This project supports farmers to build climate resilience and adapt agricultural practices through field days, sustainable agriculture discussion groups, a biofertiliser mentoring program, a regenerative agriculture course, and work with First Nations partners. Activities focus on improving soil health, building knowledge, and strengthening community networks across the region.
Name of Project: Creating Climate Smart Communities
Funded by:Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate Smart Agriculture Program
Partners: Bass Coast Landcare Network, Western Port Catchment Landcare Network
Timeframe: 2024–2028
Project Manager: Cassie Wright
Project Summary
Creating Climate-Smart Communities is a regional partnership project delivered by alongside the Bass Coast Landcare Network and Western Port Catchment Landcare Network. Supported by the Australian Government through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust, the project commenced in October 2024 and will run until April 2028.
The project focuses on helping farmers strengthen resilience and adapt their agricultural practices in response to a changing climate. Across South Gippsland, this includes two field days each year, six sustainable agriculture discussion group sessions, a biofertiliser mentoring program, a regenerative agriculture training course, and collaboration with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation on a staff training program.
Recent activities have explored soil biology, feed options during dry times, making on-farm biofertilisers, multispecies pastures, drone use, compost teas, erosion control, agroforestry, native corridors, windbreak establishment, plant tissue testing and visual soil assessment. A two-day bioferts training introduced nine local farmers to a range of techniques and materials, with participants continuing their learning through follow-up group sessions and an online peer network.
Through shared learning, practical demonstrations and ongoing mentoring, Creating Climate-Smart Communities is building knowledge, confidence and community connections to support climate-ready farming across the region.
