Extension Plan . However , there should be an opportunity to collate available information with a small group involved in this field . The review should aim to cover : � Incentives � Extension � Monitoring � Research and development ( R & D )
3 . Develop recommendations � Identify key actions - Immediate and longer term . � Clarify information needs .
This approach :
1 . Recognises the current challenges in obtaining relevant information for making decisions for water quality outcomes from irrigation management .
2 . Acknowledges the enormous body of work and knowledge that exists in this area and provides the first step in developing a coherent strategy – consolidating the information and reaching consensus on the best available data sets .
3 . Uses the consolidated information to identify priorities for future engagement and extension delivery for irrigation management in the Lower Burdekin . This information will inform the Regional Extension Plan to be developed by DAF this year .
Making the information accessible could be part of a complimentary project being discussed by Burdekin Water Futures which involves an online information hub . The information could also be included in the recently prepared ‘ Lower Burdekin catchment story ’ on Wetland Info ( contact Mike Ronan , DES ).
1.2 Background
The Burdekin WQIP 2016 was initially prepared in 2009 and updated in 2015-16 to incorporate a broad range of water quality issues across the whole Burdekin Natural Resource Management ( NRM ) region . The priority water quality issues identified in the WQIP are total suspended sediment ( TSS ), particulate nutrients , DIN and photosystem-II inhibiting herbicides ( PSII herbicides ). Grazing lands contribute by far the largest proportion of the TSS and particulate nutrient loads to the end of catchment loads in the Burdekin Region , and sugarcane contributes the majority of the DIN and PSII herbicide loads , with relatively minor loads from other crops .
There is clear recognition of these issues in natural resource management in the Region , and a number of major initiatives have been implemented over the last 8 to 10 years to assist in addressing water quality issues in the region , particularly from agricultural land uses ( see overview in the Burdekin WQIP 2016 ). In line with the magnitude of the issues , the focus of program implementation has largely been on the grazing and sugarcane industries , and to a lesser extent , the horticulture and grains industries .
Reducing nutrient and pesticide losses from sugarcane in the Lower Burdekin has been a major priority for natural resource management in the Burdekin Region for many years . Since 2009 , there have been a number of major funding programs to support water quality improvement from sugarcane areas in the Burdekin Region . The Australian Government ’ s Reef Rescue initiative ( 2008-2013 ) invested over $ 32 million into grazing / farming communities within the Burdekin Region to assist with practice changes aimed at reducing sediment , nutrients and pesticides leaving farms and entering the GBR . This investment was continued through the Australian Government ’ s Reef Programme , with an additional $ 15 million ( 2013-2016 ) for a targeted extension and financial incentives program , and the ‘ GameChanger ’ project has also supported fasttracking adoption of game-changing sugarcane nutrient and pesticide management practices over the same period . A major project to restore coastal ecosystems for the GBR and Bowling Green Bay Ramsar site is also being conducted ($ 2 million , 2013-2018 ). More recently , the Australian Government ’ s Reef Trust provides targeted investment focused on improving water quality , restoring coastal ecosystem health and enhancing species protection in the GBR region . Reef Trust is currently investing in a competitive tender approach that
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