Have your say on the rehabilitation of Lagoons Creek

September 16, 2015

A CONCEPT plan for the rehabilitation of Lagoons Creek in West Mackay is open for public comment until the end of the month. Mackay Regional Council and Reef Catchments are currently planning stage two of rehabilitation activities at Lagoons Creek, with the aim of improving the creek’s health and amenity. A total of $200,000 in funding from council’s Natural Environment Levy and nearly $200,000 from Reef Catchments will go towards this next stage of development.

The main features of the concept plan include reshaping the bank and creating two wetlands along the creek, enabling fish passage and increasing native vegetation to improve water quality. Parks and Environment portfolio councillor Theresa Morgan said the concept behind the plan was similar to the works recently completed near the Bluewater Trail in West Mackay. “This project will have many positive benefits for the creek and the native species that live there,” she said. “The design will create habitat for native fish species that would usually migrate up the creek, such as barramundi and sea mullet. “In its present state, it is difficult for many of the Mackay region’s fish species to migrate upstream into the important nursery habitats of the lagoons. “This has resulted in a reduction in fish stocks and ecosystem functions, such as mosquito larvae control.”

The project will also involve clearing the creek of weed species such as para grass and planting native vegetation to restore the creek’s ecological values and create a more natural channel. Reef Catchments Coast and Biodiversity co-ordinator Stefanie Wabnik said Reef Catchments was proud to work in partnership with council to improve both the environmental and aesthetic values of the Lagoons Creek area. “These works play an important role in restoring aquatic connectivity through the wider Mackay area,” she said “They will help reduce erosion, stabilise the stream bed and improve habitat for native wildlife including fish, birds, reptiles and mammals. “We are aiming to have the works completed by the end of the year.”

To have your say, visit council’s online engagement website Connecting Mackay at www.connectingmackay.com.au and participate in the survey or leave your feedback for the project team. To find out more, please contact the Community Engagement team on 07 4961 9975 or email engagement@mackay.qld.gov.au