The success of the Reef Rescue program in assisting northern agricultural operations to reduce chemical and sediment runoff into the Great Barrier Reef has resulted in a new round of funding.

The program, which started in 2008, is designed to provide funding for landholders to undertake activities that reduce chemical and fertiliser use, to construct fencing and troughs to remove cattle from water courses and to implement management strategies that increase groundcover.

In the past five years more than 3200 land managers from Cape York to Bundaberg have undertaken work under and used management tools under the  program.

In that time, according to the Federal Government, Reef Rescue has stopped over 92,000 tonnes of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment and around 1,300 kilograms of pesticide from leaching into the

Great Barrier Reef. That is the equivalent of around 1 million wheelbarrows.

The Federal Government has announced that an additional $200 million in funding will ensure the extension of the Reef Rescue program until 2018.

The program includes support for Research and Development and partnership funding for on-farm investments. Water Quality Grants are provided to farmers to improve the quality of the water running off their land and improve their land management practices.

“Reef Rescue helps farmer’s lift on-farm productivity. It also plays a crucial role protecting the Great Barrier Reef, with run-off from farms causing coral bleaching and algae growth and smothering seagrass and coral reefs,” a government statement said.

“Reef Rescue is driven by farmers. For every dollar the Government has invested in Reef Rescue farmers have contributed around $1.80. This demonstrates their commitment to Reef Rescue and protecting the Reef.

“Reef Rescue’s second phase will continue to support the development of new cutting-edge water quality technologies and fund the control of crown of thorns starfish.

The program is being funded as part of the Gillard Government’s $2 billion Caring for our Country natural resource management initiative, which supports volunteers, farmers and community groups to make a difference to their local environment.