Tree Talk Spring Summer 2012

TREE TALK Spring/Summer 2012-13

Activities and Events in the Upper Barwon Landcare Network Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Contact Page Executive Contacts President Peter Greig—Murroon Landcare 5236 3229 Vice President David Curry—Otway Agroforestry Network 5236 3221 Public Officer/Treasurer Stewart Mathison—Barwon Rivercare 5267 2054 Secretary Loraine Cosgriff—Murroon Landcare 5236 3393 Board Members Carol McGregor —Wurdale Landcare 5288 7082 Daryl Hoffman—Wurdale Landcare 0418 356 786 Andrew Stewart—Otway Agroforestry Network 5236 3277 Jim Lidgerwood—Barwon Rivercare 5288 7294 Richard Gilbert—East Otway Landcare 5236 3243

Group Contacts Barwon Rivercare Group President Jim Lidgerwood 5288 7294 Secretary Rod Stone 0439 067 636 Treasurer Deb McDonald East Otway Landcare Group President Jennifer Morrow 5288 7144 Secretary Jill Stewart 5236 3206 Treasurer Peter Thomas 5236 3269 Irrewarra Farmcare Group President Peter Dooley 5233 6229 Treasurer Will Hanson 5233 6279 Secretary Bruce Bilney 0417 372 219 Murroon Landcare Group President Loraine Cosgriff 5236 3393 Vice President Simon Mooney 5236 3315 Secretary Mary Jane Gannon 5236 3333 Treasurer Katrine Juleff 5236 3238 Otway Agroforestry Network President Kaye Rodden 5265 1241 Coordinator Andrew Stewart 5236 3277

Wurdale Landcare Group President Carol McGregor 5288 7082 Secretary Annette Rennie Barongarook Landcare Group President Ian Lane 0408 523 800 Secretary/Treasurer Jan Healey 5233 8240 Facilitator Andrew Gray 0414 560 296 andrew.gray@landcarevic.net.au www.barongarooklandcare.org.au Birregurra Creek Landcare Group President Paul Drewry 5236 2294 Secretary Claire Dennis 5236 2399 Treasurer Lyn Genua 52315909 Birregurra Community Group President Ian Court Secretary Russell Garraway 5236 2395 Treasurer Brian Lawrence 5236 2356 Gerangamete & District Landcare Group President Nerissa Lovric 5233 4695 Secretary/Treasurer Kaz Standish 5236 6331 Friends of Deans Creek President Glen Conner 5231 2922 Secretary Jill Madden 5231 1284

Staff Co Ordinator Neil McInnes 0427 316 396 neil@ubln.org.au Education/partnership Mandy Baker 0427 316 395 mandybaker@iprimus.com.au Administration Officer John Readhead johnreadhead@iprimus.com.au

Office 57 Main Street Birregurra 3242 ph 5236 2401 www.ubln.org.au

Disclaimer—This publication may be of assistance to you but the Upper Barwon Landcare Network and staff do not guarantee that this publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Upper Barwon Landcare Network and staff.

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Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

Welcome to Tree Talk Spring/Summer 2012-3 Tree Talk is produced by the Upper Barwon Landcare Network Printing by Birregurra General Store.

In this edition... p2 p4 p 5-9 p10 -11 p 12 p 13 p 14 -15 P 16 P 17 -19

Handy Contact page Presidents Report Group Reports and Activities Bambra Wetlands Pageant Species of the Upper Barwon The Turramurra Story Maintaining the Good Works Deepdene Wetland Focus Farm Dunkeld Bus Trip

The deadline for the next edition of Tree Talk is first week of May 2013—articles and photos from our members are most welcome.

Please contact Mandy Baker 0427 316 395 or Front cover; Judy Cameron in character at the Bambra Wetlands Pageant. email mandybaker@iprimus.com.au

Back cover; The Birregurra Landcare Champions Club visit the Gordons farm

Thank you to all our contributors

Dear Landcare Member The Upper Barwon Landcare Network Executive cordially invites you to join us for an inspiring evening of conversation and connection, good country fare and a showcase and celebration of local landcare. Feature of the evening is speaker Les Robinson;

LES ROBINSON is

‘Enabling Change’ new directions for Landcare

an inspiring speaker and Australia's pre eminent trainer and strategist on the design of behaviour change programs. Les ‘s 6 pm MAY 3rd 2013. presentation at the 2012 The Winchelsea Hub, Eastern Reserve Winchelsea Victorian Landcare Forum was the highlight Evening includes; Upper Barwon Landcare Network Annual General of the conference. He facilitates strategic Meeting, 3 course meal ($30 a head), Guest Speaker, Entertainment forums, workshops, Bookings essential. Phone 5236 2401 community events and conferences.

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Proudly sponsored by CRF (Colac Otway) Pty Ltd Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

From the President

Two big things are looming which need your attention please: Annual dinner and AGM This year, again in Winchelsea, on May 3, we’re aiming to make an event even better than last year (remember the Campbells’ fascinating tale of the Falklands? And Mandy Baker as game show host?).

We’ve been lucky to secure as guest speaker the man who gave such inspiration at the last Victorian Landcare Conference – Les Robinson. Les specializes in creating and managing change – particularly in Landcare and catchment management – where he has a national reputation.

There’ll be other entertainment as well, and I can promise you that all who attend will have a good time. It’s time to celebrate all the good things about Landcare, and to refresh our enthusiasm for what’s next.

Please come prepared to nominate your group’s representative to the UBLN Executive.

Community Landcare Grants Up to $50,000 is now available to all groups (and individuals) for projects that help: • farms become more sustainable, and/or • groups or individuals in communities become more able to live and work sustainably.

I urge everyone to think seriously about this opportunity, for which Neil McInnes can help you apply. Timing is tight though: applications are due by March 20.

Maintenance work on earlier projects would be eligible, as well as new works of the sort already done. Don’t forget the social and educational opportunities either – as these are all part of what they call “capacity-building”.

Stories in this issue give a good sense of the range of Landcare activities underway in our district: Also included in this edition is a one page Questionnaire survey on Tree Talk, for your response please.

Meanwhile the Executive has been busy, firstly with trying to ensure future funding – with much help from CCMA, and Moragh McKay of the Bass Coast Landcare Network. A second endeavour is about re-energizing Landcare in our district, in its many and varied dimensions.

Some personnel changes have happened on the Executive. Sadly, we’ve had to say thanks and farewell to secretary Lily Randall (East Otways) and Malcolm McKay (Wurdale), who have moved on for their own different reasons. Happily, we welcome Carol McGregor (Wurdale) who has already joined the planning team for the annual dinner.

Hope to see you there!

- Peter Greig

Pictured left; Sarah Henderson, Liberal party candidate for Corangamite was a recent guest at our executive meeting .

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Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

WURDALE LANDCARE GROUP Wensleydale Working Bee success!

On Saturday morning, 23rd February, a working bee was held on private properties along Wensleydale Station Road. There had been concern regarding the increasing appearance Sweet Pittosporum, a bushy tree that looks inconspicuous and yet is steadily taking over the area. Although this species is native to Australia, it does not exist naturally in the local area. Unfortunately, it seems to like the northern edge of the Otways and is slowly taking a hold.

Sweet Pittosporum is tall shrub or multibranched small tree. It is native to wet forests in coastal areas between the Great Dividing Range and the sea from southern Victoria to southern Queensland. It has shiny dark green leaves with wavy edges. Cream-white flowers are followed by clusters of small orange fruits that are attractive to birds.

Sweet pittosporum is now a serious weed problem outside its natural range. The spread of Sweet pittosporum has occurred in part because it makes a likeable, hardy garden plant with a sweet perfume.

This is a plant that grows vigorously and, once established, chokes out the undergrowth, including native ground covers, orchids and grasses. Neighbours in Wensleydale Station Road worked in collaboration the Wurdale Landcare Group to develop an approach to controlling the spread of Pittosporum.

A coordinated effort was arranged by Helen Shelley, Joan Lindros and Carol McGregor to arrange the working bee.

Communications with the Surf Coast Shire highlighted the need for clearly safety measures to be implemented, particularly to gain support of the Shire. For this working bee we obtained support for the plant material to be deposited at the Winchelsea Tip at no cost to volunteers or the Landcare Group and Council has indicated that they shall 5

assist with the next working bee, planned for May 2013 as a continuation of the work that has commenced. We had an excellent attendance for the working bee with 13 people assisting to pull out small plants, sawing and cutting larger ones, applying Round Up and collect plant material. Two properties also permitted the group to use their land for disposal of plants, heaped into burn piles, and other plant material was removed in tandem trailers and taken to the Winchelsea tip. In all, it was very productive morning, with many hundreds of plants being removed.

Thanks very much to Nell McIntyre and Deb Menheere, who provided morning tea, the social part of the morning which was held at the McIntyre’s property in Casboults Road. And thanks to all those who assisted with the project. The Wurdale Landcare Group will be conducting more working bees, field days and social events across the year. If you would like more information about the Wurdale Landcare Group, please contact me on 5288 7082.

- Carol McGregor, President

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

Landcare, to thank him for his dedication, devotion, his enterprising ideas and his boundless energy, enthusiasm and passion.

An example of ‘Richard the Ideas man’ is the Bambra Pageant which was held at the Bambra Wetlands before our AGM in December (report on pages 10-11). We also welcome Jill Stewart Who’s tumbled over as secretary. I much appreciate the work of the amazing and tenacious ‘Rosy Ross Brooker, our outgoing secretary (who was in the role much longer than he wanted to) and Hyacinth Orchid” dipodium thank him sincerely for his energy and effort. roseum whilst spending time in The new ‘Landcare’ - yes we plant trees, we the bush? protect our soils, look after our water ways and They are a real show stopped for me when I deal with weed issues in our area, but we also am pulling ragwort or dealing with blackberry – connect with all members of our community, there on their tall leafless stem this flower of embrace diversity, appreciate each others’ such beauty, when all around is dry and thirsty. skills, swap ideas and information, welcome This plant pushes its way through compacted now comers into our community and have fun. hard soil to flower in every shad of pink and On the subject of having fun!! We have had purple...how does it do it? several working bees at the Bambra Wetlands.

Sorry...I’ve rather got sidetracked, confused for One such event the Deans Marsh school a moment that I was writing ’Beating about the children helped lay weed mat and plant grasses bush’ , no..I am the new and somewhat alarmed and trees. Another was path laying and yet president of the East Otway Landcare Group, another was blackberry control, being that time and it is my duty to inform you through ‘tree talk’ of the year. what we have been up to!

