CONFERENCE TO HEAR MACKAY RAIN SIMULATOR PROGRESS

Delegates attending the Queensland Landcare Conference in Mackay this week will learn more about rainfall runoff in the area when findings of a local water quality study are presented.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said NRW officers had used a rainfall simulation program to determine the quantity and quality of runoff from cane farms.

“Relying on natural rainfall alone to measure runoff from different land management practices is not always a timely and reliable exercise, and in most cases can be very hit and miss,” Mr Wallace said.

“The officers have spent the past 12 months using the rainfall simulator to assess the impact of different sugar cane farming systems on runoff and infiltration at a property in the Mackay region.”

During the study, scientists used specialist equipment to simulate rainfall events, before taking several water samples to test for nutrients and traces of herbicides.

“We’re trying to find out if traditional cultivation farming methods or minimal till controlled farming practices can reduce runoff,” Mr Wallace said.

The study, which has been funded by the Mackay Whitsunday Natural Resource Management Group, is being undertaken at a North Eton cane farm owned by local farmer Gerry Deguara.

NRW environmental scientist Bronwyn Masters said while a draft report on the study was not due to be released until November, data was already showing that controlled farming methods were producing better results.

“We hope to use the information to help formulate a regional water quality improvement plan and to help promote best management practice through the Sustainable Landscapes Program incentive scheme,” Ms Masters said.

Ms Masters will present the rainfall simulation information at the Landcare Conference tomorrow (Friday August 24) at 1:30pm at the Mackay Entertainment Centre.

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office, 3896 3694.