Beyond Barriers: Mackay and Isaac Coastal Wetland Rehabilitation

The Beyond Barriers: Mackay and Isaac Coastal Wetland Rehabilitation project is a transformative initiative aimed at revitalising two critical coastal wetland ecosystems within the Reef Catchments Natural Resource Management (NRM) region. By restoring degraded habitats and enhancing fish connectivity, this project will play a pivotal role in improving the ecological health of the Mackay and Isaac coastal areas, contributing to the broader goals of the Reef 2050 Plan.

Project Objectives

The key objectives of this project are to:

1. Rehabilitate Degraded Wetlands: Restore the ecological function of key coastal wetlands ecosystems by implementing on-ground rehabilitation and restoration activities.
2. Enhance Fish Connectivity: Remediate high-priority fish barriers to facilitate the movement of diadromous fish species between freshwater and estuarine systems.
3. Support Reef 2050 Goals: Align with the Reef 2050 Plan’s Work Area 5 (protect, rehabilitate, and restore) to accelerate progress toward regional water quality targets

Targeted Sites

The project focuses on two high-priority sites identified through the Mackay Whitsunday Fish Barrier Prioritisation Report 2021:

1. Carmila Creek Gauging Weir: Ranked 8th out of 9738 potential fish barriers in the region, this weir poses a significant obstacle to fish movement. The project will incorporate a fishway into the existing low-flow spillway, ensuring the gauging weir maintains its water resource management function while improving fish passability.
2. Wetland Walkabout, Mackay: Ranked 22^nd of 596 potential wetland barriers, this 32-hectare private nature reserve is a high-priority site for improving fish passage. The project will remove a tidal floodgate, enhancing habitat, refugia and connectivity between Wetland Walkabout and the McCready Creek Reserve.

Project Impact

• Ecosystem Restoration: The project will improve the extent and complexity of in-stream habitats by constructing fishways, deep refuge pools, and installing large woody debris. These actions will provide vital refuge, safety, and shade for aquatic organisms, particularly during dry periods.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Delivered in partnership with First Nations groups, private landholders, and local councils, this project will foster collaborative efforts to achieve long-term ecological outcomes.
• Community Engagement: Through a robust communications strategy, the project will raise awareness about the importance of wetland rehabilitation and fish barrier remediation, engaging the community in conservation efforts.

Background

Coastal wetlands are dynamic ecosystems that provide numerous ecological services, including water filtration, carbon sequestration, and climate buffering. However, many wetlands in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region have suffered from degradation due to intensive land use, poor water quality, and barriers to fish migration. These barriers are particularly detrimental to diadromous fish species that migrate between freshwater and marine environments for breeding and growth. This project represents a significant step towards restoring the ecological health of the Mackay and Isaac coastal wetlands, ensuring these vital ecosystems continue to support biodiversity and contribute to the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.

RCL will help deliver one of 18 projects awarded a share of $28.5 million, invested by the Australian Government to support restoration of coastal habitats in the Great Barrier Reef catchments.

Contact Information

For more information about the Beyond Barriers: Mackay and Isaac Coastal Wetland Rehabilitation project, please contact Reef Catchments Senior Project Officer (Biodiversity) Carlos Bueno.