Caring for Brisbane's Waterways: A New Strategy

The Brisbane City Council has the responsibility for the provision of stormwater drainage systems within its area. These systems are required to perform satisfactorily for the disposal of stormwater runoff, to be maintained at reasonable cost and to be aesthetically and environmentally acceptable. In order to plan better and take advantage of the significant opportunities that exist in and around Brisbane, the Council decided to initiate a strategy plan for the management of its waterways. As urban development occurred and expanded, the natural regulation of stormwater diminished, situation 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 weighing ecological, landscape, recreational, land use and flooding factors. Priorities have been assigned to planning measures, upgrading actions and maintenance. Control of future land use is seen as a major tool in achieving the strategy.