Somerset Fish Habitat Revitalisation - Resilient Rivers South East Queensland

Somerset
Fish Habitat Revitalisation

Somerset Fish Habitat Revitalisation Project

Catchment Action Plan: Mid Brisbane, Upper Brisbane and Stanley

Site: Somerset region

More than 200 purpose-built ‘cod hotels’ will create new homes for native fish across South East Queensland’s waterways as part of a major effort to restore critical habitat and improve the health of waterways across the region.

‘Cod hotels’ are underwater structures made from recycled hollow logs and natural timber materials, designed to mimic the sheltered environments native fish rely on for breeding, feeding and protection.

The first cod hotels have been installed in the Mid and Upper Brisbane River in the Somerset region, supporting aquatic species including Mary River cod and freshwater turtles.

Submerged beneath riverbanks and rock shelves, the structures are creating refuge areas and improve habitat conditions within local waterways.

The Somerset Fish Habitat Revitalisation project is part of the $40 million Resilient Rivers SEQ commitment with $10 million each from the Australian Government, Queensland Government, Council of Mayors (SEQ) and Seqwater.

What's happening on ground?

Installing ‘cod hotels’

More than 200 purpose-built ‘cod hotels’ will create new homes for native fish across South East Queensland’s waterways. Made from recycled hollow logs and natural timber materials, the structures are designed to mimic the sheltered environments native fish rely on for breeding, feeding and protection.

Restoring riverbank habitat

Additional habitat structures will also be installed alongside the cod hotels. These structures are areas of logs, root balls and woody debris along the riverbank designed to provide habitat in addition to helping stabilise the bank and improve connectivity along the waterway.

Supporting native fish

The first cod hotels are now being installed in the Mid and Upper Brisbane River in the Somerset region, supporting aquatic species including Mary River cod and freshwater turtles. Submerged beneath riverbanks and rock shelves, the structures will create refuge areas and improve habitat conditions within local waterways.

Connecting The Community

A disused water tank at Twin Bridges Reserve in Fernvale has been transformed into a vibrant mural highlighting the importance of protecting threatened species. The artwork offers a glimpse beneath the surface of the region’s rivers and creeks and encourages people to connect with the wildlife that calls these waterways home.