So, a big thank you to all of you who attended Before I enlighten you, I have a very important one or more of these events. We have a full and job to do and that is to sincerely thank our exciting program of activities ahead, so keep outgoing President Richard Gilbert for the your eyes open for information. incredible amount of work he had put into - Jennifer Morrow

EAST OTWAY LANDCARE GROUP

BARWON RIVERCARE On 19th Sept 2012 the Barwon River care group hosted an information session with Guest Speaker Kate Redwood - one of the directors of Hepburn Wind (and also secretary of the Daylesford Footy club). The award winning Hepburn Wind Farm project is a multi million dollar project which was started by community members and brought to completion over three years by a partnership of the Wind generator manufacturer and the community.

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Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

BARONGAROOK LANDCARE GROUP

Boooo Booook…….

Yep, we all got the chance to meet Silver Bum………

Not our guide, but he did bring along a great taxidermy specimen of a male Koala (not to mention the echidna, powerful owl, sugar glider, barn owl and a blue tongue lizard).

What a great night. The stars were out in force and no moon to be seen. With very little wind any creature movement was easily detectable. Even more so with Matt’s bat detector…….. 23 people joined us for our first Holiday Activity. Thank you all for taking the time to explore our local reserve by spotlight.

It was a late night for the 8 children who were amazed by Pete ‘the Possum Mans’ stories and tricks to attract our nocturnal critters. For the first time in many years we spotted a real koala in the reserve. We also spotted a big brushtail possum going about his evening business.

your neighbour, Understanding your local risk and Taking the first step in fire preparedness.

The day will include CFA demonstrations, workshops/scenarios and presentations, tours to local properties of different preparedness, fire safety equipment, entertainment, food and if conditions allow - a great big bonfire.

DATE - Saturday 13th April.

Joseph Paatsch Nature Reserve (JPNR) Colac Secondary College students studying VCE Units 3-4 Outdoor and Environment Studies are soon to be helping out with willow management in JPNR. The willows where removed early last summer and are already starting to reshoot. This is the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship. Once we know more about the Communities for Nature grant application submitted late last year we are looking forward to this school group getting further involved in the restoration of this site and building a strong community relationship with Colac West Rotary Club and BLG. New Website Our new website (www.barongarooklandcare.org.au) has been up and running for about 3 months. Check it out and feel free to provide feedback. Any local Landcare related news items are always welcome. Be sure to put the URL in your favourites and make sure you let your friends and neighbours know about it.

St Laurence Works Crew

We are currently negotiating a mutually beneficial partnership with St Laurence Community Services Inc. Colac. This will be a Conversations on the night have led to planning the next holiday activity: likely to involve building nesting WIN WIN for community capacity building and the environment. BLG have the skills, boxes for more critters to call Barongarook home.

Colac Otway Shire are keen to see this initiative and qualifications and projects for a works crew to Barongarook Scouts are looking forward to testing engage in a meaningful Conservation & Land their carpentry skills.

Management Program.

Barongarook Fire Festival The number 2 response to a survey conducted -Andrew Gray

by BLG was for fire related services, particularly, managing native vegetation sustainably, fire preparedness and fireguard reinvigoration. As a result, in partnership with Barongarook CFA, the group has decided to host a ‘Fire Festival’ at the old school site in Barongarook.

‘Fire in a Positive Light’ will be a celebration and awareness raising event; focusing on - Knowing 7

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

farmers for their stewardship of soil, water, and biodiversity, separate from their commercial food production. There needs to be a serious campaign to educate the public about how to eat more sustainably and educating industry about sustainability standards.

OAN celebrates 20 years I agree with the following quote from Cribb, As the Otway Agroforestry Network (OAN) celebrates 20 years of network- which says, "There is increasing urgency to chart a new course. Our energy, water and ing, sharing knowledge and ideas I think of all the wonderful friendships I have made and how climate resources are undergoing dramatic changes that will require agriculture to transition important they have been to my personal and to much more biologically diverse systems, professional development. People from the organized into biological synergies that Heytesbury, Apollo Bay and Colac area, exchange energy, improve soil quality, and Forrest, Deans Marsh, Murroon, Winchelsea and north of the Princes highway on the plains conserve water and other resources". This is and various places in between. A diverse region what the Otway Agroforestry Network has been with different landscapes and adapted farming promoting for the past 20 years including identification of other commercial opportunities systems. As I travel around our region I see that arise from this approach. OAN has many OAN signs and evidence of many developed considerable momentum over the members working hard to solve land m past 20 years and we need to continue to draw anagement problems and developing energy from each other and be proactive as we sustainable landscapes. We can reflect on 20 strive to develop new and exciting solutions to years of activity and use these experiences to effect productive landscape change. imagine the next 20 years and think what can be achieved. Taking creative leaps in the right NRCL tour & meeting direction can deliver resilient landscapes and communities that provide sustainable futures in OAN met with The Natural Resources the face of a changing climate and uncertainty. Conservation League of Victoria (NRCL) in November, 2012. Anthony Hooper (NRCL My Xmas reading was Julian Cribb’s book, "The C.E.O) along with Hugh Stewart (NRCL Board member) arranged to have their board meeting coming famine - the global food crisis and what at Bambra Agroforestry Farm and then to join we can do to avoid it”. Cribb highlights the OAN for lunch followed by farm tours. The ridiculous way many government policies are formed throughout the world and not factoring in purpose of the meeting was to share ideas and explore the possibilities of developing sustainability and social equity issues, which are critical if the world is to have a future. Cribb partnerships to encourage landscape takes it back to the fundamentals of sustaining restoration, which fits with NRCL’s strategic objective three to: -Support activities that the land and connecting people to the land as the way forward. Resource wars are a serious threat with huge ramifications for large numbers of refugees. He goes on to say that farmers are the most important people in the world as they grow the food and manage most of the land (I would also add foresters).

