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SHARING SOLUTIONS FOR WATER QUALITY22 November 2004
Ways to improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area will be discussed tomorrow when farmers, scientists, government representatives and the community meet at the Healthy Country, Healthy Reef conference in Cairns. Run-off of sediments, nutrients and other pollutants threatens the health of Queensland 's rivers, wetlands and inshore reefs. The Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, developed by the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments, aims to halt and reverse the decline in water quality entering the Reef. To meet the necessary targets will require the co-operation of the whole North Queensland community. Professor Richard Pearson from James Cook University leads the Catchment to Reef research project, a joint initiative by Rainforest CRC and CRC Reef. “It is important that we share the responsibility for improving environmental performance in our productive landscapes,” he said. “Governments, scientists, industry and the community need to work together to address water quality.” “This conference will showcase practical ways that farmers, landholders and community groups are making a real difference to water quality in their area, and across the catchment.” One case study will be presented by sugar industry representatives Dr Andrew Wood, from CSR, and Dr Bernard Schroeder, from BSES. They will discuss ways in which cane farmers can improve the efficiency of nutrient use by sugarcane crops and thus reduce the potential for nutrients to be lost. This will not only ensure sustainable sugarcane production, but will also help improve water quality. “In the past, the industry recommendations for fertiliser application were the same for all kinds of soils. Now we recognise that different types of soil need different amounts of fertiliser, so farmers need to know their soils, and manage them according to their specific properties. Using the right amount of fertiliser for a particular soil type is better for the environment, and better for farmers' pockets,” Dr Wood said. Healthy Country, Healthy Reef is a joint conference of Rainforest CRC and CRC Reef, and runs from 23-25 November at Cairns International Hotel. The conference is open to the public. On Tuesday practical solutions to environmental issues will be discussed, and on Wednesday participants will get a first-hand look at case study sites during field trips. The Rainforest CRC Annual Conference, which is being run as a series of community forums, takes place on Wednesday and Thursday. Prof Richard Pearson will be available
for interviews on Tuesday from 10.40-11.00 in the Meetings Area, Cairns
International Hotel, and at other times by arrangement. |
