GOOD SCIENCE BENEFITS LAND AND REEF
CAROLE SWEATMAN
“It’s more sustainable,” Dowie said. “The community benefits, the environment benefits, the grower benefits. It’s a win-win for everybody.
“We’ve saved about 82 tonnes of nitrogen over the four and a half thousand hectares in the project for the first year growers alone by fine-tuning (nitrogen) applications to soil types, varieties and farm management. Without their trust and commitment, we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this task.”
By reducing fertiliser run-off, farmers are improving Reef water quality and reducing the threat of the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish. Outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish are a major contributor to the loss of coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef.
Across Queensland, farmers are working to reduce fertiliser run-off.
In the Wet Tropics, Carole Sweatman, chief executive of Terrain Natural Resource Management, is working with banana and cane growers TEAMWORK: Farmacist agronomists Jayson Dowie and Heidi Hatch (above) at work in the Burdekin; Carole Sweatman (left) of Terrain Natural Resource Management works closely with the banana and cane industry in the Wet Tropics. on a major integrated project, part of a $33 million initiative to reduce nutrient and pesticide loads flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.
“This is designed by those who know farms best – farmers and industry experts – applying the best available science and local knowledge for sustainable farms, communities and to achieve better reef water quality,” Sweatman said.
Back in the Burdekin, long-time grower John Quagliata says his family loves the Reef.
“We’ve always gone to the Reef because it is a natural wonder and it’s just beautiful and I want it to be there for my grandchildren, for their kids to enjoy,” Quagliata said.
“This project we are with I reckon it’s a great way, and the more people that take it on board, the better it’s going to be.” To find out how you can make a difference and preserve the Reef’s wonder, visit
www.qld.gov.au/ preservethewonder