Mooyumbin Creek riparian restoration

Project typeOcean, beaches & waterways
Project value$120,000
Project scheduleOctober 2021 to October 2022 (ongoing maintenance until 2027)

This waterway restoration project will restore up to 2.5 hectares of riparian zones along Mooyumbin Creek, within the lower Nerang River catchment. We are seeking to improve and restore Mooyumbin Creek by managing environmental weeds, in particular Cats Claw Creeper.

Project scope

Restoration of up to 2.5 hectares of riparian zone
Treatment of environmental weeds, in particular Cats Claw Creeper
Initial works to occur in the first 12 months, with ongoing maintenance for up to 5 years
Customer engagement with targeted groups including Friends of Nerang National Park, Nerang River Keepers, Watergum, private landholders, and other members of the public

Mooyumbin Creek's riparian health

Mooyumbin Creek is a major tributary of the Nerang River which spans approximately 4 kilometres in length. Its mid to lower reaches are highly modified comprising rural residential and urban development with pockets of industrial and commercial land use within the lower part of the catchment.
Mooyumbin Creek is subject to constant and ongoing disturbance to the bed and banks, vegetation structure and hydrologic regime. Large amounts of sediment from various sources have been mobilised and move through the creek. Many dwellings within the sub catchment are not connected to the reticulated sewage system increasing the risk of bacteria entering the waterway.
Cats Claw Creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati) is an aggressive woody vine commonly found along Mooyumbin Creek. The vine completely smothers native vegetation by forming a thick carpet of stems and leaves, choking out small existing plants and preventing the germination of all other species. It has an extensive root and tuber system, which makes the species difficult to control.
The first step in improving the health of the waterway is to treat and control weed infestations. Controlling weeds will allow native vegetation to thrive, stabilise the banks, and provide food, shelter, and habitat for aquatic and terrestrial animals.

Why we are seeking to improve Mooyumbin Creek's ecology

This project presents an opportunity to improve the stability, water quality and biodiversity of the urban creek, which is under pressure from development and modification, increasing its resilience. We are demonstrating our commitment to identify and address an issue of environmental concern that occurred within the mid Nerang River Catchment and to improve on our environmental performance.

This project is part of our agreement with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation in response to a non-compliant release of leachate from the non-operational landfill at Molendinar in 2021. Projects like this support the restoration of our natural environment while benefiting nearby residents.

Benefits to the community

Stabilise stream banks and improve waterway health
Manage invasive weed species
Preserve water quality, which consequently provides socio-economic benefits to the community
Improve food, shelter, and habitat for aquatic and terrestrial animals
Reduce erosion risk and associated sediment and nutrients entering the Nerang River and ultimately flowing into the Broadwater
Restore endangered Gallery Rainforest
Maintain and enhance community stewardship of the creeks and surrounding environment
Engage and educate residents on local waterway management