MDBC Newsletter - April 2005

Murray-Darling Basin Commission - May 2005, E-letter No 42

Welcome to the Murray-Darling Basin monthly e-letter with reports of happenings across the Basin.

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In this issue:

Hume & Dartmouth Dams become 'National Engineering Landmarks'
Hume and Dartmouth dams, the two largest structures of the River Murray system, have been awarded "National Engineering Landmarks" status - the highest accolade awarded by Engineers Australia.

Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) President the Right Hon Ian Sinclair AC said this was a great honour and a credit to all the people who had worked to design, build, operate and renew the dams.

The awards were presented at a ceremony on 22 April at Hume Dam and attended by local Members of both Federal and State Parliaments, local government officers, representatives of Engineers Australia, MDBC, State Water NSW, Goulburn-Murray Water, together with past and present staff associated with the dams.

In making the awards Deputy President of Engineers' Australia Peter Cockbain said: "Our heritage is the gift we give to our children and to our nation".

"The National Engineering Landmark is reserved for works of outstanding importance. These works have made a major contribution to the development of Australia and represent a benchmark by which progress is measured. They are not only part of Australia's engineering heritage, but are also significant components of the national estate," Mr Cockbain said.

According to Mr Sinclair Dartmouth Dam was built between 1973 and 1979 and at 180 metres high it is the highest dam in Australia and retains the largest storage (4 million megalitres) in the Murray-Darling Basin. "Its water provides the reserves during dry periods for irrigation, cities, towns and industries in three States along the length of the Murray Valley," Mr Sinclair said.

"Hume Dam was completed in 1936 and its storage capacity was doubled in 1961. Substantial works between 1994 and 2003 have brought the dam to contemporary design standards.

"When originally constructed, Hume Dam was one of the largest dams in the world. Today it regulates the flows from its 16,000 square kilometre catchment and also regulates the releases to the River Murray from the Snowy Mountains Scheme. It supplies water for extensive irrigated agriculture, town supplies and power generation, while helping to mitigate flooding in the Murray Valley," Mr Sinclair said.

In 2001 the Institution of Engineers awarded National Engineering Landmark status to the "Engineering Works of the River Murray" with plaques on display at Hume Dam, Yarrawonga Weir, and Weir & Lock 1 at Blanchetown. The Goolwa Barrages at the Murray Mouth were also awarded National Engineering Landmark status in their own right.

For more information on Dartmouth Dam go to http://www.mdbc.gov.au/river_murray/river_murray_system/dartmouth/dartmouth.htm
For more information on Hume Dam go to http://www.mdbc.gov.au/river_murray/river_murray_system/hume/hume_reservoir.htm

Drought Update and River Red Gums Report on MDBC Website
Two important new documents were posted to the Murray-Darling Basin Commission website on 14 April.

They were:

River Murray System Drought Update, March 2005; and
Survey of River Red Gum and Black Box Health Along the River Murray in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia - 2004

Both documents can be accessed from links at: http://www.mdbc.gov.au/news_room/news.html

MDBC Native Fish Strategy explained during Darling River trip
The Murray-Darling Basin Native Fish Strategy will be explained to communities in mid-May when Albury Murray Darling Association manager Adrian Wells leads a group of researchers, agency, community and Murray-Darling Basin Commission representatives down the Darling River.

Adrian chairs the Community Stakeholder Group, one of three groups responsible for implementing the Native Fish Strategy.

The group will visit councils, schools and community groups at Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia, Menindee, Pooncarie and Wentworth.

For more information contact: Adrian Wells 02 6021 3655 or awells@dragnet.com.au

Goulburn Valley tour to study history, salinity, water regulation
The Murray Darling Association will conduct a five-day, four-night study tour of the Goulburn Valley beginning 23 May.

The tour will take in the Riverland and Central Region Murray Valley and will incorporate the history, industries, and challenges of the area. It will also look at how the problems of salinity and water regulation need to be tackled from a Regional perspective.

The Murray Darling Association was formed in 1944 as the Murray Valley Development League. It is an association of more than 80 Local Government municipalities, along with community groups, businesses and individuals with an interest in ensuring that the Murray-Darling Basin continues as a viable and valuable asset for all.

The Association is a non-government organisation that transcends state boundaries and represents the views, aspirations and concerns of a large number of people living in the Murray-Darling Basin.

For more information contact Les Hill if you are interested in being involved on either 08 8582 1531 or 0408 675 390.

Namoi CMA sets up Aboriginal Advisory Committee
The Namoi Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is establishing an Aboriginal Advisory Committee to incorporate local Aboriginal knowledge and cultural values into future working directions.

Namoi CMA is involved in natural resource and native vegetation management and is seeking the valuable input of local Aboriginal people.

According to the recently appointed Catchment Officer for Aboriginal Communities, Simon Taylor, "the first stage of establishing the Namoi Aboriginal Advisory Committee will commence with several community meetings in locations throughout the Catchment.

