Transcript

Maroochy and Mooloolah Catchments Story

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

Understanding how water flows in the catchments

To effectively manage a catchment it is important to have a collective understanding of how the catchment works. This map journal summarises 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 the catchments in a facilitated workshop, to incorporate diverse knowledge on the landscape features and processes, both natural and human. It focussed 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 Maroochy River mouth (foreground) and Mooloolah River mouth (mid left) showing urban areas of Twin Waters (front), Maroochydore and Mooloolaba (mid) and Caloundra (background) with Moreton Island on the horizon - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

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The use of the terms 'catchment' and 'basin' are sometimes used interchangeably. In this map journal the term 'catchment' has been used.

Map journal for the Maroochy and Mooloolah catchments–water movement

This map journal describes the location, extent and values of the Maroochy and Mooloolah catchments (herein referred to as ‘the catchments’). 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 catchments and the services they provide.

Road flooding - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Maroochy and Mooloolah catchments

The catchments have their headwaters in the Blackall Range. They fall mostly within the Sunshine Coast Council area but also include a small part within the Noosa Shire Council area

The Maroochy and Mooloolah catchment covers approximately 638 km² and 223 km² respectively, with a stream network of approximately 1,436 km and 455 km respectively (view animation).

The main tributaries of the Maroochy River are the North and South Maroochy rivers and Petrie, Paynter, Eudlo, Yandina, Doonan and Cornmeal creeks. Under flood conditions the Maroochy River can spill from Doonan Creek to Stumers Creek. The main tributaries of the Mooloolah River are Addlington, Mountain and Sippy creeks. Under flood conditions the Mooloolah River can also spill into Currimundi Creek. All waterways flow into the Coral Sea. The catchments also include some smaller waterways that flow directly to the sea, including Stumers and Currimundi creeks.

The Noosa catchment is located to the north, the Mary catchment is located to the west and the Stanley and Pumicestone catchments are located to the south.

Main image. The Maroochy River floodplain with Mount Ninderry (right) and the Blackall Ranges (left) in the background - provided by ©Queensland Government.

Values of the catchments

The catchments contain many environmental, economic, social and cultural values.

There has been substantial development over time, particularly in association with residential development across coastal areas and in the many rural* townships. Away from the coast, there are large areas of grazing on native pastures**, horticulture and other farming.

There are conservation and natural areas across the catchments, including protected areas, nature refuges***, council environmental reserves and reserve land that is in public ownership (managed by local government).

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 for the land use.

There are also 'pop-ups' for most mapping features - simply click on the mapping of interest for more information.

Main image. Nambour town centre (top left), horticulture on the Maroochy floodplain at Bli Bli - provided by ©Queensland Government. Ewen Maddock wetlands (top middle) - provided by Owen Foley. Rural headwaters (top right), Maroochy River mouth and surrounds (centre) - provided by Sunshine Coast Council. Mooloolaba marina (left centre) - provided by ECOllaboration. Yandina hinterland waterfall - provided by Colin Sims. Paddling on the Maroochy River - provided by Brad Phillips. Cooloolabin Dam wall - provided by Seqwater.

*Residential areas shown include rural residential as well as other residential area types.

**Grazing is mapped as ‘grazing on native pastures’ when there is greater than 50% of an area with a substantial native species component. If there is a limited extent of native species, the area is classified as ‘grazing on modified pastures (see links at the end of this map journal for further information regarding land use management classification).

***Protected areas of Queensland are those set aside for the conservation of natural and cultural values or for production of resources, including timber and quarry material. The mapped nature refuges are areas gazetted through a voluntary conservation agreement between the state government and private land owners.

Values of the catchments–economic

Urban development and residential living are strong drivers of the local economy.

Fertile soils support grazing (mostly on native pastures), together with horticulture (fruits and turf), cropping (including sugar) and intensive animal husbandry (dairies, horse studs and aquaculture).

There are small areas of mining and quarrying scattered across the catchments, including hard rock and gravel and sand Key Resource Areas (KRAs).*

Strawberry and other types of horticulture along the lower Maroochy River, Bli Bli - provided by ©Queensland Government.

Main image. Grazing in the headwaters - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

*Hard rock, gravel and sand extraction shown is within KRAs (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).

Values of the catchments–environmental and social

The catchments contain a number of protected areas, with the largest being Mapleton and Mooloolah River national parks. They also contain public nature refuges and other conservation and natural areas.

The freshwater rivers, creeks and wetlands of the catchments provide habitat for specialised animals such as fish, birds, turtles and platypus. Estuarine areas, including the Maroochy River Fish Habitat Area (FHA), support seagrass, intertidal flats, mangroves and saltmarsh ecosystems. These provide habitat for migratory birds, fisheries species (crustaceans and fish), turtles, dolphins and many other species.

Pelican watching on the Maroochy River, Maroochydore - provided by Jacqueline Gith.

Protected and open space areas also provide recreational activities such as walking, bike riding and bird watching. These activities provide substantial social and health benefits and are also very important for tourism. The waterways of the catchments also support swimming, fishing, motor boating, paddling and many other water-based activities.

Further information about some of the different types of wetlands across the catchments is provided below.

Main image. Fishing, Maroochy estuary - provided by ECOllaboration.

Values of the catchment–water supply

The catchments include four water storages that are managed by Seqwater to supply drinking water to the region.

Ewen Maddock Dam is the largest of the catchments’ storages, and forms part of South East Queensland’s drinking water supply. It was constructed in two stages in 1976 and 1983 across Addlington Creek, a tributary of the Mooloolah River. It is a popular recreation destination for boating, fishing and for its multi-use trails that accommodate walkers and horse and bike riders.

Ewen Maddock Dam - provided by Seqwater.

Wappa Dam is located on the South Maroochy River. Water from Wappa Dam is treated at the Image Flat Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to supply the Nambour region. Barbecue and picnic facilities are available, but water-based recreational activities are not permitted. An ongoing management issue is controlling outbreaks of water hyacinth and salvinia across the water body.

