Practice change and science projects
The Queensland Reef Water Quality Program funds practice change and science projects to help producers better manage agricultural lands in the Cape York, Wet Tropics, Burdekin, Mackay Whitsunday, Fitzroy and Burnett Mary regions, and minimise their impacts upon the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
Practice change projects work with producers to improve farming practices that reduce run-off from agricultural properties, drawing on trusted science and innovation to achieve the best outcomes for the farm business.
Information about projects, funded through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program, is available through the Collection of Reef and Land (CORAL) database.
The development of science projects is guided by the Reef 2050 Water Quality Research, Development and Innovation Strategy. These projects deliver valuable, knowledge-based, practical tools and advice for landholders and their advisers.
You can also view the full list of current and completed projects.
2015–2021 science projects
Projects funded under phase two of the Reef Water Quality Science Program were guided by the Reef Water Quality Research, Development and Innovation Strategy 2014–15 to 2018–19 which describes the research and investment priorities to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef from agricultural land use.
In particular, this strategy identified key research gaps and aimed to bridge these by generating vital evidence about nutrient, pesticide and erosion management to help primary producers and extension providers to put in place practice improvement actions.
Addendum released on 8 June 2016 should be read in conjunction with this strategy.
2009–2015 science projects
The first phase of the Reef Water Quality Science Program reviewed the science framework and research priorities with input from industry, scientific experts, Natural Resource Management groups and other stakeholders.
A total of $8.9 million was invested in about 40 projects that provided producers with more information, evidence, reassurance and tools to improve their land management practices.
You can read more about the projects in the Reef Water Quality Science Program 2009-2015 Research Investment report .
Other Reef research programs
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
- Great Barrier Reef Foundation
- Australian Institute for Marine Science
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
- Reef and Rainforest Research Centre
- Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan