According to local Paddock to Reef sugar cane water quality monitoring trials, cane farmers can greatly reduce herbicide loss if there is a significant gap of at least three weeks between herbicide application and substantial rainfall. The trials also found that applying herbicide before an infiltrating rainfall helps to incorporate herbicide into the soil and […]
Archives for November 2012
Celebrate Coastcare week
November 20, 2012 by
Mark your calendars for 1-8 December Coastcare week recognizes the efforts of local volunteers to preserve our coast for future generations. The week kicks off on Saturday 1 December with Coastal Community Activities and free BBQ at Bucasia Beach. Hosted by Reef Catchments and Mackay Regional Council, these events recognise volunteer contributions during the past […]
Annual aerial feral pig shoot scheduled for December
November 19, 2012 by
It’s that time of year again. While some are planning Christmas celebrations and others are hard at work on the land finishing up the crush, community groups are planning the fate of many feral pigs. Communities in the Gregory River and Rocky Dam Creek Catchments along with Reef Catchments and Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association […]
Regional Ecological Monitoring Database
November 19, 2012 by
As part of Reef Catchments Citizen Science Network a new database is bringing together information on ecological monitoring from a range of sources across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region. The database will increase awareness of environmental monitoring in the region, provide a common, single point of access to information about monitoring programs and help identify […]
Land managers got lowdown on pest management
November 16, 2012 by
Whitsunday land managers attended an information session on wild dog and feral pig control last week. Regional Landcare Facilitator, Christine Peterson, said that pest animals such as wild dogs and feral pigs cause an estimated $720m impact annually state-wide. Control is a necessary and often expensive part of most agricultural enterprises. Mr Duncan Swan, Principal […]
Feral Pig control efforts in the Gregory River catchment
November 15, 2012 by
Land managers, community groups and government are working together to address the problem of feral pig damage in the Gregory River catchment. Following an information session in May, land managers have accessed free feral pig traps and ongoing advice and information regarding best practice control methods. Regional Landcare Facilitator Christine Peterson said there is no […]
Great Barrier Reef Ports Strategy | Update from CEO Rob Cocco
November 12, 2012 by
The Great Barrier Reef Ports Strategy presents the vision and principles guiding future port development and planning in the Great Barrier Reef coastal region to 2022. The Queensland Government’s aim is to ensure that port development in the region occurs in a balanced and incremental way to support economic development while maintaining the outstanding environmental […]
Strategic Assessment of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area | Update from CEO Rob Cocco
November 11, 2012 by
The Australian and Queensland governments are working together to undertake a comprehensive strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the adjacent coastal zone under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The strategic assessment will ensure that we continue to achieve best practice in managing a balance between […]
Carbon Farming Futures- Extension and Outreach Program | Update from CEO Rob Cocco
November 10, 2012 by
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is currently seeking applications for project funding under the Extension and Outreach Program, as part of the Australian Government’s Carbon Farming Futures Program. The CFI is a voluntary carbon offset scheme that provides a financial incentive for farmers and land managers to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases or […]
Paddock to Reef Water Quality Monitoring Trials revamped for new season
November 7, 2012 by
Changes are underway at the Mackay Paddock to Reef paddock scale water quality monitoring trial sites. Site improvements will help build understanding of herbicide application and add to the valuable information the Paddock to Reef trials have provided to the Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture program for three years. Monitoring on two treatments, comparing best management […]