Major on-ground works have begun on a $6.7 million project to boost flood resilience, restore waterway health and protect agricultural land along Upper Warrill Creek in the Scenic Rim.
Upper Warrill Creek is a major tributary of the Bremer River, which flows through the Scenic Rim and Ipswich City local government areas before joining the Brisbane River as it flows to Moreton Bay.
Significant earthworks are now underway to reshape eroded banks, stabilise slopes and establish native vegetation, with more than 20,000 new native plants to reduce erosion and protect agricultural land while slowing flood energy.
Financial assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Efficiencies Funding Program.
The project will enable major catchment works that strengthen flood resilience, prevent loss of productive farmland, reduce sediment to Moreton Bay and improve habitat for native species.
Resilient Rivers SEQ is leading the project, with intensive weed removal now underway across more than 50 hectares of waterway corridors. This includes the removal of cat's claw creeper, an invasive vine that smothers native trees, destabilises riverbanks and destroys habitat for native animals including koalas, gliders and birdlife.
A suite of nature-based flood management techniques will be used throughout the project, delivering cost-effective, environmentally sustainable and locally focused outcomes.
Upper Warrill Creek is a key source of sediment entering the Bay and timber piles and root-ball logs installed along sections of the creek will slow water flow, trap sediment and protect eroding banks. Native planting will help anchor soils, filter nutrients and improve downstream water quality.
Major floods in 2017, 2022, and 2024 caused widespread damage across the Scenic Rim, including loss of agricultural land and crops, severe erosion and significant impacts to local waterways. These events accelerated sediment loss and degradation of the river system, increasing vulnerability to future floods.
Thousands of native plants will be established in the project's final stage later this year, ensuring long-term stability of the reprofiled banks and reducing erosion risks downstream.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"This project shows what can be achieved when all three levels of government work together with a shared focus on community safety and resilience. By combining Commonwealth, state and local expertise and investment, we're delivering practical outcomes that protect people, livelihoods and the environment.
"This is a great example of cooperation delivering benefits well beyond a single council boundary. These works will not only strengthen flood resilience locally but also improve waterway health and reduce flood and sediment impacts for downstream communities."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism, and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell:
"This partnership is driving one of the region's most ambitious river restoration efforts, protecting the Scenic Rim's natural landscapes and supporting local communities.
"Healthy waterways strengthen regional economies, and this project shows how coordinated action can deliver lasting benefits for nature, industry and the people who live here.
The Crisafulli Government is proud to support the delivery of such an important project that will help protect our creeks, wildlife and create a healthier environment for everyone."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy:
"This investment is about enhancing water quality in the catchment that South-East Queenslanders source much of their drinking water. Successive disaster events have taken a toll on water quality and have increased sediment loads.
"Earthworks to reshape, stabilise slops and establish vegetation in the Upper Warrill Creek will help with reducing sediment loads, and in turn reducing the cost of water treatment for residents across South East Queensland.
Quotes attributable to Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor Tom Sharp:
"Restoring Upper Warrill Creek is about protecting the landscapes our communities depend on. By repairing damaged banks, removing invasive weeds and re-establishing native vegetation, we're improving the creek's health and supporting our communities.
This is a practical, long-term investment in the resilience and productivity of the Scenic Rim."
