Reef Catchments is proud to present our Annual Report for the 2019-2020 Financial Year. We invite you to read about the projects and achievements we have worked on in our region during this twelve month period.
Resilient ecosystems, engaged community – Reef Catchments is your Natural Resource Management (NRM) group for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.
Treatment trains use natural processes to eliminate runoff pollutants like sediment and nutrients, ensuring cleaner water to the catchment, rivers and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef.
Constructed wetland treatment trains use multiple chambers to treat water as it moves through the individual structures or basins. Included within the structures is a shallow macrophytes zone where reeds take up nutrients for their own growth. A biofilm, similar to an algae around the reeds, and the reeds themselves, also use nutrients for their growth, removing excess from the water. Within the design can be a deep chamber which landholders can utilise to pump extra water to irrigate crops, providing good production benefits. A larger biodiversity wetland area also provides a native wetland improving ecosystem services and detains water on the property for as long as possible before entering the receiving waters.
JCU Tropwater researchers collated and Interpreted the dataset from this project and identified improvements to water quality.
Here is a recently published paper by Carlos Bueno using the deidentifield water quality data from the treatment train projects at Bakers Creek and Brightly areas.
Further information from Carlos Bueno
More information on the effectiveness of these treatment systems.
Students from Sarina State High School were treated to a trip of a lifetime aboard SV Whitehaven out to Scawfell Island to better understand threatening processes and management of the Great Barrier Reef.
Over three days the students were involved in practical and theoretical activities revolving around reef health assessments, native plant and weed identification, marine debris beach clean ups, and audits.
These activities directly improve the ecological condition of the Island and importantly, encourage and empower students to adopt everyday actions to reduce threats to the reef, biodiversity, and how to lessen the source of contaminants such as plastic.
Reef Catchments Marine Classrooms are supported by funding from the Australian Heritage Grants Program, the charter vessel component was funded through the Queensland Government’s Reef Assist Program and delivered by Reef Catchments and SV Whitehaven.
Reef Catchments has worked with the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac community to develop a Community Action Plan for the protection of the Great Barrier Reef.
You can read all about it here, in this Story journal which covers, in colourful detail, the work undertaken to develop the action plan.
Community
Reef Catchments worked with a range of stakeholders to identify what was important to the community, and to map out potential projects. We look forward to working with the community to implement these projects, and we encourage you to read more about them in the Project Prospectus document.
Mark the date in your diary!
Everyone is welcome to attend the launch of the Community Action Plan at Mulherin Park on Sunday 11 April 2021 – please RSVP here. The morning has been planned as a community event and includes a variety of happenings. There will be an 8.30 a.m. start with a SeaToSource cleanup, then the launch at 10 a.m. followed by fun for all with local stalls on hand to supply a variety of food and goods.
This new edition of Provenance Magazine is full of fascinating stories about food producers from all over the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.
The magazine can be read online or you can send an email to reception and ask for a printed copy to be held for you.
Reef Catchments is proud to present our Annual Report for the 2019-2020 Financial Year. We invite you to read about the projects and achievements we have worked on in our region during this twelve month period.
Resilient ecosystems, engaged community – Reef Catchments is your Natural Resource Management (NRM) group for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
COVID-19 has presented a significant threat to our friends, families, and businesses in our local communities. Reef Catchments actively worked to reduce the threat to our staff and outcomes by postponing our face to face forums, public gatherings and events, and by providing resources for our workforce to work remotely and come together via digital platforms.
By implementing these measures, we have been able to provide peace of mind to our staff, their families, and the members of our communities.
Our physical office is open again, and we are all working closely together to maintain employee well-being and connectivity.
Reef Catchments has worked alongside landholders and partner organisations since 2000. We are proud of our regional footprint – every goal achieved represents collaboration, commitment, time and energy from all involved.
Change is more than a one-step process and we think we’re heading in the right direction. Check out our key achievements below.
A well-known Mackay watering hole is using an unusual device to help keep pollutants out of our waterways.
Smokers at McGuire’s CBD Hotel can now use their finished cigarette butts to vote on a question put to them by the hotel management. In doing so, they ensure that their discarded butts, a major pollutant of Mackay’s waterways, are disposed of properly.
The burning question posed earlier this week was: who would win in a fight, a kangaroo or an emu?
The idea for this bin came from Sunshine Coast Council, but it is the first in Australia to be made almost entirely of recycled materials.
Cigarette butts can take at least eight to 10 years to break down in the environment. It is a common misconception that they are biodegradable, but the plastic in the filter prevents that. Unfortunately, here in Mackay, many thousands of cigarette butts enter our storm water regularly.
Reef Catchments has been auditing stormwater drains in the Mackay CBD, identifying that cigarette butts are by far our biggest pollutant. To try to combat this, Reef Catchments have installed the butt voting bin at McGuires, with the help of Cleanwater Group.
Other pollutants, such as plastic fragments and plastic food packaging have also been identified as high priority items.
Reef Catchments Coastal Project Officer Cass Hayward said: “The cigarette butt voting bins have been shown to reduce cigarette butt litter in other places around the world. I hope that Mackay can similarly benefit. It is hugely important to start reducing our impact on the oceans, and reducing the amount of waste that ends up there is a good first step.
“Many don’t realise that the stormwater drains wash straight into the ocean, so what you throw on the ground or throw out your window ends up there too.”
The ‘What a load of rubbish! Sorting out its source’ project is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
This communications update, presented to the RCL July 2019 Board Meeting, noted numerous events which were organised and presented during the preceding two months.
The events, noted chronologically, included a rainfall simulation demonstration, the Mackay Marina Run, Seagrass monitoring, Mackay Show, Litter Trap Audit, St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend, a visit from the Queensland Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch, and the Mackay-Whitsunday Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership report card launch.
Pictured is the Reef Catchments team of runners who took part in the Mackay Marina Run at the Mackay Harbour. The runners took part in the five kilometre corporate challenge and everyone who started also finished the course.
Read all about it! The Water Quality Summary for 2017-2019 for the Bakers Creek repair site has just been released.
Bakers Creek System Repair Site – Water Quality Summary 2017-2019
Reef Catchments is undertaking a four year study of the water quality benefits of a constructed wetland treatment train at Bakers Creek. Treatment trains use natural processes to eliminate runoff pollutants like sediment and nutrients, ensuring cleaner water to the catchment, rivers and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef.
Constructed wetland treatment trains use multiple chambers to treat water as it moves through the individual structures or basins. Included within the structures is a shallow macrophytes zone where reeds take up nutrients for their own growth. A biofilm, similar to an algae around the reeds, and the reeds themselves, also use nutrients for their growth, removing excess from the water. Within the design can be a deep chamber which landholders can utilise to pump extra water to irrigate crops, providing good production benefits. A larger biodiversity wetland area also provides a native wetland ecosystem for fishing and detains water on the property for as long as possible before entering the receiving waters.
Further information from Carlos Bueno
This is a Reef Catchments initiative, made possible through funding from the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science.
Stewart and Sarah Borg’s grazing property “Marklands” in the Rocky Dam Creek sub-catchment is impressive. Home to wallabies, barramundi and more than three hundred bird species, the wetlands are an important habitat.
The ponded pastures serve primarily as cattle fodder, but the Borgs are proactive in aligning their grazing requirements with positive environmental outcomes.
“Financial farmers are environmentally sustainable farmers, and as the saying goes, it’s hard to be green when in the red,” says Stewart.
We aim to be at the forefront of environmental practices with carbon sequestration, containing sediment, and managing nutrients being our main priorities.
