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
In 2018 the City engaged a consultant to identify options to improve Flat Rock Creek. 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 existing multi-cell culvert crossing in Teemangum Street will be replaced by a single span bridge, which will improve water flow in the lower reaches of the creek and the natural connection between the creek and the ocean.
Early works to relocate utilities such as electricity, gas, potable water and sewer have been completed. The bridge replacement works will start in November 2022 and are scheduled for completion in August 2023.
Teemangum Street will be closed in both directions while works are completed and diversions will be in place via the Gold Coast Highway. Letter drops will be conducted to advise residents and businesses prior to commencement of the works and road closures.
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.
Future steps
The Flat Rock Creek Improvement Project is a long-term plan for improving the Creek.
Improvements are likely to be staged over several years. Further updates on this project will be provided in due course.
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