FDF Scaling Success Program
Period: 2026–2028
Funding Body: Australian Government Future Drought Fund & South Coast NRM
Funds:
Project Officers: Hilary Watterson & Jenna Walliser
Summary
The Future Drought Fund (FDF) Scaling Success Program is a South Coast-wide initiative designed to build the drought and climate resilience of farmers and land managers through practical planning, on-farm demonstrations, peer-to-peer learning and access to regionally relevant information.
The project builds on the successful Farmers Helping Farmers to Maximise Soil Moisture and Production program delivered by South Coast NRM in partnership with Gillamii, RAIN and the Fitzgerald Biosphere Group from 2021–2023. The Scaling Success program will expand and strengthen this approach across the South Coast, recognising the diversity of farming systems, climates and local capacity across the region.
Project Deliverables:
Review and monitoring of 8 sub-surface drainage demonstration sites
Installation of Farm Bots and weather monitoring equipment at selected sites
Development of 8 farmer case studies
Contribution to an additional 8 regional case studies
Development of a Sub-surface Drainage Best-Practice Guide
Regional drought preparedness professional development
Gillamii Spring Field Day featuring sub-surface drainage and farm water security
Gillamii’s activities will focus on demonstrating how sub-surface drainage can capture and retain fresh water, improve water availability and support agricultural production during dry conditions. Four existing demonstration sites in the Frankland River region will be monitored over 12 months, including the use of Farm Bots to collect rainfall, water volume and flow-rate data. The project will also revisit four previous Gillamii demonstration sites in the Tambellup and East Cranbrook region to assess long-term system performance, durability, financial outcomes and productivity benefits.
The project will turn these on-ground experiences and results into practical resources for growers, including farmer case studies and a regionally relevant Sub-surface Drainage Best-Practice Guide covering planning, installation, maintenance and expected productivity outcomes. The guide will draw on input and technical review from experts including DPIRD and researchers working with sub-surface drainage and water conservation in comparable climates.
Through demonstration sites, field days, professional development and extension materials, the project will help farmers build their knowledge and confidence in drought planning, farm water management and practical resilience strategies. Farmer-to-farmer learning is a key component of the broader program, reflecting consultation findings that growers value practical experience and peer learning when considering new practices.
Gillamii will also contribute to regional Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning activities, helping capture farmer experiences and outcomes to strengthen future drought preparedness programs across the South Coast.