Over 120 farming, land and water management experts gathered in Mandurah on 15 August to discuss the best ways to manage nutrient run-off into Western Australian estuaries.
The Nutrient Summit, hosted by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), is part of the department’s work to improve the health of regional estuaries.
DWER Water Science Manager said the focus of the summit was how do we sustain productive agriculture while maintaining healthy estuaries when nutrient run-off from agricultural land represents the largest source of nutrients entering estuaries in the South West.
“The speakers brought together a wealth of knowledge from water and land management science and policy, innovative farming approaches from a Queensland sugar cane farmer and a New Zealand dairy farmer, and an industry perspective from Fertilizer Australia.”
The Summit certainly delivered with some encouraging feedback, and a number attendee quotes are provided below.
“Hearing on the ground, practical solutions that works for farmers, was particularly useful.”
“The farmers experience was very interesting.”
“All very good presenters and a great mix of practical and technical info. Well done.”
“Interesting to hear how things are done in other jurisdictions which emphasised that there is no quick fix, change required through a range of actions.”
“Hearing about the practical application of science was particularly useful”
“We are delighted to share the speaker presentations with you by visiting our video playlist.”, said Malcolm.
The Nutrient Summit was proudly supported by the Regional Estuaries Initiative and the Revitalising Geographe Waterways programs, working to address nutrient run-off.