Fitzroy River catchment retains waterway health rating

A scientific report card on the health of the Fitzroy River catchment shows the condition of the waterways has remained stable in one of Queensland’s most important water systems.

In Rockhampton today to deliver the keynote address at the launch of the annual Fitzroy Partnership Report Card, Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said despite the challenges, the latest scientific findings continued the trend of the previous report card’s positive assessment.

Dr Lynham also inspected progress on the Palaszczuk Government funded Stage 3 of the Yeppoon Foreshore Revitalisation project.

The government has contributed $29 million to the innovative job creating community infrastructure and beautification project.

Dr Lynham told the Fitzroy Basin Water Forum the latest assessment of the catchment’s water quality was encouraging as it maintained the B grade rating of the previous year.

“The health of the Fitzroy Basin is vital to Central Queensland’s agriculture and resources industries and its communities,” he said.

“By addressing erosion and sediment control, reducing nutrient loss, improving water management on mining and coal seam gas extraction sites and improving sewage treatment performance, we are improving the health of the waterways and surroundings, and contributing to improving the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

“The latest Report Card shows that the Basin’s water quality is being maintained, and has confirmed drinking water for the towns in the Rockhampton and Central Highlands Regional Councils as high-quality.

Dr Lynham said the partnership was solid evidence of the scientific and innovative expertise in Central Queensland.

“Our recent budget further builds on this record and promotes opportunities for the jobs of the future through the Advance Queensland program, $823 million for new infrastructure including an additional $175 million for our job creating Building our Regions program, $19.1 million for capital works, and $531 million for hospitals and health,” Dr Lynham said.

[ENDS]           24 June, 2016

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