Summary

This impact evaluation summarises the outcomes of CRCNA project: A.7.2122009 – Integrating nutrient, waste and energy streams in agriculture development through hyacinth harvest and processing (Making Water Work program).

The hyacinth recovery and reuse pilot explored how invasive water hyacinth can be transformed from a costly environmental problem into a valuable agricultural resource in central Queensland. Through mechanical harvesting in the Fitzroy river system, the project removed over 500 tonnes of hyacinth and repurposed it into mulch, stockfeed and biochar, demonstrating practical circular economy outcomes.

Field trials across horticulture and grazing systems showed improvements in soil microbial activity and nutrient cycling, while feed testing confirmed hyacinth as a viable alternative to conventional hay. Beyond on-farm benefits, the project identified opportunities to reduce herbicide use, lower waterway management costs and support more sustainable land and water practices.

While not immediately profit-generating, the pilot delivered an estimated 11.32 times return on CRCNA investment and established a pathway for scaled harvesting operations, new regional jobs and emerging industries linked to bioenergy and agricultural inputs.