Cradle to Coastlines December 2021 edition

DECEMBER 2021

Protecting and enhancing our region’s natural resources

CRADLE TO COASTLINES

IN THIS ISSUE Page 3 Wildlife rescue contacts

Page 4 Giant Freshwater Crayfish Page 5 TassieCat resources

Page 6 Forests Page 7 Salty efforts

Page 8 Sea Spurge biocontrol Page 9 Dung beetles

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Page 10 Nitrogen fixers Page 11 Get involved Page 12

Grant opportunities

Page 13 State Landcare Awards Page 14 Rural Living Round-up Page 15 Local Government climate action

Page 16 Events and activities

10 Front cover: Wet Eucalypt forest, takayna, image: Iona Flett. Full story page 6.

LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE CRADLE COAST NRM 16 THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS FOR ALL AND NRM ACTIVITIES. 1-3 Spring St, Burnie Tasmania 7320 03 6433 8400 www.cradlecoast.com www.facebook.com/CradleCoastNRM/

7

BIODIVERSITY WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Roadkill is a terrible problem in Tasmania. As well as slowing down (especially from dusk to dawn) to give wildlife a chance to get off the road, another useful action you can take is to save the following numbers into your phone.

0447 264 625 – Bonorong rescue service – report injured and orphaned wildlife, and Bonorong will tell you what to do next. If an animal needs to go into care, they will coordinate with WIRES to find a carer. In Tassie, call Bonorong, not WIRES. 0427 942 537 – Marine mammal hotline – report sightings of whales, dolphins and seals, including injured or stranded marine mammals. This is the Marine Conservation Program’s phone number.

132 004 – If you see a bird that has been killed or injured near powerlines, you can report it to Tas Networks who are working to make the electricity infrastructure safer for birds, especially threatened raptors. If the bird needs assistance, call Bonorong first.

1800 005 171 – Environment Protection Authority hotline for reporting a pollution incident. Or to report littering or dumping, use 1300 135 513. The EPA website has forms for reporting pollution incidents by email.

NEW IUCN GREEN STATUS SIGNALS CONSERVATION WINS Established in 1964, the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species. It is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity.

This year, the IUCN has introduced two new metrics for conservation. There is now an IUCN Green Status of Species which offers a more nuanced picture of what’s going on with a species. The new assessment framework measures the impact of past conservation efforts, species’ reliance on conservation action, and how much a species could gain in the next 10 years due to conservation action. It classifies species into nine Species Recovery Categories, indicating progress towards recovery.

In addition, there is a Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, which is a certification for important conservation sites that are being effectively managed and fairly governed.

More information on the initiative is here: https://www.iucnredlist.org/about/green-status-species p. 3

IMPROVING HABITAT FOR THE GIANT FRESHWATER CRAYFISH

Cradle Coast Authority is currently managing a project which engages agricultural landholders in six priority areas in actions that improve the river environment for the threatened and uniquely Tasmanian, Giant Freshwater Crayfish.

To date, nineteen landholders have entered into management agreements or conservation covenants which will improve their riverine environment. Planned works include fencing along riverbanks to prevent stock access and in many cases prevent bank erosion, off-stream watering points and revegetation to introduce a variety of native plants, including deep-rooting species, on the tops of banks and as understorey layers.

Four kilometres of riverbank has already been fenced, with more planned over the drier summer months. Maintaining fallen timber and reintroducing vegetation is important for the survival of the Giant Freshwater Crayfish, as well as freshwater fish and species such as platypus and the burrowing crayfish.

The Giant Freshwater Crayfish rely on timber for food and the shading effect from streamside vegetation provides important habitat. Vegetation and adequate vegetated buffers along both banks of the river also provide good filtration strips for any runoff of nutrients and sediment from productive land or from roads and tracks.

For more information on the project or species contact Fiona Marshall - Agriculture Project Coordinator fmarshall@cradlecoast.com This project is supported by Cradle Coast Authority with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Top right: Naturally fallen timber in the river can provide food, habitat and protect the toes of riverbanks from erosion.

Bottom right: Fencing around existing riverside vegetation allows for natural regeneration of natives and prevents stock tracking along top of riverbank.

p. 4

NatureTrackers are excited to announce that they are starting a new citizen science project. It’s all about using acoustic recorders to monitor species that are secretive but make a distinctive noise, including bats, birds and maybe even mammals!

