A COMMUNITY effort to enhance the rivers of South East Queensland has been boosted after Healthy Land & Water secured a $500,000 grant from the State Government.

The funding means Healthy Land & Water can continue its collaboration with landcare groups to improve the condition of riverbanks and aquatic habitats that buffer natural assets like the Gondwana rainforests.

The community effort secured a boost of a $500,000 grant from the Government. 

The resilience project

The enhancement project is designed to build resilience into South East Queensland waterways so they can withstand future extreme weather events.

Regions impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, including the Logan and Bremer rivers, several Gold Coast catchments, and waterways around Lockyer, Noosa, Mooloolah, and Moggill will be targeted.

Working with landcare and community groups, contractors will target upstream riparian zones to remove weeds, plant native vegetation species, and install fencing to prevent livestock from encroaching on waterways.

The project will also collaborate with graziers and landholders to improve the sustainability of grazing businesses and the natural resource assets they rely upon.

The grant was allocated as part of the $80 million, five-year Queensland Natural Resource Management Program.

Healthy Land & Water CEO Julie McLellan acknowledged the support of the state government and said the grant will allow the organisation and its partners to deliver vital improvements to the quality of land, vegetation, and water resources throughout South East Queensland.

“We greatly appreciate the state government’s backing as we deliver these enhancement works that will strengthen riverbanks, reduce sediment pollution, and improve overall water quality,” she said.

Ms McLellan said Healthy Land & Water is collaborating with 9 community groups, 6 local governments, landholders, and state agencies to provide funding and technical support for the enhancement works.

“With extreme weather events expected to pose a greater threat in years to come, these projects are vitally important to ensure the long-term sustainability of our precious land and waterways.”