Healthy Soils Healthy Rivers
This program was a joint initiative between Perth NRM, Wheatbelt NRM and the Rivers and Estuaries Division at the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
The three-year Healthy Soils Healthy Rivers program was a joint initiative between Perth NRM, Wheatbelt NRM, Swan River Trust (now Dept of Biodiversity Conservation & Attractions) and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
The program was officially launched on Wednesday 26 August 2015 by The Hon Christian Porter MP, Member for Pearce and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister at the Fairbrossen vineyard in Carmel, Western Australia.
The project assisted landholders from the Ellen Brook, Brockman, Gingin, Wooroloo, Helena and Swan River sub-catchments to improve soil health, and contribute to improved water quality in the Swan-Avon river system. Positive feedback from farming participants provided the momentum to attract additional funding via the Grape Wine Research Development Corporation (now Wine Australia) to expand the project to wine grape producers from other catchments.
The program encouraged the 130 participants to take an integrated approach to nutrient management by improving their understanding of their soils through soil, irrigation water and leaf testing and analysis. This was backed up with one-on-one support from a recognised industry appropriate agronomist who also provided each participant with a comprehensive nutrient management report
Perth NRM collaborated with the Hills Orchard Improvement Group, WA Citrus Improvement Group, Perennial pasture group (horses), Swan Valley & Regional Wine Makers Association, Swan Valley Table Grape Growers Association, Small Landholders of Gidgegannup and Wines of WA to deliver this project.