A decade of progress through the Queensland Government’s Paddock to Reef program

Words Abbey Ernst and Robyn May | Photo Robyn May

2019 marks a decade of successful operation for the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program (Paddock to Reef program). 

It is through the Paddock to Reef program that Cape York NRM has effectively continued its work with landholders in the Normanby catchment of the Great Barrier Reef.  

Paddock to Reef Regional Coordinator Abbey Ernst said, “This project has engaged and maintained connections with seven landholders in the Lakeland Downs region—a hub for intensive horticulture, cropping, bananas and small scale avocado plantations”. 

“This project allows Cape York NRM and land managers to work together to improve land management practices, strengthening knowledge and capacity to reduce the quantity of nutrients, pesticides and sediment leaving the paddock.” 

“This in turn improves the health and resilience of the connected Normanby catchment and marine ecosystems,” she said.  

Project achievements for Cape York are made available to the public through the Healthy Country Newsletter, Cape York NRM website, and at annual regional events such as the Laura Grazing Forum.  

Paddock to Reef staff attend this event providing an opportunity for people to raise regional issues that influence water quality, providing data to enable the continued improvement and success of the project for another decade to come.  

The Paddock to Reef program measures and reports on the Cape York region’s progress towards the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan (Reef WQIP) targets through the Reef Report Cards. To understand more, follow this link—Great Barrier Reef Report Card. 

This project is funded by the Queensland Government's Natural Resources Investment Program.