This summer, five sound recorders will be in action around the state. One is already out and about in north-west Tasmania – trying to listen in to the “pings” of native bat species (are there only eight species of bats in Tassie, or could an elusive ninth species be hiding here, undiscovered?!), and the booming call of the Australasian Bittern.

Keep an eye on the Nature Trackers website, or contact Dr Jim Lovell for more information: acoustic@naturetrackers.com.au Jim is arranging for several State libraries, including Devonport Library, to act as distribution centres, where sound recorders will be based and loaned out to citizen scientists.

TassieCat Resources

TassieCat encourages all Tasmanians to become responsible cat owners. The Tasmanian Government joint initiative provides expert advice and useful resources to help you keep your cat safe, healthy, and happy while protecting our wildlife and our communities.

Some of their great resources and brochures include information on: The latest cat management legislation Keeping your cat happy at home Cat containment solutions Cat management facilities The issues around stray cats Microchipping and desexing your cat For more information visit https://www.tassiecat.com/

Margot promoting responsible cat management.

p. 5

FORESTS CHECK BEFORE YOU CHOP Do you need a forest practices plan (FPP)? Check Before You Chop is a new interactive decision tool to help you find out if you will require an FPP or not. Most forest practices will need an FPP but there are a few exemptions. Follow the prompts in the tool to find out.

Check Before You Chop was designed by the Forest Practices Authority, who undertake forest and forestry-related training, planning and research in Tasmania. The tool will assist forest owners and managers, including farmers on any size of property, to understand their responsibilities about forest practices and threatened native vegetation communities.

EUCALYPTUS VIMINALIS WET FOREST LISTING The Tasmanian White Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) Wet Forest vegetation community has recently been listed as a Critically Endangered Threatened Ecological Community under the EPBC Act. White Gum Wet Forest is described as “a wet sclerophyll forest with a canopy dominated by E. viminalis and an understorey generally comprised of broad-leaved shrubs and ferns, occurring mainly on fertile, well-drained sites in the north of the state.” It usually occurs where fire has been infrequent and rainfall is high.

It is important habitat for a huge range of animals, including hollow-dependent species, and threatened species such as Wedge-tailed Eagles and Grey Goshawks. If you are lucky enough to be a host of this ecological community on your land, the EPBC listing gives it extra protection. There may be new guidelines related to clearing this type of forest. See more information at the FPA, DPIPWE, or DAWE websites.

FIRE RISK IN WET EUCALYPT FOREST UTAS researchers have been looking at Tasmanian Tall Wet Eucalypt Forests (TWEF) in the south-east of the state, although the results are likely applicable to other wet Eucalypt forests.

Unlike other forest types, including dry Eucalypt forest, the authors found that fuel structure and understorey microclimate, rather than fuel load, are the driving factors for fire risk in TWEF (Furlaud et al, 2021).

Modelling by the authors suggested that as the forest stand develops and ages, the risk of high-intensity (destructive) fire declines because the floristic and structural diversity of the mature TWEFs ensures that the understory retains a high level of moisture.

Other findings of the research have implications for forest management. Widespread logging and uncontrolled wildfire increase the likelihood of severe, landscape-scale fire in this type of forest. Mechanical thinning and removal of the understorey, and an intact canopy, can reduce the risk.

J. Furlaud, L. Prior, G. Williamson, D. Bowman (2021) Fire risk and severity decline with stand development in Tasmanian giant Eucalyptus forest. Forest Ecology and Management.

Wet eucalypt forest, takayna

p. 6

WATER

RIVERS, WETLANDS, COASTS AND OCEANS

SALTY EFFORTS What many think of as tidal mudflats along our northwestern coastline and inlets, may in fact contain unique and valuable saltmarsh wetlands. These saltmarsh environments contain salt tolerant plants such as succulents, herbs, grasses and low shrubs. They are flooded regularly or occasionally and provide important food sources for migratory birds, a nursery for many of our commercial fish species, and are an important buffer and carbon storage. They are threatened by weed invasion, drainage works, off-road vehicles, rubbish and stock access.

Cradle Coast Authority is working with local community groups, Landcare groups, Tasmanian Land Conservancy and private landholders to improve the condition and protect these threatened saltmarsh areas.

The greatest weed threat to the saltmarsh environment is Spartina anglica, or Rice Grass. Rice Grass outcompetes native saltmarsh and invades sand and mud-flats which provide food and habitat for native animals. Rice Grass can also impact boat access, aquaculture production and community recreation.

