Seqwater is investing millions to protect water quality on the Sunshine Coast.

The water authority has announced an investment in the Sunshine Coast RiverCare program, aiming to protect water quality in the South Maroochy catchment. 

The initiative, managed in partnership with ECOllaboration and local landholders, has been active since 2018 and seeks to maintain the health of the catchment, which supplies the Image Flat Water Treatment Plant. 

The plant processes up to 17 million litres of drinking water daily for Sunshine Coast residents.

Since its inception, the RiverCare program has overseen the planting of over 30,000 trees, management of 114 hectares of invasive vine weeds, and the regeneration of 75 hectares of land. 

The restoration efforts target healthier waterways and reduce sediment runoff, helping to stabilise the cost of water treatment.

Seqwater Interim CEO Will Harpham says these activities are needed to preserve raw water quality across the 90-square-kilometre catchment area. 

“By maintaining healthy catchment conditions, such as reducing sediment run-off, pathogens from livestock or poor riparian health due to invasive weeds, we can help to ensure the cost of water treatment is stable,” he said. 

Harpham also noted that the program helps train property owners in sustainable land management practices.

The program has not only enhanced environmental outcomes but also created employment for locals. 

Twenty-six trainees from the region have worked on the program, obtaining a Certificate 3 in Conservation and Ecosystem Management through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. 

Looking ahead to 2024, Seqwater will continue these efforts by focusing on revegetation and sediment control across 20 local properties. 

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