Redlands Coast improves its water quality rating
Redlands Coast waterways have seen a modest environmental improvement according to this year’s Healthy Land and Water Report Card.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said a steady Waterway Benefit Rating of 3.5 stars and improved catchment conditions of C+ (up from a C last year) showed the work being done across the city was yielding results.
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“We know Redlanders love their local waterways and Council is committed to supporting their health so locals and visitors can continue to benefit from and enjoy all that they bring to our city,” Cr Williams said.
“While we know our creeks experience low oxygen and higher nutrient levels during dry weather, the report card shows a drop in pollutant load in the catchment from high to very low due to reduced sediment (mud),” Cr Williams said.
“Local stream bank vegetation is good and the extent of our wetland habitats made up of mangroves and saltmarshes, were rated excellent.
“Council also has an active erosion and sediment control program for development sites which seems to have contributed to the improved result.”
Cr Williams said the 2019 Healthy Land and Water Report Card also showed the high value residents placed in their local waterways.
“The health of our local waterways is not only the responsibility of Council and other levels of government, the community plays an important role and it is reassuring to see the high value our community places on our local waterways,” she said.
“The report shows 67 per cent of residents are satisfied with their local waterways, compared to 58 per cent across South East Queensland.
“In addition almost half of the residents surveyed use local waterways for recreational purposes at least monthly, for walking/running, enjoying nature, cycling, picnics and swimming.”.
“Council is also a member of the Resilient Rivers partnership across South East Queensland, which recognises the connection between waterways across the region,” Cr Williams said.
“Resilient Rivers is all about working with our neighbours to ensure the rivers and waterways that traverse the region are cared for and we have been waiting on the State Government to commit to a framework that supports this work.
“This annual benchmarking by Healthy Land and Water shows the need for a regional approach to waterways health and I will continue to advocate through the Council of Mayors (SEQ) for this approach.”
