CHRRUP
CHRRUP funding places Emerald growers ahead in planning process
A project to accelerate the voluntary adoption of Land & Water Management Plans in the Emerald irrigation area is resulting in successful outcomes for all partners, and placing growers at the forefront of the industry.
To date, Central Highlands Regional Resources Use Planning Cooperative (CHRRUP) has provided funding for 47 irrigators in cotton, grains and horticulture industries to develop the voluntary plans.
Rachel McDowall, grower services manager with Cotton Australia, said farmers in the area were a proactive group who were willing to seek new information, and adopt industry best management practices.
"CHRRUP funding has allowed growers to access maps and data, with the result that we are a lot further ahead with the planning process than growers in other areas," said Rachel.
The basis of the Land & Water Management Plans (L&WMPs) was to identify possible areas for improved and more sustainable use of natural resources. This allowed land used for grazing and farming, or areas of remnant and riparian vegetation, to be included in the plans for irrigated properties.
Rachel said growers used funding for two main projects; mapping and property management plans, and water use efficiency tools such as probes and weather stations.
"Growers are now able to monitor what effect, if any, water moving offfarm has on the channels, water courses and river systems. The next level will be looking at on-farm monitoring of water use and water quality."
Terry Donohoe, a local irrigator, said the funding had been used to employ Ian Rankine from Integrated Area Wide Management (IAWM) to develop maps and plans for his property 'Carramah'.
"Ian has done a full plan for the property, with items such as GPS points for all the buildings, high points and head ditches. Ian has conducted soil tests in the paddocks, and used all this data to complete a land and water management plan," said Terry.
Vicki Kuhn, CHRRUP field officer, was instrumental in engineering strong partnerships between CHRRUP, Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA), IAWM and industry groups, including Cotton Australia, which contributed to the success of the scheme.
"We were able to facilitate lines of communication, and the progression of local projects with our partners. This has been a great example of community members working together for tangible outcomes," said Vicki.
Vicki said the success could be measured through reduced erosion, salinity and weed growth, as well as improvements in water use efficiency and quality, and a healthy ecosystem.
"The growers themselves have better resources including water quality data, maps, and soils data, which will form the basis for future planning and management decisions."
Funding for the project was provided by landholder contributions, and funding received from the FBA. This was more than matched by producer and consultant in-kind contributions, totalling over $637 000.
Alicia Dunbar, immediate past president of the Fitzroy Basin Food & Fibre group, congratulated CHRRUP on successfully administering funds for the project.
"We appreciate the efforts of IAWM and Cotton Australia on helping roll out this scheme, as irrigators will see the benefits of being involved with the program for many years to come."
Funding for this project has been finalised, and on-ground work is nearing completion. Landholders wishing to know more about funding applications for other projects should contact their local CHRRUP field officer on 4982 2996, or visit the CHRRUP web site.
Back to the VoiceLast updated 05 April 2007