Queensland’s Moranbah North mines rescue team have been named overall winners at the 2024 Australian Underground Mines Rescue competition that was held at Chain Valley Colliery near Newcastle yesterday.
The annual event brings together the top mines rescue teams to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to safety in the mining industry.
Four teams from NSW, each having won their respective regional competitions, and four teams from Queensland mining teams (also decided by a series of competitions), competed for the 2024 title.
The MG3 Appin team (Southern Mines Rescue, NSW) were runners-up, followed by Centennial Coal’s Springvale team (Western Mines Rescue, NSW) who took out third place.
Moranbah North Mines Rescue team proved their resilience and dedication by securing their spot at the Australian nationals after a hard-fought qualification in the State Cup in September. Remarkably, they achieved this just a day before flying to Colombia to compete in an international competition, showcasing their skills among top global contenders. Returning home, they clinched the national title, and their impressive performance has now earned them an invitation to compete at the next international competition in Zambia.
Now in its 60th year, the competition features a series of challenging scenarios that replicate real life emergencies faced in mining operations in both underground and surface environments.
Teams were assessed on their technical skills, teamwork and communications as they navigated simulated incidents such as hazard awareness, underground search and rescue, first aid and firefighting.
The competition not only highlights the critical skills required for emergency response but also fosters camaraderie and teamwork among participants from across the two states.

Photos supplied: Anglo American

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The Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) Stage 2 featuring Future Industries Hub (FIH) has commenced construction with earthworks beginning in October.
The project is set to transition and support an emerging new economy minerals sector which will help secure jobs for the future and the local economy.
The RCOE has been working closely with metallurgical test work experts Core Resources and world leading research experts The University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute on the design and operation of the processing plant which will be the key delivery for Stage 2 FIH project.
Local Mackay engineering firm, DGH Engineering has been engaged to support the electrical and mechanical engineering design work and will commence fabrication of bespoke FlexiLab componentry, providing tangible evidence of the economic value and job creation provided to the local economy.
Together, RCOE and DGH are progressing with detailed mechanical and engineering designs, including digital and autonomous controls.
Resources Centre of Excellence CEO Steven Boxall said they are extremely excited to see construction commence.
“Reaching this milestone has been the direct result of working collaboratively with key stakeholders through the management or support of various projects across the Greater Whitsunday region”, Steven Boxall said.
“RCOE Stage 2 which features the Future Industries Hub will aim to take our region to the world, showcasing innovation and collaboration across traditional and emerging sectors, and forging a path as a global leader on how to connect resources across our region and the world.”
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the expansion will bring new opportunities and growth to the region.
“Once completed, the Stage 2 Future Industries Hub will put Mackay at the forefront of design and innovation and enable the region to become a key player in Queensland’s new critical minerals sector,” said Mayor Williamson.
“It’s a major investment that will ensure Queensland has access to a skilled workforce to capture, incubate and grow the industries of the future,” he said.
Currently, an $11.97m project, there is potential should the project receive further funding which will extend its offering and capabilities through an expanded mineral processing plant, a common use 'Class A Laboratory” and four tenancies for innovative and industrial businesses to occupy, allowing continued growth in industry connections and partnerships; gaining greater exposure to agriculture, sugar and bio futures sectors; and leading technology-based initiatives.

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Earthworks underway at the Resources Centre of Excellence as Stage 2 construction begins, setting the foundation for Mackay’s Future Industries Hub. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Anterior hip replacement has been an area of focus in my practice for several years.
Recognising the need for advanced training in this specialized technique, I pursued opportunities in leading centres across Europe and North America, complementing the foundational education available in Australia.
 
This procedure is technically demanding, requiring precision and a thorough understanding of patient anatomy. Research indicates that surgeons who successfully navigate the steep learning curve often see improved patient outcomes. While the learning curve is commonly associated with performing around 100 surgeries, the actual number can vary depending on individual factors and training quality. Through years of experience, I have worked to refine my approach to provide the highest standard of care.
 
I am committed to advancing the field through education and mentorship. I regularly work with both international and Australian orthopaedic surgeons, providing hands-on learning experiences to help them develop proficiency in anterior hip replacement. We also offer fellowship programs that allow surgeons to deepen their expertise through extended learning opportunities.
 
In collaboration with the University of the Sunshine Coast, I am involved in developing a graduate certificate in anterior hip replacement, scheduled to launch in February 2025. This course aims to equip surgeons with the necessary skills to perform this procedure effectively.
 
