISSUES: Weed management
LOCATION: Victoria
Eight years after the establishment of Victoria’s Gorse Task Force, it seems that this successful community government partnership is making headway against the gorse problem in the state. According to Jock Leishman, farmer and task force participant, the key to success is an approach called ‘targeted areas’ which combines both encouragement and coercion to involve farmers in clearing gorse from farming land.
LOCATION: Victoria
Gippsland-East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative [VIC]
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: VIC
The Boole Poole Peninsula of the East Gippsland Lakes is home to a traditional burial ground of the Tatungoloong Gunai/Kurnai people. The area suffered water and wind erosion over many years and human remains were being exposed. In 2005 the Gippsland-East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative (GEGAC) initiated the Tatungoloong Revegetation Project which focused on traditional owners reclaiming, restoring and reconnecting with this significant area. With the support of local and state authorities, the local Indigenous community used sandbags and back-filling techniques to halt the erosion and re-establish native vegetation. A video has been produced which documents the success of the project to inspire and educate the broader community.
LOCATION: VIC
Glenlyon Dam Fish Restocking Group Inc
LOCATION: QLD
Glenlyon Dam Fish Restocking Group purpose for doing their project was to Enhance regional tourism opportunities for increased employment, sustainable economic growth and conservation of endangered species.
Glenn McFarlane
LOCATION: NT
Glenn has been involved with sea turtle conservation and research for the last seven years working with non profit organisations, governments and private ventures here in Australia and in Central America. A private passion for sea turtles now sees Glenn undertaking for Conservation Volunteers Australia the new role of Marine Species Manager helping develop new programs, educating members of the community, reduce some of the threats and gathering valuable scientific data on nesting green and flatback turtles
Gluepot Reserve
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Murray Riverlands, SA
2004 South Australia Nature Conservation Award Finalist, Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve, is Australia’s largest community owned and managed conservation reserve, located 64km from the Murray River in South Australia’s Riverland. The reserve is managed and operated entirely by volunteers and covers an area of 54,000 hectares. LOCATION: Murray Riverlands, SA
Goolwa Coastcare Group
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Coastal land degradation, Dune erosion, Education/awareness raising, Threatened species, Urban land degradation, Weed management
LOCATION: Goolwa, South Australia
Coastcare groups do not need to be large in numbers, they just need the passion and enthusiasm to want to make a change and do something to protect their local coastal area. The Goolwa group in South Australia has only 15 members ranging in ages from 5 to 60 years old and they still manage to effect change and make a noticeable difference within their coastal community.
LOCATION: Goolwa, South Australia
Graziers protecting waterways
ISSUES: Water quality
LOCATION: Moreton, Qld
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Extending from just above Surfers Paradise in the south to Caloundra in the north, and just 19km from Brisbane, Moreton Bay is an iconic coastal area of Queensland containing 360 islands, numerous island villages, three national parks and a marine park and is listed by the Ramsar Convention as wetlands of international significance.
LOCATION: Moreton, Qld
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Greening Australia, The Indigenous Land Corporation & Weetapoona
LOCATION: TAS
Greening Australia (Tasmania), in partnership with Weetapoona and the Indigenous Land Corporation delivered a three year National Landcare Program (NLP) project ''Implementing Sustainable Productivity on a Unique Aboriginal Farming Enterprise'' at Murrayfield on Bruny Island, Tasmania from 2005-2008.
Gympie Landcare Gives Back to the Mary River
ISSUES: Revegetation, River corridor management, Streambank erosion, Urban land degradation
LOCATION: Gympie, Queensland
While many Queenslanders may be aware of the good fortune the Mary River provided to Gympie and Queensland during the gold rush days around 1867, they may not be aware of the trouble it is currently facing.
LOCATION: Gympie, Queensland
Hanging on to soil moisture during drought
ISSUES: Soil health
LOCATION: Murrumbidgee, NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
From alpine areas to semi-arid rangelands the massive Murrumbidgee region covers them all. Across this diverse landscape farming activities include dairying, broadacre cropping, intensive agriculture and horticulture.
LOCATION: Murrumbidgee, NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Harsh, immense and with few human resources
Barkly Landcare and Conservation Assoc, NT
Members of the Northern Territory’s Barkly Landcare Group describe their local environment in two words: harsh and immense. Located in the Tennant Creek region of the territory, this remote district lies on a boundary between the tropical and desert areas of northern Australia, containing species which are typical of both environments. From a biodiversity point of view it is a very distinctive region, containing about 60 plant species and 15 animal species which are habitat specialists to the black soil grasslands. A recent study on clay soils in the Barkly Tableland found more than 100 species of ants – and about a quarter of them were new to science.
ISSUES: Biodiversity
LOCATION: Tennant Creek
2006 Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award FinalistsLOCATION: Tennant Creek
Barkly Landcare and Conservation Assoc, NT
Members of the Northern Territory’s Barkly Landcare Group describe their local environment in two words: harsh and immense. Located in the Tennant Creek region of the territory, this remote district lies on a boundary between the tropical and desert areas of northern Australia, containing species which are typical of both environments. From a biodiversity point of view it is a very distinctive region, containing about 60 plant species and 15 animal species which are habitat specialists to the black soil grasslands. A recent study on clay soils in the Barkly Tableland found more than 100 species of ants – and about a quarter of them were new to science.
Healing the soil with native pasture
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Drought management, Pasture and crop management, Revegetation, Soil health
LOCATION: Balonne Shire in southern Queensland’s Darling Downs
The Balonne Shire in southern Queensland’s Darling Downs is home to a diversity of farmers producing irrigated cotton, rockmelons, watermelons, onions, pumpkins, wheat, wool, fat lambs and cattle. But in the past three years the district has been ravaged by drought, leaving bare ground vulnerable to wind and water erosion. In addition, many of the soils were worn out from years of intensive production.LOCATION: Balonne Shire in southern Queensland’s Darling Downs
Helping Landcarers through troubled times
Judith Cox, NSW
When the Deepwater Landcare Group wound down and became inactive, Judith Cox stepped in and brought it back to life – showing by example what it took to be a committed Landcarer and inspiring others to become involved in Landcare again. When Landcare went through fundamental changes in how it was managed and funded during the formation of new catchment management authorities, Judith kept the Granite Borders Landcare Committee going with her positive attitude through a most difficult time – and saw it emerge at the other end as a committed and successful organisation.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Building community involvement/skills
LOCATION: Deepwater, north of Glenn Innes, NSW
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
2006 NLP Individual Landcarer Award FinalistLOCATION: Deepwater, north of Glenn Innes, NSW
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Judith Cox, NSW
When the Deepwater Landcare Group wound down and became inactive, Judith Cox stepped in and brought it back to life – showing by example what it took to be a committed Landcarer and inspiring others to become involved in Landcare again. When Landcare went through fundamental changes in how it was managed and funded during the formation of new catchment management authorities, Judith kept the Granite Borders Landcare Committee going with her positive attitude through a most difficult time – and saw it emerge at the other end as a committed and successful organisation.
Heritage Protection and Environment Programme
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: Tasmania
The South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC) is a non-profit, non-political, community based organisation. SETAC was given the opportunity through Coastcare to begin a Stabilisation and Rehabilitation Project on a degraded coastal midden site.
LOCATION: Tasmania
Hume City Council [VIC]
LOCATION: VIC
The dilemma faced by Hume City on the northern fringe of Melbourne is not uncommon in todays urban age: although more than two thirds of its land has been zoned rural Green Wedge, a rapidly expanding residential area continues to put pressure on the land. Set within the catchments of the Maribyrnong, Yarra and Werribee Rivers, it is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Victoria. With an eye to balancing its environment with residential demands, Hume City Council offers innovative rate rebates to landholders who control weeds and implement sustainable land management practices. The council also supports revegetation activities on private land by providing free native plants and information sessions. Local engagement has proven the Council''s approach a winner: its annual Multicultural Planting Day attracts more than 1000 people.
Indigo Shire Council Roadside Management
Indigo Shire Council, covers an area of 2,016 square kilometres in north eastern Victoria. It encompasses the towns of Rutherglen, Chiltern, Beechworth and Yackandandah. With a diversity of landscapes from forested hilly terrain to broad agricultural river valleys and red gum floodplains, the Council has been a trailblazer in the area of roadside management.
ISSUES: Revegetation, Weed management
LOCATION: North Eastern Victoria
2004 Victoria Local Government Award Finalist, LOCATION: North Eastern Victoria
Indigo Shire Council, covers an area of 2,016 square kilometres in north eastern Victoria. It encompasses the towns of Rutherglen, Chiltern, Beechworth and Yackandandah. With a diversity of landscapes from forested hilly terrain to broad agricultural river valleys and red gum floodplains, the Council has been a trailblazer in the area of roadside management.
Innovative technology propels sustainable strawberry production system
ISSUES: Irrigation Management, Irrigation salinity and waterlogging, Pasture and crop management, Soil health
LOCATION: Caboolture, Queensland
SPONSOR: Elders Ltd
LOCATION: Caboolture, Queensland
SPONSOR: Elders Ltd
Jason Brown
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage, Remnant vegetation
LOCATION: Bundaberg, Qld
Jason Brown is an elder of the Taribelang Bunda people in the Bundaberg region and has a long history of sound land management practices on Paddy’s Island. Jason Brown is the 2004 Queensland Landcare Indigenous Award Finalist.
LOCATION: Bundaberg, Qld
Jeff Campbell [QLD]
ISSUES: Pasture and crop management
LOCATION: QLD
*Winner of the 2008 NLP Individual Landcarer Award* Grazier Jeff Campbell is setting a benchmark for best-practice farming in the drought-stricken region of Mitchell in south-west Queensland. He manages his 25 000 hectare property Currawarra using innovative techniques to reduce soil erosion and promote healthier pastures and encourages other farmers to follow suit. For the past eight years Jeff has been the chairperson of the Mitchell and District Landcare Group which is working to better manage the whole sub-catchment area of 250 kilometres along the Maranoa River. Jeff has been a leader, innovator and mentor to many in the region, and a positive voice for those feeling the effects of a 10-year drought.
LOCATION: QLD
Jim Viner
It was dominated by blady grass, degraded creek bank vegetation and a paddock identified as having an organochloride residue problem.
ISSUES: Revegetation
LOCATION: Upper Glastonbury Creek, Qld
A 2004 Queensland Primary Producer Finalist, Jim Viner, runs “Tressa Vale”. He purchased the intensive cattle-grazing property on Upper Glastonbury Creek, a tributary of the Mary River, west of Gympie in Queensland in 1995.LOCATION: Upper Glastonbury Creek, Qld
It was dominated by blady grass, degraded creek bank vegetation and a paddock identified as having an organochloride residue problem.
John and Diana Pickford
The Pickfords have gained notoriety for their battle against salinity using a variety of techniques revolving around the use of perennial pastures and water management strategies.
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Revegetation, Threatened species
LOCATION: Woodanilling, WA
2004 Western Australia Landcare Primary Producer Finalists, John and Diana Pickford own “Beckwith”, near Woodanilling in Western Australia, an area with considerable waterlogging and a big salinity problem. LOCATION: Woodanilling, WA
The Pickfords have gained notoriety for their battle against salinity using a variety of techniques revolving around the use of perennial pastures and water management strategies.
John Ive
The Ives are the 2004 NSW Landcare Research Award Finalist.
LOCATION: Murrumbateman, ACT
John Ive and his family have managed their 250 hectare, mixed grazing property “Talaheni” with a long term commitment to understanding their landscape and the way vegetation influences water flow and use.The Ives are the 2004 NSW Landcare Research Award Finalist.
