According to environmental group WWF-Australia a plan by the Queensland state government and canegrowers is a missed opportunity to fully tackle pollution flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.
WWF said the deal does not go far enough in reducing nitrogen run-off.
A group of cane growers at Mackay signed up to the initiative known as Smartcane Best Management Practice (BMP).
Farmer Michael Deguara says the deal means using chemicals more effectively.
“What you will do is use chemicals at the right time and the right quantity,” he said.
The sugar industry is worth up to $1 billion to the Queensland economy.
The conservative Liberal National Party (LNP) state government has committed $3.5 million to the program.
Agriculture Minister John McVeigh says he expects the scheme will hit its mark.
“Best management programs like this have an excellent track record in the grazing industry and grains industry and the cotton industry,” he said.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell says the deal ensures growers will use fertilisers more efficiently and thus save money in the process.
“This is about improving productivity and profitability on the farm and that includes keeping the sediment on farms, that includes keeping the nutrient and pesticides on the farm,” he said.
“Practices back in the ’70s where they’d spend countless hours tilling the soil only to wash off their paddock and into their neighbours and eventually into the watercourses around areas like Mackay did have a detrimental impact on the reef.”
WWF spokesperson Rob Cairns said the BMP plan does not yet encourage the practices needed to protect the Reef.
“Excess fertiliser pollution is the number one water pollution risk to the Reef,” Mr Cairns said.
“Unfortunately the recent Strategic Assessment painted a picture of our Reef in decline, with scientists estimating a 50.7 per cent loss in coral cover since 1985.
“Yet today’s plan actually encourages farmers to fertilise in anticipation of “best ever” yields, potentially using up to 40% more fertilizer than is necessary.
“Our farmers have pioneered the viability of applying fertiliser targeting more realistic yields of each block, which in turn saves money and significantly reduces fertiliser run-off to the Reef.
“Elements of the Sugar BMP are encouraging, recognising the need for continuous improvement from greater investment in research to validate practices which protect the Reef, deliver profit to growers and support viable rural communities.”
Mr Cairns said the sugar industry needed to be supported to go further to protect the Reef.
“WWF is calling on the Queensland Government to stump up the necessary $50 million to improve BMPs in the Reef catchment,” Mr Cairns said.
“Past efforts have been good, but much more needs to be done if we’re to prove to UNESCO that we’re serious about saving the Reef.
“Real leadership, massive new investment in solutions and an absolute commitment to prioritise the recovery of the Reef are required.”
