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Ecological offsetting features rice paddie-like terraced embankments

• Tuesday, November 18, 2025

The terraced bunds resemble rice paddies common in Southeast Asia.

As part of Milldale's commitment to ecological preservation and enhancement, new wetlands have been created nearby to offset subdivision development.

A series of shallow at-grade contour bunds act as small embankments detaining surface runoff and sub-soil drainage, creating a terraced topography similar to the visual aspect of rice paddies common in Southeast Asia.

The site has naturally poorly drained soils, hence the bunds detain surface runoff, sub-soil discharges, and any perched water spring discharges, which subsequently seep slowly into the ground. Bordered by native hydrophytic vegetation planting, they create a sustained saturated environment emulating the natural wetlands on lower sloped land or at springs in gully heads.

Above: Surface runoff naturally fills the terraced bunds
Below: The progression of works to transform the site into at-grade contour bunds