New book to help graziers accross the catchments protect our water supply - Minister Phillip Costa MP - 13 May 2010
Minister for Water, Phil Costa, today launched a new book to help farmers improve their sustainable grazing practices and protect water quality across the drinking water catchments.
Mr Costa joined the Minister for Primary Industries, Steve Whan, the Chair of the NSW Country Labor, Christine Robertson, the Member for Bathurst, Gerard Martin, and the Member for Kiama Matt Brown to launch the Sustainable Land Management Practices for Graziers book at Parliament House.
“Poor grazing practice can see increased nutrients, sediments and organic material making its way into the rivers and streams that feed our water supply dams,” Mr Costa said.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for farmers to help protect the drinking water catchments for Sydney, the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven and the Blue Mountains.
“Grazing enterprises in the drinking water catchment contribute a significant amount to the livestock production of NSW and are an important part of the NSW economy.
“Grazing is also the single largest land use across the catchment.
Minister Whan said farmers have been participating in courses run by the Industry and Investment NSW and supported by the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA), which provide the latest information and techniques on sustainable grazing practice.
“More than 1400 graziers have already participated in the program, with course fees subsidised by the NSW Government - this book is a valuable take-home guide of those techniques and practices.
“I congratulate those graziers who have already taken part in the program and thank them for the role they are playing in contributing to a healthy catchment.
“The graziers taking part in these courses are learning the best practice techniques to manage their properties sustainably, protect the water supply and improve the profitability of their business.
“Importantly, those who undertake the courses receive follow up assistance and a practical guide to help them implement the new skills on their properties.
“In addition to this, the NSW Government has worked with councils within the drinking water catchments to produce the Rural Living Handbook, which is a guide for residential landholders on the responsibilities of living in a rural environment within the drinking water catchments,” he concluded.
For a copy of the free Sustainable Land Management Practices for Graziers call DPI on 4828 6636. For a copy of the free Rural Living Handbook call 1300 SCA GOV (1300 722 468).
