Fulfilling the WINRAP actions remains on track with numerous on ground works underway, such as fencing & revegetation of waterways and the establishment of perennial pastures. This success has been due to the positive response shown by land owners within the catchment who understand the philosophy behind what we are trying to achieve and are enthusiastic participants.

We continue to hold educational workshops that receive positive feedback. This year we have joined up with our neighbours in Torbay to hold two soil fertiliser workshops and a workshop for smaller landholders. The first involved presentations and demonstrations by nutrient and soil experts from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA. The aim was for people to learn how their fertilisers react in their soil and how to interpret soil test results.

The workshop 'Looking after your small property' looked into animal health and welfare, pasture and grazing management, revegetation planning and weed control.

With only one year to go with the current WINRAP funding round we are busy developing and implementing as many projects as possible.

Get on board by calling me on 9848-2955 or coming in and visiting me at my new office at 2/27 Strickland St, Denmark. My new postal address is P.O Box 978, Denmark 6333.

Construction begins on riffle crossing. Bank reshaping and planting will stabilise the banks.

Bob builds a buffer

One of the properties that have recently received funding through WINRAP has been the cattle/sheep farm of Bob Churley in Dawson Rd, Youngs Siding.

Like many farms in the area Bobs property has a Water Corporation drain and several smaller waterways running through it. While erosion was not a major issue, without adequate buffers all the waterways had the potential to transport excess nutrients downstream.

In a meeting with Bob on site, it was decided to fence the 1km of drain and nearly 1.5km of smaller creeks . The waterways will also be given a buffer of vegetation planted next to them to assist with the uptake of excess nutrients, provide habitat, shelter and help stabilize the banks. In addition to funding the fences, WICC has helped fund several watering points and stock crossings on the property. Bob has also expressed an interest in planting perennial pastures next season which will be funded through WINRAP.

"As this project involved fencing a Water Corporation drain, consultation with the Water Corp led to them assisting by cleaning out the drain of silt buildup and smoothing out the dirt spoil heap that ran along side part of the drain" Bob said. Work has started in earnest with the aim to get the fence up, weed control done and plants in the ground before the winter rains.

Financial assistance:
helping you farm for tomorrow

Through the Wilson Inlet Nutrient Reduction Action Plan we can help you build your farm to be more environmentally responsible. Call Craig on 9848-2955 to find out more.

Waterway protection

• Fencing of drains and creeks
  Up to $2500/km in the priority sub- catchments (Sleeman, Cuppup, Lake Saide and Sunny Glenn) and up to $2000/km in the rest of the catchment.
  
  
• Stock crossings & watering points
  Up to $700 for a crossing and $300 for a watering point
  
  
• Vegetated buffers
  $450/ha to provide bank stabilisation, nutrient removal and increasing wildlife habitat.

Production

• Deep Rooted Perennial Pastures
  $60 per hectare is available to help establish suitable deep rooted perennial pasture species.
  
  
• Soil Testing
  A 50% subsidy for soil testing is available. Don't Guess...Soil Test

Point Source Nutrient Control

More intensive industries, such as dairies, viticulture or intensive horticulture, often need specialised assistance to help reduce their nutrient export. Contact us to talk about how we can help.