Media release issued 13 July 2010

 

A great year for Grazing

 

YEAR two of the Reef Rescue Water Quality Grants for the grazing industry has just concluded, with 132 projects funded for 45 land managers across the Mackay Whitsunday region.  

The projects included the construction of 52 km of land-type fencing, 39 water points, 47 km of riparian fencing, stocktake training for 20 land managers, pasture and stock monitoring at 90 sites and soil testing at 70 sites.

The implementation of the projects will improve the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon by reducing nutrient, pesticide and sediment load from a further 12,500 ha.  

“It has been a great year for grazing in the Mackay Whitsunday region,” Reef Catchments’ Incentive Manager Jon Graftdyk said.

 “With the grazing industry receiving an additional $130,000 for projects on top of the $320,000 originally allocated, over $450,000 of funding was allocated to graziers in the region.

“The take-up by graziers is very satisfying and justifies the increase in funding allocated to the industry in the Mackay Whitsunday region.”  

With a maximum of 50 per cent investment in grazing projects by Reef Rescue, the figure reflects a significant in-kind investment of over $900,000 in improved land management practices from graziers in the region.

The positive response of the grazing industry to Reef Rescue is a reflection of the enthusiasm of the Reef Rescue grazing team to promote and develop the program, and the dedication of the grazing industry in the Mackay Whitsunday region to adopt the best management practices.

The third round of Reef Rescue funding is now open and expressions of interest are currently being accepted. 

 

For more information, contact Carrie Mayne on 0428 720 651 or maynec@agforceqld.org.au to get involved.