Conservation

Mission

To protect and enhance the region’s unique biodiversity through landscape-scale conservation, species recovery, and community action.across the Burnett Mary region.

Our Conservation team leads collaborative efforts to safeguard threatened species, restore critical habitats, and build ecological connectivity. We work closely with Traditional Owners, government, community groups, and landholders to deliver conservation programs that reflect both ecological science and cultural values.

Key Outcomes

  • Successful recovery of threatened species like koalas and Mary River cod through habitat restoration and predator control, boosting population stability and ecosystem connectivity.

  • Measurable gains in biodiversity and habitat health, with restored hectares and stabilized riverbanks, tracked via monitoring and eDNA assessments, supporting ecosystem markets.

  • Reduced impacts from invasive species and pests, enhancing waterways and coastal zones, aligning with Reef 2050 goals and protecting sites like K’gari (Fraser Island).

  • Empowered communities through programs, workshops, and Traditional Owner partnerships, fostering reconciliation and long-term conservation stewardship.ductivity of downstream ecosystems including wetlands and estuaries.

  • Capacity building and peer learning that empowers producers through field days, technical support, demonstration sites and knowledge networks — leading to community-led stewardship and long-term practice change.

Current Focus Areas

  • Threatened Species Recovery: Supporting the survival of species like koalas, marine turtles, Mary River cod and Australian lungfish through targeted habitat restoration, breeding programs, and predator management.

  • Invasive Species and Pest Control: Implementing strategies to manage invasive weeds and feral animals, protecting native flora and fauna in priority areas like the Great Sandy Strait.

  • Habitat Restoration and Connectivity: Enhancing ecosystems through revegetation, riverbank stabilization, and wildlife corridors to boost biodiversity and resilience.

    Community and Cultural Engagement: Partnering with Traditional Owners and volunteers to integrate cultural heritage and knowledge into conservation, fostering community-led stewardship.

Fishing closures

Mary River Cod is listed as a “no take” species under Queensland’s recreational fishing rules.

This applies throughout the species’ natural range, which is the entire Mary River Catchment (the Mary River itself and its tributaries, including Tinana Creek).

All-fishing closures

PERMANENT · ALL SPECIES · ALL METHODS

400 m upstream to 400 m downstream
of the Mary River Barrage

Mary River

400 m upstream to 400 m downstream
of the Tinana Creek Barrage

Tinana Creek

Tinana Creek
and its tributaries

upstream of the Teddington Weir wall

100 m upstream to 200 m downstream
of the Lake Macdonald dam wall

Six Mile Creek

Yabba Creek

100 m upstream to 200 m downstream
of the Borumba Dam wall

Line-fishing closures

Obi Obi Creek

Closed to line fishing from 1 August to 31 October each year.

Closed to line fishing all year round,
between the Baroon Pocket Dam wall and the downstream side of Obi Obi Creek crossing 4 (Manuel Hornibrook Bridge).

Mary River and adjoining waterways