Evergreen Farming Legacy Fund - The Great Southern Salinity Summit
Period: 2026
Funding Body: Grower Group Alliance and Meat & Livestock Australia
Funds: $18,000
Project Officers: Hilary Watterson & Jenna Walliser
Summary
Gillamii is proud to host the Great Southern Salinity Summit event on 19th March 2026 — a one-day regional event focused on tackling dryland salinity through innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions.
For over 30 years, Gillamii has supported primary producers across southern WA in managing salt-affected land through plant-based systems. Building on this legacy, the Summit will bring together growers, researchers, government agencies, and industry to reconnect, share knowledge, and explore future opportunities in salinity management.
With expected attendance of 80–100 participants, the Summit will feature:
Presentations on state and national investment in salinity, carbon and biofuel opportunities, and new planting technologies
Demonstrations of tools such as the Saltland Genie Web App
On-farm site visits to showcase local innovation in saltland rehabilitation
Networking sessions and static displays from local grower and Landcare groups
This event is also supported by current project partners including Meat & Livestock Australia, CSIRO, and DPIRD, alongside in-kind support from local producers and grower networks.
The Summit will not only support our Gillamii members but also benefit the broader GGA network and the wider agricultural community through shared learning and collaboration.
Stay tuned for more details and registration information.
Objectives & Outcomes
Increase Knowledge and Awareness: Update land managers, industry, and grower groups on the latest research, tools, and technologies for managing salt-affected land in southern WA.
Showcase Innovation: Demonstrate practical, plant-based salinity solutions including new pasture establishment techniques, coated saltbush seeds, and site-specific mechanical innovations.
Foster Collaboration: Strengthen regional partnerships between growers, government agencies (e.g., DPIRD), research institutions (e.g., CSIRO), and industry groups.
Highlight Economic Opportunities: Introduce pathways for land diversification and value creation through carbon farming, biofuel production, and natural capital markets.
Drive Policy and Investment Discussion: Provide a platform to discuss the need for renewed investment, technical support, and coordinated action to address dryland salinity at a regional and catchment scale.
Empower Local Communities: Celebrate local innovation and resilience by showcasing ongoing saltland management work by grower groups and landcare networks in the Great Southern region.
Report
Report will be available on project completion.