Back to nature plans for local creek
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Published: 21st August 2023
A tributary of Slacks Creek that flows across Mabel Park is set to be restored as a vibrant, natural urban ecosystem with the help of a community-focused environment initiative.
The revegetation project aims to improve habitat quality for native aquatic and land species, as well as establishing community connection with the waterway.
Around 600 metres of Council-owned land, including a 200 metre concrete-lined channel, will be restored with native plants after weeds are removed.
The local community will be asked to help to co-design spaces to enable better connections with the waterway.
The $1.375 million project is co-funded by Logan City Council and the Australian Government.
The Australian Government funding of $1 million was provided through the Urban Rivers and Catchments program.
The program supports projects that improve urban green space, waterway quality and riparian and aquatic habitats to better benefit native species.
Council will contribute $300,000 through the Environment Levy’s Slacks Creek Recovery program, and $75,000 in other funding.
Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power said the benefits of the revegetation project would go beyond environmental improvement.
“Working with locals to improve this waterway not only restores a habitat for native flora and fauna, but is a huge benefit for those who live, work and play alongside Slacks Creek, and in particular, the popular Mabel Park,” Councillor Power said.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek MP said the Urban Rivers and Catchments program highlights the importance of restoring and protecting our urban creeks and rivers.
“We want to leave nature better off for our kids and grandkids, and that means repairing damage to our environment and better protecting it for the future,” Minister Plibersek said.
“That’s why we’re investing $200 million in projects to revitalise our urban rivers and creeks. We want to support the groups on the ground who understand the needs in their community and are working to better manage and restore their local environment.
“Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants occur in urban areas. We need to act now to protect them.”
Federal Treasurer and Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers MP said taking care of the environment for future generations is a priority.
“Ever since I was a kid growing up in this area, I learnt to really cherish the experience of being around our local creeks and waterways,” Minister Chalmers said.
“We want to get our local waterways in better nick so our kids and their kids can continue to enjoy this really beautiful part of our local community for generations to come.
“With this million-dollar investment, we’ll clean up Slacks Creek, improving water quality and conditions for our native frogs, turtles and birdlife.”