Allocations of river and groundwater have been traditionally treated separately in Australia and many other parts of the world even though in many regions groundwater and river systems are hydraulically connected. Groundwater extractions in areas where river systems are hydraulically connected can cause substantial impacts to river flows particularly base flows or low flows, which are considered to be ecologically important.

Traditional groundwater modelling approaches tend to be undertaken on time scales of weeks or months which are not sufficient to demonstrate the impacts of groundwater extractions in many river systems, particularly where flows are ephemeral. This research considers the impacts of groundwater extraction on surface water flows using a simple conceptual modelling approach called IHACRES_GW. The Cox’s creek catchment in the Namoi river basin, Australia is

used as a case study. The research effectively demonstrates that groundwater extractions are having significant impacts on baseflows in this area and that current policies will not be effective in reducing these impacts. The research also demonstrates the potential of such an approach to be used in conjunction with traditional groundwater models when setting allocation limits and considering sustainable groundwater yields.

The application of the IHACRES_GW model in the Cox’s Creek subcatchment demonstrated that groundwater extraction affects the frequency, timing and magnitude of baseflow events, and that the impacts vary not only as a consequence of the extraction rates and other losses to groundwater storage, but also according to the groundwater recharge rates. The legacy that historical rates of extraction have on overall groundwater storage volumes and associated baseflow discharges is a function of the net recharge to the exploited aquifer system versus loss as a consequence of extraction and other groundwater losses. It can take decades or

longer to recharge aquifers to pre-drought storage levels if groundwater resources have been heavily and/or overly exploited. Conversely, during wetter climatic periods, particularly when associated with flooding and increased groundwater recharge, groundwater storages may be replenished within a relatively short time. Although groundwater recharge rates are not required for estimating sustainable pumping rates, they are critical for an accurate assessment of groundwater-river interactions and sustainability assessments.

Application of the IHACRES_GW model to the Cox’s creek catchment has been able to show that the estimated sustainable yields of 7,200 ML for zone 2 and 18,600 ML/yr for the combined zone 2 and zone 9, covering the entire Cox’s creek catchment are likely to have significant impacts on surface water resources in the area. The lower limit in zone 2 is likely to reduce baseflows by 6,000 ML/yr and lead to slower recoveries of the river system following drought periods. The model shows that for extraction rates greater than 9,000 ML/yr the groundwater and surface water systems would be permanently disconnected. It suggests that a limit of between 7,000 and 8,000 ML/yr across the whole subcatchment (including both zone 2 and zone 9) would be most appropriate.

If results of this research were to be adopted by government the outcomes for irrigation industries are likely to be variable. In some areas this could mean reduced groundwater allocations, particularly during dry periods, although this is likely to be offset in other parts of the industry by increased surface water availability and improved capacity of the river system to recover from drought. It is possible that some impacts could be offset by allowing greater surface water access, although the nature of impacts from such a scheme would need to be tested.

Meeting opened with Axel Dreiling’s presentation of results from CSITC 7001-1

round trial. I have attached following reports:

• Explanation. PDF (explanation of results)

• RT7001-1 General Lab. PDF (results of all labs)

Information data was accepted by committee.

Other reports I have not attached as follows:

• Evaluation of individual lab for each instrument

• Certificates (New addition. One certificate for participation for each labs

instrument and one certificate providing evaluation result for each labs

instrument.

There were 55 labs that participated and 70 instruments. This compares to 40 labs

and 46 instruments for pilot trial 2. CSITC are hoping for 58 labs and 76 instruments

for the next trial. Only 2 Australian labs and 4 instruments participated in CSITC

7001-1 trial. The main reasons why only 2 labs participated are machine problems,

holidays and labs closing down for off season.

Performance details in Final Report

The key purpose of this Primary Industry Health and Safety Partnership strategic plan is to guide the R&D activities supported by the Farm Health and Safety Joint Research Venture over the next 5 years in

the effort to prevent injury on farms. The Joint Venture is coordinated by the

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and funded

with the support of a range of other organisations including Grains Research

& Development Corporation, Meat & Livestock Australia, Sugar Research &

Development Corporation, Cotton Research & Development Corporation and

Australian Wool lnnovations Pty Ltd.

Snapshot of the FiveYear Plan

Vision

The vision presents the ideal view of the world that will be achieved not only

through the R&D program but also the efforts of the industry and government

agencies promoting OHS and the effort of individual farmers in adopting safe

systems of work.

Enhanced well being and productivity in rural industries through improved

OHS status of Australian agriculture delivered by the establishment of safe

systems of work on farms.