Julie and Sandy Cameron.
LOCATION: VIC
Meredith Dairy is a successful, family run, award winning sheep and goat dairy near Meredith run by Julie and Sandy Cameron The property includes frontage to the upper Leigh Gorge area and Cargerie Creek. The land types are diverse, with rich farming land interspersed with patches of high value wildlife areas. Much of this is steep or rocky escarpment and ridges, which often contains remnant vegetation. Management has been undertaken to protect vegetation while taking steps to increase and link to remnants, particularly using creek lines. Unimproved pasture comprising of nationally rare native grasslands has also been managed strategically. It has been important to maximise agricultural production while actively practicing biodiversity conservation.
Kate McLaren [NSW]
LOCATION: NSW
Kate McLaren is the owner of Wallaby Downs and Wunder Valley Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) properties totalling 1,121 ha. Coupled with the adjacent Piney Ridge VCA the total area under conservation agreement is approximately 2,742ha, which makes it the largest conservation area in the Tamworth Region. This region that has few other conservation areas and has been highly modified by agricultural activities. The conservation areas were declared in 2006, however Kate has worked tirelessly on conservation of her lands and adjacent lands for numerous years prior to 2006 and continues to do so.
Kayla Groombridge
The lower section of the Tarra River between Tarraville and Robertsons Beach has provided residents and Landholders alike with a suite a difficulties to tackle problems such as infestations of Gorse and Boxthorn, illegal camping and boat launching, deteriorating river banks resulting in a rapidly advancing scarp and rampant littering and fly tipping. Kayla, a young resident of the area decided enough was enough and launched a localized campaign to tackle these issues head on.
Keep Koalas in Our Community
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Threatened species, Urban land degradation
LOCATION: Brisbane, Qld
The 2004 Queensland Landcare Education Award Finalist, Chatswood Hills State School,has a strong history of success and commitment in the area of environmental education.
LOCATION: Brisbane, Qld
Kemps Creek revegetation
ISSUES: Revegetation, Streambank erosion, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Kemps Creek, NSW
In one of the largest tree planting projects in the area, SITA Environmental Solutions and Landcare Australia have joined forces with Penrith Mayor, Cr David Bradbury, and Conservation Volunteers Australia to regenerate a stretch of natural bushland at Kemps Creek, in Western Sydney.
LOCATION: Kemps Creek, NSW
Kojonup CDEP [WA]
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: WA
One story, many voices, is the philosophy and theme behind Kodja Place, an interpretive visitor centre, walking trail and revegetation site along the historic Kojonup railway line. The Australian and State Governments provided funding for a revegetation project, but thanks to local partnerships and additional funding, it expanded into a cultural and education project too. Kojonup Noongar CDEP (Community Development Employment Program) was responsible for most of the hard on-ground work in planting 4000 native seedlings, constructing a footbridge and installing interpretive signage. Kojonup Noongar CDEP is now responsible for the ongoing management of the Kodja Place Heritage Trail, an important place for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
LOCATION: WA
Kowree Biolink
Kowree Biolink was a four year project funded by the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT), that has protected significant areas of remnant vegetation and included a massive revegetation programme.
ISSUES: Remnant vegetation, Revegetation
LOCATION: Victoria
The 2004 Victoria Nature Conservation Award Finalist was Kowree Farm Tree Group. LOCATION: Victoria
Kowree Biolink was a four year project funded by the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT), that has protected significant areas of remnant vegetation and included a massive revegetation programme.
Lachlan Catchment Management Authority [NSW]
LOCATION: NSW\
Inspiring the community to work together to improve the management of their natural resources is a lofty aim, especially when the worst drought on record has hit the region. And so it was with some vigour and mounting challenges that the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority (CMA) came into being in 2004. Covering the Forbes district in Central West NSW it set about building a sustainable future for the catchment, leveraging 50 committed staff across ten offices to deliver over $11 million into on-ground projects. It also encouraged and achieved matching funding from community partners. The CMAs Lachlan Action Plan ensures that its landcare vision is in line with, and supported by, the broader community and natural resource management partners.
Lake Cathie Landcare Group
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Coastal land degradation, Revegetation, Weed management
LOCATION: Lake Cathie, NSW
Landcare Groups adopts mechanical removal of Bitou Bush
LOCATION: Lake Cathie, NSW
Landcare farmers: the Conways
The Conways first began implementing landcare practices on their property over 20 years ago, well before any landcare groups had been established in their area.
ISSUES: Revegetation, Soil acidity
LOCATION: Ballandry, Tarcutta, NSW
The 2004 Landcare Awards New South Wales Primary Producer Finalists, Bernard and Margaret Conway, have owned their property “Ballandry” for 43 years, a mixed farming and grazing enterprise located near Tarcutta on the south west slopes of NSW. LOCATION: Ballandry, Tarcutta, NSW
The Conways first began implementing landcare practices on their property over 20 years ago, well before any landcare groups had been established in their area.
Landcare Team Effort Eliminates Rabbits
ISSUES: Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic
LOCATION: North East Victoria
One year on after participating in an intensive rabbit eradication program, a group of Landcare farmers in the Ovens region of North East Victoria is enjoying what many farmers dream of – rabbit-free properties.
LOCATION: North East Victoria
Lanyon High School
LOCATION: ACT
Lanyon High School has for a number of years raised awareness, knowledge and understanding of landcare amongst its students and the local community.
Lanyon High School environmental studies
ISSUES: Revegetation
LOCATION: ACT
Lanyon High School, ACT was a 2004 ACT Landcare Education Award Finalist.The school has a history of an evolving, on-going environmental studies programme, which has included landcare activities since 1997.
LOCATION: ACT
Learning from the past to tackle drought
ISSUES: Drought management
LOCATION: North East & Central Victoria
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
North East and Central Victoria have suffered severe droughts in 1994, 2002, 2006 with an ongoing poor season in 2007/08. On average Seymour Wool Marketing Group members are now running at only 70% of their normal stocking rates and are still trying to look after their farms to avoid long-term damage to pastures.
LOCATION: North East & Central Victoria
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Leigh Catchment Group Improves Environment and Production
ISSUES: Soil erosion by water, Pasture and crop management, Remnant vegetation, Soil health, Stock management, Water quality, Weed management
LOCATION: Leigh River, South West Victoria
Landowners in Victoria’s South West are getting set to achieve a win – win outcome for the environment and agricultural profitability as part of a sustainable grazing management project being run by the Leigh Catchment Group.
LOCATION: Leigh River, South West Victoria
Lighthouse Beach Dune Care Group
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Coastal land degradation, Education/awareness raising, Weed management
LOCATION: Port Macquarie, NSW
For sixteen years the Dunecare group has hand weeded invasive introduced species from sections of Lighthouse Beach in hope of recreating a vital natural vegetative corridor between Littoral Rainforest and wetland reserves in Port Macquarie. The area features coastal ecosystems and is a mix of Littoral rainforest and Coastal Banksia Woodland.
LOCATION: Port Macquarie, NSW
Linda Vernon
LOCATION: w
Linda Vernon is one of the most dedicated and well regarded Landcare Professionals in the Central Wheatbelt NRM district. Many current Landcare organisations throughout the Central Wheatbelt, including the North Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (NEWROC) NRM group and Wheatbelt Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (WEROC) NRM group, were developed during her time as NRM Officer at the Shire of Trayning.
Lindsay and Ian Humphry [VIC]
LOCATION: VIC
For 30 years the Humphry family has implemented a range of sustainable farming practices such as improving water infrastructure, managing vegetation and focusing on soil health. Their property plan is used as a reference by DPI staff and their property itself is a living example of blending production with nature. Brothers Ian and Lindsay share a passionate interest in soil health and pioneering ideas about water management, worms and perennial pastures that have created a sustainable farming system. Their revegetation project has seen 50 000 trees established and they have built wetlands to protect biodiversity. Lindsay has been a key figure in local and regional landcare and Avondale is a regular host of landcare field days.
Local flood prompts group to tackle the big issues
Wynyard Landcare Group, TAS
The flooding of Peggie Bernard’s house by the rising waters of Wynyard’s Big Creek in the late 1980s was more than just a personal disaster. It dramatically showed the dangers of allowing one of Tasmania’s worst weeds – the crack willow – to continue infesting its waterways. Big Creek was choked with the willows and the flood was attributed to their impact on water flows.
ISSUES: Weed management
LOCATION: Wynyard, Tasmania
2006 Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award FinalistsLOCATION: Wynyard, Tasmania
Wynyard Landcare Group, TAS
The flooding of Peggie Bernard’s house by the rising waters of Wynyard’s Big Creek in the late 1980s was more than just a personal disaster. It dramatically showed the dangers of allowing one of Tasmania’s worst weeds – the crack willow – to continue infesting its waterways. Big Creek was choked with the willows and the flood was attributed to their impact on water flows.
Long Beach Landcare Group
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Coastal land degradation, Community development
LOCATION: NSW, Batemens Bay
Cullendulla Creek Reserve an EEC (littoral rainforest) of (approx 7 hectares) jointly managed by NSW Lands Dept (Nowra) and Eurobodalla Shire Council. * 460 hours of work and estimated removal of 100+ cubic metres of introduced weeds mainly Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum), Wild Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum), Cassia (Senna pendula) and Paddy''s Lucerne (Sida rhombifolia). * Supply of rainforest shrub cuttings to Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens (ERBG) for propagation from Creek Reserve.
LOCATION: NSW, Batemens Bay
Longford's Sustainably Managed Waterway
ISSUES: Streambank erosion
LOCATION: Tasmania
For a decade the 2004 Tasmania Rivercare Award Finalist, Longford Landcare Group Inc, have been working towards their vision of a sustainably managed waterway which provides economic returns in agriculture and environmental outcomes.LOCATION: Tasmania
Lower Apsley River Landcare Group [NSW]
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: NSW
The Lower Apsley River Landcare Group formed 14 years ago to improve the health of the riparian zone of the Apsley River. The 12 active members of the group have worked tirelessly towards this goal. Over the years they have planted 320 000 trees across 140 sites, most of which are now thriving. They have removed willows from streams, fenced, and protected and encouraged regeneration in more than 112 hectares of remnant native vegetation. After years of chipping away at the problems, the group has suddenly achieved a large and visible outcome, having transformed the landscape.
LOCATION: NSW
Lynton Bond [ACT]
LOCATION: ACT
Over the past 25 years Lynton Bond has inspired private landholders and the broader community in the Queanbeyan district near Canberra, and beyond, to manage their natural resources in the most sustainable ways possible. He has created a permaculture-inspired wonderland on his own property and spread his knowledge of landcare issues through websites, media and regular newsletters. Since his "retirement" in 2003 he spends some 60 hours each week on voluntary landcare projects.
Managing soils through drought conditions
ISSUES: Soil health
LOCATION: Nyngan, NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Australias farming country has been left in a degraded state by the drought, with little soil structure, aeration or life and the loss of the soils ability to hold water, says Peter Tremain, chair of the Sustainable Nyngan Agricultural Group (SNAG).
LOCATION: Nyngan, NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Marine Discovery Center
Funded by Barefoot Raddler grant Coastcare Australia
Not all Coastcare Groups are based around physical action at a beach, some focus on the education of the greater community to make people more aware of Climate Change and factors affecting our coastlines so they are able to make informed decisions and behaviour changes in their everyday lives.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Building community involvement/skills, Coastal land degradation, Community development, Dune erosion, Education/awareness raising, Soil erosion by water, Streambank erosion
LOCATION: Henley Beach, South Australia
Winner 37 International, National and Local Government AwardsLOCATION: Henley Beach, South Australia
Funded by Barefoot Raddler grant Coastcare Australia
Not all Coastcare Groups are based around physical action at a beach, some focus on the education of the greater community to make people more aware of Climate Change and factors affecting our coastlines so they are able to make informed decisions and behaviour changes in their everyday lives.
