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Growing Community Stewardship for Seagrass in the Whitsundays

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Over the past 18 months, the Upscaling SeaGrow project has been strengthening seagrass restoration and community stewardship in the Whitsundays.  

Building on earlier research by Central Queensland University (CQU), who trialled innovative seed-based restoration techniques, the project saw seagrass seed-balls deployed across a priority site in Pioneer Bay.  

“Seed-balls are a simple and effective restoration tactic that CQU have trialled” says Reef Catchments Senior Project Officer, Morgan Thomas. “The seedballs are made using sticky sediment collected from around the mangroves and Zostera Muelleri seeds collected by volunteers at Cannonvale Beach. Because the sediment is so sticky, CQU are able to drop the seedballs into priority areas where we want seagrass to grow with relative precision and know that the balls will stay there long enough for the seeds to anchor to the meadow floor, grow and hopefully thrive.” 

But ecological restoration was only one part of the story. At its core, SeaGrow was designed to connect community members with local restoration efforts, turning curiosity into capability and participation into stewardship. 

 

Creating Space for Community to Lead

A strong focus was on community engagement through training workshops and flower collection events, allowing residents, visitors and local stakeholders to connect directly with local seagrass habitats and the important restoration work being done in the region. By removing barriers to involvement, the project highlighted a clear way forward: empowering local stewardship is essential for scaling marine restoration. Participants walked away with a deeper understanding of seagrass ecosystems, the challenges they are facing and the role that individuals can play in supporting their recovery.  

Jane, one of the project’s champion community members, noted, “Most people do care, its just knowing how to help.”   

For many, this was their first opportunity to engage directly with marine restoration, helping to build confidence and demonstrate that meaningful contributions are accessible at a local level. 

The ripple effects of this community-centred approach extended far beyond the project itself. Participants gained practical skills, increased awareness and, in some cases, went on to engage with other conservation initiatives across the region.  

These outcomes highlight the value of creating simple, hands-on entry points that not only support immediate projects goals but also contribute to longer-term stewardship by empowering individuals to stay involved in caring for the local environment. Volunteer feedback from community events was overwhelmingly positive, with 85–96% of participants reporting improved knowledge, confidence and motivation to care for seagrass. Surveys also recorded major knowledge gains, including a 137% increase in understanding of local seagrass species. 

As one project participant reflected, “I discovered the important role of seagrass. I learnt about different kinds of seagrasses. I can now educate others and inspire/motivate others.”   

 

Tourism Operators: Champions for Restoration

A standout element of the project has been the assistance of local tourism operators, who supported the project by providing boating access to restoration sites at high tide. This collaboration allowed researchers from CQU to engage with community members directly on their boats, creating opportunities for connection even when formal events were not running. By keeping this work visible and most importantly, accessible, these tourism operators helped demonstrate the potential to transform seagrass restoration from a single project activity into an ongoing community experience, enabling visitors and locals alike to learn, observe and take part in stewardship over time.  

Dale from Whisper Bay Cruises noted the excitement generated by the on-the-water interactions, saying, ”Once people are aware of the seagrass and its importance, they are really excited by it.” 

These collaborations demonstrate how tourism can evolve from a passive observer of the environment to an active partner in its protection. By integrating restoration into everyday tourism experiences, the region is creating powerful opportunities for visitors and locals alike to witness and engage with stewardship in real time. 

Reef catchments project officer deploying a seedball off a boat
Reef Catchments Project Officer Alexandra (Lexi) Williams deploying a seedball onboard the Whisper Bay Cruise

 

A Strong Foundation for the Future

Upscaling SeaGrow (Whitsundays) has shown that meaningful stewardship can grow quickly when people are invited in, supported and inspired. While restoration methods like seed-ball deployment provide a practical foundation, the project reinforces a bigger truth: that long-term impact relies on people – sustained engagement, accessible pathways for involvement, and collaboration across community, tourism and Traditional Owner groups. The relationships built, skills developed and community interest sparked over the past 18 months form a strong foundation for future efforts, reinforcing that scaling seagrass restoration in the Whitsundays will depend on continuing to invest in the people connected to these ecosystems. 

The seeds planted – both literally and figuratively – are already taking root. With ongoing community enthusiasm, the region is well‑positioned to grow a powerful, lasting culture of marine stewardship. 

close up of seagrass in the mud at cannonvale beach

Seagrass restoration and research in the Whitsundays is delivered by CQUniversity, Reef Catchments, and OzFish Unlimited in partnership with the community. The project is funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative, which is supported by Lendlease, the Australian Government’s Reef Trust, the Queensland Government, and the Fitzgerald Family Foundation.   

Turning Waste into Wealth: Seaweed and Circular Economy Innovations for Queensland’s Reef

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Imagine if seaweed, once seen as waste, became the key to cleaner water and a thriving circular economy. 

That’s the vision driving Reef Catchments’ innovative Biofiltration Solution project – part of the Proserpine Integrated Project (PIP), delivered in partnership with Tassal and supported through the Queensland Government’s Reef Water Quality Program. 

 

Using Seaweed to Clean Water and Create New Value 

At Tassal’s Proserpine Prawn Farm, a groundbreaking trial is underway exploring how green seaweed (Cladophora) can act as a natural biofilter. By absorbing excess nutrients from wastewater, the seaweed helps improve water quality before it reaches local waterways and, ultimately, the Great Barrier Reef. 

Early research shows promising potential: the system may remove 7.6 to 11.7 tonnes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) each year, positioning seaweed as a powerful nature‑based tool in reducing nutrient loads. 

Reef Catchments’ Manager – Sustainable Agriculture, Todd McNeill, says this approach represents a shift in how the aquaculture industry views “waste.”  

“This project provides the first step in supporting Research  to develop marketable seaweed by-products and explore its potential as a resource for regional circular economy initiatives, strengthening the region’s value chain. Aquaculture seaweed waste presents exciting opportunities to create high-value products – such as animal feed, fertilisers, biochar, bioplastics, and bioactive extracts – turning what was once a by-product into a driver of innovation, sustainability, and new revenue streams”, Todd McNeill explains. “We recognise that while different seaweed species have unique attributes and constraints, these characteristics also offer diverse opportunities for innovation and value creation.”

 

arerial shot of the tassals prawn farm in proserpine

 

A Place-based Approach to Innovation 

Delivered through a collaborative partnership between Reef Catchments, Tassal and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the project aims to build an evidence base to support long‑term growth in seaweed‑based wastewater treatment and product development. 

Tassals Senior Technician – Bioremediation, Maddy Smith, says the trial is already delivering valuable insights: 

“Partnering on this project allows us to explore how a natural by‑product could become a valuable resource while supporting cleaner water for the Reef. This is the kind of forward‑thinking, science‑led innovation we’re committed to driving across Tassal’s aquaculture operations.”

She explains that while trial is ongoing, the team is learning a great deal about how Cladophora performs in real-world conditions:

“While the trial is still underway, it’s already giving us valuable insights into where seaweed may fit within our broader wastewater treatment approach. We’re assessing how Cladophora performs on site and what that could mean for nutrient management. It’s a promising area of research, and we’ll continue refining and validating results as the project progresses.”

 

Driving Scalable, Sustainable Change for the Reef and the Region 

As the region’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation, Reef Catchments is committed to advancing environmental, social, and economic outcomes through responsible, evidence‑based natural resource management. Through a place‑based research and development approach, the Circular Economy project is laying the groundwork for seaweed farming to become a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable component of Queensland’s aquaculture industry. 

Delivered by Reef Catchments and supported by Tassal, this initiative forms part of the $5.5 million Reef Place‑Based Integrated Projects program, funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. 

By combining innovative circular economy thinking with sustainable aquaculture practices, the project is helping the sector strengthen its environmental performance while supporting cleaner water for the Great Barrier Reef. The ongoing testing and refinement of wastewater treatment and seaweed production systems are producing practical, scalable solutions with potential application across Australia. 

Throughout the project, Reef Catchments and its partners will continue sharing insights including successes, challenges and lessons learned to build a strong evidence base that encourages broader industry adoption. This work is helping drive new opportunities for sustainable aquaculture and circular economy growth across the Mackay–Whitsunday–Isaac region and beyond. 

Circular thinking. Coordinated action. Shared value. 

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For years, Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations have worked to improve water quality at the end of the chain. This project shows the next step in that journey, connecting water quality with economic change by not only identifying opportunities to recover value upstream, but also helping coordinate the conditions needed for those opportunities to become real.  

Excess nutrients aren’t just an environmental issue, they reveal a system design problem. When nutrients leak downstream, value is leaking upstream.  

The first step of our project was shifting the mindset, helping people see that water quality and lost value are connected, not separate issues. Through the Circular Opportunities for the Proserpine System project, Reef Catchment and our delivery partner Rocio Rutter from Bivio Consulting have been mapping nutrient flows (like nitrogen, pastiches) across aquaculture and sugarcane supply chains, identifying where value and nutrients are lost, and working with industry and government to unlock practical circular pathways that recover value upstream before it becomes pollution downstream.   

We turned the insights from the material flow analysis as intervention hot spots, revealing that aquafeed ingredients and pond metabolic waste for aquaculture, and fertiliser inputs and mill outflows for sugarcane where areas of circular opportunity. 

Todd McNeill, Reef Catchments Manager for Sustainable Agriculture, says: “Turning local industries into circular solutions for bigger, lasting regional impact is crucial to make our region economically and environmentally sustainable and connected.” 

Our most recent workshop brought together diverse stakeholders from industry, government and research to explore where value and nutrients are lost, build a shared understanding of the system barriers holding initiatives back, strengthen coordination across stakeholders, uncover co-benefits, and identify practical steps to strengthen supply chains, cut costs, and improve the environment together.  

Delivery partner Rocio Rutter shared: “The sugarcane industry faces challenges from volatile input prices, mills are under throughput pressure, stricter environmental rules, stranded energy, costly waste, and ongoing nutrient runoff. The Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region is full of circular ideas – but progress is held back by fragmentation and system-level barriers.” 

Progress is held back by a combination of system-level challenges which are: 

  1. Capital access – Funding supports initial concepts and pilots, but not the scale-up and coordination needed for real impact. 
  1. Market and offtake – Uncertain demand for circular products, no access to staged off-take, and many operations are not ready to integrate them. 
  1. Risk and value flow – Hesitation due to unclear returns, shared risks, or misaligned incentives. 
  1. Input feedstock – Variability in the supply of materials, and no shared infrastructure to collect and pre-process them for circular use. 
  1. Infrastructure and logistics – Fragmented systems, limited transport options, and gaps in coordination. 

Through this project, Reef Catchments seeks to support the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region to reduce nutrient runoff, save money, create new opportunities (or support the scale of existing ones), and help our region grow. By looking at the whole system, we’re helping farms, industry and the environment thrive. 

With global shocks already affecting fertiliser supply and farm costs, building domestic circular alternatives from local resources is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a resilience priority we must work on together. 

AI in the Cane: Reducing Labour, Cutting Costs and Safeguarding Proserpine Waterways

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Proserpine sugarcane growers are leading the way in adopting smart technology that solves the dual challenge of rising pesticide cost and labour shortages. Through the Proserpine Integrated Project (PIP) AutoWeed project, Reef Catchments is working alongside researchers from James Cook University to deliver on-ground results that make practical, profitable sense for local farms while sustaining the long-term health of our waterways.  

