TESTING THE WATERS PROJECT BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO FARM DAMS IN THE SOUTH-WEST

Farmers and landholders in the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) region are being invited to register their interest in round two of Testing the Waters, a pilot project supporting healthier, more resilient farm dams.

First launched in 2025, Testing the Waters is a free Corangamite CMA program that empowers landholders to improve water quality, increase biodiversity and habitat, and adopt sustainable water management practices that stand up to a changing climate. 

Through field days and one-on-one site visits, participants receive tailored support from Corangamite CMA and Landcare staff to improve their farm dams and overall property outcomes.

“Farm dams are essential for agricultural productivity, and they’re also important ecosystems in their own right,” said Corangamite CMA Senior Project Officer - Sustainable Ag Sarah Brien.

“By taking part in Testing the Waters, landholders can learn practical ways to strengthen water management on their properties, improve farm productivity and contribute to healthier waterways across the catchment.”

Participants will be supported to develop individual water stewardship plans focused on enhancing water quality and sustainable dam management. Eligible landholders may also receive up to $2,000 to undertake on-ground improvements.

“Since the project began, we’ve worked with more than 30 landowners to develop tailored property plans. Eighteen are already implementing on-ground improvements to enhance their farm dams and surrounding environments,” said Ms Brien.

“This has included fencing to manage stock access, installing off-dam water points, and establishing native vegetation in and around dams to filter out sediment and take up nutrients.

“At select sites we’re also undertaking detailed water quality monitoring throughout the life of the project. This includes frog and bird surveys using audio recorders, helping landholders monitor change and learn more about the different species supported by their dams. We’re looking forward to seeing the biodiversity and water quality changes over time and the long-term benefits of the project.”

In spring, Corangamite CMA is also hosting an on-farm field day featuring a special guest freshwater ecologist, where landholders will learn practical ways to transform their dams into thriving, ecologically productive habitats.

Expressions of interest for Testing the Waters are now open and close Friday 31 July. To learn more and register your interest visit: https://ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/testing-the-waters/

The project is funded by the Victorian Government through the Our Catchments, Our Communities program.