Lower Burdekin. Burdekin River. Largest delta system on the east coast of Australia. Fourth largest river by volume of flow in Australia

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1 BBIFMAC Inc.

2 Lower Burdekin Burdekin River Largest delta system on the east coast of Australia Fourth largest river by volume of flow in Australia

3 Burdekin River Very erratic flow dry tropics Low flow for much of the year Can be over 30,000m 3 /s during wet season floods Highly modified river Dams and weirs control water flow

4 Burdekin River Dam Holds 1,860,000 ML of water Supplies Lower Burdekin farms Reliable and abundant supply of water Recharged to 100% most years during wet season Water pumped from river and supplied to farms through extensive channel, river and creek systems

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6 Lower Burdekin Fertile floodplain area supporting intensive, irrigated agriculture: Predominately Sugarcane Vegetables Grains Grazing

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8 Groundwater aquifer Groundwater used on many delta farms for irrigation Managed by NBWB and SBWB Salinity problems in some areas Saltwater intrusion near coast BRIA rising water table

9 Environmental Issues Fragile ecosystems adjacent to intensive irrigated floodplain area: Great Barrier Reef lagoon RAMSAR wetlands in Bowling Green Bay Extensive wetlands and estuaries in varying health

10 Flood Plume GBR Lagoon Large flush of sediment, nutrients and chemicals Farm run off major contributor Need to reduce this impact to protect GBR

11 Water Quality Issues Farming practices historically unregulated Fertiliser and chemicals Water Inefficient practices Lack of education on water quality issues Practice change can be expensive and confusing for farmers

12 Challenges Increasing diversification of crops away from sugar Need for evaluation and improvement of farming practices

13 Challenges Encourage self regulation & pro active attitude with growers Education and awareness of BMP s

14 WQ Pixel Project Collect WQ data from 150 farm sites Paddock run off Groundwater Recycle pits Drainage systems Intake channels Samples collected every irrigation cycle

15 WQ Pixel Project Grower uptake and participation is essential for success of project Entirely voluntary

16 WQ Pixel Project Water Quality monitoring is performed by growers Provide 60 monitoring kits for instant testing Verified by laboratory analysis

17 WQ Pixel Project Aims Understand effects of own management practices on water quality Identify specific practices that are: Beneficial Inadequate

18 WQ Pixel Project Aims Provide feedback to growers and industry on results from project Educate growers in best management practices

19 WQ Pixel Project Aims Provide better control over farm practices Reduce pollution entering wider environment Save money Reduce inputs Build confidence

20 Grower Participation Initial scepticism from growers and industry Mistrust of government and media Release of results was major concern Recent damaging sensationalised media reports Results often taken out of context

21 Grower Participation Want to identify and encourage Best Management Practices through pro active monitoring of water quality... NOT use results to lay blame on the farmer!!

22 Grower Participation Initially hard to find participants Later participants joined through word ofmouth and referrals Built trust and interest with initial participants Sharing and discussion of results between growers Acceptance of project by industry

23 BBIFMAC s Role Work closely with growers to maintain interest One on one training Fortnightly follow ups and water sample collections Continuous feedback on individual and project results Coordination of project

24 Test kits Simple test kits for on the spot results: Electrical conductivity meter Nitrate test strips Phosphate test strips Turbidity tube Field record sheet Bottles for lab analysis of samples

25 Water Quality Sampling Must keep process simple!! Fit into regular farming routine Easy to follow, clear instructions Quick and easy testing procedure Otherwise grower will lose interest

26 Results Nitrate Run off generally low in nitrate May change with increase in fertiliser applications later in year High nitrate hot spots in groundwater

27 Results Nitrate Utilise groundwater nitrate to fertilise crops Groundwater monitoring allows accurate calculation of nitrate levels Significant reduction of fertiliser inputs Important to use efficient irrigation practices Reduce water lost to run off and deep drainage

28 Results Phosphate Mostly low levels across region Elevated levels seen in run off from: Green Cane Trash Blankets Legume fallow crops post harvest After rainfall Present in groundwater in some areas

29 Example of Grower Results

30 Outcomes/Practice Changes Reduction of fertiliser inputs Fertiliser application method changes Legume fallow crop practice changes Liquid fertiliser application methods Accurate water mixing Evaluation of recycle pit effectiveness Groundwater suitability for irrigation

31 Future Directions Important to keep momentum going Gaining interest within Burdekin and other regions Results more valuable if collected over a longer period Evaluate practices over several years

32 Future Directions Increase number of participants Incorporate Bowen horticultural growers Include soil and pesticide testing Increase number of sample sites

33 Future Directions Reef Rescue Package Fast track BMP uptake over next 5 years Need to monitor and evaluate improvements Continue to work with farming community and industry bodies to improve water quality

34 Thank You Adam Connell WQ Pixel Project Coordination Officer Burdekin Bowen Integrated Floodplain Management Advisory Committee Inc. (07)