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Archives for March 2014

Harry’s good health restored

Jaime · Mar 25, 2014 · Leave a Comment

It has been a good month for Harry the Hawksbill Turtle, who was recently given a clean bill of health and returned to the ocean off the Mackay coast after spending eight months in care at the Reef HQ Aquarium’s turtle hospital in Townsville.

Harry was found washed up on Illawong Beach suffering from Floaters Syndrome last September (2013), when Claire Barton and Danielle Crespan (Conservation Volunteers Australia) were called to his aid.

He was initially taken to EcoBarge HQ at Airlie, until space at the Reef HQ hospital became available. X-rays revealed Harry’s poor condition was caused by lung contraction, which can be sparked by a parasite or bacterial infection.

Anti-parasite medication, warm water and time at the turtle hospital enabled Harry to make a full recovery and to put on 1.2 kg in weight.

He was recently returned to his rightful place in the waves by Fay Griffin from the Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association, with the help of Ms Barton.

“Harry is looking much stronger and healthier than the last time I saw him,” Ms Barton said. 

“Back in September he was covered in algae and barnacles which indicate he had spent lots of time floating at the water surface, and when we put him in the water to test his swimming ability he popped right back up to the surface.

“It was great to see Harry looking so healthy, and to see him swim off so strongly.”

 

Young adventurers head off on tropical island expedition

Jaime · Mar 25, 2014 · Leave a Comment

A group of high school students from the Mackay area have taken part in a tropical island adventure as part of an environmental education program designed to foster a love of marine science and reconnect the community with the stunning seascapes in their backyard.

The Mackay Marine Classroom Program will see nearly 100 local students experience the World Heritage Whitsunday Islands throughout the year. The program commenced this March, with the first group of intrepid students from Sarina State High School.

The students camped for three nights on beautiful Brampton Island where they gained valuable on-ground conservation science experience, while also helping to protect local islands and beaches.

“This is a unique and exciting way for our young people to connect with their local islands while learning important science and conservation skills,” said Sarina State High School teacher Tich Rafter.

“Here in Mackay we have one of the most beautiful marine environments in the world, which people come to visit from all over the globe, yet few of us locals get to experience it in such a meaningful and educational way.”

The Mackay Marine Classroom Program was designed and implemented by Wild Mob and Reef Catchments, with support from Mackay Regional Council and Central Queensland University. It is fully aligned to the Marine Science Syllabus and led by Wild Mob’s experienced field guides at locations such as Brampton Island, St Bees Island and the Goldsmith Islands.

Students participating in the program receive hands-on experience in coastal regeneration, inter-tidal reef surveys, marine debris, invasive species management and more. The local environment meanwhile will benefit from extra hands helping with important habitat rehabilitation work.

Wild Mob has many years of experience conducting educational field trips for thousands of high school and university students in some of Australia’s most beautiful locations, including Brampton Island.

Hundreds of students around Australia have already participated in Wild Mob’s marine studies programs on Brampton Island, including some as far away as Tasmania – but until now, none have been from the Mackay area.

“Stunning beaches, tropical islands and coral reefs teeming with life are all within easy reach of Mackay’s high schools, but these natural environments are also in need of protection,” said Wild Mob spokesperson Andrew Elphinstone. 

“We are thrilled to have taken the first group of local students out this month to what is one of the world’s most remarkable outdoor classrooms.”

How will climate affect us? Envisioning possible futures for the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac NRM regions

Jaime · Mar 25, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Is our region equipped to manage an evolving climate moving forward? Not yet, according to recent workshops hosted by Reef Catchments.

More than 40 delegates from Mackay, the Whitsundays and Isaac have gathered to discuss regional drivers of climate risk and change as part of regional scenario planning workshops in Mackay and Proserpine – Envisioning Possible Futures for the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac NRM Region.

Participants included representatives from the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac Regional Councils, State and Federal government, CSIRO researchers, Traditional Owners, local industry and natural resource management planners.

Reef Catchments Climate & Landscapes Systems Coordinator, Dr Robyn Bell, said there was a consensus from the room that planning needs to consider climate risk now – including predicted changes in climate at a local and regional level.

“The workshops brought together delegates from all backgrounds – business, research and environmental. What everyone agreed on is that it is time for the Mackay, Whitsundays and Isaac regions to start to really think about how to plan and mitigate against the risk of changes in climate locally,” Dr Bell said.

“With more intense rainfall and storm events and greater variability in climate predicted for Queensland in the future, it makes sense for our area – which is already heavily impacted by weather, flooding and storm tide events – to factor climate into business and living decisions.”

Dr Iris Bohnet from CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences said the workshops also highlighted opportunities for collaboration between sectors.

“Diverse sectors can support each other to prepare plans around climate science moving forward that have a real practical use in the community,” Dr Bohnet said.

“The workshops provided an excellent example of how science and research can support planning for climate and other changes at a more local level.”

Dr Bell said historically there has been little data available for climate projections specific to the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.

“We have commissioned the first research into this area and will be releasing this research to the wider community in the near future. This will be a valuable tool for future planning around projected local climate scenarios,” she said.

Other key points highlighted by the group include the need for increased community capacity to respond to changes in climate, the importance of updates to emergency and disaster planning, and climate planning for business and local government.

Traditional Owner group re-forms in Mackay and the Whitsundays

Jaime · Mar 25, 2014 · Leave a Comment

Traditional Owners from Mackay and the Whitsundays once again have a platform to come together and share ideas on caring for their country and promoting traditional culture.

The Traditional Owner Reference Group (TORG) for the Mackay Whitsunday area was re-formed this month and includes representatives of the Yuwi-bara, Gnaro, Gia, and Koinmerburra Traditional Owners of the region.

Gnaro elder Aunty Carol Prior said the TORG group was an important way to bring together Traditional Owners to share ideas, gain feedback and protect traditional land and culture just like their ancestors did.

The group will also be a key contact point for organisations, government and members of the broader community who need to connect with Traditional Owners for guidance on traditional values and practices.

“All the traditional groups from Mackay and the Whitsundays have come to work together. It is about sharing ideas and caring for our land and country,” Aunty Carol said.

“When we sit at that table we sit as one – to me it is like sitting around a campfire throwing ideas around and sharing thoughts.

“It is important because if we don’t look after our traditional ways and land they will be lost. For example, an ongoing issue we want to come together to stop is illegal poaching and disturbance of native animals like turtles.”

New resource for the battle against weeds

Jaime · Mar 25, 2014 · 1 Comment

A new book is available to help landholders identify and control weeds. 

Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region and its companion booklet Control Options for Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region have been published by The Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (MRPMG).

Chairperson for the MRPMG, Ms Christine Peterson said the book was an invaluable resource for farmers, rural residential owners, contractors and Landcarers.

“With nearly 250 weeds detailed, the book is a comprehensive source of information on the prevalent weeds in the region. It will help with the first step in weed control; correctly identifying weeds.  To help with the next step – weed control – the companion book has been developed and details control options,” she said.

Ms Peterson said that the MRPMG has a broad stakeholder base, including agriculture, local and state governments, and community groups.

“This allows for good balance of content for the book, making it relevant for most users.”

Copies of the book have been given to the town libraries. Copies may also be purchased from the region’s Landcare groups, Reef Catchments, Canegrowers district offices and Mackay Area Productivity Services.

The book was funded by the Queensland Government via Reef Catchments, Mackay Regional Council, MRPMG and has had a considerable amount of hours volunteered to its development by stakeholders of the MRPMG.

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