Agriculture and Land

Below is information related to a broad range of topics for the management of land and water resources post bushfire. This includes: farming practices, fencing, native vegetation, protection of water supply (dams), and pest plants and animals etc.

 

 

Agistment


The VFF is coordinating offers of agistment for farmers whose livestock have been affected by the bushfires. Visit the VFF website www.vff.org.au or tel: 1300 882 833. Victorian farmers affected by the bushfires need urgent help with fodder and agistment. If you are able to offer support please register via phone 1300 882 833 or download our Bushfire Fodder/Agistment Donation Form and return via fax (03) 9207 5500 or email vff@vff.org.au 

If you are able to offer support click here to download the VFF's Bushfire Fodder/Agistment Form.



 

Aquaculture

 

Effects of Bushfire on Trout in Victoria (DPI, Fisheries Notes, updated March 2009)

 

 

Biodiversity & Bushland Environments

 

Fire & Biodiversity in Victoria's Parks & Forests (DSE, 2004)

This document explains in some detail how appropriate ecological burns are planned and implemented on public land in Victoria. It is written for those who seek a greater understanding of the science and policy behind ecological burning.

 

The Effects of Fire on Victorian Bushland Environments (DSE, 2004)

This documents the effects of bushfire on our environment including how many of our plants and animals have evolved to survive fire events and how many Australian ecosystems have developed very specialised relationships with fire.

 

 

Bushfire Recovery Publications

Recovery after Fire: Practical Steps for Landholders (DPI, booklet, February 2009)

This 28-page booklet, for primary producers and landholders, covers a wide range of bushfire recovery topics including livestock, fences, pasture recovery, soil erosion, pest control, and health/finances etc. For the web-based version of the booklet click here Hard copies of the booklet are available from DPI, phone 136 186 or email: customer.service@dpi.vic.gov.au

 

 

Dams

Has your Dam got a Blue Green Algae Problem? (DPI, Landcare Note, April 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines what is blue-green algae, what conditions favour its growth, why it is problem, what are its effects, and what can be done about it. 

 

Organic Pollution of Farm Dams - Prevention & Treatment (DPI, Landcare Note, December 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines the effect of organic pollution in dams on stock, how to prevent organic pollution reaching dams, how to remove it, and how to correct the problem. 

 

Water Quality for Farm Dams Supplies (DPI, Landcare Note, August 2004)

This Landcare Note discusses the physical, chemical and biological content of water and water quality needs for livestock and farms etc. 

 

How long will my Dam Water last? (DPI, Landcare Note, July 1996)

This Landcare Note is to help land managers calculate water demands by livestock on existing water storages, especially during drought.

 

How to Maintain your Farm Dam (DPI, Landcare Note, November 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines the regular inspection and maintenance requirements of dams to keep them in good order.

 

 

Erosion

Managing Erosion with Temporary Sediment Traps and Fences (DPI, Fact Sheet, March 2009)

This Fact Sheet outlines some of the options that can be used to deal with sediment after rain. 


Gully Erosion (DPI, Landcare Note, November 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines the causes, control measures and ways to prevent gully erosion.

 

Landslips (DPI, Landcare Note, November 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines the causes, ways to manage and prevent landslips.   


Soil Erosion By Water (DPI, Landcare Note, September 1998)

This Landcare Note outlines the causes, consequences, role of vegetation cover, and control principles of erosion.

 

Tunnel Erosion (DPI, Landcare Note, November 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines the factors that contribute to tunnel erosion and how it can be treated.

 

Trickle Flow Pipes for Erosion Control  (DPI, Landcare Note, May 2005)

This Landcare Note outlines how trickle flow pipes are used as an effective and cheap method  to control gully head erosion.

 

Trickle Pipes for Gully Erosion Control (DPI, Landcare Note, November 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines how trickle pipes can be used to protect gully erosion control structures.   


Stream Bank Erosion (DPI, Landcare Note, November 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines the causes of and how to manage stream bank erosion.  


What is Soil Degradation  (DPI, Landcare Note, December 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines the various forms of soil degradation, their causes, consequences and control measures.

