2013 SCHOOLS PROPERTY PLANNING
COMPETITION
The Namoi Catchment Management Authority Schools Property Planning Competition
is here again in 2013. With the contributions of sponsors and assistance from many
other organisations, this competition will again be an excellent opportunity for school
students across the North West Region.
The winning entries will be the ones that produce the most realistic and useful property
plans for sustainable management of the host property this year, “Waitara”. Winner and
runner up individuals and teams (plus their teachers) will be presented with prizes in a
special ceremony at Ag-Quip 2013.
Timetable for 2013
Monday
26th
February:
Property Planning Competition Launch
Monday 26th February:
Resources sent on a CD and will be available on the web at
www.namoi.cma.nsw.gov.au
Tuesday 22nd March:
Field Day at “Waitara” Gunnedah
7th – 13th March:
Tutorials in schools around the catchment.
Monday 27th May:
The two best entries per class due for marking. Post to: Col
Easton, Namoi CMA, P.O. Box 528, Tamworth NSW 2340
Wednesday 21st August: Award Ceremony at Ag-Quip, Gunnedah
Disclaimer
This manual has been prepared by Col Easton, Angela Baker, Simon Turpin, George
Truman and Corie Taylor of the Namoi Catchment Management Authority for the
purposes of the 2013 Schools Property Planning Competition. Information included in
this manual may be fictitious to be used only as part of the competition.
Namoi Catchment Management Authority accepts no responsibility for any person
acting on, or relying on, or upon any opinion, advice, representation, statement or
information expressed or implied in or from the manual.
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Contents
INTRODUCTION FOR TEACHERS ........................................................................... 3
DEVELOPING YOUR PROPERTY PLAN ................................................................. 4
PROPERTY INFORMATION – ‘WAITARA’............................................................. 5
1.
History and Current Enterprises.......................................................................... 5
2.
Landholder’s Goals ............................................................................................. 6
STOCKTAKE OF RESOURCES ................................................................................. 7
1.
Land Use, Maps and Measuring Area................................................................. 7
2.
Contours and Drainage ....................................................................................... 7
3.
Current Infrastructure and Water Resources ....................................................... 7
4.
Soil Landscapes .................................................................................................. 8
5.
Soil Salinity....................................................................................................... 10
6.
Land Capability Classes .................................................................................... 11
7.
Vegetation and Habitat Areas ........................................................................... 12
8.
Climate .............................................................................................................. 13
9.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage ............................................................................ 14
Photos from ‘Waitara’.................................................................................................. 15
MANAGING THE RESOURCES .............................................................................. 16
1.
Specific Issues ................................................................................................... 16
2.
Legal Obligations .............................................................................................. 17
PUTTING THE PLAN TOGETHER .......................................................................... 18
1.
Specific Works .................................................................................................. 18
2.
Management Recommendations ....................................................................... 19
3.
Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 20
THE PLAN AND REPORT ........................................................................................ 21
1.
The Physical Plan .............................................................................................. 21
2.
The Report ........................................................................................................ 21
EXTRA RESOURCES ................................................................................................ 22
1.
Expertise ........................................................................................................... 22
2.
Funding Opportunities ...................................................................................... 22
3.
Other relevant organisations and websites ........................................................ 22
APPENDIX I: MARKING SCHEDULE .................................................................... 23
APPENDIX II: THE DOT GRID ................................................................................ 24
APPENDIX III: VEGETATION SPECIES EXPECTED AT ‘Waitara’ ..................... 26
APPENDIX IV: Cover page template ......................................................................... 27
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INTRODUCTION FOR TEACHERS
The Property Planning Competition is designed to give students an opportunity to study
a local rural property in detail. The students are required to prepare a plan that provides
for long term profitability as well as sustaining the natural resources of the area.
The exercise draws together a number of land management themes and gives students
the chance to apply their skills and knowledge to a real-life situation. The field day on
Tuesday March 5 will provide an opportunity for students to participate in a range of
activities and to engage with relevant government and industry experts.
Tutorials
After the field day, Namoi CMA staff will run tutorials at schools around the
catchment. The aim of the tutorial is to help students learn and produce the best
property plan they can.
Please contact Col Easton by email: col.easton@cma.nsw.gov.au or ph: 6764 5940
fax: 6764 5995 for more information.
Syllabus Links
The Schools Property Planning Competition has been designed to address numerous
outcomes of TAFE Agriculture courses, the School Certificate and HSC Agriculture
syllabus, particularly the Farm Case Study unit. Links can also be made to the HSC
Geography syllabus and the VET Primary Industries curriculum.
Because the activity has been structured to accommodate students studying a range of
subjects and abilities, teachers will need to determine the depth of study undertaken. A
marking schedule is provided in Appendix I, which will be used to judge entries
submitted.
Getting Started
Resources provided are sufficient for students to work in small groups or individually.
All material will print out clearly in black and white, but colour may make some things
clearer. Each student group should be given a copy of the relevant chapters and maps
available. In addition, students should access other resources from libraries, government
departments or the Internet (suggested websites are included throughout this document).
To participate in the Schools Property Planning Competition you need to:
 Download the manual, maps and other information from Namoi CMA’s website or
the CD provided to your school
 Follow the prompts at: www.namoi.cma.nsw.gov.au
 Attend the fully paid for field day at Waitara on 5th March 2013
 Attend one of the tutorials in March (optional)
 Include a cover page for each entry with the name of your school, class name and
all contributing students’ names clearly marked. See Appendix IV for a template.
