regions identified through the 2013 Scientific Consensus Statement and Reef Plan 2013. ($5 million) entering the Great Barrier Reef. An increase in these nutrients on the reef has been linked to more frequent outbreaks of the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish. The latest scenario modelling shows that with full adoption of current industry best practice the Reef Plan 2013 water quality target for DIN (50% reduction by 2018) will not be achieved. However, evidence is emerging that nitrogen use efficiency can be improved beyond the current industry standard without impacting on productivity. Much work is being done by the sugar cane industry, cane growers and research organisations to find innovative ways to reduce nitrogen loss from farms. This project will build on existing investment by encouraging cane farmers to tailor fertiliser use to their property and crop - specific requirements, for example based on differences in soil and paddock topography. Specifically, it will provide incentives to sugar cane farmers to improve the efficiency of their fertiliser inputs, thereby reducing nitrogen surpluses. Decreasing nitrogen surpluses will improve nitrogen use efficiency, sustainability and profitability. A market based competitive tender (or reverse auction) is proposed to allocate funds through a procurement process. cane farmers participating in the programme can submit bids for funding to carry out practices that improve nitrogen use efficiency. Participation will be voluntary and farmers will have autonomy to determine nitrogen surplus reduction targets and means of achieving those targets for their farming enterprise. A minimum set of practices will apply consistent with the current Smartcane Best Management Practices approach. Bids will be assessed competitively and ranked in order of cost-effectiveness. The assessment will be objective and transparent, based on a cost-effectiveness metric. 2. Promotion of A-class grazing management practices to reduce sediment runoff in the Burdekin and Fitzroy regions. ($3 million) This project will accelerate the reduction of sediment from grazing lands in the highest priority regions (Burdekin and Fitzroy) through providing increased extension and technical support (both economic and agronomic). Targeted participants will be supported to learn from the top performers, and adopt long term sound management practices that minimise sediment loss and improve their profit. This will increase the rapid adoption of innovative farm
4. Specialised Indigenous Ranger programme ($2 million over 2 years) Implement a specialised Indigenous Ranger Programme for marine conservation along the far North Queensland coast. The programme aims to strengthen compliance and enforcement and extend the reach of compliance activities to more effectively deal with issues surrounding dugong and turtle hunting. The programme will include the employment of Indigenous compliance officers, Indigenous rangers and Indigenous permit officers and the implementation of local permit systems. Funding for this project will be provided to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to deliver this project. 5. Australian Crime Commission investigation into illegal killing and poaching ($2 million over 2 years) The Australian Crime Commission will investigate the practice of environmental crime, including illegal killing, poaching and transportation of dugong and turtle meat. The project will include four phases: understanding the nature and extent of the problem, targeting and investigation of persons of interest, arrest and prosecution, and intelligence product development. Funding for this project will be provided to the Australian Crime Commission to deliver this project. 6. Cairns and Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre ($300 000 over 3 years) Investment into the Cairns and Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre will allow for the continuation of work to rehabilitate turtles suffering illness or injuries. Actions will be taken to improve and upgrade infrastructure and centre facilities, contribute to research and monitoring of turtles in the Great Barrier Reef and increase the educational capacity of the centre. 7. Marine debris clean up ($700 000 over 2 years) Marine debris clean up activities will be supported to improve the quality of coastal and marine habitats along the Great Barrier Reef. This will include the removal of marine debris, including ghost nets, and community engagement and awareness raising. Activities will be selected and undertaken in accordance with the Reef 2050 Plan, the Dugong and Turtle Protection Plan and the marine debris threat abatement plan. Consultation will be undertaken with GBRMPA and relevant groups regarding priorities and delivery arrangements.