The project’s first trial at Kelsey Creek has proven that we can match the 95%+ weed control of blanket spraying while significantly reducing herbicide runoff. By using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to target weeds with precision, growers can cut chemical use by up to 80%, securing better outcomes for both the paddock and the catchment 

“By only spraying where the weeds are, we cut herbicides and costs while protecting our waterways,” says Lead project researcher Associate Professor Mostafa Rahimi Azghadi. “The Reef wins, and growers win.” 

Why it Matters for Water Quality: 

  • Reduced Runoff: Direct proportional reduction between herbicide sprayed and concentration in runoff. 
  • Measured Impact: Early results indicate a 46% reduction in chemical concentration in water runoff. 
  • Scalable Solutions: Data collected during this trial improves accuracy for widespread regional adoption across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.  

The Autoweed project is funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and delivered by James Cook University in partnership with Reef Catchments under the Proserpine Integrated Project.

A United Industry Effort to Strengthen Farming and Water Quality Outcomes 

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Until 2028, Reef Catchments is working alongside trusted agronomists and industry leaders – including Farmacist, Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS), Sugar Research Australia and Nutrien Ag Solutions – to support growers in the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region to make practical, profitable changes on farm. This initiative focuses on what matters most to growers: smarter nutrient and pesticide decisions that protect productivity today while safeguarding local waterways and the Great Barrier Reef for the future.   

“The Reefwise Farming project is about real decisions, and real outcomes driven by grower experience and backed by industry expertise,” Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture Manager Todd McNeill explains. 

The Reefwise Farming project will support up to 60 sugarcane growers across the region to improve nutrient and chemical management through practical, on-farm solutions that strengthen productivity while delivering water quality outcomes and help protect Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef. 

Growers will have access to tailored, independent agronomy advice, 50:50 co-investment grants for equipment upgrades, practical learning resources, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. By combining targeted agronomic support with fit-for-purpose technology, the project will help growers make confident, informed decisions at key points in the season. 

Sugarcane growers across the region are invited to join the Reefwise Farming project and take advantage of these opportunities to strengthen on-farm management, improve productivity, and help protect local waterways and the Great Barrier Reef. 

“Reefwise Farming gives growers the support, tools, and funding to improve farm practices — protecting productivity today and the Reef for the future.” says Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture Manager, Todd McNeill.  

An Expression of Interest (EOI) process is now open for growers to participate in the project: https://reefcatchments.com.au/projects/reefwise-farming-project/. To take part in the Reefwise Farming project, applicants must have landholder consent and undertake practices that don’t duplicate previously funded outcomes. Applications will be considered in the context of any past funding, including the type of activity, timing, and level of investment. Projects that build on earlier work and demonstrate additional environmental benefits may still be eligible. 

The $7.4 million Reefwise Farming Project delivered by Reef Catchments is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust. 

Building Cleaner Waterways and Stronger Farms: Introducing the Catchment Treatment Systems Project

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Healthy waterways start upstream – in the paddocks, drains and wetlands that flow into our creeks, rivers and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef. For growers in the Proserpine Catchment, smart water management supports both productive farming and healthy local ecosystems.

Reef Catchments, funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program, is launching the Catchment Treatment Systems Project as part of the $5.5 million Reef Place Based Integrated Projects initiative. Running from 2025–2027, the project will work with Proserpine sugarcane growers to co‑design and build 10 small, effective treatment systems that improve water quality and support long‑term farm sustainability.

Treatment systems are engineered or enhanced natural features designed to slow, filter and store water before it leaves the farm. Examples include recycle pits that capture runoff for reuse, constructed wetlands that filter nutrients and pesticides through vegetation and sediment basins that slow water to allow particles to settle. These systems reduce sediment, nutrient and pesticide movement while helping growers recycle valuable irrigation water.

infographic of sediment basin on cane farm
Infographic of Sediment Basin, credit Queensland Government

In the Proserpine Catchment, heavy rainfall can wash sediment, pesticides and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) into waterways, impacting water clarity, seagrass health and Reef resilience. By placing treatment systems at strategic points in the landscape, the project aims to significantly reduce DIN, total suspended sediment and pesticide residues. Growers benefit through improved water capture, reduced irrigation costs and greater water reliability, while the community gains cleaner waterways and healthier ecosystems.

A key feature of the project is genuine co‑design. Reef Catchments will work directly with growers to identify suitable treatment locations, develop practical and low‑risk designs, enhance irrigation efficiency and monitor improvements with strong evidence. As Senior Project Officer Kevin Moore puts it:

“Growers know their land better than anyone. This project is about working alongside them to build practical systems that boost farm resilience while improving water quality for the whole region.”

The long-term benefits extend well beyond water quality. Environmental gains include healthier waterways and more resilient habitats, while growers gain stronger water security, lower irrigation costs, improved soil moisture retention and reliable crop performance. Regionally, the project strengthens community–industry partnerships, builds local capacity and provides a scalable model for other catchments.

The project is now seeking 10 eligible sugarcane growers within the Proserpine Catchment. Eligibility includes being located within the catchment and completing a participation history check to ensure fair access across programs. Growers can submit an Expression of Interest through the link provided or request assistance directly.

kevin.moore@reefcatchments.com
Expression of Interest Form

Cleaner waterways, stronger farms and a healthier Reef benefit everyone. By investing in practical on‑ground solutions and collaborating closely with landholders, the Catchment Treatment Systems Project aims to create lasting, positive change for the Proserpine region for generations to come.

From Erosion to Recovery: The beginning of Cattle Creek Restoration

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Cattle Creek is a defining feature of the Finch Hatton region, supporting generations of local farms and families, bolstering regional tourism and providing critical habitat for native wildlife. Unfortunately, in recent years, the creek has been subject to repeated extreme weather events, adding strain to the many social, economic and environmental ecosystems which rely on the waterway. 

Landholders along Cattle Creek have witnessed firsthand the declining health of streambanks and native vegetation following a series of extreme hazard events over the past decade. Impacts of the extensive wind and flood damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March 2017 are still evident throughout the region, coupled with the devastating Central Queensland Bushfires of 2018 which caused widespread loss of native vegetation along the creek. Already weakened by fire, the 2019 monsoon trough brought heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding, severe erosion and the loss of agricultural land along the creek. 

These extreme weather events, combined with extensive land use modifications to the natural environment of Cattle Creek, have led to poor land stability, declining water quality and degraded habitat health – creating an urgent need for restoration works. 

Reef Catchments Principal Project Officer (Waterways), Emma Jones, describes that impacts have been felt deeply by the local community. 

“Cattle Creek is part of the livelihood and family history for many people in the region, and there is a deep concern for maintaining the health of the creek. We are seeing more and more landholders ask for remediation support to not only protect their land from erosion risks, but also out of concern for local wildlife” 

Recognising the urgency of restoring the Creek and hearing the local community needs, Reef Catchments are preparing to deliver targeted restoration works. Local service operators and material suppliers will be engaged to deliver stabilisation, repair and enhancement works across targeted sites throughout an eight-kilometre reach of Cattle Creek. The two-year project aims to protect adjacent land whilst strengthening vegetation and improving habitat connectivity for the many native species that call Cattle Creek home. The Cattle Creek project will be guided by expert advice, regional data and landholder input, including ecological studies, aerial surveys and the development an environmental remediation strategy for the project areas.  

Leveraging established relationships with a network of trusted regional contractors and delivery partners, including revegetation specialists, earthmovers, local suppliers, and community-based organisations, is key to delivering landscape scale improvements in priority catchments like Cattle Creek.  

“The project delivery partners are selected based on their extensive local experience and understanding of the complexities of working in creek environments,“ says Emma. “This will also boost local economy and employment for the Pioneer Valley region.” 

Owner of Strathdickie Plant Hire and local resident Glenn Croxford said he is proud to be part of such a meaningful project. 

“It’s great to have local companies play a major role in improving the environment for the Pioneer region,” he said. “I’ve lived here for many years, and like so many locals, I enjoy swimming and kayaking along Cattle Creek. This restoration work has been needed for a long time, and I’m excited to see it finally underway”. 

Through strong partnerships with landholders, this project is helping return Cattle Creek to a more natural, resilient and self-sustaining condition. The works will deliver meaningful on-ground benefits for landholders, the broader community and the natural environment. By protecting valuable agricultural land from future erosion, reducing sediment entering to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, and creating healthy habitats for native wildlife, the project supports the long-term health, beauty and productivity of the Finch Hatton region for years to come.   

The Cattle Creek project lays the foundation for ongoing recovery efforts across this system. With the vision to demonstrate the value of reach-scale restoration and spark future opportunities, this work goes beyond creek repair; it reflects a community united in caring for the landscape that sustains it. 

The Cattle Creek Restoration works have been funded by the Queensland Government’s Natural Resource Management Expansion Program. 

$7.4M Investment for Mackay–Whitsunday-Isaac Sugarcane Growers

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For our region’s sugarcane growers, the future is looking bright. New opportunities are emerging that support on farm productivity, strengthen profitability and improve water quality, thanks to a milestone $7.4 Million investment into the region by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.

“This project will give growers practical on-ground support to increase productivity and profitability, while directly contributing to important improvements in water quality flowing through to the Great Barrier Reef,” says Reef Catchments Manager (Sustainable Agriculture), Todd McNeill.

The investment is part of a wider $30 million commitment to on-farm activities that reduce nutrient and pesticide losses to the Great Barrier Reef through the Reefwise Farming Program.

Assistant Minister for Tourism and Northern Australia, Nita Green, said that this investment is crucial to ensuring a resilient Great Barrier Reef. “Protecting the Reef means protecting Queensland jobs. Supporting landholders to do their part means we’re building partnerships and the Reef’s resilience. This investment is a win for the Reef and a win for farmers.”

Over the next three years, the investment will enable Reef Catchments, our region’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation, to work with 60 landholders. Support will include nutrient and chemical management planning, access to expert tailored agronomy advice, major equipment grants, educational resources and peer-to-peer learning opportunities that help reduce the movement of nutrients and chemicals from farms into local waterways.

Todd McNeill said that combining access to equipment with tailored agronomic support helps growers adopt and refine management practices with confidence. “This project allows our growers to close knowledge gaps, trial and refine changes on farm, and bring forward planned upgrades that deliver both productivity benefits and improvements in water quality”

Expressions of Interest for Reef Catchments Reefwise Farming project will open in early 2026.

The Reefwise Farming Project delivered by Reef Catchments is part of the Australian Government’s $1.2 billion Reef investment to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef. The Mackay Whitsunday Reefwise Farming Project is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.

Beyond the View: Why Beach Scrub Matters to You and Your Coastline

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Take a walk along a quiet stretch of the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac coastline and you might pass a tangle of trees and vines hugging the dunes. They are cool and shaded. They echo with bird calls and scurrying things. Trees and vines are twisted and patches of sunlight filter through. You’ve probably driven past it before or perhaps set up a picnic nearby. These scattered green patches are one of the rarest and most overlooked ecosystems in Australia – Littoral Rainforests, also known as “beach scrub.” 

Although seemingly scruffy or small, beach scrub is a powerhouse that stores carbon and holds the coastline together. These narrow bands of vegetation steady the dunes, soak up water, buffer the wind, and give strength to the places we live and play. As an essential part of the coastal ecosystem (providing habitat, protecting dunes and supporting the broader coastal landscape) they also underpin tourism, recreation and our everyday connections to nature. 

Beach scrub is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including several threatened species such as the Proserpine rock-wallaby, the northern quoll, beach stone-curlews and pied imperial-pigeons. Beach scrub helps to shelter the dunes in which sea turtles nest, and orange-footed scrubfowl build their nesting mounds under the canopy. Native plants like tuckeroo, golden orchid and Burdekin plum grow here too – plants Traditional Owners have used for generations to build, eat and heal. 

