Pastoral Lines

PastoralLines No.1 July 2001

Official Newsletter for the Pastoral Lands Board

Fire Hotspots—how we detect them Public access to pastoral leases

A word from the Chairman Welcome to the first edition of the PLB News.

Since becoming Chairman I have been aware of the need to increase communication between the Board and pastoralists. For the Board to operate effectively it needs to understand and respond to issues that are facing the pastoral industry. This newsletter is intended to help assist in this process by providing information and seeking feedback on a range of issues.

Many agencies and interest groups, both State and Commonwealth, are declaring a responsibility or at least an interest in rangeland management.

It is my intent that one policy is developed for WA. As a starting point the Board is developing memorandums of understanding with agencies including the Department of Land Administration, Agriculture WA, CALM, Minerals and Energy and Fire and Emergency Services. It is intended that an ability to better respond to the needs of the industry will be achieved.

In general, many issues and challenges are facing the pastoral industry. Business diversification, for example, is an area that is fully supported by the Board. A permit diversification application package will be provided to all pastoralists to assist in this area. Please let the Board know how you find the package and how it and associated processes can be improved.

There has been concerns raised on the issue of a pastoralist who makes a profit on a permit activity potentially violating the terms of the lease.

Although most diversification activities need to be supplementary to the pastoral activity, it is the activity itself that needs to be supplementary,

rather than the income raised. There is no problem with a successful permit activity that is run in conjunction with a properly managed pastoral enterprise. Where adverse conditions limit pastoral income, diversification is seen as an important strategy in ensuring that a pastoral enterprise survives as a viable business.

Pastoral tenure is an area that is receiving considerable attention. All pastoral leases expire on 30 June 2015 and most leases will be renewed immediately for a term equal to that of the existing lease. As a result, under the current legislation security of tenure will in most cases continue until at least 2036 and up to 2064. Recent amendments to the Land Administration Act allowed offers of renewal to be made to 36 leases that missed out in the initial offers. Although it has been stated in various forums that pastoral tenure is being looked at it, the effect of native title on pastoral lease tenure is an important factor that needs to be resolved before any alternatives to the current renewal process can be seriously considered.

Another issue is the increasing pressure for third parties to access pastoral leases for fishing and tourism. This is an issue that is being addressed to some degree in this newsletter. Further work will continue, including advertising in The West Australian newspaper, on the rights of pastoral lessees.

Overall I am committed to improving processes and legislation that do not add value to the long-term sustainability of the pastoral industry.

The recently released Issue 3 of the Southern Rangelands Herald painted a fairly bleak picture of pastoral lease administration. I can assure you that the views expressed by the Herald did not paint an accurate picture and that the Board is committed to supporting the pastoral industry.

Your assistance and input is essential in achieving this goal.

Contents 4

Dividing Fences Act

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Shared waters on pastoral leases

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Firewatch tracks hotspots

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Livestock trespass Rangeland survey team projects

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Rate increases as a result of changes to pastoral lease rents

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Provision of watering points at cattle dispatch points

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Public access to pastoral leases

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Amendments to the Land Administration Act

Max Cameron

Pastoral Lands Board Ph: 9273 7073 Fax: 9273 7684 Email: plb@dola.wa.gov.au Website: www.dola.wa.gov.au

Photos courtesy of Ken Leighton DOLA

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to the construction of a “dividing fence” (s.7).

A “dividing fence” is defined as a fence that separates the lands of different owners whether the fence is on the common boundary of adjoining lands or on a line other than the common boundary (s.5).

Dividing Dividing Fences Act

A “sufficient fence” (s.5) is:

The issue of boundary fencing was discussed at the March meeting of the Board. It was asked if the Dividing Fences Act applied to the North West of the State.

The following comments have been provided by the Department of Land Administration (DOLA), however pastoralists should seek their own legal advice on these matters.

2.

3.

4

Section 4 provides that the Act does not bind the Crown - this is not the same thing as the Act not applying to Crown land. That is, the Act does not bind the Crown as owner of Crown land, but it does apply to leasehold interests in Crown land held by lessees (including pastoral lessees).

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a fence of the description and quality agreed by the parties concerned; or

•

if there no local law or agreement is made, any substantial fence that is ordinarily capable of resisting the trespass of cattle AND sheep; or

Consequently, one way around the problem may be to put it back on the local government to pass a local law as to what is a sufficient fence, otherwise it must be one that is capable of resisting sheep AND cat tle where there is no agreement reached between the parties concerned.

The Dividing Fences Act is currently under review and DOLA has commented that the five year limit should not apply to pastoral leases. This would ensure that the Dividing Fences Act would continue to apply the existing requirement for cost sharing between neighbouring pastoral leases between 2010 – 2015.

Occasionally, the question arises as to how a pastoral lessee (Sheep Pastoral Co) of a pastoral lease (Sheep PL) can secure the right to share waters that are located near, but within, the boundary of an adjoining pastoral lease (Cattle PL) that is owned by another pastoral lessee (Cattle Pastoral Co).

b)

Legally, the best way to protect a right of this type is by the grant of an easement.

The exact terms of the easement will depend on the circumstances of each case, including what watering facilities are actually being shared.

Why an easement is best

Section 6 also provides that the Act does not affect any agreement between a landlord and tenant or between owners of adjoining lands relating to the cost of erecting or repairing dividing fences. The effect of this is that if the pastoral lease provides that the pastoral lessee is liable to contribute to the cost of constructing or repairing a dividing fence, then the Crown as landlord can enforce that lease provision against the pastoral lessee.

The definition of “owner” (s.5) includes the owner of freehold, any person entitled to receive the rent from land, or any person who is the holder of a lease of land the unexpired term of which is not less than five years at the time the relevant notice is given or the application is made. This would include the lessee of a pastoral lease.

a fence prescribed as a sufficient fence by the relevant local government under a local law; or

any fence determined to be a sufficient fence by the Court of Petty Sessions.

Shared waters on pastoral leases

The Dividing Fences Act does apply to pastoral leases (where there is more than five years of the term left to run), for the following reasons: 1.

•

•

The definition does not include: •

•

4.

any trustees or other persons in whom land is vested as a public reserve, public park or for such other public purposes as may be prescribed, or a person who has the care, control and management of a public reserve, public park or land used for such other public purposes as may be prescribed (s.5); and any trustees or other persons in whom land is vested, or a person who has the care, control and management of land used, for open spaces, streets, roads, or rights of way that are public (reg.3).

The “owners” of adjoining lands not divided by a “sufficient fence” are liable to contribute

An easement is a legal document that sets out the rights that an owner of land can exercise over another person’s land. The other owner of land is legally prevented from doing anything that would interfere with the enjoyment or exercise of those rights.

transfers for the benefit of the new pastoral lessee of Sheep PL;

For example: •

an easement could give Sheep Pastoral Co the right to draw water from the shared watering point on Cattle PL and pipe it across that land to a trough on Sheep PL;

•

Cattle Pastoral Co could not do anything to prevent that right from being enjoyed or exercised, for example, by destroying the well or digging up the pipes; and

•

Responsibility for repairing and maintaining the shared water infrastruc ture would depend on what the parties agreed and was reflected in the easement.

An easement: •

is a right granted in relation to land that is registered on the certificates of Crown land title relating to both pastoral leases;

•

can be enforced in a Court by the parties to it;

•

runs with the pastoral leases, so that whenever:

a)

Sheep PL is transferred, Sheep Pastoral Co’s right to take the water automatically

Cattle PL is transferred, Cattle Pastoral Co’s obligation to allow the water to be taken automatically transfers to bind the new pastoral lessee of Cattle PL.

There are two ways an easement can be created over a pastoral lease. However, in either case, it cannot be created without the agreement of both pastoral lessees, and all persons having

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a registered interest in both pastoral leases.

This would include, for example, a mortgagee and a sublessee.

The two ways that an easement can be created are: 1.

The Minister for Lands, through DOLA, has the authority to grant an easement over Cattle PL (with Cattle Pastoral Co’s consent) in favour of Sheep Pastoral Co and all future lessees of Sheep PL. This easement will be effective until Sheep PL expires, is surrendered or is otherwise terminated.

2.

Cattle Pastoral Co (with the Minister for Lands’ consent) could grant an easement over Cattle PL in favour of Sheep Pastoral Co and all future lessees of Sheep PL.

This easement will be effective until the first of Sheep PL and Cattle PL expires, is surrendered or is otherwise terminated.

In other words, if Cattle PL comes to an end before Sheep PL, then the easement would also come to an end, even though Sheep Pastoral Co was still using the shared waters.

In either case, the easement document will need to be prepared by a solicitor, and a plan that shows the easement area in sufficient detail would need to be prepared by a surveyor.

The difficulty, in some cases, is identif ying precisely where the pastoral boundaries are located, so that the easement can be prepared to correctly reflect the location of shared watering points.

Difficulties with other types of agreements In the past, adjoining owners may have tried to deal with the issue by entering into an agreement or another less formal arrangement that set out how shared waters are to be used. There can be difficulties with these agreements or arrangements, especially if they have not been registered (which is often the case).

These difficulties include: •

It might be difficult to prove the actual terms of the agreement or arrangement, especially if it is not in writing, and the parties who originally made the agreement or arrangement are no longer alive or involved in the management of the pastoral lease.

•

Often these agreements or arrangements are not binding on subsequent pastoral lessees, especially where the pastoral lessee for Cattle PL has changed since the agreement was first reached.

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It may be that in some cases these agreements or arrangements will nevertheless be enforceable

by Sheep Pastoral Co against Cattle Pastoral Co, or that some other legal rights have arisen in the meantime. However, this will not always be the case. These agreements or arrangements may be satisfactory when the neighbouring pastoral lessees are on good terms with each other, but when there is a falling out these types of agreements or arrangements may provide little or no legal protection for either party.

Good neighbours When neighbours are on good terms, it may seem unnecessary to put in place a formal easement.

However, that is when an easement should be established. For a start, both parties will agree to it being created.

It is too late when there is a falling out between neighbours to tr y and create an easement because it is unlikely they will both consent.

Therefore, if there is a disagreement between neighbours, they can refer to the existing easement to establish the rights and obligations of each party.

Whether an easement is registered, or there is some more informal agreement or arrangement in place, the rights will be enforced under them in the same way. It is up to the party that is not in breach – usually Sheep Pastoral Co – to enforce its rights against the other party, in a Court.

It is a matter for the parties to the easement to resolve. The Pastoral Lands Board would not have any power to intervene if a pastoral lessee breaches the terms of an easement (or any other agreement or arrangement).

It is said that good fences make good neighbours.

The same can also be said for the creation of an easement for shared water facilities on adjoining pastoral leases.

Firewatch tracks hotspots The Department of Land Administration, through its Satellite Remote Sensing Services (SRSS) Group, has been providing fire hot spot (FHS) location information for regional and remote areas of Western Australia for the Fire and Emergency Authority since about 1990. The information provided to FESA includes the location of fires and areas burnt by fires. It is supplied on a daily basis using data downloaded from American weather satellites.

The satellites used in this service provide cover over the whole of Western Australia at least twice per day, but have some limitations. The first and obvious problem is cloud cover, which means that the satellite sensor cannot observe the ground.

Under these conditions, no information can be provided. For example, limited information is available in the tropical regions of WA during the rainy season. The other important limitation is that the sensor used has a ground resolution of one kilometre. This means that an area 1km by 1km is seen by the satellite as one dot or colour. Therefore, if a fire burns less than about 200 hectares in area, we will not observe much change when viewing the satellite data.

As mentioned above, both Fire Hot Spots (FHS) and Fire Affected Areas (FAA) are measured from the information received from the satellite sensors. The FHS information is processed immediately on reception from the antenna, situated at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, and placed on a Web page.

This web information is available for public viewing at www.rss.dola.wa.gov.au/newsite/ apps/firedetect.html. From here, click on “NOAAAVHRR hotspot detection archive” to see a yearly listing. By clicking through year, month and day you will arrive at a list of satellite passes showing fires over WA. The list of names on the left will give a page showing fires ordered by latitude if clicked. By clicking on the “small map”, a picture similar to the one below will be presented.

Each red cross indicates a likely fire hot spot on the ground, while each green cross is less likely but still probably a fire. Clicking on the image will give a higher resolution view.

As the above information is forwarded to the local FESA regional office on a daily basis, please contact them for current fires.

As this information service provided by DOLA is continuously improving we would appreciate any feedback from pastoral land managers about errors in our maps, especially FHS that FIREWATCH lists that are not actually fires. SRSS, DOLA offers a prize of a single Landsat-TM satellite image (30m resolution) of the pastoral property which provides the most useful information on errors in their FHS predictions.

Any feedback, queries or reports of errors in FHS can be directed to Ron Craig, SRSS, DOLA on phone: 9340 9330, fax: 9383 7142 or email: craig@uranus.dola.wa.gov.au.

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Livestock trespass Generally livestock trespass issues are determined within the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960. There are also provisions in the Crimes Act 1914 regarding trespass of livestock onto Commonwealth land and under the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945 in respect to any soil conservation reserve.

A local government may establish and maintain public pounds. It can also appoint staff to manage them and it can also appoint rangers.

Stock found trespassing on land may be impounded in the nearest public pound by the owner occupier of the land or by a ranger.

Where stock are not impounded, and it is proved to the satisfaction of a justice that it is not possible to impound the stock except at undue expense, and that the owner of the stock is unknown or cannot be found, the justice may order the destruction of the stock in a manner as he thinks fit.

Where there is not a public pound situated within five kilometres of the land, or if the pound cannot fit all the stock, the owner or occupier of land on which stock are found trespassing may impound the stock: (a)

Upon his land; or

(b) By arrangement with the owner of any adjacent land, upon that land.

The above also applies to livestock found wandering, straying or lying upon the road abutting the property.

A person impounding stock shall, within 24 hours of taking that action: (a)

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•

the sum claimed for damage, if any;

•

the name of the person who impounded them; and

•

the sum, if any, paid as rangers’ fees.

Notice may be given at the last known place of abode of the owner. (b) If the owner of the stock is unknown to him, advise the nearest public pound keeper of the impounding providing the same details as in (a).

The joint DOLA, AgWA survey team has three projects in which it is currently involved.

The Pilbara Ranges project is expected to be ready for publishing in the 2001-2002 financial year. The writing is well advanced and the mapping is about half completed. A carrying capacity workshop was held at Mt Florance in April in conjunction with the Roebourne/Port Hedland LCDC, with participants from eight stations.

A person who impounds stock shall feed and maintain them while they are impounded. The owner or occupier who impounds the stock may claim and recover sustenance charges in addition to damages recoverable for the trespass of the stock on his land.

After 72 hours, if the owner of the stock has not paid to the owner or occupier of the land who impounded the stock the amount of damages in respect to the trespass of stock, together with the charges for the sustenance of the stock, the person may: (a)

impound the stock in the nearest public pound, or

(b) arrange with the local government the sale of the stock.

If stock is found trespassing upon land have been impounded, the owner of the stock may pay any sums claimed for damage, sustenance, or rangers’ fees before the stock have actually been impounded. Upon payment, the stock shall be released.

If the owner of the stock is known to him, advise of the impounding together with details of:

The Dividing Fences Act sets out fees for the sustenance of livestock whilst impounded and rates for damage by trespass.

•

the number and kind of animals impounded;

•

where they were found trespassing;

In all situations, pastoralists should consult with their local authority prior to taking any action in relation to stock trespass. In addition, they may need to seek legal advice.

•

the sum claimed for the animals’ sustenance;

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Rangeland survey team projects

The survey team then visited six stations along the Ashburton River to determine whether the area needs a more extensive assessment as a result of the spread of buffel grass. When the original survey was completed in 1976, buffel grass was not well established. Now it is widespread and concerns have been expressed that the carrying capacities assigned in 1976 do not reflect the current increased capacities of the stations.

The survey of the Nullarbor region began last year with two preliminary trips and attendance at an LCDC meeting. Another trip is being undertaken at present, which will be followed by the threeweek main survey trips to be held throughout the year. The field work should be completed in 2002 with the publication of the technical report expected within another two to three years.

Rate increases as a result of changes to pastoral lease rents With the reassessment of pastoral lease rents, which came into affect on 1 July 1999, many rents were increased considerably because the last increase was back in 1987. Half the increase assessed by the Valuer General came into affect on 1 July 2000, with the remaining 50% increase due on 1 July 2001.

A Valuer General’s Office information letter sent to pastoral lessees last year on the process for pastoral lease rents, advised that the unimproved value (UV) of a lease for the purpose of grazing will be an amount equal to 20 times the annual rent. An increase in rent will mean a proportionate increase in the UV, with a flow-on effect to shire rates.

The approach taken by shires in adjusting rates as a result of the first increase to pastoral rents

has been varied. Some shires have decreased their UV rates in the dollar, by using differential rating for pastoral leases. Others have maintained the current rate in the dollar or in some cases, increased it.

As advised by the Department of Local Government, each shire is responsible for setting its own rates. If lessees believe rate increases are too high and inequitable, they should first contact the shire to seek a mutually agreed position.

The Valuer General has notified shires in pastoral regions, advising of the changes in pastoral rents again in 2001 and the corresponding effect on unimproved values and rates.

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Provision of watering points at cattle dispatch points The following letter was received from Detective Sergeant Tom Clay, the Officer in Charge of Stock Investigation, in relation to the need to supply water to mustered cattle prior to transporting over long distances.

The Board fully supports the concern expressed on this matter and encourages pastoralists to be aware of their ongoing responsibility to look after livestock beyond loading onto trucks for transport.

STOCK INVESTIGATION c/- 32 Spring Park Road Midland WA 6056 Phone: 9250 3744 Fax: 9250 3799 Pastoral Lands Board In recent times Stock Investigation have become more aware of pastoral practices to send cattle long distances (up to 3,000 kilometres) without water.

On occasions these cattle have been mustered up to 30 kilometres by helicopter, held for a period in yards (without water) and then transported to Perth.

A recent inspection of a road train carrying cattle was a prime example. The cattle were seriously dehydrated and some had fallen lying on the floor.

There are no watering facilities at these yards.

I do not consider this acceptable. It is every primary producers responsibility to maintain their livestock.

Public access to pastoral leases Access to pastoral leases by third parties including tour operators, fishermen and tourists has caused an increasing amount of debate in recent times, thus requiring the involvement of the lessees and the Board. The community at large has expectations regarding access to remote areas of interest, whether it be for fishing or passage through the land.

Situations have also arisen where tour operators have been denied access to pastoral land after years of operation or have been asked to pay excessive fees to continue operations.

In general, multiple use of pastoral lands should be supported provided that the activities of the public do not adversely affect the pastoral operations or cause environmental damage to the land. Unfortunately the actions of the minority through actions including leaving gates open, damaging property, starting fires and leaving rubbish have in some cases resulted in access to pastoral land being denied to the public after many years of open access. This can lead to ill feeling against pastoralists who are simply trying to protect their livelihood.

A number of principles are considered to apply to the issue of public access over a pastoral lease: •

Stock Investigation officers will be more vigilant in the future with regards this matter and would like all primary producers to consider their responsibilities and the possible outcome.

A pastoral lessee has a right of quiet enjoyment of the pastoral lease land.

•

A pastoral lessee has obligations under a pastoral lease to maintain roads and improvements etc.

I have provided a copy of the relevant charge and penalty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

•

A person (not acting under the authority of an Act) entering on to the pastoral lease land without the pastoral lessee’s authorit y or permission is a trespasser.

•

A pastoral lessee may give others permission to enter on to pastoral lease land, subject to conditions such as charging fees provided that the pastoral lessee is predominantly using the lease for pastoral purposes.

•

If permission to enter is granted to the public, any fee charged is to be no more than that required to cover costs involved in permitting access. Fees charged may be based upon apportionment of time involved in dealing with tour operators, tourists, maintenance costs of roads, liability insurance, property damage, stock loss or other relevant costs.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act Offences of cruelty 4. (1) It shall be an offence against this Act for any person to— (b) fail to supply any domestic animal or captive animal other than those running at large with proper and sufficient food or water or sufficient protection against inclement weather; or Penalty $5 000 or 12 months imprisonment.

I believe it is an important issue to provide watering points at these cattle dispatch points.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Stock Investigation should you have any further queries.

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Potential liability for pastoral lessees may exist in respect to persons entering pastoral leases, particularly when fees are charged for access.

•

If fees charged are large enough to constitute an income rather than a cost recovery exercise, the pastoral land is being used for other than pastoral purposes.

•

A permit under the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA) must be applied for when the pastoral lessee is intending to use the land for non pastoral activities including station stay or tourism purposes.

•

It is an offence under Section 106 of the LAA to use land under a pastoral lease for purposes other than pastoral, unless a permit has been issued by the Board.

To give some indication as to the potential size of the access issue, approximately 80 people recently attended a public meeting in Kalbarri regarding access to Murchison House Station. The local police arranged the meeting after many questions had been raised regarding public access to pastoral lease land and surrounding Crown land.

A major problem is that the public generally does not have an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of pastoral lessees. The Board is considering placing notices in newspapers advising the public on access rights. This would include reference to the right of lessees to charge reasonable fees as the land manager and to rescind access rights where irresponsible behaviour takes place.

A related issue that is currently being looked at

by DOLA and the Board is camping on Crown land including pastoral leases. In particular a number of enquiries have been received in regard to coastal pastoral leases with boundaries at the 40 metre high water mark.

Pastoralists are encouraged to erect private property signs. The Pastoralists and Graziers Association has signs of this nature available for purchase.

Any questions or views that you may have on this complex area would be appreciated and will be covered in future editions of this newsletter.

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Amendments to the Land Administration Act —exclusion of land from a pastoral lease in 2015 for a public purpose A number of amendments have been made to pastoral provisions of the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA) which took effect on the 7 December 2000.

Under the amendments, land may be excluded for a “public purpose” from a lease renewed in 2015 by giving notice to a lessee. The notice must be given within by 7 December 2002, which is two years from when the amendments came into effect.

It is intended that any proposed excision will be reviewed on its own merit and that the ability of a pastoral lease to continue as a viable business unit will be an important factor. As the Board is encouraging business diversification, it is considered reasonable that the impact on any activity the subject of a permit will also be relevant.

At this stage, the Department of Conservation and Land Management has tentatively identified about 35 leases that it may require areas from for conservation purposes.

The Board intends to let pastoral lessees know as soon as possible whether their lease will or will not be affected by a possible excision in 2015, rather than waiting for the end of the two-year period. Regular updates will be provided on the progress of this issue in future newsletters.

An overview of the amendments and an updated copy of Part 7 of the LAA will be provided to pastoralists.

Open meeting—Mt Magnet On Friday 24 August 2001, the Pastoral Lands Board will hold an open meeting commencing at 2pm at the Recreation Centre, Lot 590 Laurie Street , Mt Magnet.

All pastoralists are invited to attend. You can register your interest and advise of any topics you may wish to discuss by phoning Monique Sorensen on (08) 9273 7073 or by email at plb@dola.wa.gov.au by 10 August 2001

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PastoralLines Volume Number 2 - July 2003

The Official Newsletter of the Pastoral Lands Board

Feral Pig Control Rangeland Condition Assessments Global positioning Systems Conservation in the Gascoyne - Murchison

Introducing The New Chairman

Contents

Introducing the New Chairman ..............................................2

IN THE NEWS Virtual Fencing .......................................................................4 Sandalwood Harvesting .........................................................4 New Member of the PLB Team ..............................................5 Pastoral Working Groups .......................................................5 Professor Alan Robson AM BAgrSc Melb., PhD UWA, FTSE, FAIAS Hackett Professor of Agriculture and Vice-Chancellor and Provost at The University of Western Australia Professor Alan Robson has been Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of The University of Western Australia since 1993. Prior to his appointment he held the position of Foundation Director of the Cooperative Research Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA), Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Head of the School of Agriculture, and Professor of Agriculture (Soil Science) at The University of Western Australia.

Professor Robson has recently been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Western Australia and is a member of the Australian Universities Teaching Committee and the Council of the National Library of Australia. In 1987 he was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. Subsequently he was awarded the Australian Medal of Agriculture Science and elected a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science.

Alan Robson was the Foundation Chair of the Grains Legumes Research Council, and has been Deputy Chair Research Grants Committee of the Australian Research Council, a member of a three person committee to review agriculture and related education in Australia as well review panels to evaluate agricultural research in Denmark.

FEATURES Feral Pig Control ....................................................................6 GPS finds its way to every corner of the world ......................7 DCLM’s Good Neighbour Policy ............................................8 Rangeland Condition Assessments .......................................9 Rangeland Survey Program in WA ......................................10 Apiary Site Permits on Pastoral Leases...............................11

PASTORAL ADVICE The Dividing Fences Act and Pastoral Leases ....................12 Pastoral Biosecurity .............................................................12

Pastoral Lines is published by the Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia Pastoral Lands Board Phone: ..........9347 5126 Fax:...............9347 5009 Website:........www.dpi.wa.gov.au Email:............plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

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Improvements on Pastoral Leases.......................................14

IN THE NEWS

IN THE NEWS

Virtual Fencing

Researchers at the Department of Agriculture are working on a “virtual fencing”(VF) system that would control livestock through a small radio receiver attached to the animals’ bodies. Animals would be tagged and receive transmissions which warned them audibly if they were reaching a no-go zone. The device could also be combined with a smart tag called “electronic passports” to replace standard or bar-coded stock identification tags.

The concept of the VF scheme is relatively simple. It involves the use of an electromagnetic field to establish either an exclusion or an inclusion zone for controlling movements of grazing animals fitted with the receiving device. A basic VF system would include a radio-wire type fence that transmits signals to create an exclusion zone, a programmable remote herding vehicle (RHV) that transmits signals to create an inclusion zone and the on-animal receiver device that complements both of these virtually fabricated zones. Animals are trained to alter their direction of movement in response to audio-electrical stimuli delivered by the receiver. The deterrent applied to the animal would not induce pain – instead, it could be a tickle or a vibration.

The advantages of the system are that farmers will know where their animals are or be able to move them to where they should go with a few strokes of the keyboard. There is the potential for a one hundred percent increase in vegetation productivity over a 15 to 20 year period in semi-arid rangelands as a result of uniform and proper use of natural resources. Additionally, maximum grazing efficiency, through the utilisation of satellite intelligence to fully exploit seasonal conditions, could result in up to a 50 percent increase in animal productivity.

The success of the system will depend on further investigation in animal behaviour, including testing animal welfare and conditioning to invisible barriers, and prototype equipment development.

However the researchers need more funding to complete the project and require the producers, from cattle

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above - Dr Rouda demonstrating the virtual fencing technique.

to dairy and sheep farmers to lobby industry leaders for funding for the project.

The Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Land and Water Australia and Environment Australia’s Biodiversity Group, have to date been the primary investors in the development of Virtual Fencing (VF) technology in Australia. Anyone wishing to learn more about VF is invited to contact Dr Rouda on 089088 6033 or by email at rrouda@agric.wa.gov.au.

Sandalwood Harvesting Western Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is recognised as a premium product and has an annual export value of around $10 million. Approximately 2000 tonnes of sandalwood is harvested annually, including both green and dead wood, under licences issued by the Forest Products Commission.

The harvest is both sustainable and reliable.

Western Australian sandalwood is a small tree or shrub between 3 – 8 metres tall and 10 – 30 cm in diameter, with sparse irregular spreading branches and dull grey – green fleshy leaves.

It is a root semi – parasite associated with a range of hosts and is slow growing, but well adapted to drought. The heartwood is highly valuable for its aromatic oils and several species of sandalwood are found in Australia.

Since the creation of the Forest Products Commission (FPC) it has been developing and investigating options that promote the long-term sustainable development

of the State’s sandalwood resource.

Sandalwood is prevalent in the pastoral rangelands and while the land may be subject to a pastoral lease the sandalwood resource is reserved to the State. In liaison with the Pastoral Lands Board, the FPC is developing a sandalwood regeneration incentive scheme to target pastoral lessees. A number of opportunities exist for pastoral leaseholders to become involved in the sustainable development of the sandalwood resource on their lease, within the confines of the existing legislation.

These options are not restricted to, but may include: - carrying out regeneration and seeding work on behalf of the FPC; - conducting harvesting operations; - coordinating grazing management with regeneration objectives; and - access to funding for activities that assist with sandalwood regeneration.

Consultation is continuing between the relevant authorities to establish appropriate guidelines for sustainability of the industry.

Further information can be obtained from the Forest Products Commission Sandalwood Business unit 08 9334 0419.

Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is a characteristically scruffy tree found in a wide variety of habitats from the south coast to Roebourne. The young plants are eagerly grazed by sheep, cattle, goats and rabbits.

above - New Pastoral Land Management team member Brian Lloyd.

New Member of the PLB Team The Pastoral Land Management team has been joined recently by Brian Lloyd, who has taken on the new role of Project and Compliance Officer. Brian comes to us from the Department of Agriculture, where he has many years experience in soil conservation extension and sustainable land management.

Brian was based in the Department of Agriculture’s Katanning District Office for twelve years and more recently in the Midland and Forrestfield offices. During this time, Brian was involved in: - assisting individual landholders and groups develop property plans and catchment plans; - raising awareness of degradation issues with individual landholders and groups, local government authorities, agencies and consultants, along with best management practices to deal with them; - promoting and designing soil and water conservation earthworks; - assisting groups and communities identify new opportunities for diversification and value-adding.

He also has been involved in surveying in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Nullarbor areas of the State.

Brian’s new role with the team will involve:

- providing advice and information to the Board and other stakeholders on pastoral and rangeland issues; - investigating specific lease management issues; - liaising with pastoral lessees, government agencies, industry and other stakeholders on pastoral issues; - assisting in the development of policies to help secure the sustainable future of the pastoral industry in WA. Brian is married with two teenage daughters. He will soon be out and about in the pastoral areas and looks forward to catching up with you to discuss issues.

Pastoral Working Group examines issues rst hand Following the Gascoyne Muster last May, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan established five working groups to report and make recommendations on key issues involving Western Australia’s pastoral industry.

One key issue identified at the Gascoyne Muster was the increasing public demand for access to pastoral land for a variety of pursuits – including tourism, recreational fishing and prospecting.

Minister MacTiernan has established a working group, chaired by Jon Ford

MLC, to investigate how this increasing access demand might be provided in a controlled and safe manner that does not interfere excessively with the management of pastoral leases. The Access Working Group, comprises representatives from key stakeholders including the pastoral industry, mining, tourism and associated Government Agencies.

The Group has been considering submissions relating to a variety of access issues including the provision of public access routes and informal camping, protocols for seeking access to pastoral land and the public liability responsibilities for access.

To aid with the Working Group’s deliberations the members recently travelled to the Kimberleys to examine some of the issues identified on-site. Whilst in the Kimberleys the Working Group also took the opportunity to meet with key local stakeholders to discuss issues and gain feedback regarding their proposed recommendations. Working Group members agreed that this ‘first hand’ approach was most informative and educational in helping them to understand the issues and guide their deliberations. The opportunity to further discuss matters of concern with members of the Working Group was greatly appreciated by the large number of stakeholders who attended the Working Group’s forum in Derby.

The Access Working Group, along with the other Working Groups, is due to submit its final report to the Minister by July with the findings of the Working Groups being tabled at a Muster to be held on the 11th and 12th of October of in Carnarvon.

above - The Working Group Members take a walk on the Derby jetty.

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FEATURES

Feral Pig Control Gary Martin and Laurie Twigg, Vertebrate Pest Research Section, Department of Agriculture, Forrestfield, Western Australia Feral pigs are often secretive by nature which makes it difficult to estimate their numbers accurately. Often their only signs are evidence of rooting an area for food.

Feral pigs can damage crops, stock fences and watering points, and may cause significant lambing losses in temperate Australia. Feral pigs often compete with stock for food, causing the growth and regeneration of pasture to be retarded. A 200 square mile station in eastern Australia has reported that 10 per cent of the property was severely damaged by the rooting of feral pigs.

above - Severe damage caused by the rooting of feral pigs.

Good seasons in several parts of the State have allowed feral pig numbers to increase and they appear to be extending their range in some parts of Western Australia.

However, except in the heavily-forested South West, feral pigs are usually restricted to riparian habitats or the channel country of the North. Anecdotal evidence suggests feral pig numbers may be increasing in some pastoral areas. A Kimberley station recently culled more than 550 feral pigs in 11 days.

The role of feral pigs in the transmission of exotic diseases, such as Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis is not clear, and their potential to spread and transmit FMD may not be as great as previously thought, but this is still under considerable debate. It is not well documented, but principal effects of feral pigs on the natural environment in the Kimberley appear to be damage to natural vegetation, riverbanks and flats. This promotes erosion, and may help in the spread of weed species such as Noogoora Burr.

Control options While it is the responsibility of landholders to control declared plant and animal pests on their properties, it is less daunting if a coordinated effort with neighbours is undertaken. Contact your local Department of Agriculture Office for advice on control options for declared species.

A summary of the main options currently available for feral pigs is provided below.

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Shooting: Shooting is one of the best control options, especially in the pastoral areas of the State. Shooting from helicopters provides a quick population knockdown over several properties and is a valuable control option in an exotic disease emergency. Shooting from helicopters takes up little landholder time, has a relatively low cost per pig killed, and allows control in inaccessible areas or in seasonal conditions that limit access on the ground.

Although ground-based shooting is usually only regarded as ancillary to other control options, it can also be used to good effect, especially if pig numbers are high and their habitat is easily accessible. However, both aerial and ground shooting can disperse animals and both techniques are less effective in woodland and forest habitat. Approved training is also required prior to shooting from helicopters. Firearms must be of the correct calibre when shooting feral pigs: either a .243 or .308 calibre rifle or 12-gauge shotgun with SG or SSG ammunition.

Poisoning: Poisoning can effectively reduce feral pig numbers but eradication is unlikely when using only a single method of control. Sodium fluoroacetate (1080), on suitable feedstuffs (for example, grain, lupins, pig pellets), is the only toxin currently approved/registered for the control of feral pigs. However, 1080 can only be handled by Department of Agriculture staff. 1080 is not readily detected by pigs, and it usually provides a relatively low cost ratio per kill. It has disadvantages, the most important being the potential effects on non-target species through primary or secondary poisoning, the possible development of bait shyness, and the lack of an effective antidote.

GPS nds its way to every corner of the world.

Twenty five years ago nobody had heard of the global positioning system (GPS). Now it seems it is everywhere.

As a much younger surveyor I spent many lonely, freezing nights on the top of isolated hills tracking stars through high precision theodolites that cost as much as a small pastoral station. The accuracy of the “fix” was no better than what anyone can now achieve with a $300 GPS in under one minute. How times have changed!

We always used to dream of the big finger in the sky that would point and say “you are here”!

Now we know where we are, day and night, rain or shine, if we carry a GPS. And the devices are getting smaller.

I saw one in a watch the other day and it actually took pictures too. The chip that calculates the position from the satellite signals gets smaller each year. This allows it to be put to lots of different uses.

In USA, for instance, there is a government mandate that all new mobile phones will have a GPS chip to send the position of the caller who rings 911. Ten million phones with this capability have been sold in the past 18 months. By 2008 they estimate that number will approach a staggering 160 million!

In a recent magazine: Japan is running trials on equipping blind people with GPS devices to give them more freedom. A company is using GPS to guide a truck which

Recent research in far north Queensland investigated the effectiveness of aerial baiting with 1080 meat baits to control feral pigs in remote or inaccessible areas. Pig numbers were reduced by around 60 to 70%. The high bait density required created a potential risk for nontarget impacts and overall costs for this control exercise were high.

Trapping: Trapping is the favoured control option for areas of intensive agriculture, such as in the Ord River Irrigation Area. However, it is relatively labour-intensive as traps have to be inspected every day, and trapped pigs destroyed using an appropriate calibre firearm. Trapping may be of limited value in pastoral areas owing to the size of holdings and the extensive range of pigs. Monitor pig populations and their activity to help keep their numbers at a manageable level.

Coordinated efforts work best The most efficient control programs will use a variety of techniques, and will be most effective if all neighboring properties are involved in a coordinated effort. Feedback to your local Department of Agriculture office on locations and numbers of feral pigs will help build a better understanding of their impact, and will help in developing coordinated control programs by landholders.

Farmnotes on feral pig control are available from regional offices of the Department of Agriculture.

Further information: call Gary Martin on 9366 2300.

above - Ken Leighton demonstrating a GPS unit.

paints the white lines on the roads. A cab company in New York has electronic advertising billboards on top of their taxis which change as they move from one part of the city to another.

However, GPS was really about more mundane things like telling you where you are: whether you were on the land or at sea, in the air or out in space. Even though it was firstly for the US military it was not long before the civilians around the world embraced the technology for the advantage of all – AND IT’S FREE. In May 2000 the US president gave the world another bonus by ordering the system, which degraded the signal to restrict positional accuracy to about 100 metres, be turned off. Now even the cheapest GPS receiver is accurate to about 10 metres any where in the world. OR IS IT?……….

The answer is yes – but it depends how you use it and this is where many people get it wrong. There is a very fundamental setting on your GPS, usually found in the system menu, that wants you to set the ‘datum’. It’s easy to ignore, the GPS still works just fine, gives a position which you know from listening to the salesman is good to 5metres. That’s if you live in Adindan or Zanderij! If you don’t read any other part of the manual read the chapter on datums.

In a nutshell (because I know you won’t read the manual) this is what a datum is. It defines the shape of the earth for the country you are in. Here’s a revelation: the earth is not round, where have we heard that before? It’s an oblate spheroid, like a squashed orange, and it is very difficult to define in a mathematical sense. Way back the clever types defined the shape of their bit of the earth (eg Australia) to best fit the squashed orange model – however that didn’t suit Adindan or Zanderij so they worked out their own. That was fine because all counties made there own maps separately. Then along came the space age and GPS. A world model was needed so the clever types put all their heads together and settled on WGS84 as the datum for the world. Australia then decided to tweak this a bit and gave us GDA94. Unless you are an astrophysicist they are effectively the same.

“But is says AGD66 or AGD84 on the maps” because you got curious and looked. Well these are the original squashed orange models before we went global. And again they are effectively the same (just refinements that took 18 years to develop). But, NOW PAY ATTENTION, they are not the same as WGS84 or GDA94. There is about 200metres difference in a NE direction. So look at the datum on your map, (station plans do not list a datum but are AGD66) and set that on your GPS. Now they will match.

Then all you have to select is whether your GPS displays UTM (Universal Tranverse Mercator) or Lat/Lon. I suspect you’ve already worked that out yourself. UTM output is in units of metres and Lat/Lon is in units of degrees. Use whatever you are comfortable with. Just notice that with UTM only there is a thing called Zone (on the display it will appear as 50 J or something similar).

This is to do with representing the squashed orange peel as a flat surface and it is just as important as the Eastings and Northings it prefixes, especially if you are quoting these to someone. Terms such as MGA94 and AMG66 refer to the map grid (UTM values) based on GDA94 and AGD66 respectively. continued on page 15

Pastoral Lines | 7

FEATURES Conservation and Land Management in the GMS region – DCLM’s Good Neighbour Policy

Considerable progress has been made towards establishing a conservation reserve system with the Gascoyne – Murchison Rangeland Strategy (GMS) region over the past five years. The creation of a comprehensive, adequate and representative (CAR) reserve system is one of the important outcomes of the Strategy that addresses economic, social and environmental objectives in an integrated manner. The need to improve the region’s conservation reserve system arises from the identification of major gaps in the existing reserve network which was shown to be inadequate in area and was not representative of the full array of habitats contained within the region.

At this point in time, 16 whole pastoral leases and parts of 17 other pastoral leases have been purchased by the State Government for inclusion in the conservation reserve system using both Commonwealth and State funds. This land totalling about 3.4 million hectares will be managed for the conservation of biodiversity (biological diversity) by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (DCLM).

One of the first issues DCLM managers are faced with is the removal of sheep and cattle from these areas - that is necessary to allow the vegetation to recover over a period of time to its natural state. The prevention of domestic stock encroaching onto this land from neighbouring properties is an important issue requiring a cooperative approach to the maintenance of boundary fences. Boundary fence maintenance activities completed over the last couple of years include the replacement of old fences that were no longer stock-proof with new fences, and the upgrading of others in need of repair. In

all instances DCLM and neighbours have been involved in this work with an equal contribution to the cost of materials and construction being made from both parties. DCLM will continue to work with neighbours over boundary fence issues as part of being a good neighbour.

Feral animals such as goats, foxes, cats, and in some areas camels and donkeys, are a major threat to the conservation of biodiversity (plants and animals) and need to be kept in check. DCLM has been actively engaged in the removal of goats from these properties since the reserve land acquisition program began.

Research is continuing into effective control programs

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FEATURES

related to other feral animals, particularly foxes and cats which are having a serious effect on our native animals.

Extensive fox baiting programs in other parts of the State managed for conservation purposes is recognised as having a positive effect on the return of populations of many of our native animals.

Some native animals including dingoes and kangaroos are also of concern to pastoralists when population numbers increase to a level where domestic stock grazing activities are affected. DCLM staff are aware of the impact that dingoes can have on sheep and cattle and have been involved in dingo baiting programs covering conservation lands and adjoining pastoral land.

Regional aerial baiting programs which include land managed for conservation have already been completed and the Department will continue to be involved in planning and operational activities related to dingo and wild dog control. Kangaroo numbers are also monitored and appropriate control measures taken where necessary.

Many introduced plant species are considered undesirable depending on the context in which they occur. Undesirable plants are usually termed weeds, yet other introduced plants are not considered in this light even though they may have dramatic effects on native flora. DCLM will control both noxious and environmental weeds on conservation land and where necessary liaise with neighbours over control activities.

Uncontrolled wild fires are a major issue for land managers whether they are involved in conservation activities, pastoral businesses, mining or tourism. DCLM has been involved in fire management and suppression over many years and will continue to do so with the objective of protecting people, property and conservation values on land in and around conservation reserves. DCLM will continue to liaise with adjoining landholders and Shires to achieve an integrated approach to fire suppression.

On-the-ground works related to fire control, including the construction of suitable access tracks around and within reserves, have already been completed on some of this land. More will be done once destocking is achieved and management planning is completed. Some prescribed burning may be undertaken to reduce fuel buildup where particular values, including adjoining pastoral land and infrastructure, are considered at risk.

DCLM will continue to provide information to the public about the risks of wildfires and their impacts on the environment through information boards and signs on reserves.

Should you wish to discuss these issues further you can contact the nearest DCLM office or Tony Brandis on 97292733.

Range Condition Reports and Pastoral Lease Reports now one - Rangeland Condition Assessments

The Department of Agriculture recently addressed several key factors in the processing of pastoral inspections and has enhanced the methodology by which Department officers assess range condition and infrastructure.

Previously the Department prepared two separate reports; the Pastoral Lease Report which concentrated on the rangeland resources of the lease and the Range Condition Report which covered both the rangeland resources and the infrastructure on a pastoral lease.

These reports are now combined into one report with the title of Rangeland Condition Assessment (RCA).

An officer from the Department will inspect the lease with, if possible, the lessee or manager. This allows the two to discuss the traverse route being taken, possible monitoring site locations and management options.

Three methods of fixed point monitoring with increasing levels of objectivity will be adopted and incorporated into all traverse routes: 1 The basic level of monitoring known as ‘Virtual Sites’ will consist of a site photograph that expresses the range of vegetation condition on the lease.

2 Sites of special interest, such as patches of active erosion, areas of overgrazing, fragile communities or storm/fire effects, will be monitored using the

Conservation information to be included in pastoral lease reports

The Pastoral Lands Board believes that biodiversity maintenance should be addressed by the Board and by station lessees. Consequently a new ‘Regional biodiversity’ section has been added to the Rangeland Condition Assessments. The report will refer to any areas or issues that are of specific interest in terms of regional biodiversity. These may include threatened communities, threatened species, and any other conservation issues which relate to the lease. Pastoralists can assist by identifying biodiversity areas on their lease and by discussing any conservation issues with the reporting officer.

Pastoralists and ecologists are identifying and discussing management of core biodiversity values through the Department of Agriculture’s Environmental Monitoring Unit (EMU) process in the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy area.

The Department of Conservation and Land Management (DCLM) publish a list of Threatened Ecological Communities once they have been endorsed by the Minister for Environment, although the exact site locations are not publicly available. A Threatened Ecological Community is one which fits into one of the following categories: ‘presumed totally destroyed’, ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’.

DCLM also maintains a Declared Rare and Priority Flora List. The following categories are given to threatened species:

Environmental Monitoring Unit (EMU) Level One method; 3 Photographic monitoring sites. These are the most objective of the three tiers and include counts of all perennial species from the photo sites quadrate.

The Department of Agriculture keeps a copy of all monitoring information at the district offices and also sends a copy to the lessee following the inspection.

The RCA incorporates information from the lessee, photographic monitoring sites, Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS) sites, traverse data and information on previous reports. The RCAs are therefore useful as a management tool for pastoralists as well as serving their important administrative role.

The RCAs are prepared for each lease every six years. However, the frequency of follow-up inspections is determined by a recently developed categorisation model. All leases are categorised based on the level of land management and/or infrastructure concerns.

Leases with no concerns will be inspected every six years, leases with minor concerns will be inspected every three years, leases with moderate concerns will be inspected every two years and leases with severe concerns will be inspected annually.

As the model is newly developed, it will continually evolve and has the advantage of focusing on leases with environmental and/or infrastructure issues whilst rewarding those leases with no such concerns.

R Declared Rare Flora (DRF) 1 Plants with few poorly known populations on threatened lands.

2 Plants with few poorly known populations on conservation lands.

3 Plants with several poorly known populations, some on conservation lands.

4 Rare plants, not currently threatened, but require monitoring.

The management of threatened communities and threatened species which occur on pastoral leases, particularly those that are not known to occur on lands set aside for nature conservation, is an important issue which will require the cooperation of pastoralists, Land Conservation District Committees and DCLM

above - Themeda grasslands are Threatened Ecological Communities in the Pilbara. They are categorised as ‘vulnerable’.

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FEATURES

FEATURES

Rangeland survey program in WA.

Many readers would be aware of the joint DOLA / Department of Agriculture program to describe and map the resources of the rangelands of the State. Many would have met and perhaps spent a day with the team as they worked through your region. Recent restrictions to budgets has meant a scaling back of the operations of the group but it is still active. Gone are the days of the big supply truck, caravans and the cook and his wife.

Instead we are a lean group of only five occasionally accompanied by a specialist botanist from Department of Conservation and Land Management.

The team is made up of professional personnel from the two agencies some who have been around more than they care to remember. In order of longevity: Alan Payne, Department of Agriculture, Rangeland Adviser; veteran of substantial years (now as a part-time member) has worked extensively in the Kimberley and on most regional surveys.

Ken Leighton, DOLA, Surveyor and mapping specialist.

Joined the group in 1985 for the Murchison project and has been involved in most regional surveys since.

Peter Hennig, Department of Agriculture, Soils Technician.

Similarly joined us for the Murchison and stayed on.

Sandra Van Vreeswyk, Department of Agriculture, Rangeland Adviser. First survey was the NE Goldfields in 1988 and has been on every survey since.

Brendan Nicholas, Department of Agriculture, trainee Rangeland Adviser. Brendan is relatively new to the survey group joining us for the start of the Nullarbor survey (2000), but has been involved with land assessment projects in the Esperance area for a number of years.

every kilometre along the traverse these assessments are recorded to gain an insight to the condition of the pastoral lease in a regional context. To quantify these ratings it is important for the group to find relict areas that have been little influenced by grazing stock. As you can imagine that is not often achieved.

The purpose of the surveys is to provide enduringly useful information about the natural resource of the rangelands. We would spend about three days on an average pastoral holding traversing as many of the systems and paddocks as practicable. Typically we would traverse about 80km a day and complete up to six query points where a detailed description of the landform, vegetation and soil is made. The data from these query points is used to make up ‘the big picture’ of each land system. The final report and maps takes many years to compile. For the Pilbara regional survey comprising 182,000 square kilometres some 13,000km of traverse was recorded and detail from 720 query sites analysed from102 land systems. This took three years to complete in the field and the report is due for publishing this year.

Survey team on the Nullarbor: L-R; Peter on soils, Sandra on vehicle, Ken on knees and Brendan working.

The accompanying map shows how the State has been split up into the regional project areas and the status of the surveys. CSIRO, as a part of their Land Research Series, started the program in 1954 with the survey of the Meekatharra – Wiluna area. The North Kimberley came next and from then there was a gradual transfer of responsibility from the Commonwealth to the State.

The basic classification of the landscape using land systems has not altered markedly since 1954. We still use aerial photography but Landsat Thermatic Mapper (TM) satellite imagery is being used more frequently.

For the Nullarbor where the landscape pattern changes are more subtle satellite imagery provides a much better regional perspective.

The major difference from the early CSIRO surveys was the introduction of vegetation and soil condition assessment rather than just straight inventory. Now at

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above - Revisiting the 1974 site found the only thing that had changed was the vehicles.

The team recently completed the field work for the previously unscheduled Lower Murchison region. The PLB had expressed some concerns about the condition of the Murchison River frontage, so being a fairly compact area it was decided the team should ‘fill in the gap’.

The West Nullarbor survey was started in 2000 however budget restrictions and the need to complete the Pilbara project saw the field work put on hold. During the initial field work* it became increasingly apparent that the team would have considerable difficulty in matching up to the already completed (East) Nullarbor survey of 1974. We have decided that with the benefit of satellite imagery we

will reclassify this section to make it consistent with the rest of the State. Field work on the Nullarbor could start again towards the end of this year.

After the Nullarbor survey the last remaining regional area is around Kalgoorlie to Norseman (Southern Goldfields).

This is scheduled to start about 2005.

The State will then be covered by a consistent dataset which can be used in all manner of ways eg. ecological planning and reporting, monitoring and valuations. Some of this is happening already with the Environmental Monitoring Unit (EMU) project and Western Australian Rangelands Monitoriing System (WARMS). For the new pastoralist it means that he/she has an inventory of the types of vegetation and landscape to be managed.

For the more established lessee what he may have instinctively known is now available on a map.

Apiary Site Permits on Pastoral Leases The Department of Conservation and Land Management (DCLM) is responsible for the administration and management of apiary sites for commercial honeybees on Crown lands in Western Australia.

Beekeeping is a small but significant industry in WA, with an average annual total income of $6.5 million, and a total worth (including pollination of commercial crops) in excess of $87 million. The Department of Agriculture provides technical advice to the apiculture industry.

Statewide, there are 96 apiarists holding around 3050 permits for registered apiary sites on various categories of public land. There are approximately 315 permits issued on approximately 21 pastoral leases. Most of these are located east of Perenjori, in the Goldfields and, to a lesser extent, in the Pilbara Region.

When a beekeeper applies for a site on a pastoral lease, he or she will be given a form which needs to be completed by both the pastoralist/station manager and the beekeeper, and then returned before DCLM will consider granting the beekeeper a registered permit.

If pastoralists have issues with the placement of sites, DCLM will attempt to relocate the permit sites away from problem areas. Taking of honey, bees wax or pollen without the lawful authority of an apiary site permit issued under the Forest Management Regulations 1993 is an offence under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984.

Pastoralists have the right to ask beekeepers to produce their permit at any time. (see condition 27 (b) of the Standard Apiary Site Conditions). A ‘Code of Conduct for the Harvesting of Forest Produce or Flora and for Apiary Site Permits on Pastoral Leases’ has also been produced. This document aims to foster a positive working relationship between all stakeholders, as well as ensuring the ecologically sustainable development of these industries that rely on the natural resources of the pastoral areas.

Procedures for issuing apiary site permits are listed on the DCLM Naturebase website: http://www.naturebase.net/forest_facts/apiary/index.html To determine if a beekeeper has a registered apiary site on your pastoral lease or to find out about the conditions beekeepers are required to follow on all land, telephone Sean Bryce, the DCLM Apiary Site Officer on (08) 9334 0529 or email him at: apiary@calm.wa.gov.au. Sean also has copies of the Code of Conduct.

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PASTORAL ADVICE

PASTORAL ADVICE

The Dividing Fences Act and Pastoral Leases

Fencing on pastoral leases continues to be a growing issue. Some pastoralists have specific concerns such as possible contamination from straying stock, whilst others have general concern about legal liability, such as the risk of legal action in the event of a vehicle accident.

Dividing Fences Act Does Apply The previous issue of Pastoral Lines in July 2001 had an article on the dividing fences legislation. However, some pastoralists are still uncertain as to where they stand. The PLB has confirmed legal opinion that the Dividing Fences Act 1961 DOES apply to pastoral leases where there is more than five years of the lease left to run. Details as to why it does apply were given in the previous issue of Pastoral Lines.

Also, the Dividing Fences Act 1961 is currently under review and the Department of Land Administration has made a submission that the five year limit should not apply to pastoral leases. This would ensure that the existing requirement for cost sharing between neighbouring lessees would continue between 2010 and 2015.

Some points worth noting are: • the Act does not bind the Crown as the owner of Crown land, but it does apply to lessees of Crown land, including pastoral lessees (section 4), • the definition of ‘owner’ includes pastoral lessees (section 5), and • if your local Shire has not specified what a ‘sufficient’ fence is, and if there is no agreement about this between the neighbours concerned, then the fence must be one that is capable of resisting both sheep and cattle.

In addition, other legislation requires owners of stock to prevent the stock from trespassing and the owners may be liable for damage (including physical injury) caused if the animal escapes from their land. Obviously, an effective fence is the only practical way to ensure stock are contained on the lease.

Look for Yourself.

To view the Dividing Fences Act 1961, visit www.slp.wa.gov.au, then click on ‘Online Publications’ and then ‘Statutes-Acts and Regulations.’ From here, click on ‘Statutes: A-Z Browse’, then, up the top of the next page that opens click on ‘D’, where you will find this legislation.

In addition, many Shire Offices also have an informative brochure called ‘Dividing Fences – Rights and Responsibilities’. Finally, for a copy of the last Pastoral Lines article on the dividing fences legislation, please contact the PLB on 9347 5126.

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10 POINT BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR THE PASTORAL REGION Biological Risks and Responses

1. Difficult to monitor large properties.

The property is the principal barrier checkpoint. Introduce plans to undertake strategic surveillance in risk areas at critical times. Implement measures to reduce the risk of biological threats via people, equipment, goods, plants and animals.

2. Isolation impediment to reporting.

Use modern technology, such as the internet, email, scanners and digital photographs, to readily document and report any unusual sightings. Rapid reporting is crucial to effective identification and response to a biosecurity threat.

3. People movement.

Restrict access to your property by visitors and their vehicles beyond the homestead. Do not allow visitors near stock unless you are satisfied that their shoes and clothes are not contaminated.

above - Mesquite forms dense thickets which exclude other plants and prevent access to vehicles and livestock.

Pastoral Biosecurity - Protecting enterprises from pests, diseases and weeds

Plant or animal pests, diseases and weeds can have a devastating impact on agricultural production. Western Australia’s pastoral industry is particularly vulnerable to the threat of both endemic (established) and exotic (not established) pests, diseases and weeds, due to the vast size of properties, remote location, minimal population, climatic extremes and lack of infrastructure.

A biosecurity breach can have a severe impact on pastoralists’ financial security, resulting in production losses, increased control costs and loss of existing and potential markets. The result could seriously affect the viability of individuals, the community and rangeland industries.

While the State’s geographic isolation from the rest of the nation has created a natural quarantine barrier in the past, the increased movement of people and goods means that adequate protection is no longer possible. The Commonwealth Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is responsible for managing exotic threats, while the State Department of Agriculture, via the services of the WA Quarantine and Inspection Service, looks after State quarantine.

However, to adequately protect the biosecurity status of the rangelands the combined vigilance and support of government, the community and pastoralists is required.

It is the responsibility of each stakeholder to implement practical measures to prevent the entry and spread of unwanted plant and animal pests, diseases and weeds.

This combined approach will ensure the future viability and sustainability of the pastoral region.

Pastoralists provide the first line of defence on the rangelands against pest, disease and weed threats.

By reporting any unusual sightings on their land or about their stock, pastoralists can assist early detection, identification and a rapid response to a biosecurity threat.

The following biosecurity measures can be practically adopted by pastoralists to safeguard their businesses.

4. Vehicles and equipment movement.

Where possible, use your vehicle to carry visitors around the property. Contractors’ vehicles and equipment must be cleaned of soil and plant residue before moving onto the property. Ensure you have appropriate clearing equipment and a designated cleaning area.

5. Diversification and tourism.

Be aware of the industry and regional Industry Biosecurity Plans for enterprises on your property and those of your neighbours and other industries in the district. Implement strategic measures to minimise risks from people and vehicle movement as detailed above.

6. Yards, holding paddocks and waterways.

These areas can harbour weed seeds and disease organisms. Undertake regular inspections of these high risk areas, especially after rainfall.

7. Introduced feed.

May contain weed seeds and disease organisms. Ensure feed is from weed/disease-free properties. Feed in strategic, low risk areas.

8. Introduced stock.

Regard introduced animals as being potentially infected. Drench or vaccinate them and place in a quarantine area for seven days to one month.

9. Animal pests and wandering stock.

May carry diseases and if unmanaged can create grazing pressure. Maintain boundary fences to keep out stray stock and animal pests. Work with neighbours to control populations.

10. Meat-contaminated feedstuffs.

May introduce exotic diseases. Read the label carefully on any manufactured feedstuffs as they may contain restricted animal matter. Do not feed any meat material (swill) to ruminants or pigs.

Need more information? Further biosecurity information can be obtained by contacting the local Department of Agriculture office or visiting the Department’s website at www.agric.wa.gov.au

right - A widespread infestation of mesquite in the delta of the Fortesque river is cleary seen on a LANDSAT satellite image.

Pastoral Lines | 13

PASTORAL ADVICE

PASTORAL ADVICE

Q. IMPROVEMENTS ON PASTORAL LEASES – WHO OWNS THEM? A. IT DEPENDS… It depends …. on: • what type of improvement it is; and • for what purpose the question is being asked.

Sounds like a lawyer’s answer? Then read on.

1.

What is an improvement?

An improvement is something that increases, or improves, the value of land. In the case of pastoral leases, this would include such things as fencing, wells, bores, dams, watering points, sheds, permanent stockyards and homestead buildings.

2.

Who owns the improvements on a pastoral lease?

As mentioned, it will depend on what type of improvement it is.

If the improvement is classed as an agricultural fixture, then when it is fixed to the land (ie built or constructed) it becomes part of the land and is owned by the Crown (as landlord). It cannot be removed without the landlord’s consent.

An agricultural fixture is something that is attached to the land by the pastoral lessee for use in connection with agriculture or pastoral purposes. This would include such things as fences, wells, bores, dams, watering points, stockyards, and machinery and shearing sheds.

Other types of fixtures, such as tenants’ fixtures, become part of the land when it is fixed to the land. However, the Crown only owns it when the lease comes to an end (by surrender, expiry or forfeiture). Until then the pastoral lessee owns it, and the pastoral lessee has a right to remove it during the term of the lease (unless the lease provides otherwise). This might include such things as buildings constructed to accommodate a small-scale tourism business carried on under a permit.

3.

Who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of improvements on a pastoral lease?

The pastoral lessee – under s107 of the LAA* “the lessee must maintain in good condition, and if necessary restore, renew or replace, all lawful improvements to the lease, to the satisfaction of the Board”.

So, even though the Crown owns the agricultural fixtures, the pastoral lessee is nevertheless responsible for keeping them in good condition, and for restoring, renewing or replacing them.

This is reflected in the ability of the Pastoral Lands Board to require a development (management) plan to be prepared, approved and implemented under s107(1) of the LAA*.

If a pastoral lessee wishes to remove any improvements that could be classified as agricultural fixtures, and the pastoral lessee does not intend either: • to replace them in accordance with an approved development (management) plan; or • to replace them with similar improvements, then the pastoral lessee must obtain the Board’s approval. If the Board’s approval is not obtained, then the pastoral lessee risks being ordered by the Board to reinstate the improvement.

GPS nds its way to every corner of the world. (continued from page 7) If you are still confused ring me on 9273 7130 and I’ll see if I can unravel the mystery further.

Now a word of caution to GPS users who want to be surveyors. I have had numerous calls from lessees who have access to GPS who want to more accurately define their pastoral lease boundaries. DOLA provides a chargeable service that supplies co-ordinates of pastoral lease boundaries. These can be used in conjunction with your GPS to mark out the lease. However, the co-ordinate values are only accurate to about 10 metres so if there is any dispute with neighbours about the ownership of land or improvements on the boundary this may not be accurate enough to resolve the issue.

Remember also that the GPS is only accurate to about 10 metres so you could well end up 20 metres out of position. By statute the only person qualified to define a boundary to the satisfaction of the court is a licensed surveyor who holds a current practicing certificate.

For the more sophisticated users who are into computers and laptops there is quite cheap mapping programs (as low as $140) that use your station plan, topographic map or satellite image as a background to GPS derived information. By linking your GPS to your laptop you can drive around your property recording the position of fences, windmills, tracks, etc. This can be used to update your map.

For more information on GPS and mapping contact the author, Ken Leighton at DOLA on 9273 7130, or email ken_leighton@dola.wa.gov.au

above and below - These GPS units are well suited to finding prominent survey markers that define property boundaries and are often used to position new fences. However, they are no substitute for rigorous survey if a land dispute is likely

4.

What are a pastoral lessee’s rights if its pastoral lease expires, and it is not extended or renewed?

For almost all pastoral leases, the pastoral lessee will be entitled to be paid compensation. The amount of compensation will be the market value of the improvements on the land on the expiry date, as determined by the Valuer General. [This applies to all pastoral leases that were granted before the LAA* came into force in 1998, and to any extension or renewal of that lease in 2015 – s114(1) and (2) of the LAA*].

For any other pastoral lease, the pastoral lessee is not entitled to any compensation for improvements – s114(3) of the LAA*.

5.

What are a pastoral lessee’s rights if its pastoral lease is forfeited?

The pastoral lessee may remove such improvements as are of a kind easily capable of being removed. This would be unlikely to include agricultural fixtures.

Did you know the Pastoral Lands Board is now a part of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

6.

What are a pastoral lessee’s rights if mining activities are carried out on its pastoral lease?

If a mining tenement has been granted under the Mining Act, the pastoral lessee is entitled to compensation from the holder of the mining tenement: • for any damage to improvements caused by the holder, and for any loss suffered resulting from that damage; • any substantial loss of earnings suffered resulting or arising from mining by the holder.

It is not always the end of the matter to know who owns the improvements on a pastoral lease.

The LAA*, the common law and other Acts all affect what are a pastoral lessee’s rights and obligations in relation to improvements on the pastoral lease, depending on what the particular issue is.

[In this article, LAA* refers to the Land Administration Act 1997.]

14 | Pastoral Lines

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Government of Western Australia Media Statement The Hon. Alannah MacTiernan MLA Statement Released: 11 June 2003 Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Portfolio: Planning and Infrastructure New chair for Pastoral Lands Board A new chairman of Western Australia’s Pastoral Lands Board (PLB) will help guide the State Government and the pastoral industry through decisions crucial to the sector’s future.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today announced the appointment of Professor Alan Robson as chairman of the State Government’s premier advisory body on management of Crown Land held in pastoral leases.

Professor Robson is currently Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of WA - a senior management position.

“In the next few years the Government will make major decisions about the State’s pastoral system,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“These include decisions about land to be excluded when the leases are renewed in 2015, tenure conditions and issues such as sustainability and access to pastoral land.

“Professor Robson has the qualifications and experience to help the board make a strong contribution to these decisions.

“As well as having served as Dean of the Agriculture Faculty at UWA and as a director of the Co-operative Research Centre for legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture, Professor Robson chairs the Sustainability for Pastoralism working group, established at last year’s Gascoyne Muster.

“While Professor Robson is the first academic appointed to chair the PLB, the board’s membership remains strongly representative of the industry and of the State’s different pastoral regions.”

Other PLB appointments announced by the Minister include: - Adrian Morrissey from Meeline Station, near Mt Magnet, who is an advocate of sustainable pastoral management; - Environmental consultant David Wilcox; and - Kevin Walley of Belele Station, near Meekatharra, who has been re-appointed as the indigenous representative.

Four appointees continue as members of the current board. They are: - Susan Bradley, pastoralist, of Theda, Doongan and Ellenbrae Stations in the North Kimberley; - Margot Steadman, pastoralist, from Wooramel Station near Carnarvon; - Sandra Eckert, representing the chief executive officer of the Department of Land Administration; and - Dr Graeme Robertson, the Director General of the Department of Agriculture.

Four new deputy members have been appointed: - Jack Burton, Yeeda, Kilto and Mt Jowlaenga Stations (East Kimberley); - Ann Coppin, Yarrie Station (Pilbara); - Tony McPherson, Diemals Station (Goldfields); and - Robert Watson, Mt Anderson (East Kimberley) - indigenous representative.

- Deputy conservation representative Denise True has been re-appointed.

Ms MacTiernan thanked retiring chairman Max Cameron, board member Joe de Pledge and deputy-members Tim Darcy and Lindsey Lockyer.

“Max, Joe, Tim and Lindsey have made a significant contribution to the industry at a time of great change with the recognition of Native Title and the lease renewal process,” the Minister said.

“I very much hope they will continue to have input through the forums we have created for the industry.”

Minister’s office: 9213 6400 Government of Western Australia Content authorised by the Government Media Office Department of the Premier and Cabinet

RETURNS

Pastoral Lines ii >

Introducing the New Chairman of the Pastoral Lands Board

Professor Graeme Robertson BSc (Agric) Hons, D Phil (Oxon), FTSE, FAIAST, FAIM.

On July 23 2004, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced the appointment of Professor Graeme Robertson as the new Chairman of the Pastoral Lands Board.

“He is currently Director and Professor of the Muresk Institute, Curtin University of Technology. Prior to this appointment, he was the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“Professor Robertson has been involved in a wide range of research, development and management activities in many aspects of primary industry in Western Australia. During a long career with the Department of Agriculture he has been Officer in Charge of the Kimberley region, Director of Resource Management and Commissioner for Soil Conservation, before becoming Deputy Director-General and then Director-General of the Department in 1995.

“In 1995 Professor Robertson was awarded the McKell Medal for outstanding service to soil and land conservation and in 2001 received the Australian Medal for Agricultural Science. He is a fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, the Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology and the Australian Institute of Management.

“Graeme Robertson has also held key roles on many boards and committees in relation to agriculture, the pastoral industry and natural resource management. Amongst many such roles, he was appointed the Foundation Chair of the Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation in 1996, has been a member of the Federal Soil Conservation Advisory Committee and has also chaired Pastoral Industry Liaison Committees for the Kimberley and the Eastern Goldfields. He is also a former member of the Pastoral Lands Board.

Professor Robertson has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Western Australia. He was also a Rhodes Scholar for Western Australia and holds a D Phil from Oxford University.”

Ms MacTiernan said the members’ great depth of experience would ensure the Pastoral Lands Board functions to the best of its ability.

Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLA Minister for Planning and Infrastructure

PastoralLines PastoralLines

FEATURES Agriculture Traineeships Taking Off in the Pastoral Industry

2

Western Australian Sandalwood

3

EMU: Developing Land Literacy in the Rangelands

4

Alternative Sheep Breeds

6

Pest Animals in the Rangelands

8

Police Stock Investigation Unit

9

Environmental Management of Minesites on Pastoral Leases

10

UPDATES New Laws to Protect Native Vegetation

11

Do You Want to Sell Your Station?

12

New Animal Welfare Act

13

The Mining Industry and Pastoral Leases

13

New Website for Pastoralists

14

Pastoral Lease Inspections

15

Pastoral Exclusions Negotiations Update

16

The Natural Resource Management Council of Western Australia

17

Unauthorised Structures Removed

17

The Australian Rangeland Society

18

Apiary Sites on Pastoral Leases

18

ANNUAL RETURN OF LIVESTOCK AND IMPROVEMENTS Exotic Sheep Comments from the 2003 Annual Returns

19

Information Received Vital for Pastoral Land Management

20

Wild Dog Questions in the 2004 Annual Return

21

F E AT U R E Agriculture Traineeships Taking Off in the Pastoral Industry Fred Chambers, Rural Skills Australia

provided Clayton with the fundamental skills in beef, sheep and pastoral operations. The guides were self-explanatory and there was no need to leave the property for training.

Clayton worked on the guides in the evenings whilst bumping along station windmill tracts in the utility. He has kept the guides as reference books for the future.

Certificates in agriculture can be tailored to almost any pastoral or farming operation. At Wonganoo Station, the subjects were specifically tailored for the property; this was a big incentive for Clayton to take up the traineeship. Both Clayton and Malcolm were very impressed with the course, commenting that a lot of thought had gone into the course structure and that it had particularly good information in regards to WorkSafe practices. Central West College of TAFE lecturer, Bernie Egerton Green, visited Clayton

New apprentices catch up on some theory.

regularly in order to carry out the assessments. Bernie, an ex-shearing contractor who is very passionate about the

Training for agricultural industries has increased with the

agricultural industry and training, found Clayton a model

acceptance of new apprenticeships by industry. In part, this

student.

increase is in response to the Department of Education and Training’s temporary relaxation of the criteria, allowing existing employees to be registered.

Malcolm and Clayton found the whole traineeship very rewarding and recommend it to any young people interested in obtaining further skills and knowledge in the agricultural

Pastoral apprentices complete their certificates in

industry. Clayton claimed he would have done it years

agriculture as they develop their skills under the supervision

ago if he had known how beneficial a traineeship could be.

of their employer on the station. The on station training is

Malcolm summed it up by saying employees can cost a lot

supplemented by a registered training organisation (such as

of money if they get things wrong and that this is a good

TAFE or private trainers). The training provider assesses

program with not too much bulldust.

the trainee and awards certificates accordingly. Eligible employers receive an Australian Government subsidy and some young people may be eligible for a living away from home allowance.

For further information on pastoral traineeships contact Fred Chambers, Rural Skills Australia (WA) on 1800 118 000 or 9359 4003.

1

Almost anyone can be a trainee.

2

Government subsidies are from $1375 to $5500 (more for

When Clayton Boladeras returned to Wonganoo Station after several years travelling, working and studying, he had

females and declared drought areas).

the idea for a father/son traineeship . The opportunity for a 1

Government subsidy2 and a structured training program to re-acquaint Clayton with the industry appeared to be a very good arrangement.

3

There are many private and public training providers delivering traineeships.

Certificate III in Agriculture is usually appropriate for an experienced trainee or an agricultural college graduate.

As Clayton was an experienced trainee, he was able to complete the Certificate III in Agriculture. The program helped him to identify and emphasise the skills and knowledge he already possessed and armed him with new skills and knowledge. The practical training was provided

by Malcolm Boladeras and supplemented by Central West College of TAFE3 lecturer Bernie Egerton-Green, along with written subject learning guides. Both Malcolm and Clayton found the learning guide highly informative and < Pastoral Lines 2

Clayton Boladeras

F E AT U R E Western Australian Sandalwood Ivan Zirngast, Forest Products Commission, Harvey

Most pastoralists are aware of the occurrence of sandalwood

In areas where the Commission doesn’t anticipate adequate

on their pastoral lease, but generally are unaware of the

sandalwood regeneration would be achieved, such as on

process of awarding sandalwood harvesting contracts and

over grazed areas with feral goat populations, contracts

the current operational practices regarding sandalwood

might be restricted to harvesting dead sandalwood . This

harvesting and regeneration.

is also a valuable resource as the sandalwood oil is present

The July 2003 edition of PastoralLines featured an article

until the wood disintegrates.

titled ‘Sandalwood Harvesting’ that provided a brief

The Commission maintains an environmental management

overview of Western Australian sandalwood. This edition

system for its sandalwood operations and is certified

seeks to provide a little more insight into the harvesting and

as ISO 14001 compliant. The system ensures potential

regeneration of sandalwood on pastoral leases.

impacts to the environment are considered, monitored and

Western Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is naturally distributed throughout most of the southern half of Western Australia, excluding the more heavily forested

documented. Any environmental incidents are dealt with through corrective action. Preventative action is taken to minimise the risk of similar incidents in the future.

areas of the south west where the regular occurrence of fire

Further information can be obtained through the Forest

prohibits its growth and regeneration. Native sandalwood

Products Commission, Harvey office on (08) 9729 2888.

has been harvested and exported for more than 150 years and currently provides revenue to Western Australia of around $10 million per year.

Recent changes to the Forest Products harvesting contracts ensure maximum utilisation of the harvested trees, minimal disturbance to surrounding areas through the use of mechanical harvesters and improved regeneration of sandalwood.

The Commission promotes establishment of tree

For further information Sandy Gater Senior Projects Officer Telephone: (08) 9475 8807 or Ivan Zirngast A/Senior Forester – Planning Forest Products Commission Harvey

plantations, including sandalwood, on freehold land and is responsible for the sustainable harvesting of sandalwood from Crown land, which includes pastoral leases. Harvesting contracts are awarded following a fair and competitive public tender process that represents the best value for money to the people of Western Australia.

Some pastoralists have followed this process and have been awarded contracts to harvest sandalwood from their pastoral lease.

Contractors must comply with relevant legislation and guidelines. The most recent contracts awarded require that sandalwood be mechanically lifted from the ground allowing greater recovery of root and butt material, and reduce the disturbance to areas where sandalwood is harvested.

Contractors are also required to carry out sandalwood

A mechanical harvester vertically extracts the sandalwood

regeneration work as part of the Commission’s ongoing

tree, minimising impact on surrounding areas and ensuring

‘WA Sandalwood Enrichment’ program. For each live

everything from the roots to the small branches of the crown

sandalwood tree harvested, twelve sandalwood seeds

can be processed.

are planted by the contractor under nearby host plants.

The Commission monitors the regeneration from each harvesting operation using Global Positioning System equipment to revisit sites where sandalwood seeds have been planted.

Pastoral Lines 3 >

F E AT U R E EMU: Developing Land Literacy in the Rangelands Annabelle Bushell, EMU Project Officer – Curtin University of Technology, Kalgoorlie

The Ecosystem Management Understanding (EMU) process aims to develop a positive attitude to ongoing landscape change on stations and motivate pastoralists to take responsibility for managing this change. It is a voluntary, non regulatory process. It introduces pastoralists and other managers of land to the ecological management of landscapes and habitats in the rangelands.

This management perspective is significantly different to systems of the past. It aims to encourage pastoralists to base their management decisions not only on stock condition, but on what the land is telling them in relation to the sustainability of their enterprise and ultimately that lifestyle.

Emphasis is placed on the knowledge retained by pastoralists and their families. This vast local knowledge,

The Guinea Pigs - Roxanne and Tom Morrissey from

often inter-generational, is extremely valuable and provides

Thundelarra Station agreed to help develop the EMU

the backbone for developing a whole-of-station story.

process and take part in the first workshop in 2000.

Starting to develop an understanding of a station as a whole

The aim of the workshop is to develop the participants’

system begins during the initial mapping workshop. The workshop, which runs over two days, engages up to eight pastoralists and preferably includes all family members.

Knowledge sharing between the participants and the EMU team constructs a picture, using overlay maps. This demonstrates how landscape patterns and processes function in relation to historic and current management practices while on ground examples provide excellent demonstrative tools. Of most importance during this initial stage are the relationships and trust that begin to form between the EMU Team and workshop participants. This is essential for the successful development of capacity that drives change.

It relies on complete trust and honesty throughout the process. The confidentiality of information shared between participants and the EMU Team is imperative.

knowledge into an understanding of ecology and landscape function. This seed (we call “EMU Eyes”) is the foundation to reading, recognising and managing critical landscape patterns and processes as well as landscape condition and trend.

Following the workshop is a visit to each participating property. This is the follow up visit and we only return to properties when invited. Mostly, some time has lapsed between this and the workshop during which time pastoralists, by observing how their own systems are operating, have ‘digested’ and begun the interpretation of what is occurring on their own properties. Follow up visits to each property usually involve air and ground traverses to the key areas identified from the mapping exercise. During this time we focus on the most important issues, often based around the most important country for pastoralism, subsequently resulting in the development of a simple prioritised management strategy.

The knowledge and capacity developed during this process empowers managers with the confidence to make change and test their own ideas to see whether their management ‘fits’ or ‘fights’ the landscape. With this capacity to change their management practices, and observe the landscape response, they can find a practice that ‘fits’. Hence, it is a management cycle of improved performance rolling towards the ultimate goal of sustainable pastoralism based on sound ecological principles.

Out in the field - Meg and Tim Officer from Woolgorong Station

Since the project commenced in mid-2000, more than 70

working through their workshop maps with Ken Tinley.

stations throughout the southern rangelands of Western Australia have taken part in the EMU process.

< Pastoral Lines 4

F E AT U R E The majority of these leases are private enterprises, but

The latest travels for the EMU team have been throughout

also include land recently acquired by Department of

the Goldfields Nullarbor region, spending time with

Conservation and Land Management, indigenous properties,

pastoralists on stations in the Kalgoorlie, North Eastern

mining companies and private conservation reserves.

Goldfields and Nullarbor Eyre Highway land conservation

This has led to active on ground restoration works,

districts.

international accreditation for environmental management systems as well as catchment scale restoration projects involving multiple land managers. Most stations that have participated in the EMU process have made some significant change to the way they manage their landscapes and habitats. Hence, it is progressive towards creative

For more information see our website (www.emuproject. org) or you can call us on the following numbers: Hugh Pringle (08) 9088 6049, Ken Tinley (08) 9405 5182, Sally Black (08) 9405 5121, PJ Waddell (08) 9088 6027 and Annabelle Bushell (08) 9088 6048.

biodiversity conservation, particularly in protection and recovery of the indispensable arid zone habitats of wetlands and floodplains.

Steps 1 to 6 (Figure 1) show the development from building awareness towards a preliminary understanding of stations as a whole system and finally a land literacy based on a life-long learning capacity that becomes a goal of continual improvement.

Peter, Barb and Damien Brown from Arubiddy Station Figure 1: The Continuum of Ecological Management Practice

(Nullarbor Eyre Highway LCDC) taking part in EMU’s baseline mapping workshop.

Once the capacity is developed, most management situations can effectively be handled from Steps 1 to 4 through to Step 6 then back to Step 1 again. This sets in motion a synergy of capability for successful self reliance and mutual help management approaches towards a viable Triple Bottom Line that includes biodiversity conservation.

Formalising management into an Environmental Management System (EMS) provides pastoralists a proactive opportunity to demonstrate to regulators their management credentials and perhaps secure market access and price premiums. EMU is also currently seeking to work with pastoralists to make the EMS more user friendly with an increased end value for effort.

Pastoral Lines 5 >

F E AT U R E Alternative Sheep Breeds Matt Young, Group Manager - Department of Agriculture, Geraldton

New sheep breeds are providing Western Australia with an

under poor nutritional conditions, where water is scarce

opportunity to meet changing demand in overseas markets

and shelter is restricted, and has a high reproduction and

and to target new export opportunities. Western Australian

weight gain rate. Damara also has a herding ability and is

sheep producers are embracing the prospect of diversifying

able to breed all year. The breed has a long wavy coat in

their current operations with new breeds. These include

the winter, which is shed to leave a short hair coat in the

highly valued fat tail breeds and prime lamb breeds that

summer.

offer the potential to improve lamb carcass weight and lambing percentages.

The Fat Tail Sheep Industry

Afrikaner The Afrikaner is an indigenous sheep breed of South Africa.

It has only been in Western Australia since early 1999. It is

The fat tail sheep industry is not new to Western Australia,

estimated there are only a few hundred pure bred animals in

with the Awassi and Karakul sheep breeds having been in

the State at this time.

the State since the mid-1980s. These breeds have been produced primarily for live export, skin, wool and dairy products, and have been owned by Middle Eastern interests, with all breeding programs controlled by these interests.

The Afrikaner is a white fat tail sheep. It is a hardy breed that does not require shearing and is not susceptible to fly strike. Like the Namaqua, it is well adapted to desert conditions and can survive for long periods without water.

It is the fat tail breeds more recently introduced to Western

The breed also has many characteristics of the Damara,

Australia that are providing an opportunity for sheep

although it is different in that it grows wool-type fibre as

producers to expand into this market. The new breeds

opposed to hair. The breed also has a larger and different

are the first fat tail breeds to be purchased by Western

shaped tail.

Australian producers for their own programs, which will allow for more control over ram quality and market opportunities.

Damara

Namaqua The Namaqua is an indigenous sheep breed of South Africa and is believed to be descended from the fat tail sheep kept by the Hottentots. It is one of the two oldest

The Damara originated from the Hamites of Eastern Asia

breeds of South African sheep. There are currently only a

and Egypt, and over centuries moved down to Namibia

few Namaquas in Western Australia -the first shipment of

and Angola. For many years, the sheep were in an isolated

embryos from South Africa arrived late in 2000.

region of Namibia and remained free of influence from other breeds. The sheep were smuggled into South Africa by two farmers and confiscated by the Government in 1954.

The Namaqua is a hardy sheep with excellent fertility and mothering abilities and has a coat of coarse hair rather than wool. It is a lanky, high-standing sheep with a relatively

The Damara was introduced into Western Australia in 1996.

narrow body and long lean legs. As with other South

It is characteristic of the desert breeds with long legs, a

African breeds, the Namaqua performs well in harsh

fat tail and short hair. The Damara can survive and breed

conditions and has a high reproductive capacity. 18 month body weight has been recorded at 58.7 kg.

Fibre Transfer (Wool Contamination) Producers need to be aware that some of the new breeds are hair sheep, and produce coloured or medullated fibres.

Therefore, when mating with Merino sheep, appropriate management is required to avoid wool contamination.

Prime Lamb and Dual Purpose Breeds Dorper/White Dorper The Dorper was developed in the 1930s from the Dorset Horn and Blackheaded Persian. The breed has the characteristic black head (Dorper) as well as white heads (White Dorper). The Dorper arrived in Western Australia Black-headed Dorper < Pastoral Lines 6

in 1996 and is beginning to have some influence on the State’s sheep flock.

F E AT U R E The Dorper was bred in South Africa to produce prime lambs in the arid and lower rainfall areas. It appears suitable for prime lamb production in Western Australia’s

Africa.

Dohne Merino

non traditional growing areas such as the wheatbelt and

The Dohne Merino was developed as a dual purpose animal

rangelands areas. Dorper is one of the most fertile of sheep

(wool and meat) in South Africa using Peppin-style Merino

breeds, has a good body length and a short light covering of

ewes and German Mutton Merino sires. The Dohne

hair and wool. It shows exceptional adaptability, hardiness,

Merino has been in Western Australia since 1998.

can lamb any time of the year, has good mothering abilities

The Dohne has all the same attributes as the SAMM,

and excellent growth (reaching 36 kg at 3.5 - 4 months old).

including good fertility and carcass confirmation. The Dohne appears to produce finer wool than the SAMM. In addition to prime lamb production, Dohne Merino are bred and grown as prime lamb mothers. As wool producing animals, they do not pose a fibre transfer risk (wool contamination), and produce high-quality fine wool between 19 and 22 microns.

Summary New sheep breeds in Western Australia have the potential to play a major role in the State’s sheep industry over the next ten years, with some changes already evident.

White Dorper

In the Southern Rangelands, the alternative sheep breeds

The New Merinos

they have been adopted by over 30 stations, from the

South African Meat Merinos (SAMM) Originally known as the German Mutton Merino, the first ten ewes and a ram were imported into South Africa from

first arrived in 1997/98 in very small numbers. Since then Nullabor to Onslow. The Damara has the most numbers followed by the Dorper with some interest in the dual purpose Merinos.

Germany in 1932 for inclusion in a breeding program. It was subsequently developed as a dual purpose wool-meat breed, with particular attention to high fertility and carcass conformation. The SAMM has been in Western Australia since 1996.

SAMM was bred to produce prime lambs at an early age and to produce good quality wool. The breed was initially noted for its ability to adapt to all farming regions in South

SAMM Pastoral Lines 7 >

F E AT U R E Pest Animals in the Rangelands Dr Andrew Woolnough, Vertebrate Pest Research Section, Department of Agriculture, Forrestfield

The main pest animals of the rangelands include wild dogs,

A new salami-style bait for the control of wild dogs is

feral goats, kangaroos, feral donkeys, feral camels, feral

being tested. This research is being currently undertaken

pigs and feral livestock (horses and cattle).

in the Pilbara, and its results could have major positive

Wild dogs and feral goats are the main pest animal issues

implications for future management strategies for wild dogs.

for the Southern Rangelands. In the Northern Rangelands,

The Department of Agriculture is also developing more

wild dogs, feral donkeys and feral pigs are the biggest

efficient and environmental control strategies for feral pigs.

problems. Although the impact of these pests varies, all

Part of this approach is the development of baits which are

can cause economic losses to the livestock grazing industry

more suitable for use in routine control programs and exotic

and/or impact significantly on rangeland condition and

disease emergencies involving feral pigs. This is a State-

biodiversity.

wide project, with field testing occurring in the Kimberley

The Department of Agriculture Western Australia provides

and the agricultural region.

support to private and public land managers and the

A State-wide survey on the distribution and abundance of

community to address the challenges presented by pest

pest animals is also being undertaken. In the rangelands,

animals. This support involves providing advice on best

information has been collected for feral goats, wild dogs,

practice management, training land managers in safe use

feral pigs, feral donkeys, feral horses and feral cattle.

of poisons, providing a bait injection service, undertaking aerial shooting of feral donkeys, as well as ensuring that regulatory requirements are implemented.

Already, this information has been used in a number of ways, from improving our exotic disease preparedness, to assessing the impact of pest herbivores on the biodiversity

The Department of Agriculture also develops effective,

in the rangelands. Other initiatives include projects on

humane, safe, innovative and affordable management

starlings, 1080 (tissue residues, sensitivity, and non target

options for pest animals. This includes ongoing research

risk assessment), Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD), and

and policy development. The Vertebrate Pest Research

the potential of fertility control of animal pests. The latter

Section conducts research and assists with policy

is through the Department of Agriculture’s involvement

development. While VPRS research is undertaken

in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre,

throughout the State, there are a number of current projects

which is a Commonwealth Government funded research

being conducted in the rangelands.

organisation.

Collared donkey. < Pastoral Lines 8

F E AT U R E Police Stock Investigation Unit James Dabelstein, Detective Sergeant - Police Stock Investigation Unit, Midland

local Police. A program has been introduced to all police stations outlining the correct procedures for conducting

Photo courtesy: Adrienne Francis, ABC Radio Kununurra

a stock investigation. Stock Investigation Officers have also conducted meetings with local landowners in various areas of the state to inform them of the process. The Stock Investigation Unit will, however, become involved in an investigation at various levels depending on the circumstances.

This year the Stock Investigation Unit has been to most areas of the State from Wyndham, to Esperance and Carnegie (300km east of Wiluna). These trips involved investigations, training courses and covert operations.

Stock Squad officers are also gazetted meat inspectors and carry out various duties for the Meat Industry Authority, such as the inspection of abattoirs and saleyards.

Importantly, the reported theft of stock for the past twelve

The Police Stock Investigation Unit tours Fossil Downs

months is significantly down on last year’s figures. Whether

Station as part of training.

this is as a result of local conditions or the increased proactive policing by this unit and the country police,

It has long been considered that stock theft is one of the

remains to be seen.

hardest offences to solve. This is due to the tyranny of distance, lack of property auditing procedures, lateness in receival of complaints and harsh weather conditions, which cause the loss of stock and forensic evidence.

in 1964 with patrols in southern Western Australia. It is

Changes to Contact Details for Pastoralists

currently known as the Stock Investigation Unit, under the

If there are any changes to your contact details, please

The Sheep Stealing Detection Branch was established

umbrella of the Major Fraud Squad. To the agricultural community we are known as the “Stock Squad”.

advise the Pastoral Lands Board (Pastoral Land Management) as soon as possible, to help minimise

Under the Stock (Identification and Movement) Act 1970,

delays in correspondence. A change of details form is

police can search properties to locate and seize stock,

available on our website:

branding equipment and waybills related to identification

www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral.

offences.

In the 1970’s through to the 1990’s the Stock Squad undertook prosecutions on behalf of the Department for Agriculture Western Australia. During this period, a large proportion of Stock Investigation’s time was used to assist in the regulation of this Act. The level of regulation has now been downgraded but it is still an important tool in crime prevention, locating stolen stock and enforcing the identification of stock.

With the introduction of the Investigative Practices Review (IPR), Country Police districts are responsible for stock ownership and investigation. The Stock Investigation Unit now acts as a coordinator and trainer to these country officers and visits country centres to train the

Pastoral Lines 9 >

F E AT U R E Environmental Management of Minesites on Pastoral Leases Minesites, along with other types of extractive resource

The group looked at the activities near the main processing

industries, tend to have limited timeframes of operation.

plant and at satellite pits. Rehabilitation practices were

The ongoing impact of some mine infrastructure is

discussed along with proposals for future rehabilitation.

sometimes of concern to both the Pastoral Lands Board and

Various opinions were presented on the stability and

pastoralists.

future use of the waste rock dumps and the tailings storage

A group comprising local native title claimants, government officers and local pastoralists met recently with Newmont Australia staff at the company’s minesite at Jundee Station, about 50km north east of Wiluna to look at environmental management. A particular focus of the day was to discuss closure plans for the Jundee minesite, currently scheduled for around 2010.

The Jundee site has been operating since 1995 using both open-cut and underground mining methods. It has infrastructure typical of a large modern minesite such as pits, haul roads, pipelines, administration site, airstrip and a camp that caters for 385 staff and contractors.

facilities, particularly in relation to types of vegetation to be established, topsoiling of the dumps, potential grazing, fencing and liability issues. Research and evaluation has been done on site using lower-sloped batters for such dumps, which, whilst increasing the ‘footprint’ of the dump, tends to increase the long-term stability of the slopes.

Impacts of tailings on groundwater were also discussed.

The day resulted in the stakeholders having a greater appreciation of each other’s positions and concerns. As the company progresses the mine closure, consultation will continue, with a view to achieving the needs of the future users of the affected land, both from a pastoral and a community perspective. Input into the development of a

The operations, including haul roads from satellite pits

formal mine closure plan will help to ensure that pastoral

and an ongoing exploration program, affect parts of other

interests are incorporated into the works.

surrounding stations including Millbillillie, Lake Way, Lake Violet, Millrose, Barwidgee and Yandal. The station lessees and managers have developed and maintain good working relationship with the mining company. A pastoral management company manages Newmont’s pastoral leases, which are subleased out and operate as working stations.

Stakeholders discussing future uses for a satellite waste dump.

< Pastoral Lines 10

For further information please contact Brian Lloyd at Pastoral Land Management on (08) 9347 5121.

U P D AT E S New Laws to Protect Native Vegetation Western Australia’s native vegetation will soon be better

a development plan detailing the achievement of the

protected under new laws that came into effect from July 8

improvement to a specified timetable. Compliance with

this year.

the development plan is a requirement and is therefore also

The changes, that will regulate clearing of native vegetation throughout Western Australia, are part of amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1986.

exempt.

There are some other exemptions for the following: • Clearing for fire suppression and prevention as required

The new system replaces the previous Notice of Intent

under the Bushfires Act. This includes clearing for

to Clear process administered under the Soil and Land

firebreaks and around buildings where required under

Conservation Act 1945 and the Department of Environment

Section 33 of the Bushfires Act.

(DoE) will be responsible for its management.

It is recognised that the loss of native vegetation has led to a dramatic rise in land and water salinity, and a decline in our natural heritage of plants and animals. Although, both the community and the government have been working hard to reverse this situation, there is still a lot more that needs to be done. The protection of native vegetation is an essential step towards the sustainable use of our land. The Department of Environment is committed to sustainable

• Clearing resulting from accidents or to prevent imminent danger to human life.

• Clearing for fire hazard reduction outside of the prohibited or restricted burning times for one year until a Code of Practice is developed and implemented.

Subsequently, clearing for fire hazard reduction will not require a permit if it is carried out according to the Code of Practice.

management of our natural resources and the new laws will

It is important that the valuable work pastoralists do in

ensure that native vegetation is managed for the benefit of

managing and protecting native vegetation and improving

the community.

environmental sustainability of their lands is acknowledged.

Clearing will now require a permit except for a range of day-to-day land management activities and some clearing approved or required under another written law. There are some limits and conditions on these exemptions.

The new legislation will support the revegetation and other work undertaken by the pastoral community through programs such as Landcare. Vegetation that has been planted for land or biodiversity conservation purposes will be protected under the new legislation. Harvesting of

In the case of pastoral leases, there is an exemption to

plantations for commercial purposes and non-native species

allow grazing stock on a pastoral lease in accordance

will not require a permit.

with the Land Administration Act 1997; the terms and conditions of the pastoral lease; and any relevant condition or determination by the Pastoral Lands Board. Grazing that does not comply with these requirements is not exempt and would require a clearing permit.

The Government wants to work in partnership with land managers in carrying out this vital task and has already released an incentives and assistance package to support the transition to the new legislation. Environment Minister, Dr Judy Edwards, recently launched a publication

Other exemptions in accordance with the Land

“Biodiversity Incentive Programs in Western Australia”,

Administration Act 1997 include clearing to manage and

which outlines information on a number of incentive

work the land under the lease to its best advantage as a

programs that are currently operating in Western Australia

pastoral property. The Pastoral Lands Board is the judge

and which are accessible by landholders. This publication

of satisfactory compliance with the section. This is subject

is available on the Department of Conservation and Land

to a requirement to adopt best pastoral and environmental

Management’s website at www.calm.wa.gov.au

management practices and to the maintenance of indigenous pasture and vegetation. Contact the Pastoral Lands Board for further details.

Application forms and guidelines on how to apply, as well as a range of information explaining the new regulations and exemptions, are available through all DoE offices, or

Clearing to maintain or reconstruct existing fences (and

the Native Vegetation Protection Section on Freecall 1800

other pastoral improvements) is similarly exempt. Where

061 025 and at the website www.environment.wa.gov.au

the Pastoral Lands Board believes that an improvement is necessary, it may require a pastoral lessee to prepare Pastoral Lines 11 >

U P D AT E S Do You Want to Sell Your Station?

One of the responsibilities of Pastoral Lands Board is

• maximum area limitation (currently 500,000 hectares but

to make recommendations to the Minister for Planning

with Ministerial discretion to exceed the limit in certain

and Infrastructure in respect to the sale and transfer of

circumstances).

pastoral leases. Under sections 18 and 134 of the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA), a pastoral lease cannot be transferred without prior Ministerial consent.

If you want to offer your station for sale you must first apply in writing to the Board When considering the request the Board reviews a Rangeland Condition Assessment for the station. In the past, a new Rangeland Condition Assessment was prepared each time a lessee requested permission to sell. This process has been streamlined and if a lease has been inspected within the previous three years and there are no new land management issues, a new inspection may not be undertaken.

