cradle cradle tto o coastlines coastlines SEPTEMBER 2022 P r o t e c t i n g a n d e n h a n c i n g o u r r e g i o n ’ s n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s P.16 The special natural values of the Robbins Passage - Boullanger Bay wetlands Red-necked Stints and Double-banded Plovers at Boullanger Bay. Photo credit: Ian and Patricia May
CRADLE TO COASTLINES 1 3 Spring St, Burnie Tasmania 7320 03 6433 8400 www.cradlecoast.com www facebook com/CradleCoastNRM/ 16 LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE CRADLE COAST NRM FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND NRM ACTIVITIES. IN THIS ISSUE Page 7 Cradle Coast NRM Strategy released Page 10 Return of the Rural Living Round-up Page 13 Page 12 Issues of biosecurity Page 14 Poaching, posters andSoilpostcards!Extension Program Page 10 Page 15 Page 18 Clean-up resources available 25 Years of Turners Beach Coastcare Page 4 Page 19 New staff at CCNRM Cover crop grazing in cropping systems Page 11 Community capacity grants announced Page 13 Page 6 Looking back in time on King Island Do you have Land forNewWildlife?project by Nature Trackers Page 3 Woolnorth devils Page 20 Tackling Sea Spurge on Three Hummock Island Levee banks in coastal Psaltmarsh age 8 Page 21 The Platy-Project Page 22 Alpine recoveryecosystemafterfire Page 23 LOOC-C calculatorcarbon Page 24 Events and activities
Measures and activities aimed at curbing the numbers of devil and other wildlife roadkill include the delivery of community education activities, campaign signage installed on the roads, looking at ways to reduce driving speeds, roadkill removal management, roadside slashing, virtual fencing extension and dedicated roadkill monitoring
new signs installed
The Woolnorth area of Circular Head supports one of the highest densities of Tasmanian Devils in the state according to monitoring by the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program This is mostly attributed to the continued absence of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) in the Woolnorth devil population, and also because there are still large remnants of high quality devil habitat in the area There is significant community concern about the number of devils killed on Tasmanian roads, and in particular, the high rate of roadkill in the Woolnorth area is distressing. In the last ten years there have been more than 400 recorded dead devils on Woolnorth Road A committed community of concerned stakeholders have come together to contribute collective action to mitigate the threat to our devils p 3
COMMUNITY ACTION TO
For further details or to contribute to the Circular Head Devil Roadkill Mitigation Fund, please contact: Claire Jinnette, NRM Project Coordinator cjinnette@cradlecoast.com
MITIGATE ROADKILL OF TASMANIAN DEVILS AT WOOLNORTH
We are already seeing positive action from stakeholders, including a recommended reduction in speed for Fonterra drivers in the Woolnorth area This action has been well received in the community after traffic monitoring on Woolnorth Road observed some alarming speeds of some vehicles travelling the road not only unsafe for wildlife but also the health and safety of employees working in the area There have been six signs recently installed along Woolnorth Rd alerting drivers to slow down for wildlife, and prior to that, Circular Head Council installed new beeper units (“virtual fencing”) designed to scare wildlife off the road To fund this important campaign, the Circular Head Devil Roadkill Mitigation Fund has been established to seek investment in roadkill mitigation activities, and to raise awareness about the importance of Tasmanian Devils in the Circular Head region
One six on Woolnorth Road
Credit: David Bellamy
of
Graph: Number of roadkilled devils on Woolnorth Rd reported to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program Note that 2021 and 2022 are incomplete
ARTICLE CONTRIBUTED BY WENDY HORNIBLOW, TURNERS BEACH COASTCARE
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“Coastcare is doing important work, we make a difference and I gain a sense of achievement.”
I also believe I have a responsibility to protect, preserve and enhance the environment for future generations. I like to think that my efforts have helped to make the world a better place.”
“I grew up at Turners Beach and was lucky as a child, to have the freedom to explore its natural environment. I think it is important that we retain as much of the natural bush as possible so that future generations can also have this experience.
25 years ago, a group of four residents found themselves becoming increasingly concerned about the constant threats to the local natural environment and the lack of response by those with authority Rather than continue to lament that someone needed to take action to address the situation, they decided to be that someone and Turners Beach Coastcare Inc was formed While the threats persist, the existence of the group has led to greater accountability, awareness, advocacy, protection, and rehabilitation opportunities for the natural environment at Turners Beach The simple objective to protect, preserve and enhance the local natural environment has guided the work of the group, and has contributed to the maintenance of a diverse, robust and healthy coastal ecosystem.
