Master program creating money trees

THE Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is funding a ‘Master Tree Grower Course’ for members of the Bellarine community.

In partnership with Bellarine Landcare and Otway Agroforestry Network, an eight-day program will be available to landholders interested in planting and managing trees for conservation and profit.

The course will be delivered by experts such as Rowan Reid detailing the benefits of growing trees for sustainable profit enterprises, shelter and biodiversity.

Mr Reid, a former University of Melbourne academic, designed the course to ensure the development of forestry and native vegetation management on farmland is driven by Australian farmers and underpinned by the best scientific, market and practical knowledge.

Corangamite CMA’s Chelsey Agg said the partnership with Bellarine Landcare and Otway Agroforestry Network would assist farmers with an opportunity to enhance their skills and capitalise on using their space to plant more trees.

“The Bellarine Master Tree Grower Course will be able to provide skills, support networks, practical knowledge and confidence to support landholders and farmers in making these important decisions on farm,” Ms Agg said.

The program is supported by the Corangamite CMA through funding from the federal government’s National Landcare Program.

Based on the award-winning program that has been presented to over 85 regional courses with more than 1,800 participants, the course will inspire Bellarine landholders to become master tree growers in their own terms.

This program does not endorse or promote specific species, products or management options.

An introductory session will be held tomorrow (Friday, March 26) at McGlashan’s Estate in Wallington with interested particpants encouraged to contact Kate Lockhart on 0413 123 844 or [email protected].