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Wimmera soil moisture and weather station network

Go to data portal

Are you a dryland farmer, agronomist, plant breeder or with the emergency services? Did you know you can access the data and benefit from the Wimmera soil moisture probes and weather station network?

The stations collect readings for soil moisture, air temperature, soil temperate, dew point, DELTA T, humidity, wind direction, rainfall and detailed frost information. The information is easily accessed from a smartphone or computer.

In 2023 Wimmera CMA installed an extra 72 soil moisture probes and weather stations across the Wimmera.

The region-wide installation of probes and stations across 30,000 square kilometres was done through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

The network collects a broad range of data, presented in real time, that helps farmers manage risks and increase profitability.

The stations collect readings for soil moisture, air temperature, soil temperate, dew point, DELTA T, humidity, wind direction, rainfall and detailed frost information.

How to access the data portal

  • Go to this page on our website, or navigate to Soil Moisture Probe Portal in our Advice and Services page.
  • Create a FREE account by clicking Don’t have an account? Sign up. 
  • This will prompt you to create a user name and password, and ask for a few details such as your name, email address and phone number.
  • Login with the username and password you created.
  • Use the menu on the top left to select the resources tab. From here you can view a range of short and informative clips explaining how to use various elements of the data portal.
  • Explore the site.
  • If you need further assistance please contact the Wimmera Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator by emailing wcma@wcma.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5382 1544.
  • You can also watch ‘how to’ videos which are in the Resources tab within the portal.

Other networks

The new stations complement other Wimmera networks such as those managed by Perennial Pasture Systems and Wonwondah Landcare Group. Download the Fact Sheets below for more information about what information cropping, pastures and livestock farmers can access and how to interpret it.

Weather Station and Soil Moisture Probe
Weather Station

Glenlofty prime land producers Tony and Sally Roberts installed a soil moisture probe on their property as part of the Perennial Pastures Systems network in 2018 to support decision making for increased pasture growth.

They use the data to track how much soil moisture is available and to become familiar with historical trends.

“It provides me with facts and figures to support my gut feel about what we do on the farm. The probes have data on two of the biggest common determinants of pasture growth, being moisture and soil temperature,” Tony said.

He said being part of a larger network of probes and weather stations was also useful.

“With the extensive network we’ve got, even if the data is not right on your place, you can still glean good local information that helps with your decisions.”

Wonwondah Landcare Group secretary and farmer Chris Guest, who has been part of a project to install seven probes and stations, said the data was delivering huge benefits.

“The Wondwondah network is delivering huge benefits not only for the farmers whose paddocks are housing the probes but right across the Wondondah district and beyond,” he said.

“This project has created a well-informed network of farmers while also benefitting others such as agronomists and emergency services.”

Wimmera CMA Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator, Bronwyn Bant, said the project was a joint effort between farmers and communities to improve drought resilience.

“The Wimmera’s agricultural industry has been constrained by the lack of locally accessible technology that can collect, manage and practically apply data and information on soil moisture,” Bronwyn said.

“More knowledge of the spatial and temporal patterns of moisture conditions at both a paddock and catchment scale is needed for farm and agribusiness decision-making and risk management,” she said.

“When climate forecasting predicts drier and hotter conditions for example, soil moisture data is incredibly value for making informed decisions about when and what to sow, as well as when to apply fertiliser during the growing season.”

Supporting Landcare and environmental volunteering groups and networks across Victoria

The Victorian Government is helping volunteer groups and networks protect and restore our precious environment.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today announced the opening of the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants, with $3.55 million available to support volunteers in caring for the state’s landscapes and biodiversity.

The grants are open to environmental volunteer groups and networks, including Landcare groups and networks, Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Aboriginal groups.

Project grants of up to $20,000 are available for on-ground works and community education projects focused on enhancing the natural environment, including native vegetation and wildlife, waterways and soils.

Support Grants of up to $500 are available to assist with administrative and operational expenses of groups and networks.

Last year, the Victorian Landcare Grants funded 240 projects, including plantings at Buckley Falls Park to enhance the health of Geelong’s Barwon River, installing fencing to protect eastern barred bandicoot and eastern quoll habitat at Tiverton, creating pollinator corridors for bees in the Mount Alexander region and restoring rainforest in the Yarra Ranges.

Since 2000, the Victorian Landcare Grants have invested $77 million in communities to support conservation efforts and empower Victorians to help protect the state’s landscapes, waterways and wildlife.

Applications for the Victorian Landcare Grants will close on 30 April 2024. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants. 

The grants will help achieve targets set in Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian Government’s 20-year plan to protect our environment and native species.

Yarrilinks FrogID event
Project Platypus planting

Funding

A total of $3.55 million is available for the Victorian Landcare Grants program across Victoria.

– Project grants

Project Grants of up to $20,000 are available for on-ground works and community education projects that protect or improve the natural environment, including native vegetation and wildlife, waterways and soils.

