East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. - egln.org.au · East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. ... the East Gippsland Landcare Network is incorporated ... Lake Tyers Beach in the east

East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. Annual Report 2010-11

Anyone, Anywhere, Can Landcare!

PO Box 1498, Bairnsdale 3875 Phone: 03 5152 0600, Fax: 03 5152 6865

Web: http//eastgippsland.landcare.net.au

ABN: 98 434 926 368 Incorporated no. A0051001V

Contents

President’s Report 2010-11 1

Executive Committee & Staff 2

Governance Arrangements 3

ProjectsBack from the Brink (2) 5

Care Groups Day 2010 6

Cobblers Creek Landcare Forge Creek Project 7

Rural Communities Restoring Ecological Communities 8

Dung Beetle Project 2011 9

Improving Lake Health using Revegetation and Planning 10

Network Development 11

Sustainable Practices East Gippsland Landcare Network 12

Annual Financial Audit 15

What is Landcare?Landcare is a unique community driven organisation that strives to ‘do something practical’ about protecting and repairing our environment. All sorts of people take part in Landcare projects and activities – farmers, small landholders, schools and their students, professionals and visitors from Australia and around the world.

Brief history of the East Gippsland Landcare NetworkThe East Gippsland Landcare Network was officially established on the 15th of October 1996. The Network formed with a purpose to act as a support body of the then 14 Landcare groups which at the time covered an area from Perry Bridge in the west to Cann River in the east. The Network would also become responsible for directly employing its own Landcare support staff.

Today, the East Gippsland Landcare Network is incorporated and employs 3 support staff to support 22 Landcare groups. The groups cover an area from Perry Bridge in the west, Lake Tyers Beach in the east and the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in the north and have a combined total of over 640 memberships, including family and property memberships.

Acknowledgements:Compiled: Natalie Jenkins - East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc.

Design layout & artwork: Griffin Graphics ([email protected])

Photos: East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. Staff & Members

© East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc., 2011. This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process, nor can any other exclusive right be exercised, without the permission of the East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc.

DisclaimerThis publication may be of assistance to you but the East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims any liability for any error, loss or other consequences that may arise from you relying on the information in this publication.

1East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc.

We have arrived at another Annual General Meeting and following another very successful year.

In keeping with our Rules at this meeting I will stand down and not be available to be elected to the position of President. The last three years have given me a very clear insight into the amazing abilities of people in East Gippsland. I have felt very privileged to be able to represent such a focussed and committed group.

My tenure as President would not have been as enjoyable without the excellent support of a professional and focussed Executive and Staff. The extra support supplied by the Sub-Committee members further highlights the level of commitment that all members give to their Organisation.

Financially the Network is surviving quite well and judging by the attendance at General Meetings the membership is enthusiastic.

We have a change in staff with Kelly leaving and April starting. A number of programs have been completed and pre-planning is well underway for next year. A very successful attendance at the East Gippsland Field Days occurred with plenty of interest in the exhibits at our tent.

Congratulations must go to the “Love Group” for re-focussing attention onto African Lovegrass and so generating interest on a more sustainable outlook.

Groups’ enthusiasm rise and fall but this will always happen with us volunteers but we must never lose sight of how much has been achieved and how much would not happened if we never tried.

Again thank you to the entire Network for you patience and understanding during my tenure as your President with special thanks to the Network Executive and very committed staff.

I will still be available for Executive duties if the membership wishes.

Andrew Brown Out Going President East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc.

President’s Report 2010-11

2 Annual Report 2010-2011

Executive Committee & Staff

Network Coordinator – Natalie Jenkins

President – Andrew Brown

Landcare Groups Facilitator – Paul Harvey

Vice President – Michelle Judd Secretary – Norm Wilkinson

Treasurer –Trevor Howden Committee member – Ian Clues Committee Member – Andrew McArthur

Landcare Groups Facilitator – Kelly Asmus-Albornoz – concluded May 2011

Landcare Groups Facilitator – April Wilkins – Commenced July 2011


Governance ArrangementsEast Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. (EGLN Inc.)The EGLN Inc. consists of two representatives from each of the 22 Landcare Groups in the East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. region. The representatives include:

Group Name Representative 1 Representative 2Bairnsdale Urban Ann Robson Ian CluesBengworden Gerard Deery Neil BarracloughBruthen & District Ashley Wilson Geoff WilliamsBuchan Paul Harper Jamie HoughtonClifton Creek Community Andrew Brown Ken StuartCobblers Creek Clarrie Nicholls Brenda NichollsColquhoun North Arm Angie Stefanatos Les GoldsmithDargo - Norm WilkinsonEagle Point – Paynesville Jan Donnan Nancy McMurrayFlaggy Creek & District James Rose Shirley TannerFriends of Picnic Point John Burns John HopkinsGelantipy Judy Sykes Keith DaviesGlenaladale Trevor Howden Tim HamiltonLower Tambo Rob Irvine Dorothy BryantNicholson River Jim Stephenson Marion DawsonNungurner Heather Oke Ivan KnightRaymond Island Rob Eldridge Jim PurvisRomawi Michelle Judd Rebecca WilsonSwifts Creek Ensay John Butler Steve O’BrienTambo Bluff Maurice Burns Jonathon SmithTimbarra - -Toms Creek Andrew McArthur Craig Bush

The EGLN Inc. acts as a support body for the 22 Landcare Groups and assists them to meet their goals. The EGLN Inc. is governed by it own rules, which were developed at the time of Incorporation (4th November 2007) as well as policies and procedures.