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF TURNERS BEACH COASTCARE
“I love being out in the natural environment, enjoying the landscape, the vegetation, seeing and hearing the native fauna. I especially love the coastal environment, so being a part of Turners Beach Coastcare is a no brainer for me.”
25 years is quite an achievement for a group of volunteer workers. Such a celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, including the grants received, projects undertaken, weeds removed, seedlings planted, and the hours of work put in But it has also provided for an opportunity to reflect on why we do it
Our volunteers feel connected to Turners Beach They are passionate about the work we do and find it personally rewarding. They enjoy being part of the group; spending time together, learning and building skills, and enjoying each other’s company. The future is looking promising for Turners Beach Coastcare Inc
Before planting p. 5 After planting
If there is anyone who now feels inspired to join us, please email Wendy on wendyhorniblow@gmail.com. The group will be hosting a free sausage sizzle and plant give away at the barbeque hut near the corner of the Esplanade and Boyes Street, on Sunday 25th September, from 11am 1 pm Please feel free to come along and join us Cheers to 25 years, Turners Beach Coastcare! If you’d like us to feature your community group’s work in the next Cradle to Coastlines, please get in touch with Hannah: hsadler@cradlecoast.com
Tasmania’s three natural resource management organisations, NRM South, NRM North and Cradle Coast Authority have released their new regional strategies through to 2030 Developed collaboratively across regions, the strategies adopt a consistent, scalable, whole of state NRM framework that the NRM organisations will use to prioritise their investment
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Focusing on the three primary themes of Land, Water and Biodiversity, the strategies provide a blueprint for the actions that each NRM organisation will focus on through to 2030 With a view to long term outcomes that include support for Aboriginal communities, improving landscape resilience to climate change, improved waterway health, and reducing impacts on Tasmania’s threatened species, the regional strategies maintain a strong focus on improving the condition of natural resources and driving sustainable production using specific and measurable criteria
Produced in consultation with specialists, industry, government, and community stakeholders, the strategies identify the natural resource management priorities and emerging issues unique to each of Tasmania’s NRM regions Leveraging investment from both the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, the strategies will assist the NRM organisations to plan, develop and deliver significant on ground actions across the state.
Stay tuned for exciting news coming soon about a Cradle Coast NRM website update featuring the 2030 NRM Strategy, and an afternoon information session for community groups on Wednesday 5 October. This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government.
the 2030
CCA CEO Sheree Vertigan AM, NRM Business Manager Spencer Gibbs and NRM Planning and MERI Manager Iona Flett with NRM Strategy. The Cradle Coast 2030 NRM Strategy contains 31 priorities for collaborative action for healthy landscapes and seascapes, protected natural values, and sustainable livelihoods and lifestyles
2030 NRM STRATEGY RELEASED INTO THE WILD
Now formally approved by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, the strategies were officially released on 4 August 2022
The first field day was recently held at Mooreville This was a joint session with the Soil Extension Officer (Nick Jamson) focusing on soil structure and physical properties, while the Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (Dr Tom O’Malley) discussed tunnelling dung beetles and pasture earthworms
Tom O’Malley demonstrating to participants how water moves through three different soils (left to right): a compacted red ferrosol, a sand, and an uncompacted red ferrosol.
Participants learnt about the fundamental physical properties of the soils in the region and the common issues they can experience including soil structure decline and compaction Field methods for identifying these issues were showcased including a soil structure scorecard, penetrometer, and soil water infiltration testing Management and prevention were discussed, with a particular focus on tunnelling dung beetles and pasture earthworms. A visit to an earthworm nursery of Black headed Earthworms (Aporrectodea longa), established on a commercial beef farm in the region, allowed field day participants to observe the benefits of these worms firsthand and to collect their own for introduction to their properties This species of earthworm can tunnel up to two metres down the soil profile, delivering a range of physical benefits including improved soil structure, drainage and water infiltration To register your interest in the soil extension program, or for further information, please contact Nick Jamson: njamson@cradlecoast.com
SOIL EXTENSION PROGRAM
This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government
The Tasmanian NRM Soil Extension Program recently kicked off in the Cradle Coast region The program is a collaborative partnership delivered by the three NRM regions in the state: NRM North, NRM South and Cradle Coast NRM. The program looks to promote best practices that improve the sustainability, productivity and profitability of Tasmania’s agricultural landscapes A series of field days will be delivered that promote the importance of soil health and improved soil management Field testing, soil sampling and interpreting soil test results will be a key focus of a workshop series. One on one assistance with soil sampling and interpretation will be available to landholders, including a subsidised soil sample p. 7
There are a number of serious threats to coastal saltmarsh such as weed invasion, burning, rubbish and vehicle access. Built structures such as levee banks that restrict tidal movement, change water flows and concentrate drainage at limited points, are impacting saltmarsh vegetation and coastal landforms Levee banks are usually constructed in situ and a drain may be cut along one or both sides of the levee bank Drain on paddock side of levee bank which is on right side of photo. Drain on sea side of levee bank, with levee bank on left of photo.
