14 | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018
Partnerships key to
OUR five-year Systems Repair project wrapped up this year , having achieved its key objective of improving the ecological function of coastal wetland ecosystems flowing into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon .
Success was founded on strong partnerships with local water delivery provider Lower Burdekin Water ( LBW ), Burdekin Shire Council , landowners , and other local groups including the Burdekin Fish Restocking Association , Lower Burdekin Landcare , and Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation .
The project was funded through the Australian Government ’ s Reef Program .
As well as mechanically removing major weed chokes , the project helped prevent further infestations by addressing their root causes . We worked with LBW to reduce excess irrigation water entering the wetlands , allowing them to once again dry down seasonally , and keep weeds in check naturally .
Initiatives such as installing fishways and tackling pest species such as tilapia helped to improve native fish habitat and remove barriers to migration . Fish surveys carried out by TropWATER showed an increase in native fish numbers and species , reflecting improved connectivity . Revegetation work in riparian zones also improved habitat across 9.3ha .
Riparian Management Agreements
WEED control was primarily conducted by project partner Burdekin Shire Council ( BSC ), with support from local landowners through a series of Riparian Management Agreements ( RMAs ).
RMAs are cost-share agreements between BSC , Lower Burdekin Water , NQ Dry Tropics and landowners adjacent to wetlands .
This collaboration ensured community buy-in , so the wetlands would have a greater chance of being maintained after the life of the project .