Blakebrook Students Champion Conservation Efforts

By Robert Heyward

Students from Blakebrook Public School have embraced the opportunity to learn about their local environment from experts who are deeply committed to its care.

Last week, the entire school embarked on an educational excursion to Lindendale, where they explored conservation practices in partnership with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) and Petaurus Education Group. The highlight of the day was a visit to Brockley, a private property near Alstonville that features a significant area of threatened big scrub rainforest. This remarkable site is protected in perpetuity through a conservation covenant with the NSW BCT, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

The students were warmly welcomed by property owners Charlie and Jenny Handley. Charlie, who grew up on the property, shared his journey of actively restoring the big scrub rainforest since 1997.

“We had these remnant patches of rainforest that were never cleared, so we started to plant around them and connect them up. Now, with the covenant in place protecting the rainforest forever, we’re thrilled to use this place as an educational resource for younger generations,” Charlie said.

Brockley has been in Charlie Handley’s family for generations, and he and wife Jenny are proud to share the history of the property with the students. Credit: Mindy Greenwood/NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust

“I can see the impact we’ve made on some of these kids today. I think they’ll leave with the understanding that they, too, can make a meaningful difference in caring for nature.”

Alice McGrath, Education Team Leader at the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, highlighted the importance of hands-on experiences in fostering a connection with nature.

“Giving children the opportunity to witness conservation efforts firsthand helps them build an understanding and respect for the environment,” Ms. McGrath said.

“This generation has experienced firsthand the impact of natural disasters like floods and fires. Days like these are vital for inspiring hope and showing them the power of conservation.”

The day’s activities included a guided walk around the property, a water bug study to assess water health, and a lesson in building native bee hotels for blue-banded bees. These engaging exercises tied into prior lessons delivered by Petaurus Education Group, aligning with the NSW school curriculum and reinforcing classroom learning.

Blakebrook students left the property inspired, equipped with knowledge, and empowered to contribute to conservation in their own communities.

To learn more about private land conservation with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, or to explore how the Conservation Champions program can engage your school, visit bct.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 992 688.

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Avoid Handling Bats to Protect Yourself from Lyssavirus

By Robert Heyward

Residents of Northern NSW are being urged to avoid handling or touching flying foxes and microbats to protect themselves against serious infections, including the Australian bat lyssavirus, which poses a significant health risk to humans.

What is Australian Bat Lyssavirus?

Australian bat lyssavirus can only be transmitted to humans through contact with the saliva of an infected flying fox or microbat.

Transmission occurs when saliva enters through:

• An open wound
• The eyes or mouth

Increased Risk in Spring and Summer

Robin Auld, Acting Director of North Coast Population and Public Health, cautioned residents to stay vigilant during spring and summer when flying foxes and microbats are most active.

“We often see an increase in people being scratched by bats during late spring,” Mr. Auld said. “If you encounter an injured or distressed bat, do not attempt to handle it yourself.”

What to Do if You’re Bitten or Scratched

If you are bitten or scratched by a flying fox or microbat:

1. Wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Apply an antiseptic with antiviral properties.
3. Seek urgent medical attention to determine your risk and, if necessary, begin rabies post-exposure treatment.

Early treatment is critical, as there is no effective treatment once symptoms of lyssavirus appear, and the disease is almost always fatal.

Symptoms of Lyssavirus

Initial symptoms are flu-like and may include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Fatigue

The illness progresses rapidly to:

• Paralysis
• Delirium
• Convulsions
• Death

What to Do if You See a Bat

• Injured or distressed bats: Contact wildlife rescue organizations such as WIRES: 1300 094 737
• Dead bats in public areas: Notify your local council for proper disposal.

Protecting Yourself from Lyssavirus Overseas

Lyssaviruses, including rabies, are also present in some of Australia’s closest neighbours like Bali and Thailand. To protect yourself when traveling:

• Consult your doctor at least 1 month before departure about pre-travel rabies vaccination.
• Avoid all contact with wild and domestic animals.

For More Information

• Contact North Coast Population and Public Health at 1300 066 055.
• Visit the NSW Health website for additional resources.

By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and others from this serious health threat.

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2024 Beef Gross Margin Budgets Reflect Industry Strength Amid Challenges

By Ian Rogers

The latest beef gross margin budgets from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) reveal that returns from beef enterprises across New South Wales remain steady, with slight variations due to market conditions and rising costs.

Key highlights from the analysis include:

• Inland weaner production margins rose slightly from $39.22/Dry Sheep Equivalent (DSE) to $39.79/DSE.
• Coastal weaners on improved pasture saw an increase from $40.14/DSE to $41.83/DSE.
• Feeder steers from self-replacing herds improved marginally from $51.69/DSE to $52.14/DSE.
• However, margins for growing out purchased weaner steers to feedlot weights fell significantly from $48.61/DSE to $41.41/DSE, reflecting a decline of approximately $60 per steer.

Challenges and Opportunities

Todd Andrews, NSW DPIRD Beef Development Officer, highlighted rising transport and animal health costs as key pressures on the sector. Despite these challenges, the robust prices for weaners and the potential to grow steers to heavier weights offer promising opportunities.

“Producers in regions with strong seasonal conditions, such as the Hunter, Central, and Northern NSW, might consider finishing steers on pasture to achieve heavier carcase weights instead of sending them to feedlots. However, this strategy requires careful assessment of growth patterns and market prices,” said Mr. Andrews.

Branded Grassfed Beef Markets on the Rise

The revival of branded grassfed beef markets, after a slow period in 2023, presents a profitable avenue for producers capable of finishing cattle on grass. Crossbred weaner heifers, currently discounted compared to steers, offer significant potential for grassfed programs.

“Producers with robust record-keeping and stock management practices can capitalize on the premium prices offered by these markets,” Mr. Andrews noted.

Cost Relief and Export Demand

• Fertiliser prices have declined, easing cost pressures slightly, but rising transport costs remain a concern.
• Export demand for Australian beef, particularly from the USA, is projected to remain strong, with potential increases in 2025-26.

“Producers who focus on boosting productivity while managing costs and risks will be well-positioned to thrive in the coming years,” Andrews concluded.

For a detailed breakdown of the 2024 Beef Gross Margin Budgets, visit the NSW DPIRD website.

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