Central District
Progress update
| Project | What we’re doing | Status | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional Information On New Varieties To Drive Adoption | Demonstrate, collect and present additional information on commercial productivity of new varieties across landscapes/soil types/farming systems/management practices/ratoons/response to crop ripeners. Provide guidelines for observation plots for MAPS. |
In progress |
4 new sites billet planted - Orkabie, Farleigh, Lethebrook, Myrtlevale 2 harvested commerically - Orkabie, Gargett All 6 sites being monitored for germination rate, disease prevalence. Preparations underway for undertaking the nursery step for a tissue culture order of promisng clones for planting on farms in 2027. CCS testing of demonstration sites and promising clones in FAT's has concluded for the year. All data being uploaded into SPIDNet. Seedling selection day planned for 14th of October, to provide industry a hands on opportunity to understand the breeding program. |
| Upskilling Of Advisors | Develop and execute training program for advisors. Encourage active participation from advisors at all opportunities for upskilling. Building delivery pipeline for extension activities in district. Communicate case studies developed by participants to demonstrate the value of training. | In progress | We have increased the frequency of periodic training events in Mackay this year, while aligning with researchers availability to visit the region whilst also undertaking research trial work. We aim to do a coordinated event at least once a year a planning meeting for this will occur at the end of the month. |
| Irrigation Not Fully Utilised | Showcase practical examples of profitable and efficient irrigation through field walks and case studies. Promote adoption of decision-making tools/technology e.g. Mackay CANEGROWERS’s IrriSAT V2. | In progress | IrriSAT workshops planned for November, invite to come. Awaiting Reefwise Project contract with Reef Catchments to support growers identifying, justifying and accessing major grants for irrigation and drainage projects. |
| Marginal Soils Requiring Amelioration (Plane Creek/Proserpine) | Demonstrate the crop response and economic benefits of ameliorating marginal soils e.g. liming, gypsum, mill byproducts, fallow crops, drainage, zonal/targeted amelioration. Taking proven options, adapting them locally and demonstrating commercial value. | On track | Currently identifying and soil testing promising demonstration sites in Proserpine (sodic soil with mill byproduct application) and Plane Creek (low pH with lime application). |
Central District overview
The above activities for the Central district are part of the action plan from the SRA Strategic Plan (2026- 2031). Priorities contained within the Strategic Plan have an Action Plan outlining the delivery roadmap to achieve its outcomes. Progress updates for action in your district can be viewed in the tables above on this page.
For more information contact Dylan Wedel, SRA District Manager, Central
Pictured: SRA Central Seedling Selection Day – October 2026
