VPC Conference Darwin

This was a very successful event, with over 300 delegates attending (limited only by the availability of accommodation!), including a number of international speakers.  Feedback has been very positive, with the only (minor) negative being that delegates couldn't get to all the talks that they found interesting due to the concurrent nature of sessions. However, this could not be avoided without the conference running over a whole week. 

The ACTA award was given to the Goonoo fox control program committee group (see photo below) who have worked very hard on a community engagement project on fox baiting  to protect the Goonoo State Forest and the threatened Mallee Fowl habitat therein.  A dual aim is to minimise fox predation on lambs in the agricultural areas surrounding the forest.  Stakeholders involved in the project include: local landholders, NSW National Parks and Wildlife, NSW Forests, NSW DPI, Central West CMA, Dubbo RLPB and the Coonabarabran RLPB has lately joined the project.

The group have managed to establish a 20km buffer zone around the forest with a large number of landowners being engaged and supported to carry out biennial group fox baiting with a resulting 88% reduction in fox numbers.   In July 2007, 199 landowners participated, covering an area of more than 200,000 ha.  53 previously unknown Malleefowl nest sites have been identified - 3 of which were active.  A research project by Lynette McLeod of VPRU, NSW DPI (Orange) on fox predation has also obtained valuable data through the project.

ACTA are now helping the group to advertise in their local paper, publicising their map of landowners/properties participating in the coordinated baiting, with the aim of further increasing participation rates. 

The IA CRC would like to thank Doreen and her staff at OnQ conferences for a very well run event, Glen Saunders and Chris Lane for their massive effort in organising the program, abstract document, and smooth running of the sessions and Di Holloway and Kerryn Molloy for much behind-the-scenes administration. Kerryn also provided all the graphic design work and media liaison.  The event generated keen media interest, and Tony, Steve Lapidge and a number of other key speakers have been extremely busy doing interviews which have raised the profile of invasive issues.

We would also like to acknowledge the support of our co-hosts NT NRETA and the VPC, and key sponsors, BRS, ACTA, DEWHA, and BRS.   The event also received valuable support from the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, EcoGene, Pestat Pty Ltd., Rabbit Free Australia, Sirtrack and CSIRO publishing.

Images  (top left to bottom right): Tony Peacock opens the conference; Matt Gentle presenting; session room; session room2;  morning tea; exhibition hall; Tony opens conference dinner; Linton Staples announces ACTA award;  winners of the ACTA award.

IA CRC training project produces first graduates

Last year as part of IA CRC’s stakeholder capacity building objective, NSW DPI instigated a skills recognition training project. The program, run out of DPI’s Tocal College, offers vertebrate pest control officers nationally-recognised certification in Conservation and Land Management with a Vertebrate Pests speciality. Cathy Crawford (NSW DPI, Goulburn), Ken Ryall (NSWDPI, Tocal College) and Peter Fleming (NSW DPI, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Orange) offered Certificates by skills recognition (recognition of prior learning) at III, IV and diploma levels.   Pictured at left: Tony Cathcart (centre) with NSW DPI assessors Ken Ryall (left) and Peter Fleming.

The objective of this training mode is to accredit people who have been practicing strategic management of vertebrate pests so that their work experience and knowledge is acknowledged at the appropriate level. Each candidate is independently assessed against common national criteria, and their Certificate can be used for career progression. Addition training needs and units for individual candidates can also be identified during their assessment.

To launch the project, the Invasive Animals CRC provided 8 scholarships to officers from Rural Lands Protection Boards, NSW Dept of Environment and Climate Change, ACT Environment and the Wild Dog Destruction Board. Additional candidates, including Tony Cathcart (pictured) from Australian Wildlife Conservancy’s Scotia Reserve joined the program. All candidates were very impressive in their pest management roles and achieved competency in all units they undertook. The first graduates, including Jim Balnaves of NSW DECC, were awarded their Certificates in March 2008. Interest in the program is increasing and two more candidates in western NSW are being assessed by Ken Ryall and Peter Fleming this week.

Pictured above: Jim Balnaves (left) receives his Diploma in Conservation and Land Management from Tocal College graduation day guest speaker, Peter Coupland.

DAFF awards for young innovators

Applications are open for this award which has a cash prize of up to $50000.  It is for people aged between 18-35 years working or studying in an agricultural, fisheries, forestry, food or natural resource industry.  The money may be used only for a research project, an industry visit, further study into a specific area or attending a conference. 

Applications close 14 July 2008.   For further info or application forms visit the website www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards  or email scienceawards@brs.gov.au

Input sought - new 'ERA' for Australian research

The ARC is seeking input on a consultation paper prepared with input from the National Health and Medical Research Council and DIISR on the Excellence in Research in Australia initiative.  Read the paper [here].  This aims to fulfill the Australian government's promise to create a better research quality assurance system. Have your say.  Closing date 30 june 2008.

FAST program - assistance for collaborative research projects

Department of Innovation, in conjunction with the Government of the Republic of France, would like to announce that Round Six (2008) of the French-Australian Science & Technology (FAST) Program. The Program is jointly managed by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science & Research (Innovation) and its French counterparts, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MAEE).

FAST will provide financial assistance, on a competitive basis, for collaborative research projects (including project specific follow-up meetings) between Australian and French researchers.  Assistance is available for international travel and living expenses only and does not extend to insurance, salaries or equipment expenses. Individual applications may request funding for up to 2 years.

Under the FAST program Round Six, applications will be considered for research collaboration in the areas of life sciences, environmental sciences, and energy.  The Round Six call-for-proposals will open on: Monday 7 July and will close on Monday 18 August, 2008.

Potential applicants should first refer to the [guidelines].

