Members of Mackay’s Green Reserve will join Central Queensland University Environmental Science lecturer Judith Wake in replanting mangrove seedlings at a site adjacent to the Mackay Gas Turbine.

The joint CQU Centre for Environmental Management, Stanwell Corporation, Department of Primary Industries and Mackay City Council project will assist with revegetating the area that was contaminated with diesel in the early 1990s.

“Green Reserve volunteers helped collect seed from the mangroves on the site and plant them in nursery ponds constructed by DPI and Stanwell at the Pioneer Integrated Catchment Management Association nursery,” Dr Wake said.

“All the contaminated sediments were then removed from the site and replaced with clean fill and a new retaining wall constructed.” In a first for the Green Reserve, and supported by the Shell Coastal Volunteers program, the mangrove seedlings will be planted back into the clean fill at the site on March 1.

Dr Wake expected the seedlings would re-establish the previous mangrove ecosystem, providing valuable habitat for birds, fish and crabs and prevent erosion of the site.

“The revegetation project is an important step towards ensuring the sustained health of the region’s marine environment and improving our understanding of revegetation techniques.”.

Details about joining the Green Reserve can be obtained by telephoning 49510 933.