Innovative water management at the centre of southern Fleurieu property regeneration

When our Fleurieu stewardship officers, Chelsea and Jeff, recently visited Gillian and Nigel McFadyen at Starfish Farm near Cape Jervis, the couple were mid-renovation in their farmhouse kitchen. Luckily, they were more than happy to down tools and take the crew for a drive around the property they’ve been regenerating for the past eight years, continuing the work of Gillian's parents.

While extensive tree planting, soil health, and weed management have all been part of the journey, one of the most impressive and critical projects has been their water system.

“We knew early on that getting water across the farm was going to be key,” Nigel said as the team bounced over hills in the farm buggy.

At the base of a deep ravine, the group reached a spring-fed dam surrounded by silky tea tree, bottlebrush, and red gums, alive with birdsong. It’s here Nigel and Gillian proudly showed Jeff and Chelsea the heart of their system - a pump setup using solar power to move water uphill to large storage tanks, which in turn gravity-feeds small troughs into each of the paddocks.

“The small round troughs are great, they’re easy to clean and ensure the livestock are always drinking clean water,” Nigel explained. “Healthy water means healthy animals.”

With a background knowledge in irrigation, Nigel has designed the system so he can maintain and repair it himself. “You don’t want to be caught out with a broken pump, especially in a season like this. Being self-reliant is crucial.”

Their efforts also extend to regenerating the pink gum and blue gum woodland, planting over 200 native trees annually under the Trees for Life scheme (around 7400 trees since 2000) and improving soil through compost and organic manure.

“Yes, it’s been a tough few years, and without good water, the rest doesn’t work,” Gillian added.

“Having healthy soils, pasture, regenerating trees, and healthy animals all starts with good water management.”