BURDEKIN CANE PROJECT – REEF WATER QUALITY GRANTS

Kalagro

Good afternoon members.

NQ Dry Tropics is a community run, not-for-profit company that has been a leading delivery agent of land and water management change across the Burdekin Dry Tropics regions since 2002. The NQ Dry Tropics’ Sustainable Agriculture Program empowers producers to use best management practices, for resilient landscapes and productive enterprises. The Sustainable Agriculture program is delivering extension, training, Innovation and Reef Water Quality Grants in the Burdekin through the Burdekin Cane project as part of the Reef Alliance Project – Growing a Great Barrier Reef.

Burdekin Cane Project is designed to provide assistance to help cane growers implement changes that improve management practices and productivity, while also reducing agricultural runoff into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. The project is a partnership between agricultural industry, regional NRM bodies and facilitated by the QFF, with a common goal of securing the future health of the Great Barrier Reef. This voluntary project is delivered in the Burdekin Dry Tropics natural resource management region by NQ Dry Tropics and is not linked to regulation.

REEF WATER QULAITY GRANTS

Over $900,000.00 is available to Burdekin cane growers over two rounds of funding, in 2017 and 2018. All Burdekin Cane Reef Water Quality Grants (RWOG) are capped at $20,000.

CRITERIA

Grower must contribute 50% through cash or in kind, up to the capped amount.

  • All RWOG are delivered in combination with extension and/or training.
  • Grower must be a participant in the Burdekin Cane Project and have an Extension Plan in place.
  • Grower will work with NQ Dry Tropics or BBIFMAC Project Officers to develop RWOG application.
  • Application will be assessed by the Burdekin Sugarcane Technical Advisory Panel.

WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM GROWER

Successful Reef Water Quality Grant applicants will enter into a 12 month contractual agreement with NQ Dry Tropics. This agreement will require that growers complete the works agreed to, within the specified time, and contribute the required 50% of the total project costs up to the capped amount of $20,000.

Growers who are interested or require further information in relation to Reef Water Quality Grants please do not hesitate to contact or call into this office.

Thanks.

Les Elphinstone

Manager / Company Secretary