Southland Farmers Given 18-Month Freshwater Farm Plan Reprieve
Southland farmers staring down a May deadline to submit freshwater farm plans under current regional plan rules have been given an 18-month reprieve by the Government.
Funding is available to all landowners within the Southland region looking to do projects that enhance water quality, with up to 50% of the costs covered by the council. The total funding available is $140,000.
Environment Southland's general manager community and engagement Sam Rossiter-Stead says the funding is designed to support landowners who want to take action on environmental improvements.
"If you've identified ways to improve the environment on your property but haven't had the means to follow through, this funding could be the key to making it happen."
The Environment Southland funding is divided into two categories, one for land management and the other for native planting.
The Land Sustainability Mitigations Fund is designed to support landowners in implementing practical measures that contribute to improved freshwater outcomes.
Projects eligible for funding include fencing for critical source areas, constructing and fencing wetlands, building detainment bunds, fencing gullies, planting erosion-control poles, installing bark chip bioreactors, and undertaking wetland restoration.
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Through this fund, Environment Southland will cover 50% of project costs, up to a maximum of $5,000.
The Southland Native Planting Fund also covers 50% of project costs, up to $3,000. It supports native planting adjacent to waterways, in wetlands, for forest restoration, in critical source areas, and on retired farmland.
To be eligible for funding, projects must be discussed with an Environment Southland land sustainability officer before submitting an application.
All projects must be completed within the financial year, with invoices submitted by 15 June, 2026.
For more information, contact Environment Southland to discuss your projects with a land sustainability officer on 0800 76 88 45.
