gippslandscapes podcast: Recent Episodes
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority
A semi-regular look at the people and organisations working with and caring for the environment in the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority area.
This week, Gerard speaks with CMA colleague Elsa Burnell and Environment Manager at the Glenfalloch Station Karen Tymmes.
The conversation commences with a look at the floods on the Macalister River in 2021 and their impact on Glenfalloch as well as the recovery work done with the CMA post floods.
Following this we look at the philosphy Karen brings to the management of the property, acknowledging both traditional ownership of land as wellas embracing the 'stewardship' approach.
A short explainer video about flood recovery work on the Macalsiter River at Glenfalloch Station: https://youtu.be/MeAw9Am4A20
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard chats with the wonderful committee from the Heyfield Wetlands: Wendy Rhodes, Mike Kube and Barry Donahoe about the 20 year project and the simply amazing result to construct a wetlands on an old racecourse.
This is a wonderful project an dthe three guests share the story of the community coming together to construct the wetlands, which were recently acknowledged at the River Basin Management Awards (a bit like the Logies for natural Resource Management!)
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the formation of Victoria's Catchment Management Authorities.
In this episode of Gippslandcapes we look back at that quarter century with the help of some of the staff from the WGCMA as they recall major events and emerging issues over that time.
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This week, Gerard speaks with Anita Charles, President of the Callignee Landcare Group.
They walk a site near Flynns Creeek and sicuss the group, its membership, the work it is doing and the challenges and rewards of establishing a Landcare group during a global pandemic.
The best way of keeping in touch with what’s happing in your local landcare community is to find your local catchment management authority website and have a fish around there – so if you’re in the West Gippy CMA patch, go to wgcma.vic.gov.au and then click on the getting involved link on left hand side…
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This week, Sally O'Neill chats with dairy farmer and industry leader Lauren Finger and beef farmer and business woman Anne Roussac-Hoyne about their lives and work in Gippsland.
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This week, Gerard chats with Duncan Fraser, a long time worker and volunteer in helping improve his local environment around Maffra but also the wider Gippsland area.
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard chats with Duncan Fraser, a long time worker and volunteer in helping improve his local environment around Maffra but also the wider Gippsland area.
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard speaks with Kelsey Tong and Brita Jobling from Gippsland Intrepid Landcare.
The group comprises 18-35 year olds and brings a fresh and younger perspective on Landcare and environmental work.
Kelsey and Brita are great guests who speak passionaltly about the environment and the way young people might view issues like climate change and all that it holds for their generation.
Links mentioned in this episode: https://gippslandintrepid.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gippslandintrepidlandcare
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week dairy farmer Sandra Jefford tells Gerard how she is farming in an era of changing climate? What are the challenges and what are the opportunities that are being faced. Also Sandra describes how she and her husband decided to fence off a wetland on the Avon and the impact it has had on bird life and other native animals. Sandra and Wilco are planning a farm walk in February so stay tuned to the pod or the WGCMA socials to keep up to date. [someone], [someone else] and [another person] cover [topic].....
Topics discussed:
- Farming
- Climage change
- Wildlife
Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/
- http://second-example.com
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard speaks with Dr Malcolm McLevie from the Baw Baw Sustainability Network.
The edisode looks at what people who live in towns can do to reduce their greenhouse footpring, whether that is reducing drafts or putting solar panels on the roof, there is heaps we can all do to hold back climate change.
Links mentioned in this episode: BBSN - https://www.bbsn.org.au/ Cozy Homes program - managed by Bass Coast Sustainability Group https://www.facebook.com/BassCoastCAN/ Whole bunch of stuff from Victorian Gov abround improving efficiency around the home https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/
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This week, Sally O'Neill chats with Phillip Island local and Landcare Legend, Anne Davie OAM.
Anne has given a lifetimes work to both Landcare as well as countless community initiatives.
In this interview Anne chats about how farming practice has changed over 60 years, the importance of community and the exciting chapters that are ahead for farming and Landcare
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This week, Gerard speaks with Chair of the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) Chris Chesterfield, VEWH Commissioner Rueben Berg and WGCMA colleague Dr. Stephanie Suter about water for the environment, competing demands, Cultural Water and how the WGCMA plays its role in the water for the environment area.
