2005 Reef Beat posters 1-8 in Cairns Post.pdf - Great Barrier Reef ...

8reef beatriver to reefRivers entering the Reef.THE Great Barrier Reef is one of the mostbeautiful, diverse and complex ecosystems inthe world with more than 2900 reefs, 1500species of fi sh and many unique and threatenedanimals like dugong and turtles. To help keepour waterways and the Great Barrier Reefhealthy for generations to come, we all need todo our bit to protect them. Whether you live in abig city, small town or in the country, what youdo at home and at school can affect the qualityof water in your local rivers, estuaries and theGreat Barrier Reef. We can all do our bit to lookafter our Great Barrier Reef and help keep itgreat for future generations.itafter look bit to your DoingWater QualityThe quality of water entering theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park is decliningand is impacting on the health of the GreatBarrier Reef and the animals and plants that livewithin it. Reefs grow best in waters that have naturallylow concentrations of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus)and sediments. Increasing use of fertilisers, pesticides andother pollutants on the land has resulted in increased levelsof these entering our waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.This has resulted in the decline in water quality, whichhas affected corals, seagrasses and other importanthabitats, as well as the many marine animals theysupport. Declining water quality can also have aharmful affect on tourism, fi shing and otherimportant industries that depend on ahealthy reef.Coastal activitiesHow we impacton water qualityThe Great Barrier Reef Catchment links theland to the Reef, so what we do on the land affectsthe water quality in our rivers, estuaries and the GreatBarrier Reef. As individuals, we all undertake everydayactivities that may impact on the quality of water in localwaterways and downstream marine environments.Many major land uses and human activities may contribute todeclining water quality in the Great Barrier Reef.Some of these activities include:* coastal development * agriculture *aquaculture *mining and industry * shippingCatchment areaGreat BarrierReef CatchmentThe Great Barrier Reef Catchment isthe land area that surrounds the rivers thatdrain into the Great Barrier Reef. This area isthe main source of sediment, nutrients and otherpollutants that enter the Reef. Within the GreatBarrier Reef Catchment there are a number ofsmaller catchments that surround each ofthe larger rivers that drain into theGreat Barrier Reef.Doing your bitto look after it.You can do your bit to help protect the GreatBarrier Reef by implementing practices on the land andin your own home or school that help minimise your impactson water quality. You can help to improve the quality of water inthe Great Barrier Reef and other important marine environments by:• Keeping drains and gutters free of chemicals and rubbish, as what goesinto drains, creeks and rivers may end up in the ocean. • Putting all litterin the bin and recycling to keep the Great Barrier Reef clear and free of litter• Washing your car on the lawn instead of your driveway or on the street,as detergents will wash into nearby drains creeks and rivers and may endup in the local waterways or the Great Barrier Reef. • Composting andusing garden beds or vegetation strips around your home to capturerainwater and minimise runoff. • Sharing your knowledge about theeffects of declining water quality with others. • Joining a localcommunity group that actively supports the protectionof our coasts and oceans such as Waterwatch,Seagrass Watch, Landcare or a CatchmentManagement Group.30 The Cairns Post, Tuesday, April 5, 2005

8reef beatriver to reefconnected!all It’sThe Great Barrier Reef.A crucial habitat.Keeping the Reef clean will ensure the future of its occupants.IF you’re a person on a cattle property ona hot dry day in inland Queensland, thelast thing to enter your mind could verywell be the beauty and health of the GreatBarrier Reef.However, you may not realise that someof the things we do on the land, even in theoutback, can impact on the Reef and itsseagrass, coral and mangrove habitats.All of our land and marine environmentsand habitats are linked, so what we do in oneplace can damage or help another place.That’s why communities, industries,governments and scientists are workingtogether on ways to reduce the effects of ouractivities on the Great Barrier Reef.IN THE PASTEuropean settlers came to Australia, theycleared large areas of the land to make roomfor towns to be built, for cattle to graze andfor crops to grow.When vegetation is removed and heavyrain falls, a lot of the good topsoil and itsnatural nutrients are washed away intorivers, creeks and out to sea. Withoutvegetation in these areas, there is nothing tohold the soil together, so more nutrients andsediments