Aerial view helps to plan

The Burdekin Landscape Repair project is moving from planning to action, with on-ground works now underway to address erosion and improve land management across the Burdekin.

Taking a landscape-scale approach, the project team is combining data, technology and local knowledge to identify where practical changes can deliver the greatest impact.

The team has been working with landholders across 106,000 hectares identified for practice change improvements, with 10 properties now having plans in place to guide actions to improve land management, reduce erosion and limit runoff to waterways flowing to the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a solid start but there’s a long way to go.

This dry season, several projects are already putting those plans into action. New fencing and water infrastructure will help landholders improve grazing management, protect vulnerable areas and make better use of available pasture.

Strategically placed fences and watering points reduce selective grazing, encourage more even pasture utilisation and reduce pressure on degraded areas. These improvements will support healthier pastures, improved land condition and more resilient grazing systems and are an essential first step in repairing gully and streambank erosion sites.

Grazing Team Leader Carleigh Drew said the approach builds on decades of experience in the region, showing that good land management starts with looking at the whole landscape.

“Rather than fixing one gully here and then another one 200 kilometres away, we’re looking at the whole picture, and finding solutions that get to the heart of what’s causing those gullies in the first place,” Carleigh said.

“We use LiDAR and satellite data to see where erosion is occurring across the landscape, then combine that with what landholders know about their country. By understanding their goals, challenges and vision for their land and businesses, we can target action where it will deliver the greatest benefit.

“Most of these planning principles aren’t new to the industry. The Burdekin Landscape Repair project is about respecting the time and commitment it takes to turn a plan into meaningful action, and investing in changes that make sense for everyone.

“There’s no silver bullet, so being able to really think and work together about what options fit each business is critical.”