Thanks to funding through the Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Investment Program (NRIP), local NRM group Reef Catchments is now working with the family to reduce threats to native vegetation, encourage regeneration and remove barriers to fish passage. Additionally, the installation of off-stream watering points will allow for periodic rest of wetland paddocks.
“These works translate directly to outcomes such as improved condition and extent of native vegetation and wetlands, improved aquatic connectivity and a reduction in sediment flowing into waterways,” said Reef Catchments wetlands officer, Jessica Sabatino.
“The Rocky Dam Creek area is a bio diverse and productive sub-catchment. It contains valuable agricultural land and the Ince Bay Aggregation, a DIWA nationally important wetland.”
The sub-catchment, about 70km south of Mackay, contains estuarine, riverine and palustrine wetlands (56km2, 16.4km2 and 14km2 respectively). It contains national parks and is part of the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park. The vulnerable water mouse and near-threatened coastal sheath-tail bat can be found locally.
Despite Stewart’s admission that he already contributes to healthy fish populations by being a less than average fisherman, the Borgs are looking to improve fish habitat and passage.
With one fish ladder successfully in place, the Borg’s are looking into the feasibility of installing an additional fish ladder through NRIP. Popular in the fish-focused region, these ladders promote fish connectivity and passage; in this case specifically into Rocky Dam Creek. They encourage healthy native fish populations by allowing important diadromous fish species to move between fresh and saltwater to breed and complete their lifecycle.
Cyclone Debbie and recent weather events have impacted the farm, however the Borgs have a substantial budget allocated for weed control, both pastural and riparian.
The wetlands project will improve native vegetation by assisting with threat management and by actively revegetating priority sites within the sub-catchment. NRIP funding will allow the Borg’s to enhance their wetlands without reducing productivity, an important factor in many natural resource management projects.
The cost of fertiliser, chemicals, fuel, and power are four costs which are seriously compromising our local cane farmers.
In light of this, a group of growers is moving toward what they hope will be a more efficient future – one that helps the environment and our ‘backyard’ as much as their back pocket.
Through Reef Catchments and the Australian Government’s Reef Trust program, 244 growers (farming 35,587 ha of cane) in Mackay, Sarina, Proserpine, and the Whitsundays are taking steps toward change, particularly nutrient and herbicide management.
“The days of putting on too much fertiliser are long gone – it’s very expensive if you don’t get the tonnes per hectare,” said Graeme Blackburn, a cane farmer based in Mirani who this year harvested 90,000 tonnes.
Graeme and his family are looking ahead to try and see where cost and environmental savings can be made.
“For me it’s the future – we want to grow the cane as efficiently as we can and remain viable.”
He said that meant making hectares work smarter. Thanks to co-funding from Reef Catchments via the Australian Government’s Reef Trust 3 program, Graeme this year decided to match funds and purchase what is known as a bed renovator.
The renovator essentially can turn an old farm (with narrow rows) into a more modern controlled traffic based farm with wide rows.
“In a matter of two passes, Graeme can convert old ratoons and change 1.5m rows to 1.8m rows, for example ready for a soybean fallow,” said Reef Catchments sustainable agriculture officer Ian Brooks.
Mr Brooks said a wider row and GPS controlled traffic farming system were “incredibly important” to improve production and water quality to the Reef across the state.
“This idea of row conversion is really getting traction. There are still a lot of narrow rows out there.”
Graeme said they were already seeing some major benefits from the renovator since June this year.
“With this bit of equipment we can do up to 28 ha – 30 ha a day. Using the same amount of horsepower in a tractor, you’d only do half of that. So it’s less fuel to the hectare and we’re going twice as wide as what we’d do normally.
“It’s tidy, it’s all on GPS and it’s all repeatable. So in five years, ten years time we’ll know where that row will be.”
Graeme said cane farming had undergone big changes over the years.
“I know that when it comes to fuel, twenty years ago I might have used up to 200,000 L for 40,000 tonnes of cane. Now, to produce 90,000 tonnes I’ll use about half that around 100,000L – 120,00L. We’re seeking efficiencies wherever we can.”
But he said change took time.
“Our next big project will be a soybean fallow crop, put in on beds made by the renovator. What we’re hoping is this will help soil nutrition, put more organic matter into the ground and it should lead in time to better crops.
“Once you’ve got a better crop, you’ve got more trash on the ground, you can equip yourself better for drought.
“And as you go on and on you find more benefits.
“I’m hoping we’ll be able to get away with less chemical. My soil tests are saying we need a bit less nitrogen here or a bit less phosphorus here. We’re still learning all this and it takes time. But for me, it is essential.
“Even before we purchased the renovator I started with a one-row system that was homemade. You can start from something in your backyard that you can modify.”
Graeme is part of the wider Reef Trust program in Mackay and surrounds. The program saw farm extension officers work with hundreds of growers to improve nutrient and herbicide management.
Through Reef Trust 3, more than $800,000 has been locally distributed to assist with equipment upgrades to fast-track practice change. Small grants ($1500 p/grower) were additionally provided for spray equipment, soil tests, EM mapping and G-Dots.
Examples of equipment upgrades include
Interested growers can read the case studies.
Reef Catchments is pleased to present its Annual Report for the 2017-2018 Financial Year. We invite you to view some of the fantastic Natural Resource Management (NRM) projects and achievements in our region.
Because the best NRM outcomes are achieved together, always. Resilient ecosystems, engaged community – Reef Catchments is your Natural Resource Management (NRM) group for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.
Oaky Creek was a torrent of water as flooding associated with Tropical Cyclone Debbie ripped down the channel and spilled over the banks. Multiple landslides at the top of the catchment added gravel loads into the creek which were then spread across adjacent cane land.
At some sites the creek moved more than 10 meters, taking away arable land and leaving vertical drops of more than six meters. The movement and changes of the creek has landholders and stakeholders concerned for their farmland, infrastructure, and the safety of operations around the creek. The remaining bare and unstable riparian areas are highly prone to future erosion if they are not stabilised.
To assist in stabilising the creek, Reef Catchments was successful in obtaining National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement (NDRRA) funding to remediate and build resilience into Oaky Creek. Alluvium Consulting was engaged to undertake a stability assessment and hydrological modelling of a priority nine kilometers length of Oaky Creek.
Three community consultation events were held to engage with landholders and stakeholders and to draw out information on the history, current uses, and future requirements of the creek.
The consultation and assessment highlighted that more than 60,000m3 of sediment has been lost along the creek during the past nine years, with historical flood-driven straightening of the channel, and vegetation loss from disease along sections of the creek during the past 50 years.
Alluvium’s assessment has provided prioritised sites for rehabilitation including bank re-profiling and rock reinforcement. Alluvium has also recommended a comprehensive and structurally diverse revegetation program to complement other works to join up and improve riparian vegetation along Oaky Creek. Once vegetation has become established it will help to bind sediments, buffer water flowing past, and reduce future erosion.
“The right catchment vegetation and riparian management can reduce the speed and volume of water entering the river system and the speed at which water drains from an area. This greatly reduces flood heights and speeds in downstream catchments.” Ref Qld Gov Wetland Info.
Works, planned to begin during the coming months, are to be completed before the end of December 2018. The project is expected to see up to 4 000 tonnes of rock armouring and 50 large woody debris structures built to stabilise the channel and more than 10,000 plants will be planted along the creek.
Reef Catchments and growers in the Mackay Whitsunday region are part of Project Catalyst – a leading sugar innovation program. Watch this video to find out more. This video features numerous interviews with growers who discuss questions such as new innovation including drones, succession plans, and the importance of technology. This Project Catalyst 2018 Forum was held in Townsville and was attended by growers from all over Queensland. The forum provided growers with the chance to mix with others and to discuss common problems and innovations.
