Background
The region’s freshwater asset comprises a diverse range of habitats associated with the major systems of the Burnett, Baffle, Kolan, Burrum and Mary catchments. There are also groundwater aquifers. Larger aquifers such as the Coastal Burnett, Three Moon Creek Water Supply Scheme, Cooloola Sandmass and the Mulgildie Management Area of the Great Artesian Basin, are managed through State legislation to protect their viability. Others, generally smaller and subject to reduced “irrigation take”, are not regulated but may be monitored. All of these habitats range from the sources of the region’s surface waterways to their estuaries; they incorporate water pathways (connections) across and through the land, as well as the interfaces between surface and groundwater, including the critical interface between fresh and marine water.
Good water quality is crucial for the health of aquatic ecosystems and for the provision of consumptive supplies for urban, industrial and irrigation use. The region’s major catchments flow into the receiving waters of Hervey Bay, the southern extremity of World Heritage Area Great Barrier Reef lagoon, and the Great Sandy Straits Ramsar site. Thus, the quality of water exiting the region’s river systems is crucial to maintenance of the natural values of these marine environments that are internationally recognised for their outstanding values.
The Burnett Basin is the largest in South East Queensland covering 3.7 million hectares and including both coastal and inland catchments. The Baffle Basin, located between Bundaberg and Gladstone, is relatively pristine with near natural flows throughout. It is recognised for its high ecological and nature conservation values. The southern major catchment, the Mary Basin, empties into the Great Sandy Straits Ramsar site and provides habitat for endangered and iconic species including the Mary River Cod, Mary River Turtle and Lungfish.
Asset Description
For example FE2d below refers to coastal / sub-coastal floodplain grass, sedge and herb swamps in the Burrum River basin.
Asset Code | Asset Description |
---|---|
FE1a – FE1f | Artificial/ highly modified wetlands (dams, ring tanks, irrigation channel) |
FE2a – FE2f | Coastal/ Sub-coastal floodplain grass, sedge and herb swamps |
FE3a – FE3f | Coastal/ Sub-coastal floodplain lakes |
FE4a – FE4f | Coastal/ Sub-coastal floodplain tree swamps (Melaleuca and Eucalypt) |
FE5a – FE5f | Coastal/ Sub-Coastal floodplain wet heath swamps |
FE6a – FE6f | Coastal/ Sub-coastal non-floodplain grass, sedge and herb swamps |
FE7a – FE7f | Coastal/ Sub-coastal non-floodplain sand lakes (Perched) |
FE8a – FE8f | Coastal/ Sub-coastal non-floodplain sand lakes (Window) |
FE9a – FE9f | Coastal/ Sub-coastal non-floodplain soil lakes |
FE10a – FE10f | Coastal/ Sub-Coastal non-floodplain tree swamps (Melaleuca and Eucalypt) |
FE11a – FE11f | Coastal/ Sub-Coastal non-floodplain wet heath – swamps |
FE 12a – FE12f | Riverine |
FE 13 | Groundwater – Ban Ban Springs groundwater management area |
FE 14 | Groundwater – Barambah Creek groundwater management area |
FE 15 | Groundwater – Barker Creek groundwater management area |
FE 16 | Groundwater – Central Burnett River groundwater management area |
FE 17 | Groundwater – Coastal Burnett groundwater management area |
FE 18 | Groundwater – Cooloola groundwater management area and sand mass |
FE 19 | Groundwater – Fraser Island groundwater management area |
FE 20 | Groundwater – Mulgildie management area (GAB) |
FE 21 | Groundwater – Upper Burnett groundwater management area (Cattle Creek, Splinter Creek, Monal Creek) |
FE 22 | Groundwater – Upper Burnett groundwater management area (Three Moon Creek) |
Potential Climate Futures
Strategic Direction
Freshwater ecosystems of the region are healthy; their protection and management is underpinned by an increased public appreciation of their value and vulnerability to changes in landscape features, climate and human activity.

2020 Target (Function)
F1. The ecological function of water dependent ecosystems is improved from the 2015 baseline.
Desired Outcome
Wetland protection, restoration and maintenance activities will deliver improved “collective” function from the region’s wetlands, even though there may be changes in wetland extent, diversity and type as a consequence of climate change.
2020 Target (Connectivity)
F2. The ecological connectivity within and between freshwater habitats (both aquatic and terrestrial) and the marine interface is improved from the 2015 baseline.
Desired Outcome
On-ground activities and land use decision-making improve all aspects of wetland connectivity, contributing to improved wetland functioning.
2020 Target (Understanding)
F3. The ecological importance and sensitivities of the region’s freshwater assets is better understood, more widely appreciated and more thoroughly considered in planning.
Desired Outcome
A wetland-savvy general community, informed landholders and wetland-considering suite of regional planning instruments.
2020 Target (Water quality)
F4. The quality of riverine, coastal, estuarine and marine waters will improve in order to, at least, meet accepted water quality objectives.
Desired Outcome
Improved management of land-based activities so that sediment, nutrient and chemical entry to waterways is reduced.