General

Water is a critical resource for the environmental and economic well being of the Scenic Rim. It is classified as either ground (which means that it is contained within the ground) or surface (which means that it is on the surface of the ground – for example in streams or dams). The resource of water – both ground and surface - is dependant on rainfall, which is quite variable.
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Current Health Status

The Scenic Rim Regional Council area encapsulates the head waters of four of the major river systems in South East Queensland, these are the Logan, Albert, Bremer and Coomera Rivers.
These four systems all support a variety of human activities these include agriculture, urban and peri urban development, extraction industries and recreation.
The Healthy Water Ways Partnership has been monitoring the health of these fresh water system through the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EHMP) since 2001.
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Riparian Areas Providing Clean Water

The edges of wetlands, creeks and drainage lines are commonly referred to as riparian zones. These riparian areas are important components of the landscape that require careful management to maintain and improve their condition. They occur whether the water bodies are permanent or temporary (for example many wetlands experience natural drying out periods). Healthy vegetation consisting of a mixture of trees, shrubs, tussocks, grasses and rushes can help to prevent flood damage and maintain the integrity of stream banks. These riparian areas provide important habitat for a broad range of plant and animal species. It is important to note that on floodplains, trees and shrubs may be sparse or absent from riparian areas and creek banks are stabilised with tussocks (Phragmites and Juncus), rushes and grasses.
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Fish

Queensland has the highest diversity of freshwater fish in Australia. This diversity is threatened by the presence of pest fish species which have efficiently integrated into waterways. Some pest species are such a threat they have been declared as noxious, there are currently 63 declared fish in Queensland. Noxious Fish can be detrimental to other fish, aquatic habitats and humans and must not be kept in aquariums or in farm dams - penalties apply.
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Licences, Permits and Approvals

Landholders need to be aware that they may be required to seek approval from both Council’s Planning Dept and the Department of Environment and Resource Management for any of the below land and water management subjects.
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