Reef Fest 2026 recap

More than 50 people attended Reef Fest 2026 in Cooktown to learn about the diverse mix of programs helping to improve the health of Great Barrier Reef catchments on Cape York Peninsula.

Held on 21 May and organised by Cape York NRM, the event highlighted current and past projects working to reduce sediment flow, improve water quality and protect Reef ecosystems, while bringing together scientists, Traditional Owners, rangers, government agencies and environmental organisations.

Reef Fest also demonstrated how the different components of the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program (Paddock to Reef program) work together to support healthier catchments, wetlands and reef systems.

The event took participants on a journey from land to sea, with presentations covering erosion control, wetland management and feral pig control before moving to coastal projects including sawfish monitoring and turtle nest protection. The day concluded with an overview of coral reef monitoring by visiting scientist Dr Mike Emslie from the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Traditional Owner groups including Lama Lama, Guugu Yimithirr, Dabu Jajikal, Juunjuuwarra and the Laura Rangers shared their experiences and on-ground work, highlighting the vital role Indigenous land and sea management plays in protecting Reef ecosystems.

Breaks between sessions provided valuable opportunities for Reef stakeholders to explore project displays, exchange ideas and build new connections across programs working throughout Cape York.

Belinda Thomson, Paddock to Reef Cross-Regional Coordinator, said bringing people together to share their work was one of the event's greatest strengths.

"Regional events like Cape York NRM’s Reef Fest are important for knowledge sharing, networking and linking government policy to the people delivering on-ground programs to manage our catchments and ecosystems. It’s also an opportunity for representatives from the Queensland Government to hear firsthand from project teams about the impact they are making to Reef health."

Cape York NRM’s Lauren O’Bryan said Reef Fest had successfully brought together different agencies, funding streams and on-ground delivery groups.

"The diversity of presentations demonstrated the range of projects and activities underway across Cape York, from on-ground management through to monitoring and research. It was encouraging to see such strong interest from participants, with excellent questions and discussion throughout the day."

Find out more about the Paddock to Reef program in our new guide, including information on catchments, key activities and practice change initiatives: https://www.capeyorknrm.com.au/resources-and-publications

The Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.

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