Southern ACT Catchment Group Coordinators Report 30th September 2014

Erosion Control Workshop for ParkCarers

We are running a workshop on low- cost solutions to Erosion Control aimed at ParkCarers on the 15th and 22nd of November. It will be led by Cam Wilson who has worked with ParkCares to aid in reading the landscape and targeting action where efforts will benefit the most. Funding for this will be through the RLF program.

Regional Investment

The next installment was due 21 August 2014 and is not yet paid. Fiona continues to assisting me 3 days a week in planning and delivery of next year’s milestones including GIS mapping and workshops. Guidelines for the delivery of outputs are still being negotiated for such things as photo-points which are still required for on-ground works for all on ground outputs. We will be having a one day workshop with our funders to discuss monitoring and requirements for reporting after a very time heavy reporting period last period.

New groups and Urambi Hills Group

The group leader Louise Curham is keen and in contact with CROWK to coordinate activities. I continue to work with the ParkCare Facilitator to establish a formal group supported by TAMS rangers. In meantime activities can occur if organised under SACTCG (and this will also cover insurance). I plan on organizing another planting event either spring or autumn.

SACTCG equipment and tools

A lending agreement has been written up for the digital devises and these are available for use by members. We are keen to use the GPS function on the Samsung Galaxy notes for groups to map rabbit warrens and weed infestations in order to provide this information directly to PCS digitally. Tools including photo boards and a marquee are also available for groups to use.

The Weed Spotter portal is up and running and is still being tested by groups across the ACT. A user manual is being developed and it is also now available on iPhone.

The small grants are not yet available for application as yet. This is to be further discussed with the executive in light of current financial position of the group.

ParkCare and Share

Fiona has organised the next Parkcare and Share workshop on Mt Taylor 23rd of October 10-12:00 “Low tech Bushcare”.

25th Anniversary Landcare grants

These are 5K to 20K grants for which SACTCG can be a sponsor. I have been approached by a few landholders andparkcare groups and intend to submit as many as time permits. They are due by the 20th October.

ACT Environment Grants

2013-2014

Paddy’s River lessees weed control grant has had all monies expended. I will acquit this grant shortly.

2014-2015

1. Revegetation and Erosion control for Barney’s Gully (fencing and revegetation):~ $13,000- Not successful as the area requites an Environmental Significance Opinion (ESO) as it is Pink tailed worm lizard habitat. I am following this up with the Research and Conservation unit to resubmit this grant under a 25th Anniversary of Landcare Commonwealth Grant

2. Cypress Springs waterways (erosion control structures): ~$15,000. Planning is underway and we will organise a field visit mid project to interested farmers.

3. Revegetation of the MRC at Castle Hill: ~$8,000. The first 1000 plants have been planted. I have managed to get an addition 400 plants through the million trees projects. The next 1000 plants will go in in autumn.

ACT Heritage Grants

The 2013-2014 grant for $12474 for signage at Nil Desperandum at Tidbinbilla is near completion and Fiona is working on finalising this and erecting the signs soon with some information/heritage walk showcasing them at the Extravaganza.

We have submitted a 2014-2015 grant application for $9000 for 6 indigenous interpretive walks in Tuggeranong.

No advice on the success of this has been forthcoming as yet.

ACT Rural Grants

“Cypress Springs rabbit control and native grassland restoration” for ~$11 600. Successful. Work has progressed with an area being ripped to destroy burrows. Seeding may occur at a later date depending on what naturally re-establishes.

Green Army Projects

We were successful as a green army sponsor in partnership with Greening Australia, the other 2 catchment groups, Bush Heritage and Lyons Youth Haven. This is for one team, full time over 6 months and will give us a taste of how the project may work. There are no funds that come with this grant and we are yet to see who will be the Service Provide who manages the projects. Project is due to begin shortly.

Website and IT

We are now using ArcGIS to map and our projects are beginning to be added to a spatial database with the help of Fiona. We would like to map our member group planned and completed activities on the ArcGIS program to assist with the strategic planning process, for communicating with PCS, for SACTCG reporting and to be useful for groups when looking at future works planning.

Office and Other Activities

  • I attended the NLN meeting as the second ACT Rep with Glenys and then attended the Nation Landcare Conference and field trip.
  • I have been very busy working with Glenys and the other catchment groups of forming a peak body which will be LandcareACT. The approval for 60K funding to support the peak body is due shortly.
  • I am attending the committee meetings for the ParkCare Forum (17th and 18th October) and SACTCG is providing the bank account for collection of dinner funds
  • CROWK are still working towards expending their funds and have been approved to expend the final $3,200 to produce material which will be used to promote and add interest to the Canberra Centenary Trail.
  • All current accounts paid as of 30/09/2014. A reminder that Authorises need to logon twice a week to authorise payments or accounts can end up being overdue.
  • Radio Landcare monthly shows are running very well. Volunteers are welcome to join the show as guest speakers.
  • I have a quote for the design of a SACTCG brochure. This still needs to be rewritten.
  • I am away for the second week of school holidays. Fiona is away this week and will return next week.

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