Archives for September 2014

Reef Programme: Year one

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Canefield in Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region
Funding covers EC Mapping, soil testing (additional to regulation) and $500 per grower for initial precision agriculture planning improvements.

The Plane Creek and Mackay Productivity Boards, CANEGROWERS and Farmacist collectively worked with 239 sugarcane farmers across the Mackay Whitsunday region in the inaugural year of the Reef Programme.

Reef Programme is the successor to the Australian Government’s very successful Reef Rescue program. Like Reef Rescue the program, facilitated by Reef Catchments, is designed to improve the quality of water leaving agricultural lands in the Great Barrier Reef Regions. In our region funding is provided to sugarcane producers and graziers to improve nutrient and chemical management.

While funding for this region is smaller than what was received through Reef Rescue, Reef Catchments has worked with the sugarcane industry to design a program that delivers more than a simple grants program.

Participating landholders are provided with a three-year property planning service that aims to improve nutrient and chemical efficiency on farm resulting in economic and environmental savings. Precision Planning Consultants within Plane Creek Productivity Services, Mackay Area Productivity Services, CANEGROWERS Proserpine, Sugar Services Proserpine and Farmacist are working with sugarcane growers to develop plans that are suitable for the individual growers.  Consultants also update farm plans and provide a range of agronomic advice and support.

As well as the planning service Reef Programme provides funds for EC Mapping, soil testing (additional to regulation) and $500 per grower for initial precision agriculture planning improvements – e.g. nozzles/ new tank / equipment.

Working on Wetlands in Mackay-Whitsunday

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More prominence will be given to the restoration, construction and maintenance of critical wetlands in the Mackay-Whitsunday region, thanks to the good work of the Wetland Working Group.

Formed this year, the group aims to develop and share information on wetland activities that are happening locally, as well as seeking partnerships to add value to these programs.

Wetlands provide protection from the marine environment to the land and shore and reduce the impacts of floods.

Wetland types are diverse and can include rivers, swamps, lakes, lagoons, mudflats, mangroves and even coral reefs.

Marine Classroom brings aquatic environment alive for students

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A marine adventure on the high seas isn’t your average school day. But for 63 high school students from the Mackay region, time spent on the water has been an educational highlight this year as part of the Mackay Marine Classroom Program.

The new program has been hailed a resounding success by the students and teachers involved, offering a way to deliver a meaningful and hands-on learning experience for young adults.

Funded by Reef Catchments and delivered on the ground by Wild Mob, the program has allowed 63 high school students from four different schools to reconnect with the marine environment and to build a real life understanding of science and ecology.

Teachers have agreed the fact the program is subsidised is a major benefit.

“The fact this trip was subsidised meant that every student could attend and it was within his or her budget. This was crucial in our decision to participate,” said Gerri Sticklan, Head of Social Science, North Mackay State High School.

Mr Ray Donohue, Social Science Teacher from Mackay North State High, said he had never had such positive feedback from students regarding an excursion.

“Every student found it rewarding and educational. Students were talking about the trip weeks later and were already asking if they could go again the next year.  Making assessment relevant and real life encouraged all the students… they had ownership of their learning and really valued that,” Mr Donohue said.

Schools participating in the program over the last 12 months included: Mackay North State High School, Sarina State High School, Mackay State High School and Pioneer State High School.

General Manager of Wild Mob, Andrew Elphinstone, said there was already a waiting list of schools lined up for the next 12 months of the program.

“The program does rely on funding to ensure it can be rolled out with minimal cost to the students. We are currently planning a sponsorship campaign to support even more schools in the coming year and would welcome expressions of interest from any businesses or organisations keen to be involved,” Mr Elphinstone said.

He said as well as providing a learning experience, the program also delivered important environmental outcomes.

“For example, in the past 12 months, students have removed over 650kg of weeds and more than 70kg of plastic this year from our fragile island ecosystems,” Mr Elphinstone said.

Community ‘Tilapia Watch’ best way to slow the spread

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They are an exotic fish that are considered to be one of the worst pest species in Australia and they are on the move.

Since January this year, the pest fish Tilapia have been recorded in the Mackay Gooseponds as well as further south at locations in lower Fitzroy near Rockhampton and to the west around Moranbah. Tilapia are a cichlid species native to eastern Africa.

Catchment Solutions aquatic ecologists recently headed south to conduct electrofishing and assist with eDNA surveys to determine just how far and fast Tilapia are spreading.

Ecologist Trent Power reinstated the most effective way to slow the spread of tilapia was to get the public on board.

“The more eyes out there, the better – what we need is a community ‘Tilapia Watch’,” Mr Power said.

“If we can get the public to be aware of how to identify tilapia, to keep an eye out for them and to report sightings, then we have a much better chance of controlling the spread.”

Tilapia have been declared harmful to the environment, posing a particular threat to our native fish species.

“Tilapia highly competitive fish and have the potential to displace native fish species, which is why it is important we have an accurate gauge of their movement,” Mr Power said.

“Unfortunately, people moving tilapia from one waterway to another has been  a major component in their spread. Unknowingly, people often take tilapia to use as bait or as a pet fish to put in aquariums at home.

“If more people understand the threat and know how to recognise the tilapia, they will be less likely to spread the fish. Keeping tilapia out of unaffected waterways is the best way to protect our native fish species in the face of this pest, which has been likened to the cane toad of the water.”

Tilapia have two reliable identifying features: they have a single complete dorsal fin with no dent or gap; and they have pointed dorsal and pectoral fins, whereas most native fish have rounded fins.

“If you sight or catch a Tilapia, we are asking people to ring Queensland Fisheries as a first port of call to report the find,” Mr Power said.

“If caught, Tilapia should be humanely killed and disposed of away from the waters edge – for example by placing the fish in an ice slurry then burying on site. It is illegal to take tilapia for consumption.”

Mr Power said most people were also not aware substantial fines may also apply for anyone found with Tilapia.

“This fish is declared noxious in Queensland and penalties of up to $200,000 apply. It is illegal to place or release fish alive or dead in Queensland waterways,” he said.