This group was initially formed in 1998 because of an increasing salinity and drainage problem, contributing to high Watertables it the area. After three years of efforts the group officially registered as a Landcare group in 1991.
Harston area comprised of 6,500ha of irrigated farmland south west of Tatura. About 33%of this area is dairy farming country, with the other two-thirds made up of sheep, beef and horticulture. The group is made up of local farmers that are directly involved in agriculture.

Achievements
Through Community Salinity Grant that the Shepparton Irrigation Region Implementation Committee run the group has been able to:
Plant various saltbush species, tall wheat grass and trees on the severely degraded area on the eastern end on the Waranga basin wall, we hope to reclaim salt affected pasture land and help curb the rising watertable.Reclamation of the Church corner which involved fencing off the revegetation of salt affected ground approximately 4 hectares in area.Trees planted on the Wilson's property were done by our Junior Landcare group. A lower volume ground water pump was also installed on this property with a recycle dam to assist with salinity in the area.Signs were erected on each of the planting sites to promote the use of trees to reduce salinity problems.Fencing and earth works around individual Box trees as part of the "Save the Bush' project aim was to save the remnant trees in permanent irrigated pasture.

Other Activities
Liaised with various Government bodies to form a steering committee to investigate drainage options.Organized a bus trip over 2 catchments to increase public awarenessConducted public meetings to gauge community support for a Community Surface Drainage program which was instigated. 70% of landholders were involved with the project. The project covered 43kms with 107 landholders over 6,500ha.

Goals for the future
The group will continue to be involved in the process required to obtain Community Surface Drains. Other involvements will be weed control, revegetation along the drainage line, community education of Landcare issues, nutrient runoff, whole farm plans, recycling of irrigation water and farm best practice.
The group wishes to take this opportunity to recognize the individual?s effort in Landcare of the late Harold Newton, the initiator of the Harston Drainage group, and the past President for his foresight and commitment.