As South East Queensland recovers from the impacts of recent flooding, more than $40 million has been announced for priority works to improve the long-term health and boost the resilience of the region’s rivers, waterways and bay to flooding.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the SEQ City Deal would take investment in the region’s waterways to a new level with $40 million over the next 5 years.
“Our record population growth is already placing increasing stress on the health of local waterways, and recent flooding has reinforced how vulnerable our region can be with floodwater damaging our environment, local infrastructure and tragically causing loss of life,” Cr Schrinner said.
“We all know one of the big challenges with any flood in South-East Queensland is the rich fertile soil from places like the Lockyer Valley getting washed down our rivers and into people’s homes and businesses.
“Resilient Rivers will help address that issue by keeping the soil on the land where it belongs.
“Moreton Bay is also one of our region’s most important natural assets generating $7.56 billion in economic benefit through its role in trade, tourism and transport. It’s important more is done to protect it and that’s exactly what the Deal will deliver.”
A recent audit has identified Resilient Rivers projects have been successful in minimising erosion and sediment runoff at various sites across the south-east’s rivers and creeks during flooding in March 2022 including at Lockyer Creek, Blake Snake Creek and Downfall Creek.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan said the Mayors of South East Queensland started the Resilient Rivers in response to the devasting impacts of the 2011 and 2012 floods.
“We’re on the front lines when these events happen, witnessing the devasting impact they have on our communities and leading the recovery effort long after the water has drained away,” Cr Milligan said.
“The Mayors saw investment was urgently needed to increase the resilience of our waterways but also minimise the impact large rainfall events have on our communities and broader infrastructure.
“The Resilient Rivers projects have done exactly what they’re designed to do, keep vegetation and soil on the land and out of our creeks and rivers.
“The success of these projects proves coordinated, strategic investment in our catchments can pay dividends for the health of our waterways and our communities.
“Council of Mayors (SEQ) has invested around $5.7 million into targeted programs to improve waterway health, enhance creek bank vegetation and work with local landowners to improve their land management,” Cr Milligan said.
“Investment from other levels of government has been desperately needed, and the SEQ City Deal will deliver on this commitment to the health and resilience of South East Queensland.”
Downfall Creek was identified as a priority site for rehabilitation under the Resilient Rivers Initiative Lower Brisbane-Redlands Catchment Action Plan, with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) working in partnership with Brisbane City Council and Port of Brisbane to deliver the project.
The Creek previously experienced severe erosion during high rainfall but had almost no erosion during recent flooding where the Project team installed erosion controls and planted new native vegetation.
The photos of Downfall Creek Stage 1 show the site prior and during project works, and then after recent flooding. Stage 2 major works were completed in November 2021.
The SEQ City Deal is a 20-year partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and 11 Councils which make up the Council of Mayors (SEQ) which provides a shared commitment to transform SEQ and deliver region-shaping infrastructure. It will deliver a significant foundation investment of more than $1.8 billion that will generate thousands of local jobs, boost digital and transport connectivity, enhance liveability and support one of the fastest growing regions in the country.
Resilient Rivers delivers a program of works aimed at improving the resilience of waterways by increasing native vegetation, improving erosion control, and enhancing bank stabilisation. These activities help to slow water velocity and reduce erosion, minimising sediment runoff downstream that causes destruction of Moreton Bay marine habitat and impacts the south-east’s drinking water quality.