The Bellingen Shire council says efforts to clear up river pollution could lead to better relations between dairy and oyster farmers.
Effluent run-off and on-farm waste management have been highlighted as issues affecting water quality in the Bellinger River.
The Shire council and Norco Milk Supply are working together find solutions for managing waste.
The council’s Charlie Hannavy said effluent management measures have been well received.
“I think this will go a long way to creating a lot more harmony in the local community because it is a proactive measure.
“So it’s really bringing together the council, the local industry, the local farmers, as well as the local environmental groups.
“Really, we couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome.”
Mr Hannavy said the Bellinger River Health Plan identifies agriculture as a major land use and river health issue in the region.
The Norco dairy co-op and the shire council are looking at how to improve Bellinger and Kalang river quality after assessing local dairy farms.
He said farmers want to improve effluent run-off and on-farm waste management.
“We’ve had a exceptionally good response rate,” he said.
“Nearly all of the dairy farmers in the Kalang and Bellinger River Catchments have come on board and appear to be quite enthusiastic.
“So that really is a great outcome for the community, the environment and the local dairy industry itself.”
