Stanways: The New Guard on the Block
A chance encounter between a Tathra oyster farmer and Local Land Services at a local show led Upper Murrumbidgee and Upper Shoalhaven Landcare on adventure down the coast... An article by Georgeanna Story, Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare Coordinator.
A change in farming technologies has meant the previous Stanway pot design is no longer the most efficient method for growing oysters. Gary and Jo Rodely of the award winning Tathra Oysters were happy to donate the pots and thrilled that they can be used as tree guards.
 |
 |
Piles and piles of Oyster Pots or Stanways
Coastal Landcare groups have been using the tubular pots quite successfully as tree guards, pleased with kangaroo proof browsing protection provided by the pots. Browsing pressure is a huge concern for many of our plantings, from macropods, goats and deer so further investigation into the oyster pots was warranted.
 |
 |
Stanways in action on plantings down the coast
The challenge for us was the logistics of transporting the pots from the farm to the Tathra distribution site and then to the Monaro and Braidwood. One day was dedicated to the first stage, transporting pots from the farm to Tathra. A single trip moved around 200 pots at a time, so we are indebted to farmer Gary for bringing half of our load across before our arrival. On the second day we needed 2 trucks and 4 utes with trailers to transport the little over 1,600 pots up the mountain. On the third day we distributed to our local Landcare groups.
 |
 |
 |
The oyster pot gang in action
With the repurposed tree guards now spread across the region we look forward to seeing how different groups chose to use them and how they perform. They are made of long-lasting materials so should be protecting our plants for many years to come.
 |
 |
 |
A great effort for a great outcome
A big thanks to Tathra Oysters, Erin from Upper Shoalhaven Landcare, Ian for driving the truck and Jim and Andy for the loading and transport skills. Once again the people of Landcare have made things happen!
 |
 |
Left: Sam, Jo and Gary are Tathra Oysters. Right: Tathra Oyster Farm on Nelson Lake
The Rodely family have been farming their Sydney Rock Oysters in the pristine waters of Nelson Lake, situated in the Mimosa Rocks National Park on the far south coast of NSW since 1988 and have received over 180 awards for their oysters, including the 18th Royal Agricultural Society of NSW President's Medal at the Sydney Royal Easter Show this year! A big congratulations to Gary, Jo, Sam and the team at Tathra Oysters! .