New Program for Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay

A new $2 million Queensland Government program will aim to reduce the amount of sediment washing off building and construction sites and flowing into the Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay.

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said that the Palaszczuk Government has provided funding to deliver a four-year urban development erosion and sediment control program through the Water-By-Design initiative.

“The program will be available for development and construction industry members and council staff from Port Douglas to the Gold Coast starting in 2017,” Dr Miles said.

“Sediment pollution from building and construction sites puts pressure on waterways and marine areas. It reduces water quality, reduces light penetration through the water column and smothers plants and corals.

“In south east Queensland stormwater runoff from building and construction sites makes up about 30% of the all sediment flowing into Moreton Bay.

“The aim of the program is to build knowledge and understanding among the industry so they can reduce sediment pollution flowing from their sites, as well as equipping local government staff to carry out their important monitoring and compliance roles.”

The program responds to the recommendations of the Great Barrier Reef Water Science Taskforce and would help deliver actions under the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection has contracted Healthy Waterways and Catchments to coordinate delivery of the program in conjunction with industry and councils.