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Big Bean Counters Support Little Bean Growers | 1 March
The Bendigo Bank does more than bean counting – it sows beans as well. Well, that is what it is hoping to do by donating over $10,000 in sponsorship money for local schools who want to start (or make improvements to) an organic school garden.
Branch Manager of the Clifton Hill/North Fitzroy Community Bank® Branch of Bendigo Bank, Rod May, said there were three x $3,500 sponsorships available for local primary schools to get their organic school garden 'off the ground.'
“The Community Bank believes in investing back into the local community and helping organisations undertake valuable projects like this one that enhance the communities in which we live,” said Rod. “The Local Schools, Local Heroes initiative is a great way for us to support young people in the area to develop an organic garden in their school and a fantastic way for them to learn more about the importance of healthy living and a healthy environment.”
All primary schools in the following suburbs are encouraged to apply: Abbotsford, Alphington, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Fairfield, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Northcote, Princes Hill, Thornbury and Westgarth. To be eligible schools must:
1 Be registered with the Organic School Gardens Program.
2 Have a commitment to using the Organic School Gardens Program lessons in 2012. (Schools with gardens still in development can use lessons 1-5 without an established garden).
3 Have an existing garden space for an edible garden.
4 Be committed to using organic gardening methods.
5 Be committed to using only garden products which are approved for use in organic systems.
Applications close: 1 March 2012.
The Local Heroes, Local Schools initiative is part of the Organic School Gardens Program (OSGP) produced by the Biological Farmers of Australia. For more information visit www.organicschools.com.au and click on the ‘Local schools, local heroes’ link or email organicschools@bfa.com.au. |
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Action On the Ground for Climate Change
The first round of the $99 million Action on the Ground program is now available. The first funding round of competitive grants will commit up to $25 million between now and 2015 and is open to landholders, researchers, industry, government and non-government groups. It will help farmers over the next six years, trial and demonstrate on-farm practices and technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or increase soil carbon. For eligibility and how to apply, visit www.daff.gov.au/climatechange/carbonfarmingfutures/action-on-theground, email aotg@daff.gov.au or phone 1800 025 005. |
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Flood Recovery Donation
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has made a donation of $10,000 to Landcare Queensland for post flood landscape remediation work on the Darling Downs.
The funds will enable the Condamine Headwaters Landcare Group to equip, feed, accommodate and transport a team of conservation volunteers to continue with the debris removal and fencing works, which are ongoing in the Condamine Headwaters catchment.
Many thanks go to Xstrata Mount Isa Mines for their generous donation. |
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Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund | 28 February
The Queensland Government’s Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund (RHCCBF) provides funding to community groups in Far North Queensland. One-off grants of up to $15,000 are allocated to approved not-for-profit organisations to help provide community services or activities that benefit the community. The RHCCBF has two annual funding rounds. The closing dates for applications are 31 August and 28 February. Visit http://www.olgr.qld.gov.au/grants/RHCCBF/index.shtml. |
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Employee Volunteer Grant Program | Ongoing
Each year the National Australia Bank (NAB) provides two days’ paid volunteer leave for each of its employees to help community or non-profit organisations. If you need volunteers for a one-off piece of work, event or on an on-going basis, visit http://tinyurl.com/wombat97 for further information. Applications are ongoing. |
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Property Pest Management Incentive Scheme
Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Program has incentives available for landholders in the Cape York Peninsula Natural Resource Management Region. Funded by Cape York NRM, the funding will go towards control of State or locally declared weeds and feral animals. Contact Caleb on 07 4069 5020 or mail@cywafap.org.au. |
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Cyclone and Flood Assistance Extended | 30 June
Financial assistance for primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations who have been impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasi and the Queensland floods (November 2010 - January 2011) is still available and has been extended until 30 June 2012. Visit http://www.qraa.qld.gov.au/. |
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Free Agforce Workshops |13 February – 6 March
Landholder Coal Seam Gas Information Session: 13 February at Gracemere; 14 February at Mundubbera; 15 February at Moura; 6 March at Roma.
