On The Land
1 November, 2025
Barron River carers celebrate 30 yrs
THIRTY years ago, a group of quiet achievers joined forces to form Barron Catchment Care in recognition of the need to coordinate efforts and protect the vital Barron River.
The initial group comprised community groups, farmers, businesses and government departments committed to protecting and enhancing the river as it snaked its way from the upper Tablelands to the coast; a 165km lifeblood of the region.
Three decades on, the group has accumulated an impressive list of projects and partners.
They range from working with the Cairns Airport on a multi-million dollar “Green Corridor” program to partnering with local councils to slow down stormwater runoff from new subdivisions, and rainforest restoration with Terrain NRM.
Thousands of trees have been planted, community education events held, and farmers introduced to sustainable farming practices.
“The river and its catchment have seen some big changes over the years,” Barron Catchment Care chair Bryony Barnett said.
“Farmers are the ultimate adaptation experts.
“With the growth of large-scale sugar cane, bananas and avocados, they have adopted new machinery, technology and practices.
“As a group, we have to change too.
“This year we are saying goodbye to several long-standing members including the former chair Brian Down, secretary Case Schoorl and treasurer Margaret Cochrane.”
Collectively, the trio had dedicated more than 80 years to the Barron River and will be honoured for their contribution at a special 30th anniversary event in Atherton on 12 November.
The group is actively recruiting new members to continue the Barron Catchment Care legacy for decades to come.
Ms Barnett is encouraging long-term locals to get involved, and the many new residents to the region so they can learn about the best land management practices for the Barron.
“We know from experience that landholders and groups will happily take on projects to improve the health of the river - but they often need support in the form of training or resources,” she said.
Barron Catchment Care’s vast array of successful projects are many and varied including:
Green Corridor revegetation program
Best Management Practices for mixed cropping
Soil conservation plans for mixed crop farms
Restoring and linking Mabi forest remnants
Tilapia Busters fishing competition
Feral pig control
Hymenachne weed removal
Turbina weed mapping and removal
Contour banks and sediment basins on farms
Slowing the flow of stormwater to reduce erosion from urban subdivisions, and
Owl boxes to control rodents.
The group’s latest initiative, funded by the Queensland Government through the Department of Primary Industries, is a workshop on 19 November on using drone mapping to monitor erosion-prone areas, vegetation, weeds and waterways.
For more information about Barron Catchment Care contact Bryony on 0407 115 402.
