Catchment management is an approach to planning and managing our local waterways and environment for the long term sustainability of our natural resources.
It involves everyone - residents, industry, organisations, schools, government and council - contributing and working together to improve our local environment.
About our catchments
The majority of the Ipswich local government area lies within the lower Bremer River catchment. The Bremer River catchment covers a total area of 2028km2 and also flows through Scenic Rim local government area. Further information can be viewed in the Bremer Catchment Story
The Brisbane River forms Ipswich's north eastern boundary. The north-western part of Ipswich falls in the Mid Brisbane River catchment, which is the primary drinking water catchment for South-East Queensland. For further information on the Mid Brisbane Catchment read the Mid Brisbane Catchment Story.
Eastern suburbs of Ipswich are included in the highly urban Lower Brisbane River catchment. More information can be viewed in the Lower Brisbane River Catchment Story.
A small portion of Lockyer Creek catchment also crosses into Ipswich in the Woolshed area.
Read more in the Waterway Health Strategy
How you can help
Community engagement and participation are essential to catchment management. There are many ways that the Ipswich community can participate and support catchment health and resilience.
There are opportunities to volunteer and support the restoration of riparian corridors with activities such as weeding and planting. Some Bushcare groups specifically target creek and river areas with regular working bees. Council's Habitat Connections program also provides opportunities for community tree plantings along important riparian areas. There are also local groups, such as Bremer Catchment Association, which are committed to catchment management activities.
Landholders also have a vital role in catchment management. Activities on private property have an impact on the rest of the catchment. Council has a number of programs to support landholders to take appropriate action to minimise detrimental effects. This includes the Landholder Conservation Partnerships Program, as well as catchment-based initiatives such as the Franklin Vale Initiative and Resilient Rivers works at Black Snake Creek.
- Volunteer with Bushcare
- Habitat Connections
- Landholder Conservation Partnerships Program
- Franklin Vale Initiative
Sub-catchment plans and information
Council has developed Management Plans for priority sub-catchment areas requiring specific actions.
Resilient Rivers has supported on-ground revegetation to improve water quality
A corridor plan supports management of this high-growth area
This waterway has importance for the environment and for active transport
Stabilisation works are being strategically delivered to manage erosion