New project to revitalise Horseshoe Lagoon and protect the Reef

Graziers, cane farmers, and community groups came together in Giru last week to find out how a new NQ Dry Tropics project will improve the health of Horseshoe Lagoon, local wetlands and the Great Barrier Reef.

The event provided an opportunity for those who live and work around the lagoon to get involved with the project by sharing their local knowledge.

Improving Coastal Wetland Ecosystems Through Improved Understanding of Best Irrigation Management Practice in the Lower Burdekin” (Landscape Resilience) is funded through the Queensland Government’s Regional Natural Resource Management Investment Program and builds on the success of the previous Landscape Resilience project (2013-2016), which supported 65 cane farmers with information on their water and nutrient use, and the connection between their farms and local wetlands.

The project is now centered around Horseshoe Lagoon. NQ Dry Tropics continues to work with our project partner, Burdekin Bowen Integrated Floodplain Management Advisory Committee Inc. (BBIFMAC), along with cane farmers, SunWater and Burdekin Shire Council.

NQ Dry Tropics Project Officer, Lisa Pulman, said that the project will use a range of measures to improve the overall health of the Horseshoe Lagoon wetland system, such as managing weeds, and providing farmers with real time information on their nutrient and water use.

“The main area of focus is engaging with farmers, as the locals truly know the area best,” Lisa said.

“The project is completely voluntary and individual data is confidential. The data provides instant feedback on nutrient run-off, irrigation and rainfall run-off, and deep drainage.”

“This project is particularly significant because Horseshoe Lagoon, like many shallow coastal wetlands, flows into the internationally-important coastal wetlands of Bowling Green Bay, and then into the Reef.

“It is an essential water source for the community, as well as birds and fish. It also acts as a filter, absorbing nutrients and sediment to improve the quality of water that flows out of it.

“Unmanaged water causes weed outbreaks in the lagoon and downstream, which reduce bird and fish habitat, and are a haven for crop-damaging pests such as coots and pigs.’’ she said.

To find out more about the Landscape Resilience project contact Lisa Pulman on 4722 5732 or email lisa.pulman@nqdrytropics.com.au

Main photo: Dennis ‘Stubbs (BBIFMAC) and Lisa Pulman (NQ DRY TROPICS) run water samples from Horseshoe Lagoon through the ‘Real Time Water Quality Trailer’ to test water quality.