The Baringhup and Nuggetty Landcare groups have a new lease on life since joining the Mid-Loddon Sub-catchment Management Network, increasing the network’s membership to more than sixty landholders.   

A major focus of the Network is the North Central Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Farming for Sustainable Soils (FSS) project.  Network facilitator Judy Crocker, said the project has given the farming community, particularly near Baringhup, a new interest in natural resource management issues,  with ten farming enterprises and six lifestyle block owners involved in the project.       

“With help from our newest members, we are planning soil educational workshop events and are working together on soil health issues.  The workshops build on previous events held in the Mid-Loddon area,” said Ms Crocker.   

North Central CMA’s project officer Darren Bain commended Judy for her efforts in recruiting new members.  “The group should be proud of their willingness to be involved, which is a win-win for the community and the project.”   

Mr Bain said the upcoming events, including a workshop at Eddington on 26 March, are based on member interest and aim to increase the understanding of how the local landscape functions, ways to retain moisture and build and sustain healthy productive soils.   

In 2012 the network successfully engaged a number of landholders through the FSS project.  
“Collectively these landholders manage over 35,000 hectares of arable land. The workshops have assisted them in building their capacity to adopt new technologies and increase sustainable land management,” concluded Ms Crocker.   

The Mid-Loddon network is one of eight groups participating in the North Central CMA’S Farming for Sustainable Soils project, funded by the Australian Government's Caring for our Country program.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au