Media Release
18th January 2011
Blackall Ranges Liquid Land
The flood impact of the recent flooding rain is leaving behind an environmental nightmare for landowners on the escarpment of the Blackall Range.
Landslides are now a common sight particularly along the Dulong escarpment.
Cerran Fawns from Maroochy Waterwatch says, “The ground is super saturated and in steep areas with few trees we are witnessing some major landslips”.
She added, “When you look to the Blackall Ranges you can see patches of brown earth where landslips have occurred even with the naked eye”.
With more rain predicted for the region there is concern that these slips will get bigger and already this summer has been the worst for landslips for a decade.
“I hiked up one landslide yesterday and was blown away by the amount of soil and rock that has washed down the hill. It stretches 20m wide by 6m deep and extends for over 150m, Who knows how many swimming pools worth of mud was lost”.
All the rock and soil from this slip has filled up neighbouring dams and has eventually ended up in Petrie Creek.
Landslips do occur naturally, but when land has been cleared of vegetation there are no roots holding it together and it is more prone to slippage when the soil profile of waterlogged.
The Petrie Creek catchment seems to be the hardest hit so far with 2 major slips so far. She added, “We have been working with both these landowners for many years in rehabilitating their land. We had yet to tackle the landslip prone areas so we haven’t lost too much hard work, but now these areas will become a matter of priority”.
Landslip poses a serious risk to the water quality of the creek and rivers and can also pose a threat to houses and road infrastructure.
Maroochy Waterwatch is asking landowners affected by landslips to contact them on 54764777.
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