While hip replacement surgery is widely recognised as successful, it is important for patients to understand that all surgical procedures carry inherent risks. My goal is to ensure each patient receives care tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
 
 

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In a world that constantly evolves, occupational therapy reminds us that everyone has the potential to thrive, no matter the challenges they face.

For Mackay HHS acute senior occupational therapist Alicia Eden, her role sometimes requires her to be a little “like MacGyver” and to get creative with solutions for her patients.

“Occupational therapists consider ‘occupation’ to be all of the everyday activities that people find meaningful and important; not just their jobs,” she said.

“This can be as simple as brushing your teeth or going to the toilet; from basic independent living to much broader goals including accessing the community and leisure activities like shopping or gardening.”

Occupational therapists optimised independence through a patient-centred approach based on what a patient wanted to achieve combined with their values and priorities.

“Illness, injury or disability can change a person’s ability to engage in their occupations and do them in their own environment – our goal is to help make all those things match up again and optimise their independence, however this looks very different for everyone,” Alicia said.

“You sometimes have to find a very creative solution as the same approach, intervention or piece of equipment is not going to work the same way for everyone and in their individual environment.

“That’s why the first step for us as OTs is to find out about the person; what they were doing before hospital and how well they were doing it. We then look at their current level of function and from there can help patients to identify their goals.

“Education is a big part of what we do so ultimately they are better equipped to support themselves.”

Alicia derives great satisfaction from her role, whether it’s a simple intervention or a long-term and complex solution which enables people to “not just live, but live in a way they find meaningful.

“It can be simple things – I had a patient with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) who I organised equipment for so she could more easily look after herself; she thought this was fantastic as she hadn’t been able to shower herself for two weeks,” she said.

“Small things can be lifechanging; I’ve also been working with a teen with a brain injury and he just moved his fingers for the first time –  it’s amazing and he’s so excited with his progress.

“Every patient’s journey is different based on their age, their motivation and the reason they are in hospital.”

The Mackay HHS OT team consists of 45 clinicians who are compassionate, dynamic individuals offering patients a holistic approach to health care, addressing physical, emotional and social factors to promote overall wellbeing.

World Occupational Therapy Day was celebrated on 27 October.

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Alicia highlighted the vital role of occupational therapy in fostering independence and well-being. Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Skip intense stretch sessions and forget pushing past pain barriers – when it comes to maximising flexibility, ground-breaking new research from the University of South Australia shows that stretching takes as little as eight minutes per week to optimise progress.

The study found that holding a stretch for up to three minutes – or eight minutes accumulated over the course of a week – was the optimal amount of time required to maximise improvements in flexibility.

Importantly, the study found that stretching beyond three minutes per muscle within a single session (or eight minutes per muscle per week) returned no further meaningful benefit in flexibility. And that stretching to the point of discomfort or pain was entirely unnecessary, as it added no further benefit.

UniSA researcher Dr Lewis Ingram says this is the first study to identify optimal parameters for stretching.

“Static stretching - where you lengthen a muscle and hold this position for a predetermined amount of time - is the most common type of stretching and is considered a very safe and effective form of stretching,” Dr Ingram says.

“By systematically reviewing and meta-analysing data from 188 studies consisting of 8095 adults from 25 countries (representing six of the seven continents), we found that a single session of static stretching leads to a moderate increase in flexibility; and that longer-term static stretching training – regularly undertaken over a few weeks or more – leads to a larger increase in flexibility.

“These improvements occurred irrespective of the specific muscle group, the intensity of the stretch, the person’s sex, their health or training status, and the frequency of weekly stretching sessions or overall length of the intervention.

“But the surprising factor was that improvements in flexibility ‘maxed-out’ at three minutes per muscle per session, and at eight minutes per muscle per week.

“Specifically, in the case of the latter, it doesn’t seem to matter how often a week you spend stretching, so long as you accumulate eight minutes over the week.”

The researchers hope that the findings will provide simple and practical guidelines to help prescribe static stretching to improve flexibility.

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This Melbourne Cup Day, Goosies Sport & Recreation Club is ready to “giddy-up” with a tempting lunch buffet that promises to delight every guest while offering a stylish spot to enjoy the race-day excitement.

Kicking off at 11.30am on Tuesday, November 5, the spread boasts a variety that’s sure to please every palate, with selections ranging from savory mains and fresh, light options to indulgent desserts.

