New BMRG Boat ‘Yarrilee’ Boosts Waterway Project Capabilities

Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) is proud to introduce a powerful new addition to our marine and freshwater project toolkit—a custom-built 5.8m open boat named Yarrilee, honouring the Butchulla word for “south wind.” Designed and built locally in Hervey Bay by B2B Marine in collaboration with master boat builder Chris Hough, Yarrilee is purpose-crafted to support environmental work across our region’s inland and coastal waters.

With capacity for six people plus equipment, Yarrilee is rated for smooth and partially smooth waters, making it ideal for accessing even the more remote or sensitive project sites. The boat will play a vital role in advancing the goals of a range of BMRG projects, including Mangroves and Blue CO₂, Healing Korrawinga, and Seagrass Restoration in Rodds Bay—initiatives previously highlighted in our newsletters.

Beyond these current programs, Yarrilee significantly strengthens our operational capacity. The vessel will enable monitoring of inshore water quality, provide greater access to K’gari for collaborative cultural and ecological work, and support freshwater ecosystem monitoring in rivers, lakes, and dams throughout the Burnett Mary region.

As BMRG continues to grow and respond to the region’s environmental needs, Yarrilee ensures we can deliver both current and future projects efficiently, safely, and with greater reach. This investment not only enhances our logistics and fieldwork capability but also reflects our commitment to local partnerships, Traditional Owner recognition, and delivering on-ground outcomes.

Stay tuned for updates as Yarrilee sets sail and begins making waves across the many ecosystems we work to protect and restore.