� Data on water use efficiency in irrigation management is critical for understanding water quality influences from irrigation practices , however the level of knowledge is currently limited . Additional data collection as part of future investment is recommended for improving this knowledge base . Systems to support this data collection should be established as part of the proposed Irrigation Extension and Investment Plan . In addition , whole- of- industry nitrogen use is an important supporting line of evidence for determining adoption rates . It is recommended that updated information on fertiliser sales and usage data is sought to support the development of the Irrigation Extension and Investment Plan .
� Assessments of the selection of priority areas for targeting water quality management in the Lower Burdekin sugarcane area identify that a whole of district approach is preferred ( see Section 6.2 ). Given that the predominant pollutant loss pathway in the BRIA is by surface runoff ( and therefore faster response times between pollutant reductions and responses in the receiving environment could be expected ), there are less farms in the BRIA , the average farm is larger and practice changes are typically more cost effective , the Burdekin WQIP 2016 suggested that improving sugarcane management actions in the BRIA may be a higher priority than in the Delta . However , due to variations in current practice adoption , specific site characteristics , proximity to sensitive freshwater waterways , a lack of understanding of the contributions of deep drainage to overall loads and the rates of ultimate input to streams , and a range of complex social factors in the region , it not feasible to prioritise action in one area over another . Further discussion with industry experts confirms this view , recommending a whole of district approach to water quality in the region .
� Spatial management prioritisation to a smaller scale is difficult at this point due to limitations in our understanding of the hydrological complexities of the system but is possible can be progressed immediately . For example , more detailed information on key factors such as accurate block-scale yield mapping ( to determine nitrogen requirement ) and data on current fertiliser and PSII herbicide use and water use efficiency would inform smaller scale targeting of effort . In addition to this , more frequent and intensive nutrient and PSII herbicide monitoring at a range of scales including individual paddocks and farms , supported by data along major drainage channels and coastal creeks , will inform finer scale spatial priorities across the Lower Burdekin and provide greater confidence in management priorities for investors , managers and the local farming community .
� Knowledge of the factors affecting management practice adoption is essential for guiding future management of sugarcane in the area to accelerate improvements in water quality ( see Section 6.3 ). Perceptions of the impact on farm profitability and compatibility with existing farming practices are critical factors impacting on the adoption decision . Specific examples include high capital investment required for some practices , the requirement for acquiring new skills , and a perceived additional risk .
� Recent studies show that improved irrigation management is expected to incur a cost to growers , and this can be significant when reaching ‘ B class ’ or Moderate to Low risk irrigation efficiencies . Investment is likely to be required to redesign the existing irrigation system , and in many cases replace aging infrastructure ( pumps and pipeline ), and a shift in management and scheduling is often required .
� The ability of individuals to adopt a practice may be constrained by skills , capacity or the ability to adopt a new technology . For example , there is potential to be significant implementation issues with broadscale adoption of advanced irrigation techniques in terms of capacity to design , install and operate these more sophisticated systems – let alone the comparatively high costs . Feedback from industry indicates that the most suitable options and requirements will be site specific .
� Several mechanisms are available to facilitate management practice change , which can be summarised into information and persuasion mechanisms , extension , incentives , property rights ( including land retirement ), market-based instruments , and regulation ( see Section 6.4 ). Historically most programs in the GBR catchments have focused on relatively simple grant programs ; previous evidence has shown that these grant programs have not been particularly efficient in achieving water quality outcomes .
� In recent years , there has been some focus on improving mechanism design across the GBR through greater adoption of market-based instruments such as reverse auctions , stewardship payments , temporary land retirement and trading systems . xii