Meekatharra area given funding for seed collector

13/9/94

Rehabilitation of degraded pastoral land in the Meekatharra area will be assisted with State Government funding for a specially designed seed collector.

Primary Industry Minister Monty House presented the Meekatharra Land Conservation District with a $6,800 cheque to buy the equipment used to harvest seed and pods from saltbush, bluebush, acacias and grass.

The request for assistance arose from a meeting between the Minister and pastoralists in May to discuss industry issues.

"I am pleased to be able to help a group such as the Meekatharra LLDC, who are helping themselves," Mr House said.

"The trailer-mounted vacuum seed collector will have a significant impact on the regeneration of areas where vegetation is depleted on pastoral properties in the district.

"The 19 participating stations will each spend about three days a year harvesting seed which is then sold to pastoralists and mining companies for rehabilitation of degraded country.

"Seeding large areas of rangeland greatly helps to reduce erosion, further degradation and benefits the carrying capacity and long-term viability of the industry."

Mr House said despite the Meekatharra area currently suffering dry seasonal conditions, the harvester would still be used immediately.

Degradation in pastoral rangelands has often been initiated by feral animals and contributes to vegetation decline, wind and water erosion.

Pastoralists, the Agriculture Protection Board and the Department of Agriculture - through Land Conservation District Committees - have taken action to ameliorate the problem.

Programs include reseeding degraded areas, lowering stocking rates, strategic fencing to match land capability, relocating water points and eradicating feral animals.

Mr House commended pastoralists in the area on their land conservation efforts which have not diminished despite the dry seasonal conditions.

Media contact:  Will Henwood 481 2044 or 222 9595