Tag: biodiversity

Protecting Threatened Species and Agriculture in Shoalhaven

The Shoalhaven region, 200 kilometres south of Sydney, hosts a wide range of native wildlife, from more common species such as long-necked turtles and swamp wallabies to threatened species like hooded plovers, brush- tailed rock wallabies and the elusive spotted-tailed quoll. It’s also a prime region for agriculture that contributes significantly to the local economy. But this balance of thriving ecosystems and agricultural productivity faces serious threats from introduced predators – particularly the European red fox, wild dog feral cat.

To tackle the issue of foxes, the Shoalhaven Fox Control Program was launched in 2018 by the Shoalhaven Landcare Association. The program came about after local landholders began seeing the heavy impact foxes had on their livestock and wildlife and wanted to be involved in the solution. Initially, a five-month trial covering 13 properties, removed 50 foxes. These results showed how effective a coordinated approach could be and quickly led to a full-scale community-based effort.

The 2019/2020 summer bushfires ravaged the regions bushland and farmland alike. The impacts of foxes increased, with nowhere left for wildlife to hide. These bushfires also brought about federal government funding for Gillian Basnett, the National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator, through the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, to help community groups grapple with the impacts of these invasive predators. Gillian has worked with the Shoalhaven Fox Control Program to review their fox management plan to improve outcomes, provide resources and some training to the group and to assist with strengthening relationship with key partners in the region.

This assistance, along with further funding found by the group for the Shoalhaven Fox Control Program Coordinator, Ryan, the project has gone from strength to strength. Today, the program operates across 104 private landholdings, in a more targeted and coordinated way, with trained volunteers and land managers all working to curb the fox population, reduce their impacts and protect the Shoalhaven’s environmental and agricultural assets. The program links with fox and wild dog management being undertaken by others in the region such as NSW National Parks and Wildlife, Local Land Services and local government, who also work with Greg Mifsud, the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator. These coordinated, introduced predator management programs are successfully protecting both the Shoalhaven’s ecosystems and threatened species and local agriculture.

Did you know?

There are five National Management Coordination programs working to help support, encourage and empower communities to manage key pests? National management coordinators have taken a lead role working with Landcare and NRM groups, industry, communities, farmers, land managers, Indigenous Rangers, researchers, agencies and councils to reduce pest impacts on agriculture, environment, cultural assets and human health.

With core funding from the Australian Government, and support from their respective organisations (Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, South Australian Department of Primary Industries Regions, Australian Pork Ltd and Australian Wool Innovation) and partners, national coordinators:

  • Provide national leadership and strategic coordination for sustained management
  • Facilitate networks to promote cooperation, collaboration and ongoing investment
  • Raise awareness of impacts of pest species
  • Connect people with their peers, technical expertise and provide ‘how to’ information
  • Encourage adoption of best practice methods
  • Share research and land management stories.

To help Landcare groups, farmers, and land and pest managers tackle these six feral species the Coordinators have created user friendly websites, resources and newsletters. You can get in contact; learn how to plan, manage and improve your management programs; access latest research; or check out some of the pest management programs being undertaken across Australia.

Wild Dogs
National Coordinator: Greg Mifsud
Website: www.wilddogplan.org.au

Feral Deer
National Coordinator: Annelise Wiebkin
Website: www.feraldeerplan.org.au

Feral Pigs
National Coordinator: Heather Channon
Website: www.feralpigs.com.au

Feral Cats and Foxes
National Coordinator: Gillian Basnett
Website: www.feralcatandfox.com.au

Feral Rabbits
National Coordinator: Heidi Kleinert
Website:  www.pestsmart.org.au/toolkits/european-rabbits

CISS useful resources
PestSmart: www.pestsmart.org.au
FeralScan: www.feralscan.org.au

For more information, please visit: Shoalhaven Landcare Fox Control Program

Watch these videos to learn more about these projects here: Protecting threatened species and agriculture in Shoalhaven

This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

 

