Reef Assist Project completion in the upper Barron and Johnstone catchments

Watch the latest Reef Assist project video to see how the Atherton Tableland riparian restoration project is benefiting the Reef, rainforest, biodiversity and the local community.

In November 2024, North Queensland Land Management Services completed a two-year component of the Atherton Tableland Riparian Revegetation Project, delivered under the Reef Assist program, in collaboration with the Wet Tropics Management Authority.

This highly successful project planted over 32,000 trees across four sites, including riparian areas on farmland and larger-scale corridors linking important habitats in the upper Barron and Johnstone River catchments. The team conducted maintenance of existing planted areas on a number of private properties to ensure successful restoration. 

The project had significant community impacts. At the end of 2024, the team celebrated the successful completion of the Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management by all five trainee apprentices. This formal, accredited training was supported by a range of additional on-the-job training and capacity-building courses that complemented and enhanced the trainees’ experience. 

The project provided economic stimulus through business expenditure focused on local providers.

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The Queensland Government’s $33.5 million Reef Assist program is funded under the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.