The Farm Dam Restoration project, a community program restoring degraded farm dams aiming to improve drought resilience, natural wildlife and water quality, has been launched by Landcare Australia and the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation (CCAF).

CCAF will provide a grant of $600,000 over three years to support Landcare Australia, a leading non-profit organisation, to regenerate farm dams across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. Landcare Australia will work with local communities to install infrastructure, including fencing and stock access points to revegetate degraded dams with native flora.

Many farm dams across Australia are in poor condition, with many polluted and devoid of native vegetation. A recent study by the Australian National University has shown that when carefully managed, enhanced farm dams can help restore biodiversity by providing critical wetland habitats for native wildlife.

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, said: “Thanks to the generous support of the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation, we can continue to bring communities together to address critical habitat loss.

“The Farm Dam Restoration project will take action to transform degraded farm dams by installing fencing, hardened access points and revegetating in and around each site. This will improve water quality, drought resilience and result in a biodiverse habitat that research shows can support a variety of animals, including platypus’, water birds and frogs.”

For Phase One of the project, three South Australian sites have been identified, providing an initial showcase of how degraded farm dams can be transformed into thriving ecological communities whilst also improving on-farm productivity.

South Australian grazier Jack Booth will be joining Phase One of the Farm Dam Restoration project and said the restoration of farm dams was essential for improving farming resilience and the long-term sustainability of Australian farming.

“Any Australian farmer will tell you that our success relies heavily on water security. We work in a variable environment, from drought to floods, we’ve seen it all, and we need to be taking all steps possible to ensure our land is productive and resilient.

“I’m excited to join the Farm Dam Restoration project, not only to help set the standard for sustainable farming in Australia, but to inspire farmers like myself to reap the benefits of investing in the rehabilitation of their own farm dams,” said Mr Booth.

Through the partnership with Landcare Australia, CCAF is continuing its work with partners and technologies to protect rivers, oceans, and local ecosystems to ensure they thrive.

Malcolm Hudson, Chair of the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation, said they are honoured to partner with Landcare, which aligns with CCAF’s aim to address the UN’s Sustainable Development around ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’.

“The Farm Dam Restoration project will demonstrate best practice dam rehabilitation for today and beyond, improving Australia’s water sources and eco-systems, and I’m looking forward to seeing Australian farmers’ benefit.”