
Reef Catchments has partnered with Rio Tinto’s Hail Creek Mine and the Australian Government in a unique venture to help restore natural assets in the Mackay and Whitsunday region.
In the first initiative of its kind in Queensland, a series of two (2) river cross vane structures have been constructed using more than 100 tonnes of locally sourced rock.
The structures have been built in a degraded section of the O’Connell River, north of Mackay.
Reef Catchments Aquatic Habitats Coordinator, Tim Marsden, said the engineered cross vanes had been specifically designed to improve the health of local aquatic eco-systems.
“The cross vane structures will help stabilise river beds and banks, keeping our rivers in good health for future generations to enjoy,” Mr Marsden said.
“They will also help rehabilitate important aquatic habitats and create ideal sites for fish.
“One major benefit will be an increase in the levels of important recreational, commercial and indigenous fish populations – for example, Barramundi, Spangled Perch, Jungle Perch and Rainbow Fish.
“It is the first time these designs have been trialled in Queensland rivers and we are looking forward to seeing the long-term benefits to waterways in Mackay and the surrounding areas.”
The project was co-funded by the Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund and the Australian Government’s Reef Program Systems Repair funding.
Community Development Fund Chairman and Hail Creek general manager operations Rowan Munro said “We are proud to partner once again with Reef Catchments to deliver sustainable outcomes for the ecosystems in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions.
“Our Community Development Fund continues to provide an opportunity for local projects to make big impacts and we look forward to seeing the benefits for O’Connell River Catchment into the future.”