Project Catalyst 2019 forum
The 2019 Project Catalyst Annual Forum was attended by more than 185 guests in Cairns N.Q. The theme “Back to our roots – soil, water and the reef” attracted keynote speakers, Adam Jalaludin and Nicole Robinson, who shared their research into Herbicide Resistance and Soil Health. Organic farmer Stuart Larsson also informed as the dinner speaker.
What began as a partnership between 19 sugarcane farmers in the Mackay Whitsunday regions, their local NRM Reef Catchments, WWF and Coca-Cola South Pacific, has resulted in more than a decade of innovative farming practices to reduce nutrient runoff to the Great Barrier Reef. More than 130 growers of cane have since joined the program and actively participated in trials, forums, shed talks and other events, to be inspired and adopt practice changes on farm.
In 2020 the forum returns to its birthplace in Mackay Whitsundays and will celebrate their achievements and the positive work being done by sugar cane growers to improve the environment and their communities.
Project Catalyst 2018 Forum on Video
This video features numerous interviews with growers who discuss questions such as new innovation including drones, succession plans, and the importance of technology.
Project Catalyst Growers on YouTube
Local Project Catalyst growers had an informative and interesting time when they visited Coca-Cola in Sydney.
Presentation from Andrew Rouse given at APEN
Participants at the recent Australasia Pacific Extension Network Conference were provided with a wide-ranging update on Project Catalyst by Andrew Rouse, Program Manager of Sustainable Agriculture, WWF-Australia.
Exciting times at the Project Catalyst Forum 2017!
Numerous speakers who covered a wide variety of topics were the highlight of the 2017 Project Catalyst Forum held in Mackay.
The theme, ‘Innovation beyond 2020 and adopting change’ presented speakers with the chance to reveal numerous useful insights into the role technology plays in the innovation and the economics of agriculture.
As a result of feedback from previous forums,the program included grower trials and innovations as well as presentations by people working with industry.
All about Project Catalyst
Project Catalyst is a pioneering partnership between more than 75 innovative Queensland sugarcane growers and major program partners
The program aims to promote the rapid adoption of innovative farm practices that improve water quality from cane farms impacting the Great Barrier Reef.
Key Focus
One of the key focuses of Project Catalyst is the improvement of water quality from agricultural catchments that flow into the Great Barrier Reef. Working directly with innovative farmers to trial and validate their farm management practices, Project Catalyst is able to support and promote practical solutions to increase water use efficiency, prevent runoff, reduce application of nutrients and pesticides as well as improving management of soils. The reduced pollution loads from the work of the Project Catalyst farmers entering the Great Barrier Reef are a testament to the value of the program.
Support for Network
Project Catalyst supports a growing network of Mackay Whitsunday, Burdekin and Wet Tropics farmers who are leading the way in the use of cutting-edge management practices for a more sustainable and productive farming future.
Do you know our region?
View the map showing the area where Project Catalyst trials are held.
Next Gen Innovator – Phil Deguara
The future of Project Catalyst initiatives is secure, with the next generation of growers, like Phil Deguara, whose family have been farming in the Mackay area for decades, fully committed. Here is Phil’s story.
The Project Catalyst Growers Forum is a way to recognise and support the good work being done by the Project Catalyst Growers and Partners in breaking new ground in sustainable agriculture. The Project Catalyst Growers Forum is a highly anticipated event, annually bringing together all involved to network, socialise and learn more about market transformations, international trends and the latest innovations in agriculture across Australia and globally. The forum is also a chance for growers to present an update of current Project Catalyst trials being conducted throughout the year, and offer new ideas for future projects. The forum is a two-day event providing an opportunity to share knowledge from other work in the cane, agriculture, and water quality space, with the focus always on innovation.
Media Stories
- Innovative farmers ‘halving’ herbicide run-off in bid to improve Great Barrier Reef health
- Project Catalyst a ‘game changer’ for cane growers ready to embrace change
- Farmers Try New Ways to Reduce Great Barrier Reef Impact With Project Catalyst
- Coca-Cola Returns 100% of Water Used in Production
Video Case Studies
Mackay Whitsunday
John and Phil Deguara
Scott Simpson
Gerry Deguara
Rob Sluggett
Terrain Wet Tropics
Stephen Accornero
Michael Ottone
Reinaudo Brothers
Norm Reid
NQ Dry Tropics
Willy Lucas
Joe Tama
Chris Lyne
Chris Hesp
2015 Case Studies
Dry Tropics
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Sonia and Chris Hesp Mill Mud Application Trial in the Mulgrave-Burdekin River Irrigation Area |
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Chris Lyne Enhanced efficiency fertiliser trial in the Plantation Creek area |
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Joe Tama Low cost alternative irrigation |
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Willy Lucas Irrigation automation and telemetry |
Mackay/Whitsunday
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Gerry and Barbara Deguara Two year fallow with soy and chickpeas |
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Joe and Christine Muscat Use of controlled release urea in sugarcane production |
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John and Phil Deguara Assessment of appropriate nitrogen rates for a paddock with two distinct management zones |
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Rob Sluggett Adoption of precision agriculture |
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Scott and Maria Simpson Skip row cane planting |
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Joe Muscat Amuza Trial |
Wet Tropics
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Peter and Michael Ottone Compost tea and bio fertiliser in sugarcane |
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Norm Reid Evaluating methods of preparing existing 1.9 m controlled traffic beds for planting, using double disc opener |
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Reinaudo Family Variable rate nutrient application within block |
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Stephen Accornero Profitability of corn as a rotation crop |
2014 Case Studies
Key Contact
Mobile: 0408 875 633
Telephone: 07 4968 4232
E-Mail: acampbell@catchmentsolutions.com.au
Stories from Growers
Mark, Tony and John Bugeja
Serg and Sandy Berardi
Gerry, Barbara, Joe and Sam Deguara
Chris, Madonna, Lee, Angela, David, Diane, Phil and Sue Blackburn
