Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Executive Summary ...... ii Information, assistance, advice, direction and support were provided by Members of the Burnett-Baffle WQIP stakeholder group and the 1 Background ...... 1 WQIP science panel, the program managers of other Reef Catchment WQIPs, Rachel Eberhard (Eberhard Consulting), Nina Saxton 1 .1 Introduction ...... 1 (Northern Environmental Solutions), Will Higham and Carl Mitchell (Reef Catchments), members of the Reef Water Quality Partnership 1 .2 Reef Water Quality Protection Plan ...... 1 Regional Implementation Group, Burnett Mary Reef Parnership and others who attended meetings or workshops. 1 .3 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan ...... 2 The WQIP science panel members were Mike Bell (DPI&F), John Bennett (EPA), Jon Brodie (ACTFR), Leigh Gray (GBRMPA), Paul 1 .4 Burnett Mary Regional Natural Resource Management Plan ...... 2 Harris (NRW), Will Higham (Reef Catchments), Heather Hunter (NRW), Trevor Willcox (BSES), Peter Wilson (NRW) and Maria Zann 1 .5 Other Relevant Plans and Policies ...... 2 (EPA). Funding was provided under the Coastal Catchments Initiative, from the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts. 2 Catchments ...... 3 GIS layers were provided by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Department of Natural Resources and Water, Environmental 2 .1 Regional Overview ...... 3 Protection Agency. 2 .2 Biophysical Characteristics ...... 3 Water quality and other data were provided by NRW, EPA, Sunwater, GBRMPA, DPI&F, satellite images were provided by CSIRO. 2 .3 Catchments ...... 6 Symbols (used in conceptual models) courtesy of the Integration and Application Network at the University of Maryland Center for 2 .4 Socio-economic Characteristics ...... 10 Environmental Science (ian.umces.edu/symbols/). Photos used in the plan were supplied by Qld EPA, Joel Bolzenius, Bec Nicoll, Sandra Grinter and Jenna Hill. 3 Water Quality and Management Issues ...... 11 3 .1 Land Use and Associated Conceptual Models ...... 11 DISCLAIMER 3 .2 Current Water Quality ...... 14 While all care has been taken in the preparation of this plan, readers should be aware that some information might be superseded with 3 .3 Environmental Flows ...... 15 further scientific studies and evolving technology and industry practices. The views and conclusions expressed in this document may 3 .4 Future Growth and Climate Change ...... 16 not represent the Queensland or Australian Government views or policy. 3 .5 Prioritised Pollutants ...... 16 In no circumstances will the BMRG, its agents or employees be liable for any special, consequential or indirect loss or damage arising 4 Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives ...... 18 from any use of or reliance on any material appearing in this document. Users accept sole responsibility and the risk associated with 4 .1 Background to Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives ...... 18 any use of the material appearing in this report, irrespective of the purpose to which such use or results are applied. 4 .2 Draft Environmental Values and High Ecological Value Areas ...... 19 Information contained in this publication may be copied or reproduced for study, research, information or educational purposes, subject 4 .3 Water Quality Objectives ...... 22 to inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source. 5 Water Quality Targets ...... 24 5 .1 Current Pollutant Loads and Sources ...... 24 5 .2 Prioritisation and Critical Areas for Intervention ...... 26 ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE DOCUMENT 5 .3 Sustainable Load Targets ...... 26 AquaBAMM – Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment and NRM –natural resource management 5 .4 Estimated Water Quality Benefits ...... 28 Mapping Method NRW - Department of Natural Resources and Water BMRG – Burnett Mary Regional Group (now part of Department of Environment and Resource 6 Implementing the Plan ...... 29 CSIRO – Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Management) 6 .1 Implementing the Plan ...... 29 NWQMS – National Water Quality Management Strategy Organisation 6 .2 Targets and Priority Actions ...... 31 DIN – dissolved inorganic nitrogen P - phosphorus DPI&F – Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries RCT – resource condition target 7 Monitoring and Evaluting the Plan ...... 37 SMD – slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystem EPA – Environmental Protection Agency (now part of 7 .1 Reasonable Assurance ...... 37 Department of Environment and Resource Management) t/yr – tonnes of pollutant per year 7 .2 Adaptive Management Strategy ...... 37 EPP (Water) – Environmental Protection (Water) Policy TN – total nitrogen 1997 TP – total phosphorus 7 .3 Monitoring and Modelling Strategy ...... 37 EV – environmental value TSS – total suspended soilds 7 .4 Public Reporting ...... 37 GBR – Great Barrier Reef WQ – water quality 7 .5 Plan Review ...... 38 GBRMPA – Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority WQIP – water quality improvement plan HEV – high ecological value ecosystem WQO – water quality objective 8 References ...... 39 HD – highly disturbed ecosystem WRP – water resource plan Abbreviations ...... 40 LGA – local government area WWTP – waste water treatment plant MAT – management action target Appendix 1 . Environmental Values ...... 41 N – nitrogen Appendix 2 . Frameworks for Management Practices ...... 45

i Burnett Mary Regional Group Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan

Executive summary

The Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement plan have been established for the freshwaters, estuaries Implementation of the Burnett-Baffle achieve these interim targets. A regional partnership (WQIP) has an overall aim to manage the reduction of and marine waters within the WQIP area that are WQIP delivery approach is advocated for implementation of pollutant loads entering waterways within the Burnett- applicable to human values and uses and ecological the Burnett-Baffle WQIP and additional work is proposed Baffle area and to guide the achievement of water values. In order to protect these EVs, a set of water The Burnett-Baffle WQIP builds on the targets and to address some of the barriers to change for the quality objectives required to protect the environmental quality guidelines have been developed (using local data actions detailed in the Burnett Mary Region NRM plan successful adoption of improved land use practices. values for these resources . where available, and existing State and National level and follows on from a range of activities successfully completed in partnership with stakeholders to Monitoring and Evaluation of the guidelines for freshwater, estuarine and marine waters, Burnett-Baffle WQIP The Burnett-Baffle Area where local monitoring was not sufficient) to establish address these targets. It focuses predominantly on voluntary actions that are able to make water quality Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) for all waterways. A reasonable assurance statement provides a degree The study area for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP contains a improvements, while influencing institutions that manage of confidence that, if the WQIP is implemented, the diverse range of riverine, estuarine, coastal and marine potentially complementary processes, (e.g. regulation, Sustainable Loads and Pollutant Load targets will be achieved and protection of the receiving habitats, including the freshwater systems of the Baffle, zoning) and associated water quality improvement Targets waters from the pollutants of concern will be provided. Kolan, Elliott and Burnett catchments and associated actions (e.g. land use planning for future growth). The adaptive management strategy outlines the logic estuaries and receiving waters adjacent to the southern Sustainable loads are long-term targets that have been Structured frameworks were proposed to assist in in which the targets relate to each other and protect GBR and the northern Great Sandy Marine Park. Land set for priority pollutants in the WQIP area and describe the reduction of pollutant loads from various land use the receiving waters from the pollutants of concern, use in the area includes grazing, dryland and irrigated the maximum pollutant loads for that system to acheive practices. The “ABCD” frameworks were developed for actions which must accompany the targets to provide cropping, eco-tourism, a small amount of mining/mineral the WQOs. The current loads of nutrients and sediment horticulture and grazing industries and the platinum/ key learnings and track implementation of the plan exploration and urban/rural residential use. from the catchments within the Burnett-Baffle WQIP gold/silver/bronze framework was developed by the and also outlines potential responses to a range of have been determined by a combination of modelling sugarcane industry for the Burnett Baffle WQIP area by Processes describing the movement of point and scenarios that may occur. The monitoring and modelling outputs from two previous studies. These studies have catchment groups and industry bodies. diffuse source pollutants through the landscape and strategy developed for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP outlines shown current loads will need a 38% reduction to meet into the waterways of the Burnett-Baffle study area monitoring and modelling needed to accompany the the sustainable loads target for sediment. A series of management action targets (MATs) have are represented in the WQIP by a series of conceptual been developed for the priority pollutants that will allow implementation by monitoring and evaluation of the models. Principally, erosion processes from rainfall Current loads for nutrients have been estimated using an incremental approach to achieving the long-term process. Reporting will outline the progress of plan run-off are exacerbated if hillslopes and riparian areas the ChloroSim model method that has previously been sustainable loads targets. MATs are underpinned by implementation and the WQIP needs to be periodically are cleared of vegetation. Additionally, nutrient rich runoff utilised in the northern Great Barrier Reef region, where management actions that detail specific actions and reviewed and updated to respond to both achievements and drainage to shallow groundwater in cropping areas an 80% reduction in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) associated implementation costs that are required to in improving water quality, and priorities and issues of affects water quality through lateral water movement loads was advocated. The assumption that an 80% the future. into the waterways. Urban areas also contribute reduction in DIN loads from the rivers in the Burnett- pollutant loads into the near coastal waters as a result of Baffle WQIP study area is also necessary to achieve stormwater run-off from increased impervious surfaces in the water quality target of 0.45 µg/L of chlorophyll-a has the urban environment and a reliance on septic systems been adopted until a better understanding of the system in some developments. for the southern Great Barrier Reef has been developed. Key Pollutants and Water Quality Short and medium-term targets are also detailed in the Objectives Burnett-Baffle WQIP for sediments and nutrient loads to aid in the achievement of the long-term sustainable Key pollutants for this WQIP are sediments, nutrients loads targets. and pesticides and are the same as the priority While it was not possible to determine current loads of pollutants in Reef Plan. Therefore, the Burnett-Baffle pesticides, the overall intent for the plan is to encourage WQIP is primarily directed to address high impacts from continual improvement in practices to ensure pesticide these pollutants on a regional scale for estuarine and concentrations in the waterways and receiving waters marine waters in alignment with the Reef Plan and its keep below guidelines. directive to protect the receiving waters of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Draft environmental values (EVs)

ii iii Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

1 Background

1 .1 Introduction

With over 80% of the Australian population living on the eastern seaboard within coastal communities it is not surprising that waterways and coastlines are an integral part of Australian culture. Increasing population numbers have driven a change in land use with an expansion of urban and agricultural areas and an associated reduction in pristine environments. Such changes have put pressure on our natural resources and resulted in a decline in water quality in coastal, estuarine and freshwaters. The Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) is an initiative supported by both national and state water quality frameworks to reduce land-based pollutants entering the waterways and coastal waters of the Burnett Mary region.

1 .2 Reef Water Quality Protection Plan

Figure 1 .1b Catchments covered by Burnett-Baffle WQIP Launched in 2003, the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan) has two main aims: • to reduce the pollutant load from diffuse sources into the water entering the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon; and • to rehabilitate and conserve areas of the Reef catchments that play a role in reducing pollutant loads.

Agricultural land uses in catchments adjacent to the GBR are a main focus of the Reef Plan and the Burnett Catchment (Figure 1.1a,b) has been identified as a “high risk” catchment in the Reef Plan. The Baffle, Kolan, Burnett and Elliott catchments are considered important for both primary production and tourism reasons.

Successful implementation of the Reef Plan requires an Figure 1 .1a Position of the Burnett Mary region within catchments of the Great Barrier Reef integrated and coordinated approach by all the relevant stakeholder groups within the Reef catchments. The Reef Water Quality Partnership, with the Australian and

1 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

2 Catchments

Queensland Governments and the regional Natural 1 4. Burnett Mary Regional Natural 2 .1 Regional Overview 2 .2 .2 Topography and Geology Resource Management (NRM) bodies of the GBR Resource Management Plan provides a strong foundation for collaborative actions to The Burnett Mary region contains a diverse range of The Dawes, Burnett, Auburn and the Great Dividing support the Reef Plan. The Burnett Mary Regional Group The Burnett Mary Regional Group is the regional NRM riverine, coastal and marine habitats, including the Ranges define the major catchment boundaries. The (BMRG), in consultation with all major stakeholders, body for the area covering the five major river basins continental shelf, estuaries, freshwater wetlands, geology of the mountain ranges is varied with extensive has been tasked with setting water quality targets of the Baffle, Kolan, Burnett, Burrum and Mary as well mangrove forests, salt marshes, samphire flats and areas of flat to undulating terrain associated with and identifying management actions for the reduction as Fraser Island and the adjacent coastal and marine dunes. Spanning a sub-tropical to temperate ‘transition’ Tertiary basalt flows in the Boyne, Barker-Barambah and of priority pollutants such as sediment, nutrients and areas including the southern end of the Great Barrier zone, the area contains representative species from both upper Nogo catchments, as well as in the Bundaberg pesticides entering the receiving waters including Reef and the Great Sandy Strait. The BMRG oversees climates, including some that are unique to the region. area (DNR, 2000). The topography and geology estuaries and inshore ecosystems of the Reef lagoon. the implementation of the region’s accredited NRM Two World Heritage Areas: the Great Barrier Reef and characteristics of the area are further described in plan: Country to Coast-a healthy sustainable future Fraser Island, and the Ramsar listed Great Sandy Strait Esslemont et al. (2006). 1 .3 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality (BMRG, 2005), which is funded by the Queensland and Improvement Plan host biodiversity values that are globally important. Australian Governments and other stakeholders. Recognised for the iconic migrants and larger marine 2 .2 .3 Regional Flora and Fauna animals such as the humpback whales and dugong, WQIPs are prepared in accordance with the Framework The Burnett-Baffle WQIP will be integrated into the The marine and terrestrial components of the WQIP the Burnett Mary region also contains five species for Marine and Estuarine Water Quality Protection regional NRM plan when it is reviewed in 2009. The area cover a large geographic range over a transition of endangered and vulnerable marine turtles. The (DEWHA 2002) and are used to guide cost-effective delivery of management actions detailed in the Burnett- zone and as a result, support a wide diversity of habitats marine ecosystems support significant commercial and and timely investments for remediation projects Baffle WQIP will require a coordinated effort from all including fauna characteristic of both temperate and recreational fisheries targeting fish and spanner, mud within catchments. The Framework is underpinned by relevant stakeholder groups and be funded by a diverse tropical areas (Bushkarma, 2004). The area straddles and blue swimmer crabs, scallops and prawns. existing government strategies such as the National range of investment sources. two terrestrial bioregions: the northern half of South East Water Quality Management Strategy (ARMCANZ 2 .2 Biophysical Characteristics Queensland and the eastern margins of the Brigalow and ANZECC, 1994) and the National Principles for 1 5. Other Relevant Plans and Policies Belt (Sattler and Williams, 1999). the Provision of Water for Ecosystems. The WQIP details the environmental values of coastal, estuarine The regional strategy for guiding growth and 2 .2 1. Climate Remnant vegetation covers 45% of the region. Clearing and freshwater systems and outlines water quality sustainability in the area is the Wide Bay-Burnett and fragmentation have resulted in substantial numbers The climate is sub-tropical with a summer dominant objectives to protect these values. The identification and Regional Plan, 2006-2026 (WBBRPAC and Qld of Regional Ecosystems with a threatened conservation rainfall. Local temperature and rainfall patterns can vary quantification of land-based priority pollutants is a key Government, 2006). The regional plan may progress status under the Vegetation Management Act, 1999. widely across the area with variations due to elevation component of the WQIP and the proposed reduction to a statutory status in the future. Targets and actions The most highly fragmented landscapes in the region and distance from the coast. Average annual rainfall of pollutants to a defined maximum load is critical in within the Burnett Mary Regional NRM plan and the are in the South Burnett. It contains only 15% remnant varies from 650 mm in the west to over 1000 mm in the meeting the water quality objectives. Burnett-Baffle WQIP will be incorporated within the Wide vegetation, most of which is contained in tracts of 1000 coastal catchments and up to a maximum of 1500 mm Bay-Burnett Regional Plan. ha or less. The Burnett-Baffle WQIP includes an implementation in the mountains dividing the Baffle and Kolan basins. plan which prioritises activities to be funded to Other key policies and planning processes relevant to The summer dominant rainfall is significantly influenced Almost half of the region’s remnant vegetation exists in achieve water quality improvements. It can be the development and implementation of the Burnett- by cyclonic weather patterns, which develop in coastal public estate lands. These contribute to an extensive described as an investment strategy that focuses on Baffle WQIP include the: tropical Queensland and have a return frequency network of bioregional vegetation corridors, which link improving or protecting water quality. In the same • Burnett Basin Water Resource Plan and associated of about 1 in 10 years (Macnish, 1996). Fronts and coastal lowland habitats with hinterland ranges and large way that stakeholders have partnered with BMRG to environmental flow objectives; depressions arising in southern and western areas bring vegetation tracts to the north and south of the region. implement the Natural Resource Management Plan, • Environmental Protection Act (1994) and associated winter and spring rains. EPP (Water); and the implementation of the WQIP will also need this partnering to enable the priority issues to be targeted in • Coastal Protection and Management Act (1995) and a coordinated manner. associated State Coastal Management Plan (EPA 2002).