Planning for the Rice Grass control season (December to April) is in full swing. Planning days, reference committee meetings and site inspections with contractors have taken place to determine target areas and the appropriate control strategy.

The control work in the Rubicon estuary will focus on maintaining a “Rice Grass free” zone, north of a “containment line” (between Squeaking Point and Eagle Point), as well as control in strategic areas south of the containment line. Similarly, in the Robbins Passage area, the aim will be for follow-up control of all areas treated in the last few years, as well as some select sites for a first treatment.

Negotiations continue with a number of private landholders to establish conservation covenants over their saltmarsh areas and undertake works such as fencing or revegetation to enhance and protect the saltmarsh. A healthy saltmarsh and the adjoining fringe vegetation, which is often the threatened Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Forest, provide really important coastal stability and buffers against storm surges.

ABOVE: Healthy coastal saltmarsh contains a large variety of species and along with Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) fringe vegetation provides a great buffer for agricultural areas inland.

RIGHT: Rice Grass infestation on a mud-flat near Eagle Point, north of the containment line. This area will be treated as part of the upcoming control season.

Get in touch with Project Officer, Nick Jamson for more information: njamson@cradlecoast.com

p. 7

This project is supported by Cradle Coast Authority with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Sea Spurge infesting Pardoe Beach

SEA SPURGE BIOCONTROL RELEASED IN TASSIE

The CSIRO has been testing a new method of controlling Sea Spurge – a fungus called Venturia paralias from the weed’s native habitat in France.

The fungus initially infects the leaves, which can create a lesion on the leaf, then it can move into the stem. Once in the stem, it produces a characteristic dark lesion on the stem, which makes it very difficult for the plant to transport water up and down the stem.

Venturia paralias has been released on three separate beaches so far in Tasmania (Duck Creek on the west coast, Bakers Beach and Low Head), as part of the pilot program to test if it will spread and thrive in Australian conditions. This CSIRO project has been overseen locally by Jon Marsden-Smedley with his extensive experience in fighting Sea Spurge across remote south-west Tasmania with the Wildcare Group SPRATS.

Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralias) is one of the most prolific coastal weeds in Tasmania and is a serious threat to coastline biodiversity. It came to Australia from the coastal regions of France and swiftly took over the coastline from Geraldton in Western Australia, south and around the coast towards Sydney. Sea Spurge can reach densities of 150 000 to 180 000 plants per hectare. Long distance dispersal of the plant occurs when the buoyant and saltwater-resistant seeds are carried by ocean currents to new areas of coastline.

CSIRO is working with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service and local councils to extend approval of the release program through local volunteer groups.

The weed invades habitat for some shorebirds, including the threatened Hooded Plover. Sea Spurge also outcompetes native plant species, which can affect coastline stability.

For more information visit https://wildcaretas.org.au/branches/wildcare-sprats/

p. 8

LAND SEASONAL DUNG BEETLE ACTIVITY Over recent years, the Cradle Coast Authority NRM team have been involved with bringing a new species of spring-active dung beetle to Tasmania, Onthophagus vacca. The idea has been to establish nursery colonies on beef and dairy farms, allow them to breed for a generation in a protective nursery cage, and then release the new generation of young beetle progeny into the environment.

Six such nursery colonies have been established so far, across the districts of Oldina, Mooreville, Mawbanna and Cressy. To determine whether these nursery colonies have been successful, and to identify activity of any other dung beetle species out there in the region during spring, a modest dung beetle monitoring program was started this spring. Monitoring involves setting up a number of pitfall traps on farms where the new spring-active dung beetle nursery colonies have been established. The traps need to be set and checked for 2-3 days in succession, to allow for varying weather conditions which may affect dung beetle foraging behaviour patterns (i.e. if it is very windy and wet, not many beetles will be out and about!).

The first round of spring monitoring was undertaken in mid-October, with seasonal conditions at this time not particularly conducive to dung beetle activity. October 2021 was the 10th wettest October on record, with rainfall 69% above average for Tasmania for this month! Burnie recorded its highest daily total rainfall across all years on October the 15th of 38.4 mm, with 135.8 mm reported for the monthly total. Oldina reported 192.2 mm of rainfall across the month of October, with five rainfall events of 20 mm or more.

Small numbers of the dung pad dwelling Aphodius femetarius were observed at Mooreville and Oldina during October, but little else. This species of beetle doesn’t tunnel through the dung pad and bury a proportion in the soil but resides in it. English in origin, this species will consume a notable quantity of dung when in sufficient numbers.