Links mentioned in this episode: The Victorian Environmental Water Holder https://vewh.vic.gov.au/ WGCMA - Regional Catchment Strategy for West Gippsland https://westgippsland.rcs.vic.gov.au/ Dr Stephanie Suter talking about water for the environment on the banks of the Thomson https://youtu.be/xIT9v0GBYPY
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This week, Gerard takes a tour around a wonderful property in South Gippsland being cared for by Jenny and Paul O'Sullivan.
Predominately a beef and sheep property, Jenny and Paul have been long standing advocates for sustainable farming practice and are now working to meet the demands of climate change as well as higher expectations from the community around just where their food comes from.
This is a fascinating chat, recorded as we toured around the property on an autumn afternoon.
Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.sustainableaustralianbeef.com.au/
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This week, Gerard chats with two deeply committed Landcarers from the Bass Coast Landcare Network.
Volunteer Anna Spiden and staff member, Dani Mathysen-Carr have been working in and around Landcare for the last 10 years or so and are part of a busy Landcare scene around Bass Coast.
The interview is a delight as we hear not just what they and others have been doing but the connection to improving the landscape that both of them share.
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This week, Gerard chats with Aaron Jenkin from Aquatica Environmental about his work in and around the Chain of Ponds system in Gippsland.
We've done a few pods about the Chain of Ponds, mainly because they are amazing and a great example of varied groups and interests coming together to try and make something better.
Enjoy the chat and we'll have a neat video from the site in coming days so stay tuned to our socials for that.
Links mentioned in this episode: More on the Chain of Ponds https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/current-projects
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This week, Gerard chats with landholder Brian Watterson about his 20 year project to turn a denuded 50 acres along the Agnes River into a reforested paradise.
Brian is part of a wider community that has seen significant works done along the Agnes and helped to protect the Corner Inlet Ramsar listed ecosysuem downstream
Topics discussed:
- History of the site and Brian's involvment
- Walkway plans amongst the landholders
- Landholder Trevor Mack
- The future of the area and reforestation
Links mentioned in this episode: Video of Agnes River and restoration works: https://youtu.be/UixjWauzC90 A look at the previous work and planned works from the WGCMA https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/current-projects
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This week, in the first pod for 2022, Gerard catched up with some wonderful private landholders who have spent 40 years rebuilding a functioning wetland on their property and a local government officer who tells us all about a new wetland that has recently been built to protect the Gippsland Lakes.
To round things off, Dr Adrian Clements from the WGCMA chats about wetlands, their role, importance and future as we celebrate World Wetlands Day on Feb 2
Topics discussed:
- Jack River wetland restoration
- East Bairnsdale wetland construction
- The role of wetlands and just why are they so important
Links mentioned in this episode: If you want more wetlands goodness check out our very first Gippslandscape episode where we tour the magnificent Heart Morass near Sale https://gippslandscapes-podcast.zencast.website/episodes/a-passionate-heart Short video looking at the Heyfield wetlands project https://vimeo.com/398993493 Another etland restoration project, this time in Dennison, near Maffra https://vimeo.com/449490932
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This week, Gerard chats with his boss Marty Fuller from the WGCMA to look back on the last 12 months.
One of the key themes from the chat is the importance of partnerships in the work the CMA does as well as the willingness of landholders to get on board with river restoration and protection.
There is also a quite acknowledgment of the passing of David McAninley from the Jack and Albert River community who passed away this week.
David was a pioneer of Landcare and also featured in a podcat earlier his year where we celebrated his 50 year+ involvment in Landcare alongside his neighbour David McAuley.
Finally, if you have time, we have a quick survey to help us review the year and plan for 2022 The Two Davids - 100 years of Landcare https://media.zencast.fm/gippslandscapes-podcast/e78ea01f-7b37-4862-a7ec-04cc8814223a.mp3
Our quick survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/gippslandscapes
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This week, Gerard caught up with dairy farmer Kate Mirams and Regen Ag Agronomist Jade Killoran at Kates farm in Newry, Gippsland.
The pod visited Kate back in August 2019 where along with Jade we discussed the pretty new experiment in regen agriculture that Kate with her husband Pete were embarking on.