Wappa Dam - provided by Seqwater.

Cooloolabin Dam also supplies water for treatment and drinking via Rocky Creek into Wappa Dam and via a pipeline to Low Creek then the South Maroochy Intake Weir. Shore-based fishing is permitted at the dam and picnic facilities are available.

Cooloolabin Dam - provided by Seqwater.

Poona Dam is a turkey nest dam located on a tributary to the South Maroochy River. The South Maroochy Intake Weir pumps water to Poona Dam for short term storage before it is treated and distributed as potable drinking throughout the region. The dam wall was raised in 1969 and the spillway was upgraded in 1998. No recreation is permitted at Poona Dam.

Poona Dam - provided by Seqwater.

Main image. Ewen Maddock Dam (top left), Poona Dam (top right), Wappa Dam spilling (bottom left), Cooloolabin Dam wall (bottom right) - all provided by Seqwater.

Natural features–geology and topography

Several different rock types combine to make up the geology of the Maroochy and Mooloolah catchments.*

Maroochy floodplain with Mount Coolum in the background - provided by ECOllaboration.

The catchments are underlain by mostly low permeability rock in the north, and sedimentary rock in the south. There is basalt in the upper reaches of both catchments, which is prone to slumping and landslips, together with small areas of fractured metamorphic rock. On lower lying lands there is alluvium and other unconsolidated sediments.

The unconsolidated sediments across the catchments enable high amounts of water infiltration and recharge of groundwater. This provides an important contribution to springs, creeks, wetlands and terrestrial vegetation year round.

Runoff from the less permeable rock areas flows into floodplain alluvium. This groundwater is held up by the underlying low permeability rock and supports wetlands and maintains stream flows.

Main image. Lower Maroochy estuary, looking upstream to Blackall Range, Mount Eerwah, Mount Pomona, Mount Ninderry and Mount Cooroy (left to right) - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

*This is the northern extent of this geological (potential aquifer) dataset; small parts of Doonan and Stumers creeks have not been mapped.

Natural features–rainfall

Most of the areas across both catchments experience very high average rainfall (1,500-2,000 millimetres per year), with the highest rainfall in the south-west.

Main image. Wappa Dam spilling - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Natural features–vegetation

Several different vegetation types combine to make up the original native (preclearing) vegetation of the Maroochy and Mooloolah catchments.*

Historically, most of the area of the catchments was covered by wet eucalypt forest, dry eucalypt communities, rainforest and scrub, melaleuca woodland, coastal communities including heath and mangrove and saltmarsh.

Eucalypt communities, Bli Bli - provided by ©Queensland Government.

Vegetation affects how water flows through the catchments. The spatial extent and quality of vegetation are determined by natural factors, land use and management practices.

Vegetation slows water flow. This results in water being retained longer in the landscape, recharges groundwater aquifers, reduces erosion potential and resultant issues with water quality and sedimentation further downstream, and protects banks and shorelines.

Freshwater and estuarine wetlands slow the flow of floodwaters. They also provide habitat for a wide range of specialised flora and fauna.

Main image. Mangroves lining the Maroochy estuary - provided by ECOllaboration.

*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.

Modified features–vegetation clearing

Much of the original native vegetation has been cleared, and the remaining native vegetation is referred to as the remnant vegetation of the subcatchments. The vegetation of the subcatchments has been cleared for a range of different land uses.

Large areas of mostly dry eucalypt remain across the subcathments, and mangrove and saltmarsh still lines some estuarine waterways. Mapleton National Park protects one of the largest stands of remnant vegetation in the catchment.

Regrowth* of native vegetation since initial clearing has also occurred in some areas, particularly in the western parts of the catchments.

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

Main image. New residential development, Bli Bli - provided by ©Queensland Government.

*Smaller areas of regrowth are not shown in this mapping. This dataset was prepared to support certain category C additions to the Regulated Vegetation Management Map under the Vegetation Management (Reinstatement) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016. This dataset is described as: The 2013 areas of non-remnant native woody vegetation that have not been cleared between 1988 and 2014 that are homogenous for at least 0.5 hectare and occur in clumps of at least 2 hectares in coastal regions and 5 hectares elsewhere.

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Modified features–channels and infrastructure

Large areas of the catchments have been heavily developed and there are many low permeability surfaces. The hardening of surfaces has had a major impact on flows in parts of the lower catchments, where there is more extensive urban development.

Modifications to channels, such as straightening, concrete lining, piping and filling in, can also increase flow rates. For example, the Parrearra Bypass channel has substantially changed the flow path of the lower Mooloolah River and provided for urban development in the Kawana area. There is also a network of constructed drains in lower areas, including cane drains in the lower Maroochy River catchment, which influences flow, salinity and wetland type in some locations.

Buildings 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.

There are also barrier to aquatic species moving within waterways. Fishways have been fitted to some barriers but many still present a barrier to fish migration during low flow conditions, only allowing migration upstream or downstream during major flood conditions. Some barriers also restrict passage during medium and high flows.

Sand and gravel extraction can also substantially modify channel beds and flow. There is active erosion (evidenced by headcuts and sediment slugs) along several waterways, including Eudlo Creek and the lower Mooloolah River.

Main images. Modified flow infrastructure (top left), railway bridge over flooded road in the Mooloolah catchment (top middle), Lake Kawana (middle left), the Maroochy River mouth (centre), University Creek constructed wetlands and urban residential development (middle right), roads and urban development along Petrie Creek (bottom left), Cornmeal Creek bridge and urban development (bottom middle), constructed wetland and residential development at Bli Bli (bottom right) - all provided by Sunshine Coast Council. The main street of Nambour - provided by ©Queensland Government.

Modified features–dams, weirs and rural water storages

Dams and weirs modify natural water flow patterns, by holding water that would otherwise flow straight into the stream network.