Authors: Shoalhaven Landcare and the National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordination Program
Banner Photo: Shoalhaven fox program workshop supplied by Ryan Wall
Middle Photo: Greg Mifsud, Gill Basnett, and Heather Channon supplied by NWDAP
Bottom Photo: National Coordinators and Ben Watts supplied by NFPAP
Article published in Landcare Australia’s ‘Landcare In Focus’ May 2025

Wildlife Revealed at Ngurang Reserve

In 2025 Watershed Landcare and the North East Wiradjuri Company (NEWco) launched an exciting new initiative – Connection by Fire. This collaborative project blends cultural land management with biodiversity monitoring at Ngurang Reserve, just outside Rylstone, combining traditional knowledge with scientific research to enhance the landscape.

One of the major events planned as part of the project is a cultural burn in winter. This practice, used for thousands of years by First Nations people, reduces fire hazards, clears excess vegetation, and encourages the growth of native plants, providing habitat for a diverse range of species. To track the ecological impact of these efforts, a research partnership is underway with Annabell Murray, a Western Sydney University and UNSW Master’s student, who will study the vegetation’s response to cultural burning.

Wildlife cameras were installed over the holiday season as part of the monitoring efforts, capturing a fascinating glimpse into the reserve’s inhabitants. To help process the images and data, a Wildlife Camera Workshop was held in Kandos, where 15 dedicated volunteers gave their time and effort to help review the footage. Their enthusiasm and keen eyes helped uncover some incredible discoveries, adding valuable insights to the project. The day was a celebration of community-driven conservation, made possible by the leadership of John Marshall from the Central West Wildlife Carers Network & NEWco, who generously hosted the event at their centre in Kandos.

Among the most frequently sighted birds were the white-winged choughs, which roamed in family groups ranging from three to thirteen individuals, and the stately wonga pigeons, strutting their distinctive plumage through the undergrowth.

The reserve is undoubtedly a hotspot for native mammals, with cameras revealing an array of species, including lace monitors, possums, lyrebirds, echidnas, and wombats. Among the more elusive creatures was the Antechinus—a small, carnivorous marsupial known for its high-energy lifestyle and brief but intense breeding period. While this discovery was not unexpected, it was significant, as some Antechinus species are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and predation by invasive species.

One of the most captivating sequences captured on camera was of a red-necked wallaby, a keystone species within the forest. These curious and intelligent animals were seen sniffing and digging in the soil, searching for native truffles. This behaviour plays an essential role in the ecosystem—by digging, wallabies aerate the soil and help disperse fungal spores that contribute to tree growth and soil health. Their foraging is a perfect example of the interconnectedness of Australia’s bushland.

The biggest highlight of the survey was the confirmation of koalas living within Ngurang Reserve. Across multiple recordings, nine separate sightings were documented, along with sound meter data capturing their distinctive vocal calls. This evidence strengthens ongoing efforts to protect koala habitats in the region.

Not all of the reserve’s inhabitants were welcome, however. The cameras also recorded several introduced species, including foxes, feral cats, and even a large black cat of unknown origin. A spotted wild boar also made an appearance, highlighting the need for ongoing feral animal management to protect native wildlife.

With the Connection by Fire project now in full swing, there’s much more to come. A series of upcoming events, including a Songline Walk with Uncle Peter Swain, the cultural burn, and further biodiversity surveys, will continue to build knowledge about Ngurang Reserve and its unique ecosystem.

For those eager to get involved or learn more, email info@watershedlandcare.com.au and become part of this important work. The discoveries so far have only begun to reveal the wonders of Ngurang Reserve, strengthening the call to protect and preserve this unique landscape.

This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

 

Author: Maddison O’Brien, Local Landcare Coordinator, Watershed Landcare
Photos: Watershed Landcare
Article published in Landcare Australia’s ‘Landcare In Focus’ May 2025

Grassland Earless Dragons

Grassland Earless Dragons:
Great Ecosystem Indicators

Grassland Earless Dragons have proven to be a wonderful species when discussing the importance of maintaining grassland ecosystems in Monaro, NSW.

