Appendix E - Applicant Comments RE PLM Notes · RAL22/0006

          Total exclusion of livestock is difficult and somewhat impractical on small
   properties. An alternative is to manage grazing so that damage is minimised.

          The current grazing system used on the property is to rotate cattle through a
   number of paddocks so that each paddock is grazed on average for 5 days every 5 to
   6 weeks i.e. 5 days grazing about 10 times per year or about 50 grazing days per
   paddock per year. Cattle would be given access to the riparian area for only a short
   time (most probably less than 1 day and not more than 10 times per year).

           This system of grazing results in minimal damage to the riparian area
   and assists greatly in weed and pest control and very effectively reduces fuel loads
   so that fire can be controlled.

3. Covenant over riparian areas on larger lot.

           The requested covenant is similar to that requested for the new lot but to be
   restricted to areas near boundaries and with provision to not fragment agricultural
   land. Clarification of the objectives and what areas are considered most vulnerable
   are needed.

            This area of some 40ha is dissected by the creek which is a series of shallow
   water holes that are not connected by running water except in times of high rainfall.
   A mixture of tree vegetation which includes a high proportion of camphor laurel
   follows the creek line generally. There are some areas of category B land (Remnant
   of least concern) on the PMAV. In the south-eastern paddock a gully usually with
   very little surface water runs joins Pender Creek. A section adjacent to Pender Creek
   Road has been planted to trees and fenced to reduce bank erosion in times of
   flooding. Grazing is managed in the same way that is proposed in 2 above.

           Currently the area on the south-eastern side is subdivided into 2 paddocks
   with 2 smaller holding paddocks and farm infrastructure (house, sheds, yards, tanks
   etc). The north western side is divided into 4 paddocks. Stock water is pumped from
   dams or the creek when available to 2 tanks (one on each side of the creek) and
   reticulated to 11 troughs in the 6 paddocks. Cattle are moved through the paddocks
   in rotation as described in 2 above. Hence each paddock is grazed for 4-7 days
   (depending on size) about 10 times per year. This system of grazing and the strategic
   re-alignment of fences does mean that the time cattle are in the creek area is
   minimised. In 2 paddocks cattle have no access to the creek, in others they do but in
   2 there is usually no surface water.

          In recent years pasture dieback has impacted our pastures removing some
   species and allowing more weedy species to colonise. This has been managed by
   replanting alternative species and fencing areas to encourage establishment.