Archives for March 2014

Cane farmers swapped tractor seats for smooth sailing when they set off to Hamilton Island for the Project Catalyst Growers Forum 2014.

The annual event attracted more than 150 delegates from Australia and globally, including leading researchers, industry partners, economists and sustainability experts, as well as cane farmers from the Mackay Whitsunday, Burdekin and Wet Tropic regions.

Keynote speakers Dave McLaughlin, WWF Vice President of Agriculture (United States) and Dr David Cropley, University of South Australia Associate Professor (Engineering Innovation) addressed global food issues and solutions and the importance of innovation and creativity in problem solving.

Dave McLaughlin’s presentation on the global view of agriculture and the the acknowledgement that yield is a key part of sustainability resonated with growers.

“The real issue is not about the commodity being produced, but rather how it is being produced. … crop yield (also) needs to be a key sustainability indicator,” Mr McLaughlin said. “Although there are trade-offs between yield, inputs and agricultural practices, many opportunities exist to increase yield through improved varieties, reduced waste and improved fertilistation practices, harvesting and overall crop management.”

Reef Catchments sustainable agriculture project officer, Belinda Billing, said the forum was a critical part of inspiring growers to learn about and adopt improved and more sustainable methods for sugarcane production.

“Catalyst growers have been doing exceptional work on-farm for five years now. The forum is an important platform for them to get together with other innovative, motivated farmers and explore new ideas and concepts for the future,” she said.

“The forum this year helped growers to identify what they see as priorities for ongoing research, development and extension in the areas of herbicide management, nutrient and soil management and water quality.

“Since 2008, Project Catalyst farmers have reduced agricultural runoff to the Great Barrier Reef by more than 62 tonnes each year and brought more than 204,300 hectares of farmland under A-class management – a terrific outcome.”

The forum celebrated the good work of more than 70 Catalyst growers to date.

Project Catalyst farmer Lou Raiteri hosted the 2014 Field Day on his property, north of Proserpine and said Project Catalyst fitted in with what growers were trying to do.

“I was one of the first 20 growers involved in Project Catalyst right from its inception. To me, it just fits in with what we’re trying to do, to improve our sustainability and productivity and be more conscious of the environment,” Mr Raiteri said.

“I’m a third generation grower, my family has been on the same property for over 85 years and my son is coming on to take care of the farm. This land is still taking care of us after all that time and I think it is our responsibility to look after what we have.

“What Project Catalyst does is bring together likeminded growers with enthusiasm who are all ready to try something new. It gives us the support we need to step out and raise the bar and challenge ourselves – we can look up and say ‘ok, there’s the benchmark’ and we find new ways to reach it. It’s absolutely remarkable what comes out of it.”

Reef Catchments CEO Robert Cocco said the forum helped recognise the significant efforts of sugar producers who were taking responsibility for their own environmental footprint.

“The actions to date of the farmers involved in Project Catalyst have directly improved water quality to the Great Barrier Reef, while also helping increase farm productivity and profitability,” Mr Cocco said.

“We are proud to be involved in this unique partnership that connects our sugar producers with a leading think-tank of organisations nationally and globally to break new ground in sustainable agriculture.”

Now in its milestone 5^th year, Project Catalyst is a pioneering partnership between cane farmers, the Coca-Cola Foundation, WWF, the Australian Government and Natural Resource Management Groups (Reef Catchments, Terrain Natural Resource Management and NQ Dry Tropics).

The 2014 forum was coordinated locally in Mackay and the Whitsundays by Reef Catchments with major sponsors including Syngenta, Wilmar and Bayer CropScience.

Michelle Allen, from Coca-Cola South Pacific, said the Coca-Cola Foundation funded Project Catalyst because it provided the holistic resources farmers needed to pioneer new and promising sustainable agriculture advances.

“We provide financial support to enable growers to speed the adoption of innovative sugar cane practices which can lead to tangible improvements in water quality. Integral to Project Catalyst’s success, it is the growers who are the ones generating the ideas, they are the ones leading Project Catalyst’s success,” she said.

WWF Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager, Rob Cairns, said Project Catalyst brought together a diverse group of people with the ability to effect real change.

“The challenges facing agriculture and the Great Barrier Reef are immense and all stakeholders need to work together like never before,” Mr Cairns said.

“Project Catalyst brings a diverse group of people and organisations together to trial and validate practices that are good for farmers, good for the community and good for the reef. We can all be very proud of this collaboration, as well as the outcomes achieved so far.”

A group of high school students from the Mackay area have taken part in a tropical island adventure as part of an environmental education program designed to foster a love of marine science and reconnect the community with the stunning seascapes in their backyard.

