Annual Report 2018 | Page 15

ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 | 15 wetland repair Activities across the life of the Systems Repair project enhanced approximately 1846ha of critical habitat. LEFT: The dramatic result achieved by the Systems Repair project at Saltwater Creek, near Ayr is evident in these “before” and “after” photographs. Infrastructure upgrades provide economic and environmental benefits PROJECT partner, Lower Burdekin Water (LBW), added value to the project by coinvesting $510,000 to upgrade water delivery infrastructure – improving its efficiency, and protecting and enhancing the ecological function of 1101ha of shallow coastal wetlands. The partnership funded five structures, with LBW independently investing in additional automated gates and pumping stations in priority creek systems. This investment will help reinstate the seasonal wetting and drying cycle by reducing excess water entering the wetlands, supporting their long-term health. RIGHT: NQ Dry Tropics Senior Project Officer Scott Fry (left) and Peter Piotto, Lower Burdekin Water. IMPROVING WATER QUALITY