Blackman Road Resilience Improvements

Under the Reef Guardian Council’s Action Plan, Blackman Road at Warrami has undergone significant improvements designed to protect the road and surrounding ecosystems during flooding events, with a focus on reducing erosion and managing stormwater run-off more effectively.

The upgrades involved modifications to the road design and water flow management systems, specifically aimed at reducing surface scour and minimising material loss during major flood events.

Division Five Councillor Jeff Baines explained that in July 2024, a 2-kilometer stretch of Blackman Road received rehabilitation and stabilisation.

“Previously, the road experienced scouring and flooding issues, which deposited sediment and gravel, contributing to runoff that affected the adjacent nationally listed wetlands and waterways in the Wet Tropics,” said Councillor Baines.

“Council partnered with Reef Guardian Councils to develop strategies focused on protecting the environment and minimising the harmful impact of sediment on our ecosystem.”

The upgrades included lowering the road to accommodate natural floodplain flows and stabilising areas adjacent to existing floodway’s.

“The Blackman Road project is expected to reduce sediment runoff by up to 200 tonnes per event and mitigate the impact of larger storm-based erosion events,” said Councillor Baines.

Council will continue to monitor the road’s performance, especially as we head into the wet season, to ensure its effectiveness and adjust if necessary.

This project is part of the Council’s unsealed road improvement plan and the Reef Guardian Councils Action Plan, which aim to improve road formation and drainage designs while addressing challenges in the Wet Tropics Road network.

Funding for this project has been provided to Cassowary Coast Regional Council from the Australian Government to enable Reef Guardian Councils to deliver projects and activities identified in their Reef Action Plans.