Queensland sugar cane growers rising to challenge of practice change

Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson says more cane farmers are changing their practices to reduce impacts on the Great Barrier Reef.

Speaking during a visit to a plantation near Proserpine Minister Donaldson said the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries was committed to the long-term sustainability of the reef and would continue to work with farmers to ensure world-leading practices.

“It is encouraging that an independent survey commissioned by the Palaszczuk Government shows more than two-thirds of cane farms have started, or are planning to start, changes to farm management practices that will enhance the health of the reef,” the Minister said.

“The industry is heading in the right direction and there are some great examples for others to follow.”

At Mark Orr’s farm Minister Donaldson said her host had been working for a number of years on innovations that would benefit the reef.

“Mark has adopted a number of improved management practices on his farm, including a controlled traffic minimum tillage system on GPS to improve his soil and gain efficiencies.

“Impressively he has joined with other local growers to share equipment and gain access to the latest technologies.

“He is a long-standing member of Project Catalyst and he helps to pass along new knowledge and techniques to other like-minded growers and I’d like to thank him for that.”

The survey involved 170 cane farmers from priority catchment areas (Wet Tropics, Burdekin and Mackay/Whitsundays) with around 36,000 hectares under production.

The Minister, who is in the region for the Palaszczuk Government’s Whitsunday Community Cabinet meeting, said DAF would be assisting the Office of the Great Barrier Reef to prioritise and fund increased extension activities as part of the response to the recommendations of the Great Barrier Reef Water Science Taskforce.

“The Mackay-Whitsundays has many innovative cane farmers who are leading the implementation of best practice management on their properties,” she said.

“Innovations such as variable rate nutrient management programs, new herbicide application technology and the use of treatment structures such as constructed wetlands are being supported, trialled and implemented.

“Part of this is linked to the successful Project Catalyst program managed by Reef Catchments and Catchment Solutions, and supported by DAF’s agricultural economists.

“Project Catalyst aims to validate innovative cane management practices and this process includes expert economic analysis to determine the impact of change on profitability.”

The survey also revealed that incentives, extension and an understanding of the financial benefits from practice change achieved the best outcomes

Great Barrier Reef Minister Dr Steven Miles said while farmers were 'rising to the challenge’ more work needed to be done to safeguard our iconic reef.

“The reef is one of our greatest treasures and people flock from around the world to see it. That’s why it’s important we protect it, and that is why the Palaszczuk Government committed an extra $100 million to improve reef water quality,” Dr Miles said.

“It is good to see progress, but it is critically important that we continue moving towards reducing pollutant run-off in to the reef.

“We know that everyone, not just farmers, needs to play their part. Moving forward, we will be working with councils, industry and communities to identify actions they can take to improve the quality of water flowing to the reef,” Dr Miles said.

Minister Donaldson said her department would continue to work with industry “in the paddock” as well as with peak bodies including CANEGROWERS and Sugar Research Australia (SRA) to ensure world-leading practices.

ENDS

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