 

Paddock Protection & Stock Management in Dry Times (DPI, Landcare Note, November 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines the management of paddocks and stock during dry times to avoid degradation of soil and water, damage to plants or seeds and long term financial loses.



Fencing


Fence Damage Caused by Bushfire

Government will reimburse reasonable insurance excess to a maximum of $400 on all insured Crown land boundary fences destroyed or damaged by bushfires (or fire suppression backburn.

 

Fence Damage Caused by Fire Agencies' Machinery

Government will repair or pay 100% restoration cost of fences damaged on private land as a result of machinery used in control of bushfires (includes damage to fences for emergency vehicles access). Will repair or replace Crown land boundary fences burnt by fire agencies undertaking backburning during an emergency.

 

Fire Control Lines

Government will fully fund the rehabilitation of fire control lines established by DSE or CFA as part of Incident Management during bushfire suppression activity regardless of the origin of the bushfire (public/Crown or private land).

 

Repair of Fences Damaged by Bushfire or Construction of Fire Control Lines (DSE, Fact Sheet, March 2009)

This Fact Sheet outlines the issues associated with repairing and replacing fences as part of the bushfire clean up and recovery process.

 

Re-fencing Properties after Bushfire (Fact Sheet, WorkSafe Victoria)

This Fact Sheet provides advice for handling hazards that you may encounter when searching though or cleaning up fire affected areas.

Rural Law online 
If you or your neighbours want to build a boundary fence or repair or replace an existing fence, your activities will be governed by the Fences Act 1968.

 

Fencing Volunteers

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is coordinating a register for fencing volunteers to log details for:

• Volunteers willing to assist with fencing activities
• Farmers requiring assistance with fencing
• Donations of fencing materials

Everybody who wants to volunteer to do re-fencing on farm or bushland properties should register as volunteers with the Victorian Farmers’ Federation. (VFF) in order to be covered by insurance while working. Property owners who wish to have volunteers carry out re-fencing on their property should also contact the VFF. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Wal Lawson (VFF Fencing Coordinator) on tel: 1300 882 833 or submit their details through the VFF’s website www.vff.org.au Local Fencing Coordinators have also been appointed for each area affected by the bushfires – see below.

VFF Contacts are:
Murrindindi Shire - Matt Ellis 0429 614 441
Mitchell Shire - Richard Gray 0400 578 533
Whittlesea & Nillumbik - Alex Sutherland 0419 354 266; Julie Sutherland  0408 311 212

 

More information

See Fencing Assistance Fact Sheet (DPI, March 2009, PDF 516 KB) which details the assistance the government will provide for damage to fences from bushfires, or fire suppression activity.

Fire Control Line Rehabilitation & Repair of Fences Damaged by Bushfire 2008-09 (up-dated 27 Feb. 2009)

This policy document clarifies the Victorian Government’s policy on the assistance available to landholders for rehabilitation of fire control lines and repair of fences damaged directly by either the fire agencies or a bushfire.



Fodder

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has recorded offers of fodder for emergency relief for farmers whose livestock have been affected by the bushfires. As a part of this process a number of offered donations were not used in the initial bushfire emergency response. Note: farmers looking to access fodder from this listing will be required to organise and fund transport themselves. Registration for fodder is available on the VFF’s website www.vff.org.au or tel: 1300 882 833. If you are able to offer support Click here to download the VFF's Bushfire Fodder/Agistment Form.

 

 


Foxes

Integrated Fox Control (DPI, Landcare Note, December 2007)

This Landcare Note provides advice on integrated fox control including assessing fox populations, timing of control, and the factors determining control.

 

 

Horticulture

Recovery of Olive Groves after Fire (DPI, Agriculture Note, March 2009)

This Agriculture Note outlines some of the key factors that need to be considered by fire-affected olive growers to help olive trees recover after fire.

 

Recovery from Fire Damage in Orchards (DPI, Agriculture Note, February 2009)

This Agriculture Note provides information on factors to consider for the recovery from fire damage in fruit orchards.

 

Smoke Effect in Grapes & Wines (DPI, Fact Sheet, March 2009)

This Fact Sheet provides information for those grapegrowers and wineries considering sampling grapes, wine or leaves to assess the likelihood of negative impacts of the smoke from bushfires.

