Social and ecological values of urban waterway landscapes in reef/rainforest catchments: Understanding Saltwater Creek in Cairns

Social and ecological values of urban waterway landscapes in reef/rainforest catchments: Understanding Saltwater Creek in Cairns

Advisor/s

A/Prof Lisa Law, Dr Colin MacGregor

College or Research Centre

College of Science & Engineering

Summary of Project

Urban development along the Tropical North Queensland coast occurs in the ecologically fragile zone between World Heritage-listed rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. Waterways in urban areas are converted into hard infrastructure such as concrete drains and culverts, which quickly convey stormwater but degrade water quality and ecosystem services. Research suggests that retaining and enhancing the city’s natural systems (blue green infrastructure or BGI) is key to the ongoing success of cities and towns and creates healthy, prosperous, and resilient places.  This research explores the possibilities of enhancing and restoring the Saltwater Creek catchment in Cairns through mapping its social and ecological values.  Flooding in the catchment will worsen with climate change, and a holistic management approach, including mitigation strategies for flooding and saltwater intrusions, will improve the water quality discharged to the Great Barrier Reef, restore natural ecosystems and benefit residents by improving livability.

Key Words

urban catchments; blue-green infrastructure; Saltwater Creek

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Updated: 03 Mar 2022