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Moree tree-planting an investment into the future
Rob Carrigan with young tree
When it came to fencing off nearly 50 hectares of fertile farmland on their Moree property, the Carrigan family had no hesitation. They knew while there may be some losses in the short-term, it was an investment for the future.
The Carrigans use 'Brolga' - a 2500-acre farm run in conjunction with their other properties - for broadacre cropping and running cattle. But strong winds and floodwater in the area have been an issue for many years.
"The area borders on natural plains, and on really windy days the crops can be adversely affected," Rob Carrigan said.
Funding
In 2004, the Australian Government provided Carrigan Contracting with more than $23,000 to help the family with its project.
Activities
Having prepared the soil 12 months in advance by removing and controlling weeds, the Carrigans were ready.
"With the tractor and a global positioning system (GPS) we marked out the rows of trees, making sure they were even, so we could water them while they were still young," Rob said. "This gave us a good start because we did have to help the young trees with watering along the way.
"We then fenced off 47 hectares to protect them from the cattle."
Rob received advice and assistance from Macpherson Agricultural Consultants at Goondiwindi and had the advantage of having been through the process before, when he planted close to 3,000 trees at another site on the property.
"The first time we only had a 40 per cent success rate in some areas and 65 per cent in the better-prepared areas, but it taught us a lot," he said. "Mulch, for example, is critical to success, and you also need to let grass grow to a certain point before slashing to keep the soil security around the trees."
Achievements
With the help of Priest Greenhouse Nursery, the Carrigans planted close to 7,000 native trees including River Red Gum, Coolabah and Black Box.
"I'd estimate we've had an 80 per cent success rate," Rob said. "We've got a lot of established vegetation areas, and this'll link the remaining natural corridors. It'll also protect crops from wind and floodwater, provide habitat for native species and shade cattle from the heat of the day."
"It was beautiful farming country that we've changed to natural corridors, but if we can stabilise soil it'll help our productivity in the long-term. And we've seen on other parts of the farm how it can be successful."
More information
- Karen Schubert, Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority Community Support Officer: (02) 6757 2554 or karen.schubert@cma.nsw.gov.au
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