WHAT
p. 8
stabilise and buffer the coast from storms are an important food source for migratory birds and marine species provide nursery habitat and shelter for fish support highly specialised plants adjusted to salinity and waterlogging act as “buffer strips” to agricultural land and help reduce sediment and nutrients in run off are an important carbon capture and storage area which may help landholders reach carbon neutrality in their farming enterprises Coastal saltmarsh wetlands are found in a narrow margin around the coastline of Tasmania in “low energy” and shallow, sheltered intertidal zones The coastal saltmarsh wetlands in the Circular Head area form part of the largest coastal wetland system in Tasmania In this area, the low marsh is inundated by every tide and is characterised by pioneer saltmarsh plants such as Sarcocornia species, and in areas where enough freshwater inputs are available, reed and tussock species such as Juncus kraussi occur. The mid marsh, which is inundated less frequently, has longer lived shrubs and sedges The high marsh, which is rarely inundated, is dominated by grasses and rushes and is bordered by Melaleuca swamp forests
Coastal saltmarsh is listed as a Threatened Ecological Community under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Coastal saltmarsh areas: IS THE COST OF LEVEE BANK IN WET AND SALTY ENVIRONMENTS?
A
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Erosion and scalding from stock access and tidal incursions along a constructed drain that flows to a breach in a levee wall.
Salt scalding inside a levee. Some land managers with levee banks adjoining saltmarsh are now looking at an interesting future option for their properties. The new “tidal restoration of blue carbon ecosystems” method under the Emissions Reduction Fund enables Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs) to be earned by projects that remove or modify tidal restriction mechanisms and allow tidal flow to be introduced to an area of land This results in the rewetting of completely or partially drained coastal wetland ecosystems and the conversion of freshwater wetlands to brackish or saline wetlands
The levee banks are expensive to construct and difficult to maintain in the wet environment. Climate change and rising sea levels are likely to mean that maintenance will be required more frequently Outlets to get drainage from the farming land can be either a pipe through the levee or a breach in the wall Both pipes and drainage outlets concentrate the flow of water and nutrients leaving the property, often leading to scouring, algae growth and effluent on the outside of the levee, or salt scalding from tides or leakage on the inside of the levee. Scalded and water logged areas reduce the value of productive land In areas without constructed earthworks and levees, provided the fringe vegetation of Melaleuca swamp forest and eucalypt is maintained, runoff from farming land, including nutrients and effluent, is filtered before reaching the saltmarsh vegetation and allowed to spread out rather than leaving the property in a concentrated flow in a constructed drain Over time (provided stock are excluded) you also get a natural build up of sediment in the swamp forest buffer, which can create a natural barrier to tidal movements, except in extreme events
Higher ground with sediment built up over time and filtration effect of paperbark swamp and eucalypt vegetation.
The Rural Living Round up will be held at TasTAFE’s Freer Farm campus located at 128 202 Mooreville Road Burnie from 10 AM 2 PM on Sunday 13 November 2022
Having been postponed from February this year as a response to increasing COVID 19 case numbers in Tasmania, the Rural Living Round up field day is set to return on Sunday the 13th of November 2022!
Grazing in a Stowport cover crop p. 10
COVER CROP GRAZING IN CROPPING SYSTEMS
Cover crops are sometimes used by producers in cropping systems to reduce erosion during autumn and into winter and are often a single grass variety for simplicity. But sowing a diverse mix of cover can add other benefits including improved soil health, reduced soil compaction, enhanced nutrient cycling, improved soil structure, and improved water infiltration.
