$1 million for Cape York to reduce sediment into Great Barrier Reef

The Palaszczuk Government is investing $1 million on Springvale Station to reduce erosion and prevent tonnes of sediment loss from the Normanby catchment in Cape York.

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said the investment went towards improving the health of the Normanby River catchment, which flows into the northern Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises that there are a large number of gullies on Springvale Station that require remediation to address significant erosion issues, and that is why we have developed the Erosion Management Plan,” Minister Enoch said.

“Rehabilitating Springvale Station represents a whole-of-catchment approach to managing a protected area and this is an important step in helping improve water quality within the Normanby River catchment, Princess Charlotte Bay and the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the remediation works carried out on Springvale Station would not compromise the property’s cultural and biophysical values.

“There will be an initial focus on road erosion and associated gully sites along Keetings Road between the homestead and Keetings Yard and adjacent alluvial gullies,” Ms Lui said.

“There are 195 hectares of mapped gullies within 500m of the property road network that can initially be targeted to significantly reduce sediment loss.”

Ms Lui said fire management, removal of cattle and pest, plant and animal control were also reducing the risk of sediment leaving the property.

“The 56,000 hectare property was purchased by the Palaszczuk Government in 2016 to add to the state’s protected area estate,” Ms Lui said.

“Queensland’s protected area estates are world-renowned for their diversity, unique flora and fauna, and breathtaking scenery.”

Springvale Station fast facts:

• The Palaszczuk Government purchased Springfield Station in May 2016 for $7 million to add to the protected area estate.
• The Palaszczuk Government is investing an additional $1 million in actions help to reduce erosion and sediment loss.
• Cattle removal and weed and feral animal control programs on Springvale Station are ongoing.
• The property supports a complex mosaic of vegetation communities represented by 52 regional ecosystems.

The Erosion Management Plan can be found at: www.qld.gov.au/environment/coasts-waterways/catchment-management/springvale-station

Media contact: 0437 859 987