Info to protect the community against potential health risks of waterway recreation.
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The Healthy Waterplay program provides our region’s communities with information about the potential health risks associated with waterway recreation and supports regionally consistent monitoring of recreational water quality in South East Queensland.
While the dangers of rips are quite well-known, less well-known are the risks associated with waterway pollution, which can lead to illnesses including gastrointestinal and eye infections.
The Healthy Waterplay program provides our region’s communities with information about the potential health risks associated with waterway recreation.
The program supports regionally consistent monitoring of recreational water quality in South East Queensland.
The program focuses on:
Information and tools have been developed to assist managers such as local government and local councils in assessing the recreation suitability of waterways across South East Queensland.
These resources align with the national guidelines and are endorsed by Healthy Land & Water members and the Human Health Scientific Expert Panel.
Once monitoring is completed, key health messages and suitability grades are developed and reported.
As a result of the program, the information is shared with communities across South East Queensland to help people make informed decisions about where and when to use waterways for recreation, protecting them against potential health risks.
The standard of waterways in Australia is generally very good and our waterways are suitable for recreational activities most of the time. However, there is a strong link between rainfall events and the health of our waterways. Rainfall can wash pollutants into our waterways causing certain areas to become unsuitable for recreation. Waterway pollution can lead to mild illnesses such as stomach upsets and infections. Use your best judgment and follow the advice of local authorities to keep safe while enjoying our waterways. |
Project name: | Healthy Waterplay |
Project manager: | Ben Longstaff, Healthy Land & Water |
Catchment: | South East Queensland |
Timing: | 2023 - 2025 |
Partnerships: |
This project is supported by Healthy Land & Water, the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, Redland City Council, Logan City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council, Somerset Regional Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, City of Gold Coast, Ipswich City Council, Seqwater, Urban Utilities. |
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This project is supported by Healthy Land & Water, Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, Redland City Council, Logan City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council, Somerset Regional Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, City of Gold Coast, Ipswich City Council, Seqwater, Urban Utilities.
There are several things you can do to help keep our waterways safe and clean for all to enjoy:
Please contact your local water utility to report a sewage spill or your local council to report other pollution incidents.
If you come into contact with a potentially polluted waterway, it is advisable to wash with soap and clean water as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to any open cuts to prevent infection.
If you experience stomach upsets or infections after contact with a waterway, please visit your doctor for medical advice.
Certain people may be more vulnerable to contracting illness and infection than others. Children under five years old, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and people with open cuts are generally most at risk.
The Human Health Science Expert Panel is comprised of: