Queensland’s regional communities are set to benefit from an announcement today that will see the Queensland Nature fund triple in size, with significant investments made to support farmers, landholders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples capitalise on emerging natural capital markets.
This new commitment, made by the Miles Labor Government today will support natural capital demonstration projects, a six-year pilot of annual stewardship payments to landholders, the provision of extension support by regional NRM organisations to drive landholder engagement in natural capital markets, develop regional Natural Capital Accounts, and help protect one of Australia’s largest nature refuges.
Julie Boyd, Chair NRM Regions Queensland – the peak body for Queensland’s 12 regional NRM organisations – welcomed the announcement.
“International investors have their eyes set on Queensland when it comes to delivering nature positive outcomes, and landholders that demonstrate sustainable management of their natural resources can access new markets and trade opportunities as a result,” Julie said.
More than 88% of Queensland’s land is used for primary production and that means how we manage agriculture is intertwined with how we manage our environment.
“Regional NRM organisations have been building trust with farmers and primary producers for decades, which is why we are trusted from paddock to Parliament.”
“We know that to participate in these emerging markets land managers need access to trusted, independent advisers. We’re on the ground, in regional and remote Queensland with these networks already in place, and we’re ready to deliver outcomes for Queensland’s Nature Fund, and for Queensland’s economy.”
Chris Norman, CEO said the sector engaged upwards of 10,000 land managers every year.
“Queensland’s regional NRM organisations have been doing this work for decades. We are Queensland’s largest, hands-on professional conservation network with more than 340 staff on the ground where it matters most – in the regions, working face-to-face with people who manage the land,” Chris said.
“I applaud this announcement by the Miles Labor Government.”
“We simply cannot meet our Nature Positive and Natural Capital targets without this kind of investment in regional communities.”
“With this new level of support from the Queensland Government, we can accelerate positive outcomes for agricultural communities, for jobs, and for our precious natural assets – the land, water and biodiversity we all rely on for quality of life, food security and a thriving Queensland economy,” Chris said.
Read the Miles Labor Government media release about this $140 million announcement here.