How the Ripple Effect is Transforming Farm Water Management
The Ripple Effect is a major national project helping landholders improve farm water security, strengthen biodiversity and adopt practical solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Led by Western Australia’s Grower Group Alliance, the project brings together leading research and extension partners from across the country, including:
University of Western Australia
Australian National University
Adelaide University
RMIT University
University of Southern Queensland
The project is also supported by all eight Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs across Australia, creating a truly national approach to farm water management.
At the heart of the project are more than 40 Ripple Effect dam demonstration sites established across Australia. These sites showcase best-practice farm dam management and provide practical, on-ground examples of how producers can improve water quality, biodiversity, emissions outcomes and farm productivity.
The project will support landholders through a range of activities, including:
the development of a National Knowledge Hub featuring practical tools, resources and information on water management and sustainable agriculture
the establishment and monitoring of demonstration dam sites to highlight innovative approaches to water quality management, biodiversity conservation and emissions reduction
financial benchmarking and economic analysis to better understand the value and impact of project activities
extension and communication activities, including social media, websites, workshops, field days and partner networks
collaboration with First Nations organisations to incorporate traditional knowledge and recognise culturally significant environmental values
raising awareness of the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework and demonstrating how project activities align with its goals.
Funded through the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, The Ripple Effect is helping drive collaboration, innovation and adoption across the agricultural sector.
By supporting practical action on farms, the project aims to protect natural resources while improving productivity, profitability and long-term resilience for landholders nationwide.
Published eNews #413, April 2026