Science forum in Brisbane to discuss the way forward for Reef water quality research
Published Tuesday, 19 July, 2016 at 02:34 PM
Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef
The Honourable Steven Miles
A Queensland Government initiative of nearly $12 million is putting practical, science-based tools into the hands of producers at the frontline of the battle to save the Great Barrier Reef.
Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said the Reef Water Quality Science Program had produced a suite of science products that delivered valuable, knowledge-based, practical tools and information for landholders, advisors and government decision-makers.
Dr Miles said producers, policy makers and scientists would have an opportunity to discuss research findings and the way forward at a science forum in Brisbane tomorrow (Wednesday, 20 July).
“Since 2009, this investment of nearly $12 million has funded various trials, products, landscape analysis and catchment prioritisation to show where scientific and policy efforts should be focused,” Dr Miles said.
“We’ve concentrated on catchments that flow into the Great Barrier Reef with much of the research supporting the sugar cane, grazing and banana industries.
“The bottom line for each project is that it must deliver clear, practical benefits to producers and investors because improvements to farm management practices have a flow-on effect to the health of the Reef and to the Queensland economy.
“Results from the Reef Water Quality Science Program are helping guide our efforts to achieve our ambitious reef water quality improvement targets.
“This is critical work and underlines the Queensland Government’s commitment to ongoing water quality research to drive a continuous review of our strategic approaches and priorities to protect the Great Barrier Reef.”
It is proposed to run similar science forums in regional centres later in the year.
More information on the science products which make up the Reef Water Quality Science Program, including the summary publication Reef Water Quality Science Program 2009-2015 – our research investment is available at www.qld.gov/FarmingInReefCatchments
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