Marks Park "Recreation"
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Revegetation, Weed management
LOCATION: Tamarama, Sydney
SPONSOR: Spicers Paper
One of Sydney’s most dramatic and iconic coastal vistas is being returned to its original state, thanks to the Spicers Paper “Recreate” Program. The revegetation of Marks Park, in Sydney’s Tamarama, forms a vital component of Spicers’ partnership with Landcare Australia, which is dedicated to rehabilitating former landfill sites.
LOCATION: Tamarama, Sydney
SPONSOR: Spicers Paper
Mary River Catchment Plan
The Group won the 2004 Murray Darling Basin Commission Rivercare Award. This award is made to a community organisation, person or group which has made a significant contribution to the sustainable management, conservation and rehabilitation of a waterway.
LOCATION: Queensland
In just five years, the Mary River Catchment Plan has resulted in more than 300 projects to restore riverbanks and 60 water quality improvement projects involving 250 private landholders. The Group won the 2004 Murray Darling Basin Commission Rivercare Award. This award is made to a community organisation, person or group which has made a significant contribution to the sustainable management, conservation and rehabilitation of a waterway.
Maryke Booth
LOCATION: ACT
Maryke Booth has generously dedicated her time, knowledge, skills experience and enthusiasm to landcare in the ACT region for more than 9 years.
McMinns Reserve
ISSUES: Community development, Revegetation
LOCATION: NT
The McMinns Reserve Association has transformed a badly degraded 42 hectare reserve into a thriving area that is now used by the community for recreation east of Darwin. McMinns Reserve Association was a 2004 Northern Territory Landcare Community Group Award Finalist.
LOCATION: NT
Meander Valley Council Strategic Plan
Meander Valley Council, in partnership with the local community, has created a unique and integrated framework for the sustainable protection of natural resources within the region.
The Council’s Strategic Plan recognises Natural Resource Management (NRM) as one of five key areas and includes a comprehensive salinity study and a dedicated NRM unit.
ISSUES: Community development, Dryland salinity and waterlogging
LOCATION: Tasmania,community
A 2004 Tasmania Landcare Local Government Award Finalist,LOCATION: Tasmania,community
Meander Valley Council, in partnership with the local community, has created a unique and integrated framework for the sustainable protection of natural resources within the region.
The Council’s Strategic Plan recognises Natural Resource Management (NRM) as one of five key areas and includes a comprehensive salinity study and a dedicated NRM unit.
Merri Creek "Recreation"
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Remnant vegetation, Revegetation, Weed management, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Fawkner, VIC
SPONSOR: Spicers Paper
Rising into the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and flowing south through the northern suburbs of Melbourne before joining the Yarra River at Clifton Hill, Merri Creek is a wildlife corridor of major significance, home to a variety of rare and threatened species of flora and fauna.
LOCATION: Fawkner, VIC
SPONSOR: Spicers Paper
Michael, Lynne & Nicholas Strong, Clover Hill Dairies
LOCATION: NSW
The Strong family of Clover Hill Dairies are 7th generation dairy farmers. The farm team includes business owners Lynne, Michael and Nick Strong and one full time and two part time staff members. Clover Hill Dairies in situated on the northeast face of Saddleback Mountain at Jamberoo NSW, and is located at the headwater of three major tributaries of the Minnamurra River, a sensitive wetland and mangrove environment. Clover Hill Dairies is 100 ha in total, of which only 50ha is farmed. The remaining 50ha contains large areas of important remnant rainforest communities and is fenced off to prevent stock access. The region has a rich heritage based on dairy farming.
Mike Kerkmans
LOCATION: WA
Mikes Marlingu farm is located in Pindar, 135 km east-north-east of Geraldton. He is a passionate supporter of Oil Mallees and is a very vocal President of the Oil Mallee Association.
Millie Nicholls - Mid North Grasslands Working Group
LOCATION: SA
Millie Nicholls is a local farmer and founding member of the Mid North Grasslands Working Group and has been a key driver behind all projects and activities of the Group. She is seen as a leader in grasslands management for production and conservation. Without her passion for improved land management, the Mid North Grasslands Working Group would not have been so successful.
More than a 'stab in the dark' to measure soil moisture
ISSUES: Soil health
LOCATION: Parkes, NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
While irrigation farmers have been using sophisticated tools to measure soil moisture for some time, their dryland counterparts have made do with the manual method of pushing a steel probe into the soil and seeing where it stops then estimating the depth of soil moisture.
LOCATION: Parkes, NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Murray Darling Association
LOCATION: NSW
A lack of specific primary school curriculum resources about Murray River health led the Murray Darling Association to develop an extensive on-going partnership project that is providing a curriculum framework and materials to support schools across the Murray-Darling Basin to understand and improve the river and catchment health. Significantly, the Association�s initiatives have used the skills and knowledge of primary school students to make river health a key component of the NSW primary curriculum.
Namadgi National Park [ACT]
LOCATION: ACT
When fierce bushfires swept through the ACTs Namadgi National Park in 2003, it was not only the stunning scenery that went up in smoke. Over 95% of the park was devastatingly burned, destroying most of the unique sphagnum bogs which provide vital habitat for endangered species. As these bogs are particularly slow to recover from fire, the Namadgi National Park prioritised efforts to assist the natural recovery process, a complex task. It enlisted the help of government agencies, academic institutions, Greening Australia, the Indigenous community and a huge number of community volunteers. Often brought to remote locations by helicopter, they worked tirelessly to build dams with straw bales, transplant the sphagnum moss and shade it from harmful UV rays. Although the full benefit will not be fully known for many years, the bogs are now retaining more water, new moss is sprouting and transplanted sphagnum is surviving. And where there is moss, there is hope for Namadgi.
National Trust Landcare [NT]
LOCATION: NT
Dashwood Crescent in Darwin CBD was infested with weeds and eroded by poorly constructed stormwater drains. But Landcare coordinator Gavin Perry saw that under the weeds it contained a historic spring and remnants of Darwin''s vine forest. He applied to have the site rezoned for conservation. Once it was saved from development he coordinated a detailed management plan and worked with National Trust Landcare Group on rehabilitation. He made sure all planting and weed removal was done to best-practice standards and convinced various organisations to donate every plant. In future the group intends to link the remnant site with Darwin walking trails and the foreshore.
Native trees provide life-giving shelter for sheep
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Remnant vegetation, Threatened species
LOCATION: Corowa, NSW
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
In February 2005, Alastair Robb was shearing on his 830 hectare property ‘Buraja Station’ near Corowa when the weather took a sudden turn for the worse. The temperature dropped dramatically and heavy rain started falling. It was a fatal combination for the freshly shorn sheep and Alastair knew that he stood to lose many of them to the sudden cold.
LOCATION: Corowa, NSW
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
New life for an old landscape
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Manypeaks, WA
Doug and Eva Russell have demonstrated that nature conservation can enhance a property through their own actions and by inspiring others.
LOCATION: Manypeaks, WA
NEWROC Natural Resource Management Group [WA]
LOCATION: WA
The power of many is amply demonstrated by the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils (NEWROC), a collaboration of natural resource management officers from seven councils. Meeting since 2001 to develop strategies and partnerships and share resources, NEWROC has planted to date 1.4 million trees across the region to specifically help groundwater recharge and discharge and biodiversity enhancement. Remnant vegetation and biodiversity has been granted protection by 196 kilometres of fencing, and the coalition has supplied some 30 000 fox baits for regional coordinated pest management. Impressively, NEWROC has raised more than $1.15 million in funding for its projects. Its efforts have helped ensure that local governments linked to NEWROC have successfully incorporated natural resource management into their core business.
Nicholas Lever
LOCATION: ACT
Nicholas Lever is currently a year 12 student at St Francis Xavier College in Canberra. He has been instrumental in organising environmental initiatives within the school and was also a key person in organising Canberra''s first sustainable careers expo.
Ningaloo Community Turtle Monitoring Program
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Coastal land degradation, Threatened species
LOCATION: Exmouth Western Australia
Ningaloo is a beautiful, fragile coral reef stretching nearly 300km along the remote Western Australian coastline. It is one of the longest fringing coral reefs in the world and hosts many endangered species, teeming with a diverse range of aquatic species such as; corals, fish and invertebrates. Ningaloo reef provides the habitat necessary for these threatened marine species, including dugongs, whale sharks, humpback whales and turtles.LOCATION: Exmouth Western Australia
North East Catchment Management Authority
LOCATION: VIC
Landcare has a long and proud history in Victoria�s north-east. The region has the highest rate of Landcare membership amongst farmers in Victoria with some 50 Landcare groups and three Landcare Networks operating in the region.
Northern Tablelands Dung Beetle Express
ISSUES: Water quality
LOCATION: Northern Tablelands, NSW
Several NSW Northern Tablelands Landcare groups joined forces in 2001 to monitor dung beetle activity over a number of sites and redistribute introduced species where necessary to extend the benefits of dung burial. A number of innovative harvest and release protocols have been developed to increase successful establishment of dung beetle colonies.
LOCATION: Northern Tablelands, NSW
Northern United Forestry Group
This award is made to an individual, community group or research organisation for excellence in land and/or water conservation or sustainability research or developing innovative landcare technology.
ISSUES: Community development, Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Mine rehabilitation, Remnant vegetation, Threatened species
LOCATION: Victoria
The Northern United Forestry Group, Victoria is the 2004 Telstra Country Wide Landcare Research Award winner.LOCATION: Victoria
This award is made to an individual, community group or research organisation for excellence in land and/or water conservation or sustainability research or developing innovative landcare technology.
NRM North
LOCATION: TAS
NRM North has spent the last two years developing a suite of support tools and opportunities for landcare and coastcare groups and groups who are functioning as landcare/coastcare groups.
Nyambaga Aboriginal Green Team
The Nyambaga Indigenous Green Team focuses on bush restoration and rehabilitation of the Mangrove habitat and various species reliant on this habitat for their continued survival.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Education/awareness raising, Indigenous heritage, Water quality
LOCATION: Macksville, NSW
Funded by: Barefoot Radler Coastcare GrantLOCATION: Macksville, NSW
The Nyambaga Indigenous Green Team focuses on bush restoration and rehabilitation of the Mangrove habitat and various species reliant on this habitat for their continued survival.
Orange City Council [NSW]
LOCATION: NSW
Most people want to care for their environment, yet many do not know where to begin. Often the result is inaction. This is not the case in Orange, NSW. Providing an energising focus, Orange City Council has excelled in channelling community goodwill into action and results. Its weeding, maintenance and replanting projects are some of the best attended in the state and local awareness and diligence in ongoing care for the environment is extremely high. The Council has linked up with a large number of scout and guide groups, schools, businesses, landcare groups and services clubs to work collaboratively on a range of initiatives from creating wildlife corridors to reinvigorating a dying Lake Canobalas. The result is a truly community-owned and community-defined landcare vision that is registering some of the best outcomes any council could hope for: a healthier local environment.
Orara Valley Learning Community
LOCATION: NSW
The Orara Valley Learning Community project began in 2002. It is the story of seven small schools and how they have come to work together to help solve a community environmental issue - the eradication of an invasive weed tree, the camphor laurel. The camphor laurels were planted as shade trees in school grounds in the early 1900?s and no-one could have imagined that these beautiful shade trees would become such a major problem for the creeks and river habitats in the Orara Valley.
