This project aims to support landholders in best-practice biodiversity and wetland management on farms. The delivery of this project will include guidance on creating wetlands and protecting threatened eucalypt species on farms, such as the Strzelecki Gum and Southern Blue Gum. It will also include sessions on plant propagation, water quality monitoring, species identification, and mapping and recording biodiversity.
Name of Project: Creating Wetlands & Protecting Threatened Eucalypts
Funded by: Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate Smart Agriculture Program
Partners: Melbourne Water
Timeframe: 18 months (2025–2027)
Status: Currently accepting EOIs for suitable demonstration sites
Project Manager: Cassie Wright
Project Summary
We are excited to announce our new Ag-Resilience project, which will run until June 2027. This project is being delivered in collaboration with Melbourne Water and six other partners in the Melbourne Water region.
SGLN activities will focus on wetlands on farms and threatened eucalypts (Strzelecki Gum and Southern Blue Gum). This will include setting up two demonstration sites, a series of workshops and factsheets to support property owners to create their own wetland, wetland plant propagation, water quality monitoring, species identification, and mapping and recording biodiversity.
Expressions of interest are now being taken for two demonstration sites for this project. Please click on the links below for more information and to express your interest.
WETLAND – site required to demonstrate a simple way to create a wetland on a farm: EOI create a farm wetland
In the right circumstances it can be easy to create a wetland simply by blocking a drain, fencing out stock and increasing the amount of wetland plants. This process can turn a boggy and perhaps unproductive paddock into a thriving wetland which will increase biodiversity on your property by attracting, birds, frogs and more.
EUCALYPT PROTECTION – site required for fencing and understorey planting within a stand of threatened eucalypts: EOI Threatened Eucalypts
Planting an understorey beneath established trees boosts biodiversity by adding shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers that create habitat for insects, birds, and small animals. These plants improve soil health, reduce erosion, and filter water, while their flowers and fruits support pollinators and other wildlife.
