Agriculture is the major form of land use in the Wet Tropics. In 2001, nearly 130,000 hectares of land supported crops, while 47,000 hectares were devoted to horticulture. Improved pasture for grazing accounted for another 65,000 hectares. In coastal areas, the main crops are sugar cane and bananas, while grazing dominates in the western region (total grazing area 582,000 ha).

Agricultural expansion within the Wet Tropics is placing increasing pressure on the region's natural environment. Changing agricultural and land use practices threaten the rivers and the Reef, mostly in terms of sediment and pollutant-related water quality decline, while vegetation clearing is a constant danger for animal and plant habitats.

Terrain's Sustainable Industries programs are designed to promote sustainability and support continued progress toward better land management practices.

Projects focus on changes in crop, herd, land and water management practices to reduce sediment and nutrient losses into the Breat Barrier Reef lagoon.

For more information contact John Reghenzani, Manager Sustainable Industries on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Fact sheet:  Download fact sheet 2.13 Mb

Fact sheett