Martindale Creek Catchment Landcare is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. We were officially Incorporated in January 2015 after six months of research by a community steering committee and preparation of a Constitution for formalising the group. Our focus is strongly on weed control and protecting the natural environment and our agricultural resources through this means. The welfare of our land and waterways matters for all of us!
Martindale Creek itself flows over 60km, half within the Wollemi National Park and the lower half through a series of private properties to its junction with the Hunter River. It is an important feature within our local landscape and our agricultural base. As such, protecting the habitat surrounding it impacts more than just the weed load, as it has value to our leisure and our way of life, as well as the native flora and fauna that also rely on its health.
The Martindale valley is home to some very special flora and fauna, not least of which are several Threatened and Endangered species. Local native residents include the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, woodland birds such as the Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Rockwarbler and other birds like the Painted Honeyeater, and Gang-gang and Glossy Black cockatoos. We have extremely special flora that grows here, such as the (Muswellbrook Shire emblem) Pine Donkey Orchid, a threatened species within the Muswellbrook Shire, as well as the Pink Commersonia and many other notable species. One of our Landcare projects is the establishment of several recovery populations on private land of the critically-endangered Denman Pomaderris.
On the human level Martindale is home to cattle farms, horse studs, broadacre and hay farmers as well as people who have moved here simply for the lifestyle and ambience we love.
Over the years we have completed one and a half runs of weed management along the lower 30km, so 45km of weed control in total length. We focus on putting spray teams in systematically along the creek from the top down, while at the same time supporting surrounding farmers with funded chemicals, and providing education through field days. We have a facilitatory role connecting farmers with outside agencies such as the Upper Hunter Weeds Authority, Hunter Local Land Services, NPWS and others. We have been lucky to have funding support from multiple outside sources, not least of which is the ongoing support we receive from Muswellbrook Shire Council and the Regional Weeds Officer from Hunter Local Land Services.
Physical control of African Boxthorn.
We work closely with the Hunter Bird Observers Club for our bird monitoring, the state of which can reflect the overall health of our local environment. We are lucky to be home to well over 100 resident and regular migratory bird species.
Over the past 10 years we have managed programs in excess of $100,000 in funding, held field days, workshops and social gatherings. We have become a central source of disseminating information into our community for natural disasters as well as Landcare-based activities. Our ever-popular soup, damper and video nights have brought our community together for fun, laughter and social cohesion. We have won awards for our work at both local, regional and State levels, and in all this, we have even planted A TREE!
Col explaining his pasture practices – Winona.
We have targeted Green Cestrum, Tree of Heaven, Coolatai grass, St. John’s Wort, Honey Locust and African Boxthorn. We have looked at many methods of control for weeds and have investigated and shared this knowledge within our community. We have learnt about alternative methods for managing our farms through regenerative means rather than more traditional agriculture. We participate in citizen science where we can, and share our findings willingly in many spaces. We have counted birds, laid camera traps for native fauna and fairies, weathered drought and bushfires and floods, welcomed new members and farewelled others.
We feel honoured to have the support of the majority of our local community through membership. Even though we don’t hold many working bees or gatherings to undertake community environmental work, we support our community through a myriad of ways and appreciate their support in return. (If you are in the catchment, we are always keen for new members!) It sounds a lot when you say it all in one place! All done by our wonderful Committee and Executive, and members when they can, out of care and concern for this wonderful place where we live!
If you want to know more, we have a Facebook page and can be found on Landcarer and our Landcare NSW Gateway web page, although Facebook is our most active social media presence. If we inspire you, find your local Landcare group and see what they do, or maybe even start your own!
If you are interested in joining the Martindale Creek Catchment Landcare Group, please contact
E: martindalecreeklandcare@gmail.com, or see their Webpage for more information.