Waterways

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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