Could they grow more feed, retain more water in the soil and sequester carbon all at the same time?
This is a fascinating interview featuring two people across exactly what is happening and what they would like to see in future years - the trial is funded through to 2023.
There is a special 'nerd-athon' section of this pod featuring plenty of data and stats so stay listening stats fans!
Links mentioned in this episode: Video produced featuring interview with Kate and Peter https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/landholder-programs Episode 4 Gippslandcapes - https://gippslandscapes-podcast.zencast.website/episodes/regenerative-agriculture
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Today, Gerard speaks with the Manager of the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aborignal Co-operative (GLaWAC), Uncle Russell Mullett.
An Elder, Uncle Russell speaks about the development of Native Title in Gippsland and both the impact and the challenges Traditional Ownership present.
It's a fascinating discussion which we hope you enjoy.
Topics discussed:
- History of Traditional Ownership locally
- Imact of local indiginous community
- Challenges and risks associated with Traditional Ownership
Links mentioned in this episode:
- GLaWAC website: https://gunaikurnai.org/
- http://second-example.com
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard had a trip east to chat to a bunch of people about the Gippsland Lakes and the Love our Lakes program in particular.
Over recent years there has been a range of initiatives and funding to improve the health of the Lakes and their surrounds.
In this pod you'll hear from Landcare folks about fox control and foreshore rehabilitation as well as local government about creating wetlands and Gippsland Ports abouot Seabed riendly Boat Moorings (yes, they are a thing!)
Topics discussed:
- Fox monitoring at Blond Bay - Matt Stephenson
- Urban Wetland creation by east gippsland shire to protect Jones Bay - Wayne Burton
- Foreshore rehabilitaton by Nungurner Landcare Group - Clive Burry
- Sea Grass friendly boat moorings by Gippsland Ports - David Hocking
Links mentioned in this episode:
- http://example.com Nungurner Project: https://www.loveourlakes.net.au/collaboration-achieving-results-on-the-nungurner-foreshore/ Seagrass Friendly Moorings Video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3915862951778839 Love our Lakes Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/loveourGippslandLakes/
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This week, Gerard spoke with Martin Potts from Greening Australia.
Marty has been working in the area of habitat restoration for close to 20 years and is now seeing the fruits of his work as areas improved in the early 2000s reach maturity and start to attract the wildlife indicating a healthy and robust environment.
Marty also speaks about how there are emerging methods for landholders to receive payment for the good works they do on their properties.
As always, when you chat with Marty, it's impossible not to be impressed by his knowledge, passion and commitment to making the world a better place.
Enjoy!
Topics discussed:
- Topic A
- Topic B
- Topic C
Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/landholder-registration/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=web%20banner&utm_campaign=landholder%20registration
- http://second-example.com
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This week, Gerard caught up with CEO of Odonata, Sam Marwood and Josh Grifiths from Enviro DNA to chat about the Great Australian Platypus Search.
If you haven't heard of it, don't fret, but it is the worlds largest Citizen Science project and aims to map the numbers and habitat of the, probably most loved of all Australian animals - the platypus!
Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.thegreataustralianplatypussearch.org/ https://www.envirodna.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/873161846938669/
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard spoke with Jason Good from Bass Coast Landcare Network about his role as Pest Animal Co-ordinator in and around Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
The converstaion commenes with his work on Dream Island, one of the Barrier Islands north of Wilson's Prom and then moves to Phillip Island and Jason's work there to eradicate foxes.
Impressive stuff. There is also a frightening anecdote about just how clever and mischevous domestic cats can be!
Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.basscoastlandcare.org.au/ https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/getting-involved/landcare
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard took a ride around Clinton Tepper's Buln Buln property to find out all about multi-story farming.
Working from the ground up its Soil>Pasture>Trees>Livestock - so four levels.
This is a fascinating pod full of ideas that just subtly change the way we might think about managing landscapes while at the same time protecting the land and running a profitable enterprise.
Links mentioned in this episode: Clinton's business website: https://justaddtrees.com.au/ Bass Coast Landcare Network video of Clinton's property https://vimeo.com/483410522
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This week, Gerard caught up with Peter Devonshire and Rose Mildenhall from the Gippsland AgroForestry Network to discuss all things trees.
