Transcript

Lower Fitzroy Catchment Story

This map journal is part of a series prepared for the catchments of Queensland.

Understanding how water flows in the catchment

To 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 of the Lower Fitzroy River provided by Fitzroy Basin Association.

How to view this map journal

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In some slides, due to scale issues, only part of the catchment is shown. Use your mouse to pan around the catchment to view all data.

Map journal for the Lower Fitzroy Catchment - water movement

This map journal describes the location, extent and values of the Lower Fitzroy 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.

In this map journal, the term 'Fitzroy River Catchment' broadly refers to the Fitzroy River Drainage Sub-Basin* (which starts at the confluence of the Mackenzie and Dawson rivers). The term ‘Fitzroy Basin’ has been used to describe the larger catchment area, which also includes the Nogoa, Comet, Isaac, Mackenzie and Dawson rivers.

Image of the Fitzroy River in flood provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

*as described by state government.

Lower Fitzroy Catchment Story

The Lower Fitzroy Catchment is located in central Queensland and is part of the larger Fitzroy Basin. The Fitzroy River is fed by the Dawson, Comet, Nogoa, Isaac and Mackenzie rivers (click for animation). The Mackenzie and Dawsonrivers from the north and south respectively, join to form the Fitzroy River near Duaringa. The Fitzroy River then flows east through Rockhampton into theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park near Curtis Island.

The main waterway is the Fitzroy River, together with numerous smaller waterways including Marlborough, Alligator and Raglan creeks (click for animation).

Adjacent catchments include the Styx, Shoalwater and Waterpark catchmentsto the north and east, and the Calliope and Curtis Island catchments to the south and east.

The catchment covers approximately 9,780 square kilometres. There are approximately 13,650 kilometres of stream network, with 163 kilometres defined as estuarine. An estuary is defined as the transition zone between the river and marine environments, and contains a diluted mix of marine water and freshwater water from land run-off.

Local government

The main centre is Rockhampton. The catchment falls mostly within theRockhampton Regional Council boundary but also includes parts of theLivingstone Shire, Gladstone Regional, Banana Shire and Central Highlands Regional council areas.

Values of the catchment

The Fitzroy River Catchment contains many environmental, economic and social values.

The catchment includes several townships and the urban and rural residential* area of Rockhampton on the lower Fitzroy River.

Most of the catchment is used for grazing on native and improved pastures, together with nature conservation, production forestry, cropping/irrigated cropping, horticulture, manufacturing and industry, mining/quarrying and other minor land uses. These different land uses make up the land use of the Lower Fitzroy Catchment.

Aerial view of landuse of the Lower Fitzroy supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

There are several protected areas across the catchment, including theGoodedulla and Mount Archer national parks. The catchment also includes conservation areas, nature refuges, and parts of the Fitzroy River Fish Habitat Area and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

*Please note the residential areas shown include rural residential as well as other residential area types.

Image of Keppel Island reef provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

Values of the catchment–economic

Farming in the catchment includes grazing on native pastures together with some grazing on modified pastures, cropping/irrigated cropping (potato, sweet potato and other vegetables), horticulture (pineapple) and intensive animal husbandry (horses).

There is mining and quarrying scattered across the catchment, including several sand and hardrock Key Resource Areas*.

The Fitzroy River delta is a highly productive area that supports commercial, recreational and indigenous fisheries (mud crab, barramundi, banana prawns, king salmon, blue salmon, sea mullet, grunter and shark).**

*Please note sand and hard rock extraction shown are within KRA (Key Resource Areas) only. KRAs are identified locations containing important extractive resources of state or regional significance worthy of protection for future use. Some KRAs include existing extractive operations (see link at end of map journal for more information).

**Declared Fish Habitat Area summary - Fitzroy River (see link at end of map journal for more information).

Images: native grasslands with cattle grazing, Brahman cattle at watering point in modified pastures, irrigated cropping, pineapple farm, mining infrastructure, rock quarry and a recently caught mud crab - provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

Values of the catchment–environmental and social

The catchment contains a number of protected areas—the largest beingGoodedulla National Park.

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 (mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrass), marine turtles, marine mammals and fisheries species.

Protected areas also provide recreational activities such as bush walking, bird watching, four wheel driving, camping and fishing. These activities not only provide substantial social and health benefits but they are also very important for tourism.

Information about the different types of wetlands shown in this mapping is provided here.

Images: mangroves and saltmarsh of the Fitzroy River delta, protected area and bush walking at Mount Archer, Rockhampton, Pacific Black Duck, provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

Values of the catchment–water supply

The Fitzroy River Barrage and Eden Bann Weir are used to supply water to the Rockhampton region. The Fitzroy River Barrage impoundment is managed as the Fitzroy Barrage Water Supply Scheme. The Eden Bann Weir pool is managed as the Lower Fitzroy Water Supply Scheme. Bajool Weir is not used for water supply.

