THE Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority recorded an overwhelmingly positive response to a series of information sessions it conducted promoting its six-day property planning course.

Some 100 people attended the August 7 session at the Inverell RSM.

And information evenings at Bingara and Moree were similarly well supported.

BR-G CMA Board chair, Dr Bob Crouch, said staff conducting the workshops reported strong interest.

"I am told just about everyone who turned up to an information session then signed up to participate in one of the 11 courses scheduled to start across the catchment in the next two months," he said.

"I think this is a good indication that the BR-G CMA property planning course is meeting a definite need by providing landholders with the kind of information they are seeking on how to improve profitability," he said.

The BR-G CMA sets the start date for the course, but the remaining five sessions are scheduled by groups consensus.

"This means group members can make sure the schedule works in around their planting, shearing, harvesting or other commitments.

"The six-day course involves two field days, held at the properties of course participants, but some groups organise themselves so that all five sessions are held at a different member's property.

"And some groups request that a Day Seven is added to the course.

"By Day 7 all participants have completed their individual property plan. This means BR-G CMA incentive and technical staff can be invited to attend. Landholders then receive immediate feedback and advice on whether their property plan meets project funding criteria.

"From 2008 onwards only property plans that map according to land capability will be eligible for BR-G CMA incentive and on-ground works funding.

"This change signals a tightening in the criteria and reflects a reduction in the funding available from the BR-G CMA in 2008-2009," he said.

The BR-G CMA has scheduled the following property planning courses in response to the demand registered at the August information sessions: Upper Horton: August 29 (at Barraba Bowling Club); Warialda: September 9 and 12; Gravesend: September 11; Moree: September 16 and Bellata:

September 18. For venues and session start times contact the BR-G CMA on 6729-8020