News

Bunya Mountains Murri Ranger Newsletter (August 2011)
 
Here to download the latest edition of the Bunya MountainsMurri Rangers Newsletter.
 
Win for the Bunyas
 
The Bunya Partnership Coordination Group has won an award. 
 
They won for Indigenous Outcomes in the 2011 Department of Environment and Resource Management Excellence Awards. 

Murri Rangers News

The latest issue of Bunya Mountains Murri Rangers News is here.  Read it here
 
Project to set coast strait
3rd May 2011
 
An exciting  natural resource management program is set to address threats to the Great Sandy Strait and adjacent coastal systems over the next year.  
 
This $870,000 program is funded through the Australian Government’s Caring for Country and will tackle threats such as recreational pressures, habitat degradation, weeds, pests and fire management.

The program will be managed by the Burnett Mary Regional Group  (BMRG) and will rehabilitate foreshore and tidal wetlands, address fish biopassage issues, organise marine debris clean-ups and conduct innovative community awareness campaigns to reduce threats to coastal and marine species such as dugongs and turtles.

This initiative will be rolled out in partnership with the Department of Environment and Resource Management, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Gympie and Fraser Coast Regional Councils, Oceanwatch Australia, WetlandCare Australia and local community groups.

BMRG’s new Coastal and Critical Aquatic Habitats Coordinator, Mary-Alice Swan, said the project recognises the values of the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar Wetland which also includes the patterned fens system in the Cooloola area.

“Aside from Fraser Island, these unusual wetlands are the only sub-tropical patterned fens and the only fens flowing into tidal wetlands in the world,” Ms Swan said.

“They have distinctive faunal inhabitants such as fish, crayfish and earthworms that aren’t normally found in such acid environments.”

 “As part of this program, we will be working with researchers and land managers to identify recommendations to improve fire management of these incredible fens systems.

“The coastal and critical aquatic habitats in the Wide Bay area are really unique and have to be looked after.”

 
 
Local region benefits from recovery package
8th April 2011
 
The Wide Bay Burnett region is set to benefit from a newly announced resource recovery package for disaster-affected areas.
 
Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) is set to receive $100,000 from the $8 million Australian Government package.
 
Danny Green, General Manager of BMRG, said the funds will be used to undertake recovery works in the local region.
 
"We'll be using this money to do things like riparian work, riverbank stabilisation and weed control," Mr Green said.
 
"A total of $4.9 million from the package is going to regional natural resource management organisations in disaster-affected areas."
 
"As the peak coordinating body for natural resource management in the Burnett Mary area, we're uniquely positioned to get this money out the door and on the ground."
 
Further details on how the money will be used in the Burnett Mary region will be announced in the near future.
 
Keep an eye on www.bmrg.org.au for more details.
 
Kepnock knockout at school awards
 
Kepnock State High School won the major prize at the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) School Environmental Awards held last Friday night.
 
The school was crowned the Burnett Mary Sustainable School and netted $1,000 for their efforts in water reduction.
 
Kepnock State High School Principal Jenny Maier said the prize would go towards future environmental projects at the school.
 
"We now plan to extend our environmental awareness message into the wider school community through a new Visual Arts Department outdoor teaching space," she said.
 
Ms Maier said she was proud of the projects that were nominated which saw bore water usage reduced by an impressive 65%.
 
"We are very conscious of educating students about sustainable farming methods including water conservation using clever irrigation practices."
 
Kepnock State High School was not the only school to be presented with an award, eight other schools came away form the awards with $500 each for future projects.
 
Cam Mackenzie, acting principal of Stanley River Environmental Education Centre and guest speaker at the awards night, said it was important to recognise the environmental work schools are doing.
 
"Schools are putting in the hard yards, getting some real action going and teaching students the importance of looking after the environment," Mr Mackenzie said.
 
"These projects are engaging, practical lessons that students can really get into."
 
Alan Jamieson, acting CEO of BMRG, said it was important to recognise the environmental efforts of schools in the region.
 
"We have to acknowledge our region's schools and teachers and the work they have done in environmental educations, their students are tomorrow's future leaders in sustainability," he said.
 
The School Environmental Awards are supported by Burnett Mary Regional Group through the Australian Government's Caring for our Country.
 
Winners
 
Waste
 
Gympie Special School
Kingaroy State High School
 
Biodiversity
 
Bundaberg West State School
James Nash State High School
 
Water
 
Linville State School
 
Biodiversity/Water/Waste
 
Tingoora State School
Murgon State High School
 
Encouragement Award
 
Torbanlea State School
 
Burnett Mary Sustainable School
 
Kepnock State High School
 
 
 
Healthy Soils, Healthy Future
 
Fitzroy Basin Association are holding a field day on biodynamics, soil carbon, long rest pastures and spotted gum forests.
 
