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Calliope Catchment StoryThe catchment stories present a story using real maps that can be interogated, zoomed in and moved to explore the area in more detail. They are used to take users through multiple maps, images and videos to provide engaging, in-depth information. Quick facts
Quick linksCalliope Catchment StoryThis catchment story is part of a series prepared for the catchments of Queensland. Understanding how water flows in the catchmentTo effectively manage the catchment it is important to have a collective understanding of how the catchment works. This map journal gathers information from experts and other data sources to provide that understanding. The information was gathered using the ‘walking the landscape’ process, where experts systematically worked through a catchment in a facilitated workshop, to incorporate diverse knowledge on the landscape features and processes, both natural and human. It focused on water flow and the key factors that affect water movement. The map journal was prepared by the Queensland Wetlands Program in the Queensland Department of Environment and Science in collaboration with local partners. Main image. The Calliope River - provided by Fitzroy Basin Association Inc. How to view this map journalThis map journal is presented in three parts:
In some slides, due to scale restrictions, only part of the catchment is shown. Use your mouse to pan around the catchment to view all data. Please note there is a drop-down legend for most maps and it can be accessed by clicking on 'LEGEND' at the top right of the map. This map journal is best viewed in Chrome or Firefox, not Explorer. Map journal for the Calliope catchment—water movementThis map journal describes the location, extent and values of the Calliope catchment*. It demonstrates the key features which influence water flow, including geology, topography, rainfall and runoff, natural features, human modifications and land uses. Knowing how water moves in the landscape is fundamental to sustainably managing the catchment and the services it provides. The Calliope River flows into the Coral Sea via Port Curtis, and the coastal drainage flows directly to the Coral Sea. All waterways eventually drain to the coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Click here to see the water-flow animation.Main image. Calliope River headwaters after Cyclone Marcia - provided by Fitzroy Basin Association Inc. *The use of 'catchment' and 'basin' is sometimes interchangeable. In this map journal the term 'catchment' has been used. Key characteristicsThe Calliope catchment is located in Central Queensland. The main waterway is the Calliope River, together with numerous smaller waterways including Alma, Larcom and Neil creeks. Click here to view the fly-through animation.
Information about the different types of wetlands shown in this mapping is provided here.
Hard geologies cover most of the catchment, which have low permeability and provide for fast surface water runoff, particularly where the landforms are steep. Much of the water runs off to the Calliope River, creating a near permanent habitat for aquatic species in the catchment. As a result, aquatic biodiversity in the Calliope River has been recognised as significant. The Calliope River runs through several constrictions, formed due to the geological features. Constrictions affect water movement, especially at times of flooding where water backs-up, allowing for sediments to settle. There are several areas where alluvium has accumulated along the Calliope River, upstream of geological constrictions. The alluvium areas provide for some local groundwater recharge. Main image. The Calliope River at Castlehope - provided by ©Queensland Government. Conceptual models source: Groundwater dependent ecosystems, WetlandInfo 2014, Queensland Government, Queensland, viewed 27 February 2018 <https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/aquatic-ecosystems-natural/groundwater-dependent/> Catchment ContextThe Calliope catchment is located in Central Queensland and is part of the greater Fitzroy Basin Association Natural Resource Management (NRM) region. It falls within the Gladstone Regional and Banana Shire council areas.
The catchment is surrounded by the Fitzroy, Dawson and Boyne rivers and Curtis Island sub-basins. VegetationHistorically, most of the catchment contained eucalyptus woodlands and open forests. There were also large areas of rainforests and scrubs, with areas of mangrove and saltmarsh in the coastal regions together with small areas of acacia-dominated woodlands. These different vegetation types combine to make up the pre-clearing vegetation of the Calliope catchment. Much of the catchment has now been cleared for agricultural production, mining, industrial activities and urban development. Explore the swipe map using the option below. Depending on your internet browser, you may experience issues. Please note this application takes time to load:
Vegetation affects how water flows through the catchment, and this process is influenced by land use and management practices. Vegetation slows water, retaining it longer in the landscape and recharging groundwater aquifers. It also reduces the erosion potential and the loss of soil from the catchment. Main image. The Calliope River at Castlehope - provided by ©Queensland Government. Catchment characteristicsThe Calliope catchment contains many environmental, economic and social values. The catchment includes several townships, including Calliope, parts of Gladstone and several small areas of rural residential. There are a number of parks, reserves and protected areas in the Calliope catchment. There are also many recreational areas, including areas for camping, bushwalking and water based activities. Values of the catchment—land useThere has been significant changes throughout the catchment since the arrival of the first European settlers. Much of the catchment has now been cleared for land use practices (primarily grazing). Currently, the land use of Calliope catchment includes the following:
