The devolved grant scheme has completed 130,000 hectares of on-ground works in 11 years of operation.  Landholders can access a wide range of incentives to assist with projects on their properties. Incentives are based on a sound cost-sharing framework determined by a benefit cost analysis. All works are subject to an agreement with strict guidelines including maintenance periods. Payments are only made following a successful inspection of completed works.

Works eligible for funding under the incentive scheme include:

• Perennial pasture establishment
• Saltland pasture establishment
• Sandhill stabilisation and retirement
• Clay spreading
• Revegetation using local native species
• Protection & enhancement of remnant native vegetation
• Establishment of fodder shrubs
• Establishment of farm forestry
• Fencing of lake shore and establishment of alternative watering points

For information on any of the above points please click here

To apply for funding, download an Expression of Interest form by clicking here and for review of onground works funding rates click here.

More information can be found in the  On-ground Works Booklet(updated 2012)

 

Priority Issues in the Coorong & Tatiara District

The Local Action Plan has worked closely with the community to identify our priority issues, develop a range of recommended land management options and implement these on the ground. Alone, no single landholder can solve these problems but with a district wide effort, a range of practical options suitable for all areas and enterprises and the support of the Local Action Plan, we can make a real difference.
The Local Action Plan provides financial and technical assistance to landholders in the Coorong and Tatiara District for projects which address priority issues.

Wind Erosion

When land is managed unsuitably the rate of wind erosion is increased. Windblown sands can damage crops, bury young plants, cause nutrient loss, bury fences and causes significant changes to the landscape. The off-site impacts include reduced air and water quality, sedimentation of rivers and dams, distribution to electricity supply and changed in the global climate. The most effective way of controlling wind erosion in our area is by maintaining and improving ground cover, stabilising sandhills and blowouts, clay spreading and fencing off affected areas.

Dryland Salinity

Dryland salinity is caused when deep-rooted perennial plants are replaced by shallow-rooted annual crops and pastures. This allows large volumes of unused rainfall to reach the groundwater, causing it to rise and bring salt to the surface. In the Coorong and Tatiara Districts 110,000ha have been affected by dryland salinity. A further 120,000ha is at risk within 50 years if no action is taken to increase the cover of deep-rooted perennial vegetation and reduce groundwater recharge.

Sustainable Agriculture

Promoting sustainable agricultural practices is vital for the future of our district. These include balancing land use and land capability, increasing water use efficiency, fencing to land classification and capability, overcoming issues associated with non-wetting sands and stabilising bare and eroding land.

Biodiversity

Protecting and enhancing the native flora and fauna of our district is also a priority issue for the Local Action Plan. Fencing remnant native vegetation and wetland areas from stock prevents further degradation and allows regeneration to occur. Revegetation using local native vegetation also protects biodiversity by increasing the populations of local plant species and providing habitat for native birds and animals.