Without sustainably managed land and food production we have nothing. But farmers are struggling to make ends meet and the land continues to degrade.

All components of production systems both industrial and farm must have a supported sustainability index applied. We need government payments to

OTWAY AGROFORESTRY NETWORK

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Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

contribute to an integrated approach to healthy ecosystems.

NRCL, which formed in 1951, is celebrating over 60 years of contribution to the conservation of Victoria’s natural resources. Its predecessor, the Save the Forests Campaign was formed in 1944 in the aftermath of the 1939 bushfires out of concern about the need to protect Victoria’s forests.

In 2011, the NRCL Board developed new priorities to guide their work to 2015 and beyond. Their vision is to be an innovative and strategic leader in the promotion of conservation ideas and actions that value, conserve and restore ecosystems in a changing environment characterised by climate change, drought and fire risk.

The NRCL is working to enact this vision through practical projects that involve community action, research, education and demonstration projects in order to achieve enduring, positive change for the natural

environment.

At the conclusion of the OAN and NRCL meeting, Mike Hill, NRCL chairman, thanked OAN for hosting an enjoyable and inspirational day and said the NRCL would like to continue discussions to determine how both organizations could work together on future projects.

Interested in joining For those interested in joining OAN, phone Andrew Stewart on 0448 363 277 or email: jillandandrew.stewart@gmail.com.au -Andrew Stewart Coordinator Otway Agroforestry Network Pictured previous page; Potential for commercial production, OAN farm tour of banksias and bush food plants protecting an eroded farm dam. .

IRREWARRA FARMCARE GROUP

Proposed 2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date

topic /speaker

venue

MARCH 20

TAGGLE CHRIS ANDREWS LEAK DETECTION

IRREWARRA FOOTY CLUB

APRIL 20

CAM NICHOLSON

IRREWARRA FOOTY CLUB

MAY 15

LPA AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

IRREWARRA FOOTY CLUB

JUNE 19

WEEDS/AGRONOMIST

ON FARM

JULY 17

VETERINARY IAN HENDERSON

IRREWARRA FOOTY CLUB

AUGUST 21

ON FARM BUGS/PEST CONTROL

ON FARM

SEPT 18

VISUAL SOIL ASSESSMENT

ON FARM

OCTOBER 16

FEED LOT VISIT JELNA

ON FARM

* events for March and April have been confirmed, please contact the group to enquire on other dates 9

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

“if you go down to the woods today you are in for a big surprise...”

And certainly you were if you were at the Bambra Wetlands on Sunday 2nd December!!

It was the day of the wetlands pageant, and we saw these members of our community as never before, there they were, leaping, strutting, shuffling, snuffling, stalkng, gliding, threatening, scuddling and perching.

Stephen Murphy ( Bam Bam the wetlands spirit and author of the pageant script) narrated the history of the wetlands from the time of the first Australians, to now, and the tireless commitment of the East Otway Group to recreate habitat and make this special place a haven for humans and our native creatures alike. He encouraged his listeners to stop, listen, to take time out from the rat race and seek the quietness we crave in the beauty of the place. The Wetland spirit, accompanied by a lilting flute (Lucy Quartermain) then led the audience around the Wetland pathways to meet the creatures that live there.

Pauline Ichineumon Wasp (Judy Cameron) poised beside a flowering sweet Bursaria bush, Pauline gave us a tour guide of the niche in the wetland explaining her duties in this our web of life.

Phyllis Echidna (Genevieve Picot ) shuffled through the leaf matter snuffling for ants in the soil. A feisty little digger, Phyllis told of the duties in the wetlands and her role in helping the bush regenerate from the seeds she prepares a perfect seedbed for.

Tony the tiger snake (Rob Phillips) was an angry fang ruminating on the perils of being misunderstood and unpopular.

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Raul the red fox (Lily Randall) a confident, conceited fellow, sly, underhand and dishonest with a slight Mexican accent, well groomed and sure of himself, he proudly boasted of his ruthless hunting skills and the impact he has had on the indigenous wildlife.

On a patch of thick scrub with lots of understorey cover was Alison the dusky Antechinus (Rosie Phillips) On telling her tale the men in the audience were noticeably uncomfortable when the antechinus sex life was mentioned, the males die after mating, natures way of leaving more resources for the next generation ( no comment!)

Even onward to a tall gum tree where Sarah the sugar glider (Jennifer Morrow) was blinking in the sunlight, unused to the bright light of day.

A good time girl, bright and cheerful with a love of life, Sarah went on to explain that although very much a party girl, only emerging after dark, she did work hard guarding trees from intruders and eating grubs to keep the forest healthy.

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

On the high walking trail, the audience gasped upon meeting the suave well spoken athletic underground agent licensed to kill, black belt at martial arts and lord of his manor James the Spotted Quoll (Mike Robinson Koss). An opinionated ‘don’t mess with me’ sort of fellow, holding his head high, knife held high, dead rabbit draped over his elbow, there was no doubting that he, James Spotted Quoll was top predator.

