Archives for December 2015

New soil health group formed

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CQSHS

A new group, Central Queensland Soil Health Systems (CQSHS) has been formed in recognition that soil is much more than just somewhere to stand your crop.

The group is open to membership from all sectors of agriculture, farming, and grazing and the wider community.

Major issues in Mackay soils are lack of soil carbon and plant available calcium as well as compaction in the field from heavy machinery resulting in poor soil microbial activity. CQSHS is currently auspiced by Pioneer Landcare Group but intends to form its own official entity.

The CQSHS group believes addressing soil health must take a systemic approach. Addressing one issue at a time is a lengthy procedure with resultant improvements from each trial often being too minuscule for farmers to warrant adoption of changed farming practices. Farmer driven research and trials can address multiple issues at any one time with multiple science disciplines working on the same project.

Currently, trials and practices to improve soil biology are being conducted which include

  • the multi-species planting of alternate crops
  • annual applications of calcium and the incorporation of other soil ameliorants
  • the inclusion of micro-nutrients in fertilising programs
  • the use of composting; and other forms of organic or biological farming

The desired objectives of these trials is to increase microbial activity and improved soil biology in order to achieve healthier soils, reduce inorganic inputs and increase yields, benefiting both farmers and the environment.

Four members of CQSHS have been sponsored by the Reef Catchments Regional Landcare Facilitator (RLF) program to attend the Biological Conference in Lismore in early November to assist with improving knowledge and networks. The group considered there were four recurring themes that were important take home messages.

These were:

  • The importance of calcium, not only for plant nutrition but also for biological function
  • The importance of carbon in all its forms from plant exudates to organic matter to humus
  • Understanding how plant diversity plays a key role in all aspects of carbon building
  • The value of compost for both plant health and biological function
  • The value of biochar and how it can be used and applied, including how it can be fed to animals for increased animal health and soil health

Central Queensland Soil Health Systems group will be open to membership from all sectors of agriculture, farming and grazing, and the wider community.   It is believed that practical and science based research trials driven and owned by membership will be able to achieve the CQSHS stated objective of restoring and building soil health through combining practical knowledge and science.

The overall result should see a reduction in the sodicity of the soil, with increases in water storage and reduced water logging.

Support for this project is provided by Reef Catchments through the Australian Government Regional Landcare Facilitator (RLF) program.

Planning for Climate Change

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ClimateShipNew projections which are regionally specific about potential climate changes for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac NRM region, have been released by the CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology as part of the national NRM Planning for Climate Change program funded by the Australian Government.

Changes to the ‘average climate’ occur every 10-12,000 years, with cycles between warm periods and Ice Ages.

We have been in a warm period for more than 11,000 years, in the geological epoch called the ‘Holocene’. The global climate change issue is a result of the planet ‘warming’ rather than cooling which may have been expected from historical climate change patterns.

Levels of certainty varies dependent on the climate variability being examined. The certainty around future projections include:

  • Substantial increases in average, maximum and minimum temperatures
    Very high confidence
  • Substantial increases in the temperature of hot days, as well as in the
    frequency and duration of extreme temperatures
    Very high confidence
  • Average sea level and height of extreme sea level events will continue to
    rise
    High confidence
  • Increases in evapotranspiration in all seasons
    High confidence
  • Increased intensity of extreme rainfall events High confidence
  • Less frequent but more intense tropical cyclones Medium confidence
  • Changes to rainfall are possible but unclear due to disagreement between model simulations Low Confidence

Future projections about the climate are dependent on greenhouse gas emissions into the future with the IPCC and international research community establishing Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP’s).

These RCP’s focus on concentrations of greenhouse gases, emissions trajectories and radiative forcing (energy absorbed and retained in the lower atmosphere). The current trajectory for greenhouse emissions is RCP8.5, which is the worst case or Business as usual scenario.

The latest report indicates that Australia could have an average temperature increase of up to 5.1°C by 2090, as the worst case scenario. Implications for the local region are discussed in the ‘Wet Tropics Cluster report’ that can be found on the Climate Change in Australia website.

Temperature increases by the end of the century may be of little consequence to some people, however the implications of other changes within the climate system are having, and will continue to have, effects on the natural environment and society into the future.