Start your meal with a well-stocked charcuterie table featuring a selection of flavourful salamis, artisan cheeses and creamy dips, paired with Melba toasts - an ideal way to sharpen your appetite. For the mains, guests can choose from savory options like mustard-crusted slow-roasted beef sirloin, honey-glazed baked ham and crispy Southern-style fried chicken. Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed, either, with lemon and caper-grilled salmon adding a refreshing twist to the line-up.

The buffet also offers an array of colourful, hearty vegetable sides, including roasted potatoes, sweet potato and pumpkin, alongside steamed seasonal vegetables. Fresh salads such as a classic garden mix, roasted pumpkin with feta, and a crunchy Wombok salad add balance to the table, with fresh bread rolls and butter rounding out the meal.

And for those craving something sweet, the dessert table won’t disappoint. Petite treats and fresh seasonal fruits await, with a rich chocolate fountain as the showstopper - perfect for dipping fruit and other delights.

With tickets priced at $45 for members and $55 for non-members, this buffet is a wonderful way to enjoy race day, at a great price, with great food, drinks and company. Book early at (07) 4942 3393 or email events@goosies.com.au to secure your table for this popular celebration.

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Fancy a stress-free Christmas lunch this year? Escape the stress of a traditional home-cooked Christmas lunch this year and indulge in a luxurious buffet at Ocean International, where the whole family can enjoy a festive feast without the hassle of cooking!

On Christmas Day, from 12pm to 2.30pm, Ocean International invites you to a seamless celebration where great food, good music and a welcoming atmosphere come together to create an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.
As you and your favourite people savour each exquisite dish, imagine the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore and the cheerful melodies of holiday music filling the air, creating the perfect backdrop for your celebrations. The ambiance is warm and inviting, enhanced by beautifully set tables adorned with festive decorations, inviting laughter and joy to linger.
Ocean International prides itself on creating a dining experience that showcases the finest local produce and flavours. Guests can indulge in a remarkable variety of dishes, beginning with fresh local Hay Point prawns, South Australian Pacific oysters, and marinated green lip mussels. The menu continues to impress with poached Moreton Bay bugs and creamy garlic Ilbilbie prawns, perfectly complemented by handmade pasta.
For those with a penchant for exquisite seafood, the baked Tasmanian salmon fillets with champagne cream sauce and chili-glazed beer-battered cauliflower will delight the palate, alongside roasted seasonal vegetables drizzled with caramelised garlic butter. Meat enthusiasts will devour the 24-hour slow-cooked local beef brisket with a Merlot jus, roasted free-range chicken breast with ginger and cranberry glaze, and the ever-popular garlic and rosemary roasted pork loin with Murray salt crackling. The meal is further elevated by the inclusion of a Manuka honey glazed ham with seeded mustard, a festive classic.
To round out the culinary experience, guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of Australian cheeses accompanied by dried fruits and crisp-breads, alongside freshly baked bread and sliced smoked and cured meats with marinated vegetables. The cherry on top awaits in the dessert section, featuring an exquisite handmade patisserie selection, created by Ocean International’s talented pastry chefs using fresh tropical produce. This includes a variety of cakes, slices and tarts, ensuring a delightful conclusion to your festive feast.
Limited tickets are still available, with prepayment required to confirm your reservation.

Prices are set at $195 for adults, $95 for children under 12, and children under 3 dine free. To book your table for this exceptional holiday experience, please call 07 4957 2044.

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When futureproofing your career, remember that while certain trends may be universal, it’s essential to adapt them to your personal situation. We’re already seeing ongoing advancements in technology, impacting all job roles, however, the ways in which it affects each role, and the pace of adoption, may differ.

Forbes (2024) emphasises the ‘landscape of work is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by technological breakthroughs and evolving societal dynamics’. Other factors driving change are not only skills shortages but also people shortages, changing demographics and workforce expectations, along with economic uncertainties.

To futureproof your career, focus on these three important aspects.

Automation and Productivity: Yes, as technology advances roles are becoming automated. However, there is an increasing focus on using AI tools to enhance human capabilities and to increase productivity. The prediction is that technology will handle more routine tasks, leaving humans to become even better at the ‘human’ side – enhanced communication and collaboration, emotional intelligence and strategic thinking. Upskilling to work alongside the tech and AI will be critical.

Reskilling and Continuous Learning: The reports that jobs are changing are not new. Jobs are continuously evolving and some jobs will eventually cease to exist and new ones are created. The key is to be adaptable and open to learning new things and new ways of working. Inevitably, this means adapting to new systems and technologies. Regardless of age or career stage, be prepared to take advantage of reskilling and upskilling opportunities in the workplace and/or outside of work. Explore the options and be proactive about your learning. Invest in you and your future!

Adaptability and Agility: Change is a constant and is unavoidable. The dynamics of the work environment are forever changing; therefore, adaptability is a vital skill in futureproofing your career. It’s useful to embrace the mindset that nothing stays the same forever; this gives us room to look for new opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Resisting change that you truly have no control over is wasted energy. Focus on what you can control and/or what you can influence. Futureproofing requires both personal and professional agility.

Staying up to date with industry trends and gathering insights on the future of work, as well as being proactive, adaptable, and open to new learning opportunities, will allow you to futureproof your career in an increasingly unpredictable world.

If you're interested in exploring ways to future-proof your career, we're here to help. Contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or call 0409 894 131 for more information.

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Essential maintenance works on the Glenpark Street rail overpass bridge began on Monday, October 21.
Mackay Regional Council contractors, Fressinet Australia, are undertaking the works to extend the life of the bridge.
Traffic management will be in place as Glenpark Street will be closed to single lane traffic only.
Minimal delays are expected as the works will be undertaken at night from 9pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday only.
The works are expected to take eight weeks, weather permitting.
Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your patience during these essential works.
For enquiries, please contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

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Mackay Regional Council's Australia Day event grants are now open and local community groups are encouraged to apply.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council was excited to offer the Australia Day event grant funding once again.
“A number of our 2024 Australia Day community events had to be postponed due to a cyclone, so we are really looking forward to a ripper Aussie Day event line up in the new year,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Not-for-profit community groups can apply for up to $1000 to support their Australia Day event and celebrate what they love about our beautiful region,” he said.
“From beach games and park barbecues to awards ceremonies and morning teas, the events are a great way to celebrate our vibrant community spirit.
“The events will run at various times throughout the day and are a celebration of the amazing region we call home.”
To be eligible for funding, events need to be held on Australia Day 2025 (Sunday, January 26), be free for all to attend and held within the Mackay Regional Council area.
Organisers also need to be a registered not-for-profit group or have a letter of support from a registered group.
Applications are now open via the council website and will close midnight Sunday, November 24.
Australia Day event grant application forms and guidelines can be found on the council website at mackay.qld.gov.au/ausdaygrants.

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Celebrating Australia Day at Mackay Contract Bridge club, from left to right, Jewel Schmidt and Tricia Garner

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For more than two decades, Reef Catchments has played a significant role in protecting and restoring natural resources in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region. From the mountains to the sea, they have worked to support resilient regional environments, build strong community partnerships, and lead initiatives in conservation, land management and ecosystem restoration.

As an independent not-for-profit Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation, Reef Catchments are involved in the integrated management of natural resources like land, water, soil, plants, and animals, with a focus on balancing human needs with environmental health to ensure a sustainable future.

With offices based in both Mackay and Proserpine, Reef Catchments operates with a dedicated team working across 5 key project groups: Waterways, Biodiversity, Sustainable Agriculture, Great Barrier Reef and Healthy Rivers to Reef, all working together to drive positive environmental outcomes in our region.

Together their work includes:

   • Repairing landscapes
   • Monitoring and Improving water quality flowing through the catchment area to the reef
   • Sustainable agriculture practices
   • Habitat conservation
   • Revegetation, Weed and pest programs
   • Collaborating with Traditional Owners
   • Reduction of sediment loss, erosion mitigation and chemical run-off
   • Stewardship and community initiatives
 

Early Beginnings
In the early 2000’s, both the Federal and State Governments made a commitment to regionalise NRM and introduced 56 regional NRM organisations throughout Australia covering land, estuarine and coastal areas. This included the establishment of the Mackay Whitsunday Natural Resource Management Group (MWNRMG) in 2003, which would later be renamed Reef Catchments.

Starting with a small team, they worked closely with community stakeholders, including regional catchment and Landcare groups, to create the first Mackay Whitsunday Natural Resource Management Plan. This plan provided a collaborative assessment of the regional landscape and prioritised actions for enhancement and rehabilitation. This was followed by the Mackay Whitsunday Regional Water Quality Improvement Plan, marking the first time funding was secured for a regional water quality assessment and monitoring program. Strategic plans such as these have been the cornerstone for ongoing activity at Reef Catchments.. They have provided clear guidance, established accountability, and enabled measurable outcomes for both the organisation and the partners they work with.

Getting down to business
From the very beginning, the team got to work sourcing project investment to deliver on the recommendations outlined in the NRM plan. These early programs allowed the Reef Catchments team to develop an intimate knowledge of the region, build strong stakeholder relationships and gain crucial on-ground experience. Each plan and project laid the ground for the next, leading to the implementation of a host of programs over the years covering streambank remediation and maintenance, sustainable agriculture, reef resilience and biodiversity projects.

A vision for the region
Reef Catchments firmly believe a healthy environment and well-managed ecosystems are integral to a resilient region, strong economy, and a healthy community. By prioritising environmental conservation, they endeavour to protect natural resources while enhancing the well-being of residents and visitors. Investing in these initiatives fosters economic growth, creates jobs, and drives innovation, ensuring the region's long-term sustainability.

“Our strength lies in our people and our ability to observe, listen, and collaborate. We're all-in, because we believe in the collective power of working together to improve the natural resources that support both our community and our economy”
Katrina Dent – Chief Executive Officer

Over the past two decades, Reef Catchments has grown through dedication, strategic vision and positive action. Evolving from modest beginnings to becoming a key player in environmental stewardship, they have continuously adapted to the region’s changing needs, turning challenges into opportunities. Looking to the future, Reef Catchments is committed to using its rich history, regional expertise, and innovative approach to drive meaningful change.

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The Sustainable Agriculture team partners with farmers and landholders in the Mackay Whitsunday area to implement on-farm practice change. This collaboration produces on-farm benefits to productivity and profitability while directly contributing to important reductions in sediment, nutrient, and chemical losses.
These activities span multiple agriculture sectors and are centred around providing agronomic support in the adoption of holistic farm management and best management practices. As well as supporting the distribution of knowledge through the dissemination of water quality trials, monitoring, modelling, and reporting.
Our Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF) connects with farmers, landholders, and the broader agricultural industry to promote climate-smart and sustainable agriculture projects in the region. The SAF facilitates partnerships to help projects achieve outcomes that enhance productivity, build resilience, and protect natural resources.

Strong Foundations
Between 2006 to 2008, the first Mackay Whitsunday Regional Water Quality Improvement Plan (MWRWQIP) was developed. This marked the first time funding had been received for a regional water quality assessment, modelling, and measurement program. It aimed to identify a range of specific land management practices to improve on-farm economic and environmental sustainability. The delivery process focused on increased adoption of these land management practices across agricultural properties in the region.
Significant programs that followed include the Reef Rescue initiative - part of the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country Program, Project Catalyst - a groundbreaking leader in sustainable farming within the sugarcane industry, and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP).
Alongside on-ground programs with landholders, the Sustainable Agriculture team organises regular events, forums and field days that bring together a wide range of regional landholders, industry experts, community groups and businesses.  The popular two-day Grazing Forum has been drawing large audiences for 11 years.  Events such as these introduce new technologies and perspectives, allowing attendees to network and share ideas.
Cultivating the future
Several long-standing projects were successfully completed in the 2023-24 period and the team has been actively planning and securing funding for a range of new projects, many of which are set to be announced and launched over the next year.
With a rich history and extensive experience to draw on, the team is focused supporting the grower’s and the agriculture industry’s efforts towards shared environmental goals and stewardship.

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The Reef Catchments Waterways team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to working with landholders to improve the health of our region’s waterways. With extensive experience in streambank and gully remediation, the team works closely with local landholders and stakeholders to achieve meaningful, long-lasting outcomes for water quality and riverine health.

The team achieves this by focusing on reducing fine sediment runoff, particularly in areas like the O’Connell Basin, which is a priority for protecting the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. They collaborate with contractors and landholders to implement a range of engineered solutions, such as pile fields, rock revetments, rock groynes, and root ball structures, alongside natural streambank protection measures like revegetation, weed control, riparian fencing, and off-stream watering points.

Additionally, the team also co-designs engagement activities offering upskilling opportunities for landholders, promoting best-practice riparian management and fostering sustainable on-ground change.

Creating Opportunities from Challenges

In 2017, Cyclone Debbie caused significant damage to our region, impacting local communities and ecosystems. Reef Catchments responded proactively to provide a rapid and comprehensive assessment of regional environmental damage. The speed with which the assessment was compiled and submitted led to the receipt of significant funding toward regional environmental disaster recovery works. Efficient delivery of landscape remediation not only ensured the successful completion of the initial project but also paved the way for subsequent work, establishing Reef Catchments as an innovative and efficient delivery vehicle, outstanding for a not-for-profit organisation.