Order of Underwater Heroes (OUCH)
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Water quality
LOCATION: Great Barrier Reef, Qld
The Order of Underwater Heroes, or OUCH, is a group of internationally recognised volunteers dedicated to the protection of coral reefs in the Whitsunday Islands.
LOCATION: Great Barrier Reef, Qld
Oyster Harbour Catchment Group [WA]
Oyster Harbour Catchment Group (OHCG), formed in 1992, is a community-based group with a voluntary executive committee. But this groups can do attitude has seen it battle through difficult climatic conditions, a locust plague, and a near-disastrous bush fire - while managing to raise $1.3 million for on-ground work and greatly increase its staff numbers and membership in the past two years. The group currently has 130 landholders involved in conservation projects and a large number of community members engaged in activities such as weed removal. It has opened itself to public scrutiny, ensuring that all decisions are equitable and based on good governance. The local community has developed a high level of trust in the OHCG, knowing that it is committed to making a real difference to the state of the catchment in the years to come.
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: WA
*Winners of the 2008 Alcoa National Landcare Community Group Award *LOCATION: WA
Oyster Harbour Catchment Group (OHCG), formed in 1992, is a community-based group with a voluntary executive committee. But this groups can do attitude has seen it battle through difficult climatic conditions, a locust plague, and a near-disastrous bush fire - while managing to raise $1.3 million for on-ground work and greatly increase its staff numbers and membership in the past two years. The group currently has 130 landholders involved in conservation projects and a large number of community members engaged in activities such as weed removal. It has opened itself to public scrutiny, ensuring that all decisions are equitable and based on good governance. The local community has developed a high level of trust in the OHCG, knowing that it is committed to making a real difference to the state of the catchment in the years to come.
P & A Howie and Sons
P & A Howie & Sons overall management strategy for Maneroo Station is based on conservative, sustainable and land care principles that aim to optimise productivity while maintaining maximum ground cover, pasture and crop growth and farm biodiversity. The practices they use include conservation tillage (zero or no-tillage), cell-grazing, contour farming and protection of water ways and wet-lands.
Paisley Creek Wetland Complex
LOCATION: Murray River, opposite Blanchetown, South Australia
Paisley Creek Wetland is being regenerated to improve its health and redesigned to allow native fish to bypass the weir during small floods.
Patience and Commitment After the Bushfire
Michael Shanahan, ACT
Several years of drought early this century were taking their toll on Michael Shanahan’s 1,400 hectare property ‘Tidbinbilla Station’ in the ACT. But it wasn’t until the January 2003 fires that Michael’s patience and commitment were really tested to their limits. The bushfires destroyed a significant part of the property including many of the areas Michael had painstakingly revegetated in previous years. The severe drought conditions leading up to the fire only made the damage worse.
ISSUES: Greenhouse emissions/carbon credits, Revegetation, Weed management
LOCATION: ACT
SPONSOR: Rural Press
2006 Rural Press Landcare Primary Producer Award FinalistLOCATION: ACT
SPONSOR: Rural Press
Michael Shanahan, ACT
Several years of drought early this century were taking their toll on Michael Shanahan’s 1,400 hectare property ‘Tidbinbilla Station’ in the ACT. But it wasn’t until the January 2003 fires that Michael’s patience and commitment were really tested to their limits. The bushfires destroyed a significant part of the property including many of the areas Michael had painstakingly revegetated in previous years. The severe drought conditions leading up to the fire only made the damage worse.
Phillip Island Blitzed in Huge Landcare TV Special!
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: Phillip Island, Victoria
Burkes Backyard and Backyard Blitz take on Phillip Island.LOCATION: Phillip Island, Victoria
Phillip Island Wildlife Corridor
ISSUES: Revegetation
LOCATION: Phillip Island, Victoria
SPONSOR: International Power
Phillip Island Wildlife Corridor links plantings by the Landcare group, remnant stands of private bushland, and reserves across the island.
LOCATION: Phillip Island, Victoria
SPONSOR: International Power
Pialligo Apples
LOCATION: ACT
Pialligo Apples is an orchard with frontage onto the Molonglo river corridor. It is part of the area set aside for food production in the early plans for ACT. The orchard used to be run according to a conventional chemically-based system, using synthetic fertilisers and various highly toxic materials for control of pests and weeds.
Planting in the High Country to Lower Greenhouse Gas
ISSUES: Greenhouse emissions/carbon credits
LOCATION: Benambra, Victoria
SPONSOR: Qantas Foundation
A national programme aiming to create carbon sinks and reduce greenhouse gas saw direct seeding taking place at Benambra in Victoria’s high country. LOCATION: Benambra, Victoria
SPONSOR: Qantas Foundation
Preparing for dryer winters in the future
ISSUES: Drought management, Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Pasture and crop management, Soil health
LOCATION: Goondoola Basin in south-western Queensland
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
The Goondoola Basin in south-western Queensland once produced wool from Merino sheep. But with changing climate and prolonged drought, its farmers have had to turn to other products such as wheat and sheep meat.
LOCATION: Goondoola Basin in south-western Queensland
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Project Dolphin Safe / South Australian Seabird Rescue
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Port Adelaide, SA
Project Dolphin Safe (PDS) is a community initiated project which started as a response to the deliberate killing of Bottle-nosed Dolphins in the Port River, Port Adelaide in the late 1990s.
LOCATION: Port Adelaide, SA
Project Green Nest
Crows Nest Shire Council, is located just north of Toowoomba in southern Queensland and has the third highest growth rate of all local government areas in the State.
The Shire has embarked on a progressive and innovative programme, “Project Green Nest”, that aims to value, conserve, enhance and protect natural resources assets.
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: South East Qld
A 2004 Queensland Local Government Award Finalist,LOCATION: South East Qld
Crows Nest Shire Council, is located just north of Toowoomba in southern Queensland and has the third highest growth rate of all local government areas in the State.
The Shire has embarked on a progressive and innovative programme, “Project Green Nest”, that aims to value, conserve, enhance and protect natural resources assets.
Project Penguin
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Threatened species
LOCATION: Manly, Northern Sydney
Coastcare Groups come in all shapes and sizes, all ages and in a variety of locations fighting different issues. This project is a great example of how big things come in small packages a Junior Landcare project working to protect a colony of precious little penguins.
LOCATION: Manly, Northern Sydney
Project Platypus - A Landcare Partnership
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Building community involvement/skills, Dryland salinity and waterlogging
LOCATION: Upper Wimmera River catchment in western Victoria
Eleven landcare groups have joined together to take a coordinated and scientific approach to tackling salinity and erosion and improving biodiversity.
LOCATION: Upper Wimmera River catchment in western Victoria
Protecting Aboriginal heritage
Red Chiefs Land Council, NSW
In 2003, the Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council at Gunnedah received NHT funding for a project inspired by Ian Idriess’s novel The Red Chief, about the Kamilaroi Aboriginal people of Gunn-edarr. In the book, a wallaby hunt takes place on Porcupine Ridge above the Mullibah camp. Idriess tells readers that ‘this particular full-moon night was given up to the “Wallaby Trap”, a natural trap in the edge of the big scrub upon Porcupine Ridge towards the north westerly side of the Black Hill. Just there a natural U-shaped space ran straight back deep into the edge of the scrub, exactly as if it had been cut by a modern day axe.’
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage, Revegetation
LOCATION: Gunnedah, NSW
2006 Alcan Landcare Indigenous Award FinalistsLOCATION: Gunnedah, NSW
Red Chiefs Land Council, NSW
In 2003, the Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council at Gunnedah received NHT funding for a project inspired by Ian Idriess’s novel The Red Chief, about the Kamilaroi Aboriginal people of Gunn-edarr. In the book, a wallaby hunt takes place on Porcupine Ridge above the Mullibah camp. Idriess tells readers that ‘this particular full-moon night was given up to the “Wallaby Trap”, a natural trap in the edge of the big scrub upon Porcupine Ridge towards the north westerly side of the Black Hill. Just there a natural U-shaped space ran straight back deep into the edge of the scrub, exactly as if it had been cut by a modern day axe.’
Protecting large paddocks from drought
ISSUES: Stock management
LOCATION: Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Many years of low rainfall have taken their toll on the farmers of the Eyre Peninsula. Extra cash reserves have been exhausted and many of the districts 1500 landholders are in survival mode, especially in the lower rainfall districts of the peninsula and those that have lighter soil types more vulnerable to erosion. By 2006 some paddocks, especially those with lighter soils, were already bare and damaged.
LOCATION: Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Protecting Pythons – and Lambs – by Putting the Squeeze on Foxes
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Education/awareness raising, Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Thoona-Chesney, north east Victoria
Finding out that carpet pythons eat pesky rabbits – but that they are in danger from foxes – has helped galvanise 70 farming families in a rescue operation in the Thoona-Chesney region of Victoria.
LOCATION: Thoona-Chesney, north east Victoria
Quality assured meat helps farmers through drought
ISSUES: Stock management
LOCATION: Gippsland, Victoria
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Gippsbeef members are spread across the Gippsland region, covering a variety of districts and rainfall conditions. But drought has hit most farmers in the past three years according to Jenny OSullivan, a director of Gippsbeef.
LOCATION: Gippsland, Victoria
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Queens Beach Action Group
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Coastal land degradation, Community development
LOCATION: QLD
Queens Beach has been the location of weed removal and revegetation works, involving a number of partners, led by the Queens Beach Action Group (QBAG) since 2001. The current application focuses around work undertaken over the past eighteen months along this stretch of foreshore. Since that time, the little band of committed volunteers has received support from an increasing number of partners, resulting in several grants being obtained. This has led to an increase in the amount of rehabilitation work that has been able to be undertaken.
LOCATION: QLD
Rainforest Restoration, Wyong
ISSUES: Remnant vegetation, Revegetation, Threatened species
LOCATION: Wyong, Central Coast, NSW
The Palmgrove/Ourimbah Creek Landcare Group aims to regenerate native rainforest by linking clumps with individual trees that have occurred as birds have scattered seed.
LOCATION: Wyong, Central Coast, NSW
Rare tree find leads to better Landcare fencing
ISSUES: Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: VIC
The fencing grants initiative between Landcare Australia and OneSteel Waratah has resulted in the protection and preservation of some rare trees in West Gippsland. Earlier this year the Westernport Catchment Landcare Network (WPCLN) was awarded a grant of $2200 through the Waratah Fencing Grants program.
LOCATION: VIC
Reducing the Environmental Impacts of Bank Statements
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising
LOCATION: Australia-wide
SPONSOR: Westpac
Westpac is the first of the major Australian banks to give Internet banking customers the option to stop receiving paper statements and help the environment, with funds going to a landcare farming project in NSW.
LOCATION: Australia-wide
SPONSOR: Westpac
Regenerating native pastures
ISSUES: Weed management
LOCATION: Liverpool Plains, NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Gunnedah, Australias koala capital, is located in the Liverpool Plains district on the north-west slopes of NSW. Its one of Australias most fertile and productive areas due to its heavy alluvial soils, producing cotton, wheat, beef, sunflowers, maize, soybeans, sheep meat and wool.
LOCATION: Liverpool Plains, NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Regent Honeyeater Project
Established in 1996, the project has engaged a whole farming community - throughout the Lurg District, east of Benalla in North-East Victoria - to restore remnant box-ironbark habitat for the various endangered species still living in the district, and has fostered ongoing support from the broader community to assist farmers with the on-ground works.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Revegetation, Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Lurg District, Victoria
SPONSOR: Pricewaterhouse Coopers
The Regent Honeyeater Project has established itself as one of the most active volunteer conservation projects in the nation.LOCATION: Lurg District, Victoria
SPONSOR: Pricewaterhouse Coopers
Established in 1996, the project has engaged a whole farming community - throughout the Lurg District, east of Benalla in North-East Victoria - to restore remnant box-ironbark habitat for the various endangered species still living in the district, and has fostered ongoing support from the broader community to assist farmers with the on-ground works.
