Design
• Design is driven from the ground up and farmers are engaged in developing priorities ; growers can see what ’ s in it for them .
• Adopts a mix of delivery approaches and support tools ( including financial suipport , extension , training , education and communication ).
• Financial support is performance ( outcome ) based to ensure continued progress towards Reef 2050 WQIP targets .
• Provides flexibility in delivery to enable tailoring options for individual needs .
• Implementation is supported for a minimum of 5 years .
• Seeks opportunities to do things differently and adopt more efficient technologies / approaches – in all aspects - on-ground options , delivery and communication .
• Takes into account policy influence , including the GBR regulations .
�Utilises the strong scientific evidence base in place and incorporates locally relevant and contemporary knowledge .
�Supported by a comprehensive evaluation program ( incorporates follow up and accountability ).
�Adopts a whole of system approach for the Lower Burdekin - improved irrigation management must go hand-inhand with improved practices for nutrient , pesticides and soil health management .
Prioritisation effort
• Effort is targeted to deliver the greatest gains towards Reef 2050 WQIP nutrient , sediment and pesticide targets .
• Priorities are guided by public and private benefit investment concepts .
• Efforts are prioritised across the Lower Burdekin using a mix of scientific information and local knowledge / experience .
Delivery model
• Adopts a grass roots approach to delivery .
• Consistency between program delivery partners is achieved through the establishment of a robust and transparent delivery model .
• Aligns with related initiatives as practically as possible .
• Supported by suitability skilled and locally trusted staff to facilitate informed decision making by growers .
Data / evidence , monitoring and evaluation
�Investment decisions are based on a strong foundation of measured data and local knowledge . �Property based data is used to guide priority actions and program improvement .
• Monitoring and modelling is nested across scales ( including the link between paddock-farm-channelsubcatchment-end of catchment scales , and groundwater , surface runoff and paddock and catchment pollutant models ) and incorporates a prominent economic monitoring and modellign component to support assessment of cost effectiveness and encourage adoption .
• Utilises multiple lines of evidence for assessing progress and refining actions .
�Priority knowledge and information gaps are identified and reviewed regularly , and resources are provided to actively seek funding to support and coordinate local research and monitoring efforts .
• Contains a strong element of action research / science in the paddock underpins supporting research .
Communication and reporting
• Adopts an effective , coordinated , collaborative and transparent approach to communication and extension delivery in the Burdekin .
• Provides a high degree of confidence in the investment through demonstrated improvements in practice change .
• Provides regular and timing feedback to program partners and participants to maintain motivation , engagement and improve program delivery and design .
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