ALBANESE LABOR GOVERNMENT DELIVERING OVER $6 MILLION IN CLIMATE-SMART SUPPORT IN REGIONAL VICTORIA.
The Albanese Labor Government has announced more than $76 million in funding to 54 projects across the country which will help farmers adopt climate-smart sustainable agriculture practices.
These projects include more than $6 million for three projects in the Mallee and Goulburn Valley regions, delivering vital support for local farmers to adapt a changing climate.
The funded projects include:
- $2.17 million for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority to deliver nature-based environmental services for sustainable agriculture in the Goulburn Valley.
- $2.1 million for the Mallee Catchment Management Authority to expand Mallee Sustainable Agriculture Services.
- $1.76 million for the Wimmera Catchment Authority to support on-farm natural capital and build Climate-Smart communities of practice.
These projects will help improve soil health, strengthen natural capital, and ensure the long-term viability of farming in Victoria’s north and west.
Many of the 54 projects are in regions that are experiencing or are prone to droughts or floods, with 17 supporting climate adaptation.
These projects demonstrate our continued commitment to supporting a more sustainable and climate-smart sector, while supporting our farmers.
The projects are funded under the Natural Heritage Trust’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and will seek to build on local knowledge, targeting what is most needed, from improving soil health, combatting land degradation and improving water-use efficiency to farm-management planning and revegetation.
These projects will build capacity and resilience to climate change, manage emissions, improve soil health and protect natural capital.
Activities such as on-farm demonstrations and workshops will increase awareness and adoption by farmers and landholders.
The Climate-Smart Agriculture Program runs over five years from 2023 to 2028. For a full list of projects and to learn more visit: agriculture.gov.au/climate-smart
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
“Across Australia I have met so many farmers and landowners who want to be more sustainable, or who have already started on their sustainability journey, but need some support or guidance.
“This is why our government’s significant investment in farmers and landholders being announced today is so important.
“These measures will help make farming more productive and profitable, better protect our environment, increase access to markets, strengthen our rural communities and further contribute to global food security.
“Adapting to climate change can help our farmers to reduce their costs, improve profits and look after the country for future generations.”
Quotes attributable to Senator Jana Stewart:
“As someone who grew up in regional Victoria, I know how important it is to back our farmers.”
“This more than $6 million investment will directly support farmers in the Mallee and Goulburn Valley to take on climate-smart practices that protect our natural environment while keeping local agriculture strong.”
“These projects are a win for our communities, our farmers, and the future of regional Victoria.”
22 JULY 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bennett Davy 0403 734 444 / senator.stewart@aph.gov.au
