New Advice for Revegetation of Midwest's Harsh Landscape

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Revegetation in action.

To help guide revegetation practices on some of the region’s most degraded land, the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) have released the long awaited second edition of Trees and Shrubs for the Midlands and Northern Wheatbelt.

The publication provides farmers, land managers, landcarers, conservation groups and local government authorities with a comprehensive list of the best suited, naturally occurring tree and shrub species for revegetation projects in the region from Lancelin to Kalbarri, and east to the clearing line.

The first edition, that has not been available in print for several years now, was published by the Department of Agriculture Western Australia in 1996.

Recognising the important documented research of the first edition, NACC was funded by the WA Government State Natural Resource Management Program to produce a second edition in electronic format once again making the information widely available.

“NACC has used the book extensively to guide many of our successful revegetation projects including our Rivers and Wetlands Project that protected over 4,200 hectares in the last three years,” said NACC Carbon Farming Coordinator Sarah Jeffery.

The new edition expands on the books comprehensive species list and provides expert advice on what species are best suited to the different soil types of our region, said Ms Jeffery.

The Trees and Shrubs for the Midland and Northern Wheatbelt 2nd edition is now available on the NACC website at www.nacc.com.au/project/trees-and-shrubs-for-the-midlands-and-northern-wheatbelt/

For more information on Trees and Shrubs for the Midland and Northern Wheatbelt 2nd edition, please contact NACC Carbon Farming Coordinator Sarah Jeffery (E) Sarah.Jeffery@nacc.com.au (P) 08 9938 0110. 

Midwest Agriculture Prepares for Industry and Environmental Challenges

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Producer Grant Bain marking out his demonstration site for Ever Green project. Photo Credit: Phil Barrett-Lennard, agVivo

Innovative farm demonstration sites are currently being established to prepare for future industry and environmental challenges facing WA’s Northern Agricultural Region (NAR).

Some of the challenges facing the local agricultural sector include wind erosion, unproductive soils, climate variability, salinity, and pests and weed incursions.

With funding from the Australian Government National Landcare Programme, the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) is investing $637,648 into at least 30 local agricultural demonstration projects over 3 years.

“The project aims to promote sustainable production and long term management of the region’s natural resources while focussing on local issues and needs”, said NACC Sustainable Farming Program Coordinator Sally Fenner.

“Funding for round three of the project will open Monday 27th July. If you have a project idea we encourage you submit an application. Guidelines will be available on the NACC website”, said Ms Fenner.

Demonstration projects already funded in round one and two of the project are informing local landholders in:

Round 1

  • Response and availability of potassium in wheat crops to applications of biochar (Energy Farmers Australia Pty Ltd)
  • Perennial pasture innovations in the Midwest (J. Wedge)
  • Demonstrating NyPa Forage to stabilise saline land (The Moore Catchment Council Inc.)
  • Developing and testing innovative, practical and reliable methods for incorporating lime into acidic sandplain subsoils (West Midlands Group Inc.)
  • Long term soil fertility lessons for West Midlands sands (West Midlands Group Inc.)
  • Low cost improvement of perennial pastures (Ever Green Farming Inc.)
  • Determining the nutrient requirements of perennial pastures when grown with an annual legume companion (Ever Green Farming Inc.)
  • Improving productivity on non-wetting soils in the NAR through pasture cropping (Mingenew Irwin Group)

Round 2

  • Identifying cost effective ways to incorporate lime in the Moora-Miling farming district (The Moore Catchment Council Inc.)
  • Mango growers adapting to climate change in the Gingin/Dandaragan area (Southern Mango Growers Association)
  • A demonstration of perennial shrub systems enabling adaptation to erosion and climate variability (Mingenew Irwin Group)
  • Improving and quantifying soil quality in citrus production systems on sands in the West Gingin/Moora area (Western Australian Citrus Improvement Group Inc.)
  • Is sub-soil soil acidity an issue in permanent pastures? (Ever Green Farming Inc.)
  • Establishing various salt tolerant species on salt land areas inaccessible by machinery (North East Farming Futures Group)
  • Investigating different approaches to manage soil acidification in the WA Wheatbelt (The Liebe Group Inc)

For more information about NACC’s Sustainable Farming Program, contact Sally Fenner at NACC, (P) 9938 0125 (E) Sally.Fenner@nacc.com.au

Be a part of the green transformation

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Be a part of the green transformation by joining in upcoming community tree planting events.

Get out those gardening gloves and help the City of Greater Geraldton come closer to reaching the community’s Million Trees target.

The City is urging the community to be a part of the green transformation by joining in community tree planting events which will be held throughout the month of June.

Three tree planting days will be held on Saturday June 13 at the Greenough River Estuary; and Saturday June 20 and Saturday June 27 in the Chapman River Regional Park.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the City was dedicated to planting more trees and shrubs around Greater Geraldton.

“We asked the public what would make Greater Geraldton a better place to live and greening our City was the top priority,” he said.

“Community Tree planting days are about restoring the City’s priority natural areas which include both areas surrounding the Chapman and Greenough rivers.

“The outcome of this was the Million Trees project which has seen over 135,000 trees planted in our region to date.

“We would love the community to continue to help this number grow.”

If you have planted trees or shrubs on your property you can add them to the Million Trees growing tally by heading to the City’s website to make your tree count.

The three planting days will be held from 3-5pm, no gardening experience is necessary. Wear suitable clothes and bring your own gloves, water bottle and hand spade if you have one.

Community tree planting days are supported by the State NRM Office and the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council.

For more information contact visit the City’s website at www.cgg.wa.gov.au or phone the City on 9956 6600. You can also follow the Million Trees project on Facebook.

African Boxthorn Suffers Serious Setback

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African Boxthorn plant showing spines and berries

Recent collaborative projects between the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), the City of Greater Geraldton and the Shire of Chapman Valley have resulted in the removal of over 13,000 African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) plants.

African boxthorn is a widespread Weed of National Significance that reduces biodiversity, harbours feral animals and is a significant public nuisance. During the month of May, thousands of boxthorn plants were removed from around the Greenough River estuary, the Chapman River Regional Park and coastal dunes at Cape Burney and Coronation Beach.

Plants were mechanically removed using small skid steer loaders and a technique called ‘cut and pasted,’ which involves cutting plants down near their base and applying herbicide to the stump.

“This fantastic work has greatly improved the areas’ biodiversity and aesthetic values and I am excited to be involved in future collaborative projects” said NACC Natural Resource Management Officer, Heather Legge.

“Results have been far greater than anticipated and none of this would be possible without close collaboration between the City’s Environmental Planning team and NACC’s Biodiversity, and Coastal and Marine Programs,” said Ms Legge.

Funding for the works came through the City, NACC’s Biodiversity Program’s Hidden Treasures project and NACC’s Coastal and Marine Program.

Safe removal of boxthorn using a skid steer loader.

“This collaborative approach is beneficial because the economy of scale it offers allows more boxthorn to be removed with the funds available,” said NACC Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator, Dr Mic Payne.

“NACC is also extending work previously carried out by the City and Shire of Chapman Valley to develop a regional strategy to control this weed in the Northern Agricultural Region,” he said.

Looking ahead, NACC will continue working with the City and the Shires of Chapman Valley and Irwin to reduce populations of this invasive weed species, and revegetate following its removal. The City is also taking part in the Federal Government’s Green Army program, training a team in chemical handling so that participants can continue to target boxthorn and other weeds.

To find about more about NACC’s boxthorn removal projects in the Geraldton region, please contact NACC Natural Resource Management Officer, Heather Legge, on 9938 0103 or heather.legge@nacc.com.au.

If you would like to find out more about the CGG’s Environmental Sustainability Program, please contact Environmental Sustainability Officer, Bronte Grant on 9956 6932 or bronteg@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Fostering The Next Generation Of Young Environmental Leaders

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Students speaking with PhD Candidate, Tim Doherty about Feral Cat Ecology.

Farming and conservation can go hand-in-hand. That’s a key message that came across loud and clear at a recent workshop attended by students from the Western Australian College of Agriculture in Morawa.

Organised by the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), the workshop aimed to inform, motivate and empower the future environmental land-carers, stewards and leaders in the region.

Students tuning in on a presentation by Leah Adams.

“It was fantastic to see the keen interest in the environment by the next generation of environmental leaders in the region,” said Perenjori-based NACC Natural Resource Management Officer Sarah Gilleland.

Ms Gilleland said the field day helped the students to better understand and advocate for key environmental issues, such as the impact of invasive species, and gain a greater awareness of local biodiversity. It also provided them with tools to take action.

“It’s important that young people are informed and inspired to take a greater interest in understanding their local biodiversity, as well as conservation and cultural issues. We feel that if young people understand the issues better they will be more likely to take action,” said Ms Gilleland.

Environmental champion Like Bayley of Bush Heritage Australia was among the impressive line-up of presenters to share their knowledge and passion for Australian wildlife conservation.

“When I’m out in our beautiful landscapes, I truly appreciate that we are in a precious part of the world that needs to be protected. And I’m always willing to pass-on this appreciation and information that I gain to others,” he said.

