Industry leads in managing natural assets.

The industry’s location in the riverine areas of the Murray Darling and Fitzroy Basins means that its interactions with rivers, floodplains, wetlands and the Great Barrier Reef places it under public and government scrutiny in terms of environmental management. In recent times there have been significant national policy initiatives aimed directly at improving the sustainable management of these systems.

The Australian cotton industry is an active participant in these initiatives however understanding and responding to these reforms are a challenge for the industry. This is especially relevant as the demand and competition for access to these natural resources increases. Over the last 10 years the Industry has made significant gains in improving its environmental management (biodiversity, riverine and water management).

Industry research has also shown the mutual benefits that can be gained from managing natural assets for both production and environmental outcomes. In the next five years there will be a clear imperative for the industry to demonstrate the responsible use of these natural assets and show leadership in the proactive management of these landscapes. This theme investigates ways to best understand and manage natural landscapes and systems in cotton growing regions.

We will achieve this by:

  • Defining the values and drivers relating to the management of natural landscapes and systems in cotton growing regions.
  • Recording and demonstrating improved environmental performance of the cotton industry.
  • Identifying and proving integrated management strategies which deliver environmental and productivity gains.
  • Researching the connectivity between cotton farms and natural systems in the landscape.
  • Supporting initiatives and partnerships to improve the knowledge and capacity to

Measures of success:

Industry participation in the collective management of natural landscapes:

  • Regional delivery partnerships for every major cotton growing region.


Industry recognised for its leadership in environmental performance:

  • Recognition by national and global initiatives for biodiversity management.
  • 1000km of riparian lands managed under best practice. One million hectares of floodplain vegetation managed under best practice.


Industry contributes to the improvement of landscape systems knowledge and science:

  • A comprehensive database documenting the extent and condition of the natural assets the industry utilises and manages.
  • Two national science based collaborations for the industry to inform surface and groundwater management.

 

The Responsible landscape management theme is managed by CRDC’s R&D Program Manager, Jane Trindall.  For more information, contact us.