Get in quick, grants backing smart farms in Wide Bay closing soon

4/12/2017

Get in quick, grants backing smart farms in Wide Bay closing soon

Farmers, fishers, community and industry groups in Wide Bay need to be quick if they want to submit an application for the first round of the $50 million Smart Farms Small Grants – applications close at 2pm AEDT on 7 December.

Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said anyone with a good idea about how to improve soils, vegetation and biodiversity should put in an application as soon as possible, and make that idea a reality.

“The Coalition Government’s Smart Farms Small Grants provide funding between $5,000 and $100,000 to growers and community groups develop their great ideas using new tools, methods and technology,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This ensures Wide Bay farmers can continue to be at the forefront of land management, adding to the local economy and creating new opportunities and jobs.”

Mr O’Brien said Wide bay farmers had a strong connection with the land, and a long-held reputation for sustainable and innovative land management.

“The Coalition Government is backing our farmers’ natural instinct to care for the land they love, through the $1 billion National Landcare Program,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The government is supporting innovation leading to improved soils, vegetation and biodiversity, and in turn, helping Wide Bay farmers be productive and profitable.

He warned the deadline of Thursday 7 December is fast approaching so urged people who have a vision for the future of agriculture is to get their application in.

For more information on the grant and how to apply: www.nrm.gov.au

Fast Facts:

• Our farmers care for 61 per cent of Australia’s land.
• Part of the $134 million over six years for the Smart Farm Program through the next phase of the $1 billion National Landcare Program.
• Smart Farm Small Grants are available between $5,000 and $100,000.
• Round One closes Thursday 7 December 2017 at 2pm AEDT.