Joint media release with the Hon Andrew Powell MP and the Hon Ann Leahy MP
- Major on-ground works have begun on a $6.7 million river resilience project along Upper Warrill Creek in the Scenic Rim.
- When completed, the project will boost flood resilience, restore waterway health and protect agricultural land along the creek.
- Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Major on-ground works have begun to boost flood resilience, restore waterway health and protect agricultural land along Upper Warrill Creek in the Scenic Rim, thanks to a $6.7 million investment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.
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 waters.
Financial assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State 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 Moreton Bay and timber piles, root-ball logs and native vegetation 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.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the project was delivering for local communities and the environment.
"These works will not only strengthen flood resilience locally but also improve waterway health and reduce flood and sediment impacts for downstream communities.
"This is a great example of all levels of government working together to deliver for our communities."
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism, and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said 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," Minister Powell said.
"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."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the investment would help build resilience in communities that continue to feel the impacts of natural disasters across the nation's most disaster-prone state.
"Successive severe weather events have increased sediment loads in Upper Warrill Creek, taking a heavy toll on water quality in this sensitive and important ecosystem," Minister Leahy said.
"As Queensland continues to bear the brunt of natural disasters, we are delivering practical recovery projects that rebuild stronger, restore critical environmental assets and help communities become more resilient into the future".
Senator for Queensland Corinne Mulholland said this was an important investment in both disaster resilience and regional economic resilience.
"These measures to look after Upper Warrill Creek will provide long-term benefits to local economies by protecting land, crops, and the primary producers who rely on it," she said.
"The Scenic Rim has built an incredible reputation for its agriculture, food, tourism and natural beauty, and so I hope this restoration project will help local primary producers and tourism operators can continue to grow with confidence."
Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor Tom Sharp said 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," Mayor Sharp said.
"This is a practical, long-term investment in the resilience and productivity of the Scenic Rim."
