BACKING LAND MANAGERS ACROSS THE MURRAY MALLEE

The Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association will benefit from Landcare Grant funding to help land managers to adapt to change, innovate and become more sustainable across the Murray Mallee.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin met with key members of the Association last week to discuss the grants and the programs planned.

“Murray Mallee farmers and community groups have an intimate knowledge of the land they work and live on, so these grants are about giving them tools and technology to be more sustainable,” Mr Pasin said.

The association has been successful in two applications for Landcare Smart Farms Small Grants which is part of the National Landcare Program.

1. “Bee Friendly Farms” project will build awareness of bee decline and of the attendant production and environmental impacts. An initial forum will be aimed at offering on-farm solutions to support floral resources for honey bees that would provide benefits to both farmers and bee keepers.
2. “Regenerative Farming Mentor Program” will train local farmers in the practical skills and knowledge necessary to adopt regenerative farming methods. These methods will lead to increased production and profit, while also improving natural resource management outcomes and provide benefits to biodiversity.

The group has also been successful in their application for an Environment Small Grant under the Landcare program for strengthening Malleefowl conservation in the Browns Well Area.

The funding will support landholders in the Brown Well Landcare Group area to carry out biodiversity conservation activities. The project will deliver coordinated fox and rabbit control programs and fencing to protect remnant vegetation that supports Malleefowl.

“Congratulations to the Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association on these successful grant applications. This Landcare funding will help the group continue the great work the Association is doing right across the Murray Mallee Area,” Mr Pasin said.

Fast facts:

• The National Landcare Program phase two is an investment of more than $1 billion to 2023.

• Landcare was first launched in 1989 and has had bipartisan support for nearly 30 years.