Throughout the second half of 2024, Upper Snowy Landcare Network, in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, have been rolling out a local schools program aimed at educating students about the Monaro Grassland Earless Dragon, a threatened species endemic to the Monaro region.

These dragons are found in the endangered ecological community of natural temperate grasslands which are home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, many of which are threatened due to factors including land clearing and feral species. Not only are these dragons a fascinating and elusive creature, they’re also a bit cute, reaching a maximum size of 15cm in length and displaying a spectacular array of patterns and colour. They form homes in wolf spider burrows, sun themselves on rocks, and prefer partially open, lightly grazed grassland.

The education program consists of delivering a presentation to students, teaching them about the dragon’s habitat and diet, physical characteristics, and the key threatening processes leading to their decline. This is followed by an identification activity and a craft activity where students get to paint their own 3D model of the dragons. These models were produced with the help of the University of Canberra who assisted us in 3D scanning an earless dragon specimen which is now used to produce these 3D printed models.

We have attended 5 schools across the Monaro region, engaging with about 140 students who have responded with interest and enthusiasm to learning about this unique reptile.

By connecting students with the animals and plants which make up these ecosystems we hope to build a deeper sense of belonging to, and caring for our native grasslands.

This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

 

Author: Magdalene Lemcke, Upper Snowy Landcare Network Coordinator
Photos: Upper Snowy Landcare Network
Article published in Landcare Australia’s ‘Landcare In Focus’ May 2025
Further information please email: contact@uppersnowylandcare.org.au

Parliamentary Friends of Landcare 2024: ’Trees in the House’ Event Case Studies

Landcare NSW is proud to co-host the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare (PFL) ‘Trees in the House’ 2024 event, presenting case studies that highlight Landcare NSW’s community-led approach to natural resource management and its inclusive motto, “Landcare is for Everyone”.

Established in 2015, the PFL provides a unique platform for NSW Members of Parliament from all parties to connect with and support Landcare initiatives across both urban and rural areas. Landcare NSW, as the peak representative body, focuses on fostering sustainable farming, environmental conservation, and stronger communities, underscoring its role in building a resilient and sustainable future for the state.

Fire Ant Workshop

Granite Borders Landcare Committee hosted a fire ant biosecurity workshop in Tenterfield to address the increasing threat of fire ant infestations spreading from South East Queensland into New South Wales.

With expert guidance from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the New England Weeds Authority, locals learned about fire ant ecology, infestation indicators, and risk mitigation strategies. Participants developed property biosecurity management plans, received biosecurity signs, and engaged in hands-on training, including a demonstration by a canine detection unit.

The success of the workshop, which fostered community awareness and inter-agency collaboration, led Tenterfield Shire Council to request future workshops to strengthen biosecurity efforts in the region.

Presenter: Granite Borders Landcare Committee

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Engaging Gumbaynggirr Youth – South Grafton Dunggirr (Koalas)

Clarence Landcare collaborated with local primary schools in South Grafton to engage Gumbaynggirr youth in koala conservation and environmental awareness.

Supported by the NSW Koala Strategy through Envite Environment, the project brought together Aboriginal students from Gillwinga and St Josephs schools – both of which regularly have koalas on their grounds – for a cultural and educational event.

With guidance from Aboriginal Landcare Officer Michael Kennedy, the students participated in a Welcome to Country, listened to koala songline stories, and enjoyed interactive presentations about koalas and Landcare. The day included hands-on outdoor activities where students learned to identify koala food trees and planted their own, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in protecting their local environment.

The students’ enthusiasm and interest in joining a Junior Ranger Koala Team underscored the event’s success in inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards.

Presenter: Michael Kennedy, Aboriginal Landcare Officer, Landcare NSW

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OzFish & Landcare NSW Collaboration

Landcare NSW and OzFish have partnered on 100 projects across the state to address the critical ecological issues facing NSW waterways, such as declining fish populations, riverbank degradation, and habitat loss.

