Waterway Health Factsheets
The waterways of Ipswich weave their way through mountain peaks, rural landscapes, urban backyards and the heart of the city. They have played an important role in the regions history and continue to do so today, supporting agriculture and industry, and providing an essential natural resource to the Ipswich region, contributing to a range of values that all residents and visitors can enjoy.
The series of informative Waterway Health Fact Sheets have been developed to provide a greater understanding and appreciation of waterway health and catchment management issues in Ipswich, focusing on topics such as revegetating waterways, stormwater quality, the impact of erosion and sediments on waterways, and what you can do to help protect Ipswich waterways.
Erosion and sediment in Ipswich waterways
Erosion is the transportation of soil from land into waterways, resulting from wind, rain and large river flows. Sediment pollution caused by erosion is one of the greatest threats to Ipswich waterway condition.
Fact sheet: Erosion and Sediment in Ipswich Waterways(PDF, 7MB)
Nutrients and pollutants in Ipswich waterways
Anything that goes into a gutter or drain ends up in a creek. The pollutants in urban stormwater runoff are a significant factor in the degradation of ecosystem health in a waterway.
Fact sheet: Nutrients and Pollutants in Ipswich Waterways(PDF, 6MB)
Volume and velocity in Ipswich waterways
In urban areas the landscape is covered by hard, impervious surfaces such as concrete and bitumen. Rainfall is unable to soak into the soil and instead rushes into waterways causing damage and worsening flooding.
Fact sheet: Volume and Velocity in Ipswich Waterways(PDF, 4MB)
Riparian condition in Ipswich waterways
The corridor of trees and plants along streams, creeks and rivers are vital for the health of both land and water ecosystems. The degradation of these corridors is a major threat to the health of Ipswich waterways.
Fact sheet: Riparian Condition in Ipswich Waterways(PDF, 9MB)
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