Mackay ‘paves the way’ in environmental innovation

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Litter baskets which have been installed around Mackay by Reef Catchments
Forty-one (41) litter baskets are set to be installed in the pavements and streets of the Mackay City Centre.

IMG_0818 One of the types of litter baskets installed around Mackay by Reef CatchmentsReef Catchments has partnered with Mackay Regional Council to pave the way in environmental innovation, with forty-one (41) litter baskets installed in the pavements and streets of the Mackay City Centre.

Located at stormwater drainage points, the litter traps will dramatically reduce levels of rubbish and organic matter entering our waterways and the marine environment.

Reef Catchments coasts and biodiversity coordinator, Stefanie Wabnik, said the traps would benefit both the environment and the community.

“This is a exciting initiative from Mackay Regional Council and Reef Catchments to help protect Mackay’s waterways, river and Coast from pollution,” she said.

“Reef Catchments is pleased to be able to fund the litter traps through the Australian Government Reef Programme, as part of a wider Urban System Repair project for Mackay.

“These traps will capture litter generated in urban areas, for example shopping areas, that is otherwise washed or blown into stormwater drainage systems, leading to the accumulation of non-biodegradable litter on our Coast.

“By installing these traps, we are helping secure the future health of our beaches, waterways and marine environment, including the adjacent Great Barrier Reef.”

The traps are designed to retain pollutants at entry points to the drainage network. Litter that would otherwise flow into our waterways as stormwater runoff is instead captured in a filter mesh liner in a basket fitted below the road invert.

Importantly, the baskets also feature an overflow mechanism that reduces the risk of roadside ponding and flooding in rainfall events.

Ms Wabnik said the traps would target the identified ‘Top 10’ street pollution items for the Mackay region.

“We are expecting to see a major reduction in debris entering Mackay’s water system, primarily soft plastics like wrappers, food packaging and plastic bags, as well as cigarette butts. Other targets include foil and aluminium cans, bottle tops and lids and plastic drink bottles,” she said.

“This kind of litter, left unchecked, has the potential to damage and disrupt our valuable aquatic ecosystems and water supply.”

The 41 new baskets are expected to capture around 1 cubic metre of litter each quarter.

This project is a joint initiative of Reef Catchments and Mackay Regional Council, through funding from the Australian Government Reef Programme.

Launch of first report card for Mackay-Whitsunday Waterway Health

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Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership Panel members, from left: Matthew Fullerton (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection), Katrina Dent (Partnership deputy chair and Reef Catchments), David Wachenfeld (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority), Partnership Chair Di Tarte, Kevin Kane (North Queensland Bulk Ports), Dan Staley (Whitsunday Regional Council , Kerry Latter (Canegrowers), Lance Murray (Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance), Samarla Deshong (Koinjmal Traditional Owner), David Brewer (CSIRO), Partnership executive officer Charlie Morgan and Ellen Roberts (Mackay Conservation Group).
Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership Panel members, from left:
Matthew Fullerton (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection), Katrina Dent (Partnership deputy chair and Reef Catchments), David Wachenfeld (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority), Partnership Chair Di Tarte, Kevin Kane (North Queensland Bulk Ports), Dan Staley (Whitsunday Regional Council , Kerry Latter (Canegrowers), Lance Murray (Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance), Samarla Deshong (Koinjmal Traditional Owner), David Brewer (CSIRO), Partnership executive officer Charlie Morgan and Ellen Roberts (Mackay Conservation Group).

A new pilot report on the health of Mackay-Whitsunday waterways has highlighted data gaps and the need for more action to be taken to secure the long-term health of our basins, estuaries and the Great Barrier Reef.

The Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership pilot report card launched in Mackay this October (2015). Still in the early phases, the report clearly highlights missing links in water quality monitoring and research, while also identifying regional strengths and key areas of concern.

Partnership Chair, Di Tarte, said importantly the new initiative would help prioritise where efforts should be directed to improve waterway health.

“Thanks to the pilot report card, the community is provided with ongoing, relevant information necessary to secure a strong future and the long-term health of the Mackay-Whitsunday waterways and the adjacent area of the Great Barrier Reef,” Ms Tarte said.

The Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership represents the first collaboration of diverse sectors focused specifically on waterway health in the Mackay-Whitsunday area, consisting of 28 organisations working together to share leading and transparent independent science.

Collectively, the group has access to regional data and information representing over $4M of investment in monitoring and research programs.

“For the first time, the Partnership brings together organisations and information from a wide range of sectors for a collaborative approach to assessing the health of our waterways and identifying management priorities – from government, mining and ports, to agriculture, fisheries, tourism, traditional owners and environmental and NRM groups,” Ms Tarte said.

“This approach ensures insight into whole-of-catchment waterway health, from basin to estuary and out to the marine environment and adjacent Great Barrier Reef. With diverse organisations coming to one table, it is also testament to a high level of commitment to waterway health from the Mackay-Whitsunday region.

“The pilot report card is a first step towards tracking trends in waterway health and the progress of management activities to respond in areas where improvements are needed.”

It includes results on environmental and community social values of waterways, as well as stewardship by industry.

Results demonstrate a clear need for more action and investment into the Mackay-Whitsunday region to effectively improve water quality in the future.

“While there are certainly areas in the region with encouraging results, there are also clear areas where improvement is needed, and some areas where we have no data at all,” Ms Tarte said.

The condition of the region’s waterways ranged from B’s (Good) to D’s (Poor). Of the Mackay-Whitsunday region’s five major freshwater basins, just one reported a grade of B (the O’Connell), two scored C (Don and Proserpine) and two scored D (Pioneer and Plane).

Major estuaries rated more positive overall water quality scores of B for the Gregory River, Vines Creek, and Carmila Creek; C for Rocky Dam Creek, Plane Creek and Murray and St Helens Creek; and D for Sandy Creek.

The marine results were mixed, from D for the Inshore Central region, to a C for the Northern and Whitsunday regions, to a B Offshore.

There was no data available for the southern inshore reporting zone (east of Carmila), flagging a critical need for monitoring programs to be established in this area.

Contaminants have been identified as a key issue in the Pioneer and Plane basins. Wetland extent and riparian vegetation also appear to be a key concern within the region’s basins and estuaries. The condition of the Whitsunday inshore marine area (C) is also of concern given this area’s importance to the tourism industry.

Ms Tarte said importantly, the pilot report also showed that the Mackay-Whitsunday community placed an exceptionally strong value (‘A’ Score) on waterways for the lifestyle and social benefits provided.

“From fishing, snorkelling and diving to simply enjoying a walk on a beautiful and pristine beach – these results show the region strongly values the lifestyle its waterways provide, and are committed to ensuring they remain intact for the next generation to enjoy.”

She said responsibility for water quality improvements did not fall on any one industry or sector, but required a partnership approach.

“We are seeing evidence of good work and on-going improvements across the board, for example by farmers, ports, recreational fishers, the tourism sector, local government and individuals.

“Responsibility for waterway health cannot be charged to any one sector alone. When it comes to the future of our waterways and the Great Barrier Reef, we all have an important part to play,” Ms Tarte said.

The Partnership welcomes comment and feedback from the community on the pilot report card.

To view and download a full copy of the pilot report and for further details on the breakdown of results, values and grades visit www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au

The Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership is hosted by Reef Catchments (Mackay Whitsunday Isaac) natural resource management group.

Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership partners contributing to the pilot report card include
Central Queensland University, Conservation Volunteers Australia, CSIRO, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Growcom, Isaac Regional Council, Mackay Canegrowers Limited   CANEGROWERS Mackay, Mackay Conservation Group, Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance, Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Sugar, Mackay Tourism Limited, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Ltd, NQ Dry Tropics Ltd, Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Inc, Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Queensland Resources Council Ltd, Reef Catchments Limited, Regional Development Australia Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Inc, Resource Industry Network, Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association Inc, State of Queensland acting through the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Whitsunday Catchment Landcare Ltd, Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association, Whitsunday Regional Council, Whitsunday Regional Organisation of Councils (ROC) and Whitsundays Marketing and Development Ltd

