WetlandCare Australia - Current Projects
WetlandCare Australia Helping to Improve Water Quality in The Great Barrier Reef
WetlandCare Australia, in partnership with the Burnett Mary Regional Group, are working to improve water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef.
WetlandCare Australia Project Coordinator Rachael Nasplezes is working with landholders to roll out the Australian Governments Reef Rescue incentive scheme. Reef Rescue is a key element of the Australian Government's Caring for our Country initiative and its objective is to improve the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon by changing land management to reduce nutrient, pesticide and sediment run-off from agricultural land. WetlandCare Australia is providing landholders and extension officers with technical advice on water treatment structures such as sediment traps, constructed wetlands, vegetated swales, holding ponds and stormwater harvesting and reuse.
The Great Barrier Reef is a world heritage area and is one of the richest, most complex and diverse systems in the world. It contains a huge diversity of both marine and terrestrial species that rely on the reef for their survival. It has exceptional natural beauty and contributes enormously through tourism and primary production to both the State and National economies. Improving land management practices can improve water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef and reduce the negative impact on its unique values. Landholders are working toward reducing the amount of nutrients, pesticides and sediments in their off-farm run-off that eventually reaches the reef through fencing off riparian areas of creeks, and uptaking Best Management Practice techniques in the Cane, Horticulture, Grazing and Dairy industries. Controlling soil erosion through retention of vegetation and protecting and enhancing riparian zones ensures that sediment loss is minimised and helps protect both freshwater and marine aquatic ecosystems. Sustainable Land Management involves an integrated approach to farm and water cycle management that support both the production of the land and the health of natural systems and environmental values.
Reef Rescue offers incentive to Land Managers to help support Best Management Practice and improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef. For more information contact Rachael Nasplezes, Project Coordinator Burnett Mary, Bundaberg, (07) 4181 2999 (Ext.108) or email rachaelnasplezes@wetlandcare.com.au