Peter and Rose have both planted trees on their individual properties and have been heavily involved with teh Master Tree Growers course which has been running in Gippsland over several years.
In this episode we find out all about the art, the science, the aesthetics and the economics of growing trees.
Links mentioned in this episode: The Gippsland Agroforestry Network website: http://www.gippslandagroforestry.com.au/ Further information about growing trees on farms: http://www.agroforestry.net.au/main.asp?_=Australian%20Master%20TreeGrower Not mentioned in the pod but after the mic had been turned off, a Gardening Ausralia interview with Paul Haar around sustainable timber https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/my-garden-path---paul-haar/13396530
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This one is a doozy! In this episode, Gerard speaks with John Hick from the Trust for Nature on site in Stockdale, East Gippsland just after the Trust has taken possession of a new property under its 'revolving property scheme.'
The property is already pretty amazing with POnds scattered around it as well as native vegetation, gentle sloping country and lots more.
In this pod, John talks about the Trust, the Chain of Ponds project and just how country can start to rebuild if left alone.
There is a short video from the site available on our Vimeo channel (https://vimeo.com/566865697)
We also have earlier podcast episodes around teh Chain of Ponds which can be found here https://gippslandscapes-podcast.zencast.website/episodes/how-a-plantation-company-a-conservation-group-and-a-bunch-of-farmers-fell-in-love-with-a-chain-of-ponds
and here
https://gippslandscapes-podcast.zencast.website/episodes/gippsland-s-unique-chain-of-ponds)
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This week, Rachael meets Bena beef farmer Chris Miller for a walk around his property and to talk about his experience completing a big project to remove huge hawthorns from the headwaters of the Foster Creek. Chris has worked in partnership with the Bass Coast Landcare Network, Greening Australia and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
Chris talks about his efforts to improve the land and how it was hard to know where to start when he first bought the property four years ago.
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This week, Gerard spoke with dairy farmers Vicki Hiscock and Andre Meyer.
Both have been investing dollars and employing new techniques to make their farms as efficient as possible in terms of water delivery and growing grass.
While this is good for their bottom line, the smarter use (and re-use) of water is a great result for the environment in the form of the Gippsland Lakes too.
There is also a brief diversion for a milk tanker as it hurtles by and a reminder that motorists still wave to each other in country areas!
Topics discussed:
- Changes to industry with Vicki.
- Delivering water more efficiently
- The internet of things and the future
- Investment in irrigation with Andre
- How caring for the country is vital for farmers
- Using drone technology to manage irrigation and cow movement
Links mentioned in this episode: Farming for the future Gippslandscapes Episode six https://media.zencast.fm/gippslandscapes-podcast/57b7197b-78f6-4323-b5b3-4e3cb385ae81.mp3 Regenerative Agriculture Gippslandscapes Episode four https://media.zencast.fm/gippslandscapes-podcast/ada981a1-6605-4991-8a86-3a7b9d72456b.mp3 Multi-species crop trial video - Newry https://vimeo.com/458803472
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This week,Gerard handed over the microphone to colleague Rachael Millar who caught up with south Gippsland landholder Tim Blake.
Tim, with his partner Lisa have been replanting and improving their Bennison Creek property for over 20 years. In more recent times the work has been designd with a view to seeing benefits not just on the land but also off shore - in the wonderful Corner Inlet.
Rachael and Tim take a walk through the property to discover the motivation behind and the impact the work has had.
Links mentioned in this episode
- Corner Inlet improvement projects https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/?s=corner
- Hugelkultur https://www.hugelkultur.com.au/intro-hugelkultur/
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This week, Gerard speaks with the Friends of Tyers Park who do a power of work in the Park and maintaining the Wirilda Walking Track.
Links mentioned in this episode: *Friends of Tyers Park Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/friendsoftyerspark
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This week, Gerard went for a walk though a 15 hectare, hilly project of passion and dedication with David Sutton and Alison Oates in the rolling hills of Arawata.
