ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee
Contents PAGE 1
A Word from the Chair
PAGE 2
About Us
PAGE 3
2018-19 in Review
PAGE 4
Our Major Achievements
PAGE 5
Our Projects: Regional Estuaries Initiative
PAGE 6
Our Projects: uPtake
PAGE 7
Our Projects: Riparian Rescue
PAGE 8
Our Projects: Lower Blackwood Vertebrate Pest Management Group (Feral Pigs)
PAGE 9
Our Projects: Raising Capability
PAGE 12
Our Key Partners
PAGE 13
Our Finances
PAGE 15
Where to Now?
A Word from the Chair
The Lower Blackwood Region is one that is incredibly unique and diverse in so many ways. From my home, a dairy farm in the undulating hills of Rosa Glen, it stretches to the Scott Coastal Plain with it’s unique wetland environments, and across to the southern section of the Leeuwin coastal ridge from Augusta to Redgate beach. This lower south west corner is home to an enormous variety of landscapes and a vast array of biodiversity including a number of unique species of plant and animals. As if this richness in nature were not enough, we also are home to an incredibly productive, innovative and diverse agriculture industry. One that I as a farmer, a community member and as Chair of the Lower Blackwood LCDC am very proud to be a part of. Not only is there diversity in sector (including beef, viticulture, dairy – dryland and irrigated, sheep, horticulture, forestry, fishing and everything in between!), but we have diversity in farming size, diversity in farming methods and diversity in markets. Combine this with our superb growing conditions and you can easily see why this corner of the world is incredibly special.
We are now coming into the final year of our major Department of Water and Regulation’s Regional Estuaries Initiative project which is focused on improving and maintaining the health of the iconic Hardy Inlet. We have also commenced several other exciting projects focusing on issues such as weed control in riparian areas and nutrient use efficiency on grazing farms. We have continued to focus on connecting and engaging with our landholders and facilitating information and learning opportunities for them that work towards our group’s vision. Our monthly ‘Talkin After Hours’ sessions have been a hit and our landholders have embraced the opportunity to access all kinds of sustainable agriculture information in a relaxed and informal environment. The next year is set to be even more exciting and I look forward to continuing Chairing this passionate and dedicated committee all working towards a sustainable future for the Lower Blackwood Catchment.
2018-19 has been a very busy and productive year for the Lower Blackwood LCDC.
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2018/2019
Tim Crimp Chair
01
About Us Lower Blackwood LCDC is registered as a Land Conservation District Committee under the Soil and Conservation Act (1945). Our mandate to operate is articulated through our vision: “To promote a sustainable agriculture community in the Blackwood region, where sustainability is measured in economic, social and environmental terms.”
Our Committee currently consists of 18 members, including farmers, landowners and representatives from the Augusta-Margaret River Shire, Nannup Shire, Department of Agriculture and Food, Department of Parks and Wildlife, and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association of WA. Their job is to ensure that all projects & work undertaken, meet the objectives outlined in the Lower Blackwood LCDC’s Business Plan:
Objective 1:
To develop and enhance the profile of the LCDC
Objective 2:
To coordinate and provide expert and independent advice to farmers, land managers and other NRM stakeholders on sustainable land use.
Objective 3:
To identify future needs for productive and sustainable agriculture.
Objective 4:
To maintain and improve the health of the environment and waterways through sustainable farming by minimising pollution and providing support for ecosystem management.
Objective 5:
To identify and support value adding elements of farming through improved economic and marketing support.
