Flat Rock Creek improvement project

Project typeOcean, beaches & waterways
Project schedule2018 – ongoing. Long-term project with multiple stages.

We are working to improve the water quality and ecological health of Flat Rock Creek through a long-term management plan.

Identifying current issues

Flat Rock Creek has poor water quality due to large amounts of sediment deposited into the surrounding lakes and lagoons.

Changed sediment transport has affected the natural process.

The lakes and lagoons are filling with sediment and without intervention will continue to do so. Unchecked, ongoing sediment accumulation could increase flood impacts.

As with all urbanised catchments, the movement of water in Flat Rock Creek has been affected, due to changes in natural stream processes by variations in discharge, land use and a lack of vegetation along the creek.

Researching a solution

We engaged a consultant to identify options to improve Flat Rock Creek in 2018. Their work focused on water quality, ecological health, aesthetics and flood mitigation potential.

Community and stakeholder consultation included:

two public community meetings
a pop-up tent in Len Wort Park
two stalls at the Currumbin night markets
consultation and liaison with traditional owners and community groups.

Related projects

The multi-cell culvert crossing in Teemangum Street was replaced by a single span bridge in February 2024. The upgrade will improve water flow in the lower reaches of the creek and the natural connection between the creek and the ocean.

Project benefits

Improvements to the area will bring many benefits:

improved water quality and ecological health
increased flushing of the creek by smaller rainfall events
reduced risk to public health due to poor quality water and algal blooms
decreased sediment in the mid and lower reaches of the creek
increased flood mitigation
improved aesthetics and surrounds for the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
an increased relationship between the local community and the water environment.