Other standard conditions will require the purchaser to acknowledge: • awareness of the requirements of Parts 7, 9 and 10 of the LAA and provisions of the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945; and • a management plan including evidence of financial capacity to manage the lease.

Upon Ministerial approval of a transfer, settlement can occur. An executed and stamped (stamp duty paid) Transfer of Land document will need to be submitted to the Department for Planning and Infrastructure to arrange

Once the Board has considered the request and approval is

endorsement of Ministerial consent thereon and it can

granted, the lessee will be advised of the conditions of sale.

then be lodged at the Department of Land Information for

Permission to sell will be valid for 12 months. Should

registration.

a sale not eventuate and the property is to remain on the

In summary the process comprises four stages:

market, a new application should be made.

Pastoralists selling stations occasionally run into problems

1. lessee requests permission to sell;

when they advertise the station for sale prior to obtaining

2. proposed purchaser is assessed;

permission. In such cases, a prospective purchaser may

3. Ministerial approval is endorsed on executed and stamped

make a written offer and have it accepted before permission is granted. Issues may then arise if the purchaser is subsequently informed of particular requirements set down by the Board. For example, requirements might relate,

Transfer; and 4. transfer lodged at the Department of Land Information for registration.

to infrastructure repair, destocking an area or closure of

In circumstances where a partner in a pastoral lease wishes

waters.

to sell his/her share to the other partner(s), prior Ministerial

The prospective purchaser might not have had prior knowledge of these specific requirements, resulting in disagreements with the selling pastoralist.

consent is also required. In this instance, an inspection will not be necessary nor will compliance with the standard conditions of transfer of a pastoral lease by the existing partner(s). Eligibility will still need to be assessed in terms

To avoid such situations, pastoralists are strongly advised

of the Foreign Ownership Policy and the 500,000 hectare

to gain permission to sell the station prior to advertising it

limitation.

for sale.

Initial requests for permission to sell should be addressed

It should be noted that the Board will recommend that

to:

permission to transfer not be granted if there are any

Executive Assistant

outstanding obligations or requirements. These include

Pastoral Land Management

such things as management plans, tsock and improvements

Department for Planning and Infrastructure

declarations and rent.

PO Box 1575

Once a purchaser has been found, the purchaser will need

MIDLAND WA 6936

to comply with the conditions of transfer and be considered

or via facsimile: (08) 9347 5009.

for eligibility in terms of: • the State Government Foreign Ownership of Pastoral Lease Policy (currently 50% Australian equity); and

< Pastoral Lines 12

For further assistance please call the Executive Assistant, Pastoral Land Management, on (08) 9347 5126.

U P D AT E S New Animal Welfare Act

The Mining Industry and Pastoral Leases

The new Animal Welfare Act 2002 was introduced in

Being largely an extractive industry, mining has an impact on the landscape and consequently on some pastoral leases.

The mining sector generates significant benefits and it is a reality that such operations will continue to occur on and around pastoral land.

March 2003. Since then, there have been some successful prosecutions, demonstrating the new Act’s wider scope to encompass all animals and introducing harsher penalties.

New penalties also include jail terms and these have been applied to some individuals recently convicted..

The Act and the supporting regulations, govern the treatment and welfare of animals in Western Australia and some of the major reforms include: • ensuring that the Act applies to all animals in Western Australia (excluding fish); • higher penalties, from $2000 up to $50,000 and up to 5 years imprisonment; • the appointment of general inspectors with increased powers to protect animals and deal efficiently with those being cruel to animals; • substantial penalties for offenders caught in possession of devices such as spurs that have been sharpened or have fully fixed rowels; • restrictions on the use of electrical devices and jawed traps; and • penalties for organising or spectating at events which involve fighting animals.

In addition to fines and imprisonment, there is a provision in

How mining companies interact with the pastoral industry varies. In some cases, mining companies own and run pastoral leases, sometimes (with permission) they sublease the station. In other cases they develop their mining tenement operations alongside an independent pastoral operation. Different mining companies may take different approaches in dealing with pastoral issues. Having a consistent and ‘best practice’ approach would be of benefit to all parties.

By running very different operations, both the miner and the pastoralist may not know a great deal about the other’s needs. Neither party wants to be distracted from their core operations by problems, so having an appreciation of the other’s issues leads to good neighbourly relations.

After some discussions with both pastoralists and representatives from mining companies, it has been proposed to form a small reference group to look at mining on pastoral leases.It is envisaged that the group would look at exploration (for which a Code of Conduct was developed in 1999) and the development, operation, rehabilitation and closure of minesites.

the legislation for courts to impose orders to protect animals either by seizing an animal or preventing a person from owning a particular animal, or any animal in the future.

The RSPCA also strongly advises that animals considered unfit for transport should be treated on site or slaughtered on the property of origin.

Pastoralists, farmers, truck drivers, and stock agents who transport stock with conditions that cause animals unnecessary suffering could also face a minimum fine of $2000 and a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to five years in prison.

Conditions that deem animals unfit for travel include lameness, swelling, protrusions, swollen udders and testicles, cancer (of the eye or nose, for example) and animals in late stages of pregnancy.

The RSPCA is currently working with the PGA, WAFF, stock agents and vets to establish a dashboard guide for pastoralists and farmers for quick and easy reference to determine whether stock are fit for travel or not.

For further information, visit the RSPCA website on: www.rspca.asn.au or contact them on 9209 9300.

An open pit on a pastoral lease.

Guidelines would help to prevent problems on leases, and could also be used as a basis to effectively deal with problems should any arise. They could not only be used as a reference to help get a consistent approach to pastoral issues from existing companies, and would be valuable as a guide for new companies.

If you have had any specific issues you have experienced on your lease in relation to the mining or resource industry, please call Brian Lloyd at Pastoral Land Management on (08) 9347 5121.

Pastoral Lines 13 >

U P D AT E S New Website for Pastoralists Pastoralists now have access to a wealth of free and useful information on the new Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s website at:

www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral Visit the website and you will discover a vast array of

You can: • get the latest weather warnings; • find out if it rained on your station ten minutes ago; • catch up on local news;

up-to-date information to help you manage your station

• access the latest rangelands research;

sustainably and successfully, both on a day-to-day basis

• get the latest livestock industry information;

and for the long term. Just go to the homepage and use the navigation bar on the left-hand side of the page to find the information you want.

Take a few minutes to browse the site and see what a huge amount of information is available at your fingertips. For example, have a look at two of the most popular sections: ‘Information and Publications’ and ‘Useful Links’.

• find out about any grants for which you may be eligible; • calculate your homestead water use; and • even find information on recruiting staff for your station.

The website also has sections dedicated to the 2015

On the ‘Information and Publications’ pages you can get

Exclusions and the Pastoral Industry Working Groups

detailed information on stock management and animal

and of course a section on the Pastoral Lands Board and

health issues, weed and pest information, environmental

Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s Pastoral

issues and diversification, as well as management of your

Land Management staff.

pastoral business. You can also access any Acts relevant to you such as the Land Administration Act 1997 or the Dividing Fences Act 1961.

Please feel free to contact Brian Lloyd at Pastoral Land Management on (08) 9347 5121 with any comments about our website or to offer suggestions. Also

The ‘Useful Links’ section leads you to a substantial

remember that the site is frequently updated, so be sure

number of sites relevant to the pastoral industry.

to bookmark it and visit it regularly.

< Pastoral Lines 14

U P D AT E S Pastoral Lease Inspections The following table shows the number and types of land management and/or infrastructure issues identified in the Rangeland Condition Assessments for 2002/03: Issue

Southern Northern

Rangeland degradation

28

3

Areas of severe degradation and erosion

17

1

Vegetation decline near water point

8

1

Inadequate infrastructure

7

-

Unmanaged goats

6

-

High numbers of kangaroos

6

-

Vegetation decline due to overstocking

5

-

Soil erosion

4

1

Excessive stocking rate

4

-

Historical rangeland degradation

2

3

Poor management practices

2

-

primarily through its pastoral lease inspection reporting

Feral donkeys

1

-

program.

Soil erosion

1

-

Assessing a monitoring site.

The Pastoral Lands Board’s role is to ensure pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis. The Department of Agriculture Western Australia (DAWA) provides advice and technical support to the Board,

DAWA has categorised 470 pastoral stations based on

It can be seen that there is a higher distribution of issues

land management and/or infrastructure issues on the

in the southern rangelands than in the northern rangelands.

lease. These categories determine the inspection cycles

This situation is not static. In the early 1970’s there was

undertaken by DAWA, with about 78 stations scheduled for

a plethora of land management issues in the northern

a Rangeland Condition Assessment annually. In addition

rangelands. Since that time live export opportunities;

follow-up inspections are conducted for the Board. The

massive reduction in feral donkey numbers; reductions

categories are:

in kangaroo grazing pressure; increased stock control,

• Category 1 – Low concern (47 per cent of stations); inspected every six years;

development of watering points allowing enhanced stock distribution; and a run of above average seasons have all contributed to significant gains in range condition and

• Category 2 – Minor concern (34 per cent of stations); inspected every three years;

infrastructure trends.

During the same period, the southern rangelands

• Category 3 – Moderate concern (16 per cent of stations); inspected every two years; and

experienced decreased commodity prices, adverse seasonal extremes, high total grazing pressure due to non-domestic

• Category 4 – High concern (3 per cent of stations);

grazers and a comparatively low level of investment in infrastructure.

inspected annually.

The following table shows the number of stations with

For more information please contact Pastoral Land

land management and/or infrastructure issues identified in

Management on (08) 9347 5126.

Rangeland Condition Assessments in 2002/2003: Region

Number of stations

Number of stations

Number of stations

inspected

with issues identified

with no issues

Southern rangelands

52

48 (92%)

4 (8%)

Northern rangelands

22

7 (32%)

15 (68%)

State total

74

55 (74%)

19 (26%)

Pastoral Lines 15 >

U P D AT E S Pastoral Exclusions Negotiations Update The exclusion proposal for Kadji Kadji pastoral lease was finalised with the acquisition and surrender of the entire lease to the State on 4 September 2003. The acquiring agency was CALM, acting on behalf of the State.

Pastoralists who have elected to negotiate on either the extent of the exclusion or rental adjustment have been contacted and negotiations with either CALM or Department for Planning and Infrastructure staff are progressing in line with the Ministerial approved guidelines.

Negotiators are confident that the remaining exclusion proposals can be reported to the Committee in a timely manner. A September/October 2004 target date has been adopted. This should ensure the 7 December 2004 legislative deadline is achieved.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Jeff Murray at Pastoral Land Management on (08) 9347 5126.

Mimbi Community Access Track – Mt Pierre Station.

Exclusion for Aboriginal Interests.

The 2015 pastoral exclusion negotiation process is now well under way and the legislative target of 7 December 2004 is looming.

The Exclusion Negotiations Steering Committee including: • Chairman - Director General, Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) • Chairman, Pastoral Lands Board • Executive Director, Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM), has now met on several occasions.

The Committee’s two primary functions are to: 1. ensure that appropriate and equitable outcomes to exclusion negotiations are achieved.

2. provide suitable recommendations to the Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLA, in her capacity as Minister for Lands.

Twelve exclusions were accepted by the lessees, and a further twenty-three exclusion agreements have been recommended to the Minister for consideration.

< Pastoral Lines 16

Exclusion for Recreation and Tourism, Sir John Range - Mornington Station.

U P D AT E S The Natural Resource Management Council of Western Australia Don Crawford, Manager, Natural Resource Management Office, Department of Agriculture, South Perth

The Natural Resource Management (NRM) Council was

The Council has 13 members. It comprises people with

established 8 July 2002. It was created by the Western

skills, knowledge and expertise in the many facets of

Australian Government to address natural resource issues

sustainable NRM. It has eight community members and

such salinity and other land, water and biodiversity issues..

five Director Generals of NRM agencies. The Chair is a

“Under its Terms of Reference the NRM Council is obliged to: 1. Adopt a community leadership role for natural resource management in Western Australia.

2. Provide high level policy and strategic advice on natural resource management to the Chair of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Environmental Policy on: • Implementation of the State Salinity Strategy and Government’s response to the Salinity Taskforce;

community member.

Sustainable natural resource management is defined as using, conserving and enhancing natural resources so that ecological processes on which life depends are maintained and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.

Projects and achievements of the Council under its three terms of reference include: • Leadership – developing a Memorandum of Understanding between Government and the regional

• How legislation can best be used to support NRM;

NRM groups, developing a rangelands vision and

• Development of NRM policy and strategy;

supporting the Rangelands Working Group, coordinating

• Coordination and delivery of national NRM programs, in

structure for capacity building

particular, the National Action Plan on Salinity and Water Quality (NAP) and the Natural Heritage Trust II (NHT II), including accreditation of regional strategies; and • Implementation of the Salinity Investment Framework and other decision support tools for investment in NRM. 3. Foster a consultative approach that ensures broad community involvement in NRM policy development.”

The Council reports to the Minister for the Environment, the

a monitoring and evaluation initiative and initiating a

• Policy advice – developing a framework for vegetation conservation with incentives, initiating the Salinity Investment Framework, advising on legislation, advising on salinity coordination; and • Community Involvement – liaising with groups, producing a newsletter, website (www.nrm.org.au) For more information, contact the Council on (08) 9368 3164 or dleech@agric.wa.gov.au

Chair of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Environmental Policy, and the Cabinet Standing Committee on NRM and Salinity. It is supported by the State NRM Office based at Department of Agriculture Western Australia’s office in South Perth.

Unauthorised Structures Removed Unauthorised squatters’ camps or fishing shacks can cause problems for people and the environment.

What’s more, if one appears it can lead to a proliferation of similar structures in the same area, compounding the problems.

In July 2004, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s regional and Pastoral Land Management staff worked together to remove such a camp from a coastal pastoral lease. The site has now been rehabilitated.

Pastoral Lines 17 >

U P D AT E S The Australian Rangeland Society

Apiary Sites On Pastoral Leases Sean Bryce, Apiary Site Officer, Dept of Conservation and Land Management

The Australian Rangeland Society is an independent and non aligned association. Members are interested in the sustainable use and management of Australia’s rangelands. The Society sees its role as providing a forum for the free exchange of ideas and information about the rangelands.

The Society welcomes members who are involved with

Bee Hives

the use of rangelands and particularly those who are

To assist pastoralists in assessing any apiary site

involved in the day-to-day management of the land for

permit applications on their station, the Department of

production, conservation, mining, living or recreation.

Conservation and Land Management is in the process of

Membership rates are $80 for full membership, which includes the journal and newsletter, and $45 for part

designing a new webpage called “Apiary Sites on Pastoral Leases”.

membership, which includes the newsletter only.

The webpage will provide information on the role of the

Discounted rates for students are available.

Beekeeping Consultative Committee and the new process

The Rangeland Journal is published twice per year.

for issuing permits on pastoral leases.

It includes papers on any aspect of the ecology, use,

The form, which needs to be signed by both the beekeeper

management or conservation of rangelands, either

and the pastoralist, has been re designed and will be made

within Australia or internationally.

available from this website.

The Range Management Newsletter, with three issues

The webpage will also provide some information relating to

per year, is the prime means of communication between

when and how frequently beekeepers use sites on pastoral

members of the Society. It includes articles or views on

leases.

any matter connected with the use of rangelands.

The Society holds a biennial conference. The 2004 conference was held in July in Alice Springs with the theme ‘Living in the Outback’.

For more information see the website at www. austrangesoc.com.au, or contact the Secretary, Sandra Van Vreeswyk by e-mail on svanvreeswyk@dpi.wa. gov.au or by telephone on (08) 9347 5120.

Bee Keeper with Hives. < Pastoral Lines 18

To view this new webpage please visit: http://www.naturebase.net/forest_facts/apiary/index.html For further enquires please contact Sean Bryce, Apiary Site Officer on (08) 9334 0529 or by e-mail apiary@calm. wa.gov.au.

RETURNS Exotic Sheep Comments from the 2003 Annual Returns Two lessees queried why this question was being asked, with one stating that the Act does not specify that only Merinos can be run. One lessee commented that the question was mischievous.

48 lessees (10 per cent) indicated they had problems with exotic sheep on their lease. Of these, 26 were in the Murchison region, 17 in the Carnarvon region and 5 in the Goldfields/Nullarbor region. From their comments, 24 were assessed as having major concerns and 19 as having minor concerns. Five answered ‘yes’ but gave no indication of the level of concern.

Lessees who indicated they had major concerns commented that exotic sheep were a major threat to the pastoral wool Damaras

industry. Eleven lessees indicated they were vigilant in removing straying exotic sheep and their progeny, reporting

Section 5.5 of the 2003 Annual Return of Livestock and

numbers removed of up to 200. Incursions by Damara rams

Improvements asked the following question:

as well as resultant Damara cross lambs were reported.

Do you have any problems with exotic sheep on your lease?

Eight lessees commented that exotic sheep breeds wander,

Please give brief details.

with some reporting they were coming from up to 150 km

466 pastoral lessees submitted Annual Returns in 2003.

away.

Of these 90 per cent indicated they had no problems with

Five lessees commented that pastoral fencing is inadequate

exotic sheep on their lease with 240 answering ‘no’ and 178

to contain exotic sheep. One lessee reported that these

leaving this question blank (which was considered to be a

sheep keep appearing, despite his best efforts in trying to

‘no’ answer).

keep them out through fence repairs. One lessee questioned

Two lessees commented that exotic sheep breeds will ensure

if any fence other than electric fencing could stop them.

the viability of the pastoral industry. Three commented on

One lessee suggested that containment fencing for lessees

the positive characteristics of exotic sheep, such as being

who run exotic sheep should be strictly enforced.

well suited to the conditions and climate, no mulesing

Two lessees compared Damaras to goats and one to cane

required and good lambing percentages. Three lessees

toads and warned they would be the next feral explosion in

reported they were considering changing from Merinos into

the rangelands.

these breeds.

The question has been retained in the 2004 Annual Return

One lessee indicated that, like Merinos, exotic sheep only

to allow further information on this contentious issue to be

cause problems when they are not properly managed.

collected.

One noted that adequate fencing helps all parties and four reported that their fencing was adequate to prevent any problems. Three lessees reported that they ran Damara and

For further information please contact Pastoral Land Management on (08) 9347 5126.

pure Merino flocks separately without problems.

Six lessees stated that they were having problems with straying Merino sheep with one reporting that he had returned more than 200 Merinos to his neighbours that year.

Pastoral Lines 19 >

RETURNS Information Received Vital for Pastoral Land Management The information extracted from the “Annual Return of

The form has been developed and approved to assist

Livestock and Improvement Form” (Return) is essential

pastoralists with their Return. It is based on the financial

to the Pastoral Lands Board (PLB) in successfully

year and must be received by PLB no later than 31

implementing two out of three of its primary functions.

December of that year. The data provided is entered into

These functions are:

the Pastoral Land Information System (PLIS), a shared

• to administer pastoral leases in accordance with Part 7 of the Land Administration Act 1997; • to ensure that pastoral leases are managed on an ecological sustainable basis; and • to provide advice on pastoral matters to the Hon

computer system where data can be entered and extracted

by Pastoral Land Management (PLM) and Department of Agriculture Western Australia (DAWA) staff only. It is treated confidentially and can not be accessed or used by other agencies unless PLB has given prior approval.

Information stored in PLIS is used on a daily basis for

Alannah MacTiernan MLA, Minister for Planning and

pastoral lease and general administration duties. The up to

Infrastructure in her capacity as Minister of Lands.

date pastoral lessee contact details provided in section one

All pastoral leaseholders in Western Australia are required, under section 113 of the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA), to submit to the PLB any information relating to the land under the lease or the activities on the land, on an annual basis.

The Return must include:

of the return enables effective and efficient communication/ correspondence between PLM and DAWA staff and pastoralists about all matters concerning pastoral leased lands. DAWA also utilises the contact details to arrange pastoral lease inspections and in the preparation of Range Condition Assessment (RCA) reports.

Stock details provided in section two of the Return are used

• information as to stock numbers on the Return date;

to calculate the stock equivalents run on the station. When

• full particulars, including costs, of all improvements

compared with the potential carrying capacity this figure

effected on land under the lease in the period of 12

is used as a guide by PLM staff to investigate whether a

months before the return date, or, if the lease was granted

lessee may be running too many stock, thereby ensuring

during that period, between the commencement of the

the continued sustainable management of pastoral lands.

lease and the return date; and

DAWA uses the information provided in section two of

• full particulars of the use of each area of land affected by a permit issued under Division 5 of the LAA.

the Report routinely for lease inspections, preparation of Rangeland Condition Assessment reports, carrying capacities assessment and against management plan undertakings. They also use the information provided in the return as source information for research and trend indicators for the pastoral industry and in aggregated form in various publications, papers and annual reports.

The data collected on station improvements in section three of the Return is used by DAWA as an indication as to whether lessees are improving or maintaining the infrastructure on their station. This will affect the future value of the property and is important in the long term management of the pastoral land.

Additional information in section five of the Report provides DAWA with information on weather, climatic events, native and feral animal numbers, exotic sheep numbers, pest species and weeds. This information is essential in the future development and management of the rangelands. It is used to highlight the current issues

Pastoralists conducting a cattle muster.

confronting pastoralists, and enables DAWA to establish management plans and strategies to combat these major issues to ensure the continued sustainability of the pastoral

< Pastoral Lines 20

RETURNS Wild Dog Questions in the 2004 Annual Return land. This information is also important in preparation for

Lessees will notice that the Annual Return of Livestock

pastoral lease inspections and provides a good indication of

and Improvements for 2004 includes additional questions

the over all health of the rangelands.

seeking to establish details of any wild dog impacts on

From time to time, the Police Stock Investigation Unit may

production over the last 12 months.

issue a warrant to obtain Returns, as part of is investigation

These questions were specifically recommended via the

and/or prosecution in relation to stock theft.

industry evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of

PLIS provides access to up to date livestock numbers and trends at the station scale allowing DAWA to aggregate the data into a large number of different spatial cut outs, which is useful to interpret changes in the state of the rangelands.

the current Wild Dog Control Program undertaken in 2003.

This evaluation was carried out by a panel of producer representatives and under the chairmanship of Mrs Michelle Allen, a member of the Agriculture Protection Board.

Information collected in the Return provides information

The report contained 25 recommendations for consideration

about current and future trends in the pastoral industry;

by the APB. Most have since been implemented, however

for example, it has been used to assess to what extent

some are still being investigated.

pastoralists in Western Australia are adapting their stocking rates to deal with drought. This is highly valuable in regards to the management of pastoral land and the changes in pastoral practices that may need to occur in the future to ensure long term sustainability.

The information available to the Valuer General’s Office (VGO) via the annual returns is necessary for the purposes of rating, calculating rents and market evaluations. Most market evaluations are now conducted with inspections, however it is not always possible for VGO officers to physically inspect every property and the sale evidence to establish a station value. VGO therefore relies upon records of livestock, fencing and water and building improvements information derived from the Returns to determine the

The need for better information on trends in wild dog numbers, movements and impacts was one of five key findings.. Panel members acknowledged the lack of good information in this area made the effectiveness of current control efforts very difficult to assess. It also limits the control program’s ability to respond quickly to changes.

The assistance of lessees in completing these questions will help to provide better information to the Board regarding the impacts of wild dogs on pastoral businesses, and earlier warning of increasing dog numbers (e.g. desert animals moving closer to pastoral/farming areas), so that control efforts can be better targeted to minimise associated damage.

total unimproved value on the individual lease. Once allowances are made to this unimproved value a rental value is determined.

The 2004 rental increases were calculated as a function of these unimproved lease values. Land rates are also determined using this unimproved lease value. The information provided is therefore extremely important for desk top evaluations to establish both the unimproved pastoral lease value and ground rents. This information will increase in importance as 2015 nears; both in regard to leases affected by exclusions and those leases not to be renewed.

The information collected from the return enables Western Australia to accurately generate comparable information at property and larger scales that are fundamental from a number of viewpoints including National Rangeland

Wild dog

Management, animal production and economic development. This aids in the development of management plans focussing on the sustainable future of our pastoral lands.

Pastoral Lines 21> iv >

Pastoral Lands Board Members Professor Graeme Robertson has been appointed as the new Chairman of Western Australia’s Pastoral Lands Board, replacing Professor Alan Robson who resigned from the position to take up the position of Vice Chancellor at the University of Western Australia.

Graeme Robertson is the current Director and Professor of the Muresk Institute, Curtin University of Technology. He was previously the Director General of the Department of Agriculture and the Chairperson of the Federal Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation.

Other appointments announced by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure are: • Robert Watson from Mt Anderson Station south of Derby who is Deputy Chair of the Kimberley Aboriginal Pastoralists Association and • Ann Coppin, who has been the station/business manager of Yarrie Station near Marble Bar since 1976.

Three appointees continue as members on the current Board. They are: • Adrian Morrissey from Meeline Station near Mt Magnet • Susan Bradley of Doongan Station in the North Kimberley and • David Wilcox as the conservation member Departmental member representatives also continue. They are • Sandra Eckert, representing the Director General of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure • Charlie Thorn, representing the Director General of the Department of Agriculture Continuing as deputy members are: • Jack Burton of Yeeda Station in the Kimberley, as deputy to Susan Bradley and • Denise True, as deputy to David Wilcox.

Three new deputy members have been appointed: • Patricia Maslen from Cooralya Station near Carnarvon as deputy to Ann Coppin • Marion Dolby from Mt Pierre Station near Fitzroy Crossing as deputy to Robert Watson and • Rod Campbell from Kybo Station on the Nullarbor as deputy to Adrian Morrissey The new members were appointed for a period of between 1-2 years, which extends the terms long enough to ensure consistency and continuation of policy work, which was a commitment arising from the Gascoyne Muster Pastoral Industry Forums.

Pastoral Lands Board Telephone:

(08) 9347 5126

Facsimile:

(08) 9347 5009

E-mail:

plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

Website:

www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral

Address:

Pastoral Land Management Department for Planning and Infrastructure PO Box 1575 MIDLAND WA 6936

Pastoral Lands Board Telephone:

(08) 9347 5126

Facsimile:

(08) 9347 5009

E-mail:

plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

Website:

www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral

Address:

Pastoral Land Business Unit Department for Planning and Infrastructure PO Box 1575 MIDLAND WA 6936

Department for Planning and Infrastructure

Government of Western Australia

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PASTORAL LANDS BOARD

PastoralLines VOLUME 4 - DECEMBER 2005

PastoralLines From the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure

Welcome to this latest issue of Pastoral Lines.

It is my pleasure to welcome to the Pastoral Lands Board two new members whose experience and knowledge will benefit your industry greatly.

Mr Graeme Rundle has extensive expertise in flora, fauna and land conservation management. He is well respected by the conservation movement and is currently an executive member of the WA Conservation Council and the Conservation Commission.

Welcome also to Mr Peter Leutenegger who replaces Ms Susan Bradley as a member with “a present or past interest in a pastoral lease.”

Mr Leutenegger is the current lessee of Napier Downs. Before leasing Napier Downs in 1992, he worked on sheep and cattle stations in Queensland and the Gascoyne and has run a helicopter mustering business in the Kimberley. Mr Leutenegger was a member of the Alternative Models of Tenure Pastoral Industry Working Group.

I look forward to working with the new members and, indeed the whole Board to ensure the effective administration of pastoral leases throughout the State.

Now that the 2015 pastoral exclusion process has been completed, the area to be excluded has been reduced from the initial 1.6 million hectares from 97 stations to approximately 1.03 million hectares from 74 stations.

Despite concerns expressed at the start, the process has provided the certainty for the future that was sought and shows what can be achieved by good faith, extensive consultation and sensible negotiation.

In this issue of Pastoral Lines you will find many interesting articles ranging from subjects as diverse as occupational safety and health issues, to protection of Aboriginal sites, management of feral goats and camels, and preventing the establishment of harmful pests such as cane toads.

Given increasing concerns about the security of our remote boarders, particularly in the north of Australia, this issue carries a timely reminder from Customs of the need for vigilance and the role pastoralists can play in preventing the establishment of illegal imports and exports.

There is also information on accessing assistance under “Exceptional Circumstances” and the Pastoral Water Grants Scheme and Pastoral Lines keeps you up-to-date with the results of the Rangeland Monitoring System.

I am sure you will find it a “good read”.

Alannah MacTiernan Minister for Planning and Infrastructure

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Contents

<< iiii <<

About the Pastoral Lands Board

1

Pastoralists prosecuted

3

Diversification permits: all your questions answered

4

Aboriginal sites on pastoral leases

5

Are stock fit to load?

6

Rural, Remote and Regional Women’s web site

7

Pastoral profiles – The new breed of pastoralists

8

Occupational health and safety inspections of pastoral stations

10

Keep your eyes out for cane toads

10

Feral camels in the Rangelands

11

The Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System

12

The ILC and Indigenous-held pastoral leases in WA

14

Customs in regional Western Australia

16

Pastoral goats – who ‘owns’ them?

17

What has the Rangeland survey team been up to?

19

Exceptional circumstances

20

Rangelands NRM Strategy and investment plan nearing accreditation

21

2015 pastoral lease exclusions update

21

Rebates for renewable energy systems on pastoral leases

22

Pastoral Water Grants Scheme

22

Reviewing 2005 – Planning for 2006

24

What is an RCA?

25

New report offers a helping hand to Pilbara pastoralists

26

Feedback needed from Pilbara cattle producers

27

The NABRC Awards

28

Destocking a pastoral lease

28

Agistment of stock on pastoral leases

29

Accurate survey information of pastoral boundaries

29

Debt collection of unpaid pastoral lease rents

30

Get your contact details up-to-date

30

PastoralLines About the Pastoral Lands Board The Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia is established under the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA). The Board’s functions are to: a) advise the Minister on policy relating to the pastoral industry and the administration of pastoral leases; b) administer pastoral leases in accordance with Part 7 of the LAA; c) ensure pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis; d) develop policies to prevent the degradation of rangelands; e) develop policies to rehabilitate degraded or eroded rangelands and to restore their pastoral potential; f)

consider applications for the subdivision of pastoral land and make recommendations to the Minister in relation to them;

g) establish and evaluate a system of pastoral land monitoring sites; h) monitor the numbers and the effect of stock and feral animals on pastoral land; i)

conduct or commission research into any matters that it considers are relevant to the pastoral industry;

j)

provide such other assistance or advice as the Minister may require in relation to the administration of Part 7 of the LAA; and

k) exercise or perform such other functions as it may be given under the LAA or any other Act.

Members of the Board are: Professor Graeme Robertson − Chairman Graeme is currently Director and Professor of the Muresk Institute at the Curtin University of Technology.

He was previously the Director General of the Department of Agriculture.

Members of the Pastoral Lands Board: (L to R) Ashley Mercy (for David Hartley), Sandra Eckert, Graeme Robertson, Marion Dolby, Peter Leutenegger, Ann Coppin, Adrian Morrissey and Graeme Rundle.

Graeme has been involved in a wide range of research, development and management activities related to primary industry in Western Australia. During a long career with the Department of Agriculture he was Officer-in-Charge of the Kimberley Region, Director of Resource Management and Commissioner for Soil Conservation, before becoming Deputy Director General and then Director General of the Department in 1995.

In 1995, Professor Robertson was awarded the McKell Medal for outstanding service to soil and land conservation and in 2001 received the Australian Medal for Agricultural Science. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, the Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology and the Australian Institute of Management.

Graeme Robertson has also held key roles on many boards and committees in relation to agriculture, the pastoral industry and natural resource management. Among many such roles, he was the Foundation Chair (1996) of the Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation, has been a member of the Federal Soil Conservation Advisory Committee and has also chaired Pastoral Industry Liaison Committees for the Kimberley and the Eastern Goldfields. He is a former member of the Pastoral Lands Board.

Professor Robertson has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Western Australia. He was also a Rhodes Scholar for Western Australia and holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Oxford University (Faculty of Agriculture).

>> 1

Adrian Morrissey − Pastoral Member Adrian has lived and worked on Meeline Station south east of Mt Magnet most of his life and been the lessee of the station since 1985. He was a deputy member on the Board from 1 July 2002 and has been a member since 1 May 2003. Adrian was also a member on the Alternative Models of Land Tenure Working Group for the Gascoyne Muster.

Ann Coppin − Pastoral Member Ann has lived in the Pilbara for most of her life and been on Yarrie Station, east of Port Hedland since 1976. She was State President of the Isolated Children’s Parents Association and was President of the Parents and Citizens Port Hedland School of the Air between 1986 and1996. Previously, Ann was a deputy member on the Board.

Peter Leutenegger − Pastoral Member Peter has been the lessee of Napier Downs Station, east of Derby since 1992. Before this he worked on sheep and cattle stations in Queensland and in the Gascoyne Region. From 1984 to 1996, he ran a helicopter mustering business in the Kimberley. Peter was a member of the Alternative Models of Land Tenure Working Group.

Graeme Rundle − Conservation Member Graeme has a special interest in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on the rangelands, which has involved interaction with related government agencies and the pastoral and mining industries. He is well respected by the conservation movement, having served on the Executives of several non-government organisations (State and national) over the past 30 years.

Graeme is an Executive Member of the WA Conservation Council and a member of the Conservation Commission. He was also a member on the Alternative Models of Land Tenure Working Group.

Robert Watson − Aboriginal Member Robert lives and works on Mt Anderson Station, south east of Derby and was appointed manager of the station in 1997. He completed a course on Grazing for Profit and participated in the Australian Rural Leadership Program. Robert is currently the Chair of the Kimberley Aboriginal Pastoralists Association. He has been the Chairperson for the Wanangari Resource Centre, an Executive Member of the Aboriginal Legal Service, as well as the Deputy Chair of the Aboriginal Lands Trust and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.

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Sandra Eckert − Representing the Director General of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure Sandra is a legal practitioner and is currently the acting Manager of the Legislative and Legal Services section of the Department.

David Hartley – Representing the Director General of the Department of Agriculture For some years David was the Commissioner for Soil and Land Conservation. He is now the Executive Director of Natural Resource Management in the Department of Agriculture.

Deputy members of the Board are: Rod Campbell − Deputy to Adrian Morrissey Rod is the current lessee of Kybo Station and has over 40 years experience in station management. He was the inaugural president of the Isolated Children’s Hostel in Kalgoorlie and is an active member of the Nullarbor-Eyre Highway Land Conservation District Committee.

Patricia Maslen − Deputy to Ann Coppin Patricia has past involvement in the management of Cooralya Station near Carnarvon. She was a member of the Access to Pastoral Land Working Group and has held various other positions in the community, such as President of the Southern Rangelands LCDC, Chairperson of the School of Isolated and Distance Education School Council and President of the ICPA Gascoyne Ashburton Branch. Ms Maslen previously had a legal practice in Carnarvon and was a partner at Dwyer Durack.

Jack Burton − Deputy to Peter Leutenegger Jack is the lessee and manager of Kilto, Yeeda and Mt Jowlaenga Stations in the West Kimberley and operates a horticultural business on a special lease within Kilto Station. He also has interests in Mabel Downs, Springvale and Alice Downs in the Kimberley. Jack was a member of the Pastoralism for Sustainability Working Group.

Tony Brandis − Deputy to Graeme Rundle Tony holds a Master of Environmental Science, Master of Education and Doctor of Natural Resource Management.

He is a Senior Environmental Officer with the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) and has responsibility for CALM’s land acquisition program for

PastoralLines the rangelands. Tony was involved with the Ecosystem Management Understanding program between CALM and the Department of Agriculture and in the Regional Environmental Management Program of the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy.

Marion Dolby − Deputy to Robert Watson Marion was a member of the Access to Pastoral Lands Working Group, which presented its report to the Gascoyne Muster II in October 2003. She manages Mt Pierre Station near Fitzroy Crossing with her husband.

She was also on the Access to Pastoral Land Working Group.

Outgoing members of the Board are: Susan Bradley who served on the Board for four years. Susan continues to manage Doongan, Theda and Ellenbrae Stations in the North Kimberley.

Pastoralists prosecuted Two pastoral lessees have been prosecuted for failing to submit the Annual Returns of Livestock and Improvements.

One individual pastoralist and one corporation have been fined a total of $5,500, plus court costs, for failing to submit the returns, which are an obligation for all pastoral lessees under the Land Administration Act 1997.

Information from the Annual Returns is important in helping the Board manage the State’s 481 pastoral leases. The information is used for several purposes, including: > assessing grazing pressures on pastoral leases; > determining the condition of infrastructure on each pastoral lease; > assisting in Rangeland Condition Assessments; > calculating an accurate valuation of pastoral leases;

David Wilcox who served on the Board as a conservation member for seven years. In that time, David undertook substantial research for the Board and was involved in the Pastoralism for Sustainability Working Group and the Beekeepers Committee.

David’s lifelong commitment to the rangelands continues as the President of the Australian Rangeland Society.

> gaining a picture of responses to regional problems, such as drought or potential increases of pest animals or plants; and

Denise True who was the deputy conservation member for four years and who now works for the Department of Environment.

“All pastoralists should be well aware of the obligations of owning a pastoral lease, including the submission of the Annual Returns,” Professor Robertson says.

> indicating current and future trends in the pastoral industry.

The Chairman of the Pastoral Lands Board, Professor Graeme Robertson says it is important that the Board gets this information from all pastoralists so as to obtain a comprehensive understanding of what is happening on all pastoral leases throughout Western Australia.

Annual Returns are a snapshot of each pastoral lease as at 30 June. All pastoralists are strongly encouraged to submit their Annual Return as soon as possible after 30 June to avoid prosecution, rather than wait until just before the December deadline.

Professor Robertson says that the Board will continue to ensure that the State’s pastoral assets are effectively administered and in accordance with regulations.

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Diversification permits: all your questions answered Diversification permits allow pastoralists to enter into diversified activities to assist in providing economic support through difficult periods, such as drought or low commodity prices, thus maintaining the long-term viability of the industry.

Many pastoralists already conduct diversification activities, including station stay tourism, horticulture, aquaculture and growing fodder for feeding in stockyards.

Do I need a diversification permit?

Under section 106 of the Land Administration Act 1997, pastoral leases must not be used for purposes other than pastoral purposes, except in accordance with a diversification permit.

If you want to carry out any other activity on the pastoral lease other than grazing the native vegetation with authorised stock in an ecologically sustainable manner, you need to apply for a diversification permit.

Conducting an unauthorised activity may leave you open to legal action from anyone who is injured on the lease (eg a tourist) as well as from the Board for breaching the Act.

Applying for a Permit You can get a diversification package (including an application form and a description of the application process) from the Pastoral Land Business Unit. You must complete the application form in full and enclose the required maps and application fee.

For most proposed activities, the application process takes around eight to ten weeks. Much of this time is to allow government departments and the native title claimants and their representative bodies to comment on proposals. The referral process is important because the Board can be made aware of potential issues in areas which it does not have in-depth knowledge.

Do I need permission to clear land for a permit activity?

Yes. Before any area of land can be cleared for any proposed permit activity (including cropping, fencing of a permit activity or a dam site for permit activity), it is necessary to apply to the Department of Environment (DoE) for a permit to clear land. If you are unsure about the need to apply for a permit to clear land, you should contact your local DoE office. There are

4 <<

substantial penalties under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 for clearing land without a permit.

Lessees may also have to get approvals for using surface or groundwater (from DoE) or aquaculture proposals (from the Department of Fisheries).

What are my obligations if I have a permit?

Conditions of Permit: A permit is not issued unless the pastoral lessee has acknowledged the Conditions of Permit in writing. Most conditions are standard and pastoralists must abide by them. Failure to do so may result in the permit being cancelled and possible forfeiture of the lease.

Rental: The standard lease rental is for the right to graze the native vegetation. As permit activities are additional to this, they may incur additional rental costs. Any additional rental is calculated by the Valuation Services section of the Department of Land Information (previously the ValuerGeneral’s Office) and charged separate to the standard lease rental.

Annual Returns: A section of the Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements requires information about permit activities. Specifically, this is information on expenditure, income derived and, in the case of low-key tourism permits, numbers of guests. It is required annually as part of your Annual Return and helps to ensure that correct additional rentals are charged.

Amendments to the activity: Permits are granted for specific activities. Should you want to change the size or nature of the activity (including using different plant species for crop and pasture permit activities), you must contact the Pastoral Land Business Unit and discuss your proposals.

Operation of the activity: Permits are not transferable to a third party and permit activities may only be conducted by pastoral lessees or their employees. Therefore, if you have a permit for low-key tourism, aquaculture or cropping, as the pastoral lessee you must be in control of the operation. If the pastoral lease is sold, the permit cannot be transferred to the new lessee. However, it may be possible for the new lessee to apply for a new permit for the same activity under a ‘streamlined’ process.

Currency of the permit: The onus is on the pastoral lessee to ensure that the permit is current and has not expired.

Reminders are not sent. Some earlier permits were issued for five years and many have expired. Check your permit to ensure it is current.

PastoralLines What about permits for pastoral-based tourism?

Under the Act, activities for proposals for tourism permits must be pastoral-based, and the application form asks you to describe how these activities will comply with this requirement, along with asking for the proposed maximum number of guests.

For a tourism activity to be ‘pastoral-based’, it must be linked with or include some aspect of the pastoral activity undertaken on the pastoral land. Permits cannot be granted for tourism activities which have no such connection.

It is important to note that all pastoral-based tourism permits have a standard condition stating that the permit does not authorise or permit any tourism activities that involve observing activities or cultural works of Aboriginal peoples, as such actions are not permitted under the Native Title Act 1993.

What if I am operating an activity without a permit?

However infrequent, this is a breach of the Act and can have serious consequences. There is a possibility that, if a ‘client’ were injured while undertaking ‘unauthorised’ activities on the station, you won’t be covered by your insurance because the Duty of Disclosure clause common to most policies may have been breached.

Consequently, you may be exposed to legal action by the injured party. For this reason, the standard conditions attached to a pastoral-based tourism permit include a condition requiring the permit holder to carry public liability insurance.

Aboriginal sites on pastoral leases Pastoral leases occupy about 39 per cent of Western Australia’s land, are ecologically diverse and likely to contain at least one area or object of Aboriginal significance.

Pastoralists can help protect and promote Aboriginal history and culture by identifying Aboriginal places of interest and reporting them to the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DIA).

DIA Senior Heritage Officer Peter Randolph says that preserving Aboriginal sites can be achieved with relative ease and with little cost to the pastoralist.

“Pastoralists should be aware that although they are legally bound to leave a site undisturbed, modifying development should be quite simple because the extensiveness of most pastoral land allows for flexibility,” Peter says.

“It may be as easy as building part of a fence around a site instead of through it.”

Peter says that Aboriginal sites can be of mythological, ceremonial, historical, anthropological, archaeological or ethnographic significance.

“Common examples include stone arrangements, engravings or rock paintings, but less obvious objects or places of interest such as ochre pits, stone tools and mythological sites are of equal significance,” he says.

Tourism activities are subject to both office and on-site compliance checks to ensure there is a valid permit covering the activity. In addition, we occasionally receive reports of unauthorised activities.

While the Board fully supports lessees undertaking ecologically sustainable diversification activities to supplement their pastoral business, we are also equally determined that the conditions of diversification permits are complied with.

Any more questions?

If you have any questions about diversification permits, please call Brian Lloyd at the Pastoral Land Business Unit on 9347 5121.

Peter Randolph, Senior Heritage Officer, Department of Indigenous Affairs with Aboriginal artifacts and heritage information signs.

>> 5

“Recognising the significance of these sites and taking active steps to preserve and protect them is important because Aboriginal culture is a dynamic process that changes over time.

community about the history of the land where possible and contact their local regional DIA office or the Registrar of Aboriginal Sites before development.

“Cultural continuity gives Aboriginal communities a sense of coherence and pride in their history and culture. It also ensures these sites are available to them for years to come and for future generations.”

For more information, go to the Heritage section of the DIA web site: www.dia.wa.gov.au or call Lesley Dan, Registrar of Aboriginal Sites on 9235 8000.

Archaeological finds also provide useful scientific data, including information about former activities at the site and changes in technology used by local communities.

Are stock fit to load?

Increasing interest Public interest is growing in Aboriginal heritage as a shared Australian history, contributing to national identity and a stronger future. Aboriginal artworks and culture are also drawing increasing interest from tourists.

“Non-Indigenous Australians are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of Indigenous heritage and culture, and pastoralists have an important role to play in this awareness,” Peter says.

A pocket-sized guide has been credited with improving animal welfare standards within livestock transportation in Western Australia, less than 12 months after its release.

Is it Fit to Load? was produced following consultation with key players in the livestock industry, the State Government and the RSPCA, the aim being to reduce the number animals suffering during transportation.

Demand for the guide has been so positive it has led to publication of a second edition.

What the law says

Improvements noted

The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 was established to protect places and objects that may be of significance to Aboriginal people in WA and applies to all registered and unregistered Aboriginal sites in the State.

RSPCA spokesperson Emma-Jane Morcombe says since the guide was released, saleyard representatives and RSPCA inspectors have noticed a significant decline in weak, blind and injured animals being transported, as well as pregnant livestock giving birth either during or straight after the trip.

The Act provides for registration of all places of traditional or current sacred, ritual or ceremonial significance to Aboriginal people. It also provides for the reporting of such sites and objects to the Registrar of Aboriginal Sites.

It is an offence for anyone to excavate, destroy, damage, conceal, alter, or deal in any way with an Aboriginal site or object, and to take possession of and/or deal with any object under or on an Aboriginal site.

“The issue of ‘fit for transport’ was once a very grey area, but this booklet is helping clearly define what is and is not acceptable,” Emma-Jane says.

The booklet states an animal is fit to travel if it: > can walk normally, bearing weight on all four legs;

The Register of Aboriginal Sites contains information on 22,000 Aboriginal sites throughout WA and is available on the DIA web site: www.dia.wa.gov.au

> is not suffering from any visible disease or injury that could cause it harm during transport;

Pastoralists are legally bound to report to the Registrar sites that may be of Aboriginal significance.

> can see out of at least one eye; and

The Act also requires that sites of Aboriginal significance must not be disturbed unless permission has been granted, whether or not they are registered with the DIA’s Register of Aboriginal Sites.

“Most people within the industry recognise that the guide reflects common sense,” Emma-Jane says.

More information Pastoralists who want develop an area should check the Register, speak to the local Indigenous and non-Indigenous

6 <<

> can keep up with the mob at loading and unloading; > is not late in pregnancy.

“In the past there have been conflicting opinions between producers and transporters over whether an animal is or is not fit to travel. This booklet is helping to clear up those arguments because it provides a definitive guideline.”

PastoralLines Rural, Remote and Regional Women’s web site The new look RRR (Rural, Regional and Remote) web site is now up and running at: www.rrr.wa.gov.au The RRR web site committee has put the site together, and it is an outstanding tool for all rural, regional and remote women in WA. It allows you to: > learn about RRR and its Reference Group members; > have your say on issues and Government policies affecting you and your family/community; The biggest improvements have been seen throughout the State’s agricultural region, and the message is spreading through to the pastoral areas.

> promote an event being held in your area;

More advice

> participate in interactive forums that enable discussion on a wide variety of topics. Live on-line discussions with special guests will occur regularly.

The newly-published second edition has been expanded to include tips on preparing livestock for transportation, including advice on resting animals before they are loaded, pre-feeding and watering and the importance of planning the journey.

“Properly preparing livestock for transport sets them up for a better journey and ensures they arrive at their destination in the best possible condition,” Emma-Jane says.

“The industry can’t afford to ignore its responsibilities regarding the loading and transportation of livestock, especially as it is now accountable under the Animal Welfare Act.” The RSPCA believes the response to the guide so far has been very encouraging and the rest of the country is also beginning to take notice. Some states have expressed interest in adopting similar standards, raising hopes it could result in a national initiative.

More information Copies of the second edition of the free guide are now available from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association, Department of Agriculture, the RSPCA, and the Department of Local Government and Regional Development.

Further information on the Animal Welfare Act and the Codes of Practice are available on the Department of Local Government and Regional Development web site (click on ‘Local Government’ then ‘Animal Welfare’) at: www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au

> join the RRR e-mail list; > download the latest copy of the Network News magazine; and

Additionally, the photo gallery will contain a range of images of RRR women showing the diversity of their lives, the fields in which they are involved and the places they live.

Of particular interest is the ‘Links’ page, which has a comprehensive list of links to family, community and Government web pages. Many of these provide invaluable assistance in relation to various services available to people in rural, regional and remote areas.

The RRR Reference Group believes the launching of this site is a major milestone in the almost 10-year history of the RRR Network. It is another effective way of making a link or ’network’ for RRR women.

The web site can also be reached via the Pastoral Lands Board web site at: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral under ‘Useful Links’ then ‘Community Information’.

For further information you can contact Raelene Hall, RRR Reference Group Member, Ned’s Creek Station, Meekatharra at: nedscreekstn@bigpond.com

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Pastoral profiles

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The ‘New Breed’ of Pastoralists

by Brian Lloyd – Pastoral Project Officer

Recent media articles have posed the question about where the next generation of primary producers will come from.

However, young WA pastoralists are lining up for the challenge.

Two of the State’s young pastoralists have gained national prominence in the last couple of years, both winning their region’s sections of the ABC’s Heywire competition, and in so doing, have clearly demonstrated their leadership and business capabilities.

from secondary schooling at Cunderdin Agricultural College, Certificates 2 and 3 in Agriculture, to courses in meat marketing, animal husbandry, export marketing, animal nutrition and leadership. In her ‘spare time’ she has also gained a fixed-wing pilot’s licence.

Her life skills have also been honed by boarding school, time spent working on a NT cattle station, and her current role − that of running the family’s finishing property at Badgingarra, 180km north of Perth. Although some cropping is carried out, the farm’s main role is that of pasture production for value-adding to cattle sent down from Yarrie, either for finishing those cattle not selected for live export out of Port Hedland or as a haven for cattle in times of drought. Quality pasture production is a key to this arm of the business and Annabelle is keen to trial summer perennials at Badgingarra.

Heywire is a nation-wide competition aimed at regional youth that asks young people aged between 16 and 22 to write a nonfictional story relating to life in their region.

Winners travel to Canberra to participate in a Youth Issues Forum, develop networks with other winners and participate in activities to develop a range of life skills such as public speaking, lobbying and writing submissions. They also have their story professionally recorded and broadcast throughout Australia and overseas (via Radio Australia).

Annabelle Coppin Annabelle Coppin wrote about The Sweet Future Producers, a story that showed her passion for the pastoral industry.

Annabelle, from Yarrie Station, about 180km east of Port Hedland, wrote about the lifestyle that revolves around producing prime cattle from WA’s clean and green rangelands.

She told Australia about the realities of being brought up as a part of a cattle station. Her pride in being a part of the production of the unique flavour of rangeland beef is evident, as too is her disdain of derogatory stereotypes of the pastoral industry that portray untruthful or ‘second-rate’ images.

“City people need to know the full story and not believe the stereotypes,” Annabelle says.

“Because both stock and the land are the main assets of pastoralists, both are looked after by the pastoralists, so we can continue to produce quality cattle with a unique flavour.”

These are not just words … Annabelle’s actions back up her commitment to the pastoral industry. Her practical skills from her life on Yarrie, are complemented by her studies, ranging

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Annabelle Coppin from Yarrie Station

While Annabelle relishes the challenges of managing the Badgingarra farm, she returns regularly to Yarrie to help out with mustering. Keeping in touch with all aspects of the business is important for Annabelle, who has input into the overall management of the station.

While she believes the future of the pastoral industry lies in live exports, she is also keen to see new marketing

PastoralLines strategies, such as a rangeland section in supermarkets, as distinct from feedlot beef and pasture beef; highlighting the clean and green image of rangeland beef along with its lean nature and unique flavour.

Finding seasonal staff seems to be an ongoing issue for the industry, but Annabelle believes that family-run businesses are more attractive to seasonal workers than bigger company holdings. She believes seasonal workers prefer the family atmosphere at Yarrie, and sees the continuation of the family pastoral business as important for the industry.

Annabelle’s advice to other young pastoralists? “You’ve always got to keep learning and be at the forefront of the industry.”

Needless to say, Annabelle believes motivation and passion are also essential to progress the industry.

She adds, “Everyone in the industry has to work together and deal with issues head-on.

“We’ve got a great industry, growing a high quality unique product. Pastoralists working together will make that industry stronger, which is good for us, the producers as well as consumers.”

Joanna Koeyers Further north, Joanna Koeyers was the 2004 winner in her region. Joanna, from Drysdale River Station on the Kalumburu Road, wrote of station life in the North Kimberley.

She spoke of growing up on Drysdale River and the isolation caused by the onset of the wet season. Joanna described how thorough preparations are essential to ensure all commodities required are on hand well before the seasonal rains make roads impassable for months at a time.

Such experience has stood Joanna in good stead as, now she has completed boarding school and is back on the station, she is an integral staff member who helps run the family operation. Her love of the Kimberley and her belief in the potential of the region is clear in her story.

Being the regional winner of Heywire earned Joanna a trip to Canberra to participate in a Youth Issues Forum with the 40 other winners from across Australia. She found this to be a worthwhile experience, which exposed her to a nationwide network of regional and remote youth.

While there, she developed skills in community communications, dealing with community issues and

Joanna Koeyers from Drysdale River Station

writing effective submissions to attract funding to deal with these issues, motivating people, and specific life skills particularly important for people living in remote areas − such as lobbying skills.

One aspect Joanna found in meeting such a broad cross-section of youth from other parts of Australia is how fortunate she considers herself to be living in the North Kimberley. Joanna observed that some of the stories from the participants in other parts of Australia were depressing and focused on problems such as unemployment and suicide. While acknowledging these as real issues, it only served to enhance Joanna’s love of the Kimberley lifestyle.

Joanna does much of the bookwork necessary for the smooth running of the station, such as the accounts, wages and station orders as well as managing some staff.

In playing an active role in running Drysdale River, Joanna is continually developing her skills in communications, people management and business planning. In addition to her daily responsibilities, she always makes time to share her love of the North Kimberley station life with visitors. Joanna aims to have visitors leave Drysdale with both a more realistic knowledge of a Kimberley cattle station and also an informed respect for the industry.

Joanna sums up her feelings about being part of WA’s pastoral industry when she says, “The longer you stick with it, the better it gets.”

Both Joanna and Annabelle are wonderful ambassadors for the State’s pastoral industry. You can’t help but feel, when reading the maturity and inspiration between the lines of their stories, that the future of WA’s pastoral industry is in good hands.

Web link: www.abc.net.au/heywire/stories

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Occupational health and safety inspections of pastoral stations WorkSafe has begun an inspection program to look at compliance with occupational safety and health legislation on pastoral properties.

In June, information letters were sent out to stations, followed by telephone contact to agree on mutually convenient times and confirm inspection visit dates.

Inspectors began visiting stations in the Kimberley in late September, and visits to other regions will follow.

The inspections will focus on the occupational safety and health systems and procedures in place on pastoral stations, and will be conducted according to written checklists to ensure consistency.

They will cover areas such as: > induction and training for new and young workers; > employee accommodation; > procedures concerning employees working alone or in isolated areas; > emergency procedures; > Q Fever; and > safe systems for plant repairs (for example, safe tyre repairing systems).

The inspection process When inspectors arrive at a station, they will meet with the pastoralist and explain the process that will take place.

An inspection will then be conducted of the systems and procedures in place at the station, including the opportunity to discuss how to improve safety and the provision by the inspector of relevant safety information.

The inspector may issue improvement or prohibition notices to the pastoralist if it is considered necessary.

Keep your eyes out for cane toads Cane toads are now less than 300km from Western Australia, with confirmed populations west of the Victoria River in the Northern Territory.

South American cane toads (Bufo marinus) were released in Queensland in 1935 to try to stop beetle damage in sugar cane crops. They failed to solve the beetle problem, and instead have become a major problem themselves, spreading throughout much of Queensland, northern New South Wales and the top end of the Northern Territory.

They are one of the world’s worst 100 invasive alien species.

The State Cane Toad Initiative began in December 2004 and aims to ensure that any cane toads brought into Western Australia accidentally don’t become established, and to fight the spread of cane toads towards WA, while biological control is being developed.

This is the first time that a State or Territory has taken action against cane toads before they reach its borders.

The initiative includes a border surveillance team based in Kununurra that is working with NT officials to control the cane toad within the Territory.

Why are they a problem?

Cane toads breed at a phenomenal rate, they can occur in very high numbers and are toxic in all their life stages.

They are now being recognised as a major threat to biodiversity, particularly to the northern quoll which occurs in the Kimberley.

The biological impact of the toads, including lethal toxic ingestion by predators, has been recognised nationally as a key threatening process for native wildlife. Cane toads cause a number of environmental, social and economic impacts, including:

Inspectors will be taking particular interest in employee accommodation on pastoral stations because of new duty-ofcare provisions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

> poisoning a number of native predators, such as goannas, snakes, crocodiles and fish;

The new duty-of-care applies only when an employee occupies residential premises that are owned by, or are under the control of, their employer.

> polluting bore holes, water holes and drinking troughs; and

If the duty-of-care does apply, the employer must – as far as is practicable – maintain the premises so that the employee occupying the premises is not exposed to hazards.

WorkSafe web site: www.safetyline.wa.gov.au

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> negatively impacting on eco-tourism;

> reducing the availability of bush tucker for Indigenous communities.

PastoralLines Feral camels in the Rangelands

By Andrew Woolnough, Research Officer, Vertebrate Pest Research Section, Department of Agriculture

Camels were introduced to Australia in the 1840s as beasts of burden and played an important part in opening up the rangelands for pastoralism and mining. They are synonymous with the arrival of the Afghans and the early explorers of central Australia.

Cane Toad (Bufo marinus).

With the arrival of motor vehicles to more remote places in the 1920s, camels were turned loose and began to establish feral populations. Nowadays, the Australian feral camel is the only truly wild camel in the world, and is free from the diseases of its native range.

What they look like

Spread and effects of camels

Cane toads can range in colour from dull brown to yellow or black on top and a mottled colour underneath.

In 2001, Dr Glenn Edwards and his colleagues from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment in the Northern Territory estimated that the feral camel population in Australia was at least 300,000.

An adult cane toad is heavily built, with rough warty skin and is normally 100 to 150mm long. Its skin is dry and leathery rather than moist and slippery like many native frogs. The large glands behind the head can exude a poisonous milky substance when the toads are disturbed. The call of the male toad is a high pitched staccato ’purr’.

What you can do If you are travelling from areas already colonised by cane toads to areas that are cane toad free, make sure you check for stowaways in your vehicle and any equipment you take with you, such as camping gear.

His aerial survey team calculated that numbers were increasing by 10 per cent per annum. Previous aerial survey work undertaken in the 1980s indicated that 50 per cent of all feral camels in Australia live in Western Australia.

As populations expand, the negative impact caused by feral camels has also increased. In WA, the highest numbers of feral camels are found in the Great Sandy and Great Victoria deserts and the adjoining pastoral leases.

Signs are being erected in the NT along the Victoria and Buntine Highways as well as Duncan Road and Tanami Track to alert travellers entering WA about the dangers of toads hitching a ride with them. Border inspections are being expanded and WA will be implementing new random checks on other travelling routes.

Report any sightings of cane toads in WA to Freecall 1800 084 881 which operates 24 hours a day.

For more information, go to the CALM web site at www.naturebase.net A camel on the move in the rangelands.

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Feral camels are becoming increasingly unpopular with pastoralists and remote Aboriginal communities because of the damage they cause to infrastructure such as fences, water troughs and vacant buildings. Feral camels also impact on remote Indigenous communities by damaging sacred sites such as waterholes. They also represent a road hazard for outback travellers and can have a significant effect on fragile desert biodiversity.

Management of feral camels The increase in awareness of the negative impacts caused by feral camels has placed them in the national spotlight.

In April 2005, a national workshop was held in Alice Springs to discuss ways to manage the impacts of feral camels. This event brought together representatives from the pastoral industry, the camel industry, Indigenous communities and government agencies to develop a common national strategy.

The main output of the workshop will be an action plan to manage the impacts of feral camels over the next five years.

The plan will foster an integrated national approach to camel management, focusing on collaboration. Key elements of the plan will be to: > make the public more aware of camel management issues, > protect key assets (such as vulnerable plant and animal species, significant or fragile habitats and infrastructure), > clarify how and where the camel industry can contribute to feral camel management; and > given that it will be impossible to eradicate feral camels completely, gain a better understanding of what constitutes an acceptable feral camel population across a range of situations.

A draft document will soon be produced and released for public comment.

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The Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System The Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS) comprises a set of about 1,600 sites, designed to be representative of all the pastoral lands in WA. Almost all leases larger than about 50,000ha have at least one WARMS site situated on them and the average number of sites per pastoral lease is about 3.5.

WARMS is not designed to report on individual leases, but rather to report the broader scale of vegetation type or Land Conservation District, by aggregating the results from a large number of sites.

WARMS data is used by government to get an objective view of how the rangelands are changing. It is an indicator as to whether the government’s programs and policies in the rangelands are helping to provide environmental sustainability. It also provides information as to whether the pastoral industry as a whole is being managed on an ecologically sustainable basis. WARMS cannot provide all the answers, but it provides hard data that can be used to help address these issues.

Aspects of perennial vegetation and soil surface condition are assessed on WARMS sites. The types of things that are measured are designed to reflect longer-term changes in condition, rather than the short-term changes that reflect recent seasons. For example, rather than assessing how much feed is on the ground at a particular point in time, the dynamics of long-lived vegetation are assessed.

Interpreting changes on the sites can be difficult, especially teasing apart the different effects of seasonal conditions and grazing management. However, there are a number of ways that the relative impacts of seasons and grazing can be separated. For example, grazing is likely to be a causal factor where a decline is observed; despite good seasons, sites decline while other sites in the region do not or where palatable (decreaser) species decline, but other less palatable species (increasers) do not.

PastoralLines Results so far The news is largely good. The average frequency of perennial grasses in the Kimberley has generally increased over the 10 years to 2004. This has been a consistent trend at each of the reassessments and suggests that the grazing impact has not been sufficiently high to override the generally good seasonal conditions.

The trend cannot continue upwards forever and the expectation is that the increase in perennial grass frequency will tail off or even reverse slightly in the next few years. There does not appear to have been a consistent increase in woody cover in the Kimberley over the same period, at least in those areas represented by WARMS sites.

In the shrublands, the late 1990s saw a large increase in shrub density and shrub cover, including both increaser and decreaser species. Recruitment was seen for almost all species and was found on almost all sites.

Since 2000, poor winter seasons have had an adverse impact on the shrub populations, but there does not appear to have been the same kind of widespread degradation that has been seen in previous dry periods.

The obvious scalding on this site in the Murchison suggests that it has been heavily utilised at some stage in the past. However, during the four years between the first WARMS assessment in 1998 (photo above) and the second assessment in 2003 (photo below) shrub densities increased slightly despite the fact that the site experienced four failed winter seasons in a row. This suggests that the grazing impact during this period has been minimal.

However, not all the news is good. There were a number of sites in the Murchison and surrounds where the decrease in shrub density over the last few years was higher than might be expected from seasonal conditions alone. Similarly, a number of sites in the coastal Pilbara showed evidence of greater decline than seasonal conditions would indicate.

The conclusion to be drawn from these results is that grazing has had a negative impact over and above that caused by the dry conditions. Regular reports to the Pastoral Lands Board help the Board make decisions to address these issues.

For further information on WARMS call Ian Watson, Research Officer at the Department of Agriculture in Northam on 9690 2179, or e-mail: iwatson@agric. wa.gov.au

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The ILC and Indigenousheld pastoral leases in WA

By Allan Padgett, Manager, Western Division, Indigenous Land Corporation

The Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) is an Australian Government statutory authority with national responsibilities to assist Indigenous peoples to acquire land and to manage Indigenous-held land.

Thus, the ILC has two major statutory functions − land acquisition and land management − and consequently has a substantial intersection with WA’s pastoral estate.

The ILC has bought ten pastoral leases in WA and is on the verge of acquiring an eleventh1. Of these ten, only three have been divested to Indigenous ownership, leaving seven under the direct management of the ILC. The divested properties − Cardabia2 and Mulgul Stations – are both within the ‘Remediation Program’, itself a result of a long, hard introspection in relation to all properties acquired nationally from 1995 to early 2001. This process led to a decision by the ILC Board to focus on sustainability (in both environmental and economic terms), willingness, capacity development, governance, property management planning and active partnerships with government and private enterprise in the pursuit of measurable and durable benefits to people.

An outcome intrinsic to this review was that access to ILC assistance is by way of application, along one of the four benefit streams identified in our governing legislation – cultural, social, environmental or economic.

In February 2004, the Board issued a revised National Indigenous Land Strategy which makes allowance for ‘Strategic Investments’, an ILC-driven process where the organisation itself decides there is merit in a particular land acquisition or land management project, and ‘Joint Arrangements’, which can be undertaken with government and/or non-government organisations.

Mulgul, Cardabia, Edmund, Karunjie, Durack River, Home Valley, Roebuck Plains, Myroodah, Wanarie and Mt View (only part of that business is a pastoral lease), and in the near future, possibly Carranya Station.

1

The sheep and cattle business of Cardabia is owned by the ILC. It is expected that Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation members will take over the business in mid-2006, having developed their capacity while working closely with the ILC’s Business Unit.

2

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Significant social and cultural benefits must be demonstrated as being achievable through this process. A key outcome is the generation of wealth through ongoing employment. The Board has instigated a contract period of three years between acquisition and divestment where the title-holding body must demonstrate its capacity against an agreed and detailed work plan. The latter is driven by mutual obligation and characterised by capacity development and demonstrated, ongoing commitment.

What does this mean for ILC pastoral leases?

For pastoral leases, what all this means is that the ILC now focuses on building the capacity of people to properly manage their pastoral lease business, with a view to enhancing productivity, rangeland management, individual and group skills, identifying diversification options and undertaking property management planning.

The Board has recently committed to increasing tourism opportunities and has instituted a four-member expert, external advisory panel to assist in this regard. As a practical example, significant funds are currently being invested in Home Valley to encourage greater visitor usage through improved and more welcoming facilities, and to increase the scope of activities available to travellers.

Infrastructure upgrades are being assisted through shortterm fencing contracts with employment and training provided for inmates from Wyndham Regional Prison, and with the Wyndham CDEP workforce in a partnership with Joorook Ngarni Aboriginal Corporation.

If Carranya Station is acquired successfully, the ILC is likely to apply to sub-lease off most of the pastoral lease (with lease fees being distributed to the relevant Aboriginal people for the development of social and cultural capital).

The ILC’s Business Enterprise Committee has decided to focus on a tourism enterprise to service visitors to the area and to work with traditional owners to establish jobs and training opportunities. A Shared Responsibility Agreement is being considered in order to bind Australian and Western Australian Government agencies into a coordinated provision of capacity development.

Practical examples Karunjie and Durack River Stations provide examples of how the Remediation Program works in practical terms.

Members of Nyaliga Aboriginal Corporation are working closely with the ILC to identify and institute a small, manageable and viable cattle enterprise. This is being assisted through participation in the 2005 muster, training,

PastoralLines mentoring and upgrading the cattle herd using stock from Roebuck Plains.

Kimberley Group Training has been contracted by the ILC to provide ‘work ready’ and occupational health and safety training for Nyaliga Aboriginal Corporation members who will be working on the muster. There are also plans for the construction of two sets of permanent cattle yards on Karunjie and near Jack’s Waterhole. It is likely that small-scale tourism investment will occur, including at Jack’s Waterhole where previous facilities were washed away completely in the 2003 floods.

Work on other Indigenous pastoral leases in WA The ILC is involved with many land management projects on Indigenous-held pastoral leases in WA, other than those acquired and/or held by the ILC, including for example a fencing project to protect remnant biodiversity at Jabbadar Pool on Peedamulla Station; joint funding with FarmBis of a Grazing for Profit course at Lake Argyle for Kimberley Indigenous pastoral leaseholders; a group-based planning exercise for Pinjin Station; and purchase of a water pump for Frazier Downs.

Projects in the pipeline include a joint weed management program for WA’s only Prickly Acacia infestation, located in the floodplains to the north of Home Valley Station.

Indigenous management support In May 2005, the Board decided to extend for another five years a program which has proved successful in improving cattle businesses on Kimberley pastoral leases over the past two to three years.

This project, the Kimberley Indigenous Management Support Service, provides direct services to Aboriginal-owned pastoral leases and works to increase the profitability and sustainability of these businesses through improved animal husbandry, herd management, livestock marketing, and the adoption of effective business management and planning systems.

Planning a muster at Durack River Station.

Meanwhile, the businesses at Roebuck Plains Station and Myroodah Station continue to prosper, with approximately 21,000 head of cattle on the former and 14,000 on the latter.

This joint ILC - Department of Agriculture project employs six officers on a full-time basis, including two Indigenous trainees.

The KIMSS was joint winner of a Premier’s Award for Excellence in 2004, and was recognised by the United Nations at an international conference in Cardiff as being unique in the world in its approach to generating capacity, sustainable operations, effective governance and wealth, and therefore, ultimately, independence.

The ILC has a policy to employ local Aboriginal people as much as possible, and to enhance their capacity to manage cattle and the business through formal training programs and on-site mentoring. Two Aboriginal men are currently working on Myroodah, and both have completed Certificate Three in Beef Cattle Production and will be doing Certificate Four in the near future.

The ILC’s Chairperson has recently established a Working Group with Rubibi traditional owners to consider how divestment of the land component of Roebuck Plains and ultimately the business, might proceed over time.

Cattle on Karunjie Station.

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Indigenous training In 2004, the ILC conducted a Scoping Study for the proposed Roebuck Plains Indigenous Pastoralists Training Centre. The ILC is currently working closely with the Rubibi traditional owners, Australian and Western Australian Government agencies, peak bodies, the Kimberley Land Council, and the PGA’s Kimberley Division, to bring together a first class facility that is sure to add, over time, considerable value to the management of Kimberley pastoral leases through development of skills and enhanced pastoral management practice among Aboriginal people.

The facility is expected to take students from other regions and to include a proportion of non-Indigenous students. The WA Department of Education and Training and the Australian Government’s Department of Education, Science and Training are expected to play leading roles in the development of the training centre.

ILC interacting with pastoral industry Meanwhile, the ILC is a member of the Western Australian Pastoralists and Graziers Association and a member of the Pastoral Committee, and regularly attends State and Regional conferences.

Customs in regional Western Australia

The ILC enjoys its relationship with members, particularly through the Pastoral Committee, where frank and open discussion enables issues to be debated and solutions proposed.

Customs plays a vital role in protecting Australia’s borders from the entry of illegal and harmful goods and unauthorised people.

The ILC is keen to work closely with pastoral leaseholders throughout the rangelands to build better relationships and develop a common understanding of ongoing issues in relation to management of pastoral leases in WA, and to jointly seek solutions to these. The ILC aims to generate substantially improved business and land management practices on Indigenous-held pastoral leases, and to foster and facilitate exchange between Indigenous landholders and others who see benefits in working together in a catchment, landscape, enterprise and good neighbourly sense.

Counter terrorism and improved quarantine intervention remain top priorities, as well as intercepting illicit drugs and other items potentially harmful to the community.

It remains clear to the ILC that while we have made and will continue to make substantial progress, there is a long road ahead. We welcome our partnerships with Indigenous landholders, the Pastoral Lands Board, the Department of Agriculture, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association and others, in determining a best practice pathway for all Indigenous-held pastoral leases throughout Western Australia.

Customs district offices

Web site: www.ilc.gov.au

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Customs also plays a role in preventing the illegal export of goods, including native wildlife and cultural artefacts.

Customs believes pastoralists are in a unique position to help protect Australia’s borders. Pastoralists know the local area and what looks or sounds suspicious on land, at sea, or in the air.

An extensive network of Customs district offices around the country provides a physical Customs presence in remote locations where international shipping or other trade activities take place.

Customs officers also conduct remote area patrols in regional and remote parts of WA. These involve a team of Customs officers going on trips of up to a week, talking to local communities, Aboriginal groups, pastoralists and businesses.

PastoralLines What you can do

> Anyone making landings in remote areas.

> Report any unlawful, unusual or suspicious border activities.

> Unusual objects at sea or ashore (eg buoys, rubbish, signalling devices).

> Don’t get involved − simply report what you see or hear.

> Salvage operations on shipwrecks.

> Don’t disturb or remove anything, as this could destroy vital evidence. > Act immediately. Your prompt action could make a difference.

What to tell Customs > The time, date and place of the incident. > What you saw or heard. > A description of the people and the transport involved (eg planes, boats, trucks). > Registration numbers or call signs you saw or heard.

What to look for on land > Light aircraft operating in unusual places, light aircraft landing or taking off at night and newly constructed airstrips. > Unusual activity on beaches or in remote areas. > Vehicles on roads and tracks not usually used. > Unexplained lights or signalling devices. > Hidden campsites or fuel dumps. > Evidence of interference with flora and fauna.

What to look for in the air > Unusual aircraft movements. > Unusual use of airstrips. > Aircraft operating at night without lights. > Aircraft loading or unloading goods in unusual locations.

What to look for at sea > Possible unauthorised landings by foreign vessels. > Merchant ships at anchor unusually close to land, islands or other vessels. > Vessels outside the normal shipping lanes.

Other signs to look for > Unusually large cash payments. > Cryptic or unusual radio messages.

Each of these could be a sign that someone is trafficking drugs, weapons, flora, fauna, or other prohibited items. The one small piece of information that you pass on to the Customs Hotline could lead to a successful operation and help protect Australia’s borders.

Report any suspicious border activities to the 24-hour Customs Hotline: 1800 06 1800.

Pastoral goats − who ‘owns’ them?

Over the past few years there have been many questions asked about the ownership of ‘unmanaged’ (previously referred to as ‘feral’) goats in the pastoral areas. Of considerable concern have been issues concerning the theft of these animals.

In August 2002, amendments to the Land Administration Act 1997 resulted in goats (capra hircus) being prescribed ‘authorised stock’.

Consequently, goats now can be either ‘managed’ by pastoralists as authorised stock, or ‘unmanaged’.

Goats have been seen by some pastoralists as an asset and in some areas desperately needed income has been gained during drought conditions from trapping and supplying goats to exporters and abattoirs.

However, the investigation into the theft of unmanaged goats is a difficult and complex issue with a number of variables to be considered.

Currently, unmanaged goats in the pastoral regions are prescribed by the Agricultural Protection Board as “declared” animals due to the destruction they cause to the land and their competition for resources with the sheep industry.

> Ships signalling or being met by small craft. > Yachts and pleasure craft in remote or unusual areas.

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Under the provisions of the Criminal Code, declared animals are deemed to be wild by nature and legally speaking, unable to be stolen. The exception is if the animals are in a confined area, such as a stock yard. This interpretation made prosecution of people entering pastoral leases and taking goats difficult and the extent of the law could only relate to trespassing.

Identification of goats Some pastoralists argue that because the goats are on their lease, they ‘own’ them. This leads to a most important issue that pastoralists know all too well, that of identification.

Under the Stock (Identification and Movement) Act all goats in the South-West must be branded and may also be earmarked before the age of six months. However, goats in pastoral areas need not be branded. This raises the question of how to identify goats should they be ‘stolen’ in the pastoral regions and how to manage these animals as a commercial venture.

The Agriculture Protection Board details what must be done by a person wanting to domesticate an unmanaged goat to a position where the animal is deemed manageable. This includes specified fencing and an approved familiarisation process on the property. It could be argued that the majority of, if not all, pastoral leases do not have suitable fencing to stop a determined herd of goats from moving from one property to another. By just trapping unmanaged goats and placing a tag in the ear and then releasing them again, some pastoralists may argue that the goats are then ‘domesticated’.

From a police perspective, when receiving a report of stolen goats from a pastoral lease, the ownership of the animals is critical. An essential element of stealing or fraud is ownership and how this can be proved.

Consider a large pen of unmarked goats from different stations. Without tags or legal identification it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for one pastoralist to positively pick out and identify their goats and then to give evidence in a court to convince a jury beyond reasonable doubt that those goats are theirs. Such a claim would undoubtedly be tested by defence council.

The Pastoral Lands Board’s Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for the grazing of goats in the pastoral areas of WA aims to develop a Quality Assurance approach to the development of the managed goat industry, of which identification of goats is recommended in certain circumstances and trace-back capability is possible in all situations.

To quote from this document: Section 370 of the Criminal Code states that the theft of an animal wild in state and nature cannot result in a criminal offence. For a criminal offence to be recorded, reasonable demonstration of ownership and containment would be required.

Ownership of animals is therefore deemed to incorporate the following attributes: > Identification; > Provision of adequate water; > Provision of adequate feed; > Provision of shade; > Provision of fences, yards and holding compounds; > Herd structure management principles; > Animal husbandry principles; and > Animal welfare principles.

Managed goats being sent direct from property of origin to slaughter will not require identification. They will, however, require trace-back capability. All other forms of movement of managed goats off the property of origin will require identification including goats being sold for live export, goats sold to a depot, and the inter-property movement of goats.

The preferred method of identification is by an ear tag.

As can be seen, policing these issues is complex, with each case judged on its merits.

For further information contact Detective Sergeant David Byrne, Officer in Charge, Police Stock Squad. Telephone: 9250 3744.

Pastoral goat.

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PastoralLines What has the Rangeland Survey Team been up to?

By Alicia Gardner, Rangelands Survey Research Officer, Department of Agriculture, South Perth.

The aim of the rangelands survey team is to provide a comprehensive description and maps of the natural resources on pastoral properties across the rangelands of WA. The team comprises staff from the Department of Land Information (formerly DOLA) and the Department of Agriculture.

The information gained is used by many stakeholders including the pastoral industry, mining industry, government, research and conservation groups. To date, 14 regional inventory and condition surveys have been completed, the most recent being the Pilbara survey published in 2004.

Since the completion of the Pilbara survey, the survey team has undergone a number of staff changes.

Alan Payne retired after 40 years with the Department of Agriculture and Sandra Van Vreeswyk has left to become the General Manager of the Pastoral Land Business Unit, which supports the Pastoral Lands Board. A replacement team member, Alicia Gardner, was appointed to the team through the Department of Agriculture graduate recruitment program. Alicia has recently graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor in Animal Science.

Other long serving team members include Pete Hennig, a soils technician with the Department of Agriculture and Ken Leighton a surveyor with the Department of Land Information. Work is currently in progress to recruit a fourth member to complete the team.

Prior to his retirement, Alan together with Alicia, worked towards publication of a report resulting from the Broome Coastal Survey. The report was first written by Bill Cotching in 1990; however, Bill left the department and the report was never published.

The survey covered an area of 8,600sq km and encompassed four stations; Thangoo, Shamrock, Frazier Downs and Nita Downs. The report contains detailed

The rangeland survey team at work in the Pilbara.

information on the climate, geology, vegetation and landforms of the area. The Broome coastal report is to be published by the end of 2005.

Western Nullarbor survey The survey team has also begun preliminary work on the survey of the western Nullarbor.

The Nullarbor provides many new and exciting challenges for the survey team due to the vast flatness of the landscape (particularly after the hills, ranges and major river systems of the Pilbara) as well as a host of new plant species.

To help the team become accustomed to the unique plants, soils and landforms of the area, two reconnaissance trips were carried out in May and July of this year. A workshop with the pastoralists of the Nullarbor was also held at Cocklebiddy in July. This was well attended and provided an excellent opportunity for the pastoralists to meet the survey team.

The team is trialling a new approach to surveys by engaging the pastoral managers early to discuss what they think are the major land types on their property, the location of those land types and their carrying capacities. The survey began in September, with the fieldwork to be completed by the end of 2006.

Murchison Concurrently, the survey of the Lower Murchison region, including the pastoral leases adjacent to Kalbarri has been completed and is expected to be published by mid-2006. This fills the gap between the surveys of the Carnarvon Basin, the Murchison District and the agricultural areas to the south.

For further information please contact Pete Hennig 9368 3421, Ken Leighton 9273 7130 or Alicia Gardner 9368 3917.

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Exceptional circumstances The Southern Rangelands Exceptional Circumstances (EC) area, which was declared on 2 July 2003, has been extended for a third year to 1 July 2006. This covers the area from the Roebourne and Ashburton Shires to the Southern Goldfields.

What is the EC program?

The EC Program is funded jointly by the Commonwealth and State Governments to assist owner-operator pastoralists and farmers overcome the effects of extended drought.

For an area to obtain declaration for EC there must be at least two consecutive years of exceptional drought contributing to significant reduction in stock numbers. It must be a greater than a one in 25-year event − one year of drought is not enough to seek and obtain an EC declaration.

Benefits from Pastoral EC Declaration > EC Relief Payment (EC RP): This is available for families from Centrelink for the 12 months up until 9 April 2006.

Contact Centrelink on 122 316 to determine your eligibility.

The benefit is equivalent to the Newstart Allowance. It helps with family living expenses and is paid fortnightly. > EC Interest Rate Subsidy (EC IRS): Applications can be made until 1 July 2006. The benefit is an 80 per cent subsidy paid on the interest and charges on station business which is to be paid during the year ended 30 June 2006.

Businesses that have had no debt, and have not applied for either the Year 1 or Year 2 EC IRS, and in this next year may be considering purchase of stock for re-stocking, may apply for EC IRS for the interest and charges during 2005-06 on borrowings incurred for restocking. The restocking decision must be considered ‘good practice’ relative to the rangeland condition and its recovery from drought.

Assessment Guidelines Pastoralists who have received Year 1 and 2 support need only demonstrate that their total equity in dollar terms has not increased above their 30 June 2001 level.

Those who have not applied for Year 1 or Year 2 must demonstrate: 1. A reduction in livestock numbers due to drought on the station of 30 per cent or more from pre-drought numbers; 2. Total equity (including off station assets) at 30 June 2005 is at least five per cent down on 30 June 2001 (market value not tax figures); and

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3. Pastoral business costs were greater than 85 per cent of income for two successive years over the period June 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Means Test For the EC IRS, the value of non-essential station assets must be put into the business and net off-station assets must be less than $435,000. All assets of all partners/ shareholders/beneficiaries are considered in determining off-station assets and income.

For the EC RP, Centrelink has a different set of criteria for determining off-station assets and income.

Information and Application Forms Information and Application Forms for the Year 3 EC IRS were mailed to all pastoralists in the declared area in July 2005.

Further information for the EC IRS is available on the Department of Agriculture’s web site www.agric.wa.gov. au – click on ‘Farm Management’, then ‘Exceptional Circumstances’, and then the 2 July 2003 Declaration line, or if you wish to discuss your own situation, call the experienced EC Assessors on Freecall 1800 198 231.

PastoralLines Rangelands NRM Strategy and investment plan nearing accreditation Following months of extensive community consultation and scientific assessment and review, the Rangelands Natural Resource Management Strategy has been recommended by the NRM Joint Steering Committee (JSC) for accreditation by State and Australian Government Ministers.

At the same time, the State Investment Committee has endorsed the accompanying Rangelands Investment Plan to be considered by the JSC in mid-September.

Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group (RCG) Chair, Bill Mitchell said, based on the JSC’s recommendation, that the Investment Plan was also likely to be considered by State and Australian Government Ministers for approval in late-September or early October. “It is fantastic that we are nearing the end of the strategy and investment planning process so that the real work can now begin,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We appreciate the input and the patience of the community in forming the regional strategy and look forward to delivering benefits for our community in line with the determined long-term goals and management actions.”

To this end, the RCG met in late August to recommend the key activities and actions targeted in the form of projects, subject to the approval of the Investment Plan.

The 2005-06 investment plan allocates funding of $5.6 million for projects from the Natural Heritage Trust II and the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality. Project areas that sub-regions have been asked to develop include ecologically sustainable rangelands management; Kimberley fire and planning; coastal, marine and island management; biodiversity and waterways.

For more information, please contact Luke Morgan, Strategy Manager on 9956 3319.

Web site: www.rangelandswa.info

2015 pastoral lease exclusions update The 2015 pastoral exclusion negotiation process was finalised on 17 December 2004 when all negotiated agreements were approved by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.

The initial notification in late 2002 identified a total area of approximately 1.6 million hectares (1.78% of pastoral lease land) to be excluded from 97 stations. Following the completion of the process, the area to be excluded has been reduced to the approximately 1.03 million hectares to be excluded from the 74 stations.

A number of pastoralists have agreed to early surrender of the exclusion areas and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure is working with relevant lessees and acquiring agencies to progress these agreements.

Now that the exclusion negotiation process has been completed, affected pastoralists now know what part of their lease will not be renewed in 2015. This has achieved what industry required of government when it lobbied for certainty in this area a few years ago.

“The Investment Plan and a broad outline of five to seven projects has now being conveyed to the various sub-regional groups (Kimberley, Pilbara, GascoyneMurchison, Goldfields-Nullarbor) for their input to provide more detailed project specifications and to invite complementary input by other organisations,” Mr Mitchell said.

The overall negotiated outcome saw a significant reduction in the areas originally notified for conservation, recreation and tourism.

“It is planned that project details will be fully developed by late September for consideration by the group, so they may progress to implementation as soon as approval of the Investment Plan is advised and contracts from the State NRM Office are available.”

The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure was pleased that, overall, most pastoralists entered into the negotiation process positively and in good faith, despite the obvious concerns about reductions in lease areas.

There were also many Indigenous Protected Areas that were reduced to zero. The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, the Hon John Kobelke preferred that separate negotiations be undertaken with pastoralists with a view to entering into a covenant under the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

Further enquiries can be directed to the Senior Policy Officer, Garry Crow on 9347 5124.

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Rebates for renewable energy systems on pastoral stations More than 40 per cent of operating pastoral stations in WA have installed renewable energy power systems with the help of Government rebate programs.

Some $4.24 million in rebates have been paid since July 2001 to help stations make the switch from diesel to renewable energy.

The following graph shows widespread adoption of renewable energy systems by pastoralists across WA.

Rebates paid for renewable energy power systems installed on pastoral stations under the RAPS Program since July 2001 Goldfields/Esperance $328,000

Kimberley $614,000

Mid West $1,130, 000

Pilbara $1,550,000 Gascoyne $618,000

Renewable energy systems, including solar panels, wind turbines, batteries and inverters, can provide 24-hour power and substantially reduced diesel costs.

Annual surveys of pastoralists who have installed systems show a growing acceptance of renewable energy technologies. This is also reflected with bigger renewable energy systems being installed. System operators report high levels of satisfaction with their performance, reliability and reduced maintenance requirements.

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Two Types of Rebates The Remote Area Power Supply Program provides rebates of 55 per cent of the cost of renewable energy systems used in off-grid areas. The program is funded by the State and Australian Governments, and administered by the Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO).

SEDO also administers the Renewable Energy Water Pumping Program, which provides rebates on certain solar pumps and windmills. More than 20 per cent of pastoral stations have installed solar pumps and windmills under the program since it started in February 2002. The Renewable Energy Water program is due to finish in June 2006, so pastoralists are encouraged to take advantage of the rebates while they exist.

Guidelines and application forms for the two rebate programs are available from the SEDO web site at www. sedo.energy.wa.gov.au (then click on ‘Funding and Grants’) or by contacting the SEDO Energy Smart Line on 1300 658 158.

Pastoral Water Grants Scheme The Pastoral Water Grants Scheme (PWGS) has been operating since 1999 and is administered by the Department of Environment. To date 71 separate grants have been approved under the Scheme amounting to a total of almost $700,000. Grants are allocated to pastoral businesses in various regions of the State to improve water supplies and land management.

While the key thrust of the PWGS is focused on contributing to an improvement in land management, assisting pastoralists to improve the availability and quality of homestead water supplies is also an important objective of the scheme that can lead to positive social outcomes.

Under the scheme, pastoralists operating a commercial pastoral business may be eligible for grants up to a maximum of $15,000. Grants are available to establish new watering points, upgrade existing points and install improved homestead water supplies (in quality and/or quantity). They must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the pastoralist.

PastoralLines The establishment of new waters offers an important opportunity to protect the biodiversity value of rangeland pastures, while enhancing sustainable livestock management.

A key challenge for the PWGS is maintaining a balance between the individual benefit of improved water supplies and the wider interest of the community in respect to environmental protection and improved management of our natural resources.

Grant proposals that are part of an overall property management plan that demonstrates a sustainable grazing management approach will be given a higher priority over those that lack strategic direction.

When to apply Grant rounds under the scheme are offered three times each financial year, and close on the 28/29 February, 30 June and 31 October.

Technical officers are available at the Department of Agriculture’s district offices at Kununurra (for Kimberley and Pilbara applicants) and Kalgoorlie (for Southern Rangeland applicants) to assist in preparing applications and to provide advice on the technical aspects of proposed water supply works.

Upgrade of a water supply with a solar panel.

What can be funded?

The types of projects that are eligible for assistance include construction and enhancement of dams and water catchment performance, drilling (successful boreholes only), equipping of bores, reticulation, pumps and tanks, water treatment equipment and refurbishment of key water supply systems.

Officers of the Department of Environment at Northam, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Kununurra, Geraldton and Carnarvon are able to assist with the environmental aspects of an application.

More information on the Pastoral Water Grants Scheme can be obtained by contacting the Department of Environment’s Rural Water Planning Program on Freecall 1800 780 300 or referring to the web site: www.environment.wa.gov.au

Pastoralists must be able to demonstrate the need for the implementation of water supply improvements and provide details of measures that will be adopted to ensure future land and water degradation risks are minimised. For example, there must be a commitment to livestock reduction at proposed water points if feed supplies diminish to the point where overgrazing may occur.

Importantly, emphasis is placed on measures that will ensure that identified degraded areas around previously overgrazed waters are protected in order to promote restoration and recovery of the rangeland.

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Reviewing 2005 − Planning for 2006

By Peter Smith, Beef Development Officer, Department of Agriculture, Karratha

This year has been a challenge for many pastoralists in the rangelands.

Seasonal conditions have varied from a “bit light on” in many areas of the Kimberley; very dry for most of the Pilbara until the July rain; fair to good for many areas of the central and coastal Gascoyne, with some very dry areas in east Gascoyne. The majority of the Goldfields and Nullarbor also experienced a below average rainfall year.

The end of the year is a time for reflection on 2005 by all pastoralists whether they run sheep or cattle. The decisions and actions taken during the year can’t be changed, but there is an opportunity to learn from experience and plan to manage the outcomes of those decisions.

A case in point for a number of pastoralists in the Pilbara is to reflect on the sale decisions and the cattle sold during 2005.

Due to the complete failure of summer rains in most areas, some pastoralists weaned calves to a younger age than normal as part of a strategy to reduce nutritional stress on breeders.

Many of these young weaners were fed for a time and then sold or sold immediately following weaning to producers in areas further south that received good rains early in the year.

This proved to be a great strategy to reduce the stress on breeders and undoubtedly reduced the death rate of breeders.

It will certainly have enhanced the future reproductive rate in areas that received the July rain.

However, the increased number of young cattle sold early in 2005 means that they aren’t there to be sold when most of them would normally be sold 12 months older in 2006.

Younger lighter cattle generally sell for substantially less per head than older and heavier cattle.

Planning considerations In reviewing what happened in 2005 and planning for 2006, major considerations could include: > Planning cattle sales. Pastoralists will have a record of what cattle were mustered and turned out during the year.

These records can be used to plan sales and expenditure for the coming year.

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> On many of the stations that sold a substantial number of younger cattle in 2005, there may be an opportunity to sell some pregnancy-tested empty breeders to other areas in 2006 as a means of generating cash flow. Reports suggest that some areas of the southern rangelands and further south may be short of cattle if they again get good rain, hopefully in autumn/winter of 2006. > Considering the sale of some breeders to bolster sale income for 2006. Some females, usually heifers, are sold each year to stabilise herd numbers, so why not some breeders if they can attract a similar price as heifers? Sales of older cows would be preferred from a pastoralist’s point of view (this realises some value of older cows and eliminates the need to spey old cows) but the market available and price is a major consideration. There is not a lot of point in selling cattle that no one wants or is prepared to pay for. > Reviewing station development and equipment purchases in view of potentially reduced cattle sales in 2006. > Arranging discussions with a financial adviser as well as an accountant to review financial and taxation opportunities and responsibilities that may be available from increased sales and income during 2005 as a result of dry season management decisions.

Some financial planning early on when there are opportunities to manage the situation is preferable to suddenly coming up against a problem when it might be difficult to do anything about it.

PastoralLines What is an RCA?

By Bob McCartney, Pastoral Inspector, Department of Agriculture, Derby

The Range Condition Assessment or RCA has replaced the old system of PLR (Pastoral Lease Reports) and RCR (Range Condition Report). RCAs provide very useful information for pastoral lessees, including: > seasonal conditions; > stocking history; > major land systems; > infrastructure; > carrying capacities; > a comparison of range condition trends with previous surveys and inspections; and > There may be opportunities to plan to spey aged cows as a source of future income and to realise the sale value of these older cows rather than let them take their chances of breeding another calf. Experience this year has demonstrated that old cows from eight years on really struggle in dry years.

Considering different scenarios Consideration of some “what ifs” can also be included in your plan: > “What if” good rains are received in December/ January? Is there an opportunity to close up some paddocks or waters to spell some areas? Is there an opportunity to strategically burn some areas? > “What if” summer rains are again below average?

Your experience and the experience gained by other pastoralists during similar events will help to manage this eventuality. What worked and what didn’t work in the past? Hindsight is only useful if it is used when similar situations occur again.

Reviewing and planning at the end of the cattle season is a useful process. Cattle numbers are known. In many cases income for the financial year is ‘in the tin’ and just maybe there is time to draw breath while doing the water runs to have a think about what 2006 might bring and how you might manage the year to be most in control.

> details of any land management issues that may need to be addressed.

RCAs are based on a traverse of the pastoral lease carried out by the pastoral inspector. Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS) site data also provides an overview of regional trends.

The process RCAs are prepared by the Department of Agriculture for the Pastoral Lands Board to assist the Board administer Part 7 of the Land Administration Act 1997 which covers pastoral leases.

These reports are scheduled every six years; however, if there are issues of concern to the Board, inspections are carried out on a more regular basis. In addition, if a pastoral property is put up for sale and the RCA is more than three years old, a new RCA is prepared and the date of that report becomes the anniversary date of the inspection cycle.

Pastoral lessees or managers are strongly encouraged to accompany the pastoral inspector during the RCA field visit, so that they can contribute to the inspection process and have the opportunity to make comments about the areas where issues are raised. This is valuable interaction as it also allows the pastoral inspector to explain the assessment method to the pastoralist and gain relevant information about the lease.

A copy of the draft RCA is sent to the lessee, so that they can contact the reporting officer with any comment before the RCA is forwarded to the Board.

