Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF)
Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (MDFVGA).
Tablelands Canegrowers;
Tablelands famers.

1. Provide the extension services to a minimum of 10 farmers per annum in the MDIA, resulting in 50 farmers engaged in farm efficiency savings over a period from 2016-2021.
2. Coordinate two workshops per year for agribusiness (e.g. irrigation suppliers, rural agents), resulting in 10 workshops savings over a period from 2016-2021.
3. Develop and communicate two case studies per annum to promote and profile on-farm learning and trials in the MDIA, resulting in 10 case studies over a period from 2016-2021.

This action represents a commitment to continuing and expanding the highly successful Tropical Agriculture Program, developed by NGRMG for growers of the Mareeba Dimbulah Irrigation Area. By focusing on achieving input efficiencies associated with tropical agriculture through one on one extension and support to selected growers, this approach delivers real cost savings to the farmer whilst delivering an NRM outcome for the environment. The program has been expended to target irrigation suppliers and rural agents further up the agricultural supply chain.

Three scientific trials were recently undertaken in the MDIA to ascertain the impact on soil carbon through treatments such as mulch, compost and biochar, through the Australian Government Action on the Ground fund. More information is provided in the Northern Tablelands NRM Regional Assessment. The learnings from these trials should be promoted to Northern Tablelands growers and where possible applied to build soil carbon, which will sequester atmospheric carbon as well as build soil health and fertility.

QDAF;
QDNRM;
Mitchell River Watershed Management Group (MRWMG);
Sunwater;
Tablelands Cane growers;
MSF sugar;
Northern Tablelands famers;
James Cook University;
Research institutions (various).

1. Identify suitable sites and willing landholders to provide a demonstration site for all three of the points listed above, in the MDIA, resulting in three “learning sites”.
2. Develop video and web based communications to profile the learning sites, including costs and outcomes (positive and negative).

Learning (demonstration) sites should seek to illustrate compatibility with production operations and drainage infrastructure maintenance needs and to explore means by which drain maintenance needs can be reduced (e.g. shading of invasive and drain blocking understory grasses), and production benefits can be achieved (e.g. reduction in rodent pest refuge habitats).They will seek to:

• compare and contrast wetland basin designs required to capture ‘first flush’ wet season rainfall run off versus seasonal flows of irrigation tail water;
• identify opportunities for recycling of irrigation tail water and for the revegetation of wetland basin margins with habitat producing native vegetation planting suited to the variable hydrological
• conditions of irrigation tail water versus rainfall run off capture;
• support trials via monitoring and reporting of contaminant load fate and condition outcomes for downstream receiving waterways and wetlands.

QDAF;
QDNRM;
MDVGA;
Sunwater;
Tablelands Cane growers;
MSF sugar;
Northern Tablelands famers.

1. Identify sites for further tree plantings in the Cattle Creek catchment which are reasonably safe from development and have landholder support, for further tree plantings of native species selected to arrest the rise of salinity (e.g. river red gums and melaleucas), with a target of an average of 1,000 plants per annum, resulting in 5,000 trees planted over the period 2016-2021. Extend tree planting efforts to Two mile creek catchment and other areas.
2. Work with partner organisations and researchers to monitor salinity, with key areas that should be prioritised for this work including areas that have not been assessed within the MDIA such as the Biboohra section, to identify trigger values for potential salinity problem sites.
3. Liaise with industry groups, Sunwater and the Qld Department of Natural resources and mines regarding a different pricing structure for irrigators in saline prone areas such as the Arriga plain.

Arriga soils are heavy and generally lend themselves to furrow irrigation, however this is turn leads to rising saline profiles of the ground water.

This action represents a commitment to continuing tree planting projects in the Arriga plain and beyond, to address rising salinity profiles, and negotiating with water providers on a corporate and government level to adopt a pricing regime in saline prone areas which further encourages efficiencies.

QDAF;
QDNRM;
MDVGA;
Sunwater;
MSF sugar;
Tablelands Canegrowers;
Mareeba Shire Council (MSC);
James Cook University;
Tablelands famers;
TMR.

