Riverbank Restoration following Floods
The 2020-2022 floods had a devastating and destructive impact on riverbanks all across NSW. Enormous about of soil, trees and shrubs were washed away, not to mention equipment and materials that thrashed down the river systems causing more damage.
This project demonstrates the value and benefits of utilising natural turf to restore riverbanks and prevent further erosion. Natural turf is often overlooked for riverbank restoration on creeks and rivers but due to its long root system it holds the soil in place and creates a strong stable system. Not to mention the benefits of turf capturing regular runoff and filtering that material.
This project follows the progress of a riverbank restoration in Sydney’s Hawkesbury region.
Riverbank Restoration
- Highlight video
Riverbank Restoration - The Build. Timelapse video
Riverbank Restoration - Case Study.
Using Natural Turf for erosion control.
Images of Riverbank destruction following floods
As part of the Turf Industry Flood Research and Development Project (BC-007), Turf NSW aimed to investigate and better understand the exposure and adoption of natural turf in controlling erosion along riverbanks and waterways, both locally and internationally.
The goal was to gather insights to inform the development of updated resources emphasizing the benefits of turf in flood management and erosion control. This project involved a desktop study that reviewed research, reports, articles, and evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of turf in stabilizing riverbanks, levees, and waterways.
Disclaimer: The information provided is a compilation of experiences and general guidance intended to support the turf industry following floods. It is not a definitive solution for all individual circumstances. Every flood is different, and each grower’s circumstances are unique, so it is important to evaluate your own circumstances. Turf NSW and its contractors are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the application of this information or project works.
