Creeks and catchments
Find out why local creeks and catchments are so important. Learn how you can help protect these precious waterways.
What is a catchment?
A catchment is an area of land that collects water from the surrounding landscape.
Rainwater flows to a common low point, such as a creek, from a variety of sources including:
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surrounding hills and mountains
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backyards and streets
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stormwater pipes.
The water then drains into a larger body such as a lake, river or bay.
Why are creeks and catchments important?
Brisbane’s creeks and catchments support and sustain our local environment, economy and livelihoods.
Sustain biodiversity
- Provide habitat, including shelter, breeding sites and drinking water, for native wildlife.
- Help recycle nutrients to support plant growth.
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Waterways often provide corridors for wildlife movements.
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Provide shade and support native vegetation communities.
Support recreation and education
- Provide scenic places for people to enjoy activities in nature, including bushwalking and fishing.
- Attract diverse bird species for birdwatching.
- Offer the chance to get close to nature and learn about local ecosystems.
- Maintain important cultural sites and connections.
Maintain water supply
- Provide drinking water.
- Supply water for irrigation, industrial processes and recreation.
Improve water quality
- Filter and help remove pollutants from stormwater.
- Stop soil and debris from entering rivers and estuaries around Brisbane.
- Waterway vegetation keeps the water cool and reduces algal blooms.
Protecting Brisbane’s creek and catchments
Everyone can help ensure Brisbane's creeks and catchments continue to thrive.
We look after Brisbane’s waterways by:
- stabilising creek and riverbanks on Council land
- removing weeds and planting native species
- managing urban development
- planning best use of water to benefit people, environment and economy
- encouraging water-smart design in any buildings built near creeks or catchments
- building flood resilience
- preventing litter from entering waterways.
Creek Catchments program
Council’s Creek Catchments program supports 12 community-based catchment groups.
We partner with volunteers, businesses and other government agencies to help restore and protect creeks and catchments.
We have 4 dedicated Council officers who help catchment groups in:
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providing technical advice, skills development and training
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supporting catchment group events and activities
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strategic planning of catchment restoration projects and sites
- budgeting project funding from environment grants and delivering Community Conservation Assistance funded projects.
Get involved and make a difference by joining a catchment group.
Community-based catchment groups are located across Brisbane. They’re made up of volunteers and members who are dedicated to improving the health of local creeks.
You can help by taking part in planting events, volunteering at a community native nursery or giving feedback on projects in your area.
Find out about local catchment groups, including their projects and events.
What you can do at home
What you do in your home, garden and street makes a difference to the health of our waterways.
Here are some simple and effective actions you can take.
- Pick up and dispose of animal waste.
- Keep chemicals out of the drain.
- Make sure your rubbish always goes into the bin.
- Compost your garden waste.
- Use fertilisers and garden chemicals sparingly.
- Report stormwater pollution.
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Plant native species rather than exotics.
- Create a rain garden or gullies in your garden to collect and absorb rain.
- Wash your car on the grass and keep soap suds out of stormwater drains.
If you see an environmental incident, such as chemical spill or illegal dumping waste, report it. Call Council on 07 3403 8888.
A catchment collects water from surrounding landscapes. Water then flows to a common low point, such as creeks, lakes, the river or bay. A river is a flowing stream of water that drains catchment water out to sea.
The Brisbane River is brown because of sediment that flows into it from upstream catchments. The river is an estuary and is influenced by the tide. When the tide comes in from the opposite direction, it creates turbulence in the water. This constantly stirs up fine particles of dirt and mud that makes up the sediment. The sediment never gets a chance to settle, which gives the Brisbane River its dark colour.
You can walk your dog along your local creek as long as it’s on a lead. We discourage dogs from entering waterways to protect the local environment.
If you’re looking for a place to let your dog socialise, run and play, visit Council’s dog off-leash areas.