The catchments have several large dams and they influence how and when water flows through parts of the catchments. These large dams are un-gated (they overflow when they reach capacity) and do not include fishways. The dams present a barrier to fish migration during baseflow conditions, with migration only achievable during major flood conditions.

The catchments also have numerous rural water storages (farm dams) and several large water bodies (ponds) associated with historic sand extraction, including along Eudlo, Doonan, Addlington and Sippy creeks and the lower Maroochy and Mooloolah rivers.

Main image. Rural water storage - provided by ©Queensland Government.

Modified features–sediment

Increases in the volume and speed of runoff can increase erosion on hillslopes and within stream channels, resulting in sediment being carried into the waterways and downstream.

Urban runoff has many impacts on waterways in coastal areas, particularly erosion and sedimentation. During rainfall events, sediment and other pollutants are transported from natural areas, disturbed areas (e.g. construction sites) and impervious urban surfaces, and carried into the stormwater and stream networks. Impervious areas and stormwater networks generate high-speed and high-volume stormwater flows with strong erosive power. Stream stabilisation works have been undertaken across the catchments in response to these issues.

Doonan Creek is prone to erosion associated with sodic soils (i.e. high in sodium and prone to erosion) combined with development. Other areas with high erosion include the North Maroochy River, upper Mooloolah River tributaries and lower Mountain Creek.

Main image. Bank erosion along the Maroochy estuary (top left), flood mitigation works (top right), sediment plumes from the Maroochy (top) and Mooloolah (bottom) rivers following heavy rainfall (bottom left), sediment-laden runoff from construction site (bottom right) - all provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Water quality

Water quality is influenced by diffuse runoff and point source inputs. Runoff is from a variety of land uses, including rural, residential, industrial and commercial areas.

Diffuse runoff includes on-site sewage facilities (e.g. septic tanks) and stormwater discharges. Many rural areas and more densely populated rural-residential areas use on-site sewage facilities.

Point source inputs include sewage treatment plants (STPs). Sewage treatment plants operating at Maroochydore, Nambour and Coolum discharge ultimately into the Maroochy River estuary, while the Kawana STP (together with the Landsborough STP located in the adjacent Pumicestone catchment) discharges ultimately into the Coral Sea.

In 2017, Healthy Land and Water graded the overall Environmental Condition of both the Maroochy* and Mooloolah** catchment as “good” (B-).

Condition in the Maroochy catchment declined slightly since 2016 due to a decline in freshwater stream health, a slight increase in pollutant loads and a slight decline in estuarine water quality. However pollutant loads remain fair and estuarine water quality remained excellent.

Condition in the Mooloolah catchment declined slightly since 2016 due to a decline in freshwater stream health and a slight increase in pollutant loads. However pollutant loads remained low and estuarine water quality remained excellent.

Excerpt from Maroochy report card (larger segment of pie chart indicates better score). See links at end of map journal for more information.

Excerpt from Mooloolah report card (larger segment of pie chart indicates better score). See links at end of map journal for more information.

Main image. Maroochydore STP - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

*Healthy Land and Water Maroochy Catchment Report Card (for current report see links at end of map journal).

**Healthy Land and Water Mooloolah Catchment Report Card (for current report see links at end of map journal).

Water flow

Surface water runoff flows across the landscape into tributary streams, which flow into the Maroochy and Mooloolah rivers and ultimately into the Coral Sea (view animation*).

The remaining water either infiltrates 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 that store and release water, prolonging the times that streams flow.

*This information is presented for broad indicative purposes based on land forms and it does not indicate where flooding may occur. For detailed flooding maps see local council flood mapping (links provided at the end of this map journal).

The subcatchments

A catchment is an area with a natural boundary (typically formed by ridges, hills or mountains) within which all surface water drains from higher areas to a common creek or river channel at the bottom.* Larger catchments are made up of smaller areas called subcatchments.

The Maroochy and Mooloolah catchments consist of numerous subcatchments, ranging from very small up to about 100 km2. The characteristics of each subcatchment are different, and therefore water flows differently in each one.

The Maroochy subcatchments include:

• Eudlo Creek
• Paynter Creek
• Petrie Creek
• South Maroochy River
• North Maroochy River
• Yandina Creek
• Doonan-Coolum Creek
• Coolum coastal creeks
• Upper Maroochy estuary
• Cornmeal Creek
• Lower Maroochy estuary

The Mooloolah subcatchments include:

• Upper Mooloolah River
• Addlington Creek
• Lower Mooloolah River
• Sippy Creek
• Mountain Creek
• University Creek
• Mooloolah River estuary
• Caloundra coastal creeks (Currimundi Creek and Tooway and Coondibah creeks)

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

Eudlo Creek

The headwaters of Eudlo Creek flow through steep basalt and sedimentary rock that receives very high rainfall. The basalt is prone to slumping and landslips. Most of the remaining subcatchment is underlain by sedimentary rock and alluvium, together with other unconsolidated sediments. These porous geologies provide notable local groundwater recharge.

Serenity Falls, Buderim - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Much of the subcatchment has been cleared for rural residential use and associated services, together with grazing on native pastures, horticulture (e.g. strawberries), intensive animal husbandry (horse studs), urban residential, manufacturing and industrial uses, mining and quarrying and sewage treatment and disposal.

Large areas of wet eucalypt forest remain, together with rainforest and scrub, melaleuca woodland, dry eucalypt communities, mangrove and saltmarsh, and other coastal communities. There has been regrowth across the subcatchment since initial clearing.

There are large areas of freshwater wetland, mostly in shallow alluvium underlain by sedimentary rock. The lower reaches support a groundwater-dependent wetland system and a large estuarine wetland that is part of the Maroochy FHA.

The subcatchment includes a large oxbow, braided channels (paleochannels or inactive ancient channels) and an extensive floodplain. There are many rural water storages, some of which are spring-fed, and several large storages associated with current and historic sand extraction. There are minor headcuts and sediment slugs. Roads have been raised in the middle reaches, which are prone to flooding.

