Know Your Numbers - Two critical figures every farmer needs
3rd June 2025
Carbon emissions reporting isn't going away – mandatory reporting is coming. But instead of waiting for supply chains or government to tell you what your numbers might be, why not get ahead with your actual farm-specific data?
Number 1: Your Real Carbon Footprint Using secure Australian-standard calculators, you can know your operation's true carbon emissions in about an hour. This isn't averaged industry data – it's your farm's actual liability and your roadmap for smart action.
Number 2: Your Natural Capital Income Potential What could your underused land earn? A 25-hectare carbon planting project could generate $11,000-$25,000 annually at current prices. Just 2.5 hours of your time reveals how environmental investment complements – not competes with – growing food and fibre.
Limited Time: $5K Grants Available WMLIG has NSW grants supporting 15 farmers to determine both these game-changing numbers. You'll get clear insights into capitalising on your farm's natural capital potential. Apply now for the $5k grant with this expression of interest Form
One WMLIG member and local farmer said this of the understanding gained from the farm-specific research: "It's one of the most empowering reports for our business we have been involved in. It's a gamechanger."
Plus: Join Key Experts at Our Barham Event – August 27 We're exploring farmers' five pools of natural capital funding opportunities. Save the date!
Ready to get on the front foot? Call Jac McArthur 0408 626 780 or email [email protected].
Number 1: Your Real Carbon Footprint Using secure Australian-standard calculators, you can know your operation's true carbon emissions in about an hour. This isn't averaged industry data – it's your farm's actual liability and your roadmap for smart action.
Number 2: Your Natural Capital Income Potential What could your underused land earn? A 25-hectare carbon planting project could generate $11,000-$25,000 annually at current prices. Just 2.5 hours of your time reveals how environmental investment complements – not competes with – growing food and fibre.
Limited Time: $5K Grants Available WMLIG has NSW grants supporting 15 farmers to determine both these game-changing numbers. You'll get clear insights into capitalising on your farm's natural capital potential. Apply now for the $5k grant with this expression of interest Form
One WMLIG member and local farmer said this of the understanding gained from the farm-specific research: "It's one of the most empowering reports for our business we have been involved in. It's a gamechanger."
Plus: Join Key Experts at Our Barham Event – August 27 We're exploring farmers' five pools of natural capital funding opportunities. Save the date!
Ready to get on the front foot? Call Jac McArthur 0408 626 780 or email [email protected].
Southern Riverina Councils unite to build Drought Resilience
3rd June 2025
Four Southern Riverina councils – Berrigan Shire, Edward River, Federation, and Murray River – have launched a collaborative Drought Resilience Plan to strengthen the region’s ability to manage future climate and drought challenges.
Co-funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government’s Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, the Plan outlines practical, community-driven initiatives to support sustainable landscapes, economic diversification, and community wellbeing.
The Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program acknowledges that each region in NSW is different and requires its own approach to have a real impact.
“We know drought is biting Southern NSW right now, so we want our communities to be prepared and ready to act with plans in place,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Having community-led Regional Drought Resilience Plans, that take into account each region’s unique needs, is allowing these communities to build meaningful plans that will make a big difference.”
“This Plan reflects our shared commitment to working together and building on local knowledge to create a more resilient future,” the Mayors said in a joint statement.
Key initiatives include:
“We can’t do this alone,” the Mayors added. “Strong partnerships are essential to building a resilient and prosperous Southern Riverina.”
Further information:
Karina Ewer
Chief Executive Officer
Berrigan Shire Council
Co-funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government’s Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, the Plan outlines practical, community-driven initiatives to support sustainable landscapes, economic diversification, and community wellbeing.
The Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program acknowledges that each region in NSW is different and requires its own approach to have a real impact.
“We know drought is biting Southern NSW right now, so we want our communities to be prepared and ready to act with plans in place,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Having community-led Regional Drought Resilience Plans, that take into account each region’s unique needs, is allowing these communities to build meaningful plans that will make a big difference.”
“This Plan reflects our shared commitment to working together and building on local knowledge to create a more resilient future,” the Mayors said in a joint statement.
Key initiatives include:
- Regional Community Foundations to support local investment from renewable energy and water buybacks.
- A Regional Water Bank to retain water locally and support irrigation and environmental outcomes.
- A Climate Change Co-ordinator to connect stakeholders and drive innovation.
- Workshops and AgTech extension to build local capacity and preparedness.
- Environmental Market Prospectus to attract biodiversity and carbon investment.
- Wellness and Producer Support through regular community meetings.
- Food Producer Coordination to boost regional branding and direct-to-consumer sales.
“We can’t do this alone,” the Mayors added. “Strong partnerships are essential to building a resilient and prosperous Southern Riverina.”
Further information:
Karina Ewer
Chief Executive Officer
Berrigan Shire Council
Annual Sheep Nights 2025
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March 2025The beginning of March saw WMLIG partner with Central Murray Best Wool Best Lamb in hosting The Annual Sheep Nights. The Annual Wakool Sheep night was held on 4th March, and The Annual Moulamein Sheep Night on 6th March.
