Burnett Mary Regional Reef Water Quality Strategy

A Dynamic Framework for Regional Water Quality

The Burnett Mary Regional Reef Water Quality Strategy presents a dynamic regional approach to protecting one of Australia's most precious natural assets, the Great Barrier Reef.

Funded through the Australian Government's Reef Trust - Burnett Mary Regional Landscape Repair Project, this strategy is designed to continuously track and respond to new evidence as it emerges, to provide a platform for reducing fine sediment and pollutant loads across our region's key river basins, while building long-term resilience in landscapes, communities, and economies.

Strategy at a Glance

At its core, this strategy powers the identification, assessment, and implementation of targeted on-ground actions over seven years and beyond. It prioritises fine sediment reduction to meet Reef 2050 targets, while addressing nutrients, pesticides, invasive species, and climate challenges in the Baffle Creek, Kolan, Burnett, Burrum, and Mary River basins.

Directly aligned with the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan, it integrates cutting-edge science, Traditional Owner knowledge, and stakeholder collaboration to achieve measurable outcomes, including preventing 18,000 tonnes of annual fine sediment delivery to the Reef by 2030.

Key Components

This strategy equips stakeholders with actionable intelligence, including:

  • Regional Analysis: Detailed examination of erosion risks, biodiversity threats, invasive species impacts, and climate vulnerabilities specific to the Burnett Mary region.

  • Policy Integration: Alignment with allied frameworks including the Australia and New Zealand Water Quality Guidelines, Queensland's Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap, and BMRG's NRM and Climate Resilience Plan.

  • Prioritisation Frameworks: Site selection processes for streambank stabilisation, gully remediation, grazing land management, and wetland restoration, complete with basin-specific targets, project pipelines, and data tables for sediment, nutrient, and pesticide reductions.

  • Engagement and Capacity Building: Strategies for partnering with landholders, Traditional Owners, agencies, and communities through co-design, training programs, and communication initiatives that respect cultural values and foster reciprocal responsibility.

  • Monitoring and Adaptation: A comprehensive MERI framework, risk management tools, and environmental accounting methods to track progress, evaluate effectiveness, and refine approaches based on emerging data.

  • Innovation in Funding: Co-investment models that differentiate multiple benefits, from water quality improvements to biodiversity gains and carbon sequestration, maximising value for investors and the environment.

Drawing on the latest insights from the 2021-2022 Reef Report Card and the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement, the strategy identifies knowledge gaps and sets a path for continuous improvement.

The Strategic Value

In a region where agriculture generates $1.7 billion annually and supports diverse communities, this strategy bridges environmental protection with economic vitality. It delivers:

Reef Protection: Direct contributions to preserving the Reef's Outstanding Universal Value by curbing land-based pollution that harms corals, seagrasses, and iconic species including marine turtles and dugong.

Resilience Building: Proactive measures against climate-driven erosion, flooding, and biodiversity loss, ensuring sustainable land use and ecosystem services for future generations.

Inclusive Leadership: Elevation of Traditional Owner perspectives and ecological knowledge, promoting culturally sensitive management and community-led stewardship.

Economic and Social Returns: Enhanced productivity in grazing, cropping, and horticulture; improved food and water security; and stronger regional capacity through training and collaboration.

Investment Catalyst: A dynamic platform for partners to co-invest in high-impact projects, leveraging data-driven priorities for scalable, cost-effective results.

Download the report summary

Download the complete Burnett Mary Regional Reef Water Quality Strategy PDF to dive into basin-level plans, implementation details, and co-investment opportunities. Provide your name and email below to receive your copy, we'll also share updates on BMRG's ongoing water quality projects and ways to get involved. 

Join us in advancing sustainable water quality outcomes. For inquiries, reach out at admin@bmrg.org.au or (07) 4181 2999.