By uniting recreational fishers and Landcare groups, these projects promote hands-on community involvement in fish habitat restoration, including planting native trees and installing in-stream habitats. The initiative has mobilised thousands of volunteers, strengthening local ties to the environment and showcasing how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful environmental conservation.

This partnership model exemplifies how empowered communities can safeguard NSW’s waterways and promote ecological sustainability for future generations.

Presenter: Ryan Lungu, Program Manager, OzFish Unlimited

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Soil Ya Undies

The ‘Soil Ya Undies’ activity, part of the Western Landcare School Education Program, educates primary students in Western NSW about soil health by engaging them in hands-on learning.

Inspired by work from Oliver Knox at the University of New England, the program involves burying cotton and synthetic underwear in school grounds to observe how soil affects decomposition over six weeks.

Supported by worksheets on soil types and fibre composition, the activity encourages students to discuss soil’s role in sustainable agriculture, food production, and environmental health. This fun, practical approach fosters early understanding of the vital connection between soil health and agricultural productivity.

Presenters: Associate Professor Oliver Knox, University of New England, and Vanessa Anderson, Local Landcare Coordinator Schools & Junior Landcare, Western Landcare NSW

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WildVenture Landcare for Young Adults

WildVenture is a program in Greater Sydney that creates flexible, social events aimed at engaging young people in environmental restoration and building a community connected to nature.

Responding to challenges like eco-anxiety, digital isolation, and the difficulty young people face in finding supportive networks and accessible volunteer opportunities, WildVenture offers low-commitment events that allow young adults to participate in activities like citizen science, bushcare, and tree planting.

Over the past seven months, WildVenture has hosted eight events with around 100 young volunteers, fostering friendships and encouraging recurring involvement. To expand its impact, WildVenture seeks funding to increase event coverage across the Greater Sydney Basin, provide more restoration opportunities, and improve transport options, aiming to grow a vibrant environmental community for Sydney’s youth.

Presenter: Sophie Blair, Local Coordinator, Greater Sydney Landcare

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Scaling up Landcare

Scaling up Landcare

A Collaborative Approach for Statewide Impact

At Landcare NSW, we recognise the growing interest in and need for large-scale environmental and natural resource management (NRM) projects. Over the past year, various NSW government agencies and internal groups have expressed their eagerness to collaborate with Landcare NSW to implement broader initiatives that have the potential to create significant statewide impact. This aligns well with several State and National grant programs that emphasise large-scale results. 

To effectively deliver these ambitious projects, Landcare NSW aims to work closely with Landcarers across the State. We are committed to developing streamlined procedures and protocols that will allow us to respond quickly and efficiently when opportunities arise. This collaboration will ensure that all stakeholders’ needs are met and project objectives are achieved seamlessly. 

Currently, Landcare Regions and Landcare NSW are engaged in a statewide private land conservation program funded through the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. Additionally, initial discussions are underway with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development about involving Landcare in Biosecurity Emergency Response and Surveillance. Our goal is to finalise these procedures and protocols soon, enabling us to leverage new opportunities and resources to address shared concerns or offer services on a fee-for-service basis. 

Insights from the State Advisory Council Meeting 

During the recent State Advisory Council meeting, the importance of quality, bottom-up consultation, early engagement, and building strong relationships with regions was emphasised. It was discussed that there is a need for streamlined reporting, targeted involvement based on a detailed interest matrix, and normalising preventative protocols at all events. These steps will ensure efforts are aligned with regional needs and capabilities, enabling the effective addressing of critical environmental and NRM issues. 

Grant Consultation Process: Seeking Your Input 

Landcare NSW is committed to simplifying the process for applying to statewide projects and establishing a Regional Consultation process. To design this effectively, a series of consultation sessions will be conducted with guidance from our State Advisory Council. Regional Representatives and volunteers are invited to provide their insights on the key features necessary for an effective Regional Consultation process. Key considerations include who needs to be consulted, realistic timeframes, barriers to success, and communication methods. Your feedback is critically important to ensure efforts align with regional needs and capabilities. If you wish to join future working groups, please reach out to us. 

