This website is managed by volunteers and is updated as best we can. We try to add things of  interest and use to bush regenerators. If you find something that doesn't work or have ideas about other content please let us know via the Contact Us link (top left of the page).

 

New weeds

Ming Asparagus Fern, Asparagus retrofractus, has established in SE Queensland. More information at the technigro website.

 

Heteranthera reniformis is now a class 1 noxious weed and must be reported to the DPI. The DPI is currently mapping heteranthera distribution across NSW. You can find a description and photos at  www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds/profiles/heteranthera

If you have seen this plant please contact your local council Weeds Officer; your nearest NSW Department of Primary Industries office; the NSW Weeds Hotline 1800 680 244; or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Grants

 

The Caring for our Country Business Plan for 2012-13 has been released (www.nrm.gov.au/funding/business-plan/index.html)
with opportunities to apply for funding, particularly to control Weeds of National Significance. Open Call grants are open. More information at www.nrm.gov.au/funding/open-call/how-to-apply.html.

 

Legislation

 

The NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011 replaced the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 on January 1st 2012. The Act is supported by the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011, which replace the OHS Regulations 2001.

The new act is part of the process of having uniform laws governing workplace health and safety in all states and territories. They are unlikely to make significant changes to the way that health and safety is managed in your workplace but all managers, paid staff and vounteers should be aware of their rights and responsibilities.
The Act can be found here and the Regulations can be found here.

 

The NSW Government is currently reviewing the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003, the Environmental Outcomes Assessment Methodology (EOAM) and the Private Native Forestry Code.
Public consultation on the review process has now commenced. For information about the public consultation process visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation/ReviewofNVRegulations.htm.

This review process has significant implications for the conservation of native vegetation on private land. To register for updates on the review process, please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

The draft regulations, methodology and code will be on formal exhibition for a least ten weeks. You might like to participate in the consultation process, emphasising the benefits of protecting and restoring native vegetation. You may also wish to discuss your concerns with your local Member of Parliament.

 

The Australian Federal Government has been working on reforms to agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemical regulation, called ‘Better Regulation of Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals’. The aim of these reforms is, among other things, to:  implement risk frameworks for chemicals assessment and review; improve assessment and review efficiency and timeframes, including conducting regular reviews of registrations.

You can find a copy of the draft Bill along with a package of information explaining the reforms and how to make comments on the DAFF website at http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/ag-vet-chemicals/better-regulation-of-ag-vet-chemicals

The draft Bill will be available for comment until the end of February 2012. After the period that the government will consider the comments and refine the Bill for introduction to Parliament in 2012. Submissions are invited from industry and the community.

If you need to discuss these matters, you can contact the Agvet Reform Team, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

Bush Regeneration and the Federal Award system.

in 2011 Bush Regeneration was covered by an industrial award for the first time. You can read more about it here (Download PDF). We suggest that all those in the industry, workers and employers, have a look and see how it affects you.

 

Myrtle Rust

Myrtle Rust (Uredo rangelii) is a serious pathogen of plants in the family Myrtaceae. It is considered widespread in coastal LGAs in NSW from the Shoalhaven in NSW to SE Queensland. Recent detections  have been reported from bushland, nurseries, gardens and bush food production sites. There are now over 90 known naturally susceptible host species and this number is expected to rise.
Based on the current knowledge and distribution of the disease, the National Management Group agreed that it is not technically feasible to eradicate the disease. In NSW management zones have been established.

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/plant/myrtle-rust, the website of  Industry & Investment NSW, has a lot of information on the disease. They are requesting that those working in bushland keep a look out for Myrtle Rust and report anything unusual to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Regular updates are being posted and you can join the mailing list by going to the web site and hit the 'Subscribe' button.

If you suspect Myrtle Rust at sites in Queensland notify Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

 

EVENTS

The What's On section has information on events organised by AABR and other organisations. If you would like to publicise an event please forward details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Members, subscribers and non-members are welcome to attend all AABR events.

