Incentive to help the Reef
A financial incentive scheme similar to carbon credit initiatives could be applied in the Far North to help contaminated run-off into the Reef.
A FINANCIAL incentive scheme similar to carbon credit initiatives could be applied in the Far North to help contaminated run-off into the Reef.
The final Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project community workshop will be held today in Tully.
More than 500 ideas to improve water quality and contribute to Great Barrier Reef health will be incorporated into the design of a three-year project aimed at attracting funds for further action.
The workshop, and another held in Mourilyan yesterday, will allow participants to find out how their ideas will be converted to action on the ground.
Terrain NRM wet tropics major integrated project manager Tania Simmons said a Reef credits scheme, where farmers are paid to use Reeffriendly fertilisers, and a bio reactor which removed nitrogen from run-off heading to the sea were among two standout ideas.
“We know there’s lots of things that can be done and we know we have to try everything. There’s no silver bullet here we need a big toolkit of options,” she said.
“The design phase is really about the ground roots input. Usually we’re told what we’re to do, how we’re to do it, etc. with government funding but this takes into account who we are and where we are.”
Ms Simmons said she was encouraged by the number of farmers keen to take part in the program.
“What is coming across loud and clear is they want to be able to monitor at the small scale how to help,” she said. Today’s sessions will be held from 10am-3pm at Tully Mill Recreation Hall on Writ Lane. Call 0428 411 499