 Only send the best two entries per class to Namoi CMA by 27th May 2013
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DEVELOPING YOUR PROPERTY PLAN
Property planning aids the landholder to match production systems on the property to
its level of capability to assure future productivity and sustainability. When land is used
beyond its capability it causes resource degradation and thereafter has reduced ability to
support production, conversely if land is used below its potential the opportunity for
greater production is being wasted. Property Planning aims to help the landholder to
manage their resources and address environmental issues in a methodical and logical
manner.
Property planning enables us to plan for not only the management of stock, irrigated
and dryland crops and other farm enterprises such as ecotourism but also for soils,
paddocks, trees, wildlife, water supply and other resources that make up a property.
Financial considerations will often be the deciding factors in determining what can be
achieved in a property plan. As the major aim is to produce a practical physical plan,
profitability and funding sources should be considered and described in the final report
but only broad terms.
The final property plan should:
 Take into account natural characteristics of the land, water and vegetation
 Minimise land and water degradation by the identification of existing and
possible problem areas and adapting management
 Be aware of social, legal and economic aspects
 Optimise profitability of enterprises
 Consider broader environmental issues – for example what are surrounding
landholders doing? What is happening in the catchment?
For the purposes of this competition, the scenario is that you are a team of farm
advisory consultants that have been contracted to undertake a property plan.
The Question
Your task is to use the principles of physical property planning to plan the
sustainable and profitable development of the case study farm “Waitara”.
You need to develop a map of the property, where you will mark on your suggested
improvements such as infrastructure and new management practices. To
accompany your map, provide a report that describes the management practices you
believe should be implemented on the farm over the next 5 – 10 years and justify the
decisions you have made on your plan.
To be eligible to enter the competition you are required to submit a:
 Physical plan (the map with your recommendations marked)
 A report to go with the map explaining the recommendations you have made
 Cover page with all of the details required (names, class, school)
More information is included later in this document.
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PROPERTY INFORMATION – ‘WAITARA’
The following section outlines the information relevant to ‘Waitara’ that you will need
to take into account when undertaking your plan. It includes information on the history
of the property, the aims of the landholder, and a physical stock take of the property.
Conducting a physical stock take of the property is a key element in developing a
property management plan. By examining a farm thoroughly you will see a complete
picture of the current state of its resources, and how best to use these resources in the
future. Some factors cannot easily be changed (e.g. climate and soils) while others can
be (e.g. land use and fence lines).
Information in this section should be used in conjunction with the maps provided. Also
included are key points you will have to consider when developing your plan.
1.
History and Current Enterprises
‘Waitara’ is a 292 hectare property approximately 20kms from Gunnedah towards
Mullaley. It was purchased by the Honner family in 2008. Currently the property has 46
cow and calf breeders along with a stock horse breeding enterprise.
The cattle are rotated around the property according to feed and stock water availability.
Currently all of the paddocks are regenerated native perennial and annual grass with the
last cropping taking place in 2008. The property has had a long history of cropping with
much of this area being first cropped in the early 1900’s. There are scalded areas and
topsoil loss in the steeper areas of the property which could be attributed to traditional
cropping methods over long periods of time.
With this cropping history, most of the property has been contoured and waterways
constructed in the 1970’s. These earthworks are in a fairly stable condition and no
major repairs are required at the moment.
A number of established native tree blocks and lines were planted around 10-12 years
ago and a small area of saltbush planting in a salinity outbreak area (planted in 1996)
which is marked on the map. There are some weed issues with African Box Thorne,
Roly Poly, Skeleton Weed, Purpletop and Galvanised Burr having the biggest impact
on production.
The existing fences marked on the MAP are in stock proof condition but it is obvious
that there have been other fences on the property but are now no longer in stock proof
condition. With large paddocks and insufficient stock water, it is difficult to utilise
pasture and manage stock.
Currently stock water provision is relied upon by dams throughout the property. There
is a 10,000 gallon tank on the top of the hill not being used and there is also a bore,
windmill and tanks in the middle of the property but are not currently in working order.
There is a homestead on the property in which the owners live with a number of small
sheds. The cattle yards are located close to the sheds and are in good working order.
There are good access tracks to most parts of the property.
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The main challenges on this property are:







the landholders time – working full time off farm
provision of water for stock
seasonal feed value and availability
shade and shelter for stock
control of erosion and scalded areas
control of salinity
selecting appropriate grazing and or cropping enterprises
These challenges should be addressed in the property plan.
2.
Landholder’s Goals
While property plans may be based purely on the physical resources of a catchment, it
is the landholder who will implement the plan. It is therefore desirable that any plan not
only accounts for the physical factors within the catchment but also the aims of the
landholder.
The goals of the owners of ‘Waitara’ are to:
 Increase productivity of the cattle enterprise
 Improve pasture quality and quantity (including having a mix of types of
pastures and provision of seasonal shortages)
 Implement a fencing and stock water infrastructure plan
 Manage the natural resources of the property such as native vegetation areas and
increasing groundcover on the scalded areas
 Low labour intensity if possible so off farm work can still be undertaken
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STOCKTAKE OF RESOURCES
1. Land Use, Maps and Measuring Area
Current landuse on Waitara is predominately native perennial and annual grasses used
for grazing.
You have been provided with a series of maps to print and undertake your property
planning. The north arrow, property boundary and scale are displayed on each map.
The following information in Table 1 can be used as a guide to calculate areas on the
map. A scale bar will appear on the maps which will also help you to work out distances
and areas. If you need help, please discuss at the tutorials. A dot grid can also be used to
calculate land areas (see Appendix II).
