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As more and more towns are declaring climate emergencies its about time governments begin to push harder for changes in industry. NSW and QLD towns are nearing day zero with farms trucking in large quantities of water to supply crops and animals. Not only are vulnerable food bowls, which support the larger cities ,at risk of below average yields the increases in costs directly effect farmers and the community as the price of food rises. Are we doing enough to push new sustainable practices? I believe we have a long way to go to not only curbing emissions but reducing runoff and damage to the Barrier Reef. Its a complex topic with far reaching discussions and deserves a lot more then a short blog. Though, raising awareness goes some way to improving the publics knowledge and assists those to make good choices, buy local and buy fresh.
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Once again the home will be open to the public for the third consecutive year. Come and checkout what is possible in a 730sqm suburban block . Houses around the country take part and it is fast becoming the way of the future to build efficient cost effective homes.Check out the link for those that are taking part, houses are released closer to the date. https://sustainablehouseday.com/#
Work has begun on Isa Downs 50acre property. The system will have plenty of water pressure through the use of a 2.5kw Italian made Calpeda pump, an adjustable flow controller assists to regulate pressure and power use. A pump start relay provides automated pump switching delivered through a signal from the fully programmable timed irrigation controller. With a fully equipped mobile setup we can go anywhere to install your ideal system  Coming soon, seedling production will commence. An aquaponic flood and drain system will be used to raise various organic stock, watch this space.
Work has commenced on Isa Downs Burrum Heads Farm. Only in its infancy the first paddock has been ploughed. Roughly one acre and full shade cloth protection to come, initial thoughts point to an organic market garden with varied fruit trees, chillies and seasonal greens. Water is provided through a 2inch main line, a 25mm tee is controlled via solenoids operated with a 12 station hunter panel for full automation.
Permaculture type system, zone one has been fully planted. The ground covers have established well with the Buckwheat just reaching flower it will be turned with a good layer of sugarcane to promote top soil production, encourage beneficial insects and retain soil moisture.  The small dam wall area will get some attention, with a row of feijoas and some edible ground covers to prevent erosion off the dam wall. Surrounding the hedge some taller species have been used with the likes of grumichama, guava, phalsa and some understorey finger limes.  Bottom plantings have been completed leading out from the native violet ground covers and gingers we head into a complex under storey and canopy system. The main canopy consists of hog plum, madrono and light emitting vegetable humingbirds. Shade loving coffees are below with native lilly pilly and acerola cherries hedged on a sunny outskirt. Swale drains are capturing and slowing water heading into the dam and storing it within the soil. Soil was an issue with a rocky subsoil a clay type bedding sand was bought in and will help with water retention, a top soil was used to cover untill the seeded beds of cowpea, millet and buckwheat start to add biomass. Export fresh edible forrest underway. On contour swales were dug to slow water flow into the dam. Top soil was laid on a sandy base with green manure seeds sown to prevent erosion and build biomass. Heaps more updates coming as we build towards an edible and functional space. |
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