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GrassRoutes forLandcareGrass Routes is a new nationalstrategy
with the prrpose of creat-ing a nation-w'ide network of
bushcoridors for sustainable and shareduse for heritage, habitat
and liveli-hoods for all.The work is being led by a small
butgrowing nerwork of parmer otganisa-tions, auspiced by the NS\7
NationalParks \ssociation in close collaborationrrrdr the \SN- and
QLD TrarellingStock Route Coalitions.In fact the origrnal idea for
GrassRoutes grew from a desire to increasethe level of public
awareness and sup-port for the retention and sustainedmaflagement
of the TSR network, how-ever it became clear that there is was
aneed and opportuniq'to protect andextend this unique shared
environmen-tal resoutce right across Austalia.This r.4sion fot a
continental corridor isinfluenced b)'a deske to cteate a glob-ally
unique resource that can be sharedand used for generations to come;
foragdculture and biodiversity; celebratingand preserving culture
and history; and,enabLing passive pursuits like outdooreducation,
toudsm and recreation.The rision is far from a dream. Thereare
significant sections of TSR andother landscape alreadr being used
inthis shared and integrated way, suchas The Long Paddock along the
CobbHighway. Nor is this vision unrealisti-cally bold, as the Great
Eastern RangesInitiatrve is already seeking to create anatlrre
corridor from Atheton to theVictorian .\lps. Private conservadonand
volunteer regeneration teams givefurther ptoof.There is a setious
side to the strat-eg\- too - the TSR netwotk is facingreal risks of
being further diminishedthrough sale, misuse and neglect. TheLong
Paddock Scientists Statementin 2008 called on the QLD and
NSNTPremiets to protect the entire network.No. 73, lryteu/rcr -
October 2009
A broader vision is needed to achievethis protection.Also, a
nation-wide netwotk of bushcorridors would help address the
seri-ous planetaty risks facing us - climatechange, water systems
breakdown andmassir-e losses oi biodir ersin andecos5isrens are
just three- The cortidorswould forrn a proverbial 'Ark' for
floraand fatna to migrate as cLimate shifts,plus much give security
for the move-ment of stock against transport becom-ing uneconomic
due to cost or beingunviable due to peak oil.Grass Routes is a
public rather thanpolitical campaign. It aims to
buildrelationships, partnerships and sharedvalues rather than
fences or blame.Instead the goal is to inspire everycorner of
-\ustraLia to contribute to thecreation of a continuous bush
corridorfrom private, public and shared land,effots and moner-.The
strategy team is norv seeking futther partners to get inr-olved
with thelaunch of Grass Routes, specifically tohelp raise awareness
and funds *roughthe sale of native grass seed packs.These funds
will be shated equallibetween paftners and the strategy teamto
build a truly "gtass toutes" net-work and campaign. Partners are
alsoneeded to provide stories of "showcasesttetches" of shared
bushland and cor-ridots that they are alteady managrng.These will
be published on the internetto start building airntal map of
thereal continental cotridor.For more information about
GrassRoutes, or to discuss becoming aPart-ner, please contact Adam
Blakestet on02 6775 2501,0419 808 900 oradarn@p ar adigmp larr n
et.
a .. Fox Rafflesa RunawaySuccess
JT
The Coordinated Fox Control Raffles werea big attraction for
landholders to getinvolved with fox control this year.The New
England Livestock Health andPest Authority were bombarded with
230fox feet and 55 fox shooting logs.A fantastic effort from the
comrpunityto Fix the Flamin' Fox. The coordinatedgroup baiting
program was also a hit withnew landholders joining the cause.The
winner of the Fox Foot raffle won arifle and scope donated by
Uralla Sportsand Toys. The winner ofthe Fox ShootersLog raffle won
a $150 open order fromLandmark Armidale.Landholders who baited as
part of acoordinated group went into a draw for arange of
incredible prizes, including a halfhour joy flight for two people
with FleetHelicopters.Coordinated baiting raffle winnersincluded
landholders from Guyra,Baldersleigh, Glen GRO,
Dangarsleigh,Bundarra, Kingstown, Harnham, Tia/Yarrowitch,
Wongwibinda, Warrane Road,Lower Apsley and Woolbrook coordinatedfox
baiting groups.A big thankyou to Uralla Sports and Toys,Fleet
Helicopters, Landmark Armidale,Beaurepaires Armidale, J C Spares,
GrantMcCarroll Ford, Purkiss Rural and theArmidale Wholesale Fruit
Market fordonating prizes to the 2009 CoordinatedFox Control
Program.
Above: Ken Pines (L) and Bec Bollard (centre)pictured with some
of the winners of the2009 Fix the Flomin' Fox raffle. Back L-R:
MoltMeehon, Steven Frizell, Vicki Frizell. Front L-R:Sam Meehan,
Thomas Frizell, EIlie Frizell.
