Terrain is getting geared up to commence the fourth round of Reef Rescue funding, potentially in April this year. There are a few changes proposed to the grants this year to broaden the scope of the program and to take account of the effect of cyclones and specific industry circumstances.

Terrain has prepared a submission with proposed changes to the Australian Government to secure Reef Rescue funding in the Wet Tropics for the next two years. If Terrain is successful in securing the full amount of funding applied for, the total funds available for next year will be increased by almost 24% over last year. This increase in funding means that the opportunity for a successful application is the highest it has ever been. Last year over 74% of applicants were successful in their grant applications.

Terrain has proposed to make grants available to a wider range of industries than in previous years. Although the grants may fund more industries than before, the primary focus of Reef Rescue will still be water quality improvement through reduced nutrient, pesticide and sediment discharge from agricultural land.

As the grant application process is competitive, it is critical that applicants prepare good proposals that address improved water quality outcomes. Land managers are encouraged to start thinking now about suitable projects and talking with their industry extension officers to develop project proposals.