Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Boost for lifestyle properties near Adelaide
program Manager Andy Cole measures salinity at Laratinga Wetlands
Salinity testing results
Andy tests soil near Mt. Barker
Thousands of small rural landholders across the Mt Lofty Ranges and the Fleurieu Peninsula are improving land management with the help of a unique educational program.
The picturesque region near Adelaide is dotted with a range of lifestyle and hobby farms with alpacas, cattle, sheep and horses. Many in the area also own blocks purely for their rare and beautiful native flora and fauna.
The ‘Land Management program’ provides owners of these smaller holdings with a suite of educational activities to improve awareness of environmental issues and develop the skills needed to address them.
Funding
The initiative received funding from the Australian and State Governments from 2003-06.
The Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board leads and manages the program which works closely with local government, industry and Landcare groups.
Activities
program Manager Andy Cole said free or low-cost courses, field days and workshops provided an interesting mix of learning settings to cater for people with varying information needs.
“One of our key courses, ‘A practical Guide to Rural Land Management’, is run at night over eight weeks and provides information on subjects like soil conservation and property planning to encourage landholders to take an integrated approach to natural resource management,” Andy said.
He said there was also a huge range of field days on topics such as alternative enterprises which look at sheep, horses, cattle and alpacas.
“It includes site visits and discusses the pros and cons of keeping these sorts of animals, their infrastructure needs, and considers land capability and stocking rates,” Andy said.
Since the program's inception in 1998, 4,070 property owners have attended field days, while 2,751 have enrolled in courses and workshops.
Another 2,146 landholders have taken advantage of a free property visit, in which a land management advisor gives one-on-one technical advice.
Achievements
Andy said on average, properties involved in the program had each invested more than $18,000 to improve enterprise management.
“Surveys show our services are highly valued and have led to vast improvements to land management practices,” he said.
More information
- Andy Cole, Land Management program, program Manager: (08) 8391 7509 or andy.cole@adelaide.nrm.sa.gov.au
See also
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