| Murray-Darling Basin Commission – May 2006, E-letter No 54
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 1050 subscribers. (See also The Living Murray website at http://www.thelivingmurray.mdbc.gov.au) In this issue:
The Pyramid Creek Salt Interception Scheme near Kerang, Victoria, was funded by the Victorian, South Australian, New South Wales and Australian Governments through the MDBC and is the first public-private partnership arrangement to incorporate salt harvesting, resulting in a sustainable system. Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) has overseen construction and will manage its operation on behalf of the MDBC’s partner governments, while Pyramid Salt will run the commercial salt harvesting facility. Dr Craik said the scheme works by diverting saline ground water away from Pyramid Creek into harvesting ponds before it reaches the river. Pyramid Salt extracts the salt and sells it commercially. “Salt interception schemes are large-scale groundwater pumping and drainage projects that intercept saline water flows and dispose of them, generally by evaporation,” Dr Craik said. “Such engineering works are required to make immediate gains against salinity Basin-wide, and 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.” The Pyramid Creek scheme is part of the Basin Salinity Management Strategy’s $60 million program of salt interception works. GMW Chairperson Don Cummins said the scheme would deliver local agricultural and environmental benefits, including improved water quality in the Kerang Lakes and benefits for downstream River Murray water users. “This scheme has been constructed to GMW’s usual high standard and I am very pleased that we will continue to be involved in a project that will deliver such significant regional benefits,” Mr Cummins said. Pyramid Salt Managing Director Gavin Privett said, “It is very exciting to be able to expand our business while working in partnership with GMW and the MDBC on such a worthy sustainability project. “It’s a perfect example of how organisations can work together to deliver multiple benefits.” For more information on salt interception go to www.mdbc.gov.au/salinity/basin_salinity_management_strategy_20012015/salt_interception_scheme MDBC Spatial data sets now available The MDBC has made available records for more than 200 data sets and plans to add 50 to 100 new entries each month. The Directory is a national initiative that provides a simple method for discovering what spatial data exists, where it is archived and how it can be accessed. It is supported by the Australian and all State and Territory Governments through ANZLIC - the Spatial Information Council. Anyone can now search the distributed data directories online and discover what spatial information is available for the Australian region. The ASDD search page can be found here: http://asdd.ga.gov.au/ Latest MDBC Salinity Operational Protocols released The Protocols provide, under Schedule C of the MDB Agreement, the structure for assessing works and measures, setting end-of-valley targets, management of the BSMS registers and annual reporting processes. The printed version, which is being distributed via the Basin Salinity Management Strategy Implementation Working Group, includes Schedule C of the Agreement. The latest issue of the Protocols is available at www.mdbc.gov.au/salinity. For more information contact Mike.Cuthbert@mdbc.gov.au, phone (02) 62790403. Managing plantations for sustainable wood production The book’s co-editors Emeritus Professor, Ian Ferguson (UoM) and Dr Sadanandan Nambiar (Ensis) also helped launch the work. Initiated about 15 years ago, the book project was partly funded by the MDBC Dryland and Irrigation Salinity Programs. The Natural Heritage Trust funded the book itself. The book goes beyond the boundaries of traditional forestry to provide information on how plantations can be managed for wood production while providing environmental benefits. It explores new forests that can supply environmental services such as salinity mitigation and carbon sequestration together with commercial wood production in an environment beyond the boundaries of traditional forestry. To read more about the book or buy it online go to http://www.publish.csiro.au/pid/5031.htm SA releases new State NRM Plan Launched by the SA Minister for Environment and Conservation in February, the State NRM Plan is a key component of integrated natural resources management arrangements under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. The policies and strategies set out in the Plan will inform activities of government agencies, regional NRM boards and groups, local government, community and industry partners. It will ensure that management actions are better integrated to more effectively and efficiently protect and enhance South Australia's natural systems - our catchments, bioregions, landscapes and ecosystems, both terrestrial and marine - whether they are managed for production, settlement or conservation. The Plan was prepared by South Australia's Natural Resources Management Council, which carried out extensive consultation with relevant agencies, peak bodies and the community. The five-year Plan with a fifty-year vision sets out a landscape approach to managing South Australia's natural resources and the risks to them. The plan will be kept under constant review and can be changed in response to changing circumstances, but must be reviewed at least every five years in accordance with the provisions of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004. South Australia's State NRM Plan references a number of other reports, policies and strategies. Click