Fresh support turns ideas into on-farm action

Growers in the Lockyer, Bremer and Pumicestone catchments are leading the way in land stewardship, with their efforts prompting the Queensland Government to extend funding for the South East Queensland Horticultural Best Management Practice (BMP) Incentive Program.

Thanks to the strong uptake and results already achieved, the Queensland Government has committed further funding to keep the program running – meaning more growers can access grants of up to $30,000 for on-farm projects that reduce nutrient and sediment runoff.

Sam Pike of Sandy Creek Pineapple Co said the program is proof of what can happen when industry and government work together.

“This is massive for horticulture in South East Queensland. When you have the grower and the government at the table and everyone listens, we can get things done. The big goal here is to look after the waterways but also keep the grower profitable – and sitting around the table together, we can achieve that,” Sam said.

Over the past three years, growers have used the program to fund real improvements on their properties, including:

• bioreactor installation

• precision boom spraying equipment to improve fertiliser and pesticide efficiency

• composting to reduce fertiliser use and improve soil health,

• silt traps, retention ponds and contour drain to better manage soil erosion.

For pineapple grower Trudy Morgan of Morgans Pines, the benefits are immediate and practical.

“We’ve seen firsthand how adopting best management practices can cut our input costs and improve the health of our crops and soil, giving a win-win for our farm and the environment,” Trudy said.

SEQ Water Quality Program Manager Tim Wolens said growers are the driving force.

“Many of the growers we’ve worked with have been wanting to make changes for some time and having that little bit of outside investment and support has led to a lot of great work happening throughout these crucial growing regions,” he said.

“As well as the injection of funds, the Incentive Program also helps us connect growers with the expertise needed to get these projects off the ground.”

Government Ministers have praised growers’ role in making the program a success.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell, said “the program represented a smart investment in the future of Queensland’s agriculture and environment”. 

“This program gives our growers the tools they need to be environmental stewards while improving productivity and profitability,” said Minister Powell.

“By reducing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers, and tackling sediment runoff, we’re seeing real improvements to local water quality – with benefits extending all the way to Moreton Bay.” 

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the program’s success is vital to the agricultural sector as well as the wider Queensland economy.

“The adoption of best management practices that improve water quality not only make for a healthier farm they also support our fisheries and tourism sectors,” said Minister Perrett.

With fresh funding secured, horticultural growers in the Lockyer, Bremer or Pumicestone catchments can express interest in being involved and learn more about the new program kicking off later this year by contacting Tim and Tanya.

The South East Queensland Water Quality project is funded by the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.