Producers may gain some income from cover crops by grazing them Early grazing will allow for slightly reduced biomass prior to preparing the site for the next cash crop However, the benefits and costs of grazing covers can vary depending on what species or mix of different species is being used as the cover crop, the soil texture, the cropping system being used, the timing of the grazing, the stocking rate, precipitation, soil moisture conditions, and so on
For further information, please contact Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator Tom O’Malley via email at tomalley@cradlecoast.com
We are currently working with mixed farming systems in NW Tasmania to investigate the effect of grazing cover crops on overall soil structure Adding livestock to the system may also improve soil biology, which is your “underground herd”
Grazing of cover crops can be a viable management option to improve soil health and maintain or increase overall system profitability Further investigation will be needed to determine the long term effects of cover crop grazing in mixed production systems For more information, please contact Agriculture Project Coordinator, Ali Dugand via email adugand@cradlecoast.com This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government.
RETURN OF THE RURAL LIVING ROUND-UP
Billed as the biggest smallholder field day on the regional calendar, this event will provide a one stop shop for all natural resource management related information. The event will feature practical farming demonstrations, talks on current farming issues by guest presenters, a showcase of TasTAFE land management courses in addition to a range of stalls and displays offering a wealth of information. The keynote speaker for the day will be Tasmania’s own Gourmet Farmer, Matthew Evans
As all viruses are obligate cellular parasites, a virus particle must make contact with tissue of a susceptible host for infection to occur The outer layer of the virus allows infection of suitable hosts as the proteins react with specific tissue chemistry as a sort of “key and lock” mechanism Once the virus has gained entry to cells of the host, the cellular machinery is hijacked and the virus begins using this to make more virus particles.
Image: Blueberry rust fungus on blueberry leaves
ISSUES OF BIOSECURITY p 11
A number of biosecurity incursions to Tasmania over the past few years have created challenges for primary producers, such as Myrtle Rust Fungus (Puccinia psidii), Queensland Fruit Fly (Bactrocera tryoni) and Blueberry Rust Fungus (Thekopsora minima) Following the detection of fruit fly in January 2018 in the island state, a community awareness campaign and control measures led to Tasmania being declared fruit fly free again in March 2019 Blueberry rust was first detected in Tasmania in 2014, and despite extensive control measures implemented since then, a rising number of detections during 2021 22 has led to the containment plan being abandoned. As a result, South Australia has declared blueberry rust as endemic in Tasmania This will be a blow to organic blueberry growers in Tasmania, as all blueberries heading to South Australia will have to be treated with fungicide to prevent this plant pathogen from spreading further Blueberry rust spreads by the dispersal of windblown spores, which can also be transported on clothing, equipment or vehicles Once a spore lands on a susceptible host plant which has wet foliage for a prolonged period of time, the spore germinates and punctures the epidermal layer of the leaf achieving infection. This rust fungus needs two host plant species to complete the lifecycle in colder climates, and in the United States, Conifer Hemlocks (Tsuga species) provide an alternative host plant Australia has no native species of Conifer Hemlock, however they are a popular ornamental tree in many private and botanical gardens Plant species infected by blueberry rust other than blueberry include cranberries, huckleberries and azaleas. The generally mild climate of mainland Australia allows blueberry rust to survive without completing its lifecycle, also without an alternative host plant being needed With luck, winter conditions in Tasmania will be sufficiently cold to reduce inoculum present in the environment and minimise the control measures required each year
Many airports in Australia now have citric acid infused mats for returning travellers to walk through upon re entry to the country, to treat footwear which may potentially have picked up virus particles The risk of the pathogen actually entering Australia has been deemed as low, however the consequences of detection here would result in severe impacts on the livestock sector across Australia.
Another potential issue for Australian farmers is the looming spectre of foot and mouth disease on the horizon, with this viral pathogen detected in Indonesia in May this year. Since then it has spread to 23 of Indonesia’s 37 provinces including Bali, a popular tourist destination for Australian holiday makers Foot and mouth disease is caused by an Aphthovirus from the family Picornaviridae
Credit: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Aphthoviruses are named from the Greek word “aphtha”, meaning vesicles in the mouth Foot and mouth disease affects cloven hooved animals including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, llamas and alpacas It causes a high fever and then the appearance of blisters or vesicles inside the mouth and on the feet After recovering from foot and mouth disease, animals can be carriers for up to two years, but are deemed unlikely to infect other animals at this stage. Australia has been free from foot and mouth disease for over a century, and the detection in Indonesia is the first there since 1986
Round 2 of the Cradle Coast NRM Community Capacity Small Grants has now been assessed and nine excellent projects will be supported with up to $3000 each The grants aim to help support our local community groups to continue their valuable natural resource management work on ground and through community engagement and education. The successful Round 2 projects are listed here: For more information, please contact NRM Engagement Officer Hannah Sadler: hsadler@cradlecoast.com
Penguin Rehab and Release Support printing of volunteer manuals and purchasing community engagement resources
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Seed collection and native revegetation at Preminghana Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation Signage at panatana to manage public movement which will protect cultural and natural values p. 12
SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY CAPACITY GRANTS
Wynyard Landcare Support ongoing native revegetation around Fossil Bluff Reserve.
