Blue Carbon Restoration Project

Projects /

Natural Resources

Restoring coastal wetlands through engineering design

Project Owner

Greening Australia

Location

Cape Palmerston, Mackay

Completed

2026

Engineering design restoring natural tidal connectivity and supporting the long-term resilience of Cape Palmerston's coastal wetlands.

Project Overview

Civil IQ developed the engineering design for the restoration of tidal connectivity at Cape Palmerston, supporting Greening Australia and project partners in returning natural tidal flows to a historically modified coastal wetland.

Working with Greening Australia, the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Civil IQ provided detailed design, hydrological assessment, geotechnical investigations and construction phase support to reinstate the original tidal channel. The engineering solution balanced hydraulic performance, constructability and environmental protection, helping restore natural tidal processes while supporting long-term monitoring and management of the site.

Challenges

$
Designing a solution that restored tidal connectivity while protecting existing vegetation and sensitive environmental values.
$
Managing initial erosion risks associated with the first release of impounded water.
$
Coordinating design and approvals across multiple stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, Greening Australia and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

Outcomes

$
Restored natural tidal connectivity to previously isolated coastal wetlands.
$
Collaborative delivery with Greening Australia, Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
$
Long-term monitoring program supporting ongoing environmental management by Yuwi Traditional Owners.