THE REEF WATER QUALITY PROTECTION PLAN AND THE ROLE OF AND IMPLICATIONS FOR QUEENSLAND CANEGROWERS

THE Australian sugar industry is located predominately on the northern and central seaboard of Queensland. Many of the river catchments in which sugar cane has been grown for upwards of 100 years drain seaward to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). A Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan) was formulated by both the Queensland and Australian Governments in 2003. Its goal is to halt and reverse the decline in the quality of water entering the Reef lagoon within 10 years. This paper reviews the implications for local canegrowers of Reef Plan and its 65 documented actions. It summaries achievements and shortcomings across key issues that include meeting end of river catchment targets, water quality improvement plans, pesticide and nutrient management and on-farm practice reporting. Areas where improved interactions can occur are identified.