Environmental rejuvenation projects completed through the city’s Waterways Extension program are leaving a lasting legacy on the health of critical catchment areas across Redlands Coast.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said recent revegetation works undertaken at Redlands College in Wellington Point were an example of how the Council-led program was contributing positively to the health of local ecosystems.
“This project involved the targeted removal of invasive species and replanting of native vegetation to revitalise a creek on school grounds and support the overall health of the Tarradarrapin Creek catchment area,” the Mayor said.
You may also like these stories
“Not only will the works help to stabilise the embankment and prevent harmful sediment from entering the waterway, but it will also provide essential habitat for wildlife in the area.
“Since the Waterways Extension program was launched 15 years ago, 172 landowners have joined the initiative with approximately 630 projects completed to protect our natural assets.
“Redlands Coast has 22 catchments covering 525 square kilometres of the city, so it’s critical that we continue to manage these areas responsibly.”
Registered landholders can apply for financial assistance through the program to help with environmental improvement works that enhance waterway health and resilience on their property.
This includes revegetating land around farm dams, gullies, creeks, and other natural watercourses.
To qualify for the program, a property must be larger than 1000 sq m and be located in one of the city’s current priority catchment areas, such as Eprapah, Hilliards, Moogurrapum, and Native Dog creeks, and meet other important site criteria.
The program has a capped number of participants to ensure that targeted areas receive the support needed to deliver high quality conservation outcomes.
Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary said the works at Redlands College were already making a difference to the local ecosystem.
“Council officers recently visited the site and reported that birds had started nesting in the Eprapah Wattle planted along the creek bed,” Cr Boglary said.
“The revegetation works are also supporting the environmental health of the catchment area by reducing sediment from entering the waterway during heavy rainfall.
“The Tarradarrapin Creek catchment is one of the most environmentally significant areas on Redlands Coast as it flows into Tarradarrapin Wetland, which is part of the internationally significant Moreton Bay Ramsar site.
“This makes the conservation efforts of local landholders critical to the long-term health of the catchment area as well as the ecosystem in and around Moreton Bay.”
Redlands College Grounds Coordinator Robin Jung said the school appreciated the opportunity to work alongside Council and its contractors.
“Their industry knowledge and expertise are essential for effectively managing the local waterways,” Robin said.
“Since a waterway runs through our school grounds, it is important for us to engage in proper management practices, not only to preserve our environment but also to benefit the broader community.”
For more information about the Waterways Extension program, including application criteria, visit the Council website.
Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six island communities and 12 mainland suburbs.
