Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Ems For Your Farm BusinessEMS is short for Environmental Management System and is a term of increasing importance and interest to farmers. By Department of Primary Industries - 12th July 2006 - Back to News The Department of Primary Industries in partnership with the Victorian Farmers Federation through the EMS Pathways Project, is keen to both widen the awareness of EMS and to support the development of an EMS on Victorian farms.
An EMS is a way for farmers to match their production aims with their care for natural resources – the land, air and water.
While the focus of an EMS is on the environmental impact from farming activities, it is often very difficult to separate these issues from productivity aims. What farmers often realise therefore is - what’s good for the environment will almost certainly be good for the future of the farm business.
EMS benchmarking tools such as EBMP - Environmental Best Management Practice and DairySAT - Dairy Self Assessment Tool - are designed to help farmers identify risks and impacts that their farming activities might be having on the environment.
EMS Pathways Officers can provide farmers with assistance to incorporate EMS processes into their business as well as by providing links to aerial imagery and incentive programs to follow up priorities identified in the self-assessment process.
For more information contact Don Shaw on 5159 5136 for the East Gippsland Catchment, Joan Wallis on 5662 9916 for the West Gippsland Catchment or Carmen Zerafa on 5367 2922 for Port Phillip and Westernport.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub. - Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect. - Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October. - West Gippsland CMA hosts hands-on workshop 'Carbon Farming - Know your number' at Leongatha office on 24 March 2026
Join local farmer Nick Dudley for a free, hands-on workshop in Leongatha on 24 March to calculate farm emissions, use carbon calculators, and explore productivity improvements. Registration required. - Share your update and present to South Gippsland Shire Councillors on issues that are important to you or your community on 4 March 2026
Friends of Agnes Falls and Gippsland Agroforestry will present to Council at Venus Bay Community Centre, 2pm, 4 March. Presentations are monthly; all community members are welcome to attend. - Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs. - Farmers demand urgent government action as pest animals surge across East Gippsland and Victoria
Farmers in East Gippsland and eastern Victoria face rising pest animal impacts, with ASAC urging coordinated government action, long-term funding and improved control measures to protect agriculture, livelihoods and communities. - Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026. - Farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers and undercuts Australian dairy
Australian dairy farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers, undercuts local producers, and risks jobs, as imported US butter competes with declining domestic dairy production. - Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines. - Farm World 2026 at Lardner Park: Ag exhibitions, motocross, rodeo, animals, food, and family fun
Farm World 2026 at Lardner Park features motocross, rodeo, animal encounters, ag exhibits, hands-on farming experiences, food and drink, and family-friendly activities, celebrating Victoria’s largest regional agricultural event. - Submit your written feedback on adopted Yarragon Township Plans until 26 April 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council is extending community consultation on the Yarragon Township Plan and rezoning from 13-26 April 2026, inviting feedback before the May Council decision and Ministerial process consideration process. - Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment. - Farm Field Day boosts production, biodiversity, carbon reduction and income with shelterbelts on 2 December 2025
Join us at Bushy Park on 2 December to learn from experts and farmers how shelterbelts boost production, biodiversity, carbon reduction, and farm income, with practical tips and funding advice. - Gippsland farmers gain access to expanded Irrigation Farm Plan Incentives across Lake Wellington catchment
Gippsland farmers can now access expanded Irrigation Efficiency Incentives, covering up to 75% of farm plan costs, improving water efficiency, reducing nutrient losses, and supporting tailored upgrades across Lake Wellington Catchment. - Skeene Creek Farm launches, driving sustainable agriculture, innovation, and resilience across East Gippsland region
Skeene Creek Farm launches near Bairnsdale, transforming underutilised land into a sustainable agriculture hub, promoting circular economy, innovation, environmental resilience, and practical research for East Gippsland farmers. - Nature positive farming field day, sustainable practices, carbon insights, and soil management at Malabar farm
Join Jenny and Paul O'Sullivan at Malabar Farm on 20 November 2025 for a free Nature Positive Farming field day, exploring sustainable practices, greenhouse gas estimation, soil carbon, and carbon farming benefits. - Enhancing farm dams: Learn from experts at Wilandra Farms Field Day in Clydebank on 26 November 2025
Join WGCMA's free field day at Wilandra Farms, Clydebank, on 26 November to learn from ANU ecologists about enhancing farm dams for biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience. - West Gippsland CMA invites dairy farmers to join effluent management project, expressions of interest open from 1-30 April 2026
South Gippsland dairy farmers can apply for funding from 1 April 2026 to improve effluent management, boost soil health, reduce river pollution, and implement sustainable farm practices with expert guidance. - Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience. - From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities. - David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds. - Buckley Park Community Farm receives $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant for irrigation, hothouse and sustainable food production upgrades
Buckley Park Community Farm received a $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant, funding irrigation upgrades, a chlorine filter, and a hothouse system to boost sustainability and local food production. - East Gippsland Council and farmers welcome the $2.75M boost for feral pig control under the Victorian government's Protecting Biodiversity program
East Gippsland Shire Council and farmers welcome $2.75 million for feral pig control, focusing on public land, local employment, and coordinated efforts to protect agriculture, biodiversity, and regional communities. - South Gippsland farmers dig into practical carbon farming at Down to Earth field day
Thirty-five South Gippsland farmers explored carbon farming at Malabar Farm, learning practical ways to improve soil health, reduce emissions, and farm sustainably while sharing knowledge with peers. - SEC acquires Delburn Wind Farm, Gippsland’s first public wind project, creating jobs and boosting local energy and economy by 2028
The SEC’s acquisition of Delburn Wind Farm will deliver Gippsland’s first public wind project by 2028, creating 300 construction jobs, long-term careers, and $22 million in community benefits. - Gippsland Water launches annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign encouraging mindful water usage during hot weather
Gippsland Water has launched its annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign, encouraging customers to follow permanent water-saving rules and tips, conserve water during heat waves, and attend community education events. - Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security. - East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region. - Melina Bath warned Delburn Wind Farm risks bushfires, affecting 1,600 nearby homes and challenging emergency services
