Season's Greetings from the Landlink Newsletter

Ho, ho, ho! It’s time to unwrap the final Landlink newsletter of the year.

Well, the Christmas Countdown is well and truly on! We’ve had a busy month and have so much news to share.

Funding received to continue Partnerships Against Pests Program

Funding available to support Landholders to treat their woody weeds.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry released the National Feral Pig Current Distribution in Australia (2024) on the ABARES website on 13 December 2024.

Please note that applications have closed for the extension training with Landcare - Intensive program.

In December, Jess and Rhiannon joined the Goulburn Broken and North East Catchments’ Christmas event at Winton Wetlands. Highlights included the Growling Grass Frog project and connecting with peers.

Despite a rainy start, our native grass event was a great success! Meredith Mitchell shared the benefits of native grasses for drought-resilient pastures.

The Goulburn Broken region's nurseries specialise in indigenous plants grown from local seeds and cuttings. From backyard gardens to large-scale revegetation, these specialists offer plants perfectly adapted to our conditions. Remember to order 6-12 months ahead for best results.

Helpful weed resources.

A list of nurseries in the Goulburn Broken Catchment.

Farm dams, while vital for water supply, are major greenhouse gas emitters, producing emissions equivalent to 385,000 cars daily in Victoria. Simple changes like fencing, reducing stock access, and planting indigenous vegetation can cut emissions by up to 50%, improve water quality, and enhance the surrounding landscape.

Learn to tackle gully, soil, and gravel track erosion with KISS the Dirt, a series of practical, low-cost instructional videos for landholders.

Discover our Wine and Dine video series: learn about landscape rehydration with Peter Hazell, explore backyard pollinators with Karen Retra, get inspired by Ron Litjens' Life in a Box, and master water budgeting with Greg Bekker. Hosted by Up2Us Landcare Alliance.

Inspiring Small Farms to Grow Big Ideas: Up2Us Landcare Alliance, with support from The William Buckland Foundation, FRRR, and GBCMA, has empowered small acreage landholders in Mansfield to explore sustainable agriculture. Successful trials of garlic, capers, and alternative fertilisers have led to a second phase, featuring on-farm demonstrations, workshops, and farm tours to promote innovative farming practices.

A practical guide helping Landcare and environmental groups understand their obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, providing step-by-step protocols to protect cultural heritage during on-ground works while fostering meaningful partnerships with Traditional Owners.

A practical guide to building a DIY European wasp trap using simple household materials, designed to catch queen wasps in spring before they establish new colonies.

Essential guidance for primary producers on tax deductions for landcare, fire prevention and shelterbelt expenses, helping farmers offset the costs of sustainable land management while clarifying what can and cannot be claimed under ATO regulations.

A guide to small landholders to create productive and environmentally sustainable properties.

New to landownership? This booklet, developed by Up2Us Landcare Alliance and Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, offers essential guidance and practical tips for caring for your unique landscape.

At Northern Slopes Plantation in Mansfield, Timo and Emily Ploschke are revolutionising berry farming through a low-input approach. Converting 2,200 berry plants into wine production, they've proven that sustainable farming practices and creative partnerships can transform a small property into a viable enterprise.