Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project Accelerating Change for the Reef

TURNING LOCAL KNOWLEDGE INTO REEF ACTION

Overview

The Wet Tropics Major Integrated Project (MIP) is an innovative and ambitious project that is trialling a whole new approach reef water quality projects to accelerate progress towards the Reef 2050 targets.

Background

The MIP is focusing on two water quality hot spots. Funded by the Queensland Government and designed by the community, it is farmer-centric, with landholders driving the solutions for their landscapes. A suite of initiatives are customised to individual needs.

Solutions

Placed-based strategy strategy – customised to individuals farms and local landscapes
Trial of treatment systems including denitrification bioreactors, in-drain and landscape wetlands, high-efficiency sediment basins and riparian buffer zones
Bridging the gap between farmers and reef water quality science with local-scale water quality monitoring
Farm services to support farmers in exploring new solutions to improve water quality

Locations

Johnstone and Tully catchments on the Cassowary Coast, south of Cairns

Partners

Terrain is leading a consortium of 40+ partners. The project is coordinated by Terrain in partnership with Canegrowers, Australian Banana Growers’ Council, Local Government, community groups, traditional owners, consultants, investors and researchers.

DIGGING IN PODCAST

Join Fiona George as she digs deep to uncover incredible stories from the Tully agriculture industry. From humble beginnings by the Banyan to a multi-million-dollar industry and lifeblood of local communities – explore the history, challenges and opportunities from the comfort of your tractor, car or however you tune into podcasts.

Digging In

Join Fiona George as she digs deep to uncover incredible stories from the Tully agriculture industry. From humble beginnings by the Banyan to a multi-million-dollar industry and lifeblood of local communities. Explore the history, challenges and opportunities and how the MIP is bringing farmers, industry, science and community together.

Ray Zamora is a leader in regenerative agriculture in the Tully district. His “outside the square” thinking and approach to farming has shaped the way he grows sugar cane.

Fiona was lucky enough to sit beside the cool flowing waters of Murray Falls to record this episode. “Murray Falls are the source of the Murray River and we farm on the Murray River flood plains. You can almost feel the energy in the water here,” Ray said.

Hear about Ray’s zero till planting regime, why he focuses on soil health and what drives him to try new things and “push the boundaries” of traditional farming.