Learn more about:
 
  • Biodynamic trials on broad-acre grazing including soil and plant results
  • Soil carbon 2 year trial results within CQ and Southern Queensland
  • Managing Spotted Gum Forests: dynamics of tree and grass relationships
  • Long rest pasture trial: changes to plant composition and species varieties
  • Tree pea rmanagement: resultant changes in pasture performance.
  • Local efforts to support landholders to undertake educational activities
When:  9 am to 4 pm
           Saturday 2nd April
 
Where: "Mounefontein", Chahpingah
 
For more information contact Scott Stevens on 0458 922 385 or by email at scott_farmingandbeyond@bigpond.com
 
NRM Business and Indigenous Employment Forum
 
Are you interested in current and future opportunities for Indigenous organisations working in the environment sector?
 
Would you like to learn more about the benefits and challenges of retaining Indigenous employees?
 
If yes, then attending the second Natural Resource Management and Indigenous Employment Forum is for you.
 
Guest speakers and working groups will guide participants through addressing social issues in employment, developing networks and skills training.
 
Date: 14th and 15th April 2011
Where: Maryborough Town Hall
Cost: Free
 
To register, contact Vikki Evans on 07 4169 0720 or at vikki.evans@bmrg.org.au
 
For information contact Chris McCarthy on 0429 462 463 or Jody Gunn on 0448 022 443
 

Shane for a cure
 23 March 2011
 
Clearing native vegetation is not something an environmental organsation usually condones, but in this case it was for a good cause.
 
Shane Coulton, Burnett Mary Regional Group's (BMRG) Information Technology Officer, had clippers put to the overgrown brush atop his head as part of the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave. Before
 
Mr Coulton said his new look felt strange but it felt good to help out, raising over $500 for the charity.
 
"I'd been growing my hair for about a year and it feels so weird to have it all gone suddenly," he said.
 
"It's all for a good cause though and thanks to family, friends and colleagues I managed to raise a decent amount."
 
"It's going to take a bit of getting used to, my head feels so light now." After
 
BMRG put on a barbecue in conjunction with the shave with support from Hot Oven Bread and Saywell's Quality Meats to encourage staff, friends and family to donate.
 
"It was really good to have BMRG help out like that and for the other businesses to chip in as well."
 
"I think the fact that they got lunch and a show may have helped a few more dollars make their way into the donation box."
 
 
 
Traditional Owners to protect and preserve Bunya Mountains
17 March 2011
 
Mal CollingeThe Bunya Mountains Elders Council (BMEC) has signed a commitment to protect and preserve the natural environment, wildlife and cultural integrity of the iconic Bunya Mountains.
 
Mal Collinge, Chair of the BMEC and Traditional Owner Director of Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), said the Bunya Mountains Murri Rangers Program, BMEC and Bunya Mountains Aspirations and Caring for Country Plan were formall launched alongside the commitment.
 
"These projects are about achieving sustainable land management outcomes for the Bunya Mountains and strengthening our partnerships with all levels of government and other stakeholders," Mr Collinge said.
 
"It's with the Bunya Mountains Aspirations and Caring for Country plan that we will be able to protect the values and integrity of this iconic and rare landscape as well as its sustainable future economic value."
 
The Bunya Mountains Murri Rangers project will help implement the plan and ensure on-ground activity is carried out.
 
"Some of their recent projects include major track upgrades, weed management and trapping of feral pigs."
 
The Bunya Mountains have an important place in Indigenous culture.
 
"Large gatherings of many Traditional Owner groups took place at the Bunyas on an average of every three years when the Bunya Pines were most heavy with fruit."
 
Mal Collinge"Traditional stories, artefact finds and historical writings of early colonists suggest that Traditional Owners travelled to these gatherings from as far away as South Australia and Victoria."
 
Mr Collinge said the gathering formed the basis of Aboriginal society and was only one of many throughout Australia.
 
"It was an opportunity for our people's respected elders to discuss law, share knowledge, showcase arts and crafts, trade, socialise, share song and dance and conduct ceremony that was integral to our communal structures."
 
The projects are supported by Burnett Mary Regional Group, Condamine Alliance, South East Queensland Catchments and the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
 
Dog Walker's Breakfast
 
Burnett Mary Regional Group, with Queensland Wader Study Group and Fraser Coast Regional Council will be hosting a free Dog Walker's Breakfast with support from the Australian Government's Caring for our Country program.
 
Learn more about the birds of the Great Sandy Straits with access to field scopes and assistance from birdwatchers.  A free barbecue breakfast is provided.
 
