Work has started on critical riverbank restoration projects as part of the Coalition Government’s $7.5 million investment in the Fencing Northern Basin Riverbanks Program in Queensland.
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt today joined with Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management and local Member, David Littleproud in Goondiwindi.
“Through this important program, landholders are being provided funding to construct fencing and off-stream watering points along more than 20km of riparian zones in the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin,” Minister Pitt said.
“Projects are now being rolled out across a wide area including properties near Mungindi, Warwick, St George, Chinchilla and Cunnamulla.
“These are practical measures to restore degraded riverbanks, improve native fish health and support livestock safety along parts of the Murray-Darling Basin.
“Funding programs that allow for on-ground partnerships with landholders are an important part of the Australian Government’s continuing support for river stewardship by our regional communities.”
Minister Littleproud said Northern Basin communities in his electorate of Maranoa were working hard to protect riparian areas.
“Our farmers are Australia’s greatest landcarers and I know they are seriously committed to a collaborative approach to solve water challenges,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Projects that reduce the impact of livestock on environmentally sensitive areas of the northern Basin aren’t just good for the fish, they’re also good for livestock.
“Fencing can prevent stock losses during flood and direct stock to better off-stream drinking water while supporting the delicate ecosystem along riverbanks.
“It will also keep farm animals safe as they can be injured or drown around rivers.
“This program is a win win for the environment, farm profitability and local communities.”
Fast Facts:
- The $15 million Fencing Northern Basin Riverbanks Program is part of the ongoing suite of responses to the independent assessment of the 2018-19 fish deaths in the lower Darling.
- New South Wales and Queensland are being provided $7.5 million each to implement the program.
Contacts: Mr Pitt – Matt Dunstan 0411 535 072
Mr Littleproud – Emily Bradfield 07 4662 2715
