THE Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (Goulburn Broken CMA )will receive $2.17 million in funding to deliver nature-based environmental services for sustainable agriculture in the Goulburn Valley.
The funding is part of the federal government’s announcement of more than $76 million in funding for 54 projects across the country, aimed at helping farmers adopt climate-smart, sustainable agricultural practices.
The Goulburn Broken CMA’s project will help improve soil health, strengthen natural capital, and ensure the long-term viability of farming within the region – an area in Victoria’s north and east that experiences or is prone to droughts or floods.
The projects, along with other funded by the federal government’s announcements, are financed by the Natural Heritage Trust’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, and will seek to build on local knowledge, targeting what is most needed, from improving soil health, combating land degradation and improving water-use efficiency to farm-management planning and revegetation.
Activities such as on-farm demonstrations and workshops will increase awareness and adoption by farmers and landholders.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, said she has met with many farmers and landowners who wanted to be more sustainable but just needed some more support or guidance.
“This is why our government’s significant investment in farmers and landholders being announced today is so important,” she said.
“These measures will help make farming more productive and profitable, better protect our environment, increase access to markets, strengthen our rural communities and further contribute to global food security.”
Meanwhile, Senator Jana Stewart said as someone who grew up in regional Victoria, she understood the importance of giving back to farmers.
“The investment will directly support farmers in the Goulburn Valley to take on climate-smart practices that protect our natural environment while keeping local agriculture strong,” she said.
“These projects are a win for our communities, our farmers, and the future of regional Victoria.”
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Program spans five years, from 2023 to 2028.