Responsible stream management practices for the north Queensland sugar industry

Approximately 80% of Queensland's total sugarcane crop is produced on the major river valleys of the coastal plain from the Pioneer River to the Daintree River. The industry is dependent on the adoption of responsible stream management practices, induding: maintenance of stream bed and bank stability; control of sedimentation and pollution; maintenance of water quality; and preservation of the biological resources within the riparian zone. Improved stream management practices are required for the sustained development of existing and new cane growing areas to halt the physical and biblogicaldegradation of streams. Successful expansion of the sugar industry in projects, such, as those in the Queensland Sugar Industry Infrastructure Package, will require adherence.to responsible stream management practices and principles including: adopting the integrated catchment management framework; preserving substantial riparian zones; avoiding stream realignments and channelisation; and adopting integrated solutions to bank stabilisation problems. This paper examines the potential benefit for the sugar industry in the application of improved stream management practices.