Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Environment Week Highlights The Need To Minimise Farm Run-OffAs a part of Environment Week, the Department of Primary Industries Nutrient Management Extension team at Maffra and Ellinbank are launching a series of fact sheets and fridge magnets to coincide with World Environment Day on June 5. By Department of Primary Industries - 28th May 2003 - Back to News As a part of Environment Week, the Department of Primary Industries Nutrient Management Extension team at Maffra and Ellinbank are launching a series of fact sheets and fridge magnets to coincide with World Environment Day on June 5. The sheets and magnets focus on making full use of water and nutrient resources for productive purposes while minimising impacts on the environment.
Nutrient Extension Officer Colin Waters said that recent surveys of farmers in Gippsland have revealed that many farmers have acted on recommendations on how to minimise nutrient runoff from their farms to catchment waterways.
"Success in minimising the impacts on our water resources depends on long-term commitment by the whole community," Mr Waters said.
A high profile environmental issue in Gippsland is the water quality of the Gippsland Lakes. The amount of phosphorus entering the lakes has an impact on water quality. Phosphorus is a contributing factor for algal blooms that have cost the region millions of dollars in recent years.
The fact sheets and magnets highlight a number of ways to minimise the amount of phosphorus leaving farming properties. These include:
- Separating fertiliser application from your next irrigation or forecast storm by at least 4 days
- Meeting production needs without applying excess fertiliser – using a nutrient budget
- Spreading dairy effluent back on your farm to grow grass and avoid pollution of waterways
- Using a water re-use system to put you in control of water and effluent runoff
- Take a whole farm approach to planning and management of farm resources
All of these actions will help improve water quality as well as improve the efficient use of water resources on farms. The fact sheets are available at either DPI Ellinbank or DPI Maffra. These fact sheets will be sent to farmers in the Gippsland Lakes catchment as a series over the next six months.
For more information on ways to minimise the loss of nutrients from grazed farms contact either Colin Waters or Annette Coster on (03) 5624 2222.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- The Nationals Leader questions Labor’s environment rules, asking whether cows grazing could trigger land clearing laws for farmers
Nationals Leader Matt Canavan is demanding clarity on Labor’s environment rules, questioning whether cattle grazing could trigger land clearing regulations and create legal uncertainty for farmers. - Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife. - Four Gippsland students win Water Week Poster competition promoting conservation and sustainability
Four young Gippsland artists have been recognised in Gippsland Water’s 2026 National Water Week poster competition, highlighting water conservation. Mirboo North Primary School won $500, while student Penelope placed third statewide. - Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community achievements and strong financial performance across the region
Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community events, environmental initiatives and financial achievements, including new trails, bike facilities and more than 369,000 native plants. - South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region. - RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment. - Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report highlights major achievements, $23.9M road investment and community improvements in 2025-26
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2025-26 Annual Report highlights facility upgrades, more than $400,000 in community grants, a new emergency dashboard and $23.9 million invested in road improvements. - Darren Chester warns Sydney fire ant detection highlights biosecurity risks and urges swift action, surveillance and guaranteed eradication funding beyond 2027
Darren Chester has urged swift, coordinated action after red imported fire ants were detected in Sydney, warning of risks to agriculture and calling for stronger surveillance and guaranteed eradication funding beyond June 2027. - The Nationals and farm groups warn EPBC changes create uncertainty for farmers and land management
Nationals leader Matt Canavan met with farm groups over concerns Labor’s EPBC changes could create uncertainty and regulatory risks. Industry wants amendments, clearer guidance, mapping, support tools and independent review. - East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks community members, reflects on achievements and highlights upcoming projects in final annual mayoral column
East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks residents for their contributions, highlights upcoming projects and community celebrations, and encourages feedback on the Bairnsdale 2050 Strategy before concluding her annual mayoral column. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities. - Youth board opportunity to help shape the future of West Gippsland’s Catchments and natural environment
West Gippsland CMA is seeking an Associate Board Member aged 18–34 to contribute youth perspectives on natural resource management. Gain governance skills, training and mentorship. Apply with a resume and cover letter by 30 November 2026. - The Berry Dairy near Maffra offers strawberry picking, farm tours, animal encounters and family-friendly fun this summer
The Berry Dairy near Maffra offers seasonal strawberry picking, tractor tours, animal encounters, playgrounds and café treats, creating a family-friendly Gippsland destination with fresh produce and farm experiences. - Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours. - Gippsland offers family-friendly stays, from coastal resorts and farm retreats to holiday parks and secluded cottages
Gippsland offers families diverse accommodation options, from resorts and self-contained cottages to farm stays, holiday homes and caravan parks, providing comfortable bases for beach trips, nature adventures and regional exploration. - Gippsland offers family-friendly stays, from coastal resorts and farm retreats to holiday parks and secluded cottages
Gippsland offers families diverse accommodation options, from resorts and self-contained cottages to farm stays, holiday homes and caravan parks, providing comfortable bases for beach trips, nature adventures and regional exploration. - Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities. - East Gippsland Council welcomes Coalition’s $120M pledge for new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department and expanded patient capacity
East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Coalition’s $120 million pledge for Bairnsdale Hospital’s new emergency department, which will expand treatment spaces, ambulance bays and hospital beds to meet growing healthcare demand. - Maffra Show celebrates agricultural heritage, community spirit and dedicated volunteers across Gippsland’s farming districts
The Maffra Show celebrated local agriculture, farming heritage and community spirit, with Darren Chester praising volunteers, exhibitors and competitors for preserving regional traditions and supporting local businesses. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges Victorian election candidates to cut red tape and boost farm gate tourism opportunities
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reduce red tape and ease planning restrictions on farm gate businesses, reforms could boost agritourism, support local producers, create jobs and strengthen regional tourism.
|
|
