Restoring the Bohle: Port of Townsville Limited project reduces sediment and improves habitat

Partners of the Healthy Waters Partnership joined the Port of Townsville Limited (‘the Port’) to plant the final 100 trees at their Gumlow South Sediment Reduction project.

During the record-breaking wet season in 2024-25, which brought significantly higher rainfall than the year before*, Townsville’s waterways felt the impact. Heavy rain washes large amounts of loose soil into creeks and rivers, carrying fine sediment downstream where it can affect water quality and aquatic life, particularly the Great Barrier Reef.

By focusing on one site in the Bohle catchment (including the Bohle River), we can see these impacts play out and show how action on the ground is making a difference.

Shaping the landscape and the solution

What began as a simple drainage feature at the Gumlow south complex has, over time, expanded into a series of broad, amphitheatre-shaped gullies. Local developments and surrounding slopes have funnelled water to gully heads, increasing erosion and sending sediment towards the Bohle River.

In a typical year, this gully system contributes around 75 tonnes of fine sediment to the catchment. During the record rainfall event, modelling indicated that number spiked to more than 1,000 tonnes, highlighting how intense weather can affect waterways. 

Recognising a site in need of action, the Port led delivery of the Gumlow South Sediment Reduction Project in partnership with the Healthy Waters Partnerships to tackle erosion at its source and reduce sediment flowing into the Bohle River, which ultimately contributes to downstream reef water quality.

Scroll through to see the transformation of the site - from the aerial shot of three eroding gullies, to what they looked like on the ground, to the initial works in October 2025, and the final result from January and July 2026. Photos: Revere Projects and Port of Townsville.

Improving water quality in the Bohle

The Bohle sub-basin has faced ongoing water quality challenges, receiving a ‘poor’ grade in the Healthy Waters Partnership’s annual Waterways Report Card for six consecutive years.

For Elaine Glen, the Port’s Manager Climate and Environment, that data reinforced the importance of taking action.

“As a Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Port, this project demonstrates how we support healthy reefs and ecosystems,” says Elaine. “It’s also about improving the health of the Bohle River.”

The project has delivered practical, on-ground results, repairing three actively eroding gullies through major earthworks and planting 1,000 native tubestock to restore two hectares of habitat.

“Modelling indicates that, over the next 30 years, this work is estimated to prevent around 1,800 tonnes of fine sediment from reaching our waterways,” Elaine explains. “At the same time, we’re helping to restore habitat that is expected to improve conditions for species like the black-throated finch.”

As a long-standing member, and current host of the Healthy Waters Partnership, the Port invited fellow partners to help celebrate the project’s completion by planting the final 100 native stems.  

The final 100 native stems being planted by the Port and members of the Healthy Waters Partnership. Photo: Shakira Sellen.

A partnership in action

Port staff, Healthy Waters Partnership members, and project contractor Revere Projects, came together to complete the revegetation works ahead of the recent wet season, bringing the total to 1,000 plants in the ground. It was also an opportunity to see the transformed site firsthand.

Participants toured the area, learning about the highly dispersive soils that make it prone to erosion, and the carefully designed earthworks that have reshaped how water moves through the landscape. They also heard how locally collected native seeds are helping restore essential habitat.

Healthy Waters Partnership Executive Officer Kara-Mae Coulter-Atkins says this project contributes to a broader, region-wide effort to improve waterway health.

“Across the Partnership, we’re seeing members step up as champions for the Bohle,” she says. “The Port’s leadership on this project is a strong example of how on-ground stewardship can deliver real benefits for our rivers, creeks, and coasts.”

Some of our Champions of the Bohle, who rolled up their sleeves to plant native stems and help restore habitat. Photo: Shakira Sellen

Why it matters for our waterways

Monitoring shows that nutrient levels in the Bohle sub-basin have remained elevated for several years. These nutrients can attach to fine soil and sediment particles, meaning erosion doesn’t just move soil, it also transports excess nutrients into waterways. This makes sediment a key pathway for nutrients entering the system, and a critical focus for improving water quality.

Working together for healthier waterways

Other member Partners, Jet Zero, EcoMarines Foundation and MICDA, rolled up their sleeves to support the Port of Townsville at their final planting event.

“It’s a great demonstration of the collective action that underpins the Partnership, and our shared commitment for healthier waterways in the Townsville Dry Tropics,” said Kara-Mae.

*Rainfall totals in 2024-25 were 2.7 times higher than the year before, with 2572mm recorded in the Ross Basin (compared to 930mm) and 3660mm falling in the Black Basin (compared to 1343mm).