Freshwater ecosystems

Beautiful, biodiverse, under pressure

South East Queensland has a diversity of freshwater ecosystems, including large permanent rivers, ephemeral upland creeks and freshwater wetlands.

Many special freshwater species can be found in the region, including the Lung Fish (Neoceratodus forsteri) and platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus),

Freshwater ecosystems of the region are adapted to the highly variable climate of South East Queensland. However, land-use change and climate extremes are placing these ecosystems under increasing pressure.

Key threats to freshwater ecosystems in South East Queensland include:

• Climate change.
• Water extraction.
• Invasive animal and plant species.
• Pollution.
• Land-use change.
• Mining.

Current condition

Each year, the freshwater stream health of catchments across South East Queensland is assessed as part of the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program. Overall, stream health in South East Queensland is “fair”.

Recent years of high rainfall and flood events restored flow connectivity, resulting in better flow connectivity and improved fish habitat conditions within freshwater ecosystems. However, the expanding populations of non-native invasive freshwater fish, such as the pearl cichlid, present a potential threat to native fish populations.

Much has been done, needs more investment & collaborations to keep pace with pressures

It is thanks to the investment and large collaborations and partnerships made to date that the region is in as good a shape as it is. Far more investment and collaborations are needed to keep pace with the mounting pressure on our ecosystems due to population growth and climate change.

Nature positive investment the way of the future

There is an opportunity for companies wishing to show their genuine commitment to sustainability to invest in a range of on-ground projects, with real and tangible outcomes.

This would help the region achieve the on-ground change it needs faster, while giving the companies a measurable way of demonstrating their ESG and sustainability commitment.

Here's a snapshot of just some of the action over the past 5 years. These numbers will grow as more groups from across the region contribute their data.