Recent Projects Showcase
Explore our latest projects, achievements and innovations in our Projects Showcase, where we highlight our recent Landcare Actions.
Grader Grass Control
Grader Grass control at Homevale National Park for Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service – an ongoing weed control program using selective herbicides to control and stop the spread of Grader Grass in one of our National Parks. Over 25km of roadsides were treated in 2 separate applications taking into account growth cycle of the grass.
Fiery Creek Carbon Offset
A large-scale revegetation project installing and establishing over 1,000 trees suitable for koala fodder. Irrigation and fencing to protect the new plants from grazing animals were also installed.
Clarke Creek Land Conservation Asset
Pest Survey and Management Activities – an extensive desktop and in field survey to assess pest flora and fauna within the Asset was undertaken. An ongoing program for control of invasive weeds was established as a quarterly intervention which included the use of drone herbicide application and a targeted approach to specific weed species.
Janes Creek Diversion
A revegetation and establishment project to replace and enhance riparian vegetation along Janes Creek where environmental disturbance had occurred through the expansion of the road network. Revegetation with over 500 native plants has assisted with reducing the flow of sediments and other pollutants into the Great Barrier Reef system, as well as providing habitat and screening homes from the new road.
Protected Plant Program
Bertya pedicellata is a small shrub, is currently known from several sites in the Brigalow Belt in Central Queensland and has a conservation status of rare. PCL has been nominated as the approved Recovery Team responsible for managing the impacts to Bertya pedicellata during the clearing of vegetation holding a healthy population of this species as part of the Milllenium to Carborough Overtaking Lanes Project managed by TMR. PCL is implementing a comprehensive protected plant translocation and propagation program to ensure a no net loss of the directly impacted Bertya pedicellata plants at the project site.
This Project Plan has been developed in accordance with the Guidelines for the Translocation of Threatened Plants in Australia (ANPC, 2018), as well as impact management plans and technical specifications. It also leverages key findings from previous trials and case studies.
To ensure the protection of this plant, PCL will utilise:
- Translocation – The careful excavation, transport, and re-establishment of up to 65 mature and juvenile Bertya pedicellata plants at a designated recipient site.
- Propagation – The production of new individuals through cuttings by staff and PCL volunteers.
Eton Range Fauna Crossing
Initial weed control for this overgrown site which had encroached on the fauna crossing logs was implemented. Re-planting and establishment of 450 koala fodder trees was undertaken by PCL staff. Tail cameras set up by our staff caught live images of feral cats. Trapping was executed with one cat being captured and removed to the Mackay Council’ Pound.
Bushland Maintenance
Mackay Regional Council Bushland Maintenance Program sees our staff providing scheduled maintenance of 17 Natural Area Assets located throughout the Mackay Local Government Area. These assets, include recreational parks, reserves for environmental feature remnant areas of bushland, riparian or coastal foreshore and estuarine vegetation.
Saltmarsh & Mangrove Surveys
PCL conducts saltmarsh and mangrove surveys across key coastal wetlands to support the protection and long-term health of these vital ecosystems. These surveys document vegetation condition, species composition, tidal influences, and the presence of invasive weeds, providing essential baseline and monitoring data to guide management decisions.
Wilderness Walk
A walk for mental health saw us guide a group of hikers on a 10km walk from Broken River to Eungella. The informal setting allowed many conversations about how important green space and our natural environment is to aid good mental health, as well as our staff guides having intimate knowledge of the specific flora and fauna which call the Eungella Highlands home.
Litter Monitoring – ReefClean
As part of the Tangaroa Blue Foundation’s ReefClean Project, PCL undertakes quarterly litter monitoring at Mackay Harbour Beach and the Pioneer River. The project aims to reduce marine debris and identify key sources of litter pollution. PCL Officers follow ReefCleans standardised methodology, using consistent 4 x 25m transects to systematically collect and audit litter at both sites. All data is submitted to the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database which is shared by over 2,000 partner organisations.
Pioneer River Restoration – Melba House
The Pioneer River Restoration Project at Melba House, supports ongoing habitat rehabilitation and community engagement along the Pioneer River at Marian. PCL is re-establishing native riparian vegetation to stabilise the riverbank, reduce erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat in an area of cultural and historic significance. Working alongside local volunteers, community groups, and council partners, the project showcases how practical, on-ground Landcare works can protect waterways, improve biodiversity, and create inviting natural spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy.
Pioneer Valley Rail Trail
The restoration of the old sugar railway into a walking, cycling, horse-riding trail for the community and tourists involved 8km of weed control and surface treatment. Glencore funded PCL staff members to undertake invasive weed control with the PVRT steering committee and volunteers enabling the trail to be open to the public in May 2025.
Broken River Platypus Count
Our annual platypus count at Broken River contributes to long term data collected by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. This year we guided year 12 students from an inner-city school on an excursion with a platypus count and interpreted bush walk through the rainforest. So many had never been to the forest before, or seen a platypus.
McEwens Beach
A coastal rehabilitation project driven by the Progress Association and funded by Mackay Regional Council. Over 2,500 native coastal scrub plants were installed by PCL staff, McEwen’s Beach residents, Mackay Council staff, Mayor and Councillors to help stabilise the dune in front of the small coastal community.
East Point Revegetation
PCL staff have worked collaboratively with Yuwi Land and Sea Rangers, Turtle Watch, Mackay Regional Council, and Reef Catchments to restore the Harbour dune system. Project activities have included controlling invasive weeds, installing fencing (supplied by Reef Catchments) to prevent vehicle access, and planting 350 native species to stabilise the dunes and create a natural barrier. These works are improving habitat quality for nesting turtles and shorebirds, while supporting long-term coastal resilience.
Riparian Restoration for Reef Health
Pioneer Catchment Landcare continues to plan, coordinate, and implement targeted on-ground works across key riparian zones within our operational area. These efforts aim to reduce sediment loads entering the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon from the Mackay–Whitsunday region, contributing to improved water quality and healthier marine ecosystems.
Through collaboration with landholders in the Pioneer Valley, our team has supported the remediation and revegetation of streambanks and riparian corridors. These works not only stabilise eroding banks and reduce fine sediment loss but also restore vital habitat and enhance the ecological resilience of our waterways.