Paddock to Reef Program
The Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling, and Reporting Program (Paddock to Reef program) is a comprehensive initiative that assesses and reports on progress towards the targets set by the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan (Reef 2050 WQIP). It’s primary tool for reporting is the Reef 2050 Water Quality Report Card.
Launched in 2009, this program brings together over 20 industry bodies, government agencies, Natural Resource Management bodies, landholders, and research organizations. By collaborating, they measure and report on various water quality factors that have an impact on the health of the Reef. To ensure a cohesive approach, the program areas are interconnected and unified through a shared assessment and reporting framework.
Aligned with the Reef 2050 WQIP framework, the Paddock to Reef program evaluates the adoption and effectiveness of management practices, the condition of catchment areas, pollutant runoff, and the overall health of marine ecosystems. The program’s monitoring and modeling activities encompass a wide range of attributes, spanning from individual paddock assessment to sub-catchment, catchment, regional, and even Great Barrier Reef-wide evaluation.
Both the Australian and Queensland governments provide funding for the Paddock to Reef program, which has continuously evolved over the past decade to enhance its scope, methodology, and practical application.
Learn more about Paddock to Reef
Reef Water Quality Report Card 2021-2022
The Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Summary of the Reef Water Quality Report Card can be accessed here.
Case Study
Videos
Click on the image and video below to enjoy more information about the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program.
Paddock to Reef Forum
The Paddock to Reef Regional Integrated Science Forum is held annually. The purpose of this Forum is to give an overview of the Paddock to Reef program and share the latest water quality results from the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.
The Forum features presentations from scientists about the latest results from water quality monitoring and modelling, and presentations from local industry bodies and growers about on-farm projects to improve water quality. Everyone is welcome to attend the Paddock to Reef Forum, including landholders, extension staff, industry bodies, community groups and local government.
To find out when the next Forum is being held fill in your details in the form at the bottom of this page and select the Natural State check box.
You can also follow news and events on our Facebook Page Here
2024 Paddock to Reef Forum Presentations
Download the program and presentations from the 2023 Forum below.
- Paddock to Reef Overview – Shawn Darr
- Scientific Consensus Statement – Jane Waterhouse
- Water Quality Improvement Plan – Maria Rosier, Dr. Elaine Stone, Edith Muruka
- Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership – Jaime Newborn
- Treatment Systems for Improving Farm Water Quality – Carla Wegscheidl
- Coral Monitoring in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Region – Angus Thompson
- Reef Catchments – Lessons from Reef Trust VI & VII Sediment Programs – Emma Jones
- Cane Drain to Chain of Ponds – Carlos Bueno
Additional Resources
- Fueling the climate and science ‘denial machine’ on social media: A case study
- Understanding the influence of media narratives on Great Barrier Reef water quality management
Reference Material
Related sites
Reef report cards
Working across regions
Paddock to Reef works across the Great Barrier Reef catchment area. The program involves NRM groups, agricultural industry groups, government departments, and research and development organisations from the Burnett-Mary region through to North Queensland Wet Tropics and Cape York.
Groups
Related resources