1. Water quality monitoring programs need to be established in a rigorous and regular basis at 16 sites (preferably 22 sites) at least every month and be analysed for at least 7 key water quality parameters. Quantitative assessment of the composition of waste materials in high risk sites needs to be undertaken to identify the chemical nature and quantity of acid generating material.
2. Monitoring of irrigation water inputs into the Cattle Creek catchment should be compiled annually to ensure that the data is available for future modelling and improved water management.

There has been a range of water quality monitoring programs conducted within the region in recent decades by industry, government and community stakeholders. A number of monitoring programs continue to operate within the region. An opportunity exists to work across agencies and sectors to combine data sets into a regional inventory.
Water quality data is integral to assessments of inland water resource condition, threats and responses to management interventions, however data collection is generally costly and needs to be strategically targeted to meet management needs.

Monitoring programs would target the following:

1. Two mile creek : Phosphorus and coliforms;
2. Arriga: dissolved oxygen & nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK);
3. Collins Weir: dissolved oxygen

Activities:

1. Identify existing communications and education resources which profile and provide information to combat priority, schedule weeds in the Northern Tablelands, and utilise NGRMG communication networks, social media and web based communications to promote them.
2. Profile one of the above listed weeds each year in a NGRMG newsletter feature article, resulting in 5 featured articles on feral animal threats and management between 2016 to 2021, distributing to 2,000 Northern Gulf residents with each edition;
3. Promote participation in the Weeds Spotters Network through internal communication networks, including NGRMG newsletter, social media and web based communications;
4. Run a workshop in Dimbulah,Irvinebank and Mt Molloy/ Jualtten districts for Council staff, Traditional Owners, land managers and the general public on correct protocols for collecting plant samples for sending to the Qld Herbarium, resulting in four workshops between 2016-2021.
5. Coordinate a road-side survey of thatch grass with Southern Gulf catchments, Terrain NRM and Cape York NRM and the Qld Department of Main Roads (as per Grazing Lands action 1.3.3).

Partners:

• QLD Herbarium;
• Weed Spotters Network.
• Qld Biosecurity
• Qld Herbarium
• MSC;
• MRWMG.

Performance Indicators

This action applies to all sub-regions.

See Action 1.3.4 in the Grazing Lands section for more detail.

Regional NRM has a role in the identification and education about emerging weed & pest threats and very high priority weeds that are currently of limited extent across the region. This action utilises existing resources and services provided by other agencies to promote citizen participation in surveillance and identification of emerging weeds. It highlights the importance of collaborating with neighbouring regional bodies to surveil for emerging weeds which could be very destructive if they enter the Northern Gulf. In the Northern Tablelands, there is also weed threats from the neighbouring Wet Tropics bioregion directly to the east.

Climate change could have drastic impacts on the abundance, spread and distribution of weed species, with the following impacts anticipated:

1. The increased intensity and/ or magnitude of high rainfall events (including floods and cyclones)has the potential to spread weed seeds into new areas with flood waters. Intense rainfall events may provide a competitive advantage for annuals (eg. Grader grass) and other weeds that can recruit at high densities. However there is the also the potential for beneficial scouring/ flushing of exotic aquatic wedinfestations from floodplain/ delta wetlands providing enhanced control opportunities.
2. Longer dry seasons and extended drought conditions will result in more bare ground, which provides the opportunity for weed establishment once rains return. The dry periods may also negatively impact on some weed species, through reduced growing season. Adjusting to uncertainty about future variability in dry periods requires assessment of weed populations to target appropriate times for control actions;
3. Increased wildfires will have different effects on different weeds (see Weeds climate change matrix in : provide link), some woody, fire sensitive weeds (eg. Rubbervine) will be reduced in abundance. Other weeds, especially annuals (eg. Grader grass) will be promoted by wildfires.

