Over a thousand native trees will be planted along the banks of Lockyer Creek to reduce sediment loss, protect against severe weather events, and improve the water quality and health of Moreton Bay.
The plantings mark World Rivers Day on Sunday 22 September which is celebrated by millions of people across more than 100 countries and encourages improved stewardship of waterways and wetlands.
Organised by Resilient Rivers SEQ in partnership with Greening Australia, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, the International River Foundation and Thiess, the plantings will restore priority habitat on the banks of Lockyer Creek at Lockyer Valley Turf Club.
Building resilience and remediating Lockyer Creek has been a focus for Resilient Rivers SEQ and Lockyer Valley Regional Council for a number of years.
During high flood events in the Lockyer Catchment, increased sediment is released into the Mid-Brisbane River which can impact on the Mt Crosby Treatment Plant, affecting the quality of drinking water for Brisbane residents, and sedimentation in the Brisbane River and internationally significant Moreton Bay Marine Park.
With major works required on both sides of Lockyer Creek, Resilient Rivers SEQ and Lockyer Valley Regional Council have revegetated 12.5 hectares of riparian land, planting 24,000 plants within an 11km stretch over the past five years.
Within the coming months, Lockyer Valley Regional Council will undertake further works to plant thousands more smaller natives to further stabilise the bank.
An initiative of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and South East Queensland councils, Resilient Rivers SEQ is focused on coordinated catchment management of the rivers and streams that flow into the internationally significant Moreton Bay, and surrounds.
Quotes attributable to Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“A huge challenge with flooding in South East Queensland is rich, fertile soil from places like the Lockyer Valley washing down our rivers into homes, businesses and beautiful Moreton Bay.
“Our Resilient Rivers program helps get to the root of the problem by planting trees along waterways to keep soil on land where it belongs.
“The Mayors of South East Queensland continue to work with state and federal governments to help keep soil out of our rivers and bay through the SEQ City Deal.
“Resilient Rivers has successfully reduced erosion and sediment runoff right across South East Queensland and this new partnership will help improve the long-term health of our waterways.
“Our rivers and bay contribute to the liveability of South East Queensland and it’s important we continue to do what we can to protect?them.”?
Quotes attributable to Council of Mayors (SEQ) Treasurer, Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan:
“Landowners like the Lockyer Valley Turf Club play a critical role in the work councils are doing to repair and protect South East Queensland’s rivers, creeks and catchments.
“Many sections of the land around Lockyer Catchment are privately owned, so it is important we work together to find solutions that improve the health of our catchment and secure prime agricultural and horticultural land for future generations.
“This section of Lockyer Creek has been significantly damaged by flooding events in recent years, so these plantings are critical to remediate creekbanks and ensure soil from the Lockyer, stays in the Lockyer.
“Resilient Rivers SEQ has been working with councils for more than 10 years to deliver priority on ground works that improve the health and resilience of our region’s catchments, waterways and wetlands.
“Landowners along Lockyer Creek who are interested in participating in future Resilient Rivers projects are encouraged to contact us at resilientrivers@seqmayors.qld.gov.au.”
Quotes attributable to the International River Foundation:
“Rivers are the lifeblood of the planet. The International River Foundation is committed to working with our government, corporate, academic and community partners to accelerate action towards resilient rivers for future generations.”
Image Credit: Lockyer Valley Regional Council