Unfortunately, less than 30% of beach scrub’s original footprint remains in Central Queensland. What’s left is made up of small patches, many under 10 hectares, sitting sporadically along the shoreline or tucked into the edges of offshore islands. Because they’re easy to miss, they’re also easy to neglect, often cleared for development, taken over by weeds, or burnt out by fire. It’s not until they’re gone that their impact on our coastlines is noticed. The land shifts during strong winds, erosion intensifies during heavy rain and storms, and native animals become displaced.  

Reef Catchments, in collaboration with ecologists and Traditional Owners, completed a comprehensive regional assessment to better understand the condition of beach scrub in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region. Of the 31 sites assessed along the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac coast, many showed signs of significant stress. Invasive weeds, trampling, and clearing have taken their toll. Some sites are reduced to struggling patches, while others remain surprisingly intact. The results confirm what’s long been observed on the ground: many patches are degraded and under pressure. But they also show that, with the right care, recovery is possible. 

But importantly, the long-term monitoring data show that recovery is possible. For example, at Nelly Bay in Cape Gloucester, the beach scrub achieved a biocondition score of 67.5% in 2008. When the site was reassessed in 2021, the score had increased to 90%, reflecting more than a decade of careful management, weed control and protection efforts. More on-groundwork has been completed since then, and the next assessment will likely show further improvement. This trend demonstrates something critical: these coastal patches can recover when we look after them, and when they recover, the entire coastline benefits. 

Reef Catchments Senior Project Officer Morgan Thomas was part on the regional assessment and notes, “Beach scrub is an incredibly important coastal ecosystem, but it has been reduced to a fraction of its original extent. It is now listed as critically endangered, and in many places, it is only holding on in a narrow, fragmented strip. Proper care is essential not just to protect what remains, but to give these systems a chance to recover. They’re tough, resilient communities, but they can’t bounce back without help from us.” 

Beach Srub at Nelly Bay

Even though the threats are real, they can be turned around. Across the region, landholders, Traditional Owners and community groups are stepping in to give beach scrub a chance. Weed control, revegetation, fencing, fire planning and better access management can go a long way, especially when support and resources are shared. Community members can also play a role by reporting new weed outbreaks, sticking to designated tracks and helping with local working bees, all of which strengthen on-ground efforts. 

Next time you visit the beach, take a moment to look behind the shoreline. That patch of greenery isn’t just part of the scenery. It plays an important role in protecting the land, supporting wildlife, and keeping the coast strong. Beach scrub works quietly in the background, but it helps in powerful ways. By learning to value and care for it, we can help safeguard the places we love – now and into the future. 

Proserpine Integrated Project – 2025 Year in Review 

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2025 marked a pivotal step forward for the Proserpine region with the launch of the Proserpine Integrated Project (PIP) – a whole-of-catchment initiative bringing seven innovative projects together under one vision: building long-term solutions tailored to the unique conditions of our landscape. 

Running until 2027, PIP is designed to safeguard the natural assets that sustain our farms, businesses and local communities. This first year has focused on planning and collaboration, working closely with project partners, Tassal, Alluvium, Sugar Research Australia, Autoweed, James Cook University, Farmacist, Pitt & Sherry and Truii, to lay the foundations for success.

Project 1 – Biofiltration systems  

In collaboration with Tassal, we’re exploring how green seaweed (Cladophora) can improve water quality and create circular economy opportunities through biofiltration treatment methods. Following the wet season, seaweed harvesting will begin early next year, followed by trials on dehydration processing methods. These trials will help us better understand the full potential of seaweed as a natural treatment for nutrient-rich effluent while also creating a valuable product for our community.  

Photo courtesy of Tassal

Project 2 – Catchment Sustainability Plan  

We’re building a clear picture of the Proserpine region’s environmental values, pressures, and future risks. This research will inform a Sustainability Plan, with community consultation starting in 2026 to ensure local knowledge shapes the outcomes. The plan will guide practical actions and help secure future funding for environmental work. 

Project 3 – Catchment Treatment Systems  

Planning and approvals are underway for recycle pits designed to reduce the amount of nutrient and sediment-rich water entering local waterways whilst improving irrigation efficiency and water security on participating farms. Early next year, we’ll release an Expression of Interest to engage 10 sugarcane landholders who will receive support to participate.  

Project 4 – AutoWeed 

At Reef Catchments’ Annual Grazing Forum, we showcased AutoWeed’s innovative AI-powered spray technology, which targets weeds with precision to cut chemical use and input costs. Trials began in late 2025 to develop a region-specific algorithm for Proserpine’s priority weeds. With farm input costs continuing to rise, this smart approach has the potential to be a real game changer for local growers while significantly reducing pesticide pressures on waterways and our iconic Great Barrier Reef. 

Alex Olsen delivering an AutoWeed demonstration at the 2025 Grazing Forum Field Day

Project 5 – Supporting Practice Change  

Partnering with expert agronomists – Farmacist, we are onboarding 12 landholders who will be supported through tailored chemical management plans and small financial incentives to upgrade spray nozzles, ultimately improving application efficiency and environmental outcomes.  

Reef Catchments Senior Project Officer (Sustainable Agriculture) Kevin Moore with Farmacist.

Project 6 – Circular Opportunities for the Proserpine System 

Pitt&Sherry’s Material Flow Analysis helped us identify where key pollutants from sugarcane and aquaculture industries, from within the Proserpine Catchment, are originating from. Thus, enabling us to make informed decision regarding future water quality interventions and allowing us to better target circular-economy initiatives and relevant collaborators. So far, they’ve been gathering data from local industry stakeholders to build a detailed picture of how materials and nutrients move through the region. At the end of the study, Pitt & Sherry will deliver a report highlighting the most effective opportunities for circular solutions that benefit both industry and the environment. 

Circularity Map – Great Barrier Reef, courtesy of Pitt&Sherry.

Project 7 – Natural Capital  

Using Truii’s Natural Capital Suite, a collection of Apps, we’re assessing the environmental, social, cultural, and economic benefits of past projects. This tool will guide smarter planning by modelling future scenarios, prioritising funding and identifying the most cost-effective nature repair programs for the Proserpine Catchment. The Natural Capital project will wrap up in June 2026, providing valuable insights that will help drive stronger, evidence-based outcomes for the region. 

Looking Forwards  

The PIP’s place-based approach and each of these projects are a fundamental step toward protecting the natural assets that support our farms, businesses and way of life in the Proserpine region. By improving water quality, trialling new technologies and building a clearer understanding of how our landscapes function, we’re helping create a more resilient and sustainable future for both the community and the environment.  

With strong local involvement and smart planning tools, the region is well-positioned to attract future investment and deliver long-term benefits for everyone who depends on healthy land and waterways.  

Stay updated with the Proserpine Integrated Project through our website and signing up to our monthly e-newsletter.  

The Proserpine Integrated Project delivered by Reef Catchments is part of the $5.5 million Reef Place-Based Integrated Projects initiative funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program. 

Volunteers Get Muddy for Seagrass Restoration

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When low tides revealed mud flats in the months of August to October this year, something remarkable happened along our coast. Locals came together in the intertidal zone, buckets in hand, ready to help restore one of the most important ecosystems in the Great Barrier Reef region: seagrass meadows.  

These meadows provide food and shelter for marine life, protect our shorelines and play a vital role in reef health. Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers, project partners and the Reef Catchments Great Barrier Reef team, the 2025 seagrass flowering season was a vibrant success. 

 

Six Events, One Shared Goal

Reef Catchments and project partners hosted six public events across Cannonvale and Seaforth Beaches. Each event gave volunteers the chance to learn, contribute, and see first-hand the life that thrives in these habitats. From tiny critters hiding among the blades to the flowers that hold the promise of new growth, every detail told a story of resilience. 

At Cannonvale Beach, Senior Project Officer Morgan Thomas guided volunteers through the process of collecting seagrass flowers and explained why these plants matter. Flowers collected during the events were stored at the Coral Sea Marina nursery, where seeds will be harvested and replanted by Central Queensland University scientists. This work directly supports restoration research in Pioneer Bay. 

Across four Whitsunday events, 38 volunteers contributed 304 hours and collected 7 litres of seagrass flowers. These seeds will help restore Zostera muelleri meadows, strengthening the health of local ecosystems. Feedback showed participants improved their ability to identify seagrass species by 54% and increased their understanding of its role in the environment by 39%. 

Seagrass volunteers at Pioneer Bay, Cannonvale

 

At Seaforth Beach, Project Officer Alexandra Williams worked alongside Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation Rangers to launch new restoration activities. Volunteers began the day with an Introduction to Country from Bronwin Tonga, who shared cultural knowledge about seagrass. This connection between science and culture added depth to the experience. 

A total of 22 volunteers collected 5 litres of seagrass flowers and contributed plants for the expanded Coral Sea Marina nursery. These plants are thriving, and the tanks have even attracted sea hares. Knowledge gains were significant, with a 114% increase in species identification skills and an 18% improvement in understanding seagrass importance. 

Seagrass volunteers at Seaforth Beach

 

Critter Encounters: The Hidden Life of Seagrass Meadows

Every time volunteers stepped into the mud, they discovered more than flowers. Beneath the surface, seagrass meadows revealed a bustling community of creatures, each playing a role in keeping this ecosystem healthy: 

  • Blue Swimmer Crab – Quick and agile, these crabs darted between the blades, feeding on fish, molluscs, and decaying plant matter. Their work helps recycle nutrients and keep the meadow balanced.
  • Comb Sea Star – Spiky and secretive, this sea star hides just under the sand, emerging at night to hunt small invertebrates. It’s a quiet predator that helps maintain diversity. 
  • Snails and Sand Collars – Tiny grazers keep seagrass blades clean by feeding on algae and decaying material. Their sand collar egg masses, curled like sandy bracelets, protect hundreds of developing embryos—future caretakers of the meadow. 
  • Nudibranch – A jewel among the grasses, this delicate species flashes purple-tipped cerata edged with yellow. It grazes on bryozoans, adding colour and character to the underwater world. 
  • Tube Anemone – Anchored deep in the sediment, its flowing tentacles wave gently to capture plankton, cycling nutrients through the ecosystem. 
  • Coraline Algae – Standing like tiny green clubs among the blades, these algae help stabilise sediments and maintain healthy meadows. 
  • Green Turtle – A gentle grazer gliding through the meadow, trimming seagrass blades to encourage new growth and shape the habitat for countless smaller species. 
  • Tube Worms and Brittle Stars – Often overlooked, these small creatures filter water and clean the seafloor, quietly supporting balance and productivity. 

The Ripple Effect of Community Action

Every flower collected and every hour spent in the mud is a step toward a healthier coast. These efforts fuel seagrass restoration science, strengthen seagrass meadows and protect the marine life that depends on them – from tiny snails to green turtles. Strong meadows mean stronger shorelines and a more resilient Great Barrier Reef.  

Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and made this season a huge success. 

Seagrass restoration and research in the Whitsundays is delivered by CQ University, Reef Catchments, and OzFish Unlimited in partnership with the community. The project is funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative, which is supported by Lendlease, the Australian Government’s Reef Trust, the Queensland Government, and the Fitzgerald Family Foundation. The Scaling SeaGrow project is funded by the DCCEEW Reef Trust, and led by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, with CMERC as science lead and Reef Catchments as the Whitsundays local coordinator.  

