‘Healthy Landscapes for Healthy Livestock’ wins at Premier’s Awards

Published on 24 November 2021

Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s ‘Healthy Landscapes for Healthy Livestock’ project is the proud winner of the Premiers Choice Regional Recognition Award presented at the 2021 Premier’s Sustainability Awards last night.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson was excited that the program had been recognised and congratulated both the Healthy Landscapes team and the landowners who are involved in the project.

“Winning the Premiers Choice Regional Recognition Award is a credit to all landowners in our Shire who are involved in the Healthy Landscapes project and seeking to implement regenerative agriculture practices.”

“Council supports increasing sustainable farming practices and we value the landowner’s commitment to making a positive change to improve soil, water and biodiversity while maintaining a productive property.”

“We know many of our landholders already farm sustainably, often using regenerative agricultural practices, but this program allows those with little or no knowledge in the area to gain a greater understanding of how to look holistically at the health of their land for both improved productivity and environmental outcomes,” she said.

The ‘Healthy Landscapes for Healthy Livestock’ project was developed in response to opportunities identified to improve land management outcomes across the Macedon Ranges Shire.

The program specifically was designed to help address issues around over grazing, weed invasion, loss of native grasslands and reports that some farmers were struggling to afford importing feed stock.

The aim was to build the capacity of local livestock farmers to implement regenerative agriculture techniques that improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity and enhanced on-farm resilience to a changing climate.

An evaluation from 110 participants indicated that 100 per cent of respondents had changed their land management practices in a positive way.

This program which is now called the ‘Healthy Landscapes: Practical Regenerative Agricultural Communities program’—has been extended for another 12 months in partnership with Hepburn Shire Council, the City of Greater Bendigo, A Healthy Coliban Catchment project (North Central Catchment Management Authority and Coliban Water), Melbourne Water and the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network.

To find out more about the Healthy Landscapes: Practical Regenerative Agricultural Communities program, visit our website or call 5422 0333.