Circular economy project targets upstream solutions to close the loop on two key water quality pollutants in the Great Barrier Reef

Reef Catchments, a non-government, not-for-profit natural resource management (NRM) group for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, has engaged pitt&sherry to carry out one of the area’s first circularity material flows analysis (MFA). This work will trace the journey of pesticides and dissolved inorganic nitrogen through the Proserpine catchment — from source to reef. 

“Traditional approaches often focus on remediation at the end of the catchment,” said Rocio Rutter, pitt&sherry’s Head of Growth and Advisory. “This project takes a proactive and collaborative approach by identifying opportunities to intervene at the source”;  She added, “Our experience has taught us that for circular projects to sustain and scale economically, they must be demand-led and shaped by economic co-benefits co-created with industry members, who need to integrate sustainable growth strategies with circular stewardship initiatives.”

The project takes an upstream focus, using a collaborative framework to engage with local land users and stakeholders in understanding how materials flow through the catchment and identifying potential points of intervention to create value by closing the loop on the two major sources of excess nutrients in the region.   These insights will help Reef Catchments, and the Queensland Government better understand additional approaches rooted in industry collaboration and partnership for water quality and place-based regional benefits. 

The project is part of Reef Catchments’ Proserpine Integrated Project (PIP), which focuses on improving water quality through practical, place-based solutions that balance environmental, economic and social outcomes. The PIP is part of the Queensland Government’s $5.5 million Reef Place-Based Integrated Projects initiative funded under the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. 

This project builds on pitt&sherry’s ongoing commitment to working with clients to support outcomes that benefit both people and place. 

Learn more about our integrated sustainability solutions here.