Burdekin Landholders Leading The Way In Reef Water Quality Projects

The Queensland Government is investing $3 million in the next phase of the Burdekin Major Integrated Project (MIP), continuing efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef by improving water quality across the region. The project, known as Landholders Driving Change, works closely with graziers, other land managers, and the local community to reduce sediment run-off and develop a better understanding of land management practices that support both agriculture and reef health.

The Burdekin MIP builds on earlier successes from 2017–2021, when place-based initiatives engaged 93 per cent of large grazing properties across more than 1 million hectares in the Bowen-Broken-Bogie catchment. These projects remediated 24 gullies covering 1,600 hectares, prevented around 10,600 tonnes of sediment annually from entering waterways, and supported 78 grazing land management projects. Community engagement was also central, with 150 education, training, and knowledge-sharing events and a robust water quality monitoring program.

A three-year Gully Maintenance and Monitoring program, funded with $500,000, has provided valuable insights into effective gully remediation techniques, ensuring future projects are guided by evidence and experience.

The Burdekin MIP highlights the importance of local involvement in environmental management, showing how landholders can play a leading role in protecting reef water quality while maintaining productive and sustainable grazing operations.

For landholders or community members interested in participating or learning more about the project, contact the Office of the Great Barrier Reef at OfficeoftheGBR@des.qld.gov.au.

‍

The irrigation innovation making waves for farmers and the Great Barrier Reef. Photo source: GBR Foundation

‍