ROUS County Council has mapped more than 1,600 landslides and widespread erosion across the Richmond River catchment using LiDAR data and post-flood analysis.<\/p>\n
The work is part of a partnership with Griffith University aimed at restoring and protecting the river system.<\/p>\n
The research, led by Griffith University professor Andrew Brooks, analysed historical LiDAR imagery alongside post-flood 2022 datasets to pinpoint areas of major geomorphic change.<\/p>\n
The findings revealed an estimated 3.3 million cubic metres of erosion over the past decade, with significant impacts linked to major flood events in 2017 and 2022.<\/p>\n
Rous catchment and cultural awareness manager Anthony Acret said sediment build-up from channel erosion remained one of the most serious threats to local waterways.<\/p>\n
“When sediment flows into the rivers, it clouds the water and harms aquatic plants, fish, and overall water quality,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Many residents of the Northern Rivers who have seen the Wilsons and Richmond Rivers after a rain event will recognise this muddy colour.”<\/p>\n
“The study found most erosion is occurring in the upper and middle reaches of the catchment. These upstream impacts ultimately affect river and estuary health downstream.”<\/p>\n
Practical solutions such as revegetation, improving soil health and stabilising riparian zones will play a key role in reducing erosion.<\/p>\n
The project forms part of the Richmond River Coastal Management Program, a long-term strategy for the estuary.<\/p>\n
Rous is working in partnership with the state government and local councils across Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore, Kyogle and Richmond Valley.<\/p>\n
The study has been partially funded by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.<\/p>\n
Rous general manager Phillip Rudd said the council was committed to a catchment-wide approach.<\/p>\n
“Moving forward, we will share the detailed report and its findings with our partners and catchment stakeholders,” he said.<\/p>\n
“The report, titled ‘Sediment Pollution Sources to the Richmond River,’ is essentially a blueprint that will help us identify priority areas for erosion repair to reduce sediment entering the river as part of our long-term catchment health strategy.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ROUS County Council has mapped more than 1,600 landslides and widespread erosion across the Richmond River catchment using LiDAR data and post-flood analysis. The work is part of a partnership with Griffith University aimed at restoring and protecting the river system. The research, led by Griffith University professor Andrew Brooks, analysed historical LiDAR imagery alongside […]<\/p>\n