Geoff Duddy from Sheep Solutions was the presenter at both events, and each night had a panel of local sheep producers who shared their knowledge and insight with the room. "Farming - the P's" was the topic covered, and attendees engaged in discussions around planning, production, prices and more. We had a great turn out of advisors and local producers, thanks to all who made it along. |
Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
11th February 2025We're shining the light on WMLIG's own women in science, Belinda (Forest Science) and Tahlia (Environmental Science).
Belinda has worked in pine plantations, been a forest firefighter, volunteered in Forestry overseas, worked in Sandalwood plantations and completed an honours project investigating the effect of fire retardant on ant populations. Since joining the Western Murray team at the end of 2023, Belinda has been working on our Forestry and Barham Lakes projects, with setting up a native fish nursery for endangered small-bodied fish a career highlight. Tahlia started her career in agriculture, working as an animal health and nutrition consultant, before moving to broad scale horticulture. Tahlia is completing her Bachelor in Environmental Science, specialising in Ecology and Conservation. Tahlia has worked across a variety of projects with Western Murray, and is one of our Local Landcare Coordinators. Tahlia is passionate about bringing community, food production and the environment together, and using scientific and cultural knowledge to manage our ecosystems. "I'm lucky to work with a number of incredible women in science. Every day I learn and am inspired by the knowledge, passion and capability of these women, who are dedicating their lives to improve our environment through scientific knowledge". This Day recognises the role and contributions of women in science, and encourages the next generation to consider an exciting and diverse career in STEM. |
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Executive Officer's Report
January 2025Western Murray Land Improvement Group (WMLIG) is celebrating its 21st birthday and continues to strive to realise funding that supports the needs of our members and supported groups with projects many of which are in collaboration with our ever-expanding partner network. Our November AGM resulted in a new Board member being Wendy McDonald joining our Board who has been a long-term loyal member and supported of WMLIG. Sadly, we also said goodbye to founding and lifetime member Neil Maddy. Along with the other lifetime and founding member, Rick Ellis have completed a combined 42+years service! Along with Neil, Katrina Myers, Laura Kaylock and Kate Redfearn also stepped down from the Board after considerable time serving on our Board. We appreciate their huge contribution to steering our group through some challenging but rewarding times.
We also welcome a new part time employee, Luke Ward who is working on our Resilient Pastures and Farm Water Management Program. Luke has Bachelor of Environmental Science qualifications and experience in environmental regeneration, stakeholder engagement, events management, fundraising, communications and customer service roles. |
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In 2025, WMLIG will focus on major strategic areas related to:
Looking forward, WMLIG is preparing to submit applications to the Sustainable Communities Program funded to support projects we have invested considerable time in developing like an agri-innovation precinct, biochar, biofertilisers and the Murray Region Food Producers Group. The Sustainable Communities Program is a result of 450GL water buybacks and will use state governments to funnel $160M to NSW Basin communities to kickstart or expand industries, community infrastructure projects, workforce development and community support services. We look forward to working further with the community on these and other initiatives.
Roger Knight | Executive Officer | Western Murray Land improvement Group
- Natural Capital Initiatives: The Landscape Impact Program and other environmental market initiatives bring knowledge and environmental market opportunities to local landholders, particularly valuable given the region’s rich biodiversity and potential as a wetland carbon sink. Along the journey, landholders have been exposed to new 2026 scope 3 emission implications, something we really need to focus on in the next three months. Our primary producers really need to be aware of how the new carbon accounting will impact their business in 12 months. WMLIG has positioned itself with skills and knowledge and is now one of the leaders in this space in the country. The Environmental Markets Manager, Jacquiline McArthur will be providing an update on the 13th February 2025 along with the Regen Farmers Mutual, an event not be missed. Further event details are enclosed in this newsletter.
- Industrial Hemp: WMLIG’s industrial hemp initiative, led by the newly created Murray Industrial Hemp (MIH), is an important milestone to provide an additional revenue stream for farmers, local investment opportunities and an avenue for community wealth-building with investment being realised. WMLIG has gained valuable knowledge for business and social enterprise development relating to placed-based capital raising / investment memorandums, legal frameworks etc. which has strengthened WMLIG’s operational acumen for future business endeavours. Note that there are only 38 investor spots left. Contact the Murray Industrial Hemp website https://www.murrayindustrialhemp.com.au/ for more information.
- Murray Connect: A new profit for purpose business is working to improve cross-border relationships and partner opportunities and a provide new economic development / tourism opportunities for our region and will support WMLIG functions via sub-contracting needs. Initially this will be focused on Koondrook and Barham and then expand across our geographic footprint within Murray River Council LGA and northern Victoria.
- Barham Agri-precinct: Value adding local produce, environmental services, storage & distribution and circular economy initiatives.
Looking forward, WMLIG is preparing to submit applications to the Sustainable Communities Program funded to support projects we have invested considerable time in developing like an agri-innovation precinct, biochar, biofertilisers and the Murray Region Food Producers Group. The Sustainable Communities Program is a result of 450GL water buybacks and will use state governments to funnel $160M to NSW Basin communities to kickstart or expand industries, community infrastructure projects, workforce development and community support services. We look forward to working further with the community on these and other initiatives.
Roger Knight | Executive Officer | Western Murray Land improvement Group
