An alarming decline in the number of paddock trees across the Goulburn Murray region has prompted a campaign to protect as many of the district’s scattered trees as possible.
The Goulburn Broken CMA (GB CMA) and Greater Shepparton City Council have collaborated on a campaign to retain the region’s old paddock trees.
The campaign includes declaring that 2019 is the official year of The Paddock Tree.
Greater Shepparton CEO Peter Harriott said the Goulburn Valley had lost more than 97 per cent of native vegetation that was in the region before European settlement.
“It’s now up to us to protect what’s left,” Mr Harriott said.
He said it was essential to consult with farmers during the initial planning phases of farm upgrades or changes.
“The region’s land use is rapidly changing. The earlier we can have the conversation with landowners the more chance we have of protecting native vegetation.”
The council and the GB CMA have committed to a forum where actions to protect scattered paddock trees and other native vegetation will be high on the agenda.
Organic dairy farmer Roisin Powell said it made commercial sense to retain the paddock trees on her family’s Undera farm.
The trees provided crucial shade for her herd, especially in searing heat conditions like the region has seen in recent weeks.
“Having shade scattered through the farm is critical because the cows can continue to move and graze,” Ms Powell said.
“If there’s not enough trees they will find shade wherever they can and camp there all day, which ultimately leads to a loss in production.”
GB CMA Municipal Catchment Coordinator Rebecca Caldwell said the forum, set down for March, would be an opportunity to bring key players together.
“New landholders and industries are coming into the region and we need to constantly communicate with farmers about the value of native vegetation on their properties,” Ms Caldwell said.
“By working together we can protect and enhance native vegetation in the landscape."
Watch the clip below to find out more.