Given the time lags that occur between land management change and outcomes, it is recommended that the LDC incentives programs are designed to reward a mix of inputs and outcomes( usually outcomes are a proxy for sediment reduction). The level of payment could be gradated based on the potential to generate a positive change. In addition, the timing of the payment could influence adoption. For inputs that have a high up-front cost, payments could be staged to cover some up-front cost and reward for completion of the input.
Staged payments could be structured, for example, to balance: � Up-front fencing and water point costs and staged payments for cattle exclusion or spelling; � Up-front planning costs and staged grants / subsidies for( verified) implementation; � Up-front costs for on-ground works and staged payments for stabilisation / revegetation / maintenance.
Outcome-based payments could be linked to agreed ground cover or land condition outcomes, but require careful consideration of measurement and assessment processes and timing.
Recommendation 3d: Social recognition and supporting innovation with leading graziers
It Is recommended that the LDC evaluate and strengthen social recognition elements of the LDC program, such as such as public promotion of good practices and outcomes( through events or media, for example), tailored field trips and support for innovation trials( such as the Demonstration and Cluster groups proposed as part of the Grazier Support program).
Quite often, landholders who operate at A and B level practice gain intrinsic private benefit from exceptional land management. When this is the case, incentive programs that recognise and reward achievements and facilitate risk-taking to trial new approaches are recommended. To advance these incentives it is recommended that the LDC:
1. In consultation with landholders, develop a social recognition program / event for high performing landholders. This could be something like a gala dinner or an invitation only field trip / training activity, potentially incorporating links to the new‘ Reef champions’ awards and visits to leading graziers in other parts of the GBR. This approach has been successfully used in the cane industry by Project Catalyst. The LDC could provide insight into this approach for GBR catchments more broadly by trialling a social recognition program and assessing the benefits of such an approach for graziers; and
2. Consider how social recognition can more explicitly be incorporated into the LDC Demonstration and Cluster group activities. One barrier to the adoption of innovative land management practices and gully remediation techniques is the difficulty to trial techniques at low cost. Higher performing landholders could be rewarded and extended through LDC support of land management trials. Rewards could be extended through field days and the use of high performing sites as case studies.
46 | Landholders driving change: Exploring new incentives