Healthy Country Program in the Bremer and Pumicestone Passage Catchments: Bells Creek

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Sunshine Coast Council

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On-ground work

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14 May 2013

30 November 2013

This project is part of the on-ground implementation of the Pumicestone Passage Sub-catchment Healthy Country Program, an initiative funded by the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

The project will employ weed control activities in a wetland area at the estuary of Bells Creek. This will improve habitat and water quality bordering areas of increased urban development.

The area contains known occurrences of native ‘water mouse’ (Xeromys myoides) nests and Aboriginal middens cultural heritage sites. Contractors and associated project staff will participate in information and awareness training sessions to identify these important locations.

The restoration area is located on the western edge of the Pelican Waters development and is approximately 17.4ha. It borders reserve land already rehabilitated by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. A partnership has been negotiated with the local golf course to allow for vehicular access to all sections of the reserve, allowing for increased weed management capabilities.

The works will be undertaken in estuarine/palustrine wetlands, including the following Regional Ecosystems (REs):
12.1.1 - Casuarina glauca open forest on margins of marine clay plains (endangered)
12.1.2 - Saltpan vegetation including grassland and herbland on marine clay plants (least concern)
12.1.3 - Mangrove shrubland to low closed forest on marine clay plains and estuaries (least concern)
12.2.7 - Melaleuca quinquenervia or M. viridiflora open forest to woodland on sand plains (least concern)
12.3.4 - Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus robusta open forest on or near coastal alluvial plains (of concern)
12.3.6 - Melaleuca quinquenervia, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Lophostemon suaveolens woodland on coastal alluvial plains (least concern).

A ‘BioCondition’ assessment will be performed for the site. The landholder will conduct ongoing maintenance when necessary and will also engage in weed control and photo-point monitoring.

This program will:

• improve water quality in Bells Creek by reducing sediment and nutrient run-off into the waterway and Pumicestone Passage through enhancing wetland health and viability
• increase landholder’s and contractor’s knowledge and skills in natural resource management by providing a local example of sustainable land management practices 17.4ha weed control in coastal and wetland areas.

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SEQC2029