Mr Bayley also encouraged the students to consider careers in environmental science, highlighting how rewarding, fun and diverse this type of work can be – from venturing out to explore nature reserves, to taking part in community events such as the Blues for the Bush concert.

Luke Bayley gives presentation on Bush Heritage and Environmental Science.

The students heard first-hand about local cultural heritage from Aboriginal Elder Alan Eagan, who described how the landscape surrounding Morawa has changed throughout his lifetime.

Many of the students took a keen interest in this topic with some noting that they would like to visit local heritage sites to gain a better understanding of their significance.

“I really want to thank each of the presenters – Luke Bayley from Bush Heritage Australia, Botanist Jenny Borger, Leah Adams from Shire of Perenjori, Tim Doherty from Edith Cowan University and local Aboriginal Elder Alan Eagan – for helping make the day such a success,” said Ms Gilleland. “And thanks also to the Morawa District High School and the Western Australian College of Agriculture who contributed to the workshop.”

For more information about NACC’s Biodiversity Program, contact Jessica Stingemore at NACC, (P) 9938 0106 (E) jessica.stingemore@nacc.com.au.

Gindalbie wants to put a Nuclear Waste dump in Shire of Yalgoo→

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Emily Piesse and Rebecca Curtin for the ABC:

Iron ore miner Gindalbie Metals and a Goldfields councillor have made applications to host a low-level radioactive waste dump in separate regions of Western Australia.

Click to read full article.  

Fracking company holding a community meeting

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The company at the centre of plans to introduce fracking in the Mid West, AWE, is holding a Community Information Exchange Session regarding their planned activities. 

You're free to head along and have your say. According to their website, they want to "better understand your views and opinions".

Where: Function Centre, Shire of Irwin Recreation Centre, Point Leander Drive, Port Denison

When: 1:30–4:30 pm and 5:30—7:30pm, Thursday 30 April 2015

More info:  

http://www.awemidwest.com.au/upcoming-community-information-exchange-session/ 

Toxic threat from Northampton fire→

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Sarah Taillier for the ABC:

 Authorities are urging people to avoid part of the small Western Australian town of Northampton in the coming days amid contamination fears following a toxic fire on the weekend.

Click here to read more.  

Fire in Northampton - Video and Images

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More footage from the fire in Northampton.

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Sunday, April 19, 2015

Fire in Northampton:Warning- Structure fire in Northampton Huge fire at CT & L Woodcock, they are a big business in Northampton, gas bottles exploding etc@GeraldtonPol: Please refrain from attending the Northampton Townsite - roads in and around town remain closed - pls allow emergency services easy access.DFES Alert: http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/alerts/Pages/Alert.aspx?ItemId=13968

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Sunday, April 19, 2015

Structure Fire in the Northampton in the Shire of Northampton

Sunday 19 April 2015 - 4:20 PM

There is a structure fire on Hampton Road/North West Coastal Highway, near the intersection of Mary Street, in Northampton.
 
The fire started in a hardware store and is now burning in a number of buildings in the area. 
 
Smoke and possibly toxic fumes from the fire are moving in an easterly direction. 


WHAT TO DO:
• WA Police are working in the area to evacuate residents that may be affected. People are urged to follow the advice of Police and leave the area. 
• People should close their doors and windows and switch off air conditioners. 
• People should stay away from the area. If you are already in the area take advice from emergency services personnel.  
• People with medical concerns should contact their local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222. 
• Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.


ROAD CLOSURES: 
Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site


A number of roads have been closed including:
• Hampton Road/North West Coastal Highway 
• Mary Street 
• Stephen Street


Road information may also be available by calling Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

 

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:
• Approximately 30 firefighters are on the scene. 
Firefighters have saved a number of buildings and are working to contain the fire.


EXTRA INFORMATION: 
• The incident was reported at 1.41pm today.  
• The cause of the fire is unknown.  

KEEP UP TO DATE: 
Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

 

The next update will be provided when the situation changes.

Flying Missiles

You can hear the explosions in the videos, and this is why:

Images and videos submitted. 

What solar energy can do for you and the environment

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As many of you know, solar power energy has proven to be very cost effective for households and businesses and can reduce your electricity bills by a substantial amount; but did you know by how much? Not only does solar energy keep you and your wallet happy, but it also reduces your carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gases.

There are two forms of solar power energy: one being Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and the other being Solar Photovoltaic (PV). The one we’re going to focus on is Solar Photovoltaic, which captures the sun’s energy through fitted solar panels to generate electricity cleanly and quietly. You’ve probably seen these solar panels on the roofs of quite a few buildings and homes across town.

