No place for complacency on Noosa River

Noosa River's health has remained relatively stable during the past year despite experiencing the lowest annual rainfall since Healthy Waterways monitoring began in 2001.

Noosa Mayor Noel Playford says that while this year's Ecosystem Health Report Card score was not surprising taking into account low rainfall, there was no room for complacency.

"We can always do better when it comes to caring for the River. Addressing river bank erosion and improving riparian vegetation are important issues, as is ensuring effluent from vessels is responsibly managed and not allowed to enter the waterway," Cr Playford said.

Noosa River's scores have typically fluctuated between A and B grades from year to year, with this year's freshwater quality dropping only slightly to B, influenced by low rainfall in a trend reflected across South East Queensland waterways.

While Noosa's estuary score dropped slightly to A-, against the trend, it was 91 per cent compliant with water quality guidelines, with  only a slight decrease in dissolved oxygen at one monitoring site identified as an influencing factor.

Cr Playford said the result was a reminder to Council to look for new ways to better manage Noosa River.

"We should never be complacent. We are fortunate that most of the freshwater flow originates in the upper reaches of the Noosa River," he said.

"The upper reaches and the catchment are in a National Park so you'd expect the quality to be good, if for no other reason.

"The health of the river is often best-managed at a local level and everybody has a part to play," Cr Playford said.

"Council will continue to work with community groups and state agencies to ensure Noosa River is protected for future generations."

22 October 2014