TESTING THE WATERS TO IMPROVE SOUTH-WEST FARM DAMS

A new pilot project in the Corangamite catchment will help farmers and landowners to make their farm dams
more productive, sustainable, and minimise water loss.

Minister for Water Gayle Tierney today launched Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s Testing the
Waters pilot project, which will enable landholders to improve their farm dams through workshops, field days, and one-on-
one site visits.

Farmers and landowners will have access to experts that will help them create individual water stewardship plans
that focus on sustainable practises to enhance water quality.

They will also receive $2,000 to carry out works such as fencing to limit stock access and planting native vegetation
in and around the dam.

The project aims to boost farm productivity by making dams more resilient to climate change and improve water
management and quality.

“Farmers and landholders are the backbone of our catchments and play a crucial role in our regional economies.” said Minister for Water Gayle Tierney.

“This program will give farmers all the support and information they need to make informed decisions about how
they manage their dams in the changing climate.”

Ecologists from the Australian National University’s Sustainable Farms initiative trained Landcare facilitators and
Corangamite CMA staff to support landholders through the project.

Corangamite CMA project officers and Landcare facilitators will support 15 landholders through the program this
year, with another 15 taking part in 2026. They will also operate a second round of the Small Blocks Big Dreams
project this year, working with Landcare networks to help small landowners.

The Small Blocks Big Dreams has previously strengthened over 150 small landholders in the Corangamite catchment
to become land and water stewards. The program was designed to assist the increasing number of small
landholders moving to the region.

The project has been funded by the Allan Labor Government through the Our Catchments, Our Communities
stewardship program.

To find out more, visit the Testing the Waters project page.