The Queensland state government is funding 17 organisations with over $11 million to improve soils and farming practices, and build native vegetation.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the organisations will work with farmers, graziers, Traditional Owners and local communities on activities such as gully repair and fencing off and protecting native vegetation on stream banks.
“The condition of our soil and our native plants and trees is critical to Queensland’s food and fibre, resources and tourism industries and the good jobs they generate,” Stewart said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting regional Queensland jobs and it’s great lifestyle, which is why we’re investing in sustainable agricultural practices.
“We understand how important sustainable agricultural practices are to our regions, and this funding will go towards reducing over-grazing and boosting native vegetation.”
The funds are the first instalment in a Budget commitment of $40 million over four years to increase natural resources’ potential and promote economic benefits in regional communities.
The recipients include land care organisations from Brisbane-based Healthy Land and Water, to Southern Gulf NRM at Mount Isa, and the Macintyre Agricultural Alliance in Goondiwindi on the Queensland-New South Wales border.
Funds are also going towards training about 38,000 natural resources management volunteers and paid staff involved in these organisations across the state.
“We’re tapping into local knowledge in local groups because time and again, this has proven to deliver the best results for our natural resources,” Stewart said.
“A big part of their work is improving farmers’ and graziers’ knowledge of more innovative and sustainable land management practices, like grazing rotation and new monitoring technology, so they can continue to create good jobs and economic benefit for their regional communities. These funds will also help farmers and graziers involve Traditional Owners, so that their valuable traditional knowledge can be incorporated.”
More information on the funding is available here.