$9.6 Million Investment to Restore Lagoon Creek Wetlands and Improve Reef Water Quality
Reefwise Wetlands Program | Australian Government Reef Trust
Reef Catchments has been awarded $9.6 Million in grant funding through the Australian Government’s Reefwise Wetlands Program to deliver the Lagoon Creek Wetland Remediation Project in the Proserpine sub-catchment.
The project will restore wetland and riparian systems along Lagoon Creek, which drains through farmland before reaching the Goorganga Plain wetland complex and Repulse Bay. Working with Alluvium Consulting, local businesses and landholders, Reef Catchments will implement a 4.5 km treatment train of coordinated restoration works, including:
Treatment wetlands to capture and treat runoff events
Vegetated drains and grass buffer strips to filter pollutants and reduce erosion
Streambank stabilisation along areas of active erosion in Lagoon Creek
Revegetation of riparian corridors across more than 13 ha of the creek
Wetland weed control and rehabilitation targeting Hymenachne and paragrass
Restoration of natural water flow patterns
The project aims to restore and enhance ecosystem function across 50 ha of wetland and riparian area and reconnect more than 60 ha of Endangered Regional Ecosystems.
The project area contains likely habitat for the Critically Endangered Eastern Curlew and Curlew Sandpiper, as well as other vulnerable migratory bird species, and for the Endangered Broad-leaf Tea-tree (Melaleuca viridiflora).
A key focus is ensuring long-term landholder stewardship, with on-farm benefits such as improved drainage, irrigation water reuse and sediment management built into the project design.
Find out more about the Reefwise Wetlands Program and our project here
This project received grant funding from the Reefwise Wetlands Grant Program, which is funded through the Australian Government's Reef Trust.
Working together to support regional sugarcane growers
Reef Catchments launched the Reefwise Farming project in February 2026. Running until 2028, the project will assist up to 60 growers to improve nutrient and pesticide management through practical, profitable on-farm solutions that protect productivity while delivering positive water quality outcomes for local waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.
The project has been designed to give participating growers choice, regarding tailored independent, farm specific agronomy support, and to work with their preferred agronomy service provider from our partner organisations SRA, MAPS, Farmacist and Nutrien Ag Solutions
Participating growers are also eligible to apply for a Major Grant of up to $50,000. A 50/50 co-contribution is required for fit-for-purpose equipment upgrades that will support the adoption and acceleration of practices identified through fam management planning. Alternatively, participants can apply for a major grant to complete a drainage and irrigation audit and plan with no co-contribution required.
Responding to grower feedback from previous regional water quality and productivity initiatives, every participating grower will receive a total of 13 days extension support to implement new practices and equipment.
The Reef Catchments sustainable agriculture – sugarcane team has been networking with growers and industry stakeholders at shed meetings held by our delivery partners throughout March and April. Across the six shed meetings, a combined total of 178 people attended, including 131 farmers. The Reefwise Farming project supports peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and the shed meetings provided the opportunity for meaningful engagement through presentations about the project, Q&As and one on one conversations. Discussions highlighted that growers are operating in a complex environment with external cost pressures driven by recent international events on fuel, harvesting costs and the price and availability of fertilizer impacting farming decisions and constraining cashflow for capital investment.
Reefwise Farming is a timely investment in the sustainability of the regional industry. The opportunity to receive direct, practical on farm extension services and access to major grants that supports productivity while also achieving water quality improvements has been well received by growers. To date the current intake for Reefwise Farming Project is fully subscribed, however Reef Catchments is continuing to accept Expressions of Interest through our website to help us understand demand and consider additional funding opportunities.
The Reefwise Farming – Mackay Whitsunday project is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust
Biodiversity News
Milestone $2.49M Investment for Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) Natural Resource Management Expansion Program (NRMEP)
A new 2.49 million investment through the Natural Resource Management Expansion Program (NRMEP) is enabling Reef Catchments and local Landcare partners to undertake one of the region’s most strategic biodiversity restoration projects to date. The initiative focuses on improving the condition and extent of two nationally significant Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs):
Beach Scrub (Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia) - Critically Endangered
These ecosystems are vital for regional resilience, forming critical natural infrastructure along our coastlines, providing food and nesting sites for over 120 species - including the Greater Glider, migratory shorebirds and dozens of unique butterfly and reptile species - all while protecting local communities from storm surges, erosion and climate-related impacts.
