Farm dam enhancement in action in Blythe
In late May, farmers, landholders and Landcare members gathered on Tasmania’s North West Coast to learn how farm dam enhancement can improve both agricultural productivity and biodiversity.
The field day began with an introduction to Landcare Tasmania’s Catchment Connect – Farm Dam Enhancement Project, followed by a presentation on farm dam enhancement methodologies and the latest research findings. Participants heard how fencing waterways and dams to exclude livestock, combined with revegetation using native species, can improve water quality, create habitat for wildlife and strengthen farm resilience.
Presenters included horticulturist Herbert Staubmann from Habitat Plants Nursery, irrigation specialist Todd Birch from Blackley Pipelines and Irrigation, and the Landcare Tasmania project team, who shared insights from research conducted by the Australian National University and practical approaches to implementing enhancement works on farms.
Attendees then visited a farm dam owned by Rob Arvier, where enhancement works are currently underway through the Catchment Connect project. The site visit offered a valuable opportunity to see the project in action, explore practical management techniques and discuss the benefits and challenges of farm dam enhancement with experts and fellow landholders.
The field day highlighted the growing interest in farm dam enhancement as a way to support productive farming systems while delivering positive environmental outcomes.
Thank you to Herbert Staubmann, Todd Birch, Rob Arvier and everyone who contributed their time, expertise and experiences throughout the day. Their willingness to share knowledge helped make the event both informative and inspiring.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Catchment Connect – Farm Dam Enhancement Project are open until 22 June 2026. Participating landholders can access support for livestock exclusion fencing, off-dam watering infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement plantings, helping to improve water quality, farm resilience and habitat values across their properties.
Find out more and start your EOI here
This project received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Tasmanian Landcare Fund.
