A reduced erosion risk, longer retention of soil moisture and improved livestock productivity are all valuable assets to landholders. Watershed Landcare has an opportunity for landholders in our region to enhance these features on the land they manage by providing financial assistance to conduct on-ground works. And it all starts with farm waterways.

A healthy riparian ecosystem not only has environmental benefits but can improve landscape function and farm productivity.

Well structured vegetation communities along creeks and rivers reduce sediment loads and improve water quality. There is a reduction of soil loss through active erosion and slowing the flow of water through stream channels impedes the movement of water through nearby slopes and conserves soil moisture.

Improved water quality has been shown to benefit stock health, and the provision of windbreaks and shelter can also lead to improved stock growth and productivity through reduction of heat or cold stress.

Riparian corridors support many animal, bird and insect populations and the increased biodiversity aids in natural pest control, as these native animals predate on insect and bird pests that damage pastures and crops.

Healthy riparian zones can also increase the capital value of land and provide potential opportunities for diversification such as agroforestry, firewood and eco-tourism.

The Connecting Our Waterways project aims to improve landscape function and productivity by restoring or increasing the connectivity of riparian vegetation on farms in the Watershed Landcare district.

Funding is available for works which enhance riparian vegetation or repair the connectivity of vegetation in riparian corridors.

Landholders can apply for assistance for fencing materials or labour to improve stock grazing management in riparian areas; troughs, solar pumps, etc. to provide alternate stock water; tube stock, tree guards, etc.; labour for planting; erosion mitigation structures; and weed management such as willow removal.

Individual landholders can apply for up to $5,000 in funding to contribute to any, or a combination of, the above eligible activities.

For more information or to submit an expression of interest contact Watershed Landcare Coordinator, Agness Knapik, on 0435 055 493 or info@watershedlandcare.com.au.

This project is supported by Watershed Landcare through funding from Landcare Australia and the Jaramas Foundation.