Date:     18 March 2011
 
Time:     7 am
 
Where:  Boonooroo foreshore
               Boonooroo
               Meet at end of Schwarzrock Road
 
For more information contact Rachael Nasplezes on 07 4181 2999 ext 108 or via e-mail at rachael.nasplezes@bmrg.org.au.
 
 
 
 
Reef guardian networking meeting
 
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, with Burnett Mary Regional Group, will be holding a Reef Guardian Networking Meeting in Bundaberg.
 
Date:     14th March 2011
 
Time:    3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
 
Where: St Luke's Anglican School
              Classroom S4 and S5
              4 Megzer St
              Bundaberg Q 4670
 
The session will focus on water and wetlands by providing participants with the following:
 
  • Opportunity to network with teachers, other environmental organisations, council staff and business owners
  • Opportunity to discuss joint environmental projects particularly those involving schools
  • Practical training in the use of Water Quality Testing Equipment
  • Practical training in conducting Water Quality Analysis (including a water bug survey)
  • Identification of Education resources from Prep-Grade 10 that align with the national Australian Curriculum

 

To get the most out of the session, be sure to bring along:
 
  • Suggestions from yourself and colleagues about projects involving schools and wetlands
  • Further professional development suggestions
  • Education resources that you currently use from your organisation
  • Suggestions from your organisation about previous successful projects and how to replicate them
  • Questions from your organisation about new or unsuccessful projects.

 

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by Monday 7th March 2011 by e-mailing southern.region@gbrmpa.gov.au or phone 07 4921 4055

 
School Environmental Awards

Has your school been working hard to look after the environment?
 
If you have a worm farm, recycle, are into conserving water and energy, have native plants in your school grounds or have adopted an area to look after, then you should nominate for Burnett Mary Regional Group's School Environmental Awards 2011.
 
Schools in the Burnett Mary Region are invited to nominate for the School Environmental Awards 2011 by completing a nomination form and submitting it to BMRG by the 11th March 2011.
 
The awards are divided into four categories: water. waste, energy and biodiversity.
 
Each category has a primary school and a high school division.
 
One school will be presented with the Burnett Mary Sustainable School major award.
 
Winning schools will share in $5,000 of prize money to assist with future projects within their school.
 
Download the nomination form here.
 
BMRG would like to thank the Glasshouse Country Schools Sustainability Awards for developing the award criteria and categories.
 
 

Biosphere needs community input

7 February 2011

Burnett Mary Regional Group, in conjunction with the University of Queensland, is holding a community workshop in Maryborough to discover how to best promote harmony between people and nature within the internationally-recognised Great Sandy Biosphere.
 
Chairperson of BMRG, Dr Evelyne Meier, said the workshop is the latest in a series designed to maintain the liveability of the Great Sandy Biosphere.
 
"The workshops use a cutting-edge 'learning laboratory' process developed by the University of Queensland to help our community find answers," Dr Meier said.
 
Dr Meier said the process, which has been applied in Cambodia, Vietnam and China, is not about looking for easy answers.
 
"There are no simple solutions to complex problems, just opportunities for consensus and creativity."
 
The workshop will be held at the Maryborough City Hall on the 10th February from 2pm to 5:30pm with a cost of $10 per person.
 
For more information contact Burnett Mary Regional Group on 07 4181 2999.
 
 

Flood Assistance

19 January 2011

The Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO) is offering assistance to people affected by the recent flooding.  BIEDO is offering the following support:

  1. Help in filling in recovery and grant forms: BIEDO Grant Angels will be ready and available to help anyone (primary producer, business or community) to fill in any of the flood recovery forms or grants.  BIEDO are also offering this support service to adjacent regions and towns, including Biloela, Theodore, Cracow, Bundie, Fraser Coast, Mary Valley, Brisbane and Lockyer Valleys, Toowoomba and surrounding townships, Gin Gin, Tiaro, Gympie, Chinchilla, Dalby, Condamine and anywhere else that may have need of this kind of support.  If anyone is interested in accessing this kind of assistance, they can contact Belinda on 4169 7851 or biedoadmin@burnett.net.au.  
  2. BIEDO website has a flood support page listing all support numbers, grants, and other assistanceand it is being updated all the time.  If you have any contact numbers, links or assistance ideas please let BIEDO know and we will also post these on the site.  Go to www.biedo.org and the link to the flood support page is the first item at the top of the home page in the Current News section.  Alternatively click straight through to www.biedo.org.au/article/37/floodsupport

  3. Matching those who need help and those who want to offer help in the Inland and adjacent areas:  BIEDO will be hosting an informal How Can I Help Page for the Inland and adjacent rural areas.  The page will be posted by Friday.  In the meantime, people and communities can register their needs on this page by phoning Belinda on 4169 7851 or emailing biedoadmin@burnett.net.au.  Equally, people who want to help can contact Belinda to let her know the ways in which they can help.  Their offers will be listed on this page with their contact details.  Alternatively, people can go to this page to look at the things (services, support, items) that flood affected people need and know exactly how they can be of assistance.  People can offer things as simple as their time to help clean up, or a cooked meal to help a family who doesn’t have time (or the kitchen) to cook as they deal with the flood impact.   