The Fitzroy River Barrage supplies water for domestic, industrial and commercial uses in Rockhampton. Water is sourced from the impoundment behind the barrage approximately six kilometres upstream of the barrage. The barrage is fitted with automatic flood gates. At full supply level the impoundment has a volume of 81,300 mega litres.

The Lower Fitzroy Water Supply Scheme primarily supplies cooling water to theStanwell Power Station, together with agricultural and riparian allocation holders along the Fitzroy River and stock, domestic, and industrial users along the pipeline to the power station. Eden Bann Weir holds in excess of 26,000 mega litres at full supply level. It has two crests (14.8 metres and 14.5 metres), a fish lock and a selective outlet. The pipeline is 28 kilometres long and bypasses Rockhampton within 10 kilometres of its western boundary.

There are also many bores across the catchment, particularly around Rockhampton and coastal areas*. These bores are extracting water for livestock and domestic uses and can influence groundwater.

*DNRM bore mapping

Images of the Fitzroy River Barrage with flood gates and Stanwell Power Station provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

Natural features–geology and topography

There are two major fault lines (Yarrol and Connors–Auburn) which extend broadly in a north-west to south-east direction. This area contains many volcanic metamorphosed sediments and corresponding complex mixes of geology, which have a major effect on how water flows in the catchment.

The hard geologies across most of the elevated areas have low permeability and provide for fast surface water runoff, particularly where the landforms are steep. These rocks provide for some local groundwater recharge through fractures. There are areas of permeable basalt and serpentinite (ultramafic rock), which provide for more substantial groundwater recharge.

There are large areas of major floodplain development in the lower lying areas. These floodplains are made up of alluvial deposits and mangrove sediments. These large areas of alluvium enable water infiltration and recharge of groundwater, and support substantial wetland development.

These different rock types combine to make up the geology of the Lower Fitzroy Catchment.

Aerial image of the Fitzroy River floodplain provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

Natural features–rainfall

There is moderate rainfall across most of the catchment. There are areas ofhigh rainfall across coastal areas and the central slopes, and small areas of very high rainfall near Byfield and Rockhampton.*

These different rainfall levels combine to make up the rainfall of the Lower Fitzroy Catchment.

*Rainfall categories: moderate (651-1000 millimetres per year), high (1001-1500 millimetres per year) and very high (1501-2000 millimetres per year).

Natural features–vegetation

Vegetation affects how water flows through the catchment, and this process isaffected by land use and management practices. Native 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.

Images (left to right clockwise): Brigalow , native grassland with eucalyptus overstorey, eucalpytus and acacia forests provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

Modified features–pre-clearing vegetation

Historically, most of the catchment contained eucalyptus woodlands and open forests. There were also large areas of acacia-dominated vegetation,rainforests and scrubs, and mangrove and saltmarsh, together with small areas of melaleuca woodlands.

These different vegetation types combined to make up the preclearing vegetation of the Lower Fitzroy Catchment.*

*Broad Vegetation Groups derived from Regional Ecosystems. Regional Ecosystems are vegetation communities in a bioregion that are consistently associated with a particular combination of geology, landform and soil.

Image of eucalyptus open woodland and grassy understorey provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

Modified features–vegetation and land use

More than half the catchment has been cleared or partially-cleared for a range of rural and urban land uses, particularly grazing on native pastures. Nearly all of the melaleuca woodland has been cleared.

A range of different land use types combine to make up the land use of the Lower Fitzroy Catchment.*

*See links at end of this map journal for further details regarding land use classification.

Modified features–vegetation clearing

Even though a lot of native vegetation has been cleared, there has also been some areas of vegetation that has regrown* since initial clearing.

Explore the swipe map using either of the options below.**

• Interactive swipe app where you can zoom into areas and use the swipe bar (ESRI version)

• Interactive swipe app where you can use the swipe bar. Use the white slide bar at the bottom of the map for a comparison (HTML version)

These developments and activities change the shape of the landscape and can modify water flow patterns.

*Please note this regrowth includes non-native vegetation.

**Please note this application takes time to load.

Modified features–channels and infrastructure

Buildings and important infrastructure such as roads, railways and creek crossings create barriers and impermeable surfaces that redirect water through single points or culverts, leading to channelling of water. This increases the rate of flow and the potential for erosion.

The lower reaches around Rockhampton have been heavily developed and there are many barriers and impermeable surfaces.

Modifications to channels, such as straightening and diversions, can also increase flow rates.

Infrastructure can also affect fish passage, and several barriers are known to affect fish passage in the Lower Fitzroy Catchment.

Images of rail, and road infrastructure in Rockhampton, and weirs provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

Modified features–dams and weirs

Dams and weirs also modify the natural water flow patterns, by holding water. The catchment has three large weirs (Eden Bann Weir, Fitzroy River Barrage and Bajool Weir) and they influence how and when water flows through parts of the catchment.

