It will help to free up volunteer time and enhance operational efficiency.
The grant was received from Nutrien Ag Solutions, through their Community Grants Program administered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
The program is designed to empower rural and regional communities by supporting projects that promote sustainability, innovation, and community development.
The grant awarded to Finley PCP will aid in future-forward agricultural practices aimed at optimising water management through automated irrigation systems on their property.
Finley PCP board member Chris Kelly said the automated irrigation system will substantially reduce the time and effort volunteers currently spend manually managing irrigation.
With this system in place, precise and timely watering will be ensured, allowing for more efficient resource use.
Volunteers will then be able to focus on other important cropping and farming activities.
Additionally, the new system will improve the property's resilience to droughts, which are a frequent challenge in the region.
“We are incredibly grateful to Nutrien Ag Solutions and FRRR for supporting our vision,” Mr Kelly said.
“The installation of an automated irrigation system will not only improve our ability to manage water efficiently, but it will also enable our volunteers to devote their valuable time to other essential aspects of our farming operations.
“This project perfectly aligns with our goals of promoting sustainability and enhancing community well-being through smart, efficient practices.”
FRRR has long been a champion of community-driven initiatives that support rural and regional Australia.
By administering Nutrien Ag Solutions' Community Grants Program, it ensures that funding is channelled to projects with long-term benefits.
Mr Kelly said the automated irrigation system at ‘Mandalay’ exemplifies this focus, addressing both environmental sustainability and volunteer engagement—two pillars critical to the long-term resilience of rural communities.
Fellow board member Sue Escott said the Finley PCP board is optimistic about the future, with the new funding enabling the organisation to modernize and improve operational efficiency.
She said the grant highlights Finley PCP’s commitment to adopting new technologies that can benefit both the organisation and the broader community it serves.
“Finley PCP would like to extend its sincere thanks to Nutrien Ag Solutions, FRRR, and the dedicated volunteers who form the backbone of the organisation's operations,” she said.
“With this project underway, Finley PCP looks forward to a more sustainable, efficient, and community-focused future.”
Finley PCP’s main goal is to hold and manage income-generating rural land, with all profits being reinvested into the local community.
Their efforts will help fund community projects, facilities, and initiatives beyond the reach of other local organisations.
The focus of the organisation is to expand its agricultural operations, including crop farming and share farming, with the ultimate goal of supporting the town of Finley through financial assistance.
For more information about Finley PCP and its projects, or how you can support its efforts, email info@finleypcp.com.au or go to www.finleypcp.com.au.
