Target Setting to develop a Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) for the BDT Region

As part of Burdekin CCI’s commitment to develop a WQIP for the Burdekin Dry Tropics region it is necessary to set a range of relevant water quality targets. To achieve this it is first necessary to:

• determine the environmental and ecological values (EVs and HEVs) of the waterways in the BDT Region ,
• identify targets for reducing pollution entering the waterways for both the grazing and sugar industries, and
• set clear and defined water quality objectives (WQOs) .

The ecological and environmental values and water quality objectives of Burdekin Dry Tropics waterways, waterbodies and wetlands are being determined in close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), science providers and the community. The approach that is being undertaken accords with the requirements of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1997 and is consistent with the National Water Quality Management Strategy .