The catchment has numerous rural water and flood irrigation storages and weirs (farm dams), which also modify water flows.

Image of aerial view of storages and dams off the Fitzroy River provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

Modified features–sediment

Increases 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 Lower Fitzroy Catchment contributes significant sediment to the Reef as a result of human impacts. The majority comes from grazing lands which makes grazing a priority industry for the Water Quality Improvement Plan.

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), travels widely in flood plumes (as seen in the main image from the Fitzroy River mouth) rather than all depositing near the river mouth and is very effective at reducing light when in suspension.

Furthermore, the impacts of suspended sediment contributes to the cumulative impacts of other stressors (e.g. fresh-water flood plumes, elevated nutrients, impacts from cyclones, increasing sea surface temperatures) to increase the overall impact on organisms of the Reef.

Many of the sub-catchments are considered high or medium priority for management of grazing impacts.

Please see links to the FBA WQIP in the references at the end of the Map Journal.

Main image of flood plume at the mouth of Fitzroy River provided by Fitzroy Basin Association

Water quality

Water quality is currently influenced by runoff and point source inputs such assewage treatment plants, septic tank seepage and stormwater discharge. Most of the catchment uses septic tanks, however there are sewage treatment plants (STPs) at Yeppoon, West Rockhampton, North Rockhampton and South Rockhampton.

In recent years, the Lower Fitzroy Catchment and the estuary catchment scored and overall report card grade of B, indicating that they are in good condition

Grades are partly influenced by the amount of rainfall falling on the catchment with flood events resulting in declines in water quality.

An annual report card measures progress towards Reef Plan’s goals and targets. The reports show some progress, however more needs to be done to reach the Reef Plan targets. Please find links to the reports in the references section at the end of the Map Journal.

Image of sewage treatment plant outside Rockhampton supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

Water flow

Water flows across the landscape into streams and eventually into the Fitzroy River (click to see animation*).

The remaining water either sinks into the ground where it supports a variety of terrestrial and groundwater dependent ecosystems or is used for other purposes.

The restricted channels and gullies eventually 'flatten out' to form waterways that meander across the floodplain. They pass through alluvial areas which store and release water, prolonging the time streams flow.

*Please note this application takes time to load.

Image of meandering floodplain channels in the Fitzroy supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

The sub-catchments

A 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.*

Catchments in the Fitzroy Basin Association (Regional Natural Resource Management body) area are made up of smaller areas, called sub-catchments.

The Lower Fitzroy Catchment consists of large and small sub-catchments.**

The characteristics of each sub-catchment are different, and therefore water will flow differently in each one.

*Definition sourced from the City of Gold Coast website (see links at the end of this map journal).

**Sub-catchment F26 is not included in this map journal as it is outside of the Lower Fitzroy Catchment (as defined by Queensland government mapping).

F16 Fitzroy River, Melaleuca and Slatey creeks

This area is undulating to flat and receives moderate rainfall over hard geologies, together with some alluvium. The headwaters of Melaleuca Creekflow through the Goodedulla National Park and are steep with fast creek flow. The alluvium and some fracturing of the metamorphic rocks provide for local groundwater recharge.

Upper Melaleuca Creek has large areas of eucalyptus-dominated vegetation, and rainforests and scrubs. Large areas of lower lying land have been cleared for mostly grazing on native pastures, together with some cropping/irrigated cropping. Some of the cleared vegetation has regrown since initial clearing.

There are riverine wetlands along the Fitzroy River, and palustrine andlacustrine wetlands across F16.

Crocodiles, turtles and a diversity of fish are known to inhabit this section of the Fitzroy River. This is the upper extent of saltwater crocodiles.

Images of saltwater crocodile in the Lower Fitzroy River supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

F22 Lower Gogango Creek and D4 Upper Gogango Creek

This area is undulating to flat and receives moderate rainfall over hard geologies, together with alluvium along some channels. The headwaters ofGogango Creek are steep and creek flow is fast. There are large areas ofalluvium along lower Gogango Creek and several tributaries, where sediment has accumulated upstream of geological constrictions. The alluvium and some fracturing provides for local groundwater recharge.

Most of this area has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together withcropping, rural residential and services. There are small areas of eucalyptus-dominated and acacia-dominated vegetation, mostly on the slopes. Some of the cleared vegetation has regrown since initial clearing, particularly across the eastern slopes.

There is some wetland development, mostly across the lower lying land. There are many rural water storages and other barriers to fish passage. There is much anabranching along the lower northern tributaries and also some streambank damage, erosion and gullying across the southern tributaries.

Rocky substrate, waterholes and riffles provide good fish habitat below the confluence of Gogango and Sandy creeks.

