LANDCARE Australia has launched the Farm Dam Restoration project, a community program aiming to improve drought resilience, natural wildlife and water quality, in collaboration with the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation (CCAF).
The CCAF will provide a grant of $600,000 over three years to support Landcare Australia to regenerate farm dams across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.
A recent study by the Australian National University has shown that when carefully managed, enhanced farm dams can help restore biodiversity by providing critical wetland habitats for native wildlife.
Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said the Farm Dam Restoration project will take action to transform degraded farm dams by installing fencing, hardened access points and revegetating in and around each site.
For phase one of the project, three South Australian sites have been identified, providing an initial showcase of how degraded farm dams can be transformed into thriving ecological communities whilst also improving on-farm productivity.
South Australian grazier Jack Booth said the restoration of farm dams was essential for improving farming resilience and the long-term resilience of Australian farming as he became a part of phase one of the project.
“Any Australian farmer will tell you that our success relies heavily on water security,” Mr Booth said.
“I’m excited to join the Farm Dam Restoration project, not only to help set the standard for sustainable farming in Australia, but to inspire farmers like myself to reap the benefits of investing in the rehabilitation of their own farm dams.”
Chair of the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation Malcom Hudson said they are honoured to partner with Landcare, which aligns with CCAF’s aim to address the UN’s Sustainable Development around ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’.
