Archives for May 2014

Spotlight on our endangered and threatened species

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A sea creature from the Great Barrier Reef.
Learn more about species at risk or endangered in the Mackay Whitsunday region.
Image © Commonwealth of Australia (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority)

We’ve all heard about the plight of the panda and the battle to save the black rhinoceros – but what about the endangered animals that live in the Mackay & Whitsundays?

This month, Reef Catchments has launched a new tool to help put the spotlight on animal and plant species that need looking after in the Mackay and Whitsunday region.

From the Little tern and Beach stone curlew to the Proserpine rock wallaby, our region has a huge diversity of native flora and fauna, much of which is at risk or endangered.

“Many people don’t realise the Mackay Whitsundays region is home to many species that are unique to our region.  By making people aware of these species and the threats they face we can better understand how we can help look after them” said Kerensa McCallie, Reef Catchments Senior Project Officer for Biodiversity.

“We are lucky to have a very high level of biodiversity in our backyard. Unfortunately urban and agricultural development, introduced plants and animals and other threats have had major impacts on our region’s native plants, animals and ecosystems, some of which are now listed as threatened species.

“To help address this, Reef Catchments has designed a new online tool that will help us learn more about these unique species, and the steps we should take to ensure their survival.”

The Online Species Profiles assist to identify the conservation issues for local species and what we can do to protect them.

“Simple things like avoiding nesting seabird colonies, keeping dogs under control and removing invasive plants from our yards can make a big difference,” Kerensa McCallie said.

Try the Species Profile online tool today at: https://reefcatchments.com.au/species-ecosystem-profiles

Systems Repair projects a priority in Mackay and Whitsundays

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A systems repair wetland rehabilitation project, being implemented on the property of a Mackay cane farmer.
A Systems Repair rehabilitation project, being implemented on the property of a Mackay cane farmer.

From bank stabilisation and riparian revegetation, to sediment detention basins and wetland restoration  – Reef Catchments has been working with landholders in the Mackay and Whitsunday region to deliver a diverse range of Systems Repair projects, funded through the Australian Government Reef Programme.

Reef Catchments Healthy Waterways project officer, Chris Dench, said the response from landholders a year into the program was excellent.

“As a result, Reef Catchments is undertaking four System Repair projects within the Mackay Whitsunday region. Systems Repair projects look to build resilience into the landscape to be able to deal with future pressures and ultimately improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding reef catchments,” Mr Dench said.

“Three of the projects are river basin improvement projects with the fourth looking to address issues from urban development in coastal areas.

“The O’Connell and Plane Creek River Basins were both selected for their high ecological value and good relative water quality. The third river basin, the Pioneer, was selected as it is the most intensively developed agricultural area in the Great Barrier Reef landscape.

“Our coastal environments have been heavily fragmented and impacted by the growth of the urban footprint, so our urban development centres are also being targeted for systems repair.”

The focus of projects in the O’Connell and Rocky Dam Basins is on improved ecosystem health to deal with future pressures, while further improving water quality and landscape connectivity. A key component is Reef Catchments work with landholders to directly improve bank stabilisation and riparian vegetation along rivers, while also opening up aquatic habitat with the removal of fish barriers.

“High priority sites have been identified and prioritised within the basins, which will provide the greatest reduction in pollutant loads,” Mr Dench said.

Work in the Pioneer Basin differs slightly, with the primary aim to significantly improve water quality through a treatment train approach.

“A series of targeted bio-retention systems and constructed wetlands will protect downstream freshwater, estuarine and marine environments.

“The treatment trains will provide multiple opportunities for water to be treated to reduce nutrient, chemical and sediment loads as it makes its way through the landscape and ultimately out into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.”

The systems repair work being carried out in urban areas aims to improve condition and restore connectivity through revegetation, strategic weed control, installation of fishways, and the construction of artificial wetlands to improve the quality of water leaving urban development centres.

“Together, these System Repair projects complement the water quality grants projects being undertaken through the Reef Programme, and improve total water discharge from the Mackay and Whitsunday region,” said Mr Dench.  

For more information contact Reef Catchments – chris.dench@reefcatchments.com or (07) 4945 2321

Traditional Owners planning for Climate Change

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Mackay Traditional Owners, Gary Mooney and Samarla Deshong will help identify sites of cultural significance in the Mackay Whitsunday region.
Mackay Traditional Owner Gary Mooney (left) and Samarla Deshong will help identify sites of cultural significance in the Mackay Whitsunday region.

