7.4.1 Coordination platforms
A number of groups are already established that have been involved in these initiatives and are still operating in this capacity to some extent . Some examples are highlighted below .
Burdekin Water Futures - The Burdekin Water Futures ( BWF ) group was set up in 2006 to facilitate a more strategic approach to water management in the Burdekin . The role of managing the district ’ s water resources is performed by several different bodies , operating at various levels . BWF brings these different bodies together so that there is greater coordination between them , and better alignment of their efforts . A primary aim of the Burdekin Water Futures group is to encourage long-term strategic thinking about water management .
Burdekin Cane Extension Group - The Burdekin Cane Extension Group aims to build capacity and collaboration of Burdekin extension activities through the up-skilling and mentoring of staff and sharing of collective skills and knowledge . The goals are to : 1 ) support and educate extension staff ; 2 ) coordinate , collaborate and communicate ; and 3 ) innovate and improve . The 2020 objectives are to :
� �
�
�
� �
� �
Retain and value the capacity of current staff Ensure the region has the capacity to ‘ extend ’ new technology through training and support mechanisms Provide a forum for extension staff to keep updated on new technologies and outcomes from projects and trials Prioritise and encourage opportunities for collaboration on joint extension approaches to accelerate the adoption of best management practices Put people in touch with other experts by developing an industry contact database Communicate the role of BCEG to industry , government , funding bodies and invite program leaders to utilise group to review and inform programs Create opportunities for information sharing Develop effective mechanisms to support and share knowledge about on farm innovation
Burdekin Bowen Integrated Floodplain Management Advisory Committee ( BIFFMAC ) – The area covered by BBIFMAC is the floodplains from Bowen to Giru , embracing the lower catchments of the Bogie , Don , Elliot , Burdekin and Haughton Rivers . The group aims to :
� � � � � �
Provide a forum for free and open stakeholder discussion on regional NRM issues Provide advice to the community , industry and government on regional NRM matters Promote sustainable NRM principles and outcomes in the Burdekin-Bowen Floodplain Assess and evaluate progress towards achieving NRM objectives Draw attention to important local and regional NRM issues Facilitate cooperation and coordination of organisations and stakeholders involved in NRM activities
� Communicate NRM matters to the community to raise awareness and increase understanding .
There are also a number of other service providers , such as NQ Dry Tropics and DAF , that play an ongoing coordination role with the establishment of coordination groups or partnerships typically to support specific program needs .
It is recommended that a collaborative partnership is utilised to facilitate improved coordination and strategic implementation of management priorities for water quality outcomes in the Lower Burdekin region .
7.4.2 Delivery partners and capacity
Current major delivery partners in the region and their existing capacity in Lower Burdekin sugarcane management for improved water quality outcomes are shown in Table 7.3 . It is estimated that approximately 16.4 FTE are currently dedicated to water quality extension activities among the existing delivery partners .
71