Scott Phillips from Sun City Solar has been installing and maintaining solar panels for Geraldton homes and businesses since 2006 and delivers a cleaner alternative to generating electricity through his quality products. Being in the business for over 9 years, Scott has seen the benefits first hand and encourages all households to consider switching to solar power. Once you read some of their many benefits, you’ll wish you had switched sooner.

Reduces your electricity bills:

Solar panels convert light energy directly from the sun into electrical energy (this does not include hot water systems). Getting your electricity free from the sun through solar panels can reduce your electricity bills by up to 60%, which works out to be around $1,200 per year for the average household. The suns natural resources are free to use, so why haven’t you switched yet?

Environmentally friendly:

Everybody knows that switching to solar energy is better for the environment because electricity is converted from a natural energy source. But did you know by how much?  Scott explains that solar energy helps reduce one’s carbon footprint by up to 1.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide per kW for each solar panel installed. Can you think of the difference this will make if we all switched?

It’s easier to get than you think:

Having a solar energy system installed for your home or building is easier than you once thought and the process doesn’t drag on for months, like some people think. Sun City Solar state that there’s only a 6-8 week approval process, which involves an assessment of your home, measuring the size of your roof and determining what area and angle is most efficient for maximum exposure to sunlight. Once approval has been processed, Sun City Solar can fit your solar panels in just one day and you can enjoy energy directly from the sun that day, too!

Minimal maintenance:

Once your solar panels have been fitted, you’re set for years to come and don’t have to worry about additional repair costs. Just sit back and enjoy energy free from the sun and save along the way. All panels fitted by Sun City Solar come with a 20-year warranty that covers all repairs and maintenance costs. So if you’re experiencing some system faults with your solar panels for whatever reason, they will be repaired for free, providing they’re still under their 20-year warranty.

So if you’re tossing up the idea of switching to solar, speak to Scott and the team at Sun City Solar who will go over everything that’s involved and will look after you for years to come. The average cost for a solar energy system is $5,000 including installation.

  •  Sun City Solar are open Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm and closed weekends.
  • They’re located at 140 Flores Road, Geraldton.
  • Phone (08) 9965 4089.

Boaters urged to take care at the Abrolhos

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The Abrolhos Islands has become a popular destination for Western Australia’s boating community, with a large number of craft expected to visit over Easter and throughout April. 

Midwest Regional Manager for the Department of Fisheries, Ron Shepherd said the two long weekends and the school holidays in April were likely to attract many visitors to soak up the experience the island group offers 

“We are keen to ensure visitors have a safe time at the Abrolhos and that they plan properly for their time there,” Mr Shepherd said. 

“There is a requirement for the Master of vessels that are travelling to the Abrolhos Fish Habitat Protection Area to notify the Department of Fisheries of their visit, and this can be easily done through the department’s website at www.fish.wa.gov.au.  

“The website provides important information for visitors, and the notification helps our officers to support the management and safety of visitors.”

Boat activity near Big Pigeon Island at the Abrolhos

Shepherd said it should be everyone’s commitment to protect the pristine environment. 

“We urge owners to please clean their vessel’s hull before heading to the Abrolhos and this is particularly important for boats that are normally penned in the Batavia Marina, at Geraldton,” he said. 

“Fouling on hulls has the potential to introduce exotic marine pests, which could have significant adverse impacts on the unique coral environment of the Abrolhos.  

“To protect the Abrolhos, it is important that all visitors support biosecurity measures.”

Mr Shepherd said a number of public moorings were available at the Abrolhos Islands and the locations for those were noted on the department’s website.

“Those moorings may be in high demand during April and when public moorings are not available, the department requests that boat owners be careful in anchoring to ensure they do not damage coral habitats, he said. 

“Also, visitors should look after the environment by taking their rubbish home and by not camping on unoccupied islands or lighting fires.

“Buildings and jetties on occupied islands are private property. Visitors require the permission of the property owners to enter, or to tie up to their jetties.  

 “We advise boat owners, and all visitors, to become familiar with WA’s recreational fishing rules before venturing to the Abrolhos, including the rules specific to the islands.”  

A Silver Chain Clinic is located on Big Rat Island, Easter Group and is available to assist in any medical emergencies that visitors may encounter. The clinic can be contacted on 0427 422 665, or through Marine Radio Channel 16.

River breaking through to ocean is not all good news

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Greenough River broken through to ocean

Greenough River has broken through to the ocean at Cape Burney. Take care near the soft edges if you're taking little ones down to have a look.

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Twice in recent months heavy rains in the region have resulted in the Greenough River breaking through the sand bar to the ocean at Cape Burney and turning our beaches into a curious brown colour. 

