WET tropics farmers now have their last chance to access grants through the Australian Government's Reef Program to improve land management practices to help reduce the runoff of nutrients, sediments and pesticides from agricultural land into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
This is the final round of the successful water quality grants program and the application period opens on January 27. Single farm grants up to $30,000 and up to $150,000 for multi farm projects are offered to farmers from the multi-cropping, dairy, cane and banana industries. Applicants must register their interest by March 6.
Terrain NRM is responsible for delivering the grants across the Wet Tropics region in collaboration with industry partners.
Terrain’s Reef Programme Manager, Deb Bass said the previous seven rounds of the program have seen a significant commitment from over 1,000 wet tropics farmers who have improved their land management practices through minimising soil disturbance, reducing rate and application of residual herbicides and fertilisers through the purchase of specialised equipment, and by fencing off river banks, to name a few.
“By matching the grants with their own investment, not only have farmers proven their commitment to the health of the reef, but many have benefited with implementing more efficient systems on their farm resulting in more sustainable production,” she said.
A total farmer/Australian Government combined investment of $50m has been injected into farms in the region to improve the health of the Reef as a result of the last seven rounds of the program.
Farmers must work with Industry grants officers to compile their application.
For more information about the program or to find out how to apply including grants officer contact details, go to www.terrain.org.au or call 07 4043 8000.