NQ Dry Tropics has launched a major funding program that will support producers across the Burdekin Dry Tropics to share knowledge about preventing erosion and improving pasture condition.
About $1 million is available for Over the Fence demonstration sites that will focus on practices that keep soil on land, with a particular emphasis on sharing results with neighbours as part of the review process.
NQ Dry Tropics Grazing Team Leader Sam Skeat said graziers had the opportunity to access funding of up to $50,000 to carry out work to improve pasture management and land condition – but that was only part of the commitment.
“This funding opportunity is all about peer to peer learning, so NQ Dry Tropics will support participating graziers to demonstrate their methods and results to neighbouring landholders”, Mr Skeat said.
“By demonstrating what they did and how they did it, graziers will be supporting their local communities to build knowledge about keeping soil on the land and improving water quality.
“We are looking for graziers to carry out improvements on C or D condition land. Practices can include riparian fencing, erosion control measures, managing grazing pressure, protecting sensitive landscapes, or managing water.
“The closing date for submissions is May 11, 2018, and successful applicants will have 12 months to deliver a project and share the results.
“For more information about the program you can contact NQ Dry Tropics on 4799 3500 or visit the website page at www.nqdrytropics.com.au/over-the-fence”, he said.
Mr Skeat added that the opportunity is available as part of the $45.6 million Growing a Great Barrier Reef Project, funded through the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.
“NQ Dry Tropics is delivering this project as part of the Reef Alliance, a partnership between 12 industry and NRM groups, facilitated by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation,” he said.
“The project supports graziers and farmers to reduce levels of sediment, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and pesticides, to improve Reef Water Quality.”
