Lockyer Valley to benefit from Resilient Rivers funding injection

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has welcomed funding to reduce floodplain erosion along Lockyer Creek and enhance vital habitat for local wildlife.

Earlier this week, Resilient Rivers (SEQ) unveiled a $30 million, two-year program to rehabilitate and restore critical waterways and habitat across South East Queensland ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Mayor Tanya Milligan said as part of the investment, 15,000 trees would be planted in the Lockyer Valley to stabilise Lockyer Creek and improve native habitat for koalas, birds and reptiles.

“In partnership with Seqwater, 5000 native plants will be planted to reduce floodplain erosion along lower Lockyer Creek, which will prevent about 1000 tonnes of sediment from entering the creek each year,” Mayor Milligan said.

“A further 10,000 native plants will be planted on 30 hectares of land adjacent to Seven Mile Lagoon at Lockyer Waters, which is home to more than 150 bird species including migratory birds.

“The investment will also help establish the first regional platypus monitoring program, which Council is excited to be a part of,” she added.

The two-year investment (2025-26 and 2026-27) is the largest coordinated program of waterway and habitat revitalisation since the Resilient Rivers program was established following the 2011 floods.

Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, Ann Leahy said the program was a great example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to safeguard communities.

“This program is delivering real results in disaster recovery and long-term flood resilience, including reducing the impact of flood waters and sediment from devastating our communities and ecosystems,” Ms Leahy said.

The funding includes $21.3 million already committed through the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ), alongside the $8.7 million from partners including SEQ councils and Seqwater.

Resilient Rivers (SEQ) is an initiative of Council of Mayors (SEQ) delivering coordinated catchment management for healthy and resilient waterways and wetlands across SEQ.

Resilient Rivers (SEQ) is one of 29 commitments being delivered under the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ). The SEQ City Deal aims to improve the accessibility, prosperity and liveability of the region, which is home to more than four million residents.

The SEQ City Deal will invest $40 million into Resilient Rivers (SEQ) with $10 million each from the Australian Government, Queensland Government, Council of Mayors (SEQ) and Seqwater.

For more information on the Resilient Rivers SEQ program and upcoming projects, visit: www.resilientrivers.com.au