ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 | 9
in partnership with us
Excellent progress has been made, with all weeds
mechanically removed from two 15ha creek sites. of production, the material could be used on farms using
precision applications.
This has improved habitat for native fish such as
barramundi and mangrove jack, as well as local and
migratory birds. The project’s water quality benefits were highlighted
after heavy rainfall flooded the creek system earlier this
year.
The harvested material from the first site has been
through a weed seed germination trial to ensure no
declared weed seeds survived, and the first batch of
compost has been applied on a farm in Bowen. A manager at the Pacific Reef Prawn Farm said he was
unsure what had been done upstream, but the effect was
noticeable.
Local growers have shown considerable interest in the
trials, and believe if the project team can refine the costs “This is the cleanest we have ever seen the water during
a flood pulse,” he said.
BELOW: Evolution Mining employees join NQ Dry Tropics staff members Laura Dunstan and Scott Fry on a field trip
to see the composting project in operation.