Inside:
APSLEY MARSHES Taking action to protect a Ramsar site
Regional NRM report launched Mapping Saltmarshes in southern Tasmania Future directions for NRM South School’s in for budding marine scientists
Naturally inspired WINTER 2013
sharing knowledge
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From the CEO
As we were wrapping up this edition of Naturally Inspired, the financial year ended and with that the Australian Government’s first five years of the Caring for Our Country initiative. Reflecting on the past five years, we have come a long way and established a solid bedrock of programs including our Living Soils program, community grants, Local Area Facilitation and biodiversity programs. We have developed strong partnerships with farmers, public land managers, industry, NGOs and government to deliver many exciting projects that have made a real difference to environmental outcomes in southern Tasmania. The articles on the Apsley Marshes and saltmarsh mapping in this edition provide a small glimpse of the achievements of these partnerships. The past year has provided an opportunity to report for the first time on the progress of the Natural Resource Management Strategy for southern Tasmania 2010-15. A Collective Effort 2010-12 highlights the amazing work being done across the Southern Region in NRM. Thanks to the many organisations which contributed to this report (see story on next page). Your stories are inspiring.
Also inspiring, is the community water monitoring program being led by the Taroona Environment Network’s in collaboration with consulting company Aquenal and Taroona High School (page 6). Students snorkelling out to monitoring sites is a great way for students to learn about local marine flora and fauna, how to identify fish and algal species, and will provide valuable baseline information. The project may inspire some of our next generation of marine scientists. As we commence 2013-14, we are busy preparing for an active year. We welcome the Australian Government’s five year commitment to funding under Caring for our Country 2, which aids longer term planning and provides more certainty for us as well as our partners. In 2013-14, we will be continuing many of our previous successful programs, as well as commencing some new areas of work such as Carbon Farming extension and climate change planning (see page 5). This is an exciting time and I thank our many partners, who make our work possible, and look forward to continuing to work with you over the coming years.
Kathleen Broderick
Front cover: Apsley Marshes photo by Glamorgan Spring Bay Council
SHARING KNOWLEDGE 2
A community of action in natural resource management A Collective Effort 2010-12 and the Natural Resource Management Strategy for Southern Tasmania 2010-15 can both be downloaded from NRM South’s website www.nrmsouth.org.au
The collective contributions of organisations, government and community groups have been recognised in the first progress report on the Natural Resource Management Strategy for Southern Tasmania 2010-15. A Collective Effort 2010-12, prepared by NRM South outlines the achievements of the Strategy in effectively managing Southern Tasmania’s rich and diverse natural resources through a community of action, and identifies future challenges. The report found that more than $100 million dollars was invested in natural resource management in the Southern Region each year of the reporting period. Launching the report last month, the Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister, Brian Wightman, praised the efforts of industry, government and the community in working together to improve the management of Tasmania’s natural resources. “It is easy to overlook the fact that NRM is an important industry in itself, as well as one that brings huge benefits to Tasmania’s diverse primary producers and all of us who value or depend upon our natural resources,” he said. “Whether it’s improving and maintaining water quality, protecting our threatened species, safeguarding our state from the threat of invasive pests and diseases, or any of the many other aspects of NRM, we do better when we work together.” The report draws on information provided by 25 key organisations involved in natural resource management in Southern Tasmania. Top: NRM South CEO, Dr. Kathleen Broderick, Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Brian Wightman and NRM South Chair, Max Kitchell, review A Collective Effort 2010-12. Photo by C. Limb.
Achievements over 2010-12 include: • The award-winning and highly collaborative Derwent Estuary Program provided an ongoing and reliable source of environmental data (heavy metals in fish and shellfish, water quality, biological surveys, weed control) on the Estuary, aiding management. • Over 600 hectares of high conservation value land was added to the region’s protected areas using a revolving fund established by the Tasmanian Land Conservancy. • The $20 million Derwent Park Water Re-use project, was funded by the Glenorchy City Council and the Australian Government, to capture and treat water from the heavily urbanised Derwent Park Catchment for use at the Nyrstar Hobart smelter, and on sports grounds and parks. • The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program – a collaboration between the Tasmanian and Federal Governments, researchers, wildlife parks and zoos – made considerable progress in managing the impact of the deadly Devil Facial Tumour Disease. • Over 140 community groups actively engaged in caring for the environment, such as Wildcare volunteers who removed 1.84 million sea-spurge plants, a weed that just seven years ago infested Tasmanian coasts. • The Tasmanian Government’s Wealth from Water program provided irrigators with information on soil, climate and enterprise suitability, helping them make informed business decisions. NRM South Chair Max Kitchell acknowledged the support of the many organisations which deliver natural resource management in southern Tasmania and contributed to the progress report. “The joint effort in bringing together the information in this report reflects in many ways the collaboration that occurs right across natural resource management in our region and the strength of relationships across government, community groups, NGOs and industry. Challenges identified by the report include: improving quantitative information on resource condition, essential for developing baselines of environmental condition and ongoing monitoring; improving data management; and increasing public awareness of expected local impacts of climate change.