Riana Cat Project Contribute to building a cat enclosure for trapped feral/stray cats to be re homed Live Well Tasmania Contribute to wild foods garden and frog pond
ORGANISATION
Wynyard Landcare planting at Fossil Bluff Reserve, Wynyard
Central North Field Naturalists Support the purchase of remote monitoring equipment and education resources
BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Friends of Remnant Heathland of Wynyard (FORHOW) Support building raised boardwalk to protect praympi reserve
Mount Roland Rivercare Inc Responsive weed control, natural asset protection in and around Mount Roland Regional Reserve
COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP
Photo: Jordan, Brendan and Cathy cleaning up West Beach with the Tasmanian University Student Association in August PLANNING A DAY?
p. 13 POACHING,
The Giant Freshwater Crayfish (Astacopsis gouldi) is the largest freshwater invertebrate in the world and is unique to the freshwater rivers of northern Tasmania. Under Inland Fisheries legislation, poaching or trapping of the Giant Freshwater Crayfish is illegal and can attract fines of up to $10,000 and under Tasmanian Threatened Species legislation, fines of up to $105,000 and/or jail terms can be expected Because Giant Freshwater Crayfish are slow-growing and don’t reach breeding age until 9 13 years of age, poaching of crayfish can lead to the loss of localised populations In order to increase public awareness and ensure that visitors to our state know that the taking of Giant Freshwater Crayfish is illegal, Cradle Coast NRM, in partnership with NRM North, have developed an A3 sized poster and small postcards promoting this message. These will be distributed through retail outlets and tourism and visitor information outlets If you would like any further information on either of these publications or on the GFC project please contact fmarshall@cradlecoast com or visit our website This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government Cradle Coast NRM have clean up bags and rubbish tongs that we are happy to lend to community groups and schools who wish to undertake community clean up events Email Hannah hsadler@cradlecoast com for more information
POSTERS & POSTCARDS!
CLAIRE JINNETTE NRM PROJECT COORDINATOR p 14
Claire has recently joined the NRM team at the Cradle Coast Authority as a Project Coordinator. Claire will be working on the projects removing Rice Grass from both the Rubicon Estuary and Robbins Passage to protect the region’s valuable saltmarshes, as well as assisting with other projects in the community engagement space With a background in environmental science and marine biology, Claire has worked across the country on a range of conservation projects She has had experience working with environmental education, threatened species, field research, species discovery and community engagement Claire is looking forward to working with the north west community and bringing her experience to the natural resource management projects in the region
WELCOME TO THE CRADLE COAST NRM TEAM
BEN CORREY NRM
"I am really enjoying my new role and have found the enthusiasm and positive energy of the other NRM team members has really helped me to settle in quickly and find my niche In my spare time I like to work on our rural property with my wife and nearly grown up children or get out for a paddle in my sea kayak " PROJECT & PLANNING COORDINATOR
Ben Correy joined the CCA NRM team as a Project and Planning Coordinator in mid July Initially his main focus will be to develop and deliver community engagement activities for the endangered Maugean Skate, that is now thought to only be found in Macquarie Harbour. This skate is one of the Australian Government’s 100 priority threatened species and we have received funding to raise awareness of the skate and support community action to help protect it Ben’s background has largely been in protected area management where he has developed skills and experience in a diverse range of roles (interpretations, Project Officer, Ranger and Ranger In Charge) in a wide range of National Parks including several World Heritage reserves (eg Uluru Kata Tjuta, Blue Mountains, Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair) as well as the Western Tasmania Aboriginal Cultural Landscape and Arthur Pieman Conservation Area.
NatureTrackers, the organisation that has brought us such citizen science classics as Where? Where? Wedgie! and Claws on the Line, is back with an innovative new project!
This time it’s called CallTrackers and it’s all about listening carefully to the sounds around us With fewer than 15% of Tasmania’s threatened species monitored to assess whether conservation efforts are adequate and effective, CallTrackers are looking for citizen scientists to assist with a new type of threatened species observation: acoustic monitoring.
Acoustic monitoring is a great way to find and monitor a wide range of species in an efficient and non invasive manner This project will be using sound recorders to listen out for the sounds of noisy species The initial focus is on Tasmanian bats and the threatened Australasian Bittern. Both bats and bitterns are secretive and very hard to detect by sight.