  4. Community-based information sessions on flood recovery funds and programmes:  Subject to confirmation from QRAA, BIEDO will co-ordinate information sessions for any communities or groups across the region to ensure business and property owners have access to all the information they need on flood recovery assistance.   Dates will be supplied on BIEDO's website and by newsletter, when QRAA has confirmed.  Any interested groups or locations should give BIEDO a call to register their interest on 4169 7851. (Belinda our Admin officer will register you).

  5. One-on-one Information, Referral and Counselling:  The Rural Services Officer, Karen Seiler, hosted by BIEDO and Centrecare as part of the Beating the Blues programme, is available to all property owners and businesses in the South Burnett, Eidsvold and Biggenden / Coalstoun Lakes.  Karen Seiler can provide support information, referral to financial, legal or other services and counselling.  Karen will be focused on flood recovery for the foreseeable future.  BIEDO Sustainability Officer, Grace Gibson, will provide information and referral support to the remaining North Burnett towns and districts.  Grace will be mentored and managed by Karen to provide additional ‘manpower’ and service capacity in flood support across the region.   Karen Seiler’s contact details: Mobile – 0488 723 130   Email - biedorural@burnett.net.au.   Grace Gibson’s details: 4169 7851 or biedoeco@burnett.net.au.  

  6. Information and Rejuvenation Days: Karen Seiler has co-ordinated Pamper Days as a form of drought-stress management for the last four years. Now, Karen has supplied dates for information, re-connection and de-stress days, with a flood support focus throughout the North and South Burnett.   Dates and locations are supplied on the BIEDO website – on the Flood Assistance page. Go to BIEDO home page (www.biedo.org.au) and click on the flood support link in the news stories at the top of the home page; or go straight to www.biedo.org.au/article/37/floodsupport.  For more information call Belinda on 41697851

  7. Re-fencing:The Silver Lining Contractor Team (part of Murri Network) may be able to assist with re-fencing properties damaged by flood water, or other agricultural or forestry recovery work.  Please contact Andrea McGee on mobile 0400 723 970 or email: biedomurrinetwork@burnett.net.au or Danny Hoogstraten (Silver Lining) to explore what options may be available on Mobile:  0429 490 596 or email: danny.hoogstraten@silverlining.net.au.
 
 
 

Fencing Recovery

19 January 2011

Blazeaid is a volunteer group of people from Victoria who are in the local region helping farmers put back their fences.
 
The volunteers have gone to Dalby and Toowoomba, and if they have 10 farmers in the South Burnett who want help with re-fencing, the group will render assistance there.
 
The volunteers will come to your property but you must supply the wire and posts.
 
If you would like help with your fences, please ring Kevin Butler on 0418 530 471.


Flood Support Information


The Board and staff of the Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management Ltd (BMRG) would like to send our best wishes to all of our partners and stakeholders that have been affected, and continue to be affected, by the recent flooding.  Our thoughts are with you and your communities.

Landholders who have contracts with us and believe that these may be affected or delayed by the floods are encouraged to contact BMRG on (07) 4181 2999 so that we can assess how best to
 meet your needs. 

If you are having problems accessing assistance or have other flood / NRM related problems, again please contact BMRG and we will do our best to help you. 
 

If you need funding support, you may wish to contact the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA) on 1800 623 946. QRAA is coordinating grants of up to $25,000 available to assist primary producers and small businesses to meet the costs of damage caused by the floods.


Grants are available to small businesses and primary producers in the local government areas of Banana, Barcaldine, Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Cherbourg, Lockyer Valley, North Burnett, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Western Downs and Woorabinda. The grants are currently not available in the Gympie local government area, however more areas may be added.

For more information about the grants, visit http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/Environment/Disaster-Flood-Assistance-DEEDI-Factsheet.pdf

Rural Assist Information Network (RAIN) is also a useful resource for support and information. 

RAIN is a one-stop shop for regional Queenslanders looking for relevant information from state government departments and agencies, as well as community groups.

For more information, visit www.rain.net.au

We would like to once again extend our best wishes to everyone during this difficult time.”
 
 

© 2005-2010 Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management Inc