The event can be seen as a win for those who enjoy fishing along our shores, as any fish that are washed out to sea attract species like mulloway, and lobsters extend their wanderings making them easier to catch. 

But it's not all good news for the Greenough estuary system, especially when climate change modelling is taken into account. 

While climate change has seen less rainfall occur over the winter months in the region, it also increases the likelihood of heavy summer rain associated with tropical lows. 

This, combined with the large amounts of cleared agricultural land, has resulted in problems starting to occur as valuable topsoil is washed into the water system causing the estuary to become much shallower in a process called sedimentation. "This is a big problem in the upper reaches of the Murchison estuary where navigation has become increasingly difficult due to shallow water," according to Dr Michael Payne, NACC Coastal and Marine Coordinator.

Dr Payne says healthy riverside vegetation is needed to slow water flows and filter sediments from water running off the land into rivers.

"In the past, normally closed estuaries have often been opened artificially using earthmoving equipment and sometimes even shovels. This was believed to provide a benefit to the health of the estuary. However, this practise is now discouraged as the amount of flushing that occurs with artificial openings is insufficient to improve water quality compared to natural openings. Also, if the water level in the estuary remains too low for too long, important wetlands along the edge of the estuary can dry up and die."

Dr Payne said "These flushing events have been going on for millennia and the plants and animals are all well and truly used to coping with them." But because the rains are more torrential or "full on" when they do occur, and because they are happening in dryer months when there is less vegetation on the ground, top soil run off is much more of a problem. 

Certainly seeing the water run is a beautiful scene to behold, but it's worth taking note of the flow on effects climate change is having in our region. 

Images sent in my Everything Geraldton readers over the last couple of weeks showing our discoloured beaches. 

Images and video of storm that hit Geraldton yesterday

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A ute was washed away, trees were knocked over, sheds relocated, flash flooding, trampolines went visiting the neighbours and hailstones broke windows. 

The storm that hit Geraldton and surrounds today came in a fury. Fortunately much of town was spared the brunt of the storm, with some suburbs getting not a breath of wind or a drop of rain. But those that were hit were hit hard. 

Here are some of the images and videos shared with Everything Geraldton. 

Thought you might like to see a photo of my father in laws work ute... Washed down by flash flooding on the Port Gregory road - Kate

AJ shared these 5 from Moresby. 

Creepy cloud before hail came down - Claire

Claire also shared this one of the trampoline that was relocated and redesigned by today's wind. 

Deepdale - Gale force winds from today's storm. Sent in by Sheila.

Tenille shared this video of a tree getting hammered in the winds... and the pictures of it afterwards. 

Storm 1
Tree 0

Emma shared this one. 

Hayden shared these - "We have a new tree! Drummonds"

Fallon shared this one just as the storm came in. 

A couple from a distance shared by Alice. 

Storm in Drummond Cove shared by Aaron. "My view from Drummonds this afternoon.."

This photo was taken at 10pm 26/03/2015 from Waggrakine. - Keith

Bec shared this video of the hail falling and bouncing.

Emma shared this one: "Well that was unexpected!"

This was taken in waggy not as bad as some places - Sara

Hail Storm Hits Drummond Cove at 3.50pm Thursday 26th March. - Sharon

Waggrakine - shared by Lawrence

Hail storm taken Sutcliffe Rd North waggrakine - Bindii Bindii

Bindii Bindii

"Bit of Hail" - Aric

Wet out in Moresby with nice sized hail - Tackleworld Geraldton

Look what the storm left for us, a beautiful double rainbow - Tania

Michelle nearly scored a shed... "At least it was locked."

"Drummonds this arvo..." Elise

Dave shared this great image of the storm rolling in. 

We just lost one (tree). - Natalie

Jason shows some large hail. 

Lizy posted this one. 

We had a mini cyclone on top of that in sunset lost half our Poinciana tree - Beth

Paula posted this one. 

Ben shared this one of the hail.

Skye posted this one from Moonyoonooka.

Amanda posted this one of her fence in Drummond Cove

"Incoming" - Cherie

Tarcoola Beach flooding - Kathleen Williams

Kathryn - The sump next door to our house in Wahn Avenue, this was after about 15 mins

Kathryn - And Wahn Avenue itself, first time it has flooded in the 7.5 years we've been on the street

Allira - "The neighbour's trampoline"

Drummonds getting hammered.

Posted by Everything Geraldton on Thursday, March 26, 2015

INTEGRATING DUNG BEETLES TO MAXIMISE PASTURE PRODUCTION AND INCREASE FARM PROFITABILITY

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The latest research on how best to integrate dung beetles into pastures development will be the focus of two pasture improvement events coming up in the Northern Agricultural Region next week.

