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Murray-Darling Basin Commission
– June 2006, E-letter No 55
Welcome to the Murray-Darling Basin monthly e-letter with reports of happenings across the Basin. Contributions are welcome. Please send items (no more than 150 words) to the editor at leone@netspeed.com.au Online html versions are
available at:
Please feel free to pass this e-letter along to anybody who might be interested. To subscribe online go to http://mdbc.gov.au/communications/s-scribe To be removed from the mailing list, please reply to this message with “unsubscribe” in the subject heading. This newsletter currently has 1070 subscribers. (See also The Living Murray website at http://www.thelivingmurray.mdbc.gov.au)
In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting on 19 May, the ministers said the extra funding would improve outcomes in 2006-07 and the following four years. The new funds, which are subject to a number of conditions, will accelerate all previous Council and Commission decisions. They will expand the Environmental Works and Measures Capital Program to accelerate water recovery measures and ensure best use is made of water recovered under The Living Murray initiative. The Australian Government’s funding arrangements will be reflected in changes to the Murray-Darling Basin Intergovernmental Agreement (agreed in 2004). Jurisdictions have agreed to at least maintain their 2006-07 contributions to the MDBC in real terms for the following four years, subject to approval. A revised Business Plan and budget will be expedited to reflect these changes and to boost the rate of delivery of programs, for example the Basin Salinity Management Strategy, the Environmental Works and Measures Program and water recovery for The Living Murray. A program of recommended new capital works, including for icon sites, will also be expedited. Best practice project management, including open tendering, to deliver the capital works and contracting taking advantage of economies of scale, will be used. Partners to the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement have agreed to undertake a review of the governance and financing of the MDBC and Basin water sharing and natural resource management arrangements by mid-2007. New Interstate water trading
welcomed
From the middle of the year, water trade will be possible using a pilot form of “tagged” trading. Recovering water
The NSW projects are either complete or under development. There are also a range of further projects being investigated. Ministerial Council also welcomed the water recovery proposals for 35GL for The Living Murray initiative from South Australia, and agreed to fast-track the assessment of the proposal to ensure that this water is made available for The Living Murray as soon as possible. This reflects SA’s commitment under the Living Murray, and will be made from purchases and efficiency savings. The Living Murray
Achievements to date include:
Full membership for ACT
Other matters covered at the meeting included:
For media inquiries contact Allison Hicks, on (02) 62790129, Mobile: (0407) 704 609. National
Prize highlights continuing fight against salinity
The prize for new technology and other practical outcomes tackling salinity was awarded to Pyramid Creek Salt Interception and Harvesting Scheme by the Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC at Parliament House Canberra on 1 June. The first stage of the public-private $13 million Pyramid Creek Salt Interception Scheme near Kerang, Victoria, was opened in April this year and is funded by the Victorian, South Australian, New South Wales and Australian Governments through the Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC). Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has overseen construction and now manages the scheme on behalf of the MDBC’s partner governments, while Pyramid Salt run the commercial salt harvesting facility. MDBC Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik said MDBC co-sponsor the award as it serves to highlight the ongoing battle against salinity across Australia. Dr Craik said the concensus of scientific knowledge underpinned the commitment Basin governments have consistently shown by investing in such schemes. “This prize will further encourage the important ongoing debate about the salinity challenges faced by the nation”. “This prize also acknowledges the positive effects such projects have on communities, the environment and the local economy. “One of a network of engineering works, schemes like Pyramid Creek make immediate gains against salinity Basin-wide and form part of the $60 million Basin Salinity Management Strategy supported by all Basin governments,” Dr Craik said. “More than 1,000 tonnes of salt would enter the Murray River system every day were it not for the operation of these schemes at strategic points along the river”. Pyramid Creek, like several other salt interception schemes, is a large-scale groundwater pumping and drainage project that intercepts water flows and disposes of them, generally by evaporation. The salt is then harvested for commercial purposes. For more information on
the National Salinity Prize: www.ieaust.org.au/policy/salinity_prize0_0.html
The Living Murray’s
Environmental Works and Measures Program
Work is progressing well on the Barham Creek, Shillinglaws and Wattles Creek regulators, indicating that these works are on schedule for completion by 30 June 2006. These regulators will enable water to be regulated for environmental purposes in the forest. The project is managed by the North Central Catchment Management Authority. State Water recently started pouring concrete for the Packer's Crossing regulator at Menindee Lakes. This project is also on track, with work scheduled for completion by 30 June 2006. For more information
please contact either Andrew Keogh or Jolanta Skawinski on (02) 6279 0100.
