Caring for Fig Tree Creek
Posted on June 4th, 2018
Fig Tree Creek, which meanders through Yeppoon, has a residential footprint of about 3080 households and businesses.
Directly flowing into the Great Barrier Reef, the daily habits adopted by these households and businesses have a substantial impact on the water quality entering the ocean.
There are a number of ways your household can leave a positive impact – read more here:
The Figtree residential footprint
A conglomerate of community groups and volunteer organisations work in the Fig Tree catchment to revegetate, remove litter and undertake management of pest plants and animals. Over the past five years, the Caring for Creeks programme, delivered by Fitzroy Basin Association Inc. (FBA) has substantially enhanced the long-term sustainability of Fig Tree Creek. Holly Lambert, FBA’s Community Partnership Coordinator, says the project has changed the composition of three of the region’s most utilized urban catchments.
The effects of this project will be enjoyed by generations to come,” she said.
“FBA are most proud of the relationships we have built as a result of this funding. We have partnered with community groups, traditional owners, volunteers, industry, education providers and local governments to achieve a decade’s worth of work in half the time.”
Caring for Creeks began in 2013 through funding by the Australian Government’s Reef Programme. At the time, it was an unprecedented financial commitment. Key objectives of the program funding included enhancing water quality draining into the Great Barrier Reef and supporting community partnerships to maximize long term benefits. Over five years, $1 million was delivered on ground to improve fish habitats, undertake weed control, riparian revegetation, implement erosion control and debris removal.
We’ve used the funding to empower communities to become custodians for their creeks,” said Holly.
“Creeks are nature’s playground and their appeal lies in their biodiversity. FBA’s hope is that communities living in each of these catchments now understand the role they play in protecting these waterways and the close link they share with the Great Barrier Reef.”
FBA have also developed a comprehensive Restoration Guide to assist communities in caring for their local native habitats, promoting sustainability and offering a more complete picture for ecosystem health. You can read or download the full Restoration Guide here.
Habitat Stepping Stones is a national initiative led by council areas to support ample food, water and shelter in urban areas to create habitats for native species. It’s a fantastic initiative making widespread change. Read more about Livingstone Shire Council’s involvement. Read more about how Livingstone Shire Council’s other projects align.
Want to get involved? Contact one of these local community organisations!
Capricornia Catchments
Cap Coast Landcare
Yeppoon Inlet Association Inc.
Emu Park Bushcare
Friends of Lammermoor Native Gardens
