The Queensland Government is investing almost $4 million to support the management of natural assets in Far North Queensland.
Gulf Savannah NRM and NRM Regions Queensland will receive NRM Expansion Program funding to restore native vegetation and improve wetlands and threatened species habitat.
The funding is part of an election commitment to deliver a total of $117.84 million in funding for on-ground land, soil, water and biodiversity programs through Natural Resource Management organisations.
Gulf Savannah NRM’s $1.6 million program will see four ranger groups address major threats to native vegetation condition across at least 400 hectares within the Northern Gulf region.
Another project for Gulf Savannah NRM will use $1.39 million to improve the health of 30 hectares of wetlands in the Northern Gulf region, enhancing biodiversity and ecological function.
NRM Regions Queensland, working with Torres Strait Regional Authority, will receive almost $1 million to reduce Crown of Thorns Starfish densities and increase coral resilience to improve threatened species habitat across 1,750 hectares in the eastern reefs of Erub and Mer in the Torres Strait.
Assistant Minister for Far North Queensland Bree James said the Crisafulli Government is investing in targeted, practical initiatives that improve and restore the areas essential to safeguarding the region’s natural assets.
“The beauty of Far North Queensland is not lost on the Crisafulli Government, and this funding will strengthen local employment opportunities and deliver real improvements to our reefs, wetlands and farms,” Assistant Minister James said.
“These projects will deliver on-ground works to address major threats to native vegetation and endangered species, and support local graziers through improved farm management.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Far North Queensland after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government left Queensland’s natural habitats high and dry with no meaningful funding.”
Gulf Savannah NRM CEO Zoe Williams said the funding will deliver real support to graziers in the Gulf.
“Famers and graziers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of biodiversity on farms and the ecosystem services provided by farm dams, in addition to the vital role dams play as water sources for agricultural production,” Ms Williams said.
“Gulf Savannah NRM is pleased to be able to now support producers to realise these benefits through enhanced farm dam management.
“Improving water quality, while at the same time restoring biodiversity is a win-win for producers in the Gulf and the environment.”
NRM Regions Queensland CEO Chris Norman said the Crown of Thorns Starfish project will leave a lasting impact on Queensland’s northern coral reefs.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Torres Strait Regional Authority to protect Queensland’s northern most coral reefs by managing Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS),” Mr Norman said.
“COTS pose a significant threat to reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Without active management, unchecked outbreaks can devastate coral cover, and larvae carried by ocean currents have the potential to spread infestations from the Torres Strait across the entire Great Barrier Reef system.
“Over the next two years this project will deliver targeted in-water activities, reducing Crown of Thorn densities and protecting 1,750 hectares of threatened species marine habitat.”
The latest round of investment brings total support from the Queensland Government to over $106 million.
Find out more about the NRM Expansion Program.
