Minister for Resources and Water, the Hon Keith Pitt MP
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, Member for Maranoa, the Hon David Littleproud MP
Queensland Minister for Water, the Hon Glenn Butcher MP
The Australian Government is providing another $2.4 million down payment to Queensland for fencing that will improve water quality, sustain native fish populations and help control stock in the Northern Basin.
Minister for Resources, and Water Keith Pitt said Queensland is ahead of schedule in delivering the Fencing Northern Riverbank Program, with contracts executed for the entire 510-kilometre riverbank fencing target.
"$15 million is on the table for Queensland and New South Wales under this program as a practical investment to restore degraded riverbanks and improve river health," Minister Pitt said.
"The project will protect valuable riverbanks, ecological sites and improve habitats for native fish, while generating local jobs and creating economic activity to help our regional and remote communities recover from the challenging past few years.
"This $2.4 million follows the $4.1 million already provided to Queensland, ensuring continued momentum and keeping local communities at the heart of projects that improve their lives and livelihoods while improving river health."
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia and local member David Littleproud said the program will support local businesses across Maranoa in sourcing the equipment, tools and supplies needed.
"This program is not only strengthening river health in the Northern Basin, but it's also strengthening Maranoa communities, our regional economy and maintaining a joint approach with landholders and the community," Minister Littleproud said.
"Over 60 land managers have now signed contracts to install all 510 km of fencing across five catchments within the northern Murray-Darling Basin region, which is an area spanning almost 315,000 square kilometres.
Queensland's Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said the delivery of practical action highlights Queensland's commitment to implementing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
"Queensland Murray-Darling communities, our farmers, and the environment are all winners from the rollout of this program," Minister Butcher said.
"Southern Queensland Landscapes have continued to excel in achieving the program's outcomes, as shown by their work with landholders to contract fences way ahead of schedule.