Links mentioned in this episode: A short video of the property https://vimeo.com/534650355 Arawata Landcare Group website https://www.sgln.net.au/groups/arawata-landcare-group/
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This week,Gerard speaks with 'The Two Davids': David MacAuley and David McIninley. Both farmers and both with a passion for protecting and improving the land north of Yarram in the foothills and plains south of the Strzelecki Range.
Between them they have 100 years of Landcare and in this interview reflect on the works that have been complete and the challenges that still lay before the community.
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This week, Rachael Millar speaks with Bec Hemming from the EGCMA as well as Jem Stirling from the WGCMA about International Woemn's Day and how the water and NRM sectors are striving to ensure women's voices are not lost in leadership roles.
It's a great episode with plenty to get you thinking whatever your gender, so check it out and maybe share it with some pals.
Links mentioned in this episode: Piece by CEO of Bass Coast Shire Ali Wastie (Page 9) https://www.waterlinenews.com.au/files/March2021.pdf When Men Lead Women – Anneli Blundell https://www.anneliblundell.com.au/whenmenlead
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This week, Gerard spoke with Dan Brown from Parks Vic about the work being done to protect and understand the Alpine Peatlands, vital sources of so many of our rivers.
Topics discussed:
- The history of interst in Alpine Peatlands
- The issue of invasive species threatening the area
- Impact of bushfires
- Impact of climate change
Links mentioned in this episode: Alpne Peatlands field work video by Stephen Curtain https://vimeo.com/265393764WGCMA Alpine Peatlands project page https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/our-region/projects/alpine-peatlands-2
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This week, Gerard spoke with Jenny and Robert Davies as they drove around their wonderful beef property near the Albert River in southern Gippsland.
It's a special place and an example of the sort of work many landholders in the Jack and Albert River area have done over recent years to improved water quality as it flows into Corner Inlet
Links mentioned in this episode: Corner Inlet - https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/news/latest-news/corner-inlet-a-ramsar-site-right-in-our-backyard More on Corner Inlet with a nice video - https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/our-region/projects/corner-inlet-connections A story from 2012 when I was at ABC Gippsland looking at the great work done on the Jack and Albert River catchment - http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/02/21/3435633.htm
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This week, Gerard spoke with Rick Roberston (Chair of the Bengworden Landcare Group) and group members Rose and Louie Maher.
The Mahers are one of several farming businesses embarking on a two year trial looking at multi species crop cover on the Red Gum Plains between Sale and Bairnsdale.
The group is hosting a 'Ute Tour' of several sites on Monday January 18. Details below: *Demonstration sites have been established across the district and summer cover crops are ready to be viewed. When: Monday 18/1/2021 at 9.30 am Where: Laurie and Robyn Williams, 977 Boundary Road, Bengworden.
We will then visit Cover cropping demonstration sites at the Reed, Deery and Robertson properties. At the sites we will be:- reviewing crop progress - discussing challenges - sharing experiences Lunch is BYO. Tea and coffee provided. As we are still living in a ‘Covid’ world plans may change. RSVP Rose: 0429212138/rmaher1@iinet.net.au
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This week, in the final Gippslandscapes for 2021, Gerard speaks with Marnie Ellis form the Latrobe Landcare Network and Matt Bowler from the WGCMA about some of the projects that have been completed over the last 12 months as well as some of the challenges the year posed.
Topics discussed:
- The early threat of COVID-19
- Resilience and inventivness of Landcare groups
- What might 2021 bring?
Links mentioned in this episode:
- One of Matt's highlights, the wetland restoration project in the Lower Avon https://vimeo.com/488740193 *If you're thinking of getting involved in Landcare nest year, here is the link https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/getting-involved/landcare
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This week, Gerard spoke with beef farmer Marshall Dean from Flynn in Gippsland.
Marshall is running a 500 acre beef property with more than a passing interest in protecting the creek that runs through the place. Protecting some of the lovely old gun trees the property has and generally leaving the place in a better state than he found it, which was actually pretty good!
Enjoy the interview and have a look at the flyover drone footage of the property too. It looks amazing.
Topics discussed:
- Marshall's attraction to the property
- Flynn's Creek and the work that has been done on it
- Improvements in other areas of the farm
- The future plans
Links mentioned in this episode: Drone flyover of Marshall's property https://vimeo.com/484250387
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This week, Gerard spoke with colleague at the WGCMA David Stork about the work that has been done to manage and improve the Thomson River in Gippsland.
