Reef Assist 2.0 lifts training game at Normanby Station

The Final Stage of the Reef Assist 2.0 project at Normanby Station is completed with the Cape York Gully Remediation and Creation of Indigenous Employment Pathways Project, led by Cape York NRM and key delivery partners in place.

Cape York NRM Project Officer Katelyn Greaves said the project provided employment and social outcomes on Country, with participants supported and mentored by their Indigenous peers.

“I’ve only been here for the final stage of the project and can’t thank everyone enough for their involvement from partners, contractors, previous employees and of course the Harrigan brothers,” she said.

Two gullies were remediated resulting in reduced sediment run-off into the Normanby River and other waterway catchments, which meant Cape York NRM’s role in contributing to the overall improvement of the Great Barrier Reef was also in play.

The Reef Assist 2.0 project aimed to provide environmental, employment and social outcomes on-Country at Normanby Station with the inclusion of training activities.

“The training held at Normanby Station has been very successful with participants gaining first-hand experience in machinery operations,” Katelyn said.

Accreditations were achieved in:

• RIIMPO320F Conduct civil construction excavator operations
• RIIMPO318F Conduct civil construction skid steer loader operations
• RIIMPO317F Conduct roller operations

“The experience of training also adds and fosters social and emotional well being through interactions between the team,” she said.

“The success of this project via gully remediation has also provided positive environmental aspects by reducing sediment loads entering the Great Barrier Reef via the Normanby Catchment.”

She said the team was also looking forward to working on Mount Louis station towards the end of this month (August).

The two-week training will offer 10 participants training in machinery operations, chainsaw and fencing.

“Our long list of project outcomes is topped by gully remediation, debris removal, and fencing installation and repair with a 20m buffer zone along the riparian area to encourage natural revegetation,” Katelyn said.

The Reef Assist 2.0 project is funded through the Queensland Government’s $33.5 million Reef Assist program under the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and delivered by Cape York NRM and key delivery partners.