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2018/2019
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2018-19 The 2018-19 Financial Year was a busy and productive year that lead to successful achievement of a number of our objectives. By maintaining a strategic approach to project development, our committee has ensured that projects undertaken, and partnerships developed in the 2018-19 period, provided a significant contribution to the health of our large catchment area and the sustainable productivity of our progressive farmers. 2018-19 has also allowed for a focus on communication and engagement and has highlighted a real extension need in our area as shown by the great landholder response to our regular ‘Talkin After Hours’ series and other workshops and events we’ve held throughout the year, including our inaugural 2018 Spring Field Day. The Lower Blackwood LCDC also continued to develop its’ role as an ‘information hub’ for our landholders, allowing us to work towards achievement of our key communication objectives: - Development of a digital ecosystem that sits alongside traditional marketing methods to build the LCDC brand. - Develop and implement a content marketing approach to landholder engagement which will aim to inform, educate, inspire, influence & persuade as well as generate conversations & enable stakeholders to express opinions. - Capture and house landholder data in a manner that enables accurate analysis of gaps, and effective & efficient targeting of landholders for communications and reporting. - Identify & provide content that will add value for stakeholders (as identified through the organizational goals) and assist with land and ecosystem management
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2018/2019
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Our Major Achievements
75% completion of the major Regional Estuaries Initiative project (due for full completion in 2020), with an expansion to include the Lower Blackwood Values Study.
Commencement of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Funded 4 year uPtake project aimed at improving nutrient efficiency on grazing farms
Commencement of the State NRM Funded Riparian Rescue – protecting riparian zones from weeds project
Successful completion of the three and a half year State NRM Funded Raising Capability project
Continuation of support (administrative) to the Lower Blackwood Vertebrate Pest Management group in their Feral Pig Control program, funded by the Shires of Augusta-Margaret River and Nannup and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)
Continuation and development of our successful monthly ‘Talkin After Hours’ information sessions
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2018/2019
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Our Projects Regional Estuaries Initiative Overview
Total Project: Funding - $810,000 Length - 4 years Completes - 2020
Led by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, the Regional Estuaries Initiative (or REI) is a $20 million State Government project dedicated to improving the health of six key WA estuaries.
Our Focus Working with landholders to improve the health of the iconic Hardy Inlet through a range of works including: Fencing and revegetation of riparian zones Soil testing program that provides Lower Blackwood Catchment Landholders with the knowledge and confidence to tailor their fertiliser practices based on the specific needs of their soil and pasture. The Scott River Action Plan which is aiming to provide feasible, farm-scale and land-use specific management practice recommendations developed in collaboration with the Scott River farming community for improving the health of the Scott River and its waterways that focus on nutrient reduction and improved water quality and to achieve further implementation of the 2012 Hardy Inlet Water Quality Improvement Plan. The Lower Blackwood Values Study which aims to understand drivers and barriers to riparian restoration on private property within the Lower Blackwood LCDC District
Our Outcomes (to date) The project has assisted Lower Blackwood landholders to:
install 36km of fencing to protect riparian areas and remnant vegetation 14ha of riparian revegetation planted or planned 63 participants in the soil testing program Commenced both the Scott River Action Plan and Lower Blackwood Values Study
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2018/2019
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Our Projects uPtake Overview
Led by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, uPtake is a partnership project designed to improve nutrient use efficiency on grazing farms in South West Western Australia by improving farmer and industry knowledge, confidence and uptake of the science supporting fertiliser recommendations. As part of the project, 3 fertiliser trials that aim to improve confidence in fertiliser recommendations for local soils and conditions are now underway in the Lower Blackwood Catchment.
Total Project: Funding - $90,000 Length - 4 years Completion - 2022
A desired outcome of the trials is increased uptake of evidence-based fertiliser application that optimises production whilst reducing excess run off of nutrients into waterways and estuaries. The major aspect of the trials will be to test different levels of phosphorus application to optimise production and minimise runoff. Some trials will also include evaluation of innovative technology to measure pasture productivity and soil nutrient status. Trials will be run over three growing seasons – established in early 2019 and 2020 and will be established and monitored by scientists and agronomists on a Technical Reference Group with local advisors and host farmers. The Lower Blackwood LCDC will provide a point of contact between scientists and farmers.
Our Focus Farmer engagement and support, communication and extension of results through workshops, field days and through our networks.
Our Outcomes (to date) 3 trials established in the Lower Blackwood catchment Building staff capacity through communication and extension training
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Our Projects
Riparian Rescue Overview Funded by the State NRM Community Stewardship Grants program this project is working with landholders to protect waterways by controlling weeds in important riparian zones that would otherwise out compete native species.
Total Project: Funding - $21,800 Length - 1 year Completes - 2020
Our Focus Focusing on the key riparian weeds arum lily and blackberry, Lower Blackwood landholders can access funding (50%) of a weed contractor to implement a control program.
