Farming contracts to reduce run-off

FAR Northern farmers have been contracted to reduce nitrogen run-off by more than 145 tonnes over four years under a federal initiative to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The Turnbull Government is expected today to announce $4.46 million as part of its Reef Trust program to allow sugarcane growers to better match their fertiliser application to crop requirements.

Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg said run-off from farming land was one of the key threats to the health of the Barrier Reef, and linked to outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish.

“Successful farmers are already being contracted and will collectively reduce nitrogen entering the Reef by more than 145 tonnes over four years,” he said.

“This is in addition to a reduction of around 140 tonnes that was contracted earlier this year under the first $4.7 million round.”

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said changes in cane growing practices had already led to significant improvements in Reef water quality.

“While the financial support from the Federal Government is important, we also need to acknowledge the significant and personal contributions of farmers,” he said.

A further funding round, as part of the project, is expected early next year.