The biggest marsupial meat eater in the Otways.

Ian Platypus (Richard Gilbert) Reeling from their encounter with James, the audience stumbled on to the ridgetop where they were startled by a splashing of water in the creek. Looking down, there was a fit looking swimmer appearing out of the water with flippers, mask and snorkel. Ian platypus told us of his incredible aquatic life, warned of his poisonous ankle spur and told of his bill with its electro receptors.

No wonder the first white scientists to come to this land could not believe what they had found in this incredible creature.

In a huge manna gum, bustling busily around was Percy pardalote (Jill Stewart) of old manna gum place. Percy explained that running this not so typical guest house was a busy though enjoyable lifestyle. Lorikeets were a rowdy bunch, more pleasant company was Mr Boobook owl who’s wisdom he appreciated. Lots to do to keep the leafy canopy clean of sap sucking insects.

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A rustle in the grass and out stepped Bluey the Blue Tongued Lizard (David Curry) as best he could on legs so short and stumpy. Slow and sleepy, Bluey staggered out of the tussock grass, his intelligence keeping him one jump ahead of Mr “Raul the Red”, he told of his unique part in our biodiversity.

Brendon Bandicoot (Alice Phillips) a shy, quietly spoken, friendly little creature, endearing to look at with his large ears and pink snout.

Appearing a little vague and with a slight stutter he told of his life, his love of eating cockroaches, black crickets and earwigs. Brendon begged a favour, when next gathering firewood, to leave some logs on the ground for him.

The actors took a bow, the masks made by Lily Randall and Martin Beaver were much admired, a sense of achievement ran high, new connections were made, friendships strengthened and fun and laughter was had by all.

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

‐Jennifer Morrow

Species of the Upper Barwon RIVER RED GUM

Family: Myrtaceae Genus: Eucalyptus- well covered (pertaining to the gumnut having a cap or operculum) Species: camaldulensis – named from a cultivated specimen growing in a garden of Camaldulian order of religious hermits named from St Roumald’s chief foundation colony at Camaldoli in Tuscany Italy.

DESCRIPTION Medium to tall spreading woodland tree to 30m tall. Some individual trees can spread to 40m wide. In the Upper Barwon region, river red gum grows along the Barwon River and surrounding flood plain.

HABITAT It appears that the natural southern boundary of red gum is near Ingelby between Birregurra and Winchelsea. Anecdotally, the red gums growing at the Birregurra golf course are planted specimens. Red gum grows in most riparian especially clays but also deep sands or silts with clay subsoils.

They produce profuse amounts of nectar rich flowers. Seed production is rapid (as little as 4 months from flower to seed) compared with most eucalypts and is not held on the tree for more than one season. The Barwon provenance is not known for growing well in saline soil conditions.

Studies show that trees can survive flooding for up to two years without any detrimental effects unless the water is salty.

EVOLUTION Red gum has learned to survive with flooding and very poor drainage.

1. They are able to “breathe” through the trunk and can develop floating root masses that utilise oxygen from the air during inundation.

2. They can survive drought with extensive “sinker” roots tapping into deep groundwater. They also shed leaves in drought to reduce transpiration.

3. Even young seedlings have aerenchymatous roots (air spaces in tissue to help waterlogged roots reach oxygen).

4. Seed drop usually occurs in spring which coincides with floods and warm conditions suitable for germination.

5. Some studies show allelopathy may be the reason why very little grows under red gum.

Other studies suggest the shading and water competition from the mature gums to be the reason.

6. Red gum can be attacked by leaf chewing insects. Forest flooding can be a key factor in controlling the gum leaf skeletoniser moth (a major pest). The flooding provides favourable conditions for the growth of fungal pathogens of the moth as well as removing pupation sites and drowning larvae.

Red gum has evolved to take advantage of flooding but not with fire, as most other gums have.

They have no lignotuber and even low intensity fires may cause damage to the cambium.

USES

1. Culturally significant for Indigenous Australians. Canoes produced from red gum bark which unlike other species can withstand the weather without curling or cracking.

2. Sap is used for healing burns; leaves used in steam baths.

3. The wood has been used for heavy construction, sleepers, veneering, firewood and charcoal.

It is a very valuable honey tree as it produces pollen in vast quantities and is one of our heaviest yielders of nectar. Honey is mild, clear, straw coloured and a very good flavour.

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Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

ENVIRONMENT 1. Very important plant for revegetation on watercourses and floodplains along the Barwon.

2. Old trees, especially those with hollows (inc. dead trees) are important habitat trees for wildlife especially on the basalt plains where faunal habitat is no longer contiguous.

For your firewood supply consider using plantation sugar gum instead of naturally occurring red gum.

REFERENCES CSIRO ‘Water for a healthy country’ program www.anbg.gov.au/wfhc Riverina Environmental Education Centre http://www.reec.nsw.edu.au Koorie Plants, Koorie People; Gott and Zola; Koorie heritage trust 1992 Honey Flora of Victoria; archives, Vic Dept of Ag. Australian Plant Genera; Baines; SGAP Forest Trees of Australia; Boland etc; CSIRO, 1984 - Mike Robinson Koss Otway Greening Nursery

The Turramurra Story For the last 30 years a group of folk musicians, friends and families have gathered yearly at a school camp on the Pennyroyal Creek near Deans Marsh towards the end of January.