A common outfall for the Maroochydore and Nambour STP is located at the confluence of Eudlo Creek and the Maroochy River. On-site sewage facilities are used in most rural areas, and groundwater contamination has been reported upstream of Eudlo township.

Main image. Eudlo Creek - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Paynter Creek

The headwaters of Paynter Creek are steep and receive very high rainfall over basalt and low permeability rock. The basalt is prone to slumping and landslips. Most of the remaining subcatchment is underlain by sedimentary rock and alluvium, together with other unconsolidated sediments. The porous geologies provide notable local groundwater recharge.

Most of the subcatchment has been cleared for rural residential use and associated services, together with grazing on native pastures, horticulture (e.g. avocados), urban residential use, waste treatment and disposal, intensive animal husbandry (horse studs), manufacturing and industrial uses, plantation forestry and mining and quarrying.

Areas of wet eucalypt forest remain, together with rainforest and scrub, dry eucalypt communities, melaleuca woodland, mangrove and saltmarsh, and other coastal communities. There has been regrowth across the subcatchment since initial clearing, and some areas have notable infestations of weeds (e.g. morning glory, taro, Madeira vine, cats claw and camphor laurel). Wetlands are scattered across the subcatchment, mostly in shallow alluvium underlain by sedimentary rock.

The main channel is fast-flowing and near-permanent, but includes braided areas (paleochannels) and an extensive floodplain. The lower parts are prone to flooding.

The Landers Shute Water Treatment Plant treats and supplies drinking water for the South East Queensland (SEQ) grid, using water piped from Baroon Pocket Dam. There are also many rural water storages, particularly in the upper parts.

On-site sewage facilities are used across most of the subcatchment.

Petrie Creek

The headwaters of Petrie Creek receives high rainfall over mostly basalt, and are prone to slumping and landslips. The northern area is underlain by mostly low permeability rock, the southern area is underlain by mostly sedimentary rock, together with alluvium along the channel. The alluvium provides for local groundwater recharge.

Most of the subcatchment has been cleared for rural and urban residential uses and associated services (golf courses), together with grazing on native pastures, cropping (sugar), horticulture including turf farming, intensive animal husbandry (horse studs), manufacturing and industrial uses, mining and quarrying and waste treatment and disposal (solid garbage). There is also a hard rock KRA.

Areas of wet eucalypt forest remain, together with rainforest and scrub and other eucalypt communities. There has been some regrowth since initial clearing, and some areas are notably weed-infested (e.g. cats claw and camphor laurel).

Freshwater wetlands are scattered across the subcatchment. The lower reaches also support an estuarine wetland, including part of the Maroochy River FHA.

Lower Petrie Creek, Diddilllibah, including part of the Maroochy River FHA - provided by ©Queensland Government.

There are large gullies, gorges and waterfalls in the headwaters associated with the basalt plateau. The main creek has fast flow through a large, defined channel, with areas of channel modification and sedimentation (filling-in) and an extensive floodplain. The mid to lower parts are prone to flooding, particularly at the confluence of Petrie and Tuckers creeks. Many rural water storages capture fast-flowing water, which mitigates flooding, and there are weirs in Nambour at the former cane mill and Quota Park.

Flooding of Nambour town centre - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

There is tidal influence upstream of the Bruce Highway to Tuckers Creek.

Most rural areas use on-site sewage facilities. Other areas are sewered and pumped to the Nambour STP and ultimately the Maroochydore STP outfall under most conditions, but discharges to Petrie Creek during high flow events.

Aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling of Petrie Creek, near Victory Park - provided by ECOllaboration.

Main image. The Maroochy catchment from Dulong Lookout (Kanyana Park), showing development aorund Nambour - provided by ECOllaboration.

South Maroochy River

The headwaters of the South Maroochy River receive very high rainfall over steep low permeability rock and basalt. The basalt is prone to slumping and landslips. Most parts of the remaining subcatchment are underlain by low permeability rock, together with alluvium which provides some local groundwater recharge.

Most of the subcatchment has been cleared for rural residential use and associated services, together with grazing on native and modified pastures, horticulture (e.g. macadamia, olive, tomato, passionfruit and nurseries), intensive animal husbandry (dairies and horse studs), mining and quarrying, urban residential use, sewage treatment and disposal and manufacturing and industrial uses. There are two hard rock KRAs.

Areas of wet eucalypt forest, rainforest and scrub and dry eucalypt communities remain, much of which is protected. Large areas have also regrown since initial clearing, and some areas are notably weed infested (e.g. salvinia, water hyacinth and camphor laurel).

The South Maroochy River with rainbow - provided by ECOllaboration.

There are gorges and waterfalls associated with the basalt plateau. The main channel is near-permanent, with fast flow through a defined channel and some sedimentation (filling-in). Flooding is typically limited to lower areas near the Bruce Highway.

Waterfall, Yandina hinterland - provided by Colin Sims.

Wetlands are scattered across the subcatchment and there are also three large dams and many rural water storages, which influence water flow.

Wappa Dam is the largest of the three dams by volume. Its catchment includes land that is protected to preserve water quality, together with grazing on native pastures, rural residential use and associated services, and horticulture. Cooloolabin Dam is surrounded by protected land, while Poona Dam is surrounded by rural residential uses and grazing on modified pastures.

On-site sewage facilities are in use across the subcatchment.

The South Maroochy River is tidal to upstream of the Bruce Highway to the railway line.

Rocky Creek - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Main image. Wappa Dam with intensive horticulture on the right bank, looking down the Maroochy River floodplain to Mount Coolum (left), and to Maroochydore (left of centre) and Mooloolaba (right of centre) - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

North Maroochy River

The headwaters of the North Maroochy River are steep and receive high rainfall over fractured metamorphic and low permeability rock. Most of the remaining subcatchment is underlain by low permeability rock with large areas of alluvium along the channels. The alluvium and fracturing provide for local groundwater recharge.