Activities:

1. Liaise with Qld fisheries and keep abreast of tilapia and pest fish monitoring and potential outbreaks;
2. Negotiate with Sunwater to conduct a review of inter-basin transfer screens, and actively seek co-funding from relevant agencies;
3. Broker investment and co-funding into seasonally stratified fish surveys (can be combined with water quality monitoring program);
4. Support MRWMG to engage communities of the Upper Mitchell, and identify and train community champions to “high-alert” spots for tilapia and other pest fish

Partners:

• Qld Fisheries;
• Sunwater;
• Sunfish;
• Mareeba Shire Council;
• Mitchell River Watershed Management Group;
• James Cook University.

Performance Indicators

If any site becomes successfully colonised by tilapia, NRM agencies should conduct seasonally stratified post-infestation monitoring to assess the impact of the species on the biotic community, and use findings to review further tilapia management and control efforts.

Fisheries experts have identified potential limitations in the existing screen barriers used to exclude tilapia in irrigation water supply transfers between the infested Barron River basin and irrigation scheme areas in the upper Mitchell/Walsh Basin. The development of a multiple barrier system consisting of an electrical barrier in the channel just below the Tinaroo Dam wall and two screens further down the channel has been recommended and warrants independent assessment for informing further management action.

Climate change impacts may favour tilapia through the following:

1. Longer dry seasons will result in reduced flows and other identified factors contributing to poor water quality in refugial pools, which could promote exotic fish species such as tilapia, with broader tolerances;
2. Continued warming of temperature (including more hot days) may lead to the greater establishment opportunities for invasive exotic fish that have broader low dissolved oxygen/ thermal tolerances;
3. Increased intensity and/or magnitude of high rainfall events (flods and cyclones) has the potential for enhanced dispersal of exotic fish species to new lower/ adjoining catchment sites.

Qld Department of Natural Resources and Mines;
Bar Barrum Aboriginal Corporation;
Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation;
Irvinebank Progress Association;
Mining companies;
Mareeba Shire Council.

Seek investment and co-funding support to monitor heavy metal content in water quality in the abovementioned sites.

These sites were identified as priority for remediation works through consultation with members of the Irvinebank Progress Association. There are literally thousands of abandoned mines in the Irvinebank and Watsonville areas, which far surpass the capacity of community based NRM agencies to address, however these sites have been prioritized directly through community engagement with local people, as they are seen as having an active impact on the Irvinebank and downstream communities.

Bar Barrum Aboriginal Corporation;
Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation;
Irvinebank Progress Association;
Mining companies;
Mareeba Shire Council;
RegenAg;
Griffith University.

• Conduct assessment and detailed costings of creek restoration of McDonald Creek through the village zone of Irvinebank.
• Seek investment to embark on staged watershed restoration, with the support and involvement of the Irvinebank community.

McDonald creek is the focal point of the Irvinebank township and is adjoined on both sides by an avenue of parkland. In years gone by it was also a focal point of recreational swimming, however it is now so silted up by sediment disturbed through past mining activities that it no longer supports permanent water holes or flows. This action is therefore a town beautification project which also delivers an environmental outcome and learning site of waterway restoration methods, is a highly valued and visible site to both locals and visitors to Irvinebank.

Activities:

Using biodiversity corridor mapping (SOIC- 2015/TRC- 2013) seek funding for tree planting and other habitat restoration works on selected strategic sites throughout the Northern Tablelands, with a focus on the Mt Molloy/Julatten area, to restore landscape scale connectivity.

Partners:

• Mareeba Shire Council;
• Mitchell River Watershed Management Group.
• Cape York NRM;
• Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA);
• Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP);
• Julatten and Mt Molloy Area Ratepayers and Residents (JAMMARR);
• Strategic Offsets Investment Corridors (SOIC) strategy, Qld government;
• Green Army program;
• 20 million trees program

Performance Indicators

For specific direction on priority areas to target tree planting and restoration, please refer to mapping included in the Northern Tablelands Regional Assessment at provide link.