From Creek to Coral: Our Region’s Landmark $7.8M Boost for Environmental Outcomes

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A landmark $7.8 million investment is driving one of the most significant environmental restoration efforts ever undertaken in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region. Delivered through the Natural Resource Management Expansion Program (NRMEP), the funding empowers Reef Catchments, the region’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation, to lead three major projects focused on restoring waterways, protecting wildlife, and rebuilding coral reef resilience.

“This funding will allow us to scale up our efforts for critical ecosystems and to target hotspot areas where previous weather events have damaged key parts of the region,” said Katrina Dent, CEO of Reef Catchments.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the Queensland Government’s investment in natural resource management through the NRMEP.”

The investment reflects a broader recognition of the vital role regional NRM organisations play in delivering real, measurable outcomes for both communities and the environment.

“Regional natural resource management organisations like Reef Catchments are working hard to deliver outcomes that meet the needs of their communities as well as our precious land and water resources,” said Chris Norman, CEO of NRM Regions Queensland.

“The NRM Expansion Program will not only leave a lasting impact on Queensland’s iconic landscapes, it will also create jobs and boost local economies. We’re proud to be working alongside the Queensland Government and our regional NRM organisations to deliver big outcomes for people and for place through the Natural Resource Management Expansion Program.”

The NRMEP is part of a broader $117.84 million commitment to boost support for managing the state’s natural assets through on-ground land, water and biodiversity projects delivered by Queensland’s NRM sector. For Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last, the funding represents a return to meaningful support for regional organisations.

“This funding is about backing real action, by supporting local experts who understand their region and what it takes to protect it,” Minister Last said. “These projects will deliver real on-ground results for our environment and the communities who depend on healthy landscapes and waterways.”

 

$4.8 Million to Revive Cattle Creek

In the Pioneer Valley, Cattle Creek has long supported agriculture, biodiversity and community life. But erosion and sediment runoff have weakened its flow and threatened downstream reef health.

With $4.8 million in Queensland Government NRMEP funding, Reef Catchments will restore eight kilometres of streambank, stabilising the riparian corridor, enhancing aquatic habitats and reducing sediment entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

“This is strategic restoration,” said Reef Catchments Program Director (Land and Water), Bernie Cockayne. “We’re working closely with landholders to stabilise eroded streambanks and safeguard productive agricultural land. By reducing sediment run-off into our waterways, we’re not only protecting the long-term viability of farming operations but also helping to preserve the health of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Cattle Creek

$1.9 Million to Improve Habitat Connectivity for an Australian Icon

In the bushland between South Koumala and Eton, koalas are facing increasing threats from habitat fragmentation. With $1.9 million, Reef Catchments will improve connectivity of 57 hectares of prime koala habitat, by planting native trees, removing invasive weeds and fencing corridors to ensure safe passage.

“Koalas are part of our regional and national identity,” said Reef Catchments Program Director (Community and Environment), Alisha Steward. “By reconnecting fragmented bushland, we’re giving them space to move and thrive. This work wouldn’t be possible without the support of local landholders, who are vital partners in restoring habitat and protecting wildlife.”

This project is funded by Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Recovery Program.

Photo courtesy of Charley Geddes.

A New Era for NRM in Queensland

This $7.8 million investment marks a pivotal moment for the Mackay and Whitsunday region, strengthening Reef Catchments’ capacity to deliver targeted, high-impact environmental restoration.

From creek banks to coral reefs, koala corridors to community stewardship, these projects will enhance biodiversity, improve water quality and build resilience across the landscapes that sustain local livelihoods. It’s a clear demonstration of what’s possible when regional expertise is backed by meaningful support; a powerful step forward for the future of natural resource management in Queensland.

Forage Budgeting: Building Resilient Grazing Operations Across the O’Connell Catchment

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Feed supply can make or break a grazing enterprise. Too little, and livestock can lose condition, impacting productivity and profitability. Too much, and you tie up capital and nutrients in ungrazed pasture, reducing pasture quality and returns.

The solution? Knowing exactly how much feed is available and planning ahead. That’s where forage budgeting comes in. It’s a practical tool that gives more control over livestock management and operational efficiency.

What is Forage Budgeting?

Forage budgeting is a simple but powerful process that estimates available feed resources and compares them to livestock demand over a set period of time.

The process involves three key steps:

  1. Estimate available feed within a defined area.
  2. Calculate livestock demand based on the known intake of each class of animal.
  3. Set the time frame over which the feed needs to support the stock.

The resulting forage budget shows whether your property is adequately stocked, and if not, how large a deficit or surplus you might expect. With this knowledge, graziers can make proactive, informed decisions to manage both livestock and pasture condition.

Why Prepare a Forage Budget?

A forage budget gives graziers greater control over their operation and supports better management decisions. Here’s how it helps:

  • Optimises pasture utilisation – Forage budgets can help graziers avoid under- or over- grazing of their paddocks. Striking the right balance maximises forage use while improving ground cover and soil health.
  • Prevents pasture deficits – Feed shortages can force reliance on costly supplements or early livestock sales. Forage budgeting enables early action, such as adjusting stocking rates or rotation timing, to reduce risk through dry periods.
  • Guides efficient stocking rates – Matching livestock numbers to available pasture is essential for both profitability and sustainability. A forage budget provides confidence to stock at levels that optimise returns while protecting long-term pasture health.
  • Supports healthy pastures – Consistent use of forage budgeting supports better groundcover, stronger pastures, and ultimately healthier, more productive animals.

We’re here to help

Preparing a forage budget is straightforward – but implementing it effectively takes experience and follow-up. The Reef Catchments  team can assist graziers in developing, refining and applying forage budgets to suit local conditions.

To further support this process, Sam Skeat, owner and director of North Queensland-Based company Regen Ag Asset Management has been providing tailored forage management advice to graziers in the region and can help with your asset management questions.

Ready to build resilience in your grazing enterprise?

Get in touch with the team via the email address below to learn how forage budgeting can help you manage risk, improve pasture performance and strengthen the operations of your grazing enterprise.

Contact – team.waterways@reefcatchments.com

The Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Landscape Repair Program is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.

How Gravid Coral Checks Help to Predict Spawning

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Silly season is almost upon us! And by that, of course we mean coral spawning season. This weekend, corals throughout the Great Barrier Reef will spawn, releasing their reproductive bundles into the water column in a synchronised event. For our Reef Team this is a very busy time of year!

As a partner of the Boats4Corals project, alongside the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), a range of local tourism operators, and Traditional Owners, we collect coral spawn and release the larvae into other reef areas which may not get as much natural larval inflow, and are therefore slower to recover from impacts.  

The preparation for this year’s spawning has already begun. Last week, the Boats4Corals team inspected 12 sites around the Whitsundays for their readiness to spawn, referred to as gravid coral checks.  

During gravid coral checks, we assess several factors to determine whether a site is suitable for coral spawn slick collections. Key considerations include the extent and diversity of hard coral coverage, the presence and development stage of coral eggs, and whether the area is protected or has any environmental or physical barriers that might inhibit slick formation. These elements help us evaluate the site’s potential for successful collection and monitoring.

Reef Catchments Great Barrier Reef Manager Cass Hayward conducting gravid coral checks. Photo courtesy of Red Cat Adventures.

To answer these last two questions, the team take small samples of coral and look at the skeleton*. Egg bundles are visible as tiny spheres, often in groups, and the developmental stage of the eggs can be inferred by their colour. Generally, eggs start out as white and become pink as they mature.  

The team sampled 370 hard coral colonies over two days, approximately two thirds of which had eggs. We have used the data to narrow down our target sites for spawn collection in a fortnight, having identified a subset of sites which are expected to be productive. 

Ultimately the amount of spawn we are able to collect is very strongly influenced by the weather on the night. However, the extensive presence of developed eggs throughout the Whitsunday islands is a promising sign for this year’s fieldwork! 

Cream (left) and white (right) eggs within Acropora corals. Photos supplied by Lisa McMullen – Daydream Island Living Reef.  

Boats4Corals is part of the Whitsunday Reef Islands Initiative. The Reef Islands Initiative is a Great Barrier Reef Foundation program, supported by funding from Lendlease, the Australian Government’s Reef Trust, the Queensland Government and the Fitzgerald Family Foundation. 

Thank you to the whole team: AIMS, ZigZag Whitsundays, Red Cat Adventures, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures and Ocean Rafting.

*Please note it is illegal to sample corals without a permit.  

From Paddock to Pasture: Grazing Forum and Field Day Delivers Big Learnings for Whitsundays Graziers

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For the first time in its 12-year history, the Reef Catchments Grazing Forum and Field Day were held in the Whitsundays – and it was a resounding success.

Over two days, graziers, ag professionals and community members came together to share knowledge, explore innovation, and strengthen connections across the region. The event, delivered by Reef Catchments’ Sustainable Agriculture team through funding from the Australian Government and Glencore Coal Australia, highlighted the importance of collaboration, practical learning and community-led sustainable land management in the grazing sector.

Field Day: Innovation Meets Practicality

Hosted by generous landholders at Yalboroo, the field day focused on the real-world challenges of converting old cane paddocks into productive grazing pastures. Attendees rotated through hands-on sessions covering weed management, pasture nutrition and soil health, including pH and texture assessments led by Reef Catchments and TNQ Drought Hub.

A standout moment was the live demonstration of AutoWeed’s AI drone technology, which is being trialled to support more targeted and efficient weed control. Kevin Moore, Principal Project Officer for Sustainable Agriculture at Reef Catchments, said the interest from landholders was clear.

“AutoWeed is a tool we’re looking at using to reduce pesticide use by targeting specific weeds. That means lower costs for landholders and less runoff into our waterways – a win-win for graziers and the Great Barrier Reef.”

Farmacist Mackay Extension Agronomist Mandy Jeppsen also spoke on the importance of combining weed control with nutrition for successful pasture establishment.

“If graziers can get a handle on both from the start, it reduces ongoing maintenance costs and they will have good pasture establishment up front. A holistic approach combining grazing management, mechanical methods like slashing and nutrition is key.”

The field day was a chance for graziers to connect, share experiences and learn from one another, as well as gain technical learnings.

“This is my 10th Grazing Forum,” said grazier Travis Perry. “It’s great to see how the event has progressed. There’s still a lot of people willing to learn and take the time to come to these events. That’s what makes it worthwhile – it’s been a great event to attend once again.”

Forum: Genetics, Herd Health and Community Connection

Held at the Proserpine Showgrounds, the Grazing Forum built on the momentum of the field day with a strong focus on cattle management. Topics included genetics, disease prevention and bull selection, with expert insights from Lawson Camm (Cambil Brahmans), James Kent (Great Northern Brahman Sale) and Tim Emry (Department of Primary Industries).

Attendees were treated to a showcase of Brahman bulls and a breakdown of complex topics like EBVs and genetic scoring, helping graziers make informed decisions tailored to their enterprise goals.

“We’ve had Lawson Camm and representatives from the Great Northern Brahman Sale speak down at the Proserpine Showgrounds showring, which was pretty spectacular,” said Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Kellie Harmsworth. “There are quite a few good specimens of Brahman bulls coming through. I’ve really enjoyed the day. It’s been a casual, relaxed atmosphere with great attendance from landholders, sales reps, industry reps and the general community.”

Jason Mansfield from Greater Whitsunday Vet Service also spoke on the importance of herd health, reinforcing the need for proactive management and regular vet engagement.

Mandy Jeppsen reflected on the broader impact of the event, “These sorts of events are rare in this region, especially with grazing not always seen as a priority in cane-growing areas. There aren’t many places where graziers can meet suppliers and service providers, hear from guest speakers, and learn from each other all in one spot. It’s a great way to build community – the more people you connect with, the more ideas you can share, and everyone benefits from that.”