are discharged to our waterwaysand the Great Barrier Reef.With the establishment of many townsand cities along the coast, more nutrientsand other pollutants and rubbish includingplastic bags have found their way intothe environment.In some areas, chemicals and nutrientsthat are used in homes and to help growcrops also wash into the rivers and out intothe Great Barrier Reef.Many farmers and city dwellers are nowthinking of new ways to reduce their impactson the Great Barrier Reef.PROTECTING IMPORTANT HABITATSIf we want to protect our magnifi cent GreatBarrier Reef, we need to look after all thehabitats within and surrounding it.all It’s connected!The primary habitats to think about arewetlands, mangroves, seagrass areas andsoft bottom inter-reefal areas.Mangroves are important to the life of theGreat Barrier Reef because they can act asnurseries for baby fi sh and prawns that latergrow up and move out to the reefs.They are also home to a large range of birdlife and they act as a buffer between the landand the sea.Seagrasses are also nursery areas andare where the endangered dugongs fi ndtheir food. Some sea turtles also depend onseagrass for their meals.These areas are where we fi nd animalslike seahorses and pipefi sh.Other habitats most people don’t thinkabout are the soft bottom inter-reefal areas.They’re called soft bottomed because theyhave mud or sand on the seafl oor. Theseareas are where fi shers catch prawns.Inter-reefal areas are also home toan incredibly diverse group of animalsand plants.DOING YOUR BIT TO LOOK AFTER IT!If we act carelessly and pollute our landand streams we can damage our GreatBarrier Reef, seagrasses and mangrovesbeyond repair.We have to be very careful about how wedispose of rubbish and other toxic materialsand how we use our land.One of the things we can do is to alwaysbe mindful about what we put into our drainsand sewers.Even washing your car in the street ordriveway can result in detergents enteringour waterways and every time you poursomething down the sink, it may end upreaching the Great Barrier Reef.The seabed is alive with plants and creatures.30 The Cairns Post, Tuesday, April 12, 2005

8Wetlands- an oasis of lifereef beatriver to reefWetlands arepeaceful placesof great beauty.WETLANDS are amazingand complex waterwaysthat occur in manydifferent sizes and forms.Wetlands are land areas eithertemporarily or permanently coveredby water. Types of wetlands includeswamps, marshes, billabongs,saltmarshes, mudflats, coral reefs,mangroves, lakes and peatlands.Marine habitats like coral reefs,seagrass meadows, mudflats,mangrove estuaries, samphire saltmarshes, rocky marine shores andsand or pebble beachesare common forms ofmarine wetlands foundin and around the GreatBarrier Reef.Wetlands are oftenareas of great beautywhere people enjoythe scenery and gatherfor recreation.In all their forms, wetlands arevery special places.THE IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDSWetlands in catchments alongthe coast next to the Great BarrierReef Marine Park are vital for thelong-term protection of the GreatBarrier Reef.Wetlands support a diverserange of marine life and providehabitat, breeding and nurseryareas for birds, mammals, reptiles,amphibians, insects and many fishspecies such as barramundi andmangrove jack.Wetlands play an important rolein protecting water quality in theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Parkby helping to filter the sediment,nutrients and other pollutants fromthe waters that enter the GreatBarrier Reef.They are also important in:• preventing erosion• allowing sediments and nutrientsto settle out before entering theGreat Barrier Reef• protecting the coastline fromerosion and during destructiveevents such as cyclones.Wetlands are significant habitatsfor Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslanders as part of their culturalheritage, spiritual values andday-to-day living. Wetlands alsoprovide for recreational andtourism opportunities such asfishing and guided tours.Wetlands on farms buffer theeffects of floods by holding excesswater for a short time, reducing theseverity of flooding downstream.Wetlands provide diverse habitatsfor plants, birds and animals, manyof which feed on agricultural pests.Wetlands also make a farm a moreinteresting and pleasant place forpeople to work and live and theyprovide for added recreationalopportunities such as fishing.WETLANDS IN DANGERMore than 50 per cent of ourwetlands have been significantlyaffected through degradation or losssince European settlement.Catchments adjacent to theGreat Barrier Reef have beenextensively cleared and modifiedfor urban development, aquaculturedevelopment and agriculturalactivities such as cattle grazingand cropping.PROTECTING WETLANDSThe protection of wetlands iscritical to help ensure the survivalof the Great Barrier Reef.The preservation andrehabilitation of wetland areas isa