Calling small bush block owners to get sustainable

SMALL bush block owners have the chance to become catchment stewards.

As part of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Small Blocks Big Dreams project, a free introductory session is being held at 1.45pm on Friday 19 June at Sovereign Hill’s Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Through workshops and property tours, the project has helped more than 160 small producers, horse owners and bush block owners build skills in sustainable land management.

As part of the event, attendees will receive an overview of the program and how to get involved.

They will then visit Sovereign Hill to consider the ecological impact the gold rush era had on the landscape, followed by free time and a sit-down meal at the Charlie Napier Hotel from 5pm.

The Ballarat workshop series is being delivered in partnership with the Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group, and the state government funds it through the Our Catchments, Our Communities program.

“Join us at our introductory event as we travel back in time to a bygone era when our region was much less modified,” said Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group project officer Chrissy Webster.

“Pondering what the climate and vegetation was like, and maybe even reminiscing about your own visits to Sovereign Hill as a child, you will learn about Small Blocks Big Dreams and how it can support you to care for your small bush block.”

Corangamite CMA’s sustainable agriculture facilitator Karen O’Keefe said the CMA was excited to support more landowners to be sustainable, strategic, and plan for the future.

Landholders who take part in the program will be offered a site visit from Corangamite CMA staff or Landcare members once the workshops are completed to assist with implementing their land stewardship action plans.

They will also be eligible for up to $2,000 in funding to support on-ground works on their properties.