Groper Creek Caravan Park – Stabilisation of the Bank of Mosquito Creek

Mosquito Creek bank erosion adjacent to the Groper Creek caravan park worsened considerably during the flooding that resulted from the Monsoon Trough rainfall event in January/February 2019. There was a considerable amount of creek bank vegetation lost, and the bank adjacent to the park sustained serious erosion and bank slumping.

With the caravan park a popular destination for many visitors for much of the year, there as the issue of the safety of those visitors, and locals, walking in the park surrounds that include the creek bank that also concerns the local Council.

There are other services including power in the area that are essential to the park and Groper Creek community.

The outcome of the Project was the rock revetment works were designed to halt the erosion at the caravan park site and reduce the threat of further erosion to the community. Once installed, the rock requires minimal maintenance and works instantly upon installation, providing immediate protection during rainfall events.

The Project resulted in the coexistence of mangroves and rock revetment where hard engineering is complemented by soft, living components.

2019 – Flood damage to the northern end of the Groper Creek Caravan Park (Mosquito Creek frontage) after the severe flooding from the Burdekin River that resulted from the North Queensland Monsoon Trough 2019 rainfall event in the period 25 January to 14 February 2019. Up to 15 m of the caravan Park’s frontage to Mosquito Creek. No marine vegetation remained along the eroded bank.

2020 – Photo taken in August, four months after the Development Application was submitted to SARA. Little marine vegetation had re-established, and caravans were back metres away from the top of the eroded bank. The bank had deteriorated to a serious safety issue for Burdekin Shire Council and the River Trust with the caravan park packed with visitors.

The rock stabilisation in place with bed material and mangrove plants retained in front of it. With the bank now repaired and stable, rapid re-establishment of marine vegetation is expected.

The Caravan Park area was mulched to assist with landscaping and prevent rutting from rainfall until that landscaping is completed.

Ground cover growing successfully along the bank.

The growth of mangroves throughout the rock works enhancing long-term protection and a successful restoration.