Pathways to water quality improvement in the Myrtle Creek sub-catchment : final report 2017/810

Abstract

The Pathways to Water Quality Improvement in the Myrtle Creek Sub-catchment project (Myrtle Creek Project) has run in the Proserpine area for three years (2018-2021), connecting sugarcane growers in the Myrtle Creek sub-catchment to their local waterway, demonstrating practice change for improved water quality while maximising efficiency and assisting growers to adopt practices that can improve water quality in their district.

During this time, the Myrtle Creek project has worked with more than 30 growers in the sub-catchment, and a range of growers outside of the sub-catchment, with various degrees of intensity.

Growers have been regularly engaged throughout the project, improving their understanding of the relationship between land management and pesticide and nutrients loads in the waterway. Of these growers, 10 also had demonstrations on farm, highlighting practices they can undertake to reduce their impact on local water quality.

Growers were also involved in a range of other activities related to the demonstrations such as SIX EASY STEPS and pesticide workshops, water quality forums and sprayer check sessions.