on the following links to go to: For more information contact Peter Roberts at Roberts.Peter2@saugov.sa.gov.au Urban water use high on agenda for local councils “Strong interest from local governments in improving water use has resulted in 21 projects over the two catchments ranging from stormwater reuse, to effluent management, to water loss audits,” QMDC’s Water Regional Coordinator, Gavin Prentice, said. With growing concerns in many states about dwindling water supplies, Mr Prentice said it was important for local councils to explore ways to meet growing demands for water. “By working with QMDC to help meet regional targets, shires throughout the region will better understand water loss and how to minimise it,” he said. “These projects will also help local residents to rethink the way their townships use water.” Urban Water Use Efficiency projects will also help councils meet the outcomes of the federal government’s recent National Water Initiative (NWI). “All projects funded by QMDC are in line with the goals of the NWI and will help councils to become eligible for future funding through this scheme,” said Mr Prentice. He said the main funding program within the NWI, Water Smart Australia, was an excellent initiative for larger councils able to apply for large-scale grants. However, many smaller local councils within Queensland Murray-Darling Basin catchments would be unlikely to need that scale of funding individually. “Our projects will encourage councils to submit joint NWI applications, providing these smaller areas with ‘buying power’ and a more coordinated approach to urban water management,” said Mr Prentice. QMDC’s Urban Water Use Efficiency projects have been funded by the Australian Government’s NAPSWQ and NHT2 schemes. For more information Gavin Prentice, Regional Coordinator for Water & Riverine, QMDC, Ph: 0429 056 457 Murray-Darling Freshwater Research School enters 11th year Thirty-three secondary school students living in or near the Murray-Darling Basin attended the five-day School to increase their understanding and appreciation of freshwater ecology. The School attracted students from New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT, and approximately 380 students have participated in the School since 1996. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Albury, Norske Skog and the NSW Environmental Trust, the school is coordinated by scientists and mentors from The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, La Trobe University and Charles Sturt University – all located in the Albury-Wodonga region. The students work in teams for five days. One of the aims of the School is to introduce students to the process of scientific investigation and the role that research plays in living in a sustainable environment. By combining problem solving activities with intensive support and advice from staff from the three institutions, the students gain a realistic and fun introduction to freshwater ecology, conservation and the environment. For more information contact the Scientific Program Coordinator, Alison Mitchell on (02) 6058 2359 or email alison.mitchell@csiro.au How to capture markets and improve farm environment The organisers - Australian Landcare Management System Ltd – say the seminar will provide critical information for anyone involved in marketing, natural resource management and policy. The seminar will be based on recent research conducted by Australian Landcare Management System Ltd, with DAFF/NHT and agribusiness funding. The research is reported in a publication by Tony Gleeson and Selwyn Heilbron entitled “'Capturing Market and Other Benefits from Improving Environmental Management'.” The authors will present their findings and their plans for implementing the recommendations arising from their work. The seminar organisers say landholders work with a complex array of environmental policies, legislation and support programs. “However, accelerating environmental improvement on farms remains an elusive goal. Have we missed the simple solution? Why don't we simply reward good management?” Seminar participants will also hear from speakers with a major interest in agriculture, agribusiness and environmental management including:
on Wednesday, 10 May 2006 from 2 to 4:00 pm. It costs $66 (incl. GST) per person. Registration includes a copy of the full report For more information and to register, download the registration form at: Special Forever boasts new look website The new look site includes themes, units of work and other resources for teachers to download. Of course, it also includes the wonderful examples of writing and artwork produced by students from across the Basin in 2005 and the new “community spotlight” which focuses on a different part of the Basin each month. 2006 is the 14th year of Special Forever. Check out the new look site at www.specialforever.org.au Healthy waterways next on agenda for QLD Murray-Darling land managers A recent Performance Report from the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC) revealed increased numbers of communities in these catchments have been participating in water quality projects throughout the July to December period of 2005. 