This Status Report arises from the Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM Plan and was developed in conjunction with a multi-sector Advisory Panel (see below).

The Status Report is intended to provide a broad overview of the status of natural resource management in the region, reflecting the achievements and challenges. Although the report is divided into a number of themes, we acknowledge the interconnected nature of our communities, our work, our recreation and our environment.

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of land and sea country across the Burdekin Dry Tropics region and pay our sincere respect to the Elders past and present.  We acknowledge and pay respect to the Warrungnu, Nywaigi, Manbarra, Wulgurukaba, Bindal, Gugu Badhun, Gudjala, Juru, Birriah, Gia, Widi, Jangga, Wangan and Jagalingou, Bidjara, Yirendali, and Iningai Traditional Owner groups and celebrate the diversity and knowledge of the regional community where we live, work and continue to learn. 

As part of its Dune Management Strategy, Burdekin Shire Council partnered with NQ Dry Tropics and a range of local stakeholders to protect the dunal systems at Lynch’s Beach, Alva.
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Volunteer environment organisation Arcadia Coastcare produced a booklet and self-guided walk to help locals and visitors explore Magnetic Island’s foreshores and reserves. The booklet covers more than 60 native plants in easily accessible locations at Arcadia and links many insects to their host plants.
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The Burdekin River delivers the highest volume of fine sediment of any river into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Greening Australia worked with a range of partners to remediate 10 alluvial gullies on Kirknie Station on the banks of the Bogie and Burdekin rivers, preventing 2,078 tonnes of fine sediment from reaching the reef annually.
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Since 2003, Reef Check Australia volunteers have been collecting locally and globally relevant reef health data as a part of a long-term monitoring program within the Townsville region.
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Funded through the Queensland Government’s Reef Assist program, Townsville City Council partnered with First Nations people and local businesses to deliver a range of activities including restoring riparian vegetation, removing flood debris, removing weeds and improving soil health.
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Australian Wildlife Conservancy has been working to create conditions for the return of the extremely rare northern bettong to a section of wet sclerophyll forest located north west of Townsville. Activities included removing cattle, prescribed burning, and manually removing woody weeds.
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Voluntary non-profit group North Queensland Wildlife Care rescues sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife until they are rehabilitated and can be released back into the wild. These include bandicoots, bettongs, snakes, turtles, and wallabies. A network of volunteers, in Townsville, Ingham, the Burdekin, Charters Towers and Mount Isa, cares for 2000-3000 animals each year in their own homes, successfully rehabilitating about half them.
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Fishing conservation charity OzFish Unlimited has been delivering the Creekwatch program in Townsville since 2021. The community awareness and citizen science program, established by Townsville City Council, encourages community members to participate in monitoring the condition of local waterways. By doing so, locals grow their knowledge and capacity, and help fill data gaps in regional waterway health.
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Bolger Bay contains the most extensive and continuous remaining area of lowland ecosystems on Magnetic Island, off the coast of Townsville. Environmental group Magnetic Island Nature Care Inc (MINCA) has been working to protect this important koala habitat, and, supported by the local community, raised more than $300,000 to purchase a key block of land so it could be maintained and protected.
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NQ Dry Tropics’ Cultural Fire Management for Grazing Landscapes project aims to revitalise ancient cultural fire management practices among Traditional Owners, while strengthening their relationships with graziers as they work together to heal Country.

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Magnetic Island Community Development Association (MICDA) developed a Community Action Plan mapping out partnerships and activities to achieve positive outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef and the population of Magnetic Island (Yunbenun).

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In the Burdekin, high yielding sugarcane results from high solar radiation and a reliable irrigation supply. Due to run-off from furrow irrigation systems, the region has been identified as a priority catchment for nitrogen and pesticide loads entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. The Burdekin Irrigation Project supports growers’ transition to more efficient irrigation reducing on-farm expenses, run–off and deep drainage losses while improving profitability and environmental outcomes.
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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the people, groups and organisations who have contributed to the development and revision of the NRM Plan and this Status Report. We also recognise the extensive work undertaken by the NRM community to the sustainable management and improvement of the natural resources of our region.

Assistance with this Status Report

Arcadia Coastcare; Australian Wildlife Conservancy; Barcaldine Regional Council; BBIFMAC Inc; Birdlife Townsville; Burdekin Shire Council; CANEGROWERS Burdekin Ltd; Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc.; Greening Australia; Lower Burdekin Landcare; Magnetic Island Community Development Association; Magnetic Island Nature Care Assn Inc; North Queensland Conservation Council Inc.; North Queensland Wildlife Care Incorporated; OzFish Unlimited; Reef Check Australia; Sugar Research Australia; Sunwater; Tangaroa Blue Foundation; Townsville City Council; and Whitsundays Regional Council.

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