Regent Honeyeater Project Helps Heal Damaged Land
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Revegetation, Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Benalla, North East Victoria
Never mind the Orange Bellied Parrot, the Regent Honeyeater is in desperate need of saving, with just three key habitats left in Victoria. But thanks to the quiet workings of a dedicated Landcare group near Benalla in North East Victoria, help is on the way.
LOCATION: Benalla, North East Victoria
Rehabilitating a Sheep-grazing Farm
ISSUES: Revegetation
LOCATION: Yass, New South Wales
SPONSOR: Westpac
A team of Westpac volunteers has planted 1500 trees to begin a land restoration and education project at a property near Yass in southern NSW.
LOCATION: Yass, New South Wales
SPONSOR: Westpac
Rejuvenating a Local Park
ISSUES: Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Ashmore, Queensland
SPONSOR: Westpac
A barren local park in Ashmore, Queensland has been transformed into an oasis of flora and fauna, thanks to the dedication of local Westpac employees over several years.
LOCATION: Ashmore, Queensland
SPONSOR: Westpac
Restoring Connections
LOCATION: WA
Restoring Connections is a community driven project working with Noongar communities across the South Coast to identify, protect and restore cultural places at risk of degradation.
Restructuring dairy operations
ISSUES: Pasture and crop management
LOCATION: Bega, NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Bega Cheese is the largest employer in the south coast region and the dairy industry is one of the most important industries in the area. However, five years of drought have severely affected the performance and viability of local dairy farms, with a resulting 14% drop in productivity across the region.
LOCATION: Bega, NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Revitalised Riparian Zone Cape Jervis
ISSUES: Revegetation, Soil acidity
LOCATION: SA
A 2004 South Australia Rivercare Award Finalist, Second Valley to Cape Jervis Land Management Group, has worked very closely with two property owners to halt the degeneration of a shared creek, improve its water quality and enhance the biodiversity of the area.
LOCATION: SA
Richmond Landcare Incorporated
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Community development
LOCATION: Richmond, River Catchment NSW
Richmond Landcare Incorporated is a Landcare Umbrella group comprised of eight committee members whose major role is providing information and advice to 44 Landcare groups. Groups carry out works across a diverse range of environmental issues. In fact, so varied are the issues groups deal with it is easier just to name the only one that doesn’t afflict their district – salinity.
LOCATION: Richmond, River Catchment NSW
Riverglades Wetland Complex
ISSUES: Biodiversity
LOCATION: Murray Bridge South Australia
Riverglades is being transformed from a degraded area into a functioning and healthy wetland with improved water quality and biodiversity.
LOCATION: Murray Bridge South Australia
Rob and Jenny Warburton
LOCATION: WA
Rob and Jenny own the property Korellup, which is a 3000 hectare grain and sheep farm. The Warburtons have a vision for everlasting agriculture and have committed their property to sustainable and economically viable agricultural practices. They employ innovative natural resource management practices in all farming activities.
Robert and Caroline Rex [WA]
Wagin mixed farmers Robert and Caroline Rex were concerned at the increasing reliance of mixed farmers on artificial chemicals in broadacre sheep and cropping enterprises. They analysed limiting factors to production from a holistic viewpoint and focused on boosting water, carbon and mineral cycles instead of applying synthetic chemicals. Through fencing their farm into land management units, establishing perennial vegetation, introducing rotational grazing, managing surface water and working with neighbours to promote biodiversity, the Rexs have developed a robust, healthy farm system. Their trial work has been pioneering and has established them as highly respected, visionary commercial farmers who use a truly triple-bottom-line decision making process.
Roger Neild, award winner
Roger Neild and his family were among the first landholders in Australia to be actively involved in landcare. Since the 1970s, Roger has been implementing landcare farming techniques on his 2840 hectare property in the Cleve District on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, an area susceptible to water erosion, soil acidity, salinity and sodicity.
This award is made to a person who carries out and/or promotes landcare through on ground or awareness activities, as a volunteer.
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Soil acidity, Soil erosion by water, Wind erosion
LOCATION: Cleve, South Australia
The 2004 National Landcare Individual Award winner was Roger Neild from South Australia.LOCATION: Cleve, South Australia
Roger Neild and his family were among the first landholders in Australia to be actively involved in landcare. Since the 1970s, Roger has been implementing landcare farming techniques on his 2840 hectare property in the Cleve District on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, an area susceptible to water erosion, soil acidity, salinity and sodicity.
This award is made to a person who carries out and/or promotes landcare through on ground or awareness activities, as a volunteer.
Roper River Landcare Group Inc [NT]
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: NT
Infestations of the weed parkinsonia provided the impetus for the formation of the Roper River Landcare Group Inc in the early 1990s. But the group quickly realised it needed a strategic approach to controlling weeds in such a challenging environment. It brought scattered attempts at planning together under the umbrella of the Roper River Catchment Natural Resource Management Plan and the Regional Weed Management Strategy and Action Plan For 2005-2010. Under the guidance of these plans, group members and Aboriginal rangers are successfully tackling weeds over a massive area and passing on their skills to the broader community.
LOCATION: NT
Rosny/Montagu Bay Land and Coastcare Group
LOCATION: TAS
The Rosny/Montagu Bay Land and Coastcare Group looks after a prominent stretch of coast and bushland on Hobart's eastern shore, between the Tasman Bridge and Bellerive. The group formed in 1993 and, having sustained a membership for over 16 years, has reached a vast number of people, creating and spreading awareness and understanding of environmental issues.
Rowena Danks - Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association
LOCATION: SA
The Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association Inc (MM LAP)has worked closely with three local landholder groups to coordinate fox baiting and rabbit control over and area exceeding 100,000 ha. Such landscape-scale programs have enormous benefits to both agricultural production and to the natural environment.
Russel Thomson [WA]
LOCATION: WA
Over the past 35 years, Russel Thomson has taken the lead in finding solutions to natural resource management problems. His farm trial plots now show a decade of results that are helping inspire other farmers in practices such as raised bed farming. Russel was involved in the formation of the Blackwood Basin Group, which revolutionised community landcare from fragmented land conservation district committees working in isolation from each other to a strong information network bringing technical, administrative and financial resources much closer to the community. As the local government representative for the Upper Blackwood Basin, he is responsible for the strong collaboration between community landcare groups and local government authorities.
Russell Shaw
Russell Shaw has developed an innovative piece of landcare technology. It is an interactive Native Grass Identification tool (CD) for land managers describing the native grasses of northern Australia.
ISSUES: Revegetation
LOCATION: NT
A 2004 Northern Territory Research Award Finalist, LOCATION: NT
Russell Shaw has developed an innovative piece of landcare technology. It is an interactive Native Grass Identification tool (CD) for land managers describing the native grasses of northern Australia.
Sandalwood may save the day
ISSUES: Drought management, Pasture and crop management, Stock management
LOCATION: Trayning Shire, 240 kilometres west of Perth
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Trayning Shire, 240 kilometres west of Perth in the Western Australia wheat belt, had an ugly problem. Highlighting the district’s three-year lack of rain, wind erosion and salinity, a large block of land adjoining the town had been badly degraded. The 4.5-hectare site was barren, wind blown and infested with weeds. It was a microcosm of problems being faced by the region’s sheep and wheat farmers.
LOCATION: Trayning Shire, 240 kilometres west of Perth
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Sandy and Sue Campbell
Rabbits and soil erosion were identified as the two biggest challenges to the farm’s sustainability and productivity. The Campbells showed great foresight when they put together their first farm plan in 1967 to combat these threats.
ISSUES: Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Revegetation, Wind erosion
LOCATION: North East Victoria
2004 Victoria Landcare Primary Producer Award Finalists, Sandy and Sue Campbell have owned and operated “Cooloongatta”, a 704 hectare grazing property in north eastern Victoria’s hill country, since 1966. LOCATION: North East Victoria
Rabbits and soil erosion were identified as the two biggest challenges to the farm’s sustainability and productivity. The Campbells showed great foresight when they put together their first farm plan in 1967 to combat these threats.
Sarina Landcare
All this attention has had a price, as dune areas have suffered from overuse and environmental neglect, threatening the very beaches that are so famous and bring prosperity to the area.The Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association (SLCMA) in partnership with Sarina Shire Council and the local communities, identified that something had to be done and began a monitoring program for each of the beaches- learning in the process that the coastal dunes were important habitats for marine turtles and birds. The effort has produced management guidelines which ensure the revegetation and protection of these sensitive areas and engaged people from across the beach communities, encouraging pride and responsibility in the ongoing protection of their coastal environment.
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation
LOCATION: QLD
The Mackay-Whitsunday region of Queensland, is the holiday capital of Australia, with its white sand beaches, beautiful blue ocean and warm weather.LOCATION: QLD
All this attention has had a price, as dune areas have suffered from overuse and environmental neglect, threatening the very beaches that are so famous and bring prosperity to the area.The Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association (SLCMA) in partnership with Sarina Shire Council and the local communities, identified that something had to be done and began a monitoring program for each of the beaches- learning in the process that the coastal dunes were important habitats for marine turtles and birds. The effort has produced management guidelines which ensure the revegetation and protection of these sensitive areas and engaged people from across the beach communities, encouraging pride and responsibility in the ongoing protection of their coastal environment.
Saving land – and towns – from salt
Wagin/Woodanilling Landcare Zone, WA
More than one third of the landscape in the Wagin/Woodanilling Landcare Zone (WWLZ) in Western Australia is highly susceptible to dryland salinity and waterlogging – posing a huge threat to biodiversity and agriculture. With only nine per cent of the original native vegetation remaining, Landcare members in the district face an enormous challenge. And it’s not only agriculture that’s at risk – the WWLZ has also been called upon to help tackle salinity in towns and villages through pilot projects with Wagin and Woodanilling Shires.
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging
LOCATION: Wagin/Woodanilling Landcare Zone, WA
2006 Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award WinnersLOCATION: Wagin/Woodanilling Landcare Zone, WA
Wagin/Woodanilling Landcare Zone, WA
More than one third of the landscape in the Wagin/Woodanilling Landcare Zone (WWLZ) in Western Australia is highly susceptible to dryland salinity and waterlogging – posing a huge threat to biodiversity and agriculture. With only nine per cent of the original native vegetation remaining, Landcare members in the district face an enormous challenge. And it’s not only agriculture that’s at risk – the WWLZ has also been called upon to help tackle salinity in towns and villages through pilot projects with Wagin and Woodanilling Shires.
Scarps
ISSUES: Remnant vegetation, Revegetation, Weed management, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Keilor, Sunbury and Bulla
SPONSORS: Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Sony
The escarpments of the upper reaches of the Maribymong River Catchment, north-west of Melbourne, is home to a major, ongoing rehabilitation effort - "SCARPS". The SCARPS project covers 1800 hectares of public land between Sunbury and Keilor along Deep, Emu and Jackson's Creeks.
LOCATION: Keilor, Sunbury and Bulla
SPONSORS: Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Sony
Scenic flight shows the benefits of 200,000 native plants and new farming practices
Scott and Joy Angwin, SA
ISSUES: Revegetation
2006 Rural Press Primary Producer Award Finalists Scott and Joy Angwin, SA
School Greenfleet Program
A plant propagation programme — using only locally collected indigenous seeds — has resulted in more than 10,000 plants grown and planted locally over two years.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Coastal land degradation, Revegetation, Urban land degradation
LOCATION: Newcastle, NSW
2004 New South Wales Landcare Education Award Finalist, Holy Family School, Newcastle is located 200 metres from Newcastle’s premier beach. The school first became involved in the landcare movement in 2000 after planting a new garden as part of the Olympic Landcare Programme.LOCATION: Newcastle, NSW
A plant propagation programme — using only locally collected indigenous seeds — has resulted in more than 10,000 plants grown and planted locally over two years.
