13.1 Roads and tracks

All internal roads and tracks on a landholding should be constructed and maintained so they cause minimal erosion during rain events.
The key to this is establishing and maintaining excellent drainage from the track (see diagrams below). When constructing the track, follow the lie of the land and minimise ‘cut and fill’ and pushing soil around with your tractor blade.  If you have to cut into a bank, make the cut straight up and down unless it is higher than 1.5 metres.  Avoid soil and vegetation disturbance where possible and try to plant or maintain vegetation beside the track, and even on the track if possible.
When grading tracks, keep the grades gentle (generally 10% or about 6 degrees) as cross-banks will scour out above this grade. Grades greater than 7% (4 degrees) will need special drainage works such as the lining of table drains.