Table 1: Area statistics
Example – not scale of maps
Scale - 1:20 000
1 cm : 200 m
1 cm square: 200 m x 200 m
1 cm square: 40,000 square metres
1 hectare = 10,000 square metres
So 1cm square (on the map) = 4 hectares (on the ground)
2. Contours and Drainage
The map shows contour lines, which represent areas of uniform elevation, with a
constant interval in height between them. This means that where contours are spaced
more closely together, the land surface is steeper, so may require conservative
management to offset the potential erosion hazard. A key consideration should be:
 Drainage lines, watercourses and riparian vegetation should be retained and
carefully managed. They are at risk of erosion if cultivated or overgrazed.
 Often these areas could benefit from revegetation and grazing management i.e.
stock excluded and only crash grazed when appropriate. They may already
contain native vegetation that is important for biodiversity on the property.
3. Current Infrastructure and Water Resources
The infrastructure map shows the location of existing fences, on ‘Waitara’.
Considerations in fencing design should be taken in your plan. While it is preferable to
keep current infrastructure where it is to reduce the costs associated with implementing
the new plan, these resources can be flexible. If the benefits of their removal or
relocation are exceeded by the costs involved then consider implementation.
The stock water supply on Waitara consists of dams across the property. While dams
can be adequate, in dry times they can be unreliable and often stock tend to prefer to
drink clean and fresh water from troughs. There is a 10,000 gallon tank on the hill
above the homestead and also a bore and windmill in the middle of the property which
could be utilised for water reticulation. If there is an addition of paddocks and increased
stock numbers more watering points will be required.
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4. Soil Landscapes
Soil is the main resource upon which plant and animal production depends, so it is
important to understand the features that determine the ability of a soil to support this
production, and to be resilient towards degradation. The Soil Landscape map shows the
extent of different soil landscapes on Waitara, and further detail is provided below.
The names given below are not the names of the individual soil types but the names of
the soil landscape which can comprise of a number of soil types. The use of soil
landscapes as a mapping unit allows the combining of soil and topographic (physical
features) constraints into one unit so that the map can be viewed in terms of limitations
for urban and rural development.
At the field day we will identify, test and describe the soil type within the landscape at a
particular point on the farm using soil pits. In addition, we will describe how these soils
where formed and what advantages and limitations they may have. “Waitara” is
covered by 3 soil landscapes being Mount Milbulla, Tally Ho and Booloocooroo.
Mount Milbulla
Mount Milbulla is an erosional landscape situated on rolling and often steep hills. The
hills are remnant basalt and dolerite plugs from the Garrawilla Volcanics (common
around Mullaley) and the soils are shallow and highly erodible with occasional rocky
outcrops. It is a known groundwater recharge area. The landuse has been predominately
light grazing or unused due to steep slopes but extensive sheet erosion has occurred
particularly on the more gentle slopes where vegetation has been cleared for grazing.
Tally Ho
The Tally Ho soil landscape is characterised by undulating to rolling hills on slopes
often below remnant volcanic plugs (i.e. Mount Milbulla Landscape). It is mainly
derived from basalts and dolerites and has been mostly cleared for cultivation and
grazing in the past which has led to areas of severe sheet, rill and gully erosion. The
soils are predominately clays with moderate to very high fertility in the topsoil.
The limitations of this soil landscape include:
 Widespread sheet, rill and gully erosion hazard
 Stoniness and occasionally shallow soils
 Potential saline aquifer recharge zone
 Localised high water tables
Booloocooroo
Booloocooroo is a transferral landscape derived from mixed sandstone/conglomerate
and basaltic (volcanic) catchments found on broad drainage plains. Due to the mixed
parent material of this landscape the soils can be a mix of Red-brown Earths to Brown
Clays. Due to the high fertility of these soils, the lighter Red-brown Earths were cleared
and cultivated from around the 1900’s and the heavier soils from about the 1950’s.
However, major soil structural decline has occurred and gully erosion is often present.
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The limitations of this soil landscape include:
 Seasonal waterlogging with some areas of high flood hazard
 Localised permanently high water tables
 Water erosion hazard
 High structural decline hazard
 Localised dryland salinity hazard
 Saline recharge area
When describing a soil so we can identify it and determine its strengths and weaknesses
we need to look at a number of the soils features:
 Soil Texture describes the relative proportions of sand (large particles), silt
(small particles) and clay (tiny particles) in a soil. Texture indicates the ease
with which a soil can be worked and its capacity to hold water and nutrients.
Texture also affects the ability of a soil to handle machinery traffic, and its
susceptibility to erosion.
 Soil pH is a measure of the acidity and/or alkalinity of a soil. It is an important
factor in determining the availability of nutrients and trace elements to plants.
At low pH for example, nutrients such as phosphorus become deficient, while
others such as aluminium become available in toxic amounts.
 Soil colour gives a good guide to the level of organic matter, the amount and
state of iron in the soil, the degree of leaching and level of drainage. A red
coloured soil is due to highly oxidised iron (similar to rust) and indicate good
drainage and are usually found higher on ridges and upper slopes. Yellow, grey
and mottled soils are indicators of less well drained soils and are usually found
in lower areas and on drainage lines.
 Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles, the strength of the
bonding between them and the size and distribution of the pores throughout the
soil. Structure plays an important role in determining the ability of a soil to
absorb and to hold water and air. Also, the ease with which seedlings may
emerge from and roots may penetrate the soil.
 The rate of water infiltration of soil affects the productivity of a property. The
more rainfall that soaks into the ground means more water available for plant
production. The rate of water infiltration also affects the amount of run-off
(which may increase soil erosion) and recharge to groundwater.
 Soil salinity refers to the presence of salt in the soil. A high salt level is toxic to
plants, and may cause poor pasture growth and reduced crop yield, and in
extreme cases, bare patches of unproductive land.
 Soil fertility refers to the chemical, physical and biological fertility of a soil.
