- Queensland has obtained $2.75 million Australian Government funding under the National Soil Action Plan for new soil science projects.
- Led by the Australian Government, the National Soil Action Plan 2023 to 2028 seeks to prioritise soil health, empower soil innovation and stewards, and strengthen soil knowledge, expertise and capability.
- Four Queensland soil science projects will be funded to build a more sustainable agriculture sector while protecting the environment.
Queensland has been successful in obtaining $2.75 million of Australian Government funding under the National Soil Action Plan for new soil science projects.
Led by the Australian Government, the National Soil Action Plan 2023 to 2028 seeks to prioritise soil health, empower soil innovation and stewards, and strengthen soil knowledge, expertise and capability with a priority on building a more sustainable agriculture sector and protecting the environment.
Four Queensland soil initiatives are launching under the funding:
- The Mapping Queensland's Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential as a Decision Support Tool for Policy Makers, Land Managers and Investors in the National Carbon Market project.
With $1,129,154 in funding, this project will produce a free online decision support tool that maps the state's soil carbon sequestration potential and provide a framework to assist decision making in carbon farming projects, directly supporting industry and investment.
- The Engagement of First Nations people and early career scientists to build capacity and incorporate traditional knowledge into the future of soils in Queensland project.
With $1,100,000 funding, this project will accelerate the training and development of six graduate scientists (including at least two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) in both contemporary and traditional soil science.
The project will increase the engagement of First Nations people by incorporating traditional knowledge into the training continuum, enhancing student outcomes by including soil science from Country alongside modern techniques.
- The Infrastructure and the critical zone: Soil information tools for infrastructure development, maintenance and rehabilitation project.
With $385,000 funding, this project will produce maps and decision support tools of soil attributes relevant to infrastructure development. It will aid the initial project design, particularly of large geographically spread infrastructure projects before onsite investigation occurs. The project will support the infrastructure development needed to meet Queensland's renewable energy commitments and enhancing our understanding of the soil resources crucial to our agricultural industry.
- The Legacy Data Capture and Training project.
With $140,800 funding, this project will improve the collection and storage of soil data by upskilling key organisations and establishing a framework for Queensland Government-funded projects to ensure soil data are collected to minimum standards. This will increase the availability of soil information in Queensland that can support management decisions.
The projects are being led by the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, except the Legacy Data Capture and Training project, which is being led by the Department of Resources.
"It's great to hear of Queensland's success in obtaining funding for these important soil science projects.
"Science is crucial in protecting soil and its environment because it provides the knowledge and tools necessary to understand soil composition and health.
"By employing the best scientific research, we can identify the impacts of pollution, erosion, and agricultural practices on soil quality.
"The four projects will help our understanding of soil protection and develop sustainable land management techniques that prevent degradation and promote soil fertility.
"The benefits of the projects will be ongoing, ultimately helping us with important scientific insights and create policies and practices that preserve soil health, ensure food security, and maintain biodiversity, ultimately safeguarding the environment for future generations."
Quotes attributable to the Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson
"We are delighted to be a part of the engagement of First Nations people and early career scientists to build capacity and incorporate traditional knowledge into the future management of soils in Queensland through this exciting project.
"This project will help everyone's understanding of the soil properties, allowing us to better manage our agricultural practices, preserve sacred sites, and protect the delicate ecosystems that thrive in our country.
"It will also help with empowerment to sustain our traditional practices, ensuring that we can continue to live in harmony with the land and pass on this wisdom to future generations, keeping our cultural heritage alive."
Third party quote attributable to Chris Norman CEO, NRM Regions Queensland