The success of this year’s event highlights the growing appetite for practical, locally relevant grazing support in the Mackay Whitsunday region. Reef Catchments is proud to support graziers through events like these, which foster innovation, collaboration, resilience and community.

For more information, visit www.reefcatchments.com.au/projects/sustainable-agriculture-facilitaor-saf.

Annual Report RCL 2024 – 2025

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Reef Catchments Annual Report for the 2024-2025 Financial Year.

This year marks a new chapter for Reef Catchments. With over 22 years of experience in Natural Resource Management, our team continues to grow and evolve.

In this report, you’ll find highlights from across the region – from new projects to future-focused planning. Hear from our Chair and CEO, explore project stories, and meet the people behind the work.

We’re proud to be turning knowledge into action and shaping the future of NRM in our region.

With thanks to our funding providers, stakeholders and local community.

View annual report

From the mountains to the sea – Resilient ecosystems, engaged community.

Reef Catchments is your Natural Resource Management (NRM) group for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.

Reef Catchments logo.

Seaforth Locals Step Up to Restore Vital Seagrass Meadows

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At low tide on the Seaforth coast, volunteers gathered with buckets, boots, and a shared ambition to restore the seagrass meadows that support the health of the Great Barrier Reef. Lead by Reef Catchments in partnership with Central Queensland University and OzFish Unlimited, the two successful volunteer events at Seaforth marked a major milestone in the (Sea)Grassroots Community Restoration Project; a three-year initiative aimed at improving the health and resilience of seagrass meadows in the Great Barrier Reef.

Seagrass meadows are powerful ecosystems; the unsung heroes of the Great Barrier Reef. They stabilise sediment, filter coastal waters, store carbon, and provide food and shelter for turtles, dugongs and many species of juvenile fish. Unfortunately, seagrass meadows are under pressure from a changing climate, poor water quality and coastal development. Restoration of degraded meadows is essential, and community involvement is key.

Photo courtesy of Ozfish Unlimited. Pictured (left to right): Local volunteers, Dr Geoff Collins – OzFish Unlimited, Bronwyn Tonga – Yuwi Ranger, Shawn Morris – Yuwi Ranger, Alexandra Williams – Reef Catchments Great Barrier Reef Project Officer.

Seaforth volunteers worked alongside marine scientists and Rangers from the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation to collect seagrass flowers and cores of a key local seagrass species, Zostera muelleri. Zostera, also known as “Eelgrass,” plays a critical role in reef resilience yet remains vulnerable to various pressures.

Alexandra Williams, Reef Catchments Project Officer, explained the importance of the work:

“Every seagrass flower and core collected aims to bolster the effectiveness of future restoration efforts. This is real science, which the community is a significant part of. It’s great to see the Seaforth community show such a keen interest into how they can help take care of these critical ecosystems.”

The Yuwi Rangers joined the events, bringing cultural knowledge and deep connection to Country. Yuwi Ranger Bron Tonga shared:

“Seagrass is important to our people for physical, spiritual, and cultural reasons. It provides food for the Turtle and Dugongs and is integral to our identity and connection to Country. The Seagrass meadows are vital for the ecosystem’s directly supporting other marine animals. It’s also about the understanding of seasons and cycles to monitor and care for sea meadows.”

This shared respect for seagrass was echoed by Dr Geoff Collins from OzFish Unlimited, who emphasised its role in supporting fish populations and recreational fishing:

“These seagrass meadows play a vital role in supporting the life cycle of the fish we all like to catch. If the seagrass meadows suffer, that has a direct impact on recreational fishing. That’s why volunteer events like these are so important – they give the local community a real, hands-on opportunity to take care of fish habitat.”

Seagrass restoration is local action with global impact. These meadows strengthen the reef’s ability to recover from severe weather, support thriving fish populations and keep coastal waters rich with life. For anyone who values clean oceans, healthy marine life and resilient reef systems, this is where meaningful change begins – on the shoreline, with your hands in the mud.

To learn more or register for future events, visit www.reefcatchments.com/events.

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government’s Protecting the Great Barrier Reef – Community Stewardship Program – an Australian Government initiative and delivered by Reef Catchments, in partnership with Central Queensland University and OzFish Unlimited.

Strategic Streambank Restoration: Building Resilience Across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Region

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Real change happens when projects are guided by data, scaled to the landscape, and delivered with the community at heart. The work in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac (MWI) region focuses on restoring streambanks and river systems, improving water quality, and building resilience in the landscapes that flow to the Great Barrier Reef.

A Landscape-Scale Approach 

The MWI region is made up of small catchments each flowing into the Great Barrier Reef. To manage these systems, Reef Catchments adopt a whole-of-system approach, integrating science, planning, and on-the-ground action to achieve lasting ecological outcomes. 

Through regional streambank and geomorphological studies, we identify erosion risks, system stability, and restoration opportunities. This information helps us design projects that align with funder priorities, while continuing to drive our long-term vision for healthier waterways, stronger ecosystems, and resilient communities. 

From Data to Action 

Over the past decade, a suite of assessments, including stream type analysis, reach summaries, erosion prioritisation studies, and hot spot mapping, has guided our work. These studies not only highlight where interventions are needed but also ensure investments are targeted, efficient, and backed by evidence. By layering this knowledge and consistently applying it to funding applications, Reef Catchments has been able to scale up restoration efforts across the region. Projects such as the Landscape Repair Program continue to build on these foundations, enabling our largest restoration initiatives to date. 

 

Highlight Projects and Achievements 

With support from government funding and partnerships, Reef Catchments has delivered multiple large-scale projects that are transforming riparian landscapes. A few standouts include: 

  • Reef Trust 4 – 37 project sites, 70,000+ trees planted, 25 ha of riparian corridors restored, and more than 45 ha of land protected by fencing. 
  • Reef Trust 7 – Protected 5.84 km of streambank, revegetated 2.21 ha, engaged over 90 landholders, and saved more than 2,800 tonnes of fine sediment each year. 
  • Monsoon Trough Recovery (Stages 1 & 2) – Together, these projects established over 12 engineered sites and planted more than 26,000 trees, reducing more than 10,000 tonnes of fine sediment annually. 
  • Reef Assist 2.0 – Engineered streambank and gully works, with 4,500 local native plants added, cutting sediment loads by over 1,000 tonnes per year. 

Outcomes 

Thanks to this collective effort, the region has already achieved: 

  • ~25,000 tonnes per year of fine sediment reduction at the coast. 
  • 125,000+ native riparian plants established. 
  • Over 230 landholders and properties engaged in sustainable land management. 

These achievements not only improve local ecosystems but also safeguard the Great Barrier Reef by reducing sediment and nutrient runoff. 

Image 3: Construction of an O’Connell streambank restoration project.

Looking Ahead 

Our commitment is long-term. By combining local knowledge, stewardship, and science-backed interventions, Reef Catchments continues to drive meaningful landscape change. These projects are building resilience, not only for our waterways and catchments but also for the communities and industries that depend on them. 

 

The Crust Conundrum: How Sandwich Edges Became a Waste Problem and What We Can Do About It

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It started with a simple question: What’s really going into our school bins?

As part of the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac School Waste Minimisation Project, Reef Catchments conducted rubbish audits at  schools across the region. We expected to find the normal culprits; plastic food wrappers, juice boxes, maybe the odd broken pencil. But one item kept showing up again and again – uneaten sandwich crusts.

Sandwich crusts are non-compostable, so when they go uneaten, they end up in landfill, contributing towards food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The answer to preventing this food waste is simple – eat your crusts!

Crusts. The humble edge of the sandwich. Not spoiled, not inedible, but somehow always left behind. And while it might seem like a small thing, those crusts told a bigger story about food waste, habits, and how we can help our kids make more sustainable choices.

If your child’s lunchbox often comes home with crusts untouched, you’re not alone. Kids tend to reject crusts because they’re chewier, darker, and look different from the soft middle. Over time, “I don’t eat crusts” can become a habit, especially if crusts are routinely cut off at home.

But here’s the twist: crusts aren’t just incredibly delicious, they’re also nutritionally powerful!

Crusts form where the bread meets the heat, and that’s where the magic happens. The browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, boosts antioxidant levels in the crust, helping protect the body from illness. These antioxidants act like tiny shields, supporting the immune system in ways the soft centre simply can’t.

Beyond that, crusts contain more dietary fibre, which plays a key role in gut health and brain function. A healthy gut helps kids concentrate, learn, and feel better throughout the day. And because crusts digest more slowly, they provide longer-lasting energy -perfect for busy school days filled with learning and play.

There’s also a physical benefit. Chewing crusts helps strengthen young jaws and teeth, giving kids a natural way to support oral development. And let’s not forget flavour – the crust is where bread gets its richest, toastiest taste!

So how can parents help shift the crust conversation at home?

Start by making crusts part of the fun. Cutting sandwiches into playful shapes can make crusts less noticeable; while toasting or grilling adds flavour and crunch. Using fillings that reach the edge ensures every bite is satisfying. And perhaps most importantly, modelling crust-eating with enthusiasm can go a long way, as kids often mirror what they see.

If crusts still aren’t a hit, try serving them with dips like hummus or guacamole to make them more appealing. If they’re not going in the lunchbox, instead of throwing them out, save them for cooking. Crusts make excellent breadcrumbs, croutons, or toasties, keeping them out of landfill and giving them a second (yummy) life.

Encouraging kids to eat their crusts isn’t just about nutrition. It’s about respecting food, reducing waste, and building a culture of sustainability from the lunchbox up. Every crust eaten is one less item in landfill, and one step closer to a future where food is valued, not wasted.

Better Practice Management Improves Farm Efficiency

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Landholder standing in front of a wire fence

Landholder: Ross Bailey

Project: Continuing the path to nature-based solutions

Location: Sarina

Area: 265 acres of grazing land

A tour of Ross and Angela Bailey’s property quickly revealed the results of years of care and improvement. With pride, Ross pointed out strategic improvements that have strengthened the land, supported wildlife, and boosted the success of his cattle operation. From erosion control to wildlife-friendly fencing, his commitment to sustainable property management is evident in every detail, each decision made with the long-term health of the landscape in mind. 

 

Background: From Cane to Cattle, with a Conservation Mindset 

The property was once an active cane farm before being transitioned to grazing land. Since purchasing it, Ross has been dedicated to continual improvement. He’s tackled significant weed control, including the clearing of lantana, which not only improves pasture but benefits koala habitat as well. 

He has also undertaken pasture renovation and refined fencing layouts to balance production with environmental care. 

 

The Challenge: Fragile Streambanks and Erosion from Cattle Access 

Ross Bailey’s property, once a sugarcane farm, presented unique challenges when converted to a cattle operation. The legacy of cane farming left fences placed in gullies, areas once used to allow harvesters and haulers to turn around, which were now high-traffic zones for cattle.  

Already fragile, these gullies became increasingly eroded due to repeated cattle movement, causing the loss of vegetation and sediment run-off into nearby waterways. Without the stabilising presence of vegetation, streambanks were left vulnerable.  

Cattle access to the creek further exacerbated the problem, leading to degradation of both soil health and water quality. 

The Solution: A Holistic and Strategic Fencing Approach 

Through a recent grant-supported fencing project, Continuing the Path to Regional Resilience, Ross installed 2.4 km of new fencing to restrict cattle access to the creek and protect the vulnerable banks.  

Ross says, “fencing is not just for keeping cattle out but a strategic tool to improve land and livestock management as a whole.” 

