Getting started

 

Below are some simple steps to ensure you're on the right track to completing your freshwater farm plan.

Check whether you need a freshwater farm plan and check the final submission date for your area.

Select how you would like to complete your freshwater farm plan:

You can do this in the following ways:

  • Through an industry programme
  • Engage a certifier, advisor, or consultant
  • Update your existing farm plan to meet the requirements
  • Create your own freshwater farm plan that meets the requirements.

Develop your freshwater farm plan.

When developing your freshwater farm plan, consider the process below:

Process diagram for developing a fresh water farm plan - text says RISK IDENTIFICATION

Step 1. Get a copy of the catchment context, challenges, and cultural values (CCCV) from your regional council.

Step 2. Identify the risk areas on your farm, considering things like soils, topography, and features such as waterways and wetlands.

Step 3. Having regard to the CCCV and the on-farm risk areas, identify any risks to freshwater as a result of farming and growing activities

These steps will help you create a list of risks to be managed.

 

RISK MANAGEMENT

Step1. Identify existing actions that mitigate the risks you have identified

Step 2. Look for any gaps and list additional actions.

Step 3. Prioritise mitigating actions.

These steps will help you create a list of actions to manage risks.

 

ACTION PLAN

Step 1. Produce an Action Plan for your farm covering five years.

Step 2. In the Action Plan categorise the action type and set appropriate timeframes for implementation.

 

CERTIFICATION AND AUDITING

Step 1. Engage a certifier to confirm the freshwater farm plan identifies the risks to freshwater and the actions are appropriate.

Step 2. Within 12 months of certification, engage an auditor to complete the auditing process.

Timing of the next audit depends on the Audit Grade. Re-certification required five years from first certification.

Submit your freshwater farm plan to a certifier from our approved list before the final certification date for your area.

More information

Below are some helpful guides and information for beginning your freshwater farm plan:

Guidance for Developing a freshwater farm plan

A farm operator's guide to freshwater farm plan mapping

Freshwater farm plan overview

Freshwater farm plan implementation advice

Arable and vegetable production land use - a farm operator's guide to writing a freshwater farm plan

Dairy land use - a farm operator's guide to writing a freshwater farm plan

Pastoral land use - a farm operator's guide to writing a freshwater farm plan

Permanent tree and vine crops land use - a farm operator's guide to writing a freshwater farm plan