The use of targeted extension strategies to improve water quality outcomes in the Herbert sugarcane industry

Abstract

The Herbert sugarcane industry sought to obtain a better understanding of its impact on the quality of water entering the GBR and also the relative pollutant contributions from the other main land uses in the Herbert catchment. The Herbert Water Quality Monitoring Program (HWQMP) commenced in July 2011 and monitored water quality for 3 years in the Herbert catchment. An extension strategy was developed as part of HWQMP, with linkages to other projects allowing the sugarcane industry to assess its impacts from the cane block to the inner reefs of the GBR. The data generated by the HWQMP allowed the Herbert sugar industry to identify and proactively manage priority environmental issues. These projects informed sugarcane growers of what farm practices would lead to improvements in water quality, while not jeopardising industry viability. The HWQMP and associated extension effort has been successful in building industry capacity to manage issues identified by the water quality monitoring, while achieving positive change leading to improved water quality. The approach adopted by the HWQMP has shown that a sound, scientifically based extension approach can lead to significant environmental change without compromising long term industry viability.