A new pilot project in the Corangamite catchment will help farmers and landowners to make their farms and dams more productive, sustainable, and minimise water loss.
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney today launched Corangamite Catchment Management Authority's Testing the Waters pilot project, which will enable landholders to improve their farms through workshops, field days, and one-on-one site visits.
Farmers and landowners will have access to experts that will help them create individual water stewardship plans that focus on sustainable practises to enhance water quality.
They will also receive $2,000 to carry out works such as fencing to limit stock access and planting native vegetation in and around the dam.
The project aims to boost farm productivity by making dams more resilient to climate change and improve water management and quality.
Ecologists from the Australian National University's Sustainable Farms initiative trained Landcare facilitators and Corangamite CMA staff to support landholders through the project.
Corangamite CMA project officers and Landcare facilitators will support 15 landholders through the program this year, with another 15 taking part in 2026. They will also operate a second round of the Small Blocks Big Dreams project this year, working with Landcare networks to help small landowners.
The Small Blocks Big Dreams has previously strengthened over 150 small landholders in the Corangamite catchment to become land and water stewards. The program was designed to assist the increasing number of small landholders moving to the region.
The project has been funded by the Allan Labor Government through the Our Catchments, Our Communities stewardship program.
To find out more, visit ccma.vic.gov.au/projects.
As stated by Minister for Water Gayle Tierney
"Farmers and landholders are the backbone of our catchments and play a crucial role in our regional economies."
"This program will give farmers all the support and information they need to make informed decisions about how they manage their dams in the changing climate."
