The Challenge

Fine sediment flowing from eroding land onto the Great Barrier Reef smothers coral and fishes, creates algal blooms and weakens the reef’s ability to recover from the impacts of climate change like coral bleaching.

The Burdekin River Catchment is estimated to deliver almost 50% of the total sediment that makes its way into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Ninety percent of the fine clay particles that end up in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon come from the land, predominantly from eroding gullies and stream banks. Research indicates that the gullies targeted have exported on average 956 tonnes per ha since 1945. That’s a staggering 550,000 tonnes sediment over that period with 65% capable of being suspended and delivered to the Great Barrier Reef.

The Solution

In partnership with the Queensland Government’s Great Barrier Reef Innovation Fund and Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Greening Australia is trialling and evaluating different gully restoration techniques, building on existing research and initiatives. Trials have shown that restoring gullies can reduce sediment on the Great Barrier Reef by up to 98% in less than three years.

Greening Australia is leading this critical project in the Burdekin area and Bowen in North Queensland, restoring 150 hectares of gullies. The project is trialling restoration of heavily eroded gullies on a large scale, providing valuable data to inform the restoration of other areas and give wildlife a helping hand.

Greening Australia is also working with landholders to implement treatment techniques based on the latest scientific and practical methods to achieve lasting reductions in the amount of sediment flowing out to the reef to help it recover and thrive.