Episode:33Reviving Queensland’s Mary River (and Great Barrier Reef)
Guests:Misko Ivezich, Environmental Engineer at Alluvium
Environmental engineer Misko Ivezich discusses a landmark Mary River restoration project that cut bank erosion by 85% during the 2022 floods through innovative engineering and revegetation. The work has meaningfully benefited threatened species including the Mary River Turtle and Lungfish, demonstrating how science, policy, and community collaboration can drive lasting ecological recovery upstream of the Great Barrier Reef.
Show Notes
In this episode, we’re diving into the waters of the Mary River with environmental engineer Misko Ivezich. With over 15 years of experience at Alluvium, Misko has long been at the forefront of combating river erosion and sediment issues which are crucial to the health of riparian ecosystems and downstream systems which receive their flow. Today, we’re focusing on a successful project on the Mary River, a vital waterway that flows through Queensland and plays a pivotal role in the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
The project, led by Misko, implemented new engineering solutions and extensive revegetation to reduce bank erosion by an impressive 85% during the 2022 floods, compared to past data. This story isn’t just about geological and riparian engineering; it’s about ecological recovery. These efforts have had a substantial impact on native species like the Mary River Turtle and Lungfish, whose habitats are crucial for their survival yet have been degraded over time. Through this project, we see a blend of science, policy, and community engagement coming together to foster a more stable and vibrant ecosystem.
Join us as Misko walks us through this landmark initiative, shedding light on how strategic environmental management can lead to sustainable outcomes for both our natural heritage and the communities of wildlife and people who depend on it.
Resources:
- Alluvium — Science, engineering and strategy for catchments, rivers and coasts.
- Mary River Restoration Project
- Research Paper (PDF): Assessing the efficacy of a reach scale stability management program: the Mary River, Queensland
- Mary River Catchment Flood Impact Report — Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee
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