OzFish Unlimited, Australia's fishing conservation charity, is commencing work on a restoration project with the assistance of the Council of the City of Gold Coast, to improve fish habitat and overall health of Saltwater Creek.
Funded by the Australian Government's Urban Rivers and Catchments program, OzFish will be working alongside local volunteers and community groups to relieve the increasing pressures of urban development.
The project will see OzFish tackle the impact of litter through community clean-ups and improvements to stormwater systems, restore riparian vegetation, and improve a barrier to fish movement.
Katie Broadfoot, an OzFish Project Officer, says that urban catchments like Saltwater Creek, which stretches from Nerang State Forest to the Coomera River, are a vital part of Australia's ecosystem and hold significant community, social, and First Nations value.
"Saltwater Creek supports a number of migratory fish and bird species, such as mangrove jack and the endangered far eastern curlew, that will benefit greatly from this project," said Katie.
"Throughout the catchment area there are hundreds of barriers to fish passage, with three in Saltwater Creek being in the top 50 for remediation in the Gold Coast region. By improving one of these barriers, it means fish will be able to move to the places they need to breed and grow."
"By combining all these elements like removing waste, re-vegetating stream banks, and improving fish migration, we hope to restore connectivity to the catchment that has been lost over the years."
"The planned works will improve water quality to connecting waterways including the internationally recognised Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland site and habitat protection zones within the Moreton Bay Marine Park."
"All of these places are interconnected, so addressing concerns in Saltwater Creek will benefit the whole system greatly."
"Saltwater Creek is a favoured fishing spot for many Gold Coast locals, with freshwater mullet, dusky flathead, and yellowfin bream in abundance. By supporting projects like this that create healthier habitat and more abundant fish populations, we can help improve fishing prospects both locally and regionally."
Cr Naomi Fowler is the Division 2 Councillor at the Council of the City of Gold Coast, who will be working closely with OzFish to deliver the project.
"Saltwater Creek flows through our community, and it is crucial to protect this wonderful asset now so it can thrive in the future", stated Cr Fowler.
"I commend the efforts of OzFish and all community partners for helping to restore Saltwater Creek by hosting clean-ups and implementing initiatives to support a healthier waterway and the flourishing of our native plants and wildlife."
