Paradise has a new group assisting local farmers to improve the health of their soils and minimise the risk of soil erosion on their property. 

The Paradise Soils group has received funding for three years thanks to the North Central Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Farming for Sustainable Soils project. Mr Phil Dyson, Project Manager, said that the soils of north central Victoria, together with the region's water and vegetation resources, form the essential base that both natural ecosystems and agriculture depend upon.

“The health of the land is intimately linked to the health of the soil. This project recognises soil as an important asset for protection and management.

“The new Paradise Soils group is supported by local facilitator Lindsay Ezard from St Arnaud and is auspiced by the Winjallock Landcare group, the first ever Landcare group and pioneers in working together to tackle shared environmental problems. It builds on similar community soil groups in the north central region, working collaboratively with regional farming communities to build structural soil integrity and mitigate wind erosion in times of reduced rainfall and much greater seasonal climatic variability,” said Mr Dyson.   

An initial community information session provided interested community members with information about the project and how to become involved. From this meeting the Paradise Soils group formed, providing an avenue for local farmers to get together and discuss soil issues relevant to their area.

“Knowledge and information sharing are the vital ingredients to success of the soils group. These allow the group to develop a soil health plan that helps farmers to achieve sustainable on-farm soil management practices.

“Facilitators arrange activities and workshops that facilitate information exchange throughout the local community, through events such as field days and bus tours” said Mr Dyson.

The Farming for Sustainable Soils project is funded by the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country program. For more information about the project or to contact a group in your area, please phone the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124.  

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