Four-year Lower Burdekin Water Quality Program complete
LOWER BURDEKIN WATER QUALITY PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENTS ( 2020-24 )
Between 2020 and 2024 , more than 100 cane growers improved irrigation , nutrient and pesticide management , resulting in widespread practice change and significant water quality improvements .
The Lower Burdekin Water Quality Program supported growers to adopt sustainable farming practices to reduce the quantity of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and pesticides entering the Great Barrier Reef , while maintaining or improving profitability .
To ensure regional consistency , cohesion , and collaboration , NQ Dry Tropics managed the program rollout , providing ongoing support to delivery partners and hosting regional activities . Involving local partners in the design , planning and delivery of the regional program helped ensure maximum support and adoption .
49,410KG / YR
OF DISSOLVED INORGANIC
NITROGEN ( DIN )
PREVENTED FROM R E A C H I N G THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
26 %
REDUCTION IN
WATERWAY
PESTICIDE RISK
5000 + HRS / YR
OF GROWER ENGAGEMENT
200 140
SOIL TESTS
W A T E R SAMPLES
NQ DRY TROPICS | YEAR IN REVIEW 2023-24
17