Participants in the project will be introduced to wildlife monitoring and the opportunity to choose a location, borrow and deploy a recorder, upload the resulting data, and receive information on which species are identified This will help us all learn more about which species are living around us, and work out their conservation needs.
The first survey season runs from September 2022 until March 2023 To get involved in the project, head to the CallTrackers webpage to register a free account TRACKERS p. 15 Scan QR code or head to: https://sites.google.com/naturetrackers.com.au/calltrackers/home
NEW PROJECT BY NATURE
Dr Clare Hawkins and Dr Jim Lovell with an acoustic monitoring device set up on a post in a wetland
The Convention on Wetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources The wise use of wetlands encompasses conservation and sustainable use for the benefit of the community and the local environment. This supports healthy landscapes and seascapes, protected natural values and sustainable livelihoods and lifestyles. There are 66 Ramsar sites in Australia, 10 in Tasmania, and only one other in the Cradle Coast region the Lavinia Ramsar Site on King Island And in recent years, there have been calls for the nomination of one more site: the Robbins Passage Boullanger Bay (RPBB) wetlands of Circular Head. The environment of the RPBB wetlands meets at least six of the nine criteria for identifying wetlands of international importance These are related to the huge numbers of migratory birds including threatened species that visit the wetlands in the summer, the native fish species that rely on the area as a nursery, and the extensive threatened ecological community of coastal saltmarsh that frames the tidal sandflats and buffers the coastline p. 16 Migratory summer shorebird visitors to the saltmarsh wetlands of Boullanger Bay (within the proposed Ramsar site) Photo by Ian and Patricia May.
RAMSAR VALUES OF ROBBINS PASSAGEBOULLANGER BAY
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There are commercial oyster, rock lobster, squid and other fisheries based within the wetland area These activities can carry on after Ramsar listing.
The area has deep cultural value for Aboriginal people including traditional uses of the land and sea
In addition to the formal criteria, the wetlands have significant natural, cultural, social and economic values which Ramsar listing would recognise and help to protect: Cradle Coast NRM, alongside Circular Head Council, BirdLife Tasmania, and many other organisations, supports the call for Robbins Passage Boullanger Bay to be nominated for Ramsar listing. It’s a world class place that deserves global acclaim. p.
West Inlet from the air
The intertidal sandflats and surrounding beaches provide feeding grounds and roosting areas for internationally significant numbers of resident and migratory shorebirds; the wetlands support more shorebirds than the rest of Tasmania combined.
The 7500 ha of seagrass beds are one of the most extensive seagrass areas in the temperate region of Australia and the saltmarshes are the largest extent of the ecological community in Tasmania
The wetland complex is listed on the directory of important wetlands in Australia and is the largest listed wetland in Tasmania. These wetlands are an excellent example of undisturbed coastal wetlands in Tasmania, with estuaries, seagrass beds, saltmarsh, tidal flats and swamp forests supporting high biological diversity and acting as nursery and feeding areas for many species
The area also has a rich European cultural history including fishing and other activities based on natural resources and important recreational values that attracts visitors and the community
Hidden in the mud and murk beneath the pristine lakes and lagoons of the Bass Strait islands, ancient puzzle pieces lie in wait for us to uncover Researchers led by Prof Simon Haberle from the Australian National University, in conjunction with Parks and Wildlife Working on Country rangers, have been working closely to piece together a puzzle many millennia in the making: The paleoecology of the Bassian Plain that once bridged mainland Australia to the island of Tasmania. In counterpoint to their work on the Furneaux Group and Three Hummock Island, Simon and team have set sights on King Island, specifically the lake sediments in Lake Martha Lavinia and Penny’s Lagoon
The work on King Island was a great chance for the Working on Country rangers to see how scientists put clues together about how past Tasmanian Aboriginal people managed land, especially during periods of climate change and shifts in ecology. Given the challenges modern land managers face today, an understanding of traditional ecological knowledge and land management within such a context may prove invaluable The answers for tomorrow’s questions may well have been buried somewhere yesterday
LOOKING BACK IN TIME ON KING ISLAND
Left: Some of the team including Jarrod Edwards and CCA's Aboriginal NRM trainee, Fox Ransom, in the stylish waders inspecting a sediment core.
