Archives for May 2012

Countdown to register for the Healthy Waterways Symposium

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Join community, industry and government for the 3 days program to celebrate the achievements and share new knowledge that creates resilient waterways and ecosystems for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region. Register for 1, 2 or 3 days of the program:

Day 1

Wetland Resilience Management Workshop and Human Health Impacts

  • Be quick, workshop almost full! Click here for workshop scope.

Day 2

Healthy Waterways Symposium Speaker Program, Celebration Dinner and Announcement of Healthy Waterways Alliance Award Winners

  • Click here to view the program

Day 3

Field Trip 1 O’Connell River Demonstration Reach and Research Program

  • Be quick, this field trip almost full! Click here for field trip itinerary

Field Trip 2 Middle Creek Dam Blue Green Algae Remediation / Mackay Water

  • Recycling Project Click here for field trip itinerary

Register

Click here for registration details.

With thanks to our Symposium Sponsors: ANZ, Queensland Governments and Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority.

Volunteer Week a Success on Northern Beaches

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The Northern Beaches community turned out in force at Bucasia and Eimeo last Saturday, capping off a successful national volunteer week on our beaches.

“I started attending these events to do my small bit to help the environment and community,” said Mr Robert Brown.  “To see the Eimeo locals coming out in such large numbers to help out today brought a social and friendly atmosphere to the event.”

“Helping out at these coastal volunteer days has been highly enjoyable and satisfying” said Mr Brown.

This weekend marked the first Coastal Community Activity held at Eimeo Beach, with local residents keen to become involved in this popular program.  Volunteers generously donated their time to remove several truckloads of invasive weeds from the margin of Eimeo Creek.Weed species, such as mother-in-law’s tongue and lantana,  invade and out-compete native vegetation.  The removal of weeds helps the vegetation regenerate back to its natural state and provide a healthy environment for the future.

Coastal Community Activities provide the opportunity for local residents to get involved in the on-ground management of our beaches and coastal environments.

The winter program of coastal activities is soon to be released.  Keep an eye out on www.rc2019.thedma.com.au  or Mackay Regional Council website for the coming events.  Alternatively, contact Noni Zahmel at noni.zahmel@rc2019.thedma.com.au or 49684215. Join us on Reef Catchments Facebook page to receive regular updates on coastal activities.

Mackay Coastal Community Activities are an initiative under the Coasts and Communities Program, which is supported by Mackay Regional Council and Reef Catchments through the Natural Environment Levy and Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program.

From the CEO

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Welcome to the Natural State eNewsletter for May 2012. This month has been an active period for us at Reef Catchments with staff continuing to deliver projects across our program portfolios coupled with our corporate services team finalizing contractual obligations and business administration operations for the financial year along with planning for the new 2012/13 year that lies ahead.

The major news item for NRM in our region in May was aligned to the Commonwealth government hand down of its annual budget statement which included its new 5 year investment plan for its flagship NRM program “Caring for Our Country”.  Media speculation prior to the budget strongly indicated that the pressures of needing a surplus budget by the end of 2012/13 would see a much reduced Caring for Our Country Program of investment. What was realized was a continuance of investment nearing $2.2 billion over 5 years via the Caring for Our Country Program coupled with a recommitment to the role and functions of NRM regional bodies.  An outline of correspondence from the government concerning the 2013/14 to 2017/18 can be downloaded here: AGLC Standard Words

While the details of the new Caring for Our Country programs are yet to be finalized the investment provided via the Caring for Our Country Program coupled with the Clean Energy Futures Initiative and the Water for a Future program does offer significant opportunities aligned to natural resources management for the region.  Our collective challenge is to provide a business case worthy of government investment in our region coupled with a services delivery model which delivers what the investor is seeking while meeting our regional community needs and wants. In view of the importance of this need Reef Catchments has already begun the conceptual planning for this series of actions and will also be evaluating its strategic and operational plans in the early part of 2013.

 

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Grazing Good Ideas

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Forum brings together graziers, industry and scientists

Free forum for graziers, “Seeds, Weeds, Soils and Feeds”, will be held in Mackay on 23 May. Graziers, scientists and industry reps will share their ideas and discuss the best ways to improve pastures and increase profits from coastal grazing while maximising sustainability outcomes aligned to water quality and biodiversity.

The forum will cover giant rat’s tail grass control, pig and dog control, best pasture species and fertilisers, and pasture and breeding management.

Michael Boyd, the Reef Rescue Grazing Leader, will be introducing the forum and presenting a report on progress to date with the Reef Rescue Grazing program.

“Because the forum is dealing with the unique issues we all face with in high rainfall coastal areas, I would encourage all graziers in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region to considering attending,” said Mr Boyd. “It’s a great opportunity to discuss coastal grazing issues with other graziers, scientists and experts.”

DEEDI, Farm HQ, Elders, Landmark, AgDat, AgForce, Landcare, Reef Catchments and other agencies will host displays throughout the day, with representatives available to answer any questions.

ID your weeds

Landholders are invited to bring samples of any mystery plants found on their property for our experts to test their identification skills. Plants must be securely transported in sealed plastic bags to prevent the spread of unwanted plants.

Event details

The forum will be held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre from 8am to 4pm on Wednesday 23 May 2012.  Registration for the forum commences at 8am and bookings are essential.

If you intend to come to the forum please ring Reef Catchments on (07) 4968 4200 or email reception@rc2019.thedma.com.au to secure your place. Family, friends and neighbours are welcome.

-Ends-

Photos and interviews available upon request.

Volunteers lend a hand at Blacks Beach

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Coastal volunteers planted 150 native trees at Blacks Beach Reserve during coastal activities hosted by Mackay Regional Council and Reef Catchments on Saturday 28 April.

The trees are being planted as part of the management program in the Reserve which aims to protect and enhance the coastal environment while allowing for recreational access and use.

“The effort of our volunteers complements the ongoing work being carried out in the Reserve by Council staff, local schools, and weed contractors,” said Ms Woodcock.

Both the environment and the community benefited from coastal activities. “These events give local residents the opportunity to make a positive contribution to coastal management at their beach,” said Ms Woodcock.

Blacks Beach Reserve contains several hectares of coastal vegetation which is threatened in Queensland and across Australia.

Blacks Beach also supports significant populations of nesting marine turtles and is identified as an important site for shorebirds.

The next coastal community event in the Northern Beaches will be at Bucasia on Saturday morning 19 May. “We welcome anyone interested in finding out more about the coastal program to come along and have a chat.”

Coastal Community Activities are supported by Mackay Regional Council and Reef Catchments through the Natural Environment Levy and Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program.

 

EVENT DETAILS:

  • Sat 19 May, Bucasia Beach, 9.00am-11.00am.  Meet at access track north of swimming enclosure.  Accessed via track from Waverly Street, Bucasia.  Follow the signs.

Volunteers are asked to wear a hat, enclosed footwear, and protective clothing.