A collaborative approach by the resources, agricultural and tourism sectors along with governments, conservation groups and Traditional Owners has delivered healthy waterways through the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac regions.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership report card released today found half of the sites scored a 'B' grade (Good) reflecting the ongoing work of the multi-sector approach to river management systems.
"Responding to health issues of the waterways is the responsibility of all individuals and groups within the community. The resources sector relies on water to undertake its operations but also understands that it is a valuable commodity for the communities in which they operate," Mr Macfarlane said.
"It also recognises operations upstream must be undertaken responsibly and in accordance with strict environmental conditions to safeguard the Great Barrier Reef.
"This result demonstrates the collective efforts of all stakeholders in delivering consistently good results for the waterways and the Reef.
"In total the health scores have been steady with 14 of the 18 zones scoring the same as the 2018 report.
"Of particular note, the report card found signs of repair from Tropical Cyclone Debbie were starting to show in seagrass meadows.
"The resources sector is committed to minimising its impact on the environment and promotes transparency through the report card, which is scrutinised by the Partnership's Technical Working Group. By backing the science, the resources sector along with other partner organisations can contribute knowledge and investments where it is most needed in the regions."
