Welcome to the Nambucca Valley Landcare Publications Page

Myrtle Rust - Uredo rangelii

What is it? Myrtle rust is a plant disease caused by the fungus Uredo rangelii. The rust was first detected on the Central Coast of New South Wales in April 2010. How the rust fungus entered Australia is unknown. Myrtle rust belongs to a fungal complex collectively known as the guava rust group. This complex includes the fungus Puccina psidii which is significant pathogen of the plant family Myrtaceae. This photo shows the mature bright yellow uredinial outside Australia. Myrtle rust attacks young, soft, actively growing leaves, shoot tips and young stems. It is only known to infect plants in the family Myrtaceae.

Myrtle rust was detected in NSW on the foliage plant Agonis flexuosa, cultivar ‘Afterdark’ (commonly known as willow myrtle). This plant cultivar is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping, and as a source of cut foliage for floristry in Australia. The host list of this pathogen is largely unknown with two known hosts recorded in the literature and three susceptible hosts documented in NSW. However, whether it will affect a range of plant genera and species in Myrtaceae is not known.

Gaagal Wanggaan National Park
(Warrell Creek Peninsula)

GAAGAL WANGGAAN NATIONAL PARK WEED MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
The document describes a sequence of actions which will effectively and efficiently remove the weeds from Gaagal Wanggaan National Park (Warrell Creek peninsula).
This Strategy was funded by Caring for our Country as a part of Nambucca Valley Landcare and Nymabaga Goori Green Team Protection Proposal The strategy document draws upon publically available resource material for the control of weeds, on advice from key weed control and land management professionals and from the experience of the author controlling these weeds in similar landscapes.

Indian Myna Handbook

A Resource Kit for Rural Landholders In the Nambucca, Macleay and Hastings Valleys

Updated Version

Whether you are thinking of taking up rural life on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, or have already done so, it is often hard to know where to turn to for such information. There is an enormous amount of material available but unfortunately it is scattered across many organizations and in many formats (e.g. advisors; knowledge, training courses, books and web pages). The aim of this kit is to bring much of this information together in one easy to use guide for intending and existing landholders in the Nambucca, Macleay and Hastings valleys, and to direct them to where they can obtain further help.

The kit briefly describes the natural resources (soils, water, native vegetation and pastures) of the area and major factors that impact on them (climate, drought, flood, fire and weeds). These play major roles in determining the potential and limitations of rural land and thus, how the land needs to be managed. If you would like more detailed information on any of these topics, a supplementary pack that brings together some of the most relevant information sheets is available from the Landcare offices listed on the inside cover of this kit. Other factors that will smooth the transition to rural life (including the multiplicity of legislation) for intending and new landholders are described in the section “Rural Life”.

Supplementary Pack for Rural Landholders

More and more people are choosing to live in rural areas and it appears they often base their decision to do this on a perception that rural areas are always areas of peace and tranquillity. While rural landscapes often are peaceful they are also the places where farmers work and make a living.The increasing popularity of rural residential living is presenting challenges for many rural communities, such as: productive farming land is being subdivided into residential-scale holdings the needs and expectations of some rural residents don’t match those of landholders who are operating commercial farming enterprises.

Coast and Estuary Resource Kit

This kit has been designed to inform you about the water catchment in which you live and the rivers and creeks that feed it. If you live, work, holiday or have recently moved to the Mid North Coast this kit is an easy to use guide on how to live and work in ways that preserve our coastal environment.

The kit explains what a catchment is, its various components and what is meant by an environmental impact. It outlines various environmental parameters that can affect water quality and oyster production. The oyster can be used as an indicator of catchment and river health. Estuarine processes that determine the viability of the oyster industry are explained. Estuaries are highly dynamic and complex environments with phenomena like turbidity, salinity and pollutants all acting on the system at once. Practical solutions and examples of how local people are tackling various problems on their land are included.

The last chapter includes a list of local Contacts, such as councils, government departments and local organisations, if you wish to contact them for further information about a topic. There is also an extensive list of Resources and References for you to refer to. 

Nambucca Valley
Vegetation and Planting Guide

Introduction
Vegetation and trees in particular are an essential component of the landscape and have a
substantial influence on the character of individual properties, neighbourhoods, towns, farrms
and the landscape as a whole.
The presence of suitable trees provides scenic and enviromental amenity and wildlife habbitat.
Trees minimise land and water degradation and soil erosion, soften the impact of urban features
and provide shade and shelter for humans, stock and wildlife.

Due to it's topography the Nambucca Valley has a large range of aspects, soils and microclimates that all provide varying conditions for plants. Selecting an appropriate local native species for a particular situation or condition can be difficult, particularly for newcomers to the area.

Protecting the Grey Nurse Shark

Grey Nurse sharks are listed as an endangered species under NSW law. The east coast population is also listed as critically endangered under Commonwealth law.
Due to targeted spearfishing and incidental capture by commercial and recreational fishers
in recent decades, the number of grey nurse sharks in NSW waters has declined significantly.
The species was protected in 1984 and subsequently listed as an endangered species.
Today their numbers are so low that the species remains in danger of becoming extinct.

Despite their appearance grey nurse sharks are not known to be aggressive towards humans.
They are a passive species with teeth designed for capturing prey such as fish and rays. They are typically found in coastal inshore waters around rocky reefs and boulders or sand filled gutters in 15-40m of water.
Grey nurse sharks gather to feed, mate and pup at a small number of locations with these characteristics along the NSW coast.

A Sustainable Future

CHRIS: Oh, the dairy farm was a very conventional farm, traditional farm, very high input of inorganic fertilisers. We used to feed lots of grain and protein supplements and things like that. We had a very high milk production per cow. Everything was focused on producing high litres per cow and we did what ever it took to do that.

CHRIS: It was really, it was a really difficult transition, like really difficult - our farm just go used to the fertilisers that we were using and without us really knowing it, the soil had become really hard and there was not much life in it and that is the only thing that could make grass grow. We used to have to use more and more of it to get the same sort of results for that pasture.

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