Three areas adjacent to the Burnett River were selected on the basis of their potential for development for irrigated cropping. These areas where around Coalstoun Lakes, the riparian zone from Gayndah to Perry River and the riparian zone from Ceratodus to 5 km upstream of the Burnett and Auburn River junction.

In the Coalstoun Lakes section a medium intensity (1:50,000) soil survey of 7,655 hectares identified fifteen soil types. The distribution of these soils was mapped, and each soil was assessed for its suitability for the production of 14 irrigated agricultural and horticultural crops.

The Gayndah to Perry River riparian zone, 5 km either side of the Burnett River, covered 75,791 ha. A fuzzy modelling approach was used to predict the distribution of soil attributes and to assess land suitability for a range of irrigated crops. This approach was also used to assess 49,559 hectares of land 5 km either side of the Burnett River, from Ceratodus to 5 km upstream of the Burnett and Auburn River junction.

The three surveys identified some opportunities for diversified irrigated cropping and also highlighted potential risks such as salinity, erosion and poor water quality associated with inappropriate land use and vegetation management. Other issues include competition for the limited land and water resources, the use of the land beyond its capability, poor environmental management in sensitive areas such as riparian areas, and inefficient use of resources.

A copy of the documented assessment by S.M. McCarroll and D.M. Brough of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines can be found at: https://burnettaghub.com.au/land/soils