Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Advertorials & Special Offers

Master TreeGrowers Course

Master TreeGrowers Course - Mastering farm tree growing – a practical course for Gippsland farmers and tree growers.

By Department of Primary Industries - 9th August 2006 - Back to News

Melbourne University, in partnership with local organisations, is presenting an Australian Master TreeGrower course in Gippsland starting this month.

More than 1400 farmers across Australia have now completed the eight day course since 1996. With the support of government staff, industry and community groups the course helps landholders explore ways to make tree on farms work for them.

"The Australian Master TreeGrower is for those who are serious about integrating trees into their farming systems. Most participants are interested in growing and managing trees to enhance agricultural production, protect soil and water, conserve biodiversity or produce timber.

"Each course is tailored to the interests and needs of the twenty or so participants in the group.

"I expect the Gippsland course will look at options for growing high quality timber in multipurpose farm plantings such as shelterbelts and creek sides, as well as the potential of special purpose plantations of high value species like Blackwood and clearwood Eucalypts," said Rowan Reid, the National Coordinator of the Master TreeGrower Program.

Gippsland Private Forestry Inc. and the Department of Primary Industries will coordinate the Gippsland course. The first day of the program is open to anyone who may be interested providing landholders with an opportunity to try before they commit to the full eight days.

The plan is then to have full day sessions once a week through August and September.

"With support from the Federal Government’s Joint Venture Agroforestry Program and the local sponsors we are able to keep the cost down to $110 per property for the full eight days.

"With up to 20 expert presenters, field trips and practical training this is extraordinary value. Each participant also receives a hat, gate sign, measurement tape, books and notes," said Mr Reid.

The first day will be held in Traralgon on the 17^th August at 9.00am, at the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Office – 16 Hotham St Traralgon, with later sessions being held throughout Gippsland.

Most days involve one or two hours of seminars and workshops followed by tours to farms, forests, sawmills and other sites, many chosen by the participants.

If you are interested contact John Davenport (GPF) on 5175 7837 or Shane Lavell (DPI) on 5172 2180 or look up the Australian Master TreeGrower web site for more information about the program – www.mtg.unimelb.edu.au

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
  East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity.
• Darren Chester says growers and industry groups are concerned Labor's visa processing pause is creating uncertainty for farmers
  Australian farmers warn delayed visa processing for seasonal and skilled workers could worsen labour shortages, disrupt harvests, reduce food production and push fresh produce prices higher for Australian families.
• Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment.
• Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
  Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours.
• Farmers denied refunds despite biosecurity overcharging and government cost recovery surplus
  DAFF will not refund farmers despite collecting $26 million in excess biosecurity fees between 2024 and 2026. An Auditor-General report identified cost recovery management failures, prompting calls for greater transparency and fairer charges.
• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.