Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group encourages local farmers to take advantage of a valuable opportunity through the Healthy Estuaries WA and Soils – New Horizons programs, which aim to support better fertiliser decision-making and protect the health of our region’s waterways and estuaries.

This soil testing program aims to help farmers make informed, cost-effective nutrient decisions while improving long-term soil productivity. With over $5,000 in value per participating farm, this initiative is designed to benefit both producers and the environment.

Join over 2,000 Western Australian farmers already working to improve soil health and reduce nutrient loss into our sensitive waterways.

What’s included

Successful applicants will receive:

• Soil sampling and chemical analysis for all eligible paddocks

• Colour-coded maps showing nutrient status and soil acidity

• Workshop access to discuss your results with peers and technical advisors

• One-on-one agronomic support from a qualified advisor of your choice

• Personalised fertiliser recommendations tailored to your enterprise

• Plant tissue testing in spring 2026

Eligibility

To apply, landholders must:

• Have at least 40 ha of cleared arable grazing land

• Have paddocks larger than 2 ha

• Run a grazing or hay production enterprise (mixed farming included)

• Be located in an area with more than 550 mm of average annual rainfall

Applications from properties outside eligible zones can still be submitted, and those landholders will be contacted should future opportunities become available.

Places are limited and will be prioritised based on farm size, proximity to waterways, sub-catchment location, and previous participation. Priority will also be given to landholders willing to conduct sampling themselves, with full training, support, and equipment provided.

How to apply

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 20 July 2025 via the Healthy Estuaries WA website. 

Landholders are strongly encouraged to read the Frequently Asked Questions before applying to understand the eligibility criteria and cost details.

Need more information?

Email: nutrientmapping@dpird.wa.gov.au 

Phone: Peta Richards on (08) 9777 0144

If your property is located in a Healthy Estuaries WA catchment area, contact your local catchment officer for tailored advice.

This initiative is part of the Healthy Estuaries WA and Bindjareb Djilba Protection Plan, State Government programs supporting sustainable agriculture. Soils – New Horizons is a bilateral program between the Australian Government and the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), under the National Soil Action Plan (2023–2028).