Southern District
Progress update
| Project | What we’re doing | Status | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Productivity Constraint Overview (PCO) | PCO reports have been developed and reviewed with local partners. The Advisory Group discussed targeting five growers in each region. Take advantage of next Isis IPL board meeting. | On track | Select and contact five growers each in Bundaberg, Isis/Childers and Maryborough. Review problem blocks and agree follow-up actions. |
| Variety Management Group (VMG) | Observational trials were planted in Bundaberg and Wallaville. |
On track |
Confirm participating growers and trial blocks. Agree what data to collect and how mill records will be used. Prepare for the first VMG meeting in November/December. |
| Grower and advisor training | The plan includes a supported nutrient training pilot by February 2027. Training arrangements need a progress update. A meeting at end of October with District Managers in Townsville to discuss this topic. | In progress |
Confirm the training pathway with SRA leads and the advisory group. Identify participants and agree on a suitable format. |
| Nutrient planning and grower engagement (Maryborough) |
The plan includes soil-test reviews and nutrient management sessions in November. An advertisement for the new agronomist role was posted on 14 Oct, with goal to hire within 50 days |
On track | Confirm growers and available soil tests. Coordinate with BMAP and arrange nutrient planning sessions for re-signing existing participants in Maryborough. |
| Canegrub support and application | A farm visit was completed for the canegrub trial on 15 October. However, Kevin Powel decision is to conduct 12 sites in other regions and keep our sites as reserve for the next year. | In progress | If the trial is not conducted in the region this season. We need to find alternative activities such as demonstration. Videos of how to better place chemicals for grub control to be sent to growers in next monthly newsletter. |
| Soldier fly farm support | The plan includes visits to affected farms and recording local observations. It's part of using the PCO to identify those sites. | Not started | Identify affected farms with productivity services. Record symptoms and management history and seek specialist input where needed. |
| Irrigation and soil management (Bundaberg) | October milestone: select an irrigation host with industry partners. Host selection needs a progress update. Work started on a pilot with Bundaberg Sugar farms and they progressed using EM mapping and NDVI images with DPI. | In progress | Confirm the host farm and partners. Agree the irrigation issue to investigate and the next field activity. |
| Industry communication and practical updates |
Regional updates were discussed with CANEGROWERS and the Advisory Group. The group requested a talk on herbicide performance and pre-emergent options, including the paraquat issue. |
On track |
Arrange the herbicide update with the appropriate specialist. Confirm the status of the October introductory article and share regional progress. |
Southern District overview
The above activities for the Southern district (Bundaberg, Isis/Childers and Maryborough) 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 Hector Fleury, Lead Agronomist, Southern