Chemical soil fertility refers to soil pH, soil salinity and the ability of the soil to
store and supply plant nutrients. Physical soil fertility refers to soil texture and
structure. Biological soil fertility refers to the amount of organic matter and the
ability of the soil to support biological activity.
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 Soil health refers to the combination of the chemical, physical and biological
fertility of a soil. A healthy soil can be defined as one that is productive and
easy to manage under the intended land use. In addition, a healthy soil has
biological, physical and chemical properties that promote the health of plants,
animals and humans while also maintaining environmental quality.
5. Soil Salinity
Soil salinity refers to the presence of salts in the soil. Salinity poses two potential
problems to plant growth:

specific harmful effects of particular salts, and
 general effects of high osmotic pressure of the solution around the plant roots, which
effectively prevents the plant taking up water.
In severe cases, salt will kill plants and bare the ground surface, with white crystals
visible. In less severe cases salt-tolerant indicator species may be present. Some soils
have quite high salt loads at depth within the profile, so it is important to follow the
management principles in order to reduce deep drainage and the occurrence of a rising
water table and salinity.
Signs and symptoms of salinity
 trees dying in clusters for no apparent reason
 poor crop performance
 spread of bare patches of soil
 salt-tolerant species thriving
 salt crusts on the surface.
Salinity recharge and discharge area
The recharge area is an area where water enters into the landscape – through the
surface into the soil and rocks. Can be anywhere in the landscape – but is often in the
upper parts, on the hills and slopes.
The discharge area is an area where water exits the landscape – can be at the break of
slope, a change in soil type, a geological constriction, into a creek or drainage line, a
dam or seep.
Management of Salinity
Management of salinity is about utilising water efficiently. Salt is mobilised through
the landscape when it becomes dissolved in water. Salts are very soluble so are easily
moved to areas where they can have a negative impact. Deep rooted perennial grass
and trees are able to use water and access water deeper in the soil than shallow crops.
Perennial grasses have the ability to grow all year round therefore have the capacity to
use water when there is a rainfall event, rather than this water be lost to deep drainage
in the soil and running off at the surface.
Efficient grazing management to encourage good growth of pastures is important as is
limiting stock impact on fragile salt affected areas. Earthworks can be useful in areas
to reduce erosion or wash off from salt affected areas.
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Zero-till stubble retention systems and sound nutritional management can assist in
reducing the effects of salinity on crop yields. This system reduces the accumulation
of sodium and salts at the soil surface because it increases rainfall infiltration into the
soil and reduces evaporation from the soil surface. Including deep-rooted crops in the
rotation will also contribute to improved management of water and salt movement
through the profile.
The adoption of water use efficiency in irrigation can assist in salinity management by
reducing the potential for deep drainage and mobilisation of salts – particularly into
groundwater or shallow aquifers.
6. Land Capability Classes
Land capability describes the ability of land to sustain a type of land use without
causing permanent damage. If land is used beyond its capability, the resource becomes
degraded and therefore has a reduced ability to support further productivity. In NSW
an eight-class system is commonly used to assess land capability. Features such as
slope, soil type, and erosion risk are considered, and the most limiting factor determines
the overall capability class for any land portion. The diagram below indicates typical
land capability boundaries in a landscape.
The following table describes the eight class system that was used to classify land on
‘Waitara’ (refer to land capability map), and indicates how each may be best managed
to maintain its productivity and sustainability.
Table 3: Land Capability Classes
Land class
Brief description
Best cropping soils in NSW – flat. Usually flat land that is highly fertile and
I
is often cropped continuously. Examples include market gardening area.
Very good cropping land. Low slope with little erosion potential and good
II
soil types. Techniques such as crop rotations and conservation farming will
ensure long term sustainability of the farm environment.
Sloping cropping country that could wash and erode when ploughed. The
land is also quite fertile cropping land but due to the length of slope, and
III
perhaps the type of soil, erosion control earthworks such as contour banks
should be used to control erosion. Conservation tillage techniques are
recommended for Class III soils.
Best grazing country but too fragile for regular crops - up to 2 crops in 10
IV
years with direct drilling or minimum tillage (tined implements
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V
VI
VII
VIII
recommended). Keep pastures taller than 5 cm. The land may be undulating
with main limitations being slope, rockiness, fertility of soil, and/or
susceptibility to soil structure decline. Pasture improving, applying fertiliser
and controlling grazing will maintain adequate groundcover.
As for class IV, but less capable because:
 some limitations are more significant, and/or
 because of existing or potential erosion, and the degree of slope, may
require erosion control earthworks (this is more so if the topsoil is to be
exposed during cultivation).
Control of vermin, broadcasting of seed or aerial fertiliser application may
also be necessary. There may be some waterlogging.
Grazing land that must not be cultivated because of soils, slope, wind or
water erosion hazard or rock. Requires good management such as controlled
grazing or broadcast pasture improvement (often by air) for improved
carrying capacity.
Too fragile for grazing, keep trees for seed and honey. Land best left under
green timber or undisturbed ground cover. The area could be a high recharge
area.
Non farming scenic woodland or wetland - not capable of sustaining
agriculture production eg. cliffs, lakes, swamps and quarries.
Key Considerations
 Using the above information on Land Capability, consider what land use
enterprise options and management are best suited to the different areas of the
property.
 Current land use may exceed the land's capability. Are you going to maintain
what is there or consider new enterprises or management strategies?
7. Vegetation and Habitat Areas
Distribution of vegetation on the property can be observed on the maps provided.
Native vegetation has been modified through clearing and a history of grazing and
cultivation. Appendix III contains a species list of trees, shrubs and grasses expected to
be found on ‘Waitara’, which may be relevant to your planning particularly if you
propose to revegetate areas of the property.