Planning won’t solve all the problems, but it will reduce the number of ‘surprises’ encountered during the year.

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New report offers a helping hand to Pilbara pastoralists

By Alicia Gardner, Rangeland Surveys Research Officer, Department of Agriculture, South Perth

Two new reports have been published as a result of the Pilbara Ranges Project to assist pastoralists and other key stakeholders within the Pilbara manage this vast region in a sustainable manner.

The Pilbara accounts for over 200,000 sq km of Western Australia’s rangelands.

Pete De Long from Dampier Downs (left) discussing his RCA with Bob McCartney, Department of Agriculture, Derby.

The Board then considers the RCA. Depending on the content of the report, the Board may require the pastoral lessee to take action to address any issues of concern raised in the assessment. The Board sometimes requires the lessee to submit a management plan to demonstrate how a particular issue highlighted in the RCA will be addressed.

If this is the case, it is essential to use both the RCA and the Board’s Management Plan guidelines to ensure that the issues that need to be addressed are covered effectively and with commitments to timeframes.

Follow-up inspections may be required to ensure that progress is made in implementing the actions as stated in the Management Plan.

The Pilbara Ranges Project is part of a series of regional resource inventory and condition surveys of WA’s rangelands, carried out by the Rangeland Survey Team.

The aims of the surveys are to provide comprehensive descriptions and mapping of the landforms, soils and vegetation within the region, as well as an evaluation of the condition of the soils and vegetation at a pastoral lease scale.

With the completion of the Pilbara survey almost 87 per cent, that is over 843,000 sq km, of the pastoral rangelands of WA have been surveyed.

Two reports published The findings from the Pilbara survey have been published in two separate reports. The first report, Technical Bulletin No. 92: An inventory and condition survey of the Pilbara region, Western Australia is a detailed technical report that focuses on the natural resources of the region.

It provides information on the vegetation, soils, climate, groundwater availability and landforms of the area. Colour maps at a scale of 1:500,000 displaying the distribution of natural resources within the Pilbara accompany the report. The report will be an enduring reference for those with interests in land use planning and sustainable development in the Pilbara rangelands.

The second report Pastoral resources and their management in the Pilbara region of Western Australia is aimed particularly at the pastoral industry. The report provides information on land use planning and property management, along with a two-page summary of the rangeland resources and an analysis of carrying capacity for each pastoral station in the region.

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PastoralLines It was concluded from visual assessments made during the survey that pastoral resource use had not always been ecologically sustainable, resulting in some areas being susceptible to erosion. However, other areas that had been used for pastoralism for decades were seen to be in ‘good’ condition, indicating that conservative pastoralism can be ecologically sustainable on most land types.

In general, the Pilbara is in much better range condition than much of the rest of the State. The resilience of the vegetation, the extensive ground cover by rocks and a less variable climate have meant that the resource is less susceptible to degradation.

It is hoped these reports will assist land managers to manage their properties effectively to ensure long-term sustainable land use.

For further information or to obtain a copy of the reports please contact Pete Hennig 9368 3421, Ken Leighton 9273 7130 or Alicia Gardner 9368 3917.

Feedback needed from Pilbara cattle producers

By Lance Coppin, Pilbara NABRC Representative, Yarrie Station

At the recent North Australian Beef Research Council meeting, many industry issues were discussed in detail ranging from breeding control, grazing management, current and developing markets as well as updates on industry technology.

A major council role is to advise Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) on how best to spend some $5 million of levy money on research and development in the northern beef industry.

Half the council are producer representatives and half are from industry bodies.

As the Pilbara representative, I believe the Council provides a good opportunity for the region’s producers to benefit and to voice any concerns.

If Pilbara producers want to see some return for the thousands of dollars they pay every year in MLA transaction levies, we need to clarify our major issues.

We also need to identify the priorities for research and development expenditure that can directly benefit Pilbara producers.

We have all paid out through our levies and need to make sure we don’t miss out on the best return of our ‘share’ of the money.

I hope to have further discussions about this and to receive some feedback and views from Pilbara producers soon.

I will shortly be providing more information on the NABRC, but the sooner I hear your ideas the better for you and all Pilbara producers.

I can be contacted at Yarrie Station on 9176 4954.

The two Pilbara reports produced from the Pilbara Ranges project.

>>> >> 27

The NABRC Awards The Northern Australian Beef Research Council is calling for nominations for the NABRC Awards.

These prestigious awards recognise outstanding contributions to the northern beef industry and will highlight the achievements of people who have excelled in the fields of: > beef production; > research and development; and > communications and extension.

You are encouraged to nominate anyone you think deserves acknowledgement for their contribution to the northern beef industry − producers, researchers, extension officers and so on.

For more information on selection criteria and for a nomination form, please contact Paul Novelly at the Department of Agriculture in Kununurra on 9166 4000; Lance Coppin the NABRC Pilbara representative on 9176 4954; or John Stoate, the NABRC Kimberley representative on 9192 4960.

You will need to hurry as nominations close on December 30.

Destocking a pastoral lease From time to time it may be necessary to destock a pastoral lease for a number of reasons, such as a run of dry seasons or when changing classes of stock.

The Land Administration Act 1997 requires that a pastoral lease be managed and worked to its best advantage as a pastoral property. A pastoral lease must not be destocked without first obtaining permission from the Pastoral Lands Board.

To get permission to destock, a pastoralist must apply in writing to the Board providing the reasons for destocking and the period the station will be destocked. The Board will not normally grant approval for a period greater than three years; however, it will consider extensions of time if the circumstances warrant.

As part of the application a management plan is required and should address: > proposed maintenance of infrastructure, including water points, yards and fencing; > control management of pest animals and declared plants; and > details of restocking arrangements including timeframes and stock category.

If the station is planned to be destocked for a considerable time, the Board may require the management plan to include an inventory of current infrastructure before granting approval.

The Board may also arrange an annual inspection or other occasional inspection to confirm compliance with the management plan.

Applications to destock are to be addressed to the Chairman, Pastoral Lands Board and may be e-mailed, faxed or posted to the Board at PO Box 1575, Midland, WA 6936. Initial enquiries can be made to the Executive Officer of the Board on 9347 5126 or e-mail: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

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PastoralLines whether the nominated area is capable of carrying additional stock for the proposed period. In some cases, a field inspection may be required.

Advice will then be provided to the Board to assist in assessing the application. Time taken to respond to the pastoralist with an answer depends on whether a field visit is required, but the Board aims to respond within 14 days.

Permission to allow agistment may be conditional and it is the pastoral lessee’s responsibility to monitor the impact of additional grazing on the rangeland to ensure land degradation does not occur. Any changes to the details of the agistment that were supplied to the Board must also be advised.

Agistment of stock on pastoral leases Current dry conditions in some pastoral regions of the State are causing concerns in relation to preserving both stock and range condition.

One option may be the agistment of stock on pastoral leases that may have experienced favourable seasonal conditions over recent years and in general have good condition pastures.

When considering approaches for agistment, pastoralists need to be aware that under section 112 of the Land Administration Act 1997 prior written permission of the Pastoral Land Board is necessary. Under the Act, the Pastoral Lands Board is required to ensure that pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis.

With this in mind, pastoralists intending to agist stock must seek advance approval from the Board, so that the effect of the proposal on the condition of the pastoral lease can be determined.

Obtaining permission is not a difficult process. All that is required is a letter to the Board providing particular details of the agistment proposal, including: > type of stock to be agisted; > number of animals involved;

Applications should be addressed to the Chairman, Pastoral Lands Board and may be e-mailed, faxed or posted to the Board at PO Box 1575, Midland, 6936. Initial enquiries can be made to the Executive Officer of the Board on 9347 5126 or e-mail: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

Accurate survey information of pastoral boundaries Occasionally pastoralists want accurate survey information on boundaries of pastoral leases in order to carry out fencing. This information is available from the Department of Land Information (DLI).

To get relevant survey information, pastoralists need to contact DLI Customer Services Section on fax 9250 3187, giving all relevant known information including the name of the station, plan number, name of the proprietor(s) of the lease, lease number(s), contact name, address and a contact phone number should DLI need further information.

DLI can be called on 9273 7333 to conduct a phone search.

DLI searches attract a basic search fee that increases depending on the amount of information required.

Additional information about DLI’s products and services can be obtained by accessing DLI’s corporate web site at: www.dli.wa.gov.au

> duration of agistment proposal; > where on the lease agisted stock will be located; and > any relevant management comments.

Once the proposal has been received, advice will be sought from the local Department of Agriculture as to

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Debt collection of unpaid pastoral lease rents Commencing immediately, the Pastoral Land Business Unit will be using the services of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s debt collection agency to recover unpaid pastoral lease rents and any associated penalties.

Any other action that can be taken under the Land Administration Act 1997 in relation to unpaid rents, in particular prosecutions and forfeiture action, will be taken in addition to any debt collection action.

Get your contact details up-to-date It is important for pastoralists to ensure that the Pastoral Lands Board has the most current contact details.

Correspondence from the Board is important for pastoralists and if it is not received or is received late, there may be significant consequences.

In particular, pastoral leases that change station managers occasionally, or those that, for example, have correspondence sent to their accountants but have changed accountants, should update their contact details with us as soon as possible.

Updating contact details is simple. Just visit our web site at: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral then click on ‘Change your Contact Details’ in the navigation bar on the left, click on the PDF, print the form, fill it out, ensure the lessee(s) sign it and send it to us.

The form has three levels of contact: > the station manager, for emergencies where we need to contact a person on the ground; > the lessee contact, who is the person who is to receive all correspondence; and > the registered lessee of the pastoral lease.

If you don’t have access to the Internet, call this office for a form on 9347 5126.

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Issue 5 February 2007

Pastoral Lines

The Official Magazine of The Pastoral Lands Board

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE The pastoral lease market: July 2005 - June 2006 Selecting and preparing cattle for live export Are the pastoral rangelands improving or declining?

Heritage areas on pastoral leases Grants and subsidies for pastoralists SPECIAL FEATURE: Focus on education: the Next Generation ISSN: 1834-2566

Pastoral Lines Pastoral Lines is the official magazine of the Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia. It is published in December each year and has a circulation of 1,500 which includes all pastoral lessees and station managers. It is distributed free of charge.

Pastoral Lines is also available electronically on the website: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral under ‘Information and Publications’.

Executive Editor: Brian Lloyd Editorial Enquiries: (08) 9347 5126 Postal Address: Pastoral Land Business Unit, Department for Planning and Infrastructure, PO Box 1575, Midland, Western Australia, 6936.

Email: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au Material from this magazine is copyright. It may be reprinted; however, in all cases the source must be fully acknowledged.

Copyright© The Director General of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, Western Australia 2007.

ISSN 1834-2566

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From the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure

Welcome to this latest issue of Pastoral Lines.

It is my pleasure to welcome two new members to the Pastoral Lands Board whose experience and knowledge will benefit your industry greatly.

Mr Paul Baron is the General Manager of the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, the lessees of Cardabia Station north of Coral Bay. Paul will bring the important perspectives of indigenous peoples to the Board.

Ms Ruth Webb-Smith is a lessee of Wyloo Station in the Ashburton and has been a member of several committees and groups associated with the pastoral industry. She will be a Deputy Member of the Board.

We expect some additional appointments in the next month.

I look forward to working with the new members and indeed the whole Board to ensure the effective administration of pastoral leases.

It is expected that in the coming months a Green Bill will be completed for consideration and comment by the pastoral industry and stakeholders on the proposal for rolling tenure pastoral leases.

I hope that you will take the opportunity to provide your views on this very important issue for your industry.

The third Gascoyne Muster was held in September 2006 with a focus on younger players in the industry. There were some excellent presentations including some from young pastoralists. Climate change and succession planning and attracting young people to the industry were key topics. Thanks to all those who were prepared to contribute to the discussions.

on management issues affecting pastoral leases, information on a range of grants and subsidies available to pastoralists and a frank piece that explores whether the rangelands are improving or not.

Regards

Alannah MacTiernan Minister for Planning and Infrastructure

Pastoral Lines once again contains interesting and useful information and I draw your attention to the strong education theme in this issue and the encouragement for those in the industry to make use of their well developed skills and experience to achieve more formal qualifications.

There is also much valuable information on a range of business and sustainability issues, including some excellent articles

Contents From the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure • About the Pastoral Lands Board • Current members of the Pastoral Lands Board

Pastoral Management News •

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3 5 6-7 8

Pastoral Lease Management • Best Management Practices for the pastoral industry 8 • Wild dog management: the Best Practice Manual 9 • Growing non-indigenous pastures on pastoral leases 10-11 • Diversification Permits and other obligations 11 • Changing your pastoral lease boundaries 12 • Separate Annual Returns 13 • Truckloads of industry information on the Pastoral Lands website 13 Stock • Correct identification of stock 14-15 • Transport of livestock 15 • Bluetongue in pastoral areas 16 • Selecting and preparing cattle for live export 16-17 • Agisting stock on pastoral leases 17 Environment • Rangeland monitoring helps answer the question: Are the pastoral rangelands improving or declining?

18-19 • Biodiversity conservation in the rangelands 20-21 • ‘Declared plants’ in Western Australia 21 • The rangelands Natural Resource Management plan 22-23 • Clearing native vegetation on pastoral leases 24-26 • Quarantine vital in Western Australia’s pastoral areas 27-28 • Mesquite: Waging the war in the Pilbara 28-29 Water • Costs of watering stock in the rangelands 30 • Obligations for providing water for livestock 30-32 • Soil erosion at stock water points 33 • Carnarvon Artesian Basin rehabilitation project 34-35

Features

36 • Review into industry training for Aboriginal pastoralists 36 • The 2006 Gascoyne Muster: The Next Generation 37 • The pastoral lease market: July 2005 to June 2006 38 • Pastoralists and miners: joint managers of land 39-40 • Heritage areas on pastoral leases 41-42 • Update on the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Bill 2006 42 • Important changes to the Agriculture Protection rate 43 • Focus on Education: the Next Generation 44 • Schooling your children • Today’s remote education in the ‘virtual classroom’ 44-45 • Pastoral students from Morawa take to the road 46 • Educating the next generation of pastoralists at Tardun 47-48 • Tertiary education for the pastoral industry • Further education – it isn’t what it used to be! 49 • Learning for success in the rangelands: new opportunities for further study from home 50-51 • Certificate level qualifications for station staff 51

Help for the Homestead

52 • Travelling in outback Western Australia 52 • New rainfall information on the web 52-53 • Grants and subsidies for pastoralists 53 • Increase in pastoral water grants 53 • Substantial subsidies for station power supplies 54 • Cash incentives to buy energy-efficient appliances 54 • Funding for fencing of road reserves on main roads 55-56 • Save money with a ‘seasonal vehicle licence’ 56 • Free computer training for pastoralists 57 • 2007 – The Centenary of the Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association 58 • Get your contact details up-to-date 59

Members of the Pastoral Lands Board with the Minister (L to R): Rod Campbell, Roger O’Dwyer (for David Hartley), Sandra Eckert, Paul Baron, Ruth Webb-Smith, Graeme Rundle, Hon Alannah MacTiernan, Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and Graeme Robertson.

About the Pastoral Lands Board The Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia is established under the Land Administration Act 1997. Functions of the Board are to: a) advise the Minister on policy relating to the pastoral industry and the administration of pastoral leases; b) administer pastoral leases in accordance with Part 7 of the LAA; c) ensure pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis; d) develop policies to prevent the degradation of rangelands; e) develop policies to rehabilitate degraded or eroded rangelands and to restore their pastoral potential; f) consider applications for the subdivision of pastoral land and make recommendations to the Minister in relation to them;

g) establish and evaluate a system of pastoral land monitoring sites; h) monitor the numbers and the effect of stock and feral animals on pastoral land; i) conduct or commission research into any matters that it considers are relevant to the pastoral industry;

j) provide such other assistance or advice as the Minister may require in relation to the administration of Part 7 of the LAA; and k) exercise or perform such other functions as it may be given under the LAA or any other Act.

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Current members of the Pastoral Lands Board Prof Graeme Robertson Chairman Professor Robertson is currently Director and Professor of the Muresk Institute, Curtin University of Technology. He was previously the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and Chairperson of the Federal Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation.

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Graeme was a Rhodes Scholar and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Agriculture obtained at Oxford University.

He also has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Western Australia.

He has been involved in a wide range of research, development and management activities in many aspects of primary industry in Western Australia. He has also held key roles on many boards and committees in relation to agriculture, the pastoral industry and natural resource management.

Peter Leutenegger - Pastoral Member Peter has been the lessee of Napier Downs Station, east of Derby since 1992.

Prior to this he worked on sheep and cattle stations in Queensland and in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.

Graeme Rundle - Conservation Member Graeme has a special interest in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on the rangelands, which has involved interaction with related government agencies, and the pastoral and mining industries.

Paul Baron - Aboriginal Member Paul is the General Manager of the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, the lessees of Cardabia Station north of Coral Bay.

Sandra Eckert - Representing the Director General of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

Sandra is a legal practitioner and is currently a Senior Solicitor with the Legislative and Legal Services section of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

David Hartley - Representing the Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Food David is the Executive Director of Natural Resource Management with the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Two other pastoral members will be appointed shortly.

Deputy members of the Board are: Rod Campbell - Deputy to Pastoral Member

Dr Tony Brandis - Deputy to Graeme Rundle

Rod is the current lessee of Kybo Station on the Nullarbor and has over 40 years experience in station management.

Tony holds a Master of Environmental Science, Master of Education and Doctor of Natural Resource Management. He is a Senior Policy Adviser and Project Manager with the Department of Environment and Conservation and has responsibility for establishing the conservation reserve system in the rangelands.

Ruth Webb-Smith - Deputy to Pastoral Member Ruth was a previous lessee of Beefwood Park in the Kimberley and is now a lessee of Wyloo Station in the Ashburton. Ruth has also been a member of several committees and groups associated with the pastoral industry.

Mrs Marion Dolby - Deputy to Paul Baron Marion, along with her husband, manages Mt Pierre Station near Fitzroy Crossing.

Jack Burton - Deputy to Peter Leutenegger Jack is the lessee and manager of Kilto, Yeeda and Mt Jowlaenga Stations in the West Kimberley and operates a horticultural business on a special lease within Kilto Station. He also has interests in Mabel Downs, Springvale and Alice Downs in the Kimberley.

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Best Management Practices for the pastoral industry

In December 2005, the Pastoral Lands Board sent every pastoralist copies of the Best Management Practices (BMPs) relevant to them.

Have you still got yours?

It is important that you keep these booklets with your records, as they outline the relevant best management practices for the various sections of the industry and areas of the State.

Why are the BMPs important?

It is a requirement, under section 108 (2) of the Land Administration Act 1997 that: “The lessee must use methods of best pastoral and environmental management practice, appropriate to the area where the land is situated, for the management of stock and for the management, conservation and regeneration of pasture for grazing.”

The Board uses the BMPs to judge compliance with the Act. The booklets also provide you with directions on permissible vegetation clearance

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associated with running a station; including constructing and maintaining fencing, providing watering points, yards, holding facilities and airstrips, and access to these facilities, and burning to improve pasture production.

Best Management Practices and clearing on a pastoral lease The Regulations for Clearing Native Vegetation introduced on 8 July 2004 require a permit for clearing native vegetation by any means, including fire, unless the clearing has been approved or is required under other legislation.

For pastoral leases, there is an exemption from these regulations, in accordance with the Land Administration Act 1997 to allow grazing of stock, and some exemptions under section 109 for clearing for pastoral purposes from time to time, such as along fence lines. These clearing activities are allowed, providing you do it in a manner that achieves sustainable management of the rangelands.

As a pastoralist, you do not have to seek approval to clear native vegetation if you are going about your day-to-day pastoral business activities and you are complying with ‘best management practices’.

However, you need to refer to the BMPs to ensure your actions are, in fact, considered best management practice.

Therefore, we strongly advise you to keep a copy of the BMPs in your office.

For further information, please refer to the article on clearing which is also in this edition of Pastoral Lines.

If you want another copy of the Best Management Practices for your area, please call the PLBU office on (08) 9347 5126. The BMPs are also available on the Pastoral Land’s website at www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral under ‘Policies’.

Pastoral Management News

Wild dog management: the Best Practice Manual Within Western Australia, landholders are legally obliged to control wild dogs (dingoes, hybrids, and feral domestic dogs) under the relevant provisions of the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 (ARRPA). The sole purpose of these provisions is to minimise the impacts of wild dogs on livestock production. Wild dogs in areas far removed from livestock grazing areas are not targeted by the various control programs, as they pose little or no threat to livestock.

Several years ago, growing concern about increasing wild dog activity and damage through many regions of WA led the Agriculture Protection Board to commission an industry review of the State’s wild dog control program.

The review panel’s report in 2003 identified a number of issues, among them the need for all land managers in wild dog areas to heed their obligation to control wild dogs.

The report also promoted best-practice management to cost-effectively reduce the impacts of wild dogs.

These points were further identified in the WA Wild Dog Management Strategy published and circulated in 2005.

Pastoral Management News

What is ‘Best Practice’?

The Best Practice Manual

‘Best Practice’ involves integrating multiple techniques in a planned and coordinated way, taking account of overall land management objectives, species biology and other scientific information, and accumulated experience; ie using the best information and techniques available at the time to better manage the impacts of the pest.

As a result, a Best Practice Manual was produced and widely distributed during mid-2006. All pastoralists and other land managers in wild dog areas should have received one. The manual is a ‘one-stop shop’ of information on wild dogs in WA, from legislative requirements and strategic approaches, to wild dog management, the background biology of wild dogs, through to advice on applying the various control techniques.

Over the years, landholders have had access to a variety of information covering aspects of wild dog biology and control.

However, the industry review panel identified a need for a single compilation of material on wild dog management, with updated information covering all control techniques. This need has been further reinforced by a general loss of wild dog expertise in the industry, and an increased number of land managers and staff who have had little or no previous exposure to wild dog problems.

Although predominantly aimed at those with minimal experience with wild dog damage and control, the manual should remain a useful reference for others to review their responsibilities and approaches to wild dog management.

Copies of the Wild Dog Management Best Practice Manual (Bulletin 4677) can be obtained from the: Department of Agriculture and Food, 3 Baron Hay Court, South Perth WA 6151, Freecall: 1800 084 881 or email: info@agric.wa.gov.au

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Growing non-indigenous pastures on pastoral leases Brian Lloyd, Pastoral Project Officer, Pastoral Land Business Unit.

Pastoralists are showing increasing interest in growing non-indigenous pastures for fodder.

To do this on a pastoral lease, pastoralists need to apply to the Pastoral Lands Board for a Diversification Permit.

It is probable they will also have to apply for a permit to clear land (of any native plant, including trees, grasses or shrubs) from the Department of Environment and Conservation and also a Licence to Take Water from the Department of Water.

The application to the Board requires information on the species of plant to be grown and the nominated species will form part of the conditions of the permit.

If the permit is granted, no other nonindigenous pasture species can be grown without first consulting the Board.

Is it right for you?

An important question for every pastoralist who wants to grow nonindigenous pastures is “Is this right for me?”

The envisaged benefits of growing your own fodder may appear attractive on paper, but the costs (both up-front and hidden) of growing non-indigenous pastures may be considerable, particularly if you plan to irrigate the pastures.

Probably the biggest issue is managing the fodder area, as making hay is a specialised business – it will take expertise, timely management and may affect the way your cattle business is run.

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Before outlaying substantial money on significant fodder growing systems, all potential costs of your proposal (including any for unforeseen circumstances) need to be thoroughly considered against other options which may apply to your situation, such as destocking (if the fodder is to be used as a ‘drought reserve’) or buying in fodder.

Substantial planning and site investigation needs to be undertaken before embarking on these types of projects.

You should allow about five per cent of the total project set-up cost for project investigation.

Points to consider Points you should seriously consider before embarking on a non-indigenous pasture growing program include: • Site survey and investigation, including investigation of soil types, landform levels and water quality and quantity. You need to ensure that your proposal is sustainable.

• Species of pastures best for your needs (including any weed potential of species and how you would plan to manage this).

• Development costs to get the site up to production.

• Fuel costs can be substantial, particularly if you plan to run pumps for irrigating. For example, running one centre pivot over a 30-hectare plot can cost $20 per hour for fuel and maintenance. The pump may also need replacement every five to six years.

Fuel costs for irrigation pumping can be considerable.

It currently costs $22,000 to fill this pump’s fuel tank.

• Operating equipment. This will vary depending on the proposed type of operation, but some nonindigenous pasture proposals involve pivot irrigators and cutting and baling hay. Depending on the risk you are willing to accept, each implement used for the operation may also need one (or more) back-up implements, because if there is a breakdown at a critical point (eg between cutting and baling) you may risk the value of your crop being substantially reduced (or even wiped out). Depending on your operation, you may need tractors, mowers, fertiliser spreaders, rakes, balers and front-end loaders, as well as a significant shed area for storage.

Stand-alone implements such as tractors and balers may cost around $190,000 each. Remember also, that old machinery will have increased maintenance requirements. Also, water quality (and resultant corrosion) will determine the replacement interval of pipes, which may, for example, need replacement every 10 years.•

• Staff capabilities. Much of the knowledge to operate, maintain and repair equipment such as pivot irrigators and balers is highly specialised. Also, if there is a breakdown, it may need to be fixed immediately if your operation is at a crucial point and other ‘essential’ station tasks may have to be put on hold. This could, in turn, affect your core business, possibly at a critical time. Timing of operations is very important and delaying essential operations may significantly affect the final product. You need to consider this and, depending on the scale of operation, you may need additional staff.

• Ongoing costs of meeting requirements such as permit conditions (including any requirement for annual monitoring of weeds) or an operating strategy, which may be a requirement of the Department of Water before it issues a Licence to Take Water.

There is a condition in all permits that the permit holder must comply with the requirements of any statute, by-law or regulation relating to the land covered by the permit, and the use of that land. This is not new. The Land Administration Act 1997 ensures appropriate administration of pastoral leases. However, other legislation ensures requirements of other Acts are also met.

Examples include: • Obtaining a clearing permit from the Department of Environment and Conservation; • Obtaining the relevant approval to take water from the Department of Water;

Pastoral Management News

For further information, please contact Brian Lloyd at the Pastoral Land Business Unit on (08) 9347 5121.

Remember also that permits cannot be utilised by a third party – they are available only to the pastoralist.

Pastoralists wanting to involve a third party in growing non-indigenous pastures may be able to apply under the Land Administration Act 1997 for a section 79 lease. Also, permits are not able to be transferred with the lease, although a

Diversification Permits and other obligations Before applying for permission to undertake diversification activities such as pastorally-based tourism or growing fodder crops, be aware that there may be some requirements to abide by under legislation other than the Land Administration Act 1997.

streamlined application may be available to the purchaser of a lease with a current permit.

• Gaining approvals from the local shire in relation to the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995, the Health Act 1911 and/or associated regulations and bylaws; and/or • Meeting obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

Not all these Acts apply to all Diversification Permit holders.

However, you need to be aware that there may be lawful requirements under other Acts with which permit applicants may need to comply.

An information leaflet giving more detail of these types of requirements and when they may apply is currently being produced.

In the meantime, for further information, please call Brian Lloyd of the Pastoral Land Business Unit on (08) 9347 5121.

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Changing your pastoral lease boundaries Ross McGuigan Executive Officer, Pastoral Land Business Unit.

On many pastoral stations, geographical features affect the viability of developing remote parts of the lease area or make it difficult to fence on the surveyed boundary.

In some cases, just the shape of a boundary line can make it uneconomic to consider fencing.

Neighbours quite often reach informal agreements as to the mutual use of a section of country or the on-ground position of a boundary fence. Where properties do not change hands, these agreements may endure for generations.

In the last year we have seen a number of long-term pastoralists leaving the industry to retire. When a potential purchaser is looking over a property, these informal arrangements can come to light.

It can never be assumed that a new owner will honour any informal agreements and they may move to reclaim part of a lease fenced into a neighbouring property.

It is important to be aware that pastoral leases are Crown land and are not subject to adverse possession claims under the Transfer of Land Act 1893.

In most cases, it is not a difficult process to formalise these agreement to everyone’s satisfaction. Depending on the circumstances, several sections of Part 7 of the Land Administration Act 1997 can be used to amend a lease boundary.

Another time to consider boundary adjustments is when you are developing a future business plan for your pastoral 12 enterprise.

If you have a section of your lease which you believe you cannot work to its best advantage, it may be of greater value to a neighbour.

It is possible to secure the Board’s agreement to sell a portion of the pastoral lease on the basis of amalgamation with a neighbour’s lease. In some cases, it may be suitable to consider either a part or equal value exchange.

How to obtain approval In all cases, the first step is to obtain the written agreement of all your participating neighbours and have them also sign a plan clearly showing the boundary amendment.

A good tool to assist in this is your pastoral improvement plan. A copy can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) office at South Perth on (08) 9368 3732.

Then, you need to make a written application to the Chairman of the Pastoral Lands Board. If a large area is proposed for sale, the matter will be referred to DAFWA in the first instance, in order that it can consider whether the carrying capacity of your lease is not being reduced to a point where it may affect ongoing economic viability.

Once all relevant information has been assembled, your application will be referred to the Board for a decision.

If approved, survey instructions will be issued to Landgate (formerly the Department of Land Information) for preparation of a new Deposited Plan.

This is the most time-consuming part of the exercise and it may take several months before the plan is in order for dealing.

When the plan is available, each participant will be asked to forward sufficient funds to cover the statutory fees.

Currently, the fees are a $89 document preparation fee and a Landgate lodgement fee of $82. If a sale of land or a cross-transfer is proposed, you will be asked to employ your own conveyancer to prepare the transfer documents.

Native Title Act Another issue that must be taken into consideration when amalgamating large areas from one lease to another is the provisions of the Native Title Act 1993 (NTA).

If it is decided that the NTA applies to your proposal, then the term of your existing lease may not be greater than the term of the amalgamated lease, eg if your lease term is 45 years and the amalgamated part lease term is 35 years, the term of your lease will be reduced to 35 years. If the term of the amalgamated lease is longer, there is no change.

Applications for boundary adjustments should be posted to: The Chairman, Pastoral Lands Board, PO Box 1575, Midland 6936. If you are able to scan your plan, then the application can be sent by email.

For further information, please contact the Executive Officer, Ross McGuigan on (08) 9347 5122 or email: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

Separate Annual Returns A reminder that two copies of blank Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements are sent out for each pastoral station.

While it is recognised that some lessees may operate two stations as one, a separate Annual Return must be submitted for each station, where two or more stations are managed together.

Separate Annual Returns assist the Board to utilise the statistical information to determine industry trends.

This allows the development of a picture of the grazing and infrastructure history of each station, which is important, particularly if one is later sold.

In short, Annual Returns amalgamating stock numbers for more that one station will not be accepted.

Where apportioning stock numbers for each station is difficult, you are required to make a careful estimate as to the stock numbers on each station as at 30 June.

Truckloads of industry information on the Pastoral Lands website Have you checked out the Pastoral Lands website yet? Just go to the homepage: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral and have a look at two of the most popular sections: ‘Information and Publications’ and ‘Useful Links’.

The ‘Useful Links’ section leads you to an amazing array of sites relevant to the pastoral industry.

At the ‘Information and Publications’ section you can get detailed information on stock management and animal health issues, weed and pest information, environmental issues and diversification, as well as management of your pastoral business. Here, you can also access any Acts relevant to you such as the Land Administration Act 1997 or the Dividing Fences Act 1961.

• find out if it rained on your station 10 minutes ago;

You can: • get the latest weather warnings;

• catch up on local news; • access the latest rangelands research;

• calculate your homestead water use; and even • find information on recruiting staff for your station.

The site is updated frequently, so be sure to bookmark it and make sure you visit it regularly.

Please feel free to contact Brian Lloyd at the Pastoral Land Business Unit on (08) 9347 5121 with any comments.

• get the latest livestock industry information; • find out about any grants for which you may be eligible;

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Pastoral Management News

Correct identification of stock Detective Sergeant David Byrne, Officer in Charge, Police Stock Squad.

The Police Stock Squad has been involved in some incidents over the past year that indicate there has been some confusion during the introduction and implementation of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).

Questions have been raised about the need to also brand and or earmark cattle. Pastoralists sometimes ask “Why mark cattle when the NLIS tag proves ownership?”

The reason is that the NLIS tag provides lifetime traceability in the form of product quality assurance and disease control for livestock from the property of birth to its final destination, ‘the dinner plate’.

The NLIS tag is not recognised under the provisions of the Stock (Identification and Movement) Act 1970 (the Act) as identification when it comes to proving ownership of an animal.

Section 27 of the Act states: “The fact that any head of stock is branded with any registered brand shall be prima-facie evidence that such head of stock belongs to the owner of the brand or to the 14 waybill on which the registered brand is printed.”

Saleyard incident During a recent investigation relating to four allegedly stolen cattle placed for sale at the Midland Saleyards, it was identified that these cattle were fitted with orange post breeder tags belonging to the vendor.

The complainant in the matter (a neighbour of the vendor) produced National Vendor Declaration waybills and sales documents showing the date of purchase and detailing the properties of birth for these cattle to support his allegation.

The white breeder NLIS tags previously fitted to these cattle had been removed and replaced with the orange post breeder tags of the vendor, rendering the NLIS database unusable in this matter.

Inspection of the earmarks on the four cattle supported the complainant’s claim as to their origin and after extensive inquiries eliminated purchase by the vendor, the animals were returned to the complainant.

Had these animals not been earmarked or branded ‘correctly’, it would not have been possible to substantiate ownership, as the white breeder NLIS tags had been removed and orange post breeder NLIS tags fitted, thus supporting the vendor’s claim of ownership.

Correctly applying an earmark or brand is probably the most important part of husbandry involved in raising livestock.

Section 36B of the Act states: “If a brand does not appear on prescribed stock on the place on the animal prescribed as the place where the brand is to appear, the animal is to be regarded as not having been branded.”

Action will be taken In the past, the Police Stock Squad has taken a stance of tolerance and education to anyone within the industry who has failed to comply with the requirements of the Act. This stance has been revised and now any blatant breaches of the Act’s requirements will result in prosecution.

These requirements cover all parties involved in livestock industry with growers, transporters, vendors, agents, and auctioneers risking prosecution should they blatantly flout the law.

Remember that the livestock industry is your industry and the WA Police Stock Squad is there to provide assistance in the protection of your industry.

Please take every opportunity to correctly identify all your property, report any loss of livestock or property through theft, and embrace the principals of Rural Watch whereby you report any suspicious activity or incidents in your area.

Remember: contact your local Police Station, the Stock Squad or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information regarding livestock theft or any other criminal activity.

Did you know?

The Police Stock Squad has moved. The new telephone number is

(08) 9370 9100

Transport of livestock Paul Wynne-Houchin, Department of Agriculture and Food, Geraldton

The safe and efficient transportation of livestock within and beyond Western Australia is vital to the wellbeing of the animals involved and the profitability of the industry.

Before livestock are loaded for travel, it is essential to assess their condition and health status and ask the question: “Are they fit to load?”

Codes of Practice form part of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003 and provide guidelines for the safe, ethical and profitable transport of livestock. Failure to comply with these codes carries the risk of prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The following guidelines are important: 1. If the animal is lame and cannot bear weight on one or more legs, do not load.

2. If there is any sign of illness or injury, which may cause further pain or suffering during transport, do not load.

Pastoral Management News

3. If there is any sign of weakness where an animal is unable to keep up with the mob before or during yarding, do not load.

4. Blind animals must not be transported.

Any animal which becomes disoriented due to failed eyesight is at very high risk of injury during yarding, transport and lairage. No level of blindness will be accepted in animals due to be shipped as live export animals.

5. Any female livestock in the latter stages of pregnancy should not be transported.

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Cattle: pregnancy of eight months or more.

Sheep: pregnancy of four months or more.

If in doubt, leave it out!

You can obtain a copy of the booklet Is it Fit to Load? from your local Department of Agriculture and Food office.

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Bluetongue in pastoral areas Bluetongue is an internationally important and potentially serious livestock disease caused by a virus spread by different species of a small biting midge.

There are different strains of the bluetongue virus, some which can cause serious disease and deaths in sheep, and sometimes affect goats. While cattle do not get the disease they can be involved in the spread of the virus.

The bluetongue virus is found only in areas where the midge (Culicoides) lives and strains have been present in northern Australia for over 20 years.

To date there has been no evidence of bluetongue infection or disease in sheep in Western Australia, or elsewhere in Australia in traditional sheep-raising areas.

However, because of the importance of maintaining our livestock export markets,

Selecting and preparing cattle for live export

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the Department of Agriculture and Food carries out surveillance for bluetongue under World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines, which aim to minimise the risk of spreading diseases via export of animals.

Eradication of the Culicoides midge is not feasible.

Monitoring Bluetongue Australia’s National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) was established to coordinate surveillance for bluetongue under the OIE Code.

Peter Smith, Department of Agriculture and Food, Karratha and Richard Norris, Department of Agriculture and Food, Perth Managers producing cattle for live export should be aware that there are strict specifications for the types of cattle that can be exported live from Australia.

The Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock describe the requirements for selecting and preparing livestock before export and their management during the journey.

The map shows the current location of the bluetongue zones in Australia. A “zone of possible transmission” (infected zone) extends 50km from an infected site and is surrounded by a “surveillance zone” (buffer zone) extending a further 50km – the remainder is the “free zone”.

For exporting to bluetongue sensitive countries, the infected and surveillance zones are treated as one “bluetongue zone”.

Horned cattle Horned cattle are an on-going problem for livestock exporters. Polled cattle are preferred, but if horned cattle are presented for export, the horns must be only 12cm or less in length and blunt. If tipped or dehorned, the wounds must be healed.

Among the rejection criteria for cattle are: • Untipped sharp horns; • Horns longer than 12cm; and • Bleeding horn stumps.

Agisting stock on pastoral leases Current dry conditions in some regions of the State are causing concerns about preserving both stock and pasture condition.

Obtaining permission is not difficult.

All that is required is a letter to the Board providing particular details of the agistment proposal, including:

One option may be agistment of stock on those pastoral leases that have experienced more favourable seasonal conditions over recent years and in general have good condition pastures.

• statement on the current range condition and the numbers of your own stock;

When considering approaches for agistment, you need to be aware that you need prior written permission from the Pastoral Land Board.

Under the Land Administration Act 1997, the Board is required to ensure that pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis, so it needs to assess the effect of agistment proposals on the condition of the pastoral lease to be used.

Five years ago, in North Queensland, only cattle without horns (polled or dehorned) were purchased for live export. It was not a case of discounts – it was a case of no sale.

Pastoralists with a history of presenting acceptable cattle are likely to continue to enjoy the best prices and become the ‘preferred suppliers’ for exporters.

When purchasing breeding stock, pastoralists should consider selecting polled animals to avoid the issue of dehorning.

Pastoral Management News

• type of stock to be agisted; • number of stock involved; • duration of the agistment proposal;

• whether the stock will be run together or kept separate; • where on the lease agisted stock will be located (whole of lease or individual paddocks); • who will manage the stock; and • any other relevant management comments.

Once the proposal is received, an assessment will be made using office records wherever possible to ensure the shortest possible approval timeframe.

Heavyweight cattle Cattle must have an individual liveweight of more than 200 kg and less than 650 kg, unless exporters have prior written approval for cattle outside this weight range from the relevant Australian Government agency.

Given the value of the live export market to the northern cattle industry, it is important that these issues are addressed.

Applications for periods of more than one season or large numbers of stock will be referred to the Department of Agriculture and Food for comment in the first instance.

Permission to allow agistment may be conditional and it is the pastoral lessee’s responsibility to monitor the impact of additional grazing on the rangeland to ensure land degradation does not occur.

You must also advise of any subsequent changes to the initial details of the agistment supplied to the Board.

Address applications to The Chairman, Pastoral Lands Board. You can post them to PO Box 1575, Midland, 6936, email plb@dpi.wa.gov.au or fax them to (08) 9347 5009.

For initial enquiries ring (08) 9347 5126 or email the Board’s Executive Officer at plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

If pastoralists want the maximum return for their export cattle, it is in their interest to present cattle that meet the export standards as well as the exporter’s requirements. Failure to do this can result in cattle not being accepted or seriously discounted prices on the mob.

You will find the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock on the website: www.affa.gov.au/livestockexportstandards

17

1996

Rangeland monitoring helps answer the question: Are the pastoral rangelands improving or declining?

Ian Watson, Research Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food, Northam.

Much of the rangelands are degraded from their original state and many people assume they are continuing to degrade – but does the degradation continue?

small to assess them all. Moreover, there is no such thing as a “range condition meter”; we have to make judgements about change based on observation and experience.

However, there are activities in place which provide evidence of change.

We have a good idea of the extent of degradation; rangeland surveys (see Pastoral Lines, December 2005, pp 18-19) suggested that, at the time of survey, only 46 per cent was in good condition, with the remainder in fair (30%) or poor (24%) condition. The more difficult question is whether the rangelands are continuing to degrade.

Evidence of change

Anecdotally, most pastoralists will say that things have improved on their lease over the last few decades.

However, this subjective view needs to be supplemented with good quality information collected in a systematic way.

Another approach is the Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS) which consists of a set of about 1,600 permanent sites. These are reassessed on a three-year schedule in the Kimberley and Pilbara and every five years in the shrublands.

We will never know conclusively whether the rangelands are improving or not. The 18 area is just too big and the resources too

At least every six years each station is subject to a Range Condition Assessment (see Pastoral Lines, December 2005, pp 25-26).

These inspections assess the land in a similar way to the Range Survey Team, by judging range condition at one kilometre points along a ground traverse.

Most of the current WARMS sites were installed between 1994 and 1999 and

1999

almost all have been reassessed at least once.

On each site the change in perennial vegetation is measured, along with aspects of soil surface condition. These measurements are rigorous and are designed to minimise operator error.

The data are stored in a Department of Agriculture and Food WA database and are available for analysis and scrutiny by outside organisations.

Good news The news from the WARMS results is generally good.

In the Kimberley, perennial grass frequency on the sites has tended to increase from their installation through two successive reassessments up until the last three-year period, when frequencies have stabilised or decreased slightly. In the shrublands, there has been one complete round of reassessment revealing that shrub density and cover have increased on most of the sites.

2002 The results from the Pilbara have been mixed. The shrubland sites have tended to improve. Conversely, during the last complete reassessment (2003-05) perennial grass frequency had declined on many sites – but this has also been a very dry period in much of the Pilbara.

Separating the effect of seasonal quality from the effect of pastoral management will always be difficult, but over time we will see whether this is a long-term trend or a short-term fluctuation.

This generally good news provides no reason to be complacent. Almost all areas of the pastoral rangelands have enjoyed a good run of seasons since the early to mid 1990s. The last few years have been very dry in many places, but if the entire last 15 or so years is compared with the historical rainfall record, the overall sequence has been very good.

Ongoing debate There is also some debate about whether the WARMS sites provide a true reflection of change. The sites are located mostly on the large, relatively intact, flatter parts of the landscape and they may be in “the wrong spot” if all the adverse change is occurring elsewhere, such as in the drainage lines. However, the sites were deliberately located to reflect the majority of the landscape and we believe they

Pastoral Management News

provide a very good indication of change across the rangelands more broadly.

A paper presented at the recent Australian Rangeland Society Conference suggested that the rangelands are suffering from increased run-off and declining condition and that the “good news” may be overstated.

2005 This WARMS site in the East Kimberley shows a pattern commonly seen on Kimberley sites. It was installed in 1996 and reassessed in 1999, 2002 and 2005.

Perennial grass frequency on the site increased from 1996 to 2002 but then declined by the 2005 reassessment, despite the photo showing more grass biomass.

Another paper suggested that the Gascoyne catchment was in worse condition than it was at the time of the rangeland survey in 1970, that the degradation was continuing and was irreversible without specific management interventions.

The debate will continue. Some evidence will suggest improvements, other evidence will suggest decline.

In the meantime, WARMS sites will continue to be reassessed and over time will provide an increasingly important and rigorous measure of the extent to which the rangelands are improving or not.

For further information on WARMS call Ian Watson, Research Officer at the Department of Agriculture and Food in Northam on (08) 9690 2179, or email: iwatson@agric.wa.gov.au

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Biodiversity conservation in the rangelands Dr. Tony Brandis, Rangeland Conservation Coordinator, Department of Environment and Conservation The loss of biological diversity (biodiversity) is perhaps the most serious environmental problem in Australia, with the potentially irreversible destruction of ecosystems.

The uncertainty about the significance of what is being lost requires new thinking and approaches to the use of our natural resources.

Increasing community concerns have seen governments developing a range of policies to address the decline in native plant and animal populations and their distribution.

One of our greatest challenges now is to ensure there is no further decline in biodiversity. However, finding ways to protect and manage the rangeland environment will continue to challenge industry, the community and government agencies as they try to balance environmental needs with economic, social and political imperatives.

20

The need for a conservation reserve system The establishment of a comprehensive, adequate and representative conservation reserve system to conserve biodiversity is a key goal of Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

has been developed against which each property is evaluated, ensuring that a consistent and repeatable approach is utilised. The criteria include: • land systems that are not in the reserve system or which are inadequately represented;

Conservation reserves allow for management of land to achieve outcomes that are not achievable under other land management systems.

• special features, such as riverine land systems or wetlands;

The historic development of the conservation reserve system in Western Australia, as in many other places, has been the result of ad hoc and unscientific selection of land – often land with little or no worth for agricultural development.

• biological survey results where they exist;

The result is that the existing conservation reserve system is far from being representative of the full range of land surfaces, habitats and species.

• rangeland condition.

Criteria for purchasing pastoral leases In the past, the purchase of pastoral land for reserves has been opportunistic and voluntary.

Now, as pastoral land becomes available on the market, biodiversity and conservation values are analysed in areas where the reserve system falls short of reservation targets. A set of criteria

• rare or threatened ecosystems or species;

• heritage or cultural values; • the results of regional planning processes; and

The inclusion of land systems not already within the reserve system addresses the need for a more comprehensive system, while also improving the representativeness of systems having less than 15 per cent of their area within the reserve system.

Pastoral land containing high diversity that is in relatively good condition, sustains relatively low levels of feral animals and weeds, and which is adequate in size, is prioritised for acquisition and inclusion in the reserve system.

Improvements from the Gascoyne-Murchison Strategy Most recently, there has been considerable improvement in the conservation reserve system in the Gascoyne-Murchison Strategy (GMS) region, where an additional four million hectares of pastoral rangeland containing high conservation values have been acquired.

number now represented at more than 15 per cent has quadrupled.

• 1.2 million hectares of moderate pastoral value; and

About 60 ecosystems considered restricted in distribution (less than 50,000 ha in area) occur within the land acquired, of which 51 are represented at more than 15 per cent of their original area.

• 167,000 hectares of high pastoral value land.

In the GMS region (comprising 60 million ha), the area of land now managed for the conservation of biodiversity has risen from 1.4 million ha to around 5.2 million ha. However, the increase in area alone should not be seen as the most important outcome of the acquisition program; rather, the level of improvement in the representativeness of the range of ecosystems within the region should be the important measure.

Despite these successes, about 44 per cent of ecosystems remain outside the reserve system, many of which are considered to be restricted in distribution. A number of areas containing high biodiversity also occur outside the reserve system.

At the beginning of the GMS nearly 93 per cent of ecosystems within the regions were either not represented at all, or were represented at less than 15 per cent of their areal extent in the reserve system.

At the end of the strategy, the number of vegetation types represented within the reserve system had doubled and the

Productivity of acquired land Due to the range in pastoral productivity of the rangelands, combined with higher levels of usage on high pastoral value land, most of the land acquired reflects lower pastoral productivity.

High pastoral value land is more desired by the industry, hence purchase opportunities have been more limited.

Overall, the acquisitions comprise: • 1.8 million hectares of low pastoral value land;

[Note that not all the GMS region (from which these figures are drawn) has been assessed for potential pastoral production value.]

The development of the conservation reserve system in the rangelands of WA is based on the review of a range of scientific and other information using an evaluation framework.

There has been considerable improvement in the conservation reserve system, although the area of conservation land in many regional areas remains well below recognised international and national targets.

If you would like more information about the establishment and management of the conservation reserve system, please contact Dr. Tony Brandis, Rangeland Conservation Coordinator, Department of Environment and Conservation on (08) 9729 2733.

‘Declared plants’ in Western Australia The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) maintains a ‘Declared Plants’ list for biosecurity protection purposes.

This protects agricultural producers and land managers from incursions of noxious weed species and the inherent problems created by species such as Rubber Vine, Prickly Acacia and Salvinia, to name a few.

The DAFWA website maintains a database which allows you to search for plants that are declared within a particular region of Western Australia.

The site provides information on the status of a plant, its declaration and a brief description and control methods.

Pastoral Management News

Several sources have been consulted, including Crop Weeds from Parsons and Cuthbertson, Western Weeds: A guide to the weeds of Western Australia from B.M.J. Hussey et al., the Weeds CRC web site and the Weeds Australia web site.

Both the database and the Declared Plants list can be obtained from www.agric.wa.gov.au (under the “Pests, Weeds + Diseases” section).

On the DAFWA website, you can either search for the common or scientific name of a plant or for a specific location from the region list.

Once you have made your selection, hit ‘Enter’. You can also download the Declared Plants list (64kb PDF file).

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The rangelands Natural Resource Management plan

Rod Williams, General Manager, Rangeland Coordinating Group, Carnarvon During 2004, the Western Australian Rangelands Natural Resource Management (NRM) region joined 55 other NRM regions across Australia in developing a strategic plan to guide their investment in natural resource management into the future.

The whole of Australia is now covered by NRM plans; a program unparalleled in its coverage anywhere in the world.

The Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group Inc (RCG) is the organisation charged with the responsibility of implementing their plan under the auspices of a Bilateral Agreement between the State and Australian governments. The RCG is chaired by Bill Mitchell.

22

The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) will be investing $9.6 million in NRM in the rangelands which stretch from east of Esperance to the Kimberley and cover 90 per cent of the State’s land surface and 75 per cent of its coastline.

State Investment Committee. The plan will further build on current projects while allowing for a proactive approach in our deserts as well as with Indigenous engagement, monitoring and evaluation and communication.

Uniquely, the region also encompasses a National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP) region – the Ord Irrigation Area, which paves the way for an additional investment of $6.4 million which focuses investment in salinity and water quality issues.

Areas of investment

A comprehensive program of community consultation by the Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group identified the key natural resource assets at risk from a range of threats (eg feral animals, rangeland condition, erosion, and nutrient and water quality issues in the Ord). To this end, a second investment plan has recently been presented to the

• Improving land management;

Investment will occur in four program areas including land; water, coastal and marine waters and communication; engagement; and planning. Specific investment areas within the programs include:

• Managing Weeds of National Significance; • Fire management; • Managing the desert; • Biodiversity protection;

• Catchment management in the northern and southern rangelands; • Maintaining water quality in the Ord; • Improving water use efficiencies; • Coastal management and protection; and • Planning, engagement, and monitoring and evaluation.

The Rangelands has been divided into five sub-regions – the Ord, Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne-Murchison, and GoldfieldsNullarbor. This regional structure ensures that important issues within those areas can be given attention at the rangelands scale and considered by the RCG for future investment.

A new management team has been established in Carnarvon during the year and all natural resource management business is now administered from the NRM centre located on the Department of Agriculture and Food’s research station.

Rod Williams has been appointed as General Manager and key management positions throughout the rangelands have now been filled.

This management committee, executive and staff are committed to working with all our key stakeholders and the wider community to ensure that key natural resource issues are appropriately considered for investment at the rangelands scale.

Additional funding In addition to the NHT and NAP funding, there is also additional investment occurring through the National Landcare Program and Envirofund.

Numerous organisations, LCDCs and individuals have been successful in obtaining funding within these programs, which has assisted activities at the property and catchment scales.

The National Landcare Program has funded projects as diverse as training courses for station employees in the Kimberley, TGM yards in the Gascoyne and Pilbara, bore capping in the Pilbara and grazing management options over the southern rangelands.

Now that Western Australia is part of the National Water Initiative there will be greater opportunities for the Ord and Carnarvon irrigation areas, and projects are already being developed in those areas.

The ‘Regional Delivery Model’, as it is known, is a unique framework for the development of appropriate community and government partnerships that allows wide ranging advice into the planning and investment activities in natural resource management.

The current agreement between the State and Australian Government ends in July 2008 and negotiations for a further agreement are about to be commenced.

For further information contact Rod Williams, the General Manager of the Rangelands Coordinating Group on (08) 9956 3328.

Website: www.rangelandswa.info

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Pastoral Management News

Clearing native vegetation on pastoral leases

Clearing of native vegetation generally requires a permit. There are exemptions, for some day-to-day land management activities and for some clearing approved or required under legislation. However, there are some limits and conditions on these exemptions.

The definition of ‘clearing’ includes “grazing, killing or destroying, removing, burning, draining, flooding or the doing of any substantial damage to native vegetation”.

Clearing on pastoral leases In the case of pastoral leases, there is an exemption to allow grazing stock on a pastoral lease in accordance with: • the Land Administration Act 1997; • the terms and conditions of the pastoral lease; and • any relevant condition or determination by the Pastoral Lands Board (PLB).

24

Grazing that does not comply with these requirements is not exempt and needs a clearing permit.

Other exemptions under the Land Administration Act 1997 include clearing to manage and work the land under the lease to its best advantage as a pastoral property. The PLB is the judge of satisfactory compliance with this provision.

An exemption is subject to a requirement to adopt best pastoral and environmental management practices and to maintain indigenous pasture and vegetation. The Pastoral Lands Board has produced a series of Best Management Practice

booklets, which pastoralists need to refer, to ensure their actions are, in fact, considered ‘best management practice’.

For further information, refer to the article on Best Management Practices in this edition of Pastoral Lines.

Clearing for pastoral improvements, including constructing or maintaining fences is similarly exempt. Where the PLB believes an improvement is necessary, it may require a pastoral lessee to prepare a development plan with a timetable for achieving the improvement. Compliance with the development plan is a requirement and is therefore also exempt.

There are some other exemptions for the following:

Native Vegetation Protection officers in the field Vi Saffer and Sean Walsh

• Clearing for fire suppression and prevention as required under the Bush Fires Act 1954 including clearing for firebreaks and around buildings where required under Section 33 of that Act. • Clearing for fire hazard reduction outside of the prohibited or restricted burning times (this exemption expires on 7 July 2007).

Native vegetation is defined broadly and includes aquatic and terrestrial species endemic to Western Australia. However, harvesting of plantations for commercial purposes and clearing of non-native species (such as Buffel grass) does not require a permit.

To check whether a clearing permit is required, contact your local Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Office.

Pastoral Management News

Clearing and Diversification Permits Diversification Permits for activities such as pastoral-based tourism or growing non-indigenous pastures are issued by the Pastoral Lands Board. These permits authorise activities other than pastoral activities.

Any clearing for a diversification activity requires a clearing permit from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). If in doubt, call a regional office of DEC and discuss your particular situation.

25

Clearing Native Vegetation on pastoral leases cont.

How to apply for a permit

The Assessment Process

After making initial enquiries, complete your application form (available online) and provide a map of the location you wish to clear, along with any site information you have (photographs, vegetation, soil or land type descriptions etc). Application fees range from $50 to $200.

Initial inquiry and proposal requiring clearing of native vegitation

All applications are advertised to invite public submissions. Assessment includes using data from geographic information systems, environmental specialists and published information.

Provide basic information to DEC (application form)

Sometimes DEC officers will contact you, seeking further information or they may make an appointment to visit the property to assess the site.

Once a decision has been made to grant or refuse a clearing permit, the applicant and/or a third party can appeal the decision or conditions of the permit.

Assessment and possible site visit

Legislation The above information is provided for general guidance only. If you intend to undertake activities that may involve clearing, you are advised to consult the actual legislation and seek advice, including legal advice, where necessary.

While the Department of Environment and Conservation has endeavoured to ensure the accuracy of this information, it accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies and persons relying on this information do so at their own risk. Please refer to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004, available from the State Law Publisher. Free electronic copies are available from www.slp.wa.gov.au

26

You may be asked to provide more information at this stage

Decision permit granted or refused

Additional publications relating to clearing laws, clearing permits, and application forms are available online from http://nvp.environment.wa.gov.au or by telephoning (08) 6364 6500.

Local advice For local advice on clearing matters please call the Department of Environment and Conservation at • Geraldton (for the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Murchison regions) on (08) 9964 5978.

• Karratha on (08) 9144 2000.

• Kununurra on (08) 9168 1082.

Possible Appeal

• Victoria Park (for the Goldfields region) on (08) 6250 8000.

AQIS-NAQS vet John Curran collects blood from a feral shorthorn bull in the north Kimberley. The animal will be autopsied and samples tested to eliminate exotic diseases

Quarantine vital in Western Australia’s pastoral areas Australia’s approach to quarantine aims to reduce quarantine risks to a very low level, while recognising that they can never be totally eliminated.

Many countries have pests and diseases that can be carried by people, by animals, in animal products such as meat, in plants or in plant products such as timber, or in soil on machinery.

If imported, they could have disastrous effects on Australia’s animals and plants – and our economy.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) has responsibility for keeping pests and diseases out of Australia. The service carries out quarantine inspections on all people, animals and goods arriving in Australia as well as inspecting and certifying agricultural exports.

In recognition of special quarantine risks from our near northern neighbours AQIS, through its Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, provides early warning surveillance for plant and animal pests and diseases in the Kimberley.

Of particular concern are the following: • Foot and mouth disease. This is one of the most contagious livestock diseases. A viral disease, it affects cloven-footed animals including cattle, buffalo, camels, sheep, goats, deer and pigs.

Pastoral Management News

Foot and mouth is widespread in parts of Asia, Africa and South America and an uncontrolled outbreak in Australia could lead to closure of key beef, lamb and pork export markets for more than a year. Control costs would be between $8 billion and $12 billion and the consequences of an outbreak would be felt for up to 10 years. Even an isolated outbreak would cost $2-3 billion to eradicate, with economic and social effects in other sectors, including tourism.

Clinical signs include fever, blisters on the tongue, lips and feet, drooling, sore feet and lameness.

• The screw-worm fly. This is an insect parasite of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Related to the blowflies that cause fly-strike in Australian sheep, it prefers hot, humid climates and cannot survive in frostprone areas.

Screw-worm flies breed in wounds on mammals, laying up to 250 eggs on the edge of an injury, scratch, branding mark or castration wound.

Larvae hatch within 24 hours, enter the wound and chew their way into healthy underlying flesh to feed. The wound becomes a mass of maggots, causing extensive tissue damage and leaving the flesh susceptible to secondary fly strike. After about a week, the larvae drop from the wound to pupate in the soil, emerging after another seven days as an adult to mate and repeat the cycle. Untreated animals can die from infection and loss of tissue fluid.

27

Quarantine vital cont.

Screw-worm flies could cost close to $500 million a year in lost production and control measures. They would have a devastating effect on northern livestock production, particularly cattle and sheep industries. In some herds, 10 to 15 per cent of cattle could be struck at any time; with the greatest loss being through the deaths of new-born calves as a result of navel strike. Eradication would depend on the release of millions of sterile male screw-worm flies to reduce breeding numbers. This could take up to five years, with health implications for remote northern communities.

• Avian influenza (AI). This is a viral disease of wild and domestic bird species, affecting their respiratory, digestive and nervous systems.

Occasionally, however, one of the many harmless, existing avian influenza viruses mutate into a form called

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which is highly lethal for birds, particularly domestic chickens There have been outbreaks in Australia before and on each occasion the virus has been eradicated through destruction of infected birds and strict controls on the movement of poultry, goods and people. A major outbreak would be costly to the poultry industry, consumers and taxpayers. An outbreak in the United States in 198384 required an eradication program that cost close to US$65 million. It resulted in the destruction of over 17 million birds and caused retail egg prices to increase by more than 30 per cent.

The virus causing concern to health authorities at the moment is the highly pathogenic strain called H5N1.

Widespread in parts of Asia, it has

caused serious problems for poultry industries. It occasionally infects humans and could mutate into a human transmissible form. The Australian Government takes the threat very seriously and has strategies to reduce the risk of avian influenza reaching Australia. AQIS screens all passengers and luggage from risk countries, undertakes surveys of wild birds and works with neighbouring countries to better understand and control the movement of the disease.

You can do your bit Quarantine is a shared responsibility for all Australians, and pastoralists can help safeguard their land and Australia at large by reporting any unusual weeds, plant or animal diseases to their local AQIS office.

For more information, please visit the AQIS website www.aqis.gov.au

Mesquite: Waging the war in the Pilbara Linda Anderson, Project Officer, Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee Inc., Karratha Mesquite is an introduced noxious Weed of National Significance (WONS) and is native to the Americas.

It was widely imported into Australia as a shade and fodder plant and ornamental garden feature in the early 1900s. Its highly invasive nature and prolific seeding, in addition to its promotion as a hardy arid fodder plant, meant mesquite rapidly established across pockets of the northern rangeland regions of Australia.

28 Current estimations put the national

infestation covering 800,000 ha, with four core regions.

Mesquite is found across the Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions in varying density levels and species composition.

The major infestation of mesquite – the single largest Australian population – is centred on Mardie Station in the Pilbara.

It covers 150,000 ha of the pastoral lease, of which 45,000 ha is recognised as the core infestation and is characterised by a thorny blanket of hybridised mesquite plants.

Funding of $545,707 from the Natural Heritage Trust program is being utilised to develop cost-effective and successful methods of treating moderate to dense infestations of hybrid mesquite, in addition to researching ecological aspects of the plant and its population structure.

Mesquite identification Mesquite has several characteristics from which it can be readily identified.

Firstly, it has long tooth-pick like thorns and green fern-like leaves. The plant itself can also take two forms, either a single stemmed tree or shrubby multi-stemmed bush.

Positive identification is made easier during summer months, when plants display brilliant yellow ‘lambs-tail’ flowers. Its pods are also distinctive, being elongated with slight constrictions between seeds. Pods can vary in colour from green when immature to straw, purple, red or even black when matured.

Isolated populations of mesquite are commonly found around water sources and where stock often camp. These can spread significantly due to mesquites highly invasive nature.

New infestations of mesquite often occur as a result of seeds being transported in the gut of animals, domestic and feral, and deposited widespread around the landscape. Floodwaters disperse seed to a lesser extent, and along with incorrect vehicle wash-down procedures and inadvertent movement of seeds by tourists, make up the majority of new population establishment.

Why be concerned about mesquite?

In isolation, most plants rarely cause a problem; however, mesquite’s highly invasive nature means that single plants can often transform rapidly into denser infestations.

While isolated mesquite plants and populations may seem relatively harmless, it is worth noting that the Mardie Station infestation began from two trees at the homestead and now covers nearly twothirds of the pastoral lease.

Mesquite is highly competitive, and will out-compete pastures and trees to an extent where the only plants found will be mesquite. It can cause severe environmental degradation, most notably gully erosion along water courses and sheet erosion within infestations.

Feral animals can shelter in infestations, making control difficult. Stock access to water is blocked by the impenetrable thickets, and mustering costs increase as helicopters need to be relied upon due to inaccessibility of paddocks.

Thorns of mesquite branches can puncture tyres of vehicles and motorbikes – the current record of tyre changes on

one vehicle in one day is seven, all due to mesquite thorns!

Thorns can also penetrate the skin of stock and horses, causing discomfort to animals and severe infections.

If you enjoy the biodiversity of plants and animals on your pastoral station, or the accessible rivers and creeks for recreation, or the productivity of your cattle or sheep, then be on the lookout for mesquite.

Report possible sightings of mesquite to your local Department of Agriculture and Food, or to the Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee on (08) 9144 1844. Further information can be found by simply typing ‘mesquite’ into the search engines of the websites of CSIRO www.csiro.au DAFWA www.agric.wa.gov.au or the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water www.nrm.qld.gov.au

29 Mesquite Pods

Mesquite Flowers

Pastoral Management News

Mesquite Thorns

Costs of watering stock in the rangelands Francis Bright, Regional Economist, Department of Agriculture and Food, Kununurra.

Watering of stock is critical to pastoral businesses throughout the rangelands.

While forage grasses and shrubs may grow on your station, without water they are no use to stock; neither can stock survive without access to reliable and drinkable water.

Stock water workbook In 2005, the Department of Agriculture and Food released the Pastoral Stock Water Workbook with information about stock water points in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. While relevant to those regions, the information can also be applied in other areas, as many of the issues faced are similar.

Costs high What became apparent is that the cost of providing stock water can be a lot more than most people would expect; with the main costs of a bore run being the labour to drive the vehicle and the fuel to get around the property.

The table below shows the annual costs of a bore run, based on labour of $35,000 and 156 trips per year. It shows how much a business can spend on just maintaining water flows for stock each year.

The workbook covers issues to be considered when investing in new stock watering points. These include

topography, depth to water, soil types, economics, water point types, telemetry and property development.

There are also Microsoft Excel spreadsheet exercises to help pastoralists develop their own cost information on providing stock water.

The workbook can assist you to make informed decisions, but there is no “magic one size fits all” solution, as every business is different in its resources, management, and future directions.

The workbooks are free to pastoralists and available from the Department of Agriculture and Food’s District Offices at Derby on (08) 9191 0333 and Karratha on (08) 9144 2065.

Annual costs of bore runs km/trip

$1.00

$1.50

200

$66,200

$81,800

250

$74,000

Cost per km $2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$97,400

$113,000

$128,600

$93,500

$113,000

$132,500

$152,000

The information in the workbook was gathered by interviewing a large number of pastoralists across the region to find out whether there was any magic formula.

300

$81,800

$105,200

$128,600

$152,000

$175,400

350

$89,600

$116,900

$144,200

$171,500

$198,800

There wasn’t.

400

$97,400

$128,600

$159,800

$191,000

$222,200

450

$105,200

$140,300

$175,400

$210,500

$245,600

500

$113,000

$152,000

$191,000

$230,000

$269,000

Obligations for providing water for livestock

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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) reminds readers that the Animal Welfare Act 2002 requires the person in charge of an animal to “provide proper and sufficient water” to the animal.

Note that this means every animal in a person’s care.

The RSPCA’s Dr Ron Soutar says that an abundant supply of fresh water is essential for maintenance, growth, reproduction and survival of animals in the rangelands.

“Among all the responsibilities of station managers, providing proper and sufficient water for stock is undoubtedly the most important and critical aspect of pastoral lease management,” he says.

Dr Soutar says every pastoralist and station manager needs to consider the following points to ensure that they are providing ‘proper and sufficient water’ for their stock.

Quality of water supply Water quality for stock is generally determined by an analysis of the amount of total dissolved salts. The more dissolved salts there are, the more brackish is the water.

It is a straightforward task to arrange to send a sample of stock water to the local Department of Agriculture and Food for analysis and advice on its suitability for livestock.

Alternatively, there are relatively inexpensive hand-held meters that give a reasonably accurate indication of salinity, provided they are calibrated regularly.

Quantity of water supply Livestock water requirements depend upon many factors. The important ones to take into account are: • Peak daily ambient temperatures • Seasonal moisture content of available feed • Salinity levels in the water supply and available forage • Breed, age and sex of the animal • Reproductive and lactation status • Distance between water supply and good grazing areas • Flow rate of the water supply between tank and trough • Number of stock dependent on the supply • Competition between stock and feral and native animals.

You may need to seek advice on these variables from animal management professionals, staff at the Department of Agriculture and Food or livestock industry consultants.

Pastoral Management News

Reliability of water supply The reliability of a water source is of paramount importance. Stock require access to water on an ‘on-demand’ basis, and a failure of the supply at any time is a critical event. It can cause serious animal welfare outcomes and loss of production by thirst, failure to feed, failure of lactation and mismothering, damage to water infrastructure by thirsty animals and, ultimately, death of animals.

In addition, animals staying at unreliable waters will cause severe degradation of the nearby land.

Storage of water Storage of water is managed by natural reservoirs and the establishment of dams, tanks and troughs, and is essential to ensure a continuity of supply when stock come in for a drink.

Adequate storage will prevent water shortage in times of wind drought, failure of seasonal rains and normal seasonal variation of rainfall.

Mechanical breakdowns are commonplace and a good manager will become aware of these on regular millruns and make appropriate repairs well before stock begin to show signs of water deprivation.

The actual storage must be protected from physical damage and contamination to prevent failure when an emergency

arises. For example, the convenience of lightweight ‘poly’ storage tanks can be taken for granted as they are tough and durable, and they are secure when full of water.

It is possible for an incident to occur if a pump or mill fails and the tank runs dry – a willy-willy or storm may blow the tank over if it is anchored insecurely, ripping out pipes and joiners and fracturing the tank with disastrous consequences for thirsty stock. Regular mill runs to check on the infrastructure are an essential part of station management.

In some circumstances, animals may become bogged in dams and/or fall down wells and die, causing a total loss of the stored water by poisoning. It is essential that entrapment of animals in wells, dams or soaks is prevented either by ensuring safe access or by fencing or otherwise blocking off unsafe areas.

These scenarios are significant animal welfare concerns and are readily preventable by good planning and regular maintenance.

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Obligations for providing water for livestock cont.

Location of water supply

Mustering and yarding of stock.

On the rangeland, natural waters often allow grazing in their vicinity. Artificial waters are created to enable grazing across the terrain, and as an aid to management of the rangelands with regard to conservation of the landforms.

It is normal to provide a reliable water supply for cattle to cater for grazing within a five kilometre radius.

Provision of water for stock is a critical aspect of mustering for many reasons.

Some of the stock that are mustered are likely to be aged, carrying injuries, pregnant or with calves or lambs at foot, or stressed and fatigued from the roundup.

Emergency supplies If a water supply fails due to breakdown, weather or season, then livestock will suffer and businesses may fail. Water may have to be trucked in by tanker, emergency pumps brought in, stock moved to another area or turned off for agistment or sale. The provision of emergency supplies will have to be carried out immediately to prevent stock suffering.

In a worst-case scenario, animals may have to be destroyed if they are unfit 32 for transport due to water deprivation or starvation.

It may be that water has been turned off temporarily to facilitate stock gathering at water points, or stock may have been held in temporary yards without adequate watering. Best management practice will ensure that proper and sufficient water is provided at strategic points, and that animals are rested and watered to ensure that their welfare is not compromised.

If any animal is unable to keep up with the mob during the muster, it must be destroyed humanely and not left behind to suffer and/or die.

When yarded, there should be adequate drafting facilities to separate the mob into lines, and appropriate feed and water provided to each group.

Animal Welfare Act 2002 Failure to provide ‘proper and sufficient water’ may result in a prosecution for a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The penalty for a breach of the Act by an individual is a minimum fine of $2,000 and a maximum of $50,000 and five years imprisonment. For a corporate body, the fines are five times that for an individual.

For any further advice on animal welfare matters please contact RSPCA WA (Inc) at mail@rspcawa.asn.au or call (08) 9209 9300.

Soil erosion at stock water points Jim Addison, Department of Agriculture and Food, Kalgoorlie.

Many pastoral leases have accelerated soil erosion associated with a water point as a result of some historical infrastructure development.

This erosion, in more severe form, is difficult to rectify even if the water point is closed, as soil erosion once started may ‘get a life of its own’.

The appropriate time to address potential erosion issues is during the water point development planning phase.

Following are some points to consider before embarking on a water point development project. Remember, prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure.

Water point position in the landscape Wherever possible, water troughs should be located on soil types not prone to erosion. This may require water to be reticulated a short distance from source to supply point. Concentration of upslope overland flow by converging stock pads may both initiate erosion and possibly threaten the security of the infrastructure.

Vegetation maintenance Wherever possible, water points should be located in pasture types not preferred by grazing animals. This reduces the risk of initiating soil erosion through vegetation removal.

Remember too that although water is the cause of much erosion, wind erosion may

Pastoral Management News

be a factor in some landscapes. Retention of a vegetative ‘roughness’ element minimises this wind erosion risk.

An appropriate stocking rate should be used per water point or per unit area in any catchment associated with the water point, to maintain vegetative cover. Bores and wells are often located adjacent to water courses or flow lines.

The removal of protective vegetation from both the water point location and in the associated catchment is a common cause of water point soil erosion. Very simply, vegetation removal at the water point removes soil protection.

Any removal of vegetation in the catchment increases rainfall run-off, shortens run-off time-to-concentration at a particular point and raises peak watercourse flows.

Conservative catchment stocking rates in times of reduced forage availability will minimise much of the erosion risk.

Erosion hazards peculiar to dams When planning water points, it is critical to remember that if doubling the speed of water flow, the erosive power is squared.

For example, doubling a flow speed from one kilometre per hour to two kilometres per hour increases the erosive power by a factor of four.

Incised watercourses should be avoided when positioning dam-sites, as these sites have already demonstrated a tendency to erode. The preferred option is to select a site higher in the catchment and utilise

lateral water collecting drains to increase catchment size where required.

Dam inlets that do not have appropriate pipe installation to convey water into the storage often initiate gully formation in “fragile” soil types. These gullies may, over time, extend well back into the catchment.

Such erosion affects the pastoral operation, as it both reduces the effectiveness of the dam by siltation (and thus reduces dam capacity), as well as making the catchment’s water collection and the consequent movement of the water into the dam less efficient.

‘Matching’ annual catchment production to annual recharge requirements will minimise by-wash flows. By-wash flows characteristically have increased erosive energy as a result of flow concentration and increased slope.

A reduction in flow concentration by constructing a by-wash (overflow) equally at the end of both wing-banks will reduce erosion risk. Rocky outcrops may be identified as suitable locations for by-wash discharges. Fencing of the by-wash areas may be necessary to protect stabilising vegetation from grazing animals.

Geological ‘natural’ erosion is an ongoing but very slow process that rarely creates problems on pastoral leases. However, accelerated erosion resulting from poor grazing or earthmoving practices, reduces the base resource asset value and productive capacity, and may threaten the security of pastoral infrastructure.

Given the time, money and effort in establishing pastoral infrastructure, it makes good sense to protect it with good planning.

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Carnarvon Artesian Basin rehabilitation project The second stage of the Carnarvon Artesian Basin Rehabilitation Project began recently to decommission the remaining 28 free-flowing bores within the basin that are currently running to waste.

The project began in 1997 as a joint venture between the Department of Water (then Waters and Rivers Commission), the Federal Government and local pastoralists as part of the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy.

The long-term aim of the strategy was to develop better land and water management through rehabilitation and reticulation of flowing bores in the Carnarvon Artesian Basin (CAB). The objectives were to: 1. Reduce the number of uncontrolled bore drains.

2. Increase pressure in the artesian basin.

3. Reduce water wastage.

4. Improve grazing management.

5. Improve weed and feral animal control.

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The Carnarvon Artesian Basin falls largely within the Gascoyne Groundwater Area and extends north to the mouth of the Fortescue River in the Pilbara Groundwater Area.

Oil exploration projects between the early 1900s and 1980s resulted in approximately 160 bores being drilled in the basin, primarily with cabled, tooloperated drilling rigs. Unfortunately, the steel bore casings used could not cope with combination of drilling techniques or the corrosive effects of the artesian bore water.

The casings began to deteriorate badly, leaving some bores corroded and offvertical. Added to this, a lack of mud pumps meant further complications that allowed corrosion to take hold in the casings and caused some pumps to cease operating effectively.

Originally, these bores were used to feed open bore drains that provide water for stock on pastoral stations. The groundwater from the CAB is vital as it is the only reliable water source available to many pastoralists.

Improved water management The first stage of the project saw 57 bores capped and replaced with 15 controlled bores. The result was eight GL of water saved at the surface and up to 35 GL saved sub-surface. (1 gigalitre (GL) = 1000 megalitres = 1 million kilolitres = 1 billion litres).

An uncapped bore in the Carnarvon Artesian Basin

A controlled water supply has also allowed the development of innovative pastoral management systems. The use of controlled bores has improved water use management in horticulture, aquaculture, the mining industry and other activities.

The first stage of the project resulted in an increase in the pressure within the basin of between 20-40 kilopascals or approximately two to four metres of head increase.

The second phase involves decommissioning 28 bores and drilling up to ten new bores to replace them. These new bores will have fully controllable head works from which water will be reticulated to suitable watering points.

Pastoral Management News

Flow rates have defined the discharge of water at the surface as being 4.46 GL with the possibility of substantially more water being saved sub-surface from decommissioning the deteriorated bores. The saving is possible by preventing water leaking into other underground formations from bore casings which are in poor condition.

The Department of Water, in consultation with water users from industry, business and the local community, is also developing a Groundwater Management Plan for the area’s artesian water resource. The plan is expected to be out for public comment before the end of 2006.

For further information on the Carnarvon Artesian Basin Rehabilitation Project, please contact Brad Cox at the Department of Water, Carnarvon Office on (08) 9941 6100.

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Review into industry training for Aboriginal pastoralists The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Alannah MacTiernan recently commissioned a Review into Industry Training for Aboriginal Pastoralists.

The purpose of the review is to identify the issues affecting the success of Aboriginal pastoralism in Western Australia, and to develop strategies that will assist Aboriginal pastoralists in improving skills in the management of pastoral stations.

The review will evaluate the effectiveness of existing training programs for Aboriginal pastoralists, and recommend to Government an integrated approach that will assist young Aboriginal people into the pastoral industry. The review will report its findings to the Minister by 30 September 2007.

Aboriginal-held pastoral leases account for 12 per cent (61) of the 525 pastoral leases within the pastoral industry in Western Australia. Many of these leases have significant performance issues and challenges on a range of indicators. For instance, Department of Agriculture and Food statistics indicate that over the last five years Aboriginal-held pastoral leases have run at an average of 34.1 per cent of their potential carrying capacity, compared to 71.9 per cent for other leases.

A report recently published by Meat & Livestock Australia found that low stock numbers, governance problems, erratic cash flow and inconsistent management led to most Indigenous pastoral enterprises in the Kimberley consistently registering trading losses.

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In addition, it would appear that a number of Aboriginal held pastoral leases, particularly in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, are not being managed as commercial pastoral enterprises.

Some land under pastoral lease is being utilised simply in support of Aboriginal communities, and in some cases, the communities have populations and infrastructure comparable to small towns.

Employment A separate, but potentially related issue, is the reduced number of Aboriginal people working in the pastoral industry.

During previous generations, pastoralism was a significant – and in many areas the dominant – source of employment for Aboriginal people in the rangelands. The pastoral industry provided opportunities for Aboriginal people to work in a range of capacities. However, younger Aboriginal people in pastoral areas appear no longer to be attracted to working in the pastoral industry.

A number of initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Aboriginal pastoral industry already exist. For example, accredited training courses in beef production can be undertaken in a number of locations, Indigenous management support services are available in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Southern Agricultural regions, and governance training is becoming more widely available.

The current review will have the opportunity to assess the impact of these programs and to see what needs to be done to secure any necessary improvements at industry-wide level.

Have your say The review is interested in hearing comments regarding the issues that affect the success of Aboriginal pastoralism in Western Australia from all

interested parties, especially Aboriginal pastoralists, other pastoralists, native title representative bodies and other individuals and organisations with an interest in Aboriginal pastoralism.

The closing date for submissions to the review is 1 March 2007. Interested parties can participate in the review in a number of ways: • by providing a submission to the Review Panel (via Mr Karel Eringa), either verbally, by phone, email, fax or post to the addresses below. Written submissions should be marked to the attention of Karel Eringa, or • by joining the online discussion forum at www.dpi.wa.gov.au/ritap Finally, the review will be seeking the opinions of interested parties through consultations in all pastoral areas of the State, and is considering the merit of conducting information meetings in a number of pastoral regions.

If you would like to participate if such meetings are held, or have any comments or questions about the Review, please contact Hon Tom Stephens, the Chairman of the Review on (08) 9216 8321, fax (08) 9216 8747 or email: ritap@dpi.wa.gov.au For further information on the review, including Terms of Reference and membership of the Review Panel, please visit the Review website at www.dpi.wa.gov.au/ritap

Have Your Say On the review into industry training for Aboriginal pastoralists.

Go to www.dpi.wa.gov.au/ritap or call (08) 9216 8321

Features

The 2006 Gascoyne Muster: The Next Generation The Gascoyne Muster: The Next Generation forum was held in Carnarvon on 15 September 2006.

The day, convened by Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan focused on the future of the State’s pastoral industry and provided an opportunity for people to have a say about the future directions of the industry, as well as hear about emerging trends.

All stakeholders in the pastoral industry, including pastoral lessees, managers, station workers, agribusiness, government and non-government representatives were invited, with more than 160 people from across Western Australia turning out for the event.

The Muster, the third since its inception in 2002, focused on the viability of staying on the land for the next generation of pastoralists.

Features

The day was packed with excellent presentations including ones on attracting and retaining young people in the pastoral industry, succession planning and climate change, along with lively discussions on the future of this industry to 2030.

Participants had direct access to the Minister as well as members of the Pastoral Lands Board and Pastoral Land Business Unit.

Sandra Van Vreeswyk, General Manager, Pastoral Land Business Unit, said that the Muster was invaluable in providing an insight into the pastoral industry.

“The Muster gave pastoralists the opportunity to comment on current initiatives and also to share with the Minister and industry what they would like to happen in the future,” Sandra said.

“One such initiative which stems from the previous Musters is the establishment of a Rangelands Council.

“The Rangelands Council will be the new peak body that coordinates the sustainable use and management of the rangelands, which make up 87 per cent of the state’s land mass.

“In addition to its coordinating function, the Council will provide whole-ofGovernment policy advice on land use management for the rangelands.

“The Council will deal with issues related to Aboriginal issues, conservation, mining and tourism uses of the rangelands,” Sandra said.

Issues raised from previous Musters including the provision of better land tenure and new issues, including the effects of global warming and climate change were also discussed.

The issues raised by pastoralists will help the State Government to better legislate to meet the needs of the pastoral industry.

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The pastoral lease market: July 2005 to June 2006 The 2005-06 financial year saw a record 43 pastoral leases transferred.

This excludes non arms-length transactions of leases involving actions such as share transfers and trust dissolutions.

Demand for cattle leases remains strong with a limited supply of commercial size leases listed for purchase.

Demand is greatest for leases that have a coastal position, are close to a regional centre, have perceived rainfall reliability, adequate infrastructure or have either river flood-out country and /or significant areas of Buffel grass.

Market values for all leases remain the same as for 2004-05 except for slight increases in values for well set up, well located, high carrying capacity land system leases. The market has shown a preference for leases that are well stocked, well located and well set-up, which demonstrate immediate cash flow.

Destocked or significantly destocked leases have proved hard to sell.

A steady market demand exists for smaller grazing lifestyle leases, particularly close to Perth or regional areas. These leases are quite often sold without stock and are utilised as a residence with the lessee working off-station, for example, at nearby mining companies.

Buyers are primarily from within the industry and include northern cattlemen seeking to spread climatic risk, as well as wheatbelt farms seeking additional grazing. There were no overseas purchasers in 2005-06.

With a continuation of low wool prices and a general cost price squeeze there is an ongoing trend for Merino properties to convert to meat breeds such as Damara and Dorper crosses.

The trend continues for buyers to convert from sheep to cattle where the rangeland permits such a change. This is very evident in the eastern Goldfields and Nullarbor where dingoes are a problem for sheep producers.

Sales of Pastoral Leases Western Australia: July 2005 – June 2006 Area

Type

Sales

Kimberley

Cattle

8

Pilbara

Cattle

5

Southern Rangelands

Cattle

12

Southern Rangelands

Sheep

18

Total

43

Leases listed for sale and not sold as at 30/6/06 (estimated)

18

(These figures exclude non arms-length transactions of leases involving share transfers and trust dissolutions etc.)

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Reasons for sales are varied and include personal circumstances, such as health and family issues, retirement and the cumulative effect of drought/s and low commodity prices with the resulting impact on viability and equity.

Also during 2005-06, CALM (now the Department of Environment and Conservation) purchased two complete leases as well as several smaller portions of existing leases to consolidate with existing reserves. Finally, there were four leases which were subject to intercompany (mining) transfers.

Pastoralists and miners: joint managers of land Given Western Australia’s abundance of mineral resources, it is common for mineral deposits and pastoral leases to overlap.

Where they do, pastoralists have the exclusive right to the pastoral use of the land (that is, grazing the native vegetation with authorised stock in a sustainable manner). However, any material at surface and below the surface, for example minerals, belongs to the Crown and is therefore open to mining exploration.

Features

A mining company or individual may prospect on the land by obtaining a Miner’s Right or explore/mine under authority of a granted mining tenement under the Mining Act 1978.

The State Government encourages pastoralists and the mining industry to work collaboratively when their land interests overlap.

“Pastoralists do not have the right of veto to stop prospectors from coming on the land,” he says.

“However, the prospector has to follow guidelines that ensure the pastoralist is kept informed of what activities are being undertaken and that no damage is done to property or livestock.”

A holder of a Miner’s Right is entitled to:

Miner’s Right

• Prospect for minerals;

Mark Miley, Perth Mining Registrar with the Department of Industry and Resources, says a person holding a Miner’s Right has access to Crown land that includes pastoral lease land.

• Conduct geological mapping; • Conduct tests for minerals; • Undertake limited sampling using hand-held equipment and to remove samples of up to 20 kilograms;

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Pastoralists and miners: joint managers of land cont.

• Mark out mining tenements; • Fossick for rocks, gemstones, etc; and • Take water and camp for the purposes of prospecting.

If the holder of a Miner’s Right wants to explore an area further and bring in mechanised equipment, they must apply for and be granted a prospecting or exploration licence.

The licence, subject to lodgement of a work program and obtaining environmental approval, will allow the holder to start minor excavation and drilling work.

If this proves successful, the holder may then apply for a mining lease.

Mining Tenement Under the Mining Act 1978 a person applying for a Mining Tenement must: • Provide a copy of the mining tenement application to the pastoral lessee within 14 days of the application being lodged; • Notify the pastoral lessee before going onto their land; • Not camp within 400 metres of a well, dam or bore; • Not undertake work within 100 metres of crops, stockyards or any land that is in actual occupation and on which a house or other substantial building is erected, without the lessee’s consent; and • Ensure the least possible damage to the surface of the land.

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Mr Miley says the Mining Act 1978 protects pastoralists and their infrastructure.

“The Act specifies the rights of the tenement holder and the Miner’s Right holder, and protects the infrastructure of the pastoralist,” he says.

“Miners cannot undertake activities on areas of the tenement under crop, orchard, vineyard, plantation or stockyard, without the written approval of the occupier.”

Resolving disputes The Department of Industry and Resources encourages the mining industry and pastoralists to conduct their work with respect and appreciation for their respective operations.

If pastoralists have complaints or concerns that cannot be resolved between the two parties, they can contact one of the department’s liaison officers or their local mining registrar.

The role of the liaison officers, in part, is to promote good working relationships between the mining industry and pastoralists and to facilitate communication and dispute resolution.

There is a liaison officer in Kalgoorlie, covering the Goldfields, Murchison, MidWest and South-West regions (contact (08) 9021 9437) and another officer in Karratha, covering the Gascoyne, Ashburton, Pilbara and Kimberley regions (contact (08) 9186 8809).

There are mining registrar offices in Perth, Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Leonora, Marble Bar, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet, Norseman and Southern Cross.

The Investigation Services Unit of the Department of Industry and Resources can also help with disputes involving offences against the Mining Act 1978. The unit monitors and enforces compliance with mining legislation and also educates prospectors and landholders about its role and their rights and responsibilities.

The unit’s General Manager, Shayne Sherman, says the unit plans to attend regional meetings of the Pastoral and Graziers’ Association over the coming months to discuss issues that affect pastoralists.

You can contact Shayne on (08) 9222 3565 and the Investigative Services Unit at isu@doir.wa.gov.au

More information More information on this topic (including the pamphlets Miner’s Rights and Prospecting, Exploration, Mining on Pastoral Leases) is available on the Department of Industry and Resources website at www.doir.wa.gov.au/ mineralsand petroleum/informationpamphlets.

The Men’s Quarters at Glenroy Homestead in the Kimberley.

Heritage areas on pastoral leases Sites on pastoral leases

There are 12 pastoral stations on the Heritage Council’s State Register of Heritage Places, which lists over 1,000 heritage places in Western Australia.

The list includes buildings, structures, gardens, cemeteries, landscapes and archaeological sites, and recognises a place’s value and importance to WA and helps ensure that is conserved into the future.

Of the 12 pastoral stations on the State Register, seven contain buildings built before 1900.

There are a variety of heritage places from homesteads and their associated buildings to lighthouses.

A homestead or station can have associated structures such as shearing sheds, mining infrastructure and airstrips.

The components of a registered place show the changes made over time and provide visual reminders of the story the places tell. Often heritage places have a multitude of stories to tell which may cover indigenous history; settlement history and sometimes natural values.

The inclusion of a place in the State Register does not mean it can’t be changed. In fact, the Heritage Council supports practical change and new compatible uses.

One such pastoral station is the Nanutarra Station complex, which was developed from around 1878 as part of the early pastoral development of the Ashburton region and permanently listed in November 2005.

However, any changes or works that may affect the place must be referred to the Heritage Council for consideration before works take place. It is generally accepted that certain works may need to be undertaken to allow the place to continue to be used.

The historical development of Nanutarra demonstrates the characteristic expansion of remote pastoral properties, particularly in the State’s North West, from simple 19th century family homesteads to the large pastoral complexes of the present.

Features

Nanutarra Station complex is a good representative example of a pastoral station complex dating from the late 19th century.

Another place with pastoral associations on the State Register is the Air Beef Abattoir and Aerodrome (ruins) and Glenroy Homestead Group, which had an important role in the development of the beef pastoral industry in the Kimberley and the North West during the 20th century. It changed the way beef was exported from inland areas and successfully provided an important facility for surrounding pastoralists on a seasonal basis from 1949 to 1965, as well as contributing significantly to the quota of Australian meat exported to Britain.

Other examples are the Corunna Downs Station and former wartime airbase, and the Point Cloates Lightstation (ruin).

Corunna Downs comprises a group of single-storey ant bed mud, off-form concrete and corrugated iron station buildings. It was part of the development of the pastoral industry in the Pilbara district and demonstrates the evolution of a pastoral settlement since 1891.

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Heritage areas on pastoral leases cont.

The Point Cloates Lightstation, built in 1910, comprises the sandstone ruins of Point Cloates Lighthouse and Quarters and associated remnants. It is located on Ningaloo pastoral station, which is approximately 100 km south of Exmouth.

The significance of heritage sites The important thing to remember about places entered in the State Register, whether or not they are on a pastoral lease, is that they are included because they contribute to the story of the development and history of Western Australia.

Each place has a different and unique story to tell which the Heritage Council tries to capture in its research of the place. The people involved, the type of activities and often the locally sourced material used for entry in the Register, for whatever the activity, are usually different for each place.

(08) 9221 4177 for a free check to see if your lease is affected by entry in the Register. Another way to do it is to approach Landgate (formerly the Department of Land Information) and, for a fee, a copy of the title of the land can be provided which will show any interest, including heritage, on the title.

The development of the pastoral lease system in WA is important in itself to the development of the State and forms part of the rich tapestry of who we are today and what we do.

If you would like to take advantage of some of the benefits of heritage listing you can nominate a place to the Register.

We have a nomination form online at www.heritage.wa.gov.au

You are welcome to contact the Heritage Council on freecall 1800 644 177 or

Update on the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Bill 2006 A major change proposed by the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Bill currently before Parliament will be the replacement of the Agriculture Protection Board (APB) by a Biosecurity Council.

The new Council will be the principal source of advice on biosecurity issues to both the Director General and Minister for Agriculture and Food.

The BAM Bill has been the subject of discussions with key agricultural producer organisations and community groups for quite a few years and this collaborative approach will continue as the necessary regulations are developed.

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The new Act will replace 17 existing Acts including the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976, an Act for the control of harmful plants (such as mesquite) and animals (such as wild dogs) and which allows for the rating of land held under pastoral lease.

Some of the operational detail of the Acts to be replaced will be transferred to regulations under the new Act. However, Parliament will continue to maintain an appropriate level of scrutiny and regulations may be disallowed or amended if necessary.

The new Act puts a specific obligation on the Minister for Agriculture and Food to consult with people who might be affected by regulations. Obviously this consultation will include producers as the most important group of affected people.

The new Act will also allow the Minister for Agriculture and Food to appoint other advisory groups and to recognise biosecurity groups such as those established to control declared pests in a specified area.

Recognised biosecurity groups will be able to receive money from the Declared Pest Account for this purpose. This will improve upon the existing arrangements with Zone Control Authorities.

There will be provision in the new Act to allow declared pest rates to be paid by mining interests as well as by pastoral lessees.

Interested readers can obtain an electronic version of the Bill from the website of the Parliament of Western Australia at the following address: http://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/web/ newwebparl.nsf/iframewebpages/ Bills+-+Current For further information, please email bamb@agric.wa.gov.au or contact Richard Walker, Policy Officer, Biosecurity, Department of Agriculture and Food on (08) 9368 3830.

Important changes to the Agriculture Protection rate Important changes to the general rating provisions under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 will improve the link between the amount of revenue to be collected in each zone and the operational budget for that zone.

The changes, which were first sought by the pastoral industry in 2002, removes the historical requirement that General Rate revenue be raised in the ratio of one-third from the Kimberley and two-thirds from zones south of the Kimberley.

From July 1 2006, each of the five pastoral zones will be able to implement a totally independent rate, while still retaining access to the Government’s (dollar-fordollar) matching fund contributions.

Features

In April 2006, members of the Agriculture Protection Board (APB) met with representatives of the five pastoral Zone Control Authorities (ZCA) to discuss their respective 2006-07 revenue targets.

All ZCAs elected to increase their 200506 revenue base in line with CPI increases (3%), to avoid erosion of their ‘purchasing power’ during 2006-07.

The Pilbara ZCA decided it needed to also increase rate revenue by an extra 15 per cent, over and above the three per cent increase, to offset the progressive removal of historical cross-subsidisation from the other four zones.

The quantum of the General Rate within a given financial year remains linked to the unimproved value of the land held under pastoral lease.

Because of the changes, there may be some administrative delay in issuing rate notices for 2006-07.

For further information, please contact Caroline Horsfield, APB Administrative Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food on (08) 9368 3942.

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Students and teachers of the Flexible Learning In Schools program

Focus on education: the Next Generation Kindergarten to Year 12 Today’s remote education in the ‘virtual classroom’ The Schools of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE) are at the forefront of the innovative use of technology for education. Increasingly, the traditional ‘correspondence school’ print-based approach is being replaced by the ‘virtual classroom’.

