Upper Gwydir Landcare receives Funding through ‘Caring for our Country’ Federal grants program

December 5, 2010

The Upper Gwydir Landcare (UGLA) Association has received funding of $216000.00 through the federal Government Caring for our Country program.

Chairman Bob Muir expressed his delight on the success of the application by the UGLA. The objective of the project is to use an integrated approach to deliver improved management practices, training and extension activities supported by local trial sites across the Upper Gwydir area encompassing Bingara, Warialda, Horton and Coolatai and surrounding districts.

The project will commence in November 2010 and be completed by 30 June 2013 and will engage both grazing and cropping farmers to improve soil condition to increase soil carbon and reduce the risk of soil erosion.

In addition the project aims to implement on ground activities along the Gwydir River and major tributaries to improve both soil and water condition.

Projects that support these objectives include fencing of waterways, native tree planting, planting of perennial pastures, revegetation of riparian areas and ongoing soil testing. Over the term of the project the UGLA will organise field days and education activities to support the objectives of the project.

Expressions of interest will be sought from landholders within the Upper Gwydir Landcare area.  Interested persons can contact the Community Support officer at the Landcare office in Bingara on 02 67242052 or by email cso@gwydir.nsw.gov.au

The UGLA was also successful in obtaining a Community action grant to establish four dung beetle sites within the Upper Gwydir Landcare area.

This project will assist with identification of beetles, establishing colonies and with the further education of the benefits of Dung beetle to the health of our soils. These events follow the recent very successful Dung Beetle field days held across the New England North West. Interested person are encouraged to contact the UGLA office on 02 67242052.

The Upper Gwydir Landcare Association can be contacted on   0267242052, Mob 0427 291 073.