DELIVERING PROGRAMS
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APSLEY MARSHES Taking action to protect a Ramsar wetland
The first stage of a ten year plan to protect the Apsley Marshes Ramsar Site on Tasmania’s East Coast has just been completed, with major inroads made into tackling two threats to the site, gorse and willow. NRM South partnered with Glamorgan Spring Bay Council over the past year to deliver a $277,000 project to enhance the ecological values of Apsley Marshes, with funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country. The Apsley Marshes are almost entirely within a private freehold grazing property, so the landholder was also closely involved in the project. The Apsley Marshes feed into the Moulting Lagoon Ramsar wetland on Tasmania’s east coast and support a significant number of ecological values. They contain a mosaic of wetlands including excellent examples of freshwater marsh and intertidal saltmarsh. These in turn provide habitat for the threatened Australasian bittern and white-bellied sea-eagle as well as acting as a migratory route for fish including the threatened Australian grayling. They are a drought refuge and breeding habitat for black swans and other water birds, are floristically rich and support many wetland dependant plants, including several threatened species such as the swamp everlasting daisy. On-ground activities undertaken as part of the project included weed control across more than 400 hectares, revegetation and fencing to control stock access to the marshes. In addition, surveys were undertaken for Aboriginal Heritage as well as native vegetation, bird and fish species at the site, all contributing to the development of a ten year management plan.
Willow control is a hard slog. Most of the time the on-ground team was either working from a boat or up to their chest in waders with equipment such as saws. Melanie says the diversity of skills held by the on-ground team enabled much to be achieved in a short timeframe. However, a long term approach is required and the 10 Year Management Plan provides a guide to future actions that need to be undertaken to protect this internationally significant site for the community’s ongoing benefit.
UNDERSTANDING THE MARSHES Surveys undertaken as part of this project have greatly enhanced our understanding of the Apsley Marshes: • Three bird surveys were carried out and recorded 66 species (waterbirds and terrestrial birds), including the Australasian bittern and an active white-bellied sea-eagle nest.
Melanie Kelly, Natural Resources Manager at Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, is particularly excited about the possibility of eventually seeing the marshes willow free after treating approximately 1000 in the project.
• Six native vegetation communities, including four threatened communities, were recorded. Threatened flora species recorded for the Apsley Marshes now numbers 18.
“Willows were growing along the Apsley River and spreading into the channels of the marshes,” she says.
• Notable weeds recorded were gorse (Ulex europaeus), crack willow (Salix fragilis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), jointed rush (Juncus articulatus) and water buttons (Cotula coronopifolia).
“If left to their own devices they could change channel flows, cause bank erosion, change water quality and in-stream habitat, and eventually take over the marshes.”
Photos by Glamorgan Spring Bay Council.
• Nine fish species were caught during the survey and a further three are known to occur in the Apsley Marshes. This total of 12 species includes the EPBC Act listed Australian grayling.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE 4
SALTMARSH MAPPING
SEAFOOD INDUSTRY AWARDS
Saltmarsh ‘footprint’ guides future planning
Tassal leads in sustainability reporting
Southern Tasmanian coastal saltmarshes form a crucial link between terrestrial and marine systems, providing critical ecological functions that support a range of ecosystem services and biodiversity values. Close to half of these important coastal ecosystems have already been lost or degraded due to land use change and impacts, sporadic and variable management approaches and lack of broad awareness of the important values provided by these habitats. In addition, future climate change and sea level rise projections leave these ecosystems in a precarious position given that they occupy shores within one metre of high water. A project has recently been completed to produce an inventory, GIS based mapping and a report detailing the current extent of coastal saltmarshes throughout the southern region of Tasmania, as well as the ‘future footprint’ of saltmarshes under sea level rise conditions to 2100. This project was undertaken by NRM South in partnership with the University of Tasmania, supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country. The study area comprised the seven ‘coastal catchments’ within the southern NRM region, namely Derwent Estuary-Bruny, Huon, Little Swanport, Pitt Water-Coal, Prosser, Swan-Apsley and Tasman. A summary of the mapping is now available on the NRM South website, with the aim to provide accessible information to aid future management. Information includes locations of coastal saltmarsh patches, clusters and complexes and associated information on values, threats and land management data. GIS data is also available upon request. For further information go to www.nrmsouth.org.au/publications or contact our Coastal, Marine and Estuarine Coordinator Jill Jones on jjones@nrmsouth.org.au. Above: Sherbourne Bay and Moulting Lagoon Fringing Saltmarsh Clusters
