The Project

Title: Catchment Treatment Systems
Duration: 2025 – 2027
Funding: This project, delivered by Reef Catchments is part of the $5.5 million Reef Place-Based Integrated Projects initiative funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. This project is part of the Proserpine Integrated Project.

Summary:

This project will support cleaner waterways and more efficient on-farm water use through the construction of small-scale treatment systems that capture and reuse agricultural runoff for irrigation.

In collaboration with Alluvium Consulting and landholders, Reef Catchments will lead the co-design of practical, low-risk systems such as recycle pits, wetlands, and sediment basins integrated with tailored irrigation management plans. The construction of 10 treatment systems within the Proserpine Catchment area will address water quality concerns like dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), total suspended sediments (TSS), and pesticide pollution to safeguard our waterways, strengthen ecosystems and communities, and secure sustainable economic and environmental outcomes into the future.

Objectives:

• Identify priority sites for water quality improvement.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to co-design treatment systems.
• Engage stakeholders and support on-farm capacity building.
• Promote on farm treatment systems and irrigation management plans.
• Monitor outcomes to demonstrate water quality improvements.

Outcomes:

• Reduction in DIN and TSS levels.
• Implementation of functional water treatment solutions.
• Increased landholder involvement in water quality management.
• Measurable, evidence-based outcomes aligned with place-based project timelines.

Get involved

Are you a sugarcane grower in the Proserpine catchment area?

We are inviting 10 eligible growers to take part in this Catchment Treatment Systems project, who meet the following requirements:

• Property must be within the Proserpine catchment area
• Satisfy historical database check performed by Reef Catchments, which determines whether the property has been involved in any projects of similar nature with Reef Catchments in recent years. Extent and value of grants previously provided will be considered.

For more information, please refer to the Expression of Interest (EOI) form.

EOI

Please fill out the below Expression of Interest form or contact kevin.moore@reefcatchments.com if you require assistance with the application.

Expression of Interest Form

Through collaboration and shared investment, the project will build local capacity, showcase effective runoff treatment solutions and deliver measurable water quality improvements for the Great Barrier Reef. All activities will  support farmers in reusing runoff for irrigation, reducing costs, improving water efficiency, increasing crop yields, and strengthening long-term economic and environmental resilience.