'Dam good idea'

Landholders recently gathered at Glanmire and Mudgee to learn all about cost-effective ways to improve water quality and biodiversity in and around their farm dams. 

The two field days concentrated on farm dam health and were hosted by the Central West Catchment Management Authority (CMA) which co-ordinated key speakers from Natural Capital and AquaLife Industries. 

The organisations discussed the importance of healthy farm dams and waterways and how adopting new techniques could increase farm productivity and environmental outcomes. 

Natural Capital co-director, Alison Elvin delivered an informative presentation covering the latest research and using a lifetime of practical experience in agriculture and natural resource management. 

“Most farm dams are regarded as just a hole in the ground that contains water, but there are many low-cost techniques that both improve the health of your livestock’s drinking supply and also encourage the conservation of aquatic plants and animals,” Ms Elvin said. 

The field days topics included: 

❏ the features of healthy, resilient farm dams and their riparian edges 

❏ identifying the distinct ‘zones’ around every dam edge and their importance to filtering out contaminants such as manure, pathogens and run-off chemicals 

❏ creating structure and habitat for abundant wildlife in and around farm dams 

❏ assessing water quality and riparian condition in the field 

❏ the design of farm dams and limiting stock access 

❏ native fish suitable for farm dams, habitat requirements and stocking densities 

Aqualife Industries’ representative Ian Campbell provided specialist knowledge on water ecology and native fish stocking. 

His presentation emphasised the value of providing habitat to restore water ecology in farm dams. 

“Simple actions such as adding a fallen tree, branches or rocks to the edge of farm dams adds complexity that provides habitat for native fish to breed and survive,” Mr Campbell said. 

“Also stocking dams with native fish raised in dams, rather than from fish farms, could increase survival rates.

 Dams should be stocked with fish and yabbies native to the area and avoid introducing feral species such as carp, gambusia and redfin.” 

The landholders commented on the success of the day, how the information was down to earth, relevant to their farms and covered new ways to improve water quality and stock health.

 Central West CMA Natural Resource officer Jan Diamond said: “Farm dams can easily be converted to flourishing wetlands that increase productivity and improve animal health. This is a definite win for landholders with additional benefits for the environment.”