BHP

BHP has partnered with Greening Australia on several different projects and initiatives over the years, most notably projects working together with First Nations communities in the Pilbara region (including supporting the development of ALEP guides).

BHP is currently partnering on Project LEAF (Leaf Enhanced Air Filtration) with Greening Australia, Curtin University, Town of Port Hedland and local First Nations enterprises Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation, IBN Services and Yurra (part-owned by Yindjibarndi People).

Project LEAF is an innovative science-led project in Western Australia’s Pilbara using native vegetation barriers to reduce dust and improve air quality in Port Hedland, Western Australia.

Planting the Project LEAF demonstration site in Port Hedland, WA.

The planting design configuration is based on computational fluid dynamics modelling and wind tunnel experiments completed by Curtin University.

A demonstration site of 5,000 seedlings was first planted to test the design and determine the best suited plant species. With the demonstration site showing strong growth, the remainder of the vegetation buffer has since been planted.

All plants are locally native Pilbara species and include species with structures that perform best for dust reduction. In total, the vegetation barrier has seen more than 150,000 seedlings planted and 5,000 cubic metres of mulch spread to cover 7 hectares, spanning approximately 2.3km.

The Project LEAF team preparing to plant seedlings to extend the vegetation barrier. The demonstration planting can be seen growing strong in the background to the left.

Besides acting as a dust buffer, the vegetation barrier will also deliver benefits by providing a visual screen between industrial and residential areas, while showcasing the Pilbara’s incredibly diverse native plant species.
 
Get in touch if you are interested in partnering with Greening Australia on nature-based solutions that create healthier, more productive landscapes for people and nature.