The ‘food for thought’ events are being run by NACC - in partnership with West-Koojan Gillingarra LCDC, Moore Catchment Council, and Mingenew Irwin Group - with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme. The events will be held at Gillingarra Hall on Tuesday 31 March, and Mingenew Sports Club on 1 April 2015.

These events will bring together dung beetle expertise and farmer experience to discuss the latest research on dung beetles, as well as how best to use dung beetles to boost perennial pastures and improve farm profitability.

Dr Bernard Doube’s dung beetles research site

In Gillingarra, Dr John Feehan, Director of SoilCam and former CSIRO dung beetle specialist, will discuss the role of dung burial to maximise pasture production and reduce pest and parasites; while Mr John Leake of NyPa Australia will present an interactive discussion on the challenges and opportunities of adopting NyPa grass, the holistic best practice approach to maximize efficiency in pasture production system, and cost-analysis of NyPa grass.

In the second workshop, at Mingenew Sports Club on Wednesday 1 April, Dr Bernard Doube of Dung Beetles Solution Australia, will talk about the ecology of dung beetles and the roles they play in environmental and soil health; the role of dung beetles in mitigating the effects of climate change; and the role of dung burial by beetles in biocontrol of intestinal parasites. Other topics include the strategic use of chemicals and host immunity in the control of gut parasites, and the role of biochar as a promoter of soil and animal health.

“We are privileged to bring Dr John Feehan and Dr Bernard Doube to the region to share with members of our community their practical and innovative experience on dung beetles and the role beetles can play in improving soil health and mitigating the effects of climate change in the region,” said NACC’s Regional Landcare Facilitator Stanley Yokwe.

To register for the event or for more details, please contact Stanley Yokwe on 0428 649 775 or email Stanley.Yokwe@nacc.com.au.

The dung beetles workshops are delivered jointly by NACC, West-Koojan Gillngarra LCDC, Mingenew Irwin Group, and Moore Catchment Council with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

Rise in mosquito numbers

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Recent rainfall within the City of Greater Geraldton has seen an increase in mosquito numbers, triggering the City to remind all residents to take action to reduce the risk of Mosquito-borne viruses and parasites which can cause major human and animal sicknesses.

Mosquito and midges population has increased in low-lying areas, particularly where water has been pooled.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water which includes water holding containers such as tyres, pot plant drips, septic and water tanks, roof gutters and domestic ponds.

To prevent being bitten the following is recommended:

  • Avoid areas with mosquito activity
  • Wear protective clothing (e.g. long sleeved shirts and trousers)
  • Use personal mosquito repellents
  • Protect occupants in the house by eliminating mosquito access through doors and windows (e.g. use of flyscreens for doors and windows)

You can eliminate breeding areas in your backyard by doing the following:

  • Dispose of all containers which hold water
  • Keep swimming pools well chlorinated and filtered, and free of dead leaves
  • Fill or drain depressions in the ground that hold water
  • Screen rainwater tanks with insect-proof mesh, including inlet, overflow and inspection ports. Ensure guttering does not hold water
  • Empty pot plant drip trays once a week or will with sand
  • Also empty and clean animal and pet drinking water once a week

An information letter drop is planned for affected areas and the City’s Environmental Health Officers are currently investigating susceptible areas and will be taking action, where possible, to reduce the risk to residents.

For further information contact the Environmental Health and Sustainability (not Safety) team on (08) 9956 6600.

Popular weed killer used around Geraldton probably causes cancer, according to WHO report

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The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has released a report that says glyphosate, an ingredient found in many weedkillers such as Roundup, probably causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 

A co-author of the report told Quartz that the report stopped short of saying glyphosate conclusively causes cancer due to it being based on studies of only healthy males. 

Quartz states that "The report is based on a review of existing evidence, including multiple studies of the effects of glyphosate on agricultural and forestry workers since 2001."

"... the people in these studies who were exposed to glyphosate experienced a higher incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma than those not exposed to the chemical. Other studies found that glyphosate led to DNA and chromosomal damage in human and animal cells in vitro, which can lead to cancer."

Glyphosate is used widely around Geraldton and many other councils as a weed killer. You may have seen the ute getting around town with the spray gun out the window and warning signs about glyphosate spraying taking place. 

The chemical is also used heavily in spraying in the agriculture sector, especially with the genetically modified "Roundup Ready" canola, which is resistant to the poison and able to be sprayed directly with it. 

It is widely used around many people's homes and gardens. Glyphosate is an ingredient in over 750 products. 

