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Specific data requirements related on program commencement will create a robust and consistent dataset . Including modellers and Paddock to Reef representatives in all future planning will alleviate the challenges faced historically where required data capture was constantly changing .
More timely delivery of outcomes through Report Card data will ensure that the message is not getting lost .
Collaboration should occur between regions to ensure that a robust mechanism to measure extension and training outcomes is developed Reef-wide .
Incorporation of input from Paddock to Reef staff , research scientists and modellers into ABCD framework reviews is required to ensure consistency and clarity around the requirements for practice change data required for reporting .
Reef Programme 2014 – 2016 NQ Dry Tropics and DAF
The Reef Programme Water Quality Grants programme included financial incentives , training , farm planning and extension . Reef water quality incentive grants capped at $ 24,000 were available to farmers to adopt best management practices for water quality management and improvement . Actual funding rates were based on a sliding scale based on water quality and private benefit outcomes . Only Best ( B ) Class practices according to the Reef Recue ABCD Framework for Sugarcane Growers – Burdekin Region 2013 were applicable for funding .
First Person Consulting ( 2016 ) prepared a comprehensive final evaluation report . Key findings included : Successes �
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The Reef Programme reached far more landholders than expected – more than doubling its reach target for training / extension activities , and comfortably surpassing targets for the Water Quality Grants ( except for the grains commodity group , which fell short by one grant ).
The Reef Programme partnership arrangement appeared to have operated effectively , with partner feedback generally very positive about the relationship and supportive of the role that NQ Dry Tropics played throughout the design and delivery of the Reef Programme .
Training workshops were overall highly valued by landholders . Attendees stated that they gained valuable new technical knowledge about using sustainable management practices and were coming to understand sustainability issues and land management from new perspectives .
Data collected throughout the Reef Programme consistently found positive signs that the combination of training / extension with Water Quality Grants has influenced many landholders ’ knowledge , skills and attitudes around using sustainable management practices .
Most landholders who received training or extension support under the Reef Programme indicated that they adopted new management practices as a result of this support , or they intend to . Over 50 per cent of landholders completing the review survey reported that they changed their management practices as a result of receiving training and / or extension support . Almost 80 per cent completing workshop feedback forms indicated they were likely or extremely likely to change their practices following the workshop .
One-to-one extension support may be more effective than group-based training in enabling landholders to adapt and implement sustainable management practices on their own land , and the combination of both methods delivers the best outcomes . Some training workshops appeared to give attendees quite general information about a particular issue or technology , while tailored extension support enables landholders to adapt practices to their specific context .
The provision of funding allowed landholders to follow through and implement identified practices . This helped to overcome the barrier of cost , which was identified as a major impediment to practice change .
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