Strathmore – NQ Gas gully site: working together to tackle erosion
GRAZING SERVICES
It wasn’ t just about theory, either. Practical solutions like installing stick dams and leaky weirs as early interventions stood out as affordable and effective options.
“ We’ ve made some changes to our maintenance methods as a result,” Cameron said.
“ We’ re now better placed to spot early signs of erosion and apply best-practice fixes before problems become worse. We can share that knowledge with others in the team.”
Worley Project Supervisor Anatol Stremouchiw agreed that ongoing learning was crucial.
“ Having access to expert advice and science-backed plans thanks to John Day and NQ Dry Tropics has helped us make informed decisions that protect both the pipeline and the surrounding environment,” Anatol said.
The North Queensland Gas Pipeline, operated by Worley under a field services agreement, crosses three major catchments, including the Bowen, Broken, and Bogie( BBB) catchment areas, where even small-scale erosion can have a big impact downstream.
The spin-off benefit for Worley has been a more skilled and environmentally-aware workforce, ready to apply what they’ ve learned across the landscape. It’ s a win for the land, land managers and the Great Barrier Reef.
It was also in line with the goals of the program( Landholders Driving Change), which was to involve not only graziers, but all land managers, like the team at Worley, to build a culture of stewardship and contribute to real, catchment-scale change.
Strathmore – NQ Gas gully site: working together to tackle erosion
NQ Dry Tropics partnered with NQ Gas to address a growing erosion issue threatening gas infrastructure on Strathmore Station, near Collinsville.
The collaboration focused on sharing knowledge and exploring practical solutions that NQ Gas could implement independently. While no funding was provided for design or construction, NQ Dry Tropics field staff worked closely with NQ Gas to inspect the site, assess erosion risks, and estimate sediment loss.
The gully formed at the top of a dam and had steadily encroached on the NQ Gas easement. Water spilling from the dam had also triggered erosion downstream, compounding the issue. Without intervention, the gully was expected to expand further upslope, potentially leading to dam spillway failure and more damage.
To stablise the areas, NQ Gas, with support from engineers and local contractors, delivered targeted remediation works:
• A rock chute was constructed to slow water flow and halt gully head erosion.
• A properly designed spillway was constructed to manage runoff safely.
• Check dams were installed to capture sediment and support vegetation regrowth.
• The site was rehabilitated through soil treatments and seeding to restore ground cover.
To support ongoing recovery, the Strathmore Station landholder implemented a grazing management plan to help maintain the site’ s condition in the long term.
This partnership highlights the power of collaboration, demonstrating how industry and land managers could work together to protect infrastructure, preserve productive land, and improve environmental outcomes.
Caitlin Mill, Field Officer, Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee holds a metre staff while a gully is surveyed.
The remediation works proved effective following the wet season, and the revegetation process is underway.
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