It began with an ambitious three-way partnership between a racehorse breeder from the small Central Victorian town of Eddington, a not-for-profit environmental organisation and one of Australia's largest
public sector agencies.
Centrelink funded a forest of 10,000 new trees to be planted at the Eddington property by participating in the Greenfleet Australia carbon-offset program.
Since then, a grand total of 45,000 native trees have been planted at Three Bridges Thoroughbreds.
"We've set aside 100 of our 800 acres for reforestation. We'll be doing some direct seeding, and are planning 30 metre stretches of vegetation along the boundaries and 20 metre stretches along the river," Peter explained.
Not only does the environmental plan include significant planting of native trees it also encompasses the mighty Loddon River which runs through the property. In an effort to combat erosion of the riverbed logs have been returned the river to restore the natural balance. The project is being monitored by the Melbourne University and the North Central Catchment Management Authority and the changes to the riverbed will be mapped over time. It also creates a spectacular environment for native wildlife including the resident platypus.
"We're really grateful to Greenfleet Australia, Centrelink, Landcare and the North Central Catchment Management Authority for their involvement - it's sure to pay long term dividends for the environment."