The Thomson is a significant river with a range of competing interests. However as David points out those competing interests all share a few things in common which enables work to be done to improve the watereway.
Topics discussed:
- The Thomson's importance and historical development
- Works undertaken and impact
- Sessessionist movment in the 1950s
Links mentioned in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_State_of_Rainbow_Creek
- http://second-example.com
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This week, Gerard spoke withCharlie Pinch from the Tanjil Valley Landcare Group about its work in the local community and his 30 year involvment with Landcare
Topics discussed:
- Getting started back in 1990
- The importance of fencing off waterways
- Tanjil Valley Landcare's work around BlueRock Lake
- Charlie's love and fascination with the world's biggest trees.
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This week, Gerard spoke with Karl Russo from Woolamai in the Bass Coast about the project he and partner Rachael are involved in to transform 100 acres of cleared,hilly and eroded farm land into a haven for native wildlife and a home for themselves and their young family. It's an extraordinary story.
Links mentioned in this episode: Bass Coast Landcare Video of one of the major planting days on site at Karl and Rachael's property https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1439754532780685 WGCMA Landcare page to find your local Landcare group: https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/getting-involved/landcare Karl Russo's INstagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/karlosrusso/
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This week, Gerard speaks with Fish Creek dairy farmer Graeme Nicol about the use of science in the sector and the challenges and successes the dairy industry has achieved around sustainability.
Topics discussed:
- What is sustainability excatly?
- The work the dairy industry has done to become more sustainable
- Climate variability
- The Australian dairy industry Sustainability Framework
- Fish Creek Landcare Group
- The future of the Australian Dairy Sector
Links mentioned in this episode: Graeme's Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/hoddlecows/?hl=en The Australian dairy industry Sustainability Framework https://www.sustainabledairyoz.com.au/
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This week, Gerard speaks with two guests about the remarkable Chain of Ponds in the Perry River catchment.
Simon Hieslers from HVP Plantations and John Hick from conservation group Trust For Nature talk about the Chain of Ponds, their histories with them, the work they have been doing and the motivation for being involved in the first place.
Links mentioned in this episode: WGCMA Chain of Ponds Page: https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/our-region/projects/protecting-our-ponds Trust For Nature webpage: https://www.trustfornature.org.au/ A pretty neat video of the Chain of Ponds https://vimeo.com/402793620
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This week, Gerard speaks with Denison dairy farmer, John Ryan who has an eye on both his farm and the future.
Topics discussed:
- Just how does John classify the type of farming he does? Is it organic, bio-dynamic? What exactly?
- The farm as a filter for the Thomson River.
- Farming with a clear eye on what consumers will want: sustainability.
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This week, Gerard speaks with landholders Coral and Kevin Hughes from South Gippsland who have been working to improve the environment long before Landcare was even thought of (they started back in the mid 60s!)
We also hear from Planet Ark's Sarah Chaplin about its research into the impact of landscape, including trees on our sense of self.
Topics discussed: 1.South Gippsland landscape
- Work on farm over 60 years
- PLanet Ark research
Links mentioned in this episode:
- planetark.org
- https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/getting-involved/landcare
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard spoke with Manager of the Gippsland Lakes program at the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Sean Phillipson about the multitude of projects aimed (and succeeding) at making the Gippsland Lakes that little bit better.
Topics discussed:
- The history of the Love our Lakes program
- The challenges with manaing such a large system
- The variety of programs and the multitude of successes that the Love our Lakes program has overseen.
Links mentioned in this episode: Marty Potts podcast https://media.zencast.fm/gippslandscapes-podcast/11.mp3 Naus family podcast https://media.zencast.fm/gippslandscapes-podcast/9.mp3
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This week, Gerard spoke with Melissa Wartman from the Blue Carbon Lab. It's a collaborative project working around the country looking at sequestering carbon in those coastal fringes and wetlands that abound in Australia.
It's a fascinating interview about the work that the team is doing and the potential for it in years to come.
Topics discussed:
- What is Blue Carbon
- Can landholders make money from it?
