A partnership approach to improve water quality flowing to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon has resulted in improved management practices over half a million hectares of land, according to information released today at the inaugural Reef Rescue Showcase in Cairns. That’s the equivalent area of one million football fields.

Reef Rescue, a partnership between Queensland’s Regional Natural Resource Management Groups and rural industry bodies, is a $200 million, five-year initiative, funded by the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country Program. The Program aims to improve the quality of water flowing into the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon.

Mike Berwick, Chair Queensland Regional NRM Groups Collective said the Program, which has only been running for two years, has already resulted in significant change.

“In the past two years, we have entered into contracts with more than 1480 land managers to improve their practices,” Mr Berwick said.

“We have helped graziers erect 700 kilometres of fencing to minimise erosion, trained and engaged more than 2000 land owners, supported cane farmers to improve fertiliser practices over 93,000 hectares and helped those in the horticulture industry improve soil management and tillage over 25,000 hectares.”

Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO, Dan Galligan, said the partnership between rural and natural resource management groups was putting runs on the board to achieve agricultural and environmental outcomes.

“Farmers are playing their part in protecting the Reef,” Mr Galligan said. “For every dollar the Australian Government contributes to Reef Rescue, farmers are spending about two more dollars.”

“This shows the commitment we have across Queensland’s regions.”

“This means that for the Australian Government’s $27 million investment this year, we have secured more than $73 million worth of on-ground works and improved practices.”

“This is a tremendous story of voluntary action where a win-win has been achieved for both famers and the environment,” Mr Galligan said.

Mike Berwick agreed that Reef Rescue’s practical partnership approach was working well.

“We have industry groups, farmers and our regional natural resource management groups working hand-in-hand to protect the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Berwick said. “ Of course, none of this would be possible without the financial support of the Australian Government.”.

Mike Berwick will present these and other outcomes of the Program at the inaugural Reef Rescue Showcase in Cairns, 8 and 9 June.

The Reef Rescue Showcase is a joint initiative of Queensland Regional NRM Groups Collective and QFF.

Six Regional Natural Resource Management Groups and four Industry Groups are partners in Reef Rescue. These organisations are: Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management, Cape York Sustainable Futures, CANEGROWERS, Growcom, Queensland Dairyfarmer’s Organisation, NQ Dry Tropics, Terrain NRM, Reef Catchments Mackay-Whitsunday, Fitzroy Basin Association and AgForce.

As well as Minister Peter Garrett, more than 70 people are expected to attend. Registrations close Thursday 3 June and media are welcome to attend.