2 3 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 2 .2 .4 Land Use Conservation represents 10% of the total land area in the Burnett Mary region. The total area of urban and Much of the region is at best suited for grazing with large rural residential land within the region currently exceeds parts of the grazing lands suited only to native pastures that of irrigated cropping. Rural residential land use is (Figure 2.1). Exceptions include the better quality alluvial disproportionately represented in the Baffle and Kolan landscapes (largely developed for irrigated cropping) Basins where there has been extensive subdivision of WQIP area of interest and areas of deeply weathered basaltic uplands. rural lands.

Irrigated cropping (largely sugarcane) is concentrated 2 2. .5 Hydrology in the Bundaberg irrigation area. Horticulture (predominantly irrigated) is restricted largely to the The main river basins total some 4.1 million ha riparian irrigated orchards in the Gayndah/Mundubbera and whilst the Burnett (3.7 million ha) is the largest area and to annual (vegetable) and tree crops within catchment in terms of both area and runoff, it has a the Bundaberg irrigation area. Irrigated cropping also relatively lower runoff compared with the other coastal extends along the key riparian reaches of streams such catchments, which all have a much higher rainfall. Great as the Barker Barambah and Three Moon creeks where Variability in flow is influenced by rainfall and water Sandy farming systems including cotton, grain and legumes regulation with extraction from the Burnett and the Kolan Marine dominate. Dryland cropping is largely restricted to the estimated at 24% and 28% of mean natural annual Park Barambah, Stuart and Boyne subcatchments within the flow, respectively. Maximum flows usually occur from Burnett Basin (principally in the Proston/Durong area) February to March with minimal flows between June and in the peanut, corn and pulse crop farming systems and September. At a local level, large portions of the of the Kingaroy, Kumbia and Wondai areas. stream length within the Burnett and Kolan catchments are regulated and experience more constant flows than Mining and mineral exploration occupies only a very natural while some tributaries are intermittent and only small land area in the region (16364 ha) but makes a flow after rainfall. vital contribution to the economy. The region produces significant quantities of black coal, gold, kaolin and The region’s major artesian groundwater resources limestone. Coal alone accounted for more than 80% of are in the Mulgildie Trough, running from about total production in the Wide Bay-Burnett region during Mundubbera to Cania Gorge. Sub-artesian groundwater 1999-2000 (NR&M, 2002). resources include aquifers in the Bundaberg area and alluvial aquifers in the Monto region. The groundwater Within the coastal areas of all basins, active and eco- is generally suitable for both domestic and irrigation based tourism sectors have grown substantially in the supplies (with the exception of sections of the aquifer last four decades. One of the main markets for tourism where salt water intrusion has occurred in the Three in the region is the backpacker market, which is focused Moon Creek area). The condition and impacts of land around Bundaberg and Gayndah. Backpackers provide use on groundwater in the Bundaberg area are further significant economic support to the region in addition to discussed in Chapter 3 (section 3.1) . providing a work force for local producers during their stay.

Figure 2 1. Land use of catchments in the WQIP area .

4 5 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

2 .3 Catchments and the duration of no flow periods is naturally greater in the drier western parts of the catchment than in the 2 .3 3. Kolan River 2 .3 .4 Elliott River (part of Burrum Basin) The study area for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP contains eastern areas. The estuarine area of the Burnett has The Kolan Basin covers an area of approximately The Burnett-Baffle WQIP includes the Elliott River the freshwater systems of the Baffle, Kolan, Elliott been significantly affected by the Bingera Weir and Ben 2900 km2 and the major subcatchments are the Kolan catchment and the smaller Coonarr and Theodolite/ and Burnett catchments (Figure 1.1b) and associated Anderson Barrage with the original tidal length of the River, Gin Gin Creek and Yandaran Creek. The dominant Lagoon creeks. Flows in the Elliott River have been estuaries and receiving waters. The catchments covered river reduced from an estimated 56 km to 26 km. The land uses are grazing and intensive agriculture with reduced by unregulated extraction. Low and medium by the WQIP are adjacent to the southern end of the Burnett estuary has also been modified by sand/gravel coastal townships having a tourism/recreational focus. flows have been most greatly affected. Sugarcane, GBR Marine Park and the northern end of the Great extraction, dredging and realignment of the river mouth. Sandy Marine Park (Figure 2.1). conservation and grazing are the dominant land The Kolan catchment has a stream network length of uses within the catchments. The Elliott, Coonarr and 2 3. .2 Baffle Creek 1237 km, which discharges to receiving waters of the 2 .3 .1 Burnett River Theodolite estuaries have declared Fish Habitat Areas Great Sandy Marine Park. The estuary has a declared The Baffle Basin covers an area of approximately 4000 (Kinkuna and Elliott River). 2 Fish Habitat Area (management B area) although the The Burnett Basin covers an area of 33248 km and the km2 and along with the Baffle Creek catchment, the estuary has been classified as modified (National Land major sub catchments are the Burnett River, Three Moon basin contains the coastal catchments of Littabella, 2 .3 5. Marine Ecological Assets and Water Resources Audit assessment). The Kolan Creek, Auburn River, Barker Creek, Barambah Creek Deepwater/Blackwater, Eurimbula, Worthington and River Barrage has reduced the natural length of the The receiving waters of the Burnett-Baffle area include and Stuart River. There are areas of sugarcane and Pancake creeks. The dominant land use is grazing and estuary by about half, from around 31 km to 15 km. the southern end of the GBR Marine Park and northern horticulture near the coast but the dominant land use is approximately 15% of the area is in National Parks or grazing. Approximately 5000 km2 of land is represented end of the Great Sandy Marine Park (including the area State Forests. The basin has a high overall retention rate Flows in the Kolan River are highly regulated, as part of in National Parks and State Forests. that was formerly the Woongarra Marine Park). These of native vegetation at 62% (BMRG, 2004). Wetlands the Bundaberg Irrigation Scheme, by three structures: marine parks were declared for their high biodiversity listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands include; Fred Haigh Dam, Bucca Weir and the Kolan River The Australian Lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) is listed and unique values and contain significant areas of Bustard Bay wetlands, Deepwater Creek, Granite Creek Barrage. A considerable proportion of the length of the as a vulnerable aquatic species and Elseya albagula, fringing coral reef and essential marine turtle nesting and and Colosseum Inlet. There are no major dams or weirs Kolan River is impounded by these structures. As a the White-throated or Southern Snapping Turtle, which feeding habitat. The High Ecological Value areas of the in the Baffle catchment, which has a stream network consequence of extensive river regulation and water use is able to breathe both in air and water, is regarded as estuarine and coastal areas are detailed further in EPA length of 2902 km. Seven relatively pristine estuaries in the catchment, even medium and high flow regimes vulnerable and requires flowing waters and riffles for (2008) (documents available on the BMRG website). The exist in the Baffle basin and many areas (Colosseum have been significantly reduced. habitat. Over 800 km of waterways in the Burnett Mary condition of marine assets in the Burnett-Baffle region is Inlet, Rodds Harbour, Eurimbula, Seventeen Seventy- region are estimated to be impounded within storages strongly dependent on the quality of water entering the Round Hill, Baffle Creek) are declared Fish Habitat and most of these are in the Burnett Basin. All the major area from river systems, activities that take place within Areas. streams in the Burnett Basin are naturally intermittent the marine zones and external factors such as climate change.

6 7 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

• Dugongs are found along the coast and in estuaries, while turtles nest on beaches (including Mon Repos), Within the coastal zone there are several Fish Habitat spend time in estuaries and wait off the coast for eggs to Coral Mackerel Bream Whiting Mud crab crab Fiddler Scallop Whale Turtle Manta ray Shark Barramundi Red emperor Red emperor Sea snake Seagrass Prawn Dugong Mangrove Areas and part of a Dugong Protection Area. In addition, form before laying Oyster Nudibranch several of the estuaries have been described as in near pristine condition. These receiving waters and the assets • Mackerel is a common pelagic fish in the area they contain are potentially exposed to water quality pollutants carried in runoff from the adjacent catchments. • Fish like red emperor and coral trout are caught in Some of the key estuarine and marine assets and their the reef line fishery and there is also an offshore prawn location in the area are: fishery. A scallop fishery exists in Bustard Bay

• Mangroves, oysters, fish (like barramundi, bream, • Coral reefs surround Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave whiting) and prawns occur in the estuaries of the area islands and turtles nest on the beaches

• Seagrass beds exist near the mouths of Baffle Creek • A mud crab sanctuary located in the estuary of and Elliott River Eurimbula Creek

• Hard and soft coral, sharks, nudibranchs, sea snakes, • One of the world’s few tidal creek coral reef systems in and a range of reef fish occur on the fringing reefs along Pancake Creek the rocky coasts • Extensive shallow and deep water seagrass beds provide a fish nursery and dugong habitat in Rodd’s Harbour to the north (also a Dugong Protection Area)

• Significant shorebird roosts occur at the entrance to many estuaries Bundaberg Gin Gin Miriam Vale 2 Marine assets of the Burnett-Baffle WQIP area WQIP 2 . Marine assets of the Burnett-Baffle Figure

8 9 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

3 Water Quality and Management Issues

2 .4 Socio-economic Characteristics commodities produced in the region was over $800 3 .1 Land Use and Associated predominantly used for irrigated cropping (mostly million compared to over $7 billion for Queensland. This Conceptual Models sugarcane) and intensive horticulture with expanding 2 .4 .1 Demographics indicates that the region contributes to over 11 percent urban areas on the coastal fringe. of the total value derived from agricultural commodities To understand the water quality impacts associated The key processes underpinning movement of point Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the Burnett- in Queensland. It is estimated that the fisheries industry with land use in the Burnett-Baffle WQIP area, the and diffuse source pollutants into the waterways of Baffle WQIP area are the Regional Councils of contributes approximately $67 million to the value of catchments have been defined as three distinct land the Burnett-Baffle WQIP area are represented in three Bundaberg, North Burnett, South Burnett and Cherbourg agriculture in the region (BRS, 2004). management zones (Figure 3.1). Inland catchments, Aboriginal Council and parts of Gladstone, Gympie inland alluvial and coastal plain areas have quite conceptual models developed for each of the land and Dalby Regional Councils. The estimated resident Recreational and economic values are also derived different water quality issues associated with their management zones. The models were developed by a population for 2005 was 128,385 with more than half from marine tourism, transport, recreational/commercial distinct geology, hydrology and land management usage. Scientific Advisory Panel established for the WQIP and located in the Bundaberg Regional Council (Planning fishing, aquaculture, landscape and scenic amenity. An In summary, the inland catchments are predominantly are based on data, information and knowledge including Information and Forecasting Unit, Queensland indication of this value is the expenditure attributable to utilised for grazing with some rainfed cropping. Inland monitoring and modelling. The models were developed Government, 2006). tourist activities at Fraser Island, Mon Repos and whale alluvium areas have grazing in the upland areas with to clearly illustrate the main processes occurring in the watching in Hervey Bay estimated at around $150 irrigated cropping on alluvial flats. Coastal plains are 2 .4 .2 Economy million per annum (Wilson and Tisdell, 2003).

The major employment industries in the region are retail, wholesale and trade, community services, agriculture and manufacturing. The gross value of agricultural

Figure 3 1. Location of land management zones and land uses in each land management zone

10 11 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

land management zones that lead to increased loads Soluble nutrients enter waterways from irrigated irrigated intensive agriculture and through additional associated developments. The nature of groundwater of priority pollutants entering waterways and receiving cropping in alluvial areas (Figure 3.3) if riparian saline affected bare ground areas. The highly permeable drainage off the coastal plains shows a direct upwelling waters within the Burnett-Baffle WQIP area. vegetation is not able to intercept and assimilate these soils in the coastal plains also allow drainage of nutrient of groundwater to seagrass beds in the near coastal nutrients from surface run-off. Additionally, nutrient rich rich water into the shallow groundwater table. Urban waters. Over extraction of groundwater for town water The inland conceptual model (Figure 3.2) shows erosion drainage to shallow groundwater in cropping areas areas contribute pollutant loads through stormwater and irrigation has led to saltwater intrusion in some processes from rainfall run-off are exacerbated if affects water quality through lateral water movement into runoff into the near coastal waters. Residential areas areas of the Maryborough Basin and this is currently hillslopes and riparian areas are cleared of vegetation. the waterways. Stream salinity levels tend to increase reliant on septic systems may contribute nutrient rich being managed through the Water Resource Plan. This concept is also apparent in the alluvial conceptual as seasons become dry, indicating the natural lateral drainage to local groundwater systems. Acid sulfate model (Figure 3.3) where streambank and gully erosion A conceptual model was also developed to show movement of ground water into waterways from aquifers. soil contaminants impact on the coastal ecosystems are contributors of sediment to the waterway, particularly the main processes in which priority pollutants are and groundwater system if not appropriately managed. where geology/landscapes are dominated by sodic soils Erosion of the undulating coastal plains (Figure transported to the receiving waters (Figure 3.5). Risks from disturbance of acid sulfate soils are likely (e.g. Auburn River catchment). 3.4) contributes sediment and nutrient loads to the to increase over time with increasing population and waterways where the landscape has been cleared for

Processes for sediment, nutrient and pesticide export previously detailed in the inland catchments are also applicable to the

Historical clearing of the land has caused a change in the hydrological processes within the catchment, notably increased volume and rate of runoff inland alluvium conceptual model . Salinity can be exacerbated by increased drainage to the groundwater associated with historical and increased deep drainage resulting in a rise in the groundwater table . Increased runoff into waterways can deliver large flows that exacerabete bank erosion tree clearing . Groundcover management in grazing and cropping systems is important for managing runoff and associated movement and deliver sediments, nutrients, and pesticides from different landuse practices . Grazing land use and cropping have of sediments and nutrients . Fertilising irrigated crops can lead to nutrient rich drainage to shallow groundwater and lateral flow of these decreased groundcover and resulted in gully and hillslope erosion, which is contributing to sediment and nutrient loads . The lateral movement of groundwater in the dry season through a shallow watertable also exacerbates salinity issues for water quality in the streams . pollutants back to the watercourse . There is a natural lateral movement of saline groundwater associated with the alluvium, which is exacerbated

Figure 3 .2 Conceptual model of inland catchment land management zone in times of low flow through the catchment . Figure 3 3. Conceptual model of inland alluvial land management zone

12 13 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

3 .2 Current Water Quality The Woongarra Marine Park Monitoring and Education 3 .3 Environmental Flows greatest changes to flow in the Burnett and Kolan Project are undertaking ambient monthly monitoring of systems have occurred in the middle section of the Several monitoring studies undertaken in the Burnett- two estuarine and four marine sites close to Bundaberg. The water resource planning process in Queensland rivers and downstream of the largest impoundments, Baffle WQIP area detail the current ambient freshwater These studies show TN and total suspended solids includes the provision of environmental flow objectives, while the flows from lower tributaries have lessened quality but do not identify where key pollutants are (TSS) were consistently higher than default trigger which are detailed in the Burnett Basin Water Resource the impact to end of system flows. Flows have been entering the waterways after a significant rainfall event. values at the marine sites and elevated TN also Plan (WRP) for the Burnett, Kolan and Elliott catchments reduced for all months of the year and the naturally These studies and current monitoring programs are occurred at the estuarine sites (Page and Tanner, 2005). (DNRW, 2000). A moratorium has been declared slightly intermittent rivers have become more intermittent not sufficient to clearly determine the condition of Interestingly, TSS levels did not fluctuate over the year, for the Baffle Creek Basin and DERM are currently with water resource development while flows below freshwaters in the Burnett-Baffle WQIP and can only while other parameters did show seasonal variation. developing a WRP. Environmental flow objectives are some impoundments have become more permanent conclude that water quality is variable throughout the described within WRPs for the achievement of ecological due to frequent water releases. While the change to Although attempts have been made to carry out event catchments (Grinter and Clarke, 2006). Some areas of outcomes and the protection of natural ecosystem large floods is relatively minor, the small floods have sampling for the Burnett River over the last two years, high salinity and elevated total nitrogen (TN) and total health. Technical reports from the water resource been subject to the greatest changes. Water Resource drought conditions have not provided many opportunities phosphorus (TP) have been highlighted, particularly in planning process described the impacts of development Plans will be reviewed every 10 years to ensure that for this sampling. There is limited historical event data for the Burnett River catchment (Hunter et al., 2003). and impoundments on the Burnett, Kolan and Elliott environmental flow objectives are protecting the one site on Baffle Creek and several sites on the Burnett catchments (Arthington et al., 2000). In summary, the identified ecological assets. River and associated tributaries.