major environmental priorityfor the Australian and QueenslandGovernment’s Reef Water QualityProtection Plan.Communities, industries andgovernments are working togetherto raise awareness of the effects ofwetland clearing and to help protectwetland areas for the future.A number of communityprojects have been developed tohelp prevent the decline of theseimportant environments.For information about how youcan become involved in a wetlandprotection project in your area,contact your local Council or yourlocal Regional Natural ResourceManagement Group at http://regionalnrm.qld.gov.au/about/regional.DOING THEIR BIT TO LOOK AFTER ITMany communities andfarmers are working together torehabilitate and revegetate naturalenvironments like wetlands.By revegetating riverbanks,wetlands and other areas aroundtheir farms, land managers arehelping to decrease the amountof nutrients and sediments thatare discharged into surroundingwaterways and in turn are helpingto improve the quality of water inthe Great Barrier Reef.These actions will help to ensurethe survival of the Great BarrierReef and all of the habitats,plants, animals and industriesit supports.The wetlands are a haven for diversity.Marine life relies heavily on the pristinewetlands for survival.30 The Cairns Post, Tuesday, April 19, 2005

8reef beatriver to reefALL plants and animals& nutrients are What sediments?need nutrients to grow, however inexcessive amounts nutrients can be harmfulto marine life. There are two main types of nutrientsnitrogen and phosphorous and these exist in several formsin marine waters. Other types of nutrients include potassiumand sulphur. Sediments are fi ne particles of soil, sand and otherminerals or organic matter that is eroded from land and carried insurface waters. Sediment occurs naturally in the Great Barrier Reef,however human activities and land uses have caused excessiveamounts of sediments to be discharged to the Reef. Around fourtimes as much sediments and nutrients are nowdischarged to the Great Barrier Reef asoccurred before settlement.NUTRIENTS enterthe marine environment throughcreeks, rivers and estuaries. A largeamount of nutrients are discharged to the GreatBarrier Reef during floods, but they can also bedischarged to the Reef at all times of the year throughrun-off, wastewater, stormwater and sewage discharge.How do they reach the Great Barrier Reef?How do they reach the Great Barrier Reef?Human activities such as urban development, agricultureand aquaculture are all contributors of sediment andnutrient discharges to the Great Barrier Reef. Themost common way for sediment to reach thewaters of the Great Barrier Reef is throughrun-off and soil erosion.EXCESSIVE inputsof sediment from the landto the Great Barrier Reef can lead toreef destruction through burial, disruptionof breeding habits and harmful shifts in coralcommunities. Sediment affects coral by •smotheringthem when particles settle out (sedimentation)• reducing light availability (turbidity) • potentiallyreducing coral photosynthesis and growth. Elevatedsediment and nutrient concentrations in severe fl oodscan even be harmful to seagrass beds as they cancause a dramatic reduction of light availability,which limits the seagrasses ability toPRIOR tomanufacture food.European settlement over150 years ago, the Great BarrierReef was not nutrient rich. Coralsprefer to live in waters with low amountsof nutrients and sediments, as theyneed clear water and sunlight to survive.The excess nutrients and sedimentsrunning into our waterways and theGreat the on Barrier impact reef?they do HowGreat Barrier Reef are impacting onthe health of reefs and otherimportant habitats.sedimentsof Impactsnutrientsof ImpactsHIGH nutrientconcentrations result in a rangeof impacts on coral communities and underextreme situations can cause coral reef communitiesto collapse. Excess nutrients in the Great Barrier Reefcontribute to declining water quality and can severely harmcorals by: • promoting phytoplankton (microscopic floating plants)growth, which in turn supports increased numbers of fi lter feedingorganisms such as tubeworms, sponges and bivalves that competewith coral for space • causing macroalgal blooms, which mayovergrow coral structures, out-competing coral for space andshading coral colonies from sunlight • causing excessivephosphorus concentrations, which weakens the skeletonsof hard corals • inhibiting breeding in somecoral species and reducing recruitment tothe population.YOU can do yourbit to help decrease theamount of nutrients and sedimentsentering the Great Barrier Reef by • Usingit!after look to bit your Doingphosphate-free and biodegradable products• Planting ground cover and trees over areaswith exposed soil • Planting garden bedsand vegetation strips around your yardor school grounds to help minimiserun off.30 The Cairns Post, Tuesday, April 26, 2005