Mission

To coordinote and support R&D to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate

safe systems of work on farms across all rural industries.

Objectives

I. To increase the adoption of safe systems of work on farms

2. To develop the information and systems to ensure the health and safety

of persons transporting, handling, applying and otherwise affected by

agricultural and veterinary chemicals

3. To complete on-farm safety management packages for all major

commodities including horticultural industries and encourage their

incorporation into broader farm management packages

4. To update and further develop training material and delivery modes more

likely to be taken up by farmers

5. To maintain, support and utilise the collection of data on farm health and

safety issues

I would like to report on CSITC results for the 2nd pilot trial and the benefits to CCAA Classing Facilities to continue in this program.

This report outlines the results of surveys conducted by of their

membership and cotton growers from across the production valleys in eastern Australia.

Results from the grower survey show that overall, Bollgard RR was the gene stack that was planted most by

survey respondents, at 60.6 per cent of cotton planted, with Bollgard next at 24 per cent. However, this

varied by region, with Bollgard RR varieties making up 81.4 per cent of the surveyed cotton area in the

Southern zone, and only 36.8 per cent in the Northern zone (where Bollgard was higher at 47.9 per cent).

Conventional and Conventional RR varieties made up only 15.8 per cent of the total cotton area planted by

survey respondents. Conventional RR varieties were highest in the Southern zone, at 12.5 per cent (5.8 per

cent being the overall mean).

Forecasts of future variety mix by respondents showed a slight increase in the percentage of Bollgard

varieties to be planted in the upcoming 2006-2007 season. Significant increases in Bollgard plantings

included the Border Districts zone (up from 22.8 per cent to 32.4 per cent of all varieties planted), while

Bollgard RR gains were most significant in the Southern zone (up from 81.4 per cent to 92.7 per cent).

Overall, all Bollgard varieties (Bollgard and Bollgard RR), were predicted to increase as a percentage of the

total cotton crop planted from 84.6 per cent to 89.9 per cent for the sample in the survey.

Growers were also grouped in terms of their attitude to whether they considered using Roundup Ready

varieties “better in their situation” than over-the-top (OTT) herbicides. This analysis showed that growers

responding to the survey, who agreed with the statement, grew a higher percentage of RR cotton, were

younger and had been involved with cotton production for less time than other growers. These same

growers were larger employers, and had a larger percentage of their irrigation supply from ground-water

sources.

As in previous surveys of consultants the relative control of weeds in low pressure fields was considered

best where RR technology was employed in conjunction with a conventional herbicide program. A similar

outcome was recorded for those fields with high pressure whereby the combination of Roundup Ready

technology and a conventional herbicide program received the highest ranking in aggregate. A majority of

consultants were uncertain as to whether RR cotton showed a difference in yield with a slightly larger

percentage of respondents (18.9%) noting a decrease in yield as opposed to the 13.5 per cent who observed

a yield increase. A higher proportion of respondents also ranked the economic performance of RR

technology higher on high weed pressure fields in aggregate to that experienced where RR was employed

on low weed pressure fields.

A small number of respondents reported having some experience with Roundup Ready Flex technology.

Comments from these consultants suggest that pricing issues associated with the new technology’s

introduction will be important as they asses performance in future seasons. Comments on the expected

advantages and disadvantages of RR Flex were well contributed. The responses indicate that there is a

wide spectrum of opinions surrounding how RR Flex may perform, suggesting that until more commercial

results are available, consultants will be unsure of which applications of the technology will deliver greatest

value to growers.

I

ntegrated weed management and the issue of herbicide resistance was a constant theme in many of the

comments contributed by consultants. Consultants and growers know the benefits that have accrued during

the period during which Roundup Ready varieties have been available to the industry. Similarly, these crop

managers are concerned about the long-term viability of their weed management strategies and the need to

have a number of methods available to combat this constant threat to production. The advent of Roundup Ready Flex will present the industry with a range of alternative approaches to weed management, it will be in the industry’s long-term benefit to closely monitor the changes to on-farm management and weed spectrums that occur as a result.

A major challenge for the insect pest management is responding to resistance.The spread of resistance 'genes' throughout a population depends upon initital frequencies, dominance, fitness consequences and the mating system of the pest. The latter is often ignored in pest management strategies, which assume that insects mate randomly and disregard the possibility that females exercise some choice in mating partner. There is now widespread evidence that females both actively select mating partners and, in those species in which females mate with more than one male, influence the paternity of their offspring.

