Archives for May 2014

Spotlight on our endangered and threatened species

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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.

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

Systems Repair projects a priority in Mackay and Whitsundays

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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.  

Traditional Owners planning for Climate Change

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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