15 JULY 2010 > Reef regulation in, but how to comply not yet clear

Confusion reigns about how farmers can comply with the onerous new Reef Regulations. There is a distinct lack of information from the Queensland Government who instigated and rushed the legislation into effect this year. They had not taken the time to develop the supporting information that could be used by farmers to work out what they need to do to comply.

Just as dangerous as the lack of information, is some of the misinformation that has been filling the information void, says peak cane grower group CANEGROWERS. The confusion is placing growers at risk of inadvertently breaking the law.

CANEGROWERS and the industry’s research development and extension body, BSES Limited, have urged cane growers to get proactive and seek out information in respect to regulatory changes for the use of nutrients and herbicides.

“The harvesting season is underway, and growers will be making decisions about replanting, fallowing and rattooning,” says CANEGROWERS CEO, Ian Ballantyne.

“This has been made more difficult because information flow from Government has been poor and many growers are not aware of all of their options in relation to application of herbicides and nutrients necessary to produce the 2011 crop.”

Together with BSES CEO, Eoin Wallis, Ian Ballantyne is urging Government to ensure growers, and Government staff in the field, are up to date with recent developments that have an impact on how, when and where herbicides are to be applied and the method of calculation of fertiliser rates.

“Government has taken on CANEGROWERS suggestion that compliance at the farm gate requires better information flow, and they have assured us that they are in process of preparing technical information on specific reef regulation issues. They have given a timeframe for delivery of the next two weeks,” says Ian Ballantyne.

BSES Limited has reminded growers that that the Queensland Government adopted a modified version of BSES’s fertiliser assessment program, Six Easy Steps. What has now been legislated could confuse growers in some situations.

“While the Regulations were modelled on some Six Easy Steps criteria, they don’t provide the individual flexibility of the Six Easy Steps program. This is particularly true when considering application of N in older ratoons,” explains Eoin Wallis.

“The Six Easy Steps program has been trialled in some, but not all regions. It is a best practice approach based on profitability, not productivity- and as such continues to evolve with practice and knowledge garnered through local trials. It is inappropriate to lock in a methodology without providing flexibility for regional site, soil, and weather conditions, amongst other factors,” he says.

Eoin Wallis also reminded growers of the new Weed Management Manual published by BSES. “This manual incorporates the latest information on herbicide use and is available for all cane growers through local BSES offices,” said Mr Wallis.

CANEGROWERS and BSES are calling for Government to develop clear, unambiguous guidance that would not impact on productivity, profitability, efficiency and good management.


Media Comment:
CANEGROWERS: Matt Kealley, Senior Manager – Environment 07 3864 6444 or 0407 657 779.
BSES Limited Eoin Wallis CEO 0438 433 490