The unprecedented uptake of new farm management practices initiated through Reef Rescue has delighted NRM groups and Government. An Impact Statement reporting the achievements of Reef Rescue shows that over 90% of the five year target to engage farmers, and 70% of the target for the grazing industry has been met after only three years of the five -year initiative.

The 2013 target to engage 1300 farmers and 650 graziers, is well on its way to being exceeded. The Impact Statement surmises that Reef Rescue is having an immediate and effective impact on reducing runoff from farms.

(left to right): Hon Phillip Ruddock MP, Mario Raccanello (Tully cane farmer), Bob Brighton (Tully banana and tropical fruits farmer), Ray Byrnes (independent selection panels chair), Senator Sue Boyce (Qld) and John Reghenzani (Terrain NRM)

Industry, NRM and farmers were guests at a special function at Parliament house held on 11th October to meet with federal politicians to talk about the positive impact Reef Rescue projects were having on the Reef and on farming businesses. Four local farmers attended the launch of the Statement representing the wet tropics region; Michael Tomerini, a multi-crop farmer from the Atherton Tablelands, Mario Raccanello, cane farmer from Tully, Bob Brighton, banana and tropical fruits farmer from Euramo, Donna Graham, dairy farmer from Millaa Millaa and Kate Waddell, grazier from the upper Herbert catchment.

John Reghenzani (manager of the Sustainable Industries Unit) and Ray Byrnes (independent water quality grant selection panel chair) also attended on behalf of Terrain NRM. "Terrain NRM has met 90% of its five-year target for the wet tropics region, engaging 488 farmers in three years," John said. "We are very pleased with the continued commitment of farmers in this region to improve their farming systems, particularly this year, after such severe weather conditions, including category five cyclone Yasi."

Only 6% of projects were withdrawn last year due to the cyclone and flooding, showing the enthusiasm with which landholders have engaged in Reef Rescue. The Impact Statement infers that Reef Rescue grants may have helped landholders accelerate their uptake when cash flow was an issue.

The Statement reveals that more than 500,000 ha of farmland are under improved management as a result of Reef Rescue and 2.7 million ha of grazing land, or about 71% of the five-year target.

Reef Rescue, a $200 million investment in improved farming practices, is one of the Australian Governments most successful initiatives. Its success lies in the high level of engagement with and support of the farming community and industry groups.

(left to right) Brian Tessman, Deputy President QFF, Dr Mike Kelly, Parliamentary Secretary Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Mike Berwick with Impact Statement

Terrain NRM is one of the six Regional Natural Resource Management Groups including Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management, Cape York Sustainable Futures, NQ Dry Tropics, Terrain NRM, Reef Catchments (Mackay-Whitsunday) and Fitzroy Basin Association, together with four industry groups; CANEGROWERS, Growcom, Queensland Dairyfarmer's Organisation and AgForce, who are partners in delivering Reef Rescue.

To hear an interview with Donna Graham and Mike Berwick http://www.abc.net.au/rural/qld/content/2011/10/s3338008.htm