$5 million to improve Reef water quality
30th October, 2015
Up to $5 million in grants will be allocated to manage the impact of soil erosion from gullies in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, through the Australian Government’s $140 million Reef Trust.
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss encouraged Groups in Wide Bay to apply for funding for new projects by 26 November 2015, under phase two investments of the Reef Trust.
“Projects to manage soil erosion and sediment runoff are part of practical steps that the Coalition Government is taking through the Reef Trust to improve water quality on the Reef,” Mr Truss said.
“This programme addresses factors that have the ability to impact greatly on the Great Barrier Reef and the Government is looking for local partners to deliver this important work from 2015 to 2018.”
“The Government recognises that a large part of the progress that has been made thus far, is a result of the contributions, knowledge and involvement by regional communities, farmers and landholders.
“I look forward to seeing local groups deliver continued progress on improving water quality through the involvement of farmers and local communities throughout Wide Bay,” Mr Truss said.
The Department of the Environment is working closely with prominent gully erosion scientists from CSIRO to ensure the design and implementation of the programme is based on the best technical and scientific advice. This team of experts from the CSIRO, led by Dr Scott Wilkinson, brings the latest scientific knowledge and experience in gully remediation techniques to the delivery team.
The programme will target areas of high-density gullies in the Burnett Mary, Fitzroy, Burdekin and Cape York natural resource management regions.
Mr Truss said that funding under the Reef Trust, would be available for activities aimed at reducing gully erosion, through measures such as revegetation, installation of fencing and building minor structures to protect key areas and prevent sediment runoff.
Further information on applying for funding under the Reef Trust is available online at: http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reef-trust/gully-erosion-control.