The EGLN Inc. maintains several Sub-Committees, which have specific delegated duties that are documented in approved Terms of Reference.

Organisational chart


Executive CommitteeThe Executive Committee consists of 6 members who are annually elected from the list of Landcare Group Representatives. The 2010-2011 Executive Members include:President: Andrew Brown (Clifton Creek)Vice President:Michelle Judd (Romawi) Secretary: Norm Wilkinson (Dargo)Treasurer: Trevor Howden (Glenaladale)Committee Member: Ian Clues (Bairnsdale Urban)Committee Member: Andrew McArthur (Toms Creek)

The Executive Committee ensure that the Network is operating within its own rules and policies.

Finance & Audit Sub CommitteeThe Finance and Audit Sub Committee consists of a maximum of 5 members. The Finance and Audit Sub Committee members include:Treasurer –Trevor Howden (Glenaladale)Andrew Brown (Clifton Creek)Grant Hind (Accountant)Norm Wilkinson (Dargo)Craig Bush (Toms Creek)

The purpose of the Finance and Audit Sub Committee is to govern the finances of the EGLN Inc., provide the Treasurer with recommendations and advice and prepare and submit financial statements and reports to the General Committee.

The roles and responsibilities of the Finance and Audit Sub Committee include:• Submit an annual forecasting budget

to the Network General Committee• Ensure the EGLN Inc. finances are

audited annually and presented to the General Committee

• Submit an end of financial year report to the General Committee

• Understand and abide by EGLN financial procedures and policies

• Make recommendations to improve efficiency and coordination of financial procedures and policies

• Discuss issues as they arise and follow through with solutions

• Annually review the terms of reference of the ‘Finance and Audit Sub Committee’

Human Resources Sub CommitteeThe Human Resources Sub Committee consists of a maximum of 5 members. The Human Resources Sub Committee members include:Andrew Brown (Clifton Creek)Michele Judd (Romawi)Ian Clues (Bairnsdale Urban)Dorothy Bryant (Lower Tambo)Jim Purvis (Raymond Island)

The purpose of the Human Resources Sub Committee is to assist the EGLN Inc. to exercise sound governance in relation to the appointment, performance and remuneration of Landcare Support Staff and overall EGLN Inc. employment and remuneration policies.

The roles and responsibilities of the Human Resources Sub Committee include: • Develop and review the Networks’

policies for: - employment conditions and leave - staff performance review - work planning and assessment - training and development - promotion and people management

against industry best practice.• Develop the terms of employment and

remuneration arrangements for employees, including developing and then assessing their performance objectives.

• Discuss and solve general human resource management issues.

• Annually review the Terms of Reference of the ‘Human Resources Sub Committee’

Revegetation Sub CommitteeThe Revegetation Sub Committee consists of a maximum of 6 members. The Revegetation Sub Committee members include:Andrew Sheridan (Bengworden)Reg Baldwin (Picnic Point)Andrew Brown (Clifton Creek)Josie Paterson (Clifton Creek)Trish Fox (Romawi)

The purpose of the Revegetation Sub Committee is to provide advice and recommendations to Landcare revegetation projects, the EGLN Inc. and in particular the Red Gum Plains Recovery Project. This committee cannot exercise authority over staff or volunteers running revegetation projects, but is to be used by EGLN Inc. Landcare members and staff to gain collective opinions and advice to help make informed decisions towards running effective revegetation programs.

The roles and responsibilities of the Revegetation Sub Committee include:• Review project budgets when required• View project reports• View project officer reports • Annually review revegetation project

guidelines (i.e. rebates, minimum widths)

• Understand how Landcare revegetation projects operate

• Make recommendations to improve efficiency and coordination to gain better outcomes for revegetation projects

• Develop ideas and seek funding for revegetation projects

• Discuss issues as they arise and provide recommendations

• Annually review the Terms of Reference of the ‘Revegetation Sub Committee.


Funding Body Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country Program

AimsBack from The Brink is a multi-partner, cross-tenure, landscape-scale ecosystems initiative that addresses biodiversity protection and enhancement in East Gippsland, focusing on Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Listed Communities: Forest Red Gum Grassy Woodland Community and Littoral Rainforest. The East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. is delivering voluntary (non covenant) remnant vegetation protection and vegetation population monitoring (a sub component of the project) over a three year period.