Note: Projects must be completed and reported on by 30 November 2025.

More than one application can be submitted.

– Support grants

Support Grants of up to $500 are available to help with group and network administration and running costs.

Note: groups and networks can apply for both Support and Project Grants, however if successful in receiving a Project Grant they will not receive a Support Grant.

Eligibility

The grants are open to environmental volunteer groups, including Landcare groups and networks, Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Aboriginal groups to support their important work in helping protect the health of our land, waterways and biodiversity.

Timeline

Applications open:    Tuesday 19th March 2024
Applications close:    5pm Tuesday 30th April 2024

Recipients notified:   September 2024
Projects completed:  30 November 2025

Guidelines

2024 Victorian Landcare Grants – Guidelines Wimmera Region PDF, 2MB

2024 Victorian Landcare Grants – Guidelines Wimmera Region DOCX, 5MB

To Apply

2024 Victorian Smartygrants online application form

Contact & More Information

For more information, contact Wimmera CMA – Community Delivery Manager, Joel Boyd joel.boyd@wcma.vic.gov.au or 0429 949 196.

Horsham District Landcare Network planting event

Birds are flocking to Lake Hindmarsh to take advantage of favourable habitat conditions.

As well as high numbers of fish-eating birds, such as cormorants and pelicans, a large number of ducks have descended on the lake. The birds are roosting on the edge and feeding off the large number of carp and invertebrates in the lake.

Wimmera bird expert Jonathan Starks visited Lake Hindmarsh last month (February) while undertaking bird surveys for Wimmera CMA. 

He observed over 10,000 great cormorants and 10,000 Australian Shelducks on the edge, as well as over 500 Australian pelicans in one area on the southern shore. He estimates that between 50,000 and 60,000 birds may be at the lake. 

Locals have reported seeing the pelicans ‘herd’ carp into areas for a feeding frenzy to occur.

“It is amazing to see so many birds at Lake Hindmarsh, and is a testimony to how favourable conditions are there at the moment,” Mr Starks said.

The lake received high natural flows in 2022 and reached an estimated 70% capacity. The lake’s capacity is now 40% and receding. 

Wimmera CMA took a drone up to the lake, and you can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.

Have you ever considered being on a Board?

Wimmera CMA is offering a development opportunity to persons aged between 18-35.

The one-year role would enable the successful applicant to develop the skills and experience to be a candidate for future board positions.

Previous board experience is not a requirement; and this development opportunity will come with the appropriate support, development training and mentoring.

During your development, there would also be the opportunity to provide insight into matters relating to urban water management, natural resource management and its connection to youth demographics.

How to submit your expression of interest

Expressions close 10:00am April 8, 2024.

Please contact David Brennan on 5382 1544 for further details.

To apply for this position we ask that you read through the PD; then email through a copy of your resume.

Have you ever considered being on a Board?

GWMWater and Wimmera CMA are offering a development opportunity to two Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

The one-year role would enable the successful applicant to develop the skills and experience to be a candidate for future board positions.

Previous board experience is not a requirement; and this development opportunity will come with the appropriate support, development training and mentoring.

During your development, there would also be the opportunity to provide insight into matters relating to urban water management, natural resource management and its connection to the Aboriginal community and Traditional Owners.

The Wimmera CMA and GWMWater provides a workplace and work practices that embraces, reflects, respects and promotes the diversity of our community and supports inclusion and participation for all.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

How to submit your expression of interest

Expressions close 10:00am April 8, 2024.

Please contact David Brennan on 5382 1544 for further details.

To apply for this position we ask that you read through the PD; then email through a copy of your resume.

Wimmera CMA & Wimmera Landcare invite you to get up close and personal with Wimmera Wildlife at the 2024 Horsham Fishing Comp!

The widely popular Black Snake Productions are bringing their mobile zoo with Wimmera species to the event so you can learn more about how important healthy waterways are to our wildlife.

You can also experience the popular venomous snake safety pit presentation with Michael from Black Snake Productions to learn how to safely enjoy the Wimmera landscape and effectively deal with venomous snakes. They are such important animals to Australia’s agricultural industry and biodiversity, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about them.

You will meet Queenie the Quoll, Pom Pom the Tawny Frog Mouth, Boss the Bells Lace Monitor and many more Wimmera wildlife during the Black Snake Productions Horsham Fishing Comp visit! All Black Snake Production events and the main show are free!

SUNDAY 10 MARCH

Mobile Zoo

  • 12 noon-4pm
  • Sawyer Park near Horsham Soundshell

Pop-up Shows

  • 2.00pm @ Horsham Showgrounds
  • 2.20pm @ Weir Park

MAIN SHOW

  • 3.00pm Horsham Soundshell, Sawyer Park

Wimmera CMA has a lot of great resources for farmers, and we are bringing them all to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days !

We will be in the Moore Exhibition Centre for the 3 days, March 5, 6 and 7 and you can talk to Wimmera CMA staff and the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators.

✅ Apply for Funds for Farmers for waterways and wetlands

✅ View the Soil Moisture Probe network – real-time soil and weather data at your fingertips

✅ Connect with Landcare

✅ Tell us about your waterways

See you there!

Do you have a river, creek or wetland on your property you would like to protect?

Wimmera CMA is inviting expressions of interest through the Funds for Farmers funding program.

  • Put in your expression of interest now via our website form
  • You can also email wcma@wcma.vic.gov.au
  • Or phone us on (03) 5382 1544
  • You can also catch up with us at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days in the Moore Exhibition Centre on March 5, 6 and 7.

The Wimmera is an ideal base for angling adventures, with many lakes and rivers including the iconic Wimmera River, which is the home of a variety of fish and the habitat that supports them.

Latest studies show angling has become the most influential driver of social and economic value of Wimmera waterways.

Wimmera CMA, with Wimmera Southern Mallee Development and GWMWater, has been tracking 25 waterways for the past seven years to measure how water for the environment contributes to social and economic health.

Surveys found 282,142 people used waterbodies for recreation and generated an estimated $30.64 million for the region in 2022-23. They also found a 12.2 percent increase in day and overnight visits from people compared with the previous year.

And an Australia-wide whole new audience is about to see why.

Australian Fishing Network, as guest of Horsham Rural City Council, has been filming in the region and exploring why the river is the perfect launching pad for all-season anglers. Seven Mate will broadcast the Wimmera fishing adventures on The Fishing Show in 2024. 

Wimmera CMA took advantage of water for the environment allocations and water-temperature spawning levels to find out whether it could stimulate Yellowbelly breeding in the Wimmera River.

The CMA worked with Horsham Rural City Council in managing Horsham weir to vary flows and simulate a high natural flow.

Monitoring at Horsham, Dimboola and Jeparit weirs failed to reveal obvious spawning. However, the CMA will continue monitor for increases in fish populations. We thank everyone who submitted their Yellowbelly catches and observations.

The CMA worked with GWMWater to prevent the spread of undesirable pest fish in Mt William Creek, a Wimmera River tributary. This involved removing 51 carp and 1675 goldfish carp via netting and electrofishing from Lake Lonsdale outlet and Green Hole.

As natural waterway flows reduce this summer, the CMA will release ‘low’ environmental flows when needed to keep refuge pools connected. Higher flows over shorter periods, also called ‘freshes’, might also occur to improve water quality and support community needs. Rain in the catchment will influence these flows.

Community involvement in decisions concerning water for the environment is important to Wimmera CMA. You can get involved by telling us about what you are seeing or experiencing in the catchment or what community events you have planned that involve waterways.

The CMA applies a conservative, outcome-driven approach to using water for the environment, and the community is integral to getting the balance right. We encourage people and groups to have input on these decisions surrounding water for the environment, be it through organised community events or direct conversations.

Over the next 12 months, we are continuing low flows when needed to connect water to refuge pools and higher flows over shorter periods, ‘freshes’, to promote breeding opportunities for fish, improve water quality and support community needs.

GET IN TOUCH

Let us know about the big fish you have just caught, your boating or paddling adventures or the wildlife around Wimmera waterways by:

We also welcome you to contact us to have a chat, either over the phone or face to face. 

SPRING FLOWS

Flows have started in the Wimmera River, MacKenzie River and Burnt Creek to meet environmental objectives. These include maintaining habitat for native fish, our fragile platypus population and all sorts of curious and important waterbugs and aquatic vegetation.

RIVER BLACKFISH

A Wimmera CMA project aiming to secure and extend River Blackfish populations in the Wimmera catchment is underway. The project is exploring a catch-and-release translocation program with Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research. It is in response to the fish, traditionally known as Wirrap, all but disappearing in parts of the Wimmera’s upper catchment during the Millennium Drought.

Wimmera carp-harvesting will continue this month, with professional fishing contractors turning their attention from Lake Toolondo south of Horsham to the Lake Lonsdale Green Hole near Stawell.

In a collaboration involving Wimmera CMA and GWMWater, contractor K. and C. Fisheries will net fish from Lake Lonsdale into Green Hole via controlled outlet flows.

The contractors will also attempt to remove any carp and ‘goldfish’ that have become established in the Green Hole pond via electro-fishing. They will return any non-target fish such as redfin, trout or native species to the water.

The project is designed to prevent undesirable pest fish from proliferating in Mt William Creek, a tributary of the Wimmera River.

Extensive 2022 spring floods in Wimmera waterways have provided ideal fish-breeding conditions for both targeted and pest fish, and unfortunately carp have increased their distribution, pushing into new areas. Authorities are identifying opportunities to slow the spread where possible.

Lake Lonsdale outlet and Green Hole picnic area will be closed to the public from November 7 to 16 November during the fish removal program

Image: Lake Lonsdale outlet.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across the region and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website may contain images of people who have died.