Program launched to Collar Reef harm

GROWERS who roll out sustainable on-farm practices to improve Reef water quality could have private sector money pushed into their pockets.

Australia’s largest environmental markets investor, GreenCollar, has launched a new market mechanism to attract funding to counter Reef damage.

Minister Stephen Miles launched the “Reef Credit Initiative” during a visit to Cairns last month.

Cassowary Coast canegrower Wayne Gattera, who also runs cattle at Nerada west of Innisfail, said he hoped improve his farm’s bottom line.

“We have put our name forward to trial Reef Credits,” he said.

“We have a preliminary assessment of their potential and hope they can be a game changer in driving better practice and system repair in all reef catchments, at the same time improving productivity and value of our farm asset.”

The Reef Credits trial will be held under the Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project (MIP), which is overseen by natural resource management group, Terrain NRM.

It aims to work like a carbon market where private companies buy “credits” to improve their environmental rating.

Terrain NRM chief executive Carole Sweatman said Reef Credits would help farmers put a price on the impact their innovative practices were having on the environment.

Landowners and companies interested in a Reef Credit assessment or purchase can contact Mike Berwick on 0419 022 629 or via email at mike.berwick@greencollargroup.com.au

Go to www.greencollar.com.au/reef-credit