Accelerating grazing best practices - $4 million to protect the Great Barrier Reef

Issued: 2 Nov 2023

Applications are open for the Queensland Government’s $4 million Grazing Practice Change Program (GPCP) to help graziers reduce sediment and nutrient loads in waterways in Great Barrier Reef catchments.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) program will provide expert advice and services to graziers to improve land condition, reduce soil loss to waterways and increase their business resilience.

Director Reef Programs Scott Robinson said the funding is part of the Queensland Government’s $125 million investment to support agricultural industries in Great Barrier Reef catchments.

“This program will help boost production, profitability and farm sustainability while improving the quality of water in local waterways and the Reef ecosystem,” Mr Robinson said.

“Funding of up to $1 million is available for organisations with expert knowledge of sustainable pasture management and extension methodologies to increase adoption of improved practices and systems.

“This includes organisations such as Natural Resource Management bodies, land care groups, producer networks, Agribusiness, and commercial agronomy providers.

“Protecting the Great Barrier Reef is one of the Queensland Governments key environmental priorities, and continuing to work with landholders and industry groups is essential to ensure the health of the Reef is protected now and into the future.

“The GPCP will build on the previous success of grazing land management projects in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area.

“DES is looking for projects in the Burdekin, Fitzroy and Burnett Mary regions, as well as the O’Connell and Upper Herbert sub-catchments.

“Graziers have told us how much they value opportunities to work with industry experts, especially one-on-one, to gain valuable insights on how they can improve their productivity, profitability and water quality outcomes through improved practices.”

Mr Robinson said the $4 million Grazing Practice Change Program is a vital component of the $125.1 million Supporting Agricultural Industries within the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.

“The Queensland Government is committed to a sustainable, resilient agricultural industry and we’re committed to protecting and conserving the iconic Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

“The GPCP builds on the foundation of previous initiatives like the Grazing Resilience and Sustainable Solutions (GRASS) program and other successful projects under the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.

“We are particularly interested in funding projects that maximise farm resilience and improved water quality outcomes.

“I encourage those people or organisations who want to make a difference in the agricultural industry to apply for funding.”

For more information, including details on the eligibility criteria, please visit: QTenders - DES1231497.