This is a great little success story of how erosion control is supercharged through shared knowledge, resources, and innovative techniques.

Read more about a great field day held recently on a beautiful sunny Friday, where Scenic Rim and Ipswich Resilient Rivers Initiative Officer, Anna Shera, co-led a day that showcased recent erosion control works throughout the Warrill and Bremer catchments, undertaken by Healthy Land & Water and the Resilient Rivers Initiative.

A recent field day co-hosted with the Scenic Rim and Ipswich Resilient Rivers Initiative is a great example of what can be achieved by teaming up to make our waterways more resilient and fostering a sense of community among landholders who are integral to preserving our natural environs.

Healthy Land & Water and the Ipswich and Scenic Rim Resilient Rivers Initiative’s Officer Anna Shera have been collaborating for years on restoration projects. Pooling together knowledge, resources, and a vision for the environment, we form a dynamic team that has been able to achieve great outcomes.

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, collaborative efforts between organisations are pivotal as they often lead to innovative solutions, efficient resource allocation, knowledge sharing, as well as cost efficiency.

Working together has allowed us to expand our networks, reduce duplication, bring more funding to the table, and maximise the efficiency of our projects. By sharing our learnings, networks, and contractors, we are not only expanding our collective reach but also making project delivery more streamlined and cost-effective.

One of the most significant advantages of this collaboration is the increased presence in the catchment. With more eyes on it, valuable information is being shared among the teams, leading to better resource allocation and a more comprehensive approach to conservation.

Joining forces for a field day showcasing erosion control

Our very own Land Restoration Assistant Team Leader Samille Loch-Wilkinson joined Anna Shera to welcome members of their respective teams as well as Councils, catchment groups, engineers, and landholders to the field day.

The day proved to be a great opportunity to witness and experience firsthand the positive impact and return that collaboration has delivered in protecting our natural environments, promoting sustainable land management, and fostering a sense of community among landholders.

Some of the highlights of the day included:

• A meet and greet – The event provided an opportunity for all respective teams to come together and discuss their work and aspirations for the environment.
• Learning and training – The field day focused on training in erosion control techniques, including leaky weirs, cement mat chutes, check dams, refuge paddocks, revegetation corridors, and pile fields. This hands-on training equips participants with the skills needed to address erosion issues effectively. The training was conducted collaboratively between Healthy Land & Water and the Resilient Rivers Initiative.
• Registered Professional Engineers Queensland (RPEQ) insights – An RPEQ engineer was present to explain the concepts and designs behind erosion control, offering valuable training in identifying potential problem areas across the landscape.
• Collaboration opportunities – The field day fostered collaboration between Healthy Land & Water and the Resilient Rivers Initiative, as well as local government. This synergy opens new avenues for more effective conservation efforts.
• Sharing landholder networks – The event facilitated the sharing of landholder networks, helping to connect those with a shared interest in preserving our natural resources.
• Broader biodiversity opportunities – Landholders discussed the broader opportunities for biodiversity conservation that result from their collective efforts.
• Sharing positive outcomes – Landholders shared stories of positive changes they have witnessed on their properties since the initiation of erosion control works, such as improved biodiversity, healthier pastures, and enhanced cattle health.

This field day demonstrated how through continued dedication and teamwork; partnerships are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Council of Mayors, Resilient Rivers Initiative, Healthy Land & Water - working together for the environment

It’s worth delving into how our interlinked partnerships are collaborating to deliver wins for the region.

The SEQ Council of Mayors plays a pivotal role in the support and funding of projects that promote environmental resilience and sustainability. Established in September 2005 as an independent advocacy organisation to represent the interests of South East Queensland Councils and the region, it works in partnership with both state and federal governments on key priorities such as infrastructure, water, regional planning, waste, and the environment. All individual SEQ councils are part of it and their shared mission is to consistently deliver better outcomes for the region.

The Resilient Rivers Initiative was launched in December 2014 with the aim of improving the health of SEQ’s waterways by delivering a coordinated approach to catchment management. Signatories and partners include the Council of Mayors (SEQ), Queensland Government, Seqwater, Healthy Land & Water, Unitywater, and Queensland Urban Utilities. The Resilient Rivers Initiative was founded on the recognition that a coordinated approach to catchment management is vital to ensure the future economic, social, and environmental health of the region.

The final aim of the Resilient Rivers Initiative is a coordinated program of works focusing on innovative approaches to achieving waterways’ health. There is no single solution to these issues. It requires a collaborative and multi-pronged approach, across state and local government agencies, water utilities, regional partners, and the community.