Monsanto, the company behind Roundup and many genetically modified crops that are roundup resistant, has refuted the conclusions of the IARC. 

Click here to read more. 

WA Museum coral expert helps date ancient tombs

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Dr Zoe Richards examining corals at one of the ancient Leluh tombs – photo courtesy Jean-Paul Hobbs.

Western Australian Museum researcher Dr Zoe Richards has identified coral used in three sacred pyramid tombs on a prehistoric Micronesian island to date their construction to the 14th Century, more than 300 years earlier than was previously thought.

Dr Richards and an international team of scientists investigated the ages of corals used in the construction of sacred tombs that interred royalty on the Pacific Island of Kosrae.

“Most ancient tombs are made of hard, non-living components such as limestone, granite or clay, but the ruins of the ancient city of Leluh on Kosrae contain several royal tombs that, uniquely, contain coral in their construction,” Dr Richards said.

“Because coral is a living organism we were able to use high-precision thermal dating techniques to determine the age of the corals we found, and that showed the tombs were built in the 1300s, the first one in about 1310.”

Unlike other, more famous pyramid mortuary structures that have an apex and are permanently sealed, like the ancient pyramids of Giza, the tombs of Leluh are truncated – that is, they contain a rectangular base that rises like a pyramid but don’t have a pointed top, meaning that the central crypt is accessible from above.

Dr Richards said it’s believed the Leluh tombs were used as temporary processing points for dead kings and high-status individuals – it was a place where the corpse, anointed with coconut oil and bound in mats and coloured cords, would have been interred for up to three months.  A house would have been erected over the top where senior officials would have made offerings.  After this period of mourning, the royal bones were exhumed, cleaned, re-bound and then buried in a deep hole on a nearby reef.

Favia coral from the Leluh ruins – photo courtesy Jean-Paul Hobbs

“Determining the age of the coral doesn’t just date the tombs more accurately, it gives us information about what was once a thriving capital city,” she said.

“At its peak, Leluh supported a complex hierarchical society that was home to 1500 people including kings, chiefs and commoners.  The extensive use of coral in the tombs, estimated to contain more than 12,000 individual colonies, as well as the wider city would have required a highly structured social order that could organise and demand significant labour and logistical support from the local population.”

Legend has it that the coral was taken from the surrounding shallow reef and that people ‘formed a long chain across the reef and passed pieces of coral from hand to hand’. The ancient city of Leluh fell into disrepair in the 19th Century following a devastating typhoon, an increase in foreign ships, pirates and traders, and a rapid population decline due to diseases introduced by foreigners.

The full scientific paper describing the research can be found at http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/1/2/e1400060

I knew what I wanted to do before I left school ; A conversation with the new CEO of NACC

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I caught up with Richard McLellan a couple of weeks ago about his new role at NACC (Northern Agricultural Catchment Council), his past, and the future of the organisation he now heads. 

Richard is from a long line of farmers. He hails from Kellerberrin in the middle of the wheat belt where his family grew wheat and sheep. 

He told me as he was growing up on the farm he would notice they had a lot of degradation and bush dying off. He says he went to college in Perth, and every time he came home he would see change. 

Bad change. 

"So that was the time I decided I wouldn't go back on the farm, I'd go and do environmental science instead."

So it was off to uni to do a bachelor of science with advanced environmental studies. 

After university Richard McLellan couldn't find the job he wanted with Greenpeace or WWF. So he went and did things like education training and worked in the media. 

Eventually he wound up working at Murdoch University and found himself back in the conservation sector. He later started his own business involved with native vegetation management. About 15 years ago he landed a position with WWF, where he has been up until recently. 

As Richard recounted his past what kept spinning in my mind was his knowledge at such a young age of what he wanted to do with his life; namely conservation work. 

This guy wasn't in the industry because he was indoctrinated by weed smoking hippy parents, or couldn't find a job anywhere else, or got abused by a right wing conservative once and decided to spend his life fighting capitalism.

He had grown up surrounded by farmers, but had observed his own family's property change for the worse as he returned each school holidays.

He knew the problem was widespread, and he set about equipping himself with the skills he would need to make the positive difference he knew was needed. 

I wish I could claim to have been so conscientious during my teens. I wanted to be a pro basketball player because they made a lot of money and I loved playing basketball. But I would have settled for being a rock star. 

As Richard recounted the rest of his story and his strategies working with different stakeholders, I was struck with his insight into how to collaborate with people who saw the world different to him. 

So much conversation I observe on any matter of importance is just people with opposite opinions trying to discredit the other; Richard's approach felt like a breathe of fresh air. 

