Sam and Steven Lizzio received funding in previous rounds to reduce sediment runoff from their banana farm. (Courtesy Terrain NRM)

Wet Tropics farmers now have their last chance to access grants through the Australian Government’s Reef Programme to improve land management practices to help reduce the runoff of nutrients, sediments and pesticides from agricultural land into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

This is the final round of the successful water quality grants programme and the application period opens on the 27^th January. Single farm grants up to $30,000 and up to $150,000 for multi farm projects are offered to farmers from the multi-cropping, dairy, cane and banana industries. Applicants must register their interest by 6^th March.

Terrain NRM is responsible for delivering the grants across the Wet Tropics region in collaboration with industry partners.

Terrain’s Reef Programme Manager, Deb Bass said, “The previous seven rounds of the Programme have seen a significant commitment from over 1,000 Wet Tropics farmers who have improved their land management practices through minimising soil disturbance, reducing rate and application of residual herbicides and fertilisers through the purchase of specialised equipment, and by fencing off river banks, to name a few.”

“By matching the grants with their own investment, not only have farmers proven their commitment to the health of the reef, but many have benefited with implementing more efficient systems on their farm resulting in more sustainable production.”

A total farmer/Australian Government combined investment of $50m has been injected into farms in the region to improve the health of the Reef as a result of the last seven rounds of the Programme.

Farmers must work with Industry Grants Officers to compile their application.

For more information about the Programme or to find out how to apply including Grants Officer contact details, go to www.terrain.org.au or call 07 4043 8000.

Terrain NRM is one of 56 regional bodies across Australia working with the community to look after our natural resources.