If you are interested in participating in the development of these procedures and protocols, please contact Peter Dixon at pdixon@landcarensw.org.au.  

Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM)

Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) project

– Suzanne Pritchard, LNSW Project Manager

The Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) project is ramping up with events planned and rolling out across the state in 12 Landcare regions. The Biodiversity Conservation Trust funded project is making possible 69 field days, eight networking events, 21 workshops, three forums, four trials and four online webinars.

The main themes being addressed across the project include sharing best practice biodiversity conservation in production areas, caring for Country, bush regeneration strategies, riparian restoration and habitat management for flora, fauna, endangered communities, and individual species.

These themes have translated into events such as the recently held 2-day Fire Focus Forum, hosted by Gywmac Landcare, Threatened Species Investigation in the McDonald Valley hosted by Greater Sydney Landcare,  the jam-packed Creek Feast day organised by Watershed Landcare, celebrating all aspects of riparian restoration, and the Conservation & Primary Production Field day hosted by MidCoast2Tops at Dingo Creek where landholders shared their successful integration of an Angus Stud with riparian restoration.

The focus for many groups across the state in May is mycology. A Fungi Discovery workshop is being organised by South East Landcare, Soil Super heroes secrets will be shared by MidCoast2Tops and Mycology in the Mix is being presented by Central West Lachlan Landcare.

Keeping track of all the events and sharing the lessons learnt is being made possible by the recently activated PLCM Shared Resources portal, https://plcm.landcarensw.net.au/.

The events calendar is publicly available, and it is hoped that it will provide a useful resource for ideas and a vehicle for collating the event outcomes to support Landcarers looking to host events in their region to support all Landcarers, including those on private land.

PLCM Acknowledgement

Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM)

Private land conservation really does matter!

– Suzanne Pritchard, LNSW Project Manager

Private land conservation really does matter and Landcarers across NSW are supporting those that are leading the way and encouraging other landholders to follow thanks to the $1.54 million Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) contract LNSW is delivering for the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT).

What started out as a partnership between the BCT and LNSW to better understand the shared interests in managing land for biodiversity outcomes has developed into a mutually beneficially arrangement providing resources for 12 host organisations across the state to host 106 events by December 2024.

From multi-partner multi-day forums to online webinars, and every event type in between, how to manage private land to enhance biodiversity outcomes is being talked about by experts, shared in social networking gatherings, understood through citizen science projects and on land that has a one form or another of conservation covenant upon it.

It’s all about protection of Box Gum Grassy Woodlands (BGGW) in the Murray. Landholders will be able to learn about this endangered vegetation type while spotlighting and dining, considering natural capital options, understanding cultural connections or identifying tools and technology to tackle management decision. The BGGW supports productive agriculture based on native pastures, so it’s a win for landholders, native flora and fauna if this diverse ecosystem can be encouraged, expanded and connected across the landscape.

In the north of the state walk & talk field days on covenanted landholdings will see multiple agencies converging to share best practice land conservation techniques and knowledge in dealing with landslips and erosion, threatened species, and property planning. These gatherings are key to strengthening the social connections between landholders, who sometimes feel isolated, with like-minded Landcarers.

Out west big is better and forums are the flavour for bringing landholders together. The combination of large distances and limited time will see a multiday forum held in the western region and a 2-day event focussing on all aspects of utilising fire in the north western region. There will also be field days-a-plenty providing opportunities to get up close and personal with seed, showcasing some trials and demonstration and bringing multiple organisations together to explore and educate how to improve on-farm biodiversity.

The southeast will be utilising the PLCM funding to host roadshows across the region on riparian strategies and bush regeneration techniques. Regional workshops and field days are also planned to cover topics as diverse as koalas, regenerative agriculture, keystone species, fungi and flora, preceded by information sharing webinars so that the theory can be put into on the day. A muster to bring everyone together is in the mix too.