Diffuse and point sources from grazing , cane , cropping and coastal development provide sediment , nutrients and pesticides via deep drainage to

groundwater and surface runoff to waterways, which are then transported to estuaries and receiving waters . Sediments are deposited and resuspended in estuaries and coastal

areas . Dissolved nutrients, pesticides and some suspended sediment and sediment-bound nutrients can be transported off shore and into the GBR lagoon and north via south easterly

winds . Estuarine and coastal assets for the area include seagrass fringing corals mangroves turtle-nesting beaches and offshore islands like Lady Elliot Island .

Groundwater and surface water connections exist including upwelling of groundwater into seagrass and provide another pathway for nutrients to reach the receiving waters . Coastal risks from diffuse and point source pollution are highlighted in the coastal plains conceptual model . Irrigated, fertilised sugarcane and cropping can lead to mainly nutrients Impoundments and regulation of flows can also reduce the transport and increase the storage of pollutants in the system . draining into the groundwater or surface runoff into waterways . Sediments and pesticides can also enter surface and groundwater systems from these intensive landuse practices . Extensive urban development on the coastal fringe has resulted in increased nutrients in some coastal areas from septic systems entering the groundwater and acidification of nearby waterways Figure 3 5. Conceptual model of the transport of pollutants to receiving waters

through the exposure of acid sulfate soils . Urban expansion on the coast has increased sediment and nutrient loads entering waterways from Waste Water Treatment Plants

and stormwater runoff . Extraction from groundwater resources has led to a lateral intrusion of highly saline groundwater from the coastal areas . Upwelling of freshwater into seagrass beds

occurs in some areas .

Figure 3 .4 Conceptual model of coastal plains land management zone

14 15 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

The impact of climate change on agricultural activities marine

will be determined by changes to precipitation, Estuary/

3 .4 Future Growth and Climate Change High impact local scale, impactlow regional scale High impact local scale, impactlow regional scale evaporation and temperature. Some potential impacts of Two strategic planning documents, the Wide Bay-Burnett climate change on beef production have been modelled Regional Plan 2007-2026 and when complete, the and the likely changes vary depending on whether Fresh Wide Bay-Burnett Water Supply Strategy will provide temperature increases are low or high and whether water Urban - existing a framework for managing growth and sustainability of High impact low local scale, impact regional impact regional scale impact regional scale Increased of levels hydrocarbons and litter rainfall increases or decreases (Cobon et al., 2005). High impact low local scale, the region until 2026 as well as assessing the impact Because of these uncertainties, it is not known whether of future growth and increased demand on water. climate change will increase or decrease productivity . Expansion of urban areas within the WQIP can impact marine Estuary/ High impact local scale, water quality through higher export rates of sediment 3 5. Prioritised Pollutants impactlow regional scale from development sites and the exposure of acid sulfate There is very little information on the pollutants Urban - soils. Once development has finished there is also a risk developing Fresh which are actually present in the receiving waters but water of pollutants entering waterways from stormwater runoff High impact local low scale, impact region scale catchment land uses, freshwater monitoring results and and an overall increased demand for water from urban other sources of information such as modelling provide settlements. an indication of the key pollutants for the receiving marine Estuary/ The modelling of the change in sediment load from a waters covered in the Burnett-Baffle WQIP. The list of change in land use from sugarcane to urban settlement key pollutants are also directed by the requirements of Inland Cropping Fresh was estimated using the predicted population growth the Reef Plan, which details sediments, nutrients and water Low impact local scale Low impact local scale and increasing proportionately the current urban and

pesticides as a priority for catchments that discharge into Land use peri-urban areas by this rate to generate a spatial the GBR lagoon. Table 3.1 illustrates the significance coverage to represent these changes. Total supply of

of major land uses in the Burnett-Baffle WQIP area and marine Estuary/ sediment to waterways was predicted to decrease by associated impacts from priority pollutants as identifed less than 1% while export to the coast was predicted to Alluvial

by the WQIP science panel. The level of significance Cropping Fresh water decrease by 1.3% (this reflects the close proximity of the is described on both a regional and local scale where High impact local scale High impact local scale urban areas to the coast). applicable and by a low or high impact rating. Impacts

from priority pollutants are attributed to freshwater and . Climate change will have a direct effect on the GBR marine

estuarine/marine systems to further define areas of Estuary/ Low impact local scale Acid sulfate soils and cane drain issues High impact local scale High impact regional scale High impact regional scale

including impacts on coral habitat due to increased as priority not considered pollutants) are (blank cells interest for management intervention. water temperatures and changes in the pH of seawater. Coastal Coastal

Additional impacts from increased pollutants from and Cane Horticulture Fresh catchments and reduced environmental flows may water Low dissolved at oxygen flow/ low ambient conditions from sugar/ dunder/ trash High impact local scale High impact local scale occur as a consequence of reduced annual rainfall and an increase in more severe weather patterns, e.g. increased cyclones. marine Estuary/ High impact local scale . Grazing Fresh water High impact regional scale High impacts regional scale Cattle impacts on banks, habitats and priority pollutants for the Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan identified by the WQIP Science Panel WQIP Science by the Plan identified QualityWater Improvement 3 . 1 Land uses and prioritythe Burnett-Baffle for pollutants Table Sediment and particulate nutrients Dissolved nutrients Pesticides Other issues

16 17 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

4 Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives

4 .1 Background to Environmental EVs are defined as “the particular values or uses of the The NWQMS and the Queensland Water Quality It should be noted that the water quality guidelines Values and Water Quality Objectives environment that are important for a healthy ecosystem Guidelines (EPA, 2006) define three levels (or established for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP have been or for public benefit, welfare, safety or health and that categories) of ecosystem condition for waterways and developed for ambient conditions and do not reflect the Water quality management in Queensland is guided require protection from the effects of pollution, waste their required level of protection or management: water quality of freshwater, estuarine and marine waters via a legislative basis by the Environmental Protection discharges and deposits” (ANZECC and ARMCANZ, during and immediately after flood events. • Level 1, high ecological/conservation value ecosystem (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP Water), which outlines a 2000). The Burnett-Baffle WQIP establishes EVs and (HEV); The following draft EVs and water quality guidelines procedure for determining environmental values (EVs) of (where it was possible) WQOs for the protection of waterways. These include the benefits of water bodies were used to guide target setting for long-term, environmental values for freshwaters, estuarine and • Level 2, slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystem for human use as well as the protection for aquatic intermediate and short-term management targets in the marine reaches of the WQIP area that are consistent (SMD); and Burnett-Baffle WQIP. This process is further discussed in ecosystems. Corresponding water quality objectives with the National Water Quality Management Strategy Chapter 5, where sustainable loads for priority pollutants (WQOs) for relevant indicators of water quality such as (NWQMS) framework (Figure 4.1). In the absence of • Level 3, highly disturbed ecosystem (HD). are established to protect the EVs in the WQIP area. turbidity, nutrients and toxicants are developed to protect local water quality data to derive guidelines for this For each of the levels of aquatic ecosystem condition, these EVs. WQIP, both National and State guidelines have been a different level of protection is applied and the 4 .2 Draft Environmental Values and used. management intent reflects this variation (Table 4.1) . High Ecological Value Areas

Draft EVs were identified for the freshwaters, estuaries and marine waters within the WQIP area. Four Table 4 1. Level of protection or management intent stakeholder workshops were held in May 2007, which for each level of aquatic ecosystem condition were divided into two sessions that identified draft EVs applicable to human uses, reviewed the proposed Community uses Draft EVs (including Aquatic Level of protection or High Ecological Value (HEV) waters and advised and values levels of protection) Ecosystem Management intent on other HEV waters and natural assets in modified Condition systems. Over one hundred invites were sent out to High ecological 1 - Protect - No change from representatives of stakeholder groups that had local Water quality value systems current water quality knowledge of the catchment waterways, estuaries and/or Slightly to 2 - Sustainably use - Maintain guidelines Draft WQOs adjacent marine/coastal waters and their associated moderately and where possible improve values and uses. Separate workshops were held with disturbed systems water quality representatives from Traditional Owner groups in Highly disturbed 3 - Repair - Improve water September 2007. Alternative Consider social, systems quality management economic & strategies environmental impacts

Final EVs & WQOs & broad Monitor and management strategies review

Figure 4 .1 National water quality management framework (source: EPA) *Note: The WQIP was substanially completed before the release of the updated EPP (Water) 2009

18 19 befor the updated policy was released . framework

(source: EPA)

Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

At the workshops, specific sections of waterways were Draft HEVs waters for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP were considered and their uses and values (both current and developed by the EPA through technical workshops and future uses where applicable) were recorded in tables the consideration of areas with minimal disturbance for further comment. All of the data were summarised (for example, National Parks and Forest Reserves), in tables to show the current values of each section of information used in aquatic conservation assessments waterway (Table 4.2; Appendix 1). Indigenous cultural (AquaBAMM), GBR Marine Park Green Zones and and spiritual values were displayed separate to non- other conservation areas. These data were presented indigenous cultural and spiritual values at the request of in tables and on maps for consideration at the Traditional Owner representatives. Information from the community consultation workshops and comments on workshops was made available for review and further the appropriateness of these areas and their boundaries comment on the BRMG website (from October 2007 were recorded. After the workshops, changes to draft until May 2009). A report summarising the results of the HEV waters were made based on workshop comments workshop has been collated. and further review. The areas containing proposed HEV are summarised in Figure 4.2 .

Table 4 .2 Summary of environmental values identified for major waterways in the WQIP area

Catchment/Waterway Aquatic ecosystems Aquatic Irrigation supply Farm watering Stock Aquaculture of Human consumption fish/shellfish Primary recreation Secondary recreation appreciation Visual Drinking water Industrial use and spiritual Cultural (non Indigenous) and spiritual Cultural (Indigenous)

FRESHWATERS Baffle basin ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Kolan catchment ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Burnett catchment ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Elliott catchment ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ESTUARIES Estuaries of the Baffle Basin ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Kolan estuary ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Burnett estuary ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Elliott estuary ü ü ü ü ü ü COASTAL/MARINE WATERS Coastal waters adjacent to Baffle ü ü ü ü ü ü Basin Coastal waters adjacent to the ü ü ü ü ü ü ü Kolan/Burnett/Elliott Basins Figure 4 2. Summary of High Ecological Values proposed for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP area (source EPA)

20 21 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group nd nd nd nd nd nd nd <10 <15 <25 <11 <20 Total Solids 5/7/11 2/4/11 (mg/L) Suspendid nd nd nd 0 . 02 Irgarol Irgarol (µg/L) nd nd nd nd nd nd >1 . 5 >0 . 4 >1 . 0 2 . 2/4/5 1/1 . 5/2 1 . 2/2/2 5 Secchi (m) 0 . 2/0 3/0 5 1 . 3/1 8/2 4

Ecological Value) ecosystems, 20th, 50th and 80th nd 0 . 001 0 . 002 ) (µg/L) 0 . 0004 b

4 .3 Draft Water Quality Objectives percentiles provide a guide to the range of values that Tributyltin . (<9 a <6 <2 <8 should occur in HEV waters while the 80th percentile nd <25 <25 4/7/9 1/3/6 0/1/2 1/3/4 (NTU) 3/6/11 2/4/10 Draft WQOs are based on the community’s choices <1/1/3 nd nd nd is used to derive the guideline for assessing slightly Turbidity <50 derived from EPA data from reference reference from data EPA from derived d 0 . 002 (µg/L) for EVs, and the existing water quality guidelines and to moderately disturbed waters (see EPA, 2009 for MEMC standards intended to protect them (ANZECC, 2000; methodology). Guidelines for herbicide, insecticide, <5 <2 <4 nd nd EPA, 2006; GBRMPA, 2008). Water quality guidelines nd <10

fungicide and antifoulant chemicals for marine, estuarine <0 . 8 1/1/2 2/4/8 1/2/4 1/1/2 0 . 2 0 . 03 a (µg/L) <1/<1/1 0 . 005 0 . 005 define desirable ranges and maximum levels for certain (µg/L) and freshwaters are the default values specified in firstly 0 . 5/0 6/0 8 Chlorophyll- parameters that should be achieved (based on scientific the interim marine water quality guidelines for the Great Endosulfan evidence and judgement) to maintain specific EVs. Barrier Reef Marine Park (draft) (GBRMPA, 2008) and nd Water quality guidelines are measurable indicators of the pH nd 0 . 06 then the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for 0 . 01 6 . 5-7 5 6 . 5-8 0 8 . 0-8 4 7 . 0-8 4 8 . 1-8 4 7 . 0-8 4 (µg/L) 0 . 00003 Diazinon 7 . 3/7 7/8 0 7 . 9/8 1/8 3 7 . 9/8 1/8 3 7 . 4/7 7/8 0 8 . 1/8 2/8 4 characteristics needed to protect the EVs of particular Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC, 2000). 7 . 7/7 9/8 1 7 . 8/8 0/8 2 waterways and may be defined for a range of physical, chemical and biological parameters. The Queensland The guidelines act as trigger values for the protection (% nd of the health of aquatic ecosystems and human uses. If nd 0 . 02 Water Quality Guidelines (EPA, 2006), with a new 0 . 01 90-110 85-110 90-105 70-105 90-105 85-105 (µg/L) Oxygen 0 . 0005 0 . 00004 Dissolved Dissolved 70/80/100 90/95/100 80/90/100 85/95/100 Saturation) version released in 2009), can be used as the default the values are exceeded the EV of that waterway may 95/100/105 95/100/105 Chlorpyrifos Chlorpyrifos guidelines for a system until locally-relevant guidelines be compromised. In this instance, further investigation would be undertaken to look at the reason for exceeding have been set. Where more than one EV applies to the nd 140 280 Indicator 52 . 6 2,4-D (µg/L) Indicator nd <30 <50 <20 <40 <14 <25 Total Total