Seaweed Farm Possibility in Donald
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging
LOCATION: Donald, Victoria
Twenty years ago, you might have been a laughing stock if you suggested that North Central Victoria could be a good place to farm seaweed, but today that’s exactly what a group of farmers is attempting to do, and so far they’ve had some promising results.
LOCATION: Donald, Victoria
Seedling for a Weedling
Farrer Ridge, Cooleman Ridge and Mt Taylor Park Care Groups were devastated by bushfires in 2003, which badly damaged 14 years of hard earned landcare successes. Following the fires, the groups put in place long term strategies for flora regeneration and fauna recovery, based on data they had collected on forest growth and regeneration in the Parks.
ISSUES: Community development, Revegetation, Threatened species, Weed management
LOCATION: ACT
The 2004 ACT Landcare Community Group Award Finalist was a combined entry from Farrer Ridge Park Care Group, Cooleman Ridge Park Care Group and Mt Taylor Park Care Group.LOCATION: ACT
Farrer Ridge, Cooleman Ridge and Mt Taylor Park Care Groups were devastated by bushfires in 2003, which badly damaged 14 years of hard earned landcare successes. Following the fires, the groups put in place long term strategies for flora regeneration and fauna recovery, based on data they had collected on forest growth and regeneration in the Parks.
Sheep's playground pays off
ISSUES: Drought management, Pasture and crop management, Stock management, Weed management
LOCATION: Tasmania’s Westbury district
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Sheep farmers and farmstay operators John and Wendy Gee produce wool and meat in Tasmania’s Westbury district, as well as delighting their interstate and international visitors with down to earth farm holidays. But declining rainfall in recent years has been threatening the precious pasture they have worked so long to establish. The Gees decided to use their Woolworths Sustainable Farming grant to protect their pastures by building drought feedlot areas where sheep could be hand fed during dry times, as well as extending their stock watering system to protect the local creek.
LOCATION: Tasmania’s Westbury district
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Shelter belts lead to increased productivity
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Remnant vegetation, Revegetation, Stock management
LOCATION: Tarraville, West Gippsland
Twenty years after joining his local Landcare group in order to learn more about planting trees to encourage more birds to return to his property, Neil Collins is now enjoying the benefits of a more productive and aesthetically pleasing farm.
LOCATION: Tarraville, West Gippsland
Six steps to better farming practices
Andrew Colvin, TAS
Nine years ago Andrew and Edwina Colvin’s property ‘Nosswick’ was a dryland sheep grazing venture of only tenuous viability. Trees were in decline across the 738 hectares, and streambanks were badly eroded. Bushland areas were unmanaged, and stock was given unrestricted access to grazing in remnant areas. Carrying capacity was just three to five dry sheep equivalents per hectare.
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Revegetation, Soil health
LOCATION: Upper Brumbys, TAS
SPONSOR: Rural Press
2006 Rural Press Landcare Primary Producer Award FinalistsLOCATION: Upper Brumbys, TAS
SPONSOR: Rural Press
Andrew Colvin, TAS
Nine years ago Andrew and Edwina Colvin’s property ‘Nosswick’ was a dryland sheep grazing venture of only tenuous viability. Trees were in decline across the 738 hectares, and streambanks were badly eroded. Bushland areas were unmanaged, and stock was given unrestricted access to grazing in remnant areas. Carrying capacity was just three to five dry sheep equivalents per hectare.
Small budget, large area and lots of threatened species
Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve, SA
With an operating budget of less than $50,000 per year, an area of land 54,000 hectares in size to manage, and 18 nationally threatened species of birds to protect (not to mention reptiles and bats), the management committee of Gluepot Reserve has had a major challenge on its hands for the past nine years.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Building community involvement/skills, Remnant vegetation
LOCATION: Riverland region, South Australia
2006 Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award FinalistsLOCATION: Riverland region, South Australia
Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve, SA
With an operating budget of less than $50,000 per year, an area of land 54,000 hectares in size to manage, and 18 nationally threatened species of birds to protect (not to mention reptiles and bats), the management committee of Gluepot Reserve has had a major challenge on its hands for the past nine years.
Sony Enviro-Challenge (2004)
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Education/awareness raising, Revegetation, Streambank erosion
LOCATION: Hawkesbury-Nepean, NSW
SPONSOR: Sony
Around 300 Sony eco-warriors converged on Western Sydney’s Hawkesbury Nepean in one of the largest environmental undertakings the area has seen.
LOCATION: Hawkesbury-Nepean, NSW
SPONSOR: Sony
Sony Enviro-Challenge (2005)
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Education/awareness raising, Revegetation, Streambank erosion
LOCATION: Hawkesbury-Nepean, NSW
SPONSOR: Sony
Hundreds of eco-warriors worked to reduce their ecological footprint on August 28, at the Fourth Sony Landcare Enviro-Challenge. Dedicated Sony staff, accompanied by family and friends, returned to Sydney University’s Cobbitty Farms to help repair the banks of the Hawkesbury-Nepean.
LOCATION: Hawkesbury-Nepean, NSW
SPONSOR: Sony
Sorell School’s Community Education Programme
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Revegetation
LOCATION: Tasmania
For many years, Sorell School students have been involved in an enormous amount of Landcare, Coastcare and school based environmental projects. Through these initiatives, the students are getting a grounded, real life experience where they develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.LOCATION: Tasmania
South Beach Negotiating Panel and Forum
Finalist 2004 NSW Landcare Awards Indigenous Landcare Award category
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Community development, Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: Nambucca Heads, NSW
SPONSOR: Club Marine
Funded by: Club Marine Coastcare PartnerLOCATION: Nambucca Heads, NSW
SPONSOR: Club Marine
Finalist 2004 NSW Landcare Awards Indigenous Landcare Award category
South Beach Negotiating Panel/Forum
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Community development, Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: Nambucca Heads, NSW
The Indigenous community of the Nambucca area has been working on a long term Landcare/Coastcare programme involving planning, on-ground works and co-operative projects.
LOCATION: Nambucca Heads, NSW
South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc. [WA]
LOCATION: WA
The South Coast NRM region of Western Australia covers more than six million hectares of diverse landscapes. The regional body South Coast NRM Inc has built strong partnerships with other stakeholders and its regional NRM plan is the only one in the state to have been approved for a three-year term. Through strong agency involvement, technical expertise and robust community engagement, the plan has secured more than $55 million for on-ground NRM investment, with over $50 million of additional in-kind contributions. To ensure the strategy and its priorities stay relevant to the community and stakeholders, South Coast NRM held a series of community update meetings in August 2007. More than 150 people gave feedback on the emerging issues for the region over the next decade.
South Para Biodiversity Project
ISSUES: Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Remnant vegetation, Revegetation
LOCATION: SA
The major achievement of the South Para Biodiversity Project Steering Committee was to secure the co-operation of both public and private landholders in a bold plan to conserve biodiversity across a region with the largest linked areas of remnant vegetation in South Australia’s Mount Lofty Ranges. South Para Biodiversity Project was the 2004 South Australia Landcare Community Group Award Finalist.LOCATION: SA
Southern Coastcare Association of Tasmania
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Coastal land degradation
LOCATION: TAS
In southern Tasmania, a group of motivated and committed volunteers decided to bridge the gap between Coastcare groups, government agencies and environmental organisations by bringing all key stakeholders together to deliver coastal management outcomes. In 2003 they established Southern Coastcare Association of Tasmania (SCAT) providing leadership and support to individual Coastcare groups, links with all key environment stakeholders and making funding applications on behalf of smaller organisations.
LOCATION: TAS
Southern Midlands Council [TAS]
LOCATION: TAS
A long time leader in landcare initiatives, the Southern Midlands Council was one of the first rural councils in Tasmania to employ a dedicated landcare officer, funded directly by the ratepayers. Having run for more than 10 years, the landcare unit is fully integrated into the councils operations and is recognised in its strategic plan. Because the Southern Midlands covers a small community, council officers benefit from working directly with landholders developing long-standing relationships over the past decade. These key relationships directly benefit the local environment through better knowledge on ground and so land stewardship. This has been a key factor in making it easier for landholders to find sustainable outcomes in relation to their own natural resource management issues.
Southern New England Landcare [NSW]
LOCATION: NSW
Since forming in 1994, Southern New England Landcare has gradually developed three key plans to guide its natural resource management work: a Regional Landcare Action Plan, a Strategic Plan, and an Implementation Plan.
Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority
LOCATION: NSW
The Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA) has and is making an exemplary effort to achieve and maintain community engagement in NRM, especially through Landcare Groups and their members. Its Catchment Action Plan contains strategies to achieve a high level of engagement with Landcare and Coastcare community groups and networks in implementing the Plan. SRCMA provides very real technical and financial support to capacity building in the community and the building of community partnerships.
Stirling Natural Environment Coastcare (SNEC)
Finalist National Landcare Awards Australian Government Coastcare Award
LOCATION: Perth, Western Australia
Winner West Australian Landcare Awards Australian Government Coastcare AwardFinalist National Landcare Awards Australian Government Coastcare Award
Strategic Planning for Canberra Nature Conservation
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Revegetation
LOCATION: Canberra
A 2004 ACT Landcare Nature Conservation Award Finalist, Friends of Grasslands (FOG), was founded in 1994 to attempt to recover the natural temperate grasslands of the southern tablelands of NSW and the ACT, a threatened ecological community. It then expanded its focus to encompass all grassy ecosystems.
LOCATION: Canberra
Strategy for Aboriginal Managed Lands in South Australia
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: SA
A partnership was formed in 1994 between State and Commonwealth governments to develop the Strategy for Aboriginal Managed Lands in South Australia (SAMLISA), a framework that allowed indigenous groups throughout the state to apply for landcare funding and conduct landcare works.
LOCATION: SA
Students Reclaim Weed-infested Land
ISSUES: Community development, Revegetation, Weed management
LOCATION: South East of Katherine, NT
A 2004 Northern Territory Landcare Education Award Finalist, Mataranka Primary School has reclaimed a previously vacant, weed-infested area of land.
LOCATION: South East of Katherine, NT
Sub-catchment plans ACT
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: ACT
In early 2000, Environment ACT released a framework for the future management of natural resources in the ACT, developed in consultation with a range of community and government organisations. LOCATION: ACT
SUE AND SEAN DELANEY: Sinclair''s Gully
LOCATION: SA
Sue and Sean established Sinclair''s Gully 12 years ago when they discovered and purchased their 26 acre property at Norton Summit in the Adelaide Hills, just 20 minutes from the Adelaide CBD. Sinclair''s Gully is a small family run vineyard and eco-cellar door, employing owners, Sue and Sean Delaney in a full time capacity. Sustainable practices are the foundation of their business, from the conservation of its fragile bush land, the sustainably managed biodynamic vineyard, its zero waste 100% recycling program and the 100% on site collection of water and reuse of waste water on the property.