Most of the subcatchment has been cleared for rural residential use and associated services and grazing on native and modified pastures, together with horticulture (e.g. ginger, strawberries, tomatoes), cropping (sugar), intensive animal husbandry (horse studs), manufacturing and industrial uses and urban residential use.

Areas of wet eucalypt forest, rainforest and scrub and dry eucalypt communities remain, much of which is protected within Mapleton National Park. Large areas have also regrown since initial clearing, and there are camphor laurel pockets in the upper parts. Wetlands are scattered across the catchment.

There are many rural water storages. The North Maroochy River is tidal up to Ninderry Road, near Yandina.

On-site sewage facilities are in use across most of the subcatchment. Eumundi is sewered and its wastewater is piped to the Nambour STP.

There are water quality issues associated with erosion and sedimentation, nutrients and heavy metals in some of the tributaries, while York Creek has some of the best water quality in the region.

Main image. Browns Creek - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Yandina Creek

The headwaters of Yandina Creek are steep and receive high rainfall over low permeability rock. Upper Yandina Creek is underlain by impervious rock with alluvium along parts of the channel. Lower Yandina Creek is underlain by low permeability rock, alluvium and other unconsolidated sediments. An extensive floodplain provides local groundwater recharge.

Much of the subcatchment has been cleared for rural residential use, grazing on native pastures and horticulture (pineapples), together with intensive animal husbandry (aquaculture) and mining and quarrying. There are two hard rock KRAs.

Across upper parts, much of the native vegetation is protected within Eumundi Conservation Park, including large areas of wet eucalypt forest, rainforest and scrub and dry eucalypt communities, together with melaleuca woodland. Large areas have also regrown since initial clearing, and there are camphor laurel pockets in the upper parts.

Lower Yandina Creek was realigned from its original course to facilitate cane farming in the area, by diverting it along an excavated channel across the Coolum Creek. The lower reaches of the historical creek now form an independent local drainage to the Maroochy River at the site of the original creek mouth. However, there is still overland flow from Yandina Creek to the Maroochy River in small flood events (of about a 2-year average recurrence interval). The lower reaches of Yandina Creek are tidal.

There are several water storages, many of which are groundwater expression where fill has been excavated. These storages are mostly brackish and not used as a water source, however they do provide flood mitigation. Roads have been built up and culverts have been installed to alleviate flooding, which has modified the original flow patterns.

On-site sewage facilities are in use across most of this subcatchment.

Upper Doonan-Coolum Creek

The headwaters of Doonan Creek are steep and receive high rainfall over low permeability rock.* Upper Doonan Creek is underlain by impervious and sedimentary rock with alluvium along the channel, which provide for local groundwater recharge. Several areas are prone to erosion associated with sodic soils.

This subcatchment has large areas of surface and near-surface waters and adjoins the large groundwater-dependent wetland system of Lake Weyba. There are extensive freshwater wetlands in shallow alluvium underlain by undulating hard geologies. This area is prone to flooding, with frequent wet-weather road closures at low-lying points (dips). Floodwater typically rises quickly but falls slowly.

Flooding of low-lying road in the Doonan Creek subcatchment - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Most of this area has been cleared for rural residential use and associated services (e.g. golf courses), together with grazing on native pastures, cropping, horticulture and intensive animal husbandry (aquaculture and horse studs).

Large areas of melaleuca woodland remain, together with wet eucalypt forest, dry eucalypt communities, rainforest and scrub and other coastal communities including wallum heath. Some of the vegetation is protected. Large areas have also regrown since initial clearing, with observed increases in rainforest species in some melaleuca woodland areas (potentially due to changes in local hydrological and fire patterns).

There are also many small rural water storages, some of which are spring-fed from underlying sedimentary rock.

On-site sewage facilities are in use across most of this area.

*This is the northern extent of this geological (potential aquifer) dataset; small parts of Doonan and Stumers creeks have not been mapped.

Lower Doonan-Coolum Creek

Lower Doonan Creek and adjoining Coolum Creek, are underlain by unconsolidated sediments, together with some sedimentary and low permeability rock.

Large areas have been cleared for urban and rural residential uses, manufacturing and industrial uses (Quanda Park industrial estate), sewage treatment and disposal and grazing on native pastures. There are however areas of melaleuca woodland, other coastal communities including wallum heath (e.g. within the Maroochy Noosa Wallum Corridor), wet eucalypt forest, dry eucalypt communities and mangrove and saltmarsh, and some areas have also regrown since initial clearing.

There are several large freshwater wetlands held up in the alluvium, which provide habitat for internationally important birds. This area also has a very high water table. The lower reaches support a large estuarine wetland, including part of the Maroochy River FHA.

This area is prone to flooding. The primary flow path of Doonan Creek is into the Coolum Creek estuary, however, in flood events, water can overflow into Stumers Creek. These overflows have increased after development of the Quanda Park industrial estate, which has narrowed the adjacent floodplain.

Treatment wetlands have been constructed at the Quanda Park industrial estate and the Coolum STP. There are also several rural water storages, some of which are spring-fed from underlying sedimentary rock. Quanda Lake was formed through sand extraction to fill the adjacent industrial estate. There is a sand KRA.

Peregian Springs and the industrial estate are sewered and their wastewater is piped to the Coolum STP. Coolum STP continually discharges into Coolum Creek through its treatment wetland cell, which polishes wastewater after traditional treatment processes to a higher quality.

Peregian Springs urban residential area during development - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Coolum coastal creeks

The Coolum coastal creeks subcatchment is undulating to flat, and receives very high rainfall over coastal sand masses, together with sedimentary and low permeability rock.* The sand masses provide for local groundwater recharge.

The rocky bays of Coolum and Point Arkwright - provided by ECOllaboration.

