A great Logan City Council led project is increasing responsible fishing and recreational access to the Logan River, while protecting and enhancing the important and endangered mangrove and saltmarsh communities.
Logan's Riedel Park is deploying a clever locally led partnership which is deploying sustainable solutions.
Successful installation of a boardwalk (53m) and fishing platform (86m2) which has already seen high visitation and usage rates since its opening in December 2023.
Installation of recreational infrastructure such as an art seat and canoe and kayak trail signage has seen increased park visitation and river recreational activities.
Providing a dedicated recreational access infrastructure and appropriate site fencing has decreased unwanted pedestrian and illegal car access to the endangered saltmarsh area and riverbank.
The decrease in unwanted access has allowed for ecosystem regeneration with a 28% increase in saltmarsh condition, a 21% decrease in saltmarsh necrosis and an increase in crab burrows and snail density from baseline monitoring results (achieved within only 12 months post the beginning of site works).
The provision of 6 six rock fillets has provided an increase in bank stabilisation allowing for a visible increase in mangrove propagule establishment along 58 m of riverbank.
On-ground site rehabilitation works (280m2) and increased litter collection (from tidal wash) have also contributed to a more thriving healthy ecosystem.
Involvement of Ozfish volunteers for baseline monitoring and oyster basket deployment has increased their knowledge and skills base.
Collaboration with partners ensures project success on the ground and for the people and communities in the local areas.
The work not only protects the area for the benefit of the local community, but also involves the local community in restoration .
The work protects the area's biodiversity and natural beauty, ensuring they remain a great place to visit and recreate in.
The primary objective of the project is to increase responsible fishing and recreational access to the Logan River while protecting and enhancing the important and endangered mangrove and saltmarsh communities.
This Logan City Council led project provided a new boardwalk to a fishing and viewing platform at Riedel Park. It allows for pedestrian and fishing access to the Logan River whilst protecting the sensitive vegetation within the park (saltmarsh community) and on the riverbank (mangroves).
Local waterways were also given a boost via oyster shell baskets and the construction of rock fillets within the intertidal zone of the river.
All these elements contribute to a healthier ecosystem and more productive fishing by protecting, creating and increasing estuarine plant and animal habitat and improving the water quality flowing to Moreton Bay.
Did you know that many of our native fish (such as mangrove jack) and crustaceans use mangroves and saltmarsh to feed and breed? Studies have recorded commercial and recreational species such as sand whiting, mullet, eels and crabs, inhabiting tidal saltmarsh areas. By protecting and rehabilitating the mangrove and saltmarsh habitat in this park we are increasing fishing resources throughout the river.
During this project, a series of rock piles (called rock fillets) were placed within the tidal zone of the river. They are designed to decrease bank erosion resulting from boat wash and tidal/wind waves. Reducing erosion has allowed for the establishment of mangroves. They also provide habitat, shelter, refuge areas and food resources for fish (such as Australian bass), crabs and other estuarine animals, plants and microorganisms.
An interesting structure being trialled with this project is oyster baskets. These structures contain cleaned oyster shells recovered from seafood businesses and restaurant waste. The recycled oyster shells create a base for baby oysters, mussels and other shellfish to attach and grow whilst also providing habitat for crabs, shrimp, worms and snails. Collectively, this contributes to vibrant fisheries and clearer water.
This project was supported by Healthy Land & Water, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, Logan City Council’s Environment Levy and OzFish Unlimited. It was also co-funded under the Queensland Recreational Fishing Grant (QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries).
Healthy Land & Water
Level 11, 240 Queen St
GPO Box 735
MEANJIN (BRISBANE)
QLD 4001
Australia
Healthy Land and Water Ltd
ABN 91 115 662 989
