Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch today announced the North Queensland Natural Resource Management Alliance would receive more than $7.5 million in funding to deliver on-ground environment and sustainable agricultural projects.
He said the Cape York NRM and Wet Tropics NRM would receive $5.2 million and the Northern Gulf NRM $2.3 million under the Regional Land Partnerships component of the National Landcare Program.
“I wish to congratulate Cape York NRM, Wet Tropics NRM and the Northern Gulf NRM who have been chosen to help the federal government deliver its natural resource management priorities in the region,” Mr Entsch said.
“I am pleased to say that the people of Far North Queensland will be among those who will benefit from the first wave of new and exciting projects to be delivered under the Regional Land Partnerships program.
“The federal government is working hard to ensure these funds are better targeted towards meeting the needs of our local communities.
“One of the Cape York NRM projects to be delivered will care for threatened Cassowary and Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine thicket country in Cape York.
“Another exciting project is Cape York NRM’s Healthy Farming Futures which will establish precision agriculture and land condition monitoring in Cape York.
“I am also looking forward to seeing the results of Wet Tropics NRM’s Biodiversity Bright Spots program that will tackle threats to threatened ecological woodland communities in the Wet Tropics.
“It is also worth pointing out that community engagement is a major component of the service delivery, with at least 20 per cent of project budget dedicated to supporting small, on-ground projects that are delivered by, or directly engage with, the local landcare community.”
Federal Agriculture and Water Resources Minister David Littleproud, said this funding signaled the start of Regional Land Partnerships under the second phase of the National Landcare Program.
“These 47 successful tenderers nationwide have demonstrated that they have the knowledge, capability and experience to deliver the services as needed by the community, at a price that provides the best value for money for the government,” Mr Littleproud said.
Federal Assistant Environment Minister Melissa Price said the government looks forward to working with successful service providers and the community to deliver projects that will benefit not only our environment, but also our economy and our towns and cities.
“The Australian Government is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to natural resource management by investing $450 million over the next five years in local and regional-scale projects that will help deliver national priorities,” Ms Price said.
“Through the Regional Land Partnerships program, the government is investing in projects that will help us meet the needs of our local communities and deliver on our international obligations and national priorities.”