Collectively, the Schools of Isolated and Distance Education form one of the largest schools in Western Australia, providing schooling to more than 2,000 students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

SIDE consists of seven schools. The SIDE Primary and Secondary Schools are at Leederville in Perth.

The five Schools of the Air (or SOTAs) are regionally based in Carnarvon, Kalgoorlie, Derby, Port Hedland and Meekatharra.

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Focus on education History of the School of the Air The WA Correspondence School was officially established in September 1918 with two teachers. The main purpose of this school was to provide education to the ‘isolated’ and the ‘outback’ students at primary level.

Over time, courses for secondary education were established and extended to include the same curriculum subjects available to city students.

The first official radio SOTA was established at Meekatharra in 1959. The school utilised the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s direct, two-way radio network for up to three hours a day.

Following the success of the initial school at Meekatharra, other schools were established in Derby (1960), Kalgoorlie (1962), Port Hedland (1960) and Carnarvon (1968). The SOTAs cater for primary students from Kindergarten to Year 7.

Traditionally, Western Australian distance education students have been those living on pastoral stations, farms, mining communities and other remote locations.

In addition, SIDE also caters for students who are isolated for reasons other than geographical circumstances. These include those who are ill, isolated by social circumstances or travelling in Australia or overseas.

Approximately 800 of SIDE Secondary School’s 1,300 students are enrolled in local schools across the State. Schools access SIDE when they cannot provide a student’s choice of subject. So, regardless of the size or location of the school, students everywhere can study a curriculum program to meet their needs and career aspirations.

Distance education today SOTA ‘air lessons’ are held daily and each child spends at least 20 minutes a day online with their teacher and their peers.

Since 2004, the radio lessons have been replaced by on-line lessons using an interactive whiteboard.

Students are provided with a computer, printer and satellite dish. Fax, email and Internet facilities result in frequent twoway communications between students, home tutors and their teachers. The time required for the distribution of school work, schools’ assessments, as well as the return of marked work, has been greatly reduced through the use of modern technology.

Studying in the distance mode is still challenging for teachers, students, and in the case of home-based students, the Home Tutor. Teachers modify and produce individualised materials to cater for students. They regularly visit homes to advise and assist home tutors, parents and students.

Mini camps and school camps are part of the program in every school, providing the opportunity for social interaction between teachers, students and their peers. The camp program ensures exposure to cultural and arts programs as well as a range of school-based activities such as art, drama, music and team sporting activities.

‘on-line ‘meetings’, videoconferencing, teleconferencing and interactive television.

FLIS offers enhanced educational opportunities for students in the Pilbara, in partnership with BHP Billiton Iron Ore. Year 11 students are studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics and Introductory Calculus through the FLIS program. Experienced teachers from a variety of WA secondary schools instruct these students in a virtual classroom.

Students benefit from being in a larger group while staying at their school and in their local community. Students also have access to email, chat rooms and texting that provides teachers and students with a powerful and highly flexible learning environment.

There will be some opportunities to extend the program to other schools in 2007.

It is an exciting time to be in distance education for students, teachers and parents.

SIDE and SOTA schools are overcoming the challenges of distance through the use of new technology, innovative teaching practices and tailored curriculum that engages and motivates rural and isolated students.

For further information visit www.side.wa.edu.au or call SIDE on (08) 9242 6300.

Two highly innovative programs delivered from the Leederville site are Languages other than English (LOTE) and Flexible Learning in Schools (FLIS).

The LOTE program delivers Italian, Japanese, Indonesian and French to over 2,000 students in Years 3-12 in homes and schools across the State. LOTE programs are delivered through a combination of

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Focus on education

Secondary education Pastoral students from Morawa take to the road Craig Chadwick, Principal, Western Australia College of Agriculture, Morawa

Nine students and two staff from the Western Australian College of Agriculture – Morawa took to the road in September this year for their annual Pastoral Industries Tour.

This year’s tour concluded with the students taking part in the Gascoyne Muster at Carnarvon for the first time.

Year 12 students from the college have the option of participating in the only Pastoral Industries Studies course to be offered in secondary schools in Western Australia. The college has a long tradition of links to the pastoral industry and has been running the course for over 10 years.

Students study aspects of the pastoral industry, including stock management and grazing, remote power generation, yard and building maintenance and navigational skills.

The course is very popular with Year 12 students and this year 30 per cent of students took part.

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The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Alannah MacTiernan chats with students from the WA College of Agriculture, Morawa at the Gascoyne Muster in September.

Gascoyne and Murchison tour During their recent tour of the Murchison and Gascoyne regions, students visited Curbur Station, Mt Augustus Station and Bidgemia Station and showed a keen interest in lifestyle aspects of the pastoral industry.

At each station, they were given the opportunity to talk to and question the pastoralists on their management practices and stock choices.

Participating in the Gascoyne Muster was a new aspect of the tour and opened many students’ eyes to issues in the industry. As many are in the position of moving onto family properties, the issues of succession planning and sustainability certainly sparked some interest and debate.

The college also has a strong tradition of students from the Gascoyne and Murchison regions attending as an alternative to city boarding schools. In 2005 and 2006 the college has attracted several students from these areas as well as expanding into the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, with students attending from as far away as Derby and Kununurra.

Many of these students are already enrolled in the Pastoral Industry Studies course for next year and 2007 should see the college graduate another 12 students ready, willing and able to fill positions in the pastoral industry.

There are still some places left for Year 11 in 2007, so if you are interested, please contact the College on (08) 9971 1158 or go to the website: www.morawaag.wa.edu.au

Educating the next generation of pastoralists at Tardun Peter Sweeney, Christian Brothers Agricultural School,Tardun

The cattle are back … and the girls are coming!

That’s the latest news from the Christian Brothers Agricultural School at Tardun.

Since it was founded in 1928, the 13,000 hectare school, 140 kilometres east of Geraldton, has served the needs of boys.

For many years, it was home for countless numbers of orphans from England and Europe.

These days, it is where many boys, indigenous and non-indigenous and from all over Western Australia, are given an education. Not for a few years, but for life.

Now, after nearly 80 years serving the needs of boys, the “welcome” sign has gone up for girls.

Why? Simply, because the girls who visit the school on farm tours are in many cases more genuinely interested in the horses, sheep, pigs, machinery and so on than the boys are.

And that trend is likely to continue now that cattle have been re-introduced to Tardun. Cattle were “cleaned out” from the school after years of drought.

Boys, and from next year girls, who are educated at Tardun have little or no trouble getting a job, usually in a trade or working on the land.

Focus on education

Eddie bin Sudin, a Year 11 student from Geraldton, shows his shearing skills at Tardun.

Subjects relevant to the industry Farm Prac is arguably the most popular subject. Much of the emphasis at the secondary school is on farm skills.

Environment, Computer and many more subjects are taught.

Whether a youngster wants to be a pastoralist, a farmer, a horse breaker, a shearer, a welder or whatever, he (and she) are taught the skills at Tardun.

Many of these subjects qualify as vocational education training and gain the student a TAFE Certificate, which can qualify them for apprenticeship training and further education.

Metalwork and woodwork mould the students into a “one stop shop” when it comes to doing chores and meeting challenges.

The most recent addition in the classrooms are four Smart Boards, interactive whiteboards which many private schools in the city haven’t even got.

Backing that up is the classroom, where English, Maths, Science, Society and

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Year 10 students Brian Linke (left), of Mogumber, and James Clifford, of Port Hedland, show their technical skills in the mechanical room at CBAS,Tardun.

Secondary education cont.

Educating the next generation of pastoralists at Tardun cont.

“They make you a state-of-the-art school,” a Perth Principal said in a jealous tone recently.

“I had no idea you could come across modern learning facilities such as those right out here.”

Computers at the school were also updated recently, while major renovations are taking place in the boarding dormitories and games rooms.

Students from station country Young men (and now women) looking for employment in the pastoral industry are more than qualified for such work.

A number of the 50 students at Tardun come from station country, others live in communities near stations, while others have a burning desire to work there.

And everybody does the practical experience on the farm – working with horses, cattle, sheep and pigs – and in the 48 wheat fields.

Cattle are back at CBAS, Tardun, much to the pleasure of Year 9 students Harrison Paton (left), Tardun, Peter Phillips of Broome and Calan Zat from Geraldton

The ‘keener’ lads attend rural shows and Field Days and every year students go on either the North-West tour or a ‘look and learn’ mission to the Kimberley.

“Our students are extremely hands-on and get experiences they wouldn’t in most other schools,” Tardun principal Nick Lynch says.

“It sets them up for life. Many boys come from isolated locations, so working and living on stations or big properties wouldn’t worry them.

“They develop strong relationships with their peers and visit each other in holidays and when their schooling is finished.

“It’s a unique situation here. Questioning teenagers are turned into decision-making young adults.

“Students are reared in a family friendly atmosphere where academic and practical courses intertwine with their spiritual, physical and social needs.

“And the blending and mixing of indigenous and non-indigenous youth is positive.”

For further information about the Christian Brothers Agricultural School at Tardun call Rebecca Lynch on (08) 9961 5212, or visit the website at www.cbas.wa.edu.au

Tertiary education Further education - it isn’t what it used to be!

The way West Australians learn through formal education continues to change and living in pastoral areas is no longer the handicap to education it used to be.

Years ago, most formal education was done in a classroom or lecture theatre, and people gained qualifications by completing the requirements for one level before progressing to the next.

Learning Pathways

This learning pathway is often shown as a linear sequence from a Certificate I, through various levels, up to a Doctorate (see Learning Pathways figure).

The pathway highlights the link between Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education (HEd) and the opportunities for further education that this link presents.

Learning today Today, you can learn in many ways and there is much more flexibility in where you enter or the route you take to move along the Learning Pathway. For example, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), you can gain a Certificate or Diploma without actually completing a taught course/program through TAFE or Agricultural College.

This is possible when the training system recognises the skills and knowledge you have gained through work experience and life experience, and credits you with educational qualifications matching those skills.

Short courses may also be considered in RPL, and especially FarmBis, MLAs, EDGEnetwork or Rangelands Australiadeveloped courses, where the course outcomes have been mapped across the competencies in various rural training packages.

Focus on education

Moving further along the pathway For mature-aged people who have VET-level awards (either taught or by RPL) who are interested in moving further along the pathway, the step to a Bachelor degree can be a huge practical and psychological barrier – especially if it means leaving home and committing to three to four years study full-time or six to eight years part-time.

However, if you have several years of managerial-level experience, it is now possible to circumvent the Bachelor degree step and use RPL to gain entry to a post-graduate program by coursework (eg a Graduate Certificate).

Such new pathways for entry into postgraduate coursework programs open up opportunities for further education that you may never have thought of or thought were impossible for you.

Furthermore, you can do a postgraduate coursework program from home by distance education. You can also study part-time, which means that you don’t have to ‘give up your day job’ while enjoying a high quality learning experience guided by experienced facilitators and stimulated by interaction with practical people also living and studying in pastoral regions across Australia.

So, living in remote pastoral areas is no longer a barrier to learning for better management decisions, better understanding of the current and emerging issues influencing you and your enterprise, and ensuring a more profitable and sustainable enterprise.

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Tertiary education Learning for success in the rangelands: new opportunities for further study from home John A Taylor, Rangelands Australia Just on two years ago, the first of a series of new rangeland-specific postgraduate courses, available by distance education, was introduced.

These courses were designed to build the knowledge and skills necessary for future success in the rangelands. They were developed with funding provided by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

Evaluations have shown that the courses are high quality, practical, up-to-date and relevant, and are providing personal growth and professional development for owner-managers.

Importantly, they are leading to high levels of satisfaction in knowledge gained and relevance to people’s workplace/business and their future in the rangelands.

What sets the Rangeland Management postgraduate program apart?

There are a number of factors that make the Rangelands Australia programs/ courses special, from the careful homework that was done at the outset to aspects of the courses themselves. These include: • A program structure aligned to the needs expressed by over 450 stakeholders nationally, which in WA included people who attended focus groups in Fitzroy Crossing, Karratha, Mt Magnet and Perth in 2002; • Courses developed and reviewed by over 180 experienced managers, scientists, advisors and others to date; • Current and practical courses that build knowledge, skills and personal qualities for individual and enterprise 50 success;

• Courses built around solving current and emerging rangeland issues, using learning activities and assessment items based on your enterprise or region. There are no examinations; • Courses that, according to our mature-aged ‘students’, are directly relevant to people’s work and business and their future in the rangelands; and • Courses that comprise Australia’s only educational program specifically focused on rangeland management.

Who are the students?

Around 60 per cent of Rangeland Management postgraduate students are owners or managers of pastoral enterprises and half entered through Recognition of Prior Learning.

The rest are Landcare or NRM facilitators, training providers and so on. Ages range from 25 to 57 years, with most in their 30s and 40s. They come from WA, Queensland, NT, SA, NSW and Victoria, and just over half are women.

Why are they doing further study?

Students have acknowledged that “On the job training is not enough any more” and have given lots of reasons for deciding to do further study. These include the need to: “Increase knowledge to successfully cope with the changes around us.”

“Be on the front foot (regarding) greater community and government interest and scrutiny of rangeland businesses.”

“Gain a broader perspective of important issues that will influence our future.”

“Increase our skills and credibility as land managers.”

“Build capacity to represent rangeland interests.”

There have been many catalysts for their decision to undertake further study,

including poor policy and regulatory decisions that strengthened their resolve to be a better advocate for rangeland issues; realisation that they could easily be ‘left behind’ due to their isolated and insulated lifestyle; and awareness that they were often ‘out of their depth’ at some community and industry meetings and had low credibility and influence.

What benefits have they gained?

Our mature-aged students are reporting a wide range of benefits, including: • New perspectives on current and emerging rangeland issues; • Better decisions and risk management; • Greater self-confidence and credibility; and • Better understanding of other stakeholders and engagement with them.

Looking further ahead, and as they apply the learning from their courses, most also anticipate more profitable rangeland use and reduced variability of profits, improved land condition, and better communication and advocacy of rangeland interests and requirements.

Not sure you could do it?

If the thought of further study is daunting and if you have no recent experience of tertiary education, there are a few things that might increase your confidence and readiness for study by distance.

First is a very useful three-day short course on ‘Getting into Further Study’, developed by Rangelands Australia, which can be run in your region for a group of five to six people.

Second, you won’t be alone, and there will be others among your intake who will be at a similar educational level, whatever that is.

And finally, from early 2007 there will be a small, national network of Rangeland Champions to provide out-of-hours advice, support and encouragement for mature-aged, remote learners.

So, what’s stopping you now from learning for success in the rangelands?

Enrolments close 30 June for Semester 2, 2007.

For more information on courses including feedback from pastoralists and others, RPL, enrolment, etc, please contact Rangelands Australia by email rangelands@uqg.uq.edu.au or phone (07) 5460 1660 for an information pack or visit the website at www.rangelands-australia.com.au

Certificate level qualifications for station staff It’s a sure bet that you spend a lot of time teaching your station staff how to muster cattle or maintain waters on your property.

You’ll also be training them how to operate machinery, work safely, maintain equipment and handle livestock.

Your staff have acquired a lot of skills over the years, but they may not have formal recognition of these skills.

It is important not only for them but also for the pastoral industry that their experience is formalised in a recognised qualification.

Now is the time You have given your staff very practical skills and invested your time and money in passing on what you know.

Now is the time to take the next step and ensure they get recognition for the skills and knowledge they have from working in the pastoral industry.

The Technical and Further Education (TAFE) arm of the Department of Education and Training can formalise the training you provide on your station so that your employees gain a nationally-recognised qualification.

A lecturer will visit your station, help select the training needed and assess your employee. The training can be structured so that it all happens on your property or it can include some off-the-job training.

Focus on education

The training required is selected after discussions between the manager, your employee and TAFE, to fit in with the work being done on the property.

There are also financial incentives available for employers who train staff – up to $5,000, especially if you are employing new staff.

Certificates I, II, III and IV The system of certificate accreditation has several levels of achievement. As a guide: • Certificate I is done in ‘Rural Operations’ and may have been completed at Year 10 level of agricultural school. It is a school-based certificate; • Certificate II is recommended for new employees in the primary industry sector; • Certificate III is aimed at skilled people who can operate independently; and • Certificate IV is for leading hands, supervisors, etc.

Each certificate is a ‘stand alone’ one and can be done without having achieved the lower certificate level. The TAFE contacts listed below can further advise you as to what is most suitable for your individual staff members.

Some of your staff may already have a Certificate II in Agriculture obtained at Year 11 or 12 at a State agricultural school like Morawa or a private agricultural school like Tardun. This means

they are now ready to go on and do the Certificate III in Agriculture.

If you are managing a station, TAFE could also help you attain a Certificate IV in Agriculture by selecting and assessing activities in which you are already competent. For example, tasks that you may already do as a manager, such as costing a project, supervising staff, overseeing stock marking, designing stock yards, arranging transport, managing a quality assurance program or maintaining Occupational Health and Safety standards on the station, could be assessed for the Certificate IV. Importantly, these qualifications can also lead to a diploma or degree qualification, if you want to further your studies.

Further information If you want further information on formalising your staff’s knowledge and skills, or your own, into a recognised qualification, contact the following lecturers in your area: Kimberley Jeff Smith Phone (08) 9168 0888 Pilbara Neil Waters Phone (08) 9158 5645 Gascoyne – Murchison Alan Haagensen Phone (08) 9956 2825 Goldfields – Nullarbor John Bourke Phone (08) 9071 9582 or check out the website: www.tafe.wa.edu.au

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Travelling in outback Western Australia Travelling in Outback Western Australia is a new booklet to help people visiting outback Western Australia.

The 24-page glovebox-sized publication will be of great value to pastoralists who have to deal with tourists accessing pastoral leases without permission.

It gives practical advice to tourists on how to prepare for a trip to WA’s vast pastoral regions and informs them of their responsibilities when travelling through pastoral areas.

In the guide, author Pastoral Project Officer Brian Lloyd warns that people need to do their research and prepare well in advance before embarking on their trip to the outback.

“Many travellers, particularly those from the eastern states or overseas, may not appreciate how remote some of our pastoral country is,” Brian says.

“Some people expect to pass by shops, towns and highways and many underestimate the extreme temperatures, harsh terrain and sheer size and remoteness of outback areas.”

Brian says that often, when travellers get into trouble, they call on the nearest pastoralist for help.

He says this may inconvenience pastoralists and take them away from their business.

In some cases, tourist’s actions may not only threaten their own safety, but also that of station staff and stock.

“Sadly, some travellers have also perished, simply because they were ill-prepared,” Brian says.

Getting permission in advance “We also want people to understand that pastoral stations are businesses, often family run, that should be respected as private property.”

The booklet also reminds visitors that access to pastoral leases is a privilege, not a right, and that tourists must seek advance permission from pastoralists.

Travelling in Outback Western Australia is available through tourist centres throughout the pastoral areas. If pastoralists want extra copies of the booklet for their station stay operation, they can contact the Pastoral Land Business Unit on (08) 9347 5126.

New rainfall information on the web Neil Bennett, Bureau of Meteorology, Perth

With some parts of WA facing their driest year on record, while other parts of the State are having one of their wettest years, it is little wonder that many people feel a little confused about what is happening to the climate, and in particular the rainfall.

To try to present as much information as possible about rainfall, the Bureau of Meteorology recently launched its ‘Water and the Land’ page at www.bom.gov.au/watl This page provides pastoralists with a ‘one stop shop’ for your rainfall information. It has details on current rainfall, rainfall forecasts and maps that show rainfall in your area compared to long-term averages.

Powerful forecast modelling

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The forecasts are presented in a graphical format for the whole State, but you can click on the map to ‘drill down’ to your region for more detail.

Help for the Homestead By combining up to eight computer models, the Bureau produces a more accurate forecast than is possible with a single computer model.

Because these forecasts are generated automatically, it is always good practice to check the official worded forecasts from the Bureau. There may be occasions when the official forecast will vary from the computer models.

There is also a forecast that gives you information about the chance of rainfall in

an area expressed as a percentage. For example, if seven out of the eight available models are showing that at least 10mm will fall in an area, then this will be shown as a percentage of 88 per cent (ie 7/8).

Likewise, if only one model thinks there will be 10mm, then the chance will be shown as 13 per cent (ie 1/8).

A forecast in a graphical format of rainfall totals for days one to four and days five to eight is also available.

You can also use the web site to find out where rain has fallen recently, to see how the season’s rainfall compares to previous years, or check out the long-term average.

If you would like further information about this web page, or any other services the Bureau can offer pastoralists, then please contact Neil Bennett on (08) 9263 2222 or email webwa@bom.gov.au

Grants and subsidies for pastoralists

Increase in pastoral water grants Pastoralists received some welcome news recently when the State Government announced changes to the Pastoral Water Grants Scheme – including an increase in the maximum grant to $20,000.

The Pastoral Water Grants Scheme assists pastoralists to deal with overgrazing and land degradation by contributing to improvements in land management and homestead water supplies.

It encourages sustainable grazing management and is also designed to secure pastoral properties against water shortages.

Since its inception in December 1999, 79 pastoral water grants valued at $800,000 have been approved under the scheme.

Who is eligible?

Commercial pastoralists holding leases in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne/ Murchison and Goldfields/Nullarbor regions can seek assistance under the scheme.

The latest changes mean pastoralists operating a commercial pastoral business can claim 70 per cent of expenditure on approved water supply improvement work up to a maximum of $20,000.

Help for the Homestead

What can be funded?

When to apply

Grants are available to establish new watering points, upgrade existing points and install improved homestead water supplies.

Grant rounds under the scheme close at the end of February, June and October.

Types of projects eligible for assistance include construction and enhancement of dams and water catchment performance, drilling, equipping of bores, reticulation, pumps and tanks, water treatment equipment and refurbishment of key water supply systems.

To be successful, pastoralists must be able to demonstrate the need for improved water supplies on the property. Priority will be given to those stations demonstrating the greatest water deficiency or anticipated environmental benefit to the rangeland resulting from the proposed improvements.

Technical officers at the Department of Agriculture and Food’s District Offices are available to assist pastoralists to plan water supply improvements on their leases.

For more information on the scheme, contact the Department of Water on freecall 1800 780 300 or visit the Department of Water’s website: www.water.wa.gov.au

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Substantial subsidies for station power supplies As a pastoralist using diesel generators to provide power to your station, you would be aware that the cost of diesel fuel is rising rapidly and becoming a major cost to your station’s operating budget.

If you are considering installing a Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) then perhaps the Country Housing Authority (CHA) can assist.

The CHA loan program has been made available to pastoralists to help finance the cost of installing renewable energy generating equipment.

A 55 per cent rebate is available from the Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) for eligible projects and the CHA can finance the remaining 45 per cent.

The total cost of the RAPS can be funded initially with no outlay on your behalf.

On completion of the project, the rebate from SEDO is paid direct to the CHA to reduce the loan by the rebated amount.

During the past two years, 32 pastoralists have taken advantage of the CHA program.

By installing a RAPS, your power generation/fuel costs will be substantially reduced and can become virtually cost neutral. There are many variables in the size of the unit to be replaced and its fuel consumption; however, in some cases the installation of a RAPS system can even be cash flow positive.

For example, if you currently run a 20KVA ‘gen set’ using three litres of diesel per hour for 16 hours per day at $1.30 per litre, your annual fuel cost would be $22,776. If you installed a 20KVA RAPS at an estimated cost of $200,000 the rebate of 55 per cent would be $110,000 leaving a balance to be financed of $90,000. The annual repayment of principal and interest

for $90,000 to the CHA would be $8,800 over a 20-year period.

This example is based on fuel usage only and does not take into account maintenance or replacement costs. Even so it can be seen that considerable savings can be achieved.

Brochures are available at your local Shire Office or Telecentre.

The Country Housing Authority will come to you, so if you are interested and wish to apply, Murray Harrison will be able to organise a suitable time to visit your station and discuss your requirements.

For further information phone Murray on 1800 158 200 (free call), or email cha@dhw.wa.gov.au To visit the website go to www.dhw.wa.gov.au and click on the Country Housing Authority.

Cash incentives to buy energy-efficient appliances A new scheme launched in December 2006 means people who live outside the main electricity grid will be eligible for cash-back rebates for a range of energy-efficient appliances and insulation.

Eligible residents are also entitled to four free energy-saving lamps.

The rebates available under the scheme are:

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• up to $150 for fridges and freezers with an energy rating of four stars and above; • up to $150 for refrigerative airconditioners with an energy rating of five stars and above; • 30 per cent of the cost of ceiling insulation (up to $400) installed in homes built before July 2003; and

• 50 per cent of the cost of controllers (up to $50 per item) for lighting banks, air-conditioners, fans and other high energy consuming equipment which is commonly left on when not required.

For further information on the Regional Energy Efficiency Program, contact the Energy Smart Line on 1300 658 158, your local shire office or visit the website www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au/pages/reepp.asp

Funding for fencing of road reserves on main roads In the pastoral regions of WA there are about 8,860 km of highways and main roads. Of these, approximately 3,615 km are fenced on both sides and 1,307 km fenced on one side only.

The roads are under the control of Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA), which for many years has contributed to the cost of construction of boundary fences adjacent to pastoral leases.

Such contributions are subject to availability of MRWA funds for fencing and the willingness of individual pastoralists to enter into a written legal agreement covering each party’s responsibilities and contributions towards costs. The basis of fencing agreements is cost-sharing of initial construction with subsequent maintenance being the responsibility of the pastoralist.

Cooperation between pastoralists and MRWA has resulted in extensive lengths of new fencing to the benefit of both parties. The benefits include: • improvements in stock management; • reduced risk of stock deaths on the road;

Cost Sharing The basic formula for sharing of construction costs is 50:50. However, MRWA discounts the fencing costs to be shared by the amount saved eliminating the need for future grid replacement.

If road reserve fencing will result in preventing stock from reaching water sources, then MRWA will contribute towards the costs of new or relocated water points. The amount of the contribution is subject to negotiation for each specific case.

Under the fencing agreement, the standard of the fence must be agreed and be appropriate for the type of stock involved. If there is disagreement or uncertainty of the fence standard which is appropriate, then advice is sought from other parties, such as the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Because MRWA contributions come from public funds, it is essential that the expenditure demonstrates value for money. The MRWA policy is to tender for fence construction works. However, there is provision to waive tenders if pastoralists are not prepared or able to pay their share to a fencing contractor but is willing to construct the fence themselves.

MRWA will then assess the pastoralist’s quote for value for money against current market rates for equivalent work.

Other considerations • Maintenance. This is the most common concern of MRWA. Ongoing fence maintenance is the responsibility of the pastoralist. There are some instances of pastoralists not maintaining the fences to prevent stock entering the road reserve.

There could be many reasons for this including a lack of funds, change of lessee or general poor stock management practices.

• reduced risks to the travelling public from wandering stock; • reduced risk of litigation for injury and damages; • conservation of roadside vegetation; and • reduced numbers of stock grids required on the road.

Help for the Homestead

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Funding for fencing of road reserves on main roads cont.

• Natural Disasters. When fences are damaged extensively or destroyed by floods or fires, then the pastoralist might not have the resources or be willing to reconstruct the fence. MRWA is currently considering such situations.

One solution could be insurance to cover the cost of these events.

• Insurance against fence loss or damage. Pastoralists have informed MRWA that insurance companies will not cover fences for fire damage if appropriate firebreaks are not in place. To protect the fence, a firebreak is usually needed on both sides. Construction of firebreaks is expensive and MRWA does not usually maintain a firebreak on the road reserve side. Advice on clearing should be sought from the Department of Environment and Conservation.

• Change in Stock. For pastoralists who change stock, for example from sheep to cattle, the sheep standard fence might not be sufficient to prevent cattle entering the road reserve. Contribution by MRWA towards upgrading or reconstructing the fence for these reasons is not paid at present, but this is under consideration. Relevant factors determining the cost sharing could include whether MRWA had previously contributed to initial construction, the cost of upgrade and the likelihood of and risks associated with stock getting out onto the road.

• Aboriginal Heritage Clearances.

MRWA is required to comply with the 56 Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

If disturbance of the ground to construct the fence is likely to impact Aboriginal interests, then a heritage survey is required and is to be included in the cost of the fence.

This can be a high cost, which can become an issue for MRWA and the pastoralist.

for some time in an attempt to achieve practical improvements in road reserve fencing management for the benefit of pastoralists and the State.

Pastoralists are welcome to contact their MRWA regional office for more information on the fencing policy and fencing agreements.

Moving forward In recent years, the MRWA fencing policy has been an important factor in improving the standard and increasing the length of fencing along road reserve boundaries in pastoral areas.

It is expected that this will continue and that addressing some of the issues will lead to even better outcomes. MRWA has also been involved in discussions with the Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association

Save money with a ‘seasonal vehicle licence’ You can now apply for a ‘seasonal vehicle licence’ for a heavy vehicle used only for seasonal work. This means you only pay the licence for the time the vehicle is being used, which could save you considerable money. For further information, visit www.dpi.wa.gov.au/seasonal or call 13 11 56.

Kimberley TAFE staff setting up a satellite dish.

Free computer training for pastoralists Free computer training and access to a telephone help desk is now available for people living in remote parts of Western Australia.

Under a Commonwealth Governmentfunded project Future Skilling Outback WA, trainers are now travelling into remote areas of WA to teach computer skills.

The project aims to train up to 5,800 people in 187 remote communities and stations.

There are two levels of training available.

Basic Information Communication Technology (ICT) training is 12 hours of face-to-face training, in which people will learn how to operate a computer, set-up email accounts, search the Internet, use Internet banking, do word processing and perform other computer skills.

Help for the Homestead

The second level of training is Technical Support Training, which includes nine hours of face-to-face training and is aimed at helping more advanced computer users get the most out of their computers by teaching hardware and software maintenance. In particular, it will help people deal with the problems of spam and computer viruses.

A free help desk is also available where computer technicians can talk you through computer problems as they arise.

The project is managed by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development and funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, as part of its IT Training and Technical Support Program.

The regions covered are the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Murchison and Goldfields-Esperance.

If you or your station staff would like to take advantage of this program, the Department may be able to send a trainer to you. The program operates with five or more trainees, so even if you don’t have enough people on your station, you could get together with a neighbouring station.

To contact the Department of Local Government and Regional Development and find out more, email futureskilling@ dlgrd.wa.gov.au or telephone the Project Coordinator Kathy Norris (08) 9217 1450 or freecall 1800 620 511 (country callers only).

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2007 – The Centenary of the Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association

PGA chairman Sandy McTaggart (centre) with vice presidents Ruth Webb-Smith and Rob Gillam

The Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association of WA – Australia’s oldest surviving rural lobby group, will celebrate its centenary in 2007.

The PGA has organised a full calendar of events for its 100th year, starting with the traditional North West/Murchison cricket match and the launch of a new PGA history by Glen McLaren in Perth in January.

A second publication featuring pastoral identities and their stories, compiled by Jano Foulkes-Taylor of Tardie Station, will be launched in June.

PGA President Sandy McTaggart of Mt. Narryer station in the Murchison will welcome the Federal Treasurer as special guest for the PGA centenary conference on February 22, to be followed by a gala dinner at Government House. Industry merit awards will be a feature of the dinner.

Pastoralists from WA’s Kimberley, the Pilbara and the Goldfields first came together to address industrial problems in the shearing industry, as well as transport and other issues, just after Federation in 1901.

PGA meetings and events have been organised throughout the year, including a special dinner in Esperance in March, the annual pastoral conference in Mt. Magnet on April 28, and a gala dinner on Fossil Downs station, Fitzroy Crossing on September 1.

There will also be a PGA version of the Carnarvon Cup meeting on September 15.

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The history of the PGA

Founders of the PGA in 1907 included members of State Parliament, who were also pastoral leaseholders and recognised the value of professional representation.

The success of the PGA in resolving pastoral issues at both State and Federal levels was extended to WA’s agricultural areas in the 1970s, creating a unique mix of like-minded pastoralists and farmers.

The overriding objective of PGA from the outset was the promotion of freeenterprise and competition in the

rural industries, leading to its ultimate influence in dismantling the reserve price scheme for wool, removing the compulsory acquisition of lamb in WA and opening WA’s coarse grains industry to competition.

More recent pastoral issues addressed by the PGA have included Native Title, land tenure, vermin control and communication services.

PGA members have been closely associated with the Pastoral Lands Board and its forerunners since their organisation was formed in 1907, with pastoralists from most of the rangeland regions holding positions on the board at various times.

For more information on the PGA’s Centenary celebrations contact Barry Court, via Sandy Hayter at the PGA, either by telephone (08) 9479 4599 or email pga@pgaofwa.org.au Website www.pgaofwa.org.au.

Get your contact details up-to-date It is important for pastoralists to ensure that the Pastoral Lands Board has the most current contact details.

Correspondence from the Board is important for pastoralists and if it is not received, or received late, there may be significant consequences.

In particular, if there is a change of station manager, or accountants that receive mail on behalf of the lessee, you must update your contact details with us as soon as possible.

Updating contact details is simple.

To change your contact details just visit our website at: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral then click on ‘Change your Contact Details’ in the navigation bar on the left, click on the PDF, print the form, fill it out, ensure the lessee(s) sign it and send it to us.

The form has three levels of contact:

• the lessee contact, who is the person who is to receive correspondence regarding routine enquires/matters, eg a person seeking permission to access a pastoral lease; and • the registered lessee of the pastoral lease for correspondence that must, by legislation, be sent to the registered lessee.

If you don’t have access to the Internet, call this office on (08) 9347 5126 for a form.

• the station manager, for emergencies where we need to contact a person on the ground;

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Pastoral Lands Board Telephone: (08) 9347 5126 Facsimile: (08) 9347 5009 Email: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au Website: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral Address: Pastoral Land Business Unit Department for Planning and Infrastructure PO Box 1575 MIDLAND WA 6936 ISSN: 1834-2566

Issue 5 February 2007

Pastoral Lines

The Official Magazine of The Pastoral Lands Board

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE The pastoral lease market: July 2005 - June 2006 Selecting and preparing cattle for live export Are the pastoral rangelands improving or declining?

Heritage areas on pastoral leases Grants and subsidies for pastoralists SPECIAL FEATURE: Focus on education: the Next Generation ISSN: 1834-2566

Pastoral Lines Pastoral Lines is the official magazine of the Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia. It is published in December each year and has a circulation of 1,500 which includes all pastoral lessees and station managers. It is distributed free of charge.

Pastoral Lines is also available electronically on the website: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral under ‘Information and Publications’.

Executive Editor: Brian Lloyd Editorial Enquiries: (08) 9347 5126 Postal Address: Pastoral Land Business Unit, Department for Planning and Infrastructure, PO Box 1575, Midland, Western Australia, 6936.

Email: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au Material from this magazine is copyright. It may be reprinted; however, in all cases the source must be fully acknowledged.

Copyright© The Director General of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, Western Australia 2007.

ISSN 1834-2566

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From the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure

Welcome to this latest issue of Pastoral Lines.

It is my pleasure to welcome two new members to the Pastoral Lands Board whose experience and knowledge will benefit your industry greatly.

Mr Paul Baron is the General Manager of the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, the lessees of Cardabia Station north of Coral Bay. Paul will bring the important perspectives of indigenous peoples to the Board.

Ms Ruth Webb-Smith is a lessee of Wyloo Station in the Ashburton and has been a member of several committees and groups associated with the pastoral industry. She will be a Deputy Member of the Board.

We expect some additional appointments in the next month.

I look forward to working with the new members and indeed the whole Board to ensure the effective administration of pastoral leases.

It is expected that in the coming months a Green Bill will be completed for consideration and comment by the pastoral industry and stakeholders on the proposal for rolling tenure pastoral leases.

I hope that you will take the opportunity to provide your views on this very important issue for your industry.

The third Gascoyne Muster was held in September 2006 with a focus on younger players in the industry. There were some excellent presentations including some from young pastoralists. Climate change and succession planning and attracting young people to the industry were key topics. Thanks to all those who were prepared to contribute to the discussions.

on management issues affecting pastoral leases, information on a range of grants and subsidies available to pastoralists and a frank piece that explores whether the rangelands are improving or not.

Regards

Alannah MacTiernan Minister for Planning and Infrastructure

Pastoral Lines once again contains interesting and useful information and I draw your attention to the strong education theme in this issue and the encouragement for those in the industry to make use of their well developed skills and experience to achieve more formal qualifications.

There is also much valuable information on a range of business and sustainability issues, including some excellent articles

Contents From the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure • About the Pastoral Lands Board • Current members of the Pastoral Lands Board

Pastoral Management News •

•

•

•

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3 5 6-7 8

Pastoral Lease Management • Best Management Practices for the pastoral industry 8 • Wild dog management: the Best Practice Manual 9 • Growing non-indigenous pastures on pastoral leases 10-11 • Diversification Permits and other obligations 11 • Changing your pastoral lease boundaries 12 • Separate Annual Returns 13 • Truckloads of industry information on the Pastoral Lands website 13 Stock • Correct identification of stock 14-15 • Transport of livestock 15 • Bluetongue in pastoral areas 16 • Selecting and preparing cattle for live export 16-17 • Agisting stock on pastoral leases 17 Environment • Rangeland monitoring helps answer the question: Are the pastoral rangelands improving or declining?

18-19 • Biodiversity conservation in the rangelands 20-21 • ‘Declared plants’ in Western Australia 21 • The rangelands Natural Resource Management plan 22-23 • Clearing native vegetation on pastoral leases 24-26 • Quarantine vital in Western Australia’s pastoral areas 27-28 • Mesquite: Waging the war in the Pilbara 28-29 Water • Costs of watering stock in the rangelands 30 • Obligations for providing water for livestock 30-32 • Soil erosion at stock water points 33 • Carnarvon Artesian Basin rehabilitation project 34-35

Features

36 • Review into industry training for Aboriginal pastoralists 36 • The 2006 Gascoyne Muster: The Next Generation 37 • The pastoral lease market: July 2005 to June 2006 38 • Pastoralists and miners: joint managers of land 39-40 • Heritage areas on pastoral leases 41-42 • Update on the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Bill 2006 42 • Important changes to the Agriculture Protection rate 43 • Focus on Education: the Next Generation 44 • Schooling your children • Today’s remote education in the ‘virtual classroom’ 44-45 • Pastoral students from Morawa take to the road 46 • Educating the next generation of pastoralists at Tardun 47-48 • Tertiary education for the pastoral industry • Further education – it isn’t what it used to be! 49 • Learning for success in the rangelands: new opportunities for further study from home 50-51 • Certificate level qualifications for station staff 51

Help for the Homestead

52 • Travelling in outback Western Australia 52 • New rainfall information on the web 52-53 • Grants and subsidies for pastoralists 53 • Increase in pastoral water grants 53 • Substantial subsidies for station power supplies 54 • Cash incentives to buy energy-efficient appliances 54 • Funding for fencing of road reserves on main roads 55-56 • Save money with a ‘seasonal vehicle licence’ 56 • Free computer training for pastoralists 57 • 2007 – The Centenary of the Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association 58 • Get your contact details up-to-date 59

Members of the Pastoral Lands Board with the Minister (L to R): Rod Campbell, Roger O’Dwyer (for David Hartley), Sandra Eckert, Paul Baron, Ruth Webb-Smith, Graeme Rundle, Hon Alannah MacTiernan, Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and Graeme Robertson.

About the Pastoral Lands Board The Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia is established under the Land Administration Act 1997. Functions of the Board are to: a) advise the Minister on policy relating to the pastoral industry and the administration of pastoral leases; b) administer pastoral leases in accordance with Part 7 of the LAA; c) ensure pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis; d) develop policies to prevent the degradation of rangelands; e) develop policies to rehabilitate degraded or eroded rangelands and to restore their pastoral potential; f) consider applications for the subdivision of pastoral land and make recommendations to the Minister in relation to them;

g) establish and evaluate a system of pastoral land monitoring sites; h) monitor the numbers and the effect of stock and feral animals on pastoral land; i) conduct or commission research into any matters that it considers are relevant to the pastoral industry;

j) provide such other assistance or advice as the Minister may require in relation to the administration of Part 7 of the LAA; and k) exercise or perform such other functions as it may be given under the LAA or any other Act.

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Current members of the Pastoral Lands Board Prof Graeme Robertson Chairman Professor Robertson is currently Director and Professor of the Muresk Institute, Curtin University of Technology. He was previously the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and Chairperson of the Federal Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation.

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Graeme was a Rhodes Scholar and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Agriculture obtained at Oxford University.

He also has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Western Australia.

He has been involved in a wide range of research, development and management activities in many aspects of primary industry in Western Australia. He has also held key roles on many boards and committees in relation to agriculture, the pastoral industry and natural resource management.

Peter Leutenegger - Pastoral Member Peter has been the lessee of Napier Downs Station, east of Derby since 1992.

Prior to this he worked on sheep and cattle stations in Queensland and in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.

Graeme Rundle - Conservation Member Graeme has a special interest in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on the rangelands, which has involved interaction with related government agencies, and the pastoral and mining industries.

Paul Baron - Aboriginal Member Paul is the General Manager of the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, the lessees of Cardabia Station north of Coral Bay.

Sandra Eckert - Representing the Director General of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

Sandra is a legal practitioner and is currently a Senior Solicitor with the Legislative and Legal Services section of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

David Hartley - Representing the Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Food David is the Executive Director of Natural Resource Management with the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Two other pastoral members will be appointed shortly.

Deputy members of the Board are: Rod Campbell - Deputy to Pastoral Member

Dr Tony Brandis - Deputy to Graeme Rundle

Rod is the current lessee of Kybo Station on the Nullarbor and has over 40 years experience in station management.

Tony holds a Master of Environmental Science, Master of Education and Doctor of Natural Resource Management. He is a Senior Policy Adviser and Project Manager with the Department of Environment and Conservation and has responsibility for establishing the conservation reserve system in the rangelands.

Ruth Webb-Smith - Deputy to Pastoral Member Ruth was a previous lessee of Beefwood Park in the Kimberley and is now a lessee of Wyloo Station in the Ashburton. Ruth has also been a member of several committees and groups associated with the pastoral industry.

Mrs Marion Dolby - Deputy to Paul Baron Marion, along with her husband, manages Mt Pierre Station near Fitzroy Crossing.

Jack Burton - Deputy to Peter Leutenegger Jack is the lessee and manager of Kilto, Yeeda and Mt Jowlaenga Stations in the West Kimberley and operates a horticultural business on a special lease within Kilto Station. He also has interests in Mabel Downs, Springvale and Alice Downs in the Kimberley.

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Best Management Practices for the pastoral industry

In December 2005, the Pastoral Lands Board sent every pastoralist copies of the Best Management Practices (BMPs) relevant to them.

Have you still got yours?

It is important that you keep these booklets with your records, as they outline the relevant best management practices for the various sections of the industry and areas of the State.

Why are the BMPs important?

It is a requirement, under section 108 (2) of the Land Administration Act 1997 that: “The lessee must use methods of best pastoral and environmental management practice, appropriate to the area where the land is situated, for the management of stock and for the management, conservation and regeneration of pasture for grazing.”

The Board uses the BMPs to judge compliance with the Act. The booklets also provide you with directions on permissible vegetation clearance

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associated with running a station; including constructing and maintaining fencing, providing watering points, yards, holding facilities and airstrips, and access to these facilities, and burning to improve pasture production.

Best Management Practices and clearing on a pastoral lease The Regulations for Clearing Native Vegetation introduced on 8 July 2004 require a permit for clearing native vegetation by any means, including fire, unless the clearing has been approved or is required under other legislation.

For pastoral leases, there is an exemption from these regulations, in accordance with the Land Administration Act 1997 to allow grazing of stock, and some exemptions under section 109 for clearing for pastoral purposes from time to time, such as along fence lines. These clearing activities are allowed, providing you do it in a manner that achieves sustainable management of the rangelands.

As a pastoralist, you do not have to seek approval to clear native vegetation if you are going about your day-to-day pastoral business activities and you are complying with ‘best management practices’.

However, you need to refer to the BMPs to ensure your actions are, in fact, considered best management practice.

Therefore, we strongly advise you to keep a copy of the BMPs in your office.

For further information, please refer to the article on clearing which is also in this edition of Pastoral Lines.

If you want another copy of the Best Management Practices for your area, please call the PLBU office on (08) 9347 5126. The BMPs are also available on the Pastoral Land’s website at www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral under ‘Policies’.

Pastoral Management News

Wild dog management: the Best Practice Manual Within Western Australia, landholders are legally obliged to control wild dogs (dingoes, hybrids, and feral domestic dogs) under the relevant provisions of the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 (ARRPA). The sole purpose of these provisions is to minimise the impacts of wild dogs on livestock production. Wild dogs in areas far removed from livestock grazing areas are not targeted by the various control programs, as they pose little or no threat to livestock.

Several years ago, growing concern about increasing wild dog activity and damage through many regions of WA led the Agriculture Protection Board to commission an industry review of the State’s wild dog control program.

The review panel’s report in 2003 identified a number of issues, among them the need for all land managers in wild dog areas to heed their obligation to control wild dogs.

The report also promoted best-practice management to cost-effectively reduce the impacts of wild dogs.

These points were further identified in the WA Wild Dog Management Strategy published and circulated in 2005.

Pastoral Management News

What is ‘Best Practice’?

The Best Practice Manual

‘Best Practice’ involves integrating multiple techniques in a planned and coordinated way, taking account of overall land management objectives, species biology and other scientific information, and accumulated experience; ie using the best information and techniques available at the time to better manage the impacts of the pest.

As a result, a Best Practice Manual was produced and widely distributed during mid-2006. All pastoralists and other land managers in wild dog areas should have received one. The manual is a ‘one-stop shop’ of information on wild dogs in WA, from legislative requirements and strategic approaches, to wild dog management, the background biology of wild dogs, through to advice on applying the various control techniques.

Over the years, landholders have had access to a variety of information covering aspects of wild dog biology and control.

However, the industry review panel identified a need for a single compilation of material on wild dog management, with updated information covering all control techniques. This need has been further reinforced by a general loss of wild dog expertise in the industry, and an increased number of land managers and staff who have had little or no previous exposure to wild dog problems.

Although predominantly aimed at those with minimal experience with wild dog damage and control, the manual should remain a useful reference for others to review their responsibilities and approaches to wild dog management.

Copies of the Wild Dog Management Best Practice Manual (Bulletin 4677) can be obtained from the: Department of Agriculture and Food, 3 Baron Hay Court, South Perth WA 6151, Freecall: 1800 084 881 or email: info@agric.wa.gov.au

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Growing non-indigenous pastures on pastoral leases Brian Lloyd, Pastoral Project Officer, Pastoral Land Business Unit.

Pastoralists are showing increasing interest in growing non-indigenous pastures for fodder.

To do this on a pastoral lease, pastoralists need to apply to the Pastoral Lands Board for a Diversification Permit.

It is probable they will also have to apply for a permit to clear land (of any native plant, including trees, grasses or shrubs) from the Department of Environment and Conservation and also a Licence to Take Water from the Department of Water.

The application to the Board requires information on the species of plant to be grown and the nominated species will form part of the conditions of the permit.

If the permit is granted, no other nonindigenous pasture species can be grown without first consulting the Board.

Is it right for you?

An important question for every pastoralist who wants to grow nonindigenous pastures is “Is this right for me?”

The envisaged benefits of growing your own fodder may appear attractive on paper, but the costs (both up-front and hidden) of growing non-indigenous pastures may be considerable, particularly if you plan to irrigate the pastures.

Probably the biggest issue is managing the fodder area, as making hay is a specialised business – it will take expertise, timely management and may affect the way your cattle business is run.

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Before outlaying substantial money on significant fodder growing systems, all potential costs of your proposal (including any for unforeseen circumstances) need to be thoroughly considered against other options which may apply to your situation, such as destocking (if the fodder is to be used as a ‘drought reserve’) or buying in fodder.

Substantial planning and site investigation needs to be undertaken before embarking on these types of projects.

You should allow about five per cent of the total project set-up cost for project investigation.

Points to consider Points you should seriously consider before embarking on a non-indigenous pasture growing program include: • Site survey and investigation, including investigation of soil types, landform levels and water quality and quantity. You need to ensure that your proposal is sustainable.

• Species of pastures best for your needs (including any weed potential of species and how you would plan to manage this).

• Development costs to get the site up to production.

• Fuel costs can be substantial, particularly if you plan to run pumps for irrigating. For example, running one centre pivot over a 30-hectare plot can cost $20 per hour for fuel and maintenance. The pump may also need replacement every five to six years.

Fuel costs for irrigation pumping can be considerable.

It currently costs $22,000 to fill this pump’s fuel tank.

• Operating equipment. This will vary depending on the proposed type of operation, but some nonindigenous pasture proposals involve pivot irrigators and cutting and baling hay. Depending on the risk you are willing to accept, each implement used for the operation may also need one (or more) back-up implements, because if there is a breakdown at a critical point (eg between cutting and baling) you may risk the value of your crop being substantially reduced (or even wiped out). Depending on your operation, you may need tractors, mowers, fertiliser spreaders, rakes, balers and front-end loaders, as well as a significant shed area for storage.

Stand-alone implements such as tractors and balers may cost around $190,000 each. Remember also, that old machinery will have increased maintenance requirements. Also, water quality (and resultant corrosion) will determine the replacement interval of pipes, which may, for example, need replacement every 10 years.•

• Staff capabilities. Much of the knowledge to operate, maintain and repair equipment such as pivot irrigators and balers is highly specialised. Also, if there is a breakdown, it may need to be fixed immediately if your operation is at a crucial point and other ‘essential’ station tasks may have to be put on hold. This could, in turn, affect your core business, possibly at a critical time. Timing of operations is very important and delaying essential operations may significantly affect the final product. You need to consider this and, depending on the scale of operation, you may need additional staff.

• Ongoing costs of meeting requirements such as permit conditions (including any requirement for annual monitoring of weeds) or an operating strategy, which may be a requirement of the Department of Water before it issues a Licence to Take Water.

There is a condition in all permits that the permit holder must comply with the requirements of any statute, by-law or regulation relating to the land covered by the permit, and the use of that land. This is not new. The Land Administration Act 1997 ensures appropriate administration of pastoral leases. However, other legislation ensures requirements of other Acts are also met.

Examples include: • Obtaining a clearing permit from the Department of Environment and Conservation; • Obtaining the relevant approval to take water from the Department of Water;

Pastoral Management News

For further information, please contact Brian Lloyd at the Pastoral Land Business Unit on (08) 9347 5121.

Remember also that permits cannot be utilised by a third party – they are available only to the pastoralist.

Pastoralists wanting to involve a third party in growing non-indigenous pastures may be able to apply under the Land Administration Act 1997 for a section 79 lease. Also, permits are not able to be transferred with the lease, although a

Diversification Permits and other obligations Before applying for permission to undertake diversification activities such as pastorally-based tourism or growing fodder crops, be aware that there may be some requirements to abide by under legislation other than the Land Administration Act 1997.

streamlined application may be available to the purchaser of a lease with a current permit.

• Gaining approvals from the local shire in relation to the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995, the Health Act 1911 and/or associated regulations and bylaws; and/or • Meeting obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

Not all these Acts apply to all Diversification Permit holders.

However, you need to be aware that there may be lawful requirements under other Acts with which permit applicants may need to comply.

An information leaflet giving more detail of these types of requirements and when they may apply is currently being produced.

In the meantime, for further information, please call Brian Lloyd of the Pastoral Land Business Unit on (08) 9347 5121.

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Changing your pastoral lease boundaries Ross McGuigan Executive Officer, Pastoral Land Business Unit.

On many pastoral stations, geographical features affect the viability of developing remote parts of the lease area or make it difficult to fence on the surveyed boundary.

In some cases, just the shape of a boundary line can make it uneconomic to consider fencing.

Neighbours quite often reach informal agreements as to the mutual use of a section of country or the on-ground position of a boundary fence. Where properties do not change hands, these agreements may endure for generations.

In the last year we have seen a number of long-term pastoralists leaving the industry to retire. When a potential purchaser is looking over a property, these informal arrangements can come to light.

It can never be assumed that a new owner will honour any informal agreements and they may move to reclaim part of a lease fenced into a neighbouring property.

It is important to be aware that pastoral leases are Crown land and are not subject to adverse possession claims under the Transfer of Land Act 1893.

In most cases, it is not a difficult process to formalise these agreement to everyone’s satisfaction. Depending on the circumstances, several sections of Part 7 of the Land Administration Act 1997 can be used to amend a lease boundary.

Another time to consider boundary adjustments is when you are developing a future business plan for your pastoral 12 enterprise.

If you have a section of your lease which you believe you cannot work to its best advantage, it may be of greater value to a neighbour.

It is possible to secure the Board’s agreement to sell a portion of the pastoral lease on the basis of amalgamation with a neighbour’s lease. In some cases, it may be suitable to consider either a part or equal value exchange.

How to obtain approval In all cases, the first step is to obtain the written agreement of all your participating neighbours and have them also sign a plan clearly showing the boundary amendment.

A good tool to assist in this is your pastoral improvement plan. A copy can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) office at South Perth on (08) 9368 3732.

Then, you need to make a written application to the Chairman of the Pastoral Lands Board. If a large area is proposed for sale, the matter will be referred to DAFWA in the first instance, in order that it can consider whether the carrying capacity of your lease is not being reduced to a point where it may affect ongoing economic viability.

Once all relevant information has been assembled, your application will be referred to the Board for a decision.

If approved, survey instructions will be issued to Landgate (formerly the Department of Land Information) for preparation of a new Deposited Plan.

This is the most time-consuming part of the exercise and it may take several months before the plan is in order for dealing.

When the plan is available, each participant will be asked to forward sufficient funds to cover the statutory fees.

Currently, the fees are a $89 document preparation fee and a Landgate lodgement fee of $82. If a sale of land or a cross-transfer is proposed, you will be asked to employ your own conveyancer to prepare the transfer documents.

Native Title Act Another issue that must be taken into consideration when amalgamating large areas from one lease to another is the provisions of the Native Title Act 1993 (NTA).

If it is decided that the NTA applies to your proposal, then the term of your existing lease may not be greater than the term of the amalgamated lease, eg if your lease term is 45 years and the amalgamated part lease term is 35 years, the term of your lease will be reduced to 35 years. If the term of the amalgamated lease is longer, there is no change.

Applications for boundary adjustments should be posted to: The Chairman, Pastoral Lands Board, PO Box 1575, Midland 6936. If you are able to scan your plan, then the application can be sent by email.

For further information, please contact the Executive Officer, Ross McGuigan on (08) 9347 5122 or email: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

Separate Annual Returns A reminder that two copies of blank Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements are sent out for each pastoral station.

While it is recognised that some lessees may operate two stations as one, a separate Annual Return must be submitted for each station, where two or more stations are managed together.

Separate Annual Returns assist the Board to utilise the statistical information to determine industry trends.

This allows the development of a picture of the grazing and infrastructure history of each station, which is important, particularly if one is later sold.

In short, Annual Returns amalgamating stock numbers for more that one station will not be accepted.

Where apportioning stock numbers for each station is difficult, you are required to make a careful estimate as to the stock numbers on each station as at 30 June.

Truckloads of industry information on the Pastoral Lands website Have you checked out the Pastoral Lands website yet? Just go to the homepage: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral and have a look at two of the most popular sections: ‘Information and Publications’ and ‘Useful Links’.

The ‘Useful Links’ section leads you to an amazing array of sites relevant to the pastoral industry.

At the ‘Information and Publications’ section you can get detailed information on stock management and animal health issues, weed and pest information, environmental issues and diversification, as well as management of your pastoral business. Here, you can also access any Acts relevant to you such as the Land Administration Act 1997 or the Dividing Fences Act 1961.

• find out if it rained on your station 10 minutes ago;

You can: • get the latest weather warnings;

• catch up on local news; • access the latest rangelands research;

• calculate your homestead water use; and even • find information on recruiting staff for your station.

The site is updated frequently, so be sure to bookmark it and make sure you visit it regularly.

Please feel free to contact Brian Lloyd at the Pastoral Land Business Unit on (08) 9347 5121 with any comments.

• get the latest livestock industry information; • find out about any grants for which you may be eligible;

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Pastoral Management News

Correct identification of stock Detective Sergeant David Byrne, Officer in Charge, Police Stock Squad.

The Police Stock Squad has been involved in some incidents over the past year that indicate there has been some confusion during the introduction and implementation of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).

Questions have been raised about the need to also brand and or earmark cattle. Pastoralists sometimes ask “Why mark cattle when the NLIS tag proves ownership?”

The reason is that the NLIS tag provides lifetime traceability in the form of product quality assurance and disease control for livestock from the property of birth to its final destination, ‘the dinner plate’.

The NLIS tag is not recognised under the provisions of the Stock (Identification and Movement) Act 1970 (the Act) as identification when it comes to proving ownership of an animal.

Section 27 of the Act states: “The fact that any head of stock is branded with any registered brand shall be prima-facie evidence that such head of stock belongs to the owner of the brand or to the 14 waybill on which the registered brand is printed.”

Saleyard incident During a recent investigation relating to four allegedly stolen cattle placed for sale at the Midland Saleyards, it was identified that these cattle were fitted with orange post breeder tags belonging to the vendor.

The complainant in the matter (a neighbour of the vendor) produced National Vendor Declaration waybills and sales documents showing the date of purchase and detailing the properties of birth for these cattle to support his allegation.

The white breeder NLIS tags previously fitted to these cattle had been removed and replaced with the orange post breeder tags of the vendor, rendering the NLIS database unusable in this matter.

Inspection of the earmarks on the four cattle supported the complainant’s claim as to their origin and after extensive inquiries eliminated purchase by the vendor, the animals were returned to the complainant.

Had these animals not been earmarked or branded ‘correctly’, it would not have been possible to substantiate ownership, as the white breeder NLIS tags had been removed and orange post breeder NLIS tags fitted, thus supporting the vendor’s claim of ownership.

Correctly applying an earmark or brand is probably the most important part of husbandry involved in raising livestock.

Section 36B of the Act states: “If a brand does not appear on prescribed stock on the place on the animal prescribed as the place where the brand is to appear, the animal is to be regarded as not having been branded.”

Action will be taken In the past, the Police Stock Squad has taken a stance of tolerance and education to anyone within the industry who has failed to comply with the requirements of the Act. This stance has been revised and now any blatant breaches of the Act’s requirements will result in prosecution.

These requirements cover all parties involved in livestock industry with growers, transporters, vendors, agents, and auctioneers risking prosecution should they blatantly flout the law.

Remember that the livestock industry is your industry and the WA Police Stock Squad is there to provide assistance in the protection of your industry.

Please take every opportunity to correctly identify all your property, report any loss of livestock or property through theft, and embrace the principals of Rural Watch whereby you report any suspicious activity or incidents in your area.

Remember: contact your local Police Station, the Stock Squad or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information regarding livestock theft or any other criminal activity.

Did you know?

The Police Stock Squad has moved. The new telephone number is

(08) 9370 9100

Transport of livestock Paul Wynne-Houchin, Department of Agriculture and Food, Geraldton

The safe and efficient transportation of livestock within and beyond Western Australia is vital to the wellbeing of the animals involved and the profitability of the industry.

Before livestock are loaded for travel, it is essential to assess their condition and health status and ask the question: “Are they fit to load?”

Codes of Practice form part of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003 and provide guidelines for the safe, ethical and profitable transport of livestock. Failure to comply with these codes carries the risk of prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The following guidelines are important: 1. If the animal is lame and cannot bear weight on one or more legs, do not load.

2. If there is any sign of illness or injury, which may cause further pain or suffering during transport, do not load.

Pastoral Management News

3. If there is any sign of weakness where an animal is unable to keep up with the mob before or during yarding, do not load.

4. Blind animals must not be transported.

Any animal which becomes disoriented due to failed eyesight is at very high risk of injury during yarding, transport and lairage. No level of blindness will be accepted in animals due to be shipped as live export animals.

5. Any female livestock in the latter stages of pregnancy should not be transported.

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Cattle: pregnancy of eight months or more.

Sheep: pregnancy of four months or more.

If in doubt, leave it out!

You can obtain a copy of the booklet Is it Fit to Load? from your local Department of Agriculture and Food office.

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Bluetongue in pastoral areas Bluetongue is an internationally important and potentially serious livestock disease caused by a virus spread by different species of a small biting midge.

There are different strains of the bluetongue virus, some which can cause serious disease and deaths in sheep, and sometimes affect goats. While cattle do not get the disease they can be involved in the spread of the virus.

The bluetongue virus is found only in areas where the midge (Culicoides) lives and strains have been present in northern Australia for over 20 years.

To date there has been no evidence of bluetongue infection or disease in sheep in Western Australia, or elsewhere in Australia in traditional sheep-raising areas.

However, because of the importance of maintaining our livestock export markets,

Selecting and preparing cattle for live export

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the Department of Agriculture and Food carries out surveillance for bluetongue under World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines, which aim to minimise the risk of spreading diseases via export of animals.

Eradication of the Culicoides midge is not feasible.

Monitoring Bluetongue Australia’s National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) was established to coordinate surveillance for bluetongue under the OIE Code.

Peter Smith, Department of Agriculture and Food, Karratha and Richard Norris, Department of Agriculture and Food, Perth Managers producing cattle for live export should be aware that there are strict specifications for the types of cattle that can be exported live from Australia.

The Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock describe the requirements for selecting and preparing livestock before export and their management during the journey.

The map shows the current location of the bluetongue zones in Australia. A “zone of possible transmission” (infected zone) extends 50km from an infected site and is surrounded by a “surveillance zone” (buffer zone) extending a further 50km – the remainder is the “free zone”.

For exporting to bluetongue sensitive countries, the infected and surveillance zones are treated as one “bluetongue zone”.

Horned cattle Horned cattle are an on-going problem for livestock exporters. Polled cattle are preferred, but if horned cattle are presented for export, the horns must be only 12cm or less in length and blunt. If tipped or dehorned, the wounds must be healed.

Among the rejection criteria for cattle are: • Untipped sharp horns; • Horns longer than 12cm; and • Bleeding horn stumps.

Agisting stock on pastoral leases Current dry conditions in some regions of the State are causing concerns about preserving both stock and pasture condition.

Obtaining permission is not difficult.

All that is required is a letter to the Board providing particular details of the agistment proposal, including:

One option may be agistment of stock on those pastoral leases that have experienced more favourable seasonal conditions over recent years and in general have good condition pastures.

• statement on the current range condition and the numbers of your own stock;

When considering approaches for agistment, you need to be aware that you need prior written permission from the Pastoral Land Board.

Under the Land Administration Act 1997, the Board is required to ensure that pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis, so it needs to assess the effect of agistment proposals on the condition of the pastoral lease to be used.

Five years ago, in North Queensland, only cattle without horns (polled or dehorned) were purchased for live export. It was not a case of discounts – it was a case of no sale.

Pastoralists with a history of presenting acceptable cattle are likely to continue to enjoy the best prices and become the ‘preferred suppliers’ for exporters.

When purchasing breeding stock, pastoralists should consider selecting polled animals to avoid the issue of dehorning.

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• type of stock to be agisted; • number of stock involved; • duration of the agistment proposal;

• whether the stock will be run together or kept separate; • where on the lease agisted stock will be located (whole of lease or individual paddocks); • who will manage the stock; and • any other relevant management comments.

Once the proposal is received, an assessment will be made using office records wherever possible to ensure the shortest possible approval timeframe.

Heavyweight cattle Cattle must have an individual liveweight of more than 200 kg and less than 650 kg, unless exporters have prior written approval for cattle outside this weight range from the relevant Australian Government agency.

Given the value of the live export market to the northern cattle industry, it is important that these issues are addressed.

Applications for periods of more than one season or large numbers of stock will be referred to the Department of Agriculture and Food for comment in the first instance.

Permission to allow agistment may be conditional and it is the pastoral lessee’s responsibility to monitor the impact of additional grazing on the rangeland to ensure land degradation does not occur.

You must also advise of any subsequent changes to the initial details of the agistment supplied to the Board.

Address applications to The Chairman, Pastoral Lands Board. You can post them to PO Box 1575, Midland, 6936, email plb@dpi.wa.gov.au or fax them to (08) 9347 5009.

For initial enquiries ring (08) 9347 5126 or email the Board’s Executive Officer at plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

If pastoralists want the maximum return for their export cattle, it is in their interest to present cattle that meet the export standards as well as the exporter’s requirements. Failure to do this can result in cattle not being accepted or seriously discounted prices on the mob.

You will find the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock on the website: www.affa.gov.au/livestockexportstandards

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1996

Rangeland monitoring helps answer the question: Are the pastoral rangelands improving or declining?

Ian Watson, Research Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food, Northam.

Much of the rangelands are degraded from their original state and many people assume they are continuing to degrade – but does the degradation continue?

small to assess them all. Moreover, there is no such thing as a “range condition meter”; we have to make judgements about change based on observation and experience.

However, there are activities in place which provide evidence of change.

We have a good idea of the extent of degradation; rangeland surveys (see Pastoral Lines, December 2005, pp 18-19) suggested that, at the time of survey, only 46 per cent was in good condition, with the remainder in fair (30%) or poor (24%) condition. The more difficult question is whether the rangelands are continuing to degrade.

Evidence of change

Anecdotally, most pastoralists will say that things have improved on their lease over the last few decades.

However, this subjective view needs to be supplemented with good quality information collected in a systematic way.

Another approach is the Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS) which consists of a set of about 1,600 permanent sites. These are reassessed on a three-year schedule in the Kimberley and Pilbara and every five years in the shrublands.

We will never know conclusively whether the rangelands are improving or not. The 18 area is just too big and the resources too

At least every six years each station is subject to a Range Condition Assessment (see Pastoral Lines, December 2005, pp 25-26).

These inspections assess the land in a similar way to the Range Survey Team, by judging range condition at one kilometre points along a ground traverse.

Most of the current WARMS sites were installed between 1994 and 1999 and

1999

almost all have been reassessed at least once.

On each site the change in perennial vegetation is measured, along with aspects of soil surface condition. These measurements are rigorous and are designed to minimise operator error.

The data are stored in a Department of Agriculture and Food WA database and are available for analysis and scrutiny by outside organisations.

Good news The news from the WARMS results is generally good.

In the Kimberley, perennial grass frequency on the sites has tended to increase from their installation through two successive reassessments up until the last three-year period, when frequencies have stabilised or decreased slightly. In the shrublands, there has been one complete round of reassessment revealing that shrub density and cover have increased on most of the sites.

2002 The results from the Pilbara have been mixed. The shrubland sites have tended to improve. Conversely, during the last complete reassessment (2003-05) perennial grass frequency had declined on many sites – but this has also been a very dry period in much of the Pilbara.

Separating the effect of seasonal quality from the effect of pastoral management will always be difficult, but over time we will see whether this is a long-term trend or a short-term fluctuation.

This generally good news provides no reason to be complacent. Almost all areas of the pastoral rangelands have enjoyed a good run of seasons since the early to mid 1990s. The last few years have been very dry in many places, but if the entire last 15 or so years is compared with the historical rainfall record, the overall sequence has been very good.

Ongoing debate There is also some debate about whether the WARMS sites provide a true reflection of change. The sites are located mostly on the large, relatively intact, flatter parts of the landscape and they may be in “the wrong spot” if all the adverse change is occurring elsewhere, such as in the drainage lines. However, the sites were deliberately located to reflect the majority of the landscape and we believe they

Pastoral Management News

provide a very good indication of change across the rangelands more broadly.

A paper presented at the recent Australian Rangeland Society Conference suggested that the rangelands are suffering from increased run-off and declining condition and that the “good news” may be overstated.

2005 This WARMS site in the East Kimberley shows a pattern commonly seen on Kimberley sites. It was installed in 1996 and reassessed in 1999, 2002 and 2005.

Perennial grass frequency on the site increased from 1996 to 2002 but then declined by the 2005 reassessment, despite the photo showing more grass biomass.

Another paper suggested that the Gascoyne catchment was in worse condition than it was at the time of the rangeland survey in 1970, that the degradation was continuing and was irreversible without specific management interventions.

The debate will continue. Some evidence will suggest improvements, other evidence will suggest decline.

In the meantime, WARMS sites will continue to be reassessed and over time will provide an increasingly important and rigorous measure of the extent to which the rangelands are improving or not.

For further information on WARMS call Ian Watson, Research Officer at the Department of Agriculture and Food in Northam on (08) 9690 2179, or email: iwatson@agric.wa.gov.au

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Biodiversity conservation in the rangelands Dr. Tony Brandis, Rangeland Conservation Coordinator, Department of Environment and Conservation The loss of biological diversity (biodiversity) is perhaps the most serious environmental problem in Australia, with the potentially irreversible destruction of ecosystems.

The uncertainty about the significance of what is being lost requires new thinking and approaches to the use of our natural resources.

Increasing community concerns have seen governments developing a range of policies to address the decline in native plant and animal populations and their distribution.

One of our greatest challenges now is to ensure there is no further decline in biodiversity. However, finding ways to protect and manage the rangeland environment will continue to challenge industry, the community and government agencies as they try to balance environmental needs with economic, social and political imperatives.

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The need for a conservation reserve system The establishment of a comprehensive, adequate and representative conservation reserve system to conserve biodiversity is a key goal of Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

has been developed against which each property is evaluated, ensuring that a consistent and repeatable approach is utilised. The criteria include: • land systems that are not in the reserve system or which are inadequately represented;

Conservation reserves allow for management of land to achieve outcomes that are not achievable under other land management systems.

• special features, such as riverine land systems or wetlands;

The historic development of the conservation reserve system in Western Australia, as in many other places, has been the result of ad hoc and unscientific selection of land – often land with little or no worth for agricultural development.

• biological survey results where they exist;

The result is that the existing conservation reserve system is far from being representative of the full range of land surfaces, habitats and species.

• rangeland condition.

Criteria for purchasing pastoral leases In the past, the purchase of pastoral land for reserves has been opportunistic and voluntary.

Now, as pastoral land becomes available on the market, biodiversity and conservation values are analysed in areas where the reserve system falls short of reservation targets. A set of criteria

• rare or threatened ecosystems or species;

• heritage or cultural values; • the results of regional planning processes; and

The inclusion of land systems not already within the reserve system addresses the need for a more comprehensive system, while also improving the representativeness of systems having less than 15 per cent of their area within the reserve system.

Pastoral land containing high diversity that is in relatively good condition, sustains relatively low levels of feral animals and weeds, and which is adequate in size, is prioritised for acquisition and inclusion in the reserve system.

Improvements from the Gascoyne-Murchison Strategy Most recently, there has been considerable improvement in the conservation reserve system in the Gascoyne-Murchison Strategy (GMS) region, where an additional four million hectares of pastoral rangeland containing high conservation values have been acquired.

number now represented at more than 15 per cent has quadrupled.

• 1.2 million hectares of moderate pastoral value; and

About 60 ecosystems considered restricted in distribution (less than 50,000 ha in area) occur within the land acquired, of which 51 are represented at more than 15 per cent of their original area.

• 167,000 hectares of high pastoral value land.

In the GMS region (comprising 60 million ha), the area of land now managed for the conservation of biodiversity has risen from 1.4 million ha to around 5.2 million ha. However, the increase in area alone should not be seen as the most important outcome of the acquisition program; rather, the level of improvement in the representativeness of the range of ecosystems within the region should be the important measure.

Despite these successes, about 44 per cent of ecosystems remain outside the reserve system, many of which are considered to be restricted in distribution. A number of areas containing high biodiversity also occur outside the reserve system.

At the beginning of the GMS nearly 93 per cent of ecosystems within the regions were either not represented at all, or were represented at less than 15 per cent of their areal extent in the reserve system.

At the end of the strategy, the number of vegetation types represented within the reserve system had doubled and the

Productivity of acquired land Due to the range in pastoral productivity of the rangelands, combined with higher levels of usage on high pastoral value land, most of the land acquired reflects lower pastoral productivity.

High pastoral value land is more desired by the industry, hence purchase opportunities have been more limited.

Overall, the acquisitions comprise: • 1.8 million hectares of low pastoral value land;

[Note that not all the GMS region (from which these figures are drawn) has been assessed for potential pastoral production value.]

The development of the conservation reserve system in the rangelands of WA is based on the review of a range of scientific and other information using an evaluation framework.

There has been considerable improvement in the conservation reserve system, although the area of conservation land in many regional areas remains well below recognised international and national targets.

If you would like more information about the establishment and management of the conservation reserve system, please contact Dr. Tony Brandis, Rangeland Conservation Coordinator, Department of Environment and Conservation on (08) 9729 2733.

‘Declared plants’ in Western Australia The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) maintains a ‘Declared Plants’ list for biosecurity protection purposes.

This protects agricultural producers and land managers from incursions of noxious weed species and the inherent problems created by species such as Rubber Vine, Prickly Acacia and Salvinia, to name a few.

The DAFWA website maintains a database which allows you to search for plants that are declared within a particular region of Western Australia.

The site provides information on the status of a plant, its declaration and a brief description and control methods.

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Several sources have been consulted, including Crop Weeds from Parsons and Cuthbertson, Western Weeds: A guide to the weeds of Western Australia from B.M.J. Hussey et al., the Weeds CRC web site and the Weeds Australia web site.

Both the database and the Declared Plants list can be obtained from www.agric.wa.gov.au (under the “Pests, Weeds + Diseases” section).

On the DAFWA website, you can either search for the common or scientific name of a plant or for a specific location from the region list.

Once you have made your selection, hit ‘Enter’. You can also download the Declared Plants list (64kb PDF file).

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The rangelands Natural Resource Management plan

Rod Williams, General Manager, Rangeland Coordinating Group, Carnarvon During 2004, the Western Australian Rangelands Natural Resource Management (NRM) region joined 55 other NRM regions across Australia in developing a strategic plan to guide their investment in natural resource management into the future.

The whole of Australia is now covered by NRM plans; a program unparalleled in its coverage anywhere in the world.

The Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group Inc (RCG) is the organisation charged with the responsibility of implementing their plan under the auspices of a Bilateral Agreement between the State and Australian governments. The RCG is chaired by Bill Mitchell.

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The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) will be investing $9.6 million in NRM in the rangelands which stretch from east of Esperance to the Kimberley and cover 90 per cent of the State’s land surface and 75 per cent of its coastline.

State Investment Committee. The plan will further build on current projects while allowing for a proactive approach in our deserts as well as with Indigenous engagement, monitoring and evaluation and communication.

Uniquely, the region also encompasses a National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP) region – the Ord Irrigation Area, which paves the way for an additional investment of $6.4 million which focuses investment in salinity and water quality issues.

Areas of investment

A comprehensive program of community consultation by the Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group identified the key natural resource assets at risk from a range of threats (eg feral animals, rangeland condition, erosion, and nutrient and water quality issues in the Ord). To this end, a second investment plan has recently been presented to the

• Improving land management;

Investment will occur in four program areas including land; water, coastal and marine waters and communication; engagement; and planning. Specific investment areas within the programs include:

• Managing Weeds of National Significance; • Fire management; • Managing the desert; • Biodiversity protection;

• Catchment management in the northern and southern rangelands; • Maintaining water quality in the Ord; • Improving water use efficiencies; • Coastal management and protection; and • Planning, engagement, and monitoring and evaluation.

The Rangelands has been divided into five sub-regions – the Ord, Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne-Murchison, and GoldfieldsNullarbor. This regional structure ensures that important issues within those areas can be given attention at the rangelands scale and considered by the RCG for future investment.

A new management team has been established in Carnarvon during the year and all natural resource management business is now administered from the NRM centre located on the Department of Agriculture and Food’s research station.

Rod Williams has been appointed as General Manager and key management positions throughout the rangelands have now been filled.

This management committee, executive and staff are committed to working with all our key stakeholders and the wider community to ensure that key natural resource issues are appropriately considered for investment at the rangelands scale.

Additional funding In addition to the NHT and NAP funding, there is also additional investment occurring through the National Landcare Program and Envirofund.

Numerous organisations, LCDCs and individuals have been successful in obtaining funding within these programs, which has assisted activities at the property and catchment scales.

The National Landcare Program has funded projects as diverse as training courses for station employees in the Kimberley, TGM yards in the Gascoyne and Pilbara, bore capping in the Pilbara and grazing management options over the southern rangelands.

Now that Western Australia is part of the National Water Initiative there will be greater opportunities for the Ord and Carnarvon irrigation areas, and projects are already being developed in those areas.

The ‘Regional Delivery Model’, as it is known, is a unique framework for the development of appropriate community and government partnerships that allows wide ranging advice into the planning and investment activities in natural resource management.

The current agreement between the State and Australian Government ends in July 2008 and negotiations for a further agreement are about to be commenced.

For further information contact Rod Williams, the General Manager of the Rangelands Coordinating Group on (08) 9956 3328.

Website: www.rangelandswa.info

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Pastoral Management News

Clearing native vegetation on pastoral leases

Clearing of native vegetation generally requires a permit. There are exemptions, for some day-to-day land management activities and for some clearing approved or required under legislation. However, there are some limits and conditions on these exemptions.

The definition of ‘clearing’ includes “grazing, killing or destroying, removing, burning, draining, flooding or the doing of any substantial damage to native vegetation”.

Clearing on pastoral leases In the case of pastoral leases, there is an exemption to allow grazing stock on a pastoral lease in accordance with: • the Land Administration Act 1997; • the terms and conditions of the pastoral lease; and • any relevant condition or determination by the Pastoral Lands Board (PLB).

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Grazing that does not comply with these requirements is not exempt and needs a clearing permit.

Other exemptions under the Land Administration Act 1997 include clearing to manage and work the land under the lease to its best advantage as a pastoral property. The PLB is the judge of satisfactory compliance with this provision.

An exemption is subject to a requirement to adopt best pastoral and environmental management practices and to maintain indigenous pasture and vegetation. The Pastoral Lands Board has produced a series of Best Management Practice

booklets, which pastoralists need to refer, to ensure their actions are, in fact, considered ‘best management practice’.

For further information, refer to the article on Best Management Practices in this edition of Pastoral Lines.

Clearing for pastoral improvements, including constructing or maintaining fences is similarly exempt. Where the PLB believes an improvement is necessary, it may require a pastoral lessee to prepare a development plan with a timetable for achieving the improvement. Compliance with the development plan is a requirement and is therefore also exempt.

There are some other exemptions for the following:

Native Vegetation Protection officers in the field Vi Saffer and Sean Walsh

• Clearing for fire suppression and prevention as required under the Bush Fires Act 1954 including clearing for firebreaks and around buildings where required under Section 33 of that Act. • Clearing for fire hazard reduction outside of the prohibited or restricted burning times (this exemption expires on 7 July 2007).

Native vegetation is defined broadly and includes aquatic and terrestrial species endemic to Western Australia. However, harvesting of plantations for commercial purposes and clearing of non-native species (such as Buffel grass) does not require a permit.

To check whether a clearing permit is required, contact your local Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Office.

Pastoral Management News

Clearing and Diversification Permits Diversification Permits for activities such as pastoral-based tourism or growing non-indigenous pastures are issued by the Pastoral Lands Board. These permits authorise activities other than pastoral activities.

Any clearing for a diversification activity requires a clearing permit from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). If in doubt, call a regional office of DEC and discuss your particular situation.

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Clearing Native Vegetation on pastoral leases cont.

How to apply for a permit

The Assessment Process

After making initial enquiries, complete your application form (available online) and provide a map of the location you wish to clear, along with any site information you have (photographs, vegetation, soil or land type descriptions etc). Application fees range from $50 to $200.

Initial inquiry and proposal requiring clearing of native vegitation

All applications are advertised to invite public submissions. Assessment includes using data from geographic information systems, environmental specialists and published information.

Provide basic information to DEC (application form)

Sometimes DEC officers will contact you, seeking further information or they may make an appointment to visit the property to assess the site.

Once a decision has been made to grant or refuse a clearing permit, the applicant and/or a third party can appeal the decision or conditions of the permit.

Assessment and possible site visit

Legislation The above information is provided for general guidance only. If you intend to undertake activities that may involve clearing, you are advised to consult the actual legislation and seek advice, including legal advice, where necessary.

While the Department of Environment and Conservation has endeavoured to ensure the accuracy of this information, it accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies and persons relying on this information do so at their own risk. Please refer to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004, available from the State Law Publisher. Free electronic copies are available from www.slp.wa.gov.au

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You may be asked to provide more information at this stage

Decision permit granted or refused

Additional publications relating to clearing laws, clearing permits, and application forms are available online from http://nvp.environment.wa.gov.au or by telephoning (08) 6364 6500.

Local advice For local advice on clearing matters please call the Department of Environment and Conservation at • Geraldton (for the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Murchison regions) on (08) 9964 5978.

• Karratha on (08) 9144 2000.

• Kununurra on (08) 9168 1082.

Possible Appeal

• Victoria Park (for the Goldfields region) on (08) 6250 8000.

AQIS-NAQS vet John Curran collects blood from a feral shorthorn bull in the north Kimberley. The animal will be autopsied and samples tested to eliminate exotic diseases

Quarantine vital in Western Australia’s pastoral areas Australia’s approach to quarantine aims to reduce quarantine risks to a very low level, while recognising that they can never be totally eliminated.

Many countries have pests and diseases that can be carried by people, by animals, in animal products such as meat, in plants or in plant products such as timber, or in soil on machinery.

If imported, they could have disastrous effects on Australia’s animals and plants – and our economy.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) has responsibility for keeping pests and diseases out of Australia. The service carries out quarantine inspections on all people, animals and goods arriving in Australia as well as inspecting and certifying agricultural exports.

In recognition of special quarantine risks from our near northern neighbours AQIS, through its Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, provides early warning surveillance for plant and animal pests and diseases in the Kimberley.

Of particular concern are the following: • Foot and mouth disease. This is one of the most contagious livestock diseases. A viral disease, it affects cloven-footed animals including cattle, buffalo, camels, sheep, goats, deer and pigs.

Pastoral Management News

Foot and mouth is widespread in parts of Asia, Africa and South America and an uncontrolled outbreak in Australia could lead to closure of key beef, lamb and pork export markets for more than a year. Control costs would be between $8 billion and $12 billion and the consequences of an outbreak would be felt for up to 10 years. Even an isolated outbreak would cost $2-3 billion to eradicate, with economic and social effects in other sectors, including tourism.

Clinical signs include fever, blisters on the tongue, lips and feet, drooling, sore feet and lameness.

• The screw-worm fly. This is an insect parasite of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Related to the blowflies that cause fly-strike in Australian sheep, it prefers hot, humid climates and cannot survive in frostprone areas.

Screw-worm flies breed in wounds on mammals, laying up to 250 eggs on the edge of an injury, scratch, branding mark or castration wound.

Larvae hatch within 24 hours, enter the wound and chew their way into healthy underlying flesh to feed. The wound becomes a mass of maggots, causing extensive tissue damage and leaving the flesh susceptible to secondary fly strike. After about a week, the larvae drop from the wound to pupate in the soil, emerging after another seven days as an adult to mate and repeat the cycle. Untreated animals can die from infection and loss of tissue fluid.

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Quarantine vital cont.

Screw-worm flies could cost close to $500 million a year in lost production and control measures. They would have a devastating effect on northern livestock production, particularly cattle and sheep industries. In some herds, 10 to 15 per cent of cattle could be struck at any time; with the greatest loss being through the deaths of new-born calves as a result of navel strike. Eradication would depend on the release of millions of sterile male screw-worm flies to reduce breeding numbers. This could take up to five years, with health implications for remote northern communities.

• Avian influenza (AI). This is a viral disease of wild and domestic bird species, affecting their respiratory, digestive and nervous systems.

Occasionally, however, one of the many harmless, existing avian influenza viruses mutate into a form called

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which is highly lethal for birds, particularly domestic chickens There have been outbreaks in Australia before and on each occasion the virus has been eradicated through destruction of infected birds and strict controls on the movement of poultry, goods and people. A major outbreak would be costly to the poultry industry, consumers and taxpayers. An outbreak in the United States in 198384 required an eradication program that cost close to US$65 million. It resulted in the destruction of over 17 million birds and caused retail egg prices to increase by more than 30 per cent.

The virus causing concern to health authorities at the moment is the highly pathogenic strain called H5N1.

Widespread in parts of Asia, it has

caused serious problems for poultry industries. It occasionally infects humans and could mutate into a human transmissible form. The Australian Government takes the threat very seriously and has strategies to reduce the risk of avian influenza reaching Australia. AQIS screens all passengers and luggage from risk countries, undertakes surveys of wild birds and works with neighbouring countries to better understand and control the movement of the disease.

You can do your bit Quarantine is a shared responsibility for all Australians, and pastoralists can help safeguard their land and Australia at large by reporting any unusual weeds, plant or animal diseases to their local AQIS office.

For more information, please visit the AQIS website www.aqis.gov.au

Mesquite: Waging the war in the Pilbara Linda Anderson, Project Officer, Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee Inc., Karratha Mesquite is an introduced noxious Weed of National Significance (WONS) and is native to the Americas.

It was widely imported into Australia as a shade and fodder plant and ornamental garden feature in the early 1900s. Its highly invasive nature and prolific seeding, in addition to its promotion as a hardy arid fodder plant, meant mesquite rapidly established across pockets of the northern rangeland regions of Australia.

28 Current estimations put the national

infestation covering 800,000 ha, with four core regions.

Mesquite is found across the Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions in varying density levels and species composition.

The major infestation of mesquite – the single largest Australian population – is centred on Mardie Station in the Pilbara.

It covers 150,000 ha of the pastoral lease, of which 45,000 ha is recognised as the core infestation and is characterised by a thorny blanket of hybridised mesquite plants.

Funding of $545,707 from the Natural Heritage Trust program is being utilised to develop cost-effective and successful methods of treating moderate to dense infestations of hybrid mesquite, in addition to researching ecological aspects of the plant and its population structure.

Mesquite identification Mesquite has several characteristics from which it can be readily identified.

Firstly, it has long tooth-pick like thorns and green fern-like leaves. The plant itself can also take two forms, either a single stemmed tree or shrubby multi-stemmed bush.

Positive identification is made easier during summer months, when plants display brilliant yellow ‘lambs-tail’ flowers. Its pods are also distinctive, being elongated with slight constrictions between seeds. Pods can vary in colour from green when immature to straw, purple, red or even black when matured.

Isolated populations of mesquite are commonly found around water sources and where stock often camp. These can spread significantly due to mesquites highly invasive nature.

New infestations of mesquite often occur as a result of seeds being transported in the gut of animals, domestic and feral, and deposited widespread around the landscape. Floodwaters disperse seed to a lesser extent, and along with incorrect vehicle wash-down procedures and inadvertent movement of seeds by tourists, make up the majority of new population establishment.

Why be concerned about mesquite?

In isolation, most plants rarely cause a problem; however, mesquite’s highly invasive nature means that single plants can often transform rapidly into denser infestations.

While isolated mesquite plants and populations may seem relatively harmless, it is worth noting that the Mardie Station infestation began from two trees at the homestead and now covers nearly twothirds of the pastoral lease.

Mesquite is highly competitive, and will out-compete pastures and trees to an extent where the only plants found will be mesquite. It can cause severe environmental degradation, most notably gully erosion along water courses and sheet erosion within infestations.

Feral animals can shelter in infestations, making control difficult. Stock access to water is blocked by the impenetrable thickets, and mustering costs increase as helicopters need to be relied upon due to inaccessibility of paddocks.

Thorns of mesquite branches can puncture tyres of vehicles and motorbikes – the current record of tyre changes on

one vehicle in one day is seven, all due to mesquite thorns!

Thorns can also penetrate the skin of stock and horses, causing discomfort to animals and severe infections.

If you enjoy the biodiversity of plants and animals on your pastoral station, or the accessible rivers and creeks for recreation, or the productivity of your cattle or sheep, then be on the lookout for mesquite.

Report possible sightings of mesquite to your local Department of Agriculture and Food, or to the Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee on (08) 9144 1844. Further information can be found by simply typing ‘mesquite’ into the search engines of the websites of CSIRO www.csiro.au DAFWA www.agric.wa.gov.au or the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water www.nrm.qld.gov.au

29 Mesquite Pods

Mesquite Flowers

Pastoral Management News

Mesquite Thorns

Costs of watering stock in the rangelands Francis Bright, Regional Economist, Department of Agriculture and Food, Kununurra.

Watering of stock is critical to pastoral businesses throughout the rangelands.

While forage grasses and shrubs may grow on your station, without water they are no use to stock; neither can stock survive without access to reliable and drinkable water.

Stock water workbook In 2005, the Department of Agriculture and Food released the Pastoral Stock Water Workbook with information about stock water points in the Kimberley and the Pilbara. While relevant to those regions, the information can also be applied in other areas, as many of the issues faced are similar.

Costs high What became apparent is that the cost of providing stock water can be a lot more than most people would expect; with the main costs of a bore run being the labour to drive the vehicle and the fuel to get around the property.

The table below shows the annual costs of a bore run, based on labour of $35,000 and 156 trips per year. It shows how much a business can spend on just maintaining water flows for stock each year.

The workbook covers issues to be considered when investing in new stock watering points. These include

topography, depth to water, soil types, economics, water point types, telemetry and property development.

There are also Microsoft Excel spreadsheet exercises to help pastoralists develop their own cost information on providing stock water.

The workbook can assist you to make informed decisions, but there is no “magic one size fits all” solution, as every business is different in its resources, management, and future directions.

The workbooks are free to pastoralists and available from the Department of Agriculture and Food’s District Offices at Derby on (08) 9191 0333 and Karratha on (08) 9144 2065.

Annual costs of bore runs km/trip

$1.00

$1.50

200

$66,200

$81,800

250

$74,000

Cost per km $2.00

$2.50

$3.00

$97,400

$113,000

$128,600

$93,500

$113,000

$132,500

$152,000

The information in the workbook was gathered by interviewing a large number of pastoralists across the region to find out whether there was any magic formula.

300

$81,800

$105,200

$128,600

$152,000

$175,400

350

$89,600

$116,900

$144,200

$171,500

$198,800

There wasn’t.

400

$97,400

$128,600

$159,800

$191,000

$222,200

450

$105,200

$140,300

$175,400

$210,500

$245,600

500

$113,000

$152,000

$191,000

$230,000

$269,000

Obligations for providing water for livestock

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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) reminds readers that the Animal Welfare Act 2002 requires the person in charge of an animal to “provide proper and sufficient water” to the animal.

Note that this means every animal in a person’s care.

The RSPCA’s Dr Ron Soutar says that an abundant supply of fresh water is essential for maintenance, growth, reproduction and survival of animals in the rangelands.

“Among all the responsibilities of station managers, providing proper and sufficient water for stock is undoubtedly the most important and critical aspect of pastoral lease management,” he says.

Dr Soutar says every pastoralist and station manager needs to consider the following points to ensure that they are providing ‘proper and sufficient water’ for their stock.

Quality of water supply Water quality for stock is generally determined by an analysis of the amount of total dissolved salts. The more dissolved salts there are, the more brackish is the water.

It is a straightforward task to arrange to send a sample of stock water to the local Department of Agriculture and Food for analysis and advice on its suitability for livestock.

Alternatively, there are relatively inexpensive hand-held meters that give a reasonably accurate indication of salinity, provided they are calibrated regularly.

Quantity of water supply Livestock water requirements depend upon many factors. The important ones to take into account are: • Peak daily ambient temperatures • Seasonal moisture content of available feed • Salinity levels in the water supply and available forage • Breed, age and sex of the animal • Reproductive and lactation status • Distance between water supply and good grazing areas • Flow rate of the water supply between tank and trough • Number of stock dependent on the supply • Competition between stock and feral and native animals.

You may need to seek advice on these variables from animal management professionals, staff at the Department of Agriculture and Food or livestock industry consultants.

Pastoral Management News

Reliability of water supply The reliability of a water source is of paramount importance. Stock require access to water on an ‘on-demand’ basis, and a failure of the supply at any time is a critical event. It can cause serious animal welfare outcomes and loss of production by thirst, failure to feed, failure of lactation and mismothering, damage to water infrastructure by thirsty animals and, ultimately, death of animals.

In addition, animals staying at unreliable waters will cause severe degradation of the nearby land.

Storage of water Storage of water is managed by natural reservoirs and the establishment of dams, tanks and troughs, and is essential to ensure a continuity of supply when stock come in for a drink.

Adequate storage will prevent water shortage in times of wind drought, failure of seasonal rains and normal seasonal variation of rainfall.

Mechanical breakdowns are commonplace and a good manager will become aware of these on regular millruns and make appropriate repairs well before stock begin to show signs of water deprivation.

The actual storage must be protected from physical damage and contamination to prevent failure when an emergency

arises. For example, the convenience of lightweight ‘poly’ storage tanks can be taken for granted as they are tough and durable, and they are secure when full of water.

It is possible for an incident to occur if a pump or mill fails and the tank runs dry – a willy-willy or storm may blow the tank over if it is anchored insecurely, ripping out pipes and joiners and fracturing the tank with disastrous consequences for thirsty stock. Regular mill runs to check on the infrastructure are an essential part of station management.

In some circumstances, animals may become bogged in dams and/or fall down wells and die, causing a total loss of the stored water by poisoning. It is essential that entrapment of animals in wells, dams or soaks is prevented either by ensuring safe access or by fencing or otherwise blocking off unsafe areas.

These scenarios are significant animal welfare concerns and are readily preventable by good planning and regular maintenance.

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Obligations for providing water for livestock cont.

Location of water supply

Mustering and yarding of stock.

On the rangeland, natural waters often allow grazing in their vicinity. Artificial waters are created to enable grazing across the terrain, and as an aid to management of the rangelands with regard to conservation of the landforms.

It is normal to provide a reliable water supply for cattle to cater for grazing within a five kilometre radius.

Provision of water for stock is a critical aspect of mustering for many reasons.

Some of the stock that are mustered are likely to be aged, carrying injuries, pregnant or with calves or lambs at foot, or stressed and fatigued from the roundup.

Emergency supplies If a water supply fails due to breakdown, weather or season, then livestock will suffer and businesses may fail. Water may have to be trucked in by tanker, emergency pumps brought in, stock moved to another area or turned off for agistment or sale. The provision of emergency supplies will have to be carried out immediately to prevent stock suffering.

In a worst-case scenario, animals may have to be destroyed if they are unfit 32 for transport due to water deprivation or starvation.

It may be that water has been turned off temporarily to facilitate stock gathering at water points, or stock may have been held in temporary yards without adequate watering. Best management practice will ensure that proper and sufficient water is provided at strategic points, and that animals are rested and watered to ensure that their welfare is not compromised.

If any animal is unable to keep up with the mob during the muster, it must be destroyed humanely and not left behind to suffer and/or die.

When yarded, there should be adequate drafting facilities to separate the mob into lines, and appropriate feed and water provided to each group.