Building on strong foundations

The last 24 months have seen the successful completion of several significant projects including Reef Trust IV and Reef Trust VII. With the team currently executing other projects such as the Streambank Remediation Program - O'Connell, West Hill Creek Recovery and the Nature Based Solutions to Build Regional Resilience project.
Beyond this important on-ground work, the team has also been deeply involved in securing funding for streambank remediation projects across our NRM region. Efforts have been rewarded with the commencement of the Mackay Whitsunday Landscape Repair Program, one of six projects to be delivered under the Australian Government's $200 million dollar commitment to improving water quality.
This program helps the team enhance priority catchments by restoring eroding gullies, rehabilitating streambanks, and improving groundcover through sustainable grazing. These actions aim to reduce sediment runoff and protect the Great Barrier Reef.

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One of the largest teams at Reef Catchments, the Biodiversity team - formerly Conservation and Communities - undertakes a diverse range of projects with a focus on wetland conservation, safeguarding priority species (flora and fauna), and fostering community collaboration to manage invasive species and enhance habitat health in the face of a changing climate.

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Getting Started
In 2004, the first funding for a Coastcare Facilitator was received from the Department of Environment and Heritage. Their role was to facilitate community involvement in coastal and marine management, participate in regional natural resource management delivery and support the delivery of the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). The NHT was established in 1997 as one of the most significant environmental programs in Australian history, and continues to fund Reef Catchments projects today.  This was complemented by the Caring for our Country Program (phase 1 & 2) between 2008 -2018 when Reef Catchments expanded to also tackle Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Farm Practices, Water Management, and Indigenous Engagement.
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Working with Traditional Owners
From the outset, Reef Catchments has engaged with local Traditional Owners, with the Traditional Owners Reference Group (TORG) being formed in 2005.  Working with the TORG allows us to incorporate their deep knowledge of Country and help build stronger connections to the land with a view to improving environmental outcomes for everyone.
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Current Focus
Over the years, the Biodiversity team has continued to focus on maintaining our region’s unique flora and fauna through a range of programs. We launched our first ever koala conservation project last year and have already improved over 50ha of koala habitat across Sarina.  Earlier this year we deployed 30 habitat reef modules into Mackay’s coastal waters through the Rubble to Reef Program to expand fish habitat. The team are currently working to determine if the endangered Red Goshawk persists in our area as well as ensuring that our beaches remain a safe stopping place for the Eastern Curlew as they undertake their epic annual migration.
With 12 active projects across the region, this team is busily delivering practical on-ground activities and engaging with stakeholders to help protect and preserve biodiversity for years to come.

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In 2017, Cyclone Debbie hit the Whitsunday coastline causing extensive the regional landscape and also heavily impacting underwater ecosystems. This disaster was a key factor underpinning the formation of a Great Barrier Reef Foundation project - the Whitsundays Reef Islands Initiative (WRII). Managed by Reef Catchments, this groundbreaking project focuses on positioning the Whitsundays as a global hub for inshore fringing reef stewardship.
The WRII coral and seagrass restoration projects were Reef Catchments' first venture into ‘in-water’ projects, marking a significant shift in its conservation strategy.
Local stewardship enhances reef health and community ties by promoting responsibility, sustainable practices, and regional tourism.
As 2022 unfolded Reef Catchments recognised the need to formalise its efforts towards preserving the Great Barrier Reef. This led to the establishment of a dedicated Reef Team. Since then, the team has expanded, adding a Senior Project Officer and developing a strategic plan. This plan not only outlines potential Reef research partnerships but also pinpoints critical marine ecosystems to prioritise moving forward. Establishing the Reef Team and plan underscored Reef Catchments’ ongoing commitment to enhancing reef resilience and conservation efforts.
More information on these projects is available on the Reef Catchments website.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The Reef Catchments GIS team uses a computer system that captures, displays and analyses geographically referenced information. In other words, you can accurately map data in its true location on the earth’s surface and overlay it to reference other data layers.
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GIS has been an integral part of Reef Catchments project management, monitoring and evaluation processes since the start of the organisation. GIS data is collected by field staff and project stakeholders and is key to measuring project progress and success, it allows us to provide accurate data to program funders for reporting purposes.
The purchase of a light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor is allowing Reef Catchments to expand into the drone space, assisting in project prioritisation, monitoring and evaluation. The drone will detect changes in the landscape caused by erosion to streambanks and gullies using pulsed laser light to measure elevation changes on the Earth's surface.This data helps prioritise areas for rehabilitation investment, focusing on the most valuable regions for restoration.

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LiDAR images showing changes in a gully over time.

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