The group asked interested landholders to contact them to discuss the partially funded action.

Project manager Allistair Stephens said getting an indication of landholders interested in improving their farm strengthens the group’s grant applications to fund revegetation programs across the upper Wimmera catchment area.

“We are currently applying for a couple of major philanthropic grants to deliver revegetation programs in the region,” he said.

“We have been delivering revegetation projects since the inception of Project Platypus in 1994

“It continues to receive high demand from landholders and is always well subscribed.”

Mr Stephens said planting native trees would have a number of benefits for farmers.

“Despite popular belief that trees reduce farm productivity, studies actually demonstrate there are multiple benefits to planting and protecting remnant stands of trees,” he said.

“For instance shelter belts provide increased shelter for stock, creating healthier and more productive animals.

“They can also improve crop yields by up to 25 per cent by atracting a range of birds which predate pest insects reducing a reliance on chemicals.

“Shelterbelts can also reduce chemical spray drift, increase plant pollinators, reduce salinity, water logging as well as wind and water erosion.

“Remnant trees increase the value of farms and improve aesthetic values and may be a potential source of income in the future for carbon and habitat off-setting.”

Mr Stephens said the Project Platypus fully funds the costs of trees.

The group also organises the labour required to planting.

Project Platypus will also provide partial funding for fencing costs.

Extra funding can be allocated for bigger revegetation projects.

Landholders are required to prepare the site by spraying, ripping and fencing, with trees generally planted in July.

Mr Stephens said landowners should call Project Platypus to express their interest in the revegetation works.

“I’d encourage landowners in the Upper Wimmera landcare area to start thinking about areas of your farm that would benefit from shelterbelts,” he said.

“Or areas of your farms that are of low production value.

“Expressions of interest close by mid-October and for further details or to register an expression of interest call Project Platypus on 5358 4410.”