Join us for the Freckle Farm tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 25 where you can see, first hand, how local farmers produce eco-friendly, chemical free, and hormone free produce. The tour will include a drone demonstration and lunch is free, but bring your own chair.
Landholders, Rob Bauman and Deb McLucas began Freckle Farm with a few hens and pigs and over the years the set-up grew. Today they have a sustainable farming system where they have a mission to educate, connect, and inspire everyone in the farming, food, and local community space.
The tour will provide an opportunity to ask Deb and Rob all about soil health, biosecurity, branding and marketing. Please RSVP to Deb Wilkinson.
The ‘cane toad’ of Queensland’s waters was the target for eager young anglers at a recent family fishing event designed to raise awareness of what’s happening in our waterways.
Community response to Operation Target Tilapia was overwhelming with 300 people of all ages flocking to the Mackay Gooseponds to take part.
The Reef Catchments event was funded through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
Eight Tilapia were caught and recorded, with prizes awarded as part of the day’s fishing competition. Congratulations go to Jack Bennett for first Tilapia caught and for the most Tilapia caught. Ashley Carter scooped the pool by catching the biggest Tilapia.
Tilapia are known as the ‘cane toad’ of the water due to their capacity to dominate the aquatic ecosystem, knocking out our natives.
Reef Catchments event coordinator, Cass Hayward, said it was time to set the score straight.
“We want our native fish to thrive and flourish in healthy local waterways. This event is designed to help people better understand how to identify pest fish and the impact they have on our aquatic ecosystems,” she said.
“As part of the day’s activities, we tagged and released 250 baby barramundi, which are a natural predator able to withstand the Tilapia species.
“As well as being a fun day out, this event helps our local community learn more about what they can do to protect our waterways from invasive species and stop the spread of pest fish.
“It’s the first time the event has been held since 2015 – it got a great response then, and we are very excited to see it back this year!”
This event was run in conjunction with a wide range of community groups, business and sponsors who provided their time and energy – a truly collaborative event. A big thanks to:
BCF Mackay Blue River Mackay Lions Catchment Solutions Compleat Angler Cruise Whitsunday Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association Mackay Christian College Mackay Local Marine Advisory Committee (LMAC) Mackay Recreational Fishing Alliance Mackay Regional Council Mackay Regional Pest Management Group North Mackay Bowls Club Pioneer Catchment Landcare Queensland Government (Be Crocwise, Department of Environment and Science) Southern Cross Austereo Tackleworld Mackay
Pest fish caught on the day were counted and reported to Fisheries Queensland.
This Reef Catchments event was supported through funding from the Australian Government National Landcare Program.
Click here to view the photo gallery.
Tens of thousands of fish have been recorded flowing through constructed fishways in Mackay.
Fisheries ecologists say the soaring numbers are proof the fishways are playing a vital role in providing clear passage through a formerly disconnected aquatic ecosystem.
Recent monitoring (funded by local NRM Group Reef Catchments and the Australian Government) show fish streaming through the underwater environment in droves.
The fish count is above published figures for previous fishway monitoring in the Murray and Burnett rivers, prompting researchers to ask if it could be among the highest recorded in Australia.
“The results have shown unbelievable numbers of fish migrating through the system,” said fisheries ecologist Matt Moore, from Catchment Solutions (fisheries research consultancy contracted to deliver the monitoring).
“We thought our initial catch was pretty good, with 3,653 fish recorded successfully ascending the fishway at the Mackay Gooseponds wetlands.
“However, this was trumped the following day at the same site with over 18,000 fish captured in four hours in the morning, and over 13,000 fish in the afternoon – bringing the total to over 31,000 in 8 hours.
“This is by far the most fish we have ever recorded in any local fishway, and would be up there with the highest ever recorded in Australia that we know of – fishways in the Murray River have recorded up to 4,415 fish per day and in the Burnett River 4,500 fish per day.
“These are exciting results that demonstrate the importance of facilitating connectivity past fish barriers, particularly the first barrier located upstream from the estuary, even on small ordered streams.”
Thanks to the fishway, the Mackay Gooseponds constructed wetlands (located in the Mackay urban area) is now better connected to Janes Creek and the wider Pioneer River Basin.
Some of the species recorded included juvenile barramundi, red scat, crescent perch, sea mullet and empire gudgeon – all valuable environmental and socio-economic species.
Significantly, further monitoring at Boundary Creek wetlands captured 43 barramundi fingerlings, including the smallest barramundi ever monitored locally at 30 mm.
“These little guys must have moved out of their coastline habitats behind the mangroves and then migrated upstream to the wetland via the fishway,” Mr Moore said.
“This is extremely significant because small fish possess weaker swimming abilities than larger fish… at 30mm they have only just started swimming, as opposed to hitching a ride with the currents and tides prior to this”.
“This demonstrates that the fishways provide suitable conditions for weaker swimming juvenile fish species. This is great news for Queensland’s most important commercial inshore net fish species.”
Reef Catchments general manager Katrina Dent said it was essential organisations like Reef Catchments could continue to fund environmental monitoring.
“These are fantastic results that really contribute to our knowledge of the aquatic ecosystem, both in Mackay and nationally.
“Reef Catchments is pleased to have helped drive this research. These are the kind of figures we need to continue to secure funding to construct more fishways in priority areas.”
This project was supported by Reef Catchments and delivered by Catchment Solutions, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
It’s not everyday you employ an English Springer Spaniel to tackle the big jobs.
But that’s just what Reef Catchments has done, in a win-win for the environment and local landholders.
Rocky, a specially trained conservation detector dog, has assisted Reef Catchments, Queensland National Parks, and local property owners (Mackay region) to locate fox dens throughout the Slade Point and Cape Palmerston areas.
Reef Catchments Officer, Cass Hayward said while they kept a low profile, foxes were a significant threat to the many species in our region.
“Foxes are smart, and they’re difficult to manage. They are known to prey on native birds and mammals, turtle eggs, human rubbish… anything they can get their paws on! Knowing where they den gives us the best possible chance to trap and remove the animals,” Ms Hayward said.
In just one day throughout Slade Point headland Rocky found 13 fox dens, all with multiple entrances. He also visited Cape Palmerston National Park, where rangers had noticed fox prints along the beaches.
“At the moment, we don’t think there is high density of foxes in the region. However, armed with detailed information about den locations, land managers can now carry out more effective trapping programs to protect local wildlife,” Ms Hayward said.
It’s not just foxes this clever canine can find – Rocky can locate a wide range of animals in a landscape, including dingoes and wild dogs, rabbits and even cats.
Rocky’s handler Tom Garrett (Queensland Murray-Darling Committee) said Rocky had assisted farmers, landholders and conservationists throughout his career, with an impressive list of achievements to his name.
“Farmers have enlisted Rocky’s help if livestock is predated, and conservation groups if native animals are declining. If a landholder has already taken control action (e.g. baited or trapped), Rocky will be able to check the impact by detecting if lairs, warrens and dens remain active,” Mr Garrett said.
“This provides a measure of success. During the 90’s in Mon Repos, Bundaberg, up to 70% of turtle populations were being lost to fox predation. Since bringing Rocky on board to help find dens, they now report no predation in that area at all.”
Rocky has also recently detected at the Mt Etna bat caves near Rockhampton, home to the endangered ghost bat (Macroderma gigas).
