Rural
29 September, 2024
$140m boost to nature fund
Queensland's regional communities are set to benefit from Queensland Nature funding tripling 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 State Government 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 per cent of Queensland’s land is used for primary production and that means how we manage agriculture is intertwined with how we manage our environment.”
“We know that to participate in these emerging markets land managers need access to trusted, independent advisers.”
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 decade,” he said.
“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 we can accelerate positive outcomes for the land, water and biodiversity we all rely on for quality of life, food security and a thriving economy.”