Key Considerations:
 Trees provide stock protection (shade and shelter), erosion control, timber
supplies (firewood and fence posts), biodiversity and wildlife habitat, and farm
beautification.
 Trees are deep rooted and can often help to reduce the impact of salinity
outbreak areas. They must, however, be placed in the correct position within
the landscape to have this effect.
 In less developed country, native vegetation regenerates easily when fenced
from livestock. In more developed country (farmed for a longer period of time),
vegetation would have to be planted.
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8. Climate
“Waitara” is situated on the North West Slopes of NSW. The property is situated in a
summer rainfall zone but useful falls occur in winter and spring. The summers are hot
but not extreme, the winter days are mild and nights can be cool and occasionally
frosty. The average rainfall is 634mm.
Figure 1 shows the average monthly rainfall over the year, and clearly demonstrates the
pattern of summer dominance.
Mean Monthly Rainfall
100
90
80
Rainfall (mm)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Au
gu
st
Se
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be
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ay
Ap
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ar
ch
M
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a
ry
Fe
br
ua
ry
0
Month
As well as rainfall, temperature is another important determinant of plant growth and
influences infiltration and evaporation dynamics. Figure 2 shows the mean monthly
minimum and maximum temperatures for ‘Waitara’.
Mean Monthly Temperatures
35
Temperature (Degrees C)
30
25
20
Mean maximum
temperature
Mean minimum
temperature
15
10
5
r
r
em
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ct
O
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Ap
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M
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ua
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y
0
Month
More climatic information is available at: www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/
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Key Considerations
 Rainfall amount and seasonality determines the crop and pasture species that
may be grown in an area and influences plant growth, erosion hazard, flooding
hazard and groundwater levels.
 The amount of rainfall influences stream-flow to lower areas and groundwater
levels through deep drainage.
 Temperature will affect plant growth and stock nutritional needs; management
of the property needs to consider how the effect of temperature can be managed.
 Wind speed and direction influences water use by crops and pastures, and is an
important consideration when determining sites for wind breaks or stock shelter
areas
9. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
The Namoi Catchment is the traditional home of the Kamilaroi people.
Archaeological evidence such as scar trees, rock art and tool sites provide a window
into this heritage and historical land management. As this evidence even if it is found
on privately owned land is protected, it is illegal to disturb, alter or destroy these sites.
Whilst there are no known sites of significance to the local Kamilaroi people at
‘Waitara’, archaeological evidence and aboriginal access to farms is an exciting
opportunity for land management and building social bridges between the aboriginal
and non-aboriginal community. As such we have asked that you address a scenario of
access by Kamilaroi people to ‘Waitara’ in your report.
Scenario
The local Kamilaroi people have asked the land manager if they may assist with
conservation works such as tree planting and maintenance of a small site significant to
them on ‘Waitara’. As the farm advisor, in your report briefly describe for the
landholder a recommended common sense process as to how to manage this.
Aspects to consider include:
 Nature of conservation work Kamilaroi people are interested in
 Assessment of frequency, scale and impact of activity
 Benefits and risks to the landholder and to the Kamilaroi participants
 Potential impact on productivity and cost to landholder/Kamilaroi participants
 Potential security issues
 Ongoing maintenance expectations
There are a range of networks and organisations that could assist people in informal or
formal ways to reach a situation where both parties benefit. Many grant schemes for
example will prioritise applicants who are collaborating with aboriginal and nonaboriginal community organisations to achieve their outcomes. Examples of
organisations that could assist you in developing a process include Namoi CMA, local
Landcare Groups and Aboriginal Land Councils and Employment Agencies.
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Photos from ‘Waitara’
Photo A: Scalded and bare soil on the higher part of ‘Waitara’ facing east
Photo B: Salinity outbreak area with some saltbush plants
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MANAGING THE RESOURCES
1. Specific Issues
Existing problems on the property should be considered and will influence the final
plan. If and what type of remedial action will be required? What enterprises and
management strategies are most suited to these areas?
Table 4: Issues that exist at ‘Waitara’
Issue
Points to be aware of when developing management options
Sheet, rill Areas of shallow soil, high slope, and erodible soils and those areas where groundcover is
and gully
less than 70% are susceptible to sheet erosion. Natural drainage lines where water
erosion
concentrates, or where water is directed off contour banks are susceptible to gully erosion
Soil Erosion causes
 Loss of top soil = loss of production potential
 downstream siltation
 water quality problems and degradation of the riparian zone
Constructed waterways also require special attention and management as these areas often
have significant amounts of water flowing through them during a rain period and can erode
if groundcover is not kept at a high level.
Shallow
There are some areas of the property which have shallow soils and high rock content.
soils
Shallow soils have:
 Low water holding capacity, which results in lower production potential.
 Poor infiltration, so increased run-off leads to poor plant establishment and susceptibility
to erosion.
 Low fertility that results in reduced plant vigour therefore reducing plant production.
Salinity
There is a salt discharge site on ‘Waitara’. Areas of bare ground are present and salt tolerant
plants such as saltbush have been planted in the past. Vegetation must be carefully managed
in these areas to prevent more scalding and loss of groundcover leading to loss of
agricultural production and increased erosion risks. Other risk areas are on the break of
slope.
Tree
Waitara has very low tree cover because of past clearing, cropping, grazing and competition
decline
from pastures.
Tree decline can reduce agricultural production through loss of shade and shelter, as well
contributing to other forms of land degradation such as erosion, salinity and water logging.
Carefully think about where would be best appropriate to plant trees.
Poor
Reduced groundcover from over grazing and long term conventional farming leading to bare
groundcov scalded areas and erosion. This can lead to more annual grasses and more annual and
er
perennial species with poor nutritional value for stock.
