Deficiencies in Data

Maria Creek catchment details should be collated in a similar format to that of the other catchment reports for the Shire streams. An assessment of agricultural lands in the Shire (eg papaya, exotic fruit, vegetables, etc.) should be conducted in a manner similar to that for cane and banana production. Similarly, the threats to these lands should also be further investigated and reported. Specific information to be collected includes:

•   Information on nitrate and nitrogen levels in surface waters of cane catchments.
•   An assessment of potential acid sulphate soils across the Shire.
•   Greater information about introduced fish species.

Source: Community Revegetation Unit

Recommendations

Catchment Management

General

•   That ecologically and economically viable land-use be promoted.
•   That preservation and restoration of riverine habitat on a catchment-wide basis be promoted.
•   That development and implementation of pro-active river management plans be enacted.
•   That regular monitoring be undertaken in the catchments of the Shire.

Johnstone River Catchment

•   That strategic riparian restoration continue throughout the Shire's Catchments.
•   Domestic and Feral animals be controlled to prevent destabilisation of creek banks.
•   Research and establish a realistic and flexible vegetation buffer width for the major streams.
•   Monitoring of introduced fish species and education programs to prevent further introductions.

Moresby River Catchment

•   Investigations be carried out into protection of wetlands as Fishing Habitats or Marine Park.
•   Investigation into land use practices and the impacts on drainage and tidal patterns.
•   That the Catchment Group maintain a co-ordinated approach to revegetation.

Liverpool Creek Catchment

•   That rehabilitation works for the Liverpool Creek be undertaken as stated in the River Management Action Plan - Liverpool Creek.

Land Management

•   General Agricultural Land - that DNR publish the land suitability report by June 2002.

Cane Production Land

•   That research continues to improving and enhancing farming practices, and cane varieties.
•   That growers continue to utilise industry codes of practice and develop best management practices.
•   That industry pursue the partnership between stakeholders to further enhance sustainable practices.

Banana Production

•   That continued support be given for the production of Environmental Management Systems in banana enterprises.

Pest Management

•   That Council undertake control of all the weeds of national significance in the Shire and that the weed infestations be reduced in the order of 50 percent by 2004.

Urban Lands

•   That Council develop a stormwater management plan.
•   That Council upgrade the Innisfail sewage treatment plant to improve effluent quality.
•   That Council install a sewage collection and treatment system at Mission Beach.