Prioritisation and decision support

Reef catchments are diverse, with different communities, land uses and environments. Each catchment faces unique challenges and pressures, which can make it difficult for landholders, industries and investors to decide where and how to take action to improve water quality.

To address this, actions must be prioritised and tailored to the specific needs of each catchment and sub-catchment. A suite of prioritisation and decision support tools and frameworks, used in conjunction with regional plans and strategies, provides a robust framework for identifying priority areas, guiding investment, and designing effective projects. Details on how we plan to achieve our water quality targets can be found in the Implementation framework, found in Appendix B of the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy.

How the frameworks and tools work

These tools are designed to help stakeholders navigate the complexities of managing water quality by offering a clear, evidence-based approach to decision-making. For example:

In addition to the Strategy, there are regional and industry specific strategies and plans to address the unique challenges and expectations of location specific or industries. These complementary plans and strategies work with decision support tools to ensure that management actions are both effective and locally relevant.

By developing and sharing new tools based on the latest science and data, the Reef community can make informed decisions, prioritise actions and implement projects that deliver measurable improvements in water quality.

Available frameworks and tools

Spatial Management Prioritisation Framework

Enables decisions to be made on management actions for land-based runoff by using a systems approach of considering landscape characteristics, landscape drivers, pollutants, exposure and conditions within each of the 35 basins. It details the level of management response that is required by considering types of management available, cost effectiveness, adoption potential and supporting actions.

Catchment water quality targets

In addition to Reef-wide targets, water quality targets have been set for the 35 basins to ensure there is an understanding of unique pressures these catchments face and the recommended type of management action needed.

Catchment profiles

The catchment profiles provide information about each of the 35 catchment areas including size and rainfall, land use, the priorities for water quality improvement and sources of pollutants.

Review of Land Management Targets (PDF, 4.2MB)

Enhances program design and delivery by considering a wide range of factors that influence practice adoption.

Urban investment prioritisation framework (PDF, 1.7MB)

Identifies priority urban catchments and guides management actions by considering urban specific pressures like population growth, development and stormwater.

Walking the landscape

Provides a whole of landscape understanding by integrated ecology, science and expert input data to equip land managers with the tools and knowledge needed to implement targets and effecting strategies for improving water quality.

Healthy Country plans

Developed in collaboration with Traditional Owners, Healthy country plans ensure cultural values, traditional knowledge, and local priorities are integrated into water quality management. These plans provide a framework for aligning water quality actions with the aspirations of Traditional Owners for caring for Country. For further information, connect with the Traditional Owners of the area for further guidance.

Regional water quality strategies

Tailored to address specific challenges and priorities within each region. For further information, connect with the Natural Resource Management (NRM) body for the relevant region, which oversees the development and implementation of these strategies.