Sue Reynolds Year 5 class, Grange Primary School
LOCATION: SA
Grange Primary School students take action to increase community awareness of impacts of stormwater on Adelaide''s coast line
Sustainability stretching over 55,000 years
Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, WA
When the Wardandi people, traditional owners of the Margaret River region in Western Australia, took over the 16 hectare site that has now become the Wardan Aboriginal Culture Centre, it was bordered by farmland on two sides and had been neglected, with cattle from nearby properties escaping on to it. The Wardandi have a strong spiritual connection with the land, the sea and the many spectacular caves in the area, which they believe are the passageways to the afterlife. The bushland block, not far from the coast and caves, was home to jarrah, sheoak and banksia trees and an assortment of plants that were important to Aboriginal people. It was an ideal site to develop not only a focal meeting place for the local indigenous community, but to a place where indigenous and non-indigenous people could come together.
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising, Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: Margaret River, WA
2006 Alcan Landcare Indigenous Award FinalistsLOCATION: Margaret River, WA
Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, WA
When the Wardandi people, traditional owners of the Margaret River region in Western Australia, took over the 16 hectare site that has now become the Wardan Aboriginal Culture Centre, it was bordered by farmland on two sides and had been neglected, with cattle from nearby properties escaping on to it. The Wardandi have a strong spiritual connection with the land, the sea and the many spectacular caves in the area, which they believe are the passageways to the afterlife. The bushland block, not far from the coast and caves, was home to jarrah, sheoak and banksia trees and an assortment of plants that were important to Aboriginal people. It was an ideal site to develop not only a focal meeting place for the local indigenous community, but to a place where indigenous and non-indigenous people could come together.
Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care Society
The organisation was named Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care Society to highlight the importance of protecting our oceans and creating projects and information to help the community keep their local coastline clean and healthy.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Building community involvement/skills, Coastal land degradation, Community development
LOCATION: QLD
Tangaroa is the Maori and Polynesian God and Guardian of the Sea and all that lives in his depths, including mermaids, where humanity is said to have come from. LOCATION: QLD
The organisation was named Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care Society to highlight the importance of protecting our oceans and creating projects and information to help the community keep their local coastline clean and healthy.
Tarcutta Creek Rivercare Plan
ISSUES: Soil erosion by water, Streambank erosion
LOCATION: South West Slopes, NSW
In a 24 month period, the Tarcutta Creek Rivercare Plan project has involved more than 100 landholders (40% of the farming community), protected 107km of stream and flow lines, planted 87,000 trees and shrubs and put in more than 126km of fencing.
LOCATION: South West Slopes, NSW
Tarcutta Turning Back the Salinity Tide
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging
LOCATION: Tarcutta, NSW
When it comes to putting the brakes on Australia’s environmental degradation, two of the highest priorities are salinity and water quality. Costing Australia $305million per year in the Murray-Darling Basin alone, salinity can cause loss of native vegetation, facilitate gully erosion, reduce water quality, and damage important infrastructure.
LOCATION: Tarcutta, NSW
Tasmanian River Rehabilitation Works
ISSUES: Community development, Remnant vegetation
LOCATION: Tasmania
With a strategy in place and strong community support, in five years the Tamar Region Natural Resource Management Strategy Reference Group has attracted over $4 million worth of funding for work in the Tamar River Valley.
LOCATION: Tasmania
Teaching young minds about Landcare – and weeds
Bruce Garnett, NT
Gamba grass is a significant weed in the Territory. It was introduced in the 1930s as cattle feed, but its limited pastoral use has been greatly outweighed by its negative environmental impacts. It grows more quickly and thickly than native grasses and burns at a different time and with greater intensity, leading to a higher risk of wildfires.
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Education/awareness raising, Weed management
LOCATION: Coomalie, NT
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
2006 NLP Individual Landcarer Award FinalistLOCATION: Coomalie, NT
SPONSORS: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Bruce Garnett, NT
Gamba grass is a significant weed in the Territory. It was introduced in the 1930s as cattle feed, but its limited pastoral use has been greatly outweighed by its negative environmental impacts. It grows more quickly and thickly than native grasses and burns at a different time and with greater intensity, leading to a higher risk of wildfires.
Terrain NRM [QLD]
LOCATION: QLD
Mopping up after a natural disaster is never easy, but to turn the devastation into an opportunity is the mark of quick and forward thinking. After Cyclone Larry hit Far North Queensland in 2006 the resourceful and resilient Terrain NRM (formerly Far North Queensland NRM) not only expertly managed the crisis from an environmental perspective, but used the event to develop an innovative plan for environment recovery in the wake of future cyclones and disasters. Building on strong partnerships with community the improved strategy works cohesively with the regions economic and social recovery plans and has become a role model that will hopefully be adopted by other regions that currently give low priority to natural resource management in disaster planning.
The Green Corp Team
ISSUES: Community development
LOCATION: Tasmania
Public roads cross our landscape, and the Tasmanian Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER), as custodian of roadside reserves, has shown commitment to protecting roadside vegetation and minimising damage to these areas. The DIER has dubbed these areas “living maps” and has implemented many strategies to protect native flora and fauna in these areas.
LOCATION: Tasmania
The Marine Team
Coastcarers are young and old, students and teachers who are share a common concern for the health and welfare of our coastal and marine ecosystems. There could be no better audience for the lessons taught through Coastcare projects than the supple and eager minds of children, our Coastcarers of tomorrow.
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Education/awareness raising, Water quality
LOCATION: Yorke Peninsula, SA
Winner 2004 National Landcare Awards 'Westpac Education Award'LOCATION: Yorke Peninsula, SA
Coastcarers are young and old, students and teachers who are share a common concern for the health and welfare of our coastal and marine ecosystems. There could be no better audience for the lessons taught through Coastcare projects than the supple and eager minds of children, our Coastcarers of tomorrow.
The world's first no-emission commercial crop
Michael’s ‘engaging nature’ plan is a major effort to build true sustainability for his wool and cropping enterprise over the next five years. He used a grant from the Woolworths Sustainable Farming Program to help spread the word about his work.
ISSUES: Pasture and crop management, Urban land degradation
LOCATION: ‘Toulon’ near Bathurst in the Central West region of NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
The first thing most people notice about Michael Inwood’s new farming practices at ‘Toulon’ near Bathurst in the Central West region of NSW, is his car. The four-wheel drive Mitsubishi Triton ute is emblazoned with signs proclaiming how it runs on power from the sun. Michael uses it as an attention-getter at field days and farming events. Once people come to have a look, then he tells them about his project to engage nature in all aspects of his farm production including cropping, grazing, pumping water, preserving natural vegetation, preventing erosion through building rock structures and reducing the farm’s greenhouse gas emissions.LOCATION: ‘Toulon’ near Bathurst in the Central West region of NSW
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Michael’s ‘engaging nature’ plan is a major effort to build true sustainability for his wool and cropping enterprise over the next five years. He used a grant from the Woolworths Sustainable Farming Program to help spread the word about his work.
Tibooburra Arid Zone Community Revegetation Project
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Community development
LOCATION: Tibooburra, NSW
Regenerating land within the town of Tibooburra has also successfully increased awareness about environmental issues such as biodiversity.
LOCATION: Tibooburra, NSW
Tiwi Islands Coastcare
ISSUES: Coastal land degradation, Indigenous heritage
LOCATION: Tiwi Islands, NT
The Tiwi Land Council (TLC) holds the authority for land and coastal management on the Tiwi Islands (including Melville Island) according to the wishes of the traditional Tiwi owners. The Council's three key initiatives have been to stabilise coastal erosion, control invasive weeds and employ Marine Rangers to manage the area.
LOCATION: Tiwi Islands, NT
Tjuwanpa Ranger Group
The Tjuwanpa Ranger program operates 130km west of Alice Springs in central Australia on the traditional lands of the Western Aranda people. Twenty indigenous men from Ntaria (Hermannsburg) and affiliated outstations are actively dealing with contemporary land management issues such as weeds, feral animals, threatened species, and fire management.
Tom and Sue Shephard [QLD]
LOCATION: QLD
As a boy, Tom Shephard would often see striking golden-shouldered parrots while he was mustering cattle on his familys property. By the time he was 15 the birds were being illegally trapped in the wild and by the 1970s, the Shephard family property was one of the few places they could still be found. Tom and Sue Shephard have dedicated themselves to protecting the parrots by changing their land management and burning practices and by bringing about a cultural shift on the Cape York Peninsula among other land managers.
Toshiba supports Natural Sequence Farming Workshop
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Building community involvement/skills, Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Education/awareness raising, Groundwater management, Irrigation salinity and waterlogging, Soil erosion by water, Streambank erosion
SPONSOR: Toshiba
SPONSOR: Toshiba
Traditional Knowledge Recording Project - Desert Channels Queensland
LOCATION: QLD
Traditional Knowledge Recording Project is a project that is used to recognise and strengthen understanding of traditional knowledge and management practices, and its linkage to mainstream natural resource management (NRM).
Transforming a clearfelled salt land into productive saline pasture
Wolford and Marie Parsons, SA
Wolford and Marie Parsons’ property ‘The Springs’ was a casualty of the clear-felling practices of the middle of last century. In just 20 years, between the late forties and the late sixties, the 630 hectare property was brutally cleared, with hardly a tree left standing. Marie stepped in and saved the last 28 hectares of scrub and lagoons. But as they were to find out later, the damage was done.
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Pasture and crop management, Soil health
LOCATION: SA
2006 Rural Press Landcare Primary Producer Award Winner, and Individual Landcarer Award FinalistLOCATION: SA
Wolford and Marie Parsons, SA
Wolford and Marie Parsons’ property ‘The Springs’ was a casualty of the clear-felling practices of the middle of last century. In just 20 years, between the late forties and the late sixties, the 630 hectare property was brutally cleared, with hardly a tree left standing. Marie stepped in and saved the last 28 hectares of scrub and lagoons. But as they were to find out later, the damage was done.
Trialling new fodder shrubs for sheep
Rob applied for a Woolworths Sustainable Farming Grant to trial the native rhagodia plant as a solution to both problems.
ISSUES: Drought management, Pasture and crop management, Stock management
LOCATION: Newcourt Farm at Bencubbin, about 300 kilometres from Perth in the north-eastern wheat belt of Weste
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
When sheep farmer Rob Grylls experienced yet another drought in 2007, he knew he had to take steps to protect both his land and his sheep. His sheep and wheat property Newcourt Farm at Bencubbin, about 300 kilometres from Perth in the north-eastern wheat belt of Western Australia, was suffering from bare soil and wind erosion. His sheep had little to eat during extended dry periods.LOCATION: Newcourt Farm at Bencubbin, about 300 kilometres from Perth in the north-eastern wheat belt of Weste
SPONSOR: Woolworths Ltd
Rob applied for a Woolworths Sustainable Farming Grant to trial the native rhagodia plant as a solution to both problems.
Upper Derwent Valley Collaborative Project
ISSUES: Dryland salinity and waterlogging, Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Remnant vegetation, Revegetation, Streambank erosion
LOCATION: Hamilton, Tasmania
The Upper Derwent Landcare Group was formed in June 1993, based in Hamilton and covering a large area of central Tasmania. With around 30,000 hectares of open dryland grazing country interspersed with remnant bush and waterways, issues in this region include tree decline and dieback, soil erosion, weeds, pest animals, salinity and poor water quality. The Upper Derwent Valley Landcare Group was a 2004 Tasmania Landcare Community Group Award Finalist.
LOCATION: Hamilton, Tasmania
Upper Torrens Land Management Project [SA]
The Upper Torrens Land Management Project (UTLMP) is tackling severe degradation over 20 000 hectares at the headwaters of the Torrens Catchment. It has provided facilitation, financial and technical support to more than 150 landholders in the catchment since 1999. The UTLMP''s whole-of-landscape approach has seen landholders working on through the small details and up to the big picture, with satellite photographs showing how the two interrelate. School children, corporations and community volunteers have joined the cause and recently a delegation from China visited to see what the project had achieved.
