This project aims to establish a greater understanding regarding the potential costs and benefits of Overhead Low Pressure (OHLP) irrigation systems and other environmentally efficient managmenet practicessuch as green cane trash blanketing (GCTB), fallow legumes and best practice nutrient management and irrigation scheduling in the Lower Burdekin/Haughton area. 

Improved irrigation management is fundamental in the transition toward improved farming systems in the Burdekin. There is currently little local information demonstrating that irrigation systems other than furrow will deliver the production levels in a time efficient and cost effective manner. This project will gather greater understanding regarding the potential costs and benefits of overheard low pressure (OHLP) irrigation systems and other environmentally efficient management practices, such as green cane trash blanketing (GCTB), fallow legumes and best practice nutrient management and irrigation scheduling in the lower Burdekin area.

MAFIA, or the Mulgrave Area Farm Integrated Action group, are committed to working together to address productivity and sustainability issues and were recognised for their approach in being prepared to try something different to achieve results.

SRDC Executive Director Russell Muchow said the award was designed to reward and recognise the work of industry members in implementing innovation which has benefits to the productivity and sustainability of sugar producing regions.

“In addition to being at the forefront of the local industry in accepting best management practices and developing and adopting new farming practices, the MAFIA group have also proved themselves to be leaders in recognising the important environmental stewardship role they play.

“The group has taken on-board practices such was water quality monitoring, fertiliser form and placement trials and trailing alternative irrigation practices.

“These practices have favourable environmental outcomes and reinforce local industry’s focus on ensuring productivity concerns are balanced with environmental outcomes,” Dr Muchow said.

Previously, SRDC has provided funding for the group to purchase a solar powered, automatic water quality sampling trailer to capture and analyse irrigation runoff.

The group were trained in the use of the trailer and it has been a great help for the growers to understand how management practices can influence nutrient loss from their farms. The trailer is being used by other groups in the Burdekin and the Mackay regions are planning to have a similar unit built for their use.

“Considering the Mulgrave area was one of the poorest performing areas in the Burdekin when it was first developed for agriculture, these are significant achievements and highlight the capacity of the MAFIA to meet challenges of the industry as they arise,” he said.

The group received an award and $10,000 to help continue their good work.