Set against the backdrop of the Brisbane River, the World Science Festival is the perfect event to showcase what’s being done to improve the condition of this iconic waterway.

The World Science Festival showcases what's been done to improve the waterways' condition. 

Cutting edge tools

This weekend, Healthy Land & Water and the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation will be demonstrating some of the cutting-edge tools and innovative solutions being used to manage the health of the river.

“Not long ago, the Brisbane River was declining as a result of nutrient pollution and urban population pressures but advancements in technology and science are helping to turn the condition of the river around,” Healthy Land & Water CEO Julie McLellan said.

“Innovations in water quality monitoring and investments in pollution reduction mean the nutrient loads in this popular waterway are starting to improve, which is also good news for Moreton Bay.

“However, we still face large quantities of mud pollution coming in from all parts of the catchment, which has an ongoing effect on local marine life.”

Health Check: River to Bay will feature at the World Science Festival’s Street Science! event on Saturday and Sunday, and will include an interactive sea grass display, some Moreton Bay marine critters, kids’ activities, and marine scientists on hand to answer any questions from the public.

Visitors to the display will be introduced to Alexa, the Queensland Government’s robotic buoy, which has been sitting in the river off Southbank for the past week measuring water quality. Alexa contains sensors that measure pollutants and is connected to a voice-activated system so that citizen scientists can ask questions about the condition of the Brisbane River.

Also included in the display will be the Healthy Land & Water Report Card, which will enable visitors to see the condition of their local waterways and what’s being done to restore local creeks and bays.

“We know that the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay are loved by residents and visitors to our region, and cutting edge technology like Alexa the smart buoy is playing a vital role in protecting the many values of this unique marine ecosystem,” Ms McLellan said.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay can come along to stall number 13 at the Street Science! the event at Southbank on Saturday and Sunday.