Traditional Owners (TO’s) in the Mackay and Whitsundays are planning ahead for climate change.

The TO’s are working in partnership with regional bodies to help identify local sites of cultural significance to be included in a regional Climate Action Plan, which will assess the future impact of rising sea levels and other climate risks and develop strategies for adaptation.

With changes in our climate becoming more evident, a partnership between Reef Catchments, the Tropical Indigenous Ethnobotany Centre (TIEC) and CSIRO has commenced to help capture and map sites of cultural importance as the first step. The group is working with regional Traditional Owners, including Yuwi-bara (Yuibera) elder Gary Mooney and Koinmerburra cultural advisor Samarla Deshong.

Reef Catchments Climate & Landscapes Systems Coordinator, Dr Robyn Bell, said the Cultural Heritage Mapping work was in response to more widespread planning for climate change.

“Climate affects us all and it is critical sites of traditional importance are protected. For example, a recent trip to Cape Palmerston by the group revealed that shell middens have been covered with sand due to cyclones and storm surges in recent years, and invasive grass species are altering habitats that were previously sources for fresh water, bush foods and medicines,” she said.

“Concern was raised by the Traditional Owners as to ongoing impacts of climate change on culturally significant sites.

“By working together we hope to better understand and document Traditional Owner aspirations for land and sea and to strengthen connection to country.”

Future work includes planning workshops and the development of ‘no-regret’ action plans to protect cultural values and practice. Potential future scenarios will also be explored. Outcomes from these activities will inform Reef Catchments Climate Action Plan and the Natural Resources Management Plan for the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.

“Ultimately, this work aims to reduce climate impacts and develop adaptation options on the region’s cultural heritage and traditional food sources” Dr Bell said.

For more information contact Robyn Bell – robyn.bell@reefcatchments.com

Reef Catchments showcases diverse on-ground works at Field Day

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Members and Stakeholders at Reef Catchments Field Day
Reef Catchments 2014 Members and Stakeholders Field Day

More than 30 Reef Catchments members, growers, business representatives and community stakeholders took part recently in a Field Day that showcased some of the diverse works being done by Reef Catchments in the Mackay Whitsunday region.

Participants toured Mackay and surrounds by bus, visiting a range of operational sites and on-ground works – from beaches and wetlands, to fish barriers and rainfall simulation.  

Reef Catchments CEO, Rob Cocco, said the day allowed people to gain a better understanding of the diverse scope of Reef Catchments.

“Often people will deal with Reef Catchments in one sector – for example, agriculture – and not be aware the group also works extensively in other areas, such as coastal management, urban water quality, fisheries and biodiversity (for example).

“All these projects are connected and help link our region together by strengthening our natural assets and improving our capacity to manage natural resources in a way that benefits our economy, community and lifestyle.

“A big thank goes to those who participated in this recent event, and we hope the day was both informative and useful. We will be announcing more stakeholder and community field days in the future.”

First off was a trip to the Northern Beaches, where participants learnt more about the major works being done on Bucasia Beach to reinstate a functioning dune system and build natural resilience against weather events and erosion.

“The Bucasia Beach project is a key coastal initiative being implemented by Reef Catchments in partnership with the Mackay Regional Council,” coastal coordinator Kerri Woodcock said.

“Reef Catchments works heavily across the Mackay and Whitsunday coast and islands, and in 2013 key achievements with our project partners included stabililsing dune systems with more than 5,000 native seedlings, the control of invasive weeds in 168 hectares of native vegetation and the installation of over 770 metres of coastal fencing.”

Delegates then headed to the Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens to view fisheries and planned wetland construction work.

“We are working to remove barriers to fish passage across the region, to build up population and diversity of native fish species and to strengthen aquatic ecosystems. In a region like Mackay and the Whitsundays, this is a key focus, with fishing and fish health so important from both an environmental and recreational perspective,” said aquatic systems officer Matt Moore.

“We are also very excited about Stage 2 of the project, which will include the construction of wetlands over a large and currently unutilised area of the Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens.”

