Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Breathing life into the ‘Dead Sea’– managing salinity
Inland from Queensland's Capricorn Coast is a place that's been so badly hit by salinity it's known locally as the 'Dead Sea'.
But the owners of nearby properties are trying to rid themselves of this dubious notoriety. Among them are David, Marie and Annika Barrett, owners of 'Henderson Park', in the Hedlow Creek Catchment near Barmoya.
They estimate that salinity resulting from clearing in the early 1900s blights about 20 per cent of their 2,200 hectare grazing property.
The Barretts and their neighbours are aiming to protect remaining healthy land and water at the same time as striving to restore saline land.
"Now that all the underground water is salt, our only fresh water supply is the creek," said David. "Protecting Hedlow Creek is probably just as important as dealing with the salt pans."
Funding
The landholders' physical efforts and extensive financial investment were boosted with nearly $28,000 from the Australian Government in 2004.
Further assistance has gone to fencing on 'Henderson Park' including $28,000 from the Australian and State Governments through the Fitzroy Basin Association and Fitzroy River and Coastal Catchments Inc.
Activities
The Barretts and their neighbours have now planted nearly 10,000 native trees on 13 hectares of slopes around the 'Dead Sea', aiming to reduce salinity at the base of the slopes, to increase biodiversity and to provide shade for cattle.
At 'Henderson Park', most of the property salt pans and the banks of Hedlow Creek have been fenced to protect the precious water supply that supports 20 local properties.
Property owners are also working together to develop wildlife corridors to link remnant stands of iron bark, blue gum and vine scrub.
Achievements
"We don't really know what long-term impact we'll have from our present efforts," said David. "We hope we'll lower the salt level, but in the short term we want to get grass cover on bare areas and protect the creek."
By keeping cattle and vehicles off the fragile saline areas which David describes as still looking "like a moonscape," the Barretts think that saltbush and marine couch will gradually take over.
More information
- David Barrett, landholder 'Henderson Park': (07) 4934 2794
- Murray Bullock, Fitzroy River and Coastal Catchments Inc: (07) 4921 0573
- Fitzroy Basin Association : (07) 4999 2800
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