guidelines. Very limited data were available to derive 4/6/7 (µg/L)

same receiving waters, the most stringent guideline 6/9/12 6/10/14 8/11/16 25/40/65 16/36/60 12/20/30 should be used as the WQO (ANZECC, 2000). locally relevant guidelines for freshwaters. As a Phosphorus derived from EPA data from reference site in Baffle site Ck, reference from data EPA from derived

consequence, default values have been taken from c nd 2 . 0 . 02 17 . 5 Water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines (EPA, 2006) (µg/L) <6 <3 <8 nd nd <15 <20 <10 Tebuthiuron Tebuthiuron 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/3 ecosystems for a range of indicators have been 2/2/3

and Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh 3/5/10 P (ug/L) 2/11/26 Reactive Filterable summarised for freshwaters, estuaries and marine and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC and ARMCANZ, Phosphate 11 nd waters in Tables 4.2a & b. The values are in some 2000). Further monitoring is essential to set locally and 0 . 2 3 . 2 (µg/L) cases draft interim guidelines that have been developed regionally specific water quality guidelines for these Simazine nd Total Total <200 <250 <500 <450 <150 <300 to protect aquatic ecosystem EVs. For level 1 (High freshwaters to further develop water quality objectives. (µg/L) Nitrogen 110/130/170 110/130/220 230/355/490 260/360/500 110/113/150 180/230/360 120/160/240 75 nd nd 0 . 9 (µg/L) Hexazinone Hexazinone nd nd <180 <225 <420 <400 <140 <260 (µg/L) Organic Organic Nitrogen nd nd 1 . 0 0 . 2 98/100/140 100/120/160 100/120/160 250/350/460 170/220/340 110/150/220 (µg/L) Diuron Diuron <3 <2 nd nd 13 nd 6 . 0 . 7 <15 <60 <15 <10 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/2 2/2/6 2/2/6 (µg/L) 2/4/24 nitrate/ nitrate/ N nitrite (µg/L) Atrazine Atrazine nd nd nd 0 . 2 <8 <9 nd nd <10 <20 <30 <10 2/2/5 2/2/2 2/6/9 2/3/6 (µg/L) derived from NRW data from reference site in Baffle site Ck, NRW reference from from derived data 4/8/18 3/4/10 draft GBRMPA guidelines, nd = not determined, Ecosystem level 1=High Ecological Value, 2=Slightly to moderately disturbed, disturbed, moderately to 2=Slightly Value, 1=High level Ecological Ecosystem nd = not determined, guidelines, draft GBRMPA

b b Ametryn

Inorganic Nitrogen Ammonia Ammonia N (µg/L) level

level

ay, nd = not determined, Ecosystem level 1=High Ecological Value, 2=Slightly to moderately disturbed moderately to 2=Slightly Value, 1=High level Ecological Ecosystem nd = not determined, HerveyWQOs from B ay, Ecosystem a a a b Ecosystem Ecosystem a b a c a c d a c d a e e e 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 Water type Water Water type Water Upland and lowland freshwaters all estuary and coastal waters Lowland Lowland freshwaters Upper estuary Upland freshwaters Open coastal Mid estuary Lower Lower estuary/ enclosed coastal Qld WQ Guidelines, ANZECC guidelines, guidelines, ANZECC 2a Draft Water Quality guidelines for nutrient, sediment, pH and dissolved oxygen indicators for protection of aquatic ecosystems in Marine, Estuarine in Marine, and ecosystems of aquatic protection for indicators oxygen pH and dissolved sediment, nutrient, Quality guidelines for Water 4 . 2a Draft Table area WQIP within the Burnett-Baffle Freshwaters 2b Draft Water Guidelines for a selection of pesticides for protection of aquatic ecosystems in Marine, Estuarine and Freshwaters within the Burnett-Baffle WQIP area WQIP within the Burnett-Baffle Estuarine in Marine, and Freshwaters ecosystems of aquatic a selectionprotection Guidelines for of pesticides Water 4 . 2b Draft Table a sites in Elliott R, sites 2-Methylethyl mercuric chloride mercuric MEMC= 2-Methylethyl a

22 23 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

5 Water Quality Targets

5 .1 Current Pollutant Loads and et al. (2003) and the more recent Short Term Modelling 5 .1 2. Nutrients calculations suggest 520 t/yr is derived from sugarcane Sources Project (Cogle et al., 2006: Fentie et al., 2006). Current farming with 220 t/yr from horticulture. The constraints of load estimates for land uses in the Burnett-Baffle WQIP Land uses and their distribution throughout the these calculations are also discussed in the paper. Land uses within the catchments can dictate the study area are shown in Table 5.1. catchment are an important consideration for estimating types of pollutants and the way in which they enter current loads of nutrients and the proportion of nutrients 5 .1 .3 Pesticides the waterways. Point source pollutants are generally 5 1. .1 Sediment in the dissolved and particulate form. The model outputs In this plan the term pesticide is used to describe concentrated from a known source such as wastewater for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP catchments suggest large Greater than 70% of the area of the Baffle, Kolan and herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and other chemicals treatment plants (WWTPs) or high intensity farming proportions of both phosphorus and nitrogen in the Burnett catchments have grazing as the main land use, (including anti-foulants) used to control weeds and pests. practices such as aquaculture. Diffuse source pollutants particulate form, related to the sediment yield contributed which is predicted to provide a high supply of sediment The presence of pesticide residues have been detected are more difficult to characterise but are generally from hillslope erosion. This would suggest the high to freshwater systems and receiving waters. From in both inland and estuarine waters and estuarine carried in runoff from a combination of land uses proportion of land used for grazing in the catchments modelled estimates, of the sediment loads entering the sediment samples over the period 2004-2008 (Prange within the catchments such as grazing, cropping, would also contribute high yields of nutrients as well as waterways, over 89% is derived from grazing land use. and Duke, 2004; BMRG State of the Estuaries project, horticulture and urban areas. The monitoring of point sediment loads to the waterways. Dissolved inorganic The model predicts that most sediment is exported as unpublished data). Potential sources of pesticides source pollutants and estimation of loads is relatively nutrients (typically nitrogen and to a lesser extent a consequence of hillslope erosion rather than gully or include irrigated cropping and horticulture, alluvial and straight forward in comparison to that of diffuse source phosphorus) from sugarcane and other intensive bank erosion (Fentie et al., 2006) although there is still a dryland cropping activities, urban areas, roadsides, pollutants. As a consequence, pollutant loads from cropping have also been shown to contribute nutrient great deal of uncertainty around the relative importance railway easements, refuse tips and the Bundaberg Port diffuse sources such as grazing, cropping, horticulture loads to the waterways. Calculations for nitrogen loss of the different erosion sources (the incorporation of and Marina. Current data sets are limited and a priority and stormwater runoff from urban settlements are from fertiliser application are detailed in the recent groundcover estimates and gully mapping will potentially for future target setting is to improve monitoring capacity modelled and uncertainty in the estimates can be high. Water Quality Targets for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP paper improve this). Impoundments in waterways reduce the to allow assessment of current concentrations with the Current land use and associated modelled pollutant (Brodie and Grinter, 2009). Modelled estimates suggest sediment loads to downstream receiving waters. For ANZECC and draft GBRMPA water quality guidelines. loads have been described in detail in the Water Quality approximately 740 t/yr of dissolved inorganic nitrogen example, modelling results suggest 47% of sediment Targets for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP paper (Brodie (DIN) is delivered to the receiving waters of the Burnett- contributed to waterways from the Kolan Catchment is and Grinter, 2009). The current loads of nutrients and Baffle WQIP area from coastal irrigated agriculture. Initial trapped in dams (Fentie et al., 2006) sediment have been determined by a combination of modelling outputs from two projects; the first by Brodie

Table 5 1. Modelled pollutant loads for main land uses for the WQIP area (from Brodie et al ., 2003)

Forest Grazing Sugarcane Other Crops Other Total Area (Ha) 695770 3241851 47821 80537 42790 4108769 Total Suspended Solids (kt/yr) 93 719 28 9 8 856 Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (t/yr) 123 609 43 13 20 808 Dissolved Organic Nitrogen (t/yr) 135 693 19 13 9 869 Total Phosphorus (t/yr) 251 1699 30 40 14 2034 Total Nitrogen (t/yr) 1124 6875 146 150 73 8368 Dissolved Organic Phosphorus (t/yr) 7 35 2 1 0 45 Filterable Reactive Phosphate (t/yr) 21 134 3 2 1 161 Particulate Phosphorus (t/yr) 222 1531 26 37 13 1828 Particulate Nitrogen (t/yr) 867 5573 84 124 43 6691

24 25 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

5 .2 Prioritisation and Critical Areas for receiving waters may be highest to indicate the priority Current average TSS concentration for the coastal Calculations of nitrate loads to the receiving waters Intervention areas for the adoption of soil, irrigation and fertiliser waters of the Burnett region is 2.4 mg/L (AIMS WQ data from the sugarcane and horticulture in the Burnett- management practices. January 2000-May 2008). Baffle WQIP area are estimated at 740 t/yr. Thus Modelling for sediment contribution from hotspots in the the suggested long term target becomes 150 t/yr, a 5 3. Sustainable Load Targets Given previous modelling predictions for the Burnett- catchments has shown areas that could be prioritised reduction of 80%. Short and intermediate-term targets for implementation of management actions (Fentie et Baffle WQIP area, the best estimate of current TSS The implementation of management actions outlined have also been set. al., 2006). Geomorphological factors such as soil type, load is assumed to be 1.4 million t/yr with a high level in the Burnett-Baffle WQIP will reduce pollutant runoff rainfall patterns and slope suggest these areas are more of uncertainty. To reach the TSS trigger value of 1.5 Sustainable load targets have been developed to to the GBR lagoon. Water quality or sustainable load prone to erosion issues particularly when coupled with mg/L in Burnett-Baffle coastal waters where current TSS protect environmental values based on our current targets have been developed for priority pollutants for land uses such as grazing that can reduce groundcover. concentrations are 2.4 mg/L, the TSS load needs to be understanding of priority pollutants. To achieve these the short-term (5 years), medium-term (25 years) and Hence, the hotspot areas for delivery of sediment to reduced to 875,000 t/yr, a reduction of 38%. Short and targets, a comprehensive plan has been developed to long-term (50 years). These targets will ensure WQOs the coast (using kg/Ha outputs from SedNet modelling) intermediate-term targets have been set to help achieve detail the management actions, costs and the roles and are achieved for the region and hence protection of EVs are the higher rainfall areas of the upper Burnett the long term target. responsibilities of key stakeholder groups required for (as set out in Chapter 4) from water quality impacts. A subcatchment, the eastern part of the Barker-Barambah the implementation of this plan. This is the real essence set of targets for the implementation of management In the central GBR lagoon (close to Townsville), the subcatchment and sections of the Burnett River of the Burnett-Baffle WQIP and is discussed in further actions are discussed in more detail in Chapter 6. ChloroSim model has been used to correlate chlorophyll- upstream and downstream of Paradise Dam. detail in Chapter 6. a concentrations with river dissolved inorganic nitrogen Increased TSS loads are believed to cause increased The APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator) (DIN) loads (Wooldridge et al., 2006). To achieve a turbidity in coastal waters with adverse effects on coral model has been used to estimate nitrogen loss from chlorophyll-a target of 0.5 µg/L for the waters in the GBR reefs through loss of light and sedimentation (Fabricius, different fertiliser and soil management practices in lagoon, the model requires a reduction in DIN loading in 2005; Philipp and Fabricius, 2003). For the purposes different soil types for the Burdekin region (Thorburn all the adjacent rivers (e.g. Tully, Herbert and Burdekin) of target setting in the Burnett-Baffle WQIP context, the et al., 2008; Attard et al., 2008; Stewart et al., 2006). of 80% of the current loading. The assumption that an assumption that coastal TSS is directly proportional to Soil types for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP area suggest 80% reduction in DIN from the rivers in the Burnett- river TSS loads has been adopted. Based on studies that 72% of sugarcane farming is conducted on freely Baffle WQIP area is also necessary to achieve the water correlating reef condition with sediment conditions, the draining (permeable) soils where leaching of nutrients to quality target of 0.45 µg/L of chlorophyll-a has been current best estimate trigger value for TSS is 1.5 mg/L groundwater may occur. This spatial data can be used adopted until a better understanding of the system for (De’ath and Fabricius, 2007; Honchin et al., 2008). in the future to indicate hotspots where DIN transport to the southern GBR has been developed.

26 27 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Chapter 6 Implementing the Plan

5 .4 Estimated Water Quality Benefits overestimate conditions. While it was not possible to use 6 .1 Implementing the Plan and be used to provide an estimation of water quality the groundcover estimates to rerun the SedNet model, improvement and the level of adoption of practices The grazing lands supply the majority of TSS and refinement of this information will allow management 6 .1 1. Approach required to meet water quality targets. particulate nutrients, while coastal cropping supplies actions to be prioritised in those subcatchments with low The Burnett-Baffle WQIP builds on the targets and Frameworks have been developed for horticulture, nutrients (mainly nitrogen as dissolved inorganic nitrogen cover and the highest potential for hillslope erosion. actions detailed in the Burnett Mary Region NRM plan - DIN) from fertilisers and some pesticide residues. sugarcane and grazing industries for the Burnett-Baffle (BMRG, 2005) and follows on from a range of activities Scenarios for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP area have been Management actions for sugarcane and horticulture WQIP. BSES/Canegrowers staff and cane farmers have successfully completed in partnership with stakeholders examined for inland grazing lands and coastal cropping activities to address nutrient loss via surface runoff developed a Platinum/Gold/Silver/Bronze framework to address these targets. It follows the principle of areas (divided into sugarcane and horticulture) to and deep drainage including adopting nutrient for irrigation and drainage, nutrient, soil and pesticide continuous improvement by identifying “no-regrets” address the different water quality issues. management practices as well as soil management management practices, Growcom staff have developed practices and irrigation and drainage management actions to achieve water quality improvement and ABCD frameworks for nutrient, soil and pesticide Grazing land use scenarios include improvements in practices. Calculations estimate that attainment of improve the sustainability of agricultural and urban management practices and the Burnett Catchment Care pasture cover, reductions in gully erosion and reductions long-term targets for nitrogen loads will require 50% of communities. For rural sectors, whole farm planning is Association staff in conjunction with staff from DPI&F in streambank erosion. The largest estimated reduction sugarcane growers (covering approx. 16000 Ha) and the first step to identify activities that will lead to water and Agforce have developed a five star rating framework of TSS loads results from an increase of pasture cover 50% of horticulture growers to adopt improved nutrient quality improvements with activities to be undertaken in for grazing management practices. These frameworks from 50% to 80% to address hillslope erosion (Fentie management practices (see Appendix 2 for “ABCD” the order following the logic of the treatment train. The are described in more detail in Appendix 2. et al., 2006). Groundcover for the catchments has frameworks of management practices and practices treatment train principle states that activities undertaken been estimated by remote-sensing analysis but may within the different classes). to improve water quality can be carried out in a logical order to increase efficiency. An example of the farm planning process would start with nutrient management, (e.g. efficient application of fertiliser to match plant requirements), management of nutrient run-off, (e.g. reduction of loss of applied nutrients with improved irrigation practices) and finally retaining nutrient rich run-off on site for treatment, (e.g. constructing retention ponds/riparian filter strips).

