Murrumbateman Landcare Group’s recent July Q&A session drew a large and engaged audience – including a strong contingent from the Bowning Bookham Landcare group. With questions submitted ahead of time and a great panel of local experts – Jacqui Stol, Sue McIntyre, and Dave Jarrett (Weeds Officer with Yass Valley Council) – the event sparked a lively and informative conversation that stretched well beyond the scheduled time.
After the formal session, participants stayed on to mingle over drinks and nibbles, sharing ideas and swapping stories. It was clear that the appetite for practical knowledge and peer-to-peer learning remains strong across our region.
The session tackled eight wide-ranging questions – each deserving of a full workshop in itself – covering everything from ecosystems and weeds, to revegetation and the effects of climate change. Here are just a few highlights:
Ecosystem Types in the Southern Tablelands
The Q&A began with an overview of the region’s ecosystems, highlighting the critical conservation value of what remains. Less than 30% of the original Box Gum Grassy Woodlands still exist in the Southern Tablelands – a nationally significant figure given that just 5% remains intact across Australia. Meanwhile, about 50% of the original dry sclerophyll forest is still present, although the ground layer is now heavily modified.
One key takeaway: areas where forest and woodland species mix – the ecotones – tend to be particularly species-rich and are ideal for conservation efforts. Maintaining structural diversity, including patches of bare ground, is also important for supporting different plant species, although this may sometimes conflict with weed control or erosion management.
Designing Effective Windbreaks
Another practical discussion revolved around shelterbelt design. Rather than blocking wind entirely, the goal should be to slow it down by creating windbreaks with plants at varying heights. This helps avoid the creation of wind tunnels and reduces stress on pastures and stock.
Importantly, the panel advised against planting exotic conifers like Leyland Cypress, which can become problematic. Instead, landholders were encouraged to consult resources like Sustainable Farms’ Shelterbelt Guide and consider native alternatives, such as Callitris (native cypress pine).
Weed Management – What’s Changed?
Dave Jarrett provided valuable updates on weed legislation and local priorities. The term “noxious weed” is no longer used, and there is now a focus on “priority weeds”, with different levels of management required depending on their risk.
At the state level, weeds like Parthenium (sometimes found in organic chicken feed) must be eradicated immediately. Regional priority weeds, such as Hawkweed, are also targeted early. At the local level, problem plants include:
- - Serrated Tussock – seeds remain viable for up to 15 years; effective spraying requires treating the whole plant, not just the edge. Think of it as “a bunch of spring onions” – with many individual shoots bundled together.
- - Coolatai Grass, Sticky Nightshade, African Lovegrass, St John’s Wort, and Chilean Needle Grass were also flagged.
Protecting Native Forbs from Grazing
A question about protecting small native plants from grazing prompted some creative strategies. Jacqui shared that she sometimes chases kangaroos away at dusk to give recovering areas a break from pressure – though more systematic approaches were also discussed like maintaining fallen timber and rocks, ecological burns and grazing managment .
Climate Resilience in Revegetation
Finally, the panel tackled one of the biggest questions of all: how can we prepare for projected climate change when planning revegetation?
Key points included:
- - Use Climate Ready plants from local YAN nurseries
- - Choose sites carefully, considering soil fertility and grazing pressure
- - In some cases, soil scalping may be useful to suppress exotic competition
- - And remember: revegetation outcomes are always shaped by climate, grazing, and site conditions
Dive Deeper
This blog only scratches the surface. If you’re keen to read more – including full details of each question and the thoughtful responses from the panel – you can view the complete session notes here:
MLG Q&A July 2025 – Landcare Meeting Summary (PDF)
A big thank you to Murrumbateman Landcare Group for hosting such a valuable event, and to all those who contributed questions, insights and energy on the night. Events like these remind us of the power of community-based learning and the wealth of experience we have within our Landcare networks.
Written by Sarah McGrath, YAN Coordinator