Images of streambank damage by cattle supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

F18 Fitzroy River, Mosquito, Moah and Emu creeks

This area is undulating to flat and receives moderate to high rainfall over hard geologies and alluvium, although some basalt is also present. Surface water runoff is high over the hard geologies, however the alluvium, basalt and some fracturing provide for local groundwater recharge.

Most of this area has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together withcropping/irrigated cropping. Some of the cleared vegetation has regrown since initial clearing.

There are riverine wetlands along the Fitzroy River, and broad areas offloodplain with numerous palustrine and lacustrine wetlands. There are manyrural water storages (farm dams), including several large storages on grazing land.

Due to the micro-habitats within the river (sand banks, water holes), crocodiles, turtles and a diversity of fish are known to inhabit this section of the Fitzroy River, including the protected Fitzroy River and White-throated snapping turtles.

F17 Fitzroy River, Templeton, Glenroy and Muldoon creeks

This area is undulating to flat and receives moderate rainfall over hard geologies, together with large areas of alluvium. The headwaters of mosttributaries are steep and creek flow is fast. The alluvium and some fracturing provide for local groundwater recharge.

Most of this area has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together withcropping/irrigated cropping along the Fitzroy River floodplain. There are large areas of eucalyptus-dominated vegetation, acacia-dominated vegetation, andrainforests and scrubs. Large areas of vegetation have regrown since initial clearing.

There are riverine wetlands along the Fitzroy River, and broad areas offloodplain with numerous palustrine and lacustrine wetlands.

The Eden Bann Weir pool typically extends up the Fitzroy River to Muldoon Creek, and influences water movement. There are also several rural water storages, including a detention basin along the Fitzroy River.

There is slope and gully erosion across western tributaries, and sand has accumulated at the confluences with the Fitzroy River. There is also gully erosion across the eastern tributaries. Sand banks within the Fitzroy River shift with flooding.

The river supports the protected Fitzroy River and White-throated snapping turtles as well as a high concentration of crocodiles near the confluence of the Fitzroy River and Marlborough Creek.

F10 Marlborough Creek

This area is undulating to flat and receives moderate rainfall over mostly hard geologies, including some serpentinite. The headwaters of Marlborough Creek and several tributaries are steep and creek flow is fast. There are large areas ofalluvium along the mid reaches of Blown Down, Woodstock and Marlborough creeks, where sediment has accumulated upstream of geological constrictions. Alluvium, poorly consolidated sediments and some fracturing provide for substantial groundwater recharge.

There are large groundwater systems at Horseshoe Lagoon (confluence of Marlborough Creek and the Fitzroy River), the confluence of Marlborough and Redcliffe creeks, and associated with Spring Creek.

Wetlands are concentrated in the perched alluvial valleys and along the Fitzroy River. The Fitzroy River backs up into lower Marlborough Creek and the Horseshoe Lagoon area during flood events. A levee along western Horseshoe Lagoon influences flow, as do several rural water storages.

Large areas of vegetation are protected within state forests and Develin Nature Refuge, including eucalyptus-dominated and acacia-dominated vegetation, together with rainforests and scrubs. There are 14 known endemic species in this area. Most of this area has been cleared or partially-cleared for grazing on native pastures, together with small areas of cropping, mining/quarrying,urban and rural residential and services. Some of the cleared vegetation hasregrown since initial clearing.

The water in areas around Marlborough creek are mineral-rich (particularly magnesium carbonate) due to the underlying geology (serpentinite). Fish are adapted to living in this hard water. Crocodiles and turtles are known to inhabit the lower parts of Marlborough Creek, including the protected Fitzroy River Turtle. Feral pigs are damaging banks along parts of Marlborough Creek.

Images of feral pig damage supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

F11 Fitzroy River, Ten Mile, Princhester, Six Mile and Planted creeks

This area is undulating to flat and receives moderate to high rainfall over hard geologies including large areas of serpentinite. There are also large areas ofalluvium, including perched alluvium along upper Planted and Kerral creeks, and some serpentinite clays. The headwaters of Ten Mile Creek are steep and receive moderate rainfall over mostly hard geologies and creek flow is fast.

Alluvium, unconsolidated sediments and some fracturing provide for some local groundwater recharge. Boggy Creek is a groundwater discharge area and there is a groundwater fed wetland system near Cabbage Tree Creek.

There are large areas of mostly eucalyptus-dominated vegetation across the northern tributaries. Most of the southern tributaries have been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together with other farming. Some of the cleared vegetation has regrown since initial clearing.

There are a few wetlands in the area other than those located along the Fitzroy River, particularly on the lower lying land near Boggy and Ten Mile creeks.

Eden Bann Weir is located at a geological constriction, on a rocky bar in the Fitzroy River. The weir modifies flow within the Fitzroy River and local tributaries, particularly Six Mile and Boggy creeks. There are also several rural water storages across this area.

During flood events there is sheet flow across the lower lying land near Ten Mile Creek. There is anabranching along Princhester Creek, and the area is prone to erosion.