The Burnett-Baffle WQIP focuses predominantly on voluntary actions that are able to make water quality improvements, while influencing institutions that manage potentially complementary processes, (e.g. regulation, zoning) and associated water quality improvement actions, (e.g. land use planning for future growth).

Structured frameworks are proposed to assist in the reduction of pollutant loads from various land use practices. The ABCD framework was developed in the Mackay Whitsunday WQIP (Drewry et al., 2008) and was used to summarise a range of practices for soil, nutrient and pesticide management classified from “old” to “cutting edge”. It can be used to describe the current practices used by landholders within management areas,

28 29 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

6 .1 .2 Current Practices Barriers to uptake include environmental factors, such 6 .2 Targets and Priority Actions 6 .2 .2 Resource Condition Targets and as drought conditions, as well as economic factors. Low Management Action Targets The Burnett-Baffle WQIP area contains a range of profitability, increasing costs of materials, (e.g. fuel, 6 .2 1. Priority Pollutants and Associated property sizes, with a variety of land uses using an array fertilisers), reduced prices for produce, lack of funding Land Uses Management Action Targets (MATs) are interim targets of land management practices. A survey of property and competing priorities for local governments, and the that are set over 5-25yrs and allow an incremental The focus for priority actions in the Burnett-Baffle holders in the Burnett Mary region illustrates a snapshot overall time and effort required to adopt new practices approach towards aspirational Resource Condition WQIP are highlighted in Table 3 .1 (Chapter 3) . In of current practices across a number of enterprise types are some such economic factors. Targets (RCTs) that are set over a longer-term period summary, sediments are a priority from inland grazing from 428 responses to a survey conducted in 2004. The (25-50yrs). RCTs and MATs for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP areas, while nutrients and pesticides are a priority results indicated: Opportunities for the adoption of improved land are detailed in Tables 6.1-6.6 and are a reflection of the for horticulture and sugarcane farming in the coastal • 11% had completed property plans management practices include: modelled sustainable loads required to protect WQOs regions . Coastal urban areas under development • 13% belonged to a landcare group • increased collaboration between regional councils for the area. Indicative costs for acheiving MATs are have sediment as a priority pollutant, while existing • 41% had reduced chemical use in cropping • increased access to extension services (consultants or included which include estimates of both public costs urban areas need to focus on nutrients and pollutants • 41% had adopted minimum till in cropping government advisors) and private costs (including in-kind contributions). from stormwater inflows and WWTP overflows in wet • 76% of grazing properties had used spell or rotational • support for landholders to develop property weather . grazing management plans • 33% of grazing properties with waterways had fenced Table 6 1. Resource Condition and Management Action Targets and Key Actions for Sediment (and particulate • targetting of key stakeholders such as Landcare groups waterways nutrients) Principally Sourced from Grazing Areas and hobby farmers who in the past have shown an • 30% completed short course in property management 40% reduction in suspended sediment load to receiving waters by 2058 (modelled annual load increased interest in applying for government grants RCT 1 in last 5 years compared to current) and improved grazing practices, respectively. • 32% of irrigators used irrigation scheduling RCT 2 4% reduction in suspended sediment load to receiving waters by 2013 (modelled annual load (interim • 30% of irrigators used low pressure overhead or drip 6 1. .4 Regional Partnership Delivery target) compared to current) irrigation Retain an average of 65% ground cover (at the end of dry season) for grazing lands throughout the RCT 3 • 51% of irrigators had reduced chemical use BMRG has already completed and is currently Burnett catchment by 2013 (on the basis that 2008 cover is 60%) • 91% of cane growers used trash blanketing No further decrease in extent or condition of remnant riparian vegetation (from 2008) and 10% of implementing a range of successful water quality RCT 4 • 66% of cane growers use soil testing/monitoring, and improvement projects in collaboration with rural industry priority riparian areas rehabilitated for WQ benefits (filtering and bank stabilisation) by 2013 300 graziers to attend grazing management workshops and undertake property management • 47% of cane growers controlled machinery to reduce bodies, local, State and Federal governments and other MAT 1 plans by 2013 ($1,530,000) compaction stakeholders. The Burnett Mary Reef Partnership has Grazing properties covering 300,000 Ha (approx. 300 properties) adopting practices to formed to implement Reef Rescue within the region. The improve groundcover and riparian vegetation (which may include fencing to land type, 6 .1 .3 Socio-Economic Information MAT 2 members of the partnership are Burnett Mary Regional managing pasture levels to sustainable thresholds and installation of watering points) by 2013 Costing of on-ground works can easily be achieved. Group, Bundaberg Sugar Services, Isis Canegrowers, ($18,000,000) However, a major unknown in the implementation of the Maryborough Canegrowers, Growcom, Bundaberg Key actions to support targets: Burnett-Baffle WQIP is the prioritisation of management Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Agforce, Queensland • Provide incentives and extension program to accelerate adoption of 4 and 5 star grazing practices through property management planning process actions for cost effectiveness and achievement of Water Dairyfarmer’s Organisation, the Mary River Catchment • Identify key threats to the filtering capacity of catchment landscapes (riparian vegetation, farming systems) and Quality Objectives. These uncertainties will need to Coordinating Committee and the Burnett Catchment implement additional actions to address these (e.g. protection of high quality riparian vegetation, management be addressed with further modelling of management Care Association. of stock access to riparian areas, etc.) intervention scenarios with calibrated data ideally • Measure the relationship between practices in the 5 star grazing framework and groundcover and water quality obtained from proposed water quality monitoring benefits, and relationship with Grazing Land Management Program classification of land condition programs. • Benchmark current grazing management practices and monitor adoption of improved grazing practices • Address key knowledge gaps and refine prioritisation using catchment models (relative contribution of hillslope, gully and bank erosion; estimates of groundcover; location of gullies; trapping efficiency of Paradise Dam; other sources of sediment such as unsealed roads and forestry; and sediment tracing to validate models) • Monitor suspended sediment in freshwaters, plumes and receiving waters during events to support improved modelling capacity

30 31 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Table 6 .2 Resource Condition and Management Action Targets and Key Actions for Nutrients (dissolved inorganic Table 6 3. Resource Condition and Management Action Targets and Key Actions for Pesticides (Principally Sourced nitrogen or DIN) Principally Sourced from Coastal Sugarcane and Horticultural Areas from Coastal Sugarcane and Horticultural Areas)

RCT 5 80% reduction in DIN* load to receiving waters from coastal cane and horticultural areas by 2058 RCT 7 25% reduction in concentrations of pesticides of concern in waterways by 2058 (compared to current) (modelled annual load compared to current) RCT 8 5% reduction in concentrations of the residual herbicides (diuron, atrazine and hexazinone) in waterways RCT 6 8% reduction in DIN* load to receiving waters by 2013 (modelled annual load compared to current) by 2013 (compared to current) (interim target) MAT 6 75% of cane and horticulture growers using pesticides to hold a current accreditation in chemical safety and application by 2013 ($120,000) MAT 3 50% of cane and horticulture growers to undertake farm management program to identify activities for water quality benefit (such as BSES Six Easy Steps for improved MAT 7 50% of cane and horticulture growers to have completed a property management plan for pest nutrient management in sugarcane) by 2013 ($1,620,000) management by 2013 MAT 4 50% of cane growers (approx. 16,000 ha) and 50% of horticulture growers to adopt MAT 8 20% of cane and horticulture growers to adopt improved pesticide management practices to reduce risk of pesticide losses from intensive industries by 2013* ($3,160,000) improved nutrient management practices by 2013 ($14,400,000) MAT 9 25% of cane and horticulture growers to adopt improved soil, irrigation and drainage MAT 5 25% of cane and horticulture growers to adopt improved soil, irrigation and drainage management practices to reduce pesticide losses via surface runoff and deep drainage by management practices to reduce nutrient losses via surface runoff and deep drainage 2013* by 2013 ($5,400,000) Key actions to support targets: Key actions to support targets: • Provide incentives and extension program to accelerate adoption of improved cane and horticulture pesticide • Provide incentives and extension program to accelerate adoption of improved cane and horticulture nutrient management practices through a property management planning process management practices through a property management planning process • Develop planning and extension tools and approaches to support improved pesticide management (such as a • Identify degraded wetlands and riparian zones where modification and/or revegetation provide a cost- six-easy-steps equivalent for pesticides, or Safegauge equivalent for cane and horticulture) effective action to remove pollutants including nitrate, and develop actions to facilitate this • Identify degraded wetlands and riparian zones where modification and/or revegetation can provide a cost- • Measure the effectiveness of the recommended cane and horticulture nutrient management practices in effective action to remove pesticides, and develop actions to facilitate this achieving water quality benefits in surface water and groundwater at the paddock scale (Platinum/Gold/ Silver/Bronze classes for cane and ABCD classes for horticulture) • Measure the effectiveness of the recommended cane and horticulture pesticide management practices in achieving water quality benefits in surface water and groundwater at the paddock scale (Platinum/Gold/Silver/ • Benchmark current cane and horticulture nutrient management practices and monitor adoption of improved Bronze classes for cane and ABCD classes for horticulture) nutrient management practices (including soil, irrigation and drainage management) practices • Benchmark current cane and horticulture pesticide management practices and monitor adoption of improved • Address key knowledge gaps and refine prioritisation using catchment models with information such as soil pesticide management practices (including soil, irrigation and drainage management) practices characteristics (permeability), hydrology, management practices, understanding of pathways of DIN export including export from coastal creeks and groundwater systems • Address key knowledge gaps (risk and hazard assessment for pesticides (including herbicide use in grazing, understanding of surface and groundwater pathways of pesticide export including coastal creeks and • Develop a receiving waters model to better understand the impacts of DIN loads on receiving waters groundwater systems) and refine prioritisation using models (particularly chlorophyll-a) • Develop a receiving waters model to better understand the concentrations of pesticides in receiving waters • Monitor DIN in freshwaters, plumes and receiving waters during events to support improved modelling • Monitor pesticides in freshwaters, estuaries and receiving waters (plumes) during events to support improved capacity modelling capacity and develop methods to assess change in loads and reduction in impact of pesticide

* Note: DIN includes Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen as nitrate, nitrite and ammonia * Note: Horticulture growers to move from C or D class practices to A or B class practices and cane growers to move from Silver or Bronze class practices to Platinum or Gold class practices

32 33 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Table 6 .4 Resource Condition and Management Action Targets and Key Actions for Healthy Sustainable Table 6 5. Resource Condition and Management Action Targets and Key Actions for Sediment, Nutrients and Communities Pesticides from Urban Areas into Receiving Waters RCT 9 Increased profitability and sustainability of communities with the environmental awareness, knowledge RCT 11 25% reduction in loads of sediment, nutrient and pesticides from urban areas by 2058, compared and skills to achieve long-term water quality objectives by 2058 to current (2008) RCT 10 All sectors resourced and working together to implement the WQIP (including Traditional Owners/Rural RCT 12 5% reduction in sediment, nutrient and pesticides from urban areas by 2013, compared to current industries/Local Government etc.) by 2013 (interim (2008) target) MAT 10 Develop and implement an education and awareness program to improve community MAT 16 Nutrient loads from Waste Water Treatment Plants discharging to coastal waters to be awareness of WQ issues and actions to improve water quality and provide skills required in minimised through agreed best practice methods of treatment and disposal by 2013 specific sectors to implement the WQIP by 2013 ($70,000) (in consultation with EPA, Bundaberg Regional Council) (>$500,000) MAT 11 Establish mechanisms to recognise and reward community best practice e.g. expansion MAT 17 Urban stormwater management plans to be developed and implemented by all coastal of current programs (reef guardian schools, reef guardian councils) or creation of new councils by 2013 ($250,000) programs to recognise adoption of A/B class management practices (such as a reef guardian MAT 18 All new urban developments to meet existing codes and protocols (under the farms program) and other appropriate accreditation or recognition schemes e.g. gold star Integrated Planning Act e.g. Erosion sediment control plan) by 2013 ($500,000) developments by 2013 ($50,000) MAT 12 Improve the science capacity and knowledge available to the region to develop and implement MAT 19 Demonstrate Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and develop tools, etc. an integrated monitoring and modelling program to assess resource condition and the (information from Townsville WQIP adapted to local conditions) by 2013 ($200,000) effectiveness of Reef Rescue and other investments in improving water quality by 2013 Key actions to support targets: ($1,000,000) • All licensed discharges to comply with licence conditions, continue to upgrade Waste Water Treatment MAT 13 Maximise community engagement in relevant water quality and ecosystem health monitoring Plants, further increase the reuse of wastewater and implement other reduction strategies for wastewater programs to raise awareness and collect good quality data to address priority information gaps • Adopt Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles in planning and decision making and include and support implementation of the WQIP by 2013 ($500,000) stormwater in all aspects of council business, i.e. corporate plans MAT 14 Achieve subregional and cross-regional coordination to support WQIP implementation (maximize efficiencies and remove duplication) including, e.g. regional learning networks and • Increase community education and awareness of water wise practices in urban areas (and investigate cross-regional science projects by 2013 ($150,000) the use of targets for urban water use) and other urban issues such as stormwater including the use of MAT 15 Explore and establish creative solutions to generate and coordinate resourcing e.g. ecosystem programs in schools which deliver community level outcomes services payments/catchment levies by 2013 ($50,000) • Extend reef guardian councils program for stormwater management to coastal regional councils Key actions to support targets: • Finalise preferred settlement pattern, ensure impacts of developments on coastal assets are minimised • Increase the awareness and understanding of the importance of water quality protection and collective (with compact staged developments including waste water treatment facilities) and wetlands for responsibility of water quality improvement water quality benefits and the coastal ecosystems (wetlands/mangroves/estuaries) are protected by incorporating measures into local government planning schemes • Use champions and demonstration sites in promoting good practices • Investigate further opportunities for the capture, treatment, storage and reuse of stormwater • Gather social and economic knowledge essential to underpin program delivery e.g. address data gaps such as economic cost/benefit of changed farming practices, barriers to change, effectiveness of Reef Rescue incentives • Review impacts of nutrients from septics to receiving water and identify appropriate actions for priority program locations which may include incentives and education campaign for septic tank maintenance • Coordinate existing extension support (and ensure mentoring for new staff) and provide opportunities for • Develop guidelines for A and B class practices for urban stormwater and measure the effectiveness of the growers to supply feedback to researchers on runoff and growers to gain better information from researchers on management practices in achieving water quality benefits effectiveness of management practices in achieving water quality benefits • Benchmark urban sediment, nutrient and pesticide concentrations/loads, sources and practices • Good ongoing integrated water quality monitoring programs, adequately resourced with community participation • Undertake event monitoring of plumes from urban areas affecting coastal assets to determine sediment, with the results used to develop local report cards to show progress in implementing WQIP and report on the nutrient and pesticide concentrations and likely impacts condition of fresh, estuarine, coastal and marine waters • Identify where the effects of climate change will impact on the sustainability of rural properties and provide assistance for diversification of income where possible and investigate other sources of funding to enable activities to be supported through the payment of incentives

34 35 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Chapter 7 Monitoring and Evaluating the Plan