November monitoring proved more fruitful, with much higher numbers of A. femetarius observed at Oldina and Mooreville. Moderate numbers of Onthophagus binodis were observed at one site at Oldina and Mooreville, with a couple of the native Australian species Onthophagus australis observed at Oldina. None of the recently introduced spring active O. vacca have been observed during monitoring as yet, but hopes are high for December as higher temperatures finally arrive.

p. 9

MULTI SPECIES PASTURE – BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN CAPTURE Biological nitrogen fixation is a complex process.

Put simply, all plants, including forage crops, need relatively large amounts of nitrogen (N) for healthy growth and development. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the term used for a process in which nitrogen gas from the atmosphere is incorporated into the tissue of certain plants. Only a select group of plants can obtain N this way, with the help of soil microorganisms. Among forage plants, the group of plants known as legumes (Fabaceae family), are well known for being able to obtain N from air.

A few common legumes available in Tasmania that can be incorporated into existing pasture systems are peas, beans, clovers and lucerne.

Brassicas are also well suited to capturing nitrogen.

In forage production, this process can be very important because it means that the muchneeded N can be obtained from three sources: the atmosphere via BNF, the soil, and from fertilisers. Forage producers who find ways to maximise the amount of N obtained from the atmosphere via BNF will be able to reduce their fertiliser costs while maintaining soil fertility, high levels of forage protein, and high yields.

The process by which some forage crops can incorporate N from the air into their tissues involves a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship. For example, Lucerne is the host plant to a microorganism that is associated with BNF. With most forage crops the second organism is a bacterium that occurs naturally in the soil, known as rhizobia.

Nodulation on Tic Bean

These soil bacteria infect the roots of the plant and form nodules (see image on right). The chemical reactions, that is the process known as BNF, take place in the nodules.

So, with rising cost in fertiliser, now is a time to reset and consider diversifying that common Rye Grassdominant pasture by adding multiple species into the system, not only for nitrogen fixation, but for soil and stock health benefits.

Consult your local seed supplier for options to consider or contact Ali Dugand – Agriculture Project Coordinator – adugand@cradlecoast.com

Multi-species pasture p. 10

FAREWELL TO A BEEKEEPING LEDGEND

BY DR TOM O'MALLEY This year we said farewell to a very likable and charismatic beekeeper of our region.

The highly engaging Charlie Trafford was very generous in sharing both his time and knowledge with others interested in learning about the noble art of keeping bees.

Following a diverse career including time in the Navy and Police Force, Charlie turned his attention to beekeeping and became an apiarist.

Charlie provided hands-on practical beekeeping training to many people in the Cradle Coast region, including more than a hundred in weekend workshops over the last six years.

While setting up for a beekeeping workshop a few years ago, Tom naively asked Charlie if bumble bees produced honey. The ever-witty Charlie replied with “They do, but instead of storing it in a wax honeycomb, they fashion a small clay pot from soil and keep it in there”. “Do they really?” Tom replied. “Of course they don’t!” was Charlie’s reply between fits of laughter.

Charlie will be missed by many. Vale Charles Edward Trafford (14/10/1939-20/06/2021).

GET INVOLVED GET OUT IN THE WILD! GET VOLUNTEERING! Have you considered getting involved in conservation volunteering? Wildcare Tasmania held their annual Wildcare Expo at Mt Gnomon Farm on 20 November and the diversity of volunteering opportunities was immense and inspiring. Volunteering opportunities range from wombat monitoring at Cradle Mountain and penguin guiding at Lillico beach, to rock climbing access maintenance, and a plethora of remote weeding opportunities.

Hannah and Perviz Marker from our NRM Committee and a volunteer with many hats!

Volunteers are always needed! Check out the Wildcare website for more information on volunteering opportunities near you: https://wildcaretas.org.au/

Sisters Beach Wildcare is keen for local volunteers to support their work to protect paperbark woodlands around Sisters Creek estuary from erosion caused by king tides and storm surges.

For more information contact Colin Hocking c.hocking@latrobe.edu.au or visit https://wildcaretas.org.au/branches/sisters-beach-wildcare/

North-west Wildcare Expo at Mt Gnomon Farm, Penguin.

p. 11

APPLY FOR SOME

FREE MONEY! STATE GOVERNMENT LANDCARE ACTION GRANTS Opportunities to co-invest with farmers, Landcare, and other community

organisations

on

practical

on-ground

works

for

sustainable agriculture and rivercare type activities to the value of $1,000- $10,000. The scope of the program has now been expanded to include carbon farming initiatives, with the potential to link these activities with the Government's Carbon Farming Advice Rebate​.

