Do incentives accelerate grazing practice change? A review of the evidence from the Grazing Resilience and Sustainable Solutions (GRASS) Program

Abstract

The Grazing Resilience and Sustainable Solutions (GRASS) Program, now in its second phase concluding on 30 June 2026, has successfully utilised grazier engagement and incentive funding to achieve improved land management outcomes in Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchments. Over the life of the project, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations have supported graziers in the Burdekin, Fitzroy and Burnett Mary catchments to improve land condition and reduce sediment runoff into waterways. The program has aimed to balance environmental stewardship with sustainable grazing practices and businesses, contributing to the protection of the GBR. Across two phases of the program, significant delivery outcomes have been achieved. As of mid-2025, the program has engaged over 1,350 graziers, supporting the development of 821 Action Plans for Land Management (APLMs) across 5.3 million hectares, including significant areas of poor condition or degraded land.