Much of the subcatchment in protected by Noosa National Park, with large areas of coastal communities including wallum heath, melaleuca woodland and dry eucalypt communities. The northern section is a large palustrine wetland, however southern parts have been cleared for urban residential and associated services. There has been some regrowth since initial clearing.

The main (southern) branch of Stumers Creek was man-made, and receives water from the urban residential areas of northern Coolum and national park. Quanda Park industrial estate has narrowed the floodplain and currently encourages flow from Doonan Creek to Stumers Creek under flood condition. The smaller northern branch of Stumers Creek can also receive flow from the north under certain conditions.

The water is tannin-stained and the creek transitions between freshwater and estuarine systems, when the mouth is closed and open respectively. This is associated with low flow (rainfall) and happens semi-annually and algal growth is noticeable during low flow periods. Water quality is poor with high bacterial levels associated with residential runoff (cat and dog faeces), and there is also a council dog off-leash area at the mouth.

*This is the northern extent of this geological (potential aquifer) dataset; small parts of Doonan and Stumers creeks have not been mapped.

Upper Maroochy River estuary

The upper Maroochy River estuary is mostly undulating to flat, but also includes the southern slopes of Mount Ninderry. It receives high to very high rainfall over low permeability rock, low-lying coastal swamp and alluvium. An extensive floodplain provides local groundwater recharge.

The upper Maroochy estuary, looking upstream to Mount Ninderry - provided by Allan Bowen.

Most of the subcatchment has been cleared for rural residential use and associated services, and cropping (sugar), together with grazing on native pastures, horticulture, intensive animal husbandry (aquaculture and horse studs), manufacturing and industrial uses and mining and quarrying. Some floodplain areas used for sugar cane farming are being converted to more intensive land uses (e.g. residential) and this can influence water flow. Sugar cane vegetation slows water movement more than hard urban surfaces, due to increased surface roughness, and the change in land use to these harder surfaces increases runoff and rates of water flow, and influences how water moves across the floodplain.

Areas of wet eucalypt forest, dry eucalypt communities, melaleuca woodland, rainforest and scrub, and other coastal communities including wallum heath remain, mostly within protected areas. Small areas have regrown since initial clearing.

There are several large freshwater and estuarine wetlands. Lake Dunethin is a shallow estuarine lake that has formed upstream of the Mount Ninderry geological constriction. The lower reaches include part of the Maroochy FHA.

Palustrine wetlands of Coolum Creek Conservation Park (foreground), showing cane drains and cane farming land reverting back to wetland (mid) and existing cane farming (mid to background) - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Several wetlands are located adjacent to modified cane drains, some of which are currently open or leaking. In some cases, the cane land is reverting back to wetland, for example, near the historical mouth of Yandina Creek. There are also many rural water storages.

Cane farming land reverting back to wetland, showing cane drain running down the left of the image and connecting to the Maroochy River via the historic Yandina Creek mouth - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

This subcatchment receives water from the fast-flowing North and South Maroochy rivers. There is a natural levee along the upper channel, but most of the lower parts flood during high flow events, particularly downstream of the Mount Ninderry geological constriction. The lower reaches of the main channel break out across the extraction ponds during flooding.

The river is tidal up into both the North and South Maroochy river branches. It takes approximately 40 days for water to move to the mouth under normal conditions, and approximately 24 hours during flood.

Main image. The Maroochy River with cane farming on the bank and Mount Ninderry in the background - provided by ©Queensland Government.

Lower Maroochy River estuary

The lower Maroochy River estuary is mostly undulating to flat, but also includes the eastern slopes of Mount Coolum. The subcatchment receives high to very high rainfall over a mix of geologies, and an extensive floodplain provides for local groundwater recharge.

Most of the subcatchment has been cleared for cropping (sugar), urban and rural residential uses and associated services (golf courses and a water ski park), transport and communication (Sunshine Coast Airport), horticulture, grazing on native pastures , intensive animal husbandry (aquaculture) and manufacturing and industrial uses. There is a large sand KRA.

Areas of melaleuca woodland, other coastal communities including wallum heath, mangrove and saltmarsh, dry eucalypt communities and rainforest and scrub remain, mostly within protected areas. Small areas have regrown since initial clearing.

There are several large freshwater and estuarine wetlands. The lower parts include the Maroochy River FHA and shorebird roosts at the river mouth, particularly on Goat and Channel islands.

There are several rural water storages and large waterbodies adjacent to the main channel. Constructed drains have modified natural flows along the banks of the lower Maroochy River, and most of the southern bank has been rock-lined. Erosion-control groynes (short sand bags) modify flows at the river mouth to protect erosion on the southern bank.

The Maroochy River boathouse (Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore) and paddler - provided by Brad Phillips.

Many of the North Shore residential communities drain to the Maroochy River via two significant drains. One takes water west from Mount Coolum and the other takes water south from Marcoola through the Twin Waters canal estate. During large regional flood events these two systems can connect, and floodwaters from the upper estuary meet those from Yandina and Doonan-Coolum creeks to form a broad basin at the top of the lower estuary.

The Maroochy estuary (left) and the drain that takes water west from the Mount Coolum residential area (right) - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

The Twin Waters canal estate has a weir that allows through-flow and overtopping. The Twin Waters resort lake pumps water from the Maroochy River as required to maintain water clarity. The Maroochy Waters canal estate is primarily tidal but receives water from Eudlo Creek during flood events.

The lower Maroochy estuary showing Twin Waters canal estate (foreground), river mouth and Cotton Tree (mid) and Mooloolaba (background) - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Main image. The Maroochy River mouth - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Cornmeal Creek

The Cornmeal Creek subcatchment is undulating to flat and receives high to very high rainfall over a mix of geologies.

Most of the subcatchment has been cleared for urban residential uses and associated services including the Sunshine Plaza shopping centre, together with manufacturing and industrial uses. Small areas of melaleuca woodland, dry eucalypt communities, wet eucalypt forest and rainforest and scrub remain.