The type of activities eligible for funding through the Program include:

BURNIE CITY COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS 2022-23 Environmental Grant funding is available in two grant streams within Burnie municipality.

OPEN NOW, submissions close 14 January 2022 • Minor Grants – Up to $5,000 • One Major Grant – Up to $15,000 For queries about the Grant Guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please contact us by email at grants@burnie.net or

For Landcare-type on-ground works: Removing weeds (small scale projects not otherwise funded, such as by the Weed Action Fund)

during business hours on 6430 5866. https://burnie.smartygrants.com.au/environ mental22-23

Fencing to protect natural values Providing off-stream watering points Controlling pest animals Maintaining and improving ground cover (including pastures) Protecting and enhancing on-farm remnant native vegetation, including planting of new areas of native vegetation, and improving the management of existing remnants Managing fire regimes Protecting and revegetating habitat (including threatened species and communities) Habitat augmentation, such as installation of artificial fauna movement devices, artificial nesting or roosting habitat, environmental thinning or seed banking For carbon farming initiatives: Activities recommended in independent reports prepared by suitably qualified professionals and in line with the broader Program Objectives (note: rebates for such advice may be available under the Carbon Farming Advice Rebate Pilot Program).

NOW OPEN, closes Friday 31 December 2021 For more information visit: https://tfga.com.au/environment/landcare?fbclid=IwAR1nHRu7Xsx-NxbXdwlENiELpNeLv2d6c-JSLxh_tMnaoOMOocXEQWBsZw

p. 12

CARBON FARMING REBATE The Carbon Farming Advice Pilot Rebate Program provides primary producers with rebates of up to $10,000 for advice sought about the​​ costs and benefits of accessing carbon credits, auditing requirements, and on-ground actions that are eligible for carbon credits.

The Program will remain open until funds are expended. The total funding available for the pilot is $250,000.

Rebates of $1 for each $1 spent on eligible advice. Individual rebates are limited to a maximum of $10,000. https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/agriculture/gove rnment-and-community-programs/carbonfarming-opportunities/carbon-farmingadvice-rebate-pilot-program

STATE LANDCARE AWARDS

Congratulations to all the amazing volunteer groups and individuals who were nominated and recognised at the State Community Landcare Awards held in Launceston on Saturday 2 October 2021.

CONGRATULATIONS TO WYNYARD HIGH SCHOOL who won the Woolworths Junior Landcare Team Award for their excellent work in student and community education and

engagement

around

climate

change

and

sustainability, which has been driven by their students with the support and encouragement of the great WHS staff.

Wynyard High School is now in the running for the National award.

Peter Stronach Acting CEO Landcare Tasmania and Dylan from Wynyard High School, winner of Woolworths Junior Landcare Team Award.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MOUNT ROLAND RIVERCARE CATCHMENT INCORPORATED AND PENGUIN REHAB & RELEASE for

a

HIGHLY

COMMENDED

each in

the

ACM

Landcare

Community

Group

Award;

two

exceptionallycommitted groups achieving great things!

Since 1999 Mt Roland Rivercare Inc. have been leading the effort to protect Mount Roland and its surrounds through extensive weed management, feral animal and biodiversity studies, river works, and community education. The groups currently has 76 members and committee members contribute around 2,000 hours of voluntary labour to the Group’s activities annually.

Penguin Rehab and Release is run entirely by volunteers and is the only facility in the North-West of Tasmania dedicated to rehabilitating penguins, and other seabirds, that come into care due to illness, injury or misadventure, with the aim of preparing them for successful release back into the wild.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SEA SPURGE REMOTE AREA TEAMS (AKA SPRATS) For a HIGHLY COMMENDED in the Coastcare Award for 16 years of dedicated weeding on the remote west coast with outstanding results.

To date, SPRATS have removed more than 14 million Sea Spurge plants, reducing the number of plants from remote south-west Tasmania by about 99.6% through a sustained, thorough and ambitious weed control program that offers a life-changing opportunity for volunteers. p. 13

REGION’S BIGGEST SMALLHOLDER FIELD DAY Sunday 20 February 2022 sees the return of the Cradle Coast Authority Rural Living Round-up, a hobby farmer field day that will be held at the Burnie TasTAFE Freer Farm campus.

