BBIFMAC Inc.
Lower Burdekin Burdekin River Largest delta system on the east coast of Australia Fourth largest river by volume of flow in Australia
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
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
Lower Burdekin Fertile floodplain area supporting intensive, irrigated agriculture: Predominately Sugarcane Vegetables Grains Grazing
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
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
Flood Plume GBR Lagoon Large flush of sediment, nutrients and chemicals Farm run off major contributor Need to reduce this impact to protect GBR
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
Challenges Increasing diversification of crops away from sugar Need for evaluation and improvement of farming practices
Challenges Encourage self regulation & pro active attitude with growers Education and awareness of BMP s
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
WQ Pixel Project Grower uptake and participation is essential for success of project Entirely voluntary
WQ Pixel Project Water Quality monitoring is performed by growers Provide 60 monitoring kits for instant testing Verified by laboratory analysis
WQ Pixel Project Aims Understand effects of own management practices on water quality Identify specific practices that are: Beneficial Inadequate
WQ Pixel Project Aims Provide feedback to growers and industry on results from project Educate growers in best management practices
WQ Pixel Project Aims Provide better control over farm practices Reduce pollution entering wider environment Save money Reduce inputs Build confidence
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
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!!
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
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
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
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
Results Nitrate Run off generally low in nitrate May change with increase in fertiliser applications later in year High nitrate hot spots in groundwater
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
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
Example of Grower Results
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
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
Future Directions Increase number of participants Incorporate Bowen horticultural growers Include soil and pesticide testing Increase number of sample sites
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
Thank You Adam Connell WQ Pixel Project Coordination Officer Burdekin Bowen Integrated Floodplain Management Advisory Committee Inc. (07) 4783 4344 0488 785 968