“There are plenty of signs of foxes in the area, but not in the bat cave itself. What you often see is foxes eat all the other food and small mammals that would generally support our natives, which can also knock populations down,” Mr Garrett said.
He said foxes could often be present in areas people didn’t suspect, including urban and peri-urban environments, as they only require a den in the breeding season and otherwise freely move about.
Ms Hayward said the success of the project in the Mackay region had been thanks to the willingness of local landholders, QLD National Parks, QLD Bulk Ports and the Mackay Regional Council.
“Without their assistance and permission for Rocky to detect on their land, we wouldn’t have been able to gain this level of insight into local fox activity,” she said.
For more information, please contact Cass Hayward at Reef Catchments on cass.hayward@reefcatchments.com or (07) 4968 4206.
If you are interested in engaging Rocky, please contact Tom Garrett from the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee or 0427 291 155.
This project was supported by Reef Catchments, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
Soil science can be fun and interesting! Come along to the Innovative Grazing Network, Neighbours Unite, on 8 May for a get-together of extension staff, community groups, and landholders from neighbouring NRM regions.
If you are wondering how drones can assist you, wonder no more as Whitsunday Regional Council will demonstrate how drones can help in both mapping and treating weeds.
Reef Catchments and NQ Dry Tropics are collaborating with this free day to help landholders and community groups to build their knowledge of soil health and innovative technologies.
Agronomy expert, David Hardwick, will be on hand to talk about assessment of soils and the importance of multi-species pastures.
Lunch will be provided at the event at 2713 Peter Delemonthe Road. Please RSVP by 1 May.
More information is here..
This event is proudly supported by Reef Catchments through funding
from the Australian Government National Landcare Programme,
and with support from event partners NQ Dry Tropics.
Having trouble with weeds? Land managers can learn all about pest and weed management methodology at a free event at Homebush on 26 April. The workshop, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will enable you to identify weeds and to learn about managing soil to turn weeds on and off.
What does Queensland Biosecurity legislation mean for weed management on your property? If you’d like to find out more, please RSVP by April 23.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Please wear enclosed shoes, sun smart clothing, and a hat and bring water. You can read more here.
Thanks to event partners, Mackay Regional Pest Management Group.
This event is funded through the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines Natural Resource Investment Program.
Reef Catchments is pleased to present its Annual Report for 2016-17. Our new look 2016-2017 Annual Report is available in an online version and printable PDF.
The report provides an overview of the ongoing and wide-ranging work being undertaken in natural resource management across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region in collaboration with land managers and stakeholders. We hope you enjoy it.
If you missed out last year you can still download the Reef Catchments Limited Annual Report for 2015-2016
You are invited to have your say on draft environmental values and water quality objectives for the Mackay-Whitsunday region estuarine and surrounding coastal/marine waters under the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy (EPP Water).
The Queensland Government has released draft consultation materials (reports, mapping) for Mackay-Whitsunday region estuarine and surrounding coastal/marine waters waters. These, and an online survey/submission form, are available from the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) website and via the Get Involved website.
The updated draft water quality objectives are derived from local water quality information where available.
All feedback will be considered in the finalisation process. Final materials may, pending Government approval, be included in schedule 1 of the EPP Water.
For more information on environmental values, water quality objectives, and the draft consultation materials view the Ministerial Release.
The closing date for submissions has been extended to 31 October 2017.
Thanks to Barry Nolan (QPWS), Bren Fuller (WRC), and Cath Campbell (WCL) for their involvement in the event. The presentations provided an insight into why cats are an issue in Australia and how the community can assist by managing their cats appropriately.
The clean up collected a huge amount of waste including over 50 thongs, over 60 various types of plastic bottles, and over 1100 hard plastic fragments. This demonstrates that it is often common items which end up polluting our coastlines and the plastic is breaking up, not down, and accumulating in huge amounts. Thanks to all the fantastic volunteers who came along and put in a huge effort to clean up the beach areas.
Expressions of interest are now open for innovators to share their ideas on water treatment system technology and agricultural management.
The Office of Great Barrier Reef is offering $2.25 million for trialling water treatment systems, such as wetlands, bioreactors and algae treatment to reduce nutrients and pesticides in agricultural run-off. A further $950,000 will be available to support the development and trialling of innovative farm practices, new tools and technologies, and novel ecosystem repair.
The expressions of interest are open to all individuals and groups and will require proponents to offer matched funding (in-kind or cash) equivalent.
Expressions of interest opened on Monday 27 February and will run until Friday 7 April 2017.
Native fish in Mullers Lagoon are vulnerable to the noxious Tilapia species. The pest was identified in the Bowen waterway by our Catchment Solutions water sampling team in December.
Tilapia displace and prey on local species and have been observed to spread disease in waterways where they have been previously found.
The Whitsunday Regional Council has plans to remove the pests, ensuring the eggs are destroyed and cannot repopulate.
It is a timely reminder on why it’s so important to monitor and address pest fish in our waterways. Increasing awareness of the threat Tilapia pose to our native species and ecosystems is on the council’s agenda however you can help too. Share this photo on social media with your fishing fan friends to do your bit.
Over 30 farmers in the region have taken up the offer of $6,000 in agronomic support and advice in the Reef Trust 3 programme.
One-on-one consultations help farmers develop management plans for nutrients and herbicides, specific to their property.
Current participant responses have been positive so far, saying another set of eyes over the input figures can help to work out if you are spending more than you need to get effective results.
The additional $1,500 worth of upgrades to application equipment or activities are a bonus to support implementing the suggested upgrades in the plan.
For more information visit www.reefcatchments .com.au/land/care/
You are invited to have your say on draft environmental values and water quality objectives for the Mackay-Whitsunday region estuarine and surrounding coastal/marine waters under the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy (EPP Water).
The Queensland Government has released draft consultation materials (reports, mapping) for Mackay-Whitsunday region estuarine and surrounding coastal/marine waters waters. These, and an online survey/submission form, are available from the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) website and via the Get Involved website.
The updated draft water quality objectives are derived from local water quality information where available.
All feedback will be considered in the finalisation process. Final materials may, pending Government approval, be included in schedule 1 of the EPP Water.
For more information on environmental values, water quality objectives, and the draft consultation materials view the Ministerial Release.
The closing date for submissions has been extended to 31 October 2017.
The 2017 Grazing Forum attracted over 80 landholders and 30 industry representatives. Many of the speakers were actual graziers, who discussed land management techniques to improve soil health, soil moisture holding capacity, pasture ground cover and ultimately water quality. The event enhanced grazier’s knowledge of how to be more sustainable, both in business and from an environmental perspective.
Attendee feedback was positive, stating their interest in keeping up to date with latest innovative practices, particularly drainage management and erosion control measures at the next event. One local grazier noted, “A lot we are already doing, but the speakers information attracted a lot more positive credibility to these practices”.
Regional Landcare Facilitator, Juliane Kasiske was extremely pleased with the strong interest from our local farmers in our region that are willing to learn and implement changes to their practice.
Networking amongst industry peers is always a benefit for taking the time off farm to attend events such as this, particularly for farmers who can be isolated geographically and often work alone.
Trade displays allowed participants to get acquainted with supporting organisations. Thanks to CQ Agforce, Greater Whitsunday Food Network, Pioneer Catchment Landcare, Sarina Landcare, FarmHQ and Mt Ossa Rural. Also thanks to Nufarm for the demonstration of spray drift reduction using an adjustable nozzle spray unit and the Mackay Regional Pest Management Group for the useful addition of their pest and weed information trailer.
If you were unable to attend, many of the presentations were recorded which you can view on our Reef Catchments Youtube channel.
