Reef Alliance – Growing a Great Barrier Reef is a partnership between agricultural industry and regional NRM bodies which is facilitated by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) with the goal of securing the future health of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Australian Government has invested $45M towards “Growing a Great Barrier Reef” project.  The project is funded through the $140 million Reef Trust Phase III which focuses on improving water quality and protecting coastal habitats and the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef.

The project will deliver training, extension and targeted on-ground support to agricultural land managers.

The Burnett Mary Reef Partnership is a collaboration between Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA), Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee (MRCCC), Bundaberg Sugar Services and Canegrowers Isis

The primary focus of the investment in the Burnett Mary was to improve water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef through reducing nutrient and sediment runoff from production systems in priority areas. This will be achieved using industry Best Management Practices guidelines.

BCCA will be responsible for delivering the grazing component of the project in the Burnett.

To be eligible to participate in the Reef Alliance – Growing a Great Barrier Reef – Burnett Grazing, must have be able to answer YES to the following:

• Is your property located in the Burnett Priority Area?  The priority area is the subcatchment encompassing Paradise Dam to Walla Weir including the Degilbo and Biggenden areas.  Please note: As at March 2018, the priority area has been extended to include the Baffle Catchment.
  

• Have you completed, or are you willing to complete, the Grazing BMP?  A Grazing BMP workshop may be held locally where you can complete the Grazing BMP over 2 days; alternatively Grazing BMP can be completed online @ www.bmpgrazing.com.au.

• Would you like to feel more confident that your pasture, land and herd management decisions result in improved land condition & productivity?
• Are you concerned about low ground cover levels, gully erosion, streambank erosion and/or soil movement off your property?
• Is the grazing area on your property greater than 40 ha (100 ac)?
• Would you like to develop and implement a property improvement plan with support from a designated extension officer?*

*Participants will received individual, tailored support over a 2-year period from the Grazing Extension Officer to implement a Property Improvement Plan (PIP) focusing on grazing, land and herd management practices for improved land condition (especially practices that reduce soil loss). The Plan was developed by the landholder and the Grazing Extension Officer and technical assistance and training to help implement the Plan was provided free-of-charge.