Animal Welfare Act 2002 Failure to provide ‘proper and sufficient water’ may result in a prosecution for a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The penalty for a breach of the Act by an individual is a minimum fine of $2,000 and a maximum of $50,000 and five years imprisonment. For a corporate body, the fines are five times that for an individual.

For any further advice on animal welfare matters please contact RSPCA WA (Inc) at mail@rspcawa.asn.au or call (08) 9209 9300.

Soil erosion at stock water points Jim Addison, Department of Agriculture and Food, Kalgoorlie.

Many pastoral leases have accelerated soil erosion associated with a water point as a result of some historical infrastructure development.

This erosion, in more severe form, is difficult to rectify even if the water point is closed, as soil erosion once started may ‘get a life of its own’.

The appropriate time to address potential erosion issues is during the water point development planning phase.

Following are some points to consider before embarking on a water point development project. Remember, prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure.

Water point position in the landscape Wherever possible, water troughs should be located on soil types not prone to erosion. This may require water to be reticulated a short distance from source to supply point. Concentration of upslope overland flow by converging stock pads may both initiate erosion and possibly threaten the security of the infrastructure.

Vegetation maintenance Wherever possible, water points should be located in pasture types not preferred by grazing animals. This reduces the risk of initiating soil erosion through vegetation removal.

Remember too that although water is the cause of much erosion, wind erosion may

Pastoral Management News

be a factor in some landscapes. Retention of a vegetative ‘roughness’ element minimises this wind erosion risk.

An appropriate stocking rate should be used per water point or per unit area in any catchment associated with the water point, to maintain vegetative cover. Bores and wells are often located adjacent to water courses or flow lines.

The removal of protective vegetation from both the water point location and in the associated catchment is a common cause of water point soil erosion. Very simply, vegetation removal at the water point removes soil protection.

Any removal of vegetation in the catchment increases rainfall run-off, shortens run-off time-to-concentration at a particular point and raises peak watercourse flows.

Conservative catchment stocking rates in times of reduced forage availability will minimise much of the erosion risk.

Erosion hazards peculiar to dams When planning water points, it is critical to remember that if doubling the speed of water flow, the erosive power is squared.

For example, doubling a flow speed from one kilometre per hour to two kilometres per hour increases the erosive power by a factor of four.

Incised watercourses should be avoided when positioning dam-sites, as these sites have already demonstrated a tendency to erode. The preferred option is to select a site higher in the catchment and utilise

lateral water collecting drains to increase catchment size where required.

Dam inlets that do not have appropriate pipe installation to convey water into the storage often initiate gully formation in “fragile” soil types. These gullies may, over time, extend well back into the catchment.

Such erosion affects the pastoral operation, as it both reduces the effectiveness of the dam by siltation (and thus reduces dam capacity), as well as making the catchment’s water collection and the consequent movement of the water into the dam less efficient.

‘Matching’ annual catchment production to annual recharge requirements will minimise by-wash flows. By-wash flows characteristically have increased erosive energy as a result of flow concentration and increased slope.

A reduction in flow concentration by constructing a by-wash (overflow) equally at the end of both wing-banks will reduce erosion risk. Rocky outcrops may be identified as suitable locations for by-wash discharges. Fencing of the by-wash areas may be necessary to protect stabilising vegetation from grazing animals.

Geological ‘natural’ erosion is an ongoing but very slow process that rarely creates problems on pastoral leases. However, accelerated erosion resulting from poor grazing or earthmoving practices, reduces the base resource asset value and productive capacity, and may threaten the security of pastoral infrastructure.

Given the time, money and effort in establishing pastoral infrastructure, it makes good sense to protect it with good planning.

33

Carnarvon Artesian Basin rehabilitation project The second stage of the Carnarvon Artesian Basin Rehabilitation Project began recently to decommission the remaining 28 free-flowing bores within the basin that are currently running to waste.

The project began in 1997 as a joint venture between the Department of Water (then Waters and Rivers Commission), the Federal Government and local pastoralists as part of the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy.

The long-term aim of the strategy was to develop better land and water management through rehabilitation and reticulation of flowing bores in the Carnarvon Artesian Basin (CAB). The objectives were to: 1. Reduce the number of uncontrolled bore drains.

2. Increase pressure in the artesian basin.

3. Reduce water wastage.

4. Improve grazing management.

5. Improve weed and feral animal control.

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The Carnarvon Artesian Basin falls largely within the Gascoyne Groundwater Area and extends north to the mouth of the Fortescue River in the Pilbara Groundwater Area.

Oil exploration projects between the early 1900s and 1980s resulted in approximately 160 bores being drilled in the basin, primarily with cabled, tooloperated drilling rigs. Unfortunately, the steel bore casings used could not cope with combination of drilling techniques or the corrosive effects of the artesian bore water.

The casings began to deteriorate badly, leaving some bores corroded and offvertical. Added to this, a lack of mud pumps meant further complications that allowed corrosion to take hold in the casings and caused some pumps to cease operating effectively.

Originally, these bores were used to feed open bore drains that provide water for stock on pastoral stations. The groundwater from the CAB is vital as it is the only reliable water source available to many pastoralists.

Improved water management The first stage of the project saw 57 bores capped and replaced with 15 controlled bores. The result was eight GL of water saved at the surface and up to 35 GL saved sub-surface. (1 gigalitre (GL) = 1000 megalitres = 1 million kilolitres = 1 billion litres).

An uncapped bore in the Carnarvon Artesian Basin

A controlled water supply has also allowed the development of innovative pastoral management systems. The use of controlled bores has improved water use management in horticulture, aquaculture, the mining industry and other activities.

The first stage of the project resulted in an increase in the pressure within the basin of between 20-40 kilopascals or approximately two to four metres of head increase.

The second phase involves decommissioning 28 bores and drilling up to ten new bores to replace them. These new bores will have fully controllable head works from which water will be reticulated to suitable watering points.

Pastoral Management News

Flow rates have defined the discharge of water at the surface as being 4.46 GL with the possibility of substantially more water being saved sub-surface from decommissioning the deteriorated bores. The saving is possible by preventing water leaking into other underground formations from bore casings which are in poor condition.

The Department of Water, in consultation with water users from industry, business and the local community, is also developing a Groundwater Management Plan for the area’s artesian water resource. The plan is expected to be out for public comment before the end of 2006.

For further information on the Carnarvon Artesian Basin Rehabilitation Project, please contact Brad Cox at the Department of Water, Carnarvon Office on (08) 9941 6100.

35

Review into industry training for Aboriginal pastoralists The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Alannah MacTiernan recently commissioned a Review into Industry Training for Aboriginal Pastoralists.

The purpose of the review is to identify the issues affecting the success of Aboriginal pastoralism in Western Australia, and to develop strategies that will assist Aboriginal pastoralists in improving skills in the management of pastoral stations.

The review will evaluate the effectiveness of existing training programs for Aboriginal pastoralists, and recommend to Government an integrated approach that will assist young Aboriginal people into the pastoral industry. The review will report its findings to the Minister by 30 September 2007.

Aboriginal-held pastoral leases account for 12 per cent (61) of the 525 pastoral leases within the pastoral industry in Western Australia. Many of these leases have significant performance issues and challenges on a range of indicators. For instance, Department of Agriculture and Food statistics indicate that over the last five years Aboriginal-held pastoral leases have run at an average of 34.1 per cent of their potential carrying capacity, compared to 71.9 per cent for other leases.

A report recently published by Meat & Livestock Australia found that low stock numbers, governance problems, erratic cash flow and inconsistent management led to most Indigenous pastoral enterprises in the Kimberley consistently registering trading losses.

36

In addition, it would appear that a number of Aboriginal held pastoral leases, particularly in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, are not being managed as commercial pastoral enterprises.

Some land under pastoral lease is being utilised simply in support of Aboriginal communities, and in some cases, the communities have populations and infrastructure comparable to small towns.

Employment A separate, but potentially related issue, is the reduced number of Aboriginal people working in the pastoral industry.

During previous generations, pastoralism was a significant – and in many areas the dominant – source of employment for Aboriginal people in the rangelands. The pastoral industry provided opportunities for Aboriginal people to work in a range of capacities. However, younger Aboriginal people in pastoral areas appear no longer to be attracted to working in the pastoral industry.

A number of initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Aboriginal pastoral industry already exist. For example, accredited training courses in beef production can be undertaken in a number of locations, Indigenous management support services are available in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Southern Agricultural regions, and governance training is becoming more widely available.

The current review will have the opportunity to assess the impact of these programs and to see what needs to be done to secure any necessary improvements at industry-wide level.

Have your say The review is interested in hearing comments regarding the issues that affect the success of Aboriginal pastoralism in Western Australia from all

interested parties, especially Aboriginal pastoralists, other pastoralists, native title representative bodies and other individuals and organisations with an interest in Aboriginal pastoralism.

The closing date for submissions to the review is 1 March 2007. Interested parties can participate in the review in a number of ways: • by providing a submission to the Review Panel (via Mr Karel Eringa), either verbally, by phone, email, fax or post to the addresses below. Written submissions should be marked to the attention of Karel Eringa, or • by joining the online discussion forum at www.dpi.wa.gov.au/ritap Finally, the review will be seeking the opinions of interested parties through consultations in all pastoral areas of the State, and is considering the merit of conducting information meetings in a number of pastoral regions.

If you would like to participate if such meetings are held, or have any comments or questions about the Review, please contact Hon Tom Stephens, the Chairman of the Review on (08) 9216 8321, fax (08) 9216 8747 or email: ritap@dpi.wa.gov.au For further information on the review, including Terms of Reference and membership of the Review Panel, please visit the Review website at www.dpi.wa.gov.au/ritap

Have Your Say On the review into industry training for Aboriginal pastoralists.

Go to www.dpi.wa.gov.au/ritap or call (08) 9216 8321

Features

The 2006 Gascoyne Muster: The Next Generation The Gascoyne Muster: The Next Generation forum was held in Carnarvon on 15 September 2006.

The day, convened by Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan focused on the future of the State’s pastoral industry and provided an opportunity for people to have a say about the future directions of the industry, as well as hear about emerging trends.

All stakeholders in the pastoral industry, including pastoral lessees, managers, station workers, agribusiness, government and non-government representatives were invited, with more than 160 people from across Western Australia turning out for the event.

The Muster, the third since its inception in 2002, focused on the viability of staying on the land for the next generation of pastoralists.

Features

The day was packed with excellent presentations including ones on attracting and retaining young people in the pastoral industry, succession planning and climate change, along with lively discussions on the future of this industry to 2030.

Participants had direct access to the Minister as well as members of the Pastoral Lands Board and Pastoral Land Business Unit.

Sandra Van Vreeswyk, General Manager, Pastoral Land Business Unit, said that the Muster was invaluable in providing an insight into the pastoral industry.

“The Muster gave pastoralists the opportunity to comment on current initiatives and also to share with the Minister and industry what they would like to happen in the future,” Sandra said.

“One such initiative which stems from the previous Musters is the establishment of a Rangelands Council.

“The Rangelands Council will be the new peak body that coordinates the sustainable use and management of the rangelands, which make up 87 per cent of the state’s land mass.

“In addition to its coordinating function, the Council will provide whole-ofGovernment policy advice on land use management for the rangelands.

“The Council will deal with issues related to Aboriginal issues, conservation, mining and tourism uses of the rangelands,” Sandra said.

Issues raised from previous Musters including the provision of better land tenure and new issues, including the effects of global warming and climate change were also discussed.

The issues raised by pastoralists will help the State Government to better legislate to meet the needs of the pastoral industry.

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The pastoral lease market: July 2005 to June 2006 The 2005-06 financial year saw a record 43 pastoral leases transferred.

This excludes non arms-length transactions of leases involving actions such as share transfers and trust dissolutions.

Demand for cattle leases remains strong with a limited supply of commercial size leases listed for purchase.

Demand is greatest for leases that have a coastal position, are close to a regional centre, have perceived rainfall reliability, adequate infrastructure or have either river flood-out country and /or significant areas of Buffel grass.

Market values for all leases remain the same as for 2004-05 except for slight increases in values for well set up, well located, high carrying capacity land system leases. The market has shown a preference for leases that are well stocked, well located and well set-up, which demonstrate immediate cash flow.

Destocked or significantly destocked leases have proved hard to sell.

A steady market demand exists for smaller grazing lifestyle leases, particularly close to Perth or regional areas. These leases are quite often sold without stock and are utilised as a residence with the lessee working off-station, for example, at nearby mining companies.

Buyers are primarily from within the industry and include northern cattlemen seeking to spread climatic risk, as well as wheatbelt farms seeking additional grazing. There were no overseas purchasers in 2005-06.

With a continuation of low wool prices and a general cost price squeeze there is an ongoing trend for Merino properties to convert to meat breeds such as Damara and Dorper crosses.

The trend continues for buyers to convert from sheep to cattle where the rangeland permits such a change. This is very evident in the eastern Goldfields and Nullarbor where dingoes are a problem for sheep producers.

Sales of Pastoral Leases Western Australia: July 2005 – June 2006 Area

Type

Sales

Kimberley

Cattle

8

Pilbara

Cattle

5

Southern Rangelands

Cattle

12

Southern Rangelands

Sheep

18

Total

43

Leases listed for sale and not sold as at 30/6/06 (estimated)

18

(These figures exclude non arms-length transactions of leases involving share transfers and trust dissolutions etc.)

38

Reasons for sales are varied and include personal circumstances, such as health and family issues, retirement and the cumulative effect of drought/s and low commodity prices with the resulting impact on viability and equity.

Also during 2005-06, CALM (now the Department of Environment and Conservation) purchased two complete leases as well as several smaller portions of existing leases to consolidate with existing reserves. Finally, there were four leases which were subject to intercompany (mining) transfers.

Pastoralists and miners: joint managers of land Given Western Australia’s abundance of mineral resources, it is common for mineral deposits and pastoral leases to overlap.

Where they do, pastoralists have the exclusive right to the pastoral use of the land (that is, grazing the native vegetation with authorised stock in a sustainable manner). However, any material at surface and below the surface, for example minerals, belongs to the Crown and is therefore open to mining exploration.

Features

A mining company or individual may prospect on the land by obtaining a Miner’s Right or explore/mine under authority of a granted mining tenement under the Mining Act 1978.

The State Government encourages pastoralists and the mining industry to work collaboratively when their land interests overlap.

“Pastoralists do not have the right of veto to stop prospectors from coming on the land,” he says.

“However, the prospector has to follow guidelines that ensure the pastoralist is kept informed of what activities are being undertaken and that no damage is done to property or livestock.”

A holder of a Miner’s Right is entitled to:

Miner’s Right

• Prospect for minerals;

Mark Miley, Perth Mining Registrar with the Department of Industry and Resources, says a person holding a Miner’s Right has access to Crown land that includes pastoral lease land.

• Conduct geological mapping; • Conduct tests for minerals; • Undertake limited sampling using hand-held equipment and to remove samples of up to 20 kilograms;

39

Pastoralists and miners: joint managers of land cont.

• Mark out mining tenements; • Fossick for rocks, gemstones, etc; and • Take water and camp for the purposes of prospecting.

If the holder of a Miner’s Right wants to explore an area further and bring in mechanised equipment, they must apply for and be granted a prospecting or exploration licence.

The licence, subject to lodgement of a work program and obtaining environmental approval, will allow the holder to start minor excavation and drilling work.

If this proves successful, the holder may then apply for a mining lease.

Mining Tenement Under the Mining Act 1978 a person applying for a Mining Tenement must: • Provide a copy of the mining tenement application to the pastoral lessee within 14 days of the application being lodged; • Notify the pastoral lessee before going onto their land; • Not camp within 400 metres of a well, dam or bore; • Not undertake work within 100 metres of crops, stockyards or any land that is in actual occupation and on which a house or other substantial building is erected, without the lessee’s consent; and • Ensure the least possible damage to the surface of the land.

40

Mr Miley says the Mining Act 1978 protects pastoralists and their infrastructure.

“The Act specifies the rights of the tenement holder and the Miner’s Right holder, and protects the infrastructure of the pastoralist,” he says.

“Miners cannot undertake activities on areas of the tenement under crop, orchard, vineyard, plantation or stockyard, without the written approval of the occupier.”

Resolving disputes The Department of Industry and Resources encourages the mining industry and pastoralists to conduct their work with respect and appreciation for their respective operations.

If pastoralists have complaints or concerns that cannot be resolved between the two parties, they can contact one of the department’s liaison officers or their local mining registrar.

The role of the liaison officers, in part, is to promote good working relationships between the mining industry and pastoralists and to facilitate communication and dispute resolution.

There is a liaison officer in Kalgoorlie, covering the Goldfields, Murchison, MidWest and South-West regions (contact (08) 9021 9437) and another officer in Karratha, covering the Gascoyne, Ashburton, Pilbara and Kimberley regions (contact (08) 9186 8809).

There are mining registrar offices in Perth, Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Leonora, Marble Bar, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet, Norseman and Southern Cross.

The Investigation Services Unit of the Department of Industry and Resources can also help with disputes involving offences against the Mining Act 1978. The unit monitors and enforces compliance with mining legislation and also educates prospectors and landholders about its role and their rights and responsibilities.

The unit’s General Manager, Shayne Sherman, says the unit plans to attend regional meetings of the Pastoral and Graziers’ Association over the coming months to discuss issues that affect pastoralists.

You can contact Shayne on (08) 9222 3565 and the Investigative Services Unit at isu@doir.wa.gov.au

More information More information on this topic (including the pamphlets Miner’s Rights and Prospecting, Exploration, Mining on Pastoral Leases) is available on the Department of Industry and Resources website at www.doir.wa.gov.au/ mineralsand petroleum/informationpamphlets.

The Men’s Quarters at Glenroy Homestead in the Kimberley.

Heritage areas on pastoral leases Sites on pastoral leases

There are 12 pastoral stations on the Heritage Council’s State Register of Heritage Places, which lists over 1,000 heritage places in Western Australia.

The list includes buildings, structures, gardens, cemeteries, landscapes and archaeological sites, and recognises a place’s value and importance to WA and helps ensure that is conserved into the future.

Of the 12 pastoral stations on the State Register, seven contain buildings built before 1900.

There are a variety of heritage places from homesteads and their associated buildings to lighthouses.

A homestead or station can have associated structures such as shearing sheds, mining infrastructure and airstrips.

The components of a registered place show the changes made over time and provide visual reminders of the story the places tell. Often heritage places have a multitude of stories to tell which may cover indigenous history; settlement history and sometimes natural values.

The inclusion of a place in the State Register does not mean it can’t be changed. In fact, the Heritage Council supports practical change and new compatible uses.

One such pastoral station is the Nanutarra Station complex, which was developed from around 1878 as part of the early pastoral development of the Ashburton region and permanently listed in November 2005.

However, any changes or works that may affect the place must be referred to the Heritage Council for consideration before works take place. It is generally accepted that certain works may need to be undertaken to allow the place to continue to be used.

The historical development of Nanutarra demonstrates the characteristic expansion of remote pastoral properties, particularly in the State’s North West, from simple 19th century family homesteads to the large pastoral complexes of the present.

Features

Nanutarra Station complex is a good representative example of a pastoral station complex dating from the late 19th century.

Another place with pastoral associations on the State Register is the Air Beef Abattoir and Aerodrome (ruins) and Glenroy Homestead Group, which had an important role in the development of the beef pastoral industry in the Kimberley and the North West during the 20th century. It changed the way beef was exported from inland areas and successfully provided an important facility for surrounding pastoralists on a seasonal basis from 1949 to 1965, as well as contributing significantly to the quota of Australian meat exported to Britain.

Other examples are the Corunna Downs Station and former wartime airbase, and the Point Cloates Lightstation (ruin).

Corunna Downs comprises a group of single-storey ant bed mud, off-form concrete and corrugated iron station buildings. It was part of the development of the pastoral industry in the Pilbara district and demonstrates the evolution of a pastoral settlement since 1891.

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Heritage areas on pastoral leases cont.

The Point Cloates Lightstation, built in 1910, comprises the sandstone ruins of Point Cloates Lighthouse and Quarters and associated remnants. It is located on Ningaloo pastoral station, which is approximately 100 km south of Exmouth.

The significance of heritage sites The important thing to remember about places entered in the State Register, whether or not they are on a pastoral lease, is that they are included because they contribute to the story of the development and history of Western Australia.

Each place has a different and unique story to tell which the Heritage Council tries to capture in its research of the place. The people involved, the type of activities and often the locally sourced material used for entry in the Register, for whatever the activity, are usually different for each place.

(08) 9221 4177 for a free check to see if your lease is affected by entry in the Register. Another way to do it is to approach Landgate (formerly the Department of Land Information) and, for a fee, a copy of the title of the land can be provided which will show any interest, including heritage, on the title.

The development of the pastoral lease system in WA is important in itself to the development of the State and forms part of the rich tapestry of who we are today and what we do.

If you would like to take advantage of some of the benefits of heritage listing you can nominate a place to the Register.

We have a nomination form online at www.heritage.wa.gov.au

You are welcome to contact the Heritage Council on freecall 1800 644 177 or

Update on the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Bill 2006 A major change proposed by the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Bill currently before Parliament will be the replacement of the Agriculture Protection Board (APB) by a Biosecurity Council.

The new Council will be the principal source of advice on biosecurity issues to both the Director General and Minister for Agriculture and Food.

The BAM Bill has been the subject of discussions with key agricultural producer organisations and community groups for quite a few years and this collaborative approach will continue as the necessary regulations are developed.

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The new Act will replace 17 existing Acts including the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976, an Act for the control of harmful plants (such as mesquite) and animals (such as wild dogs) and which allows for the rating of land held under pastoral lease.

Some of the operational detail of the Acts to be replaced will be transferred to regulations under the new Act. However, Parliament will continue to maintain an appropriate level of scrutiny and regulations may be disallowed or amended if necessary.

The new Act puts a specific obligation on the Minister for Agriculture and Food to consult with people who might be affected by regulations. Obviously this consultation will include producers as the most important group of affected people.

The new Act will also allow the Minister for Agriculture and Food to appoint other advisory groups and to recognise biosecurity groups such as those established to control declared pests in a specified area.

Recognised biosecurity groups will be able to receive money from the Declared Pest Account for this purpose. This will improve upon the existing arrangements with Zone Control Authorities.

There will be provision in the new Act to allow declared pest rates to be paid by mining interests as well as by pastoral lessees.

Interested readers can obtain an electronic version of the Bill from the website of the Parliament of Western Australia at the following address: http://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/web/ newwebparl.nsf/iframewebpages/ Bills+-+Current For further information, please email bamb@agric.wa.gov.au or contact Richard Walker, Policy Officer, Biosecurity, Department of Agriculture and Food on (08) 9368 3830.

Important changes to the Agriculture Protection rate Important changes to the general rating provisions under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 will improve the link between the amount of revenue to be collected in each zone and the operational budget for that zone.

The changes, which were first sought by the pastoral industry in 2002, removes the historical requirement that General Rate revenue be raised in the ratio of one-third from the Kimberley and two-thirds from zones south of the Kimberley.

From July 1 2006, each of the five pastoral zones will be able to implement a totally independent rate, while still retaining access to the Government’s (dollar-fordollar) matching fund contributions.

Features

In April 2006, members of the Agriculture Protection Board (APB) met with representatives of the five pastoral Zone Control Authorities (ZCA) to discuss their respective 2006-07 revenue targets.

All ZCAs elected to increase their 200506 revenue base in line with CPI increases (3%), to avoid erosion of their ‘purchasing power’ during 2006-07.

The Pilbara ZCA decided it needed to also increase rate revenue by an extra 15 per cent, over and above the three per cent increase, to offset the progressive removal of historical cross-subsidisation from the other four zones.

The quantum of the General Rate within a given financial year remains linked to the unimproved value of the land held under pastoral lease.

Because of the changes, there may be some administrative delay in issuing rate notices for 2006-07.

For further information, please contact Caroline Horsfield, APB Administrative Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food on (08) 9368 3942.

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Students and teachers of the Flexible Learning In Schools program

Focus on education: the Next Generation Kindergarten to Year 12 Today’s remote education in the ‘virtual classroom’ The Schools of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE) are at the forefront of the innovative use of technology for education. Increasingly, the traditional ‘correspondence school’ print-based approach is being replaced by the ‘virtual classroom’.

Collectively, the Schools of Isolated and Distance Education form one of the largest schools in Western Australia, providing schooling to more than 2,000 students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

SIDE consists of seven schools. The SIDE Primary and Secondary Schools are at Leederville in Perth.

The five Schools of the Air (or SOTAs) are regionally based in Carnarvon, Kalgoorlie, Derby, Port Hedland and Meekatharra.

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Focus on education History of the School of the Air The WA Correspondence School was officially established in September 1918 with two teachers. The main purpose of this school was to provide education to the ‘isolated’ and the ‘outback’ students at primary level.

Over time, courses for secondary education were established and extended to include the same curriculum subjects available to city students.

The first official radio SOTA was established at Meekatharra in 1959. The school utilised the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s direct, two-way radio network for up to three hours a day.

Following the success of the initial school at Meekatharra, other schools were established in Derby (1960), Kalgoorlie (1962), Port Hedland (1960) and Carnarvon (1968). The SOTAs cater for primary students from Kindergarten to Year 7.

Traditionally, Western Australian distance education students have been those living on pastoral stations, farms, mining communities and other remote locations.

In addition, SIDE also caters for students who are isolated for reasons other than geographical circumstances. These include those who are ill, isolated by social circumstances or travelling in Australia or overseas.

Approximately 800 of SIDE Secondary School’s 1,300 students are enrolled in local schools across the State. Schools access SIDE when they cannot provide a student’s choice of subject. So, regardless of the size or location of the school, students everywhere can study a curriculum program to meet their needs and career aspirations.

Distance education today SOTA ‘air lessons’ are held daily and each child spends at least 20 minutes a day online with their teacher and their peers.

Since 2004, the radio lessons have been replaced by on-line lessons using an interactive whiteboard.

Students are provided with a computer, printer and satellite dish. Fax, email and Internet facilities result in frequent twoway communications between students, home tutors and their teachers. The time required for the distribution of school work, schools’ assessments, as well as the return of marked work, has been greatly reduced through the use of modern technology.

Studying in the distance mode is still challenging for teachers, students, and in the case of home-based students, the Home Tutor. Teachers modify and produce individualised materials to cater for students. They regularly visit homes to advise and assist home tutors, parents and students.

Mini camps and school camps are part of the program in every school, providing the opportunity for social interaction between teachers, students and their peers. The camp program ensures exposure to cultural and arts programs as well as a range of school-based activities such as art, drama, music and team sporting activities.

‘on-line ‘meetings’, videoconferencing, teleconferencing and interactive television.

FLIS offers enhanced educational opportunities for students in the Pilbara, in partnership with BHP Billiton Iron Ore. Year 11 students are studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics and Introductory Calculus through the FLIS program. Experienced teachers from a variety of WA secondary schools instruct these students in a virtual classroom.

Students benefit from being in a larger group while staying at their school and in their local community. Students also have access to email, chat rooms and texting that provides teachers and students with a powerful and highly flexible learning environment.

There will be some opportunities to extend the program to other schools in 2007.

It is an exciting time to be in distance education for students, teachers and parents.

SIDE and SOTA schools are overcoming the challenges of distance through the use of new technology, innovative teaching practices and tailored curriculum that engages and motivates rural and isolated students.

For further information visit www.side.wa.edu.au or call SIDE on (08) 9242 6300.

Two highly innovative programs delivered from the Leederville site are Languages other than English (LOTE) and Flexible Learning in Schools (FLIS).

The LOTE program delivers Italian, Japanese, Indonesian and French to over 2,000 students in Years 3-12 in homes and schools across the State. LOTE programs are delivered through a combination of

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Focus on education

Secondary education Pastoral students from Morawa take to the road Craig Chadwick, Principal, Western Australia College of Agriculture, Morawa

Nine students and two staff from the Western Australian College of Agriculture – Morawa took to the road in September this year for their annual Pastoral Industries Tour.

This year’s tour concluded with the students taking part in the Gascoyne Muster at Carnarvon for the first time.

Year 12 students from the college have the option of participating in the only Pastoral Industries Studies course to be offered in secondary schools in Western Australia. The college has a long tradition of links to the pastoral industry and has been running the course for over 10 years.

Students study aspects of the pastoral industry, including stock management and grazing, remote power generation, yard and building maintenance and navigational skills.

The course is very popular with Year 12 students and this year 30 per cent of students took part.

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The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Alannah MacTiernan chats with students from the WA College of Agriculture, Morawa at the Gascoyne Muster in September.

Gascoyne and Murchison tour During their recent tour of the Murchison and Gascoyne regions, students visited Curbur Station, Mt Augustus Station and Bidgemia Station and showed a keen interest in lifestyle aspects of the pastoral industry.

At each station, they were given the opportunity to talk to and question the pastoralists on their management practices and stock choices.

Participating in the Gascoyne Muster was a new aspect of the tour and opened many students’ eyes to issues in the industry. As many are in the position of moving onto family properties, the issues of succession planning and sustainability certainly sparked some interest and debate.

The college also has a strong tradition of students from the Gascoyne and Murchison regions attending as an alternative to city boarding schools. In 2005 and 2006 the college has attracted several students from these areas as well as expanding into the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, with students attending from as far away as Derby and Kununurra.

Many of these students are already enrolled in the Pastoral Industry Studies course for next year and 2007 should see the college graduate another 12 students ready, willing and able to fill positions in the pastoral industry.

There are still some places left for Year 11 in 2007, so if you are interested, please contact the College on (08) 9971 1158 or go to the website: www.morawaag.wa.edu.au

Educating the next generation of pastoralists at Tardun Peter Sweeney, Christian Brothers Agricultural School,Tardun

The cattle are back … and the girls are coming!

That’s the latest news from the Christian Brothers Agricultural School at Tardun.

Since it was founded in 1928, the 13,000 hectare school, 140 kilometres east of Geraldton, has served the needs of boys.

For many years, it was home for countless numbers of orphans from England and Europe.

These days, it is where many boys, indigenous and non-indigenous and from all over Western Australia, are given an education. Not for a few years, but for life.

Now, after nearly 80 years serving the needs of boys, the “welcome” sign has gone up for girls.

Why? Simply, because the girls who visit the school on farm tours are in many cases more genuinely interested in the horses, sheep, pigs, machinery and so on than the boys are.

And that trend is likely to continue now that cattle have been re-introduced to Tardun. Cattle were “cleaned out” from the school after years of drought.

Boys, and from next year girls, who are educated at Tardun have little or no trouble getting a job, usually in a trade or working on the land.

Focus on education

Eddie bin Sudin, a Year 11 student from Geraldton, shows his shearing skills at Tardun.

Subjects relevant to the industry Farm Prac is arguably the most popular subject. Much of the emphasis at the secondary school is on farm skills.

Environment, Computer and many more subjects are taught.

Whether a youngster wants to be a pastoralist, a farmer, a horse breaker, a shearer, a welder or whatever, he (and she) are taught the skills at Tardun.

Many of these subjects qualify as vocational education training and gain the student a TAFE Certificate, which can qualify them for apprenticeship training and further education.

Metalwork and woodwork mould the students into a “one stop shop” when it comes to doing chores and meeting challenges.

The most recent addition in the classrooms are four Smart Boards, interactive whiteboards which many private schools in the city haven’t even got.

Backing that up is the classroom, where English, Maths, Science, Society and

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Year 10 students Brian Linke (left), of Mogumber, and James Clifford, of Port Hedland, show their technical skills in the mechanical room at CBAS,Tardun.

Secondary education cont.

Educating the next generation of pastoralists at Tardun cont.

“They make you a state-of-the-art school,” a Perth Principal said in a jealous tone recently.

“I had no idea you could come across modern learning facilities such as those right out here.”

Computers at the school were also updated recently, while major renovations are taking place in the boarding dormitories and games rooms.

Students from station country Young men (and now women) looking for employment in the pastoral industry are more than qualified for such work.

A number of the 50 students at Tardun come from station country, others live in communities near stations, while others have a burning desire to work there.

And everybody does the practical experience on the farm – working with horses, cattle, sheep and pigs – and in the 48 wheat fields.

Cattle are back at CBAS, Tardun, much to the pleasure of Year 9 students Harrison Paton (left), Tardun, Peter Phillips of Broome and Calan Zat from Geraldton

The ‘keener’ lads attend rural shows and Field Days and every year students go on either the North-West tour or a ‘look and learn’ mission to the Kimberley.

“Our students are extremely hands-on and get experiences they wouldn’t in most other schools,” Tardun principal Nick Lynch says.

“It sets them up for life. Many boys come from isolated locations, so working and living on stations or big properties wouldn’t worry them.

“They develop strong relationships with their peers and visit each other in holidays and when their schooling is finished.

“It’s a unique situation here. Questioning teenagers are turned into decision-making young adults.

“Students are reared in a family friendly atmosphere where academic and practical courses intertwine with their spiritual, physical and social needs.

“And the blending and mixing of indigenous and non-indigenous youth is positive.”

For further information about the Christian Brothers Agricultural School at Tardun call Rebecca Lynch on (08) 9961 5212, or visit the website at www.cbas.wa.edu.au

Tertiary education Further education - it isn’t what it used to be!

The way West Australians learn through formal education continues to change and living in pastoral areas is no longer the handicap to education it used to be.

Years ago, most formal education was done in a classroom or lecture theatre, and people gained qualifications by completing the requirements for one level before progressing to the next.

Learning Pathways

This learning pathway is often shown as a linear sequence from a Certificate I, through various levels, up to a Doctorate (see Learning Pathways figure).

The pathway highlights the link between Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education (HEd) and the opportunities for further education that this link presents.

Learning today Today, you can learn in many ways and there is much more flexibility in where you enter or the route you take to move along the Learning Pathway. For example, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), you can gain a Certificate or Diploma without actually completing a taught course/program through TAFE or Agricultural College.

This is possible when the training system recognises the skills and knowledge you have gained through work experience and life experience, and credits you with educational qualifications matching those skills.

Short courses may also be considered in RPL, and especially FarmBis, MLAs, EDGEnetwork or Rangelands Australiadeveloped courses, where the course outcomes have been mapped across the competencies in various rural training packages.

Focus on education

Moving further along the pathway For mature-aged people who have VET-level awards (either taught or by RPL) who are interested in moving further along the pathway, the step to a Bachelor degree can be a huge practical and psychological barrier – especially if it means leaving home and committing to three to four years study full-time or six to eight years part-time.

However, if you have several years of managerial-level experience, it is now possible to circumvent the Bachelor degree step and use RPL to gain entry to a post-graduate program by coursework (eg a Graduate Certificate).

Such new pathways for entry into postgraduate coursework programs open up opportunities for further education that you may never have thought of or thought were impossible for you.

Furthermore, you can do a postgraduate coursework program from home by distance education. You can also study part-time, which means that you don’t have to ‘give up your day job’ while enjoying a high quality learning experience guided by experienced facilitators and stimulated by interaction with practical people also living and studying in pastoral regions across Australia.

So, living in remote pastoral areas is no longer a barrier to learning for better management decisions, better understanding of the current and emerging issues influencing you and your enterprise, and ensuring a more profitable and sustainable enterprise.

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Tertiary education Learning for success in the rangelands: new opportunities for further study from home John A Taylor, Rangelands Australia Just on two years ago, the first of a series of new rangeland-specific postgraduate courses, available by distance education, was introduced.

These courses were designed to build the knowledge and skills necessary for future success in the rangelands. They were developed with funding provided by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

Evaluations have shown that the courses are high quality, practical, up-to-date and relevant, and are providing personal growth and professional development for owner-managers.

Importantly, they are leading to high levels of satisfaction in knowledge gained and relevance to people’s workplace/business and their future in the rangelands.

What sets the Rangeland Management postgraduate program apart?

There are a number of factors that make the Rangelands Australia programs/ courses special, from the careful homework that was done at the outset to aspects of the courses themselves. These include: • A program structure aligned to the needs expressed by over 450 stakeholders nationally, which in WA included people who attended focus groups in Fitzroy Crossing, Karratha, Mt Magnet and Perth in 2002; • Courses developed and reviewed by over 180 experienced managers, scientists, advisors and others to date; • Current and practical courses that build knowledge, skills and personal qualities for individual and enterprise 50 success;

• Courses built around solving current and emerging rangeland issues, using learning activities and assessment items based on your enterprise or region. There are no examinations; • Courses that, according to our mature-aged ‘students’, are directly relevant to people’s work and business and their future in the rangelands; and • Courses that comprise Australia’s only educational program specifically focused on rangeland management.

Who are the students?

Around 60 per cent of Rangeland Management postgraduate students are owners or managers of pastoral enterprises and half entered through Recognition of Prior Learning.

The rest are Landcare or NRM facilitators, training providers and so on. Ages range from 25 to 57 years, with most in their 30s and 40s. They come from WA, Queensland, NT, SA, NSW and Victoria, and just over half are women.

Why are they doing further study?

Students have acknowledged that “On the job training is not enough any more” and have given lots of reasons for deciding to do further study. These include the need to: “Increase knowledge to successfully cope with the changes around us.”

“Be on the front foot (regarding) greater community and government interest and scrutiny of rangeland businesses.”

“Gain a broader perspective of important issues that will influence our future.”

“Increase our skills and credibility as land managers.”

“Build capacity to represent rangeland interests.”

There have been many catalysts for their decision to undertake further study,

including poor policy and regulatory decisions that strengthened their resolve to be a better advocate for rangeland issues; realisation that they could easily be ‘left behind’ due to their isolated and insulated lifestyle; and awareness that they were often ‘out of their depth’ at some community and industry meetings and had low credibility and influence.

What benefits have they gained?

Our mature-aged students are reporting a wide range of benefits, including: • New perspectives on current and emerging rangeland issues; • Better decisions and risk management; • Greater self-confidence and credibility; and • Better understanding of other stakeholders and engagement with them.

Looking further ahead, and as they apply the learning from their courses, most also anticipate more profitable rangeland use and reduced variability of profits, improved land condition, and better communication and advocacy of rangeland interests and requirements.

Not sure you could do it?

If the thought of further study is daunting and if you have no recent experience of tertiary education, there are a few things that might increase your confidence and readiness for study by distance.

First is a very useful three-day short course on ‘Getting into Further Study’, developed by Rangelands Australia, which can be run in your region for a group of five to six people.

Second, you won’t be alone, and there will be others among your intake who will be at a similar educational level, whatever that is.

And finally, from early 2007 there will be a small, national network of Rangeland Champions to provide out-of-hours advice, support and encouragement for mature-aged, remote learners.

So, what’s stopping you now from learning for success in the rangelands?

Enrolments close 30 June for Semester 2, 2007.

For more information on courses including feedback from pastoralists and others, RPL, enrolment, etc, please contact Rangelands Australia by email rangelands@uqg.uq.edu.au or phone (07) 5460 1660 for an information pack or visit the website at www.rangelands-australia.com.au

Certificate level qualifications for station staff It’s a sure bet that you spend a lot of time teaching your station staff how to muster cattle or maintain waters on your property.

You’ll also be training them how to operate machinery, work safely, maintain equipment and handle livestock.

Your staff have acquired a lot of skills over the years, but they may not have formal recognition of these skills.

It is important not only for them but also for the pastoral industry that their experience is formalised in a recognised qualification.

Now is the time You have given your staff very practical skills and invested your time and money in passing on what you know.

Now is the time to take the next step and ensure they get recognition for the skills and knowledge they have from working in the pastoral industry.

The Technical and Further Education (TAFE) arm of the Department of Education and Training can formalise the training you provide on your station so that your employees gain a nationally-recognised qualification.

A lecturer will visit your station, help select the training needed and assess your employee. The training can be structured so that it all happens on your property or it can include some off-the-job training.

Focus on education

The training required is selected after discussions between the manager, your employee and TAFE, to fit in with the work being done on the property.

There are also financial incentives available for employers who train staff – up to $5,000, especially if you are employing new staff.

Certificates I, II, III and IV The system of certificate accreditation has several levels of achievement. As a guide: • Certificate I is done in ‘Rural Operations’ and may have been completed at Year 10 level of agricultural school. It is a school-based certificate; • Certificate II is recommended for new employees in the primary industry sector; • Certificate III is aimed at skilled people who can operate independently; and • Certificate IV is for leading hands, supervisors, etc.

Each certificate is a ‘stand alone’ one and can be done without having achieved the lower certificate level. The TAFE contacts listed below can further advise you as to what is most suitable for your individual staff members.

Some of your staff may already have a Certificate II in Agriculture obtained at Year 11 or 12 at a State agricultural school like Morawa or a private agricultural school like Tardun. This means

they are now ready to go on and do the Certificate III in Agriculture.

If you are managing a station, TAFE could also help you attain a Certificate IV in Agriculture by selecting and assessing activities in which you are already competent. For example, tasks that you may already do as a manager, such as costing a project, supervising staff, overseeing stock marking, designing stock yards, arranging transport, managing a quality assurance program or maintaining Occupational Health and Safety standards on the station, could be assessed for the Certificate IV. Importantly, these qualifications can also lead to a diploma or degree qualification, if you want to further your studies.

Further information If you want further information on formalising your staff’s knowledge and skills, or your own, into a recognised qualification, contact the following lecturers in your area: Kimberley Jeff Smith Phone (08) 9168 0888 Pilbara Neil Waters Phone (08) 9158 5645 Gascoyne – Murchison Alan Haagensen Phone (08) 9956 2825 Goldfields – Nullarbor John Bourke Phone (08) 9071 9582 or check out the website: www.tafe.wa.edu.au

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Travelling in outback Western Australia Travelling in Outback Western Australia is a new booklet to help people visiting outback Western Australia.

The 24-page glovebox-sized publication will be of great value to pastoralists who have to deal with tourists accessing pastoral leases without permission.

It gives practical advice to tourists on how to prepare for a trip to WA’s vast pastoral regions and informs them of their responsibilities when travelling through pastoral areas.

In the guide, author Pastoral Project Officer Brian Lloyd warns that people need to do their research and prepare well in advance before embarking on their trip to the outback.

“Many travellers, particularly those from the eastern states or overseas, may not appreciate how remote some of our pastoral country is,” Brian says.

“Some people expect to pass by shops, towns and highways and many underestimate the extreme temperatures, harsh terrain and sheer size and remoteness of outback areas.”

Brian says that often, when travellers get into trouble, they call on the nearest pastoralist for help.

He says this may inconvenience pastoralists and take them away from their business.

In some cases, tourist’s actions may not only threaten their own safety, but also that of station staff and stock.

“Sadly, some travellers have also perished, simply because they were ill-prepared,” Brian says.

Getting permission in advance “We also want people to understand that pastoral stations are businesses, often family run, that should be respected as private property.”

The booklet also reminds visitors that access to pastoral leases is a privilege, not a right, and that tourists must seek advance permission from pastoralists.

Travelling in Outback Western Australia is available through tourist centres throughout the pastoral areas. If pastoralists want extra copies of the booklet for their station stay operation, they can contact the Pastoral Land Business Unit on (08) 9347 5126.

New rainfall information on the web Neil Bennett, Bureau of Meteorology, Perth

With some parts of WA facing their driest year on record, while other parts of the State are having one of their wettest years, it is little wonder that many people feel a little confused about what is happening to the climate, and in particular the rainfall.

To try to present as much information as possible about rainfall, the Bureau of Meteorology recently launched its ‘Water and the Land’ page at www.bom.gov.au/watl This page provides pastoralists with a ‘one stop shop’ for your rainfall information. It has details on current rainfall, rainfall forecasts and maps that show rainfall in your area compared to long-term averages.

Powerful forecast modelling

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The forecasts are presented in a graphical format for the whole State, but you can click on the map to ‘drill down’ to your region for more detail.

Help for the Homestead By combining up to eight computer models, the Bureau produces a more accurate forecast than is possible with a single computer model.

Because these forecasts are generated automatically, it is always good practice to check the official worded forecasts from the Bureau. There may be occasions when the official forecast will vary from the computer models.

There is also a forecast that gives you information about the chance of rainfall in

an area expressed as a percentage. For example, if seven out of the eight available models are showing that at least 10mm will fall in an area, then this will be shown as a percentage of 88 per cent (ie 7/8).

Likewise, if only one model thinks there will be 10mm, then the chance will be shown as 13 per cent (ie 1/8).

A forecast in a graphical format of rainfall totals for days one to four and days five to eight is also available.

You can also use the web site to find out where rain has fallen recently, to see how the season’s rainfall compares to previous years, or check out the long-term average.

If you would like further information about this web page, or any other services the Bureau can offer pastoralists, then please contact Neil Bennett on (08) 9263 2222 or email webwa@bom.gov.au

Grants and subsidies for pastoralists

Increase in pastoral water grants Pastoralists received some welcome news recently when the State Government announced changes to the Pastoral Water Grants Scheme – including an increase in the maximum grant to $20,000.

The Pastoral Water Grants Scheme assists pastoralists to deal with overgrazing and land degradation by contributing to improvements in land management and homestead water supplies.

It encourages sustainable grazing management and is also designed to secure pastoral properties against water shortages.

Since its inception in December 1999, 79 pastoral water grants valued at $800,000 have been approved under the scheme.

Who is eligible?

Commercial pastoralists holding leases in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne/ Murchison and Goldfields/Nullarbor regions can seek assistance under the scheme.

The latest changes mean pastoralists operating a commercial pastoral business can claim 70 per cent of expenditure on approved water supply improvement work up to a maximum of $20,000.

Help for the Homestead

What can be funded?

When to apply

Grants are available to establish new watering points, upgrade existing points and install improved homestead water supplies.

Grant rounds under the scheme close at the end of February, June and October.

Types of projects eligible for assistance include construction and enhancement of dams and water catchment performance, drilling, equipping of bores, reticulation, pumps and tanks, water treatment equipment and refurbishment of key water supply systems.

To be successful, pastoralists must be able to demonstrate the need for improved water supplies on the property. Priority will be given to those stations demonstrating the greatest water deficiency or anticipated environmental benefit to the rangeland resulting from the proposed improvements.

Technical officers at the Department of Agriculture and Food’s District Offices are available to assist pastoralists to plan water supply improvements on their leases.

For more information on the scheme, contact the Department of Water on freecall 1800 780 300 or visit the Department of Water’s website: www.water.wa.gov.au

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Substantial subsidies for station power supplies As a pastoralist using diesel generators to provide power to your station, you would be aware that the cost of diesel fuel is rising rapidly and becoming a major cost to your station’s operating budget.

If you are considering installing a Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) then perhaps the Country Housing Authority (CHA) can assist.

The CHA loan program has been made available to pastoralists to help finance the cost of installing renewable energy generating equipment.

A 55 per cent rebate is available from the Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) for eligible projects and the CHA can finance the remaining 45 per cent.

The total cost of the RAPS can be funded initially with no outlay on your behalf.

On completion of the project, the rebate from SEDO is paid direct to the CHA to reduce the loan by the rebated amount.

During the past two years, 32 pastoralists have taken advantage of the CHA program.

By installing a RAPS, your power generation/fuel costs will be substantially reduced and can become virtually cost neutral. There are many variables in the size of the unit to be replaced and its fuel consumption; however, in some cases the installation of a RAPS system can even be cash flow positive.

For example, if you currently run a 20KVA ‘gen set’ using three litres of diesel per hour for 16 hours per day at $1.30 per litre, your annual fuel cost would be $22,776. If you installed a 20KVA RAPS at an estimated cost of $200,000 the rebate of 55 per cent would be $110,000 leaving a balance to be financed of $90,000. The annual repayment of principal and interest

for $90,000 to the CHA would be $8,800 over a 20-year period.

This example is based on fuel usage only and does not take into account maintenance or replacement costs. Even so it can be seen that considerable savings can be achieved.

Brochures are available at your local Shire Office or Telecentre.

The Country Housing Authority will come to you, so if you are interested and wish to apply, Murray Harrison will be able to organise a suitable time to visit your station and discuss your requirements.

For further information phone Murray on 1800 158 200 (free call), or email cha@dhw.wa.gov.au To visit the website go to www.dhw.wa.gov.au and click on the Country Housing Authority.

Cash incentives to buy energy-efficient appliances A new scheme launched in December 2006 means people who live outside the main electricity grid will be eligible for cash-back rebates for a range of energy-efficient appliances and insulation.

Eligible residents are also entitled to four free energy-saving lamps.

The rebates available under the scheme are:

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• up to $150 for fridges and freezers with an energy rating of four stars and above; • up to $150 for refrigerative airconditioners with an energy rating of five stars and above; • 30 per cent of the cost of ceiling insulation (up to $400) installed in homes built before July 2003; and

• 50 per cent of the cost of controllers (up to $50 per item) for lighting banks, air-conditioners, fans and other high energy consuming equipment which is commonly left on when not required.

For further information on the Regional Energy Efficiency Program, contact the Energy Smart Line on 1300 658 158, your local shire office or visit the website www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au/pages/reepp.asp

Funding for fencing of road reserves on main roads In the pastoral regions of WA there are about 8,860 km of highways and main roads. Of these, approximately 3,615 km are fenced on both sides and 1,307 km fenced on one side only.

The roads are under the control of Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA), which for many years has contributed to the cost of construction of boundary fences adjacent to pastoral leases.

Such contributions are subject to availability of MRWA funds for fencing and the willingness of individual pastoralists to enter into a written legal agreement covering each party’s responsibilities and contributions towards costs. The basis of fencing agreements is cost-sharing of initial construction with subsequent maintenance being the responsibility of the pastoralist.

Cooperation between pastoralists and MRWA has resulted in extensive lengths of new fencing to the benefit of both parties. The benefits include: • improvements in stock management; • reduced risk of stock deaths on the road;

Cost Sharing The basic formula for sharing of construction costs is 50:50. However, MRWA discounts the fencing costs to be shared by the amount saved eliminating the need for future grid replacement.

If road reserve fencing will result in preventing stock from reaching water sources, then MRWA will contribute towards the costs of new or relocated water points. The amount of the contribution is subject to negotiation for each specific case.

Under the fencing agreement, the standard of the fence must be agreed and be appropriate for the type of stock involved. If there is disagreement or uncertainty of the fence standard which is appropriate, then advice is sought from other parties, such as the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Because MRWA contributions come from public funds, it is essential that the expenditure demonstrates value for money. The MRWA policy is to tender for fence construction works. However, there is provision to waive tenders if pastoralists are not prepared or able to pay their share to a fencing contractor but is willing to construct the fence themselves.

MRWA will then assess the pastoralist’s quote for value for money against current market rates for equivalent work.

Other considerations • Maintenance. This is the most common concern of MRWA. Ongoing fence maintenance is the responsibility of the pastoralist. There are some instances of pastoralists not maintaining the fences to prevent stock entering the road reserve.

There could be many reasons for this including a lack of funds, change of lessee or general poor stock management practices.

• reduced risks to the travelling public from wandering stock; • reduced risk of litigation for injury and damages; • conservation of roadside vegetation; and • reduced numbers of stock grids required on the road.

Help for the Homestead

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Funding for fencing of road reserves on main roads cont.

• Natural Disasters. When fences are damaged extensively or destroyed by floods or fires, then the pastoralist might not have the resources or be willing to reconstruct the fence. MRWA is currently considering such situations.

One solution could be insurance to cover the cost of these events.

• Insurance against fence loss or damage. Pastoralists have informed MRWA that insurance companies will not cover fences for fire damage if appropriate firebreaks are not in place. To protect the fence, a firebreak is usually needed on both sides. Construction of firebreaks is expensive and MRWA does not usually maintain a firebreak on the road reserve side. Advice on clearing should be sought from the Department of Environment and Conservation.

• Change in Stock. For pastoralists who change stock, for example from sheep to cattle, the sheep standard fence might not be sufficient to prevent cattle entering the road reserve. Contribution by MRWA towards upgrading or reconstructing the fence for these reasons is not paid at present, but this is under consideration. Relevant factors determining the cost sharing could include whether MRWA had previously contributed to initial construction, the cost of upgrade and the likelihood of and risks associated with stock getting out onto the road.

• Aboriginal Heritage Clearances.

MRWA is required to comply with the 56 Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

If disturbance of the ground to construct the fence is likely to impact Aboriginal interests, then a heritage survey is required and is to be included in the cost of the fence.

This can be a high cost, which can become an issue for MRWA and the pastoralist.

for some time in an attempt to achieve practical improvements in road reserve fencing management for the benefit of pastoralists and the State.

Pastoralists are welcome to contact their MRWA regional office for more information on the fencing policy and fencing agreements.

Moving forward In recent years, the MRWA fencing policy has been an important factor in improving the standard and increasing the length of fencing along road reserve boundaries in pastoral areas.

It is expected that this will continue and that addressing some of the issues will lead to even better outcomes. MRWA has also been involved in discussions with the Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association

Save money with a ‘seasonal vehicle licence’ You can now apply for a ‘seasonal vehicle licence’ for a heavy vehicle used only for seasonal work. This means you only pay the licence for the time the vehicle is being used, which could save you considerable money. For further information, visit www.dpi.wa.gov.au/seasonal or call 13 11 56.

Kimberley TAFE staff setting up a satellite dish.

Free computer training for pastoralists Free computer training and access to a telephone help desk is now available for people living in remote parts of Western Australia.

Under a Commonwealth Governmentfunded project Future Skilling Outback WA, trainers are now travelling into remote areas of WA to teach computer skills.

The project aims to train up to 5,800 people in 187 remote communities and stations.

There are two levels of training available.

Basic Information Communication Technology (ICT) training is 12 hours of face-to-face training, in which people will learn how to operate a computer, set-up email accounts, search the Internet, use Internet banking, do word processing and perform other computer skills.

Help for the Homestead

The second level of training is Technical Support Training, which includes nine hours of face-to-face training and is aimed at helping more advanced computer users get the most out of their computers by teaching hardware and software maintenance. In particular, it will help people deal with the problems of spam and computer viruses.

A free help desk is also available where computer technicians can talk you through computer problems as they arise.

The project is managed by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development and funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, as part of its IT Training and Technical Support Program.

The regions covered are the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Murchison and Goldfields-Esperance.

If you or your station staff would like to take advantage of this program, the Department may be able to send a trainer to you. The program operates with five or more trainees, so even if you don’t have enough people on your station, you could get together with a neighbouring station.

To contact the Department of Local Government and Regional Development and find out more, email futureskilling@ dlgrd.wa.gov.au or telephone the Project Coordinator Kathy Norris (08) 9217 1450 or freecall 1800 620 511 (country callers only).

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2007 – The Centenary of the Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association

PGA chairman Sandy McTaggart (centre) with vice presidents Ruth Webb-Smith and Rob Gillam

The Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association of WA – Australia’s oldest surviving rural lobby group, will celebrate its centenary in 2007.

The PGA has organised a full calendar of events for its 100th year, starting with the traditional North West/Murchison cricket match and the launch of a new PGA history by Glen McLaren in Perth in January.

A second publication featuring pastoral identities and their stories, compiled by Jano Foulkes-Taylor of Tardie Station, will be launched in June.

PGA President Sandy McTaggart of Mt. Narryer station in the Murchison will welcome the Federal Treasurer as special guest for the PGA centenary conference on February 22, to be followed by a gala dinner at Government House. Industry merit awards will be a feature of the dinner.

Pastoralists from WA’s Kimberley, the Pilbara and the Goldfields first came together to address industrial problems in the shearing industry, as well as transport and other issues, just after Federation in 1901.

PGA meetings and events have been organised throughout the year, including a special dinner in Esperance in March, the annual pastoral conference in Mt. Magnet on April 28, and a gala dinner on Fossil Downs station, Fitzroy Crossing on September 1.

There will also be a PGA version of the Carnarvon Cup meeting on September 15.

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The history of the PGA

Founders of the PGA in 1907 included members of State Parliament, who were also pastoral leaseholders and recognised the value of professional representation.

The success of the PGA in resolving pastoral issues at both State and Federal levels was extended to WA’s agricultural areas in the 1970s, creating a unique mix of like-minded pastoralists and farmers.

The overriding objective of PGA from the outset was the promotion of freeenterprise and competition in the

rural industries, leading to its ultimate influence in dismantling the reserve price scheme for wool, removing the compulsory acquisition of lamb in WA and opening WA’s coarse grains industry to competition.

More recent pastoral issues addressed by the PGA have included Native Title, land tenure, vermin control and communication services.

PGA members have been closely associated with the Pastoral Lands Board and its forerunners since their organisation was formed in 1907, with pastoralists from most of the rangeland regions holding positions on the board at various times.

For more information on the PGA’s Centenary celebrations contact Barry Court, via Sandy Hayter at the PGA, either by telephone (08) 9479 4599 or email pga@pgaofwa.org.au Website www.pgaofwa.org.au.

Get your contact details up-to-date It is important for pastoralists to ensure that the Pastoral Lands Board has the most current contact details.

Correspondence from the Board is important for pastoralists and if it is not received, or received late, there may be significant consequences.

In particular, if there is a change of station manager, or accountants that receive mail on behalf of the lessee, you must update your contact details with us as soon as possible.

Updating contact details is simple.

To change your contact details just visit our website at: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral then click on ‘Change your Contact Details’ in the navigation bar on the left, click on the PDF, print the form, fill it out, ensure the lessee(s) sign it and send it to us.

The form has three levels of contact:

• the lessee contact, who is the person who is to receive correspondence regarding routine enquires/matters, eg a person seeking permission to access a pastoral lease; and • the registered lessee of the pastoral lease for correspondence that must, by legislation, be sent to the registered lessee.

If you don’t have access to the Internet, call this office on (08) 9347 5126 for a form.

• the station manager, for emergencies where we need to contact a person on the ground;

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Pastoral Lands Board Telephone: (08) 9347 5126 Facsimile: (08) 9347 5009 Email: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au Website: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral Address: Pastoral Land Business Unit Department for Planning and Infrastructure PO Box 1575 MIDLAND WA 6936 ISSN: 1834-2566

Issue 6 March 2008

Pastoral Lines

The Official Magazine of The Pastoral Lands Board

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE Selling a pastoral lease Animal welfare and livestock transport Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management Support to Aboriginal pastoral stations RFDS on the Road primary health care program Public access to pastoral leases ISSN: 1834-2566

Pastoral Lines Pastoral Lines is the official magazine of the Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia. It is published annually and has a circulation of 1,900, which includes all pastoral lessees and station managers.

It is distributed free of charge.

Executive Editor: Brian Lloyd

Pastoral Lines is also available electronically on the website: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral under ‘Information and Publications’.

Material from this magazine is copyright. It may be reprinted; however, in all cases, the source must be fully acknowledged.

Editorial enquiries: (08) 9347 5126 Postal address: Pastoral Land Business Unit, Department for Planning and Infrastructure, PO Box 1575, Midland, Western Australia, 6936.

Email: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

Copyright© The Director General of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, Western Australia 2008.

ISSN 1834-2566

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From the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Welcome to this latest issue of Pastoral Lines.

management in a natural resource management context.

It is my pleasure to welcome two new members to the Pastoral Lands Board whose experience and knowledge will benefit your industry greatly.

Although the State Government would have hoped for a different response, the majority of pastoralists voted to reject the new tenure model proposed for pastoral leases - even though it offered a choice of tenure.

Ms Leanne Corker has been the lessee of Red Hill Station in the Ashburton with her husband Digby since 1987. She has been a Councillor with the Shire of Ashburton since 2003 and Shire President since 2005, and has also been an active member of the Ashburton Land Conservation District Committee.

Mr Brett Pollock, a deputy member, has been the lessee of Wooleen Station in the Murchison since 1990.

He has been a chartered accountant and Shire Clerk for the Murchison and Shark Bay shires, and has also served on tourism associations and natural resource management committees.

I look forward to working with the new members and the Board to ensure the effective administration of pastoral leases.

I would also like to welcome Nevin Wittber as the new General Manager of the Pastoral Land Business Unit.

He brings to the job some 20 years of experience in project planning and

I have indicated I will consider changes to a small number of clauses.

I hope this can be settled by the end of April 2008.

In the same process, the overwhelming majority of pastoralists voted in favour of having the nominee of the Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association as the pastoral member on the new Rangelands Council, which will oversee the establishment of environmental management standards for all rangelands and measure their sustainability.

I am shortly to release and offer my views on the Review into Industry Training for Aboriginal Pastoralists. However, I am pleased that significant progress has been made towards implementing the key recommendation of this report, the establishment of an Indigenous Pastoral Enterprise Unit.

This Unit will assist Aboriginal people to address high-level governance

issues and develop land-based economic activities on pastoral leases, in line with community aspirations.

In this issue of Pastoral Lines you can also read about the effectiveness of the Indigenous Landholder Service (ILS), a joint venture between the Department of Agriculture and Food WA and the Indigenous Land Corporation. Over the last 18 months, 928 ILS participants have undergone some form of primary industry training in relation to their business across the State. Currently, plans are underway to create a new ILS service in the Mid-West, Murchison and Upper Gascoyne regions.

Pastoral Lines is once again filled with a wealth of interesting and useful information and I draw your attention to the articles on the latest technology, which is available to assist pastoralists access important information.

Enjoy!

Alannah MacTiernan Minister for Planning and Infrastructure

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Contents From the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure ................. 3 About the Pastoral Lands Board ...................................................... 5 Members of the Board .......................................................................6-7 New General Manager .......................................................................... 7

Pastoral Management News » Pastoral Lease Management Selling a pastoral lease ..................................................................... 8 Accurate survey information of pastoral boundaries .... 9 Changing your pastoral lease boundaries ...........................10 Destocking a pastoral lease ........................................................11 Station plans important for managing pastoral leases ..12 Agisting stock on pastoral leases .............................................13 Unpaid pastoral lease rents ........................................................13 Rangeland Condition Assessments .........................................14 Lessees urged to pass on information to station managers ..............................................................................15 Separate Annual Returns .............................................................15 Diversification Permits ..................................................................15

» Stock Managing the stocking rate within the carrying capacity ..................................................................................................16 Animal welfare and livestock transport ...............................18 Rural Crime Squad ..........................................................................20 Relocation of Midland saleyards to Muchea .....................21 Did you know? - Dividing fences .............................................21 Livestock trespass ............................................................................22 Did you know? - Cattle husbandry practices ...................23

» Environment Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management ESRM .......................................................................................................24 EcoFire - Fire management in the Kimberley ....................26 Did you know? - Clearing ............................................................27 Promoting community and government partnerships in natural resource management ..................................................28 The Shared Land Information Platform and natural resource information .....................................................................30 The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act ............................................................................................................31

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» Water Water management in the rangelands .................................32 Water supply grants for pastoralists ......................................34

Features Two WA pastoralists in Nuffield 2007 scholarship winners ..........................................................................................................36 Support to Aboriginal pastoral stations ......................................37 Review into industry training for Aboriginal pastoralists ....39 New opportunities for tropical and pastoral agriculture ...40 Landgate: A one-stop shop for pastoralists ..............................41 Pastoral lease market sees a decline from previous year ..42 Harvesting dead sandalwood in the Gascoyne-Murchison .............................................................................43 Rangeland survey reports ...................................................................44 Did you know? - EPIRBs .......................................................................45 Telemetry in the pastoral industry .................................................46 Did you know? - Aboriginal sites .....................................................47 Centenary of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology 1908-2008 ...................................................................................................48 Safe use and management of 1080 ...............................................49 Wild dog management in the rangelands - an update .......50 Data logging to combat wild dogs .................................................51

Help for the Homestead RFDS on the Road primary health care program ....................52 The Rural Women’s GP Service - providing choice .............53 Look after your business - have a routine health check-up ........................................................................................................54 Pastoral traineeships in Western Australia .................................55 Carnarvon School of the Air .............................................................56 Public access to pastoral leases ........................................................58 GPS settings - make sure they’re right .........................................59 Did you know? - Grants and assistance .......................................59 On both sides of the fence - an update on the Good Neighbour Policy ......................................................................................60 Did you Know? - Miner’s Rights .......................................................61 Telecentre network provides regional opportunities ..........62 Get your contact details up-to-date ..............................................63

About the Pastoral Lands Board The Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia is established under the Land Administration Act 1997. Functions of the Board are to: a) advise the Minister on policy relating to the pastoral industry and the administration of pastoral leases; b) administer pastoral leases in accordance with Part 7 of the LAA; c) ensure pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis; d) develop policies to prevent the degradation of rangelands; e) develop policies to rehabilitate degraded or eroded rangelands and to restore their pastoral potential; f) consider applications for the subdivision of pastoral land and make recommendations to the Minister in relation to them; g) establish and evaluate a system of pastoral land monitoring sites;

Members of the Pastoral Lands Board (L to R): Paul Baron, Graeme Rundle, Rod Campbell, Sandra Eckert, Roger O’Dwyer (for David Hartley), Leanne Corker, Peter Leutenegger, Nevin Wittber (General Manager, Pastoral Land Business Unit) and Graeme Robertson.

h) monitor the numbers and the effect of stock and feral animals on pastoral land; i) conduct or commission research into any matters that it considers are relevant to the pastoral industry;

j) provide such other assistance or advice as the Minister may require in relation to the administration of Part 7 of the LAA; and k) exercise or perform such other functions as it may be given under the LAA or any other Act.

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Members of the Board Prof Graeme Robertson – Chairman Professor Robertson is currently Director and Professor of the Muresk Institute, Curtin University of Technology. He was previously the Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Chairperson of the Federal Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation.

Graeme was a Rhodes Scholar and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Agriculture obtained at Oxford University. He also has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Western Australia.

He has been involved in a wide range of research, development and management activities in many aspects of primary industry in Western Australia. He has also held key roles on many boards and committees in relation to agriculture, the pastoral industry and natural resource management.

Rod Campbell – Pastoral Member Rod is the current lessee of Kybo Station on the Nullarbor and has over 40 years experience in station

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management. He is also an active member of the Nullarbor-Eyre Highway Land Conservation District Committee.

Leanne Corker – Pastoral Member Leanne has been the lessee of Red Hill Station in the Ashburton with her husband Digby since 1987. She has been a Councillor with the Shire of Ashburton since 2003 and Shire President since 2005. She has been an active member of the Ashburton Land Conservation District Committee and, since 2005, the Chair.

Peter Leutenegger – Pastoral Member Peter has been the lessee of Napier Downs Station, east of Derby since 1992. Prior to this, he worked on sheep and cattle stations in Queensland and in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.

Graeme Rundle – Conservation Member Graeme has a special interest in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on the rangelands, which has involved interaction with related government agencies, and the pastoral and mining industries.

Paul Baron – Aboriginal Member Paul is the General Manager of the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, the lessees of Cardabia Station north of Coral Bay and he is also the Chairperson of the Cardabia Pastoral Company. Paul has served on several Aboriginal organisations and training groups.

Sandra Eckert – representing the Director General of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

Sandra is a legal practitioner and is a Legal Officer with the Legislative and Legal Services section of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

David Hartley – representing the Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Food David is the Executive Director of Natural Resource Management with the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Deputy members of the Board Brett Pollock – Deputy to Rod Campbell

Ruth Webb-Smith – Deputy to Leanne Corker

Dr Tony Brandis – Deputy to Graeme Rundle

Brett was a jackaroo on Wooleen Station in the Murchison between 1972 and 1981 and has been the lessee of Wooleen since 1990.

Prior to this, he was a chartered accountant and was a Shire Clerk for the Murchison and Shark Bay Shires between 1981 and 1990. Brett has also served on various tourism associations and natural resource management committees.

Ruth was a previous lessee of Beefwood Park in the Kimberley and is a lessee of Wyloo Station in the Ashburton and Yakka Munga Station in the Kimberley. Ruth has also been a member of several committees and groups associated with the pastoral industry.

Tony is a Master of Environmental Science, Master of Education and Doctor of Natural Resource Management. He is a Senior Policy Adviser and Project Manager with the Department of Environment and Conservation and has responsibility for establishing the conservation reserve system in the rangelands.

Jack Burton – Deputy to Peter Leutenegger Jack is the lessee of Kilto, Yeeda and Mt Jowlaenga Stations in the West Kimberley. He also has interests in several other stations in the Kimberley and Goldfields.

Marion Dolby – Deputy to Paul Baron Marion, along with her husband, manages Mt Pierre Station near Fitzroy Crossing.

New General Manager The Pastoral Land Business Unit, which supports the Pastoral Lands Board, has a new General Manager.

Nevin Wittber was schooled in Wiluna, Mt. Barker and Perth, which provided him with a mix of pastoral, agricultural and urban experiences. After completing Year 12, Nevin entered a cadet program with the Department of CALM and in 1988 started duties as a forester in Harvey, WA. Since that time, Nevin has gained 20 years of experience in project planning and management, developing and leading teams and engaging stakeholders in a natural resource management context.

His recent role at the Forest Products Commission involved planning and coordinating activities under the Strategic Tree Farming project - Australia’s biggest single NAP-funded project.

Nevin lives in the Perth hills (so he thinks he’s still in the country!) with his wife and three sons and recently completed an MBA at the University of Western Australia.

Nevin is looking forward to his role in ‘redder pastures’, working with the pastoral industry and the Pastoral Lands Board.

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Selling a pastoral lease

One of the responsibilities of the Pastoral Lands Board (PLB) is to make recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure in respect to the sale and transfer of pastoral leases. Under sections 18 and 134 of the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA), a pastoral lease cannot be transferred without prior Ministerial consent.

If you want to offer your station for sale you must, in the first instance, apply in writing to the PLB advising of your intention. The PLB, in considering such a request, will need to review a Rangeland Condition Assessment for the station. In circumstances where a lease has been inspected within the previous three years and there are no new land management issues, a new inspection may not need to be undertaken.

Once the PLB has considered the request, and approval is granted, the lessee will be advised of the conditions of sale. Permission to sell will be valid for 12 months. Should a sale not eventuate within this time and the property is to remain on the market, a new application will need to be made.

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In summary, the process comprises four stages: 1 lessee requests permission to sell 2 proposed purchaser is assessed 3 Ministerial approval is endorsed on executed and stamped Transfer 4 transfer lodged at Landgate for registration.

Get ‘Permission to Sell’ before advertising the station for sale Pastoralists selling stations occasionally run into problems when they advertise the station for sale before obtaining permission from the PLB. In such cases, a prospective purchaser may make a written offer and have it accepted before permission is granted.

Issues may then arise if the purchaser is subsequently informed of particular requirements set down by the PLB as part of the ‘permission to sell’.

For example, specific requirements might relate to infrastructure repair, destocking an area or closure of waters. The prospective purchaser might not have had prior knowledge of these requirements, resulting in disagreements with the selling pastoralist.

To avoid such situations, pastoralists are strongly advised to gain permission to sell the station before advertising it for sale.

It should be noted that the PLB will recommend that permission to transfer not be granted if there are any outstanding obligations

Pastoral Management News

or requirements. These include such things as Management Plans, Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements, and rent.

Once a purchaser has been found, the purchaser will need to comply with the conditions of transfer and be considered for eligibility in terms of: • the State Government Foreign Ownership of Pastoral Lease Policy (currently 50 per cent Australian equity); and • the maximum area limitation (currently 500,000 hectares; but with Ministerial discretion to exceed the limit in certain circumstances).

Other standard conditions will require the purchaser to agree to: • abide by the requirements of Parts 7, 9 and 10 of the LAA and provisions of the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945; and • submit a Management Plan, including evidence of financial capacity to manage the lease and details of proposed management.

In this instance, an inspection will not be necessary nor will compliance with the standard conditions of transfer of a pastoral lease by the existing partner(s). Eligibility will still need to be assessed in terms of the Foreign

Ownership Policy and the 500,000 hectare limitation.

For further assistance please call the PLB Executive Officer, John Andrioff on (08) 9347 5126.

Accurate survey information of pastoral boundaries Pastoralists seeking accurate survey information on the boundaries of their pastoral leases for such activities as fencing, can contact Landgate’s Customer Services section.

Initially, send a fax to (08) 9250 3187 providing the name of the station, plan number, name of the registered lessees and lease number(s), plus a contact name, address and phone number should Landgate need further information.

You can also ring Landgate on (08) 9273 7333 and ask for a phone search.

Landgate searches attract a basic search fee that increases depending on how much information you require.

Additional information about Landgate’s products and services can be obtained by accessing Landgate’s website at: www.landgate.wa.gov.au

Upon Ministerial approval of a transfer, settlement can occur. An executed and stamped (stamp duty paid) Transfer of Land document will need to be submitted to the Pastoral Land Business Unit for endorsement of Ministerial consent and it can then be lodged at Landgate for registration.

In circumstances where a partner in a pastoral lease wishes to sell his/her share to the other partner(s), prior Ministerial consent is also required.

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Changing your pastoral lease boundaries On many pastoral stations, geographical features affect the viability of developing remote parts of the lease area or make it difficult to fence on the surveyed boundary.

In some cases, just the shape of a boundary line can make it uneconomic to consider fencing.

Neighbours quite often reach informal agreements as to the mutual use of a section of country or the on-ground position of a boundary fence. Where properties do not change hands, these agreements may endure for generations.

In the last year we have seen a number of long-term pastoralists leaving the industry to retire. When a potential purchaser is looking over a property, these informal arrangements can come to light.

Why bother changing boundaries?

It can never be assumed that a new owner will honour any informal agreements; they may move to reclaim part of a lease fenced into a neighbouring property.

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It is important to be aware that pastoral leases are Crown land and are not subject to adverse possession claims under the Transfer of Land Act 1893 (freehold land).

In most cases, it is not a difficult process to formalise these agreements to everyone’s satisfaction. Depending on the circumstances, several sections of Part 7 of the Land Administration Act 1997 can be used to amend a lease boundary.

Another time to consider boundary adjustments is when you are developing a future business plan for your pastoral enterprise.

If you have a section of your lease which you believe you cannot work to its best advantage, it may be of greater value to a neighbour.

It is possible to secure the Board’s agreement to sell a portion of the pastoral lease on the basis of amalgamation with a neighbour’s lease.

In some cases, it may be suitable to consider either a part or equal value exchange.

How to obtain approval In all cases, the first step is to obtain the written agreement of all your participating neighbours and have them also sign a plan clearly showing the boundary amendment. A good tool to assist in this is your pastoral improvement plan. A copy can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) office at South Perth on (08) 9368 3732.

Then, you need to make a written application to the Chairman of the Pastoral Lands Board. If a large area is proposed for sale, the matter will be referred to DAFWA in the first instance, in order that it can consider whether the carrying capacity of your lease is not being reduced to a point where it may affect ongoing economic viability.

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Once all relevant information has been assembled, your application will be referred to the Board for a decision.

If approved, survey instructions will be issued to Landgate for preparation of a new Deposited Plan. This is the most time-consuming part of the exercise and it may take several months before the plan is in order for dealing.

When the plan is available, each participant will be asked to forward sufficient funds to cover the statutory fees. Currently, the fees are an $89 document preparation fee and a Landgate lodgement fee of $82.

If a sale of land or a cross-transfer is proposed, you will be asked to employ your own conveyancer to prepare the transfer documents

Native Title Act Another issue to consider when amalgamating large areas from one lease to another is the provisions of the Native Title Act 1993.

If it is decided that this Act applies to your proposal, then the term of your existing lease may not be greater than the term of the amalgamated lease, so for example, if your lease term is 45 years and the amalgamated part-lease term is 35 years, the term of your lease will be reduced to 35 years. If the term of the amalgamated lease is longer, there is no change.

Destocking a pastoral lease From time to time it may be necessary to destock a pastoral lease for a number of reasons, such as a run of dry seasons or when changing classes of stock.

The Land Administration Act 1997 requires that a pastoral lease be managed and worked to its best advantage as a pastoral property. A pastoral lease must not be destocked without first obtaining permission from the Pastoral Lands Board.

To get permission to destock, a pastoralist must apply in writing to the Board providing the reasons for destocking and the period the station will be destocked. The Board will not normally grant approval for a period greater than three years; however, it will consider extensions of time if the circumstances warrant.

The application should address: • proposed maintenance of infrastructure, including water points, yards and fencing; • control management of pest animals and declared plants; and • details of restocking arrangements including timeframes and stock category.

If the station is planned to be destocked for a considerable time, the Board may require a Management Plan containing an inventory of, and maintenance program for, current infrastructure before granting approval.

The Board may also arrange an annual inspection or other occasional inspection to confirm compliance with the Management Plan.

Applications to destock should be addressed to the Chairman, Pastoral Lands Board and may be emailed, faxed or posted to the Board at PO Box 1575, Midland, WA 6936. Enquiries can be made to the Executive Officer of the PLB on (08) 9347 5126 or email: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

Applications for boundary adjustments should be posted to: The Chairman, Pastoral Lands Board, PO Box 1575, Midland 6936. If you are able to scan your plan, then you can send your application by e-mail.

For further information, please contact the PLB Executive Officer, John Andrioff on (08) 9347 5122 or email: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

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Station plans important for managing pastoral leases

By Damian Shepherd, Manager, Client and Resource Information, Department of Agriculture and Food WA

Historically, pastoral infrastructure plans were drawn on film sheets, and maintained by the former Department of Land Administration (DOLA).

• the location of homesteads and other buildings;

In 1988, responsibility for this passed to the Department of Agriculture, and in conjunction with DOLA (now Landgate), these plans were captured digitally into Computer Aided Design (CAD) data.

• a range of topographic features such as ranges and breakaways.

The Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) now maintains this data using updates captured through pastoral lease inspections and rangeland surveys, and from updates supplied by pastoralists themselves.

Plans like the one illustrated below can be generated from these data and are available to pastoralists from DAFWA. Standard plans include a range of information on lease infrastructure including:

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• tracks and fences; • stock watering points; and

Where rangeland surveys have been undertaken in the area, the plans can also be supplied with a map of ‘land systems’ - landscape units that contain a common pattern of landforms, soils and vegetation. These land systems are important for understanding land management issues on the lease, and for developing and implementing a Management Plan for the station.

New pastoral lessees New pastoral lessees may not have a station plan for their lease. They are strongly encouraged to get one, as

they will find the information on it invaluable in managing their pastoral business.

Also, in cases where a lessee does not live on the station, they should ensure that their station manager has a copy of the station plan, to help them in effective on-the-ground decisionmaking.

Please note that before plans can be made available to anyone other than the pastoral lessee, a release form must be signed by the pastoral lessee.

To make a request for station plans and derived products (including digital data) contact: Client and Resource Information, Department of Agriculture and Food WA Telephone: (08) 9368 3925 Website: www.agric.wa.gov.au

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Agisting stock on pastoral leases Current dry conditions in some regions of the State are causing concerns about preserving both stock and pasture condition.

One option may be agistment of stock on those pastoral leases that have experienced more favourable seasonal conditions over recent years and in general have good condition pastures.

When considering approaches for agistment, you need to be aware that you need prior written permission from the Pastoral Land Board.

Under the Land Administration Act 1997, the Board is required to ensure that pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis, so it needs to assess the effect of agistment proposals on the condition of the pastoral lease to be used.

Obtaining permission is not difficult.

All that is required is a letter to the Board providing particular details of the agistment proposal, including: • type of stock to be agisted; • number of stock involved; • duration of the agistment proposal; • statement on the current range condition and the numbers of your own stock; • whether the stock will be run together or kept separate; • where on the lease agisted stock will be located (whole of lease or individual paddocks);

• who will manage the stock; and • any other relevant management comments.

Once the proposal is received, the Board will make an assessment using office records wherever possible. This will ensure a response in the shortest possible time.

Applications for periods of more than one season or large numbers of stock will be referred to the Department of Agriculture and Food for comment in the first instance.

Permission to allow agistment may be conditional and it is the pastoral

lessee’s responsibility to monitor the impact of additional grazing on the rangeland to ensure land degradation does not occur. The pastoralist must also advise of any subsequent changes to the initial details of the agistment supplied to the Board.

Address applications to The Chairman, Pastoral Lands Board. You can post them to PO Box 1575, Midland, 6936, email to plb@dpi.wa.gov.au or fax them to (08) 9347 5009.

For initial enquiries ring (08) 9347 5126 or email the Board’s Executive Officer at plb@dpi.wa.gov.au

Unpaid pastoral lease rents The Pastoral Land Business Unit uses the services of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s debt collection agency to recover unpaid pastoral lease rents, as well as any associated penalties.

This action relates only to the unpaid rents and any associated penalties.

Any other action that can be taken under the Land Administration Act 1997 in relation to unpaid rents, in particular prosecutions and forfeiture action, will be taken independently of any debt collection matter.

If you think you will have difficulty in paying your pastoral rent account, contact our Accounts section immediately on (08) 9347 5145 to discuss alternative arrangements. Don’t just ignore our accounts, as action for collection of outstanding rent will be commenced if no alternatives have been discussed.

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Rangeland Condition Assessments Rangeland Condition Assessments (RCAs) provide invaluable information for pastoral lessees, including: • major land systems; • infrastructure; • carrying capacities; • stocking history; • a comparison of range condition trend with previous surveys and inspections; • seasonal conditions; and • details of any land management issues that may need to be addressed.

RCAs are conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Food for the Pastoral Lands Board, to assist the Board administer the State’s pastoral leases. These reports are scheduled every six years; however, if there are issues of concern to the Board, inspections are carried out on a more regular basis. In addition, if a pastoral property is put up for sale and the RCA is more than three-years old, a new RCA is prepared.

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New pastoral lessees should ensure that they have a copy of the latest RCA for their lease, as they will find this, used in conjunction with a Station Plan (see article in this edition of Pastoral Lines) will be invaluable in effectively managing the pastoral lease.

Involvement of pastoral lessees in the RCA process Pastoral lessees or managers are strongly encouraged to accompany the Pastoral Inspector during at least some of the RCA field visit, so they can see how the inspection is conducted, contribute to the inspection process and have the opportunity to make comments about areas where issues have been raised.

This is valuable interaction as it also allows the Pastoral Inspector to explain the assessment method to the pastoralist and gain relevant information about the lease. Also, a copy of the draft RCA is sent to the lessee, so that they can contact the

Pastoral Inspector with any comment before the RCA is forwarded to the Board.

What the Pastoral Lands Board does with the RCA The Board meets and considers the RCA. Depending on the content of the report, the Board may require the pastoral lessee to take action to address any issues of concern raised in the RCA. The Board sometimes requires the lessee to submit a Management Plan to demonstrate how a particular issue highlighted in the RCA will be addressed. If this is the case, it is essential to use both the RCA and the Board’s Management Plan guidelines to ensure that the issue that needs to be addressed is covered effectively and with commitments to timeframes.

Follow-up inspections may be required to ensure that progress is made in implementing the actions as stated in the Management Plan.

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Lessees urged to pass on information to station managers In situations where pastoral lessees are off-site and they have a manager running the lease, there have been several instances where the manager does not know or has not been given important information in relation to running the pastoral lease.

Some of this information relates to Board directives (such as the closure of a water point) or the lessee’s obligations in running the lease. With the manager not knowing what these directives, requirements or obligations are, the lessee may easily put themselves in a situation where they are breaching the conditions of the pastoral lease. This may lead to serious consequences.

Apart from Board directives, information that is vital to be passed onto the manager is: • any Diversification Permit; • the Rangeland Condition Assessment; and • the Station Plan.

So that these lessees can make sure they are not breaching lease conditions and also so that their

Separate Annual Returns A reminder that two copies of blank Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements forms are sent out for each pastoral station.

While it is recognised that some lessees may operate two or more stations as one, where multiple stations are managed together, a separate Annual Return must be submitted for each station. The exception to this is if the lessee has been given permission to run the multiple leases as a ‘pastoral business unit’.

Where apportioning stock numbers for each lease is difficult, you are required to make an estimate.

Separate Annual Returns assist the Board to use the statistical information to determine industry trends. The Returns allow the development of a picture of the grazing and infrastructure history of each station, which is important, particularly if one is later sold.

In short, Annual Returns that amalgamate stock numbers for more than one station can not be accepted.

manager runs the pastoral lease and the business sustainably and effectively, lessees are asked to ensure their managers have a copy of all this information.

To get a copy to pass on to your manager, or to update the station manager’s contact details (which we need for emergencies), please call the Pastoral Land Business Unit on (08) 9347 5126.

Diversification Permits Pastoralists undertaking a non-pastoral activity such as tourism, growing fodder or sowing nonindigenous pastures on their pastoral lease need to apply to the Pastoral Lands Board for a Diversification Permit.

If you have a Diversification Permit, it is important for you to: • read it; • check your obligations and any restrictions stated on the Conditions of Permit; and • keep it in a safe place - it is an important document.

For further information about Diversification Permits, call Brian Lloyd on (08) 9347 5126.

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Managing the stocking rate within the carrying capacity

By Mark Alchin, Development Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food, Meekatharra

Just keeping up with the cost of production is a significant challenge for sustainability in the Southern Rangelands.

While back-to-back good seasons somewhat ease the cost: price squeeze, the regular dry years puts considerable strain on the pastoral resource, as producers seek to maintain stock numbers and business cash-flow.

For many producers, by the time adjustments to stock numbers are made, it is too late. In a bid to maintain productivity, the perennial ‘haystack’ that exists in the form of palatable shrubs and grasses has often been over-exploited during sequences of dry years. This has driven down the productive capacity of the rangeland and reduced drought resilience.

New approach In an attempt to pull the ‘circuitbreaker’ on this exploitative pattern of traditional management, a group of pastoralists explored a new approach.

Without the previous buffer of perennial feed, a degraded resource now requires highly tactical responses to optimise production and allow potential regeneration.

It was at the commencement of the current dry period in 2001 that pastoralists from the lower Murchison region recognised that it could no longer be ‘business as usual’.

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Long‑time pastoralists had again lost livestock during this most recent dry period. Many of the pastoralists had also been involved in the EMU project (Ecosystem Management Understanding) facilitated by Hugh Pringle and Ken Tinley, which alerted them to the severe impact that traditional management practices were having on their landscapes.

In the Southern Rangelands, ‘average rainfall’ means virtually nothing, as the region is renowned for its ‘feastfamine’ pattern of seasons. The issue for these pastoralists was that they were not adequately mirroring their stocking rates within this substantial variation. Hence, they were often understocked in the good years and well overstocked in the dry years.

What was required was a new approach involving strategies that were managed in-sync with the landscape. Through the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy (GMS), many stations were equipped with Total Grazing Management (TGM) yards which gave them much-needed infrastructure to address the challenge, particularly in regards to the ongoing pressure from goats and kangaroos (as these are also elements of any stocking rate).

Productivity and rangeland condition trial With financial support from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA), the group commenced

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a two-year demonstration trial with the goal of improving productivity and rangeland condition.

Measurable economic (i.e. gross margin/ha) and environmental goals (e.g. 20 per cent increase in desirable palatable shrubs and grasses within five years) were defined by the pastoralists and were used as the targets to manage towards.

Monitoring of animal productivity (lamb marking percentages, weight gain, body condition score, faecal egg counts), rangeland condition (pasture monitoring sites), available forage, seasonal conditions and economic performance (gross margin per paddock) was conducted on two representative paddocks on each station.

The seasonal conditions on all stations were below average throughout the trial. The following results are from one individual station managing a Damara enterprise and exemplify the type of information collected and the management strategies employed in response to the seasonal conditions and related available forage.

The results In November 2006, ewes (aged two to four years) were weighed (average weight: 52 kg), body condition scored (average BCS: 2.5) and their lactation status (wet or dry) was noted (lambing occurs all year round with a peak period between June to September).

Lambs were weighed (average weight: 15 kg), sexed and tagged.

5.0

Body Condition score

The trial began in mid-2006 and involved four pastoral stations in the region. These included two Merino stations and two Damara stations (one was also managing a rangeland goat enterprise). Stations varied in size from 120,000 ha to 400,000 ha.

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nov ‘06 Feb ‘07 May ‘07

4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0

2yo dry

2yo wet

3yo dry

3yo wet

4yo dry

4yo wet

Figure 1: Change in body condition score of Damara ewes November 2006 to May 2007 ± 1 standard error bars illustrated. NB: the trigger point for management action was set at BCS 2; it is known that below this BCS livestock productivity is adversely impacted (particularly lambing/kidding/calving %)

Feed estimates in the paddock at the time indicated that there would only be sufficient forage for 48 days before animal performance would be compromised and/or range condition would be adversely affected.

Due to management logistics and the lack of feed generally, livestock were left in the paddock for 78 days before they were moved in February into a new paddock. This had an expected impact on livestock productivity and rangeland condition, including a decline in BCS and lamb weight gains, the over-utilisation (+70%) of favourable perennial grass and shrub species and the breakdown of woody patches.

Feed supply in the new paddock between February and May also was limiting (estimated 59 grazing days) and this resulted in a further decline in performance.

Figure 1 illustrates the general decline in BCS of both the dry and lactating ewes between November and May 2007. The average decline ranged between 0.5 to 1 BCS. The average

weight gain of the lambs over this period was 65.8 grams/head/day. The lambing percentage for the trial flock was expected to be 120 per cent had feed conditions remained adequate.

Following the May results, in the interests of business performance and rangeland condition, station management significantly reduced the trial flock numbers and conducted a major destock of the whole station.

Measuring to manage How does this approach contrast with the traditional approach?

Usually, pastoralists would see the majority of their flock a few times a year and generally at a distance.

Very little, if any, measuring/recording is done to determine how the production performance of the stock is tracking throughout the year.

Similarly, little focused attention is made over the course of the year to determine if the available forage (quantity and quality) is sufficient to meet production goals.

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Continued over

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Managing the stocking rate within the carrying capacity »

Continued

Unfortunately, the ‘set and forget’ approach to stocking rates and vain ‘hope for rain’ often is a feature of traditional management. This approach fails to capitalise on the good seasons in preparation for the dry seasons.

Not monitoring your management decisions is like driving a vehicle without checking the gauges. No matter how long we may resist looking at the temperature gauge, if it is overheating sooner or later there will be serious consequences.

In the pastoral case, the serious consequences may result in animal welfare issues, loss of income, irreversible landscape degradation, and human stress and depression.

The future of the Southern Rangelands The future of the pastoral industry in the Southern Rangelands relies heavily on its capacity to demonstrate that it can operate viable businesses, while at the same time maintain or improve the condition of the public’s environmental asset.

Animal welfare and livestock transport

By Christine Jones, Chief Inspector, RSPCA WA

Animal welfare is becoming increasingly important in terms of the potential impact on markets, farming practices and livestock health and productivity.

Exploitative practices of the past, are not only economically suicidal in the mid to long-term, they are also no longer socially acceptable. This trial has demonstrated the importance of taking a proactive approach to management towards your production and ‘landscape’ targets.

You have to measure to manage, and establishing a simple monitoring framework that focuses on the components which drive business returns and range condition is a vital element of modern pastoralism.

Various interest groups are driving a growing awareness of welfare issues and consumers are demanding greater quality assurance.

Transport and especially long distance transport of livestock is coming under increasing scrutiny. There are several initiatives to address growing concerns:

TruckCare Australian livestock transporters themselves have raised the bar on animal welfare, with the adoption of an independently-audited quality assurance scheme known as TruckCare that puts Australia at the forefront of world’s best practice.

The scheme focuses on animal welfare and has the support of the RSPCA. It was developed by a range of stakeholder groups including the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, transport operators and industry organisations.

Since its introduction in 1999, TruckCare has been adopted by approximately 10 per cent of the transportation industry. It has been revamped recently to incorporate even more stringent animal welfare

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guidelines that were launched in June 2007. TruckCare covers such areas as: • planning and contingencies; • how to deal with emergencies; • how to schedule journeys appropriately to ensure animal welfare outcomes; and • selection of livestock prior to transport, loading, transporting and unloading.

The essential elements of TruckCare relating to animal welfare are: • correct preparation of livestock prior to pickup, i.e. operators encourage producers to ensure that animals are off feed and are settled prior to truck arrival; • loading facilities that promote a quiet movement; • the truck crate is well maintained, i.e. there are no holes or protrusions; • electric prodders are used sparingly; • drivers are trained in stock handling; • drivers manoeuvre the truck as smoothly as possible - sudden starts and stops are avoided where possible; • stock are kept on the truck for the minimum period of time; and • stock are checked during transit.

Australian standards and guidelines National standards and guidelines for the welfare of livestock in transport are currently being developed by Animal Health Australia (AHA) with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

This process involves wide-ranging consultations with industry, welfare organisations (including the RSPCA) and government stakeholders.

The standards and guidelines will cover the transport of livestock by road and rail. They will apply to the major commercial livestock industries in Australia, namely cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, alpacas, poultry, emus, ostriches, buffalo, deer and camels.

The standards and guidelines are relevant to all those responsible for the care and management of livestock that are transported, including owners, agents, drivers and transport companies, as well as livestock handlers at pastoral stations, depots, saleyards, feedlots and livestock processing plants.

There is a chain of responsibility for the welfare of livestock that begins with the owner or their agent and extends to the final receiver of the livestock.

It is proposed that these standards will eventually become incorporated into legislation, thus making them legally enforceable minimum standards.

Is it fit to load?

Is it fit to load? is a handy guide that has been developed in consultation with industry, the RSPCA and government stakeholders. It is a spiral bound glovebox-sized booklet that contains colour photos of examples of conditions that would render an animal unfit for transport.

You can get free copies from District Offices of the Department of Agriculture and Food, or download a copy from the Meat and Livestock Australia website (see below), under ‘Livestock Exporters’.

Useful websites TruckCare: www.alta.org.au Animal welfare: www.rspcawa.asn.au Animal Welfare Act and Codes of Practice: www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au Livestock management and welfare: www.agric.wa.gov.au Is it fit to load?: www.mla.com.au Standards and guidelines livestock transport: www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au

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Det Sgt David Byrne (squatting), Det S/C Russell Drage and pastoralist Vaughan Barndon with a shot ‘mickey’ bull near Tallering Station - October 2007.

Rural Crime Squad

By Detective Sergeant David Byrne, Officer-in-Charge, Rural Crime Squad

On 1 July 2007 the Police Stock Squad was renamed the Rural Crime Squad. The change is to better promote the role of police and in particular, this unit within rural communities in Western Australia.

The Rural Crime Squad is the only ‘specialist’ investigation unit that focuses primarily on crime within rural areas specific to our pastoral and agricultural industries. It has a continued focus on, but is not exclusive to, livestock-related offences.

Reporting ‘killers’ Last year saw a rise in the number of reports to police about the taking of ‘killer’ cattle and sheep in pastoral and agricultural areas of Western Australia. The Rural Crime Squad, in association with local police in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid-West and South-West regions have successfully investigated instances where cattle and sheep have been shot, with all or part of their carcasses taken for human consumption.

In each case, the people charged lived in towns or communities close

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to where the animals were taken.

The Squad is most concerned that the offenders had been suspected of taking ‘killers’ for years, but these suspicions had not been passed on to police. Alerting police of suspicions or information regarding possible illegal activities may provide the piece of the jigsaw that brings offenders before the courts and reduces these crimes.

