Mudgegonga Group Background
The Mudgegonga and District Landcare Group
Landholders in the area had been involved in various soil conservation schemes before the formation of the landcare group in 1994. Erosion was the main focus of the new group. There were 30 -40 members and quite an air of enthusiasm. Forming a new group had been talked about for some time so interest had been brewing.
We achieved a good balance between old and new landholders as members. During the last thirty years of the twentieth century, since the 1970s, land use had changed again. There were still several viable farms, but wool growing has largely disappeared. Grazing enterprises now produce mainly beef and/or prime lamb but a lot of smaller blocks have developed bringing new landholders to the district. Most have off farm incomes and some have not had previous experience managing land.
Membership numbers have remained constant at around 40 although membership is constantly changing. We see this as a healthy evolution of our group. Executive meetings are held regularly, general meetings are convened intermittently as need dictates- this would average 4 per year.
Focus of Activities
We have been involved in a lot of district projects since the landcare group began. Co-ordinated action and funding support have been the biggest advantages.
Rock work for erosion- we organized supply of rock from a local source, which meant we could get a greater area rocked. Over 6000m of rock used. We have worked in co-operation with the former River Trust and now the Water Quality arm of the NE Catchment Management Authority on these works.
Weed Initiative funding- significant weed control programs have been undertaken, the group now owns a spray cart for use by district landholders
Revegetation- corridors of trees as windbreaks and along streams & in gullies should increase biodiversity and help stabilise the soil to prevent erosion in prone areas. We recently received 75,000 trees from Greenfleet for our projects.
Rabbit Buster projects have included co-ordinated 1080 baiting and many warren-ripping (dozer) programs. After 50-80 years of high infestations, extensive work by landcare members has produced excellent results in lowering numbers. Continual vigilance by all district landholders is essential to ensure numbers remain low, especially when seasonal condition favour proliferation of rabbits.
The Role of the Landcare Group
- Establishing standards
- Improving the environment
- Recognize achievements & acknowledge works carried out
- Promoting viability & efficiency
- Brainstorming
- Gathering information
- As a group, lead the way together
- Lobby for & promote pest animal & weed control where private & government land managers work co-operatively together
- Be a united voice to express concerns
- Provide a focus point for government agencies (DPI, Parks, CMA etc) as they will not talk to individuals
- Encouragement through peer pressure