- How does the humble tea bag help scientists save the planet?
Links mentioned in this episode: http://www.bluecarbonlab.org/ https://twitter.com/BlueCarbonLab https://www.thebluecarboninitiative.org/
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This week, Gerard spoke with farmer Darry Hook from Bass Coast about his ongoing commitment to Landcare and the community.
Topics discussed:
- Landcare scene around South Gippsland/Bass Coast
- The appetite for Landcare in the wider community
- The benefits of tree planting for the individual
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard visited the trial site of a recently funded Smart Farms Small Grants program at Woodside. It's a story of trying something different on a small section of the farm to see if it will help the business withstand future droughts and climate change AND make a quid along the way.
He spoke with inventor and operator of the Soil Kee Renovator, Nils Olsen, which is being used to plant out the paddocks and landholder Sandy Gordon.
Topics discussed:
- Soil Kee Renovator
- Being paid for sequestering carbon
- The hopes of the farmer involved
Links mentioned in this episode: Soil Kee featured on Landline: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-08/dollars-from-dirt-the-farmer-making-money-from-healthy-soil/11486346 Round Table discussion at Climate Risk in Agriculture Conference https://vimeo.com/354779684
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard spoke with Michael Hobson from the Yarram Yarram Landcare Network about the recent grant it has recieved under the Federal Governments, National Landcare Program 'Smart Farms, Sall Grants' initiative.
The The Corner Inlet Broadleaf Seagrass Restoration Project will plant 5 hectares of Broadleaf Seagrass (Posidonia australis) using scuba divers at a site off Port Albert, Victoria. This project will be delivered via an existing partnership between the Yarram Yarram Landcare Network, the commercial fishing industry of Corner Inlet and the University of Western Australia. Thisre storation technique will involve harvesting shoots from healthy donor meadows of Broadleaf Seagrass and transplanting the material to a site nearby in a checker-board arrangement. Over time, the plants will spread as the seagrass coalesces along the ocean floor. It complements our existing efforts to restore 200 hectares of broadleaf seagrass at other sites on Corner Inlet using sandbags to aid seagrass growth. By heading underwater, the team will be able to restore broadleaf seagrass year-round as opposed to a two week window during summer that they are currently limited to.
It's a fbulous project and Michael is an articulate advocate for both this project but also the wider impact of Landcare.
Topics discussed:
- The emergence of declining sea grasses in Corner Inlet
- Methods employed to regenerate the area
- The importance of the land based Landcare projects to the success of this on water project.
Links mentioned in this episode: Video looking at Sea Grass Restoration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y14gzf4-YA4 WGCMA Corner Inlet Connections Project Page https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/our-region/projects/corner-inlet-connections
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard spoke with Sam Shannon from the WGCMA. Sam is the Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator about the recently announced Smart Farms, Small Grants which will see two local Landcare Groups get very busy and one local contractor take his extraordinary invention to all parts of the country.
Topics discussed:
- What is the Smart Farms, Small Grants initiative.
- Yarram Yarram Landcare Network's plan to explore cover cropping and soil carbon in Gippsland's Coastal Plain.
- Nils Olsen's SoilKee inovation.
- Yarram Yarram Landcare Network's initiative to replant sea grasses in Corner Inlet
- South Gippsland Landcare Network's plan to demonstrate the effectiveness of multi-species pasturage and regenerative grazing management practice.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- https://vimeo.com/354779684 Round Table featuring Nils Olsen
- https://www.facebook.com/ABCGippsland/videos/981675222178453/ Sea Grass rehabilitation at Corner Inlet.
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
In this episode of Gippslandscapes, Gerard caught up with Daniel Bright, a Fish Creek farmer who along with partner Amelia is raising pigs, caring for the land and running a profitable business.
Daniel has some fascinating things to say about farming in an era of climate change and, having come from a dairy farm, the difference between dairying and something like pig farming.
You'll also find a few references to farming in South Gippsland with an eye to the African plains of the Serengheti!