Helping police investigate the crime scene When a crime scene is discovered in pastoral areas, distance and time can result in crucial evidence being lost before police can attend. Pastoralists are asked to be proactive when a recent crime scene is located. Items such as cigarette butts and empty beer cans or bottles can provide fingerprints or a suspect’s DNA. A sample of hide or meat from the

‘killer’ can be DNA-matched to meat found later in a suspect’s freezer.

Photographs of fresh tyre treads can be matched to suspect’s vehicles.

If a scene is located and police assistance is not immediate, pastoralists are asked to take every opportunity to photograph the whole area first and then each individual item of interest in its place before moving anything. Gather items and bag them individually to avoid damage or cross-contamination. When taking photographs, use something as a reference point to establish the size of tyre marks (a ruler, envelope or can), with photographs taken from directly overhead. Keep a written note of the times, dates and items located.

Such actions by alert complainants have assisted police in several recent investigations where those responsible were charged. If unsure as to what to do, contact local police and seek their guidance in dealing with any evidence.

We ask that you take every opportunity to report all crime or suspicious behaviour to your local police station, the Rural Crime Squad on (08) 9370 9100 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. All information is treated as confidential.

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Relocation of Midland saleyards to Muchea

By Dave Saunders, Project and Operations Manager, WA Meat Industry Authority

The relocation of the Midland saleyards to the Livestock Centre at Muchea is now underway and due for completion at the end of 2008.

The project is being undertaken by the owners and managers of the Midland saleyards and the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA).

“We want to be able to attract more pastoral stock through the facility,” she said.

The Midland saleyard has been in operation for the last 98 years, providing pastoralists with a selling centre for their livestock.

“We will have a large transhipment area with a nine-way feather draft and bulk and individual weighing stations.

Holding paddocks will also be available for longer stay cattle.”

Over this time, the saleyard has become dependent on pastoral cattle for its viability. Pastoral cattle currently provide up to 60 per cent of the saleyard throughput.

WAMIA has changed practices at Midland in preparation for Muchea through the establishment of a nominations hotline and the move to sale by category.

Through the regular Monday sale at the saleyards, pastoral cattle are purchased by graziers, live exporters and processors. In recent years, much pastoral stock has been processed and aggregated at Midland (independent of the Monday sale) for destinations such as live export.

“We want to be able to attract more buyers,” Ms Renata Paliskis-Bessell said.

Features of the new Livestock Centre

“Cattle that arrive well before the sale will be fed pellets.

“The main cattle area will have a capacity of 2000 head for sale and 1000 head for transhipment. The calf sale area, cattle receival and load-out areas will each have a capacity of 800 head.

“We are currently undertaking a round bale trial at Midland to be able to keep the feeding prices down for pastoralists.

“With the livestock agents, we will be providing increased services to our pastoral clients, including extensive drafting of large mixed lines and extended stay for younger stock for special sales.”

Information Regular updates on the Muchea development are circulated monthly to WA Farmers, the Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association, Elders and Landmark.

To receive the monthly circular, On the Road to Muchea, contact: Renata Paliskis-Bessell (08) 9274 7533 (renata@wamia.wa.gov.au) or Dave Saunders (08) 9274 7533 (dave@wamia.wa.gov.au).

The Livestock Centre will be located on a 300 ha block on Muchea East Road, Muchea, about one kilometre from the intersection of the Brand and Great Northern Highways.

The main saleyard and cattle holding area of the Centre will be under about five hectares of roof, the cattle floor will be sawdust and water will be provided in every pen.

Renata Paliskis-Bessell, WAMIA’s Chief Executive Officer said the design of the Centre had been created with animal welfare, operational flow, labour efficiency and occupational health and safety in mind.

Dividing fences You can download a copy of a very handy booklet about dividing fences by visiting:

www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral and clicking on ‘Useful Links’ then ‘Help for the Homestead’.

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Livestock trespass Livestock trespass occasionally arises as an issue between pastoral lessees, and sometimes also between pastoralists and other landholders or land managers.

Generally, livestock trespass issues are determined within the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960. There are also provisions in the Crimes Act 1914 regarding trespass of livestock onto Commonwealth land, and under the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945 in respect to any soil conservation reserve.

Impounding stock A local government may establish and maintain public pounds. It can appoint staff to manage them and it can also appoint rangers. Stock found trespassing on land may be impounded in the nearest public pound by the owner or occupier of the land or by a ranger.

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Where stock are not impounded, and it is proved to the satisfaction of a Justice of the Peace that it is not possible to impound the stock except at undue expense, and that the owner of the stock is unknown or cannot be found, the JP may order the destruction of the stock in a manner as he or she thinks fit.

Where there is not a public pound situated within five kilometres of the land, or if the pound cannot fit all the

stock, the owner or occupier of land on which stock are found trespassing may impound the stock: (a) upon his land; or (b) by arrangement with the owner of any adjacent land, upon that land.

This also applies to livestock found wandering, straying or lying upon the road abutting the property.

The law says that a person impounding stock must take certain steps within 24 hours of taking that action:

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Cattle husbandry practices Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has released a Guide to Best Practice Husbandry in Cattle, which gives practical, easy-to-follow advice about various cattle husbandry techniques such as castrating, branding and dehorning.

The guide also provides a number of alternatives for each procedure, including necessary equipment and maintenance, occupational health and safety considerations and animal after-care.

View the guide now by visiting ‘Cattle producers’ at www.mla.com.au

(a) If the owner of the stock is known to him, advise of the impounding, together with details of: • the number and kind of animals impounded; • where they were found trespassing; • the sum claimed for the animals’ sustenance; • the sum claimed for damage, if any; • the name of the person who impounded them; and • the sum, if any, paid as rangers’ fees.

Notice may be given at the last known place of abode of the owner. (b) If the owner of the stock is unknown to him, advise the nearest public pound keeper of the impounding, providing the same details as in (a).

Recovery of costs The law also says a person who impounds stock shall feed and maintain them while they are impounded.

The owner or occupier who impounds the stock may claim and recover sustenance charges in addition to damages recoverable for the trespass of the stock on their land.

After 72 hours, if the owner of the stock has not paid to the owner or occupier of the land who impounded the stock the amount of damages for the trespass of stock, together with the charges for the sustenance of the stock, the person may:

If stock found trespassing upon land has been impounded, the owner of the stock may pay any sums claimed for damage, sustenance, or rangers’ fees before the stock has actually been impounded. Upon payment, the stock shall be released.

The 15th Schedule to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960 sets out fees for the sustenance of livestock while impounded and rates for damage by trespass.

In all situations, pastoralists should consult with their local government before taking any action in relation to stock trespass. In addition, they may need to seek legal advice.

(a) impound the stock in the nearest public pound; or (b) arrange with the local government for the sale of the stock.

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Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management - ESRM Luke Bayley, Program Manager, ESRM

The rangelands of Western Australia cover a vast area and include many different land types. Those who make their living from these lands are equally diverse and have varying perspectives on what is the most effective way to manage pastoral lands.

It is from this melting pot of experiences and ideas that future directions can be forged. People on the land know the reality of management and they must take a lead role in shaping rangeland development. It is from this basis that the Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management (ESRM) project has been developed.

ESRM is an initiative of the Rangelands Coordinating Group. It has been developed by representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA), Department of Environment and Conservation, Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s Pastoral Land Business Unit and members of the pastoral industry. It is jointly funded through DAFWA and the Natural Heritage Trust.

The ESRM project has a steering committee comprising members from these groups, which set strategic directions. ESRM currently employs three staff: Karen Roberts, Kaz Johnson and Luke Bayley, all of whom are based in Geraldton.

ESRM’s central aim is to work with pastoralists and other rangeland users to develop a more thorough understanding of the factors that drive landscape function, relate these to current management practices and assist in appropriate interventions to ensure longterm viability of pastoral leases. These interventions may be on‑ground works, training and business development, business restructure or changes in how and why decisions are made. It is an integrated project that aims to assist in streamlining delivery of information and funding to pastoral communities.

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The basis of the project

• develop individual property management plans, incorporating land management and livestock production; • develop and implement a monitoring program; • integrate and develop property management plans into an overall catchment management plan that will guide natural resource management and promote industry activities to the broader community; • identify key areas within the catchment that require treatment; • develop a works program to address issues that require attention; • identify sources of funding for on-ground works; and • coordinate and implement onground works.

Three assumptions underpin the ESRM project: 1. Significant areas of the WA rangelands will continue to produce food and fibre for domestic and international markets.

2. Land use and business diversification of certain pastoral leases is critical for economic, ecological and social viability.

3. Bio-diversity must improve across all catchments and underpins long-term economic viability of all rangeland enterprises.

It is also worth noting that: • ESRM is as much a facilitation process as it is a technical advisory service, and has developed from the early Ecosystem Management Understanding (EMU) project; • ESRM will rely heavily on the local expertise of pastoral families, regional business consultants and extension staff; • ESRM is building on the work that pastoralists, industry bodies, government agencies and extension staff have been involved with for over 50 years; and • ESRM is being rolled out in parts of the Southern Rangelands, with plans to develop similar models for the Pilbara and Kimberley.

The key components ESRM has seven core components: 1. Integrated catchment planning and works projects.

ESRM will work with a district group or sub-catchment to:

This is a holistic approach to catchment management that, if successful, could act as a model for further engagement with regions in the Southern Rangelands and the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.

2. Engagement with the mining industry.

ESRM also plans to work with the mining industry. Miners are major stakeholders in the rangelands and large gains could be made if they incorporated holistic land management plans and works over their entire pastoral leases. ESRM is contacting mining operations in the Southern Rangelands to meet with senior environment officers to gauge interest and potential mechanisms for rolling out ESRM within certain sectors of the industry.

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Environment

Staff from ESRM, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Barrick Mining and Ken Tinley discuss landscape function on Three Rivers Station - October 2007

3. Landscape planning for catchment repair with individual properties and community groups.

ESRM will adopt the popular and proven landscape mapping/learning exercise developed by the EMU team. This service is on offer to individual properties and groups in the rangelands.

stewardship payments for the management of certain land types for conservation.

5. Indigenous pastoral properties.

4. Biodiversity Conservation and Incentive Program.

The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has acquired numerous pastoral leases, which provides some important opportunities to undertake monitoring and on-ground trials.

It is anticipated ESRM staff will work under the direction of DEC staff to support research and community education events such as Rangeland Biodiversity Camps in the coming spring.

Further conservation initiatives are also needed to support pastoralists who want to establish specific conservation areas on their lease and to explore new methods for pastoralists to receive

ESRM plans to work with a small number of interested indigenousowned pastoral leases that are also supported by DAFWA’s Indigenous Landholder Service project (see article in this magazine).

6. Future directions - initiating work with the top 25 per cent of pastoralists who produce the majority of food and fibre.

ESRM believes it is important to engage with the most progressive producers in the rangelands to develop ways to enhance and promote rangeland management and chart where the industry is headed. This component of the project will start with discussions and its form will take shape over the next year. It may involve contributing to existing forums and projects or leading new proposals.

It is critical to foster industry

relationships and economic growth and ESRM needs to be part of these discussion and activities.

7. Livestock Management Plans and developing productive relationships with industry and other DAFWA programs.

It is critical that sustainable livestock management is integrated into the ESRM project. Currently DAFWA is finalising its livestock sustainability guidelines and ESRM is working with Mark Alchin, Development Officer, DAFWA Meekatharra, to ensure integration in the delivery of this tool. There are also many other grazing and livestock management systems in use across Australia and the world.

ESRM, in conjunction with industry, will continually assess these for their effectiveness. The long-term vision is to assist in developing the widespread adoption of best practice for rangeland management in the various regions of WA.

For further information, contact Luke Bayley, Program Manager, ESRM on 0427 495 772 or email lbayley@agric.wa.gov.au

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EcoFire -

Fire management in the Kimberley

By John Silver, Rangelands NRM Co-ordinating Group, Derby

The ever-increasing intensity and frequency of unmanaged fires in the Kimberley (and other areas of the WA rangelands) is having a significant impact on sustainable pastoral management, including productivity, biodiversity conservation, soil health, habitat protection, air pollution and carbon emissions.

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EcoFire project demonstration area

EcoFire is a NHT-funded pilot project aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of mid-to-late dry season fires in the central Kimberley. The project is using early dry season, low intensity fires to develop strategic fire breaks and stop large, uncontrolled wildfires.

The EcoFire demonstration project commenced in 2007, with activities located on both sides of the Gibb River Road.

This site was chosen due to its high biodiversity values, and differing land tenures and land uses.

A proactive, coordinated and enthusiastic response from land managers has ensured a planned approach to fire management, so that when fires do start, appropriate control measures have been, or can be put in place.

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Environment

Aerial prescribed burning EcoFire has provided the resources to allow a planned, aerial prescribed burning program involving the 10 properties within the demonstration area.

In 2007, about 606 000 ha or 22 per cent of the 2 820 000 ha demonstration area was burnt with a good network of fire breaks established. A number of bush fires were extinguished by the breaks this dry season.

The Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group (RCG) developed the project in conjunction with a Kimberley-based steering committee. The contract for managing the project was awarded to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, based at Mornington Station. For a number of years, Mornington has been advocating planning and prescribed burning with neighbours.

Extremely successful

analyse the effectiveness of the firebreaks, by comparing the effect of the dry season bush fires within, and external to the demonstration area.

The project hopes to demonstrate to the wider community, the ecological and economic benefits of managing fire using low intensity prescribed burns and strategic firebreaks.

The 2008 program will include at least five extra properties adjacent to the 2007 demonstration area that are extremely keen to join the project, as well as offering fire management training programs for interested land managers.

For more information contact Dr Sarah Legge at Mornington Station on (08) 9191 4619 or John Silver on (08) 9191 0351.

Project Manager, Dr Sarah Legge said the 2007 prescribed burning program was extremely successful, with all participants being very supportive and positive and all wanting to be involved in future operations.

“By the end of June, the demonstration area had never been better prepared for bush fires” she said.

“Pastoral land and areas of Crown land managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation were involved with the exercise.

“The project is evolving into a great example of cooperation between government agencies (e.g. DEC, FESA, RCG), non-government organisations (e.g. AWC) and the community.”

In planning for the 2008 season, the Kimberley-based EcoFire steering committee will work with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy to

Clearing Since 2004, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has administered applications to clear land.

All Notices of Intent to Clear Land previously assessed by the former Department of Agriculture lapsed on 8 July 2006.

Pastoralists who previously notified the Department of Agriculture of their intention to clear land and either did not clear it or did not complete the intended clearing, must now contact their local DEC office if they plan to clear that land.

A full article on clearing on pastoral leases was featured in the February 2007 edition of Pastoral Lines. For further information call Brian Lloyd at the Pastoral Land Business Unit on (08) 9347 5126.

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Promoting community and government partnerships in natural resource management

By Scott Brain, Program Manager, Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group Inc.

The Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group (RCG) is an incorporated natural resource management organisation responsible for administering Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) and National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP) programs on behalf of the Australian and Western Australian governments.

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The RCG comprises a Committee of Management, representative of sub-regional groups (Ord catchment, Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne-Murchison, Goldfields-Nullarbor) and WA State Government natural resource management agencies. The Committee is responsible for determining the strategic direction and managing the governance arrangements of the RCG. It is supported by a Management Team responsible for operational requirements.

You can communicate with the RCG through the Committee of Management members or the Management Team.

RCG Management Committee The Committee of Management has the following sub-regional and industry representatives: • Bill Mitchell, Chairman; • Elaine Gardener, Deputy Chairman, Ord Catchment representative; • Mark Halleen, Treasurer/ Secretary, Gascoyne-Murchison representative; • Peter Kneebone, Kimberley representative; • Mark Piggott, Pilbara representative; • David McQuie, GoldfieldsNullarbor representative;

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• Vacant, Indigenous representative; • Chris Chillcott, Department of Agriculture and Food representative; • Tony Brandis, Department of Environment and Conservation representative; • Laurie Caporn, Department of Fisheries representative; • Dave Munday, Department of Water representative; and • Nevin Wittber, Pastoral Land Business Unit, Department for Planning and Infrastructure representative.

Membership of the RCG is open to all sectors of the community. Prospective members should contact their subregional group representative in the first instance.

RCG Management Team Management Team members are hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Food under a Memorandum of Understanding.

Members are: • Brian Warren, General Manager, Carnarvon; • Chris Hand, Administration Officer; • Scott Brain, Program Manager, Carnarvon; • John Silver, Program Manager, Derby; • Kate Najar, Business Manager, Carnarvon; • Tim Thompson, NRM Facilitator, Kalgoorlie; and • Matt Reimer, NRM Facilitator, Kununurra.

Projects The Management Team administers funding for projects that protect priority natural assets, as identified in the Rangelands NRM Strategy. To determine the allocation of project funding, the RCG develops annual Investment Plans in consultation with the sub-regional groups and technical experts.

During 2007, the RCG managed 72 projects throughout the WA rangelands. These were delivered in partnership with a range of organisations, including State Government departments, private industry, universities and Land Conservation District Committees (LCDCs). The total funding allocated through the NHT and NAP programs was $18.7 million.

A number of projects have been implemented in the Ord catchment, through NAP funding. These initiatives address issues associated with water quality, salinity and improved land management systems.

The total investment in this area amounts to $7.8 million.

Throughout the remainder of the rangelands, NHT 2 funding ($10.9 million) has been allocated through the three Investment Plans that have been developed. Some of the more significant project areas include: • ESRM (Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management); • EcoFire (Fire management in the Kimberley); • Management of invasive plants (mesquite, Parkinsonia, prickly acacia, tamarisk); • Management of invasive animals (camels, wild dogs);

Environment

• Management of the RoderickWooramel, Fitzroy, Fortescue and Gascoyne catchments; and • Biodiversity management and protection.

The RCG has also been responsible for ensuring the delivery of National Landcare Program activities, predominantly through the LCDCs and industry groups.

Community Landcare Coordinators are located in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne-Murchison to assist with the development and delivery of such projects.

Existing projects are required to be completed by June 2008. In some instances, projects will be extended for a further 12 months. At this stage, the RCG anticipates that after June 2008 a new program (NHT 3) will be implemented for a period of five years.

This will require the RCG to develop annual investment plans in order to determine the allocation of funding. The RCG will be seeking to expand existing project areas and also develop other initiatives. The community consultation for this process will be managed through the sub-regional groups in the Ord Catchment, Kimberley, Pilbara, GascoyneMurchison and Goldfields-Nullarbor.

Further information about these projects and the Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group can be found on the website www.rangelandswa.info

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The Shared Land Information Platform and natural resource information

By Damian Shepherd, Manager, Client and Resource Information, Department of Agriculture and Food WA

The Shared Land Information Platform (SLIP) is a cross-government initiative developed to simplify and improve the delivery and management of spatial (mapped) information to the community.

Over the last three years, the Natural Resource Management (NRM) focus area of SLIP has engaged NRM state agencies and the NRM regional groups to make a wide range of data and information available to natural resource managers over the web.

Until now, potential users of NRM data often needed to go through the lengthy process of determining the authoritative source of data on a particular theme, access the relevant data from a myriad of datasets by requesting a copy of the data, and then interpret these data to derive information useful to their requirements.

What information is available?

For entry-level users, a web portal (or interface) called NRM Info has been developed to deliver information through the SLIP. NRM Info brings a range of separate datasets together ‘behind the scenes’ to create a series of information products (interactive maps and reports). These cover the whole of Western Australia including pastoral areas and the rangelands.

A wide range of information is available on soils and soil landscapes,

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catchments, native vegetation, wetlands and other sensitive environments, rare and threatened flora and fauna, and marine and coastal environments.

Other information on weeds and pest animals, along with rivers and waterways will also soon be available through this portal.

Freely available Access to NRM Info is free to all users.

However, before being able to access it, a small plug-in tool for Internet Explorer will need to be downloaded.

Users can then choose from a list of datasets or NRM themes, such as soils, vegetation etc. or zoom into the map to locate their own area of interest.

The portal displays all relevant information available at a suitable scale.

Maps can be printed and interactively queried to produce a range of reports - such as the area and types of native vegetation remaining in an area.

Through this collaborative project, over 40 new information products have been delivered to the community from various sources. In many cases, these have taken data that was previously unavailable or difficult and time-consuming to prepare, and made them available via the web.

Together with a large range of existing information, NRM Info provides a comprehensive resource for the pastoral community.

For more information contact: Shared Land Information Platform Natural Resource Management Department of Agriculture and Food WA Telephone: (08) 9368 3853 Websites: http://spatial.agric.wa.gov.au/slip https://www2.landgate.wa.gov.au/ slip/portal/home

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Environment

The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act State Parliament has passed the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act).

Drafting of the numerous regulations necessary to bring the BAM Act into effect could take about 12 months.

As well, there is a need to undertake other preparatory work critical for the operation of the Act, including developing extensive lists of permitted and prohibited organisms and declared pests, and the training of inspectors who are to be appointed under the Act. This new Act consolidates 17 separate Acts into one, introduces a consistent approach in dealing with all biosecurity risks and addresses weaknesses in the capacity of existing biosecurity legislation to address these risks adequately.

The implementation of the Act and the requirements of the biosecurity system will be overseen by a Biosecurity Council, which will replace the Agriculture Protection Board as the primary source of industry and community advice on biosecurity issues.

Recognised Biosecurity Groups The BAM Act will provide pastoral ratepayers with an opportunity to play a direct role in determining the focus of animal and plant pest control programs in the rangelands and the types of services to be delivered.

Under the Act, the Minister for Agriculture and Food can recognise a group as a biosecurity group if it is established for a purpose which includes controlling Declared Pests in an area.

The advantages of becoming a Recognised Biosecurity Group (RBG) is

that the group can receive funds from the Declared Pest Account to deliver pest control services on behalf of the ratepayers.

The new arrangements recognise that if pest control programs are to be successful and effective, they must be managed at the local level and receive appropriate support and coordination from the State Government.

The existing regionally based network of Agriculture Protection Board (APB) statutory advisory groups, known as Zone Control Authorities (ZCAs), will be abolished when the BAM Act comes into operation and RBGs will take their place.

RBGs will be independent of government and must fairly represent the interests of ratepayers in the area.

These groups will be able to develop their own strategic pest management plans and annual operational programs, and apply to the Director General, Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA), for funding to meet the cost of pest control services.

It is anticipated that five groups will become RBGs to replace the ZCAs that currently manage pest control activities on and in relation to pastoral lands. DAFWA will provide ongoing support for RBGs, as it has done for ZCAs, so they can effectively deliver coordinated animal and plant pest control programs to deal with longstanding problems in the rangelands, such as wild dogs, feral camels, foxes, mesquite and Bathurst burr.

Mesquite flowers

As the RBGs will manage public monies, they will be required to report on the use of any funds that are transferred from the Declared Pest Account and will have to comply with any corporate governance standards determined by the Director General.

In keeping with the existing rating arrangements under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976, the BAM Act requires the Government to match dollar-fordollar any rate contributions that are collected. The combined funding is credited to the Declared Pest Account and applied for the control of Declared Pests in the area where the rates were collected.

Consideration will be given to recognising two other biosecurity groups in the Ord River Irrigation Area and the Carnarvon Horticultural District. If no existing groups are recognised as the result of the call for expressions of interest, then DAFWA will assist pastoral representatives to form new incorporated associations to achieve recognition status.

For further information, contact the Policy Officer, Biosecurity, at the Department of Agriculture and Food on (08) 9368 3830.

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Water management in the rangelands

An uncontrolled artesian bore.

High quality reliable water sources are critical for a sustainable pastoral industry.

The Western Australian rangelands span highly diverse climates varying from the intense wet season of the north, to low intermittent rainfall in the southern and inland regions.

Water resources have been of high concern in WA for decades and since 2006 state water reform has been aligning with the National Water Initiative (NWI).

Water reform The NWI recognises the importance of increasing the productivity and efficiency of Australia’s water use, ensuring efficient water services to

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rural and urban communities and protecting the health of surface and groundwater systems.

In WA, the principles of the water reform agenda have been derived from the State Government’s three documents: • State Water Plan 2007

Benefits of water reform Water reform will ensure that West Australians have enough water for their long-term economic and social needs in a drying climate, as well as protecting the environment. Other benefits include:

• Western Australia’s Implementation Plan for the National Water Initiative 2007

• better management of water resources, so various and sometimes conflicting water demands can be met;

• Government Response to the Blueprint for Water Reform in Western Australia 2007.

• more accurate information about the amount of water available and how water is used;

These documents provide the platform for the integrated management of water in WA.

• a greater contribution by commercial water users to the costs of managing water resources;

The most significant change will be the replacement of the out-dated legislation the Rights in Water Irrigation Act 1914 with the Water Resources Management Act.

• improved water planning, allocation and use; and • more efficient use of water.

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WATER

Water resources management The Department of Water manages water resources through regional water planning and allocation planning.

The State Water Plan 2007 will be supported by a range of regional plans that identify regional water issues and priorities. The government has committed to a significant investigations program and this research will contribute to robust water allocation planning decisions.

Water allocation planning identifies the amount of water available while maintaining our environment and describes how this water can be shared among uses such as public water supply, industry and agriculture.

Contribution of communities and stakeholders to water planning is an important part of state and regional water plans. When such planning is being conducted in your region, you are encouraged to participate in any workshops or information sessions, or send a written submission.

Water for pastoralists If your pastoral business only uses water for domestic and lowintensity stock watering, not much will change, even when the new legislation is finalised. The changes will have the highest impact where there are competing demands for high volumes of water, because these water sources require the most protection from potential environmental, social or economic impact of any potential future interruptions to supply. Contact your local Department of Water office for up-to-date advice.

A controlled artesian bore with tank, trough and solar panels which increase efficiency and enable water to be distributed elsewhere on the property.

Water for pastoral diversification activities If you have or are considering diversifying your pastoral business you will need a licence for any associated water use. Diversification Permit activities might include tourist accommodation, irrigated pasture, high intensity grazing or feedlots, horticulture, aquaculture, crops or tree farms. Licences apply to surface and groundwater, including artesian bores (but these vary from area to area).

On receipt of your application, the Department of Water conducts an assessment which varies in complexity depending on the local hydrology, availability of water, volume required, competing water usage, sustainability of proposed use and potential impact on water-dependent ecosystems.

If your application is for a large volume of water in an area where water is scarce or of irregular supply, you may need to demonstrate how you will efficiently use water and monitor your abstraction. In such instances, you may also need a hydrological assessment

to assist you to develop a ‘water use operating strategy’, which accompanies your licence as a set of management guidelines and commitments.

Protection of rivers and wetlands in pastoral areas is also an important consideration for the Department of Water when commenting on diversification proposals, as certain introduced pasture species can become environmental weeds if not managed appropriately.

Contacts If you have any questions about water, contact your regional Department of Water office in • Kununurra (08) 9166 4100 • Karratha (08) 9144 2000 • Carnarvon (08) 9941 6100 • Geraldton (08) 9965 7400 • Swan-Avon Region (includes Kalgoorlie) (08) 6250 8000 • Esperance (08) 9071 6129.

Further information is available at www.water.wa.gov.au

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Water supply grants for pastoralists

By David Hillier, Manager, Rural Water Planning, Department of Water

Pastoralists have welcomed an increase in the maximum grant available under the Pastoral Water Grants Scheme (PWGS) to address on-farm water supplies, approved by the State Government in late 2006.

The Department of Water administers the Scheme, which has increased the maximum grant from $15,000 to $20,000 and reduced the financial contribution required from grant recipients from 50 per cent to 30 per cent of the cost of water supply improvements.

Funding is allocated to projects such as the construction of dams, tanks, troughs, bores, windmills and pipelines.

Since the introduction of the changes in 2006, the Minister for Water Resources has awarded 20 new grants totalling $270,000 to pastoral stations.

This is more than a 50 per cent increase in the average number of grants allocated annually to pastoralists since the scheme’s inception in 1999.

The 20 new grants have lifted the total number of grants awarded in the scheme to 99, with a combined value of almost $1.1 million.

These grants are spread throughout all rangeland areas from Halls Creek in the Kimberley to Port Hedland in the Pilbara, Carnarvon in the Gascoyne, the Mid West and the Nullarbor.

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An 8000 m3 dam in Port Hedland.

Successful applications To be successful in applying for a grant, pastoralists must be able to demonstrate that new or improved water supplies would address known land management issues, or would prevent future degradation of vegetation and pastures.

Pastoralists may be requested to provide relevant information from their Range Condition Assessment.

Importantly, successful grant applicants will be required to report on the progress made in the restoration of overgrazed and degraded areas.

Strategies must be in place to ensure overgrazing around newly established waters does not occur in the future.

The desire to encourage improved grazing and land management in the rangelands is underpinning the scheme.

The PWGS targets areas of overgrazing and land degradation by providing funds to improve the

availability and distribution of station water supplies.

Grants are also allocated to improve homestead water supplies.

Are you eligible to apply?

Commercial pastoralists holding leases in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne/ Murchison and Goldfields/Nullarbor regions are eligible to apply for grants under the PWGS.

What can be funded?

Grants are available to establish new livestock watering points, upgrade existing watering points, reticulate and store water, and install and improve homestead water supplies.

Projects eligible for assistance include construction and enhancement of dams and water catchment performance, drilling, casing and equipping of bores, piping, pumps and tanks, water treatment equipment and refurbishment of key water supply systems.

WATER

One-panel solar unit, 23 kL tank and trough in Derby.

What can’t be funded?

The PWGS excludes grants for intensive industries such as aquaculture and horticulture and intensive animal enterprises such as feedlots. Station-stay businesses are also excluded.

When to apply Grant rounds under the scheme are offered three times each financial year, and close at the end of February, June and October.

Technical Officers are available at the Department of Agriculture and Food’s District Offices throughout the rangelands to assist pastoralists to plan water supply improvements on their leases.

More information on the scheme can be obtained by contacting the Department of Water on freecall 1800 780 300 or by visiting the Department of Water website www.water.wa.gov.au

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Two WA pastoralists in Nuffield 2007 scholarship winners Two young WA pastoralists have been named amongst 16 winners from around Australia of a 2007 Nuffield Scholarship.

Annabelle Coppin, from Yarrie Station east of Port Hedland, received the 2007 scholarship supported by Co-operative Bulk Handling/CSBP. Annabelle will study how to improve the competitiveness of Australia’s live export cattle trade.

Ben Forsyth, from Three Rivers and Bryah Stations north of Meekatharra, received the 2007 scholarship supported by the Sidney Myer Fund. Ben will investigate the most suitable cattle for maximum returns in the arid pastoral zone of inland Western Australia and also the potential for heat-adapted Bos taurus breeds and composites in the region.

The 2007 Nuffield Farming Scholarship winners join an elite group of about 1,300 scholars worldwide. The scholarships are valued at $25,000 each and are supported by leading Australian primary producer and

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Annabelle Coppin

Ben Forsyth

agribusiness organisations. They give young Australian pastoralists and farmers the opportunity to travel internationally and explore agricultural issues and opportunities in a global context.

involve travel to China, North America, South America and Europe, investigating agricultural marketing and trade issues, environmental issues and experiencing the different social and cultural aspects of each region.

The scholarships are awarded to men and women who are judged to have the greatest potential to create value for themselves, their industries and their communities, and are awarded on the strength of the applicants’ vision, ability and determination to pursue their pastoral and farming goals.

International experience The 16 Australian Nuffield Scholars will be joined for one week by about 30 international Nuffield Scholars in Melbourne and rural Victoria, before leaving Australia in either February or June 2008 for a compulsory Global Focus Program. This will

They will meet with scholars from other countries including the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada and France, to exchange ideas and experiences, and join a network of people who are at the cutting edge of primary industry.

Following the initial six-week program, the scholars will go their individual ways to pursue specific study programs in the country or countries of their choice.

For further information on Nuffield Scholarships, call Nuffield Australia CEO Mr Jim Geltch on (03) 5480 0755 or visit the website www.nuffield.com.au

Features

Bob McConachy (DAFWA) and Robin Yeeda from Lamboo Station (near Halls Creek), discuss the coming mustering program.

Support to Aboriginal pastoral stations

By Mark Chmielewski, Manager, Indigenous Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Food WA

The joint venture between the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAWFA) and the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) to provide extension service assistance to Aboriginal pastoral stations throughout Western Australia has proved to be highly successful and growing in popularity over a short time.

As of December 2007, 53 Aboriginalmanaged properties throughout the State were receiving some level of assistance from the Indigenous Landholder Service (ILS) projects based at DAFWA. The two current pastoral-based ILS projects in operation are: 1 Kimberley Indigenous Management Support Service (KIMSS) 2 Pilbara Indigenous Management Support Service (PIMSS) The ILS projects are greatly increasing the profitability and sustainability of the Western Australian Aboriginal pastoral industry. The project enables Aboriginal enterprises to control their own employment, training, education and business management styles.

Economic independence and selfsufficiency are key factors in this project, with business models tailored to be implemented on country and within culture.

Noonkanbah and Millijiddee Stations in the Kimberley are clear examples of pastoral properties that have significantly improved cattle numbers, herd management, business management and station infrastructure.

Relevant Outcomes Such improvements have been achieved often with large permanent communities present and were assisted through management and governance training courses

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Continued over

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Support to Aboriginal pastoral stations »

Continued

by adapting teaching styles, often delivered in language, on station and within an accepted cultural framework.

While it is recognised that outputs of Indigenous-owned cattle enterprises fall below the financial benchmarks of the commercial mainstream sector, ILS projects recognise that additional sets of outcomes need to be met to satisfy the needs of a communal ownership group.

Social, cultural and environmental outcomes are high priorities and can have a significant influence on enterprise development, community involvement and future sustainability.

Proven track record The ILS has a proven track record of working within this context, helping stations to achieve a balance and generate increased cattle production, improved herd management and greater income generation. A snapshot of the work done to date in the Kimberley indicates: • herd size on the leases receiving support from KIMSS has increased by 174 per cent • herd value has increased by 200 per cent.

The ILS project focuses on one-toone extension service delivery across all areas of pastoralism, including:

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• • • • • •

direct technical extension; herd management practice; marketing; business and financial management; identified training needs; and governance training (depending on need).

Training Training forms a large component of the ILS service delivery and complements the technical aspects of station operations.

Skills analysis of stations receiving ILS services help to identify, in partnership with the station community, the most urgent and immediate need for the stations to improve. All training undertaken is relevant to the station and relevant to the people learning, such as welding, repairs and maintenance on yards, low-stress stock handling, financial management, cashflows and record keeping.

Over the last 18 months, 928 ILS participants have undergone some form of primary industries training in relation to their business across the State with a significant number achieving Certificates II, III and IV, and Diplomas in Beef Cattle Production and Agriculture. All training undertaken is to Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) standard

and matched to a structured learning pathway.

Self-determination The State and Commonwealth Government, through the ILC, have viewed the projects as necessary investments in order to assist remote land managers create independent economic streams outside of welfare, and help to maintain and create employment and training outcomes.

In addition, the project supports the pursuit of self-determination and helps to build people’s capacity to become more self-sufficient, create greater selfesteem, pride and confidence.

Currently, plans are underway to create a new service to assist those leases in the Mid-West, Murchison and Upper Gascoyne regions of the state where no ILS service operates.

It must be recognised that ILS extension support services of this nature are only very recent, and they are geared towards longterm economic development. To put this into context, DAFWA has provided assistance and advice to WA pastoralists for over 100 years, which still continues strongly today.

For further information, contact Mark Chmielewski on (08) 9956 8524 or email mchmielewski@agric.wa.gov.au

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Review into industry training for Aboriginal pastoralists Sixty-one of the 517 pastoral leases in Western Australia are held by Aboriginal communities, giving Aboriginal people the opportunity to care for the land while providing access to the land’s economic potential.

In September 2006, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Alannah MacTiernan established a Taskforce to work on a Review into Industry Training for Aboriginal Pastoralists.

The Taskforce was chaired by the Member for Central Kimberley-Pilbara, the Hon Tom Stephens.

The Taskforce presented its final report to the Minister in October 2007. The report confirmed that pastoralism can act as a catalyst for broader economic development of Aboriginal communities in the rangelands by allowing Aboriginal people to use the land to produce significant income streams and employment opportunities. Equally importantly, pastoral stations can be ideal incubators for skills development, by allowing young Aboriginal people to pursue training and education opportunities close to their homes.

Challenges However, changed economic realities over the last 40 years have thrown up some very significant challenges to the future success of Aboriginal-held pastoral leases. The viability levels of many Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal held pastoral leases have fallen, and developing alternative economic opportunities is essential to the longterm survival of the industry.

In addition, Aboriginal-held pastoral leases, on average, under-perform other leases on a range of commercial indicators. The underlying causes are complex, interrelated and unique to Aboriginal pastoralists, as they often reflect an inherent tension between community ownership on the one hand and the requirements of operating a commercial enterprise on the other.

Recommendations of the Review The Review highlighted the need for Aboriginal pastoral leaseholders to develop a range of land uses on their leases. It also stressed the importance for all spheres of Government to work together with Aboriginal communities and industry in realising the full potential of Aboriginal-held pastoral leases.

The key initiative recommended is to establish an Indigenous Pastoral Enterprise Development service. This service was announced on 20 August 2007 by Premier Alan Carpenter in his statement on Indigenous Employment Opportunities. It will be a collaboration between the Pastoral Lands Board, under the Department for Planning and Infrastructure and the Office of Aboriginal Economic Development (in the Department

of Industry and Resources). This service will work with Aboriginal pastoral leaseholders to broker changes to pastoral tenure, to increase land flexibility and to encourage the development of a range of appropriate businesses on pastoral lands held by Aboriginal interests.

The Review recommended two further strategies: 1. Overarching changes to pastoral tenure generally, to increase land-use flexibility and foster the development of environmentally responsible, profitable businesses on Aboriginal-held pastoral leases.

This would require broadening permissible land uses on pastoral leases.

2. The establishment of a suite of leadership, training and skill development initiatives based around the Aboriginal pastoral estate, for Aboriginal youth emerging from school and entering the labour force. This includes the establishment of a training brokerage service, an Aboriginal youth leadership program and residential traineeships focusing on job readiness.

For further information, contact Karel Eringa at the Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s Indigenous Pastoral Enterprise Unit on (08) 9347 5129 or email karel.eringa@dpi.wa.gov.au

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New opportunities for tropical and pastoral agriculture

By Chris Ham, Department of Agriculture and Food WA

The Department of Agriculture and Food’s New Opportunities for Tropical and Pastoral Agriculture (NOTPA) program is assisting pastoralists to diversify their operations in the future.

The NOTPA program has been running since June 2005 and is focussed on the development of the pastoral, agricultural and horticultural enterprises in the West Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

It services a wide client base including Aboriginal entrepreneurs and family groups, pastoralists, horticulturalists, agri-business, other State Government departments and non-government organisations.

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The services provided by the NOTPA program range from assistance to developing Diversification Permit applications, guidance on how to apply for research funding, advice on a wide range of agricultural and horticultural issues and assistance on how to monitor productivity and performance.

Assistance to pastoralists with diversification Recently, NOTPA completed a benchmarking study of the region to gauge a better understanding of the issues that stakeholders need to manage, and to assess the future development requirements.

One key group consulted was pastoralists, who viewed expansion and diversification of industries in the region as a key driver for the future. Of particular interest was hay and/or fodder production, with the aim of boosting annual productivity

and maintaining live weight during transport.

Through the NOTPA program, work has already begun in this area. Several pastoralists have found the help and support provided very valuable in applying for a diversification permit.

Other pastoralists, with existing infrastructure, are also looking to maximise their productivity and are seeking help and advice.

The NOTPA staff can provide assistance with accessing information on new business and diversification opportunities, as well as providing networking and planning opportunities with other people who are looking at or working on similar projects.

Assistance can also be provided with drafting business plans and providing information on the correct approvals processes.

Economic support to calculate the inputs, timeframe and financial

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Landgate:

A one-stop shop for pastoralists Pastoralists now have access to a range of Landgate products and services that can give them the knowledge they need to get the most out of their land.

Landgate’s Information Access Executive Director Mike Bradford said the expanding range of products available to pastoralists were proving valuable and increasingly popular.

“This can translate into huge savings as it gives pastoralists instant access to a wide range of information relating to the productivity of their land.

“For instance, FireWatch is a product that has a range of applications,” he said.

“Essentially, they can tell at a glance what parts of their property were better suited to grazing stock at any particular time of the year.”

“It not only contains valuable information on fire hot spots and lightning strikes, it also gives pastoralists information about the level of vegetation on their properties.

“This information can be used to manage stock levels, make grazing decisions, compare paddock coverage to improve performance and allow pastoralists to prepare grazing plans and budgets.

Mr Bradford said Landgate was currently in preliminary discussions regarding the use of satellite imagery to gauge the amount of edible vegetation that was present on a particular property.

“This sort of information would be particularly useful around April, at the beginning of the dry season,” he said.

Vegetation Watch considerations of the investment and agronomic advice and ongoing monitoring and management of the proposal is also provided through NOTPA. The NOTPA staff are based in a number of locations across the Kimberley region and they are more than happy to provide advice. Their contact numbers and locations are listed below.

Staff member

Key role

Contact details

Chris Ham Broome

Project Manager

(08) 9194 1424 cham@agric.wa.gov.au

Kevin May Broome

Indigenous Coordinator

(08) 9194 1430 kmay@agric.wa.gov.au

Steve Lucas Broome

Technical Officer

(08) 9194 1429 slucas@agric.wa.gov.au

Leonie Wilson Broome

Development Officer

(08) 9194 1400 lwilson@agric.wa.gov.au

Francis Bright Kununurra

Regional Economist

(08) 9166 4016 fbright@agric.wa.gov.au

Mr Bradford said further satellite imagery, which is accessed through the agency’s Satellite Remote Sensing Services, was also available to pastoralists.

“Landgate’s Vegetation Watch uses near-real-time satellite imagery to provide a range of information crucial to maximising profits and margins on the land,” he said. ”It can measure the ‘greenness’ of a pasture by reading foliage density and provides weekly composites of daily images for pasture comparison purposes.”

These products, along with a range of other initiatives, were all designed to provide West Australians with the best and most accessible land information.

Landgate is the statutory authority responsible for Western Australia’s land and property information and its transition from the Department of Land Information came into effect on January 1, 2007.

As the organisation’s core business is land and property information, Landgate also gathers geospatial data from ground surveys, aerial photographs and satellite imagery.

This information is used to produce a wide range of digital and hard copy products and services.

For more information on any of Landgate’s products and services, visit www.landgate.wa.gov.au

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Pastoral lease market sees a decline from previous year The past financial year saw a decline in the transfer of pastoral leases, with the figure falling from 43 in 2005-06 to 24 in 2006-07.

Landgate’s Valuation Services District Valuer (Country North Region) Chris Olsen said the 24 transfers (representing five per cent of total leases) excluded so-called ‘non-armslength transactions’ such as those that occurred between family members and those associated with trust dissolutions.

“During this period, the Department of Environment and Conservation added to its conservation reserves with the purchase of three complete leases, as well as several smaller portions of existing leases,” he said.

“In addition, four leases were purchased by mining companies.”

Limited supply Mr Olsen said the decrease in the number of transferred leases pointed to a limited supply rather than reduced demand.

“Demand for cattle leases remains strong with a limited supply of commercial size leases available for purchase,” he said.

“This was evident by only four transfers occurring in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Strong demand for cattle leases and a lack of supply have seen values rise significantly in the past few years.

“Increases in values for traditional sheep leases in the Southern Rangelands have been limited to the larger, well-located leases with demonstrated positive cash flow.”

Mr Olsen said values remained stagnant for leases in areas of below average rainfall and where the option of converting to cattle was not available.

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“With persistent low wool prices, the trend continued for buyers to convert from sheep to cattle where the rangeland permitted, or to convert to meat breeds or goats,” he said.

“Demand continued for smaller nonviable leases used for residential, lifestyle and grazing purposes, particularly those with reasonable homesteads located close to a regional centre.

Diversification Permits The past year also saw an increase in the number of pastoral lessees seeking to establish irrigated fodder production areas through the use of Diversification Permits.

Centre pivot irrigation systems are being established to help droughtproof properties and to ensure consistent finishing weights.

“Purchasers of these leases are quite often semi-retired people or those employed by local mining companies.”

Mr Olsen said Diversification Permits attracted a market rental, which was in addition to the pastoral rent.

Mr Olsen said buyers of larger, more commercially viable leases came mainly from the pastoral industry but also included South-West farmers looking for additional grazing land.

“For buyers who are new to the industry, pastoral leases are most commonly sold on a ‘walk-in, walkout’ basis which includes the lease and all fixed improvements,” he said.

“The sale of two Kimberley leases and subsequent on-sale of breeding stock via a managed investment scheme was the first scheme of its kind in Western Australia,” he said.

“This also includes stock and all moveable plant and equipment required to operate the lease.”

“The tax deductibility status of such schemes has been a prime motivator for potential investors; however, a recent Australian Tax Office ruling has since removed this option for schemes not related to forestry.”

Mr Olsen said a less common form of transfer was on a ‘lease and improvements’ basis, also known as a ‘bare’ basis.

This includes the lease and all fixed improvements, but excludes stock and moveable plant and equipment.

Sales of pastoral leases in Western Australia (July 2006-June 2007) Area

Type

Sales

Kimberley

Cattle

2

Pilbara

Cattle

2

Southern Rangelands

Cattle

4

Southern Rangelands

Sheep

16

Total

24

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Harvesting dead sandalwood in the GascoyneMurchison Western Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is a small parasitic tree widely distributed throughout the rangelands of Western Australia. The heartwood contains a highly valued aromatic oil that is used by people of various cultures throughout the world.

Western Australia has exported sandalwood since 1845 and has supported a WA-based oil extraction industry for perfumery and other essential oil uses for the past 20 years.

The Forest Products Commission (FPC) is the organisation responsible for managing the State’s forest resources, including sustainable sandalwood harvesting from Crown land and pastoral leases.

Most pastoralists throughout the western rangelands would be aware of the occurrence of dead sandalwood on their pastoral leases.

The FPC is now offering pastoralists in the Gascoyne-Murchison an opportunity to harvest and regenerate dead sandalwood in a mutually beneficial program that utilises valuable deadwood resources while establishing future sandalwood regeneration.

What is involved in harvesting dead sandalwood?

Harvesting requires pastoralists to collect dead sandalwood from their lease. This can take place

over a contracted year, which can be extended, depending on the resource available. 10 to 20 tonnes of sandalwood can be made available per year; however, where the resource is limited, smaller portions of collected deadwood can be arranged.

Where the lease’s dead sandalwood resource is significant (10 tonnes or more) the FPC may fund additional control measures for stock and unmanaged goats, such as fencing materials and trap yards. This will assist with future regeneration activities.

Dead sandalwood is stockpiled at the homestead, trimmed into product grades and stacked into the FPC-supplied pallets, bins or bulker bags. The FPC can also include in the contract payment system the option for the pastoralist to cart the prepared sandalwood to the Wescorp factory in the Perth suburb of Bibra Lake.

The rate offered to pastoralists by the FPC for dead sandalwood harvesting will include the collection and preparation of wood into products and seed collection and planting.

Regeneration work involves the planting of one kilogram of collected sandalwood seed per one tonne of deadwood harvested.

As sandalwood is very palatable to stock, attempts to regenerate sandalwood will occur only on leases where unmanaged goat numbers are controlled and authorised stock are well-managed.

Dead sandalwood harvesting and regeneration practices under a FPC contract will be supervised by a FPC Operations Officer. The FPC now has an operational office in the GascoyneMurchison region, at the Department of Agriculture and Food in Carnarvon.

Interested pastoralists seeking further information should contact Dave Evans, Operations Officer, at the Forest Products Commission, Carnarvon on (08) 9941 9430 (mobile or satellite 0410 414 434) or the Forest Products Commission’s Harvey office on (08) 9729 2888.

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Rangeland survey reports

By Peter-Jon Waddell, Rangeland Survey Team Development Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food WA

The rangeland survey team conducts regional surveys and condition assessments throughout Western Australian pastoral leases, providing inventory and descriptive references of rangeland land resources and developing land system maps.

Currently, the rangeland survey project is a joint project with staff from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) and Landgate (formerly the Department of Land Information).

Rangeland survey reports provide detailed accounts of survey methodology, geomorphology, soils, vegetation, site ecology, land systems and the resource condition of survey areas, as well as reviewing background information such as land use history, climate, geology and declared flora and fauna.

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Conducting a rangeland survey.

These reports provide an invaluable tool for rangeland stakeholders including pastoral, mining, conservation, research and government organisations to help them better understand rangeland landscapes and assist in their management and administration, and in particular, how grazing systems relate to the different components of land systems.

Getting a rangeland survey report Under the Western Australian rangeland survey program, 12 rangeland surveys have been completed.

Reports are sent to each pastoral station when published; however, with changes in station management occurring across the rangelands, there may be stations where the

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original report has disappeared. If you are interested in a free report covering your area in one of the regions mentioned below, then please contact the rangeland survey team.

Please allow a month for delivery in case we are conducting field work.

Available reports are listed below.

• The Murchison survey was published in 1999 and covers the area of Curbur to part of Yarlarweelor in the north and Bullardoo across to Wondinong in the south. The complete title is: An inventory and condition survey of the Murchison River catchment and surrounds, Western Australia, (WA Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin No. 84).

• The Sandstone-Yalgoo-Payne’s Find survey was published in 1998 and covers the stations from Wandina in the west to parts of Yeelirrie in the north-east and Wanarra in the south-west, to Diemals in the east.

This report also has a separate pastoral management publication for pastoralists and land managers.

The two publications are called: An inventory and condition survey of the Sandstone-Yalgoo-Payne’s Find area, Western Australia, (WA Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin No. 90) and Pastoral Resources and their management in the SandstoneYalgoo-Payne’s Find area, Western Australia, (WA Department of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication 1/98).

• The North-Eastern Goldfields survey was published in 1994 and covers the stations from Perrinvale in the west to White Cliffs in the east and parts of Yeelirrie in the north-west to Edjudina in the south-east. This report also has a separate pastoral management publication for pastoralists

EPIRBs Did you know that the older analogue-type Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (or EPIRBs) working on 121.5 MHz will no longer be detected as from February 2009?

The new digital 406 MHz EPIRBs are more accurate, are detected more quickly and can identify their owner.

For more information on EPIRBs, visit:

www.amsa.gov.au and click on ‘Beacons’.

If you accidentally activate your EPIRB, turn it off and immediately call 1800 641 792 There is no penalty for accidentally setting off your beacon.

and land managers. The two publications are called: An inventory and condition survey of the North-Eastern Goldfields, Western Australia, (WA Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin No. 87) and Pastoral Resources and their management in the North-Eastern Goldfields, Western Australia, (WA Department of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication 22/94).

• The Carnarvon Basin survey covers stations from Ningaloo to Towera in the north to Tamala and Coburn in the south and was originally published in 1987. The complete title is: An inventory and condition survey of rangelands in the Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia, (WA Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin No. 73).

Nullarbor survey At present, the rangeland survey team is completing the inventory and condition survey of the Western Nullarbor region. With most of the field work completed, the Western Nullarbor survey report is currently in preparation.

This survey continues on from the 1974 survey of the eastern part of the Western Australian portion of the Nullarbor Plain and includes the Roe Plain and southern areas outside the pastoral leases. Survey team members are also compiling information for the publication of a technical bulletin on the Lower Murchison region, an area that was previously surveyed but remained unanalysed.

For further information please contact Peter-Jon Waddell at DAFWA on (08) 9368 3421, Peter Hennig at DAFWA on (08) 9892 8495 or Ken Leighton at Landgate on (08) 9273 7130.

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Telemetry in the pastoral industry

By Adrian James, Project Officer, Desert Knowledge CRC, Alice Springs

Telemetry. It’s a word you’ve probably heard before. When it comes to pastoral production, telemetry refers to monitoring and controlling station assets remotely, usually by UHF radio.

There is a range of companies manufacturing pastoral telemetry systems in Australia, and their products usually include abilities to remotely: • monitor water levels in tanks, dams, turkey nests and troughs; • turn pumps on and off, and monitor pump performance and water flows;

Telemetry at De Rose Hill Station, South Australia.

• control and monitor water medicators and rain gauges; • monitor vehicle speed and location; • control and monitor electric fences; and • take and transmit photos.

Costs and benefits of telemetry Telemetry radios are shoebox-sized, solar-powered and weatherproof.

They are usually installed on tanks with extra equipment connected by cables, with some companies introducing local wireless connections.

The basic cost per site varies between $1,500 to $4,000 depending on

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the product, ease of installation and number of add-ons. In-vehicle controllers and repeaters for hilly country can add $1,000 to $2,000.

A simple home or office computer is needed to run the network and when connected to the Internet, allows for on-line management.

The advantage of using telemetry is the ability to lower the cost of production. Whenever station staff travel out to a remote location to check water levels or start a pump, it costs time and money in labour, fuel and vehicle maintenance.

Most telemetry systems operate on free UHF channels, so doing a bore run via telemetry will take 30 seconds and cost nothing. In typical aridzone pastoral situations, a telemetry investment will pay for itself in less than 12 months and free up several hours of labour each week.

Some telemetry systems allow for remote cameras to be installed to ‘back up’ what the system is reporting.

The cameras can also be used to see if anything is stuck in a trough.

However, not all pastoralists and telemetry companies believe cameras

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are necessary. Monitoring pump operation, water flow rates and tank levels usually provides a pretty solid concept of what’s happening at a remote water point and whether anything is wrong.

It is important to remember that bores must still be visited to clean troughs, refuel, check belts etc., but with telemetry, the visits can be much less frequent.

Another advantage of telemetry is the constant monitoring which occurs and not just when someone is at the bore. If a tank springs a leak shortly after you visited, it may be three days before you discovered the problem.

A telemetry system would detect the problem and send you an alarm immediately. This would then allow you to travel out and fix the problem.

Telemetry systems are usually very reliable. At S. Kidman and Co’s Quinyambie Station, a large cattle property in the Strzelecki desert in South Australia, a telemetry network has been in use for three years and only suffered a few minor problems while saving over $80,000 a year.

Australia, recovered its costs in six months. Napperby Station, a 5,400 square km cattle property near Alice Springs, recently installed one of the biggest telemetry networks in the country, and expects net savings after 18 months. Its recovery period is longer because the network is very comprehensive with lots of water medicators, as well as rain gauges and cameras.

The Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre’s (DKCRC) 21st Century Pastoralism™ project is analysing the costs and benefits of pastoral telemetry over a two-year period, as well as developing new tools for remote management.

DKCRC held a field day at Napperby Station in October which demonstrated a telemetry network, remote automatic cattle weighing and drafting systems, and a remote video monitoring prototype. The project has also produced a telemetry cost recovery calculator. This is available on the project website, and is a simple computer spreadsheet which can

provide pastoralists with a rough idea of the costs and savings associated with investing in a telemetry system.

It’s a good place to start if you’re thinking about telemetry and can be found at: www.desertknowledgecrc.com.au/ research/pastoralism.html For more information, contact: Adrian James, 21st Century Pastoralism™ Project Officer, Desert Knowledge CRC on (08) 8951 8155 (mob 0427 189 676) or email: adrian.james@nt.gov.au 21st Century Pastoralism™ is a Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre project. The project partners are: • Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines; • Sheep Cooperative Research Centre; • Observant Pty Ltd; and • The University of Wollongong.

Recouping the cost Telemetry has been used for both sheep and cattle production for many years, and is gaining in popularity as the systems prove themselves, and pastoralists realise the economic advantages.

While telemetry can offer advantages to all production systems, it is of the biggest benefit to large landholdings in arid country where the conventional method of monitoring and controlling station infrastructure carries high costs.

Quinyambie Station recovered the cost of installing its telemetry network in four months, while Mt Ive, a sheep station in the Gawler Ranges of South

Aboriginal sites You can find out if there are any registered Aboriginal heritage sites on your pastoral lease by going to the Aboriginal Heritage Sites Register on our website:

www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral and clicking on ‘Useful Links’ and then ‘Useful Government Links’.

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A forecasting office circa 1920.

Centenary of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology 1908-2008 This year the Australian Bureau of Meteorology celebrates its centenary as a Commonwealth Government Agency.

floods of 1955, the Black Friday and Ash Wednesday bushfires, the 1974 devastation of Darwin by Cyclone Tracy and Australia’s costliest-ever natural disaster, the Sydney hailstorm of April 1999.

The Bureau began operation as a national organisation on 1 January 1908 and was established by the Meteorology Act 1906, which consolidated the separate Colonial/ State Meteorological Services.

It is a story of round-the-clock data collection by tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers in far-flung observing sites, of the acclaimed weather support of the RAAF Meteorological Service for south-west Pacific operations through World War II and of the vital role of the post-war civilian Bureau in the remarkable safety record of Australian civil aviation.

The Bureau is an integrated scientific monitoring, research and service organisation which is responsible for observing, understanding and predicting the behaviour of Australia’s weather and climate. It provides a wide range of meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic information, as well as forecasting and warning services to the Australian community.

The century-long history of the Bureau and of Australian meteorology is the history of the nation itself - from the Federation Drought to the great

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It is a story of outstanding scientific and technological innovation and international leadership in one of the most inherently international of all fields of science and human endeavour.

Although always headquartered in Melbourne, the Bureau has, from its origins as a federation of state-based agencies, epitomised the successful working of the Commonwealth with

a strong operational presence in every state capital and a strong sense of identity with both its state and national functions and responsibilities.

In seeking to provide integrated meteorological and related support for the many weather and climate-sensitive state government responsibilities, the Bureau has played a particularly active role in support of agriculture, environment, water resource management and natural disaster mitigation.

Staff spread far and wide The Bureau has approximately 1400 specialised staff at some 60 offices around Australia, its offshore islands and Antarctica. They monitor the behaviour of the atmosphere, oceans and inland waters, carry out research into the mechanisms of Australian weather and climate and provide a wide range of weather, climate and related environmental services to all sectors of the Australian community as well as to international shipping and civil aviation.

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The Bureau also relies on its extensive network of volunteer observers, and there are some 6000 rainfall observers around the country contributing vital information to the Bureau’s observing network.

Reflecting on the last 100 years of the Bureau, a major theme is the way in which technological development has enabled the Bureau to improve its forecasting services.

Long distance radio messages were sent for the first time in 1908, radar first appeared in a primitive format in 1917, the first computer forecast was produced in 1950, and the first satellite image for weather purposes was received in 1960.

Improved accuracy With each one of these developments there has been an increase in both forecasting skill and forecast period. As recently as 1990, a forecast was valid for only two days, whereas nowadays the state capitals receive a seven-day forecast of weather and temperature.

Skill levels have also improved, with four-day temperature forecasts now being as accurate as the 24-hour forecasts produced 20 years ago.

A modern-day forecasting workstation.

The only certainty in weather forecasting is the atmosphere’s chaotic nature, but with the use of increasingly sophisticated computer models, advances in satellite imaging techniques and the skill of its staff, the Bureau is well equipped to meet the community’s demands for accurate and longer weather forecasts in the future.

For further information, visit www.bom.gov.au

Safe use and management of 1080 If you are interested in conducting 1080 baiting programs, you should know that the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) has developed a new training course.

Individual and group training will be provided by DAFWA for landholders who aim to use 1080 poison baits.

The new course covers safety and first aid, reducing risks to non-target species and the legal requirements for transporting, storing and laying these baits.

The training will ensure all landholders are competent and skilled in the safe use and management of the baits.

The new training standard does not replace the current 1080 baiting application process and DAFWA Biosecurity Officers will continue to conduct risk assessments on each individual application.

The structured training helps clarify landholders’ responsibilities for conducting a 1080 baiting program.

Biosecurity Officers must be satisfied that each individual landholder has adequate knowledge to use 1080 poison and, at the completion of training, participants will be accredited as safe users and managers of baits.

The new course has been developed in close consultation with the Department of Health, to ensure the safe use and management of 1080.

1080 (also known as Sodium Fluoroacetate) is a highly poisonous substance used to control agricultural and environmental pests. It was

introduced to Australian rabbit control programs in the early 1950s.

Since then, it has been adopted to control many other declared species including foxes, wild dogs and feral pigs.

The 1080 Landholder Information Packages for the safe use and management of 1080 and the new training standard can be accessed from the website www.agric.wa.gov.au You can get further information from your local DAFWA office, or officers at the Biosecurity Training Unit on (08) 9366 2379.

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Wild dog management in the rangelands - an update Wild dogs are a major issue in the pastoral areas and eastern fringes of the Wheatbelt. The problem had increased since the early 1990s for various social and economic reasons, but measures are gradually being implemented to help combat the problem.

In the past year, the five pastoral zones have developed their own regional wild dog plans. This involved identifying the best control measures based on a ‘nil tenure’ approach, which means working out the optimum control on what needs to be done and where, based on a ‘non-boundary’ outlook.

While a united effort has been made by individual property owners and managers of Crown reserves to address the problem, more needs to be done in some areas. There has been a trend towards station sizes increasing, but staffing levels have been decreasing and consequently, it is often hard for pastoralists to find the time to carry out baiting and trapping activities.

Because of this, the Western Australian Rangelands Wild Dog Management Policy was endorsed by the APB in June 2007. It is anticipated to take up to a year to implement.

Responsibility for dog control The policy reinforces the fact that each landholder is responsible for the control of wild dogs on their property and stipulates the level of control depending on the type of stock they and their neighbours are running. A property running sheep and goats requires more stringent wild dog control. Neighbours of sheep/goat properties are also required to carry out wild dog control at a higher level, compared to cattle properties.

Responsibility for wild dog control rests with all land managers. Two Acts, the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 and to a lesser extent, the Dog Act 1976, operate to regulate the management and control of wild dogs in WA.

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National wild dog facilitator appointed A National Wild Dog Facilitator position, funded by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IACRC), has been filled, with Mr Greg Mifsud appointed to the role. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries in Queensland will host the position, which is based in Toowoomba.

The National Facilitator position will be managed by a steering committee with representatives from Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, industry bodies and state departments.

The committee will be chaired by Barry Davies from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA).

The National Facilitator will help provide much needed support and complement the existing skills of regional coordinators and local pest control authorities, as dog management plans are developed and implemented.

The National Facilitator project aims to establish regional or local wild dog groups. The WA pastoral area is already divided into five zones known as Zone Control Authorities (ZCA) by the Agriculture Protection Board (APB). A levy is raised through a pastoral rating system called the Declared Plant and Animal Control Fund (DPACF), with the money matched by the State Government and then allocated into the five regions. The ZCA then decides how the money is spent on declared plant and animal control. The National

Facilitator project will benefit WA by contributing to future planning sessions, as well as ensuring Western Australia is kept up-to-date with wild dog management programs across Australia.

Mr Davies said the various ZCAs met two or three times a year. Virtually 100 per cent of funding in Kalgoorlie, Meekatharra and Carnarvon had been spent on wild dog control. While a big proportion of money in the Pilbara and Kimberley was spent on wild dogs, these areas were also able to focus on other issues such as weeds and donkeys.

Doggers on the ground Current strategies to control wild dogs are the employment of contract doggers on the ground and continuing the refined aerial baiting program.

GPS data logging systems are used to map wild dog activity, record where traps and baits are laid and identify areas where stock loss is severe.

With the use of modern technology, an accurate picture of the current situation can be developed and control efforts better targeted.

Mr Davies said about 16 doggers were working in the Kalgoorlie, Meekatharra and Carnarvon areas and the wheatbelt fringe from Merredin to Esperance. Efforts were also being made to attract younger people in their 30s and 40s into the business, which requires skills in self-sufficiency and preparedness to work in isolated locations.

Three of the 16 doggers were funded by the Department of Environment

FEATURES

and Conservation and focused on Crown land, with the remainder working on pastoral leases and farming country.

New dog baits Between 750,000 and 950,000 aerial baits are dropped across the State each year and about 300,000 are delivered on the ground. Until recently, the baits were prepared in the field with pastoralists and DAFWA staff injecting the meat with 1080 and then placing the baits on drying racks made from wire netting. However, in the past five years, the rising cost of meat for human and pet consumption has affected bait supplies, which meant bait requirements for the various zones has not always been met.

To remedy this, a research trial was conducted to identify how sausage baits performed in the field. These baits proved to be acceptable to wild dogs, leading to the Forrestfield Bait Production Unit being reconfigured to be able to produce 20,000 sausage baits per day. These baits are injected with 1080 as they are made, creating savings in both time and money for the ZCAs. The first batch of 100,000 baits was made in five days in late August 2007 for the Pilbara ZCA and delivered overnight by road express to Karratha, where they were laid on racks and dried. Those involved said this new system was much easier than the one for traditional meat baits.

Downloading field data from the data logger.

Data logging to combat wild dogs Data logging, the recording and storing of coordinates, dates and times of wild dog activity, is helping pinpoint problem areas and paint a more accurate picture of wild dog locations and numbers in the Goldfields-Nullarbor region.

Research Officer Samantha van Wyngaarden, from the Kalgoorlie Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) said five data loggers which have been in use in the area for about a year have been a big help in supplying specific data about wild dogs.

“This information can be used as another tool for the control of wild dogs, aid in a more strategic approach and become an historical record,” Ms van Wyngaarden said.

The data loggers record the wild dog activity, taken by doggers with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. This data is then downloaded and displayed on a map.

The data logger stores the information from the GPS such as the date, time and location where animals have been shot, trapped or sighted. The mapped information assists with future planning of baiting

and trapping campaigns for wild dog control.

A summary of June-December 2006 activity for the region shows 638 active dog sightings, 54 stock attacks, 517 traps set, 22,614 baits laid and 75 dogs killed.

Ms van Wyngaarden said there was a need to record accurate information on wild dog activity to quantify anecdotal evidence and general observations made on wild dogs. ”Because information from data loggers is displayed on a regional map, we can detect gaps and trends which need to be tackled,” she said.

“We can decide if some areas should be baited more aggressively and then share this information.”

It is planned to use the data loggers long-term, with hopes they could also be applied to tracking other feral animals such as camels.

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RFDS on the Road primary health care program

By Tricia Slee, Royal Flying Doctor Service

RFDS on the Road started in 2004 as a three-year project delivering primary health care services to people living, working and travelling in some of the most remote areas of the vast Pilbara region.

The Program is sponsored by principal partner BHP Billiton Iron Ore with support from the Pilbara Fund, which is administered by the Pilbara Development Commission. BHP Billiton Iron Ore has just confirmed ongoing sponsorship for a further three years to enable the RFDS on the Road team to continue delivering a range of health education, information, screening clinics and training activities to people living and working in the region.

Negotiations are taking place with the intention of launching the program in the Goldfields-Esperance region in early 2008 and BHP Billiton Nickel West has indicated an interest.

Locations visited under the program include pastoral stations, satellite mine and exploration sites, Aboriginal communities, tourist facilities and remote communities.

The services offered include: • RFDS ‘Medical Chest’ management education; • remote area First Aid training, e.g.

CPR, management of snakebite and giving an intramuscular injection;

• Accredited Senior First Aid course (two-day) or basic First Aid Certificate (three-hour); • health promotion and healthy lifestyle activities; • safety awareness and injury prevention education; • health risk assessments/screening; • emergency evacuation training: RFDS Patient Preparation and Procedures for health professionals and emergency service personnel; • one-on-one health consultations to assess an individual’s general health; • RFDS Airstrip Surveys confirmation of day and night landing standards; and • RFDS Western Operations Overview (a presentation about our aero-medical emergency evacuation and patient transfer services, medical telephone consultations, Primary Health Clinics, Rural Women’s GP Program, Medical Chest Program and related health care services).

RFDS on the Road Primary Health Care Nurse Michelle Bodington (top centre) explains CPR to the staff at Warrawagine Station, north east of Marble Bar.

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The RFDS on the Road Primary Health Care mobile unit is staffed with a Primary Health Care Nurse and a Project Support Officer. The team also runs primary health care education and training activities for primary schools, hospitals and clinics, volunteer emergency service groups and a number of community events across the Pilbara region.

To the end of June 2007, the Program provided primary health care services at more than 120 Pilbara locations; made 163 individual health consultations and delivered one or more of our primary health care services to more than 4400 remote Pilbara residents.

We welcome invitations to work in partnership with government, corporate and community organisations.

For more information about the RFDS on the Road Primary Health Care Partnership Program, please contact Tricia Slee, Program Manager on (08) 9417 6391 or email tricia.slee@rfdswestops.com.au

The RFDS on the Road vehicle.

Help for the homestead

The Rural Women’s GP Service providing choice

By Donna Fahie, Royal Flying Doctor Service

It is no surprise that most women would prefer to see a female doctor for sensitive medical issues. However this isn’t so easy if you happen to live in outback Australia.

Rural Australia is facing a shortage of doctors in country areas, with generally more male doctors in rural areas, so finding a female GP can be extremely difficult.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has been operating a program to provide female doctors to rural areas since 2000. The Rural Women’s GP Service operates across Australia and is aimed at areas with little or no access to a female doctor.

The Service enables women to see a female GP about a variety of health and well-being concerns. These include pap smears, breast checks, contraception, sexual health, mental health and domestic violence.

Feedback on the Service indicates that a lot of people find it reassuring to be able to talk to the female doctors,

Dr Elizabeth Wysocki checking a patient in one of her clinics.

because they are not a permanent part of the community. It is a unique situation, because the Service’s doctors can provide continuity of care to their patients, but they won’t run into them in a social situation, which women find very reassuring.

Early detection Dr Susan Downes has been visiting Newman under the Rural Women’s GP service since 2001 and she would like to see women being more vigilant with their regular health checks, including pap smears and breast examinations.

“It is important that women do not delay seeing a doctor to have their regular health check or if they have concerns about something changing,” Dr Downes said.

“Early detection is the key to treating so many of the illnesses women suffer today.”

Consultations provided by the service are completely confidential and the service is available to all members of the community - including men and children.

For more information about the Rural Women’s GP Service, please call Donna Fahie on (08) 9417 6344.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Emergency Number:

1800 625 800

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Look after your business have a routine health check-up

By Julian Krieg, Wheatbelt Men’s Health Service

Recently I had my car serviced. When I picked it up, I was given the bill but also a checklist of what had been checked or replaced.

I was also able to check off the few little things that I had asked the service person to look at while they were servicing my car.

The process of getting my car serviced was a two-way communication procedure between me, as the one who knows my car pretty well, and the service person who listened to my concerns. The mechanics then went about correcting the problems, as well as ensuring the other operating systems of the vehicle were all okay.

A couple of days later I had to front my local GP for a medical check-up.

Probably because of the work I do, I felt that I should also discuss with my GP any concerns I had about my health, in a similar way to my discussion with the mechanic, and I was pleased that he listened to my concerns.

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He was also quick to tell me I wasn’t getting any younger and some of my concerns were just symptoms of my age, which was reassuring.

I did pass the medical, but it got me thinking that it is important for each of us to create a list of questions to ask when we visit the GP and to have an expectation of what he or she should check as part of a routine check-up.

What to ask at a routine health check-up You should have a health check-up at least once a year, and so you remember, make it your birthday present to yourself. As a starting point, I think the following should always be included: • blood pressure; • heart check; • skin check; • weight; • sight and hearing tests; • genitals; • aches pains and lumps; and • sleeping problems.

Also, don’t be surprised if your GP suggests additional checks like: • blood tests for cholesterol and PSA (prostate);

• diabetes test; • heart stress test; • X-rays; and • further hearing or eyesight tests.

Living in a remote area Living in a remote area may mean that you don’t often get the time to visit a GP, so if you are to get the best from your GP visits, you need to get involved with your health care.

You should not expect your GP to try to ‘best guess’ your state of health.

How many would take their car to the garage and tell the mechanic to guess what is wrong?

Next time you visit your GP, go with a list of questions and listen to the answers. You are then in a better position to take ownership of your own wellbeing. Men are notorious for not visiting their GP, so when you do go, make the most of it and get value for money.

It is your health we are talking about.

And if you’re not looking after your health, you’re not doing yourself, your family or your business any favours.

For further information, contact Julian Krieg on (08) 9690 2277 or email him via: snaughton@agric.wa.gov.au

Help for the homestead

Pastoral traineeships in Western Australia

By Fred Chambers, Rural Skills Australia WA.

What are traineeships?

A traineeship is an employment-based training arrangement that combines practical work experience and training with an employer, together with a theory component from a Registered Training Organisation.

Traineeships are similar to traditional apprenticeships but of a shorter duration. Trainees are paid a wage by their employer during training and, where eligible, a living away from home allowance of $77.17 per week (in the first year) may be paid to trainees by the Australian Government.

In 2006-07, there were about 220 agricultural traineeship commencements in Western Australia, with the majority of these being from the grain and sheep sectors, and nine specifying cattle production. The broadly based Certificates II and III in Agriculture are the most popular, with numbers for shearers and wool handlers increasing rapidly.

Pastoral traineeships In the pastoral industry, trainees usually commence at the entry level Certificate II in Agriculture, specialising in Beef, or Sheep and Wool Production. They then may progress through to Certificate III, which is generally viewed as the ‘trade level’.

Many sectors now encourage employees on to Certificate IV (Muresk Agribusiness Degree entry level) then on to the Diploma level and higher. Frequently with a pastoral traineeship, the training can be provided totally in the workplace.

Traineeships also have the advantage of providing relevant industry and occupational health and safety

skills within nationally recognised qualifications.

Traineeships are not just for young people. Anyone from 15 years of age can be employed as a trainee, and this may include family members. Trainees don’t need to be unemployed and existing employees may be eligible under limited circumstances. Even secondary school students can be employed as part-time trainees.

There are no specified minimum educational requirements for participation, however basic literacy and numeracy skills to Year 10 standards are recommended. All trainees and apprentices in WA pay a tuition fee to their TAFE or private trainer.

Financial aspects Trainee wage information is available from the Wage Line on 1300 655 266.

Employers may also be eligible for government financial incentive payments starting at $1,250 for a Certificate II qualification commencement, and commencement and completion incentives of at least $4,000 for Certificate III and IV level qualifications.

There are many other incentives. For example, mature aged and schoolbased trainees are eligible for a tool box allowance of $800, training fee vouchers and additional assistance where the National Skills Needs List applies, such as in shearing.

Organisations involved in traineeships Several organisations are involved in traineeships: • Rural Skills Australia. A notfor-profit industry-managed

association that provides training advice and assistance to industry.

Call (08) 9752 3665 or visit www.ruralskills.com.au • Australian Apprenticeships Centres (AACs). These centres are contracted to the Australian Government to manage traineeships and apprenticeships.

AACs also manage the employer subsidies. Telephone 13 38 73 for contact information or visit www.skillsforthefuture.gov.au • Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RTOs include TAFE and private training providers, and many are contracted to the WA Department of Employment and Training to deliver traineeships and/or apprenticeships. Pastoralists can choose the provider that suits their needs and location, however in remote areas the choice of providers may be limited.

• Group Training Companies (GTCs).

These are an option for employers, as the GTC employs apprentices and trainees and then places them with a host employer. Like a labour hire company, they take care of the paperwork for wages, allowances, workers’ compensation, superannuation, etc. As they are the employer, the government subsidies are paid to the GTC.

Getting started Eligibility may be complex. Any Australian Apprenticeships Centre can discuss eligibility with you, as well as preferred training providers and training delivery arrangements.

For details of agencies in your area or for any further information call Fred Chambers at Rural Skills Australia WA on (08) 9752 3665 or mobile 0409 884 574.

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Carnarvon School of the Air

By Christine Bevans, Principal, Carnarvon School of the Air

“Good (crackle, crackle) morning, Miss” …

Gone are the days where students located on stations and isolated areas of Western Australia received their air lessons via radio.

All five Schools of the Air (SOTA) located at Derby, Port Hedland, Meekatharra (relocated to Geraldton in 2007), Kalgoorlie and Carnarvon have moved forward and now deliver ‘air lessons’ through updated technology.

Carnarvon’s SOTA was the last school to be set up in 1968, broadcasting out of a washroom at Carnarvon Primary School. Fast forward to 2007 and students receive their air lessons through virtual classrooms and on-line delivery.

Traditions kept Although the crackle of the radio has long gone and been replaced by computers, satellites and new technology, there are many traditions that have been kept at the Carnarvon School of the Air.

The school’s P and C is an active body that supports fundraising activities and is very proactive in supporting the purchasing and wearing of the school uniform. Most students wear a uniform at home in the ‘school room’, as well as on all camps and school activities. The wearing of the uniform helps instil a sense of pride and belonging and supports students in developing a daily school routine.

Communication is a key focus for the school as we move forward in the use of ever-changing technology. Students participate in daily ‘air lessons’ through on-line computers using a new system called Centra, which all SOTA students across the State use to conduct lessons. The Principal, School Council and P and C also conduct meetings using the Centra system. There is always support for home tutors and students at the end of a telephone call.

Communication between the school and families is also enhanced through the use of emails, faxes and telephone calls. The ‘snail mail’ of delivering set work and information to families is still a main part of the Carnarvon School of the Air. All mail is sent out in tough, bright red bags bulging with student’s work, newsletters and information from the school.

Occasionally uninvited guests have made their way into these red bags out at stations, including the odd snake and spider.

Camps, sport and social events The school provides opportunities for students, staff and parents to meet in town or on camps. This is a vital social occasion for students who may not see each other for months at a time.

Teacher, Mrs Sue Tindale and student Tessa Meecham from Quobba Station, participating in air lessons in the studio at Carnarvon School of the Air.

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Help for the homestead

An annual sports camp for Years 3-7 students at the Carnarvon SOTA is held in Geraldton. This camp has a strong focus on physical education and developing skills in a variety of sports, including football, hockey and tennis.

It is also an opportunity for our students to work as part of a team and participate in sporting activities for which they would not normally have access.

The staff are actively involved in these camps and this major annual event provides an opportunity to build positive relationships between staff and students.

Other camps throughout the year include Mini-camps and Home Tutor Training sessions that are conducted in Carnarvon. These sessions support parents and home tutors in working with their children in a distance education setting. Mini-camps are occasionally held on stations or in remote locations. One such camp was held at Middalya Station and involved students hunting for fossils around the area and in dry creek beds, while another camp was held at Red Bluff, resulting in the writing of a new school song by the students.

A major event of the year is the SOTA Muster camp held in Perth in December for Year 4-7 students and involves all five SOTAs. It is an opportunity to provide students with ‘new experiences’ in a city location.

It is also an opportunity for staff and students to rekindle old friendships and catch up on the bush news.

Homestead visits The teachers at the school travel to families throughout the year to visit children in their home environment and work with parents and home tutors. It is a unique opportunity for teachers to assess student progress and be involved in the student’s life in remote and distance locations.

Mac Maslen from Eudamullah Station discovers ‘fossils’ at Middalya Mini-camp.

Staff actively plan camps and training sessions to meet the needs of students and home tutors.

School of the Air contacts:

The school conducts tours of the premises and provides an opportunity for tourists, many international, to see and hear the students in action.

Occasionally a bus load of tourists will book in, resulting in very full studios, but happy and interested guests.

(08) 9941 1015 www.carnarvonsota.wa.edu.au/

Although the students are remote, the school has provided many guest speakers over the air including scientists, visiting authors and Constable Care, thereby enriching a wide range of interests.

(08) 9193 1006 members.westnet.com.au/ksota/

The Carnarvon SOTA school motto is ‘Reaching Out’ and is the foundation for staff at the school to work and engage in their student’s education, lives and families.

Port Hedland School of the Air

Carnarvon School of the Air

Kalgoorlie School of the Air (08) 9093 2728 www.kalsota.wa.edu.au/ Kimberley School of the Air

Meekatharra School of the Air (08) 9964 0800 myweb.westnet.com.au/msota/

(08) 9172 8100 www.porthedlandsota.wa.edu.au/

Until next time, ‘Over and out’.

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Public access to pastoral leases Access to pastoral leases by third parties including tour operators, people fishing and tourists has caused an increasing amount of debate in recent times, and required the involvement of the affected lessees and the Pastoral Lands Board.

The community has expectations regarding access to remote areas of interest, whether it be for fishing or passage through the land.

In general, access to pastoral lands should be supported, provided that the activities of the public do not adversely affect the pastoral operations or cause environmental damage to the land.

Unfortunately, some actions of a minority, such as leaving gates open, damaging property, starting fires and leaving rubbish have resulted in access to pastoral land being denied to the public, after many years of open access. This can lead to ill-feeling against pastoralists who are simply trying to protect their livelihood.

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Underlying principles A number of principles are considered to apply to the issue of public access over a pastoral lease.

• A pastoral lessee has a right of quiet enjoyment of the pastoral lease land.

• A pastoral lessee has obligations under a pastoral lease to maintain roads and improvements etc.

• A person (not acting under the authority of an Act) who enters on to the pastoral lease land without the pastoral lessee’s authority or permission is a trespasser.

• A pastoral lessee may give others permission to enter on to the pastoral lease, subject to conditions such as charging fees, provided that the pastoral lessee is continuing to use the lease for pastoral purposes.

• If permission to enter is granted to the public by the pastoralist, any fee charged is to be no more than that required to cover reasonable costs involved in permitting access.

Fees charged may be based on apportionment of time involved in dealing with tour operators, tourists, maintenance costs of roads, liability insurance, property damage, stock loss or other relevant costs.

• If the pastoralist charges anything other than a reasonable access fee or hosts the visitors in any way, such as providing meals, accommodation or services, then they need to apply to the Board for a Diversification Permit.

• Pastoral lessees may have a potential liability to persons entering pastoral leases, particularly when fees are charged for access.

Help for the homestead

GPS settings make sure they’re right There have been a few incidents recently where costly mistakes have been made by pastoralists because they undertook some work using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates from a GPS that was not correctly set up.

Checking that your GPS is set to the correct datum is not complicated.

You will probably find the datum setting under ‘System Menu’ or ‘Navigation’ or something similar. You may need to check the manual.

• If fees charged are large enough to constitute an income rather than a cost-recovery exercise, the pastoral land is being used for other than pastoral purposes.

• A permit under the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA) must be applied for when the pastoral lessee is intending to use the land for non-pastoral activities, including station stay or tourism purposes.

• It is an offence under Section 106 of the LAA to use land under a pastoral lease for purposes other than pastoral, unless a permit has been issued by the Board.

If there are particular points where tourists or others may inadvertently enter your pastoral lease, some signage at these points may help inform people that they are actually entering a pastoral lease.

The most important thing is to check that your GPS is set to WGS 84. It may already be set correctly, but checking may avoid costly mistakes.

Grants and assistance You can access a comprehensive directory of grants for community groups and individuals, as well as getting assistance with applying for grants, by looking at the Grants Directory on our website at:

www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral and click on ’Useful Links’, then ‘Community Information‘.

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On both sides of the fence -

an update on the Good Neighbour Policy Responding to a need for improved relationships with its 16,000 neighbours who share a property boundary, particularly those in the pastoral and rural zones, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has now released its finalised Good Neighbour Policy.

The policy provides direction related to cross boundary issues including: • • • • • • • • • • • •

boundary fences; fire management and control; control of weeds; control of introduced pests; straying stock on DEC-managed lands; native animals that affect primary production; access to and activities on DECmanaged land and water; off-reserve conservation programs and activities; natural resource management; neighbour and community input into DEC planning and operations; DEC environmental protection responsibilities; and communication, contacts and liaison.

Initiated in 2004 (before CALM merged with the Department of Environment to form the Department of Environment and Conservation), the policy is the result of collaboration with stakeholders, including the

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Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association, which has been instrumental in developing the draft content and final policy.

Results of state-wide survey A 2006 state-wide survey sought to quantify and establish priorities for a range of problems and solutions that were identified from the 22 initial community engagement regional forums and zone meetings. Results were grouped and reported as coming from neighbours based in the SouthWest, Wheatbelt or pastoral areas.

DEC received nearly 1000 completed surveys (15 per cent of those sent out).

The main findings of the state-wide survey were as follows.

• Only 41 per cent of neighbours were satisfied overall with DEC as a neighbour.

• The most important issues to neighbours were fire management, control of introduced pests and fencing of shared boundaries.

• Neighbours did not feel that DEC was managing most issues very well, with the fencing of shared boundaries and native animals affecting primary production considered the least well-managed at the moment.

• In terms of animal and plant control, the two biggest issues were the impacts of feral animals (foxes and rabbits) and native animals (kangaroos and emus) on agricultural activities. The most important actions for DEC were considered to be taking responsibility for maintaining native animals at sustainable levels and contributing to better fencing to control invasive animals.

• Fire and fence management were considered very important, and there were a number of widespread issues. The most prevalent and important were DEC not contributing to fencing costs, not enough controlled burns in the South-West and insufficient firebreaks in the Wheatbelt and

Help for the homestead

the pastoral regions. Addressing fencing costs either by altering legislation to share responsibility and/or allowing a tax deduction when DEC does not contribute to costs, were considered by respondents to be the most useful actions.

• There were no dominant communication, access and management issues; but a lack of understanding of each other’s business and not knowing who to contact in DEC were identified as the more common and important issues. Fostering a more understanding culture and making more contact with neighbours when making on-site visits were identified as useful actions or solutions.

• Fifty-three per cent of respondents to the survey felt that DECmanaged land impacted on their land and activities - 36 per cent negatively and 17 per cent positively. Thirty-eight per cent felt that their land impacted on adjoining DEC land - but 28 per cent felt this effect was positive and only 10 per cent that it was negative.

• Only 18 per cent of responding neighbours said that they felt they knew a lot about DEC’s objectives with the land it manages in their area; and only 42 per cent felt that DEC’s objectives were even a little compatible with their own objectives and activities.

• 36 per cent of respondents were aware of the draft Good Neighbour Policy, but only 16 per cent had read most or all of it.

A quarter of those aware of the policy (9 per cent overall) said they thought it had already had a positive effect.

• Neighbours in the pastoral region were generally the least positive across virtually all issues

and measures, while those in the South-West were the most positive. Respondents from commercial properties (more than 90 per cent of those from the Wheatbelt and pastoral regions) were also more inclined to be negative about the impacts of sharing boundaries with DEC than residential neighbours.

It was concluded that DEC needs to take action in two primary areas: its physical activities and operations and in its communication with neighbours.

The actions in the first area will address the important issues of fires, fences and feral animal control.

In the second area, more active communication to raise awareness of DEC’s presence and, in particular, its objectives and strategies is suggested, along with clearer communication of contact points within the organisation and more contact and involvement with neighbours when visiting sites.

What happens next?

The Good Neighbour Policy will be promoted and distributed widely among neighbours of DEC-managed lands across Western Australia. A copy is included with this issue of Pastoral Lines.

The policy will continue to guide the management of common crossboundary issues that affect DEC and its neighbours. It will be regularly revised and updated.

DEC Director General Keiran McNamara said that sound relationships and two-way communication between neighbours were fundamental to responsible management of natural lands.

“Our challenge is to implement Departmental initiatives consistent with the values outlined in this policy document and continue to improve the way we do our business in conjunction with our neighbours,” he said.

“For local and regional matters, please contact my staff at your nearest DEC office. This policy is based upon the principle that issues and problems are generally best addressed at the local level.”

Detailed results and reports including the final Good Neighbour Policy, participant feedback forum results, a summary of the Survey Report, the Survey of Neighbours Report and Analysis of Public Submissions on the draft policy, can be found at www.naturebase.net/content/ view/2824/344/

Miner’s Rights You can get lots of information about prospecting in WA and Miner’s Rights on our website:

www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral and click on ‘Information and Publications’ and then ‘Mining Information’.

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Telecentre network provides regional opportunities The WA Telecentre Network is providing thousands of regional and remote people and businesses with education, training and business opportunities through local access to high tech equipment and a range of government and private sector services.

Telecentres are not-for-profit, community owned and managed facilities that are equipped with computers, high-speed Internet access, photocopiers, fax machines and two-way 128 kb videoconferencing facilities. This enables individuals and businesses to communicate effectively over vast distances, regardless of their location.

Experienced and friendly staff are available at each Telecentre to answer any questions and provide technical support and guidance with everything from searching the Internet to participating in a video conference.

There are over 100 Telecentres located in communities across the

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State from Wyndham to Walpole, and the WA Telecentre Network is bringing those communities together by providing local access to education and training opportunities.

Many Telecentres also provide access to government services such as Centrelink, the Employment Directions Network, the Australian Taxation Office and Medicare Easyclaim.

Telecentre services

With more than 600,000 people using the Network each year, Telecentres are an important source of information, training and services within regional and remote communities.

Telecentres are helping people in rural and remote Western Australia to develop new skills and opportunities.

They can provide access to university or TAFE courses, professional development, adult education and lifelong learning activities, as well as virtual classrooms using video conferencing and Westlink satellite services to support local learning.

For more information about your local Telecentre, contact the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on 9217 1459, FreeCall (WA country only) 1800 620 511 or visit www.telecentres.wa.gov.au

Help for the homestead

Get your contact details up-to-date

Correspondence from the Board is important and if you do not receive it or receive it late, there may be significant consequences.

It is important for pastoralists to ensure that the Pastoral Lands Board has your most current contact details.

then click on ‘Change your contact details’ in the navigation bar on the left, click on the PDF, print the form, fill it out, ensure the lessee(s) sign it and send it to us.

In particular, if there is a change of station manager or accountant that receives mail on behalf of the lessee, you must update your contact details with us as soon as possible.

Updating is simple To change your contact details, just visit our website at:

www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral

The form has three levels of contact: 1. The station manager, for emergencies where we need to contact a person on the ground urgently.

2. The lessee contact, who is the person to receive correspondence regarding routine enquires/matters, e.g. a person seeking permission to access a pastoral lease.

3. The registered lessee contact for correspondence that must, by law, be sent to the registered lessee.

If you don’t have access to the Internet, call this office on (08) 9347 5126 for a form.

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Pastoral Lands Board Telephone: (08) 9347 5126 Facsimile: (08) 9347 5009 Email: plb@dpi.wa.gov.au Website: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/pastoral Address: Pastoral Land Business Unit Department for Planning and Infrastructure PO Box 1575 MIDLAND WA 6936 ISSN: 1834-2566

INTRODUCTION Government of Western Australia

Department of Regional Development and Lands

Pastoral Lines

Issue 7 2010

The Official Magazine of the Pastoral Lands Board

IN THIS ISSUE: • Carbon trading – an opportunity for the rangelands?

• Opening of the Muchea Livestock Centre • Assistance for your pastoral business – for free • Native title made simple • Pastoral leases after 2015 • The Great Western Woodlands

ISSN: 1834-2566

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Pastoral Lines Pastoral Lines is the official magazine of the Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia. It has a circulation of 2000, which includes all pastoral lessees and station managers. It is distributed free of charge.

Pastoral Lines is also available electronically on the website: www.rdl.wa.gov.au - follow the links to ‘Lands’, ‘Pastoral leases’, then ‘Information, publications and legislation’.

Pastoral Lines is comprised of articles from a number of sources. While all care is taken in preparing this magazine, the Department of Regional Development and Lands cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information from sources outside the Department. People should make their own enquiries about their specific situation.

Executive Editor: Brian Lloyd Editorial enquiries: (08) 9347 5126 Postal address: Pastoral Land, Department of Regional Development and Lands, PO Box 1575, Midland, Western Australia, 6936.

Email: plb@rdl.wa.gov.au © Copyright The Director General of the Department of Regional Development and Lands, Western Australia 2010.

Material from this magazine may be reprinted, however in all cases, the source must be fully acknowledged.

ISSN 1834-2566

This magazine is printed on 100% recyclable paper.

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From the Minister for Regional Development, Lands Welcome to the latest issue of Pastoral Lines. The LiberalNational Government is taking action at a number of levels to implement changes to make the pastoral industry more sustainable.

The recent review on the Economic and Ecological Sustainability of Pastoralism in the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia, chaired by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Wendy Duncan, is a good reminder of the need to progress reform of the pastoral industry.

I share the pastoral industry’s concern and frustration that there have been a number of reviews and industry forums over the years which have produced some recommendations for change that have not been implemented at this time. That has now changed and both the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman, and I are working together to implement the changes needed.

A range of new business ventures are already occurring on the pastoral land estate through the use of pastoral Diversification Permits and other forms of Crown land tenure. While many pastoral lessees have made use of the Diversification Permits available under the Land Administration Act 1997, it is acknowledged that these permits do not allow for large, standalone projects. This was made clear to me when I wrote to all pastoral lessees in December , last year, seeking Expressions of Interest for developing new business ventures on pastoral land. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has reviewed the submissions and has advised me which proposals can be undertaken under the current legislation and which may require changes to legislation.

to deliver diversification of pastoral tenure and assist in the approvals processes required to achieve this, including the requirements of native title. Management of Rangeland Condition to ensure the ongoing viability of the industry will also be emphasised with a view to facilitating sustainable economic development in regional communities.

Work is also under way in preparation for 2015 when all current pastoral leases expire. The Department of Regional Development and Lands has established a project team dedicated to ensuring lease renewals are in place before then.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Pastoral Lands Board and in particular the Chair, Ms Leanne Corker, for the invaluable service they provide to the pastoral industry of Western Australia.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Pastoral Lines which contains a wealth of interesting and useful information.

Hon. Brendon Grylls MLA

Minister for Regional Development, Lands

Evidence of this Government’s investment in the pastoral industry can be found in the injection of $8.82million into the fight against wild dogs in rural Western Australia. Royalties for Regions funding has been used to increase the number of doggers carrying out vital control work in affected areas and to upgrade the State Barrier Fence. Further to this, $2.25million funding from Royalties for Regions has been allocated to the Rangelands Reform project. The project aims

3

INTRODUCTION

Index 3

From the Minister for Regional Development, Lands

5

About the Pastoral Lands Board

6

Members of the Board

Pastoral Lease Management

Environment

8

A new way of monitoring rangeland condition

24

9

Keeping mining infrastructure on a pastoral lease

Carbon trading – an opportunity for the rangelands?

26

Contaminated sites and pastoral leases

27

The battle against starlings on the Nullarbor

28

The Great Western Woodlands

29

The Gascoyne Catchments Project

30

Managing our natural resources

a. advise the Minister on policy relating to the pastoral industry and the administration of pastoral leases;

30

Did you know?... Feeding pigs

b. administer pastoral leases;

32

Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management – where to from here?

c. ensure that pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis;

34

Grader grass – a growing concern in the Kimberley

34

The FESA Aerial Controlled Burning Program

d. develop policies to prevent the degradation of rangelands;

35

Regional water plans

10

Selling a pastoral lease

12

Agisting stock on pastoral leases

12

Subleasing and agisting – what’s the difference?

13

Subleasing of pastoral leases

14

PLB regional meeting

14

Diversifying your pastoral business

14

Did you know?… Non indigenous pasture species for Diversification Permits

15

Did You Know?... Sandalwood opportunity

16

Pastoral Business Units – what are they?

