Paul Simpson
Project overview
The Farm Water Management Planning project will minimise negative impacts of drought including:
- livestock death
- unproductive pastures
- soil nutrient loss
- reduced natural assets.
It will also work to maintain property production during drought and improve recovery after drought.
Project objectives
The project will support farm managers to adopt practices that reduce the impact of drought through the preparation and implementation of on-farm water management plans (FWMP).
Project background
It is too late to be as prepared as you would have liked when the dry season arrives. Being drought prepared is about having enough water, where you want it and of good quality. Farm water security has multiple benefits including:
- stock health
- stock production
- environmental and biodiversity improvements
- peace of mind at a stressful time.
A FWMP determines water needs (stock and domestic) and the capacity to meet these needs (dam, tank, bore).
Can you answer any of these questions?
- How much water do your stock (and domestic use) need for a day or week or year, both in summer and winter?
- How much water storage capacity do you have on your property?
- Does water quality impact stock health and performance?
- Can you build a dam of any size anywhere on your property?
- How can you get water to where you need it on your property?
If you could only answer the first two, then you are well on your way to managing your water and mitigating drought impacts, but if you couldn’t answer those or any others, then a Farm Water Management Plan will help map out your options.
Work underway
Regular extension activities are running throughout the region to assist farm managers to develop farm water management plans.
Work includes:
- workshops and webinars to encourage landholders to think about on farm water needs and dam planning
- field days
- paddock walks
- 1:1 follow-up sessions to finalise plans.
How to get involved
Land managers can take part in a range of local workshops and training sessions.
Find out what's happening in the Murray
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Funding and partnerships
The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund has supplied funding of $1.5 million and is supported by the Southern NSW Drought and Innovation Hub.
The project is a collaborative partnership with the NSW Government through Local Land Services and farmer and industry organisations including:
- Holbrook Landcare Network
- Riverine Plains
- Western Murray Land Improvement Group
- Corowa District Landcare
- West Hume Landcare
- Rice Growers Association
This project is also supported by Southern Growers, and Irrigation Farmers Network.
For more information contact Land Services Officer, Paul Simpson, on 0439 384 749 or Paul.Simpson@lls.nsw.gov.au.
Contact Local Land Services NSW
Our team welcome your enquiries, feedback and comments.
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