The objectives of the project were to implement an innovative and practical gully management approach , on up to 10 properties , to :
1 . Remediate gullies on productive soils across the co-operating properties .
2 . Test and develop suitable techniques for use on a wider range of soil types ( such as dispersive or sodic ) and gully structures .
3 . Encourage spatially-connected properties to adopt successful techniques .
4 . Monitor , document and communicate successful implementation of the approach for broader adoption in other projects and across the Burdekin .
5 . Provide training opportunities for graziers to better understand practical and cost-effective methodologies to remediate gully systems .
Objective 1 : Remediate gullies on productive soils - manage gullies on productive soils across a target of five properties .
Targeted actions included :
• Fencing 40ha of gullies and controlling stock access ( project total of 160ha ).
• Short duration , high density cattle impact followed by periods of recovery with no cattle access . Short duration grazing will be applied 2-3 times per annum .
• Revegetation of perennial grasses across 120ha of the gully contributing sub-catchments , including the use of planned grazing practices for improved botanical composition and ground cover of pastures ( project total of 480ha ).
• Managing road and fence line drainage ( project total of 5km ), installing runoff diversion banks or contour ripping and fencing ( project total of 50ha ), as suitable for specific sites .
• Sampling at five sites in conjunction with DAF .
Objective 2 . Test and develop suitable techniques for use on a wider range of soil types - at six active gully features on the initial properties .
Targeted actions included :
• Fencing 60ha in total ( six sites ) of gullies and controlling stock access ( project total of 160ha ).
• Undertaking site works based on the most successful gully remediation techniques demonstrated at the trial and other relevant sites , including , where relevant , the management of riparian areas .
• Remediation treatments including : o 18 porous check dams for erosion stabilisation ; o three gully head cut stabilisation structures constructed for erosion stabilisation ; o three highly active gullies regraded or shaped ; and
o six soil treatment and replenishment on exposed sodic subsoils using gypsum , compost and seeded grass .
• Revegetation of perennial grasses across 180ha of the gully contributing sub-catchments , including the use of planned grazing practices for improved botanical composition and ground cover of pastures ( project total of 480ha ).
• Managing road and fence line drainage ( project total of 5km ), installing runoff diversion banks or contour ripping and fencing ( project total of 50ha ), as suitable for specific sites .
• Monitoring and sampling at three sites by DAF .
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