Ipswich City Council

Waterways

Mihi Sub-Catchment

The Mihi Creek

The Mihi Creek forms an integral part of the Bremer River catchment system, weaving its way through the suburbs of North Ipswich and Brassall before joining the Bremer River near Woodend. Its past is rich in history yet its future has become uncertain. The impacts of past actions compounded by the pressures of development and expansion have placed the creek system in a fragile situation.

If you live, work or play within the Mihi Creek catchment then you will be interested in learning about Mihi's history and the plans for its future.

History

Drovers on their way to the sale yards, used the creek to water their herds. As this was the main stock route, the continual animal traffic meant that little vegetation was present as there was not enough time between drovings for the grass to recover. This is why part of the Mihi Creek near Brassall State School and Ipswich High School became known as "Hungry Flat".

Plants and Animals

The first inhabitants would have seen a very different environment - rainforest beside the creek and pines would have been common, and animals and fish plentiful. Koalas, spotted quolls, platypus, echidna and a large variety of macropods (kangaroos and wallabies) would have been the predominant animals. Reptiles would have included carpet pythons, whipsnakes, water dragons and skinks. The night would have been loud with the noise of frogs. Birds would have included powerful owls, whipbirds, kingfishers, ducks and egrets.

The Need for Management

Catchment management is an approach to planning and managing our local waterways and environment. It involves everyone from residents, industry, schools, government and the Ipswich City Council contributing and working together to improve our local environment - making it a better place to live, work and play.

It is a cooperative effort between everyone within the catchment, taking note of everyone's needs and desires.

Solutions

Replanting native vegetation will encourage the return of native animal species, as well as controlling runoff, reducing erosion and improving water quality. Weed infestations can be controlled and feral animals removed.

As a community we can plant native species, remove weed species, compost garden waste, dispose of waste correctly, limit rainfall runoff, and prevent oils, fats, solvents and other pollutants from entering the stormwater drainage system.

Community Action

Many people in the area have recognised the need for action and have already commenced working to improve their local area.

Clearing weeds and planting of trees native to the area along Mihi Creek and in the greater catchment area has commenced.

Local schools, The Heritage City Community Church and Ipswich City Council are among many who are working towards improving the catchment.

Last Updated 9 Nov 2009 |

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