Bundaberg Regional Council is kickstarting a long-term planning project for a major CBD waterway with community consultation on the Saltwater Creek Master Plan now underway.
Saltwater Creek is about 6km long on its main flow path and stretches from Bundaberg Regional Airport, through residential areas to the CBD and into the Burnett River under the historic Saltwater Creek bridge.
The Saltwater Creek catchment has seen significant change through historic clearing and ‘upgrades’ from a natural creek to a concrete channel in efforts to maximise conveyance and developable land.
Council Roads and Drainage portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Trevor said that was no longer the modern thinking for urban waterways.
“A recently completed condition assessment of the concrete channels along the length of Saltwater Creek indicated that major replacements will likely be necessary within the next 10 to 20 years,” Cr Trevor said.
“For such a significant drainage corridor that type of replacement also means significant financial investment.
“That’s why we’re keen to undertake the master planning process now and create a shovel-ready project when the appropriate time comes.”
Like the recent Belle Eden and Washpool Creek projects, Cr Trevor said Council was hopeful that the waterway could not only be improved but be transformed into an asset that provides multiple community benefits.
“There are historic flooding issues along this drainage corridor during localised storm events which residents would be all too aware of.
“During the master plan process we hope to not only create a solution that would boost Saltwater Creek’s flood resilience, but value add to the area.
“If we can achieve improved drainage and create a healthy waterway that would have social and environmental benefits, then it’s a win-win for the community.”
In developing the Saltwater Creek master plan, Council is seeking input to help understand the key values, constraints, and opportunities for the Saltwater Creek corridor.
Council has engaged JDA Co to work with the community and key stakeholders to identify a future vision and associated actions for this waterway.
How to have your say on the Saltwater Creek master plan:
Open Community Workshop
Where: Bundaberg Civic Centre, 190 Bourbong Street
When: Wednesday 4 May 2022
Time: 5 pm to 7 pm
RSVP: Reservations are mandatory to support planning. Please email your RSVP by 5 pm on Monday 2 May 2022 to engineering@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
Survey submission
To make a submission, complete the survey online or request a paper copy from any Council service centre or by calling 1300 883 699.
The survey will be open until Friday 13 May 2022 at 5 pm.
Stay informed
To receive notifications on the progress of the Saltwater Creek master plan, sign up on the project page.
For more information on the Saltwater Creek master plan, contact the project team on 1300 883 699 or email engineering@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
I would like to be connected to sewerage as my current septic system has failed. I believe money would be better spent on sewer connection as the waterway can wait and the sewer is just in reach of our property. Start looking after the health of people first . The cost to me is likely to be at least 10 to 15 thousand dollars to put in a mini sewerage treatment plant to replace my failed septic. Surely money would be better spent on upgrading sewer to connect us and others in the area. What’s wrong with you lot. It is about time something was done.
Would be wonderful if the council would help the residential homeowner with their water damage caused by the amount of water, from drainage that cannot cope with all the rain we have had. We did ask the council, not interested, no help whatsoever.