Increasing landscape connectivity will be critical for addressing habitat fragmentation, and also for enabling shifts in species’ movement in response to climate change. But with limited resources and increasing needs, we may need to redefine what we mean by connectivity and be more innovative about how we manage for connectivity outcomes, perhaps adopting a “stepping stone” approach rather than attempting to provide continuous linkages.

Our spatial analysis of faunal distribution under current extent and future climate change scenarios demonstrates how important the Mt Molloy/ Julatten area is for providing refugia both now and into the future, as the entire area is included in the top 2-10% of areas currently prioritized for the conservation of all species within the Northern Gulf region (including birds/ mammals/ reptiles and amphibians), and in projected scenarios in 2085, this area has maintained this status.

Activities:

1. Engage hydrological and ecological expertise to assess Abattoir swamp and make recommendation for its improvement and restoration;
2. Support partner organisation MRWMG to leverage funding for recommended improvements to the function and habitat value of Abbatoir swamp.

Partners:

• Mareeba Shire Council;
• Mitchell River Watershed Management Group.
• Cape York NRM;
• Wet Tropics Management Authority;
• Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP);
• Julatten and Mt Molloy Area Ratepayers and Residents (JAMMARR);
• Traditional Owner groups;
• Tourism organisations (various).

Performance Indicators

Abbatoir Swamp has recently been the focus of a community led ecological restoration proposal, led by MRWMG.The swamp is a Council managed conservation reserve with a bird hide located on the highway at Julatten, however the boardwalk and facilities have fallen into disrepair and the swamp itself is weeds choked and silted up. Restoring this site would improve a valuable wetland habitat while providing renewed focal point for local and visiting bird watchers alike.

Enhancement and protection of valuable wetland habitat like Abattoir swamp is particularly important under climate change, as these areas could be impacted by the following:

1. Increased intensity and/or magnitude of high rainfall events (including floods and cyclones) have the potential for both positive and negative impacts to riparian and wetland vegetation utilizedby water birds as nesting sites, depending on the timing of the event;
2. Longer dry seasons will result in a reduction in faunal feeding and nesting resources associated with wetlands. These longer dry periods will also impact on bird species that utilizewetlands which may decline in numbers due to a decrease in water availability at these sites.

Activities:

Support Traditional Owners and Aboriginal organisations to secure funding for training and assessment work in recording cultural and environmental values and documenting threats to these species.

Partners:

• Alliance of Northern Gulf Indigenous Corporation (ANGIC);
• Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation;
• Muluridji Aboriginal Corporation.

Performance Indicators

This action represents a commitment to continue to support traditional knowledge recording of cultural values and also recognizes Traditional Owners as key stakeholders in mapping ecological values of their traditional lands. NGRMG will support Traditional owner groups in securing resources for these activities.

Activities:

Support the development of an Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program based in the Upper Mitchell catchment. Where possible, provide training opportunities and mentoring to Indigenous youth and rangers and outsource weed and pest eradication and field research activities to them.

Partners:

• Alliance of Northern Gulf Indigenous Corporation (ANGIC);
• Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation;
• Muluridji Aboriginal Corporation;
• Mareeba Shire Council;
• NQ Land Council.

Performance Indicators

Whilst there are two well established and mature Indigenous ranger programs on the Gulf coast (Kowanyama and Normanton) there remains a gap in Indigenous ranger activity in the Northern Tablelands. NGRMG is committed to supporting Traditional owner groups to establish and expand Indigenous ranger groups in this area, as a means of providing opportunities for Traditional owners to return to country for meaningful employment and providing much need on ground NRM capacity.

Provide material and technical support to the development of courses, training and mentoring and other initiatives which provide opportunities to young Traditional Owners to position themselves as next generation land managers of the Upper Mitchell.

Partners:

• Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation;
• Muluridji Aboriginal Corporation;
• Employment and skills development service providers (various).

