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In today's episode, Margie Dickson, Environmental Project Manager at Healthy Land and Water, takes us on a journey through her experience leading an innovative project on the Caboolture River which re-establishes mangroves for long-term bank stabilisation and ecosystem resilience. This effort combines her engineering expertise with nature-based solutions, including the use of hardwood logs, strategic earthworks and mangrove revegetation to combat erosion. The project is not only addressing critical environmental risks like acid sulphate soils but also exploring how nature-based solutions can serve as alternatives to traditional 'hard' engineering approaches, increasing climate resilience and creating fish habitats.

Our favourite thing about this project, and Margie's approach, is the way she combines immediate engineering solutions with long-term ecological thinking — rather than building the concrete barriers of the past, the goal is to reinforce banks by creating stable angles, placing strategic barriers, and establishing mangrove communities that will eventually take over the protective role naturally. As Margie explains, "Vegetation is always the long-term strategy for keeping our rivers stable and keeping them healthy."

We also explore the fascinating world of mangroves - from their unusual root systems to their vital role as nurseries for fish and habitat for endangered species like the elusive water mouse. Margie shares how these remarkable plants propagate, sending floating "propagules" (not seeds!) up and down waterways, ready to take root and transform mudflats into thriving forests. 

Margie is a civil and environmental engineer with a passion for protecting and regenerating Southeast Queensland’s waterways. She works on delivering on-ground projects that stabilise riverbanks, reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, and support healthier ecosystems and communities. Today, Margie shares the story of this fascinating project, the challenges of balancing engineering precision with ecological needs, and the importance of working with nature to protect our waterways.

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Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨

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We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️