The Australian Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to protect the Great Barrier Reef with the opening of the Reef Trust Tender – Burdekin.
Through this latest project, the Government will provide $2.5 million to help sugarcane farmers improve nitrogen and irrigation management practices in the Burdekin region.
Minister Hunt is inviting sugarcane farmers in the region to register their interest in this important project which will mitigate the negative effects of farm run-off on the Great Barrier Reef.
“This is another great opportunity and a win-win for sugarcane farmers to trial new farm management practices,” Minister Hunt said.
“Surplus nitrogen from farm fertilisers can make its way to the coast and have a detrimental impact on reef water quality.”
“By improving the efficiency of nitrogen use on farm, growers can improve the efficiency of their business as well as help the reef.”
“The funding is part of the Australian Government's $140 million Reef Trust initiative to provide innovative, targeted investments that improve the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.”
“The Government invites Burdekin sugar cane farmers to express their interest in participating in the project.”
Federal Member for Dawson, George Christensen MP, said the funding will deliver significant benefits to the Burdekin region and the environment.
“The Australian Government is investing in local projects that will deliver real change to safeguard productive capacity in the region for the future, and to protect our environment,” Mr Christensen said.
“Burdekin sugarcane farmers are invited to make use of these grants to deliver solutions which will improve the productivity of their farm and protect their local environment.”
“Sugar cane farmers know what works best for their properties so they will have the flexibility to tailor their project based on the individual needs of their farms.”
Support will be available to farmers through the project’s local service provider, NQ Dry Tropics. NQ Dry Tropics will work closely with the local cane industry to provide support to sugar cane farmers and assist with the implementation of the project.
“NQ Dry Tropics is recognised throughout the Burdekin region as a trusted and effective operator and brings to this project strong local and technical expertise,” Mr Christensen said.
Expressions of interest must be registered before 7 December 2015. A reverse auction will then be opened, where registered farmers can apply for grants of up to $500,000. Bids representing best value for money will be prioritised for funding.
For more information on this project and how to apply, please visit the NQ Dry Tropics’ website at http://www.nqdrytropics.com.au/reef-trust-tender/
For more information, or to submit your expression of interest, go to
www.environment.gov.au/reef-trust-tender-burdekin