Third stop was the property of Rodney Lamb, Eton cane grower and winner of the 2013 Reef Rescue Sugarcane Farmer of the Year award.

“Rodney and the DNRM have been dedicated partners in the delivery of paddock scale water quality monitoring for five years, and has committed to continuing for another two,” said water science coordinator Ken Rohde.

“Thanks to this partnership we are able to monitor and measure the impact of various nutrient and chemical applications on run off, and help use these results to facilitate improved practice and water quality on a wider scale.”

 

Reef Catchments rainfall simulator was also demonstrated on site.

“This allows us to measure runoff and water quality in a range of rainfall scenarios, which are replicated by the simulator,” Mr Rohde said.

The final stop for the day was a large natural wetland being rehabilitated on the property of Pioneer Valley cane farmer, Shane Cowley.

“Reef Catchments is working with landholders to undertake a range of what are known as ‘Systems Repair’ projects,” waterways coordinator Adam Folkers said.

“These projects look at improving water quality and ecosystem health, including in the Pioneer River Basin, which covers some of the most intensively farmed agricultural land in the Great Barrier Reef catchments. In this area, works will include the creation and maintenance of artificial wetlands, sediment detention basins and irrigation re-use structures.

“In the Plane Creek and O’Connell River basins, projects also include in-stream works like fish barrier removal and the construction of fishways, bank stabilisation and riparian revegetation.”

Climate Risk in the Coastal Zone forum discusses key issues

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The Climate Risk in the Coastal Zone forum was held at CQUniversity in Mackay
The Climate Risk in the Coastal Zone forum was held at CQUniversity in Mackay

The Mackay Whitsunday region is no stranger to natural disasters, having experienced flooding, storm surges and cyclones in the past. Have you ever wondered how projected changes in climate could affect our coastal region, lifestyle, industry and homes?

This month, Reef Catchments focused on the issue at the Climate Risk in the Coastal Zone forum, held at CQU University on 9 May 2014.

The event attracted more than 45 people from the local community; including local council, state government, education, conservation and businesses representatives, to find out more about current and future potential climate risk.

The group also discussed steps that could be taken or adopted locally to minimise climate and weather related impacts.

Forum presenters were leading Australian and local climate experts including Robyn Birkett from Mackay Regional Council, Dr Neil Lazarow from CSIRO’s Climate Adaptation Flagship, Dr Darrell Strauss from the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management and Professor Catherine Lovelock, from the University of Queensland.

Information presented at the event was well-received by participants who enjoyed the diversity of the groups present, the scaling of issues (from global to local), the wide range of disciplines covered and the opportunity to share relevant up-to-date science, research and projects.

Robyn Birkett from the Mackay Regional Council provided insight into coastal and inland flood hazards specific to the Mackay region, and provided an update on planning processes in place within Council to address current and future risks.

Key messages from participants about this presentation included:

  • Mackay already has significant risk and is prone to further climate change impacts
  • It is good to hear that councils are using consistent approaches in planning methodologies

Dr Darrell Strauss covered the science of coastal processes, hazards and adaptation strategies with take home messages highlighted as:

  • Coastal processes are not the same, for a beach or even for a region (they are wave or tide dominated)
  • Beach profiles and therefore coastal vulnerabilities vary greatly along Queensland’s coastline
  • Hazards are increasing

Professor Cath Lovelock provided an overview of the ecosystem services and carbon storage potential of coastal marine vegetation. Key take home messages included:

  • Marine ecosystems store larger amounts of carbon than terrestrial ecosystems; termed as ‘blue carbon’
  • Seagrass is extremely valuable, yet very expensive to replace
  • There is already a coastal squeeze happening with mangroves migrating inland and taking over salt marsh
  • Coastal and marine ecosystems are important for many reasons, including their capacity to act as a buffer for the terrestrial environment and to offer protection of the natural coastline

Dr Neil Lazarow completed the presentation with the potential costs to communities of maladaptation. Recent severe weather events (floods, cyclones, drought, fire) nationally ensured there was plenty of material for case studies presented. Key take home messages were:

  • The impacts of climate will definitely be felt by the environment, but it is the impacts to our communities and our current economic and value system that will be prominent by-products of this, and which are often vastly underestimated
  • This issue needs good communication
  • We need a balance – where we consider economy, environment and society

Participants then took part in an open panel discussion with presenters to further clarify any issues that were raised during the day and to discuss options for moving forward.

