On the Ground at Obi Obi –Science Meets Stewardship
Restoring Significant Waterways
Recently, BMRG’s Riverine Restoration team undertook a pivotal mission along a three-kilometre stretch of the Obi Obi Creek, part of the Mary River catchment. This site, which includes six streambank and two gully intervention areas, flows into the Great Barrier Reef catchment via the Mary River—making it a critical component of the broader Landscape Repair Programme (LRP).
Why the Obi Obi Creek Matters
The Mary River catchment is identified in the LRP as a high-priority sediment source area due to accelerated streambank erosion and its downstream impacts on reef health.
Restoration efforts here support sediment reduction targets aligned with the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan. These interventions also contribute to habitat recovery for priority species such as the Mary River Turtle and Australian Lungfish—both listed under national conservation legislation.
Mission Goals and Achievements
The team conducted comprehensive species assessments across four key sites, observing important fauna such as short-beaked echidna tracks and a white-bellied sea eagle—an apex predator and bioindicator of ecosystem health—alongside the Grey Goshawk, Whistling Kite, Eastern Great Egret, and many others.
In addition, drone-based mapping was carried out to produce ortho-mosaics—georeferenced, high-resolution image composites that enable spatially precise monitoring of ecological change. These tools are essential for tracking landscape condition over time and informing design modifications.
What the Data Tells Us
Drone imagery and field observations revealed notable streambank erosion since the last visit just two months ago. This highlights the urgent need for adaptive management within LRP projects. The data collected will inform a reassessment of intervention plans to ensure resilience against climatic variability and land-use pressures.
What Comes Next
Further ecological surveys, design revisions, and landholder engagement are on the horizon. These steps are fundamental to BMRG’s co-design approach, where Traditional Owners, scientists, engineers, and land managers collaborate to create sustainable, long-term solutions.
The Landscape Repair Program (LRP) is an Australian Government initiative, funded by the Australian government's Reef Trust between 2024 and 2030. This project is delivered by the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) and supported by project delivery partners and Traditional Owners.
Find out more: Landscape Repair Program — BMRG
