Cost-effectiveness of changing land management practices in sugarcane and grazing to obtain water quality improvements in the Great Barrier Reef: Evaluation and synthesises of existing knowledge

Abstract

This report aims to shape future assessments of cost-effectiveness and profitability of practice change within the Paddock to Reef Program for improved Great Barrier Reef (GBR) outcomes. A framework is provided to ensure that costs are more reconcilable and comparative. This will assist with ensuring the best return on investment is received for future government funding programs designed to address GBR water quality. The report evaluates and synthesises peer reviewed and published research on cost-effectiveness and profitability of changing land management practices in sugarcane and grazing land production systems for water quality improvements in catchments adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef. Methodological approaches to cost-effectiveness, key determinants of cost, assumptions and limitations in bio-physical modelling, and profitability in the literature have all been examined. The scope of the literature search included all grey and published literature on international, national, and Great Barrier Reef studies on paddock/property, region/catchment, and country levels