Our Outcomes (to date) 9 landholders engaging contractors to tackle arum lily, cape tulip and blackberry problems on their properties 33 landholders accessing the free arum lily control chemical service offered by the LCDC
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Our Projects
Lower Blackwood Vertebrate Pest Management Group (Feral Pigs) Overview This group aims to control the increase in feral pig population and reduce their impact on our unique environment and agricultural industry through:
Total Project: Funding - $65,000 Length - 1 year Completed - June 2018
Engagement of field officers working across the region to trap & shoot pigs Monitoring & mapping of pig populations Funded by the Augusta-Margaret River Shire, the Shire of Nannup and DBCA, the project is facilitated through a continuing partnership with the Lower Blackwood LCDC the Lower Blackwood Vertebrate Pest Management Group. This year also saw the completion of a feral pig control project funded by the State NRM office.
Our Focus The project funding directly contributes to a very significant threat to both the environment and sustainable agriculture land right here in the Lower Blackwood. Our office and resources assist to financially administer this vitally important project.
Our Outcomes Over 50 pigs controlled in the 2018-19 period Project funds were managed & administered as per our goal.
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2018/2019
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Our Projects
Raising Capability Overview The State NRM program for ‘Raising Capability’, was an innovative and much needed project that focused on providing support and advice to landowners in the catchment on natural resource management and building the capacity and skills of the group to meet the needs of their landowners now and into the future.
Total Project: Funding - $115,000 Length - 2.5 years Completed - Dec 2018
Our Focus Capacity Building Landholder Engagement Governance Understanding Our Catchment
Our Outcomes Capacity Employment of 2 new part-time and one casual staff member bringing the LCDC staff up to 6 for the project timeframe
Landholder Engagement The development and upgrading of the LCDC’s website to become more user friendly and interactive with an emphasis being placed on available resources for landholders in soil health, water health, pests and weeds and sustainable agriculture Substantially increasing the LCDC’s social media profile Development and implementation of an informative and relevant monthly e-newsletter with a 64% increase in subscribership
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2018/2019
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Our Outcomes (cont) Establishment of an efficient and centralised LCDC landholder database which allows for the capture and storage of Lower Blackwood landholder demographics and information (aprox. 1600) Informing/educating the Lower Blackwood landholder community through workshops and field days. 13 events were held covering topics that included Farm mapping, feral pest control and weed identification, soil biological health and fertiliser management as well as the inaugural Lower Blackwood Spring Field Day.
Governance An independent review of the governance of the committee and its operations. A workshop was held reviewing committee’s operational requirements and member roles.
Understanding Our Catchment Completion of research, mapping and info hub tools and the report (conducted by Curtin University’s Sustainable Policy) ‘Towards a Sustainable Lower Blackwood Region: A whole of landscape perspective’ giving the LCDC a much wider understanding of the district, more than our traditional environment and agricultural focus. The ‘Raising Capability’ project has played a very important role in assisting the Lower Blackwood LCDC in connecting and engaging with their landholders, providing opportunities for our landholders to learn and gain access to sustainable agriculture and landcare resources, capturing past and present stories and dataabout the region and also to grow the LCDC’s landholder database and allow for efficient and relevant communication with their Catchment.
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2018/2019
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Our Projects Raising Capability Spring Field Day Wrap Overview
The inaugural Lower Blackwood Spring Field Day was held on October 25th 2018. It was focused on local landholder’s sustainable agriculture solutions to future proof their businesses with topics including:
2018 Spring Field Day
Pasture technology: using pasture technology and biomass measurement to improve pasture growth Drones: are they worth the effort? What can a reasonably priced drone do for your business Trial site visit: a paddock walk to see the benefits of using soil testing to make better fertiliser decisions Micro-abbattoirs: future opportunities and how to go about it The Glenarty Rd Journey: The challenges and rewards of agritourism. A full busload of 30 participants set out for the day exploring the farming sub-catchments of Karridale and Kudardup, connecting and networking with other landholders and farmers and learning from our expert presenters. Feedback from the day included: “Great presenters, good variety, well done” “Would love to attend more field days”, "Always interested in hearing about new and innovative methods and farming, as a small property owner, always looking for interesting opportunities.” As a result of the 2018 field day, they have now become an annual fixture in the LBLCDC calendar with the 2019 date set for October 10th, with a focus on the sub-catchment of Rosa Glen.
