The Queensland Government has announced $80 million dollars for natural resource management (NRM) in the State’s budget.

State Natural Resources Minister, Andrew Cripps, said that the funding will be used to support sustainable management and productive use of the state’s resources.

The $80 million will be delivered over five years, and will include major projects such as the protection of the Great Barrier Reef.

“This Budget reflects the Government’s commitment to striking a balance between economic development and the responsible management of our land, water and environmental values,” Mr Cripps said.

Mr Cripps said the Budget honoured a commitment to continue funding Queensland’s 14 regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) bodies, to protect and preserve our precious natural resources.

“Queensland’s 14 regional NRM bodies are the custodians of invaluable local knowledge and know-how about managing the long-term care of natural resources in the regions,” he said

“They are also an important link between government and communities, facilitating local activities to improve, restore and protect waterways, rangelands, wetlands and wildlife habitats in a cost effective way.