Looking after land and water on the Mitchell River

Words Juliana Foxlee | Photo Andrew Brooks

Cape York NRM and Northern Gulf Resource Management Group are working with graziers in the Mitchell catchment to help them develop their knowledge of native vegetation management in a bid to reduce erosion. 

Cape York NRM Acting Principal Program Manager Michael Goddard is managing the project. 

‘We aim to walk alongside land managers to support them in what must often seem to be an endless battle as they address the significant challenges of running a property in a demanding environment,’ he said. 

‘We have been having one-on-one discussions with landholders in the Mitchell basin, and working with them to develop property specific action plans to support water quality outcomes.

‘We’re aiming to get eight properties on board this year, so I encourage graziers in the Mitchell River basin to get in touch and find out more about how we can assist them to implement property action plans.’ 

Mitchell River catchment land managers who would like to take part in this project are invited to contact Michael on michael.goddard@capeyorknrm.com.au

This project is funded by the Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Investment Program

About the Joint Management Area

Cape York NRM and Northern Gulf Resource Group jointly manage the natural resources in the Joint Management Area (JMA). The JMA includes the Palmer River and northern side of the Mitchell River catchment.

About the Mitchell River Catchment 

The Mitchell catchment is approximately 72,000 km2 and flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria. It includes part of the Mareeba–Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme and supports a population of approximately 6000 people. Pastoralism comprises over 95% of the catchment land use. The second largest land use, conservation reserves, covers about 3% of the catchment. Source: CSIRO, June 2018.