63 BURDEKIN DRY TROPICS NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016-2026
major consequences to the wetland ecology is the change and distribution of native plant species and proliferation of invasive exotic weed species. The distribution of weeds also has an economic impact due to a significant loss of productive coastal grazing land as weed chokes spread across the landscape and clog distribution channels, block pump stations and in floods can cause damage to infrastructure( Connolly, 2012).
In 2014 the Queensland Government adopted groundwater harvesting dewatering provisions in the Burdekin Groundwater Management Area Water Sharing Rules. This allows for the harvesting of groundwater when the table rises to a particular level. While this can assist in removing some of the groundwater during rising events, its long-term effectiveness is yet to be determined.
Multiple stakeholders, including researchers, government, and industry groups, have identified the above issues and strategies for the Lower Burdekin( Williams, et al., 2009)( Bristow, 2003). Suggested methods to mitigate rising groundwater have included dewatering, groundwater harvesting, improving irrigation application practices, and modernising water supply infrastructure. The updated WQIP identifies priority areas for restoring ecosystem function, or‘ system repair’. Given the complex nature of water resources, a coordinated implementation systems repair strategy is needed to identify clear targets and provide leadership, management direction, and mitigation measures for all stakeholders. limited availability and quality of water, the district has grown approximately 20 per cent in a decade due to the adoption of new farm management opportunities and stewardship for the sustainability of natural resources( Mullins, 2016). Water use is approximately two megalitres per hectare compared to 10-12 megalitres per hectare in the Lower Burdekin area primarily due to water availability. Best management irrigation practices in this region include determining crop water use, drip systems, fertigation, as well as evaporation reduction methods.
As mentioned previously, any consideration to expand water supply infrastructure and agriculture must assess and mitigate potential increases in sediment and nutrient loads onto the GBR that would undo achievements made since Reef Plan 2009 initiatives.
Substantial investment has been made to better understand local and regional water resources, including their quality, quantity, demand, supply and interactions with environmental processes. Continued coordinated effort is still needed however, to improve management practices that deliver sustainable water resources that are efficiently used and delivered. As innovative technologies and improved water management practices become more affordable, a whole-of-community effort at a landscape scale could ensure the future sustainability of our water resources( Refer to the Burdekin WQIP for further information).
WATER
Bowen Gumlu Agricultural District
The Bowen Gumlu Agricultural District is presently Australia’ s largest winter vegetation production area( Bowen Gumlu Growers Association Inc., 2016). Unlike the Lower Burdekin, additional water is not supplied to the growing area and instead water is harvested during flow events and also from local groundwater systems. Despite