8reef beatriver to reefsomewhere!goes all ItMany daily activities have the potential to upset thedelicate ecological balance of our waterways.When in thewater, try not toWhether you live in a major city, smalltown or in the country, what you doat home, work and school in thegrazing and cropping.To make space for these agriculturalactivities, large areas of native vegetation havestir up sedimentor disturb coral.Great Barrier Reef catchment can affect thebeen cleared. This, along with over-stocking onquality of water in the Reef.farms, has caused widespread soil erosion inMany of your daily activities may increase thelevels of nutrients, sediments and chemicalsbeing discharged to the Great Barrier Reef.FROM THE CITY TO THE SEANutrients, sediments and other pollutants canreach our Great Barrier Reef through a numbersome parts of the Great Barrier Reef Catchment.This has led to the increased dischargeof eroded material such as nutrients andsediments to the Great Barrier Reef.The discharge of these pollutants occursmainly during times of heavy rainfall.Sweep your driveway andpatio areas instead ofhosing to prevent waterfrom carrying pollutants tostormwater drains.of sources. One of the main sources is throughIn areas where cropping occurs, thestormwater and wastewater that is dischargedapplication of fertilisers and pesticides mayfrom our towns and cities.be necessary. Fertilisers are taken up by theEverything we pour down the sink, dropcrop to help them grow, while pesticideson our streets and put in our drains has thehelp maintain crop health by minimising thepotential to reach our waterways and the Greatimpact of pests. However, a significant portionWhen snorkelling or diving,Barrier Reef.may also end up in nearby waterways anddo not rest or stand onWastewater is the water that goes downthe sinks and drains inside your home. Waterfrom the toilet, the bath, the shower, the sink,the dishwasher and the laundry is knownas wastewater. Wastewater from your homecoastal waters, particularly if there is a creekor river close by.ON THE WATERMany activities take place in the Great BarrierReef Marine Park including boating, fi shing,When visiting islands,do not use detergentsclose to any waterwaysincluding the ocean.coral and avoid touchinganything with your fins.is treated at a treatment station before it isdiving, snorkelling and shipping. Every time wedischarged to creeks or rivers or reused overenter the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, weland. At the treatment station, some (but nothave the potential to impact on it.all) of the impurities are removed from theSome of the activities that take place on thewater so the health of the water is improved.Stormwater is rainwater that ends up in astormwater drain system after it has fallen onyour roof, driveway, lawn or on the road.The water in the stormwater drain system isnot treated, therefore any chemicals or rubbishleft in a stormwater drain can fl ow into a creekor river, especially during heavy rainfall.Wastewater and stormwater is oftendischarged through drains into creeks andrivers, which often fl ow directly into thewater may contribute to the declining waterquality of the Great Barrier Reef.For example, sewage discharged from vesselsinto the Reef’s waters can contain largeamounts of nutrients and sediments and litterthrown overboard can harm or even kill marineanimals. Shipping can also impact on waterquality especially during an oil or chemicalspill from a ship.Shipping spills and groundings have thepotential to cause serious environmentalTravel slowly in yourboat near islands andthe mainland to minimisebank erosion and sedimentdisturbance fromboat wash.Compost and use garden bedsor vegetation strips aroundyour home to capture rainwaterand minimise runoff.Great Barrier Reef.damage to the marine environment. However,The water quality in an estuary, river, streamwaste products and garbage from theor creek may impact on the quality of water inday-to-day operation of a ship can also pollutethe Great Barrier Reef.FROM THE LAND TO THE REEFToday, 80 per cent of the land adjacent tothe Great Barrier Reef Marine Park supportsthe waters of the Great Barrier Reef.These wastes may include oils, chemicals,sewage, garbage, and toxic compoundsreleased from anti-fouling paints andUse less water by fi xing leaking taps,keeping showers to a minimum andwashing your car with a bucket.agriculture production such as beef cattleballast water.46 The Cairns Post, Tuesday, May 3, 2005

