2025 marked a pivotal step forward for the Proserpine region with the launch of the Proserpine Integrated Project (PIP) – a whole-of-catchment initiative bringing seven innovative projects together under one vision: building long-term solutions tailored to the unique conditions of our landscape.
Running until 2027, PIP is designed to safeguard the natural assets that sustain our farms, businesses and local communities. This first year has focused on planning and collaboration, working closely with project partners, Tassal, Alluvium, Sugar Research Australia, Autoweed, James Cook University, Farmacist, Pitt & Sherry and Truii, to lay the foundations for success.
Project 1 – Biofiltration systems
In collaboration with Tassal, we’re exploring how green seaweed (Cladophora) can improve water quality and create circular economy opportunities through biofiltration treatment methods. Following the wet season, seaweed harvesting will begin early next year, followed by trials on dehydration processing methods. These trials will help us better understand the full potential of seaweed as a natural treatment for nutrient-rich effluent while also creating a valuable product for our community.
Project 2 – Catchment Sustainability Plan
We’re building a clear picture of the Proserpine region’s environmental values, pressures, and future risks. This research will inform a Sustainability Plan, with community consultation starting in 2026 to ensure local knowledge shapes the outcomes. The plan will guide practical actions and help secure future funding for environmental work.
Project 3 – Catchment Treatment Systems
Planning and approvals are underway for recycle pits designed to reduce the amount of nutrient and sediment-rich water entering local waterways whilst improving irrigation efficiency and water security on participating farms. Early next year, we’ll release an Expression of Interest to engage 10 sugarcane landholders who will receive support to participate.
Project 4 – AutoWeed
At Reef Catchments’ Annual Grazing Forum, we showcased AutoWeed’s innovative AI-powered spray technology, which targets weeds with precision to cut chemical use and input costs. Trials began in late 2025 to develop a region-specific algorithm for Proserpine’s priority weeds. With farm input costs continuing to rise, this smart approach has the potential to be a real game changer for local growers while significantly reducing pesticide pressures on waterways and our iconic Great Barrier Reef.
Project 5 – Supporting Practice Change
Partnering with expert agronomists – Farmacist, we are onboarding 12 landholders who will be supported through tailored chemical management plans and small financial incentives to upgrade spray nozzles, ultimately improving application efficiency and environmental outcomes.
Project 6 – Circular Opportunities for the Proserpine System
Pitt&Sherry’s Material Flow Analysis helped us identify where key pollutants from sugarcane and aquaculture industries, from within the Proserpine Catchment, are originating from. Thus, enabling us to make informed decision regarding future water quality interventions and allowing us to better target circular-economy initiatives and relevant collaborators. So far, they’ve been gathering data from local industry stakeholders to build a detailed picture of how materials and nutrients move through the region. At the end of the study, Pitt & Sherry will deliver a report highlighting the most effective opportunities for circular solutions that benefit both industry and the environment.
Project 7 – Natural Capital
Using Truii’s Natural Capital Suite, a collection of Apps, we’re assessing the environmental, social, cultural, and economic benefits of past projects. This tool will guide smarter planning by modelling future scenarios, prioritising funding and identifying the most cost-effective nature repair programs for the Proserpine Catchment. The Natural Capital project will wrap up in June 2026, providing valuable insights that will help drive stronger, evidence-based outcomes for the region.
Looking Forwards
The PIP’s place-based approach and each of these projects are a fundamental step toward protecting the natural assets that support our farms, businesses and way of life in the Proserpine region. By improving water quality, trialling new technologies and building a clearer understanding of how our landscapes function, we’re helping create a more resilient and sustainable future for both the community and the environment.
With strong local involvement and smart planning tools, the region is well-positioned to attract future investment and deliver long-term benefits for everyone who depends on healthy land and waterways.
Stay updated with the Proserpine Integrated Project through our website and signing up to our monthly e-newsletter.
The Proserpine Integrated 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.