Preserving paddock trees

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Greater Shepparton City Council have joined forces, spearheading a campaign to protect as many of the district’s scattered trees as possible following a decline in the number of paddock trees across the region.

Seeking shade: Cows on the Powell family
farm at Undera take refuge from the sun.

Greater Shepparton City Council’s chief executive Peter Harriott said the Goulburn Valley had lost more than 97 per cent of native vegetation that existed 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, as a result, 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,’’ Mr Harriott said.

The council and GBCMA will host 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 provide 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.’’

GBCMA municipal catchment co-ordinator Rebecca Caldwell said the forum, due to be held in 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,’’ she said.

‘‘By working together we can protect and enhance native vegetation in the landscape.’’

Story by Tatra Whitsed from The Shepparton News - “Preserving paddock trees.”