The Burdekin Landscape Repair project is hitting its stride, following months of behind-the-scenes planning and prioritisation. 

The first half of 2025 has been dedicated to developing strategies to protect soil and improve landscape condition across the Burdekin region.

This important groundwork culminated in the project’s Steering Group meeting in June.

One of the first major focus areas is the Black River, where several streambank sites have been selected for erosion control works. These sites are now with the Burdekin Landscape Repair Steering Committee for approval to progress to tender, with Requests for Quote (RFQs) expected to be released in August. 

On-ground works are scheduled to begin in early 2026. Additional site investigations, such as geotechnical assessments and LiDAR surveys, will be carried out by Neilly Group Environmental Engineering to finalise planning and inform construction.

Landholder input remains a priority. A group consultation opportunity will be offered on Sunday 17 August, along with options for individual follow-ups.

Landholders will be contacted directly via phone and email, and provided with concept designs and background information.

As part of gaining momentum, NQ Dry Tropics’ Grazing Team has expanded with four new team members on board. You can expect to see them out and about across the region over the coming months. If you cross paths with them, don’t hesitate to say hello.

To support the team’s technical capacity, grazing specialists recently hosted a two-day property planning workshop with Rod Kerr, renowned for his practical approach to land management. 

Local graziers Dan and Tash Standford joined the event, sharing their experience and insights adding to the momentum.

The group visited Mt Cataract to see Stanford’s planning in action, sparking valuable conversations about how property planning can unlock new possibilities and perspectives.

These activities signal a strong and steady start to the Burdekin Landscape Repair project, laying the groundwork for effective on-ground action in the months ahead.

Working Group to guide our approach to tackling sediment

The Burdekin Landscape Repair Project Regional Working Group met in June to help guide NQ Dry Tropics to deliver a six-year initiative to reduce fine sediment runoff into the Great Barrier Reef by 41,000 tonnes annually.

Discussions focused on the project’s integrated approach, including:

• Targeted streambank and gully works
  Remediation efforts will be clustered around high-priority sites to maximise environmental impact and reduce costs. Site visits to assess the first remediation clusters will take place in the coming months.
• Capacity building
  Empowering local engineers, contractors, landholders, and Traditional Owners is key to the project’s success. This approach not only supports culturally appropriate land management but also boosts regional jobs, productivity, and collaboration.

The group also received updates on the review of the Burdekin Water Quality Improvement Plan and the Reef 2050 WQIP to ensure efforts align with both regional and Reef-wide water quality goals.