Miles Government funds agriculture extension officers in reef catchments

• The Miles Government is funding seven new trainee extension officers to assist farmers in Great Barrier Reef catchments with land management practices 
• The Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program will be facilitated through a partnership with the Queensland Farmers Federation.
• The government has invested more than $1 billion since 2015 to protect the Reef, including the current commitment of close to $290 million to the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.

Seven new trainee extension officers have their boots on the ground across Queensland as part of the Miles Government’s Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program.

The program, being facilitated through a partnership with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, is assisting farmers in Great Barrier Reef catchments enhance their land management practices.

It is part of the Miles Government’s commitment to protect the Great Barrier Reef from one of its key threats – poor water quality. Since 2015, the government has invested more than $1 billion to protect the reef, including the current commitment of close to $290 million to the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program (QRWQP).

This includes a $125.1 million investment under the QRWQP to support the agricultural industry to improve the quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef through initiatives such as industry-led best management practice programs, extension services, on-ground projects and the development of decision support tools.

This $2 million Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program is the latest round in a program that has been delivered by the Queensland Farmers Federation since 2018. To date, 31 extension officers have graduated from the program, many of whom continue to work in the agriculture or NRM sectors in reef catchment areas.

The new extension officers have begun work placement programs with various natural resource management (NRM) groups and agricultural advisory groups.

They will be mentored by experienced leaders within their host organisation to help farmers refine their methods and enhance their business outcomes.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation Leanne Linard:

“The Miles Government is strongly committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

“We know that nutrient pollution and sediment runoff, along with climate change and unsustainable fishing practices, are among the biggest threats to our iconic Great Barrier Reef.

“That is why the Miles Government has committed close to $290 million over five years to continue the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.

“Reef farmers and industry stakeholders have also told us we need to invest in our youth and extension systems to sustain the agricultural industry for the future – this program addresses this need.

“Working with the Queensland Farmers Federation on the Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program is making a difference in reef catchments.

“Queensland farmers are dedicated to improving land management practices and reducing sediment and nutrient runoff and they seek the latest scientific and expert advice from extension officers and industry partners.

“For the next 15-months, new trainees will assist farmers by delivering extension services with their host organisations, and they will create long-lasting professional and local networks in the agricultural industry.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO, Jo Sheppard:

“This program provides a gateway for participants to kickstart a career in agriculture while building their capacity to support improved practices on farm.

“Queensland farmers lead the world when it comes to sustainability, productivity and natural resource and land management, and these extension officers will support farmers in their relevant reef catchment areas to continue maintaining outcomes on farm,” Ms Sheppard said.

“The Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program will see the extension officers undertake technical and extension training under the guidance of experienced agriculture and NRM extension practitioners.

The program gives the extension officers an excellent opportunity to support the work our farmers are doing every day to improve reef water quality.

“We look forward to seeing the graduates develop into experienced extension practitioners who will continue to support farm managers and businesses in the reef catchments,” Ms Sheppard said.

Further information:

Between 2021–2022 to 2025–2026, the Queensland Government is investing $125.1 million under the Queensland Reef water Quality Program to support the agricultural industry to improve water quality running to the reef.

Our support ensures Agribusinesses in reef catchments utilise best available science and recommended management practices to help protect the Great Barrier Reef.

To learn more about the program, visit: https://www.qff.org.au/projects/agricultural-extension-work-placement-program/

ENDS

Media contact: Scott Chandler – (07) 3719 7339