Drone guiding monsoon and erosion recovery efforts
Date published: 17 June 2020
Townsville City Council is taking to the sky to get a new perspective on erosion and environmental recovery efforts following last year’s monsoon.
Council will use 3D and digital terrain modelling to plan projects and assess areas before, during and after works.
The drones being used are part of a broader environmental recovery program that includes vegetation and landscape assessments for riverbank restoration.
Community Safety and Environment Committee Chair Margie Ryder said the drone is providing a new insight into wetlands and waterway management.
“Council is targeting three areas to map the impact of erosion along Ross River, the Rowes Bay Wetlands and Pallarenda foreshore,” Cr Ryder said.
“The project is an important part of our plan to learn more about our waterways and wetlands so we can make them more resilient.”
Division 3 Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the drone will give Council fresh information about wetlands and erosion management works at Rowes Bay.
“Crews are busy working removing sand at Oonoonba to replenish Rowes Bay and the drone will allow us to assess the progress moving forward,” Cr Greaney said.
“Council staff will be able to review different stages of the project and track the changes.
“The data from the drone will help staff make more informed decisions about the management of Ross River, Pallarenda and Rowes Bay Wetlands.”
Division 10 Councillor Les Walker said Council is continuing to examine the impact of last year’s weather event.
“Council has approval to use the drone to assess vegetation recovery since the unprecedented monsoon last year,” Cr Walker said
“Mangroves are an important part of the eco-system so staff are reviewing areas that were inundated by fresh water.
“The drone will give the team access to real-time data including video, maps and 3D and digital terrain models.”
Watch the YouTube video footage below:
