Landscape Rehydration plans come to life in Braidwood
Above – the site of the L4 log-sill weir structure prior to construction. The bed of the channel has been raised by around 0.9m at this site following the completion of works.
Mulloon’s Principal Landscape Planner Peter Hazell, Landscape Planner Jack Smart and Field Officer, Max Brunswick recently completed construction of a suite of landscape rehydration infrastructure works at the property “Lorrina” near Braidwood, NSW. The works, completed over two weeks during April-May 2023, involved the construction of four log-sill bed control structures, four access crossings, and a suite of smaller rock weir and rock baffle structures.
Mulloon Consulting worked closely with the landholders in the preparation of a landscape rehydration plan and designs for the property, with the recently completed works being the first stage of a planned two-stage implementation process. The second stage involves the design and implementation of bed control structures along a third-order stream within the property. As these works are within the regulated system, they will require regulatory approvals.
Rock weir (foreground) and log-sill weir L4 (background) during the first flow-over event following construction. The rock weir provides backwater to the downstream side of the L4 structure.
The recently completed works aim to address historic stream erosion and incision by raising the bed level of the stream by between 0.5-1m and in doing so, slow the flow of water and encourage the spreading of flows across the landscape. This will improve the capacity of the landscape to retain and store water and in turn improve nutrient cycling, vegetation growth and landscape productivity. Additionally, the works support improved biodiversity, aesthetic and recreational outcomes. The landholder is also undertaking supplementary works, including riparian fencing and revegetation to support the long-term restoration of the site.
Log-sill weir L6 (foreground) and log-sill weir L7 (background) during the first flow-over event. The bed of the channel has been raised between 0.5-1m at these sites allowing for the ponding of water behind the structures.
The series of small rock weir structures provide for the gentle drop of flows between the larger log-sill weir structures whilst providing habitat outcomes for frogs and birds.