However, both ecosystems have experienced extensive clearing, fragmentation and degradation due to agriculture, coastal development, weed invasion, visitor pressure and inappropriate fire regimes. Without coordinated intervention, both TECs face a high likelihood of collapse in the coming decades. Reef Catchments is working closely with Whitsunday Coast Landcare (WCL), Pioneer Catchment Landcare (PCL), and Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association (SLCMA) to deliver targeted restoration across priority sites, including:
Weed management and revegetation
Restoring and reconnecting fragmented habitat
Improving ecological corridors
Supporting species movement and breeding
This collaborative approach ensures that every dollar of investment delivers a secure environmental outcome for our community. Find out more about the TEC project here.
This project is funded by the Queensland Government's Natural Resource Management Expansion Program (NRMEP)
Workshop Equips Locals to Fight Invasive Ant Threat
A recent Invasive Ant Training & Awareness session has armed community members with the knowledge to identify, monitor, and report dangerous invasive ants species already threatening the Whitsunday and Moranbah regions.
Organised by North Queensland Bulk Ports and Biosecurity QLD, the event was held on the 20th May, this workshop came at a critical time. Yellow Crazy Ants have been confirmed at five separate locations around Shute Harbour, while Red Imported Fire Ants were detected at five mining sites near Moranbah. Participants learned why these ants are so destructive. Yellow Crazy Ants spray formic acid to blind native wildlife and form super-colonies that overrun local ecosystems. Fire Ants deliver painful, venomous stings that can trigger severe allergic reactions, while also damaging crops, livestock, and machinery.
Attendees were trained in practical monitoring techniques, including how to establish simple baiting stations (using non-toxic attractants like bbq sausage) to detect the presence of invasive ants on their own properties. They also learned how to safely conduct visual surveillance to identify nest sites around high-risk areas such as shipping docks, landscaping supplies, and soil stockpiles. Crucially, the workshop covered the correct procedure for sending ants for specialised identification. When a suspicious ant is found, residents were advised to:
Collect safely via setting a lure, then shaking ants from the lure into a container with hand sanitiser or another preserving liquid. Alternative option is to collect a ‘spot-sample’ by adding the preserving liquid onto a paintbrush and dabbing the ant to collect (wear gloves)
Preserve the samples by placing ants in a small jar filled with methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol (never dry specimens)
Record details including date, exact location (GPS if possible), and habitat type (e.g., under log, near soil mound)
Submit to DPI via their local biosecurity office or approved collection point—do not post without prior authorisation
The key message remains: do not disturb suspected nests. For general reports, residents should contact the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) immediately via the 24-hour Biosecurity Hotline on 13 25 23, or online
Early reporting and proper sample submission remain the region's best defence against these invasive pests.
Great Barrier Reef News
Reef Catchments are Proud Gold Sponsors of Whales of the Whitsundays
Whales of the Whitsundaysis an exciting project of the marine charity Whitsunday Marine Conservation Inc. that has put the Whitsundays on the map as an accredited Whale Heritage Area - the first within the Great Barrier Reef and in a World Heritage Area.
ARTICLES
Supporting Safe Work in the Field
Our field teams regularly work across a wide range of environments including waterways, remote properties, revegetation sites, marine environments and active earthworks sites. With hands-on, on-site delivery a key focal point of our project delivery model, ensuring these activities are carried out safely remains a key organisational priority.
To support safe field operations, Reef Catchments continues to strengthen its practical risk management processes through improved planning, contractor verification, field communication and site-specific risk assessments. We are also continuing to refine our systems and procedures to better support field staff and project teams, including improvements to contractor management, marine safety planning, incident reporting and verification processes for higher-risk activities.
Safety is about creating an environment where staff feel confident to speak up, raise concerns and actively participate in improving how work is done. The practical knowledge and experience of our field workers remain one of our greatest safety assets.
Thank you to all staff, contractors and project partners who continue to contribute to safe and effective field operations across the region
The Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership welcomed OzFish as a new partner, bringing total membership to 40! OzFish is a nation-wide Not-For-Profit dedicated to restoring fish habitat, helping Aussie recreational fishers and local communities care for their rivers, lakes, estuaries and oceans.
With chapters across Australia, they are breathing new life into the Mackay branch following a flush of keen new OzFishers and exciting projects happening in the region from Bowen to Sarina – including seagrass and oyster reef restoration.
Follow OzFish Mackay on Facebook to find out how you can help protect the region’s fishing spots, attend community events, volunteer, or become an OzFish member.
Sparking Curiosity and Care for Waterways and Reef
Healthy Rivers to Reef Executive Officer Jaime and Project Officer Ashlee visited Daydream Island shadowing their Living Reef team and learning about the different school programs and educational activities on offer. Jaime and Ashlee explored the rainforest walk near Lover’s Cove and were given a full tour of the Living Reef area where they observed a variety of ray species and reef sharks. They also visited the coral propagation raceway and learned about the incredible restoration work being done to support the reefs around Daydream Island.
While on tour, Jaime and Ash joined Year 6 students from Mirani State School who were taking part in Daydream’s educational activities. It was great to see the students engaged in the program first-hand and being able to explore ideas for future collaborations. The Living Reef crew are doing some amazing work combining tourism, research and education to spark curiosity and care for our waterways.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Registrations are now open for Reef Catchments’ 𝟭𝟯𝘁𝗵𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 in Sarina this September.
This free, two-day event connects graziers and industry to explore practical, forward-thinking approaches to grazing management and enterprise resilience.
An exciting speaker program is currently being finalised - 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻 - alongside a strong line-up of industry stallholders.
For more upcoming events in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, click our Events Calendar button below.
RESOURCES
EOI: Reefwise Farming Project
Supporting practice change to reduce water quality risk
Current intake for the Reefwise Framing Project is fully subscribed. However, we are continuing to accept Expressions of Interest to help us understand demand and consider additional funding opportunities. We encourage landholders to submit an application to be considered for future rounds
What if one small change at home could help protect the Great Barrier Reef? For households across the Mackay Whitsunday region, that change is composting—and now it’s easier than ever to get started.
Composting at home does more than keep food scraps out of landfill. It also lowers greenhouse gas emissions, improves soil health and turns everyday waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Thanks to funding from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, residents can now access $100 off compost bins, worm farms, and accessories through the Compost Revolution program, delivered in partnership with Reef Catchments.
Building the Reef's Health Starts on Land
The Australian and Queensland governments have released the Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy, a modern, evidence-based framework shaped by input from
communities, industry, landholders, Traditional Owners, and experts.
This Strategy empowers local communities to reduce key pollutants, restore waterways, and strengthen the Reef’s resilience to climate change.
Discover how we are working together for healthier waterways, resilient landscapes and thriving communities for a more resilient Reef: https://www.reefplan.qld.gov.au/
CAREERS
Current Opportunities
Manager - Grazing
The Manager – Grazing is responsible for leading, supporting, and developing the Grazing team to deliver high-quality natural resource management outcomes across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, with a focus on people leadership, team capability, and program oversight, ensuring projects are delivered effectively through a supported, engaged, and high-performing workforce.
Corporate Services Manager
As the Corporate Services Manager, you will lead core corporate service functions that enable strong financial management, effective governance, and efficient business operations across the Reef Catchments Group. This role is based in Mackay.
Reef Catchments is proud to join with 11 other regional Natural Resource Management organisations through NRM Regions QLD to provide coordinated, supportive services across the state.
NRM Regions Queensland is the representative body for NRM in Queensland. They coordinate statewide programs and provide a forum for these organisations to collaborate and support each other.