Tasmanian salmon producer Tassal has been acknowledged for its environmental leadership at the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council Awards. The Environmental Stewardship Award 2013 was presented to Tassal for leadership, commitment and innovation that contributed substantially to improving environmental stewardship/sustainability in the seafood industry. Tassal was recognised for its development and implementation of their sustainability practices and reporting procedures. For the past two years Tassal has published a sustainability report outlining its practices and achievements. Tassal’s Head of Sustainability Linda Sams said, “As an industry leader in Australia, we set the standard for sustainable aquaculture. We are leading the way in terms of transparency and reporting. The sustainability reports that we have published to date – and will continue to publish – demonstrate this.” NRM South in partnership with Tasmania’s two other NRM Regions, sponsored this years’ Environmental Stewardship Award, as part of the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council’s awards night. NRM South CEO, Dr. Kathleen Broderick, said recognition of Tassal by their peers is significant. “Tassal is to be commended for not just for their commitment to sustainable practices, but also for their efforts to proactively communicate and report on their operations.” Tassal has been working in partnership with WWF-Australia since 2012 on sustainable aquaculture. The award comes on the back of Tassal being the first salmon producer in Australia to achieve full Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification at the farm level through the Global Aquaculture Alliance. At the industry awards, Tassal also received the Business Award for demonstrating business growth, innovation, excellence in product, service and marketing. The Tassal Sustainability Report can be viewed at http://www.tassal.com.au/sustainability-report.html Photo by R. Jupe
DELIVERING PROGRAMS
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NRM SOUTH BUSINESS DIRECTIONS Climate change and carbon farming will be a key focus for NRM South in 2013-14. A new project commences to undertake a systematic review of climate change impacts on natural and agricultural ecosystems and to identify adaptation and mitigation opportunities in southern Tasmania. The project, delivered in partnership with the other two Tasmanian NRM regions, will involve stakeholder consultation and the development of collaborative climate change planning. Also in the climate change space, NRM South will be providing Carbon Farming extension and outreach services to landholders in southern Tasmania, as part of a statewide project led by RM Consulting Group. In addition to these new areas of work, following the announcement of Caring for our Country 2, NRM South plans to build on the solid foundation of work undertaken over the past five years. The Local Area Facilitators and the Regional Landcare Facilitator will deliver a sustainable agriculture program to support landholders to improve soil, weeds and grazing management. Our workshop and extension program will expand to encompass sustainable irrigation practices, focusing on the regions where new irrigation schemes are being developed.
We will continue to partner with local councils and NRM committees to support a network of Local Area Facilitators in the Southern Region. Our strong environmental focus will see further on-ground works to protect the values of Ramsar wetlands and landscape scale conservation. Our program includes improving management of three nationally listed ecological communities and 10 nationally listed threatened species. We will also continue to partner with others to improve the management of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Our popular community grants will continue, as will our collaboration with other community organisations to maximise support for volunteers.
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES Head to our website (www.nrmsouth.org.au)
Bushfire recovery effort continues Farmers in bushfire affected areas will continue to receive support from NRM South in 2013-14. Over the past five months 14 farmers have received grants from NRM South for farm recovery planning and rehabilitation work, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country. The Premier recently announced that the State Government will contribute $80,000 to extend the program in the coming year. This work complements a range of other support activities for fire affected farmers being coordinated by the Bushfire Recovery Taskforce, including fencing, the provision of stock feed and money for re-seeding. For more information about NRM South’s bushfire recovery program go to our website, and for other information see www.bushfirerecovery.tas.gov.au.