Table 6 .6 Resource Condition and Management Action Targets and Key Actions for Ecosystem Health A reasonable assurance statement has been completed 7 .2 Adaptive Management Strategy RCT 13 Maintain seagrass extent (from 2008) by 2058 for the plan that provides the degree of confidence that, RCT 14 Maintain coral extent and condition (from 2008) by 2058 if the WQIP is implemented, the targets will be achieved The Adaptive Management Strategy developed RCT 15 Maintain existing water quality of High Ecological Value waterways (no degradation from 2008 and protection of the receiving waters from the pollutants for implementation of the WQIP outlines the basic condition) by 2058 of concern will be provided. The adaptive management conceptual models (summarised in Table 7.1) and RCT 16 Improve condition of 50% of slightly to moderately disturbed waterways/riparian areas/wetlands (from strategy outlines the logic in which the targets relate uncertainty involved in steps from management action 2008 benchmark) to meet water quality objectives by 2058 to each other and protect the receiving waters to aspirational targets. The learning objectives relevant RCT 17 Maintain (or improve) condition of 5% of slightly to moderately disturbed waterways/riparian areas/ from the pollutants of concern, actions which must were described as were the performance trajectories wetlands to meet water quality objectives by 2013 and feedback loops. Several scenarios were outlined MAT 20 Complete projects to improve fish passage in 10% of priority locations to reduce the impact accompany the targets as key learnings and for tracking of barriers (implement the Burnett Mary fish biopass strategy) implementation and responses to a range of scenarios and responses proposed. MAT 21 Carry our rehabilitation of 10% of priority locations in estuaries based upon recent that may occur. The monitoring and modelling strategy 7 .3 Modelling and Monitoring Strategy prioritisation project is essential to accompany the implementation by Key actions to support targets: tracking and learning during the implementation process. The Integrated Monitoring and Modelling Strategy • Schedule environmental values and water quality objectives under the EPP (Water) to protect all identified It is essential to report on the process of implementation developed for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP (Mitchell and environmental values (human use and aquatic ecosystem) and periodically review the plan (adaptive management). Higham, 2008) outlines the monitoring and modelling • Map assets (including seagrass mapping), prioritise in terms of ecological value, water quality objectives and required to track the progress in achieving actions, environmental flow objectives including riparian component 7 .1 Reasonable Assurance changing management practices, improvements in water • Identify key threats to remnant riparian vegetation and implement actions to reduce impact on high quality The Reasonable Assurance Statement (RAS) addresses quality and associated improvements in ecosystem riparian vegetation as a priority the uncertainty associated with setting the water quality health of the receiving waters. It also provides a • Complete the Wide Bay-Burnett Water Supply Strategy and implement to ensure future water needs are met in targets, adopting the management actions proposed and framework that links the monitoring required at the an efficient and sustainable way the effectiveness of the proposed management actions farm, subcatchment, catchment and receiving waters to • Review the Burnett WRP and revise the Environmental Flow Objectives to meet ecosystem requirements; demonstrate change and to measure the effectiveness of complete the Baffle WRP identifying Environmental Flow Objectives and commence monitoring of ecological in reducing pollutant loads assets changed practices, improved water quality and reduced In summary, the RAS states: • Determine location, condition, water quality and flow requirements of environmental assets risk to ecosystem health. Key information gaps identified in the development of the plan are also included. • Prioritise actions for research & development, monitoring & evaluation 1. Water quality targets for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP • Determine impacts with integrated regional monitoring and modelling strategy to be developed (year 1) and were developed using the best available science 7 .4 Public Reporting implemented (from year 2) including sediment, nutrients and pesticides 2. Robust decision support tools are urgently required to • Contribute to the Great Barrier Reef Report Card project and collect/collate information for local report cards to Six monthly reporting is completed for state/federal report condition of fresh, estuarine, coastal and marine waters asses the effectiveness of management action targets in funding providers that will fund actions in the WQIP, and achieving the reductions in loads that are defined in the • Initiate an ongoing monitoring program to assess the extent and condition of coral and extent of seagrass public reporting on implementation of the WQIP will be water quality targets for the Burnett-Baffle WQIP • Continue monthly ambient monitoring of Reference Sites (as defined by Qld WQ Guidelines), undertake included in the BMRG annual report. To enable this to monitoring of additional Reference Sites and develop local Water Quality Objectives for inland Burnett be carried out, reporting on uptake of actions needs to 3. The Burnett-Baffle WQIP contains no-regrets actions waterways be able to be identified as relevant to the WQIP (i.e. to to achieve water quality targets • Expand monitoring of nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations in receiving waters to support the creation of a enable them to be easily distinguished from all other receiving waters model 4. The Burnett-Baffle WQIP recognises and explicitly management actions carried out by BMRG). Reductions • Monitor other pollutants not included in WQIP (e.g. heavy metals and intestinal enterococci) that can impact on outlines information gaps in setting and achieving targets in pollutant load will be estimated when revised environmental values of waterways during both ambient and event conditions catchment modelling is able to provide relevant outputs. 5. A Monitoring and Modelling Strategy (which aligns with the cross-regional monitoring and modelling activities relevant to Reef Rescue/Reef Plan) will underpin the implementation of the Burnett-Baffle WQIP

36 37 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

References

7 5. Plan Review

These targets will be incorporated into the revised NRM ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000). Australian and Grasslands Conference, Dublin, July 2005 printed in Information to be reported would include: New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water The Season Ahead. DPI newsletter, Issue 12 November plan. In this way the WQIP will be integrated and become quality. Australian and New Zealand Environment and 2004. • amount of funding available for implementation “core business” of BMRG. Reviewing and renewing the Conservation Council and Agriculture and Resource and progress on committing and spending funds targets and management actions will then be carried out Management Council of Australia and New Zealand, De’ath, G. and Fabricius, K. (2007). Water quality of Canberra. the Great Barrier Reef: Distributions, effects on reef as the NRM plan is reviewed. The targets from the NRM • activities funded such as outputs/outcomes biota and trigger values for conservation of ecosystem plan will in turn be incorporated into the Wide Bay-Burnett ARMCANZ and ANZECC (1994). National Water health. Final report to the Great Barrier Reef Marine • estimated reductions in pollutant loads Regional Plan. Total maximum pollutant loads will be Quality Management Strategy - Policies and Principles: Park Authority. Australian Institute of Marine Science, A Reference Document. Agriculture and Resource Townsville. reviewed (and updated) when advances in modelling have Information on water quality, uptake of management Management Council of Australia and New Zealand been made. and Australian and New Zealand Environment and DEWHA 2002. Framework for Marine and Estuarine actions, and ecological assets will be provided to the Conservation Council, Canberra. Water Quality Protection: A Reference Document. Annual Reef Report Card which is being developed Review of the water quality objectives needs adequate Department of Water, Hertiage and the Arts, Canberra. ARMCANZ and ANZECC (1996). National Principles for through the Reef Water Quality Partnership and to be monitoring of reference sites for freshwaters of the Kolan, http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/ the Provision of Water for Ecosystems. Agriculture and quality/pubs/water-quality-framework.pdf funded under Reef Rescue. Burnett and Elliott catchments. Methods for deriving Resource Management Council of Australia and New WQOs for ephemeral or intermittent waterways are Zealand and Australian and New Zealand Environment DNR (2000). Burnett Basin WAMP- Current Additional information to be provided to Reef Plan needed for this process to be completed. Environmental and Conservation Council, Canberra. environmental conditions and impacts of existing water reports/audits as required. Reporting systems need to resource development. Volume 1. Department of Natural flow objectives for estuaries will be reviewed at the end Arthington, A.H., Brizga, S.O., Bunn, S.E. and Resources, Queensland allow for the easy reporting of outcomes which relate to of the 10 year life of the Burnett Water Resource Plan Loneragan, N.R. (2000). Estuarine and marine Reef Plan and for these to easily be identified for specific (WRP). The Baffle WRP, when finalised, will also have a ecosystems. Burnett Basin WAMP, current DNRW (2000). Water Resources (Burnett Basin) Plan. catchments. environmental conditions and impacts of existing Water Act 2000. Department of Natural Resources and life of ten years. water resource development. Department of Natural Water, Queensland. Resources, Queensland. Drewry, J., Higham, W. and Mitchell, C. (2008). Water Table 7 .1 Conceptual models outlining links between targets (from the Burnett-Baffle WQIP Adaptive Attard, S.J., Thorburn, P.J., Biggs, J., Kemei, J. Quality Improvement Plan: Final report for Mackay and Anderson, T. (2008). Farming Practices to Management Strategy Whitsunday region. Mackay Whitsunday Natural meet the water quality challenge in the Burdekin Resource Management Group, Queensland. region. Proceedings Australian Society Sugar Cane Resource Technologists. 30: 353-354. EPA (2002). The State Coastal Management Plan Management Management Action Condition Target Aspirational Targets – Queensland’s Coastal Policy. Environmental Protection Actions Targets (MATs) (RCT) BMRG (2004). Baffle Catchment “near pristine” Agency, Queensland. - Catchment Fact Sheet. Burnett Mary Regional Group, Nutrients Actions such Growers to complete Reduce (annual Chlorophyll-a Increased Queensland. EPA (2006). Queensland water quality guidelines. (particularly as awareness, Farm Management estimated) DIN concentrations ecosystem Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland. Dissolved education, Systems, attend loads at end of in receiving health and BMRG (2005). Country to Coast - a healthy sustainable extension, workshops, adopt nutrient catchment by waters to meet resilience of future. Regional Integrated Natural Resrouce Fabricius, K.E. (2005). Effects of terrestrial runoff on the Inorganic incentives as and irrigation/drainage 80% in 50 years water quality receiving waters Management Plan. Burnett Mary Regional Group, ecology of corals and coral reefs: Review and synthesis. Nitrogen) outlined in WQIP management practices guidelines Queensland. Marine Pollution Bulletin 50: 125-146. Sediment Actions such Graziers to complete Reduce (annual Suspended Increased BMRG (2008). State of the Estuarine Environment Fentie, B., Esslemont, G., Sherman, B.S., Searle, R., as awareness, Property Management modelled) sediment ecosystem reports. Burnett Mary Regional Group, Queensland. Read, A., Chen, Y., Brodie, J., Wilson, P. and Sallaway, education, Planning, attend sediment loads at concentrations health and M. (2006). Sediment and nutrient modelling in the extension, workshops, adopt end of catchment in receiving resilience of Brodie, J., McKergow, L.A., Prosser, I.P., Furnas, Burnett Mary NRM region. Volume 6. In: The use of incentives as management practices to by 38% in 50 waters to meet receiving waters M., Hughes, A.O. and Hunter, H. (2003). Sources of SedNet and ANNEX models to guide GBR catchment outlined in WQIP prevent erosion years water quality Sediment and Nutrient Exports to the Great Barrier Reef sediment and nutrient target setting Ed A.L. Cogle, guidelines World Heritage Area. Australian Centre for Tropical C. Carroll and B.S. Sherman. Department of Natural Pesticides Actions such Growers that apply Reduce pesticide Pesticide Increased Freshwater Research. Resources, Mines and Water, Queensland. as awareness, pesticides to complete concentrations by concentrations ecosystem BRS. (2004). Agricultural Commodities in the Burnett- GBRMPA (2008). Water Quality Guideline for the Great education, Farm Management 25% in 50 years in receiving health and Mary Region. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Australian Barrier Reef Marine Park. Great Barrier Reef Marine extension, Systems, attend course, waters to meet resilience of Government, Canberra. Park Authority, Townsville. incentives as adopt pesticide and water quality receiving waters outlined in WQIP irrigation/drainage guidelines Cobon, D., Bell, K., McKeon, G., Clewett, J. and Crimp, Grinter, S. and Clarke, R. (2006). Ambient surface management practices S. (2005). Potential climate change impacts on beef water quality in Queensland – summary report 2002-05. production systems in Australia. Paper for International Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water, Queensland. 38 39 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Appendix 1 . Environmental Values

Hunter, H., Witting, N., Clarke, R. and Raymond, M. Stewart L.K., Charlesworth, P.B., Bristow, K.L. and Table A1 1. Environmental Values identified for waterways within the WQIP area (2003). Water quality in sugar cane catchments in Thorburn, P.J. (2006). Estimating deep drainage and Queensland Report No. 3. Department of Natural nitrate leaching from the root zone under sugarcane Resources & Mines, Queensland. using APSIM-SWIM. Agricultural Water Management 81:315-334. Macnish, S. E. (1996). An overview of the land resources of the Port Curtis-Wide Bay Region. Department of Stockwell, B., Taylor, D., Wylie, R., House, S., Primary Industries, Queensland. Elphinstone, G., Schulke, W., Paton, C., Skerman, A., Waters, W., Hocking, P., Campbell, T. and Bagshaw, J. Mitchell, C. and Higham, W. (2008). Development of (2004). Sustainable primary production in the Burnett an integrated monitoring and modelling strategy for the Mary region. Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Burnett Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan. Reef Resource Management. Catchments Mackay Whitsunday Inc, Mackay. Thorburn, P.J., Attard, S.J., Biggs, J.S. and Kemei, J. NR&M (2002). Economic significance of mining (2008). Farming practices to improve water quality in the and mineral processing to the Wide Bay-Burnett Burdekin region. Submitted to 14th Australian Agronomy region. Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Conference, Adelaide, September 2008. Aquatic ecosystems Irrigation Farm supply Stock watering Aquaculture Human consumption Primary recreation Secondary recreation appreciation Visual Drinking water Industrial use Cultural and spiritual values (non-Indigenous) Cultural and spiritual values (Indigenous) Queensland. FRESHWATERS Baffle basin WBBRPAC and Qld Government (2007). Wide Bay Littabella Ck            Page, C. and Tanner, L. (2005). Draft report - Coastal Burnett Regional Plan 2007-2026. Wide Bay Burnett           and estuarine ambient water quality adjacent to the Regional Planning Advisory Committee, Queensland. Deepwater Ck and tributaries Burnett River catchment 2000-2004. Woongarra Marine Baffle Ck            Park Monitoring and Education Project and Central Wilson, C. and Tisdell, C. (2003). Conservation and Rodds Bay / Worthington Ck      Queensland University. economic benefits of wildlife-based marine tourism: sea turtles and whales as case studies. Human Dimensions Eurimbula Ck      Philipp, E. and Fabricius, K. (2003). Photophysiological of Wildlife 8:49-58. Kolan catchment stress in scleractinian corals in response to short-term Gin Gin Ck            sedimentation. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology Wooldridge, S., Brodie, J. and Furnas, M. (2006). and Ecology 287: 57-78. Exposure of inner-shelf reefs to nutrient enriched runoff Kolan R above Fred Haigh Dam           entering the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon: Post-European Takilberan Ck    Planning Information and Forecasting Unit (2006). Local changes and the design of water quality targets. Marine Fred Haigh Dam storage            Government Area Statistics. Queensland Government, Pollution Bulletin 52: 1467-1479. Queensland. Kolan R between Fred Haigh Dam and Bucca Weir         Bucca Weir pool          Prange, J. and Duke, N. (2004). Marine and Estuarine          Water Quality and Wetland Habitats of the Burnett Kolan Barrage Weir Pool  Mary region. Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Freshwater tributaries downstream of Kolan Barrage       Resource Management. Sandy Ck    Sattler, P. S. and Williams, R. D.(1999). The Yandaran Ck (to Rosedale Rd)      conservation status of Queensland’s bioregional Burnett catchment ecosystems. Environmental Protection Agency, Cadarga Ck          Queensland. Auburn R           Auburn R tributaries   St John Ck       Titi Ck    Nogo R above Wuruma Dam      Wuruma Dam storage         Nogo R from Wuruma Dam to Burnett R        Three Moon Ck above Cania Dam storage       Cania Dam storage      