Along the east coast learning opportunities to better understand private land management of feral animals, woody weeds, caring for country, ecological burns for biodiversity, koalas, and fungi will see workshops and field days held. A growing interest in understanding bush regeneration strategies will provide food for thought about the value of retaining and expanding remnant vegetation.

If you’d like to find out more about what’s happening in your region contact your local landcare group, or BCT representative. All regions across the state have something to offer.

Private land conservation, by providing opportunities for landholders and Landcarers to connect and support each other, will greatly contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30 targets calling for 30% of land under protection by 2030.

The Private Land Conservation Matters program is key to unlocking the potential of landholders to protect biodiversity across the state. LNSW acknowledges the foresight and support of the BCT in resourcing Landcarers to deliver an extensive program of activities for landholders to conserve biodiversity on their property.

March 2024

NSW BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION TRUST AND LANDCARE NSW PARTNERSHIP

Biodiversity conservation on private land in NSW is imperative in preserving unique ecosystems, flora, and fauna that may not be inhabited in public conservation areas. Protecting biodiversity on private lands also plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, improving land productivity, and enhancing water quality, all of which directly benefit both the landowners and the broader community.

As urbanisation and industrial activities continue to expand, private lands have become increasingly crucial refuges for many species, helping to reduce habitat fragmentation and support long-term environmental sustainability. Our partnership with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) is vital.

Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) is Stage 2 of Landcare NSW’s partnership program with the BCT, building on the success and lessons learned from the 2020-22 Project, including increased awareness of the BCT’s roles and responsibilities amongst the Landcare community, and relationships developed between regional Landcare networks and regional BCT Managers.

Highlights from the first partnership were:

• 2635 people directly engaged through face-to-face and online events,
• 78 field days held on a range of conservation management topics, hosted on private landholders’ properties,
• 149 networking events were held on landholder properties across the state, and
• 390 communication products developed, including short videos, brochures, and newsletters highlighting private land conservation in regional communities.

The recently appointed program manager, Suzanne Pritchard, has focused on understanding the depth and breadth of Stage 1 achievements across the state and preparing for the new round of regionally co-designed work plans.

The $1.4 million, 18-month project is a contracted arrangement with the BCT, which will see LNSW working closely with regional coordinators to meet the 100 events, 2000 Landholders engaged target through the delivery of field days and networking activities, reaching out to the conservation community.

This project is an opportunity to forge a strong relationship with the BCT, which supports the Landcare community to deliver exceptional events and continue building bridges between private landowners, Landcare NSW, and the BCT.

To date, conversations between regional BCT and regional Landcare have proposed regional forums to bring the conservation community together after the COVID cloistering, regional workshops on locally relevant topics, local property-based events, and engagement of project officers to deliver the regional programs.

Ultimately, the project provides additional resources to deliver on-ground enhanced biodiversity outcomes, focusing on private land but relevant to all land tenures and all landcarers.

 

– Suzanne Pritchard, Project Manager, Landcare NSW

Boorowa Community Landcare Group Grazing and Biodiveristy Tour

Author: Review by David Marsh, Boorowa Community Landcare Group, 18 November 2022

The weather gods were kind and our long-awaited bus trip set off with almost forty participants, from Queen Street, Boorowa, at seven thirty sharp. The day was perfect and recent rainfall dictated that the coach was not to leave the road for fear of getting bogged.

Our leaders were Linda Cavanagh, Boorowa Community Landcare Group and South-East NSW Regional Landcare Coordinator, who is a genius at getting groups to come together on land issues; newly appointed Boorowa Community Landcare Project Officer, Amber Kelly from Rugby; and Scott Hickman from Canowindra who has a mentoring role with the Boorowa Grazing Group and long experience as the Project Officer of the Mid Lachlan Landcare Group Project, Growing the Grazing Revolution.

As we left Boorowa, we all took turns to introduce ourselves, give a brief description of our interests in land management; and to say what book or books we were reading or had read that we liked. Several books were mentioned a number of times, Call of the Reed Warbler, Dr Charles Massy; A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold; Dirt to Soil, Gabe Brown; For the Love of Soil, Nicole Masters; The One Straw Revolution, Masanobu Fukuoka.

