The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to protect Queensland’s natural assets with a landmark investment in environmental restoration and land management. The first tranche of projects under the Natural Resource Management Expansion Program (NRMEP) has now been confirmed, bringing nearly $7 million in funding to support practical, on-ground outcomes across Far North and North West Queensland.
For Far North Queensland, this funding means significant support for projects that will restore and protect the region’s unique landscapes, native vegetation, and biodiversity.
Terrain NRM will receive $2 million for its Green Connections project, which aims to restore and safeguard more than 75 hectares of threatened and native vegetation in the Wet Tropics. These forests are among the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, contributing more than $5 billion to the local economy each year.
Today’s announcement is another example of how the Crisafulli government is committed to delivering real action, real results. Terrain NRM knows the Wet Tropics better than anyone — that’s why they’re leading this critical restoration work.
The investment will not only deliver environmental outcomes but also support the people who care for this land every day. Landholders, local communities, and Traditional Owners will be involved in restoring, reconnecting, and buffering forests in high-priority areas. This collaborative approach ensures that the benefits of the program extend beyond the environment, creating positive social and economic impacts across the region.
In North West Queensland, Gulf Savannah NRM will receive $3.88 million to protect sensitive Great Artesian Basin spring wetlands and tackle invasive Neem trees along the Gilbert River. These projects will restore native vegetation and support sustainable land use, helping to protect both the environment and regional livelihoods.
Natural Resource Management Regions Queensland (NRMRQ) will receive $1.08 million to implement new tools and techniques to track the performance of NRMEP projects, ensuring that outcomes are measurable and effective. This monitoring framework allows the Government and local communities to quantify the benefits of these projects for land, water, soil, and biodiversity.
The funding comes after a decade of declining support for Natural Resource Management groups, leaving many without meaningful resources to protect Queensland’s landscapes. The Crisafulli Government is committed to reversing this trend, scaling up successful programs, and delivering real outcomes for communities and ecosystems across the state.
For Far North Queensland, the NRMEP represents a tangible step forward in protecting the Wet Tropics, one of Australia’s most treasured regions. It supports sustainable land management, enhances biodiversity, and strengthens the resilience of local communities in the face of environmental challenges such as climate change, weeds, and pests.
More trees, healthier rivers, stronger communities – that’s what this funding delivers and this is what delivering for FNQ looks like.
