Water quality and ecosystem health
Queensland has a wide diversity of waters ranging from upland streams of the Great Divide out to the coastal waters of the Barrier Reef. They include streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, embayments and open coastal waters. These waters are important both to the economy of Queensland and for the many recreational benefits they provide. They also have their own intrinsic natural values.
The continued health of Queensland’s creeks, rivers, estuaries and oceans is vital. Maintenance of water quality, aquatic biodiversity and habitats is critical for ecological, economic and social well being.
The Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 seeks to achieve the objective identified by the Environmental Protection Act 1994—to protect Queensland's waters by an integrated management program while allowing for development that is ecologically sustainable.
The department monitors ecosystem health in rivers, estuaries and coastal areas throughout the eastern coast of Queensland. In addition, the department regulates industries through licensing waste outputs into waterways.
Read more about the department's involvement:
- ecosystem health indicators that assess how ecosystems function
- programs that monitor the habitats of our aquatic ecosystems
- water quality guidelines for the protection and sustainable use of water resources
- the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy
- various research and science partnerships
- water pollution management and control
- Monitoring coastal water quality
- Gladstone environmental monitoring