Work to repair land in the Burnett-Mary region is delivering significant benefits for the environment, marine life and water quality.
The Australian Government's $200 million Landscape Repair Program is funding six projects.
These projects are repairing land across the Reef catchment. They aim to reduce sediment run-off and improve Reef water quality.
The projects are delivering co-benefits for:
- healthy landscapes
- important habitats
- wildlife, including threatened species
- Traditional Owner partnerships.
In the Burnette-Mary region, the Burnette Mary Regional Group (BMRG) is delivering a flagship sediment reduction initiative.
The BMRG Landscape Repair Program will run from 2024 to 2030. It spans the Mary, Burnett, Kolan, Burrum and Baffle catchments.
The program focuses on repairing riverine streambank erosion. It is delivering coordinated, evidence based sediment reductions in priority areas.
Traditional Owner involvement is embedded throughout the program. This includes:
- co-design
- cultural heritage assessments on-ground delivery
- ongoing monitoring.
The program aims to reduce 18,000 tonnes of fine sediment from reaching the Reef each year. The Burnett Site will contribute approximately 10,000 tonnes a year alone. It is also restoring native habitats, improving long-term catchment health and land productivity.
In the Lower Burnett River, the program is already starting to show results.
- Thriving native cover grasses and trees have transformed a steep cut-back riverbank into a gently sloping flood resilient one.
- The site is now a healthier, more resilient landscape.
- It is supporting wildlife habitat and water quality improvements.
- The site work will ensure stronger riverbanks into the future.
The Taribelang Bunda Aboriginal Corporation (TAC) are one of four Traditional Owner groups in the Bundaberg region, and a key partner in this program. The Taribelang Bunda Rangers played a key role in success at this site. The Rangers planted 14,000 native trees and shrubs. They will deliver ongoing maintenance to ensure the young plants and the overall site could flourish.
The newly reprofiled riverbank may also provide an important habitat for White-throated Snapping Turtles that hatched during the most recent nesting season.
The project is delivered by BMRG and supported by project delivery partners and Traditional Owners.
