Incentive funding to support on-farm improvements
The SEQ Hort BMP Program is providing funding and technical support to drive on-farm practice change and improve water quality outcomes.
Across the state, growers continue to invest in improving soil health, minimising erosion and sediment runoff, and increasing nutrient and pesticide efficiency, supporting both productive farming systems and better environmental outcomes.
These improvements in land and water management often sit alongside already full workloads. In practice, this can involve investing in infrastructure, equipment and earthworks, or new chemicals or other ameliorants that improve long-term productivity, while also supporting farm profitability.
Over the past three years, growers in Southeast Queensland’s (SEQ’S) Pumicestone, Lockyer and Bremer catchments have implemented practice change across more than 2,500 hectares that deliver water quality outcomes and support on-farm productivity.
Nearly $200,000 in incentive funding has supported the installation of bioreactors, precision spray efficiencies, drain stabilisation works, soil health interventions to reduce fertiliser use, engineered earthworks for improved sediment and erosion control, and construction of retention ponds and silt trap upgrades.
Recognising the tailored and tangible benefits these practices have delivered across the region, the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) is backing Growcom to continue working alongside growers to support improved land and water outcomes.
Building on a decade-long partnership between SEQ growers, Growcom, and DETSI, a new round of incentive funding is now available, with grants of up to $30,000 for eligible growers to continue this work.
This renewed investment in the region’s horticulture sector will see individual growers and grower groups continue to benefit from resources, events and tailored support to further on-farm sustainability and productivity.
Program Manager Tim Wolens will continue in his role, building on established relationships with growers across the region, as well as engaging new participants in the program.
“It has been great to see real transformations happen on so many farms across the southeast,” Tim said.
“With greater funding support now available, we encourage growers in the region to reach out and create change that benefits farms and local waterways.”
Incentive grants are only one part of the new SEQ Horticulture BMP Program. For more information about the Program, visit www.growcom.com.au/seq-water-quality
Growcom’s SEQ Hort BMP Program and Incentive Program is funded by the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
