WarmPlan ActionsActivities were undertaken by WARMPlan directly via the Project Manager or more commonly through the use of existing service suppliers or consultants. Each of the activities was linked to one of the objectives. Summarised descriptions of each of the major activity groupings is given below.CommunicationThe message of drought management, best practice sustainable fanning and improved farm planning and management has been promoted by:
LeadershipLeadership training was identified as a key community need for the region. The Mallee Leaders Course started in Ouyen on 25 Feb 2000 with an enrolment of 12. This program was designed to improve Mallee community life and dryland agriculture by providing training to assist individuals to develop their skills and capacities as leaders as well as instilling in them the vision, confidence and creativity that leads to action in local communities. It went on to explore avenues for positive change and action and to develop teamwork, communication and networking as a basis for improved community and regional co?operation.Bursaries were also provided to 2 applicants to undertake other leadership activities. Best PracticeGrants have been provided to support a range of best practice activities including:
DroughtAn excellent training module 'Strategies forManaging Drought Risk - Mallee Dryland Area' was developed and published Drought workshops using this module have been conducted at:
A booklet 'Managing Drought Risk in the Mallee' which included a self-assessment checklist for drought preparedness was published and distributed to 3200 farmers and farm related personnel in the Mallee. A report to government on the impact of drought in the Mallee has been researched and prepared. TrainingWorking with the Grains Industry Training Network (on which WARMPlan is represented) WARMPlan funded, researched and published 'The Directory of Training for Dryland Agriculture ? Northern Grains Belt of Victoria.' The Victorian Farmers Federation, Grains Industry Training Network, Longerenong College, and Rural Finance Corporation has already used this information source.Farm Water System DesignDue to delays in approving and establishing WARMPlan, there was little opportunity to provide farm design assistance in the Stage 3 area of the project. the committee learnt from this experience and using the break provided by Stage 4, which did not involve farm connections, was able to undertake preparation work in the Stage 5 area to provide this input, with excellent results.WARMPlan provided an organised reticulation design service from selected local experienced consultants. They have undertaken the following design work. ConsultanciesStage 3 5 6 This activity has been the area of highest financial input for the WARMPlan program.The Mallee Farm Water System Design Manual published in January 2001 was developed to assist farmers who did not have access to the consultancy program, or who may be in later parts of Stages 6 and 7 after WARMPlan has ended. Valuable prizes were offered for an Excellence and Innovations Awards Scheme for Farm Planning and Farm Water Systems which was conducted during 2000. This competition highlighted the work of WARMPlan. Alternative IndustriesField days and inspections are held where alternative industry trials have been developed. These include:• aquaculture at Winnambool • jojoba plots at Sea Lake, Walpeup and Manangatang. Speakers were funded to develop interest in new ideas, eg. the speaker on native plant products at Ouyen. Great interest has been shown in the fourteen brochures that were produced on alternative industries for the Mallee. These were researched, written, published and widely distributed throughout the region. Over 300 enquiries have been received from the activities undertaken. 
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