The water is mineral-rich (particularly magnesium around Princhester and Fig Tree creeks), due to the parent serpentinite material forming clays in the alluvium.

This sub-catchment supports a variety of fauna species including the protected Fitzroy River and White-throated snapping turtles.

F12 Fitzroy River, Two Mile, Canoona and Four Mile creeks and F19 Ridgelands and Limestone creeks

This area is undulating to flat and receives moderate rainfall over hard geologies, including some serpentinite. There are also large areas of serpentinite clays and alluvium, and some basalt. The headwaters of the southern tributaries are steep and creek flow is fast.

The alluvium, unconsolidated sediments, basalt and some fracturing provide for groundwater recharge. There is substantial groundwater recharge around the confluences of the Fitzroy River with Louisa and Four Mile creeks, and across parts of the F12 northern tributaries.

Most of this area has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together with other farming, urban and rural residential, services and manufacturing and industry. The Ridgelands, Alton Downs and Garnant areas are used primarily for dryland cotton cultivation and wheat production. Some areas are irrigated for fodder crops or to support macadamia production. There are some areas ofeucalyptus-dominated vegetation, and rainforests and scrubs. Some of the cleared vegetation has regrown since initial clearing. The area also supports protected fauna species such as Fitzroy River turtle and White-throated snapping turtle.

There are riverine wetlands along the Fitzroy River, and several palustrine andlacustrine wetlands including Lake Learmouth, Norde Say and Caliorin lagoons. There are also many rural water storages, including several large storages on grazing and cropping lands.

During flood events, the Fitzroy River breaks its banks and flows across the low-lying wetlands. During major flood events, floodwaters can travel via Backwater Creek towards Yaamba and across to the Hedlow area. Water flow is influenced by the upstream Eden Bann Weir.

Areas of erosion include the Fitzroy River and Station, Four Mile and Black Gincreeks.

F14 Daly and Limestone creeks and Serpentine Lagoon

This area is undulating to flat and receives high rainfall over hard geologies. There are also large areas of alluvium and gravel over colluvium along the channel and under Serpentine Lagoon. The headwaters of Limestone Creek are steep (volcanic plug) and creek flow is fast. The alluvium, gravel, colluvium and some fracturing provide for local groundwater recharge. There is some groundwater recharge around Limestone Creek and wetlands are partially groundwater fed.

There are palustrine, lacustrine and riverine wetlands, including part ofSerpentine Lagoon and micro-lagoons in the serpentinite clays. Serpentine Lagoon is permanent and typically four to five metres deep. There are also many rural water storages.

Most of the lower lying land has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together with urban and rural residential, services, other farming andmanufacturing and industry. There are lots of drainage lines and low-lying depressions throughout pineapple farms.

There are large areas of eucalyptus-dominated vegetation, mostly on the slopes, together with small areas of coastal communities including heath, andmelaleuca woodlands. Large areas of cleared vegetation have regrown since initial clearing.

There is a sewage treatment plant (STP) at Yeppoon.

The micro-lagoons provide good frog habitat in the wet season. There is good fish connectivity across this area, and high fish diversity in Serpentine Lagoon with more than 15 species and barramundi stocking.

F21 Hedlow and Cabbage Tree creeks and Lake Mary

This area is undulating to flat and receives high to moderate rainfall over mostly alluvium and basalt, together with hard geologies. There are severalvolcanic plugs and the landscape drops steeply into an extensive floodplain. The alluvium, basalt and some fracturing provide for groundwater recharge. Groundwater around Hedlow Creek can be high in calcium and manganese.

Nearly all of the lower lying land has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together with urban and rural residential, services, other farming, and mining/quarrying. There are large areas of eucalyptus-dominated vegetation, mostly on the slopes, together with small areas of rainforests and scrubs. Some of the cleared vegetation has regrown since initial clearing.

Surface water runoff is slow and water is retained in the landscape, forming many wetland complexes, particularly in the low-lying areas. These includeLake Mary and the Hedlow wetland complex. The Hedlow complex includes bunded wetlands, unstable creek banks and sand extraction (headwaters).Hedlow Creek acts as a floodplain following high localised rainfall in its tributaries. Water moves slowly over the flat landscape and eventually flows into the Fitzroy River via Alligator Creek. When the Fitzroy River is flooding (minor to major), the Hedlow floodwaters are detained until the Fitzroy River drops below minor flood levels. All flood events recharge local wetlands and groundwater.

Many rural water storages also influence flow.

There is erosion in lower Hedlow Creek and salt, due to leeching from the basalt.

The Hedlow wetland complex has high fish diversity, melaleuca and sedge (Elecocharis sp.) wetlands and good bird nesting habitat.

Images of the 'volcanic plugs' at the Hedlow Complex, and Lake Mary supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

F13 Alligator, Jordan and Duck Hole creeks (western tributaries)*

This area is undulating to flat and receives very high to moderate rainfall overhard geologies, together with large areas of alluvium and unconsolidated sediments and some basalt. The headwaters of Alligator Creek are steep and creek flow is fast.