We had three farm visits, and the overriding sentiment expressed by the group was our admiration for the passion these farmers had for being worthy partners in their relationship to the land. Increasing biodiversity, soil organic carbon, soil health and tree cover were consistently mentioned.

We all felt lifted-up by the philosophy of these families who were taking a small step back from their roles to allow the next generation to ‘get their hands in the dirt’ and transition to a greater share of the management. The respect shown by these young farmers towards their parents and parents-in-law was moving. Someone mentioned the gracious way his father had shown his willingness to engage in the process of succession.

First stop was at Tumbleton, near Wombat where five generations had been farming and grazing the deep red Parna, or wind-blown soils that came in when a very arid time prevailed in a past geological age. These soils are found on the tops of the hills at Tumbleton.

We walked a few hundred metres into a paddock that had never been ploughed, very unusual on a farm with mostly arable land in the south-west slopes.

Moving down the slopes the soils are granite derived. The land was attractive and undulating with a scattering of remnant eucalypts. There was quite a bit of discussion about the importance of looking out for volunteer seedling eucalypts and trying to protect them from grazing. Unplanned grazing where stock are left in one place for extended periods tends to lead to the death of these infrequent seedlings. The longer recoveries associated with planned recovery grazing can be the trigger for the appearance of volunteers.

The next generation on this farm are moving in the direction of embracing the philosophy of life friendly farming driven by a decision-making framework that balances the needs of people, business and landscape. The Wilkinson family and their daughter Gemma and her husband Jake Chandler, together with their baby daughter Vivian are taking a long view of the future landscape that will go on increasing in biodiversity whilst providing a haven for their family, and providing a low risk, profitable business.

A common observation of the two grazing farms we visited was that despite having never been ploughed the species mix was dominated by exotic annual plants. Quite a number of native perennials were also evident. Species such as wallaby grass, weeping grass, common wheat grass, rarely Kangaroo grass, corkscrew species, tall stipa and red grass indicate that despite the annuals holding sway, changing management may swing the balance more towards the natives that evolved here. These species don’t require any inputs, just slightly changed management.

A change of focus came with our second stop at Hall Family Orchards. We had an introduction to the detailed management needed to produce high quality fruit with the challenges of soil nutrient issues and the complexity of moving to a more sympathetic land use philosophy.

We were bowled over with the detailed knowledge that Chris and his family need to achieve their goal of improving land and diversity in an intensive cherry growing farm business.

Chris has been awarded for his achievements in carbon sequestration, with a Carbon Cocky Award followed by being named NSW Farmer of the year for 2019. These awards have given recognition to Chris and his family’s innovation and persistence in showing that orcharding can be run using regenerative principles.

The venue for lunch was The Grove Estate Winery owned by the Mullaney family.

The Fowler family’s’ Rosedale was our final stop and the theme of wise stewardship on a farm that has been in the family since the late 1860s. Tony Fowler gave us a wonderful history of the farm and the changes that have happened over their tenure. From horse to tractors and all the digital technology of the modern age. The family has moved into the philosophy of managing for people, business and landscape. The importance of family was a strong theme all day and training in managing using holistic principles rated as very important. Here are families who have moved away from the circular discussions that so often characterise our fumbling attempts to address this necessary facet of farm businesses. They have acted and a plan is unfolding where Tim Fowler and his wife Clemency are taking the first steps in a journey to making true profits. That is, low-cost farming using mostly contemporary energy, low risk, low-cost businesses that rely on the landscape’s capacity for renewal, and farm ecosystems with increasing biodiversity and improving levels of soil organic carbon. Tim was full of praise for those who came before him and is facing the future with eager anticipation and eyes wide open.

We walked into another large and never-ploughed paddock with huge remnant trees and abundant pasture in this good season. It will be fascinating to observe the changes as these farmers learn with the experience of years just what makes the landscape tick.