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2018/2019
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Our Key Partners
We have also continued to strengthen our relationships with our very valued and long standing key partners. These partnerships are vital in assisting us to achieve our goals and vision:
Augusta-Margaret River Shire Nannup Shire Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Curtin University Western Dairy Lower South West Growers Group (formally Scott River Growers Group) Lower Blackwood Vertebrate Pest Management Group South West Catchments Council Nature Conservation Augusta-Margaret River Clean Community Energy
We thank our partners for their encouragement and support, and we look forward to their continued support over the coming year.
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2018/2019
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Our Finances
Total Project Funding
Funder
Project / Support
2018/19 Funds
Regional Estuaries Initiative
DWER – Royalties for Regions
$810,00
$220,000
uPtake
DWER
$90,000
$23,300
Feral Pig Control
State NRM /AMR Shire/ Nannup Shire/DBCA
$69,114
$41,222
Capabilities
State NRM
$115,000
$5,000
Riparian Weed Rescue
State NRM
$21,800
$21,800
LCDC Capacity Support
AMR Shire
-
$43,000
Totals
Total Investment 2018/2019 $354,322
$1,105,914
$354,322
The total funding to Lower Blackwood LCDC for the financial year provided an investment of $354,322 for expenditure within our district.
Lower Blackwood LCDC Annual Report 2017/2018
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Our Finances
AMR Shire Capacity Support Funding Overview The AMR Shire funding was a vital contributor towards supporting the LCDC in building long term organisational sustainability and managing growth through contributing to the LCDC vehicle and vehicle costs, the office and equipment, its staff, and volunteers in delivering projects. The Shire funding has also been vital in filling the extension and information gap amongst landholders in our Catchment area. The 2018-19 financial year saw the establishment of the LBLCDC’s monthly ‘Talkin’ After Hours sessions, a concept that developed out of a need for not only access to information but also for access to networking opportunities with other farmers and experts. Talkin’ After Hours is a flexible, needs based program covering a range of sustainable agricultural topics. It’s ‘bite sized’ format of 1 hour of workshopped information, followed by 1 hour of networking between farmers, experts and other Ag industry professionals has been a very successful program, with regular attendance figures of 15-25 people every month. The LBLCDC see these regular events as an important step in not only connecting the LBLCDC to our landholders and building their capacity, but also for the sense of community and networks being fostered in the rural Lower Blackwood farming region. The AMR Shire’s funding has allowed these monthly events to continue and we look forward to building on the program for the 2019—20 financial year.
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Where to now? 2019-20 looks to be another busy and exciting year for the LBLCDC with the continuation of on-ground works such as riparian stockexclusion fencing, revegetation and weed control. We are also looking at the ways to increase awareness, knowledge and understanding, access to advice and adoption of sustainable and regenerative agriculture techniques by farmers in the Lower Blackwood Catchment. This holistic approach to land management will improve soil health, increase soil carbon sequestration, increase biodiversity, keep water in the landscape and improve resilience to change.
The Lower Blackwood LCDC has also continued to focus on seeking alternative sources of funding for projects that support sustainable agriculture and land care in the Lower Blackwood Region for the including: Feral pig control Recognising and evaluating the past work of the LBLCDC, identifying gaps and priorities for future work and developing a next-stage strategic plan forward for the organisation Event, Field, Communication and Office equipment to build the capacity of the organisation Developing and implementing a framework for addressing identified skill gaps in the agriculture sector and providing a network between district landholders, employers and young people in order to highlight the career opportunities that exist in the industry in our Catchment area. We thank you for your encouragement and support of the Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee, and we look forward to your continued support over the coming year.
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Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee PO Box 42, Karridale, WA 6288 | (08) 9758 4021| info@lowerblackwood.com.au | www.facebook.com/LowerBlackwood | www.lowerblackwood.com.au