THE DIRT Issue 1 | Page 19

ne rings the cow bell ne of five grazing representatives on the LDC O project panel, Garlone Moulin said the project was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Bowen and Collinsville graziers to drive changes that would improve long-term viability of the industry. It would also provide a vehicle for graziers to send compelling messages to government. he Landholders Driving Change project asks T landholders to come up with workable solutions to improve land management and productivity, and water quality, rather than relying on bureaucrats to do that. It means graziers have ownership of the solutions, and that generates genuine involvement. Landholders operate a diverse range of businesses using a wide range of business models. This means there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to managing grazing land, and the LDC reflects this reality. Getting more landholders involved will provide a strong, informed voice to tell government what is required. It could be a suite of incentives covering finance, education and extension through to business planning, that will engage landholders to effect enduring land- use change and associated water quality improvements. Working out how to do this will give LDC stakeholders a real chance to make a difference while also improving long-term viability of the grazing industry, and improving water quality running out to the Great Barrier Reef. This is the grazing community’s project. It’s a pilot project, and if it works, it can be reproduced in other reef catchments. For further information, or to contact one of the grazier representatives on the Landholders Driving Change project panel, call Land Management Support Coordinator Rodger Walker on 0408 828 276 or Senior Field Officer Brendan Smith on 0417 408 587. – Garlone Moulin LDC project panel member Mt Pleasant Station, Collinsville. ISSUE 1, April, 2018 | P19