The Mackay Marine Classroom Program will see nearly 100 local students experience the World Heritage Whitsunday Islands throughout the year. The program commenced this March, with the first group of intrepid students from Sarina State High School.

The students camped for three nights on beautiful Brampton Island where they gained valuable on-ground conservation science experience, while also helping to protect local islands and beaches.

“This is a unique and exciting way for our young people to connect with their local islands while learning important science and conservation skills,” said Sarina State High School teacher Tich Rafter.

“Here in Mackay we have one of the most beautiful marine environments in the world, which people come to visit from all over the globe, yet few of us locals get to experience it in such a meaningful and educational way.”

The Mackay Marine Classroom Program was designed and implemented by Wild Mob and Reef Catchments, with support from Mackay Regional Council and Central Queensland University. It is fully aligned to the Marine Science Syllabus and led by Wild Mob’s experienced field guides at locations such as Brampton Island, St Bees Island and the Goldsmith Islands.

Students participating in the program receive hands-on experience in coastal regeneration, inter-tidal reef surveys, marine debris, invasive species management and more. The local environment meanwhile will benefit from extra hands helping with important habitat rehabilitation work.

Reef Catchments Coastal Coordinator Kerri Woodcock, said she was excited about helping the community to connect with their local islands.

“Our islands have outstanding conservation values but because of their remoteness it can be more challenging for us to build a connection with the marine environment,” she said.

“I hope the Mackay Marine Classroom Program will help build the community’s appreciation and love for its local islands while also providing a world-class educational experience for our young people.”

Wild Mob has many years of experience conducting educational field trips for thousands of high school and university students in some of Australia’s most beautiful locations, including Brampton Island.

Hundreds of students around Australia have already participated in Wild Mob’s marine studies programs on Brampton Island, including some as far away as Tasmania – but until now, none have been from the Mackay area.

“Stunning beaches, tropical islands and coral reefs teeming with life are all within easy reach of Mackay’s high schools, but these natural environments are also in need of protection,” said Wild Mob spokesperson Andrew Elphinstone. 

“We are thrilled to have taken the first group of local students out this month to what is one of the world’s most remarkable outdoor classrooms.”

For more information contact Kerri Woodcock on 0488 765 106 or kerri.woodcock@reefcathcments.com

Traditional Owners from Mackay and the Whitsundays once again have a platform to come together and share ideas on caring for their country and promoting traditional culture.

The Traditional Owner Reference Group (TORG) for the Mackay Whitsunday area was re-formed this month and includes representatives of the Yuwi-bara, Gnaro, Gia, and Koinmerburra Traditional Owners of the region.

Gnaro elder Aunty Carol Prior said the TORG group was an important way to bring together Traditional Owners to share ideas, gain feedback and protect traditional land and culture just like their ancestors did.

The group will also be a key contact point for organisations, government and members of the broader community who need to connect with Traditional Owners for guidance on traditional values and practices.

“All the traditional groups from Mackay and the Whitsundays have come to work together. It is about sharing ideas and caring for our land and country,” Aunty Carol said.

“When we sit at that table we sit as one – to me it is like sitting around a campfire throwing ideas around and sharing thoughts.

“It is important because if we don’t look after our traditional ways and land they will be lost. For example, an ongoing issue we want to come together to stop is illegal poaching and disturbance of native animals like turtles.”

For more information contact Kerensa McCallie on 0429 033 541. Reef Catchments supports the work of the TORG and provides a point of contact for the group.

A new book is available to help landholders identify and control weeds. 

Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region and its companion booklet Control Options for Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region have been published by The Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (MRPMG).

Chairperson for the MRPMG, Ms Christine Peterson said the book was an invaluable resource for farmers, rural residential owners, contractors and Landcarers.

“With nearly 250 weeds detailed, the book is a comprehensive source of information on the prevalent weeds in the region. It will help with the first step in weed control; correctly identifying weeds.  To help with the next step – weed control – the companion book has been developed and details control options,” she said.

Ms Peterson said that the MRPMG has a broad stakeholder base, including agriculture, local and state governments, and community groups.

“This allows for good balance of content for the book, making it relevant for most users.”

Copies of the book have been given to the town libraries. Copies may also be purchased from the region’s Landcare groups, Reef Catchments, Canegrowers district offices and Mackay Area Productivity Services.

The book was funded by the Queensland Government via Reef Catchments, Mackay Regional Council, MRPMG and has had a considerable amount of hours volunteered to its development by stakeholders of the MRPMG.

For more information on MRPMG or to obtain a copy of the book please contact Johnelle Stevens on 0457 306 152 or johnelle.stevens@reefcatchments.com