Reef Catchments announces successful projects for $135,000 of NLP funding

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Successful funding recipients are all smiles, from left Janice and Graham Armstrong (Chair, Whitsunday Catchment Landcare) with Jacki Smith from Eco Barge. Reef Catchments has announced $135,000 in funding for projects in the Mackay Whitsunday region, through the Federal Government’s new National Landcare Programme (NLP).
Successful funding recipients are all smiles, from left Janice and Graham Armstrong (Chair, Whitsunday Catchment Landcare) with Jacki Smith from Eco Barge.
Reef Catchments has announced $135,000 in funding for projects in the Mackay Whitsunday region, through the Federal Government’s new National Landcare Programme (NLP).

Seventeen (17) new environmental projects will have the resources and support they need to go ahead, thanks to a new round of funding provided by Reef Catchments through the Australian Government National Landcare Programme (NLP).

 Reef Catchments has provided 11 local Mackay Whitsunday Isaac groups with $135,000 for on-ground projects, rolled out regionally under the Looking After Local Landscapes program.

From marine and island debris removal, to fish tagging and research, pest and weed mapping, development of a community garden and waterway and creek rehabilitation – successful project applicants covered a diverse range of high priority issues relevant to our region.

Reef Catchments manager, Katrina Dent, said the focus of the funding was on community projects that allowed local groups to work within their own landscape, needs and priorities.

“This really is about groups in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac region having access to funds for projects that are directly connected to the local community. Funding also targets key Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES), with a focus on inland and coastal areas,” she said.

“We would like to say a big congratulations to all our successful applicants. Reef Catchments looks forward to working with the community together on projects that continue to contribute to the improved environmental health of our region.

“Regardless of the size and scope of projects, it is essential our local groups are supported to implement activities that can make a difference.”

Lance Murray, president of Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance, received funding for baseline Data collection for net-free fishing zones.
Lance Murray, president of Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance, received funding for baseline Data collection for net-free fishing zones.

Community groups were invited to apply for grants of between $2,000 and $15,000 with successful activities covering projects of all sizes. Many of the projects are being rolled out in collaboration with farmers and landholders across the region.

Dave Hunter, Chair of Pioneer Catchment Landcare Group (PCL) said the funding would support a wide range of new activities for the group, including significant restoration, erosion, bank stability and habitat works at St Helen’s Creek.

Thanks to NLP funding, the group will also work with landholders to install a series of nest boxes for native wildlife.

“Natural tree hollows for some of our native species, for example sugar gliders and microbats, can take decades to form. Obviously when trees are cleared these important nesting areas disappear, so the installation of nesting boxes is vital for the life cycle of our local wildlife,” Mr Hunter said.

“We are proud to work with Reef Catchments on these and other projects. This funding will enable us to extend our on-ground activities far beyond what we previously could – a great opportunity for us to expand environmental works in the local catchment.”

This is the full list of projects 

Airlie Beach Aquatic Reef Club: School holiday education program
Eco Barge: Eight (8) marine debris removal trips
Isaac Regional Council: Coastal connectivity and rehabilitation along the Clairview foreshore reserve
Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance: Baseline Data collection for net-free fishing zones
DNRM: Fish Tagging in the O’Connell River (quantifying flow requirements necessary for breeding stimulation and/or migration to estuarine and marine spawning grounds for diadromous fish species)
Reef Check Australia: RCA Reef Health surveys
Wild Mob: Percy Island- reduce weed infestations and marine debris on turtle nesting beaches
Finch Hatton Community Garden Inc: Community garden development
Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group: Seed collection
Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group: St Helen’s Creek rehabilitation including erosion control and bank stability and habitat improvement
Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group: Development of community education material
Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group: Cats Claw Creeper mapping – pest mapping
Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group: Owens Creek – weed management and watering (revegetation maintenance)
Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group: Installation of habitat nest boxes in collaboration with landholders
Sarina Landcare and Catchment Management Association: Community awareness raising events including grazing land management, native vegetation and biodiversity, weed identification and management, native flora and fauna and public natural areas e.g. coastal esplanades
Sarina Landcare and Catchment Management Association: Weed mapping
Whitsunday Catchment Landcare: Conway Beach – weed management