The land use of Calliope catchment includes several areas of mining and quarrying including hard rock and gravel and sand Key Resource Areas (KRAs). These different land uses make up the land use of the Calliope catchment. Please note there is a drop down legend for most maps and it can be accessed by clicking on 'LEGEND' at the top right of the map. On this map you can use the drop down legend to view Land-use profile. Values of the catchment—environmentalThe Calliope catchment includes three national parks – Dan Dan, Kroombit Tops and Rundle Range. The catchment also includes the Calliope Conservation Park, Rundle Range Resource Reserve and several state forests. The geological nature of Calliope catchment does not allow for the development of major inland (palustrine) wetlands, although significant wetland developments occur in the coastal areas (estuarine), near Curtis Island. The wetlands and creeks of the catchment provide habitat for many aquatic species, including plants, fish, freshwater turtles, frogs and migratory birds. Estuarine areas also support important plants. Main image. Water dragon of the catchment - provided by Capricornia Catchments Inc. Values of the catchment—water supplyHistorically Tondoon Creek Weir was the main source of water supply, currently Awoonga High Dam (located to the south-east of the Calliope) is the main source of water supply for the Gladstone region. There are many bores across the catchment, particularly around the major towns and regions consisting of alluvial sediments. These bores extract water for livestock and domestic uses and can influence groundwater. Natural features—geology and topographyCalliope is located between two fault lines – Yarrol and Connors-Auburn. The Yarrol fault line runs from Broad Sound to The Narrows. Yarrol consists mainly of a Late Devonian to Carboniferous forearc basin succession. The catchment mainly consists of volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks deposited on a marine shelf that was shallower to the west and became progressively more emergent with time. There are floodplains made up of alluvial sediments. Arenite-rudite, mafites and metamorphics in the very top of the catchment with sand ridges along the coast line. Overall, the Calliope catchment is dominated by hard geologies with low permeability, generating a fast run-off system, which support the Calliope River. These different rock types combine to make up the geology of the Calliope catchment. Conceptual diagrams are provided to deliver a better understanding of geological interactions with water flow and the surrounding environment. Natural features—rainfallThe Calliope catchment experiences good rainfall (more than 1,000 millimetres per year) along its steeper sections. The remainder of the catchment experiences average rainfall (less than 1,000 millimetres per year). These different rainfall levels combine to make up the rainfall of the Calliope catchment. Modified features—vegetation clearingHistorically, most of the catchment contained eucalyptus woodlands and open forests. There were also large areas of rainforests and scrubs, with mangrove and saltmarsh in the coastal regions together with small areas of acacia-dominated woodlands. These different vegetation types combine to make up the pre-clearing vegetation of the Calliope catchment. Farming and residential development have resulted in some clearing of original vegetation. However, some areas of vegetation have regrown since initial clearing. Explore the swipe map using the option below. Depending on your internet browser, you may experience issues. Please note this application takes time to load.
Vegetation affects how water flows through the catchment, and this process is influenced by land use and management practices. Vegetation slows water, retaining it longer in the landscape and recharging groundwater aquifers. It also reduces the erosion potential and the loss of soil from the catchment. These developments and activities change the shape of the landscape and can modify water flow patterns. Main image. Riparian vegetation along the Calliope River at Castlehope - provided by ©Queensland Government. *Depending on your internet browser, you may experience issues with one or the other. Please note this application takes time to load. Modified features—infrastructureBuildings and important infrastructure such as roads, railways and creek crossings create impermeable surfaces and barriers that redirect water through single points or culverts, leading to channelling of water. This increases the rate of flow and the potential for erosion. Modifications to channels, such as straightening and diversions, can also increase flow rates. Main image. Old Calliope River bridge - provided by Capricornia Catchments Inc. Modified features—dams and weirsDams and weirs also modify the natural water flow patterns, by holding water. The catchment includes the Tondoon Creek Weir and numerous rural water storages (farm dams), which also modify water flows. Awoonga High Dam (located to the south-east of Calliope) is currently the main source of water supply to the Gladstone region. Main image. Rock ramp fishway - provided by Fitzroy Basin Association Inc. Modified features—sedimentIncreases in the volume and speed of runoff can increase erosion in the landscape and the stream channels, resulting in sediment being carried downstream and reduced water quality.
