The waterways of Logan City are an important component of our environment and contribute to the character of Logan City. Waterways are made up of a broad combination of forms, including both ephemeral and continuously-flowing headwaters, meandering and channelled mid-sections, permanent and temporary freshwater wetlands, estuarine wetlands, and estuaries.
In addition to their environmental value as habitat for a wide variety of native plant and animal species (ranging from algae through to rainforest trees, from microscopic organisms and invertebrates to fish, birds and mammals), Logan's waterways link directly with the Logan River estuary and southern Moreton Bay.
This linkage with downstream waters including Moreton Bay means that chemicals, pollutants and other contaminants that find their way into drains and waterways influence the capacity of the Logan River estuary to support wildlife. This includes recreational and commercially valuable fish species, turtles and dugong.
Unfortunately, Logan's waterways are not what they used to be. Development of the surrounding catchments for housing, industry and transport, and changes to the amount and quality of runoff from rainfall, has reduced the capacity of our waterways to support the wide variety of wildlife that previously existed here. The decline of the platypus is one example. The deep, shaded in-stream pools with high banks for burrows, which are the preferred habitat of the platypus have, for the most part, been filled in by sediment transported to the waterways by stormwater from developed areas in the surrounding catchments. In addition, reduced water quality and available food continue to make it difficult for our waterways to support these animals in any significant numbers. The Communication Officer has received reports of sightings of platypus in both Scrubby and Slacks Creek in recent times. This is a good sign, and gives Council and the community something to aim for - the restoration of our waterways to a standard which allows the return of these much loved animals.
Stormwater
Information on stormwater, guidelines, networks and sustainable stormwater management.
Sediment and erosion control
The negative impacts of sediment and erosion, benefits of effective site sediment and erosion control and healthy waterways.
Waterways Rehabilitation Action Plan (WRAP)
Collaboration of Logan City Council and contractors, undertaking rehabilitation works throughout Logan.
What is Council doing about the health of Logan waterways and catchments?
Council's involvement in protecting local waterways and catchments.
Links
Useful links to different environmentally focused organisations in Australia.
Healthy Waterways Awards 2009
Awards recognising outstanding achievements of groups and individuals who devote their time to the waterways of South East Queensland.