Since Reef Rescue began in December 2008, cane farmers in the Mackay Whitsunday region have been making the most of the incentives on offer through the Australian government Caring for our Country Water Quality Grants. With up to 50% funding of project costs available for farmer and multi-farmer projects, local growers have jumped on board and are reaping the rewards.
Reef Rescue funding has allowed farmers to purchase equipment, such as GPS guidance and inter-row spray shields and implement new farming practices that they may not have been able to consider for 10 or more years. These improvements have allowed farmers to reduce inputs such as fuel and/or chemical inputs while maintaining productivity, ensuring not only future economic profitability but environmental sustainability.
Industry Case Studies
2011-12
- Weed Seeker trials
- Reef Rescue mill mud nutrient trials
- Reef Rescue Laser Level Brad Hussey
- Reef Rescue Moses project
- Plane Creek Productivity Services Reef Rescue
2010-11
- Break Cropping-Dave McCallum
- AgDat-Kevin Moore
- Mill Mud Applicators
- Mill Mud Nutrient Trials
- Weedseeker
- Zonal Tillage
Grower Case Studies
2011-12
- Ian Passfield Reef Rescue Case Study 2012
- Annette,Dennis and John Werner controlled traffic and sub-surface nutrient application
- Michael Deguara, controlled traffic and rotational legume fallows
- Mal Burston, controlled traffic and zonal tillage operations
- Les and Paul Durnsford, controlled traffic and zonal tillage operations
2010-11
- Andrew Pratt, controlled traffic with GPS guidance
- Peter Hackett, chemical and nutrient management
- Wayne Vickers, controlled traffic farming
- Gary Lay, controlled traffic farming
2009-10
- Frank Clayton, Fallow Crop and Controlled Traffic Farming
- Brian and John Stevens, Controlled Traffic Improved Farming System
- John and Phil Deguara, Controlled Traffic with GPS and variable rate nutrient and chemical application
- Don Myers, Controlled Traffic with GPS and minimum tillage and legume cover crop
- Rex Stroppiana, 1.85metre controlled traffic with GPS
Key contact
Matt Schembri
Position: Project Officer – Agriculture Extension and Data Management
Phone: (07) 4968 4225
Mobile: 0437 344 851
E-Mail: Matt Schembri
Funding
Reef Rescue Water Quality Grants
Information
Stormwater Design Characteristics for Mackay
ABCD Management Frameworks 2013 – 2014