The basalt, alluvium, unconsolidated sediments and some fracturing provide for groundwater recharge.

Most of the lower lying land has been cleared or partially-cleared for grazing on native pastures, together with other farming and plantation forestry. There are large areas of eucalyptus-dominated vegetation on the slopes, including within defence land and state forests. There are smaller areas of rainforests and scrub, melaleuca-dominated and acacia-dominated vegetation. Large areas of cleared vegetation have regrown since initial clearing.

There is a large ponded pasture at Duck Holes Creek. There are numerouswetlands held up in the alluvial areas along lower Jordan Creek. Green Swampis a stable system that stays wet for a long time and receives sheet flow from the north in a flood event. In this area, water pools in the clays and serpentinite.

Alligator Creek was tidal pre-barrage, however the Fitzroy Barrage now limits upstream tidal extent. There are many rural water and flood irrigation storages.

*F13 has been split into western and eastern tributaries.

F13 Bluewater, Werribee, Canal and Maryvale (eastern tributaries)*

This area is undulating to flat and receives very high to moderate rainfall overhard geologies, together with large areas of alluvium and unconsolidated sediments and some basalt. The headwaters of Bluewater Creek are steep and creek flow is fast.

The basalt, alluvium, unconsolidated sediments and some fracturing provide for groundwater recharge. There is abundant groundwater at Mount Etna and The Caves. There is patchy groundwater in the low-lying and complex systems.Maryvale Creek is a recharge area.

Most of the lower lying land has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together with other farming, plantation forestry, rural residential, services andmining/quarrying. There are large areas of eucalyptus-dominated vegetationon the slopes, including within defence land and state forests. There are smaller areas of rainforests and scrub, coastal communities including heath, and melaleuca-dominated and acacia-dominated vegetation. Large areas of cleared vegetation have regrown since initial clearing.

There is extensive wetland development, including a very large palustrine area and many lacustrine wetlands. The Hedlow wetland complex is typically less than one metre deep when flooded and stays wet for up to three months post-flooding. This wetland complex has developed on a large, flat alluvial area, with water being held up by the underlying hard geologies. The system is meandering with low flow and Hedlow Creek is the only natural drainage line to the Fitzroy River. There are also modified channels in the wetland complexes. Flow is ephemeral but the system includes a series of permanent waterholes, including a large waterhole on Charcoal Creek.

There is water harvesting by landowners along Canal Creek and development of horticulture on the basalt soils.

There are many rural water and flood irrigation storages, including several large storages.

*F13 has been split into western and eastern tributaries.

F20 Fitzroy River, Etna, Sutherland, Ramsay, Limestone and Lion creeks

This area is undulating to flat and receives moderate rainfall over hard geologies, together with large areas of alluvium and colluvium. The headwaters of several tributaries are steep and creek flow is fast. The alluvium, colluvium and some fracturing provide for local groundwater recharge. Lotus Lagoon is partially groundwater fed.

Nearly all of this area has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together with urban (Rockhampton) and rural residential, services, other farming,manufacturing and industry, and mining/quarrying. There are large areas ofeucalyptus-dominated vegetation, together with smaller areas of rainforests and scrubs. Some of the cleared vegetation has regrown since initial clearing.

There is extensive wetland development including Lion, Lotus, Lower Gracemere, Boomerang, Islet and Pink Lily lagoons. Flooding modelling has been done for this area and is a YouTube clip is shown in F23 and F24. There are also perched wetlands near Belmont Road.

The Fitzroy River Barrage limits upstream tidal extent. There are many rural water storages, including large contoured farm dams on grazing land that influence flow into Lion Lagoon. There has been some excavation for the water scheme in the Lion/Gracemere wetland complex.

Local rainfall in the Lion Creek subcatchment can generate local stream flow and minor flooding, which can recharge wetlands such as Lion Lagoon. Western F20 is subject to overland (sheet) flow associated with flood events in the Fitzroy River. At its bends, the Fitzroy River can break its banks flowing out across the low-lying land and filling many of the floodplain wetlands. Major flood events can also create backwater sections, back up tributaries, re-scour beds and bring about sedimentation. See F24 for a discussion of water flow during major flood events.

There is a sewage treatment plant (STP) on the Fitzroy River at West Rockhampton.

Lion, Lotus and Lower Gracemere lagoons are hotspots for waterbirds. There are barramundi and mangrove jack refuges along the Fitzroy River. Belmont Creek is a source of the exotic tilapia.

F25 Fitzroy Vale, Broadmeadows, Nankin and Black creeks

This area includes steep to undulating headwaters and a large floodplain (Fitzroy Vale and Broadmeadows). The headwaters (Mount Archer State Forest) receive very high to moderate rainfall over mostly hard geologies with alluviumalong the channels. There are also areas of serpentinite clays and ridges alongTungamull Creek.

