Healthier habitats in focus thanks to award-winning drain project

Townsville City Council has proven what’s possible with a little “next life thinking”, turning a weed-infested suburban drain into a thriving waterway ecosystem and nabbing a national sustainability award in the process.

The Bushland Beach Channel Naturalisation and Applied Circular Economy Project, first launched in 2022, delivered a green corridor along Peggy Banfield Drive designed to filter, slow, store and heal stormwater before it reaches the Bohle River.

This process supports the recreational fishing grounds of Halifax Bay, and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area.

The project recently received the National Award for Excellence in Erosion and Sediment Control from the International Erosion Control Association (IECA).

Council Chief Sustainability Officer Greg Bruce said the project was underpinned by a bold new approach to environmental management and sustainability, turning “otherwise waste” like green waste, dredge spoil, land and water weeds and organics into living infrastructure.

It was an extensive project that resulted in measurable water quality improvement and significant environmental and local recreational benefits for the immediate vicinity as well as downstream all the way to the Reef.

Council Chief Sustainability Officer Greg Bruce

Mr Bruce said delivering a biodiverse, self-sustaining waterway filled with freshwater fish in place of a failed drain provided maintenance cost savings for ratepayers as well as better environmental outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef.

“As a part of the project we planted 97,000 local native species consisting of trees, grasses and sedges, all of which had a very impressive 97 per cent survival rate despite the terrible local soils and delivering a national ‘first-of-its-kind’ outcome,” he said.

“It was an extensive project that resulted in measurable water quality improvement and significant environmental and local recreational benefits for the immediate vicinity as well as downstream all the way to the Reef.

“We are very proud of the outcome, as well as the national interest generated across the community, businesses, and erosion control and stormwater industry.”

Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the project’s national recognition by the IECA indicated the city was emerging as a leader in environmental management and holistic “whole of life” sustainability.

“One of the goals of Council’s Corporate Plan is to deliver a sustainable and resilient city, and we have a keen focus actively minimising our carbon footprint, regenerating landscapes and ensuring water security,” Cr Greaney said.

“Projects like this one at Bushland Beach is this goal in action, and we are very proud of securing a national award as recognition.

“Congratulations to all those at Council who made this possible, and all the partners across the city and region – it is another feather in the cap of our leadership as innovators and leading environmental managers here in North Queensland.”

The Bushland Beach Channel Naturalisation and Applied Circular Economy Project was delivered by Council’s sustainability and civil works teams, alongside the Reef Assist Program (DETSI - Office of the Great Barrier Reef) and relevant Business and First Nations Partners, local contractors, nurseries, and the broader community.