Dunalley 6 months after fire. Photo by: J.Milne
sharing KNOWLEDGE 6
School’s in for budding marine scientists
The closure of a sewage treatment plant might seem like an unusual way to kickstart a marine monitoring project, but that’s exactly what’s happening near Taroona High School. The Taroona treatment plant sits next to a marine research centre and foreshore walking track, and is being decommissioned because of ageing infrastructure. Tim Muir is a teacher at Taroona High School and runs the Exploring the Ocean program with fellow teacher Jamieson Smalley. Both are working on the marine monitoring project, which is the brainchild of the school, the Taroona Environment Network and local marine environment consulting firm, Aquenal. “Over its 40 year lifespan the plant has had a number of impacts on the surrounding coastal environment, and our project will help measure changes to marine and coastal life once the plant is fully decommissioned,” says Tim. “The project presents an amazing opportunity to monitor the underwater natural values of Taroona, teach high school students about monitoring techniques, and encourage them to think about marine science as a career path.” Funds from NRM South’s Naturally Inspired Grants have been used to establish three monitoring sites, all within 1.5 kilometres of each other, which are being used by students from grades 9 and 10 to detect environmental change caused by the decommissioning of the Taroona Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The grant is also helping the students be part of a project that will document the natural values of the local marine environment, something that hasn’t been done in this area before. Students snorkel out to monitoring sites, learn about local marine flora and fauna, how to identify fish and algal species, and develop the sort of skills that will prepare them for future studies in science. The project also provides an opportunity to actively monitor the effects of climate change on the shallow waters directly off Taroona. “This project is giving the kids practical, hands on experience in marine taxonomy, scientific sampling and analysis,” says Tim. “They are becoming part of a process that develops a wider appreciation of the underwater values of these areas, and contribute to a better understanding of how we can conserve natural ecological systems.” Subtidal surveys are being complemented by intertidal surveys along the foreshore. Sean Riley is part of the Taroona Environment Network and also works at Aquenal. He has been instrumental in getting the project off the ground. “To me this project is very much about the kids. It will help skill them up for future career paths, and also start them thinking about different conservation issues.” The NRM South grant covered the first year of baseline monitoring, but there are high hopes that Taroona High School and the local community will continue with the monitoring for at least three years. For more information about NRM South’s Naturally Inspired Grants go to www.nrmsouth.org.au or email rosbourne@nrmsouth.org.au
Photos by Aquenal, NRM South, and the Taroona Environment Network.
inspiring action
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Southern Tasmania is one of the most environmentally diverse areas anywhere in Australia. Its wealth of natural resources – including soil, water and coastlines and the native vegetation and wildlife they support – underpins the economic prosperity, social well-being and environmental health of our community. NRM South’s job is to protect and enhance these natural values for the benefit of current and future generations of Tasmanians. We do this by working closely with hundreds of organisations, agencies and community groups as well as thousands of individuals to implement the Natural Resources Management Strategy for the region.
HOBART OFFICE STAFF Dr Kathleen Broderick, CEO kbroderick@nrmsouth.org.au.......................................03 6221 6111 Vani Welling, Operations Manager vwelling@nrmsouth.org.au...........................................03 6221 6171
Our three clear priorities are to: • deliver programs and services that make the biggest difference to the most important areas • share knowledge and inspire positive action across the region • build partnerships with organisations and individuals ranging from state and local government to schools, community groups and farmers.
PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS STAFF Danielle Hardie, D’Entrecasteaux Channel Project Coordinator dhardie@kingborough.tas.gov.au..................................03 6211 8236
Sheena Bell, Finance Coordinator sbell@nrmsouth.org.au.................................................03 6221 6118
LOCAL AREA NRM TEAM
Geir Rodven, Business Services Coordinator grodven@nrmsouth.org.au...........................................03 6221 6112
Andrew Winkler, Acting Mountain to Marine Facilitator (Hosted by Kingborough Council) awinkler@nrmsouth.org.au...............03 6211 8299 or 0428 259 156
Laura Joss, Administration Officer ljoss@nrmsouth.org.au.................................................03 6221 6111 Daniel Panek, Monitoring and Reporting Coordinator dpanek@nrmsouth.org.au.............................................03 6221 6199 Ruth Osborne, Community Support Liaison rosborne@nrmsouth.org.au..........................................03 6221 6161 Dr Magali Wright, Biodiversity Coordinator mwright@nrmsouth.org.au...........................................03 6221 6142 Jill Jones, Coastal, Marine and Estuarine Coordinator jjones@nrmsouth.org.au...............................................03 6221 6126 Ken Moore, Regional Landcare Facilitator kmoore@nrmsouth.org.au........................................... 03 6221 6117
Rosie Jackson, Catchments to Coasts Administration and Communications Officer (In partnership with Glamorgan Spring Bay Council) rosie@freycinet.tas.gov.au.............................................03 6256 5051 Terry Higgs, Catchments to Coasts NRM Coordinator (In partnership with Glamorgan Spring Bay Council) terry@freycinet.tas.gov.au.............................................03 6256 5051 Steve Joyce, Derwent Catchment NRM Officer (In partnership with Derwent Catchment NRM) steve@derwentnrm.com.au............................................. 03 6286 3211 Jennifer Milne, NRM Officer (In partnership with Tasman Council) jennifer.milne@tasman.tas.gov.au....... 03 6250 9221 or 0418 354 919 Tim Ackroyd, Huon Valley NRM Facilitator (In partnership with Huon Valley Council) tackroyd@huonvalley.tas.gov.au...................................03 6264 0324 Sandy Leighton, Sorell NRM Facilitator (In partnership with Sorell Council) sandy.leighton@sorell.tas.gov.au..................................03 6269 0008
313 Macquarie Street (PO Box 425) South Hobart Tasmania 7004 Tel: 03 6221 6111 Fax: 03 6221 6166 Web: www.nrmsouth.org.au