Building ESC capability in North Queensland

Topo in partnership with Healthy Land & Water have recently delivered Intermediate and Advanced Level Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) training sessions in Cairns. This training was focused on improving knowledge and practices around ESC management within North Queensland.

As part of the training, more than 50 people visited the Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project (CWSS1) being constructed at Gordonvale as well as the redevelopment of Jeff Pezzutti park in Woree. The project team constructing the CWSS1 provided a great overview of the level of planning and onsite controls required for such a project including a High Efficiency Sediment (HES) basin which are essential to effectively manage ESC risks over multiple wet seasons within a challenging environment.

Combining theory with field experience reinforced the importance of experienced personnel throughout all project phases - from initial planning and design through to construction. This helps to manage everything from site clearing and slope stabilisation to the treatment of highly turbid runoff to minimise impacts to downstream environments and assets.

A big thank you to all of the attendees for participating as well as John Holland and all of the CWSS1 project team, plus Cairns Regional Council for hosting our visit to each site. If you are interested in participating in a future ESC training course please register your interest for updates on sessions in 2026.