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East Gippsland Agriculture Tour showcases innovation, resilience and collaboration across the region's diverse farming sector

ASAC members toured East Gippsland agricultural businesses, exploring sustainable farming, weed management, technology and dairy practices while strengthening industry connections and informing future regional agricultural priorities.

By news@gippsland - 28th August 2026 - Back to News

Members of the Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee (ASAC) recently participated in an industry tour highlighting the diversity, innovation and resilience of East Gippsland's agricultural sector. Following the latest ASAC meeting, the tour featured presentations on weed management, biosecurity and the work of the Gippsland Agriculture Group (GAgG), giving members a first-hand look at how local producers and industry organisations are responding to challenges and embracing new opportunities.

The tour strengthened agricultural connections, showcased local innovation and adaptability, and provided valuable insights to help inform future priorities for East Gippsland's agricultural sector

Agricultural innovation tour

ASAC chair, Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth, said the tour demonstrated the strength of agriculture in the region and the importance of connecting industry leaders with the people and businesses driving innovation on the ground. "These visits provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing our agricultural sector and help ensure ASAC remains informed by the lived experiences of local producers and industry organisations," Cr Ashworth said.

The tour commenced at the Gippsland Agricultural Group's Skeene Creek property, where members learnt about the site's role as a demonstration and trial farm. Discussions focused on:

• Research into African Lovegrass management
• Pasture productivity and sustainable farming practices
• Value of on-farm trials
• Industry collaboration in addressing emerging agricultural challenges

The group then visited Lilydale Lawns, one of the region's leading turf production businesses for an overview of the large-scale operation, including its advanced harvesting technology and autonomous machinery to improve efficiency and productivity.

Agricultural sector innovation

The final stop was Hillside Dairy, where members met with owner Rohan and learnt about the business's approach to dairy farming, calf rearing, soil health and pasture management, along with environmental initiatives such as native vegetation restoration. Feedback from Leecia Angus, Chair of Gippsland Agricultural Group highlighted the value of the tour in fostering stronger connections between committee members, industry stakeholders and local producers.

"It was wonderful to see Lilydale Lawns operating and to hear directly from Rohan at Hillside Dairy about the innovative soil and pasture management practices being trialled to gain a competitive edge. The tour provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about local agricultural enterprises while building relationships with fellow committee members and council staff in a more informal setting."

East Gippsland Shire Council thanks the businesses and organisations that hosted the tour and shared their knowledge and experience, offering valuable insights that will help inform future discussions and priorities for the region's agricultural sector. The tour reinforced the vital role agriculture plays in East Gippsland's economy and communities, and the innovation and adaptability that continue to drive the sector forward.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
  Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Wellington Shire Council updates flood mapping to improve safety, planning, climate resilience and development decisions across the municipality
  Wellington Shire Council is updating flood mapping and planning controls, incorporating climate impacts, to improve safety, guide development and manage flood risks. Public submissions close 2 November 2026.
• New drinking fountains improve free water access across Sale's popular recreation facilities
  Sale's major recreation facilities now offer improved free drinking water access, with new fountains at Aqua Energy, Port of Sale and Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, supporting hydration and reusable bottle use.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• Victoria funds hundreds of landcare projects with $3.58M environmental investment across communities and regions
  Victoria’s 2026 Landcare Grants provide $3.58 million statewide, including $337,250 for West Gippsland projects restoring habitat, waterways and landscapes while supporting volunteers, families and young people.
• The Nationals criticise deteriorating Princes Highway as potholes raise safety concerns in Traralgon East
  The Nationals have criticised the deteriorating Princes Highway at Traralgon East, citing 85 potholes between Traralgon and Rosedale and road damage less than 18 months after duplication.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes Mallacoota students to Parliament House during Canberra visit, discussing democracy and the role of elected representatives
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed Mallacoota P-12 College students to Parliament House during their Canberra visit, discussing Federal Parliament, democracy and the role of elected representatives.
• Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
  A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes.
• Nationals introduced Bill to protect Victoria's agricultural land from poorly planned development and improve food security
  The Nationals introduced a Victorian bill to protect agricultural land from poor development, recognising farming's $22 billion contribution and supporting long-term food security.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Baw Baw book boxes bring free children’s books and reading opportunities to communities across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul
  Baw Baw Shire Council and Drouin Men’s Shed have installed community book boxes across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul, offering free children’s books while encouraging literacy, reading and family connections.
• Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
  Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund.