What’s happening?
A new three-year project will protect coastal ecosystems and nearby communities in the Lower Burdekin and on Magnetic Island. The $4.4 million Climate-Ready Coastlines in the Lower Burdekin project is being delivered by NQ Dry Tropics.
It targets threats from weeds, pests, floods and erosion across key coastal and wetland sites. Work will include weed control and revegetation across creeks, wetlands, dunes and beach scrub systems.
Why it matters
Wetlands, dunes and beach scrubs help shield communities from floods and storm surges. They also support fishing, birdwatching and boating across the region.
Healthy waterways reduce flood height and duration by preventing weed build-up around bridges and culverts.
The project launched around World Wetlands Day on 2 February to lift awareness of these benefits.
Local impact
On-ground works will take place at Lynch’s Beach, Wongaloo Wetlands and the Barrattas Creek system.
This includes Healy’s, Didgeridoo, Collinson’s and Horseshoe lagoons, plus Merryplain Creek and Magnetic Island. The project will support fish movement and protect areas near the Bowling Green Bay Wetlands.
That wetland system is internationally recognised as a haven for wader birds.
By the numbers
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$4.4 million over three years, funding long-term protection for coastal and wetland systems across North Queensland.
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60 hectares of wetlands and 58 hectares of beach scrub, targeted to improve ecosystem health and flood resilience.
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10 kilometres of creek connectivity, helping juvenile barramundi and mangrove jack move upstream to mature.
Zoom in
NQ Dry Tropics Wetlands Team Leader Scott Fry said natural assets reduce disaster risks for people and infrastructure.
“Creeks choked with aquatic weeds like water hyacinth or paragrass are more likely to flood higher and for longer,” Mr Fry said.
“Healthy dune systems and beach scrubs provide an important buffer from storm surges.”
“Protecting these assets reduces the need for costly disaster recovery.”
Zoom out
The project is funded under the Queensland Government’s $117.84 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program.
It is one of three projects expanding the capacity of regional NRM groups statewide.
The program supports land, water and biodiversity outcomes across Queensland.
What to look for next
On-ground works will roll out across priority sites during the three-year project period.
Community awareness activities linked to wetland protection will continue throughout delivery.
