Eco Barge Clean Seas, Australia

Here, in the Whitsunday Islands, volunteers are restoring a degraded riparian corridor -planting native trees, rebuilding habitat, and protecting water flowing to the reef.

Location

Jubilee Pocket, Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia

Main Biome

Tropical & Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests

Ha. Being Restored

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Overview

This Ecosystem Restoration Community is based at Eco Barge HQ in Jubilee Pocket in the Whitsundays, Queensland, within the Great Barrier Reef catchment. The site sits along a riparian corridor that ultimately drains into coastal waters connected to the Reef. Historically, parts of the land were cleared and modified, leaving sections of the riparian zone degraded and vulnerable to erosion and sediment runoff. This has reduced native biodiversity and increased the risk of sediment entering waterways that flow to the Great Barrier Reef.

Established in 2025 as part of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.’s broader environmental mission, the initiative builds on years of community-driven conservation work in the region. Their vision is a thriving, biodiverse landscape where healthy land supports clean water and a resilient Reef. Eco Barge’s mission is to restore native habitat, reduce sediment runoff, and strengthen community stewardship through hands-on action and education.

Through this project, they have planted more than 700 native trees and understory species, hosted over 20 volunteer planting days, and engaged more than 150 individuals in practical restoration and learning activities. Working in partnership with Whitsunday Catchment Landcare and following local environmental management guidelines, the team is rehabilitating the riparian zone to stabilise soils, improve water quality, and enhance habitat.

Community involvement is central to their approach. They aim to host over 500 local residents, schools, community groups, and Eco Barge volunteers participate in planting days, workshops, and guided walks. Educational signage and an accessible walking trail will create an ongoing environmental learning space, strengthening awareness of the vital link between healthy land, clean water, and marine protection.

Impact Story

Over the past six months, a once-cleared stretch of land has begun transforming into a thriving riparian habitat and living classroom. What was bare ground is now home to hundreds of native trees planted by caring hands from across our community. Volunteers have worked side by side, while tour guests have discovered how local restoration connects directly to the health of the Great Barrier Reef. Now a core Eco Barge conservation program, the seeds planted today will continue to grow -stabilising soils, improving water quality, restoring habitat, and protecting the Reef for years to come.

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Achievements

To date, riparian restoration efforts have seen more than 700 native trees and understory species planted across a previously cleared and degraded site at Eco Barge HQ. Through 22 dedicated planting days, around 50 volunteers have contributed directly to on-ground restoration works, helping to stabilise soil, improve riparian health, and reduce sediment runoff into waterways that flow to the Great Barrier Reef. The program has also engaged and educated more than 150 people, including tour guests, fostering greater community understanding of the link between land management, water quality, and marine ecosystem protection.

Partners

Whitsunday Catchment Landcare

Restoration Activities on Site

Tree planting
Erosion control
Habitat creation
Community building

Volunteer Facilities on Site

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Many Ecosystem Restoration Communities are using platforms to show how the work they’re doing on the ground is having a positive impact on the land and local biodiversity. If a Restor or iNaturalist logo is visible below, click through to view their impact on that platform.

Location

Main Biome

Ha. Being Restored

Overview

Impact Story

Volunteer your time at Eco Barge Clean Seas, Australia

Connect with this ERC

Achievements

Partners

Restoration Activities on Site

Volunteer Facilities on Site

Visualise this ERC's Impact

The Foundation

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