MEDIA RELEASE


22 September 2011: Kerfuffle over water quality report released this week: out of context says CANEGROWERS

CANEGROWERS is investigating the facts around a water quality report released this week, which they say has been taken out of context, saying the document will form part of a baseline report on the state of play at the beginning of the Reef Rescue project. They explain it will be at least two years before the final measurements will be taken at the end of project, and the Reef Rescue program’s effectiveness can be measured.

The peak group has said saying anyone jumping on the report to call for the ban of diuron does not understand the progress made in this area since the data was collected in 2009/10.

CANEGROWERS reports an unprecedented rate of uptake of the latest practices and technologies throughout the industry, and says sugarcane growers have voluntarily reduced rates over a number of years. They report that this has resulted in sugarcane growers now using just half the recommended label rate of diuron. The group is calling for a pragmatic and sustainable approach to the debate.

“A broad ranging review of the scientific data is underway, and if the science shows that the reduced rates now being used by the cane industry are no longer impacting water quality on the great barrier reef, then the important herbicide should get a stay of execution to give the industry time to develop viable alternatives,” says Ron Mullins CANEGROWERS Acting CEO.

The report in question, titled “Large-scale pesticide monitoring across Great Barrier Reef catchments - Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program”, was published electronically this week by the Marine Pollution Bulletin.

Mullins said today that the diuron measurements cited would now be investigated by CANEGROWERS, who had been informed the samples had been taken in the wet season (high flow events), when the water quality guidelines in the report are for low flow events.

But regardless, he said, “Any scientifically verified data we can get our hands on will be invaluable when the Reef Rescue project is reporting on progress made.”

CANEGROWERS welcomes any data which will help measure progress on completion of the Reef Rescue project. They say Reef Rescue is a proactive and completely voluntary federal government initiative, which supports farmers to bring the latest practices and technologies on-line, sooner than they otherwise would have been able.


Media comment: Ron Mullins | CANEGROWERS Acting CEO | 0417 790 156
More information: Suzi Moore | CANEGROWERS Communications | 0427 641 239 or 07 3864 6444