16

Pastoral leases after 2015

18

Accurate survey boundaries

18

Unauthorised structures on pastoral leases

19

Assistance for your pastoral business – for free

information

of

pastoral

Stock

36

Pastoral lease market shows signs of hesitancy

37

‘RFDS on the Road’ Primary Health Care Program

38

RFDS airstrip specifications

39

Gas pipelines on pastoral leases

e. develop policies to rehabilitate degraded or eroded rangelands and to restore their pastoral potential; f.

consider applications for the subdivision of pastoral land and make recommendations to the Minister in relation to them;

g. establish and evaluate a system of pastoral land monitoring sites; h. monitor the numbers and the effect of stock and feral animals on pastoral land;

20

Livestock Compliance Unit combats livestock theft

40

Weather information on the web

21

Water for livestock – your obligations

40

i.

22

Animal welfare reports

Facts about the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline

conduct or commission research into any matters that it considers are relevant to the pastoral industry;

22

Opening of the Muchea Livestock Centre

41

Easier access to station plans and maps

j.

41

TENGRAPH® – a useful free tool for pastoralists

provide such other assistance or advice as the Minister may require; and

42

The Indigenous Landholder Service

43

The Roebuck Export Depot

44

Native title made simple

46

Protecting your pastoral lease contact information

47

Unpaid pastoral lease rents

47

Did you know?... EPIRB’s

47

Get your contact details up to date

23

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Features

The Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia is established under section 94 of the Land Administration Act 1997.

Functions of the Board are to:

The Wild Dog DNA Project

About the Pastoral Lands Board

k. exercise or perform other functions it may be given.

5

Members of the Board The Minister for Lands appointed the following members to the Board in October 2009.

Members of the Pastoral Lands Board: (From left to right) Brett Crook, Peter Johnston, Paul Rosair, Graeme Rundle, Terry Hill, Leanne Corker, Peter Leutenegger, Paul Baron

Leanne Corker – Chair

Peter Leutenegger

Graeme Rundle

Leanne has been the lessee of Red Hill station in the Ashburton, in partnership with her husband Digby, since 1987. Leanne has an excellent understanding of rangeland management including rangeland condition, conservation values, biosecurity and impacts of land use.

Peter has been the lessee of Napier Downs station, east of Derby, since 1992. Before this, he worked on sheep and cattle stations in Queensland and in the Gascoyne and Kimberley regions of Western Australia. He worked as a pilot (of both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft) in the pastoral industry from 1980 until 1998, owning and operating several aviation businesses during this period.

Graeme has a special interest in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on the rangelands, which has involved interaction with related government agencies and the pastoral and mining industries.

Appointees to the Board

He is well respected by the conservation movement, having served on the executives of several non-government organisations (state and national) over the past 30 years. Graeme is an Executive Member of the WA Conservation Council and a member of the Conservation Commission. He was also a member on the Alternative Models of Land Tenure Working Group.

In addition to the members appointed to the Board by the Minister, the following members are appointed from the departments responsible for the Land Administration Act 1997 and the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.

Paul Baron

Paul Rosair

Paul is currently the General Manager of the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, the lessees of Cardabia station, north of Coral Bay and the chairperson of the Cardabia Pastoral Company.

Director General of the Department of Regional Development and Lands.

She has practical experience in all aspects of station management including cattle handling, infrastructure maintenance and financial management. Leanne was the secretary of the Carnarvon School of the Air Association from 1998 to 2005. She has been a local government councillor for the Shire of Ashburton since 2003 and was the Shire President from 2005 until 2009. She has been a member of the Ashburton Land Conservation District Committee since 1998 and was its chair from 2005 to 2009.

Peter was a member of a committee set up by the helicopter industry to examine flight and duty times of helicopter mustering pilots. The group lobbied and worked with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to develop the current flight and duty time limitations.

He was also a member on the Alternative Models of Land Tenure Working Group.

Peter Johnston

Brett Crook

After completing schooling, Peter returned to the family station, Callagiddy, south east of Carnarvon. He took over management of the station from 1985 and ran this along with a livestock transport business. In 1987, he took over Callagiddy in his own right.

Brett has been actively involved in the pastoral industry since 1976, part-owning and managing the Goldfields pastoral leases of Woolibar until 1988 and Mt Burges from 1979 to 1983. Brett also owned and operated a timber supply business from 1989 to 1995 and managed Edjudina station from 1996 to 2004.

Peter runs Damara and Dorper sheep as well as cattle, and has diversified into growing a number of crops such as sweetcorn, sorghum and sunflowers. He is an avid promoter of the potential for diversified activities on pastoral leases, whilst still maintaining a pastoral base.

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Since October 2007, he has owned and operated the consulting business of Goldfields Rangeland Services based in Kalgoorlie.

Maintaining pastoral industry involvement, his firm manages the pastoral leases of Mungari, Black Flag and Mt Burges.

Paul has held positions including co-ordinator with the Kuwinwardu Aboriginal Resource Unit in Carnarvon, vocational and training officer, elected Yamatji Regional Councillor for Yamatji region with the Department of Education, Employment and Training in Carnarvon and Kalgoorlie, Chief Executive Officer with the Burringurrah Community Aboriginal Corporation in Carnarvon and an indigenous member of the Rangelands Natural Resource Management Coordinating Group of WA.

Terry Hill Representing the Director General of the Department of Agricultureand Food.

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PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT

Keeping mining infrastructure on a pastoral lease

A new way of monitoring rangeland condition Monitoring of rangeland vegetation, soil and land system condition on pastoral leases has for many years been undertaken for the Pastoral Lands Board by the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA).

Since the first ‘Gascoyne Muster’ in 2002, the pastoral industry has indicated a desire to take more responsibility for monitoring rangeland condition. In 2008, the Pastoral Lands Board asked DAFWA to research and identify (with industry input), a new rangeland condition monitoring system that would allow pastoralists more control of their own lease monitoring and management.

The new monitoring system will give lessees direct responsibility to assess and monitor their rangelands through: •

monitoring of vegetation at fixed sites;

•

reporting of objective data from these sites; and

•

electronic submission of data via the internet.

While the system has been designed to meet the requirements of the Pastoral Lands Board to monitor rangeland condition, it also provides a system for pastoral lessees to monitor the status of their rangeland condition and use this information in their own station management decisions.

As with the current system of rangeland monitoring, the data will also be used at a regional level to guide whole-of-industry initiatives and inform government so it can make well-informed decisions for the benefit of the rangelands and the pastoral industry.

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Training available for pastoralists The new rangeland condition monitoring system being developed by DAFWA will include a web-based reporting tool. Training will be available in 2011 and the Pastoral Lands Board urges all pastoralists to attend the training sessions in their area.

At the training sessions, each pastoralist will be issued with some basic tools to help them with rangeland monitoring on their leases. Once you have attended a training session in your area, it is recommended that you establish your rangeland monitoring sites straight away while the training is fresh in your mind.

The new system will require pastoralists to report observations from a range of sites across their lease. It is different from the Western Australian Rangeland Monitoring System (WARMS) and WARMS sites are unlikely to meet the criteria for the new Rangeland Monitoring Sites (RMS). Many pastoralists have Photographic Monitoring Sites (PMS) on their stations already and it is likely these will be able to be used to collect data for the new system.

On average, about 30 sites will be required across a pastoral lease and a third of these will be required to be reported on each year. Thus, over three years, there will be reports on the whole of the lease.

If you would like any more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the homepage of our website at: www.lands.rdl.wa.gov.au/pastoral/721.asp

Occasionally, after mining or exploration works are completed on a pastoral lease, there is some infrastructure used in the operation that may be of use to the pastoralist. These items are usually tracks, bores or fences.

The lessee must also address some specific issues with particular items: •

in the case of a bore, a copy of water quality test results for each bore and a statement confirming the suitability for stock use;

•

in the case of dams, tanks or pipelines, if they were utilised to hold hypersaline groundwater, they are likely to hold residual salts and the lessee should undertake to ensure these items are flushed by the mining company before transfer; and

•

in cases where a haul road is requested to be transferred, the mining company will normally be required to revegetate the haul road back to four metres wide, which is more typical of a pastoral access track.

Pastoralists who want to retain such mining-related infrastructure need to apply to transfer the responsibility for maintaining these items from the mining company. Only mining infrastructure that is pastorally-related can be considered for transfer.

Such applications are fairly simple and to help assess the benefit of the items to the pastoral enterprise, the pastoral lessee’s application should include: •

a list of the items required to be transferred;

•

a map of the location of the items;

•

a brief description as to how each item will benefit the pastoral business;

•

a letter from the mining company supporting the transfer; and

•

a statement from the lessee agreeing to abide by section 107 (3) of the Land Administration Act 1997, which states: “The lessee must maintain in good condition, and if necessary restore, renew or replace, all lawful improvements to the lease, to the satisfaction of the Board”.

If the transfer is approved, the pastoralist will have to liaise with the mining company to obtain a clearance from the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP). This means that DMP is releasing the mining company from its responsibility to remove those structures and rehabilitate the site.

Lessees should be aware that by taking on responsibility for mining-related infrastructure, they will also be taking on any liability relating to the infrastructure. Depending on the nature of the infrastructure, this might include liability for contamination or other environmental damage (e.g. former settling ponds or dams), or public liability if the infrastructure is not in safe or good condition (e.g. buildings). Lessees should assess this risk when considering whether to take on responsibility for the infrastructure.

For more information contact Brian Lloyd, Pastoral Liaison Officer on (08) 9347 5126.

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PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT

Selling a pastoral lease The sale and transfer of pastoral leases is a responsibility of the Department of Regional Development and Lands (RDL). Under sections 18 and 134 of the Land Administration Act 1997, a pastoral lease cannot be offered for sale or transferred without first obtaining written approval from the Minister. Applications for permission to sell are assessed under delegated authority whenever possible.

The process comprises four stages: 1. The registered lessee applies for permission to sell. Once permission is granted, the property may be offered for sale.

2. The proposed purchaser applies for approval for the transfer. Once Ministerial approval is granted, the transfer documentation is completed and submitted for endorsement.

3. Ministerial approval is endorsed on executed and stamped transfer documentation. Once this approval is obtained, settlement may occur.

4. After settlement, the transfer documentation is lodged by the purchaser at Landgate for registration.

If you want to offer your station for sale you must apply in writing requesting permission to sell. Applications must be signed by the registered lessee. To consider a request, RDL will need to review the Rangeland Condition Assessment for the station.

In circumstances where a lease has been inspected within the previous three years and there are no major land management issues, a new inspection may not be required.

Once RDL has assessed the application and permission to sell is granted, the lessee will be advised of the sale and transfer conditions. Permission to sell is valid for twelve months. Should a sale not eventuate within this time and if the property is to remain on the market, a new application must be submitted.

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Get ‘Permission to Sell’ before advertising the station for sale Pastoralists selling stations occasionally run into problems when they advertise the station for sale before obtaining permission to sell. Pastoralists (or their agents) offering leases for sale without prior approval are in breach of the Land Administration Act 1997.

The purchaser’s role The purchaser must apply for Ministerial approval for the transfer, addressing the conditions of transfer. Eligibility is assessed in terms of: •

the State Government Foreign Ownership of Pastoral Lease Policy (currently 50 per cent Australian equity); and

In such cases, a prospective purchaser may make a written offer and have it accepted by the vendor before permission to sell is granted. Issues may then arise when the proposed purchaser applies for permission to transfer. Through the application process, the proposed purchaser receives copies of documents with specific directives, obligations and requirements that are to be addressed in writing, as part of their application. For example, specific requirements might relate to stocking levels, infrastructure repair, de-stocking an area or closure of waters.

•

maximum area limitation (transfers resulting in holdings of over 500,000 hectares are initially assessed by RDL but must be granted by the Minister for Lands).

•

the requirements of Parts 7, 9 and 10 of the Land Administration Act 1997 and provisions of the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945; and

The proposed purchaser will not have knowledge of these requirements prior to making their offer and this may result in disagreements with the selling pastoralist and agent. In such situations RDL, the Board and the Minister are bound by the due process required under the Land Administration Act 1997.

•

submission of a management plan, including evidence of financial capacity to manage the lease and details of proposed management.

It should be noted that approval to transfer will not be granted if there are any outstanding obligations or requirements. These include requirements for management plans, submission of Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements and payment of outstanding rent.

Other standard conditions with which the purchaser must agree to comply include:

Following Ministerial approval of a transfer, settlement can occur.

A completed and stamped (stamp duty paid) Transfer of Land document must be submitted to RDL for Ministerial approval and lodged at Landgate for registration.

In circumstances where a partner in a pastoral lease wishes to sell his or her share to the other partner(s) or a whole or part of the lease is being sold to another family member, prior Ministerial approval is also required. The proposed purchasers will still need to agree to comply with the standard conditions and any existing Board directives applied to the lease. In addition, eligibility needs to be assessed in terms of the Foreign Ownership Policy and the maximum area limitation.

Applications for permission to sell are to be addressed to the Department of Regional Development and Lands and emailed to plb@rdl.wa.gov.au, faxed to (08) 9347 5009, or posted to PO Box 1575, Midland, WA 6936. Enquiries can be made to the Executive Officer on (08) 9347 5126 or at the above email address.

Full details of the transfer conditions are provided in the permission to sell letter and associated documentation.

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PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT

Agisting stock on pastoral leases Seasonal conditions in some regions of the state sometimes raise concerns about preserving the condition of both stock and pasture.

Permission to allow agistment may be conditional, and it is the pastoral lessee’s responsibility to monitor the impact of additional grazing on the rangeland to ensure land degradation does not occur.

One option may be agistment of stock on those pastoral leases that have experienced more favourable seasonal conditions over recent years and in general, have good condition pastures.

You must also advise of any subsequent changes to the initial details of the agistment supplied to the Board.

You need written permission for agistment from the Pastoral Land Board to do this.

Lessees are encouraged to obtain the current policy statement for agistment before making an application. The policy is available at: www.lands.rdl.wa.gov.au/pastoral/1599.asp

Under the Land Administration Act 1997, the Board is required to ensure that pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis, so it needs to assess the effect of agistment proposals on the condition of the pastoral lease to be used.

The Board is currently reviewing the process involved in gaining permission to agist stock. If you intend to agist stock on your pastoral lease, please telephone the Board’s Executive Officer on (08) 9347 5126 or email plb@rdl.wa.gov.au for an update.

Obtaining permission is not difficult. All that is required is a letter to the Board providing details of the agistment proposal, including: •

the duration of the agistment proposal (up to three years);

•

a statement on recent seasonal conditions;

•

the number of own livestock by type and class on hand;

•

the number of livestock to be agisted by type and class;

•

where on the lease agisted livestock will be located (i.e. whole of lease or specific paddock names and locations); and

•

any other relevant management comments.

The Board will assess the proposal using office records wherever possible. This will ensure a response in the shortest possible time.

Applications for periods of more than one season or large numbers of stock will be referred to the Department of Agriculture and Food for comment.

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Subleasing and agisting – what’s the difference?

An agistment is an arrangement for a finite period (up to three years) where the pastoral leaseholder directly manages, on their own pastoral lease, the livestock owned by a third party. An example of this is where, due to poor seasonal conditions in one area, Pastoralist A (or possibly a farmer from the agricultural area) enters into an arrangement for Pastoralist B to run and manage Pastoralist (or farmer) A’s stock on Pastoralist B’s lease.

Pastoralist B needs to apply to the PLB for permission to agist.

However, if a third party seeks to run and directly manage their own livestock on a pastoral lease, this is a sublease. Thus, if Pastoralist A wants to run and manage his own stock on part of Pastoralist B’s lease which is next door, then Pastoralist B would need to apply to the PLB for permission to let Pastoralist A sublease part of Pastoralist B’s lease.

Subleasing of pastoral leases If a pastoral leaseholder wants to sublease any part or all of their lease to a third party, written approval is required from the Minister for Lands.

Applications for subleasing are assessed under delegated authority whenever possible.

The registered lessee must apply in writing for permission to sublease. Lessees are encouraged to obtain the current policy statement for subleasing before making an application. The policy statement is available at: www.lands.rdl.wa.gov.au/pastoral/1599.asp Applications for permission to sublease must include: •

the sublessee’s details and the area of the pastoral lease being subleased;

•

acknowledgment that the pastoral leaseholder and not the sublessee, will remain accountable to the Pastoral Land Board for any breaches of the Land Administration Act 1997, and any breaches by the sublessee will be the responsibility of the pastoral leaseholder; and

•

the communication and administration arrangements from the pastoral leaseholder through to the end sublessee, (if more than one sublease is in existence) so as to demonstrate the pastoral leaseholder is not too far removed from the operations on the pastoral lease.

Applications may be referred to the Department of Agriculture and Food for comment. In addition: •

a Rangeland Condition Audit may be required. This will provide a baseline for the pastoral leaseholder in terms of the condition of the lease and may safeguard against any future disputes between the pastoral leaseholder and the sublessee on work required on the lease; and

•

further lease inspections may be required during the term of the sublease.

The sublease documentation must be approved by the Executive Officer of the PLB. This document approval may be provided at the time of application for permission to sublease or later in the process.

The sublease must be registered on the Certificate of Crown Land Title for the pastoral lease at Landgate within 14 days from the date Ministerial Approval is endorsed on the documentation.

Applications for subleasing must be made by the registered lessee and may be addressed to the Executive Officer, Pastoral Lands Board. You can post them to PO Box 1575, Midland, 6936, email to plb@rdl.wa.gov.au or fax them to (08) 9347 5009.

For initial enquiries call (08) 9347 5126 or email the Board’s Executive Officer at plb@rdl.wa.gov.au

Before applying for a sublease, the registered lessee needs to consider the following requirements of subleasing: •

The purpose of the sublease cannot be inconsistent with that of the pastoral lease, and land under a sublease can only be used for pastoral purposes;

•

The lessee must ensure the sublessee records and maintains information to the satisfaction of the pastoral leaseholder and that this requirement is detailed in the sublease, to enable the pastoral leaseholder to provide to the Board a consolidated ‘Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements’ for the lease; and

•

The lessee remains the primary contact point for all matters pertaining to the land administration and operation of the lease.

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PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT

PLB regional meeting

Diversifying your pastoral business

Members of the Pastoral Lands Board travelled to Gogo station near Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley in August to hold a regional Board meeting.

Diversifying business income streams has long been a practice employed by pastoral and agricultural primary producers Australia-wide.

Board members are keen to meet with pastoralists from the region, to hear their views and ideas on the pastoral industry and to discuss any issues they may have.

The Chair of the Board, Leanne Corker, invited all Kimberley pastoralists to an open session afternoon with the members of the Board.

The Board and staff from Gogo station hosted a barbecue after the open session.

Primary producers that have diversified their business base readily tell us that the keys to their success are:

Other questions pastoral lessees need to ask before applying for a permit

The Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA) has several parts which allow for a wide range of business activity to occur on Crown land.

Other important information pastoralists need to know can be found on the Department of Regional Development and Lands pastoral website, www.lands.rdl.wa.gov.au/pastoral/721.asp.

The information is headed ‘Permits to diversify’ and includes:

Part 7 of the LAA which deals with pastoral leases, provides direct provisions for Permits under Division 5. Relevant sections are: •

s119 - sowing of non-indigenous pastures;

•

s120 - agricultural use of the land for crop, fodder, horticultural and other pastoral-related activities;

•

What is the permit application and assessment process?

•

How long does it take?

•

What information do pastoral lessees need to provide?

•

carrying out thorough research before undertaking the new business;

•

s121 - low-key pastoral-based tourism; and

•

What additional government approvals may be required?

•

having a robust business and financial plan in place for each business;

•

s122 - non-pastoral use, which may, depending on the proposal, require consideration of native title provisions.

•

Will my permit proposal have an impact on native title?

•

ensuring they have the labour capacity and skill sets to run the new business;

•

What options do I have to obtain advice on permit proposals?

•

•

ensuring the land resource can sustain the additional new business;

What alternative land tenure is available if my proposal can not be covered by a permit?

•

running all businesses in a professional way and seeking external advice readily; and

Where a proposed activity does not fit within the permit options, such as a large, resort-style tourism facility, alternative land tenure may be sought using Part 6 of the LAA – Sales, leases, licences, etc. of Crown land. The land tenure options available under Part 6 are:

•

having agreed family business succession arrangements in place.

Did you Know...

Non indigenous pasture species for Diversification Permits The Pastoral Lands Board, in conjunction with the Departments of Regional Development and Lands, Agriculture and Food and Environment and Conservation has released a Fact Sheet which lists permitted plant species that may be grown in Western Australia’s rangelands, as well as those that are not permitted to be grown.

Pastoral lessees considering planting a non indigenous pasture or crop species can determine the status of a particular plant they wish to grow before applying for a Diversification Permit or General Lease, available under the Land Administration Act 1997.

The Fact Sheet can be accessed at the Pastoral Land website at: www.lands.rdl.wa.gov.au/pastoral/1600.asp under ‘General Information and Overviews’.

14

What diversification is possible on WA Crown land?

•

s79 – Minister may lease Crown land for any purpose;

•

s83 – Minister may transfer Crown land to or for benefit of Aboriginal persons; and

•

s91 – licences in respect of Crown land (for temporary, term specific activities).

With regard to s79 and s83, these alternative land tenure options become new leases and the area involved is surrendered out of the pastoral lease. Applications for such leases are comprehensive and in addition, as these types of leases are seen as a higher level of tenure than a pastoral lease, they may require assessment of the native title relationship.

Legal access to the proposed area will also have to be considered.

If a new s79 lease is to be created, in view of the National Competition Policy, the opportunity to acquire that lease may go out to a competitive process such as tender, auction or expression of interest.

Section 91 licences can be granted over specified areas of a pastoral lease for a specified purpose, but are temporary in nature. A s91 licence can be granted to a pastoral lessee or with the lessee’s agreement, a third party, to conduct non-pastoral activities, but the licence co-exists with the pastoral lease.

For more advice about a proposed permit activity and the application process for permits, or other forms of land tenure available, please contact the Department of Regional Development and Lands on (08) 9347 5126 or email: plb@rdl.wa.gov.au

Did you Know...

Sandalwood opportunity The Forest Products Commission is offering pastoralists in the GascoyneMurchison and Goldfields regions an opportunity to harvest dead sandalwood and also regenerate sandalwood in these areas.

For more information, telephone the Forest Products Commission in Carnarvon on (08) 9941 9430.

15

PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT

Pastoral Business Units – what are they?

Pastoral Business Units (PBUs) can be created under section 142A of the Land Administration Act 1997 to formalise the lease management arrangement of two or more pastoral leases into one station.

PBUs may be required by the Pastoral Land Board to combine marginally viable leases that cannot be sold separately.

Pastoral lessees can also apply for approval to create a PBU, but only if the leases concerned are held in exactly the same name. Lessees may choose to have a PBU created because with a PBU there is only one station name and one Annual Return required.

Permission is required from the Minister to create a PBU, however applications are assessed under delegated authority whenever possible.

PBUs are treated as one lease for the purpose of approval of any transfer, mortgage or charge. The creation of a PBU does not affect native title.

To create a PBU, a Memorial is registered on the Certificate of Crown Land Title.

Charges apply for document preparation.

PBUs which are created for reasons other than lack of viability may be able to be withdrawn. Lessees would need to apply to do this. Charges also apply for the preparation of documents for the withdrawal.

Telephone (08) 9347 5126 for more information or email: plb@rdl.wa.gov.au

16

Pastoral leases after 2015 All 513 pastoral leases in Western Australia will expire on 30 June 2015, and most will be renewed for the same term, in accordance with the provisions of the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA).

The 2015 lease renewal process will require a new lease document to be created and registered at Landgate for each lease by 1 July 2015.

The Department of Regional Development and Lands (RDL) has given the 2015 lease renewal process high priority and will ensure that all new leases will be lodged at Landgate before the 1 July 2015.

If you have any questions about tenure from 1 July 2015, please contact the department.

History of the lease renewal process In January 1995, the Minister for Lands in accordance with section 98(11) (a) of the Land Act 1933 (repealed), invited pastoral lessees to apply within 12 months for the lease to be renewed beyond the current expiry date of 30 June 2015.

At that time there were 527 pastoral leases, although this offer excluded a small number of historic but non-viable pastoral leases in the south west of Western Australia. Where appropriate, alternate tenure may be considered for all or part of these leases.

Following representation by a number of the lessees that failed to respond to the original invitation or offer of renewal, the LAA was amended by the LAA Amendment Act 2000, sections 48-50, to allow a further offer of renewal to be made.

A small number of lessees still failed to accept the second offer. Action to investigate the future of these leases is currently being undertaken, including alternate tenure options, to ensure finalisation by 30 June 2015.

from some small areas for a heritage site to large areas required to consolidate national parks and conservation areas.

Proposed exclusion areas affected about 1.6 million hectares over 97 pastoral stations, but following a negotiation period which concluded on 24 December 2004, the final exclusion area was reduced to just over 1 million hectares over 75 pastoral stations: about to 1 per cent of the pastoral estate.

In April 2005, all lessees affected by an exclusion received written confirmation from the Pastoral Lands Board, with a copy of the final exclusion sketch confirming the description of the land to be excluded, and the reason for the land being excluded. A copy of the Concluding Report approved by the Minister was also provided, along with the percentage amount by which the annual rent would be reduced. If an early surrender had been agreed to, the lessees were encouraged to work with the department to achieve that outcome.

Conditions of lease renewal The Minister’s offer of lease renewal in 2015, dated 24 December 1997 and 9 February 2001 were subject to: •

compliance with lease conditions, including stocking requirements and maintenance of infrastructure, at the time of expiry on 30 June 2015;

•

there being no Soil Conservation Notices or other orders by the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation in force;

•

there being no unfulfilled requirements of the Commisioner of Soil and Land Conservation and/or the Pastoral Lands Board in relation to observance of lease conditions under the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945 and the LAA;

•

exclusion of areas from the existing lease that may be required for public works, conservation, national park, nature reserve or other State purposes; and

•

the annual lease rental for the lease up to 30 June 2015 applying to the renewed lease. The rental review period for the renewed lease will continue to apply every five years in accordance with section 123 (4) of the LAA. The next rent review for the renewed lease will be on 1 July 2019.

Exclusions The expiry of leases in 2015 was seen as an an appropriate time to exclude some key areas of land from pastoral leases for public purposes. After determining future State land requirements through consultation with State and local government agencies, the Minister notified all affected pastoral lessees in November 2002 of areas to be excluded from a renewed lease. Proposed exclusion areas ranged

Current action RDL has established the 2015 Pastoral Leases Renewal Project to help ensure the new leases are registered on time.

This project has been scoped and a set of documents detailing all the products and processes required to achieve the required outcome has been produced. Some of the matters being addressed are: •

A draft new lease document to be available for discussion with industry in 2010. This will be a modern lease document and quite different from the 1965 format.

•

A communications plan is being developed to keep lessees and industry stakeholders informed of project milestones.

•

Follow-up action is being undertaken to finalise all early exclusions.

•

Agreement has been reached with Landgate to finalise all “deposited plans” for leases with exclusions within agreed timeframes.

•

The development of a compliance tracking model. This will be to ensure that any lessees not compliant with the conditions advised in the Minister’s offer of lease renewal by 30 June 2015 will be identified. They will be advised that their offer will be withheld until they comply to an acceptable level as determined by the PLB.

The renewal process will be quite different in the future. Leases will start expiring from the shortest term and will be dealt with on an individual basis. Section 140 of the LAA specifies that any time during the 12 months prior to the date 10 years before expiry of a pastoral lease, the lessee may apply in writing to the Minister requesting an offer of renewal of the lease.

All enquiries regarding 2015 lease renewals should be directed to the 2015 Project Manager, John Andrioff on (08) 9347 5126 or email: plb@rdl.wa.gov.au

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PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT

Assistance for your pastoral business – for free

Accurate survey information of pastoral boundaries Pastoralists seeking accurate survey information on the boundaries of their pastoral leases for such activities as fencing, can contact Landgate’s Customer Services section.

Send a fax to (08) 9250 3187 providing the name of the station, plan number, name of the registered lessees and lease number(s). Include a contact name, address and phone number in case Landgate needs more information.

You can also ring Landgate on (08) 9273 7333 and ask for a phone search.

Landgate searches attract a basic search fee that increases depending on how much information you require.

More information about Landgate’s products and services is available on Landgate’s website at: www.landgate.wa.gov.au

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Unauthorised structures on pastoral leases

If you run a rural business - especially a pastoral one - you have to be resourceful and multi-skilled.

But you can’t know everything, and some jobs need specific, trained know-how. Like repairing a financial structure that isn’t working.

•

negotiating with banks, creditors and the Australian Tax Office about things such as Business Activity Statements and other compliance;

Pastoral lessees have the exclusive right to operate a pastoral business on their lease. This includes the construction of improvements directly related to the operation of the pastoral business.

•

analysing your business’s financial model and suggesting ways to strengthen it;

•

seeking out government assistance;

“Most rural businesses are family-based,” observes Graeme Chopping, the RFCS man on the ground in the Central East Wheatbelt Region.

•

recommending suitable professionals for ongoing business development or financial management; and

“You can’t understand the business dynamics without that viewpoint”.

•

working with you to develop a practical business plan.

“That’s why we look at the big picture, using business planning frameworks relevant to family operations. Issues raised might include family business succession planning, family mediation and personal counselling as needed.”

Third parties (that is, people other than the registered lessees) cannot erect structures on pastoral leases without the appropriate authority.

Similarly, pastoral lessees cannot ‘give permission’ to allow someone else to erect a structure on a pastoral lease for that other person’s use (such as a camp or ‘weekender’ shack).

There have been recent instances where an individual or group has either built or been ‘allowed’ (by the pastoralist) to build such a structure on a pastoral lease. Such unauthorised structures: •

may interfere with pastoral operations, either now or in the future, particularly when people access and stay at the structures;

•

encourage others to do the same, potentially creating unplanned ‘settlements’ out of town; and

•

do not have any authorisation from the local government authority and thus may not meet requirements in relation to health, environment, ablutions, rubbish, and structural rating for cyclones and natural disasters.

Unauthorised structures must be removed and if they are not, removal and rehabilitation costs will be passed on to the people responsible for them.

Pastoralists do not have the authority to give permission for third parties to build such structures and should refer those requesting to do so to the Department of Regional Development and Lands.

For more information, please call Brian Lloyd on (08) 9347 5126.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (WA), or RFCS network, is devoted to getting rural businesses onto a firm financial footing.

They can give you the tools to turn your business around, including:

Free and confidential.

RFCS is your taxes at work for you.

In Western Australia, the service is independently delivered by the North East Farming Futures (NEFF), a self-help, not-for-profit organisation based in Morawa. Its work is done in confidence, so what you share with them, stays with them.

Who’s the expert?

Chris Wheatcroft is from a farming family; he’s also got small business and academic credentials. As head of RFCS WA, however, he sets all that aside.

“I’ll say to a pastoralist: There’s near seven billion people on the planet, not one of them knows more about this business than you,” Chris explains.

Flogging a dead horse Juliet Grist works the Central West Wheatbelt for RFCS. She’s a pioneer in working with banks to help rural businesses achieve a sustainable financial restructure.

“It’s pretty hard to face up to a looming financial crisis if you don’t know how to deal with it,” she says.

“So people often do nothing until there’s a crisis.

“My message is the old saying, ‘There’s no use flogging a dead horse’. Call us in while the horse is still alive and kicking: often it will pull through.”

Family operations

Do it for yourself. Do it for your family... but do it now.

A final plea comes from Merrie Carlshausen, who travels the North Eastern Wheatbelt Region.

“I love this job,” she says, “but it has a very sad side, when a family business suffers unnecessarily because they didn’t know about us.

“We rely mostly on word-of-mouth for promotion.

“So please, if you know anyone in pastoral business, or any small rural business that services them, who needs a hand to get on a firm financial footing, just tell them to call RFCS on 1800 612 004 – and do it now.”

“You are the expert in your business. We’re going to provide the toolbox and the hands-on mechanic to help you with this one area: your financial/business sustainability. What you do with it is your call.”

Chris also emphasises that the RFCS, which covers WA, comes to the pastoralist. “Nobody can understand a rural business unless they’ve seen it,” he says. “Anyone who’s worked a piece of land knows that.”

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STOCK

Livestock Compliance Unit combats livestock theft

By Lance Sgro, Livestock Compliance Unit manager, Department of Agriculture and Food

Western Australian livestock owners now have two departments focused on reducing livestock theft across the State.

The Livestock Compliance Unit (LCU) is a joint initiative between the WA Police and the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) that combines the strengths of the two departments — livestock supply chain expertise and police investigative powers — into an effective partnership.

Operational since 1 June 2009, the LCU comprises seven DAFWA officers with specialist livestock knowledge who have been trained by WA Police in investigative and evidence-gathering techniques.

What LCU officers do LCU officers are out in the regions daily, wherever livestock are in yards and sold, such as at saleyards, export depots and abattoirs.

While there, they check livestock for compliance with stock identification and movement and National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) legislation. This includes examining waybills, checking tagging, earmarks, brands and property identification codes (PICS) and cross-referencing information against the NLIS cattle database.

Officers issue warning letters for stock that are incorrectly identified or have incorrect or incomplete movement information and enter offenders’ details into a DAFWA database. If a second offence is registered on the database, offenders may be prosecuted. LCU officers also enter information about investigations, prosecutions and outcomes on the database.

In the first four months after its establishment, LCU officers inspected 6,310 lines of stock comprising more than 155,000 animals for compliance with stock identification and movement regulations and issued 182 warning letters for non-compliance.

LCU officers’ livestock expertise and understanding of the supply chain and traceability make them well placed to spot suspect livestock activities or transactions. If they have suspicions about a particular line of stock, they are authorised to check the vendors’ details, carry out preliminary inquiries and collect evidence such as copies of waybills, before referring the matter to regional detectives.

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The officers then work closely with the detectives to assist them with any livestock identification or traceability issues during the police investigation. This can include helping the police search for allegedly stolen livestock or providing information from traceability and identification systems such as the NLIS database or the brands database. As in all other criminal investigations, the police have responsibility for investigating livestock fraud or theft.

Officers in the pastoral areas Two LCU officers serve the pastoral areas - Bevan Wooldridge is based in Moora and Roland Nicholls is based in Broome.

Roland is responsible for monitoring livestock compliance in export depots near Broome, Wyndham and Port Hedland. Roland attends the depots to check cattle numbers and identification (brands and earmarks) against the waybills. Back at the office, he checks the NLIS cattle database to ensure cattle listed on the waybills have been turned off the correct PIC, are registered to the PIC they are being turned off and are transferred to the new PIC within the correct timeframe. He also follows up on any non-compliances with a warning letter. The Broome LCU office number is (08) 9194 1425.

Out of Moora, Bevan carries out compliance surveillance in abattoirs, export depots and saleyards from Geraldton to Perth, including the northern and north-eastern agricultural region as well as the Gascoyne and lower Pilbara. The Moora LCU office number is (08) 9651 0528.

Other members of the LCU team are Donna Pead (Perth), Nicole Cottingham (Perth), Alex Stewart (Williams), John Barden (Cranbrook) and Trevor Fitzpatrick (Waroona).

Reporting stolen livestock To report suspicions about stolen livestock, contact your local police station.

More information If you have questions about correct NLIS identification or identification and movement requirements, contact your local stock inspector or search on ‘NLIS’ on the DAFWA website at: www.agric.wa.gov.au. Factsheets and a DVD and booklet, Owning, Identifying and Moving Cattle in Western Australia, can be downloaded from the website or can be requested by calling (08) 9753 0302 or emailing: nlis@agric.wa.gov.au

Water for livestock - your obligations The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) reminds readers that the Animal Welfare Act 2002 requires the person(s) in charge of an animal to “provide proper and sufficient water” to the animal.

It is incumbent upon pastoralists and station managers to ensure all animals in their care are provided with adequate, clean and safe water at all times.

This is essential for animal welfare and also helps maximise business profitability.

The suitability of water for stock use is determined by the following:

Quality of water supply Water quality is broadly defined as its fitness for consumption by livestock to maintain satisfactory health and production.

Water becomes toxic or undrinkable if it contains high salt or mineral levels or when contaminated by mud or organisms such as algae and bacteria from manure and animal carcasses.

Seasonal variation must be considered.

Water that is of marginal quality may become unsatisfactory during summer due to increased salinity, increased consumption by livestock or increased pollution.

The Department of Agriculture and Food can provide limited water testing (Total Soluble Salts), along with advice on its suitability for livestock.

Quantity of water supply Livestock water requirements upon many factors including: •

depend

environmental temperatures: water consumption can increase 40-80% in summer;

•

provision of shade;

•

water temperature;

•

moisture content and digestibility of available feed;

Emergency supplies

•

salinity levels in the water supply and available forage;

•

breed, age, body weight and sex of the animal;

•

reproductive and lactation status;

•

natural waters, seasonal variation and drought;

•

distance between water supply and good grazing areas;

•

flow rate of the water supply between tank and trough;

In a worst-case scenario, animals may have to be destroyed if they are unfit for transport due to water deprivation or starvation.

•

number of stock dependent on the supply; and

Mustering and yarding of stock

•

competition between stock and feral and native animals.

Provision of water for stock is a critical aspect of mustering.

You may need to seek advice on these variables from animal management professionals, staff at the Department of Agriculture and Food or livestock industry consultants.

Water supplies Positioning of watering points must be carefully considered and supply maintained to ensure animals have access to sufficient quality of grazing as well as water. Animals staying at unreliable waters will cause severe degradation of the nearby land and may not have proper and sufficient food.

Failure of the water supply at any time is a critical welfare and production event.

It is essential that regular mill runs are undertaken to ensure water supplies are maintained, troughs and tanks cleaned and any repairs carried out well before stock begin to show signs of water deprivation.

When dams are low, animals are forced to wade through mud to get to the water. The water becomes heavily contaminated with suspended soil and faeces which can make the stock reject the water and animals may become bogged and die, which further contaminates the water.

Such dams should be fenced off and the water pumped or gravitated to troughs.

Trapped animals must be humanely treated or destroyed and carcasses removed from the water.

If a water supply fails, water may have to be trucked in by tanker, emergency pumps brought in, stock moved to another area or turned off for agistment or sale. Such actions must be carried out immediately to prevent stock suffering.

Following mustering livestock should be rested and watered to ensure their welfare is not compromised.

Any sick animal unable to keep up with the mob during the muster must be treated appropriately or destroyed humanely and not left behind to suffer or die.

While yarded, there should be adequate facilities to provide adequate feed and water to all livestock.

Animals must receive appropriate water, food and rest prior to transport and be fit for the intended journey.

Penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 Failure to provide ‘proper and sufficient food or water’ may result in prosecution for a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The penalty for a breach of the Act by an individual is a minimum fine of $2,000 and a maximum of $50,000 and five years imprisonment. For a corporate body, the fines are five times that for an individual.

For any further advice on animal welfare matters please contact the RSPCA WA (Inc) on (08) 9209 9300 or email: mail@rspcawa.asn.au

21

STOCK

Opening of the Muchea Livestock Centre Animal welfare reports The Department of Regional Development and Lands occasionally receives phone calls from pastoralists and the public regarding animal welfare concerns on pastoral leases.

The Pastoral Lands Board and the Department’s Pastoral Land unit do not have legal powers to deal with animal welfare reports.

However, the unit is obligated to pass animal welfare reports on, identifying the person making the report, to the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA), which has staff authorised as general inspectors under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

Suspected animal welfare issues can be reported direct to the RSPCA on (08) 9209 9300, or alternatively to DAFWA via their closest regional office or their head office in South Perth on (08) 9368 3333.

Neither the RSPCA nor DAFWA will follow up anonymous reports.

Animal welfare reports are taken very seriously and people convicted of providing false or misleading information can attract a penalty of up to $20,000 and 12 months imprisonment under section 76 of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

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Dave Saunders, Project and Operations Manager, WA Meat Industry Authority, Midland

The Muchea Livestock Centre - the replacement for the Midland saleyards commenced operations in May 2010.

The Muchea Livestock Centre is owned and operated by the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority, a self-funded statutory authority under the Minister for Agriculture and Food and governed by a meat and livestock industry based board.

Its opening signifies a new era in livestock marketing in Western Australia giving all users, producers, livestock transporters, agents and buyers access to a facility that complies with the highest standards in construction, animal welfare, environmental management, operational flow, labour efficiency and occupational health and safety.

It has been designed to maximise returns to producers and provide lower operating costs to all the centre users. For example, all cattle stand on a soft sawdust floor, compared to the traditional concrete, which will de-stress stock and improve their presentation for sale.

The Muchea Livestock Centre should not be seen as just a saleyard - as its name suggests, it offers a range of services including individual weighing, pregnancy testing, specialised drafting, transhipment and aggregation.

Pastoral industry supported The old Midland Saleyards has been used by pastoralists for many years. Saleyard throughput of pastoral cattle represented 55 per cent of the yarding. At Muchea, the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority aims to continue to expand this association. Pastoral cattle arriving at Muchea in the middle of winter will be housed comfortably under roofing and on soft flooring.

With the modern Thompson Longhorn drafts and individual weighing equipment, mixed consignments can be sent to Muchea and accurately prepared for any market intended, whether it be live export, processor, saleyard or feedlot.

Cattle can be pregnancy tested or agedassessed to maximise return through the saleyard. Store cattle can be aggregated over time for a special or store sale.

A viable pastoral industry is essential to the Muchea operations and the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority is keen to work with pastoralists to ensure that Muchea continues to provide the services you need.

We are seeking your ideas on any other services you think should be provided to maximise your returns, so please telephone or email us.

We would also like to acknowledge the involvement of the many pastoralists who have contributed to the planning and design of the Muchea Livestock Centre from as early as 2001.

More information Renata Paliskis-Bessell: (08) 9274 7533, email: renata@wamia.wa.gov.au or Dave Saunders: (08) 9274 7533, email: dave@wamia.wa.gov.au

The Wild Dog DNA Project A project based at the University of Western Australia using DNA samples aims to find out more about how wild dogs behave and interact.

Wild dogs are a significant management issue in the pastoral regions of Western Australia due to their impact on livestock, and in remote areas due to interest in conserving dingoes.

Recent research by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre estimated the national loss to agriculture from wild dog impacts is $48 million a year, highlighting the importance of effective management plans.

The Western Australian Wild Dog DNA Project has been running since 2007 as a collaborative effort between the University of Western Australia, Department of Agriculture and Food, Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group, Department of Environment and Conservation, BHP Billiton and the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre.

As part of the project, wild dog DNA samples are being collected by land managers across Western Australia. When a dog is destroyed or found dead, a small piece of tissue is removed, put into a tube and mailed to the UWA for analysis. The samples are used to get more information on where and how far the dogs move, plus the extent of interbreeding between dingoes and domestic dogs. More than 2,000 samples have been received so far, in locations ranging from the Nullarbor to the Kimberley.

Once all samples are collected, they will be analysed for average relationships across the landscape. This will identify if there are any barriers to wild dog movement, such as rivers or roads. The study of movement patterns will assist wild dog management by examining potential sources of wild dog migration. This information will greatly aid control programs if movements and reinvasion are identified as key components of wild dog behaviour, and address concerns regarding the potential source of wild dogs.

Samples being analysed for dingo purity will be added to a database, currently containing more than 3,400 samples, to find areas where pure bred dingoes remain. The results of dingo purity testing will not affect the Western Australian Wild Dog Management Strategy (available at: www.agric.wa.gov.au – search ‘wild dogs’) and complementary regional management plans, which seek to control dogs where they pose a threat to livestock, but will assist with objectives to conserve pure dingoes in other areas of the State.

The project will run until the end of July 2010 and the results will be available to management agencies and project participants.

For more information about the project, visit: www.wilddogdna.animals.uwa.edu.au or contact: Danielle Stephens at The University of Western Australia by email: careyd01@student.uwa.edu.au

23

ENVIRONMENT

Carbon trading – an opportunity for the rangelands?

Anne Bennett, Principal Policy Officer, Climate Change Policy, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia and Sandra Eckert, A/General Counsel, Legal Services, Department of Regional Development and Lands, Western Australia

Climate change and Federal policy proposals such as the Federal Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) or the Coalition’s Direct Action Plan for Climate Change and the Environment (DAP) have generated a lot of interest in the agricultural and pastoral areas about the possibilities of farming carbon. But are carbon trading opportunities available to pastoral lessees?

I have heard I can trade carbon credits from carbon sinks. But what is a sink?

A carbon sink is something that absorbs (sequesters) or stores carbon from the atmosphere through biological processes.

The Kyoto Protocol allows for certain carbon sinks to be used to offset or compensate for emissions from other industries.

Carbon sinks fall into two categories under the Kyoto Protocol: Article 3.3 (forestry related sinks) and Article 3.4 (revegetation, forest management, cropland management and grazing land management related sinks).

A person could potentially get permits or credits for the amount of carbon that is sequestered in the sink through a carbon market or incentive policy such as the proposed CPRS or the DAP.

24

What about forestry activities?

Sinks in Article 3.3 can be broadly described as forestry. To qualify as an Article 3.3 forest, a stand of trees will need to meet the following guidelines: •

a forest of trees with a potential height of at least two metres and crown cover of at least 20 per cent;

•

in patches 0.2 hectares or more in size;

•

established after 1 January 1990;

•

on land that was clear of forest at 31 December 1989 (not land that has been cleared since 1990); and

•

established by direct human induced methods i.e. planting or direct seeding, or human-induced promotion of regeneration from natural seed sources.

Article 3.3 allows for three types of forestry: •

afforestation, which is the human induced forestation of land that has not been forested for at least 50 years.

•

reforestation, which is the human induced forestation of land that was forested but has not been converted to non-forested land.

•

deforestation, which is the human induced conversion of forested land to non-forested land.

It is proposed that afforestation and reforestation will be able to voluntarily opt into the CPRS and generate permits. The DAP also indicates it will encourage forestry and this would likely happen through tender.

However, there will be a number of legal requirements associated with trading carbon into a formal scheme such as these including but not limited to:

•

who is legally entitled to the benefit of the sink; and

•

how long the sink will need to be maintained after the first permit is issued. The proposed CPRS requires the sink to be maintained for 100 years.

For some areas of the rangelands it is possible afforestation or reforestation sinks could be developed, and permits generated that could be traded in the carbon market.

What about soil carbon and revegetation?

A number of sequestration activities fall outside the specifications for a forest. The Kyoto Protocol makes allowance for some of these sinks through Article 3.4.

Article 3.4 activities are defined as revegetation, forest management, cropland management and grazing land management.

For pastoralists, activities such as increasing soil carbon through altered land grazing management practices or the revegetation of degraded areas could fall within the scope of Article 3.4 sinks.

Negotiations for future global agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (including from land-based emissions) may influence whether or not Article 3.4 activities can generate permits in the proposed CPRS, DAP or other scheme.

Article 3.4 activities have the potential over time to sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide either as soil carbon or plant biomass.

However, natural events such as drought and fire could result in this sequestered carbon dioxide being re-emitted to the atmosphere within a very short timeframe.

This means that the carbon lost back into the atmosphere would need to be accounted for against any permits held by a person for carbon previously sequestered. This may lead to a liability being imposed on the person to surrender permits.

Currently there is little information in Australia on ways to measure and report on: the amount of carbon that could be sequestered or stored in the soil or plant biomass – this would be complicated research given the wide range of vegetation types, soil types and varying weather conditions that apply across the Australian rangelands; or the amount of carbon that could be reemitted into the atmosphere from the soil or the loss or destruction of vegetation due to various natural events such as drought and fire.

In Western Australia, there has been research investigating carbon sequestration options in the rangelands in both the Goldfields and the Pilbara. The Department of Agriculture and Food is managing the Carbon Capture Project which is investigating the opportunities and risks of carbon sequestration and storage in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of WA.

What about the voluntary market?

Carbon credits can be traded between parties outside of a mandatory market or Federal policy (such as would be established if the CPRS or DAP came into effect), through voluntary trades. There has been substantial activity in this area in recent years.

In WA, voluntary trades using carbon sinks are generally underpinned by carbon rights created under the State’s Carbon Rights Act 2003. This Act allows the creation (and subsequent sale) of the rights to the carbon in the land separate from the land title.

The Carbon Rights Act 2003 requires the owner of the land to consent to the creation of the carbon right if it is to be held by somebody other than the owner. There is also provision for a separate agreement to be entered into (known as a carbon covenant) which sets out what the parties agree to do, or not to do, on the land so as to protect the carbon sink (e.g. the forest stand).

For the rangelands, this means that if you have a pastoral lease you will need to seek permission from the State (as the owner of the Crown land) before you can diversify into carbon farming.

Similarly, a person with a carbon right or other suitable interest in land would be able to opt in to the CPRS, and probably the DAP, for forestry activities.

So, can I get carbon rights over my pastoral lease area?

To date, no carbon rights have been issued over Crown land, either pastoral leases or unallocated Crown land. The State Government is beginning a work program to investigate the best way for carbon rights to be issued in the rangelands.

In the case of forestry activities, this includes: 1. identifying what areas of the rangelands are likely to meet Kyoto requirements i.e. areas where forest stands are likely to meet the requirements under Article 3.3; and 2. considering the implications of the long term (100 year) commitments on the land and whether the potential liabilities outweigh the benefits in marginal areas.

Do research and seek advice Before entering any arrangement or contract you are strongly advised to undertake thorough research and seek valuation, legal and taxation advice.

Disclaimer: At the date of writing this article (February 2010), the legislation for the CPRS was being considered by the Commonwealth Parliament, and the Coalition had released its Direct Action Policy. This article is written based on the best knowledge of the authors as at February 2010.

For more information please contact Anne Bennett on (08) 9368 3165 or email: anne.bennett@agric.wa.gov.au

More reading Growing Trees for Carbon, DAFWA Factsheet, Note: 367. www.agric.wa.gov.au under ‘Publications’.

The Department of Climate Change has a number of publications on the CPRS and its implications for various industries.

The Department of Climate Change also manages the National Carbon Accounting Toolbox (NCAT) which will be used to estimate carbon sequestration.

Visit: www.climatechange.gov.au

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ENVIRONMENT

Contaminated sites and pastoral leases The Contaminated Sites Act 2003 (CSA) was created to identify and manage sites that are known or suspected to be contaminated. The CSA focuses on the reporting, investigation and remediation of such sites.

Some contaminated sites, such as the Midland Railway Workshops, can date back to the early 1900s when common work practices such as burying rubbish and treatment of sleepers using creosote were acceptable.

The CSA also protects innocent landowners from the cost of investigating and remediating contamination they did not cause or contribute to via the ‘polluter pays principle’.

The management of contaminated sites on Crown land is the responsibility of the Contaminated Sites Branch of the Department of Regional Development and Lands (RDL). This includes any contaminated sites on pastoral leases.

When investigating the possibility that land is contaminated, the Contaminated Sites Branch first examines the site’s current and historical land use. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has developed a list of potentially contaminating land uses and, while some are obvious, such as fuel depots and landfill facilities, some are not so apparent, such as orchards.

If a site has or is being used for a purpose that DEC considers may be contaminating, further investigation is undertaken by the Contaminated Sites Branch in the form of a field inspection.

Qualified inspectors visit the sites and look for evidence of contamination. If the site is deemed to be contaminated, further works such as sampling and remediation may be required.

Some of the potentially contaminating activities which may be associated with a pastoral lease include: •

livestock dips or spray operations;

•

storage of herbicides/pesticides;

•

refuelling facilities; and

•

mining activities.

Known and potentially contaminated sites are spread across the entire state. DEC maintains a public database of all known contaminated sites on their website, which can be accessed from the link provided at the end of this article.

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Impacts of contamination on a pastoral lease Contamination on a pastoral lease may impact on the area available for use by the pastoralist. It can also impact on the health of the pastoralist, their families, their workers, their livestock and the local environment. It is important that if a pastoralist suspects contamination they report it immediately: a spill situation is much easier and cheaper to manage than contamination which has been allowed to persist and spread into the environment and adjoining properties.

If DEC considers a site contaminated, a Memorial may be placed on the Certificate of Crown Land Title, limiting certain activities such as extracting groundwater. This may have a significant impact on the operation of a pastoral lease, especially in areas where groundwater is crucial. The Memorial will remain in place until DEC is satisfied that the contamination has been adequately managed or that there is no risk to human health or the environment.

Pastoralists, as land occupiers, will be informed by DEC if their pastoral lease is reported and classified under the CSA. RDL’s Contaminated Sites Branch is also notified. Failure to report sites to DEC within 21 days of knowledge of contamination or failure to comply with hazard abatement or clean-up notices may result in fines of up to $500,000 and daily penalties.

The battle against starlings on the Nullarbor Pastoral land on the Nullarbor is closely monitored to prevent starlings from establishing in Western Australia. Starlings are a significant pest bird species which pose a major threat to the state’s agriculture and environment.

Illegal dumping

Starlings are black or grey and about 20cm long with fine pointed beaks and short tails. They typically occur in flocks which often wheel and turn quickly in flight. The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) conducts surveillance, trapping and culling of this invasive pest on the Nullarbor and in the Esperance region.

The size and remoteness of most pastoral leases makes them prime targets for illegal dumping of waste. Any illegal dumping should be reported to the Contaminated Sites Branch immediately as there may be potential contaminants in the material. It is essential that pastoralists are aware of and report such activities, so they are not held accountable.

During the 2007-2008 season, DAFWA’s starling eradication team set up 51 traps in the Eucla and Nullarbor region and caught 797 starlings, which includes trapping in South Australia. Three biosecurity officers based in Eucla work on a roster basis to monitor traps and undertake opportunistic culling.

The Contaminated Sites Branch is available to help pastoralists with any enquires or concerns they may have regarding potential contamination on their land. For more information, contact Antoine Macmath, Manager, Contaminated Sites, Department of Regional Development and Lands on (08) 9347 5028 or email: antoine.macmath@rdl.wa.gov.au.

This season there are 30 traps in WA from Eucla to Mundrabilla, and 25 traps in South Australia (SA) from the border to the Nullarbor dog fence. The traps are strategically located where starlings have been spotted or are known to nest, including cave systems.

Information is also available on the Department of Environment and Conservation website: www.dec.wa.gov.au.

Starlings continually send scouts west, probably looking for a better food source. Lure bird traps on the Nullarbor have been very successful in capturing isolated incursions. The number of starlings caught in traps in SA over the years has prevented the species establishing further west.

Operations over the border Biosecurity officers also undertake a controlled shoot in SA in an exclusion zone from the WA/SA border to 120km east of the border. The aim is to create a starling free buffer zone. In the 1990s, eradication efforts at the Head of the Bight prevented the migration of thousands of birds to WA. Large numbers of starlings have also been trapped in the Coorabie and Nundroo area of SA. Starling numbers on the Eyre Peninsular vary with seasonal conditions. When plenty of feed is available, it is estimated there are about 200,000 birds in Ceduna. DAFWA staff have controlled 10,500 birds in the Nullarbor area (the WA/SA border to the Head of the Bight); 3,600 birds from the WA/ SA border to Caiguna and 35,800 in the Coorabie/Nundroo area in SA. In WA, DAFWA’s officers need access to some of the Nullarbor pastoral stations when combining either trapping or shooting exercises, and have developed a good working relationship with pastoralists in the region.

For further information please contact Ron Payne, Invasive Species Project Manager, Department of Agriculture and Food, Esperance, (08) 9083 1104 or email: ron.payne@agric.wa.gov.au

If you suspect you’ve seen a starling, freecall: 1800 084 881

27

ENVIRONMENT

The Gascoyne Catchments Project

The Great Western Woodlands The Government of Western Australian has committed to “better manage and protect the Great Western Woodlands and to ensure the long-term conservation of the unique natural and cultural values of this important wilderness area”. This includes the development of a conservation strategy being coordinated by the Department of Environment and Conservation.

The Great Western Woodlands are an internationally significant area of great biological richness. Covering almost 16 million hectares, this continuous band of native vegetation stretches from the edge of the WA Wheatbelt to Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the north, to the inland deserts of the north-east and out to the Nullarbor Plain in the east.

Remaining largely intact, the Great Western Woodlands spans two climatic zones – the wetter south-west and the arid interzone – and these conditions support more than 3,000 flowering plant species (representing some 20 per cent of Australia’s known flora), 49 mammal, 138 reptile, 14 frog and 215 bird species.

Aboriginal occupation has been dated back at least 22,000 years and the region is rich with indigenous cultural significance with continuing use of, and connections to, the woodlands.

The Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher, has appointed a stakeholder reference group to provide advice on the development of the conservation strategy. The group comprises representatives of the key stakeholders in the area, including the Pastoralists and Graziers Association. It also includes representatives from mining and exploration interests, conservation groups, indigenous interests, tourism, timber harvesting, landcare, regional development and local government.

The group has met three times in Kalgoorlie and has provided comment on a preliminary draft of the conservation strategy. At its first meeting, the group developed a set of principles to guide development of the strategy. These are:

28

•

Integration: Integrating management of the many different land uses to achieve a sustainable overall outcome without focussing on land tenure change.

•

Strategic focus: Maintaining a strategic focus rather than dealing with detailed operational issues.

•

Engagement: Involving the community in caring for the woodlands and in particular, in implementing the conservation strategy.

•

Partnerships: Building partnerships and linkages to boost management capacity.

•

Transparency: Ensuring openness of process and availability of information.

•

Responsiveness: Developing an adaptive framework for conserving the Great Western Woodlands which is responsive to changing circumstances.

There is a quiet excitement about the future of the pastoral industry in the lower Gascoyne.

The Gascoyne Catchments Group is fostering a positive culture of collaboration, education and continual improvement that it expects will assist in the industry securing its place in the rangelands of Western Australia.

The Gascoyne Catchments Group has grown and gained its strength from the Gascoyne-Wooramel, Lyndon and Upper Gascoyne Land Conservation District Committees. The aim of the group is to develop an ecologically sustainable, profitable and respected pastoral industry that supports an adaptive and vibrant community.

In October 2009, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman, visited Bidgemia station in the Shire of Upper Gascoyne, to meet members of the Gascoyne Catchments Group. The Minister’s visit followed on from their highly successful Carnarvon Cattle Forum held in April.

The Gascoyne Catchments Group received funding from Rangelands NRM in 2007 for a two-year project. Through this project, and with the support of DAFWA, the Gascoyne Catchments Group has: •

mobilised pastoral industry leadership and active involvement through Gascoyne Catchments Group and ESRM initiatives.

This is initiating new opportunities for funding industry development activities;

•

developed an industry-endorsed Rangeland Awareness and Monitoring Package aimed at improving business performance and documenting changes in rangeland condition on participating stations;

•

developed property action plans for more than 60 per cent of the target catchment area. Using these plans, the industry itself has invested in more than $700,000 of on-ground works to improve ecological sustainability of the pastoral business; and

•

held six industry events or field days, including developing and hosting the Carnarvon Cattle Forum, which had 130 attendees from across Australia.

The conservation strategy is designed to ensure that biodiversity and cultural values are conserved, while at the same time recognising the high economic and social values of the area.

The process will consider all land uses, but will not seek to make any changes to tenure. The outcome will be an integrated management approach within the framework of existing tenures.

Strategies will be developed to address priority management issues such as fire, introduced and other problem animals (including wild dogs), weeds and access.

Sean D’Arcy from Lyndon Station and the chair of the Gascoyne Catchments Group says it had been a big few years. As a producer group, they had worked in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) to start developing solutions to some big issues impacting on the rangeland livestock industry.

John Percy from Williambury station in the Lyndon Catchment would like to see producers in all pastoral regions working together to improve the profits from livestock industries and to continue managing the land in an ecologically sustainable manner.

Sean said the group now had a real chance to progress some innovative and critical projects for the pastoral industry in WA. When industry worked together it could support one another, strengthen markets, promote their work and access new technologies.

He said the group did not have any illusions that they were particularly special. They largely took advantage of a set of circumstances and made the most of those opportunities. The model could be replicated and exported to other regions.

Current conservation management of the Great Western Woodlands includes fire management and activities to control feral animals and weeds. As part of the government’s policy, additional funding is to be allocated to on-ground works in the Great Western Woodlands.

He believes strongly that the WA pastoral industry has a positive future, given projected global food demand and the sustainable approach to managing the rangeland resource that is being championed by groups like the Gascoyne Catchments Group and DAFWA.

More information on the Gascoyne Catchments Group can be found at: www.gascoynecatchmentsproject.com.au or by contacting Sean D’Arcy (08) 9943 0540.

The coordinator for the Great Western Woodlands project is Ian Herford who can be contacted on (08) 9842 4500 or email: ian.herford@dec.wa.gov.au

Mr Redman is reviewing a proposal presented to him at Bidgemia station. The proposal would enable the group to continue its work.

29

ENVIRONMENT

Managing our natural resources Since its launch in 2002, Rangelands Natural Resource Management WA has invested more than $22 million under the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT), National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality and National Landcare Program funds. These investments have been spread over 115 natural resource management projects throughout the Western Australian rangelands.

Given the vastness of Western Australia’s rangelands, a strategic approach to directing Commonwealth investments has been vital.

Specific areas of high value (ecological, cultural and financial) are targeted to ensure best investment of Federal funding.

Rangelands Natural Resource Management (NRM) devoted specific investment in two successful flagship projects as part of the NHT funding scheme, which finished in June 2009: •

Projects have focused on improved land management, groundwater, sedimentation, invasive species control, sustainable productivity, early season prescribed burning, Total Grazing Management yards, sustainable property management planning, integrated catchment management, community development and Indigenous Ranger programs.

Did you Know...

Feeding pigs Did you know it is an offence to feed to pigs any food scraps which: •

contain any form of meat or meat products

•

have had contact with any form of meat or meat products, or

•

are not known to be free of meat or meat products.

Such food scraps are called ‘swill’ and can contain disease agents such as foot and mouth disease or classical swine fever. These would have a catastrophic impact on livestock production industries if introduced into Australia.

Apart from threatening the industry, feeding swill to pigs will attract heavy fines.

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•

The Kimberley Fire Project or ‘EcoFire’ (see article in March 2008 Pastoral Lines) was a joint initiative between Rangelands NRM and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (based at the Mornington Station in the Kimberley). The aim of the project was to reduce the extent and frequency of mid-tolate dry season wildfires, known to have negative impacts on biodiversity, grazing pastures, soil health, cultural sites and greenhouse gas emissions. The outcomes of this three year project included coverage of approximately five million hectares of the central and northern Kimberley and the delivery of a strategic regional prescribed burning program to different neighbouring groups of land holders. Analysis will determine the impact of early season buffers on conserving biodiversity and pastoral values.

The Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management program – ‘ESRM’ (see article in this issue of Pastoral Lines) is a joint project between Rangelands NRM, the Department of Agriculture and Food WA and the Department of Environment and Conservation. It is designed to streamline delivery of information, research and development, training, investment and funding to pastoral properties and communities.

Significant projects carried out through Rangelands NRM include: Management of invasive species – Parkinsonia and Mesquite in the Pilbara Two projects responsible for achieving the outcome of invasive species control were delivered by the De Grey Land Conservation District Committees and the Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee. The projects were designed to battle some of the worst weeds known to Australian rangelands by building up the skills of land managers to better manage and control the severity of thickets and manage the risks of these weeds spreading.

Mapping Aquifers in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA) In partnership with the Ord Irrigation Cooperative, CSIRO and Geoscience Australia, this project was designed to improve understanding of groundwater behaviour and potential salinity risks to groundwater in the Ord Irrigation Area Stage 1 and 2 development areas and Parry’s Lagoon by undertaking an aerial electromagnetic survey.

Addressing human use threats to coastal marine values Delivered by the University of Western Australia, this project identified the major human activities occurring in the coastal environment between the Shire of Carnarvon and the Northern Territory border. The project identified local residents, visitors, and resource managers’ priority concerns about the management of the coastal and marine environment. As a result of the project, a comprehensive report and an information website have been developed outlining the issues, regulations and guidelines associated with the coastal regions of WA’s rangelands.

Northern Biodiversity Project This project was managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation, and consisted of several components. It strategically targeted pest plants and animals, threatened fauna and fire management in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

Most of the sub-projects were carried out with the assistance of indigenous groups, pastoral industry members, the conservation community, regional groups and local and State agencies. Some of the activities conducted as part the broader Northern Biodiversity Project included:

•

weed control mapping and fire management to conserve the Dampier Peninsula’s monsoonal vine thickets;

•

development of management plans to better understand and manage the important ecological sites of Roebuck Bay;

•

‘Community WEED Kimberley’ and ‘Community WEED Pilbara’, which were education and on-ground control projects designed to compliment other weed management programs and increase awareness of the impacts of weeds on biodiversity and other natural resources in the Kimberley and the Pilbara regions; and

•

the threatened species program for the Western Deserts which partnered with the Martu traditional owners to develop and implement a program for improved land management practices, with a strong focus on surveying, trapping and recording animal and plant species impacted by fire, predators, feral animals and tourism.

Some key projects are ongoing from previous NHT funding, including Building opportunities in the West Pilbara, which aims to engage with a broad stakeholder group to initiate the development of management plans for priority natural assets.

The project has focused on Indigenous Rangers, Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management (ESRM), Fire Management, Parkinsonia and Mesquite. The project will produce a five year priority Investment Plan for the Pilbara bioregion by identifying priority NRM assets and threats.

So what is happening next?

Under the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country 2009 – 2010 Business Plan, relevant targets include weeds of national significance, feral animal control, high conservation wetlands and habitat, wind erosion and Indigenous engagement.

Rangelands NRM WA is currently focusing on the Carnarvon, Pilbara and Dampierland bioregions, while work is continuing in the Fitzroy River catchment and Western Desert area. The proposed projects being developed are more targeted than previously funded projects.

Want to know more about Rangelands NRM and our projects?

Please visit our website: www.rangelandswa.com.au or drop into our Carnarvon or Kununurra offices.

Alternatively, contact Kriss Hand on (08) 9941 9743 or email: KrissH@rangelandswa.com.au

31

ENVIRONMENT

Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management – where to from here?

The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) and Rangelands NRM WA are actively supporting industry development and ecological rangeland management practices across Western Australia.

The Ecologically Sustainable Rangeland Management (ESRM) project is one element of this approach currently focused in the Lower Gascoyne and Pilbara regions. ESRM has been funded through Rangelands NRM WA from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and now the Caring for our Country program.

Kaz Johnson and Richard Glover are based in the Carnarvon DAFWA district office and deliver the ESRM project. The project has been running for two years and most recently has worked closely with the Gascoyne Catchments Group (see article in this issue of Pastoral Lines) to deliver more than $2.2 million worth of industry development and targeted on-ground works in the Gascoyne-Wooramel, Lyndon and Upper Gascoyne Land Conservation Districts. The major focus has been in the lower Gascoyne, with several smaller projects also being initiated in the Pilbara.

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One of the factors critical to the initial success of this project is that the ESRM team received strong support from pastoral businesses, mining operators, rangeland professionals and DAFWA staff.

The ESRM project is built on the work initiated by the Ecosystem Management Understanding (EMU) project delivered as part of the Gascoyne-Murchison Strategy several years ago, and has adopted a pro-active and participatory approach to working with regional communities and industry.

ESRM acknowledges the depth of challenges that exist in our rangelands and remote regions, and works with people and businesses that are proactive and believe in what they do. The ESRM team chose to focus its attention on a particular region to ensure efforts are coordinated and maximum advantage can be made of any investment. The team looks forward to expanding its reach and working with new regions, as well as continuing to support the initial activities in the lower Gascoyne region.

Some of the main achievements the ESRM team over the past two years include: •

completion of 31 ESRM property action plans. This is more than 60 per cent of the target catchment totalling an area of 6.3 million hectares involved in ESRM plans/exercises in less than 18 months. These plans are active documents that will be updated;

•

using the ESRM property plans to successfully complete 23 on-ground works projects, including the construction of more than 400 ponding banks to slow water movement in critical locations in the catchment, as well as the establishment of 363 kilometres of fencing to reduce grazing pressure on riparian zones and sensitive vegetation types;

The ESRM staff through their relationship with participating pastoral businesses and their networks established with other key stakeholders in WA’s rangelands have taken a relatively simple NRM program and used it to invest in building industry and community capacity in the target region. Much can be achieved by working with a positive attitude and in partnerships.

•

development of committed, trained and passionate staff and partners to work on integrated pastoral industry projects in the rangelands;

Where to from here?

•

mobilisation of pastoral industry leadership and active involvement through Gascoyne Catchments Group;

•

start of a pilot initiative in the Pilbara pastoral industry - ‘Best practice rangeland management’ - to help guide future extension investments and approaches. This initiative is undertaking benchmarking analysis of pastoral businesses, which comprise livestock, landscape and business systems;

•

use of geospatial technology (i.e. Vege-Machine) to improve analysis and interpretation of rangeland vegetation trends; and

•

investing in local training and educational opportunities. The ESRM team have a high school based trainee now working each Friday at DAFWA in Carnarvon and are working with School of the Air in Carnarvon and Meekatharra.

The ESRM approach to working with pastoral businesses and rangeland managers has received more funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program. The funds will enable the team to continue its work with a focus now in the Fortescue and Shark Bay catchments until 2011.

ESRM will also continue to support industry development opportunities, support producer groups in other regions and develop a diverse project portfolio that enables it to work proactively with the livestock industry in the rangelands.

The ESRM team wants to encourage greater ownership of the ecological and economic issues in businesses and communities themselves. One of its aims is to stimulate key activities that have a multiplier effect on the broader region’s attitudes and practices.

For more information visit: www.esrm.com.au or contact Kaz Johnson on (08) 9956 3333

33

ENVIRONMENT

Grader grass – a growing concern in the Kimberley Grader grass (themeda quadrivalvis) is an undesirable species in grazing and conservation areas of Australia. It can invade both native and improved pastures and is of concern because of its low palatability, resulting in greatly reduced animal productivity if it becomes the dominant species. It can also significantly reduce biodiversity in conservation areas by replacing native ground covers.

Grader grass is an opportunistic invader which, when established, competes strongly with existing and establishing perennial grass tussocks, particularly in overgrazed and degraded pasture and disturbed areas.

Because it is generally ungrazed, Grader grass can generate large fuel loads, increasing the risk of hot wildfires. In the tropical savannas, this potentially increases the frequency and intensity of dry season fires resulting in increased tree death and loss of species. These impacts on ecosystems are often long term or irreversible.

Grader grass is similar in appearance to the native perennial Kangaroo grass. Kangaroo grass is generally smaller in height (up to one metre) and is of a brown colour, as opposed to Grader grass which can grow over two metres and is an orangered, wheaty-golden colour. The two species are most reliably distinguished by the size of their seed heads. Grader grass has smaller spikelets (4-7mm long) whereas Kangaroo grass spikelets are 8-14mm long.

In the North Kimberley, Grader grass has been present for many years, spread by hay, road graders and vehicle traffic around stations. It now covers most of the verges along the Gibb River Road and is prevalent on some station tracks. However, 2009 was the first time Grader grass had been found to have appeared in the East Kimberley with four incursions, due to increased equipment movement around the area.

Good property biosecurity is being encouraged throughout the Kimberley with wash down and machinery standover areas being put in place. Tourist information and awareness signs are also being planned.

Grader grass is a seriously invasive plant that will have an economic impact to our pastoral industry. Pastoralists should be aware of its threat and take extra precautions to prevent its spread if it is in the local area.

For more information, contact the biosecurity officer at your local Department of Agriculture and Food office.

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The FESA Aerial Controlled Burning Program FESA (Fire and Emergency Services Authority) offers an Aerial Controlled Burning Program to pastoralists in the Kimberley each year.

This is to assist in the management of the land through the implementation of strategic firebreaks, by undertaking cool burns early in the season to: •

reduce fuel loads;

•

provide buffers to prevent the spread of fire; and

•

provide somewhere from which an uncontrolled fire can be fought.

Regional water plans Western Australia is facing its most challenging decade in water management. In many areas, a decline in freshwater availability is changing how we think about water. Water policy has evolved in response to water needs in our society and the environment.

The program has been running for many years and is constantly under review.

Accessing ‘good quality’ water on a reliable basis well into the future means we must overcome frequent and longer droughts, population growth, economic development, increased water demand, risks of environmental degradation and increasing climate variability.

FESA recently moved to using helicopters rather than fixed wing aircraft and this has proved successful. It is the preferred method amongst the pastoralists who use the Aerial Controlled Burning Program.

With greater public awareness of water management, a ‘whole of water cycle’ approach that takes account of multiple water uses and management requirements is needed.

Helicopters provide greater flexibility in delivering services as there is no need for an airstrip and they allow more accurate incendiary placement.

The Department of Water is developing a range of regional water plans and strategies to meet these challenges across the State. These plans have a mid-term planning horizon to 2030 with actions geared to a five to ten year time frame.

The latest incendiary equipment that has been purchased incorporates technology that allows flight paths to be directly downloaded to maps and collated with a fire management plan.

Fire management plans FESA’s work in developing a template for fire management plans was recognised at last years Emergency Management Australia Awards. Some valuable work has also been done in the development of a Visual Fuel Load Guide and Burning Guidelines Manual specific to the Kimberley to help pastoralists with the development and maintenance of firebreaks.

FESA’s Environmental Division will, upon request, work with pastoralists to develop a management plan for their pastoral lease that links with all forms of land management, including the Aerial Controlled Burning Program where applicable.

On several occasions last year, FESA also used the controlled burning equipment to fight fires. This is still a tactic that needs development, but there have been some successes. The helicopter, working at about 80 knots, gives the ability to put in a large backburn in a short time.

This gives the flexibility to burn later in the evening, thus reducing the intensity of the fire and subsequent damage to the land.

The program is subsidised by FESA and the subsidy is dependent on the uptake of the program. On average, about 30 pastoral leases participate each year.

FESA aims to greatly increase participation in the Kimberley Aerial Controlled Burning Program with a view to reducing the amount of destructive late season fires.

For more information, contact Kim Maldon, FESA’s District Manager, Fire Services, West Kimberley on 0409 442 259 or email: kim.maldon@fesa.wa.gov.au

What do regional water plans do?

The plans provide a strategic overview of the region’s water resources and the current state of water management and service delivery in the regions. They link land and water planning in an integrated manner, using forecast demand for water from various sectors such as irrigation, industry, mining and domestic supplies to assess likely water availability for 20 years. They will be a key input to the regional land strategies to be developed across the north of the State.

The plans identify the main water challenges in the regions and provide direction to how these challenges will be met through operational and shorter term water decision-making plans such as water allocation, waterway management, flood plain management, drainage management and water source protection plans. Regional water plans help regional communities understand the Department of Water’s view on certain issues before they become critical to new projects.

There are nine regional water plans scheduled for completion by the Department of Water which align approximately with Regional Development Commission boundaries. The regions covered are: Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Midwest, Goldfields-Esperance, Wheatbelt, Perth-Peel, South West and Great Southern. The plans are at various stages of development, with the South West and Pilbara plans ready for release. The Kimberley Regional Water Plan is currently being developed.

Six published discussion papers that cover the Kimberley subregions are available on the Department of Water website www.water.wa.gov.au (click on ‘Water Regions’).

Community engagement Communities will be involved in the planning process and will be informed of the Government’s strategic direction for water management in their region. The planning process encourages regional stakeholders and communities to offer practical and innovative thinking on both the identification of issues and how these might be approached.

Stakeholder and community input and support is vital to the success of regional planning. The regional water planning process seeks to involve the community and interest groups in formalising actions or policy that can make a difference in managing water in their region. The aim is to gather a range of views on various issues in the consultation process to help ensure plans contribute to sustainable regional development.

For further information on regional water plans visit: www.water.wa.gov.au or contact Phillip Kalaitzis, Principal Project Officer, Strategic Water Policy and Planning, Department of Water on (08) 6364 7119 or email: phillip.kalaitzis@water.wa.gov.au

35

FEATURES

Pastoral lease market shows signs of hesitancy Chris Olsen, District Valuer, Valuation Services, Landgate.

The 2008-09 year saw a slowdown in sales statewide for both sheep and cattle leases.

The table below indicates that 18 pastoral leases were sold, which represents 3.4 per cent of pastoral leases in Western Australia.

High fuel prices in the latter half of 2008, the global financial crisis and low beef prices dampened buyer enthusiasm. There have been significant increases in values from 2004 to 2007, with the past 18 months reaching a plateau, followed by a slight easing of values for both sheep and cattle leases.

This is a marginal increase in the number of sales of pastoral leases for the financial year, up from 15 sales in 2007-08, 24 in 2006-07 and 43 in 2005-06.

The trend of conversion from sheep to cattle enterprises in response to low wool prices and wild dogs is an ongoing trend, where the rangeland type supports this change.

Sales of pastoral leases in Western Australia

In the Kimberley, one lease was offered for sale then withdrawn, while three other larger leases failed to sell at auction. Two of these leases attracted reasonable offers, but failed to reach vendors’ expectations.

(July 2008-June 2009) Area

Type

Kimberley

Cattle

0

Pilbara

Cattle

5

Southern Rangelands

Cattle

5

Southern Rangelands

Sheep

8

Total sales

Sales

18

Note: excluded from the above data were 13 non arms-length transactions such as share sales occurring between family members, trust dissolutions and government authority purchases. The Department of Environment and Conservation purchased one lease during the year.

Most of the Pilbara sales were fair quality properties in the West Ashburton area. Many Pilbara purchasers have other landholdings in the south-west and use their Pilbara leases as breeder blocks.

Gascoyne-Murchison and Goldfields sheep leases experienced subdued trading, when compared with previous years.

The Nullarbor saw one auction of a sheep property, but it was passed in.

A steady demand still exists for smaller leases that are used for residential, lifestyle and grazing purposes, particularly those with reasonable homesteads located close to regional centres.

Diversification There is increasing interest in diversification on pastoral leases for both irrigated fodder for on-station use and for new horticultural enterprises. The aim of irrigated fodder production is to ensure consistent finishing weights, as well as the potential to reduce costs associated with buying and transporting fodder onto the station.

Significant capital expenditure can be invested in these diversification enterprises, including centre pivot irrigation and associated infrastructure. The opportunity to supply out-of-season horticultural crops and the increasing pressure on traditional southern horticultural production areas due to urbanisation has resulted in increasing interest in such activities on sites with suitable soils, water, climate, location and market access.

The cost of transport over long distances can still be economic where leases are near main highways and are able to use cheaper backloading rates for transport.

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‘RFDS on the road’ Primary Health Care Program Enhancing the health, safety and wellbeing of regional and remote Western Australians ‘RFDS on the road’ is an innovative health program delivered through a partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Western Operations and BHP Billiton. The program provides essential health education, first aid training and disease screening to people living, working and travelling in some of the most remote areas of Western Australia.

A health promotion nurse and project officer travel by 4WD to remote pastoral stations, satellite mine and exploration sites, Aboriginal communities and isolated tourist facilities and roadhouses. They also address volunteer emergency service groups, remote community schools, nursing posts and community events.

The program provides a range of health services and activities including: •

RFDS medical chest education;

•

remote area first aid training;

•

basic life support training;

•

healthy lifestyle education and activities eg: promoting healthy diet, exercise, drug and alcohol awareness, injury prevention, mental health wellbeing and prevention of chronic diseases;

•

one-on-one health assessments;

•

screening for health risks - assessments and management advice;

•

RFDS emergency patient evacuation procedures; and

•

airstrip survey and information on RFDS standards for day and night landing.

A key focus of the program has been to enhance the confidence of remote residents so they are capable of managing RFDS medical chests, administering life saving first aid, maintaining privately owned airstrips, and taking greater responsibility for making healthy lifestyle choices.

In the five years since its inception, the ‘RFDS on the road’ program has visited 540 remote regional locations, providing health education, first aid training and disease screening services to nearly 18,000 isolated residents.

‘RFDS on the road’ operates in the Pilbara and Goldfields-Esperance regions and the RFDS hopes to secure a corporate partner to support the expansion of the service into the Kimberley region in 2010.

If you live or work in an isolated location in these regions and would like to request the local ‘RFDS on the road’ team to provide your family, work colleagues or employees with free health education, please contact Program Manager Tricia Slee on (08) 9417 6391 or email: tricia.slee@rfdswa.com.au.

37

FEATURES

Gas pipelines on pastoral leases High pressure gas pipelines such as the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP) transport millions of dollars worth of gas every day to domestic users and private industries.

and 19 per cent of the primary energy needs of Australia as a whole.

IN AN EMERGENCY: Cans, such as large powdered milk cans, may be used as lights in an emergency if they are partly filled with sand and fuelled with diesel or kerosene. Reflectors may also be used in combination with eight runway lights or car headlights.

These measures require specialist instruction from RFDS prior to setting up.

The DBNGP extends for almost 1600 km from the Burrup Peninsula, near Dampier, to Bunbury in the south-west of Western Australia and crosses 29 pastoral leases. It is one of the longest and biggest capacity natural gas pipelines in Australia.

What could happen if the pipeline were damaged?

RFDS Airstrip Queries:

Who manages the land the pipeline is in?

RFDS airstrip specifications The following information is a quick reference guide to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) airstrip standards. For complete information, please refer to the RFDS Airstrip Standards & Reporting Arrangement document dated 26 October 1998, available online at: www.flyingdoctor.org.au under ‘Aviation’.

Length:

The airstrip must be at least 1200m long.

Width:

It must have a 60m cleared total (90m for night operations), with a 45m wide centre section containing an 18m wide runway.

Runway:

The runway must be 18m wide. This must be a firm surface: when wet, a four-tonne truck should not leave more than a half-inch impression on the runway. It must also be free of anthills, holes, cattle tracks and ruts and have no vegetation.

Runway checks: When rain has been in the area, checks must be done prior to landing. Checks must also be done for vermin for landings at dawn, dusk and at night.

Markers:

Lighting:

These must be placed at 90m intervals on either side of the runway. Markers can be old car tyres, inverted buckets etc and must be painted white. Markers must be soft enough to ensure no damage is done to aircraft should they be run over on landing.

Lighting must be placed just inside runway markers at 90m intervals. Lights can be dry cell or rechargeable battery powered airstrip lights or liquid (diesel or kerosene) fuelled wick-fed flares.

During business hours call either: •

•

Capt. Greg Schouten, Data Pilot on: (08) 9417 6330, mobile 0429 300 311 or email: greg.schouten@rfdswestops.com.au or Michael Bleus, Chief Pilot on: 0417 948 959, or email: michael.bleus@rfdswa.com.au

After hours, call the Jandakot Operations Centre on: (08) 9417 6364 or 1800 062 792

PLEASE HELP US TO HELP YOU

BY KEEPING US ADVISED OF ANY CHANGES TO YOUR AIRSTRIP CONDITION.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Emergency Number: 1800 625 800

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The land that is designated to be within the DBNGP corridor is managed by the Infrastructure Corridors branch, in the Department of Regional Development and Lands (RDL). This role is distinct from that of the pipeline owners, who are responsible for operation of the pipeline and maintaining its safety and integrity.

The DBNGP provides the only means of transporting gas from the natural gas fields of the north-west coast to the industrial, commercial and residential customers in Perth and the surrounding region, and to the mid and south-west of the State.

The greatest risk posed to high-pressure gas pipelines is damage by people unfamiliar with the requirements for safe practices around high-pressure gas pipelines.

Any breach of the integrity of the DBNGP could cause loss of life or injury to people, damage to infrastructure and property in the vicinity of the rupture, as well as significant financial losses to the WA economy.

from a technical, social, environmental and safety-hazard perspective. An application form can be found on the Department’s website at: www.lands.rdl.wa.gov.au then click on ‘State land’ on the left hand column and then go to ‘Forms’.

Indications of pipeline damage The integrity of the DBNGP can be threatened by gas leaks, pipeline damage/ rupture and/or damage to above ground facilities. Such threats are usually a result of unauthorised excavation, ripping, vehicular accidents, vandalism/third-party interference, undetected corrosion or natural occurrences such as floods, earthquake or cyclones.

Any of the following could indicate a pipeline leak: •

hissing or roaring sound;

In order to avoid damage to the DBNGP, it is vital that pastoralists are aware of the potential impact of their activities in the DBNGP corridor. It is important that they submit a written application for approval from the Minister through RDL’s Infrastructure Corridors branch before starting work in the pipeline corridor. Works may include:

•

dead or discoloured vegetation in otherwise green location;

•

discolouration in the soil;

•

blowfly or insect swarm;

•

unusual odour near the pipeline; or

•

fire.

•

digging;

•

drilling;

Why do we need the DBNGP corridor?

•

trenching;

•

drainage;

Energy security is an issue of vital importance for WA. Access to secure, reliable and affordable energy, particularly natural gas, underpins the State’s mining and resource processing industries, fuels power generation, and supplies businesses and households.

•

land levelling and contouring;

•

use of vibrating machinery;

If you suspect a leak, your safety is your first priority and you should leave the area immediately. You should also avoid creating sparks and immediately discontinue the use of vehicles, mobile phones, cameras or other heat sources such as welders, cigarettes, matches or lighters that could ignite the gas.

You should immediately call:

•

removal or replacement and installation of posts and fencing;

•

transportation of heavy loads; or

•

temporary or permanent light vehicle crossings.

The management of the DBNGP corridor by the State is an integral part of ensuring the continued transportation of natural gas supplies from the North West Shelf to the south-west of WA.

Western Australia is the most energy and gas-dependent economy in Australia.

Natural gas supplies half of the State’s primary energy requirements and fuels 60 per cent of the State’s electricity generation

It is advisable to submit an application at the earliest possible stage of planning to allow enough time for assessment of the activity

DBNGP Emergency Free-Call Number 1800 019 919 or 000 (ask for Police).

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Regional Development and Lands on (08) 9347 5131 or email: infrastructure.corridors@rdl.wa.gov.au

39

FEATURES

Facts about the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline: •

•

•

•

•

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It takes a gas molecule within the pipeline three days to travel from the Burrup Peninsula to the Perth metropolitan area.

The DBNGP has capacity to transport more than 800 terajoules (TJs) of natural gas per day to the south-west of WA as firm full haul capacity.

One TJ of gas is enough to supply an average home for about 50 years.

Industry uses about 49 per cent of the natural gas transported by the DBNGP, power generation consumes about 35 per cent and the remaining 16 per cent goes to domestic and commercial usage.

‘Looping’ is the duplication of the pipeline in sections to provide incremental capacity.

The looping project that has been progressing along the DBNGP since January 2007 will result in the system being more than 90 per cent duplicated between Dampier and Perth.

Weather information on the web The Bureau of Meteorology website www.bom.gov.au is one of the most visited websites in Australia. With thousands of pages of forecasts, observations, charts and data online, it is a treasure-trove of weather information for pastoralists that will allow you to plan your activities more efficiently.

To make the site even more useful, the Bureau has recently released its vast array of climate data online, allowing users the ability to see weather records over the lifetime of more than 18,000 stations Australia-wide.

It is now possible to see if rainfall fell on a particular day at a particular location by going to the new Climate Data online site at: www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/ index.shtml. The site also provides users with information on the average rainfall for a particular month, as well as how much rainfall has fallen so far this year.

This is all designed to provide pastoralists with more information about the state of that most precious commodity, water.

With more than 18,000 stations to choose from, there is bound to be one close to you.

Temperature information is also provided in this online data, as well as information on other weather elements such as hours of sunshine, wind speed and direction at 9am and 3pm.

In addition to this online climate data, the Bureau is trialling graphical wind forecasts. These graphics will provide valuable information about the wind speed and direction in three-hour time steps for the first day, and six-hour time steps for the following six days. The maps can be animated to provide a visual representation of the way the winds are forecast to change over the next 24 hours. This is all available from the ‘Water and the Land’ section of the website at: www.bom.gov.au/jsp/watl/wind/index.jsp

Seven day forecasts throughout Australia The Bureau is also pushing ahead with its new forecast production and delivery system to provide the Australian community with even more forecasts.

Currently being used in Victoria, with an aim to being extended to the rest of the country, this system will allow forecasters to produce seven-day forecasts for not just the state capital cities, but for nearly every location in Australia.

The recent signing of an agreement with the UK Met Office will allow Australian forecasters to integrate one of the most powerful computer models in the world into this system.

All of the new web pages use data derived from diverse observational systems including radar and satellites.

To find out more about the information available online, or other services the Bureau can offer pastoralists, email: webwa@bom.gov.au

Easier access to station plans and maps The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) has streamlined access to a wide range of mapped information and related facts and figures.

Visitors to the DAFWA website www.agric.wa.gov.au can now access the information with one click via ‘Maps and Data’.

Station plans in various formats Requests for pastoral station plans can now be made online by emailing: gis@agric.wa.gov.au or you can call Geographic Information Services (GIS) on (08) 9368 3925.

Lease plans can be supplied as a hard copy map (up to A0 Poster size), as a digital Acrobat or PDF, file (by email), or as spatial (mapped) data in a variety of common formats.

GIS can also customise plans by adding other mapped features, including aerial and satellite photos, topographic features, land systems and vegetation types.

Please note a Station Plan Release Form (available from the DAFWA website) will need to be signed by the station’s lessee and emailed or faxed to GIS on (08) 9368 3939 before digital or hard copy lease plans can be released. A modest charge applies to the production of hard copy and digital map products.

A wide range of other maps and information are available free of charge through the links listed on the web page. These include: •

•

•

SLIP NRM Info: Interactive maps and reports on a wide range of mapped features from soils and vegetation through to wetlands and other sensitive environments. This site is popular with natural resource managers and environmental consultants.

Downloadable maps and stats: This site contains commonly requested maps and statistics relating to agriculture and land management issues.

Find Your Farm: An investment attraction portal designed to provide information on resources and infrastructure required for industry development. It includes dairy and grain industry themes. Users need to register to use this facility.

For more information contact Damian Shepherd, Manager, Geographic Information Services on (08) 9368 3853 or email: damian.shepherd@agric.wa.gov.au

TENGRAPH® a useful free tool for pastoralists The Department of Mines and Petroleum’s (DMP) TENGRAPH® system gives pastoralists a current and accurate picture of land under mining activity.

The computer program displays the position of Western Australian mining tenements and petroleum titles in relation to other land information, including pastoral leases. It also provides an easy means of identifying land available for mineral exploration.

TENGRAPH® also provides textual information from other DMP databases such as Mineral Titles Online (mining tenement register), PETMAN (petroleum title register), WAMEX (mining tenement open file exploration reports) and MINEDEX (mine site and mineral deposit).

TENGRAPH® is delivered free of charge over the internet by registering with DMP. All that is required is a MS Windows-based computer and internet connection, preferably broadband.

You can register for and access the TENGRAPH® system at: www.dmp.wa.gov.au/3980.aspx or follow the links from the DMP home page www.dmp.wa.gov.au under ‘Online Systems’.

TENGRAPH® is easy to install and use, with many types of enquiry options available under the ‘Enquiry’ tab. There is a demonstration video and useful information on the TENGRAPH® page mentioned above. A software plug-in is required to be installed on your computer and is easily downloaded from the website.

TENGRAPH® displays many layers of government agency information including pastoral lease boundaries, enabling the pastoral lessee to view mining tenements that may affect their leases.

Pastoralists are encouraged to use TENGRAPH® to be aware of exploration, mining or other activity that may be taking place or proposed on or near their leases.

For more information on how to access and use TENGRAPH® please contact the Manager of Title Spatial Services, Ian Robertson on (08) 9222 3230, email: ian.robertson@dmp.wa.gov.au or visit the DMP website: www.dmp.wa.gov.au

41

FEATURES

The Indigenous Landholder Service The history of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s (DAFWA’s) Indigenous Landholder Services (ILS) goes back to 1998, following a request for assistance from the Aboriginal land managers of Noonkanbah Station in the Kimberley. This formed the basis of the Kimberley Indigenous Management Support Service or KIMSS project.

Due to the success of KIMSS and a need identified in other areas, the Pilbara Indigenous Management Service Support (PIMSS) and Southern Agricultural Indigenous Landholder Service (SAILS) were introduced.

SAILS has operated out of the DAFWA Albany office since 2006 and provides support to Aboriginal-managed properties along the south coast as far east as Esperance.

PIMSS was also developed in 2006 to support Aboriginal pastoral leaseholders on a number of properties in the Pilbara and is based out of the DAFWA office in Karratha.

The role of the ILS The role of the ILS is to increase the economic profitability and sustainability of Aboriginal-managed properties in Western Australia by providing technical support, governance and management skills and an understanding of agricultural systems. The ILS also recognises and works within the cultural and social values of the Aboriginal corporations and their communities.

The service works closely with its Aboriginal corporation clients, its major funding partner - the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC), the Pastoral Lands Board and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, which has responsibility for some of the State’s Aboriginal pastoral leases. The successful partnerships have resulted in significant economic development including investment in station infrastructure, improved business management and governance and increased animal production and sales.

All regionally based projects are supported and serviced by a program manager based in Perth who co-ordinates activities across the State and liaises with other stakeholders to ensure efficiencies across the projects.

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Positive results in the Kimberley KIMSS is co-funded by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) and DAFWA. The development of Aboriginal held pastoral leases has seen a significant improvement in profitability on participating stations. KIMSS currently works with more than half of all Aboriginal leases in the Kimberley covering an area of about 18,500 square kilometres.

This highly successful project is based around developing independence and capacity for pastoral leaseholders, with particular emphasis on improving sustainable outcomes through mentoring and an active hands-on approach. KIMSS provides land managers with support in a range of areas, including rangeland management, biosecurity, livestock handling, marketing, herd management and infrastructure development. There are also extensive opportunities for training, mentoring and assistance to implement ideas for business growth.

The Pilbara and further south In the Pilbara, PIMSS is a collaboration between DAFWA, Rio Tinto Iron Ore and the ILC. It is aimed at improving the economic and sustainable performance of selected Indigenous pastoral businesses in the Pilbara and Gascoyne/Murchison district. DAFWA provides management support and capacity development to 12 pastoral properties with the support of a project manager and two coordinators. This has resulted in a renewed sense of ownership and stewardship of the country. For example, at Ullawarra the formation of a new corporation responsible for the station is leading to better governance and land management through improved cattle mustering.

A new addition to the ILS is the development of a similar project in 2010, covering the Mid-West, the Murchison and the northern wheatbelt, reaching as far inland as Wiluna.

Demand for the ILS is continuing to grow and despite the challenges of working across many diverse regions of the State and the longterm approach needed to address the issues, significant progress has been achieved. The ILS and its partners are committed to achieving the goals and aspirations, as well as improved business management practices, for the individual stations and their corporations.

