Pictured at a cane innovations event from left : Terry Granshaw ( District Manager , Sugar Research Australia ), grower Aaron Linton , Great Barrier Reef Foundation Program Manager Carolyn Trewin , NQ Dry Tropics Program Manager Rob Hunt and Armin Wessels , ( Project Officer , Sugar Research Australia ).
Lower Burdekin Water Quality Program
Between 2020 and 2024 , more than 100 cane growers improved irrigation , nutrient and pesticide management , resulting in widespread practice change and significant water quality improvements .
The Lower Burdekin Water Quality Program ( LBWQP ), funded through the partnership between the Australian Government ’ s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation ( RTP ), supported growers to adopt sustainable farming practices to reduce dissolved inorganic nitrogen ( DIN ) and pesticides entering the Great Barrier Reef , while maintaining or improving profitability .
PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENTS
• Improved water quality .
• Enhanced agricultural practices .
• Improved land management practice and stewardship .
• Improved catchment function .
• Increased productivity and profitability of cane farms .
To ensure regional consistency , cohesion , and collaboration , NQ Dry Tropics managed the program rollout , providing ongoing support to delivery partners and hosting regional activities . Involving local partners in the design , planning and delivery of the regional program helped ensure maximum support and adoption .
KEY PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
• Implementing improved management practices for fertiliser , pesticide , and irrigation .
• Implementing an extensive water quality monitoring program to help verify improvements .
• Widespread stakeholder engagement .