Municipality
Central Coast
Funding Status
Fully Supported
Achievement Plans
This project aims to install a gravity-fed stock water system from our top pond to multiple troughs throughout the property, enabling us to exclude livestock from Skeleton Creek, its tributaries, and several on farm dams. This will directly reduce bank erosion, prevent nutrient and sediment runoff, and protect aquatic and riparian habitats. Fencing off the creek will allow for natural regeneration of native vegetation and improve water quality, benefiting both local biodiversity and downstream ecosystems. The project also supports soil health by reducing compaction and disturbance caused by livestock in sensitive riparian zones. The project includes hands-on work such as planning the water system, laying poly pipe, trenching where necessary, installing troughs, and designing and constructing fencing along creek lines. It’s part of our longer-term transition to regenerative farming practices and demonstrates how water management and ecological restoration can go hand in hand. Beyond the physical outcomes, the project provides an opportunity to demonstrate and share practical strategies with other local landholders, showing how productive farms can integrate sustainable water management.
Methods
The project will be carried out primarily by myself with assistance from other team members and volunteer. Other members of property and i are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the farm. Key tasks will include planning and designing the water system, laying poly pipe, excavating where needed for underground pipework, and installing stock troughs. Fencing work along Skeleton Creek will be completed primarily by us but in conjunction with professional fencing contractors, using standard post-and-wire techniques suited to area.
Natural Values
The project is protecting and restoring several key natural values within the Skeleton Creek catchment and surrounding areas of our property. This will directly reduce bank erosion, prevent nutrient and sediment runoff, and protect aquatic and riparian habitats allowing for natural regeneration of native vegetation and improve water quality, benefiting both local biodiversity and downstream ecosystems.
Outcomes
By the end of the project, we aim to have a fully functioning gravity-fed stock water system, livestock excluded from Skeleton Creek and key dams, reduced erosion, improved water quality, and visible regeneration of native vegetation along fenced riparian zones.
Amount
$10k - $20k