40 41 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Table A1 .1 Environmental Values identified for waterways within the WQIP area (continued) Table A1 1. Environmental Values identified for waterways within the WQIP area (continued) Aquatic ecosystems Irrigation Farm supply Stock watering Aquaculture Human consumption Primary recreation Secondary recreation appreciation Visual Drinking water Industrial use Cultural and spiritual values (non-Indigenous) Cultural and spiritual values (Indigenous) Aquatic ecosystems Irrigation Farm supply Stock watering Aquaculture Human consumption Primary recreation Secondary recreation appreciation Visual Drinking water Industrial use Cultural and spiritual values (non-Indigenous) Cultural and spiritual values (Indigenous)             Three Moon Ck from Cania Dam to Burnett R Barambah Ck to Francis Weir pool          Three Moon Ck tributaries below Cania Dam   Bunyip Hole     Upper Barambah Ck weir pools         Fern Pool (or Rock Pool) at Hurdle Gully    Barambah Ck weirs to Burnett R & Barker Ck BP Dam to             Small weirs on Three Moon Ck            Barambah Ck Monal Ck above Mungungo Weir     Ban Ban Springs     Mungungo Weir pool   ?     Barambah Ck weir pools below Bjelke Petersen Dam           Monal Ck from Mungungo Weir to Three Moon Ck     Murgon Weir pool    Splinters Ck      Cherbourg waterhole      Eastern Ck     Ficks Crossing waterhole       Burnett R above John Goleby Weir         Boonara Ck           Boyne R above Boondooma Dam storage   ?        John Goleby Weir pool     Stuart R above Gordonbrook Dam storage          Burnett R from John Goleby Weir to Kirar Weir      Kingaroy Ck   Kirar (Eidsvold) Weir pool      Gordonbrook Dam storage        Burnett R from Kirar Weir to Jones Weir           Stuart R from Gordonbrook Dam to Proston Weir          A Ck and Lochaber Ck   Proston Weir pool   Jones Weir pool            Stuart R from Proston Weir to Boondooma Dam           Burnett R from Jones Weir to Claude Wharton Weir            Boondooma Dam storage including pipeline to Tarong           Aranbanga Ck    Boyne R from Boondooma Dam to Burnett R          Claude Wharton Weir pool         ?    Barker Ck above Nanango Weir pool          Reid Ck           All waterways within Bunya Mountains   Burnett R from Claude Wharton Weir to Paradise Dam              Nanango Weir pool      Oaky Ck              Meandu Ck above Meandu Ck Dam   Paradise Dam storage            Tarong Meandu Ck Dam   Sunday Ck   Meandu Ck downstream of dam        ? Mingo Ck       Barker Ck from Nanango Weir to Bjelke Petersen Dam          Burnett R from Paradise Dam to Ned Churchward (Walla) Weir            Bjelke Petersen Dam storage        Rocky Ck  

42 43 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Appendix 2 . Frameworks for management practices

Table A1 .1 Environmental Values identified for waterways within the WQIP area (continued) Sugarcane Soil, Nutrient, Pesticide and Grazing Land Management Practice Irrigation and Drainage Management Framework Practice Frameworks The Burnett Catchment Care Association in Soil management practices for sugarcane are partnership with the Department of Primary Industries summarised in Table A2 .1 . As sugarcane soil and Fisheries have developed a framework for management progresses from Bronze to Platinum classifying grazing management practices (a summary class, there is increasing precision in management of is provided in Table A2 5). . cultivation and traffic to minimise compaction, runoff The framework includes the principles of: and erosion • Match stocking rate to carrying capacity • Fencing land types Nutrient management practices are summarised in • Reducing/limiting grazing at key times of the year Table A2 2. . Soil specific nutrient recommendations are • Strategically using fire to manage species

Aquatic ecosystems Irrigation Farm supply Stock watering Aquaculture Human consumption Primary recreation Secondary recreation appreciation Visual Drinking water Industrial use Cultural and spiritual values (non-Indigenous) Cultural and spiritual values (Indigenous) encouraged under the BSES Limited “Six Easy Steps” composition and feed quality Ned Churchward (Walla) Weir pool           program and application rates derived using this • Mitigating negative impact of weeds • Sown pastures to improve land condition and Perry R and Placer Dam        program fit under Gold and Platinum class practices . enhance productivity Burnett R from Ned Churchward Weir to Ben Anderson Nutrient management progresses from Bronze            • Manage tree/grass balance Barrage pool to Platinum class with an increasing precision in             Ben Anderson Barrage weir pool (including Bingera) management of nutrient inputs to utilise soil reserves The first three principles are priority management   Tributaries of Ben Anderson Barrage weir pool while ensuring adequate supply of nutrients to the practices focusing on reducing sediment through           Splitters Ck plant . reducing hillslope erosion while the other principles      Bundaberg Ck including Baldwin Swamp are secondary (or supporting) principles . Coastal cks between Kolan and Elliott Rivers     Pesticide management practices for sugarcane are Elliott catchment summarised in Table A2 .3 . The term pesticide is Horticulture Soil, Nutrient, Pesticide Elliott R           used in this section as it is a general classification and Irrigation and Drainage ESTUARIES including herbicides, fungicides and insecticides . As Management Practice ABCD Littabella Ck estuary        sugarcane pesticide management progresses from Frameworks Rodds Bay / Worthington Ck estuary        Bronze to Platinum class, there is increasing precision Soil, nutrient and pesticide management practices Baffle Ck estuary        in management of pesticide inputs and reduced frameworks are detailed in Tables A2 .6-A2 .8 and Deepwater Ck estuary      likelihood of losses with surface runoff or spray drift . were developed for horticulture by Growcom staff . Eurimbula Ck estuary       Irrigation and drainage management practices In addition, an irrigation and drainage management Kolan estuary        for sugarcane are summarised in Table A2 .4 . The practice framework was created and is detailed in Burnett estuary        classification framework for irrigation management Table A2 9. .        Elliott estuary is not based on the method employed, but on how COASTAL/MARINE WATERS each method is managed to limit deep drainage and Coastal waters adjacent to Baffle basin       tail-water runoff . Coastal waters adjacent to the Kolan/Burnett/Elliott rivers       

44 45 Bronze Cane Nutrient Management Silver Cane Nutrient Management

Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Table A2 .1 . Soil Management Practices for Sugarcane Classified in the Platinum/Gold/Silver/Bronze Table A2 2. Nutrient Management Practices for Sugarcane Classified in the Platinum/Gold/Silver/ Framework . Bronze Framework . Bronze Cane Soil Management Silver Cane Soil Management Bronze Cane Nutrient Management Silver Cane Nutrient Management Description: Description: Description: Description: 1. Cultivated bare fallow or plough out/replant 1. Min-till bare fallow 1. One rate for whole farm 1. Some soil testing 2. Fully cultivated plant cane 2. Soil ameliorants applied 2. Application rates based on historic application rates 2. More than one rate for the whole farm 3. Fully cultivated ratoon cane 3. Cultivated conventional plant cane 3. Application rates take no account of soil type 4. Sloping fields protected from soil erosion by appropriate 4. Application rate checked by relating the quantity applied to structures the area fertilised. 5. Strategic tillage, burnt or green cane trash blanket Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this ratoons level): (to be determined) level): (to be determined) Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: level): (to be determined) level): (to be determined) 1. No written or electronic records 1. Conduct soil tests Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: 2. Develop basic nutrient management program. 1. No written or electronic records kept 1. Limited basic record keeping 3. Keep basic records Machinery/Practice costs: Machinery/Practice costs: Machinery/Practice costs: Machinery/Practice costs: 1. Standard equipment 1. Standard equipment 1. Surface or sub-surface fertiliser applicator 1. Subsurface fertiliser applicator with coulters for application Gold Cane Soil Management Platinum Cane Soil Management through burnt or green cane trash blankets 2. If surface applied, must be irrigated into the soil with Description: Description: overhead irrigation, avoiding runoff 1. Controlled traffic with row width matching the width of 1. Controlled traffic with row width matching the width of 3. Soil tests harvesting and cultivation machinery harvesting and cultivation equipment with GPS guidance 2. Minimal or zonal tillage plant cane with rotational crops of planting and harvesting operations Gold Cane Nutrient Management Platinum Cane Nutrient Management managed for green manure or grown through to harvest 2-5. Same as Gold Description: Description: 3. Strategic tillage, burnt or green cane trash blanket ratoons 6. Guidance system for haulouts to maintain wheels on the 1. Soil test fallow blocks at appropriate intervals determined 1. Soil test specific soil types within fallow blocks and some managed to increase the number of ratoon crops traffic zone by previous soil test. Soil tests should be carried out by an ratoon blocks each year with sites GIS referenced. 4. Drains and waterways managed with filter strips in place 7. Deep soil tests to monitor sub-soil acidity and apply ASPAC accredited lab 2. Some plant tissue testing or running into a tail-water dam appropriate soil ameliorants when necessary 2. Soil specific nutrient rates 3. Variable rate between soil types to suit 5. Soil ameliorants applied based on a soil test 8. Companion planting of legumes to reduce soil erosion 3. Application rates based on approaches such as Six Easy recommendations 6. Harvester modifications to accommodate wide rows potential Steps taking soil type, mill by-products and fallow history 4. Application rates based on soil-specific nutrient (includes harvester front and elevator extensions) 9. Other novel practices that improve soil condition and into account recommendations as determined through processes reduce sediment movement from the farm 4. Timing nutrient applications with respect to crop stage, such as the BSES “Six easy Steps” taking mill by- Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this Resource condition indicators (all indicators at this level): irrigation and rainfall products and fallow history into account level): (to be determined) (to be determined) 5. Fertiliser applicator calibrated for each change in fertiliser 5. Timing nutrient applications with respect to crop stage, rate and each change of product irrigation and rainfall Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: 6. Other novel practices that improve soil condition and 1. Identify soil types and productivity for each block using 1. Identify soil types and productivity zones for each block reduce nutrient movement from the farm existing farm maps using GIS maps 2. Develop Soil and Water Management Plan to suit farm 2. Develop Soil-Specific Management Plan using block soil Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this Resource condition indicators (all indicators at this level): 3. Keep records of all operations and yield data level): (to be determined) (to be determined) 4. Adjust soil management for next year if required 3. Electronic record keeping system Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: 4. Review and adjust management practices each year 1. Identify soil types for each block 1. Identify crop yield and soil type for each block using GIS 2. Develop nutrient management program using yield, soil soil mapping Machinery/Practice costs: Machinery/Practice costs: mapping and soil test results 2. Develop a Nutrient Management Plan using yield, soil 1. Standardised wheel spacing on equipment for bed 1 & 2. Same as Gold 3. Change fertiliser rates between soil types and crop classes mapping and specialist interpretation forming, row establishment and harvesting 3. Harvester and haulouts modified to match row width where appropriate 3. Apply variable fertiliser rates to suit soil type and yield 2. Other machinery (owned or contracted) may include zonal (includes harvester front, elevator extensions, guidance system 4. Obtain a copy of the booklet “Soil-specific Nutrient potential tillage or minimum tillage planting equipment, bed forming for haulouts) Management Guidelines for Sugarcane production in the 4. 4 – 5. Same as Gold equipment, legume seed planter Bundaberg District” 5. Electronic record keeping system 3. Harvester modifications to accommodate wide rows 5. Conduct soil tests (and leaf analysis if required) 6. Same as Gold. (includes harvester front and elevator extensions) 6. Keep records (including timing, rates, product and yield) 4. Soil tests for application of ameliorants 7. Adjust nutrient rates for next year if required Machinery/Practice costs: Machinery/Practice costs: 1. Fertiliser applicator or liquid based system with precision 1. Fertiliser applicator or liquid based system with precision metering devices capable of adjustment to accurately apply metering devices capable of adjustment to accurately the rate of nutrient recommended apply the rate of nutrient recommended. Applied using 2. Nutrient management course attendance GPS guidance 3. Soil and leaf tests 2 & 3. Same as Gold