There are several freshwater and estuarine wetlands. The subcatchment includes flood detention basins and several large lakes, with mechanical circulation of water through some of the waterbodies.*

Cornmeal Creek and adjacent urban development - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Main image. Cornmeal Creek and Sunshine Plaza shopping centre - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

* The large elongated lake immediately upstream of Cornmeal Creek estuary is brackish recirculated.

Upper Mooloolah River

The headwaters of the Mooloolah River are steep and receive very high rainfall over mostly basalt. The basalt is prone to large slumps and slips, particularly around Hell Hole Creek where the basalt on steep spurs has been cleared. Other parts of the subcatchment are underlain by sedimentary rock with alluvium along the channel. The porous geologies provide for local groundwater recharge.

Much of the subcatchment has been cleared for grazing on native pastures, rural residential use and associated services, together with horticulture and intensive animal husbandry (horse studs and dairies). Large areas of wet eucalypt forest remain, together with rainforest and scrub, dry eucalypt and other coastal communities. Large areas have regrown since initial clearing, and there are notable areas of invasive camphor laurel in the upper parts.

Wetlands are scattered across the subcatchment, mostly in the alluvium underlain by sedimentary rock. Hell Hole Creek is spring-fed.

The upper parts are subject to flash flooding and overland flow. The orographic effect has a major influence on annual average rainfall in the area, with rainfall along the Blackall Ranges consistently higher than lower elevations. The main channel is shallowing due to sedimentation. There are gorges in the mid reaches. The channel downstream of the Mooloolah township is very sinuous with many paleochannels on adjoining floodplains.

The Mooloolah township is sewered and its wastewater is piped to the Landsborough STP, in the adjacent Pumicestone catchment, and ultimately the Kawana outfall and into the Coral Sea. On-site sewage facilities are used in other areas.

Addlington Creek and Lower Mooloolah River

The headwaters of Addlington Creek are steep and receive very high rainfall over sedimentary rock. Other parts of the Addlington Creek and lower Mooloolah River subcatchments are underlain by mostly sedimentary rock with alluvium along the channel and very small basalt outcrops (e.g. Mount Mellum and Mount Sippy). The porous geologies provide local groundwater recharge.

Much of the native vegetation is protected, particularly in the Addlington Creek subcatchment, and includes wet eucalypt forests, rainforests and scrubs, dry eucalypt and other coastal communities.

Large areas have been cleared for grazing on native pastures, rural residential use and associated services, together with horticulture (strawberries), production forestry and intensive animal husbandry (horse studs and dairies). Large areas have regrown since initial clearing.

There are several large freshwater wetlands, mostly in the alluvium underlain by sedimentary rock. Iconic and protected species are known to occur in the area, including platypus in Addlington Creek and rare and threatened frogs in the lower Mooloolah River. Birdwing vine is being replanted in Steve Irwin Way Forest.

Flow is influenced by Ewen Maddock Dam, together with several extraction ponds, weirs and rural water storages. The Ewen Maddock Dam catchment area includes land that is protected to preserve water quality, together with production forestry, grazing on native pastures, rural residential use and associated services. Extraction ponds include active and non-operational quarries, together with and some recently acquired by Council for restoration. A partially-decommissioned weir on the Mooloolah River presents a partial barrier to fish passage.

There are large sand KRAs spanning the length of the main channel, downstream into the estuary.

There are many paleochannels to the south of the main channel. The river is tidal upstream to beyond the old weir.

The Landsborough area is sewered and piped to the Landsborough STP, in the adjacent Pumicestone catchment, and ultimately the Kawana outfall and into the Coral Sea. On-site sewage facilities are used in other areas.

Main image. Ewen Maddock wetlands - provided by Owen Foley.

Sippy and Mountain creeks

The headwaters of Sippy and Mountain creeks are steep and receive high to very high rainfall over sedimentary rock with small basalt outcrops. Other parts of the subcatchments are underlain by sedimentary rock, alluvium and other unconsolidated sediments. The porous geologies provide local groundwater recharge.

Parts of the subcatchments have been cleared for rural residential use and associated services, grazing on native pastures, horticulture (orchards), mining and quarrying, and waste treatment and disposal (solid garbage); however, there are still large areas of wet eucalypt forest, melaleuca woodland, other coastal communities including wallum heath, dry eucalypt communities and rainforest and scrubs. Some areas have regrown since initial clearing.

There are extensive freshwater wetlands, mostly in the unconsolidated sediments underlain by sedimentary rock, and estuarine wetlands along lower Mountain Creek. The Mooloolah River National Park provides important habitat for rare and threatened acid frogs.

Flow is influenced by several different types of modification, including concrete-lined stream sections. Large sand extraction ponds are being filled in along Sippy Creek. Many of the rural water storages across these subcatchments are spring-fed. There is severe bank erosion in the bends near Glenfields.

Mountain Creek is near-permanent and spring-fed, with estuarine lower reaches.

Most of these subcatchments are sewered, however, on-site sewage facilities are used west of the highway and in the Tanawha area.

University Creek

The University Creek subcatchment is underlain by sedimentary rock, alluvium and unconsolidated sediments. The porous geologies provide local groundwater recharge.

Approximately half of the subcatchment is protected and includes melaleuca woodlands, other coastal communities including wallum heath, wet eucalypt forest and dry eucalypt communities. The upper areas have been cleared for urban residential use and associated services, mostly the University of the Sunshine Coast. Small areas have regrown since initial clearing.

There are extensive freshwater wetlands. The Mooloolah River National Park provides important habitat for rare and threatened acid frogs.

Flow is influenced by several different types of modification, including concrete-lined stream sections. The university is located on two large artificial lakes, and there is a chain of constructed wetlands through the urban area (Chancellor Park Lakes).

