Friday, November 15, 2024

$40m waterways boost to SEQ City Deal 

More than $40 million has been announced for improvements to the long-term health and flood resilience of the south-east Queensland region’s rivers and waterways.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair, Brisbane 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 five 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.” 

He said a recent audit identified Resilient Rivers projects had 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 SEQ Mayors 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,” Mayor 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.”

She said the Council of Mayors (SEQ) had 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.

“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.  

Downfall Creek prior to flooding.
Downfall Creek during the flood mitigation works.
Major works at Downfall Creek 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.

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