Property Computer Mapping Workshop: 14 February at Dulacca; 15 February at Condamine; 16 February at Chinchilla; 28 February at Clermont; 29 February at Emerald; 1 March at Rolleston. For a limited time producers can do this course through AGDATA’s FarmReady approved Farm Planning and Management – Module 3 workshop and receive Phoenix Mapping software as part of the course materials. A payment of $900 must be made prior to the workshop; however if approved, landholders will be reimbursed 65% of this cost.
Vegetation Management Workshop: 21 February at Dirranbandi; 22 February at St George; 23 February at Talwood.
Workshops open to all producers. Registrations are required 10 days prior to event. Contact 07 3238 6048 or visit www.agforceprojects.org.au to register. |
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Community Litigants Lunchtime Workshop | 27 February
A free legal information session suitable for anyone currently participating or planning to participate in an appeal in the Planning and Environment Court as a self-represented litigant. Guest speaker: Planning and Environment Court Registrar, John Taylor.
When: Monday 27 February, 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm
Where: Brisbane Square Library, Community Meeting Room, ground floor
RSVP: edoqld@edo.org.au or phone 07 3211 4466 by Friday 17 February. |
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Free AgForce Projects Extension Workshops | 28 February
AgForce Projects is holding the last in a series of workshops in their Brisbane office, open to all industry and agribusiness members. For more information click on the flyer link below. Registrations are required 10 days before the event and can be submitted by emailing admin@agforceprojects.org.au or call 07 3238 6048. |
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Land for Wildlife Program | SLCMA
Sarina Landcare Catchment Management is seeking Expressions of Interest from landholders who would like to participate in the Land for Wildlife Program.
This is a completely voluntary program that offers support and recognition to landholders in nature conservation. When you apply, you will be visited by staff who can offer advice such as weeds, native plants and sustainable land management. The Land for Wildlife Program welcomes landholders who manage part or all of their property as habitat for native plants and animals, integrate nature conservation with other land uses such as agriculture, grazing or tourism and have a property, generally over 1 hectare (exceptions may apply for educational, community-owned or other properties). If you are interested in the program or would like more information contact SLCMA on 07 4956 1388. |
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Greening Australia Training Workshops | February & March
Greening Australia has released its calendar of training workshops for February and March 2012. They include courses and workshops on plant identification, myrtle rust, agricultural chemical distributions control (ACDC), contaminated machinery wash and hygiene (CMC), reptile identification, seed collection, fauna forensics and weed and grass identification. For more information and to register phone 07 3902 4423. |
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Communicating Water Science and Technology | 12 – 14 March
The Smart Water Research Centre is offering a new course in March, Communicating Water Science and Technology.
The Smart Water Research Centre course is designed to inform educators, communicators and community consultants about water science and also to assist those who already have knowledge of water science, to present it to lay people in a way that captures their attention and is easily understood. For more information and to register, go to http://www.smartwaterresearchcentre.com/education-and-training. |
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Activated Sludge and BNR Course | 4 - 8 June
Registrations are now open for the Activated Sludge and Biological Nutrient Reduction Course in Brisbane (Nathan).
This University accredited course is designed to provide wastewater industry operators, engineers, scientists, mangers and students with working knowledge of troubleshooting techniques and process optimisation of activated sludge and biological nutrient removal systems.
It provides fundamental knowledge of the interaction between biochemical, microbiological, engineering design and operational aspects of the BNR process.
Register at http://www.smartwaterresearchcentre.com/files/activated_sludge_brochure_jun12.pdf or email m.harlow@griffith.edu.au for more information. |
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2012 Myrtle Rust Training Program
A pilot myrtle rust training session presented by the Australian Network for Plant Conservation Inc. in association with the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust was held in Mossman in December as the first step in the development of a Queensland Myrtle Rust Training Program for 2012. Over 30 people from Cairns Regional Council and other government organisations joined in the six-hour session to gain a comprehensive understanding of myrtle rust, including disease management and decontamination procedures.
