As major stakeholders in the Johnstone River catchment, growers need to contribute to the sustainability debate; however, at times they appear to be isolated from it. The Johnstone River Catchment Management Association (JRCMA) saw the need for cane growers to become more proactive on environmental issues, and instigated a project where growers identified the most sustainable practices for cane-growing in the catchment. Growers
meeting in small groups discussed all aspects of cane growing with the aim of producing a booklet of guidelines for best management practices for the catchment. Growers were invited to speak freely but challenged to be certain that the practices they nominated were sustainable and demonstrable on their own farms. More than 100 growers participated in the discussions over two years and a booklet entitled ‘Growers Perspective of Best Management for Sustainable Cane Farming (Documenting practices in the Johnstone, Moresby and Liverpool Creek Catchments)’ was published in best management practice format. The project received wide acclaim and The Honourable Rod Welford, then Queensland State Government Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage, officially launched the booklet in April 2000. Demonstration of best practices for sustainable farming from a grower’s perspective were achieved through a major field day organised by the JRCMA and through a series of video clips of many practices throughout the catchment. Assessment of the effectiveness of the project at the time of its conclusion was done by the use of the ‘story method’ with growers and by focus group discussions with community and agency representatives.