 

Recovery from Fire Damage in Rubus Crops (DPI, Agriculture Note, March 2009)

This Agriculture Note outlines how fire damage in Rubus (raspberry and hybrid blackberry) crops affects plants, depending on the stage of development of the crop and fire intensity.

 


Livestock

Assistance and advice on how to help bushfire affected animals, and lost and found animals, is available. Farmers who need assistance in assessing burnt livestock should call the Victorian Bushfire Information line on 1800 240 667.


Livestock - Fact Sheets & Notes

See the Agriculture Notes and Fact Sheets below for information to help with the management and assessment of fire-affected livestock. 

 

Assessing Cattle after a Bushfire (DPI, Agriculture Note, December 2008)

This Agriculture Note describes how fire may affect cattle and how landholders can manage the situation.

 

Assessing Sheep after a Bushfire (DPI, Agriculture Note, December 2008)

This Agriculture Note describes how fire may affect sheep and how landholders can manage the situation.

 

Disposing of Carcases in Response to Bushfire (DPI, Agriculture Note, October 2006)

This Agriculture Note provides a guide for the effective disposal of carcases in response to bushfire.

 

Horses & Bushfires (DPI, Agriculture Note, updated March 2009)

This Agriculture Note describes how fire may affect horses and how landholders can manage the situation.

 

Assessing Alpacas after a Bushfire (Australian Alpaca Association) (PDF, 299KB)

DPI provided the information provided in this Note on managing alpacas after fire.  

 

Livestock & Your Bushfire Preparation Plan (DPI, Agriculture Note, February 2009)

This Agriculture Note describes the methods to contain and help protect livestock in the face of an approaching fire threat.

 

Feed Action Plans

Drought Feeding & Management of Sheep (DPI, booklet, December 2007)

This 54-page booklet is a practical guide on sheep feeding and management during drought.

 

Drought Feeding & Management of Beef Cattle (DPI, booklet, March 2007)

This 68-page booklet is a practical guide to assist in managing the planning, feeding and recovery periods of beef cattle a drought.


Stock Containment Areas - Fact Sheets & Notes

Stock containment areas help protect vegetative cover, and ease stock feeding, watering, monitoring and handling, and enable better control of weed contamination associated with imported feed. Note: Grants are available to establish stock containment areas - see Financial Assistance & Grants section.

 

Stock Containment Areas  (DPI, Landcare Note, April 2007)

This Landcare Note outlines what it is a stock containment area, the benefits and what is required to establish a stock containment area.

 

Water Supply for Stock Containment Areas (DPI, Landcare Note, September 2002)

This Landcare Note details the water requirements for a stock containment area, including water reticulation layout, troughs, pumping and flow rates. 

 

Planning Requirements for Feedlots of less than 50 Head Capacity (DPI, Landcare Note, February 2002)

This Landcare Note may be used as the lodgement form needed to fulfil the planning requirements for a feedlot of less than 50 stock.

 

 

Native Vegetation

 

Clearing Native Vegetation to Prepare for Bushfires (DSE, Fact Sheet, March 2009)

This Fact Sheet outlines the permit requirements and exemptions around the removal of native vegetation as part of bush fire prevention works.

 

Clearing Native Vegetation Affected by Bushfires (DSE, Fact Sheet, March 2009)

This Fact Sheet outlines the special exemptions that have been put in place for the removal of native vegetation as part of the bushfire recovery effort.  

 

 


Pasture

Pasture Recovery after Fire (DPI, Fact Sheet, April 2009)

This Fact Sheet goes through a decision flow chart for pasture recovery after fire. 

 

Pasture Recovery After Fire (DPI, Agriculture Note, March 1995)

This Agriculture Note deals with effects of fire on pasture, including impacts on annual and perennial species, weeds, soil fertility and carrying capacity.

 

A Simple Guide to Perennial Pasture Establishment (DPI, Fact Sheet, April 2009)

This Fact Sheet outlines the things to consider for pasture establishment.