For more informaiton contact Mark Chmielewski, ILS Program Manager, on (08) 9368 3964 or email: mark.chmielewski@agric.wa.gov.au

The Roebuck Export Depot Kimberley pastoralists are already reaping the benefits following the opening of the new Roebuck Export Depot (RED) built by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) near Broome.

RED manager Paul Heil said trainees rotated between the export depot and Roebuck Plains station, working through the full process of cattle production.

Two years ago, a major Broome cattle yard closed and Kimberley cattle exporters had the option of either shipping cattle through the remaining Broome yards, or trucking them to Wyndham or Port Hedland.

Ian Long, an Indigenous trainee, is enthusiastic about his time at RED and Roebuck Plains.

In May 2009, RED, an AQIS-registered assembly and holding point about 40 kilometres from Broome, began receiving cattle from vendors across the Kimberley and as far away as Karratha in the Pilbara.

The ILC has established RED as a commercial cattle export facility to service the Kimberley pastoral industry and create employment and training opportunities for Indigenous people in the region.

The Kimberley and many Pilbara cattle properties depend almost entirely on the live export trade, making RED a significant addition to the cattle industry.

Built at a cost of $2 million, RED is the biggest independent cattle export yard in the Kimberley, able to process over 7,000 head at one time.

WA Pastoralists and Graziers Association President Rob Gillam said the facility was not just about the pre-embarkation of cattle.

“It’s also about giving Indigenous people the opportunity to be trained and employed,” Mr Gillam said.

RED is integrated with nearby Roebuck Plains Station’s Indigenous pastoral training program.

Roebuck Plains, also operated by the ILC, runs an accredited program for young Indigenous people to gain pastoral industry experience and qualifications.

“Between us and the station, we share about nine trainees. I have three or four at a time for three weeks to a month,” Mr Heil said.

“I’ve been here working at Roebuck Plains for about six months,” Ian said.

“I’ve been doing fencing, mustering, drafting cattle, and working at the export yard for about a month.

“I have been learning and get to operate a range of vehicles and equipment. It’s been good.” .

ILC Chairperson Shirley McPherson said the shortage of pastoral workers meant the industry was watching as qualified stock workers emerged from the Roebuck program.

“There has been huge support - not only from pastoralists in the Kimberley but also in the Pilbara and other areas,” Ms McPherson said.

“They just can’t wait for some of these trainees to finish their courses.”

Processing at the yard takes three to five days and with the extreme tides, there can be as little as two hours for loading a ship and exporters incur higher mooring costs.

But RED’s state-of-the-industry infrastructure is already delivering major efficiencies for exporters. Recently, RED workers and the Roebuck trainees loaded 44 decks, or 1,500 cattle, in 90 minutes.

It is planned for the RED to handle about 25 per cent of Broome’s export capacity. RED’s first season ended in October after shipping 30,000 head and is already delivering significant benefits to the Kimberley cattle industry and Indigenous pastoralists.

43

FEATURES

Native title made simple Native title is the recognition in Australian law that Indigenous people had a system of law and ownership of their lands before European settlement. Where that traditional connection to land and waters has been maintained, and where government acts have not extinguished it, the law can recognise this as native title.

In the 1992 Mabo decision, the High Court of Australia recognised that the Meriam People of the Torres Strait had native title over their traditional lands.

This decision overturned the idea that the Australian continent belonged to no-one at the time of European arrival. The decision acknowledged for the first time that Indigenous peoples had certain rights and interests at the time of settlement and that these may now be able to be recognised. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can apply to the courts to have their native title rights and interests recognised under Australian law.

Australian law recognises native title rights and interests if: •

all the native title rights and interests have not been extinguished by certain prior grants of tenure over the land;

•

indigenous groups can show that they have maintained their connection with the land; and

•

residential freehold;

Future act provisions

The future act process

•

farms held in freehold;

•

pastoral or agricultural leases that have exclusive possession granted;

Any land dealing that affects native title rights and interests is defined as a ‘future act’ under the NTA and provides procedural rights to the native title party.

•

residential, commercial or community purpose leases; and

The Department of Regional Development and Lands will officially notify the native title party about the proposal and which future act provision will be used. Other organisations with a possible interest in the land dealing will also be given the opportunity to comment, for example the local government authority or Telstra.

•

public works like roads, schools or hospitals.

What rights arise from native title?

The content of the bundle of rights will depend on the native title holders’ traditional laws and customs and on the capacity of Australian law to recognise the rights and interests they hold.

The native title bundle may include the right to possess and occupy an area to the exclusion of all others (often called a right of exclusive possession). This includes the right to control access to, and use of, that area. This right can only be recognised over limited parts of Australia, such as unallocated Crown land and certain areas already held by, or for, Indigenous Australians.

Over other areas, the native title bundle is most likely to be set of non-exclusive rights (which means there is no right to control access to, and use of, the area). These may include the right to:

The correct future act procedure needs to be followed so that a valid and secure interest in the land that cannot be challenged at a later date is granted.

The future act provisions outline 11 different options to manage the native title rights and interests. In relation to Crown land, the Department of Regional Development and Lands selects the correct provision based on the tenure to be granted and previous legal advice.

Different future act provisions have different extinguishing effects.

Some of the future act provisions will: •

extinguish all native title rights and interests forever – a compulsory acquisition ; and

•

have a temporarily extinguishing effect due to the ‘non extinguishment principle’, which suppresses the rights and interests only during the term of the tenure.

•

live on the area;

•

access the area for traditional purposes, like camping or to do ceremonies;

•

visit and protect important places and sites;

Future act provisions that use the compulsory acquisition of native title rights and interests will extinguish those native title rights and interests over the specific parcel of land forever. Those interests can never be revived. This is the most common future act provision currently used, and creates a future compensation liability with the State government for the extinguishment of those rights and interests.

Where might native title exist?

•

hunt, fish and gather food or traditional resources like water, wood and ochre; and

Native title may exist in places where Indigenous people continue to follow their traditional laws and customs and have maintained a link with their country, and where it has not been extinguished because of acts done, or allowed, by government. These areas may include:

Indigenous Land Use Agreements

•

teach law and custom on country.

•

indigenous groups can show that they continue to observe traditional laws and customs.

•

vacant or unallocated Crown lands;

•

some reserve lands;

•

some types of pastoral lease;

•

some land held by or for Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islanders; and

•

beaches, oceans, seas, reefs, lakes, rivers, creeks, swamps and other waters that are not privately owned.

Public access to places like recreation reserves and beaches is not affected by native title. Native title cannot take away anyone else’s valid rights.

The Native Title Act 1993 (NTA) does not allow for native title to be claimed over certain areas including:

44

There can be no native title rights to minerals, gas or petroleum recognised under Australian law and in tidal and sea areas, only nonexclusive native title can be recognised.

Whether exclusive or not, native title: is subject to regulation by Australian law in the same way as other peoples’ rights are; and does not give native title holders the right to veto future developments but may mean their rights and interests need to be taken into account.

Future acts can be done through an Indigenous Land Use Agreement, making use of the non-extinguishment principle instead of a compulsory acquisition. Once an Indigenous Land Use Agreement has been negotiated and registered, the land can still be used for what a proponent wants, but native title rights and interests are not permanently extinguished.

The native title rights and interests are suppressed for the duration of the interest in the land. During that time, the proponent’s rights and interests prevail over the native title rights and interests. Indigenous Land Use Agreements are resource intensive and take longer to complete than compulsory acquisitions.

Depending on which future act provision is used, there will be the opportunity for the native title party to: •

object and comment on the proposal;

•

to be consulted about the proposal; or

•

have the right to negotiate about the proposal.

Each one of the above processes has different requirements, but all of them will require the native title party to be notified of the proposal and most will require comments from the native title party about how their rights and interests may be affected by the proposal.

Both proponents and native title parties are a party to the future act and must actively participate in the process. The three parties need to continue to meet and discuss matters until the native title matters are resolved. If it is not possible for the parties to reach agreement, then options are available to have the matter arbitrated.

What does the Native Title unit do?

The Native Title unit is part of the Department of Regional Development and Lands and undertakes negotiation and consultation with native title holders, claimants and proponents to progress proposals through the future act regime of the NTA. The Native Title unit represents the State and does not act on behalf of native title parties or proponents. It ensures that the provisions of the NTA are followed in accordance with the Land Administration Act 1997.

The unit has a group of negotiators who are assigned to a Native Title Representative Body region to assist stakeholders with advice and assistance until the native title future act issues are resolved over the land. It invites discussions at an early stage of the future act process to answer any questions about the process that will occur.

In addition to its negotiation and consultation role, the Native Title unit is also a policy unit that actively participates in inter-agency forums on the development of native title policy initiatives, monitors developments in case law, and provides advice to other sections of the Department.

Where to get help More advice can be obtained by telephoning (08) 9347 5000 or email: stateland@rdl.wa.gov.au

45

FEATURES

Protecting your pastoral lease contact information Each year pastoral lessees are required to provide their current contact information in the ‘Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements’.

From this, the Department of Regional Development and Lands, on behalf of the Pastoral Lands Board (PLB), maintains a record of contact information for all pastoral leases.

The Department, the PLB, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA), the WA Farmers Federation (WAFF) and the broader State government, actively promote that people should contact pastoral lessees before they enter a pastoral lease for any purpose.

The collection and maintenance of your pastoral lease contact information is protected by the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988.

As a result, neither the PLB nor the Department are permitted to release your contact information where there is not a law (State or Commonwealth) allowing this.

To ensure that pastoral lessees can be contacted as quickly as possible, there are certain limited circumstances where the Department, on behalf of the PLB, can legally release your contact information to another agency or person. These circumstances are: •

to the Department of Agriculture and Food, Landgate and any other agency that assists the PLB in meeting its statutory obligations under the Land Administration Act 1997;

•

to agencies responsible for the function and delivery of emergency services and emergency management;

•

to agencies responsible for national and state security, including biosecurity; and

•

where required or authorised by any law.

Contact details for mining purposes However, the above legal arrangements do not cover the release of pastoral lease contact information to applicants for prospecting, exploration and mining who are required to notify pastoral lessees of activity to occur under the Mining Act 1978.

To this end, the Department wrote to all pastoral lessees on 27 August 2009 seeking their written consent for the release of their pastoral lease contact information to the Department of Mines and Petroleum. From this, the Department will create a list of consenting pastoral lessees.

If pastoral lessees do not consent to release their contact information and any contact information available from public records such as the Telstra White Pages telephone directory or the Certificate of Crown Land Title is wrong, pastoralists may not receive written notice about mining activities on their lease.

Contact details for tourists There is a growing interest in travelling through pastoral areas of Western Australia. This supports regional development, along with vibrant towns and communities, which in turn is good for pastoralists as it provides local services for the pastoral community.

However, unannounced tourists can cause concern for pastoralists and in some cases, adversely affect their business operations, as well as raising safety concerns. The PLB recognises this and to help tourists understand their responsibilities, provides a fullcolour glovebox guide for tourists travelling through remote areas.

The guide, Travelling in Outback Western Australia, is circulated to visitors’ centres north and east of Perth, as well as other key locations such as four-wheel-drive shops and entry points to Western Australia.

The Pastoral Liaison Officer also discusses access issues with tourists and others, and meets with various recreational groups to encourage them to contact pastoral lessees in advance, to seek permission to access the lease.

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Unpaid pastoral lease rents The Department of Regional Development and Lands uses a debt collection agency to recover unpaid pastoral lease rents and any associated penalties.

If you think you may have difficulty paying your pastoral rent account, contact George Poppas at RDL on (08) 9347 5126 to discuss alternative arrangements.

Don’t just ignore your pastoral rent account as action for collection of outstanding rent will be started if an alternative arrangement has not been made.

Did you Know...

EPIRBs Did you know that 121.5 MHz distress beacons (such as old analogue EPIRB’s) are no longer detected by satellites and are no longer licenced for use?

Do not risk your life by relying on a 121.5 MHz distress beacon.

We are unable to give out contact details of pastoralists to tourists who want to contact them and discuss entering their lease. For this reason, we strongly encourage pastoral lessees to ensure they have an entry in the Telstra White Pages (preferably listed by the station name, rather than the lessee name) and ensure that it is correct.

The new digital 406 MHz distress beacons are more accurate, are detected more quickly and can identify their owner.

If pastoralists have any queries or want a consent form allowing the release of their contact details for mining purposes, please telephone the Department of Regional Development and Lands on (08) 9347 5126 or email: plb@rdl.wa.gov.au

If you accidentally activate your distress beacon, turn it off and immediately call:

Get your contact details up to date It is important for pastoralists to ensure that the Pastoral Lands Board has your most current contact details.

Correspondence from the Board is important and if you do not receive it or receive it late, there may be significant consequences.

In particular, if there is a change of station manager or postal address, you must update your contact details with us as soon as possible.

To change your contact details, visit our website at: www.lands.rdl.wa.gov.au/pastoral/721.asp then click on ‘Change your contact details’ in the navigation bar on the left, click on the PDF, print the form, fill it out, ensure the lessee(s) or authorised person(s) sign it and then send it to us.

If you do not have access to the Internet, call the Department of Regional Development and Lands on (08) 9347 5126 for a form.

For more information on EPIRBs and distress beacons, visit:

http://beacons.amsa.gov.au

1800 641 792 There is no penalty for accidentally setting off your beacon.

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Pastoral Lands Board Telephone: (08) 9347 5126

48

Facsimile:

(08) 9347 5009

Email:

plb@rdl.wa.gov.au

Website:

www.rdl.wa.gov.au

Address:

Pastoral Land Department of Regional Development and Lands PO Box 1575 Midland WA 6936

ISSN: 1834-2566

INTRODUCTION

Pastoral Lines

Issue 8 2013

The Official Magazine of the Pastoral Lands Board

IN THIS ISSUE: • 2015 Pastoral lease renewals: are you ready?

• Kimberley and Nullarbor rangeland surveys now available • The Pastoral Fence Working Group • The Regional Men’s Health Initiative • Livestock trespass

ISSN: 1834-2566

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Pastoral Lines Pastoral Lines is the official magazine of the Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia. It has a circulation of 2000, which includes all pastoral lessees and station managers. It is distributed free of charge.

Pastoral Lines is also available electronically on the Department of Regional Development and Lands (RDL) website www.rdl.wa.gov.au.

Pastoral Lines is comprised of articles from a number of sources.

While all care is taken in preparing this magazine, RDL cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information from sources outside the department.

Editorial enquiries: (08) 6552 4574 Postal address: Pastoral Land Unit, Department of Regional Development and Lands, PO Box 1143, West Perth, Western Australia, 6872.

Email: plb@rdl.wa.gov.au © Copyright The Director General of the Department of Regional Development and Lands, Western Australia 2013.

Material from this magazine may be reprinted, however in all cases, the source must be fully acknowledged.

ISSN 1834-2566

This magazine is printed on 100% recyclable paper.

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About the Pastoral Lands Board The Pastoral Lands Board of Western Australia is established under section 94 of the Land Administration Act 1997. Functions of the Board are to: a. advise the Minister on policy relating to the pastoral industry and the administration of pastoral leases; b. administer pastoral leases; c. ensure that pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis; d. develop policies to prevent the degradation of rangelands; e. develop policies to rehabilitate degraded or eroded rangelands and to restore their pastoral potential; f. consider applications for the subdivision of pastoral land and make recommendations to the Minister in relation to them; g. establish and evaluate a system of pastoral land monitoring sites; h. monitor the numbers and the effect of stock and feral animals on pastoral land; i. conduct or commission research into any matters that it considers are relevant to the pastoral industry; j. provide such other assistance or advice as the Minister may require; and k. exercise or perform other functions it may be given.

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Index 5

Members of the Board

Pastoral Lease Management

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Kimberley and Nullarbor rangeland surveys now available

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Rangelands NRM WA

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Grader schools save time, money and soil

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The Australian Rangeland Society 17th Biennial Conference, Kununurra

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‘Seeing the rain’ will transform WA’s weather forecasts

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2015 Pastoral lease renewals: are you ready?

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Where is my lease boundary?

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Rangeland Condition Monitoring – Two common questions

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ARCADIA: the new way to submit rangeland condition data

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Pastoral Land Unit gets more feet on the ground

Features

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Agisting stock on pastoral leases

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The Pastoral Fence Working Group

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Subleasing and agisting – What’s the difference?

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Selling and transferring a pastoral lease

The Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Investigation and Enforcement Branch

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Outstanding pastoral lease rental

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Lessees urged to pass on information to station managers

Regional Development Australia Committees – What’s in it for the pastoral industry?

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Training for the pastoral industry

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Livestock trespass

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Indigenous Landholder Service: Success breeds success

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The Country Housing Authority ready to assist pastoralists

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The Regional Men’s Health Initiative – an educational approach

Stock Management

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Environment

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WA Police Regional Crime Coordinator: a pivotal role for crime investigation

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Did you know? – Stock routes

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Permanent identification of stock and accurate records are vital

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RFDS Medical Chest turns 70

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RFDS on the road

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Boundary musters

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Animal welfare in the rangelands

Warning signs of heart attack: Campaign for remote areas

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Introduction of livestock transport regulations

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The Connellan Airways Trust

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Pastoralists provide valuable information about wild dogs

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Working on the business, not just in the business

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Muchea Livestock Centre

Pastoral Lands Board members Leanne Corker – Chair

appointed until 30 September 2013

Leanne has been the lessee of Red Hill station in the Ashburton, in partnership with her husband Digby, since 1987. Leanne has an excellent understanding of rangeland management including rangeland condition, conservation values, biosecurity and impacts of land use.

She has practical experience in all aspects of station management including cattle handling, infrastructure maintenance and financial management. Leanne was the secretary of the Carnarvon School of the Air Association from 1998 to 2005. She was a local councillor for the Shire of Ashburton between 2003 and 2011 and was the Shire President from 2005 until 2009. Leanne has also been a member of the Ashburton Land Conservation District Committee since 1998 and was Chair from 2005 to 2009.

Robin Mills – Pastoral Member appointed until 30 September 2014

Robin and his wife Lyle have been managers and co-lessees of Warrawagine station, east of Marble Bar, since 1992. Prior to this, Robin was in broadacre farming around Moora. Robin has overseen Warrawagine’s complete transformation into a thriving and prosperous pastoral operation.

Robin has long recognised the threat of a rapidly increasing feral camel population, which led him to become a member of the Camel Working Group and the Camel Cooperative Research Centre. He was also on the committee that developed the successful submission to the Federal Government for $19 million towards camel reduction, research and strategies for the ongoing management of feral camels.

Robin has also been a member of the Agriculture Protection Board and State Wild Dog Management Committee, and has chaired the East Pilbara Land Conservation District Committee and the Pilbara Zone Control Authority.

Brett Crook – Pastoral Member appointed until 30 September 2013

Brett has been actively involved in the pastoral industry since 1976, part-owning and managing the Goldfields pastoral leases of Woolibar until 1988 and Mt Burges from 1979 to 1983. Brett also owned and operated a timber supply business from 1989 to 1995 and managed Edjudina station from 1996 to 2004.

Since October 2007, he has owned and operated the consulting business of Goldfields Rangeland Services based in Kalgoorlie.

Jack Burton – Pastoral Member appointed until 30 Sept 2015

Jack is a Director of a company that holds the pastoral leases over a number of stations in both the East and West Kimberley, as well as some in the northern Goldfields. Jack has operated an irrigated fodder facility in the west Kimberley for a number of years and also has interests in a number of abattoirs.

Jacks long-term involvement in the State’s pastoral industry will be a useful addition to the collective knowledge of the Board.

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Alan Lawford – Aboriginal Interest Member appointed until 30 Sept 2014

Alan is Chair of the Bohemia Downs Pastoral Aboriginal Corporation, which runs Bohemia Downs station, about 120km south east of Fitzroy Crossing. He is a graduate from the Australian Rural Leadership Program, and has been working on building up the ranger program based on Bohemia Downs. In the future, he would like to get Bohemia Downs involved in diversified activities.

David Stoate – Deputy Member appointed until 30 Sept 2015

David runs Anna Plains station, about 180km south west of Broome, with his wife Helen and father John. Prior to returning to the station in 2006, David was involved in the financial sector, a background which will add a further skill set to the Board.

Alan has a long association with the Kimberley pastoral industry, and is the current Chairman of the Kimberley Aboriginal Pastoralist Incorporation. He is well known and respected throughout the region.

The Stoates predominantly run Brahman cattle and are also keen to diversify their business with irrigated fodder, as he believes diversification will be increasingly important to the pastoral industry in the future.

Dr Tony Brandis – Conservation Member

He is also vice chairman of Kimberley Division of the Pastoralists and Graziers Association.

appointed until 30 Sept 2015

Tony holds a Master of Environmental Science, Master of Education and a Doctor of Natural Resource Management. Prior to retirement, he was a Senior Policy Advisor and Project Manager with the Department of Environment and Conservation, and had responsibility for establishing the conservation reserve system in the rangelands.

Tony served as a member of the Conservation Commission of Western Australia from 2009 to 2011 and has previously served as deputy Conservation representative of the Pastoral Lands Board.

Appointees to the Board In addition to the members appointed to the Board by the Minister, the following members are appointed from the departments responsible for the Land Administration Act 1997 and the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.

Paul Rosair

Director General of the Department of Regional Development and Lands

Paul is the Director General of the Department of Regional Development and Lands.

Dr Paul Novelly

Representing the Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Food

Paul is Manager, Rangeland Research, Department of Agriculture and Food.

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Deputy members of the Board

RDL’s Pastoral Lands Unit Manager The Pastoral Land Unit, which supports the Pastoral Lands Board and undertakes work related to pastoral land on behalf of RDL, is managed by Karel Eringa.

Karel has worked for the Unit since 2007, originally as the Manager of Strategic Development, and more recently as the overall Unit Manager. Being very familiar with the broad swath of issues associated with pastoral lands he has hit the ground running, and is overseeing, amongst the multitude of day to day tasks, major projects such as the 2015 Renewal Project and the Rangeland Condition Monitoring Project.

Karel grew up on his family’s dairy farm in the Netherlands.

After completing his economics study, he moved to Australia.

Since then, Karel has worked in economics, housing and Aboriginal affairs.

He is well moulded into the saddle in the Pastoral Land Unit by now and looks forward to the constant and ever-growing challenges coming his way.

Paul and Andrew meeting with stakeholders in the Kimberley

Director General tackles issues on the ground The Department of Regional Development and Lands, Director General Paul Rosair recently returned from a week-long trip in the Kimberley, meeting a range of stakeholders, pastoralists and community members. The trip provided Paul with the opportunity to see first-hand the issues facing local communities and businesses, and hear from those at the heart of regional development.

Paul’s passion and dedication, that earned him the 2012 Institute of Public Administration Leader of the Year Award, was demonstrated with the wide range of topics and issues he committed to address across pastoralism, regional development and sustainable growth.

Paul landed in Broome for a week of travel around the Kimberley with the Chair of the WA Regional Development Trust Andrew Murray. Throughout the week, Andrew and Paul met with the senior executives of all the shires in the region to discuss and explore the plans for future government support and initiatives aimed at regional development for the Kimberley.

After a full day of travelling to view stockyards, irrigation channels and to meet stakeholders, including a stop-in at Mowanjum and Looma, Paul and Andrew met with a number of pastoralists at Fitzroy Crossing. Pastoralists were eager to discuss topics such as pastoral rents, rangelands tenure and condition monitoring, diversification and major infrastructure strategies. Paul was also invited to the PGA Pastoral Conference in 2013.

Such programs are of high importance to ensure students from surrounding communities and stations can benefit, learn and develop skills to further enhance this vital industry.

After a morning trip through Halls Creek to tour new housing developments, it was off to Warmun community, where the men received an on-ground perspective of the community’s reconstruction following the 2011 flood.

After a week of back-to-back meetings, discussions and evaluations of stations, regions and communities the trip was capped off with a visit to Kununurra Community Resource Centre (CRC). The Royalties for Regions funded initiative provides a wide range of services and facilities to the regions and CRC’s are located in over 100 rural, remote and regional communities.

The trip was deemed a great success, ensuring that RDL and the PLB continue to maintain strong contact with key stakeholders.

These trips also enable community members to be heard, ensuring grass-root projects and initiatives receive the support they deserve.

A number of pastoralists and station owners met individually with Paul, where discussions held a strong focus on PLB permits and restrictions. A trip out to regional homesteads also enabled discussions to progress surrounding pastoral training programs, and how these can be further supported and developed.

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2015 pastoral lease renewals: are you ready?

All pastoral leases in Western Australia will expire on 30 June 2015 in accordance with the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA).

The Minister for Lands previously offered renewal for all but a few of the leases, with the new term to be the same as the current lease and in accordance with the provisions of the LAA.

Where is my lease boundary?

Discovering you have installed your new fence or bore on your neighbours lease or a stock route can be frustrating, which is why it is important for pastoralists to have access to accurate survey information for the boundaries of their pastoral leases.

This information can be obtained from Landgate’s Customer Services Branch by requesting a search.

To request a search, simply provide the following details to Landgate: • Name and plan number of the station • Name of the registered lessees • Lease number(s).

You can either email the request to plan.reg@landgate.wa.gov.au, fax it to (08) 9274 6258 or call (08) 9273 7317 to request a phone search.

Always provide a contact name, address and phone number in case Landgate needs more information to complete your request.

Landgate searches attract a basic fee that increases depending on how much information is required.

More information is available on their website at www.landgate.wa.gov.au 8

Conditions of pastoral lease renewal The offer of lease renewal was, and remains, subject to the following conditions: • Compliance with lease conditions, including stocking requirements and maintenance of infrastructure, at the time of expiry on 30 June 2015.

• There being no Soil Conservation Notices or other orders by the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation in force (search the Department of Agriculture and Food website for more information on the Commissioner’s role: www.agric.wa.gov.au).

• There being no unfulfilled requirements of the Commissioner of Soil and Land Conservation and/or the Pastoral Lands Board in relation to the observance of lease conditions under the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945 and the LAA. • The exclusion of areas from the existing lease that may be required for public works, conservation, national park, nature reserve or other State purposes.

• The rental review period for the renewed lease will continue to apply every five years in accordance with Section 123(4) of the LAA. Thus, the first rent review for the renewed lease will be on 1 July 2019.

If you have any questions you wish to clarify about compliance with the conditions of the offer, please contact Mr John Andrioff, 2015 Project Leader in the Pastoral Lands Unit.

Email john.andrioff@rdl.wa.gov.au or telephone (08) 6552 4594.

The Pastoral Lands Board and RDL have commenced an audit of outstanding compliance issues in relation to all pastoral leases, with a view to formally advising all pastoral lessees as to their status in relation to the renewal of their leases in 2015. The audit is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2013.

A brochure about pastoral lease renewals is available and can be viewed online at www.rdl.wa.gov.au (search ‘pastoral lease renewal’)

PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT Exclusion areas

Mortgages and 2015

Some current pastoral lease land required for public purposes will be excluded from the pastoral estate in 2015. Such public purposes include areas for conservation, recreation and tourism, Aboriginal uses and town site expansion.

Do you have a mortgage, other encumbrance or registered interest over your pastoral lease?

Lessees were offered the opportunity to participate in a negotiation process for identified exclusion areas with various acquiring authorities, with the negotiated agreement being detailed and endorsed in a Concluding Report. In some cases, this report stipulated “other and/or additional conditions” that were agreed on.

Acquiring authorities and leaseholders should consult to ensure that the “other and/or additional conditions” are progressing to a completion phase. The 2015 Project Team will ensure that all agreed exclusion areas and associated conditions are completed by 2015.

For agreed exclusions occurring at 30 June 2015, compensation will be paid for any “lawful improvements” on the exclusion land, as valued by the Valuer General at that time.

Permits, subleases and agistment agreements

To ensure a smooth transition through the lease renewal process, please contact interest holders as soon as possible, as all interests will expire with the expiration of the pastoral lease on 30 June 2015.

Interest holders will need to prepare the necessary documentation to secure their interest and register the documents with Landgate from 1 July 2015 in accordance with that agency’s requirements and charges.

If you or an interest holder have any concerns about encumbrances, please contact the 2015 Project Team for assistance.

2015 Renewal questions?

All enquiries regarding 2015 pastoral lease renewals and exclusions should be directed to the 2015 Project Team Leader, Mr John Andrioff on (08) 6552 4594 or email: plb@rdl.wa.gov.au

All Diversification Permits, subleases and agistment agreements expire on or before 30 June 2015. All holders of current Diversification Permits will be contacted shortly about their permits and prompt response is strongly recommended.

Contact the Pastoral Land Unit if you require new Diversification Permits, sub-leases or agistment agreements from 1 July 2015.

As approval processes require the Unit to refer to the Pastoral Lands Board and other agencies external to RDL, early participation is essential. The Unit is working to simplify the processes involved as much as possible.

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Rangeland Condition Monitoring – two common questions Update Previously pastoralists were advised that Rangeland Condition Monitoring (RCM) would become mandatory in 2012. However, the Pastoral Lands Board recently decided to postpone the mandatory introduction of the system for three years. The PLB encourages pastoral lessees to install their sites as soon as possible, however the new legislation, if passed by Parliament, will require lessees to install their sites no later than 31 December 2015, with RCM data to be submitted by 31 March 2016.

At the recent RCM workshops there were several questions that were consistently asked - the two most common were: • Why collect all this data and what happens to it?

• How will the Pastoral Lands Board (the Board) know if the data being provided are accurate?

The following information should assist with answering these questions.

Types of data collected in RCM RCM data are designed to assess range condition trend overtime.

Trend refers to the change in rangeland condition, and is described by noting changes to the numbers of indicator plant species and/ or soil surface condition. Trend should not be confused with an assessment of rangeland condition (good, fair or poor) at one point in time.

The RCM system has been defined so that all information collected by lessees should be used in assessing trend. These data are in the form of plant species counts for shrubland sites and grass frequencies for grassland sites, and a ranking of the numbers of perennial grasses on shrubland sites and shrubs (including woody weeds) on grassland sites. Soil surface condition must also be

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ranked (based on a defined set of criteria). This describes the soil’s capacity to retain water and to remain stable under variable conditions. Management to achieve this may include retaining critical levels of ground cover and/or limiting the degree of pasture utilisation.

Each type of data collected is important, and all three sets (plant counts or frequency, the ranking of perennial shrub or grass numbers and the soil surface rankings) should be used by the lessee in making a judgement as to range condition trend at a specific site.

No one set of data should receive a greater weighting than any other.

All these data will be assessed by the Board in making its assessment of the trend on each RCM site. Initially, this will be done through the online database ARCADIA, which has a set of decision rules upon which assessment will be conducted.

Trend requires that rangeland is judged relative to the situation recorded at an earlier date. Therefore, data from at least two dates are required to assess trend. Essentially, a positive trend (improvement) is an increase in palatable and productive perennial plant species, and variables such as good litter cover and stable soil surface. Conversely, a declining trend may be evident as a reduction in the density of palatable and productive perennial plant species, an increase in undesirable plant species, or a reduction in soil cover or soil stability. Obviously, for the initial site assessments due by 31 December 2015, it will not be possible to make a decision on trend.

This will only be possible once sites are re-assessed.

PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT Checking RCM data that is submitted The RCM data uploaded to the database (ARCADIA) from lessees will be checked by a series and combination of ‘flags’ designed to check for anomalies, inconsistencies and causes for concern. The issues identified by the automated checking system will then be dealt with by a set of actions designed to identify non-compliance which would then be referred to the Board. Initially this will take place remotely from the lease. However if and when concerns are identified, a lease will be audited/inspected by the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA).

In addition to this system for checking data submitted by lessees, a number of random, on-site audits will be conducted annually to check that lessees are applying the principles of RCM correctly and accurately. This will entail DAFWA recording data from RCM sites and comparing this with data submitted by the lessee. The frequency of this type of auditing will be variable, but this is an important requirement to both ensure the accuracy of self reports and to enable the Board to ensure the rangeland resource is preserved.

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RCM will provide lessees with substantial information to assist them in their lease management as well as satisfying the Board’s requirements. By carefully carrying out the assessments and assessing all the data recorded, a lessee can have significant confidence in the conclusions that are drawn.

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ARCADIA: the new way to submit rangeland condition data The Annual Range Condition and Data Input Application (ARCADIA) is a web-based system that incorporates the input of rangeland condition monitoring, and eventually livestock and improvements information (formerly the Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements). Phase One of the new system will be rolled out in early 2013.

ARCADIA will give pastoralists the ability to enter information gathered from monitoring their rangelands, into a reporting database submitted directly to the PLB. The data collected from the fixed monitoring sites, will be used to develop the new Annual Return to be submitted to the PLB.

Benefits of ARCADIA The new electronic system will give pastoralists: • a streamlined method of data collection and submission • a confidential and secure resource for storing information • access to historical station related information • a user friendly and visual application • the ability to readily access information to use in lease monitoring and management.

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There will be helpline assistance available, and information sessions can be arranged by Rangelands Liaison Officers. Hard copy forms will still be available to those who prefer to submit their Annual Return by paper.

Rangeland Condition Monitoring training workshops held in the southern rangelands during September and October 2011 were well attended by pastoralists. Nineteen workshops covered the Carnarvon, Upper Gascoyne, Shark Bay, Wiluna, Meekatharra, Murchison, Cue, Yalgoo, Mt Magnet, Sandstone, Leonora, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Dundas (Nullarbor) Shires. In the southern rangelands, almost 300 stations were invited to workshops and two thirds attended.

The workshops for the northern rangelands were held in April and May 2012 and covered the Ashburton, Roebourne, East Pilbara, Broome, Derby-West Kimberley, Wyndham-East Kimberley and Halls Creek Shires. Over 50 stations where invited to participate in the northern workshops.

For further information on Rangeland Condition Monitoring or ARCADIA please call (08) 6552 4574 or visit RDL’s website at www.rdl.wa.gov.au

PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT More feet on the ground for the Pastoral Lands Unit The Department of Regional Development and Lands’ Pastoral Land Unit now has another person in the field, Rangelands Liaison Officer Emma Bazzana.

With Emma joining the team in Perth, pastoral lessees can expect more frequent visits from staff. Emma will be mostly focussing on the renewal of Diversification Permits in 2015 project and will be getting out and about in the southern rangelands.

Emma is currently studying Urban and Regional Planning at Curtin University, and expects to graduate in 2013. Emma commenced working at the Department of Housing in 2009, where she worked in close consultation with members of the public and local government organisations in her role as Acquisitions Officer.

Liaison Officers have broad and busy roles. Their focus is on industry development and they are keen to hear from pastoralists who are thinking about diversification possibilities. They can help lessees with questions they may have about their lease and are also involved with lessees and other stakeholders when issues arise about pastoral leases.

With Emma’s arrival to the team, RDL will sadly be saying their goodbye’s to Brian from 1 March as he has taken up a fantastic opportunity with the Department of Mines and Petroleum. Brian started with us on 14 April 2003, and over the last 10 years he has built a large network of contacts in the pastoral industry and beyond - where he is well known and greatly respected. In particular Brian was admired for his ability to talk straight, with no mincing of words, just the plain, sensible truth!

Brian Lloyd

During his time with RDL he has been the editor of Pastoral Lines Magazine, and produced the Travelling in Outback WA booklet. His dedication to his work is outstanding as he endeavours to be of as much assistance as he possibly can. Brian cares deeply about his work and he, and his vast knowledge about the pastoral industry, will be sorely missed.

You can contact Emma on (08) 6552 4715 or email emma.bazzana@rdl.wa.gov.au Brian is available until 1 March 2013 on (08) 9192 0237 or email brian.lloyd@rdl.wa.gov.au

Emma Bazzana 13

Agisting stock on pastoral leases Seasonal conditions in regions of the State sometimes cause concerns about preserving stock and pasture condition.

Lessees are encouraged to obtain the current policy statement for agistment before making an application. The policy is available online at www.rdl.wa.gov.au

One option may be agistment of stock on those pastoral leases that have experienced more favourable seasonal conditions over recent years and, in general, have good pastures.

Applications must be made by the registered lessee and may be addressed as below:

Written permission for agistment will be required from the PLB to do this.

Under the Land Administration Act 1997, the PLB is required to ensure that pastoral leases are managed on an ecologically sustainable basis. The Board needs to assess the effect of agistment proposals on the condition of the pastoral lease to be used.

To obtain permission the PLB must be provided with details of the agistment proposal including: • the duration of the agistment proposal (up to three years) • a statement on recent seasonal conditions (three years) • the number of livestock by type and class on hand • the number of livestock to be agisted by type and class • where on the lease agisted livestock will be located (i.e. whole of lease or specific paddock names and locations) • any other relevant management comments.

The Board will assess the proposal using office records wherever possible, to ensure a response in the shortest possible time.

Permission to allow agistment may be conditional. It is the pastoral lessee’s responsibility to monitor the impact of additional grazing on the rangeland to ensure land degradation does not occur.

Any subsequent changes to the initial details of the agistment must be supplied to the Board.

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The Chairperson Pastoral Lands Board PO Box 1143, West Perth Western Australia 6872 Alternatively, applications can be emailed to plb@rdl.wa.gov.au

Subleasing and agisting – what’s the difference?

An agistment is an arrangement for a finite period of up to three years where the pastoral leaseholder directly manages livestock owned by a third party on their own pastoral lease. For example, due to poor seasonal conditions in one area, Pastoralist A (or possibly a farmer from the agricultural area) enters into an arrangement for Pastoralist B to run and manage Pastoralist A’s stock on Pastoralist B’s lease. Pastoralist B needs to apply to the PLB for permission to agist.

However, if a third party seeks to run and directly manage their own livestock on a pastoral lease, this is a sublease. For example, if Pastoralist A wants to run and manage his own stock on part of Pastoralist B’s lease then Pastoralist B would need to apply to the PLB for permission to let Pastoralist A sublease part of Pastoralist B’s lease.

Under the Land Administration Act 1997, agistments require permission from the PLB while subleases require permission from the Minister for Lands.

PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT Subleasing of pastoral leases If a pastoral leaseholder wishes to sublease to a third party, prior approval from the Minister for Lands is required. Applications are received and considered by officers of RDL’s Pastoral Land Unit under delegated authority.

Where a sublease proposal will result in a registered interest in pastoral land exceeding 500,000ha, the Minister also considers the application in terms of the public interest. If the application is to sublease part of a pastoral lease, the PLB will consider the proposal and make a recommendation to the Minister.

Applications for permission to sublease part or whole of the lease must include: • the sublessee’s details and the area, whole or part, of the pastoral lease being subleased • acknowledgment that the pastoral leaseholder and not the sublessee will remain accountable to the PLB for any breaches of the Land Administration Act 1997 and any breaches by the sublessee will be the responsibility of the pastoral leaseholder • demonstrated evidence that the pastoral leaseholder is closely aware of the operations on the sublease. This can be demonstrated by providing copies of communication and administration arrangements between both the lessee and the sublessee.

Before applying for a sublease, the registered lessee needs to consider the following requirements of subleasing: • The purpose of the sublease cannot be inconsistent with that of the pastoral lease and land under a sublease can only be used for pastoral purposes.

• The lessee remains the primary contact point for the PLB for all matters pertaining to the land administration and operation of the lease.

In addition, the PLB may require an assessment of the condition of the rangeland subject to the sublease be conducted. This is to provide a baseline for the pastoral leaseholder in terms of the condition of the lease and may safeguard against any future disputes between the pastoral leaseholder and the sublessee on work required on the lease.

The PLB may also require further lease inspections during the term of the sublease.

The sublease documentation must be approved by the Pastoral Land Unit. This approval may be provided at the time of application for permission to sublease or later in the process. The sublease must be registered on the Certificate of Crown Land Title for the pastoral lease at Landgate within 14 days from the date Ministerial approval is endorsed on the documentation.

Lessees are encouraged to obtain the current policy statement for subleasing before making an application. The policy statement is available at www.rdl.wa.gov.au Applications for subleasing must be made by the registered lessee and may be addressed as below: Pastoral Land Unit Department of Regional Development and Lands PO Box 1143, West Perth Western Australia 6872 Alternatively, applications can be emailed to plb@rdl.wa.gov.au For initial enquiries phone (08) 6552 4574.

• The lessee must ensure the sublessee(s) records and maintains information to the satisfaction of the pastoral leaseholder and that this requirement is detailed in the sublease to enable the pastoral leaseholder to provide to the PLB a consolidated ‘Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements’ for the lease.

• The lessee should ensure the sublessee is aware of any obligations the lessee has regarding PLB directives in relation to the subleased land, although the lessee is responsible to the PLB for adhering to these directives.

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Selling and transferring a pastoral lease RDL is involved with the sale and transfer of pastoral leases. Under sections 18 and 134 of the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA), a pastoral lease cannot be offered for sale or transferred without first obtaining written approval from the Minister.

Applications for permission to sell are assessed under delegated authority whenever possible.

The process comprises four stages: 1. The registered lessee applies to for permission to sell. Once permission is granted, the property may be offered for sale.

2. The proposed purchaser applies for approval for the transfer. Once Ministerial approval is granted, the transfer documentation is completed and submitted for endorsement.

3. Ministerial approval is endorsed on executed and stamped transfer documentation. Once this approval is obtained, settlement may occur.

4. After settlement, the transfer documentation is lodged by the purchaser at Landgate for registration.

To offer a station for sale applications in writing requesting permission to sell must be submitted. Applications must be signed by the registered lessee.

To consider a request, RDL will need to conduct a number of checks and referrals in order to ascertain the status of the lease in relation to rent payments, range condition, etc. In some cases, an on ground inspection of range condition, pastoral infrastructure and permit activities may be required.

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Once RDL has assessed the application and permission to sell is granted, the lessee will be advised of the sale and transfer conditions. Permission to sell is valid for 12 months. Should a sale not eventuate within this time and if the property is to remain on the market, a new application needs to be submitted.

Get ‘Permission to Sell’ before advertising the station for sale Pastoralists (or their agents) offering leases for sale without prior approval are in breach of the LAA. If a prospective purchaser makes a written offer that is accepted by the vendor before permission to sell is granted, issues may arise when the proposed purchaser applies for permission to transfer. Through the application process, the proposed purchaser receives copies of documents with specific directives, obligations and requirements that are to be addressed in writing, as part of their application. For example, specific requirements might relate to stocking levels, infrastructure repair, de-stocking an area or closure of waters.

The proposed purchaser may not have knowledge of these requirements prior to making their offer and this may result in disagreements with the selling pastoralist and agent. In such situations RDL, the Board and the Minister are bound by the due process required under the LAA. It should be noted that approval to transfer will not be granted if there are any outstanding obligations or requirements. These include requirements for development plans, submission of Annual Return of Livestock and Improvements and payment of outstanding rent.

PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT The purchaser’s role The purchaser must apply for Ministerial approval for the transfer, addressing the conditions of transfer. Eligibility is assessed in terms of: • the State Government Foreign Ownership of Pastoral Lease Policy (currently 50 per cent Australian equity) • maximum area limitation (transfers resulting in holdings of over 500,000 hectares are initially assessed by RDL, but must be granted by the Minister for Lands).

Other standard conditions with which the purchaser must agree to comply include:

In circumstances where a partner in a pastoral lease wishes to sell his or her share to the other partner(s) or a whole or part of the lease is being sold to another family member, prior Ministerial approval is also required. The proposed purchasers will still need to agree to comply with the standard conditions and any existing Board directives applied to the lease. In addition, eligibility needs to be assessed in terms of the Foreign Ownership Policy and the maximum area limitation.

Applications for permission to sell are to be addressed to: Department of Regional Development Pastoral Lands PO Box 1143 West Perth, WA 6872

• the requirements of Parts 7, 9 and 10 of the LAA and provisions of the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945

Alternatively, applications and queries can be sent via email to plb@rdl.wa.gov.au or faxed to (08) 6552 4420.

• submission of a development plan, including evidence of financial capacity to manage the lease and details of proposed management.

Enquiries can be made by phoning (08) 6552 4574.

Full details of the transfer conditions are provided in the permission to sell letter and associated documentation.

Following Ministerial approval of a transfer, settlement can occur.

A completed and stamped (stamp duty paid) ‘Transfer of Land’ document must be submitted to RDL for Ministerial approval and lodged at Landgate for registration.

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Outstanding pastoral lease rent RDL is responsible for the administration of pastoral leases, including the collection of lease rent.

RDL has been mindful of circumstances affecting the pastoral industry over the past few years and adopted a moderated approach to rent collection. However, the department is now taking a tougher stance with regard to lessees who fall behind in the rent payments, particularly those who have arrears that have accrued over a number of years.

Pastoralists are reminded they have entered into a legally binding agreement and have a responsibility to pay rent when it falls due.

RDL has a responsibility to the government and to the Western Australian public to collect that rent on their behalf.

RDL’s actions with regard to rent collection are guided by the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA), which includes a provision for the Pastoral Lands Board to issue a default notice requiring a lessee to remedy a breach of the LAA, including non-payment of rent. The penalties for failure to comply with a default notice are substantial, therefore pastoralists need to liaise with RDL in relation to payment of their outstanding rent arrears, as soon as they are aware they may have problems.

If a pastoralist is experiencing financial hardship as a result of poor economic conditions in the pastoral industry or is affected by a disaster, they can discuss the option of a payment plan with an RDL representative. If they are unable to pay, they may apply to the Board for rent relief.

Please contact the Department of Regional Development and Lands’ Finance Officer on (08) 6552 4603 to discuss pastoral lease rent payment options.

Lessees urged to pass on information to station managers When pastoral lessees are off-site and have a manager running the lease, it is important that the lessee continues to pass on information relating to the operation of the pastoral lease to the manager.

Some of this information relates to PLB directives, such as the closure of a water point, or the lessee’s obligations in running the lease. If the manager is unaware of these directives, requirements or obligations, the lessee may put themselves in a situation where they are breaching the conditions of the pastoral lease, which can lead to serious consequences.

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In addition to PLB directives, information that is vital to be passed onto the manager includes: • any Diversification Permit • the Rangeland Condition Assessment • the station plan, showing the land types.

Lessees are asked to ensure their managers have a copy of all this information to ensure they are not breaching lease conditions.

To request a copy of any of this information to pass on to managers, or to update the station manager’s emergency contact details, please call the Department of Regional Development and Lands’ Pastoral Land Unit on (08) 6552 4574.

PASTORAL LEASE MANAGEMENT Livestock trespass Livestock trespass occasionally arises as an issue between pastoral lessees, and between pastoralists and other landholders or land managers.

Generally, livestock trespass issues are determined within the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960. There are also provisions in the Crimes Act 1914 regarding trespass of livestock onto Commonwealth land, and under the Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945 in respect to any soil conservation reserve.

Impounding stock A local government may establish and maintain public pounds, and can appoint rangers. Stock found trespassing on land may be impounded in the nearest public pound by the owner, occupier of the land or by a ranger.

Where stock are not impounded, and it is proved to the satisfaction of a Justice of the Peace (JP) that it is not possible to impound the stock except at undue expense and that the owner of the stock is unknown or cannot be found, the JP may order the destruction of the stock in a manner he or she thinks fit.

Where there is not a public pound situated within five kilometres of the land, or if the pound cannot fit all the stock, the owner or occupier of land on which stock are found trespassing may impound the stock: a. upon his land; or b. by arrangement with the owner of any adjacent land, upon that land.

This also applies to livestock found wandering, straying or lying upon the road abutting the property.

Notice may be given at the last known place of abode of the owner. b. If the owner of the stock is unknown to him, advise the nearest public pound keeper of the impounding, providing the same details as in (a).

Recovery of costs The law also says a person who impounds stock shall feed and maintain them while they are impounded.

The owner or occupier who impounds the stock may claim and recover sustenance charges in addition to damages recoverable for the trespass of the stock on their land.

After 72 hours, if the owner of the stock has not paid to the owner or occupier of the land who impounded the stock the amount of damages for the trespass of stock, together with the charges for the sustenance of the stock, the person may: a. impound the stock in the nearest public pound or b. arrange with the local government for the sale of the stock.

If stock found trespassing upon land has been impounded, the owner of the stock may pay any sums claimed for damage, sustenance, or rangers’ fees before the stock has actually been impounded. Upon payment, the stock shall be released.

The 15th Schedule to the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960 sets out fees for the sustenance of livestock while impounded and rates for damage by trespass.

In all situations, pastoralists should consult with their local government before taking any action in relation to stock trespass.

In addition, they may need to seek legal advice.

The law says that a person impounding stock shall, within 24 hours of taking that action: a. If the owner of the stock is known to him, advise of the impounding, together with details of: • the number and kind of animals impounded • where they were found trespassing • the sum claimed for the animals’ sustenance • the sum claimed for damage, if any • the name of the person who impounded them • the sum, if any, paid as rangers’ fees.

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WA Police Regional Crime Coordinator: a pivotal role for crime investigation

by Detective Sergeant David Byrne, WA Police In 2011 the position of Regional Crime Coordinator was created to focus on rural crime investigation coordination, delivery of stock investigation training to the WA Police and to provide a reference point within the Police for liaison with rural industry representatives.

This role sees me dealing with a variety of stakeholders, both Government and industry-based, to achieve the best outcomes for people affected by crime.

In 2009, after the closure of the Rural Crime Squad, WA Police entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Agriculture and Food resulting in the creation of their Livestock Compliance Unit (LCU).

The LCU assists WA Police by providing industry information, expertise and practical skills during the investigation of livestock related crime. An example of this assistance was a recent joint operation targeting livestock movements to the Muchea Livestock Centre, which saw 18 stock trucks inspected and 13 cautions issued for either failure to complete National Vendor Declarations (NVD’s) correctly or transportation of unmarked cattle.

A common misconception is that the LCU is now the agency responsible for investigation of criminal offences involving livestock, which is incorrect. This responsibility will always remain with Police.

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Responsibilities of the Livestock Compliance Unit • Animal welfare monitoring, investigation and enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 in partnership with the RSPCA primarily in the livestock sector • Working with the RSPCA, where appropriate, investigating reports of cruelty to livestock • Administering animal welfare legislation • Licensing institutions that supply or use animals for scientific purposes • Monitoring scientific licensees for compliance with the Act and other requirements • Authorising General Inspectors to report suspected animal cruelty call the RSPCA WA on (08) 9209 9300 or 1300 278 3589 (country callers only)

STOCK Permanent identification of stock and accurate records are vital

by Detective Sergeant David Byrne, WA Police With current market demand seeing the value of cattle and sheep rising, I am still amazed when Police receive reports that livestock are missing and a large percentage were unmarked.

The ‘permanent’ identification of your livestock is ultimately the most important process in registering ownership of your property.

The requirement under the Stock (Identification and Movement) Act 1970 in pastoral areas is that this be completed within 18 months or before removal from the property of birth, but producers are encouraged to take every opportunity to mark their stock at the earliest opportunity.

The advent of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) system and the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ear-tag/ bolus does not remove the requirement to earmark/brand. NLIS is only complementary to this permanent form of identification.

Producers are also encouraged to keep accurate records of stock births, movements and deaths as these provide the backbone for any prosecution, should livestock be stolen.

Did you Know...

Stock Routes Stock routes and other types of reserves are not part of a pastoral lease. It is acknowledged that such reserves are mostly managed by pastoralists with their adjoining pastoral lease, however you should be aware of exactly where other types of tenure are in relation to your lease boundaries. In particular, pastoralists should ensure that major items of infrastructure, such as homesteads, bores and stockyards, are not built on these other types of land tenure.

For further information, please contact Brian Lloyd, Pastoral Liaison Officer, Department of Regional Development and Lands on (08) 9192 0237.

Boundary Musters Pastoral boundary musters continue to bring about complaints of impropriety on behalf of neighbours when mustering common boundaries or adjoining Crown land without a neighbour’s knowledge.

An attitude of ‘first in, best dressed’ often leads to conflict - and be assured that the marking of a cleanskin calf off a neighbour’s cow is stealing.

To promote good relations between neighbours I recommend joint musters, allowing time for cattle to settle and mother up, and returning or notifying your neighbour of any straying cattle.

We ask that you take every opportunity to report all crime or suspicious behaviour to your local police station, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. All information is treated as confidential.

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Animal welfare in the rangelands Livestock management practices are coming under closer scrutiny by the media, community and animal welfare organisations. The ready availability of digital cameras, smart phones, and satellite connected computers means that what happens in the rangelands today can be viewed in the New York Times and on Facebook tomorrow.

“This is being achieved in part by a greater presence of DAFWA inspectors at livestock congregation points, such as saleyards and feedlots.”

“Regulation and enforcement are used where appropriate as part of the suite of measures designed to achieve the best possible animal welfare.” he said.

It is important then that the rangeland pastoral industry sends a clear message that animal welfare is important, and that high standards are being practised. To achieve these standards, pastoralists need to consider all aspects of livestock management and transport, and to make changes where required.

Western Australia’s pastoral areas are serviced by two animal welfare general inspectors – Roland Nicholls based in Broome and Bevan Wooldridge based in Moora. These experienced inspectors have a wealth of knowledge in livestock management, and have completed extensive training in all aspects of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The importance of animal welfare was emphasised by the State Government in July 2011 with an increase in funding and the transfer of responsibility for the Animal Welfare Act 2002 to the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA). The Government had also boosted funding to the RSPCA.

As part of cross-agency collaboration, RSPCA (WA) receives reports of animal cruelty on (08) 9209 9300 and 1300 278 358 (country callers only). Reports are investigated by general inspectors appointed from DAFWA, RSPCA (WA) or other government departments.

DAFWA’s Director General Rob Delane said this new role has created an integrated approach to animal welfare protection, with greater support and stronger agency, industry and community partnerships for improved animal welfare outcomes.

More information about animal welfare, including codes of practice for various livestock industries, is available on DAFWA’s website at www.agric.wa.gov.au

“Animal welfare is the responsibility of every person taking care of an animal.”

“DAFWA’s state-wide network of inspectors and veterinarians, existing surveillance services and expertise in animal health, combined with RSPCA (WA) resources is contributing to successful state-wide delivery.”

Mr Delane said a key DAFWA function in animal welfare was the promotion and monitoring of responsible animal care, including compliance with nationally agreed standards and codes of practice.

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copyright © Western Australian Agriculture Authority, 2012.

STOCK Introduction of livestock transport regulations It is expected that livestock transport regulations will be introduced in Western Australia during 2013. This means that pastoralists and livestock transporters will need to be aware of and comply with the new regulations.

The regulations are based on the nationally agreed livestock transport standards which were endorsed by Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) in 2009. The PIMC agreement followed a long period of development and consultation with the various livestock sectors including the cattle industry, the State and Federal Governments and animal welfare groups. There was also a public consultation phase.

Regulations to underpin the land transport standards are also being introduced in other States and Territories during 2013.

The livestock transport standards aim to ensure that the welfare of animals is not unduly compromised during transport, which in pastoral areas is often over long distances. Everyone who prepares, transports or receives livestock at any destination in Australia must comply with these regulations.

Is it fit to load?

Livestock must be assessed as fit for the intended journey at every loading. An animal is not fit if it is: • unable to walk on its own by bearing weight on all legs; • severely emaciated (very poor condition); • visibly dehydrated;

A pocket guide, ‘Is it fit to load?’ can be used to assist decisionmaking and is available on the MLA website at www.mla.com.au The total time off-water for cattle, sheep and goats over six months old must not exceed 48 hours. This time includes mustering, yarding and loading – wherever the livestock do not have access to water. The maximum time off-water varies for other classes of cattle, sheep and goats such as young or pregnant animals.

Livestock Compliance Unit Inspectors General Inspectors from DAFWA’s Livestock Compliance Unit (LCU) routinely visit livestock aggregation points to ensure compliance with animal welfare and stock identification and movement requirements. The aggregation points include saleyards, abattoirs, ports and some feedlots.

The LCU’s primary activity is to monitor for compliance with legislation and assist industry and producers to comply through education and advice. However, any serious or repeated noncompliance would risk prosecution.

The agreed livestock transport standards and other relevant documents can be viewed at www.animalwelfarestandards.net.au Contacts for enquiries: Interpretation of standards: Charlotte McIntyre (08) 9892 8511 Development of standards: Richard Norris (08) 9368 3637

• showing signs of severe injury or distress; • suffering from conditions that are likely to cause increased pain or distress during transport; • blind in both eyes; • known to be or visually assessed to be within two weeks of parturition (giving birth), unless the water deprivation time and journey is less than four hours duration to another property.

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Pastoralists provide valuable information about wild dogs in the rangelands Government agencies now have a better insight into the state of wild dogs in Western Australia as a result of information provided by pastoralists through their Annual Returns of Livestock and Improvements.

Since 2004 lessees have provided useful information about the number, movement and impact of wild dogs on their properties.

The rangeland-wide trend in financial losses due to wild dogs, as recorded in the Annual Returns, shows increased losses across all stock-types over the past few years (Fig. 1.)

Total reported stock losses as a result of wild dog impact increased from $2.4 million in 2007 to $6.5 million in 2010.

The upswing in total losses is largely due to increased financial losses of calves and ‘other’ stock. This is likely to reflect onground changes in pastoral enterprises. Increased losses associated with calves and ‘other’ stock may, in part, reflect enterprise changes away from sheep in recent years. The increased financial losses associated with ‘other’ stock may also reflect increased use of rangeland goats as a resource over this time.

This information has helped the State Government prioritise investment in wild dog strategies including: • $5 million for the construction of new vermin control fencing at the ‘Yilgarn Gap’ • Installation of lapwire to the existing State Barrier Fence to upgrade it to wild dog standard • Approvals and stage one construction of the Esperance Extension to the State Barrier Fence.

Fig. 1: Reported value of stock losses due to wild dog impact on WA pastoral properties (Source: PLB Annual returns)

Eight additional doggers have also been appointed in the past two years and now there are a total of 22 from the Murchison to the SouthCoast.

Ongoing participation and accurate reporting by lessees is essential to developing a comprehensive picture of what is happening in the rangelands. The Annual Returns provide an unbroken time-line of consistent, quality data that is a valuable resource for government departments and industry bodies.

For further information on DAFWA’s State Wild Dog project contact Emily Lewis on (08) 9780 6192.

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STOCK The Muchea Livestock Centre

By Dave Saunders, Support Services Manager, WA Meat Industry Authority, Midland

The Muchea Livestock Centre (MLC), operated by the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority, held its first sale on the 3 May 2010 and has now completed its first two years of operation.

The MLC, is fully roofed, has water to all holding pens, soft flooring for cattle and meets the highest environmental, animal welfare and occupational health and safety requirements.

During the past two years, more than 190,000 cattle and 1.1 million sheep have been sold through the facility, along with 100,000 cattle units and 110,000 sheep units transhipped through the centre.

While sale numbers have been impacted by seasonal and market conditions, significant growth has occurred in the Centre’s use as a transhipment centre. It was a central point for the aggregation of stock purchased by eastern states buyers in 2010 and is used by a major beef processor as an overflow lairage. Its facilities allow the best preparation possible for stock for further transportation or holding.

The MLC has been designed to maximise returns to producers and provide lower operating costs to all the centre users. The Authority continues to work towards improving the facility. In 2011, three major improvements were:

Pastoral industry supported Support from the pastoral sector remains key to the viability of the MLC operations and is not solely for sale cattle. With the modern Thompson Longhorn drafts and individual weighing equipment, mixed consignments can be accurately prepared for any market intended - whether live export, processor, saleyard or feedlot. Cattle can be pregnancy tested or aged-assessed through the saleyard to maximise returns. Store cattle can be aggregated over time for a special or store sale.

Lyndon is available at all times to discuss the services provided by the MLC or other services that may br required. Follow us on the MLC online at www.wamia.wa.gov.au or in the monthly Muchea News features in Farm Weekly.

More information Renata Paliskis, Chief Executive Phone: (08) 9274 7533 Email: renata@wamia.wa.gov.au Lyndon Henning, Manager, Muchea Livestock Centre Phone: 0448 064 304 Email: lyndon.henning@wamia.wa.gov.au

• The appointment of Mr Lyndon Henning as full time Manager.

Lyndon’s background is farming in the Koorda area and practical business management. He is a local resident of Muchea. His full time presence allows the centre to run smoothly and provides a central contact for its activities.

• The approval of the MLC as an AQIS registered Export Depot, which gives the MLC the ability to act as an overflow depot in periods of peak demand.

• Introduction of legislation to allow reduction of yard fees for volume vendors.

Further improvements are planned for the near future, the most significant being the relocation of the platform scales from the Midland Saleyard, which will supplement the single weighing system and allow for quicker processing of export lines.

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Kimberley and Nullarbor rangeland surveys now available Two rangeland survey reports released by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) promise to deliver enormous benefits for the State’s pastoral regions.

Agricultural Resource Risk Management Executive Director John Ruprecht said the Kimberley and Nullarbor reports would assist pastoralists to plan for the sustainable use of rangeland areas.

The resource descriptions would also help guide new agricultural developments while protecting the landscapes for future generations.

“The Inventory and Condition Survey of the Western Australian part of the Nullarbor Region and the Land Systems of the Kimberley Region Report are considered to be unparalleled throughout Australia,” Mr Ruprecht said.

“They provide an incredibly detailed and accurate record of the natural resources found in the Kimberley and Nullarbor rangeland areas, and they also describe the condition of these resources.

“With this knowledge in hand, industry can develop without the depletion or degradation of the natural resources on which they rely. Also, agriculture can develop without impacting on our unique Western Australian landscapes.”

Survey Teams The Land Systems of the Kimberley Region Report describes and maps the landscapes, soils and vegetation of the Kimberley region. This report brings together in a single, standardised document some 70 years worth of rangelands data, undertaken not only by DAFWA but also the CSIRO, Landgate, and the Department of Environment and Conservation. The report was compiled by Noel Schoknecht and Phil Goulding and also captures the knowledge of now retired rangelands advisor Alan Payne. It categorises more than 330,000km2 of the Kimberley rangelands into 111 land systems.

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The Nullarbor Inventory and Condition Survey reports on the existence and condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems and declared plants and animals. This survey took some five years to complete by the survey team, which included PJ Waddell, Alicia Gardner, Peter Hennig and Sonny Vitale. They travelled across 118,358km², stopping every kilometre to assess each site’s soil, land and vegetative resources.

In the Nullarbor region particularly, pastoralism is a relatively young industry and therefore there is now a window of opportunity to put in place strategies. While the report found that most of the Nullarbor was in a reasonable condition, there are some areas at risk that will require remedial action.

Mr Ruprecht said the Nullarbor survey was the 13th to be conducted and published by the department, with all of Western Australia’s rangelands now surveyed except for the Southern Goldfields region.

“Both reports are the first survey reports to be published that cover the entire Kimberley and Nullarbor rangelands regions of WA,” Mr Ruprecht said.

“Importantly, these surveys assess the impact of pastoralism and make land management recommendations, including recommended carrying capacities for each pastoral lease.”

ENVIRONMENT Rangelands NRM WA Rangelands NRM WA is a not-for-profit, nonaligned community group which works with landholders and groups who are interested in the sustainable use and management of the environment.

Their region covers more than 2.3 million square kilometres – approximately 87 per cent of Western Australia’s landmass and 75 per cent of the coastline. Rangelands NRM WA is the largest of the 56 NRM regions throughout Australia.

Through the current Caring for our Country (CforC) Commonwealth funding, Rangelands NRM WA has invested more than $7 million over 34 projects throughout the Western Australian rangelands.

The Board of Management is made up of community and State agency stakeholders who govern the organisational activities. The 2012 Board Members are: Independent Chair: Bill Mitchell Community Representatives: Chris Mitchell (Vice Chair), Dick Pasfield (Secretary/Treasurer), Sean D’Arcy, David Pollock, Mike Clark, Regina Flugge, Peter Jeffries, Donna Murdock and Darren Farmer.

Associated Board Members: Sandra Van Vreeswyk (Department of Agriculture and Food), Daryl Moncrieff (Department of Environment and Conservation), Adam Maskew (Department of Water), Laurie Caporn (Department of Fisheries), Brian Lloyd (Department of Regional Development and Lands), Mark Batty (WA Local Goverment Association), Barbara Morrell (State NRM) and Margot Sharpe (CforC).

Membership of Rangelands NRM WA is open to anyone interested in WA’s natural resources. Contact the Head Office on (08) 9485 8930 for more information.

Regional Landcare Facilitators Through the Commonwealth’s CforC funding, Rangelands NRM WA has employed Regional Landcare Facilitators. The Landcare Facilitators are part of a national network that link and support community landcare and production groups participating in sustainable land management practices.

The Landcare Facilitators are: Melanie McDonald, Northern Rangelands: melaniem@rangelandswa.com.au and Alex Harper – Central Rangelands: alexh@rangelandswa.com.au They provide an interface between regional bodies, industry groups, R&D organisations and provide feedback to the Australian Government and the National Landcare Facilitator network.

A major role of the Landcare Facilitators is to promote opportunities for groups and networks to access public and private funds to benefit sustainable farm and land management practices.

Sustainable Pastoralism Program The Rangelands Sustainable Pastoralism Program provides ideal opportunities for pastoralists to further implement their existing Ecologically Sustainable Rangelands Management plans while at the same time leveraging off Bestprac-style Action Learning Groups which support the development of skills and knowledge transfer.

So, what makes this program different to past programs?

The Sustainable Pastoralism Program encourages team members to experience and analyse the success of individual projects.

An important outcome of the project is to establish active learning, which can be through field trips or specific field-based projects where people come together on a regular basis to discuss project progress and see the results. The purpose of group action learning is to encourage team members to experience and analyse the success of individual projects, find solutions to underplaying root problems, determine new strategic directions, and maximise new opportunities before adopting similar projects on their own properties.

More information on Rangelands NRM WA programs and projects can be obtained by contacting John Silver, Program Manager by email johns@rangelandswa.com.au or phone (08) 9192 5771.

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Grader schools save time, money and soil Many pastoralists throughout the Kimberley and Pilbara have taken advantage of Rangelands NRM Western Australia’s free ‘grader schools’ in the last year. These hands-on one day sessions provide a practical approach to dealing with erosion before it becomes serious.

Attendees receive instruction from Darryl Hill of Soil Save in Katherine, Northern Territory, who travels to Western Australia to deliver sessions around the State. Participants are shown the best methods of constructing short but effective earthworks for their station.

They use a level and staff to peg out diversion banks to a standard, which deals with water safely to prevent and fix erosion problems.

Once the banks are pegged, a grader constructs them so participants can see first-hand the dimensions needed.

Melanie McDonald, Regional Landcare Facilitator based in Broome, said that it is essential to use the right equipment in the correct manner.

“We all know water can cause problems along tracks and fencelines,” she said.

“These workshops demonstrate to pastoralists what can be done to address this.”

Melanie believes this practical knowledge is valuable for pastoralists, as prevention is better (and far cheaper) than cure when it comes to dealing with erosion problems.

For further information about the grader schools, call Melanie on (08) 9191 7206 or email melaniem@rangelandswa.com.au

‘Seeing the rain’ will transform WA’s weather forecasts Since November 2012, Western Australian pastoralists now have access to seven-day forecasts for more than 50 locations, and by mid2013 they will be able obtain a forecast for almost anywhere in the State.

These exciting developments are courtesy of the Bureau of Meteorology’s new digital system which will provide pastoralists with a graphical presentation of rainfall probability and timing for their locality for seven days in advance.

The system will not only offer users forecasts for individual locations but also a map-based system that will allow for animations of elements such as winds, temperature and rainfall up to seven days out.

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When the mapping system comes online in 2013, users will be able to overlay weather observations, radar loops and satellite imagery on to maps showing the topography, roads, rivers, and river catchments.

Together, these two developments will allow pastoralists unparalleled access to weather information, both actual and forecast.

Detailed district forecasts The new products from the system represent the greatest transformation in easily understood forecasts since the Bureau went online in the 1990s.

ENVIRONMENT District forecasts will be available for four days, with wind information specified in kilometres per hour rather than just general descriptions.

The software behind the system releases forecasters from the traditional burdens of typing out forecasts and allows them to concentrate on refining the guidance from multiple computer models from around the world.

Locally developed applications allow forecasters to further refine this guidance and the system then takes over to automatically generate the output in many forms.

Already in place in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, it is expected the system will be as valued in Western Australia as it is now in those States.

In addition to the improvements in forecast production, Bureau scientists are also striving for increased understanding of the atmosphere.

An example of this is the monitoring of the oceans by surface, sub-surface and satellite instruments. This is helping Bureau scientists to better understand the interactions between the atmosphere and the oceans, which in turn allows for better monitoring and prediction of El Nino or La Nina events.

Weather stations Ground level and balloon data still remains essential and some 600 automatic weather stations installed across the continent since the 1990s provide forecasters with vital information about the state of the atmosphere.

This is expensive infrastructure, especially in the more harsh Western Australian climates. In particular, the Bureau has heavy costs maintaining facilities like its offshore automatic weather stations critical to our cyclone monitoring.

The Bureau also works continually to refine longer-term services such as the Seasonal Climate Outlooks and future major infrastructure projects, like the State’s highways and railroads.

Benefits from revision of the design rainfall estimates (intensity, frequency, duration) will reflect possible impacts of climate change.

Scientists continue to seek insights into regional phenomena through the Bureau’s contribution to the Western Australian Indian Ocean Climate Initiative, which is improving our knowledge of how the Indian Ocean Dipole and other elements impact on Australian weather.

For more information visit www.bom.gov.au

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The Pastoral Fence Working Group The Pastoral Fence Working Group was formed to review current road reserve fencing responsibilities, legislative requirements, polices and management practices aimed at improving road safety in pastoral regions and make recommendations to government on strategies and actions for improved effectiveness and outcomes.

The Group’s objectives were to: • understand the safety performance and outcomes achieved from fencing • discuss and agree on the requirements of the fencing road reserves in pastoral areas • explore supplementary and alternative approaches to fencing • examine and explore options for the provision and maintenance of fencing road reserves in pastoral regions • report to the Minister for Transport with recommendations

by December 2011.

The Group comprised members from: • Main Roads Western Australia • Pastoral Lands Board • Department of Regional Development and Lands • Pastoralists and Graziers Association • Department of Environment and Conservation • Western Australian Local Government Association • Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia.

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They were also supported by other agencies such as WA Police, FESA, Office of Road Safety, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies and the Insurance Commission of WA.

Stakeholder workshop In October 2011, the Group held a workshop, at which stakeholders expressed their organisations views and positions.

The workshop also gained industry expertise from representatives of both the Office of Road Safety and the Department of Transport.

Lively debate ensued, resulting in a robust framework for recommendations to be made in the final report to the Minister for Transport.

The final report, the product of nine months of engagement with stakeholders, was signed off by all of the Groups representatives.

The report included eight sections covering data analysis on crash sites and fence condition, current State policies and fencing policies in other jurisdictions and potential solutions related to roads and stock. The report also contained six recommendations to the Minister for Transport which are currently under consideration.

For further information, contact Mohammad Siddiqui at Main Roads Western Australia on (08) 9323 4343 or email mohammad.siddiqui@mainroads.wa.gov.au

FEATURES Mineral Titles Investigation and Enforcement Branch working with pastoralists The Department of Mines and Petroleum’s (DMP) Mineral Titles Investigation and Enforcement Branch (IEB) has recently undertaken a State-wide campaign to encourage reporting of suspected illegal mining activity.

The primary role of IEB is to conduct investigations into alleged breaches of the Mining Act 1978 and other legislation administered by DMP, including the preparation and progress of prosecutions in the Magistrates Court.

IEB also provides assistance to various environmental compliance areas of DMP where it is suspected that conditions on tenements issued by DMP have been breached.

The Perth-based Branch, originally created in 2004, spends a considerable amount of time in regional Western Australia as it responds to complaints and conducts investigations across the State’s entire 2.5 million km2.

While the specialised Branch only employs two staff, together they have 45 years of experience with WA Police.

IEB General Manager, Kevin Mancini, said the Branch has excellent technical support including GPS technology that enables specific tenements and locations to be pinpointed when in the field.

“Pastoral activities and mining activities are perhaps the most significant and important commercial activities undertaken in Western Australia,” said Mr Mancini at the 2010 Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) Pastoral Conference.

A number of issues have been raised by pastoralists including: • the rights of prospectors to enter and camp on pastoral leases • interference to pastoral activities by prospectors • organised prospecting tours on pastoral leases • the rights of pastoralists to secure gates • environmental issues arising from commercial mining activity on pastoral leases • pastoralists raising objections in the Wardens Court to applications for mining tenements on their leases.

IEB meets regularly with the PGA, so members of the association are advised to initially raise any mining related issues with them.

Alternatively, issues can be reported directly to IEB via email at ieb@dmp.wa.gov.au As IEB spend a large amount of their time in regional areas, telephoning them is not always practical. However IEB can be contacted on (08) 9222 3701 or (08) 9222 3565 and they will return your call as soon as possible.

For more information visit www.dmp.wa.gov.au/13601.aspx

“Both revolve entirely around the use of land and both always have the potential to conflict with each other. It is therefore essential all parties work together.”

“IEB are always happy to meet with pastoralists on their station to see first hand the issues confronting them and work with them to find solutions to those issues,” Mr Mancini said.

Following the conference IEB has continued to work closely with the PGA and has committed a significant amount of time in liaising with pastoralists to assist them in addressing a variety of issues.

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Regional Development Australia Committees – What’s in it for the pastoral industry?

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is an Australian Government initiative that brings together the Australian, State, Territory and Local Governments to support the growth and development of regional communities. There is a national network of 55 RDA committees funded by the Australian Government.

RDA committees build partnerships with all levels of government, local businesses, community groups and key regional stakeholders to provide strategic and targeted responses to economic, environmental and social issues affecting regional Australia. In Western Australia, there are eight regionally-based RDA Committees along with one RDA Advisory Board for the Perth metropolitan area.

The areas covered by the regional RDA committees align with the State Government’s Regional Development Commission boundaries.

Covering Western Australian pastoral areas are RDA Kimberley in Broome, RDA Pilbara in Karratha, RDA Mid West Gascoyne in Geraldton and RDA Goldfields-Esperance in Kalgoorlie. The eight regional RDA Committees are not-for-profit, community-based incorporated associations.

Committee membership is crucial for effective functioning. The RDA Kimberley Committee is made up of regional leaders from a number of fields with a sound knowledge of the issues affecting the Kimberley and neighbouring regions. The Chair and seven members are situated throughout the East and West Kimberley.

One of the main roles of the Committee is to provide a conduit between the Commonwealth and the regional community.

Other key roles include: The development of a Regional Plan which describes the region, its attributes, industry and employment base. The plans sets out the economic, environmental and social vision for the region, articulates the drivers of change and lists the priorities for action.

• Providing advice on funding opportunities available to regional communities from the Australian, State and Territory governments. The Committee facilitates this through a monthly newsletter.

• Contributing to planning processes with other regional stakeholders and conducting workshops to build the skills that businesses and community organisations need, such as succession planning for small organisations, developing governance skills, writing successful grant submissions and contract management.

RDA Committees assist the pastoral industry in the regions wherever possible. For example, the Kimberley RDA Committee provided advice and feedback to the Commonwealth about the 2011 suspension of live cattle exports, along with feedback on economic and social impacts the ban was having on the region and the issues that continued after the ban was lifted.

RDA Committees can also support the pastoral industry by conducting workshops of interest and providing information on funding and grants.

For further information regarding Regional Development Australia please contact the RDA office in your area. RDA Committees are always seeking community input into regional issues. To contact your local RDA Committee office visit www.rda.gov.au and click on the map of Western Australia.

In the Kimberley, contact Chris Mitchell, Executive Officer on (08) 9192 2450, email eo@rdakimberley.com.au or visit www.rdakimberley.com.au

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FEATURES Training for the pastoral industry Western Australia’s pastoral industry is well served by the Kimberley Training Institute (KTI), the Durack Institute of Technology (in the Midwest and Gascoyne) and the Goldfields Institute of Technology, providing people in the regions the ability to access high quality pastoral training.

The KTI pastoral training group offers quality, practical and relevant training to the local pastoral industry. Training is available to all people in the industry and aims at improving their level of knowledge, experience and skill in pastoral activities.

KTI courses provide formal qualifications, from Certificate I to Certificate IV levels or alternatively a Skills Set course is available to improve skills in areas such as pasture, animal or business management. Formal qualifications can help with gaining work in a variety of roles such as stockmen, agents, contractors and property managers.

Why get a formal qualification?

Formal qualifications demonstrate to prospective employers the ability to undertake general pastoral activities and understanding issues such as business and staff management. A qualification at a higher level (such as the Cert IV and Diploma levels) demonstrates the ability to apply skills such as business management, staff issues, budgeting, applied animal, pasture and natural resource management.

Undertaking formal study also provides a good stepping stone for those considering going to university or higher education. It provides a solid practical background for theoretical training at the higher education level, and assists in developing good study and time management techniques.

Training and qualifications improve the pastoral industry by ensuring a sound theoretical understanding and a skills base is maintained in the industry.

What training do you undertake?

When undertaking Cert I, II or III studies, practical work of activities will be undertaken including mustering, riding, caring for and shoeing horses, fencing, maintaining water supplies, working within occupational health and safety, animal welfare and environmental legislative frameworks. Animal husbandry processes will also be included including branding, earmarking, health treatments and a basic knowledge of animal feed requirements, pasture management, machinery maintenance and operation and staff management.

At the Cert IV and Diploma level, participants develop staff management skills as well as advanced skills in managing station resources. Training in budgeting and business management will develop skills towards property management roles.

At KTI, most on-station training is completed within a season between March and December. The main student commitment for Cert II and Cert III is to continue in employment at the same property for this period. A basic level of numeracy and literacy is required. For Cert IV students, a moderate level of numeracy and literacy is required or at least a commitment to improving literacy and numeracy to the required level. The Cert IV course can be conducted over a two-year period, but is generally completed within one work season.

Training by KTI generally occurs on stations across the Kimberley in the Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Halls Creek and Broome regions and is modified to suit the person’s cultural and educational background and interest areas.

For more information on pastoral training with the KTI, call (08) 9191 0686 or visit www.kti.wa.edu.au.

For enquiries about pastoral training available in the Midwest and Gascoyne regions, call Rural Lecturer Alan Haagensen on (08) 9956 2825. For courses available in the Goldfields and Nullarbor regions, call John Bourke, Agriculture Lecturer on (08) 9076 4582 or visit www.goldfields.wa.edu.au.

For other vocational training centres, visit www.trainingwa.wa.gov.au

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FEATURES Indigenous Landholder Service Department of Agriculture and Food’s Indigenous Landholder Service (ILS) team has gained national recognition, winning the ‘Australian Economic Development – Indigenous Award’ in October 2011. The award recognises excellence in economic development activities and endeavours throughout Australia.

The ILS service continues to operate across the State, working with over 77 Indigenous properties and positively impacting upon the lives of more than 4 000 corporation members connected to both pastoral and agricultural lands.

The team has recently signed a five year contract with the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) which provides them with funding to operate until 2016. Their partnership with the ILC has been very successful to date and they look forward to continuing this strong working relationship, delivering advice and support to Indigenous pastoral landholders.

The Indigenous Landholder Service is now operating in four areas throughout the State, with staff based in the following key locations.

East and West Kimberley The Kimberley Indigenous Management Support Service (KIMSS): Manager: Russell Shaw, based in Broome.

Midwest/Gascoyne Murchison The Midwest Indigenous Landholder Service (MILS): Manager Bob Vinson is based in Carnarvon.

MILS is engaged with nine Indigenous properties.

The area that MILS covers includes the immediate area around Carnarvon, south to Kalbarri, out to Meekatharra and Wiluna and all areas in between. Bob is the newest recruit to the ILS program, starting in February 2011 after a stint in Esperance and Perth. Bob brings a wealth of knowledge to the program, having worked and managed stations throughout the Gascoyne/Murchison area and being experienced in banking and financial matters.

South West The Southern Agricultural Indigenous Landholders Service (SAILS): Manager Kelly Flugge and Project Coordinators Karlee Bertola, Tony Ramsay and Fiona Saurin are all based in Albany.

SAILS deals with southern agricultural areas and their operational area covers Albany to Roelands, including Tambellup through to Esperance and Condingup. The team currently service approximately 12 Indigenous held properties throughout the South West Land Division.

Perth

Project Coordinators/Technical Officers: Colin Fuller based in Derby, Robin Yeeda in Halls Creek, Kevin May and Rod McColm in Kununurra and Eddie Lah in Broome.

The overall coordination of the ILS is carried out by Program Manager, Mark Chmielewski, and Farm Training WA (Indigenous) Project Coordinator, Maurice Griffin, at the Department of Agriculture and Food in South Perth.

KIMSS is currently engaged with 34 Indigenous properties.

For any further information please contact

Pilbara

Mark Chmielewski on 0427 449 926 or Maurice Griffin on 0427 778 948.

The Pilbara Indigenous Landholder Service (PILS): Manager Kim Carter is based in Broome.

To view ILS newsletters visit www.agric.wa.gov.au

PILS is currently engaged with 16 Indigenous properties.

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Since its establishment in 1998, CHA has assisted many pastoralists with their borrowing needs and continues to offer housing loan options across rural and remote Western Australia.

O

ME

LOA

N S

For pastoralists, business owners and farmers, borrowing money to house themselves and their employees in remote, regional and rural Western Australia can be particularly challenging.

Recognising the challenges, as well as the need for improved housing in these areas, the State Government established the Country Housing Authority (CHA).

H

Country Housing Authority ready to assist pastoralists

Country Housing Helping finance housing needs for Farmers, Pastoralists and Rural businesses.

Keystart Loans Ltd as agent for the Country Housing Authority. Australian Credit Licence: 381437 Disclaimer: Standard lending criteria, terms, conditions, fees and charges apply.

CHA offers finance options for: • new homes built by registered builders and ‘owner-builders’ • kit homes • relocating and establishing new and second-hand transportable homes.

CHA also offers finance for home improvements such as kitchen and bathroom renovations, outdoor living area improvements and alternative energy installation. Since 2004, CHA has provided 77 loans to pastoralists to equip their homesteads with alternative energy.

Quality housing is important in attracting and retaining families and staff in regional Western Australia. CHA not only lends for pastoralists’ homesteads but for the housing needs of their families and staff.

If you would like to know more, contact the CHA staff on (08) 9338 3180 or 1800 158 200 or email enquiry@country.keystart.com.au For more information visit www.country.keystart.com.au

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Are you ready for digital TV? On 25 June 2013 analog TV will be switched off in WA and free-to-air TV will be broadcast in digital-only.

The Aurora satellite service will cease in late 2013.

Residents unable to receive terrestrial TV need to apply for Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) to continue watching free to air satellite TV. To find out more about digital switch over and what assistance is available, visit the Digital Ready website at www.digitalready.gov.au or call the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13.

FEATURES The Regional Men’s Health Initiative The Regional Men’s Health (RMH) Initiative is aimed at improving the holistic health and wellbeing of people in rural communities, particularly men.

RMHs service also has access to a ‘resilience’ support person who is a qualified psychologist/counsellor. Men tend to resist counseling, but accept support to build resilience.

When the program started it attracted all the worried women instead of those needing to be reached - the men who often struggle silently with all sorts of issues.

What RMH does is build a bridge between men and health services.

Men gain relevant knowledge about issues they are often ignorant of and they feel confident that they can ‘…talk to a mate – before it all gets too much…’ which is the message RMH want to give in everything they do.

In order to make the program more attractive to men, creativity was required. RMH went to the source offering support at places where men meet.

Over the years, funding has come disparately from a range of sources, however this has all changed with funding now provided by the Royalties for Regions program.

Although the team at RMH have always worked closely with health professionals to ensure they have up-to-date and relevant information, no members of the frontline team have professional health qualifications. What they do have is loads of life experience in the type of workplaces and industries in which most men make a living.

Dealing with difficulties There are several things that can be done to help in dealing with the difficulties faced in everyday life: • Keep a positive personal attitude and recognise your ability. You are a good operator. The ball has bounced badly, but it’s not your fault.

• Talk to whoever needs to be informed about your situation. This includes family, financiers and advisers.

“Why is this important?” RMH takes the good research and information all men need to know about, and translate it into a format and language that suits a man’s needs.

• Look for realistic solutions, not someone to blame.

Getting the message out effectively

• Continue to consider your options. As you consider your alternatives, keep those affected in the loop. Communicate.

RMH focuses presentations on three fundamental topics: • Male health and wellbeing, including physical, mental and spiritual health issues combining facts and jokes.

• Communication styles of men and women, and reasons why they can clash.

• “Are You OK Mate?” a 90 minute session on de-stigmatising suicide and developing skills to actively ask another person, particularly another man, if he is OK.

• Don’t panic or over-react. Most challenges take a little time to unfold and hasty decisions can create additional problems.

• Consider this as a challenge more than a problem. When things are problems we usually think negatively, when they are challenges, we think positively.

If you would like further information on how RMH can help in your community please contact menshealth@agric.wa.gov.au or visit www.regionalmenshealth.com.au, or call us at (08) 9690 2277.

Presentations are delivered at events that local communities, clubs and organisations host, develop and promote. By taking this approach, it provides information to a particular group or community on what they identify they need, rather than RMH presuming what they think men need.

Another facet of the program is the delivery of the “Fast Track Pit Stop” health awareness program at local events taking health awareness to a venue that is man-friendly and non-confrontational.

Local health professionals volunteer to assist on the day, helping future interactions between men and the local health service.

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RFDS Medical Chest turns 70 The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Medical Chest Program has been the mainstay of RFDS remote practice for 70 years. The first RFDS Medical Chest was distributed in 1942 and as the program celebrates this milestone anniversary, it is still providing a much needed and valuable service to people living and working in remote areas.

Managing the Medical Chest It is very important that all custodians manage their RFDS medical chests effectively to keep families, employees and travellers safe.

The following are some important points to keep in mind in order to correctly manage the chest: • The medical chest must be kept locked at all times with a substantial lock when not in use.

• Ensure the chest is kept in a secure location and take precautions to safeguard the keys from unauthorised access.

• The contents of the chest need to be checked for expiry and/or use monthly or at the very least every three months.

• All items notated with a blue ‘R’ on your contents list need to be refrigerated if the chest cannot be kept consistently cool (25oC or less).

• Drugs notated in red and marked with an asterisk (*) on your contents list can only be used with the permission of an RFDS doctor.

• Consult numbers are required to reorder prescription medication. The RFDS doctors provide these numbers verbally at the end of a remote consultation.

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• Use a register to record chest items that are prescribed or used, as well as RFDS doctor’s consult numbers.

• Only the authorised custodians registered with the RFDS can sign the order forms to replace used or expired medications.

If you are unsure whether you are the registered custodian for your location please contact the Medical Chest Coordinator.

• Any incidents of drug thefts must be immediately reported to the police and the RFDS. Please remember that the medical chest is not just for emergencies. The majority of the drugs supplied in the chest are there to treat non-emergency medical conditions. The whole concept of putting medical chests in remote locations is to save users travelling excessive distances to see a doctor for conditions that can be managed remotely. It may also prevent the RFDS from making unnecessary flights to these locations.

For further information on the Medial Chest Program please contact the Medical Chest Coordinator on (08) 9417 6300 or medicalchests@rfdswa.com.au

IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT OR MEDICAL ADVICE CALL: 1800 625 800 or (08) 9417 6389

FEATURES RFDS on the road The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) isn’t just in the air, it’s on the road!

RFDS on the Road is a unique program that takes primary health care to the bush, visiting some of Western Australia’s most remote locations. Through the program, an experienced health promotion nurse and project officer travel to isolated residents and communities in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields-Esperance regions, where they provide free health education, disease screening and practical first aid training.

The program focus is on early intervention, education and awareness. The two-person teams visit pastoral stations, satellite

mine and exploration sites, tourist facilities, remote community schools, roadhouses and Aboriginal communities promoting better health, safety and wellbeing. They also provide a menu of free health services that many people take for granted.

The RFDS on the Road program is made possible by ongoing support from BHP Billiton Iron Ore, BHP Billiton Nickel West and Woodside Energy, who support the program’s presence in the Pilbara, Goldfields-Esperance and Kimberley regions respectively.

To arrange for one of the RFDS on the Road regional teams to make a free visit to your station call (08) 9417 6391 or email rfdsontheroad@rfdswa.com.au

Warning signs of a heart attack The Heart Foundation’s Warning Signs of Heart Attack program aims to raise awareness of the warning signs of heart attack and the importance of getting help fast. The campaign is currently targeting people living in remote locations of Western Australia.

Don’t delay!

Medical treatment of heart attack has improved so much over the last few years but people are still delaying seeking help.

Receiving treatment within the first one to two hours can reduce the death rate by half. Although transport and hospital delays may contribute to late treatment, the main cause of delay is patient delay. That is, the time it takes a person experiencing heart attack symptoms to seek emergency medical treatment.

Reducing this delay has the potential to substantially improve survival from heart attack.

“Heart attack warning signs aren’t always what you think,” Heart Foundation Chief Executive Maurice Swanson said.

“Symptoms are not necessarily sudden or severe and some people don’t experience chest pain at all. We are urging everyone to become familiar with the warning signs of a heart attack and share this information with their family, colleagues and workmates.”

Warning signs can include: • heaviness in one or both arms • pain or discomfort in the jaw, back, shoulders or neck • chest heaviness, pressure or tightness • nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, difficulty breathing • feeling dizzy or light-headed.

“If you suspect that you, or someone else, may be having a heart attack, don’t delay, call triple zero (000),” Mr Swanson urged.

“Treatment starts the moment you call and if it turns out to be a false alarm, then that’s the best thing that could happen.”

The remote campaign Ten local government areas of Halls Creek, Derby, Wyndham, Meekatharra, Yalgoo, Wiluna, Menzies, Murchison, Upper Gascoyne and Ngaanyatjarraku have been selected for the first phase of the Heart Foundation’s remote campaign. You may see posters in these localities placed in key areas such as shops, sporting clubs, Centrelink offices and Aboriginal hostels.

The Heart Foundation wants to extend the campaign to other remote areas in Western Australia and spread the lifesaving messages.

To find out more or order free resources for your workplace, visit: www.heartattackfacts.org.au or call: 1300 36 27 87 39

The Connellan Airways Trust The Connellan Airways Trust was the brainchild of Edward John Connellan OBE, CBE, AO (EJ) who established Connellan Airways in 1939. ‘EJ’ hoped that it would continue the work for which he had established his air service, to help alleviate the effects of isolation on the people of Outback Australia.

This Northern Territorian pioneer, aviator and pastoralist convinced the shareholders of Connellan Airways that a substantial portion of the proceeds of the sale of the airline should be applied to the establishment of a Trust. Due to the generosity of many and the efforts of EJ Connellan, the Trust was established in June 1981.

The vision of EJ for the Trust is encapsulated in a Trust Deed. The Trust is administered by a company with a Board of Directors whose services are honorary, yet another example of the community spirit that EJ excited. The duties of the Directors are to nurture the assets of the Trust and also to assess funding applications to the Trust against the objectives of the Deed.

The objectives of the Trust are to: • promote and encourage the advancement of knowledge of people, especially younger people, living in remote parts of that area of outback Australia formerly served by Connellan Airways, and in other parts of Australia similar in remoteness • assist such people through facilitating air travel and the delivery of education needs, communication requisites and health related supplies • foster education of people in outback Australia, other than those living in its remote parts, who provide service or assistance to people living in those parts.

Since its inception, $2.6 million has been distributed in grants, which have been awarded for such projects as school excursions, participating in School of the Air functions, study trips, supporting Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association conferences, and assistance in bringing sporting events to remote areas.

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Application eligibility To be eligible to apply to the Trust for financial assistance applicants must: • reside on stations or in small settlements in the remote parts of outback Australia; or • live in the larger outback centres of Australia and provide expertise or otherwise serve or assist remote area residents.

People of all ages who meet the above criteria may apply to the Trust for a general grant. If you are 16 years of age or over and you have an educational aim, you may also apply for the annual E.J. Connellan Award.

Applications for grants may be made at any time. If you believe that you might qualify or would like further information or assistance in making an application, visit www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au or call Kaye Clapin, Executive Officer on 1800 733 810 or email executiveofficer@connellanairwaystrust.org.au

FEATURES Working on the business, not just in the business

By Francis Bright, Department of Agriculture and Food, Kununurra

A friend, who works over east in a large consulting firm, advised his boss that it was important that he spend as much work time on the business as in the business. He was on the money.

Working on business development is just as necessary as doing the nuts and bolts of a job day to day. This is as important to consider in the pastoral cattle business as any other.

In the cattle business there is a large investment in fixed assets, a herd to manage for productivity and health, a labour force to manage and decisions that affect the day to day running of the business. All these issues are about working in the business.

Looking at the business goals, developing strategies, assessing the benefits and costs of new business directions and the actions needed to take the business from where it is today to where we want it to be in five or ten years: these decisions and considerations are about working on the business.

Reviewing your business As an economist serving a diverse range of primary industry business operators in the Pilbara and the Kimberley, I talk to a wide range of people from all walks of this lifestyle and for many, the dayto-day running of the business is where they spend all their time.

Taking the time to review your business in terms of where it is going long term is important to make sure that the business performance is achieving the economic and non-economic objectives that have been set.

Spending time in the office on a computer can build knowledge of where most of the expenditure goes and evaluating past performance based on this may indicate where gains can be made.

This may reduce some of the stresses of operating in the risky business environment of agriculture. Examples of this may be: • to improve low weaning rates- could better breeder nutrition help?

Over the past twenty years, my clients have been primary industry business people in a range of industries and despite the differences in industry, production methods and the scale of operation, the objective of owning a business is about making long term profit.

• if excess money is spent managing water points- could automation help?

Outside influences

• if young cows have low calving rates- could early weaning help – what are the benefits and costs?

Profit levels change over the years, as primary production exists in a risky business environment. Many outside factors impact on the station business – some of which business operators have no control over. Examples include the weather, the markets, the financial system, interest rates and the exchange rate. Strange as it may seem, paying tax is a positive, as it indicates that a business is operating profitably. Sure, various deductions can minimise the tax liability, but how long can a business survive if making successive losses?

• if there is always a cash flow crisis in April- could supplying cattle to an early boat be profitable?

Taking time to work on the business by asking and answering such questions might not feel as ‘hands on’ as being out in the paddock, but it can pay real dividends.

Business managers can control where their business is going and the monitoring of its performance over time. This isn’t the day-to-day decisions on whether to fence, muster, or be in the workshop maintaining machinery. It is about business planning and may include succession planning, contingency planning for likely situations, dry time management strategies, debt management and a crucial factor that many people forget - their health.

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Pastoral Lands Board Telephone: (08) 6552 4574 Facsimile: (08) 6552 4420

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Email:

plb@rdl.wa.gov.au

Website:

www.rdl.wa.gov.au

Address:

Pastoral Land Unit Department of Regional Development and Lands PO Box 1143 West Perth WA 6872