MEDIA RELEASE 4 April 2012 Cradle Coast farms to benefit from increased biodiversity A new grants program has been launched in the Cradle Coast region to help farmers improve their farm biodiversity and productivity. The Cradle Coast NRM Biodiversity on Farms grants program aims to boost the health of agricultural soil and water and improve livestock management through native shelterbelt planting and the protection of native vegetation along waterways or in paddocks. Farm shelterbelts help reduce wind-based crop damage, increase livestock production and soil stability, improve irrigation efficiency and provide habitat for native birds and animals. Cradle Coast NRM’s Biodiversity Coordinator, Alison Dugand, said that the region’s farmers are looking for ways to work with the natural environment rather than against it to achieve yield and productivity gains. “Protecting native flora and fauna species while improving farm assets can go hand in hand,” Ms Dugand said. “The grants help farmers to trial practices that they may have seen work on other properties or test out their own ideas to use native vegetation to enrich their soil, protect their crops and livestock and boost their farm’s water health.” Open to all private land managers in North West Tasmania including King Island, the Biodiversity on Farms grants provide funding of up to $10,000 per applicant. Applications will be accepted from across the region until 4 May 2012. Projects funded through the program are expected to be completed by April next year. Biodiversity on Farms application forms and guidelines are available from the Cradle Coast NRM website at www.cradlecoastnrm.com. Enquiries are welcome by calling Cradle Coast NRM Biodiversity Coordinator, Alison Dugand, on 6431 6285. End… Cradle Coast NRM works with community, industry, private enterprise and government to manage and improve our natural resources to ensure a healthy future for our region. This project is supported by Cradle Coast NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country. Cradle Coast NRM is an independent committee hosted by the Cradle Coast Authority. Media Contacts: Alison Dugand – Biodiversity Coordinator Cradle Coast NRM Ph: 0417 579 550
Amanda Wilson – Communications Manager Cradle Coast Authority Ph: 6431 6285