Turning Back the Sands of Time
Construction of soft filters to complement ponding works to rehydrate vast areas of the rangelands
Efficiency - LEP23-021-01
The issue
Fast moving water from high rainfall events has eroded the topsoil and caused gully erosion. Graded roads, wheel tracks, animal tracks and fence lines on the fragile soils of the Rangelands in far west NSW have provided the fast-moving water with paths of least resistance reducing natural distribution.
The solution
With the assistance of funding from the NSW Environmental Trust, 16 erosion filter sites at gully heads were established in the White Cliffs, Packsaddle and Broken Hill areas. Knowledge gained by working with Ecosystem Management Understanding (E.M.U) and the Western Local Land Services Rangeland Rehabilitation Officers was key to achieving functional and practical “erosion filters” specifically required for each site. Filters were constructed of a variety of materials including a mixture of steel and star posts, weld mesh, chicken wire, coir logs, old wool and rocks.
The impact
The Far West Rangeland Rehydration Alliance (FWRRA) represents stations in the Far West of NSW. They have actively been involved in protecting, restoring and rehabilitating valuable rangeland ecosystems.
An important part of Rangeland Rehydration and ‘RAIN READY’ techniques (E.M.U.) is having infrastructure in place to take advantage of every rainfall event. The installation of strategically placed erosion filters provides a structure that will slow the movement of the water, accelerating rehabilitation recovery time.
Early results from information gathered while setting up photo monitoring points have shown positive results.
Learnings
Early signs are showing these filters will help to combat erosion as well as increase vegetation.
Unfortunately, some sites are still waiting for rain and are yet to see any results.
Observation in early May 2025: increased matter build-up and growth in vegetation after rain, the plants within the mesh are protected from grazing.
This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.
Key facts
- The initiative of the FWRRA to install the erosion filters shows that the members of the Alliance have more than their personal interests at heart. These techniques are important for resilient agriculture and healthy biodiversity.
- The value of these filters will be demonstrated as seasons dry out and herbage declines. This is a very important initiative for drought buffering and rehabilitating the rangeland landscapes.