Water
Erosion particularly on the scalded areas will contribute to waterways in the catchment to
quality
experience higher levels of turbidity (muddy water) causing a decline in water quality.
Weeds
Environmental weeds are those which are not listed as noxious but do pose serious
environmental threats to biodiversity of the catchment.
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2. Legal Obligations
Many legal constraints affect the final property plan. Table 5 briefly outlines some legal
constraints and their implications for the property. In addition to those listed below it
may be necessary to address other Acts depending on your final plan, including the
Pesticides Act 1990, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the
Work Health and Safety Act 2011, all of which can found at
www.legislation.nsw.gov.au.
Table 5: Possible legal constraints
Issue
Legal constraints
Native Vegetation Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW) Clearing of native vegetation (except
Clearing
under Routine Agricultural Management Activities [RAMA’s]) must be
approved through the Native Vegetation Act 2003. An application to clear
must be approved by Namoi CMA. For more information go to
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation/nvmanagement
Threatened species
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW) Endangered ecological
communities such as Grassy White Box Woodlands are protected by this Act.
Threatened
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
ecological
(Commonwealth) (EPBC Act). This act provides national and protection and
communities
management of important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage
places with national environmental significance.
Protected land
Soil Conservation Act 1938
This applies to stream banks (no native vegetation removal within 20 metres
of stream bank). Also applies to lands that are steep, greater than 33 %, 18
degrees. Existing native vegetation must be retained and allowed to
regenerate. This includes grasses as well as shrubs and trees.
Noxious weeds
Noxious Weeds Act 1993
Bushfire
Rural Fires Act 1997, all burning and fires are to be carried out in accordance
Management
with this Act.
Local Government Rural Zone - Generally encourages rural pursuits within this zone,
Planning Zones
and incompatible development should be controlled
Water – farm dams Water Management Act 2000
Under the Water Reform legislation up to 10% of the water that falls on the
property may be harvested (stored in a dam) and used for any purpose before
a licence must be obtained. This is called the harvestable right. This
guarantees a basic level of access to a water supply for the rural community.
For more information go to www.water.nsw.gov.au/Water-Licensing/Basicwater-rights/default.aspx
Water
Water Management Act 2000
Groundwater licences, floodplain management, environmental flows are all
included under this Act. Check for more information as approvals are
required for some activities relating to water management in NSW.
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PUTTING THE PLAN TOGETHER
The section may help you decide what to put in your physical plan and what
recommendations to give in your report.
1. Specific Works
This section outlines specific works you may want to include in your property plan.
These works are to be marked on your map, and then referred to in your report.
Conservation Earthworks
Where broad area management practices alone are not capable of controlling a soil
erosion problem, conservation earthworks may be required to remediate the problem.
 In areas subject to erosion, suitable control structures may include contour
banks, levees, pasture belts, and waterways, gully filling and gully control dams.
 Structures that control water erosion are designed to remove excess water from
the land before it can cause erosion. Excess water removed in this way can be
directed into dams, adding to the farm water supply, or disposed of into the
creek and flow lines (water disposal areas).
 Any erosion control program that involves diversion of run-off must provide for
safe disposal of that water.
 When considering the disposal of run-off water, it is important to identify the
flow-lines and points at which water naturally leaves the property.
 There is a legal obligation to ensure that there is no diversion of run-off from
one exit point to another. Once these exit points are known it is then possible to
design and locate a system of erosion earthworks.
 The modification of catchments through soil erosion control works that alters
the way water is delivered to watercourses may affect stream behaviour and
stability.
When undertaking conservation earthworks the impact on
downstream areas should be considered.
For your map, it is only necessary to shade the areas that you believe require
earthworks. Potential earthworks should be planned and discussed with relevant experts
where necessary and neighbours due to legal obligations and the often complex nature
of designing and implementing structures.
Water Supply
Water supplies have a significant effect on property management. Your task is to
advise the landholders of the options open to them and give them reasons for the
option/s you recommend. Make sure you consider the current enterprises on the
property and match these to the water supply option you recommend.
Native Vegetation
Native tree decline has occurred throughout the property over the years. It may be
important to think about planting and establishing more trees throughout the property
especially shelter belts, windbreaks, wildlife corridors and salt interception plantings.
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Native vegetation is an integral part of the landscape and has a major role in catchment
management. If you intend to include revegetation activities in your plan, you need to
consider the following information.
 Method of vegetation establishment i.e. tubestock planting versus natural
revegetation.
 Protecting remnant vegetation and regeneration areas from grazing where good
seed banks or seedlings occur. This is cheaper than planting other areas.
 The location of native vegetation establishment must be determined in
conjunction with other considerations such as climate, boundaries, roads,
powerlines, and connections with existing trees for habitat expansion and
biodiversity.
If you are recommending establishment of native vegetation there are a number of
issues you should include in your report. They could include but are not limited to; the
selection and source of suitable tree species, design, tree planting techniques, methods
of excluding stock and weed control.
2. Management Recommendations
The next step in your plan is to determine the broad area land management practices for
land within the property. The management recommendations should take into account
the information provided, address the hazards outlined in Table 4, and consider the legal
constraints given in Table 5.
