A strategy plan for the management of Brisbane waterways

In times past, Brisbane's streams had forested catchments which regulated runoff from all but the most extreme storms. As urban development occurred and expanded, this regulation of stormwater diminished, siltation increased, impervious areas of roofs and roads grew, all leading to increased runoff and a reduction in the carrying capacity of the creek systems. These streams also supported a rich variety of flora and fauna and were the life support systems of the area in colonial times. Reduced carrying capacity led to higher velocities and uncontrolled erosion which further worsened ecological and flooding problems and in some cases necessitated drastic remedial engineering measures including clearing of vegetation and channelisation. The strategy plan is intended to 'reverse' these past trends by providing a planned approach to development. The strategy provides a balanced approach to all facets of the waterways while re-establishing environmental linkages where compatible with minimising flooding problems. The strategy covers 33 identified catchments which were divided into 195 planning units where treatment objectives are defined after weighing ecological, landscape, recreational, land use and flooding factors. Priorities have been assigned to planning measures, upgrading actions and maintenance. The Strategy Plan leans towards preservation of the remaining natural creek corridors and minimising flooding while taking the opportunity for enhancing the urban amenity of the waterway's environment. Control of future land use will be a major tool in achieving the strategy.