Wincott – the Women’s Industry Network Cotton – has achieved all the objectives of this project. Founded in 2002, it now operates successfully as a network for women involved directly and indirectly in the Australian cotton industry. Original funding from the Cotton Research and Development Corporation established the network and provided co-ordination for the development and research of relevant services. Wincott has progressed its goal to become self sufficient through sponsorship from our gold sponsors: Monsanto, ANZ, Grant Thornton, and silver sponsorship from: Telstra, Bayer Crop Science and Drummuster Wincott provides members with opportunities for personal and career development and fosters their mainstream industry participation, benefiting the industry at the same time with a new or improved talent pool. It caters for women at all levels of skills, confidence and aspirations, ranging from those who wish to learn more about cotton growing and the cotton industry through to women who may wish to undertake a broader role within the industry or in the wider agricultural or natural resource sectors. A number of Wincott members have used the skills gained through Wincott to take up important leadership roles in the industry or to contribute to their regional communities. The Wincott network is cost effective and uses existing industry structures and a wide range of resources to achieve its aims and objectives. In the final year of the project (2005–06), membership fees were abolished. Members used the skills, confidence and contacts they have gained from Wincott activities to seek other sources of sponsorship and project funding, meaning Wincott has achieved the important objective of becoming a strong and financially self-sustaining organisation. Wincott’s current database has 280 women on it, with membership stretching from Emerald in Queensland to Hillston in New South Wales, as well as metropolitan areas. Membership encompasses growers, consultants, researchers, partners of cotton personnel, spray applicators and many others. The current committee of eleven, is indicative of the strength & breadth of membership. They include growers, consultants, researchers and industry personnel from all the cotton growing regions. From its inception Wincott has organised information days, training courses, assistance with applications for grants and awards and regular newsletters and has an up-to-date website, launched at the Annual General Meeting in Narrabri in 2005. This has a range of information, from Wincott activities (including past newsletters) to cotton industry news and updates on cotton industry-related regulatory issues. It provides links to relevant cotton, agricultural and government websites. The number of visits to the Newsletters page on the Wincott website has increased considerably and the newsletters have been a successful tool for promoting Wincott-sponsored workshops and courses. Wincott has achieved widespread acceptance within the cotton industry because of its success in providing women with the confidence and knowledge to participate fully within the mainstream industry. Wincott has become a valuable means of disseminating information throughout the industry. Other cotton organisations now use Wincott to promote industry events such as farm health and skills shortage workshops and Wincott’s cotton industry ‘starter kit’, which provides basic, easy to understand details about the industry is being used by other industry organisations. After an approach by Grant Thornton Accountants, Sydney, Wincott is assisting with succession planning workshops in all cotton valleys in the second half of 2006. Wincott has also worked to strengthen the linkages between the cotton industry and the community and provides direct communication between industry, research organisations, government and other organisations that have a direct impact on the community’s perception of the cotton industry. This work has been aided by Wincott media releases, articles in rural magazines and newspapers and a stand at trade fairs and the Australian Cotton Conference to promote the organisations’s work. Through the Australian Women in Agriculture forum, Wincott has been able to promote science-based discussion and disseminate information on issues such as biotechnology, water use and environmental issues to women in other agricultural industries. Looking to the future, Wincott will continue its present range of activities and actively seek opportunities to provide further information and training opportunities for its members, while pursuing further sponsorships to enable new activities.

Beneficial insects (generalist predators and parasitoids) occur within cotton agro ecosystems in Australia, but farming systems do not always encourage their survival. Recent changes in cotton production, like the cultivation of genetically modified cotton, the formation of area wide management groups and the subsequent reduction in pesticide applications, have all contributed to the survival of beneficial insects on cotton properties. Populations of generalist predators can be found on other common crops (e.g. winter wheat, sorghum and lucerne), but the planting of such crops varies, depending on water availability. Little attention has been given to the non-crop vegetation (native trees, grasses and shrubs and introduced weeds) surrounding cotton fields and the role it may play in supporting populations of beneficial insects. In this study, various habitats were sampled and the spatial and temporal patterns of several generalist predator species investigated. Potential resources provided by the habitats and ways of improving habitats were also identified. Finally, the movement of generalist predators between habitats and cotton at small (field) and large (area-wide group) scales was investigated.

