PROJECT
Local Action PlansIn 2021, we expanded the MangroveWatch program beyond data collection to include the development of estuary-specific Local Action Plans. Guided by citizen science data, these Local Action Plans are community-led and CAFNEC-supported. By uniting the local community and CAFNEC’s partners in tidal wetland protection, we aim to empower people to take action and feel a responsbility for their local estuaries.
Each Local Action Plan began with an all-day workshop facilitated by CAFNEC’s Projects Officer (who manages the program) and Earthwatch Australia’s Tidal Wetland Expert (who analyses the data and advises the program). At the workshop, we discussed the value of and threats to mangroves at an estuary-specific level. Attendees choose which values and threats to priortise for protection and mitigation, then developed project ideas to address these threats and values.
We currently have Local Action Plans for the following areas:
1. Barron River
2. Mulgrave River
3. Hinchinbrook Channel
Current Progress
Barron River LAP
The workshop was held in March 2023. The key values identified for protection were: Wildlife/Fish Habitat, Shoreline Protection, Cultural and Historical Value, Carbon Storage, and Water Quality Maintenance. The main threats to mitigate were: Coastal Squeeze, Landuse Change, Urban and Agricultural Runoff, Nutrient and Chemical Pollution.
One outcome of this workshop was the project idea for restoring Barr Creek Fish Habitat. This project is being led by Rob Williams, a local and long-term CAFNEC volunteer and supporter. Barr Creek was declared a Fish Habitat Area in 1974, but before this declaration an adjoining landowner had overcleared the area. This project aims to revegetate the overcleared section and protect it from future risk of overclearing.
At the end of 2023, this site was surveyed to delineate the property lines. In July 2024, a fence was built to section off Barr Creek from the neighbouring properties.
In 2025, this project is in its final stages! Holloways Beach Coastcare has been contracted to revegetate this site. The first planting took place on 12th July, 2025 with volunteers from the community planting 800 trees in 2 hours! Plantings will continue to occur throughout the year with Holloways Coastcare providing maintenance.
This project has also received support from Council with Green Space, Our Place volunteers cleaning up the saltmarsh habitat near Barr Creek post Cyclone Jasper. This involed removing fertiliser containers, tyres, washing machines, and more that got washed in during the floods in 2024.
Mulgrave River LAP
The workshop for the Mulgrave was held in late 2022. One of the project outcomes was an education campaign, which is led by Rachel Platte and Clive Murray.
This campaign kicked off in 2023 with a pilot launch at MacDonnell Creek State School. The plan was to teach school kids about the importance of tidal wetlands from both a Western Science and Traditional Knowledge perspective. These teaching included in-classroom learnings and hands-on field trips. The campaign quickly caught the attention of other local schools, and 2 more schools were added to the program. The first stage of the program ended in May 2024.
Year 2 of this project began in April 2025 and is funding through the Queensland Engaging Citizen Science Grant. This next year of the project will include: 3 more schools, a day with the Madjaybana Rangers, and further collaborations with local environmental organisations.
Hinchinbrook Channel LAP
The workshop was help in March 2023. The threats identified in this workshop were: Regional Planning Issues, Altered Tidal Flows, and Shoreline Erosion.
The project idea from this workshop is being led by Vito Napoli and Gabi Plumm. The proposed plan is to construct a bamboo fence along the Cardwell Foreshore (near Oyster Point) where the mudbank is eroding. This erosion is a result of cyclone damage, drift logs crashing into the shore, and breakwaters changing sediment flows. By constructing a bamboo fence, it will protect the mangrove seedlings from damage and also promote sediment build up for mangrove recruitment.
In July 2024, MangoesMapping conducted a Lidar Drone survey of the site and compared it to elevation data collected in 1997. This allowed us to see how the shoreline elevation has changed overtime which will inform fence positioning. This is a long-term project with lots of red tape to cut through, but it also shows the power of the community working together to make a difference!
In July 2025, a coastal engineer from Royal Haskoning DHV prepared a Coastal Process Assessment of the Cardwell Foreshore (click on photo to see full report). This report outlines: the site history (Cyclone Yasi, clearing events, and Port Hinchinbrook), impacts on mangroves, discussion on bamboo fence as an erosion control structure, and suggested mangement considerations.
The local action plans are part of the Community Action Plan network funded by GBRF. To learn more about the various projects funded by GBRF across the Great Barrier Reef region, click HERE. To learn more about the Local Action Plans CAFNEC is doing within the Wet Tropics Region, scroll to the ‘Case Studies’ section on GBRF’s Community Action Plan page and click on ‘Wet Tropics Community Action Plan Case Study’.
Any volunteer under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will be responsible for the welfare of the minor in their care for the duration of any CAFNEC events or activities.
Anyone who works, volunteers or participates in CAFNEC spaces or events must uphold our Code of Conduct.
Contact
For general inquiries contact get in touch with Shannon Bredeson at projects@nullcafnec.org.au or ring the office on 07 4036 1746
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