Published Tuesday, 20 March, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
STATE GOVERNMENT FOCUSES ON FUTURE OF GREAT BARRIER REEF
The long-term future of the Great Barrier Reef is looking brighter with proposed new farming practices to reduce nutrient run-off from surrounding catchments.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said comment was being sought on a discussion paper as a part of the Queensland and Federal government’s commitment to reverse the decline in water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
“The nutrient management zone discussion paper examines options to better manage nutrients in intensive agriculture, particularly in reef catchments,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is taking proactive steps to improve farming practices which will benefit both the reef and our farmers.
“The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world with significant natural, social and economic values. It’s vital that we preserve it for future generations.”
Mr Mulherin said DPI&F developed the discussion paper with input from peak industry groups, and now was the time to test the proposed approach with producers, and together set some achievable targets for improvement.
“Because of the diverse nature of agricultural industries in reef catchments, the paper proposes an industry-led, voluntary approach to nutrient management, with solutions tailored to each industry,” he said.
“Sugarcane and horticulture industries are the top priorities identified within the discussion paper, so it’s particularly important that people in those industries provide feedback.
“Many producers are already implementing nutrient management practices, for example cane farmers have transitioned to green trash blanketing, which is greatly reducing chemical and fertiliser run-off.
“By coordinating our efforts to manage fertiliser use across the catchments and industries we can ensure that all producers benefit from cost savings and improved water quality.”
Mr Mulherin said the discussion paper about Nutrient Management Zones (NMZs) focused on the Wet Tropics, Mackay/Whitsunday, and Burdekin Coastal catchments.
The Australian and Queensland Government’s commitment to the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan requires that DPI&F investigate options for improving nutrient management within NMZs.
“This is exactly what the discussion paper does – and now it’s the farming community’s turn to tell us what they think,” Mr Mulherin said.
Feedback from the consultation will be collated to develop targets and timeframes for the preferred approach to nutrient management. The water quality improvement planning work funded by the Natural Heritage Trust in collaboration with Regional NRM groups will also be included in the target setting process.
Comments on the Discussion Paper will be received up to close of business on Friday, May 11, 2007.
To download the Discussion Paper, Technical Report (compiled by the Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research for the Australian Government), and for maps of the nutrient management zones, and directions to submit feedback, visit www.reefplan.qld.gov.au.
Contact DPI&F on 13 25 23 for further information on the consultation process.
Media: 32396530
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said comment was being sought on a discussion paper as a part of the Queensland and Federal government’s commitment to reverse the decline in water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
“The nutrient management zone discussion paper examines options to better manage nutrients in intensive agriculture, particularly in reef catchments,” Mr Mulherin said.
“The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is taking proactive steps to improve farming practices which will benefit both the reef and our farmers.
“The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world with significant natural, social and economic values. It’s vital that we preserve it for future generations.”
Mr Mulherin said DPI&F developed the discussion paper with input from peak industry groups, and now was the time to test the proposed approach with producers, and together set some achievable targets for improvement.
“Because of the diverse nature of agricultural industries in reef catchments, the paper proposes an industry-led, voluntary approach to nutrient management, with solutions tailored to each industry,” he said.
“Sugarcane and horticulture industries are the top priorities identified within the discussion paper, so it’s particularly important that people in those industries provide feedback.
“Many producers are already implementing nutrient management practices, for example cane farmers have transitioned to green trash blanketing, which is greatly reducing chemical and fertiliser run-off.
“By coordinating our efforts to manage fertiliser use across the catchments and industries we can ensure that all producers benefit from cost savings and improved water quality.”
Mr Mulherin said the discussion paper about Nutrient Management Zones (NMZs) focused on the Wet Tropics, Mackay/Whitsunday, and Burdekin Coastal catchments.
The Australian and Queensland Government’s commitment to the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan requires that DPI&F investigate options for improving nutrient management within NMZs.
“This is exactly what the discussion paper does – and now it’s the farming community’s turn to tell us what they think,” Mr Mulherin said.
Feedback from the consultation will be collated to develop targets and timeframes for the preferred approach to nutrient management. The water quality improvement planning work funded by the Natural Heritage Trust in collaboration with Regional NRM groups will also be included in the target setting process.
Comments on the Discussion Paper will be received up to close of business on Friday, May 11, 2007.
To download the Discussion Paper, Technical Report (compiled by the Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research for the Australian Government), and for maps of the nutrient management zones, and directions to submit feedback, visit www.reefplan.qld.gov.au.
Contact DPI&F on 13 25 23 for further information on the consultation process.
Media: 32396530