2025 Mitchell River Forum
FORUM REPORT
The Mitchell River Watershed Management Group is one of Australia’s oldest and most enduring community-led organisations focussed on the sustainable use and care of natural resources in a watershed. Formed in 1990 by elders from the community of Kowanyama, at the mouth of the mighty Mitchell, the group has been charged with being the “cockatoos at the top of the catchment,” ensuring that the five main rivers that make up this catchment are healthy, productive, and respected.
The Mitchell River Forum has become an annual event that attracts land managers, agencies, researchers, and community members to openly share their views, knowledge, concerns, threats, and opportunities.
This year’s Forum was held at the lovely Geraghty Park Community Hall, Julatten, on 11 October.
The forum opened with an acknowledgement of country requested by Chair Fiona Barron and provided by Trevor Meldrum.
First session
Gulf Savannah NRM: Regional Update
CEO Zoe Williams provided a comprehensive update of projects in the region. The GSNRM footprint encompasses the Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation Area, stretching west to the extensive grazing country to Georgetown and the Gilbert River, and north to the gulf savanna formed by the Mitchell River.
GSNRM is currently developing projects that have been funded by the $117M NRM Expansion program. Projects are specifically funded to achieve on ground results for weed control and protection of ecosystems dependent on the Great Artesian Basin.
There are projects being funded (finally!) as part of the TC Jasper recovery program, and again there is an emphasis on weed and feral pest management.
GSNRM have a number of projects running with Regional Delivery Partners, including Climate Smart Ag 1& 2, Northern Quolls, Priority Places program, and an Indigenous Participation project being coordinated by Natarsha Bell. Scott Morrison is the Regional Feral Pig Coordinator, facilitating access to traps and baits, and leading the coordination of regional control efforts.
Finally, there was a brief update on developments with GSNRM corporate governance. Further, Zoe noted that the organisation has made an ongoing commitment to a robust regional presence by purchasing staff housing at Georgetown and renewing the long-term lease arrangement at the historical offices.
PRESENTATION: https://www.mitchell-river.com.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/25-mrfoum-gsnrm.pdf
Mareeba Shire Pest Management Advisory Committee
Councillor Ross Cardillo provided a comprehensive review of the work of the Mareeba Shire PMAC (Pest Management Advisory Committee). The purpose of the PMAC is to The purpose of PMAC is to provide Council with strategic guidance on regional pest management, which includes reviewing the Mareeba Shire Community Biosecurity Plan, prioritising invasive species, sharing knowledge, and identifying funding opportunities.
The PMAC is convened by the Shire and is intended to assist with the coordination of management efforts across the Shire. Membership on the Committee includes Gulf Savannah NRM, as well as the Mitchell River Watershed Management Group, and the Julatten & Molly Association of Ratepayers and Residents.
The key project officer is Graham Winert, the senior Lands Protection Officer for the Shire. Graham provided additional information to the meeting about control of Amazon Frogbit, Gamba grass and pigs, in particular.
MORE INFO: https://msc.qld.gov.au/?s=PMAC