Approach An Expression of Interest process was run through the East Gippsland Landcare Network membership, which generated a list of interested landowners and potential sites. Each site was visited, assessed and a project site plan developed. Each site was then prioritised using a decision matrix. High priority sites were then selected to participate in the program, with the landowners signing a Voluntary Land Management Agreement, ensuring future management of the site.

Achievements

Minimum Requirement Outcome50ha. remnant vegetation protected via stock exclusion fencing (non covenant)

53.4 ha.

8 Scattered tree sites restored 8 sitesLittoral rainforest restoration at 3 sites 3 sitesMonitor 3 deer exclusion plots 3 plots monitoredAssist Strathfieldsaye Estate with pest control Strathfieldsaye Pest Animal Plan

completedThreatened species (Rullingia prostrata) monitoring across 9 sites

9 sites monitored

Grassland restoration monitoring across 3 sites

Burning planned, but postponed to Spring to allow grasses to flower

White box woodland restoration across 3 sites

Revegetation (900 seedlings) planted across 3 sites

Extension and facilitation, highlighting the importance of remnant vegetation.

Completed

PartnersIndividual Landcare Groups and their members, Trust for Nature, Gippsland Plains and East Gippsland Rainforest Conservation Management Networks, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

Back from the Brink (2)

Rainforest restoration at Kalimna Gully

Threatened species Rullingia prostrata

Milk vine found in a monitoring plot

Images from the top down:


Care Groups Day 2010

Funding Body In-kind contributions from Coast Action Coastcare, East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc., Fishcare and Water Watch.

Aims Celebrate the achievements and recognise the efforts of the “Care Group” volunteers over the past 12 months. Bring together Landcare East Gippsland, Water Watch, Coast Action Coastcare and Fishcare volunteers, to highlight the success of each of the volunteer programs, share information and for facilitators to express their appreciation.

Approach A free “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” workshop, with a series of guest presenters.

• Lucy Clausen – Department of Sustainability and Environment – Bats of East Gippsland including the endangered Grey Headed Flying Fox

• Roger Bilney – Forestech TAFE – Sambar deer and their impacts on native flora and fauna

• Snakebusters – Live presentation on reptiles including snakes, lizards and crocodiles

The workshop to be followed by a hot roast dinner and then a spot light walk of the adjacent coastal heath woodland.

AchievementsThe “Care Groups” facilitators working together to successfully deliver the event, with over 80 volunteers attending. A lot of positive feedback was received about the presenters and their activities.

Partners Coast Action Coastcare, Fishcare, Waterwatch, Department of Sustainability & Environment

Claire Coulson - Land for Wildlife

Kelly Albornoz - Landcare

Tyler Alexander - Waterwatch



Cobblers Creek Landcare Forge Creek Project

Funding body East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc.

Aims To assist the Cobblers Creek Catchment Landcare Group to implement the Forge Creek Reserve Management Plan.

Approach The Cobblers Creek Catchment Landcare Group have over many years been restoring the top end of the Forge Creek Reserve, by removing grazing pressure, exclusion fencing, weed control and revegetation. This year the group have joined forces with the Romawi Landcare Group (who look after the lower section of the Reserve) the Gippsland Plains Conservation Management Network and the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, to continue a coordinated approach of restoration across the Reserve.

AchievementsThrough a coordinated effort, works within Forge Creek reserve include: • Construction of a rock chute to address erosion issues• Protection fencing of large old trees to buffer and connect to the Reserve• 1,000 common reeds (Phragmites australis) planted down steam of the rock chute

to stablise soils• Weed control, including African Lovegrass, blackberry, blue periwinkle and bridal

creeper• 6,000 mixed native seedlings planted around the completed rock works

(the Cobblers Creek Landcare Forge Creek Project funded the purchase of these seedlings).

Partners Cobblers Creek Catchment Landcare Group, Romawi Landcare Group, Gippsland Plains Conservation Management Network, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

Project partners (from left) David Brownlow, Cobblers Creek Landcare president, Trish Fox, Gippsland Plains CMN, Ken Judd, East Gippsland CMA. Michelle Judd, Romawi Landcare president, Max & Jill Markey, East Gippsland Bird Observation and Conservation, Alistair Mailer, Newlands Arm Residents and ratepayers Ass.

Erosion in Forge Creek Reserve

Rock chute to address erosion in Forge Creek Reserve



Rural Communities Restoring Ecological Communities

Funding body Victorian Government’s Second Generation Landcare Grant

Aims The project aims to deliver revegetation and regeneration programs in productive landscapes across East Gippsland. Project goals include increasing local biodiversity values, creating connectivity through landscapes, protecting watercourses from erosion, reducing the decline of remnant vegetation and replacement of native and threatened vegetation in our landscapes. Also to increase the community’s capacity to create landscapes scale vegetation change by providing the knowledge, technical information about revegetation and sharing the cost to the landholder in exchange for the benefits it provides the community and our environment.


