Queensland Government: Investing in the Fitzroy for better Reef water quality The Fitzroy Basin is the second largest basin in Australia and a priority region for managing the quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef. The Queensland Government’s $270.1 million Queensland Reef Water Quality Program funds a range of projects working with industry, agricultural producers  and communities across the six Reef regions, including the Fitzroy region. Each year, $1.25 million is invested to support the five regional report card partnerships in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, including $140,000 for the Fitzroy Partnership for River Health. The Queensland Government’s Reef Assist program is providing funding towards on-ground restoration projects with employment and training outcomes for  participants. The Woorabinda Healing Country and Gully Remediation Program is a $1.39 million Reef Assist 2.0 project being led by Greening Australia. The two-year  project focuses on reducing sediment run-off by stabilising eroding gullies and streambanks across Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council land and Woorabinda  Pastoral Company land. It is providing valuable opportunities for First Nations people to develop skills and work on Country. The Woorabinda project is one of 11 projects funded across the entire Great Barrier Reef catchment under the second phase [...]

Central Highlands Regional Council: Sustained by the mighty Nogoa Sustained by the mighty Nogoa River system and often dominated by droughts and flooding rains, the Central Highlands region is an integral part of the Fitzroy Basin. For Central Highlands Regional Council, water management is one of its key strategic priorities. In early 2023, much-needed work at the Dingo and Duaringa water treatment plants began with the design phase. Construction began in May with an estimated completion by end 2023. Both plants will have an ultrafiltration unit installed, refurbished clarifiers, new chemical storage and dosing facilities as well as new amenities and offices. Duaringa will gain two additional treated water storages, and the elevated tower will be removed in Dingo, and a new pump station installed. The approximate amount of these updates is just over $5 million. “These upgrades are very important to the livelihood of our residents in Dingo and Duaringa. Duaringa will have larger, more reliable storage and Dingo residents will notice better water pressure,” General Manager Infrastructure & Utilities Jason Hoolihan explained. “With consistent servicing and maintenance which council is committed to, these new upgrades will last up to 15 years,” Mr Hoolihan said. “The second phase [...]

FBA: CQ graziers create healthy wetlands Nankin Wetlands are located just outside of Rockhampton. They are part of the Fitzroy Delta and listed as a Nationally Important Wetland in Australia. The Nankin wetlands are unique as they are located on a grazing property called Broadmeadows, owned by Robert and Michele Lang. The property covers 984 hectares and is largely marine plain with grass sedge wetland country. CQ’s Natural Resource Management organisation, Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) has worked closely with Robert and Michele to improve the property to allow for sustainable grazing alongside functioning wetlands. Robert Lang is passionate about having the two co-exist successfully. “We have so many native animals and birds out here, local birdwatchers can name about 118 species of birds on these wetlands”, said Robert. Water-spreading banks were constructed in 2017 and 2018 and additional banks were constructed in 2021 to reduce water run-off, erosion and scalding by slowing water flow across the property and improving ground cover. By slowing the water run-off, the banks are also stopping the movement of sediment and allowing better water infiltration in the salt-affected areas. Satellite imagery of the property was captured in May 2021 before the construction of [...]