 

Ku-ring-gai Council are hosting a talk by Dr Sheryl van Nunen from Royal North Hospital on tick bites & allergic reactions. The venue is the Council Chambers on Monday 13 Feb from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Bookings are essential - phone 9424 0933.

 

 

The Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority invites coordinators and supervisors in the Sydney region to a Volunteer Recruitment and Motivation Training Workshop.

Date: Wednesday 15 February, 2012, 9am to 4pm.

Level 7 Conference Room, 10 Valentine Ave, Parramatta

Cost: $75 + GST

Includes:

· Full day training course with a trainer experienced working with natural resource management professionals
· Interactive activities focused on Bushcare and other environmental volunteering
· Comprehensive participant workbook and other training materials
· Full day refreshments - morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

Follow this link to reserve your place: http://jeaniemuspratt.wufoo.com/forms/volunteer-recruitment-and-motivation-training/

Birds in Backyards are holding a series of short workshops in Sydney to report back to environmental educators on the results of their 18 month evaluation project: "Does Biodiversity education work? A case study using urban birds".

For bookings contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

Sydney Metropolitan CMA Community Forum 2012
Join fellow environmental volunteers and Bushcarers to look back and celebrate our successes and share ideas for facing future challenges. The theme this year is 'Looking Back…Thinking Forward' and includes the inaugural Best Volunteer Group Photo competition

The date is Saturday 31st March, 2012, 9am to 3pm, and the venue is Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park.
Guest Speaker is Dr Siwan Lovett of the Australian River Restoration Centre.

Places are limited so register online at: 
https://nicoladixon.wufoo.eu/forms/community-forum-2012-registration/ or contact Nicola Dixon on 9895 6207 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

 

RESOURCES

Want to contact bush regenerators and others working in the industry? The Bushregeneration and VCN listservers are available as a forum for discussion and ideas. Look in the Networks section from the main menu.

 

In support of the International Year for Biodiversity, Oxford University Press is making a new textbook Conservation Biology for All, edited by Navjot S. Sodhi and Paul R. Ehrlich, Oxford University Press (2010), freely available on the internet. Download the 350 page book (6.4 MB) for free at: http://www.mongabay.com/conservation-biology-for-all.html

 

The third edition of The National Trust of Australia (NSW) Bush Regenerators Handbook includes updated details on environmental legislative requirements and a new section on OH&S. Printed on recycled paper, it contains all the drawings of weed control methods included in the previous edition, enhanced with colour photographs. The handbook also includes information on weeds of national significance.

The  Handbook is available for $30 + GST from the National Trust via (02) 9258 0176 or E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . or mailed to National Trust of Australia (NSW) GPO Box 518, Sydney 2001 and through the National Trust s website www.nationaltrust.com.au

 

Many of the management guides for environmental weeds that were on the old WEEDS C.R.C. website are now available in the Resources section under Management Guides.

 

AABR has produced a report with WWF-Australia on the effect of garden plant escapes on bushland in Eastern Australia. Click here to download the Report (1.2MB PDF). The report is based on information from those working in remnant natural areas. Many respondents are AABR members.

 

Bush Regenerators' pay and working conditions and other pressing issues facing the Bush Regen industry. Email discussion on the Bush Regeneration list server identified over 30 urgent issues which need addressing. Click HERE to read more. Click HERE to find out how to subscribe to the list server.

 

The Volunteer Coordinators Network Group is for members of the Volunteer Coordinators Network or those who'd like to join. Any professional coordinator or facilitator of a community environmental program is eligible to join. Examples are Landcare, Bushcare, Dunecare, Streamwatch, Waterwatch, Saltwatch, etc. Run by AABR as a service to the Volunteer Coordinators' Network (Natural Areas). Read more...

 

 

If you have seen this plant please contact your local council Weeds Officer; your nearest NSW Department of Primary Industries office; the NSW Weeds Hotline 1800 680 244; or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it