The Reef Catchments Mackay Whitsunday Streambank Stewardship Program is celebrating receiving an additional $2 million from the Reef Assist 2.0 program.
Being one of 11 regional Queensland initiatives the Reef Assist 2.0 program supports and promotes protection of the Great Barrier Reef and water quality improvements.
“This program represents the next iteration of the Reef Assist program for the Mackay Whitsunday and Isaac region. It allows us to expand on a successful relationship with local Landcare organisations and Traditional Owners that focuses on improving water quality for the benefit of the region and our beautiful reef environment,” said Katrina Dent, Reef Catchments CEO.
There are four key areas the Reef Catchments program will target, including sedimentary reduction and stabilisation of streambanks, the employment and training of new project officers into the various conversation and management projects, creating a Healthy Country Plan for Koinjmal Country, and continued promotion of the Mackay Whitsunday and Isaac Traditional Owner Reference Group (TORG).
This second iteration of the Reef Assist program is estimated to create a further 127 jobs across the catchment area of the Great Barrier Reef.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Honourable Meaghan Scanlon MP, when visiting Padaminka Nature Reserve said, “The Reef Assist program has been incredibly successful and is delivering real environmental and economic benefits across our reef catchments.”
“We are also seeing improvements in the environmental condition and water quality within our reef catchments, increased resilience to future flood events through the revegetation and stabilisation of streambanks, and improvements in soil condition following the removal of weeds.”
The Reef Catchments projects are set to be completed in late 2024.
Meaghan Scanlon MP with Katrina Dent of Reef Catchments in Padaminka Nature Reserve. Photo Supplied