- The business philospohy of Amber Creek Farm
- Achieving small goals with big results
- Being a price maker as opposed to a price taker
Links mentioned in this episode:
- www.ambercreekfarm.com.au
- wgcma.vic.gov.au
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard speaks with Major Projects Team Leader at the WGCMA Matt Bowler about some of the bigger but perhaps lesser seen projects that the WGCMA has been involved in over the last few years to make our rivers, lakes and general environment better.
Topics discussed:
- The Dirty Rivers project - that looks to work with farmers ot fence off and plant out river banks to reduce erosion.
- The Headwaters project - that works in the upper reaches of rivers to remove willows.
- The Corner Inlet project - again, working with farmers to improve water flowing into Corner Inlet and Ramsar listed wetlands.
- The Spartina project - working to reduce the impact of the introduced weed on the coastal fringes of south west Gippsland.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- www.wgcma.vic.gov.au
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard spoke with Marty Potts from Greening Australia about the work he is doing to repair and rebuild wetlands across Gippsland and the ongoing battle to improve habitat for native animals. It's a beauty so download it now and enjoy Marty's fantastic enthusiasm for the environment.
Topics discussed:
- Wetlands vs "Wastelands"
- Rebuilding wetlands and working with landholders
- Native animals, bell frog ecovery and climate change
Links mentioned in this episode:
- greeningaustralia.org.au
- wgcma.vic.gov.au
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
This week, Gerard talks to landholder John Boyd about the work done on his and neighbouring properties to protect the Chain of Ponds around Providence Ponds and the Perry River.
The interview covers John's lifelong connection to the local landscape as well as the works that have been carried out with a range of agencies to improve the landscape.
Links mentioned in this episode: wgcma.vic.gov.au
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
The Naus family run a dairy farm at Neerim South in the Baw Baw Shire. While their primary quest is to run a profitable farm they also want to leave the land in a better condition than they found it. They are currently embarking on a major piece of work with Landcare, the WGCMA and the Gippsland Lakes Co-ordinating Committee to remove weeds and willows, replant with native tress and fence of significant areas of their farm along side the Shady Creek.
The dolphins of the Gippsland Lakes have become iconic and much loved creatures, but how much do we understand of them? Kate Charlton-Robb and her team have been doing great work with the help of the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee learning more about the dolphins including how they communicate with each other. Find out more and keep upto date with the many projects aimed at improving the Lakes at loveourlakes.net.au
An interview with Deb Sullivan from Birdlife Australia where she talks about the work she does monitoring a range of bird species and just why the health of birds is so closely tied to the health of a waterway like the Gippsland Lakes.
Adam Schreur runs a 900 acre property at Tarwin Lower. With a history as a dairy and beef farm, the property provided (quite literally) a green field site for Adam to expand the family horticulture farming business from its Cranbourne base. Adam talks about how he is managing this expansion with a view towards sustainability.
This episode of Gippslandscapes focuses on the dairy industry and one family's approach to both making a profit but also farming in a sustainable way. Pete Neaves and Kate Mirams live on and work with a property in Newry in the Macalister Irrigation District. In this podcast I speak to Kate about being a landholder, the desire to improve land, how the internet of things might interact with the industry and a whole lot more.
Regenerative Agriculture or 'Regen-Ag' as its also known is capturing the imagination of farmers around the country it seems. This episode hears from an agricultural agronomist at the front line of Regen-Ag as well as a farmer who has been curious about ways of managing his land more sustainably, perhaps before the Regen-Ag message became so well known.
In this podcast, host Gerard Callinan speaks with two people with long histories in the MiD. Graeme Anderson has been a dairy farmer all his life and proudly recalls the first irrigation water in his home district of Nambrok/Dennison being delivered to his father's property. Gavan Lamb is an agronomist who worked in the MID for 20 years up September 2019. He reflects on the changes he has seen and the different approached farmers have adopted in recent years.
A fascinating interview and boat trip around the Heart Morass near Sale where we discuss the work done to rehabilitate the site.
Gipps-Landscapes is an occasional podcast published by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Its purpose is to highlight the many people doing great things caring for and improving the landscapes of the region, whether they are farmers, 'townies' involved in Landcare, or just someone with a passion to make the region a better place. We hope to publish an episode every week or so. Each episode will feature one person or group. You can get in touch with us at communications@wgcma.vic.gov.au