Better beef practices to help the Great Barrier Reef

Graziers in the Burnett-Mary region are set to deliver benefits to the Great Barrier Reef and their own farms off the back of more than $600,000 in funding from the Queensland Government for a new project focusing on better land management practices.

Minister for the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said the project will help graziers produce sustainable outcomes, enhance their productivity and profitability, and reduce sediment run-off to the reef.

“By supporting changes to complement graziers’ knowledge, attitude, skills, aspirations and practices, the project will create a quality standard for management practices within the reef catchment area and a promising outlook for the Great Barrier Reef’s future.

“This project will not only demonstrate the benefits to the reef and the community at large, but will implement innovative practices to deliver greater business outcomes for graziers.”

The project will be driven by the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), with expert advice from other stakeholders to engage graziers who are looking for assistance in changing their management practices.

It will involve comprehensive one-on-one extension to facilitate better grazing practices such as improved fencing, pasture and forage budgeting, as well as on-farm demonstration sites.

BMRG CEO Sheila Charlesworth said project officers will be looking to reach out to graziers in the region who have not previously been engaged. 

“Our officers will be putting in place a range of innovative extension processes to ensure we connect with graziers who can gain the greatest benefits,” Ms Charlesworth said.

“The project will also include a wider scope of topics in order to attract greater involvement.”

Ms Enoch added, “We want a win-win approach where producers can improve their businesses and have a good environmental outcome.

“If we can help keep soil on producers’ properties, they will save money and it will lead to reduced sediment run-off to the Great Barrier Reef.”

ENDS
MEDIA: Ben Doyle 0437 859 987