The regional NRM organisation for South East Queensland, Healthy Land & Water is enhancing urban waterways through its Water by Design initiative and Living Waterways framework.
Recognising the essential role urban creeks and rivers play in local communities, the program applies integrated, nature-based solutions that deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits.
A healthy creek is a happy creek
In Brisbane’s western suburbs, Healthy Land & Water is transforming a once-neglected urban waterway into a thriving ecological corridor.
Cubberla Creek runs the length of Cicada Park in Chapel Hill, serving as a key wildlife corridor between Mount Coo-tha and the Brisbane River. However, when the project began in June 2022, the creek was choked with weeds and in poor condition.
Now, at stage 3 of the project, the creek is healthier, and efforts are focused on restoring the riparian zone. This includes weed management, bank stabilisation, and revegetation with native species to improve water quality and boost local biodiversity.
Community connections with the waterway have also strengthened. A local bushcare group meets monthly to maintain the site, ensuring its long-term care.
The project was funded by the Australian Government’s Environment Restoration Fund (Stages 1 and 2) and Urban Rivers and Catchments Program (Stage 3). The initiative is being delivered in partnership with Brisbane City Council and Cubberla-Witton Catchments Network.
Read more about Cicada Park’s transformational journey.
Transforming urban waterways to support native ecosystems and community wellbeing.
Restoring urban waterways in Yeppoon and Mackay
Funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, Healthy Land & Water is leading two projects to rehabilitate degraded drainage channels into flourishing ecosystems. The projects are at Lex Semple Park in Yeppoon and Woodlands Reserve Precinct Park in Mackay.
The two-year initiative will improve water quality, restore riparian habitat condition and connectivity, and enhance urban green space—benefiting both local wildlife and the community.
The projects will also build community stewardship of local waterways through collaborative co-design, employing the Living Waterways framework. This approach brings together diverse stakeholders into the design process to generate a sense of local ownership—empowering communities to become active participants in the protection of their waterways.
Set for completion in 2026, the initiative will include creek bank revegetation and the creation of wildlife corridors to benefit native species. Find out more about the project.
Bringing waterways and communities to life. Earlier plantings at Cicada Park have matured and are doing a great job at protecting the creek banks.