The Federal and Queensland Governments’ 2015 report card on the health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) shows many positive long term improvements for our agricultural industries right along the Queensland coast.
The sixth Reef Report Card is a snapshot of the long term collective efforts underway associated with implementing the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan.
Queensland farmers’ Federation (QFF) President Stuart Armitage said that the 2015 Report Card offered a constructive update on progress of many aspects associated with improving the health of the GBR.
“Queensland farmers from various industries are engaged in programs that are implemented over a number of years. Within these programs there are a number of ways in which progress is measured; the Report Card is just one.”
“It is very encouraging to see that collectively, agriculture has already completed over half of its target to reduce pesticide runoff,” said Mr Armitage.
“Despite the recent drought in many of the reef catchments, groundcover received a very positive rating with over 70 per cent coverage of all graizing land. This is very positive as good ground cover reduces excess sediment runoff into catchments.”
“Since the last Report Card in 2014, modelled pollutant loads have showed reductions in sediment of 12.3 per cent and pesticides of 33.7 per cent, which is more than halfway to the 2018 targets.”
“Industry recognises that there is still work to be done. Farmers are constantly looking for and investing in new technologies that improve on farm management practices to improve water quality. Many of the investments deliver triple bottom line returns for their businesses.”
“Good news about the Reef is often under reported. While the Report Card is just one measure of progress; it clearly shows that farmers are doing their bit for the Reef.”
“It is important to note that the Report Card does not factor in the results from the various industry Best Management Practice (BMP) programs. Industry BMP programs are making significant progress towards changing practices to protect the Reef.”
“There have been numerous reports highlighting the ambitious and aspirational Reef Plan targets, given the inadequate level of funding. An independent Queensland Government report released in August 2016, estimated the costs of achieving the Reef Plan water quality targets by 2025 at $8.2 billion. This true price tag is a quantum leap from the current level of government investment.”
QFF continues to take a lead role as facilitator of The Reef Alliance partnership, consisting of industry, Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups and WWF which holds a common goal of securing the future of the Reef.