Revegetation of the Kolan River bank in Bundaberg is underway, as part of an Australian Government funded Reef Trust project.
The project aims to prevent 7000 tonnes of sediment from entering the Great Barrier Reef each year.
Sediment run-off is a major contributor to poor water quality on the Reef. Sediment can smother coral and impact on light-dependent plants and animals.
The Kolan River project is being run by the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG).
The project has helped to restore and stabilise the large riverbank to control erosion and significantly reduce sediment run-off.
The left bank of the Kolan River had moved up to 70 metres between 1959 and 2020 due to the loss of mangroves and riparian vegetation.
The revegetation work will address this and is being undertaken by the Indigenous-owned enterprise Gidarjil Development Corporation.
It has involved a range of other partners, including consultants and businesses who assisted with providing mulch and earthmoving services.
The revegetation will help restore the Kolan River to its natural form. It will also ensure the project continues to deliver benefits for the environment and marine life.
The landowner, Bundaberg Sugar, will also benefit from erosion control preventing further loss of sugarcane production.
This is one of many Australian Government Reef Trust projects that are helping to improve water quality and protect the Great Barrier Reef.
