The process of benchmarking and monitoring of the Burdekin
catchment’s natural resources, including water quality, is an
essential step towards their management. The Burdekin CCI is
currently reviewing existing knowledge of water quality in the
region as part of the development of the Water Quality Improvement
Plan for the Burdekin region. This includes describing the
condition of wetlands and riparian areas in the Burdekin catchment
and how this affects the marine receiving body, the Great Barrier
Reef lagoon. A study of the pollutants, including pesticides for
agricultural use, will form part of this benchmarking exercise.
Benchmarking and monitoring is important as it provides a
framework within which environmental management policies, programs
and actions can be evaluated for their effectiveness. It also
provides the standard against which management actions can be
assessed, through scientifically rigorous monitoring of physical,
chemical and biological components of the ecosystem, and process
and performance improved.
Baseline data and information on current condition and threats
to our waterways are essential in order that the magnitude and
direction of change can be identified. Monitoring data and
information are also required to calibrate and validate the
applicability of a range of management tools.
The Burdekin CCI's activities and reviews include: