Local MP Stephen Bennett has welcomed government plans to work with the sugar cane industry to boost agricultural productivity and help protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Mr Bennett said a Best Management Practice (BMP) agreement was signed with industry representatives on Monday (November 19).
“The agreement underpins the Government’s plan to harness industry know-how with government-funded scientific research and education to protect the reef and build a sustainable and profitable agricultural industry,” Mr Bennett said.
“Taking a best management practice approach by working with cane growers, rather than forcing them to fill in mounds of paperwork, has the potential to be more effective than regulation in protecting the Reef.”
“The cane industry BMP will address soil health and plant nutrition, pests, disease, weed management and integrated water system management in reef catchments.”
?“The Government’s support will help growers shift from regulation to an industry-led system underpinned by profitability and strong land stewardship.
“The Newman Government will support agricultural production while ensuring the reef remains one of the best managed marine protected areas in the world.”