New grants program to deliver regional jobs and investment

Regional Queenslanders are set to benefit from a revamped land resource grants program which aims to maximise jobs, investment and sustainable productivity.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said a registration of interest had opened for the revamped Natural Resource Recovery Program

“Queensland’s natural land resources are a significant contributor to our agricultural, resources and tourism industries,” Mr Stewart said.

“We want to ensure our natural resources are nurtured for sustainable industry growth now and into the future.

“That is why we are providing $40 million over four years and $10 million per year ongoing to continue to increase the resilience of Queensland’s landscapes.

“This new program will maximise both investment, and outcomes for our regions.”

Building on the success of the former Natural Resources Investment Program, the Natural Resource Recovery Program will support sustainable productivity, and jobs, from Queensland’s land resources.

Up to $10 million of the committed funds will be made available to natural resource management organisations across Queensland on a yearly basis, with the potential for other groups to work in collaboration on projects.

The funding will go directly to developing and implementing projects that contribute to the state’s soil and vegetation and demonstrate sustainable economic productivity of the land such as:

• Improved landscape resilience and ability to respond to natural disasters and climate change.
• Understanding of the state of natural resources and effectiveness of interventions and utilisation of data to drive innovation and,
• Working with communities and industry to adopt sustainable practices whilst driving regional economies.

Mr Stewart said a key principle of the program will include building valued and enduring partnerships with Traditional Owners where possible.

“We know from experience that funding community groups to improve our natural resource assets achieves real environmental and economic outcomes in our regional communities,” he said.

“In fact, for every dollar we’ve invested in our past programs, we’ve seen more than four dollars invested by others.”

“The delivery organisations and community groups we’ve worked with have supported more than 330 jobs located in 33 offices across regional Queensland.”

To find out more about the Natural Resource Recovery Program visit: www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/environment/natural-resource-funding

ENDS

Media contact: Chris Lees 0434 859 940