Following the success of last year’s inaugural forum, attracting over 150 attendees, the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will host the 2^nd Annual North Central Regional Soils Forum, to be held at The Bendigo Club on Thursday 7 April.

This free community event will bring together local farmers and landholders, as well as key natural resource management scientists and policy makers, to discuss how to secure the productive and environmental values of our soils in North Central Victoria.

Mr Phil Dyson, North Central CMA’s project manger for the Farming for Sustainable Soils project is encouraging members from the community who are interested in the future management of soils in North Central Victoria to participate – to both learn and to educate.

“We have been very fortunate to secure prominent keynote speakers for the forum including well known author, journalist and science communicator Professor Julian Cribb, and the newly appointed Victorian Soil Health Specialist Mr Declan McDonald from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. These well-respected experts will highlight the issues arising from an ever-growing population and how our soils will support the pressure of these demands, offering both a global perspective and advice on what we can do at a local level,” said Mr Dyson.

Mr Dyson confirmed that the six community groups, comprising local farmers and soil protection personnel, involved in this year’s project will be leading forum discussions and presenting information, key learnings and practical advice regarding their efforts to become sustainable.

Damian Wells, North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer says the forum promises to offer participants an informative and interesting day.

“In its second year, the 2011 forum will look at opportunities for improved plant cover and soil carbon sequestration, as well as highlighting the potential to improve soil resilience in an altered climate.”

The forum is delivered under the North Central Catchment Management Authority’s Farming for Sustainable Soils project, and is an initiative supported by the Australian Government’s ‘Caring for our Country’ program.

The innovative Forum is free of charge and places are strictly limited.  Please RSVP to info@nccma.vig.gov.au or telephone 03 5448 7124 before Friday 1 April to secure your attendance. For further information regarding the forum, visit:  www.nccma.vic.gov.au.

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