The Palaszczuk Government today (18 May) announced $4 million in funding for on-ground projects in the Mackay Whitsunday and broader Central Queensland region that will reduce pollutants washing into waterways and the Reef.
Minister for the Great Barrier Reef Steven Miles said the government would soon call for expressions of interest from organisations who could work with landholders and land managers to deliver on-ground works.
“The Central Queensland area is at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and reducing the run-off of pesticides, nutrients and sediment is a priority.”
Mr Miles said funding would be available to organisations such as private industry, natural resource management groups, producer groups, landcare, government organisations, universities and community groups.
“These local groups are best placed to help landholders make changes that will improve their property and also bolster our efforts to improve the quality of water flowing to the Reef.
“We know that improving water quality is our best chance of building the Reef’s resilience and helping it recover.”
Mr Miles said funding was being provided through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program which was the government’s response to the recommendations of the Great Barrier Reef Water Science Taskforce.
“We’re working through the finer details now and want to see projects start as quickly as possible.”
Organisations who would like to be notified when the expression of interest opens should email officeofthegbr@ehp.qld.gov.au.
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