Impact report: Making Water Work program - Achieving reef water requirements in new agricultural developments - Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia

Summary

This impact report summaries the impacts of the CRCNA project A.7.2122010 ‘Making Water Work program: Achieving reef water requirements in new agricultural developments’.

This project developed the tools, farm plans, and governance systems needed to expand irrigated agriculture in the Fitzroy region (Central Queensland) while protecting reef water quality. By enabling compliant land development and improving grower capability, it is supporting new production, reducing compliance costs, and ensuring no net increase in pollutants entering the Fitzroy River.

Making Water Work program: Achieving reef water quality requirements in new agricultural developments

The project will assist the expansion of agriculture in the Lower Fitzroy (Central Queensland) by bridging the support gap needed to meet Reef Water Quality requirements. Businesses undergoing material land use changes will have access to expert advice and land management toolkits to help them navigate regulatory constraints, as well as implement appropriate monitoring and record-keeping practices necessary for sustainable production and operation. This mechanism for continuous improvement will support the industry and be tailored to the specific needs of the region.