Tender open - IA CRC economic impact assessment

The IA CRC is seeking applications from interested parties to conduct an economic impact assessment of the CRC.

The project's aim is to measure the long-term economic benefit of IA CRC intellectual property (including uptake of strategic knowledge, and products and strategies) and services (including education and training) and in doing so provide an indication of the potential scale of IA CRC research, education and capacity building on the broader community. The final output will be a publish-ready report. The project’s duration will be July to November 2008. Further information on the project is available [here] or by contacting Andreas Glanznig on 02 6201 2302.

Please contact andreas.glanznig@invasiveanimals.com with your application, outlining experience and capability relevant to the terms of reference in the job specification, and a quote for services.  Applications to be received by 4 July 2008.

Scientists in Schools

This program is funded by DEEWR and managed by CSIRO education.  It aims to bring together scientists and teachers in ongoing professional partnerships.  Read a background paper [here].  The program is calling for interested scientists to register.  Resources, ideas and networking opportunities are available. 

For a list of unmatched schools visit http://www.scientistsinschools.edu.au/scientists/unmatched.htm  or you can suggest a school that you would like to work with.   This is a real-world way that you can help ensure that our future generation is equipped with essential skills and information to enable effective management of our resources.

More information: email scientistsinschools@csiro.au  or phone 02 6276 6062.

Report online: climate change and invasive species

Tim Low of the University of Queensland was commissioned by the Australian Government to write a report about climate change and invasive species impacts on biodiversity, after running a workshop on the topic.

The report is now online - click [ here]  It has an Australian focus but also draws on examples from around the world.  The predictions include that climate change will worsen alien pest problems and weed invasions.  There will also be an increased incidence of fire due to the presence of more flammable 'weedy'  pasture grasses.

The report includes policy recommendations and is fully referenced.

AMRRIC membership

The Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities Inc. is a non-profit DGR status (deductible gift recipient) Association.  They do more than benefit dogs and other animals - they contribute significantly to an improvement in community health and wellbeing. 

Achieving a strong membership base is vital for AMRRIC's continued growth and development.  Individual memberships are $50, organisation $100 and students $20.

[Membership form]         [Code of behaviour for AMRRIC members]

More information: Julia Hardaker, Executive Officer, phone: (08) 89418813 or email: juliah@amrric.org

New Zealand Ecological Society Annual Conference

A reminder that the call for papers is open for this event, which is to be held at the Student Hub (Buildings 180 and 170), Unitec, Mt, Albert, Auckland.  There are a number of proposed symposia.  For details click [here].

Date:   28 September (student day) to 2 October, 2008
Deadline for abstracts:   1 July 2008
Deadline for early bird registration:   15 July 2008.
Abstracts should be submitted online - click [here].

Photographer seeking NSW sites

Nic Walker, a professional photographer with Fairfax Media based in Sydney, is interested in working up some articles on invasive animal issues, and has offered to capture some images of ferals (particularly cats) for us.    He would be primarily interested in the Sydney/regional NSW area, but if the opportunity is exceptional enough, is prepared to travel wider as his job allows.

If anyone is working in the field over the next few months and could give Nic assistance in finding suitable opportunities, we would be very grateful.

Please contact Kerryn (contact@invasiveanimals.com)  if you have suggestions/can offer assistance.

Fullbright scholarships open

Fullbright Scholarships are a prestigious addition to a cv. Of particular interest to CRC researchers is the Business/Industry Professional Scholarship, which supports a 3-4 month visit for research (valued up to $A40000), focused on a business or industry issue of importance to Australia.  The scholarship can be started any time between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010.  Applications are open to Postgraduates, Postdocs, Professional and Senior Scholars from any field of study. 

For further information see www.fulbright.com.au Applications close 31 August. 

Draft pest fish report - comments invited

A draft report entitled "Review of the impacts of gambusia, redfin perch, tench, roach, yellowfin goby and streaked goby in Australia" has been released for comment. 

The Department is particularly interested in receiving submissions that provide additional scientifically robust data or information which would improve the current report.

The report can be found on the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website at http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/impacts-alien-fish.html

Comments must be received by close of business Friday 18 July 2008, and sent to:
Director
Invasive Species Section
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787, CANBERRA ACT 2601
Fax: 02 6274 1332
Email: invasive_species@environment.gov.au

Upcoming events

14-18 July, 2008 – IPPC Working Group Meeting for Feasibility on the International Recognition of Pest Free Areas – Chiang Mai, Thailand – Contact: http://www.ippc.int/IPP/En/default.htm

3-8 August, 2008 – International Wildlife Disease Association Conference – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – Contact: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/news/calendar.php

8-12 September, 2008 – 6th European Conference on Ecological Restoration – Ghent, Belgium – Contact: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/news/calendar.php

20-26 September, 2008 – 2008 Wildlife Disease Association Australasian Conference – Kioloa, Australia – Contact: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/news/calendar.php

5-14 October, 2008 – 4th IUCN World Conservation Congress – Barcelona, Spain – Contact: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/news/calendar.php

5-7 November, 2008 – Managing Alien Species for Sustainable Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries (MALIAF) – Florence, Italy – Contact: http://www.oie.int/eng/en_index.htm

12-14 November, 2008 – Fifty Years of Invasion Ecology: The Legacy of Charles Elton – Stellenbosch, South Africa – Contact: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/news/calendar.php

1-4 December, 2008 – International Invasive Bird Conference – Perth, Australia – Contact:  http://www.abcon.biz/iibc.htm

19-23 April, 2009 – 16th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species – Montreal, Canada – Contact: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/news/calendar.php

23-27 August, 2009 – 19th Conference of the Society for Ecological Restoration International “Making Change in a Changing World” – Perth, Australia – Contact: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/news/calendar.php