Workshop Series Helps Strengthen Paddock to Reef Program

Natural resource management officers from across North Queensland recently gathered in Townsville and Ayr to take part in workshops focused on improving the effectiveness of environmental monitoring programs.

Hosted as part of the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring Modelling and Reporting Program, the sessions brought together field officers and delivery partners to ensure they remain up to date with the latest tools and processes used to track the impact of land management practices on the Great Barrier Reef.

The program relies on data collected in the field to help inform modelling that guides future environmental initiatives while also monitoring the effectiveness of current projects.

Representatives from Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation led the workshops, which were delivered across the state to support extension officers, project managers and delivery partners involved in reef protection work.

Adam Northey, Principal Agribusiness Development Officer for the Paddock to Reef program with the Department of Primary Industries, said the workshops were designed to strengthen knowledge and connections within the sector.

"It's also to refresh personal connections and keep communication channels open," he said.

NQ Dry Tropics field officers attended the grazing-focused workshop in Townsville and a similar session in Ayr centred on the sugar industry.

Information collected through the Paddock to Reef Program helps guide environmental management strategies and shape future projects while supporting progress toward the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan targets.

In addition to Townsville and Ayr, workshops were also delivered in Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton as part of the statewide initiative.

1. DPI Project Officer Paul Humphreys and Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Principal Scientist Mel Shaw at the sugar P2R workshop in Ayr. Photo source: NQ Dry Tropics
2. Tiffany Hut, Marian Davis, Rob Millaa and Jasmine Girgenti at the sugar P2R workshop in Ayr. Photo source: NQ Dry Tropics
3. Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Propject Manager Meg Bickle with Farmacist's Augustin Agote at the sugar P2R workshop. Photo source: NQ Dry Tropics
4. DPI officers Kathryn Fisher and Joe Connor and NQ Dry Tropics Grazing Field Officer Hugh Morton at the grazing P2R workshop. Photo source: NQ Dry Tropics

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