A fencing grant from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (the CMA) and partners has helped transform a local beef farm into a tranquil landscape filled with birds and wildlife – all while protecting its prize asset – the cows. 

In 2017, Brent and Amy Richardson were staring at an empty landscape on their 116 acre property in Ryanston, where they run Blue Gum Beef.  

“It was barren – barely any trees or wildlife,” said Amy.

With no fencing or vegetation along the one and a half kilometre stretch of Archies Creek that runs through their farm, cattle were getting into the creek and causing problems.  

“They were trampling on the banks and causing erosion, which was a hazard for calves who’d roll down the steep banks and get stuck,” explained Brent. “I was always having to check the creek for stranded calves and often they’d be rejected by their mother, so we’d then have to hand rear them. It was extra work.”  

Thanks to a tip from his stock agent, Brent successfully applied for a farm fencing grant on offer by the CMA and partners at the time. The grant covered the cost of material for three kilometres of fencing, which he installed in sections over the next two years. Bass Coast Landcare Network chipped in to help spray the weeds before rolling up their sleeves to assist in planting a total of 10,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses along the creek bank.  

Today, the riparian zone along the creek is unrecognisable, with tall trees and a thick, lush understory teeming with birds and wildlife. 

“We initially wanted fences along the creek to keep the cattle out, but it’s been so much better than that,” said Brent. “The vegetation has flourished, wildlife has returned and the entire area is more tranquil. It’s lifted the whole property.”  

Amy agrees: “So much goodness has come of this work. You can hear the birds now – we never had that before. We’ve seen echidnas, wombats, possums – even eagles.  The whole process was great, and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to re-establish ecosystems on their property.” 

The CMA is pleased to continue supporting farmers with the costs of fencing to protect biodiversity through our Climate Smart Farmers project. More information about this initiative will be available soon.