Land Capacity Study
A project assessing the land capability of Glenelg Hopkins Catchment with a view to see what agricultural activities will be the most sustainable in a warmer drier climate has now been completed.
This project reflects productions from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO that by 2050, under a high emissions scenario, South West Victoria will experience increase in average mean temperature of 1.5°C to 2° and an annual rainfall reduction of 50 to 100mm.
This warmer, drier climate will have significant impact on agriculture with some common pasture and crop species no longer viable or at increased risk of failure.
This study, undertaken by Deakin University, in partnership with Glenelg Hopkins CMA and Southern Grampians Shire Council, provides land managers with a better understanding of the trends, threats and opportunities arising from a future climate.
In total, the future suitability of 17 commodities (including pasture, broadacre and horticultural crops) were modelled, mapped and analysed.
This project was supported by funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.