Pressures on waterway health
South East Queensland has one of the fastest growing populations in Australia. Over the next 20 years the population is expected to grow from 2.8 million in mid 2006 to over 4.4 million in 2031.
This rapid population growth will result in increasing demands for potable water, increased recreational pressure on natural areas and greater demands for roads, housing and shopping centres.
While the waterways of South East Queensland are largely in fair to good condition, in some areas there are significant signs of stress. Scientists predict that our waterways will significantly deteriorate over the next 20 years unless we invest in their protection.
In addition, climate change will impact on waterway health.
If these issues are not addressed the risks on our aquatic ecosystems will be significant. Some of the consequences of declining waterway health, if we take a business as usual approach are:
- Increased risks of algal blooms affecting South East Queensland’s $3.6 billion per year tourism industry. Our waterways are a major drawcard for tourists and deterioration in waterway quality would affect this vital industry.
- Reduced production from the commercial and recreational fisheries and aquaculture industries. Commercial fisheries alone are currently worth $45 million per year and recreational fisheries are worth $150 million per year.
- Negative impacts on South East Queensland's agricultural sector, currently worth about $800 million per year.
- Loss of biodiversity including seagrass beds, which relies on water quality and waterway health, and sustains our marine and estuarine fisheries.