Property and Subcatchment Planning

Property Management Planning (PMP) assists landholders to manage the personal, physical and financial aspects of their farm business. PMP is about considering all of these components to help you make management decisions that are in line with your goals.

The Namoi Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is supporting the development of PMP through technical assistance for Physical Property Planning. A Physical Property Plan provides landholders with a coordinated approach to solving problems, which is the key to successful land management and long term profitability.

Property Planning should include a close look at the financial situation of the property, as financial considerations will often be the deciding factor in determining what needs to be done and what should be addressed, at least at a superficial level. Profitability and funding sources should be considered in the final report, however the major aim is to produce a practical physical plan.

A Property Plan is by nature dynamic. It will change from year to year, and therefore will need to be reviewed as circumstances alter. The final Property Plan should:

• Take into account the natural characteristics of land, water and vegetation
• Be responsive to social, legal and economic constraints
• Minimise land and water degradation by the identification of existing and possible problem areas
• Optimise productivity between animal and/or plant enterprises
• Consider broader environmental and resource issues—What are surrounding landholders doing? Does the local Landcare group have a plan for the area? What is happening in the catchment?
• Convey a ‘vision’ for the property over the longer term

Physical Property Planning

Conducting a physical stocktake of your property is a key element in developing a PMP. By examining your farm thoroughly you will see a complete picture of the current state of your resources, and how to best use these resources in the future. The physical stocktake examines:

• Infrastructure—how your property is designed and laid out
• Soils—the type and condition of your soil resource
• Problem areas—areas that need attention
• Land capability—what your property is capable of producing without causing degradation
• Land use—what is your land being used for now?

A Physical Property Plan is developed using an aerial photo of the property and a series of overlays on which the information is marked.

Property Planning Workshops

The Namoi CMA has developed a 4-day Physical Property Planning workshop for landholders. This workshop helps you assess what impacts your enterprise management may be having on the environment and what you can do to address key impacts of your farming activities. It takes you through the steps to develop a Property Plan and subsequently implement improved farm management practices, potentially benefiting your productivity and sustainability.

The format of the workshop has been designed to bring a small group of people together who can discuss topics and learn from one another throughout the journey. The workshop facilitator will take the time to provide one-on-one assistance and invite guests with expertise in varying areas to make the workshop interesting and interactive.

Sub-Catchment Planning

Properties do not exist in isolation. Problems such as soil erosion, dryland salinity, poor water quality, pest plants and animals, and a lack of native vegetation have a dramatic influence in the overall health and sustainability of your property. They also greatly affect the environment in your local catchment and more broadly, the environment across Australia.

Sub-Catchment Planning gives your community the opportunity to take action on specific catchment issues. These issues are best tackled by working with your neighbours or local Landcare group.

If you are interested in undertaking a Physical Property Plan of your property, developing a Sub-Catchment Plan within your local area, or would like further information, please contact Stacey Avard at the Namoi CMA on 6742 9220.