Healthy Rivers, Healthy Life

A group of dedicated stakeholders gathered last week for an industry networking evening to celebrate the official launch of the Healthy Rivers to Reef Stewardship Magazine and 2021 Report Card.

The culmination of many projects that have significantly improved the health of our waterways, oceans, and ecosystems, these two informative brochures are packed with real life stories and results from data collected.

The Stewardship Magazine shows how local farmers have managed to reduce their fertiliser input by 30 per cent and up the organic matter in their soil to increase its holding capacity by 170,000 litres.

Other incredible projects include the work of Eco Barge Clean Seas to remove 4.81 tonnes of marine debris which was collected by 438 volunteers.

The $23.5 million Reef Assist program also saw 4,460 trees planted, the installation of 1,200 coral restoration structures across 220 sites and 35 cubic metres of marine debris collected.

Bonny Stutsel, Executive Officer of Healthy Rivers to Reef Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac said she was thrilled to see so many projects all working together to help our local environment and said the ecosystem is currently “stable”.

“These projects have shown how we can all work together by collaborating around issues such as litter, fish monitoring, wetland preservation and improving bio filters to improve water quality,” said Ms Stutsel.

During the networking event which took place at Whisper Gin Bar and Restaurant on Friday night, two speakers were welcomed.

Firstly, Jason Sharon, Managing Director of Linked Group Services shared his story of operating a completely ‘off the grid’ fabrication company in Mackay.

He offered the audience ideas on how we can all reduce our carbon footprint through smart practices.

Also speaking at the event was Lisa Hutchinson from Neilly Group Engineering who discussed erosion control and how we can reduce the amount of sediment going into the ocean.

Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership Chair, Julie Boyd, said it was an exciting moment for all the partners who had all contributed to the various projects.

“It shows the partner’s fantastic work, engagement and collaboration to get great outcomes,” she said.

“It’s important to think about where water goes and how it gets out to our beautiful waterways, we all need to make sure we are doing everything we can to protect the environment.

“There are lots of ways the community can get involved through stewardship and volunteering.”
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How can you help?

78% of people in the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region say they want to do more to improve waterway health.

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Here is a list of local organisations where you could volunteer:

• Eco Barge Clean Seas

• Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association

• Conservation Volunteers

• Reef Check Australia

• Whitsunday Seagrass Volunteers

• Reef Catchments

Photo credit: Julie Boyd, Rebekah Smith, Michelle Perez, Brie Sherow, Bonny Stutsel and Councillor Jan Clifford. Photo credit: Anthony Nobilia – Airlie Beach Executive Services

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