Reef rescue funding information
ON THIS PAGE
- Links to local and federal information
- Summary of the $200 million Reef Rescue 5 year program
Links to local & federal information:
LOCAL INFORMATION
Terrain: http://www.terrain.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46:reef-rescue-water-quality-incentives-grants&catid=15:sustainable-production&Itemid=63
Burdekin Dry Tropics: http://www.burdekindrytropics.org.au/bdtnrm_current_projects/reef-rescue.html
Burnett Mary Regional NRM (please note the document is a huge 21 MB - we are trying to assess if there is a better option): http://www.bmrg.org.au/information.php/2/113
Reef Catchment (Mackay Whitsunday): http://www.mwnrm.com.au/
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
Here is a couple of good Federal Government information pages on reef rescue:
- http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/2008/reef-rescue.html
- http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/2008/reef-rescue-funded.html
http://www.nrm.gov.au/publications/factsheets/target-info-sheet-great-barrier-reef.html
Summary of the $200 million Reef Rescue 5 year program
The $200 million Reef Rescue Plan is a 5-year program announced by the Federal Government early in 2008, as part of the broader Caring for our Country suite of programs. Reef Rescue’s objective is to improve the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
Part of this package includes $146 million in water quality grants for the adoption of improved land management practices in agricultural commodities, including sugarcane, horticulture, cotton, grazing and dairy.
The objective of these practices is to improve the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon by reducing potential nutrient, pesticide and sediment load while helping improve farm productivity and profitability.
How much funding is available?
Individual growers can apply for as much as $50,000 in some regions.
Potential funding amounts available per grower vary slightly between different regions based on the different significance of various agricultural industries in each region.
Depending on how many growers are involved in the application for funding, generally between $2,000 and $150,000 is available for growers. Generally growers must also contribute a minimum of 50% of cash and in-kind as part of funding activity.
Apply now – applications for round 1 close in January and February
Growers should contact their local canegrowers as soon as possible. Round 1 funding closes in January and February in different regions.
What can the funding be used for?
A wide range of examples of potential funding activities have been identified. Growers are encouraged to make their own suggestions.
In this initial year there may be slightly different focus activities in each region so some activities may not be eligible in all regions – please contact your local canegrowers to express your interest.
Major activity categories are nutrient management, sediment management, pesticide management and irrigation management. Examples in each category are listed below – please contact your local canegrowers with other suggestions.
Nutrient management
• Precision fertiliser application equipment.
• Precision mill mud, compost, lime and manure application equipment.
• Fertigation equipment.
• Fertiliser equipment that applies fertiliser below the soil surface.
• Composting equipment.
• Fertiliser storage facilities that reduce the risk of off-site movement.
• Sub surface fertiliser box both new and modifications, rate controlled.
• Equipment for variable rate application of fertiliser if farmer can justify how rate is varied.
• Sophisticated fertiliser calibration equipment that allows more accurate application of fertiliser or flow rate controllers, possibly controlled from the tractor and using GPS.
• Direct drill legume planting equipment or modification of this.
• Modifications of machinery for wide rows.
• Water use assessment technology for irrigation scheduling.
• Targeted software for monitoring nutrient applications and determining nutrient requirements, and soil test recording.
• Intensive soil sampling to determine soil variations within blocks and across farm to develop nutrient management plan.
Sediment management
• Sediment or silt traps if demonstrated they are properly designed.
• Controlled traffic modifications and equipment.
• Changing to spoon drains within paddock.
• Changing box drains to battered V shaped drains.
• Laser levelling for better drainage.
• Zonal tillage equipment.
• Bedformers.
• Wetlands.
• Riparian plantings.
• Guidance systems.
• Modifications of machinery for wide rows including harvesters.
• Double disc opener planter including conversions.
Pesticide management
• Hooded or shielded sprayers.
• Sophisticated rate control equipment linked to GPS and tractor.
• More appropriate nozzles.
• Modifications of spray machinery for wide rows.
• Spot spraying weed sensing technology.
• Modification of spray machinery for wide rows.
• Chemical storage facilities that reduce the risk of off-site movement.
• Herbicide incorporation equipment.
Irrigation management
• Irrigation scheduling equipment.
• Laser levelling.
• Systems to manage water tables.
• Low pressure irrigation systems (eg travelling booms and centre pivots).
• Equipment to mechanically disrupt soil crusts.
• Equipment that improves soil water infiltration.
For information contact your local canegrowers office.