We moved to the tranquil garden at Rosedale where Tony and Marie Louise have lived for many years. It is now occupied by their daughter and son in law. Stephanie and Mike run the Bulla Creek Brewery and we spent a pleasant hour yarning and tasting the various beers.

A wonderful day and so good to be out and about after the dramas of the last three years.

2022 NSW STATE BUDGET. WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE STATE ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITIES

The NSW State Budget has turned its environmental focus on biodiversity this year, with more than $2 billion invested in programs focusing on protection, conservation and natural capital investment.

Handed down on Tuesday 21st June, the Department of Environment and Heritage announced ‘biodiversity being a….clear focus in the 2022-23 NSW Budget, with major investments in ground-breaking programs that support landholders to protect and conserve their land.’

NSW CEO, Turlough Guerin, said he welcomed further investment in the environment and community sector.

“The NSW Landcare community, and all our communities, have rallied in an incredible way over the past year in response to COVID-19, bushfires and now floods hitting our regions.

“It’s led to much loss, but an investment into biodiversity, rewarding land owners for sustainable land management and identifying the benefits of investing in building a more sustainable future is very welcome. It will better support our Landcarers to get on with the job of ensuring that our communities and environments thrive,” Mr Guerin said.

Big winners this year are $106.7 million investment in the Biodiversity Credits Supply Fund, and $206.2 million over 10 years to enhance the State’s natural capital by rewarding farmers who opt-in to a Sustainable Farming accreditation program.

In the conservation sector, large scale lobbying and warnings from environmentalists regarding their potential extinction, have created a koala focus with the NSW Government committing to $145.9 million to continue to deliver the NSW Koala Strategy.  This strategy is targeted at conservation actions with the long-term goal of doubling koala numbers in New South Wales by 2050. This is on top of the $50 million the Federal Government allocated to support the species in its most recent budget

Landcare NSW project partner, Saving Our Species, secured $60 million to continue the Saving our Species program which aims to support and restore identified threatened species from extinction (part of the existing $75 million recurrent expenses over five years announced in 2021).

Other highlights include:

  1. $24.2 million for essential environmental monitoring for air quality forecasting and alerts, and to expand water quality monitoring to more swim sites across New South Wales.
  2. $163.9 million in 2022-23 to bolster the State’s response and readiness capability to future biosecurity incursions, including enhanced response targeting endemic species.
  3. $182.0 million to deliver the 10-year NSW Government Marine Estate Management Strategy to improve water quality, estuary health and other biodiversity and environmental metrics.
  4. $163.9 million in 2022-23 to bolster the State’s response and readiness capability to future biosecurity incursions, including enhanced response targeting endemic species.
  5. $17.1 million to continue the Farm Business Resilience Program and Rural Financial Counselling Service, which provides farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to build resilience to future droughts and natural disasters.
  6. $222.1 million over four years for the National Parks and Wildlife Service across the State, to support the following investments benefiting regional communities: – the new Arc Rainforest Centre and Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk to showcase the ancient World Heritage rainforests of the Dorrigo escarpment – the establishment of a Reserve and Activation Fund to fill critical gaps in the national parks estate and to enhance regional tourism and economic benefits
  7. $32.9 million to boost the State’s early detection and response to biosecurity threats on Lord Howe Island and protect the Island’s World Heritage ecological values.
  8. $286.2 million over four years to implement the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 and NSW Plastics Action Plan
  9. Continued delivery of the $49.4 million Gardens of Stone Walk near Lithgow to showcase the State’s diverse natural and cultural heritage assets.
  10. $148.4 million over two years to manage the clean-up and removal of flood and storm-related damage, debris and green waste from the 2022 floods
  11. $93.7 million over eight years for a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to develop risk assessments, action plans and other capabilities needed to address the physical risks arising from climate change
  12. $19.8 million for Water Strategy Initiatives to address floodplain management, First Nations access and a groundwater framework.

For full budget papers click here https://www.budget.nsw.gov.au/budget-papers