"We are undertaking significant research throughout Northern Queensland to help understand the link between land management and reef health," Dr David Post of CSIRO said.
"Extensive monitoring and data collection from a variety of locations in the Burdekin catchment have shown that conservative stocking and wet season spelling improves ground cover and has the potential to help reduce water, sediment and nutrient loss to rivers and the reef. Economic modelling suggests that there will be long-term financial benefits for land owners as well.
"One Burdekin grazier has said that the ability to control grazing has improved the composition and density of the pasture and reduced soil loss along his stream frontages."
The information pack, "Managing Recovery – Tools for Sustainable Grazing in the Burdekin Catchment", represents over eight years of research conducted by the CSIRO and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, in conjunction with Meat and Livestock Australia.
With useful, informative diagrams and clear, concise language, the information pack consists of four parts, each highlighting a different aspect of sustainable grazing:
