Mackay Whitsunday Cane to Creek
The Cane to Creek Mackay Whitsunday project is working with growers in the Central region, and the sub-catchments of the Pioneer and Plane Creek Basins as a priority, to improve understanding of the science behind water quality targets and to implement change on farms.
Objectives
The overarching objective of the project is to accelerate the adoption of improved nutrient and pesticide management strategies that contribute to the achievement of the stated dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and pesticide load reduction targets.
Underlying objectives that facilitate the achievement of the load reduction targets are focussed on achieving:
- Active buy-in and ownership of water quality issues by growers
- Increased skills and knowledge relating to water quality, for both growers and advisors
- Active engagement of growers in evaluating farm practices and impacts on water quality
- Demonstrations of practices that promote load reductions.
Expected Outputs
Improved knowledge of current application of imidacloprid, the Six Easy Steps program, and water quality monitoring processes and purposes.
Expected Outcomes
The expected outcome is reduced run-off of pesticides and DIN. This will deliver economic benefits for growers through more efficient use of inputs, and environmental benefits.
SRA PROJECT CONTACT: Dr Matt Schembri
RESEARCH AGENCY: Sugar Research Australia
CHIEF INVESTIGATOR: Dr Matt Schembri
PROJECT NUMBER: 2020/802
END DATE: 2024/06
Acknowledgements
The Cane to Creek Mackay Whitsunday project is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation with support from Sugar Research Australia, Mackay Area Productivity Services and Plane Creek Productivity Services.
