Catching Up

In the Lockyer Catchment

NEWSLETTER March 2014

LOCAL NEWS and EVENTS

Grazing industries property planning workshop

11th March, Ma Ma Creek Property planning helps graziers implement measures to utilise pastures more efficiently, improve productivity and get the most out of pastures in a sustainable way. RSVP to Ross Bigwood 0438 162 113. Ma Ma Creek Hall, Gatton-Clifton Rd, 9am-4pm

Smelling the beautiful soils as they are cultivated, walking along the creeks with your parents and playing in the outdoors are all part of growing up in this beautiful area which is smack bang in the middle of everything in SEQ. These were the comments from those that attended the community roundtable for the update of the SEQ Natural Resource Management Plan held at Gatton on the 26th of February. Working in the top of the valleys as well as the farm land along our creeks was considered necessary for the survival of a rich and vibrant community in the valley. This needs the involvement of all the industries that rely on our natural assets for their prosperity. During roundtable discussions, the need for the whole community to get together and plan for the future of the area was highlighted. The Lockyer was recognised as being in a good position to grow and supply vegetables to the growing population of SEQ. Further support for tourism that relied on natural assets like waterways, bushland and our beautiful farmlands was considered to be important. Small groups worked on topics including fire and weed management and the need for good information to support sound decisions around infrastructure proposals affecting the valley. The second range crossing and the expansion of rural and industrial development were discussed. The SEQ NRM Plan contains targets that can be measured to help manage our natural assets for the health, wellbeing and prosperity they provide to the community and to the economy and environment. The updated Plan will be finished before the end of the year so it can include your visions and needs for the future of the SEQ Region. Decisions on how to plan and were to invest for the management of our natural assets can then be guided based on community needs.

How to build and maintain quality fences

15th March, Tallegalla Learn from the experts about electric fencing, post and wire and all the latest gadgetry to help you maintain reliable fences. RSVP to Bob Hampson, West Moreton Landcare on 5464 4401. Old Tallegalla School, 9am-12.30pm

Horse property workshop grass and weed ID

7th June, Lowood, 1pm-4.30pm Lean how to identify and manage your horses pasture to promote happy horses and healthy land. RSVP with Bob Hampson on 5464 4401, landcarewestmoreton@bigpond.com.

Redwood Park Open Day

5th April, Redwood Celebrate the opening of new walking trails, take part in guided walks and discover local endangered plants and animals. Starts at 7.45am. RSVP with Hugh Krenske on 0418 748 282. Redwood Park picnic area, off the down section of the Range Highway to Brisbane.

Connect to Your Creek Week

17th-25th May A variety of events will be held across South East Queensland to celebrate the diversity and beauty of our waterways and to increase community stewardship to value, love and care for our waterways. Keep a lookout for events in your area by visiting www.healthywaterways.org

If you missed the Gatton roundtable, you can still have your say on what actions and investment in natural assets are important for you and your community online at www.naturalassetsseqyoursay.com.au, or by attending the Ipswich roundtable at the Boiler Room, UQ Ipswich campus from 6-9pm, March 19th. RSVP with Jean Bray, phone 0409 004 832.

Need more info on the NRM Plan?

Visit www.seqcatchments.com.au/programs/ planning-innovation-seq-nrm-plan or contact nrmplan@seqcatchments.com.au

RESOURCES - GRANTS - EVENTS

Nows the time to identify Madeira vine infestations
Madeira vine (Andredera cordifolia) is an aggressive weed species, smothering native vegetation and killing trees and understory plants. February - April is the flowering season for this species and the time of year that the plant is the easiest to identify. Keep Photo: Andrew Storrie a lookout for the greenish-white flower clusters, and record infestations to enable management. Find more info here

LOCKYER 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 (07) 4697 6610 Atkinson/Buaraba Creek Catchment Landcare Group Inc. Contact Robyn McIntosh, Treasurer/Secretary ph 54264304 or 0488128924 www.abclandcare.org.au West Moreton Landcare Group 361 Rosewood-Marburg Rd Tallegalla QLD 4340. Phone 5464 4401 The group meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7pm
landcarewestmoreton@bigpond.com

Cats Claw field day with ABC Landcare

February 15th saw over 25 local land holders gather at Coominya to discuss the management of Cats Claw creeper and Lantana. Traditional chemical and mechanical control methods were discussed and equipment demonstrated, and attendees were given the opportunity to investigate biological control agents resident along Buaraba Creek. A short film showing highlights of the day is available here. More about how SEQ Catchments is supporting control of Cats Claw creeper across the region is available on our website here.

SEQ Fire and Biodiversity Autumn Forum

Join keynote speaker Dr Leasie Felderhof for her discussion on the biodiversity and conservation implications of burning spinifex, hear about changing fire regimes in the Great Sandy Region and enjoy a field trip to the Lower Beechmont Conservation Area. April 3rd, Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre, 9am-3pm. For more information and to RSVP see the flyer here.

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 Ross Bigwood (details below) if you would like to have it included in this Newsletter.

Agricultural Competitiveness Issues Paper released for public comment

The Australian Government is requesting input on the development of an Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. The issues paper was recently released which identifies the key issues the government would like community input on and will guide the development of the White Paper. To contribute, please make a written submission before April 17th, or arrange an appointment to meet with a government representative. Click here or ring 02 6271 6272 for more information.

Apanie Wood returns as Regional Landcare Facilitator

After 18 months of freshwater research in North Queensland, Apanie is enjoying resuming her work with SEQ Catchments to support community groups and land managers across SEQ to implement sustainable agricultural practices. For more information on the SEQ Regional Landcare Facilitator click here. This newsletter is produced by SEQ Catchments in partnership with the Regional Landcare Facilitator project, an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture

SEQ Catchments Office - Ipswich 17 Lowry Street, North Ipswich 4305

Ross Bigwood Community Partnerships Manager (Lockyer) P: 07 3816 9743 M: 0438 162 113 E: rbigwood@seqcatchments.com.au