Perth, Western Australia - Ghems Revegetation Environmental

Client: Thiess / ABI Group
Project Period: 2005 -2010

GHEMS' Role

GHEMS project management incorporated soft landscaping and revegetation along the road and rail corridor, including:

• Development of revegetation management plans
• Site preparation
• Mechanical mulching and final surface trimming and tracking
• Local provenance seed collection and supply
• Direct seeding
• Tubestock supply and plant
• Weed management
• Irrigation installation
• Maintenance, erosion and remedial earthworks

Many of the sites had embankments of 33% gradient and several environmentally sensitive sites required specific management.

We were responsible for regular formal monitoring and reporting. Reporting involved data collection and analysis of species diversity, species density, condition and weed cover over a three year period. Quarterly informal reports assessing weed control and maintenance planting requirements were also completed.

Outcomes

Revegetation has been effective. Stage 1 met completion criteria and was handed over in 2009.

Mulching, topsoil application, trimming and surface tracking were key to the soil surface preparation necessary for successful vegetation establishment in the drought conditions that prevailed during establishment. Selection of suitable plant species was also a key.

Relevant Components

Our staff set up an office in Geraldton during the construction phase and employed a number of local personnel and utility owners for the project to team with our field staff, Project Managers and Supervisors.

A team of GHEMS technicians were mobilised to site from Perth. We supplied all of our own equipment and where required subcontracted specialist earthmoving equipment and other services.