Event proudly hosted by Reef Catchments with funding from the Queensland Government, the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and sponsored by MLA.
A wide range of regional stakeholders attended the recent Climate Adaptation workshop at Proserpine including Biosecurity, Queensland Police, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, local government, Traditional Owners, members of conservation organisations, tourism representatives, and energy providers.
The workshop, which covered topics including adapting to a variable and changing climate, managing risks, and identifying opportunities, also saw the launch of the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac (MWI) Climate Sustainability Plan.
“The event drew together stakeholders and provided tools and resources to promote action in climate mitigation and adaptation planning in the region,” said Olivia Broadhurst, Reef Catchments Project Officer for Coasts and Biodiversity.
“One of the points raised was the need for regional targets, including mitigation, and support for adaptation planning through ongoing workshops to refine and implement actions set out in the regions climate plan.”
Participants, who learned about various tools including a risk matrix, workshopped some of the key actions to determine the next steps to plan the implementation.
Olivia said stakeholders would use the climate plan as a tool to write their own climate plans, and for further refining and setting of targets for adaptation and for rolling out implementation in the region.
Graziers from across the Mackay and Isaac regions, and industry and research representatives were on hand at Koumala for the grazing field day run by Reef Catchments.
Attendees were very appreciative of the fact that the practical applications discussed at the meeting would greatly help them with their own operations, said Mandy Jeppesen, Reef Catchments project officer, grazing systems.
“The general discussion allowed them to share their own experiences in weed control, and to provide interactive feedback with other landholders.
“The topics covered by the presenters generated some keen interest and discussion amongst participants. Landholders particularly appreciated the ability to apply many of the concepts discussed to their own grazing operations.”
Participants were eager to hear the results from trials investigating the effect of the Yeoman plough in pasture revitalisation, and management techniques for control of Giant Rat’s Tail grass as presented by Michael Boland, Reef Catchments.
Of particular interest to the attendees was the spray calibration practical demonstration presented by Jim Fletcher, DAF.
This was followed by a trade display and discussion by Darryl Whittington from FarmHQ in Sarina regarding nozzle selection, spray water quality, and wetting agents which generated some very constructive discussion on chemical application in grazing.
The event, held at Windsor and Marlene Gordon’s property ‘Lazy Acres’ at Koumala, was hosted by Reef Catchments with funding from the Queensland Regional NRM Investment Program.
Windsor and Marlene are currently trialling the use of a Yeoman ripper for pasture renovation. Previous owners of the neighbouring property have used a Yeoman plough over many years Windsor had noticed the improvement in pasture growth, water infiltration and soil structure in the areas that had been ploughed, without disturbance to the soil surface that could result in erosion and a reduction in water quality due to runoff.
The purchase of the Yeoman plough was assisted via co-funding through the Australian Government’s Reef Programme.
Reef Catchments, through funds from the Queensland Government (QNRM Investment Program) have further engaged local agronomists, Farmacist, to conduct trials to assess the benefits of using the Yeoman ripper on the Gordons’ pastures.
The trial will continue to asses the benefits of using a Yeoman ripper for pasture growth, soil compaction and soil microbiology to improve groundcover and water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon.
“The biggest benefit, if we get back to a normal wet season, is the aeration and better pasture growth, especially where you have a good area of pangola,” said Windsor.
“The root system gets really thick and tends to stop water going into the soil. The plough can break it up and it really takes off after it’s been done.”
With thanks to the Gordon’s for providing the venue and wonderful hospitality. With thanks also to Michael Boland (Reef Catchments), Jim Fletcher (DAF), and Darryl Whittington (Farm HQ) Sarina for their involvement in the day.
A dung beetle breeding trial is being considered, with involvement from Reef Catchments, Dung Beetle Solutions Australia, Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Authority, and Sarina Rural Skills Centre following a Dung Beetle Day event.
Jacob Betros, Regional Landcare Facilitator, Reef Catchments, said local graziers had heard of the many benefits of dung beetles from speaker, Dr Bernard Doube who further involved his audience with a practical demonstration of surveying dung beetles where, within a matter of moments, hundreds of the beetles were scurrying around.
“Dr Doube’s knowledge on the topic was breathtaking and gave everyone great insight into what really goes on underground,” said Jacob.
“His presentation has stimulated many graziers to learn more intricate details about dung beetles and a number of them plan to source dung beetles and conduct investigations on their own properties.”
Dr Doube said four species of dung beetle had been found during the event which was held at Roxanne and Dan Morgan’s property at McEwens Beach.
He outlined numerous benefits of having dung beetles including a reduction in reliance on chemical fertilisers, a reduction in soil compaction, an increase in earthworms, creation of more pastures and helping to control intestinal parasites.
This project is supported by Reef Catchments , through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
More than 55 growers from Mackay and surrounds plus a further 25 industry representatives, flocked to the Western Suburbs Leagues Club to learn about the benefits of legumes to soil health and to take part in discussions ranging from variety selection and insect management, to harvest preparation and markets.
Expert presenters and Mackay-based growers provided numerous trial findings which explored what had, and hadn’t, worked at the local level.
Reef Catchment’s project office for sustainable agriculture, Juliane Kasiske, said she was delighted to see such strong interest by local growers to improve soil health and management practice.
“Farmers are willing to learn and implement changes and the legume day hopefully encouraged them by providing expert knowledge and experience,” she said.
“The day aimed to explain the benefits of legumes to soil health and also talked about how profitable legume cropping could be. The strong turn-out at the event highlighted the intent of local farmers to improve land management practices.
Oakenden growers Joe and Steve Muscat discussed their cutting edge trial with the Amuza planting system which is the first trial of its kind in Australia. Joe and Steve have experimented with rotational crops for more than fifteen years, bringing new crops to the region, and finding new markets for legume, fibre, seed, and oil crops.
“Growers generally don’t just do things for the sake of doing them, you take on change because there is potential to improve and you see things that need to be addressed,” said Joe.
“Amuza incorporates underground application of compost, mill mud and tissue cultures, using this pre-treatment and preparation as a plant source for the entire block, with a legume crop then incorporated into the soil.”
Presenters included Daniel Zinga from New Edge Microbials, Ian Morgan from PBAgrifood, and Andrew McDonald from Bean Growers Australia.
Daniel spoke on legume inoculants and how to maximise the benefits of nitrogen fixation from legumes.
PBAgrifood are the major buyers of mung beans and Ian’s main focus is to look after the soybean and mung bean parent seed production, planting seed production, and marketing and supply.
Andrew is the Accumulation Manager with Bean Growers Australia, a major exporter of pulse commodities. He is also an active committee member of the Australian Mungbean Association.
The event was hosted by Reef Catchments, through funding from the Australian Government, and supported by partners Farmacist, MAPS and local growers Joe and Steve Muscat.
MONDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2016
New Reef funding will assist eligible cane growers to enhance their farming operations to increase profitability, and just as significantly improve water quality and run-off into the Great Barrier Reef.
Over the next three years, $4.4 million will be rolled out across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac (MWI) region allowing more growers to prioritise and fast-track improved nutrient and herbicide management practices.
Reef Catchments will deliver the Australian Government Reef Trust 3 funding in the MWI Natural Resource Management (NRM) area, which extends from Clairview to the south to just below Bowen in the north.
“This funding supports cane growers to improve herbicide and nutrient management practices, with a focus on nitrogen use efficiencies and improved herbicide application,” said Reef Catchments sustainable agriculture coordinator Michael Boland.
The funding round will target 250 new growers.
“We are keen to work with growers who have not previously been involved in the Reef Programme,” Mr Boland said.
