The Australian Government is allocating up to $5 million in grants under the $140 million Reef Trust to reduce and manage the impact of soil erosion in gullies surrounding the Great Barrier Reef catchments.
Groups in these regions interested in carrying out the on-ground work are invited to apply by 26 November 2015.
This is one of a number of practical projects the Government is delivering through the Reef Trust to reduce runoff and improve water quality on the Reef.
Sediment erosion causes the highest amounts of fine sediment runoff to the Great Barrier Reef, which directly affects seagrass and corals.
This programme will address one of the greatest threats to the Great Barrier Reef and the Government is looking for local partners to deliver this important work from 2015 to 2018.
The programme will target areas of high-density gullies in the Burnett Mary, Fitzroy, Burdekin and Cape York natural resource management regions.
Funding will be made available for activities which will tackle gully erosion in those regions, such as revegetation, the erection of fencing and building minor structures to protect key areas and prevent sediment runoff.
The Department of the Environment is working closely with prominent gully erosion scientists from CSIRO to ensure the design and implementation of the programme is based on the best technical and scientific advice. This team of experts from the CSIRO, led by Dr Scott Wilkinson, brings the latest scientific knowledge and experience in gully remediation techniques to the delivery team.
This programme builds on Australia's efforts in protecting the Great Barrier Reef, which were recognised and praised at the UNESCO meeting in Bonn earlier this year.
We are committed to ensuring that the Great Barrier Reef is protected for this and future generations to enjoy.
Further information is available at www.environment.gov.au/reef-trust
(ENDS)