The Small Farms Network was created in 2004 in partnership with Southern Councils Group, Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and NSW DPI. The Small Farms Coordinator position is funded by the Southern Rivers CMA from Commonwealth funding designed to help support community groups and landholders access services and advice to undertake sustainable land management.

The Network's primary role is to organise and deliver training/workshops on sustainable land management, including weed control, pasture, livestock, vegetation and water management. Workshops are generally landholder driven from surveys and feedback provided to the Coordinator. Since 2007, members have sought more advice and training on local food production in an attempt to reduce their carbon footprint.

The development of on ground projects is also an important role for the Network. The Network actively seeks funding to help deliver on farm projects for our members. Between 2004 and 2009, a total of $790,000 has been recieved for rural landholders in the region for projects and training.

Currently there are over 780 members supported through the Small Farms Network. Membership is free and is open to all rural and urban landholders who are interested in sustainable and productive land management.

The Small Farms Network currently provides support to all rural landholders in the Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Wingecarribee, Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla Council areas.

This website is a resource for rural landholders providing information and contacts relevant to your local region. Rural landholders can gain further benefits by signing up as a member. Membership is free and entitles you to:

The Small Farms Network is hosted by: Southern Councils Group (www.southerncouncils.nsw.gov.au)

Funded by: Southern Rivers CMA (www.southern.cma.nsw.gov.au)