A record $30 million towards the Resilient Rivers (SEQ) program will flow into south-east Queensland (SEQ) to revitalise the health and resilience of waterways, wetlands and Moreton Bay before, during and after 2032.
Funding includes $21.3 million already committed through the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ), alongside the $8.7 million from partners including SEQ councils and Seqwater.
The bold two-year investment (2025-26 and 2026-27) is the largest coordinated program of waterway and habitat revitalisation since the program was established following the 2011 floods.
You may also like these stories
Funding will accelerate works to rehabilitate the region’s rivers and streams, preventing more than 16,000 tonnes, or more than 21,000 ute loads, of sediment from entering local waterways each year.
It will deliver long-term benefits across the region from Noosa River in the north to Albert River in the south, restoring more than 115 hectares, or 161 soccer fields, of native habitat.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said:
“The resilience of Redlands Coast’s catchments and waterways is a vital element for how we – and the plants and animals that inhabit them – can co-exist and thrive as we share their unique beauty for generations to come.
“As part of the Resilient Rivers (SEQ) program, a new fish passage will be created, and habitat will be enhanced at Hilliards Creek in Ormiston.
“Revegetation and earthworks to stabilise the banks of Eprapah Creek at Victoria Point flowing into Moreton Bay will also happen under the program.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Chair of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) said:
“The growth of our region is both a challenge and an opportunity, and this partnership will help us ensure the ongoing health and resilience of south-east Queensland’s incredible waterways.
“Brisbane River and Moreton Bay are some of our most important natural assets generating billions in economic benefit for trade, tourism and transport; and we need to protect them.”
Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Minister Andrew Powell said:
“South-east Queensland’s greatest tourism drawcards are its natural assets from the beautiful Moreton Bay to lush rainforests and our unique Aussie wildlife.
“Through the Resilient Rivers Initiative, we’re partnering with Councils to deliver real, on-the-ground action to restore waterways, revitalise native habitats and ensure Queensland’s natural beauty is protected for generations to come.”
Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Minister Ann Leahy said:
“The Resilient Rivers Initiative program is a great example of what we can achieve when all levels of government work together to safeguard communities.
“This program is delivering real results in disaster recovery and long-term flood resilience, including reducing the impact of flood waters and sediment from devastating our communities and ecosystems.”
Resilient Rivers (SEQ) is one of 29 commitments being delivered under the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ). The SEQ City Deal aims to improve the accessibility, prosperity and liveability of the region, which is home to more than four million residents.
The SEQ City Deal will invest $40 million into Resilient Rivers (SEQ) with $10 million each from the Australian Government, Queensland Government, Council of Mayors (SEQ) and Seqwater.
For more information on the Resilient Rivers SEQ program and upcoming projects, visit: www.resilientrivers.com.au