8 Sustainablelivingreef beatriver to reefAUSTRALIA is made up ofmany amazing and diverseenvironments such asthe world heritage listed GreatBarrier Reef. All Australians playan important role in looking afterour precious marine and landenvironments and it is up to you todo your bit to help look after ourGreat Barrier Reef.As individuals, we all undertakeeveryday activities that may impacton the environment.It is important to keep your sinksand drains free of chemicals andrubbish. Never pour chemicals downthe sink and always use a strain inyour sink when washing the dishes.Water is a very precious resource.Using less water in your homeand at school will help to decreasethe amount of wastewaterand stormwater enteringlocal waterways.Make sure you fix leaking tapsaround your home and do notWorm farming at its best!Zev Nutley-Gilmour makes a pleato save the marine life.amount of waste in your bin and it isgood for your gardens and lawn.Plant garden beds around yourhome to capture rainwater andminimise runoff.Try to reuse plastic bottles andother items and recycle as much asyou can. This will help to decreasethe amount of rubbish that ends upin our landfills and our oceans.Each year millions of plastic bagspollute the world’s oceans, so alwaysuse calico or reusable bags whenshopping instead of plastic bags.Sustainable living in yourcommunityKeep the drains and gutters inyour local streets free of chemicalsand rubbish by picking up litterand never pouring chemicals ordetergents into or near drains.how important they are to ourwaterways and the Great BarrierReef.Wetlands store and filter waterrun-off, so it is important that theyare protected.Participate in specialenvironmental events such asClean Up Australia Day, WorldEnvironment Day and CoastcareWeek. Join a local communitygroup that actively supports theprotection of our coasts and oceanssuch as Waterwatch, Seagrass Watchand Landcare.Sustainable living in businessMany businesses and industrygroups are implementing bestpractices to ensure the impactsof their activities on importantenvironments like the Great BarrierReef are minimised. From smalloffices to large factories, businessesare doing many things to ensure theyare working in an environmentallysustainable way.Some of these best practicesinclude:• Installing renewable energysystems and conductingregular energy audits to helpconserve energy.Educating others...Many of our daily activities canincrease the amount of nutrients,sediments and other pollutants beingdischarged to rivers and creeks.However, by living in a sustainableway you and your family can make adifference to protect local waterwaysand help ensure the Reef`s existencefor generations to come.DOING YOUR BIT TO LOOK AFTER ITSustainable living in your homeleave water running for longerthan needed.Always make sure you wash yourcar on the lawn instead of in yourdriveway or on the street.When you wash your car on thestreet, the detergents can wash intonearby drains and may end up inlocal waterways.Make or buy a compost for youryard and put all of your food scrapsin it. This will help to minimise theAlexandra Bay State School studentsarrange a beach clean-up!What goes into drains usuallyends up being discharged intonearby creeks and rivers and mighteventually end up in the ocean.Always put litter in the right place.Pick up litter around yourneighbourhood and on your localbeaches, as even the smallest pieceof litter can harm the Great BarrierReef and many of the animals thatcall it home.Learn about the wetlands inyour area and teach others about• Implementing water recyclingsystems and practices that useless water.• Reusing and recycling wastes.Many companies have put paperrecycling bins in their offices andstandard recycling bins in theirstaffrooms to encourage staffto recycle.Businesses and industry groups arecontinually improving practices tominimise their impacts on the GreatBarrier Reef and help ensure itsexistence for generations to come.30 The Cairns Post, Tuesday, May 10, 2005

8reef beatriver to reefWater testing,Reef guardianactivitiesand schoolprojects likethe manufactureof calico bagscan all have asignificant effecton the Greatsustainable schoolsMORE than 140 Reef GuardianSchools throughoutQueensland are doing thingsrubbish reaching the Great Barrier Reefby reducing and reusing items such asplastic bags and containers.“Don’t be a sap, turn off the tap” andplace them in outlets in and aroundschool buildings. Water is a preciousin their school grounds and within their■ Reduce plastic bags. Implement aresource and the less water your schoollocal communities that will help tocalico bag project in your school. Designuses the less opportunity there is forprotect the Great Barrier Reef and otherand manufacture calico bags and sell ornutrients and chemicals to be dischargedimportant environments for the future.give them to members of your communityto waterways through wastewater.Even if your school is thousands ofand encourage your family, friends and■ Conduct an audit in your schoolkilometres from the Great Barrier Reef,community to use calico or reusableto conserve water, reduce litter andlearning to live, work and play in abags when shopping.waste, reduce green and organic waste,sustainable way will help to protect and■ Compost around the school groundsconserve energy or monitor stormwater.preserve many of our precious land andand collect food scraps and set up aAll of these audits will help your schoolmarine environments.worm farm for recycling organic waste.to be more sustainable. Audit toolsThe activities below are some of theThis will decrease the amount of rubbishcan be accessed at www.reefed.edu.ways Reef Guardian Schools are helpingyour school discards every day.au/guardians/ideasto protect the environment and operate in■ Keep your drains clean and free of■ Encourage your principal and teachersa sustainable way.chemicals by sweeping the drains andto implement best practices in theYou can help your school do theirgutters around your school, reusingschool such as a water recycling system,bit to look after the Great Barrier Reefgreen waste (leaves, twigs etc) andan energy conservation strategy or aby implementing some of these innever pouring chemicals or waste downrevegetation program.your school.the sinks.You can get more information on theseDOING YOUR BIT TO LOOK AFTER IT!Everything that enters a stormwaterpractices from the Great Barrier Reef■ Become a Reef Guardian School.drain has the potential to be dischargedMarine Park Authority.Encourage your teacher to phone theto local waterways and eventually theLearn more about the Great BarrierGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park AuthorityGreat Barrier Reef.Reef and ways that you can help tofor more information on (07) 4750 0850.■ Keep your community’s drains andprotect it and share these with yourDOES your school have what it takes tomake a difference and keep the Reefgreat? Do you want to help protect theGreat Barrier Reef and other importantmarine environments for the future?Visit www.reefed.edu.au/guardians orphone (07) 4750 0850 to register tobe a Reef Guardian.■ Reduce, reuse and recycleEnsure enough bins are placed aroundyour school and set up recycling bins forcans, glass, plastics and paper and labelthese bins clearly.Millions of plastics and other piecesof rubbish enter Australia’s oceansevery year.We can all do our bit to preventgutters clear of litter and chemicals bystencilling your bins, drains and gutterswith messages such as: “This drain leadsto the Reef”, to raise awareness in yourcommunity.■ Use less water by repairing leakingtaps and putting mulch in your gardens.■ You could also design waterconservation signs with messages like:class by visiting the Reef Ed website atwww. reefed.edu.au30 The Cairns Post, Tuesday, May 17, 2005

8Sustainablefarmingreef beatriver to reefAgriculture is a major industry in the GreatBarrier Reef Catchment with about 80per cent of the land adjacent to the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park supporting agriculturalproduction.Agriculture in the Great Barrier Reef Catchmentcontributes more than $2.4 billion to the Australianeconomy each year and provides thousands of jobsand supports many regional communities.However, some agricultural activities maycontribute to declining water quality in the GreatBarrier Reef.Therefore, farmers, land owners and theagricultural industry are working together withgovernments and the community to implementpractices, such as the Farm Management Systemsprogram, on their land to help care for theenvironment.DOING YOUR BIT TO LOOK AFTER IT!Some of the actions people are taking to care fortheir land, nearby waterways and the Great BarrierReef include:■ Revegetating and rehabilitating wetlands to helpfilter out excess nutrients and sediments before theyenter local waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.■ Planting vegetation and conserving native plantsto help minimise the potential for run-off.■ Preserving areas for wildlife habitat to avoiddisplacing native animals.■ Using farming techniques such as minimum till tominimise soil erosion and improve soil fertility■ Implementing stock management to preventovergrazing, particularly in areas adjacentto waterways.■ Rotating crops by growing different types of cropsin a field each year to help the control of pestsand soil diseases and to help minimise the needfor chemicals.■ Building contour banks to help prevent soilerosion and conserve water. The contour banks arebuilt along a slope and they help to catch water thusminimising erosion.■ Green cane trash blanketing where the leavesand tops of cane stalks are left as a blanket ontop of the soil after harvesting and so minimisesoil erosion.■ Building natural drain systems such as shallowswale drains and grassed retention basins. Thesesystems slow water fl ows to allow for sediment ornutrients in the water to settle out and also preventerosion of drain beds and banks.For more information on sustainablefarming and the agricultural industryFarm Management Systems program,visit the Queensland FarmersFederation website: www.qff.org.auCaution: Farming activities must be carefully monitored so they don’t endanger the reef.34 The Cairns Post, Tuesday, May 24, 2005