The free event has grown to attract up to 500 participants and is now the biggest smallholding event in the Cradle Coast’s rural calendar with presentations, practical farming demonstrations and displays.

This coming February, Tasmania’s own Gourmet Farmer, Matthew Evans (pictured), heads up the list of guest presenters for the day, talking on the importance of soil. There will also be presentations on carbon farming, on-farm biodiversity and weed management. There will also be practical

demonstrations

sustainability,

energy

and

efficiency

stalls and

on

biosecurity,

other

community

RURAL LIVING ROUND-UP

SUNDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2022 10AM TO 3PM

resources.

The Cradle Coast Authority NRM team hosts this event to help smallholders, as part of a program to build capacity within

TasTAFE FREER FARM CAMPUS: 128 – 206 MOOREVILLE ROAD, BURNIE

this important (and growing) group of land managers.

Another component of Cradle Coast NRM’s support for smallholders is the Property Management Planning Program, a facilitated workshop program which provides specialist land management information as well as a chance to connect with likeminded people.

Martin and Margaret Damo are among program graduates who successfully generated a property management plan for their 50 acre property at Wilmot.

“It was great encouragement to meet people who are facing the same challenges as us ” said Martin.

“We finished our property management plan and are now focused on this year’s goal of improving our pastures. When weather permits, we’re fencing, doing weed control and actioning our soil test results.”

To find out more about the Rural Living Round-Up and other smallholder programs, contact Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF), Dr Tom O’Malley at tomalley@cradlecoast.com

p. 14

CLIMATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CLIMATE ACTION The local governments across the Cradle Coast region are increasingly becoming aware of the significant risks of climate change, and being proactive in reducing their own emissions. Just last month the West Coast Council committed to being the second council in our region, alongside Devonport City Council, to sign up to the Cities Power Partnership.

The Cities Power Partnership gives local government the tools, connections and momentum to shift to a zero emissions future.

Central Coast Council and Waratah Wynyard Council both now have comprehensive plans to tackle climate change through their Central Coast Council Climate Change Strategy 2019 and their Integrated Council Environment Plan May 2020.

Climate change is an immense challenge for all levels of government, but its impacts are felt most acutely at the local level. A report just released by the Climate Council, Neighbourhood Issue: Climate Costs and Risks to Councils shows that worsening extreme weather, driven by climate change, is compounding costs for councils.

This includes mounting damage to council-owned assets, rising insurance premiums and increasing liability risks.

The report also identifies there are big opportunities for councils when they have the resources to act on climate change. Beyond benefits to the community, action can create local jobs and result in long-term savings.

Past inaction and inertia in the climate system mean that climate impacts will continue to worsen over the next two to three decades, (even if global greenhouse gas emissions plummet over the same time period), and then could level off. However, if we fail to cut emissions rapidly and steeply within the next decade impacts will escalate steeply post-2040.

If we want communities to stay secure, prosperous and resilient then we need all levels of government to put the right actions and policies in place. This is an opportunity to improve the lives of all Australians.

Follow this link for information and tools on climate change impacts and adaptation the Australian Government Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment: https://www.awe.gov.au/science-research/climate-change/tools-and-services p. 15

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES WHAT

WHERE AND MORE INFO

WHEN

TIA Smarter Farming Field Day

TIA Dairy Research Facility, Elliott Free lunch provided, register here or search 'smarter-farming-field-day' on eventbrite.

Wednesday, 8 Dec 2021

Cradle Cast Authority Rural Living Round-up

TasTAFE Freer Farm, Moorville Road, Burnie.

Contact Tom O'Malley via email tomalley@cradlecoast.com

Sunday, 20 Feb 2022 10am - 3pm

Clean Up Australia Day 2022

The following three events will be held: Business event School event Community event Register details at https://www.cleanup.org.au/

Tuesday, 2 March 2022 Friday, 4 March 2022 Sunday, 6 March 2022

Raptor surveys around the state https://naturetrackers.com.au/

13 - 15 May 2022 27 - 29 May 2022

Where? Where? Wedgie!

Cradle Coast Authority NRM wishes you every happiness and joy this Christmas and throughout the coming year.

Our office will be closed from 5pm Wednesday 22 December 2021 and re-opening at 9am Tuesday 4 January 2022.

1-3 Spring St, Burnie, Tasmania, 7320 03 6433 8400 www.cradlecoast.com www.facebook.com/CradleCoastNRM/