Why Waterwatch?

The sustainability and health of our waterways is vital to our community – ecologically, socially, economically and culturally. Queensland has seen major impacts upon waterways including rising levels of salinity, sediments and nutrients, and degradation of aquatic and riverbank habitat.

Effects are also being felt in our coastal and estuarine zones highlighting the inter-relatedness of catchment land uses and effects. Concern and awareness over these issues has resulted in greater community support for and willingness to be involved in monitoring, on ground actions and decision-making about the management of our natural resources.

Community-based waterway monitoring and other Waterwatch activities are resulting in important outcomes for natural resource management in Queensland. Local community knowledge and data contributes valuable information for planning and decision-making, such as regional natural resource management plans. This ensures community ownership and trust in waterway management plans and actions. 

Community waterway monitoring activities are also increasing community understanding of waterway issues and solutions. This encourages and enhances community involvement in natural resource management.    

Community waterway monitoring networks across Queensland also play a major role in developing valuable partnerships between community, science and government. This is ensuring a more collaborative approach to waterway monitoring and management in Queensland.

Last updated 16 February 2011