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Free environmental management training for farmers

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS) project designed to assist farmers assess and improve the environmental performance of their farm business.

By Latrobe City Council - 28th August 2006 - Back to News

Latrobe City’s pest plant co-ordinator, Chris Rankin, said that the project has been funded through the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and the Victorian Government.

"An EMS is a means by which a farmer can provide evidence of a commitment to ongoing improvement of environmental management. It is an environment assurance.

"An EMS is a voluntary process which aims to achieve continual improvement in environmental and business performance. It starts with farmers conducting a self-assessment of the current state of their environmental management. This provides the basis for actions to address the key issues.

"The VFF project, called ‘Pathway to profitable and sustainable farming’ will enable farmers to understand the meaning of EMS, the background, and the potential benefits of having an EMS, as well as to help to begin establishing an EMS for their property. And, it is free to all farmers," Mr Rankin explained.

"We would encourage all interested landholders to investigate the potential benefits of this project and contact the EMS Pathways Officer for West Gippsland to find out more information," Mr Rankin concluded.

For further information contact Joan Wallis on 03 5662 9916 or 0429 007 240.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Wellington residents can safely dispose of recalled sand at Kilmany Transfer Station for free, following safety guidelines, while refunds are managed by retailers including Officeworks, Kmart, and Educational Colours.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• 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.
• Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
  Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers.
• East Gippsland community impact grants fund projects strengthening communities and supporting environment
  East Gippsland’s 2025 Community Impact Grants received 36 applications, funding 15 projects focused on community strengthening, environmental sustainability, facilities, and open space, supporting local growth, inclusion and creative initiatives.
• Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
  Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience.
• Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
  Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
• Gippsland Water’s mobile trailer supports community events while promoting health, sustainability and reducing single-use plastic
  Gippsland Water’s mobile water trailer supports community events, providing free drinking water, promoting healthy choices, reducing single-use plastics, and enhancing public and environmental health across the region in 2026.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation.
• Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity.
• South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
  South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.
• South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
  South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.