The Belle Eden Waterway Naturalisation project has won a state award for landscape rehabilitation and sustainable landscape projects.
Evolve Environmental Solutions, who was contracted by Bundaberg Regional Council to undertake the project, took out first prize in the Landscape Rehabilitation category in the recent Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards.
The Landscape Queensland judge said the project encompassed the effective habitat restoration of a drain to create an attractive naturalised creek.
“The waterway includes well-constructed drainage that is able to withstand high rainfall events,” the judge commented.
“The stormwater management strategy incorporates the creation of a more balanced ecological system for the community and includes a thriving high planting diversity.
“This project is impressive and will have a positive effect on the environmental health of the waterways in this region.”
Contractor proud to win Belle Eden state award
Evolve Environmental Solutions Regional Manager Conor Ryan said they were very proud to receive the award.
“While the Landscape Queensland awards are generally focused towards more traditional landscaping of parks, structures and fancy backyards, the Landscape Rehabilitation Award is the only one of its kind and is becoming a hotly contested award as the environmental side of the industry gains more recognition,” Mr Ryan said.
“We believe it is important to recognise the increased importance of creating not just rehabilitated areas but rehabilitated areas that blend with traditional landscape areas as Belle Eden does.
“The success of this project meant it was an obvious choice to nominate.”
While its unique scope and weather delays made it a challenging project Mr Ryan said they were happy with the results.
“The benefits from the project will be two-fold.
“Firstly, the environmental benefits mean that water flowing down Belle Eden will [be] slowed down and filtered by the plants, leading to less erosion and pollutants ending up in rivers downstream while also creating a habitat corridor for wildlife.
“Secondly, the extensive turfed areas, footpaths and seats and shelter allow the public to continue to utilise this space for kickabouts, picnics and general exercise all with a beautiful, natural backdrop.”
Belle Eden state award well deserved
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Jack Dempsey said the Belle Eden naturalisation project was deserving of the state award.
“The naturalisation of the Belle Eden waterway is a fantastic example of Council’s strong focus on protecting and enhancing the environment,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“The end product is an effective stormwater drainage solution which has greater environmental benefit and which doubles as a new area for families and residents to enjoy.
“Similar naturalisation work is already underway at Washpool Creek and will no doubt have an outcome just as positive and well-received as Belle Eden.”
This Bundaberg Regional Council project was funded with support from the Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure project.
