Erosion and Sediment Control and stormwater management
In 2018 we developed an Erosion and Sediment Control Policy and supporting Program to reduce sediment loss from development sites. This applies to our work sites and private development sites regulated under the Queensland Planning Act. The aim of the Policy is to reduce sediment impacting on coastal waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.
Our aim is to reduce sediment loss from our work sites and work with the development industry to ensure best-practice methods are adopted. To assist the development industry a series of fact sheets have been developed.
We have also developed stormwater management guidelines, which clearly articulate our requirements for the development industry to manage environmental impacts on stormwater. This will help reduce contaminants such as heavy metals, nutrients and litter entering our waterways from urban areas.
Riparian Creek Restoration
Our creeks and waterways are very important for our Region’s biodiversity. Vegetated creek banks or riparian areas provide vital habitat for our native animals and help reduce pollutants reaching our waterways. We work in partnership with regional Natural Resource Management Groups such as Reef Catchments, NQ Dry Tropics and Whitsunday Catchment Landcare on projects to help restore vegetation in key locations.
Marine Debris
Litter from urban areas can find its way into our coastal waters and impact on marine habitats and animals. We are implementing measures to reduce litter entering our waterways, such as installing more rubbish bins in commercial areas, regular street cleaning in our main streets, and installing litter collection devices to stop litter being blown or washed into our waterways. We work with community groups to promote greater awareness of the impact of marine debris on our natural environment.