Dig large, deep holes in your backyard, line with concrete then fill with water … Next, add some gravel and sand, several varieties of fish, plants and vegetables.

Allan Small describes a visit to an amazing backyard by Mossman Branch in April

As the water slowly recirculates through the system of ponds, the fish grow larger – some are vegetarians, others are not – their “waste” nutrients nourish the island-like garden beds before the water is filtered through a reedy “wetland” to recommencing the cycle.

It’s taken Sue and Steve Macrae considerable research, time and innovation to fine tune their aquaponic backyard at Wonga Beach, north of Port Douglas. Aquaponics, Sue explained, is a blending of two systems, aquaculture and hydroponics, each of which benefits the other.

Sue showed a large audience from Mossman Branch of Rare Fruit Australia, plus keen gardening visitors from the area, how their aquaponics system was still under construction, and would be further expanded. The system conserves water and provides organic growing. Fortunately, she said, their backyard was quite sandy, which greatly assisted during the excavation phase. Strategically placed rocks and driftwood are adding to the system’s ambience