Project Catalyst

Project Catalyst is a pioneering partnership aimed at reducing the environmental impact of sugar production on the Great Barrier Reef through innovative farming practices.

The project was made possible by the Coca-Cola Foundation, which contributed $1.2 million to the project over two years.

Improving water quality from agricultural catchments is vital to improving the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.

As part of Project Catalyst, 53 farmers are working to improve soil, nutrient, pesticide, irrigation and storm water management on 15,500 hectares of farm land.

Declining quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef is a major threat that is expected to have significant compounding effects with climate change. Inshore areas close to agricultural land are being significantly affected by increased concentrations of suspended sediments, nutrients and herbicides.

Further declines in water quality and inshore habitats will have economic and social implications for coastal communities that derive an income from activities such as fishing.

Project Catalyst is tackling this problem by showcasing the benefits of efficient farming practices that use fewer inputs of fertilisers and herbicides but result in similar yields – improving the economic returns of farms as well as increasing water quality benefits.

The project brings together diverse groups – local growers and Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups, WWF and The Coca-Cola Foundation – who all share an interest in sustainable production and the protection of a Queensland, national and international icon in the Great Barrier Reef.

To date, water quality monitoring shows Project Catalyst has reduced pollutant loads and improved water quality of more than 77,500 mega litres of run-off and drainage water to the Great Barrier Reef.