Ripple Effect project supports farm dam resilience in Victoria

New demonstration sites in Victoria are helping build a clearer picture of how farm dams can support water security, biodiversity and drought resilience.

Supported by the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub (Vic Hub) and delivered in collaboration with all eight Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs, the Ripple Effect project brings a coordinated, national approach to improving on-farm dam management.

The work focuses on practical, on-farm actions, with dams recognised as a critical asset in farming systems.

In South Gippsland, recent installations are combining monitoring and management approaches to better understand how dams function under changing conditions.

 

Demonstration sites track emissions, water quality and biodiversity

 

At properties in Woodleigh and Almurta, floating wetlands have been installed on farm dams through a partnership between Melbourne Water and RMIT University’s Centre for Nature Positive Solutions.

The sites, hosted by Camilla & Joby Graves and Janette & Andrew Allen, are measuring greenhouse gas emissions — including methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide — alongside water quality and biodiversity.

Delivered locally by Bass Coast Landcare Group, the work is exploring how targeted interventions, such as floating wetlands, can influence dam performance and livestock outcomes.

 

Supporting practical, on-farm decision-making

 

The Ripple Effect project is a national, grower-led initiative coordinated by Grower Group Alliance. It brings together growers, researchers and delivery partners to generate locally relevant insights.

In Victoria, monitoring activities are focused on:

• water quality testing, with a livestock health focus
• biodiversity observations
• greenhouse gas emissions measurement

This information will support farmers and advisers to make more informed decisions about dam management as seasonal conditions shift.

 

Sharing insights with farmers and industry

 

Field days are planned through 2026 to share early findings and discuss management implications with farmers, advisers and industry.

Victoria’s demonstration sites also contribute to a broader national network, supporting shared learning across regions.

 

Learn more

 

Read the original update from Grower Group Alliance: https://www.gga.org.au/activity/ripple-effect/
Further insights and site updates are also available via project partner channels.

This article is adapted from content originally published by project partners.