Small Farm: Pastures (DPI, Agriculture Note, September 2006)

This Agriculture Note outlines the main factors to consider when selecting a pasture mix.  

 

 

Rabbits

Rabbits: Warren Destruction & Harbour Management (DPI, Landcare Note, October 2003) This Landcare Note describes methods of destroying rabbit warrens and outlines approaches to managing above-ground harbour.

 

Rabbit Control using Pindone Poison (DPI, Landcare Note, February 2001)

This Landcare Note describes methods of controlling rabbits using Pindone, including timing, preparation and planning, and equipment needed etc.

 

Rabbits: Methods of Fumigating Rabbit Burrows (DPI, Landcare Note, June 1999)

This Landcare Note describes methods of fumigating rabbit warrens, including the steps for fumigation.

 

 

Water

Water Quality for Farm Water Supplies (DPI, Landcare Note, August 2004)

This Landcare Note outlines the various contents of water and their qualities.

 

Water Conservation on Rural Properties (DPI, Landcare Note, December 1999)

This Landcare Note outlines the needs of a rural property to collect, store and distribute water, and the influence of these on the sustainablity of land use activity.

 

Measuring the Salinity in Water (DPI, Landcare Note, November 1999)

This Landcare Note is to guide the collection of water samples and recording their salinity levels.

 

Water Supply for Stock Containment Areas (DPI, Landcare Note, September 2002)

This Landcare Note details the water requirements for a stock containment area, including the water reticulation layout, troughs, pumping and flow rates. 

 

Melbourne Water

Click here for the Melbourne Water website which outlines the impact the fires have had on the region’s catchments, water quality, and rivers and creeks.

 

 


Weeds

Weed Warning

Weed Warning: Drought, Fire & Flood (DPI, Fact Sheet, February 2009)

The risk of weed invasion, and their impact on farms and the environment dramatically increases during and after an emergency such as drought, fire or flood. This Fact Sheet outlines some simple actions to minimise the risk from weeds.

 

 

The following weeds germinate en masse after fire, eg Blackberry, Cape or Montpellier Broom and Gorse. Below are some notes on weed species that need to be tackled as priority after fire.    

 

Angled Onion

Angled Onion (DPI, Coastal Note, August 2001)

This Coastal Note details the options for the management Angled Onion.

 

Blackberry

Blackberry - Management (DPI, Landcare Note, September 2007)

This Landcare Note details the options for the management Blackberry.

 

Cape Broom/Montpellier Broom

Cape Broom/Montpellier Broom (DPI, Landcare Note, September 2007)

This Landcare Note outlines the way to control Cape Broom/Montpellier Broom. 

 

Gorse/Furze

Gorse/Furze - Management (DPI, Landcare Note, April 2008) 

This Landcare Note details options for the management of Gorse/Furze.

 

 

Wildlife

Wildlife Welfare after Wildfires (DSE, Fact Sheet)

This Fact Sheet outlines what to do with native wildlife injured during fires and who to contact for assistance.

 

Fire & Biodiversity: Responding to Fire-affected Wildlife (DSE, Fact Sheet, 2007)

This Fact Sheet outlines what happens to wildlife during fires, their treatment, and what you can do to help.

 

 

Wildlife Shelters

Click here for the wildlife rescue information site on the DSE website for wildlife affected by fire. 



Statewide

Help for Wildlife 24hr emergency service 0417 380 687 www.helpforwildlife.com


RSPCA general enquiries 9224 2222 or contact your local shelter www.rspcavic.org

Wildlife Victoria 24hr Hotline 1300 094 535 or 13000Wildlife www.wildlifevictoria.org.au

WRIN Wildlife Rescue & Information Network 0419 356 433 www.wrin.asn.au

WRES Wildlife Rescue Emergency Service 0427 301 401 www.wres.org.au

BADGAR Emergency Wildlife & Rescue 1300 223427 or 1300BADGAR www.wildlifeshelter.org.au

Local
AWARE 24hr rescue hotline & general inquiries 0412 433 727
www.awarewildlife.org.au

Healesville Sanctuary accepts native wildlife for treatment 5957 2829

RACV Wildlife Connect 13 11 11or go to Wildlife Connect