The LNP today announced a major injection of funds for regional NRM groups across Queensland.
The announcement, in response to the sector’s ‘Nurturing Nature: Cultivating Culture’ campaign, will see $117.84 million invested in on-ground projects focussed on protecting natural assets and supporting regional communities to thrive, should the LNP be elected in October.
The funds will be invested across seven key themes, identified as priorities by regional communities across Queensland:
- Halt the decline of Queensland’s Threatened Species
- First Nations Stewardship: Revitalise Land and Culture
- Protect and Restore Queensland’s Aquatic Environments
- Biosecurity: Safeguard Biodiversity, Agriculture and Human Health
- Improve Land Condition for Agriculture, Biodiversity and the Economy
- Climate Adaptation and Disaster Resilience
- State-wide Policy and Coordination
Julie Boyd, Chair NRM Regions Queensland said the investment was welcomed by Queensland’s regional NRM organisations.
“Queensland’s regional NRM organisations play a vital role in regional and remote Queensland, delivering outcomes for conservation as well as the economy,” Julie said.
“The LNP has committed to invest in a program of on-ground activity that will deliver significant outcomes for threatened species, waterways and coasts, sustainable agriculture, disaster recovery and resilience, biosecurity and engaging First Nations people.”
“I applaud the LNP for this forward-thinking investment into regional jobs, food security and disaster recovery and resilience,” she said.
Shadow Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Sam O’Connor said more than doubling the funding for NRM groups would protect Queensland’s incredible wildlife and crucial areas of biodiversity.
“Through on-ground land, water and biodiversity programs, and by working collaboratively with governments and other communities, regional Natural Resource Management organisations enhance the liveability and productivity of our towns and cities,” Sam said.
“Natural Resource Management groups are trusted across our regions to deliver tangible, practical outcomes to effectively manage our land and soil, water and biodiversity.”
CEO NRM Regions Queensland, Chris Norman, also welcomed the announcement.
“This investment is a significant boost to land, water and biodiversity management across the state,” he said.
“Invasive species are the leading cause behind 4 of Australia’s 5 mammal extinctions. And more than 88% of Queensland’s land is used for primary production.”
“These two figures alone demonstrate why investing in biosecurity and sustainable agriculture has a profound impact on our most threatened species as well as the condition of our land and water assets.”
“Our program of activity will deliver regional jobs and work collaboratively with First Nations people, as well as outcomes for our most precious plants and animals, sustainable food production, waterways and coasts, sustainable agriculture, pest plant and animal management and disaster resilience and recovery.”
“We know that to that to have an impact on our most precious landscapes, we must work together, we must think strategically and we must invest appropriately,” Chris said.
“We look forward to working closely with the LNP to deliver the best possible outcomes for nature and for the economy.”
Find out more about Nurturing Nature: Cultivating Culture: https://www.nrmrq.org.au/nurturing-nature-cultivating-culture-nrm/
Read the LNP announcement here ‘LNP Major Boost to Natural Resource Management groups’: https://debfrecklington.com.au/media/state-news/2024/10/08/lnp-major-boost-to-natural-resource-management-groups