New PhD project: Mynas

Kate Grarock is our new PhD student, working on the impact of Indian Mynas on native birds.  She is based at the ANU, and works closely with the Canberra Indian Myna Action Group (CIMAG) and Canberra Ornithologists Group (COG), looking at the effect of trapping activity on bird numbers.

Kate is currently conducting a removal experiment in 15 Canberra suburbs, with the help of CIMAG members.  The work will continue for two years, and Kate hopes to answer questions on the size of area that needs to be targeted for removal to have the optimum effect, and how mynas adapt to the removal. 

She is currently looking for an additional 30 volunteers with a good knowledge of Canberra's birds, to conduct bird surveys every 2nd month in the same area (Kaleen, Fraser, Hawker, Aranda, Hackett, O'Connor, Campbell, Deakin, Red Hill, Pearce, Chapman, Bonython, Fadden, Theodore and Kambah).

If you can help, or want more info, contact kate.grarock@anu.edu.au.  

Tasmanian government moves to control cats

Minister David Llewellyn MP, of the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water, released a position paper on 14 August that proposes greater control on domestic cats. 

The 'Cat Management in Tasmania-Taking the Initiative' paper included the proposed policies of:

• mandatory de-sexing and microchipping of domestic cats, phased in over four years
• a register of cat breeders
• legislation to underpin this approach and clarify the status of individuals and organisations that trap or control feral cats on private and/or public land; and
• promoting responsible cat ownership, including advice on what to do with unwanted cats. 

[read more]

Dwellingup seminar series

The next two seminars are:

• Seminar 14: Dwellingup fires of 1961 and 2007 (Roger Armstrong) - 3pm 19 September; Dwellingup Community Hall, McLarty Street, Dwellingup.
  
• Seminar 15: Linking fire ecology and fire management in south-west Australian forest landscapes (Neil Burrows) - 4pm, 19 September (immediately after seminar 14).
  

For catering purposes, please RSVP by Wednesday 17 September to Jessica Read-Brain on *09) 9538 0026 or jessica.read-brain@dec.wa.gov.au.

[read more on seminar 14] [read more on seminar 15] [Armstrong biosketch] [Burrows biosketch]

Farmers' key role in $37.5m environment plan

Farmers and other land managers will receive up to 15 years' financial support to protect nationally significant environmental assets, under a new $37.5M program launched by the government on 1 September.  The Environmental Stewardship Program is part of the new $2.25B Caring for Country initiative. 

The first project - to protect part of the box gum grassy woodland - has been offered to the Lachlan Murrumbidgee region of NSW.  Minister Garrett said 'The Box Gum Grassy Woodland is an important first project - only 5% of the critically endangered ecological community remains in good condition."  This community is home to Superb Parrots, Regent Honeyeaters and Squirrel Gliders.  

For more information go to http://www.nrm.gov.au/stewardship/index.html.

Reminder - Pest Animal Conference

If you intend attending this event, it is now urgent that you register. The call for papers has now closed.  This is an important opportunity for land managers to catch up on the latest in predator management, commercial products, new techniques, management for conservation and production goals, practical applications, pesticides, innovations and much more.

What:  2008 NSW Pest Animal Control Conference

Where: Wagga Wagga Wagga - Joyes Hall, Charles Sturt Uni

When: 30 September to 2 October 2008

Register: http:/www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/vertebrate-pests.  Download the form and email to King.Laurene@wagga.nsw.gov.au

More information: David Croft, Agricultural Protection Officer, NSW DPI, Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute.

Phone: 02 69381986; mob: 0427 401 642Email: david.croft@dpi.nsw.gov.au

International invasive bird conference

This event is to be held at the Maritime Museum, Fremantle WA 1-4 December 2008.  

Online registration is now available [click here].  A down-loadable registration form is available [here].

Caring for our Country funding available

Funding available under the Australian Pest Animal Management Program (APAMP)
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APAMP is funded under the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative and aims to reduce damage to agricultural production caused by pest animals by providing support for:

• Developing effective, economic and humane control techniques.
• Developing monitoring techniques to provide more reliable information on pest animal numbers and damage.
• Demonstrating 'best practice' management strategies at a regional scale.
• Producing national extension materials to facilitate adoption of 'best practice' management.
• Developing risk assessment/management and incursion management strategies to avoid establishment and spread of new and existing pest animals.

Support will not be provided for routine pest animal management activities with benefits limited to particular regions.

ELIGIBILITY: Applications are invited from local and state government agencies, incorporated community groups, universities and other organisations. Projects are generally in the range $10,000-$100,000 a year. Funding for more than one year cannot be guaranteed. Successful projects will require a substantial recipient contribution (from the proponent and/or third party collaborators).

PROCESS & TIMING: To discuss your idea and obtain the expression of interest proforma, contact Jeanine Baker on (02) 6272 4220 (email: jeanine.baker@brs.gov.au). If your project is of interest to APAMP you will be invited to submit a 2-4 page expression of interest by Friday, 3 October 2008 for initial assessment, followed by a full application process for successful preliminary proposals. Projects are expected to commence in early 2009.

Scientists in Schools: Qld info sessions

Scientists in Schools brings together scientists and teachers for one-to-one, ongoing professional partnerships with the aim of enhancing science education in our schools (a very important goal!). Through the partnerships, students are engaged and motivated in their learning of science and develop an increased awareness of the types and variety of exciting careers available in the sciences.

Join the team at a free gathering to find out more about the program and how you can participate, or to share your experiences of working in a partnership. Please check the website (http://www.scientistsinschools.edu.au/infosessions.htm) for more details about the venues.

Each event will include networking, refreshments and a presentation by CSIRO staff and scientists/engineers/teachers currently involved in Scientists in Schools partnerships.

Please RSVP for catering purposes to scientistsinschools@csiro.au; please include your name, school/organisation and the venue that you will attend.

Australasian Science Prize 2008 nominations closing

The Australasian Science Prize, awarded annually, provides priceless recognition to Australian scientists.  Criteria considered by the judging panel include scientific originality, breadth of impact, and communication to both the scientific and broader communities.

Nominations for the 2008 Prize are closing soon, and must be received by 12 September 2008.  For information on how to nominate see australasianscience.com.au.

The winner(s) will be announced in the November/December 2008 issue of Australasian Science.

Draft ACT Natural Resources Mgmt Plan info

A discussion will be held with interested researchers and students on Tuesday 16 September 2008, at the Optus Lecture Theatre, CSIRO Discovery Centre, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, Canberra.

Time:  1-2 pm

Why:   to obtain feedback on the draft NRM plan for the Territory. 

[More information]