Land Management Practices
Land management practices are best shown as shaded areas, or using a numbered
system on the final plan with a summarised legend. Land management considerations
that should be considered over the whole or parts of the property may include:
 Enterprise selection e.g. dryland cropping, irrigated cropping or grazing etc
 Pasture selection and management
 Soil management
 Weed and vermin control
 Fire prevention and control
 Drought management
 Management of riparian areas
 Protection of environmentally sensitive lands
 Use of land within its capability
 Tree and native vegetation management
Planning for seasonal feed value and availability
The current pastures on ‘Waitara’ have some limitations, which could be improved using
grazing management and infrastructure. Native perennial pastures provide the bulk of
feed in summer. How best to cope with this? Options include:
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



growing fodder crops, particularly oats
reducing stock numbers during autumn/winter
changing some of the pastures to reduce the severity of summer dominance
changing the pasture species to increase groundcover and reduce erosion
Marketing Decisions
Think about different markets that could be accessed by the landholders and identify
if these would be suitable for the property in regards to land capability, location of
property (close to selling points such as sale yards) and meeting landholder goals.
3. Monitoring
When you have decided on what management options you wish to implement you may
want to include some ways in which to monitor the changes. You can select a number
of sites in which the landholder can do regular monitoring. The sites should either be
representative of a large proportion of the property or have an obvious or suspected land
degradation problem. Consider carefully as you do not want to choose too many as this
will be time consuming for the landholder.
Decide on some indicators of change that you can use to monitor physical changes on
the property. Think about some of the tests and assessments you participated in at the
field day. Some examples could include:
 Pasture and/or groundcover percentage
 Pasture and/or crop yields
 Soil carbon or structural changes and soil pH
 Groundwater levels
 Records of bird sightings as an increase in the number and diversity of species
signals better environmental conditions
 Water quality
Mark the sites on your map and refer to them in your report.
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THE PLAN AND REPORT
1.
The Physical Plan
Once you have considered the information and issues, the next step is to draw up your
property plan. Download and print the boundary map then draw directly onto the page.
The north arrow, scale and boundary are already marked so all you need to do is draw
on your plan. Standard mapping symbols used in property planning are given below but
you are not limited to using these symbols as long as you label and include a legend.
A good tip when drawing your plan is to use standard mapping colours i.e. blue for
water, brown for earthworks, green for vegetation. Using shading or hatching over an
area can show what the plan is for that area i.e. changing the land use for that paddock.
Dam
Contour
Yards
Waterway
Windmill
Tree regeneration area
Tank
Windbreak
Watering point
Tree lot
2.
TRA
WB
TL
The Report
You are allowed a maximum of five A4 pages for the report.
 Remember that land use and management proposals should be outlined in your
report along with reasons for your decisions. List options then justify the
recommended action.
 DO NOT use Appendices to explain your report findings as they WILL NOT be
read or marked. Appendices are only to be used for information that supports
your findings and should be directly relevant to the report.
A major part of property planning is evaluation of alternative enterprises for each
particular management unit. This usually includes a comparison and assessment of the
economic viability of the alternative enterprise as well as addressing physical
requirements. However, for the purposes of this exercise it is not necessary to produce
a detailed report on economic aspects. A simple summary is sufficient along with a
short explanation of why a particular enterprise was chosen. Nevertheless, it is still
important to consider how you would fund any specific works suggested.
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EXTRA RESOURCES
1. Expertise
There are many sources of information you can access for technical information.
Below is a preliminary list to get you started.
 NSW Catchment Management Authorities
 NSW Department of Environment and Heritage
 NSW Department of Primary Industries
 Commercial agronomists
 Your local library and school resources
2. Funding Opportunities
Think about if works and management changes you are considering are able to be
funded through external means. Environmental works that have public benefit (in
addition to benefits to the landholder) may be able to be supported financially through
different organisations. The following sources of information may be useful:
 Grants Information: www.grantslink.gov.au
 Caring for our Country: www.nrm.gov.au
 Namoi Catchment Management Authority: www.namoi.cma.nsw.gov.au
3. Other relevant organisations and websites
Read through these and other web pages for more detail on various subjects.
NSW Departments and Organisations:
NSW Department of Primary Industries
NSW Department of Environment and
Heritage
NSW Office of Water
NSW Soil Conservation Service
Landcare NSW
National Departments and Organisations:
Australian Department of Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and
Communities
Australian Department of Agriculture
Fisheries and Forestry
Greening Australia
National Dryland Salinity Program
Murray Darling Basin Authority
CSIRO
Others:
Landline ABC
Meat and Livestock Australia
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture
www.environment.nsw.gov.au
www.water.nsw.gov.au
www.lands.nsw.gov.au/soil_conservation
www.landcarensw.org.au
www.environment.gov.au
www.daff.gov.au
www.greeningaustralia.org.au
www.ndsp.gov.au
www.mdba.gov.au
www.csiro.au
www.abc.net.au/landline
www.mla.com.au
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APPENDIX I: MARKING SCHEDULE
School:
Criterion
Student names:
MARKER ID:
Not done
0
No discussion of strategies to
manage property considering
land use constraints.
Consideration given
Marks: 1 - 2
Inappropriate suggestions to manage
property considering land use
constraints.
Adequate standard
Marks: 3 - 5
Good discussion of strategies to manage
property considering land use issues.
Appropriate management decisions.
2) Enterprise selection,
range, justification and
suitability
No information presented to
show enterprise selection.
Irrelevant or inappropriate enterprise
selection. No reasons given.
Appropriate enterprise selection.
Relevant and adequate explanation of
enterprise selection.
3) Consideration of
Landholders aims
4) Map Presentation
No consideration given.
Some consideration given to all aims.
Not included, poor presentation.
Some consideration given to some
aims.
Some effort shown to present map
5) Report Presentation
Not included, poor presentation.
Some effort shown to present report
Criterion
Not done
0
No use of information provided.
Consideration given
Marks: 1
Some resource information used to
develop management
recommendations or map.
No accounting for legal
considerations.
No consideration of funding
works.
No reference to other resources
used.
