Landcare Tasmania has secured $4 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund to lead a statewide project focused on improving drought resilience and environmental health through the restoration of farm dams.
The five-year initiative, titled Catchment Connect: Enhancing Farm Dams for Climate Resilience, will combine technical support, community engagement, and direct investment to help farmers upgrade water infrastructure and strengthen ecological function across their properties.
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“This transformative project will support community-led action to improve Tasmania’s landscape health and drought resilience,” Landcare Tasmania said in a public statement.
A total of $2.4 million has been allocated for on-ground works to fence dams and establish surrounding vegetation buffers. These practices, supported by research from the Australian National University, have been shown to improve water quality, support biodiversity, boost farm productivity, and reduce methane emissions.
“These projects will be managed and delivered by Landcare Tasmania, with participation and ongoing maintenance by the landholder,” the statement said.
Initial work will begin in the Pitt Water – Coal, Leven, and Meander catchments, with future phases expanding to additional areas across the state. The project builds on Landcare Tasmania’s 2025 pilot programs in farm dam enhancement and catchment action planning, which laid the groundwork for this larger initiative.
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Beyond infrastructure upgrades, the program will also deliver catchment action plans, Healthy Country plans with First Nations communities, and a series of workshops, events, and mapping projects aimed at supporting long-term drought resilience and land stewardship.
Expressions of Interest are now open for the first round of funding. Eligible landholders in the target catchments are encouraged to submit proposals by 31 August through Landcare Tasmania’s Project Bank. Participation requires membership with the organisation, either as part of an existing Landcare group or as an individual or associate member.
“All EOIs will be assessed and shortlisted from the Project Bank and then contacted by Landcare staff for further information and planning,” the organisation said.
The program is jointly supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Tasmanian Landcare Fund. It is intended to support practical, community-led approaches to climate adaptation, water management, and sustainable agriculture.
