Reef Rescue, now in its fourth year, has funded 477 landholders in the Wet Tropics to change farming practices.

“Projects to date have reduced sediment and nutrient runoff on approximately 386,418 ha of farming land in the cane, banana, papaw, multi-crop, dairy and grazing industries, which is terrific news for water quality draining into the Great Barrier Reef,” said John Reghenzani, Manager of the Sustainable Industries Unit.

Reef Rescue has provided over $9.1 million in water quality grants across the region since 2008 to improve farm management practices, which has been matched by farmers and service providers. “This is the second last year of Reef Rescue funding and with potentially more funding and additional industries being eligible to apply this year, we are expecting more applications than in previous years,” said John.

Interest in Reef Rescue grants is still high despite this wet season’s setbacks. Interest in Round 4 is building with applications for this round opening on 4^th May. Information sessions have been held in Terrain offices the past two weeks in Atherton, Babinda, Gordonvale, Ingham, Innisfail, Mossman and Tully, to encourage new applicants to meet Extension Officers and find out about how to apply for a grant. Terrain staff will also be available to discuss applications and project proposals at the NRM joint display at the Rabobank FNQ Rotary field days at Walkamin on 25-26^th May.

Application forms for Reef Rescue grants are available from Industry Extension Officers and Catchment Coordinators until 1^st July. See www.terrain.org.au/programs/production/reef-rescue-wqig.html for contact details and further information about applying for a grant.