General News
4 August, 2026
Waterways quality ‘steady’
THE Murray and South Johnstone catchments have received the lowest ratings – C – of any Wet Tropics waterway in a new report.
The coastal zones along the Cassowary Coast also received Cs in the latest Wet Tropics Waterway Health Report Card.
The report shows that ongoing efforts to improve land management, restore habitats and reduce runoff are playing a critical role in protecting rivers, estuaries and the Great Barrier Reef downstream.
Wet Tropics Waterways chairman Dr Simon Costanzo said the relatively stable results across the region reflected years of collaboration and investment across the region.
“The fact that grades have remained steady, despite repeated floods, storms and marine heatwaves, reflects the combined efforts of landholders, communities, governments and industry,” he said.
“Across the region, people are taking action – improving farming practices, restoring riparian vegetation and participating in clean-up and rehabilitation projects – and together it’s making a difference.”
On the Cassowary Coast, ratings for various waterways were either B or C.
Inshore south (between Lucinda and Kurrimine Beach) – overall C, water quality C, coral C, seagrass D habitat, fish N/A. The score for the south zone decreased from 47 to 41 and the grade remained ‘moderate’.
Murray River basin – overall C, water quality C, habitat and hydrology C, fish C. The grade for the Murray basin remained ‘moderate’ with the score increasing from 56 to 58
Tully River basin – overall B, water quality B, habitat and hydrology C, fish A. The Tully basin grade has remained ‘good’ with the score decreasing from 70 to 67
Johnstone River basin – overall B, water quality B, habitat and hydrology C fish B. The Johnstone basin grade has remained ‘good’ in 2024-25 and the score decreased from 66 to 65
Moresby estuary (around Mourilyan Harbour) – overall B, water quality B, habitat and hydrology C fish N/A. The Moresby estuary grade improved from ‘moderate’ to ‘good’ in 2024-25, with the score increasing from 55 to 63
Johnstone estuary – overall B, water quality B, habitat and hydrology C, fish N/A. The Johnstone estuary grade has remained ‘good’ and the score increased from 61 to 63.
AdvertisementRussell River – overall B, water quality B, habitat and hydrology C, fish A. The Russell Basin grade has remained ‘good’. The score was also unchanged at 76
Inshore central (from Port of Mourilyan to Cairns) – overall C, water quality B, coral C, seagrass and fish N/A. The score for the central zone increased from 54 to 55 and the grade remained ‘moderate’.
Based on 11 years of monitoring, Dr Costanzo said the report card was providing valuable insights into long-term trends.
“With more than a decade of consistent, independent monitoring, we can look beyond seasonal fluctuations and better understand how our waterways are faring over time,” he said.
“So far, they seem to be holding ground, which highlights how important it is for everyone to stay focused on taking action.”
While the overall picture is one of resilience, the report also highlights the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather events.
Heavy rainfall and widespread flooding in the southern Wet Tropics increased sediment and nutrient runoff that extended into coastal waters.
Rainfall totals for February 2025 exceeded two metres in the lower Herbert region, triggering significant flooding around Ingham.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the report card showed the value of long-term partnerships between communities, industry and government to protect the health of Wet Tropics waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.
“Nobody loves the Reef more than Queenslanders and these results are encouraging because they show the positive impact of practical, on-ground action to improve and protect water quality,” he said. Mr Powell said the state government had invested a record $330.5 million to improve Great Barrier Reef water quality and support action across Reef catchments, because healthy waterways were essential to a healthy Reef.
For more visit www.observer.s.gy/VjG1mH
Read More: Cassowary Coast