Feral pig and woody weed control programs are beginning in the Herbert catchment as Terrain NRM and its partners intensify efforts to improve water quality in a river system extending from west of Mt Garnet to the floodplain around Ingham.

Five projects are now being rolled out as the first stage of the Herbert Integrated Project’s on-ground works, and Terrain NRM Project Manager Fiona Barron said there were more to follow.

Council leads feral pig control program

One of the first is a feral pig management initiative led by Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

“Feral pigs are a major problem for the environment and also for the sugar cane industry and other farming industries in the Herbert,” Ms Barron said. “Pigs churn up soil and vegetation and damage wetlands and riverbanks, which releases nutrients and can spread pathogens.”

Hinchinbrook Shire Council will build on an existing control program by using emerging surveillance and control technologies, including AI-enabled cameras. A remote-triggering feral-tech trap door will also be trialled near a coastal community where traditional systems have been unsuccessful.

Woody weeds removal in Upper Herbert region

In the upper Herbert, stakeholders identified the thickening of invasive woody weeds, such as lantana, as a priority.

“Dense thickets of woody weeds are a problem for graziers because they lead to less soil protection and pasture,” Ms Barron said.

“Part of the project will involve working with graziers on trials of different burn approaches at different times of the year to determine the most effective way of tackling woody weeds so that we can share best practice with other landholders.”

Whole-of-farm and whole-of-catchment planning

Other projects include developing a whole-of-catchment management plan, supporting cane farmers through integrated whole-of-farm planning led by Herbert Cane Productivity Services Ltd, and synthesising past and present water quality monitoring data to better understand what’s happening across the catchment and help farmers and the wider community.

Circular economy, natural capital opportunities

There will also be a focus on circular economy opportunities and natural capital capacity-building within the Herbert catchment area.

Ms Barron said the Herbert Integrated Project was being driven by the community, and Terrain NRM was working with a wide range of partners and community groups.

“We have engaged widely with stakeholders across the upper and lower Herbert catchment to understand how the catchment can be managed as one integrated system – to not only improve water quality but also deliver broader community and landscape benefits,” she said.