Mulloon Institute receives $3.8 million to continue research

The Mulloon Institute has been awarded a $3.8 million grant to continue and expand the Mulloon Community Landscape Rehydration Project, collecting vital scientific data on the hydrology and outcomes of the project.

The Mulloon Community Landscape Rehydration Project involves 20 landholders across 23,000 hectares in New South Wales.  Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the project offers the unique opportunity for scientific research with control of a whole catchment. 

“This kind of research and data doesn’t come along every day and it’s worth investing in,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Vision, practical research and action is exactly what Australian agriculture needs to thrive.

“Landscape repair and rehydration through slowing the flow of water can help boost crops and build drought resilience in the future.

“This project will also provide workshops and education for farmers coming to see the site. The data collected will be available to farmers and the public.

“Already this pilot program has re-established the connection between Mulloon Creek and its floodplain by constructing over 90 ‘living’ streambeds and fencing over 40km of creek from stock.

“This has raised the level of the stream, stabilised the flow and allow the creek-floodplain system to regenerate naturally.”

The Australian Government continues to support investment in the environment through the $1.1 billion National Landcare Program, which is key to supporting farmers during times of drought.

Earlier this week, Minister Littleproud announced $30 million for a pilot to incentivise farmers who increase biodiversity and absorb carbon on their land, and $4 million to create an internationally recognised biodiversity accreditation scheme to allow farmers to receive a premium on their product for good biodiversity management.