Reef Catchments is the natural resource management organisation for the Mackay, Whitsunday, Isaac region. Reef Catchments is committed to evidence-based solutions that support and enhance natural resources, delivering programs holistically across Waterways, Biodiversity, Sustainable Agriculture, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef Catchments prioritises collaboration with landholders, industry, First Nations peoples, and the community, leveraging local expertise and embracing new technologies to drive sustainable, long-term environmental outcomes.
The Biodiversity team delivers projects that encompass communities, wetlands, priority protected species, and weed and pest control.
The region is home to a range of threatened ecological environments and species. These include Koalas, Eastern Curlews, scrub, woodlands and wetlands that support critical habitats and improve water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef. Key projects include bio-condition assessments, revegetation, wetland remediation, fish passage installations, pest control, and farm practice improvements, all aimed at supporting biodiversity and ecosystem functionality.
The Great Barrier Reef team delivers the Whitsunday Reef Islands Initiative, comprising five projects to boost marine ecosystem resilience in the face of ongoing climate and weather change challenges.
In partnership with Traditional Owners, researchers, and tourism operators, the team contributes to vital research, restores seagrass meadows and coral reefs, and implements science-based strategies for ecosystem recovery, positioning the Whitsundays as a global leader in reef conservation.
Our Sustainable Agriculture team works with landholders to implement activities that improve land condition and productivity while reducing the threats of sediment loss, chemical and fertiliser run-off.
The team supports farmers in adopting best management practices across industries, including grazing and cane, to enhance farm productivity and improve water quality. Initiatives like holistic farm management, water quality monitoring, and Paddock to Reef reporting help reduce runoff impacts and safeguard the reef, supported by local Landcare and industry partners in the Mackay Whitsunday region.
The Waterways team aim to improve landscape and waterway health, reducing fine sediment export to the reef. Focused on landscape and streambank remediation, their projects include revegetation and ongoing site maintenance to support a self-sustaining environment.
With a history of successful large-scale remediation works, the team work with stakeholders to achieve significant outcomes for the region’s waterways. They enhance landscape and riverine water quality through collaboration with contractors and engaging landholders through education and support for best-practice riparian management.
Hosted by Reef Catchments, the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership is a network of organizations working to improve waterway health in the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region through monitoring, education, and collaboration. The Partnership includes representatives from industry, agriculture, science, ports, conservation, tourism, Traditional Owners, government, and more.
The team collects data from over 40 providers to produce an annual waterway health Report Card and leads projects and education initiatives to enhance understanding of local waterways.
Reef Catchments acknowledges the Juru, Ngaro, Gia, Yuwi-bara, Widi, Barada, and Koinjmal Traditional Owners, whose lands and sea Country are integral to our region. Reef Catchments collaborates with Traditional Owners to support ongoing stewardship of Country, ensuring the preservation of our region’s natural assets for future generations.
In partnership with Whitsunday, Mackay, and Isaac Regional Councils, Reef Catchments delivers projects that enhance ecosystems, improve water quality, and promote sustainable land use practices, aligning with local priorities for long-term regional health.
We facilitate change and work for long-term solutions to sustain, protect, and improve our region’s natural resources and environment, from the mountains to the sea – now and into the future.
Reef Catchment’s contributions to our national NRM snapshots
