Waterways link land and sea in an interconnected system. Flowing creeks and rivers carry nutrients and sediments supporting rich aquatic life; wetlands filter the water before it flows into the Reef lagoon. Waterways are nurseries and migratory pathways for fish, crabs and all manner of wildlife.

We as humans are part of this system. In fact we play an integral role in it. What we do in one part of a catchment usually has implications downstream and sometimes throughout the entire catchment.

All members of the (human) community enjoy multiple benefits provided by the region's creeks, rivers, wetlands, and of course the Reef: drinking water, water for irrigation, stock and industry, natural places for recreation and ecotourism, fishing opportunities (and seafood) and places of cultural significance. In fact locals value the region's waterways for many different reasons.

To give our children and grandchildren a chance to enjoy these benefits in the future, we need to manage how we use "our" waterways now. This rationale is the basis that provided the impetus for Governments to fund more water quality planning and research, initially through Water Quality Improvement Plans and subsequently State funding for Healthy Waters Management Plans.

Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIP)

Related Links

Australian Government - Caring for Our Country- Reef Rescue

Australian and Queensland Government - Reef Plan

CSIRO Healthy Country

GBRMPA - Water Quality and Coastal Development