New figures released today show slight improvements to the health of south east Queensland’s waterways.

While it is a good sign the figures show still more needs to be done.

James Weir reports.

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Today’s Ecosystem Health Report Card shows little change to the quality of the State’s waterways.

The annual report grades regions on a scale of A to F.

Being graded a D last year, the Moreton Bay region saw a small jump to a C.

Professor Paul Greenfield, University of Queensland: “It reflects the fact that there’s been investment, significant investment, in sewage treatment plants that impact discharges into Waterloo Bay, into Bramble Bay, and into some of those regions.”

More than $200-million has been invested into different projects for the waterways over the past decade, which include an upgrade to sewage systems, minimising urban run-off and protecting still-streams in rural areas.

If these projects continue Queenslanders could see further improvements to the health of their waterways.

Campbell Newman, Lord Mayor: “Should I be re-elected, with my team, I’m saying I’m happy to work with the State Government and other local governments across the region to put our money to work across the region.”

Today also saw the launch of the Government’s new State Planning Policy for Healthy Waterways.

Kate Jones, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability: “We want a statewide consistency to make sure that we have water quality outcomes up-front in planning design.”

The Lower Brisbane Catchment is just one of the waterways that failed to improve… Receiving the lowest possible grade of an F.. But, there is hope the health of all waterways in South east Queensland will improve over time.

Professor Paul Greenfield, University of Queensland: “We’re seeing the early indications in those urban creeks that where people are investing, where people are doing things, the scores are slowly changing around.”

Heavy rainfall can also impact on the quality of the waterways not good news with forecasts for an intense wet season ahead.

Jame Weir, QUT News.