THE Liberal National Government has committed $2.5 million to a new partnership between industry, Government and catchment groups that will tackle the flow of nutrients from dairy farms to rivers and estuaries.
Water Minister Mia Davies said DairyCare was a partnership between Western Dairy, State agencies, Natural Resource Management groups and dairy farmers that built on more than 10 years of experience and partnerships in the South-West.
“As a result of this Royalties for Regions funding, we estimate at least 30 priority dairy effluent systems will be upgraded and 80 nutrient use plans will be developed under the national
Fert$mart program, with the result being a substantial reduction of nutrients entering waterways,” Ms Davies said.
“The partnership includes the establishment of an industry reference group, which will develop a strong self-regulatory approach and ensure farmers were motivated to be involved.”
Agriculture and Food Minister Dean Nalder said DairyCare came at an important time for farmers and could lead to important cost savings for the industry.
“By retaining nutrients on farm and reducing the negative contribution they make to waterways through run-off into local rivers and streams, farmers have an opportunity to save money and meet community expectations for the environment,” Mr Nalder said.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the Royalties for Regions investment in DairyCare was an important step to protect and support waterways and regional estuaries by helping a valued industry to become more sustainable.
“DairyCare will investigate innovative options for improving dairy effluent management and provide farmers with information, incentives and the tools to make better decisions about fertiliser use and effluent management,” Mr Redman said.