The Murray’s
most active period of environmental management
More than 36,000 hectares throughout The Living Murray Icon Sites were deliberately watered for environmental purposes in June 2005 to February 2006, using water from the Victorian and NSW governments, and the Snowy Joint Water Enterprise. This watering represents about 10% of the total area of the Icon Sites excluding the River Murray Channel. The benefits from environmental watering in 2005–06 have been significant. The use of existing environmental allocations plus new and existing infrastructure and improved planning and cooperation through The Living Murray has contributed to substantial environmental improvement this season. For more information contact Mark Siebentritt on (02) 6279 0100 or visit http://thelivingmurray.mdbc.gov.au/whats_new. MDBC website
gets five star rating
In an article on environmental education The Age’s VCE express educational supplement, rated a number of environmental information websites. The MDBC website came top of the class, with the ABC special water site next with four stars, followed by Environment Victoria three-and-a-half stars and National water initiative on three stars. The MDBC site was described as having a comprehensive data base of information, reports, links which offer a study edge and inspiration and a clear, uncluttered look and intuitive useability. “I think this is a good indication that we have the right look and feel and the background infrastructure in place,” said MDBC web manager Viv Martin. “Now we have to work on getting all the content up to date and keeping it current and relevant. “The website is one of the most important carriers of messages and information to all parts of the Basin community and it’s good that it looks like we are getting it right.” For more information and to view the newly re-developed MDBC website go to www.mdbc.gov.au Engaging
communities on Native Fish Strategy
The week-long tour included meetings in Tarcutta, Wagga Wagga, Narrandera, Hay, Wakool, Echuca, the Barmah Forest, Shepparton, Benalla, Yarrawonga, Mulwala and Albury. The tour was organised by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s (MDBC) Community Stakeholder Group (CSG) and involved Native Fish Strategy co-ordinators from the Victorian, South Australian and New South Wales Governments, and other MDBC staff. The Community Stakeholder Group was established to implement the Native Fish Strategy and brings together community, local government representatives, fishing, conservation, Indigenous, landholder, catchment and aquaculture interests. Chairman Adrian Wells said the group’s role is to provide information, listen to community issues and concerns, and identify opportunities for community participation in the NFS. “This was a great opportunity for the community to learn more about the Native Fish Strategy and for us to better understand native fish and fish habitat issues in southern NSW and northern Victoria”, Mr Wells said. “Previous tours have identified a growing community interest in native fish and habitat issues, carp, managing riparian areas, demonstration reaches, and fisheries management issues” Mr Wells said. For more information about the Native Fish Strategy go to http://www.mdbc.gov.au/NFS MDBC art and literature
anthology launched
Special Forever is a 14-year partnership between the Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) and the Primary English Teaching Association (PETA). It involves about 20,000 primary school children and 600 teachers across the Basin from 300 schools. “The students involved in the Special Forever program express how they feel about the Basin’s environment through various forms of art and writing,” said Ms Kate Charlton, Regional Coordinator for Special Forever and Principal at Goolma Public School “As the children learn about their environment they become very passionate about it. They take their knowledge and passion home to their families and this results in everyone becoming involved.” “This program is helping to shape how our community sees and looks after their environment.” MDBC Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik said “the program supports children to share and express how they value the natural resources of the area they live in”. “This appreciation and involvement is important for the future health and wealth of our Basin environment,” Dr Craik said. The $1 million Special Forever annual investment is supported by 21 volunteer regional teaching coordinators across the Basin. Each year an anthology of poetry, art and writing is selected on a regional basis for publication. A new Special Forever website was also launched on the day. The new site was developed to provide information about the project and the Murray-Darling Basin and to showcase the writing and artwork of students. The launch of the anthology and new website is being followed by a series of workshops on writing, illustrating and environment, which are being broadcast to remote and regional schools throughout NSW. For more information go to www.specialforever.org.au or contact Val Noake on 0417 228 539 or Sheridan Lockerbie on 0427 121044. Youth
agriculture, fisheries and forestry awards open
Organisers say the 20 awards give young people the opportunity to turn a great idea into reality. Up to $10,000 is available for each award winner to carry out an innovative project that will benefit rural industries. The awards are open to Australian citizens aged between 18 and 35 and who are employed or studying in an agricultural, fisheries, forestry, food or natural resource management related industry. Applications close on 30 June 2006. The awards help young people to use science, technology and innovation to advance the future of their industry. The awards are co-ordinated by the Bureau of Rural Sciences, which is part of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. They are jointly supported by a number of industry research and development corporations. For more information go to www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards or email the organisers at ScienceAwards@brs.gov.au or phone (02) 6272 4197. Agricultural
Census coming Australia farms
The Agricultural Census is Australia's biggest collection of agricultural statistics. It is conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) every five years and collects production data from primary producers around the country. Gemma Van Halderen, Head of the Agricultural Program at the ABS, says it is beneficial for farmers from all industries to take part in the Agricultural Census because the data provides important information about agricultural production across Australia. "We strongly encourage people