AchievementsMinimum Requirement OutcomeProtectively fence 2km of remnant/riparian zones

3.6 km protective fence constructed, across 6 sites, protecting 12.9 ha.

Protectively fence 2km in terrestrial zones 1.4 km protective fence constructed across 8 sites.

Revegetate 3 ha. with indigenous vegetation A total of 9,451 indigenous seedlings planted across 17 sites totalling 27.9 ha.

Hold 2 children’s tree planting/awareness raising activities involving 50 participants

Planet Ark’s Schools National Tree Day involving Bairnsdale Childcare & Kinder 29.7.2011 & Westdale Kindergarten 25.7.2011.

* Total number of participants: 106. * Total number of native species planted: 172.

NOTE: Did not achieve terrestrial zone fencing target, but over achieved remnant/riparian zone fencing target. Overall 4 km of fencing was required, but a total of 5 km fencing was achieved.

Partners

Westdale Kindergarten, Bairnsdale Childcare and Kinder, Dahlsens, Planet Ark, East Gippsland Rainforest Conservation Management Network, Landcare members, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority

Westdale Kindergarten

Bairnsdale Childcare & Kinder

Tambo Crossing project site



Dung Beetle Project 2011

Funding bodyEast Gippsland Landcare Network Inc.

AimsThe Dung Beetle Project commenced in 2004 and involved the release of dung beetle colonies across East Gippsland to help in the reduction of nutrient loads entering the Gippsland Lakes from animal manure.

The project was reviewed and continued in 2010, including digital mapping of past dung beetle release sites, surveys of past release sites and the release of winter active dung beetle species, in locations where they were not already present.

The aim of the project this year was to survey the release sites from 2010 to determine project success to date and release additional winter active dung beetle species (Bubas bison) in locations where not present, aiming to spread populations across East Gippsland.

Approach Surveys were carried out in June to determine if the winter active species had survived at any of the past release sites. Also an Expression of Interest process was run through the East Gippsland Landcare Network membership, which generated a list of interested landowners and potential sites for dung beetle surveys and releases.

AchievementsDung beetle surveys were conducted on a total of 36 properties. The surveys revealed that there were many properties with summer beetles (mostly Onthophagus taurus). From the 25 properties that have had Bubas bison beetles released in the past (either last year or within the last four years) – there was one property with abundant Bison beetles, one property with few Bison beetles and all other properties with no Bison beetles at all.

Twenty new colonies of Bubas bison beetles were released across the East Gippsland district in July, with locations being strategically chosen, aiming for even distribution. The beetles were purchased through Bernard Doube from Dung Beetle Solutions. Bernard was asked about the low number of beetle populations and his reply was:

“I have just returned from the southeast where I was checking dung beetle populations. They were not present in large numbers though all dung pads on the inoculated properties had some beetles present (one to five tunnels per dung pad). So the beetles are there but are not swarming like they have in past years….will have to wait till next year, when, if my predictions are correct, we can expect a bumper crop.”

This comment being the reason additional colonies were released, even though low numbers were found this year.Newly released Bubas Bison

Dung beetle survey technique

Beetles found during surveys



Nungurner Landcare Group planting day

Forestech students planting at Slaughterhouse Creek

Whole Farm Planning participants


Improving Lake Health using Revegetation and Planning

Funding bodyVictorian Government’s Natural Resource Investment Program

AimsIt is recognised that soil degradation issues, including soil loss through wind, sheet and tunnel/gully erosion that occurs on private land surrounding the Gippsland Lakes Catchment has a negative impact on water quality, through increased sediment and nutrient loads entering waterways. There is also a negative impact on the vegetation communities in the same area, a major community being the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act Listed-Forest Red Gum Grassy Woodland.

This project will assist landholders to complete strategic planning (whole farm plan) on their properties, focusing on both environment and economical parameters, then implement a series of on ground works that address soil degradation processes and protection of their natural assets.

Approach An Expression of Interest process was run through the East Gippsland Landcare Network membership, which generated a list of interested landowners and potential sites, for both Whole Farm Planning and revegetation activities. Advertising through the local media was also carried out to engage the wider community.

A series of Whole Farm Planning Workshops were organised and run across the district. Also each revegetation project site was visited, assessed and a site plan developed. Each site was then prioritised using a decision matrix. High priority sites were then selected to participate in the program, with the landowners signing a Voluntary Land Management Agreement, ensuring future management of the site.

AchievementsMinimum Requirement OutcomePermanent stock exclusion fencing to protect 3 km of waterways/drainage lines across 8 sites and protecting 12 ha.

3.7 km protective fence constructed, across 9 sites, protecting 21 ha.

Revegetate both riparian zones (located within protectively fenced areas) and terrestrial zones (across 7 ha.) with indigenous plants/vegetation.

