LANDSCAPE REMEDIATION
BELMORE DOWNS
Restoring an erosion hotspot to reduce 5,703 tonnes of annual sediment loss
SITE 1
SITE 2
Remediation targeted seven rapidly expanding gullies within a 19-hectare alluvial gully complex along a tributary of the Bowen River, 1.5km upstream of its confluence. These gullies were contributing an estimated 5,703 tonnes of fine sediment each year.
Project-managed by Neilly Group Engineering, local contractors carried out the on-ground work, including reshaping the gullies and installing 12 rock chutes to halt further erosion. Works also included overland flow diversion bunds to prevent the gullies from expanding, and check dams to slow water flow.
The area was revegetated with pasture and legume species to promote healthy ground cover and to help stabilise the site longterm.
The idea was to stop the gullies from growing, reduce sediment loss, and improve water quality— and it’ s working. So far, monitoring shows better vegetation growth, healthier soils, less erosion, and fewer sediments ending up in the water.
It’ ll take more time to see the full long-term benefits, but the early signs are promising. The site is being monitored and is an example of how smart design and earthworks can turn things around.
Thorough assessments guide technical design process
This remediation work aimed to identify effective, long-term control measures for reducing alluvial gully erosion and associated sediment and nutrient export. Extensive groundwork was completed before on-ground works began, including:
• Cultural heritage surveys and impact assessments.
• Approvals for vegetation clearing and waterway barriers.
• Flora and fauna surveys.
• Soil sampling and mapping.
• Detailed construction designs.
Lyndall Marshall, of Faunalink Ecological, left, and Neilly Group Principal Environmental Scientist Kristina Ihme, conducting a flora and fauna survey on Belmore Station before remediation works begin.
A cultural heritage survey and impact assessment being conducted on Belmore Downs in consultation with the Birriah People to address NQ Dry Tropics’ obligations and cultural heritage duty of care under the Queensland Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003( ACHA).
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