This technical report reflects the objectives of MMR WQ Strategy and :
1 . Interprets and reports on water quality outcomes of the LDC Project in the BBB catchment , considering the main pressures and drivers , using an integrated monitoring and modelling approach across a range of scales .
2 . Documents knowledge and insights to enable the LDC Project delivery partners to evaluate , prioritise and continuously improve the project design to optimise the use of resources and maximise water quality outcomes .
3 . Considers the benefits and limitations of a range of monitoring and modelling tools and provide recommendations for M & E design for each Activity Area .
4 . Recommends an approach for monitoring , modelling , and reporting the benefits of effective sediment management that can be applied across other areas of the GBR catchment .
The technical report also supports the M & E of the LDC Project by applying the following principles :
• Reporting of integrated monitoring and modelling results at a range of scales from the paddock , sub catchment and end of catchment using information on catchment condition and water quality .
• Incorporation of existing knowledge and outcomes from new research , development , and innovation , monitoring and reporting .
• Utilisation of reviewed science , monitoring and modelling information to ensure that the results are credible .
The LDC Project has produced annual water quality outcomes reports . Each report contains detailed outputs of the biophysical outcomes of the work at each of the sites ( e . g ., Mt Wickham gully remediation monitoring ) with separate reports addressing the other key evaluation questions around the social and economic outcomes . The audience for the report is researchers , policymakers and some stakeholders interested in the detail of the work . Two separate summary reports are currently underway targeting :
1 . Landholders and partners involved in the design and implementation 2 . Government and NGOs aimed at informing policy and future project design
Both syntheses will incorporate key lessons from this Water Quality report as well as end of project reports focussing on Human Dimensions and all other areas covered within the LDC project period . Each will be tailored to the needs of their respective audiences .
This is no trivial task due to the size of the broader Burdekin Basin area , the mean sediment load exported from the basin and the BBB catchment ( see the Baseline Synthesis Report ; Waterhouse et al ., 2017 ), and the inter-annual variability in the sediment / particulate nutrient loads . Accordingly , this question cannot be demonstrated by monitoring sediment loads at the end-of-catchment alone and requires an integrated monitoring and modelling approach . As an overarching framework , the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring , Modelling and Reporting program ( Paddock to Reef ( P2R ) program 1 ) was established in 2009 , and will continue to provide the principal framework for evaluating and reporting
1 https :// www . reefplan . qld . gov . au / measuring-success / paddock-to-reef /
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