Heartlands

The Heartlands initiative aims to improve land use in the Murray-Darling Basin thereby preserving land and water resources and sustaining commodity production.

Heartlands combines a research program directly with the implementation of on-ground works such as tree planting, protection of remnant vegetation, establishment of perennial pastures and erosion protection measures. The research guides the on-ground works to ensure maximum environmental benefit from the works expenditure. The close linkage with on-ground implementation ensures that the research remains relevant and well focused.   The Murray-Darling Basin Commission has been a contributor to the research program and provided on-ground works funding through the MD2001 Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.

The project teams in Heartlands are working in four different catchments within the Murray-Darling Basin. They are investigating new land management options that will be effective in repairing and preventing environmental damage. These strategies for careful, targeted land use change will address the economic and social objectives of people living in the Basin.

The Heartlands team will measure the effectiveness of re-vegetation options to ensure their success, and support local communities in implementing improved management of their farms and catchments.