Funding provides cane farmers (per grower) with access to expert agronomic advice valued at $6000 at no cost to the grower; as well as $1500 for upgrades and the opportunity to access major grant funding ahead.
“Reef Trust 3 will assist the transition to above industry standard nutrient and herbicide practices in our region,” Mr Boland said.CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg said the funding was a boon for those growers who were trying to fast-track best management practices.
“Because this programme aligns with our own industry’s Smartcane BMP requirements, growers are able to quantify the link between environmental sustainability and the profitability of their businesses.
“We encourage all eligible growers to take advantage of this opportunity to use this funding for the implementation of practices that will streamline their operations and improve water quality in our waterways,” Mr Borg said.
Mr Boland went on to say growers who undertook planning to advance toward improved nutrient and herbicide practice would then be well placed to apply for a major funding grant.
“This is a win-win for farm economics and for the Great Barrier Reef.”
In the first stage of the programme, growers will work with local farm extension officers from Mackay Area Productivity Service (MAPS), Farmacist, and Plane Creek Productivity Services Limited (PCPSL) to review farming practices and pinpoint where most effective change can be made.
“In this first stage, growers who become involved in the programme can also each access $1500 of upgrades to nutrient or herbicide equipment or practices. This includes EM mapping, soil testing, leaf analysis, spray nozzles, spray tanks and modification of existing spray equipment,” Mr Boland said.
Funding is in line with ambitious Reef 2050 targets to reduce nutrients and herbicides leaving the farm, including nitrogen from fertiliser.
Participating growers must be Smartcane BMP registered and have completed their Smartcane BMP self-assessment, or be prepared to do so.
Interested growers are encouraged to inquire about the funding by contacting their local representative from MAPS, Farmacist, PCPSL or Reef Catchments. Smartcane BMP facilitators also are available to assist with BMP registration.
At this stage, growers who have participated in Reef Rescue 2 are not eligible to apply, as funding emphasis is on engaging new growers who have not received nutrient and herbicide planning support that was provided as part of Reef Rescue 2. Growers who were involved in Reef Rescue 1, but not in Reef Rescue 2, can still apply.
GROWER CONTACT | Matt Schembri
Email: Matt Schembri
Phone: 07 4968 4225
Mobile: 0437 344 851
Reef Trust 3 is coordinated by Reef Catchments in the MWI region; funded by the Australian Government and delivered through the Reef Trust. The programme is delivered in partnership with CANEGROWERS Mackay, Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS), Farmacist and Plane Creek Productivity Services Limited (PCPSL).
Fishways are essential in improving connectivity and building a more sustainable and healthy native fish population.
Fish migration is essential, particularly for important diadromous (migratory) species such as; barramundi, mangrove jack, giant herring, tarpon, jungle perch and Australian bass. All these fish species breed in estuarine or marine environments, before their off-spring migrate into freshwater rivers and wetlands to feed, grow and evade predators.
Often, there are barriers to fish attempting to migrate and this can significantly impact our native fish population. For example, any barrier restricting or preventing barramundi from reaching important nursery grounds is going to have an impact on barramundi numbers into the future.
If the barrier cannot be removed, to overcome this an appropriately designed fish ladder (fishway) is the best rehabilitation strategy.
Here, we look at a fishway in photos to help showcase the elements involved.
The fishway at the lower end of the Gooseponds in Mackay was built in 2000 and has helped support fish passage for important species for many years. Over the last decade there have been many improvements in fishway design that increase functionality and service life, and make them more aesthetically pleasing. When funding became available to do some repair work to this fishway, new design elements were built in. As you can see the results speak for themselves.
Funding was provided by Reef Catchments in partnership with Mackay Regional Council. Design and on-ground works were undertaken by Catchment Solutions.
Read more about fish ladders here: http://catchmentsolutions.com.au/fisheries-aquatic-ecosystems/
The newest sustainable agriculture team member at Reef Catchments, Juliane Kasiske, has set her focus on increasing community and industry awareness, and on encouraging the adaptation of best practice in land management and natural resource management.
Juliane is happy to be a point of contact for anyone with a direct interest in sustainable agriculture. She can provide information on latest practice standards in all the fields including sugarcane, grazing, horticulture, forestry, and fisheries
and can facilitate learning through working groups, and through educational events.
Juliane considers farmers have a central role in the sustainable management of natural resources.
“We can help farmers to establish innovative trials on their properties and, as Reef Catchments is a conduit for certain funding, we can provide them with support to guide them through the eligibility criteria, and to help them to plan their proposal to improve land management practices on their farms,” said Juliane.
“Monitoring trials is vital to identify progress, and this information can then be exchanged and discussed at working groups or at similar events.”
Juliane says an important part of her role is to increase community and industry awareness, and the adaption of best practice in land management and natural resource management.
Her background includes working for an engineering consultancy where she undertook BASIX assessments for energy and water efficiency, undertook water and soil quality sampling, and researched suitable cost effective technologies to manage erosion, dune stabilisation, stormwater drainage, and bio-filtration tanks.
She has also worked on a mine rehabilitation where the aim was to re-establish the site and create a habitat as close as possible to its original undisturbed state. Various rehabilitation techniques were used and their relative effectiveness was analysed. Juliane was also involved in an ecological survey with National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) to monitor fauna abundance and behaviour following habitat loss.
Prior to joining Reef Catchments she was with the GRMPA Marine Parks where she supported the coast and biodiversity section.
Juliane can be contacted on 0488 730 021 or via email
It sounds obvious, but it’s a feat of nature few of us witness – small fish need time, uninterrupted access to our waterways and a whole lot of good quality habitat to become the big catch that sends tingles through an angler’s spine.
In the quiet of the creeks and rivers, if there’s something getting in the way as our juveniles struggle to the next stage of their life, the inevitable result? Far less good sized, healthy fish in our future.
It’s the equivalent of an underwater horror show for keen fishers – the idea that the next generation will have access to a significantly reduced pool of fish stock and diversity. Who wants to sit in a river mouth ten years from now reflecting on the kind of fish you used to be able to catch?
Now is the time to give it some consideration, according to the latest research. A recent report by Queensland based environmental consultants has identified thousands of potential barriers stopping our native fish in their tracks. Both manmade and natural, these barriers are interfering with our native fishes’ ability to manoeuvre through vital water courses to complete their life cycle. It’s a particularly pertinent issue for diadromous (migratory) species who need to transition from salt to freshwater over the years.
We’re talking some big name breeds – depending on your location, barra, mangrove jack, sleepy cod, jungle perch, tarpon, Australian bass, sea mullet, long and short-finned eels to name a few.
Depleting our waterway health also increases the likelihood of a slow invasion by pest fish who are less sensitive than our natives and who thrive in poor conditions – for example the notorious tilapia, cane toad of the water.
The fish barrier report identified 13,000 potential fish barriers in South East Queensland alone, just the tip of the iceberg. Another report in the Mackay Whitsunday region uncovered 3974 potential in-stream barriers.
While it’s not possible to tackle every barrier, these reports also ranked barriers in order of priority, marking out the top trouble spots to focus on. Here, we introduce you to what fish barriers are and why they matter.
Keep an eye out for part two in this series, which will look at the design and construction of fishways and how we can overcome fish barriers moving forward.
In particular, diadromous (migratory) species which need to transition between waterways, including salt and freshwater, to complete their life cycle. As previously mentioned, that includes key species like barramundi, mangrove jack, sleepy cod, jungle perch, tarpon, Australian bass, sea mullet and long and short-finned eels.
Many of these much-loved fish species require unimpeded access between freshwater and estuarine habitats to maintain sustainable populations.
