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Victorian Soil Cooperative Research Centre to get $100M to prepare for changing environments as election pledge from Victorian Nationals

The Nationals in government will deliver new investments in soil research to protect and enhance our soils, environment and help make agriculture more productive and profitable.

By news@gippsland - 9th November 2022 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O'Brien said that while our agricultural industry has proved its resilience time and time again, the government can do more to help build resilience in our most important farming asset - the soil. "The Nationals in government will develop a $100 million plan to better prepare Victorian soil to adapt to changing environments."

The establishment of VicSoil will ensure our local farmers will have access to the latest research right here in Victoria, says Mr O'Brien

Ensuring productive soil

Mr O'Brien said, "We understand how vital our farmers are to the Victorian and Gippsland economies and lifestyle and we also understand how vital good soil is to our farmers. That's why we will establish a new regional Victorian collaborative research centre, VicSoil, which will bring primary producers and researchers together to better manage our most critical environmental assets."
Mr O'Brien said the plan will see $100 million delivered over ten years to research better ways of productively and sustainably managing soil and link VicSoil with the national Soil Cooperative Research Centre to build on existing partnerships."

"It is vital that we ensure our soils remain rich and productive so that we can protect Gippsland livelihoods and guarantee Gippsland can continue to be the home of Victorian agricultural success stories. Our soils also provide a great opportunity for carbon storage and emissions reduction." Mr O,Brien continued.

Protecting our agriculture

Mr O'Brien added, "This plan is a real solution to protect our environment as well as the productivity and profitability of our agricultural industry which currently provides around 150,000 Victorian jobs and injects more than $17.8 billion into our economy.

"I know that Gippsland farmers are keen to find innovative ways to save energy, reduce their emissions and protect our natural environment. The establishment of VicSoil will ensure our local farmers will have access to the latest research right here in Victoria." Mr O'Brien said.

Pictures from Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
  Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season.
• Noojee chosen for Healthy Forest Plans Pilot with $4M funding to boost tourism and local economy
  Baw Baw Shire welcomes Noojee’s $4 million Healthy Forest Plans Pilot funding, part of a $30 million Victorian government initiative to boost regional tourism, support economic transition, and create local jobs.
• Wellington Shire will deliver new 240L FOGO bins between April and June, with weekly organics collection starting 6 July 2026
  Wellington Shire introduces new FOGO bins from July, weekly organic waste collection, landfill shift to fortnightly, boosting recycling, reducing emissions, and improving composting across households.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
  Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch.
• Melina Bath calls on the Allan government to support Traralgon families, participants and staff after Daily Living Disability Services closure
  The Nationals are urging the Allan government to provide immediate support for participants, families, and staff affected by the sudden closure of Daily Living Disability Services in Traralgon.