- A new Resilient Rivers Initiative: SEQ Waterways and Wetlands Investment Strategy is set to enhance environmental and community outcomes through river rehabilitation projects in South East Queensland.
- The strategy was developed by the Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and will support investment in on-ground rehabilitation projects in South East Queensland, including revegetation, weed management and fish passage projects to improve waterway and wetland condition.
- The strategy will support the delivery of $40+ million of new investment by providing improved project prioritisation, governance and capacity building, as well as monitoring and evaluation.
- Resilient Rivers Initiative is an initiative within the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane 2032 Legacy Strategy: Elevate 2042.
The future health and resilience of South East Queensland catchments has received a major boost with the Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) today releasing the Resilient Rivers Initiative: SEQ Waterways and Wetlands Investment Strategy (the Strategy).
The Strategy provides a blueprint for the growth and expansion of the successful Resilient Rivers Initiative. It will guide future investment, prioritisation and collaborative delivery of $40m over the next five-years including revegetation, weed management and fish passage projects to improve waterway and wetland conditions.
On top of its environmental benefits, the Strategy will also support new opportunities for capacity building within the environmental services sector, creation of local jobs in rural communities, and strengthened First Nations engagement in the management of the region's catchments.
It was officially launched at today's (1 December) Resilient Rivers Taskforce Meeting at Brisbane City Hall by Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Leanne Linard and Mayors of South East Queensland.
The Resilient Rivers Initiative was established in December 2014 to improve South East Queensland river and catchment health through collaborative leadership in catchment management involving state and local government agencies, water utilities, regional partners and the community.
Since the initiative's launch, more than $8.3 million of local government investment has been delivered on-ground via projects to mitigate risks for local waterways.
Recognising the success and potential of Resilient Rivers, the SEQ City Deal has committed $40 million over the next five years to ensure it continues its work to improve the health of the region's waterways in partnership with landholders, First Nations peoples, non-government organisations, public utilities and the private sector.
It has since been included as an initiative in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane 2032 Legacy Strategy – Elevate 2042.
The SEQ City Deal is an Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) partnership. The Deal will deliver a lasting legacy for South East Queensland with a significant package of initiatives generating thousands of local jobs, boosting digital and transport connectivity, supporting the local environment, enhancing liveability and creating thriving communities. It will help one of Australia's fastest growing regions cater for its booming population and complement investment in the world's biggest sporting event – the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane 2032.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard:
"Water sustains all life, but in South East Queensland it also defines our lifestyle and economy. Our waterways and wetlands maintain our environment and flora and fauna, generates electricity, supports a diverse range of recreational activities and, in a very real way, powers our economy.
"The Resilient Rivers Initiative: SEQ Waterways and Wetlands Investment Strategy is a commitment to the sustainability of South East Queensland's waterways by all levels of government, headlined by the $40 million investment through the SEQ City Deal.
"Supporting investments by the Council of Mayors (SEQ), Queensland Government and the Australian Government, the strategy provides a comprehensive plan to improve the health of our catchments and waterways by increasing native vegetation, fortifying erosion control and enhancing bank stability all the way from our hinterlands out to Moreton Bay.
"The strategy will also unite government and multiple stakeholders together to improve south-east Queensland's water security, lifestyle, and disaster mitigation and I thank everyone involved for its development."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Glenn Butcher:
"Water is a vital resource that sustains communities across Queensland.
"Healthy rivers sustain agricultural production, ensure fresh water supplies in our homes and support recreational activities.
"This Strategy will support the delivery of on-ground projects in south-east Queensland including river stabilisation, weed management and revegetation and fish passage improvements."
Quotes attributable to Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
"Our waterways and wetlands play an important part in the lifestyle South East Queenslanders love about where they live. But they are under increasing pressure from population growth and the impacts of natural disasters.
"This Strategy will drive collaboration providing a framework for all levels of government, utilities, industry, investors and communities to work together to improve the health of the waterways we all share.
"It will help to deliver improvements to waterway health, enhanced flood resilience and work with local communities, landowners and First Nations people to improve land, waterway and wetland management outcomes across our region.
"The Resilient Rivers Initiative has been highlighted as an initiative in the Brisbane 2032 Legacy Strategy – Elevate 2042. It has also been supercharged with tens of millions of dollars of new investment through the SEQ City Deal.
"This Strategy will help to ensure we leverage these opportunities and deliver significant benefits for South East Queensland's waterways and wetlands before and after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane 2032."