Uriarra Station
ISSUES: Weed management
LOCATION: Canberra, ACT
Helen and Dr Tony Griffin purchased “Uriarra Station” in 1998. The property, located west of Canberra, is a mixed grazing enterprise that had been almost totally cleared, planted with exotic pasture species, heavily fertilised and was overgrown with weeds. On top of all that, three kilometres of waterway along Tarpaulin Creek had fallen into disrepair due to its proximity to a nearby forestry settlement.
LOCATION: Canberra, ACT
Utilising Aboriginal Knowledge in Western Plant Conservation
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage, Threatened species
LOCATION: Walgett, NSW
The Northern Floodplains Regional Planning Committee brought Aboriginal elders in western NSW together in 2000 to map Aboriginal plant values.
LOCATION: Walgett, NSW
Victoria Plains Shire
ISSUES: Community development, Dryland salinity and waterlogging
LOCATION: WA
A 2004 Western Australia landcare Local Government Award Finalist, the Shire of Victoria Plains is located 160km north of Perth and takes in the towns of New Norcia, Calingiri and Piawaning. The region has significant problems with waterlogging and salinity, which has led to the development and implementation of the Piawaning Town Salinity Strategy.
LOCATION: WA
WA Catchment Cleanup
LOCATION: Busselton, WA
A 2004 Western Australia Rivercare Award Finalist, Geographe Catchment Council initiated a clean up programme that became a classic example of a successful partnership approach to addressing water quality problems and improving the ecological and social values of a river.
WA Regional Environment Centre
ISSUES: Non-indigenous heritage
LOCATION: WA
Naragebup Rockingham Regional Environment Centre is the first purpose-built environment centre in Western Australia. It acts as a community resource, education and information centre and has become a focal point for the environmentally aware community. Naragebup Rockingham Regional Environment Centre was a 2004 Western Australia Landcare Community Group Award Finalist.
LOCATION: WA
Wallatin Wildlife and Landcare [WA]
LOCATION: WA
Wallatin Wildlife and Landcare Inc (WWL) originally formed to tackle loss of biodiversity, declining water quality, salinity, waterlogging and soil productivity decline. These problems were similar to those being tackled by other groups - however, the WWL focused on partnerships for scientific research as well as land conservation works. More than 80 scientific papers have been published from the group''s collaborations with scientists and WWL sets its own research priorities and forms partnerships or seeks funding to address them. The group''s 25 members have achieved major outcomes on the ground, such as nature conservation plantings, surface water management and self sufficiency, agroforestry, salinity risk management, engineering solutions and perennial plantings, as well as contributing to new knowledge and land management practices.
Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Group
Finalist National Landcare Awards Australian Government Coastcare Award 2010
The South West Maremma Dog Project is located at two separate locations and is protecting two different species. The Middle Island section of the Project is located in the heart of Warrnambools tourist precinct, open to coastal biodiversity corridors to the east and west, and situated at the Merri River estuary.
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Building community involvement/skills, Community development, Education/awareness raising, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Warrnambool, Victoria
Winner Victorian Landcare Awards Australia Government Coastcare AwardLOCATION: Warrnambool, Victoria
Finalist National Landcare Awards Australian Government Coastcare Award 2010
The South West Maremma Dog Project is located at two separate locations and is protecting two different species. The Middle Island section of the Project is located in the heart of Warrnambools tourist precinct, open to coastal biodiversity corridors to the east and west, and situated at the Merri River estuary.
Wasps and weeds give way to water birds and the web
North Belconnen Landcare Group, ACT
When the North Belconnen Landcare Group (NBLG) formed in 1994 it was the first to work in the Ginninderra Creek catchment in Canberra’s northern suburbs. When the group started its rehabilitation work, members realised why! They faced a wall of hawthorn that was 20 metres high and 10 metres wide, completely hiding the creek and providing a home to the invasive European wasp.
ISSUES: Building community involvement/skills, Revegetation, Weed management, Youth
LOCATION: Ginninderra Creek, ACT
2006 Alcoa Landcare Community Group Award FinalistsLOCATION: Ginninderra Creek, ACT
North Belconnen Landcare Group, ACT
When the North Belconnen Landcare Group (NBLG) formed in 1994 it was the first to work in the Ginninderra Creek catchment in Canberra’s northern suburbs. When the group started its rehabilitation work, members realised why! They faced a wall of hawthorn that was 20 metres high and 10 metres wide, completely hiding the creek and providing a home to the invasive European wasp.
Wendy Andrew [TAS]
LOCATION: NT
When Wendy Andrew moved from Sydney to Tasmania for her retirement she became the driving force behind establishing the Tranmere and Clarence Plains Land and Coastcare group. Wendy has been responsible for planting more than 16 000 trees, protecting streams, restoring saltmarsh habitats and much more. But it is her work with people that is most impressive. She has developed consultative relationships with developers and council who now consult landcare before developments go ahead in the region. She has voluntarily worked on restoration projects four days a week for over six years. Wendy also educates school groups, youth groups and the broader community, inspiring people to become passionate about their natural environment.
Wesley and Margaret Seeliger
ISSUES: Revegetation
LOCATION: Barossa Ranges, SA
A 2004 South Australia Landcare Primary Producer Award Finalists, Wesley and Margaret Seeliger own and operate the dairy farm “Westdama” in South Australia’s Barossa Ranges. With nearly 40 years farming and property planning experience in the area, they have used guidelines set by the Soil Conservation and Water Catchment Boards to make best use of their land and soils.
LOCATION: Barossa Ranges, SA
West Gippsland CMA [VIC]
LOCATION: VIC
Landcare in the West Gippsland region of Victoria has a long and proud history and is nurtured by strong partnerships with West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA). This relationship has a solid foundation: the value of landcare is recognised across the WGCMA and is championed by its CEO. A key to the ongoing strength of this partnership is the quarterly regional landcare forum which provides direct dialogue between the CMA and the landcare community and an opportunity for collective planning, reflection and evaluation. The WGCMA has also demonstrated a commitment to employing support staff on behalf of the landcare networks, providing much-needed job security for the staff and vital support for landcare volunteers.
Western Port Seagrass Partnership
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Building community involvement/skills, Coastal land degradation, Community development, Dune erosion, Other, Revegetation, River corridor management
LOCATION: Western Port Seagrass Partnership
The Partnership consists of academics and business executives, mostly retired, passionately devoted to the welfare of Western Port. Mission Statement; "The environment of Western Port shall be protected and restored to a state that can sustain a healthy vibrant and naturally productive ecosystem for future generations". Since the Partnership''s inauguration in 2000 this mission has been vigorously actioned.
LOCATION: Western Port Seagrass Partnership
Wheatbelt NRM Inc
LOCATION: WA
Wheatbelt NRM Inc (formerly Avon Catchment Council (ACC)) supports the Avon River Basin community at the forefront of sustainable agricultural land management in Australia.
Whole Farm Planning Improves Productivity
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Pest animals - terrestial or aquatic, Remnant vegetation, Revegetation, Stock management, Water quality, Weed management
LOCATION: East Gippsland, Victoria
Bill and Faye, and Brett and Jodie Loughridge run a 600 acre dairy farm in Poowong, South Gippsland in Victoria, and in 2005 they were nominated for the Rural Press Victorian Landcare Primary Producer Award.
LOCATION: East Gippsland, Victoria
Wide Bay - Burnett Land for Wildlife
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Community development, Threatened species
LOCATION: Wide Bay - Burnett, Qld
A 2004 Queensland Landcare Nature Conservation Award Finalist was Wide Bay - Burnett Land for Wildlife. In just three years, the Wide Bay Burnett Land for Wildlife programme has gained national and international attention for its outstanding success in forming co-operative working partnerships with rural landholders, all levels of government, the business sector and local communities.
LOCATION: Wide Bay - Burnett, Qld
Wilson Inlet
LOCATION: WA
The Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee (WICC) is an active voluntary community group which has been operating as an incorporated body since 1995. Their area of responsibility includes three local governments: the City of Albany, and the Shires of Plantagenet and Denmark. The WICC has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the Wilson Inlet Nutrient Catchment Action Plan 2003 and the Upper Hay Strategic Catchment Plan 2007. The objectives of the plans were to reduce algal occurrence by reducing nutrient input and improve the water quality by containing salinity.
Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee [WA]
LOCATION: WA
Monitoring and research have shown that more than three quarters of the nutrients flowing into the Wilson Inlet come from the waterways of the lower catchment floodplain. The Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee (WICC) was instrumental in developing the Wilson Inlet Nutrient Reduction Action Plan (WINRAP). WICC has worked with landholders and businesses in the catchment to find practical and effective ways of stopping nutrients entering waterways. Five dairies now have effluent management plans, the Water Corporation is using best-practice management for its floodplain drains and landholders have a better understanding of the problem and its solutions. WICC has helped over 100 landowners with fencing, constructing alternative watering points and stock crossings, revegetation and establishing perennial pastures to help the health of the inlet.
Wingecarribee Our Future Environment
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Community development, Revegetation, Urban land degradation, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Sydney, NSW
A 2004 New South Wales Landcare Local Government Award Finalist, Wingecarribee Shire Council, on Sydney’s south western outskirts, introduced the Wingecarribee Our Future Environment (WOFE) programme as a solution to a host of environmental problems in 2000.
LOCATION: Sydney, NSW
Wirraminna Education Centre
ISSUES: Education/awareness raising, Youth
LOCATION: Burumbuttock, VIC
SPONSOR: Sony
Students from the region can learn about the environment from a new rammed-earth interpretive building the Wirraminna Education Centre.
LOCATION: Burumbuttock, VIC
SPONSOR: Sony
Woodford Folk Festival revegetation project
ISSUES: Revegetation, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Woodford, Queensland
The Woodford Folk Festival is one of Australia’s most popular and most enduring cultural events and, thanks to a partnership between Barung Landcare Group and SITA Environmental Solutions, it promises to remain so for many years to come.
LOCATION: Woodford, Queensland
Workplace Giving continue works in the Mid-Loddon area
ISSUES: Biodiversity
LOCATION: North Central CMA, Victoria
Generous staff donations to Landcare Australia are helping three Landcare groups in central Victoria pool their resources to protect threatened species such as the Bush Stone-curlew and the Swift Parrott.
LOCATION: North Central CMA, Victoria
Workplace Giving Helping Hawkesbury Nepean River Recovery
ISSUES: Soil erosion by water, Urban land degradation, Water quality, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Sydney
Generous staff donations are helping some of the most urbanised river catchments in Western Sydney be restored as viable ecosystems.
LOCATION: Sydney
Workplace Giving Towards a Healthier Canning River
ISSUES: Water quality, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Canning River, Western Australia
Workplace giving donations through Landcare Australia are helping to support a project aimed at improving water quality and fish habitat along the Canning River in Western Australia.
LOCATION: Canning River, Western Australia
Yadgalah Tracks Dugongs
ISSUES: Indigenous heritage, Threatened species, Wildlife habitat loss or decline
LOCATION: Shark Bay, WA
The winner of the 2004 Alcan Landcare Indigenous Award was Yadgalah Aboriginal Corporation Inc from Denham, WA. This award recognises an indigenous community group that has adopted sound land management practices and is working towards culturally sustainable land use and/or enhancing or protecting an area.
LOCATION: Shark Bay, WA
Yarrowee River Trail
ISSUES: Biodiversity, Weed management
LOCATION: Ballarat, Victoria
The Yarrowee River runs through the city of Ballarat and has become the focal point for an extensive restoration project that has taken 20 years to complete.
LOCATION: Ballarat, Victoria







