By fencing waterways, landholders are able to better manage stock access to match seasonal conditions. With free access to waterways, stock can overgraze the area due to a higher prevalence of preferred pasture plants. This overgrazing often prevents these valuable native fodder species from maturing enough to set seed, creating a cycle of loss of preferred pasture composition. When stock can be introduced for controlled periods of grazing, these susceptible native species can be given the opportunity to mature, set seed and expand their range, with some then able to outcompete weeds.

Vegetation adjacent to waterways remains a key natural asset, as it serves as a corridor for the movement and growth of new generations of plants and animals as well as a refuge habitat for many species in the regular dry times we experience. Maintaining healthy levels of ground cover and canopy layers is needed to maintain the value and function of waterways. Overgrazing of waterways is highly likely without active management due to the higher growth of palatable pasture and stock access to waterholes for drinking.

In summary, this project will improve pasture and protect native vegetation in and adjacent to waterways through fencing and alternate watering points that increase control over grazing timing, duration and frequency.

This benefits pasture and native vegetation by:

• Support for native pasture to mature and set seed each season rather than being grazed out

• Reduced pathways of introduction of weeds and potential for natives to outcompete weeds

• Returning nutrients to more natural levels which benefits natives over weeds and promotes pasture growth