Mitigating Natural Hazard Risks and Riparian Restoration

Join Weddin Landcare and Central West Local Land Services for this dual, back-to-back workshop along with David Brown from David Brown Consulting, Alison Elvin (rural training specialist and farmer), and members of local Emergency Services. 

MITIGATING NATURAL HAZARD RISKS

The morning will involve a workshop with David Brown, with the help of the Rural Financial Counselling Service, where you will learn how to:

• identify and understand natural hazards/risks on your property, 
• utilise risk management tools to incorporate strategies into business planning. 
  

Dr David Brown is an agricultural business consultant committed to providing independent, professional services to agriculture. David grew up on a sheep/cattle/goat station in northwest NSW and farms and their management have been at the forefront of David's life. Through working on the family station and as a stockman across Australia, David developed a keen interest in land, livestock and pastures. Now he is a critical and strategic thinker complemented with practical knowledge and professional skills in sheep and cattle production systems. 

When extending industry knowledge and best practice, David’s motto is that all ideas need to ‘add up’! What this means is that all ideas should be demonstrated to make sense commercially, and if they don’t, then they are probably not good ideas. Risk is one of those areas that is hard to incorporate into a businesses commercial decision making, and this workshop helps farm business owners understand how they can make better, more commercial risk management decisions.

We will also hear from local emergency service representatives about their role in risk prevention and options for mitigating natural hazards on your property.

RIPARIAN RESTORATION WORKSHOP

After lunch, Central West Local Land Services will conduct a Riparian Restoration workshop. Firstly, we'll hear from District Vet, Nik Cronin on water quality considerations for livestock. 

We will then head out to a local site with Alison Elvin and Senior Land Services Officer, Dominic Nowlan to learn practical ways to restore waterways and gullies including:

• The link between productivity and healthy waterways
• Assessing the health of farm dams and waterways
• Revegetation in and out of the water
• Identifying distinct zones around the riparian edges and their importance to filter out contaminants
• Creating structure and habitat for wildlife in and around riparian areas and farm dams
• Limiting direct stock access to riparian areas to keep the water clean and minimise erosion
• Managing weeds and feral animals

Please ensure you come equipped for this field trip with sturdy footwear, a hat and water bottle.

Alison Elvin will provide current research and a lifetime of practical experience in agriculture, sustainable farming practices and natural resource management. Alison is passionate about developing cost-effective, on-ground methods of improving water quality on farm and in turn increasing both productivity and biodiversity.

This event is catered, with morning tea and lunch provided. Please register by Friday 5 April, noting any dietary requirements..

Get in touch with any questions: Melanie Cooper on 0417 963 475 or weddinlandcare@outlook.com

This event has been made possible through funding from Landcare NSW's People Led Prevention Project and Central West Local Land Services.

Landcare NSW’s People Led Prevention project empowers communities across regional NSW in developing disaster resilience and preparedness skills. The Disaster Risk Reduction Fund is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.