Balfour Rehabilitation: A Legacy of Commitment and Continued Progress

Mineral Resources Tasmania (MRT) Rehabilitation Officers visited the historic Balfour site this month to assess the ongoing success of rehabilitation efforts that began more than two decades ago. The inspection was guided by Rob Saltmarsh and Harvey Grey (Saltmarsh Environmental Services) responsible for the original rehabilitation effort and ongoing weed control at the site.

This recent inspection focused on the success of vegetation recovery and the eradication of non-locally endemic species, Kunzea ambigua and Acacia sophorae which have been the target of sustained management activities over the past five years.  Encouragingly, no observable incidence of these species was recorded during the visit.

This milestone reflects the long-standing commitment by the Abandoned Mines Rehabilitation Trust Fund (RTF) to ecological restoration at Balfour. The project, which commenced in 2004 with initial works on Specimen Hill, has evolved into a comprehensive program addressing soil stabilization, revegetation, and drainage improvements across multiple sites. Early efforts included innovative use of organic additives, local seed provenance, and community-led implementation.

^{Rob Saltmarsh (Left) and Harvey Grey (Right) have been undertaking restoration activities at Balfour since 2004 on behalf of MRT.}

Local engagement was central to the project’s success. From the outset, local Balfour and West Coast residents played an active role in shaping rehabilitation outcomes, ensuring that works aligned with community values and environmental priorities. This partnership fostered a sense of shared stewardship and delivered tangible benefits for both the landscape and the local workforce.

^{Comparative images of revegetation over Balfour Site, 2004 – 2025.}

While vegetation recovery has been a major achievement, MRT’s work at Balfour continues. Rehabilitation Officers are currently undertaking routine water quality monitoring, investigating remediation solutions for the Balfour Central Shaft and the surrounding vicinity. These efforts highlight MRT’s commitment through the RTF, to addressing long-term environmental issues and ensuring the site’s resilience for future generations.

^{Comparison demonstrating revegetation success on Laan’s Ridge.}

^{Comparison demonstrating revegetation success -    Specimen Hill (west).}

^{Comparison demonstrating revegetation - Specimen Hill (north).}