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North Queensland Grazing Systems project–Research to Reality

The fenced banks of the Bowen River, Colinsville

The Queensland Burdekin Catchment Research to Reality (R2R) project supports three producer teams from across the catchment. The Belyando, Northern Speargrass and Collinsville teams consist of 17 businesses managing 648 223 hectares of rangelands and approximately 160 000 cattle. The project is principally funded by the Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM (non-government site) , DPI&F, and the Beef CRC for Genetic Technologies (non-government site) – Beef Profit Partnerships Programme.

The aim of the project is to accelerate the rate of adoption of sustainable technologies and to help graziers enhance the profitability and sustainability of their enterprises so they can remain viable well into the future.

To do this, R2R staff work with teams of graziers to expand heir knowledge and skills through practical learning and research activities. The aim is to empower graziers to develop, test and implement new technologies and practice change on their own properties. By building capacity in this way, R2R supports graziers to achieve business success while also improving or maintaining land condition and water quality.

R2R provides a unique opportunity for Burdekin graziers to take the lead in developing solutions to key local issues. Project activities include land condition analysis, business analysis, options analysis, engaging specialists, study tours, and conducting trials on property test sites. The wider grazing industry can also learn from this project through participation in team field days, the DPI&F website, and fact sheets developed from team projects.

The R2R project was designed to achieve outcomes for the Pilot Reef Extension Programme within the Burdekin rangelands. That is:

to increase the adoption of ecologically sustainable land management practices leading to reduced sediment, nutrient and pesticide exports
to work in collaboration with regional NRM and peak industry bodies
to develop and implement education and extension programmes to improve land and water management practices
to increase landholder awareness of the value of wetlands and riparian habitat in maintaining water quality and ecological health.

Last reviewed 03 March 2008

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