Oyster Harbour catchment covers 3,000 square kilometers and stretches from Albany in the south to Tenterden in the north. It contains some of the Great Southerns best natural assets. As an organisation we coordinate ​many project and workshops 

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Regional Estuaries Initiative- uPtake project 

"uPtake" originally called "smart farming" is a partnership project designed to improve nutrient use efficiency on grazing farms in South West Western Australia by improving farmer and industry knowledge, confidence and uptake of the science supporting fertiliser recommendations.

This project has established at least 36 fertiliser trials across the South West over a range of soil types with contemporary pasture species to develop phosphorus response curves. 
OHCG are hosting four of these on-farm fertilizer trials over the next three years. These trials explore innovative technology and practices to improve nutrient use efficiency on grazing farms in the South West and reduce excess nutrient runoff into waterways and estuaries.

This project is designed to measure pasture growth across a range of soils with different levels of phosphorous and other nutrients are applied, improving industry and farmer confidence in evidence-based fertiliser management. Representatives from major fertiliser companies, dairy and beef industry groups, scientists, farmers and state government agencies and catchment management bodies collaborate to form a technical advisory group to ensure success of the program.

The first measurements commenced last month.  Pasture growth is being measured in a number of ways including some innovative new methods. These include use of drones with infa-red and NVDI imagery, traditional pasture cuts and visual assessment, as well as sonar (similar to echo sounder).  Results should give local farmers more confidence in determining the correct phosphorous applications to achieve production targets with minimal waste and leaching into waterways. Thanks to CSBP for their support and involvement in both accuspread and the uPtake program.
 
Garan Peirce, District Manager from CSBP fertilisers attended the technical group meeting and said “I’m confident the project will build on current industry knowledge of efficient and effective nutrient use for the longer term benefit of farmers and the local environment”.

Cameron Allan, Program Manager from Meat & Livestock Australia said the participants were an excellent mix to address this multi-faceted issue requiring underpinning science, demonstrations, communication and establishing a common value message from advisors and agribusiness.
 “The issues being addressed by the project bridges the production needs of both regional beef and dairy producers, resource management, applied research, agribusiness and information delivery,”

There will be a small field walk to view trial results on the 15th August at 9am and another on the 18th of September. Contact Bruce Radys our REI project officer to learn more 0428 994 408 or bruce.radys@ohcg.org.au.

​* The project is jointly funded through the State Government's Regional Estuaries Initiative and the Australian Governments' National Landcare Program

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Unique or Invasive

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Our catchment is rich in natural assets such as King river, Kalgan river, Porongurup national park, the Stirling ranges as well as 31 nature reserves and 38 heritage sites. It’s particularly known for its biodiversity, located in an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot. Unfortunately, many of our endemic plants are at risk due to invasive weeds dominating the landscape. 

Spring is a great burst of colour which can be used to identify many different type of flowering plants both native and weeds. While your out in the bush or on your property keep an eye out for the invaders and try to control them before they go to seed.

If you need help with this Oyster Harbour Catchment Group has just finished making a weed booklet to help, if you would like one make sure you become a member.


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Phone: (08) 9851 2703
Mobile: 0419 646 390 (not currently allocated to an individual staff member)
Plantagenet Landcare Centre,
Old Railway Station.
Po Box 118
Mt Barker WA 6324
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​Office Hours: Mon-Fri 0830 - 1700 hrs
​(Office may be unattended as we are often in the field)

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