A six-year Reef program, which ran until 2023, successfully combated stream bank erosion in the Mackay Whitsunday region. This program, in partnership with 31 agricultural properties, coordinated by regional NRM organisation Reef Catchments, managed to significantly reduce sediment flowing into the Great Barrier Reef by an impressive 10,356 tonnes. This achievement marks a major step toward preserving the health and resilience of one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems.

Over less than a decade, 2.9 million cubic metres of sediment had been lost due to stream bank erosion along 82 kilometres of the O’Connell River, St Helens, and Murray Creeks.

The massive scale of this erosion not only altered the landscape but also severely impacted the surrounding waterways and the Great Barrier Reef itself.

Sediment from riverbanks, when washed into rivers and oceans, reduces water quality, which is vital for maintaining the biodiversity and delicate balance of coral reefs. Such sediment loss has critical consequences for the Great Barrier Reef. The increase in sediment affects the reef’s ability to recover from environmental stresses, such as rising ocean temperatures and extreme weather events. It threatens the coral’s long-term health and its ability to support marine life, making sediment reduction efforts essential to preserving this UNESCO World Heritage site.

As part of the solution, the Reef Trust IV project was launched. This large-scale initiative required strategic planning and collaboration between various stakeholders. By working closely with landholders, government agencies, and local businesses, Reef Catchments implemented practical measures to mitigate erosion and sediment flow.

These measures included planting over 70,000 trees to strengthen 25 hectares of riparian zones, along with the installation of riparian fences to protect riverbanks from livestock damage.

The project embraced both natural and engineered solutions. In addition to revegetation efforts, large-scale engineered designs were developed to stabilize riverbanks and prevent future erosion. Importantly, community involvement played a key role in the project’s success. By fostering strong relationships with landholders and local businesses, the initiative helped to build a broader understanding of sustainable river management practices.

For more insights into the Reef Catchments’ Reef Trust IV activities and its impact on reef water quality, watch this explainer video.