Queensland’s regional communities are set to benefit from four projects that will share in $6.96 million funding as part of the Crisafulli Government’s new Natural Resource Management Expansion Program – a partnership between the Queensland Government and NRM Regions Queensland.

Minister for Natural Resources Dale Last announced the projects in Cairns today. The announcement coincides with the 9th National NRM Knowledge Conference, which brings together more than 400 NRM practitioners from across the country.

Gulf Savannah NRM, Terrain NRM and NRM Regions Queensland will benefit from this funding announcement, delivering outcomes for regional communities, for the economy and for our iconic landscapes as well as the Queensland Government’s commitment to secure the best outcomes for the state’s natural resources.

Gulf Savannah NRM will receive $3.88 million for two projects – one to protect the Great Artesian spring wetlands in the Northern Gulf region from degradation caused by feral pigs and cattle, and another to target the invasive neem tree along the Gilbert River in Etheridge Shire.

Terrain NRM will restore and protect more than 75ha of high priority vegetation in Far North Queensland that contains endangered ecological communities with a $2 million investment. And NRM Regions Queensland will provide methods and tools that demonstrate the impact of projects funded under the NRM Expansion Program (NRMEP).

“Queensland’s NRM groups are highly experienced at delivering outcomes on the ground, and this program is about scaling that success across more of the state,” he said.

 

“Queensland is a land of extremes, from droughts to floods and invasive species,” he said. “The Crisafulli Government is backing landholders and communities with practical support to meet those challenges.”

Julie Boyd, Chair of NRM Regions Queensland said the NRM Expansion Program, the result of two years work by the sector, will deliver significant on-ground outcomes while meeting the needs of regional communities.

“We’re thrilled that the first of many projects to be funded through the NRM Expansion Program have been announced,” Julie said.

“Regional NRM organisations have worked closely with their communities to develop regional natural resource management plans which identify priorities for land and water management across Queensland,” she said. “The projects we see funded through this Program are a direct result of that work.”

“With $117.84 million being invested in Queensland’s regional communities through the NRMEP, it’s critical that we can tell the story of how we’re delivering outcomes for land, soil, water and our precious biodiversity. SWIF – the State-Wide Indicators Framework – allows us to do just that, so we’re grateful to receive support to develop new tools and methods for measuring change.”

Gulf Savannah NRM CEO Zoe Williams said invasive neem trees in the Gilbert River catchment have been a significant concern for residents, graziers and local councils due to their impact on the natural environment and agricultural production values.

“We are pleased to now have the necessary funding to work with local communities to tackle this issue and restore native vegetation in sensitive riparian areas,” she said.

Terrain NRM CEO Stewart Christie said his organisation will deliver Green Connections, which will focus on strengthening and restoring forests across the Wet Tropics – one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Wet Tropics forests contribute more than $5 billion to the economy each year but face growing threats from climate change, development, weeds and pests.

“This investment will help landholders and Traditional Owners to restore, reconnect and buffer forests in high-priority areas, delivering environmental outcomes while also generating important social and economic benefits for local communities.”