Cluster Groups

Why Cluster groups?

The program is delivered through a cluster group network. Each cluster group consists of approximately 5-10 farmers who work together through the program. The groups are selected and led by the farmers, and are designed to:

• encourage ownership of the program;
   

• promote landholders ‘working together’;
   

• achieve better outcomes and effective ways of getting things done;
   

• act as a motivational tool;
   

• harness knowledge and ideas within the group; and
   

• be a more effective way of utilising resources.

Response to Cluster Groups

We currently have an ever increasing number of groups working through the program across the rice growing region. The response from those involved is fantastic. It is a great way of sharing ideas, motivating each other, and getting actions done with support of a group!

Those that are involved in the groups are seeing the clusters as having more value than solely for the ECP – such as a great way of getting together socially and looking at other opportunities that they can work together on.

Some of the comments made about cluster groups follow:

"The social side of the Environmental Champions Program is just as important as the informative side. The program allows us, as neighbours, to meet more often, share ideas and increase motivation. We really look forward to the cluster group meetings".

"Working in cluster groups is great! It allows us to work together and provides opportunities to find innovative solutions to achieving the outcome - all this contributes to good local community spirit".