The lower lying areas receive moderate rainfall over mostly alluvium, which provides for groundwater recharge. There is substantial groundwater associated with lower Nankin Creek.

Parts of this area have been cleared for grazing on native pastures and urban and rural residential, together with services, manufacturing and industry,waste treatment (refuse) and mining/quarrying. There are large areas ofeucalyptus-dominated vegetation and rainforests and scrubs, and mangrovesline much of the Fitzroy River. Some of the cleared vegetation has regrownsince initial clearing.

There are very large palustrine and estuarine wetlands on the lower lying land, and many smaller lacustrine wetlands across F25. The Broadmeadows wetland complexes are located along both banks of lower Nankin Creek, and are filled by water flowing down the adjacent slopes. There are also many rural water storages, including several large storages.

The Fitzroy River breaks its banks and inundates the wetlands near the river mouth (Fitzroy Vale and the Oxbow). The northern bank is inundated during major flooding, however numerous bund walls prevent connectivity in drier times. Nankin Creek holds water permanently and the lower parts become ill-defined and form wetlands. The large Oxbow and Barramundi Creek are bunded and are inundated during major floods only. The southern bank of the Fitzroy River has extensive levees.

There is a sewage treatment plant (STP) on the Fitzroy River at North Rockhampton.

There are a lot of waterbird and fish species associated with this section of the Fitzroy River, and it is one of the most important wetlands in the region for biodiversity and habitat. Fish barriers have been identified along the Nankin Creek system.

F23 Neerkol and Gracemere creeks and F24 Gavial, Four Mile and Teatree creeks

This area is steep to undulating and receives moderate rainfall over hard geologies, together with some basalt. There are also large areas of alluviumand the floodplain is extensive near the confluence with the Fitzroy River. Surface water runoff is high over the hard geologies and creek flow is fast, particularly where landforms are steep. There are gorges, rapids and waterfalls along Gavial Creek. The basalt, alluvium and some fracturing provide for groundwater recharge.

Most of the low-lying areas have been cleared or partially-cleared for grazing on native pastures, together with other farming, urban and rural residential,services, transport (airport) and communication, manufacturing and industry (power station), waste treatment and mining/quarrying. There are areas ofeucalyptus-dominated vegetation, together with rainforests and scrubs andacacia-dominated vegetation. Large areas of cleared vegetation have regrownsince initial clearing.

There is extensive wetland development, particularly associated with Woolwash and Frogmore creeks. There are also many rural water storages and large impoundments associated with the power station.

As Neerkol Creek becomes Scrubby Creek, it loses channel definition in the sediment deposition zone of the western edge of the Fitzroy River floodplain.Following a series of floods in the 1950s, Rockhampton Regional Council undertook works to support horticulture croppers around Fairy Bower. This consisted of a modest diversion channel controlled by a concrete sill, designed to direct a higher percentage of creek floodwaters into lagoons and old flood channels in the Yeppen floodplain to the north. These diverted flows and the retained flow down Scrubby Creek, merge into channels that passed through Woolwash and Frogmore lagoons, and then through Gavial Creek and into the Fitzroy River.

During extreme local rainfall events, the entire floodplain becomes a 3-4 kilometre wide flowing sheet of water. During broader regional Fitzroy River flood events the floodplain initially works in reverse with floodwaters flowing up Gavial Creek and through the lagoons and into Scrubby Creek. This is shown in a flood study done by AECOM for the Rockhampton Regional Council (please click for YouTube video). While this is happening, the river also breaks out upstream across the Pink Lily floodplain and makes its way to the Old Nine Mile Road crossing of Lion Creek. As the river flood tapers off, the waters slowly recedes and leaves the lagoons recharged. During major Fitzroy River flood events, water flows over Old Nine Mile Road and connects with the backed up water from Gavial Creek. This water pushes across the floodplain (through Port Curtis and Midgee) to the Fitzroy River delta.

Major flood events are believed to be critical to the movement of fish and other aquatic species.

Lower Gavial, Frogmore and Woolwash creeks are tidal and provide important habitat, particularly for diadromous fish. There are two fishways on Stringers Creek, however there are connectivity issues in other parts.

There is a sewage treatment plant (STP) on Gavial Creek at South Rockhampton.

Images: Fitzroy River floodplain and wetland development, Yeppen Lagoon wetland formation, Gavial Creek and associated wetland. Supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

F27 Serpentine, Swan and Inkerman creeks

This area is mostly flat with large areas of floodplain. The headwaters drain a steep ridge line, and receive moderate rainfall over mostly hard geologies, withalluvium along the channels. The floodplain is extensive and provides for groundwater recharge. Bajool is prone to flash flooding due to the low elevation. There is also a fractured rock aquifer under the headwaters of Eight Mile Creek.