to complete their Census forms because the information they provide can
assist people such as policy makers and industry bodies to make informed
decisions about the agricultural sector that could affect them and their
industry," said
"The data from the Agricultural Census helps Australia understand changes that have occurred in the sector to measure the contribution that agriculture makes to the economy," said Ms Van Halderen. The Agricultural Census forms are sent through the mail. Forms will arrive by the end of June. Farmers will be asked to complete the forms and return them within two weeks. Assistance will be available through a help line that will be printed on the form. For more information contact John Lilley on (02) 6252 7480, mobile 0417 459 560 or go to the ABS website at http://abs.gov.au/ and search for “agricultural census”. Workshop
on mining & groundwater-dependent ecosystems
Organisers say the workshop will interest mining industry site personnel, consultants, researchers and government agencies. The workshop will also provide a forum for industry practitioners and regulators to become acquainted with recent developments in the science that underpins groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDE’s) functioning and potential management strategies. According to the organisers, in many regions of Australia, groundwater resources are under increasing pressure from developments associated with urban, agricultural and mining company activities. As a consequence, many groundwater-dependent ecosystems are potentially at risk, although they may be difficult to document due to the many complex interactions that may occur in these ecosystems. Mining may impact such ecosystems directly, through a diminution in the supply of water to groundwater-dependent ecosystems (for example, through subsidence impacts on surface and surface streams, or as a direct result of aquifer draw-down or through mining below the groundwater table), or through influences on water quality that are sometimes associated with mining activities. The workshop will include oral presentations, poster papers and workshop discussion sessions. Keynote speakers include people who have been nationally and internationally recognised for their contributions to scientific aspects of vegetation use and characterisation of invertebrate species in groundwater dependent ecosystems. Major topics to be addressed include:
New guidelines
help growers make the most of recycled water
The guidelines and a “salinity unit converter” were launched at the recent Irrigation Association of Australia conference held in Brisbane. Published by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, the guidelines are the result of a three-year project studying the use of reclaimed effluent water, funded by the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation. The guidelines use checklists that assist growers in effective management of recycled water, while the salinity unit converter has been designed for use in the field. The salinity unit converter is designed to help growers understand salinity measurements and the relative salt tolerances for fruit and vegetable crops. Tom Aldred Executive Manager Natural Resource Management, who officially launched the guidelines at the conference, said recycled water was becoming available for use by increasing numbers of irrigators. “Recycled water is already a valuable component of our water resources,” Mr Aldred said. “As more growers are able to use more of it, they will reap benefits including a greater certainty of supply, consistent quality and the ability to recycle important nutrients. “Additionally, increased use of recycled water will provide irrigators with security in their investment, and that means benefits for the community and the economy. Recycled water use by irrigators also has considerable potential to reduce the extraction of water from waterways and groundwater. “Projects such as these provide growers and advisors with the information and the tools they need to assess and implement the latest advances in our knowledge.” Recycled water comes from a wide range of sources, including human, industrial and animal waste, and stormwater. Initial treatment of the water and the way growers use it is critical to protect produce, consumers and the environment. Approved management plans must be in place before a grower can begin using recycled water, and there are significant government and quality assurance requirements to be met. For more information contact Murray Chapman on 0427 876 370 New native
vegetation mapping products released
The NVIS is claimed to be the most detailed, up-to-date and accurate information source on Australia’s native vegetation. It was collated with the help of all Australian state and territory governments and key information products the NVIS can generate include:
Details of these products
can be accessed online at www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis.
They include finer scale datasets applicable to GIS such as regional planning.
Landcare
forum plans for future of natural resources
The Barrier Area Rangecare Group will host the forum, whose theme is “Our Catchment, Our Future”. Chair of the Barrier Area Rangecare Group, Louise Turner, says the Forum is being held to help people plan for successful future land management. “We’ve devised a program that should spark discussion, including relevant guest speakers, tours, workshops and an open session,” she said. “Our aim is to discuss what the future holds for the people and natural resources of the Western Catchment, and the role Landcare can play in achieving those goals. Guest speakers include Peter Ampt of Future of Australia’s Threatened Ecosystems, who will discuss commercial use of native species. Also speaking will be David Hardwick of Australian Certified Organics, who will outline this growing industry and Colin Clare, a Broken Hill area landholder who produces carob and is a local expert on enterprise diversification. Peter Jessop of Department of Industry and Fisheries will speak about rangeland management, while Renee Shepherd and Angus Atkinson of WEST 2000 Plus will review the successful rural recovery program and highlight Enterprise Based Conservation, which will soon be available through the Western Catchment Management Authority. Participants have the choice of three field or walkabout events: a tour of White Cliffs, the Peery section of the Paroo-Darling National Park or a monitoring and evaluation workshop. For more information contact Louise Turner, Barrier Area Rangecare Group Chair on (08)8082 5205/8091 3538. ends
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