N E W S No 8 News of Torbay Catchment Group & the Special Project: Watershed Torbay Xmas 2004 |
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 IN THIS EDITION Draft Restoration Plan workshops February Local history Dutch input on nutrients Perennials - SA and Elleker compared Grazing in Torbay - the P balance Weeds, weeds, weeds ...... Coming up in the Catchment! His Blood's worth bottlin'
Field trip to Lake
Manarup
Ring: Department of
Environment
9842 5760 or
Torbay Catchment
Group 9845 1081
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 Preparation of the draft Restoration Plan for the catchments in the Watershed Torbay project is well underway through the project Steering Committee led by consultant Viv Read. There are seven management themes in the Plan. They are: Water quality and algal blooms; Water quantity; Drainage management; Biodiversity; Farming systems; Land use planning; and Education and communication. The drainage system within the project area has been established for many years. With our current knowledge about the high incidence of algal blooms, particularly in Lake Powell and Torbay Inlet, the options for managing the drains for environmental and social as well as economic benefits need to be considered. Two workshops in September and early December have further reviewed management options assisted by a `water balance' computer model. A Farming Systems workshop was also held in September. Options for adjusting current farming systems to improve nutrient management were discussed. There will be a range of innovative actions that will no doubt be of interest to all in the catchment. The draft Restoration Plan will be ready by |
the end of December and made available for all landholders and residents to make comment. You will be able to discuss the proposed actions of the Plan with Viv Read and the Steering Committee at workshops early next year on: Friday 18th February at the Elleker Hall or Saturday 19th February in the Torbay Hall.
When the Restoration Plan is complete, there will be clear and concise `targets' for catchment improvement and proposed actions to achieve the targets. There will also be a timeline for implementing the actions and checking on results.
'Watershed Torbay' is a national demonstration of our communities taking care of environmental, social and economic values within local catchments. It is a great opportunity to create the sustainable future landscapes that we want. 
Perennials are good news for improving grazing pastures and reducing nutrient runoff from properties. Supported trials in Torbay are being established - you can participate. Ring Ron Master at the Department of Agriculture 9892 8521. |
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