Understanding the economics of grazing management practices and systems for improving water quality run-off from grazing lands in the Burdekin and Fitzroy Catchments

Abstract

The declining health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is predominantly attributed to run-off from agricultural land use in the catchments adjacent to the reef. The Scientific Consensus Statement 2013 conducted an assessment of the relative risk of current land management practices and identified grazing in the Burdekin and Fitzroy catchments as the highest priority for sediment reduction to be achieved through soil erosion management. The grazing industry in the Burdekin and Fitzroy catchments is the largest agricultural industry located in the catchments of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon, however, historical business performance in the industry is poor. Therefore, there is a need for improved practices which improve the profitability as well as provide water quality outcomes.