Main image. Chancellor Park Lakes and the surrounding urban development, showing part of the University of the Sunshine Coast (left), the Mooloolah River National Park (centre) and Mooloolaba to Caloundra in the background - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Mooloolah River Estuary

The Mooloolah River estuary is undulating to flat and receives high rainfall over mostly unconsolidated sediments, together with sedimentary rock. An extensive floodplain provides local groundwater recharge.

Most of the subcatchment has been cleared for urban residential use and associated services, and grazing on native pastures, together with waste treatment and disposal (solid waste and sewage) and manufacturing and industrial uses. The subcatchment includes part of the large sand KRA of Meridan Plains. Areas of melaleuca woodland, other coastal communities including wallum heath, mangrove and saltmarsh, wet eucalypt forests, dry eucalypt communities and rainforest and scrub remain, and there has been some regrowth since initial clearing.

Part of the Mooloolaba Canals with the marina, Point Cartwright and Minyama Canals in the background - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Much of the subcatchment is wetland, including extensive palustrine wetlands and constructed waterbodies (canals and the ring tank reservoir). The ring tank is managed by Seqwater, and provides good bird habitat (e.g. for swans). Dolphins have been observed in the Parrearra Canal below the lock and weir.

The lower Mooloolah estuary, showing the Parearra Bypass (left of centre), Minyama Canals (front and centre), and part of the Mooloolaba Canals (front and right) - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Most of the downstream reaches are heavily modified. The Parrearra Bypass (canal and lake) has weirs at both ends and a lock at the northern end, and provides flood storage. The Mooloolaba and Minyama canals are approximately 3m deep and dredged on 3-5-year cycle. The river mouth broke through at Alan Walker Park during the 1974 flood due to tidal surge and reduced coastal dune height following sand mining, but the river mouth is now trained.

The Mooloolaba marina - provided by ECOllaboration.

The natural (unmodified) main channel is surprisingly small given the large upstream catchment area, because water is conveyed through the Parrearra Bypass channel. This area is prone to flooding. Most of the subcatchment is tidal.

Sediment plume from the Mooloolah River following rain - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

There is a sediment slug where flow reduces and sediment settles out around the Nicklin Way bridge. Recent urban developments may have also contributed to sedimentation in the area.

The Kawana STP treats and discharges significant volumes of sewage from local and distant areas, via an ocean outfall.

Mooloolaba Beach with Alexandra Headland (left) and Maroochydore (right) in the background - provided by ECOllaboration.

Main image. Point Cartwright and the Mooloolah estuary - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Caloundra coastal creeks

This area includes Currimundi Creek and Tooway and Coondibah creeks. It is undulating to flat, and receives high rainfall over sedimentary rock, alluvium and other unconsolidated sediments. An extensive floodplain provides local groundwater recharge.

Most of this area has been cleared for urban and rural residential uses and associated services, together with grazing on native pastures, intensive animal husbandry (horse studs) and manufacturing and industrial uses. Areas of melaleuca woodland, other coastal communities including wallum heath, wet eucalypt forest and dry eucalypt communities and rainforest and scrub remain.

The Currimundi Creek subcatchment includes small areas of regrowth since initial clearing, and part of the large sand KRA of Meridan Plains.

There are large areas of natural wetlands and constructed waterbodies (canals and lakes). The groundwater is close to the surface.

The Currimundi Creek system is heavily modified. Floods spill from the Mooloolah River subcatchment into Currimundi Creek, and water is also pumped from the Mooloolah River at the southern end of the Parrearra Bypass through Lake Kawana and into Currimundi Lake via a weir at Birtinya. These flows keep the creek mouth permanently open to the ocean.

Lake Kawana looking south (downstream) - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

The Currimundi Creek mouth is permanently open to the ocean - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Tooway Lake and Coondibah Creek are local intermittently closed and open lakes and lagoons (ICOLLs).

These subcatchments are prone to flash flooding, from localised rain over hard urban surfaces, together with tidal surge.

Main image. Currimundi Creek - provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Conclusion

The Maroochy and Mooloolah catchments show how natural and modified features within the landscape impact on how water flows. These issues need to be managed to ensure that the many and significant natural and social values of the catchments are protected, while providing for residential, commercial and other important land uses of the catchment.

Knowing how the catchments function 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 images. Mangroves lining the Maroochy River (top left), the Maroochy River and surrounds (top centre), Point Arkwright and Kawana urban development (top right), Currimundi Creek mouth (centre), Eudlo Creek (right middle), University Creek constructed wetlands and Mooloolah River National Park (bottom left), constructed waterway in new Bli Bli urban residential development (bottom left of centre), Wappa Dam and horticultural land use (bottom right of centre), Cornmeal Creek and Sunshine Plaza (bottom right) - provided by Sunshine Coast Council. Poona Dam (left middle) - provided by Seqwater.

Acknowledgements

Developed by the Queensland Wetlands Program in the Department of Environment and Science in collaboration with local partners.

Walking the Landscape contributors:

Sunshine Coast Council

Council of Mayors South East Queensland

Healthy Land & Water

Seqwater

Unitywater

Mooloolah Landcare

Maroochy Waterwatch

Petrie Creek Catchment Care Group

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

Images provided by: Allan Bowen, ECOllaboration, Owen Foley, Jacqueline Gith, Sole Paez, Brad Phillips, Seqwater, Colin Sims, Sunshine Coast Council.

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.

The Queensland Globe is an interactive online tool that can be opened inside the Google Earth™ application.

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

Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Noosa Shire Council

Other References

BOM (2016) Climate Data Online [webpage] Accessed 20 September 2017.

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

Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (2010) Australian Land Use Management Classification [webpage] Accessed 20 September 2017.

Healthy Land & Water (2017), Maroochy Catchment 2016 Report Card.[webpage] Accessed 20 September 2017.

Healthy Land & Water (2017), Mooloolah Catchment 2016 Report Card.[webpage] Accessed 20 September 2017.

Queensland Government (2016) Key Resource Areas in Queensland [webpage] Accessed 20 September 2017. 

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Last updated: 25 August 2021