Protecting the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world — the largest coral reef system on Earth, visible even from space. It spans thousands of reef systems, coral cays, tropical islands, and is home to incredible marine biodiversity. Its vibrant coral gardens, seagrass meadows, and marine life make it a global treasure worth protecting.

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 1600 species of fish.

The Reef is vital

This unique culturally significant World Heritage-listed ecosystem sustains fisheries, tourism, and cultural values, and supports the livelihoods of coastal communities. Protecting the Reef is a shared responsibility, and healthy waterways begin with smart land and water management.

Our Approach: Practical, Science-Based, Local.

At NQ Dry Tropics, we develop win-win solutions balancing environmental protection with community and industry needs.

For more than  20 years, we’ve worked with:

  • local landholders and graziers;
  • Traditional Owners; and
  • industry stakeholders.

 

Our science-backed, practical approach helps communities:

  • improve land and water management;
  • enhance productivity and profitability; and
  • support thriving ecosystems.
Repairing eroded landscapes improves Reef water quality by reducing sediment runoff. These before and after pictures on Belmore Station demonstrate it is possible to repair actively eroding gullies.

Improving Great Barrier Reef water quality

Soil movement from grazing lands can increase sediment in rivers, which can reduce light for coral and seagrass.

We collaborate with graziers and industry experts to:

  • implement improved grazing practices;
  • repair gullies; and
  • rehydrate landscapes.

 

These practices enhance water quality, support farm productivity, and benefit the Reef — a win for farmers and the environment.

Manager of the Burdekin-Bowen Integrated Floodplain Management Advisory Committee Arwen Rickert demonstrating flow height monitoring equjipment at a field day in the Lower Burdekin.

Supporting sugarcane growers to protect waterways

Nutrients and pesticides from farming can affect coastal and marine ecosystems.

We work with Burdekin cane growers to:

    • use water, fertiliser, and pesticides efficiently;
    • maintain or increase crop yields; and
    • protect local waterways and the Reef.


By working together, growers enhance water quality, sustain biodiversity, and support thriving marine habitats.

Learn more about our sugarcane water quality projects
The Great Barrier Reef hosts more than 400 species of hard corals and more than 1000 species of soft corals.

Wetlands and biodiversity: nature’s filters

Wetlands and rivers act as natural filters, removing pollutants and replenishing groundwater.

Healthy wetlands support native fish, migratory birds, and marine species. Our restoration projects help these systems continue to protect waterways and the Reef.

Learn more about the Gurrambilbarra Town Common project.

Regional Water Quality Strategy

We’re leading the development of the Regional Reef Water Quality Strategy for the Burdekin, a regional plan to improve water quality across the catchment.

The strategy will:

  • set clear goals and actions;
  • guide investment into the most effective projects; and
  • align with national and regional frameworks (Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan, Traditional Owner and Wetlands strategies, regional NRM plan).

Collaborative planning

The strategy is being developed in consultation with the regional community:

  • industry groups and practitioners;
  • Traditional Owners;
  • land managers;
  • scientists and technical experts; and
  • government and community partners.

Working together for a healthier Reef

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef isn’t just about the ocean — it starts with smart land and water management.

By partnering with local communities, farmers, and graziers to manage sediment, nutrients, and pesticide runoff, we help:

  • keep waterways clean;
  • support thriving ecosystems; and
  • build resilient, productive communities.

Together, we’re ensuring this world-famous natural wonder continues to thrive for generations to come.

Partnering with
GRAZIERS

NQ Dry Tropics partners with graziers to improve enterprise performance, landscape health and resilience while reducing topsoil loss into waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.
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Repairing
LANDSCAPES

NQ Dry Tropics partners with landholders, and technical and engineering experts, to repair eroded landscapes and minimise sediment runoff to the Great Barrier Reef
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Partnering with TRADITIONAL OWNERS

NQ Dry Tropics supports Traditional Owner leadership in natural resource management, reviving cultural knowledge and connection to Country.
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Partnering with GROWERS

NQ Dry Tropics supports Burdekin sugar cane growers to adopt improved management practices for a more sustainable and productive farming future.
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NRM
planning

NQ Dry Tropics takes a practical, collaborative approach to leading and participating in natural resource management planning, prioritising actions and how to achieve them.

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Protecting
NATURAL ASSETS

NQ Dry Tropics improves the health of land and water ecosystems, so current and future generations can enjoy all the many benefits they provide.

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