221 alternative watering points now exist around the two catchments, with a total of 8,293 hectares of river banks under stabilisation projects and 196km of river banks fenced off. QMDC’s NRM Manager, Mr Geoff Penton, said, “These works demonstrate an increased realisation of the need to manage stock access of our natural waterways and help improve the health and condition of rivers.” “This is particularly the case for waterways that flow into bigger systems, like the Murray-Darling Basin.” With water supplies around the country dwindling, water health and water use now seem to be growing in importance for most communities, and QMDC’s report reflected this, Mr Penton said. QMDC has provided financial support and technical advice to landholders and shire councils throughout the region to help implement these projects. “But we’re very much just playing a supporting role,” said Mr Penton. Approximately $3 million has so far been committed by QMDC for these types of projects, through the Australian Government’s NAP/NHT funding programs. Mr Penton said that landholders have more than met this amount with their own contributions, though. “We’ve just helped make these projects happen sooner, providing advice on how to manage our natural assets, and speeding up the process of implementation,” Mr Penton said. For more information contact Geoff Penton, NRM Manager, Phone: 07 4637 6276 Scholarships for young people in rural industries
Applications close at 5pm on 5 May 2006. For more information contact Michelle Brotohusodo on 02 6272 4341 $4.4 million incentive funding applications open The total amount of funding is $4.4 million and aims at improving the Catchment’s natural resources for 2006. The Western Catchment is the largest catchment in NSW, covering some 230,000 square kilometres. It includes the Barwon-Darling, Culgoa, Paroo, Warrego, Narran, Bokhara and Birrie River catchments. It takes in significant portions of the Bourke, Brewarrina, Central Darling, Cobar and Walgett Shires and the Unincorporated Area. Applications are sought from individuals, groups and organisations in the Western Catchment. Projects must be targeted at land within the Western Catchment boundary. Joint projects with neighbouring Catchment Management Authorities that operate across regional boundaries are also encouraged. Funding will go to projects that best contribute towards the Western Catchment Management Authority’s Management Targets. (For a range of examples, go to http://www.western.cma.nsw.gov.au/FundedProjects.html) The Western Catchment Management Authority has been established to work with the community to improve the way natural resources (land, vegetation, rivers, groundwater and biodiversity) are managed. Applications close on 31 May 2006. For more information go to www.western.cma.nsw.gov.au or call free on 1800 032 101. Community consulted on macro water sharing plans Macro water plans will provide irrigators and farmers with certainty around water access rights, giving them permanent licences and better trading opportunities. The plans also ensure the health and security of catchments by making water available specifically for the environment. Macro water plans cover most coastal rivers and inland unregulated rivers without current water sharing plans. Chair of the Border Rivers – Gwydir CMA Mr James Croft says, “The process for developing the plans for the Border Rivers-Gwydir is aimed at enabling accurate and rapid assessment, so that users in the area can benefit from the security of tenure and title that those covered by existing water sharing plans enjoy.” The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has assisted a regional panel that included the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Environment and Conservation. This assistance has already paid dividends to the community with the Border Rivers – Gwydir CMA successfully working to secure a second round of community consultation. “This secondary consultation will occur once the draft rules for macro water plans are outlined, as then the Border Rivers – Gwydir CMA will take the opportunity to actively involve the community in providing feedback” outlined James. “The Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA is working for the catchment community, to make sure drafted plans are consistent with the Catchment Action Plan and keep the community informed of progress on an on-going basis” For more information contact Letitia Cross (02) 67529708 or 0429 626 326 Call for Water Smart Australia and irrigation proposals Marking World Water Day the Chairman of the National Water Commission, Ken Matthews, recently announced the new funding round, which also includes a specific call for irrigation proposals. The call for new funding proposals follows today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that the Australian Government has committed, to date, $392 million to a total of 28 major water conservation projects, worth in total over $1 billion. This includes 12 projects previously announced, as well as four major water projects announced today for New South Wales by the Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for water policy, Malcolm Turnbull, on behalf of the Prime Minister. Further announcements about successful projects under the Water Smart Australia programme are expected soon. ‘Water Smart Australia is a large scale project programme that supports onground water resource projects that will make a significant contribution to the sustainable and efficient management of Australia’s water resources in rural, regional and urban areas,’ Mr Matthews said. ‘The programme is a key component of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund and encourages innovation in water management which will lead to improved water resource management, water supply and delivery, efficiency of water use, water for the environment and general health of our water systems.” Applications for the current round close on 16 June 2006. For more information and guidelines go to www.nwc.gov.au/water_fund/water_smart_aust.cfm ends |
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