Using a D section corer, various samples were taken in June at depths ranging from 34 cm to 150 cm from the lakebeds. These samples are then analysed for charcoal and pollen content, and dated using 14 C and 210 Pb techniques From the information extrapolated, an accurate chronological record of Tasmania’s ecological and fire history begins to emerge p. 18
Above: Lake Martha Lavinia. (Photos by Simon Haberle)
On private lands there are unique habitats and species that are not always adequately protected in other types of conservation reserves Private land holders across Tasmania are doing amazing work to conserve, rehabilitate and revegetate their properties, which also includes weed and erosion control and strategic fencing. This not only enhances the habitat and ecosystems that support Tasmania’s incredible wildlife but provides deep satisfaction for the people involved. p. 19
There are now more than 710 properties registered for the Land for Wildlife Program in Tasmania, which has been managed by the Tasmanian Land Conservancy since 2020 This means that over 26,000 ha of land is protected under voluntary conservation agreements that private land holders sign when they join the program.
Scan QR code or head to: https://tasland org au/progr ams/land-for-wildlife/
ARTICLE CONTRIBUTED BY PHIL WISE, TASMANIAN LAND CONSERVANCY
The Land for Wildlife Program was previously managed by the State Government for almost 20 years and landholders were required to “opt in” to continue in the program with Tasmanian Land Conservancy If you think that you may not have opted in at that time, but would still like to continue with the program, please contact Phil at pwise@tasland.org.au
DOYOUHAVE... ...?
If you are interested in joining the program, please visit the link on the Tasmanian Land Conservancy website and fill in an expression of interest form
The Land for Wildlife Program provides recognition for people caring for the ecosystems on private land. There are several benefits to joining the program which include both a desktop and onsite natural values assessment for each property, biannual newsletters, the opportunity to participate in workshops across the state to meet likeminded people, and also a durable sign for members to place proudly at the entrance to their property Along with that, the Tasmanian Land Conservancy is about to launch the Wildtracker program which will provide opportunities for Land for Wildlife members to participate in citizen science on their own property with the use of wildlife cameras and a dedicated website.
FROTHI
VOLUNTEERS GET TO WORK ON THREE HUMMOCK ISLA
ARTICLE CONTRIBUTED BY STEPHEN MATTINGLEY, FRIENDS OF THREE HUMMOCK ISLAND p 20
Friends of Three Hummock Island (FROTHI) held their second working bee on Three Hummock Island in western Bass Strait recently FROTHI founders and island caretakers, Taylor and Jesse, were joined by six other volunteers after a rough boat crossing from mainland Tasmania. The main work was weeding Sea Spurge on the island’s beaches, to help maintain habitat for Hooded Plovers, as part of a project by Cradle Coast NRM to make the island a stronghold for the birds This year, the weeding started by removing plants that had sprung up in areas weeded in the first FROTHI working bee the winter before, but expanded into areas not previously weeded. Over the six days, the group members weeded nearly 20,000 square metres spread across six beaches, pulling close to 50,000 plants Despite all this work, only two of the beaches were completely purged of the scourge of Sea Spurge
FROTHI volunteers at work on Three Hummock Island.
Photos by Taylor Stevens and Jesse Seibler
That’s where you can help There are places within the platypus’s range where sightings have never been recorded, or where they haven’t been seen for a long time These are our biggest gaps in knowledge This September, ACF is asking you to head to your nearby river or creek to see if you can spot a platypus All information from The Platy Project website Check it out!
