- Sunshine Coast RiverCare program receives multi-million-dollar investment
- Program protects waterways and enhances ability to deliver clean, safe drinking water to locals
- More than 30,000 trees have been planted to date
A significant Sunshine Coast RiverCare program has received a multi-million-dollar boost from Seqwater to protect raw water quality in the South Maroochy catchment.
Seqwater and ECOllaboration have partnered with local landholders over the past six years to deliver vital catchment protection initiatives on private properties.
The program is designed to maintain the quality of raw water being sent to Seqwater’s Image Flat Water Treatment Plant (WTP), where it is turned into clean, safe drinking water, supplying up to 17 million litres per day to Sunshine Coasters.
Since 2018, the South Maroochy RiverCare program has seen more than 30,000 trees planted, 114 hectares of invasive vine weed managed, and over 75 hectares of land regenerated to create healthier waterways.
Importantly, the program has provided employment for people living in the local area, including the 26 local trainees gaining a Certificate 3 in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
Works will continue in 2024 and include revegetation and maintenance across nearly 20 local properties to reduce sediment runoff into our waterways.
Quotes attributable to Seqwater Interim CEO, Will Harpham:
Seqwater is proud to partner with ECOllaboration to continue protecting raw water quality in the South Maroochy catchment, spanning around 90km2 of land on the Sunshine Coast.
This investment supports Seqwater in its ability to deliver clean, safe drinking water across the region.
By maintaining healthy catchment conditions, such as reducing sediment run off, pathogens from livestock or poor riparian health due to invasive weeds, we can help to ensure the cost of water treatment is stable.
The program also upskills private property owners on best practice techniques that help to protect our waterways.
Quotes attributable to ECOllaboration Trainee, Tahlia Rose:
As part of my Skilling Queenslanders for Work First Start Traineeship with ECOllaboration, I’ve had the opportunity to work in the field on the South Maroochy RiverCare Program with Seqwater, undertaking plantings and weed control activities.
It’s been a great opportunity to be part of the program, where I get to learn firsthand how Seqwater and ECOllaboration deliver catchment protection and agricultural programs in the region to protect water quality.
