MORE than 30 farmers have put their hands up to be part of a sustainable initiative launched by the Slopes2Summit working group.
Bushlinks was designed to support landowners in practising sustainable re-vegetation and fencing, and financial incentives were on offer.
Although an exact figure is yet to be finalised, Slopes2Summit project officer Kylie Durant said the federally funded program was essential for native wildlife and fauna.
“The investment in the landscape, both public and private land, has been significant,” she said.
“It’s a great opportunity for people who want to improve their fencing infrastructure, and it’s a double benefit in helping wildlife.”
The program, a project of the Clean Energy Futures fund, targets specific “hot spots” where planting is ideal including the areas between Jindera and Thurgoona, Woomargama and an area from Nest Hill to Morgan’s Ridge.
“We’re encouraging everyone to get involved — re-vegetation makes a difference no matter how small it is,” Mrs Durant said.
Morven farmer Abby Paton said getting involved in the project was the best option for her property in the long term.
“It means we can link everything up on our farm, we’ve already started several corridors of trees,” Mrs Paton said.
“It all makes sense. The land is going to be here forever, we won’t be.”
The Slopes2Summit group works to maintain strong research partnerships for landscape restor-ation, and includes members from the Canberra CSIRO, Murray CMA and the Charles Sturt University.
For more information on the Bushlinks program, contact the Holbrook Landcare Centre on (02) 6036 3181.
