Government Commits $28M for Hill Country Erosion Control to Protect Farmland

The Government is investing nearly $28 million in the Hill Country Erosion Programme (HCEP) to support erosion control projects from 2027 to 2031, aiming to protect productive land and reduce environmental and economic impacts. The programme, established in 2007 and supported by multiple councils and landowners, focuses on treating vulnerable land, creating farm-scale erosion control plans, and building regional capability. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay emphasized the programme’s role in helping farmers prepare for severe weather and safeguarding soil health for future sustainability.