More than 270 native trees have been planted along Lockyer Creek at Gatton, strengthening creek banks, improving drinking water quality and boosting the region’s resilience to future floods.
The works form part of a broader program by Resilient Rivers SEQ and Seqwater, which has delivered 1,500 trees and shrubs along the flood-prone waterway this financial year, improving riparian habitat and helping protect the catchment against extreme weather impacts.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Environment Portfolio Councillor Cheryl Steinhardt said over time, the native plants would help increase creek bank stability and improve flood resilience and water quality in the riparian system of Lockyer Creek.
“The planting forms part of a program of works to be delivered over the next five years that focuses on building a more resilient Lockyer Creek for the community and downstream drinking water supply,” she said.
“A total of 500 trees have been installed across several sites at Gatton, including Spencer Street, Lockyer Street and the Gatton Racecourse, including 270 last month.
“A further 1,000 trees have been planted this financial year along priority sites on Lockyer Creek at Gatton and Glenore Grove, as well as Patrick Estate in the neighbouring Somerset region.”
Once mature, the trees and shrubs will improve the health and resilience of the creek, helping to prevent erosion and sediment loss during floods and slowing the flow of water downstream.
“By stabilising riverbanks and restoring native vegetation, this program will support improved water quality and reduced sedimentation, enhanced habitat for native species and increased resilience to future flood events,” Cr Steinhardt said.
“This latest batch of revegetation was undertaken by Council’s Parks and Gardens crew, our Resilient Rivers staff and a representative from Seqwater, along with Councillor Michael Hagan and myself.
“I thoroughly enjoy taking part in planting days. It’s a fantastic feeling knowing you’re giving back to the environment and making a positive difference for future generations.”
The Lockyer Creek Source Protection Partnership is a collaboration between Resilient Rivers SEQ, Seqwater and Lockyer Valley Regional Council to strengthen the health and resilience of Lockyer Creek.
The partnership will support water quality for drinking water supply, helping to deliver long-term improvements to the health of the Lockyer Valley’s waterways.
The Resilient Rivers Initiative is a collaborative effort between local and state government, water utilities and key non-government organisations to improve the health and resilience of South East Queensland's catchments, rivers and Moreton Bay.