46 47 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Table A2 .3 Pesticide Management Practices for Sugarcane Classified in the Platinum/Gold/Silver/ Table A2 4. Irrigation and Drainage Management Practices for Sugarcane Classified in the Platinum/ Bronze Framework . Gold/Silver/Bronze Framework . Bronze Cane Pesticide Management Silver Cane Pesticide Management Bronze Cane Irrigation & Drainage Silver Cane Irrigation & Drainage Description: Description: Management Management 1. One pesticide strategy for the whole farm based on historic 1. More than one herbicide strategy for the whole farm application rates or rules of thumb 2. Uses residual and knockdown products at rates appropriate Description: Description: 2. Often uses maximum label rate irrespective of pest pressure to weed pressure according to the label 1. One irrigation strategy for the whole farm based on historic 1. Use knowledge on how much water the crop uses, soils are application rates or rules of thumb capable of holding and what is applied through irrigation/rainfall Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this level): Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this 2. Irrigations often exceed the water holding capacity of the soil 2. Change inflow rates with furrow irrigation for different soil (to be determined) level): (to be determined) 3. Tail-water is regularly seen in road table drains and conditions Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: watercourses 3. For furrow irrigation, monitor arrival of water at bottom of 1. Limited written or electronic records 1. Develop basic Herbicide Management Plan blocks and cut-off water to reduce runoff 2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) kept for all products 2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) kept for all products 4. Have appropriate number of rows between tow paths to water 3. 3. Keep basic records evenly (winch and boom only) 5. With drip irrigation irrigate small amounts frequently Machinery/Practice costs: Machinery/Practice costs: 6. Have infield drains or adequate fall in the row direction to 1. Standard spray rig 1. Same as Bronze prevent in-field ponding 2. SuSCon applicator on planter Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this level): Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this level): Gold Cane Pesticide Management Platinum Cane Pesticide Management (to be determined) (to be determined) Description: Description: Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: 1. New application technology for improved placement and timing 1-3. Same as Gold 1. No written or electronic records of irrigation 1. Read meters regularly and plan program to use remaining to improve application efficiency and extend the window of 4. Flexible herbicide and insecticide strategies based on allocation in the current water year opportunity monitoring within blocks. 2. Keep rainfall and block irrigation records 2. Knockdown pesticides replace residual pesticides where practical 5-6. Same as Gold 3. Use short term weather forecasts for irrigation planning (strategic use of residual pesticides in fallow and plant cane as 7. Regular change of product between pesticide groups to avoid part of IPM to lower overall crop cycle pesticide application and development of resistance. Machinery/Practice costs: Machinery/Practice costs: help avoid resistance to knockdown pesticides) 8. Other novel practices that reduce pesticide movement from 1. Standard equipment to suit irrigation method employed 1. Same as Bronze 3. Incorporation of herbicides to improve timing of applications with the farm 2. Regularly service and maintain equipment (including checking respect to crop stage, irrigation and rainfall for nozzle wear) 4. Flexible herbicide and insecticide strategies between blocks Gold Cane Irrigation & Drainage Platinum Cane Irrigation & Drainage 5. Lockable storage with bunding and emergency wash down Management Management facilities Description: Description: 6. Dispose of used containers in drum muster 1. Introduce practices such as altering furrow shape, shorter 1-5. Same as Gold Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this level): to Resource condition indicators (all indicators at this level): runs or irrigate every second row to reduce deep drainage 6. Use electronic control systems to adjust travelling speed of be determined) (to be determined) 2. Tail-water recycle or bank ends of furrows to reduce surface overhead irrigators within blocks to adjust application rates to Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: runoff suit within block variability 1. Identify – weed types/pressure for each block 1. Identify weed types/pressure and cane grub presence or 3. For overhead irrigation, select nozzle type/size or travelling 7. Use surge irrigation to improve distribution uniformity with 2. Develop Weed Management Plan using pest pressure, soil absence within each block speed to reduce runoff; account for wind speed and soil type furrow irrigation where appropriate types, crop stage which focuses on good weed control in fallow 2. Develop a Grubplan for the farm based on autumn and maintain pressure 8. Where overhead irrigation systems are used these should be and plant cane stages, and includes strategic residual herbicide monitoring 4. Regularly test groundwater for its quality for irrigation low pressure such as centre pivot or lateral move use 3-7. Same as Gold 5. Drainage and irrigation management systems in place to 9. Use effluent water where available for irrigation to lessen 3. Attend herbicide training including spray nozzle technology and 8. Have an IPM program in place for management of insecticide reduce risk of rising water tables and salinity nutrient loads on waterways by applying to sugarcane calibration procedures applications for soybean 6. Meter all water use for monitoring purposes (conforms with 10. Capture the first flush of runoff in tailwater storages or artificial 4. Monitor pest pressure 9. Have an Integrated Weed Management Plan that national metering compliance standards) wetlands when appropriate 5. Keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and first aid encompasses the whole farming system 7. Use scheduling tools to optimise irrigation management 11. Other novel practices that reduce tailwater runoff and entry of procedures 8. Drip irrigation system installed by qualified designer irrigation water into the groundwater 6. Keep records (including weather conditions, time of application, Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this level): Resource condition indicators (all indicators at this level): (to be product and rate applied for each application) (to be determined) determined) 7. Adjust pest control strategy for next year if required Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: Machinery/Practice costs: Machinery/Practice costs: 1. Use long term forecasts for irrigation planning 1-3. Same as Gold 1. More accurate nozzles (matched to job), multiple tank setups and 1. More accurate, low drift nozzles (matched to job), multiple 2. Have a Land and Water Management Plan 4. Use computer-based packages to measure and improve high clearance tractors with manual rate control. Use of spray tank setups and high clearance tractors with remote/ 3. Plan and monitor water use for the coming irrigation year distribution uniformity such as SIRmod shields where applicable automatic rate control and GPS guidance. Use of spray 5. Use the WaterSense or other irrigation planning packages 2. Coulter injection equipment for imidacloprid shields 6. Dam Easy used to optimise stormwater runoff storage design 3. Herbicide management course attendance resulting in a Weed 2-3. Same as Gold Machinery/Practice costs: Machinery/Practice costs: Management Plan 4. Use of GPS guidance for more accurate spray application 1. Measuring equipment (tensiometers, enviroscans, etc.) 1-3 same as Gold. 4. Equipment to soil incorporate herbicides 2. Laser levelling between crop cycles to improve furrow irrigation 4. Equipment to measure distribution uniformity for overhead 5. Weather handheld stations efficiency and drainage when required systems (centre pivot and travelling boom) 3. Systems to manage rising water-tables such as drainage and 5. Surge irrigation valves tree-planting on gully lines 6. Replacement of high pressure winch systems with low pressure units (centre pivot & travelling boom types) 7. Scheduling equipment such as WaterSense 48 49 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Table A2 .5 Summary of Grazing Management Practices Classified in the ABCD Framework (source: Table A2 6. Soil Management Practices for Horticulture Classified in the ABCD Framework . Burnett Catchment Care Association) D Class Horticulture Soil Management C Class Horticulture Soil Management Principle Practice Description Evidence Description Description 1. Match stocking rate to Documented records showing Well developed, documented 1. Cultivated bare fallow 1. Minimal till bare fallow carrying capacity calculations over time based on property plan, PMPs, aussie Grass, 2. Cultivated annual crop or cultivated establishment phase for 2. Same as D Class objective/accurate assessments of GRASP, RCS chart plantation and tree crops 3. Inter-rows bare for plantation and tree crops land condition, land type and property 3. Inter-rows cultivated for plantation and tree crops 4. 4. Cultivated lands and permanent spray tracks infrastructure 4. No managed control of traffic over fields Ojective measure of carrying capacity Some paddock records over time calculations based on historical data, Resource condition indicators: (to be determined) Resource condition indicators: (to be determined) subjective assessment of resource Planning and record keeping Planning and record keeping condition 1. Records kept in head 1. Keep basic records Machinery Machinery Carrying capacity based on historical Diary/note book, district averages 1. Aggressive tillage equipment/multiple passes/wrong timing 1. Same as D Class management and/or anecdotal advice None B Class Horticulture Soil Management A Class Horticulture Soil Management Carrying capacity based on historical Description: Description: management and/or anecdotal 1. Developing controlled traffic systems 1. Controlled traffic permanent beds with GPS guidance for advice 2. Strategic or minimal till fallow, establishment and cropping establishment, cropping and harvesting operations 2. Eveness of grazing Fencing land types. Watering points Land types fenced and water points 3. Inter-rows maintained with ground cover 2. Minimal / No tillage practiced strategically placed no more than 2km apart 4. Headlands, drains and waterways managed to minimise 3. Cover crop grown in fallow period managed as in 1 erosion 4. Headlands, drains and waterways managed as runoff Minimal fencing with water points Some paddocks fenced and water 5. Planted area protected from erosion by the use of mulch water filter strips poorly placed points 2-3 km apart 6. Correct timing of tillage (re: appropriate soil conditions) 5. Organic or biodegradable mulches 6. Dust management on access roads Some paddocks fenced to land type Minimal fencing and water points 7. Cover crop in fallow period and watering points strategically 3-4 km apart 8. All runoff water passing through sediment traps placed No paddocks fenced and water No fencing to landtype points >4 km apart Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this level): Resource condition indicators (all indicators at this level): (to be determined) (to be determined) Planning and record keeping: 3. Reducing or limiting grazing Well documented, objective assessed Grazing management plan and Planning and record keeping: 1. Effective record keeping using industry-recognised at key times of the year grazing management plan supported pasture monitoring records 1. Keep records (including timing of operations) systems by documented pasture monitoring 2. Identify (aware of) soil types and productivity zones for each 2. Identify soil types and productivity zones for each block paddock using GPS Subjectively assessed grazing Note book with pasture monitoring 3. Developing Soil Management Plan using soil mapping/testing 3. Develop GPS based Soil Management Plan using soil management plan supported by 4. Adjust soil management for next year if required mapping and remote sensing documented pasture monitoring 4. Same as B Class Machinery: Machinery: ad hoc grazing management but may Anecdotal, some records in diary/ 1. Crop establishment for annual and plantation crops: Bed 1. Same as Class B, but including GPS guidance have some pasture spelling notebook Former, Strategic Till Equipment, Mulcher, Minimum Till Seed/ 2. All on unified wheel spacings Seedling Planter Very limited management of grazing No record keeping 2. Machinery moving toward a unified wheel spacings with no pasture spelling

50 51 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Table A2 .7: Nutrient Management Practices for Horticulture Classified in the ABCD Framework . Table A2 8. Pesticide Management Practices for Horticulture Classified in the ABCD Framework .

D Class Horticulture Nutrient C Class Horticulture Nutrient D Class Horticulture Pesticide Management C Class Horticulture Pesticide Management Management Management Description Description Description Description 1. Same rate for all crops 1. Different rates for each crop 1. One crop protection strategy for each crop based on historic 1. Multiple crop protection strategies for each crop 2. Application rates based on historic application rates or rules 2. Application rates based on industry recommendations application rates or rules of thumb 2. Often uses systemic, broad spectrum and preventative of thumb or cost of fertiliser and soil testing 2. No use of label, use of systemic, broad spectrum and products at rates appropriate to control needed 3. Application method: surface 3. Application method: mixture of surface and banding preventative products, irrespective of the control needed 3. Application timing based on evidence of pest and disease 4. No calibration 4. Limited calibration 3. Chemical containers kept outdoors pressure Resource condition indicators: (to be determined) Resource condition indicators: (to be determined) 4. No calibration of spray equipment 4. Chemical containers kept in a shelter Planning and record keeping Planning and record keeping 5. Poorly maintained spray rig 1. Record kept in head – not documented 1. Keep basic records Resource condition indicators: (to be determined) Resource condition indicators: (to be determined) 2. Conduct soil tests Planning and record keeping Planning and record keeping Machinery Machinery 1. Record kept in head 1. Keep basic records 1. Surface spread fertiliser applicator 1. Fertiliser applicators include sub-surface and surface Machinery Machinery systems 1. Standard spray equipment 1. Same as D 2. Very basic machinery maintenance and calibration B Class Horticulture Nutrient A Class Horticulture Nutrient 3. Basic chemical shed Management Management B Class Horticulture Pesticide Management A Class Horticulture Pesticide Description: Description: Management 1. Variable rate from paddock to paddock (variety to variety) 1. Variable rate within individual blocks based on Description: Description: 2. Application rates based on soil and leaf test and/or in-house (appropriately manage in field variability) 1. Modern application technology for improved placement and 1. Use of computerised equipment to target crop canopy trials 2. Same as Class B & develop a nutrient budget timing to improve application efficiency, accuracy and to 2.-4. Same as Class B 3. Application method: incorporated in the soil (incl. washing 3. Application method: incorporated into the soil, extend the window of opportunity 5. Variable pesticide strategies within blocks in) fertigation and foliar 2. Pesticides that are selective to target species replace 6.-7. Same as Class B 4. Regular calibration 4. Regular calibration and monitoring residual/broad spectrum pesticides where practical (strategic 8. Effective capture and treatment of shed waste 5. Split applications i.e. basal (pre-plant), fertigation and foliar 5. Using constant feed/open hydroponics fertigation residual pesticides use only) system 3. Timing pesticide applications with respect to crop stage, pest Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this Resource condition indicators (all indicators at this level): pressure, irrigation and rainfall level): (to be determined) (to be determined) 4. Pest scouting governs pest control program Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: 5. Variable pesticide strategies between paddocks 1. Keep records (including timing, rates, product and yield) 1. Effective record keeping using industry-recognised 6. An IPM program has been developed and implemented where 2. Conducts regular soil tests and leaf analysis systems possible 7. Chemicals stored in a locked, bunded & ventilated building 3. Aware of soil types/productivity zones for each paddock 2. Same as Class B Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this Resource condition indicators (all indicators at this level): 4. Developing Nutrient Management Plan using yield, soil 3. Identify soil types/productivity zones within each level):(to be determined) (to be determined) mapping and leaf analysis paddock using GPS referencing yield and soil 5. Change fertiliser rates between paddocks if test/trial results mapping Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: dictate 4. Develop GPS based Nutrient Management Plan using 1. Keep records (including wind speed/direction, time of spraying, 1. Effective record keeping using industry-recognised 6. Attend nutrient management training yield, soil mapping, analytical services and specialist products and block rate) systems 7. Adjust nutrient rates for next year if test/trial/yield results interpretation 2. On a farm map identify: soil type, productivity zones, pest 2. Identify – pest types/pressure, soil types and productivity dictate 5. Apply variable fertiliser rates within paddocks if soil/ “hot spots” for each block, chemical storage/mixing areas, zones within each paddock using GPS yield and soil productivity results indicate water courses/dams/wetlands, pump sites, wind breaks and mapping 6-7. Same as Class B neighbouring sensitive areas incl. houses, schools etc. 3. Develop a Pesticide Management Plan using remote 3. Developing Pesticide Management Plan using pest pressure, sensing, pest pressure, soil types, crop stage, Machinery: Machinery: soil types, crop stage, surrounding crops and yield mapping surrounding crops and yield mapping 1. Variable rate application of granular sub-surface or liquid 1. Same as Class B, with use of GPS guidance 4. Change pesticide strategy for different blocks if necessary 4. Apply variable pesticide strategies within paddocks surface with manually controlled rate and/or variable rate 2. Minimal use of cultivation for fertiliser incorporation. 5. Attend pesticide management course 5.-8. Same as Class B fertigation equipment Use of fertigation and foliar application equipment only 6. Document pest monitoring & identify pests 2. Use of implement to incorporate fertiliser evenly on beds, 3. Automated application practices 7. Keeps Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s) and first aid and fertigation and/or foliar application 4. Tracking fertiliser through profile procedures. 8. Attend chemical course and adhere to recommended procedures and protocols (re: disposal of unused product) Machinery: Machinery: 1. Hooded sprayers, more accurate nozzles (matched to 1. Same as Class B, and specific nozzles, volume, pressure job), multiple tank setups with machinery appropriate to job and droplet size matched to specific chemical and required variable rate screen 2. Regular calibration, and manual control of applicator 2. Computerised application: GPS and/or sensor controlled, 3. Regular maintenance and/or control droplet, height control and section control 4. Appropriate herbicide application (to replace tillage) for annual 3. Electronic weather station crops: 4. Use of low volume applicators

52 53 Burnett-Baffle Water Quality Improvement Plan Burnett Mary Regional Group

Table A2 .9 Irrigation and Drainage Management Practices for Horticulture Classified in the ABCD framework . D Class Horticulture Irrigation and C Class Horticulture Irrigation and Drainage Management Drainage Management Description Description 1. Same irrigation strategy per soil type and crop 1. A different irrigation strategy per crop and soil type 2. Irrigation scheduling based on gut feeling 2. Scheduling based on subjective tools 3. Crop water requirement not planned for 3. Marginal capacity to deliver crop water requirement 4. Application uniformity (DU) unknown 4. Irrigation application uniformity (DU) below industry 5. Irrigation application rates not suited to soil type benchmark (<80%DU) 6. No planned drainage resulting in large amounts of erosion, 5. Same as D class water logging for extended periods 6. Temporary farm scale drainage to avoid water logging for extended periods 7. Deep drains with concentrated flows leaving the farm Resource condition indicators: (to be determined) Resource condition indicators: (to be determined) Planning and record keeping Planning and record keeping 1. No documented record keeping 1. Same as D class 2. Evidence of subjective irrigation monitoring/forecasting tools Machinery Machinery 1. Basic pumps not necessarily matched to irrigation system 1. Pumps designed to suit the application 2. Inefficient reticulation systems 2. Efficient reticulation system 3. Subjective irrigation forecasting tools 4. Basic filtration system B Class Horticulture Irrigation and A Class Horticulture Irrigation and Drainage Management Drainage Management Description: Description: 1. Irrigation applied based on moisture monitoring 1. Scheduling with soil moisture monitoring equipment in equipment or crop scheduling conjunction with local weather information 2. Application rate suited to crop, soil type 2. Same as Class B with automated irrigation systems 3. Irrigation area/scheduling based on water availability utilised 4. Irrigation system performing at industry benchmark (80- 3. Water balance conducted for all cropping on a yearly 85% DU) basis 5. Irrigation water tested for EC and nutrients 4. Distribution uniformity consistently above industry 6. Use mulch/ground cover to minimize evaporation where benchmarks (typically >90%) possible 5. Based on annual water quality testing management 7. Effective maintenance of irrigation infrastructure practices are adapted 8. Laser levelling where suitable 6-9. Same as Class B 9. Contours/spoon drains or grassed/vegetated in-field 10. Same as Class B plus sediment traps in place where drains possible 10. V drains/cross drains/mounds in all access tracks where 11. Water from packing/washing sheds reused on farm necessary/suitable where practical 11. Water from packing sheds managed as per local council 12. Fertigation available as part of irrigation system regulations before disposal 13. Land and Water Managment Plan (LWMP) completed as a 12. LWMP completed inline with legislative requirements business planning process Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this Resource condition indicators (all indicators at this level): level): (to be determined) (to be determined) Planning and record keeping: Planning and record keeping: 1. Record of irrigation applications, incl. crop stage 1. Crop water use benchmarked on a crop by crop basis 2. Rainfall records kept 2. Documented retrievable record keeping systems in 3. Pre-season planning of what crops and crop areas place based on farm history and availability of water 3. Water quality of waters leaving farm is recorded and 4. Water test results kept documented 5. Water licences and seasonal allocations filed Machinery: Machinery: 1-2. Same as C Class 1. Use of soil moisture monitoring equipment, weather 3. Use of soil moisture monitoring equipment stations 4. Filtration system does not flush back into water source 2. Use of controllers and automation 5. Irrigation system operating at designed pressure 3-5. Same as B Class

54