General News
18 January, 2025
Looking after great wonder
TWO roads in the Cassowary Coast which contributed to more than 200 tonnes of sediment degrading the Great Barrier Reef each year have been upgraded.
It included sealing and widening a 1.2km stretch of Warrami Rd and renewing existing drainage at a cost of $750,000.
Under the Reef Guardian Councils’ action plan, Blackman Rd, also at Warrami, has undergone significant improvements designed to protect the road and surrounding ecosystems during flooding events, with a focus on reducing erosion and managing stormwater run-off more effectively.
The upgrades involved modifications to the road design and water flow management systems, specifically aimed at reducing surface scour and minimising material loss during major flood events.
Division 5 Councillor Jeff Baines said that in July 2024, a 2km stretch of Blackman Rd received rehabilitation and stabilisation.
“Previously, the road experienced scouring and flooding issues, which deposited sediment and gravel, contributing to runoff that affected the adjacent nationally listed wetlands and waterways in the Wet Tropics,” he said.
“(The) council partnered with Reef Guardian Councils to develop strategies focused on protecting the environment and minimising the harmful impact of sediment on our ecosystem.”
The upgrades included lowering the road to accommodate natural floodplain flows and stabilising areas adjacent to existing floodways.
“The Blackman Rd project is expected to reduce sediment run off by up to 200 tonnes per event and mitigate the impact of larger storm-based erosion events,” said Cr Baines.
“(The) council will continue to monitor the road’s performance, especially as we head into the wet season, to ensure its effectiveness and adjust if necessary,” he said.
The project is part of the council’s unsealed road improvement plan and the Reef Guardian Councils’ action plan, which aim to improve road formation and drainage designs while addressing challenges in the Wet Tropics Road network.
Funding for this project has been provided to Cassowary Coast Regional Council from the Australian Government to enable Reef Guardian Councils to deliver projects and activities identified in their Reef Action Plans.
CASSOWARY Coast Council’s Reef Guardian Councils’ action plan has resulted in a wide variety of environmental initiatives come to life over the past year.
They include:
The collection of 3.5 tonnes of marine debris over six community beach clean-up events across the Cassowary Coast region
Solar power infrastructure installation currently underway at Cardwell Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Innisfail Shire Hall
Sealing and stabilising 2km of Blackman and Warrami roads to prevent an annual loss of more than 200 tonnes of sediment out to the Reef
Seagrass restoration collaborative efforts in Mourilyan Harbour led with James Cook University (JCU) and Traditional Owners
The Kurrimine and Cowley foreshore management plan adopted in September 2024 to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection in these key beachside communities
Warrina Lakes wetlands restoration planning underway for the rejuvenation of the wetland ecosystem.