Stay posted for further details on the training program, including a cost and schedule. View the latest communiqué for 2012 on Myrtle Rust in Queensland at
http://www.vision6.com.au/em/mail/view.php?id=1784640744&a=10433&k=426c6bc. You can report myrtle rust by calling 13 25 23 or filling out the online reporting form at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/4790_20842.htm. |
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Managing Grazing Lands in Queensland | DERM
DERM has released the guide, Managing Grazing Lands in Queensland, which provides concise information for graziers about a range of issues relating to sustainable management.
The main purpose of the guide is to assist lessees involved in the Delbessie Agreement – an area of around 50% of Queensland - maintain productive pastures, manage plant and animal pests and conserve soil, biodiversity and water resources.
As well as being useful for graziers the guide will be a valuable source of information for anyone wanting an overview of the sustainable management of grazing lands in Queensland. For further information contact Bruce Carey on 07 3170 5763 or bruce.carey@derm.qld.gov.au. |
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Monitoring Queensland Waterways Made Easier
The Queensland Waterways Monitoring Portal, the WetlandInfo website and the WetlandMaps tool have been upgraded allowing simple access to waterway monitoring information. Also available is the new 'Grazing for Healthy Coastal Wetlands' - a guide for managing coastal wetlands in grazing systems; and a new Aquatic Conservation Assessment (ACA) using the innovative Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment and Mapping Method (AquaBAMM) developed by the Department of Environment and Resource Management. Go to http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/wetlandinfo/site/index.html. |
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Fact Sheet on Grant-Writing
Need A Professional Grant Writer? If you're thinking of hiring a professional grant writer, Wombat Creative has produced a handy fact sheet to help with planning. It's free and available by emailing sam@wombatcreative.com.au. |
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2012 Premier's ClimateSmart Awards Now Open
Queenslanders are invited to nominate their energy, water and waste-saving projects for the 2012 Premier's ClimateSmart Sustainability Awards, which showcase the work of Queenslanders achieving excellence in sustainable practices: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/premiersawards/. |
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NAB Schools First in 2012 | 5 March
NAB Schools First has $3 million available for 130 outstanding school-community partnerships. This year there will be 55 Impact Awards, 65 Seed Funding Awards and 10 Student Awards. Applications open online at 9.00 am (AEST) on Monday 5 March 2012. For key dates and further details visit http://www.schoolsfirst.edu.au/. |
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2012 Healthy Waterways Awards - Expressions of Interest
The 2012 Healthy Waterways Awards are fast approaching so start thinking about your entry now!
There are nine Award categories open to individuals, community groups and organisations who are working towards achieving healthy waterways. If you are interested in entering the Awards, please email Anna Costas anna.costas@healthywaterways.org. |
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QMDC Supports Rural Winner
Jennifer Creek, Senior Ranger and Cultural Heritage Officer from the Balkanu Development Corporation at Coen recently won the Conservation and Land Management Award at the inaugural Rural Training Industry Achievement Awards hosted by the Queensland Rural Industry Training Corporation (QRITC).
The Queensland Murray-Darling Committee sponsored the Conservation and Land Management training achievement award and joined 160 other guests and sponsors to support the inaugural Awards which are a new highpoint on the rural calendar.
For further awards information visit http://qritc.org.au/ and for further training information visit http://www.qmdc.org.au/. |
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Westpac Education Award
2011 State & Territory Landcare Awards have drawn to a close and the winners of the national categories will go through as nominees at the 2012 National Landcare Awards to be held in Sydney in association with the National Landcare Conference.
Congratulations go to the Queensland winner of the 2011 Westpac Education Award, Mount Whitestone Primary School. |
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