1 km protective fence constructed in terrestrial zones across 2 sites. 25,575 indigenous seedlings planted within riparian zones across 22.6ha. and 28,220 indigenous seedlings planted within terrestrial zones across 21.1 ha.

Run 2 Whole Farm Planning events, involving 40 participants. Plans to cover an area of 300ha. with actions detailed in the plans being implemented across 200ha.

2 events held involving a total of 40 participants, across 32 properties. The total area covered by the plans is 3,581 ha., it is assumed that at least 6% of that area will have works implemented, totalling 214 ha.

Support the employment of 0.5 full time (FTE) equivalent facilitators

Employment of 0.5 FTE supported

PartnersIndividual Landcare groups and members, Far East Victorian Landcare, Gippsland Plains & East Gippsland Rainforest Conservation Management Networks, Trust For Nature, Forestech, East Gippsland Shire, Citola, Raymond Island Community Association, Mission Australia, East Gippsland Bird Observation and Conservation, Newlands Arm Residents and Rate Payers Association, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Department of Primary Industries.


Network Development

Funding bodyVictorian Government’s Second Generation Landcare Grant

AimsThis project will enable the East Gippsland Landcare Network to form a common vision, complete and implement a strategic plan aligned to the regional strategies. Part of the plan will be to engage farmers in fencing and revegetating their remnant patches and work with groups to coordinate erosion control works, whilst providing volunteering opportunities for people to become involved in planting days, skills development and field days. The project will also enable each of the Landcare Groups within the East Gippsland Landcare Network to undertake effective on ground works via the compilation of five year strategic plans and annual action plans.

Approach The project utilised the successful Landcare model to deliver project activities. Working from a “ground up” approach, individual members, groups, networks and partners, worked together to develop and deliver projects of local importance.

AchievementsMinimum Requirement OutcomeSupport 23 Landcare Groups 22 Landcare groups supported (one group

folded)Employ an 0.2 full time equivalent person Employed a 0.2 full time equivalent personSupport 15 Landcare Group project 16 projects supportedSupport 600 individual Landcare members 646 family membershipsDevelop 1 East Gippsland Landcare Network Strategic Plan covering 250,000 ha.

Developed an East Gippsland Landcare Network Strategic Plan.

Establish 4 partnerships 6 (Citola, EGEE printers, Peter Dullard Ford, National Tree Day pre schools x2)

Write 4 news articles 5 news articles publishedWrite 4 newsletters 4 newsletters published$50,000 community inkind contribution to Natural Resource Management

$68,626.00 community inkind contribution

Regional group health score of 3.5 Health score of 4Increase Landcare group human capacity through 4 projects/activities/events

5 learning events held

Increase individual and landholders human capacity across 600 people

16 social events held

Increase Landcare group social capacity through 15 project/activities/events

All social and learning events are advertised (via Landcare group notices/fliers) and made available to their members (646)

PartnersIndividual Landcare groups, Far East Victorian Landcare, Snowy River Interstate Landcare Committee, Greening Australia, Gippsland Plains & East Gippsland Rainforest Conservation Management Networks, Trust For Nature, Southern Farming Systems, EGEE Printers, Fishcare, Coast Action Coastcare, Waterwatch, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, East Gippsland Shire, East Gippsland Water, Maffra & District Landcare Network, Department of Primary Industries, Department of Sustainability & Environment, Whites ATS.

Cobblers Creek and Romawi Landcare groups

Project partner - EGCMA

Picnic Point Wetland boardwalk



Sustainable Practices East Gippsland Landcare Network

Funding bodyFederal Government’s Caring for Our Country Program

AimsThe “Sustainable Practices” project is a multi partner, landscape scale, initiative with the East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. delivering a sub component of the project over a three year period.

Over three years the project will result in farmers improving their management practices to reduce soil loss through erosion and to increase soil carbon content. Farmers adopting activities that contribute to the ongoing conservation and protection of biodiversity. Landcare members attending Landcare meetings, work shops, working bees and receiving newsletters. The region seeing an improvement in the regeneration of natural vegetation in productive landscapes from better management of pest animals. And the protection of Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Listed Community: Forest Red Gum Grassy Woodland Community.


AchievementsMinimum Requirement Outcome1 Pasture and No Kill Cropping Workshop involving 20 participants

Event planned but postponed to November.

2 Soil Management Workshops involving 30 participants

4 workshops held involving a total of 46 participants, across 39 properties that cover 4,214 ha.

Attend the East Gippsland Agricultural Field Days to disseminate information.

A total of 413 people walked through the marquee and 7 new families joined Landcare.

15 km of Land class/Grazing management fencing involving 15 participants

18.5 km of Land class/grazing management fencing constructed covering 932.2 ha. of land and involving 18 participants.

Information dissemination through 5 x newsletters, support staff attending meetings, relevant articles in local media and regular updates to email recipients.

42 news articles published, 58 bulk emails sent (approx. 17,000 individual emails), 67 meetings attended, 4 newsletters published (1 to be published late October 2011).

