Upper Warrill Creek Restoration - Resilient Rivers South East Queensland

Upper Warrill Creek
Rehabilitation

Upper Warrill Creek Rehabilitation Project

Catchment Action Plan: Bremer

Site: Tarome, Scenic Rim

The $6.7 million Upper Warrill Creek Rehabilitation Project is rehabilitating almost 13 kilometres of waterway along Upper Warrill Creek near Tarome in the Scenic Rim.

Upper Warrill Creek is one of the largest tributaries of the Bremer River and a significant waterway within the Moreton Bay catchment. Flowing from the World Heritage-listed Main Range through the productive agricultural landscapes of the Scenic Rim, the creek supports important grazing and farming enterprises while providing habitat and connectivity for native flora and fauna.

The creek plays an important role in the health of downstream waterways. Sediment generated from creekbank erosion in the upper catchment is transported through the Bremer River system and ultimately into Moreton Bay, a RAMSAR wetland of international significance. Maintaining stable creekbanks and healthy riparian vegetation is therefore important not only for local landholders, but also for downstream water quality and aquatic ecosystem health.

Following major flood events in 2017, 2022 and 2024, parts of Upper Warrill Creek experienced extensive creekbank erosion, resulting in the loss of productive agricultural land, degradation of riparian vegetation and increased sediment inputs to the waterway. These impacts have made Upper Warrill Creek a priority location for investment in nature-based river rehabilitation.

The project is delivering a range of nature-based flood management measures to stabilise vulnerable sections of the creek and improve resilience to future flood events. The works are focused on restoring natural river processes and supporting the long-term recovery of the waterway corridor.

Resilient Rivers SEQ is delivering the project in partnership with Scenic Rim Regional Council and the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. Financial assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Efficiencies Funding Program.

What's happening on ground?

Managing Weeds

More than 50 hectares of waterway corridors are undergoing intensive weed control to manage priority invasive species, such as cat’s claw creeper – an aggressive vine that smothers native trees, destabilises riverbanks and destroys habitat.

Reshaping eroded banks

Steep and highly eroded banks are being reshaped to create gentler, more stable slopes that can better withstand future flood events. Reprofiling reduces erosion risk, protects valuable farmland and creates suitable conditions for revegetation.

Installing in-stream timber

Rows of timber piles and rootball logs are being installed along the bank to mimic the natural roughness once provided by dense riparian vegetation. This in-stream timber slows water flow during floods, allowing sediment to build up naturally and armour the bank against further erosion. These structures create habitat for fish and other aquatic species while supporting the establishment of native vegetation.

Planting Natives

Thousands of native trees, shrubs and groundcovers will be planted as part of the final project stage. These plantings will provide long-term bank stability, improve biodiversity and support healthier waterway ecosystems.

Looking ahead

The Upper Warrill Creek Rehabilitation Project applies nature-based flood management principles to address flood-related erosion of important agricultural land and support the recovery of a strategically important waterway within the Bremer catchment.

As vegetation establishes and river processes are restored, the works are expected to reduce ongoing sediment loss from vulnerable sections of the catchment and improve the condition of the riparian corridor. These outcomes will contribute to the long-term health of Upper Warrill Creek and the Bremer River system, while supporting improved water quality in downstream receiving environments, including Moreton Bay.

Through the restoration of natural river processes and riparian vegetation, the project will help build resilience to future flood events and improve the condition of a waterway that is important to both the agricultural productivity and environmental health of South East Queensland.