He spoke of how he would survey land and bush near farms, and then let the land holders know what unique species of spider, or rare plant, existed on their property. Invariably the farmers then voluntarily became stewards of that fauna and flora, taking responsibility and looking for ways to protect the valuable treasure they previously were oblivious to. 

Richard recounted: "I've seen some guys who wouldn't want to be called greenies, but are as good a conservationist as you'd meet anywhere."

Speaking about NACC and his hopes for it into the future:

"I hope that NACC in the future is recognised for what it does, it doesn't get recognised fully for what it does now with the important role it plays.

"And I hope that we continue to be progressive on how we use communications to promote our work and to engage our constituency, if you like, in our work.

"NACC is a member organisation. It developed from being a small community organisation to where it is now. It is still a member based organisation and I hope that everyone who lives in our region is prepared to become a member, effectively, and support NACC."

So just Joe Bloggs up the street can become a member?

"Yeah."

Okay. Does it cost money to become a member?

"It costs nothing.

"But all it takes is for you to have a common belief that you want to have a sustainable future here. And NACC is a vehicle that can help achieve that. And so I would hope that everyone knows about NACC and says I want to be a member of NACC and I want to ensure that the values that NACC has for this region are the values that I want to have personally. So whether that's looking after our beaches, or looking after our water ways or looking after other natural resources and making sure that they are managed in a sustainable manner so that future generations that live in this area have those same assets."


Okay, so you don't have to be a major landholder or key stake holder or any of those to be a NACC member. What practically is there to do? Come in and sign a form? 

"Exactly, yeah."

Why would a member of the public need to call NACC? Do people reach out to you to ask questions about a weird species they've found or they've got a snake in their backyard? What are some other reasons the public would want to contact NACC?

"Ok so, what is always wanted is information. We have a huge amount of information both within the staff here but also within our system from having been out there operating doing stuff for the last decade or more.

"Another one is help. 'I'm an individual and I'm trying to control a weed outbreak on a creek line adjacent to my property. I can't do it by myself, can you guys help? Or can you direct us to someone who else who can help.' It might be about funding; 'I'm in a small group. We need some funding to help us do some coastal restoration, can NACC help us with funding?' Or it might be about voice, 'we are one small group, we've got this issue, and no one is listening to us, can you help us reach key constituents to get that voice made louder?' And another one might be 'we're thinking about doing this, is that a good idea? Are other groups are doing that. What are neighbour groups doing, what is the federal government think we should be doing about this?'

"And then there's other groups that don't have environmental stewardship as part of their mandate. They might be saying 'maybe we should partnering with NACC, to say that while we are doing a development proposal we can be talking to you about what needs to happen in terms of environmental stewardship.'"

There are still people that are turned off by anything that might be considered "greeny". How does NACC help bring those people on board?

"I guess the obvious one is through dialog, to demonstrate that nothing is never an us and them situation, everything is always 'what do we have in common here?'. 

"And you can go to someone who's saying 'I want to fish or hunt here.' 

No problem. Let's make sure you can fish and hunt in the future too, so let's find ways to do it sustainably.  

"So how do we make sure that no matter what we're doing, we're doing it in a sustainable manner so that things are around in the future? 

"You look for commonalities there; it's all about 'Well I want to keep doing what I'm doing' or 'I want my kids or grandkids to be able to grow up and be able to fish or hunt or whatever'.

"So I think that's where everyone wants the same thing."

NACC is located at 201 Lester Avenue. Drop in if you're interested in learning more or becoming a member, or call them on 9938 0100.

Flooding south of Geraldton; Road Closures Alert

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Road closures for Mid West region

March 16, 2015

Following Tropical Cyclone Olwyn last week, flooding has caused several road closures in the Mid West region.

The City of Greater Geraldton would like to advise residents that the convict bridge on McCartney Road in Greenough is closed and those travelling from the west side of the Convict Bridge will need to exit via the S-Bend on Brand Highway. This will be assessed this afternoon and updates will be provided. 

The following roads are also currently closed to traffic:

·         Ramsay Road 

·         Minninooka Road 

·         Arthur Road 

·         Ellendale Road 

·         Evans Road 

·         Hamersley Road 

·         Edwards Road 

·         West Bank Road 

·         Phillips Road 

·         McCartney Road West

Authorities wish to advise that water is expected to breach the Walkaway Bridge which will close the Walkaway Townsite. Updates will be provided throughout the day. 

 

Mark set these pics in. 

Christine shared this one of Evans Rd Walkaway.  

Kevin shared this one.  

Kevin shared this one.  

Mark shared this one around 10:40am saying water is still rising quickly.