The primary purpose of the gathering is to help mentor the next generation of folk musicians. It has been remarkably successful in fulfilling this purpose.

I have been involved at the fringes for most of those 30 years as a local contact person and helper in various roles.

A few years ago we started having environment workshops as part of the programme.

At one of these I posed the question ‘would it be a good idea if we tried to reduce the environmental impact of staging this event?’

What flowed from that question has been remarkable.

A whole series of resolutions were passed on to the organising committee.

The people at that workshop resolved to use local caterers and local food as much as possible, and end the use of takeaway plates and cups.

Garbage was to be sorted into several waste streams and either taken back to participants homes or dealt with locally.

They recommended a voluntary levy on the ticket price to go to a replanting fund to help address erosion issues along the Pennyroyal Creek which flows through the site.

Nearly every participant now pays the levy.

That levy has been matched or doubled by the local Catchment Management Authority or Landcare Network so that for 3 years now around 2000 trees and shrubs and grasses have been planted yearly along the creek by a dedicated crew of volunteers. They have also lent a hand to other local projects like the Bambra Wetland.

Those involved at the summer camp number in the 200s, 10% of whom come back for the winter planting weekend.

At this years Summer Camp one of the crew mentioned that Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland managed to plant and pay for around 2000 trees a year with great fanfare.

Woodford attracts in excess of 15000 participants, Turramurra less than 300.

The major difference is that we have established a relationship with the local Landcare Group and all the help, knowledge and resources they can bring to bear.

This year there is a plan afoot to take that relationship onto a new level with a mini festival to be held the second weekend in October.

Look out for details on the 12 and 13th October at the Bambra Wetland!

- Richard Gilbert 13

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

MAINTAINING THE GOOD WORKS

Vegetation.....

It gives me great pleasure when I travel throughout the Upper Barwon Landcare district in summer and autumn and see the lines of native trees and shrubs snaking down from the hills and meandering across the flatter ground; green ribbons of relief from the sere grasslands.

Back home I have come to recognise, over the years, the immense value the plantings on my property have had on the wellbeing of my farm and myself.

Indigenous trees and shrubs along my many small creeks and waterways have greatly reduced soil loss through erosion and slumping, resulting in sparkling clear water when those creeks are flowing. Birds are returning in ever increasing numbers delighting me with their songs. Small native animals have made their homes among the shrubbery.

My cattle are able to find shade from the hot summer sun and shelter from the driving rain and bitter cold winds of winter along the shelterbelts of native species planted along the ridge tops.

Sheltered cattle suffer less stress and gain weight more quickly allowing me that extra dob of jam on my bread and butter.

However this idyllic scenario is slightly tempered with the need to spend time on maintenance.

Fence lines need to be patrolled regularly to ensure they remain stock proof. In my case this usually involves removing fallen branches off fences and tightening the loosened or broken wires.

I have learnt over the years not to plant Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) close to fence lines.

Of even greater importance is pest plant control. On my hilly, high rainfall property the proclaimed weeds Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Blackberry ( Rubus spp) along with the various thistle species are on my hit list. When the plantings were very young the annual or biennial ragwort and thistles were a considerable problem, the growth of seedlings being especially prolific on the bare ground where spots were sprayed in which to place seedling native species. Control of these pest plants entailed spraying every year before they seeded.

Persistence is the key for effective control. Over the years, however, as the trees have grown and won the battle for light and moisture these weeds have become much less of a problem requiring little time and effort to keep them in check. The blackberries are more of an ongoing problem. Droppings from birds nesting and sheltering in the trees and shrubs contain blackberry seeds that germinate readily after the autumn rains. Regular fox control is also necessary as their scats may also contain blackberry seeds. Young blackberry plants regularly appear in my plantings calling for an annual spray program to destroy them before they bear fruit.

Because my native revegetation plantings are on steep, rugged, non-tractorable terrain, weed spraying is carried out using a hand sprayer or knapsack. This being the case I use only a broad spectrum spray with glyphosate as the active ingredient (mixed to almost woody weed strength) as it allows me to hit all my weeds in one go. I try to grab the brief window of opportunity when the ragwort and thistles have barely commenced flowering and the blackberry plants are growing vigorously to spray. This method does not necessarily provide the most efficient kill with regard to each individual weed species, but I have found, if religiously carried out annually, it is effective 14

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

and saves time (and my legs).

Each year when the weeding is done I have the satisfaction of knowing that not only are my revegetation areas as free from pest plants as I can make them but I have done my level best to prevent the spreading of weedy species onto my neighbours’ properties. Well worth the effort I say!

- Loraine Cosgriff

...and waterways The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) received funding to work with local landholders and the Upper Barwon Landcare Network to repair some of the damage caused through the floods. A large proportion of the works completed to date has been fixing damaged rock chutes. These are 'grade control structures' that have been designed to handle flows over points of stream bed erosion. They prevent the upstream progression of erosion and the downstream movement of sediments.

Rock chutes work best when done with complementary streamside vegetation.

An essential ingredient is the participation of landholders in holistic rehabilitation along waterways including fencing for stock exclusion, weed control and revegetation. Contact Neil McInnes or the CMA's River Health Officer, Tom Scarborough if you would like to discuss your waterway.

