Transforming Farm Dams into Ecological Assets Coca-Cola Australia and Landcare Australia

At Cheyenne Dam in Somerton, NSW, our own Wayne and Nell Chaffey have transformed a drought-degraded farm dam into a thriving ecological asset through a project supported by the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation and Landcare Australia.
This project has already seen some great results from local native waterbirds retuning and improvement of habitat, it is a great model of combining farm productivity with environmental stewardship.
Below is more information on the progress of the project.

Project History

Why: 1.8m dams, >97% poor condition in 2017-9 drought, 2m t GHG emissions, need for improvements in water security and quality improvements.

 

When:         First information, December 2023.

How:           Dam selection – “pick the worst dam on the farm” Nell

Baseline data – water testing, bird monitoring, bat acoustic recording, Frog Id etc

 

 Research – ANU’s Sustainable Farms publications – “Enhancing Farm Dams”

 Design, Plan, Budget – submit application.

 Contract – March 19, 2024

 

 

 

 

What:          Earthworks – desilt and enlarge dam to increase holding capacity (50%)

 Enhance – add logs for perching, rubble for habitat, tank for storage, pipes

Planting preparation – rip and rotary hoe rows

Fencing – strainer, stays, posts, gates, wires, straining

Construction – trough, protective fencing and water connection

 
Planting – 100+ stems, endemic species (trees, shrubs, ground covers, rushes, grasses, vines), wool weed mats, grow-tubes and stakes

20+ stems planted down the overflow waterway, slashing, weeding

Maintenance – water, weed, mow, add logs, replace tubes with corflutes, replant.

 Technology – tank level monitoring system installed.

 Future Enhancements – solar powered pump suspended under pontoon/island to circulate water through the project tank when water quality improves, and level stabilises.

 Observations - wood ducks frequenting dam, using the perching poles and first hatchlings 25-26 summer; Australasian grebes are regulars. Herons frequent the area. Kangaroos seeking water.

Sprayed an invasion of lippia (Phyla canescens).  Continue to exclude feral pigs.

Citizen Scientist recordings continue (birds, bats, frogs, insects, plants, water quality, etc).

Credits - this project was made possible by a Coca-Cola Australia Foundation grant auspiced by Landcare Australia

 

Wayne and Nell Chaffey,

March 2026