One Man’s Quest to Tame the Floods: Meet the Northern Rivers Farmer Planting 18,000 Trees to Save His Land
- A Northern Rivers farmer is on a mission to regenerate his land and slow the flow of future floods by planting a staggering 18,000 trees.
- Jeff Imeson’s property was one of 35 in the region to receive government funding to repair riparian zones and make creek banks more resilient.
- The innovative approach, known as “nature-based solutions,” aims to reduce soil runoff and slow the flow of floodwater by revegetating catchments higher up.
- Experts say this “soft” approach can complement traditional engineering solutions, but its success depends on the specific location and local conditions.
Jeff Imeson is no stranger to hard work and determination. As a retired NSW Police officer and fourth-generation cattle farmer, he’s spent his fair share of time outdoors.
But his latest endeavor is perhaps his most ambitious yet: planting 18,000 trees on his 107-hectare property at Coffee Camp near Nimbin to help stabilize his creek banks and slow the flow of future floods.
Two years ago, Imeson began his journey with the help of government funding and some expert advice. He’s since planted 14,000 trees along 2.5 kilometers of river frontage, with plans to plant an additional 4,000 in the coming months.
The goal is to create a natural barrier that will reduce soil runoff and slow the flow of floodwater, giving his property a fighting chance against the devastating floods that have ravaged the Northern Rivers region in recent years.
Imeson’s property is one of 35 in the region to receive funding under the Caring for Catchments scheme, which aims to promote nature-based solutions to flood mitigation.
The scheme has seen over 84,000 native trees and grasses planted along 40 kilometers of riverbank, with the hope of reducing the impact of future floods on local communities.
But Imeson’s efforts go beyond just flood mitigation. He’s also driven by a desire to restore his property to its former glory, before it was cleared of native bush.
“We wanted to put trees back to where they probably shouldn’t have been taken in the first place,” he says. “It’s not just about flood mitigation; it’s about creating a sustainable and healthy environment for future generations.”
Researchers at the Australian National University’s Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions are working with communities in NSW and Queensland to evaluate the efficacy of nature-based solutions in flood-prone catchments.
According to senior researcher Jason Alexandra, the principle behind NbS is simple: “Slow the water so it can do more work where it lands, rather than running off rapidly.” By holding and slowing water higher in the catchment, the flood peak is typically lower and longer, reducing damage downstream.
While nature-based solutions are not a silver bullet for flood mitigation, they can complement traditional engineering solutions like levees and pumps.
As NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin notes, “It’s based on scientific principles and it actually complements if there’s other structures and things in place.” However, experts caution that the success of NbS depends on the specific location and local conditions.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The use of nature-based solutions in flood mitigation is a growing trend in Australia, particularly in regions prone to devastating floods. As the country grapples with the impacts of climate change, innovative approaches like NbS are becoming increasingly important.
By working with nature rather than against it, landowners like Jeff Imeson are not only reducing the risk of flood damage but also promoting sustainable land management practices.
However, the success of NbS depends on a coordinated effort between governments, landowners, and researchers. As Dr.
Alexandra notes, “We don’t want to go thinking there’s a simple solution.” A nuanced approach that takes into account local conditions and combines NbS with traditional engineering solutions is crucial for building flood resilience in Australia’s most vulnerable communities.
Security analysts say that the use of NbS in flood mitigation can have significant national security implications, particularly in regions with critical infrastructure. By reducing the risk of flood damage, NbS can help protect essential services and assets, ensuring the continuity of critical operations.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the impact of floods on local communities can have long-term consequences for public safety.
By promoting sustainable land management practices and reducing the risk of flood damage, NbS can help build more resilient communities and reduce the burden on emergency services.
Industry observers believe that the growth of NbS in flood mitigation can have significant economic benefits, particularly for rural communities. By promoting sustainable land management practices and reducing the risk of flood damage, NbS can help support local economies and promote long-term growth.
