There are not many places where people share their backyards with cassowaries, but in our Local Landscape, that’s exactly what happens.
Our strong community pride, combined with our landscape’s natural exceptional beauty, provide strong foundations for us to carefully plan, protect and enhance all our region’s values.
We know it’s a fine balance between conserving our region’s natural values, while ensuring our communities and industries remain strong, vibrant and productive.
There is a lot of good work happening and great partnerships already in place in our Local Landscape; we plan to build on this even further to get that balance right.
Our three top priorities
1. Water
We will improve the health and condition of our wetlands and waterways.
Water quality and healthy aquatic ecosystems are an integral part of sustaining our unique area. We recognise the contribution of healthy waterways to strong environmental, economic, social and cultural outcomes and know our good management on land contributes to Great Barrier Reef health.
By working together, we can take action on many fronts, from wetland and riparian zone restoration to improving fish passage and managing water quality.
Examples of our priority actions include:
Restoring wetlands and riparian zones.
Removing barriers to fish movement.
Installing local, on-farm water treatment systems.
Investigating ways to reduce rural or urban pollutants from entering waterways.
2. Biodiversity
We will improve the biodiversity values of our area by managing threats, including protecting, rehabilitating and connecting habitat.
Our region is home to iconic and threatened species, like the Southern Cassowary and Mahogany Glider. Securing habitat for these species, and the thousands of other plants and animals living here, will help ensure their ongoing health and survival.
Managing threats to wildlife, such as attacks by domestic animals or car strikes, can also make a big difference to species already facing a range of threats.
Examples of our priority actions include:
Raising awareness of the impacts of dogs and cats on local wildlife.
Restoring ecological connectivity across the landscape.
Conducting tree planting on private land for biodiversity and sustainability outcomes.
Protecting habitat for threatened species like the Mahogany Glider and Southern Cassowary.
Involving communities in active management of protected areas to build ownership.
3. Sustainable Industries
Our region’s industries will be sustainable, diverse and resilient, supporting our communities and natural environments.
Our agricultural industries contribute significantly to the economic and social fabric of our region. Maintaining economic and agricultural diversity can help build resilience, particularly given the future potential impacts of climate change.
There are existing partnerships and strong industry groups within our area. We can build on the good work already happening to contribute to strong, healthy industries, communities and landscapes.
Examples of our priority actions include:
Recognising the achievements of landholders and industry groups contributing to good natural resource management.
Providing ongoing support and recognition for voluntary uptake of best management practices.
Establishing programs to support youth engaging in sustainable agriculture.
Other priorities:
There are some other key outcomes we have identified to help maintain and enhance our Local Landscape. We are particularly interested in managing the impact of terrestrial and aquatic pests, weeds and diseases, especially feral pigs.
We would also like to develop programs to promote the strong cultural values of our landscape and local Traditional Owners. Programs that build capacity and generate social, cultural and financial returns can provide sustained benefits throughout the community.
For more detail on the priority actions identified by the community for our Local Landscape, click on this link.