The suspended sediment of most risk to the reef is the fine fraction. This is the component that contains most of the nitrogen and phosphorus content (and other contaminants), that travels widely in flood plumes rather than being deposited near the river mouth. This plume is very effective at reducing light when in suspension. Furthermore, the impacts of suspended sediment contribute to the cumulative impacts of other stressors (e.g. freshwater flood plumes, elevated nutrients, impacts from cyclones, increasing sea surface temperatures) to increase the overall impact on organisms of the reef. Please see links to the Fitzroy Basin Association's Water Quality Improvement Plan in the references section at the end of this map journal. Main image. The Calliope River at Castlehope - provided by ©Queensland Government Water qualityWater quality is influenced by runoff and point source inputs such as sewage treatment plants, septic tank seepage and stormwater discharge. Most of the catchment uses septic tanks, however there are Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at Gladstone, Yarwun and Calliope. An annual report card is used to measures progress towards Reef Plan’s goals and targets. Please find links to the reports in the references section at the end of this map journal. Main image. Bridge over the Calliope River - provided by ©Queensland Government. Neighbourhood catchmentsA catchment is an area with a natural boundary (for example ridges, hills or mountains) where all surface water drains to a common channel to form rivers or creeks.* The catchments in the Fitzroy Basin Association NRM area are made up of smaller areas, called sub-catchments or neighbourhood catchments. The Calliope catchment includes several large and small sub-catchments. Features of each sub-catchment are different, and therefore water will flow differently in each one. The Calliope is listed as a single catchment but consists of several distinct areas which require specific mention:
*Definition sourced from the City of Gold Coast website (see links at the end of this map journal). Upper CalliopeB8: Calliope River, Alma Creek, Harper Creek, Paddock Creek, Alarm Creek
Main image. Downstream of the Mount Alma crossing - provided by Capricornia Catchments Inc. Upper CalliopeB9: Budjerie Creek, Oaky Creek, Boundary Creek
Mid CalliopeB3: Calliope River, Branch Creek, Scrub Creek, Larcom Creek, Gravel Creek
Main image. Blackgate Road crossing of the Calliope River - provided by Capricornia Catchments Inc. Mid CalliopeB10: Calliope River, Double Creek and Neill Creek
Lower CalliopeB4: Gravel Creek, Oaky Creek
Lower CalliopeB11: Calliope River, Leixlip Creek, Calligooran Creek
Lower CalliopeB6: Ginger Beer Creek, Clyde Creek
Lower CalliopeB7: Tondoon Creek, Police Creek, Kin Kora Creek, Auckland Creek, Briffney Creek, Carthurbie Creek
Smaller coastal sub-catchmentsB1: Calliope River, Manduran Creek, Black Swan, Teninge Creek, Boat Creek, Spring Creek, Sandy Creek
ConclusionThe Calliope catchment shows how natural and modified features within the landscape impact on how water flows. These issues need to be managed to ensure that the significant natural (and social) values of the catchment are protected. Managing these issues minimises the impacts to the multitude of values within the catchment and downstream in the Great Barrier Reef. This provides sustainable residential areas, water supply, farming and other important land uses of the catchment. Knowing how the catchment functions is also important for future planning, including climate resilience. With this knowledge, we can make better decisions about how we manage this vital area. Main image. The Calliope River - provided by Capricornia Catchments Inc. AcknowledgmentsDeveloped by the Queensland Wetlands Program in the Department of Environment and Science in partnership with: Fitzroy Basin Association Inc. Capricornia Catchments Inc. Gladstone Ports Corporation Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership TropWATER Gladstone Regional Council This resource should be cited as: Walking the Landscape – Calliope Catchment Story v1.0 (2018), presentation, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland.Images provided by: Fitzroy Basin Association Inc., Capricornia Catchments Inc. and ©Queensland Government. The Queensland Wetlands Program supports projects and activities that result in long-term benefits to the sustainable management, wise use and protection of wetlands in Queensland. The tools developed by the Program help wetlands landholders, managers and decision makers in government and industry. Contact wetlands♲des.qld.gov.au or visit www.wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au DisclaimerThis map journal has been prepared with all due diligence and care, based on the best available information at the time of publication. The department holds no responsibility for any errors or omissions within the document. Any decisions made by other parties based on this document are solely the responsibility of those parties. Information contained in this education module is from a number of sources and, as such, does not necessarily represent government or departmental policy. Data source, links and extra informationSoftware Used ArcGIS for Desktop | ArcGIS Online | Story Map Journal| Story Map Series |Some of the information used to put together this Map Journal can be viewed on the QLD Globe. Queensland Globe allows you to view and explore Queensland spatial data and imagery. You can also download a cadastral SmartMap or purchase and download a current titles search. More information about the layers used can be found here: Flooding InformationRockhampton Regional Council Banana Shire Council Other References Fitzroy Basin Association Inc. (2015) Water Quality Improvement Plan [webpage] Accessed 8 February 2018 Fitzroy Basin Association Inc. (2015) Sediment [webpage] Accessed 8 February 2018 Fitzroy Partnership for River Health (2015) Fitzroy Report Card [webpage] Accessed 15 October 2017. Queensland Government (2016) Key Resource Areas in Queensland [webpage] Accessed 31 October 2016 Queensland Government (2016) Declared Fish Habitat Area Summary - Fitzroy River [webpage] Accessed 26 October 2017 Queensland Government (2017) Reef Report Card [webpage] Accessed 14 October 2017
City of Gold Coast (2021) About water catchments. [webpage] Accessed 25 August 2021
Last updated: 25 August 2021 This page should be cited as: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2021) Calliope Catchment Story, WetlandInfo website, accessed 30 August 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/processes-systems/water/catchment-stories/transcript-calliope.html |