Soil management plan workshop participants

Revegetation site in Romawi

Landclass/grazing management fence at Ensay



1 Cross property management workshop involving 15 participants

3 events held with a total of 53 participants

7.5 km of protective fencing and the revegetation of these areas with 5,000 seedlings

Engaged 3 farmers to construct 7.7 km of protective fence and revegetated these areas with 5,000 indigenous seedlings.

2 Rabbit control workshop highlighting integrated methods of control with an emphasis on the Red Gum Plains Grassy Woodlands and involving 100 participants

2 workshops held (Swan Reach & Meerlieu) with a total of 78 participants

3 Wild Dog and feral pig control field days, within the High Country regions involving 20 participants per event

4 field days held (Dargo, Swifts Creek, Gelantipy, Buchan) with a total of 97 participants.

Purchase of 4 pig traps 3 pig traps purchased instead of 4 because construction design was changed for OH&S reasons, resulting in a price increased.

7.5 km of protective fencing and the revegetation of these areas with 5,000 seedlings, within Red Gum Plains Grassy Woodlands EVC

7.6 km of protective fence constructed and revegetation of 46.3 ha. with 5,000 indigenous seedlings.

PartnersIndividual Landcare groups, Far East Victorian Landcare, Greening Australia, Gippsland Plains & East Gippsland Rainforest Conservation Management Networks, Trust For Nature, Southern Farming Systems, EGEE Printers, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, East Gippsland Shire, East Gippsland Water, Maffra & District Landcare Network, Department of Primary Industries, Department of Sustainability & Environment.

kingfishertheQuarterly magazine

Watermelon Challenge

Common Myna Trapping Project

Scattered Trees Project

Bruthen Bridge-to-Bridge Project

April – Landcare’s new team member

of the East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc.

Issue1

Issue 1 of the new East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. magazine - The Kingfisher

8

Since 2007, Bruthen & District Landcare Group has been working to restore indigenous vegetation along the Tambo River’s north bank between the Rail Trail bridge and the main highway bridge in Bruthen.

Last year, the project was expanded to include about 250 metres of embankment flanking the gravel track leading from the new Bruthen Arts & Information Centre down to the main restoration site. In part, this work was inspired by a desire to remove a jungle of noxious weeds (blackberry, boxthorn, bridal creeper, madeira vine, hemlock and even prickly pear cactus) from the edge of the main restoration area. By replacing weeds with long-flowering native shrubs and ground covers, the plan was also to create additional habitat for native birds and beneficial insects, and provide a more attractive landscape for anyone walking down to the river.

In practice, the new site has been fairly challenging to rehabilitate due to the steep nature of its slope. The process of initially spraying weeds with Round-up was greatly facilitated by using the 250-litre spray tank available through the Landcare office, as its 10-metre hose meant that all parts of the slope could be reached without having to lug a backpack around. To discourage weed growth and reduce any risk of soil erosion occurring while new plants were establishing, the newly cleared area was covered in a heavy grade of hessian before

planting. Last but not least, planting was carried out from extension ladders laid along the slope, with tubestock plants, trowels and water crystals carried up in buckets.

The embankment project (to be completed over three years) has benefited enormously from the active support of East Gippsland Landcare Network and East Gippsland Shire, as well as ongoing co-operation by VicRoads. The Group is also greatly indebted to Tanja Hennekam of Le Café in Bruthen for providing warm hospitality (despite our grubbiness) when we drop in for tea and coffee at the end of each working bee.

Article by Geoff Williams, Bruthen Landcare Group

Bridge-to-BridgeProject

Bruthen

Planting the embankment site - Bruthen Landcare Group



Annual Financial Audit

Note 2011 2010

$ $

Revenue

Government Grants 2 442,844 379,056

Interest 17,910 13,820

Other Revenue 8,191 7,235

468,946 400,111

Expenses

Administration 97,018 77,381

Depreciation 6 8,834 11,502

Employee Benefits 3 158,399 181,694

Direct Project Expenses 3 243,619 159,667

507,870 430,244

Net result for the period (38,924) (30,134)

Other comprehensive income - -

Total comprehensive result for the period (38,924) (30,134)

The accompanying notes form part of this financial report

EAST GIPPSLAND LANDCARE NETWORK INC.ABN: 98 434 926 368

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

Note 2011 2010

$ $

Revenue

Government Grants 2 442,844 379,056

Interest 17,910 13,820

Other Revenue 8,191 7,235

468,946 400,111

Expenses

Administration 97,018 77,381

Depreciation 6 8,834 11,502

Employee Benefits 3 158,399 181,694

Direct Project Expenses 3 243,619 159,667

507,870 430,244


Other comprehensive income - -

Total comprehensive result for the period (38,924) (30,134)


