Systems repair in the Lower Burdekin

(not documented)

Lower Burdekin Water

Birdlife Townsville

(not documented)

On-ground work

(none)

Restoring Burdekin coastal ecosystems for the Great Barrier Reef and Ramsar

$1,100

(not documented)

1 July 2013

4 June 2018

Informing the Outlook for Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Coastal Ecosystems recognises that healthy coastal ecosystems are critical for the long-term health and resilience of the GBR. The Lower Burdekin supports coastal development, including the important industry of sugarcane production. Changes to the landscape have led to loss of seasonality in the wetland coastal ecosystems flowing into the GBR. Relatively high ground water levels and perennial surface flows (ephemeral prior to construction of Burdekin Falls Dam), provides ideal conditions for proliferation of invasive species, including native species. This project is a collaborative approach to strategically restore ecological function to these priority Ramsar Wetlands of Bowling Green Bay. The primary project outcome is improved ecological function of priority wetland coastal ecosystems leading to the GBR via the Ramsar Wetlands of Bowling Green Bay.

Related outcomes include:

• improved water quality of run-off via uptake of excess nutrients
• improved dissolved oxygen and a reduction in sediment run-off
• improved aquatic biodiversity and habitat
• improved landscape connectivity (aquatic and terrestrial) from the upper part of the sub-catchment through to the GBR
• knowledge sharing with project partner operational staff and landholders
• alignment of activities with project partners for sustainable management of water and environment
• improved resilience of these priority wetlands to the impacts of climate change.

Reef Rescue, along with Informing Outlook for GBR Coastal Ecosystems, recognises that healthy wetlands and other coastal ecosystems are critical for the long-term health and resilience of the GBR. This project is relevant as it is focused on restoring health and function into the priority wetlands that are being impacted upon by the proliferation of invasive species due to modified landscape condition and use.

The activities proposed align with the investment themes. Importantly, the project recognises the importance of the current land use, predominantly sugar production, and aims to work with project partners to find a balance between development and the areas high natural value.

Connections between remnant vegetation in fragmented landscape improved. Existing native vegetation condition that has high conservation value is protected, managed and enhanced. The extent of native habitats in fragmented landscapes is expanded. Carbon is bio-sequestered.

(not documented)

(not documented)

(none)