In the Lockyer Catchment

NEWSLETTER
LOCAL NEWS and EVENTS

MARCH 2012

Lockyer Landcare Groups to tackle weed infestations

Several Lockyer Landcare Groups have been successful in obtaining funding under the Sustainability and Environment fund to combat riparian weed infestations and to carry out soil tests and install soil moisture monitoring equipment. Surveys by the Lockyer Valley Regional Council have detected Parthenium weed around the town of Grantham, indicating a rapid spread of the weed following 2010-2011 flood events. Parthenium can be regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its , potential for spread, its insidious invasion of pasture and the resulting economic and Above and below: Parthenium Weed - environmental impacts. Rapid treatment of riparian weeds within areas around Grantham a weed of national significance and regions upstream will greatly decrease the likelihood of the weeds spreading further downstream, and becoming vastly more difficult to manage. Lockyer Valley Regional Council will provide in-kind support through their efforts to identify target treatment areas within the catchment. Due to the immense level of damage to properties and homes resulting from the 20102011 flooding in SEQ, many landholders are faced with an overwhelming task of rebuilding farms and livelihoods. Practical onground support to assist landholders with the large task of weed management will help ease this workload, and aid struggling communities to focus upon further tasks within the huge, costly and demanding task of rebuilding. Parthenium weed has the potential to greatly damage already stressed local livelihoods around Grantham, as the weed is poisonous to stock and infested crops such as lucerne require additional treatment post harvest.
Parthenium Weed grows up to 1.5 metres tall. It has creamy white flowers that grow in clusters, also deeply lobed pale green leaves which branch alternately on stems and are covered with soft fine hair. It can cause respiratory problems and severe dermatitis in humans and animals. It is found in neglected areas around yards and buildings, roadsides, also in overstocked areas. It is spread by seed through hay and grain, contaminated vehicles and machinery. Castlereach Macquarie County Council, 2009

Saturday 10th March SEQ Catchments in conjunction with ABC Landcare are holding a soil health workshop. You are welcome to invite your members (and others) to come along. The group has installed instrumentation to monitor soil moisture conditions and conductivity changes under three different land uses; turf, Lucerne and avocadoes on sandy soils. Topics covered include: Monitoring soil health to maximise returns and reduce losses Understanding soil test results Soil microbial activity and its role in plant production The use of manures and composting The physical, chemical and biological wellbeing of your soil. Please RSVP with any specific dietary requirements for catering purposes. Contact Ross Bigwood at SEQ Catchments on : Mobile 0438 162113 or rbiwood@seqcatchments.com.au

RESOURCES - GRANTS - EVENTS

7th March, 1pm to 5pm, Toowoomba - Highfields Cultural Centre. Blueprint for Australian Agriculture Farmers, agribusinesses, environmental managers, regional communities and the wider food and fibre supply chain will have the opportunity to shape the future of Australias farming sector under the Blueprint for Australian Agriculture, an initiative of the National Farmers Federation (NFF) and Westpac. To contribute to the development of the Blueprint, take part in a Blueprint forum or fill in the online survey, talk to one of the 24 NFF member organisations, or contact your Regional Landcare Facilitator. For more information, visit the Blueprint website: www.nff.org.au/blueprint. 10 March, 9 am 2 pm, Plantation Establishment Field Day Obi Obi Valley Plantation design, marking-out, access track construction and drainage, weed control, site preparation, planting techniques, form and lift pruning, spraying, planting and pruning equipment. This workshop is a prerequisite for landholders wishing to participate in the Re-forest.net project. Free, morning tea provided. Bring a packed lunch, water bottle, hat and covered shoes. To book and for details on how to get there: Private Forestry Southern Qld on 5483 6535 or pfsq@bigpond.com 16 March, Toowoomba Highfields Cultural Centre The Invasive Animals CRC is bringing the Pest Smart Roadshow to you - It will showcase best practice pest animal management including the latest innovations brought to you by the species experts .For more info contact: Suzy Balogh Ph: 0418 417 943 or suzy.balogh@invasiveanimals.com. For registration and other additional information see: www.feral.org.au/pestsmart/roadshow 20 March in Brisbane Grant Writing Masterclass focused on completing submissions for the Australian Governments Community Action Grants program. It is targeted at community landcare/bushcare/NRM/ environment and sustainable agriculture groups funding on-ground works and capacity building activities. Competency level reached would be alternative to engaging a professional grant writer. For more details contact Samantha Morris, Wombat Creative phone 0421 709519 email sam@wombatcreative.com.au 28th, 29th and 30th June QWaLC will be jointly hosting the 2012 Queensland State Landcare Conference with Landcare Queensland this year at the Brisbane Convention Centre.The theme this year is Paddocks, Backyards and Balconies.Together, making a difference. By working together, QWaLC and Landcare QLD can ensure that community groups are healthier, better protected, better managed, more resilient and better able to provide essential ecosystem services in a changing world. Visit the conference website http:// qldlandcareconference.org.au or email info@qwalc.org.au for more details.

GROUPS CORNER Meetings - Functions Events - News

Helidon Hills/Murphys Creek Landcare Inc Meetings held from 1-3.30pm each 3rd Sunday on a bi-monthly basis Phone Secretary Jeff Birnie 4697 6610 http://www.abclandcare.com.au Atkinson/Buaraba Creek Catchment Landcare Group Inc. Contact Robyn McIntosh, Treasurer/ Secretary ph 54264304 or 0488128924 West Moreton Landcare Group 361 Rosewood-Marburg Rd Tallegalla QLD 4340 Ph 5464 4401 the group meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7pm - email
landcarewestmoreton@bigpond.com

Lockyer Valley Landcare 13 Berghofer Drv Withcott 4352 (07) 4637-4642 gandpgrimes@bigpond.com Please send information on your Groups activities, events, workshops and meeting dates to the Community Partnerships Manager if you would like to have it included in this Newsletter.

SEQ CATCHMENTS OFFICE 9 Spicer St, Laidley Q 4341 Phone 5465 2011 Fax 5465 2811

Ross Bigwood Community Partnerships Manager (Lockyer) Ph 07 5465 2011, Fax 07 5465 2811, Mobile 0438 162113 Email rbigwood@seqcatchments.com.au