"The meetings will provide information on the functions of the Namoi CMA, the need for the Aboriginal Advisory Committee and how the Committee would function.

"All interested groups or individuals are welcome to attend the meetings," Mr Taylor said.

For further information, please contact Simon Taylor on (02) 6764 6829.

For more a list of dates, times and venues go to the website at http://www.namoi.cma.nsw.gov.au/news.html

$24.6 million to improve Namoi Catchment natural resources
The Namoi Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has allocated $24.6 m over three years in funding to help protect and enhance natural resources in the catchment.

Namoi CMA Chairman, Jim McDonald and General Manager, Bruce Brown announced the funding at Landcare Forums in Wee Waa and Tamworth recently.

"Funds available through the Namoi Investment Strategy will be allocated to projects in line with the five catchment targets identified in the Namoi Catchment Blueprint. These are biodiversity, riverine ecosystems, river salinity, salinity, soil health and sustainable landscapes," Mr McDonald said.

"Protecting and enhancing the natural resources of the Namoi Catchment will help to maintain and improve our valuable agricultural industries and natural attractions and benefit surrounding communities," Mr McDonald said.

According to the last Census, Agricultural production in the Namoi Catchment was worth more than $800m. This amounts to 11% of the State's on-farm production from only 6.25% of the State's area.

General Manager of Namoi CMA, Bruce Brown added, "the Namoi CMA will be seeking project proposals for on-ground works from landholders, landcare and community groups, individuals and local councils.

"We will be encouraging funding applications which address a mix of activities designed to achieve multiple outcomes across a range of catchment and management targets," he said.

The Three-Year Investment Strategy 2004-2007 is funded through allocations from the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT), National Action Plan for Water Quality and Salinity (NAP) and the State Sustainability Funding (SSF).

Copies of the detailed Investment Strategy 2004-2007 are available from the Namoi CMA by telephoning (02) 6764 5907.

For more information go to the website at http://www.namoi.cma.nsw.gov.au/news.html

Guidelines for the translocation of threatened plants
Workshops to be held in three NSW regional centres will focus on nationally accepted guidelines for the translocation of threatened flora.

Organised by the Australian Network for Plant Conservation, the first of the workshops will be held at Queanbeyan on 18 May. Newcastle will follow in July and Coffs Harbour in August.

Supported by the NSW Environmental Trust, the workshops will tackle questions such as:

what is translocation?
when is it appropriate to use translocation as a tool to conserve threatened species?
what needs to be done when planning a translocation program?
how should a translocation program be implemented?
what ongoing management and evaluation is required?
where can I go for more information?

The workshop will include case studies of translocation programs, highlighting lessons to be learnt.

Translocation is one of the many tools available to help conserve threatened plant species. It involves the deliberate transfer of plants or regenerative plant material from one place to another.

Translocation can be used to enhance existing populations, reintroduce a species to a site where it formerly occurred but where it is now extinct, and to introduce a species to a site where it hasn't been recorded previously.

The presenters will include translocation experts who were involved in developing the revised Guidelines for the Translocation of Threatened Plants in Australia (ANPC, 2004). There will also be local experts presenting local case studies.

Full details for the Queanbeyan workshop (18 May) are on the ANPC website at
http://www.anbg.gov.au/anpc/wshop-NSWtrans-2005.html

Details for the Newcastle and Coffs Harbour workshops will be posted on the website as they are finalised.

For more information contact the ANPC National Office, Phone: 02-6250 9509; 6250 9523 email: anpc@anbg.gov.au

Guidelines released for Water Smart Australia programme
Guidelines for the Water Smart Australia program have been released and are now available on the National Water Commission's website.

A key component of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund, Water Smart Australia provides the opportunity for major investment in water infrastructure.

Chairman of the National Water Commission, Mr Ken Matthews, said the programme would help to accelerate the uptake of smart technologies and practices in water use.

'The $1.6 billion Water Smart Australia programme is a major investment by the Australian Government in larger scale projects that will contribute to sustainable and efficient management of Australia's water resources,' Mr Matthews said.

'Investments under the programme will progress the blueprint for national water reform-the National Water Initiative-and projects put forward for funding will need to demonstrate how they are consistent with the objectives, outcomes and actions of the Initiative,' Mr Matthews said

Examples of the types of projects that may be suitable for funding under the programme include those which:

improve river flows for better environmental outcomes ;
return groundwater aquifers to sustainable levels;
lead to water savings through improvements in irrigation infrastructure;
encourage or advance on-farm water use efficiency improvements;
desalinate water for use in cities and towns;
recycle and reuse stormwater, 'grey' water and wastewater from sewage;
provide more efficient storage facilities, such as underground aquifiers;
provide alternatives to ocean outfalls and the better management of sewage in our coastal cities; and
develop water efficient housing design.

The guidelines are available from the NWC website at www.nwc.gov.au/docs/watersmartguidelines.cfm or by calling 02 6271 5500. Applications for the current funding round close on 30 June 2005.