A parliamentary petition, backed by Melina Bath, opposes the Allan government’s $650M Delburn Wind Farm bailout, citing fire risk, noise, visual impacts, and mismanagement of taxpayer funds. - Carbon Calculator Events for farm emissions, accounting, and carbon farming insights for farmers
Attend the free Carbon Calculator Events on 28 October and 11 November 2025 in Traralgon to learn carbon farming, accounting, and estimate your farm's emissions footprint. Registration required. - West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities. - Southern Rural Water invites community to have your say on future water services, pricing and sustainability
Southern Rural Water invites the community to help shape future water pricing and services, balancing cost, access, sustainability, and regional needs across southern Victoria. - Tim Bull says kangaroo overpopulation devastates farms, with permits insufficient to protect crops and livelihoods
Gippsland farmers face severe crop damage from exploding kangaroo populations. MP Tim Bull urges urgent permit reforms to allow practical, case-by-case management, protecting livelihoods and ensuring ongoing food production. - Baw Baw Shire Council hosts free ‘Look Over the Farm Gate - Help a Mate!’ barbecues supporting farmers’ wellbeing
Baw Baw Shire free ‘Look Over the Farm Gate - Help a Mate!’ barbecues support farmers’ wellbeing, offering connection, meals, and access to mental health, financial, and drought assistance resources. - East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce. - Entries open for 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrating innovation, excellence and community success
Entries are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards, celebrating local business excellence across judged and People’s Choice categories, with applications closing 8 May and community voting closing 29 May 2026. - Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s ‘land grab,’ opposing farmland seizure before environmental approvals complete
The Allan Labor government passed laws allowing energy companies to compulsory acquire farmland before approvals, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to condemn the "land grab" and call for proper consultation and safeguards. - Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow. - East Gippsland Water donates hay to support farmers through Lions Club ‘Need for Feed’ program
East Gippsland Water donated two semi loads of hay to support drought-affected farmers in Victoria’s south-west, demonstrating sustainability, community support, and its commitment to recycling and environmental stewardship. - David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture. - Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector. - South Gippsland autumn 2026 update with business breakfast, grants, events, opportunities and jobs expo on 19 March 2026
South Gippsland Jobs Expo on 19 March in Leongatha offers job opportunities, career advice and training pathways, alongside a business breakfast, community events, grants, road safety upgrades, skatepark opening and council updates. - Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms. - Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions. - Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650M Delburn wind farm investment ignoring local community concerns
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650 million Delburn wind farm investment, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money that ignores local community concerns about fire, noise, and visual impact. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates and modernising fair valuation system
Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates, increasing vacant land differential, introducing pensioner and first-homeowner rebates, and aligning Rural Land Management reforms with biodiversity and community feedback. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates and modernising fair valuation system
Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates, increasing vacant land differential, introducing pensioner and first-homeowner rebates, and aligning Rural Land Management reforms with biodiversity and community feedback. - David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry. - Orbost Snowy River cycling thrives with East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program and tailored mentoring
Orbost business Snowy River Cycling leveraged Council’s Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that boosted growth, strategic planning, and access to the Forestry Transition Fund, enabling sustainable business expansion. - Baw Baw Shire residents invited to safely dispose household chemicals at free Detox Your Home event on 14 March 2026
Baw Baw Shire residents can register for a free Detox Your Home event on 14 March 2026 to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals, helping protect waterways and the environment. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Meet with South Gippsland Mayor Hersey to discuss ideas or issues that matter to you and your community and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council is offering multiple opportunities for community engagement, upcoming events, free workshops, grants, vaccination sessions, and council services throughout Summer 2026 for residents and local businesses. - Community invited to join Walhalla project working groups shaping tourism and business opportunities for World Heritage future
Baw Baw Shire Council invites community members to join Tourism, Infrastructure, or Business Support Project Working Groups for Walhalla, helping shape sustainable development linked to the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid. - Albanese government criticised for unfair Australia-EU trade deal undermining farmers and dairy producers’ rights
The Albanese government’s Australia-EU trade deal is criticised for weak market access, unfair geographic restrictions, and disadvantageous Australian farmers, particularly dairy and red meat producers, according to industry leaders. - Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - Latrobe City Council opens applications for free 12-week industry growth program supporting business expansion until 16 January 2026
Latrobe City Council’s Industry Growth Program offers 12 weeks of business education, coaching, and mentoring, helping 15 eligible business leaders develop growth strategies and expand their businesses, free of charge. - Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture. - West Gippsland CMA’s annual report showcases environmental achievements from mountain headwaters to coastal waters
West Gippsland CMA’s Annual Report highlights major 2024–25 achievements restoring rivers, wetlands and habitats, supporting communities, protecting wildlife, and strengthening catchment health from mountain headwaters to the coast. - Bass Coast wins National Award for Circular Economy Program driving sustainable local business innovation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 National Economic Development Award for its Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program, supporting local businesses to reduce waste, innovate sustainably, and embrace circular economy practices. - Committee for Gippsland welcomed Hon David Davis MP to meet local stakeholders and business leaders
Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits. - East Gippslander John Mulligan, 94, launches 'Our Mismanaged Forests', sharing lifetime environmental knowledge and practical forest management insights
East Gippslander John Mulligan, 94, launches Our Mismanaged Forests, sharing lifetime bush experience and advocating practical forest management, fuel reduction, and Indigenous fire practices to improve safety and environmental outcomes. - Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions.
|
|