This study was done in northern New South Wales, in a cotton growing area surrounded by a planted windbreak of native trees and shrubs, mature river red gum trees (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.), pastures, dryland lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and a travelling stock route (corridor of communal grazing land). A suction sampler was used to collect the following predators: Heteroptera - Nabis kinbergii (Reuter); Neuroptera - Mallada signata (Schneider) and Micromus tasmaniae (Walker); Coleoptera - Coccinella transversalis (Fabricius), Diomus notescens (Blackburn), Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) and Dicranolaius bellulus (Guerin-Meneville). Three years of sampling were undertaken, commencing in July (winter) and ceasing in February (summer) of each year. Oviposition sites for some of the predators were identified. Predator species differed in their preferred oviposition habitats. Predators were found to be present in the surrounding habitats throughout the sampling period and there were significant differences in predator abundance between years and months for all habitats. Rainfall influenced the annual variations in predator numbers, and the monthly variations in predator population abundance were attributed to summer pesticide applications as well as a mass spring emergence of M. tasmaniae.

It was found that the surrounding habitats supported populations of predators by providing resources like oviposition sites and that habitat specialisation by different predator species means that a range of habitats is needed to support a suite of generalist predators.

Cotton is irrigated using irrigation channels. These channels also provide indirect irrigation to the surrounding habitats, particularly along the tail drain. An experiment investigated the impact of the irrigation channel on arthropods within the habitat immediately adjacent to the irrigation channel and compared it with a non-irrigated habitat nearby. Two sections of the same native windbreak, one adjacent to the irrigation channel and the other away from the irrigation channel were sampled using a suction sampler from July (winter) to December (summer). Arthropods were sorted to Order. There was no significant difference in the total numbers of arthropods collected in the two sections of the windbreak. However, significantly more Araneae, Neuroptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Homoptera were present in the irrigated section. As many predators are found within these orders, irrigation has the potential to increase predator populations within the windbreak. The surrounding habitat is only valuable to cotton growers if predators move from the habitat into cotton. The movement of generalist predators between a windbreak and a cotton crop was investigated by applying fluorescent dyes to the native windbreak and placing yellow sticky traps in the cotton to catch marked predators. Whilst small numbers of marked predators were found within the windbreak, no predators were collected on the yellow sticky traps, suggesting that predators did not move from the adjacent vegetation into the cotton during this experiment. A further study investigating the colonisation patterns of the generalist predators in newly planted cotton, indicated that they colonised fields very early, in some cases 2 weeks after planting (when cotton cotyledons were newly emerged from the soil), and were highly mobile over distances of 500 m. The observed migration distance of 700 m supports the suggestion that predators were not only migrating from adjacent vegetation but also from further afield. This means that cotton producers need to take the broader landscape into consideration when looking at the spatial pattern of habitats on their properties and adjacent areas. The regional movement of generalist predators over distances of 10 km was investigated using three seasons of data collected by researchers at the Australian Cotton Research Institute. The movement of generalist predators varied depending on the pest pressure, spray activity and spatial pattern of cotton and native vegetation. The mobility of predators means that spatial patterns need to be widened when considering habitat management. The results of this thesis will assist cotton growers in the management of the surrounding non-cotton habitats. For example the maintenance of a variety of habitats like grasses, shrubs and trees is needed to support a range of predators. These habitats can be enhanced if they are able to access water in dry times. The mobility of predators suggests a broader spatial scale should be considered when planning the spatial arrangement of these habitats in cotton-growing districts.

Broad Mites ; Ecology, damage and control

Cotton gin trash comprises of leaf matter, bark, soils and other matter that has been collected during cotton harvest and is removed from the cotton lint during the ginning process.

The NSW Environment Protection Agency (EPA) raised concerns about the pesticide

residues that may be contained in gin trash and has suggested that it may be classified as a hazardous waste. Cotton ginners were highly concerned about the potential costs and practical implications of such a classification of this high volume waste. In response, the Cotton Research and Development Corporation commissioned a research project, costed at $120,000, to assess the pesticide levels in gin trash. The research found that pesticide residue levels were generally

below that of the hazardous waste thresholds. As a result of this and negotiation by industry, gin trash is now expected to be classified as a solid waste.

This analysis was commissioned in order to compare the benefits and costs to industry of the change in classification of cotton gin trash. In order to undertake an economic assessment of this research, it was necessary to first develop a credible potential treatment method for gin trash as a hazardous waste. If the reclassification had been approved by the EPA, development and implementation of a treatment method would have been the responsibility of the cotton industry.

A Net Present Value of $1,232 million is estimated for the economic assessment. The calculated benefit is large and demonstrates the high value of the research to industry. The research was considered to have played the critical role in obtaining the solid waste classification of cotton gin trash. The majority of the benefit can be attributed to the avoidance of costs to industry, in particular the much higher trash sample testing costs under the hazardous waste classification.