- Tom Scarborough

Barwon River Salinty (EC) 8th Feb 2013

Water Watch Salinity results

800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

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Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

DEEPDENE WETLAND PROTECTED With about 60% of Victoria's shallow freshwater marshes destroyed and a similar level of depletion across the Otway Plain bioregion the opportunity to save a small but significant wetland in our area has been realised.

Shallow freshwater marshes are naturally formed wetlands that usually dry out in the summer and re-fill with the onset of rains. They naturally occur in flat low or low undulating areas and because they often dry out they are easily modified or totally degraded through drainage or changed land use practices, which accounts for their high rate of depletion across the landscape.

On the corner of Deepdene Road and the Birregurra - Deans Marsh Road - pictured below - a naturally wet area existed, possibly formed by road alignment works at this intersection years ago. The area was like a freshwater

Latham's ( Japanese) Snipe - pictured above were seen on a recent visit. This species migrates to and from Japan spending summer feeding in Australia and returning to Japan for breeding. The site contain numerous frogs and small birds like Scrubwrens and Thornbills. With further surveys a considerable flora and fauna list could be developed.

In December 2012, the Colac Otway Shire was approached by the CCMA, Greening Australia, Upper Barwon Landcare network and SWIFFT to reconsider further use of the site for fill on the basis that this locally valuable site of biodiversity would be impacted. The Council assessed the site in line with their Environmental Strategy 2010-2018 and have agreed to preserve the remaining 0.4 ha wetland area.

Local Landcare groups, Greening Australia and the Colac Otway Shire are exploring options to deliver weed control works onsite to protect this important wetland.

As the wetland fills up for the season ahead it's good to know habitat for the many species which utilise this area will be secure and that we meadow (wet for about 4 months of year). Over will have the opportunity to observe nature at work. the years the area had become degraded - Ian Smith, through rubbish dumping and weeds. The Colac SWIFFT (South West Integrated Flora and Fauna Otway Shire decided to remove this rubbish and Team) network, www.swifft.net.au commence using the site to dispose of clean fill, thereby making it easier to maintain weeds and fuel loads through slashing. These works altered the water flow, inadvertently creating a shallow freshwater marsh. The presence of wetland species like the Common Pin-rush, Common Spike-rush, Tall Sedge, Water Milfoil, Common Pondweed, Cane Grass and Umbrella Sedge already at the site benefited from the additional water and a new ecosystem was soon established. No formal surveys have been conducted to my knowledge but random observations include White Ibis, Swans, and Pictured - Ian with Loraine Cosgriff -Murroon Landcare ducks nesting in the area. A White -necked and Jennifer Morrow - East Otway, inspecting the site.

Heron is nearly always present and two 16

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

FOCUS FARM GROUP Dunkeld Bus Trip 18 October 2012 One crisp, cold morning in October last year, a group of bleary eyed farming enthusiasts boarded a mini bus very early in Birregurra for a day trip that would take us past fields of yellow canola, dairy farms and magnificent scenery.

The purpose of the trip was to learn and observe. Fellow travellers shared their own farm experiences and practises with one another too.

Once under way, we settled back for a couple of hours till we got to our first scheduled stop, which was the Southern Farming Systems Trial.

There we were shown by Cam Nicolson from Taurus Canola what the trial was about. The main objective of the trial was to see how canola would perform as a summer fodder crop and grazing it. We were given the opportunity to get right into the crop and wander through the bright yellow rows of flowers and observe the root structures of the plants in the various paddocks.

Our next stop was Waltanna Farms in Dunkeld, at the foot of the Grampians. The Nagorcka family have developed their farm into a very successful enterprise where they are growing organically certified flax, then value adding by turning it into oil and various flax products. Their production facility is state of the art. The advantage they have with marketing their products is that they control all the processes, from growing the crop, harvesting, processing

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www.waltannagold.com and packaging it. Customers are guaranteed to receive fresh product of the highest quality. Our tour included a visit through the production facility and then a trip to the paddocks to see the flax plants in the ground. Constant improvements are made to improve the soil structure and fertility. The farm has an impressive composting system that is used to achieve good crop yields. The Waltanna products are available at health stores as well as online.

Last stop for the day was a visit to Peter Hayes’ merino farm. Peter gave us an informed talk about the Evergraze principles that he practises on his farm, where the pasture grown is matched to animal needs. We were driven to see his paddocks where the various grasses were green and lush. Peter has renovated his property and improved the pastures significantly since he took over the running of the farm in 1995.

We made a quick stop at the Royal Mail Hotel for a drink before we started on our journey home. It was a big day, one where we all learned something new. Thanks to the team from the Upper Barwon Landcare Network who organised the trip!

-Ami Hillege

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

FOCUS FARM GROUP Dunkeld Bus Trip 18 October 2012 TAURUS CANOLA Our first stop on the bus trip to the Dunkeld was to the Southern Farming Systems trial site where Cam Nicolson gave an overview of their Taurus canola trial. Taurus has a 'winter' gene (needs a cold period before it flowers) that can be sown in spring, grazed over summer / autumn and then potentially taken through for grain. It is particularly suited to wet paddocks or where there has been a crop failure. The trial consists of plots for nil grazing, and one, two or three grazings that range from light, medium and heavy. In addition there are some post grazing nitrogen trials. Treatments are replicated four times so it is quite comprehensive. Measurements are taken for each treatment to determine production for grazing over summer / autumn with grain yields to be measured after harvest. Plots were sown on 16th November 2011 with the first grazing starting 31st January 2012. Second grazing 29th March 2012 and the third 26th April 2012. Up to 4 tonne of plant material was produced per ha on the heavy grazed plots and grain yield was expected to be 70 - 80% of the un-grazed plots. There was a reduction in plant numbers per ha on the grazed plots compared with the un-grazed plots with no difference between light or heavy grazing.