For more information contact Dr Robyn Bell – robyn.bell@reefcatchments.com

Growers encouraged to access business and farm planning support

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Cane harvesting in the Mackay district
Landholders are being invited to complete an Expression of Interest to access support, funds and resources through the Australian Government Reef Programme.

Activities funded through the Australian Government Reef Programme are off to a strong start, with more than 160 growers in the Mackay and Whitsundays taking the opportunity to draw up farm plans to increase their pesticide, nutrient and nitrogen efficiencies.

However Reef Catchments Sustainable Ag manager, Rob Hughes, said there was plenty more time for growers who had not yet applied to be involved.

“This is the first year of the new programme phase, with Australian Government funding available via Reef Catchments for landholders in the Mackay and Whitsunday region,” Mr Hughes said.

“Funding is currently available over a three year period for a range of activities, including EC mapping, soil testing, planning and extension support and precision agriculture planning improvements and equipment. We are strongly encouraging growers to contact us and fill out an Expression of Interest to learn more about what is on offer.”

Mr Hughes said landholders would also be supported to apply for a second round of water quality grants to potentially fund further activities and resources, for example, machinery.

The Australian Government Reef Programme  (formerly Reef Rescue) has a strong history of success in the Mackay and Whitsunday region, with 946 farmers previously involved.

All work is ultimately aimed at encouraging on-ground practice change and improving understanding of practice change on water quality and productivity. The programme also seeks to provide a benchmark for industry by measuring the impact of change across the sugarcane, grazing and horticulture industries in relation to Reef Plan water quality improvement targets.

Involved growers are given the support they need to run their businesses more effectively, productively and sustainably, with a long term focus.

“The actions of growers involved in the Reef Programme have helped signifigicantly reduce nutrient and sediment runoff and improved water quality by creating on-farm effeciences,” Mr Hughes said.

What’s the next step?

If you are interested in learning more, contact Reef Catchments to request an Expression of Interest form. Phone (07) 4968 4200 or info@reefcatchments.com

Sustainable farming and fishing come together at Ag Trade Life

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Winning landholder Michael Attard (left) with Andrew Elsworthy from Tackle World Mackay and Reef Catchments CEO, Rob Cocco.
Winning landholder Michael Attard (left) with Andrew Elworthy from Tackle World Mackay and Reef Catchments CEO, Rob Cocco.

Mackay and Whitsunday farmers’ love of the land can only be matched by one thing… fishing.

The two were combined by Reef Catchments at this year’s CANEGROWERS Ag Trade Life event.

Reef Catchments partnered with local business Tackle World Mackay to offer a tempting fishing prize pack valued at over $600 to one lucky landholder.

Winning North Eton cane farmer, Michael Attard, said he was thrilled – and that farming, soil health and water quality were all connected.  

“We (sugarcane growers) go from generation to generation, and are thinking about the future. Soil health is a big issue – when you improve soil health you can bring your productivity up, your inputs down, and improve water quality,” said Mr Attard.

Mr Attard has been involved in the Reef Programme (formerly Reef Rescue) for more than five years. He has experimented with inputs aimed at soil health and brews a range of fertilisers on-farm.

“Over time we have reduced our salt based fertilisers and introduced elements like micronutrients, seaweed, fish and molasses. Our water holding capacity has gone up and we have increased organic carbon in the soil from below 1 to around 1.3. We have also noticed that it now takes more rainfall to produce runoff on our farm,” he said.

Reef Catchments CEO Rob Cocco said there was a direct link between Reef Catchments’ work in sustainable agriculture and the health of water systems that led to the Great Barrier Reef.

“In the Mackay and Whitsunday region, Reef Catchments has worked with more than 900 farmers to develop 1286 sustainable agriculture projects as part of the Reef Programme.

“This has fast tracked water quality benefits and significantly reduced the level of chemicals, nutrients and sediment leaving farms as runoff by more than 5000 tonnes each year.

“The sustainability of our region’s farms is directly connected to the health of our reef – so farms and fishing are more linked than people would often think.”

Andrew Elworthy from Tackle World Mackay said the business was happy to support local agriculture and a sustainable approach, including to fishing.

“Most farmers are fishermen and there are not too many farms without a boat in the shed!” Mr Elworthy said.