Diadromous – Diadromous fishes are truly migratory species and whose distinctive characteristics
include that they:
Migrate between freshwaters and the sea;
The movement is usually obligatory; and
Migration takes place at fixed seasons or life stages.
There are three distinctions within the diadromous category:
Catadromous – Diadromous fishes that spend most of their lives in fresh water, and
migrate to sea to breed.
Amphidromous – Diadromous fishes in which migration between freshwater and the sea is
not for the purpose of breeding, but occurs at some other stage of the life cycle.
Anadromous – Diadromous fishes that spend most of their lives at sea, and migrate to
freshwater to breed.
Migrations can vary – some are short and confined wholly to freshwater habitats, while other migrations occur across vast distances and between varying habitats, including between freshwater and near-shore marine environments.
Our native fish can’t jumpForget the famous images of Atlantic salmon leaping upstream in Canada – our juvenile native fish aren’t even remotely in the same boat. Australian native species are easily knocked back by velocity and brought to a halt by even minor barriers. Historically, Australian waterways have been accessible and they rely on a smooth and comfortable passage between salt and freshwater.
Migration is an essential life history adaptation for many native fish species. Migration strategies between key habitats have evolved for a variety of reasons, including for feeding and reproduction purposes, to avoid predators, remove parasites, to utilise nursery areas and maintain genetic diversity.
Put simply, fish barriers (natural or manmade) are any barrier deemed to prevent, delay or obstruct fish migration.
Natural barriers can include weed chokes, waterfalls, low dissolved oxygen slugs and high water temperature. Manmade barriers however are more common.
Culprits include culverts, pipes, road crossings, weirs, dams, flow gauging structures, bunds (or ponded pastures) and sand dams.
These structures can be built for a variety of purposes like irrigation supply, flow gauging and regulation, urban and industrial development, road crossings or simply urban beautification and recreation facilities.
Barriers impact fish communities in many ways. Some barriers such as high dams form complete blockages. Other structures like culverts present partial or temporary barriers, restricting fish movement during particular flow events. Even small vertical drops downstream of road crossings and culvert aprons are enough to form barriers for many fish, particularly juvenile and small bodied species.
Manmade barriers are a great target for intervention and remediation works like fishways, which are increasingly seen as the way forward to sustain our native stocks into the future – more on this to come in part two!
Information taken from the: Mackay Whitsunday Fish Barrier Prioritisation Report and the Greater Brisbane Urban Fish Barrier Prioritisation Report. For more information contact Matt Moore, info@catchmentsolutions.com or www.catchmentsolutions.com.au/resources
..to all young beach lovers to head for the special events being held by Coastcare during the school holidays. The events were planned to help young people to learn about how the coastline changed over time and how animals and plants adapted to survive in the ever changing landscape.
Coastcare provided free and fun-filled mornings of activities and games at two venues, at Conway Beach and at Bucasia. The events provided both big and little kids with the amazing opportunity to learn about coastal processes, changing habitats, and wildlife adaptations, and how nature had evolved to protect our beaches!
Coastal Project Officer, Jessica Berryman said the school holidays program was a joint initiative by Reef Catchments, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority, and Mackay Regional Council with support from the Australian Government and local landcare groups.
“We were thrilled yet again to offer the school holidays program,” said Jess. “It has been a unique opportunity for parents and guardians to get outdoors with their kids and to learn about our beautiful coastline and the unique wildlife it supports.”
Reef Catchments Coastcare Program focuses on education for empowerment, by teaching people of all ages the how’s, what’s and why’s of coastal conservation.
Jessica Berryman explained the focus on families and kids. “As future leaders, it is imperative that we offer our children opportunities to learn about the natural world, all about how it works, how the pieces fit together, and what they can do to protect it. The events provide the opportunity for children to learn about the fragile coastline we are lucky enough to have at our backdoor, the wildlife who live here, and how all of us can help protect our beautiful environment.”
“We always look forward to promoting hands-on conservation activities to educate, fascinate and challenge our younger volunteers, and of course there are always prizes to be won!”
Jacob Betros, who fills the role of regional Landcare facilitator at Reef Catchments, is on hand to provide help for land managers, landcare groups, and farming groups.
He has a strong understanding of issues and challenges which face sustainable agriculture and natural resource management in the Mackay Whitsunday region and can help by delivering community events such as workshops, farm demonstrations and peer learning activities and by helping groups to seek funding, membership and resources for NRM activities. Jacob is able to promote the Landcare ethic and sustainable agriculture to farmers and land managers and support the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the region’s community engagement plan or strategy
Jacob suggests that, if you are seeking help, or ways to improve the productivity on your land in a sustainable manner, you can contact him as he is constantly seeking ways to support individuals to build their capacity and to gain a range of skills and knowledge. With his unique connection to 56 regional Landcare facilitators across Australia, he has a strong network to help research and discover an approach that can work for every individual.
Jacob has been involved with numerous key events including the Healthy Soils Symposium, the Innovative Grazing Forum, and the Cross-Regional Innovative Agriculture Tour.
Jacob can be contacted on (07) 4968 4206 or via email.
All cats have a predatory nature– it is their instinct to hunt and chase even when not hungry– they just can’t help themselves. Cats that are allowed to roam take a considerable toll on small native and exotic mammals, birds, lizards and insects. Research recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that invasive predators have contributed to around 60% of bird, mammal and reptile extinctions with the worst offenders being feral cats, contributing to over 60 extinctions. Cats are instinctually most active at night, with most hunting occurring soon after sunset and in the hours just before sunrise.
An adult cat needs to consume five to eight percent of its body weight in food per day and females with kittens require 20%. Cats can have two litters a year, averaging four kittens a litter. Kittens are weaned at 8 weeks, become sexually mature at approximately 6-8 months and can produce a litter during the same year of their birth.
An unspayed cat is a menace in our community, with male cats spraying and females producing many young. One cat and its offspring can produce 2905 kittens at 7 years and 49,000 at 10 years. When you consider the implications of the uncontrolled exponential growth of a cat population, it is quite frightening. Uncontrolled domestic cat populations do contribute to increasing the feral cat population and cats are having a huge impact on native animals, reptiles and birds.
Many cat owners choose to allow their cats to wander well beyond their property boundaries. Whilst out and about, their cats are at risk of experiencing car accidents, injuries in fights with other cats or dogs, getting ticks, eaten by pythons, bitten by poisonous snakes (depending on where you live in the Whitsundays) or even being exposed to diseases such as Toxoplasmosis or feline enteritis.
Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii) is a microscopic protozoal parasite. Many animal species and humans can get toxoplasmosis. Cats are the definitive host for the life cycle of the toxoplasmosis organism and the Toxoplasma gondii eggs (oocysts) are shed in the faeces of infected animals. Humans can also be infected by T. gondii. The protozoa can also be transmitted during pregnancy thereby infecting the unborn foetus. Toxoplasmosis infection can cause abortion and foetal abnormalities in pregnant women and encephalitis in anyone with a low immune system.
The endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby is at threat from infection with Toxoplasmosis and from direct predation by cats. Reef Catchments feral cat programs aim to remove feral cats and promote best practice domestic cat management to reduce disease transfer and seeding of the feral cat populations. Please participate in our online cat survey.
The Feral Scan app can also be used to report your sighting. Visit Feral Scan for more information and to download the application.