'Youth Ambassadors' to create understanding of Basin advantages, problems
A new Youth Ambassadors Project aims to create a better understanding of the problems and advantages of living in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Established by the Lions Clubs in conjunction with the Murray Darling Association, the new youth exchange program will include study tours, sharing local information and ideas with host and home communities.

Participants will attend Lions Club meetings, visit schools and youth organizations.

Organisers say the sharing of knowledge will give a deeper understanding of the Basin and help to build a closer bond between the regions of the Murray-Darling Basin.

The first Lions Club region (Region 6) was "exchange ready" by the beginning of May and happy to help other regional bodies with advice on exchange.

For advice with Region 6 contact Lions Club member Peter McInnes (08) 85551211 or email mcinnes@chariot.net.au for other Regions advice contact Cr Frank Tuckwell (08) 85552991 or email frankt@internode.on.net.

Applications open for Young People's Science and Innovation Awards
Applications have opened for the Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Now in their fourth year, the awards presented by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry are open to young Australians employed or studying in an agricultural, fisheries, forestry, natural resource management or food related industry.

Seventeen awards, each worth up to $10,000, will be made to individuals to enable them to carry out an innovative scientific project that will provide long-term benefits to rural industries and further their careers.

Calling for this year's applicants, Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Warren Truss, said the awards gave creative and enthusiastic young people in rural and regional areas the chance to get their ideas up and running.

"The winners will be those who are assessed as best using the money to undertake projects of long-term benefit to Australia's agriculture, fisheries, forestry, food or natural resource management industries.

"The awards not only deliver lasting benefits to the recipients but also help the industries they represent," he said.

The awards are sponsored by the Australian Government and nine rural research and development corporations.

Applications for the awards close Monday 13 June 2005. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra.

For more information about the Awards and how to apply contact Kylie Paulsen at the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) on 02 6272 5223 or go to the website at http://www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards

Irrigation Australia conference balances 'practices and environment'
The 8th Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition to be held in Townsville, Queensland 18 and 19 May aims to present the best in irrigation practices and technology to help balance irrigation and the environment.

The Queensland Minister of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines the Hon Stephen Robertson will open the conference and keynote speaker wil be the Hon Warren Truss, Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Other speakers will include:

Sheriden Morris, GBR Regional Coordinator, Water for a Healthy Country on "Restoring the Balance"
Melissa George, State Indigenous Network Coordinator on "Future of indigenous involvement in natural resource management."
Ian Fairweather - Retired Engineer on "Early water infrastructure development in North Queensland "
Dr. Anne-Marie Boland, Scientist, Victorian DPI on "Use of Recycled Water in Australian Horticulture"

Organisers say the event will include sessions on:

water use efficiency
deep drainage measurement and control
training
scheduling
catchment perspective, and
Irrigation Sustainability

For those who want to hear about new ideas in the industry and the latest research there will be
technical paper presentations including professional irrigation designers explaining how to get the best out of your system and CSIRO on the latest water saving research.

The "urban workshops" will feature leading industry experts such as Geoff Connellan, Neil Power and Jeremy Cape presenting topical and interactive workshops in the three broad categories of design, waste water irrigation and water management.

An "agricultural workshop stream" will look at the latest in large diameter/low head drip, open hydroponics, design tools? The latest equipment, design and management strategies for drip, overhead and surface irrigation will be presented by a range of industry, research and end user specialists.

A trade display and exhibition show case will canvas a wide range of products and services from all sectors of the irrigation industry.

A tour of local urban and agricultural irrigation at the conclusion of the event will give an insight on irrigation as practiced in North Queensland.

For more information contact Barbara Moloney at barbara.moloney@irrigation.org.au or go to the website at http://www.irrigation.org.au/Irrig2005/

New $200,000 food grants program announced
The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry has announced a new food grants program.

The Food Processing in Regional Australia Program offers up to $200,000 for primary producers and small to medium food processors in rural and regional Australia.

Applications for round one close on Wednesday 1 June 2005.

To apply you must be:

a small to medium farm, food processor or agri-business;
operating in rural and regional Australia; and
proposing a commercially viable food business project that will benefit your region.

The recipient must match the Program funding.

For more information call 1300 794 550, email regionalfood@daff.gov.au or visit www.daff.gov.au/regionalfood

Capacity building extension database now online
A database of 50 projects from around Australia covering all agricultural industries, natural resource management and information projects is now available online.

The information, which is available on the Cooperative Venture for Capacity Building's (CVCB ) website (address see below), is a database of extension projects implemented around Australia.

There are links to detailed reports that describe factors such as how and why projects were developed, learning outcomes, philosophy and approach, evaluation and issues identified.

CVCB managers say it is an excellent resource for developing a project or if you are looking for ways to evaluate extension projects. You can search the database by project name, model or industry.

It was developed as part of one CVCB's major projects, a national review of extension and education across Australia.

To access the database go to http://www.rirdc.gov.au/capacitybuilding/index.html

ends