Our waterways are in trouble…
As the urban areas around our local waterways continue to grow, so does the amount of litter produced. Every plastic bottle, takeaway container, and food wrapper cast out onto the street, ends up in our creeks, rivers, oceans – and your favourite local fishing spots.
Spearheaded by OzFish, Australia’s fishing conservation charity, and supported by the City of Gold Coast, the restoration efforts at Saltwater Creek have shown the power of community action in preserving the health of our waterways. This project aimed to improve the creek’s fish habitat and overall ecosystem. Initially launched to tackle the growing pressures of urban development, the project focused on removing litter, restoring vegetation, and improving fish passage in this crucial waterway.
Saltwater Creek, which stretches from Nerang State Forest to the Coomera River, is a vital part of the region’s natural ecosystem. It supports migratory fish species, such as Mangrove Jack, and bird species like the endangered Far Eastern Curlew.
Through a series of clean-up events, volunteers took to the creek to relieve these urban pressures and improve the waterway for both wildlife and the local fishing community. This resulted in more than 1,853 kg of litter being removed from the creek.
Volunteers, from paddlers in kayaks to families cleaning from the shore, showed their commitment to preserving this vital resource. From Saltwater Park to Tradewinds Reserve, the community’s efforts were nothing short of inspiring. At one event, 715 kg of rubbish was collected from just 500 metres of the creek—a testament to the dedication of those involved.
These clean-ups were more than just litter collection. They were a powerful display of environmental stewardship and highlighted the interconnectedness of local ecosystems. Saltwater Creek flows into the internationally recognised Moreton Bay Marine Park, making its health critical to the wider region. Litter not only detracts from the beauty of the creek but also has devastating effects on fish habitats. Debris can entangle wildlife, impact their ability to breed and feed, and destroy sensitive habitats.
With further plans to restore streamside vegetation and modify barriers that inhibit fish passage, the work at Saltwater Creek is far from over. The success of the cleanups is just the beginning of a larger project aimed at improving water quality and fish habitats. By tackling urban waste and making improvements to stormwater systems, OzFish and the local community are ensuring a healthier future for the creek and its surrounding areas.
These efforts were made possible by funding from the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments program, along with support from the City of Gold Coast and BCF Boating Camping Fishing. The impact of these clean-ups demonstrates how powerful community action can be in the fight for cleaner, healthier waterways. Keep an eye out for future OzFish events to get involved and contribute to the protection of our local ecosystems.
Find out how you can get involved, visit OzFish online at www.ozfish.org.au.
