The State Government has provided funds to Burnett Mary Regional Group to investigate catchment issues at Moneys Creek, Bargara.
The Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) has received $437,500 to support the roll-out of three projects targeted at reducing sediment runoff into the Burnett and Mary river catchments and sub-catchment areas of the Kolan, Elliott, Gregory, Baffle, Burrum and Isis rivers.
“Until 2022, the group will be working with local landholders to strengthen land management practices to rehabilitate stream banks and wetlands, which will reduce sediment runoff to coastal waters and the Great Barrier Reef,” Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said.
“Wetlands support diverse plant and wildlife and act as natural water filtering systems – the work Burnette Mary is undertaking is vital to protecting this valuable part of our greater ecosystem, agriculture industry and tourism.”
Dr Lynham said the extra funds would go towards hiring staff, monitoring, evaluation and reporting improvements and to an initial study of soil health and stability issues within Moneys Creek Catchment.
BMRG chief executive Sheila Charlesworth said the Moneys Creek catchment, east of The Hummock at Bargara, is one of the Burnett Mary region’s most productive and valuable agricultural areas.
“The historical decline in soil health and stability within Moneys Creek catchment and associated water quality issues in the catchment’s receiving waters, have caused long-standing issues for the local community,” she said.
“The Queensland Government’s investment in this study is welcomed by all sectors of the community, and our group is looking forward to advancing this important initiative in collaboration with stakeholders.”
Dr Lyneham said the government was supporting new and more efficient processes, technologies, activities and tools to improve, repair and restore Queensland’s natural assets.
“In just 12 months, 26 projects have taken root across the state to protect our natural resources and help ensure Queensland’s land, soil and water will be able to support multiple industries into the future,” Dr Lynham said.
“Including the work of the Burnett Mary Regional Group, more than $15 million has been injected into twelve projects across Queensland to improve the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef.”
State-funded Burnett Mary Regional Group projects:
- Paddock to Reef integrated monitoring, modelling and reporting program.
- Streambank and wetland recovery for Reef water quality.
- Feasibility study of improving soil health and stability.
Related stories:
- Moneys Creek causeway always controversial
- Government support needed to address Moneys Creek issues
- King tide flushes Moneys Creek
- Moneys Creek maintenance under way