EAST GIPPSLAND LANDCARE NETWORK INC.ABN: 98 434 926 368

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


2011 2010

Note $ $

Current Assets

Cash Assets 4 809,908 627,224

Receivables 5 113 6,245

Total Current Assets 810,021 633,469

Non-Current Assets

Plant & Equipment 6 36,736 45,570

Total Non-Current Assets 36,736 45,570

Total Assets 846,757 679,039

Current Liabilities

Payables 7 86,889 92,223

Unexpended Grants 8 422,193 223,171

509,082 315,394

Non-Current Liabilities

Provision for Long Service Leave 12,954 -

Total Liabilities 522,036 315,394

NET ASSETS 324,721 363,645

Equity

Accumulated Surplus 324,721 363,645

TOTAL EQUITY 324,721 363,645

EAST GIPPSLAND LANDCARE NETWORK INC.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION


AS AT 30 JUNE 2011

2011 2010

Note $ $

Current Assets

Cash Assets 4 809,908 627,224



Non-Current Assets



Total Assets 846,757 679,039

Current Liabilities

Payables 7 86,889 92,223


509,082 315,394




NET ASSETS 324,721 363,645

Equity


TOTAL EQUITY 324,721 363,645




AS AT 30 JUNE 2011

2011 2010

$ $

Balance 1 July 363,645 393,778

Total comprehensive result for the year (38,924) (30,134)

Balance 30 June 324,721 363,645


STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY



2011 2010

$ $

Balance 1 July 363,645 393,778


Balance 30 June 324,721 363,645





2011 2010

Note $ $

Current Assets

Cash Assets 4 809,908 627,224



Non-Current Assets



Total Assets 846,757 679,039

Current Liabilities

Payables 7 86,889 92,223


509,082 315,394




NET ASSETS 324,721 363,645

Equity


TOTAL EQUITY 324,721 363,645




AS AT 30 JUNE 2011

2011 2010

$ $

Balance 1 July 363,645 393,778


Balance 30 June 324,721 363,645





2011 2010

$ $

Balance 1 July 363,645 393,778


Balance 30 June 324,721 363,645






Note 2011 2010

$ $

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Government Grants 644,930 430,579

Interest Received 17,910 13,820

Other Income 8,191 8,541

Payments to Suppliers and Employees (501,267) (376,348)

GST Refunded/(Paid) 12,920 (23,950)

10(b) 182,684 52,642

Net increase in cash held 182,684 52,642

Cash as at 1 July 10(a) 627,224 574,581

Cash as at 30 June 10(a) 809,908 627,224



STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS


Net Cash provided by Operating Activities


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011 Note 1 – Statement of Accounting Policies This financial report is a special purpose financial report prepared in order to satisfy the financial reporting requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981. The committee has determined that the association is not a reporting entity. The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historic costs and does not take into account changing money values, or except where specifically stated, current valuations of non-current assets. The following specific accounting policies, which are consistent with the previous period unless otherwise stated, have been adopted in the preparation of this financial report. (a) Revenue Recognition Income is recognised in accordance with AASB 118 Revenue, to the extent that it is earned.

It is the policy of the Network to treat grant monies as unexpended grants in the balance sheet where the Network is contractually obliged to provide the services in a subsequent financial period, or in the case of specific projects grants, where the project has not been completed.

Interest revenue is recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the financial assets.

(b) Plant & Equipment & Depreciation Plant and equipment are measured on the cost basis less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by the Committee to ensure it is not on excess of the recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flow that will be received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal.

The depreciable amount of all fixed assets are depreciated over the useful lives of the assets to the association commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. The following depreciation rates have been consistently applied:

Class of Fixed Asset Depreciation Rate 2011 2010

Plant & Equipment 7.5% DV 7.5%DV Motor Vehicles 25% DV 25% DV (c) Cash Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at-call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.



NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011 (d) Employee Benefits Provision has been made for the association’s liability for employee benefits in respect of long service leave arising from services rendered by employees to reporting date. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at their nominal value.

No provision has been made for employee entitlements for annual leave as this entitlement is covered by the employment agency from whom the association hires its workforce.

(e) Goods and Services Tax Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax. (f) Income Tax The association is exempt from income tax. (e) Comparative Figures When required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation for the current year. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgment

In the application of Australian Accounting Standards, management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The committee members evaluate estimates and judgments incorporated into the financial report based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimate assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data obtained both externally and within the association.


