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Concern raised about cane farm sediment runoff entering Great Barrier Reef waterways

The Queensland Government is investigating concerns raised by environmental groups that sediment run-off from more than 2,000 hectares of cane farming land in northeastern Australia is potentially polluting waterways leading to the Great Barrier Reef.

What was once a clear creek is now muddy with sediment. Water quality samples obtained by conservation groups show sediment levels 1.7 times greater than recommended levels and nitrogen levels nine times greater than recommended levels. Environmental groups are worried that the runoff flowing into the Great Barrier Reef can have negative consequences for marine life and the government is responding by updating existing Reef protection regulations. | READ MORE