Performance Indicators

Many younger generation Traditional owners of the Northern Tablelands have grown up in Cairns, Mareeba, Kuranda and Atherton, and only have limited opportunities to visit and reconnect with their traditional country. This action represents a commitment to support initiatives which encourage these young people as next generation land managers of their own traditional estate, and provide skills and employment opportunities to realize this important role.

1. Identify existing information and educational resources on sustainable horse keeping and disseminate through NGRMG communication channels;
2. Network with horse recreational networks, attending up to four association meeting per annum, and contributing sustainable horse keeping topics and discourse to the agenda;
3. Develop tailored, wed-based and video communications on the principles and practice of sustainable horse keeping in the tropical environs of the Northern Tablelands;
4. Seek funding to provide short courses on sustainable horse keeping to Northern Tablelands communities.

Partners:

• Horse North;
• Pony clubs and horse societies (various);
• Equine circle of Australia.

Performance Indicators

There is a large congregation of small acreages or “lifestyle” blocks in the Northern Tablelands, converging on the Muthcilba, Bihboora, Mt Molloy and Julatten areas as well as outlying areas to the west of Mareeba. A large number of these properties are owned by horse owners. While the cumulative impacts of horses on catchments and the wider environment is significant, very often horse owners do not see themselves as nature resource managers or custodians of the wider environment. This action provides networks, training and communications to instill a NRM ethos and skills into these communities, while mitigating the impact that horse-keeping on small acreages might have on the wider environment.

Activities:

When enlisted, provide in-principle and material support to local food and permaculture initiatives in the Northern Tablelands.

Partners:

• Local permaculture & seed savers networks;
• Taste Paradise;
• RegenAg;
• Tropical fruit networks.

Performance Indicators

This action represents an ongoing commitment to provide material and technical support to local food networks and startups, led by local communities and regional development organisations.

Provide one event per annum in the Upper Mitchell catchment, targeting the school communities of Irvinebank, Mutchilba, Dimbulah, Jualtten and Mt Molloy, resulting in 5 environmental education events over the period 2016-2021.

Partners:

• Education Qld;
• Local schools (Dimbulah, Mareeba, Bihboora, Julatten, Mt Molloy, Irvinebank, Mutchilba state schools and St Anthony’s Catholic school).

Performance Indicators

This action relates to 1.8.1 in the Grazing Lands section.

Resources and events in the Northern Tablelands would be tailored to this environmental context, which includes highly biodiverse ecosystems and a convergence of the Wet tropics, Einsaleigh Uplands and Cape York bioregions.

REFER TO GRAZING LANDS, STRATEGY 8: EDUCATION, ACTIONS 1.8.2/ 1.8.3 AS THESE APPLY EQUALLY TO THE NORTHERN TABLELANDS.

Horse North;
Pony clubs and horse societies (various);
Equine circle of Australia.

• Identify existing information and educational resources on sustainable horse keeping and disseminate through NGRMG communication channels;
• Network with horse recreational networks, attending at least four association meeting per annum, and contributing sustainable horse keeping topics to the agenda;
• Develop tailored wed based and video communications on the principles and practice of sustainable horse keeping in the tropical environs of the Northern Tablelands;
• Seek funding to provide short courses on sustainable horse keeping to Northern Tablelands communities.

There is a large congregation of small acreages or “lifestyle” blocks in the Northern Tablelands, converging on the Muthcilba, Bihboora, Mt Molloy and Julatten areas as well as outlying areas to the west of Mareeba. A large number of these properties are owned by horse owners. While the cumulative impacts of horses on catchments and the wider environment is significant, very often horse owners do not see themselves as nature resource managers or custodians of the wider environment. This action provides networks, training and communications to instill a NRM ethos and skills into these communities, while mitigating the impact that horse-keeping on small acreages might have on the wider environment.

Local permaculture & seed savers networks;
Taste Paradise;
RegenAg;
Tropical fruit networks.

When enlisted, provide in principle and material support to local food and permaculture initiatives in the Northern Tablelands.

This action represents an ongoing commitment to provide material and technical support to local food networks and startups, led by local communities and regional development organisations.