Archives for March 2014

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.”

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.”

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.