More than 20 participants from a range of different environmental and water quality management groups benefited from a workshop and presentation at CQUniversity Mackay during the first day of the Healthy Waterways Symposium.

Representatives from Reef Catchments, Pioneer Landcare Catchment, Mackay Regional Council and BioSecurity gathered to hear from CQUniversity's Dr Larelle Fabro who spoke on stratification and sampling methodologies in wetland environments.

CQUniversity's Dr Leo Duivenvoorden conducts the plant identification session for Michelle Field (Reef Catchments), Carlos Forrente (Griffith Uni), Claire Bartron (Reef Catchments) and Peter Alden (Biosecurity Queensland). Dr Leo Duivenvoorden, also from CQUniversity presented on wetland classifications, processes and natural conditions before demonstrating a hands on aquatic plant identification session.

The session provided relevant information for those involved in identifying weeds and plants within wetland environments.

Participants involved in the identification session benefited by receiving information on a variety of plants and weeds commonly found in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.

The Symposium will continue until June 15 and will include information on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Monitoring Program, achievements in sustainable agriculture through the Reef Rescue program and Project Catalyst and investigations into the effectiveness of engineered log jams in reducing streambank erosion to the Great Barrier Reef.

Dr Siwan Lovett, expert in science communication for river and waterway management will be keynote speaker during the symposium.  
Dr Larelle Fabro of CQUniversity speaks about stratification and sampling methodoligies.