Most of this area has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together withother farming, rural residential, services, manufacturing and industry, andmining/quarrying. There are areas of eucalyptus-dominated vegetation,rainforests and scrubs, and acacia-dominated vegetation across the headwaters, and mangroves line most of the lower reaches. Some of the cleared vegetation has regrown since initial clearing.

There is extensive wetland development with substantial modifications throughout.

There are many rural water and flood irrigation storages, including large off-stream and on-stream storages. Along the southern bank of the Fitzroy River there are substantial levees, rock walls and other barriers across the floodplain that reduce connectivity. During major Fitzroy River flood events, much of the lower lying sections of Midgee are subject to inundation of moderate to slow velocity flood waters (as discussed in F23).

Bajool Weir supplies water to the salt works. There is no fish passage, and a steep drop-off to the tidal reaches.

Image if the salt works in the Lower Fitzroy supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

F28 Raglan, Connor, Dart and Larcom Vale creeks

This area includes steep, undulating and flat areas. The headwaters receivemoderate to high rainfall over mostly hard geologies and surface water runoff is high and creek flow is fast. The lower lying land receives moderate rainfall over mostly hard geologies, together with large areas of alluvium and unconsolidated sediments. The floodplain is extensive and provides for groundwater recharge.

Most of this area has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, together withother farming, urban and rural residential, services, and manufacturing and industry. There are areas of eucalyptus-dominated vegetation, rainforests and scrubs, and acacia-dominated vegetation on the slopes, and mangroves line most of the lower reaches. Rundle Range is the only place where Casuarina glauca and C. cristata grow in the same landscape. Some of the cleared vegetation has regrown since initial clearing.

There is extensive wetland development. There are many rural water storages, including large off-stream and on-stream storages. There are some ponded pastures, which would have been natural pooling areas prior to development. There are some levees and bunds along Raglan Creek, however there are fishways.

This is a good system for fish, including barramundi recruitment and recreational fishing. It is also the southern limit of the Capricorn sub-species of yellow chat (Epthianura crocea macgregori).

Image of barramundi supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

Conclusion

The Lower Fitzroy 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, and to minimise impacts on the multitude of values within the catchment and downstream in the Great Barrier Reef, while providing for residential, water supply, farming and other important land uses of the catchment.

The Fitzroy River delta is the end point of the largest river system in Queensland. It is influenced by inputs from several large catchments, including the Nogoa, Comet, Isaac, Mackenzie, Dawson and Fitzroy. Under ‘normal’ (non-flood) conditions, erosion and sedimentation is typically limited by the predominantly hard geologies of the catchment, however the delta and nearshore waters are subject to high turbidity and sedimentation during major flood events.

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.

Images of reef around Keppel Island supplied by Fitzroy Basin Association

Acknowledgements

Developed by the Queensland Wetlands Program in the Department of Environment and Science in partnership with:

• Fitzroy Basin Association Inc.
• Capricornia Catchments Inc.
• Rockhampton Regional Council
• Livingstone Shire Council
• Gladstone Regional Council
• Banana Shire Council
• Central Highlands Regional Council
• Gladstone Ports Corporation

This resource should be cited as: Walking the Landscape – Lower Fitzroy Catchment Map Journal v1.0 (2017), presentation, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland.

Images provided by: Fitzroy Basin Association

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 wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au

Disclaimer

This 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 information

Software Used

ArcGIS for Desktop | ArcGIS Online | Story Map Journal

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: Source Data Table

Flooding Information

• Rockhampton Regional Council
• Livingstone Shire Council
• Gladstone Regional Council
• Banana Shire Council
• Central Highlands Regional Council

Other References

AECOM on behalf of Rockhampton City Council (May 2014) South Rockhampton Flood Levee 1% Annual Exceedance Probability study. Find more information on the South Rockhampton Flood Levee Proposal athttps://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/CouncilServices/Disaster-Management/Floods/Flood-Mitigation

City of Gold Coast (2021) About water catchments. [webpage] Accessed 25 August 2021

Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing (2016) Declared Fish Habitat Area summary - Fitzroy River. [webpage] Accessed 26 October 2016

Fitzroy Basin Authority (2015) Water Quality Improvement PlanAccessed February 2017. Extra information on sediment in the Fitzroy can be found in the WQIP here: http://riverhealth.org.au/projects/fba-wqip/current-status-trends-threats/threats-and-trends/agricultural-pollutant-loads-and-sources/sediment/

Fitzroy Partnership for River Health (2015) Fitzroy report card -https://riverhealth.org.au/report_card/ehi Accessed March 2017

Queensland Government (2016) Key Resource Areas in Queensland [webpage] Accessed 31 October 2016

The State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Science) (2011–2017) Reef report card - http://www.reefplan.qld.gov.au/measuring-success/report-cards/ Accessed March 2017

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Last updated: 25 August 2021