www.wicc.hostwa.com.au			Issue 1 - June 2007
WINRAP NEWS
Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee Inc.
The Wilson Inlet catchment covers 2254sq.km of farmland, forests and towns. Welcome to our first edition Welcome to our first edition of WINRAP NEWS, produced by the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee (WICC). WINRAP stands for the Wilson Inlet Nutrient Reduction Action Plan. The Action Plan is a 5 year program to reduce algae coverage in the inlet to help secure the future health of this culturally and environmentally important estuary. The plan focuses on work that has the greatest level of community support and likelihood of implementation, and that provides the best environmental benefits for the resources used. Options to deal with excess nutrient input have been discussed for many years by various sections in the community. Using the results of extensive studies WINRAP has steered away from major engineering solutions and instead looks to the cause of the problem, rather than just dealing with the symptoms. As such we work with all sections of the community to better manage the risks associated with nutrients. Major activities under the WINRAP include helping landowners to improve fertilizer efficiency through improved pasture management, having a better understanding of their soils and minimising nutrient export through correct waterway management (such as creating vegetated buffers or improved drainage design). We also help intensive rural land uses with nutrient wastes and work to ensure planning decisions take into account urban or industrial nutrient sources. The Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee receives State and Australian Government funding through the South Coast Natural Resource Management (NRM) Inc to undertake on ground actions with technical support from the Department of Water. - by Craig Carter, WICC Project Officer
			Inside this issue: Perennial Pastures - the why and how Spotlight on Tall Wheat Grass Seagrass mapping in Wilson Inlet New support group for the lower catchment Funding Assistance Project Officer Update On the Ground Who's involved in WINRAP
From the Chair Mike Lanigan, Mt Barker farmer and WICC Chairman On behalf of Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee (WICC), I would like to welcome you to the inaugural edition of the WINRAP news. The importance of Wilson Inlet and nutrient reduction is paramount in WICC's vision to leave a sustainable environment for future generations and it's great to be able to have a regular publication that can promote the important work being done. This newsletter will also provide practical tips for householders, farmers and industry to help us all move towards our shared vision. The Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee employs a NRM officer and Project Officer based in Mt Barker, as well as a Project Officer based in Denmark. These people are here to assist in the implementation of on ground NRM works in the catchment. Along with the WINRAP we are implementing other important projects such as, the Upper Hay Strategic Catchment Plan, which aims to tackle salinity and eutrophication in the Upper Hay sub-catchment. As a community organization we encourage you to become part of WICC through becoming a member or nominating to be part of the management committee. I also encourage landowners to take advantage of our landcare and sustainable farming funding grants. This is your opportunity to become involved in Natural Resource Management in the Wilson Inlet catchment.
Do you want to find out more about the WINRAP, download the plan or find information to help you implement your landcare or farming project? Visit www.scric.org/winrap