EPA director of operations for Regional Victoria Jessica Bandiera said if your farm fronts a creek, stream or body of water, the document ‘Reducing the impacts of grazing on water quality’ is a collection of what works best in preventing erosion, sediment and loss of vegetation. “This is about making choices on managing stock, land and vegetation that become lasting, passive protections for the waterway,” Ms Bandiera said. “It explains the risks to waterways from grazing and offers practical measures to prevent them without hampering normal operations of the farm.” The risks to riparian land can include: Overgrazing, especially during winter or drought; Feeding stock too close to waterways; Allowing animals with calves or lambs onto riparian land; Allowing stock to directly access waterways; Allowing runoff with sediment, nutrients and contaminants to flow into waterways. The practical tips include: Fencing to keep stock away from river or creek banks; Installing off-stream watering; Revegetation to stabilise banks and fight erosion; Carefully managing grazing rates; Keeping stock feed, fertiliser and manure away from waterways. The guidance also explains the signs to watch out for, so you can protect the waterway, native plants and wildlife, and your land, before the problem becomes critical. It was produced to support farmers and build their understanding of how to comply with the Environment Protection legislation, and minimise their environmental risks so far as reasonably practicable. ‘Reducing the impacts of grazing on water quality’ is an easy download from the EPA website.
