State funds help restore soils, native vegetation

Organisations from the Gulf to Goondiwindi will use more than $11 million in Palaszczuk Government funding over two years to improve soils and farming practices and build up native vegetation.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart today announced funds for 17 organisations to work with farmers, graziers, Traditional Owners and their local communities on activities ranging from gully repair to 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,” Mr 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 of a Budget commitment of $40 million over four years to increase the potential of the state’s natural resources 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,” Mr 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 online.

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