Legal constraints considered, but
unclear how they affected decisions.
Mention of need to source funding.
1) Consideration of Land
Use issues and
hazards
6) Use of Resource
Information provided
7) Legal considerations
accounted for
8) Funding considered
9) Use of other resources
10) Monitoring
No consideration to monitoring
of recommended and works
11) Aboriginal Cultural
Heritage
No consideration given/no
response to criteria
References given to use of
resources, but irrelevant resources
used.
Need to monitor mentioned
1-2 responses given or poor
understanding of issue
High standard
Marks: 6 - 8
Thorough discussion of strategies to manage property
considering land use issues and hazards. Appropriate
management decisions made. Innovative strategies
explored.
Appropriate enterprise selection. Relevant and adequate
explanation of enterprise selection. Innovative ideas
demonstrated that meet the requirements of landholder and
land resource.
High level of consideration shown for all aims.
Map presented clearly with some effort
made with presentation.
report presented clearly with some effort
made with presentation
Adequate standard
Marks: 2
Most resource information used to
develop management recommendations
and map.
Map presented very clearly and to a high standard with effort
made with presentation.
Report presented very clearly and to a high standard with
effort made with presentation.
High standard
Marks: 4
All resource information used to develop both management
recommendations and map.
Legal constraints considered. Clearly
affected management decisions.
Funding sources suggested for works
proposed.
References given to use of resources.
Relevant resources used but not
referenced.
Map shows monitoring points and
strategy described
Legal issues clearly considered and applied to management,
Consideration given to overcoming legal constraints.
Range of funding options explored and linked to proposed
works.
List of relevant resources mentioned in text and references
given.
3-5 responses given with some
understanding of issue
>5 responses given. Good understanding of issue. Mention
of specific points. Evidence of ideas being used in plan.
23
Range of monitoring options given with preferred strategies
recommended and mapped.
Score
Score
APPENDIX II: THE DOT GRID
You can easily calculate areas on an air photo (or any other map) using a dot grid as
long as you know the scale of the photo. You can use it for calculating areas of the farm
such as paddocks, tree planting areas and erosion areas.
A dot grid consists of a series of squares, 1 centimetre x 1 centimetre in size. Within
each square there are 25 dots. The dot grid is made of clear plastic, so it can be placed
over the aerial photograph.
From the aerial photograph you wish to know the area of the paddock that has the shape
below.
1. Place the dot grid over the area to be measured
2. Trace the outline of the area
3. There are 13 complete squares (1-13), which is equal to 13 sq cm
4. There are a total of 45 dots remaining in incomplete squares
5. To convert dots to sq cm, divide by 25 (because there are 25 dots in each square)
6. Add the answers from Steps 3 and 5, ie. 13 + 1.8 = 14.8 sq cm
7. The scale of the aerial photograph in this example will be 1:7,500. (Check the
scale on your own map.)
Therefore;
7,500 X 7,500
10,000 10,000
= 0.56 ha/sq cm
8.
Final calculation
Step 7 x Step 6
= 0.56 x 14.8
= 8.3 ha
To convert to acres multiply by 2.471
= 20.5 acres
This method can be used to calculate small or large areas on your aerial photograph.
THIS EXAMPLE IS NOT THE SCALE OF YOUR MAP.
USE THE SAME PROCESS TO CALCULATE YOUR OWN AREAS.
24
25
APPENDIX III: VEGETATION SPECIES EXPECTED AT
‘Waitara’
Canopy Species:
Botanical Name
Common Name
Angophora floribunda
Callistris endlicheri
Callitris glaucophylla
Casurina cristata
Eucalyptus albens
Eucalyptus blakelyi
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Eucalyptus dealbata
Eucalyptus melliodora
Eucalyptus microcarpa
Eucalyptus populnea
Eucalyptus pilliganesis
Midstorey Species:
Botanical Name
Rough-Barked Apple
Black Cypress Pine
White Cypress Pine
Belah
White Box
Blakely’s Red Gum
River Red Gum
Tumbledown Red Gum
Yellow Box
Western Grey Box
Bimble Box
Pilliga Box
Acacia pendula
Alectryon oleifolius
Alphitonia excelsa
Atriplex sp.
Brachychiton populneus
Capparis mitchellii
Dodonaea viscosa
Eremophylla mitchellii
Geijera parviflora
Notelaea macrocarpa
Rhagodia sp.
Groundcover Species:
Botanical Name
Weeping Myall
Western Rosewood
Red Ash
Saltbushes
Kurrajong
Native Orange
Sticky Hop Bush
Budda
Wilga
Native Olive
Saltbushes
Aristida spp.
Austrostipa spp.
Austrostipa aristiglumis
Austrostipa verticillata
Austrodanthonia sp
Bothriochloa spp.
Chloris spp.
Cymbopogon refractus
Cyperus spp.
Dicanthium sericeum
Eragrostis spp.
Juncus spp.
Marsilea drummondii
Panicum spp.
Themeda australis
Wahlenbergia gracilis
Common Name
Common Name
Wire Grasses
Spear Grasses
Plains Grass
Slender Bamboo Grass
Wallaby Grass
Red Grasses
Windmill Grasses
Barbed-wire Grass
Sedges
Queensland Bluegrass
Love Grasses
Rushes
Common Nardoo
Panics
Kangaroo Grass
Australian Bluebell
26
Source: Banks R.G.
(1995). Soil
Landscapes of the
Curlewis 1:100 000
Sheet Map,
Department of
Conservation and
Land Management,
Sydney
APPENDIX IV: Cover page template
Cover page
2013 Property Planning Competition Entry
‘Waitara’
Category entering: Junior/Senior
Name of school:
Name of contributing students:
Date submitted:
27