Funds: $669,529
Source: National Landcare Program via the Northern Rivers CMA and Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA
The project aimed to assist landholders implement the findings from Land Water Wool Project (2002-2006). Additional funds secured from the Namoi CMA on ground works incentive program, the Northern Rivers CMA Plan Implementation program, Small Grants for River Health program, and Macleay National Landcare Program (NLP) were rolled together for the delivery of this project. Applicants therefore had a ‘one stop-shop’ for all their project requirements and were involved in a consistent project planning and assessment framework.A steering committee was formed to ensure the Land Water & Wool Best Management Practice project (LWW2- BMP) was delivered in a way that would achieve the best outcomes for both landholders and the funding bodies.
The extension products developed during the first project were used in a series of eight field days and 10 follow-up workshops across the region. Farmers were assisted by a group of technical experts and local ‘Landcare Champions’ to use the information to plan on-ground works that would implement best management practices identified under the first project. Landholder’s proposals were then assessed by a panel and funding was allocated cording to specified criteria.In total, 170 people attended the field days, leading to 50 farmers attending the workshops and submitting 90 project proposals.Funding allocations were made to 85 of these project sites, with landholders contributing around $670,000 in cash and kind to implement the projects.Projects included:
- constructing subdivision fencing and off stream watering for improved grazing management, native vegetation regeneration and/or the protection of riparian zones/wetlands
- establishing strategic belts and blocks of woody vegetation for multiple outcomes, e.g. corridor linkages, stock shelter
- fencing off bushland remnants for conservation and/or regeneration
- fencing off and managing eroded areas or saline scalds.