The key to Ross’s solution was relocating old fence lines and gates out of the gullies to higher ground, reducing cattle traffic through these erosion-prone areas. This smart repositioning helps prevent the development of deeper gullies and limits sediment runoff into the waterway. 

The fencing design is not only strategic but also wildlife-conscious: a plain top wire ensures wildlife, including native species, can safely navigate the landscape without the risk of injury. 

 

The Results: Healthier Land, Livestock, and Ecosystems 

Ross has implemented a wagon-wheel or rotational grazing approach, where cattle are moved systematically between paddocks. This practice gives pastures time to recover, encouraging regrowth, soil health, and water retention while reducing overgrazing and further erosion. 

Benefits already observed include: 

  • Improved pasture quality and soil condition 
  • Fatter, healthier cattle due to better pasture availability 
  • Reduced erosion and sediment loss 
  • Safer passage for wildlife across the property 

Ross’s attention to small details, such as preventing cattle from using the same track repeatedly, demonstrates his commitment to sustainable land management. 

 

Looking Ahead: Custodianship and Conservation 

Ross is clear about his role and said, “I’m a custodian of the land and will look after it while I have it.” 

Looking ahead, Ross’s focus is on leaving the land in better condition for future generations. Upcoming goals include planting native trees to support koala habitat, in partnership with other Reef Catchments projects like the Sarina Koala Habitat Restoration. 

His approach stands as a model for integrating productive agriculture with environmental stewardship, showing that even small changes, like a better-placed gate or a plain top wire, can have a big impact when viewed through a holistic lens. 

 

Assistance provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund. The Sarina Koala Habitat Restoration project is supported by Reef Catchments through funding from the Australian Government’s Saving Koalas Fund. 

 

Future-Proofing Grazing: The Climate-Smart Agriculture Program

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For graziers across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, managing a productive farm has always meant balancing livestock, land, and the unpredictable rhythms of the seasons. But in a changing climate, the challenges are growing. Hotter summers, shifting rainfall patterns, and pressure on natural resources make it harder to plan for the long term. The Climate-Smart Agriculture Program (2024–2028), funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust, aims to give graziers the tools, knowledge, and support to face these challenges head-on. 

Rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions, the project is about rolling up sleeves and working on-farm alongside graziers to understand the unique story of each property. Over 34 participating farms across 900 hectares, Reef Catchments will help landholders co-develop Natural Capital Plans. These Plans are detailed strategies that map Natural Capital assets such as pastures, soil, water, vegetation and biodiversity, to help graziers see where their land is thriving, where it needs care, and how small, smart changes can protect natural systems while boosting productivity.  

 

Every plan starts with understanding the land as it is today. Graziers will assess the condition of their paddocks, identify risks and opportunities, and establish a baseline for greenhouse gas emissions. From there, they can explore practical, climate-smart grazing practices that reduce emissions by improving efficiencies within the herd. It’s a hands-on approach that fits the realities of everyday farm life while enhancing understandings of emerging market opportunities linked to sustainability. 

Beyond planning, the program connects graziers with funding incentives, on-farm field days, and workshops where they can learn from experts and share experiences with fellow landholders. From building climate resilience to growing knowledge, and a stronger local grazing community, this program offers local graziers a unique opportunity to future-proof their farms through a tailored approach. 

If you’re a grazier in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region looking to future-proof your farm, now is the time to get involved. Upcoming workshops on the 7 and 8 October will provide expert advice, current best practice and innovation information, and the chance to connect with other landholders who are committed to building productive, resilient farms. For more information, contact holly.reid@reefcatchments.com. To register to the workshop, visit Eventbrite. 

 

 

Proserpine sugar farmers unite to reduce pesticides levels entering the Great Barrier Reef

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For generations, sugarcane has been a core aspect of the Proserpine region’s identity. From the vast green paddocks to the hum of harvest machinery, cane farming has shaped the landscape, economy, and community life of the district. Families who work this land carry with them not only the knowledge of farming, but also a deep connection to the creeks, wetlands, and reef systems that make the Proserpine catchment so unique. 

Now, a new initiative is giving growers the opportunity to build on that legacy by improving chemical management on-farm. Reef Catchments, in partnership with Farmacist, is delivering the Supporting Practice Change to Reduce Water Quality Risk, a two-year project working closely with sugarcane farmers in the Proserpine catchment. 

Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture manager, Todd McNeill, explains, “Sugarcane farming has long been an important part of the Proserpine region and continues to play a key role in the local community. This project supports growers in adopting practical changes that improve water quality while maintaining productivity.” 

 

 

At its core, the project is grower-focused, designed to support farmers with practical tools and guidance. Farmers will work with agronomy experts on tailored chemical management plans, spray rig audits, and on-farm visits. Small financial incentives can help upgrade spray nozzles, making every day work more efficient. Two hands-on workshops bring participants together to learn about weed identification, chemical handling, and spray rig calibration – providing a chance to share knowledge, ask questions, and learn the latest in innovative farming methods. 

For growers, the benefits are both immediate and long-term. Better chemical use means reduced costs, improved efficiency, and smoother day-to-day farm management. As Senior Project Officer Kevin Moore explains, “Taking part in this project will give growers the know-how, tools, and a clear plan to use pesticides more efficiently. This means saving money, saving time, and making day-to-day farm work easier.” 

 

 

The project is part of the broader Proserpine Integrated Project (PIP), which is bringing together seven innovative initiatives to improve water quality across the catchment. From AI-driven technologies to circular economy solutions, PIP is designed to support growers and communities while reducing pollutants flowing to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. 

Todd explains, “Under PIP, growers are not working in isolation but as part of a wider coordinated approach across the catchment. By taking part, growers are exploring new tools and practices that support farm productivity while improving water quality across the catchment.” 

If you’d like to improve chemical management on your farm, strengthen productivity, and be part of a project making a real difference for our community and environment, contact kevin.moore@reefcatchments.com.

The Supporting Practice Change to Reduce Water Quality Risk is funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and delivered by Farmacist in partnership with Reef Catchments under the Proserpine Integrated Project.  

 

From Paddock to Sale: Annual Grazing Forum Strengthens Local Grazing Enterprises

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Across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, grazing is more than an occupation – it’s a way of life. Early mornings checking fences, long days walking paddocks and ongoing careful decisions about pasture, herd health, and markets. All of it shapes the land, the livestock, and the livelihoods that depend on them. Seasons are unpredictable, challenges are constant, and yet graziers keep going, knowing that every choice today echoes for years to come. It’s in that context that gatherings like the Reef Catchments Annual Grazing Forum become so vital.  

For the first time, the Grazing Forum will be held in Proserpine giving graziers across the Whitsundays easier access to the event and its wealth of knowledge. Adding to the excitement, cattle will be showcased in the Proserpine Showgrounds show ring, giving participants a chance to see genetics, bull selection, and animal presentation demonstrated live. 

Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Kellie Harmsworth, says, “This year’s Grazing Forum is all about the theme – Paddock to Sale, taking a big-picture look at the whole grazing journey. During the Field Day we will get out into the paddock to explore pastures and practical management, while the Forum will turn the focus to the beast – looking at genetics, performance, and how to get the best value at sale.”  

Out in the paddocks and under the wide Queensland sky, graziers connect with others who understand the realities of the job. They swap stories about what worked and what didn’t, compare notes on pastures, pests, and herd nutrition, and discover new approaches that might transform their own operations. The annual Grazing Forum is a “must attend” event for many graziers, including Travis Perry. 

“I always found the Grazing Forums to be not only an excellent event to come to socialise and interact with other graziers, meet new producers, be influenced by what other people are doing, and forming relationships there – but the actual information offered is something that you can’t just access any day of the week. As soon as it comes up in the calendar, it’s locked in – a must attend event,” says Travis. This year will mark his 10th year attending the Grazing Forum.

Grazing forum paddock group shot
2024 Grazing Forum Field Day

“Events like the Reef Catchments Annual Grazing Forum are an investment to the region. They bring together practical know-how, shared experience, and a strong sense of community. It gives graziers a chance to step off-farm, see what’s working for others, and pick up fresh ideas to improve herd health, lift pasture productivity, and strengthen the bottom line. The benefits ripple out – healthier land, more resilient businesses, and a network of graziers backing each other,” says Kellie.

The 2025 Grazing Forum will be held on Wednesday 22 October (Field Day) and Thursday 23 October (Forum). To find out more about this year’s Grazing Forum, contact Kellie Harmsworth: saf@reefcatchments.com, or 0456 182 348. Alternatively, click here to register.

The Grazing Forum is presented by Reef Catchments Ltd, through funding from the Australian Government and Glencore. 

 

Showcasing Projects

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On-Ground Restoration Showcased During Reef 2050 Advisory Committee Visit

Reef Catchments recently welcomed members of the Reef 2050 Advisory Committee (RAC) to Murray Creek, providing a first-hand look at the on-ground efforts driving water quality improvements for the Great Barrier Reef.

The RAC, which plays an advisory role in guiding strategic action under the Reef 2050 Plan, visited the Mackay region to gain insights into the practical challenges, successes, and partnerships behind natural resource management (NRM) projects.

Partnerships Creating Lasting Change

The tour highlighted a 7 km stretch of Murray Creek, where landholder Peter Barreta has worked with Reef Catchments over many years to stabilise eroding streambanks and restore riparian health. Peter shared how severe erosion once threatened valuable sections of the property and how the restoration journey has transformed both the landscape and his connection with it. His work has caught the attention of neighbouring landholders who have shown interest in the work being carried out.

Smart Design, Better Outcomes

Reef Catchments Project Manager Brendan Smith explained the engineering and ecological strategies behind the works. At one site, a steep eroded bank close to a pocket of valuable palms was stabilised by building the bank forward with river material and supported through pile fields, root balls and rock rather than cutting further into a valuable pocket of vegetation. Other locations on the property showcased the evolution of project techniques, from a gully planted just 12 months ago with tube stock now reaching shoulder height, to older works where long-term monitoring has led to improved, more durable solutions. “Each site has its unique challenges, so we work closely with our engineering partners and install contractors to ensure the work we end up delivering to prevent erosion is fit for purpose. By being adaptive and delivering a collaborative soliton we give our sites the best chance of success”

Strong Local Partnerships

Also attending on the day was Glenn Croxford of Strathdickie Plant Hire, a long-time partner of Reef Catchments. Glenn spoke of his personal commitment to each site, highlighting how attention to detail and a strong sense of ownership contribute to the success of these projects. This large-scale reach remediation approach is made possible through ongoing collaboration between Reef Catchments, multiple funding sources, landholder Peter Barreta, and local contractors including GM Grader Hire, Strathdickie Plant Hire, and Jeppesen Farming Co.

Emma Jones, Principal Project Officer, highlighted how ongoing collaboration between landholders, contractors, and Reef Catchments ensures effective and lasting restoration outcomes. “Maintaining long term strong relationships with our contractors and landholders is critical for site success. If our landholders and contractors have bought into the outcomes of the project they go above and beyond to ensure successful site delivery.”

Why It Matters

Streambank erosion is a significant source of sediment entering reef catchments, impacting both land productivity and downstream water quality. Projects like this one at Murray Creek demonstrate the long-term value of early planning, consistent investment, and meaningful partnerships. By restoring riparian vegetation, stabilising banks, and protecting key ecological areas, we not only reduce sediment runoff but also enhance habitat, increase biodiversity, and support more resilient farming systems. These are the kinds of collaborative, evidence-based efforts that contribute directly to the Reef 2050 vision of a healthy Reef and a sustainable future.

