A NEW program is offering local graziers funding, support and planning tools to build resilience and protect natural assets.
The Climate-Smart Agriculture project will work alongside 34 graziers, across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions, to assess and manage their natural assets for a more resilient future.
The program is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust.
Over the next three years, the project will provide tools and resources to assess land condition, identify opportunities, and implement strategies that align with each property’s goals.
In total, the project will support graziers to collectively manage more than 900 hectares of land.
With the project now underway, eligible graziers are invited to apply to join the program.
Participants will gain access to incentives, expert advice and workshops, as well as a personalised Natural Capital Plan to help build resilience in a changing climate.
Reef Catchments’ Program Manager for Sustainable Agriculture Todd McNeill said, “This project is about recognising the value of natural capital and supporting graziers to manage it just like any other critical farm asset.
“We’re helping graziers link their day-to-day decisions to long-term productivity and resilience.”
Recent weather extremes have underscored the importance and challenge of protecting valuable topsoils, pastures and biodiversity.
Building on the valuable efforts already underway, the project provides targeted support tailored to local conditions to meet these challenges.
Reef Catchments’ Holly Reid said, “We know healthy soil, water and biodiversity are essential for sustainable farming.
“This project puts natural capital at the heart of farm decision-making, offering practical support that aligns with each grazier’s goals for their property.”
Project participants will be supported through the following activities:
- Development of an individual Natural Capital plan to identify priority actions and key natural assets for protection and improvement
- Access to funding incentives for on-ground works linked to Natural Capital plans
- Land condition assessments that document and assess change over time
- Green House Gas emission baselining and reduction strategies for their property and support for understanding future opportunities
- Engagement with other graziers through local peer groups
- Invitation to community events, workshops and field days.
This project is a chance for graziers to build on existing practices, access useful tools, and stay ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities.
To express interest in becoming involved, and for additional details about the project, visit www.reefcatchments.com.au or call 07 4968 4200.
About Reef Catchments
Reef Catchments are the non-Government, Natural Resource Management (NRM) group for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region. We are a non-government, not-for-profit organisation.
We facilitate change and work for long-term solutions to sustain, protect, and improve our region’s natural resources and environment, now and into the future.
Our Sustainable Agriculture team have a proven track record in working with farmers and landholders to implement actions and activities on their properties to achieve practice change that not only increases on farm productivity and profitability, but also supports a reduction on impacts, such as sediment loss, erosion, and chemical runoff into the catchment areas within the Mackay Whitsunday region.
For more information visit: www.reefcatchments.com.au.