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

2011 2010

$ $

Note 2 - Revenue from Ordinary Activities

State Government - Operating 442,844 379,056

Note 3 - Expenses from Ordinary Activities

Employee Entitlements

Contracted Employees 158,399 181,694

Direct Project Expenses

Fencing Revegetation 124,239 56,632

Off Stream Watering Rebates - 443

Other Project Expenditure 29,100 53,355

Project Management 1,891 1,881

Seedlings 84,201 28,652

Seeds 40 3,773

Tree Guards/Stakes 4,149 14,932

243,619 159,667

Note 4 - Cash Assets

Cash at Bank 609,429 626,833

Petty Cash 479 376

Term Deposit 200,000 -

Deposits Held - 15

809,908 627,224

Note 5 - Receivables

GST Refundable - 3,068

Trade Debtors 113 3,177

113 6,245

Note 6 - Plant & Equipment

Plant & Equipment, at Cost 62,312 62,312

Less Accumulated Depreciation 25,576 16,742

36,736 45,570




2011 2010

$ $











Seedlings 84,201 28,652

Seeds 40 3,773


243,619 159,667


Cash at Bank 609,429 626,833

Petty Cash 479 376


Deposits Held - 15

809,908 627,224




113 6,245




36,736 45,570



2011 2010

$ $











Seedlings 84,201 28,652

Seeds 40 3,773


243,619 159,667


Cash at Bank 609,429 626,833

Petty Cash 479 376


Deposits Held - 15

809,908 627,224




113 6,245




36,736 45,570



Note 6 - Plant & Equipment (contd)

Reconciliation of movement in carrying amounts for the current and previous period:

Plant & Motor

Equipment Vehicles Total

2011 $ $ $

Balance at start of year 14,621 30,949 45,570

Depreciation (1,097) (7,737) (8,834)

Balance at year end 13,524 23,212 36,736

2010

Balance at start of year 15,807 41,265 57,072

Depreciation (1,186) (10,316) (11,502)

Balance at year end 14,621 30,949 45,570

2011 2010

$ $

Note 7 - Payables

Trade Creditors 77,037 92,223

GST Payable 9,852 -

86,889 92,223

Note 8 - Unexpended Grants

Held in respect of:2nd Gen - Comm Restoring Comm 11,962 -

CFOC - Back From The Brink - 41,667

CFOC - Back From The Brink 2 57,819 -

CFOC - Community Action Grants 2 18,468

CFOC - Soil Carbon 6 -

CFOC - Sustainable Practices 202,781 -

Cobblers Creek- Forge Creek 124 6,544

Dung Beetle 15,413 15,590

High Country Tree Project - 479

Junior Landcare Activity Book - 2,277

Landcare Forum - 4,524

Moormung Reserve Project 19,998 -

Network Development 32,537 -

NRIP - Lake Health 38,164 -

Project Management 43,387 -

Reveg Around Gipps Lakes - 3,437

Soil Carbon - 128,538

TSN Grant - 1,647

422,193 223,171


Note 9 - Project Income and Expenditure

Unexpended Income Expended Unexpended

Funds Funds

01/07/10 30/06/11

$ $ $ $ $

Project Summary

2nd Gen - Comm Restoring Comm - 39,941 27,979 - 11,962

CFOC - Back From The Brink 41,667 - 41,667 - -

CFOC - Back From The Brink 2 - 75,000 17,181 - 57,819

CFOC - Community Action Grants 18,468 - 18,466 - 2

CFOC - Soil Carbon - 300,144 300,138 - 6

CFOC - Sustainable Practices - 309,023 106,242 - 202,781

Cobblers Creek- Forge Creek 6,544 - 6,420 - 124

Dung Beetle 15,590 1,818 1,995 - 15,413

East Gippy Field Days Site Reveg - 8,266 8,266 - -

High Country Tree Project 479 - - 479 -

Junior Landcare Activity Book 2,277 - 2,885 (608) -

Landcare Forum 4,524 (1,818) 81 2,625 -

Moormung Reserve Project - 19,998 - - 19,998

Network Development - 44,000 11,463 - 32,537

NRIP - Lake Health - 145,660 107,496 - 38,164

Project Management - 43,387 - - 43,387

Reveg Around Gipps Lakes 3,437 - 3,400 37 -

Soil Carbon 128,538 (300,144) (182,577) 10,972 -

TSN Grant 1,647 - - 1,647 -

223,172 685,274 471,101 15,152 422,193



Written -

Off



2011 2010

$ $

Note 10 - Cash Flow Information

(a) Reconciliation of Cash

Operating Accounts 609,429 626,848

Petty Cash 479 376


809,908 627,224

(b) Reconciliation of net cash provided by

operating activities to profit/(loss) from ordinary activities


Non-cash flows:

Depreciation 8,834 11,502

Changes in assets and liabilities

Decrease/(Increase) in Receivables 6,132 (1,762)

Increase/(decrease) in Unexpended Grants 199,022 51,523

Increase/(decrease) in Payables (5,334) 21,513

Increase/(decrease) in Provision for Long Service Leave 12,954 -

Net cash provided by operating activities 182,684 52,642

Note 11 - Events after the Reporting Period Date

The Committee is not aware of any subsequent events requiring disclosure. (2010: Nil)

Note 12 - Related Party Disclosures

Transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and conditions no more

favourable than those available to other parties.





East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. partners

Peter Dullard Motor Group


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East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. - egln.org.au · East Gippsland Landcare Network Inc. ... the East Gippsland Landcare Network is incorporated ... Lake Tyers Beach in the east