Herbert Gully Erosion Project | Herbert River Catchment

HERBERT GULLY & GRAZING PROJECT

IMPROVING LAND & REEF

Overview

This project is stopping thousands of tonnes of fine sediment from reaching the Great Barrier Reef each year through engineered erosion solutions and improved land management practices on cattle stations in the Herbert River catchment.

Background

The Herbert catchment is a top-three priority catchment for sediment reduction in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef zone. Sediment is one of the major pollutants affecting the Reef. Gully erosion, and leaking tailings dams from historical mining sites on grazing land, are an issue in this catchment.

Solutions

Earthworks to reshape erosion hotspots
Fencing and new watering points to keep stock from stream banks
Revegetation
Workshops for landholders

Locations

The Herbert River catchment extends 288km from the Atherton Tablelands to the coast at Ingham, north of Townsville.

Funders

This project is funded through the Australian Government’s Reef Trust IV program.

Partners

Landholders
Local contractors and service providers

Achievements so far

Across all sites, sediment savings now total 2000+ tonnes each year
Major earthworks on 4 cattle stations (e.g. rock chutes, bund walls, a basin)
15 workshops, engaging landholders on grazing naturally and soil health
14km of fencing and new watering points to keep stock off stream banks
4 hectares of revegetation across three remediation sites
Woodleigh Station named Queensland’s ‘Reef Champion – Sediment’ Award winner for erosion control work in 2019

For an overview of the project, view this (5 minute) video: