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Incorporating Fine Sediment Pollution Impacts Into Unsealed Road Management: A Case Study from the Great Barrier Reef
Amar Doshi1, Anne Erlandsen2, Steve Charlton-Henderson2
1Natural Capital & Climate, 36 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006, Australia. amar.doshi@ncclimate.com.
Environmental Management
|March 31, 2026
Summary
Implementing alternative road management strategies significantly reduces fine sediment pollution in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). These improved practices offer economic benefits and enhance the marine ecosystem
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Economics
- Erosion Control
Background:
- Excess fine sediment from unsealed roads in Queensland degrades the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) ecosystem.
- Road erosion is a major source of fine sediment impacting the GBR lagoon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) of alternative road management scenarios.
- To assess the economic viability of reducing fine sediment loads to the GBR.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-resolution erosion data and cost estimates from Queensland case studies.
- Assessed four road management scenarios: business-as-usual, vegetation management, erosion control, and bitumen sealing.
Main Results:
- Alternative maintenance, major erosion control, and full betterment scenarios were economically viable.
- Positive net present values ranged from AUD$2.9 to $7.8 million compared to business-as-usual.
- Cost savings from improved road management offer wider benefits through efficient government spending.
Conclusions:
- Road management decisions must consider indirect, off-site impacts of erosion.
- Implementing alternative road management practices leads to better long-term ecological outcomes for the GBR.
- Publicly funded road management changes can improve government spending efficiencies.
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