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Improving roads and tracks

Published 29 September 2023 Reducing sediment runoff into waterways from gravel roads and tracks by works such as road sealing.
content image Road projects will reduce run-off from unsealed rural roads and tracks into adjacent sensitive waterways.

Overview

Why is this project important?

Unsealed or poorly drained roads and tracks contribute to sediment entering our coastal rivers and lakes.

Excess sediment in our waterways can smother habitats in our creeks, rivers and estuaries including seagrass and saltmarsh, and can also have a negative impact on oyster production and aquatic life.

This project is focussed on sealing and improving the drainage of roads and tracks to reduce the amount of sediment reaching our waterways and improve the health of our rivers, streams and estuaries.

What are delivering through this project?

This project delivers upgrades to roads and tracks to reduce erosion along waterways in priority catchments in three key locations.

Key activities conducted under this project include:

  • sealing track and roads
  • drainage improvements,
  • erosion and sediment controls on unused roads.

"Improving roads and tracks can have a substantial impact on the amount of road base entering waterways. Over the previous 5 years the Richmond River has benefited from over 2000 tonnes of road base being prevented from entering the estuary per flood event.” Shaun Morris NCLLS

Related projects

Improving roads and tracks is one of four Local Lands Services projects funded under the Marine Estate Management Strategy to improve water quality of targeted coastal rivers.

Related NSW Local Land Services projects include Riverbank vegetation improvements and Riverbank stabilisation and Clean Coastal Catchments on-ground.

You can also find out more about these projects on the LLS website.

Locations

Works are being undertaken within the priority areas of:

North Coast Local Land Services Region

Emigrant Creek Sub-catchment in the Richmond catchment

South East Local Land Services Region

Various priority catchments from Wollongong to Eden, including Shoalhaven, Lake Illawarra, Crooked River, Tuross, Moruya, Tilba, Wagonga, Wallaga, Bermagui, Wapengo, Bega, Merimbula and Pambula catchments.

Hunter Local Land Services Region

Various priority locations in mid-north coast catchments, including areas in The Branch River, Wallamba River, Lansdowne River and the Manning River around Pampoola and Gloucester.


Local government areas - Ballina Shire Council, Bega Valley Shire Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Kiama Municipal Council, MidCoast Council, Richmond Valley Council, Shellharbour City Council, Shoalhaven City Council

Lead agency

Local Land Services (LLS)

Partners

Our partners include:

  • Macadamia growers
  • Beef farmers and rural residential landholders
  • Dairy farmers
  • Oyster growers
  • Ballina Shire Council
  • MidCoast Council
  • NSW Water Research Laboratory
  • Soil Conservation Service
  • Eurobodalla Council
  • Bega Valley Shire Council
  • Shoalhaven Council
  • Kiama Council
  • Shellharbour Council
  • Wollongong Council
  • National Parks and Wildlife Service
  • Local Aboriginal Land Councils

More information

Fact sheet - Reducing water pollution (PDF, 1402.25 KB)

Media release: Sealing of South Coast road benefits local river environment - Local Land Services

Media release: Road seal upgrades improve water quality to catchments - Bega Valley Shire Council (nsw.gov.au)

Video:  A coordinated approach to reducing pollution in the Richmond River

Our Initiatives

Initiative
Water quality and litter
Status
Current

Contacts

North Coast Local Land Services

Name
Shaun Morris, Senior Land Services Officer
Send email

Hunter Local Land Services

Name
Michael Barberie, Senior Land Services Officer
Send email

South East Local Land Services

Name
Leanna Moerkerken, Senior Land Services Officer
Send email

Other contacts

QUICK LINK - Video: A coordinated approach to reducing pollution in the Richmond River

 A wide river with trees. A structure made from logs crossed assists with erosion.
Tile with images of road befoer and after.

Project updates

Works completed on Bega River log wall

8 March 2021

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Sealing of South Coast road benefits local river environment

18 July 2023

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Emigrant Creek project wins prestigious soil saving award

18 November 2022

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Paving the way for better water quality

18 December 2019

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Cooperation is key to Richmond River projects

18 December 2019

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