SEQ Waterways and Wetlands Investment Strategy has been launched by Queensland’s Environment Minister Leanne Linard.
The strategy is the culmination of extensive consultation and development, building on a decade of experience, and will support investment in on-ground rehabilitation projects across the south-east region.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart applauded the work of the Resilient Rivers Taskforce.
“Our waterways and wetlands play an important part in both sustaining life and the lifestyle that South East Queensland enjoys, particularly in Noosa
“We need healthy systems for drinking water and agriculture, for the activities we love like fishing, boating, and hiking, as well as to protect the wildlife we share the region with.“
Cr Stewart said this investment strategy is another tangible benefit of being a part of the Council of Mayors (SEQ).
“As we face the challenge of population growth, climate change, and increased natural disasters, it is vital that our waterways are resilient. To achieve this, the Council of Mayors (SEQ) collaborated with the Queensland Government to launch the Resilient Rivers South East Queensland Waterways and Wetlands Investment Strategy (the Strategy),“ Cr Stewart said.
This strategy provides the investment blueprint towards a more sustainable future through a $40 million investment from the SEQ City Deal over the next five years and will assist in alleviating the strain our regions rapid growth has put on our waterways as it homes one in seven Australians.
Collaboration is at the core of the strategy, and commits to working with landholders, First Nations peoples, non-government organisations, public utilities, and the private sector to coordinate this approach at a regional level.