BHP

BHP has partnered with Greening Australia on several different projects and initiatives over the years, most notably projects working together with First Nations communities in the Pilbara region (including supporting the development of ALEP guides).

BHP is currently partnering with Greening Australia, Curtin University, Town of Port Hedland and local First Nations enterprises on Project LEAF (Leaf Enhanced Air Filtration).

This is an innovative science-led project in Western Australia’s Pilbara using native vegetation barriers to reduce dust and improve air quality in Port Hedland, Western Australia.

The project is being delivered on-ground together with the Pilbara’s only Indigenous owned and operated native plant nursery, IBN Services, and local contract company Yurra (part-owned by Yindjibarndi People).

Planting the Project LEAF demonstration site in Port Hedland, WA.

The planting design configuration is based on computational fluid dynamics modelling and wind tunnel experiments completed by Curtin University. A demonstration site of 5,000 seedlings has been planted to test the design and determine the best suited plant species.

With the demonstration site growing strong, the remainder of the vegetation buffer is now being planted. All plants are locally native Pilbara species and include species with structures that perform best for dust reduction. In total, the vegetation barrier will cover 7 hectares, and span approximately 2.3km.

The Project LEAF team preparing to plant a further 82,000 seedlings to extend the vegetation barrier. The demonstration planting can be seen growing strong in the background to the left.

Besides acting as a dust buffer, the vegetation barrier will also deliver benefits by providing a visual screen between industrial and residential areas, while showcasing the Pilbara’s incredibly diverse native plant species.
 
Get in touch if you are interested in partnering with Greening Australia on nature-based solutions that create healthier, more productive landscapes for people and nature.