Murray Creek showing streambank landscaping with rows of pilons and tall vegetation behind

Project Details 

This work has been delivered through several key projects over recent years. Initial stages were supported by the Reef Trust 4 Program (funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust), with major works commencing in 2020 including streambank stabilisation, revegetation, and 3.4 km of riparian fencing. In 2024, further improvements were delivered through the Streambank Remediation Program – O’Connell Sites Project (funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and the Australian Government’s Reef Trust), focusing on engineered works to protect high-value remnant vegetation. Most recently, ongoing efforts are continuing under the MWI Landscape Repair Program (also funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust), with additional fencing, weed control, and revegetation planned into the 2025–2026 financial year.

At this property alone, over 7km of streambank has been stabilised and restored through strategic riparian fencing, revegetation, and erosion control, made possible through several completed and ongoing projects.including the Australian Governments Reef Trust 4 Program, the Queensland Government’s Queensland Streambank Remediation Program – O’Connell Sites project, the Preparing Australian Communities – Nature Based Solutions to Build Regional Resilience project and the Australian Government Reef Trust Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Landscape Repair Program. With ongoing collaboration between Reef Catchments, multiple funding sources, landholder Peter Baretta, and local contractors GM Grader Hire, Strathdickie Plant Hire and Jeppesen Farming Co., this large-scale reach remediation approach is possible.”

 

Hard vs Soft Corals

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If you’re a snorkeller, diver, swimmer or avid boatie, you’re no stranger to the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Named one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it draws people from every corner of the globe; each hoping to catch a glimpse of its vast, colourful, living seascape.  

Even from above the water, you can see a patchwork of colour and movement. Fish flicker between coral outcrops. Sea turtles cruise past bommies. You may even see a ray or two. Below the surface, a network of coral structures stretches in all directions – some soft and flowing with the current, others rigid, branching, and built like underwater architecture. The beauty is awe-inspiring, but to the trained eye, there’s also a story about the reef unfolding. 

That subtle difference between the flexible, fabric-like corals and their solid, stone-like neighbours reveals more than just variation. It can reveal insights about the underlying health and resilience of the reef itself. 

Underwater image of a snorkeler swimming over coral reef, which is surrounded by schools of small blue fish.
Great Barrier Reef

Hard corals form skeletons, which in turn form the backbone of the Great Barrier Reef. These reef-building species have skeletons, and therefore as they grow, they slowly deposit calcium carbonate creating solid structures that serve as the reef’s foundation. Whether branching like staghorn, dome-shaped like brain coral, or flat and plate-like, hard corals create the three-dimensional framework that supports entire reef communities. 

This complex structure is a large part of what gives coral reefs their function. It provides homes, breeding grounds, and shelter for thousands of marine species, ranging from tiny invertebrates to reef fish, sharks, and rays. Hard corals also help absorb wave energy, playing a vital role in protecting coastlines against extreme weather events and maintaining coastal ecosystems. 

Close up underwater image of hard corals and small reef fish swimming around them.
Hard coral out plants as part of Coral Nurture Program, image courtesy J.Edmondson

In contrast, soft corals serve a different purpose. Lacking a hard skeleton, they appear more flexible and often resemble underwater plants or fans. Often these are the corals you will see swaying in the current.  Soft corals also provide habitat and contribute to biodiversity but don’t form the reef’s structure.  

Underwater shot of green sea turtle swimming through soft corals
Green Sea Turtle resting amongst soft corals

As Cass Hayward, Reef Catchments Great Barrier Reef Team Manager, puts it: 

“Both soft and hard corals have roles in the ecosystem, but it’s really the hard corals that we have to thank for building the reef’s structure over thousands and millions of years.” 

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is the largest coral reef system on Earth, spanning more than 2,300 kilometres. It’s so vast it can be seen from space. It’s also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value; environmentally, culturally, and economically. 

Coral reefs like the GBR support around 25% of all marine life despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. They also provide vital coastal protection against extreme weather events, support fisheries, attract tourism, and play a key role in nutrient cycling. And hard corals are at the centre of it all. 

“When scientists and reef managers check on how the reef is doing, they usually start by looking at the hard coral. If there’s high cover and diversity of hard corals, it is an indicator of good reef health and resilience.  If we see declines in hard coral, which can often be accompanied by an increase in soft coral, it can be a warning sign often related to things like poorer water quality, too much sediment or nutrients, or ongoing stress.” – Cass Hayward.  

Across the reef, researchers, Traditional Owners, tourism operators and community members are researching and trialling ways to actively assist coral recovery. Programs like the Coral Nurture Program research and optimise reef restoration methods that centre around growing and reattaching coral fragments within degraded reef areas, while Boats4Corals examines the potential for transplanting coral larvae to sites that need a helping hand in recovery. 

These targeted efforts are designed to give hard corals a head start, helping rebuild structure, restore habitat, and maintain the reef’s natural resilience. 

Images of Tourism Operators during Coral restoration projects
Whitsunday Reef Islands Initiative Project Partners

Coral Nurture Program and Boats4Corals are part of the Whitsunday Reef Islands Initiative. The Reef Islands Initiative is a Great Barrier Reef Foundation program, supported by funding from Lendlease, the Australian Government’s Reef Trust, the Queensland Government and the Fitzgerald Family Foundation. 

Spring Comes Early at Coral Sea: Tiny Flowers, Big Impact

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While the rest of the Whitsundays are still shaking off the last chill of winter, spring has already sprung in an unexpected place – the seagrass nursery tucked inside Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. Here, rows of sunlit tanks are quietly nurturing the next generation of seagrass meadows, offering a hopeful glimpse into the future of our coastal ecosystems.

Zostera muelleri, or “eelgrass”, has produced the first flowers for the year – and in abundance. Found in shallow waters and intertidal mudflats, this species grows in dense meadows that support marine life with its long, strappy leaves and mesh-like vein pattern. Notably, Zostera muelleri produces a large number of seeds annually, making it a valuable species for local research projects.

Zostera muelleri

The early flowering came as a surprise to Reef Catchments Project Officer Alexandra (Lexi) Williams, who has been maintaining the nursery tanks. “It’s been a cold winter, but the seagrass pots are placed along the sunniest parts of the tank edges,” Lexi said. “That temperature variation might have encouraged them into flowering early – which is really interesting.”

They’re no bigger than your finger and yet these delicate seagrass flowers carry the potential to regrow entire seagrass meadows. Each Zostera shoot can produce up to five flowering spathes, and each of those can yield 10–15 seeds. That might sound modest, but under the right conditions, a single seed can regenerate up to a hectare of seagrass meadow.

Images courtesy of CQ University Australia

Normally, flowering begins around August or September. This unexpected early bloom provides a welcome opportunity to begin collecting viable seeds for use in local restoration research trials. Once collected, the seeds are cultivated in the nursery before being returned to the Pioneer Bay mudflats as part of a research project which looks at the impact of re-seeding damaged or fragmented meadows.

Seagrass is a powerhouse of the marine environment. These meadows provide shelter for an incredible variety of sea life, from crabs and snails to juvenile fish, and are an important food source for turtles and dugongs. They also play a key role in stabilising sediment, improving water quality, and storing carbon. With flowers forming at the Airlie Beach nursery, there’s renewed hope that seed-based methods can be used for restoring these vital habitats, ensuring they continue to support rich biodiversity and the health of our coastal ecosystems for years to come.

Learning from the Land

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Learning from the Land: Why Walking the Paddocks Leads to Smarter Funding

A bright winter’s morning at Mt Ossa set the scene for a recent visit showcasing innovation, resilience, and the power of strong local connections in sustainable agriculture.

It’s about understanding what’s working on the ground and hearing directly from landholders,” said Chris Gogala, Assistant Director in the Sustainable Agriculture Branch from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Chris, who travelled from Canberra, was joined by Sustainable Agriculture Governance Officer Machaela Naidoo, as part of a broader regional tour to meet stakeholders and observe sustainable agriculture projects in action across North Queensland.

Reef Catchments’ Sustainable Agriculture Manager Todd McNeill and Facilitator Kellie Harmsworth hosted the visit, taking the DAFF team to the Mt Ossa property of Ken and Mary Ede of Longmile Mangoes — long-time collaborators with Reef Catchments and strong advocates for sustainable agriculture. The Edes’ farm is primarily focused on mango production but also supports mixed cattle and pasture hens. It’s a living example of progressive farming techniques grounded in soil health and practical innovation.

Over the years, Ken and Mary have taken part in several regional workshops, including the Grazing Forum and Soil Symposium, and accessed grant support to trial and implement changes that have helped reduce input costs and boost production, while supporting improvements in soil health and environmental outcomes. A core focus for them has been soil improvement, something they’ve pursued through sustainable farming practices and homemade fish and kelp-based biofertilisers.

“It doesn’t smell great,” Ken joked, “but the results speak for themselves.” Soil testing across the property has shown clear improvements, though Ken is quick to note the variability across the farm’s landscape. “What works in one paddock, or one property might not work in another. That’s why learning and experimenting is so important.”

Chris and Machaela were able to see this firsthand, walking through the Edes’ fertiliser production area, viewing their custom fertiliser spreader, and visiting the mango packing shed where Ken shared insights into the R2E2 mango variety. “We usually average packing about 10 per box, compared to the industry standard of 12-14,” he said, proudly noting the size and quality of the fruit.

Rural view over cattle grazing peacefully in a field

Over a relaxed morning tea on the shady veranda, with views over the garden and cattle fields, Ken shared data from his latest soil tests and spoke candidly about the journey of trial, error, and refinement that has shaped their approach.

Todd McNeill echoed the importance of visits like this. “Ken and Mary embody what sustainable agriculture is all about. Their willingness to adapt, learn, and share their experience builds resilience in their own operation and inspires others across the region. They’re not just great land managers, they’re terrific advocates for positive change.”

The visit was a powerful reminder of the value of collaboration between government, local organisations like Reef Catchments, and the people who work the land every day. It’s through these shared experiences that ideas grow, solutions take root, and agriculture in the region is better positioned to face future challenges.

Building Strong Foundations for Women in Agriculture

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In the heart of the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, a quiet revolution is taking place. One that is led by the women who live, work, and thrive in the agricultural sector. As farming families adapt to shifting roles and the evolving needs of agriculture, this group is stepping up to support and empower a vital part of the industry: women. 

Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Kellie Harmsworth, lives by the mantra: “If you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, march down there and light the darn thing yourself!”  

It’s a bold mantra, and one that many women in agriculture will resonate with; equal parts grit, humour, and quiet determination. It’s also a sentiment that sits at the heart of the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Women in Agriculture (WiA) group – an initiative that recognises how vital it is to create space for women who are part of agriculture; on the land to connect, grow, and be heard. 

“The WiA group was created as I had seen the need – from my own personal experience – for women who work on farm or within the agriculture sector, to have a comfortable space for connecting, sharing and learning. I’m utilising word of mouth, social media and other platforms to provide growth opportunities for ladies in our region,” said Kellie. 

“Life is so busy and can at times be consuming, isolating and overwhelming a simple opportunity could potentially create a more positive pathway for someone who, like all of us, are on a journey.” 

group photo of women with women in agriculture sign in front of cane field.

Recent WiA Farm Animal First Aid Workshop at the Calen Trail & Horse Sports club.

WiA aims to strengthen the everyday resilience of women who balance family, farm, and often off-farm work. It’s about building the confidence to lead, the clarity to set goals, and the community to lean on when things get tough. Perhaps most importantly, it’s about visibility: making sure women are seen—not just as supporters of farming businesses, but as co-drivers and custodians of them. 

