Strategic Revegetation for Lockyer Creek

Background

In the upper reaches of Lockyer Creek, the presence of large basalt areas and good vegetation cover helps slow surface water runoff and allows the groundwater system to recharge. However, in the mid-section, the geology shifts to sandstone, and vegetation cover has been reduced due to clearing. This change decreases the potential for groundwater recharge, increases the speed and volume of surface water runoff, and heightens erosion and soil loss. In the lower section, the floodplain, the rapid flow of water combined with a significant reduction in riparian vegetation and increased infrastructure leads to many creek channels overtopping and depositing sediment.

Lockyer Creek flows into the Brisbane River below Wivenhoe Dam, and during high flow events, it can cause downstream flooding and siltation, affecting the Mount Crosby Weir, the main water supply for three million people in South East Queensland. To protect this vital water supply, maintain soil integrity, and improve climate resilience, the project focuses on coordinated catchment management in an effort to 'keep the Lockyer in the Lockyer'. Key assets at risk include high-value agricultural soils, groundwater, critical transport infrastructure, and community infrastructure vulnerable to flooding.

Implementation

To enhance the resilience of the Lockyer Creek, LVRC is implementing riparian revegetation and weed control works with follow-up monitoring and management plans. The project involved engaging Alluvium to identify priority locations most susceptible to erosion and sediment loss during flood events. LVRC is collaborating with landholders and working on both private and public land to restore these priority areas of the creek, with plans to eventually extend these efforts further.

Methods

LVRC uses tried and tested planting methods to ensure the greatest success with minimal maintenance, increasing our efforts and reducing costs. Large holes are augered by a local contractor where the ground permits, the area is saturated, and plants are placed into this saturated soil medium. They are then covered with high-quality mulch that allows water to penetrate but retains moisture, even on hot days. LVRC monitors all plantings to provide additional watering, tree guarding, and extra mulch and soil enhancers as needed.

Whenever possible, Lockyer Valley Regional Council (LVRC) organises community or corporate planting days, or LVRC handles the planting. For challenging locations, such as steep creek banks and densely weeded areas, we use contractors who guarantee a 90% survival rate. Our focus is on the long-term success of plantings, aiming for bank stabilisation, sediment control, and biodiversity. We plant a diverse mix of native species to enhance the natural area, not just fast-growing species, but unique and varied plants for better outcomes.

We manage weeds simultaneously during revegetation to avoid exposing soil by removing stabilising plants. Weed management is often a long-term process, and we target areas where we can achieve the greatest impact, timing treatments strategically to avoid wasting funds on ineffective one-off treatments. Additionally, LVRC has programs to target vine weeds like Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) along creeks and in priority locations and offers weed subsidy programs to help landholders combat weeds.

Revegetation Sites

As of December 2024, LVRC has successfully planted more than 30,000 native plants along Lockyer Creek and collaborated on an additional 15,000 plantings since 2019. You can see patches of these revegetation efforts on the creek bank between Smithfield Bridge and the southern end of Jamieson Road, as well as on the floodplain and creek bank areas between Gatton Helidon Road Bridge and the southern end of Lockyer Street. These patches are part of the revegetation works planned for reaches 2 and 3 (priority areas identified by Alluvium) spanning almost 10,000 meters of the creek.

Moving into 2025, revegetation works are ramping up with an included focus on supporting private landholders in revegetating their creek areas, fostering a sense of stewardship within the community. Additionally, further plantings are planned for high ecological value wetlands and biodiversity corridors, ensuring the continued enhancement of our natural environment.

Collaborative Revegetation Projects

Collaborative planting in the Lockyer Valley region with Bunyas to Border project.

LVRC is dedicated to enhancing our natural environment through collaborative revegetation and habitat restoration projects. Through partnering with numerous community groups, institutions, and organisations, LVRC has made significant strides in creating a greener, more sustainable future.

Our planting initiatives are regularly supported by Greening Australia and incorporate community and corporate planting days bringing together volunteers from all walks of life. One of our region's flagship projects, the Bunyas to Border (B2B) project, focuses on enhancing the state-recognised biodiversity corridor that runs through the Lockyer Valley. In 2024 alone, LVRC facilitated the planting of 1600 trees on private properties within the valley as part of the B2B project.

LVRC also supports local groups in their own revegetation efforts. Notable examples include woodland revegetation with the Friends of Lake Apex (FOLA) and supporting the Darling Downs Environmental Council (DDEC) to create a koala fodder forest at Withcott. These projects, among others, demonstrate LVRC's commitment to fostering community-led environmental stewardship.

LVRC is always eager to collaborate and support initiatives aligned with the Resilient Rivers Initiative. Together, we can continue to build a resilient and thriving natural environment for future generations.

LVRC offers community environmental grants every year through the Community Environmental Grants Program for any local not-for-profit community groups or members who are looking to make a difference. Keep updated with the next round of funding here.

Keep Up to Date

Keep an eye on LVRC's Facebook page for updates on community planting days planned for 2025.

Are you interested in organising your community group, organisation, institution or corporation to take part in a planting day? Feel free to get in touch.