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 […]
Archives for May 2014
Systems Repair projects a priority in Mackay and Whitsundays
May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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 […]
Traditional Owners planning for Climate Change
May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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 […]
Reef Catchments showcases diverse on-ground works at Field Day
May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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 […]
Climate Risk in the Coastal Zone forum discusses key issues
May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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, […]
Growers encouraged to access business and farm planning support
May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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 […]
Sustainable farming and fishing come together at Ag Trade Life
May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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. […]
Out and about on our Coast
May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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 […]
Mackay and Whitsunday farmers learn from South American growers
May 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
“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 […]