“It’s a community,” said local grazier Sharon Yensch, “where we are isolated as farmers with commitments to our family and farm, and we can forget ourselves. We lose our identities.” 

“This group helps support my self-worth as a Woman in Ag. It gives us a comfortable environment to learn, share, and connect to help create healthy minds.” 

Women who join WiA groups often speak about how empowering it is simply to be in a room where they’re not alone in their challenges. The shared conversations about time management, delegation, farming partnerships, and goal setting help break the mould and build healthier personal and professional habits. 

As Sharon puts it, “Farming is about being in a partnership. What tools or methods can we learn to better manage time, plan ahead, and support one another? Sometimes, we just need that reminder to wind back and make time to smell the roses.” 

And it’s not just about the now – it’s about the future. 

“We are custodians of our farms,” Sharon said. “What are we leaving for the next generation? What differences are we making? Plant the seed, keep watering – and it will grow.” 

Sharon Yensch (pictured in far left image) and Mark Yensch (pictured with Sharon in far right image), hosting a Reef Catchments Peer to Peer workshop on their property in Bowen.

A Chance to Connect 

The next Women in Agriculture gathering will be held on Saturday, July 5, at Sharon Yensch’s property in Bowen. The event—“Building Strong Foundations”—will provide a relaxed, supportive space to explore identity, purpose, and practical strategies for managing life and work on the land. Featuring guest speaker Kaitlin Tilly and hosted with community in mind, it’s another opportunity for women to come together, share stories, and build lasting connections. 

For more information about the Women in Agriculture group or to join the next event, please contact Kellie Harmsworth: saf@reefcatchments.com. 

Erosion Soil Sampling for Streambank Stability

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Erosion Soil Sampling for Streambank Stability

by Emily Wilson, Project Officer – Waterways

Earlier this month, my colleague Kelsey Marek and I assisted with erosion soil sampling at a streambank site along the O’Connell River. This is one of the erosion sites we are hoping to remediate as part of Reef Trust’s Landscape Repair Program.

Due to the steepness of the bank, Reef Catchments engaged a local drilling contractor to collect samples from the surface down to a depth of 6m – which helped avoid safety risks and spared us from the usual dirt-covered venture of a typical soil sampling day.

Riverbank site for erosion soil samples Reef Catchments Waterways project

Analysing the soil allows us to assess erosion risk by calculating dry bulk density and the proportion of fine sediment particles (like silt and clay), which contribute to sediment runoff into the Great Barrier Reef.  This information helps us estimate sediment yields, and design targeted, cost effective erosion control treatments.

Back in the office, we took over the hallway to lay out the full 6m of soil samples – fortunately it was a quiet day in the office! Laying out the samples, we examined the different soil layers, noting changes in colour, texture, structure, moisture and strength before sending them off to a lab for analysis.

Seeing the full 6m profile laid out was a great reminder of how much variability exists below the surface and just how quickly soil characteristics can change from one layer to the next. Using erosion soil sampling to understand the soil helps us design more effective erosion control solutions, helping farmers protect valuable agricultural land, and reducing sediment runoff into waterways and the Great Barrier Reef, which impacts reef resilience and biodiversity.

 

The Waterways team is dedicated to working with landholders to achieve big outcomes within the waterways space.

See more information on projects being carried our by our Waterways team.

World Environment Day: Local Actions, Global Impact

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At Reef Catchments, World Environment Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a timely reminder of how local action, when done with care and purpose, can ripple outward to create real, lasting change. While global headlines focus on large-scale environmental challenges, we see every day how small, consistent efforts right here in our region are helping protect the planet, starting in our own backyard!

Our work in natural resource management is grounded in practical, science-based approaches that care for land, water, and biodiversity. Whether it’s stabilising streambanks to prevent erosion, supporting farmers in adopting water-smart practices, or planting native vegetation to restore critical habitats, each project we take on is a piece of a much larger puzzle. Together, these efforts contribute to improved water quality flowing into the Great Barrier Reef and stronger, more resilient ecosystems across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac region.

On any given day, you’ll find our teams and partners working in the field, removing invasive weeds, planting native trees, monitoring soil and water health, and engaging with landholders to support sustainable agriculture. These actions may seem small in isolation, but collectively they build healthier landscapes, protect threatened species, and help communities better adapt to a changing climate.

Importantly, our work is only possible through the power of community. From school groups helping plant trees, to landholders trialing new grazing or cropping methods, to volunteers joining beach clean-ups and citizen science projects, local people are at the heart of every success. Their passion and commitment are proof that everyone has a role to play.

On World Environment Day, we celebrate these everyday efforts. They show us that we don’t have to wait for global agreements to make a difference. Every weed pulled, every tree planted, every thoughtful decision on the land is a step toward a healthier future.

This year’s theme“ Our land. Our future.” couldn’t be more relevant. When we care for the environment around us, we’re investing not just in the health of the planet, but in the well-being of future generations.

Let’s continue working together to protect what makes our region special, its natural beauty, biodiversity, and strong, connected communities. Because when local action is consistent and community-driven, it adds up to something powerful. And that’s worth celebrating! Not just today, but every day.

Out and about: Mirani Primary School learns about erosion

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Out and about: Mirani Primary School learns about erosion

On Tuesday 27th May, Liana and Alyce from the Waterways Team at Reef Catchments had the pleasure of visiting Mirani State Primary School to deliver an engaging and educational presentation to 95 enthusiastic Year 5 and 6 students.

The session focused on erosion and its impact on land, water quality, and the Great Barrier Reef. Students learnt what erosion is, how it forms and why it matters including its links to land loss, water pollution, and reef health. The session also explored how we can both fix and prevent it through sustainable land practices.

A highlight of the session was the interactive demonstration, featuring toy animals and marine creatures, which helped students visualise how erosion travels from paddocks to the reef, affecting both farmers and marine ecosystems. The use of local examples made the learning experience relatable and impactful, with students particularly enjoying the real-life context and participation.

Our key message was clear: Rebuild, revegetate, and support sustainable practices — because the health of our land directly influences one of the seven natural wonders of the world, our Great Barrier Reef.

Seagrass Watch Level 1

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Reef Catchments organised a Seagrass-Watch Level 1 training session in the stunning Whitsundays, welcoming a great crew of local community members and citizen scientists. This hands-on training was part of the Upscaling Seagrow project and aimed to build local capacity to monitor and protect our vital seagrass meadows. Participants learned how to identify seagrass species, record data accurately, and contribute to long-term monitoring efforts that support the health of the Great Barrier Reef. Big thanks to everyone who joined us — your involvement is key to helping our marine ecosystems thrive!

Stay tuned for upcoming monitoring events and ways to get involved. The more support we have on the ground (and in the water!), the better our chances of keeping seagrass healthy and resilient.

A huge thank you to Deja Brew Café & Catering for the delicious catering!
Seagrass training
Seagrass restoration and research in the Whitsundays is delivered by CMERC, Reef Catchments, and OzFish Unlimited in partnership with the community. The project is funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Reef Islands Initiative, which is supported by Lendlease, the Australian Government’s Reef Trust, the Queensland Government, and the Fitzgerald Family Foundation.

Solar Installed at Mackay Office

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Earth Day 2025 was a global reminder that the future of our planet lies in the choices we make today. This year’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet, calls on all of us consider switching to renewable energy where possible and take tangible steps to reduce our environmental footprint.

Collective action is powerful, but real progress requires businesses and organisations to lead by example. As stewards of our regional environment, we have a responsibility to both advocate for sustainable practices AND to actively embed it into our operations.

At Reef Catchments, sustainability is fundamental to how we operate, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve. Our recent energy audit highlighted an opportunity to leverage alternative energy sources, driving us to install a 39.6kW solar system at our Mackay office. This system is projected to have the environmental impact equivalent to planting 1,195 trees  – a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint.

This initiative has sparked the creation of a Green Team. This team is now leading the charge in implementing sustainable practices throughout Reef Catchments, ensuring that sustainability becomes an integral part of our organisational culture.

Reef Catchments is committed to driving meaningful change—both through sustainable operations and long-term initiatives that improve, sustain, and enhance our region’s natural resource, now and in the future.

Thank you to Green Energy Technologies for the seamless installation and amazing photos of our new system.

Photo of solar panels on roof

Freshwater Mussels Spotted at Murray Creek Remediation Site!

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Landscape Repair Project

Freshwater mussels spotted along the scenic Murray Creek! These fascinating creatures are true ecosystem engineers — they reshape riverbeds by burrowing, enhance water quality through filtration, support other wildlife by offering food, and contribute to nutrient cycling in the ecosystem.

We’re always thrilled to see these little gems at our streambank sites, as their presence is a strong sign of healthy water quality. Streambank remediation is being delivered along Murray Creek, as part of the Mackay Whitsunday Landscape Repair Program. Find out more about the project here.

Freshwater mussels at Murray Creek Remediation site

The Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Landscape Repair Program is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.

Early Mornings in Sandringham – Water Quality Monitoring

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Sandringham Wetlands Complex

In partnership with Associate Professor Nathan Waltham TropWATER and with funding from Great Barrier Reef Foundation, we’re back at Sandringham Wetland Complex for our second year of water quality monitoring following the rehabilitation works completed in 2023!

Why does this matter? This research helps us track how effectively the wetland is trapping fine sediment and reducing nutrient loads before water flows into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Healthy wetlands can provide a role in processing water quality nutrients and sediment, improving water quality and protecting our marine ecosystems.

To ensure the best possible data, we’re starting at sunrise (with some incredible views to show for it!) and collecting water samples early ensure they reach the JCU labs in Townsville the same day for processing. This fast turnaround is essential for accurate results that help us understand the true impact of wetland restoration.

Check out the Sandringham Wetlands Complex project here.

Sunrise over fishway at Sandringham Wetlands Mackay

Photo Credit: Senior Project Officer (Biodiversity), Carlos Bueno. The project is supported by Reef Catchments through funding from the Australian Government’s Reef Trust Program.

Annual Report 2023-2024

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Reef Catchments Annual Report for the 2023-2024 Financial Year.

Throughout the year our teams have been busy wrapping up a range of long term projects. We’re proud to showcase the results in this report, which includes a summary of the year from our Chair and CEO along with highlights of project achievements, videos, images and links that allow you to enjoy additional information. Explore our project groups and meet our amazing team as they share their achievements for the year.

View Reef Catchments Annual Report 2023-2024

With thanks to our funding providers, stakeholders and local community.

From the mountains to the sea – Resilient ecosystems, engaged community.

Reef Catchments is your Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.

Reef Catchments Logo

Annual Report RCL 2022-2023

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Reef Catchments is proud to present our Annual Report for the 2022-2023 Financial Year.

It’s been a busy year and this report includes a summary of the year from our Chair and CEO along with highlights of project achievements, videos, images and links that allow you to enjoy additional information. Explore our project groups and meet our amazing team as they share their achievements for the year.

View annual report

With thanks to our funding providers, stakeholders and local community.

From the mountains to the sea – Resilient ecosystems, engaged community.

Reef Catchments is your Natural Resource Management (NRM) group for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.

Reef Catchments logo.

Annual Report RCL 2021-2022

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Reef Catchments is proud to present our Annual Report for the 2021-2022 Financial Year.

We invite you to read about the projects and achievements we have worked on in our region during this period.

View annual report

With thanks to our funding providers, stakeholders and local community.

Resilient ecosystems, engaged community – Reef Catchments is your Natural Resource Management (NRM) group for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.

Collection of logos.