“We are happy to partner with organisations (such as Reef Catchments), we are a local business and we want to put back into the community.”

 

Out and about on our Coast

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Coasts and Communities update – find out what is happening on our coast

Finlaysons Point

Finlaysons Point at the northern end of Seaforth is an area of great natural beauty and high environmental value. The 83 Ha reserve is relatively untouched, and is comprised of multiple coastal ecosystems, providing a variety ecosystem services.

A number of important fauna species call Finlaysons Point home. The mangroves are listed as Essential Habitat for the Vulnerable Water Mouse (Xeromys myoides), and Endangered Flatback Turtles (Natator depressus) nest along the sandy beaches of Seaforth (including up to Finlayson’s Point). An internationally significant high tide roost for migratory and resident shorebirds is present at Finlaysons Point, with the birds feeding on adjacent intertidal mud and sand flats, whilst the Vulnerable Beach Stone-Curlew nests at Finlaysons Point. In addition to habitat loss from the clearing and degredation of native vegetation, resident and migratory shorebirds, along with marine turtles, are negatively impacted by disturbance from illegal vehicles use, and unrestrained dogs on the beach.

Inappropriate vehicle access, waste dumping, and green waste dumping are also threatening the vegetation of the reserve. An increasing variety, number and density of weeds are being found within the reserve, largely spreading along and in from roadsides of both gazetted roads, and illegal tracks.

Creating intense fires, weeds such as Guinea Grass and Lantana are known to alter the fire regimes of vegetative communities they invade. Coastal communities, particularly Critically Endangered beach scrub, are sensitive to alterations in fire regimes. An increase in intensity and frequency in fires prevents the natural transition of vegetative communities, and with weedy species such as Guinea Grass and Lantana thriving in post-fire conditions, they are typically the first species to re-colonise a fire site – further exascerbating the problem if regular weed control is not undertaken.

Maintaining, and undertaking recovery actions, such as weed control to assist natural regeneration, and restricting inappropriate vehicle access to minimise the spread of weeds and waste dumping are vital for conserving these areas with Matters of National Environmental Significance. The Coasts and Communities Program involves multiple partners working together to achieve just this, and anyone can play a part by getting involved with Coastcare in the Mackay Region.

To volunteer at Coastcare events in 2014, or subscribe to emails to find out what projects are happening on our coast, email claire.bartron@reefcatchments.com or call 0429 155 841.  www.rc2019.thedma.com.au/coastcare

Coasts and Communities is a joint initiative of Mackay Regional Council and Reef Catchments, through funding from the Australian Government and with support from Mackay Regional Council’s Natural Environment Levy. 

Mackay and Whitsunday farmers learn from South American growers

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Australian and South American farmers stand in front of a mixed lettuce farm in Costa Rica, planted out on a Keyline pattern.
Australian and South American farmers stand in front of a mixed lettuce farm in Costa Rica, planted out on a Keyline pattern.

“They couldn’t speak a common language but they spoke the language of soil”

When 17 Australian farmers took a trip to Mexico, Coasta Rica and Ecuador they discovered South American farmers were facing and meeting the same challenges as themselves, including rising costs, water charges and declining soil health.

This month, farmers from the Mackay region were invited to learn from and share the experience, brought alive on the screen.

On May 9, RegenAG® hosted a film night focused on agriculture – the RegenAG® MasHumus Farm Study Tour of Latin America. The event was supported by Reef Catchments and Mackay Regional Council.

Organiser and co-founder of RegenAG®, Kym Kruse, said it was an unmissable opportunity for Mackay farmers to learn from growers in another part of the world facing similar conditions and issues.

“In South America, the farmers are facing many of the same pressures our farmers are facing, without protection through tariffs,” Mr Kruse said.

“They couldn’t speak a common language, but they spoke the language of healthy soil. It was great to see the Australian and Latin farmers all down on their haunches together, touching, feeling and tasting the soil!

“They showed us how they had been addressing the common pressures, with a biological approach to their production and co-operatives that support their interests. The health of their soil had improved, productivity had increased, their input costs had reduced, as had their water usage. These lessons can now be shared.“

To obtain a copy of all 12 films on DVD contact RegenAG info@regenag.com The full set of DVDs is available for purchase for AU$20 + postage.