Farmers and graziers can now support each other via the internet to develop environmental management systems (EMS).

A new pilot project encourages small groups of property managers to work together with an experienced facilitator to develop their own EMS.

The project uses the Australian Landcare Management Systems approach which offers preparation for Quality certification to ISO 14001 standard.

Project spokesperson Dr Gavin Graham said this ISO standard can offer significant advantages as markets become more sensitive and demanding of green credentials.

Dr Graham said the project was a collaboration between Central Queensland University's Institute for Sustainable Regional Development, CQU's educational designers and the Queensland Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries.

"The long-term sustainability and environmental impact of the farm enterprise are looming as some of our biggest challenges," he said.

"If successful, this approach could be easily scaled up to provide support for property managers all over the country.".

Details about the project are available from Dr Gavin Graham via 07 4930 9274.

The supporting Website established for this project is at: http://www.australianems.com .

For details call Dr Gavin Graham via 0429 349 865 or Tel: 07 4930 9053 or 07 4930 9274 Email: g.graham@cqu.edu.au Internet: www.isrd.cqu.edu.au .

Photo: (from left) Scot Aldred -- Learning Designer and Consultant; Ms Robyn Donovan --Developer, EMS Facilitator; Dr Gavin Graham -- Senior Research Officer ISRD, Developer and EMS Facilitator.