Grazing removed 'feral' canola plants that flower out of season. Slug management may be easier, Diamond-backed moths may be a problem over summer but this may be managed by grazing.

Taurus may present extra opportunities to clean paddocks up of weeds as the established or grazed plants are better able to tolerate some herbicides. An added bonus is not having an extra sowing cost when growing a fodder crop and a grain crop.

GEM STAR INSECTICIDE Gemstar® is a biological insecticide that Nagorkas use as part of their pest control strategy at 'Waltana' and stimulated a lot of interest with people on the bus trip.

Gemstar is suitable for use in IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs focus on the management of insect pests by manipulating predator populations and the use of strategically applied insecticides. With its very narrow spectrum and hence its safety to beneficial insects GEMSTAR has a good fit in IPM programs and is suitable for use in crops growing near reservoirs, wildlife habitat and recreation areas.

Insect viruses (also called baculoviruses) are naturally occurring insect specific pathogens and have been part of the environment for millions of years. These baculoviruses play an important role in the natural control of insect populations and have no effect on other animal or plant life.

Insects must consume the occlusion bodies that make up the bio- insecticide from the surface of the leaf to become infected with the virus. It quickly dissolved within the midgut of the caterpillars, releasing the infectious virus particles. The virus penetrates the gut and moves into the insects body, sealing its fate. Within three or four days, the caterpillar becomes sluggish and feeding slows considerably. The internal organs start to disintegrate and caterpillars begin to die about five days after ingestion. Shortly after death, the body ruptures, releasing billions of new occlusion bodies that, under the right conditions, will infect other caterpillars.

The performance of Gemstar is enhanced by the presence of beneficial insects. Prior to Gemstar use, avoid applying insecticides which might disrupt the beneficial population. Gemstar needs to be ingested to be effective, so coverage of the target area, where the larvae are feeding, is essential. The product acts slowly and can take up to 8 days to kill larvae. Speed of kill and efficacy is dependent on climatic conditions. Warm conditions will favour the performance of Gemstar as the larvae will be feeding actively and moving around. Daytime temperatures of 25C to 35C are ideal for Gemstar performance.

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Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

STRAW AND MANURE Michael Nagorka is using a lot of animal manure and producing a lot of compost on five large pads spread strategically around the property. We did not have much time to discuss the compost but Michael went into some detail about their use of manure and stubble breakdown. Crops are harvested very low, about 75mm above ground level. This means there is a large volume of straw going through the header making harvest slow but the straw is chopped finely and breaks down much quicker. An estimate is made of the straw on the ground after harvest and an appropriate amount of manure applied. Nitrogen in the manure helps breakdown the straw without depleting the paddock of nitrogen held in the soil. The pre-determined fertilizer is then used for the following crop. Any summer weeds are allowed to grow to a suitable height then disced in for green manure.

BALTIMORE Following the visit to 'Waltana' we called in at 'Baltimore', a self replacing 17.5 micron Merino flock situated close to the southern end of the Grampians at Warrayure between Dunkeld and Hamilton. The farm is 426 ha and rainfall averages 630mm per year. Owner Peter Hayes is the regional chairman of Evergraze in Southern Victoria and describes himself as an 'evidence based decision maker'.

Since taking over management of the property in 1995 most of the pastures have been renovated and management is based on Evergraze principles. Careful attention is paid to matching pasture production with animal needs. Pastures are based on winter active phalaris and fescues with sub clover. 30ha of Lucerne has been established together with some perennial ryegrass. 12% is of the property is saline effected and sown with Tall Wheatgrass.

A tour of the farm showcased the pasture mixes below.

- Neil McInnes

Holdfast GT Phalaris Trikkala Leura Sub clover Sown last year

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Stamina GT 6 Lucerne 0.3 kg/ha Australian Phalaris Trikkala Leura Sub clover 10 kg/ ha Sown last year

Quantum Tall Fescue 15kg/ha Holdfast GT Phalaris 1 kg/ha Similar Clover mix underneath First summer active fescue paddock, wet flat.

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13

The Upper Barwon Landcare Network is proudly supported by

Colac Otway S H I R E

‘Naturally Progressive’

The Birregurra Landcare Champions - visit to Lachie and Janet Gordon’s Birregurra Farm , December 2012

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1. We had a wonderful view of the property from the ute.

2. Fox scat found on a bridge on the farm. Guess fox found bridge a useful crossing.

3. Found this little bug on the farm - as yet unidentified!

4. It was very interesting to hear about the reasons for planting out the bushes and trees, even more interesting to see how well they have grown.

5. We saw first hand the damage that past floods had caused and high they had been on the property.

6.Landcare Champions with the volunteers and property owners kindly allowing us to visit their farm - all helping us to learn more about our local environment.

Upper Barwon Landcare Network Tree Talk Spring /Summer 2012 ‐13