Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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site specific
region wide
Stabilising soil in SA's Mallee region
For the first time in 10 years people can drive through the Mallee area and see less soil swirling in the air from eroding paddocks, thanks to the efforts of 150 landholders and five community groups.
Funding
The Mallee Futures project is supported with funding from the Australian and State Government funding. It provides grants and technical assistance to tackle a range of environmental problems.
Other partners in the project include the South Australian Natural Resources Management Board, Rural Solutions SA, Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc. and the Mantung Maggea Land Management Group.
Activities
Rowena Danks from the Murray Mallee Local Action Planning Association (LAPA), which coordinates Mallee Futures, says protecting areas of native vegetation is seen as the highest priority, with tackling soil erosion and promoting perennials also high on the list.
"Most of the practical work is done by broadacre Mallee farmers and they've achieved amazing results since the project began in 1992. They've fenced 8,000 hectares of existing native vegetation and planted a further 760 hectares," she said.
"Participating farmers have also planted over 12,000 hectares of perennial pasture to reduce groundwater recharge, stabilise soil and boost productivity.
"Landholders usually pay for well over half the cost of the projects and have put in more than $3.2 million since 1992, which I think shows their commitment to the work we're doing. The project's success would not have been possible without this support.
"Mallee Futures covers a huge area — over two million hectares bordered by the Murray River in the north and the Mallee Highway in the south. To achieve results on this scale we've seen groups banding together on work like fox baiting and rabbit control.
Achievements
"This has helped protect threatened species including the Malleefowl and Mitchell's Hopping Mouse, as well as reducing erosion, damage to native plants and lambing losses.
"We're also increasing habitat by protecting blocks adjoining areas of native vegetation, including reserves such as Ngarkat and Billiatt.
"Many landholders are passionate about their Mallee scrub, which rubs off on others and often encourages their mates to do something themselves. These farmers are playing a key role in wildlife conservation."
Other partners in the project include the South Australian Natural Resources Management Board, Rural Solutions SA, Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc. and the Mantung Maggea Land Management Group.
More information
- Rowena Danks, Murray Mallee LAPA: (08) 8531 3075 or mmlap@lm.net.au
- Murray Mallee LAPA
See also
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