Episode 10: Mossman Catchment Erosion Management With Vanessa Drysdale

Episode 10: Mossman Catchment Erosion Management With Vanessa Drysdale

Author: James Donaldson, Wet Tropics Waterways February 20, 2019 Duration: 14:28

Flooding in the Mossman Catchment during March 2018 resulted in substantial damage to river banks. Growers lost land and the river system and inshore reef areas were subjected to heavy sediment loads. Stretches of stream bank with vegetative cover or previous rock stabilisation remained stable throughout the floods and sustained minimal damage.

These observations led to the development of the Mossman Integrated Catchment Repair project, which aims to stabilise streambanks within the Mossman Basin. The project focuses on the Cassowary and Saltwater sub-catchments, which were selected for the potential to repair their entire reaches. 

Vanessa Drysdale from Terrain NRM joins us on the Reef and Rivers Podcast to explain the project and it's goals in more detail.


There's a vital, living connection between the lush, rainforested rivers of Far North Queensland and the vast blue expanse of the Great Barrier Reef. What happens in one profoundly affects the other. Hosted by James Donaldson from Wet Tropics Waterways, the Reef And Rivers Podcast explores this intricate relationship by giving a voice to the people who know it best. Each conversation moves beyond abstract science to ground-level stories, offering a direct line to farmers, Traditional Owners, researchers, and community volunteers who are actively engaged with the landscape. You'll hear about the specific critters-from tiny insects to majestic fish-that indicate a waterway's health, and learn about the practical, often ingenious projects aimed at protecting them. This isn't just a series of interviews; it's an ongoing audio documentary about the interdependence of an entire region's lifestyle, economy, and environment. By tuning into this podcast, you gain an understanding of how everyday actions on land ripple out to the reef, and more importantly, how collective effort is working to ensure both these iconic systems thrive for generations to come. The discussions are grounded, hopeful, and filled with the kind of specific details that only come from firsthand experience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 72

Reef And Rivers Podcast
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