The NSW Government, through the North Coast Local Land Services, is working with Ballina Shire Council to stop thousands of tonnes of dirt and sediment entering the Richmond River Estuary by sealing local dirt roads.
So far, twenty-five road sites have been upgraded over 15.5 km across the local government area.
This has prevented more than 2,200 tonnes of dirt road material, including rocks and mud, entering the Richmond River estuary following each major flood event.
Sealing dirt roads provides the best possible way to improve downstream habitats, water quality and recreational and commercial fishing.
Local Land Services has focused on sites where dirt roads intersect or run directly alongside key waterways that flow into the Richmond River estuary.
These sites are at the highest risk of flood waters moving dirt road material and carrying it downstream into the Richmond River estuary.
To date, more than 50kms of roads at 108 different sites from Ballina down to Bega have been sealed to mitigate sediment getting into waterways.
In addition to sealing dirt roads, funding from the NSW Government's Marine Estate Management Strategy is being used to stabilise riverbanks, for riverbank rehabilitation and nutrient management.
The NSW Government has invested $165 million in the Marine Estate Management Strategy with a total planned investment of $286 million up to 30 June 2028.
The Strategy outlines how the Government will protect and improve the State's waterways, coastline and estuaries over the next ten years including how best to tackle the most significant threats such as littering and marine debris, oil and chemical spills and water pollution from sediment or runoff.
For more information about Marine Estate Management Strategy projects that are being delivered by Local Land Services visit https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/marine[1]estate-management-strategy
Tara Moriarty, Minister for Agriculture said:
"The work being undertaken by LLS had effectively prevented half an Olympic sized swimming pool of sediment from entering the Richmond River during each major river rise.
"We will continue to work with Ballina Shire Council over the next two years to prioritise dirt roads for upgrade and improve water quality in the Richmond River estuary."
"Sediments lost from dirt roads settle in the estuary where sensitive marine vegetation like sea grasses grow.
"Seagrass is an incredibly important part of the marine estate as they filter nutrients and support the nursery of important fish species."
Mr Paul Crozier, Engineering Works Manager at Ballina Shire Council said:
"This is an example of a partnership between local government and management of natural resources that has led to whole-of-community benefits and works have not only assisted the health of the river but improved the safety of all road users in the area."