Best Practice Management of Domestic Cats
What you can do to protect your cat from injury or death and how to prevent your cat from killing native wildlife:
Photographs: Sydney Morning Herald
Contact: Olivia Brodhurst 0429 033 541 or olivia.brodhurst@reefcatchments.com
From barra to barred javelin – the release this May of a benchmark report in Mackay shows keen recreational fishers are set to benefit from healthier fish stock and improved quality and quantity of fish in our waterways.
The report St Helens to Cape Hillsborough net free zone pre and post declaration surveys has highlighted the benefits of a responsible attitude to fishing, captured for the first time locally in recent monitoring, data collection and survey activity.
The report is a joint partnership involving Reef Catchments, Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance Inc, and hundreds of volunteers (recreational fishers), assisted through funding under the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance Inc spokesperson, Lance Murray, said while monitoring was in the early phases, results were encouraging.
“Over 2890 volunteer man hours have been invested in fish data collection from the recently declared St Helens – Cape Hillsborough commercial gill net free zone (NFZ),” he said.
“The results are early, but what we are seeing are encouraging figures in some critical areas, including the size of the fish being caught and released, and the amount of legal fish caught and retained.
“Monitoring showed 28 breeder barramundi over 1 metre, including two over 1.2 metres, were caught and released by recreational anglers. This amounts to 22.2 percent of all the barra caught in the February to April survey period.
“I’ve been a recreational fisher in the area for more than 40 years and this is the first we’ve heard of people catching barra that big.
“Early figures are showing that our breeders are being given the chance to breed and that’s what it is all about – replenishing our stock to a state of abundance. This net free zone compliments the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association’s excellent work over the years in stocking our impoundments and is the foundation stone of making Mackay the fishing destination of Queensland!”
Reef Catchments spokesperson, Stefanie Wabnik, said Reef Catchments was committed to supporting local groups in Mackay and the Whitsundays to gather real data.
“It’s about having good information behind environmental decision-making.
“Reef Catchments’ priority is to support local community groups to collect and collate data that will contribute to informed decisions. Reef Catchments is thrilled to be part of this process, which will help Mackay’s recreational fishers learn more about stock recovery, and provide the data that is needed to improve the health, quality and quantity of fish in our waterways,” she said.
An electronic copy of the report can be obtained on request from the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance Inc, contact 4955 0600 or email mrfa@easynet.net.au
There’s one area in town that’s not been hit hard by a real estate downturn – and it’s underwater.
For the first time, there are fish hotels in Mackay. It’s good news for targeted tenants, including barramundi, mangrove jack and sleepy cod, to name a few.
Catchment Solutions aquatic ecologist, Trent Power, said the installation of ten fish hotels in two priority sites at the Mackay Gooseponds on 27 June was exciting news – “We’re looking to attract a variety of fish to our new ‘real estate’ by creating the kind of habitat they love to live in,” Mr Power said.
“It is important to cater for the different habitat preference of our native fish. Currently in the Gooseponds there are ample weeded areas, rock walls, open water and muddy banks, but virtually no snags.
“The fish hotels will help increase the habitat for the fish species that prefer these areas, particularly predatory species, like barramundi, sleepy cod and mangrove jack.
“We will be catering to a diverse crowd – smaller fish are able to hide away in the nooks and crannies, while large predatory fish can wait in the shadows. By increasing habitat availability, our native fish communities can become more resilient and are better able to cope with threats, like the pest fish Tilapia.”
Fish hotels are engineered wooden structures, built to emulate what naturally occurs in rivers and streams when trees fall into the waterway (snags/woody debris). Unfortunately, in areas that have been cleared or developed, this natural process is interrupted. The hotels create spaces that provide habitat, refuge and a living and breeding area for important fish species. Fish hotels provide additional level of complexity to the habitats available for native fish and other aquatic fauna.
The fish hotel project is proudly supported by Reef Catchments in collaboration with Rio Tinto, through funding from the Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund and the Australian Government. The hotels were designed and delivered by environmental consultants, Catchment Solutions.
The project is strongly supported by in-kind partners including Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance Inc, and the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association.
Hail Creek Mine’s general manager – operations, Rowan Munro said, “We are proud to support this important project to help improve the water quality and habitat for native fish and other aquatic species in the Gooseponds Wetlands area. The Hail Creek Mine Community Development Fund continues to provide opportunities for local projects to deliver real benefits and we look forward to seeing a stronger, healthier ecosystem in the Gooseponds wetlands that community members can treasure into the future.”
Mackay Regional Councillor and Economic Development and Planning Committee member, Fran Fordham, said the installation of log hotels at the Gooseponds would help build the resilience of native and iconic fish species such as barramundi.
“Juvenile barramundi willingly move into these freshwater environments, via fishways, from the estuary and use this environment as a nursery habitat before returning to estuaries as sub-adults,” she said. “Creating favourable habitats for these higher order predators will give them a better chance at competing with exotic, invasive fish species such as tilapia.”
Fish hotel installation follows a comprehensive feasibility study, including flood modelling.
“Flood modelling was completed using the existing Gooseponds Catchment model as well as data provided by the Department of Natural Resources and concept designs,” Cr Fordham said. “This was done to ensure this project would not adversely impact the intensity or duration of flooding during high flow events. The results demonstrated that the log hotels would have an insignificant impact on flood conditions during 1 in 5 and 1 in 100 year flood event.”
Mr Power said ultimately, he had high hopes the fish hotel chain could be expanded throughout local waterways. “Our initial studies indicated four priority sites for fish hotel construction, but so far we have only secured funding for two – however, we have high hopes the hotels will expand in the future!” he said.
“They can be installed anywhere there is the need for aquatic habitat, including in urban and rural areas, in constructed wetlands and on private landholder property.”
Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance Inc spokesperson, Lance Murray, said fish hotels were a strong step forward for the Mackay area. “Habitat protection and water quality are two essential ingredients of fish recruitment and sustainability, this initiative is a good step in the right direction,” he said.
CHANNEL 7 NEWS https://www.facebook.com/ReefCatchments/posts/1073790236024063
PROJECT PROFILE
Project? Lagoons Creek rehabilitation
Where? Lagoons Creek, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
What’s happening at this site? Creation of a naturalised waterway with two adjacent wetlands. Stage two includes creation of a corridor to the wetlands and installation of three fishways.
Who’s involved? Reef Catchments is working closely with Mackay Regional Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads on this major project. Co-funding has been provided through the Australian Government Reef Programme. A big thanks also to Catchment Solutions, who provided the technical input for the design of the fishways, wetlands and in-stream habitat features.
Current activity:
The wetlands have now been connected for fish migrating from the Pioneer River Estuary to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens wetlands (Lagoons Creek) via the construction of three, two-ridge rock ramp fishways.
Fishways enable fish, such as barramundi, to migrate past barriers to breed and develop. If manmade or natural barriers obstruct fish, fish health and population will decline. Fishways provide a clear passage through our waterways to allow them to complete their life cycle.
The construction of the two large wetlands and meandering creek channel have also been completed.
Moving forward, the installation of large root balls will offer complex habitats for juvenile and small-bodied fish to hide and for large predators to feed.
Endemic native plants are still to be planted. These will offer shade and habitat.
What benefits does this project aim to provide?
The project will address issues through the establishment of a vegetation corridor, rock placement, filtration of water entering the waterway, and in-stream vegetation to treat pollutants. Installing wetland and submerged plants provides the retention time required by ‘biofilms’ to grow and treat pollutants. Water quality is key to the survival and health of diverse aquatic fauna and the flora on which they feed.
This project will reinstate habitat and establish a strong, healthy ecosystem – that means more fish, birds and fauna in our beautiful botanic gardens moving forward. Activity will facilitate a vital connection between saltwater and freshwater environments.
