Celebrating 21 years of service to the region.

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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