We know the platypus has a large distribution from the tropics of northern Queensland to temperate Tasmania but little is known about which specific waterways platypus inhabit, including whether declines in populations or local extinctions have occurred
p. 21 Group members also picked up marine debris from several of the island’s beaches Although far less was found than on the first working bee, there were still thousands of pieces of plastic retrieved, and more than 15 kg of rope, which breaks up into tiny plastic pieces if left to perish All marine plastic is a threat to marine life and shorebirds. It was not all toil for the volunteers! Jesse and Taylor took care to show the visitors some of the scenic, prehistoric and historic highlights of the island. At the end of the working bee, the visitors sailed back to the Tasmanian mainland with many happy memories, fair skies and smooth seas. Thanks to Cradle Coast NRM for supporting the transport, accommodation, catering and equipment for the working bee, and Taylor and Jesse for all their hard work managing the team on the island This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government
THE PLATY-PROJECT
Dr Anita Wild from Wild Ecology has been working on a project to look at the recovery of alpine ecosystems after bushfire Anita specialises in organic soils, peat bogs and alpine vegetation, and has set up trials to test alpine restoration techniques after fire
In 2016, severe fires burnt a large area of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area near Lake Mackenzie Research began in 2019 to test and develop methods that have been used in mainland alpine areas, but adjusted for Tasmania’s unique climate, soils and vegetation
Left: Ecosystem restoration trial (photo by Anita Wild). Right: Sphagnum bog at Cradle Valley p. 22
Please contact Hannah for more information: hsadler@cradlecoast.com
If you would like to hear more about these special alpine environments, Anita Wild will be presenting some of the results of her research at Cradle Coast Authority or online 1pm on Wednesday 28 September
HELPING ALPINE ECOSYSTEMS RECOVER AFTER FIRE
The project aims to find ways to reduce soil loss after fire, mitigate long term erosion risks and restore ecological function after fire Once Tassie ready restoration techniques have been developed, the next step is to develop a decision framework to identify the conditions and circumstances where ecological restoration intervention should be implemented following wildfire
A review of the carbon crediting framework will take six months to complete, with the panel expected to provide its report, along with recommendations, to the government by 31 December 2022
CSIRO's LOOC C tool is available across Australia and can be found here: https://looc c.farm/
LOOC-C CARBON CALCULATOR p. 23
The LOOC C video is available here: https://www youtube com/watch?v=FtOTQq3x21M
In a new video, Associate Professor Matthew Harrison from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture shows how to use CSIRO's LOOC C calculator to quickly estimate existing soil carbon. The calculator also shows potential greenhouse gas emissions abatement from a range of carbon farming options under the Emissions Reduction Fund
The Australian Government is currently undertaking a review of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), issued by the government's Emissions Reduction Fund. Under the fund, projects that reduce emissions are rewarded with carbon credits These credits can be sold on the carbon market to entities that want to offset their emissions Each credit represents one tonne of carbon abatement Concerns were recently raised about several aspects of Australia’s carbon crediting system, including the integrity of its key methods and the Australian carbon credit units issued under it
Note that soil carbon values are estimates only for more accurate data, measurements are recommended
2030 NRM Strategy introduction Community groups and interested NRM contacts are welcome to come to the Cradle Coast Authority building to hear more about the new Strategy Email hsadler@cradlecoast com Wednesday, 5 October 2022, 3 5pm
Penguin Rehab and Release volunteer info session
Forest Practices System workshop Wednesday, 21 September 2022 Workshop by Forest Practices Authority about the Tas forest practices system. At the CCA function room, lunch provided. Spaces limited, RSVP to Hannah by Wed 14 September hsadler@cradlecoast com
Aussie Backyard Bird Count Taking part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count is easy! Just spend 20 minutes in your favourite outdoor space and record the birds you see using the app or the web form https://aussiebirdcount org au/ 17 23 October 2022
Rural Living Round Up The biggest smallholder field day on the regional calendar! See article on Page 10 for more info TasTafe’s Freer Farm Sunday, 13 November 2022
Hard working, regular volunteers needed from October to March to help manage Little Penguin Rehabilitation Facility in Burnie Info session at Cradle Coast Authority October 19 and training day October 29. penguinrandr@gmail.com Wednesday, October 19 2022, 5:30pm
Celebration of Wild Tasmania Saturday, 17 September, 2022, 7pm Displays and speakers on Tasmanian native food, wildlife and local projects and book launch of Eat MORE Wild Tasmania by Rees Campbell Supper of wild Tasmanian food. $5 at door. Held at The Don, Hogg St, Wynyard. Bookings: reescampbell1@gmail.com
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Restoring alpine environments after fire Short presentation and afternoon tea looking at the results of a vegetation restoration trial post fire in Tasmanian alpine environments Email hsadler@cradlecoast com for more information Wednesday, 28 September 2022, 1pm
Turners Beach Coastcare 25 year celebration sausage sizzle Free sausage sizzle and plant give away All welcome. Held at BBQ hut near the corner of the Esplanade and Boyes St. Contact wendyhorniblow@gmail.com
Launch of Maugean Skate art competition Wednesday, 7 September 2022 Entries close 3 pm Monday, 19 December, 2022 Get ready to show off your best skate themed art skills. Launching on Threatened Species Day, the inaugural Maugean Skate Art Prize will have categories for everyone to get involved and raise awareness of the plight of our skate mate
Sunday, 25 September 2022, 11am 1pm
WHAT WHERE AND MORE INFO WHEN
Threatened Species Day & Bake Off Threatened Species Day and TS Bake Off https://www dcceew gov au/environment/biodiver sity/threatened/commissioner/tsbakeoff Wednesday, 7 September 2022
