Best practice farming in Great Barrier Reef catchments

The Great Barrier Reef catchment is made up of all the catchments that flow into the Great Barrier Reef.

For properties in the Reef catchments reducing soil, nutrient and pesticide run-off is a key focus to improve water quality in the Reef.

We're working together with industry so you have the tools and support needed to make positive changes on your farm, enhancing your Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) credentials.

How you can help the Reef

Learn about practices which can improve your business outcomes as well as water quality entering the Reef catchments:

• grazing
• sugarcane
• bananas
• horticulture
• grains.

Check your location

Use our property search tool to find out if your farming business is within the Reef catchment and subject to the Reef protection regulations.

Reduce nutrient and sediment run-off

• Sediment journey – find out how sediment run-off can impact the Reef.
• Reducing fertiliser run-off – learn more about how farmers are making significant improvements to reduce farm run-off and fertiliser loads.
• Reducing sediment run-off - watch how innovative practices, best management techniques and new technologies are helping farmers and scientists reduce sediment run-off.
• Reef plan video showcase – learn about practices to reduce nutrient and sediment run-off to the Reef, and the champions who are leading the way.
• Why is nitrogen important? – learn about responsible use of nitrogen in the Reef catchments.
• Choose appropriate agricultural chemicals and use them safely.
• Modelling and monitoring – watch how run-off from the Reef catchments is studied and why it is important to understand water quality in the Reef.
• Life in a catchment – learn what can be done to improve the Reef water quality and reduce polluted run-off in the Reef catchments.

Protect waterways

Well-managed natural wetlands and creeks:

• improve water management
• reduce erosion and flooding
• improve pest management
• increase recreational value
• increase profitability.

The treatment system toolbox covers:

• how different treatment systems work
• how to plan and design treatment systems for farms
• where and how different treatment systems can be used to improve water quality
• how farmers use treatment wetlands to improve water quality.

The Wetland Management Handbook (PDF, 5.7MB) and other tools and guides can help with wetland management at a property level:

• slowing water flows and reducing the volume of water leaving the farm
• trapping and removing nutrients, sediments and pesticides from run-off or shallow groundwater
• decreasing erosion.

Water quality monitoring programs help improve farming practices, water quality and the health of the Reef. Each catchment area has a water quality target to improve the quality of water leaving the farm and entering the Great Barrier Reef. We produce regular reef water quality report cards showing how we are meeting these targets.

Implement sustainable farming practices

• Farming for the future – find out how to improve practices for sustainable agriculture and healthy land, and protect the Reef.
• Improving farming practices – learn how farmers are improving their farming practices in the Wet Tropics through the Major Integrated Project designed by local communities.
• Read the soil conservation guidelines.

Learn from others

You local extension officers can:

• help you adopt management systems
• connect you to industry specialists
• share the latest research and news.

Find support services to help manage your business.

Read about change in action:

• farmers trialling new farming practices
• landholders involved in water quality improvement projects
• Queensland Reef Water Quality Program (CORAL) projects across the Reef catchment.

Stay informed