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Landcare Tasmania’s Farm Dam Enhancement (FDE) pilot project is supported by the TAS Farm Innovation Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
The project will collaborate with a number of key organisations, including the Australian National University (ANU), the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian NRMs, and support a number of local Landcare networks.
Designed to promote the uptake of practices and technologies for increased resilience to drought and climate variability in Tasmania, workshops will be delivered in three sub-catchment areas across the State (Lower Coal, Middle Leven and Lower Meander).
“We’ve connected with active, interested Landcare groups in areas with predominantly agricultural settings. We hope this project, supported by robust modelling of each area, will help Landcarers to identify priority on-ground work and improve catchment health,” said Landcare Tasmania chief executive officer, Peter Stronach.
“Farm dams play an important role in most Tasmanian landscapes, assuring water availability during dry periods for stock and irrigation and they also act as a refuge for key species in these agricultural landscapes,” he said.
The Farm Dam Enhancement project provides an opportunity to create demonstration sites that can be showcased to the community; and to deliver train-the-trainer workshops for practitioners working with landholders and field day events to engage Landcare groups.
The train-the-trainer workshops and field days will include the presentation of catchment health mapping to help guide future restoration works in the area. The workshops will equip land management professionals with the skills needed to support farmers in enhancing their farm dams for both biodiversity and productivity for the long term.
Senior research and extension officer David Smith, from ANU’s Sustainable Farms program, explained the findings from research conducted on the mainland. Landcare Tasmania Inc. ABN 50 622 521 764 Level 3, 65 Murray St, Hobart TAS 7000 p: 03 6234 7117 e: support@landcaretas.org.au
“Our team of ecologists have monitored water quality and biodiversity at 109 farm dams across NSW and Victoria over four years, to determine the benefits of fencing and enhancing farm dams,” he said.
“Research demonstrates that well-managed dams can deliver significant gains in terms of water quality and water security, as well benefits for biodiversity.”
“Our train-the-trainer workshops aim to equip Landcare facilitators and other professionals who work with rural landholders, with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to empower people in their local farming communities to benefit from enhancing their dams.”
TAS Hub director, Sandra Knowles, said the project was an important element in the Hub’s efforts to help farmers strengthen their resilience to drought.
“On-farm water storage is essential for farm water security, particularly in periods of dry,” she said.
“Research has shown that farm dams that are managed for stock exclusion and with native vegetation can provide better quality water, retain water for longer and can enhance the natural values of the surrounding landscape.
“The Hub is pleased to be partnering with Landcare Tasmania and Sustainable Farms to set up the three demonstration sites across the state and support this important training for natural resource managers.”
