THE state government announced they will commit $2.5 million into a new partnership between industry, government and catchment groups to help protect waterways in the South West.
The new partnership DairyCare, would tackle the flow of nutrients from dairy farms to rivers and estuaries and was setup between Western Dairy, state agencies, natural resource management groups and dairy farmers with more than 10 years of experience and partnerships in the South West.
Water minister Mia Davies said it was estimated at least 30 priority dairy effluent systems would be upgraded and 80 nutrient use plans would be developed under the national Fert$mart program.
“The result being a substantial reduction of nutrients entering waterways,” she said.
“The partnership includes the establishment of an industry reference group, which will develop a strong self-regulatory approach and ensure farmers were motivated to be involved.”
Agriculture and food minister Dean Nalder said DairyCare came at an important time for farmers and could lead to important cost savings for the industry.
He said by retaining nutrients on farms and reducing the negative contribution they make to waterways through run-off into local rivers and streams, farmers had an opportunity to save money and meet community expectations for the environment.
Regional development Minister Terry Redman said the investment was an important step to protect and support waterways and regional estuaries by helping a valued industry become more sustainable.