October 18th, 2021Local farmers get the jump on remnant vegetation money

Farmers in the north central catchment region can get in early on a program aimed at rewarding them financially for improving, enhancing, and maintaining existing native vegetation on their farms.

The North Central catchment is the only one in Victoria to be chosen for the Enhancing Remnant Vegetation Pilot.

The pilot is a key part of the Australian Government’s $66.1 million Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship Package.

North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Environmental Assets Program Manager Nicole Bullen said the pilot was a great chance for local farmers to get in early and take advantage of the benefits.

“A lot of farmers in our region are also environmental stewards, and this program rewards and encourages that,” she said.

“Under the pilot project, farmers can apply for funding for activities that help them care for remnant native vegetation on their properties, including activities such as fencing installation, weeding, pest control and replanting.

“And we’re here to help them do it. Farmers can apply online at www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculturestewardship until 5pm on October 27.

“All the details farmers need about the Enhancing Remnant Vegetation Pilot, including eligibility, pricing and application guides can also be found at www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculturestewardship.

“North Central CMA can help by providing local advice to applicants to ensure these important patches of native vegetation are protected for generations to come.”

Ms Bullen said on-farm native vegetation is an important part of protecting the health of our catchments.

“The North Central CMA works at a landscape-level with a range of community members and partners to deliver lasting change,” she said.

“And sustainably managed land doesn’t just help farmers and their stock. It also improves the health of the broader catchment. A lot of things people do on their land can impact, for good or bad, the health of local waterways.”

If you want to know more about the project, email agstewardship@awe.gov.au or call 1800 329 055.