That was to Jane and Andrew Marriott’s farm, which produces carbon-neutral beef, just outside Benalla.
The couple had partnered with Gecko CLaN Landcare seven years ago to revegetate parts of their farm with native species — and the outcome has been hailed a success.
Gecko CLaN Landcare facilitator Alana Mountain said it received a $10,000 grant through the Stronger Communities Program, with Dr Haines’ help, and wanted to show her one of its many success stories.
“That grant was for the office space to put in some AV tech so we can run conference-style meetings, as well as a printer,” Ms Mountain said.
“Helen wanted to come and meet up with us, so we took her out to one of our local groups in Molyullah — the Marriotts’ property.
“They sell their beef to Coles, as well as other places in the local community.
“It was just a visit to engage with one of the local projects that we’re doing and understanding better how agriculture and biodiversity meet in Landcare.”
Ms Mountain said that when the project started in 2018, there were some existing red box trees that were remnant in the landscape.
“Then things like acacias and wattles were planted, lots of flowering shrubs,” she said.
“They helped to support the existing trees, which are then no longer isolated in the landscape.
“It creates protection and also invites in various critters like sugar gliders and different birds.”
Ms Mountain said the Marriotts’ farm was a really good example of how revegetation could really help to support remnant trees in the landscape.
“Which obviously supports the overall health of the farm because it’s generating more biodiversity,” she said.
“There’s also more insects, which keep pest numbers down.
“The benefits are not even quantifiable because there are just so many different flow-on effects and things we don’t fully see.
“But we know it holds a big benefit within a sustainable agriculture space.”
Dr Haines said Gecko CLaN supported Landcare groups from Yarrawonga to the Strathbogie Ranges, connecting farmers and volunteers to protect soil health, restore native vegetation and promote sustainable agriculture.
“It was great to tour the Marriott farm and see this impressive collaboration in action,” she said.
